"Junior Xiao Tian, be careful! That's its berserk bloodline activating!"
Senior Han Yue watched the Blood Demon Ape hurtling towards them and warned him, instinctively grabbing his hand to pull him away. But no matter how hard she tugged, he wouldn't budge.
"Senior Han Yue, stand behind me. Don't move."
Xiao Jietian gently shook off her hand, pulled her behind him, and with a wave of his hand, a massive golden-red shield materialized, held level before him.
The Blood Demon Ape, having launched itself at them, clawed at the giant shield, producing a teeth-grinding, screeching sound of friction.
Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Jietian's feet became wreathed in four-colored lightning as he delivered a heavy kick to the ape's body.
Upon impact, a dazzling flash of light erupted. The giant ape was sent flying by the force of the kick, slamming into the ground with a thunderous boom, leaving a large, scorched patch of fur on its waist.
Han Yue watched, stunned, as the shield in Xiao Jietian's hand instantly transformed into a long halberd. As he gathered power, the energy of heaven and earth continuously poured into the weapon, causing it to emit a four-colored radiance.
"Moon Splitter!"
Xiao Jietian gripped the long halberd with both hands and slashed downwards at the Blood Demon Ape. As the halberd swung, a crescent-shaped moon arc detached itself, howling towards the ape with a terrifying sonic boom.
The Blood Demon Ape sensed the threat of death. It roared and swung its razor-sharp claws forward in a desperate attempt to block the attack.
The crescent moon arc sliced cleanly through the giant ape's body, finally striking the ground behind it and carving a massive crevice into the earth.
The giant ape remained frozen in its posture, claws extended. As a gust of wind blew, a thin red line appeared across its upper body, extending from its right shoulder all the way down past its ribs.
Its upper and lower halves separated diagonally. The berserk light in its eyes gradually faded until all life was gone.
"Alright, Senior Han Yue, you're safe now. How did you end up provoking this Magical Beast?"
Xiao Jietian knew full well Han Yue was after the Earth Core Tempering Fluid. Now that the guardian beast was dead, he was curious if she would tell him the truth.
In less than half a minute, Han Yue had gone from the brink of death, to being rescued, to watching the beast that had been hunting her die, and finally to complete safety. She couldn't help but let out a deep, relieved sigh.
Her eyes gazed deeply at Xiao Jietian, who had saved her like a descending deity, her heart overflowing with gratitude. If not for him, she would surely have perished this day.
"I was searching for medicinal ingredients and accidentally discovered the Earth Core Tempering Fluid in the place guarded by this Blood Demon Ape. I tried to sneak in quietly, see if there was a chance to steal some."
"But it discovered me. I fought with it, only to realize it was a Tier 5 Magical Beast. Then it chased me. If it weren't for you, I might already be dead. Thank you, Junior Xiao Tian."
"The Earth Core Tempering Fluid inside is all yours. It's your rightful spoils of war. I will also keep this completely confidential for you."
The Earth Core Tempering Fluid, known for its ability to cleanse the marrow and refine the bones, held immense appeal for both humans and Magical Beasts.
"You're really willing to give it up?"
Hearing his words, Han Yue chuckled softly. "It was never mine to begin with. To have escaped with my life this time is already a blessing from my ancestors. I dare not hope for anything more."
Xiao Jietian looked directly into her eyes, and Han Yue met his gaze. He found no trace of greed or lingering attachment in those clear depths.
Han Yue was an independent and intelligent woman, one who could rationally understand her own situation.
"Let's go."
Xiao Jietian said softly. Hearing this, Han Yue turned and began walking towards the forest.
"Where are you going? I meant for you to follow me."
Behind her, Xiao Jietian's gentle voice called out. She turned her head, looking at him with confusion.
"What? Are you afraid I have ulterior motives towards you?"
"It's not impossible. Your silver hair has a certain… exotic charm."
Although Han Yue didn't fully understand what he meant by 'exotic,' a flicker of wariness appeared in her eyes.
"I'm not that kind of casual person. You can forget about it."
"You have no figure to speak of, no legs to mention. I haven't even taken a liking to you yet."
A mischievous smile curled at the corner of Xiao Jietian's lips as he teased her.
"Are you… are you talking about me?"
Han Yue glanced down at her own curvaceous figure and her long, elegant legs, then pointed at herself in disbelief.
"Who else would I be talking to? Don't waste time. Hurry up and follow me. If there's no Earth Core Tempering Fluid inside after all this, you'll be in big trouble."
Xiao Jietian turned and strode towards the Blood Demon Ape's cave.
Han Yue could no longer maintain her usual composure. She stood there, gnashing her teeth as she stared at his retreating back. Any woman would break down in such a situation.
"I never expected you to be this kind of person. I truly don't understand how someone as elegant as Xun'er could fall for you."
Han Yue quickly caught up, muttering under her breath, her expression one of utter bewilderment.
"What did you think I was like? Full of righteous indignation? A perfect gentleman? Don't your seniors all call me the Demon King? There's no need to pretend around you."
"You have so many twisted arguments. Be careful, or I'll tell Xun'er about this."
Xiao Jietian, walking ahead, stopped abruptly. Han Yue, close behind, had to stop quickly to avoid bumping into him.
He turned around and slowly scrutinized her from head to toe. The intensity of his gaze made her body tingle, and her face flushed a light crimson. She had never been stared at so directly and closely by a man before.
"I… I won't say anything else, alright?"
Han Yue no longer resembled a composed, strong woman. She looked more like a wronged little wife.
Xiao Jietian chuckled, then turned and continued walking. Sensing her standing rooted to the spot behind him, he called out without looking back, "Senior Han Yue, are you waiting for me to carry you?"
"You wouldn't dare! I'll walk, I'll walk."
Han Yue quickly moved her long legs and hurried after him.
For the rest of the way, she followed in silence, occasionally stealing glances at him.
Xiao Jietian also ceased his teasing of this cold beauty who was clearly on the verge of a breakdown.
They arrived at a dark Mountain Cave at the far end of the valley. The cave entrance was a gaping maw roughly twenty meters high. Xiao Jietian could still faintly sense the lingering aura of the Blood Demon Ape emanating from within.
He produced a moonstone, placed it in Han Yue's hand, and nodded towards the cave. "Let's go."
Han Yue glanced at the moonstone in her palm, then back at Xiao Jietian, muttering inwardly about his complete lack of gentlemanly conduct before stepping into the cave entrance.
Illuminated by the moonstone's soft glow, they walked for about a minute before reaching the end of the cavern.
Han Yue looked around. There was nothing here but a deep pit and a pile of white fur.
Her face stiffened. Her eyes darted around, scanning the cave ceiling, searching for any sign of difference. But no matter how she looked, it was all just ordinary rock. Internally, she cried out, I'm doomed.
Seeing her expression, Xiao Jietian's playful side re-emerged. "Senior Han Yue, it seems there's nothing here but a pile of Blood Demon Ape fur."
"I told you before, if there wasn't any, you'd be in trouble. Just look at this dark, desolate place. A solitary man and a woman, all alone…"
He pretended to leer at her, a mischievous glint in his eye. Han Yue stumbled back, pressing herself against the cave wall like a startled little white rabbit.
She looked at Xiao Jietian, who was now standing between her and the only exit. Her mind raced, desperately trying to think of a way out, but she quickly realized that with his formidable strength, escape was impossible.
"Xiao Jietian, look at me, your Senior Sister. I have no figure, no legs to speak of. I'm sure you wouldn't be interested. How about you let me go first? Let me go back and… recover a bit?"
Xiao Jietian didn't speak. He simply raised his right hand, upon which battle qi began to gather and condense.
Han Yue felt the terrifying power coalescing in his hand. She pressed herself tighter against the cold stone wall and squeezed her eyes shut.