"If this is indeed the Shadow Soul Grass, my mission will be a success."
Peng Gengkun stifled the thrill within him and carefully stored the herb.
Whether it was Shadow Soul Grass or Flying Shadow Grass, Peng Gengkun had fulfilled his objective. This time, he was certain to turn heads and earn newfound respect.
Securing the herb, Peng Gengkun made his way back to the Flying Cloud Sect.
Days after his departure, the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range was drenched in relentless rain. On a stormy night, a petite green snake slithered into the cave that once housed the Flying Shadow Grass.
The snake, a vibrant green, appeared quite charming. Even its venomous fangs seemed harmless.
Yet, upon discovering the remains of a python on the cave floor, the snake seethed with rage. Its body swelled in size, bursting the cave walls in an instant.
Eventually, the snake shrank back down, its head remaining serpentine while its body took on a human form.
Despite its inability to fully transform its head due to limited power, there was no question—it was a true demonic beast.
"Astral Energy lingers here. A member of the Human Clan has slain my offspring. Cursed humans, I've memorized your Astral Energy. Should our paths cross again, you will meet your end."
Meanwhile, Peng Gengkun was hastening his return to the Flying Cloud Sect. Upon arrival, he remained there for fifteen days.
In the Hall of Missions, a disciple who had previously challenged Peng Gengkun now gazed at a man before him with utmost reverence.
The man, with his silvery hair and commanding presence, was clearly a distinguished Elder.
A dynamic aura of water and fire encircled him.
Undeniably, he was a Warrior who had transcended the fourth stage, reaching the Martial Disciple Stage—a level of prowess marked by such an aura.
The man inquired, "Luo Ye, you mentioned my mission was claimed. Why, then, after fifteen days, have I not received what I requested?"
Luo Ye offered a sycophantic smile as he spoke, "Elder Chang, indeed someone has taken on the mission, but there's a chance they've failed."
"How could he fail?" Elder Chang responded with a hint of irritation. "He was merely tasked with finding Flying Shadow Grass. How difficult could that be? I've made it clear that obtaining the Flying Shadow Grass would suffice. I never demanded the Shadow Soul Grass."
Luo Ye's tone grew even more ingratiating. "For Inner Sect disciples, it's certainly not a challenge, but for elite disciples who've only recently advanced, it's not quite so simple."
Elder Chang's anger flared. "A newly promoted elite disciple dared to take on my mission? He's doing nothing but wasting my time."
After a brief pause, Elder Chang fixed Luo Ye with a fierce glare. "Did you assign this mission to him?"
Luo Ye replied with caution, "Elder, you've misunderstood. I wouldn't dare. He took the mission from me by force, insisting he could complete it. Yet fifteen days have gone by, and he's yet to return."
Elder Chang let out a cold snort, and a chilling presence filled the air.
Luo Ye continued to fawn, "Congratulations, Elder, you've cultivated your Water Qi to such an extent within the Earth Water Fire Wind. It appears you'll soon form the Soul Embryo and ascend to the ranks of the top Elders within the Flying Cloud Sect."
Elder Chang stated, "While I've cultivated the Water Qi, I've yet to harness it to form a Soul Embryo. To reach the Martial Disciple Stage, the Soul Embryo is essential. Without it, I'm doomed to remain a Low Rank Martial Disciple forever. However, with the Flying Shadow Grass to craft the Flying Shadow Pill, I could rise to Intermediate Rank within a year."
Observing Luo Ye's obsequious behavior, Elder Chang went on, "Should I acquire the Shadow Soul Grass and refine a more potent pill, I would undoubtedly reach Intermediate Rank in just one week. Yet, a foolish disciple has taken my mission, squandering two precious weeks."
Elder Chang's expression darkened as he declared, "If he perishes in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, so be it. But if he returns alive, I will see to it that he is punished severely."
Luo Ye's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Eager to curry favor with Wei Mingzhi, he had deliberately set up Peng Gengkun. His efforts paid off when Mingzhi rewarded him with ten Spirit Stones. Now, witnessing Elder Chang's wrathful demeanor, Luo Ye was certain Peng Gengkun's fate was sealed.
Even if Peng Gengkun miraculously survived the Mutated Beasts of the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, Elder Chang would ensure he faced harsh punishment.
"Mingzhi aims to crush Peng Gengkun, but because of Senior Sister Xi Yingzhu, he can't directly confront him. Now that Peng Gengkun has fallen into my trap, Mingzhi must be appreciative. Once he bestows treasures upon me, I'm destined to rise to the pinnacle of the elite disciples."
Lost in thoughts of his bright future, Luo Ye was jolted back to reality by the arrival of someone in the hall—it was Peng Gengkun.
"You're actually back? You managed to escape death in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, only to meet your end in the water dungeon!"
With this thought, Luo Ye swiftly turned to Elder Chang. Pointing at Peng Gengkun, he announced, "Elder, he has returned! He's the one who took on your mission!"
"He dares to return!" Elder Chang bellowed, his fury palpable as he spun around to face Peng Gengkun.
But in the next instant, Elder Chang's expression softened dramatically, and he quickly approached Peng Gengkun.
Luo Ye's heart swelled with glee, convinced that Peng Gengkun's doom was imminent.
Given Elder Chang's temperament, Peng Gengkun was likely to ring in the New Year behind the dank bars of the water dungeon!
However, what Luo Ye witnessed next was not at all what he had expected.
Elder Chang did indeed confront Peng Gengkun with a formidable presence.
Yet, instead of rebuking him, Elder Chang's face registered shock and disbelief.
"Impossible! Is he a relative of Elder Chang?"
Unable to puzzle it out, Luo Ye moved closer to get a clearer picture.
Observing the herb in Peng Gengkun's hand, Elder Chang inhaled deeply and said in a measured tone, "This is Shadow Soul Grass."
Peng Gengkun simply nodded.
Though unaware of Elder Chang's true status, Peng Gengkun recognized that the Elder was no ordinary figure. And from Elder Chang's reaction, it seemed he wasn't there to make trouble.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Peng Gengkun inquired, "Who might you be?"
"I am Chang Jipeng, an Elder of the Inner Sect," Elder Chang responded promptly.
Realization dawned on Peng Gengkun. "Ah, you're Elder Chang! What can I do for you?"
Elder Chang took several deep breaths to steady himself before posing his question, "Have you taken on my task?"
At first, Peng Gengkun was perplexed, but then it clicked. "Yes, I have. I undertook a mission to venture into the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range in search of Flying Shadow Grass. The mission details mentioned that finding Shadow Soul Grass would earn me an additional reward."
Aware of the Shadow Soul Grass's value, Peng Gengkun explained, "Initially, I only discovered Flying Shadow Grass, but then a mutated beast from the Snake Clan attacked me and took it. I exhausted all my efforts to track down the creature, and that's how I managed to procure the Shadow Soul Grass!"
Chang Jipeng nodded in approval. "Indeed. The Flying Shadow Grass has a chilling essence, making it perfect for the Snake Clan's cultivation practices. Moreover, their unique saliva can transform Flying Shadow Grass into Shadow Soul Grass. It seems fortune has smiled upon me! You've fulfilled the mission, and I am obliged to reward you."
Before Elder Chang could finish, Luo Ye hurried over from afar.
Standing next to Elder Chang, Luo Ye looked down at Peng Gengkun with disdain and said, "Elder, this is the man. Despite being a newly minted elite disciple, he took your mission jade card. By the statutes of our Flying Cloud Sect, he must face punishment!"
Elder Chang let out a dismissive snort and turned away from Luo Ye.
To Chang Jipeng, such individuals hardly merited attention. His interest in Peng Gengkun was solely because of the discovery of the Shadow Soul Grass.
Chang Jipeng had no intention of entertaining Luo Ye's complaints.
Yet, Peng Gengkun's eyes lingered on Luo Ye, his mind evidently racing with thoughts.
Luo Ye, growing increasingly agitated, pressed on, "Elder, why aren't you punishing him?"
Upon hearing Luo Ye's words, Peng Gengkun burst into laughter.
"Bet you didn't see that coming—I've finished the mission!"
As Peng Gengkun's words sank in, Luo Ye's jaw dropped in astonishment.
Peng Gengkun had actually completed the mission? That explained the sudden chill in Chang Jipeng's demeanor.