Anticipation stirred in Yang Jing's heart. The sect had been extraordinarily generous to him lately, and the thought of his reward sent a thrill through him.
Despite the waves of anticipation and joy surging within him, Yang Jing maintained a composed, humble expression. He immediately bowed with his hands clasped and said respectfully, "Sect Master, defending the sect's honor and fighting on its behalf are simply my duties as a disciple."
Seeing his lack of arrogance or impatience, Cao Zhen's appreciation deepened. He waved lightly and said, "Merit earns rewards, and wrongdoing earns punishment. That has been the rule since the Profound Truth Sect was founded. You turned the raging tide and rendered great service. There is no need for modesty or refusal."
At that moment, Thunder Firmament Peak Master Lei Lie clapped his hands and laughed heartily from his nearby seat. "Yang Jing, the Sect Master is right! You earned this reward through your own strength and talent. It is yours by right, so don't stand on ceremony!"
Beside him, Clear Void Peak Master Li Zhihai slowly stroked his long beard and nodded solemnly. "Yang Jing, you must understand that you and the sect share one fate. When one prospers, both prosper; when one suffers, both suffer.
"The stronger the sect becomes, the better your cultivation resources and environment will be. That will naturally benefit your progress on the martial path immensely.
"By the same token, the stronger you become and the greater the talent you display, the more you contribute to our Profound Truth Sect's reputation, standing, and future development."
Li Zhihai paused, his gentle gaze filled with expectation, then continued, "Now that you have revealed such outstanding talent and potential, the sect must naturally devote all its strength to nurturing you. We cannot let your exceptional gifts