Chapter 36 - Became Famous!
The baby Leviathan, upon receiving an evolution point, swam joyously, flipping over in apparent excitement.
Growth Value was meant to enhance Peng Gengkun's cultivation level, but evolution points were key to the baby Leviathan's evolution.
Peng Gengkun's tally had previously hit 100 points, and with Yan Xinheng's defeat, it rose by three. The demise of Wei Mingzhi, however, caused a surge of 40 points.
“Considering Wei Mingzhi was an Inner Sect disciple who had reached the Soul Refining Stage, his high cultivation level justifies the forty-point boost to my evolution points,” Peng Gengkun reasoned.
Yet, the sight of the evolution point requirements made his heart sink.
“143 out of 1000! Do I need to vanquish dozens of Wei Mingzhis to evolve the baby Leviathan? The Flying Cloud Sect doesn't even have five hundred Inner Sect disciples!”
He pondered briefly before dismissing the thought.
“Let it be. Cultivation isn't achieved overnight.”
With that, Peng Gengkun respectfully closed the bloodied Wei Mingzhi's eyes and rose to his feet, departing the Death Match Arena with measured steps.
A hush fell over the onlookers, quickly giving way to fervent discussion.
Outer Sect and elite disciples flocked to Peng Gengkun, who, in that instant, became the center of attention.
“You managed to defeat an Inner Sect disciple! You're surely on your way to becoming one yourself,” remarked a composed Outer Sect disciple.
“Move aside! I think I'm falling in love!” Peng Gengkun's initial elation waned as he realized the speaker was a man.
“Senior Brother Peng, you're incredible!” Peng Gengkun internally nodded in agreement, silently commending the disciple.
“Senior Brother Peng…”
While the Outer Sect and elite disciples buzzed with excitement, the Inner Sect disciples' mood was far from jubilant.
The silence was broken by the Little Prince's laughter, echoing from the ranks of the Inner Sect disciples.
“Looks like today's my lucky day! I haven't forgotten how many Spirit Stones you all owe me! Those who won the bet, come here quick—we'll split the winnings…”
In a flash, the Inner Sect disciples erupted in a chorus of groans. Many had been plundered by the Little Prince, losing their cherished Spirit Stones.
Xi Ming, however, wore a grim expression.
“Wei Mingzhi! You couldn't even beat an elite disciple! I gave you half a stick of Soul Fixing Fragrance, and this is how you repay me? You're worthless!”
As Xi Ming seethed, he noticed someone slipping away quietly.
Turning, he saw Xi Yingzhu about to exit the Death Match Arena.
“Cousin! Where are you headed?” Xi Ming called out, unable to contain himself.
“I'm going back to train,” Xi Yingzhu replied without looking back. “It's best I focus on my cultivation, or I risk being defeated in the future!”
Xi Ming's face soured at her words.
But the reality was unchangeable. Wei Mingzhi, his protégé, had been defeated, while Peng Gengkun, a commoner's son, had triumphed. The loss of Spirit Stones paled in comparison to the sting of his humiliation.
“Damn it!” Xi Ming muttered under his breath.
“If he's got the strength, he'll surely aim to join the Inner Sect. But I won't allow it. I can't stand the thought of mingling with lowborn riffraff!”
As Xi Ming plotted his next move, the Little Prince called out, “You won't get away! Come on, hand over the Spirit Stones you owe me!”
Reluctantly, Xi Ming handed over the Spirit Stones to the Little Prince.
In stark contrast to the Inner and Outer Sect disciples, the Elders remained unusually composed, their silence profound.
After what seemed like an eternity, Chang Jipeng finally spoke, “The technique he just displayed… it doesn't seem to be part of the Great Vajra Palm, yet it's clearly derived from the same lineage.”
“Yes,” concurred another Elder. “It's not a known move from the Great Vajra Palm.”
The intent of his words was crystal clear, and the Elders grasped it immediately.
If the technique wasn't currently known, it must be one that had been lost to time!
Everyone in the sect recognized the Great Vajra Palm as an exceptionally valuable martial art, if not the sect's most treasured. And Peng Gengkun had mastered it!
Chang Jipeng, unable to contain his smugness, was the first to speak up. “He completed a Sect Mission I assigned and I rewarded him handsomely. We have a very good rapport!”
The other Elders internally scoffed at his slyness. One retorted, “Don't get ahead of yourself, Chang Jipeng. Taking on a disciple is a matter of destiny! For all you know, Peng Gengkun might not even hold you in high regard.”
Chang Jipeng lifted his chin defiantly. “I am an Intermediate Rank Martial Disciple. Who would dare underestimate me?”
“Quit your bragging. While Peng Gengkun is still here, why don't you ask him directly about his intentions?”
“Hold on, it looks like he's already left…”
The Elders snapped out of their reverie, only to notice the once-buzzing crowd around the Death Match Arena had dispersed. The Inner Sect disciples had also reluctantly departed, all except the Little Prince, who had made a fortune. The Outer Sect disciples were abuzz with excitement, nearly ready to hoist Peng Gengkun on their shoulders and carry him off in triumph.
“The trials for the Outer Sect disciples to advance to the Inner Sect are fast approaching. I'll have another chance to speak with him then,” one Elder mused.
With various plans in mind, the Elders dispersed one by one.
Regardless, today's duel had catapulted Peng Gengkun to renown within the Flying Cloud Sect.
Not only were Outer Sect disciples buzzing about Peng Gengkun, but even some from the Inner Sect had begun to hold him in high esteem.
As an elite disciple capable of defeating an Inner Sect member, Peng Gengkun had unquestionably earned his place among them.
“He managed to defeat an Inner Sect disciple as an elite disciple? He's certainly got talent,” Dou Xi'ao mused, having learned of the Death Match Arena's events from another disciple. He tapped his fingers thoughtfully, a flicker of interest crossing his face. “Still, bridging the gap between the Inner and Outer Sect is no small feat. I suspect he must have used the power imprint of a formidable expert to claim victory. Without that imprint, he would have surely been defeated.”
“However…” Dou Xi'ao paused thoughtfully before speaking up, “The cultivation mark isn't significant. If he's bold enough to challenge Wei Mingzhi, then that mark isn't his key to winning. His Martial Arts skills must be quite remarkable! With that in mind, he's certainly caught my attention.”
Dou Xi'ao continued at a measured pace, “Besides, Yingzhu has taken an interest in him lately. And as she is my betrothed, her interests should be directed solely towards me.”
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