Yang Jing was startled to hear the two voice transmissions from the Sect Master and his master. Then he nodded slightly, indicating that he was prepared.
Cao Zhen secretly watched Yang Jing's expression. Seeing his composure and calm nod, he finally felt a little of the tension ease.
But only a little. He had not truly set his mind at rest.
Yang Jing's breakthrough to the Qi-Nourishing Realm in such a short time was indeed evidence of astonishing talent. But Li Yu had entered that realm far earlier, giving him a firmer foundation and more practiced control. Even within the same realm, Yang Jing remained at a disadvantage.
Bai Bing also noticed her disciple's response. Her cool face relaxed considerably, and the almost imperceptible concern in her eyes faded.
Unlike the deeply worried Cao Zhen, she had greater confidence in her disciple.
How many times had Yang Jing snatched victory from desperate circumstances along his journey? His temperament, comprehension, and tenacity all far surpassed his peers. She believed her disciple would never fall easily.
Just then, Li Yu, who had stood behind Xiao Chen in blade-like silence, finally stepped forward.
His face was calm, showing neither joy nor sorrow, yet he carried an intimidating presence.
Li Yu walked slowly to the center of the viewing platform. Raising his gaze slightly toward Cao Zhen, Sect Master of the Profound Truth Sect, he bowed. His voice rang clear and coldly proud. "Li Yu, Inner-Door Disciple of the Vajra Order, requests instruction from an outstanding disciple of the Profound Truth Sect."
The moment Li Yu stepped forward, almost every gaze instinctively turned toward Yang Jing.
Everyone knew that only Chu Yunhai and Yang Jing possessed the age and strength to represent the Profound Truth Sect against the Vajra Order's Mountain-Visiting Challenge.
Chu Yunhai