This was a king, a territorial monarch of this section of the valley, a creature of immense physical power that had likely guarded this exit for decades, perhaps centuries. Its Qi aura, though raw and untamed, was formidable, far surpassing any monster Jian had yet encountered. He could feel the sheer, crushing weight of its brute force.
A worthy opponent, Jian thought, a cold, predatory smile gracing his lips. My true test begins now.
The Iron-Armed Ape seemed to sense Jian's arrival, its glowing eyes fixing on him with an immediate, calculating hostility. It did not move initially, merely observing, its massive head tilting slightly, assessing the small, crimson-haired intruder. It had seen countless creatures attempt to pass, and none had succeeded. Its posture radiated an unquestioni
