C2 Elite Disciple
Yu Kun understood the stark differences between the four warrior realms. Warriors in the Power Refining Stage could only enhance their physical strength and toughen their bones and flesh. In contrast, those in the Qi Refining Stage could harness Innate Astral Qi, allowing them to harm enemies unseen.
Soul Refining Stage warriors had the ability to forge their Martial Soul, dramatically amplifying the potency of their martial arts techniques. Yet, the most formidable were the Intent Refining Stage warriors, who could manifest Martial True Intent, rendering them virtually unstoppable.
Now, Yu Kun had astonishingly leaped from the Power Refining Stage straight into the Qi Refining Stage!
"I lack a Qi Sea in this body, which should have made it impossible to reach the Qi Refining Stage. But against all odds, I've managed to break through! This system is incredibly powerful!"
Once his initial excitement subsided, Yu Kun settled into a more reflective state.
"Unfortunately, the points gained from consuming ordinary items are insufficient. To level up swiftly, I need to devour items imbued with Spiritual Energy. But where on earth can I find such items?"
With only one jade pendant to his name, conjuring a second was out of the question.
Then, a moment of clarity struck Yu Kun as he smacked his forehead in realization.
"That's it! I'm now a Qi Refining Stage warrior! By the Flying Cloud Sect's standards, I'm eligible to rise from an Outer Sect Disciple to an Elite Disciple, reaping the myriad benefits the sect offers! Elite Disciples are entitled to monthly provisions!"
With this epiphany, Yu Kun rose to his feet and strode out of his room.
Before, Yu Kun's lack of innate talent meant he couldn't break through to the Qi Refining Stage, even after being left crippled by Chen Rui, thus disqualifying him from the privileges of an Elite Disciple. But with the Leviathan-roc Devouring System now in his possession, he had broken through to the Qi Refining Stage in one fell swoop, paving the way for his new status as an Elite Disciple.
Guided by his recollections, Yu Kun made his way to the Hall of Elite Disciples. From a distance, he saw the throng of disciples—some drawn by curiosity, others with aspirations to ascend to Elite Disciple status.
Without exception, those who achieved the rank of Elite Disciple were met with the covetous stares of the Outer Sect disciples.
Upon reflection, it made perfect sense. Outer Sect disciples had to fulfill various tasks for the sect and diligently practice their cultivation before they could even dream of promotion. How could they measure up to the Elite Disciples? But now, I too am among the ranks of the Elite Disciples!
With that thought, Yu Kun approached the Hall of Elite Disciples, only to be halted a few steps in by a disciple standing guard.
"This is the Hall of Elite Disciples, where Flying Cloud Sect members ascend to elite status! What makes you think you can enter?"
Yu Kun paused, taking a moment to recognize the guard before him. It was Wang Qiang, Chen Rui's henchman. Wang Qiang had witnessed Chen Rui nearly beating Yu Kun to death.
Now a disciple at the Low Rank Qi Refining Stage, Yu Kun's confidence was unshakable, and he wouldn't allow Wang Qiang to deter him.
Brushing off his sleeves, Yu Kun retorted, "Wang Qiang, you're nothing but a lackey. Step aside, or I won't hesitate to take action."
Wang Qiang sneered in response, "You really see yourself as some noble scion, a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy? Only those who've reached beyond the Qi Refining Stage may enter the Hall of Elite Disciples! You've lost your Qi Sea; how could you possibly have advanced to the Qi Refining Stage? You'd best leave now! Otherwise, I won't need to wait for Chen Rui to handle you—I'll cripple you myself right here and now!"
As Wang Qiang rolled up his sleeves, preparing to strike, Yu Kun unleashed a punch infused with Innate Astral Qi, sending Wang Qiang sprawling to the ground.
Wang Qiang was stupefied. "Innate Astral Qi? Impossible! Didn't Young Master Chen shatter your Qi Sea? How on earth did you manage to cultivate to the Qi Refining Stage?"
As Yu Kun advanced, Wang Qiang's panic escalated, and he yelled, "What are you planning to do? This is the Hall of Elite Disciples, not a place for riffraff like you to cause trouble."
Before Wang Qiang could say another word, Yu Kun's kick sent him flying.
Wang Qiang was merely Chen Rui's underling. Now, with the power of the Leviathan-roc System within him, Yu Kun was a force to be reckoned with—even Chen Rui was no match for him.
Yu Kun had no interest in dealing with Wang Qiang.
As he entered the Hall of Elite Disciples, a Flying Cloud Sect Elder cast a brief glance at Yu Kun, though he didn't seem overly concerned with him. Clearly, the Elder had witnessed the recent events but chose not to intervene.
Yu Kun understood that the Elders of the Flying Cloud Sect typically didn't involve themselves in such matters. To the Sect Master and the Elders, skirmishes among disciples were seen as opportunities to forge their mettle.
Moreover, Yu Kun had just demonstrated his prowess, solidifying his status as a deserving Elite Disciple, unlike Wang Qiang, who was merely an Outer Sect disciple.
Standing before the Elder, Yu Kun presented his intentions and identity. The Elder gave a slight nod and remarked, "Your cultivation level is apparent to me. You certainly qualify as an Elite Disciple. Here is your Elite Disciple token. With this, you officially hold that title. You're entitled to five Spirit Stones each month, and you may use the sect's Cultivation Room for ten hours monthly."
After a brief pause, the Elder continued, "Furthermore, as an Elite Disciple, you're now eligible to practice the Martial Arts exclusive to the Flying Cloud Sect. You may visit the library to select the Martial Arts that best suits you."
Yu Kun nodded in appreciation, thanked the Elder, and with his new possessions, he left the Hall of Elite Disciples.
Spirit Stones, imbued with Spiritual Energy, were well known to Yu Kun as vital for a martial artist's cultivation in this world. To advance their practice, martial artists needed to harness the power within these stones, and they could also enhance their training in the Cultivation Room.
Many formidable sects boasted such rooms, which tapped into the earth's ley lines, drawing forth the rich Spiritual Energy from the heart of the planet, thus providing an optimal environment for warriors to hone their skills.
Now an Elite Disciple, Yu Kun had access to the Cultivation Room for ten hours and would receive five Spirit Stones each month.
Armed with these resources, Yu Kun mused, "I should have no concerns about progressing for some time. My next step is to select a Martial Arts from the library."
With his plan in mind, Yu Kun was about to set off when a wave of noisy chatter erupted from the Outer Sect disciples just outside the hall.
Shortly thereafter, a young master emerged from the throng of people.
Yu Kun involuntarily tightened his fists.
"To think I'd run into Chen Rui here of all places! But now that I've advanced to an Elite Disciple, I have no reason to fear him!"