The Great Martial Saint!

Chen Pingan has participated in quite a few similar trading meetings.

I am extremely familiar with all the procedures.

Although the current meeting is of a higher level, the overall process is largely the same.

As Chen Ping'an looked down, he saw that the martial arts master, with a flash of inspiration, conjure up a dozen or so objects in front of him, and then state his needs.

"Tier 4 minerals, Millennium Xuanhuang Fruit. Priority trade, defensive treasures. If there are any superior ones, pseudo-treasures may also be considered."

Chen Ping'an glanced at the items in front of the other party and, before the other party finished speaking, clearly judged that the items the other party displayed for trade did not include the fourth-tier treasure material he needed, fire-type essence.

He felt a slight disappointment, but quickly regained his composure.

However, it's only the first trade fair to have nothing suitable yet, which is normal.

After the other party displayed their spiritual resources, Chen Ping'an sensed continuous fluctuations in their spiritual energy. Clearly, there was a spiritual exchange between a celestial being and a transaction was already being planned.

The items displayed by the other party were not particularly valuable to a Celestial Being. However, the fourth-tier ore was quite remarkable. The only drawback was its small size, far less than the pieces Chen Ping'an possessed.

"Fellow Daoists, I have a pseudo-treasure, mainly for offensive purposes, with a flawed array plate. It can be traded first. If you have the corresponding Yuan Crystals, you can also discuss it privately."

Next, a series of martial arts and spiritual beings trade exhibitions were held, where they explained their needs.

At the trade fair, spiritual energy surged and rippled, intertwining and conveying information.

Although the Yunshan Exchange was held in a small gathering, the distance between many martial arts masters was not very close. In particular, some eccentric individuals sat alone in a corner, maintaining a certain distance from the others.

With the keen eyesight of a martial arts master, a slight distance posed no obstacle to the transaction. All transactions proceeded smoothly.

Most of the martial arts masters in the arena showed their true faces openly, getting to know each other and building connections. However, a considerable number of masters did not show their true faces, and were disguised and concealed in all their attire.

There were those with superb skills and those who were less skilled, but most of the martial arts masters in the arena did not show any interest in either of them.

This small meeting was for everyone's own purposes. We did not inquire about each other's identities; this was the rule and a tacit understanding that had been established over a long period of time.

As for what the individual celestial beings are thinking, that remains unknown.

At least on the surface, no one has expressed any dissatisfaction or objection to this situation.

Chen Ping'an observed the scene and was quite satisfied.

These circumstances are perfect for his business planning.

Even if there were doubts afterwards, these interfering factors could be perfectly removed from his record.

Even if there are some minor flaws, they are not a significant risk.

After all, if there's a need, then nothing can be done with absolute certainty. If you want to gain something, you must inevitably bear some risk.

As long as the risks are manageable, it's nothing to worry about.

Even now, although he still needs to hide his strength, he is no longer as helpless as he was before when faced with attacks.

Given the right resources, a little risk is worth the effort.

Right now, the most urgent task is to determine whether there is anything he needs in the market transaction.

There were many cultivators in the arena, but most of them were only at the pseudo-celestial level.

Chen Ping'an's main focus was on the Celestial Beings. He only briefly glanced at the trade exhibition featuring the pseudo-Celestial Beings.

The red-haired old man, Wang Changlie, Fang Chengping and others exhibited their items one after another, but none of them contained what Chen Ping'an needed, which made him feel slightly regretful.

Although it was a pity, he still held some hope, after all, so far, no second-realm celestial beings had been exhibited or traded.

As the trade fair progressed, it was soon Chen Ping'an's turn.

As everyone's gaze fell upon him, Chen Ping'an remained calm and displayed the items in a proper and conventional manner.

"Priority will be given to the trade of elixirs and spiritual items that protect the mind and spirit, and calm the mind. If there are any spiritual items or elixirs that can help break through to a higher realm, we can offer additional trades. Details can be discussed privately."

As Chen Ping'an finished speaking, many eyes began to scrutinize him.

"Maintaining a clear and tranquil mind? Is this preparation for breaking through to a higher realm?"

"That's not necessarily true. The barrier between heaven and man has always been difficult to cross, so it's normal to plan ahead."

"That's true, but after all, he's a rising star. Since he has such a plan, he's probably not far from breaking through to the next realm."

"That should be the case, but the Celestial Realm is not so easy to break through. Especially the barrier of inner demons."

"."

There were familiar celestial beings who communicated privately through their souls, and in their back-and-forth exchanges, the topic was always Chen Ping'an.

As the only Grandmaster present, Chen Ping'an's presence was quite remarkable.

Whether they are rising stars or grandmasters, they are enough to keep some of the celestial beings in the audience curious.

Curiosity aside, the items Chen Ping'an displayed were extremely rare for a Grandmaster. They were also quite precious for a Pseudo-Celestial Being. But for a Celestial Being, they were somewhat lacking.

As for what he traded.
If there is no equivalent price, even if there is a genius in the market, why would they easily offer it up?

Furthermore, elixirs and spiritual items that aid in breaking through realms are strategic resources everywhere. Various factions would find it difficult to use them all themselves, so they would not easily offer them up for trade unless absolutely necessary.

However, items that protect the mind and calm the spirit are not necessarily untradeable if the price is right.
Many celestial beings began to plan ahead, intending to establish a good relationship and exchange pleasantries with Chen Ping'an.

After the trade fair, several voices rang in Chen Ping'an's mind, all transmitted through his soul.

"Oh? There really is." Chen Ping'an's gaze was strange, and he responded by sending a spiritual message.

On the surface, he was only a Grandmaster, and no matter how heaven-defying his combat power was, he was still a Grandmaster. During their exchange, he couldn't possibly communicate with his soul; instead, they communicated spiritually.

Thus, a situation arose in the arena where, amidst the continuous fluctuations of divine souls, a spiritual fluctuation emerged.

Such phenomena, when perceived through spiritual connection, are undoubtedly remarkable.

Even some celestial beings, confident in their own level of attainment, harbored thoughts of inquiring.

Shen Linyuan's gaze swept over Chen Ping'an's body, looked at the few things in front of him, and quickly looked away.

His expression was calm, but his gaze was sharp; it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"Mang Dao's assets aren't much either," You Tianren said with a playful smile, his expression quite amusing.

The prodigy Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, has a great reputation, but his foundation is far inferior to theirs.

Among the many pseudo-celestial beings, An Qingyang looked down at the object in front of Chen Ping'an, frowned slightly, and then felt relieved.

Yes, although Mang Dao has a great reputation, his experience in cultivation is still shallow. Even if he holds a high position and great power, how much has he actually accumulated?

As An Qingyang looked down again, a sense of superiority arose in his heart.

So what if he's a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud, with heaven-defying combat power?

Ultimately, there are still areas where he falls short.

These days, in Beishan Pass, people often compare Mangdao to him, and there have been many similar comments. He can't help but feel a sense of comparison himself.

However, he kept this comparison to himself and did not share it with others.

After all, no matter what, Chen Ping'an, the ruthless swordsman, is a legitimate giant in Beishan Pass, a top-level giant who truly overlooks the pass.

His status and position are comparable to those of a martial arts celestial being. If we also consider his talent and ability, his status is even higher than that of an ordinary martial arts celestial being.

In such situations, he would only make such calculations in his heart, feeling a slight sense of superiority that nourished his inner self.

"Medicinal pills and spiritual items that help break through realms."

Nestled among the mountains, Master Gu's expression was calm, his gaze distant and indifferent.

He possesses elixirs that protect the spiritual platform, purify the mind and calm the spirit, suitable for grandmasters' cultivation, and even able to facilitate the removal of barriers and bottlenecks.

In fact, the fresh batch of pills he recently refined was a Qing Shen Pill, which could enhance one's condition and increase the chances of breaking through to a higher realm by 10%.

But
No need.

His gaze swept over the trading resources in front of Chen Ping'an, his eyes revealing undisguised disdain.

In his view, these resources were commonplace, no different from chicken ribs.

Resources and spiritual items are not what he needs. He has spiritual items and pills, so it's impossible for him to take the initiative to trade.

As for whether he can successfully trade the dagger when he demonstrates the transaction later, that depends on the other party's ability.

Chen Ping'an, a prodigy and a valiant warrior, is renowned and influential, holding the position of Deputy Garrison Commander of Beishan, wielding considerable power. However...
So what!
The Mang Dao's reputation is his own business, what does it have to do with him!
The Hidden Dragon Ranking is held every fifty years, with a new generation every thirty years and a replacement every twenty years. Martial arts masters live for a thousand years and have experienced dozens of Hidden Dragon Rankings. In one's lifetime, one has encountered no small number of Hidden Dragon prodigies.

The way of martial arts is like that of a celestial being, and it is even more suitable for him.

At his level, ordinary rising stars no longer catch his eye. Someone like Mang Dao might get a second glance, but that's about it.

It's impossible for him to deliberately make friends with them or lower himself to associate with them.

As for when he will look at us differently and form a good relationship, we'll talk about that when he becomes a celestial being!

As for now
Let's wait and see.

Both were alchemists, holding extraordinary positions, but their personalities differed, leading to different ways of dealing with the world. Clearly, Master Gu was not the type to cultivate good relationships and patiently wait for prodigies to grow.

Although he was capable of fulfilling Chen Ping'an's request for a transaction and thus forming a good relationship, he ultimately chose to ignore it in this particular situation.

Master Gu, dressed in a fiery red robe, remained calm and composed, while the trading displays and spiritual exchanges in the arena were quite lively.

One by one, martial arts masters demonstrated and introduced themselves, explaining what they needed.

Chen Ping'an used his spiritual power to communicate with several martial arts celestial beings who were interested.

During this time, he keenly sensed that a celestial being was trying to eavesdrop. Using their spiritual senses, they perceived the content of the message being conveyed.

As celestial beings, they communicate through their souls, making it difficult for the other party to sense their presence.

But it was much easier for him to communicate with the spiritual power of a grandmaster and to descend to another dimension with his divine soul.

That celestial being thought the same way, but when he actually tried it, his eyes were filled with horror.

On the cloud-capped peak, a lean old man sat beneath a rock, his expression terrified, his eyes filled with horror.

"This is..." His eyes were filled with disbelief as he looked at Chen Ping'an, who stood not far away, seemingly oblivious to everything.

"The will of Heaven and Man!"

Mangdao
Mang Dao's martial will has actually reached the level of a celestial being!

With the spiritual power of a Grandmaster and the blessing of the will of Heaven and Man, he achieved a level comparable to that of a divine soul. This is the foundation of the Savage Blade.
To what extent has it reached?

The old man was filled with horror, as if he had opened the door to a new world.

The will of Heaven and Man, having reached such a level without being tempered by trials, means that Mang Dao's Dao heart has already reached an extremely terrifying level.

This profound Daoist spirit, combined with his innate talent and ability, transcends the barriers between Heaven and Man.
It can be broken with one hand!

A martial arts master is just around the corner!
Even the inexplicably dangerous and extremely risky inner demon barrier is not necessarily a formidable challenge for Mang Dao.

Such talent, such talent.
The old man murmured to himself, his mind reeling.

Even under such circumstances, with the attainment of the Celestial Realm a certainty, they were still planning and seeking elixirs and spiritual objects to protect the spiritual platform and enhance the breakthrough.

This fierce knife
At this moment, the old man was already deeply shocked.

Although he was a celestial being, he had never seen such a gifted prodigy. A young man who achieves great success should be arrogant and unrestrained, but he saw none of that in Mang Dao.

This is it.
A true brute force.

He glanced around and found that no one around him seemed to notice his feelings. He was shocked and it took him a long time to calm himself down.

When he looked at Chen Ping'an again, his gaze was filled with a different kind of caution and apprehension.

The Seventh in the Storm Riders!?
In his opinion, Fengyun should be number one!

With the Grandmaster realm, one can fight against Celestials!

hum~
Chen Ping'an slightly raised his eyes, a flash of spirituality passing through them.

"Soul probing?"
Do you really think I'm made of clay?!

However, he did not expect that simply adding a little bit of martial will and giving a simple lesson would frighten the other party so much that he turned pale and panicked.

His gaze fell again, and he found that this lean old man was no ordinary person either.

Having reached the pinnacle of cultivation, he had mastered concealment techniques that allowed him to significantly reduce his own presence. Among the many celestial beings present, he was not one of the core figures; his location was secluded. Furthermore, the trade fair, the scheming among participants, the telepathic communication, the strategic exchanges, and his deliberate actions meant that no one noticed the old man's situation.

However, with his cultivation level gradually increasing and his foundation deepening, it's not a big deal for him to appropriately reveal some of his inner strength.

As long as the logic is sound, the promotion process is orderly and traceable, these are not problems.

A 28-year-old martial arts master doesn't seem out of place at all.
Chen Pingan smiled gently.

However, let's wait and see how things go before making any decisions.

Speaking of logical reasoning and orderly promotion, here's something I've just presented.

He never expected that a conventional trade fair would actually result in the acquisition of a suitable item.

Among the messages exchanged between several celestial beings, two came seeking friendship and goodwill. Of the remaining few, he actually negotiated two items as part of a business deal.

A Bodhi lotus, a pure ice fruit.

The former can protect the spiritual platform and calm the mind, while the latter can enhance spiritual light and stabilize the mind; both are spiritual objects that are beneficial for breaking through barriers and advancing in realms.

Although Chen Ping'an didn't need these two items, they conveniently provided him with an opportunity. When he breaks through barriers and ascends to the celestial realm, looking back on these two items will be a reason for his future success.

Unlike the Grandmaster realm, the spiritual items used to break through the Heavenly Human barrier are often not so absolute. For example, the Soul Condensation Jade Liquid is already a first-class spiritual item for breaking through the barrier.

However, the overall profit margin is only around 20%.

Even with the best spiritual elixir, the Shangqing Pill, which is specially designed to ward off inner demons and illusions, and can temporarily enhance one's mental state and intelligence, keeping the mind clear and ensuring no spiritual light is lost, the overall cost would not exceed 30%.

Such mastery already provides extremely high benefits.

These kinds of spiritual items can be considered the main spiritual items for breaking through realms. If the main spiritual items are like this, then the secondary spiritual items are naturally even worse. Those that can improve one's realm by 10% are already the best secondary spiritual items, high-grade spiritual pills, and profound treasure pills.

For items that assist in breaking through realms, the estimated improvement is at most half a percent. Most of them may not even reach half a percent.

While items like the Bodhi Lotus and the Ice Heart Fruit are beneficial for breaking through barriers and advancing in realms, they are only slightly better than nothing. The combined value of the two may not even equal that of a single auxiliary item for advancing in realms.

Even so, for Chen Ping'an, that was enough.

Who told him to be such a prodigy!

He broke through the realm on his own without relying on any spiritual objects, which is already quite generous of him.

Having these two spiritual items is about enough.

The barrier between Heaven and Man is difficult to cross, and the most crucial point lies in the illusion of inner demons. The most terrifying aspect of the illusion of inner demons is that no matter how high one's plans are, if one's Dao heart is flawed, this barrier will still be difficult to overcome.

At most, it can ensure that one does not die or perish, but one can forget about becoming a martial arts celestial being; at most, one will become a pseudo-celestial being.

It is precisely for this reason that even those regional overlords, or behemoths spanning many regions, cannot guarantee the success of their clan's prodigies, even with the assistance of numerous spiritual creatures, the meticulous guidance of their elders, and their single-minded planning.

The illusion of inner demons is fair to all cultivators.

Aside from those little demonic spirits, all that can be relied upon is oneself.

Of course, sometimes, it might just be a matter of finding the right spiritual object or inner demon.

A single step can make or break a lifetime.

Chen Ping'an had already achieved the status of a celestial being, so he naturally didn't need these two items. However, since the opportunity had arisen, he decided to stockpile some, as they would be valuable resources for future gifts or transactions.

"In that case, thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Yang."

Having reached an agreement with the remaining person, Chen Ping'an completed the transaction.

In front of a group of celestial beings, he completed the transaction with the red-haired old man.

As luck would have it, one of the items traded was the Ice Heart Fruit, which he had obtained from the red-haired old man.

The other party intended to establish a good relationship with him, and all the prices were within a reasonable range; they did not exploit him.

Speaking of which, the red-haired old man was clearly a fire-attribute cultivator, yet he possessed a spiritual object with an opposite affinity. It must be said that nature is mysterious and the world is full of wonders; things with conflicting attributes often coexist in the same place.

That red-haired old man, perhaps, was the same one who found this Ice Heart Fruit.

Just as Chen Ping'an finished his transaction, Ying Congyun had just completed a transaction as well.

Seeing Chen Ping'an looking over, the other party made a joke.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you've had a good harvest."

"Fellow Daoist Ying has also gained a great deal," Chen Ping'an replied with a smile.

Ying Congyun intends to go to the Netherworld to seek opportunities, and this transaction is all for the purpose of protecting the Dao.

At this point, the transaction process has been shown for more than half of its duration.

However, Chen Ping'an's core needs—fourth-tier treasure materials and fire-elemental essence—have yet to be found, let alone met.

During the brief exchange between the two, the transaction demonstration took place on the turn of a thin-faced Taoist priest in a yellow robe.

The item displayed by the other party caused a stir and uproar in the room.

"This is."

Ying Congyun looked up and a hint of joy appeared on her face.

An Qingyang was stunned for a moment, then his heart fluttered.

Elder Cangjian, who was in the center of the small gathering, also showed a look of surprise when he saw what the other party was displaying.

Even a master like Gu lowered his gaze at this moment, a hint of interest appearing on his face.

The arena erupted in clamor, spirits stirred, and excitement rippled through the crowd. (End of Chapter)