The next morning, Fang Yuan followed his usual routine, taking Little Bean Sprout to school before heading to the Martial Arts School.
The atmosphere within the Martial Arts School was even more fervent than usual, the air thick with restless anticipation.
No one had noticed Liu Chengfeng's temporary disappearance. Even Chen Yin, who was closest to him, thought he had gone somewhere in the city to clear his head.
News of the Qinghe Arena had spread far and wide as if it had grown wings. To these young martial artists,
it was no less than scholars hearing that the Imperial Examination had begun—a great opportunity to leap from carp to dragon gate and change their fate.
At the thought of the Imperial Examination, Fang Yuan's heart stirred faintly.
Perhaps it was time to find an opportunity to meet that former teacher.
Some matters had to be laid bare and brought to an end before he could truly let go.
As he pondered, Zhao Tie approached him. "Junior Brother Fang, you came at just the right time. Master has summoned us."
"I'm here." Fang Yuan gathered his thoughts, guessing that Chen Zhengyang might be planning to assess his progress after inducing Qi into his body.
After all, he had yet to formally demonstrate his progress before his master since his breakthrough.
The two entered the inner courtyard one after the other.
The morning light was faint, spilling over the tranquil courtyard. Chen Zhengyang sat cross-legged on a bluestone, his eyes half-closed.
A faint white mist of heat rose from around him, as though a small furnace were burning within his body.
It was entirely unlike the fierce, outwardly surging aura ordinary martial artists gave off when tempering their Qi and blood. It seemed more restrained and profound.
Fang Yuan's gaze narrowed