Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2268: Blocking Three Punches

Zhao Hai stood frozen, watching the white ape’s sudden metamorphosis. He could sense a massive surge of spiritual Qi erupting from the creature’s frame. This phenomenon only occurred when a cultivator pushed their Qi and blood to their absolute limits.

Whenever a person exerts their full strength, their Qi and blood inevitably influence the surrounding atmosphere. Just as a commoner’s face flushes crimson when straining, cultivators experience a similar manifestation when circulating their internal power.

For body cultivators, reaching peak power causes their blood and Qi to surge like a rushing river. This violent circulation grants their physical form nearly limitless energy.

The aura radiating from the white ape surpassed a mere river; it felt more like a devastating tsunami. His physical size swelled, more than doubling in an instant. Withdrawing his fist, the ape unleashed a devastating strike.

Boom! The punch moved with such velocity that it tore through the air. Following a sharp sonic boom, the fist slammed toward Zhao Hai’s chest.

Zhao Hai’s expression grew grim as he witnessed the incoming strike. Drawing a deep breath, he crossed his forearms before him in a defensive block.

Boom! The impact sent Zhao Hai sliding backward across the earth. Although his stance remained unbroken, his feet carved two deep furrows into the soil as he was pushed away.

Boom, boom, crack! He crashed through more than ten trees before his momentum finally halted.

Stopping at last, Zhao Hai lowered his arms. He had chosen not to utilize any specific techniques, relying solely on his raw physical power to withstand the ape's blow. However, it was evident he had miscalculated the white ape's true might. His arms felt completely numb from the shock. Had it not been for his tempered physique and the trees absorbing the kinetic energy, he would have likely suffered internal injuries.

Worse yet, Zhao Hai realized the white ape hadn't even gone all out. That initial strike was merely a probe.

Exhaling deeply, Zhao Hai straightened his posture. He understood that without employing his divergent abilities, he stood no chance against an expert at the Teleportation Stage.

Zhao Hai walked back toward the white ape and cupped his fists in a respectful gesture. “I am grateful for Senior’s restraint. Please, strike a second time.”

The white ape watched Zhao Hai, a glimmer of respect appearing in his gaze. He remarked, “You managed to block a strike at sixty percent of my power. Furthermore, you recognized I was holding back and still requested a second blow. You are a rare one. Very well, young man. It would be an insult to you if I continued to suppress my strength. Prepare yourself.”

Zhao Hai nodded and dropped back into a stable horse stance. This time, however, he activated his earth element divergent ability. His presence suddenly seemed to merge seamlessly with the ground beneath him.

The white ape’s pupils contracted at the sight. He let out a booming laugh. “Impressive, boy! To have comprehended Earth Intent at such a tender age. I would be disgraced if I didn't give my best now.” Following those words, the ape’s aura surged again, and his height reached a towering eight meters.

The surrounding Strong Apes were stunned by the sight. They began to hoot and squeal in encouragement. It was rare for their leader to display such power. Even during the previous day's battle with the black-robed cultivator, he had only grown to six meters. He was clearly taking this fight seriously.

With a thunderous shout, the white ape threw another punch. The fist crossed the distance to Zhao Hai in the blink of an eye. This time, Zhao Hai didn't just block; he met the attack with his own fist.

The moment they connected, the earth under Zhao Hai’s feet erupted as if a massive explosive had been detonated. A crater spanning a hundred meters wide opened up beneath him with a deafening bang. Yet, Zhao Hai remained standing, unharmed.

Seeing Zhao Hai endure the blow, the white ape’s admiration deepened. He laughed heartily. “Excellent! You channeled the force of my strike into the earth itself. Your Meridians are robust, and your bravery is even greater. I was concerned my punch might shatter your Meridians. Truly good.” The ape roared again as his form grew to a staggering ten meters in height. His fist was now the size of a massive water vat as he brought it down toward Zhao Hai.

Facing the descending fist, Zhao Hai exhaled and thrust his own hand upward. Compared to the ape’s massive limb, Zhao Hai’s fist looked like a tiny toothpick challenging a heavy sledgehammer.

Tong! Zhao Hai was driven into the ground like a nail being hammered home. Simultaneously, the white ape felt the recoil of Zhao Hai’s counter-force. His massive arm trembled violently before steadying. A strange light flickered in the white ape’s eyes. He laughed and said, “Well done, kid! You are truly capable. From this day on, Xiao Wu shall follow you. See that you look after him, or you will have to face my full power.” In a blur of motion, the white ape vanished.

Zhao Hai vaulted out of the pit he had been driven into. He cupped his fists toward the direction the ape had gone and called out, “Senior, I thank you for your mercy.”

Xiao Wu hurried to Zhao Hai’s side. When Zhao Hai reached out to pat his head, the ape looked incredibly content.

The other Strong Apes gathered around Zhao Hai as well. Their previous hostility had vanished, replaced by intense curiosity. They had witnessed him surviving three strikes from their leader, which earned him their deep respect. Zhao Hai had become the first human to ever be truly acknowledged by the Strong Ape tribe.

In response to the surrounding apes, Zhao Hai waved his hand and summoned a mountain of fruit as a gesture of goodwill. Xiao Wu gestured for his kin to take the offering. The apes didn't hesitate, devouring the fruit in short order.

After the feast, Zhao Hai bid farewell to the tribe, sent Xiao Wu into the Space, and began his descent. The Strong Apes escorted him all the way to the edge of their territory.

Once he had cleared the mountain, Zhao Hai turned his thoughts to Xiao Wu. “Xiao Wu, your grandfather mentioned a clan mission. Do you know the details?”

Xiao Wu spoke truthfully, “Our tribe is tasked with protecting Strong Ape Mountain. Actually, my grandfather isn't the most powerful being there. Our clan has an ancient lineage. I’ve heard there are many powerful ancestors deep within the mountain. I am unsure of their exact strength, but legend says some could kill my grandfather with a single finger.”

Zhao Hai was surprised to learn the Strong Apes were guardians. He looked at Xiao Wu and asked, “What exactly are you protecting?”

Xiao Wu shook his head. “I am not certain. I only heard grandfather mention a stone coffin. He doesn't know what lies inside either. I only know that guarding it is our eternal duty. As long as our clan lives, the mission persists. We have guarded this mountain for countless generations.”

Zhao Hai’s eyebrows rose in interest. “A stone coffin? How fascinating. The world believes the peak of Strong Ape Mountain is only at the Teleportation Stage, unaware that there might be a Space Breaker expert hidden there. Your clan clearly views that coffin with extreme importance. Don't worry, I won't breathe a word of this to anyone.”

Xiao Wu nodded. “I appreciate that, Young Master.”

Zhao Hai continued, “I’ve had the Space modify the Demon Subjugation Technique for your use. Your clan’s current cultivation methods don't seem particularly potent. Try this new technique and see if it yields better results.”

Xiao Wu nodded eagerly. “I will train hard, Young Master.” Zhao Hai gave a satisfied nod and sent Xiao Wu back into the Space to begin his secluded cultivation.

The commotion from Zhao Hai’s duel with the white ape had not gone unnoticed. Cultivators nearby had heard the ruckus. Some realized the sounds were coming from Strong Ape Mountain and immediately abandoned any thought of investigating, fearing the wrath of the apes.

However, there were those driven by greed. They hoped to scavenge treasures if a powerful beast had fallen. Since Strong Ape Mountain remained largely unconquered, it was rumored to be filled with riches. Thinking they might strike it rich, several cultivators rushed toward the mountain borders.

Zhao Hai detected these individuals but chose to remain hidden. He avoided them entirely, seeking out a quiet place to recuperate.

As Zhao Hai rested, the greedy cultivators pushed forward. Reaching the base of the mountain, they saw no apes but found signs of massive destruction, including the enormous crater left by the white ape’s strike.

This sight emboldened them. They became convinced that a powerful master had wiped out the apes. Their fear vanished, replaced by a frantic urge to loot. Upon entering the mountain and finding several spiritual herbs, they began to shout with joy.

Those lingering at the edge saw the success of the first group and could no longer restrain themselves. They charged into the mountain to join the pillaging.

The resting Strong Apes were quickly alerted to the intrusion. Seeing humans desecrating their home, the apes flew into a murderous rage. While they had accepted Zhao Hai, their hatred for other humans remained unchanged. The apes went berserk, launching a brutal counterattack.

The humans were paralyzed with terror when they heard the apes' roars and realized the tribe was still very much alive. They turned to flee, but the Strong Apes were far faster. The beasts caught them and tore them limb from limb. By the time dawn broke, hundreds of cultivators had been slaughtered. From that night on, Strong Ape Mountain was marked as a forbidden zone that no one dared approach for many years.

Zhao Hai learned of the massacre the following day but felt no remorse. The cultivators in Gale Canyon were mostly thugs and criminals. Knowing they had met their end at the hands of the apes didn't bother him in the slightest.

He was now traveling toward the second major forbidden zone of the canyon: The Valley of the Sacred Elephant.

This valley was a vast, fertile expanse within the canyon, featuring clean water and abundant fruit trees. It was home to many treasures, most notably a mineral known as Essence Gold. When refined, this ore produced a metal that possessed a pure metal attribute.

While a metal attribute might sound common, Essence Gold was exceptionally rare. Most metals found in nature also carry traces of the earth element because they are extracted from the ground. Even "pure" metals usually have lingering earth properties.

Some metals possessed additional elemental attributes, making them highly sought after for crafting weapons that amplified specific powers. Essence Gold, however, was unique because it contained absolutely no other attributes—not even a trace of earth. It was pure metal.

This purity was its greatest strength. Because it lacked conflicting elements, it could unleash the full destructive potential of the metal attribute. Weapons forged with Essence Gold were incomparably sharp, capable of slicing through standard armaments as if they were nothing.