The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 600 was very rewarding, with profound insights into the artistic conception (Thanks to ﹏So丶灬低低ˉ for the generous donation, 23 extra chapters).

hum~
Chen Ping'an sat cross-legged atop an ancient tree.

As the light in his eyes flickered, items appeared one by one in front of him.

This time, he killed three mid-stage Jade Balance masters, two early-stage Jade Balance masters, and one pseudo-Grandmaster, a total of six people.

Among the six, Blood Centipede, Green-faced Fang, and Yin Wind Leg Ma San are all on the Azure Dragon Bounty List and possess considerable merit.

In addition, although Yu Xihai is not a villain or scoundrel on the bounty list, he has a special status as the young master of the Black Spirit Sect.

His head also has extremely high merit value!
The Thunder Mountain Range is home to numerous factions. Regardless of their clandestine alliances with various forces within Azure Dragon Prefecture, these factions are openly categorized as a disorderly camp. Many of them have a history of clear-cut murders and acts of disorder.

As the top power in the Thunder Mountain Range and the protector of various bandits and outlaws, the heads of the core high-ranking members of the Black Spirit Sect hold special significance.

In addition, the remaining two, although their heads are not on the bounty list, still have basic merit value as villains in the Thunder Mountain Range.

However, they are far inferior to the previous few.

Although he didn't know the exact amount of this gain, Chen Ping'an had a feeling that he was not far from exchanging for the cultivation technique, the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu.

It's even possible that the redemption conditions have already been met!

It is a movement technique that is close to the category of a true martial arts manual. Its techniques are profound and it fully lives up to Chen Ping'an's expectations.

He currently lacks a decent movement technique, both overtly and covertly. The Swimming Dragon Movement Technique is sufficient in the open, but it falls far short in covert combat.

If he had a highly effective movement technique, it would greatly benefit him in both pursuit and escape.

While this endeavor yielded significant results, it was not without its flaws.

Along the way, Chen Ping'an had already done some simple recaps. He found that, upon closer inspection, there were still quite a few oversights.

Although he had cleaned up all the mess left by the battle, if you were to examine it closely, there were still quite a few flaws in the story.

This weakness did not come from the forces of the Thunder Mountain Range, but from the Zhenfu Division of Canglong Prefecture.

He needs to redeem his merits upon returning, which will inevitably require the heads of several people.

If it's just a simple investigation, this matter will be fine. But if it attracts the attention of someone with ulterior motives, they might be able to trace back to previous events.

For example, the divine weapon he consigned for auction this time was obtained from Situ Ba during the siege of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect at Sanqi Mountain.

And that silver moon spear was obtained from Xue Mingde, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Liyang Garrison.

If all these factors are present, considering the implications, his situation would be unfavorable!
Although he did not reveal his true appearance during this trip to the Black Spirit Mountain Black Market, his achievements and gains will inevitably lead people to associate him with him.

It should be noted that whether it's the Blue-faced Fanged Man or the Blood Centipede, information about their appearance at the Black Spirit Mountain black market auction can definitely be found with careful investigation.

In addition, there is the identity of Ma San and the young master of the Black Spirit Sect.

Given these factors, it goes without saying that Chen Ping'an's identity can be basically confirmed.

If we examine the items circulating on the black market more closely, then
The events of the past may be exposed one by one!

Furthermore, if we investigate further and combine all aspects, there is even a possibility that the identity of the black-robed monster might be exposed!

Chen Ping'an had thought about this matter carefully and found that the risks were indeed quite significant!

He happened to arrive at the Thunder Mountain Range, took the heads of several people, and coincidentally, there were divine weapons and spears available in the black market on the same day.

Furthermore, upon closer examination, it was discovered that the identities of all the individuals involved were related to this matter. All the clues converged and ultimately pointed to only Chen Ping'an!
Behind all these things, the only thing to hope for is that the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command doesn't have the time to investigate, or that no one with any interest is paying attention to him.

After all, if it's just a simple investigation and basic verification, there's almost no risk of exposure.

For example, it's not easy to accurately investigate information such as the transactions on the black market that day, the goods in circulation, and the participants in black market auctions.

but
Chen Ping'an never placed his hopes on such unrealistic things.

Although he now holds a high position, he is not without enemies in the Canglong Prefecture Garrison.

He still remembers everything about Li Wusheng, the deputy commander!
I trust him and I've always remembered him. If the opportunity arises, I will do everything in my power to bring him down!
"This matter."

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted as he considered all the details.

It might be easy to find clues that ultimately point to him, but it could be quite difficult to actually confirm them!
Ultimately, it's all just a collection of intelligence and conjecture. If we add the word "coincidence," then everything might just fall apart on its own!

Some things just happen by chance, what can you do about it!

Furthermore, his actions this time are time-shifted, thereby further reducing the risk of suspicion! As for how the time shift will occur, a well-developed explanation can certainly increase the certainty!
and also
If his position in the State Garrison Command were to rise further, then putting all this information together might not be such a big problem at all.

Being registered with the Northern Border Garrison Command might be his greatest guarantee!

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted as he summarized the gains and losses of the matter and assessed its feasibility.

In some matters, having a high level of cultivation is one aspect, but being able to anticipate the enemy's moves and prepare contingency plans in advance is another.

Some things are better left unseen; if you do encounter them, having a backup plan is a form of protection for yourself!
"A trip to the black market, a black market auction, divine weapons—longswords, silver moon spears, and heads of meritorious officials."

Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered, and he finally made a decision.

"The risks are manageable; prioritize your cultivation techniques! Promptly demonstrate your advanced martial arts skills and enhance your standing within the State Garrison!"

Chen Ping'an's contemplation seemed lengthy, but in reality, it only took a few breaths. After finishing these tasks, he began to take stock of the items he had acquired.

A total of six people were killed, along with three Thousand-Mechanism Bags, three Hundred-Treasure Pouches, and five divine weapons. Among them, Yu Xihai, the young sect master of the Black Spirit Sect, possessed two of them, both of which were of relatively good quality among ordinary divine weapons.

One each of the following: a blue-faced, fanged creature, a blood-red centipede, and a creature with numb legs and a cold wind.

The divine weapons were all of ordinary level, none of them particularly powerful, so Chen Ping'an wouldn't even consider them worth his attention. However, it was still a considerable gain. If he were to sell them, they would fetch at least ten thousand crystals.

Furthermore, Chen Ping'an was somewhat interested in the knee-guard-like divine weapon worn by Ma San, the Yin Wind Leg expert. During their previous battle, the gusts of Yin wind were quite powerful, a result not only of Ma San's own leg techniques but also of the assistance provided by this divine weapon.

"Keep this divine weapon, and sell the rest as divine weapons!"

Chen Ping'an reached out and collected the several divine weapons, categorizing them and putting them into his pocket.

That knee-guard-like divine weapon was crystal clear, like silk, and when its spiritual power was activated, it faintly shimmered with a grayish-black hue.

Since neither of them knew the name of this divine weapon, Chen Ping'an gave it a name: Yin Wind Knee Guard.

Among ordinary divine weapons, it doesn't quite reach the level of a top-grade weapon, but it's still acceptable.

Chen Ping'an possesses the Seven Absolute Divine Skills, and he may use leg techniques in battle. This knee-protecting divine weapon complements his Seven Luminaries Finger Gloves perfectly.

Having acquired the Azure Flame Four Directions Command Flag and the Black Profound Iron Mask, his arsenal of high-end divine weapons was somewhat satisfied. However, for daily combat, acquiring one or two more divine weapons without expending extra effort would be ideal.

Now facing a battle, he can first use the Azure Flame Four Directions Command Flag to create a confinement space, establishing a home-field advantage. This will not only prevent the opponent from escaping but also enhance his own combat power. Then, he can use the green bamboo tube to release a thin mist, working in conjunction with the Myriad Demon Blood Fiend to weaken the opponent's combat power.

With the Hundred Illusions Divine Blade as the main weapon and the Seven Luminaries Finger Gloves and Yin Wind Knee Pads as auxiliary weapons, they may be quite effective in close combat.

Use the Mystic Mirror to reduce the opponent's speed and lower their margin for error, then use the fine gray net to bind them, aiming to deliver a decisive blow.

With a variety of methods working together, although not as good as those true grandmasters, it is still not bad among grandmasters.

In addition, the Azure Flame Four Directions Command Flag and the Black Profound Iron Mask are among the most exquisite protective artifacts even among the Grandmaster Fengyun's external possessions!

Besides the divine weapon, Chen Ping'an also obtained various pills and spiritual items, different grades of ores and consumables, and varying amounts of Yuan Crystals from the group.

All things considered, it was a very substantial gain.

In terms of Yuanjing cash flow, with this gain, Chen Ping'an now has more than 50,000 Yuanjing at his disposal.

Furthermore, Chen Ping'an has also made further progress in the reserves of certain consumables and ores. Although there are no particularly high-grade items, the reserves of mid-grade and mid-to-high-grade items have filled a significant gap in Chen Ping'an's inventory.

Besides these items, Chen Ping'an also found some cultivation techniques. However, most of the techniques on the group were ordinary. Only a few were worth Chen Ping'an's attention.

Firstly, Chen Ping'an found some similarities between the cultivation technique practiced by the young master of the Black Spirit Sect and the Myriad Demons Body Forging Technique. However, these similarities were minor; overall, it seemed like a simplified version of the Myriad Demons Body Forging Technique, far inferior in both power and grade. Furthermore, this technique did not involve physical tempering; instead, it weakened the body to some extent, thereby benefiting one's true essence and spirituality.

All things considered, it doesn't even qualify as a lower-level replacement for the Myriad Demons Body Forging Technique; it merely overlaps with some divine aspects, albeit in a weakened form.

Yu Xihai didn't possess any inheritance jade scrolls, only some rubbings of cultivation techniques that Chen Ping'an could practice, but the overall returns weren't high. They could only serve as a necessary reserve for improving cultivation. He could leave them for now; there was no need to cultivate them if there was no need.

With Chen Ping'an's current martial arts level, ordinary divine skills offer him negligible benefits. Only powerful divine skills and top-tier divine weapons can still have some effect on him.

Besides Yu Xihai's cultivation technique, the True Essence Blood Transformation Technique on the blood centipede also has some wonderful uses. It stores refined true essence in blood, forming blood sacs to enhance its combat reserves. This results in a situation where its endurance and stamina far surpass those of its peers.

This True Essence Blood Transformation Technique is not considered a supreme divine skill, but it possesses some of the extraordinary qualities of a supreme divine skill, far surpassing ordinary top-tier divine skills.

"It does have a rather ingenious design," Chen Ping'an commented.

Although he had no interest in practicing this technique, browsing through it and absorbing its essence was still a good benefit for him.

Having reached his level of martial arts mastery, he already possesses the ability to create and improve his own techniques. Studying the thought process behind such techniques can broaden one's experience and accumulate foundational knowledge.

By eliminating the dross and retaining the essence, and by taking the best and making up for the worst, we may be able to create a decent exercise method.

However, Chen Ping'an's experience in this matter is still shallow. Although he has gained a lot of insights, they are not yet perfect, so there is no need to rush!
Today's actions are mostly for absorbing nutrients and transforming them into one's own foundation, waiting for the day when they will erupt and lay the foundation for the supreme method of cultivation!
Besides Yu Xihai and the Blood Centipede, Yin Feng Tui Ma San and Qing Mian Liao Ya also possessed cultivation techniques, but in Chen Ping'an's view, most of them were not up to par.

Among them, the blue-faced, fanged creature possessed quite a few unorthodox techniques, including some methods for self-preservation and offensive combat.

The timing was perfect, and he calmed down to read through everything. Even if he didn't intend to use it himself, it would be good preparation for dealing with unorthodox masters in the future.

In the path of martial arts, besides the mutual restraint of methods, anticipating the enemy's moves and mastering intelligence can also give you an advantage when your cultivation levels are equal!
However, many times, intelligence is one thing, but whether one can actually do it is another matter entirely.

After reviewing the numerous unorthodox techniques performed on the blue-faced, fanged man, Chen Ping'an rolled up his sleeve, pocketed the artifact, and offered a fair assessment.

"Fancy!"

Unorthodox methods, often referred to as minor martial arts techniques, are not without reason. While they may offer an advantage in a level playing field through clever tricks and unique skills, the range of knowledge involved is too diverse, and the theories are often contradictory, making it extremely difficult to form a unified system.

To truly master and apply this knowledge to a profound level is extremely difficult!
Even if there are unorthodox geniuses who have achieved this, their combat power is not as perfect and versatile as that of cultivators of the same realm, who are skilled in both offense and defense, due to the lack of a unified system.

unless
He can take another step forward, analyze himself, take stock of his gains, and create his own system. Only in this way can he achieve perfection and greatly increase his combat power!
But this matter is easier said than done!
This blue-faced, fanged man, though a master of unorthodox doctrines, hasn't even grasped the concept of a unified system, let alone creating one that is uniquely his own.

Even the grandmasters of unorthodox doctrines have only scratched the surface of some of the system's key points.

If one can build a small team and accumulate enough experience, one can leap to become a powerful figure among Grandmasters. If one can go even further and establish the outline of one's own system, then one can dominate the Grandmaster realm.

For example, among the seventy-two grandmasters on the Grandmaster Ranking, there are grandmasters of the unorthodox path who have established the outline of their own unorthodox path system!

His methods are known for being unpredictable and difficult to deal with. Even if you are a fellow Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud, you will feel disgusted as if you were eating shit when you encounter him.

Apart from the top ten masters on the Fengyun Grandmaster Ranking, no one dares to claim they can truly defeat him.

Most importantly, this grandmaster of unorthodox methods possessed an exceptional ability to preserve his life, with one trump card after another appearing endlessly.

Even the top ten Grandmasters on the Grandmaster Ranking could only defeat him, far from being able to kill him!

Those who can make it onto the list of legendary masters all have protective trump cards, but among them, this unorthodox grandmaster is the most prominent.

He once escaped from a powerful Celestial Being, and although he was seriously injured in the end, it did not diminish his reputation in the slightest!
Lu Wuchang, the Grandmaster of the Unorthodox Path! Ranked sixteenth on the List of Grandmasters of the Storm!

If even a grandmaster of the unorthodox path who can establish the outline of a system is like this, let alone an unorthodox celestial being who has truly created his own system and perfected it!
However, such beings are extremely rare, even across the vast territory of the dynasty!

Having tallied up all his gains, Chen Ping'an was in high spirits.

Not only did he gain merit, but he also significantly increased his wealth, broadened his horizons, and accumulated valuable experience.

In the path of martial arts, simply working in isolation will not necessarily lead to breakthroughs. Only by traveling far and wide, broadening one's horizons, and experiencing nature can one have a moment of inspiration!

This is why so many grandmasters and great masters choose to travel around!
There was once a grandmaster who, despite years of accumulating experience, could not achieve mastery. During a journey, by chance, he witnessed a wildfire eruption. Inspired, he seized the fleeting opportunity, sitting in meditation on a mountain rock for ten days and ten nights, achieving a state of oneness with nature and attaining the realm of martial arts mastery!
Those who are celestial beings enjoy a lifespan of a thousand years!

Looking down upon the world's ever-changing events, witnessing the vicissitudes of human life!
This is the transformation of the sea into mulberry fields!
"He who kills will be killed in return. If you do not wish to die and perish, you must be courageous and diligent!"

"My way is to follow my heart and seek peace! The world is ever-changing, how difficult it is to follow one's heart! If we talk about peace, looking at the vast world, who can truly find peace?"

"Only by diligently cultivating oneself, being down-to-earth, and embarking on the path to heaven can one achieve longevity and immortality!"

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, his emotions fluctuated, until he finally became completely calm.

hum~
A flash of inspiration appeared between his brows, and a scroll of gold paper appeared before him.

"The phoenix and the dragon reversed, the pivot of yin and yang!"

Now, it's time to appreciate the meaning behind it!

Since obtaining this technique, Chen Ping'an has done some basic research, but has not truly gained a deep understanding of it.

The phoenix and the dragon dance, the union of yin and yang!
This is a dual cultivation technique!

This technique involves the secrets of Yin and Yang, and theoretically, it requires two people to cultivate together. However, since Chen Ping'an is on the panel, he may be able to break this convention.

However, what kind of setbacks will be encountered, and how exactly, remains to be seen; we will only know after actually trying it out.

hum~
Guided by Chen Ping'an's spiritual energy, the golden scroll shimmered with a hazy spiritual light, and soon a golden light screen appeared. On the light screen, golden characters the size of a fist emerged.

"The universe is turned upside down, and the phoenixes sing in harmony; yin and yang complement each other, and their energies unite in the mysterious darkness."

The universe revolves, and the Dao naturally takes shape.

(End of this chapter)