Chapter 38 - Elite Warrior
Through the insights shared by Lin Huaqiao, Yue Yun, and others, Peng Gengkun slowly came to realize the presence of other formidable rivals.
Compared to them, Yan Xinheng and Dou Yuanke, whom he had previously clashed with, weren't quite in the same league.
The individuals Lin Huaqiao mentioned were the real challenge, posing a potential threat to Peng Gengkun.
Take Ruan Lang, for instance. Despite standing out among his peers, he hadn't made it into the Flying Cloud Tower. Or consider Yan Xiongxiao, who, after five years as an elite disciple, still hadn't advanced to the Inner Sect. And then there was the widely acclaimed prodigy, Wu Longbin, a young warrior known for his genius since childhood.
“These folks are formidable indeed, yet they're not your greatest adversary! Your most formidable opponent goes by the name Cao Manzhu.”
Peng Gengkun nodded, his expression turning serious, and he inquired of Lin Huaqiao, “Who is Cao Manzhu?”
With a grave demeanor, Lin Huaqiao enunciated each syllable, “He bears the surname Gu.”
Peng Gengkun found himself struggling for breath.
Seeing Peng Gengkun's reaction, Lin Huaqiao quickly added, “Junior Brother Peng, are you bewildered? It's true that the Gu surname isn't common, but it's not exceedingly rare either. Yet, within the Flying Cloud Sect, there's only one explanation for someone with the surname Gu!”
Peng Gengkun eagerly responded, “Do tell! I must admit, I'm rather indolent. Cultivation alone wears me out, and I'm not well-versed in other matters.”
Lin Huaqiao then nodded and explained, “The Flying Cloud Sect sits within the borders of the Obeoton Empire, as a dominant force in Beachdenn. And the County Prince of Beachdenn himself is a Gu!”
Peng Gengkun pondered before asking, “So, is Gu Yuan the offspring of the King of Beachdenn?”
“Unlikely,” Lin Huaqiao replied. “The King of Beachdenn has but one son, known to all as the Little Prince. Currently, this Little Prince is within our Flying Cloud Sect as an Inner Sect disciple. Cao Manzhu is certainly not the King's sole heir. Nevertheless, he could be an illegitimate child of the County King or a family member who has distinguished himself with significant deeds. Regardless, being associated with the King of Beachdenn's household means Cao Manzhu is not someone to be taken lightly.”
Yue Yun, standing to the side, nodded and remarked, “The King of Beachdenn's Mansion is without a doubt the most prominent family in all of Beachdenn! By comparison, the Chen and Xi families of the Inner Sect are practically a laughingstock next to the King of Beachdenn's lineage…”
Peng Gengkun nodded in sudden understanding. “That explains why you emphasized the importance of keeping an eye on this individual. He's truly among the elite of the aristocratic families. Got it, I appreciate the heads-up! Without it, I'd have been clueless.”
Peng Gengkun had been looking forward to some sleep, but that was no longer an option.
With a modest gesture of his hands, he said, “I had planned to rest for a few days, but on second thought, I'll head to the Martial Training Field to work on my Martial Arts first.”
The others nodded in agreement, and Yue Yun added, “While we're on the subject, I have a few questions about my own cultivation I'd like to run by you.”
“I can't guarantee clarity, but I'll do my best to help,” Peng Gengkun replied.
They chatted as they made their way to the Martial Training Field and began their individual cultivation routines.
The day flew by, and Peng Gengkun spent it solely on refining his Demon Suppressing Ring technique, setting aside his other Martial Arts.
While Peng Gengkun had learned techniques like the Shocking Wind Step and Great Vajra Palm by absorbing Spirit Stones through the system, the Demon Suppressing Ring was something he had practiced on his own. Hence, he was now concentrating on perfecting it.
Besides, the Demon Suppressing Ring had proven to be incredibly effective, capable of restraining an opponent at crucial moments and potentially deciding the outcome of a battle in the blink of an eye.
“After a full day of practice, the flow of the Demon Suppressing Ring is still not as fluid as I'd like. But since I've been at it this long, resorting to Spirit Stones now doesn't seem right. I'll continue to grasp it gradually…”
With these thoughts, Peng Gengkun turned to Lin Huaqiao and the rest, offering a respectful bow, “My friends, night has fallen. I must bid you farewell for now!”
Several of them nodded in agreement, then took turns saying their goodbyes to Peng Gengkun.
As Peng Gengkun and his companions were about to leave, they witnessed a group of warriors storming into the Martial Training Field with great momentum.
Peng Gengkun was startled.
“Seriously? Are all these people here to beat me up? I haven't done anything wrong, have I?”
Feeling anxious, Peng Gengkun was on the verge of defending himself when he realized that the group wasn't after him. The warriors charged through the Martial Training Field and made a beeline for a corner of the grounds.
Only then did Peng Gengkun notice a disciple who had been quietly practicing Martial Arts in that very corner all along.
The disciple had been there for quite some time, yet he hadn't made a single sound.
Peng Gengkun glanced sideways, his curiosity piqued.
“This disciple has a stoic presence, quite the enigma. But his cultivation level is nothing short of impressive! I can sense an extraordinary energy radiating from him. He must be among the cream of the crop of elite disciples! Still, I'm clueless as to why these people are confronting him…”
With these thoughts, Peng Gengkun decided to stay put and enjoy the unfolding drama.
As the warriors reached the corner of the Martial Training Field, their leader bellowed, “Ruan Lang, why haven't you apologized to our young master yet!”
Ruan Lang bowed his head slightly and responded, “I'm sorry, but I need to continue my training.”
His tone was remarkably even, which only served to infuriate the warriors even more.
Upon hearing the name, Peng Gengkun felt a stir of recognition, “So this is Ruan Lang? He truly seems exceptional. He must be capable of holding his own against Inner Sect disciples.”
Lin Huaqiao nodded in agreement and remarked, “Junior Brother Peng, it looks like that group is from the Wu family! They could be Wu Longbin's men. I'm not sure what the conflict between Wu Longbin and Ruan Lang is about.”
Wang Jingfu scanned the area, his brow furrowed with confusion, “I don't see Wu Longbin anywhere. Is he really just sending these people to deal with Ruan Lang?”
“The skill level of those he's summoned is quite remarkable; they're all elite disciples. With so many of them attacking at once, I fear Ruan Lang will have a tough time holding them off.”
Peng Gengkun nodded in agreement, “With this many people, it's definitely a challenge to handle. Let's hold off on leaving and see what they're up to!”
The group exchanged nods and refocused their attention on the corner of the Martial Training Field.
At that moment, Ruan Lang's comment had infuriated several Warriors to the brink. Ignoring their ire, he turned his back on them and resumed his diligent practice of the Palm Technique.
Ruan Lang's training wasn't in any sophisticated Palm Technique, and his execution was far from fluid. It was clear that Ruan Lang wasn't a Warrior known for innate talent.
Watching Ruan Lang dismiss them so blatantly, the Warriors' anger intensified. The one leading the pack stepped forward and executed a Martial Arts move, reaching for Ruan Lang's shoulder.
Peng Gengkun observed the confrontation and gave a slight nod.
“This elite disciple has a solid foundation in Martial Arts! His Grabbing Hand technique may not be intricate, but it's certainly not easy to counter. Though I could break through this move…”
Mid-sentence, Peng Gengkun paused as Ruan Lang had already countered.
Read 𝓁at𝙚st chapters at (f)re𝒆we(b)novel.com Only