Shangguan Meiyu, unaware of the specifics of Xing Peng's situation, found his actions baffling. Despite both Xing Peng and Xing Jianfeng being descendants of the Xing family, she questioned the need for such sacrifices. “What if you can’t advance to become a powerhouse in the future?” If transmitting skills was so easy, then Xing Jianfeng and the others’ strengths wouldn’t be as they were now, especially since the Xing family was not without its powerful members.

  Seeing Shangguan Meiyu’s confusion, Xing Peng didn’t say much. However, Xing Jianfeng and the others were initially surprised by Xing Qianshan’s strength, then turned their eager attention to Xing Peng. They too wanted to experience such a rapid increase in power. Though Xing Jianfeng and the rest looked eager, none spoke up. They might not understand the specifics, but as martial artists, they knew that Xing Peng’s actions were likely harmful to himself.

  “Xing Peng, you’ve been too good to me, thank you! Really, thank you… From now on, my life, Xing Qianshan, is yours!” After expressing his momentum, Xing Qianshan solemnly thanked Xing Peng. “Why say such things? We are all descendants of the Xing family! It’s only right that I help you…” Xing Peng waved off the comment. “You can’t say that. Even when you were not strong, we were still a family. But I treated you poorly, always thinking of you as the shame of the Xing family. Now, you repay grievance with kindness. How can I repay such a great favor, except by offering my life to you?” Xing Qianshan said seriously, deeply grateful and admiring Xing Peng’s magnanimity, feeling shame while admiring him.

  Xing Qianshan felt this way, and so did Xing Jianfeng and the others, their expressions changing unnaturally. They had not treated Xing Peng well in the past, but his repeated generosity had captured their hearts. “Xing Peng, from now on, my life is also yours!” Xing Jianfeng said. “And mine!” “And mine!” The crowd echoed, each revealing sincere emotions.

  Xing Peng, seeing this, shrugged and said in a deep voice, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. We are all brothers. It’s too foreign to talk like this. Let’s not say such things in the future.” Xing Jianfeng and the others were startled, then became determined and silent. Though they stopped speaking, their expressions clearly showed their thoughts.

  Xing Peng changed the subject, looking puzzled at Xing Jianfeng, “How did you end up so deep in the Blackwater Plains? And you’ve lasted quite some time!” According to the time Xing Peng had suggested they enter the Blackwater Plains, Xing Jianfeng and the others had survived there for no less than seven days. “We were forced by the ferocious beasts. If not for them chasing us, we wouldn’t have entered this place. As for surviving so many days, it’s all thanks to you. If not for the formation you taught us, we couldn’t have survived this long!” Xing Jianfeng said.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Xing Peng frowned, “That can’t be the main reason. The formation I taught you, though it can deal with ordinary Earth Level martial artists, it’s not much use against the Blackwater Poison Frog that sprays venom.” “How can it not be the main reason? Without the formation you taught us, even if I had detox pills, we couldn’t have survived this long here!” Xing Jianfeng insisted. “Can I see your detox pill?” Xing Peng asked. “Of course!” Xing Jianfeng took out a dark green pill and handed it to Xing Peng.

  Xing Peng examined the pill closely, then after a while, said to Xing Jianfeng, “Let me keep this pill…” “Of course, no problem. I have more detox pills!” Xing Jianfeng replied with a laugh. “Heh, thanks!” Xing Peng smiled and swallowed the pill. Xing Jianfeng and the others were puzzled, not understanding why Xing Peng would suddenly consume the detox pill. Had he been poisoned?

  “Xing Peng, have you been poisoned?” Xing Jianfeng asked hesitantly. Xing Peng shook his head, “No, I was just curious about the taste of this detox pill.” Xing Jianfeng’s face twitched, and Xing Liang and the others were speechless. They had survived in the Blackwater Plains without being poisoned, thanks to these pills. Over the seven days, they had used hundreds of detox pills, and the few Xing Jianfeng had left seemed precious. Xing Peng’s casual disposal of one made them feel a pang of loss.

  Even Shangguan Meiyu was astonished to hear Xing Peng’s reason for destroying such a precious pill just to taste it. Xing Peng noticed everyone’s reactions but offered no explanation. After swallowing the pill, he instantly understood its composition. He had been secretly practicing the Tang Sect’s poison skills. Although the Tang Sect was known for its poisons and hidden weapons, its pharmaceutical skills were also formidable.

  After reuniting with Xing Jianfeng and the others, Xing Peng no longer wandered aimlessly in the Blackwater Plains with Shangguan Meiyu. They stayed put, waiting for fifteen days to pass. During the wait, Xing Peng didn’t idle; he used the resources of the Blackwater Plains to intensely practice the Tang Sect’s poison skills. With the help of the Blackwater Poison Frog inner cores, he quickly reached a commendable level. Although he hadn’t achieved great mastery, his poison skills were already formidable.

  However, Xing Peng didn’t demonstrate his poison skills in front of Shangguan Meiyu and the others. They only knew he was collecting Blackwater Poison Frog venom sacs, unaware of his purpose. Meanwhile, Xing Jianfeng and the others also didn’t idle. Xing Peng revealed the most secretive techniques of the ‘Single File Serpent Formation’ to them, taught them some ancient martial arts of Earth, and occasionally used his Profound Qi to enhance their strength, leading to rapid improvements. In just a few days, six of them advanced to the early Earth Level, and even those who hadn’t advanced were at the peak of the late Human Level, ready to advance at any moment.