i think the person who led A-ting and Yu Chi Yi here was the Li Mountain cultivator, because 2 chapters ago he said "You will be able to meet them very soon. This congratulatory gift, does it meet your approval?" idk what powers he has, but it seems he expected them to come here, so he likely blocked their path and led them around. it's clear that A-ting's qi can be traced by them because Bai Li Zhong mentioned it when he exited seclusion.
also, i think the Ape Tribe dude was tracking them anyway because Spellbane might be relevant to him (i mean didn't it slay the Great Ape Sage? i wonder if the original Ape Sage fought to enter heaven...?)
anyway it would be cool if there's an even higher power involved! i'm glad there's more to this Ape dude, his design is cool. so he's been in contact with the Fox tribe as well...