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

Zhao Hai stood frozen, witnessing the white ape’s sudden metamorphosis. A heavy, spiritual Qi radiated from the creature’s frame, a phenomenon that only occurred when a cultivator’s blood and Qi were pushed to their absolute limits.

Whenever a person exerts their full strength, their internal Qi and blood inevitably influence the atmosphere around them. Much like a commoner’s face flushes red during intense physical labor, cultivators experience a similar reaction when channeling their internal power.

When body cultivators unleash their true potential, their blood and Qi surge like a rushing river, granting their physical forms a source of inexhaustible vitality.

The aura emanating from the white ape, however, surpassed a mere river; it felt more like a terrifying tsunami. Simultaneously, the beast’s stature expanded to twice its original size. Retracting its arm, the white ape launched a devastating punch.

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

Faced with the white ape’s offensive, Zhao Hai’s expression turned grim. He inhaled sharply and crossed his forearms before his chest to brace for the impact.

Boom! The collision sent Zhao Hai sliding backward across the earth. Though he maintained his defensive posture, his feet carved two deep furrows into the soil as he was pushed back.

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

Once stationary, Zhao Hai lowered his arms. He had opted not to use any complex techniques, relying solely on his raw physical power to withstand the white ape’s strike. It was now evident that he had miscalculated the beast's true strength. The force of the punch had left his arms completely numb. Had it not been for his tempered physique and the trees absorbing the kinetic energy, he would have sustained serious injuries.

Crucially, Zhao Hai realized the white ape was still restraining itself; that first strike had been nothing more than a preliminary test.

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Hai slowly straightened his back. He understood that without utilizing his divergent abilities, he lacked the qualifications to challenge a Teleportation Stage Expert.

Zhao Hai walked back toward the white ape and cupped his fists in a respectful gesture. “I thank Senior for showing restraint. Please, proceed with the second strike.”

The white ape regarded Zhao Hai with a flicker of respect in its gaze. It spoke, “You managed to block a blow at sixty percent of my power. Furthermore, you recognized that I held back and still requested a second strike. You are a rare one. Very well, young man. It would be an insult to you if I continued to hold back. Prepare yourself.”

Zhao Hai nodded and dropped into a firm horse stance. This time, however, he activated his earth element divergent ability, causing his entire presence to merge seamlessly with the surrounding ground.

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 this my all.” Following his words, the ape’s aura surged once more as his height increased to eight meters.

The nearby Strong Apes watched in awe at their leader's transformation, screeching their encouragement. It was rare for the white ape to display such power. Even during the confrontation with the black-robed cultivator the previous day, he had only grown to six meters. He was clearly taking this fight seriously.

With a thunderous shout, the white ape threw another punch. It crossed the distance instantly, appearing before Zhao Hai in a heartbeat. This time, Zhao Hai did not simply block; he met the incoming blow with a fist of his own.

Upon impact, the earth beneath Zhao Hai’s feet erupted as if detonated by a massive explosive charge. A crater spanning a hundred meters wide opened up instantly, yet Zhao Hai remained standing, unscathed.

Seeing Zhao Hai unharmed, the white ape’s admiration grew. He laughed heartily, “Excellent! You diverted the force of my strike into the earth itself. Your Meridians are exceptional, and your bravery is even greater. I feared my strike might shatter your Meridians. Marvelous!” The white ape let out a deafening roar as his body swelled to ten meters in height. His fist now resembled a massive water jar as he brought it crashing down upon Zhao Hai.

Watching the colossal fist descend, Zhao Hai exhaled and met it with his own hand. At this moment, Zhao Hai’s fist appeared miniscule compared to the ape’s—like a toothpick trying to stop a sledgehammer.

Tong! Zhao Hai was driven into the ground like a nail being struck by a hammer. Simultaneously, the white ape felt the massive recoil of Zhao Hai’s counter-force. His arm trembled violently before he regained control. A strange light flashed in the white ape’s eyes. He laughed and declared, “Splendid, young man! You are truly capable. From this day forward, Xiao Wu shall accompany you. See that you look after him, or you shall face my unrestrained wrath.” With those words, the white ape blurred and vanished.

Zhao Hai surged out from the ground and cupped his fists toward where the ape had been. “Senior, I thank you for your mercy.”

Xiao Wu hurried to Zhao Hai’s side. When Zhao Hai reached out to pat his head, Xiao Wu let out a contented sound.

The other Strong Apes gathered around Zhao Hai. Their previous hostility had vanished, replaced by intense curiosity. Having witnessed him endure three strikes from their leader, they deeply respected his power. Zhao Hai had become the first human to earn the genuine recognition of the Strong Ape clan.

Observing the apes surrounding him, Zhao Hai signaled with his hand and produced a massive hoard of fruits as a gesture of goodwill. Xiao Wu gestured for his kin to accept the offering. The Strong Apes did not hesitate, quickly devouring the gift.

After the fruits were finished, Zhao Hai bid the apes farewell, sent Xiao Wu into his Space, and began his descent from Strong Ape Mountain. The apes escorted him all the way to the edge of their territory.

Once they had cleared the mountain, Zhao Hai asked, “Xiao Wu, your grandfather spoke of a clan mission. Do you know the details?”

Xiao Wu replied honestly, “Our clan is tasked with protecting Strong Ape Mountain. In truth, my grandfather is far from the most powerful being there. The Strong Ape Clan has an ancient lineage. I have heard rumors of ancestors deep within the mountain so powerful they could slay my grandfather with a single finger.”

Zhao Hai was surprised to learn the apes were acting as guardians. He asked, “What exactly are you protecting?”

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

Zhao Hai’s interest was piqued. “A stone coffin? That is intriguing. The world believes the strongest entity here is at the Teleportation Stage, unaware that a Space Breaker Expert might be dwelling within. Your clan clearly views this coffin with extreme importance. Do not worry; I will keep this secret.”

Xiao Wu nodded. “I thank you, Young Master.”

Zhao Hai continued, “I have had the Space modify the Demon Subjugation Technique for your use. Your clan’s current cultivation methods seem lacking. Try this new technique and see if it yields better results.”

Xiao Wu nodded eagerly, “I will train diligently, Young Master.” Zhao Hai nodded in approval and returned Xiao Wu to the Space to begin his meditation.

The commotion from Zhao Hai’s battle with the white ape had not gone unnoticed. Cultivators throughout the region had heard the din. Many realized the sounds originated from Strong Ape Mountain and immediately abandoned any thought of investigating, fearing the wrath of the apes.

However, there were those driven by greed who chose to risk their lives. They hoped to see if a powerful expert had fallen, perhaps leaving behind treasures or the resources of the mountain. Since Strong Ape Mountain had never been conquered, it was rumored to be filled with riches. Consequently, several cultivators began racing toward the mountain’s borders.

Zhao Hai detected these individuals but chose not to reveal himself. He skillfully avoided them, seeking a quiet place to recuperate.

While Zhao Hai looked for a place to rest, the other cultivators pushed forward. Upon reaching the base of the mountain, they saw no apes but found signs of massive destruction, including the enormous crater created by the white ape.

This sight emboldened them, convincing them that a major conflict had occurred and the apes might be dead or weakened. Their greed overcame their fear, and they rushed into the mountain to scavenge. When they discovered various spiritual herbs, their excitement reached a fever pitch.

Seeing these early successes, other hesitant cultivators joined the fray. They swarmed the mountain, intent on looting everything in sight.

The resting Strong Apes were quickly alerted to the intrusion. Seeing humans trespassing and defiling their home, the apes were consumed by rage. While they had accepted Zhao Hai, their hatred for humanity remained. They launched a savage counter-attack against the invaders.

The humans were horrified to hear the apes' roars and see them charging, very much alive. They turned to flee in terror, but the apes were far faster. The beasts caught the cultivators and tore them apart. Hundreds were slaughtered in a single night. From that point on, Strong Ape Mountain was declared a forbidden zone, and no one dared approach within a hundred kilometers.

Zhao Hai learned of the massacre the following day but remained indifferent. Most cultivators in Gale Canyon were of questionable character. Knowing they had met their end at the hands of the apes stirred no pity in him.

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

This valley was a vast, fertile expanse with clean water, abundant fruit trees, and various treasures. Most notably, it contained a rare ore known as Essence Gold, which could be processed into a metal possessing a pure metal attribute.

While metallic ores are common, Essence Gold was unique. Most metals carry a trace of the earth element because they are extracted from the ground. Even "pure" metals usually have a lingering earth attribute.

Metals containing specific attributes are highly prized for creating weapons that enhance those elements. Essence Gold, however, was a rare exception. Once refined, it possessed absolutely no other attributes—not even a hint of earth. It was pure metal.

This purity granted it immense power. Because it lacked conflicting attributes, it could express the full lethality of the metal element. Weapons forged with Essence Gold were incredibly sharp, capable of slicing through standard weapons as if they were nothing.