The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 773 Resource Planning, Place of Cultivation (Bonus Chapter for 9000 Monthly Tickets in October)

The Azure Dragon's stronghold is naturally magnificent. Although there are various state-level garrisons within the Xuanling City, the city itself is vast and its commerce is thriving. Even with the distribution of state-level garrisons, it still possesses an extremely impressive overall atmosphere.

Chen Ping'an walked out of the camp without alerting anyone. With his current cultivation level, doing this was far too easy for him. He didn't ride in a carriage, but instead walked on foot through the streets of Xuanling City.

He had been in Xuanling City for several days, but he hadn't properly explored the city yet.

Xuanling City is a bustling commercial hub with a magnificent atmosphere. Although he had visited Xuanling City once before to attend the Xuanling Auction, he had only toured a few of the main shops. There were still many places he had not truly explored.

In the preceding days, he had been busy familiarizing himself with official duties and cultivating his techniques. Now that he was basically familiar with his official duties and had also mastered the basics of the Thunderous Blade Technique, coupled with the opportunity presented by his residence at Xuanling Mountain, he decided to go out and explore, to gain a deeper understanding of the Xuanling ecosystem.

Of course, understanding the ecology is secondary; the main purpose is to come out and purchase some supplies.

He had suffered a great loss in the battle at the cave in the Xuanling Mountains, especially in terms of the medicinal pills and spiritual items, which he had almost completely depleted.

He used explosive pills, buff pills, as well as some healing elixirs and spirit-nourishing pills for recuperation and repair.

Now that the opportunity is right, he naturally wants to make some purchases. Although he doesn't intend to buy any rare spiritual items, replenishing his stock of commonly used pills and spiritual items would be a good idea.

This can at least be considered a supplement to our resource base.

Xuanling City, a major commercial hub, is renowned even within the seventeen states of Bicheng. The rare resources available for trade here are clearly greater than in Canglong City. Even now, without any major auctions being held, this remains true.

The trading of rare and valuable goods has become a normal phenomenon in the city's commerce.

Of course, rarity is relative. With Chen Ping'an's current cultivation level, it would be impossible for him to be considered rare in ordinary trade channels.

However, some pills and spiritual items of decent quality and remarkable efficacy are still relatively easy to find.

Chen Ping'an visited several treasure pavilion shops in succession, and when he came out again, he had replenished some of his spiritual resources.

Items like Black Jade Ointment, Heavenly Purification Water, and Blood-Burning Pills are relatively rare resources in other places, and might only appear at trade fairs or auctions. However, within Xuanling City, especially in several large shops, they are fairly common supplies.

Besides these elixirs and spiritual items, Chen Ping'an also bought some high-grade detoxification pills, obstacle-avoiding elixirs, and healing medicines. Now that he has entered the Celestial Realm, although the effects of these elixirs on him are limited, they are better than nothing. Since the opportunity arises, it wouldn't hurt to keep some on hand. It wouldn't cost him many spirit crystals anyway.

These elemental crystals are just lifeless things in his possession; he's not a puppeteer, puppet controller, or array master, so he doesn't need that many elemental crystal reserves. Only when he spends them does their value become real.

During the purchasing process, Chen Ping'an also gained a general understanding of the prices and ecology of some mineral materials. After visiting several shops, he had a more practical understanding of the current situation of Xuanling mineral materials.

Chen Ping'an did possess some ores and precious materials, mostly obtained by slaying enemies. These ores and precious materials, when put together, amounted to a considerable sum.

However, Chen Ping'an had no intention of selling it, at least not in the short term. He intended to further improve the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade, and even if he were to sell it, it wouldn't be now. He would wait until he found a suitable master craftsman to use it as a bargaining chip before making a move.

Chen Ping'an wasn't in a hurry to sell the ores and precious materials, but he really wanted to find an opportunity to get rid of the divine weapons he had previously seized. In the past few days, he had also learned some information from Shen Huiqing.

According to the tradition of Xuanling City, at least one top-level auction is held every year. He had already held one during his previous trip to Xuanling, and now, in a few months, another one should be held.

At that time, the auction will be a grand event, a gathering of influential figures, and it will be an excellent opportunity for him to make a purchase or buy.

Next, Chen Ping'an visited several large shops. In the Xuanling Pavilion, he traded for a Bursting Yuan True Pill and a bottle of Healing Spirit Pill of considerable quality.

The Healing Pill is primarily effective for injuries to the spiritual realm, and its effects are exceptional. When combined with the Heavenly Purification Water, its effects are even more remarkable. However, Chen Ping'an has now reached the Celestial Realm, and his spiritual essence has long since transformed into divine soul power. Therefore, its healing efficacy is not as ideal, at least two or three levels lower.

It can only be used as a relatively good adjunctive medication.

Given the limited resources, Chen Ping'an wasn't picky. As long as it was effective, keeping it in reserve was fine. He could replace it with a more suitable pill later.

During the transaction, Chen Ping'an also inquired about the trading gatherings organized by the shop, Baoge. At his current level, ordinary trading circles were no longer sufficient. To acquire rare items, he needed to find those high-level trading gatherings.

However, this inquiry yielded somewhat unsatisfactory results.

The highest-level trading meeting was limited to martial arts grandmasters, which did not meet Chen Ping'an's expectations at all.

This was logical, and since Chen Ping'an was somewhat prepared, he wasn't too disappointed.

Although Xuanling City is a major commercial hub where various forces converge, high-end trading circles are not readily available. Moreover, reaching the pseudo-Celestial level requires introductions. Through ordinary channels, it's impossible to even make contact, let alone participate.

Like the bamboo forest gathering that Chen Ping'an had attended before, he was only able to go because of Gu Qingchan and Shen Linyuan's invitation.

These small trading gatherings involving pseudo-celestial beings are already the second most prestigious trading channels in Xuanling City, second only to the highest-level ones. The large number of people gathered for these transactions is largely due to the fact that the auction had only recently taken place.

Normally, it would be extremely difficult to gather for a trade fair of this scale.

As the youngest Supreme Elder of the Sword Pavilion, Shen Linyuan has extensive connections and channels, enabling him to access circles of this caliber. However, Chen Ping'an is a newcomer. Although he appears to hold a high position and great power, his cultivation level is not yet apparent, making it difficult for him to make contact with him in the short term.

However, there's plenty of time, so there's no need to rush.

Chen Ping'an was in a good mood and his emotions were stable. He then entered a shop called Baoge.

Hengshanfang.

The businesses under the Hengshan Sect are among the top-tier shops in Xuanling Heavy City.

Inside Hengshanfang, Chen Ping'an wasn't disappointed, managing to purchase a scroll on the basics of restriction techniques. He possessed a high-level restriction technique inheritance, but his expertise in this area was limited. The initial grasp of these techniques was so difficult; even with his cultivation level as support, studying them still required considerable effort. Having a scroll on the basics of restriction techniques as a reference, and progressing step by step, was a good alternative.

Of course, such research is conducted in spare time during practice, without interfering with practice.

The resources Chen Ping'an currently needs are merely external things; even precious treasures are just a way to increase his combat power. However, the blood of demonic beasts is something he urgently needs.

As Chen Ping'an walked out of Hengshanfang, he sighed inwardly, "Although Xuanling Chongcheng has a large commercial scale, it is still too small for the Celestial level! If we really want to make plans, we still have to go to Beishanzhou."

Within Beishan Prefecture lies Xiongcheng Pass, situated in the Black Nether Mountains, facilitating trade and commerce across several regions. Its scale far surpasses that of Xuanling Heavy City.

Pseudo-Celestials frequently enter and exit the Great Pass, and even genuine Martial Celestials often appear, forming their own circle. With Chen Ping'an's current level of cultivation, if he were to conceal his identity, he might be able to scheme for something suitable.

“I still need to make a trip to Beishan Pass when I have time. However,” Chen Ping’an’s eyes flickered slightly, “Beishan Pass involves multiple regions and is home to many powerful individuals. If one is plotting to acquire rare items, even at my current level, I may not be able to guarantee complete safety. Now that I have just reached the Xuanling realm, it’s not too late to go after I’ve improved my strength further.”

Once the situation in Xuanling stabilizes, he can openly go into seclusion while secretly leaving Xuanling and heading to Beishan Prefecture. If the timing is right, he can certainly make the move.

Chen Ping'an didn't think much of it. After leaving Hengshanfang, he went to Yuanhailou.

Besides regular trade goods, Yuanhai Tower also sells some rare items from the North Sea. Chen Ping'an looked around but didn't find much that caught his eye. However, he was slightly interested in spirit ships, flying boats, and sea-crossing spirit vessels.

If he wishes to travel far, especially alone, such a vessel would be more suitable as a means of transportation. His time is precious; one day of cultivation is equivalent to ten, a hundred, or a thousand days for others of varying aptitudes. If he were to fly himself, it would inevitably affect his cultivation progress; if he wanted to balance cultivation with travel, it would inevitably affect his speed. Therefore, a small spirit boat might be a good choice.

However, such items are extremely valuable, and they are only on display in Yuanhai Tower, with no actual items for sale. There is no rush to travel, and Chen Ping'an is only planning it, not actually carrying it out.

As Chen Ping'an stepped out of Yuanhai Tower, a thought stirred within him, and he remembered Young Master Yun, whom he had met before.

The other party's identity is quite remarkable, seemingly related to the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce.

It seems that Tong Changchun from Yuanhai Tower was with the other party at the time. If we can use this connection, could we get in touch with a higher trading circle?

Chen Ping'an pondered to himself. In addition, he and Yun Ya had made a pact to go to the North Sea. If he were to actually go to the North Sea in the future, he might be able to use her to make contact with some secret circles and use that information to scheme for some high-end and rare resources.

Given the financial resources and goodwill shown by the other party, perhaps they can help him with this favor.

but
There's no such thing as a free lunch; this matter needs further evaluation.

Compared to the vast expanse of Bi Cang, the North Sea is undoubtedly much more expansive. Even the Northern Border Garrison has established a special agency there.

Its level and status far surpass those of ordinary local military commands.

Chen Ping'an possesses many valuable items, including top-tier rare spiritual treasures such as the Shangqing Pill and Yin-Yang Dew. If you want him to unleash his full potential and break free of restrictions, perhaps only the North Sea can meet his current expectations.

However, this matter is too far in the future, so there's no need to rush.

Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment, then moved with lightning speed. The Xuanling City was still bustling with activity that night, a sea of ​​people jostling shoulder to shoulder. Chen Ping'an weaved through the crowd as if no one else was there.

Xuanling Mountain, the true core of Xuanling City. Those who can reside on Xuanling Mountain are all top-tier nobles and prominent figures.

Many truly prominent figures within the various states, when passing through Xuanling City, often stop at Xuanling Mountain. Those who can reside there are at least at the pseudo-celestial level.

Apart from that, only those with special backgrounds receive special treatment.

Chen Ping'an was stationed in Xuanling. Being within the system, he naturally had the advantage of being close to the source and received special treatment, including a residence provided for him on Xuanling Mountain.

Of course, with Chen Ping'an's current true strength, staying at Xuanling Mountain is nothing out of the ordinary.

Chen Ping'an had visited Xuanling Mountain once before, when he visited the Black Rock Monster, so he was naturally familiar with the place this time. Although Xuanling Mountain is called a mountain, it is actually a blessed land. On this colossal mountain-like structure, there are layers upon layers of cave dwellings, pavilions, and palaces of various sizes.

At the foot of Xuanling Mountain, the defenses are tight, and the elite patrols are extremely frequent.

Unlike last time, Chen Ping'an came this time with a pass to Xuanling Mountain, so he naturally did not need to be notified separately.

Under the awe-inspiring gaze of the guards, Chen Ping'an calmly ascended Xuanling Mountain.

The Xuanling Mountain is equipped with numerous intricate restrictions, but most of them are used for guarding and separation, and do not possess much offensive power. Chen Ping'an is currently studying the inheritance of these restrictions and is paying close attention to them.

The journey was not fast; after sensing the surroundings, they finally arrived at their own residence.

Using the access token to open the barrier, Chen Ping'an went inside.

The allocation for the residence had just been issued and was currently vacant. However, after consulting with Chen Ping'an, Shen Huiqing had already begun making arrangements, selecting suitable servants to ensure their loyalty and safety.

It is expected that the arrangements will be made within the next few days.

Chen Ping'an dislikes noise and doesn't need any special care on a daily basis. He also doesn't need too many maids to serve him; two or three would be sufficient.

Shen Huiqing naturally took Chen Ping'an's opinion very seriously and wrote it down on the spot.

It must be said that Shen Huiqing is undoubtedly an outstanding subordinate. Although she is a female Grandmaster, she is efficient in her work and always considerate of people's feelings. Such a subordinate is truly rare and hard to find.

It's hard to believe that Shen Huiqing was once a powerful official in charge of a region. Judging from their daily interactions, it wouldn't be surprising to think of her as a capable and efficient personal maid.

The mansion was not large, but it was exquisitely designed, with pavilions, terraces, and elegant gardens. Most importantly, there was a meditation room within the bedroom, engraved with restrictions to separate the space and conceal one's aura, thus eliminating any disturbances.

The quality of the restriction is quite good; it should be able to conceal the cultivation fluctuations of ordinary martial arts grandmasters, and even greatly reduce or alleviate the aura of pseudo-celestial beings.

After sensing the entire mansion, Chen Ping'an was quite satisfied.

After carefully checking everything and confirming that there were no loose ends, he sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to begin his meditation.

hum~
A tremor of spiritual light, with an air of riding the wind, appeared gracefully.

+1!

After a night of cultivation, Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes as dawn broke.

Chen Ping'an was full of energy and in high spirits. Staying up all night did not affect his condition in the slightest. At his current level, as long as his mental strength could sustain him, going without sleep for several years would be a common occurrence.

However, when one is truly exhausted, it is necessary to take a proper rest to recuperate. Of course, recuperation is not limited to rest; there are other forms of entertainment as well.

Martial arts masters skilled in dual cultivation and pleasure often use this method for conditioning. In addition, other arts such as music and chess can achieve similar effects.

"I've made a lot of progress." Chen Ping'an glanced at the panel located in the void, feeling quite pleased.

The progress I make every day is visible to the naked eye, and this feeling is truly wonderful.

He was already familiar with the official duties within the compound, and he had given Shen Huiqing instructions on the corresponding strategies and approaches yesterday. Before the welcoming ceremony, there wasn't much to trouble him with.

However, at yesterday's garrison review meeting, Yokoyama Muneru proposed a bill on mineral regulations, which was initially passed. This is extremely bad for the Gu family's situation.

He should go, both morally and logically. Regardless of the strategy, he should at least consider his family's well-being.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and he got up to go to the Gu family.

After finishing matters with the Gu family, I'll take another stroll around Xuanling City and see if I can find anything extra.

Last night, it took Chen Ping'an quite a while to climb the mountain, but now that he was no longer under the influence of the restrictions, his descent was much faster.

Having just descended from Xuanling Mountain, Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered as he sensed two auras, one of which he had seen before.

He looked up and saw a man and a woman walking towards him from a distance. The man was a young man with a handsome face and a friendly demeanor. The woman wore a cloud-patterned dress, had slender eyebrows and eyes, a delicate nose, and an air of innate arrogance about her.

The man pointed out the surrounding scenery, enthusiastically introducing something to the woman, who responded indifferently, maintaining a certain distance between them. As the man spoke, his gaze shifted, and he happened to see Chen Ping'an, who had just emerged from Xuanling Mountain in the distance.

He paused for a moment, slightly taken aback, then smiled and came forward.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, what a coincidence!" The man bowed and said warmly, "We meet again."

"Fellow Daoist Luo." Chen Ping'an smiled and bowed respectfully.

"What is this, Fellow Daoist Chen?" The man looked at Chen Ping'an, then at the magnificent Xuanling Mountain in the distance, his face showing surprise and doubt.

As they spoke, the woman beside him also turned her gaze to Chen Ping'an, her eyes subtly scrutinizing him.

　Quiz: Who is the man and who is the woman?

　　The man has appeared before, and the woman is making her first appearance, but skilled fellow cultivators may be able to deduce it.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)