C3 Leviathan-roc Astral Energy

Setting aside the issue with Yaen Hongling, the fact that Chen Rui had destroyed Yu Kun's Qi Sea alone was a surefire reason for Yu Kun to seek vengeance. Yet, Yu Kun hadn't anticipated crossing paths with Chen Rui so soon.

"Chen Rui and I are both at the Low Rank Qi Refining Stage! The Stage Four Martial Artist is categorized into Low, Middle, and High levels. He's no stronger than I am!" Yu Kun's fists tightened, his face slowly taking on a confident hue. "Plus, I've unlocked the Leviathan-roc Astral Energy through the Leviathan-roc Devouring System. My Innate Astral Qi is unique, giving me an edge in battle—I certainly won't be at a disadvantage!"

He who plans before acting is wise, and Yu Kun was no fool to rush into a fight unprepared. Now confident his cultivation was on par with Chen Rui's, Yu Kun strode out of the Hall of Elite Disciples with ease.

When Yu Kun spotted Chen Rui, it was clear the feeling was mutual.

"To think you'd have the guts to show your face!" Chen Rui said, his expression darkening. "You're full of surprises. After I shattered your Qi Sea, not only did you survive, but you also advanced to become an Elite Disciple!"

Yu Kun's fingers curled into a fist, his face breaking into a scornful smile. "Disappointed I'm still alive, are you?"

"Dead? No, I wouldn't dare kill you here in the Hall of Elite Disciples. But..." Chen Rui's fists clenched tighter, his demeanor turning more menacing, "what will you do if I shatter your Qi Sea again? How will you recover? Attack him!"

At Chen Rui's command, his cronies charged at Yu Kun, intent on leaving him incapacitated once more.

But Yu Kun, now also at the Low Rank Qi Refining Stage, was not intimidated by these common disciples. His fists flew, Innate Astral Qi swirling, and in moments, his attackers lay defeated on the ground.

Chen Rui's face registered surprise. "I didn't expect you to have some skill. Sadly, you're still no match for me! Today, I'll break your Qi Sea once more, to show you that you don't deserve to be with Yaen Hongling!"

Having finished speaking, Chen Rui launched his attack.

Their earlier standoff had already drawn the attention of other Outer Sect disciples. Now, all eyes were on them, eager to witness the outcome.

The Elder in the Hall of Elite Disciples had noticed the confrontation, yet he showed no sign of intervening.

As Yu Kun and Chen Rui exchanged swift attacks, a buzz of conversation rose among the onlookers.

"That's Chen Rui! Young Master Chen's family is loaded, nobody dares cross him!"

"Isn't that Yu Kun clashing with Young Master Chen? I heard that just a few days ago, Young Master Chen crushed his Qi Sea."

"Looks like that was just gossip! See how he's wielding Innate Astral Qi? Clearly, he's a Qi Refining warrior, stronger than any of us! How could his Qi Sea be shattered?"

"Still, Yu Kun got off lightly last time. This time, he's doomed! Young Master Chen won't spare him again!"

"Watch! Young Master Chen is making his move! That's the Grade Two Rock Breaking Fist! Such formidable, unseen power!"

Yu Kun had overheard the disciples' chatter, but he wasn't fazed.

After sparring with Chen Rui for a bit, Yu Kun observed Chen Rui deploying his Martial Arts, executing the Rock Breaking Fist.

"Grade Two Martial Arts? Young Master Chen really is flush with cash," Yu Kun mused admiringly.

From what he recalled, Martial Arts spanned nine grades, from One to Nine, and the same was true for other treasures.

For ordinary disciples, acquiring Grade One Martial Arts was a feat in itself, while Grade Two was typically reserved for those in the Inner Sect.

Yet here was Chen Rui, an average Elite Disciple, practicing Grade Two Martial Arts! Clearly, his family's wealth had allowed him to purchase this high-level Martial Arts at a steep price.

"But what does it matter if it's Grade Two Martial Arts? I possess Leviathan-roc Astral Energy. No matter how potent your Grade Two Martial Arts, they're no match for me!"

As Chen Rui's Rock Breaking Fist came at him, Yu Kun channeled his Leviathan-roc Astral Energy and countered with a punch of his own, meeting Chen Rui's Innate Astral Qi head-on.

Witnessing the unfolding drama, the Outer Sect disciples were utterly astounded.

"Doesn't Yu Kun realize that when Astral Energy collides, it unleashes tremendous force? He's likely to hurt himself!"

"It looks like he's bound to lose."

In the blink of an eye, their Innate Astral Qi clashed.

Contrary to the other disciples' predictions, the Innate Astral Qi didn't vanish, nor did it unleash any significant force.

Chen Rui's Innate Astral Qi simply dissipated. His Rock Breaking Fist lacked any semblance of power, leaving him feeling deeply frustrated.

Almost immediately, Yu Kun's Innate Astral Qi struck Chen Rui, sending him tumbling to the ground.

As Chen Rui tried to rise, Yu Kun was already standing over him, foot planted firmly on his chest.

Chen Rui bellowed, "Get off me!"

Yu Kun just smiled, swelling with pride.

He scanned the crowd of Outer Sect disciples, their faces etched with horror. None had anticipated Yu Kun's victory over Chen Rui.

Chen Rui's followers were equally stunned, at a loss for what to do next. After a long deliberation, they prudently opted to stand down.

Chen Rui's attempts to free himself were futile, and his protests faded away.

It was then that Yu Kun taunted him, "Weren't you the mighty one?"

"You claimed I wasn't worthy of Yan Hongling, yet you can't even best me. Doesn't that make you the inferior one?"

Yu Kun had the urge to crush Chen Rui's Qi Sea beneath his foot, but he was well aware of the consequences. Chen Rui's influential background meant that if Yu Kun were to destroy his Qi Sea, the Elders would never forgive him.

Still, that didn't prevent Yu Kun from intimidating his opponent.

His foot pressing against Chen Rui's chest, he offered a menacing ultimatum, "You have two choices. First, I crush your Qi Sea, leaving your cultivation crippled forever!"

Chen Rui, panic-stricken, pleaded, "Please, don't destroy my Qi Sea!"

Yu Kun continued, "Or, you can hand over a few thousand Spirit Stones, and we'll call it even."

Yu Kun lifted his toes slightly, his voice laced with an unmistakable threat.