Just as Bi Zhen was about to assist Shi Mengzhu in gathering his family and preparing to leave, she suddenly sensed a violent disturbance in the spiritual energy high in the air. Turning quickly, she saw Mei Qing’s figure vanish completely, while limbs and armor fragments scattered in all directions, and the surrounding spiritual energy became chaotic and turbulent. The formation emitted a terrifying burst of light and sound, then exploded violently, causing utter chaos.
Bi Zhen was greatly alarmed, unsure of what had happened to Mei Qing. At that moment, however, her mind stirred, and she received a mental message from Mei Qing assuring her he was safe and urging her to be cautious. Only then did Bi Zhen feel relieved. She noticed that the two Xi girls had already exhausted their strength and were gradually being recalled, which further calmed her.
Yet just then, a cheerful voice suddenly called out from behind, “Young lady, please wait a moment.”
Bi Zhen was startled, realizing she had completely failed to sense the presence of anyone approaching, indicating that the newcomer’s cultivation was no less than her own. She quickly turned around and saw two figures slowly emerging from the darkness—one fat and one thin. The fat one was a monk, bald-headed, with a cheerful face like a Maitreya, who smiled broadly and said, “Esteemed Mr. Shi, we would like to invite you to our humble abode for a chat. We wonder if you would be so kind as to accept?”
Shi Mengzhu merely glanced at the monk with a calm expression but said nothing. Bi Zhen, standing nearby, shouted, “Where did this wild monk come from? Why aren’t you reciting scriptures in the temple, running around everywhere?”
The fat monk laughed and replied, “Young lady, please don’t misunderstand me. I’m no vagabond monk. In the cultivation world, I do have a modest reputation—I’m known as Xiao Milet, the Laughing Maitreya. Today, I have official business that requires Mr. Shi’s presence. I hope, young lady, you can be accommodating.”
“Laughing Maitreya?” Bi Zhen tilted her head thoughtfully. “I’ve never heard of you. Besides, Qing told me to be especially wary of those who smile while hiding a dagger in their heart. Mr. Shi has no interest in going, so you needn’t bother asking again.” As she spoke, she secretly formed a spell seal in her sleeve, transmitting the monk’s name to her master.
Hearing this, Xiao Milet’s face showed disappointment as he shook his head. “It seems the young lady must come from a prestigious sect. May I ask which one? Let’s not harm our harmony.”
Xiao Milet and his companion had not witnessed Bi Zhen’s previous actions. They only noticed several magical artifacts around her, each radiating powerful spiritual energy. Her demeanor and bearing suggested she was no ordinary cultivator, likely a direct disciple of a major sect or a descendant of some great cultivator. Thus, they were reluctant to provoke her directly and approached first with words, hoping to gauge her strength.
Bi Zhen, however, was carefree and failed to grasp the monk’s intentions. She was simply annoyed by his smile. Thinking her master would soon arrive to assist, she decided to deal with this annoying monk herself.
Bi Zhen acted on impulse, turning to Shi Mengzhu and saying, “Mr. Shi, you take your family and leave first. I’ll deal with these two.”
Shi Mengzhu knew his presence would only hinder Bi Zhen and thus did not hesitate. He nodded immediately, saying, “Young lady, be careful,” and quickly led his family to retreat.
Xiao Milet furrowed his brow but had not yet spoken when Yuan Hufa, standing beside him, had already grown impatient. Seeing Shi Mengzhu attempting to leave, he rolled his eyes and let out a snort, stepping forward to speak.
However, before he could utter a word, a cold light flashed, scattering into countless star-like sparks, sharp and piercing, rushing toward him without warning.
Bi Zhen had been watching the white-haired old man closely. She disliked his gloomy expression, as if someone owed him money, and when he stepped forward to block Shi Mengzhu, she immediately released her Lümie Hairpin without hesitation.
The Lümie Hairpin had been with her for a long time and was her most familiar and skillfully used artifact. When she left the capital, senior elders had even specially refined it further and taught her the incantations, making it highly flexible and responsive. Thus, as soon as she focused her mind, the hairpin immediately unleashed a storm of attacks.
Yuan Hufa, originally named Yuan Chongzhen, once had the cultivation title of Yuanwang (Ape King). It was said he came from a family of hunters and was not affiliated with any sect. However, in his youth, he obtained a strange cultivation manual, which led him down the path of cultivation.
Although Yuanwang’s personal cultivation was not particularly formidable, he possessed a unique technique: the ability to refine living creatures for his own use. With deep cultivation, he once captured an Iron-arm Ape, which he transformed into a guardian beast, earning him great fame in the cultivation world, hence his title “Yuanwang.”
Yuan Chongzhen had never belonged to any sect and thus lacked comprehensive knowledge of the cultivation world. His reputation was built solely on his unique technique. Therefore, watching Xiao Milet and Bi Zhen exchanging pleasantries, he had already grown impatient, viewing Bi Zhen merely as a little girl and thus underestimating her.
To his surprise, Bi Zhen ignored all formalities, saying nothing before attacking directly. Yuan Chongzhen had not yet summoned his guardian Ape, so this unexpected assault caught him off guard.
The star-like sparks Bi Zhen released were a dazzling sight—some as large as rice grains, others as fine as river sand, shimmering with colorful light. Before Yuan Chongzhen could react, the entire barrage engulfed him.
Yuan Chongzhen, not a formal disciple of any sect, lacked the experience and knowledge to recognize the nature of this attack. However, his years of experience had made him quick to react. Sensing danger, he immediately summoned his guardian beast. A massive white ape suddenly appeared before him.
The ape stood nearly eight feet tall, its body covered in snow-white fur. Its long arms gleamed with a metallic sheen. As soon as it appeared, it pounded its chest and let out a thunderous roar.
At that moment, the star-like sparks from Bi Zhen were already closing in rapidly. Responding to its master’s command, the white ape roared again, swinging its arms wildly. Its cheeks puffed out like they were filled with air, and then it opened its enormous mouth, spewing forth a stream of green energy.
This white ape was a rare breed from the Kunwu Mountains, possessing iron-like arms and immense strength. More importantly, it was skilled in manipulating spiritual energy and controlling the wind. As the ape exhaled its green energy, a violent gale erupted before it.
In an instant, Bi Zhen’s star-like sparks collided with the green energy from the ape.
To everyone’s astonishment, the sparks vanished upon contact with the green energy, like snow melting in a furnace. Revealed behind them was a jade hairpin, only a few inches long, which let out a metallic ring as it shot straight toward the white ape’s left eye!
Just as Bi Zhen was helping Shi Mengzhu gather his family and prepare to leave, she suddenly sensed a violent surge of spiritual energy in the air. Turning around in alarm, she saw that Mei Qing’s figure had vanished without a trace, and the sky was filled with scattered limbs and armor fragments, the spiritual energy in chaos. The formation emitted a terrifying burst of light and sound before exploding, causing a scene of utter devastation.
Bi Zhen was shocked, unsure of what had happened to Mei Qing. At that moment, she felt a mental message from Mei Qing, assuring her that he was safe and urging her to be cautious. Relieved, Bi Zhen noticed that the two stream maidens were no longer able to sustain themselves and were gradually being recalled, which further eased her mind.
However, just then, a cheerful voice called out from behind, “Miss, please wait.”
Startled, Bi Zhen realized she hadn’t sensed anyone approaching, indicating that the newcomer’s cultivation was at least on par with hers. She quickly turned to see two figures emerging from the darkness—one fat and one thin. The fat one was a monk with a bald head and a face like Maitreya, smiling broadly as he said, “Mr. Shi, we would like to invite you to our humble abode for a chat. What do you think?”
Shi Mengzhu merely glanced at the monk without saying a word. Bi Zhen, standing beside him, shouted, “Where did this wild monk come from? Shouldn’t you be chanting sutras in your temple instead of wandering around?”
The fat monk chuckled, “Miss, you mustn’t wrong this poor monk. I’m no wild monk. In the cultivation world, I have a bit of a reputation—they call me the Laughing Maitreya. Today, due to some official business, we need to invite Mr. Shi along. I hope you’ll be accommodating.”
“Laughing Maitreya?” Bi Zhen tilted her head in thought. “I haven’t heard of you. But Mei Qing told me to be wary of those who hide knives behind their smiles. Mr. Shi doesn’t want to go, so you can stop asking.” As she spoke, she secretly formed a hand seal in her sleeve, sending the monk’s name to her master.
The Laughing Maitreya sighed, shaking his head. “Miss, you must be from a prestigious family. May I ask which sect you belong to? Let’s not spoil the harmony.”
The Laughing Maitreya hadn’t seen Bi Zhen in action earlier, but he noticed the powerful aura emanating from the magical tools she carried. Her demeanor and presence suggested she was no ordinary person, likely a disciple of a major sect or the descendant of some powerful figure. He didn’t want to offend her outright, so he decided to probe further with words, hoping to gauge her background.
However, Bi Zhen was not one to overthink things. She didn’t understand the monk’s subtle intentions and was simply annoyed by his constant smiling. She figured her master would arrive soon to help, so she decided to teach this monk a lesson herself.
Bi Zhen, ever decisive, turned to Shi Mengzhu and said, “Mr. Shi, take your family and leave. I’ll handle these two.”
Shi Mengzhu knew he would only be a burden if he stayed, so he nodded without hesitation. “Be careful, miss,” he said, quickly leading his family away.
The Laughing Maitreya frowned but before he could speak, the thin man beside him, known as Protector Yuan, grew impatient. Seeing Shi Mengzhu trying to leave, he stepped forward with a snort, ready to intervene.
But before he could utter a word, a flash of cold light exploded into countless starlike points, each emitting a sharp, killing intent, rushing toward him.
Bi Zhen had been keeping an eye on this white-haired old man, disliking his gloomy demeanor. Seeing him move to stop Shi Mengzhu, she immediately unleashed the Annihilation Hairpin she had prepared.
This hairpin had been with her for a long time, and she was extremely skilled in its use. Before she left the capital, a senior had refined it further and taught her new techniques, making it even more versatile. With a single thought, the hairpin burst forth like a storm.
Protector Yuan, whose real name was Yuan Chongzhen and who was once known as the Ape King, had a unique ability to refine living creatures for his use. He had captured an iron-armed ape and refined it into a guardian beast, earning him considerable fame in the cultivation world.
Yuan Chongzhen, having never been part of any sect, was not well-versed in the intricacies of the cultivation world. He relied solely on his unique skills to make a name for himself. Seeing the Laughing Maitreya and Bi Zhen exchanging pleasantries, he grew impatient. He underestimated Bi Zhen, thinking her just a young girl.
But Bi Zhen didn’t care for formalities. Without a word, she attacked. Yuan Chongzhen, caught off guard and without his guardian ape summoned, suffered a minor setback.
The starlike points Bi Zhen unleashed varied in size, some as large as grains of rice, others as fine as sand. They shimmered with a beautiful, multicolored light, enveloping Yuan Chongzhen completely.
Yuan Chongzhen, not being from a major sect, had limited knowledge and had never seen such an attack before. However, his extensive experience and quick reflexes saved him. Sensing danger, he immediately summoned his massive white ape.
The ape, standing over eight feet tall with long, snow-white fur and arms that gleamed with a metallic sheen, appeared with a thunderous roar.
The starlike points were closing in rapidly. The ape, following its master’s command, roared again and began to swing its arms wildly. Its cheeks puffed up like balloons, and it opened its mouth to release a blast of green energy.
This ape, a rare species from Kunlun, was not only incredibly strong but also skilled in manipulating wind and energy. The green energy it released created a fierce gale.
In an instant, the starlike points collided with the green energy. To everyone’s surprise, the points vanished like snowflakes in a furnace, revealing a jade hairpin that shot straight toward the ape’s left eye.
The ape reacted quickly, raising its iron arms to block, but the hairpin was sharper than expected. With a metallic clang, it pierced through both arms, narrowly missing the ape’s head.
Both the ape and Yuan Chongzhen cried out in pain. The ape leapt high in agony, but the hairpin didn’t stop there. It transformed into several long threads, threatening to bind the ape.
“You dare!” Yuan Chongzhen, furious at seeing his ape injured, almost went mad. The ape was deeply connected to him, and he felt its pain as his own.
Yuan Chongzhen clasped a round bead between his palms, chanting, “Preserve and protect, the true form remains unbroken, hold!” As he chanted, the ape grew even larger.
Its white fur began to emit golden light, and the ape let out terrifying roars that shook the ground. Soon, the golden ape stood over twelve feet tall, with long fangs protruding from its mouth. Its iron arms struggled against the threads binding it, leaving deep grooves as it tried to break free.
Bi Zhen felt an overwhelming force and realized she was losing control. She knew this old man was no ordinary opponent, and the ape’s strength was formidable. Without hesitation, she formed a hand seal and recalled the hairpin.
The ape, suddenly free, roared and pounded its chest. It took a step forward, its massive foot sinking into the ground and sending dust flying.
With another roar, the ape swung its massive hand toward Bi Zhen.
The wind from the ape’s swing was so strong it stung Bi Zhen’s face.
Bi Zhen had no intention of engaging in a direct confrontation. As soon as the ape broke free, she had prepared her next move. She threw out her bracelet, releasing a series of circular energy rings that bound the ape.
The ape, caught off guard, swung its arms to break the rings. Seeing the endless stream of energy rings and Bi Zhen safely in the distance, it roared in frustration.
The Laughing Maitreya, realizing the situation was getting out of hand, stepped forward with a smile. “Little girl, why don’t you put away these toys and stay out of this? If you don’t listen, I might have to get serious.”
“Who dares to threaten my disciple?” A calm voice rang out as a figure appeared behind Bi Zhen. It was Master Ku, a monk with a scarred head, wearing a yellow robe, his face serene.
The Laughing Maitreya, though usually smiling, paused for a moment upon seeing Master Ku. He then chuckled softly, “It’s me, so what?” He secretly sent a mental message to Yuan Chongzhen, “Old Yuan, hold off this monk. I’ll grab Shi Mengzhu, and we’ll leave immediately.”
Both the white ape and Yuan Chongzhen cried out in pain, the ape leaping high in agony. But Bi Zhen’s hairpin was not done yet. Having pierced the ape’s arms, it immediately transformed into several long, thread-like strands, seemingly ready to bind the ape completely.
“Bitch, dare you!” Yuan Chongzhen roared in fury upon seeing his white ape severely wounded. He had cultivated the ape to the point of a deep spiritual connection, so the pain was felt by both, driving him into a rage.
Yuan Chongzhen clapped his hands together, holding a round, glowing pearl between them. As he twisted his palms, he chanted, “Preserve and protect, the true body shall not perish, hold!” With Yuan Chongzhen’s incantation, the massive white ape suddenly grew even larger.
Its long white fur radiated golden light, and it let out terrifying roars that shook the ground. In no time, the golden ape had grown to a height of twelve feet. Its enormous mouth revealed four long fangs, and despite the strands binding its arms, leaving deep grooves, it continued to struggle violently, attempting to break free from Bi Zhen’s restraint.
Bi Zhen felt a tremendous force pushing back against her, quickly exceeding her control. She realized the old man was indeed formidable, and the ape was incredibly strong. Recognizing the danger, she immediately formed a spell seal, recalling the hairpin without hesitation.
The white ape, suddenly freed from the binding strands, let out a roar of triumph, pounding its chest again before stepping forward with a thunderous stomp. Its massive foot struck the ground, sinking several inches deep, sending dust flying in all directions.
Letting out another furious roar, the ape swung its enormous hand, the size of a door panel, straight toward Bi Zhen.
As the iron-like palm swung, Bi Zhen already felt the fierce wind cutting against her face, causing a stinging pain.
Bi Zhen had no intention of engaging the beast head-on. Even before the ape broke free, she had prepared herself. As soon as it moved, she threw out her bracelet, releasing ring after ring of spiritual energy beams, layer upon layer, aiming to ensnare the ape.
Caught off guard, the white ape could only swing its iron arms, generating gusts of wind to shatter the incoming energy rings one by one. Seeing the endless waves of energy approaching, and Bi Zhen safely hidden behind them, the ape grew increasingly furious, roaring and stomping in rage.
Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Xiao Milet stepped forward with a smile and said, “Little girl, why don’t you stop playing with these little toys and mind your own business? If you don’t behave, I’ll have to be impolite.”
“Who is this layperson who dares to be impolite to my disciple?” A calm and composed voice sounded from behind Bi Zhen, and another figure appeared. He had the marks of a monk on his head, wore a pale yellow robe, and his expression was as still as a pond undisturbed by wind—Master Ku had arrived.
Though Xiao Milet usually wore a smile, upon recognizing the newcomer, his expression momentarily stiffened. Then, with a faint smile, he replied, “And what if it is me?” As he spoke, he secretly sent a mental message to Yuan Chongzhen, “Old Yuan, hold off this monk for a moment. I’ll grab that Mr. Shi, and we’ll leave immediately.”
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