Matchmaking

Sun Yong finished explaining the last crucial point for channeling Hidden Strength, and seeing that Yang Jing had memorized it all, he nodded in satisfaction.

He turned and walked into the inner room, emerging a moment later with a small, pale white jade bottle. The bottle was smooth and warm to the touch, clearly not a cheap item.

"This is a Foundation Cultivation Pill. I've saved a few of these over time, take it," Sun Yong handed the jade bottle to Yang Jing, his tone filled with expectation. "This pill can nourish Blood Essence and harmonize internal energy. Its effects are several times stronger than the Fierce Beast Meat you usually eat, and it will be very beneficial for you to solidify your Hidden Strength realm."

Yang Jing took the jade bottle. It felt slightly heavy in his hand. He opened the stopper, and a medicinal aroma, both slightly bitter yet rich and mellow, immediately filled the air. Taking a breath, he felt the Hidden Strength within him stir slightly, as if being drawn out.

He quickly closed the stopper and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master, for your generous gift!"

"You don't need to thank me," Sun Yong waved his hand, his gaze falling on Yang Jing with a mixture of emotion and certainty. "The path of martial arts, while Talent/Aptitude is indeed most important, perseverance, comprehension, and opportunity are equally crucial. For you to enter Hidden Strength on your first Breakthrough attempt with Low-grade root bone is already extraordinary. Continue practicing diligently, do not slack off, and perhaps one day you will have the hope of touching Transforming Strength."

Transforming Strength!

These two words struck Yang Jing's heart like a thunderclap.

A Transforming Strength martial artist was a top-tier existence, countable on one's fingers in Yuhe County and even the surrounding counties. It was a realm many martial artists didn't even dare to dream of.

He tightly gripped the jade bottle in his hand, his palm feeling slightly warm. He bowed solemnly again, "This disciple will not fail Master's expectations!"

Sun Yong looked at the light igniting in his eyes and smiled with relief. "Cultivate well."

Then, he raised his voice and called towards the courtyard, "Ningxiang, come in for a moment."

Sun Ningxiang, who had just finished clearing the medicine bowls under the corridor, responded to the call and entered. Seeing Yang Jing still in the room and her father's lingering joy, she couldn't help but ask, "Dad, what do you need me for? Junior Brother Yang hasn't left yet?"

Her gaze flickered between the two, sensing an unusual atmosphere.

Sun Yong chuckled, "Go to the front courtyard and call Xu Hong, Qi Yun, Lin Yue, and Chen Wenzheng. Oh, and see if Liu Maolin is around, and call him over too if he is."

"Call them all over?" Sun Ningxiang was even more confused. "Dad, what happened?"

These were all Hidden Strength disciples currently staying at the martial arts school, considered core disciples. Usually, Sun Yong only gathered these core disciples together when something important occurred.

"You'll know when they arrive," Sun Yong didn't elaborate, merely waving his hand. "Hurry."

Despite her mind full of questions, Sun Ningxiang went as instructed.

A short while later, the room door was pushed open, and Sun Ningxiang led a group of people inside.

Xu Hong, Qi Yun, Lin Yue, and Chen Wenzheng stood side by side, with Liu Maolin following behind, his face still flushed from his recent practice.

Upon entering, they saw Yang Jing standing to the side, while their Master, Sun Yong, sat solemnly at the head of the room. They immediately quieted down and stood respectfully in a line.

"Master, you were looking for us?" Xu Hong, as the senior disciple, asked first.

Lin Yue's gaze fell on Yang Jing, filled with a hint of inquiry. Why had Yang Jing been in the inner courtyard for so long? And it even required their Master to summon them, the core disciples?

Qi Yun and Chen Wenzheng exchanged glances, while Liu Maolin scratched his head, looking bewildered.

Everyone in the room, their gazes either confused or probing, fell upon Sun Yong, waiting for him to speak.

Only Yang Jing, vaguely guessing his Master's intention, stood with his hands clasped, his expression calm.

Sun Yong swept his gaze over everyone, finally landing on Qi Yun, and suddenly asked, "Qi Yun, are you married?"

Qi Yun was taken aback, not expecting her Master to suddenly ask such a question. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she curtsied, "Replying to Master, I am not yet."

Although her family was a prominent clan in the county with strict marriage customs, she had dedicated herself to martial arts, and her marriage had been delayed.

Sun Yong smiled upon hearing this, his gaze shifting to Yang Jing before returning to Qi Yun. "Then what do you think of this child Yang Jing? I see you are both similar in age. Although your personalities differ, they are complementary. You seem like a suitable pair."

As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell so silent that not a needle could be heard.

Xu Hong's mouth fell open, his fists still clenched.

Chen Wenzheng's eyes widened, clearly not expecting their Master to have summoned them for this reason.

Liu Maolin was so shocked he almost jumped up. Was their Master trying to play matchmaker for Yang Jing? And with Qi Yun?

Lin Yue's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Qi Yun was the first to react, her pretty face instantly turning bright red, a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Her voice trembled, "Master! What... what are you saying!"

She was both shocked and angry. Her family was a respected one in the county, and she had always been quite discerning, requiring her future husband to be a martial arts expert stronger than herself, so she could have more standing within her family.

She looked up at Yang Jing, her gaze icy. "My elders have instructed that there are many conditions for marriage, one of which is that the other party's strength must be superior to mine."

The implication was that Yang Jing's current abilities were not enough to stand by her side.

Yang Jing also quickly cupped his hands. "Master, absolutely not! This disciple and Senior Sister Qi are incompatible in temperament and are certainly not a good match."

He truly had no good feelings towards this Qi Yun, who was always so arrogant and frequently bossed around her junior disciples, let alone marrying her.

Seeing this, Sun Yong shook his head helplessly. Looking at Yang Jing, his tone carried a hint of encouragement. "It seems you still need to put in more effort. Although you have broken through to Hidden Strength, your strength is indeed still slightly inferior to Qi Yun's."

As Sun Yong finished speaking, everyone in the room was stunned again.

"Broken through to Hidden Strength?!"

"Yang Jing... he's entered Hidden Strength?!"

These words struck them like thunder from a clear sky, making their heads buzz.

Their minds had been completely occupied by the shock of the 'arranged marriage,' and they hadn't reacted immediately. After a moment of stunned silence, they finally grasped the main point of their Master's words.

Xu Hong gasped, looking Yang Jing up and down, his eyes unable to hide his astonishment. "Junior Brother Yang... you've really entered Hidden Strength?"

One had to know, how many people were stuck at the peak of Bright Strength, unable to cross that threshold even with a lifetime of effort. And Yang Jing had actually broken through to Hidden Strength without anyone knowing?

Chen Wenzheng muttered, "How is this possible... His talent/aptitude isn't outstanding, how could he..."

Qi Yun's face, frozen in shame and anger, was replaced by disbelief.

She had always thought Yang Jing was just a stubborn kid who practiced diligently. The limit for him was to achieve some proficiency in Bright Strength, but now he had quietly broken through to Hidden Strength?

Doesn't that mean, given time, he might actually catch up to her?

After all, the next stage after Hidden Strength was Transforming Strength martial artists. She didn't have much confidence in breaking through to Transforming Strength and might remain at the peak of Hidden Strength for a long time, or even never break through to Transforming Strength in her lifetime.

She didn't think Yang Jing could get lucky and break through to Transforming Strength either, only that he would reach the peak of Hidden Strength sooner or later.

Lin Yue's eyes suddenly sharpened, staring intently at Yang Jing, his heart stirred.

In the martial arts school, he had always been the most watched genius disciple. Now that Yang Jing had suddenly appeared, he undoubtedly had a potential competitor. Although he didn't take this competitor too seriously, Yang Jing's breakthrough to Hidden Strength had still greatly exceeded his expectations.

Only Liu Maolin, after being shocked, grinned and gave Yang Jing a subtle thumbs-up. His brother had broken through to Hidden Strength, which was great news!

With Sun Yong's announcement of Yang Jing's breakthrough to Hidden Strength, the atmosphere in the room instantly changed. Shock, scrutiny, vigilance... various gazes intertwined on Yang Jing, making him the most prominent focus at that moment.

"Yes, Yang Jing broke through to Hidden Strength yesterday. He has always practiced martial arts diligently. Although he just broke through, his foundation is very solid," Sun Yong said, nodding.

Qi Yun stared at Yang Jing, her fingernails almost digging into her palms.

After the shock, an irrepressible rage burned from the bottom of her heart.

Master actually compared her to Yang Jing, this was simply a humiliation to her!

She, Qi Yun, came from a prominent family with mid-to-high-grade talent/aptitude. She had been doted on since childhood and was a core disciple in the martial arts school, second only to Lin Yue. Why should she be associated with a bumpkin with low-grade root bone?

"Just low-grade root bone, what if it was just a lucky breakthrough?"

She thought disdainfully, in the path of martial arts, talent/aptitude was a fixed number. Yang Jing was just lucky this time.

Recalling the past, Yang Jing used to lower his head and act subserviently when he saw her, not even daring to speak loudly. He tried desperately to curry favor with her, not even qualified to be her follower.

Now, Master was even considering arranging a marriage for them, which made her feel even more aggrieved. She looked at Yang Jing with a hint of disgust.

Chen Wenzheng and Xu Hong exchanged glances, seeing similar thoughts in each other's eyes.

While Yang Jing's breakthrough to Hidden Strength was astonishing, they were more inclined to believe it was luck. After all, it was already difficult for a martial artist with low-grade root bone to reach Bright Strength. Hidden Strength? It was likely due to some fortunate encounter and might not last.

Only Liu Maolin couldn't hide the smile on his face.

He patted Yang Jing's arm with genuine joy, "Good kid, you really did it!"

When he first arranged for Yang Jing to work at the medical clinic, it wasn't for his potential or future, but because he valued his steady and reliable nature. He never expected it to be an unexpected bonus.

He knew the weight of a Hidden Strength martial artist better than anyone. The Liu family's medical clinic would have more backing in the future.

He pondered internally, he would go back and tell his father to increase Yang Jing's monthly salary and ensure his meat supply was adequate.

Given their friendship and the fact that the medical clinic never treated him unfairly, Yang Jing would not easily switch allegiances.

Even if other forces tried to poach him, the Liu family had the first move.

Yang Jing could feel the gazes of Qi Yun and the others, but he didn't pay them any mind.

He lowered his gaze and stood there, his fingertips quietly sensing the Hidden Strength flowing within him. This was the most tangible thing.

Sun Yong cleared his throat and turned his gaze to Lin Yue, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable weight, "Lin Yue, your focus has been scattered lately."

Lin Yue's heart tightened, and he instinctively straightened his back.

"The invitations from major families, the social engagements in the market, they take up too much of your time," Sun Yong said slowly. "Your talent/aptitude is the best in the school, high-grade root bone, a gift that so many people wish for. You should spend more time on practicing martial arts."

He glanced at Yang Jing beside him, "Learn more from Yang Jing, focus on your training, and don't let these distractions hinder your future."

Lin Yue's face flushed and paled, feeling extremely frustrated. He came from an ordinary background. If it weren't for his high-grade root bone, he would probably only be able to make a meager living, struggling at the bottom of the county town.

Later, when he displayed his talent for high-grade root bone, he made a splash at the Sun Clan Martial Arts School and was noticed by various parties in the city. He also used this opportunity to interact with the city's prominent families to expand his network. He never expected his master to point this out in public and even compare him to Yang Jing, someone with low-grade root bone who broke through by luck!

But he dared not retort and could only lower his head and reply, "Yes, disciple remembers Master's teachings."

Seeing this, Sun Yong said no more and swept his gaze over everyone, "You are all core members of the martial arts school. You must support each other and unite in the future. Do not let trivial matters harm your harmony. The path of Hidden Strength requires further refinement. Go back and cultivate diligently."

"Yes, Master." Everyone replied in unison.

The group gradually exited the room. Qi Yun walked at the very front, her steps hurried, clearly still agitated about the previous incident.

Lin Yue followed closely behind, his expression still grim.

Xu Hong and Chen Wenzheng walked behind, discussing something in low voices, occasionally glancing at Yang Jing's retreating back.

Only Liu Maolin sidled up to Yang Jing and said in a low voice with a smile, "Well done, kid. Now even Master is using you as an example. I'll treat you to a meal later to celebrate properly!"

Yang Jing smiled and didn't say much.

Inner courtyard.

The door closed, shutting out the commotion outside. Only Sun Yong and his daughter remained in the room.

Sun Ningxiang poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to her father, sighing softly, "I really didn't expect Junior Brother Yang to break through to Hidden Strength. He works so hard in his training every day, it's good that his efforts weren't in vain."

Sun Yong took the teacup, his fingertips caressing the warm cup wall, and smiled, "Yes, it's always a good thing to have another Hidden Strength disciple in the martial arts school."

He recalled what had just happened and shook his head again, "Speaking of which, if Qi Yun and Yang Jing could get together, two Hidden Strength disciples marrying into each other would be like strengthening the ties of the martial arts school. It's a pity."

"Father, marriages cannot be forced," Sun Ningxiang said with a light smile. "Junior Brother Yang's achievements today are all thanks to his own hard work. I remember before, he would come to the martial arts school before dawn and practice until dark before going home. At that time, I thought it would be a shame if all this hard work didn't amount to anything. Now it seems his efforts were not in vain."

Sun Yong listened to his daughter's words, his gaze falling on her face. Suddenly, a thought stirred within him.

Ningxiang was gentle and knowledgeable about medicine, and Yang Jing was steady and resolute. If the two were to get together, it didn't seem impossible?

But as soon as this thought arose, he suppressed it.

He looked out the window. Lin Yue's figure had just disappeared at the end of the corridor, and Sun Yong couldn't help but ponder.

Lin Yue's aptitude was high-grade, his talent far surpassing Yang Jing's, and his future achievements were limitless, with a great chance of breaking through to Transforming Strength. Moreover, he could see that Lin Yue was interested in Ningxiang. If they could be together, when he was older, he could let Lin Yue take over the martial arts school, and Ningxiang would have a good home. This was the optimal choice.

Yang Jing was good, but ultimately his aptitude was lacking. His ceiling was already set.