The Great Martial Saint!

Xuanling Mountain, an elegant little abode.

Lady Biluo wore a long green dress, her figure was plump and smooth, her skin was fair, and her long, snow-white legs were faintly visible under the dress.

Unlike her usual charming demeanor, Lady Biluo's face at this moment lacked any tenderness; instead, it was filled with a thoughtful expression.

"The Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce! What a brilliant feint! They've actually managed to establish trade channels in Yanlie Prefecture. With this crucial link secured, the Southwest trade is practically a done deal."

For the past few months, her attention had been focused on the Xuanling Chamber of Commerce and several chambers of commerce in Beihai, and she had also paid close attention to the Wufu Chamber of Commerce. She had assumed their main focus would be on Canglong Prefecture. However, she hadn't expected the Wufu Chamber of Commerce to pull off such a shrewd maneuver, secretly establishing channels throughout Yanlie Prefecture. They had taken a different approach and played a clever game. Who could have imagined that the Wufu Chamber of Commerce had already secured connections at Longque Pass?

If we had known this would happen, we should have taken more precautions.

Looking back now, it's already too late.

Who would have thought that, despite having connections to Longque Pass, the Five Blessings Merchant Guild would insist on relying solely on Canglong, intending to use it as a base to advance into the southwest? Even the young master of the Five Blessings, Ling Xiao, personally visited Canglong, causing quite a stir. In the end, it turned out that the other side had planned a completely different path.

Unfortunately, Ling Xiao was still at the Azure Dragon Banquet, deliberately trying to pique the interest of her Azure Azure Merchant Guild. Now, with things deceptive and ambiguous, it's hard to tell what's real and what's not.

Furthermore, the Xuanling Chamber of Commerce is also quite troublesome. These local chambers of commerce have always been very wary of foreign trade. Although her Bicang Chamber of Commerce is powerful, it is also entangled with several chambers of commerce in Beihai, making it difficult for it to spare much energy to deal with them.

And what about Prince Dongqing?
Lady Biluo's thoughts shifted, and a trace of sorrow inadvertently appeared between her brows, like a thin mist lingering over distant mountains.

The struggle for the throne is now increasingly intense, with various factions vying for power and employing a variety of tactics. In the recent clashes, Prince Dongqing has gained the upper hand and displayed his prowess, but precisely because of this, he is seen as the greatest threat by all parties, who are joining forces to suppress him.

Even though she was far away in Xuanling, she could feel the oppression and could foresee the burden and pressure on Prince Dongqing.

“Grandma Han.” Madam Biluo’s face showed a thoughtful expression, and a trace of reminiscence appeared in her eyes.

The Prince Dongqing, to whom she serves, was chosen by Granny Han years ago to wholeheartedly assist him.

Although Grandma Han has passed away, she has never forgotten that kindness.

She has now inherited Grandma Han's will and is wholeheartedly assisting Prince Dongqing until he ascends to the throne of the Prince.

This was Grandma Han's last wish, and naturally, it was her pursuit.

Years ago, on that rainy night, it was Grandma Han who held up an umbrella for her, illuminating her life. Without Grandma Han, she wouldn't be who she is today.

She will remember this kindness for the rest of her life.

Lady Biluo's emotions shifted, and an unprecedented vulnerability appeared on her usually charming and graceful face.

This vulnerability was something she had rarely shown in public since she began her cultivation. And since becoming a pseudo-celestial being, it had almost disappeared.

However, that day at the lakeside
A scene seemed to appear before Lady Biluo's eyes, and her expression softened slightly.

"It seems I've arrived at just the right time, to see Madam in such a radiant state." A cold and eerie voice suddenly rang out in the room, instantly shattering Madam Biluo's thoughts like lightning.

"Who?"

Lady Biluo's expression hardened, her gentle gaze vanished, and she instantly became extremely solemn.

She flashed away, instantly creating distance. Looking down, she saw an incredibly eerie young man, dressed in a purple robe, standing in a corner of the room, looking at her with a half-smile.

The young man had a fair complexion, a high nose bridge, thin lips, and his black hair was casually draped over his shoulders. His eyes shone with a faint purple light, giving him an eerie and captivating appearance.

With just one glance, Lady Biluo sensed a deadly aura emanating from the other party.

The person who could appear in her room so quietly was definitely not an ordinary cultivator!
Although she had foreseen it, Lady Biluo still couldn't help but tremble when she actually saw the other person.

She is skilled in the art of spirit and soul manipulation, and it is highly unlikely that any pseudo-celestial being could deceive her.

Since they are not pseudo-celestial beings, the conclusion is extremely obvious.

God!

A true martial arts master.

Lady Biluo was on edge, looking at the young man in front of her with a serious expression.

There was no sneak attack, so there must have been no malicious intent. At least, it seems that's the case right now.

The celestial being before me was someone I had never encountered before, and I had no idea where he came from.

What brings you here so late at night?
Lady Biluo's thoughts raced as she pondered silently.

“Madam, there’s no need to be nervous.” The young man looked at her with a half-smile: “I mean no harm.”

"So it's you, senior. I was momentarily flustered and have acted improperly before you. Please forgive me." Lady Biluo carefully chose her words, her face regaining its composure and revealing her usual gentle charm.

As she spoke, she flicked her sleeve, gently smoothed the strands of hair at her temples, smiled sweetly, and gracefully bowed.

She is in charge of the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce. Although she is only a pseudo-celestial being, she has dealt with martial arts celestial beings before and knows how to get along with them.

Strictly speaking, pseudo-celestials and celestials are of the same rank and belong to the same realm. However, in actual interactions, pseudo-celestials are rarely recognized by celestials. They are usually addressed as seniors, and the title of fellow Daoist is rarely used.

Since the other party's identity is currently unknown, she naturally needs to be more cautious.

"I wonder how I can serve you, senior?"

Lady Biluo's face was gentle and charming, but she was secretly alarmed as she pondered the purpose of this mysterious celestial being.

"I have come here tonight to make a deal with you, madam."

"A transaction?" Bi Luo was slightly surprised, her eyes sparkling with a hint of charm.

The young man remained silent, his eyes seemingly able to see through people's hearts, a smile appearing on his face, eerie and bewitching.

Even someone like Lady Biluo, who had seen countless landscapes, couldn't help but feel a jolt in her heart at this moment.

She was always the one who charmed others, but unexpectedly, today she was the one who was charmed.

"Please enlighten me, senior." Madam Biluo composed herself and adopted a more dignified posture.

"I have an opportunity to continue my cultivation journey. I wonder if you are interested, Madam?" The young man's lips curled into an extremely wicked smile, his voice deep and carrying a certain seductive power.

Upon hearing this, Lady Biluo's delicate body trembled, her heart stirred with emotion, and her eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight.

"An opportunity to continue the path!?"

The strange young man who appeared in Lady Biluo's boudoir was naturally Chen Ping'an, who had changed his appearance and used the Black Xuan Iron Mask to realistically simulate him.

With his current cultivation level, even without using the real simulation, Madam Biluo should not be able to detect anything amiss simply by using the Black Profound Iron Mask. However, to be on the safe side, Chen Ping'an still disguised himself.

Such disguise would be so convincing that even a second-stage Celestial Being who has already entered the Piercing Rainbow Realm would find it difficult to detect his true origins, and would only think that this was his true appearance.

Chen Ping'an's purpose in coming here this time was clear: to take advantage of the Yin-Yang Dew in his possession to trade for corresponding benefits with Madam Biluo.

Normally speaking, if Chen Ping'an were determined, he should have a very high chance, no, almost a 100% chance, of forcibly seizing the items from Lady Biluo on this Xuanling Mountain.

Although Lady Biluo is renowned and possesses top-tier pseudo-celestial power, she may even have some hidden protective trump cards on her person, which could unleash the ultimate pseudo-celestial power at crucial moments.

But this power was still somewhat insufficient in the face of Chen Ping'an.

Back when he hadn't yet reached the level of a martial arts master, he could suppress even the so-called pseudo-masters. How much more so now?

If he were so inclined, he could surely capture Lady Biluo within ten moves.

but
He wasn't entirely without such thoughts, but after careful consideration, he abandoned them.

Firstly, he did not possess any powerful concealment treasures or area-covering confinement treasures. If he were to take forceful action, although he could capture and suppress Lady Biluo, the commotion he would cause would be unavoidable.

Although Xuanling Heavy City, on the surface, doesn't have a Martial Dao Celestial being overseeing it, such things are indeed hard to say for sure. He hadn't actually explored the entire city during his time there, so some of his perceptions weren't reliable.

He wasn't afraid of making a scene, but it would undoubtedly bring him more trouble.

Secondly, his main purpose in coming here is to conduct transactions, and part of these transactions requires Lady Biluo to exert continuous efforts for him. It is not a one-off deal, so it is better to entice her with benefits than to force or coerce her.

Lady Biluo rose from humble beginnings to reach where she is today; her unwavering resolve is something that cannot be threatened by ordinary means.

As for mental control techniques, while his Seven Deadly Restrictions are impressive, with his current abilities, he clearly cannot control a pseudo-celestial being. Even slight mental interference is somewhat difficult for him.

Lady Biluo was already renowned for her divine soul, and coupled with her resilient character and clear Dao heart, even though his Seven Absolute Forbidden Techniques had been improved and his cultivation had advanced further, it was still extremely difficult for her to control them.

The calculations involved are self-evident.

Thirdly, and perhaps more importantly, he and Lady Biluo had no past grudges or recent animosity, and their previous interactions with Canglong had been quite smooth. Not long ago, the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce had also extended a gesture of goodwill at the welcoming ceremony.

Given all these factors, he naturally couldn't resort to coercion.

Such actions do not align with his state of mind, nor with his Daoist principles. If he were to force himself to do so, it would likely hinder his Daoist resolve. Throughout his life, he has cultivated the virtue of following his heart's desires and the virtue of self-discipline, always keeping this in mind.

If things didn't go his way, he wouldn't have done it this way.

Small, insignificant gains cannot shake the steadfastness of one's resolve.

This is why Chen Ping'an was able to calmly discuss the transaction with Madam Biluo.

His plan for this trip has three parts: first, the blood of demonic beasts; second, cultivation techniques; and third, a treasure for protecting one's path. As for what he will actually get in return, that depends on the negotiation and bargaining between the two sides.

When he mentioned the key to continuing the path, Madam Biluo's breathing noticeably quickened. Although she quickly regained her composure, it was clear that Chen Ping'an could sense it.

Even though he tried to remain calm afterward, his intense desire allowed Chen Ping'an to seize the initiative.

Sometimes, whether or not there is a game to be played is secondary; what truly matters is who is truly moved.

What you can't have always stirs your heart, while those who are favored take it for granted.

Like a game of trading, it's about concealing one's true purpose or downplaying one's own needs in order to gain better leverage in the transaction.

However, with someone like Chen Ping'an who possesses absolute realm suppression, it was difficult for Madam Biluo to conceal her impulses and urgency in front of him.

In such circumstances, the balance of the transaction will naturally be unbalanced.

Chen Ping'an's identity was unknown, and Madam Biluo was initially wary of him. However, after Chen Ping'an showed her a portion of the Yin-Yang Dew, Madam Biluo's expression completely changed.

"What needs does Senior have?" Madam Biluo asked, suppressing her inner turmoil and her eyes sparkling.

"I have already demonstrated my sincerity in this transaction. Shouldn't it be the lady who is next to make her gesture?"

Chen Ping'an's expression was sinister as he looked Lady Biluo up and down with an unbridled gaze, as if he wanted to see right through her.

Lady Biluo felt as if her dress couldn't even fully conceal her body, leaving her with a sense of being completely exposed. However, having weathered countless storms, even a slight embarrassment wouldn't affect her emotions in the slightest, let alone interfere with her judgment.

"Senior has already reached the celestial realm, so ordinary mundane things are probably no longer worthy of your attention. I was fortunate enough to obtain a spiritual herb in my early years, which I have treasured to this day. I wonder if it would be worthy of your attention?"

As she spoke, Lady Biluo took out a jade box. The jade box was crystal clear and glowed with a rich spiritual light.

As the wooden box was opened, an extremely rich and refreshing herbal fragrance wafted out.

“Wind Spirit Nine-Leaf Grass!” Chen Ping’an’s gaze narrowed slightly, his face expressionless, and he recognized the object in front of him in an instant.

In his spare time from cultivation, he consulted many ancient books, and although he had never seen some spiritual objects before, he had already gained some knowledge of them.

The Nine-Leaf Wind Spirit Grass is a rare spiritual item suitable for celestial beings' cultivation. Consuming it can soothe the soul and advance one's cultivation level. Furthermore, the Nine-Leaf Wind Spirit Grass is also a rare auxiliary medicine, used to refine breakthrough pills suitable for celestial beings.

If one has sufficient foundation, there is a very high probability that taking this elixir will allow one to enter the realm of penetrating rainbows.

Although Chen Ping'an doesn't need breakthrough pills, the Wind Spirit Nine-Leaf Grass is quite valuable and is a rare first-class spiritual item, which can be used as a bargaining chip.

"This item is acceptable," Chen Ping'an commented calmly. "However, its value alone is far from sufficient."

Madam Biluo was aware of what Chen Ping'an was saying. She couldn't possibly expect a rare auxiliary medicine to be exchanged for a superb spiritual item to continue her cultivation path.

Her presentation was simply an expression of her attitude.

"I am foolish and ignorant. Please tell me what you need, senior. I will trade anything I have for you," Lady Biluo said sincerely.

After spending some time together, she gradually figured out how to interact with this mysterious celestial being.

Her usually infallible allure was completely ineffective against him. She even suspected that he was also skilled in this art, and that forcing her way into a seduction would only backfire.

Having experienced this before, she would not repeat it.

"Oh?" Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed with a strange light as he stared intently at Madam Biluo's charming face.

Lady Bilu smiled, gently smoothing her hair, her eyes sparkling as she returned the smile.

"It is said that you, Madam, are skilled in the art of the soul. I wonder if you would be willing to part with this art?"

"Just as I thought," Lady Biluo thought to herself with certainty.

"This item is my livelihood; if I were to trade it to you, senior, then I would..."

Lady Biluo initially declined symbolically, but seeing that the time was right, she finally agreed.

"I entrust my life and fortune to you, senior."

Lady Biluo lowered her eyes, revealing her posture.

However, a single secret technique for the soul and a rare auxiliary medicine were clearly not enough to satisfy Chen Ping'an's appetite.

After the transaction, Chen Ping gained full control of the situation. Although Lady Biluo wanted to regain the upper hand, the spiritual item that could continue her cultivation path was far too precious. With such an opportunity before her, even if Lady Biluo still retained her rationality, she could only be forced to be led by the rope.

Under Chen Ping'an's guidance, Lady Biluo repeatedly revealed her spiritual objects, step by step walking into his trap. Each time, she felt the deal was near, but in the end, she was always far from it.

By the time Lady Biluo realized what was happening, it was already too late. Each hope, each expectation, both the opportunity itself and the sunk costs, made Lady Biluo unwilling to give up easily.

Do not!
The opportunity was there, and she was determined to seize it no matter what.

This was true in the past, and it is true now.

By the time Chen Ping'an left Bi Luo's small residence, he had reaped a fortune.

After much negotiation, the matter was finally settled.

In exchange for one-third of his existing Yin-Yang Dew, Chen Ping'an obtained two rare auxiliary medicines, three high-grade ores of varying sizes suitable for refining precious treasures, two bottles of healing elixirs for the soul, a secret technique for healing the soul, and three promises from Lady Biluo made with her Dao heart.

In his first promise, Chen Ping'an requested that Lady Biluo search for either the blood of a Heavenly-grade demon beast or a cultivation technique inheritance at the True Skill Treasure Scroll level. If she could successfully find one of these, then the promise would be considered valid.

As for the remaining two times, Chen Ping'an didn't say, only that he would inform him later.

Regarding these three promises, Lady Biluo initially only agreed to one. However, through repeated back-and-forth negotiations, she eventually got her wish and traded the three promises for each other.

For a cultivator like Lady Biluo who intends to continue her path, purify her soul, and overcome inner demons, swearing an oath with her Dao heart is extremely effective and binding.

If one goes against this, I fear there will be no hope for one's spiritual path in this lifetime.

For those aspiring to the path of cultivation, such binding force is self-evident. Chen Ping'an naturally had his own considerations regarding Lady Biluo. The value of these three promises could be high or low, depending on how they were used.

If Lady Biluo can truly succeed in continuing her path and reaching the realm of martial arts immortality, then these promises will be a worthwhile investment.

For Chen Ping'an, this was a hidden move he made in his spare time. Whether he could use it in the future depended on how the situation developed.

Regardless, this has established a connection with the Bicang Chamber of Commerce. There should be many opportunities to utilize this connection later.

Some operations don't necessarily require a promise. Regular interaction and familiarity can always be helpful.

"Yin-Yang Dew!" Lady Biluo exclaimed with delight as she looked at the object before her.

Ever since she nearly stumbled and reached the pseudo-celestial realm, she had longed for this day. But after searching for so many years, she had found nothing suitable. Who could have imagined that what she had been yearning for would suddenly be traded and obtained on this ordinary yet unpredictable night?

The excitement I felt was indescribable.

Although the cost of the transaction was somewhat high, it was undoubtedly worthwhile considering the potential for the future.

Life, which was originally uneventful, stagnant, and mundane, seems to have gained new hope.

The current Yin-Yang Dew, in terms of quantity, is slightly lacking. However, she has not been idle over the years; she has prepared some auxiliary spiritual items, which, when used in conjunction with each other, should be able to exert considerable value.

"This person's aura is strange and indescribable. I have never seen him before. Judging from his style and actions, he is probably not an ordinary celestial being. Who exactly is this person? And why is he trading with me? Have we had previous interactions, or is there another reason?"

Or is it a struggle for the throne?

Lady Biluo was secretly alarmed and couldn't help but think deeply.

But in either case, it's clear that she can't handle it right now. Instead of worrying and pondering the reasons behind it, she should clear her mind, focus all her efforts on preparation, and concentrate on her cultivation.

Once she truly takes this crucial step and achieves true mastery of martial arts, then she should know everything she needs to know.

When that day comes, she will obviously have more confidence to deal with it.

"Three promises?"

Lady Biluo's eyes flickered slightly before she closed them.

"Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique!"

Upon returning to his residence, Chen Ping'an immediately began to study the newly acquired secret technique rubbings.

Although he possesses the Illusionary Dream Pearl, which grants him the power to bewitch and possess supernatural abilities, he is not particularly skilled in the art of spiritual cultivation.

Now that he has acquired this secret technique, it has made up for some of his shortcomings.

Over the next few days, Chen Ping'an devoted himself to studying the secret techniques and cultivating his skills.

Inside Xuanling City, everything seemed unchanged, just as usual. However, with the approval of the garrison review committee, the preparations for the top-tier auction within Xuanling City were officially finalized.

This grand auction plans to invite Tongbao Trading Company, Wufu Trading Company, and several trading companies under the Beihai Trading Alliance to participate in its organization. In addition, Xuanling Trading Company and Bicang Trading Company plan to introduce rare monster resources, spiritual objects, and precious medicines from Beishan Prefecture, and intend to contact Bailian Pavilion, the Alchemy Alliance, and others.

This auction is expected to be the most grand event in Xuanling City in the past ten years.

The final item in the auction will undoubtedly attract the attention of celestial beings. (End of Chapter)