42- The beginning of the cloud gathering contest....3

Zhong Peng exerted all his efforts to resist the biting cold wind, yet his cultivation remained meager and his qi energy insufficient to fend off the frigid gusts.

The ice wyvern eventually ceased spewing its icy breath, and all returned to normal.

Zhong Peng, who had been struggling mightily to withstand the frigid onslaught, let out a long sigh of relief.

Duan Jingtao sauntered towards Zhong Peng, a haughty smirk playing across his features as he proclaimed, " You have learned your lesson and know your place. "

Upon realizing that there was no point in arguing with him, Zhong Peng made the conscious decision to simply disregard the individual and shift his attention towards Lin Daiyu, who had just arrived on the back of an Ice Wyvern.

Zhong Peng was certain that the frigid gusts of wind emitted by the creature were a means for her to exhibit her dominance.

Although infuriated by her behavior, Zhong Peng recognized that he had no power to alter the situation and could only silently curse her under his breath.

Zhong Peng's face was contorted with boiling anger, and to make matters worse, Shen Hong was fixated on him with a crazed grin affixed to his countenance. It was evident to Zhong Peng that Shen Hong still harbored a grudge against him.

It was obvious that Shen Hong was reveling in Zhong Peng's predicament.

However, Zhong Peng paid little attention to Shen Hong's mocking smile, as his ire was solely aimed at Elder Duanmu, who had been oppressing him since their initial encounter.

Although equally furious with Lin Daiyu, Zhong Peng could only seethe inwardly, for he was powerless to take any action to rectify the situation.

As Zhong Peng's fury continued to simmer, he was suddenly interrupted by the irritating voice of the tiny Longwei. "You call yourself my master, yet you can't even endure a little frosty breeze from a measly wyvern? Pathetic!" Longwei taunted with a sneering tone, which made Zhong Peng feel the urge to throttle his tiny body.

Upon hearing Longwei's words, Zhong Peng clenched his teeth in rage. Longwei continued his taunts, "If you weren't such a worthless fool and had fully refined the dragon blood, you would have easily withstood the cold wind." Disappointment seeped into his voice, further fueling Zhong Peng's fury.

Zhong Peng was well aware that Longwei's words were nothing but the truth. He remembered vividly how, during his time at the Duan clan, he had faced immense pressure from the Wind Roc.

It was then that his dragon blood had activated, allowing him to repel the pressure exerted by the Qi beast. He could sense that the dragon blood had the power to exert some degree of control over qi beasts.

He was determined to refine his blood further, but given his current level of cultivation, he could only bear to refine 60% of the blood.

Zhong Peng muttered under his breath, " Once I have finished refining my dragon blood and advanced my cultivation, let's see how you dare to bully me again."

His words were filled with determination and a fierce resolve to prove Longwei wrong.

"Hmmph, you will always be worthless trash," Longwei retorted before falling silent.

His words stung, but Zhong Peng refused to let them get to him. Instead, he used them as motivation to become stronger and surpass Longwei's expectations.

As Zhong Peng was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a commotion behind him. Turning around, he saw a striking middle-aged man walking toward Lin Daiyu and Elder Liang.

The man was adorned in a resplendent golden royal robe, and he exuded an air of authority that left Zhong Peng almost bowing in respect.

By the man's side was a young man around Zhong Peng's age, who bore a striking resemblance to the middle-aged man.

His expression was inscrutable, and he radiated a frigid yet regal aura.

With a confident stride and a beaming grin, the man approached. " Elder Liang, it is an immense honor to once again stand in your distinguished presence, " he declared. Gazing upon the elegant Lin Daiyu, he added, " And you, Lady Lin Daiyu, are as stunning as ever. " His wide smile persisted, a clear indication of his profound respect and admiration for the two esteemed individuals before him.

Elder Liang replied with a gentle smile, "Zheng Hongyi there is no need for such kind words, how have you been since our last encounter?" The smile on his face persisted, a reflection of his warmth was on his face.

Lin Daiyu responded with a subtle nod, her countenance exuding an air of pride that was unmistakable.

It was apparent that she held Zheng Hongyi in low regard, a sentiment that was reflected in her demeanor.

Zhong Peng muttered under his breath, "What a proud and vexing woman." His animosity towards Lin Daiyu intensified once more.