Chapter 188: A Terrifying Speed That Shocked Everyone
"Han Yue, are you sure about bringing this kid with us?"
A dark-skinned youth in yellow robes frowned as he looked at the pale-skinned, handsome Xiao Yuan.
He could tell at a glance that Xiao Yuan's aura was only at the level of a Da Dou Shi. And with that kind of strength… facing a Snow Demon Ape? Was this a joke?
"You're that pretty and young freshman named Xiao Yuan, the one who defeated Yao Sheng?"
A loud, rough voice interrupted. Xiao Yuan turned toward it and saw a brawny man with a faint stubble. He was massive—two heads taller than most—and exuded an imposing aura. The muscles along his exposed forearms bulged with tension.
Clearly, this was a strength-based fighter.
"Yes, that's me."
Xiao Yuan nodded calmly. His composure earned a slight nod of approval from Yan Hao, the speaker.
That kind of attitude—he liked it. Reminded him of himself.
"To defeat the Bai Sha Team, then whitewashing Bai Cheng, a six-star Dou Ling, and Yao Sheng, a seven-star Dou Ling… That performance even surpasses my prime. The new generation really is fearless."
The speaker this time was a young man in a blue robe, handsome and serene, giving off an effortless aura.
Lin Xiuya—ranked second on the Strong Ranking.
Sensing the immense Dou Qi surging in Lin Xiuya, Xiao Yuan's eyes flickered. From what he could tell, Lin was already brushing the threshold of Dou Wang.
"Tch. That's impressive and all, but that strength still isn't enough to deal with the Snow Demon Ape, is it?"
The dark-faced youth's gaze grew more cautious but remained skeptical as he turned toward Han Yue.
"If I'm not strong enough, then I'd suggest this senior return home. You'll be even less capable of dealing with the Snow Demon Ape."
Xiao Yuan smiled lightly, though his words carried a blade. It sounded arrogant—because it was.
"Seems like our junior doesn't quite understand what Strong Ranking top tens really mean," the yellow-robed youth said, his already dark face growing even darker.
Han Yue furrowed her brows but said nothing. As strong as Xiao Yuan's record was, he was still a bit short of the top ten, all of whom stood at the peak of Dou Ling.
"No—you don't understand me. That fight with Yao Sheng? That was two months ago. I've grown stronger since then."
Xiao Yuan shook his head and, for once, decided to explain.
Truth be told, if they really fought, just combining Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Change with Three Thousand Lightning Movement would be enough to instantly crush this guy.
Not because he was weak—but because Xiao Yuan's speed was monstrous. He hadn't even used it seriously yet.
"Hmph! Why don't we head to the arena and fight first? If you lose, go sit down quietly and stop holding us back."
The yellow-robed man sneered.
But then—crackle!
The faint buzz of thunder rang out.
An immense aura exploded forth, and to the astonishment of Lin Xiuya, Yan Hao, and Han Yue, Xiao Yuan instantly appeared behind the yellow-robed man. His icy cold palm was already resting on the back of his neck.
"If I win… what then?"
Xiao Yuan's soft chuckle rang out.
The other three looked utterly shaken.
Was this even possible?
A Da Dou Shi instantly overwhelming a peak Dou Ling?
The yellow-robed man hadn't even had time to circulate his Dou Qi before he was completely subdued. Cold sweat trickled down his back.
That speed… how was it even real?
And the strength in that hand—easily matched his own. No way this was just a Da Dou Shi.
"I didn't expect Junior Xiao Yuan to be this sharp. That technique—he hadn't shown it before."
Lin Xiuya's eyes glinted as he looked at the fading afterimage beside Han Yue, though he kept smiling.
"Senior Lin, would you have needed full strength to deal with Bai Cheng or Yao Sheng?"
Thunder crackled faintly. Xiao Yuan had already returned to his original spot, smiling calmly.
Lin Xiuya froze—then quickly understood what Xiao Yuan meant.
So those fights weren't even his limit?
Huh?
Lin Xiuya suddenly felt a headache. Since when were freshmen this broken?
The others also realized what Xiao Yuan was implying. They weren't fools. Just from the brief burst of speed and aura alone, he had already earned a place among them.
The yellow-robed youth had lost face, but since he'd been the one to provoke things—and couldn't honestly say he could defend against Xiao Yuan's attack again—he gave a tight-lipped smile in response.
He definitely didn't want to follow Bai Cheng and Yao Sheng's fate—becoming another stepping stone for Xiao Yuan's rise on the Strong Ranking.
"Well, if there are no objections, let's set off," Han Yue said after regaining her composure.
"Mm, let's go."
The others nodded. Five figures streaked toward the rear mountains of the Inner Academy.
They moved swiftly, and after half an hour, Han Yue led them to the outskirts of a secluded valley.
At the back wall of the valley loomed a huge, pitch-black cave. It was clear—that was where the Earth Core Body Milk was located.
But clearly… the cave held more than just that.
Feeling the powerful aura of a rank 5 magical beast radiating from the valley, everyone's faces turned serious.
"What's the plan?" Yan Hao asked.
"Let's draw the Snow Demon Ape out first," Lin Xiuya suggested.
The others nodded.
Though they were strong, fighting the Snow Demon Ape inside its lair would be suicide.
Yan Hao flipped his hand and pulled out a massive iron hammer—pitch-black and heavy, glinting with a cold sheen under the sun.
From the bulging veins on his arm, it was clearly very heavy.
He nodded at the others, then darted forward. Hammer in hand, he began slamming it into the mountain walls, causing the entire valley to tremble.
This brute-force method of "shaking the mountain to rouse the ape" was crude—but effective.
Moments later, a deafening roar burst from the cave like a thunderclap.
The ground quaked as a massive figure stomped out. Its eyes locked instantly onto Yan Hao.
A towering, three- to four-zhang-tall white ape charged out, icy cold aura surrounding its form. Steam hissed from its nostrils like twin smoke columns, and its elongated arms ended in claws the size of two adult heads. One swipe sent boulders flying, and its blood-red eyes blazed with fury as they glared at Yan Hao—and the four others behind him.
"Damn. That's a fully matured Snow Demon Ape."
Everyone's expressions grew grim.
A mature Snow Demon Ape… meant three-star Dou Wang strength.
And among the five of them, Han Yue was the weakest and couldn't fight. Xiao Yuan's burst of speed was impressive, but his actual combat power was unknown. That left four peak Dou Lings to deal with a three-star Dou Wang-level beast.
It was going to be rough.
Still, they weren't about to back down.
Lin Xiuya touched down first, followed by the others.
"This beast is no joke. Han Yue, are you sure the Earth Core Body Milk is real? You didn't drag us here for free labor, did you? Even some of the elders wouldn't dare fight this thing."
Yan Hao had to ask. He wasn't about to risk his life over bad intel.
"You don't need to worry, Senior Yan Hao. I know the risks. If I've made a mistake, I'll take full responsibility," Han Yue said with a voice as cool and clear as mountain spring water.
"Haha, Yan Hao, you know Han Yue wouldn't take this lightly. If that Earth Core Body Milk is real, it'll benefit all of us. And with the tournament in four months, an increase in strength now could mean winning an elder's seat later."
Lin Xiuya smiled.
"True. This beast is dangerous. A mistake could mean death. Double-checking isn't wrong."
The yellow-robed youth added, eyes locked on the Snow Demon Ape.
"Heh. Everyone in the top ten of the Strong Ranking has their own trump cards. This ape may be strong, but if it really comes down to a fight, I think it'll regret it."
Lin Xiuya chuckled, gently tapping his green sword. With a hum, gusts of near-solid wind spun up around him.
"Don't worry. That ape might be strong, but with my speed, he won't touch anyone while I'm watching."
Xiao Yuan's smile was calm—his tone confident.
"Indeed. Xiao Yuan's speed is amazing," Lin Xiuya agreed. Even he, with his wind-type Dou Qi, couldn't match it.
The yellow-robed youth said nothing more. As embarrassing as earlier was, he had to admit—Xiao Yuan was a reliable safeguard.
"Alright then. Let's move. Han Yue, your strength isn't enough for this fight. Best if you stay back and monitor the surroundings."
Lin Xiuya lowered his sword slightly and smiled.
"Mm." Han Yue nodded, lightly tapped a boulder with her toe, and landed gracefully atop a tree with a wide view of the area.
"Hehe, everyone—it's been a while since we fought together. Let's see who's improved."
Lin Xiuya grinned. His aura surged—faintly beyond Dou Ling level.
Yan Hao swung his hammer, shattering the air with its force. His energy roared forth.
The yellow-robed youth also revealed a mighty aura.
"Xiao Yuan, don't hold back. Earlier, your aura wasn't any weaker than mine," he said with a grin.
Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded. Then his aura skyrocketed—straight to five-star Dou Ling. A beat later, black and white flames burst forth. Though it appeared only eight-star Dou Ling on the surface, the Dou Qi strength was comparable to a peak Dou Ling.
"What a miraculous secret technique…"
Even Lin Xiuya was envious. Strength-boosting secret arts were rare—and usually came with drawbacks. But Xiao Yuan seemed unaffected.
Feeling the rising pressure, the Snow Demon Ape roared. Its massive claws slammed into its chest, sending visible shockwaves outward. Boulders cracked as the ground shook.
"Foolish humans! Do not dream of stealing the Earth Core Body Milk. Leave now—and I'll spare your lives!"
The beast raised its head, red eyes burning as its voice rumbled like thunder through the valley.
(END CHAPTER)
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on March 2, 2026.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1