C42 He Accepted Another Mission

Peng Gengkun's standing in the Outer Sect had reached a point where no one would dare to hassle him anymore. The days of being suppressed by Luo Ye's status were long gone.

Upon Peng Gengkun's arrival at the Mission Hall, the disciples there recognized him and their words carried a hint of flattery.

These Mission Hall disciples, whether they were elite or just ordinary members of the Outer Sect, all understood that Peng Gengkun was on a clear path to becoming an Inner Sect disciple. And they knew all too well that ingratiating themselves with a future Inner Sect disciple could only work in their favor.

Peng Gengkun, for his part, enjoyed the adulation.

During his conversation with several Mission Hall disciples, he realized that he wouldn't be getting the same kind of mission as before.

Previously, Chang Jipeng had urgently needed the Shadow Soul Grass, which led to an increased mission reward. This time around, to earn a reward comparable to the last, Peng Gengkun would need to tackle a far more challenging Sect Mission.

But Peng Gengkun wasn't up for the more daunting Sect Missions just yet.

"Head to the border of the Bleakwind Barrens to battle demonic beasts? I'm barely managing against mutated beasts, and demonic beasts are on a whole other level. I'd stand no chance!"

"Assassinate a Great Scholar from the Obeoton Empire? That nation rivals the might of the Chu Han Empire within the Bleakwind Barrens. How could I, a mere Qi Refining cultivator, possibly take down one of their Great Scholars?"

After much searching, Peng Gengkun found no missions that were both lucrative and manageable.

With no other choice, he settled for second-rate missions. However, he ambitiously accepted three at once, and the combined rewards were nothing to scoff at.

Armed with three gold medals, Peng Gengkun expressed his gratitude to the Mission Hall disciples before departing from the Flying Cloud Sect.

No sooner had Peng Gengkun left than the news of his departure was relayed to Xi Ming.

Xi Ming, deep in thought, seemed to come to a resolution. He quickly left his dwelling and made his way to the Spearhead Pavilion.

The Spearhead Pavilion, now without Wei Mingzhi, should have been deserted. Yet, to his surprise, the sound of weeping echoed from within.

As Xi Ming entered, he immediately sensed an air of desolation enveloping the Spearhead Pavilion. Around him, items for a vigil were hung, and through the dimness, he could make out a figure weeping on bended knee in the grand hall.

Approaching the hall, Xi Ming recognized the grieving individual as Wei Pengxing. Upon noticing Xi Ming, Wei Pengxing quickly rose, wiped away his tears, and greeted him with due reverence. "Senior Brother Xi, I'm just sorting through my brother's possessions," he said, securing a Space Ring that had once belonged to Wei Mingzhi.

Xi Ming nodded, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Wei Mingzhi and I shared a bond. His murder grieves me deeply."

A flicker of loathing crossed Wei Pengxing's eyes. "That lowlife had the audacity to kill my brother! If only my own strength wasn't so lacking, I..."

"What would you do if you possessed strength equal to Wei Mingzhi's?" Xi Ming inquired with a smile.

Without a moment's hesitation, Wei Pengxing declared, "If I were a warrior of the Soul Refining Stage, I'd certainly kill him! I'd exact revenge for my brother!"

Xi Ming couldn't help but laugh at the response. "As Wei Mingzhi's brother, it's only right that I offer you my assistance."

He continued, "Let me be clear: Peng Gengkun has departed from the Flying Cloud Sect to undertake a sect mission."

Hope sparked in Wei Pengxing's eyes, but it quickly faded to resignation. "I've never been his equal. Now that he's capable of slaying my brother, I stand even less chance against him."

"Don't be so sure," Xi Ming said with a hint of arrogance, revealing a peculiar item. It was a sphere, cracked and blackened, devoid of any shine, yet pulsing with an enigmatic force.

"This is a fractured Martial Soul core, retrieved from Wei Mingzhi's remains at my request. Swallow this, and you'll tap into the power of the Soul Refining Stage in no time, surpassing even a true Soul Warrior!"

After a brief pause, Xi Ming added, "This core belonged to another's Martial Soul. With the ability to channel Spiritual Energy into a Spirit Stone, your power will know no bounds."

Upon hearing the words, a renewed light sparked in Wei Pengxing's eyes. Clenching his teeth, he said, "Senior Brother Xi, thank you. I'm going to kill him and avenge my brother."

Reaching for the Martial Soul core, Wei Pengxing was met with Xi Ming's retracting hand. "However, you must be reminded that this power is not your own. Once you wield it, a price must be paid," Xi Ming cautioned.

Holding the core firmly, Xi Ming impressed upon Wei Pengxing, "Make no mistake, using this power seals your fate; you will surely die."

Wei Pengxing froze, processing the gravity of the situation.

He then turned his gaze to the Spearhead Pavilion, now transformed into a solemn chamber. "I don't care. He had the audacity to kill my brother; I am bound to kill him. Senior Brother Xi, I'm going to track him down immediately. Given the chance, I will end his life."

Xi Ming handed over the Martial Soul core and a small cloth bag to Wei Pengxing. "The ten Spirit Stones inside are sufficient to unleash the core's power."

"Make certain you avenge your brother," Xi Ming instructed.

With a resolute nod, Wei Pengxing expressed his gratitude and quickly departed from the Spearhead Pavilion, items in tow.

Watching Wei Pengxing's easy departure, Xi Ming's sneer betrayed his true sentiments. "The fool falls for it every time. Wei Mingzhi was indeed slain by Peng Gengkun, and he harbored no regrets. Wei Mingzhi's nature would have never allowed him to accept a duel in the Death Match Arena, but he did, all because of me. Yet, these details are unnecessary for you to know. Your sole purpose is to eliminate Peng Gengkun for me."

With that, Xi Ming turned on his heel and left the pavilion.

As Peng Gengkun made his exit from the Flying Cloud Sect, the Azure Snake Patriarch's eyes snapped open within the python's cave nestled in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range.

"The presence of the Human Clan is upon me. His protection under the Flying Cloud Sect had shielded him before, but now that he's ventured out, his path leads only to death. He dared to kill my offspring; his life is forfeit."

Without hesitation, the Azure Snake Patriarch surged out of the cave, intent on hunting down Peng Gengkun.

If Peng Gengkun were aware of the current situation, he would feel utterly helpless.

Both Wei Pengxing and a formidable demonic beast were after his life. For him, this represented an unprecedented crisis.