C38 Elite Martial Cultivator

Through the insights shared by Hsu Shaan, Lin Jiang, and others, Yu Kun slowly came to recognize the presence of other formidable rivals.

In retrospect, Hu Qiu and Xu Zizhi, whom he had previously clashed with, were not at the pinnacle of competition.

Yet, the individuals Hsu Shaan and his peers referred to were the most challenging adversaries, posing a potential threat to Yu Kun.

Take Wu Baishun, for instance. Despite standing out among his fellow disciples, he hadn't managed to ascend to the Flying Cloud Tower. Or consider Hu Zhengye, who, after five years as an Elite Disciple, still hadn't broken into the Inner Sect. And then there was the widely acclaimed prodigy, Bai Qingfeng.

"These individuals are formidable indeed. But they're not your greatest challenge! Your arch-rival is named Gu Yuan."

Yu Kun nodded, his expression turning serious, as he inquired, "Who is Gu Yuan?"

With a grave look, Hsu Shaan enunciated each word, "He bears the Gu surname."

Yu Kun was nearly left breathless.

Noticing Yu Kun's reaction, Hsu Shaan quickly added, "Junior Brother Yu, are you bewildered? It's true that the Gu surname isn't common, but it's not exceedingly rare either. However, in the Flying Cloud Sect, there's only one person who could possibly bear the Gu surname!"

Eager for clarity, Yu Kun implored, "Please, do tell! I must confess, I'm quite indolent. Cultivation alone exhausts me, and I'm not well-versed in other matters."

Hsu Shaan then nodded and explained, "The Flying Cloud Sect resides within Chuhan Country's borders, reigning as a major faction in Pingjiang County! And the County King of Pingjiang himself is a Gu!"

Pondering this, Yu Kun asked, "So, is Gu Yuan the offspring of the Pingjiang County King?"

"It's unlikely," Hsu Shaan replied. "The County King of Pingjiang has but one son, whom everyone calls the Little Prince. Currently, the Little Prince is also a member of our Flying Cloud Sect, albeit within the Inner Sect. Gu Yuan is certainly not the County King's sole heir. Nevertheless, he could be an illegitimate child or someone who has earned significant favor within the family. Regardless, being associated with the Pingjiang County King's household means Gu Yuan won't be easy to contend with!"

Lin Jiang nodded in agreement and remarked, "The Pingjiang County King's estate is unquestionably the most prominent family in Pingjiang County! By comparison, the Inner Sect's Chen and Yaen families are practically a laughingstock next to the Pingjiang County King."

Yu Kun nodded, a light of understanding dawning on him. "That explains why you emphasized the importance of keeping an eye on this individual. He is arguably the cream of the crop among the scions of noble families. Got it, I appreciate the heads-up! Without it, I'd be completely in the dark."

Yu Kun had initially planned to catch some sleep, but that was no longer an option.

With a respectful gesture, Yu Kun said, "My intention was to rest for a few days, but upon reflection, I think I'll head to the Martial Training Field to hone my martial arts skills."

The others nodded in agreement, and Lin Jiang added, "Actually, I've been grappling with a few minor issues in my cultivation that I'd like to discuss with you."

"I can't guarantee clarity, but I'll do my best to provide answers," Yu Kun replied.

Together, they made their way to the Martial Training Field, engaging in conversation before each delved into their own cultivation practices.

The day flew by, and throughout it, Yu Kun dedicated himself solely to practicing the Demon Suppressing Ring, setting aside his other martial arts techniques.

Yu Kun had learned techniques like the Shocking Wind Steps and the Great Vajra Palm by directly absorbing Spirit Stones through the system, but the Demon Suppressing Ring was something he had worked on by himself. Hence, he was now focusing on perfecting it.

Besides, the Demon Suppressing Ring had proven to be extremely effective, capable of restraining an opponent at crucial moments, often deciding the outcome of a battle in the blink of an eye.

"After a full day of practice, the flow of the Demon Suppressing Ring is still not as fluid as I'd like. Yet, after such extensive training, resorting to Spirit Stones now doesn't seem quite right. I'll continue to take my time mastering it..."

With these thoughts in mind, Yu Kun turned to Hsu Shaan and the others, bowing slightly. "The evening is upon us. I must bid you all farewell for now."

They nodded in response and exchanged goodbyes with Yu Kun.

As Yu Kun and his companions were about to leave, they noticed a group of people with a determined air bursting into the Martial Training Field.

Yu Kun jumped in surprise.

"No way, are all these people here to beat me up? I haven't done anything wrong, have I?"

As Yu Kun tensed up, ready to defend himself, he realized that the group wasn't there for him. Several martial artists charged into the Martial Training Field and headed straight for a corner.

It was only then that Yu Kun noticed a disciple had been quietly practicing Martial Arts in that very corner all along.

The person had been there for quite some time, yet hadn't made a single sound.

Yu Kun glanced sideways, a hint of astonishment in his thoughts.

"This disciple has a stoic presence, quite odd. But his martial prowess is no small matter! I can sense an extraordinary energy radiating from him. He must be among the elite of the Elite Disciples. Still, I'm clueless as to why these people are confronting him..."

With that thought, Yu Kun decided to stay put and enjoy the unfolding drama.

As the martial artists reached the corner of the field, their leader bellowed, "Wu Baishun, why haven't you apologized to our young master yet?!"

Wu Baishun, head slightly bowed, responded, "I'm sorry, I'm here to train."

His tone was so even-keeled that it sent a wave of anger through the martial artists.

Upon hearing the name, Yu Kun felt a stir of recognition, "So this is Wu Baishun? He truly seems remarkable, capable of holding his own against Inner Sect disciples."

Hsu Shaan nodded, adding, "Junior Brother Yu, those people appear to be from the Bai family! They could be Bai Qingfeng's men. I'm not sure what's caused the rift between Bai Qingfeng and Wu Baishun."

Zeng Fan cast a look around and voiced his uncertainty, "I don't see Bai Qingfeng anywhere. Is he really just sending these people to discipline Wu Baishun?"

"Their cultivation levels are impressive; each one is an Elite Disciple. Wu Baishun will have a tough time facing such a crowd!"

Yu Kun nodded in concurrence, "Indeed, it's a difficult situation. Let's stick around and see what they're up to!"

The group exchanged nods before shifting their attention back to a corner of the Martial Training Field.

In that moment, Wu Baishun's words had infuriated several martial artists to the brink. Yet, he blatantly disregarded them, turning his back to resume his diligent practice of the Palm Technique.

Wu Baishun's practice didn't involve any intricate Palm Techniques, and his movements were far from fluid. It was clear that Wu Baishun's martial prowess didn't stem from innate talent.

His blatant disregard only served to enrage the martial artists further. The leader of the group stepped forward and swiftly executed a martial arts grab, aiming for Wu Baishun's shoulder.

Yu Kun observed the confrontation and gave a subtle nod.

"This Elite Disciple's martial arts foundation is impressively solid! The Grabbing Hand technique may not be particularly sophisticated, but it's certainly not easy to counter. Even though I could neutralize this move..."

Mid-sentence, Yu Kun paused as Wu Baishun had already countered.