"Have you reached the peak of Hidden Force and broken through to Organ Refining?"
Gong Tian leaned against the rattan chair, his gaze settling on the figure at the courtyard gate. A note of surprise edged his voice.
The white cranes in the courtyard seemed startled by the sudden presence. They flapped their wings and hurried aside.
They eyed the unexpected visitor warily.
Yang Ning also rose and turned to look. His gaze fell on the newcomer, and he silently praised her.
The woman wore a moon-white martial outfit, with a simple, ancient-looking sword hanging at her waist. Its tassel swayed lightly in the breeze.
Her long black hair was bound high with a blue-jade hairpin, revealing a smooth forehead and a sharply defined jaw.
Her sword-like brows swept toward her temples, and her bright eyes were keen. There was no feminine softness between her brows; instead, she radiated a heroic air.
A little dust clung to her sleeves. Clearly, she had traveled a long way and had not yet had time to rest.
"Gong Tian, aren't you the same?"
Sun Jue strode into the courtyard, her steps steady and strong. Each footfall seemed faintly attuned to the flow of qi and blood within her.
"I emerged from seclusion yesterday. My inner breath has now passed through my lungs, and I've entered the Organ Refining realm."
Gong Tian nodded slowly, his fingertips rubbing the armrest of his chair. A trace of approval flickered in his eyes.
"I didn't expect you to catch up from behind and break through on the very same day as me.
"I only recently passed my inner breath through my liver."
"I can't compare to you."
Sun Jue shook her head. Her gaze swept over Gong Tian, and her tone was certain.
"You can control your