Chapter 3

Sikong Qing looked at Yan Zhaoge with a scrutinizing gaze.

In the public perception, going to the Dragon Suppressing Abyss, a place of great danger, if Yan Zhaoge, as the leader, were to make things difficult for Ye Jing, it would be hard for Ye Jing to survive.

The others looked at Yan Zhaoge with simpler thoughts; some were delighted to have such a powerful senior brother leading their training, while others looked at Yan Zhaoge with burning eyes, hoping to befriend and curry favor with him.

A few who knew the inside story looked at Ye Jing with a hint of anticipation for a good show.

Ye Jing frowned, having learned many things since entering the sect.

The young man in front of him, who looked only a few years older than himself, not only had high cultivation and strong abilities but also had a deep background within the sect.

Yan Zhaoge's father was one of the most powerful elders of Guangcheng Mountain, not only with explosive personal combat strength but also firmly ranking in the top five in terms of power and status within the entire sect. He was a direct disciple of the current old sect leader and the most likely candidate for the next sect leader.

Ye Jing's fists gradually clenched, his gaze unwavering as he stared directly at Yan Zhaoge.

"Is this the legendary flame of defiance in your eyes?"

Yan Zhaoge was somewhat at a loss, his gaze shifting to the side hall entrance: "Elder Cui, good day."

An old man with white hair appeared at the door, and upon seeing him, Ye Jing and the others hurriedly bowed: "Elder."

Like the middle-aged man who had entrusted them with the task yesterday, the white-haired old man was also an elder of the Hall of Affairs.

To the current Ye Jing and the others, whether in terms of cultivation or status, he was undoubtedly a significant figure.

The old man smiled at Yan Zhaoge: "Nephew Yan has arrived? Good, good."

Yan Zhaoge said: "Regarding the matter of the Dragon Suppressing Abyss, please give us your instructions, Elder Cui."

Elder Cui looked at Yan Zhaoge, Ye Jing, Sikong Qing, and the others, and said with a smile: "The Dragon Suppressing Abyss has suddenly experienced unusual surges. The local area has already taken preliminary measures. Your task this time is to carry the special instruments for exploring the Dragon Suppressing Abyss from the sect and further assist in the investigation."

He paused slightly, looking at Yan Zhaoge: "In principle, this task only requires you to investigate the situation and report back. However, if there are matters that require immediate action, you, Nephew Yan, can make decisions on the spot. I believe you can handle it."

Yan Zhaoge smiled: "Elder Cui is joking."

Elder Cui also smiled, then looked at Ye Jing and the other three: "How are the treasures you received as rewards after the competition? Have you been nurturing and studying them?"

Ye Jing and the other three answered solemnly: "Since receiving the treasures, we have been diligently practicing and nurturing them. We can now basically control them."

In this world, ordinary weapons and armor are called mundane weapons. Above them, in ascending order, are combat weapons, treasure weapons, spirit weapons, and holy weapons, which greatly enhance the abilities of martial artists.

High-level weapons and armor themselves possess great power.

Ordinary craftsmen can only forge mundane weapons. To refine combat weapons and above, only martial artists can do it themselves. A certain level of cultivation and strength is required to refine weapons of a certain grade.

Materials are limited, and the methods of refining weapons are difficult and obscure, not everyone can learn and master them. Therefore, in the current world, the number of good combat weapons and above is less than the number of martial artists of the same level.

A holy site like Guangcheng Mountain, with its substantial resources, can reward its disciples with good weapons.

Ye Jing and the other new disciples who placed in the top three in the competition each received a treasure weapon as a reward, making others extremely envious.

Elder Cui nodded: "Treasure weapons have their own spirit. You must not slack off in nurturing them so that they can exert their power when truly needed."

Ye Jing and the other three nodded quickly. Although the rewards were only low-grade treasure weapons, for them now, they were treasures that could change their fate.

With their current cultivation, they could only wield combat weapons.

Good weapons are limited, and if not for joining Guangcheng Mountain, even getting a combat weapon would be a reason to be grateful.

Many people with cultivation similar to theirs could only make do with mundane weapons.

Elder Cui's gaze fell on Sikong Qing and the other eight: "These eight are new disciples. Although they have also taken on training missions, their experience is still lacking. You eight must take good care of them."

Sikong Qing said calmly: "Disciple understands." The other seven also quickly agreed.

Elder Cui looked at the sixteen young disciples in front of him, stroked his beard, and his eyes suddenly fell on Ye Jing, seemingly surprised: "Hmm, your cultivation... You have already successfully opened your dantian qi sea?!"

"During the competition, you hadn't yet. How long has it been since then for you to advance another level?"

Ye Jing replied calmly and smiling: "Since joining the sect, the cultivation methods and resources are much better than before."

Elder Cui praised: "How long have you been in the sect? This is mainly due to your outstanding talent."

The other young disciples who entered the sect at the same time as Ye Jing gradually changed their gazes: "He was first in the competition, and in such a short time, he has advanced even further. I thought I could narrow the gap, but it has only widened."

"Although his family background is not as good as Senior Brother Yan, this... this is also a genius!"

As if suddenly remembering something, Elder Cui continued: "I remember, your records... You started practicing martial arts and cultivation just over three years ago, right?"

Ye Jing replied: "Yes, Elder."

"Before that, I only trained my body and strengthened my physique. I formally began practicing cultivation methods and martial arts when I was thirteen."

Elder Cui smiled warmly: "Good, good!"

Yan Zhaoge stood on the side, watching this scene, and his lips twitched strangely.

"I said it wouldn't be that simple. It turns out you were waiting for me here." Yan Zhaoge looked at Elder Cui with a half-smile.

The other young disciples suddenly had a change in expression, and one of them secretly glanced at Yan Zhaoge.

Elder Cui looked at Yan Zhaoge and Ye Jing, and sighed with some satisfaction: "If I remember correctly, Nephew Yan also successfully opened his dantian qi sea after practicing for just over three years. Heaven blesses Guangcheng Mountain, another genius among geniuses has emerged!"

Everyone's expressions gradually became subtle, their gazes shifting between Yan Zhaoge and Ye Jing.

"Before, I didn't understand Ye Jing's situation. It turns out he has only been formally practicing martial arts for just over three years!"

"Ye Jing can actually match Senior Brother Yan. His talent is truly terrifying!"

"That's not right. Senior Brother Yan grew up in Guangcheng Mountain, personally taught by Elder Yan. His cultivation environment, conditions, methods, resources, and lineage are all far superior to Ye Jing's!"

"Does this mean that Ye Jing is even... even... more... Oh my God, how is this possible?!"

Ye Jing took a deep breath, raised his eyes calmly to look at Yan Zhaoge, and straightened his back even more, as if he were a spear piercing the sky.

Yan Zhaoge, however, did not look at him but watched Elder Cui, who was still smiling, with interest.

The background of the person in front of him, other junior disciples might not know, but how could he not know?

The old man in front of him was backed by Yan Zhaoge's second master, who was also the most likely to compete with Yan Zhaoge's father for the next sect leader of Guangcheng Mountain.

Yan Zhaoge's eyes narrowed slightly, and he smiled silently.

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