The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 770 Hidden Dragon Prodigy, Mining Game

This wasn't Chen Ping'an's first visit to the Gu family's residence. However, compared to before, his arrival today was of a completely different status; he was formally visiting the Gu family as the Xuanling Garrison Commander.

Upon learning of Chen Ping'an's appointment, the Gu family was well-prepared and, following established procedures, welcomed him with the utmost enthusiasm and courtesy. A Gu family elder personally escorted Chen Ping'an inside.

In the main hall, everyone sat high up. Although Chen Ping'an was a guest, he sat in the seat of honor, with Rong Lao, an elder of the resident clan, on either side of him. Below them, a group of clan elders accompanied them.

This time, their status was vastly different. This difference can be seen from the words and reactions of the Gu family elders, and the level of courtesy they received.

On his second visit, Chen Ping'an went from being an attendant to being the absolute guest of honor.

Chen Pingan spent a year on this process.

"Lord Chen, when did you arrive?" Old Master Rong asked with a kind smile, dressed in a light yellow robe.

As one of the highest-ranking officials in charge of the Gu family's territory, his cultivation had long since reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm. He had failed to break through to the next realm years ago, but was fortunate enough to survive. Although he had become increasingly shrewd, his combat strength was not what it used to be.

"I just arrived in Xuanling last night. It was already late, so I didn't bother you again. Please don't take offense, Elder Rong," Chen Ping'an said with a smile, showing no airs and appearing very approachable.

"What are you saying, Lord Chen?" Old Master Rong said repeatedly.

Chen Ping'an's consistent attitude eased his mind slightly. As the newly appointed garrison commander, representing the interests of the entire Canglong Prefecture, Chen Ping'an's position was extraordinary.

The garrison commander position in Canglong Prefecture had been vacant for many years, and his return to Xuanling now has an extremely important impact on the city of Xuanling.

As one of the veterans of the Gu family's residence, he naturally has a deep understanding of this matter.

Although Chen Ping'an was the son-in-law of the Gu family and the future husband of the contemporary prodigy, Qingcheng, he did not treat the man in front of him as a junior at all.

I remember when we met before, he wasn't as serious as he is today. Although he seemed to value it, he didn't seem nearly as nervous.

At that time, Chen Ping'an had already ascended to the position of Hidden Dragon, and his influence and influence were quite impressive, but for him, it was more about appreciation and satisfaction. But today, these feelings are completely different.

Today, Chen Ping'an's influence and status are no less than those of a peak Grandmaster like him. In fact, considering his age and potential, Chen Ping'an's influence is even greater than his.

Having had previous contact, the two quickly became acquainted after just a few words. The atmosphere was harmonious and gradually warmed up.

Although this visit was a necessary step, Chen Ping'an also learned a lot of information during the conversation.

Elder Rong, stationed at the Gu family's residence in Xuanling, was also a participant in the Xuanling Heavy City Garrison Review Committee. The Gu family's garrison review slot fell to him.

Against this backdrop, the topic of the garrison review committee naturally came up in the discussion.

Chen Ping'an went to Xuanling to serve as the garrison commander, which, according to custom, meant he would occupy a seat on the Garrison Review Committee. Once the seat was restored, he could join the Garrison Review Committee and work together with Shen Huiqing and Elder Rong, supporting and looking after each other.

The three of them combined also occupy three spots. If the spot from the Qiankun Division of Canglong Prefecture is included, Canglong Prefecture also has four spots. Their influence and prestige are naturally vastly different from before.

After a brief exchange, the atmosphere was naturally very harmonious.

After chatting in the main hall, Elder Rong invited Chen Ping'an to the back courtyard for another chat.

After a moment's thought, Chen Ping'an did not refuse.

In the rear courtyard of the residence, on the pavilion, there are fine wines and rare fruits.

Chen Ping'an and Elder Rong sat facing each other, surrounded by beautiful and pleasing scenery. Chen Ping'an drank wine and tea, thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Ping An, take a look at this." Elder Rong handed over a scroll. In private, Elder Rong's form of address wasn't so formal; after reaching a tacit understanding, they interacted in a normal manner.

Chen Ping'an took it at the right moment and began to examine it.

After a few breaths, he slowly closed the book.

The book records some of Xuanling's recent developments, similar to what Chen Ping'an had learned from Shen Huiqing. However, this information differs from what Shen Huiqing provided. The information in this book is primarily described from the Gu family's perspective.

If everything is clear and concrete, then it all points to only one thing.

A struggle for interests!

For the Gu family, the greatest benefit lies in the large mine outside Xuanling Heavy City.

Although profits have already been distributed, the company still generates substantial revenue for the Gu family each year, attracting envy from others. Various factions, vying for power, attempt to gain an even larger share of the profits.

For example, increasing the proportion of procurement, reducing the output from Gujia's own channels, and even supplying all parties directly from the source in order to obtain the maximum benefit.

"It seems I've arrived at just the right time," Chen Ping'an said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Elder Rong was taken aback.

When he presented the scroll, he had countless expectations in his mind. But he never expected Chen Ping'an's reaction to be like this.

Such directness leaves one with mixed feelings.

You came at the right time.

A short sentence, yet it contains so much.

Without shirking responsibility or mincing words, Chen Ping'an displayed an unwavering sense of duty regarding the Gu family's affairs.

This gesture moved Old Master Rong, making him even more convinced that the Gu family had not misjudged him.

With this in mind, their communication naturally became smoother.

During the conversation, Mr. Rong also mentioned the recently updated Hidden Dragon List.

Chen Ping'an went to Xuanling to take up his post, and along the way, he spent most of his time in the wilderness, so he really hadn't seen the latest issue of the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

However, even if he passes through cities on his journey, he might not be able to obtain such information without conducting in-depth investigations.

While the Hidden Dragon Ranking is updated regularly, it primarily circulates within the Grandmaster circle, remaining an unattainable list for ordinary people. The rankings they encounter daily are mostly the Rising Star Rankings within their respective states.

“Ping An, take a look.” Old Master Rong raised his hand slightly, and a jade stone floated in the air, its light swirling, and words appeared on it.

The Hidden Dragon List of the Great Qian Dynasty.

Chen Ping'an remained calm and watched as the object went away.

The first list that Elder Rong showed was not someone else's ranking information, but Chen Ping'an's latest ranking on the Hidden Dragon List.

Such precise targeting clearly indicates that Mr. Rong has seen this more than once or twice.

Chen Ping'an, the prodigy of the Hidden Dragon Ranking, ranks twenty-fifth.

Compared to its previous ranking, it has moved up four places.

It has changed from being the 29th to the 25th.

There haven't been many updates to the battle record section. Although Chen Ping'an broke through to the Grandmaster level in Martial Arts, there haven't been any new battle records updated.

In the latest Hidden Dragon Ranking, Chen Ping'an's ranking was based on a fixed increase. His previous combat performance was used as a reference, with the approximate increase in his combat power upon reaching the Grandmaster realm, assuming other quantitative factors remained constant. This was then used as a reference for the latest ranking.

Chen Ping'an wasn't too surprised by this ranking. Although his cultivation level had broken through, he hadn't shown much of his techniques or secret methods.

Such an increase is within the normal range.

The Hidden Dragons Ranking is updated using a rigorous sorting system, avoiding speculative judgments in the rankings. It primarily focuses on information that has already been revealed.

As for the remaining judgments, they will be reflected in the comprehensive review and combat strength analysis as appropriate.

In this latest update of Hidden Dragon, Chen Ping'an's ranking didn't improve much. However, the list further affirmed his future prospects.

Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, possesses extraordinary talent and brilliance. At the Azure Dragon Banquet, he achieved the Grandmaster realm in martial arts—a mere thought, and he became a Grandmaster. With such talent, he has a chance to reach the top ten of the Hidden Dragon Sect within twenty years!
Reaching the top ten is a truly milestone achievement.

A peerless genius who stands at the pinnacle of the dynasty, dazzling in his time.

In any sacred land, sect, or major cultivation school, he is undoubtedly the leading figure and backbone of the contemporary era.

The fact that Chen Ping'an received such praise on the Hidden Dragon List is enough to demonstrate the high quality of his talent.

When talking about this matter, Mr. Rong was quite excited, looking very proud.

During the process, praise and flattery were naturally indispensable.

However, at this moment, the two interacted more as equals, and Elder Rong did not offer much praise to avoid any unpleasant associations.

After reviewing his own ranking information, Chen Ping'an then browsed through the latest edition of the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

Compared to the previous list, six months have passed and the number of martial arts grandmasters remains at thirty-five.

Chen Ping'an, as a newly promoted Grandmaster, filled the gap in the number of martial arts Grandmasters. However, there was a Grandmaster prodigy on the list who disappeared from the list because he had reached the age limit for being removed from the list.

The quantity increases while the quantity decreases, but the total number remains unchanged.

Some brilliant minds fail and are left disappointed, while others emerge as shining stars, rising slowly into the future. As time goes by and the old gives way to the new, it's like a silent prelude, depicting the cycle of life.

The only constant in this world is change.

This edition of the Hidden Dragon Ranking has generated immense buzz and discussion, sparking widespread debate. Unlike previous editions, this year's ranking features the emergence of a martial arts prodigy!
The one who has reached the state of harmony between heaven and man is not Jiang Wuyai, the Taixu Sword Master who has been the subject of much discussion and anticipation, nor Dugu Yiren, the Five Poison Saintess who has made a strong entrance into the Fengyun Grandmaster Ranking, but Chen Xuanli, who has been steadily guarding the top ten of the Hidden Dragons.

The true successor of the Xuanmen sect, Chen Xuanli!

With unparalleled talent, he ascended to the realm of martial arts mastery!

This matter naturally attracted widespread attention and discussion.

While browsing the rankings, Chen Ping'an's gaze lingered on that particular piece of information for a short while longer. "A newly promoted Celestial Being, huh?"

He has just achieved the Martial Dao Celestial Realm. In terms of combat strength, it is unknown whether he is superior to his opponent.

Chen Ping'an pondered to himself, but such thoughts quickly dissipated.

His gaze fell on Dugu Yiren, the third-ranked Five Poison Saintess.

The information on this third-ranked prodigy is no different from before. Clearly, he has been in a period of silence for the past six months, and has not disclosed any information.

There are quite a few similar prodigies on the Hidden Dragon Ranking. It's just unclear whether their cultivation levels haven't changed, or if their information simply hasn't been updated.

Whether there are truly only two martial arts masters among the contemporary figures on the Hidden Dragon Ranking is something only those involved would know for sure.

Are Dugu Yiren and Jiang Wuyai truly unable to break through to the Celestial Realm?
Or perhaps he was simply in seclusion consolidating his cultivation and practicing secret techniques, and hadn't had a chance to reveal it to the outside world?
The truth behind these lists is hard to discern, and no one can say for sure.

Just like him, although he ranked twenty-fifth on the list, he had already secretly become a martial arts master, and his combat power was extremely powerful.

Such situations may not be numerous in modern times, but they must certainly exist.

No matter how many are hidden, there will always be some hidden... cough cough, those who are well hidden.

If those who make it onto the list are in such a state, what about the military prodigies and members of the royal bloodline who are not even on the list?

In addition, there are those reclusive geniuses who never reveal themselves to the outside world, as well as a few bloodline descendants who are extremely hidden.

Chen Ping'an's gaze fell from the people in front—the Great Sage's Legacy Ruan Yushu, the Blood Prison Young Master Yin Shangjin—to the Heavenly Luo Saintess, Qu Feiyan's information page.

The information on Xiaotianluo remained largely unchanged, with few updates. Descriptions of cultivation and combat strength were still limited to reaching the level of a Grandmaster on the Wind and Cloud Ranking.

The latest battle was fought outside the important town of Long'an, where he fought a fierce battle with the black-robed monster.

To this day, more than a year has passed without a precise description.

Leaving aside distant examples, the battle in the Demon Lord's secret realm alone demonstrated Xiao Tianluo's combat prowess in more ways than just that.

Having obtained so many treasures and resources from the secret treasure trove, and with so much time having passed, how could Xiao Tianluo's combat strength possibly remain stagnant?
"Having cultivated for so long, Xiao Tianluo's combat strength should already be among the top ranks, right?" Chen Ping'an secretly guessed, a hint of anticipation rising in his heart.

Xiao Tianluo's cultivation progressed quite quickly, but her Celestial Realm was not what it used to be. Judging from the time that had passed, she was probably still stuck at a critical juncture.

If we were to meet again in such a situation, then...
Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered slightly, his thoughts shifting.

In the previous battle, although he had the upper hand, he ultimately failed to achieve his goal and was unable to fully enjoy the victory. If they could meet again in the future, he would definitely give him a good beating.

Previously, Bei Cang and Bei Cang had faced each other across the distance. Although the exchange seemed calm on the surface, the risks involved were the greatest he had ever encountered in his cultivation. This scene left a deep impression on him, and although he was now bound by ties, he still wanted to get some revenge for what had happened.

Years ago, Tianluo used a single glance to suppress him, a Xuan Guang Realm cultivator, despite being at the Grandmaster Realm. Now, he too will use his Celestial Realm to suppress Tianluo Saintess once more, using a single glance to bewitch her. Only then will the cycle of cause and effect be complete, and retribution be served.

"Little Tianluo, don't blame your father. This time, I will definitely treat you well."

Chen Ping'an had a plan in mind, and a certain air about him was forming. Although some of his words were joking, they also reflected his past frustrations and resentment.

Some things may seem trivial, but for the people involved, they may not be so.

Such setbacks are commonplace for mediocre people, but for exceptional talents and brilliant geniuses, they are unacceptable.

In the past, although he had encountered some obstacles since he began his cultivation, he had ultimately remained calm and safe. Even the matter of Cao Yingxiong was something he had planned for and the risks were manageable. But that one glance in the important town of Beicang almost made him lose his senses and become lost in it.

Although it was just a glance, and to others it would have been insignificant, to him it was no less than a devastating blow.

To this day, I still remember it vividly.

This was the greatest danger he had ever encountered since he began his cultivation. It happened on that quiet and peaceful night, on the eve of the Northern Cang Auction.

In the previous battle in Long'an, he intended to kill Tianluo Saintess on the spot, but he failed to do so.

In the battle in the secret place, by a stroke of luck, he was filled with ambition and wanted to avenge the grudge from years ago.

Ultimately, however, all their efforts were in vain, and they failed to succeed.

Now that things are entangled, although I no longer have the intention to kill them, just letting it go like this still feels a bit lacking.

This has nothing to do with ambition; it comes from the deepest yearning in his heart, concerning his Daoist heart and his Daoist path.

In fact, if it weren't for the Pact of Illusions and the unresolved karmic debts of the past, he probably wouldn't have even been able to get past the trial of the Illusionary Realm of Inner Demons. Even if he had managed to get through it, his Dao heart would still be disrupted.

This matter may seem insignificant, but strictly speaking, it is an act of obstruction to the path. If such an act of obstruction is not avenged, how can one's Dao heart be at peace?
The light screen kept changing, and information kept appearing. Chen Ping'an's mind raced as he pondered the situation.

To be honest, for the Holy Maiden of Tianluo, that battle outside the important town of Long'an, where the two fought to the death and narrowly escaped with their lives, could be considered a blood feud.

In the battle in the secret realm, he thwarted the opportunity, which is an act of revenge for obstructing the path.

"Old monster! I will never forget this humiliation, not even to the ends of the earth or the netherworld!"
"I will surely kill you!"

Those words from years ago still seem to linger in my mind and echo in my ears.

A blood feud, a feud that obstructs the way.
Under such circumstances, even with the Pact of Illusion, it is estimated that the Holy Maiden of Heavenly Net will find it difficult to overcome the illusion of inner demons.

Chen Pingan sighed softly.

Hopefully she'll be better prepared and won't fail at this hurdle.

At least for now, Chen Ping'an, putting himself in her shoes, finds it hard to imagine how the Holy Maiden of Tianluo could make things go smoothly and resolve the cause and effect while the enmity remains unresolved.

With the cause and effect still unresolved, or rather, with her mind clouded, how will the Heavenly Net Saintess overcome this inner demon illusion that challenges her conscience?
Disaster!Disaster!Disaster!
Chen Ping'an sighed three times before gradually pulling himself back to his senses.

By this time, he had finished reading the entire issue of the Hidden Dragon List.

By now, there wasn't much information on the list that warranted his attention. But in front of Elder Rong, Chen Ping'an still carefully reviewed it.

In the middle and later parts of the list, he also saw the names of old acquaintances.

Little Five Poisons, Lan Yingjun.

This little girl's cultivation progress is really fast; she's almost in the top sixty of the Hidden Dragon rankings. I wonder if she still has any hidden talents.

The list also mentions the martial art practiced by Lan Yingjun, the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm. The palm force is insidious and strange, yet fierce and domineering. In Lan Yingjun's hands, it is even more powerful. She once used this palm to seriously injure a senior grandmaster in the middle stage of Jade Balance.

With such power from a single palm strike, Lan Yingjun's combat prowess became even more renowned.

According to the analysis on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, Lan Yingjun's palm technique is insidious and poisonous. Even top-tier grandmasters would find it difficult to defend against the part she has revealed so far.

Furthermore, this palm technique is also fierce and domineering, capable of launching a direct attack while the poison invades the body, making it extremely ruthless.

Insidious and eerie, ruthless and domineering.
Upon seeing these pieces of information, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but pay closer attention.

He had been quite interested in this palm technique since the very beginning, and his interest has not diminished at all to this day.

He possessed the Seven Absolute Divine Skill, now known as the Seven Absolute Forbidden Techniques, which contained a palm technique called the Seven Absolute Soul-Severing Palm. He had considerable experience in the art of palm techniques.

In the past, when he was refining himself and innovating, he made great achievements in this field.

In addition to palm techniques, he also cultivated the Three-Part Human Calamity Finger and the Seven Killings Heavenly Gang Fist. Finger techniques, fist techniques—if he could add a palm technique that resonated with his own abilities, then…
Chen Ping'an's gaze shifted, his emotions difficult to describe.

He can fuse the Blood Seal of Ten Thousand Demons, the Seven Absolute Divine Skill, and his many previous insights together. So why can't he combine other techniques?
If one combines the destructive power of finger techniques, the insidious malice of palm techniques, and the killing intent of fist techniques, while also focusing on fierce attacks, it might be possible to integrate them and create a new martial art.

The ability of this technique to isolate one's aura suggests it is at the level of a true treasure scroll!
"If there is an opportunity," Chen Ping'an thought, recalling his encounter with Lan Yingjun in Xuanling City not long ago.

Maybe
Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and he fell into a deep silence.

Chen Ping'an chatted with Elder Rong for over an hour in the pavilion in the rear garden of the camp. This exchange naturally made the two more familiar with each other. Although Elder Rong was older, Chen Ping'an held a higher position, and their conversations were mostly conducted as equals.

With the Gu family as a connection, their relationship progressed extremely quickly. As mutual acquaintances, they naturally had to discuss Gu Qingchan and Gu Qingcheng.

As Chen Ping'an's fiancée and a member of the younger generation of the Gu family, Gu Qingcheng was not someone that Elder Rong could easily mention in depth. He simply praised the two as a perfect couple and expressed his anticipation for their wedding in a little over a year, before refraining from further discussion.

Gu Qingchan, as an elder of the Gu family and the hope of the family in recent generations, received much praise from Elder Rong.

During his previous trip to Xuanling, Chen Ping'an had come with Gu Qingchan, and they had also visited Elder Rong together. In such a setting, mentioning someone they knew naturally flowed smoothly.

Chen Ping'an smiled warmly and talked freely.

In the past, I did think about the inheritance of forbidden techniques and the matter of dual cultivation methods.

Having entered the Celestial Realm, Chen Ping'an naturally needed more means to equip himself, in addition to precious treasures and secret techniques. The forbidden technique he inherited from the cave at the bottom of the pool was a particularly good option.

In addition, there is that dual cultivation technique.
However, the matter was somewhat romantic, and given the occasion, Chen Ping'an didn't dwell on it too much.

The two chatted casually, discussing various matters, until everything was settled, at which point Chen Ping'an finally left the Gu family's residence.

It was already afternoon when Chen Ping'an left the Gu family. After a moment's thought, he returned to his garrison.

As his important foothold in Xuanling, many things will unfold from here. Since he has just taken office, he still needs to put some effort into managing it.

On the first day of Chen Ping'an's official appointment, Canglong, stationed at Xuanling, formally submitted a proposal to the Garrison Review Committee, applying for a review quota for the new garrison envoy, to participate in the Garrison Review Committee, and to have the power of review.

At the same time, he applied for a residence on Xuanling Mountain to serve as the new garrison commander's place of training in Xuanling.

These two practices are customary for garrisoning. After more than a decade, the garrison of Canglong Prefecture, a key location, has once again submitted a request to the Garrison Review Committee, advocating for their reinstatement.

The arrival of the new garrison commander of Canglong Prefecture was announced to all parties in Xuanling through a formal announcement.

Deputy Commander of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, Garrison Commander of Xuanling, Hidden Dragon Prodigy, Mangdao
Chen Pingan!
(End of this chapter)