The Great Martial Saint!

"Invited by Fang Chengping?"

Chen Ping'an's gaze remained calm as he learned of the Fang family's invitation from Geng Yuan.

Of all the powerful forces in Beishan Pass, the Fang family was the first to invite him.

"Reply to the Fang family, our company will arrive on time for the banquet three days from now."

"Yes, sir." Geng Yuan replied and left the office.

"The Fang family?"

Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened for a moment, but he quickly stopped caring.

The Fang family of Beishan, one of the five great families, boasts a Celestial Ancestor, an existence that is unattainable for ordinary cultivators. They are the epitome of those who should not be provoked, a true behemoth.

But for him, it was just that.

Although Fang Chengping was protected by powerful treasures, he was ultimately only a first-level Celestial Being. No matter how strong his combat power was, it was only about the same as that of the Dream Lotus Lord.

He could easily suppress such combat power back then, let alone now!
hum~
Chen Ping'an lowered his gaze and closed his eyes.

Hou Xibai has not yet returned from his inspection, and many official duties have not yet been fully implemented.

This made him feel much more relaxed.

If things continue like this, it wouldn't be so bad.

However, resource planning and accumulated achievements ultimately...
It still requires some effort.

The news that the Fang family of Beishan had invited Chen Ping'an to their residence for a chat spread among various factions.

They couldn't quite see through the Fang family's plans.

In their discussions and analyses, they mostly adopted a wait-and-see approach.

For the various factions, they are more concerned about the attitude of the Beihai side behind the Fang family than the Fang family of Beishan.

That's right.
A true behemoth!
Its immense size, even if only a small portion dissipates, is enough to put a powerful force on high alert.

but
The current situation is unlikely to attract energy of this level.

This invitation is mostly a statement made by the Fang family themselves.

另则
There are many reasons for the invitation, and the experts' thoughts may not be the same as theirs.

Three days later, Chen Ping'an arrived as invited.

The Fang family showed him the highest level of respect and courtesy upon his arrival.

All the elders stood before the sacred peak of the Fang family's mountain range, stepping into the air to welcome Chen Ping'an's carriage and entourage.

"Welcome, Lord Chen! Your presence is blessed with good fortune, like auspicious light shining upon our clan."

Welcome, sir! "

The elders greeted him in unison, making it a grand affair.

Some practitioners looked up and felt a chill run down their spines.

Among the group of Fang family elders, Chen Ping'an also saw a familiar face: Fang Xiaozhi, an elder of the Fang family.

"Greetings, Lord Chen."

Fang Xiaozhi, dressed in a red robe, came forward to greet him.

"I am blind and do not recognize your esteemed presence. Please forgive me."

"It's alright."

Chen Pingan waved his hand gently.

"Our ancestor has prepared a feast; please, sir, take a seat."

Amidst the welcoming crowd, Chen Ping'an officially entered the Fang family's territory.

The patriarch of the Fang family, Fang Chengping, was a middle-aged man in a wide robe with thick eyebrows, tall and upright, calm and reserved.

The pleasantries were exactly as Chen Ping'an had expected.

"Lord Chen, I have been negligent." Fang Chengping personally greeted him and led him to the table.

Faced with Fang Chengping's warm greetings, Chen Ping'an didn't let the atmosphere become awkward.

All exchanges were quite harmonious.

During the meal, the topic of his righteous act of helping others inevitably came up.

"Lord Chen has shown great kindness by saving our clan elders from dire straits. Someone, come here!" Fang Chengping raised his eyes slightly, and someone in the room immediately stood up and presented a generous gift.

Chen Ping'an stared intently and discovered that it was a spiritual item rich in resources.

"This is just a small token of my appreciation; please accept it, sir." Fang Chengping adopted a very humble posture, his face full of sincerity.

"Fellow Daoist Fang, you're too kind."

Chen Ping'an didn't refuse and took the initiative to get closer to him.

Seeing that he accepted it, Fang Chengping's smile widened, and the atmosphere in the room became even more harmonious.

"Lord Chen has protected the people and guarded this region. I admire you greatly. This is just a small gift, nothing more."

The two exchanged toasts, and it was an hour later when they finished their conversation.

Fang Chengping possessed exceptional knowledge and eloquence. His early experiences in Beihai had given him considerable experience, giving him a significant advantage over ordinary celestial beings.

But the more he talked, the more alarmed he became.

Although Chen Ping'an was young, his insights were in no way inferior to his.

While some of the information might be lacking in general knowledge, his insights into martial arts and his understanding of cultivation were quite novel, even to him.

This discovery brought him even greater joy.

"This Chen Ping'an is indeed extraordinary."

After the dinner, Fang Chengping sincerely invited him to stay and visit the Fang family home for a chat.

Chen Ping'an did not refuse.

Although Fang Chengping's academic level was mediocre, he had many connections in Beihai. Over the years, he had built a vast network of relationships.

Among my friends are many seasoned celestial beings who have entered the second realm.

Although the relationship between them is not particularly close, if this channel can be used to delve deeper, perhaps all his requests can be fulfilled.

However, Chen Ping'an didn't have high expectations for this. If everything had a purpose, life would be too tiring. This casual conversation was simply a chance to broaden his horizons.

The two had a very pleasant conversation. As night fell and it grew late, Fang Chengping tried to persuade them to stay, and they talked all night long.

However, Chen Ping'an refused, which surprised Fang Chengping.

His attempt to persuade the other party to stay was tantamount to sending a strong signal to the outside world.

The two talked all night, which, to outsiders, meant that the Fang family was intentionally supporting Chen Ping'an.

Given the current situation in Beishan, the Fang family's support is extremely valuable to Chen Ping'an.

After all, he was no ordinary celestial being. With his help and the influence of the Fang family, Chen Ping'an's situation in Beishan Pass would undoubtedly be much easier to improve.

But Chen Ping'an
They actually refused.

Fang Chengping looked at the excessively young deputy garrison commander of Beishan in front of him and found that he couldn't quite see through him for a moment.

Chen Ping'an understood Fang Chengping's goodwill and his intention to forge a positive connection.

but.
No need.

For him, spiritual practice was of even greater importance.

Although his cultivation level is profound, Fang Chengping is an aging being. If he were to cultivate at such close proximity to the Fang family, it would be difficult to guarantee that his true nature wouldn't be noticed.

Seeing that he had clearly refused, Fang Chengping did not insist. He simply told him to wait in the pavilion by the clear pond for a while, and that he would be right back.

Chen Ping'an was surprised, but he didn't ask any further questions.

then
He then saw a woman with slender eyebrows and eyes, a delicate nose, and a cloud-patterned dress, who looked elegant and graceful.

The woman lowered her eyes and walked gracefully toward him, her expression revealing a hint of unease and nervousness.

Chen Ping'an recognized the woman's face and was surprised to find that she was someone he knew.

He smiled and called out softly.

"Miss Fang."

The woman was startled by what she heard, looked up, and saw the man in front of her.

"It's you!?"

The woman's eyes widened as she looked at Chen Ping'an in disbelief.

Chen Ping'an never expected to run into Fang Yiqing here.

This woman was someone I had met several times in Xuanling in the past.

However, when they met again tonight, Fang Yiqing's attitude was no longer the same as before.

The innate arrogance that once shone in his eyes had vanished, replaced by shock and a deep-seated unease.

She never imagined that the important person whom the ancestor intended to get close to, hinting at her destined marriage, would actually be him!
Years ago, after parting ways with Xuanling, we met again in such a state.

Fellow Daoist Chen? Chen Ping'an!
A rising star, ranking among the top ten. A grandmaster of the winds and clouds, the valiant Chen Ping'an!
as well
The deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass was a man of great power and influence, holding a prominent position.

Such a big shot
It turned out to be him!

At this moment, Fang Yiqing's heart was in turmoil.

Looking at the woman before him, Chen Ping'an, with his keen insight, almost instantly guessed Fang Chengping's plan: a marriage alliance, using a woman to win him over.

This Fang Chengping
That really takes guts.

Upon their first meeting, she tried to entice him onto her chariot by using her reputation alone and by offering a female Grandmaster from her clan as leverage.

It's a pity.
His ambitions lie elsewhere, and he has no intention of engaging in this game.

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted as he looked at the woman in front of him.

It must be said, Fang Yiqing is indeed a beautiful woman. Fang Chengping is quite willing to spend money on her.

Given his age, he may well make further progress in the future.

Such haste, arranging a meeting without discussing anything else, and focusing solely on getting close—this kind of tactic…
They've certainly gone all out.

etc.
Why do I instinctively feel that they went to great lengths just to meet?
Chen Ping'an felt a strange feeling and dismissed the odd thought.

Fang Chengping, you've misjudged our company.

Chen Ping'an said proudly.

Unfortunately, those who are family know their own situation, and they are somewhat lacking in confidence.

"Miss Fang, how have you been lately?"

After many days apart, the initiative was completely in Chen Ping'an's hands this time.

Fang Yiqing was feeling embarrassed when Chen Ping'an suddenly spoke, leaving her at a loss for words. She mumbled a few words, and the atmosphere in the room became awkward.

Fortunately, Fang Chengping did not leave for long and soon returned to the field.

Seeing that the two were quite far apart in the pavilion, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

Then, looking at Fang Yiqing, he seemed a little angry at her lack of ambition.

Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, a rising star, and a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud, is listed on both the rankings. Moreover, at the Grandmaster level, he easily killed the Evil Eagle Bone Face. According to the summary he received from Fang Xiaozhi, Chen Ping'an's combat strength has completely reached the extreme of the pseudo-Celestial Being realm, or even surpassed it.

To reach such a level at the Grandmaster realm, at less than twenty-eight years old.

His talent is enough to amaze the world.

According to his judgment, the possibility of Chen Ping'an ascending to the Celestial Realm was basically 100%.

Such prodigies, if we don't seize the opportunity, when will we?!

The old man was focused on creating opportunities, but you didn't compete for any of them.

The arrogant and romantic hero is renowned throughout the states for his many romantic escapades. Yiqing, if you had taken the initiative a little more, wouldn't today have been a perfect day for a marriage?

I hate that they don't strive, I'm angry that they don't strive!

Fang Chengping had mixed feelings, but he suppressed his emotions and introduced Fang Yiqing's identity to Chen Ping'an.

"Lord Chen, this is Fang Yiqing, the pride of our clan and also the youngest elder in the council."

"Yiqing, why haven't you paid your respects to Lord Chen yet?"

Fang Yiqing blushed deeply, feeling extremely embarrassed. However, upon hearing the ancestor speak, she suppressed her emotions and gave a graceful bow.

"Yiqing greets Lord Chen."

"It's alright, we're all old friends, no need for formalities," Chen Ping'an said calmly.

"An old friend?" Fang Chengping was taken aback, then realized what he meant and was overjoyed.

Did Yi Qing and Chen Ping'an have been in contact before?
If that's the case, wouldn't it be like having the advantage of being in a prime position?

Fang Chengping was pleasantly surprised, but his expression remained calm.

"Lord Chen, have you had any contact with Yi Qing?" Fang Cheng asked calmly, seemingly casually.

"Yes, we've met a few times," Chen Ping'an said frankly.

"Then Lord Chen and Yiqing are truly destined for each other," Fang Chengping added happily.

But his joy ended there.

After exchanging a few words, Chen Pingan took his leave.

Fang Chengping tried to persuade him a few times, but to no avail. He could only leave a message inviting him to meet again next time.

Then, she watched Chen Ping'an leave.

What's going on here?!
What went wrong?
The arrogant and charming young master of the Wild Blade Sect is known for his fondness for beautiful women, so why is he completely unmoved?

According to his plan, with Mang Dao and the Gu family postponing their engagement, and him conveniently located in Beishan, he might as well take advantage of the situation. Even if the outcome wasn't as expected, with the Fang family's influence and Yi Qing's cultivation level, he could at least secure a position as a secondary wife.

With Mang Dao's talent, if he can overcome the mental demon barrier, even the Pivot Light Realm cannot stop him!
If one day Mang Dao achieves the highest level of mastery, piercing through the clouds like the sun, then the Fang family will rise to prominence.

For Yiqing, even being a secondary wife was enough.

With his talent and the full support of the Fang family, plus the backing of Mang Dao, he may very well become a martial arts master in the future!
If so
Even if Yiqing didn't want the position of the principal wife, it was probably destined for her.

As far as he knew, Gu Qingcheng of the Gu family, although she was as beautiful as a fairy and could topple kingdoms, was only at the level of a newly broken-through Grandmaster.

The Gu family is in decline, while the Fang family is thriving. Considering all this, even now, the position of the principal wife may still be subject to competition.

Putting aside everything else, the fact that Mang Dao took the initiative to postpone the engagement already says it all.

The relationship between the Gu family and Mang Dao may not be as harmonious as rumored. At least, there may not be such a deep affection between him and Gu Qingcheng.

Indeed, given Mang Dao's current status and ability to suppress the ultimate power of a pseudo-celestial being, how could Gu Qingcheng, a mere grandmaster, possibly win his heart, no matter how beautiful she is?

Now that Mang Dao is in Beishan, the Fang family has a convenient advantage. This is a golden opportunity for both the Fang family and Yi Qing.

If they were to become a couple, it would be a smooth path for Yi Qing herself, and she would have hope of becoming a celestial being.

but.
Fang Chengping's mind was in turmoil, all in an instant. He looked intently at Fang Yiqing, his voice calm.

"Tell me, what happened?"

Fang Yiqing's heart skipped a beat. She pursed her lips, a hint of hesitation on her face, and finally began to talk about how the two of them met.

"Reporting to Ancestor, back then, Yiqing and Xuanling..."

Chen Ping'an had already anticipated the Fang family's reaction.

But Fang Chengping was not only willing to place bets, he was also willing to place large bets.

The reaction was somewhat unexpected.

However, it wasn't anything urgent. With the Fang family like this, he could save himself some trouble.

The time saved can be used to study more secret techniques.

After hearing Ying Congyun and Fang Chengping's two consecutive conversations, he had a pretty good understanding of the situation inside Beishan Pass.

In particular, during his visit to the Fang family, Fang Chengping also subtly discussed some situations within the various factions.

The five great families of Beishan are the Fang family, the Hua family, the Xu family, the Wang family, and the Li family.

Among the five great families, the Hua family is the most powerful, with two celestial beings residing within the clan to suppress its destiny.

Secondly, there is the Li family. Li Chengxuan, the patriarch of the Li family, once used a secret technique to fight against a second-realm Celestial with his perfect first-realm cultivation.

The remaining three companies are roughly equal in overall strength.

In summary, Fang Chengping, the patriarch of the Fang family, relied on Yu Zhongbao, and his combat strength was on the surface more prominent.

However, each family has its own traditions and strengths accumulated over many years. Just because they don't show off on the surface doesn't mean that their true situation is like that.

In addition, each of the major aristocratic families has its own powerful backing.

The Hua family, the most prestigious family in Beishan, is backed by the Bicang Prince's Mansion. The two families are closely linked through marriage and mutual benefit.

The Hua family is said to be an independent family, but they seem more like an appendage of the Bicang County Prince's Mansion.

However, relatively speaking, it offers much more freedom and flexibility. Especially now, amidst the internal factional struggles and the fight for the throne within the Bicang Prince's Mansion.

Behind the Li family is the powerful Gu Fang clan, the dominant force in the ancient Fang region. Behind the Fang family is one of the members of the Beihai Business Alliance. According to Fang Chengping's cryptic remarks, the one he is backing is the Lei Yuan Chamber of Commerce of the Beihai Business Alliance, one of the seven core chambers of commerce in the alliance.

Behind the Xu family is the Qingmu Sect, the overlord of the Cuiwei region.

The Wang family is the only local power, but they also flirt with other powers in other states.

However, relatively speaking, among the major aristocratic families, the Wang family has a closer relationship with the Zhenfu Division.

I've heard that the Wang family has a good relationship with the Wenxin Sword Pavilion, and they rely on each other.

Compared to the Sword Pavilion of Inquiry, the Wang family's power is considerably weaker. However, the Wang family has a geographical advantage and has been developing locally for many years. Under the influence of the Sword Pavilion of Inquiry, they also need local forces as allies.

Only in this way can we get a share of the pie amidst the complex situation in Beishan.

In addition, there are forces such as the Yokoyama Sect, as well as a number of merchant guilds.

"The situation in Beishan is indeed quite complicated. However..."
It's none of my business.

Chen Ping'an smiled and then closed his eyes to meditate.

My trip to the Fang family was very fruitful. The gifts they gave me were also quite sincere.

If he were to sell off some of his assets, his net worth and cash flow would reach an extremely terrifying level.

This trip yielded fruitful results, and his net worth saw a slight increase.

The Fang family's visit caused a great stir.

But external disturbances have always been irrelevant to Chen Ping'an.

On the afternoon of the second day after Chen Ping'an visited the Fang family, Hou Xibai, the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass, returned from his patrol.

On the same day, he also learned of Chen Ping'an's latest appointment to oversee certain areas. (End of Chapter)