Martial Saint with Passives

One day, Jiang Che came to Yunhai Courtyard.

Within the courtyard, there were several new disciples.

A few senior disciples were gathered around them, sharing their wisdom with the air of seasoned veterans.

Suddenly, they saw Jiang Che walking in from the courtyard gate. They all stopped their conversations at once, bowing respectfully in greeting.

"Greetings, Chief Jiang!"

The new disciples had heard of Jiang Che’s fame, and now, seeing the man himself, they too bowed respectfully, their faces filled with adoration as they gazed at him.

As for the senior disciples, their respect wasn’t just for show; it was genuine.

It was safe to say that the disciples of Yunhai Courtyard could finally hold their heads high!

Ever since Jiang Che shot to fame at the Cloud Tier Inquiry Conference and was ranked ninth on the Hidden Dragon List, the status of these ordinary Yunhai Courtyard disciples within the Sect had risen accordingly.

Lately, wherever they went, they attracted far more attention than ever before.

Previously, when disciples from other courtyards saw them, their gazes were mostly filled with pity and sympathy.

After all, with Lin Bihe’s fall, Yunhai Courtyard was suffering from a lack of successors and seemed on the verge of decline.

But now, those looks had all transformed into envy and curiosity!

This greatly satisfied their vanity.

Many people would approach them to strike up a conversation and inquire about Jiang Che’s past.

"Hey, Brother, how on earth does Chief Jiang from your Yunhai Courtyard cultivate? He’s an absolute beast!"

"I heard he even underwent Dissipating Energy before? For real?"

At times like this, they would puff out their chests, a feigned, mysterious pride on their faces, and begin to boast extravagantly.

"Heh, you’re asking about Chief Jiang? He’s no ordinary man! Back when we first joined the Sect, I could already tell he was destined for great things!"

"You bet! You haven’t seen how hard he pushes himself when he cultivates! He’s an absolute maniac!"

After showering him with praise, they would subtly and indirectly mention how close they were with Jiang Che.

"It’s just that now that he’s Chief Jiang, he’s too busy. Otherwise, we used to go for drinks all the time!"

"At the last banquet, Chief Jiang even came over specifically to offer our table a toast. He’s super approachable, not arrogant at all!"

These remarks always drew gasps of envy, making them feel unbelievably smug and walk with a swagger in their step.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Jiang Che greeted everyone and then hurried off to find his master.

Xu Qingshan was clearly in a good mood when he saw Jiang Che.

Jiang Che first told him that he had chosen the Star-Chasing Bow at the Treasure Pavilion.

Xu Qingshan nodded and added a few pointers and techniques for using it.

Then, Jiang Che mentioned that he planned to leave the mountain to attend the Martial Dao exchange hosted by Chen Jiayu.

"Go on," Xu Qingshan said, stroking his beard. "The Chen Family holds immense power in the imperial court. Befriending them will be beneficial for your future."

After receiving his master’s approval, Jiang Che set off down the mountain.

...

The Chen Mansion was situated in the most prosperous district of the Upper City in Cangzhou Prefecture City.

It was a sprawling, nine-courtyard estate. Two majestic white marble lions guarded the vermilion-lacquered main gate.

A gilded plaque inscribed with the two words "Chen Mansion" hung above the gate, showcasing the grandeur and deep-rooted heritage of a centuries-old Noble Family.

Looking at the magnificent residence before him, Jiang Che couldn’t help but think of the grand Shao Mansion back in Lin Yuan City.

However, the Chen Mansion was several times more extravagant.

But... the thought of how the Shao Mansion’s circumstances had changed so drastically made him feel a pang of melancholy.

After announcing his arrival to the gatekeeper, a Young Servant in green robes respectfully led Jiang Che into the mansion.

Passing through corridors of carved beams and painted rafters, they finally arrived at an extremely elegant courtyard.

The courtyard featured rockeries and flowing water, rare flowers and exotic plants. A small white marble bridge arched over a clear stream, the entire scene artfully arranged.

By now, many people had already gathered in the courtyard. Each possessed an extraordinary aura, and they were clustered in small groups, conversing in low tones.

"Brother Jiang, you’re finally here!"

The moment Chen Jiayu saw Jiang Che, he approached with a beaming smile.

Today, he was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe. A priceless piece of Dragon Pattern Jade hung from his waist, and he held a White Jade Folding Fan in his hand. The accessories complemented his jade-like features and dashing air, giving him the complete appearance of an elegant and personable Young Master.

Jiang Che exchanged a few pleasantries with him, then his gaze shifted to the others in the courtyard.

His eyes were immediately drawn to a spirited figure in red, surrounded by a group of young elites, laughing and chatting boisterously.

It was none other than Xiao Qingge of the Profound Sound Sect!

Not far away, a young man in the robes of the Taiyuan Sect stood alone in a corner, absorbed in polishing the longsword in his hands with a silk cloth.

His expression was cold and severe, and he kept to himself.

Jiang Che frowned slightly. ’This man’s aura is profound. He’s no ordinary person!’

Seeing this, Chen Jiayu smiled. "That’s Junior Brother Lin Qingyun from the Taiyuan Sect."

Jiang Che’s heart tightened.

’So it’s him!’

’Lin Qingyun, ranked seventh on the Hidden Dragon List!’

’I can’t believe he’s here too.’

As if sensing Jiang Che’s gaze, Lin Qingyun glanced up at him with an indifferent look, then immediately lowered his head to continue polishing his longsword.

Besides them, there were many other young elites present, all with imposing auras.

There were geniuses from other, smaller Sects, and even a few with different accents who appeared to be Martial Artists from the neighboring State Mansion.

One of them, a tall and burly young man with bronze skin and a neat short haircut, left a particularly deep impression on Jiang Che.

A Long Spear rested by his side, its tip glinting coldly. His Cultivation was formidable.

Aside from the four Hidden Dragon List experts present—Chen Jiayu, Xiao Qingge, Lin Qingyun, and Jiang Che—this man was the strongest.