Rise in the Martial Chaos: Starting From a Martial Arts School

Yang Jing hurried to keep up. Crossing the square, they arrived before a great hall.

Above the hall’s entrance hung a black plaque with golden lettering that read ”Lingxi Hall” in powerful, vigorous script.

This was the residence of Bai Bing, the Peak Master of Lingxi Peak, and the very heart of the entire Lingxi Peak.

On either side of the steps outside Lingxi Hall stood two disciples on guard duty.

Upon seeing Si Jiawen approach, the four disciples’ expressions turned serious. They quickly bowed, their voices loud and respectful. ”Greetings, Senior Sister!”

Si Jiawen gave a slight nod, not breaking her stride, and asked faintly, ”Is Master in the hall?”

The disciple on the left quickly replied, ”Senior Sister, the Peak Master is meditating in the hall.”

Si Jiawen murmured an ”mhm,” saying no more. She gestured for Yang Jing to follow and stepped into Lingxi Hall.

The heavy hall doors were ajar, and pushing them open produced a faint CREAK that broke the tranquility outside.

The two stepped slowly into Lingxi Hall. The light inside was rather soft, yet the air was thick with a solemn and dignified aura.

Upon the high platform at the far end of the hall lay a simple rush mat, and on it sat a single figure, cross-legged: none other than Peak Master Lingxi, Bai Bing.

She was dressed in a moon-white Daoist robe, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. Her features were exquisitely beautiful, yet held a hint of aloof indifference. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was long and even, clearly absorbed in deep meditation.

Hearing the footsteps, Bai Bing’s eyelashes fluttered slightly before she slowly opened her eyes.

Her eyes were as clear as crystal, yet as deep as an icy pool. Her calm gaze swept over the two who had entered, finally settling on Yang Jing.

Yang Jing felt an invisible pressure wash over him. It was as if her gaze had the power to pierce his very soul, and he instantly felt completely exposed. He subconsciously held his breath as a sense of awe welled up within him.

Si Jiawen stepped forward first, bowing to Peak Master Lingxi on the high platform. Her tone was one of utmost reverence. ”Greetings, Master.”

Seeing this, Yang Jing also hurried forward, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, ”Newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple Yang Jing greets the Peak Master!”

According to the rules of the Xuanzhen Sect, once a disciple was assigned to Lingxi Peak, they were required to address the Peak Master with the etiquette due a master, regardless of whether they had been formally accepted as her personal disciple.

In the end, however, this was merely a formality. It was similar to being a Registered Disciple, not a true Direct Disciple.

Only if the Peak Master personally accepted them could they be considered a true disciple and receive her dedicated instruction.

From her high platform, Bai Bing waved a hand gently. Her voice was as crisp and cool as striking jade, yet it held a hint of warmth. ”No need for such ceremony. You may both rise.”

Si Jiawen and Yang Jing rose as instructed, standing respectfully to the side with their hands at their sides.

Bai Bing’s gaze fell upon Yang Jing once more. Little emotion could be read in her detached eyes, yet it made Yang Jing subconsciously tense his body.

After a moment, Bai Bing spoke slowly. ”Passing the Dragon Gate’s martial trial to enter the Inner Sect proves you have potential. However, the path of cultivation is long and arduous. You must not grow complacent. From now on, you must work twice as hard to fully realize that potential.”

Yang Jing quickly bowed. ”Yes, I understand! I will train diligently and not disappoint your high hopes, Peak Master!”

Bai Bing nodded, seemingly satisfied with his attitude. Then her topic shifted as she asked faintly, ”What martial art are you primarily studying now?”

Hearing her question, Yang Jing dared not hesitate for a moment. He bowed again and replied, ”Peak Master, the martial art I am currently focused on is the Mountain-Shattering Fist.”

Peak Master Lingxi nodded. She didn’t speak right away, but lowered her gaze slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

Her long lashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyes, adding an air of tranquility to her already detached expression.

The hall fell silent. The only sound was the occasional gust of wind from outside, which produced a soft moan as it swept past the eaves.

Si Jiawen stood to one side, her hands clasped and her breathing barely audible. Yang Jing held his breath, not daring to move for fear of disturbing the Peak Master’s thoughts.

After about the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, Bai Bing finally lifted her eyes. Her gaze fell upon Yang Jing again, her voice as cool as ever. ”The Mountain-Shattering Fist follows a path of overwhelming ferocity, emphasizing breaking through defenses with pure power. I will point out three paths for you—a superior, a middling, and a lesser one—all of which are suitable martial arts to transition into.”

Yang Jing’s heart skipped a beat, and a flash of excitement lit up his eyes. He pricked up his ears, afraid he might miss a single word.

”The superior choice is the Mountain-Breaking Seal. With it, your fists, palms, fingers, arms, and even legs can form the Seal. Its momentum is immense and its power concentrated enough to shake mountains. It directly inherits the ferocious nature of the Mountain-Shattering Fist, and its power is boundless.

”The middling choice is the Mountain Shaking Technique. It focuses on vibrating Inner Qi, blending hardness with softness. Cultivating it can compensate for the Mountain-Shattering Fist’s lack of staying power.

”The lesser choice is the Star-Breaking Sword. It channels the power of Inner Qi into sword techniques. Although it is a weapon-based art, it can still build upon the ferocious foundation of the Mountain-Shattering Fist.”

Bai Bing’s pace was even as she detailed the characteristics of the three martial arts. She finished by adding, ”All three of these are Mid-grade True Skills. In a small or mid-sized sect, they would be considered priceless, pinnacle techniques.”

Yang Jing was overjoyed. He nodded solemnly, engraving the names of the three martial arts into his mind. Then he bowed deeply, his voice filled with gratitude. ”Thank you for your guidance, Peak Master! I am eternally grateful!”

Bai Bing waved her hand dismissively, her tone detached. ”You may go to the Main Peak’s Talent Pavilion later and choose one for yourself. Which of the three you select is entirely up to your own affinities and cultivation insights. There is no need to force a choice. After all, the most critical thing is your future progress. Breaking through to the next realm is what’s most important.”