Chapter 560 - 189: A Great Surge in Inner Qi

This was the very reason she had hesitated, why she’d made a special detour to come over.

She hadn’t expected to walk in on Sun Ningxiang also in the room. Under the dim, yellow lamplight, the way the two of them sat facing each other held a sort of indescribable intimacy.

Si Jiawen immediately felt her arrival was a bit abrupt, so she simply swallowed the words that had been on the tip of her tongue.

...

「Early the next morning.」

The sky had just begun to lighten, but Fushan Square was already a clamor of voices, bustling with excitement.

Disciples from the Main Peak and the Seven Veins streamed in continuously, figures in variously colored robes weaving through the crowd.

Members of the great families from Jintai Prefecture also arrived one after another. Some Patriarchs and Elders searched Fushan Square for good viewing spots, followed by their core disciples, all of whom wore solemn expressions, their gazes fixed intently on the central arena stage.

In recent days, news of the Xuanzhen Sect’s Fushan Grand Competition had spread through every street and alley of Jintai Prefecture, becoming the region’s most significant recent event.

The later matches in particular drew a gathering of experts, with battles growing increasingly fierce. Naturally, this attracted the competitive attention of various powers, all eager to see what kind of prodigious talents would emerge from this generation of Xuanzhen Sect’s young disciples.

The group from Lingxi Peak followed the flow of the crowd to the foot of the arena, finding a spot with a wide, open view to stand.

Looking from a distance, many Sect Elders had already taken their seats on the secondary platform, but the Sect Leader’s seat and the seven Peak Masters’ seats on the high platform remained empty.

Just then, Yang Jing suddenly felt a piercing gaze land on him. The look carried a faint pressure, yet it was perfectly controlled.

He subconsciously turned to look and was startled to find that the owner of the gaze was none other than Chu Yunhai, the top ranker on the Hidden Dragon List.

Chu Yunhai was standing at the very front of the Celestial Derivation Peak disciples. His posture was ramrod straight, and his blue robes accentuated his extraordinary air.

Seeing Yang Jing look over, the corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile. He gave Yang Jing a slight nod before calmly turning away, as if it had only been a casual glance.

Yang Jing raised an eyebrow, inwardly shocked.

’This Chu Yunhai really lives up to his reputation. His strength is unfathomable.’

’Even from so far away, just a single glance can exude such a tyrannical aura. He truly is worthy of being the number one prodigy on the Hidden Dragon List.’

Before his *River Crossing Art* broke through to the Qi Eating Realm, feeling an aura as powerful as Chu Yunhai’s would have certainly put immense pressure on Yang Jing, enough to make him feel a suffocating weight.

Now, however, with all Three True Skills having broken through to the Qi Eating Realm and the three streams of Inner Qi fused together, his power had skyrocketed. Yang Jing felt stronger than ever, his entire body coursing with energy.

Moreover, the breakthrough of his *River Crossing Art* also meant his Body Technique and speed had reached a new, higher level, greatly boosting his overall strength!

So, even when facing a top expert like Chu Yunhai, he felt not a shred of fear. Instead, a pressing eagerness to test himself surged within him.

...

「On the other side.」

Chu Yunhai retracted his gaze, the smile on his lips fading slightly.

He had keenly sensed the undisguised battle intent in Yang Jing’s eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head.

’I really don’t know where Yang Jing gets his confidence, to actually entertain the thought of challenging me.’

In Chu Yunhai’s opinion, the greatest challenge Yang Jing faced right now was Lu Shaohua.

Lu Shaohua had long occupied the third spot on the Hidden Dragon List. He was exceptionally talented and had received generous rewards from the sect. His current strength was so great that even he, Chu Yunhai, had to take notice.

In this battle, Yang Jing’s chances of winning were far smaller than Lu Shaohua’s.

...

「In the area where the Lingxi Peak disciples had gathered.」

Ma Qiang came to Yang Jing’s side and said, "Junior Brother Yang, that Lu Shaohua’s fist techniques are extremely domineering, and his attacks are both ruthless and fast. Don’t overthink this battle. Just do your best. Winning or losing doesn’t matter."

"Hmph, what’s with all the defeatist talk?" Fang He snorted from the side, sticking his neck out stubbornly. "The fight hasn’t even started. How can you already know who will win or lose?"

Hearing this, Yang Jing also nodded slightly. His expression was calm, but a sharp glint was hidden in the depths of his eyes.

"Yang Jing."

Just then, a somewhat gruff voice called out from behind him.

Yang Jing turned around and saw Ma Guoliang striding over, carrying that familiar greatspear on his back.

His martial arts attire was faded from washing but he still stood tall, his expression open and forthright.

Yang Jing nodded in greeting.

"I watched your battle with Su Muyuan." Ma Guoliang’s voice was resonant, carrying a note of admiration. "You’re truly incredible. You suppressed Su Muyuan the entire time and ended up defeating him completely. I’ve fought Su Muyuan before, too. I lost to his sword in less than thirty moves."

"Su Muyuan is indeed very strong. His Swordsmanship is exquisite, and his foundation is solid," Yang Jing said honestly, showing no arrogance despite having defeated him.

But Ma Guoliang shook his head and grinned. "No matter how strong he is, didn’t he still lose to you?"

He paused, the smile on his face fading as his tone became serious. "Lu Shaohua is very strong, much trickier to deal with than Su Muyuan. You must be careful in this fight."

With that said, he gave Yang Jing a deep look, then said no more, turned, and left with his greatspear on his back.

Yang Jing watched Ma Guoliang’s departing back with some surprise, his heart stirred.

He had originally thought that after being defeated by him in the competition, Ma Guoliang would harbor some animosity. He never expected him to be such a magnanimous and open-hearted person.

It seemed he had underestimated this senior brother from Fen Yang Peak.

...

Time passed, second by second. The sun gradually rose higher, bathing the entire Fushan Square in golden light.

「On the high platform.」

The Sect Leader of Xuanzhen Sect, Cao Zhen, dressed in a black robe, walked slowly to the main seat.

Following closely behind him were the seven Peak Masters, all of whom had a profound and composed bearing, exuding an authority that didn’t rely on anger.

Once everyone was seated, Steward Xue walked onto the arena stage with long strides, holding a list in his hand.

His gaze was like a torch, sweeping over the sea of disciples and guests below the stage. He then circulated his Inner Qi and announced in a clear, loud voice, "The sixth round of the Fushan Grand Competition now officially begins!"