Chapter 463 - 163: The Peak Master’s Frustration, a Peerless Treasure Pill
"The Qi Eating Realm?"
On hearing this, Qin Gang’s burly frame went rigid. His thick, slightly furrowed brows shot up, and his gaze, sharp as lightning, snapped toward Yang Jing, locking onto him.
Just a moment ago, he had been puzzled by Bai Bing’s sudden mention of "fulfilling an agreement." His attention was focused on Peak Master Lingxi, a cultivator on his own level, and he had paid no mind to the young disciple trailing behind her.
But now, hearing Bai Bing’s words, it was as if a clap of thunder had exploded in his mind. The confusion that had clouded his thoughts instantly cleared, and he vaguely understood why Bai Bing had come to "fulfill their agreement."
Qin Gang’s gaze fell upon Yang Jing, as tangible as a physical weight, and he began to study him carefully.
As a Peak Master, his Cultivation was unfathomably deep, and he could see through Yang Jing’s realm with a single glance.
The condensed Inner Qi swirling around the young man, the steady and heavy fluctuations of his aura—it was undeniably the Qi Eating Realm. There was no faking it.
But the more certain he became, the more intense his shock grew. A look of disbelief flashed in his eyes. "You’re Yang Jing? The disciple of Sun Yong from Yuhe County who joined the sect four months ago?"
When Yang Jing first joined the Xuanzhen Sect, Sun Yong had written a letter of recommendation, hoping his disciple could enter Zhenyue Peak to cultivate.
But after learning of Yang Jing’s aptitude—which was unremarkable, even poor—he had deemed him unteachable and refused to accept him into Zhenyue Peak.
He had never personally met Yang Jing, so now he could only connect the dots.
Stared at by Qin Gang’s piercing gaze, Yang Jing felt a heavy pressure wash over him.
It was the absolute suppression of a Pill Realm expert’s power, like a mountain crashing down on him. His breath hitched, and a fine layer of sweat quietly broke out on his back.
This Peak Master of Zhenyue’s aura was too tyrannical; a single glance was enough to make him feel an unprecedented sense of oppression.
He didn’t dare show the slightest disrespect. He quickly bowed and said deferentially, "Replying to Peak Master Qin, I am he."
’There are many disciples in the Xuanzhen Sect, and there might be others with the same name,’ Yang Jing thought to himself. ’But if he’s specifying the one who joined four months ago, whose master was Sun Yong of Yuhe County, then it can only be me.’
Upon receiving Yang Jing’s affirmative answer, Qin Gang’s expression changed.
A look of astonishment washed over his firm and steady features. He looked as if he’d been dealt a heavy blow, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.
Who could have imagined that in just over four short months, this disciple he had deemed "unteachable" had not only fought his way to first place in the Cyan Qilin Battle but had also broken through to the Qi Eating Realm!
Qin Gang’s thoughts were in turmoil.
Of course, the Qi Eating Realm was nothing in his eyes. But Yang Jing’s breakthrough speed was simply too fast. With such poor aptitude, let alone breaking through to the Qi Eating Realm in ten years, the hope of ever reaching it in a lifetime was slim.
Yet Yang Jing had somehow managed to break through to the Qi Eating Realm at this astonishing speed. The shock to him was truly considerable.
He turned his gaze to Yang Jing once more. His eyes were a complex mix of shock, doubt, and a hint of scrutiny.
He sized him up for a moment. The gaze was too sharp, making Yang Jing’s heart pound with anxiety. Sweat beaded on his palms.
’I really can’t understand it,’ he thought. ’I’ve never met the famous Peak Master Zhenyue before, so why is he paying me so much attention?’
’Could it be because of Master? After all, Master and this Peak Master Zhenyue are supposed to be old acquaintances...’
This was his first time seeing the legendary Peak Master Qin, and he had never imagined it would be under such circumstances.
Qin Gang’s gaze lingered on Yang Jing for a moment before he slowly retracted it, a bitter smile involuntarily tugging at the corner of his lips.
By now, how could he not understand what Bai Bing meant by "fulfilling the agreement"? She had clearly brought Yang Jing to his door to collect the wager from their bet—the priceless Bone Jade Pill.
He took a deep breath, gradually calming the surging shock and astonishment in his chest. His gaze quickly returned to its usual steady composure.
He turned to the side, gesturing for Bai Bing to enter. His tone softened slightly. "Peak Master Bai, it’s windy out here. Let’s go inside and talk."
Bai Bing nodded slightly, then glanced at Yang Jing, giving him a look that said, "Follow me." With a gentle sway of her skirt, she walked straight through the courtyard gate.
Not daring to delay, Yang Jing hurried after her, stepping into the courtyard that exuded a solemn and majestic air.
This was his first time setting foot in the core courtyard where the Peak Master of Zhenyue lived. The space opened up before him.
The courtyard was much more spacious than he had imagined. The ground was paved with smooth, flat green bricks. In the corners stood several vigorous old pine trees, their branches spreading out, exuding an air of simple, profound antiquity.
In the center of the courtyard was a bluestone millstone, flanked by two half-man-high stone piers. They were likely for resting during breaks in cultivation. Every detail reflected Zhenyue Peak’s style of "respecting strength above all."
Led by Qin Gang, the three of them crossed the courtyard and entered the main house.
The furnishings inside were simple and grand, without excessive or complex decoration, yet everything bespoke extraordinary quality.
In the main hall were several large Pear Blossom Grandmaster’s Chairs. Their grain was clear, their luster warm and gentle—one look was enough to tell they were of the highest quality.
"Peak Master Bai, please sit," Qin Gang said, taking the lead himself. He walked to the head seat and settled firmly into a Pear Blossom Grandmaster’s Chair, his aura growing even more condensed, like a mountain.
Bai Bing did not stand on ceremony. She walked to a guest’s Grandmaster’s Chair on the side and sat down, her bearing poised, her expression as calm and cool as ever.
Yang Jing stood to the side. Watching the two Peak Masters take their seats as host and guest, he felt he had absolutely no right to sit with them. He consciously moved to stand behind Bai Bing, his hands clasped before him and his gaze lowered, not daring to look around.