Arnoux turned to Alix and gave him a nod of approval. "Indeed, Alix's teaching skills have improved a lot. He has become a great mentor to all of us."

Alix was getting shy at the compliment. "Father, I'm just doing my best to help everyone improve their cultivation."

Arnoux put his hand on Alix's shoulder. "And you're doing a great job, son. I'm proud of you."

Alix felt a surge of warmth in his chest as his father praised him. He smiled gratefully at his father, feeling grateful for the bond they shared.

"Nox is right, age doesn't matter when it comes to respecting someone. You've proven yourself to be a worthy member of our group, and I'm honored to have you as my son," Arnoux continued, looking at Alix with pride.

"Thank you, father. I'm grateful to have you as my mentor and guide," Alix replied, feeling a sense of contentment.

Everyone continued to talk and laugh as they finished looting the bodies of the goblin riders. As they walked deeper into the dungeon, they knew that there would be more challenges ahead, but they were ready to face them together as a team.

-------------------

Little did they know, the goblins had caught up to them, and were now preparing to ambush them from the shadows. Arnoux sensed something was off and motioned for everyone to halt.

"Something's not right," he whispered to his group. "Keep your guard up and stay alert."

Suddenly, a high-pitched whistle pierced the air, and the group spun around to see a dozen hobgoblin riders charging towards them on their mounts.

"Get ready for battle!" Arnoux shouted, drawing his sword as the others followed suit. The goblins were fierce opponents, their sharp clubs and spears and brute strength making them formidable foes.

But Arnoux and his group were not to be underestimated. Since they started practicing King Kong's Body Cultivation Book, their fighting style changed a lot, they were now using their bare fist in a fight. Furthermore, it gave them agility, flexibility, and strength beyond that of a normal human.

Alix leaped into action, the King Kong's Body Cultivation Book allowing him to move swiftly and gracefully. He dodged the hobgoblin's attacks with ease, striking back with his own powerful blows that sent them flying off their mounts.

Meanwhile, Arnoux's used a technique allowing him to punch with incredible speed and precision, even the hobgoblin's thick hide can't protect them from Arnoux's powerful punch. He fought with a fierce determination, his eyes locked onto the enemy as he moved with the fluidity of a monkey.

Some of the goblin riders tried to flank them from the side, but Nox, Zam, and Eryx were quick to intercept. Using their technique, they moved with lightning speed, their fists striking with the force of a sledgehammer.

The last two members of the group, brothers Kato and Jin, used their joint monkey technique to create a whirlwind of destruction. They spun around in unison, their movements so fast that they were almost a blur. The goblins and hobgoblin didn't stand a chance, caught in their self-made whirlwind and knocked off their mounts.

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Not far from the battlefield, one first-stage Opening Qi hobgoblin and one peak of Building Base, they were looking at the battlefield, analyzing the battle.

"Captain, these are the humans that keep killing our brethren." The building base goblin said to the hobgoblin.

Although they won't die if they got killed, however, getting killed by the same person every time just makes them angry. So, they reported it to the higher rank hobgoblins.

"You're right, I can see that they are stronger than the average human, especially that kid. I can feel a little bit of suppression of blood." The hobgoblin said, looking at Alix a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.

On the battlefield, Argoun's group was starting to get exhausted. The goblins just keep on pouring in, if they kill one, another one will show up, it was like all the goblins were targeting them.

"These humans are dangerous, we need to kill them before they grow up."

The hobgoblins then dashed toward Alix, wanting to kill him in one shot.

because they are busy defending themselves from the goblin's relentless attack, they didn't notice the hobgoblin, but at the last second Arnoux saw the hobgoblin.

Arnoux saw the hobgoblin's intention and quickly moved to intercept him. However, the hobgoblin was too fast, and before Arnoux could react, the hobgoblin swung his club at Alix with all his might

Alix barely had time to react as he saw the club coming towards him. He tried to dodge, but it was too late. Arnoux, it might be from not wanting to see his son get seriously injured, he managed to put great strength on his foot, throwing himself in front of Alix, using his own body as a shield.

The club hit Arnoux with a sickening thud, and he was sent flying backward, blood spraying from his mouth. And he hit the ground hard, unmoving.

"No!" Alix cried out, rushing to his father's side.

The hobgoblin sneered at the scene, although it was not the kid that got injured, he was still satisfied with the result. But before he could make another move, a fierce roar filled the air.

It was Nox, who was enraged at the sight of Arnoux being injured. He charged towards the hobgoblin with his fists raised high, unleashing a powerful barrage of blows that made the hobgoblin defend himself.

But Nox didn't last long, he was also sent flying, and what he did only made the hobgoblin more annoyed.

Arnoux gasped for air, struggling to breathe as he clutched his chest. "I'm... I'm alright," he wheezed, trying to reassure his son. But Alix could see the pain etched on his father's face.

"Alix, listen to me," Arnoux said weakly, reaching out to grab his son's hand. "You have to retreat. Take the others and get out of here."

"No, Father! I can't leave you here!" Alix protested, his eyes watering.