Chapter 400 - 148: When the Tide Goes Out, Who’s Swimming Naked?
Zhao Hongxiang watched Su Qingyue’s back, opened his mouth to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words.
After a moment, he too let out a cold laugh. He slowly rose to his feet, turned to the still-dazed Cai He Kang beside him, and sneered, "We didn’t bother watching when Yang Jing took part in the Dragon Gate Martial Trial. This time, the fool is overestimating himself and challenging the Cyan Qilin Platform. We should go have a look. It’ll be a good show."
In his eyes, the intensity of the Cyan Qilin Battle was far beyond that of the Dragon Gate Martial Trial.
Yang Jing was just a newcomer, recently promoted to the Inner Sect. He hadn’t even figured out the pace of cultivation here, yet he dared to ascend the Cyan Qilin Platform. It was a classic case of overreaching.
With that, Zhao Hongxiang turned and headed out of the courtyard.
Cai He Kang hesitated for a second before quickly getting up to follow.
Their figures gradually disappeared down the path leading from the courtyard gate.
The gate to the Ninth Courtyard stood wide open. A morning breeze swept through, stirring a few fallen leaves. The courtyard was deserted, the only sign of life the slowly evaporating morning dew on the stone table.
Ever since Yang Jing had left the Ninth Courtyard, the small group of five—once close-knit and centered around Zhao Hongxiang—had become like scattered sand. Their bond was broken.
...
「Main Peak.」
Yang Jing and his companions followed the two Stewards, ascending the bluestone steps of the Main Peak’s mountain path.
The Cyan Qilin Platform was situated midway up the Main Peak. While still a fair distance from the summit, the location already offered a wide, open view.
The higher they climbed, the more crowded the path became.
Before long, a towering platform came into view.
The platform stood a good thirty to forty feet high, constructed entirely from massive, dark green stones. Its surface was broad and flat, large enough for a dozen people to fight on simultaneously. Ancient, simple patterns were carved around its edges, giving it a solemn and dignified air.
Yang Jing knew this was the Cyan Qilin Platform.
Right now, the area around the Cyan Qilin Platform was already a sea of people.
A rough glance showed at least a hundred people. Inner Sect Disciples from the various peaks wore their signature white robes, while the Outer Sect Disciples were clad in green robes. They were gathered in small groups, their conversations a constant buzz.
Many more disciples were still arriving in a steady stream up the mountain path. The sounds of footsteps and cheerful chatter mingled, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere.
Yang Jing marveled to himself. ’The Cyan Qilin Battle really is a major event for the sect, to draw so many people to watch.’
His gaze swept casually over the crowd, then paused the very next second.
At the front of the crowd, a striking figure in a green robe stood on her tiptoes, staring fixedly in his direction. Her gentle, exquisite face was wreathed in a smile. It was Sun Ningxiang.
Yang Jing’s eyes lit up, and a wave of warmth washed over him. He raised a hand and gave Sun Ningxiang a small wave.
When Sun Ningxiang saw Yang Jing notice her and wave, her smile grew even more radiant. She quickly got back on her tiptoes and waved back energetically, her eyes curving into crescents that seemed to hold the clarity of a spring pool.
Steward Zheng, walking ahead, noticed the exchange. He glanced back at Yang Jing, then followed his gaze. When he spotted Sun Ningxiang in the crowd, a flicker of understanding crossed his face.
He remembered that during the Dragon Gate Martial Trial, the same young woman had been waiting nearby. After his battle, Yang Jing had even gone over specifically to speak with her for a moment.
Steward Zheng couldn’t help but chuckle. He looked at Yang Jing and teased, "I didn’t expect you to have everything so well-arranged, kid. You haven’t slacked one bit on your cultivation, yet you still found time to get such a pretty girlfriend. Ah, to be young and successful."
At his words, Yang Jing could only shake his head, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
But with so many prying eyes around and the Cyan Qilin Battle about to start, it wasn’t the time for explanations. He could only offer a helpless smile.
Seeing this, Steward Zheng stopped teasing him. He turned back around and continued leading the group toward the Cyan Qilin Platform.
Elsewhere in the crowd, Sun Ningxiang’s gaze remained glued to Yang Jing’s figure, the surrounding clamor seeming to fade into irrelevance.
Just then, two figures approached her.
Liu Rou and Lin Wenxuan squeezed through the crowd and immediately spotted Sun Ningxiang standing near the front.
Liu Rou had met Sun Ningxiang a few times during the Dragon Gate Martial Trial and exchanged a few words. Knowing her close relationship with Yang Jing, she smiled and walked up to greet her. "Junior Sister Sun, are you also here to watch Senior Brother Yang compete?"
Sun Ningxiang snapped out of her daze. Seeing it was Liu Rou, she quickly nodded and smiled. "Yes, Senior Sister Liu. You’re here too."
"Of course! Senior Brother Yang is a legend from our Ninth Courtyard. How could we not come and cheer him on for his first Cyan Qilin Battle?" Liu Rou said with conviction. "Senior Brother Yang is exceptionally talented. He swept through those beasts during the Dragon Gate Martial Trial without even using his full strength. I’m sure he’ll make a huge splash in this Cyan Qilin Battle!"
Hearing Liu Rou praise Yang Jing so highly, the light in Sun Ningxiang’s eyes grew even brighter, and an involuntary look of pride spread across her face.
But along with her pride, a hint of worry remained. She said softly, "There are so many masters in the Cyan Qilin Battle. His ranking doesn’t matter. I just hope Junior Brother stays safe and doesn’t get hurt."
Liu Rou froze for a second when she heard the words "Junior Brother," a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
She looked at Sun Ningxiang’s green robes—clearly the uniform of an Outer Sect Disciple from Yunxi Peak. Yang Jing, on the other hand, was an Inner Sect Disciple from Lingxi Peak. According to sect seniority, Sun Ningxiang should be calling him "Senior Brother." So why was she calling him "Junior Brother"?
Liu Rou was filled with questions, but she knew it wasn’t her place to press the matter.
Watching Sun Ningxiang’s eyes, which never left Yang Jing, she felt a dawning sense of understanding. A knowing smile touched her lips.
Meanwhile, a waist-high railing had been set up around the Cyan Qilin Platform, separating the spectators from the upcoming participants.
In the open area inside the railing, the competing disciples from each peak had already taken their positions, standing in distinct groups.
Yang Jing stood at the foot of the Cyan Qilin Platform, flanked by Zhang Hengyi and Chen Xuexiang.
These two top experts from Lingxi Peak’s Dragon and Tiger List both wore grave expressions. Their eyes were locked on the Cyan Qilin Platform as they mentally prepared themselves for the battle to begin.
Just then, an ice-cold gaze fell upon Yang Jing. It was filled with unconcealed hostility, so piercing it made his skin crawl.
Yang Jing’s brow furrowed. He followed the gaze and met a pair of frigid eyes.
Yuwen Mingjue!
He stood among the Yunxi Peak disciples, dressed in a brocade robe, his face a mask of arrogance as he sized up Yang Jing with a condescending glare.
Their gazes clashed in midair. A contemptuous smirk spread across Yuwen Mingjue’s lips. He slowly raised a hand and drew a finger across his own throat in a slicing motion.
In response, the corner of Yang Jing’s mouth merely quirked up. He calmly looked away, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
’What’s the point of playing these petty games out here?’
’The real contest will be on the Cyan Qilin Platform.’
’Only when the tide goes out do you see who’s been swimming naked.’
’The Cyan Qilin Platform will reveal the truth.’
’We’ll see who gets beaten like a stray dog then!’
"Everyone, get ready. The strength-testing phase of the Cyan Qilin Battle is about to begin. How much power you use during the test is up to you, but don’t hold back too much. Otherwise, you might end up facing one of the strongest contenders in the very first round."
Steward Zheng gave this solemn reminder, his gaze pointedly landing on Yang Jing, who was participating in the Cyan Qilin Battle for the first time.