The afternoon sunlight filtered through the bare branches, scattering mottled patches of light and shadow across the bluestone paving of the Guest Reception Courtyard.
A cold wind swept through the courtyard, carrying a faint scent of lake water, but it could not disperse the heat rising from Yang Jing's body.
Dressed in plain training clothes, he repeatedly practiced the Mountain Collapse Fist in an open space in the courtyard, every movement steady and powerful.
His fists whistled through the air with a dull, heavy rush, and he took particular care with every strike and withdrawal.
Yet a barely perceptible trace of worry occasionally crossed his eyes. Clearly, he was still preoccupied with whether he would be accepted into the Profound Truth Sect, and his unsettled emotions inevitably lent a touch of restlessness to his movements.
Just then.
A sudden series of knocks sounded outside the courtyard gate, jarring in the quiet afternoon.
Yang Jing's heart jolted. He withdrew his fists and stood still, the heat around him slowly dissipating as he instinctively softened his breathing.
It was not mealtime, and he had already eaten the food delivered by the menial disciple. Normally, no one would come to disturb them now. A visitor at this hour most likely meant the Profound Truth Sect had reached a decision.
Startled and anxious, he took a deep breath to suppress his surging emotions, then strode toward the courtyard entrance.
He reached out and pulled open the half-closed gate. Outside stood an Outer-Door Disciple in blue training clothes, his posture straight and a standard Profound Truth Sect belt fastened around his waist.
His calm gaze swept over Yang Jing.
"Excuse me, are Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang staying here?"
The Outer-Door Disciple spoke in a calm, courteous tone, his gaze briefly sweeping the courtyard as