At noon, Xu Qing was practicing his stance in the inner courtyard when Chen Wang came in cheerfully.
Chen Wang's injuries had nearly healed. His complexion was rosy and his steps were light. Rather than going to find their master first, he headed straight for Xu Qing.
"Junior Brother Xu, I've got good news for you." Chen Wang's voice brimmed with delight. "Someone else in the courtyard has broken through to Clear Force."
"Guess who?" He chuckled, then stopped keeping him in suspense. "Qin Liang. Junior Brother Qin."
Xu Qing withdrew from his stance, his eyes lighting up. "When did it happen?"
"Just now. He was practicing his stance on the training ground when his aura suddenly changed. His blood and qi surged through his whole body, and he broke through the barrier to Clear Force in one go." Chen Wang grinned. "That kid is so happy he can barely contain himself. Go take a look in the outer courtyard when you have time."
"I won't keep talking to you. I need to tell Master this good news." With that, Chen Wang headed for the study, still beaming.
By the time Xu Qing reached the outer courtyard, Qin Liang was standing before a wooden training dummy, grinning foolishly. A crack ran through the post. There was no need to ask—it had to have been his doing.
"Senior Brother Qin!" Xu Qing patted him on the shoulder.
Qin Liang jolted and spun around. When he saw Xu Qing, the smile on his face bloomed like a flower. "Junior Brother Xu! I broke through! Clear Force! Did you see this wooden dummy? I cracked it with one punch!"
"I saw it. Impressive." Xu Qing smiled, sincerely happy for him. He understood better than anyone what breaking through to Clear Force meant for