The Great Martial Saint!

The Beishan celebration was extremely grand and solemn.

Auspicious colors and radiant light, auspicious birds spreading their wings, and streaks of light and color flashing in the sky from time to time.

"Thunder Pavilion, Pavilion Master Lei, has arrived!"

"Gu Yue Fang, Elder Gu Yue, arrive—"

"."

Regardless of their true intentions, everyone outwardly gave the newly appointed deputy garrison commander ample face.

The guests who arrived this time were of extremely high rank, with the lowest being at the pseudo-celestial level.

There are quite a few martial arts masters who have emerged.

This action represents respect for the Beishan Town Pacification Office, as well as attention to and probing of the Beishan chess game.

Yu Minglong personally appeared at the Beishan Town Pacification Office, his hearty laughter revealing his familiarity with all parties.

"Haha, Pavilion Master Lei, it's been a long time, you still look as dashing as ever."

"Brother Gu Yue, it's been several years since we last met. When the Flower Goddess Arrow arrived, you were in seclusion. If it weren't for Lord Chen's departure for his new post today, I'm afraid we wouldn't have had the chance to meet again!"

"We're all in Beishan, under the same roof, so we should get closer to each other."

"."

Hou Xibai and Ying Congyun appeared together at the ceremony, representing the Beishan Town Pacification Division in receiving guests from all sides. The preparations for this celebration were excellent, and the grandeur of the event goes without saying.

As the focus of attention from all parties, the core of this celebration naturally revolves around Chen Ping'an, who was newly appointed and had just taken office not long ago.

Representatives from all sides and key decision-makers finally met Chen Ping'an, the newly appointed tycoon of Beishan, in a public setting.

This is a legendary, arrogant, and reckless prodigy, a grandmaster of the winds and clouds.

young!

Too young!
This was everyone's first impression of Chen Ping'an.

Then came a completely different person from the rumored gentle and refined, handsome and dashing figure.

At first glance, he appears to be a refined young master from a prominent family, elegant and courteous.

If Chen Ping'an hadn't been wearing a dark black satin robe that represented the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass, many people would probably have mistaken him for a junior member of that clan.

But now, Chen Ping'an is undoubtedly a true giant in Beishan.

Standing tall at Beishan Pass, the top giant among the eighteen garrison cities.

"Lord Chen."

In front of all the guests, Fang Chengping, the patriarch of the Fang family, acted extremely kindly and familiarly. During the pleasantries, his expression was warm and his face was enthusiastic.

This kind of reaction naturally attracted the attention of others, who couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

"This Fang Chengping?"

"This must be Lord Chen. He is indeed a promising young man." The Thunder Pavilion Master was a composed and steadfast middle-aged man. His face was sculpted like a knife and axe, with distinct features and a high, straight nose, like a steep mountain peak.

He stood there exuding an aura of authority, radiating a sense of power without needing to be angry.

"Lord Chen, this is Pavilion Master Lei," Yu Minglong introduced from the side.

"Sect Leader Lei," Chen Ping'an greeted with a smile.

Lei Xiaotian of Jinglei Pavilion is a martial arts master who has been at the second realm for many years. He is skilled in lightning combat techniques and is known for his fierce and powerful attacks. He has a great reputation in the surrounding area and once fought to a draw with a master who had reached the peak of the second realm.

His reputation within Beishan Daguan was second only to that of Yu Minglong, the head of Beishan.

In addition, Lei Xiaotian comes from the Beihai Business Alliance and belongs to the Leiyuan Business Association, one of the seven core business associations.

Lei Xiaotian's arrival made the atmosphere in the room feel more familiar.

"Elder Lei."

Fang Chengping was extremely enthusiastic about Lei Xiaotian's arrival. He quickly left Chen Ping'an's side and began to talk with Lei Xiaotian.

Looking at the scene before him, Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and some intelligence surfaced in his mind.

The Fang family of Beishan has many connections with Beihai, among which the closest are the Leiyuan Chamber of Commerce.

"Lord Chen, you are renowned far and wide. I have heard of you before, but this is the first time I have met you." A tall, meticulous old man walked over.

Hou Xibai, the commander of the Beishan Garrison, was by his side.

The old man wore an ancient jade hairpin in his hair and a dark robe. His eyes were calm and deep, seemingly containing endless pressure.

The Guyue clan, Guyue Qianfang, is a senior Celestial Being who has been in the second realm for many years.

Chen Ping'an recognized the other person at first glance, but Hou Xibai still introduced him.

"Manager Chen, this is Elder Gu Yue."

“Elder Gu Yue,” Chen Ping’an greeted him.

"Lord Chen, a hidden dragon among talents, your talent is unparalleled, truly extraordinary." Gu Yueqianfang smiled, radiating goodwill.

Chen Ping'an and Gu Yueqian exchanged pleasantries, while Hou Xibai stood to the side with a warm smile, seemingly in a good mood.

Chen Ping'an possessed a powerful spiritual energy, and during their conversation, he keenly sensed that Yu Minglong seemed to be watching him.

A storm was brewing on the field, with each party harboring their own agenda.

Thus, a grand banquet officially began.

At the grand banquet, all the pleasantries, conversations, and formalities were naturally taken into account.

This grand banquet and celebration was of a very high standard, with no fewer than ten celestial beings making an appearance.

If we trace back further, we must go back to when the first in the winds and clouds, the Moon Shadow Divine Arrow Hua Ruyue, arrived at the North Mountain Pass, before such a scene could be staged.

On ordinary days, such a large gathering would be rare, even in places like Beishan Daguan.

The five great families of Beishan, and the five celestial ancestors.

Beihai Merchant Alliance, Jinglei Pavilion, Lei Xiaotian. Guyue Clan, Elder Guyue Qianfang.
This was the first time Chen Ping'an had interacted and chatted with the Celestials on equal footing. He was, in his public capacity, sitting on equal footing with them, standing shoulder to shoulder with them!
At the grand ceremony, celestial beings and immortals gathered together, and the conversation inevitably turned to the legendary figures of the past, including the Moon Shadow Divine Arrow and Hua Ruyue.

His words clearly conveyed a sense of admiration and praise.

Chen Ping'an clearly saw that when Hua Ruyue was mentioned, Hou Xibai's face showed a look of amazement, and his eyes naturally revealed admiration.

Clearly, this romantic and talented martial arts master harbors a considerable desire for Hua Ruyue.

Even Hou Xibai had to admit that Hua Ruyue was the most stunning woman he had ever seen in his life.

It refers not only to her talent, but also to her beautiful face, which is as stunning as the moon and the flowers.

That figure, as beautiful and radiant as amber, was unforgettable to him after only one glimpse.

"Flowers Like the Moon"

Hou Xibai held up his glass, listening to the pleasantries at the table, a hint of longing and anticipation appearing on his face, a strange feeling stirring within him. It was something that made him itch, something he couldn't resist.

He took a sip of his drink and recalled the scene when they first met.

It was dusk, and in the afterglow of the setting sun, golden rays flowed from afar. The golden light flashed repeatedly, and in a few moments, it appeared above the North Mountain Pass, revealing a figure as beautiful as a golden spring and a jade wheel.

First in the winds and clouds, the Moon Shadow Divine Arrow, Flowers Like the Moon!
Not only Hou Xibai, but even Ying Congyun, when mentioning Hua Ruyue, showed a subtle change in his eyes. His ethereal temperament seemed to have lost a hint of otherworldly charm.

Hua Ruyue.

Even figures like Yu Minglong, Lei Xiaotian, and Gu Yueqianfang couldn't hide their admiration in their eyes. Gu Yueqianfang, in particular, felt an intense burning desire within him, a secret yearning for conquest stirring within him.

It is magnificent and precious, golden and dazzling, like the bright sun, making people bow down and unable to look directly at it.

When I was with her, during our conversations, it was as if she were the one standing on a cloud, in a superior position.

Everyone, even celestial beings like themselves, would feel ashamed and inferior in her presence.

It wasn't until that moment that he understood why so many martial arts masters were endlessly devoted to Hua Ruyue, including many senior masters like himself.

"Such a woman is a rare find in this world!"

Gu Yueqian's expression was meticulous, but the fire in his heart did not subside at all; on the contrary, it seemed to grow even more intense.

"If I could enjoy a moment of pleasure, even if it shortened my lifespan by a hundred years, it would still be a great fortune in my life! No! If I could even touch the hem of her clothes, for this old man, that would be enough to savor for a lifetime!"

Gu Yueqianfang's heart burned with desire, but his expression remained calm. He replied indifferently to the question posed by the Li family patriarch beside him. Then he drank a cup of wine, using its cool taste to suppress his increasingly fiery heart.

"Hua Ruyue?"

Chen Ping'an listened to the conversation in the arena with a calm expression and gently drank a cup of spiritual wine.

In the past, he and Hua Ruyue had a battle in the Xuanling Mountains.

At that time, he tried every means to get close to Hua Ruyue, but in the end he failed and she distanced herself from him.

However, that battle did leave behind some results.

Chen Ping'an recalled the piece of gold dress he had torn from Hua Ruyue's body, which he now placed inside a brocade box.

A faint fragrance lingered on the fragments of the golden dress, the scent of Hua Ruyue, beautiful and timeless, like a golden veil shrouded in mist, or dewdrops on a young phoenix, exuding a sense of noble elegance.

The flowers shone like the moon's golden radiance, like a golden spring and a jade wheel, so beautiful and precious that one couldn't help but bow down and look directly at them. But now, the fragments of her golden dress, like a jade branch broken off and fallen to earth, have fallen into his hands.

Hua Ruyue's tattered golden dress, the moment of surprise and embarrassment she felt, are still vivid in my memory.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted. He poured himself a glass of wine, offering no comment on the exchange taking place. A hint of curiosity was subtly hidden in his expression. On the surface, he was one of the few people present who had never seen Hua Ruyue before.

Consequently, they naturally lack the qualifications to express their opinions.

But if Hua Ruyue, as the number one in the martial arts world, could overpower a martial arts master with her grandmaster status, it would be unbelievable to outsiders if he didn't feel the slightest curiosity.

The conversations and discussions about Hua Ruyue in the room were full of embellishment.

Even people like Yu Minglong made no attempt to hide their admiration for Hua Ruyue in their words.

Most of the celestial beings in the arena showed extremely obvious interest in Hua Ruyue.

At their level, they have long since passed the stage of being lustful. Even if some are lustful, they would not be so blinded by beauty as to do anything illogical.

Their interest in Hua Ruyue stemmed not only from her beauty, but also from her unique and extraordinary temperament.

Furthermore, even celestial beings like them had to admire and marvel at Hua Ruyue's talent.

With Hua Ruyue's talent, if she were to ascend to the Celestial Realm one day, her combat power would probably not be inferior to those of these senior Celestial Realm beings, and might even surpass them!
Most of the celestial beings among them are aware of the differences. They have many thoughts, but these remain unspoken and are not actually expressed.

But without a doubt, if Hua Ruyue were to truly ascend to the Celestial Realm one day, many Celestial Realm cultivators would likely lower their gazes and harbor covetous thoughts.

Young and beautiful martial arts masters like Ru Hua and Ru Yue are extremely attractive, especially to older masters.

With such a reputation, it's highly likely that even a great celestial being would lower their gaze upon them.

Everyone was clear-headed; even someone as confident as Hou Xibai could only dream about Hua Ruyue. Her golden, noble aura was enough to make ordinary martial arts masters pale in comparison and feel ashamed of themselves.

Even if.
Hua Ruyue is merely a Grandmaster!

The discussion about Hua Ruyue was enthusiastic, but it didn't last long. Clearly, everyone knew that this matter was somewhat distant from their own lives.

Although everyone present was at least at the pseudo-celestial level, and there were many senior celestials who had entered the second realm, with Hua Ruyue's talent, entering the celestial realm was basically a certainty.

With her talent, once she enters the Celestial Realm, she will become one of the best among the second-level Celestial Realm cultivators.

No one believed that Hua Ruyue would stop there.

With Hua Ruyue's talent and charisma, her destiny in this life is most likely to belong to some exceptionally gifted and promising Celestial Master, or perhaps to a renowned and outstanding Martial Arts Celestial Master, or even...
A Great Celestial Being on the Celestial Ranking!
Talented people emerge in every generation, and each new generation surpasses the old.

They ultimately
I'm getting old.

A celebratory banquet, with guests exchanging pleasantries and greetings.

Many people also use it as a platform for like-minded people to communicate, share intelligence, and exchange information.

Chen Ping'an also learned a lot about the social circles through this.

It's embarrassing to admit, but although he has been a Celestial for a long time and is now considered a senior Celestial in the second realm, this is the first time he has ever seriously discussed matters of Celestiality in such a setting.

More often than not, as an observer and an information consumer, this feeling is not bad.

During their conversation, a considerable amount of information was mentioned. Among them, several things particularly attracted the interest and attention of the celestial beings.

Beihai Business Alliance, two kings and one daughter, Xingyue recruits a son-in-law.

It is said that the time in Beihai had been set, but for some unknown reason, some adjustments were made. However, the information has already been released.

Facing the four borders of the dynasty, regardless of faction, power, or affiliation.

Any young talent under the age of 300 who has achieved the highest level of martial arts can participate in this trial competition and the merchant alliance's selection of a son-in-law.

Martial arts heavenly beings live for thousands of years.

From the perspective of the universe, those under three hundred years old are young talents, in the prime of their lives.

Three hundred years have passed, encompassing several generations of promising talents and geniuses, and dozens of generations of outstanding leaders and scholars across dynasties.

The dynasty's vast territory and expansive world make celestial beings rare, but with such a massive population base and generational differences, the number of celestial beings who meet the criteria would likely be extremely terrifying.

This business alliance's recruitment of a son-in-law has a huge impact and does not restrict the choice of factions or backgrounds. It is likely that many powerful forces, heirs of aristocratic families, and direct descendants of rogue cultivators will have their eyes on this opportunity.

Even bloodline-based enfeoffment, military elites, and even the Great Qian imperial family could be among the possibilities.

After all, the land of Beihai has always been prosperous. The wealth of the Beihai Merchant Alliance is immeasurable. Any one of the merchant guilds under the alliance represents an extremely large fortune.

As the de facto leaders of the Beihai Business Alliance, Yunlei Shuangjun, being the only daughter of Shuangjun, holds an extremely high position and influence in Beihai.

This can be seen from the fact that the Daqian royal family tacitly accepted the title of Princess Xingyue.

If one can stand out in the merchant alliance's search for a son-in-law and marry the only daughter of the two rulers, that would be an extremely clear political signal.

Whether it's marrying or having a son-in-law marry into the family, this signal remains unchanged.

If one has powerful backing, then that becomes a natural resource for assistance.

The Beihai Merchant Alliance is incredibly wealthy, with countless riches. Such immense financial power, coupled with the formidable reputations of the Cloud and Thunder Twin Lords, makes them an irresistible bargaining chip for any power.

Marrying the only daughter of the two rulers would mean immense wealth, as well as power and status that would be hard to refuse.

Whether it serves as a bond between the two forces, or as the son-in-law of two rulers, or as a couple under the Star Moon Dao, it is enough to elevate one's status and influence in one step.

"I heard that the Merchant Alliance has offered a lot in terms of external resources for this marriage proposal. The benefits involved are enough to tempt even the most powerful people in the Heavenly Realm. And this is only part of it. The dowry of Princess Xingyue, the only daughter of the two rulers, is the real prize!" Among the Heavenly Realm members, some people in the know discussed the relevant information.

"Sect Master Lei, I heard that the Beihai Merchant Alliance will provide an extra top-tier treasure as part of Princess Xingyue's dowry for this marriage proposal. Is that true?" Fang Chengping asked curiously from his seat.

“It is true.” Lei Xiaotian nodded slightly, his tone tinged with satisfaction: “Not only that, the Merchant Alliance has other bargaining chips to provide for Princess Xingyue. Among them are countless rare treasures, including some comparable to top-tier treasures.”

As Lei Xiaotian's voice fell, a chorus of screams erupted in the arena.

There are quite a few items comparable to top-tier treasures!

this.
Listen to this, is this even human language?
The hissing in the arena mostly came from pseudo-celestial beings. As for martial arts celestial beings like Ying Congyun, I had heard of them before, so I wasn't too surprised to hear it now.

But as for what they really think, only they themselves know.

Top-tier treasures, according to conventional wisdom, are extremely rare even for cultivators at the highest level of cultivation. Only the most outstanding among those at the highest level of cultivation have a chance of possessing them.

And among Princess Xingyue's dowry were quite a few similar items!
This matter
It was truly awe-inspiring and astonishing.

Even if one achieves superhuman status, one will still inevitably feel the unevenness of the world.

This world is truly...
A celestial being let out a long, soft sigh.

For them, even ordinary treasures are hard to come by, let alone top-tier treasures. They might struggle their entire lives to acquire even one such treasure, but Princess Xingyue possessed it from birth!
How can the unevenness of this world not make one feel melancholy and sigh?

However, being martial arts masters, their initial state of mind quickly subsided.

Some people asked why the date for the business alliance to select a son-in-law had been adjusted when it was already set.
As the head of the Jinglei Pavilion in Beishan Pass and an elder of the Leiyuan Chamber of Commerce, Lei Xiaotian should have known more about this matter. But it's unclear whether he genuinely didn't know, or whether he knew but chose not to speak.

He did not provide an answer to this question.

During the conversation, someone made a joke about Hou Xibai.

"Lord Hou, you are exceptionally talented, a hidden dragon born in the past. Now that the Merchant Alliance is recruiting a son-in-law, are you interested? If you can win the heart of this beauty, then everyone here will have to rely on you."

"Fellow Daoist Xu is joking. The Merchant Alliance is recruiting sons-in-law from all four realms. I, Hou, am of limited talent and mediocre combat strength. How can I compete with the heroes of the four realms?" Hou Xibai was elegant and handsome.

"Haha, Lord Hou is being far too modest."

"Although there are many outstanding talents in the four regions, Lord Hou is no ordinary person! If Lord Hou participates, the chances of success are quite high!"

"."

When the Xu family patriarch made a joke, many people in the room followed suit and joked about the matter.

"Please stop joking, everyone. There are countless talented people in the dynasty, and the limit is three hundred years. If you don't have the cultivation of the second realm, what difference is there between you and a mere runner-up?" Hou Xibai said with a bitter smile.

Faced with everyone's teasing, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"If it could have been a few years earlier, perhaps..."

A glimmer of hope flickered in Hou Xibai's heart, but it was quickly extinguished by reality.

The rules for this business alliance's son-in-law recruitment are comprehensive and detailed. If a celestial being under 100 years old participates, they will receive preferential treatment under certain conditions, with requirements appropriately relaxed. During the comprehensive evaluation, there will be targeted preferential treatment.

If it had been earlier, given his cultivation level, he might have had a chance to participate, given the favorable conditions.

It's a pity.
He is now well over 100 years old.

"The Merchant Alliance's search for a son-in-law is still some years away. I believe that with Lord Hou's talent, he will soon be able to enter the second realm of the Celestial Realm," a Celestial Realm expert said with a smile.

I don't know if it was meant to comfort or to joke!

"Fellow Daoist Hua, please stop joking." Hou Xibai's expression was indifferent, but a thought stirred within him.

If he can truly reach the second realm, and considering his previous observations and planning, perhaps he will achieve something...
He might not be without a chance in this business alliance's search for a son-in-law.

"Lord Hou has already reached the first realm of perfection. With Lord Hou's talent, he may enter the second realm next month after a sudden enlightenment!" a celestial being said in a serious tone.

“Fellow Daoist Hua, you really think highly of me. I am a family member and know my own affairs. If Fellow Daoist Hua has such hopes, why not take a look at Manager Chen?”

Hou Xibai responded modestly for a few moments, then smoothly steered the conversation toward Chen Ping'an.

"Master Chen is exceptionally talented. If he were to suddenly attain enlightenment, he might ascend to the level of a celestial being and be ranked alongside us."

Hou Xibai's expression was gentle, and his phoenix eyes smiled as he looked down.

"Given Manager Chen's age, if he were to ascend to heaven, the conditions offered by the Merchant Alliance would likely far surpass those of me! Perhaps one day, Manager Chen will become the son-in-law of the two rulers, the husband of Xingyue!"

As they spoke, everyone's gaze turned to Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an smiled but remained silent, and the atmosphere in the room fell silent for a moment. (End of this chapter)