The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 785 Southern Border Academy, the Fusi System (Seeking monthly votes~)

Although nearly two months have passed since Shi Panyue's death, it has still had a profound impact on the situation in Xuanling City.

With the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce and Yuan Hai Tower becoming increasingly prominent, Chen Ping'an's reputation in Xuanling City gradually rose and prospered.

Compared to their initial fierce opposition and public expressions of dissatisfaction, the Yokoyama sect headquarters has recently become unusually silent. Their silence is as if they have completely forgotten about the matter.

The true value of the title "Hidden Dragon Prodigy" seemed to be fully embodied at this moment.

Since unleashing his legendary strike, Chen Ping'an's prestige has continued to rise. With his talent, in terms of influence and status, he is fully comparable to a pseudo-Celestial Being. However, due to the special nature of his position within the realm, he currently still makes decisions openly within the Xuanling Heavy City.

In terms of combat strength, among all the martial arts grandmasters in Xuanling City, including rogue cultivators, his combat strength is among the top, enough to be in the top three. As for talent, among all these people, no one can compare to him.

Although he makes decisions from the forefront, his influence and power have long exceeded that limit. Among the various forces' overt decision-making, Chen Ping's influence and status are second to none, enough to rival the big shots behind the scenes.

If that were the case, it wouldn't be so bad. But Chen Ping'an has a fierce and impulsive nature; he's either still or he moves like lightning, leaving no room for maneuver. This makes all the various factions extremely wary of him, fearing that they might inadvertently provoke his wrath and completely cross the strategic boundaries previously set.

Judging from the Shi Panyue incident and Chen Ping'an's early style of handling affairs, there is no ambiguity in Chen Ping'an's character; it's either yes or no. Playing games of ambiguity, vagueness, or extreme pressure is meaningless in his eyes.

I thought Chen Ping'an's temperament would have changed over the years. But it seems he's still the same as before.

This has led all parties to exercise extreme caution in their actions. They are not afraid of adversaries who are willing to negotiate, nor are they afraid of enemies who launch fierce counterattacks. What they fear most is an adversary with clearly defined boundaries, drastic measures, and the full capability to achieve their objectives.

One moment they can speak gently to you, the next, once your bottom line is crossed, they unleash a thunderous fury. The message is clear, with no room for negotiation.

Under this tone, all parties naturally exercised extreme restraint in their interactions with the garrison in Canglong Prefecture.

The bigwigs behind the scenes also understand this matter clearly.

A hidden dragon, a prodigy with power akin to the winds and clouds, and a key official in the Zhenfu Division—such a person is someone no one would easily offend unless it involves truly vital and urgent interests.

Thus, Chen Ping'an's days in Xuanling City were peaceful. And this peace was exactly what he wanted.

Hit a punch to avoid a hundred punches.

With a single stroke, it cuts open a clear sky, a gentle breeze, and a light drizzle.

However, for Chen Ping'an, this was nothing more than an ordinary, trivial matter, insignificant. Appropriately displaying his abilities in the open would also benefit his situation, making it easier for him to access higher circles and scheme for opportunities to gain advantage.

For others, the waters within the Xuanling Heavy City are deep enough, but for him, they're just so-so. Perfect for cultivation and development.

They can use Xuanling as a fulcrum to contact powerful figures in Beishan Prefecture, Bicang Prefecture, and even beyond the Bicang territory. Alternatively, they can retreat to Canglong Prefecture to guard their family, digest their resources, and cultivate in seclusion.

He is now displaying an almost overwhelming power, and given his talent and age, he will likely attract the attention of some truly powerful forces. Even considering the resources and foundations of those powerful forces, his talent is exceptionally outstanding.

Normally, Chen Ping'an wouldn't have acted so recklessly. But now, he has grown strong, and his mastery of martial arts has given him enough confidence. He is fully prepared to step onto a higher stage.

Furthermore, everything he displayed today, except for his faster progress in cultivation, was traceable and logical. All of this had already been laid out on his path of cultivation.

As for his progress in cultivation, it's simply because of his exceptional talent.

They are the pride of the world, hidden dragons and prodigies!

Now that he has received gifts from the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce and Yuan Hai Tower, as well as other gains, it is somewhat extraordinary that he will make further progress in his cultivation realm. However, considering his usual cultivation speed, it is not a strange thing.

Their current combat strength is similar to that of the Wind and Cloud. If they were to advance further, what level of combat strength would they possess?

At that time, even if he doesn't mention it, the Northern Garrison Command will likely take action to further promote him. This increase in his public status will also help him gain access to a wider and deeper world.

As for when to reveal his greater strength, Chen Ping'an is also waiting for such an opportunity.

Waiting for a legitimate opportunity to demonstrate even greater strength.

This matter is the main theme of subsequent developments and his rise to a higher status, and it needs to be put on the agenda, but overall, it's not particularly urgent. Having more time to accumulate experience will also help him further enhance his foundation and capabilities. When he steps onto a higher stage, this will improve his ability and confidence to face unknown challenges.

Under these circumstances, Chen Ping'an received a letter from Bicang Prefecture. He initially thought it was related to official business, but upon closer inspection, he discovered it was delivered by a young maid.

"Er Ya wrote a letter?" Chen Ping'an's eyes lit up, and he immediately unfolded the letter.

"Brother, if I don't remember:"
I am delighted to receive this letter. Since our parting at Canglong, I have often thought of you and your affection, brother, which I have never forgotten. I write this letter now, firstly to share the good news, and secondly to ease your worries.
Fortunately, I passed the imperial examination and was admitted to the Yin-Yang Academy, fulfilling my elder brother's long-cherished wish. My studies in literature and Taoism will take me to the southern border. The journey is long and arduous, and I don't know when I will see my elder brother again. I think of you in my heart, and I hope you will take good care of yourself while you are away.

Standing before this paper, I am filled with trepidation, unable to express all my thoughts. I only wish, my elder brother, that your ambition soars like a swan, reaching far and wide; that your spirit remain as evergreen as the mountains, evergreen year after year. May your path be smooth, and your martial arts enduring.

The letter was long and densely written, with plain language, but every word expressed his concern and longing.

After reading the letter, Chen Ping'an remained silent for a long time. He intended to write a reply, but didn't know where to send it.

The letter was sent from Bicang Prefecture.

Having traveled tens of thousands of miles, he received this letter; the little girl had probably already left Bicang.

Once I leave, I don't know when I'll return.

Although he had known this day would come, his feelings were still extremely complicated when it actually arrived.

There was joy at knowing that the little girl had achieved her wish and entered the Yin-Yang Academy, longing for the little girl's journey to the Southern Territory, and anticipation and hope for the future.

The young girl went to the Southern Territory to cultivate and learn about literature and the Dao; her journey was countless miles long.

Many people spend their entire lives struggling to cross the borders of a major city. This single territory has become a lifelong constraint for countless cultivators. They spend their entire lives merely wandering within its boundaries.

Even a martial arts grandmaster can only stay within a certain territory, within a dozen or so states, and rarely has the chance to leave the territory to see the vast landscape.

Even though the Bicang region is adjacent to the southern border, it is still separated from the Yin-Yang Academy by countless miles, borders, and states.

Such vast territories, with distances stretching as far as the stars in the sky, would be impossible to reach even if one exhausted all one's strength in a lifetime.

Even for a martial arts grandmaster, crossing such a vast boundary without the aid of external aids would be extremely difficult. Not to mention the losses and time wasted, it would be beyond the capacity of an ordinary martial arts grandmaster.

No one would leave their hometown without a necessary reason.

The concept of "xiang" (乡, meaning hometown or village) is different for different people.

For ordinary people, a city or a place is an unattainable "hometown." Only the neighborhood, town, or village where one lives can be called a "hometown." If one were to move to a different neighborhood or village, it would mean leaving one's hometown, becoming unfamiliar with the place, and requiring a long period of adaptation.

Once they embark on the path of martial arts and achieve mastery of their qi and blood, this concept will be magnified invisibly. For them, their vision is no longer limited to the alleys and lanes; several alleys, or even a whole urban area, become the world they see. Living within this range is considered living in the countryside. Moving to a new place will not cause them any discomfort; only when they cross into the city will they feel this slight discomfort.

If this is true for the Qi and Blood Realm, then it is even more true for the Inner Qi Realm and the Profound Light Realm.

Once they reach the Profound Light Realm, an ordinary small town becomes their home. Only when their entire family moves away from one town to another can they be considered to have traveled to a distant land.

As for the Grandmaster realm, as long as one is in a state, it can be considered one's hometown. For a Martial Arts Grandmaster, it is normal to appear in several surrounding states. Even if one's home is in Xuanling, but travels to Canglong or Yanlie, one will not feel too uncomfortable.

Because they have a broader perspective, a wider vision, and a more imposing presence, their perception of the world is naturally different.

These differences in levels become particularly evident as one's cultivation progresses through different stages.

As one's martial arts level improves, one's perspective and vision will broaden, and one's stance will naturally become higher.

Sometimes, when we criticize others for lacking perspective or vision, the problem isn't with them, but with their level of development. If they had the same abundant resources and favorable conditions as you, their perspective might be far superior.

The so-called "vision" is largely based on the information we encounter daily and the situations we frequently face. Without this support, it is extremely difficult to possess a true "vision."

Ordinary people busy making a living share the same mindset as merchants who sit and trade. However, their considerations and perspectives differ, so they cannot be treated the same.

No need for empathy, just respect.

People at different levels of understanding will naturally have different perspectives on problems.

For Chen Ping'an now, his perspective is no longer limited to Canglong and Xuanling, but extends to Bi Cang. Even so, the Southern Territory is still a relatively distant concept for him.

The empire's territory was vast, and even a celestial being could hardly traverse its entire borders to experience the grandeur of its mountains and rivers.

"Southern Territory." Chen Ping'an's gaze shifted, and he slowly closed the letter in his hand, treasuring it: "Yin Yang Academy."

His current apparent status is top-tier in Xuanling and a high-ranking figure in Bicang. However, he is still a very long way from achieving such influence.

Aside from providing some resource support, there is almost no other help that can be given to the little girl.

Even with his current true level, capable of influencing the entire Azure Sky Realm, it's still somewhat insufficient compared to the broader scope of a single realm. His current level, within the dynasty's territory, makes him a truly high-level cultivator. Within a particular region, he's considered top-tier. Yet, it's still not enough to significantly impact the overall situation of an entire realm.

Those who can influence the overall situation of a realm are all truly top-tier forces, gathering countless disciples, family bloodlines, and various relationships, all deeply intertwined.

It has elders and deacons, as well as protectors and sect leaders. It is a behemoth brought together by numerous experts, extensive connections, and countless resources.

To rival such power single-handedly requires an unprecedented level of cultivation. Even a Grand Cultivator of the Third Realm, known as the Hidden Radiance Realm, is still significantly inferior to this level. Perhaps...
A fourth-realm celestial being, who is a level higher than a cultivator in the Hidden Radiance Realm, might be able to reach this level.

"The Four Realms of Heaven and Man." Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened.

hum~
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）、狂雷刀法入门（0/2160）太虚御风步大成（6855/14400）、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
After several days of cultivation, his progress has advanced further, bringing him one step closer to the perfection of the Taixu Wind Control Step.

Although his current level of cultivation has already shown promise, he is still far from reaching the legendary level of a great cultivator. But one day, this gap will be completely closed.

"Though the road is long, we will surely arrive if we keep walking; though the path is obstructed, we will surely succeed if we persevere. We, as practitioners, should have the spirit to overcome all obstacles and dare to climb higher! Today's steps may be insignificant, but tomorrow..."

Chen Ping'an's eyes shone brightly: "It will surely reach the heavens and the earth!"

Over the next ten days or so, Chen Ping'an received several replies, some from the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division, some from the Gu family of Canglong, and even a private message from Zhang Tianyuan, the powerful deputy commander.

They praised his performance in Xuanling, and mentioned that the headmaster also greatly admired the matter and planned to report it to the Northern Border Garrison as a model.

Chen Ping'an merely glanced at the matter and didn't react much. However, as was customary, he still replied with a letter.

The Zhenfu Division system was a tightly structured system with clearly defined ranks and regulations. Its recent weakening of control over local areas stemmed not from the system itself, but from the misuse of public power and factional infighting.

However, in terms of its structure, the Zhenfu Division system is extremely complete. For example, the rank and title system has its own set of rules.

From the very beginning, once registered and formally appointed as a constable, there is a very clear path to promotion. During this process, several different promotion routes gradually emerge. Some follow a path of wielding authority and management, while others pursue professional paths such as serving as advisors.

Regardless of the promotion path, the job rank is clearly defined and linked to the benefits and treatment based on merit.

Charioteer, head charioteer, chief charioteer, commander, chief commander, and supervisor.
Each stage of the job level has more specific subdivisions. For example, there is a process of becoming a probationary officer before being promoted from a constable to a head constable. There are also ranks such as constable candidate and deputy constable.

Such as candidate for chief executive, senior candidate for chief executive, deputy chief executive, and deputy chief executive with real power.

Within the same job rank, there are different assignments, representing different levels of power. The former is linked to salary, while the latter is linked to power and status.

Some held real power, while others held nominal positions; the designs varied from one another to another.

Chen Ping'an's current position, in full, is called the Acting Garrison Commander of the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division stationed in Xuanling Chongcheng. This position is Chen Ping'an's responsibility and represents his power.

His official rank was Deputy Director of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command. As for being officially registered in the Northern Garrison Command, it was an honor for him, a sign of the Garrison Command system's respect for him, and a form of special treatment.

However, his official post remained with the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command, and his superiors and subordinates were still within the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command system. It was just that the registration of his personnel file had been transferred to the Northern Border Garrison Command.

If one could advance further, it would involve a matter of authority, placing one under the Northern Border Garrison Command and being promoted by half a rank.

Chen Ping'an's current full title within the Zhenfu Division system is: Deputy Director of the Canglong Prefecture Zhenfu Division, Acting Garrison Commander of the Canglong Prefecture Zhenfu Division stationed in Xuanling City, and registered in the Northern Border Zhenfu Division.

Among the deputy commanders of the state garrison, his current assignment is already considered the highest level in terms of power. Unless he is directly transferred to the Northern Garrison or promoted by half a rank, his assignments are basically at their limit.

The only room for promotion is at the deputy director level. If he were to move up one level from his current position, he would become a deputy director with real power, or even the Grand Preceptor of the State Garrison.

They belong to the pseudo-celestial being level.

These individuals are truly top-tier figures within the Zhenfu Division system of their respective prefectures. Looking across the entire Bicang region, there are no more than a hundred such figures. Their social standing is mostly equal.

The only ones who could truly surpass them were the officials at the level of the regional governors.

This refers to the "Lord" mentioned by Zhang Tianyuan in his letter, the head of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command whom Chen Ping'an had never met before.

Strictly speaking, given the size of Canglong Prefecture, the person in charge of the Prefecture Garrison Command is not considered a "head" in the official hierarchy. Such a title is an honorific used by those within the prefecture.

The dynasty's territory was vast, with four borders, each containing various territories, and below those territories were their own states.

Different states have different territories and different levels of authority, so the administrative divisions they establish naturally have very different ranks and levels.

As the top leaders within the same state system, there will naturally be differences in their levels of authority.

Because of this situation, there are even more specific divisions within the hierarchy of officials.

The status of Canglong Prefecture is similar to that of Xuanling Prefecture and Yanlie Prefecture. The heads of the Zhenfu Divisions in each prefecture are all ordinary level officials, usually top-level pseudo-celestial beings.

In the surrounding states of Canglong Prefecture, only the Gu family patriarch is officially in charge, but in more distant states, there are actually martial arts masters.

In the five states garrisoned by Xuanling, the head of the Zhenfu Division system in Xiaguang State is a true martial arts master. While such a person is also a division chief, he is naturally different from those in Canglong State and other places. He is a division chief with a title and rank.

Azure jade, black jade, red gold, and blue sky.

These are all titles and ranks within the hierarchy of those in charge, and only those of such rank can truly be called the Headmaster.

Above the Chief Administrator is the Headmaster, and the Headmaster is a true martial arts master. Looking across the entire Azure Land, there are only three or four states of this size.

Examples include Bicang Prefecture, where the Bicang Prince's Mansion is located; Beishan Prefecture, through which the Black Nether Mountains pass; and Xiaguang Prefecture, which is within the scope of the Five Prefectures.

As for those above the head, they are the top figures in the Northern Border Garrison.

The Northern Border Garrison Command governs a region, and while it doesn't have a formal superior authority in most areas, the vastness of the North and its numerous provinces make direct administration by the Northern Border Garrison Command highly improbable.

Based on the power dynamics within the territory and some objective realities, the Northern Border Garrison Command generally establishes military governors, observation and disposal commissioners, defense commissioners, patrol commissioners, and similar titles within each territory.

The specific assignment will be determined based on the specific circumstances of the territory.

Those who were dispatched were generally directly managed by the Northern Border Garrison, serving as key figures who connected superiors and subordinates, and who bore the important responsibility of controlling or supervising the garrison of a particular territory.

As far as Chen Ping'an knew, such figures were generally extremely powerful among the Celestials. Otherwise, they would be unable to suppress the various factions stirring within a region.

However, the Bicang territory, where Canglong Prefecture is located, which comprises the seventeen prefectures of Bicang, is somewhat unique. Because the Bicang Prince's Mansion belongs to the royal bloodline and consists of enfeoffed members of the imperial clan, the Northern Border Garrison Command has not established a corresponding administrative agency within the Bicang territory; instead, it has only appointed a simple field surveying commissioner.

Compared to other official positions such as Observation and Disposal Commissioner, Patrol Commissioner, and Defense Commissioner, the position of "Investigation Commissioner" was undoubtedly much weaker. Its role was primarily to observe public sentiment and understand the overall situation, with limited actual authority to intervene.

Under such circumstances, the presence of this person within the Bicang territory is naturally not very noticeable. Furthermore, with the colossal presence of the Bicang Prince's Mansion, its influence becomes even more insignificant.

As Chen Ping'an continues to travel, he naturally gains a clearer understanding of the situation.

Regardless of the circumstances, being able to serve as the field survey envoy means being a true top-level figure in the Bicang region and even in the surrounding areas, someone who can influence effective decision-making.

Chen Ping'an's current apparent status is still several ranks below that of such an existence. However, in terms of cultivation level...
Chen Ping'an secretly made his calculations and finished writing a reply to the Canglong Prefecture Garrison.

The letters from the Gu family were quite common; Chen Ping'an had already replied to one. However, it's worth noting that Gu Qingcheng also replied to him.

The letter was short, containing only a few words, and its content was plain, yet it had an indescribable warmth, as refreshing as water, nourishing the heart.

Chen Ping'an looked at the letter for a long time until his thoughts ran dry, before finally writing a reply.

"My esteemed fairy, it is as if you are here to see me. I, Chen, have gone to my post in Xuanling and am well. I am deeply grateful for your concern. Now, as I write this reply, I find myself at a loss for words. I regret not being able to bid you farewell in person when we parted at Canglong. Even now, I still feel a pang of regret. It is my fault that I was unable to see your beautiful face."
Since parting with Canglong, Chen has felt guilty. Before their separation, the fairy sent a maid to present him with a sword, and Chen thanked her in a letter. Now, as he picks up his pen, he sees the sword in his bosom, as if the fairy herself is here, smiling gently. He is overwhelmed with emotion.
Words cannot express the depth of my feelings; I earnestly wish you, my fairy, good health, longevity, and happiness, and that we may enjoy a long and prosperous life together.

It must be said that Chen Ping'an's letter had a rather direct tone. If the relationship between the two parties wasn't close enough, it might even have sounded a bit flirtatious. Especially the line about having a precious sword in one's bosom, as if a fairy had personally descended.

In fact, Chen Ping'an had one more thing left unwritten: he often touched it with his hand, as if he could feel its warmth and fragrance.

In this letter, Chen Ping'an was responding to Gu Qingcheng on one hand, and on the other hand, he wanted to verify his suspicions. Was the person he met that day really as he had predicted?
Thinking it over is useless and will only increase internal friction. It's better to take the initiative and see how Gu Qingcheng responds.

Chen Ping'an had received replies to most of the letters he had sent, but he hadn't received a reply from Gu Qingchan. Judging from the distance, Gu Qingchan should have received the letters first. Now, however, he hadn't received a reply for a long time.
"Could he still be in seclusion? Unable to emerge and receive the letter?" Chen Ping'an wondered.

However, his letter didn't contain anything important. It was mainly just simple greetings, followed by inquiries about his cultivation progress. The salutation was unremarkable, and the content was ordinary. Even if someone else obtained it, it wouldn't be a big problem.

As Chen Ping'an's mind calmed down, he slowly closed his eyes.

hum~
When Chen Ping'an opened his eyes again, the night was deep and the sky was already dark.

"8340 point."

He glanced at the Golden Finger panel in front of him, his eyes flashed, and the panel disappeared.

"almost."

He walked out of the meditation room and left the mansion quietly.

Based on his recent sensory investigations, Lady Biluo of the Bi Cang Merchant Guild should have just returned to Xuanling City not long ago. She should be staying on Xuanling Mountain for the next few days.

When he appeared at the top of Xuanling Mountain, he had already changed his appearance.

May everything go smoothly tonight!

(End of this chapter)