The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 783 Supervision and Deliberation, the Power of the Blade (Seeking monthly votes~)

Xuanling City, the seat of Canglong Prefecture.

The garrison review meeting began at dawn and continued until late at night, but the review was still not over.

Although Chen Ping'an has now taken up his post as the Xuanling Garrison Commander of Canglong Prefecture, he has not yet legally obtained a seat at the review meeting.

Shen Huiqing is currently attending the review meeting on behalf of the Canglong Prefecture government, while he remains at the prefecture headquarters, awaiting good news.

However, while they say they are waiting for good news, the reality is that they are still practicing spiritual cultivation.

Chen Ping'an didn't care much about the deliberation. His cultivation level had reached a point where his perspective on issues far surpassed that of ordinary strategic maneuvering.

His needs for Xuanling City were more about a stable cultivation environment, a reliable channel to access the business world, and an identity that allowed him to act conveniently.

Some things don't need so much thought. If you're really annoyed by something, just cut it off. Cut it off and create a peaceful and tranquil world.

Two days ago, at the ceremony in Linhu Yayuan, he slashed with a stroke that exuded a powerful and unstoppable aura.

He sent the head of Shi Panyue, the elder of the Hengshan Sect, to the Hengshan Sect's headquarters, and asked if the Hengshan Sect was satisfied with this return gift. If not, he said he could come and send another one.

This matter has spread widely within Xuanling City. Hengshan Sect has suffered a loss of face, yet it has not made any response to this day.

In a different situation, even if the circumstances weren't so dire, the Yokoyama Sect would probably have preferred to launch an attack on the spot. But given the current situation, their reaction was remarkably swift.

Is this reaction because Yokoyama-mune is kind-hearted?

The difference is truly thought-provoking!
Chen Ping'an smiled, his eyes trembling slightly, and the golden finger panel in front of him disappeared instantly.

It seems these brutes aren't entirely ignorant of manners; they just see if their fists are strong enough.

His strike unleashed power akin to the winds and clouds; such combat strength would be among the most outstanding even among the grandmasters of martial arts across several states.

Under normal circumstances, even if Cao Penghai were to take action, he would be completely helpless against him.

This situation has exceeded the scope of what a martial arts grandmaster can handle. Whether it's escalating the conflict, taking further measures, or figuring out how to resolve it, intervention from a higher level is needed.

More importantly, the Bicang Chamber of Commerce and even the Yuanhai Tower are behind this.

Given this situation, Yokoyama Munechika had no choice but to give it much thought and make a careful decision.

However, regardless of the final decision, there will likely be plenty of verbal sparring in the open.

Chen Ping'an sat in his office, his mind as calm as still water.

He was prepared to handle this incident single-handedly. However, he hadn't expected the support of the Bicang Chamber of Commerce and Yuanhai Tower.

Yuanhai Tower still has some connection with Yunya, so it's a good start. If they interact more in the future, they might be able to develop a good relationship.

But the Azure Dragon Merchant Guild seemed rather strange. At the Azure Dragon Banquet, Lady Biluo had tried to recruit and win him over, but he had refused her. The conversation, while not exactly unpleasant, wasn't exactly pleasant either.

In such circumstances, why would the other party be willing to stand up for him?

Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment, and the scene in his mind returned to the time when he talked with Madam Biluo by the lake.

"At the beginning."

A hint of reminiscence surfaced in Chen Ping'an's mind.

As she was leaving, Lady Biluo's clear eyes were filled with tears, as if she were crying.
A hint of doubt appeared on Chen Ping'an's face, but it vanished in an instant. He shook his head slightly, and the image in his mind disappeared in a flash.

Lady Biluo has held power in the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce for many years. She rose from humble beginnings, step by step, to where she is today. Her social skills and connections are countless. But these few methods are not worth mentioning.

Whether these people cry or laugh, it's all just a means for them to manipulate people's hearts.

but
Chen Ping'an's thoughts returned to the present, recalling the half portion of Yin-Yang Dew in his hand, as well as his own plans for profit and resource planning.

Lady Biluo holds the reins of the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce and is its highest-ranking official in Xuanling and several surrounding states. The Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce is one of the core industries under the Bi Cang Prince's Mansion, and has access to an extremely wide range of trade channels.

While it cannot compare to the seven core chambers of commerce under the Beihai Business Alliance, and is far inferior to the likes of the Wufu Chamber of Commerce, it is still far superior to the average chambers of commerce under the Business Alliance.

With the seventeen states of Bi Cang as its base, it extends its reach outwards, its trade influence radiating to several surrounding regions and dozens of states. This includes the exchange of many rare and precious spiritual items and high-grade resources; even strategic materials, which are likely the highlight of top-tier auctions, are probably heavily involved.

If he were to acquire the Heavenly Grade Demon Beast Blood, True Skill Scrolls, Protective Treasures, and Concealment Techniques he seeks within the Azure Cang Chamber of Commerce, at a sufficiently high level, then perhaps...
Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered as he pondered quietly.

Previously, the Northern Mountain Prefecture was an opportunity to plot for the blood of a top-grade demon beast, as was the Zhenfu Division's treasury of merits. Similarly, the Azure Cang Chamber of Commerce was also a good option after careful consideration.

Even if the Bicang Chamber of Commerce doesn't have it internally, he can still use the Bicang Chamber of Commerce's connections and influence to procure the resources he wants through this channel.

Could we take this opportunity to make in-depth contact with the Bicang Chamber of Commerce and, through Lady Biluo's connections, obtain what we desire?
Once this thought arose, it became increasingly active in Chen Ping'an's mind.

The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that such a possibility is not small.

The Qingyang Blood Refining Technique is a closely guarded secret of his, and his pursuit of the blood of a top-grade demon beast must not be known to outsiders, nor can it be involved with his public identity in any way.

Like the Northern Territory's Treasury of Merit, Crimson Gold Palace is the best option among the various choices. As a Treasury of Merit for a Territory, it boasts a rich collection of countless treasures. With enough merit, not only is exchanging for Heavenly Grade Demon Beast Blood not difficult, but even customizing a single type of Demon Beast Blood is not hard.

However, this matter is a very secret of Chen Ping'an's, and if it escalates to this level, it could easily involve too many people. Chen Ping'an would not pursue it in this way unless absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, with his current accumulated merit points, he doesn't have enough to exchange for. Therefore, such options are merely a backup plan among many schemes.

Previously, he had placed high hopes on Beishan Prefecture; if that failed, he would try to go to Beihai to make his move. But considering the current situation, the Bicang Chamber of Commerce seems to be the best choice after weighing the pros and cons and taking all factors into account.

Given my current identity, open contact is inappropriate. I cannot reveal my true need for the blood, otherwise, even if the scheme succeeds, any subsequent use of a pseudonym for related needs will easily be linked to my true identity.

This matter, if it is to be planned, must be carried out in secret, by using aliases.

Furthermore, Yin-Yang Dew is extremely rare. Although I only have half of what I have left, the previous amount was so plentiful that this small amount is more than enough to be considered a complete portion.

Even a second-realm Celestial Being would be envious of such a quantity of Yin-Yang Dew.

If it were to become entangled with his public identity, he wouldn't be afraid, but it would undoubtedly create many more troubles. The troubles could be resolved, but the subsequent impact might not be eliminated.

In such situations, one should naturally exercise more caution.

He is not afraid of challenges, but he will avoid unnecessary challenges if they do not touch his heart.

“Biro.” Chen Ping’an’s eyes brightened slightly, revealing a hidden scheming thought.

As a top-tier strategic resource, it's indeed useful everywhere. He only has this much Yin-Yang Dew, but there are quite a few places where he'll need it.

To say nothing of the distant past, in his previous deal with Lan Yingjun to acquire the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm, he used the aura of the Yin-Yang Dew as a bargaining chip.

However, rebuilding the foundation of the pseudo-grandmaster and repairing the spiritual platform does not require much Yin-Yang Dew. Compared to the total amount he has left, this amount is negligible.

Furthermore, if Gu Qingchan were to break through to a higher realm, she would also need to use Yin-Yang Dew. As a dual cultivation partner, the purer Gu Qingchan's spiritual power and the more flawless her spiritual source, the greater the benefit to him.

The celestial body is not an ordinary body. For celestial beings, ordinary dual cultivation and discussions of the Dao are far less comfortable than the interaction of the soul and the union of spirit and flesh.

However, while there are many celestial beings who become Daoist partners, not all of them are like this. The source of the divine soul is related to the foundation of cultivation, and everyone is extremely cautious about it.

If they are of one mind, that's fine. But if they are scheming against each other, they would never leave such a flaw. Ordinary discussions and exchanges would be sufficient.

If Gu Qingchan can achieve the status of a Celestial Being, then according to the cultivation method recorded in the "Inverted Phoenix and Yin-Yang Pivot" manual, the variety of techniques she can perform will become even more numerous.

Of course, all of this is predicated on Gu Qingchan's own willingness.

The source of divine power is nothing more than this. If the cultivator himself is unwilling, even if others are ten times stronger, they will find it difficult to experience the union within.

The moment their souls touched, a fierce battle ensued. Even if one could suppress the other, there was no room for relaxation. Unless the gap between the two sides truly reached an extremely absurd level.

Otherwise, force would be impossible. But then again, if the gap really widened, how many people in this world would be willing to engage in dual cultivation and fusion?
If the other party treats them gently and engages in dual cultivation in a way that benefits both parties, the gains for a cultivator at a lower realm will be enormous. Such benefits are no less than those from consuming certain rare and precious elixirs.

When opportunity knocks, how many people wouldn't be tempted?
The celestial body is not an ordinary body; if one is determined and willing to pay the price, it can be made flawless. However, the source of the soul is different from others. Even after being refined, once it merges with another's, it will inevitably bear the imprint of the other's aura.

Unless it takes a long time and is refined daily, this kind of aura imprint will accompany one for half a lifetime.

If Gu Qingchan can become a Celestial Being, then Chen Ping'an doesn't plan to trade or scheme for the Yin-Yang Dew he needs; that would be considered an investment and a gift from him.

As a "senior," he should at least take care of the juniors. It wouldn't be in vain that Gu Qingchan has been calling him "senior" all this time.

In addition, Gu Zhengnan, the second elder of the Gu family, was also considering the deal for Yin-Yang Dew.

The Gu family is currently weak. Although their ancestor has the foundation to suppress them, the number of pseudo-celestial beings is scarce, and they are already facing a generational gap. Previously, when they were within Canglong Prefecture, they did not have a deep sense of this, but now that they are outside the prefecture, they have gained a more profound understanding of it.

The oppressive presence of the Prince of Bicang's Mansion, the scheming of the Hengshan Sect, and the probing and maneuvering of various forces all point to the decline of the Gu family's prestige.

The Gu family patriarch is old and nearing the end of his lifespan; it is clear that he alone cannot support the Gu family's legacy. If he grows old and dies, even if Gu Qingchan breaks through to a higher realm and becomes a Martial Dao Celestial, it will be unlikely that she can maintain her current influence under the current circumstances.

The Prince of Bi Cang's Mansion would not allow it, nor would the Hengshan Sect and many other forces. Newly ascended Celestials have unstable foundations; they have ample means to manipulate them.

But if Gu Zhengnan could also achieve the status of a Celestial Being, then the meaning would be completely different.

If the Gu family patriarch had not died at that time, then the family would have been a three-star power! Such an aura would make them one of the top forces in the surrounding areas.

Purify the source of the soul with Yin-Yang Dew, remove impurities from the soul, and continue the path of cultivation! With Gu Zhengnan's accumulated knowledge and the aid of some spiritual objects, he may very well become a true martial arts master!
If such a transaction can be completed, it will be of great benefit to the Gu family.

This can be seen as his appropriate way of giving back to the Gu family.

However, Yin-Yang Dew is rare, and it would be inappropriate for him to personally handle the transaction; he would still need to rely on Gu Qingchan's help.

From Gu Qingchan's perspective, she would probably be happy to see this happen.

These kinds of things need to be handled slowly. The details, though not urgent, should still be put on the agenda.

Speaking of which, the letters I sent earlier should be delivered soon.

Chen Ping'an pondered to himself.

Half a portion of Yin-Yang Dew will be needed in many places, and the specific usage requires careful planning. Lan Yingjun's share is small, barely a fraction, but Gu Qingchan and Gu Zhengnan will likely use a considerable amount. And then there's Madam Biluo's share.
These rare resources are being used very efficiently!
Chen Ping'an sighed.

Aside from the Yin-Yang Dew, the only other strategic resource he possesses is the Shangqing Pill, which aids in breaking through to a higher realm.

However, besides aiding in breaking through to higher realms, the Shangqing Pill can also be used in certain special situations. Furthermore, some demonic cultivation techniques, if protected by the Shangqing Pill, have a significantly higher chance of breaking through to higher realms.

Even so, compared to spiritual treasures like Yin-Yang Dew, the value of Shangqing Pill is still somewhat lower.

However, considering all factors, it is still considered a relatively rare strategic resource.

Chen Ping'an planned to keep this item for trading in cultivation techniques at the level of True Skill Scrolls, or protective treasures that emphasize movement speed and range coverage.

Even if their values ​​differ, they can still be used as key bargaining chips to stir up emotions.

For high-level cultivators, while Yuan Crystals are essential and a hard currency for transactions, they are definitely supplemented by other rare resources in certain transactions. Transactions using Yuan Crystals alone are extremely rare, except in certain special circumstances.

This is one of the core reasons why auctions, despite having a premium, still attract so many cultivators.

Ordinary business schemes, without rare items to accompany the price, will only result in empty-handed pursuit of wealth, even for those with considerable fortunes.

As his cultivation level and overall level improved, Chen Ping'an gradually began to value these trading chips.

He possessed a considerable amount of similar reserves, including techniques like the White Bone Secret Technique and the Withered Tree Everlasting Technique, as well as items like the Crimson Compass. He would sell off other miscellaneous items, but he would retain some rare resources as crucial to his trading plans.

In fact, after several transactions, the amount of Yuan Crystals he currently possesses has reached 130,000 Yuan Crystals.

It is indeed necessary to add one or two more points.

"Cultivating techniques, studying secret arts, and planning resources." Chen Ping'an's eyes brightened slightly as he quietly pondered in the public room.

Once his mind was clear and he had finished regulating his breathing, he closed his eyes, and his spiritual power surged forth.

hum~
Riding the wind through the void!

This time, the garrison review meeting lasted unusually long. By the time Shen Huiqing returned, it was already past midnight.

Upon returning, Shen Huiqing immediately went to Chen Ping'an's residence. Seeing that he was still there, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes.

"grown ups."

Shen Huiqing, her long dress swaying, stepped into the public room.

Chen Pingan slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm, and asked, "How is it?"

"Your Excellency, as you predicted, at today's deliberation meeting, Yokoyama Munechika lodged a strong protest against your actions the day before yesterday and proposed impeachment from the very beginning."

Shen Huiqing reported on the situation at the garrison review meeting.

Chen Pingan listened quietly without speaking until Shen Huiqing finished speaking, at which point he calmly said, "So, the Qiankun Division is going to intervene in the surveillance?"

"Yes, sir." Shen Huiqing lowered her eyes, appearing somewhat submissive. "However, in my opinion, this matter will likely be handled leniently, so please do not worry."

"Worried?" Chen Ping'an smiled but didn't speak.

Shen Huiqing stood aside, looking at Chen Ping'an's expression, as if she understood something.

Yes, why would an adult worry?

His only fear was that this matter wouldn't be blown out of proportion enough. If the Qiankun Division insisted on doing so, using this trivial matter as a pretext, then it would be a perfect opportunity to establish their authority.

"Keep a close eye on the situation at the mine, maintain close contact with the Gu family, and report any specific changes immediately. Also, regarding the Hengshan Sect..." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, his voice gentle, displaying extraordinary composure.

Shen Huiqing stood quietly to the side, listening attentively to the master's instructions.

Inside the Zhenfu Division's office, the lights flickered, one person stood and another sat upright, creating an atmosphere of utter tranquility, as if time itself had frozen at that moment.

No sleep for one night.

After Chen Ping'an finished dealing with his own affairs, he received news that the Qiankun Division had come to his door.

"These people arrived quickly." Shen Huiqing was surprised by the speed and efficiency of the Qiankun Division: "They only reviewed and finalized the decision last night, and they came to investigate today. I wonder how much they have been bribed to do so quickly."

The speed of the Qiankun Division's surveillance was clearly unusual, which gave Shen Huiqing a bad feeling. However, seeing Chen Ping'an's calm demeanor, her heart calmed down.

"Let them come directly here. I am unavailable today, so I will not go to the main hall to receive them," Chen Ping'an said calmly.

"Yes, sir." Shen Huiqing obeyed and left.

"The Qiankun Division?" Chen Ping'an smiled, then ignored it and began to peruse the newly acquired books and biographies.

During the welcoming ceremony, there were many guests coming and going, and he naturally received a lot of gifts as well.

While the items aren't particularly valuable, their overall quality is acceptable for the price range. They include ores, spiritual materials, elixirs, and ancient texts.

Among the books sent, there were many that Chen Ping'an had never seen before. Now that he had them, he naturally wanted to read them carefully to broaden his horizons and increase his knowledge.

These gifts, all added together, are worth over ten thousand crystals. And this does not include the two extra gifts from the Bicang Chamber of Commerce and Yuanhai Tower.

The Jade Spirit Fruit and the Luo Wen Fruit are both valuable items, and considering the relationship between the two parties, this is considered a generous offer. In addition, there is a portion of Millennium Stone Milk, although the quantity is not as large as the portion traded from the Heavenly Luo Saintess, it is still a sufficient amount of resources.

Having obtained this millennium-old stone milk, Chen Ping'an's previously consumed enhancement spiritual items and burst methods were fully replenished.

Blood-Burning Elixir, Violent Essence Elixir, Spiritual Secret Elixir, Thousand-Year-Old Stone Milk.

Given his current level of cultivation, his methods, taken individually, are indeed rather rudimentary. However, when combined, they become quite remarkable. While not as powerful as the precious elixir and pure water that aid the soul, the combination still constitutes a small trump card.

Besides, in front of so many powerful forces, he received the Azure Spirit Fruit and the Luo Wen Fruit from the Azure Cang Merchant Guild and the Abyss Sea Pavilion. It is perhaps not surprising that his subsequent progress was rapid and his combat power increased.

His talent, which he had already displayed to the outside world, was already extraordinary. Now, with the addition of resources and a little time to cultivate, it's quite reasonable that he has directly entered the third stage of the Breakthrough Realm!

The Qiankun Division arrived quickly. Due to the special nature of this surveillance mission, only the truly high-ranking elites of the Qiankun Division came. This surveillance was a joint operation by the Qiankun Divisions of two states: Xuanling State and Canglong State.

The group of seven was imposing and powerful, their demeanor sharp and decisive, giving the impression of dark clouds pressing down on the city and threatening to destroy it.

But when they actually negotiated with Chen Ping'an, their attitude changed drastically.

"Lord Chen, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Xu Minglin from the Qiankun Division." A middle-aged man with a calm demeanor, dressed in a wide-mouthed robe with gold patterns, stepped forward.

Judging from his appearance, he should be the leader of this inspection team.

"Lord Xu." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, revealing no emotion.

"This is Lord Li." Xu Minglin introduced Chen Ping'an in turn, and only after the introductions were complete did he express the purpose of his visit: "Lord Chen, it is your duty, please do not take offense."

Chen Pingan stared at Xu Minglin for a while before saying something indifferently.

"It's alright. Lord Xu, please ask whatever you wish to ask."

Chen Ping'an spoke calmly, and Xu Minglin didn't put on any airs either. He asked Chen Ping'an a few perfunctory questions, then exchanged pleasantries and prepared to leave.

"Gentlemen, won't you stay a little longer?" Chen Ping'an said calmly.

"I have a basic understanding of the situation. Lord Chen is very busy, so I won't bother you any longer." Xu Minglin smiled and said, "Let's go to Linhu Yayuan again. I think there should be a plan for this matter by now."

Xu Minglin spoke simply, but his words implied a desire to establish a friendly relationship. Otherwise, given his status and position, he wouldn't have said such things before the investigation was even over.

"Okay," Chen Ping'an replied calmly.

Xu Minglin and his companions bowed respectfully and then departed.

"I will see you off, gentlemen."

Shen Huiqing spoke up, and they went out together.

A quarter of an hour later, when Shen Huiqing returned, her face was full of smiles.

"Sir, they've all been seen off."

Stepping out of the Zhenfu Division's office, the Qiankun Division maintained the same demeanor as before: a show of force and official business. This attitude was completely unlike the humble and friendly demeanor they displayed inside Chen Ping'an's office.

Several days later, the Qiankun Division, in conjunction with other supervisory bodies, issued a report. After extensive investigation and verification, it was determined that Chen Ping'an, the newly appointed Xuanling Garrison Commander of Canglong Prefecture, killed the Hengshan Sect Elder at Linhu Yayuan. This was due to Shi Panyue's provocation, which was carried out under the guise of life and death. All consequences were his own fault, and he bore full responsibility.

In this matter, the garrison commander Chen Ping'an demonstrated restraint and composure, taking appropriate and righteous actions without overstepping any boundaries.

On the day he received the news, Chen Ping'an stood by the window, looking at the city shrouded in mist and rain, his thoughts seemingly returning to the Northern Cang of yesteryear.

"In the end, it's different!"

The same thing in the past was done recklessly and without regard for consequences, drawing criticism from the outside world and impeachment from within. Today, however, it is done with restraint and composure, with appropriate and righteous actions.

He has come this far step by step, and all his hard work has finally made a difference!

Chen Ping'an's eyes darted around, reflecting the misty rain of the human world.

The commotion was thus completely quelled, much ado about nothing.

Although Yokoyama Muneko lodged a protest and expressed his dissatisfaction on multiple occasions, he ultimately could not influence the final supervisory decision.

Three days later, the Xuanling Heavy City Garrison Review Committee issued a notice stating that the matter concerning the standardized management of commerce and mineral resources was rejected due to strong public reaction and uncontrollable risks, after deliberation and discussion by all parties.

Furthermore, the application for review of the quota by the Canglong Prefecture garrison was approved. Chen Ping'an, the Xuanling Garrison Commander of Canglong Prefecture, will hold the review seat and participate in the decision-making regarding the overall situation in Xuanling.

This news, once announced, caused a stir among all parties. At the Azure Dragon's base, the crowd was excited and overjoyed.

Those with powerful and domineering spirits will reside in Xuanling and safeguard the interests of a region!
(End of this chapter)