Zhong Peng did not proactively engage in conversation with anyone. Instead, he positioned himself in a corner, quietly observing everyone around him.
Every time his gaze met with Duan Mei's, she would respond with a seductive smile. Meanwhile, Xiao Se always wore a creepy smile on his face, almost like it was his signature trademark.
After a while, Duan Xue took the initiative to speak up. " Now that we've all gathered here, " she said, " it's time for us to head to the Cloud Gathering Contest. But before that, I'd like to establish a few rules. "
Duan Xue fixed a penetrating gaze on everyone present before she continued. " Under no circumstances will internal fighting be tolerated, " she stated firmly. " Any grudges or conflicts you may have with one another must be set aside until after the Cloud Gathering Contest is over. "
She then turned her stern gaze toward Duan Jingtao, leaving no doubt that her message was meant for him.
Feeling the intensity of the gaze focused on him, Duan Jingtao responded. " You don't have to worry, " he said. " I won't pick a fight with him. I understand the importance of the Cloud Gathering Contest and I won't risk ruining it by getting into a scuffle with such a lowly trash. " As he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Zhong Peng.
Upon hearing Duan Jingtao's response, Duan Xue made a sound of approval, " hmmmnmf," as she nodded her head. Her gaze then shifted towards Zhong Peng, as if she was waiting for him to offer his response.
" Don't worry, I don't have time to indulge in the whims of spoiled brats, " Zhong Peng declared.
As soon as he spoke, he could hear Duan Jingtao growling in anger and grinding his teeth.
Undeterred, Zhong Peng continued, " If he doesn't bother me, I won't bother him either. "
Duan Jingtao's countenance became flushed with a crimson hue as his rage reached its boiling points.
However, constrained by the preceding regulations, he could only glare at Zhong Peng, directing all his murderous intentions toward him.
Yet, Zhong Peng, who had previously withstood the lethal aura of Longwei, remained impervious to the mere killing intent of Duan Jingtao.
He then turned towards Duan Jingtao, throwing a taunting grin in his direction.
Upon witnessing Zhong Peng's provocative smirk, Duan Jingtao was filled with wrath, yet he managed to restrain his emotions, lest he embarrass himself.
As the altercation between the two subsided, Duan Xue spoke up," Points shall be allocated based on one's contribution, therefore, no one is permitted to slack off, as they shall not receive any points " His gaze fixed intently on the faces of everyone present.
Duan Xue noticed that no one had objected, and added, " Now that I have explained the rules to everyone present, it is time for us to set off. " She immediately gave a signal, and Zhong Peng looked up to see a massive flying qi beast approaching them.
As the flying creature drew near to where Zhong Peng's eyes could discern its shape, he exclaimed in astonishment at the sight of a wind roc.
This magnificent beast possessed the ability to soar through the skies with tremendous speed, and its wings were razor-sharp, serving as both a means of locomotion and a deadly weapon.
It was clear to Zhong Peng that the wind roc was of formidable strength, perhaps even at the pinnacle of the Nirvana Tribulation cultivation level.
If he were ever to cross paths with such a creature, his likelihood of survival would be close to none.
Upon noticing Zhong Peng's shock at the sight of the wind roc, Duan Jingtao seized the opportunity to taunt him. " This wind roc is a qi beast of the pinnacle Nirvana Tribulation realm, and it happens to be the second guardian beast of the Duan clan," he exclaimed, his voice dripping with condescension.
" It would be a privilege for someone like you, who is nothing but trash, to even dream of riding on its back. " His face was stretched into a wide grin as he delivered this insult with relish.
To the surprise of everyone present, Zhong Peng remained unfazed by Duan Jingtao's taunting. He knew full well that he possessed the powerful beast Longwei at his disposal, even if it was just a weapon spirit.
Zhong Peng was confident that he was stronger than the wind roc that lay before him, and he could sense from the aura emanating from Longwei that it was a truly formidable creature.
As a result, he remained calm and composed in the face of Duan Jingtao's insults, knowing that his strength far surpassed that of his adversary.
As the wind roc finally descended to the ground, Zhong Peng could make out a figure perched atop the magnificent beast.
It was at this moment that everyone present, including Xiao Se, immediately bowed down in a show of utmost respect.
In unison, they all exclaimed, "Greetings to you, Elder Duanmu." Zhong Peng took note of this gesture of respect and decided to follow suit, recognizing the immense power and influence that Elder Duanmu wielded.
Xiao Se leaned in close to Zhong Peng and whispered, "That man riding the wind roc is Elder Duanmu. He holds the esteemed position of being the second elder of the Duan clan, and he is also a close confidant of the first elder, who happens to be Duan Mingli's father." Xiao Se's tone grew more somber as he added, "Be wary of him. He will do everything in his power to suppress you."