Chapter 115: Titan Giant Ape
"Everyone, leave the tents and gather around me!"
Zhao Wujing growled with a deep voice that trembled slightly, carrying a hint of fear.
The Shrek Seven Devils were momentarily stunned, but after spending several days cooperating, they had developed a tacit understanding.
Dai Mubai was the first to approach Zhao Wujing, asking in confusion:
"What's going on, Teacher Zhao?"
Zhao Wujing didn't answer, his gaze cautiously fixed on a specific direction.
Following his line of sight, the group saw an enormous creature suddenly appear in the forest.
The towering trees barely reached its legs, and it stood there like a mountain.
"What is that? A Titan Giant Ape?!"
Tang San's eyes narrowed, a hint of confusion crossed his face as if he had realized something, and he suddenly shouted in alarm.
"Judging by its size, this forest king, the Titan Giant Ape, must be at least 100,000 years old!"
At Tang San's words, everyone gasped in shock, their eyes filled with disbelief as they looked at the Titan Giant Ape in awe.
Only Xiao Wu didn't show any signs of anxiety. In fact, she seemed a little more relaxed. But due to the urgency of the situation, no one noticed this.
Jackson appeared beside Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan. Noticing that Dai Yao was missing, he anxiously asked:
"Where did Dai Yao go?"
"He went to talk with Ning Rongrong. He hasn't come back yet."
Zhu Zhuqing said, worry evident in her voice, before adding with determination:
"Grandpa Jackson, I'm going to find him!"
Dugu Yan beside her also said, "I'm going too!"
For a moment, Jackson felt a headache coming on: "You two, don't make things worse. What are you thinking? It's not even certain that I can survive this, let alone you two."
"You need to run. I'll try to hold off the Titan Giant Ape."
"If you find Dai Yao, tell him to run with you."
"Grandpa Jackson, what about you?" Zhu Zhuqing asked.
"You don't need to worry about me. I'm a Soul Douluo. My chances of surviving in front of the Titan Giant Ape are better than yours,"
Jackson said, then turned his head and exchanged a glance with Zhao Wujing, both of them understanding each other's resolve.
As teachers, they had to shoulder the responsibility and buy time for their students to escape.
In an instant, both released their Soul Rings. The aura of Soul Saints and Soul Douluo radiated from them.
Zhao Wujing said in a deep voice:
"Respected King of the Forest, we mean no offense. We will leave your territory immediately."
Although he spoke these words, he was cursing inwardly. The Titan Giant Ape, a legendary being over 10,000 years old, the absolute ruler of the forest, why was it appearing in an area where thousand-year-old soul beasts reside?
It was simply absurd!
He fervently prayed that the Forest King would let them go.
However, the Titan Giant Ape's movements made his heart skip a beat.
The dark golden patterns on the Titan Giant Ape's body glowed. It took a step forward, and a shockwave suddenly burst out, snapping countless trees in its path.
The Titan Giant Ape's movement made both Zhao Wujing and Jackson's hearts sink.
Jackson knew well how terrifying the Titan Giant Ape was. This kind of soul beast was at the top of the pyramid. It was said that in just a hundred years, it could rival a ten-thousand-year soul beast.
Among all known soul masters, it was said that only one person had ever hunted a Titan Giant Ape—the legendary Haotian Douluo, Tang Hao!
Moreover, this particular one was close to reaching the 100,000-year threshold.
It was the king of the entire Star Dou Forest.
Without hesitation, Jackson activated his seventh soul skill—Martial Soul Avatar. His body rapidly grew in size, turning into a massive armored bull over ten meters tall.
Seeing Jackson's decisive action, Zhao Wujing also summoned his Martial Soul Avatar, without sparing any soul power, transforming into a mighty Golden Titan Bear!
"Children, run!"
Jackson, now in his armored bull form, shouted loudly as he saw everyone still frozen at a distance.
With a flash of soul rings, Jackson's eighth soul ring glowed, and Zhao Wujing's first, second, third, and fifth rings flared. Both knew that if they didn't give their all from the very beginning, they would not be able to survive even a single strike from the Titan Giant Ape.
"Tang San, cover everyone while I go help Teacher Zhao."
Dai Mubai's eyes were grim as he instructed Tang San, before letting out a loud tiger roar and charging towards Zhao Wujing after activating his third soul skill.
Tang San froze for a moment, but seeing that no one else had any intention of retreating, he nodded.
"We'll go too. It's a shame Rongrong isn't here; otherwise, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could greatly enhance our attack power."
Zhu Lu, like a spiritual cat, quickly darted up into the treetops; Fatty let out a phoenix cry and leaped into the air, spewing fire; Oscar was busy chanting, "I have a big sausage," "I have a mushroom sausage," as he handed out various kinds of sausages to everyone.
Tang San stretched out his right hand, and Blue Silver Grass rapidly grew from his palm. He shouted:
"Blue Silver Bind!"
The vines quickly wrapped around the Titan Giant Ape's ankles but were immediately snapped, doing no damage at all.
...
Dai Yao stood frozen, staring at the terrifying Titan Giant Ape, swallowing hard.
Seeing the Shrek Seven Devils recklessly charge at the creature, he couldn't help but curse under his breath.
But Ning Rongrong, with determination in her eyes, rushed towards the Titan Giant Ape. Dai Yao quickly grabbed her hand.
"Are you crazy? Are you throwing your life away?"
Ning Rongrong struggled hard, but couldn't shake off Dai Yao's grip. She said forcefully:
"They are my friends. I have to help them!"
Dai Yao froze for a moment, then sighed lightly. This was the real princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Though she was often called a little witch, her true nature was not bad.
Gentle, strong, independent, and beautiful.
Dai Yao asked seriously, "Do you know that's the King of the Forest, the Titan Giant Ape? If you help them, you might die."
"We're far from them right now, and if we run, we have a good chance of surviving."
The gusts from the Titan Giant Ape were powerful. Ning Rongrong's hair whipped around in the wind, and she looked a bit disheveled, but her gaze was soft yet determined.
"I must help them. I'm not the little witch they say I am."
"Go, Dai Yao. You're not one of us Shrek people. Their safety has nothing to do with you, but I'm a Shrek student. I can't leave them when they're in the most danger."
Dai Yao paused, then smiled knowingly.
"In that case, how could I leave you behind? You're Ning Uncle's daughter. If I abandon you, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo will probably take my life."
Ning Rongrong's face flushed as she heard Dai Yao's words.
"Sorry, I'll explain to my father. This is my choice, and it has nothing to do with you."
"You won't abandon your friends, and I won't abandon my teacher and run. Also, Zhuqing and the others are nearby!" Dai Yao said calmly.
Both had the opportunity to escape, but to turn and run towards the Titan Giant Ape was akin to seeking their death.
However, Dai Yao knew the plot of the original story. After the Titan Giant Ape found Xiao Wu, it would leave. While it was dangerous, it was not a death sentence.
Moreover, he still had plans to obtain Tang San's Spider Spirit Bone, so he couldn't leave now.
After Dai Yao finished speaking, Ning Rongrong's heart trembled.
Previously, she thought Dai Yao was an arrogant genius. Now, she saw that he was also a trustworthy companion.
"Thank you, Dai Yao," Ning Rongrong said softly.
The two hadn't strayed far and, within a few steps, they caught sight of the group.
Seeing the ongoing battle, Ning Rongrong didn't hesitate. The radiant Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda spun out from her palm.
"Seven Treasures, turn out with glazed light!"
"First: Strength! Second: Speed!"
Her voice was crisp and brief as four beams of light shot out, landing on the Vigorous Vajra Bear and the Ironclad Bull.
As the light surged into their bodies, both realized their strength had dramatically increased.
Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up, his deep voice carrying a hint of joy:
"As expected of the number one auxiliary-type soul master clan. Even as just a Grand Soul Master, her boosts are already this incredible."
He was certain that his next attack would be the most powerful he had ever unleashed.
Meanwhile, Jackson, who also felt the surging strength within, was pleased yet more concerned.
"What's going on? Why is the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan here too? This is a disaster from the heavens!"
"Rongrong's here!" Oscar exclaimed with delight. But when he saw Dai Yao by her side, his mood instantly soured.
"With Rongrong's enhancements, the two teachers' power has greatly increased. Let's do our best to assist them and draw the Titan Giant Ape's attention!" Tang San's gaze darted around, searching for a weakness in the Titan Giant Ape.
Enhancing a Soul Sage and a Soul Douluo far exceeded a Grand Soul Master's capabilities. Just moments of boosting left Ning Rongrong's soul power depleted, and she collapsed to the ground from exhaustion.
Dai Yao extended his hands, his soul power surging. Just as he activated his martial soul, Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan rushed to his side.
"Dai Yao! Are you trying to kill yourself?!" Dugu Yan shouted in a panic.
Seeing that Dai Yao was unmoved and still intent on attacking the Titan Giant Ape, Dugu Yan grew increasingly anxious.
"They have nothing to do with you! Let them die if they must!"
"Don't go throwing your life away!"
She grabbed Dai Yao's hand, desperately trying to stop him.
"Don't worry, I'll come back safely," Dai Yao softly promised, sensing her concern. As he spoke, rings of soul power began appearing around him, the dazzling yellow-purple-purple glow captivating to the eye.
"Zhuqing, please persuade him!" Dugu Yan implored Zhu Zhuqing in desperation, hoping she could change Dai Yao's mind.
"Whatever Brother Yao wants to do, I will follow. If he meets misfortune, I will follow him in death," Zhu Zhuqing said coldly.
Dugu Yan's face showed shock as she muttered quietly, "You two are insane! Completely insane!"
Having read the original plot, Dai Yao knew there wasn't much danger, though the others weren't aware of this.
Seeing Dugu Yan's anxious expression, Dai Yao felt touched. He held her slender hand and sent a wisp of green light into her body.
He quickly located the source of accumulated toxins, and within mere moments, cleared away the poison that had built up over the years.
"This is?"
A wave of warmth spread through her body, and Dugu Yan felt so comfortable she nearly cried out. When she realized the toxins in her body had completely disappeared, she was stunned.
Dai Yao explained:
"The poison in your body has been entirely cleansed. As long as your soul power reaches the Soul Douluo level, you won't have any issues living out your natural lifespan."
"You can still leave now if you want."
Hearing his words, Dugu Yan bit her lip, her eyes filling with mist as she angrily retorted:
"What kind of person do you think I am, Dai Yao?! I've chosen you, and I won't change my mind! If Zhuqing can accompany you through life and death, why can't I?"
Dugu Yan's heartfelt and passionate confession made Dai Yao's expression a bit unnatural. Even Zhu Zhuqing was visibly taken aback.
Dai Yao assumed Dugu Yan was only concerned about who would help her detoxify if he were to die.
Because of this, he didn't hold back this time. Instead of procrastinating during treatment, he fully unleashed the dominating power of his green light, completely purging the toxins that had accumulated in her body.
Now, even if he were to die, Dugu Yan could suppress any future toxins accumulated from her cultivation, eventually living a normal lifespan like anyone else.
But Dai Yao couldn't understand what about him had captivated Dugu Yan so deeply that she would willingly risk her life to stay by his side.
Looking into her emerald-green eyes, he spoke earnestly:
"Trust me, I'll come back alive."
After hesitating for a long moment, Dugu Yan finally nodded, and Dai Yao breathed a sigh of relief.
He turned to glance at the exhausted Ning Rongrong and instructed Zhu Zhuqing:
"Zhuqing, stay here and take care of Rongrong. I'll be back soon."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes were filled with worry, but she nodded.
In the next moment, Dai Yao unfurled the wings on his back, leaping into the air and landing atop the treetops.
His second soul ring lit up.
"Millennium Soul Skill: White Tiger Fierce Light Wave!"
Tang San, who had been intently observing the battle, suddenly sensed a powerful energy fluctuation. Scanning the surroundings, he quickly locked onto Dai Yao, who was unleashing a soul skill.
When he saw the yellow-purple-purple soul ring combination, his pupils contracted sharply. Momentarily stunned, he even forgot to flap the wings provided by the Mushroom Sausage, nearly plummeting from the air.
"That's… a millennium second soul ring?" he exclaimed in shock.
Tang San's cry immediately drew everyone's attention.
"What kind of monster is that?" Fatty turned his head, his jaw dropping at Dai Yao's soul ring combination.
Oscar was so stunned he couldn't speak, even letting his large sausage drop to the ground unnoticed.
Everyone else's expressions were equally incredulous, except for Dai Mubai, who let out a wry chuckle.
"This guy just has to show off his soul rings. Whenever he does, everyone's eyes are drawn to him," Dai Mubai remarked.
He had seen Dai Yao's millennium second soul ring at the Star Luo Royal Academy. Back then, the sight had caused the entire Spirit Arena to erupt in thunderous cheers.
Tang San was thinking on a deeper level:
"His second soul ring is a millennium soul ring. That means his third soul ring must have an even higher limit. It's widely known that the limit for a third soul ring is around 1,500 years. Could his third soul ring be 3,000 or even 4,000 years old?"
If Dai Yao had known what Tang San was thinking, he would have merely chuckled without offering an explanation.
His third soul ring, after all, came from a 6,000-year-old Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear—a soul ring and skill of immense power.
For now, though, Dai Yao only intended to make a show of attacking the Titan Giant Ape once before being knocked aside. There was no need to use his third soul skill.
After the brief moment of astonishment, everyone's attention returned to the king of the forest.
(End of Chapter)
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