At a command,
the flock of black eagles surged forth immediately.
Their killing intent was palpable!
Sun Wukong and the white ape immediately shielded the group of monkeys, one in front and one in the back, focusing intently and preparing for a desperate battle.
Although the monkeys were also scared, they did not panic; their will had strengthened a great deal after surviving the annihilation and sea of fire.
Yet, after consecutive escapes and struggling within the sea of fire, they now lacked the strength to fight again and only sought the protection of the white ape and Sun Wukong.
The multi-headed turtle still carried that same indifferent demeanor, merely frowning at the attack of the black eagles without any other actions.
This, in turn, gave the Eagle Demon leading the charge some peace of mind, promptly diving down with the flock and reaching out with its sharp claws towards them.
They were about to close in.
Whoosh~
Suddenly, an iron rod swept across with the force of a thousand jun, immediately sending a large number of black eagles flying, crashing to the ground and wailing incessantly.
The Eagle Demon's eyes went cold.
It hadn't expected that there was a powerful demon within the group of monkeys.
And seeing that the strength of the white ape was not weak, it feared that it would be very difficult to handle.
However, the attitude of the multi-headed turtle was of utmost importance; if it joined in, things would get troublesome.
The Eagle Demon suddenly stopped, deciding to observe the situation a while longer.
The flock of eagles was still attacking fiercely, but all were successfully blocked by Sun Wukong and the white ape. With sweeping blows, their immense strength caused most of the black eagles to crash to the ground, completely losing their ability to continue fighting.
This was the result of Sun Wukong and the white ape holding back.
The monkey tribe was still weak and it wasn't advisable to create deadly enemies.
Moreover, they had been unreasonably trespassing in the first place; being attacked was within reason.
As long as there was no bloodshed, all could still be negotiable.
Bang bang...
Another sweep, and several black eagles crashed to the ground, unable to continue the fight. Sun Wukong took the opportunity to shout, "Our tribe is merely passing through and means no offense. We ask the Eagle King to cease the attack."
Sun Wukong did not wish to create enemies.
The Eagle King could see that too.
At this time, both parties were inclined to cease fighting.
Just as he was about to speak, an accident happened at that moment.
"Ah!"
A monkey suddenly screamed, and then blood splattered as it was seen that a black eagle had pecked off its right arm.
Boom!
A dense murderous aura explosively burst forth from Sun Wukong; although he was facing the flock, his gaze fell on the multi-headed turtle, which was closing its eyes and resting on the side.
He had seen clearly that it was a Buddhist head on the back of the multi-headed turtle that had played the trick. With just one opening of the eyes, that monkey had mindlessly leaped out of formation, delivering itself to the black eagles.
"You're courting death!"
Seeing the monkey's arm in the black eagle's mouth, the white ape too became enraged, lifting its wooden stick and flicking upwards. The black eagle had only time to turn its head before its entire body was shattered by the infuriated strike.
"Zhaoh zhaoh..."
This action seemed to stir up a hornet's nest; the flock of eagles cried out and took flight once again, diving fiercely towards them.
Sun Wukong's expression also darkened, and he raised his iron rod high, ready to deal a fatal blow to the approaching flock.
This was precisely what the multi-headed turtle desired, creating a deadly feud with the black eagles.
"Sirs..."
At that moment, the multi-headed turtle, which had been observing the battle, finally spoke.
Sun Wukong was somewhat surprised, and he and the white ape instinctively stopped, as did the Eagle King, halting their attacks. But the black eagles couldn't stop their wings and, in a panic, fell towards the group of monkeys.
The multi-headed turtle immediately frowned and then amid the terrified gazes of the other demons, it stretched out its heads, opened its bloodied mouth, and directly devoured seven black eagles that were falling towards it.
Crunch... Crunch...
There was the sound of bones being crushed and blood flowing, a terrifying scene.
Hiss~
As terrifying as ever.
The Eagle King's heart tightened as he felt an indescribable fear, "Pre... Predecessor!"
The multi-headed turtle's throat bobbed, smacking its lips before it slowly turned its gaze to the Eagle King, "I've disciplined those who wouldn't listen on your behalf, I hope you're not angry!"
As an Earth Immortal demon, the Eagle King dared not show offense and trembled, "Predecessor's discipline is appreciated, the black eagles are deeply grateful!"
Apart from cowering, the Eagle King had no other choice.
Fortunately, the multi-headed turtle had no intention of pursuing the matter further, pointing a claw towards the group of monkeys, "This journey is only to borrow the way; we have no intention of taking over your forest."
The Eagle King nodded repeatedly, acting very servile.
Then, the multi-headed turtle went on to say, "The monkey tribe has just encountered a great calamity and now is starving. Your orchard has a multitude of fruits; you should share some with them to eat!"
Despite being internally against the multi-headed turtle's suggestion, the Eagle King showed respect outwardly and immediately agreed to it.
He then ordered his subordinates to pick fruit and bring it to the monkeys.
Famished, the monkey tribe couldn't care less about anything else and scrambled desperately, pushing into a tight huddle.
There was also a pile in front of Sun Wukong and the white ape.
He picked some good-looking ones, and Sun Wukong wiped them clean before placing them in front of the multi-headed turtle, gratefully saying, "I'm thankful for the senior's help, which has helped our monkey troop through another difficulty!"
"You, oh you!"
The multi-headed turtle chuckled, looking at Sun Wukong with increasing satisfaction, took the fruit, and ate it in one bite, then said, "It's just a little effort on my part, don't mind it!"
Sun Wukong suddenly gave a forced laugh while still looking deeply moved.
As if I don't mind.
If it really was done so casually, I'd dare to screw off my head and kick it around like a ball for you.
First, you force the monkey troop to head to the Western Highlands, then you plot to set us at odds with the Eagle Tribe. You really think your grandpa can't see through these little schemes?
If it wasn't for the sake of the monkey tribe, Grandpa would have turned on you long ago.
Of course, such thoughts could only stay in his mind. Sun Wukong would not be foolish enough to voice them, as it would be no different from seeking death.
He returned quietly to the monkey troop and also filled his stomach.
But little did he know that the Eagle King was watching from the side with a shadowy gaze, clearly bearing a grudge.
The multi-headed turtle, he wouldn't dare provoke.
The hatred naturally shifted to the monkey troop, especially the white ape, who was not gentle at all when it acted just now.
Just wait and enjoy for a few days; once we get to the Western Highlands, I'll see how I will deal with you'all.
The Eagle King thought bitterly, glanced once more at the monkey troop, then bid farewell to the multi-headed turtle and led the Eagle Demon troops back to the trees.
By this time, the monkey troop had also finished the fruit, with each of them sporting round, bloated bellies, looking thoroughly satisfied.
The multi-headed turtle turned around leisurely and started leading the way again.
By now, Sun Wukong and the others could see the vast hills outside the forest and knew they had reached their destination.
The monkey troop was also somewhat excited, secretly anticipating, wondering what kind of view the territory would be.
Compared to the excitement of the monkey troop, both Sun Wukong and the white ape furrowed their brows.
The territory was devoid of forests; everywhere was overgrown with weeds, utterly unsuitable for the development of the monkey tribe.
If they were to settle there, food alone would be a huge problem.
Thinking of this, Sun Wukong suddenly thought of the Thousand Fruit Forest they were in and felt a cold chill, suspecting something unpleasant.
The white ape also noticed the change in Sun Wukong's mood and couldn't help but say, "Great King..."
Sun Wukong shook his head, pointed at the multi-headed turtle ahead who was leading the way, and signaled to the white ape not to speak further, "We'll talk when we get there!"
Finally, the white ape got the message, picked up his wooden stick, and went back to the front.
As they continued to advance, the troop finally emerged from the forest and stepped into the highlands.
The blazing sun immediately assaulted them, burning painfully – the monkey troop suddenly missed the comfort of the forest again.
The multi-headed turtle stopped and pointed at a hilltop ahead, "There's a spring there you can use, and if you can't find food, you can ask for some from the forest. I'll have a word with the Eagle King about it."
The monkey troop immediately felt grateful, as if they were no longer afraid of him.
Sun Wukong was also moved. "Senior, you're really kind to us, even thinking of these things. We're truly grateful!"
But inside, he was cursing up a storm.
Damn it, shameless!
In this way, the monkey tribe and the Eagle Tribe will inevitably oppose each other; it will be a matter of life and death. Perhaps this is the result you were hoping for.
Once the two tribes fight, one lives and one dies, with just a little effort, wouldn't you get the Thousand Fruit Forest for free?
And for sure, the Thousand Fruit Forest isn't as simple as it seems on the surface; there must be something you need there.
But no rush, once my monkey troop regains its strength, I'll let you know what it feels like when all your efforts are in vain, and how a monkey's vengeance can be even after ten years.
......
The white ape watched from the side, looking troubled. He opened his mouth several times to speak but remained silent, finally swallowing his words at Sun Wukong's warning glance.
Not until the multi-headed turtle returned to the forest and disappeared from sight did he run up to Sun Wukong and complain, "Great King! That multi-headed turtle clearly harbors ill intentions; why do we still listen to him and come here? Besides the mountains and grass, we're short on everything, including water sources – what should we do?"
Sun Wukong chuckled and said, "Don't we have the forest?"
No matter the plot.
I, Sun Wukong, have set my sights on the Thousand Fruit Forest.
Let's see who outmaneuvers who in the end!
After finishing, he didn't give the white ape a chance to complain and led the monkey troop towards the location of the spring.
The multi-headed turtle wasn't lying; there really was a spring at the top of the highlands, nestled in a large crevice, bubbling forth with clean water.
Along the way, Sun Wukong noticed many animal tracks, all of different kinds, all leading to the spring, clearly regarding it as a long-term water source.
The monkey troop, having traveled all this way, felt parched. At the sight of the clear spring, they screeched and rushed over, surrounding it and stretching their necks.
"Roar~"
"Heh... Roar..."
It was the angry roar of wild beasts.
Then, with the grass on both sides shaking, a terrible stench of blood wafted through the air.
"Roar~"
"Roar roar roar..."
It was followed by several unfamiliar roars of Demon Beasts, one after another, all emerging from the side.
The monkey troop!
Was surrounded.