C18 Second Level of the Body Transformation of the Chaos Scripture

In a nondescript little cave on the outskirts of Mount Tempest, Wang Pingfan stood side by side with a towering white ape that measured three meters in height. Before them lay a green fruit, roughly the size of a watermelon. The ape gazed longingly at the fruit, then turned its eyes to Wang Pingfan. With a look of agony, it reluctantly broke off a small chunk of the fruit and handed it to him.

Wang Pingfan stared at the piece of fruit before him, at a loss for words. He mused to himself that the white ape was nearly at the point of gaining spiritual awareness. At that moment, the ape was clutching two massive fangs in one hand and the fruit against its chest with the other, ready to fight anyone who dared to lay a finger on its treasure.

Nevertheless, the small piece was sufficient for Wang Pingfan's needs. The Green Scale Fruit was, after all, of the third-grade supreme quality. He feared that consuming even half of it might cause him to burst. When the white ape noticed Wang Pingfan's silence, it gestured for him to leave.

Without lingering, Wang Pingfan took the fruit and made his way back to the toxic wasteland. Once he had steadied himself, he consumed the small piece of Green Scale Fruit. Within seconds, his skin flushed red, and faint scale-like patterns emerged across his body. Wang Pingfan began to practice the Chaos Scripture, extracting the life energy from the beast cores of other white tigers he had collected. A vortex of energy formed around him, repelling the poisonous gases nearby.

Meanwhile, in a clandestine chamber within Rerora County, the Zhao and Qian families were deep in discussion. Gathered together, their faces bore grim expressions. The patriarch of the Zhao family lamented, "Our families' plan has been thwarted by that youngster. It's truly hard to swallow."

The head of the Qian family responded, "You assured us it was foolproof. Look at the state we're in now. Moreover, the Wang family is growing increasingly close to the City Lord's Mansion, making it even more difficult to act."

With a cold laugh, the Zhao family patriarch retorted, "Rest assured, Master Qian, things are not as dire as they seem. My father is on the verge of advancing to the Martial Marquis realm. I believe someone from your Qian family is nearing that breakthrough as well."

"Oh, Master Zhao, you're incredibly well-informed, even privy to such details. I suspect you've infiltrated my Qian family with quite a few spies!" the Qian family's patriarch said with a frosty tone.

The Zhao family's patriarch retorted, "And are you implying that the Zhao family hasn't been infiltrated by your people? Let's set these matters aside for now. Once both of our families have made their breakthroughs, we'll take down the Wang family without giving the City Lord's Palace a chance to intervene. Once the Wang family falls, will the City Lord's Palace really trouble themselves over a fallen clan?"

"Indeed, that would be ideal," the Qian family's patriarch responded. "But I insist on eliminating that Wang family brat immediately."

"Don't worry, Master Qian," assured the Zhao family's patriarch. "I've been well informed about that young man. He hasn't returned home since the Grand Competition and has stayed up in the mountains. I've already dispatched two elders to deal with him. For now, our families must remain discreet and not expose any weaknesses to the Wang family, lest they become wary."

"I certainly hope you won't let me down this time, Master Zhao. Otherwise, next time, the Qian family will take the lead," the Qian patriarch remarked. Zhao Tian merely scoffed and remained silent.

Soon after, both parties departed through their respective passages, their clandestine meeting to plot against Wang Pingfan unknown to the outside world. Meanwhile, Wang Pingfan had been sitting amidst the toxic miasma for three days, seemingly protected by an invisible cyclone that repelled any poisonous insects that came too close.

As the cyclone around him began to dissipate, Wang Pingfan suddenly opened his eyes and threw a punch forward without using any Spiritual Qi. A fist imprint appeared on a large tree two meters away, a feat that typically required the strength of at least a Martial Master. Wang Pingfan smiled contentedly. Despite not achieving a breakthrough in his realm and remaining a seven-star Martial Cultivator, he had reached the Initial Stage of the second level of the Chaos Scripture's Body Refinement. His physical strength was now nearly on par with that of a two-star Martial Master.

Wang Pingfan stepped out from the poisonous barrier and made his way to the White Ape's cave. He was once again seeking to spar with the creature, but this time he approached with a newfound sense of confidence. It didn't take long for Wang Pingfan to reach the entrance of the cave, but despite waiting for an extended period, the White Ape did not appear. He wondered if perhaps the White Ape had left the cave.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed from within, and the White Ape burst forth, shattering the cave entrance as it leaped out. Wang Pingfan was taken aback; the claw mark that had once marred the ape's chest was gone, and its body appeared larger and more formidable, indicating a significant increase in strength. The White Ape glanced at Wang Pingfan with a look of contempt and beckoned him with a taunting gesture.

Wang Pingfan was momentarily surprised but quickly came to a realization. His own power had surged considerably, and he had been looking for an opportunity to test his skills. The White Ape's challenge was unexpected, but he was not about to back down.

Thus, man and ape clashed, exchanging blows with no intention of evasion. After five hundred punches, despite the protection of his borrowed beast armor, Wang Pingfan was overpowered and sent flying, coughing up blood.

The White Ape seemed delighted, hopping around triumphantly. It gave Wang Pingfan a glance that seemed to say, "You're no match for me." At that moment, Wang Pingfan acknowledged that he was indeed outmatched. Without the beast armor, he would have been defeated in far fewer punches. Suddenly, a red object flew towards him. Catching it, Wang Pingfan realized it was a Vermillion Fruit, a key component for crafting the Rank Two Blood Qi Pill, capable of swiftly replenishing one's Qi and restoring vitality.

The White Ape looked at Wang Pingfan and motioned for him to consume the fruit. Wang Pingfan reflected on the ape's actions, realizing that despite its fierce demeanor, the White Ape bore no ill will towards humans, unlike other demonic beasts. It seemed to possess a childlike innocence. He wondered about the ape's age. After eating the Vermillion Fruit and taking a moment to recuperate, Wang Pingfan felt revitalized. The fruit's potent medicinal properties had not yet fully dispersed, and he sensed that it wouldn't be long before he ascended to the rank of an Eight-star Martial Cultivator.

The white ape approached Wang Pingfan, gestured towards itself, and then towards the deep forest. It appeared quite pleased, yet Wang Pingfan was utterly perplexed, unable to decipher its intentions. The two of them exchanged blank stares, seemingly at a loss to understand one another. Growing impatient, the white ape motioned for Wang Pingfan to climb onto its shoulder. Though puzzled by the request, Wang Pingfan reasoned that the benevolent creature meant him no harm and complied.

As they traveled, the demonic beasts they encountered along the way kept their distance. However, their luck soon ran out when they stumbled upon two men clad entirely in black, with only their eyes visible. The sight of Wang Pingfan and the white ape seemed to thrill the men in black. Without hesitation, one of them charged forward.

The white ape, incensed by the audacity of these two insignificant humans who dared not flee, met their charge head-on, and a fierce collision ensued.