The Fire Pattern Python was slammed by the Mountain Moving Ape's punch, causing its body to tilt backward and crash heavily into the cliff behind it.
However, when the Mountain Moving Ape stepped on the Fire Pattern Python's tail again, a cloud of blood mist suddenly exploded around the Python. The blood mist then transformed into lightning flames that wrapped around its body.
The Fire Pattern Python, now enveloped in fierce flames, suddenly coiled around the Mountain Moving Ape. The immense constricting force made the ape's bones crack, breaking many of them.
In addition to the Python's constricting force, the Mountain Moving Ape also had to endure the scorching of the demonic fire. Even with its rough and thick skin, it could not withstand the Python's doubled strength. Some of its more vulnerable parts were either burned or cracked, and it could not hold on much longer.
Seeming to realize it wouldn't last much longer, the Mountain Moving Ape suddenly hugged the Fire Pattern Python and bit into its neck with its sharp teeth.
The Fire Pattern Python let out a painful cry and began to struggle with the Mountain Moving Ape on the ground.
For a moment, the Bamboo Creek Valley shook, with sand and rocks flying and trees toppling over.
Xu Taiping, who had witnessed the battle between the demonic beasts, was deeply shaken by the scene.
However, he soon sensed the approaching danger.
He realized that the Fire Pattern Python seemed to be trying to drag the Mountain Moving Ape into the pond.
"This brute, though mad, still retains some intelligence, knowing that it has an advantage in the water. But if it does, Taiping, you will have to find a way to escape from the pond."
Fairy Lingyue warned Xu Taiping.
Xu Taiping thought seriously and then spoke to Fairy Lingyue in his mind.
Fairy Lingyue asked curiously.
Xu Taiping then explained his plan to Fairy Lingyue.
"Hmm... Anyway, we can't stay in this pond anymore, and the Fire Pattern Python's strength has been greatly reduced. It's worth a try, but if it fails, you must not hesitate to flee into the forest."
After hearing Xu Taiping's plan, Fairy Lingyue thought it was feasible.
Xu Taiping nodded forcefully, placing a bottle of pills he had obtained from the tiger demon in his palm. He then fixed his eyes on the battle between the Fire Pattern Python and the Mountain Moving Ape above him.
Before long, Xu Taiping saw the Fire Pattern Python dive into the water first, still tightly coiled around the Mountain Moving Ape, trying to drag it into the water as well.
Seeing the Mountain Moving Ape about to fall into the water, Xu Taiping suddenly called out to Fairy Lingyue in his mind.
Fairy Lingyue immediately understood and released the concealment of Xu Taiping's aura, including that of the Fire Spirit Grass.
Almost instantly, the Fire Pattern Python, which had been in a mad state, suddenly regained its senses and immediately locked onto Xu Taiping in the water.
It growled and, letting go of the Mountain Moving Ape, charged at Xu Taiping.
Xu Taiping, who had been prepared to flee, suddenly shot upward and leaped out of the water with a "bang," then quickly swallowed the pills.
At the same moment, the Fire Pattern Python's head emerged from the water, opening its mouth to bite Xu Taiping.
Facing the Fire Pattern Python's bite, Xu Taiping did not dodge but instead activated the Ice Breath Technique, opening his mouth and spitting out a mouthful of ice mist.
After this period of cultivation, even without the assistance of the Qi Gathering Pill, Xu Taiping could still spit out an ice breath using ordinary Rejuvenation Pills.
Although the power was not as strong as when he took the Qi Gathering Pill, if the location was this pond, it was a different story.
Xu Taiping's ice breath did not freeze the Fire Pattern Python like it did the tiger demon, but it did ice over the Python's lower body and the entire pond, immobilizing it.
"With the water as an aid, the power of the Ice Breath Technique increases by at least thirty percent."
Fairy Lingyue, in her spirit form, nodded in satisfaction.
Xu Taiping, clinging to a rock on the cliff, was also delighted, as the effect far exceeded his expectations.
Xu Taiping was about to jump down from the cliff and leave the valley when the Mountain Moving Ape, which had been lying by the pond, suddenly roared and leaped up with all its strength, striking the Fire Pattern Python's head with its massive palm.
The Fire Pattern Python, unable to move, could only watch helplessly as the Mountain Moving Ape's palm struck its head.
The Fire Pattern Python's head was shattered by the Mountain Moving Ape's palm, and blood mist filled the air.
The Mountain Moving Ape, having used all its strength for that one strike, fell heavily onto the ice and could no longer stand up.
Xu Taiping watched the scene in silence for a long time.
He had used the Ice Breath Technique to trap the Fire Pattern Python not to help the Mountain Moving Ape but merely to protect himself. However, he ended up helping the ape unintentionally.
"Taiping, don't think that the cultivators in the cultivation world are any different from these mountain beasts. Most of them, like these beasts, will hesitate not at all to harm their companions or even siblings for survival and to improve their cultivation."
Fairy Lingyue timely reminded Xu Taiping.
Xu Taiping nodded forcefully.
"My grandfather also said, 'Do not have the heart to harm others, but do not lack the heart to guard against others.'"
"Let's go. We have the Fire Spirit Grass, and we can plant the Earth Fruit now."
Just as Xu Taiping was about to use the Wind Shadow Step to leave the Bamboo Creek Valley, the Mountain Moving Ape, which had been lying on the ice, weakly lifted its head and looked at Xu Taiping, speaking in a very stiff human language.
"This Mountain Moving Ape can speak human language?"
Xu Taiping was surprised.
"In the western forest... I... my child... is there... I want... to see my child... I can give you... give you something... something..."
The Mountain Moving Ape's voice was stiff, but its eyes and expression were full of pleading. However, it was too weak, and its head fell back down again.
Xu Taiping turned to look at Fairy Lingyue's spirit form, seeking her opinion.
"Go and look. The Fire Pattern Python is dead, and there are no powerful demonic beasts around here."
Although she had been emphasizing the harshness of the cultivation world to Xu Taiping, she would not stop him from showing this level of kindness.
"If you really have no compassion, you might as well fall into the path of evil."
Watching Xu Taiping run toward the western forest, Fairy Lingyue murmured to herself.
Xu Taiping reappeared in the Bamboo Creek Valley.
In his arms, he held a small, docile snow monkey.