: 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."

: The Debt of Yan Saotian

Yan Saotian's pressure spread. Jhi Chen, who was still small, felt a bone-chilling cold. He frowned and stared at Yan Saotian with a pout. "Senior, after I helped you, are you going to kill me?" he asked with a displeased tone.

That simple sentence cut through the killing aura like a knife. Yan Saotian snapped out of his own anger. He retracted his pressure as quickly as possible, then nodded apologetically. "Kid, forgive this old man. I was too excited to escape death. I didn't mean to hurt you. Thank you for reminding me."

That sincerity made Jhi Chen nod briefly. "Okay. I just can't stand your uncontrollable killing aura. Senior, with your strength, why were you injured by river monsters?"

"I wasn't injured by that monster," Yan Saotian replied, his breath now more stable. "I was ambushed by despicable people. There were many of them. When they combined their strength, I was thrown far away. I fell on the riverbank and before I had time to recover, those water monsters swarmed me. If you hadn't come, I might have died there. You saved my life and healed my wounds. This old man owes you a debt, Kid."

Although not fully recovered, Yan Saotian's energy had returned to envelop his body. He stared at Jhi Chen, this time with a different curiosity. He activated a secret eye technique that was stronger than when he first checked. His gaze pierced the surface of the boy's body, observing the flow of energy. He was startled when he saw that all twelve meridian points on Jhi Chen's body were perfectly open. That meant his physical body possessed unusual strength for a child his age.

Wanting to know more, he tried to dive deeper. But as soon as his consciousness moved, a thick fog obscured his vision. There was an unspoken warning, felt sharply at the edge of reason: do not cross this line. If forced, the coming punishment could not be prevented by anyone. Yan Saotian stopped his efforts. Cold sweat broke out on his temples. He no longer dared to investigate this boy's body.

He stared at Jhi Chen in amazement. "Kid, you surprised me. Only three years old, but all twelve of your meridian points are open. Your body is stronger than many Heaven-ranked cultivators. You also managed to get two thousand year old Krisik Grass. In my place, that plant is very rare. Usually guarded by rank seven or eight wild beasts. How did you take it?"

Krisik Ape, who was sitting on Jhi Chen's shoulder, held back laughter. He wanted to sneer, but he knew his place. He chose to remain silent and only looked up proudly. Jhi Chen did not show arrogance. He replied flatly, "Senior, it just so happened that when I came, the guard was not there. So I took it. As for how to use it, I learned from my mother. She is a physician in the kingdom. She is often called to the dynasty palace to treat soldiers. I often followed. That's why I know how to use this plant without having to distill it into pills."

"Did your mother often use Krisik Grass when treating?" Yan Saotian asked.

"No," Jhi Chen replied. "Only once, when the ruler of the dynasty almost died from severe injuries. Krisik Grass is very rare in this area. I just happened to find it."

Yan Saotian nodded. He stared at Jhi Chen with sincere respect. In his eyes, this boy spoke like an adult. There was no impression of exaggeration, no impatience, and no unwarranted fear. If he hadn't checked the age of his bones, he would have found it difficult to believe that Jhi Chen was only three years old.

"Since you have saved me, this old man should not be empty-handed," Yan Saotian said. He rummaged through his robe, took out a book whose cover was worn but well-maintained. "This is a technique manual. It's called Lion Dominating the Forest Fist Technique. I don't keep many treasures. I even gave my eternal ring to my brother when I was chased by the Feng Clan. But I never let go of this manual. This technique is not ordinary. It can be cultivated from the Heaven Realm, breaking through level after level, until reaching the Grand Exalted Realm. Many techniques only last up to three realms, even that is very extraordinary. This manual is different. Keep it. With your potential, this technique will be useful in the future."

Jhi Chen's eyes lit up. He received the manual with both hands, then nodded. After that, his face turned confused, as if he didn't understand the mention of realms that had appeared in Yan Saotian's speech. In his heart, he maintained his role. He looked at Yan Saotian and asked, "Senior, thank you for your gift. But I am a little confused about the levels that Senior mentioned. If Senior is willing, can you explain them so that I don't misunderstand?"

Yan Saotian had thought this boy didn't like his gift. Hearing that question, he instead chuckled with relief. "So that's it. Alright, listen carefully. The path of a cultivator is long and layered. The first is Qi Gathering, from rank one to rank nine. After that the Profound Realm, also nine ranks. Then the Heaven Realm, then the Martial Realm. After that the Martial King Realm, Martial Emperor Realm, and Martial Ancestor Realm. Above it there is the Immortal Realm, Martial Immortal, then Celestial Martial Immortal. Furthermore the High-Level Realm, the Exalted Realm, Grand Realm, and Grand Exalted Realm. There are still subsequent levels that you don't need to know now. With your current age and the twelve meridians that are already open, your future has no limits."

He took out a small medal from the inner pocket of his robe. On the surface of the medal was engraved a totem resembling a Qilin head. "Keep this. If one day you explore the world and arrive in my galaxy, show this medal. My name is Yan Saotian, I am one of the elders of the Yan Clan. My galaxy is called Qilin Totem Galaxy. With this medal, people there will not make it difficult for you. Consider this as a bond between us."

Jhi Chen received the medal respectfully. He gripped it tightly, then put it in a safe place. "Thank you, Senior Yan. I will remember it. If one day I arrive in the Qilin Totem Galaxy, I will visit."

Yan Saotian nodded in satisfaction. "That's what I expect. Today I owe you my life. If one day you need help, bring that medal. I will come as much as I can."

Krisik Ape looked back and forth between Jhi Chen and Yan Saotian. He almost whistled if he hadn't restrained himself. For him, today was an unusual day. He became a follower of a boy whom even rank eight beasts didn't dare to look at for long. He also witnessed an elder from a large clan declare a debt of gratitude. He patted his chest lightly and whispered softly, "Lord, Krisik Ape will be useful. Krisik Ape will learn and not be ashamed."

Jhi Chen turned slightly, smiled faintly, then patted the little ape's head gently. "Stay quiet and watch around. We're not done here."

The forest returned to calm. The wind blew carrying the scent of damp soil. In the distance, the sound of the river flowing could be heard, reminding that Jhi Chen's journey had just begun. The old man who had been on the verge of death now sat leaning with a breath that was starting to regulate. On the other hand, a small ape with sapphire blue fur straightened his small body, ready to follow wherever his master stepped.

That day, a bond was formed. Not because of coercion, but because each saw value in the other. A boy with unlimited future prospects, a clan elder who had been ambushed and would not forget the debt, and an ape who had been a guardian of spirit plants but now accepted a new name. In a place that was not often visited by people, a new chapter was neatly arranged without needing magnificent witnesses. Enough with the sky, the trees, and the stream that kept the story.

"Senior," Jhi Chen said, breaking the silence, "are you still strong enough to walk? If not, I will take you to a safe place. After that, I have to go back."

"I can walk," Yan Saotian replied. "Not as strong as usual, but my feet have started to feel the ground again." He stood up slowly, testing his balance, then nodded. "Thank you."

"We part ways here," Jhi Chen said. "Remember my words. Don't spread the killing aura uncontrollably. It could hurt those who shouldn't."

Yan Saotian bowed respectfully. "I remember it. And I remember your name. If fate brings us together in the Qilin Totem Galaxy, the door of the Yan Clan will be open for you."

Jhi Chen didn't add anything. He turned around. His steps were light, but sure. Krisik Ape looked once more at the old man, then jumped close to Jhi Chen's neck. With a simple movement, the boy darted between the trees, leaving a gust of wind that quickly recovered as before. The forest closed again, as if nothing had happened. But for those who went through it, today changed many things.

: The Legacy of the Galaxies

"Qilin Totem Galaxy, is that very far? I've never heard of it," Jhi Chen said.

"Indeed, it is very far from your current location. It's not a distance between worlds, but a distance between galaxies. In your galaxy, there are four million three hundred thousand worlds, and all are controlled by twenty stars. Those twenty stars are controlled by the galaxy ruler. Whereas your galaxy is named Eternal Gu Ying Galaxy. Because the Gu clan is the ruler of the galaxy, they named this galaxy according to their clan. As for the name 'Ying,' it is taken from a figure named Gu Ying Ho. He is the strongest person in the Gu clan, as well as the head of the Gu clan and the head of this galaxy."

Then, Yan Saotian smiled slightly, he saw Jhi Chen's innocent face still needed information. This slightly tickled his interest, he had never felt excited talking to a small child like Jhi Chen.

"Why didn't I mention the dynasty to you? Because there are billions of dynasties in your galaxy, so it would take a lot of time to tell you," he said.

Then Yan Saotian's gaze turned slightly serious. "Hmmm... actually your galaxy once ruled this vast martial world. But at that time it wasn't called Eternal Gu Ying Galaxy, but Sacred Sun Star Galaxy. The Sun Star clan led your galaxy for a very long time, about sixty thousand years. At that time the Sun Star clan controlled the entire world, even the entire galaxy. The fame of the Sun Star clan exceeded the current Jhi clan which is recognized as the strongest clan in the vast martial world."

"Jhi Clan?" Jhi Chen asked.

"That's right, Jhi Clan, but I don't need to explain too much, but I will give the reason why the Jhi Clan is considered weaker than the Sun Star Clan. The reason is, because the Jhi clan has never subdued other galaxies. However, why is the Jhi clan called the strongest clan in the nine galaxies? That's because someone once provoked the Jhi clan. They were the Jiang clan, the ruler of the Demon Galaxy. The Jhi clan only sent two people to fight the entire Jiang clan which numbered more than 130 million people. However, those two people managed to wipe out the entire Jiang clan without leaving a single person alive."

When Yan Saotian mentioned this, his body trembled, his eyes showed deep fear. How could it not? With only two people, they could wipe out the ruler of a galaxy full of strong experts.

"Those two people, one is Jhi Ming, the current head of the Jhi clan. And the other is Jhi Tian, the strongest genius ever born in the Jhi clan."

When Yan Saotian mentioned the name Jhi Tian, he greatly admired him. That respect was clearly visible on his face.

"Kid, I've talked a lot today. Maybe it's because I can live again after being sure I was going to die. I will leave now. Hopefully we will meet again in the future."

When Yan Saotian was about to leave, he stopped suddenly.

"Kid, I forgot. I haven't asked your name yet. What's your name?"

"Senior, my name is Jhi Chen."

"Jhi Chen..." Yan Saotian muttered in his heart. "Is this child from the Jhi clan? Impossible. It's impossible for there to be a member of the Jhi clan in this desolate area. He also said earlier that his mother is a physician who treats royal people. It's impossible for a Jhi clan member to do that. So maybe it's just a coincidence that the name is the same."

Yan Saotian smiled slightly. "Jhi Chen, this old man bids farewell. Hopefully fate will bring us together again."

Then Yan Saotian flew into the sky and disappeared. Actually, he wanted to take Jhi Chen to be raised, but there were many things he had to take care of so he didn't have time to take care of Jhi Chen.

When Yan Saotian disappeared, Jhi Chen smiled faintly.

"I didn't expect my father to be that strong. Father, what mission are you doing? So that you left me and mother. I have to work harder so I can meet my father. With my current strength, I'm not strong enough yet. With rank six Martial Ancestor, I thought I was strong, it turns out I can't even withstand just the intention to kill. How annoying."

If Yan Saotian heard Jhi Chen's words, maybe he would have vomited blood. There was a three-year-old child saying he was weak, and comparing himself to him, maybe Yan Saotian would jump to his death.

How old was Jhi Chen? Only three years old. Whereas Yan Saotian's age was already eighteen thousand years.

Maybe only Jhi Chen, a three-year-old boy with a rank six Martial Ancestor cultivation, felt weak.

After Yan Saotian left, a small ape came out of Jhi Chen's beast pouch. He was surprised there was a treasure that could accommodate living beasts, even inside they could cultivate. Not only that, he could know the outside situation, whereas from the outside he couldn't see inside.

"Lord is really great. What kind of treasure is this? I've never seen it," the ape said with full of surprise.

"This is a beast pouch. It can accommodate a hundred wild beasts like you. But if there are too many, the energy is not enough for your cultivation. If you are alone, it can accelerate your cultivation. This treasure doesn't exist in our dynasty. This is a treasure that my father gave before he left."

The little ape remembered Yan Saotian's words mentioning the Jhi clan was very strong.

"Lord, is your father from the Jhi clan?"

The little ape was sure his master was not a native of this dynasty. Where is there a newborn child, but his strength is more terrible than the ruler of the dynasty.

Jhi Chen didn't answer, he only smiled.

"Ape, let's go home. I've been out for too long, I'm afraid my mother is worried."

Then Jhi Chen flew home. Because this forest was still far from his village, Jhi Chen didn't run. With his strength, no one in this dynasty could see him, unless there was an expert from outside the world.

When Jhi Chen left, the air rippled. A beautiful figure stood in the air. It turned out that Jhi Chen had always been watched, she always followed him from the shadows.

"My husband, you have to believe in our child. Our child has grown and his character is very good."

That woman was Jhi Chen's mother, Mu Xiao’er. She stared in the direction Yan Saotian left.

"Luckily your character is good, not playing behind my child's back. If you dare to betray Chen’er, not only you will die, but the Qilin clan will also be completely destroyed, like the Demon clan."

Mu Xiao’er trembled then disappeared completely, without leaving a trace.

Arriving at home, Jhi Chen opened the door.

"Mother, I'm home."

Mu Xiao’er was seen cooking.

"My child just came home after playing all day. Must be tired. Take a bath first, mother has prepared warm water. After that eat, mother cooked delicious food. You must like it."

"Mother's cooking is always delicious. There is nothing that is not delicious. I will take a bath soon."

After finishing bathing, Jhi Chen sat at the dining table.

"Mother, what kind of meat is this? It looks different from usual."

"This is buffalo meat, a rank four sacred beast. Equivalent to a human rank eight Martial Ancestor. Earlier a star envoy visited our dynasty. His child had a congenital disease that always tormented him. Mother was asked to treat that child. Luckily mother knew how, and the child recovered. As a token of gratitude, mother was given many gifts. One of them is this meat. Come on, eat quickly," Mu Xiao'er said with a gentle face.

The little ape swallowed his saliva, really wanting to taste that sacred meat. But he didn't dare to speak, afraid his master would be angry. He only wiped his lips because his saliva kept dripping.

Jhi Chen saw that with his spiritual power then smiled.

"Mother, I brought a friend. Is it okay if he joins us?"

Mu Xiao’er smiled faintly. "Of course it's okay."

"Ape, come out."

When Jhi Chen called, the little ape immediately came out excitedly.

"Little one, meet my master."

"I told you there's no need to be too polite. Mother, this is my friend, Krisik Ape. He is a rank eight wild beast."

"Good ape, let's eat," Mu Xiao’er said.

When the meat entered Jhi Chen's mouth, he was immediately excited. The meat was not only delicious, but full of energy.

Jhi Chen ate heartily, so did the little ape, until not a single bit was left.

"Mother, sorry I ate too much. This is really delicious."

"It's okay, mother still has a lot of supplies."

"Really?"

"Of course. When has mother ever lied to Chen’er? You have to hurry up and practice. That will greatly help your training."

"Mother, I know. I will practice diligently."

After Jhi Chen left, Mu Xiao’er smiled.

"This is not just rank four sacred beast meat. The water to boil it is the Sacred Argaria Spring. That's more valuable than a rank four sacred beast."