Chapter 596 - 199: The Master’s Reward and the Sect’s Reward

The next morning, Yang Jing woke early, just as the sky began to lighten.

He got up, washed up, and changed into a clean set of white training clothes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

A servant disciple from the dining hall delivered breakfast to his courtyard.

Yang Jing quickly finished his breakfast, locked his courtyard gate, and set off in the morning light, heading straight for the summit of Lingxi Peak.

Along the mountain path, the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, swirling among the lush trees and bringing with it a moist chill.

In June, Lingxi Peak was lush and vibrant. Crisp birdsong filled the air as dewdrops rolled down leaves, dripping onto the bluestone path and creating tiny splashes.

Sunlight pierced the thin mist, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow. A gentle breeze blew past, carrying the invigorating fragrance of grasses and wildflowers, a scent that refreshed the soul.

Along the way, he encountered many Lingxi Peak disciples from both the outer and Inner Sects. Upon seeing Yang Jing, they all stopped in their tracks, their eyes filled with admiration, and bowed respectfully. "Good morning, Senior Brother Yang!"

Yang Jing nodded slightly and responded gently to them as he continued his steady ascent.

Before long, Yang Jing arrived at the summit of Lingxi Peak.

The summit square was wide and open. By now, many disciples were already training there. Most were Inner Sect Disciples clad in white robes, their fists whistling through the air, their techniques sharp and fierce, and their auras steady.

When these disciples saw Yang Jing arrive, they all stopped what they were doing, clasped their fists in salute, and called out, "Senior Brother Yang," their voices filled with respect.

Yang Jing’s gaze swept across the area, and he spotted some familiar faces, including Shi Xin and Fang He. The group was gathered to one side, chatting. When they saw him, they immediately smiled, waved, and greeted him.

Yang Jing exchanged a few simple pleasantries with them and didn’t linger, turning to walk toward the Lingxi Great Hall at the front of the square.

All the way from the mountainside to the summit, everyone he passed looked at him with a mixture of awe and admiration.

Yang Jing couldn’t help but feel a swell of emotion. Before he knew it, he had transformed from an unknown outer sect disciple, new to the sect, into someone revered by all the disciples of Lingxi Peak.

This transformation was earned through countless days and nights of bitter cultivation and sweat. The achievement felt substantial, and it filled his heart with a newfound sense of resolve.

Yang Jing arrived before Lingxi Hall. He composed himself, his expression turning solemn.

The Lingxi Great Hall was magnificent and imposing. Its vermilion doors stood tall and majestic, and its roof featured upturned eaves and ornate carvings, exuding a cold and solemn aura.

The two Inner Sect Disciples on duty in front of the hall saw Yang Jing approach and quickly bowed. One of them said respectfully, "Senior Brother Yang, you must be here to see the Peak Master. I’ll go announce your arrival. Please wait a moment, Senior Brother."

Yang Jing smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Junior Brother."

That disciple turned and walked quickly into the great hall.

After only a moment, he came back out and made an inviting gesture to Yang Jing. "Senior Brother Yang, please come in. The Peak Master is waiting for you inside."

Yang Jing gave a slight nod and strode into the Lingxi Great Hall.

The hall’s interior was spacious and bright. The floor was paved with smooth blue jade stone, and the sides were lined with ancient weapon racks and bookshelves.

On the raised platform in the center, Peak Master Lingxi, Bai Bing, sat cross-legged on a cloud-patterned cushion. She wore a simple white dress, her face was exquisitely beautiful, and her temperament was cold and otherworldly. A faint Spiritual Qi lingered around her, making her resemble a Banished Immortal.

Yang Jing immediately bowed and said respectfully, "Disciple Yang Jing pays his respects to Master!"

Bai Bing smiled lightly and nodded. Her gaze, as she looked at Yang Jing, held a trace of satisfaction. She said softly, "There is no need for such ceremony. You may rise."

Hearing this, Yang Jing straightened up and stood with his hands at his sides.

Bai Bing looked at him and asked, "You dueled Chu Yunhai yesterday. How are your injuries?"

On the stage yesterday, the two had fought a bloody battle, and both had suffered significant internal injuries.

Yang Jing replied truthfully, "Reporting to Master, my external wounds have all healed. While my internal injuries have not fully subsided, they are not serious. I just need a few more days of rest to recover completely."

Hearing his words, Bai Bing nodded slightly, relieved.

Then, she reached into her robes and produced a palm-sized White Jade Porcelain Bottle.

The bottle was lustrous all over, with a sheen like mutton-fat jade. Its body was carved with intricate cloud patterns. A single glance revealed it was made from high-grade warm jade and was by no means an ordinary item.

Yang Jing’s gaze was instantly drawn to the White Jade Porcelain Bottle, and his mind raced with speculation.

’Could this be the Yunqiao Jade Marrow the sect awarded me?’

’But wasn’t I supposed to collect it from the Main Peak?’

’Did Master already collect it for me?’

Just as he was wondering, Bai Bing spoke. Her voice was cool but carried a hint of solemnity as she said to Yang Jing, "This is a Heart Inquiry Pill. After taking it, there is a chance it will improve your comprehension. Even if it fails to do that, at worst, it can induce a state of sudden enlightenment, which will be of great benefit to your cultivation."

When Yang Jing heard his master’s words, his heart leaped violently, and his pupils contracted slightly.

’It can improve a Martial Artist’s comprehension, and at worst, it can still trigger an epiphany?’

’An effect like that is hardly weaker than the Bone Jade Pill Master gave me last time, which could refine one’s bone structure! These are both top-tier treasured Elixirs, priceless and impossible to find!’

Bai Bing watched his shocked expression, the corners of her lips curling up slightly. She continued, "You took first place in the Fushan Grand Competition this time, bringing great honor to our Lingxi Peak. As your master, I am giving you this Heart Inquiry Pill as a congratulatory gift."

Yang Jing quickly bowed and said, "Master, this gift is too valuable. This disciple dares not accept it."

Bai Bing raised an eyebrow. With a light flick of her wrist, the White Jade Porcelain Bottle in her hand turned into a streak of white light and landed steadily in Yang Jing’s palm.

She said lightly, "It’s merely a single Heart Inquiry Pill. I can afford to part with it. Since it’s your reward, just take it. There’s no need to refuse."

Yang Jing lowered his head and looked at the warm White Jade Porcelain Bottle in his palm. A faint warmth from his master’s fingertips still lingered on its surface, and a warm current spread from his palm to the bottom of his heart.

’Master usually seems so cold and taciturn, and she rarely guides my cultivation personally. Yet she’s always been watching over me in secret. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have known that I practice the Indestructible True Skill, let alone have gone out of her way to find the second half of the Cultivation Technique for me.’