The next day, at first light, Chen Qing stepped onto the Transmission Training Ground of Qingmu Institute.
The disciples stood in little groups of three or five, murmuring about something. The atmosphere differed slightly from usual, carrying an added hint of restlessness.
Only when they saw Chen Qing arrive did the chatter subside somewhat, and the disciples hurriedly bowed in greeting.
"Chief Disciple!"
"Good morning, Chief Disciple!"
Chen Qing swept his gaze over the crowd before it finally settled on Yu Bao'er, who came jogging over.
Her little face was slightly flushed, with a trace of indignation on it.
"What are you all discussing?" Chen Qing asked evenly.
Yu Bao'er immediately leaned closer and lowered her voice. "Reporting to Chief Disciple, quite a few disciples have been privately ranking the chief disciples of the five institutes!"
"Oh? How did they rank them?"
Chen Qing did not slow his pace as he walked toward his place, while Yu Bao'er followed at his heels.
"How else could they rank them?"
Yu Bao'er curled her lip and said resentfully, "Some people put Senior Brother Yan Yaoyang of Gengjin Institute first, Senior Sister Nie Shanshan of Guishui Institute second, and then... then they put you third! Senior Brother Li Lei of Kuntu Institute is fourth, and Senior Brother Li Wang of Lihuo Institute is fifth."
She paused, her voice full of grievance on Chen Qing's behalf. "What kind of logic is that? How long have you even been Chief Disciple, Senior Brother? Besides, you have never truly fought Yan Yaoyang. Why should they decide you belong in third place? In my opinion, your strength..."
Chen Qing raised a hand, gently cutting off her endless indignation. His expression did not change. "Empty fame, nothing more. There is no need to take it to heart. It