30- The battle freak!

"Is he the one we've been waiting for?" a young man in the group said as he saw Zhong Peng approaching.

Zhong Peng was taken aback upon hearing the man's words, as he could detect a strong sense of contempt in the tone of his voice.

The experience left Zhong Peng feeling surprised and bewildered, as this was the first time he had encountered the man, and he couldn't fathom why the man held such animosity towards him.

"Duan Jingtao, I had previously instructed you that any animosity between us should be put on hold until after the Cloud Gathering " Duan Xue reprimanded, upon hearing the tone in which Duan Jingtao addressed Zhong Peng.

"Hold on, what animosity are you referring to?" Zhong Peng asked helplessly, "I haven't even met him before" he added silently, cursing Zhou Shun repeatedly in his mind.

"He is Duan Mingli's elder brother, so you now comprehend the animosity she was referring to" Zhong Peng suddenly heard, bringing him back from his thoughts. He looked up and saw a man standing before him, dressed in a magnificent red robe.

Zhong Peng had been lost in thought and failed to notice the man approaching him.

"And who might you be" Zhong Peng inquired curiously, addressing the man in the majestic red robe.

"Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself, I am Xiao Se, and I will be participating in the Cloud Gathering competition with the Duan clan, just like you I am not a member of the clan, I hope that we can collaborate during the contest, " the man said, his smile somewhat unsettling to Zhong Peng, reminding him of his nightmares ZHOU SHUN!!!

"I am Zhong Peng, and it would be my utmost pleasure to collaborate with you during this contest " Zhong Peng stated, extending his hand towards Xiao Se for a handshake. Xiao Se reciprocated the gesture, and as soon as their hands connected, Xiao Se flashed a smile reminiscent of Zhou Shun's. A chill ran down Zhong Peng's spine as soon as he saw that smile again.

"I can see that you have already met Xiao Se, so there is no need for introductions again. Allow me to introduce Duan Jingtao. As you may have heard, he is Duan Mingli's elder brother " Duan Xue said, emphasizing the phrase " Duan Mingli's elder brother "as if to caution Zhong Peng or warn him to be careful around him. " And this is Duan Feng " she added, pointing towards a man who stood quietly by the side, not sparing Zhong Peng a glance since his arrival.

Ignoring his presence, Duan Xue carried on with her introduction. " And this is Duan Yu," she said, pointing towards a slightly muscular man. Although he wasn't as proud as Duan Feng, he wasn't particularly joyful either. He simply turned towards Zhong Peng, did a slight bow, and returned to his usual silent self.

Duan Xue then pointed to another man dressed in a black fighting suit. " " And this is Duan Qing, "he said. The man smiled at Zhong Peng, showing a friendly and welcoming expression.

"At least there's someone in the Duan clan who isn't my enemy" Zhong Peng muttered silently, breathing out a sigh of relief.

" This is Duan Liang " she declared, gesturing towards a man who, like Duan Feng, chose to ignore him. Undeterred, Duan Xue also brushed past him and approached the only other female in the group besides herself. " And this is Duan Mei " she introduced, pointing towards her.

As soon as she was introduced, Duan Mei quickly made her way toward Zhong Peng, wearing a charming smile. "I've heard that Big Brother Zhong Peng is incredibly strong. I hope you can protect me during the contest " she said seductively, referring to herself as Zhong Peng's junior, which caught Zhong Peng off guard.

Zhong Peng was at a loss for words when he heard what she said. Being a weakling during his days on Earth, this was the first time a girl had ever hit on him. He was nearly falling for Duan Mei's charms when the sudden voice of the old man jolted him back to reality. " Can't you see that she's using a charming technique on you " the old man suddenly exclaimed in a loud voice, startling Zhong Peng out of his reverie.

As soon as Zhong Peng regained consciousness, he heard the voice of Duan Xue. " Duan Mei!! Cease this at once! Did I not instruct you to refrain from using that on anyone you come across " Duan Xue's tone was one of fury.

"Hmmmmf, big sister Duan Xue, you're no fun" Duan Mei pouted as if throwing a tantrum.

After a while, she returned to her former position, her face now bearing a cold expression. Zhong Peng could hardly recognize her as the charming girl from earlier, whereas she had been a cute little girl before, now she was an ice princess, devoid of any emotion.

"Now that everyone has acquainted themselves with each other, it's time for us to disperse " Duan Xue announced, dismissing everyone. "We'll be gathering here again early tomorrow to move to the venue for the Cloud Gathering."

As Zhong Peng was about to leave with the others, Duan Jingtao suddenly bumped into him and said ferociously, " You better watch your back " Then he left with the others.

Contrary to what everyone was expecting, Zhong Peng didn't cower in fear. Instead, there was a broad smile on his face. Since gaining strength and defeating many enemies, including those beyond his cultivation level, Zhong Peng had turned into a battle freak without even realizing it.