C44 Breaking Through to the next Level(part I)

Confronted with Yao Yagen's all-out assault, Wei Lulin remained utterly composed, without a trace of panic or tension.

Through recent bouts of intense combat, Wei Lulin had honed his battle experience, mastery of Spiritual Force, and overall strength to their peak. To break through this plateau, he needed to challenge himself against formidable opponents. Yao Yagen's relentless attacks were just what he desired. Therefore, Wei Lulin didn't rush to amplify his power. Instead, he deliberately dialed back his Spiritual Force output, using Yao Yagen's onslaught to refine his blade techniques and fortitude.

Wei Lulin cycled through the seven Basic Blade Technique moves repeatedly. Although each iteration seemed to age the moves, they would unleash fresh potency at their limits, frustrating Yao Yagen, who had been confident of victory.

As he perfected these techniques, Wei Lulin started to intentionally improve the Basic Blade Technique, aiming to enhance their strength. The task was daunting, yet Wei Lulin's ambition was steadfast.

With increasing proficiency in the seven moves, and through constant refinement, Wei Lulin began to sense the same aura he had encountered at the Silent Elegance Pavilion slowly resurfacing.

"It's not enough; the pressure is still insufficient!" The sensation was palpable in his mind, yet an intangible barrier prevented him from unleashing it at will. He recognized that the lack of sufficient pressure was the culprit.

Realizing that Yao Yagen, who had given his all, couldn't exert the necessary pressure, Wei Lulin decided to bring the fight to a close.

Mobilizing fifty percent of his Spiritual Force, Wei Lulin executed a recently tweaked slash style. In disbelief, Yao Yagen watched as the steel blade swept across his neck, sending his head soaring skyward.

Wei Lulin sheathed his steel blade and quickly stepped forward to gather the spoils. To his disappointment, Yao Yagen carried only a single Jade Plate. The rest had been entrusted to Yao Yafeng, as the royal family was determined to secure his victory.

Despite the lone Jade Plate, Yao Yagen possessed a considerable number of Spirit Stones—eighteen Grade Nine Low Rank Spirit Stones, to be exact.

Wei Lulin turned to glance at Wei Junyu and the others, still locked in fierce combat. He assessed that with their current prowess, they could easily annihilate the members of the royal family.

Wei Junyu's hesitation to deliver a fatal blow likely stemmed from a desire to use the skirmish as a training ground to enhance their combat experience.

With the Wei disciples out of harm's way, the nagging sensation persisted in Wei Lulin's mind. Eager to confront and break through this feeling, he knew he needed to seek out a more formidable adversary. The pressure from such an opponent could catalyze his complete breakthrough.

"Mr. Fanzhou, I have urgent matters to attend to and must leave. Take care," Wei Lulin called out to the still-engaged Wei Junyu before turning and dashing at full speed toward the heart of the Hunting Ground.

Only at the center would he find a master of sufficient caliber to exert the necessary pressure for Wei Lulin to capitalize on this chance for advancement.

Yet, Wei Lulin had barely made his move when he abruptly halted, his face lighting up with surprise.

Before him stood an expert, a royal family member with the potential to provide the challenge he sought.

This sudden arrival was one of the experts who had previously sent shivers down Wei Lulin's spine outside the city, alongside Yao Yafeng. As for his name, Wei Ying's collected data held no mention of this individual.

Upon witnessing the thrill on Wei Lulin's face, the expert froze, taken aback.

Could this young Wei family prodigy share the same lust for battle as his master?

"Tuan Jiuhuan."

Despite Wei Lulin's current status at the Qi Refining Stage Level Four Peak, Tuan Jiuhuan did not underestimate him. He had watched Wei Lulin's earlier fight with Yao Yagen and was aware that most of Wei Lulin's strength had been conserved.

Without that reservation, Yao Yagen would have stood no chance against Wei Lulin in a direct confrontation.

Tuan Jiuhuan!

Hearing the name, Wei Lulin was momentarily baffled. In all of Yao Country, there was no family bearing the surname Yan.

Wei Lulin suddenly recalled that the stronger neighboring kingdom to Yao Country was Tuan Country, and its ruling monarch's surname was Yan.

"Tuan Country?" Wei Lulin asked, looking intently into Tuan Jiuhuan's eyes, his voice tinged with confusion.

Tuan Jiuhuan nodded, not denying his identity, thus affirming Wei Lulin's suspicion.

It appeared that the royal family of Yao Country was in such dire straits that they had to invite outsiders to join their Hunting Competition. This suggested that a significant upheaval might rock the entire Yao Country within the next decade. This realization only intensified Wei Lulin's determination to enhance his own power.

"Wei Lulin!"

Wei Lulin was always eager to face opponents from any nation, provided they were strong enough to challenge him and push his limits.

Recognizing the strength of his opponent, Wei Lulin saw no need to conceal his identity and openly shared his name.

Although Tuan Jiuhuan, a citizen of his own kingdom, had not heard of Wei Lulin, Wei Junyu and his companions, who had just concluded their battle, were well aware of his renown.

"So this is Wei Lulin!" Wei Junyu exclaimed, suddenly understanding upon learning that their ally was indeed Wei Lulin.

Known as the most mild-mannered among the Wei family's younger generation, Wei Junyu had met Wei Lulin after he had tested his talents. But after Wei Lulin suffered an injury to his meridians, he was relegated to working at Wei's Pharmacy in Lindorin Town, and their paths hadn't crossed since.

When Wei Junyu learned of Wei Lulin's misfortune, he felt a deep sadness and had even sought ways to help him recover. Yet, being a minor figure at the Qi Refining Stage Level Four a year prior, Wei Junyu was powerless to assist.

Now, seeing Wei Lulin rise once more, his strength vastly surpassing his own, Wei Junyu harbored no envy, only feelings of happiness and elation.

Wei Junyu was overjoyed that Wei Lulin had managed to rise again through sheer perseverance. Having endured such trials, Wei Lulin was destined for great accomplishments, reaching heights beyond Wei Junyu's wildest dreams.

Wei Junyu was elated that the Wei family's status, which had been waning due to the younger generation's lack of renown, was poised for resurgence with Wei Lulin's rise to prominence in Yao Country.

"Wei Lulin, your name is etched in my memory!" Tuan Jiuhuan declared, nodding in acknowledgment after Wei Lulin introduced himself. He then drew his weapon, bracing himself as if preparing to face a formidable foe.

Wei Lulin inhaled deeply, steadying his nerves and unsheathing his steel blade. Holding the blade level, he gazed at Tuan Jiuhuan with a grave and focused demeanor.

This was Wei Lulin's first encounter with such a formidable opponent since he began his cultivation journey. It would be disingenuous to claim he wasn't nervous; however, his anxiety was tinged with a thrill of anticipation.

Most crucially, as Wei Lulin faced this intense challenge, the sensation in his heart grew increasingly tangible.