Chapter 352: Chapter 140: Murderous Intent Arises, the Branches Gather
Her voice held a hint of surprise.
Yang Jing nodded slightly and answered frankly, "Yes. I reached the Peak of Transformation not long ago, so I came to apply for the trial."
The initial joy of breaking through to the Peak of Transformation had already subsided. Now, as he spoke, his tone was simply calm.
Seeing Yang Jing’s composed expression, a flash of envy crossed Liu Rou’s eyes.
She had been cultivating for many years and was now a Huajin Martial Artist, but she was still a considerable distance from the Peak of Transformation. That Yang Jing had already reached that level truly made her envious.
But the envy was fleeting. She quickly calmed down, understanding in her heart.
She had witnessed almost all of Yang Jing’s arduous training over the past few months.
Since they lived in the same courtyard, she often saw Yang Jing leave to train before dawn and only return quietly late at night.
Aside from eating and sleeping, he spent nearly all his time on martial arts. He would immerse himself in the Training Room during the day and practice in the secluded areas around Lingxi Peak at night, day after day, without ever breaking his routine.
Liu Rou knew she could never match Yang Jing’s frenzied dedication to training. ’I’d be hard-pressed to be even half as diligent as he is.’ It was the first time in her life she had seen such a nearly masochistic approach to cultivation. It was only natural that he would achieve such a breakthrough.
Liu Rou looked at Yang Jing’s calm face, still somewhat puzzled. She couldn’t help but ask, "Junior Brother Yang, you just reached the Peak of Transformation. Why not take some time to build up your foundation, properly stabilize your realm, and hone your combat skills? If you prepared a little longer, you’d have a much better chance of passing the Dragon Gate Martial Trial. There’s no need to rush things."
Yang Jing didn’t want to overexplain. He just shook his head and said, "I didn’t think too much about it. Since I met the requirements for the trial, I came to register."
Seeing this, Liu Rou knew Yang Jing didn’t want to discuss it further, so she didn’t press him. Instead, she smiled faintly and asked, "So, Junior Brother Yang, when is your Dragon Gate Martial Trial scheduled?"
"Four days from now, on the twentieth of the month," Yang Jing answered.
Hearing this, Liu Rou immediately nodded with a smile. "In that case, I’ll definitely be there to watch your trial and cheer you on. Even if I can’t meet up with everyone at Lingxi Plaza, I’ll go to the Dragon Gate Plaza below the Main Peak ahead of time to wait for you."
The Dragon Gate Martial Trial for all outer disciples of the Xuanzhen Sect’s Seven Veins was held at the Dragon Gate Plaza, located below the Main Peak. Disciples first had to gather at a designated spot on their respective peaks, from where a Steward would personally lead them to the trial grounds.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Liu." Yang Jing inclined his head slightly, his voice filled with sincere gratitude.
After a brief exchange, Yang Jing prepared to leave. "Senior Sister Liu, I’ll be going now. I need to get back and prepare. I won’t keep you from your duties."
"Take care, Junior Brother. Be sure to prepare well and get yourself in the right state of mind," Liu Rou said with a smile.
Yang Jing nodded in response, turned, and walked down toward the base of Lingxi Peak.
Liu Rou stood where she was, watching his retreating figure. She shook her head slightly, a complex expression in her eyes.
To be honest, she wasn’t optimistic about Yang Jing’s chances in the upcoming Dragon Gate Martial Trial.
Yang Jing had only just reached the Peak of Transformation. His realm wasn’t fully stabilized, and his foundation was too shallow. To participate in the trial so hastily... he was in a much worse position than even Zhao Hongxiang had been.
After reaching the Peak of Transformation, Zhao Hongxiang had specifically taken time to prepare, yet he still failed in the end. With Yang Jing being this rash, he would probably also struggle to pass the difficult hurdle of the Dragon Gate Martial Trial.
Liu Rou sighed to herself. ’Within the Xuanzhen Sect, reaching the Peak of Transformation isn’t actually that difficult. With enough time to practice and a moderate amount of Cultivation Resources, many disciples can achieve it eventually.
The real challenge is consolidating one’s strength after reaching the peak.
The gap between two people at the Peak of Transformation can be enormous.
Some Martial Artists at the Peak of Transformation are immensely powerful, capable of fighting many opponents at once and easily crushing others in the same realm.
Yet others at the peak are even weaker than ordinary Huajin Martial Artists who have spent years honing their practical combat skills. They have the realm but none of the corresponding combat prowess.
And that is precisely what the sect tests with the Dragon Gate Martial Trial. The sect wants true experts, not just empty shells who possess the title of Peak of Transformation without the power to back it up.
Right now, the sect is full of disciples who have reached the Peak of Transformation but are stuck in the outer sect, unable to pass the Dragon Gate Martial Trial. Many of them have tried and failed several times, and over time, they have gradually lost all hope of ever passing the trial.
Perhaps, one day, Yang Jing will become one of them.
But life is unpredictable, and there are always exceptions. Maybe one day Yang Jing will have a stroke of luck and pass the Dragon Gate Martial Trial in one fell swoop. Who’s to say?’
As she thought about this, Liu Rou felt it might be a good idea to grow a little closer to Yang Jing.
As for Zhao Hongxiang, she knew very well that he didn’t give her the time of day. She had no desire to force herself on him or try to curry favor. Even if she did, he probably wouldn’t welcome her advances.
Besides, while she came from a merchant family and knew how to read a situation, she couldn’t bring herself to shamelessly grovel and flatter like Su Qingyue. She was destined to never get too close to Zhao Hongxiang; it was best to simply avoid offending him in their daily interactions.
Being on good terms with Yang Jing, however, was much easier. There was no need to deliberately cater to him. Simply maintaining a friendly private relationship felt much more relaxed and natural.
...
After applying for the Dragon Gate Martial Trial, Yang Jing didn’t deliberately alter his routine in the following days. Instead, he maintained a calm mindset, continuing his usual path of intense cultivation. He went to the Training Room on schedule every day to hone his martial arts, not slacking in the slightest.
Comments