The Great Martial Saint!

"In that case, I accept your kind words, Lord Marquis."

Chen Ping'an smiled calmly, responding with a composed gaze as everyone watched.

Upon hearing this, Hou Xibai's expression froze.

Chen Ping'an's unconventional remark made it difficult for him to continue with his prepared remarks.

However, his complexion quickly returned to normal.

"If things succeed in the future, I hope that Manager Chen will not forget to give me a helping hand."

"Haha, no problem, no problem."

Chen Ping'an's laughter sounded so natural that it was hard to tell if it was genuine or not.

But his laughter restored the harmonious atmosphere in the room.

Someone stepped forward and joked, "When the time comes, Lord Chen, please don't forget about me, Hua."

"If we become rich and powerful, let us not forget each other." Fang Chengping also spoke up to ease the atmosphere.

Chen Ping'an responded with a smile, his expression calm and composed, making it difficult to discern his true feelings.

Such scenes aroused suspicion among many, who pondered Chen Ping'an's true intentions.

"Wild Blade" was just a joke, or...
Did you really take it seriously?
Mang Dao is engaged to the Gu family, so theoretically his words just now should have been a joke. However...
One day, a man glanced at Chen Ping'an and saw his composure, which made his thoughts even more complicated.

The engagement was postponed, he was transferred to Beishan, and befriended Fang Chengping.
A series of messages kept surfacing in his mind, trying to piece together Chen Ping'an's true thoughts.

Regardless of the intentions of each party, the atmosphere in the room remained the same.

Faced with Chen Ping'an's composure, even Yu Minglong made a joking remark.

"Lord Chen, what a spirit!"

In their subsequent conversation, Hou Xibai seemed to treat Chen Ping'an with exceptional kindness, engaging in refined and elegant conversation with him.

In this situation, many eyes in the room, whether subtle or overt, were focused on the two of them.

The people in the room were at least pseudo-celestial beings, and the information they discussed was naturally different from what was circulating in the streets.

After discussing the topic of the Merchant Alliance's search for a son-in-law and the Star Moon Husband, the group then talked about the Netherworld Secret Realm.

"The Netherworld Secret Realm!?"

Chen Ping'an's heart stirred.

He had heard about this secret realm from Luo Hou during the previous Xuanling transaction.

The Netherworld Secret Realm appears only once every three Jiazi (60 years). According to Luo Hou, the time for the Netherworld Secret Realm to open will arrive within the next year or two.

If we follow their logic, it's probably less than a year now.

As Chen Ping'an was thinking, the people in the room also started talking about the opening of the Netherworld Secret Realm.

"As per past practice, when the secret realm opens, the Zhenfu Division and Qiankun Division will also organize personnel to participate. I wonder if any of you gentlemen would be interested in participating?" Lei Xiaotian asked in a deep voice, his face stern.

Yu Minglong remained noncommittal, while Ying Congyun, standing to the side, spoke with a calm and composed smile.

"When the secret realm opened last time, I was too busy with official duties to enjoy the scenery. This time, with Lord Chen assisting in the management, I am quite interested."

"Lord Ying, you have quite the spirit! I wish you a fruitful return!" Fang Chengping said with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Fang is too kind. I am already content to have seen the secret realm and returned unharmed. How could I dare to ask for more?"

"Lord Ying is too modest. Looking around Beishan, who doesn't know that Lord Ying's speed in escape is unparalleled in the same realm? With this as a reliance, even if the secret realm is dangerous, there is nothing to fear."

Faced with the adulation from the crowd, Ying Congyun smiled and didn't take it seriously.

The Netherworld is full of opportunities, but it is also extremely dangerous.

Even seasoned second-realm Celestials wouldn't dare claim they had the courage to save their lives, let alone him!
You should know that in the last Netherworld Secret Realm, a Celestial Realm expert perished!

Listening to the discussions among the people at the table, Chen Ping'an remained calm, sipping his spiritual wine and summarizing the useful information.

He had previously learned about the Netherworld from Luo Hou. Now, with the information he had gathered, he had a much clearer understanding of the Netherworld.

The Netherworld Secret Realm is located in the Black Nether Mountains, in the Netherworld Valley area. Hence the name Netherworld Secret Realm.

The secret realm has many restrictions, involving spatial stability, making it difficult for martial arts masters to enter. Only those below the level of a master can enter the Netherworld Secret Realm through the secret realm passage.

Within the secret realm, the Headquarters of Opportunities is rich in rare medicinal herbs, precious minerals, and even rare items like celestial essence and earth dew.

According to them, a top-grade fourth-tier spiritual object appeared in the Netherworld Secret Realm three Jiazi ago!

The fourth-tier top-grade is equivalent to a martial arts master, a rank that even a master cultivator would envy, let alone an ordinary master like them.

Furthermore, the Netherworld has a long history.

Records of the underworld have existed since the dynasty was established.

Within this secret realm, there have been those who explored it before, and some have even perished within.

When exploring secret realms, one might unexpectedly encounter additional opportunities. If one could find the remains of a celestial cultivator and inherit their mantle, such an opportunity would be truly wondrous.

Furthermore, based on years of exploration, the information within each area of ​​the secret realm has become almost clear.

For established powers with a clear lineage, information within the secret realm is essentially transparent. Regularly entering the Netherworld Secret Realm has become a routine practice.

Some rare fruits and spiritual substances from heaven and earth ripen periodically within the secret realm and manifest in the mortal world.

Each time you enter the secret realm, you will receive a fixed reward. As for whether you can obtain additional opportunities, in addition to luck, it ultimately depends on the strength of each party.

This applies not only to various factions but also to some powerful independent cultivators. While they may be weaker in intelligence gathering, independent cultivators always tend to act in groups.

When it comes to competing for spiritual objects, this group might be just for show, but in ordinary times, it still has a good effect.

Within the Netherworld Secret Realm, there are countless spiritual objects, fine minerals, and rare fruits.

Even for those at the highest level of cultivation, it holds immense appeal.

Furthermore, the secret realm is fraught with danger. Besides internal conflicts, there are also external threats.

Some high-level cultivators who are stuck at a bottleneck will also enter the secret realm, hoping to find a glimmer of inspiration on the brink of life and death.

Each time the secret realm opens, a considerable number of powerful cultivators enter it.

This was also a momentous occasion for the dynasty.

The official system often intervenes, not only to investigate and gather information, but also to prevent evil forces from taking advantage of the situation to cause trouble.

The Netherworld Valley is extremely vast, and its secret passages are not all open at once. Some evil spirits and heretics can easily infiltrate if they so desire.

"Secret realms hold immense opportunities, complex power struggles, and perilous terrain. Based on past experience, their opening is expected to take less than a year."

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm, but his thoughts were in turmoil.

He was exploring the Netherworld Secret Realm. He had previously made an agreement with Luo Hou, who had left a signal mark. If he wished, he could use this signal to travel to Wentian City and contact Luo Hou.

At that time, we will form groups to explore the hidden places together.

Wentian City, a major city in the northern border, is a thriving commercial center, far surpassing the surrounding area of ​​Bicang.

It is a center for trade and commerce among various regions, located several border areas away from Beishan Pass.

Similarly, Wentian City is also the city closest to Youming Valley.

The Black Nether Mountain Range, where Nether Valley is located, is not a branch or spur like the North Mountain Pass, but the true main mountain range, majestic and towering, stretching for thousands of miles!

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, and he felt as if a wider world was clearly approaching him.

Such vastness and immensity, such boundless expanse, are enough to fill one with boundless anticipation and a desire to go there in person.

"If the secret realm opens in a year, perhaps..." Beneath Chen Ping'an's calm expression, there was a hidden, burning passion.

A year is enough time for his cultivation level to improve significantly and take a big step forward!

If used properly, he would have been a powerful figure even among the great cultivators of the Celestial Realm!
Even if he is inferior to the likes of Wan Baocheng, his combat prowess is probably not far off.

If one possesses such profound knowledge, perhaps this journey to the Netherworld Secret Realm would be worthwhile.
Chen Ping'an was deep in thought, his mind gradually calming down as he listened attentively to the exchanges among the various parties at the table.

Of all the celestial beings present, only Ying Congyun had clearly expressed his intention to go to the secret realm.

As for the others, their thoughts are unknown.

They may choose to remain silent and wait patiently, or to ponder and make a decision, or to adapt to changing circumstances.

However, Chen Ping'an could vaguely see a hint of interest and longing on the face of Wang Changlie, the patriarch of the Wang family.

This former acquaintance, while tempted, also harbored a lingering sense of unease.

Compared to the major families of Beishan, the Wang family, being the only local force, has a relatively strong fighting force, but its influence is much weaker.

In this situation, the most effective way for him to break the deadlock is to work on himself.

The Netherworld Secret Realm presents an excellent opportunity.

just
While the opportunities in secret realms are great, the risks are equally enormous.

If he doesn't return, the Wang family of Beishan will likely decline into obscurity.

Before long, the five great families of Beishan will be renamed the four great families of Beishan. The Wang family's meager interests will be completely devoured by the other families.

Like the Wang family of Beishan, this is the ecology and current state of most Celestial and Human forces.

The clan only has one Celestial Ancestor to oversee things. If the Ancestor passes away and the clan has no new power to rise, then the clan will fall and its glory will be gone forever!
The Canglong Gu family, for example, faced a similar situation before.

The Gu family patriarch is nearing the end of his life, and the family is facing a generational gap. Various parties are eager to make their move, waiting for the Gu family to completely fall from grace.

However, unlike the Wang family, the Gu family patriarch possessed astonishing combat power. Even though his reputation had long since faded, he was still enough to intimidate various forces, preventing them from making any rash moves.

By analogy, Gu Jia's situation is clearly much better.

As for now
That goes without saying.

Gu Qingchan has already broken through to the Celestial Realm. With the help of dual cultivation techniques and spiritual objects, her foundation is already solid, and her combat power is by no means inferior to that of veteran Celestial Realm cultivators.

In addition, Gu Zhengnan is using spiritual objects to rebuild his foundation and continue his path.

What's happening now is unknown, but in the worst-case scenario, Gu Qingchan is there to support the Gu family in the present day. When the time is right, she will be announced as the Queen of the Gu family! Under the influence of his divine sense, Chen Ping'an looked at Wang Changlie not far away and felt a lot of emotions.

Although the clan has a Celestial Ancestor, it may not yet be considered a true Celestial power.

In the realm of the mortals, a power with only one celestial being in charge is far from being able to take center stage in the mortal realm.

Only a force that is passed down in an orderly and continuous manner, with celestial beings presiding over it in every generation, can be considered a true celestial force.

Only in this way can a true power stand on the world stage.

The five great families of Beishan, living in a remote corner, though possessing a Celestial Ancestor, ultimately...
They are not yet at the level of a regional power.

Standing on the stage of the world, manipulating the winds and clouds.

Looking across the entire Bi Cang region, only forces like the Wenxin Sword Pavilion and Hengshan Sect have the qualifications to do so.

Within a certain range, they could put up a show of force with the Prince of Bicang's Mansion.

The Gu family, during Gu Tianren's heyday, also possessed such qualifications.

However, with Gu Tianren's defeat in battle, the loss of an arm, the backlash from his hidden injuries, and his approaching death, this auspicious pattern has long since disappeared.

As for now
Chen Ping'an smiled, his eyes revealing a deep-seated confidence.

This day.
Perhaps it's not far off.

Chen Ping'an possessed a powerful spiritual energy, enabling him to notice details that others missed. It was precisely because of this that he gleaned a wealth of information from this grand feast.

Throughout the celebration, all parties showed great respect, and the atmosphere remained warm and harmonious until the very end, without any unexpected incidents.

The feast lasted until late at night before gradually coming to an end amidst the hustle and bustle.

"Thank you all for your hard work today."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Ping'an greeted Yu Minglong, Hou Xibai, Ying Congyun, and the others before getting up and leaving.

"Lord Chen, the Merchant Alliance's search for a son-in-law has spread throughout the four regions. There is still more than a year to go. We wish Lord Chen a speedy ascension to the celestial realm and the joy of winning the heart of your beloved."

Before parting, Ying Congyun made a joke, though it was unclear whether he was subtly referring to someone or simply making a casual remark.

Hou Xibai smiled, looking dashing and debonair, as if he hadn't heard a thing.

Yu Minglong, who was standing to the side, chimed in: "Lord Chen is already engaged. What he said at the banquet was just a joke and should not be taken seriously."

"Your Excellency is wise!" Chen Ping'an was sincerely convinced and bowed respectfully.

Yu Minglong laughed heartily and waved his hand lightly: "However, I, like Lord Ying, also look forward to Lord Chen ascending to the Celestial Realm soon and creating a legendary tale."

"I will certainly live up to your expectations, Master." Chen Ping'an cupped his hands slightly, a smile on his face.

"Before the Merchant Alliance selects a son-in-law, he must become a celestial being!"

"You!"

Yu Minglong smiled, but it was unclear whether he believed him or not.

But on the surface, it's probably just a joke.

Ying Congyun and Hou Xibai stood aside, probably thinking the same thing.

The barrier between the celestial and the divine is difficult to overcome, and the inner demons within are even harder to sever. The dangers within are so great that even after years of achieving celestial status, the memory still sends shivers down their spines. Had they been even slightly careless, they might not have been able to cross this barrier of inner demons.

Although Chen Ping'an is exceptionally talented, he lacks the accumulation of years and the understanding of his mind and spirit. It will probably be extremely difficult for him to break through to the Celestial Realm.

As for what happens before the business alliance recruits a son-in-law?

That's utterly absurd.

The business alliance's search for a son-in-law has only been going on for a little over a year.

In just over a year, have they ascended to the level of celestial beings?
What a joke!
"He certainly knows how to talk big." Hou Xibai raised his hand slightly, opened a folding fan, and exuded an air of nonchalance in every gesture.

Ying Congyun stood with his hands behind his back until Chen Ping'an was far away before he withdrew his gaze.

"Lord Hou, in my opinion, the Merchant Alliance's search for a son-in-law still rests on your shoulders! If you can reach the Second Realm, this matter will be very promising!"

"Does Lord Ying think so highly of me, Hou?"

Hou Xibai feigned surprise and said a few words with a smile.

Then, stroking his fan, he sighed, "Princess Xingyue is indeed beautiful."
But that's far too far removed from our reach. I, Hou, dare not even dream of such a thing.

"Lord Hou, it's rare to see someone think like that."

"Oh?"

"Lord Hou achieved fame at a young age and has had a smooth and successful career, unlike me, who has experienced the world and only achieved success in my old age. I think Lord Hou must be a proud and arrogant person. Even the only daughter of the two emperors, Princess Xingyue, would not feel unworthy of you!" Ying Congyun said calmly and casually.

Upon hearing this, Hou Xibai narrowed his eyes, stared at Ying Congyun for a long time, and then chuckled softly.

"I never imagined that in Lord Ying's eyes, Hou would be such a person."

Ying Congyun didn't reply, but smiled slightly and prepared to leave.

He had just turned around when Hou Xibai's voice rang out again.

"However, Lord Ying is absolutely right about one thing. I am indeed a proud and arrogant person, but pride and arrogance do not mean I am unaware of the vastness of the world. Looking across the dynasty, who is unaware of the illustrious reputation of the two emperors? I am..."
They still know their place.

"Perhaps." Ying Congyun smiled noncommittally, then transformed into a streak of light and disappeared from Hou Xibai's sight.

"Should follow the cloud"

Hou Xibai watched the other person leave with a detached expression.

He and Ying Congyun had been rivals for many years, with each side having its victories and defeats.

However, this situation may not last long.

Suddenly, Hou Xibai chuckled, seemingly lost in thought.

He waved his fan and then left with a flourish.

Others only know that he has had a smooth life, but how can they know how much he has paid to get to where he is today?
The process is not important, the result is.
It is the most important!
Princess Xingyue.
How could I not be worthy of being the husband of this only daughter of the two rulers!?

Whoosh!
With a flash of light, Chen Ping'an appeared in the quiet room of the cave.

With a gentle wave of his hand, four command flags fluttered forth.

The Azure Flame Four Directions Command Flag offers limited assistance to him in combat, but it is quite useful for isolating the inside from the outside and blocking information.

The idea that the business alliance was seeking a son-in-law, specifically the one named Xingyue, is naturally nonsense.

Putting aside his engagement with Gu Qingcheng, he had no interest in the mere mention of the phrase "recruiting a son-in-law."

Looking for a son-in-law?

What a joke!
Rare treasures, rare and precious objects, top-tier treasures, and the only daughter of two rulers.
It's certainly attractive enough, but...
For him, it was nothing special.

Are there things that cannot be acquired through cultivation?
Even if it's slower, it's not a big problem.

If we're talking about getting something for nothing, and being able to get it for free without a care in the world, then we can discuss that. But if we have to give something in return, then that's also negotiable.

But he is seeking a son-in-law.
There's no need to discuss the matter of him becoming the son-in-law of the Twin Lords of Cloud and Thunder.

He cultivated himself along the way, not to do this.

Furthermore, his current engagement with Gu Qingcheng is publicly stated as merely a postponement. Even though the three-year period hasn't expired, a marriage contract still exists between him and Gu Qingcheng.

A few romantic affairs are harmless, but he would never do such a thing.

Even if he falls in love with someone else and gets engaged to another person in the future, he will have to wait three years until his engagement with Gu Qingcheng is officially canceled!

Princess Xingyue, despite her high status, was nothing more than a stranger to him.

No matter how great his fame, it could not shake his resolve.

But it's Little Heavenly Luo.
Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, and for a moment his thoughts went astray.

However, he quickly regained his composure and calmed down.

In fact, besides the Snow God Palace channel, the North Sea Merchant Alliance might also be a place he's currently scheming for Ice Soul Spiritual Objects.

The Beihai Merchant Alliance is extremely powerful, and Beihai is close to the Snow God Palace region, so transactions there are bound to involve them.

Unfortunately, he didn't know any influential acquaintances in Beihai.

The one with the highest status among them was Cangmingzi, a guest elder of the Whale Sea Sect and a senior Celestial Being of the Second Realm.

If you want to get what you want through this, you're probably still a little short.

The Ice Soul Spiritual Object he requested was no ordinary item; it could aid his cultivation. According to his guess, it was probably a high-grade item even among fourth-tier cultivators!
Thinking about it carefully, perhaps we can rely on that young master Yun we met in the forest after the Azure Dragon Banquet.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and a scene appeared in his mind.

"Yunya is looking forward to your gift, sir."

A woman stood in the woods, smiling sweetly, her clear eyes like stars and the moon.

Although she was dressed as a man, her exquisite and captivating features were still evident. Her words were subtly playful, adding a touch of girlish charm.

"Mr. Chen was also looking forward to it."

A beautiful scene is always pleasing to the eye.

Chen Ping'an smiled knowingly as he recalled the memory.

Although Yun Ya is a woman, since the other party was dressed as a man when they first met, he still habitually addressed her as Young Master Yun.

The other party's demeanor and cultivation are both quite remarkable. Furthermore, the gifts given upon first meeting are worth tens of thousands of yuan, suggesting their status is not low. Perhaps we can have some expectations.

"Young Master Yun, there's an opportunity to get to know him better. Given our previous agreement, the process should go smoothly. However..."
We should still prepare one or two gifts that we promised. That way, we'll have something to say if something unexpected happens.

We can't put all our hopes on one line. We should still try to get to know the higher-ups of the Beihai Business Alliance when the opportunity arises. The Fang family of Beishan, Jinglei Pavilion, and Leiyuan Chamber of Commerce are good starting points.”

Chen Ping'an's thoughts wandered, and he began to ponder deeply. (End of Chapter)