Chapter 42

**Chapter 42: Xiao Yan's Challenge**

"Roar!"

A deafening roar shattered the usual tranquility of the Monster Forest's depths.

Along with the terrifying pressure, countless weaker monsters panicked and fled, causing birds and beasts to scatter in all directions!

"Swoosh!"

A figure sliced through the air like a hunting bird, soaring across the sky.

In the blink of an eye, it covered nearly a hundred meters.

Just moments after this figure passed, another roar echoed, and a massive beast, nearly twenty feet long, appeared.

Its enormous shadow engulfed the ground instantly as it pursued the figure at high speed.

"Was it really necessary to chase me this far just because I took a fire lotus fruit?" The figure in front was Xiao Ning, wearing a helpless expression as he glanced back at the creature hot on his heels a large, slender, and powerful monster.

The beast was imposing, dark in color, with mysterious patterns covering its body.

It's furry exterior bristled with purple spikes, and it had wings that could wrap around its entire form!

The monster's speed was astounding.

With a slight twist, it seemed to teleport, appearing dozens of meters ahead in an instant.

But despite its best efforts, its human-like vertical pupils, filled with rage, couldn't close the distance between it and the thief in front.

"No matter how fast you are, if this keeps up, I'll run out of Dou Qi.

If I can't outrun you, I'll have to give you a couple of punches!" Xiao Ning muttered in frustration, though his face betrayed excitement.

"Roar!"

The beast let out another thunderous roar, and the mysterious patterns on its body lit up with a faint red glow. The surrounding Dou Qi began to gather around it frantically, forming a spiraling wind column in the air!

"Tsk, it's going all out!" Xiao Ning sensed the movement behind him, and the helpless look on his face disappeared. He took a deep breath and quickly formed a mysterious hand seal.

A faint, ancient aura emanated from his body.

Suddenly, Xiao Ning's speed surged, and the gap between him and the dark beast widened instantly.

Within moments, he disappeared from the monster's sight, leaving it roaring in frustration over the forest!

Xiao Ning flew through the air, his face a little pale.

The extreme speed granted by the Kunpeng treasure technique had taken its toll on him, draining his energy rapidly.

But despite the exhaustion, a broad smile spread across his face.

"This Kunpeng magic is amazing,even a fifth-tier magical beast can't catch me!"

Moments ago, Xiao Ning had snatched a fire lotus fruit right under the nose of that massive dark beast, leading to the relentless chase.

Thanks to the Kunpeng magic, even his Ziyun Wings, in their normal state, had the speed of a fifth-tier flying magical beast.

However, his limited Dou Qi meant he couldn't maintain flight for long.

Activating the full Kunpeng magic consumed even more energy, and now Xiao Ning's Dou Qi was almost completely depleted, a testament to the technique's immense power.

"After being away for so many days, I've nearly collected all the monster blood I need.

It's time to return to Misty Valley before Xiao Yixian starts worrying," Xiao Ning thought, deciding on his next move.

Suddenly, he sensed a familiar wave of Dou Qi in the distance.

His mind stirred, and a trace of curiosity flashed across his face.

Changing direction mid-flight, he headed towards the source of the Dou Qi wave.

"Boom boom boom!"

The sound of a massive waterfall echoed through the valley, its roar unchanging year after year.

The moist water vapor created a cool atmosphere, isolating the small valley from the outside world's heat.

Under the waterfall, surging like a silver dragon, stood a young man with his upper body bare, gritting his teeth.

In his hands was a massive black ruler, which he swung repeatedly at the rushing water.

Each swing sent water splashing into the air.

This young man was Xiao Yan!

His feet were firmly planted on wooden stakes, as if rooted to the ground.

Pale yellow Dou Qi flickered faintly across Xiao Yan's body. Each time the water crashed against him, a thin mist rose from his skin.

Wielding the heavy ruler required immense strength, and after a while, the strain began to show.

Xiao Yan's arms grew sore and numb with each swing, but he held on, determination etched on his face.

Suddenly, Xiao Yan closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and a fiery red pattern appeared on the black ruler in his hand.

A stream of hot air rose from the weapon as Xiao Yan focused on the water beneath the waterfall.

His heart stirred as he connected with the rhythm of the water, and, following this newfound feeling, he swung the black ruler upward with all his might!

"Boom!"

A fiery red arc of Dou Qi flew from the black ruler, cutting upstream and striking the waterfall.

The flow of water halted momentarily, and steam billowed into the air.

Incredibly, Xiao Yan's blow had severed the waterfall!

"Well done, Xiao Yan!" Yao Lao's voice rang in Xiao Yan's ears, full of praise.

Xiao Yan jumped down from the wooden stake, plunging into the water before swimming to the shore.

Exhausted, he collapsed onto the ground, sprawling out with a pale face.

After catching his breath, he exclaimed excitedly, "Teacher, I've finally mastered the Flame Devouring Wave Ruler!"

"Now, I can finally catch up to my cousin, Xiao Ning!"

Yao Lao stroked his beard with a touch of pride.

"As a fighter, mastering an earth-level fighting skill is something to be proud of.

Even if Xiao Ning is stronger now, in terms of talent, you're not far behind."

Suddenly, Yao Lao's figure turned into a stream of light, retreating into the storage ring on Xiao Yan's finger.

Before Xiao Yan could react, a figure descended from the sky, approaching him swiftly.

"Cousin Xiao Yan has made great progress during this time," a familiar voice called out.

Xiao Yan quickly sat up, responding with a cheerful laugh, "It seems cousin Xiao Ning has also gained much."

"Heh, I've had some success in the depths of the Warcraft Forest recently," Xiao Ning replied modestly.

"That's truly enviable," Xiao Yan remarked with a smile. After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Yan's eyes glinted with an idea.

He looked at Xiao Ning and, without hesitation, asked, "I wonder if cousin Xiao Ning is still willing to accept my challenge now?"