Chapter 227: Chapter 111: A Heart of Admiration (Part 2)
He knew all too well the difficulty of mastering two martial arts simultaneously.
On the path of the Martial Dao, specializing in one art was already difficult. To bring two arts to the level of Dark Energy was incomparably harder. It required not only several times the effort but also exceptional talent and opportune fortune.
Yang Jing had been at the hall for just over a year, yet he had cultivated the Mountain-Shattering Fist to near the Peak of Dark Energy and had also broken through to Dark Energy with the Raging Wave Kicks. Such progress was beyond even a talented disciple with a superior constitution.
Sun Yong looked at the disciple before him. The young man’s eyes were calm, showing no trace of arrogance, yet his hidden edge was already sharp enough to make all of Yuhe County take notice.
Sun Yong’s heart was a tempest of emotions: shock, relief, joy, and excitement.
He slowly raised a hand, picked up the teacup from the table, and took a sip of hot tea, calming the waves in his heart. "Good. ’They complement each other,’ you say... It seems I, your master, have underestimated you."
Yang Jing quickly replied, "This disciple’s achievements today are all thanks to Master’s meticulous guidance."
Sun Yong waved his hand, his gaze softening but gaining a new gravity. "Your path is much broader than I, your master, had anticipated. However... while your talent is great, you must still work hard. Practice diligently and do not grow complacent."
Yang Jing bowed and said, "Yes, Master. This disciple wouldn’t dare to slack off in the slightest."
’He knew his master’s words were both a warning and a sign of high expectations. The path of the Martial Dao was like rowing a boat upstream; the slightest bit of complacency would bring all progress to a halt.’
Sun Yong nodded, his gaze drifting to the snowy scenery outside the window. His tone became a few degrees more somber. "Your talent has indeed exceeded my expectations, and that is a very good thing. But remember not to be a frog in a well. Yuhe County is, after all, just a small corner of the world. Across the whole of Jintai Prefecture, you are not the only genius who can master multiple martial arts and step into the realm of Dark Energy."
He paused and looked at Yang Jing. "In the great sects of the Prefecture City, disciples who cultivate two martial arts to the Dark Energy realm by the age of fourteen or fifteen are not unheard of. Your current achievements are far from enough to warrant complacency."
A chill ran down Yang Jing’s spine. He quickly bowed and said, "This disciple understands. Thank you for the reminder, Master."
’He knew his master was deliberately reining him in, fearing he would grow arrogant and complacent over this momentary success.’
Only then did Sun Yong retract his gaze. He continued, "After eradicating the Flying Horse Thieves, your name is bound to spread. The great clans and factions in the city will likely come one after another to recruit you. Avoid these empty pleasantries and social obligations as much as you can. Don’t let them distract you from your training."
"Yes, this disciple understands," Yang Jing replied.
’He had never enjoyed such social events anyway, much preferring to spend his time on Cultivation.’
"Mm." Sun Yong nodded, his tone growing even more serious. "Your current strength is at the peak among those at the Dark Energy realm, but it’s not enough. Breaking through to Huajin is the most critical matter at hand. You must understand, only by becoming a Huajin Powerhouse can you be considered a truly top figure in Yuhe County. Even the six great families would not dare to provoke you lightly."
Yang Jing nodded solemnly, a resolute light flashing in his eyes.
’Huajin. That was his most immediate goal.’
Seeing his expression, Sun Yong added, "Don’t think that being at the Peak of Dark Energy means you can contend with a Huajin master. The difference between the two is like the chasm between heaven and earth. A Huajin Powerhouse can project their Inner Strength completely out of their body. Its power is immense, capable of injuring people without a trace. If you were ambushed by one, you might not even have a chance to escape."
His voice carried a trace of gravity. "Therefore, breaking through to Huajin is the most important thing for you right now."
With any other disciple, Sun Yong would not have been so insistent, as breaking through to Huajin was an incredibly difficult feat.
But Yang Jing was different. This disciple seemed to possess a supreme talent that even he was unaware of, and he always managed to deliver pleasant surprises.
"This disciple will remember," Yang Jing replied, the desire for Huajin growing even more intense in his heart.
Sun Yong’s eyes narrowed slightly. He said slowly, "Starting today, come to the inner courtyard every afternoon at 3:00 PM. I will spar with you and let you familiarize yourself with the ways of Huajin ahead of time."
Hearing this, a joyous light instantly erupted in Yang Jing’s eyes. He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Master!"
’His heart pounded with excitement.’
’His master was a genuine Huajin Powerhouse! To have a Huajin Powerhouse as a sparring partner—this was a heaven-sent opportunity!’
Normally when he sparred, his strongest opponent was his senior brother, who was at the Peak of Dark Energy. But now that his own strength had surged, he had to hold back constantly when sparring with his senior brother, afraid of accidentally injuring him. It was no longer a true challenge.
But with his master, a Huajin master, as his sparring partner, he could personally experience the power and techniques of Huajin, and his master could precisely control the force so as not to injure him.
This would be unimaginably beneficial for him to become familiar with the Huajin realm.
Sun Yong watched his poorly concealed excitement, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You are a disciple I taught. Your achievements are also the glory of the Martial Arts Hall."
With that, Sun Yong waved his hand, dismissing Yang Jing. "Go on. Return to the front courtyard and practice well. Do not slack off. Be here in the inner courtyard at 3:00 PM sharp."
"Yes, Master."
Yang Jing bowed once more, then turned and lightly padded out of the study.
「In the study.」
Sun Yong sat alone behind his desk, watching the direction Yang Jing had left, the smile on his lips gradually deepening.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop. From the obscure boy who had first entered the Martial Arts Hall to the Martial Dao expert capable of slaying Li Qianxiong—his transformation in just one short year was truly astonishing.
He had once placed all his hopes on Lin Yue.
Lin Yue had a superior constitution and outstanding comprehension. He was supposed to be the future pillar of the Martial Arts Hall, but he was severely injured during the training ground trials and would be unable to resume his training for a long time. Since then, a sense of loss had been weighing on Sun Yong’s heart.
But he never would have imagined that Yang Jing, to whom he hadn’t paid much attention before, would rise so powerfully, just like a dark horse.
