The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 966 Like a Dragon Entering the Sea, Taking Control of Heaven and Earth

If we consider the most noteworthy event in Beishan Pass and even the Bicang region recently, it is undoubtedly the promotion ceremony of Chen Ping'an, the acting garrison commander of Beishan and the head of the Beishan Prefecture Garrison Command.

In the days leading up to the promotion ceremony, various powerful figures began to visit him, seeking an audience with the newly appointed head of the Beishan Prefecture Garrison.

Without exception, Chen Ping'an refused all of these invitations to visit.

He has now reached the half-step Grand Cultivator realm, and his combat power can suppress ordinary Celestial Grand Cultivators. His vision has long since transcended the realm of ordinary Celestials.

I have little interest in these interpersonal relationships and philosophical discussions among these forces.

Previously, he had some questions about cultivation techniques and their implications within the Celestial Realm, and he wanted to learn about them from others through discussions and conversations.

However, he had previously spoken with the Holy Maiden of Tianluo and had already learned about Xiangyi from her. He had a considerable understanding of some cultivation secrets and key points.

I no longer have the same interest in such matters as I used to.

The forces that came to visit this time were all large and influential forces in their respective territories, and each force usually had more than one Celestial-level expert in charge.

Besides, regional hegemons like the Green Wood Sect and the Luanming Sect have shown him considerable goodwill. For example, when they visited him this time, although they did not do so in the name of their sect, they used their presence at the Treasure Pavilion, Green Wood Workshop, and Wind and Moon Pavilion in Beishan Pass as a pretext for their visit.

However, without exception, none of them were able to visit Chen Ping'an and see him as he is now.

Like the Thunderclap Pavilion and the Spirit Pivot Pavilion, all of them are like this.

Against this backdrop, the day of the promotion ceremony finally arrived.

Representatives from various factions in the surrounding area arrived at Beishan.

There are also the five great families of Beishan, Hengshan Sect, Wenxin Sword Pavilion and other local forces.

Yes, the Heavenly Beings, representing the Heart-Seeking Sword Pavilion, also attended this promotion ceremony.

The Supreme Elder of the Sword Pavilion, Cangjian, died at the hands of Chen Ping'an.

Logically speaking, in this situation, the other party should have completely broken with Chen Ping'an and even be plotting revenge.

However, at this crucial juncture, the Sword Pavilion of Inquiry made a statement. They used the dispatch of a special envoy to attend the promotion ceremony as a pretext to ease tensions with Chen Ping'an.

Or rather

It is to ease relations with those in power in Kitayama-Daiseki.

Of course, the biggest reason for this was the statement from the Northern Border Garrison and the powerful arrival of He Xinchen, the Crimson Gold Leader of the Wentian Garrison.

As a major city in the northern border, Wentian City is also a necessary stop on the way to the Netherworld Secret Realm, where the Netherworld Valley is located. The Wentian Town Guard Division is of extraordinary status and carries great weight.

Even someone like He Xinchen, a leader at the Crimson Gold level, cannot hold the position of the top leader within the Wentian Town Pacification Division.

But He Xinchen's arrival is also a clear statement.

Such a statement is like divine authority to the Sword Inquiry Pavilion.

In addition, there's Chen Ping'an's current importance.

It's not just about power and rank, but also about cultivation, combat strength, and talent.

These prodigies have now ascended to the Celestial Realm, their wings are fully grown, and their power is established. If we cannot crush them with a single finger, then the only option is to do everything in our power to befriend them.

Even if they have offended others in the past, for the sake of the sect, they must do everything they can to resolve the conflict and turn hostility into friendship.

Another reason is that the death of Cangjian of Wenxin Sword Pavilion in this incident is plausible and justifiable.

That is, the two challenged each other to a life-or-death duel, both from their own hearts. They had made it clear before the battle that this battle would determine who was superior and who would live or die, and that life and death were not to be discussed.

If one side were weaker, such a declaration would be nothing more than a formality. But now, with Chen Ping'an at the height of his power, such an invitation, a life-or-death decision, has become nothing more than a fig leaf.

This is enough to allow the Wenxin Sword Pavilion's gesture of goodwill to maintain a precarious facade.

With this fig leaf in place, all motives can be considered to have a reason.

It is worth mentioning that the elders leading the Wenxin Sword Pavilion this time include not only a senior Celestial Being at the second realm, but also Shen Linyuan, a newly promoted Martial Dao Celestial Being.

Upon hearing this news, Chen Pingan couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Previously, in a life-or-death battle, he killed Qiu Siping of the Wenxin Sword Pavilion. Cangjian of the Wenxin Sword Pavilion intended to intimidate him with his power. But now that Cangjian is dead, the Wenxin Sword Pavilion dares not use its power to coerce him again.

Such a change in circumstances is truly lamentable.

He had not participated in Shen Linyuan's previous Heavenly Ceremony, but now the other party was eager to come to his promotion ceremony.

Life's circumstances are truly unpredictable.

Perhaps this is the meaning of growing up.

I still remember when he first arrived at Beishan, he was seen by everyone as nothing more than a mascot, there to add a touch of glamour. Now, he holds great power, and everyone is watching him closely, not to be underestimated.

The journey has been filled with changes and reflections, making one reflect deeply on the past.

He had previously refused visits from various parties, yet none of them raised any objections. All the reasons stemmed from this.

As the acting garrison commander of Beishan and the head of the Zhenfu Division, his promotion ceremony was naturally grand and solemn. With the participation of various forces, streaks of light and auspicious colors shone brightly, further highlighting the magnificence of the celebration.

"The Prince of Bicang's Mansion, Lord Qingmu, has arrived—"

A loud announcement signaled the arrival of a powerful figure from the Bicang Prince's Mansion.

Aoki Fugong is a representative figure in the virtuous selection faction of the Bicang Prince's Mansion. He is also the de facto leader of Ji Changkong's faction, highly respected, and holds considerable weight within the Bicang Prince's Mansion.

Unexpectedly, the Prince of Bicang's Mansion sent such a high-ranking figure as a representative to offer their congratulations.

The arrival of Aoki Fusuke naturally caused a stir among the guests present, and also attracted the attention of some celestial beings.

"This old man, Ji Qing, congratulates Lord Chen on taking charge of Beishan and wishing him continued success in martial arts!"

An elderly man dressed in a dark blue robe, with sharp eyes and a ruddy complexion, and a voice as powerful as thunder, approached Chen Ping'an with the courtesy and greeting of Ying Congyun.

At this promotion ceremony, all guests were received by Ying Congyun. If there were any important guests, they would be led to Chen Ping'an for a brief greeting.

"I have long admired Lord Chen's name, and I am honored to meet you today."

Aoki Fukuhiko smiled, closing the distance between them.

"You're too kind, sir," Chen Ping'an replied with a warm smile.

Aoki Fugong is extremely famous; he had heard of him back in Canglong Prefecture. He never expected to meet him today, especially on such a special occasion.

He sensed the other person's presence the instant they arrived.

His cultivation level was not much different from his judgment; he was at the peak of the second realm!

Such abilities would have been noteworthy in the past, but now, with the passage of time, they are nothing special.

Aoki Fukuhiko smiled as he tried to build rapport, observing the other man's demeanor and appearance. He found the man to be younger than he had imagined.

However, his demeanor and bearing were completely different, possessing a different kind of temperament and style, like a seasoned veteran who had been immersed in the system for many years.

After exchanging a few words with Chen Ping'an, Aoki Fuko seemed to suddenly remember something and introduced the person beside him.

"By the way, Lord Chen, this is Ji Mingchang, an elder of the Ji clan. He should have met you before. He has come with me today to offer his congratulations."

Aoki Fukuhiko's expression was natural, as if he were introducing an old friend he had met once many years ago.

As Aoki Fusuke introduced them, Chen Ping'an's gaze slowly fell to the side.

"Lord Chen."

Ji Mingchang forced a smile and greeted Chen Ping'an with a rather awkward expression.

In the past, Kuanglan Liedi died, and he went to Xuanling City as a special envoy of the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion to handle this matter.

When they met in the past and dealt with this matter, his relationship with Chen Ping'an was quite complicated, and there were some unpleasant incidents.

In the past, he held a high position and wielded great power, representing the Prince of Bicang's Mansion and handling this matter with full authority.

The entire exchange of pleasantries maintained an air of absolute sovereignty.

But who could have imagined that, after so many years, when the two met again, he would end up like this?

While Aoki Sōkō was exchanging pleasantries with the other party, he couldn't get a word in edgewise and could only listen quietly with a forced smile.

In terms of home advantage, status, and level of influence, everything has been completely reversed compared to the past. "Hmm."

Faced with Ji Mingchang's slightly ingratiating smile, Chen Ping'an simply nodded and said nothing more.

"Lord Chen, this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it with a smile." Aoki Fugong didn't say much about Ji Mingchang's matter, but presented the celebratory gift with a smile, showing his sincerity.

As Chen Ping'an ascended to the Celestial Realm, the unpleasantness of the past was naturally magnified without limit in this setting.

In such situations, it is natural to resolve the matter with generous gifts and eliminate it before it becomes unmanageable.

Chen Ping'an glanced at the gifts presented to Aoki Fu Gong, his expression gentle and calm, and exchanged a few pleasantries with a smile: "Fu Gong, you are too kind."

Watching the two people beside him talking and exchanging ideas on equal terms, Ji Mingchang stood to the side, feeling as if he were on pins and needles.

When they met in the past, he could never have imagined that their reunion today would be like this.

If he had known that Chen Ping'an would end up like this, he would never have dared to do such a reckless thing!

Ji Mingchang looked saddened, his feelings extremely complicated.

He already knew that Chen Ping'an was a prodigy, but he never expected that Chen Ping'an would be this prodigy!

In just over a year, less than two years, he had already broken through the barriers and reached the realm of the celestial beings, becoming an equal to the leader of the Prince's faction!

As the absolute protagonist of this promotion ceremony, Chen Ping'an naturally couldn't engage in lengthy discussions or extensive exchanges with Aoki Fugong. After a brief exchange and the presentation of his congratulatory gift, Aoki Fugong left to take his seat.

This ceremony was exceptionally grand in every aspect. The division of occasions was also pre-arranged.

A powerful figure like Aoki Fuko naturally sat at the center of the gathering, on the magnificent long table on the Huayu Terrace.

There were also some ordinary celestial beings, who were of slightly lower status and were seated at the edge of the palace.

As for those false celestial beings, they are outside the main hall and are not ranked with the celestial beings!

The difference between a pseudo-celestial being and a celestial being is only one word. They may seem to be of the same generation, but in reality, they are worlds apart.

Gu Zhengnan has a deep and genuine understanding of this.

Now that he has ascended to the Celestial Realm, coupled with his relationship with Chen Ping'an, he is thriving in the Celestial Realm circle.

Some independent cultivators frequently interacted with him. In just a few brief greetings, he made quite a few connections.

The relationship between Chen Ping'an and the Gu family was already known to others. Given the current situation, it was no surprise that Gu Zhengnan received such treatment in return for Chen Ping'an's kindness.

Of course, besides relationships, Gu Zhengnan's own importance is also crucial.

If Gu Zhengnan were still at the pseudo-celestial realm as he was back then, even with a close relationship with Chen Ping'an, he would probably find it difficult to gain entry into the inner circle in such a situation, let alone be as comfortable as he is now.

"Luanming Sect, Fairy Jiang, arrive—"

A greeting was announced, and everyone looked up.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Jiang Ruotong arrived gracefully in a white dress, her beauty and elegance as pure as a lotus emerging from clear water.

"Lord Chen, Ruotong came on a whim and abruptly. I hope you will forgive her."

Jiang Ruotong's clear eyes were gentle and her voice was melodious and clear, like pearls falling on a jade plate, pleasant and beautiful.

"Immortal Jiang, I am deeply grateful for your presence. I would never be offended." Chen Ping'an waved his hand gently, extending his hand to welcome you, his expression warm.

Jiang Ruotong's arrival was unexpected. Although he was now in a position of power where he could be considered an equal to a second-realm Celestial, she was even superior in terms of talent and potential.

However, compared to Jiang Ruotong, who is at the half-step major level, there is still a certain distance.

It's common for people to become friends by chance, but it's quite rare for someone to take the initiative to visit.

After all, on the surface, he and the other party had never had any interaction whatsoever.

The other party's visit was likely largely due to He Xinchen's influence, and

Some regional disputes and power struggles have had an impact.

As one of the few female cultivators specializing in music among the martial arts masters, Jiang Ruotong's prestige and status are comparable to those of ordinary master cultivators. In certain unique social settings, even ordinary master cultivators might not be able to match her.

After all, if it's a grand discussion of the Dao, everyone around is at the same level, and their cultivation levels are roughly equal. There may not be much help or assistance. In terms of all needs, it's far better to have a female music cultivator who is pleasing to the eye, helps one's path of cultivation, and reduces mental obstacles.

Rather than befriending like-minded people, it's better to befriend a female cultivator specializing in music.

With Jiang Ruotong's current level of cultivation, which is halfway to the Great Cultivation stage, she can be considered a candidate for the Great Cultivation stage. If she has enough good fortune, she could break through to the next level at any time.

If she succeeds one day, she will become a female music cultivator at the Grand Master level.

Such a halo is extremely tempting for those who cultivate to the level of a Celestial Being.

The benefits and advantages that a top-tier female music cultivator can bring far exceed what others can imagine.

Especially when one enters the advanced cultivation level, a piece of music that requires great effort may give a fellow advanced cultivator of the same level a sudden flash of inspiration, unlocking their confusion and doubts.

"Trapped in doubt?"

Chen Ping'an's heart stirred, and he suddenly thought of something.

if

If he could get her to play a tune, wouldn't all the confusion in his heart be resolved?

Chen Ping'an pondered the matter and was quite tempted.

As he pondered, Jiang Ruotong sensed something unusual in his gaze, a hint of longing in it.

As a half-step Grand Cultivator, I am extremely sensitive to every gaze, let alone such close-up attention.

Jiang Ruotong frowned slightly, feeling displeased.

It wasn't just the other person's eyes that were filled with longing, but also their undisguised expression and demeanor.

Given the other party's reputation for being a prodigal and romantic figure, and the numerous romantic tales circulating about them, it's easy to tell what they desire without much scrutiny.

This lowered her opinion of Chen Ping'an by one point.

As for disgust, that's not quite it.

Since her teenage years, she has received much attention, especially after she achieved great success in her cultivation. Her dazzling brilliance is hard to conceal wherever she goes.

Jiang Ruotong didn't think much of it, but the smile on her face faded a little. She gave Chen Ping'an a gentle bow and left.

This scene naturally caught the attention of many people, leaving them pondering.

Chen Ping'an remained calm and composed.

He could sense Jiang Ruotong's reaction, but he didn't pay it any mind.

Today, there are not many people he truly cares about.

As Jiang Ruotong took her seat, she greeted many people, frequently displaying goodwill and even making gestures of friendship.

Even someone like Aoki Fusuke couldn't help but take a few more glances and exchange a few pleasantries.

A cultivator at the half-step Grand Cultivation level has an influence on the realm second only to a Celestial Grand Cultivation level. Every move they make can have a profound impact.

Such beings deserve our utmost respect, even from the perspective of the Prince of Bicang's Mansion.

During their conversation, Aoki Fukuhiko's gaze occasionally fell on Chen Ping'an, sweeping over him subtly.

"Rumor has it that Chen Ping'an is a talented but philandering man who is fond of women. Now it seems that the rumors are probably true."

Aoki Fukun pondered in his heart, and had already made plans for this trip.

Shortly after Jiang Ruotong's arrival, the Wine Gourd Daoist of the Green Wood Sect also arrived. The reasons given were largely the same as those used by Jiang Ruotong.

This scene and demeanor left many of the celestial beings present deep in thought. Some with keen senses even discerned something from it.

At this celebration, the rulers of various territories all arrived, each sending a representative. Only the ancient territory and the ancient Yue clan remained completely silent, as if they had heard nothing.

While everyone was pondering and making plans, Wen Tianfu, the Crimson Gold Chief, the Twin Peaks of Qiongluo, the Solitary Twin Blades, He Xinchen, and He Shuangdao finally arrived at the celebration site amidst the attention of everyone.

At the Great Pass of Beishan, the Mangdao was promoted to a high position. A celestial cultivator personally came to offer his congratulations, to boost the prestige of the Mangdao and establish its dominance in Beishan!

From then on, Chen Ping'an, the valiant general and the acting garrison commander of Beishan, took charge of Beishan and could stabilize the world.

Like a dragon entering the sea, it cuts through the waves and roars proudly between heaven and earth. (End of Chapter)