C85 Return to Outer Sect

Back then, Yu Kun was cornered by Yan Changge in the Test Square, compelled to declare that he would surpass all the Inner Sect disciples within a year.

Now, Yu Kun's ranking within the Inner Sect had climbed to within the top 400—a significant first step.

As for Bai Qingfeng, Yu Kun had lost the desire to keep him down. He truly didn't want to crush him once more.

Yu Kun was more eager to reconnect with some friends than to focus on Bai Qingfeng.

"I bypassed Xu Shan and the others when I first entered the Inner Sect. Now that I've solidified my Martial Soul and secured my standing, it's time to catch up with them."

With that thought, Yu Kun changed course. He didn't head back to Hee Dongqing's place but instead made his way toward the Outer Sect.

Outer Sect disciples often struggled to gain entry to the Inner Sect, while Inner Sect disciples could freely visit the Outer Sect—a significant disparity between the two.

Yet, when Yu Kun arrived at Hsu Shaan and the others' quarters, he found no one there.

Feeling a twinge of disappointment, Yu Kun accepted the situation.

"Outer Sect disciples sometimes embark on Sect Missions to advance their cultivation. It seems Xu Shan and the rest have taken on such missions and aren't currently in the Flying Cloud Sect. I'll have to return in a few days to visit them."

With this in mind, Yu Kun left the residence of Hsu Shaan and his fellow disciples.

On his return to the Inner Sect, Yu Kun's attention was caught by a scene of several Inner Sect disciples assaulting a few others.

Too far to make out their words, Yu Kun could still faintly discern the harsh tones and the sound of blows landing.

"Street brawls are never commendable, but without knowing their grievances, it's best I stay out of it."

Yu Kun decided to ignore the Inner Sect disciples.

However, as he was about to walk away, a furious shout pierced the air: "Enough! Senior Brother Yu is no failure."

Despite the distance, Yu Kun's sharp ears picked up the critical words.

"Senior Brother Yu? Are they referring to me? And that voice—it sounds like Lin Jiang's."

Surprised, Yu Kun turned back, his expression shifting instantly.

The Inner Sect disciples were caught in the act of assaulting Hsu Shaan and several other Outer Sect disciples who were on good terms with Yu Kun. Despite Hsu Shaan and his peers being considered elite among the Outer Sect, they stood no chance against the Inner Sect. They had been beaten to the point where their faces were swollen and bruised, a pitiful sight to behold.

Yu Kun internally seethed, "Can't find me, so they take it out on my friends? These Inner Sect disciples are despicable!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Yu Kun employed his Stunning Steps, ready to rush to their aid.

Just then, one of the Inner Sect disciples, in a fit of rage, drew his sword to strike at Lin Jiang.

Yu Kun's eyes bulged in alarm; the distance was too great for him to intervene in time.

Still, he bellowed, "Stop!"

Simultaneously, Yu Kun connected with the Divine Palace and channeled the Decelerating Divine Rune.

Though Divine Telekinesis differed from Astral Energy, its effects were profoundly mysterious. Yu Kun unleashed his Divine Telekinesis, activating the Divine Rune, and the force of the Decelerating Divine Rune instantly spanned dozens of yards, hitting the Inner Sect disciple.

The disciple's speed drastically reduced, his movements turning almost comically sluggish.

This gave Lin Jiang the chance he needed to dodge the deadly blade.

Yet another Inner Sect disciple quickly apprehended Lin Jiang.

A few Inner Sect disciples then subdued Hsu Shaan, Lin Jiang, Zeng Fan, and the other elite disciples, turning their attention to Yu Kun.

"To think we'd run into him here!"

"You keep claiming you'll surpass us. Let's see if you can even rescue these losers first..."

Yu Kun pushed his Shocking Wind Step Style to the extreme. Before their taunts could fully register, he was already standing before them.

The Inner Sect disciples were no match for him. Yu Kun stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap.

The disciple who had tried to stab Lin Jiang was sent spiraling through the air with Yu Kun's strike, crashing to the ground with a thud.

"You're nothing but a lowly ranked nobody, four hundred to five hundred at best. How dare you strut around me?"

Yu Kun effortlessly toppled the Inner Sect disciple before moving on to the others, delivering a sharp slap to each.

The suddenness of Yu Kun's assault left the Inner Sect disciples stunned, unable to mount a defense. It was only after they each felt the sting of his hand that they came to their senses.

"How dare you slap me!"

"We'll put this arrogant fool in his place!"

Enraged, the disciples converged on Yu Kun, intent on retaliation.

But Yu Kun hardly regarded them as a threat.

With a few swift moves, he dispatched them with ease.

"Do I really need to repeat myself?" Yu Kun towered over the defeated disciples, his impatience evident. "Even as an Elite Disciple, I took down Chen Feng, who was ranked in the top five hundred. Now, I've risen to the Inner Sect!"

With a dismissive flick of his finger, he commanded coldly, "Get lost. I'd rather not raise my hand to you again."

The disciples exchanged fearful glances, their shock giving way to the realization that Yu Kun was indeed their superior.

Without further ado, they scurried away, nursing their bruised faces and egos.

Once the bullies were gone, Yu Kun turned to assist Hsu Shaan and the others to their feet. His face flushed with remorse, he offered them a deep bow, "Brother Hsu! Junior Brother Zeng! Junior Brother Lin! My deepest apologies. My abrupt departure that day brought trouble upon you all. Please accept my heartfelt regret."

He paused, then his face broke into a smile, "But let's not dwell on the past. An apology is no match for good wine. Today, I've come to invite you to join me at the Cloud Crane Tower for a drink!"

Zeng Fan, dabbing at a bruised eye, was visibly moved. "Senior Brother Yu, I..."

Lin Jiang, cleaning the blood from his lip, was equally stirred. "Senior Brother Yu! Now that you're part of the Inner Sect, I'm determined to join you there..."

Hsu Shaan, however, was the more perceptive of the group.

Eyeing Yu Kun carefully, he ventured, "Senior Brother Yu, have you grown even stronger?"