Chapter 15

C15 – Shadow Soul Grass

“If this is indeed the Shadow Soul Grass, my mission will be a success.”

Peng Gengkun stifled the thrill within him and carefully stored the herb.

Whether it was Shadow Soul Grass or Flying Shadow Grass, Peng Gengkun had fulfilled his objective. This time, he was certain to turn heads and earn newfound respect.

Securing the herb, Peng Gengkun made his way back to the Flying Cloud Sect.

Days after his departure, the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range was drenched in relentless rain. On a stormy night, a petite green snake slithered into the cave that once housed the Flying Shadow Grass.

The snake, a vibrant green, appeared quite charming. Even its venomous fangs seemed harmless.

Yet, upon discovering the remains of a python on the cave floor, the snake seethed with rage. Its body swelled in size, bursting the cave walls in an instant.

Eventually, the snake shrank back down, its head remaining serpentine while its body took on a human form.

Despite its inability to fully transform its head due to limited power, there was no question—it was a true demonic beast.

“Astral Energy lingers here. A member of the Human Clan has slain my offspring. Cursed humans, I’ve memorized your Astral Energy. Should our paths cross again, you will meet your end.”

Meanwhile, Peng Gengkun was hastening his return to the Flying Cloud Sect. Upon arrival, he remained there for fifteen days.

In the Hall of Missions, a disciple who had previously challenged Peng Gengkun now gazed at a man before him with utmost reverence.

The man, with his silvery hair and commanding presence, was clearly a distinguished Elder.

A dynamic aura of water and fire encircled him.

Undeniably, he was a Warrior who had transcended the fourth stage, reaching the Martial Disciple Stage—a level of prowess marked by such an aura.

The man inquired, “Luo Ye, you mentioned my mission was claimed. Why, then, after fifteen days, have I not received what I requested?”

Luo Ye offered a sycophantic smile as he spoke, “Elder Chang, indeed someone has taken on the mission, but there’s a chance they’ve failed.”

“How could he fail?” Elder Chang responded with a hint of irritation. “He was merely tasked with finding Flying Shadow Grass. How difficult could that be? I’ve made it clear that obtaining the Flying Shadow Grass would suffice. I never demanded the Shadow Soul Grass.”

Luo Ye’s tone grew even more ingratiating. “For Inner Sect disciples, it’s certainly not a challenge, but for elite disciples who’ve only recently advanced, it’s not quite so simple.”

Elder Chang’s anger flared. “A newly promoted elite disciple dared to take on my mission? He’s doing nothing but wasting my time.”

Unable to puzzle it out, Luo Ye moved closer to get a clearer picture.

Observing the herb in Peng Gengkun’s hand, Elder Chang inhaled deeply and said in a measured tone, “This is Shadow Soul Grass.”

Peng Gengkun simply nodded.

Though unaware of Elder Chang’s true status, Peng Gengkun recognized that the Elder was no ordinary figure. And from Elder Chang’s reaction, it seemed he wasn’t there to make trouble.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Peng Gengkun inquired, “Who might you be?”

“I am Chang Jipeng, an Elder of the Inner Sect,” Elder Chang responded promptly.

Realization dawned on Peng Gengkun. “Ah, you’re Elder Chang! What can I do for you?”

Elder Chang took several deep breaths to steady himself before posing his question, “Have you taken on my task?”

At first, Peng Gengkun was perplexed, but then it clicked. “Yes, I have. I undertook a mission to venture into the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range in search of Flying Shadow Grass. The mission details mentioned that finding Shadow Soul Grass would earn me an additional reward.”

Aware of the Shadow Soul Grass’s value, Peng Gengkun explained, “Initially, I only discovered Flying Shadow Grass, but then a mutated beast from the Snake Clan attacked me and took it. I exhausted all my efforts to track down the creature, and that’s how I managed to procure the Shadow Soul Grass!”

Chang Jipeng nodded in approval. “Indeed. The Flying Shadow Grass has a chilling essence, making it perfect for the Snake Clan’s cultivation practices. Moreover, their unique saliva can transform Flying Shadow Grass into Shadow Soul Grass. It seems fortune has smiled upon me! You’ve fulfilled the mission, and I am obliged to reward you.”

Before Elder Chang could finish, Luo Ye hurried over from afar.

Standing next to Elder Chang, Luo Ye looked down at Peng Gengkun with disdain and said, “Elder, this is the man. Despite being a newly minted elite disciple, he took your mission jade card. By the statutes of our Flying Cloud Sect, he must face punishment!”

Elder Chang let out a dismissive snort and turned away from Luo Ye.

To Chang Jipeng, such individuals hardly merited attention. His interest in Peng Gengkun was solely because of the discovery of the Shadow Soul Grass.

Chang Jipeng had no intention of entertaining Luo Ye’s complaints.

Yet, Peng Gengkun’s eyes lingered on Luo Ye, his mind evidently racing with thoughts.

Luo Ye, growing increasingly agitated, pressed on, “Elder, why aren’t you punishing him?”

Upon hearing Luo Ye’s words, Peng Gengkun burst into laughter.

“Bet you didn’t see that coming—I’ve finished the mission!”

As Peng Gengkun’s words sank in, Luo Ye’s jaw dropped in astonishment.

Peng Gengkun had actually completed the mission? That explained the sudden chill in Chang Jipeng’s demeanor.