After Steward Xue finished announcing the latest rankings and turned to leave the arena, Fu Mountain Square bustled with activity once more.
Disciples from the various branches gradually departed in groups, their conversations rising and falling through the crowd. Most were discussing the day's spectacular matches.
Among the bouts mentioned most often was the clash between Yang Jing and Ma Guoliang, with all its twists and turns.
Ma Guoliang's face was still slightly pale, though he had wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. Carrying his large, jet-black spear, he walked steadily toward Blazing Sun Peak.
Chang Xiaoyu kept close beside him, occasionally looking up to study his expression, afraid he might brood over his defeat.
"Senior Brother Ma, don't take it to heart," Chang Xiaoyu said softly, pursing her lips. "It was only a match. Everyone saw how strong you were. Once you've honed your spear technique a little more, you'll definitely be better and stronger than Yang Jing."
As Ma Guoliang listened to her gentle reassurance, his taut lips relaxed slightly into a faint smile.
He turned to look at Chang Xiaoyu and said calmly, "Xiaoyu, you don't need to comfort me. Yang Jing truly is exceptionally talented, and his strength far surpasses mine. There's no shame in losing to an opponent like him."
He genuinely took it in stride, without feeling frustrated or dispirited by his defeat.
To him, every match was a chance to temper himself. Recognizing his shortcomings mattered far more than winning or losing.
Hearing his words, Chang Xiaoyu immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
The strength Yang Jing had displayed today had truly exceeded her expectations.
When Ma Guoliang had previously said Yang Jing was no ordinary opponent, she had privately thought Senior Brother Ma was being overly cautious and overestimating