Chapter 570 - 192: Fame Spreads in Jintai Prefecture, Miss Jinlian’s Thoughts

Ouyang Jingxuan smiled and nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "I never expected it either. That kid is a classic wolf in sheep’s clothing. I used to think he’d be no match for Lu Shaohua, but who would have thought he’d defeat him so overwhelmingly."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "From his performance today against Lu Shaohua, his Inner Qi is abundant and his techniques are seasoned. His strength should be on par with Chu Yunhai’s."

Cao Zhen nodded in agreement. His gaze drifted to the distant horizon as he said thoughtfully, "Yes. Even someone as strong as Bai Ziyu probably isn’t a match for Yang Jing. I just wonder, between Yang Jing and Chu Yunhai, who will come out on top?"

Ouyang Jingxuan considered this for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly. "I know that Chu Yunhai kid," he said slowly. "He’s level-headed and exceptionally talented. He’s held the top spot on the Hidden Dragon List for two years straight, so he must have a few aces up his sleeve. It’s already incredibly impressive that Yang Jing has made it this far. But defeating Chu Yunhai... I think his chances are slim."

At this, Cao Zhen suddenly recalled something and couldn’t help but chuckle, his tone tinged with amusement. "I just remembered the bet between Peak Master Lingxi and Peak Master Zhenyue. Peak Master Zhenyue used to complain about Yang Jing’s poor aptitude. Looking at him now, it’s no wonder he lost that bet."

Ouyang Jingxuan chuckled softly as well. He couldn’t help but picture Peak Master Zhenyue’s expression earlier that day—a complex mix of shock and regret—as he watched Yang Jing defeat Lu Shaohua. Shaking his head, he laughed under his breath. "Well, at least a great talent like him didn’t end up in another sect. It’s a good thing he was born and raised right here in our Xuanzhen Sect."

...

As the Fushan Grand Competition drew to a close, the Xuanzhen Sect disciples who had distinguished themselves became famous, their names the talk of Jintai Prefecture.

And the one discussed more than any other was, without a doubt, Yang Jing.

Like a newly risen star, his fame had skyrocketed throughout Jintai Prefecture.

Compared to long-established geniuses of the Xuanzhen Sect like Chu Yunhai, Bai Ziyu, Lu Shaohua, and Su Muyuan, Yang Jing had been a complete unknown in Jintai Prefecture. He was a drop in the ocean, someone no one would have ever noticed.

But now, he had made a stunning debut. A true dark horse, he had cut a path through the competition, defeating numerous veteran disciples. Even Lu Shaohua, ranked third on the Hidden Dragon List, had fallen to his fists.

In every influential house and family in Jintai Prefecture, large and small, people were talking about Yang Jing—the incredible dark horse who had risen so quickly.

That night, it was as if the whole of Jintai Prefecture City was set ablaze by Yang Jing’s name.

From the scions of noble families in their brocade robes, gathered in sprawling manors for lively discussions, to the street vendors with their carrying poles and the travelers idly chatting in the alleyways, Yang Jing was one of the most frequently mentioned names.

The night grew darker. Bright candlelight flickered from the streets, and oil-paper lanterns hanging beneath the eaves cast warm yellow halos, dispelling the evening chill and bathing the stone-paved roads in a hazy glow.

A spacious and luxuriously decorated carriage slowly pulled to a stop before the gates of the Lu Mansion. The curtain was gently drawn aside, and Miss Jinlian was the first to emerge.

She wore a pale pink dress that accentuated her slender figure, and her face still glowed with a hint of lingering excitement.

Following right behind her, Wang Xiao of the Wang Family stepped down from the carriage. Dressed in magnificent sapphire-blue robes, she carried herself with the calm poise of a noble lady.

Wang Xiao turned and smiled at Miss Jinlian, her tone affectionate. "Ah Lian, I’ll come pick you up first thing tomorrow morning, and we’ll go to the Fushan Grand Competition semifinals at the Xuanzhen Sect together."

Miss Jinlian nodded and replied softly, "Alright. Thank you, I appreciate it."

Wang Xiao smiled and shook her head, patting her arm. "It’s no trouble at all. We’re good friends, there’s no need for such formalities. You should get some rest and save your energy. I’ll be heading back now."

Miss Jinlian nodded again. "Be safe on your way," she cautioned.

Wang Xiao turned and walked to the carriage. Just as she was about to step inside, she suddenly turned back and smiled at Miss Jinlian. "Oh, that’s right, Ah Lian. The day after tomorrow, Miss Lin is hosting a flower-viewing banquet. All the most prominent figures in the Prefecture City will be there. Would you like to come with me?"

At her words, Miss Jinlian’s heart skipped a beat.

The Lin Family was one of the top clans in Jintai Prefecture, one of the three great noble houses.

An ordinary wealthy family would have no hope of receiving an invitation to a banquet hosted by Miss Lin.

In the past, Wang Xiao would never have invited her to such an event.

She didn’t agree immediately. Instead, she paused to think for a moment before slowly nodding. "Of course."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wang Xiao turned and boarded the carriage.

The driver flicked the reins. With the sharp crack of a whip, the carriage began to move, slowly driving off until it vanished into the darkness.

In the dim night, Miss Jinlian stood alone before the gates of the Lu Mansion. Her gaze remained fixed in the direction the Wang Family’s carriage had gone, and for a long while, she did not look away.

The corners of her lips curved into a slight smile.

She was keenly aware of the change in Wang Xiao’s attitude over the past few days. The deliberate attempts to get closer, to win her over, were all too obvious.

’In the past, when would Wang Xiao have ever bothered to get out of the carriage to see me off?’

’Let alone invite me to a banquet hosted by Miss Lin.’

Miss Jinlian knew perfectly well. The source of all these changes was one person, and one person alone: Yang Jing.