C66 Who Forced Him to Accept the Challenge?
The martial arts world is inherently brutal. While geniuses are valued, if someone surpasses a genius, then that genius loses their significance.
Yu Kun had previously slain an opponent in the Death Match Arena. The deaths of pivotal figures like Chen Feng and Hu Qiu would undoubtedly lead to significant upheaval. If Yu Kun could sustain his current prowess, it would be inconsequential. Yet, Yu Kun was deemed worthless, unable to even manifest his Martial Soul, and his failure spelled a tremendous loss for the Flying Cloud Sect.
Zhou Xingtian's expression softened with reluctance as he asked, "Yu Kun, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
All Yu Kun could muster was a wry smile.
He had much to say, but the words wouldn't come. He knew his destiny, yet he couldn't share it with them. He couldn't reveal the system's existence, nor could he even begin to explain it.
In that moment, Yu Kun resigned himself to a harsh truth, "They were meant to die."
Yan Changge's laughter filled the air.
"If they were meant to die, what about you? You can't even condense a Martial Soul; aren't you even more deserving of death? It's no surprise you didn't venture into the Flying Cloud Tower first. You're afraid of being exposed, aren't you?"
A surge of resentment washed over Yu Kun's face as he clenched his fists.
Despite his ability to remain composed, his calm was shattered. Not only was he trapped in a quandary, but Yan Changge's relentless oppression weighed heavily on him.
Yu Kun now understood that most of his troubles likely stemmed from Yan Changge.
"Whether you're a scion of a noble house or an Inner Sect disciple, I had no quarrel with you. But your incessant suppression leaves me no choice—I will have your life!" Yu Kun seethed inwardly. He then slowly unfurled his fist and, with deliberate emphasis, questioned, "Yan Changge, do you truly believe I am far beneath them?"
Yan Changge's laughter echoed once more.
"Exactly! That's precisely my point. You, a worthless nobody, have killed the prodigies of the Flying Cloud Sect. Don't you think your life is the price to pay?"
Yan Changge's voice echoed across the Test Square as he continued, "Nevertheless, you have contributed to the Flying Cloud Sect. It would be best if you took your own life; at least you can preserve your dignity."
Yu Kun's facial muscles twitched slightly. Yan Changge's intent was crystal clear—he was driving him towards death!
Yu Kun thought bitterly, "Is this just because you're born of nobility, just because the former owner of this body admired Yaen Hongling? If you're going to be this relentless, then don't blame me for what comes next!"
Before Yu Kun could retort, other voices rose from the Test Square.
"Senior Brother Yaen, I think you're mistaken. Junior Brother Yu may have slain fellow disciples, but those fights took place in the Death Match Arena, where they battled fairly," argued Hsu Shaan.
"Moreover, it was Hu Qiu who approached Junior Brother Yu first, inviting him to the arena. Junior Brother Yu is no murderer," Hsu Shaan added.
Yu Kun cast a glance at Hsu Shaan, his face revealing a hint of surprise.
Hsu Shaan's boldness in speaking out for Yu Kun under these circumstances was impressive, almost certainly setting him against Yan Changge.
Other disciples like Zeng Fan and Lin Jiang stood behind Hsu Shaan, lending their support.
Yan Changge let out a dismissive snort. "What about Chen Feng? He's an Inner Sect disciple who didn't initiate a fight. It was Yu Kun who challenged him!"
This left Hsu Shaan and the others at a loss for words. They weren't familiar with Chen Feng's situation, but it did seem that Yu Kun had been the one to challenge him, leading to their confrontation on the Death Match Arena.
Just then, a woman's voice cut through the tension.
"Chen Feng had no intention of accepting the challenge. As an Inner Sect disciple, he shouldn't have struck an Elite Disciple. But someone pressured him into it. Cousin, do you know who forced Chen Feng's hand?"
Yaen Changge's face betrayed a flicker of unease as he turned to the speaker.
Yaen Hongling met his gaze, her eyes brimming with disappointment.
With a clenched jaw, Yan Changge conceded, "Even if Chen Feng was coerced, we don't know the culprit. Let's leave that issue aside for now. The undeniable truth is Yu Kun's fratricide! I propose we banish him from the Flying Cloud Sect!"
The Inner Sect Elders began whispering among themselves.
Zhou Xingtian voiced his concern, "I believe this decision is unwise. Regardless, Yu Kun is an exceptionally talented Elite Disciple. We can't simply cast him out of the Flying Cloud Sect!"
"Yet, Yaen Changge speaks the truth. If we let him stay, it's bound to cause discontent among the other disciples."
"Indeed. And since he's unable to even form his Martial Soul, there's no reason for the Flying Cloud Sect to retain him."
"I'm in agreement with Elder Han's perspective."
After some deliberation, the Elders surprisingly came to a consensus with Yaen Changge's viewpoint.
Zhou Xingtian, witnessing the outcome, could only respond with a resigned shake of his head and a sigh.
With matters having reached this point, he felt powerless to intervene.
Elder Han rose to his feet and declared, "Yaen Changge has a point. As of today, you are no longer a disciple of the Flying Cloud Sect."
Yu Kun paused, then let out a loud, hearty laugh.
To those observing, it seemed as though Yu Kun had lost his mind.
But perhaps it was understandable. He was on the verge of joining the Inner Sect, at what should have been his brightest moment, only to face this setback. It was natural he couldn't come to terms with it.
However, just when everyone was convinced of Yu Kun's madness, he regained his composure and began to speak.
"How utterly ridiculous. All because of this so-called Flying Cloud Tower, you've chosen to disregard my prior accomplishments and ruthlessly expel me from the Flying Cloud Sect! Well, if that's the case, I see no reason to hold back. I have something I must declare today, here and now."
"What you perceive may not be the truth!"
"Within a year, I will outshine all Inner Sect disciples and ascend to the rank of Direct Disciple!"
Yu Kun fixed his gaze on Yaen Changge and enunciated each word, "Yaen Changge, I swear I will have my revenge!"