Yang Jing followed the quiet courtyard path straight ahead and soon left the area surrounding the Jade Bamboo Courtyard.
Green bamboo rustled along the way as the evening breeze began to rise.
Disciples still came and went through the academy in an endless stream, pursuing their cultivation. But Yang Jing's mind held no stray thoughts now; all his attention was fixed on cultivation alone.
Without stopping, he headed straight for the Martial Hall, where he usually trained.
He stepped into the grand, solemn main hall of the Martial Hall. Inside, the scene was much as it had always been: numerous Outer Courtyard disciples occupied their respective training areas, refining their moves and breathing to cultivate qi. Spirit energy circulated ceaselessly, and the atmosphere of cultivation was intense.
Knowing the way well, Yang Jing passed straight through the public area of the outer hall toward the private chambers.
He chose an unoccupied training chamber, quiet and rich in spirit energy, raised a hand to push open its heavy stone door, and stepped inside. The door slowly closed behind him, shutting out every sound, person, and disturbance from the outside world.
Spirit energy suffused the chamber, steady and abundant. Not a trace of outside clamor intruded. Its excellent soundproofing made it peaceful and secure, ideal for entering secluded cultivation and honing the Great Dao.
Standing in the center of the chamber, Yang Jing first closed his eyes and remained still. He regulated his breathing for a moment, settling the slight fluctuations caused by his journey until his breath, blood and qi, and secret power had all steadied, and his mind sank into a clear, tranquil state.
Once his body and mind had fully entered their optimal state for cultivation, he took two round, lustrous white Marrow Tempering Pills from his Storage Bag,