C37 He Wanted to Sleep.

Upon waking, Yu Kun's bones still throbbed with soreness.

The day before, he had executed the formidable Vajra Subduing Dragon technique, and it was clear his body hadn't fully recovered.

"This is Grade Four Martial Arts, after all! Without reaching the Soul Refining Stage and the enhancement of my Martial Soul, it's incredibly challenging to perform. Even though I'm stronger than someone at the High Rank Qi Refining Stage, I can only just manage it. I should refrain from any action for a few days, focus on my cultivation, and allow my body to heal," he mused, contemplating another round of sleep.

But as Yu Kun was about to drift off, a knock at the door jolted him awake.

With some effort, he rose and answered it, only to find a stranger he neither recognized nor remembered ever meeting.

Leaning against the doorframe, Yu Kun's impatience was palpable. "Autographs go for five, photos for ten! I don't do loans. If you don't need anything else, I'd like to get back to my sleep," he said brusquely.

The stranger cracked a slight smile. "You're quite the character," he remarked. "Your recent battle netted me a tidy sum of Spirit Stones. I'm here to pass on a bit of that fortune to you."

With that, he casually tossed a Space Ring to Yu Kun.

Yu Kun examined the ring and was astounded to find it contained several hundred Spirit Stones. He quickly retracted his focus from the ring, but before he could inquire further, the stranger had already walked away, leaving Yu Kun momentarily dumbfounded.

"Could this person be a tycoon? To just give away such a fine Space Ring!" Yu Kun marveled, ultimately deciding to keep the ring.

Watching the stranger's retreating figure, Yu Kun sensed something extraordinary about him. The man's attire was as lavish as that of other Inner Sect disciples, yet there was an air of distinction about him, as if he were inherently a cut above the rest.

Indeed, as the man spoke, Yu Kun felt no inclination to disagree; it seemed only natural that he should come into possession of the Spirit Stones.

"This person..." Yu Kun furrowed his brow, sensing that something was amiss.

"He's wearing a python robe? This man's status must be remarkable! In this world, there are sects and kingdoms alike, and ordinary folks aren't entitled to don such attire."

After some thought and coming up empty, Yu Kun decided to drop the matter and return to his slumber.

He had barely settled in for ten minutes when the persistent knocking resumed.

Yu Kun was incensed.

"All I want is some sleep. Why must there always be interruptions?"

Leaping out of bed, Yu Kun flung the door open to find yet another stranger—a woman this time, whom he didn't recognize.

Scratching his head in bewilderment, and recalling the enigmatic man who had come before, Yu Kun cut to the chase, "Are you also here to deliver a Spirit Stone?"

"No," the woman replied, reaching into her sleeve and presenting Yu Kun with an object—a letter.

Yu Kun's heart pounded.

"Is this a love letter? To think a woman has finally penned one for me!"

His excitement was palpable, but it grew even more when the woman added, "It's from our Miss."

"A noble lady!" Yu Kun thought, his excitement reaching new heights.

But as quickly as she arrived, the woman departed, leaving Yu Kun to his thoughts. He composed himself and carefully opened the letter, only to be greeted by a rueful smile.

The letter was from an unexpected source—Yaen Hongling. Yet calling it a letter was generous; it was more of a note.

In it, Yaen Hongling had written just one line: "You have indeed impressed me."

Nothing more.

Yu Kun ran his fingers through his hair, his mind a tangle of confusion.

"What's with this cryptic note? Never mind, I shouldn't overthink it. I need to rest. After yesterday's brawl, my bones are still aching. Sleep first..."

Yu Kun nonchalantly tucked the letter into the Leviathan-roc Space. He was just about to settle down when another round of knocking echoed from the door.

He sighed, resigned to his fate.

"Looks like sleep isn't in the cards for me tonight. Who is it?"

This time, familiar faces greeted him—Hsu Shaan, Lin Jiang, and others.

Recognizing them, Yu Kun refrained from showing any irritation.

He welcomed them inside and inquired, "Senior Brother Xu, Junior Brother Zeng, Junior Brother Lin, what brings you here?"

Hsu Shaan replied with a smile, "You're probably aware of the Inner Sect affairs by now. In half a month, the trial for Outer Sect disciples to advance to the Inner Sect begins. The elite among us will be tested. Given your nature, I bet you haven't looked into your competition yet! That's why we've taken the liberty of collecting some intel for you."

Gratitude washed over Yu Kun's face. "I really appreciate it. I must admit, I've been too lax to consider these details myself!"

Yu Kun's capabilities were such that the Elite Disciples from the Outer Sect were unlikely to pose a significant challenge, but he still offered his sincere thanks.

Their intentions were pure, and gathering such information was no simple task. Yu Kun felt a deep sense of appreciation.

Seeing Yu Kun's heartfelt thanks, Hsu Shaan and the others were visibly pleased. Lin Jiang then proceeded to give Yu Kun a brief rundown.

"The Outer Sect's ascension trial isn't too complex—just two parts. First, a bout of competition. Second, ascending the Flying Cloud Tower within the Flying Cloud Sect. We've never set foot in the tower ourselves, so we can't say what lies within. But with your level of cultivation, these challenges should be well within your reach!"

"We'll be participating in the trial too, though we don't expect to make it through. Most Elite Disciples won't stand a chance against you, so we'll focus on those who might actually pose a threat."

As Lin Jiang began to speak, he introduced an adversary worthy of Yu Kun's full attention.

"Elite Disciple Wu Baishun may not have the most appealing name, but don't let that fool you—his strength is formidable! He's not just an Elite Disciple; he's also a Core Disciple!"

Hsu Shaan clarified for Lin Jiang, "A Core Disciple is someone who demonstrated the potential to join the Inner Sect during the first round of competition but fell short in the second round at the Flying Cloud Tower. Core Disciples are stronger than Elite Disciples, yet they still fall short of Inner Sect status. Essentially, Wu Baishun's abilities are not far off from those of an Inner Sect disciple—he's certainly one of your noteworthy challengers!"