Chapter 642 - 215: Various Assessments

Dawn was just breaking, and morning dew still clung to the plants in Qing No. 4 Courtyard on Lingxi Peak, but Yang Jing was already up.

Dressed in a clean, black martial arts uniform, he stood tall in the courtyard and began practicing the *Mountain-Breaking Seal* once more.

After taking the Heart Inquiry Pill, the vast reservoir of Martial Dao insights that had settled in his mind pushed his training efficiency over the past few days to an unprecedented level.

The fist intent of the *Mountain-Breaking Seal* became more condensed, and his Punching Techniques grew more fluid. Each punch he threw carried an incomparably ferocious momentum.

The whistling wind from his fists shook all the morning dew loose, and the circulation of his Inner Qi was smoother than ever. He was surprised by how quickly he was progressing.

Just as Yang Jing was immersed in his cultivation, a soft knock sounded at the courtyard gate.

He pulled back his fist, calmed his breathing, and went to open the gate. A servant disciple from the kitchens stood outside, holding a steaming food container with his breakfast.

Yang Jing thanked the disciple, took the food container, and placed it on the stone table in the courtyard. After quickly washing up, he sat down to eat.

He had just finished eating and was clearing away his dishes when he heard familiar footsteps outside. Yang Jing looked up to see Sun Ningxiang walking into the courtyard.

Yang Jing smiled warmly at Sun Ningxiang and said, "Senior Sister, you came after all. You really didn’t need to make a special trip to accompany me.

"Elder Ouyang already gave the order. The assessment area is closed off, and no outsiders are allowed. If you come, you’ll just have to wait at the foot of the peak, and that will be incredibly boring."

Sun Ningxiang gently shook her head, her gaze soft. "Then I’ll wait," she said, her tone firm.

Yang Jing could only offer a wry smile. He knew her personality; once she decided on something, she wouldn’t be swayed. Further persuasion was useless, so he dropped the subject, a warmth spreading through his heart.

Then, Yang Jing straightened his robes, and the two of them set off together.

They left Qing No. 4 Courtyard and slowly made their way down the mountain path of Lingxi Peak, heading southwest toward Feather Peak.

Along the way, passing Xuanzhen Sect disciples couldn’t help but stare when they saw the two, many stopping in their tracks to watch them go by.

Many disciples from Lingxi Peak even began to follow them secretly, hoping to travel to Feather Peak and witness the assessment that could very well determine the future of the sect.

The news that the Xuanzhen Sect’s top prospect would be chosen today had long been common knowledge, and nearly every disciple was paying close attention.

Although the selection of the top prospect didn’t directly affect most ordinary disciples, it didn’t stop their curiosity or their desire to watch the spectacle and witness the moment firsthand.

After all, to the Xuanzhen Sect, the selection of its top prospect was a momentous event, one that could shape the sect’s trajectory for decades and could not be ignored.

...

In the southwestern region of Fushan Island lay a cluster of low-lying peaks.

Compared to the majestic mountains housing the Main Peak and the Seven Veins, these smaller peaks were unremarkable. Their slopes were gentle and lush with vegetation, forming a distinct landscape all their own.

The assessment to select the top prospect was to be held on one of these very peaks: Feather Peak.

「Beneath Feather Peak.」

At the entrance to the only path leading to the summit stood two disciples in the uniform of the Main Peak’s Inner Sect. Both possessed cultivation at the Peak of the Inner Strength Realm. They stood tall with solemn expressions, firmly guarding the entrance and strictly forbidding anyone unauthorized from getting near.

The assessment to select the top prospect was simply too important, as it would determine the allocation of the sect’s core resources.

The sect had issued a special order to prevent any interference: only the two participants, Yang Jing and Chu Yunhai, were permitted onto Feather Peak. All others were forbidden from taking even a single step onto the path.

Before long, Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang arrived at the foot of Feather Peak.

They stopped and gazed at the small, lush mountain before them. It wasn’t particularly tall, and its summit was veiled in a light morning mist, lending it a solemn air.

Yang Jing turned to Sun Ningxiang and said gently, "Senior Sister, I’m heading up. You don’t have to wait here for me. Go back to Yunxi Peak and get some rest. I’ll come find you the moment the assessment is over."

Sun Ningxiang nodded, her eyes a mixture of hope and concern. "Okay," she said softly. "I’ll head back soon. Just relax and do your best."

Yang Jing nodded firmly. Without another word, his expression grew solemn and his aura settled as he strode toward the entrance to the mountain path.

Soon, Yang Jing arrived before the mountain path.

When the two Main Peak Inner Sect disciples guarding the area saw Yang Jing approach, they quickly bowed. "Greetings, Senior Brother Yang!" they said with utmost respect.

By now, Yang Jing was an undisputed celebrity within the Xuanzhen Sect. From his shocking rise to fame at the Fushan Grand Tournament to his current rivalry with Chu Yunhai over the title of top prospect, there were hardly any disciples in the entire sect who didn’t know his name.

Given the talent and strength he had demonstrated at the Fushan Grand Tournament, as long as no accidents occurred, he was all but destined to become a high-ranking figure in the Xuanzhen Sect. His future was boundless.

That was why even disciples from other peaks and veins dared not show him the slightest neglect, treating him with the utmost respect.

Yang Jing gave a slight nod, returning the gesture, before asking, "Have Elder Ouyang and Senior Brother Chu Yunhai arrived?"

At Yang Jing’s question, the two guarding Inner Sect disciples bowed again and shook their heads in unison. "Senior Brother Yang," one replied respectfully, "neither Elder Ouyang nor Senior Brother Chu has arrived yet. You are the first to reach Feather Peak."