The Great Martial Saint!

Whoosh!
Chen Ping'an flashed with light and soared through the sky.

After leaving Yunshan, he headed towards Beishan Pass.

Yunshan is located near the Black Nether Mountain Range, which is very close to this branch of the Beishan Prefecture, but much farther from the Beishan Pass.

He fled in a flash, making no attempt to conceal his whereabouts.

Once he could no longer sense anything around him through his spiritual perception, he suppressed the fluctuations and concealed his presence.

After a few breaths, he repeatedly sensed and confirmed that there was no one in sight, so he landed on a hilltop.

"Hidden Sword."

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm, yet it held a deep chill.

During a small gathering in the clouds, a transaction took place in the clouds. He had only come for fourth-tier treasure materials and fire-elemental essence, but things didn't go as planned.

Whether the other party is using this as a warning or trying to intimidate others, it doesn't matter.

These are all the other party's reasons, and have nothing to do with him.

Qiu Siping challenged him to a duel, and he casually beheaded him.

One slash shatters the sword's intent, two slashes shatter the sword's light, three slashes sever the head.

In this battle, he displayed the mastery of the Thunderous Blade Technique, as well as his astonishing talent in the art of swordsmanship, which could turn the mundane into the miraculous.

If things had ended there, he wouldn't have wanted to delve deeper, only to offer a warning. But alas...
Tong Cangjian was shameless and used his power to intimidate others, intending to change the outcome of the battle.

In this battle, both sides had a prior agreement, yet the other side shamelessly used their spiritual pressure and sharp sword light to try and interfere with the outcome and save Qiu Siping's life!
Chen Ping'an's eyes turned cold, and his killing intent was already rising.

In the situation just now, he seemed to have backed down, but in reality, he had already made a decision.

"The Sword Pavilion of Inquiry?"

Click!Click!Click!
His bones and muscles throbbed, his blood and qi surged, and a black iron mask descended, transforming Chen Ping'an's appearance in no time.

He was dressed as a middle-aged Confucian scholar, wearing a light blue Confucian robe.

While the black-robed old monster's disguise is useful, his frequent appearances easily arouse suspicion. Although his previous actions were not seen by outsiders, caution is always wise, and being more prudent is indeed the right thing to do.

In addition, the frequent use of pseudonyms in various settings, which often aligns with his identity, can easily arouse suspicion.

In such situations, using multiple personas can reduce the risk.

The simulation was realistic, but the number of slots was limited. He wanted to have more different personas, so he could only use the ordinary and the supernatural ones.

With his current martial arts level and spiritual attainments, and with the help of the Black Profound Iron Mask, even without using his unique divine ability to truly simulate reality, he could easily deceive any cultivator below the Great Cultivator level.

Even a master cultivator, if not proficient in the Dao of the Soul, might not be able to detect his secrets.

However, while ordinary disguises can present multiple images, they are still limited by the techniques used. They are fine for casual conversations, but in a real battle, when one uses their full strength, it is extremely easy to expose their weaknesses and create openings.

Speaking of which...
Previously, when he appeared in a normal disguise, Hua Ruyue saw through his disguise. Whether Da Xiu can detect this plan this time is ultimately just speculation.

"Changes may occur depending on circumstances!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, and he activated the Formless Freedom Technique to cleanse his aura with his divine soul.

"It's been a long time since I last used an alias, this time..."
A bento box is a great way to loosen up!

Whoosh!
Chen Ping'an's escape light flashed, shooting towards the sky at a speed several times faster than before.

If a Celestial Being were present, they would likely be astonished, for this must be a seasoned Second Realm Celestial Being skilled in escape techniques. Perhaps, even a seasoned Celestial Being who has already reached the peak of the Second Realm and is only one step away from becoming a Great Cultivator.

"This is it."

Master Hongfeng's aura was intense, and with a flash of red light, he landed in a valley.

The valley is filled with dense, billowing fog, which is very different from the thin fog in other places, hence the name Fog Valley.

The mist in the Misty Valley can obstruct the spirituality of a Grandmaster. Even a pseudo-celestial being with flawed soul will be affected to some extent.

However, it didn't have much of an impact on Master Hongfeng.

He looked wary, sensing the subtle clues around him, searching for the trader who had been secretly communicating.

We are already inside the Black Nether Mountains. If the other party has ulterior motives, the transaction may not proceed as smoothly as the transmission indicated.

He came here taking a lot of risks.

but
Thinking back on how he had handled things, Master Hongfeng felt a little relieved.

Just as Master Hongfeng was thinking this, a gentle voice suddenly rang out.

"Fellow Daoist, are you looking for me, Xu?"

Master Hongfeng was startled and turned around abruptly, seeing a middle-aged man in a scholar's robe standing behind him with a gentle expression.

His expression hardened, and he became deeply vigilant.

when?
He boasted that his spiritual power was not weak. Although he had cultivated his body and mind, he had at least made up for his shortcomings in spiritual power. With the support of the first realm of perfection and the cultivation level that had reached the threshold of the second realm, even if a second-realm celestial being were in front of him, it would be impossible for him to do it so flawlessly.

Just now.
He sensed carefully, but clearly he hadn't discovered the other person's true nature!

"This..." He was shocked. He became extremely wary of the middle-aged man in the scholar's robe in front of him, and his fear reached its peak.

Fortunately, the other party didn't seem to have any ill intentions. Although he didn't know their specific plans, they clearly didn't intend to attack him at the moment. This put him at ease. Suppressing his emotions, he bowed politely and spoke respectfully.

"So it was Fellow Daoist Xu who was communicating with me just now."

"Not bad." Chen Ping'an smiled gently. The fellow Daoist surnamed Xu, who was using an alias, was gentle in demeanor and refined in bearing.

"I invited you here to make a deal. I am quite interested in the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit you have."

Master Hongfeng felt a chill run down his spine, trying to guess the other party's purpose.

The Crimson Sun Golden Fruit, a fire-elemental spiritual fruit, is suitable for those who practice physical training or cultivate corresponding techniques. However, judging from the other person's behavior, they don't seem to be a cultivator in this area. Could it be for alchemy? Or...?
Master Hongfeng harbored suspicions, but recalling the scene of the other party's sudden appearance just now, he quickly abandoned the idea.

The opponent's ability to conceal himself was extremely high; it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't be deceived.

"May I ask, Fellow Daoist Xu, what do you intend to use for the transaction?"

Chen Ping'an smiled and got straight to the point: "Is the beast taming inheritance enough?"

"Beast Taming Inheritance!" Master Hongfeng was taken aback, and then couldn't help but wonder.

Could this person in front of me be a beast tamer?
Did you purchase the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit for the sake of a spirit beast?

Can.
He didn't possess the aura of a spirit beast! Was he hiding it too well, or...?
Master Hongfeng's emotions shifted, and he was unsure of what to do.

"I wonder what grade of beast-taming inheritance it is!?" Master Hongfeng took a deep breath and asked, "May I have a look?"

"Fourth-tier Beast Taming Inheritance".

As he spoke, Chen Ping'an gently raised his hand, and a jade book appeared before him: "However, what I have in my hand is only a rubbing."

Upon hearing the preface, Master Hongfeng was quite surprised. Fourth rank? The other party was actually willing to offer a fourth-rank beast-taming inheritance, which was a high-rank inheritance that could be used as a treasure of the sect.

If one can fully understand it, it is even possible to establish a sect based on it.

The other party is actually willing to give away such a large quantity?

However, after hearing the rest of the explanation, he understood. It turned out to be a rubbing of a historical artifact, which made much more sense.

However, even if it is a rubbing of a legacy, it is still of great importance if it involves a high-level legacy.

Master Hongfeng took this very seriously, but after reading part of what the other party had shown, he couldn't help but frown.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, the essence of this inheritance seems to be somewhat incomplete!"

Chen Ping'an was fully aware of this situation.

The jade book in his hand was naturally copied from the Xuanming Beast Taming Manual. He had transformed the stark white bone fragments into a jade book.

However, while copying is beneficial, it's not a guaranteed way to profit. High-level beast-taming inheritances involve profound and subtle principles, and without a thorough understanding of them, it's difficult to make a complete copy.

“What you say is true, fellow Daoist. However, some of the records in the jade book are from the original texts and are of considerable value.” Chen Ping’an said with a smile, not in a hurry.

He was aware of the circumstances surrounding the rubbing, so he added some of the original text's essence during the rubbing process.

While this would certainly deplete the original effectiveness of the inheritance, it would undoubtedly enhance the value of the rubbing.

He is currently studying forbidden techniques, comprehending the ways of poison, comprehending secret arts, perfecting his cultivation methods, and improving his secret arts; he is already too busy to keep up. Naturally

I have no intention of studying this beast-taming inheritance, so doing so won't cause any problems.

Instead of breaking it down into smaller parts, we could increase its value. This would allow for recycling and use as core bargaining chips to acquire resources.

Master Hongfeng nodded slightly, acknowledging Chen Ping'an's words. However, he added, "While that may be true, it's still a bit lacking in value if you want to exchange it for the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit I possess."

"Xu can add an extra 30,000 crystals and purchase a near-fourth-tier spiritual item."

“Fellow Daoist Xu, such a transaction seems rather insincere,” said True Person Hongfeng, frowning.

The transaction between the two involved fourth-tier spiritual fruits, so some back and forth was inevitable.

In the end, Chen Ping'an, with the help of a price tag, purchased the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit from True Person Hongfeng for 30,000 crystals, a near-fourth-tier spiritual item, and several auxiliary materials.

"It's in hand."

Chen Ping'an looked at the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit in his hand, his heart filled with joy.

After much planning, it has finally come to fruition.

Therefore, there's no need to go to Wentian City for the time being.

"It's all thanks to Fellow Daoist Xu. If it were anyone else, I would never have made such a deal." True Person Hongfeng looked pained as he took stock of the items in front of him.

In fact, he wasn't entirely satisfied. While the deal wasn't exactly a loss for him, it fell far short of his ideal expectations.

If the other party's strength weren't unfathomable and their background unknown, he probably wouldn't have given up so easily. But now, he didn't dare to ask for too much; if he refused to budge, things might get out of hand.
Furthermore...
His emotions shifted, and recalling his previous actions, he suppressed his feelings.

If handled properly, this transaction might...
It can far exceed expectations.

Whether it's appropriate or not depends on whether we can make it in time.

After the transaction was completed, Chen Ping'an inspected the Crimson Sun Golden Fruit and, confirming that there were no problems, put it away.

With the matter settled, Chen Ping'an had no intention of staying any longer. He had other matters to attend to, and if the opportunity arose, he would settle the score that day!

Just as Chen Ping'an was about to leave, Master Hongfeng, who had just put away the trading resources, suddenly spoke.

"Fellow Daoist, please wait."

"Ok?"

Chen Ping'an slightly raised his eyes. Although his demeanor was refined, his eyes were filled with something else.

Master Hongfeng knew that speaking at this moment would easily cause misunderstandings, so he smiled broadly, revealing a hint of goodwill.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, please don't misunderstand. I have no other intention. I just wanted to ask you, with the Netherworld Secret Realm about to open, would you be interested in exploring it?"

Knowing that this wasn't specific enough, Master Hongfeng paused and added, "Our Hengshan Sect intends to participate in this secret realm, and several of our Supreme Elders are already preparing to participate. In addition to the Supreme Elders, we are currently organizing manpower. Fellow Daoist Xu also knows that the Netherworld Secret Realm is fraught with danger and unpredictability. Having more helpers and forming teams will help reduce the risks."

If danger arises, they can lend a helping hand to each other.

Master Hongfeng extended a sincere invitation to Chen Ping'an: "Fellow Daoist Xu, what do you think? Would you be willing to explore the secret realm together?"

"Explore the secret realm together?" Chen Ping'an looked calmly at Master Hongfeng.

This scene...it looks so familiar!
Seeing that Chen Ping'an remained unmoved, True Person Hongfeng added with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Xu, rest assured, we have a business relationship this time. In this team formation, I will certainly not let you suffer any losses. If there are any gains, we will split them fifty-fifty, how about it?"

Master Hongfeng offered conditions with great sincerity, seemingly determined to win Chen Ping'an over, but Chen Ping'an still refused the invitation.

He did not say whether he would participate or not, only that he was not interested in it.

However, Master Hongfeng was clearly unwilling to give up and continued to persuade him. After a few words, Chen Ping'an, not wanting to get entangled, directly refused.

"Leaving aside whether I am willing or not, even if I were willing, with my strength, do you think there is anyone in your Hengshan Sect who can team up with me?"

"what?"

Master Hongfeng was taken aback upon hearing this, and his heart skipped a beat.

这 是
what for?

Just as his mind was in turmoil, Chen Ping'an's cold eyes turned towards him.

"Fellow Daoist, you should put away your little schemes. Such delaying tactics are meaningless to me."

Master Hongfeng felt a chill run down his spine, a hint of unease appearing on his face. He forced a smile and asked.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, what does this mean?"

Chen Ping'an gave the other party a cold look, his good mood about the deal being secured was ruined.

"Let's not beat around the bush, fellow Daoist, it's good that you know."

Having said that, Chen Ping'an, not wanting to linger, prepared to leave.

At that very moment, his divine sense detected an aura as large as a mountain approaching from afar. Although the other party had deliberately concealed it, it was clear that such fluctuations could not escape his perception.

"coming!"

At the same time, upon sensing that unique method of communication, Master Hongfeng was overjoyed and immediately stopped pretending.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, you are exceptionally intelligent, which I admire. However, your background is mysterious, and I would like to find out more about it today."

boom!
A blazing and intense aura surged from Master Hongfeng, and powerful blood energy emanated from him, spreading outwards in all directions.

At the same time, the aura that received the signal no longer concealed itself and rushed toward the Misty Valley at great speed.

With a majestic and imposing aura like a mountain, carrying an unparalleled weight, it swept in from afar. Sensing this aura, Master Hongfeng was overjoyed, and his demeanor became calm and composed.

The next moment, the dark light landed in the misty valley. The light faded, revealing a towering, majestic, and imposing figure.

His face was dark, his skin like a mountain rock, rough and hard. A smile appeared on his lips, his eyes were bright, and he had an unparalleled and powerful confidence.

"Fellow Daoist."
"This humble one, Zhenyue, greets you!"

Hengshan Sect, Supreme Elder, Senior Second Realm Celestial Being, Venerable Zhenyue. (End of Chapter)