C88 Treasure Map

Yu Kun finally had an epiphany.

The repeated provocations from the Inner Sect disciples after he condensed his Martial Soul were actually due to the Master of the Flying Cloud Sect deliberately suppressing the news.

"Why would he intentionally keep my achievement under wraps? Is he trying to hold me back, or is he protecting me? As things stand, it doesn't seem like he's suppressing me, but he's not exactly protecting me either."

Yu Kun couldn't quite grasp Gong Liufeng's, the Sect Master's, motives, yet he had come to understand the Little Prince's mindset. The Little Prince valued capability over mere talent. If Yu Kun hadn't been able to back up his words with actions, the Little Prince wouldn't have gone out of his way to invite him to sit here today.

"The Little Prince truly stands apart from his peers. He's outstripped them, seeking out the company of the truly gifted!"

With this realization, Yu Kun lifted his wine cup, offering a respectful nod to the Little Prince. "I was overthinking it. To your health, Little Prince!"

With that, Yu Kun downed his drink in one go, matched by the Little Prince who did the same.

Despite being the most prominent scion within the Flying Cloud Sect, the Little Prince now showed no distinction from an ordinary man, joining Yu Kun for a drink. Yu Kun had already shared a meal and drinks with Hsu Shaan and others, but as a warrior, he was no ordinary man. A warrior can always drink a bit more.

With a dismissive gesture, the Little Prince tossed aside the wine pot and called out, "Get rid of this! Bring me a larger vessel!"

An attendant from the Cloud Crane Tower hurriedly fetched two large wine jars. The Little Prince handed one to Yu Kun, challenging, "If you consider me a friend, finish it!"

Without hesitation, Yu Kun drained the jar.

Gu Leshan let out a hearty laugh, seizing the other jar and guzzling it down. Smashing the empty jar, he exclaimed, "That's the spirit! I've yet to meet anyone else who can drink like this with me!"

Once the laughter subsided, Gu Leshan added, "You're new around here, and I don't have much to offer. Yaen Changge has been holding you down, so I'll take care of him now, and then have his entire family wiped out."

Yu Kun was startled.

Had anyone else made such a claim, Yu Kun would have dismissed it as mere boasting.

The Little Prince was the most influential scion of the King Pingjiang's Mansion throughout Pingjiang County.

Considering the Flying Cloud Sect was merely one of the sects under Pingjiang County's governance, the extent of the Little Prince's family's influence was evident.

For the Little Prince, annihilating the Yaen family would be a simple task.

Yet, Yu Kun couldn't allow the Little Prince to proceed with that.

"Thank you for your generous offer," Yu Kun said, shaking his head. "The issue between Yaen Changge and me is mine to resolve. In time, I will challenge him to a duel in the Death Match Arena and defeat him!"

Guu Leshan looked taken aback, then nodded emphatically. "Very well. You may need to wait a month, though. I'm not sure what transgression Yaen Changge has committed, but he's to be detained for a month. He won't be stirring up any trouble during that time."

After a brief pause, Guu Leshan added, "I can't let you leave empty-handed."

He thought for a moment, then casually wiped his Space Ring and produced an item.

"This Treasure Map came into my possession recently. I had intended to explore its secrets, but time has not been on my side. Today, it's yours."

Yu Kun accepted the Treasure Map without hesitation.

Previously, Yu Kun had presented Hsu Shaan and his companions with several Soul Fixing Fragrances, and now the Little Prince reciprocated with a Treasure Map.

Guu Leshan's gaze turned peculiar as he suddenly inquired, "I've heard about your past affection for Yaen Hongling. Eliminating the Yaen family poses no issue, but Hongling's situation is more complicated. She's betrothed to Xu Yeran."

Yu Kun was taken aback once more.

Guu Leshan went on, "The engagement is merely a verbal agreement, so there's no actual tie between Hongling and Xu Yeran at present. Yet, Xu Yeran appears quite content with the arrangement. Even if I were to order the destruction of the Yaen family, he'd go to great lengths to safeguard Hongling. Should you harbor feelings for her, be warned—Xu Yeran won't hesitate to confront you. The Xu family, while not as formidable as the Guu, still wields considerable influence."

"Would Xu Yeran really strike at me?" Yu Kun pondered before inquiring, "Yet, I've never witnessed him take any action."

"That's because Xu Yeran is always prudent in his dealings. He's not like Yan Changge. His accomplishments far surpass those of Changge. There's only one scenario in which Xu Yeran would make a move against you."

Guu Leshan spoke deliberately, "Only if he's certain of your demise would he act. But since we're allies, I doubt Xu Yeran will target you anytime soon."

With that revelation, Yu Kun's mind sharpened.

"I'll keep an eye on Xu Yeran. Despite Yan Changge's antagonism, Yeran showed no inclination to attack me. His caution is apparent. I'm grateful for Guu Leshan's warning today; otherwise, I'd be clueless about my own end if Xu Yeran struck out of the blue!"

This thought heightened Yu Kun's wariness.

He then engaged in idle conversation with the Little Prince before parting ways.

Stepping out of the Cloud Crane Tower, Yu Kun lingered on the street, lost in thought. He resolved not to return to the Flying Cloud Sect just yet, opting instead to seek the treasure Guu Leshan had mentioned.

Yu Kun was certain—if Guu Leshan had intended to harm him, there would be no need for a fictitious map. The treasure had to be genuine, even if its nature eluded Leshan himself.

"Today's warning from Guu Leshan was fortuitous. I was oblivious to the fact that someone more formidable than Yan Changge was after me!"

Yu Kun shook his head with a sigh, inwardly resolving, "It's clear I need to bolster my strength swiftly. Otherwise, Xu Yeran will remain beyond my reach."