The Great Martial Saint!

Hou Xibai's return in his carriage naturally caused quite a stir.

"Hou Xibai is back? This is going to be interesting."

"."

"Congratulations, Lord Hou, for calming the tide and inspecting the four directions." A fake celestial being said with a fawning expression.

"Your Excellency commands respect from all directions and serves as a model for our Zhenfu Division." Many important officials from the Zhenfu Division gathered around.

Hou Xibai's return this time quelled the small beast tide and brought back many victories, earning high praise and commendation from Yu Minglong.

Hou Xibai had a fair complexion, a dashing and romantic demeanor, and a pair of captivating eyes, with a calm expression.

He seemed to have experienced many similar situations, and did not show any strong fluctuations.

"I have other matters to attend to, everyone can leave now."

Seeing Hou Xibai's displeasure, the crowd dared not get too close, lest they cause offense. They immediately bowed and took their leave.

Under the moonlight, the chariot soared through the air, shimmering with light, while a solitary mythical beast pulled the chariot along.

"Assistant patrol?"

Inside the carriage's canopy, Hou Xibai's expression was playful, a hint of sarcasm playing on his lips.

"interesting."

When Hou Xibai returned from his inspection, Chen Ping'an, as a colleague, was obliged to meet him.

Not to mention, he still has a lot of official business and some of his staff that he needs to hand over to Hou Xibai.

The Zhenfu Division was quite lively during the day.

Chen Ping'an also heard from others about the results of Hou Xibai's patrol.

"More than ten third-tier demonic beasts, five third-tier high-grade demonic beasts, and one near-fourth-tier demonic beast."

"A near-fourth-tier demonic beast?" Chen Ping'an was quite surprised.

Even in the Black Nether Mountains, there are not many demonic beasts of this rank.

Such a haul from a single patrol is truly remarkable.

Inside the Huage public room, Chen Ping'an met Hou Xibai.

Hou Xibai's public housing, though called public housing, looks more like a place of pleasure.

"Manager Chen, we meet again."

Hou Xibai, dressed in a white robe, was dashing and handsome.

"Lord Hou," Chen Ping'an greeted him with a smile.

Chen Ping'an's purpose in coming here was very simple: first, to meet Hou Xibai, and second, to handle official business.

Hou Xibai was in charge of patrols, and if he wanted to step in to assist, he naturally needed the other party's permission.

Chen Ping'an didn't hide anything and directly expressed his views.

Lord Hou has returned from his inspection and is wondering when would be a convenient time for the handover so that Chen can better adapt to Beishan.

After listening to Chen Ping'an's words, Hou Xibai remained calm and showed no unusual expression.

"Manager Chen is quite direct."

Since it is the leader's will, our department will naturally cooperate.

However, our department has just returned from an inspection and is currently very busy with a backlog of official duties. Perhaps it would be better if Manager Chen waited until our department has finished its official business before discussing the handover?"

Chen Ping'an understood the classic excuse.

However, it doesn't matter.

"In that case, let's wait until you finish your official duties before we discuss it further."

Chen Ping'an didn't linger; since the handover couldn't be completed, he didn't stay there any longer.

Hou Xibai stared intently at Chen Ping'an with his captivating peach blossom eyes for a long time, seemingly lost in thought.

Just as Chen Ping'an was about to step out of the public housing gate, Hou Xibai suddenly spoke.

"and many more."

Chen Ping'an turned his head upon hearing this: "Lord Hou, is there anything else?"

Hou Xibai smiled gently and said, "It is the first time that Chief Chen has taken office, and we have not yet offered our congratulations. I wonder if Chief Chen has time tonight to express our gratitude?"

Chen Ping'an was somewhat surprised by Hou Xibai's sudden invitation, but after some consideration, he accepted.

With his background in the Qiankun Division, Hou Xibai was a powerful figure within the Beishan Town Pacification Division, capable of shaking the very foundations of the situation.

As a former prodigy and now a martial arts master, Hou Xibai has always held a superior position among other masters of the same realm.

At his current age, he may well go even further in the future, reaching the second realm of Heaven and Man, and achieving the realm of Piercing Rainbow.

Of course, Chen Ping'an didn't care much about these things.

Compared to Hou Xibai's identity, he was more concerned about Hou Xibai's gains during this inspection.

He wanted to exchange for the True Skill Scroll and the Free and Unfettered Journey. Even though the merits from the Evil Eagle Bone Face had been reported, there was still a long way to go. To quickly make up for the lack of merits, slaying demonic beasts and quelling the beast tide was a very good way.

However, monsters are not killed without reason. Without the order of the Suppression Division, even if they are killed, there will be no reward for merit.

Chen Ping'an naturally wanted to understand some of these intricacies.

In addition, it is perfectly legitimate and reasonable for him to assist in the inspection.

After returning to his residence, Chen Ping'an did not have any free time, but instead began practicing the Thunderous Blade Technique.

He was always meticulous about allocating his cultivation time. At night, he would spend most of his time in the quiet room of his cave, focusing on strengthening his bloodline and refining precious pearls. During the day, he would study and comprehend the Thunderous Blade Technique and some other details.

Chen Ping'an left the public housing unit in the evening.

Outside the Zhenfu Division, Hou Xibai was already waiting. Chen Ping'an exchanged a few words of greeting, and the two set off together.

"Manager Chen, are you satisfied?"

Inside the magnificent Warm Pavilion, Hou Xibai, dressed in a white robe, appeared dashing and debonair.

A fragrant breeze wafted around them, and they were surrounded by a group of beautiful women.

In the distance, a beautiful woman is seen stroking her hand, elegant music is played, and there are also graceful dances that delight the eyes.

"My lord~" A beautiful woman giggled, gently picking up a piece of fruit and bringing it to Chen Ping'an's lips.

Chen Ping'an hadn't expected that Hou Xibai would bring him to such a place for this occasion.

Fengyue Pavilion, the most elegant and charming place in Beishan, has the shadow of the Luanming Sect behind it.

"Lord Hou is very kind."

Enjoying the service of beautiful women and smelling the gentle fragrance around him, Chen Ping'an felt relaxed.

The beauties here, though charming, are not seductive; their fragrance is delicate and elegant, their demeanor warm and refined, and they are not nauseating.

The beauties in the Wind and Moon Pavilion are different from those in other places; many of them are accomplished cultivators. Some of the most outstanding have even practiced the dual cultivation methods of the Luanming Sect.

For ordinary practitioners, it is truly like something seeping into their very marrow, an experience that is unforgettable once experienced.

However, the expenses of Fengyue Pavilion are extremely high, and it has always been known as the number one money-burning den in Beishan.

Even for an ordinary beauty, the expenses involved would be enough to make a grandmaster with a weaker financial background gasp.

Not to mention, it's so luxurious and magnificent now, with dozens of beauties accompanying him.

Singing and dancing, graceful figures, everything is available.

"I'm glad you like it, Manager Chen." Hou Xibai was dashing and charming, seemingly a regular here, and he joked around with everyone as if they were very familiar with each other.

The beautiful women around him also served him meticulously, granting him whatever he asked for.

The beauties in Fengyun Pavilion advertise that they sell their art but not their bodies, and even when they encounter wealthy patrons, they still maintain a high standard.

Whether it works or not ultimately depends entirely on the customer's methods.

But in any case, what we are seeing now is not only unprecedented, but also extremely rare.

Without a doubt, for Hou Xibai, a martial arts master, their meeting was a matter of fate, a chance encounter.

Just as men desire to conquer strong women, so too do women desire the same!

People like Hou Xibai are incredibly successful in the pleasure quarters.

Chen Ping'an enjoyed the service, sipped the spiritual wine, and was not shy at all.

Seeing Chen Ping'an's reaction, Hou Xibai's smile widened, and their relationship seemed to have grown closer during their conversation.

This brute is quite the ladies' man. Chen Ping'an took in Hou Xibai's reaction.

He had no intention of finding out Hou Xibai's ideas; he was content to enjoy himself.

After practicing for so long, I've never felt this relaxed before.

If we really want to trace it back, we probably have to go back to the early days of Chunyu Tower.

Speaking of
Peony and the little maid went to the academy together, what happened to them?
The main feature of the Fengyue Pavilion is that it offers companionship with cultivators. If the price is right, even a grandmaster can be found for you.

Such bold words naturally led to a surge in business for Fengyue Pavilion.

However, in reality, cultivators at the Inner Qi Realm and Profound Light Realm can only reach the Profound Light High Realm at most.

If you want to go even higher, then it all depends on luck.

I've heard that within the Cloud and Mist region, if the price is right, the Wind and Moon Pavilion will actually find you a grandmaster.

If one's status is high enough to be personally invited to the Luanming Sect, even a Grandmaster could be invited!
Of course, this is just a rumor, and no one knows whether it's true or false.

After all, those who haven't experienced it don't know, and those who have won't talk about it.

While in the Fengyue Pavilion, Chen Ping'an managed to extract a lot of information from Hou Xibai by taking advantage of this topic.

Connections and networks are all fake; information and intelligence are what truly matter.

The Luanming Sect has an open atmosphere, and its members advocate dual cultivation and discussions of Taoism, where phoenixes sing in harmony.

Many promising cultivators are reserved for others as early as the beginning of their cultivation journey.

But for some unknown reason, the current top cultivator of the Luanming Sect, Fairy Luanyue, has been all alone all these years, and there has never been any news of her having a cultivation partner.

Even the likes of male concubines and male lovers have never been heard of.

I don't know why.

Previously, the invitation from Wan Baocheng, vice president of Wanxiang Chamber of Commerce, one of the seven core chambers of the Beihai Business Alliance, had caused quite a stir.

However, it remains to be seen how this matter will ultimately end.

I haven't heard any news about it, so I suppose the Luanming Sect has rejected the marriage invitation from the Wanxiang Chamber of Commerce.

The Luanming Sect has always advocated the dual cultivation of Tao and Dao, which is somewhat strange from this perspective.

Hou Xibai, being at the Celestial Realm level and a former prodigy, possessed numerous information channels. From him, Chen Ping'an learned many secrets rarely circulated outside the court.

Moreover, the overall information is more accurate and extremely detailed.

"Logically speaking, Wanbaocheng is the top repair shop in Beihai, backed by the Wanxiang Chamber of Commerce and the Beihai Business Alliance. Even a regional overlord like Luanming Sect would be eager to curry favor with them. The reaction this time is rather strange." Hou Xibai looked puzzled, then smiled freely and raised his glass in invitation.

"Forget it, Manager Chen, let's drink."

The two clinked glasses, the beautiful woman poured wine, and a fragrant breeze wafted through the air, creating an excellent atmosphere.

Hou Xibai was refined and elegant, with a jade-like demeanor.

Chen Ping'an was gentle and refined, handsome and elegant, and in no way inferior to others.

On a whim, the two began to address each other more intimately.

“Fellow Daoist Chen, you and I are similar in temperament and are both promising talents. We should have a bond as fellow students on the same list.”

Hou Xibai dismissed those around him and, after much build-up, finally got to the point.

“You’re new to Beishan, your foundation is still shallow, and the situation is difficult. I’m afraid many things will be very difficult to do.” Hou Xibai shook his head and sighed, feeling quite empathetic towards him.

"That's true." Upon hearing this, Chen Ping'an's expression shifted, as if he had been struck by a truth.

"Does Fellow Daoist Hou have any good ideas?"

Hou Xibai hesitated for a moment, then finally sighed and drank a cup of spirit wine.

"Fellow Daoist Hou, speak freely without reservation," Chen Ping'an said, his expression slightly anxious.

Hou Xibai didn't respond, but just kept drinking.

Chen Ping'an straightened up, leaned forward slightly, and looked at him sincerely.

"Please teach me, Brother Hou."

Upon hearing this, Hou Xibai put down his wine glass and began a leisurely conversation.

"I am Hou, but I am a few years older than you and have been in Beishan for many years."

They know far more about this situation than you do.

Beishan is unlike any other place; the situation is complex, with various parties vying for power, making it extremely difficult to achieve anything.

How about we join forces and build a great enterprise together?

Hou Xibai looked at Chen Ping'an with a smile in his peach blossom eyes, his gaze piercing as if trying to see into his heart.

Chen Ping'an hesitated.

"Fellow Daoist Chen is exceptionally talented, why waste your time on these roundabout ways?"

Hou is well-versed in this matter, and all trivial matters can be entrusted to Hou for handling with peace of mind.

Fellow Daoist Chen, rest assured, Hou will not shortchange you on what is rightfully yours!
"If any trouble arises in the future, I, Hou, will be the one to rush to the rescue, so you can rest assured, fellow Daoist."

Hou Xibai remained calm and composed, and smiled leisurely.

"Hou still holds considerable influence in Beishan."

So that's what they were waiting for.

Hou Xibai's meaning was quite clear: this invitation, though intended as an attempt to win him over, was more like a search for a lackey.

If it were an ordinary practitioner, upon first arriving at the place, they would naturally be overjoyed to have a celestial being standing by their side.

But Hou Xibai didn't expect that Chen Ping'an's ambitions lay elsewhere, and he had no intention of becoming someone's subordinate. Such thoughts were beyond his comprehension.

"I appreciate your kind offer, Mr. Hou. But I still want to try it myself."

Chen Pingan took a deep breath and finally refused.

"It's good that Fellow Daoist Chen has figured it out."

Hou Xibai's smile faded considerably.

Chen Ping'an refused, and the atmosphere in the room immediately changed. He didn't linger and immediately got up to take his leave.

Hou Xibai did not try to stop him, and with a few words, he went back to drinking.

"That's really reality."

Chen Ping'an sighed, finding it somewhat amusing.

Different people have different personalities. Someone like Ying Congyun might harbor dissatisfaction but not necessarily show it. But someone like Hou Xibai, on the other hand, makes it extremely obvious.

Perhaps it's also related to his privileged background and the smooth sailing he's had all along.

Hou Xibai, a former prodigy among the rising stars, was more than ten years ahead of Chen Ping'an. His ranking on the Prodigy Ranking was also quite high. Compared to other regions, he was considered a top-tier genius.

His previous promotions within the Qiankun Division were also meteoric and smooth.

After breaking through to the Celestial Realm, he went to the Three Passes of Dragon Gate and spent some time at the Dragon Heaven's Spine before being transferred to the North Mountain Pass.

He has a high level of vision in his dealings with people and affairs.

He might not have stepped forward to win over an ordinary person, and this failed attempt to win him over likely left him feeling uneasy, with unpredictable consequences.

However, Chen Ping'an didn't care about the consequences.

I'm afraid Hou Xibai himself might not be able to bear the consequences.

hum~
Inside the quiet room, Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened, and a panel appeared in front of him.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Realm 2 - Rainbow Penetration Realm (5th Stage)
武学：青阳血炼法小成（10658/15360）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）、狂雷刀法大成（1520/14400）、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

"1520 point."

Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm, but there seemed to be starlight surging within them.

A flash of light appeared on his forehead, and his consciousness seemed to enter a vast universe.

In the universe, the precious pearl is wondrous, bound by countless chains.

Among these chains, another chain was completely illuminated and detached from the jewel.

The colorful light, previously hidden by chains, is now unobstructed, adding another touch of brilliance to the universe.

Colorful and vibrant.

The Dream Pearl, the third divine wonder, is complete!
Miraculous, radiant light! (End of Chapter)