Chapter 81: Forsaking a Way Out for a Dead End

Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Forsaking a Way Out for a Dead End

Upon hearing Yi Xiaoyao’s words, Han Shou’s expression instantly became incredibly stiff and ugly.

He couldn’t even handle a single one of these Iron-Armed Yellow Apes. Even if Yi Xiaoyao offered him all the Demon Blood Fruits, he didn’t have the slightest ability to take them.

Besides, Han Shou understood that if he lingered any longer, Yi Xiaoyao would probably kill him for real.

And so, with a dark expression, Han Shou turned and left without another word.

Yi Xiaoyao glanced at the man’s retreating figure in disgust and sneered.

’This kind of person, with no strength of his own, just wants to shamelessly ride my coattails. He even had the nerve to demand three Demon Blood Fruits, all under the pretext of fighting together and sharing the spoils. His audacity is off the charts.’

And since Yi Xiaoyao was perfectly capable of getting all the Demon Blood Fruits by himself, he certainly wasn’t foolish enough to share them with a stranger he despised.

Once he saw that Han Shou was truly gone, Yi Xiaoyao finally locked his gaze on the seven Iron-Armed Yellow Apes in the ancient tree ahead.

Each of these seven Demon Beasts was no weaker than the previous Blue Ice Qilin Lion, and Yi Xiaoyao had no intention of underestimating them.

These Iron-Armed Yellow Apes had been sleeping in the ancient tree, but now, sensing Yi Xiaoyao’s approach, they all startled awake and shrieked at him in fury.

They knew, of course, that this human wanted to steal the Demon Blood Fruits they were guarding.

When Yi Xiaoyao got within a certain distance of the ancient tree, all seven Iron-Armed Yellow Apes leaped down and rushed toward him, baring their fangs.

BOOM!

A violent boom echoed out. Amidst a spray of dust and dirt, Yi Xiaoyao’s incredible agility allowed him to dodge the iron fist of one of the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes.

When the dust settled, a massive crater had appeared in the ground.

’Such immense power!’

Yi Xiaoyao was amazed. Not only were these Iron-Armed Yellow Apes incredibly agile in the forest, but their strength was also astonishing.

However, Yi Xiaoyao had the Nine Heavens Dragon Soaring Technique. His Body Technique was much faster than these apes, and after easily dodging the first attack, he immediately unleashed his Swordsmanship, slashing down at the head of the Iron-Armed Yellow Ape.

CLANG!

The Iron-Armed Yellow Ape crossed its arms, managing to block Yi Xiaoyao’s slash, but a bloody gash was still left on its iron-like limbs.

Immediately, attacks from the other six Iron-Armed Yellow Apes rained down, forcing Yi Xiaoyao to defend with his Spirit-Devouring Swordsmanship.

At this moment, Yi Xiaoyao finally realized just how formidable these Iron-Armed Yellow Apes truly were.

From that brief exchange, it was clear that the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes were far more intelligent than the Blue Ice Qilin Lion. They actually knew how to defend themselves and coordinate their attacks.

Moreover, their defense was astonishingly strong. A sword strike that could have instantly killed the Blue Ice Qilin Lion couldn’t even sever one of their arms.

Most importantly, as he used the Spirit-Devouring Swordsmanship to defend against their attacks, Yi Xiaoyao discovered that the strength of these seven Demon Beasts was far beyond that of ordinary mid-tier, second-rank Demon Beasts.

’These seven Demon Apes must have eaten a lot of Demon Blood Fruits.’

After reaching this conclusion, Yi Xiaoyao’s desire for the seven Demon Blood Fruits on the tree grew even stronger. Anyone would be tempted by a Spirit Fruit that could so drastically enhance all of one’s abilities.

Then, Yi Xiaoyao’s gaze grew calm and focused. He began to fight the Demon Apes using the same method he’d employed when killing the guards at the Spirit Stone Vein.

He started by defending with his Spirit-Devouring Swordsmanship, not missing a single opportunity to counterattack with his Silent Swordsmanship and Nine Swords of Slaughter.

Of course, these Iron-Armed Yellow Apes were nothing like those guards. Not only were they stronger, but they also lacked the capacity for fear that humans have.

After a battle that lasted for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Yi Xiaoyao finally managed to kill one of the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes. Had they been human, this would have certainly instilled fear. But upon seeing their comrade fall, the Demon Apes only grew more enraged, their attacks becoming even more ferocious.

Just then, an idea struck Yi Xiaoyao.

During the fight, he had noticed that whenever he got close to the ancient tree, the Demon Apes would frantically push him back.

Having noticed this, Yi Xiaoyao raised his hand and shot a blast of Sword Qi at the ancient tree, instantly knocking one of the Demon Blood Fruits loose.

In an instant, all the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes shrieked in alarm. Terrified that the Demon Blood Fruit would be smashed, they abandoned their attack on Yi Xiaoyao and leaped under the tree to catch it.

’Beasts will be beasts.’

Seeing his plan succeed, Yi Xiaoyao grinned slyly. As intelligent as these Iron-Armed Yellow Apes were, they were ultimately no match for the cunning of a human.

Seizing the moment the Demon Apes were distracted, Yi Xiaoyao’s entire body erupted with a dense Flame of Spiritual Power as he executed the Nine Heavens Dragon Soaring Technique.

An incredibly fast silhouette flashed past each of the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes, who were craning their necks to catch the fruit. A brilliant sword light flared.

The toughest part of these Demon Apes was their arms; the defenses on the rest of their bodies were no different from those of an ordinary Demon Beast.

In an instant, the six remaining Iron-Armed Yellow Apes all collapsed, blood gushing from their throats as they convulsed on the ground.

Yi Xiaoyao raised his left hand, caught the falling Demon Blood Fruit, and took a satisfied bite.

After devouring the large Demon Blood Fruit, Yi Xiaoyao immediately consumed the souls of the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes and refined their Essence Blood. His Nine Heavens Dragon Soaring Technique once again saw a noticeable improvement.

After picking the remaining six Demon Blood Fruits from the tree, Yi Xiaoyao suddenly felt the blood in his veins begin to boil.

’The Demon Blood Fruit I just ate is taking effect!’

Yi Xiaoyao’s eyes lit up. He immediately sat down cross-legged and began to refine the effects of the Demon Blood Fruit within his body.

As he refined the fruit’s power, Yi Xiaoyao discovered a new potential emerging in his blood, which rapidly fused with his flesh, sinews, and bones.

Gradually, he could feel his strength, defense, agility, and reflexes all undergoing a significant enhancement.

’This is the effect of just one Demon Blood Fruit. If I take all seven, my abilities will double!’

Yi Xiaoyao thought with immense excitement. But suddenly, the smile on his face vanished.

Because he heard a familiar voice—one he despised.

Not far off, a group of young men was rapidly approaching. Among them was none other than Han Shou, who had left just moments before.

"It’s just up ahead! There are seven Demon Blood Fruits on that ancient tree. The ungrateful brat who was with me is trying to hog them all. He should be fighting the Iron-Armed Yellow Apes right now, so we can still make it if we hurry!"

Han Shou said, leading the group of young men at a sprint.

The young men all looked skeptical. "You’re telling us you couldn’t even handle a third-level Foundation Establishment brat? And this same brat is fighting seven Iron-Armed Yellow Apes? Who’s going to believe that?"

Despite their disbelief, they still followed Han Shou. After all, a Spirit Fruit like the Demon Blood Fruit was simply too precious and rare. Even if it was a lie, they had to go and see for themselves.

A moment later, when they saw Yi Xiaoyao sitting cross-legged beneath the tree, they were finally convinced. Lying beside him were, indeed, the corpses of several Iron-Armed Yellow Apes.

"That’s the kid! He must have the Demon Blood Fruits. Once we take them, don’t forget to give me my share!"

Han Shou pointed at Yi Xiaoyao excitedly, speaking to the young men behind him. He then shot a cruel grin at Yi Xiaoyao. "Didn’t see this coming, did you, brat!"

Yi Xiaoyao slowly opened his eyes. His ice-cold gaze swept over the group of young men and locked onto Han Shou.

"Han Shou, I gave you a chance to live, but you refused it. Instead, you chose to walk right into your own grave." 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

Yi Xiaoyao’s expression was impassive as he spoke, his light tone carrying a chill that was frightening to the core.

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