It's painful, helpless, and despairing.
Even though the Grey-cloaked People offered hope, this hope might very well be false. The most crucial point is, as Yarebin said, the Grey-cloaked People are not the kind of organization that particularly keeps its promises.
Moreover, according to the normal progression, Yang Yi should take a long time before possibly gaining access to the core secrets of the Grey-cloaked People. This 'long time' could be half a year, a year, or perhaps ten years or more.
Yang Yi still needs to perform exceptionally well and often to possibly reach the core circle of the Grey-cloaked People. But now, his needs have become urgent because Zhang Yong cannot wait for too long. Therefore, under the premise of having no certainties, he cannot wait patiently for opportunities as he did before.
Yang Yi must proactively create opportunities, but creating opportunities means taking the initiative, and taking the initiative involves risks.
