The Great Martial Saint!

"Gentlemen, there have been frequent incidents of monster riots recently. There have been no fewer than thirty instances of monsters gathering in groups of ten or more. According to our patrol and analysis, the monsters in the Netherworld Mountains are showing signs of rioting."

At the routine review meeting of the Beishan Town Pacification Office, Hou Xibai remained calm as he shared the latest news from the inspection.

"Xingyuan, you report the details." Hou Xibai called out a name, and a tall, burly man clad in heavy armor stepped forward.

"Yes, sir." He bowed respectfully, then looked around, nodded in greeting, and began to report on the recent findings of his patrol.

"My lords, according to the recent summary of various assassination incidents by the Patrol Division, there are also..."

The burly man's voice was deep and steady, like muffled thunder, clearly indicating that he was also a top-tier pseudo-celestial being.

Chen Ping'an sat on the jade table and chair, listening to the report from the audience, his expression calm and revealing nothing of his emotions.

This pseudo-celestial being named Xingyuan belonged to the Patrol Division and was under the jurisdiction of Hou Xibai. He was considered one of his more capable subordinates.

In fact, Chen Ping'an is now assisting with patrol matters, and nominally, this tall and burly man is also one of his subordinates. However, while he assists with official duties, the other party is not actually under his jurisdiction.

"A monster uprising? Is there a beast tide approaching?"

Chen Ping'an listened to the report from the field and roughly understood the specific situation.

Within the Netherworld Mountains, demonic beasts have been gathering frequently lately, clearly different from before. As in previous years, even top-tier third-order demonic beasts, which were relatively rare, have occasionally appeared. Furthermore, during a recent in-depth patrol, traces of near-fourth-order demonic beasts were discovered.

Furthermore, the possibility of transformed demonic beasts appearing cannot be ruled out.

"A transformed demon beast!"

Upon hearing this, many of the pseudo-celestial beings present were shaken, their expressions clearly showing surprise.

Beishan Pass is adjacent to the Netherworld Mountain Range. Due to the special nature of the mountain range, monsters gather and reproduce, and monster riots occur every once in a while.

But those were all small-scale incidents, even minor contact and friction, which would subside very quickly without much effort.

The strongest among them was only a third-tier monster.

But now, there seem to be traces of a transformed demon beast!?
Such a discovery could not help but surprise them.

"A transformed demon beast?"

As he listened to the report from the field, Chen Ping'an's heart stirred slightly.

However, he quickly suppressed his thoughts.

With his current combat strength, an ordinary transformed demon beast wouldn't be of much help to him, but a powerful demon beast that had entered the Great Cultivation level would be worth considering.

However, even if it were true, it would require too much effort, and he would need to carefully evaluate its specifics. But as a resource, it would be quite good.

The discovery of suspected monstrous creatures in the Netherworld Mountains caused a routine review meeting to last almost twice as long as usual.

The monsters are rioting; there is a possibility of a beast tide.

At the end of the meeting, Hou Xibai offered words of comfort, saying that although the patrol had uncovered traces of transformed monsters, it was not necessarily related to the beast tide. Judging from the current trend, even if this beast tide were to materialize, its scale would not exceed that of previous ones.

With the North Mountain Pass under its defenses, the area is safe and secure; you need not worry.

Yu Minglong also stepped forward to set the tone and arranged a series of tasks before concluding the review meeting.

As the deputy supervisor in charge of defense patrols, Chen Ping'an also received some tasks. However, with subordinates like Han Zhiqing around, he didn't need to worry about many things.

The discovery of the transformed demon beast, even if it was only suspected, made the atmosphere in Beishan Pass much more tense.

Although there are no fewer than ten martial arts masters stationed in Daguan, if there are indeed traces of transformed demon beasts in the recent demon beast riots, it means that the scale of this demon beast tide will be no small matter.

Despite its imposing presence, for lower-level cultivators, it represented an immense danger.

However, some cultivators were overjoyed, secretly anticipating the arrival of the beast tide.

For them, each beast tide is a game of strategy and the realization of their interests.

Chaos is a ladder; if one can gain something from the beast tide, the merit and benefits will be immeasurable.

"Lord Chen, congratulations." After the deliberation meeting, Ying Congyun chatted with Chen Ping'an for a few words: "Fengyun is second only to you, and his reputation is so great that it makes people's hearts flutter."

"Lord Ying, please don't joke with me. I'm barely comparable to a celestial being, how could I possibly have such a prestigious reputation? Not to mention, my heart is swayed." Chen Ping'an replied with a smile.

The two didn't chat much. On the way back to the public housing, elite members and high-ranking managers from the Zhenfu Division would come out from time to time to congratulate him on ranking second in Fengyun.

An Qingyang was one of the officials in charge of the Beishan Town Pacification Office.

Chen Ping'an responded with a smile, without putting on any airs.

Under these circumstances, he returned all the way to his public housing.

"grown ups."

Han Zhiqing and the other two pseudo-celestial beings bowed respectfully to Chen Ping'an.

Chen Pingan briefly outlined the tasks for the review meeting and set the tone before dismissing the group.

Although it was the same exchange as usual, it was clear that the way the people looked at him was completely different from before.

Attitudes can be faked, but genuine awe is hard to conceal in his presence.

"The second most powerful figure."

Chen Pingan smiled gently.

Some things, when heard by others, will be taken seriously and praised.

But he knew it was just an empty title.

Stay true to yourself and know what is truly important.

Chen Ping'an reached out and gently lifted the letter in front of him.

The letter was sent by the Gu family, and judging from the time it was sent, it should have been before the Yunshan meeting.

The letter inquired about his recent situation and briefly explained his attitude towards the Gu family. He added that since he had rejected Shen Linyuan's marriage proposal, the Wenxin Sword Pavilion would inevitably take action, and given his location in Beishan, he hoped he would exercise caution.

Clearly, the Gu family had already done some analysis and made some predictions about the possible actions of the Wenxin Sword Pavilion.

Chen Ping'an's gaze remained calm as he put away the letter.

From the current perspective, the Gu family's worries are clearly unnecessary.

The previous incident greatly diminished the influence of the Wenxin Sword Pavilion, which was too busy taking care of its own problems to have any energy left to involve him.

With his sword half-destroyed and Shen Linyuan severely injured, even with the help of healing elixirs, spiritual water, and rare fruits, it would take at least several months for him to recover his strength.

Shen Linyuan might be in a better position, but it will definitely take time for Cangjian to recover from his injuries.

Given Cang Jian's current condition, even if he recovers from his injuries, his combat strength will likely be far from returning to its peak. If he can retain 50-60% of his peak strength, it would already be considered that he has taken excellent care of himself.

After sending a letter to the Gu family, explaining the current situation and the situation in Beishan, Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and he thought of the little girl far away at the Southern Border Academy.

The academy is good, but it's too far away.

Even for martial arts masters, it is a vast distance.

The words are profound and the phrase is perfectly apt; the distance between the two is beyond description.

As for exchanging letters, sending them by hand was out of the question.

Unless one happens to have a close friend or celestial being who makes a special trip, it would probably take ten or eight years to cover even half the distance by ordinary means of transport.

As for falconry
This is a distance so vast that even a falcon would lose its way.

The vastness of the dynasty's territory was unimaginable even to celestial beings; it was boundless and expansive.

For ordinary people, the territory of a common state is an immeasurable expanse of land.

But the presence of Grandmasters makes it seem vast. One can travel across several states, trading and engaging in casual conversation. Upon reaching the Pseudo-Celestial Realm, one can appreciate the charm of a region, and upon reaching the Martial Celestial Realm, one can travel to the surrounding areas.

If one is willing to travel, one can go even further. But apart from those celestial beings who roam the world, for ordinary celestial beings, traversing dozens of realms is already the limit.

Can.
The dynasty's territory was vast, far exceeding these limited areas!
"If only I could serve in the Southern Territory, I could be closer to the little girl!" Chen Ping'an raised his eyes slightly, a hint of longing in them.

However, he then chuckled and shook his head.

Such things are, for now, just thoughts.

The South and the North—a difference of just one word, yet the difference between them is immeasurable!
It doesn't matter if it's far away, as long as the little girl likes it.

He wanted the best for the little girl, never to treat her like a caged canary. Since the little girl liked it, then let her do it boldly and without worry.

He will always be her strongest support.

Working together on our respective paths and appreciating the beauty together—isn't this a two-way journey?

"I wonder how the little girl is doing now?" Chen Ping'an's thoughts grew heavy, and a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes, revealing a few traces of reminiscence and relief.

Ordinary correspondence is no longer possible. The only way for him to learn about the little girl is through the letters that are regularly sent out by the academy.

Several days later, at Beishan Pass, various forces also learned that within the Netherworld Mountains, demonic beasts were stirring and showing signs of rioting.

All parties involved in this matter already had a tacit understanding and were extremely familiar with the procedures, so they were not alarmed.

On the contrary, some stationed forces reported to various territories about the recent situation in Beishan, mentioning that there might be a beast tide riot in the near future. They suggested that family heroes and direct descendants of the forces, if they had the desire to gain experience, could take this opportunity to fight and shed blood, and hone their skills.

All parties are making active preparations and sending out messages, indicating that a storm is brewing at Beishan Pass.

Under such circumstances, Chen Ping'an finally mastered the Thunderous Blade Technique to its final stage.

hum~
In a secluded cave dwelling on a mountain peak, Chen Ping'an sat cross-legged in a meditation chamber, his brows gleaming with spiritual light, as if his soul was surging.

The meaning of black and white emerges, faintly revealing the rainbow-like spiritual bridge.

"breakthrough!"

Chen Ping'an spoke with a deep gaze, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

Wow~
The panel stirred, and countless starlight surged like a tide.

Before long, it disappeared into Chen Ping'an's brow and spirit platform.

In an instant, a flood of insights surged through Chen Ping'an's mind, like memories resurfacing. The profound and obscure subtleties seemed to be innate, something he had mastered effortlessly.

hum~ hum~ hum~
Above the spiritual platform, the light shines brightly, and divine souls linger, reflecting on the spiritual bridge.

Starlight poured down, making the already dazzling Spirit Bridge even more like a rainbow, its entire appearance seemingly reaching straight to the heavens.

Chen Ping'an sat with his eyes closed, and strange changes were happening every moment.

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Pingan slowly opened his eyes.

boom!
Like a silver bottle suddenly breaking, water gushing out, and all the phenomena erupt with a deafening roar.

Thunderous Blade Technique, perfected!

After perfecting the Taixu Wind-Riding Step, he also perfected another top-level divine skill that reached the level of a true skill scroll.

Chen Ping'an gradually withdrew his aura, his soul swirled, and his gaze narrowed slightly before a panel appeared on his forehead.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Realm 2 - Rainbow Penetration Realm (Eighth Stage)
武学：青阳血炼法大成（0/38400）、颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（1435/8640）、三分归元真卷小成（0/15360）、无相自在法（残篇）未入门（237/1920）、广寒剑法（残篇）大成（0/19200）、狂雷刀法圆满、太虚御风步圆满、七绝禁法圆满、霸刀圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
Secret Techniques: Soul Suppression Technique, Soul Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique, Illusionary Eye

"Guanhong Eighth Dan!"

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm, revealing no emotion.

The completion of the Thunderous Blade Technique allowed him to take another step forward in his martial arts realm.

Today, his cultivation level in the second realm is considered extremely advanced, second only to the peak of the second realm.

If one takes another step forward and cultivates to the ninth level of the Piercing Rainbow Realm, one can look forward to the Hidden Radiance of the Three Realms and attempt to break through the realm. If successful, one can enter the ranks of the Great Cultivators of Heaven and achieve unparalleled fame.

The Great Cultivation of Heaven and Man, the Realm of Hidden Radiance, is the state of concealing one's sharpness and radiance, where the pivotal light gradually fades and the spiritual bridge transforms into nothingness.

This breakthrough has yielded results in line with expectations.

In addition to advancing his cultivation level, he also successfully mastered the Thunderous Blade Technique and its ultimate secret technique, Thunderous Wrath.

This technique, according to legend, comes at the cost of shortening one's lifespan, incurring the wrath of Heaven and its terrifying might, which is then provoked with a sword.

This is the wrath of the raging thunder!
If the sword technique is not refined or the control is poor, this move can easily injure oneself, in addition to depleting one's life essence.

However, such a situation is practically nonexistent for Chen Ping'an.

His spiritual perception and control abilities are comparable to those of a Celestial Master, and he can unleash the Raging Thunder Wrath with ease.

Furthermore, his foundation is solid, his essence is abundant, his spiritual platform is stable, and his Dao foundation is perfect. To overdraw his life essence is obviously a pipe dream.

After all, no matter how powerful the Thunderous Wrath is, it is ultimately not a true martial arts manual at the level of a precious scroll.

Even if the ultimate secret techniques are similar in power, they are still not the same.

With Chen Ping'an's current level of skill, he can easily master ordinary martial arts scrolls, let alone the Thunderous Blade Technique.

After weighing the pros and contemplating it in his mind, Chen Ping'an had a general understanding of the power of the Raging Thunder Wrath.

His current apparent combat strength surpasses the pinnacle of pseudo-celestial beings and can barely rival that of martial arts celestial beings.

But being comparable is ultimately just being comparable; at most, it only reaches the point of being on equal footing. Wanting anything more is impossible.

But now that the Thunderous Fury has reached its peak, things are different.

Even without unleashing the Thunderous Wrath, it would be enough to significantly boost his apparent combat strength.

While not an exaggeration, it was enough to elevate him from barely comparable to being truly comparable.

It is not something achieved through mere effort, but rather something that truly puts one on par with the celestial beings of martial arts.

And on this basis, if he were to unleash the raging thunderous fury...
It's not surprising that it could suppress or even severely injure a martial arts master, is it?
If the opportunity is right, and by chance, perhaps
Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and his gaze grew darker.

Now that he has perfected the Thunderous Blade Technique, it is time to set the direction for his future cultivation.

However, he had already planned this matter, and he intended to devote all his energy to the practice of formlessness and freedom.

This method of concealing one's form and hiding one's breath, though flawed, has four stages of cultivation, but he only has the first two stages at hand.

Even in the first two stages, the framework was outlined entirely by relying on that fragmented artistic conception, and the understanding was explored through detailed explanations in the illustrated catalog.

After acquiring this technique, he practiced it briefly for a while, and then focused his energy on more obvious techniques like the Taixu Wind Control Step. Once he mastered the Taixu Wind Control Step, his focus shifted to the Thunderous Blade Technique, and he hasn't practiced it recently.

But now that his combat strength has reached its peak, he should change direction and focus on the formless and free Dharma.

Now that he possesses the Black Iron Mask, if he were to combine it with the Formless Freedom Technique, under the influence of breath concealment and simulation, his disguises would likely increase dramatically.

Given his current level of cultivation and foundation, even without using a realistic simulation, it would be extremely difficult for ordinary cultivators of the Celestial Realm to distinguish him.

If we were to use realistic simulations, then I fear...
Chen Ping'an's eyes brightened slightly, and his face showed hope.

Although he did not know what kind of divine abilities the Great Celestials of the Four Realms possessed, he judged based on what he knew now.

I fear that, in a real simulation, his disguise and concealment might even fool the eyes of the Great Celestials of the Four Realms.

Such abilities are astonishing!
Having just broken through to the next realm and in excellent condition, Chen Ping'an did not delay and immediately began cultivating the Formless Freedom Method.

If one can cultivate the Dharma of Formlessness to the point of entry, one can grasp the meaning of formlessness, which is the absence of self, other, and all things.

"The formless is without form or substance, without beginning or end; the free is unrestrained, unhindered, and without attachment."

"Appearance arises from the mind, and the mind changes with circumstances; if the mind has no attachment, what appearance can bind it? Observing a falling leaf, one knows that autumn is not truly autumn; seeing a speck of dust rise, one understands that emptiness is not truly emptiness."

"Emptiness is not nothingness, but the ability to encompass all things; freedom is not indulgence, but following the natural order."

"Formlessness is not non-existence, but contains all things; freedom is not solitude, but roaming with all things."

"Because it is without form, it can be ever-changing; because it is free, it can be successful in everything it does."

"."

hum~
A flash of inspiration struck, and Chen Ping'an closed his eyes and sat in meditation, his soul surging.

+1!

Over the next few days, Chen Ping'an focused his cultivation efforts primarily on the Formless Freedom Dharma.

The Formless Freedom Method, as a true treasure of skill, is obscure and difficult to explain, with profound and mysterious meanings. However, under Chen Ping'an's cultivation, it is progressing at a relatively good speed.

The Azure Sun Blood Refining Method has been completed in three stages, but the fourth stage of refining true blood is still pending. He did not waste the energy he had freed up, and used it to increase the time he could spend studying the Broken Azure Lotus and practicing the Three-Part Return to Origin True Scroll.

In addition, the refining of the Dream Pearl, the study of the Soul Suppression Technique and the Soul Guiding Technique remain unchanged. In my spare time, I accumulate resources and foundations in the hope of improving the Seven Absolute Forbidden Techniques in the future.

There is also the study and practice of inherited prohibitions, the consolidation of the fundamental principles of the poison path, and a variety of miscellaneous books, classics, biographies, travelogues, and anecdotes to broaden one's experience and horizons.

Such days are quite fulfilling.

Information regarding the monster uprising and beast tide in the Netherworld Mountains was reported in real time during the routine review meeting, with all news updates synchronized.

Chen Pingan listened, but didn't take it to heart.

With his current level of cultivation, he truly doesn't need to worry about these things; this confidence comes from his own strength.

On this day, the celestial instrument of the Northern Mountain Garrison Command vibrated, signaling the arrival of a message from the Northern Garrison Command! (End of Chapter)