Chapter 188: Peak of Ninth Grade

Dong Feng finally understood why Chen Fei had launched such a frenzied assault on him after hearing his explanation.

“It’s the Illusory Ze Beast! A peak ninth-grade demonic beast!” Dong Feng’s face turned pale. “From what I know, the Illusory Ze Beast only appears in the deepest part of the Ji Tan Marsh. How could we encounter one here?”

He was utterly hopeless.

They had only just entered the Ji Tan Marsh and were already facing an Illusory Ze Beast. This was basically a game-over right at the start!

Chen Fei, having spent the last few days in seclusion, had crammed a great deal of knowledge about the Xuanhuang Continent—especially about demonic beasts.

Unlike Dong Feng, who was trembling in fear, Chen Fei became excited upon hearing the name “Illusory Ze Beast.”

This was one of his main targets on this trip!

The Illusory Ze Beast was incredibly rare. If Chen Fei could absorb its blood essence, it would give him an immense power boost. More importantly, using the Void Heaven Cauldron to absorb the beast’s flesh and inner core might even enhance his spiritual power further!

“Perfect timing!” Chen Fei didn’t bother hiding his strength anymore. As long as Dong Feng wasn’t stupid, he wouldn’t try anything funny.

Still, the Ji Tan Marsh was full of dangers—ending the battle quickly was definitely the better option!

Just as he finished speaking, the turbulent water surface suddenly calmed. The next moment, it exploded upward as a hideous beast with sharp fangs and a rugged appearance leapt out from beneath the water.

“Junior Brother Chen, be careful! Get inside the shield of the Thousand Layered Pagoda! It might offer some protection!” Dong Feng shouted in alarm.

But Chen Fei simply looked up and, without hesitation, threw out the Void Heaven Cauldron!

The cauldron had a powerful suppressive effect on demonic beasts. Once it started absorbing their blood essence, it would drastically weaken their strength.

Chen Fei didn’t stay idle either. As the Illusory Ze Beast lunged at him, he took a deep breath and activated the Axe Seal.

The longsword in his hand began to crack and vibrate violently. In just about a second, it shattered completely with a loud explosion.

Chen Fei winced internally.

That sword had cost him a hefty 30 merit points, but it still couldn’t withstand the power of the Axe Seal!

Still, all Chen Fei needed was a medium for the attack. Despite his heartache, he was more eager to see the destructive power of this strike!

The Illusory Ze Beast, despite its messy appearance, was quite intelligent. Sensing the danger, it immediately tried to retreat. But the Void Heaven Cauldron wouldn’t let it escape so easily.

A peak Dao Realm ninth-grade demonic beast was a rare and precious tonic for the cauldron!

The cauldron shuddered slightly and attached itself directly to the beast’s abdomen.

“Roar!” The Illusory Ze Beast let out an enraged roar, then turned its fangs toward Chen Fei in a threatening manner.

By now, the Axe Seal had fully condensed in Chen Fei’s hands. Without hesitation, he slashed down at the beast’s head.

The beast tried to twist away, but just then, the cauldron’s suction intensified, locking it in place!

Swish!

A crisp, slicing sound echoed—the massive head of the Illusory Ze Beast was chopped clean off by Chen Fei’s strike!

Dong Feng’s eyes bulged in disbelief. He stood there dumbfounded.

Earlier, Chen Fei’s punch against the Thousand Layered Pagoda had already stunned him. But this scene had him completely speechless.

A peak Dao Realm ninth-grade demonic beast, killed in an instant?

Dong Feng was too shocked to speak, while Chen Fei himself was a bit surprised by the outcome.

The beast’s physical defense should’ve been formidable, yet it shattered like paper under the Axe Seal!

And the price he paid? Only about half of his spiritual energy, most of which was used to supplement the Axe Seal. If this was the cost of such a powerful move, he figured he could use it three to five times without issue.

Not to mention—killing demonic beasts might even replenish his energy, meaning his combat endurance would only grow stronger!

“Not bad!” Chen Fei nodded with satisfaction, then directed the Void Heaven Cauldron to drop the beast’s corpse into the water.

Dong Feng had already seen more than enough. If he witnessed the cauldron sucking the beast’s body dry in an instant, it might overwhelm him even more.

Though he didn’t know it, Dong Feng was already shaken to his core.

“Senior Brother Chen, I was reckless earlier. Please don’t take offense!” Dong Feng forced a smile, feeling embarrassed about how he had bragged before.

Too awkward!

“Don’t be so formal, Brother Dong! I just happened to have some powerful martial techniques on my side,” Chen Fei replied with a grin.

“Senior Brother Chen, don’t be so modest!” Dong Feng no longer dared to take liberties. That one strike—if it had been aimed at him—might’ve left even the secret realm’s forced-exit mechanism helpless.

After all, it was instant death!

Seeing how serious Dong Feng was, Chen Fei didn’t try to deflect anymore. “I didn’t expect to run into an Illusory Ze Beast near the outskirts. Seems something must have happened deeper inside. We need to pick up the pace!”

Dong Feng was surprised. “Senior Brother Chen, aren’t you afraid?”

“Afraid of what? We’re here to grow stronger, so we must give it our all! If we shrink back at every threat, how will we ever improve?” Chen Fei countered.

“You’re absolutely right!” Dong Feng, clearly inspired, nodded fervently. “Let’s head deeper!”

Chen Fei couldn’t help but smile wryly at how easily Dong Feng was motivated. Well, might as well help him out properly.

“Brother Dong, do you mind if I ask what your objective is?” Chen Fei added, then explained himself: “I’m here on someone’s behalf, looking for Heaven River Star Sand Water. Just want to make sure we’re not after the same thing.”

“Heaven River Star Sand Water? Y-You’re Senior Brother Chen Fei?” Dong Feng’s eyes widened in realization.

Chen Fei chuckled, “The situation forced me to hide my identity earlier. Best not to reveal it carelessly.”

Being a personal disciple of the ancestor and possessing Dao Realm strength—either title alone could stir up a storm anywhere.

Dong Feng nodded quickly, not minding the alias. “The rumors have been flying around outside. I can’t believe my luck! I actually ran into Senior Brother Chen!”

He then scratched his head with an embarrassed grin. “My goal is to find some Ji Tan Spirit Liquid. A senior from the Forging Institute sent me—said I might find it near the outskirts. But I didn’t expect to meet an Illusory Ze Beast this early!”

“Ji Tan Spirit Liquid?” Chen Fei looked at him curiously.

Dong Feng patiently explained, “It’s a kind of rare natural treasure. Training in it can greatly strengthen one’s physical body. Outside the secret realm, it’s also a prized forging aid, and the Forging Institute buys it at high prices!”

Chen Fei nodded in understanding. “So that’s it! Since our goals don’t clash, we can help each other.”

Dong Feng scratched his head, a little embarrassed. “I’m more of a sidekick at this point. Senior Brother Chen, if you need anything, just let me know!”

“Alright then, let’s move!” Chen Fei didn’t waste any more time and led Dong Feng deeper into the Ji Tan Marsh.