The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 776 The Girl of Yesteryear, A Game of Trade (The tug-of-war is necessary to gain the upper hand.)
Since he began cultivating, Chen Ping'an had attended many trade fairs, but never before had he felt so relaxed as he did today.

The main point is to have no expectations; without desires, one is invincible.

His main focus on this trip was Lan Yingjun; the items to be traded were secondary.

Strictly speaking, the scale and level of this trade fair were not low. In fact, for many martial arts practitioners, it was a level that was unattainable.

Even with painstaking efforts, it's not guaranteed to get an admission pass. Unexpectedly, Chen Ping'an obtained one with remarkable ease.

The opportunities available to people are truly different.

Some people treasure it, while others treat it as nothing special.

To be honest, attending the small meeting wouldn't be too difficult for Chen Ping'an if he wanted to. But it would still require some effort. The fact that he got in so easily is thanks to Fellow Daoist Luo.

Although it's not big, it's still there.

This is why Chen Ping'an is still willing to sit here quietly.

He may not be a good person, but he has always been clear about right and wrong and has his own set of rules for dealing with people.

Luo Daoyou is a decent person, easy to get along with.

Chen Ping'an pondered to himself as the trading sessions in the arena began, with participants showcasing their specific needs. During these presentations, participants could mention their priorities, and if the needs could be met, a deal could be negotiated on the spot. If not, further discussions could take place during the subsequent free exchange session.

"Fellow Daoists, I have a divine weapon here, mainly for attack and killing. Although its grade is not high, its destructive power is quite remarkable. Fellow Daoists who are interested can discuss it privately."

"The spirit item, White Rhinoceros Jade, can be used to calm the mind and prevent the growth of inner demons. Priority trade. It is a powerful protective weapon. If there are high-quality ones, we can add more to the trade."

"High-grade elixirs from a senior alchemist, slightly damaged, less than a full bottle. Prioritize trading auxiliary secret techniques. Alternatively, settlement can be made directly with Yuan Crystals."

"."

The people in the room sat in various places in the back garden, some in pavilions, some by the rockery, and some sitting high in the waterside pavilion. Each group presented their needs.

Chen Ping'an watched for a while, but showed little interest in the items being traded. Although he was a martial arts grandmaster, in normal small trading gatherings like this, without strategic materials or core needs, no one would bring out their truly most valuable resources to trade. Most of what was traded were some dispensable peripheral items, or second-tier spiritual objects and divine weapons brought out to gather resources and meet certain requirements.

However, it is also a good trading channel for martial arts grandmasters. Therefore, it usually attracts quite a few people whenever it is held.

But nowadays, Chen Ping'an no longer values ​​resources of that level. His focus is mostly on Lan Yingjun.

Fang Yiqing sat to the side, watching Chen Ping'an intently. Although she was still angry, she had calmed down somewhat.

"What is this person looking at?" she wondered, wanting to ask, but remembering their previous conversation, she ultimately couldn't bring herself to ask.

"Junior sister, what do you want to trade later?" Luo Pingchuan asked with a smile as he sat to the side. Seeing that Fang Yiqing did not answer, he felt that it was not appropriate, so he quickly explained, "Junior sister, don't misunderstand. I'm just asking to see if there's anything I can do to help."

Fang Yiqing's mind wasn't on this, and she responded indifferently.

Luo Pingchuan wanted to liven up the atmosphere, but seeing that his junior sister didn't seem to be in a good mood, his attention turned to Chen Ping'an.

"What needs does Fellow Daoist Chen have for me this time?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yiqing lowered her eyes slightly, unable to resist diverting a sliver of her gaze.

"I don't have any particular needs, just browsing."

"I see."

The two exchanged pleasantries in a rather casual manner.

The transaction was soon presented to Lan Yingjun. She was dressed in a black robe, the wide robe completely concealing her figure. Her voice was no longer as light and melodious as before, but was deep and deep, with a hint of coldness.

"High-grade poison pills and poisonous waters. We can also process some injury pills and barrier-avoidance pills. We prioritize trading longevity pills, great longevity medicines, and rare longevity fruits. We also have secret techniques or spiritual items that can help you maintain your foundation." Lan Yingjun's voice was cold, giving off an unapproachable vibe. After speaking, she quickly displayed several items and then remained silent.

"This little girl is quite skilled," Chen Ping'an said with a slight smile.

Who would have thought that the lively young girl from back then, with bells jingling as she walked, would look like this now? She clearly attended many trade fairs, as she's very familiar with every step of the process.

"A longevity pill?" Chen Ping'an wondered to himself.

Fang Yiqing sat to the side, pursing her lips, looking at Chen Ping'an, seemingly lost in thought.

Although Lan Yingjun had an unapproachable demeanor, her items still attracted the interest of many people. In particular, the items for refining elixirs made many people want to learn about them, whether they intended to or not.

Although the group communicated telepathically and privately, the process naturally could not escape Chen Ping'an's perception.

The encrypted communication that everyone else was talking about was nothing more than a transparent windowpane to him, easily opened with a single poke.

Although many people communicated via telepathy, Lan Yingjun's requirements were not low, and her true needs could not be met for a time.

The closest one was only information about a rare longevity fruit.

In fact, while longevity elixirs and longevity fruits are precious to cultivators, they are far from being something that grandmasters can only dream of.

Generally speaking, if one is determined and plans for a period of time, it is eventually possible to acquire it through a trade. However, Lan Yingjun's requirements are rather special. Firstly, she wants a rare type of longevity fruit to avoid overlap with those she has consumed before. Secondly, she demands an extension of at least sixty years of lifespan.

With both factors combined, longevity fruits are naturally hard to find.

Chen Ping'an listened quietly, and through his senses, he gained a more thorough understanding of Lan Yingjun's trading needs.

The trade demonstration soon took place, and it was Chen Ping'an's turn. Chen Ping'an's purpose was clear, so he didn't try to show off. He simply displayed an ordinary divine weapon and then expressed his need for antidotes and obstacle-avoiding pills.

"Antidotes and obstacle avoidance?" Lan Yingjun's emotions were not revealed as she was concealed by her black robe, but her heart skipped a beat when she heard Chen Ping'an's words.

You recognized me?

However, she quickly dismissed her suspicions. Her concealment technique was of a high grade, and with her cultivation level and the aid of secret medicine, even a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud Sect might not be able to detect it. They might be able to see through her disguise, but they would definitely not be able to discover her true strength.

Chen Ping'an has only been a Grandmaster of Martial Arts for a short time, how could he possibly have discovered it?

With this thought in mind, Lan Yingjun felt somewhat at ease.

Perhaps it's just a coincidence.

Luo Pingchuan and Fang Yiqing's demands were fairly standard, but for a Grandmaster, they were quite rare. Although Fang Yiqing had finished demonstrating the transaction, her mind wasn't on it; for some reason, she kept wanting to check on the man beside her.

She wanted to see the true thoughts beneath his calm face, and what secrets were hidden in his deep, unfathomable eyes. These things piqued her curiosity. Despite her anger, she still wanted to know more.

"Junior sister, the thousand-year-old spiritual fruit you mentioned, if I remember correctly, seems to be in the treasury of the pavilion. If you don't mind, I can exchange it for you when we go back this time." Luo Pingchuan was a little excited. He never expected that he could be able to help his junior sister. Wasn't this a preordained fate?

"No need," Fang Yiqing said calmly.

Then, with her chin slightly raised, she said seemingly casually, "However, I do have some pills for avoiding obstacles and detoxifying that I need to process. Do you have any channels for that?"

"Avoid obstacles and detoxify?" Luo Pingchuan's eyes lit up: "Isn't that exactly what Fellow Daoist Chen needs? Junior Sister, why don't you just trade it to Fellow Daoist Chen directly?"

Fang Yiqing snorted and ignored her.

Luo Pingchuan then turned to Chen Ping'an beside him and said, "Fellow Daoist Chen, my junior sister happens to have the pills you need. How about we use them privately and make an internal transaction?"

Fang Yiqing, dressed in a cloud-patterned dress, sat to the side, her chin slightly raised, her fair jawline gracefully curved. She seemed completely unconcerned, yet she was subtly watching Chen Ping'an's reaction.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Luo." Chen Ping'an smiled and bowed. "I already have a plan, so there's no need for that."

Upon hearing this, Luo Pingchuan gave a wry smile: "If that's the case, then so be it."

It seems that Fellow Daoist Chen still harbors some resentment towards his junior sister's behavior, otherwise why would he act this way? But given his position, he couldn't very well criticize her.

“Junior sister, many of those present are my friends. How about we ask around later in private if anyone has this need? If so, we can then proceed with the transaction?”

"No need." Fang Yiqing's expression turned cold, and she said indifferently, "I'll keep it for myself."

She was initially quite pleased with the first half of the sentence, tilting her chin up and waiting for someone to come and beg her. But she never expected the second half to ruin her mood.

"Okay, Junior Sister."

Luo Pingchuan smiled wryly, wondering what his junior sister was so angry about.

Fellow Daoist Chen's actions are understandable, as he harbors resentment over his previous actions and is now filled with distrust. However, it is somewhat unreasonable for Junior Sister to act this way.

"Fortunately, my junior sister still gave me some face and didn't retaliate, otherwise I would have been in real trouble." Luo Pingchuan secretly rejoiced. Fortunately, he had gotten to know his junior sister better these past few days, otherwise he really wouldn't know how to handle this situation.

The presentation session quickly came to an end, and after the exchanges among the participants, it was time for free discussion.

Chen Ping'an gazed intently at Lan Yingjun beside the artificial hill in the distance. He smiled gently and slowly stood up.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, I'm going out for a bit."

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Chen, please make yourself at home." Luo Pingchuan bowed gently.

While such free-flowing exchanges allow for word-of-mouth communication, it would be better to interact face-to-face, especially since everyone is in the same space.

It can not only verify the authenticity of items, but also accurately gauge your mindset. Whether it's price negotiation or psychological maneuvering, it's an excellent choice.

Seeing Chen Ping'an leave, Luo Pingchuan said to Fang Yiqing, who was standing to the side, "Junior sister, shall we go out and have a chat?"

"You go ahead, I'm not going," Fang Yiqing said coldly.

It seems my junior sister hasn't recovered yet. If she leaves now, all our efforts will be wasted. Luo Pingchuan thought to himself, "Then let her stay here. If anyone is interested in the items we've shown, they should come over."

Luo Pingchuan chuckled and began to talk about some interesting anecdotes.

Fang Yiqing sat to one side, listening to the conversation around her, finding it rather noisy. She watched as the man left the pavilion and went straight to the artificial hill to find the woman in black. Especially her smiling, polite demeanor, which made her feel increasingly worse. For some reason, the sounds around her seemed even more incessant.

"Junior sister, please don't take offense at Fellow Daoist Chen. He's just like that, but he's actually easy to get along with. Otherwise, we wouldn't be so compatible. Besides, it was all a misunderstanding before. We became friends after a fight, so please don't be angry for my sake."

Luo Pingchuan sat down and talked, trying to ease the atmosphere.

“You don’t even know his name? What kind of friend is that?” Fang Yiqing glanced at Luo Pingchuan.

"Alright, alright, I'll ask Fellow Daoist Chen's name in a bit." Luo Pingchuan replied with a smile, "It's fate that we met. Let's have a drink together later, and then we'll be friends."

It seems that his junior sister still gave him face. It wasn't for nothing that he had tried so hard to persuade her for so long. Now that she had given him a way out, he accepted it and that was the end of the matter.

Luo Pingchuan thought to himself.

Fang Yiqing was completely unaware of what Luo Pingchuan was thinking. At that moment, she was looking into the distance at the figures of the two people.

"Miss Lan, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Chen Ping'an's first words made Lan Yingjun stiffen and her expression change.

During the previous trading sessions, she had engaged in lengthy discussions without achieving her desired outcome, which inevitably caused some unease in her mood. However, the trading conference was not yet over, so she naturally wouldn't leave easily.

The chances weren't great, but there was still a possibility of trading in a rare longevity fruit. Besides, she was used to this kind of experience. In a way, this was a pleasant surprise—information about a rare longevity fruit. Although the seller's asking price was quite high, if she could secure the deal, it would still be an opportunity.

Actually, compared to longevity fruits, she preferred longevity pills that had already been refined into elixirs. Not only were they more effective, but they also eliminated many steps.

The free time hadn't been going on for long when someone came to find her. They only exchanged words, but didn't reach an agreement. The other person didn't have anything she needed, and she didn't talk to them much.

She had just finished talking to one person when Chen Ping'an walked over, and his first words made her heart tremble.

Did they find out? Or are they trying to trick me?
Lan Yingjun's emotions were in turmoil, her thoughts racing.

In recent years, my mother has become old and frail, and the old injuries she sustained years ago are showing signs of becoming uncontrollable. If there is anything she needs, she usually goes out alone.

She is no longer the carefree girl protected by her mother. After a long period of trials, she has gained a lot of experience in dealing with people.

However, she disliked this approach, always concealing herself in a black robe to project an image of a taciturn, aloof, and powerful figure. This avoided a lot of trouble and suited her personality better.

Chen Ping'an's sudden remark caught her off guard and caused her a slight panic, but she ultimately did not reveal any major flaws.

She had a cultivation technique in place that allowed her to conceal her presence and emotions, so the other party probably didn't notice her.

"You've mistaken me for someone else?" Lan Yingjun asked in a low voice, maintaining a serious demeanor. "You've come here to make a deal, haven't you?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ping'an smiled and looked at the girl in front of him, feeling that the once bright and cheerful girl seemed to have gained something different.

"Miss Lan, it seems like only yesterday we parted in Bei Cang. Now that we meet again, what? Don't you recognize me?"

Seeing that Lan Yingjun still wanted to deny it and pretend not to know, Chen Ping'an took another step forward and whispered, "Miss Lan, there's no need to guess. I have a special feeling and I'm not trying to trick you. There's no one else here, so you don't need to pretend. Old friends reunited, let's be frank and have a good chat."

The instant they arrived, a protective barrier enveloped Chen Ping'an, isolating him from the outside world. No one else could hear their conversation.

He came here with a clear purpose; he had no intention of playing those secretive tricks.

"How did you recognize me?" Although it was a tacit admission, Lan Yingjun's voice remained deep, like that of a mature woman.

However, beneath the black robe, a blush appeared on her face.

The reason was Chen Ping'an's words: "Let's be frank with each other."

Her personality was straightforward and frank; she wouldn't normally act like this. But Chen Ping'an's words reminded her of that scene in Bei Cang years ago.

Although the other party may not have meant it that way, she couldn't help but overthink it.

However, although her face was flushed with embarrassment, she had a technique to conceal it, and her black robe covered her body, so the other party should not be able to sense her, which made her feel a little more at ease.

Of course, Lan Yingjun had no idea that all of this was perfectly clear before Chen Ping'an's eyes.

Looking at Lan Yingjun, whose face suddenly flushed, Chen Ping'an felt as if he had found a bit of that girl from back then. Her bouncy and carefree manner was still etched in Chen Ping'an's mind.

As Lan Yingying said, she may seem like a young girl, but she's still a child at heart. It seems she always has a passionate heart.

“Miss Lan doesn’t need to know that. All Miss Lan needs to know is that I can see that your face is red right now.” Chen Ping’an said softly, taking another step closer to Lan Yingjun.

"What?" Lan Yingjun was extremely embarrassed upon hearing this. The psychological defense she had painstakingly built up instantly collapsed, and she couldn't help but take a step back.

Chen Ping'an grabbed Lan Yingjun's black robe: "Miss Lan, don't panic. I'm here only to make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" Lan Yingjun asked with a hint of wariness.

She felt that the man in front of her was unfathomable, completely unlike the one recorded on the Hidden Dragon List.

"What Miss Lan wants is a longevity pill and a secret method to rejuvenate one's foundation?" Chen Ping'an asked with a faint smile, the two of them now less than three feet apart.

"You have it?" Lan Yingjun couldn't help but raise her head to look at the man in front of her. Underneath the black robe, his fair and beautiful chin was revealed.

Chen Ping'an smiled and didn't rush to answer.

Lan Yingjun, however, was rather anxious. She had been planning for a long time without success, and now that the opportunity was before her, how could she not be anxious? "If you have it, I can trade you poison pills and secret medicines. I can also give you the injury pills and barrier-avoidance pills you are looking for."

"Poison pills and secret medicines?" Chen Ping'an raised an eyebrow and calmly said, "I'm not interested."

"My secret poison pill is different from those circulating in the world. Its maximum toxicity can threaten even a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud Realm. Anyone below the Wind and Cloud Realm who is poisoned will be severely injured, even if they do not die."

"Oh? It has such a miraculous effect?" Chen Ping'an seemed interested. "Then how do I activate it?"

Seeing that the other party was interested, Lan Yingjun spared no effort in introducing the secret poison pill: "Grandmasters have keen senses, making it extremely difficult to poison them. Even high-grade poison pills have many limitations. However, I have a unique technique that can greatly reduce the difficulty if I can induce it. If you are interested and the transaction is suitable, I can trade it to you as well. In addition..."

Chen Ping'an looked at Lan Yingjun in front of him and listened to her story.

He hasn't even explained the situation yet, but he's already thrown out such a bargaining chip. His purpose is too obvious, and his need is too urgent. Wouldn't such a transaction leave him vulnerable to manipulation?
She's still the same silly girl she always was.

A smile appeared on Chen Ping'an's face as he interrupted her, saying, "Miss Lan has said so much, but I'm not interested. What should I do?"

Upon hearing this, Lan Yingjun became somewhat anxious. Although she thought she had hidden it well, it had actually already been seen through by Chen Ping'an.

"So what do you want to trade?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly realized that she was being too passive, so she added, "You haven't told me yet whether you have longevity pills or secret techniques for prolonging life."

"The secret method of continuation."

Upon hearing this, Lan Yingjun's eyes lit up. Before she could speak, Chen Ping'an continued, "Longevity pills."

Lan Yingjun's eyes brightened even more.

If so, not only will Mother's hidden injuries be healed and the losses of her early years made up for, but her lifespan will also be greatly extended. She has already begun to try practicing the fifth palm technique, and given some more time, she can achieve immortality.

Once she reaches the Celestial Realm, finding spiritual objects to mend her foundation will be much easier. With the support of secret techniques, and under her protection, she will surely be able to rebuild her mother's foundation.

At that time, it will surely enable Mother to truly enter the realm of a grandmaster and reshape her path.

Lan Yingjun felt a surge of excitement. But before she could even speak, she heard Chen Ping'an's voice ring out again.

"I don't have either of these."

"What?" Lan Yingjun's bright eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief.

The hope that had risen in my heart was completely dimmed and dissipated.

Then came the shame, annoyance, and anger.

"If you have nothing to offer, why are you toying with me?!"

If she had been simply told there was no hope, she wouldn't have reacted this way. But first, she was given hope, and then it was cruelly extinguished. The emotional turmoil and fluctuations she experienced were truly indescribable.

"Miss Lan, please calm down." Chen Ping'an's voice was gentle, like a breeze, neither hurried nor slow.

"What Miss Lan seeks is nothing more than to make up for her losses and prolong her life. Although I, Chen, do not possess these two things, I do have one that will surely satisfy you."

"What?" Looking at the man who was toying with her, Lan Yingjun felt a burning hatred.

"A spiritual object that reshapes the foundation." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, and his voice was gentle.

As he spoke, a wisp of energy dissipated, an energy so pure and indescribable, so abundant and full, brimming with life energy and containing endless vitality.

Lan Yingjun was stunned for a moment, then her expression instantly turned to overwhelming joy. Her body trembled slightly, and her eyes shone with a brilliant light. It took her a long time to calm down after this emotional transformation.

"what would you like?"

"I want you." Chen Ping'an paused, his gaze sweeping unabashedly over Lan Yingjun, scrutinizing her delicate body hidden beneath the wide black robe, until it landed on her face: "You."

Lan Yingjun blushed deeply, feeling utterly ashamed and indignant. Hesitating for a moment, she was about to turn her back and leave.

Then Chen Ping'an's voice rang out again.

"The Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm on his body."

(End of this chapter)