Seeing this, everyone's pupils shrank as they instinctively wanted to give chase.
However, the remaining high-grade Tier 1 demon apes rushed over, desperately trying to block the group.
"You all protect Second Elder. Leave that beast to me."
At this critical moment, Elian left these words behind and swiftly pursued the escaping beast.
Although the Tier 2 demon ape couldn't fly, its incredible speed made pursuit challenging. Yet, it was severely injured, causing its pace to gradually slow.
Elian gave chase for a quarter of an hour, continually using his Greenleaf Sword, Golden Light Blade, and other tools to harass the beast. While these weren't fatal attacks, they caused it to lose more and more blood, leaving it increasingly weak.
After nearly a hundred miles, the demon ape could no longer endure. It turned around, prepared to fight to the death.
However, Elian was cautious and avoided a direct confrontation. He knew this demon ape was simply a cornered beast making its last stand.
With its spiritual energy depleted, its inner core largely spent, and its powerful body missing an arm, time was on Elian's side. The longer he dragged this out, the more desperate the ape would become, and the higher his chances of finding an opening for a fatal blow.
He decided to retreat while continuing to attack with his Golden Light Blade and Greenleaf Sword, forcing the ape into a purely defensive position.
After another half an hour of this, the ape, frustrated and sensing no end, once again spat out its inner core, aiming it directly at Elian.
"Perfect timing," Elian muttered, a sharp glint in his eyes. He had been waiting for this move.
As the ape spat out its core, Elian summoned the Crimson Iron Blade Embryo, sending it slashing through the air. The blade's crimson glow collided with the ape's inner core, neutralizing its power.
The core, already weakened from battling the Fiery Sun Heavenly Fire Flags, was further diminished, losing its glow and falling lifelessly to the ground.
With its last offensive weapon rendered useless, the demon ape was left vulnerable, its body battered and weak.
After another series of exchanges, the demon ape, heavily bleeding, began to falter, its strength waning. Elian seized the opportunity, unleashing his Crimson Iron Blade Embryo once again.
The beast, attempting to dodge, found its leg paralyzed by a strike from the Heart-Piercing Golden Needle, leaving it exposed. The blade swept through the air, severing its head.
"Finally…" Elian exhaled deeply.
He retrieved the Heart-Piercing Golden Needle, the tool responsible for the critical blow, and placed the ape's corpse, inner core, and remains into his storage pouch.
On his way back to the valley, he encountered the group rushing to meet him. Seeing their expectant looks, he smiled and nodded.
"It's done."
"Good, good, good!" The Third Elder laughed heartily, while the others let out a collective sigh of relief.
Elian's expression turned serious as he looked at the Second Elder. "How is Uncle Qinghe's condition?"
The Third Elder sighed. "He managed to keep his life, but his internal injuries are severe. It'll take over a decade of recovery."
"And even then, his lifespan will likely be shortened," the elder added grimly.
Elian silently lamented. Second Elder Qinghe, a foundational pillar, had repeatedly pushed himself to activate the Nine Deflection Bell, enduring severe backlash each time. That he survived at all was a testament to his strength.
The Nine Deflection Bell, while immensely powerful, was a second-tier treasure that only the Second Elder could fully wield. With his profound cultivation and rich spiritual energy, he was the only one capable of withstanding the force necessary to fend off the demon ape.
As for Elian, his primary task had been to wield the Crimson Iron Blade Embryo to deal the killing blow, leaving him no capacity to manage the bell.
Despite the losses, this battle was a resounding victory. They had succeeded without any fatalities—more than they could have hoped for.
The group rested for the night, and after ensuring the Second Elder's condition had stabilized, they fashioned a stretcher and began the journey back. Their return to the Qingyang Sect took another three months due to the injured elder.
Upon arriving at the sect, they immediately submitted the demon ape's remains and the record of their battle at the Contribution Hall to exchange for the Foundation Establishment Pill.
"You mean to say just the few of you managed to slay a Blue-Pattern Ape?"
The Contribution Hall's attendant, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, examined the recording tool and raised his brows, impressed. "Truly remarkable."
"Please wait here while I fetch the pill from Elder Wei."
The attendant left for the back hall and returned half an hour later.
Chen Qingyuan eagerly stepped forward. "Uncle Lin, did you retrieve the pill?"
"Yes, I did." The cultivator nodded, though his gaze carried a trace of pity. He presented a jade box to the group.
Chen Qingyuan's face lit up as he opened the box, revealing a pale cyan pill within.
"The Foundation Establishment Pill!"
The group gathered around excitedly, but Elian's sharp gaze detected something off.
Having seen such pills before and being a skilled alchemist himself, Elian quickly noticed an anomaly.
"Wait."
"This pill… something is wrong." Elian snatched the box and asked, "The Foundation Establishment Pill should be pure cyan. Why does this one have traces of baleful energy?"
Elder Lin's expression shifted slightly. "You're perceptive. Indeed, this pill has a minor flaw."
"During its refinement, Elder Liu inadvertently introduced a trace of Earthfire Baleful Energy, which tainted the pill. However, Elder Wei assures us it shouldn't pose significant issues."
Elian's expression darkened. "For a Purple Mansion elder, such energy might be trivial, but for a Qi Refinement cultivator, even a trace could prove fatal."
Elder Lin frowned. "I understand your concern, but this year's batch of Foundation Establishment Pills was limited. This is the only one left. If you don't want it, you may wait another decade for the next batch."
"And, of course," he added with a smirk, "you'll have to complete another mission then."
"This is outrageous!" Chen Qingyuan roared, his temper flaring.
"Why should we accept defective goods? Why must we redo the mission in ten years?"
Elder Lin's face turned icy.
"Are you questioning me?"
"Qingyuan!" The Third Elder pulled him back, hastily apologizing. "Please forgive his outburst. This situation is difficult for us to accept, and his words were out of frustration."
"Still, we hope you can understand…"
...
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