[Main Body: Demon Ape]
[Realm: Early Fourth Rank]
As the Demon Ape appeared, Lu Qingyang immediately sensed this formidable beast. Using his Divine Insight ability, all information about the Demon Ape flowed into his consciousness.
"An early fourth-rank beast!"
Lu Qingyang's heart trembled slightly with joy. Since beginning his cultivation, he had lost count of the number of beasts he had slain, watching his required cultivation points grow rapidly.
However, to break through to the late third rank, he needed to accumulate 400,000 cultivation points. Despite facing numerous high-rank beasts, gathering enough points for a breakthrough remained challenging.
Unfortunately, after advancing to the third rank, devouring second-rank beasts only provided half the points it used to, while first-rank beasts offered merely a quarter.
Although the current beast tide included third-rank beasts, its main force consisted of second and some first-rank beasts. Hence, despite slaying numerous beasts, he had not yet reached the mid-third rank.
Now, with the appearance of a fourth-rank beast, Lu Qingyang saw an opportunity for immense cultivation gain. Instead of fear, he felt anticipation facing this powerful foe.
"This fourth-rank beast is the strongest I've encountered since my rebirth. I wonder how much cultivation devouring it will provide!"
Lu Qingyang closely monitored the Demon Ape. As it stepped into the Ancient Tree's domain, its original early fourth-rank realm suddenly dropped to peak third rank.
Sensing its diminished power, the Demon Ape roared in anger, feeling an unprecedented sense of danger. Yet, its greed for the mysterious ancient tree overpowered this fear, driving it forward.
Alliance leaders and various cultivators intently watched the live broadcast, holding their breath.
On one side stood the mysterious ancient tree, single-handedly blocking the beast tide; on the other, the notorious top-tier beast from the Beast Index.
Their clash was highly anticipated.
"It's said the Alliance has a Beast Index. This Demon Ape ranks tenth, with terrifying power. Can the ancient tree hold its ground?"
"Nonsense! Our ancient tree is unmatched. A mere Demon Ape is nothing!"
"Agreed!"
"Exactly. The Demon Ape is laughable compared to our undefeated ancient tree."
"Ahem... I think the same!"
While most viewers had unwavering confidence in the ancient tree, a few worried about the Demon Ape's strength.
In a secluded courtyard, Xu Bo stared intently at the broadcast, eyes darting between the ancient tree and the Demon Ape. Although maintaining a calm facade, he couldn't hide his inner tension.
"The Demon Ape, ranked tenth on the Beast Index, is a top-tier early fourth-rank beast. Despite the ancient tree's impressive record, defeating the Demon Ape is uncertain."
Beside him, Xu Qing's delicate eyebrows knitted with a mix of worry and tension on her beautiful face.
Xu Bo took a deep breath and said, "The Demon Ape is indeed formidable, but the ancient tree is no pushover. The Alliance hopes the ancient tree in the Ten Thousand Mountains can stop the beast tide. This battle must be won, or humanity has no chance."
Having witnessed the powers of the ancient tree and the beast tide, Xu Bo deeply understood the current weakness of human forces.
Regardless of the beast tide, the ancient tree's displayed power alone was beyond the Alliance's current capabilities. If such a powerful tree couldn't stop the Demon Ape, what hope did the Alliance have against even stronger beasts?
No matter how much they gave, they might not be able to shake these beasts.
For Xu Bo, the battle between the ancient tree and the Demon Ape determined humanity's fate. If the tree won, there was hope; if it fell, humanity would have no future.
Unknowingly, he had developed a strong belief in the ancient tree, surpassing admiration and reaching the level of faith.
At the Alliance headquarters, the faces of the Eighteen Lords were grim.
A middle-aged man spoke seriously, "The decisive battle has come. Who do you think will win, the ancient tree or the Demon Ape?"
"The tenth-ranked beast on the Beast Index is formidable. I think their strength is comparable, making the outcome uncertain."
"I believe the ancient tree has a better chance. Since the beast tide began, no beast has approached it, showing its terrifying power!"
"Hard to say... The tenth-ranked beast's strength is not to be underestimated!"
Everyone voiced their opinions while closely watching the screen, knowing this battle could decide humanity's survival.
If the ancient tree couldn't hold, the consequences would be dire.
Ji Xuan immediately ordered, "Prepare everyone for battle. If the ancient tree struggles, provide immediate support. We cannot let it fall!"
The other leaders nodded in agreement.
No matter what, the ancient tree in the Ten Thousand Mountains must not fall. If it did, humanity would face the full might of the beasts.
Within the Ten Thousand Mountains,
The early fourth-rank Demon Ape charged towards the towering ancient tree. Despite its formidable size, it seemed dwarfed by the 2,000-meter tall tree.
As everyone watched the breathtaking scene, imagining the impending epic battle, several snake-like roots suddenly burst from the ground, binding the Demon Ape in place.
The roots, thick as mountains, held firm despite the Demon Ape's furious struggles.
Then, another root shot out, piercing the Demon Ape's chest. Even its seemingly invincible obsidian fur was easily penetrated.
"Roar!"
Feeling its life force rapidly drain, the Demon Ape let out an unwilling roar. But as its vitality faded, the roar diminished and eventually ceased.
In the end, the once-mighty tenth-ranked Demon Ape, its body withered, was dragged underground by the ancient tree's roots, disappearing without a trace.
Everyone watching stood stunned, their faces filled with shock and speechless for a long time.
4o