Mortal Bones

 "Bang!"

The Fire Pattern Python was struck by the Mountain-Moving Ape's punch, its body jolting backward and crashing heavily into the cliff behind it.

"Boom!"

However, as the Mountain-Moving Ape stepped on the Fire Pattern Python's tail once more, the python suddenly erupted in a cloud of blood mist, which quickly transformed into lightning flames that wrapped around its body.

"Crack!"

The Fire Pattern Python, now surrounded by fierce flames, suddenly coiled around the Mountain-Moving Ape, and the intense grip caused the ape's bones to crack, breaking who knows how many.

In addition to the python's tightening grip, the Mountain-Moving Ape had to endure the searing heat of the demonic fire. Despite its tough skin and muscle, it couldn't withstand the double-strength attack from the Fire Pattern Python. Some vulnerable parts were either scorched or cracked, and it was clear it couldn't hold on much longer.

"Roar!"

As if knowing its time was near, the Mountain-Moving Ape suddenly wrapped its arms around the Fire Pattern Python, biting down with its sharp teeth on its neck.

The pained Fire Pattern Python let out a shrill cry, and the two beasts began to wrangle fiercely on the ground.

The Bamboo Creek Valley trembled as the battle raged, stones flying and trees toppling.

Watching the vicious battle between the two demonic beasts, Xu Taiping was deeply shocked by the scene before him.

However, he soon sensed that danger was closing in.

He noticed that the Fire Pattern Python seemed intent on dragging the Mountain-Moving Ape into the water.

"Though this creature is in a frenzy, it still retains some intelligence. It knows that it would have the upper hand in the water, so you, Taiping, must find a way to escape the pond."

Fairy Ling Yue reminded Xu Taiping.

"I have an idea."

Xu Taiping thought carefully for a moment before speaking to Fairy Ling Yue in his mind.

"What idea?"

Fairy Ling Yue asked curiously.

Xu Taiping then shared his idea with her.

"Hmm... since we can't stay in the pond anyway, and the Fire Pattern Python is already weakened, it's worth a try. But if it doesn't work, you must immediately escape into the forest."

After hearing Xu Taiping's plan, Fairy Ling Yue agreed it was worth attempting.

"Okay."

Xu Taiping nodded decisively and placed a pill he had gotten from the Tiger Demon earlier into his palm. He then stared intently at the ongoing battle between the Fire Pattern Python and the Mountain-Moving Ape.

"Splash!"

Before long, Xu Taiping saw the Fire Pattern Python dive into the water, its tail still tightly wrapped around the Mountain-Moving Ape, trying to drag it into the water with it.

"Ling Yue, sister."

Seeing the Mountain-Moving Ape about to fall into the water, Xu Taiping suddenly called out to Fairy Ling Yue in his mind.

"All right."

Fairy Ling Yue immediately understood and removed the concealment on Xu Taiping's aura, which also included the Fire Lingzhi.

The moment Xu Taiping's aura was revealed, the previously frenzied Fire Pattern Python snapped back to its senses and locked onto Xu Taiping's figure in the water.

It let out a low growl and abandoned the Mountain-Moving Ape, rushing toward Xu Taiping.

"Splash!"

Already prepared to escape, Xu Taiping leapt up suddenly, bursting out of the water with a loud splash, and quickly shoved the pill into his mouth.

At almost the same moment, the Fire Pattern Python's head emerged from the water, opening its massive mouth to bite down on Xu Taiping.

Facing the python's attack, Xu Taiping didn't dodge but instead activated the Ice Breath Technique, opening his mouth to expel a blast of ice mist.

After his recent training, even without the aid of a Qi Gathering Pill, Xu Taiping was still able to expel an ice breath using a regular Recovery Pill.

Though the power was weaker than when he used a Qi Gathering Pill, the effect was different in this water-filled environment.

"Roar!"

"Crack, crack..."

Xu Taiping's ice breath didn't freeze the Fire Pattern Python as it had the Tiger Demon, but it did freeze the lower half of the python's body along with the entire pond, rendering it immobile.

"With water assisting, the Ice Breath Technique's power is increased by at least thirty percent."

Fairy Ling Yue, in her ethereal form, nodded in satisfaction.

Xu Taiping, clinging to a rock on the cliffside, also showed a pleased expression as the results far exceeded his expectations.

"Roar!"

Just as Xu Taiping was about to leap off the cliff and leave the valley, the Mountain-Moving Ape, who had been on the verge of death at the edge of the pond, suddenly roared and leapt up with all its remaining strength, slamming its massive paw toward the Fire Pattern Python's head.

The immobile Fire Pattern Python could only watch as the Mountain-Moving Ape's enormous paw struck its head.

"Bang!"

The Fire Pattern Python's head was smashed by the ape's paw, and blood mist filled the air.

"Plop!"

With that final effort, the Mountain-Moving Ape's body collapsed heavily onto the ice, and it could no longer rise.

Xu Taiping watched the scene silently, lost in thought.

The reason he had used the Ice Breath to trap the Fire Pattern Python wasn't to help the Mountain-Moving Ape, but simply to protect himself. However, in the end, he had helped the ape nonetheless.

"Taiping, don't think that cultivators in the cultivation world are any different from these mountain beasts. Most of them, just like these beasts, will not hesitate to harm their own companions, even their brothers or sisters, in order to survive and increase their cultivation."

Fairy Ling Yue offered timely advice.

"Hmm, I understand."

Xu Taiping nodded firmly.

"My grandfather also said, 'Never have the heart to harm others, but always be prepared to defend against them.'"

He muttered to himself.

"Let's go. The Fire Lingzhi is in hand. We can now plant the Earth Fruit."

Fairy Ling Yue nodded.

"You... you..."

Just as Xu Taiping was about to use his Wind Shadow Step to leave the Bamboo Creek Valley, the Mountain-Moving Ape, still on the ice and barely clinging to life, suddenly lifted its head and looked at Xu Taiping. Its voice was rough as it spoke in broken human language.

"This Mountain-Moving Ape can speak human language?"

Xu Taiping was somewhat surprised.

"In the western mountains... I... my child... is there... I want... to see my child... I can give you... give you something... something..."

The Mountain-Moving Ape's voice was stiff, but its eyes and expression were filled with pleading. However, it was too weak, and its head drooped once again before it could finish.

"Ling Yue, sister."

Xu Taiping turned to look at Fairy Ling Yue's ethereal form, seeking her opinion.

"Go see, the Fire Pattern Python is dead, and there are no other dangerous beasts nearby."

Fairy Ling Yue smiled.

Although she had been emphasizing the cruelty of the cultivation world to Xu Taiping, she would not stop him from showing this level of compassion.

"If one lacks even this bit of compassion, they might as well fall into the demonic path."

Looking at Xu Taiping flying toward the western mountains, Fairy Ling Yue murmured to herself.

...

Moments later.

Xu Taiping returned to the Bamboo Creek Valley.

This time, however, he was holding a small, obedient snow monkey in his arms.