The Great Martial Saint!

"It's safe now."

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm and composed, showing no emotion.

At the trade fair, he appeared to be paying attention to the transactions, but in reality, most of his thoughts were focused on Master Hongfeng.

Fourth-tier spiritual fruit, Crimson Sun Golden Fruit, fire-elemental essence.

After agreeing on the time and place for the transaction and listening to the other party's response, Chen Ping'an felt reassured.

As he anticipated, this Crimson Sun Golden Fruit might fall into the hands of someone else. At that time, he would need to plan the transaction, which might involve some trouble.

After all, the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit, being a fourth-tier fruit, contains fire-elemental essence and is quite valuable. It is especially popular among practitioners of fire-attribute techniques, those who cultivate body tempering, and even alchemists.

Unexpectedly, the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit in Master Hongfeng's possession was not traded.

It seems
The competition between the Heart-Questioning Sword Pavilion and the Hengshan Sect has become increasingly open and intense!
As the saying goes, "ducks are the first to know when the river warms in spring." In this current azure landscape, the people present are like ducks on this spring river.

Recently, the Sword Pavilion has been gaining momentum, with Shen Linyuan breaking through to the Celestial Realm and even defeating a Supreme Elder of the Hengshan Sect at the Celestial Realm Ceremony. In contrast, the Hengshan Sect has been experiencing a series of misfortunes and is in a state of decline.

In the battle between the two, there is no doubt that, as things stand, the Wenxin Sword Pavilion holds the absolute upper hand.

Under such circumstances, especially at the Cloud Mountain Meeting organized by the Heart-Questioning Sword Pavilion, the outcome of the Celestial Assembly's choice is self-evident.

While the exact direction is unclear, it is still important to maintain a proper balance of space and distance.

Previously, when the demon king's cub, the Moon Spirit Stone Monkey, was competing, he sensed the soul fluctuations of Cangjian and Hongfeng, clearly indicating that their competition was not pleasant.

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, and then several more Celestial Beings displayed resources and spiritual objects, stating their needs.

Among them were Gu Yue Qianfang of the Gu Yue Clan and Huang Lao'er of the Qingmu Workshop. The resources they displayed were all of considerable fourth-tier quality, attracting many Celestials to compete for them.

However, Chen Ping'an had little interest in this. He had already locked in the key resources, and now he just needed to wait for the trade fair to end so he could make proper plans and obtain fourth-tier spiritual fruits and fire-type essence.

This Crimson Sun Golden Fruit differed from all the fourth-tier treasures he had expected, but it contained a wealth of fire-elemental essence, and its effects were no less than those of treasures.

As Chen Ping'an was lost in thought, the trading demonstration session quickly came to an end. The most anticipated trading session at the meeting was naturally the trading demonstration by Master Gu, the number one alchemist in Beishan.

With many celestial beings eagerly awaiting his arrival, Master Gu finally revealed the trading elixir he had brought.

"Fourth-tier spirit pills, Yuanbao pills, Divine Soul Secret pills, as well as breakthrough spirit pills and spirit-cleansing pills. These can improve status, enhance progress, and help break through the Heavenly Human barrier, increasing the chances of advancement by 10%. Priority trades include Dao-protecting treasures, fourth-tier talismans, unique puppets, Heavenly Spring Water, and Ice Soul Cold Water."

As soon as he finished speaking, the celestial beings looked excited and eagerly watched the various spiritual pills floating in front of Master Gu.

"Return to Yuanbao Dan."

Ying Congyun looked excited and his face showed signs of excitement.

The Rejuvenating Elixir can nourish and heal injuries, replenish the spirit and restore health. It is a mysterious and miraculous creation. Even if you suffer a severe injury, you can hold on to your breath and stabilize your condition.

For someone of his stature, this was absolutely a true and fundamental treasure.

If you have a Rejuvenation Pill, it's basically like having a second life.

Even if we encounter danger, we won't be completely helpless and fall into utter despair. As for a Pyrrhic victory, the Yuanbao Pill will be a lifesaver this time.

"Divine Soul Secret Pill." Chen Ping'an's gaze fell on another type of pill on Master Gu's body.

His vital energy is abundant, and his physique is formidable. Even if he suffers severe injuries, his recovery ability is astonishing, far surpassing that of others of the same level. In addition, he cultivates a dual cultivation technique. Although he is currently only at the beginner level, once he achieves minor mastery, the benefits of the technique will be absolutely astonishing.

Even now, it has greatly benefited him, making his foundation solid. In terms of endurance and endurance, few cultivators can match him.

“Master Gu, I have a flawed but precious treasure. I wonder if we could trade one Yuanbao Pill and one Divine Soul Secret Pill?” A rogue cultivator who had just entered the second realm of the Celestial Realm asked with interest.

“Let’s discuss it privately,” Master Gu said with a displeased expression, without giving a direct response.

Upon hearing this, the celestial being looked embarrassed and then transmitted his voice through his soul.

Seeing the various elixirs surrounding Master Gu, the yellow-robed Taoist also showed interest and was willing to participate in the transaction.

Thus, the soul was in turmoil, and all sides were intertwined.

After a few breaths, Master Gu seemed to have reached a deal with someone, closed his eyes slightly, and said no more.

Even if a deal is reached on some rare resources, they may not be divided up in front of others for privacy reasons.

While this approach may not fool those with ulterior motives, it undoubtedly reduces the risk to some extent.

In this atmosphere, the trading and exhibition session of this Yunshan Small Meeting officially came to a close.

It's rare to have so many celestial beings gathered together, so naturally, the final stage of this small meeting will involve discussions, information sharing, and mutual exchange of information.

Some celestial beings took out the spiritual wine, preparing to find familiar friends for a long chat. Other pseudo-celestial beings organized their own circles, discussing, socializing, or simply chatting.

In such circles, even casual conversation can be of great value at certain appropriate times.

Some pseudo-celestial beings, or even celestial beings themselves, would not let such an opportunity pass them by.

At this stage, although participation was not mandatory, the vast majority of celestial beings chose to stay. Only a very few celestial beings left early.

As the core of the event, Master Gu was naturally the most sought-after figure. However, Master Gu seemed unwilling to socialize. He only spoke a few words with a few celestial beings before closing his eyes slightly, appearing calm and collected.

The conversation was quite lively. Chen Ping'an listened for a few minutes and found that most of the topics revolved around the upcoming Netherworld Secret Realm.

After all, for celestial beings, there are not many grand events and secret realms that can attract their attention, and this Netherworld Secret Realm happens to be one of them. Moreover, it opened recently, so there is no reason not to talk about it.

In addition, some mentioned the North Sea Merchant Alliance, Princess Xingyue, and the Cloud and Thunder Twin Lords' search for husbands. There were also those who traced back to the past, discussing the first figure in the Wind and Cloud faction, and the graceful beauty of the Moon Shadow Divine Arrow.

In addition, there are small-scale discussions among people from different realms, where they exchange ideas, share experiences, and mutually verify each other's insights.

Chen Ping'an wasn't very interested in these things; he had something on his mind and intended to leave early.

but
He glanced at Master Hongfeng not far away and decided to play it safe for now.

To date, although a few Celestials have left the small association, the number is still not enough. Leaving too early would easily arouse suspicion and attention.

Just then, Ying Ruyun, having finished her rounds, walked over with a smile: "Fellow Daoist Chen, Master Gu happens to be free now. How about I introduce you?"

"So good."

Chen Pingan readily agreed.

He and Ying Congyun had made an agreement about this before the trade fair, so it wouldn't hurt to meet in person.

Chen Ping'an followed Ying Congyun and found that there were quite a few people surrounding Master Gu.

Although Master Gu rarely speaks, only occasionally responding to a few key issues, many people still enjoy gathering around him.

Chen Ping'an and Ying Congyun waited for a while before going up to meet the renowned Master Gu.

"I have met Master Gu."

Ying Congyun bowed to him first, and then introduced him: "This is my colleague, Chen Ping'an, the deputy garrison commander of Beishan."

During the introduction, Ying Congyun gave Chen Ping'an a hand, mentioned his system identity, and addressed him as a fellow Daoist, thus setting the tone.

Master Gu, dressed in a fiery red robe, with deep furrows between his brows, looked up as he heard the introduction.

"Master Gu." Chen Ping'an bowed calmly and without arrogance.

"Chen Ping'an, a rising star, a man of great renown. I have heard of you." Master Gu's words were devoid of any emotion; he simply stated the objective facts calmly.

"It is an honor for me to be known by Master Gu."

Chen Ping'an's response was conventional and more like a polite remark, enough to save face.

Master Gu glanced at Chen Ping'an, nodded, and seemed to have lost interest.

“Master Gu, when you start refining pills in the future, if you have any suitable pills, I wonder if you would like to ask?” Ying Congyun said from the side.

"I understand."

Master Gu replied once and then said no more, his brows furrowed deeply and his eyes indifferent and aloof.

Without much small talk or formalities, the conversation, initiated by one party, abruptly ended.

Such a reaction was clearly unexpected even by Ying Congyun.

Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, is among the rising stars, a master of the martial arts world. He slew the evil eagle's bone face with his grandmaster-level skill, displaying extraordinary talent and astonishing brilliance. While Master Gu's status is revered, it shouldn't be this way; it's unacceptable.

this.
Ying Congyun's eyes flickered, his mind racing. But given the current situation and the fact that things were already set in stone, he glanced at Chen Ping'an, suppressed his thoughts, and then bowed to take his leave.

"Sorry to bother you."

Master Gu's eyes were slightly closed, and it was unclear whether he had replied or not.

Such scenes were naturally witnessed by many celestial beings.

This master's reaction to the Mangdao was rather lukewarm.

Is it simply that they don't like each other, or did Mang Dao offend Master Gu in some way?

One day, people began to have doubts and their emotions were in turmoil.

With Mang Dao's talent, status, and ability, although he is only at the Grandmaster level, to be fair, he is indeed worthy of being compared with them.

just
There are also differences between humans and the divine.

Given Master Gu's status, he certainly had the right to react calmly and indifferently to the Mangdao.

Master Gu's alchemy skills were profound, ranking him among the top fourth-tier alchemists. His reputation was widespread in the surrounding areas.

There was once a local tyrant who invited Master Gu to be a guest of honor, but he refused.

His decision to stay in Beishan was more of an honor for Beishan.

With Master Gu's expertise in alchemy, even if he wanted to go to Wentian City, he could easily gain a foothold based on his skills and influence.

It should be noted that among Master Gu's close friends were those who had achieved the highest level of spiritual cultivation.

Although Mang Dao is amazing and belongs to a system, Master Gu does not rely on any powerful force and makes a living based on his skills, so he can completely ignore him.

Besides his alchemy skills, Master Gu was also a martial arts master at the second realm. With his immense wealth, even if he wasn't skilled in combat, his fighting prowess would still be extremely terrifying.

"Ying Congyun, this important figure in the system, is really living a frustrating life." On the way out, Chen Ping'an glanced at Ying Congyun and sighed inwardly.

Gu's reaction shows that he didn't treat Ying Congyun as an equal fellow Daoist at all.

In comparison, Hua Danshi from Xuanling City was much more resourceful. Although he wasn't exactly a smooth talker, he was still much better than Gu.

Speaking of which...
Wasn't this also true for him?

The position of deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass is a status and position filled with unparalleled glory in the eyes of countless people.

In the face of truly high-level, top-tier cultivators in the mortal realm, they were ultimately lacking in stature.

Indeed, even among celestial beings, there are still different social classes.

Interacting with people from different social classes yields vastly different statuses and treatment.

How far must one cultivate to reach this level? And how high must one sit in this position?
That's considered high!

Chen Ping'an remained calm and composed, his expression completely unfazed.

Speaking of which...
The cultivators of Beishan seem to lack even the most basic respect for key figures in the system and powerful officials.

When disrespect goes unpunished, it becomes the norm.

It seems that Yu Minglong's governance of Beishan Pass isn't all that great.

If he were in power, he would target the troublemakers.

Don't tell him that if he doesn't want to come to Beishan, there are plenty of other places to go. If he does have other places to go, then he can go there himself.

Since we've come to Beishan, we must abide by its rules, the rules of the Zhenfu Division.

"Interesting." Chen Ping'an's mind stirred slightly, and he chuckled softly.

The introduction by Ying Congyun ended in a slightly awkward situation.

Beneath Master Gu's slightly closed eyes was a gaze that held a fiery red depth, yet remained calm and indifferent.

"Brother Gu, thank you very much."

The voice transmission from Elder Cangjian rang in Master Gu's ears.

"It's alright," Master Gu replied softly via telepathic communication.

His statement stemmed from two reasons. First, the attitude of the Sword Inquiry Pavilion was seen as support for his friend, Elder Cangjian. Second, it was influenced by Chen Ping'an's reaction: if he was interested in acquiring breakthrough items, why didn't he even inquire about them after Chen Ping'an displayed the breakthrough pills?

Even without the suitable supplies he needed, the other party's reaction left him with a vague sense of dissatisfaction.

Secondly, and most importantly, his reaction came at no cost whatsoever. Even if Chen Ping'an rises to power in the future, that will be an extremely distant future for him.

Given Chen Ping'an's current state, let alone now, even if he were to break through to a higher realm and become a Celestial Being, possessing combat power comparable to Shen Linyuan,
So what does it matter to him?
Let alone Chen Ping'an, even if Yu Minglong came in person, he would still have the same attitude if he was not pleased.

He was an expert in alchemy and had many friends. Even if he offended a great cultivator and paid the price, someone would always come to his rescue.

Not to mention Chen Ping'an, who, in his eyes, hadn't even grown up yet.

A Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud, capable of fighting a pseudo-Celestial Being, is indeed impressive.

It's worth taking another look at.

Can.
So what!
If you don't know how to be a good person, you should learn how to be a good person first before you come here!

Looking at Chen Ping'an's back not far away, Master Gu felt no ripples in his heart, and did not feel the slightest regret for offending the prodigy.

When he is strong enough and has a high enough position, he is not afraid of offending people.

Even those he offended had to reflect on what they had done to offend him and provoke his malice, and even go so far as to try to appease him with generous gifts to ease the tension.

"Master Gu, I have half a portion of Heavenly Spring Water. May I request a special opportunity to use it for alchemy? Rest assured, Master Gu, all expenses will be paid separately; I will provide the necessary spiritual items myself."

A voice transmission from a senior celestial being echoed in his mind. Master Gu responded calmly and slowly.

A celestial voice sounded beside him; though the voice was steady, it clearly indicated a desire to befriend him.

"Master Gu, could you please give me some advance notice before the next alchemy session? I've prepared a lot of spiritual resources for this time."

"Lin Yuan, are you satisfied?"

Elder Cangjian stroked his long beard, looking at the grand scene on Cloud Mountain, and said with a delighted expression.

"He's just a junior, Elder, there's no need for such formality."

Shen Linyuan was full of vigor and had a handsome and upright posture.

"It's alright, just something I did on a whim." Elder Cangjian smiled nonchalantly.

A mere brute force wouldn't be worth all this effort.

His intervention was not only due to Mang Dao, but also because of Master Gu's attitude.

This incident provides a good opportunity to ascertain Master Gu's inclinations.

It is now clear that Master Gu's attitude and inclination are quite evident.

Yokoyama Sect.
Elder Cangjian's expression was open, revealing a strong sense of self-confidence.

Master Gu's attitude undoubtedly reassured him.

"Lin Yuan, the Gu family's words clearly and resolutely refuse. This matter is not only about you, but also about the sect. Today is the right opportunity. There is no need to hold back. Take this opportunity to give the Gu family a response and to make our Wenxin Sword Pavilion's attitude and determination clear to everyone."

Elder Cangjian had long eyebrows and sharp eyes, exuding a fierce aura.

Shen Linyuan stood with his hands behind his back, calmed down slightly, and finally nodded.

"It is up to the elders to decide."

"good."

Elder Cangjian chuckled softly and then sent a telepathic message to Qiu Siping, who was standing not far away, giving him instructions.

"I have long admired Lord Chen for his unparalleled talent and astonishing combat prowess. Today, with such a momentous occasion, I, Qiu, am eager to learn from you. I humbly request Lord Chen's guidance."

A clamor, accompanied by the cry of a sword, resounded across the cloud-shrouded mountain. (End of Chapter)