C50 He Returned to the Flying Cloud Sect

Everyone who knew Peng Gengkun showed a shift in their demeanor at that moment, for the person Yan Xiongxiao described was none other than Peng Gengkun himself.

"No wonder Senior Brother Peng hasn't returned! He's been taken by a demonic beast! This is terrible!" Yue Yun lamented, his voice breaking into sobs.

Lin Huaqiao couldn't contain his frustration, "Stop your crying! Didn't you listen? Yes, Junior Brother Peng was captured, but he still managed to save Yan Xiongxiao! I believe Junior Brother Peng won't go down without a fight!"

Yue Yun managed to quell his tears, though worry still etched his face.

Chang Jipeng's brow furrowed deeply as he said, "It was him after all! No wonder he missed the trial. With so much time gone by, his chances don't look good."

Xi Ming, however, was secretly rejoicing.

"He's been snatched by a demonic beast! Even though Wei Pengxing didn't kill him, being in the clutches of a beast leaves him with a slim chance of survival!"

Without hesitation, Xi Ming voiced his thoughts, "Yan Xiongxiao, we all understand where you're coming from. But we can't let this incident hold up the Flying Cloud Sect's Inner Sect trial! It's been days; he's surely gone. Our duty now is to slay that demonic beast and avenge him!"

Before Xi Ming could finish, Xi Yingzhu stepped forward and interjected, "I disagree! Elders, Master, regardless of the situation, he is a disciple of the Flying Cloud Sect, and we cannot simply stand by and let him perish. Even if it means just scouting the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, it's our responsibility to do so!"

The Inner Sect Elders remained silent for a moment, deep in thought.

From a distance, Dou Xi'ao gazed intently at Xi Yingzhu, his expression a complex tapestry of emotions.

Eventually, Dou Xi'ao spoke up, "I concur with Junior Sister Xi's sentiments."

With that, he lapsed back into silence.

Meanwhile, Little Prince had procured a bowl of Yang Spring Noodles and was gleefully devouring it. Overhearing the flurry of discourse among the Inner Sect disciples, he casually tipped his head back and downed the remaining noodles in one go.

Little Prince then wiped his mouth and remarked, "Elders, while the trial can commence at any time, opportunities to vanquish a demonic beast are rare..."

Upon hearing the Little Prince's declaration, the Elders seemed to finally resolve themselves.

"If it were just the other Inner Sect disciples persuading us, that would be one thing, but with the Little Prince weighing in..."

"The Little Prince is the legitimate son and sole heir of the King of Beachdenn! His words carry the weight of the entire Beachdenn royal house. We cannot ignore his command!"

"With that settled, let's go to his rescue!"

Ultimately, Chang Jipeng made the call, "Little Prince's input aside, if there's even a sliver of hope for Peng Gengkun's survival, we have to attempt a rescue! But let's not postpone the trial. Here's what we'll do: I and another Elder will head to the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, while the rest stay behind to oversee the trial!"

The others agreed, finding the plan sound.

Watching Chang Jipeng and another Elder rise to leave, Xi Ming narrowed his eyes but held his tongue.

As an Inner Sect disciple, he had no place to challenge an Elder's decision. Yet, Xi Ming couldn't help but feel that the Elders were merely fulfilling an obligation. He was convinced that Peng Gengkun's fate was sealed.

Just then, a nonchalant voice echoed from the entrance of the Test Square.

"Man, am I beat! That trek back from the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range was exhausting. Hope I'm not too late. Has the trial started yet?"

Peng Gengkun strolled into the Test Square as he spoke.

The moment he entered, Peng Gengkun was taken aback by the stares he received. He asked cautiously, "What's going on? Why is everyone looking at me? Did I suddenly become more dashing?"

After an awkward pause, Chang Jipeng gave Yan Xiongxiao a quizzical look.

With a forced chuckle, Yan Xiongxiao confessed, "I swear, I saw our friend here in the clutches of a demonic beast, in dire straits. I never imagined he'd escape with his life. It's truly a cause for celebration!"

Lin Huaqiao and the rest didn't waste a moment, rushing over to offer their hearty congratulations to Peng Gengkun.

Peng Gengkun finally realized why he was the center of everyone's attention.

With a smile, he apologized, "I'm truly sorry for causing you all such concern! That demonic beast may be ferocious, but it's not very bright, which allowed me to make my escape."

Xi Yingzhu's face remained impassive, yet her breathing steadied slightly, indicating a sense of relief.

Xi Ming's expression darkened. He hadn't anticipated Peng Gengkun's return from the dead, a clear sign that Wei Pengxing had not succeeded.

Dou Xi'ao gave Peng Gengkun a sidelong glance, remaining silent.

The Little Prince, however, beamed and said, "I just knew he wouldn't go down so easily. Quick, bring over my black chicken soup; I need a sip to settle my nerves."

Regardless, Peng Gengkun was alive, and the trial would proceed without delay.

Chang Jipeng and several other Elders resumed their seats.

But then, Xi Ming spoke up with a hint of suspicion, "Elder, something doesn't add up here. How could an elite disciple possibly escape from the clutches of a demonic beast? Even if the beast isn't the sharpest, surely it knows how to kill. I suspect there's been some collusion to pull the wool over our eyes!"

Chang Jipeng furrowed his brow, "Xi Ming, you might be overthinking this."

Yet another Elder disagreed, shaking his head, "I'm not so sure. We're all aware that a demonic beast's strength is nearly on par with an Elder's. It's not just elite disciples; even a Direct Disciple would struggle to break free from a demonic beast. I do believe there's more to this situation than meets the eye!"

Chang Jipeng, visibly annoyed, retorted, "You are Xi Ming's Master, naturally you'd take his side! But what secrets could there possibly be? The demonic beasts are powerful, true, but they lack cunning!"

The Elder remained firm, "We need to discuss this further. I propose we temporarily revoke their trial participation and investigate. They can try again next year."

Xi Ming chimed in, "Master, you're spot on! There's definitely more to this story. Perhaps his escape was made possible because the demonic beast took a bribe, turning him into a human thrall!"

As soon as he spoke, a wave of shock rippled through the crowd. Doubtful eyes turned toward Peng Gengkun.

Having narrowly escaped death, Peng Gengkun was now wrestling with an odd mix of emotions.

"It all makes sense now—why everything seemed so off, as if someone was pulling the strings behind Wei Mingzhi and the rest. Xi Ming was the mastermind! But what's his beef with me? Is it because the former owner of this body pursued Xi Yingzhu, or is there another reason?"

Peng Gengkun mulled over these thoughts, but eventually, he shook his head, dismissing them.

"Figuring out Xi Ming's motives can wait. The priority is to escape this mess! Missing the trial is the least of my worries. If they start to believe I'm in league with a demonic beast, then I'm truly done for!"