Free Web NovelChapter 320: Chapter 133: Ning Xiang’s Treatment, On Lingxi Peak
The next moment, she withdrew her gaze from Yang Jing. Turning to Sun Ningxiang, she said gently, "Let’s go. It’s a fair way up the mountain, so we should head up to see the Peak Master soon."
With that, she led Sun Ningxiang up the path toward Yunxi Peak.
Yang Jing stood where he was, quietly watching their figures ascend the stone steps until they gradually disappeared into the mountain forest.
He lifted his gaze to the scenery of Yunxi Peak. The peak was majestic and beautiful, with clouds and mist swirling through the mountains, wrapping around the pines and cypresses like a light veil. The winter sun pierced through the clouds, its light falling upon distant courtyards of blue tiles and white walls, giving them a gentle and refined elegance.
The stone steps wound their way upward, dotted with a few hardy green plants. An occasional cold wind swept by, rustling their leaves. The entire peak was tranquil and serene, exuding an air of soft peacefulness.
"Sir, we should get going too. The sooner we get to Lingxi Peak to handle your admission, the better."
The outer sect disciple pulled his gaze away from Yunxi Peak. When he turned to Yang Jing, his tone was far more respectful, and he subconsciously lowered his posture slightly. Even his form of address had changed.
Without realizing it, his attitude toward Yang Jing had completely transformed. The reception Miss Sun had just received was simply too stunning: a Steward had personally come down the mountain to greet her, and the Peak Master was granting her a special audience. This was an honor no ordinary disciple could ever hope for. He secretly guessed that Miss Sun must have an extraordinary background.
And since Yang Jing had arrived with Miss Sun and they appeared to be very close, he assumed their statuses couldn’t be that different. He thought that perhaps Yang Jing’s origins were just as impressive, and that he might enjoy similar treatment once they arrived at Lingxi Peak.
Yang Jing withdrew his gaze and suppressed the melancholy in his heart. He gave the outer sect disciple a slight nod and replied in a low voice, "Alright, let’s head over too."
With that, he followed the outer sect disciple, turning to head in the direction of Lingxi Peak.
The mountain path was winding, and a cold wind carrying fine snowflakes swept past. The two walked side-by-side, silent for a time.
Yang Jing’s doubts hadn’t dissipated. After a moment of contemplation, he couldn’t help but ask, his voice tinged with curiosity, "Senior Brother, it seems the Xuanzhen Sect is especially friendly. Do new disciples always receive so much attention right after joining? Even a Peak Master meets them personally. Is this standard practice for the sect?"
He truly didn’t understand. Could the reception Sun Ningxiang received really be the standard procedure for new disciples?
Hearing this, the outer sect disciple couldn’t help but chuckle, his tone a mix of self-deprecation and envy. "You’re joking, sir. Ordinary new disciples could never dream of such treatment. For us, admission is just a simple registration with an outer sect Steward and being assigned a residence. That’s it. Forget being personally received by a Peak Master—it’s rare to even get a moment with a Steward. Only people with extraordinary backgrounds like you and Miss Sun could command so much attention from a Peak Master and enjoy such an honor."
When Yang Jing heard this, he was stunned. His eyes filled with astonishment.
’An extraordinary background?’
He was just an ordinary disciple from a Martial Arts Hall in Yuhe County. For eight generations, his ancestors had been farmers who scraped a living from the soil. What kind of profound background could he possibly have?
’Could it be because of Master?’
’But Master left the Xuanzhen Sect decades ago, and his Cultivation is only at the Peak of Transformation. In a place like the Xuanzhen Sect, where experts are as common as clouds, that’s nothing special. How could he possibly have enough influence to make the Peak Masters of two different lineages pay so much attention to the disciples he recommended?’
Yang Jing’s mind was filled with shock and confusion, and for a moment, he couldn’t figure out the reason behind it all.
As they walked on, thoughts churned in Yang Jing’s mind. He couldn’t help but wonder: since Sun Ningxiang had received such a grand reception from Yunxi Peak, would a Steward be waiting to greet him at the foot of Lingxi Peak and then take him to meet the Lingxi Peak Master?
Once this idea took root, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.
About half an hour later, the two of them finally arrived at the foot of Lingxi Peak.
Yang Jing looked up. Lingxi Peak was steep and imposing, its ridges sharp. A thin layer of snow covered the mountain, and bluish-gray rocks were scattered about. Hardy pines and cypresses stood proudly against the cold wind, exuding a chilly, solemn air. The scenery was just as elegant and serene.
He subconsciously glanced around the base of the peak, his eyes scanning every corner. But he didn’t see a single person, let alone a Steward who had come to greet him. The foot of the mountain was deserted, with only the sound of the cold wind sweeping through the forest.
The outer sect disciple also scanned the area. The mountain path was completely empty; clearly, no Steward was waiting here specially. An awkward expression appeared on his face. He scratched the back of his head and said, sounding a bit uncomfortable, "Perhaps they’re busy over at Lingxi Peak, so no one came down to greet you. Let’s head up the mountain first to handle the admission. I’m sure a Steward is already waiting up there."
Yang Jing nodded slowly, the flicker of anticipation in his eyes quietly fading. He laughed at himself inwardly. ’As expected, I was overthinking things.’
’There must be a special reason for Sun Ningxiang’s treatment. I’m just an ordinary disciple with mediocre aptitude. It’s a blessing I was even able to join the sect; how could I possibly hope for the same reception?’
He composed himself and followed the outer sect disciple onto the stone steps of Lingxi Peak, heading up the mountain.
The stone steps stretched upward along the steep mountain terrain. Snow covered the edges of the steps, letting out a faint CRUNCH when stepped on.
The two ascended the steps. After walking for about half an hour, they finally reached a level area.
Here, numerous single-story buildings and courtyards were built into the mountainside. Blue tiles were covered with a thin layer of snow, and the wooden beams and pillars of the houses had a rustic, ancient feel. They were scattered throughout the forest in a surprisingly orderly fashion.
Along the way, they occasionally saw a few Lingxi Peak disciples hurrying past. They wore uniform white martial attire, their postures were upright, and their auras were focused and steady. Every one of them exuded an extraordinary air, a stark contrast to the blue robes of the outer sect disciples.
