Destroyer of the Dao

: The Bond of Krisik

Jhi Chen ran with terrifying speed for a three-year-old. Each footstep was light yet steady, leaving small indentations in the damp forest floor. Actually, he wanted to fly, because a single flap could take him far beyond the trees. But he restrained himself. If he soared through the air, his strength would be revealed. It would only attract attention, causing unnecessary complications. So he chose to keep running. Although not as fast as flying, his running speed still surpassed the sight of anyone who happened to be around this forest.

When he arrived in the middle of the dense trees, he lowered the old man he had rescued from the riverbank. The old man was still weak, his breath rising and falling irregularly. His skin was pale, dried blood clung to his arms and shoulders, and a wound on his chest looked fresh. Jhi Chen stared for a moment to make sure the man was still conscious. He didn't talk much. Without wasting time, he darted through the forest, looking for spirit plants that could heal internal wounds before it was too late.

He moved from one point to another. Under the protruding roots, between the moss-covered rocks, on the damp soil terraces, he examined one by one the densely leaved plants that held traces of Divine energy. Several times he stopped. There were purple-petaled plants that shimmered, there were sharp-tipped grasses that reflected light, but none of them matched what he needed. Jhi Chen remained patient. Every step was measured, every breath was guarded, his divine sense touched gently on the surrounding area to ensure there were no threats wasting his time.

After a while, his eyes fell on a low cliff with damp walls. In the crevice of the rock grew a plant with dark green leaves, each strand of leaf reflecting a bluish glow like agate illuminated by the sun. A sharp but clean aroma crept into the air. Jhi Chen recognized these characteristics. He bowed slowly, examining the fibers of the stem, then nodded in satisfaction.

"Two thousand year old Krisik Grass," he murmured. His voice was low but firm. "This is what I need."

The joy hadn't had time to settle when the ground around him trembled lightly. From behind the thin mist, emerged a giant ape figure with jet-black fur and glowing red eyes. Its body was as tall as a multi-story building, its arms as big as banyan tree trunks, its nails were long and seemed capable of tearing rocks. The ape stood upright, its chest puffed out, and the sound of its roar exploded like thunder.

"Naughty kid, you better leave," the ape called out, its voice echoing between the trees. "I don't like killing children. Your flesh won't be satisfying. Don't waste your life in this place. Get out of here before I change my mind."

Jhi Chen raised his head and stared at it without flinching. He understood from the tone of the ape's voice that this creature was not a killer without reason. There was a warning there, not hatred. He nodded slightly as a form of appreciation. But the old man behind him needed help immediately, and this Krisik Grass was the key.

"Because you don't intend to kill me, I also don't want to make trouble," Jhi Chen said calmly. "Hand over that Krisik Grass to me. After that, I will leave, and I will not disturb your territory."

The giant ape was silent for a moment, then laughed long. His voice shook the leaves, causing forest birds to fly away. "Little kid, do you realize what you just said? You're warning me? Although I'm not a creature who likes to slaughter, I'm also not a kind-hearted guard. If you don't hear my warning, you can become a snack. Your small body may not make me full, but it's enough to fill my molars."

Jhi Chen took a short breath, his gaze cooling. "In that case, don't blame me. I don't have time for unnecessary debate. The old man I saved is dying. I will take the Krisik Grass now." He took a step, then added in the same calm tone, "Stupid ape, stay where you are. I won't kill you. I'm just taking what I need."

The ape's eyes widened in anger. He raised both arms, preparing to slam the ground. Who was he? A true rank eight wild beast, equivalent to a human rank four Martial King. Many kingdom rulers would choose to avoid if faced with him. But before his anger exploded, his body was suddenly locked. An invisible pressure fell from the sky, crushing like a mountain. An oppressive aura seeped in, suffocating movement and suppressing his breath. The ape was stunned. He couldn't move. Even breathing felt like swallowing iron.

In sudden fear, he glanced at the little boy who stood calmly in front of him. The innocent face showed no intention to kill, but the pressure he released was like invisible shackles. The ape realized. If this boy intended to kill, he would be annihilated without a chance to fight back.

Not wanting to provoke danger, the ape held back, while Jhi Chen approached the cliff, knelt, and picked the mature Krisik Grass. His movements were meticulous and quick. After ensuring the roots were not damaged and the essence was not wasted, he stood up. He turned to leave, but the ape's heavy voice held him back.

"Lord, why deceive me? There's no need to disguise yourself as a child. If I knew your strength from the start, I wouldn't dare to offend you. Forgive my stupidity." The ape lowered his body, then prostrated, his legs trembling greatly.

Jhi Chen stopped. He turned and was briefly surprised to see the mountain-sized figure prostrating before him. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Old ape, I didn't deceive you. I didn't disguise myself. I am indeed still small. My lifespan is only three years. About strength, that's my business. I won't mention anything to you."

The ape stared unblinkingly. His face was blank and dazed, just like a truly stupid ape. He couldn't believe a boy who was only three years old could have such great strength.

"I like you a little. Although you are not a good beast, your character is not bad either. Do you want to follow me?"

The ape was startled, then looked so excited that his voice came out stammering. "Lord, i-is that true? Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Jhi Chen asked, staring straight at him.

"No. This little ape is willing to follow you," the ape replied quickly. He understood, although he was not weak, out there there were many true experts whose existence was shaking. Following a strong person was the most reasonable choice. And if this boy was really only three years old, his prospects would be unlimited.

"You don't need to kneel to me. I'm not looking for a servant. I want a friend. If you want to come, stop the habit of kneeling. Just once you object, I won't take you. Starting today, I call you Krisik Ape, because you grew up with Krisik Grass."

"Krisik Ape will not object to Lord," he replied respectfully. He raised his face, trying to regulate his breath so as not to look too nervous.

"Good, now, can you shrink your body? Your size is too big. If you walk beside me with a body like this, the whole forest could be in an uproar."

Without delay, Krisik Ape shrunk his body. From a height of thirty meters, he shrank to the size of a large cat. His sapphire blue fur looked clean and shiny, his face which was originally fierce now looked adorable. He jumped onto Jhi Chen's shoulder, landing lightly and holding on tight.

"Lord, Krisik Ape is ready," he said, trying to sound calm.

"I will hide your cultivation. Don't attract anyone's attention." He circulated his divine sense, sealing tightly the traces of Krisik Ape's aura.

After that, he lifted his body, darting quickly through the air. The wind whistled. The trees shifted like shadows. If not for the protection of the aura, the gusts of air alone would be enough to throw Krisik Ape off. The little ape hugged Jhi Chen's shoulder even tighter.

"Lord is really strong," he muttered. "If without protection, I could be destroyed by the wind like this."

A few moments later, Jhi Chen slowed down, touched the ground again, then ran quickly. He arrived at the place where the old man was lying. The old man opened his eyes, staring at Jhi Chen who appeared with firm steps.

"Kid, where did you go?" the old man asked weakly.

Jhi Chen didn't answer. He crouched down, examining the still open wound, then nodded. "Senior, your wound is very severe. But don't worry. I have obtained the medicine," he said soothingly.

He took out the Krisik Grass. The thick stems and leaves he rubbed slowly with his palms twenty-one times. A thick green liquid came out, smelling sharp, and when touched to the skin, the plant melted, seeping into the flesh. Thin white smoke rose into the air. The old man screamed loudly, his body tensing from the stinging pain.

"Senior, hold on a moment," Jhi Chen said firmly. "This won't take long."

The scream slowly subsided. Half an incense stick's time felt enough to make the pain subside. The gaping wounds closed seventy percent, the bleeding stopped, and the old man's skin color gradually returned. He took a long breath then looked at the sky between the leaves, laughing heartily.

"I, Yan Saotian, didn't die," he exclaimed with a relieved laugh that thrilled the surrounding air.

But the laughter didn't last long. His face hardened. The look in his eyes suddenly turned cold. A thick killing aura dripped from his body uncontrollably. The surrounding air dropped several degrees. Breath vapor seemed to freeze. "Feng Clan," he hissed, his voice heavy. "You are too brave. You intercepted this old man on the road. You even sent the deputy head of the clan to besiege me. You thought I would die under that pressure. You are wrong. I live. The treasure you wanted you didn't get. You will bear the consequences."