C74 The Might of the Martial Soul

Yu Kun was acutely aware that the Leviathan-roc System's strength lay in its devouring ability, which compensated for the shortcomings of his Qi Sea. Yet, at this stage, the Leviathan-roc Martial Soul lacked sufficient power for offensive maneuvers. In essence, the Leviathan-roc Martial Soul excelled in defense rather than offense.

If his adversaries were of a lower realm or on par with him, Yu Kun could easily vanquish them. But against those of a higher realm, it was clear he wouldn't make the first move.

Thus, Yu Kun held back, covertly channeling his Astral Energy, poised to strike back when the moment arose.

Yan Changge, brimming with potential energy, noticed Yu Kun's hesitation and launched an Astral Energy assault.

"Yan Changge truly has some skills! His Astral Energy far surpasses that of the Inner Sect disciples!"

Yu Kun wasn't taken aback by the potency of Yan Changge's Astral Energy; it was to be expected from someone of his stature and talent. Nonetheless, no matter how formidable Yan Changge's Astral Energy was, it posed no issue for Yu Kun.

With his recent breakthrough to the Soul Refining Stage, Yu Kun's Leviathan-roc Astral Energy had intensified, more than capable of obliterating Astral Energy at this level.

Yu Kun effortlessly channeled his own Astral Energy, easily diffusing Yan Changge's offensive.

"The power at the Qi Refining Stage is merely this strong. I was merely probing your capabilities!" declared Yan Changge, his voice resonating with confidence. "If you believe that Astral Energy is all I have up my sleeve, you are sorely mistaken. Now, I shall summon my Martial Soul and crush you in one decisive blow!"

Yan Changge then harnessed a different force, swiftly forming a seal with his hands.

Yu Kun recognized that this seal was the key to awakening the Martial Soul, a technique known to all warriors at the Soul Refining Stage. The specific seal varied with each Martial Soul.

"However, thanks to the Leviathan-roc System, I can consolidate my Martial Soul without the need for a hand seal to awaken it. This gives me an edge. In future battles, I can exploit this advantage for a swift and unexpected counterattack, turning defeat into victory!"

Yu Kun made a mental note of this detail. Without any hesitation, he called upon the power of his Leviathan-roc Martial Soul.

Yan Changge, born into a noble family, possessed considerable talent. It was unthinkable for him to settle for a lowly Soldier Martial Soul.

Yu Kun might not have recognized the exact nature of Yan Changge's Martial Soul, but he was certain it was far superior to any of the lowest-tier Martial Souls.

"My Martial Soul is no common trinket! It's a Grade Three—True Fire Martial Soul!" Yan Changge declared.

Yu Kun paused, then responded, "That's a new one to me."

Their clash was ongoing, yet Yu Kun's comment managed to infuriate Yan Changge.

"Martial Souls come in nine varieties, and the True Fire Martial Soul is among them—a Spirit Martial Soul! Those who possess it can wield Spiritual Energy within the Martial Soul realm and utilize four unique Martial Souls! And the one I command is the True Fire Martial Soul!"

No sooner had Yan Changge spoken than he unleashed his Martial Soul's assault on Yu Kun.

The True Fire Martial Soul proved to be exceptional. With a single palm strike, Yu Kun was hit with a wave of intense heat, his hair and eyebrows singeing as if about to catch fire.

A direct hit from that palm would surely incinerate him.

Thankfully, martial cultivators are shielded by Astral Energy, which must be penetrated before any physical harm can be done.

"You wield a Martial Soul, and so do I!" Yu Kun's eyes blazed with determination as he summoned the full force of his Leviathan-roc Martial Soul.

The ephemeral shadow of the Leviathan-roc flickered behind him, its power swiftly bolstering Yu Kun's own.

The Leviathan-roc's might allowed Yu Kun to transform the expelled Astral Energy into his own, amplifying his Astral Energy in the process.

While Yu Kun couldn't assimilate the True Fire Martial Soul's attributes, he could consume its power.

As the True Fire Martial Soul's energy bore down on him, Yu Kun was already employing the Leviathan-roc's power to absorb it. In tandem, he executed the formidable Great Vajra Palm.

This time, Yu Kun unleashed a Great Vajra Palm that was strikingly different.

It was infused not only with Yu Kun's own strength but also with the formidable power of Yan Changge. As a result, Yu Kun's strike packed more than double its usual force.

The Great Vajra Palm hit Yan Changge squarely. Luckily, Yan Changge managed to shield himself with Astral Energy. Despite this protection, he was still pushed back six or seven steps by Yu Kun's Vajra Worshipping Moon technique.

His injuries were minor, but his pride was deeply wounded.

Yu Kun, too, felt the sting of the True Fire Martial Soul's assault.

Even though his Leviathan-roc Martial Soul could neutralize some of the True Fire Martial Soul's power, it couldn't completely withstand it. Residual flames from the True Fire Martial Soul scorched Yu Kun, leaving marks.

In essence, their battle ended in a draw.

Yan Changge was a disciple of the Inner Sect, whereas Yu Kun was merely at the Low Rank Soul Refining Stage.

Though the fight was a draw, the outcome had effectively stripped Yan Changge of his dignity.

In a fit of rage, Yan Changge demanded, "How can you wield the power of a Martial Soul?"

Yu Kun simply smiled.

"Why shouldn't I be able to harness my Martial Soul's power? Do you think only those recognized by the Flying Cloud Tower have that right?"

Yan Changge couldn't wrap his mind around the reality before him.

"This is impossible! The Flying Cloud Tower doesn't make mistakes. Where does your power originate?"

Yu Kun just shook his head, offering no explanation.

It was clear to Yu Kun that Yan Changge was no match for the Little Prince.

While the Little Prince had reservations about whether Yu Kun possessed a Martial Soul, he never let that doubt color his treatment of him. Yan Changge, on the other hand, was different.

Having fought to a standstill, Yan Changge had no choice but to let Yu Kun go.

As Yu Kun walked past, Yan Changge tried to channel his Astral Energy for a stealthy strike.

But before he could launch his attack, it was forcefully quelled.

Enraged, Yan Changge shouted, "Get out of my way!"

With a thunderous roar, he unleashed a surge of Astral Energy at the one who dared to thwart him.

However, Yan Changge's Astral Energy was effortlessly dissolved by the newcomer.

Upon recognizing the individual, Yan Changge was filled with astonishment and uncertainty.

Yan Changge held his tongue.

Having never encountered this man before, Yan Changge could tell by his level of cultivation that he was either one of the Inner Sect's most formidable disciples or a Direct Disciple. There was even a chance that he was an Elder of the Flying Cloud Sect.

The man ignored Yan Changge and swiftly pursued Yu Kun.

Yan Changge's heart swelled with elation.

"This man's power far surpasses my own. Now that he's going after Yu Kun, Yu Kun's fate is sealed."