Chapter 616 - 206: The Lin Family’s Invitation, Sparring with Senior Sister

"Okay, thank you for coming." Yang Jing rose to see him off, walking Lin Ziheng to the courtyard gate.

He watched until Lin Ziheng’s figure disappeared at the end of the mountain path. Only then did he turn, close the courtyard gate, and slide the bolt shut from the inside. He walked slowly back to the main house and sat down, his mind beginning to contemplate the upcoming trip to the Lin Family’s estate.

His ready acceptance of the Lin Family’s invitation was no rash impulse; it was the result of careful consideration of several factors.

The first reason was the Lin Family’s status.

The Lin Family was one of the three great clans of Jintai Prefecture, a dominant local force. With Patriarch Lin personally extending the invitation, Yang Jing couldn’t refuse such a show of sincerity and honor.

Refusing rashly would inevitably offend the Lin Family and hinder his future prospects in Jintai Prefecture.

The second reason was to expand his network.

The Lin Family had deep roots and extensive influence in both the Martial Arts Realm and the business world of Jintai Prefecture.

If he could get on good terms with the Lin Family, it would bring him nothing but benefits.

In the future, the Lin Family could likely provide significant help, whether in acquiring Cultivation Resources, gathering intelligence, or even offering support when he was out gaining experience.

The third reason was to fulfill his promise to Sun Ningxiang.

He had previously promised to accompany her for a stroll in the Prefecture City, but it had been repeatedly delayed due to his cultivation. This time, he could use the opportunity of attending the banquet to both take care of business and fulfill his promise, killing two birds with one stone.

The fourth reason was out of respect for Lin Ziheng.

He was on good terms with Lin Ziheng. Although they didn’t interact often, Lin Ziheng was an upright and straightforward person who had helped him out of trouble on multiple occasions.

Now that Lin Ziheng was here representing the Lin Family, it was only right for him to accept, both for personal and logical reasons.

Thinking of this, Yang Jing’s mind was made up. He picked up the teacup from the table, drank the remaining tea in one gulp, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

’I wonder what other gains this trip to the Lin Family’s estate might bring.’

He picked up the teacup and took a light sip. Just like that, he sat by the square table, his fingertips tapping gently on the smooth surface as a plan formed in his mind.

’Tomorrow, after the Lin Family’s banquet, I can take the opportunity to stroll around the Prefecture City with Senior Sister Ning Xiang and unwind from all the recent tension.’

’For more than half a year, I’ve been completely engrossed in cultivation and competitions, my nerves constantly on edge. It’s rare to have this kind of free time.’

’After I’ve relaxed a bit and returned to the sect, it will be the perfect time to take the Heart Inquiry Pill.’

The mere thought of the Heart Inquiry Pill’s legendary effects made a wave of keen anticipation wash over Yang Jing.

’My *Mountain-Breaking Seal* has been advancing by leaps and bounds. If taking the Heart Inquiry Pill brings some insight, perhaps I can reach the Peak of Qi Eating Realm even faster and lay a solid foundation for breaking through to the Qi Absorption Realm.’

Just then, a light KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK from the courtyard gate interrupted Yang Jing’s thoughts.

He stood up, walked out of the main house, and opened the courtyard gate. Outside stood a servant disciple from the kitchens, holding a meal box, who said respectfully, "Senior Brother Yang, this is today’s lunch."

Yang Jing nodded, took the meal box, and after watching the servant disciple leave, he turned and went back inside to eat.

...

「The next morning.」

The sky was just beginning to lighten when Yang Jing got out of bed.

After quickly washing up, he ate the breakfast delivered from the kitchens and prepared to head to the Training Room to continue practicing the *Mountain-Breaking Seal* in the morning tranquility.

But just as he opened the courtyard gate, the corner of his eye caught a familiar figure on the mountain path not far away, walking towards him—it was none other than the Senior Sister of Lingxi Peak, Si Jiawen.

Yang Jing froze, stopping in his tracks.

’Rumor on Lingxi Peak has it that the Senior Sister is always busy with peak affairs and her own cultivation. She rarely seeks out disciples on her own initiative.’

’Why is she here today? Judging by her direction, she’s heading straight for my courtyard. Don’t tell me she’s looking for me again?’

Not daring to show any slight, he immediately cupped his fists and stood at the gate to wait.

A moment later, Si Jiawen approached.

She was dressed in her usual moon-white martial attire, her posture erect and her air cool and detached. However, her brow was less severe than usual, showing a rare hint of peace.

Yang Jing quickly bowed. "Greetings, Senior Sister."

Si Jiawen walked up to the gate, her gaze landing on Yang Jing. She got straight to the point. "In three days, there will be a lecture on the peak. You will go up and share some of your insights on cultivation as well."

Yang Jing was taken aback upon hearing this, then remembered that the Senior Sister had indeed mentioned this before.

He immediately nodded and answered respectfully, "Yes, I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister."

Si Jiawen grunted in acknowledgment, her eyes sweeping over Yang Jing as if sizing him up. A faint smile touched her lips. "Since we’ve run into each other, how about a spar? Let this Senior Sister see for herself just how much substance there is behind the strength that earned you a tie for first place in the Fushan Tournament."

"A spar?" Yang Jing was taken aback at first, but then his heart surged with an eagerness to try.

After the tempering of the Fushan Tournament, his strength was firmly established among the Xuanzhen Sect’s younger generation. He was second only to the senior disciples of each peak and the handful of Core Disciples who had reached the Qi Absorption Realm.

As he was now, it was already very difficult to find an evenly matched opponent to spar with.

The senior disciples of each peak were all elites of the sect, their strength far above his. He naturally didn’t dare to rashly challenge them.

As for the other disciples in the Qi Absorption Realm, most were notoriously elusive—either out gaining experience or in secluded cultivation. Finding them was next to impossible.

Take Lingxi Peak, for example. Besides Senior Sister Si Jiawen, he also had a Second Senior Sister who was said to be just as formidable. But she spent her years out gaining experience, sometimes delving deep into ancient forests to slay ferocious beasts, other times hunting down wicked members of the Demon Sect.

Yang Jing had been in the sect for more than half a year, but he had never even seen her once.

Now, Senior Sister Si Jiawen had taken the initiative to suggest a spar, which undoubtedly made Yang Jing’s heart pound with excitement.

The chance to cross hands with a top expert only a step away from the True Qi Realm was incredibly rare. It would not only allow him to test his true strength but also learn a great deal from the fight.

A flicker of excitement crossed Yang Jing’s eyes as he looked at Si Jiawen. He nodded with a smile. "Alright! Then please, Senior Sister, I ask for your guidance!"

Si Jiawen nodded slightly, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Not bad, kid. You’ve got guts."

As she spoke, she glanced around before her eyes returned to Yang Jing’s courtyard. "You’re the only one who lives here, right?"

At her words, Yang Jing’s expression soured. "Senior Sister," he said, resigned, "of course I’m the only one in my courtyard."

Si Jiawen nodded, satisfied. "That’s good. Since you’re alone, we’ll just spar in your courtyard. It saves the trouble of going elsewhere."

"Alright." Yang Jing nodded, stepping aside to invite Si Jiawen into the courtyard.

Though his courtyard was plainly furnished, it was spacious enough for the two of them to move freely.

Yang Jing and Si Jiawen each stood on one side of the courtyard, facing each other.

The morning sun filtered through the vines on the courtyard walls, casting dappled light and shadow upon them. The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.

Yang Jing took a deep breath, his expression growing solemn.

He knew very well that Senior Sister Si Jiawen’s strength was extremely formidable. She had long since reached the Peak of Qi Absorption Realm and was only a step away from the True Qi Realm.

Even among experts of the Qi Absorption Realm, she was one of the very best—far beyond his ability to contend with at his current level.

He didn’t shrink back, however.

’This is the perfect chance to use Senior Sister’s immense strength to test my own true level. I’ll see just how much my combat prowess has increased after the Fushan Tournament and these last few days of bitter cultivation.’

He clenched his fists, and the Inner Qi within his body began to circulate silently.