Chapter 112: I Just Won’t Give It Back

Early in the morning, a biting north wind howled through the mountains. Elder Qiu led a group as they trekked deeper into the forested range, having left Lu Ke Village some time ago. According to Elder Qiu, their destination was a modest peak within the Kelin Mountains—Flying Peak, the stronghold of the Immortal Ape Sect. Lei Xiang followed silently behind.

Yesterday, they had uncovered the true nature of the Immortal Ape Sect. This sect had origins dating back over six centuries, with only three successive leaders. The current head was Chen Zhi. As the name implies, the sect’s cultivation revolved around enlightenment through the immortal ape. Their techniques centered on agility and spiritual dynamism. The highest attained level within the sect was reached by the founding patriarch, Daoist Siyuan, who had broken through to the late formation stage. After his passing, the sect’s talent pool dwindled. Under Chen Zhi’s leadership, only he barely succeeded in reaching the formation stage, while others struggled to even reach mid-foundation.

By noon, Elder Qiu halted before a barren mountain. “This is the gate to our Immortal Ape Sect. I will now activate the protective formation. Be careful and follow closely,” he said, producing a crimson token. Infusing it with spiritual power, he launched it into the void. With a sharp crackle, a narrow, winding path appeared, snaking up to the summit. Elder Qiu casually threw out a mid-grade flying sword, leapt onto it, and soared upward.

Those capable of sword flight followed suit, while disciples with weaker spiritual power could only run. Lei Xiang’s eyes flickered with blue light as he chose to ascend on foot. By the time he reached the summit, night had fallen. The flat peak bore a five-zhang-wide gate, hung with dozens of moonstones that illuminated the area as brightly as daylight.

Just as Lei Xiang prepared to enter, a fiery red monkey about half a meter tall barred his way. The creature bared its teeth and chattered aggressively, leaving Lei Xiang puzzled. His blue gaze revealed the monkey to be about a fifth-level spiritual beast. Suddenly struck by inspiration, he produced a pouch of dried bananas from his storage bag and tossed it to the fiery monkey. The creature eagerly caught and began munching.

At that moment, a whistle sounded from within the gate. A young woman dressed in combat attire flew out. The fiery monkey leapt into her arms, nuzzling her well-developed chest with its furry head. The young woman stroked its fur affectionately. Lei Xiang cleared his throat deliberately. “Miss, is the person in charge of the Immortal Ape Sect here? I am Lei Xiang, and I have urgent matters to discuss.”

The young woman turned, looking at the unremarkable youth before her. “Since you brought something tasty for my Sisi, I’ll inform them for you. Wait here and don’t wander off.” With that, she and the fiery monkey vanished inside.

About fifteen minutes later, two burly men hurried out, bowing respectfully. “Are you Young Master Lei? Please follow us to the Yuan Tong Hall.” Lei Xiang smiled faintly and followed them.

Beyond the gate, a wonderland unfolded—pavilions nestled against the mountain, strange trees and forests everywhere, with spiritual monkeys occasionally darting about. After a hundred meters, they arrived at Yuan Tong Hall. The burly men pushed open the doors and invited Lei Xiang inside.

The hall was brightly lit, adorned with colorful animal skins on the floor. Around the perimeter, intricately carved stone stools were occupied by a dozen or so small-statured men. The central seat remained empty. Elder Qiu sat second from the right and rose upon seeing Lei Xiang. “This is the Young Master Lei whom I saved. He has come to deliver a message from our leader.” The others remained silent, except for an elderly man with white eyebrows seated on the left front stone stool. He smiled gently. “Young Master Lei, I am Zuo Qiu, Left Protector of the Immortal Ape Sect, temporarily overseeing all sect affairs. What message do you bring from our leader?”

Lei Xiang scanned the room and spoke clearly: “You are the backbone of the Immortal Ape Sect. I shall not conceal the truth. Your leader, Chen Zhi, was ambushed by the Bloody Fiend Alliance in the Eastern Yue Kingdom and has tragically passed away. When I last saw Leader Chen, he was at death’s door. He entrusted me with a secret method to preserve his body and return him to your sect, so his remains may rest in their rightful home.” He then presented a delicate jade box from his storage bag, holding the desiccated corpse of Chen Zhi, preserved to resist decay for a century.

After Left Protector Zuo accepted the box, Lei Xiang produced a jade slip as well. “This is also a message from Leader Chen. I have fulfilled my duty and will now take my leave.”

Zuo Qiu quickly interjected, “Young Master Lei, you are a great benefactor of our sect. You cannot leave so soon. Please stay for a few days so I may show my gratitude.”

Lei Xiang considered it. Eager to learn more about the Tooth Eleven organization, he agreed to stay briefly. Zuo Qiu beckoned the young woman in combat attire, “Wu Lan, arrange accommodation for Young Master Lei.” Wu Lan’s eyes flickered before she nodded and led Lei Xiang out of Yuan Tong Hall.

---

Lying on the guest bed arranged by the Immortal Ape Sect, Lei Xiang recalled Wu Lan’s introduction. Two elder protectors had foundation-level cultivation, several stewards were at the peak Qi refining stage, while Wu Lan herself was only at Qi refining stage fourteen, yet she managed the sect’s spiritual beast garden. As he pondered, sleep overtook him.

When he awoke, daylight filled the room. Just as he planned to catch some more rest, a voice called outside, “Left Protector Zuo requests Young Master Lei to attend a meeting in Yuan Tong Hall.” Reluctantly, Lei Xiang rose, washed, and followed the summons.

Inside, the hall’s atmosphere was transformed from the previous day. Immortal fruits and fine wine were laid out, and several beautiful maidens danced gracefully atop the animal skins. Upon Lei Xiang’s entrance, all present—including Left Protector Zuo and Elder Qiu—stood and smiled warmly, greeting him in a manner far kinder than before, leaving Lei Xiang slightly flattered.

Zuo Qiu gestured for Lei Xiang to take the seat of honor. “Young Master Lei, after studying Leader Chen’s final instructions and securing his remains, we unanimously recognize you as our sect’s great benefactor. Today we hold this banquet in your honor. Furthermore, as per the leader’s wishes, we have a gift for you. Please, be seated.”

Lei Xiang demurred briefly, then accepted the seat. After several rounds of wine and dishes, Zuo Qiu resumed, “Our Flying Peak is a remote and humble place with little of value. However, we possess two rare plants called Ape Spirit Fruit trees, which take a century to bear fruit. These fruits are a supreme tonic for cultivators—one fruit equals half a lifetime of arduous cultivation. But we have only two such trees, each bearing a single fruit, making them extremely precious.” With a flourish, he said, “Please, taste this.”

At his gesture, the fiery monkey appeared, holding a black wooden tray bearing a single glowing red wild fruit. Lei Xiang was indifferent, but the others’ faces lit up with envy, greed, admiration, and barely suppressed murderous intent. Lei Xiang understood just how treasured this Ape Spirit Fruit was.

As he hesitated, a somber-faced elder rose—Elder Shi Ke. Bowing, he said, “Left Protector, since Young Master Lei is so modest, why not present him with some powerful magical treasures instead to show our gratitude?”

Zuo Qiu’s brow furrowed, his gaze icy as he retorted, “Shi Ke, are you unwilling to part with the Ape Spirit Fruit? Lei Xiang is our benefactor, and the leader’s will demands we give him our best. If the fiery monkey refuses to acknowledge a master, I would even give it to him. Enough talk—step down at once.”

Under Zuo Qiu’s stern glare, Shi Ke swallowed hard and muttered, “A fruit that takes a hundred years to mature, and we cannot enjoy it ourselves, only to give it away to an outsider…” Before he could finish, Zuo Qiu waved his hand, summoning a gust of wind that forcibly ejected Shi Ke from Yuan Tong Hall. “Guards, lock him in the Monkey Mountain cage.”

Lei Xiang smiled slyly, showing his small tiger-like teeth. “Left Protector, you are too kind. I did only what was right; no need for such fuss. In truth, Elder Shi has a point—I lack magical treasures most of all. If you would gift me a few, I would be deeply grateful.”

Zuo Qiu smiled benevolently. “That is easy to arrange. Young Master Lei, if you approve, I will send you a few treasures. The Ape Spirit Fruit will also be yours, lest I fail in fulfilling Leader Chen’s wishes.”

After some polite refusals, Lei Xiang accepted the fruit, joking to himself, “Looks like fortune smiles on me to enjoy such a rare delicacy.” Zuo Qiu smiled faintly. “Young Master Lei is too modest. This fruit is a treasure for those destined to have it. Please, savor it. Later, we will have a task for you.”

After much deliberation and expense, it became clear the sect wished Lei Xiang to perform a favor. He readily agreed and swallowed the Ape Spirit Fruit. Tasting it, he mumbled, “No discernible flavor… I wish I had another.”

Zuo Qiu laughed heartily. “Young Master Lei is witty. Such fruits are scarce—there are only ever two.”

---

Lei Xiang nodded calmly. “Left Protector, please speak plainly. What does your sect require of me?”

Zuo Qiu leisurely returned to his seat, raising his wine cup. “Young Master Lei, Leader Chen is deeply grateful, but there is one matter. The Wind and Fire Boots you wear once belonged to our founding patriarch, Daoist Siyuan. They are our sect’s treasured artifact. The leader wished for their return. Our sect will compensate you generously with spirit stones and treasures. We ask for your understanding.”

After all, the boots had been modified by Lei Xiang, fitted with four wheels, making them very different from the original. He answered decisively, “Everything else is negotiable, but I will not return these Wind and Fire Boots.”

The Left Protector’s smile froze, his tone chilling. “Young Master Lei, we respect you, but if you refuse to show courtesy, we will have no choice but to take drastic measures. These boots are ours by right. Do you know what you just ate? Do you understand why I delayed you earlier?”

Lei Xiang’s expression remained unchanged as he asked simply, “What?”

“Of course, the Ape Spirit Fruit—but it was laced with an additive. Its only effect is to temporarily suppress part of your spiritual power. If you return the boots willingly, we will provide an antidote and offer compensation. Otherwise...”

Lei Xiang instinctively clutched his stomach, then pointed at Zuo Qiu. “You... you are truly despicable. But I have concealed my strength. Even with half my power, I am no match for you. Yet I can still escape with ease.”

“Who said that!?” a fierce shout came from outside. A red light suddenly burst into the hall, condensing to reveal a gaunt old man.

He appeared ordinary, but to Lei Xiang, he was like a venomous serpent. For he recognized this man—Chen Zhi, the long-deceased leader of the Immortal Ape Sect.

Lei Xiang himself had delivered his preserved corpse. So why was there another Chen Zhi now?