Rise in the Martial Chaos: Starting From a Martial Arts School

She had dedicated her life to the Martial Dao and rarely paid much attention to her disciples, but Yang Jing’s rise had forced her to take notice.

This wasn’t luck. It was an achievement built on genuine talent, perseverance, and ferocity.

Lingxi Peak had been dormant for many years. Perhaps this young man was truly the one to usher in a new era of glory.

Bai Bing gazed at the name "Yang Jing" on the list, a faint, imperceptible smile touching her cool eyes.

Yang Jing’s ability to come this far was truly beyond her expectations.

She knew Yang Jing had mastered both the Mountain-Breaking Seal and the Indestructible True Skill, reaching the Qi Eating Realm with both. With that level of power, securing a spot in the top eight of the Fushan Grand Competition would have been more than easy.

It was precisely this confidence that had emboldened her to make a bet with Qin Gang, the Peak Master of Zhenyue Peak, and win that precious Heart Inquiry Pill.

What she never expected, however, was that on the eve of the finals, Yang Jing would also master the River-Crossing Art—a technique he had only recently acquired from the Talent Pavilion—to the level of the Qi Eating Realm.

Even though she was well aware of Yang Jing’s extraordinary talent, she was still utterly shocked upon hearing the news.

It was already a difficult feat for an ordinary disciple to cultivate a single martial art to the Qi Eating Realm, a process that required years of painstaking effort. Yet Yang Jing, at such a young age, had managed to master three True Skills to that level. His talent and perseverance were simply astounding.

Even the prodigy Chu Yunhai, whose power had skyrocketed after activating his War Body, had failed to defeat him despite fighting with all his might. This spoke volumes about the depth of Yang Jing’s foundation and the sheer strength of his combat abilities.

Yang Jing’s victory as co-champion in the Fushan Grand Competition not only brought glory to Lingxi Peak but also delivered tangible benefits.

The resources awarded by the sect, the increased standing of Lingxi Peak among the Seven Veins, and the newfound pride and spirit among the Lingxi Peak disciples—all of this brought Bai Bing a sense of gratification.

She raised a hand and withdrew a lustrous White Jade Porcelain Bottle from her robes. Inside was the very Heart Inquiry Pill that Qin Gang had lost to her.

’My disciple won first place, and I was just wondering what to reward him with. This Heart Inquiry Pill is perfect.’

Bai Bing murmured as her fingertips caressed the porcelain bottle, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. ’If I get the chance, I should make another bet with Qin Gang. He’s always been a collector of treasures; I’m sure he has plenty of good things in his possession.’

...

As night deepened, a quiet tranquility settled over Lingxi Peak.

In the Inner Sect Disciple living quarters halfway up the peak, within Qing No. 4 Courtyard, moonlight cascaded down like water. It washed over the bluestone-paved ground, bathing it in a cool, silvery luminescence.

The emerald bamboo in the corner of the courtyard rustled softly as the evening breeze swept by. The sound mingled with the faint chime of a bell from the distant Main Peak, deepening the serene tranquility of the mountain night.

Yang Jing had moved a large, square eight-person table into the center of the courtyard. The meal delivered from the kitchens was already set out—an exquisite and lavish spread of eight courses. Seven dishes and a soup, with a fine balance of meat and vegetables, filled the air with their rich aroma.

He brought out a jar of fine, aged wine. The moment he broke the seal, its crisp, clear fragrance filled the air.

Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang sat across from each other at the table. The candlelight flickered between them, casting their silhouettes in a soft glow.

Yang Jing lifted the wine jar, pouring a cup for himself before filling Sun Ningxiang’s. The wine swirled in the cups, catching the moonlight and shimmering with crystalline clarity.

He raised his cup and looked at Sun Ningxiang with a broad smile. "Senior Sister, here’s to you."

Sun Ningxiang lifted her cup, her eyes filled with delight. She gently clinked it against Yang Jing’s, the rims meeting with a crisp, clear sound.

She tilted her head back and drained the cup in one go. As the wine, carrying a faint spiritual essence, went down, a crimson blush instantly spread across her cheeks.

"Slow down, Senior Sister. This wine has a strong kick," Yang Jing reminded her with a laugh, before draining his own cup. He felt a warm current slide down his throat, feeling it relax the meridians throughout his body.

They ate and chatted, their conversation drifting from the thrilling battles of the Fushan Grand Competition to amusing anecdotes about the sect, and eventually to old memories of their hometown, Yuhe County. The atmosphere was light and warm.

Yang Jing rarely drank, but tonight, with the competition concluded and first place secured, he made an exception to share a few drinks with Sun Ningxiang. A feeling of pure contentment washed over him.

Time slipped by. After a few more cups, Sun Ningxiang’s cheeks grew even rosier, and a hazy, misty sheen veiled her eyes.

She found herself gazing at Yang Jing. He sat tall and straight, his features handsome. The way the candlelight and moonlight played across his form was so captivating she found herself lost in the sight.

The words she had kept locked away in her heart for so long could no longer be suppressed.

"Junior Brother..." Sun Ningxiang called out softly, her voice tender and languid from the wine.

At the sound of her voice, Yang Jing looked up, his gaze landing on her face.

A beauty in the moonlight. Her face was flushed like a sunset cloud, and her eyes held a touch of innocent charm and tenderness. She was so beautiful it made his heart skip a beat.

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

He didn’t know if it was the wine rising to his head or the sheer beauty of the woman before him, but he felt his blood run hot, a subtle warmth spreading through him.

Yang Jing watched Sun Ningxiang. Her gaze was shy and unfocused, like a spring pond bathed in moonlight. It rested on him, soft and gentle, carrying both the haze of wine and an affection she could no longer conceal.

The heady scent of fine wine and budding romance slowly filled the air. The candlelight flickered, stretching their two shadows long until they leaned against one another.

In that moment, the atmosphere in the courtyard grew charged with intimacy. Even the evening breeze seemed to whisper with a lover’s caress.

The words Sun Ningxiang had held in her heart for so long could finally be restrained no more.

Over and over, she gave herself a silent pep talk, mustering all her courage to finally voice the feelings she had hidden so deep in her heart.

Normally, her disposition would have made such a direct confession impossible. But tonight, bolstered by the wine, she had finally resolved to reveal her heart to Yang Jing.

She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling gently. Her crimson lips parted, the words poised on the tip of her tongue.