Chapter 597 - 199: Master’s Reward and Sect’s Reward (Part 2)

When it came to resources, his master focused on quality over quantity. The Bone Jade Pill from before and now this Heart Inquiry Pill were both priceless, top-tier elixirs that one could only hope to stumble upon by chance.

A faint medicinal fragrance, crisp but not overpowering, wafted from the palm-sized porcelain bottle. Yang Jing’s heart filled with both gratitude and excitement.

This single Heart Inquiry Pill was far more valuable than the Yunqiao Jade Marrow awarded by the sect.

Although the Yunqiao Jade Marrow was precious and could aid cultivation and even assist in realm breakthroughs, it was ultimately just an auxiliary resource.

The Heart Inquiry Pill, however, was directly related to one’s comprehension and potential for epiphanies. It was a supreme treasure that could fundamentally increase cultivation efficiency, making it far more significant to him.

Yang Jing marveled to himself. ’My master is truly a Peak Master. Her generosity is far beyond anything I could have imagined.’

In the past, he wouldn’t have even dared to dream of a supreme treasure like this, yet now he held it in his hand.

He bowed again, his voice filled with sincere gratitude. "Thank you for this generous gift, Master!"

With that, he dispensed with further pleasantries and carefully tucked the White Jade Porcelain Bottle into his robes, keeping it safe against his body.

With this Heart Inquiry Pill, whether or not it could directly increase his comprehension, the single opportunity for an epiphany was enough. It would allow him to avoid countless detours on his cultivation path and greatly shorten the time needed to break through to the Qi Absorption Realm.

Fighting spirit and anticipation swirled in Yang Jing’s heart. He felt the road ahead was filled with light.

Seeing him put away the elixir, Bai Bing nodded slightly. She then stood up, her robes fluttering lightly. "Let’s go. Come with me to the Main Peak to see the Sect Leader and receive your reward for placing first in the Fushan competition."

"Yes, Master," Yang Jing replied with a bow, following closely behind Bai Bing as they walked out of the Lingxi Great Hall together.

The two of them crossed Lingxi Plaza and headed down the peak.

The disciples they passed along the way bowed to Bai Bing and Yang Jing, showing the utmost respect.

Back on the plaza, Fang He, Shi Xin, Yan Chenglong, and the others remained where they stood, watching the pair depart side by side. Their hearts were filled with a mix of complex emotions, full of sighs and melancholy.

Not long ago, Yang Jing had been just a newcomer to the Inner Sect, and they could still act as his senior brothers.

But now, though Yang Jing was still the same humble and unassuming person, devoid of any arrogance, he had, with a single victory in the Fushan competition, shot up to tie with Chu Yunhai for first place on the Hidden Dragon List. His fame now echoed throughout the entire Xuanzhen Sect.

Standing before a Yang Jing who was now like the sun at its zenith, as majestic as a mountain, they no longer felt any of the imposing air of being his seniors. All that remained was a deep-seated reverence, and an indescribable pressure.

The gap between them had grown so vast that even the thought of catching up seemed futile.

...

Yang Jing followed behind Bai Bing, making his way toward the Main Peak.

A gentle breeze swept by, carrying a faint, subtle fragrance to his nose. It was crisp and elegant, with a touch of gentle warmth.

Something stirred in Yang Jing’s mind. The scent was familiar—it was the same fragrance that had emanated from the White Jade Porcelain Bottle containing the Heart Inquiry Pill just moments ago.

He had originally thought it was the fragrance of the jade bottle or the elixir itself. But now, he was struck by the realization that this subtle scent was coming from his master. ’She must have kept the Heart Inquiry Pill close to her, and its aroma has seeped into her robes,’ he thought.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the stray thoughts that arose in his mind. His expression grew more solemn as he followed closely in Bai Bing’s footsteps, not daring to let his attention wander for even a moment.

Before long, the two of them set foot on the Main Peak. They followed the green flagstone path up the mountain, ascending all the way to the summit.

Along the way, whether they were Main Peak disciples or disciples from the other veins running errands, their expressions all shifted slightly upon seeing Yang Jing, their eyes filled with unconcealable reverence.

Yang Jing’s fame had now skyrocketed within the Xuanzhen Sect. Many new disciples might not recognize the Sect Leader or the Seven Vein Peak Masters, but they were intimately familiar with this prodigy who had just tied for first place in the Fushan competition and could recognize him at a glance.

After all, with the Xuanzhen Sect holding the Fushan competition over the past few days, it was safe to say that nearly every disciple had gone to watch.

When they reached the front of the Main Peak’s great hall, two disciples on duty, dressed in black martial attire, saw Bai Bing and Yang Jing approaching. They immediately bowed and said respectfully, "Greetings, Peak Master Lingxi!"

Bai Bing gave a faint nod and led Yang Jing straight into the great hall.

The interior of the Main Peak’s great hall was spacious and magnificent. Several enormous Spirit Lamps hung from the ceiling, their light soft and gentle on the eyes.

At this moment, quite a few people had already gathered in the hall. Peak Master Zhenyue, Qin Gang; the Celestial Derivation Peak Master, Huang Zhen; Peak Master Yunxi, Zhou Yunyi; and Peak Master Qingxu, Li Zhihai, were among the Peak Masters who had already arrived, each seated in chairs on either side.

At the very head of the great hall was an exquisitely carved pear wood Grandmaster’s Chair, the seat reserved for the Sect Leader.

Four chairs were arranged on each side, designated for the Seven Vein Peak Masters and the Chief Elder.

After entering the hall, Bai Bing gave a slight nod to the other Peak Masters present before leading Yang Jing to the second chair on the left and taking her seat.

Yang Jing stood respectfully behind Bai Bing with his hands at his sides, his gaze quietly sweeping across the hall.

Chu Yunhai stood behind the Celestial Derivation Peak Master, Huang Zhen, his posture ramrod straight and his expression indifferent.

Lu Shaohua stood beside Peak Master Qingxu, Li Zhihai, his expression calm.

A short while later, footsteps sounded from outside the hall, and the Thunder Peak Master, Lei Lie, strode in with Bai Ziyu.

Lei Lie was burly, with a voice that boomed like a great bell. He walked straight to the third chair on the right and sat down. Bai Ziyu stood behind him with his head lowered, a look of frustrated helplessness on his face.

A moment later, all of the Seven Vein Peak Masters had arrived, and Chief Elder Ouyang Jingxuan was also seated. With all eight chairs now occupied, the atmosphere in the hall became solemn and dignified.

Just then, from the passage leading to the rear hall, a tall, imposing figure with a dignified air strode out. It was none other than the Sect Leader of the Xuanzhen Sect, Cao Zhen.

He was dressed in a black robe embroidered with a golden dragon pattern. His features were handsome and resolute, and he possessed a scholarly, refined air. Yet, with every blink of his eyes, he exuded an imperious might that could look down upon the world. His aura was restrained, but it was enough to make the entire hall fall silent with its weight.

Cao Zhen walked slowly to the pear wood Grandmaster’s Chair at the head of the hall. Before he could even sit down, the Seven Vein Peak Masters and the Chief Elder all rose to their feet. The disciples—Yang Jing, Chu Yunhai, Bai Ziyu, and Lu Shaohua—also bowed hastily and called out in unison, "Greetings, Sect Leader!"

Cao Zhen smiled faintly and waved his hand. His voice was resonant and authoritative. "There is no need for such ceremony. Please, be seated."

Everyone sat as instructed, and the hall fell silent once more.

Cao Zhen’s gaze swept over the crowd, a satisfied smile on his face. He began, "This session of the Fushan competition has come to a successful conclusion. All of you disciples performed admirably, especially the top three, who are the future pillars of our Xuanzhen Sect. As per the rules of the competition, the top three will each receive a grand prize, which will be awarded today."

His gaze slowly fell upon Chu Yunhai and Yang Jing as he said in a deep voice, "Chu Yunhai. Yang Jing."

Hearing their names, the two immediately stepped out from behind their respective Peak Masters. They stood side-by-side in the center of the hall and bowed to Cao Zhen. "We are here."

Cao Zhen looked at the two, his eyes full of approval. "You both possess peerless talent and outstanding strength. You are the top prospects of your generation, second only to the head disciples of each vein. Your futures are bright."

With that, he turned to Ouyang Jingxuan, who was seated at the end of the row, and nodded. "Elder Ouyang, bring out the Yunqiao Jade Marrow."

Ouyang Jingxuan immediately stood, clasped his hands in a salute, and turned to walk swiftly toward the rear of the hall to retrieve the eagerly anticipated Yunqiao Jade Marrow.

Before long, Ouyang Jingxuan returned from the rear hall, carrying a Purple Sandalwood Plate. The edge of the plate was carved with flowing cloud patterns, giving it a simple yet profound and ancient air.

Upon the plate, nine Mutton Fat Porcelain Bottles were neatly arranged. The bottles were small and exquisite, glowing with a soft, warm luster. Each was tied at the mouth with a red silk ribbon, a clear sign that they contained extraordinary treasures.

Yang Jing’s gaze was instantly drawn to the porcelain bottles on the plate, and his heart skipped a beat.

The rules of the Fushan competition stated that first place would receive three drops of Yunqiao Jade Marrow, second place two drops, and third place one drop. With the tie for first, that meant a total of nine drops, perfectly divided among the nine bottles.

The effects of Yunqiao Jade Marrow were astonishing. Not only could it nourish the meridians, solidify one’s cultivation foundation, and accelerate cultivation, it was also effective in helping one break through to the Qi Absorption Realm. Even for a mighty expert in the Pill Realm, it was an extremely precious resource used to nurture the Dantian and repair one’s core essence.

With these three drops of Yunqiao Jade Marrow, on top of the Heart Inquiry Pill he had just received, the time it would take him to break through to the Qi Absorption Realm would be shortened by a significant amount.