The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 579 Riding the Void, Cultivation Enhancement (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

"My lord, we have arrived at Jinlan Garden."

With the respectful greetings of his accompanying guards, Chen Ping'an stepped down from the specially made black-patterned carriage.

"Included in the preliminary assessment for deputy director level?"

Chen Ping'an slowly walked into Jinlan Garden, still thinking about the latest appointment he had recently received.

When Chen Ping'an went to see Yao Guang, he had some guesses in his mind and thought about the matter of merit, but he did not expect it to be an appointment.

When he met Yao Guang, the atmosphere between them was so relaxed that he didn't think about it in that way.

After all, appointments are different from other appointments; they are usually announced in public, not in private settings like this.

"The Chief Inspector of the Thunderous Garrison Command is hereby granted the title of Senior Assistant Commander."

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted as he considered his appointment to the Canglong Prefecture Garrison.

The Chief Inspector of Leiming Town Pacification Division is not a standard position within the Leiming Town Pacification Division system. It is a new position created by the Canglong Prefecture Pacification Division in response to changes in the situation at Leiming Mountain.

Thunder City is a large city, ranking among the top three in Canglong Prefecture. Its Zhenfu Division is naturally different from other places.

The Thunderous Garrison Command is fully equipped and large in scale. The head of the Thunderous Garrison Command is a true Grandmaster, whose rank is equivalent to that of the Garrison Command of Azure Dragon Prefecture.

That is, it is slightly lower than the level of deputy head, but far better than the ordinary head candidate.

Chen Ping'an, after being promoted to senior supervisor, was roughly half a rank lower than the head of the Thunderous Garrison.

However, considering the special nature of Chen Ping'an's position, and the circumstances of being assessed for entry into the deputy director level, the two can almost be regarded as being at the same level.

However, this was a tacit understanding between the two sides. Judging from the official ranks, Chen Ping'an's position as the Chief Inspector was roughly equivalent to the second or third-in-command of the Thunderclap Garrison.

Unlike them, Chen Ping'an reports directly to the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command and does not need to report to the head of the Leiming Mountain Garrison Command. Within the Leiming Garrison Command, this is considered a rather detached position.

If the people in the Thunderous Garrison Command weren't stupid, they would only try to befriend him and would never dare to offend him.

However, it's hard to say for sure.

After all, he holds the position of Inspector General, and there might be some conflict of interest at that time.

Chen Ping'an was somewhat surprised when he heard about the appointment.

What surprised me was not the promotion, but the transfer to Thunder City.

He had only thought of Leiming Mountain when he was planning his merits, but now he was being told that he was being transferred to Leiming City.

Such a coincidence could not help but surprise Chen Ping'an.

Surprised, Chen Ping'an also felt a surge of joy.

Chen Ping'an was just thinking about killing ruthless bandits and thugs to accumulate merit, and then he was about to be transferred to Leiming City.

What is this called?
Give me a pillow when you feel sleepy!
"Could it be that I do possess some kind of luck?!"

Besides the notorious bandits and thugs on the bounty list, Thunder Mountain also has many black markets, some of which are even large enough to handle divine weapons.

In addition, the situation in the Thunder Mountain area is chaotic, with frequent clashes, and blacksmithing masters and alchemy masters are extremely active in the black market.

It is rumored that a master blacksmith may be in charge of the largest black market in Thunder Mountain.

Putting aside other factors, from these points alone, transferring him to Leiming Mountain would be entirely in Chen Ping'an's best interest.

Once he gets to Leiming, he can not only sell all the items he can't sell on the black market, but also kill ruthless bandits and accumulate merits.

It is worth mentioning that the Gu family's headquarters are located in the Leiming Mountain area, where they enjoy a very high reputation.

With a thought, Chen Ping'an returned to the courtyard of the elegant garden. He didn't linger and went straight back to his room.

"In fact, Gu Qingchan happens to be in Leiming City overseeing the interests of the Gu family."

Besides Gu Qingchan, Feng Wuhen also works for Lei Mingcheng, serving as the chief worshipper of the Hall of Worship.

Unexpectedly, after this turn of events, he ended up becoming colleagues with Feng Wuhen.

Chen Ping'an smiled and sat down cross-legged.

He drank the Snow Mountain Spirit Tea at Yao Guang's place. At this moment, the true essence in his body and the spiritual energy between his eyebrows were active. If he used it for cultivation, he would achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Although the matter is in the past, one cannot help but admire Yao Guang's methods.

The appointment was not announced immediately after Chen Ping'an's arrival. Instead, the appointment was announced when the atmosphere was just right after the conversation with Chen Ping'an.

This change in order may seem like a minor issue, but it actually reveals Yao Guang's personal motives.

However, his subtle and gentle approach did not arouse Chen Ping'an's resentment.

On the contrary, they would feel that they were highly valued, and even someone of Yao Guang's caliber would want to befriend them.

Overall, this interview was a pretty good experience.

Even after Chen Ping'an received his appointment, their conversation did not end.

During the recent turmoil in Long'an, Chen Ping'an killed many Grandmasters. After announcing the appointments, Yao Guang directly informed Chen Ping'an of the merits he had gained.

With this award of merit, Chen Ping'an's accumulated merits were enough to exchange for a decent supreme divine skill.

Yao Guang immediately asked Chen Ping'an if there was anything he wanted to exchange.

Chen Ping'an, of course, did not shy away from discussing his own needs.

Upon hearing Chen Ping'an's request, Yao Guang immediately produced a small booklet that resembled a jade scroll for inheritance.

"Treasure Vault Exchange Book!"

Chen Ping'an's expression brightened as he looked at the booklet in Yao Guang's hand.

The Zhenfu Division's treasury holds an incredibly rich collection. Normally, to view the treasury's treasures, one would need to visit the Zhenfu Division at the corresponding level.

For example, the prefectural garrison commanders went to the prefectural garrison commander central office, and the state garrison commanders went to the state garrison commander central office.

If Chen Ping'an wanted to see the resources that could be exchanged, he would have to return to the State Garrison Command.

The whole process was extremely troublesome.

However, the booklet in Yao Guang's possession could solve Chen Ping'an's problem. The booklet contained a record of most of the resources that the State Garrison Command could exchange for.

Chen Ping'an only needs to look here to know what rare treasures are in the State Garrison's treasury.

Normally, only the deputy head of the exchange register is qualified to view such exchange registers at any time.

Yao Guang's actions could be seen as doing Chen Ping'an a small favor.

"Thank you, Lord Yao." Chen Ping'an bowed respectfully, accepting Yao Guang's favor.

Guided by the divine light, a large amount of text appeared. Streams of light recorded the rare resources of the State Garrison.

"Silver Moon Flower, a precious medicinal herb, possesses nourishing spiritual properties and stimulates true energy."

"Seven-Star Grass, a precious and rare medicinal herb, is available."

"Rehmannia glutinosa, Ginseng, Calming Grass, and Tianyuan Fruit"

One after another, powerful medicinal substances and miraculous substances appeared.

Besides the major medicines, there are also some pills with extremely remarkable effects, such as Huayu Pill, Sanyang Pill, Qingxin Pill, Yinling Pill, and Huanglong Pill.

Chen Ping'an had limited need for elixirs, and naturally wouldn't waste his limited merit points on them. He quickly moved on and his gaze fell on the divine weapon category.

As he expected, the State Garrison's exchange vault contained top-tier divine weapons.

It truly lives up to its reputation as a force under the dynasty, the State Garrison Command, which is stationed in a prefecture.

The Zhenfu Division's treasury contains not only top-tier divine weapons, but more than one of them.

Besides the divine weapon, the treasure vault also contained many other treasures, spiritual items, and powerful medicines. Even the puppet Chen Ping'an saw on it.

But none of these were Chen Ping'an's focus. His gaze swept across the area and finally landed on the cultivation techniques section. His goal was clear: to directly target movement-based divine techniques.

"Supreme Divine Skill, Ascending to the Clouds at Will!"

"Supreme Divine Skill, Shadowless Step!"
"Supreme Divine Skill, Phantom Movement Technique!"

"Supreme Divine Skill"

Chen Ping'an scanned the various techniques with lightning speed, looking at each one before finally fixing his gaze on one in particular.

"Ping An, you want to choose this cultivation technique?" Yao Guang noticed Chen Ping An's gaze, looked surprised, and asked.

"Taixu Wind Control Step!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes narrowed, a sharp glint flashing within them.

He had his eye on this particular technique, which was hidden in the treasure vault of the state's military command.

Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu (Great Void Wind-Riding Step), a top-tier, unparalleled divine skill!

His movements were so agile and graceful that they even seemed to touch the threshold of the Precious Scroll True Skill, equivalent to Jing Xingyan's Hundred Forged Vajra Skill.

According to the annotations in the exchange book, this Taixu Wind-Riding Step is derived from the True Skill Treasure Scroll of Free and Easy Wandering, and has quite a bit of its charm.

Yao Guang was surprised by Chen Ping'an's interest in this technique mainly because, firstly, the inherited meaning of the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu (太虚御风步) was incomplete, making it extremely difficult to cultivate and comprehend such a high-level technique. To have less than 60% of the inherited meaning made it even more challenging.

There are many supreme divine skills on the exchange book, including several of them of the same grade, so Chen Ping'an doesn't need to make this choice.

Secondly, Chen Ping'an did not choose a powerful and fierce style of martial arts, which was quite unexpected by Yao Guang.

Judging from Chen Ping'an's style of doing things, he should be a fan of the kind of domineering and powerful cultivation techniques. Why would he choose such a graceful and unrestrained style of cultivation technique?

Of course, what Yao Guang didn't know was that this style of martial arts technique had always been Chen Ping'an's dream.

From the very beginning of his journey into martial arts, he wanted to be a graceful swordsman, not a domineering and fierce knife-wielder.

The stranger is like jade, and the young master is unparalleled in the world!
A jade pendant hangs from her waist, and her sleeves hold the spirit of mountains and rivers!
Such elegance, how beautiful and wonderful! It far surpasses that of those rough-and-ready martial artists and crude swordsmen!
Unfortunately.
Life is unpredictable!
With the new alias, even the rough and rugged look is gone. It's gone straight to the level of a fierce-looking old monster.

Now that there is hope for a turnaround, with such an ethereal and otherworldly cultivation technique, like a celestial being descending to earth, placed before Chen Ping'an, how could he not choose it!?
Of course, cost-effectiveness is the most crucial factor!
With less than 60% of the inherited essence remaining, the value of this cultivation technique's inheritance jade scroll has plummeted. The difficulty of exchanging for this technique has become significantly easier.

To outsiders, the lack of profound understanding makes each step of the practice increasingly difficult. It is quite possible that one will not grasp the mysteries of this practice until the profound understanding is exhausted.

The cultivation techniques I painstakingly acquired ultimately went down the drain. A huge investment, all for naught!

But this is completely irrelevant to Chen Ping'an!

As long as the technique is correct, he can cultivate it!

The only difference is whether it takes time or not.

If he only inherited less than 60% of the essence, then there's still more than half. This means that with just one comprehension, he can directly accumulate half of the introductory experience!

"Accumulate merits as soon as possible and exchange for the Void Wind Riding Step!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes were eager, with a hint of anticipation.

Although the Taixu Wind Control Steps technique is flawed in its artistic conception, its rank is still considerable. Even with Chen Ping'an's substantial achievements, there is still a significant gap between his current skill level and his ability to exchange for this technique.

If Chen Ping'an wants to make the exchange, he'll need to kill at least a few top-tier grandmasters. If there are any great grandmasters, perhaps killing one or two would be enough.

He didn't have that much time to slowly accumulate merit, so all he could do was to quickly accumulate merit through killing.

The lives of several grandmasters were exchanged for a top-tier, unparalleled divine skill with flawed artistic conception.

This deal was a great one!
hum~
Chen Ping'an's brows gleamed with spiritual light, and the Seven Absolute Light flowed gently. Amidst the changes in his true essence, there was a faint hint of chilling intent.

"This Snow Spirit Tea is truly exceptional!"

Chen Ping'an thought to himself, feeling an indescribable sense of ease as his true essence circulated. With this assistance, his cultivation efficiency would be at least 30% higher!
As the true essence circulated, a cultivation experience flashed by.

+1!

The effects of the Snow Spirit Tea far exceeded Chen Ping'an's expectations.

He cultivated in Jinlan Garden for several days before finally exhausting the effects of the Snow Spirit Tea.

hum~
With a flicker of light, Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Late Jade Balance - Spirit Pattern Spirit Fruit (Eight Patterns)
武学：七杀天罡拳入门（0/1440）、霸刀大成（0/3200）、七绝神功大成（1860/4800）、万魔铸身诀圆满、游龙身法圆满、金刚不坏神功圆满、龙象霸体诀圆满、三分人劫指圆满
"1860 points!"

A few snow spirit leaves were able to enhance his cultivation for several days.

Chen Ping'an has been in excellent condition these past few days. His daily cultivation experience is almost exceeding 60 points.

If he can maintain this pace, he will be able to master the Seven Absolute Divine Skill in less than two months.

Unfortunately, his idea was not very realistic.

A single Snow Spirit Leaf grants a one-day buff.

To support his cultivation to the point of perfecting the Seven Absolute Divine Skill, he needs sixty Snow Spirit Leaves.

He has the financial means to purchase Snow Spirit Tea, but he lacks the corresponding purchasing channels.

Snow Spirit Tea has a limited production volume and is extremely rare; it cannot be bought simply with Yuan Crystals.

"I'll ask Yao Guang again when I get another chance."

Chen Ping'an made his own plans.

According to Yao Guang, he managed to buy some Xue Ling tea through special channels thanks to his friend in the Beihai Business Alliance. However, the quantity wasn't particularly large.

It was only because Yao Guang valued Chen Ping'an's potential and they found their conversation quite agreeable that Yao Guang offered him Snow Spirit Tea. Otherwise, Yao Guang might not have been willing to let Chen Ping'an taste it.

Yao Guang is one possible connection; perhaps we can use his channels to purchase some Snow Spirit Tea. However, overall, it should be quite difficult. After all, Yao Guang isn't directly handling the purchase; he'll have to entrust the matter to someone else.

There's another detour in the middle, which means he'll have to use up his favors.

Even if Chen Ping'an were willing to pay the price, it might not be possible to make this happen.

After all, acquiring rare spiritual items and acquiring ordinary items are two completely different things.

Even if Yao Guang were willing to do Chen Ping'an a favor, organizing the process would likely be quite difficult.

"If we can't get through to Yao Guang, then perhaps we can try to find connections with the Gu family."

Chen Ping'an's thoughts wandered, and he thought of the Gu family.

As the leading family in Canglong Prefecture and the largest owner behind Ruyi Baoge, the Gu family naturally has its own business channels.

It's just unknown whether the Gu family's business channels can establish a connection with the Beihai Business Alliance.

However, for the acquisition of such limited and rare resources, ordinary relationships may not be sufficient; a deeper connection is required. Ideally, there should be a relationship based on mutual benefit.

Perhaps we can ask Gu Qingchan when we go to Leiming Mountain this time.

If possible, write a letter to see if the Gu family can purchase it on your behalf.

Given his status as the son-in-law of the Gu family, they would be happy to help him if the Gu family could do it.

However, this matter may not go smoothly.

According to Chen Ping'an's idea, if possible, the more Snow Spirit Leaves he could buy, the better.

Sixty tablets can last him two months, so if we buy a hundred tablets, wouldn't that last him more than three months?

With over three months of enhanced efficiency (30% of the original capacity), the amount of cultivation experience gained from this round trip is considerable.

If it's like this after just over three months, what about six months, nine months, or a year?!
With the power of time at its core, the difference between what is beneficial and what is not will become enormous.

Why is it that most of the prodigies on the Hidden Dragon Ranking come from powerful backgrounds? Even those who don't have powerful backgrounds are backed by renowned martial arts masters.

Why?

Firstly, these powerful forces are keen to recruit martial arts prodigies. Those with exceptional talent are often recruited into major cultivation sects, ancient sects, and martial arts holy lands. With such a large pool of recruits, a certain number of monstrous geniuses naturally emerge.

As for martial arts masters, at their level, their horizons are broad, and ordinary prodigies are simply beneath their notice. Those who can be accepted as disciples are undoubtedly exceptionally brilliant geniuses!

On the other side, countless prodigies were also vying to become disciples of these martial arts masters.

The reason why these martial arts prodigies join major sects, monasteries, holy lands, and become disciples of martial arts masters is precisely the second aspect.

These powerful forces, martial arts masters, and giants of the world often provide them with a better training environment, better reserves of cultivation techniques, better guidance and insights, systematic instruction, one-on-one answers to their questions, and a great deal of external support.

Those geniuses are already exceptionally gifted, and with these conditions in place, their progress in cultivation is even more astonishing.

With all the necessary factors in place, and after going through layers of selection, those who are finally chosen are naturally rare geniuses and unparalleled prodigies.

It's not surprising that he's on the list of potential dragons!
The rapid cultivation speed of those prodigies is not only due to their innate talent, but also greatly related to their cultivation environment, resources, and spiritual objects.

For Chen Ping'an, acquiring a single serving of Snow Spirit Tea, which can aid in cultivation, would require considerable effort and thought.

However, the core secrets within the Snow God Palace are standard equipment for cultivation spirits.

Most of the annual production of Snow Spirit Tea is reserved for the Snow God Palace's own use!

If even the true disciples are like this, let alone the current Holy Maiden of the Snow God Palace, not to mention Snow Spirit Tea, there are probably countless spiritual items even better than Snow Spirit Tea.

As long as she desires it, even rare spiritual treasures and cultivation artifacts, the Snow God Palace will find a way to satisfy her.

"The Snow Goddess Palace."

Chen Ping'an was lost in thought and couldn't help but sigh.

He always cared about anything that could enhance his cultivation. If he had an unlimited supply of Snow Spirit Tea, his cultivation progress would reach an extremely exaggerated level!

However, the conditions don't allow it, and given the current situation, he can't rush things.

We can only start by addressing Yao Guang and the Gu family.

When Chen Ping'an thought of Yao Guang, he wanted to meet the friend of the Beihai Business Alliance that Yao Guang had mentioned.

His friend had a steward from the Snow God Palace as his Daoist partner, so it's likely that his ability to obtain Snow Spirit Tea was not only due to his position in the North Sea Merchant Alliance, but also because of his Daoist partner.

"Daoist partners, Daoist partners, those who share the same Dao are partners, their hearts are in harmony, and they will rise together and overcome all obstacles!"

"With yin and yang as the strings, and the sun and moon as the melody, let us journey together to immortality, without asking when we will return!"

Chen Pingan smiled and thought of Gu Qingcheng.

I wonder if this lady is the Daoist partner he longs for!

Chen Pingan shook his head, no longer thinking about it.

Purchasing Xue Ling Tea involves many steps and requires a lot of effort.

The reason for this lies in his own lack of strength and low status.

He has now been promoted to Chief Inspector of the Thunderous Garrison Command and is ranked among the senior candidates for the Garrison Command of Canglong Prefecture. In terms of status, he is on par with Lü Yuanzai, who is in charge of important town affairs in the prefecture's Garrison Command.

His rank far surpasses that of ordinary candidates for the position of head of the provincial administration, placing him among the top contenders.

If we also consider his status as a candidate for deputy commander and his official position in the Northern Garrison, his position in the Canglong Prefecture Garrison is higher than that of a regular Grandmaster-level rank official, and is comparable to that of a formal deputy commander.

Even so, in terms of status, he still doesn't rank much in the face of the overwhelming power in the North.

Leaving aside the northern border, just considering the seventeen states within the influence of the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion, there are countless powerful figures in those states. Taking the Zhenfu Division as an example, there are seventeen heads of the state-level Zhenfu Divisions alone, not to mention the deputy heads.

Furthermore, among the deputy commanders, there are different ranks. Some are powerful deputy commanders like Zhang Yuanjin of the Xuanhuang Absolute Sword, while others are top-ranked like Yao Guang of the Eight Desolations Fist. Still others are mid-level commanders like Ning Zhengyue of the Five Thunder Transformation Hand. In addition, there are various other deputy commanders of different ranks, roughly estimated to number at least a hundred.

This only includes the Zhenfu Division; there is also the Qiankun Division in these seventeen prefectures, which is no less numerous than the Zhenfu Division.

In addition, there are powerful families, major cultivation sects, martial arts sects, and various independent cultivators, business leaders, and alliance giants from various states.

All of this combined results in an incredibly staggering number.

This doesn't even include the Bicang County Prince's Mansion itself, nor the somewhat detached military forces.

If we include these two forces, then Chen Ping'an's status in the various states is pitifully low!
Of course, this situation exists because age groups were not taken into account; all the high-ranking figures within the sphere of influence of the Bicang County Prince's Mansion were compared together.

Among them are quite a few who have cultivated for a hundred, two hundred, three hundred, or even four hundred years.

There are also tycoons and giants who are old and frail, about to pass away.

If we only consider potential, Chen Ping'an's talent is still among the top in the seventeen states under the influence of the Bicang County Prince's Mansion.

However, when it comes to shaping the overall trend, age isn't everything. You might be young and talented, and people might give you some face, but when it comes to matters of interest, that might not be the case.

A kind person might say, "Little friend, could you please move aside?" A rude person might kick you in the back, leaving you resentful without even knowing who kicked you.

Given Chen Ping'an's current public status, this is already the case in the seventeen states covered by the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion. Not to mention the North Sea region, or even the Snow God Palace.

A powerful figure like Yao Guang could influence the fate of his state and affect events in neighboring states. However, within the territory of the Bicang County Prince's Mansion, he would only be considered a high-ranking figure. He might have a voice in discussions, but it would be impossible for him to gain any real benefit from them.

Want something? Sure, you can get it by offering benefits!

If Yao Guang was like this, what about Chen Ping'an?

Given Chen Ping'an's public status, he is considered a prominent high-ranking figure in Canglong Prefecture. However, within the jurisdiction of the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion, he can only be considered a promising figure among the middle and upper ranks.

As for the northern border, he probably doesn't even have the right to speak or sit at the table!

Among the young prodigies of the Northern Territory, Chen Ping'an is among the top. However, using this to measure the giants of other realms would undoubtedly seem somewhat ridiculous.

When it comes to power and status, people don't care about your age!

"In the end, it's still a matter of insufficient strength and status! If I were a leader in the Northern Territory, then a mere Snow Spirit Leaf would be nothing."
Why bother with all that effort? Someone will offer to deliver it for you!

"A Northern tycoon, huh?"

Chen Pingan chuckled, dismissing the fleeting thought that had crossed his mind.

One should not be overly ambitious in one's conduct and actions! The giants of the Northern Territory are too far away from him. One must eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time. He should start from Canglong Prefecture and the surrounding prefectures, then move on to the territory under the control of the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion, and finally to the giants of the Northern Territory!
He has faced many hardships along the way, and although he had made plans, there were also shortcomings.

Although there is still a gap between us and those top leaders, that gap is gradually narrowing.

From a broader perspective, he's not yet ranked highly. But he shouldn't underestimate himself. If he narrows his focus to the area under the jurisdiction of the Bicang County Prince's Mansion, he is very likely the youngest and most senior candidate for the position of commander within the Zhenfu Division system.

If one were to advance further, that would be the position of deputy head!

He will climb step by step, to the very top! He will trample all things under his feet!

Once Chen Ping'an made up his mind, he sat down cross-legged again.

Although the Snow Spirit Tea is no longer available, the practice of cultivation cannot be stopped.

They can enjoy the benefits and also endure the dissatisfaction of mediocrity.

As the book says, one can enjoy the panoramic view from the mountaintop and find contentment even in the dust!
Before closing his eyes, one last thought flashed through Chen Ping'an's mind.

"If we could get to know someone inside the Snow God Palace, things would be much easier with the Snow Spirit Tea."

hum~
A faint, mysterious light shone forth, slowly circulating within the room.

All forms of spiritual practice begin with the steps you take!
On the third day of Chen Ping'an's cultivation, he finally met Gu Rencheng.

From Gu Rencheng's words, he truly understood the current situation in Long'an.

(End of this chapter)