Almighty Devouring System

C26 – Cloud Crane Tower!

The Flying Cloud Sect, though merely a martial arts faction, wielded immense power. Beyond its core operations, the sect boasted a merchant house, a restaurant, and even a post house. Several small cities lay within its sphere of influence.

These cities were safeguarded by the Flying Cloud Sect, and in return, they compensated the sect. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Nestled within one of these satellite cities just outside the sect’s reach stood the Cloud Crane Tower. Renowned for its exorbitant yet exquisitely flavored dishes, the establishment was known far and wide.

Peng Gengkun had long been aware of the Cloud Crane Tower’s unique allure, but upon laying eyes on it, he couldn’t help but be astounded. The tower indeed possessed a charm reminiscent of the legendary Yellow Crane Tower. Peng was confident that from the top floor, one could take in the entire panorama.

A crowd had already gathered outside the Cloud Crane Tower. Among them, Peng spotted several Flying Cloud Sect disciples awaiting his arrival.

As they approached the tower, Lin Huaqiao stepped forward to exchange pleasantries.

“Junior Brother Wang! Junior Brother Sun! I’m a tad late. Can you guess who’s with me?” he called out.

The sect disciples cast curious glances at Peng. Junior Brother Wang, with a spark of recognition, ventured, “I heard about an elite disciple who was coerced into a duel at the Death Match Arena by Yan Xinheng, only to turn the tables and kill him instead. Is this that disciple?”

Lin Huaqiao burst into laughter, clapping Peng on the shoulder as he introduced him. “Exactly! Junior Brother Peng, meet Wang Jingfu, Sun Yue, and Yue Yun! We’re here to celebrate Yue Yun’s recent rise to the ranks of elite disciple!”

Peng exchanged greetings before introducing himself. “I’m Peng Gengkun, a fellow disciple from humble beginnings. I never wanted that fight with Yan Xinheng at the Death Match Arena. Little did I expect that it would be the battle that would define my reputation.”

The group erupted into hearty laughter. Sun Yue chimed in, “You’ve certainly made a name for yourself in the Outer Sect. Many may not have met you, but your reputation for grace precedes you!”

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Wang Jingfu and Yue Yun offered their respects with a traditional hand-clasp bow, showering him with compliments. Lin Huaqiao then raised his voice, “Enough with the formalities. Shall we head up?”

Wang Jingfu chuckled awkwardly, “Well, actually, there aren’t any seats available. We’re waiting for some to free up.”

Lin Huaqiao simply nodded, pressing no further.

Yet, Peng Gengkun detected a hint of unease in Wang Jingfu’s demeanor.

“If it were merely a matter of no available seating, he wouldn’t be acting like this. There’s definitely more to the story,” Peng Gengkun mused. He kept the conversation light, all while tuning into the murmurs of the crowd.

Two well-dressed individuals exited the Cloud Crane Tower, both wearing looks of discontent.

“This Cloud Crane Tower is demanding an outrageous number of Spirit Stones!”

“Indeed. A fine meal used to cost just one Spirit Stone, and now it’s five!”

“But what can we do? Around the Flying Cloud Sect, the Cloud Crane Tower is unmatched! If we want quality fare, it’s got to be here.”

The pair continued their griping as they walked away, allowing Peng Gengkun to piece together the situation.

“They’re not entering because the Cloud Crane Tower has hiked up its prices. These folks are from humble origins; they can’t afford that many Spirit Stones! Lacking the strength to hunt mutated beasts, they don’t have the means to earn more. While these Spirit Stones pose a significant hurdle for them, for me, it’s hardly an effort at all.”

With his plan in mind, Peng Gengkun approached Wang Jingfu, “Still no room inside? Junior Brother Wang, why don’t we go in and inquire together?”

Wang Jingfu managed a strained smile. He shot a glance at Lin Huaqiao but held his tongue, simply nodding in agreement. Together, he and Peng Gengkun made their way into the Cloud Crane Tower.

Seizing a moment when Lin Huaqiao’s attention was elsewhere, Wang Jingfu whispered urgently, “Senior Brother Peng, to be frank with you, the truth is…”

“No need to explain. I’ve already figured it out,” Peng Gengkun interjected with a smile. “I’ve hunted my share of mutated beasts in the past and traded them for a fair number of Spirit Stones. Allow me to cover today’s feast.” With a casual gesture to his ring, several Spirit Stones appeared in his palm.

Upon seeing the Spirit Stones in Peng Gengkun’s hand, Wang Jingfu’s initial delight quickly faded to dismay. “Senior Brother Peng, it’s not right for us to have you pick up the tab. We’re the ones hosting Junior Brother Wang today, and we specifically invited you to join us. How could we possibly let you pay?”

Peng Gengkun chuckled, brushing off the concern. “It’s no trouble at all. Don’t worry about it. I might come from humble beginnings, but hunting mutated beasts has allowed me to save a little. If my treating makes you uncomfortable, you can always return the favor and treat me next time.”

Reassured, Wang Jingfu nodded vigorously. “Alright then, thank you, Senior Brother Peng. I may not have a prestigious family or exceptional talent, but if there’s ever anything I can help you with in the future, just say the word. I’ll do whatever I can!”

With that, Wang Jingfu, clutching the Spirit Stone, stepped into the Cloud Crane Tower, Peng Gengkun trailing behind.

As they entered, a waiter, busy attending to other patrons, hurried over. But upon recognizing Wang Jingfu, the waiter’s face twisted into an expression of annoyance. “Not you again! I’ve told you before, the Cloud Crane Tower has raised its prices. To access the third floor, you need to hand over five Spirit Stones, or else you’re stuck in the lobby on the first floor!”

Wang Jingfu bristled with anger. “The Cloud Crane Tower has five levels, and everyone knows only the commoners who don’t practice Martial Arts stay on the first floor! Today we’re celebrating my junior brother’s promotion to elite disciple, and we intend to go to the third floor!”

“Just show me the Spirit Stones, and we’ll have no issues,” the waiter cut in, “And don’t even think about causing a scene! You should know that the Cloud Crane Tower has deep connections with the Inner Sect Elders of the Flying Cloud Sect!”

Wang Jingfu glanced at Peng Gengkun, knowing that losing his temper here would be unwise.

Suppressing his frustration, he replied, “I’m not here to make trouble. Here are the five Spirit Stones. That should settle it, and we can head to the third floor, right?”

The waiter eyed the Spirit Stones in Wang Jingfu’s hand, let out a begrudging huff, and finally conceded, “Fine. You’re cleared for the third floor. Go ahead.”

As the waiter turned to attend to another table, he muttered under his breath, “A bunch of paupers. I wonder how you scraped together five Spirit Stones.”

Wang Jingfu bristled at the comment, but Peng Gengkun held him back. “He’s nothing more than a gatekeeper; it’s not worth our time to engage with him. Today is a day of celebration, with Yue Yun’s promotion to elite disciple. Let’s not sour this festive occasion with such trifles.”

Peng Gengkun’s eyes sparkled as he continued, “Just wait until the day we rise to the ranks of the Inner Sect disciples. Then we’ll see if he dares to be so insolent.”

Chastened, Wang Jingfu hung his head and conceded, “You’re absolutely right. I’ll go and gather everyone.”