C20 Old White Ape Monkey Wine

Wang Pingfan stared in awe at the ten-meter-tall white ape before him. Like the smaller white ape behind him, this one had a tuft of golden hair between its eyebrows, likely signifying its status as the leader of the white apes.

The white ape leader fixed its gaze on Wang Pingfan, and an invisible pressure bore down on him. His legs shook uncontrollably, yet he managed to remain standing, refusing to fall. The leader seemed surprised; it was unexpected that a youngster, not even a Martial Master, could withstand its imposing presence.

The little white ape behind Wang Pingfan couldn't stand by any longer. It scurried to the leader's side, chattering away. The leader looked at the little one with affection, stroked its head, and even cracked a smile, resembling a tender father watching over his child. Suddenly, the oppressive weight lifted from Wang Pingfan's shoulders. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for air as his energy surged chaotically before settling down. With a surge of elation, he realized that he had broken through to become an Eight-star Martial Cultivator amidst the ordeal.

The little white ape brandished two massive fangs and continued to roar beside the leader, seemingly recounting its recent adventures and proudly displaying its prized fangs. But the leader's expression turned stern, and after a few sharp roars, the little ape hung its head in a display of contrition, looking every bit the picture of a chastised child.

The white ape leader appeared to have more to say, but a deep roar from the central cave interrupted. The little ape, delighted by the sound, scampered inside. Wang Pingfan was puzzled. Could there be an even more formidable creature within? The leader's strength was unparalleled in his experience, likely outmatching even a score of Lerora's finest.

Just then, a forceful shove at Wang Pingfan's back nearly sent him tumbling. The white ape leader gestured towards the cave, signaling him to enter. Wang Pingfan couldn't help but grumble internally, "Could you not push so gently? What feels like a nudge to you is a herculean shove to me!"

Wang Pingfan could only grumble inwardly as he ventured into the cave without further hesitation. Not long into his journey, he stumbled upon a sight that left him astounded—a colossal white ape, seated in a human-like posture. A smaller white ape lay contentedly in the giant's embrace, seemingly relishing the grooming it was receiving, punctuated by occasional yawns.

The sheer size of the seated giant ape was what truly took Wang Pingfan aback. Its stature rivaled that of the white ape leader he had seen outside. Standing, this behemoth would likely reach a towering height of nearly twenty meters. It was no wonder the cave had been carved so large; otherwise, the giant ape wouldn't even be able to stand.

The ape's white fur was so long that its face was nearly obscured, with only a hint of golden fur visible on its forehead. Yet, Wang Pingfan could not detect any of the powerful aura typically emanating from such a creature. It was as if the beast harbored no spiritual energy at all.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in Wang Pingfan's mind, "Little guy, thank you for assisting Little White in hunting its first prey. I heard everything it said outside the cave. It's very fond of its trophy, and of you as well."

Startled, Wang Pingfan stumbled backward. The voice had been transmitted telepathically—a hallmark of the Martial King Realm! The two distinguishing features of a Martial King were the ability to fly great distances to slay enemies and the possession of Spiritual Force.

One could only awaken their Spiritual Sea and harness Spiritual Force upon reaching the Martial King Realm, unless they were a Demonic Beast with exceptional gifts or had practiced a cultivation technique of the heavenly tier or higher.

Wang Pingfan had managed to access Spiritual Force early due to his cultivation of the Chaos Scripture, albeit his current power was feeble, extending a mere three meters to sense his surroundings. He was not yet capable of telepathic communication. Gazing at the giant ape in awe, he realized that the creature must have ascended to the Martial King Realm. But how could this be, when the strongest known in Mount Tempest were said to be of the Martial Marquis Realm? This revelation suggested that the giant ape had concealed its true strength. If it were to descend the mountain and wreak havoc, not even the royal reinforcements would stand a chance against it.

The giant ape seemed to notice the concern in Wang Pingfan's eyes and reassured him, "Little guy, there's no need to worry. Decades ago, I, along with a few others from Mount Tempest, made a pact with your royal family. You humans agreed not to send large hunting parties after demon beasts, and in return, we wouldn't unleash a beast tide to harm ordinary humans. A few years back, an elder from your Aetherwind Dynasty brought two youths up the mountain to challenge Da Bai. Shortly after their descent, one of them advanced to the Martial King Realm. It's a shame Da Bai hasn't made a breakthrough yet; when it comes to talent, he's quite outmatched by you humans." The giant ape cast a look of exasperation at the white ape leader who had just entered.

The white ape leader silently bowed its head, too proud to offer any rebuttal.

Wang Pingfan hadn't expected to uncover such a tale. He had heard about the time, decades ago, when the Aetherwind Dynasty's royal family led a hundred thousand troops into the mountains, only to come back empty-handed. Now it made sense. The young man who had reached the Martial King realm a few years ago was likely the current marshal, the Divine Might Marshal. Even from his distant home in Rerora, Wang Pingfan had caught wind of the marshal's renown.

Yet, to the giant ape, this figure of legend was merely a 'little guy,' which Wang Pingfan found amusing. But considering their size difference, 'little guy' seemed quite fitting. At that moment, the little white ape was sound asleep, snoring in the giant ape's embrace, having run tirelessly alongside Wang Pingfan without a moment's rest. It was truly spent.

The giant ape went on, "Our Demon Beast Clan highly values the principle of repaying kindness. Since you've aided Little White, I'll grant you a favor." Wang Pingfan touched his nose, feeling a bit sheepish. He had already taken a small piece of the Green Scaled Fruit, and now there was talk of more rewards.

But he kept his thoughts to himself. Who would turn down a good deal? After speaking, the giant ape bellowed a few commands at the white ape leader, who then retreated into the depths of the cave. Shortly after, it emerged with a stone bowl in hand.

To the white ape leader, it was merely a bowl, but for Wang Pingfan, it seemed more like a cauldron. In a flash, the fragrance of wine permeated the entire cave. Wang Pingfan had detected a subtle scent upon entering, but he hadn't paid it much mind. To his surprise, it turned out to be the aroma of wine, so potent that even the Little White Ape stirred from its slumber, eyeing the bowl with longing and drooling.

A realization dawned on Wang Pingfan. Each ape was a wine-making virtuoso, and their Monkey Wine was highly sought after by humans. The more exquisite varieties of Monkey Wine could even aid in martial breakthroughs. However, such premium Monkey Wine was exceedingly rare, obtainable only by besting the apes that crafted it.

Wang Pingfan cast a wary eye at the colossal white ape. Who would dare to try and take something from it? That would surely be tantamount to suicide!