Almighty Devouring System

C32 – Wei Mingzhi and Peng Gengkun Agreed to Fight

Outer Sect elite disciple Peng Gengkun has thrown down the gauntlet to Inner Sect disciple Wei Mingzhi!

This piece of gossip set off a buzz within the ranks of the Flying Cloud Sect’s Outer Sect, capturing the attention of even some Inner Sect disciples.

While the agreed-upon duel between Peng Gengkun and Wei Mingzhi was common knowledge, it hadn’t sparked much interest. A few Outer Sect disciples speculated about Peng Gengkun’s audacity, while some in the Inner Sect scoffed at Wei Mingzhi’s apparent cowardice, doubting his courage to face an elite disciple.

Yet, a different question was on the minds of others: With so many in the Inner Sect, why did Peng Gengkun single out Wei Mingzhi for his quest for fame?

Peng Gengkun was no stranger to notoriety within the Outer Sect. His defeat of Yan Xinheng was well-known, and on his first day as an elite disciple, he left Wei Pengxing in a pitiable state, even making off with Wei Pengxing’s Space Ring.

It wasn’t long before Peng Gengkun’s past came to light.

Suddenly, it all made sense—Peng Gengkun and Wei Mingzhi were locked in a deep-seated vendetta! Wei Pengxing had once crippled Peng Gengkun’s martial arts. Peng Gengkun, having greatly improved his skills, later gave Wei Pengxing a taste of his own medicine, exacting his revenge. In doing so, he inadvertently made an enemy of Wei Mingzhi.

The disciples of the Flying Cloud Sect weren’t puzzled by Peng Gengkun’s sudden surge in strength; such mysterious advancements were not unheard of. The world was full of strange twists of fate, with many gaining inexplicable boosts in power. Peng Gengkun seemed to be one such beneficiary.

Wei Mingzhi not only accepted Peng Gengkun’s challenge but also scheduled their showdown at the Death Match Arena. Peng Gengkun, of course, accepted with enthusiasm.

In three days’ time, Wei Mingzhi and Peng Gengkun would face off in the Death Match Arena.

Peng Gengkun was deep in cultivation within his room when suddenly, a flurry of frantic footsteps echoed from outside, followed by a group of people bursting in.

Upon closer inspection, Peng recognized Lin Huaqiao, Wang Jingfu, Yue Yun, and several other elite disciples.

Ceasing his cultivation as they entered, Peng greeted them with a smile, “What brings you all here?”

Lin Huaqiao, with a furrowed brow, inquired, “Junior Brother Peng, there’s been rampant talk lately. I’ve heard that you’ve challenged Wei Mingzhi to a duel set for three days from now. Is there any truth to this?”

Peng responded with a nod and a smile, “Senior Brother Lin, you’re already aware of this, aren’t you? I brought up the duel at the Cloud Crane Tower.”

Lin Huaqiao let out a wry laugh, “I was aware, yes, but I never imagined it was serious! Junior Brother Peng, I urge you to reconsider. You may have bested Dou Yuanke and Yan Xinheng, but Dou Yuanke is merely an elite disciple. Their prowess pales in comparison to those in the Inner Sect!”

Acknowledging with a slight nod, Peng replied, “I’m well aware. Yet, the grudge between Wei Mingzhi and me is irreconcilable. This battle is a must.”

Wang Jingfu interjected, “Senior Brother Peng, with your current skills, you’re certain to ascend to the Inner Sect. The martial arts teachings there are a world apart from the Outer Sect! Not only do Inner Sect members gain access to superior benefits, but they also lay claim to the sect’s most prized treasures. You could always challenge him after you’ve secured your place there!”

Yue Yun chimed in with a nod, “As disciples from humble origins, we’re inherently at a disadvantage, and few of us ever make it to the Inner Sect. Senior Brother Peng, with such promise, why risk everything now?”

Peng simply smiled, offering no rebuttal. He understood their intentions; they were trying to dissuade him from the duel out of concern for his well-being. What they didn’t realize was that Peng had an ace up his sleeve—an advantage unknown to others. To the world, it seemed Peng Gengkun stood no chance, but appearances can be deceiving.

Peng Gengkun paused to consider, then chose to share a bit of the truth, primarily to put his fellow disciples at ease.

With a flick of his finger, he addressed Lin Huaqiao, “Senior Brother Lin, your years of cultivation have resulted in a profound accumulation of Astral Energy within you. How about testing your strength on me with a strike?”

Lin Huaqiao hesitated, then shook his head emphatically. “Though I may never achieve the status of an Inner Sect disciple, I’ve cultivated diligently for years. Since reaching the Qi Refining stage seven years ago, my Astral Energy has been refined to its utmost. I fear that if I were to strike, you might not be able to withstand it.”

Peng Gengkun chuckled, “If I can withstand your attack, then I surely deserve to challenge Wei Mingzhi. And if I can’t, isn’t that even better? An injury would prevent me from fighting. I doubt Wei Mingzhi, as an Inner Sect disciple, would stoop to kicking a man when he’s down.”

Hearing Peng Gengkun liken himself to a beaten dog, the younger disciples, including Yue Yun, couldn’t suppress their laughter.

Lin Huaqiao, with a somber expression, mulled it over before finally nodding in agreement. “Very well. In that case, Junior Brother Peng, forgive my forthcoming action.”

Assuming a ready stance, Lin Huaqiao summoned his Astral Energy and unleashed a palm strike toward Peng Gengkun.

Peng Gengkun instantly recognized the technique as the Flying Cloud Sect’s Grade One Martial Arts, the Wind Palm.

Despite being a Grade One Martial Arts, the Wind Palm in the hands of Lin Huaqiao, who had practiced it for many years, was executed with lethal precision.

Peng Gengkun was confident in asserting that, although Lin Huaqiao might never join the ranks of the Inner Sect disciples, with his Intermediate Rank in Qi Refining, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Even an ordinary practitioner at the High Rank of Qi Refining might struggle to parry such a blow.

Of course, for scions like Yan Xinheng or Dou Yuanke, who had fortified their physiques with various Heavenly Treasures from a young age, and who practiced only the finest Martial Arts techniques, withstanding such a palm strike would naturally be within their capabilities.

“Senior Brother Lin truly stands out. It’s just unfortunate that his talent has its limits. Should he one day rise to the rank of an Inner Sect disciple, he’ll soar like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, showcasing formidable abilities. He might even ascend to the status of a Direct Disciple!”

As this notion flickered through Lin Huaqiao’s mind, Peng Gengkun’s palm strike was already upon him. Lin Huaqiao, taken aback to see Peng Gengkun neither dodge nor block, hastily tried to withdraw his Astral Energy. But once released, Astral Energy cannot simply be retracted. Not even a martial art like the Demon Suppressing Ring, which manipulates Astral Energy to ensnare foes, allows for such a reversal.

True mastery over Astral Energy, to wield it with ease, requires reaching the Soul Refining Stage—at least! Given Lin Huaqiao’s level, retracting Astral Energy was out of the question. His eyes bulged with a mix of horror and disbelief, as if he had committed some grave error.

But then, he watched as Peng Gengkun gathered Astral Energy in his hand with a casual flick, and Lin Huaqiao’s Wind Palm technique vanished like mist. Breathing a sigh of relief, Lin Huaqiao’s expression shifted to one of deep respect. Wang Jingfu, Yue Yun, and the other elite disciples began to extol Peng Gengkun’s prowess.

“No wonder Senior Brother Peng had the courage to challenge Wei Mingzhi! He truly came prepared!”

“Senior Brother Peng’s cultivation is unexpectedly profound. Has he already broken through to the Soul Refining Stage?”

Lin Huaqiao exhaled deeply, his voice tinged with awe. “I stand corrected. Junior Brother Peng, you’ve shown your true potential after facing great adversity. Your talent is beyond our wildest imagination! With your power, I’m confident you’ll triumph over Wei Mingzhi!”

Casting a glance at the elite disciples behind him, Lin Huaqiao turned and bowed respectfully to Peng Gengkun. “With that in mind, I offer you my early congratulations on your victory and your eventual ascension to Inner Sect disciple!”