The Great Martial Saint!

Forgetting oneself and the world, wandering in the boundless, carefree in heaven and earth, seeking only endlessness.

A carefree journey!
A true and genuine martial arts manual! Surpassing even the most supreme divine skills!
Chen Ping'an's previous practice of the Taixu Wind Control Steps had acquired some of the essence of the Free and Unfettered Wanderer, thus subtly touching the level of a True Skill Treasure Scroll in terms of skill grade.

just
Even if it is touched again, it cannot change the fact that it belongs to the supreme divine skill.

Long before, Chen Ping'an had already mastered the Taixu Wind Control Step to perfection.

Riding the wind, drifting through the clouds, riding the wind, and even the ultimate secret technique, riding the wind for thousands of miles.

He has already mastered it.

In terms of movement techniques, there is practically no room for further advancement.

From his own true strategic perspective, he focused all his efforts on improving his speed and agility through bloodline tempering, particularly on the extraordinary bloodline abilities he achieved in the third stage of cultivation.

However, considering his own cultivation and combat prowess, obtaining another true martial arts manual related to movement techniques would be in his best interest.

Now that he had the foundation of the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu (a martial arts technique), his priority was naturally to learn the Xiao Yao You (another martial arts technique).

And the Crimson Gold Palace, the treasure trove of merit of the Northern Garrison, did not disappoint him.

Even with only partial access, the treasure vault does indeed offer the "Free and Easy Wanderer" item for exchange.

This situation naturally made Chen Ping'an happy.

The True Skill Scroll!

This is a cultivation method that even ordinary celestial beings have never had the opportunity to practice.

Even among the Celestials, only those senior Celestials who have entered the second realm regularly practice the True Skill Scroll.

For a Celestial Being at the first level, whether or not they can cultivate a true skill scroll depends not only on their power and background, but also on a bit of fate.

If the affinity is not strong enough, even if one obtains a genuine skill scroll, its attributes will clash, and it will not be compatible with one's own path of practice.

For example, someone who cultivates great strength might insist on trying to comprehend ethereal techniques.

Forcing such a thing to happen might bring trouble.

Without mentioning the insights gained from spiritual practice, forcibly reversing them may cause hidden harm. This is because changes to one's long-held beliefs could potentially impact one's mind and will.

Forced cultivation can lead to endless troubles.

Of course, for celestial beings, no matter how deep their accumulation, whether they can obtain a suitable cultivation method still depends to some extent on fate.

However, for such forces, these factors can be minimized.

This is also the core bargaining chip that large forces use to attract martial arts masters to join them.

Just like Cangmingzi, a second-realm celestial being whom Chen Ping'an had previously contacted, who served as a guest elder in the Whale Sea Sect, he naturally had similar schemes and considerations.

This applies to all kinds of cultivation methods, precious materials and spiritual objects, elixirs and secret techniques, and even great treasures.

"Unfortunately, I still don't have enough merit points to exchange for it directly!"

Chen Ping'an stared at the image of Xiaoyao You on the screen for a long time before finally letting out a soft sigh.

The Free and Unfettered Journey is a skill of considerable quality with a grand vision and scope; even among the most valuable martial arts manuals, it is not at the bottom.

Furthermore, with such a complete cultivation technique, he could obtain a massive amount of merit points simply by exchanging for it!
His accumulated merits are now considerable, and with the support of resources and additional rewards, they are so vast that even martial arts masters would be astonished.

However, it's still a bit short of being able to exchange for this true skill scroll, "Free and Easy Wandering".

To be precise, it's quite different.

"The merits from the Evil Eagle Bone Mask have been reported. Once approved, they should cover part of the cost. As for the remaining amount..."

Chen Ping'an pondered deeply.

Evil Eagle Bone Face, a pseudo-celestial being level tribulation cultivator, has been listed on the bounty list of Beishan Pass.

Although the awards for merit have not yet been officially issued, the approximate amount can be determined.

Taking both factors into account, it's clear that there's still some distance to go before you can redeem the "Free and Easy Wandering" card.

To bridge these gaps, then he...
Perhaps we need to achieve some more new successes.

Of course, there are ways to satisfy these needs if you follow the proper procedures.

He currently serves as the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass, and receives annual awards for merit as a salary. The amount is considerable.

For ordinary grandmasters, that's a number they have to look up to.

But for him, that was far too little.

To satisfy these needs and bridge the gaps would take at least several decades.

But for him, that was far too long.

If we wait until then, he might have already surpassed the level of cultivating the carefree wandering.

Decades? A true treasure scroll!?
What a joke!
Following the established path is not advisable; eventually, we need to find an opportunity to earn some recognition and rewards.

hum~
Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened, and the light screen in front of him dissipated.

The jade ornament's radiance dissipated, leaving it suspended in mid-air.

Chen Pingan gently put it away.

He is currently practicing the Taixu Wind Control Steps, which, on the surface, is sufficient.

His current combat strength has never reached the perfect level of the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu.

The secret technique of riding the wind for thousands of miles is still a hidden trump card.

but
In spiritual practice, one must ultimately strive for higher levels.

A fully mastered Tai Xu Wind Control Step, combined with a highly accomplished Thunderous Blade Technique, should be enough to contend with ordinary Celestial Beings.

But if you want more, there's not much to say about movement techniques.

I need to redeem this carefree travel as soon as possible.

Just as Chen Ping'an was thinking this, Geng Yuan's voice rang out from outside.

"My lord, we have arrived at Lord Ying's residence."

As one of the de facto leaders of Beishan Pass, Ying Congyun's cave dwelling and residence, as the deputy garrison commander of the pass, is naturally also a mountain peak with a considerable area.

Such resources are extremely rare, even in Beishan Pass.

But no matter how rare, there is no doubt that as a celestial being who has lived for many years, Ying Congyun should also be able to enjoy such privileges.

"Lord Ying, the cave is elegant and the scenery is beautiful. It is truly a place for enjoyment."

Inside a pavilion on the back mountain, Chen Ping'an admired the surrounding scenery and sincerely praised it.

"Lord Chen possesses Baofeng; if he so desires, he can do the same," Ying Congyun said with a light laugh, quite composed.

"I am but a mere warrior, and I fear I do not possess the same mindset as Lord Ying," Chen Ping'an said modestly.

"Lord Chen is a gentle and refined gentleman; you are joking with me." As he spoke, Ying Congyun poured Chen Ping'an a cup of wine.

Ying Congyun's hospitality this time was quite sincere. The spiritual wine in the cup, though not quite fourth-tier, was still close to fourth-tier. Drinking it would also enhance his condition and improve his understanding of the secret techniques.

However, instinctively, Chen Ping'an still sensed something amiss. Only after confirming there was nothing wrong did he drink it all in one gulp.

To be honest, with his current physique, bloodline tempering, and water-repelling poison barrier, even if it were a fourth-tier rare poison, as long as the amount wasn't too extreme, he would want to try it out.

But it's always better to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks.
Ying Congyun didn't put on any airs, as if he genuinely regarded Chen Ping'an as a fellow cultivator at the same level.

Later on, the two stopped addressing each other as "sir" and discussing different topics, and instead began to address each other as "fellow Daoist."

Under such circumstances, the two chatted idly and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, this spiritual pool was carefully relocated. The spiritual pool has been greatly nourished." Ying Congyun seemed to have put aside his reservations and began to chat.

Chen Ping'an responded with a smile, occasionally clinking glasses in response, and the atmosphere became extremely pleasant after their conversation.

“Fellow Daoist Ying, you are wealthy enough to move springs and meridians at will. If I were in your position, I’m afraid I would be struggling.” Chen Ping’an sighed, seemingly troubled.

"Fellow Daoist Chen is too modest." Ying Congyun glanced at him: "Leaving aside the distant past, Fellow Daoist Chen, on your way to your post, you severed your tribulation and cultivated your bone face, and you also obtained the Black Feathered Eagle, along with all your other gains. This alone has made you quite wealthy. Not to mention the additional rewards from the Governor's Office."

Fellow Daoist Chen's wealth is probably not much less than Ying's.

"I apologize for my presumption, Fellow Daoist. In the path of cultivation, wealth, companions, methods, and environment are all essential, with wealth being the most important. The other three are determined by wealth. How difficult is that?"

"Oh? Fellow Daoist Chen is exceptionally talented and possesses outstanding combat skills, yet he also made a move for this?" Ying Congyun asked in surprise.

Chen Ping'an gave a wry smile and began to pour out his grievances.

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Ying, I intend to ascend to the Celestial Realm, which has cost me a great deal. Although I have made some gains, the precious materials, spiritual items, elixirs, and secret treasures are probably just a drop in the ocean. Not to mention the planning of other external resources, I have the will but not the means."

“What Fellow Daoist Chen said is indeed true.”

Upon hearing this, Ying Congyun sighed as if she understood his sentiment. Only through cultivation could one truly understand what Chen Ping'an meant.

Even those who reach the realm of celestial beings cannot escape the pursuit of wealth.

At his current level, he has more than enough resources to plan for the future generations. However, for his own advancement, the consumption of pills costing tens of thousands of crystals at a time, as well as spiritual resources and food, becomes a huge burden over time.

Not to mention all other purchases.

That would be even more difficult.

With this topic on their minds and sharing similar feelings, the two seemed to grow closer.

Chen Ping'an also took the opportunity to inquire about the accumulation of merits, resource transactions, and the planning of spiritual objects.

Ying Congyun didn't hold back and shared the relevant topics at once.

During their conversation, the two frequently discussed topics such as trade meetings and business channels.

"If there are similar small meetings in the future, I will inform Fellow Daoist Chen as soon as possible," Ying Congyun said with a smile.

"Then thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Ying."

Chen Ping'an's expression grew increasingly warm, and as glasses clinked, the atmosphere in the room became more and more friendly and harmonious.

“Unlike me, Fellow Daoist Chen is still young. When he breaks through to the Celestial Realm, he will have plenty of time to gather resources. There is no need to worry too much now,” Ying Congyun comforted him.

Chen Ping'an hesitated, then sighed with regret: "The Heavenly Realm is incredibly difficult. The Heart Demon Realm is a matter of life and death. Although I am confident, I have no idea whether I can break through or when I will do so."

"Fellow Daoist Chen is exceptionally talented; this is certainly feasible."

"I hope so," Chen Ping'an said listlessly, unwilling to say more.

By the time the two finished their conversation, it was already past midnight.

"Thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Ying. I will host a dinner for you another day!" Chen Ping'an said, then rose to take his leave.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, please take care. It's a pity we didn't meet sooner. We should get to know each other better in the future."

"Absolutely, absolutely."

Chen Ping'an responded, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then got up to leave.

I gained a lot from today's short chat.

The main information concerns high-end trade channels within Beishan Pass, including intelligence on the outflow of fourth-tier precious materials, secret pills, and spiritual items.

In addition, there are all sorts of ways to accumulate merits.

As for what he said, it's unclear whether Ying Congyun believes it or not. But whether he believes it or not is unimportant; the information itself is crucial.

"Wild Blade".

As Chen Ping'an's figure disappeared, Ying Congyun's smile gradually faded until it vanished completely.

"He's a smart man, though."

His expression was calm, his demeanor ethereal, and there was a hint of vicissitude between his brows.

It's a pity
There are too many clever people in this northern mountain, but cleverness alone is useless! In the end, it is one's level of understanding that matters most in the game of strategy and tactics.

Grandmaster? No matter how extraordinary, how can he compare to a celestial being!?

Ying Congyun's gaze is far-reaching, calm and composed.

"It seems there are no fourth-tier blacksmiths in this North Mountain."

Inside the quiet room of the cave dwelling, Chen Ping'an remained calm, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

Ying Congyun has been in Beishan Daguan for many years and holds a high position, so his information is unlikely to be wrong to a large extent.

Ying Congyun had no reason to lie to him about this.

When this topic came up, the atmosphere was right, and I asked the question naturally.

Given his talent, it's only natural that he aspires to greatness and plans to acquire precious treasures; it's not surprising.

There are fourth-level alchemists stationed in Beishan Pass, but no fourth-level blacksmiths. Therefore, the closest fourth-level blacksmith to Beishan Pass is in Bi Cangzhou City.

Within the Forging Alliance, there are quite a few highly skilled forging masters and forging grandmasters. However, the Forging Alliance is located several regions away from here, a considerable distance.

In comparison, Bicang Prefecture City is much more convenient.

In Bi Cangzhou City, Master Mo Sidao is a renowned craftsman whose forging skills are exceptional even among fourth-tier forging masters.

The number of treasures he forged is not small. Among them are quite a few masterpieces.

Not to mention in the Bicang region, even in the neighboring regions, Mo Sidao has a very high reputation.

He had many disciples and wielded considerable influence.

Although he was only a Celestial Being at the peak of the Pivot Light Realm, in terms of prestige and status, he was probably only below a Grand Master of the Hidden Radiance Realm.

“If the opportunity arises, I might as well take a detour. However, there’s no point in making a special trip there,” Chen Ping’an said calmly and objectively.

He had a clear understanding of the matter concerning the precious treasure.

He already possesses many valuable treasures, so he doesn't need to worry about having one or two more.

Furthermore, although the treasure is currently helpful to him, its power and effect may not be the same in the future.

With his current combat strength, he is already comparable to Da Xiu. If given more time, he will only become stronger.

Unless it's a top-tier treasure, it's not worth making this special trip for him.

In fact, the Golden Illusionary Robe he had previously purchased was made by a direct disciple of Mo Sidao's sect.

With this relationship as a stepping stone, and relying on his prestige and reputation, if he were to request forging, the likelihood of getting the other party to do it would be quite high.

Chen Ping'an was quite resolute, and after considering everything, he calmed his mind and focused his spirit.

hum~
In a flash of inspiration, he closed his eyes.

The Thunderous Blade Technique progresses steadily.

The Qingyang Blood Refinement is nearing completion.

His immediate priority is to quickly search for fourth-tier treasures, obtain fire-elemental essence, and activate his bloodline's divine power!
The news of the newly appointed deputy garrison commander, Chen Ping'an, assisting in the Black Nether patrols and the defense of Daguan, quickly spread among various factions.

Having been engaged in power struggles in Beishan for so many years, each faction naturally has its own informants and information channels.

Shortly after Chen Ping'an's responsibilities were clarified, everyone in Beishan learned the exact news of his appointment.

"Inspecting defenses and managing both simultaneously—what does Yu Minglong mean by this?"

"Hou Xibai, Ying Congyun humph, Yu Minglong has certainly come up with a good plan."

"We must grasp both hands, but we can't be strong if we grasp neither. Even if we are an assistant manager, we are still at the mercy of others in the end."

"Without direct jurisdiction, the final decision-making power still rests with Marquis Yinghe! It seems life isn't going to be easy for this brute!"

"Whether he has a good time or not ultimately depends on himself. If he knows how to behave, he will surely benefit from the distribution of spoils. With the appointment to the Northern Border Garrison Command, which is an honor and preferential treatment, Marquis Xibai of Yun should not go too far."

"Wouldn't that be going too far?! Ying Congyun might be an exception, but Hou Xibai is another story. He's not back yet!"

"You mean Hou Xibai might have objections!?"

"That's hard to say. I'm just guessing."

"That's quite possible. Hou Xibai has always regarded the patrol as his own private domain. Yu Minglong acted rashly without informing him, which may have displeased him."

"Hou Xibai won't do anything to Minglong, but it's hard to say what he'll do to Mangdao."

"Alas, no matter how strong one's combat power is, in the end one is still only a Grandmaster, and it is difficult to stand on the stage of fame in Beishan!"

"."

Different parties have different thoughts, and most are taking a wait-and-see approach to this latest appointment.

In this atmosphere, Fang Chengping, the patriarch of the Fang family of Beishan, formally invited the newly appointed deputy garrison commander of Beishan, Chen Ping'an, to his residence for a chat.

The news caused astonishment from all sides, who wondered what Fang was really up to.

"Has Fang Chengping lost his mind?"

Why wait and see before making a move?

"still.?"

With differing thoughts on the situation in Beishan and the changing circumstances, everyone was paying close attention.

At the heart of all this, Chen Ping'an has unwittingly become the focus of attention from all sides. (End of Chapter)