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

Chapter 378: Chapter 144: Congratulatory Gift from a Fellow Disciple, Meeting the Peak Master

As he reached the midway point of Yunxi Peak, the evening breeze brushed against his face, carrying the fresh, clean scent of the mountain’s flora.

Yang Jing looked up to see the horizon painted in liquid gold by the setting sun. Hues of orange and red spilled over the clouds, flowing down the contours of the peaks and bathing the mountain’s pine forest in a warm, amber light.

A gust of wind swept past the low bushes on the cliff’s edge, sending dry leaves spiraling through the air. As twilight deepened, the entirety of Yunxi Peak was enveloped in the tranquil, gentle scenery of dusk.

The layout of Yunxi Peak was identical to that of Lingxi Peak. Outer sect disciples lived together in simple courtyards at the base of the mountain, while Inner Sect Disciples resided midway up the peak, their quarters far more spacious and elegant.

However, Sun Ningxiang’s situation was unique. Ever since she had been accepted into Yunxi Peak, she had been deeply favored by Peak Master Yunxi.

Peak Master Yunxi kept her by their side to personally instruct her and even broke precedent by arranging for her to live in the Inner Sect Disciples’ residential area. This allowed her, despite being an outer sect disciple, to have a private courtyard all to herself.

The courtyard was situated in a secluded area on the mountainside and even featured a small private garden. Even among the residences of the Inner Sect Disciples, it was considered an exceptionally fine place.

The other disciples of Yunxi Peak were, of course, aware of Sun Ningxiang’s special treatment. In private, they couldn’t help but feel envious, but because of the Peak Master’s blatant favoritism, no one dared to show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction.

Whenever they encountered Sun Ningxiang, they would actually take the initiative to greet her and try to curry favor, terrified of offending the Peak Master’s darling.

It was precisely because Yang Jing knew Sun Ningxiang was living a safe and peaceful life on Yunxi Peak, free from any need for his concern, that he could pour all his energy into his own cultivation. He was able to hone his strength without distraction, rarely making the trip over to Yunxi Peak.

In the past, when Yang Jing was still an outer sect disciple, he had always felt extremely self-conscious when visiting Sun Ningxiang in the Inner Sect area on Yunxi Peak. Whenever he encountered Inner Sect Disciples from Yunxi Peak, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of inferiority.

But now, he was an official Inner Sect Disciple of the Xuanzhen Sect. Dressed in the same white robes as the others, his status was completely different.

Along the way, he passed several Inner Sect Disciples from Yunxi Peak, also clad in white robes. Although they didn’t recognize him, they gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment. Yang Jing returned the gesture calmly, feeling a new sense of composure. The awkwardness he once felt was completely gone.

Soon, Yang Jing reached the core residential area for Yunxi Peak’s Inner Sect Disciples. He followed a familiar path toward Sun Ningxiang’s courtyard.

When he was still several dozen paces from the courtyard, he suddenly saw a group of people gathered ahead. They were standing in small clusters outside the gate, and he could vaguely make out a slender figure surrounded by them. It was Sun Ningxiang.

Yang Jing’s heart seized, and his expression changed instantly. Without a moment’s hesitation, he quickened his pace and strode rapidly toward the crowd.

In the center of the crowd, Sun Ningxiang’s face was taut, her eyes filled with an icy chill.

She looked up, meeting the gaze of the brocade-clad man before her, and said in a cold, hard voice, "Yuwen Mingjue, please step aside. You’re blocking my way."

She had only wanted to step out for some fresh air, but Yuwen Mingjue and his group had intercepted her at the gate, pestering her endlessly and filling her with annoyance.

The man, Yuwen Mingjue, was dressed in fine brocade martial robes with an exquisite longsword at his waist. His features were handsome, but tinged with arrogance.

At her words, a flicker of coldness crossed his eyes, clearly showing his displeasure with her attitude.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation, and looked at Sun Ningxiang. "Junior Sister Sun, you should think this through carefully. My Yuwen Family is one of the most prominent clans in Jintai Prefecture. We have immense wealth, and our influence extends throughout the Prefecture City."

"If you’re with me, a life of honor and glory awaits you. Besides, I’ve already reached the Peak of Transformation. I recently attempted to break through to the Qi Eating Realm, and although I failed, I’ve accumulated more than enough power. I will certainly succeed on my next attempt."

He paused, a flicker of smugness in his eyes as his tone grew even more confident. "Once I successfully break through to the Qi Eating Realm, I’ll be the next heir to the Yuwen Family. If you agree to be with me, you will become the future Lady of the House. You’ll enjoy endless splendor and riches. An opportunity like this doesn’t come along for just anyone."

When he finished, the chill in Sun Ningxiang’s eyes deepened. She stared directly into Yuwen Mingjue’s eyes and spoke with firm resolve, enunciating each word. "Yuwen Mingjue, let me make myself perfectly clear one more time. I have absolutely no interest in you. I have never cared about your Yuwen Family’s wealth or status, and I certainly don’t give a damn about being the Lady of the House. If you continue to pester me, don’t blame me for going straight to the Peak Master and letting the Peak Master pass judgment on this matter."

Hearing this, Yuwen Mingjue’s face fell. His arrogant expression instantly turned grave, and a clear look of apprehension flashed in his eyes.

’Peak Master Yunxi’s reputation was renowned throughout Jintai Prefecture. If Sun Ningxiang really did report him, he knew that even with the Yuwen Family backing him, he wouldn’t get off easy. He might even be reprimanded or punished by the Peak Master.’

Just as Yuwen Mingjue was wrestling with his apprehension, his expression wavering.

One of the Yunxi Peak Inner Sect Disciples in his entourage caught sight of a figure striding quickly toward them from a distance.

An idea struck the disciple. He quickly nudged Yuwen Mingjue with his elbow, shot him a meaningful look, and whispered, "Senior Brother Yuwen, look. That’s Yang Jing, the one from Lingxi Peak who was just promoted to the Inner Sect."

Hearing this, Yuwen Mingjue frowned slightly. He turned to look in the indicated direction and saw Yang Jing striding toward them.

His white robes fluttered gently in the evening breeze, and he carried himself with an air of calm composure, his gaze sharp and piercing.