Suddenly, the space around Chu Feng trembled.
Then, two figures materialized.
One on the left, one on the right, they took up positions beside Chu Feng.
One was a middle-aged man, and the other an aged ape.
Though the ape looked old, its gaze was utterly savage — the kind of look no ordinary demon beast could possess. Anyone who had seen the world could tell at a glance that this ape was a king-level existence.
As for the man, his eyes were relatively gentle compared to the ape's fierce stare. At first glance, he appeared entirely unremarkable, but upon closer inspection, he was impossible to fathom — giving off a sense of unfathomable depth.
This man was none other than Chu Feng's father, Chu Xuanyuan.
And that aged ape was none other than Old Ape, who had fought alongside Chu Xuanyuan for many years.
The current Chu Xuanyuan and Old Ape were vastly different from the versions who had been imprisoned in the Forbidden Grounds all those years ago.
Although they had not released any pressure, even from appearance alone, one could tell that they were not to be trifled with.
Yet Xianhai Renhu and the red-haired leader showed no fear.
After all, they too had extraordinary backgrounds, and moreover, they had the powerful Demon Transformation Tribe backing them.
What was the Demon Transformation Tribe? It was a malevolent force so dreaded that every power across the vast Martial Cultivation Realm spoke of them in terror.
"If I'm not mistaken, you must be this young man's father?" Xianhai Renhu asked in a deep voice.
Although Chu Xuanyuan had never introduced himself, Xianhai Renhu could see from their similar features that father and son stood before him.
However, to Xianhai Renhu's question, Chu Xuanyuan gave no answer.
He showed no reaction whatsoever, as if he hadn't heard a word.
At this, Xianhai Renhu's brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of displeasure crossed his face.
But he said nothing.
He had a vague sense that this opponent's strength might not be beneath his own — and was more likely above it.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to remain completely undetectable before their arrival.
Facing such an opponent, striking out rashly would not be wise.
Though Xianhai Renhu had sensed that Chu Xuanyuan and Old Ape were not to be provoked, the other members of the Demon Transformation Tribe had clearly not caught on.
With neither Chu Xuanyuan nor Old Ape releasing any pressure, the Demon Transformation Tribe members had no idea what cultivation level they possessed.
On top of that, Xianhai Renhu's mention of "father and son" told them that these two were also from the Holy Light Heavenly River.
But what was the Holy Light Heavenly River? In their eyes, it was nothing but a desolate backwater. The cultivators there were all lowly, inferior beings.
For such people to dare ignore Xianhai Renhu's words — that was utterly unforgivable in their eyes.
"How dare you! Are you deaf?"
"Our lord is questioning you — answer at once!"
One of the Demon Transformation Tribe members pointed at Chu Xuanyuan beside Chu Feng and began berating him with fury.
Not only did he speak from a position of superiority, but his words were dripping with contempt and scorn toward Chu Xuanyuan.
Whoosh—
But the moment those words left his lips, Old Ape's figure flickered, and he vanished.
When Old Ape reappeared, he was standing right in front of the Demon Transformation Tribe group — directly before the one who had reprimanded Chu Xuanyuan.
Smack—
Before anyone could react, Old Ape's massive hand shot out, seized the man's head, and hoisted him high into the air.
Nnngh—!
The man who had berated Chu Xuanyuan let out a pained wail, struggling frantically.
But no matter how he thrashed, it was futile.
Before Old Ape, he was like a helpless chick — utterly powerless to break free.
"You're courting death!!!"
Seeing this, the surrounding Demon Transformation Tribe members drew their weapons and released their pressure, ready to strike at Old Ape.
But Old Ape's hand simply clenched tighter.
Then, with a sickening crunch, blood splattered in all directions, and the stench of it filled the air.
The head of that Demon Transformation Tribe member had been crushed.
The headless body then plummeted from the starry sky, falling into the bottomless void below.
Seeing this, every member of the Demon Transformation Tribe who had drawn their weapons froze in place, gripping their blades but not daring to move against Old Ape.
That single, simple action from Old Ape had made it terrifyingly clear — this seemingly aged ape was in fact a murderous demon.
Even if they all attacked together, they wouldn't survive a few rounds before this creature.
"Gentlemen, could you perhaps grant us a way out?" Xianhai Renhu spoke again.