The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 878 The Situation and Ecosystem, the Territorial Overlord (Bonus Chapter for 1000 Monthly Tickets!)
The news that Chen Ping'an, a prodigy and a grandmaster of the wind and clouds, had been appointed as the deputy commander of the Zhenfu Division of Beishan Prefecture and the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass, and was known as the "Imperial Guardian," spread among the various forces in Beishan Prefecture.

The previous transfer was approved by the Northern Border Garrison Command and was a highly confidential matter, belonging to the top-level confidentiality of Beishan Prefecture. However, as time goes by, the corresponding tone has gradually loosened.

Since the news leaked from the Beishan Prefecture Garrison Command, all the relevant forces have heard of this matter.

Yokoyama Sect, the headquarters of the Kitayama branch.

Within the halls and palaces, a towering figure stood, his surging aura shaking the very space.

"A deputy garrison commander will be appointed, and Chen Ping'an, the 'Wild Blade,' will be in charge? Interesting!"

"A mere junior like myself wields such great power. I'm afraid there are quite a few disgruntled individuals within the Zhenfu Division!"

"Hahaha, people like Elder Ni have been working as pseudo-celestial beings for many years, with outstanding achievements, and have served as garrison commanders for many years. Now, after all these years of stagnation, they've been parachuted in by a junior. Tell me, how could they be happy about that?"

"A deputy commander with real power, serving as the deputy garrison commander of Daguan—such an important position, judging solely by the title, I'm afraid it will be difficult to gain the respect of the people!"

"A position?! Just a position? The garrison candidates below, the deputy commanders of the same rank with real power, aren't they all seasoned pseudo-celestial beings? He's just a mere Grandmaster, yet he's appointed as a superior and under your jurisdiction. How can those below possibly be convinced?!"

"That's not how it works. Chen Ping'an, the 'Wild Blade,' is a prodigy with exceptional talent, ranking on both lists. It's only reasonable for the Northern Border Garrison to give him a more important position!"

"Whether it's reasonable or not, we can't say. Haven't you all heard these past few days that public opinion in the Zhenfu Division is in uproar? If that madman really comes, things will get interesting."

"With the addition of new positions, the distribution of benefits, and the adjustment of the organizational structure within the Zhenfu Division, how should we proceed?"

"Handle it? Let's wait until Mang Dao has secured his position! Regarding the Xuan Ling matter, Mang Dao has an old grudge against my Hengshan Sect. It's already good enough that we're not kicking him while he's down. Are we really going to handle it like this?!"

"The five elders are right. In my opinion, Mang Dao should be the first to take up his post."

"Gentlemen, the Supreme Elder will arrive at Beishan soon. Let's wait and see. Mang Dao has come here on the orders of the Northern Border Garrison. He has made too much of a scene since his arrival. I'm afraid he won't be able to explain himself."

Furthermore, if we don't do this, we fear someone else might be even more eager than us.

"It makes sense."

"good."

"."

In the Beishan Prefecture headquarters of the Hengshan Sect, discussions were rife. As a large and influential force within the Bicang region, the Hengshan Sect possessed considerable strength and wielded significant influence even within the Beishan Pass.

There are already at least a handful of pseudo-celestial elders who usually reside here. Now, due to the matter of the Heart-Questioning Sword Pavilion, the Supreme Elder, True Man Hongfeng, has personally arrived, and the corresponding impact will likely be even greater.

Like the Hengshan Sect, the Wenxin Sword Pavilion also held a meeting regarding Chen Ping'an's appointment as the valiant swordsman to Beishan Pass. However, compared to Chen Ping'an's appointment, they were more concerned about the addition of a deputy garrison commander to Beishan Pass.

Within the Beishan Pass, there is one garrison commander, two deputy garrison commanders, and a number of reserve garrison commanders. The corresponding ecological structure has long been established, and the distribution of benefits is based on a tacit understanding among all parties.

But now that Mang Dao has arrived, he has undoubtedly disrupted the existing ecosystem of interests. This situation cannot be influenced by his personal actions alone.

The position of deputy garrison commander is one of high rank and immense power. Although Mang Dao was parachuted in, with this position, it's unlikely he wouldn't be tempted to seek his own interests in various aspects.

Furthermore, Mang Dao has a well-known reputation and a fiery temper, so he might not be easy to deal with.

However, the only thing that is clear is that even if Mang Dao secures his position as deputy garrison commander, he will still be the weakest among the three deputy garrison commanders.

It's not just because he was parachuted in, but also because of his abilities.

It is likely for this reason that the Northern Border Garrison Command granted the honor of holding the title of "Chief of the Imperial Staff".

With this deterrent in place, none of the parties would dare to go too far.

"The impact is enormous, and this matter deserves careful consideration. However, the corresponding ecological environment and the choice of tone can be discussed after Mang Dao takes office! The most urgent task is to wait until Elder Shen's realm is stable before holding the Celestial Ceremony to showcase the glory of our Sword Pavilion!"

"Absolutely! Everything should be done with the sake of His Majesty Shen."

"."

Several months ago, Shen Linyuan, the youngest Supreme Elder of the Sword Pavilion and a seed of Heaven and Man, broke through the barrier of inner demons and ascended to the realm of Heaven and Man. He became the most outstanding figure in the Sword Pavilion in this era.

This matter was a secret a few months ago, but over the past few days, although it is still classified as confidential, it has probably been widely circulated and is now known to all parties.

However, it doesn't matter that everyone knows about it now.

The emergence of a new Celestial in Jian Ge is something that should be publicized to showcase Jian Ge's brilliance.

The previous secrecy was largely due to strategic considerations. But according to sources within the cabinet, Empress Dowager Shen should be emerging from seclusion soon.

With a foundation of near-pure Dao, one can stabilize the realm between Heaven and Man.

The path of sword cultivation is inherently ruthless in terms of killing. Elder Shen is an outstanding figure in this field. Although he has just broken through to a higher realm, with the right methods, he may be able to contend with veteran Celestial Realm experts.

Such elegance is truly admirable.

Most importantly, given Shen Taishang's foundation and age, she is bound to have the potential to make further progress in the future.

perhaps
Their Sword Pavilion is about to produce another second-realm Celestial!
Even a power like the Wenxin Sword Pavilion, which influences seventeen states in the Bi Cang region and has a second-realm Celestial Being, is already a foundation among foundations, enough to be called an ancestor-level figure.

In comparison, while the news of Mang Dao's appointment was significant, it was clearly not enough to garner their full attention.

The most urgent matter is that everything depends on Elder Shen and the Celestial Ceremony at Jian Pavilion!

If the ceremony proves that Elder Shen possesses combat power no less than that of a seasoned Celestial Being, then the prestige of his Heart-Questioning Sword Pavilion will surely rise greatly!

Within Beishan Pass, besides forces like the Wenxin Sword Pavilion and Hengshan Sect, there are also some forces within Beishan Prefecture and surrounding border prefectures. At this moment, they all have their own thoughts and considerations regarding the news of the newly appointed deputy garrison commander and the appointment of the valiant swordsman Chen Ping'an.

Among them, the five major families, the most influential forces in Beishan Prefecture, reacted differently to this.

As the only truly local power among the five great families, the Beishan Wang family learned of this news immediately.

This matter naturally reached the desk of Wang Changlie, the patriarch of the Wang family and the master of the Cloud-Splitting Spear.

"Chen Ping'an, the Brute?"

Wang Changlie was a middle-aged man with a black hair crown, a stern face, and a weathered appearance.

Compared to the news about Chen Ping'an, he was more concerned about the power struggles and interest ecosystem behind it.

In recent years, with the old Prince Bicang's illness worsening, things have become increasingly chaotic within the Beishan Pass. Although a semblance of harmony can still be maintained, from his perspective, this harmony is somewhat forced.

As for behind the scenes...
Needless to say.

The storm is raging, and undercurrents are surging.

"It all depends on how Marquis Yinghe responds," Wang Changlie smiled, the letter in his hand silently dissolving.

Ying Congyun and Hou Xibai, the current deputy garrison commanders of Beishan Pass, are also true martial arts masters.

Especially Hou Xibai, with his background in the Qiankun Division, was once a prodigy on the Hidden Dragon List, ranking quite high. Now, after many years of achieving the Celestial Realm, his cultivation has already reached the peak of the first realm. Although his actual combat skills are not as good as his, his current combat strength is probably still above his.

"If this were to break out, it would be a real headache for Yu Minglong!"

Yu Minglong is the head of the Beishan Prefecture Garrison and the garrison commander of Beishan Pass. He is the true person in charge and the top leader of Beishan Pass.

As one of only three major states within the Bi Cang region, and adjacent to a branch of the Black Nether Mountains, Yu Minglong's ability to hold this position speaks volumes about his formidable combat prowess.

Two hundred years ago, he had already entered the realm of Pivot Light and achieved the status of a second-stage Celestial Being. Now, he is probably already an extremely senior second-stage Celestial Being. With the accumulation of merits over the years and external means, his combat power is unfathomable.

In the entire Beishan Pass, on the surface, no one should be able to match it.

As for behind the scenes...
Wang Changlie's gaze sharpened as he recalled some past events.

Of the five great families of Beishan Prefecture, although they are nominally affiliated with the local forces of Beishan Prefecture, if we were to examine them closely, only the Wang family is truly a native force of Beishan Prefecture. As for the other four families, they all have the shadow of other forces behind them to varying degrees.

Putting aside other matters, the Hua family alone is a shadowy force within Bicang Prefecture, supported by the Bicang Prince's Mansion. Numerous marriages have been arranged between them, and their interests are already deeply intertwined with those of the Bicang Prince's Mansion.

And then there's the Fang family, whose relationship with Beihai is intricately intertwined. All their corresponding trade profits are shipped to Beihai.

Fang Chengping, the patriarch of the Fang family, was once a guest elder of the peripheral chambers of the Beihai Business Alliance. After working hard to earn his first pot of gold and building up enough capital, he came to Beishan Prefecture to establish this huge business.

All cultivation techniques bear the imprint of the sea and water systems. This is not obvious now, but most of the secret techniques used in previous encounters were treasured within the Northern Mountain Merchant Alliance. Over the years, this phenomenon has long been an open secret.

The Beishan Business Alliance is a vast organization with numerous members. It is a super-large business alliance consisting of seven core chambers of commerce, thirty-six large chambers of commerce, and a host of peripheral chambers of commerce.

Fang Chengping's former peripheral chamber of commerce, though seemingly insignificant within the business alliance, was actually a medium-to-large-sized chamber of commerce with substantial influence and membership.

Through this relationship, they have already developed an extremely stable bond.

They often collaborated and helped each other with matters within the Great Pass.

Furthermore, the Li family has a delicate relationship with the dominant forces in the ancient Fang region, the ancient Fang clans. This situation...
As for the remaining Xu family, they seem to be exchanging pleasantries with the Qingmu Sect, a dominant force within the Cuiwei territory.

Wang Changlie's thoughts wandered, and he couldn't help but think a little too much.

Within the Beishan Pass, there are abundant interests, complex forces, and intricate relationships, forming a vast web of connections.

If someone unaware of the situation were to arrive rashly and act impulsively, offending various parties, they might fall into this trap without even realizing it.

Besides the five major families, numerous other forces within the Beishan Pass exert influence over the interests of various parties in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the most elegant and refined music venue in Beishan is backed by the Luanming Sect.

The Luanming Sect, the overlord of the Yunxia region, is also a rapidly rising force, whose momentum is even subtly overshadowing the Gufang clan within the Gufang region.

The first cultivator of the Luanming Sect was a celestial female monarch whose beauty was renowned far and wide and whose elegance was extremely outstanding. She was a master cultivator of the third realm!

It is said that Wan Baocheng, the vice president of Wanxiang Chamber of Commerce, one of the seven core chambers of the Beihai Business Alliance, once extended an olive branch to her, intending to take her as his official wife.

Wan Baocheng, the vice president of the Wanxiang Chamber of Commerce, is a great cultivator who has reached the third realm of perfection. He is only one step away from truly breaking through the shackles, entering the realm of Guizang, and becoming a great celestial being of the fourth realm.

Most importantly, Wan Baocheng also holds the title of the strongest cultivator in Beihai Tianren, with the highest combat power.

Although the North Sea is vast and has many islands, his combat strength is undoubtedly the strongest among those below the Fourth Realm Great Celestial Being in the North Sea region!

Such splendor and unparalleled power are enough to make one's heart tremble just by hearing about them.

In addition, there are other forces such as the Forging Alliance and the Alchemy Alliance projecting their influence, making the situation within the North Mountain Pass extremely complex.

It was so complex that even a seasoned genius like him dared not make too many pronouncements.

In recent years, as news of the old Prince Bicang's serious illness and impending death spread, the Wang family's situation in Beishan Pass became increasingly difficult.

Various forces are becoming increasingly unscrupulous, and their influence continues to intensify.

Inside the Prince of Bicang's mansion, the factional struggles and the battle for the throne are becoming increasingly fierce, and have now reached a fever pitch.

Faced with this phenomenon, although they were well aware of it and issued verbal warnings, no faction actually stepped forward to prevent unnecessary internal strife.

To repel external threats, one must first secure internal stability.

There is a consensus on this matter among all parties, but it has certainly been a hardship for local forces like his.

In the increasingly fierce competition, there is less and less room for maneuver.

No matter how little space there is, the Wang family's foundation is there, and they have no choice but to hold on to it.

Wang Changlie's thoughts were shifting, becoming increasingly scattered since the matter of adding a new deputy garrison commander.

As for the news of Chen Ping'an taking up his post, he had long since forgotten about it in the face of such a major situation.

Given the current situation in Beishan, even if a celestial being were to take up the post, it would be difficult to have a profound impact.

Not to mention newcomers like Chen Ping'an who haven't even reached the Celestial Realm yet.

While the Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud is indeed no small figure, in the eyes of someone as experienced as him, he is unlikely to be able to stir up the situation.

This is not meant to belittle Chen Ping'an, but rather it is the way things are, and it is not his fault!
"All ceremonial expenses shall be handled and arranged by the Zhenfu Division of Beishan Prefecture?"

Inside a towering building at Beishan Pass, a burly man clad in animal skins and bare-chested was in a highly agitated state.

"My lord, Mang Dao is merely a Grandmaster. Why is the Northern Border Garrison acting in this manner?"

The burly man looked at the man in front of him, his expression full of resentment.

"Beggar, be quiet."

Inside the majestic pavilion, a man stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm yet exuding an air of detachment. He appeared to be only a young man, but his brows hinted at a weathered and experienced air.

"Whatever the matter, Lord Yu will handle it himself; we need not trouble ourselves."

"We will obey the orders of the Northern Border Garrison."

"Sir, but..." The burly man in the animal skin wanted to say something, but the man waved him off.

The man looked calmly out of the tower window into the distance.

In the distance, the mountains stretch endlessly, majestic and bearing the marks of time, shrouded in black mist that grows thicker and more indistinct the deeper one goes.

Chief of the Northern Mountain Garrison Command, Deputy Garrison Commander of the Northern Mountain Pass, a martial arts master, Ying Congyun.

"Mang Dao?" A pale-skinned man was soaking in a clear pool.

The man had a face like a peach blossom and possessed a unique charm.

He smiled, then pulled the beauty beside him into his arms. Amidst her sweet cries, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"interesting."

Hou Xibai, former prodigy and now a martial arts master, is the head of the Beishan Prefecture Garrison and the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass.

The newly appointed position of deputy garrison commander, along with the addition of another powerful figure to Beishan Pass, has been the subject of much discussion within the pass. News of the appointment of the Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud, the Hidden Dragon Prodigy, and the Brute Chen Ping'an has been circulating for a long time.

The news spread not only among various forces, but also through various channels and among independent cultivators and practitioners.

Under these circumstances, Chen Ping'an crossed the border of a prefecture and was about to enter the territory of Beishan Prefecture.

On the same day, his cultivation experience accumulated enough that his Thunderous Blade Technique was about to advance to a higher level.

hum~
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Realm 2 - Rainbow Penetration Realm (Four Stages)
武学：青阳血炼法小成（9967/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（1435/8640）、三分归元真卷小成（0/15360）、无相自在法（残篇）未入门（237/1920）广寒剑法（残篇）大成（0/19200）、狂雷刀法小成（5760/5760）、太虚御风步圆满、七绝禁法圆满、霸刀圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
Secret Techniques: Soul Suppression Technique, Soul Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique, Illusionary Eye

"That's enough." Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, a hint of joy in his expression.

After more than a month of training, I will finally master the Thunderous Blade Technique.

After reaching the pinnacle, his overt combat strength should be further enhanced, and another secret technique should be added.

After a few breaths of recuperation, Chen Ping'an's expression instantly calmed down, and his gaze sharpened.

"breakthrough!"

Wow~
The panel stirred, and starlight appeared, disappearing into the space between the eyebrows.

(End of this chapter)