Chapter 16

C16 – Punishing

Peng Gengkun paid no mind to Luo Ye, instead turning his attention to Chang Jipeng. With a respectful bow, he addressed the elder, “Elder Chang, you may not be aware, but I’ve always known my limits and wouldn’t take on a task beyond my capabilities. However, I’ve had a dispute with a disciple from the Inner Sect. It was his bullying that compelled me to take on this particular mission!”

“Luckily, I managed to find the Shadow Soul Grass for you. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to fulfill the mission. Elder, with your formidable power, you can surely discern the level of my cultivation.”

Chang Jipeng surveyed Peng Gengkun and gave a slight nod. “Indeed, your cultivation is at the Intermediate Rank of Qi Refining, which places you slightly above average among elite disciples. Ordinarily, this mission would be out of your reach. But since you’ve succeeded, I will certainly reward you. In addition to Spirit Stones and access to the Cultivation Room, I will also bestow upon you a Grade Two Martial Arts technique.”

He paused, then added, “Furthermore, who assigned you this mission against your will? Tell me, and I will see that they are disciplined.”

At these words, Luo Ye’s face drained of color, and he stumbled backward. His eyes, filled with desperation, sought Peng Gengkun’s.

Luo Ye’s plan had been flawless, yet he hadn’t anticipated Peng Gengkun’s success.

Moreover, Peng Gengkun had not only found the Shadow Soul Grass, which was a level above the Flying Shadow Grass!

“Now I’m doomed! The Shadow Soul Grass is immensely valuable to Elder Chang. Though he won’t promote me to the Inner Sect just for obtaining it, he’s sure to look after me! I’m ruined!”

Watching Luo Ye’s crestfallen figure, Peng Gengkun couldn’t help but relish a moment of triumph.

His cultivation had vanished.

Chang Jipeng snorted and turned his attention away from Luo Ye, focusing instead on Peng Gengkun. “I possess some Grade Two Martial Arts that might be beyond your grasp. However, I do have a Grade Two Movement Technique that you could learn if you have even a hint of talent. I’ll impart it to you as a reward. Here are some Spirit Stones and a token that grants you one day’s access to the Cultivation Room.”

He handed a silk pouch and a tome to Peng Gengkun.

Peng Gengkun expressed his gratitude to Chang Jipeng and carefully stowed the items away.

Yet, wary of revealing the existence of the Leviathan-roc Space, Peng Gengkun opted to slip everything into his pocket. Secretly, he transferred them into the Leviathan-roc Space.

Without a Space Ring, openly storing his new treasures would have raised eyebrows.

Chang Jipeng, observing Peng Gengkun’s earnest demeanor, showed a flicker of approval.

“You’ve done a commendable deed in retrieving the Shadow Soul Grass. With it, I can form a Soul Embryo within seven days and ascend to the rank of Intermediate Martial Disciple. Should you join the Inner Sect later on, you’re welcome to become my disciple.”

With those parting words, Chang Jipeng departed.

A smile of satisfaction spread across Peng Gengkun’s face.

“Though I have the Leviathan-roc System, breakthroughs still take time. Being in favor with an Inner Sect Elder will reap immense benefits. Once I’m in the Inner Sect, I won’t be oppressed, and Wei Mingzhi won’t dare target me with his vile schemes again! My Growth Value has surpassed four thousand. Another session in the Cultivation Room should ensure my advancement to the High Rank of Qi Refining. And once I’ve mastered this Grade Two Movement Technique, my place as an Inner Sect disciple will be all but guaranteed!”