Certain Death

"Judging by its aura, it is at least a fifth-grade spirit herb. It will greatly benefit your breakthrough to the Fifth Layer of Body Tempering."

A sharp glint flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes. The Fifth Layer of Body Tempering was a dividing line. Once he broke through it, his physical strength would undergo a qualitative transformation.

He no longer hesitated and leaped into the air, preparing to pluck the spirit herb.

Just as his toes left the ground, a deafening Ape's Roar suddenly rang out!

"Roar—"

A warning flared in Gu Sheng's heart, and he forcibly twisted his body in midair. A massive black shadow pounced down from the cliff wall, carrying a fierce gale straight at him!

"Bang!"

Gu Sheng hastily threw a punch to meet it. The two immense forces collided with a thunderous blast.

His arm went numb, and he was sent staggering back several steps, each step leaving a deep footprint in the hard stone.

When the black shadow landed, its true form was revealed—a Giant Ape over three men tall! Its fur stood on end like steel needles, its crimson eyes brimmed with killing intent, and the knotted muscles on its thick arms radiated suffocating pressure.

"Guardian Spirit Beast?"

Gu Sheng's expression turned grave. This Giant Ape was at least comparable to a human warrior at the Sixth Layer of Body Tempering. Moreover, demon beasts were naturally physically powerful, and humans were often no match for them at the same level.

Golden light flashed between Gu Sheng's brows as the spiritual power in his sea of consciousness condensed into an invisible spike.

"God Slaying Thorn!"

He shouted inwardly, and a translucent ripple shot from between his brows, blasting toward the Giant Ape's head three zhang away.

The Giant Ape stood two zhang tall, black fur