Almighty Devouring System

C23 – Kill Him!

“Yan Xinheng is out to kill me!”

This alarming realization hit Peng Gengkun with a mix of surprise and urgency, prompting him to unleash his Astral Energy without restraint. He set about dismantling the Astral Energy ropes binding him.

Yet, Yan Xinheng’s Astral Energy ropes were unusually resilient, and Peng Gengkun struggled to obliterate them completely.

“Anyone else would likely fail to even scratch these Astral Energy ropes! Lucky for me, I’ve got an ace up my sleeve.”

Drawing a deep breath, Peng Gengkun stopped scattering his Astral Energy and instead concentrated it, preparing to execute a Martial Arts technique.

Peng Gengkun had initially thought Yan Xinheng was after a mere battle to reclaim the Space Ring. Now, it was clear that Yan Xinheng intended to end his life!

With this in mind, Peng Gengkun resolved to withhold no mercy.

In the next instant, he focused his Astral Energy to its peak and unleashed a Martial Arts move: the second form of the Great Vajra Palm, Vajra Subduing Devil!

A ferocious roar accompanied the explosion of Astral Energy from Peng Gengkun’s body, sharp as knives. In the blink of an eye, the Astral Energy ropes Yan Xinheng had formed were shattered. Dozens of Astral Energy blades simultaneously stabbed into Yan Xinheng’s body.

Despite being an elite disciple, Yan Xinheng was not fatally wounded.

“Unbelievable, you actually managed to escape the Astral Energy ropes! But now that you’re free, your strength must be nearly depleted! Die!” Yan Xinheng bellowed, unleashing the Martial Arts technique he had been charging up.

Peng Gengkun, though unfamiliar with the specific Martial Arts move, recognized the formidable power behind Yan Xinheng’s attack.

Without hesitation, Peng Gengkun summoned the Vajra Worshipping Moon, meeting Yan Xinheng’s assault head-on.

The collision of their Martial Arts techniques was explosive, and Yan Xinheng’s Palm Technique was instantly nullified. Peng Gengkun’s Astral Energy Palm Imprint struck true, hitting Yan Xinheng squarely in the chest and sending him hurtling backward.

Witnessing the unfolding events, Peng Gengkun allowed himself to relax.

“Did I kill someone? But he was the one who tried to kill me first.”

Approaching Yan Xinheng, Peng Gengkun remarked, “You didn’t see it coming, did you? That I’d escape your Astral Energy ropes.”

Coughing up blood, Yan Xinheng managed a wry smile and questioned, “How do you possess such potent Astral Energy? To actually break free from the Astral Energy ropes! And how does your Astral Energy keep circulating without pause?”

Peng Gengkun was aware that for the average person, maintaining a constant flow of Astral Energy was unfeasible due to the inevitable fluctuations following its use. But Peng Gengkun was an exception. He didn’t have a Qi Sea! His cultivation was solely the result of the Leviathan-roc System assimilating Spiritual Energy and forming it into power.

This unique ability allowed Peng Gengkun to wield Martial Arts without interruption.

Yet, this secret was something Peng Gengkun would never disclose, not even to a dying man like Yan Xinheng.

“My cultivation method is unique, beyond your comprehension,” he paused before adding, “And I have another secret to share with you.”

Peng Gengkun spoke deliberately, “I am at the High Rank of Qi Refining.”

Shock flickered in Yan Xinheng’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resignation. With a long sigh, he closed his eyes and succumbed to death.

As this scene played out, the disciples of the Flying Cloud Sect felt as though they had witnessed an epic drama.

Chang Jipeng, beaming with joy, whispered to himself, “Who would have thought he’d reach the High Rank of Qi Refining! With such a level of cultivation, he’s practically an Inner Sect disciple already. Once he passes the Inner Sect disciples’ trial, he’ll officially join their ranks! I must take him on as my disciple then!”

Xi Yingzhu was even more astonished than her fellow Inner Sect disciples.

To them, the High Rank of Qi Refining wasn’t particularly alarming.

But Xi Yingzhu alone knew that not long ago, Peng Gengkun was merely at the Intermediate Rank of Qi Refining!

“How long did it take him to advance from the Intermediate to the High Rank of Qi Refining? Is it even possible for someone to cultivate that fast? Could it be that what he claimed that day was actually true?”

Xi Yingzhu found herself reflecting on the encounter in the Cultivation Room.

Back then, she had declared they were even, but Peng Gengkun insisted that Wei Mingzhi would eventually be defeated by him.

At the time, Xi Yingzhu dismissed Peng Gengkun’s words as mere bluster. Little did she expect that in just twenty days, Peng Gengkun would truly ascend to the High Rank of Qi Refining!

Xi Yingzhu was momentarily at a loss for words, struggling to articulate her thoughts about Peng Gengkun in that instant.

Wei Mingzhi was profoundly shaken. His fists were clenched, and he remained silent. Shortly thereafter, he turned on his heel and swiftly departed.

Trailing behind Wei Mingzhi and Xi Yingzhu, the Little Prince maintained his nonchalant demeanor. Yet, his gaze upon Peng Gengkun had taken on a peculiar quality.

In that moment, Peng Gengkun felt the weight of fatigue from slaying Yan Xinheng. He had executed Vajra Worshipping Moon and Vajra Subduing Devil in succession without replenishing his Astral Energy. Even for someone at the High Rank of Qi Refining, the strain was considerable.

“Yan Xinheng may not have been as powerful as that giant python, but he was trickier to handle. Warriors possess many bizarre techniques. It appears I’ve been underestimating others. From now on, I cannot afford to be arrogant or complacent!”

With these thoughts, Peng Gengkun finally turned his attention to Yan Xinheng.

Yan Xinheng’s life had ended, yet his eyes remained open, betraying a hint of lingering regret.

Peng Gengkun respectfully closed Yan Xinheng’s eyes before rising to approach the plaque of the Death Match Arena.

The Elders from the Flying Cloud Sect who had witnessed the duel nodded in approval, commending Peng Gengkun’s honorable conduct.

Peng Gengkun reached the plaque and collected the faux Space Ring and the Martial Arts tome left by Yan Xinheng.

“I wonder which Martial Arts he has bequeathed. Could it be the Demon Suppressing Ring?”

Peng Gengkun was taken aback and quickly began to leaf through the pages.

After perusing several pages, understanding dawned on him. By the time he reached the final page, he had grasped the full picture.

“This is the same Martial Arts technique he just used! And there’s the Wei family’s seal. This is the emblem of Wei Mingzhi and Wei Pengxing’s lineage. It’s clear now; Wei Mingzhi must have been the one who sent Yan Xinheng after me!”

Taking a deep breath, Peng Gengkun scanned the arena, but Wei Mingzhi was nowhere to be seen.

“You’re in luck. My strength has significantly increased, and I’m now capable of handling you. I need to delve into the Demon Suppressing Ring to thwart any attempt of you using that technique against me. Once I’m an Inner Sect disciple, rest assured, I won’t let you get away with this!”