Chapter 419 - 152: Peak Master Lingxi’s Thoughts
Bai Bing’s expression also turned grave, a hint of solemnity flashing through her cool eyes.
She nodded slowly. "This matter concerns the future of the sect and cannot be delayed. It should be about time for a decision. Let’s go to the Main Peak’s grand hall and see."
Without another word, the two of them headed toward the Main Peak’s grand hall.
The mountain wind billowed their robes, and their figures gradually vanished into the distant clouds and mist.
...
「Meanwhile.」
The disciples who had been watching at the Cyan Qilin Platform began to disperse, walking in twos and threes along the mountain paths of the Xuanzhen Sect.
Discussions about the Cyan Qilin Battle swept through the Main Peak and the Seven Veins as swiftly as the mountain wind, and the chatter of disciples could be heard everywhere.
The names mentioned most often were Yuwen Mingjue, Zhao Chong, and Yang Jing.
For many disciples, it was the first time they had ever heard the name "Yang Jing." But as word of his spectacular performance at the Cyan Qilin Platform spread, this new Inner Sect Disciple had gradually begun to make a name for himself within the Xuanzhen Sect, building his own reputation.
...
「The night was as black as ink.」
It spilled over the small town on the western shore of Hidden Dragon Lake.
A tavern by the street was still lit with dim, yellow lanterns. Its latticed window was half-open, letting some of the clamor from inside spill out.
Su Qingyue sat alone in a corner by the window. Before her was a pot of warm rice wine, with two small, empty cups beside it.
She rested an elbow on the table, her fingertips gently tracing the rim of a cup. Her gaze was fixed blankly on the night outside the window, her brow furrowed with a lingering annoyance she couldn’t shake.
The tavern was bustling, filled with the rising and falling sounds of a drinking game and cheerful chatter from the neighboring table.
At a square table not far away, two Outer Sect Disciples in the green robes of the Xuanzhen Sect were busy eating, their mouths full but still enthusiastically discussing the day’s Cyan Qilin Battle.
"You should’ve seen it! That guy Yang Jing from Lingxi Peak is a total beast! He took on Li Mao’s Iron Rod from Thunder Peak with his bare hands and forced him to surrender in just a few moves!"
"Yeah, he made it into the top nine in his very first Cyan Qilin Battle. His talent might be even better than Senior Brother Gao Yang’s was back in his day!"
"I hear his next match is against Wei Dongting from the Main Peak. That guy’s Fiery Sun Palm is no joke either. Now *that’s* gonna be a show..."
The name "Yang Jing" buzzed in Su Qingyue’s ears like a persistent mosquito.
She picked up her cup and threw back a mouthful of rice wine. The liquid burned warmly as it went down, but it couldn’t quell the frustration in her heart.
She couldn’t help but curse to herself.
’What is going on? Why do I hear his name everywhere I go?’
...
「On Yunxi Peak, in the living quarters of the Inner Sect disciples.」
An exquisite courtyard stood silently in the night.
Beneath a tree in the courtyard, Yuwen Mingjue stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his brocade robes fluttering in the night wind.
His face was grim as he stared intently at the waning moon in the sky, exuding a cold aura that warned others to keep their distance.
Behind him stood an Outer Sect Disciple dressed in a green robe.
The disciple stood with his head bowed, his expression reverent. He didn’t dare to even breathe too loudly. This was Yuwen Mingjue’s trusted subordinate.
"Young Master," the Outer Sect Disciple began in a low voice, "I tailed Sun Ningxiang and Yang Jing just now. They walked together the entire way, and in the end, Sun Ningxiang followed Yang Jing back to his residence on Lingxi Peak."
Yuwen Mingjue’s face fell instantly. His brow furrowed tightly as a sinister, cold glint flashed in his eyes.
The very air around him seemed to solidify, and even the leaves drifting down into the courtyard seemed to carry a frigid chill.
"Hmph." He snorted coldly. "Let that Yang Jing enjoy himself for one more day. In tomorrow’s match, I’ll break his legs with my own hands and teach him to know his place."
Hearing this, the Outer Sect Disciple behind him trembled slightly and bowed his head even lower, remaining as silent as a winter cicada. He didn’t dare utter a single unnecessary word.
Yuwen Mingjue slowly clenched his fists.
His eyes were resolute, filled with a ruthless determination.
He had paid a great price to secure first place in this Cyan Qilin Battle, arranging for those two monsters, Gao Yang and Xu Ziqiang, to be sent away from the Xuanzhen Sect on the pretext of a sect mission.
First place in the Cyan Qilin Battle was his for the taking!
’As for Yang Jing?’
A contemptuous smile touched the corners of Yuwen Mingjue’s lips.
’He’s just a buffoon who popped out of nowhere. He isn’t even worthy of being my stepping stone!’
...
「The next morning, just as the sky began to brighten.」
A light mist shrouded Hidden Dragon Lake, and the crisp sound of birdsong echoed through the forests of Lingxi Peak.
Yang Jing was already up.
He did a light warm-up, circulating the Inner Strength in his body until it flowed with perfect smoothness, before washing up for the day.
The disciples from the kitchens delivered his breakfast on time, and he ate quickly.
After finishing his meal, he headed up the stone steps toward the Internal Affairs Hall at the summit of the peak.
The morning air on Lingxi Peak was crisp and clean. Dew glistened on the grass flanking the stone steps, and the air was filled with the faint scents of flowers and earth.
Along the way, he encountered many disciples from Lingxi Peak, both from the Outer and Inner Sects.
Unlike in the past, the attitudes of these disciples had clearly changed when they saw Yang Jing today.
Most of the Outer Sect Disciples would stop in their tracks, bow slightly, and offer a reserved yet respectful smile.
The Inner Sect Disciples were even more courteous, with many actively approaching to greet him.
Whether they were from the Inner Sect or the Outer Sect, Yang Jing acknowledged each of them with a nod.
He knew this change was entirely due to yesterday’s Cyan Qilin Battle.
The fact that he, a newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple, had fought his way into the top nine was a feat stunning enough to shake all of Lingxi Peak.
’People always admire the strong.’
’Only when you are powerful enough will others truly respect and value you.’
Yang Jing was neither surprised nor particularly concerned by any of this.