TL: Etude
Xiao Jin was joyfully exploring the forest in search of high-level beasts. Unfortunately, the number of such beasts in this particular area was dwindling. It was becoming increasingly difficult to find any more high-level prey.
As for venturing further afield, Xiao Jin dared not. An unspoken understanding told it that those distant lands were off-limits. As a high-level beast itself, it was well aware of the rigid hierarchy that governed Xiao Qianye Forest. Every territory was under the rule of a high-level beast, and Xiao Jin, being a high-level beast, had its own dominion.
There was a time when it was merely a medium-level creature, several high-level beasts had sought to subdue its tribe. Each time, however, they were repelled by Xiao Jin. Consequently, even as a mere medium-level beast, it had established itself as a minor lord over a small patch of land.
That was history. Now, Xiao Jin could effortlessly slay a high-level beast and was virtually invincible in this area. Yet, it dared not venture deeper into the forest. Those depths were the haunts of top tier beasts. Were it to encounter one, not only would it stand no chance, but escape might also be impossible.
So, Xiao Jin was content to roam its limited territory. Its master had said that they weren't in a hurry to find high-level beasts and would be leaving the forest soon anyway, taking Xiao Jin along.
Suddenly, a chilling aura emanated from a distance.
"Top-tier beast!"
Though it had never encountered a top tier beast, the aura was unmistakably that of one.
Whoosh!
Xiao Jin moved quickly, racing toward its master. It needed to alert him to leave Xiao Qianye Forest immediately.
From afar, a massive white ape turned its gaze toward Xiao Jin, its eyes seemingly piercing through the space to lock onto it. The ape didn't recognize Xiao Jin, but any creature found in its territory was expected to submit. Failure to do so would make them a mere snack.
Whoosh!
The white ape moved. Its colossal body effortlessly leapt thousands of meters, ignoring the towering trees. While not much faster than Xiao Jin, the ape's massive frame and powerful leaps allowed it to navigate the forest more easily.
Soon enough, the white ape caught up with Xiao Jin.
Staring at the mountainous body of the white ape and sensing its horrifying aura, Xiao Jin trembled uncontrollably.
Just then, it felt its master's presence nearby.
"Master, come save me!" Xiao Jin reached out through mental telepathy to Ye Tian, its owner. This was a unique form of communication between a pet beast and its master, only effective over short distances.
At this moment, Ye Tian had naturally noticed the white ape as well. The ape's terrifying aura pervaded a range of ten miles, so obvious that ignoring it was impossible.
"Xiao Jin!"
Ye Tian was frantic. He had heard Xiao Jin's cry for help. With its current strength, Xiao Jin had no chance against a top tier beast.
Faster!
Faster!
Faster!
Ye Tian sped through the forest, finally reaching a point not far from Xiao Jin.
He then saw the white ape's enormous hand reaching down, shadowing the sky as it closed in on Xiao Jin. Under that enormous palm, the frail Xiao Jin seemed paralyzed, unable to move.
"This is no ordinary top-tier beast!"
Ye Tian's pupils contracted. The power was overwhelming—this creature was likely a middle or even late stage top-tier beast.
The force was too immense; it likely ranked as average or even higher among top tier beasts. While Ye Tian might have been able to bully weaker top tier beasts, against a creature like the white giant ape, he stood no chance.
And yet, Ye Tian took action!
Xiao Jin was his first beast companion and had helped him a lot. If he couldn't even save Xiao Jin, then he would be utterly useless. Moreover, the white giant ape wasn't so powerful as to completely extinguish his hope.
Rescue!
Ye Tian immediately took action.
"Speed Talent, activate!" "Strength Talent, activate!" "Defense Talent, activate!"
One by one, his talents activated. In full form, Ye Tian executed a bronze-level blade technique—the Qingfeng Slash. Not only did he give it his all, but he also integrated a partial blade intent, the result of his months of hard work. Enhanced by blade intent, the blade's light warped the void, full of sharp energy, as if it could cleave the void itself.
The dazzling green blade light transformed into a heavenly blade, slashing upward, clashing with the palm of the white giant ape.
Boom!
The green blade light struck the palm of the white giant ape, successfully cutting off some white hairs and leaving a mark on its palm. But that was it—it didn't even break the skin.
"Xiao Jin, run!" Ye Tian shouted.
Xiao Jin quickly understood, activated its top speed, and began to flee, with Ye Tian close behind.
The white giant ape was furious; it had been wounded by a mere insect. This was humiliation!
"Boom!"
The white giant ape's fist blasted through the air. The void vibrated, countless giant trees turned to dust, and Ye Tian felt a surge of immense power coming at him. He reflexively slashed with all his might.
A deafening sound!
The overpowering force sent Ye Tian flying, his protective Yuan shield shattered instantaneously, and even his flesh showed multiple cracks. However, under the effects of his top-tier healing talent, his injuries quickly healed.
"What a tremendous attack power, definitely at 30 million jin of force!" Ye Tian estimated.
His body strength was at 200,000 jin, which could reach 2 million jin with his strength talent. After a 6x amplification from the Qingfeng Slash and additional Yuan force, it could reach 24 million jin. Yet the white giant ape could effortlessly break his attack and injure him this severely, definitely boasting a force of 30 million jin!
"Check!"
In a split second, Ye Tian discerned the talents of the white giant ape.
Species: Titan Forest Ape Bloodline Talent: Top-tier Strength Talent: Low-level
"My God, it has a top-tier bloodline and even a low-level strength talent! This Titan Forest Ape hasn't reached its limit; otherwise, one hit would have been enough to kill me. Even my top-tier healing talent wouldn't have saved me!" Ye Tian was shocked.
Escape!
He was absolutely no match.
Originally, he wanted to stay longer in the Xiao Qianye Forest, but now it was clear that he couldn't. Fortunately, the Titan Forest Ape was not fast, and he and Xiao Jin still had a chance to escape.
Boom!
The Titan Forest Ape threw another punch at Ye Tian, but still did not kill him, merely injuring him. Yet under his top-tier healing talent, Ye Tian recovered again, like a cockroach that wouldn't die.
One attack after another, and each time Ye Tian survived.
And so, Ye Tian and Xiao Jin gradually ran toward the edge of the Xiao Qianye Forest.
Whoosh!
A flash of light crossed before their eyes, and Ye Tian found himself and Xiao Jin successfully escaping from the Xiao Qianye Forest, emerging into a vast expanse of land.