Chapter 486 - 169: Fushan Grand Competition, Senior Sister’s Situation

Yang Jing nodded hurriedly, his expression solemn. "Yes, Master. Both the Bone Marrow Tempering Pill and the Qi Storage Pill played a crucial role in my rapid breakthrough to the Qi Eating Realm."

That Bone Marrow Tempering Pill had helped him with Washing Marrow and Cutting Veins, greatly boosting his cultivation progress. Even now, he craved more of them, but unfortunately, he only had a few of the elixirs on hand.

Bai Bing gave a slight nod. Her voice was calm yet resonant. "The Yunqiao Jade Marrow is at least ten times more effective than the Bone Marrow Tempering Pill, and it has many other spiritual benefits as well."

Hearing Bai Bing’s words, Yang Jing was completely stunned, a look of utter disbelief washing over his face.

In his eyes, the effects of the Bone Marrow Tempering Pill were already astonishing, far exceeding his initial expectations.

When he had taken that Bone Marrow Tempering Pill, his cultivation efficiency had increased by more than six or seven times, and the circulation of his Inner Strength had quickened as if a barrier had been broken.

One could say that a single day of arduous cultivation after taking a Bone Marrow Tempering Pill was equivalent to a day in a Grade B Training Room, or ten days of cultivating out in the open. The results were nothing short of astounding.

And yet, this Yunqiao Jade Marrow was at least ten times more potent than the Bone Marrow Tempering Pill!

’This is absolutely mind-boggling!’ The mere thought of it made Yang Jing’s heart pound wildly.

At that, Si Jiawen, who stood to the side, also nodded, her voice tinged with envy. "The Yunqiao Jade Marrow is extremely precious, and the sect values it highly. Even the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters of the various peaks rarely get the chance to be rewarded with such a treasure."

Bai Bing retracted her gaze and said nonchalantly, "There is one month until the Fushan Grand Competition. That’s plenty of time. Prepare well and aim for a high rank."

Yang Jing quickly composed himself and bowed respectfully. "Yes, I understand!"

Bai Bing gave a light wave of her hand. "That is all. You are both dismissed."

Yang Jing and Si Jiawen bowed in unison and said together, "We take our leave."

With that, the two of them turned and walked slowly out of Lingxi Hall.

Outside, a mountain breeze met them, carrying the fresh scent of vegetation.

Si Jiawen and Yang Jing walked side by side along the mountain path. Now that Yang Jing had also become a disciple of the Peak Master, they were truly fellow disciples under the same master, and their bond was much closer than before.

Si Jiawen turned her head to look at Yang Jing and cautioned him earnestly, "Junior Brother, this is your first time participating in such an important sect competition as Master’s disciple. Whatever you do, don’t bring shame upon her."

She paused before continuing, "Don’t be fooled by Master’s usual air of indifference. The truth is, she cares immensely about her reputation. If you perform well in the competition and make her happy, your rewards will be plentiful. But if you do poorly and anger her, you’ll have to face the consequences."

Yang Jing’s expression grew solemn. He nodded gravely and said with conviction, "I understand, Senior Sister. I’ll be sure to give it my all."

He knew in his heart why he was participating in the Fushan Grand Competition. ’It’s not just to make a good impression on Master. More importantly, I’m doing this for myself.’

After all, the rewards for the Fushan Grand Competition were too generous to ignore—the Yunqiao Jade Marrow, long-term access to the Grade B Training Rooms, and the subsequent preferential treatment in resources and sect grooming. All of it was incredibly enticing.

Yang Jing and Si Jiawen chatted for a while longer about sect matters before parting ways at a fork in the path.

Si Jiawen headed back to the summit to manage the peak’s affairs, while Yang Jing turned and headed down the mountain. With agile steps, he made his way directly toward Yunxi Peak, worried about Sun Ningxiang and wanting to check if anything was wrong.

As he descended the stone steps of Lingxi Peak, he spotted the outer sect disciples’ living area at the foot of the mountain in the distance.

The sight of the scattered courtyards and the blue-robed figures bustling about brought back memories of the months he had spent in the Outer Sect Ninth Courtyard.

Though he had been a newcomer then and was ostracized by the likes of Su Qingyue and Zhao Hongxiang, those days had also been simple and pure.

Yang Jing shook his head slightly, pushing the memories to the back of his mind. He refused to dwell on them and quickened his pace toward Yunxi Peak.

Along the mountain path, he occasionally passed other disciples of the Xuanzhen Sect.

Many recognized Yang Jing at a glance, stopping to greet him with a slight nod.

Yang Jing had made quite a name for himself within the Xuanzhen Sect.

First, he had bested all his rivals to claim victory in the Cyan Qilin Battle. Then, he had broken through to the Qi Eating Realm and earned a spot on the Hidden Dragon List.

Each of these accomplishments had sent ripples through the Xuanzhen Sect, transforming him from an unknown disciple of humble origins into one of the sect’s most popular rising stars.

Yang Jing didn’t put on airs, simply responding to them with a smile and a nod.

Some Lingxi Peak disciples he knew even ran up enthusiastically to talk with him. Yang Jing patiently chatted with them for a moment before continuing on his way.

Before long, Yang Jing reached the foot of Yunxi Peak. He followed the winding stone steps, making his way slowly up toward the mid-peak area.

The Yunxi Peak disciples he encountered along the way mostly shot him quizzical glances, wondering what this new prodigy from Lingxi Peak was suddenly doing on their territory.

Yang Jing paid them no mind, continuing his ascent.

His state of mind on this visit to Yunxi Peak was completely different from previous times.

Previously, he had been just an ordinary, unknown Inner Strength Disciple. Faced with the scrutinizing gazes of the Yunxi Peak disciples, he couldn’t help but feel a little less composed, even if he wasn’t completely lacking in confidence.

Now, however, he was an elite disciple at the Qi Eating Realm with a growing reputation in the Xuanzhen Sect. His every gesture exuded a confident and composed air; he had far more self-assurance than before.

Soon, Yang Jing reached the mid-peak of Yunxi Peak and, following the familiar path, found Sun Ningxiang’s small courtyard.

But the sight that greeted him made him pause.

A heavy bronze lock hung on Sun Ningxiang’s courtyard gate. Clearly, she wasn’t home.

Yang Jing frowned. ’I wonder where Senior Sister Ning Xiang went.’

’Has Peak Master Yunxi returned?’

Sun Ningxiang usually spent most of her time with Peak Master Yunxi. However, Yang Jing had learned from her a few days ago that the Peak Master had left the sect on business and wasn’t expected back for at least ten to fifteen days.

As far as Yang Jing knew, whenever Sun Ningxiang wasn’t with Peak Master Yunxi, she would usually be in her courtyard reading or cultivating. She rarely went out.

Yet today, when he had made a special trip to find her, she wasn’t in her courtyard.

Yang Jing’s brow furrowed. He recalled that Sun Ningxiang hadn’t come to see him recently either, and his heart sank. ’Don’t tell me something happened to her,’ he worried.