Sun Yong listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. After hearing the full story, he nodded slightly, a clear picture forming in his mind.

It turned out that Yang Jing’s ability to reach fourth place was indeed helped by a bit of luck.

The aid from the Hundred Herbs Spirit Pill, Zhou Tong’s injury—these were all rare, chance opportunities.

Under normal circumstances, with Yang Jing’s current strength, achieving such a rank in the tournament, surrounded by experts, would have been as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

But Sun Yong didn’t look down on Yang Jing in the slightest because of this.

He had lived for most of his life and seen tens of thousands of Martial Artists, so he naturally understood how much unseen effort lay behind the word "luck."

He Han had been famous in Yuhe County for a long time, and Xu Guangwei was a tough opponent among those at the Peak of Dark Energy. To defeat both of them in succession could hardly be summarized as a mere stroke of luck. Without real strength and the ability to adapt in battle, even the best opportunity couldn’t be seized.

Not to mention Zhou Tong, who was a renowned figure in the Martial Dao circles of Yuhe County. Even with his left arm injured, his combat power surpassed that of an ordinary Peak of Dark Energy Martial Artist.

The fact that Yang Jing could gain an advantage over him, and even defeat him, was enough to prove that his own strength could no longer be underestimated. At the very least, he was much stronger than his senior brother, Xu Hong, who was also at the Peak of Dark Energy.

"Yes, I understand."

Sun Yong spoke slowly, his tone filled with approval. "The ability to seize an opportunity is a skill in itself. You’ve fought your own way to get where you are today."

After speaking, Sun Yong mulled it over for a moment before looking at Yang Jing, his expression turning more serious. "You need to be careful with that Miss Jinlian. She is the one in power in a major family from the Prefecture City. To shoulder the heavy burden of her family at such a young age, her methods and courage are anything but ordinary. The resources and influence she commands are likely no less than that of the six great families that have been entrenched in our Yuhe County for a hundred years. It’s difficult for an ordinary person to even speak with her. Her willingness to gift you a Hundred Herbs Spirit Pill is a great opportunity for you."

He paused, his tone becoming more admonishing. "There’s no harm in associating with her. It might even be a good thing to build some rapport; perhaps you could gain her assistance in the future. But remember, do not get too close, and be sure to maintain a proper sense of propriety. After all, she is single-handedly supporting a massive family. Her mind and schemes are undoubtedly profound. You are young and pure of heart. Don’t let anyone find a reason to gossip and ruin your reputation."

These words were blunt, both a reminder and a show of protectiveness.

Having lived for most of his life, Sun Yong had seen more than his share of entanglements within great families. He was afraid his disciple, still naive to the ways of the world, would be seduced by beauty and suffer a fall.

He had given the same warning to Lin Yue, but Lin Yue spent all his days attending banquets with the scions of Yuhe County’s various great families and had never taken his words to heart.

Just then, Sun Ningxiang walked in carrying a tea tray and gently placed two celadon teacups on the table.

Hearing her father mention Miss Jinlian, the hand she was using to set down the tea paused for a fraction of a second, and she couldn’t help but furrow her brow.

Regarding that young woman who had taken control of her family, although there were few rumors about her in the city, Sun Ningxiang had heard that her methods were formidable. Now, hearing her father specifically warn Yang Jing to be mindful of his conduct with her, she felt a strange unease in her heart. Still, she said nothing, simply setting down the teacups and stepping aside.

Yang Jing picked up his teacup, the warmth spreading through his fingertips. He nodded seriously. "This disciple understands. Thank you for your guidance, Master."

In his heart, he already held a degree of respect and fear for Miss Jinlian.

Her gifting him the Elixir was a show of goodwill, but it also hinted at an unfathomable depth.

He did indeed plan to visit her in a couple of days to express his thanks, but that was as far as it would go.

Just as his master had said, it was best to remain nodding acquaintances; he absolutely would not become too familiar with her.

’Besides...’ Yang Jing mused to himself. ’Someone who could stabilize the situation after a family crisis is no ordinary person.’

’I’m just a Dark Energy Martial Artist. Even though I took fourth place in the tournament, in the eyes of Miss Jinlian, that probably counts for nothing.’

’Any talk of currying favor is just me overthinking it. Why would she ever take an interest in me?’

Seeing that Yang Jing’s expression was clear and he didn’t seem to be entertaining other ideas, Sun Yong relaxed. He lifted his teacup and took a sip. The fresh fragrance of the green-bud-jade-leaf tea spread across his tongue, carrying a faint Spiritual Qi that nourished his meridians. He smiled and said, "Try this tea. It’s good for your recovery."

Yang Jing did as he was told and sampled the tea. He felt a gentle warmth flow down his throat and spread through his limbs and bones, even soothing the dull ache in his abdomen.

The fragrance of tea curled through the study. Master and disciple sat in a comfortable silence, a harmonious atmosphere between them.

Sun Yong set down his teacup. Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "How many of those Qi Storage Pills do you have left?"

Yang Jing answered truthfully, "Reporting to Master, I still have nine."

"Mm,"

Sun Yong nodded. "This Elixir is very beneficial for your current stage of cultivating Dark Energy. When you run out, come to me for more. There’s no need to be frugal with them."

Although the Qi Storage Pill wasn’t considered a top-tier Elixir, its strength lay in its gentle and practical nature, making it perfectly suited for the daily cultivation of a Dark Energy Martial Artist.

Yang Jing nodded. "Thank you, Master."

The two of them chatted for a little longer.

Yang Jing stood up and cupped his fist. "Master, if there is nothing else, this disciple will return to the front courtyard to practice his forms for a while."

"Go on," Sun Yong instructed. "Remember not to train too fiercely. For the next few days, focus on your recovery. Slow the circulation of your Inner Strength, and don’t aggravate your old injuries."

"This disciple understands," Yang Jing replied, then turned and left the study.

The sound of footsteps faded into the distance, leaving only Sun Yong and Sun Ningxiang in the study.

Sun Yong lifted his teacup and took another sip. As the Spiritual Qi of the green-bud-jade-leaf tea lingered on his tongue, he caught a glimpse of his daughter in his peripheral vision, still standing to the side without moving.

Sun Yong looked up at her and saw that Sun Ningxiang was turned slightly to the side, her gaze fixed on something outside the window. Following her line of sight, he saw it was the direction Yang Jing had gone.

Her brow was slightly furrowed, and her expression was a little dazed, as if lost in thought. She didn’t even notice her father’s gaze upon her.