Peng Gengkun's expression was one of deep concern as he leaned in to listen closely.
The two disciples continued their debate over the martial arts technique they held.
"The latter half of the Great Vajra Palm's manuscript is missing. All of its intricate techniques are gone! It's impossible to practice the Great Vajra Palm now! It used to be a Grade Four Palm Technique—how did it end up like this?"
The realization hit the other disciple: "I see! Senior Brother, thanks for clearing that up for me! I had my sights set on mastering the Great Vajra Palm."
With that, the disciple promptly returned the manuscript of the Great Vajra Palm to its place on the shelf.
"Senior Brother, which martial art should I pursue?"
"Given your abilities, Wind Palm or Supreme Fist would suit you best."
As they walked away, Peng Gengkun made his way to the very shelf they had been discussing and pulled out the manuscript of the Great Vajra Palm.
He thumbed through the pages, his expression turning curious.
Peng Gengkun could see that the Great Vajra Palm was far more sophisticated than any other martial art on that floor. But as the disciple had mentioned, the crucial second half of the manuscript was missing.
In essence, it was an incomplete and unpracticable martial art.
"What a shame!" Peng Gengkun lamented. "If only I could practice this Palm Technique."
Just as he was about to return the book to the shelf, the system's voice rang out: "If you consume this manuscript along with a Spirit Stone, you will acquire the Great Vajra Palm."
Peng Gengkun was taken aback, then elated.VIssịT n0(v)eL/b(i)(n).𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience
"So you're saying, with a Spirit Stone, I can master the Great Vajra Palm? Well then, I must learn it. This Palm Technique rivals a Grade Four Martial Art!"
The Great Vajra Palm was a premier martial art, left unpracticed only due to its incomplete manuscript. But now, Peng Gengkun had the chance to master it!
With a surge of excitement, he secured the book. Once he was back, he would begin his training in the Great Vajra Palm.
Peng Gengkun was on the verge of departing with the tome detailing the Great Vajra Palm technique when he noticed two figures descending from the library's second floor. Access to this level was reserved for those of considerable merit or Inner Sect disciples, yet neither seemed to have any significant connection to Peng Gengkun.
Nevertheless, Peng Gengkun recognized one of them as Xi Yingzhu—the woman whom the body's original owner had long harbored a secret affection for. He cast a glance her way, silently admiring her. She was indeed a striking beauty, and it was clear why his predecessor had been so smitten.
But the Peng Gengkun of today was not the same man as before. Despite Xi Yingzhu's allure, she wasn't his preferred type. However, their paths had crossed, and as Peng Gengkun made to leave, Xi Yingzhu called out to him.
"Peng Gengkun? What brings you to the library?"
A touch of resignation tinged Peng Gengkun's thoughts, but he couldn't simply walk away—not when she had seen him. Besides, Xi Yingzhu had played a role in his arrival to this world. Had she not intervened, it would have been the end for him at the hands of Wei Pengxing.
With a hint of reluctance, Peng Gengkun faced her and replied, "As an elite disciple of the Flying Cloud Sect, I'm entitled to visit the library."
"Elite disciple?" Xi Yingzhu's surprise was evident. "But that rank is reserved for Warriors who have ascended beyond the Qi Refining Realm."
After a brief once-over, Xi Yingzhu's expression softened. "I see. Not only did you escape Wei Pengxing's wrath unscathed, but you also turned misfortune into fortune by breaking through to the Qi Refining Realm. Congratulations."
Peng Gengkun remained silent, yet he was acutely aware of the implications in Xi Yingzhu's congratulatory words.
Clearly, Xi Yingzhu was no fool. She was aware of the original Peng Gengkun's unrequited affection for her, yet she found it difficult to outright reject him. Still, Peng Gengkun could detect a certain coolness in her tone.
Despite the original Peng Gengkun's deep infatuation with Xi Yingzhu, she barely gave him a second glance.
The old Peng Gengkun might have felt a pang of loss, but the man he was now wouldn't react that way.
Xi Yingzhu showed no interest in small talk, so Peng Gengkun lost any desire to linger. As he was about to take his leave, a voice from beside her caught his attention.
"Cousin, is this the disciple Wei Pengxing injured?"
Xi Yingzhu paused before nodding, then added, "Xi Ming, regardless, he once aided me."
"I'm aware!" Xi Ming approached Peng Gengkun with an air of impatience.
Blocked from leaving, Peng Gengkun faced Xi Ming, his confusion apparent.
Xi Ming's voice was icy. "Don't fool yourself into thinking I'm oblivious to your intentions. You're merely a low-ranking Qi Refining disciple. Neither your talent nor your status makes you a match for my cousin. It's best you keep your distance and discard any wishful thinking."
Peng Gengkun couldn't suppress a chuckle.
"Xi Ming? Is that the reason you sought me out, to deliver this warning? Prepare for disappointment."
He continued at a measured pace, "Putting aside whether I harbor such thoughts, you, a young master coasting on family prestige, are hardly superior to me."
Peng Gengkun's confidence was palpable as he declared, "Neither status nor cultivation level poses an issue. Before long, I'll rise to become an Inner Sect disciple, perhaps even the most esteemed Direct Disciple within the Flying Cloud Sect."
His words may have carried a hint of arrogance, but Peng Gengkun saw it as his due. With the Leviathan-roc Devouring System, advancing realms was a trivial matter for him.
As he finished, Xi Ming's scornful laughter echoed in response.
"You're nothing but a lowly commoner, yet you have the audacity to make such bold claims. I'm not even a Direct Disciple, so you should abandon any such fantasies."
Peng Gengkun had no desire to continue the debate with Xi Ming. He declared, "I'm taking my leave. When I've become an Inner Sect disciple, that's when I'll return for our challenge."
With those words, Peng Gengkun departed.
Xi Ming gripped his fists tightly, seething with anger. "To think that such a lowly commoner could be so presumptuous."
A thought suddenly struck Xi Ming, and he turned to Xi Yingzhu, "Cousin, you've been quiet. You don't happen to fancy him, do you?"
"Absolutely not," Xi Yingzhu responded calmly. "The man I marry must be a matchless prodigy, not a mediocre mortal. I'm grateful to Peng Gengkun for his assistance once, but that's as far as my feelings go."
Xi Ming exhaled in relief and said, "That's a relief. Let's be on our way. I'm curious to see when he'll make it to the Inner Sect. Once he does, I'll settle the score with him. For now, to pick on an elite disciple would be beneath me."