The Great Martial Saint!

"Hearing praise for virtue and merit, the grand regulations of the Ministry of Justice, and the selection of virtuous and capable officials, are of paramount importance to the nation."
Chen Ping'an, the powerful Deputy Commander of the Beishan Garrison and Deputy Garrison Commander of Beishan Pass, is exceptionally talented, loyal, upright, and skilled in both civil and military affairs. He is a paragon of virtue and ability, ranking among the most distinguished and bringing honor to the Garrison. He is hereby specially appointed as the Commander of the Beishan Garrison, bestowed with a golden seal and jade carriage, and appointed to assist in the management of the various Garrison Offices of Beishan.

Above the ritual implements, information is displayed, radiant and brilliant, each word as precious as gold.

"Congratulations, Lord Chen."

Yu Minglong, with a bold and unrestrained demeanor, offered his congratulations with a smile.

Ying Congyun, standing to the side, also smiled and slightly raised his hand to offer his congratulations.

Even Hou Xibai glanced sideways at this moment, looking at the information on the Heavenly Mechanism Instrument, seemingly lost in thought.

A message from the Northern Garrison Command indicates that Chen Ping'an, the newly appointed Deputy Garrison Commander of Beishan, is to be appointed to a command post. He is granted a golden seal and a jade carriage, and is to assist in managing the various garrison commands of Beishan.

At this moment, Chen Ping'an's rank was truly on par with Hou Xibai and Ying Congyun.

"Thank you, esteemed sirs," Chen Ping'an replied calmly with a smile.

The Northern Garrison Command has sent word of the promotion; the relevant procedures are self-evident.

As he was leaving, Hou Xibai deliberately stopped and said something with a forced smile.

"The governor's favor and the extraordinary honor bestowed upon Lord Chen are truly enviable!"

"Lord Hou, your demeanor is so natural and composed. Why do you speak of envy?" Chen Ping'an replied calmly and composedly.

Hou Xibai gave him a deep look, said nothing more, and left directly.

“Lord Chen, Lord Hou has been in low spirits lately, there’s no need to worry about it.” Ying Congyun walked over with a smile and explained the reason.

"It's alright."

Chen Pingan waved his hand gently and smiled faintly.

Hou Xibai has stepped out of the second realm and achieved the Guanhong realm. According to the Zhenfu Division system, with his qualifications and current martial arts level, he should be able to be promoted to an ordinary leader.

Once his cultivation level is stable and he has accumulated enough experience, he will be granted a title and the Azure Jade Seal, becoming an equal to Yu Minglong.

But whether Yu Minglong forgot or for some other reason, he never brought up the matter after breaking through to the next level.

Therefore, even though he has achieved the second realm of Celestial Being and obtained a transformed spirit pet, he is still only at the level of a manager.

"Lord Chen, are you free tonight? If so, how about we have a chat?"

Ying Congyun chuckled and extended an invitation.

Chen Ping'an did not refuse; he smiled and agreed.

"Since you have invited me, I will gladly accept your invitation."

Chen Ping'an hadn't expected the message from the Northern Garrison Command announcing his promotion to Commander.

From a deputy director with real power to the director level, it may seem like a promotion of just one level, but for many people, this level is an extremely difficult threshold to cross.

From the perspective of the Zhenfusi system, under normal circumstances, the head of a prefecture's Zhenfusi could already be the head of that prefecture's Zhenfusi.

He commands a vast territory, governs dozens of prefectures, and oversees numerous large cities, important towns, and fortified cities.

All cities and towns, and the entire Fusi system, were under its jurisdiction.

Judging by the standards of the past, this was a true regional governor.

A single word can move the entire state. He holds the fate of a state in his hands, influencing the rise and fall of countless forces.

And this very level, which represents such a level, is now so vividly present in Chen Ping'an. And all he did was show a little skill at the Yunshan Small Meeting, using the momentum of slaying a top-level pseudo-Celestial Being with his sword to ascend to second place in the Wind and Cloud.

He hasn't even established any significant achievements. If we're going to talk about anything, it's the only one he's accomplished: killing the Tribulation Cultivator, Evil Eagle Bone Face, on his way to his new post.

The Northern Border Garrison Command gave the reason that it was to showcase the garrison's prestige.

"This world is truly..."

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm, deep and unfathomable.

"The same cruel reality as always."

If you're valuable enough, you can be promoted whenever the authorities want. Merit and seniority are just rules that confine others.

This world.
Ultimately, martial arts still reign supreme!
After being promoted to the position of commander, Chen Ping'an's rank in the Beishan Prefecture's Zhenfu Division and Beishan Pass was second only to Yu Minglong.

At the level of a commander, in an ordinary state, this rank already qualifies one to command a state's garrison. Like Min Xiaolin of the Canglong State Garrison.

Given Chen Ping'an's current rank, if he were transferred to another region, he would likely be able to secure a similar position and take charge of a province.

However, due to the advantageous location of Beishan Pass, his job responsibilities and scope of duties remained unchanged.

The only difference is that he was promoted in rank.

In addition, all other benefits have been improved.

A golden seal and jade carriage, a jade token and waist plaque.

At this level, the annual salary of the Zhenfu Division is quite considerable. For a martial arts master, it's a decent sum.

However, considering Chen Ping'an's current net worth, it is a negligible part.

Compared to those resources and spiritual objects, Chen Ping'an is more concerned with his public identity, and how to reasonably and logically elevate it to another level.

At the level of the Chief Administrator, looking across the entire Bi Cang region and its seventeen states, there are very few people who can truly hold this rank.

In certain systemic situations, one might be able to barely reach the level of communicating with senior second-realm celestial beings.

Although there are still shortcomings for him, this is at least a step forward.

It was a pleasant surprise.

He currently serves as the Deputy Garrison Commander of Beishan, which is his official position, and his specific responsibilities are his duties. The rank of Commander is within his jurisdiction of the Garrison Command system. The title of "Holding the Imperial Seal" is considered a special honor for him.

The position determines the power granted and clarifies the jurisdiction. The duties determine the extent of power; whether it is a nominal or sinecure, or a position of real power, all depend on the position and duties.

Rank determined salary, preferential treatment, and ceremonial expenses. Special honors, on the other hand, were a supplement to power and an important part of the privileges of the governor.

For this promotion, the Northern Garrison Command also bestowed upon him an additional merit as a reward for his outstanding performance in the Garrison Command.

Although it's not much, it's still a kind of attitude.

At this point, Chen Ping'an was one step closer to exchanging for the True Skill Scroll and the Free and Unfettered Wanderer Inheritance. The gap in his exchange had narrowed considerably, and if the opportunity arose, a large-scale exchange might be able to fill the gap in one fell swoop.

Within days of his promotion to head of the department, news of his promotion quickly spread throughout Beishan Pass.

This promotion was not kept secret; on the contrary, according to the Northern Garrison Command, it was to be publicized extensively.

Therefore, within just a few days, most well-informed people, including those in Beishan Pass and the eighteen garrison cities, learned of this matter.

"Mang Dao promoted?"

"The level of the commander!"

"Can anyone tell me what the different levels of leadership represent?"

"Really? You don't even know?"

Some people chuckled sheepishly, and then, through the explanations of others, they learned the true value of this level of achievement.

Zhangsi, Zhangsi, can be in charge of the Fusi of a state.

If it weren't for the special geographical advantages of Beishan Pass, someone of this rank could easily be a top leader.

"A twenty-eight-year-old head of the department! Unbelievable!"

"The second most powerful? You think this is a joke?!"

"."

The area inside Beishan Pass was extremely noisy.

In the past few days, at the invitation of various parties, Chen Ping'an also attended several casual gatherings, which served as a break from his recent cultivation. After a brief respite, he resumed his previous fulfilling life.

At his current level, he basically doesn't need sleep. A little breathing is enough to restore his energy.

For ordinary people, such a situation is indeed no different from that of immortals.

hum~
In the meditation room, spiritual light flickered, and Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.

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（787/1920）、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

"787 point."

Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep and unfathomable, like stars hidden in darkness.

This Formless Freedom Method truly lives up to its reputation as a precious manual of true skill. Even in simple practice, one can sense its profound mystery. Compared to the Raging Thunder Blade Technique and the Void Wind Control Step, progress in all aspects of cultivation is immeasurably slower.

Fortunately, his cultivation level has improved, and with the blessing of the precious Snow Spirit Leaf, his overall cultivation progress is not too slow.

If I continue practicing at this pace, in another half month or so, I should be able to enter the initial stage of this formless and free practice.

As a genuine skill manual, even if one only gains initial understanding, breaking through to the next level would likely bring considerable benefits.

Perhaps, a basic introduction will enable him to take a solid step forward.

Furthermore, if one enters the realm of the Formless Freedom Dharma, one will also master the Formless Imagery, the ability to conceal and disguise, and at least take a significant step forward.

While such techniques offer limited boosts to combat power, they are undoubtedly extremely beneficial to his current situation.

With such imagery as a cover, his multiple identities can undoubtedly be concealed to the greatest extent possible.

"Unfortunately, this precious manual of true skills is only a fragment. With what I have, I can only cultivate it to the minor completion stage at most. The cultivation of the last two stages will be interrupted."

Chen Ping'an sighed slightly, and the panel then disappeared.

"I wonder if Rahuna has any more news."

Strictly speaking, he stumbled upon this precious scroll of true martial arts by chance. Since Luo Hou was able to obtain it, he must have some information about it. Next time they meet, he must inquire about it thoroughly.

Chen Ping'an thought of his previous agreement with Luo Hou: if there was any news, they could contact each other in Wentian City.

"Wentian City, the Netherworld Secret Realm"

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, and he slightly lowered his eyes.

He has many things he wants to achieve now, and he also needs to liquidate his assets. Given his current situation, he might really have to make a trip to Wentian City.

Given the size of Wentian City, top-tier treasures are out of the question, but ordinary fourth-tier items are relatively easy to trade.

He might be able to find the fourth-tier spirit wine he needs, the treasures he needs to upgrade, and the heavy water refining method there.

Furthermore, with the improvement in one's obvious cultivation level, some external means are no longer sufficient. Other things are manageable, but as a swordsman, it would be somewhat unreasonable not to seek out a sword.

另外
Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm, his thoughts gradually sinking.

"Wen Tian's trip is imperative. But..."
It would be much easier to make contact with them after they have openly achieved the status of a celestial being.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and he stopped thinking about it.

The news of Chen Ping'an's promotion to the position of Chief Administrator caused quite a stir in Beishan Pass for a while. But all good things must come to an end. No matter how lively the occasion, it will eventually come to a close.

Promotion, after all, is different from romantic affairs, noisy events, or interesting matters that are as popular with the public.

The commotion in the streets, which differs from the strategic assessments of various parties, has always come and gone quickly.

After the initial burst of excitement, the weather gradually darkened over the next few days.

Such a surge of opinions is the norm when there are no powerful forces pushing it forward.

As a majestic pass, adjacent to the Youming Mountains and bordering various regions, Beishan Pass has never lacked the latest topics of discussion.

Within a few days, the conversations shifted to other matters.

As time went by, news of monster rampages frequently came from within the Netherworld Mountains, especially from some areas closer to the core.

Some monsters that don't usually roam the outer areas are now appearing in the outer regions, and there are even traces of some high-level monsters that have reached the third rank.

As similar incidents increased, the conversation quickly shifted and gradually focused on the news of the monster uprising in the Netherworld Mountains.

"A monster uprising?"

"Is another monster tide about to begin?"

"Haha, interesting. We're about to have another big battle!"

"The time to make a name for ourselves has come. Whether we can build a fortune for the rest of our lives depends on this one opportunity."

"Gentlemen, would you be interested in going to take a look together?"

"."

Regarding the monster uprising, most cultivators in the Northern Mountains are in a positive mood, with many eager to try their hand at it and wanting to make a big splash.

In the following days, news kept coming back from the Netherworld Mountains, sparking heated discussions among the locals.

"Dozens of demonic beasts formed a wave and appeared on the outer edge of the Black Netherworld."

"A small group of monsters has gathered in the eastern area."

"I've heard news about the Acropolis patrol team."

"."

As the monster uprisings and conflicts continued, after all the forces learned of the monster tide, the cultivators in the community finally learned of it as well.

A beast tide is about to erupt.

In the following period, cultivators from all directions rushed to the scene, intending to get a share of the spoils on the eve of the beast tide.

Some things are dangerous for some people, but for others they are opportunities.

Fortune favors the bold!
As a result of the prior communication, various local forces also learned of this matter and dispatched their elite troops to Beishan for training.

As news continued to gather from within the Black Nether Mountains and the specific circumstances were analyzed, the North Mountain Town Pacification Division finally formed a concrete assessment of the impending monster uprising.

"The appearance of transformed demonic beasts, with reports of at least dozens of demonic beasts gathering, and some as many as a hundred. This beast tide is definitely not small-scale!"

After a series of deliberations, a consensus was reached within the Beishan Town Pacification Office. Under Yu Minglong's leadership, a unified approach was adopted, and all arrangements were quickly made.

"Establish an outer defense line and strengthen patrols."

"Send more elite troops to investigate further about the cause of the beast tide."

"."

After the deliberation meeting concluded, relevant information was shared with all parties in Beishan to prepare a proactive response to the impending beast tide.

"Not small-scale?"

"Transformed demonic beasts, at least a medium-sized beast tide!"

"Such a scale is rarely seen in a century! What is the reason for this?"

"Report this to the sect immediately! There might be an opportunity in this beast tide!"

"Now is the perfect time for sect training!"

"."

News spread from all sides: independent cultivators rushed to the scene, various state powers dispatched their elite troops for training, and even merchant guilds sought to profit from the opportunity.

For a time, Beishan Pass was bustling with activity.

In this atmosphere, Chen Ping'an's Formless Freedom Technique finally accumulated enough experience, reaching the eve of its entry into the realm of mastery. (End of Chapter)