Marvin believed that Austin's sword would stab him this time.
He was startled, and the violent vital energy emerged from his body. The light green light appeared on
the surface of his body and formed a green vital energy shield.
It was a vital energy defensive method!
Looking at the momentum, Austin shrank in fear. It was challenging for a cultivator at the Energy
Gathering Realm to cultivate this kind of method.
And such a martial skill was expensive. Even if ordinary outer disciples wanted to practice it, they didn't
have enough contribution credits.
It was beyond his expectation that Marvin had practiced this skill. His strength couldn't be
underestimated!
When Austin attacked Marvin with the long sword, he felt a strong, vital power pressure, and the power
of his sword weakened.
It was difficult for him to stab. "Clang." The jade fan clashed with the long sword. The vital energy at the
point of collision created an impact wave spreading that could be seen by the naked eye.
Austin felt as though a stronger power was leading the long sword in his hand. Fearful that the sword
would be snatched from him, Austin panicked. The vital energy in his body flowed restlessly.
He hurried to take a step back and seized the chance to get rid of the anti-shock force. A blood streak
appeared on his purlicue because of the shock.
Austin smiled bitterly. Although he was at the fifth level of the Energy Gathering Realm, his strength
was barely presentable.
Eh...
The scene astonished everyone.
This guy really had a thing or two. All people, including Marvin, became serious.
Others also saw something unusual.
A grunt disciple could not only dodge easily but also hit back under the violent attack of a powerful
outer disciple.
At least it proved that this grunt disciple was not as weak as they had imagined.
Lara bit her lip as she couldn't believe what she had seen.
"You surprise me with your skills. You can dodge quickly. But you are not qualified to show off in front of
me."
Seeing that Austin was more capable than he had thought, Marvin became more cautious. He spoke
with Austin in a cold tone.
In the next instant, the vital power emerging from his body became twice as strong.
Everyone's expression changed when they realized that until now, Marvin hadn't been using all his
strength.
"Hold on. Let this guy join our Evil Ape Hunting Team. He is eligible. His body and movements show
potential, and he has excellent swordsmanship. He can help restrain the evil apes to some extent.
Whatever the issue between you two, it can be solved at a later stage. We don't have much time."
Ralf spoke before gazing at the other members of the Evil Ape Hunting Team.
After thinking for a while, Mindy, William, and George nodded. After all, they had seen Austin's
performance and agreed to Ralf's decision.
Marvin was astounded when he saw the other four agreeing with Ralf. On some level, Marvin knew that
what Ralf had said made sense. If Austin joined them, he could suppress the evil apes with his bodily
movement, since Marvin couldn't even get close to him. Austin would be a worthy addition to the team.
With his skill, they would have a higher chance of hunting the evil apes.
Obviously, Ralf and the others had also thought the same.
At this time, it was unwise of him to insist on solving their personal problem. If Marvin chose to stay and
battle with Austin, it would hurt their chances of grabbing the earth spirit fruit.
On the other hand, if he could acquire some earth spirit fruit, Marvin would have more confidence to
stay secluded and promote his level later. This would be beneficial to him, as he would be able to reach
the Earth Realm soon.
At this thought, Marvin controlled his anger. He could see that listening to Ralf would be advantageous.
"OK. Since everybody thinks so, I agree. We will solve our problem at a later time."
The vital power enclosing Marvin's body disappeared in an instant. He opened the jade fan and
regained his earlier composure.
"Marvin... ..."
Lara was unwilling to let Austin go. As the swelling on the right side of her face throbbed, she was
reminded of what he had done. Anger surged in her heart again.
"Lara, stop."
Marvin had always been decisive. Now that he was determined to begin their task of securing the earth
spirit fruit and promoting his cultivation, he wouldn't allow Lara to distract him.
The other members of the Evil Ape Hunting Team also stared coldly at Lara. Although she was
exasperated, she noticed the warning in their expressions.
Lara held back her words. Although she was unwilling, she knew that it was unwise to offend everyone
on the team.
In front of these ace cultivators who were more powerful than her, she knew her position. With no other
alternative, she remained quiet but glared at Austin.
"In this case, this matter should not be delayed. Let's get started."
Marvin stated before glancing at Austin one last time.
Apparently, Marvin wouldn't easily forget what Austin had done. Someday, he would get even with
Austin.
Austin responded with a faint smile. He didn't take all this very seriously.
Marvin was at a much higher level than him, for now. But judging from his speed, Austin believed that
he would catch up with or even surpass Marvin in the near future.
After all, he was once ranked as the topmost outer disciple and had reached level nine of the Energy
Gathering Realm. Marvin was at the eighth level at most now.
How could Marvin threaten Austin?
Eager to begin, each member of the Evil Ape Hunting Team headed into the valley. Austin chose to
maintain medium speed.
"Look. The Evil Ape Hunting Team has set out. It seems that the guy who came late was accepted."
The disciples watching were excited and commented loudly.
There was admiration in their voices. After all, only those with great power would be accepted into the
Evil Ape Hunting Team.
"Huh, so what if there are six people in the team? They have to fight two diabolic beasts at the second
level. Even if inner disciples join them, they probably won't be able to deal with the creatures. These
outer disciples are courting death."
The comment was not short of envy or satire.
A short while later, the news spread.
"I hear that the last guy to join the Evil Ape Hunting Team is a grunt disciple."
For a while, everyone was silent. The uproar continued as they clamored to share their opinions.
"Haha, are you foolish? Do you believe that? A grunt disciple! How can Marvin and Ralf allow a grunt
disciple to join them? If it is true, I can also join the Evil Ape Hunting Team."
"Right. The person who is creating confusion by spreading the rumor must be jealous because he
didn't qualify to join the team."
Nine out of ten people who heard the news didn't believe it.
In the valley full of thorn bushes and vines, six people advanced quickly. A few small animals scattered
out of hiding when the team rushed past them.
The dense towering trees on both sides covered the sky and sun. As a result, it was darker in the valley
than on the outside. It was gloomy and cool, like a land of idyllic beauty, with mottled sunshine
reflecting on the ground through the tree cracks.
As the six people entered the valley, they slowed their pace to move forward cautiously.
According to the description of the only surviving member of the previous hunting team, the earth spirit
fruit was about two miles away from the valley entrance.
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