Species: Giant Demon Ape (Devourable)
Spirit Power: 4900 years
HP: 1700/1700
Strength: 550
Attack: 510
Defense: 484
Speed: 400
Just a glance at the Giant Demon Ape's stat panel was enough to make Fang Chang feel a chill in his heart.
It's every stat was several times his own, even in defense, where Fang Chang had always prided himself. Compared to this terrifying beast, he was utterly outclassed.
It was only now that Fang Chang truly understood why this valley, so rich in cultivation resources, had no other soul beasts in sight.
Before he could think further, the Giant Demon Ape hurled another human-head-sized boulder at him with ferocious force.
Fang Chang leapt sideways, narrowly avoiding the projectile as it crashed into a nearby spirit tree, shattering it with a deafening crack. Ripe spirit fruits rained to the ground, their rich fragrance filling the air.
The Giant Demon Ape was no ordinary soul beast. As a distant relative of the Titan Giant Ape, it carried a trace of ancient feral bloodline, and its soul power was a staggering 4900 years.
In the outermost regions of the Star Dou Forest, this ape was undoubtedly one of the most powerful beings.
Stronger soul beasts had long since moved deeper into the forest to seek richer resources and avoid human interference.
But this Giant Demon Ape had chosen to stay, likely to guard this treasured territory.
Faced with this furious "landlord," Fang Chang didn't hesitate. He immediately turned and bolted toward the valley's exit.
The Giant Demon Ape wasn't about to let its trespasser escape. With a mighty leap, it vaulted into the air, its massive body soaring seven to eight meters high. Its long arms grabbed the branches of a spirit tree, swinging itself forward with ease.
Meanwhile, Fang Chang scrambled desperately, his eight legs pumping as fast as they could. He aimed for the underground passage left behind by the Fire Ants, his only hope of escape.
Despite his speed, the Giant Demon Ape was faster. With a glance over his shoulder, Fang Chang saw the ape swinging from tree to tree, rapidly closing the distance between them.
Just ten meters from the underground passage, Fang Chang made a desperate move.
He spat out a Poison Web, flinging it at the Giant Demon Ape mid-swing.
The sticky web enveloped the ape, causing it to crash into a tree and fall to the ground.
Fang Chang seized the opportunity, rushing into the passage at full speed. But just as he thought he was safe, a massive force yanked at his hind leg.
The Giant Demon Ape had already torn through the web and grabbed him.
Fang Chang was lifted into the air, dangling upside down as the ape held him by a single leg.
From up close, the Giant Demon Ape was even more terrifying. Towering over four meters tall, its sinewy frame seemed capable of crushing mountains.
It's sharp tusks gleamed like swords, and its muscular face was marred with bulging veins and twisted scowls.
The ape's heavy breathing carried a hint of mockery, as if it were toying with its prey.
Fang Chang, dangling helplessly, felt every ounce of resistance drain from his body.
"Forget the Soul-Rising Fruit… I just want to live!"
In a flash of desperation, flames erupted from Fang Chang's body. Engulfed him in blazing heat.
The flames surged along the Giant Demon Ape's arm, burning its hand.
The ape roared in pain, instinctively releasing its grip.
Fang Chang tumbled to the ground, immediately scrambling into the underground passage.
The Giant Demon Ape reached out to grab him again, but Fang Chang was already deep inside the passage.
The underground passage was just wide enough for Fang Chang to fit, but far too small for the Giant Demon Ape's massive frame.
Frustrated, the ape slammed its fists against the ground, letting out deafening roars of rage.
Fang Chang, now deep within the tunnel, breathed a sigh of relief.
He couldn't help but glance back at the furious ape still clawing at the entrance.
"You're on my list, buddy," Fang Chang thought.
This wasn't over. He would return for the Soul-Rising Fruit, and for revenge.
The Titan Giant Ape may have been out of reach for now, but its distant cousin? That was another matter entirely.
Unknowingly, Fang Chang found himself back in the Fire Ant Queen's lair.
Surveying the expansive underground chambers, he began to formulate a plan.
The Fire Ants were weak as individuals, but their numbers and network of tunnels had made them formidable in the Star Dou Forest.
The tunnels not only provided shelter but also connected to the resource-rich valley, where the ants had likely been pilfering treasures for ages.
Fang Chang, too, was an insect-type soul beast.
If the Fire Ants could carve out a place for themselves underground, why couldn't he?
As a spider, he had a natural talent for burrowing. He could even take inspiration from the Pit Demon Spiders, renowned for their subterranean lairs.
What if he built a spider army and an underground empire of his own?
If he succeeded, he wouldn't even need to hunt. His minions could gather resources for him, delivering endless food and treasures.
The idea was tantalizing. Fang Chang felt a giddy excitement as the vision of his empire took shape.
"I'll start here," he decided, glancing around the Fire Ant Queen's former lair. "It's not perfect, but it'll do for now. As for my army… I'll find recruits later."
Minutes later, the underground lair had a new centerpiece.
Atop the central platform, once the Fire Ant Queen's throne, Fang Chang had scrawled three large, imposing characters in the dirt:
Star Dou Great Lair!