Swift Monkey

As Zeng Fan rushed through the narrow passage, his eyes lit up. A ring-shaped valley lay before him. Yuan Jin and Wang An stood not far away. When they saw Zeng Fan enter, Yuan Jin jerked his chin. "Did you feel it?" Zeng Fan nodded.

The moment he rushed in, he sensed a faint pressure weighing on him. The farther forward he went, the stronger it became. At the very back of the valley stood a fruit tree around ten zhang tall, its trunk emerald green throughout. Ten fruits hung from its branches, giving off faint fluctuations of Spiritual Energy.

"This is our target this time." Yuan Jin walked over and spoke to Zeng Fan. "These fruits won't be easy to get." Zeng Fan looked beneath the tree, and his gaze sharpened. More than a dozen monkey-like demon beasts crouched below it. Their bodies were pitch-black, but the claws on their hands were white, looking especially sharp and cold. Their hind limbs and forelimbs differed greatly in size; one glance was enough to tell that their speed would not be lacking. With those claws added in, anyone who had not begun cultivating would likely be torn apart the moment they approached.

"And with this pressure, it's likely that the closer one gets to the Spirit Tree, the stronger it becomes. Those who haven't begun cultivating simply can't approach. This can be considered a form of protection." Zeng Fan felt the pressure on his body.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—people streamed into the valley. "What's going on? Why does my body feel so heavy?" "Is that the Spirit Tree and the demon beasts? They don't look easy to deal with!" Cries of alarm rose and fell one after another.

After Murong Xue entered, she merely surveyed the area briefly before immediately charging toward the Spirit Tree. Spiritual Energy surged throughout her body, and unlike the others, she did not linger in place to observe for long.

Zeng Fan and Yuan Jin exchanged a glance, then charged toward the Spirit Tree together. "Get inside first, then adapt to the situation." As they drew closer to the Spirit Tree, the pressure on their bodies grew heavier. However, as the Spiritual Energy of their cultivation continuously surged through them, they could still endure it. Some of the Yellow Vein cultivators without cultivation felt the pressure and gave up outright. Others looked toward Wang An and the rest, gritted their teeth, and began slowly making their way toward the Spirit Tree. Even if they could not obtain a Spiritual Fruit, they still had to give it their all.

A few others who had already stepped into the Body Tempering Realm also began circulating their cultivation like Zeng Fan and headed toward the Spirit Tree. As the distance steadily closed, the pressure on their bodies grew increasingly stronger. The Swift Monkeys beneath the tree sensed everyone approaching and gradually became more agitated, letting out wave after wave of threatening roars.

No one was frightened by those roars. Not one person who had entered was so weak-willed. The Swift Monkeys also seemed to be restricted to the area around the Spirit Tree and did not attack the people charging forward with their heads down.

Because she had moved faster than everyone else earlier, Murong Xue had already entered the monkeys' range. The moment she entered, her figure halted, and she stopped where she was, seeming to wait for the others. She can't handle them alone? Zeng Fan fell into thought at the sight. That group of demon beasts was not something any one of them could deal with alone at their current cultivation. To obtain the Spiritual Fruits, they could only join forces and drive away the monkey pack first. With that thought, Zeng Fan swiftly headed into the Spirit Tree's range as well.

The instant he entered the Spirit Tree's range, the weight on his body suddenly vanished. "The pressure is gone. So that's how it is. This pressure is also part of the selection. If one can't even break through this pressure, there's no need to come fight over the Spiritual Fruits." Zeng Fan slowly adjusted his breathing and waited for the others to arrive.

"Waiting for the others, right?" Yuan Jin's voice came from behind him. He strolled toward Zeng Fan and looked at the restless demon beasts. "Yes. The more people we have, the better. Otherwise, these demon beasts will put us under enormous pressure," Zeng Fan said to Yuan Jin.

As the remaining people arrived, Murong Xue slowly opened her eyes. A clear voice rang out. "Everyone is here. You understand the situation now. We can only deal with these demon beasts by joining forces. Once they're dealt with, those fruits will be claimed according to ability. If any of you are thinking of waiting for us to draw the demon beasts away before swooping in to pick the peaches, then go ahead and try. I will definitely make you regret it." As her words fell, the girl slightly raised her chin, pride spilling from the corner of her lips and stirring people's hearts.

Everyone exchanged glances and slowly nodded. They were all still young, and in front of a girl, who would be willing to lose face?

"Then let's begin. Good luck to you all." Murong Xue took the lead and charged straight at the monkey pack. The others no longer hesitated, circulating their Spiritual Energy as they followed. The battle erupted in an instant.

Outside the valley, Shi Yun and Murong Yunhai watched what was happening within. Seeing everyone charge toward the monkey pack, Shi Yun slowly spoke. "Brother Yunhai, this clanswoman of yours is no ordinary person. Her cultivation talent is excellent, and her mind is sound as well. If this Earth Vein can grow, it will be enough to ensure that the Profound Spirit Dynasty's national fortune continues for another thousand years."

Murong Yunhai smiled broadly upon hearing this. "Not at all, not at all. Little Xue's aptitude is passable, but her temperament still needs further tempering. Young people are still unable to keep their composure. When she goes to the Five Mountains Sect in the future, I'll need Brother Shi Yun to look after her. I also see several good seedlings inside. I wonder who will come out on top in this selection."

Shi Yun smiled as well. He knew Murong Yunhai was being modest. Those few Profound Vein seeds were indeed not bad, but within the Five Mountains Sect, Profound Veins were not exactly everywhere, yet they were hardly rare either. Spirit Veins ranked higher, so their cultivation speed was naturally faster, making it easier for them to receive the sect's favor and resources. With resources tilted toward them, their cultivation speed would only grow faster. The strong grew ever stronger—that was simply how it was. There were also Profound Veins who shone brilliantly, but without great opportunities or special talents, how could such people be so easily found? Saying no more, Shi Yun turned his gaze back toward the valley.