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

Chapter 373: Chapter 143: Promotion to the Inner Sect

The cold well water washed over his body, instantly dispelling the stickiness and fatigue. He deftly cleaned the grime from his skin, then picked up the white robe of an Inner Sect Disciple he had received from Steward Zheng and quickly changed into it.

The white robe was soft and light, feeling comfortable and breathable against his skin. The pale cyan embroidery at the collar and cuffs added to its crisp, clean look.

Yang Jing already had a tall, upright build and handsome features. Now, dressed in the white robes that symbolized his status as an Inner Sect Disciple, he looked even more dashing. The sunlight fell upon him, outlining his sharp silhouette.

His eyes held a calm, restrained sharpness, making him appear all the more striking and distinguished. He exuded an air of ineffable poise.

Yang Jing straightened the lapels of his robe, then picked up the bronze key from the table and walked out of Qing No. 4 Courtyard.

He locked the courtyard gate, carefully tucked the key away, and headed toward the Outer Sect disciple residences at the foot of Lingxi Peak.

He was going to pack his belongings at the Outer Sect Ninth Courtyard and move them to his new residence.

Along the way, he encountered a few Inner Sect Disciples. Now that Yang Jing was dressed in a white robe, his reception was worlds apart from when he wore his tattered green one.

The Inner Sect Disciples who passed him still glanced his way, but now they merely looked curious about his unfamiliar face. The earlier looks of surprise and scrutiny were gone, replaced by the quiet acknowledgment one gives a peer.

A few even gave him a slight nod, which Yang Jing politely returned. He made his way unimpeded to the Outer Sect disciple residences at the foot of the peak.

He followed the familiar path to the gate of the Ninth Courtyard.

The gate was ajar. He pushed it open to find the courtyard silent and empty.

Yang Jing didn’t linger, heading straight for his room.

Compared to Qing No. 4 Courtyard, this room was far smaller and shabbier. It was a clear indicator of the vast difference in how the Xuanzhen Sect treated its Inner Sect and Outer Sect Disciples.

He didn’t have many belongings to begin with, and he had kept them neatly stored, so packing was a simple task.

Yang Jing deftly organized his belongings, packing them one by one into a cloth bundle.

In just a few moments, his packing was done.

The bundle wasn’t large and felt light in his hand.

Yang Jing picked up the bundle and turned to leave. As he walked out the door, he subconsciously glanced back at the room’s interior.

The wooden bed, the square table, the wardrobe... Though small and simple, this room had been his first home after joining the Xuanzhen Sect.

Now that he was moving out, it was unlikely he would ever have a reason to return. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia.

After one last look, Yang Jing averted his gaze and strode out of the Ninth Courtyard’s gate without another moment’s hesitation.

Just as he stepped out of the gate, he heard voices and laughter from the eastern walkway, the sound carrying clearly to his ears.

Yang Jing paused. He recognized the voices instantly: they belonged to his fellow residents of the Ninth Courtyard—Zhao Hongxiang, Su Qingyue, and Lin Wenxuan—as well as the newer disciple, Cai He Kang.

In the past, this group had never been kind to him. Su Qingyue had frequently mocked him with cold sarcasm, while Lin Wenxuan and the new disciple, Cai He Kang, had deliberately distanced themselves to curry favor with Zhao Hongxiang. Their relationships were far from friendly.

Now that he had been promoted to the Inner Sect and was about to leave, he had no intention of getting entangled with them. Bundle in hand, he began walking up the peak.

But he had barely taken a few steps when footsteps rapidly approached from behind, followed by a chorus of respectful greetings. The voice in the lead was Zhao Hongxiang’s, laced with a contrived enthusiasm. "Greetings, Senior Brother! To what do we owe the honor of your visit to our Outer Sect Ninth Courtyard? If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will do everything in our power to assist you!"

As he finished speaking, Su Qingyue, Lin Wenxuan, and Cai He Kang all bowed with clasped hands, their voices filled with respect, not daring to show the slightest discourtesy.

They had only seen Yang Jing’s back, but the white robe that marked him as an Inner Sect Disciple was unmistakable.

Coupled with his tall frame and the dignified air he projected from behind, they didn’t think twice, simply assuming he was some senior brother from the Inner Sect on an errand. They had immediately rushed forward to pay their respects.

Although his back seemed vaguely familiar, they couldn’t place him in the moment.

Hearing them, Yang Jing stopped and slowly turned around. His gaze was calm as he looked at the four people bowing before him. "There’s no need for such formality," he said lightly. "I just came back to pack my things. I’m leaving now."

Zhao Hongxiang and the others remained slightly bowed with their hands clasped, obsequious smiles plastered on their faces as they prepared to offer more flattering words.

But when they raised their heads and saw Yang Jing’s face clearly, their smiles instantly stiffened. The fawning, eager expressions froze in place.

It was as if they had been struck by an Immobilization Spell. They stood frozen to the spot, eyes wide and round with utter, incredulous shock.

"You—"

"How—"

"Holy shit—"