Chapter 5

C5 – Great Vajra Palm

Peng Gengkun’s expression was one of deep concern as he leaned in to listen closely.

The two disciples continued their debate over the martial arts technique they held.

“The latter half of the Great Vajra Palm’s manuscript is missing. All of its intricate techniques are gone! It’s impossible to practice the Great Vajra Palm now! It used to be a Grade Four Palm Technique—how did it end up like this?”

The realization hit the other disciple: “I see! Senior Brother, thanks for clearing that up for me! I had my sights set on mastering the Great Vajra Palm.”

With that, the disciple promptly returned the manuscript of the Great Vajra Palm to its place on the shelf.

“Senior Brother, which martial art should I pursue?”

“Given your abilities, Wind Palm or Supreme Fist would suit you best.”

As they walked away, Peng Gengkun made his way to the very shelf they had been discussing and pulled out the manuscript of the Great Vajra Palm.

He thumbed through the pages, his expression turning curious.

Peng Gengkun could see that the Great Vajra Palm was far more sophisticated than any other martial art on that floor. But as the disciple had mentioned, the crucial second half of the manuscript was missing.

In essence, it was an incomplete and unpracticable martial art.

“What a shame!” Peng Gengkun lamented. “If only I could practice this Palm Technique.”

Just as he was about to return the book to the shelf, the system’s voice rang out: “If you consume this manuscript along with a Spirit Stone, you will acquire the Great Vajra Palm.”

Peng Gengkun was taken aback, then elated.

“So you’re saying, with a Spirit Stone, I can master the Great Vajra Palm? Well then, I must learn it. This Palm Technique rivals a Grade Four Martial Art!”

“I’m aware!” Xi Ming approached Peng Gengkun with an air of impatience.

Blocked from leaving, Peng Gengkun faced Xi Ming, his confusion apparent.

Xi Ming’s voice was icy. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking I’m oblivious to your intentions. You’re merely a low-ranking Qi Refining disciple. Neither your talent nor your status makes you a match for my cousin. It’s best you keep your distance and discard any wishful thinking.”

Peng Gengkun couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“Xi Ming? Is that the reason you sought me out, to deliver this warning? Prepare for disappointment.”

He continued at a measured pace, “Putting aside whether I harbor such thoughts, you, a young master coasting on family prestige, are hardly superior to me.”

Peng Gengkun’s confidence was palpable as he declared, “Neither status nor cultivation level poses an issue. Before long, I’ll rise to become an Inner Sect disciple, perhaps even the most esteemed Direct Disciple within the Flying Cloud Sect.”

His words may have carried a hint of arrogance, but Peng Gengkun saw it as his due. With the Leviathan-roc Devouring System, advancing realms was a trivial matter for him.

As he finished, Xi Ming’s scornful laughter echoed in response.

“You’re nothing but a lowly commoner, yet you have the audacity to make such bold claims. I’m not even a Direct Disciple, so you should abandon any such fantasies.”

Peng Gengkun had no desire to continue the debate with Xi Ming. He declared, “I’m taking my leave. When I’ve become an Inner Sect disciple, that’s when I’ll return for our challenge.”

With those words, Peng Gengkun departed.

Xi Ming gripped his fists tightly, seething with anger. “To think that such a lowly commoner could be so presumptuous.”

A thought suddenly struck Xi Ming, and he turned to Xi Yingzhu, “Cousin, you’ve been quiet. You don’t happen to fancy him, do you?”

“Absolutely not,” Xi Yingzhu responded calmly. “The man I marry must be a matchless prodigy, not a mediocre mortal. I’m grateful to Peng Gengkun for his assistance once, but that’s as far as my feelings go.”

Xi Ming exhaled in relief and said, “That’s a relief. Let’s be on our way. I’m curious to see when he’ll make it to the Inner Sect. Once he does, I’ll settle the score with him. For now, to pick on an elite disciple would be beneath me.”