Chapter 420 - 152: Peak Master Lingxi’s Thoughts
He knew in his heart that this superficial respect and enthusiasm were just extras; the only thing that would allow him to gain a foothold was his own strength.
As long as he kept cultivating and improving, everything else would follow.
Soon, he arrived before the Internal Affairs Hall.
By now, a crowd of Lingxi Peak disciples had already gathered outside the gates of the Internal Affairs Hall. Most were there to go watch the battles at the Cyan Qilin Platform.
Among the crowd were Inner Sect Disciples in white robes and outer sect disciples in green robes.
When they saw Yang Jing approaching, nearly everyone’s gaze fell upon him at once.
The outer sect disciples watched him from a distance, their eyes filled with awe. They didn’t dare approach him to strike up a conversation.
Some of the Inner Sect Disciples, however, walked up and cupped their fists in salute to Yang Jing, their tones polite and warm. "Good morning, Junior Brother Yang."
"Yesterday’s battle was incredible! Your strength is astounding, Junior Brother Yang!"
"I’m an Inner Sect Disciple, Liu Cheng. It’s an honor, Junior Brother Yang. My courtyard isn’t far from yours, so we should get together more often."
"I’m Zhou Ming. I look forward to learning from you in the future, Junior Brother Yang."
"Go break into the top three, Junior Brother Yang! Our Lingxi Peak hasn’t produced a figure like you in ages!"
The Inner Sect Disciples introduced themselves one by one, their enthusiastic attitudes a stark contrast to their usual indifference.
Yang Jing responded politely to each of them, a gentle smile on his face.
He had been an Inner Sect Disciple for quite some time now. In the past, when he walked the mountain paths of Lingxi Peak, he was mostly ignored. Many Inner Sect Disciples didn’t even know who he was.
But today, he was the center of attention, a hot commodity among the Lingxi Peak disciples.
Such is the way of the world.
As long as you have strength, you’ll never be short on "friends," and everyone will greet you with a smile.
After the disciples who had come to greet him gradually dispersed, Lin Ziheng, Zhang Hengyi, and Chen Xuexiang approached Yang Jing.
Compared to the unfamiliar Inner Sect Disciples from a moment ago, these three were much more familiar with Yang Jing.
Lin Ziheng clapped Yang Jing on the shoulder and said with a smile, "You’re looking well today, Junior Brother Yang."
Zhang Hengyi nodded as well. "Your performance in yesterday’s battle was unparalleled, Junior Brother Yang. But be careful today against Wei Dongting."
Chen Xuexiang added, "Wei Dongting is incredibly strong. You can’t afford to be careless, Junior Brother Yang."
Yang Jing nodded and started chatting casually with the three of them.
Soon, two figures emerged from behind the vermilion gates of the Internal Affairs Hall. It was none other than Steward Zheng and Steward Wang.
Both were dressed in blue martial arts attire, with the Steward Tokens of Lingxi Peak fastened at their waists. Their expressions were composed.
At the sight of them, the disciples all stopped their conversations, bowed, and called out in unison, "Greetings, Steward Zheng! Greetings, Steward Wang!"
Steward Zheng made a gesture with his hand for them to rise, his gaze slowly sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on Yang Jing.
As he looked at the tall, composed young man before him, a flicker of genuine appreciation and satisfaction crossed his eyes. He then gave Yang Jing a slight nod.
"Alright, it’s about time. Let’s move out!" Steward Zheng announced, his voice loud and powerful.
As soon as he finished speaking, he and Steward Wang took the lead, walking side by side with steady steps down the peak.
Yang Jing, Lin Ziheng, Zhang Hengyi, and Chen Xuexiang followed close behind them.
The other Lingxi Peak disciples who had come to watch the battle fell in line at the rear, forming a great procession that snaked its way down the mountain path.
Walking at the front, Steward Zheng and Steward Wang conversed in low voices, glancing back at Yang Jing from time to time.
Steward Wang said quietly to Steward Zheng, "This Yang Jing is quite the promising talent. He really brought a lot of honor to our Lingxi Peak in yesterday’s Cyan Qilin Battle."
Steward Zheng nodded. "Indeed. He’s highly talented and has a steady temperament. What’s rare is that he’s neither arrogant nor rash. He’s bound to have a bright future."
Their voices weren’t loud, but they were just audible enough for Yang Jing to hear from behind them.
Yang Jing didn’t break his stride, but a faint smile touched the corners of his lips.
The sound of the party’s footsteps faded into the distance. Lingxi Peak, which had been bustling with activity, soon returned to its usual tranquility, leaving only the sound of birdsong and the whispering wind in the forest.
Just then, a figure in pure white landed gracefully on the stone steps at the summit of Lingxi Peak. It was none other than the Senior Sister of Lingxi Peak, Si Jiawen.
Her white robes were purer than snow, her posture was light and elegant, and her expression held a hint of cold aloofness.
Si Jiawen crossed the central plaza of Lingxi Peak. Any disciple she passed along the way hastily bowed in greeting, respectfully calling out, "Greetings, Senior Sister!"
Si Jiawen gave a slight nod without breaking her stride, heading straight for Lingxi Hall.
When she reached the doors of the hall, she said to the two disciples on guard, "Please announce me."
The disciple on duty didn’t dare to delay and quickly pushed open the door to enter.
Only a moment later, the disciple hurried back out and bowed to Si Jiawen. "Senior Sister, the Peak Master will see you now."
Si Jiawen acknowledged with a sound and pushed the door open. The light within Lingxi Hall was soft. At the head of the hall, Peak Master Lingxi, Bai Bing, sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.
She was still dressed in a plain white gown, her face as beautiful as ever. But her usually cool and detached eyes now seemed to be coated in a layer of frost, and her expression was several shades gloomier than usual.
Si Jiawen’s heart skipped a beat, and her brow furrowed instantly.
She had followed Bai Bing for many years and had long grown accustomed to her master’s indifferent and aloof demeanor. But such overt gloom was exceptionally rare.
For a moment, Si Jiawen’s mind raced as countless thoughts flashed through her head.
’Did something happen within the sect?’
’Or is the Demon Sect causing trouble again?’
Bai Bing’s gaze slowly fell upon Si Jiawen. Her voice was as cold as ever, but it now held a hint of suppressed fury. "The Main Peak has finalized the list of disciples to receive focused training."