C60 Martial Arts Competition

In Yu Kun's current state, the second round of trials posed no challenge for him. The average Elite Disciple stood no chance against him.

As a result, the Elite Disciples whose names were called out by the Elder wore expressions of sheer bitterness.

They knew they couldn't beat Yu Kun, yet they were compelled to face him in combat. The experience was more agonizing than swallowing a fly.

And if anything could be worse than that, it would be like ingesting a fly that had feasted on filth.

At this moment, those forced to engage with Yu Kun felt as though they were enduring that very distasteful ordeal.

Yu Kun had no comment on the matter. He, too, was striving to join the Inner Sect and couldn't afford to pull his punches with these Elite Disciples.

Nevertheless, he embraced the spirit of kindness toward his fellow disciples and the desire to uplift the juniors. With each Elite Disciple Yu Kun defeated, he offered a bit of encouragement.

"Junior Brother Wang, keep it up! You've already blocked two of my moves!"

"Junior Brother Lee, keep pushing! I'm confident that by this time next year, you'll be an Inner Sect disciple!"

"And you, Junior Brother Hu, must also persevere!"

Without exception, the Elite Disciples buoyed by Yu Kun's words felt even more disheartened.

The defeat was crushing.

After half a day's worth of battles, Yu Kun could feel his Astral Energy significantly depleted, with less than half remaining.

Even though Yu Kun's remaining Astral Energy was more potent than that of his peers, he recognized the need for rest.

"I've been fighting back-to-back for over twenty matches. My score is likely well ahead of the rest, if not the highest. With that in mind, it's best I take a short break, then continue my efforts to secure first place in this second round."

Yu Kun wasn't sure if there was any special recognition for ranking first in three consecutive rounds, but after some thought, he doubted the Flying Cloud Sect would be so petty. Surely, someone who consistently outperformed in all three rounds would be deemed exceptional. It would only make sense for the Sect to reward such strength!

But just as Yu Kun was about to leave the arena, the voice of the Inner Sect Elder rang out once more.

"Arena number 7, Hu Zhengye!"

Yu Kun froze in place.

With someone stepping into the arena, Yu Kun couldn't just walk away. He had to defeat Hu Zhengye before he could step down.

He took a quick look at the Elder who had announced the match. This Elder wasn't Yan Changge's Master, nor was he Zhou Xingtian. It appeared that the Elder had no intention of singling out Yu Kun.

Yu Kun raised his hand and asked, "Elder, may I take a break after this round?"

The Elder gave a slight nod in response, granting permission.

Yu Kun breathed a sigh of relief, reassured that the Elder wasn't out to get him.

"Damn! Yan Changge has really done a number on me; I'm seeing shadows everywhere. Now I'm paranoid that everyone's got it in for me!"

Yu Kun silently cursed to himself, then turned his attention to the opposite side of the arena.

Hu Zhengye was making his way up, wooden sword in hand.

The previous fight had been a simple one, where they sparred with wooden dummies. Hu Zhengye could carry his real sword then. But this was a sparring match between disciples. Bringing his actual sword could have turned an unlucky peer into a chopped salad—definitely an awkward situation.

Yet even with a wooden sword, Yu Kun didn't underestimate Hu Zhengye.

Hu Zhengye's swordsmanship was impeccable. His skill might not match that of a demonic beast, but he could still force one into a defensive stance.

"Brother Hu," Yu Kun greeted with a respectful hand gesture.

Hu Zhengye returned the gesture with his wooden sword and bowed. "Senior Brother Yu, greetings. I never imagined you'd make it out alive after our last encounter on Lian Yun Mountain."

Yu Kun offered a modest smile. "I just got lucky."

But Hu Zhengye shook his head.

"A demonic beast is far stronger than a Martial Disciple. Escaping from one as a Stage Four Martial Artist is no fluke. That day, I couldn't save you, and instead, you saved me. I knew then that I was likely no match for you. I concede that you are the superior fighter."

Yu Kun was taken aback.

Was Hu Zhengye really considering throwing in the towel?

But as this thought crossed Yu Kun's mind, Hu Zhengye spoke up, "I can't just concede the match. So, I'll fight you with the martial art I'm best at. I'll only make three moves. If I don't win within those three, I'll bow out willingly."

Yu Kun couldn't suppress a chuckle.

Hu Zhengye was actually playing to his strengths, given his formidable skill with the blade. Yet, due to his insufficient advancement in martial arts, he needed to wrap up the fight quickly.

With just three moves, Hu Zhengye would surely bring out the full might of his saber skills. By doing so, he could avoid a drawn-out battle with Yu Kun and potentially seize the upper hand.

Despite this, Yu Kun accepted the challenge.

In a way, Hu Zhengye, the Elite Disciple, was acknowledging Yu Kun's prowess.

Hu Zhengye, who had never tasted defeat, had already considered the possibility of losing to Yu Kun even before their bout began.

Yu Kun extended his hand, invitingly, "Please!"

Hu Zhengye nodded, cradling his blade thoughtfully before speaking slowly, "Senior Brother Yu, be on your guard. My first move will be Embrace the Moon."

As Hu Zhengye spoke, his spirit soared.

When his aura crested, he struck decisively.

Yu Kun stood his ground. Channeling his Astral Energy, he executed Vajra Worshipping Moon.

Had Hu Zhengye wielded a steel saber, Yu Kun wouldn't have dared to meet him head-on. But now, Hu Zhengye was armed with a wooden blade.

In that moment, Vajra Worshipping Moon clashed with Hu Zhengye's Embrace the Moon.

"Such a masterful saber technique!"

Instantly, Yu Kun recognized the uniqueness of Hu Zhengye's saber play. It appeared to be a basic move, yet it concealed a multitude of variations. The shifts in Astral Energy could significantly alter the technique.

"I've been a bit too complacent lately. Hu Zhengye's saber art could well be of Grade Four Martial Arts. He hasn't mastered it fully, and he's using a wooden saber. If he were to perfect this technique, I would truly be in peril."

Yu Kun was taken aback.

He realized he couldn't counter this technique.

Luckily, Hu Zhengye wielded a wooden saber.

Thus, when Vajra Worshipping Moon met Embrace the Moon, the two forces were equally matched.

Hu Zhengye channeled his Astral Energy, causing the wooden saber to gleam.

Hu Zhengye declared, "Senior Brother Yu, my realm may not match yours, but my martial arts prowess is certainly not lesser. Using the wooden saber requires more Astral Energy, but it also amplifies the strength of my move. I intend to best you."