C19 The Ring Is Mine!

Hu Qiu fixed a steely gaze on Yu Kun, yet refrained from launching another attack. Yu Kun's Movement Technique had taken him by surprise, leaving Hu Qiu doubtful he could capture him with another strike.

"Your cultivation may be slightly inferior to mine, but your Movement Technique is exceptional. I truly can't catch you!" Hu Qiu declared, taking a deep breath. "I concede. Next time, I will personally reclaim the Space Ring!"

With those words, Hu Qiu turned on his heel and departed.

Yu Kun, however, understood the real reason for Hu Qiu's abrupt exit—it was a lack of capability.

"He's the quintessential scion of a noble house. Losing just one exchange was enough to wound his pride. Had he pressed the fight, I, still not advanced to the High Rank Qi Refining Stage, wouldn't have been assured victory."

Yu Kun was aware that he likely surpassed Hu Qiu in ability, but victory was far from guaranteed. A breakthrough to the High Rank Qi Refining Stage would solidify his chances of defeating Hu Qiu.

Their skirmish had been brief, causing little stir among onlookers.

Returning with a pouch of Spirit Stones, the Appraiser informed Yu Kun, "The corpse has sustained numerous injuries; it would have been more valuable otherwise. Currently, it's worth thirty-two Spirit Stones."

Yu Kun nodded, internally agreeing to the valuation. Considering the python's head had been crushed by Vajra Worshipping Moon, fetching such a price was a fortunate outcome.

After securing the Spirit Stones, Yu Kun retrieved the python's remains from the Space Ring and handed them to the Appraiser before leaving.

Meanwhile, murmurs spread through the Chamber of Commerce.

"Who were those two combatants? The young master's strikes were swift as the wind, yet the warrior's Movement Technique was even swifter!"

"That young master is Hu Qiu, one of the elite among the Outer Sect disciples. But that young warrior, I don't recognize him."

"I've heard of him—that's Yu Kun. He was an Outer Sect disciple before rising to Elite Disciple status. He even put Chen Rui in his place once and took his Space Ring."

As the words were spoken, several warriors exchanged odd glances. Yu Kun had just snatched a Space Ring from Hu Qiu, after all.

"Neither of these guys are pushovers, and yet he took them down. It's clear his talent has awakened. He's on a different path now—one that sets him apart from us."

Unaware of the discussions in his wake, Yu Kun returned to his quarters and wasted no time in consuming Spirit Stones.

These stones could enhance one's realm, though not as effectively as a Cultivation Room.

Days earlier, in the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, Yu Kun had slain numerous mutated beasts, boosting his Growth Value to over four thousand. After ingesting ten more Spirit Stones, he was rewarded with the contented belch of the baby Leviathan within him.

Feeling the Astral Energy circulate, Yu Kun sensed a breakthrough. His Astral Energy was now profoundly condensed—less in volume but far more potent. An attack now would wield greater force than ever before.

"If I can fully harness this Astral Energy, my power will far surpass my previous limits! Should I cross paths with Hu Qiu again, I won't even need to rely on Movement Techniques. I could overpower him directly! And..."

Yu Kun paused, tuning into his body's state, sensing an eager stirring within.

"Of course. Beyond the Qi Refining Stage lies the Soul Refining Stage! A warrior's cultivation progresses through Power Refining, Qi Refining, Soul Refining, and Intent Refining. Reaching the Soul Refining Stage marks the beginning of one's Martial Soul—a force that unleashes extraordinary phenomena and serves as the wellspring of a warrior's power. The might of the Martial Soul is pivotal—it shapes the heights a warrior can achieve. And though the Martial Soul lacks a precise hierarchy, I'm confident the system could very well aid me in forging a Martial Soul of superior quality!"

Lost in thought, Yu Kun stood up and stretched languidly. He threw several punches in quick succession, feeling exceptionally fit and energized.

"I'll hold onto the remaining Spirit Stones for any unforeseen needs. For now, I can spend a day in the Cultivation Room, soaking up the Spiritual Energy there."

With his plan in mind, Yu Kun left his room and made a beeline for the Cultivation Room.

Upon his return to the Cultivation Room, he noticed the usual crowd of martial artists outside, eagerly absorbing the Spiritual Energy that leaked from within. This time, however, some recognized Yu Kun, which led to fewer murmurs and discussions about him. Still, envious glances were cast his way, filled with longing to be in his shoes, stepping into the Cultivation Room.

Yu Kun walked through the sea of envy and entered the Cultivation Room with a composed stride.

On this occasion, he happened to see a martial artist ascending from the B1 level of the Cultivation Room.

"There's definitely a hierarchy to these Cultivation Rooms! The one I'm using is the most basic, nowhere near the caliber of the rooms these other cultivators have access to. To gain entry to their level, I'd need to achieve something significant or reach a high enough realm. Otherwise, it's off-limits to me."

Yu Kun pondered this reality, then shook his head and muttered to himself, "Let's focus on the practical steps. I can only think about the future once I've advanced to an Inner Sect disciple through my cultivation. Until then, Chen Feng has free rein to have others hold me down, and Hu Qiu can brazenly take what's mine. I must strengthen myself quickly to escape this predicament!"

With these thoughts firm in his mind, Yu Kun entered a Cultivation Room and began his practice.

Meanwhile, the rest of the cultivators inside the room couldn't help but grumble once more, silently cursing the diminished Spiritual Energy that seemed to accompany Yu Kun's presence.