C56 More than 97 Points.

In that instant, all eyes were on Yu Kun, as if time itself had come to a standstill.

Astral Energy, typically invisible and intangible, seemed to manifest visibly around Yu Kun, casting a subtle glow.

Suddenly, a ferocious burst of Astral Energy exploded from Yu Kun, instantly shredding the Mechanical Marionettes nearest to him. The force surged onward, swiftly engulfing all the marionettes surrounding him.

To those with keen senses, Yu Kun's released Astral Energy felt as boundless as the sea, despite its invisibility.

As the onlookers regained their composure, they found the Mechanical Marionettes around Yu Kun toppled, yet remarkably undamaged—only their joints had been obliterated, rendering them immobile.

Yu Kun, having executed such a powerful technique, clearly had energy to spare, as he effortlessly continued wielding the Great Vajra Palm.

The crowd watched as Yu Kun, employing the Shocking Wind Step Style, swiftly closed the distance to Guu Yuan, unleashing a flurry of Great Vajra Palm strikes. In mere moments, Guu Yuan's marionettes lay in ruins.

With the ordeal over, Yu Kun withdrew his Astral Energy, appearing as if nothing extraordinary had transpired.

The spectators exchanged curious glances.

"Did Gu Yuan deliberately toss the Mechanical Marionette towards Junior Brother Yu, prompting him to smash all of Gu Yuan's marionettes?"

"The precision of that Astral Energy is remarkable! It can dismantle the joints without destroying the marionettes. In actual combat, he could surely capture an opponent without taking a life!"

Zhou Xingtian commented with a smile, "Given his prowess, he should easily score above 95 points."

"Yes, although it's unfortunate that he hasn't mastered the control to retract his strength at will, necessitating a final burst to withdraw his Astral Energy. That's why a perfect score is out of reach."

"Also, some marionettes weren't completely disabled, indicating he hasn't fully grasped their design. Nonetheless, scoring over 95 points shouldn't be an issue for him."

The Elders whispered among themselves before finalizing Yu Kun's score.

Although a perfect score was out of reach, they ultimately awarded Yu Kun an impressive 97 points—a score nearly unattainable by others!

Yu Kun, unaware of the Elders' scoring criteria in the stands, was confident his demonstrated strength wouldn't yield a low score.

Glancing at Bai Qingfeng and his peers, Yu Kun smiled, offering a respectful hand gesture, "I appreciate the competition."

Bai Qingfeng, with a touch of bitterness, retorted, "You've certainly made a splash. But remember, I'm a genius too, and I won't be outdone by you!"

Guu Yuan's complexion whitened, his frustration boiling over, "You destroyed the Mechanical Marionettes in front of me! How dare you?"

"You've got it all wrong!" Yu Kun protested, hands outstretched, "It looked like you were struggling, so when they came my way, I assumed you were overwhelmed. I thought I was saving you from being pummeled by them, so I intervened!"

Bai Qingfeng and the Elite Disciples nearby exchanged puzzled looks upon hearing Yu Kun's explanation.

Yu Kun's words were a clear jab at Guu Yuan, yet he had the audacity to frame it as concern for a fellow disciple.

An Elite Disciple glanced at Yu Kun, who sensed the attention and flashed a grin, "Junior brother, do you need my assistance as well?"

The Elite Disciple quickly shook his head and turned back to his own battle with the marionettes.

Bai Qingfeng pursed his lips, inwardly conceding, "I'd rather not be pitted against him."

With that thought, Bai Qingfeng toned down his demeanor.

Meanwhile, Guu Yuan was seething, his face flushed with rage. He bellowed, "Are you mocking me? As if I couldn't handle those Mechanical Marionettes! You did this deliberately!"

"You think you can handle the Mechanical Marionettes? My apologies, but your prowess isn't apparent to me," Yu Kun said with a slight smile. "But if you're truly capable, why did you knock those marionettes my way? Is it possible you're feigning strength when you're actually out of your depth?"

Yu Kun taunted Gu Yuan mercilessly, prompting him to roll his eyes in sheer frustration. Eventually, Gu Yuan's patience wore thin, and he passed out from sheer anger.

Yu Kun let out an involuntary sigh. "If you were capable of defeating those Mechanical Marionettes, you could've just told me. Once you did, I'd know you had what it takes. You brought this on yourself, so don't hold it against me. Just rest easy now."

With that, Yu Kun respectfully bowed to the Inner Sect Elders in the stands and made his way off the Test Square.

The Elite Disciples witnessing the scene couldn't help but roll their eyes at Yu Kun's remarks. They believed Gu Yuan shouldn't have verbally antagonized Yu Kun, which led to his dire predicament.

Since Gu Yuan was out cold, he was clearly out of the running for the next challenge. An Inner Sect Elder gestured dismissively, and attendants promptly carried Gu Yuan away.

The Little Prince spoke up at the opportune moment, "Given Gu Yuan's defeat, I will have him removed from the Pingjiang County King's residence."

Had Gu Yuan been conscious, he would have been livid, likely tearing Yaen Changge apart. Changge had assured Gu Yuan he could toy with Yu Kun all he wanted, but now, Gu Yuan had not only lost the trial but his status as well. He was destined to become nothing more than an average Outer Sect Disciple.

However, at that moment, Gu Yuan was the last of anyone's concerns. The other Elite Disciples seemed disheartened. All eyes were on Yu Kun, particularly for the technique he had just employed.

The truth was, Yu Kun had abstained from entering the fray earlier because he had been pinpointing the Mechanical Marionettes' vulnerabilities. He had identified the joints as their weak spots. If Gu Yuan hadn't provoked him, he could have observed another round, likely uncovering all their weaknesses and securing a perfect score.

Ultimately, Yu Kun unleashed the Vajra Subduing Devil technique, effortlessly dismantling the marionettes.

Though he didn't achieve a perfect score, it didn't seem to bother him much. "Anyone scoring above ninety will earn the sect's Martial Arts rewards. As an Inner Sect disciple, I should be entitled to a Grade Three Martial Art! The Great Vajra Palm is indeed formidable, but it's too draining on my Astral Energy. I definitely need a martial art that's slightly less powerful than the Great Vajra Palm but still formidable to use as a substitute in regular practice."

As Yu Kun mulled over his thoughts, he made his way back to his seat. Hsu Shaan and his companions quickly approached to offer their congratulations. With a smile gracing his face, Yu Kun graciously explained to them.