Chapter 31: King of the Forest - Titan Giant Ape (Part 2)

"Everyone, gather around, quickly!"

A powerful voice imbued with soul power rang out. Hearing this, Dai Mubai and the others immediately dropped what they were doing and rushed over.

"Teacher Chen, what's wrong?" Dai Mubai took a swift step to Chen Xiaoming's side, his voice filled with confusion.

Neither Dai Mubai nor Tang San, Oscar, or the others understood what could be serious enough for Chen Xiaoming to treat with such caution.

However, in the next second, they understood. In the darkness of the dense forest ahead, an eerie scene unfolded.

Right in the direction they were looking, two towering trees slowly parted to the sides. From within the shadows, a colossal figure emerged silently.

Seeing this behemoth, Tang San and the others felt their breath stop. They finally realized why Chen Xiaoming had called them over.

A body as massive as a mountain, covered in pitch-black fur that shimmered faintly under the dim light of the stars and moon.

Its mighty physique was layered with terrifyingly powerful muscles, more solid than granite, bulging like small hills.

A pair of eyes, as large as lanterns, gleamed with a crystalline yellow light. Its entire form was cloaked in darkness, and despite its enormous size, it moved without making a sound—not even the sound of its breath could be heard. In the night, it resembled a ghostly shadow gliding through the forest.

Chen Xiaoming gazed at the colossal being before him, flames flickering in his eyes. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

The second person to recognize it was Tang San. Drawing from the knowledge imparted to him by his master, he immediately identified the creature before them.

"The King of the Forest… Titan Giant Ape!" Even the usually composed Tang San found his voice trembling.

According to his master's teachings, wherever the Titan Giant Ape appeared in a soul beast forest, it was an undisputed overlord.

It possessed unparalleled strength and speed, with no weaknesses in either attack or defense. Among all soul beasts, it stood at the very pinnacle of the hierarchy.

"Damn it, why would a soul beast king appear in the outer region?"

Dai Mubai quickly came to his senses, his eyes filled with dread as he cursed aloud.

"Teacher Chen, this is the Titan Giant Ape, it's—"

Tang San's eyes flashed as he prepared to explain the Titan Giant Ape's nature, but before he could finish, Chen Xiaoming interrupted him.

"Don't worry, I know. As long as I'm here, no one can harm you."

His calm words, like a spring breeze, eased the tension in everyone's hearts. The fear and anxiety that had gripped them loosened slightly. Thinking of Chen Xiaoming's strength as a Titled Douluo, they felt reassured.

Only Tang San remained somewhat concerned but chose not to voice it.

After all, according to his master's theory, hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts were slightly stronger than Titled Douluo.

While soul beasts lacked the ability to reach the peak of soul power in just a few decades like soul masters, their extended lifespan allowed them to accumulate immense soul power over time.

Whether it was due to Chen Xiaoming's words provoking the Titan Giant Ape, the massive creature suddenly took a single step forward.

An overwhelming pressure radiated from its body—the oppressive might of the King of the Forest sent Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others' hearts racing again.

"For a mighty King of the Forest, bullying the weak—is that truly befitting of your status?"

With a light chuckle, Chen Xiaoming stepped forward. Soul power surged around him, releasing an imposing aura that filled the air.

The immense soul power swept past Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the others. The crushing weight of the Titan Giant Ape's pressure lessened, allowing them to breathe more easily.

Xiao Wu, however, stood frozen, staring anxiously at the Titan Giant Ape. Her gaze flitted repeatedly between it and Chen Xiaoming.

"He hasn't attacked yet... Could he be using me as bait to lure Er Ming here?"

Her heart pounded with worry. Looking into Chen Xiaoming's burning battle intent, she felt her heart sink.

Chen Xiaoming and the Titan Giant Ape locked eyes—one a towering fifteen-meter colossus, the other a mere human, barely the size of its finger.

The two were a stark contrast in size, yet they stood in deadlock.

As the King of the Forest, the Titan Giant Ape possessed intelligence rivaling that of humans. From Chen Xiaoming, it sensed danger.

Chen Xiaoming, on the other hand, found himself puzzled. The Titan Giant Ape remained motionless, as if it had picked up the wrong script. Where was the decisive power it had shown against Zhao Wuji?

If it refused to act, how was he supposed to maintain his imposing presence?

No, this wouldn't do. He had to apply some pressure.

Making up his mind, he looked straight at the Titan Giant Ape. If it refused to strike first, then he would force it to.

"Titan Giant Ape, I already know why you are here!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the surrounding air tensed.

Behind him, Xiao Wu trembled as if struck by lightning and collapsed into Tang San's arms.

"Xiao Wu, what's wrong?"

Tang San's face was full of concern as he gazed at Xiao Wu, who looked pale and lifeless. He hurriedly stepped closer, his voice filled with worry.

At that moment, Xiao Wu felt as if all hope had faded. Looking into Tang San's concerned eyes, she weakly whispered,

"Brother, if I die... would you be sad?"

Tang San froze upon hearing her words. He couldn't understand why she would ask such a thing, but as his eyes met hers, a sudden, sharp pain pierced his heart—like he was on the verge of losing something precious.

A feeling too complex to describe surged within him, and without hesitation, he pulled Xiao Wu into his embrace.

"Don't think like that! I've said it before—if anyone wants to take your life, they'll have to step over my dead body first!"

Held tightly in Tang San's arms, Xiao Wu's teary eyes shimmered. She wrapped her arms around him, her heart swelling with warmth. A radiant smile bloomed on her lips as she silently murmured to herself,

"Brother... I love you."

Behind them, Dai Mubai watched the scene unfold, his expression thoughtful. A flicker of resolve flashed in his eyes. No one could guarantee that Chen Xiaoming would be able to stop the Titan Giant Ape. There was a real chance that they might all die here.

With that thought, the words he had long buried in his heart suddenly broke free.

He stepped closer to Zhu Zhuqing, his sharp eyes locking onto hers with unwavering sincerity.

"I will protect you… until my last breath."

Without waiting for a response, he reached out and took Zhu Zhuqing's hand. Her eyes wavered, and though her delicate fingers twitched as if to resist, she quickly stopped struggling. A deep emotion flickered in her gaze.

Nearby, Ning Rongrong watched the heartfelt moment with envy—until Oscar suddenly stepped in front of her.

Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun stared at couple after couple forming around him, tilting his head back at a dramatic 45-degree angle to keep the tears from falling.

But if he thought he was the most miserable one here, he was dead wrong.

That title belonged to Chen Xiaoming.

At this very moment, he was still locked in a standoff with the Titan Giant Ape. He hadn't even finished showing off, yet behind him, couple after couple had started flirting and confessing their love!

How was a lonely man like him supposed to feel?

Stealing a glance at the Titan Giant Ape, which was glaring at him with its massive eyes, Chen Xiaoming suddenly had the urge to quit.

Behind him, everyone was lost in deep, affectionate gazes. Meanwhile, here he was, staring down a giant beast that was somewhere between a gorilla and a monkey.

What the hell was this setup?

Wasn't this supposed to be his big moment?

Did he walk into the wrong script?!

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