The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 772 The Beginner's Guide to Thunderous Fury, The Gift of Yokoyama (Seeking monthly votes at the end of the month~)

Xuanling City, the azure dragon's stronghold.

hum~
A dazzling spiritual light flickered inside the apartment, Chen Ping'an's hair moved without wind, and his body was surrounded by flashing electric light.

+1!

As his true essence circulated, a cultivation experience flashed before Chen Ping'an's eyes.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep and intense, with a hint of electric shock within.

hum~
With a slight thought, the Golden Finger Panel appeared before him.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Being 1st Realm - Pivotal Light Realm
武学：青阳血炼法小成（0/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（225/8640）、广寒剑法（残篇）小成（0/7680）、狂雷刀法未入门（720/720）太虚御风步大成（1265/14400）、七绝禁法圆满、七杀天罡拳圆满、霸刀圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
Secret Technique: Soul-Guiding Incantation
“720 points.” Chen Ping’an slowly lowered his gaze, his expression calm and profound.

In the past few days, he has devoted most of his time to cultivation. The essence of the Thunderous Blade Technique is incomplete; although he has studied and comprehended it before, he has not yet mastered it in one go.

While practicing the Void Wind Control Steps, he also practiced the Thunderous Blade Technique. This simultaneous practice differed from the Azure Sun Blood Refining Method. With the Azure Sun Blood Refining Method, Chen Ping'an could practice completely in sync with the other two, without any interference.

However, the Void Wind Control Step and the Thunderous Blade Technique were not feasible; to master both, one would have to sacrifice the progress of each. If he weren't on the verge of mastering the Thunderous Blade Technique, he wouldn't have pursued both simultaneously.

At present, his primary focus in cultivation is to perfect the Tai Xu Wind Control Steps and master the secret technique of Ten Thousand Mile Wind Control. This will help him address the issue of insufficient movement speed.

Techniques like the Thunderous Blade Technique are secondary.

After entering the Celestial Realm, Chen Ping'an's combat strength naturally reached a new level. Whether it was offense, defense, speed, or divine soul, he made great progress.

But his words of progress are directed at himself. Now that he has attained enlightenment, his goals and objectives are naturally very different.

Previously, he used the titles of Grandmaster of Martial Arts and Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud as references for combat strength, comparing various dimensions to determine his own strength level. But now, the opponent he needs to compare himself to is naturally a Martial Arts Celestial.

Physical defense has always been his strongest point. With the Azure Sun Blood Refinement Second Refinement Divine Ability and the Golden Bloodline Wheel, his defensive capabilities are among the best even in the Celestial Realm. Unless he encounters a Martial Celestial Realm expert who is proficient in external martial arts and has cultivated high-grade external martial arts techniques, he still holds an absolute advantage in terms of physical strength alone.

The Azure Sun Blood Refining Method, as a secret body-forging technique, is in no way inferior to the true martial arts scrolls that specialize in external physical training. Unlike external physical training methods, the Azure Sun Blood Refining Method places more emphasis on the bloodline itself, stimulating the body's potential.

During his cultivation, Chen Ping'an chose blood from demonic beasts of exceptional quality. His first refinement involved using the true blood of an earth dragon. For his second refinement, he selected the highly endowed Golden-Patterned Xuan Turtle, renowned for its defensive prowess. With this mutated bloodline, he was completely comparable to an ordinary Heavenly-grade demonic beast bloodline.

In such situations, the advantages of protection are amplified.

Now that they have entered the realm of celestial beings, with the blessing of divine soul and the protection of true essence, the two are superimposed, and their protective ability is increased many times over.

Although there is no exact data, Chen Ping'an basically judged that, in terms of physical defense, no one below the Heavenly Realm, Hidden Radiance Realm, or the third realm of cultivation would be his opponent.

Unless he possesses some kind of protective treasure specifically designed for defense, he would have a significant advantage in a direct physical confrontation.

However, while his physique was formidable, it was far from being at its peak for Chen Ping'an. Since it was an advantage, he naturally wanted to maximize its potential.

In terms of improving physical defense, Chen Ping'an mainly focuses on two aspects. One is to find suitable blood for blood refining. Even if it is not a demon beast that is good at defense, as long as his Qingyang Blood Refining Method enters the third refining stage, his physical body will be continuously improved through tempering.

On the other hand, it's about finding suitable protective treasures and focusing on defense. This is something he's currently lacking in.

The most valuable treasures he possesses are primarily for offensive purposes, while his abilities in other areas are relatively weak.

In terms of offensive capabilities, Chen Ping'an had already mastered the Seven Killing Heavenly Fist to perfection and recently acquired two secret techniques. With these two techniques, Chen Ping'an's offensive abilities have been greatly enhanced.

Using the power of the soul as a guide and borrowing the power of heaven and earth to unleash a secret technique, its destructive power far surpasses previous methods. With the support of one's cultivation level, even the same moves, when activated, possess vastly different power. Not to mention that this is itself the most powerful destructive secret technique.

Whether these two secret techniques, activated with Chen Ping'an's purest spiritual power, can rival the trump cards of a Martial Dao Celestial is debatable. However, they are undoubtedly secret techniques of terrifying power that should not be underestimated.

Even seasoned celestial beings must take the battle seriously.

Besides secret techniques, Chen Ping'an also possesses offensive methods, such as the bloodline wonders and primal power of the first refinement of the Azure Sun Blood Refining Method, which also focus on offensive tactics. In addition, the wonders of the Evil Extreme Eye, the beam of destruction, and the single-target attack of the Ice Jade Hairpin, with its chilling light and icy frost, all fall into this category.

Such tactics can definitely be considered a trump card.

During the process, there are also some auxiliary buffs, such as the ultimate divine power of the Azure Flame Four Directions Banner, the weakening and replenishment of the Bloodthirsty Demon Jar, and the suppression-type emphasis, etc.

In terms of the soul, Chen Ping'an has made significant progress after innovating and creating the Seven Forbidden Techniques. Furthermore, his Dao as a Martial Dao Celestial is fundamentally flawless and pure; in terms of foundation, he is already superior to ordinary Martial Dao Celestials in the Dao of the Soul. Even as a newly ascended Celestial, he is likely comparable to veteran Celestials, or even stronger ones.

It has a solid foundation and is protected by secret techniques. In addition...
The alluring and wondrous power of the Dream Pearl also greatly enhanced his abilities in this area.

Compared to the three major aspects, speed and agility have naturally become Chen Ping'an's current weakness.

In fact, his foundation is solid, and his source of divine soul is perfect. Driven by the power of divine soul, his speed is not slow among martial arts masters, as long as he does not encounter those who are good at speed escape.

But for him personally, this is indeed a weakness.

Under these circumstances, the Taixu Wind-Riding Step has become the cultivation technique he prioritizes for practice. The ultimate secret technique of the Taixu Wind-Riding Step, "Riding the Wind for Ten Thousand Miles," possesses considerable power. If Chen Ping'an can master it, with his strong spiritual foundation, his speed will even surpass that of an average second-realm Celestial Being.

This information was compiled and analyzed by Chen Ping'an from numerous classic books.

Furthermore, Chen Ping'an's spiritual power contains elements of black and white, exhibiting a subtle assimilation and devouring ability during battle. This gives him a significant advantage in stalemates.

However, he wouldn't use this tactic in ordinary probing attacks. He could save it as a small trump card.

Through a series of methods, he gradually accumulated them, which eventually became the foundation of his strength in the battle between heaven and man.

Improving combat strength and accumulating resources are both long processes with few shortcuts. They require careful planning and gradual accumulation through continuous experience.

"Breakthrough." Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm and still, his expression as deep as the sea.

hum~
A flash of light appeared, and information on the panel swirled and transformed into starlight, entering Chen Ping'an's mind.

At the same moment, insights into the Thunderous Blade Technique arose in Chen Ping'an's mind. Like a memory reviving, a sense of complete understanding and integration emerged from within.

Having endured wind, frost, snow, rain, cold winters, and scorching summers, he practiced his swordsmanship diligently for over a decade, finally mastering the Thunderous Blade Technique to the entry level.

As the enlightenment arose, the benefits of the Golden Finger Panel also appeared in Chen Ping'an's spiritual realm.

Above the Spirit Platform, the source of the divine soul shone brightly, its core containing a tiny, golden, radiant light, like a grain of rice. In that instant, the light seemed to grow slightly larger. Within the Spirit Platform, the divine soul underwent a transformation, swirling around the light.

At this moment, Chen Ping'an clearly felt that his own spiritual power seemed to have become much stronger.

While the Thunderous Blade Technique is impressive, it only provides an entry-level boost and is clearly insufficient to truly elevate Chen Ping'an's martial arts realm. However, the slight improvement is undeniable.

Numerically speaking, Chen Ping'an has made a 10% advancement out of a 100% in his cultivation at the Pivot Light Realm. Overall, his foundation has improved slightly.

hum~
The spiritual light gradually dimmed, and the swirling divine soul power gradually subsided. Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.

"Thunderous Blade Technique, Beginner Level"

After mastering the basics of the Thunderous Blade Technique, Chen Ping'an formally learned all the blade techniques. Although he had no insights into the secrets, lightning flashed as he executed the blade techniques, changing brilliantly with the movements of the blade, like a cascading river of blades, displaying a divine and mysterious power.

Such momentum is extremely frightening, possessing the power to intimidate and terrify the enemy before they even engage in battle.

Crackling.

Chen Ping'an slightly activated it, and sparks flew and lightning flashed all around, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

"This adds another layer of assistance to our visible combat strength."

With Chen Ping'an's current level of cultivation, he is actually within the realm of a Grandmaster of Martial Arts, able to unleash as much of his overt combat power as he desires. However, he operates both overtly and covertly, pursuing both simultaneously, and will not neglect the logic of cultivation for the sake of momentary power.

For so long, others have only said that he is exceptionally talented and has amazing abilities, but they have never made any other guesses, or have rarely made such guesses.

This is because Chen Ping'an emphasizes the logic of cultivation; all his displayed combat power is traceable. If it's a cross-border battle, it's usually due to secret techniques, divine weapons, or secret medicines; there's no forced exposure without any logic.

His current apparent cultivation level has reached the Grandmaster realm of martial arts, and it has been several months since then. Given his solid foundation, it's normal for him to reveal more of his strength and techniques.

In such circumstances, if he were to be further aided by the perfected Overlord Blade and the entry-level Thunderous Blade Technique, and with the help of the nascent treasure and the power of the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade, what level of combat power would he be able to reach?
What if we add the Golden Illusionary Armor to this base? How much would our overall combat strength increase?

Before he even reached the level of a martial arts grandmaster, he already possessed the combat power to kill top grandmasters. Now, with many factors combined and after cultivating for so many days, he...
Perhaps it wouldn't be surprising to kill a Grandmaster at the pinnacle of his power!
If this alone is not enough to establish authority, then what if one were to be listed on the Grandmaster Ranking?
Chen Ping'an's gaze shifted, but he quickly calmed his thoughts. He focused his attention on the cultivation experience of the Taixu Wind-Riding Step.

"1265 point."

After entering the Celestial Realm, with the aid of a high-quality Snow Spirit Leaf, his cultivation speed was much faster than usual. In the past few days, he had been practicing the Thunderous Blade Technique, diverting some of his energy to it.

Now that he has mastered the basics of the Thunderous Blade Technique, he will devote himself to practicing the Void Wind Control Step.

Judging from the current progress, it should take another four or five months to complete the cultivation of a technique.

At that time, the benefits of mastering a top-tier, unparalleled martial art to perfection, along with the assistance provided by the cheat system, will be extremely considerable. Whether it will elevate his martial arts realm to another level is uncertain, but his overall foundation will definitely improve significantly.

"This feeling of continuous advancement is truly intoxicating! It's much more interesting than mere power." Chen Ping'an closed his eyes slightly, quite content.

Having just broken through to the next realm, and with the help of others, he was in peak condition and did not rest much before starting to cultivate the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu (a martial arts technique).

By the time Chen Ping'an finished his cultivation, the sky was already gray and dusk had fallen.

After studying the Soul Guiding Technique for a while, Chen Ping'an was preparing to refine the Illusionary Dream Pearl when Shen Huiqing hurriedly returned from outside.

She attended the Garrison Review Meeting today to review and discuss several previously submitted proposals. As the highest decision-making body at the official level of Xuanling City, the Garrison Review Meeting meets monthly. In case of urgent matters requiring review, a special application can be made to convene the meeting according to regulations. The scheduling is coordinated by all parties to convene the meeting in the nearest location.

Compared to regularly held review meetings, the number of attendees at ad hoc review meetings may not be as complete.

However, it's true that not all participants will attend the regularly held review meetings.

In some key decision-making processes, certain factions may choose to be absent from garrison review meetings due to their vested interests and reluctance to express their opinions. In such cases, this is the best way to demonstrate their interests.

Of course, there is a minimum number of delegates required for the garrison review meeting. If the number of delegates is less than this, the resolution can only be used as a reference for review and cannot be issued as a final resolution.

"My lord." Shen Huiqing bowed respectfully, her expression somewhat unpleasant, lacking the usual cheerful smile she always displayed when meeting him.

Although he didn't say much, seeing this situation, Chen Ping'an roughly understood the trend and situation at today's garrison review meeting.

However, since the parties involved are present, it would be clearer to explain the specific circumstances.

"Why are you so heavy-hearted?" Chen Ping'an smiled, leaned back in his chair, and said, "Tell me about it."

Seeing Chen Ping'an's appearance, Shen Huiqing was slightly taken aback. She suddenly realized that she was no longer alone. Now that the official had taken up his post, there were people who could protect her from the storms of life under the greater circumstances. She no longer needed to struggle alone and bear the burden on her own.

Looking at the man in front of her, with his calm and confident demeanor, Shen Huiqing unconsciously relaxed a little.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, today's deliberation meeting..."

Shen Huiqing's expression softened, her eyes clear, as she reported to Chen Ping'an on the situation at today's garrison review meeting.

Chen Ping'an listened calmly and relaxedly to Shen Huiqing's story.

According to Shen Huiqing, the review results of their submitted proposal report were not ideal. While the application for a residence on Xuanling Mountain was approved, the more crucial issue of securing seats on the garrison review committee was temporarily suspended due to the absence of participating representatives.

Although Representative Canglong argued his case with reason, he ultimately could not defy the general trend, and in accordance with the tone of the garrison review committee, the matter was shelved and temporarily suspended.

When the topic of the deliberation quota was put on hold, Shen Huiqing noticed that Chen Ping'an's expression did not change at all. He remained calm and composed, as if nothing could affect him.

Shen Huiqing's clear eyes lingered on Chen Ping'an's face for a while. After looking at him for a long time, she suddenly realized something was wrong, lowered her eyes, and looked away.

"You mean the Yokoyama Sect proposed a motion?" Chen Ping'an asked calmly.

"Yes, sir." Shen Huiqing nodded respectfully: "The proposal put forward by Hengshan Sect at the deliberation meeting has received support from many forces."

The proposal primarily targets the review of qualifications for commercial and trade transactions and the standardized management of mineral resources. It demands that relevant stakeholders in the industry promote the implementation of the new regulations and ensure their compliance to the greatest extent possible.

Chen Pingan listened quietly without saying a word.

Regarding the standardized management of mineral resources, Canglong Prefecture has the largest share of mineral resources among the five prefectures. The purpose of this proposal is self-evident.

Furthermore, the review of commercial and trade circulation qualifications may seem unrelated to mineral regulations, but in fact, if analyzed according to the detailed rules and regulations, the two are closely related, and can even be considered the key to regulation.

According to detailed requirements, different types of trade require different qualifications. Those lacking qualifications are not authorized to engage in trade, and any forced sales would violate the regulations issued by the Defence Review Committee. The Defence Review Committee has the authority to shut down such trade.

Regarding the qualification review, different categories of trade have different requirements. Most other categories follow the original regulations, but new regulations have been introduced for certain categories such as minerals and precious materials.

According to the proposal put forward by Hengshan Sect, the Canglong Gu family no longer has the qualifications to sell minerals and can only act as a source of mineral supply to various forces.

This is tantamount to saying that all profits in the trade process must be completely relinquished. Furthermore, in addition to the regulations governing asset management, the garrison review committee also needs to be deeply involved in mining operations and process review.

The process is subject to extremely strict control. If Yokoyama's proposal is implemented as is, not only will the profits in the commercial sector have to be relinquished, but a portion of the profits at the source will also have to be distributed and controlled by each company. As for this portion of the profits, whether it involves much or little trouble depends entirely on the resolution of the garrison review committee.

The Gu family's greatest interests in Xuanling Prefecture lie primarily in the mining sector. If this proposal is indeed approved, the Gu family's interests in Xuanling will suffer a major blow.

Of course, this proposal will affect not only the Gu family, but also certain forces that own mineral resources. However, relatively speaking, the Gu family will be the most affected.

The conflict between the Gu family and the Hengshan Sect has a long history. For example, the large mine they currently own was purchased from the Tianwu Pavilion during their struggle with the Hengshan Sect, and it has been in the Gu family's hands for hundreds of years.

According to Shen Huiqing, the proposal from the Hengshan Sect received responses from many forces as soon as it was put forward. Clearly, the Hengshan Sect had reached a tacit understanding with various forces before submitting the proposal.

However, the Gu family naturally could not accept such a proposal, and Shen Huiqing, as the representative of Canglong Prefecture, also could not accept it. They strongly opposed it at the garrison review meeting.

However, Yokoyama's sect was prepared for this, and they were caught off guard. The proposal was initially approved at the garrison review meeting, to be discussed further at the next review meeting.

Important proposals like these require multiple reviews and cannot be forcibly implemented after only one review.

According to Yokoyama Munechika, this proposal is urgent and its implementation is imperative. It is an urgent matter. Therefore, an additional review meeting should be requested during the usual garrison review meeting to expedite the process and conduct a second review of this proposal.

Clearly, Yokoyama Sō wanted to settle this matter as quickly and decisively as possible, making it a done deal.

Given the urgency, the Gu family and other powerful forces naturally refused.

Ultimately, after much negotiation among the parties, it was decided to hold an additional garrison review meeting in ten days to discuss the review proposals submitted by Yokoyama-mune regarding the regulation of trade and mineral resources.

"My lord, the outcome of this review is of paramount importance. If this proposal passes the review again, its implementation will be virtually certain. Ten days is far too short, and the situation is not optimistic," Shen Huiqing said gravely.

If the Yokoyama Sect doesn't act, it will be with overwhelming force. With various factions forming alliances, they will find it difficult to resist.

"The Hengshan Sect is indeed meticulous in its work." Chen Ping'an remained calm, his eyes serene and devoid of any fluctuation. Whether it was submitting the proposal or postponing his deliberation slot, the Hengshan Sect had clearly been prepared in advance, reaching a tacit understanding with various forces. Now, once they launched their attack, they had essentially achieved their intended goals.

His inclusion in the deliberation panel may not have a significant impact, but in the current situation, it undoubtedly adds uncertainty. Given this mindset, for Yokoyama-mune, postponing the process is naturally the best course of action.

They neither objected nor refuted the claims; even if they wanted to argue, they couldn't find a suitable point. Moreover, they were using the pretext of incomplete attendance at the review meeting.

That's quite a clever plan.

Who said that all the members of the Yokoyama sect are brutes?

Chen Ping'an's reaction was clearly slightly unexpected by Shen Huiqing, but for some reason, looking at his calm and composed expression, Shen Huiqing felt much more at ease.

"My lord, what do you think we should do next? Should I step in and contact all the parties involved in the industries with vested interests to sit down and have a proper talk? Also, what about the Gu family?" Shen Huiqing respectfully asked for instructions, offering her suggested solutions.

Chen Pingan listened quietly without interrupting until Shen Huiqing finished speaking. He neither agreed nor disagreed, but suddenly asked a question.

"How are the preparations for the welcoming ceremony going?"

Ok?
Shen Huiqing was slightly taken aback, not expecting Chen Ping'an to change the subject so quickly. However, she still reported on the preparations for the welcoming ceremony in an orderly manner.

"My lord, as this ceremony is an important debut for you since taking office, all aspects have been prepared to the highest standards. In addition, there are also the issues of scheduling appointments for the various guests. As previously planned, the welcome ceremony is tentatively scheduled for half a month later."

"Half a month later?" Chen Ping'an slightly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Shen Huiqing's beautiful face. His eyes were deep, like an abyss, unfathomable.

"The ceremony will be moved up to eight days, and a welcoming celebration will be held." Chen Ping'an's tone was calm, but it contained an undeniable determination.

"Eight days?"

Shen Huiqing's heart tightened slightly. In that instant, she quickly made plans. The ceremony had to be moved forward, and every aspect had to be handled flawlessly. This was quite difficult to execute. In addition, there was the issue of the attending guests.
Shen Huiqing's mind raced as she assessed the feasibility of the matter.

But since the master has already made his decision, this matter must be accomplished no matter how difficult it may be.

She hesitated for a moment, about to bite the bullet and agree, when she heard Chen Ping'an's voice in her ear: "Time is short, the celebration setup doesn't need to be top-of-the-line, it can be appropriately reduced, everything should focus on ensuring the key points are met. As for the time of the attending guests," Chen Ping'an's voice paused, "there's no need to think about it in detail. For my welcoming ceremony, those who are sincere will come, and those who are not, may or may not come."

Chen Ping'an's tone was calm, but for some reason, Shen Huiqing sensed a chill in it. She felt a chill run down her spine and immediately responded.

"Yes, my lord."

If they could reduce the workload and steps appropriately, and then rush things, they could finish in eight days.
Eight days should be enough.

With the tone clear, Chen Ping'an didn't have anything to deal with. He hadn't expected that the Yokoyama Sect would prepare such a gift so soon after he took office.

Since this involves his family, he cannot remain indifferent, neither out of sentiment nor reason. Furthermore, this matter also involves the interests of Canglong Prefecture, so he should intervene both publicly and privately.

"That's good, it saves us from going back and forth, it's too troublesome. We can take this opportunity to solve the problem once and for all!" Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, and he stood up from the chair.

Although his participation in the garrison review meeting was temporarily suspended, the residence on Xuanling Mountain was indeed allocated. Shen Huiqing had already provided him with the address of the residence.

Shen Huiqing also has a residence on Xuanling Mountain. When this matter was discussed before, she offered to take you to Xuanling Mountain to see the new residence. I wonder if it will satisfy you.

Chen Ping'an, having already made his plans, declined Shen Huiqing's suggestion, telling her to go on her business first and not to accompany him. He had other arrangements to make, and he would handle the matter at the residence himself.

Now that Chen Ping'an had spoken, Shen Huiqing, though she wanted to insist, clearly could not. She bowed respectfully, lowered her eyes, whispered, and left.

Her skirt swayed gently, and a delicate fragrance wafted from it.

Watching Shen Huiqing's departing figure, he wondered if it was just his imagination, but he felt that Shen Huiqing's emotions seemed a little off this time, as if they were different from usual.

As for the specific differences, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Chen Ping'an smiled, but didn't think too much about it, and got up to leave the public housing.

(End of this chapter)