Free Web NovelChapter 322: Chapter 134: The Peak Master’s Attention, Disciples from the Prefecture City
Yang Jing picked up the writing brush from the table and dipped it in ink. With a light, steady hand, he began to fill out the information in the booklet.
He wrote "Yang Jing" in the name field, "Yuhe County" for his place of origin, and truthfully marked "Lower-Grade" for his Root Bone.
Next was a section for previously studied martial arts, where he wrote down *Mountain-Shattering Fist*, *Surging Wave Kicks*, and *Iron Cloth Shirt*.
The *Indestructible True Skill* was a Cultivation Technique of extremely high quality, and his master had warned him before departing not to reveal it carelessly.
Yang Jing did not write down the *Indestructible True Skill*, substituting it with the *Iron Cloth Shirt* instead.
The world of martial arts was vast and complex. Even among body-hardening techniques called *Iron Cloth Shirt*, the actual cultivation methods could vary greatly, so Yang Jing wasn’t afraid of being found out.
He then recorded the date he began his martial arts training and the dates of his breakthroughs into each realm. He filled everything out truthfully, clearly noting the days he reached the Bright Strength, Dark Strength, and Transformation realms.
A moment later, he had finished filling everything out. Yang Jing placed the brush back on its stand and gently blew on the still-wet ink. After confirming there were no errors, he presented the booklet back to the bald old man with both hands.
The bald old man accepted it, his gaze sweeping over the contents. When he saw "Lower-Grade" in the Root Bone section, his expression flickered for a second. He immediately continued reading, but when his eyes fell on the training duration and breakthrough records, his pupils constricted slightly. He couldn’t help but stare, stunned.
To possess a Lower-Grade Root Bone yet smoothly advance from a Martial Dao novice to the Transformation realm in just two short years... the contrast between his cultivation speed and his aptitude was simply staggering. Even many disciples with upper-three-grade Root Bones would struggle to match such progress.
He couldn’t help but glance up at Yang Jing again, a flicker of hard-to-detect surprise in his eyes. He didn’t ask any questions, however. He simply placed the booklet on the table, turned, and took out two sets of neatly folded, azure robes from a nearby wooden chest.
The robes were made of a thick material, and the collars were embroidered with the faint insignia of the Xuanzhen Sect’s Outer Sect—the exclusive uniform of an Outer Sect Disciple. He held the robes out to Yang Jing.
Yang Jing hurriedly accepted them with both hands. The fabric was soft to the touch. He bowed slightly and murmured his thanks.
The bald old man waved a dismissive hand, his tone still peaceful as he slowly instructed, "The living area for Outer Sect Disciples is in the Outer Sect Courtyard at the base of Lingxi Peak. You’ll be living there from now on. On any day of the month ending in three, six, or nine, the Stewards, Elders, and even the Peak Master will lecture in Sun and Moon Plaza, sharing their insights into the Martial Dao and their cultivation experiences. If you have time, you can go up the peak to listen."
He paused, his tone shifting to become more serious. "However, you should know that these lectures mostly concern the circulation of Inner Qi and insights into higher realms. For an Outer Sect Disciple like yourself at this stage, they won’t be of much use. You’ll find them difficult to truly comprehend.
"Your main task right now is to settle down and hone your Cultivation. First, steadily raise your strength to the Peak of Transformation. Then, you must pass the sect’s Dragon Gate Martial Trial and successfully enter the Inner Sect. Only then will you be qualified to access core cultivation resources and Cultivation Techniques. That should be your sole focus for now."
Yang Jing listened intently, committing every instruction to memory. He nodded repeatedly. "This disciple understands. I will remember the Steward’s teachings and focus on my cultivation."
The bald old man saw his response and nodded in satisfaction. He then retrieved a thin booklet from under the table. The five words "Xuanzhen Sect Outer Sect Handbook" were printed on the cover.
He handed the booklet to Yang Jing. "Take this. It details all the rules and regulations of the Xuanzhen Sect and Lingxi Peak, which you must not break. It also lists the benefits available to Outer Sect Disciples, such as your monthly supply of Cultivation Elixirs, your privileges for borrowing Cultivation Techniques, and the layout of the sect’s various areas. Go back and review it carefully. Be sure to commit it to memory so you don’t break any rules down the line."
Yang Jing solemnly accepted the *Xuanzhen Sect Outer Sect Handbook* with both hands, bowed to the bald old man, and said, "This disciple will remember the Steward’s words. I will review it carefully when I return and abide by the sect’s rules."
The bald old man gave a slight nod, his expression still that same mix of fierce and peaceful. He looked toward the door and called out in a clear voice, "Disciple on duty, come in for a moment."
A moment later, the same azure-robed disciple who had been standing guard outside walked in briskly. He bowed and said respectfully, "This disciple is here."
"This is a new Outer Sect Disciple, Yang Jing," the bald old man instructed slowly. "Take him down to the Outer Sect living area, arrange a residence for him, and explain all the day-to-day matters clearly."
"This disciple respectfully obeys," the azure-robed disciple quickly replied, his gaze sweeping discreetly over Yang Jing.
Yang Jing bowed to the bald old man once more and said softly, "This disciple takes his leave."
With that, he picked up his bundle, the two sets of azure robes, and the handbook, and followed the other disciple out of the wooden house.
After leaving the wooden house, the two didn’t take the same mountain path back down. Instead, they turned toward another side of Lingxi Peak and set foot on a much gentler trail.
The winter sun filtered through the pine and cypress branches, dappling the trail with light and shadow. Snow covered the ground on either side, letting out a faint CRUNCH under their feet. A cold wind swept through, carrying the crisp scent of the mountain forest and a bone-chilling cold.
Along the way, they occasionally passed Inner Sect Disciples in white robes hurrying by. They carried themselves with upright postures and steady auras, their expressions often holding a hint of arrogance.
Whenever this happened, the azure-robed disciple beside him would immediately compose his expression and put on a reverent smile. Bowing slightly, he would take the initiative to greet them, "Greetings, Senior Brother. Take care."
