Almighty Devouring System

C19 – The Ring Is Mine!

Yan Xinheng fixed Peng Gengkun with a steely gaze, yet he refrained from launching another attack. Peng had already demonstrated a Movement Technique that had taken Yan by surprise. Doubting his own ability to catch Peng should he strike again, Yan held back.

“Your cultivation may be slightly inferior to mine, but your Movement Technique is exceptional. I truly can’t catch you!” Yan Xinheng declared, taking a deep breath. “I concede. Next time, I’ll personally reclaim the Space Ring!”

With those words, Yan Xinheng turned on his heel and departed.

Peng Gengkun, however, understood the real reason behind Yan’s retreat—it was a lack of capability.

“He’s certainly the scion of a noble family. Losing just one exchange has wounded his pride. If it came down to a real fight, I’m not yet at the High Rank of Qi Refining, so victory isn’t guaranteed for me either.”

Peng was aware that he likely had the upper hand over Yan Xinheng, but a win was far from certain. A breakthrough to the High Rank of Qi Refining would solidify his chances against Yan.

Their skirmish had been brief, and the two combatants hadn’t stirred up much attention.

The appraiser returned with a pouch of Spirit Stones and explained to Peng, “The corpse has sustained numerous injuries. Had it been in better condition, it would have fetched a higher price. As it stands, it’s worth 32 Spirit Stones.”

Peng nodded, mentally reconciling with the valuation. Considering the python’s head had been crushed by the Vajra Worshipping Moon technique, fetching this price was quite favorable.

After securing the Spirit Stones, Peng retrieved the python’s remains from the Space Ring and handed them to the appraiser before leaving.

Meanwhile, a buzz of speculation rose among the onlookers in the chamber of commerce.

“Who were those two who just fought? The young master’s strikes were lightning-fast, yet the Warrior’s Movement Technique was even swifter!”

“That young master is Yan Xinheng, one of the elite disciples from the Outer Sect. But that other young warrior? He’s a mystery.”

“I remember that guy’s name is Peng Gengkun. He was just an Outer Sect disciple before, but somehow, he climbed his way up to become an elite disciple. Even Wei Pengxing got a taste of his strength—he even snatched Wei Pengxing’s Space Ring.”

As these words were spoken, several warriors exchanged odd glances. Peng Gengkun had just taken a Space Ring from Yan Xinheng as well.

“Neither of those two are pushovers, and yet he managed to defeat them both. It looks like his talent has truly awakened. He’s on a different path than us now.”

Unaware of the discussions about him, Peng Gengkun returned to his quarters and immediately began to consume Spirit Stones.

Although Spirit Stones were a means to enhance one’s cultivation, they didn’t quite match up to the benefits of a Cultivation Room.

Just a few days earlier, in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, Peng Gengkun had hunted numerous mutated beasts, boosting his Growth Value to over four thousand. After swallowing ten more Spirit Stones, he heard the baby Leviathan inside him let out a contented burp.

The circulation of Astral Energy within him signaled that Peng Gengkun had reached a new plateau, distinctly different from before. His Astral Energy, once not quite refined, was now incredibly dense. The quantity might seem reduced, but Peng Gengkun understood that it was simply more concentrated. Any attack now would carry even greater force than before.

“If I can fully harness this Astral Energy, my strength will far surpass my previous limits! Next time I face Yan Xinheng, I won’t even need to rely on my Movement Technique—I’ll take him down directly! And…”

Peng Gengkun closed his eyes, tuning into his body’s state, sensing something stirring within.

“Of course. After the Qi Refining Stage comes the Soul Refining Stage! A Warrior’s cultivation is segmented into four realms: Power Refining, Qi Refining, Soul Refining, and Intent Refining. Reaching the Soul Refining Stage marks the beginning of condensing one’s Martial Soul. The Martial Soul not only manifests extraordinary phenomena but also serves as the bedrock of a Warrior’s power! The potency of one’s Martial Soul is pivotal—it dictates how far a Warrior can go. While there’s no intricate classification for Martial Souls, I’m confident that the system will aid me in forging a Martial Soul of the highest caliber!”

Peng Gengkun mulled over his thoughts as he rose to his feet and stretched languidly. He threw a series of punches, feeling exceptionally good about his current state.

“I’ll save these remaining Spirit Stones for a rainy day. For now, I can spend a day cultivating in the Cultivation Room and soak up the Spiritual Energy there.”

With his plan in mind, Peng Gengkun left his room and made a beeline for the Cultivation Room.

Upon his return to the Cultivation Room, he noticed the usual crowd of Warriors outside, drawing in the dispersed Spiritual Energy. This time, however, the murmurs about him had subsided, as some recognized Peng Gengkun. Still, envious glances were cast his way, as if others wished they could step into the Cultivation Room just as easily.

Bathed in those envious looks, Peng Gengkun entered the Cultivation Room with an air of confidence.

During this visit, he chanced upon a Warrior ascending from the B1 level of the Cultivation Room.

“The Cultivation Rooms certainly have a hierarchy! The one I’m using is at the very bottom, incomparable to the rooms these individuals have access to. To enter their level, I’d need to achieve something significant or attain a high enough realm. Otherwise, it’s off-limits,” he thought.

Peng Gengkun shook his head, silently resolving, “I need to stay grounded. I can only think about the future once I’ve elevated my realm and become an Inner Sect disciple in the Cultivation Room. Until then, people like Wei Mingzhi can freely manipulate others to hold me back, and Yan Xinheng can brazenly take things right out of my hands. I must strengthen myself quickly to escape this predicament!”

With these thoughts firm in his mind, Peng Gengkun entered a Cultivation Room and began his practice.

Meanwhile, the rest of the cultivators inside found themselves grumbling once more, inwardly cursing the now-diminished Spiritual Energy in the Cultivation Room.

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