As usual, Yang Jing walked to the wall and took off his short jacket, then drew a deep breath, stepped into the middle of the courtyard, and began warming up and practicing his boxing.
His fists tore through the air with fierce, unyielding force. After an hour, fine sweat beaded on his forehead, but his breathing remained steady.
By now, the front courtyard had begun to bustle.
Many disciples arrived one after another. Some stretched their legs to warm up, while others gathered in corners and spoke in low voices.
"I heard one of this year's Parade Ground Trial examiners is a general from the Prefectural City. They say he has a viciously sharp eye. The slightest bit of empty flash, and you'll be eliminated."
"I heard from Eldest Senior Brother that Senior Brother Lin Yue is almost at Peak Hidden Strength. He's extremely strong in actual combat, too. He might well make the rankings in this year's Parade Ground Trial."
Conversation rose and fell, charged with excitement, agitation, nervousness, and anticipation.
Liu Maolin had also arrived early and was talking with disciples he knew. His gaze swept across the courtyard, settled on Yang Jing practicing his boxing, and he gave a slight nod.
More and more disciples gathered in the front courtyard. Xu Hong, Zhao Wenzheng, Qi Yun, and several other hidden strength disciples arrived in succession, all wearing somewhat solemn expressions.
Lin Yue arrived a little later, his fitted martial attire accentuating his straight, tall figure. His gaze swept over everyone before finally landing on Yang Jing, a flicker of disdain passing through his eyes.
Few disciples were still practicing martial arts in the front courtyard at that moment. Yang Jing was one of them.
Now that everyone had known him longer, no one thought he was merely