The Great Martial Saint!

boom!
A great battle is raging amidst the Black Nether Mountains.

"Roar--!"

A monstrous roar formed waves that relentlessly assaulted the elite squad of five or six people.

Most of these cultivators were quite powerful, but unfortunately, there were simply too many demonic beasts.

Among the demonic beasts, there were also demonic birds soaring in the sky, forming a dense array, shrieking and wailing, and launching sonic attacks.

"Wow—!"

Under the various colored lights, several human cultivators barely managed to defend themselves.

"How could there be a near-fourth-tier demonic beast!"

"Damn it! Where did all these monsters come from?!"

"There wasn't a single sign!"

"."

One of the men, dressed in blue robes, had a brilliant light shining from his brow as he wielded several divine weapons, struggling to parry the attack.

He was the most powerful among the group, having reached the pseudo-celestial level.

However, under the repeated onslaught of the monster waves, even with his powerful cultivation, he was severely suppressed.

"Roar--!"

With a deafening roar, a sonic wave crashed forth, shaking the very soul, as a black leopard several meters long attacked like lightning.

The blue-robed man's soul trembled, and in a moment of confusion, the defenses he had erected around him completely collapsed.

"not good!"

His heart sank, and his face turned pale with fear.

"Fellow Daoist Ming!" Exclamations rang out from the surroundings. Some cultivators wanted to come to the rescue, but it was already too late.

The man in the blue robe was determined to respond, but he didn't know what kind of supernatural power the man in the black robe had used. He only felt his true energy was obscured and his body was extremely heavy.

As he watched the approaching afterimage and claws grow ever closer, despair filled him, and he was filled with sorrow and fear.

"I'm going to die."

From childhood, I aspired to follow the Dao. This journey to the Northern Mountains was to break through my current limitations and achieve the status of a pseudo-celestial being, which should be an unparalleled glory. But today...
Am I going to die here?!
At that moment, scenes from the past seemed to flash before his eyes like a fleeting glimpse.

Having escaped death countless times, he was ultimately destined for this fate.

Just when he thought he was going to die today.

A dazzling blade of light fell from the sky.

Like a ribbon of silver, with howling winds and flashing lightning.

Swish!
The blade flashed, the black panther's afterimage vanished abruptly.

next moment!
Pong!
A burst of blood mist erupted, splattering in all directions.

Blood splattered, staining his clothes. The man in the blue robe stared blankly at the scene in the distance.

In the distance, a figure stood in the air, holding a knife.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
The blade's light shone like a sky full of stars, thunder roared, and countless demonic beasts screamed and howled, their flesh turning into rain of blood.

"Brother Ming, are you alright?" A cultivator whose clothes were stained red, panting heavily and looking frightened, walked to the side of the man in blue robes.

"fine."

The man in the blue robe shook his head, his face somewhat pale.

“If it weren’t for Commander Chen just now, we would probably be in trouble today.” A female cultivator walked over, her expression full of relief and lingering fear.

“Yes,” a cultivator chimed in, then said with a look of relief, “Thank goodness, thank goodness we all survived.”

The group exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting the joy of surviving a close call, and...
I was shocked and amazed by the power I had just witnessed.

Is that really the power a Grandmaster could unleash?!
The image of that figure and that scene are etched deeply in everyone's minds; they may remember it for a lifetime.

Unstoppable and invincible!
The man in the blue robe remained silent. He gazed at the sky, at the direction the figure had disappeared, his eyes still filled with shock and horror.

"Wild Blade"

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have found it hard to believe that anyone could be so amazing!
Is this really the power a Grandmaster could possess?!

His thoughts shifted, and the scene after the Azure Dragon Auction seemed to reappear before his eyes.

Looking back now, he was truly terrifyingly ignorant back then.

Chen Ping'an, the deputy garrison commander of Beishan, is a man of great strength.
Capable of fighting against celestial beings!

The scale of the beast tide was about what Chen Ping'an had expected, and it was also consistent with the news from the routine review meeting of the Beishan Town Pacification Division.

However, the Black Nether Mountains are majestic and vast, with continuous mountain ranges, and are also shrouded in black mist, making it an extremely vast area even for martial arts masters.

With normal patrols, it's clearly unlikely to yield any results in just a few days. But...
Chen Ping'an patrolled for several days without encountering any transformed demonic beasts. However, along the way, he casually killed a near-fourth-tier demonic beast and more than a dozen top-tier third-tier demonic beasts.

In comparison, human cultivators are either pseudo-celestial beings or top-tier grandmasters.

Given his current combat strength, this achievement is reasonable and justifiable, and there is nothing wrong with it.

After obtaining some demon beast cores and credentials, Chen Ping'an departed in his jade carriage and returned to Beishan Pass.

Over the past month or two, the prices of various resources in Beishan Pass, especially those related to military preparedness, have risen significantly. Previously, Chen Ping'an had also taken advantage of the situation to sell some materials, although they were all ordinary-level resources. Nevertheless, he still managed to make a profit.

The prices were higher than previously estimated, and after the sale, his cash flow is now approaching 600,000 yuan.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, he also purchased some spiritual fruits, teas, and jade ore through various trade channels. Although the quality wasn't particularly high, it was enough to justify his apparent status in entertaining guests.

Fortunately, his alternate accounts didn't appear frequently, and even when they did, they were usually quick to show up and then disappear, without much small talk or interaction. Otherwise, given the level of interaction among alternate accounts, the items used for hospitality would at least be of ordinary fourth-tier quality.

It's not uncommon for wealthy and exceptionally talented cultivators to bring out some high-quality fourth-tier items to entertain guests.

However, such things mostly happen between close friends or like-minded people who get along well. Even if the relationship is not very good, there is still some exchange of benefits. Otherwise, there is no such thing as a free lunch!

If someone is willing to entertain you, it means you've reached their level. Otherwise, even if you come to them to curry favor, they might not accept you!

Chen Ping'an did not hold back in the capture of this monster. In accordance with the Beishan Town Pacification Division system, he exchanged it for corresponding battle merits and earned merits.

He also sold all kinds of demon beast cores at normal market prices in various treasure pavilion shops.

Affected by the monster tide, the price of inner cores on the market has slightly declined. The fact that this transaction was able to proceed at a fair price is also due to the various factions giving him, the deputy garrison commander of Beishan, face.

At his current level, unless there are fundamental conflicts of interest, various forces will generally show some goodwill in areas of ambiguity.

As for the five great families of Beishan, that can be considered a deliberate attempt to befriend them.

Given the current situation in Beishan, he has firmly secured his position as deputy garrison commander and has recently been promoted, demonstrating the importance the Northern Garrison Command attaches to him.

There wouldn't be so many blind people if it weren't necessary.

Despite such momentum, coupled with the influence of the monster tide, the Heart-Questioning Sword Pavilion has maintained a low profile during this period.

However, according to the information Chen Ping'an had previously learned from Ying Congyun, Shen Linyuan seemed to have recovered from his injuries, turning misfortune into blessing, and even making further progress.

"His talent is quite good." Chen Ping'an's reaction was indifferent, without any particular feeling.

According to Ying Congyun, it is said that Master Gu and Wenxin Sword Pavilion had been arguing endlessly, but recently the two sides seem to have reached a tacit understanding, and there have been no similar rumors of turmoil.

As for Cang Jian, although he was seriously injured and recuperating at Beishan Pass, there had been no news of the other party at all during this time.

Chen Ping'an listened to the few words but put them aside. After returning from his inspection, he devoted all his energy to his cultivation.

His inspection tour yielded fruitful results, which was a satisfactory explanation to the Beishan Town Garrison.

A few days after returning from his patrol, Ying Congyun came to visit him. Chen Ping'an had just made some gains and invited him to a meal of near-fourth-tier demon beast meat.

"Lord Chen, this monster tide seems unusual, doesn't it?" Ying Congyun said with a solemn expression and a hint of worry in his voice.

"Judging from the scale, they are still gathering. The real monster tide has not yet started, but there are already near-fourth-tier monsters appearing. If it really breaks out, there will probably be transformed monsters."
"And there's more than one." Ying Congyun was deeply worried. His concerns were not unfounded, and they reflected the attitude of a considerable number of people within the Beishan Garrison.

Transformed demonic beasts can rival true martial arts masters.

Although lacking the protective measures of a martial arts master, its combat strength is definitely not weak due to its extraordinary bloodline. Even if some powerful individuals, such as a master at the peak of the first realm, were to appear, they would probably only be able to barely hold their own.

The Black Nether Mountain Range is indeed majestic, but the section bordering Beishan Prefecture is only a branch, and under normal circumstances, very few transformed demonic beasts appear there. Even if they do, they only pass through; it is truly rare to see them gather for such a long time and leave such a trace.

If a transformed demon beast appears during a beast tide, then according to the definition of the Northern Mountain Prefecture's Garrison Command, that is one of the signs of a large-scale beast tide.

If the number exceeds three, then it is a truly large-scale beast tide!
A massive beast tide—this is enough to put Beishan Pass on high alert.

Such a level of achievement is a once-in-a-century occurrence.

This was no longer the lighthearted conversation they had before; it signified a large number of casualties.

In the following ten days or so, the monsters in the Black Nether Mountains went on a rampage, and the first attack on the North Mountain Pass fortress occurred.

A wave of hundreds of demonic beasts surged out from the Black Nether Mountains and crashed into the North Mountain Pass, the southern defense line of the city.

After half a day, the event concluded with the complete annihilation of the monsters, bringing it to a successful close.

This matter was also brought to the agenda of the routine review meeting of the Zhenfu Division.

This monster tide was not large in scale or high in level, but it was a landmark event.

This time, the beast tide truly erupted.

In the following days, waves of monsters surged one after another, appearing on various defensive lines of the city. Traces of third-tier monsters were already seen in the waves.

"This commotion seems a bit unusual?"

During the review meeting, a senior official from the Ministry of Justice appeared solemn and spoke with concern.

"Check that area, have you found anything?"

"No. According to previous reports, a large group of demonic beasts, numbering over five hundred, has gathered in the southeastern part of the Black Nether Mountains!"

"Investigate further, and try to uncover the cause of this beast tide. An Gongfeng."

"Your humble servant is here."

"You lead a small team to investigate thoroughly. Also, Lord Hou." At the deliberation meeting, Yu Minglong remained calm, directing all parties.

As the assistant manager for defense and patrol, Chen Ping'an was also assigned the task of ensuring the stability of defense. As for the patrol tasks, whether it was the result of the power struggle between Yu Minglong and Hou Xibai or something else, he was not given any more responsibility.

The waves of demonic beasts continued to surge, growing ever larger. Chen Ping'an also took action, slaying a wave of demonic beasts to deter the villains.

Under such circumstances, powerful figures from various local forces stationed at Beishan Pass eventually arrived.

"Welcome, Elder."

At the northern mountain stronghold of the ancient Yue clan, amidst a chorus of welcoming voices, several celestial beings descended. Among them, the leader was a noble-looking young man wearing a black cloak and bearing a dark crescent moon mark between his brows.

"Young Master." Gu Yueqianfang greeted him with a big smile.

"How is the beast tide? Have any transformed monsters appeared?"

The young man looked content, as if he were picking green herbs and strolling under the moon.

"Currently, there are no transformed demonic beasts among the beast tide. However, according to information from the Suppression Division, traces of transformed demonic beasts have been discovered deep within the Black Nether Mountains," Gu Yueqianfang explained with a gentle expression.

He had no dissatisfaction whatsoever with the young man's attitude.

Among the celestial beings present, the young man's cultivation level was not particularly outstanding, but his identity was undoubtedly the most special.

He is a descendant of the ancient Yue clan, a descendant of the ancestor, and also the youngest martial arts master of the ancient Yue clan.

Having cultivated for less than two hundred years, he has already entered the realm of celestial beings!

Looking across the ancient lands, he is the number one prodigy!

"Elder Huang, it's been a long time."

At the Qingmu Sect's headquarters, a short, stout Taoist priest landed on a jade gourd.

He reached out and gently lifted his hand, and the jade gourd, which was the size of a house, shrank out of thin air, becoming the size of an ordinary gourd, and fell into his hand.

Elder Guan.

Old Huang from Qingmufang, with a kind face and a smile, said.

"We've been waiting for you for so long, and finally you've arrived!"

His laughter was clear and gentle, like a spring breeze. He looked at the short, stout Taoist priest in front of him, a hint of fear in his eyes.

Qingmu Sect, Head of the Foreign Affairs Hall, Elder with Real Power, Daoist Jiuhu, Guan Shendao.

His cultivation level has reached...
Perfected in both realms!

It is said that in his early years, he took that step and touched the realm of major repairs!

Elder Jiang!

Before the Fengyue Pavilion, orioles and swallows, charming and beautiful.

A magnificent jade palanquin, accompanied by celestial music, descended from mid-air. A woman in a white dress, elegant and graceful, with flowing long hair, appeared before the group of women.

"Get up, all of you." The woman's voice was gentle and melodious, like a clear flute or a jade pipe, or like jade beads falling onto a plate.

"Yes, Elder Jiang."

The women rose, and a woman in a flowing skirt greeted them respectfully, leading them into the Fengyun Pavilion.

Luanming Sect, Chief Elder, Qingdi Yulu, Jiang Ruotong!

Strong individuals from all corners of the land gathered and converged on Beishan.

Chen Ping'an also learned about this matter through Ying Congyun.

"Qingdi Yulu, Jiang Ruotong, Jiuhu Daoren, Guan Shendao, Guyue Tianjiao, Guyue Yan."

After learning the other party's name from Ying Congyun, Chen Ping'an remained calm, but still bowed in thanks.

"Thank you for informing me, Lord Ying. I am extremely grateful."

"It's alright, Lord Chen. We're friends, so this doesn't matter," Ying Congyun said with a light laugh, waving his hand.

Chen Ping'an nodded slightly, but didn't say much. He raised his glass to Ying Congyun.

Recently, he and Ying Congyun have been seeing each other frequently. Since their small meeting in Yunshan, their relationship has greatly improved. Unlike their previous superficial relationship, they have occasionally had heart-to-heart talks.

While their relationship wasn't exactly that of close friends, it couldn't be considered that of ordinary colleagues either.

"Lord Ying, are all the preparations for this trip to the Netherworld Secret Realm complete?" During the conversation, Chen Ping'an asked a few questions about the Netherworld Secret Realm.

Ying Congyun sighed, "How could I dare to speak of being thorough when it involves my life and fortune? I have done my utmost this time, so as not to waste this opportunity."

When the topic turned to the group of guardians, Ying Congyun's expression remained unchanged, but there was a hint of sadness in his tone.

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm, and he did not ask any further questions.

One should not speak too deeply with someone one has not known well. Although he and Ying Congyun had a good relationship, they were not yet familiar enough to delve into the intricacies of their relationship.

The current inquiry is the limit.

"The Netherworld Secret Realm"

He remained calm, smiled faintly, and drank a glass of wine.

Several days later, the monsters continued to riot, and the beast tides crashed repeatedly.

Against this backdrop, Yu Minglong, the head of the Northern Mountain Garrison and the guardian of the Northern Mountain Pass, convened a grand gathering of celestial beings and people, inviting powerful figures from all sides of Northern Mountain and various regions to participate and discuss strategies for dealing with the beast tide.

As the deputy garrison commander of Beishan, Chen Ping'an was naturally among those invited to attend. (End of Chapter)