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

Yang Jing quickly replied, "Yes, this disciple understands!"

Bai Bing nodded. Her gaze swept past Si Jiawen before returning to Yang Jing. "You’re new to the Inner Sect," she added. "If you have any questions about your cultivation, feel free to ask your Senior Sister. Her cultivation is profound, and her insights into the martial path far surpass your own."

Yang Jing bowed deeply once more and replied in a clear voice, "Yes! This disciple will remember the Peak Master’s teachings!"

Standing to one side, Si Jiawen was stunned.

She had been by Bai Bing’s side for many years, yet this was the first time she had ever seen her Master place so much importance on a new Inner Sect Disciple. It could even be described as excessive concern.

In the past, new Inner Sect Disciples were, at most, brought to Lingxi Hall for a brief meeting with the Peak Master. A few words of encouragement, and the matter would be closed.

Her Master rarely inquired about their later choices in martial arts, much less offered them guidance. She would simply let the disciples go to the Talent Pavilion and find the most suitable techniques for themselves.

But this time, her Master had not only handpicked three Mid-grade True Skills that complemented Yang Jing’s Mountain-Shattering Fist but had also meticulously explained their pros and cons. This was a level of treatment that even she, back in her day, had never received.

Si Jiawen couldn’t help but wonder, ’Was Master ever this invested in me when I started?’

A bold thought even crossed her mind. If she didn’t know her Master was still relatively young, she might have suspected Yang Jing was her illegitimate son.

’Or maybe,’ she mused, ’he’s her younger brother, or some other relative?’

However, Si Jiawen immediately crushed these thoughts as soon as they surfaced.

’Master has always been aloof and avoids getting too involved with outsiders. How could she possibly have so many relatives?’

She shook her head, not daring to continue her wild speculation.

Just then, Bai Bing spoke to Yang Jing again. "You are dismissed. Take your Inner Sect Disciple Token and go directly to the Talent Pavilion on the Main Peak to select your skills."

"Yes," Yang Jing replied respectfully.

He then gave Bai Bing a deep bow before slowly turning and walking out of the hall with light, measured steps.

He didn’t give it much thought, completely unaware of the special treatment he had received compared to the other new Inner Sect Disciples.

He simply assumed Peak Master Lingxi was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, treating all new disciples with the same level of care.

Yang Jing’s figure vanished beyond the doors of Lingxi Hall. The heavy gates swung shut, completely sealing off the noise from the outside world.

Within the grand hall, only Peak Master Lingxi, Bai Bing, and Si Jiawen remained. A solemn silence filled the air, broken only by the shadows cast from the ceiling beams, which stretched quietly across the floor.

Si Jiawen stood with her hands clasped, her brow furrowed as a tide of doubt washed over her.

After a moment’s hesitation, she finally gave in to her curiosity. Looking up at Bai Bing on the high platform, she asked cautiously, "Master, you previously instructed me to pay close attention to matters regarding the Cyan Qilin Battle. Is it because... you intend for Yang Jing to participate?"

Bai Bing sat on her meditation cushion, her expression as indifferent as ever. She merely gave a slight nod, her voice cool. "Correct."

The affirmative answer only deepened Si Jiawen’s confusion. She took a deep breath and pressed on, "Master, forgive this disciple’s ignorance, but I don’t understand why you hold Yang Jing in such high regard. His performance in the Dragon Gate trials was certainly outstanding, but the sect has never lacked for disciples capable of dominating the trials. I’ve never seen you this invested in any of them."

She wasn’t wrong.

In the past, there had been plenty of new Inner Sect Disciples from wealthy families who had already mastered impressive True Skills before even joining the sect. They were peerless in their realm and perfectly capable of dominating the Dragon Gate trials.

Yet even geniuses like them had never received such treatment—personal guidance from the Peak Master, who was now essentially paving the way for him. They had simply followed the sect’s standard procedures.

As the Senior Sister of Lingxi Peak, Si Jiawen usually kept to herself to focus on her cultivation, but she was still expected to be aware of all affairs on the peak, large and small.

Seeing her Master give such special treatment to a new disciple, she naturally had to ask for a clear explanation to understand the situation.

Bai Bing looked up at her, her eyes calm. "I have a bet with Qin Gang, the Peak Master of Zhenyue Peak," she said faintly.

She paused before continuing, "The wager is whether or not Yang Jing can break through to the Qi Eating Realm within ten years."

"I see." Realization dawned on Si Jiawen, and most of her doubts vanished in an instant.

No wonder her Master was paying so much attention to Yang Jing. It was all because of a bet with another Peak Master. That explained everything.

She didn’t press for details about the wager. Given her Master’s status, the stakes were bound to be significant, but that wasn’t her concern.

Now that she understood why her Master was so invested in Yang Jing, she knew where things stood.

Based on the potential Yang Jing had displayed during the Dragon Gate trials, breaking through to the Qi Eating Realm was entirely possible if he was properly nurtured.

Her Master’s intention in having him participate in the Cyan Qilin Battle was crystal clear. The rewards were generous; securing a top-three position would grant him a massive amount of the sect’s resources.

Access to the Training Rooms, Elixirs, and contribution points would all be a great boon to his cultivation. This would naturally increase Yang Jing’s chances of breaking through to the Qi Eating Realm.

Si Jiawen mused to herself, ’It seems that until Yang Jing either succeeds in breaking through to the Qi Eating Realm or his potential is completely exhausted, Master will continue to invest heavily in his development.’