Chapter 24

C24 – Everyone Celebrated

​Though the Demon Suppressing Ring was classified as Grade Two Martial Arts, Peng Gengkun was well aware of its formidable capabilities. Martial Arts were not only meant for inflicting damage; they could also serve a supportive role, and the Demon Suppressing Ring was precisely that—a support Martial Arts. Once a warrior deployed the Demon Suppressing Ring to ensnare an adversary, there was no escape for the trapped foe.

Had Peng Gengkun not been proficient in a Grade Four Martial Arts and achieved a high rank in Qi Refining, he would have undoubtedly fallen prey to the Demon Suppressing Ring and met his demise at the hands of Yan Xinheng.

Descending from the Death Match Arena, Peng Gengkun noticed that while some disciples had departed, a good number remained. His gaze fell upon Xi Yingzhu amidst the throng, yet she made no move to approach him. Instead, she turned and walked away. Peng Gengkun couldn’t help but wonder, “Why did she come to watch my match? Was it merely for entertainment?” With that thought, he averted his gaze from Xi Yingzhu.

An Inner Sect disciple approached Peng Gengkun, introducing himself, “I am Ma Liangqiu, a disciple of Inner Sect Elder Chang Jipeng.” Peng Gengkun paused briefly before recognizing him, “Ah, you’re Elder Chang’s disciple. Has Elder Chang broken through to the next level yet?”

“Yes,” Ma Liangqiu confirmed. “I must express my gratitude for your role in locating the Shadow Soul Grass for my Master. Despite our numerous expeditions into the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, the Shadow Soul Grass eluded us. Eventually, my Master, concerned about the impact on our training, forbade further searches. Without your discovery, my Master might have needed another year to achieve his breakthrough.”

Peng Gengkun replied with a smile, “It was nothing, really, and Elder Chang has already provided me with a fitting reward.”

“That’s to be expected. My Master has always been generous with us disciples,” Ma Liangqiu remarked, then added, “I’ve noticed that your cultivation has reached the high rank of Qi Refining. With the Inner Sect disciple trial on the horizon, you stand an excellent chance of joining the Inner Sect. Should that happen, we’ll be fellow disciples.”

Peng Gengkun grasped the implication behind Ma Liangqiu’s words.

“I once aided Chang Jipeng in locating the Shadow Soul Grass, earning his gratitude. Now, it seems he’s considering taking me on as his disciple. Once I’m part of the Inner Sect, I could study under Chang Jipeng. That would certainly save me a lot of trouble. It’s definitely a stroke of luck.”

Lost in thought, Peng Gengkun watched as Ma Liangqiu produced an item and handed it to him. “I must return to my cultivation and can’t linger,” Ma Liangqiu explained. “My Master instructed me to give this to you; you must accept it.”

Peng Gengkun quickly nodded, taking the object from Ma Liangqiu.

He noticed the item had a significant weight.

“Sounds good. Let’s head out!”

The two shared a laugh as they walked away from the Death Match Arena.

The Elders and disciples dispersed, and some gathered Yan Xinheng’s body to return it to his clan. Peng Gengkun had no further concern with these matters.

Yan Xinheng had sought out his own end against Peng Gengkun. Now defeated, there was no room for interference.

Though most had left, a few elite and Outer Sect disciples lingered at the arena, each holding some sway in their ranks.

One elite disciple, brow furrowed, spoke up, “Mingzhi wants us to suppress Peng Gengkun. What do we do now? Yan Xinheng was a top elite disciple, and he’s been bested! We’re no match for Peng Gengkun!”

“Exactly. Luo Ye from the Quest Hall tried to suppress him on Mingzhi’s word and ended up crossing paths with Elder Chang. Now, Luo Ye’s cultivation is ruined, and he’s out of the Flying Cloud Sect. His situation is dire.”

“Maybe we should just play along with Mingzhi and let someone else handle this thankless task.”

“Absolutely! The Yan family might not hold a candle to the Wei family, but they’re not without influence. I’m convinced they’ll seek vengeance for Peng Gengkun. There are elite disciples in the Outer Sect who were tight with Yan Xinheng. We’ll leave it in their hands.”

As they conversed, a sense of nonchalance washed over them, each adopting an air of indifference to the unfolding drama. They dispersed, each going their separate ways.

Despite Wei Mingzhi’s previous instructions to covertly suppress Peng Gengkun, witnessing Yan Xinheng’s demise at Peng’s hands made them abandon the notion.

Fear of death is a powerful deterrent, after all! If Yan Xinheng could fall, what chance did they stand, being lesser than him?

The Death Match Arena is not a destination of choice for everyone!