Seeing Si Jiawen's indifferent gaze and her complete lack of interest in speaking to them, the three men sensibly bowed again.
Then they quietly stepped aside and hurried away from the entrance to Azure No. 4 Courtyard with their heads lowered, not daring even to breathe too loudly.
Yang Jing watched them leave, then looked down at the three jade boxes in his arms. Turning to Si Jiawen, he bowed and said respectfully, "Please wait a moment, Eldest Senior Sister. Allow me to lock the courtyard gate."
Si Jiawen nodded faintly. Her gaze settled on Yang Jing, a flicker of interest passing through her eyes.
Yang Jing wore the white robes of an Inner-Door Disciple. He stood tall and straight, his features revealing a steady, restrained composure, with little of the impatience and arrogance common among newly promoted Inner-Door Disciples.
She thought to herself that the disciple her master valued must be the young man before her. Yesterday, her master had made a special trip to Dragon Gate Plaza, only to leave in haste as soon as Yang Jing's assessment ended.
It was precisely this suspicion that had brought her here to escort Yang Jing in person.
For an ordinary disciple, even an outstanding performance in yesterday's Dragon Gate Martial Trial would hardly have warranted her personal appearance. The gulf between her and ordinary Inner-Door Disciples was simply too vast.
Yang Jing dared not delay. He hurried into the courtyard and carefully placed the three jade boxes in the wooden cabinet in the main room.
He checked everything once more, making certain he had forgotten nothing, before turning and hurrying back outside.
He locked the courtyard gate and tucked the key securely against his body, then approached Si Jiawen. "Eldest Senior Sister, I'm ready," he said respectfully.
Si Jiawen inclined