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

Seeing Si Jiawen’s indifferent gaze and her complete lack of intention to speak with them, the three men took the hint and quickly bowed again.

Then, they tiptoed aside and, with heads lowered, hurried away from the entrance of Qing No. 4 Courtyard, not daring to even breathe too loudly.

Yang Jing watched the three men’s retreating figures, then glanced down at the three jade boxes in his arms. He turned to Si Jiawen, bowed, and said respectfully, "Senior Sister, please wait a moment. Allow me to lock the courtyard gate."

Si Jiawen gave a faint nod. Her gaze fell upon Yang Jing, and a flicker of interest crossed her eyes.

The Yang Jing before her wore the white robes of an Inner Sect Disciple, his posture tall and straight. He exuded an air of calm composure, lacking the restlessness and arrogance common among newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples.

’Master made a special trip to Dragon Gate Plaza yesterday and left in a hurry right after Yang Jing’s assessment ended,’ she mused. ’The disciple he values must be this person before me.’

It was precisely because of this suspicion that she had come to guide Yang Jing personally.

Had it been an ordinary disciple, no matter how brilliantly they had performed in the Dragon Gate martial trials yesterday, she would never have shown up in person. After all, the gap between her and a common Inner Sect Disciple was simply too vast.

Not daring to delay, Yang Jing strode into the courtyard and carefully placed the three jade boxes inside a wooden cabinet in the main house.

He checked once more to ensure he hadn’t forgotten anything before turning and quickly walking out the gate.

He lifted his hand to lock the gate, secured the key on his person, and only then walked up to Si Jiawen. "Senior Sister, I’m ready," he said respectfully.

Si Jiawen inclined her head slightly. Without another word, she turned and started walking toward the summit of Lingxi Peak.

Yang Jing hurried to catch up, following closely behind her.

It was late April, and the mountains were awash in the vibrant colors of spring. The peak of Lingxi Peak was wreathed in clouds and mist.

Along the path, the vegetation had sprouted tender green shoots. Wildflowers of every unknown variety dotted the sides of the bluestone path, blooming with wild abandon. A mountain breeze drifted by, carrying the refreshing scent of grass and blossoms.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The scenery was quite pleasant.

Along the way, they occasionally encountered other Inner Sect Disciples of Lingxi Peak, also dressed in white robes, walking toward them.

Upon seeing Si Jiawen, their expressions would turn solemn. They would immediately stop, bow, and greet her with respect.

Si Jiawen would merely offer a faint nod in acknowledgment, her pace never faltering for a moment.

The Inner Sect Disciples would watch the two of them depart, their gazes lingering on Yang Jing with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny.

’Just who is this disciple that Senior Sister is personally escorting?’

The two walked up the winding bluestone path, neither speaking at first.

The only sounds in the mountains were the rustling of leaves in the wind and the cadence of their footsteps.

Just then, Si Jiawen, who was walking ahead, suddenly spoke. Her voice was as clear and cool as a mountain spring. Without turning back, her eyes still fixed on the path ahead, she said, "Passing the Dragon Gate martial trials is nothing special."

Yang Jing’s steps faltered slightly as he focused on listening.

Si Jiawen continued, "Every Inner Sect Disciple you just saw has passed through the Dragon Gate martial trials. It’s nothing more than the required path for Outer Sect Disciples to be promoted to the Inner Sect, the most basic hurdle on the path of cultivation."

Her voice paused for a moment, her tone still level. "Your performance in yesterday’s Dragon Gate martial trials might seem impressive, but in truth, it will at most cause a few ripples among the Outer Sect Disciples. Like a pebble tossed into a lake, it creates a few bubbles that quickly vanish, and you’ll be lost in the crowd."

Yang Jing quickly bowed. "This disciple understands," he replied respectfully.

’How could I not understand this principle?’ he thought. ’The Xuanzhen Sect is full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons. There are plenty of exceptionally talented and powerful individuals among the Inner Sect Disciples.’

’I’ve only just crossed the threshold into the Inner Sect. If I become complacent because of this, I’ll suffer a setback sooner or later. I can’t afford to be the slightest bit careless.’

To his surprise, Si Jiawen gently shook her head. Her pace remained steady as she continued forward, her tone taking on a deeper meaning. "I’m not saying this to tell you to hide your edge. Young people should be sharp and assertive. They should have the spirit to forge ahead with determination."

She turned her head, her gaze landing on Yang Jing with a sharp glint. "If you don’t even have that drive to push forward, if you’re timid and overly cautious, how can you expect to go far on the path of cultivation? How can you break through one bottleneck after another to climb to greater heights?"

Hearing this, Yang Jing couldn’t help but be taken aback.

’From what she said before, I thought this Senior Sister was trying to knock me down a peg, to keep me from becoming arrogant and losing myself over a single victory in the Dragon Gate martial trials.’

’I never expected her to suddenly change her tune and encourage me to show my edge.’

Si Jiawen paid no mind to his astonishment and continued, "If you want to reach greater heights, if you want to make a name for yourself in the Xuanzhen Sect and even the entire Jintai Prefecture, the Dragon Gate martial trials are just the first step. And that step counts for little."

Her voice grew a little deeper. "Merely passing the Dragon Gate martial trials isn’t enough for the sect to truly value you, nor is it enough for you to truly make a name for yourself within the sect."

A thought stirred in Yang Jing’s mind. He found it increasingly difficult to fathom this Senior Sister’s intentions.

He didn’t dare to reply rashly, so he could only lower his head and follow quietly behind Si Jiawen, listening intently for what she would say next.

Si Jiawen’s pace did not slow.

Her gaze still fixed on the mist-shrouded mountain path ahead, she suddenly asked, "Junior Brother Yang, have you ever heard of the battle of the Cyan Qilin Platform?"