Almighty Devouring System

C8 – We Don’t Owe Each Other Anything

Wei Mingzhi gave Peng Gengkun a piercing look, then let out a chilling laugh. “If you think I’m above using my strength against the weaker, you’re mistaken. I won’t hold back against you. Since you refuse to surrender the item, I have no choice but to kill you and take it from your corpse!”

With those words, Wei Mingzhi launched his attack without a moment’s delay.

As soon as Wei Mingzhi made his move, Peng Gengkun felt an oppressive tightness in his chest, as if a great weight bore down on him.

“Grade Two Martial Arts, Avalanche Punch! He truly lives up to his status as an Inner Sect disciple. An elite disciple is limited to one Grade One Martial Art, and I only learned the Great Vajra Palm by a stroke of luck. I didn’t expect him to unleash a Grade Two Martial Art right from the start! He’s showing no mercy. Well, I have no choice but to give it my all!”

In the face of danger, Peng Gengkun’s mind sharpened with clarity. Without a second thought, he executed the first technique of the Great Vajra Palm, Vajra Worshipping Moon!

Against a formidable adversary like Wei Mingzhi, Peng Gengkun realized that intricate techniques were futile; only the most powerful Martial Arts would suffice.

As Vajra Worshipping Moon was unleashed, their attacks collided with a thunderous impact.

Wei Mingzhi’s Avalanche Punch was meant to be devastating, yet it was matched evenly by Peng Gengkun’s counter. The destructive force from their clashing Martial Arts made them both stagger backward.

“How can this be!” Wei Mingzhi gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“My Avalanche Punch isn’t perfected yet, but it’s still a Grade Two Martial Art! How could it be neutralized by an elite disciple’s technique? And his Astral Energy… it’s peculiar. It can actually obliterate mine? And there’s more…”

Despite his reluctance to accept it, Wei Mingzhi felt his meridians had sustained some damage; he was clearly at a disadvantage.

With a sense of astonishment stirring within him, Wei Mingzhi looked at Peng Gengkun again, only to see his opponent’s face exuding serene composure.

“Something’s off…” Wei Mingzhi’s gaze fixed on Peng Gengkun, a glint of ferocity flashing in his eyes.

“It seems I’ve underestimated you. You actually possess some real skill! Well then…”

Wei Mingzhi channeled his Astral Energy, ready to strike once more.

Peng Gengkun didn’t hesitate either. He too summoned his Astral Energy, preparing to execute another Vajra Worshipping Moon.

Now at the Intermediate Rank of Qi Refining, Peng Gengkun was capable of performing the move twice. Even though it would leave him without the strength to channel his Astral Energy afterward, he had no intention of holding back.

But as tensions rose and they were poised to clash again, a cool voice cut through the air, “Stop.”

At the sound, both Wei Mingzhi and Peng Gengkun halted, surprise flickering in their eyes.

Peng Gengkun caught sight of Xi Yingzhu in the Cultivation Room.

“So it’s Senior Sister Xi…” Wei Mingzhi gave a respectful bow and said, “This is a personal matter. I hope you won’t interfere…”

Peng Gengkun’s eyebrows quirked, but he remained silent.

Xi Yingzhu casually flicked her nails and spoke with a detached air, “I have no intention of interfering. But isn’t it a bit excessive for an Inner Sect disciple to strike at an elite disciple?”

“Excessive?” Wei Mingzhi chuckled. “When it comes to family matters, nothing I do can be considered too much.”

“Really?” Xi Yingzhu’s gaze lowered as she spoke, “Your Martial Arts technique has its imperfections. How about I offer you some guidance?”

Wei Mingzhi’s face shifted subtly, and he couldn’t resist asking, “Senior Sister Xi, he’s merely an elite disciple. Are you saying that you…”

“He once did me a favor.” Xi Yingzhu’s voice grew even more neutral. “Naturally, I should return the gesture.”

“I understand…” Wei Mingzhi’s expression softened. Turning to Peng Gengkun, he sneered, “You’re lucky Senior Sister Xi is here. I’ve got other matters to attend to now, so I’ll excuse myself. But next time, I’ll be curious to see if there’s anyone around to save you!”

Wei Mingzhi turned and walked away without another word.

Xi Yingzhu, however, suddenly spoke up, “Since we’ve crossed paths, Wei Mingzhi, I’d like you to deliver a message. Tell Wei Pengxing not to be petty.”

Wei Mingzhi paused briefly, but without turning back, he responded, “Got it. I’ll relay your message to him.”

With that, Wei Mingzhi strode off, seemingly unaffected by his previous altercation with Peng Gengkun.

Once Wei Mingzhi had departed, Xi Yingzhu turned her attention to Peng Gengkun. “Wei Pengxing ranks only 498th among the Inner Sect disciples. He’s not particularly strong. Still, he’s not someone you should provoke.”

She took a brief pause, then continued, “Though he’s just at the High Rank of Qi Refining, he has slain numerous mutated beasts. His strength is respectable. You helped me once, now I’ve saved you in return. We’re even.”

Without waiting for Peng Gengkun to reply, Xi Yingzhu turned to leave, her pride evident in her demeanor.

Peng Gengkun understood that Xi Yingzhu had every right to her pride. She was not only from a distinguished family but also an Inner Sect disciple.

Judging by Wei Mingzhi’s recent behavior, Peng Gengkun was convinced that Xi Yingzhu was among the elite of the Inner Sect disciples.

“We’re even,” Peng Gengkun mused, his gaze flickering before he offered a smile. “Thank you for that. But next time, Wei Mingzhi won’t stand a chance.”

Xi Yingzhu spun around, casting a disdainful glance at Peng Gengkun.

“Do you really think your words will catch my interest? I thought you were genuine, which is why I intervened on your behalf. It turns out you’re just another simpleton.”

Peng Gengkun burst into laughter. “You don’t get to judge my character. When someone with talent speaks like that, it’s confidence. When someone without talent does, it’s naivety. As for whether I’m talented—well, that’s for me to know.”

Peng Gengkun merely smiled, offering no explanation.

Unleashing his Astral Energy, Peng Gengkun displayed his cultivation level for all to see, without any reservation. Then, he turned and entered the Cultivation Room.

Xi Yingzhu remained rooted to the spot, momentarily lost in thought.

Given her own level of attainment, she could easily sense the Astral Energy Peng Gengkun had released, as well as discern his cultivation level.

Admittedly, Peng Gengkun wasn’t on par with her.

Yet, Xi Yingzhu could sense something else.

Peng Gengkun had reached the Intermediate Rank in Qi Refining!

“Just a few days ago, he was promoted to an elite disciple, which meant he was at the Low Rank of Qi Refining. And now, he’s already at the Intermediate Rank? How is it possible for someone to advance so quickly in their cultivation? Could he truly possess such extraordinary talent?”

Xi Yingzhu’s thoughts were in turmoil as she gazed at the Cultivation Room Peng Gengkun had entered, her feelings complex and indescribable.

“Maybe it’s just my imagination. There’s no way he has that kind of talent!”

With that thought, Xi Yingzhu found a reason to reassure herself and finally turned to leave the Cultivation Room.