The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 615 Seclusion Opportunity, Seven Absolutes Perfected (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

By the time Chen Ping'an arrived at Leiming Town, it was already afternoon.

Today is his workday, and judging from the time, it's no longer a question of whether he's late or not.

This is equivalent to absenteeism.

It wasn't that he did it intentionally.

However, visiting Gu Qingchan last night, plus practicing the Azure Sun Blood Refining Technique after returning, took up too much time. By the time he finished everything, it was already this late.

However, Chen Ping'an arrived late.

But everyone else acted as if nothing had happened.

Upon seeing Chen Ping'an, he still greeted him respectfully with clasped hands.

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency, Inspector. May Your Excellency be well!"

"Your subordinate, Ma Sanpao, greets Lord Chen!"

"Greetings, my lord!"

"."

From the moment Chen Ping'an stepped into Leiming Town, greetings rang out continuously.

Some of the elite stewards, seeing Chen Ping'an approaching, stopped in their tracks, bowed low, and as Chen Ping'an drew near, they cupped their hands, lowered their heads, and said, "Greetings, Your Excellency."

Chen Ping'an didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly.

No one else dared to be disrespectful in the slightest, and only after Chen Ping'an had gone far away did they dare to raise their heads and stand up.

The elite soldiers exchanged glances, dared not say a word, and left the place.

Nobody cared that Chen Ping'an was late.

To be precise, at his level, there's no such thing as being late or not.

For adults, there's no such thing as being late.

They all devoted themselves to the cause, even unto death!
If you're late, it means you overworked yourself last night, and you need to get some rest.

Besides, that's not called being late for adults! It's called a test!

Let's see if anyone can grasp the spirit of this!
The Thunderous Garrison has been much busier than usual these days.

The focus of their busy work was naturally inseparable from the fleeing and scattered remnants of the Evil Extreme Path, as well as the various large and small branch halls and strongholds of the heretical sects.

Generally speaking, apart from a few strongholds that are very close to each other, the evil forces that manage to break through numerous barriers and infiltrate the Thunder Mountain Range are not to be underestimated.

Even those with lower cultivation levels all possess their own hidden trump cards. Some have astonishing concealment abilities, while others have extraordinary escape speeds!

However, despite their impressive abilities, in the eyes of the higher-ups, their cultivation levels were actually just so-so. Apart from a few exceptions that required attention, the rest posed little threat.

After all, the real big fish that are escaping are being watched by the State Garrison Command and even the Northern Garrison Command.

For top-tier grandmasters, supreme grandmasters, and even stronger ones, there are dedicated personnel to handle these matters.

This is why, upon hearing this, the first reaction of so many high-ranking officials in the Thunderous Garrison Command was not fear or worry, but rather a sense that an opportunity to make a contribution had arrived.

Those who fall into their hands are not many top-tier masters; most are small fry who can be easily manipulated.

Who wouldn't want credit that's offered to them?
However, while this is the thinking of the top executives, it is a completely different concept for those in the middle and even lower levels.

Those at the top take credit and get things done, while those at the bottom risk their lives, becoming bricks in the sand.

This has always been the case under the prevailing trend!
Only a very few exceptionally capable or extremely lucky low-ranking constables can avoid such an outcome. By showcasing one or two extraordinary deeds, they attract the attention of those above, serving as role models to inspire others and boost morale.

But for low-level constables, there are only one or two glimmers of hope, and only one or two actually succeed. The vast majority fall by the wayside, becoming stepping stones for others to advance further.

In this world, getting ahead requires risking your life and your luck.

Human joys and sorrows are always different.

The same applies to the Thunderous Garrison Command.

Some sit in high positions, presiding over the overall situation; some are in middle management, controlling a region; some manage the grassroots, coordinating between superiors and subordinates; and some remain humble, working diligently and conscientiously.

Every era has its own way of life, and those at the bottom have their own wisdom.

During this more than ten-day-long encirclement and suppression, several exemplary figures emerged as role models.

Although Chen Ping'an did not participate in this encirclement and suppression operation, he learned of it from his subordinates' reports.

Upon arriving at the official residence, Chen Ping'an first glanced through the reports to understand the daily events. If there weren't many urgent matters to attend to, he would then enter a state of cultivation.

When Chen Ping'an saw the report and looked at the few deeds recorded in it, for some reason, he thought of Old Chen.

Old Chen has been gone for seven years.

"The Ten Thousand Demons Sect!" Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, concealing a thunderous power.

He had no interest in the evil path.

But if it's the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, he'll get involved no matter what!
I spent most of the afternoon practicing.

The progress of the Seven Absolute Divine Skill is acceptable; it has taken another step closer to perfection.

When Chen Ping'an was leaving his business trip, he ran into Feng Wuhen again.

Whether it was good luck or something else, he kept running into Feng Wuhen every few days lately.

The two met, exchanged a few pleasantries, and neither lingered long.

Chen Ping'an noticed that compared to Wu Benqing and Gu Luping, Feng Wuhen seemed somewhat unsociable. He always went about his own business, and apart from practicing swordsmanship and handling the affairs of the Hall of Offerings, he seemed to have no interest in anything else.

With bright eyes and prominent eyebrows, a sword at his waist, and flowing robes.

To be honest, Feng Wuhen does have some of the charm of the swordsman he admires.

"A swordsman," Chen Ping'an said with some sadness.

After practicing the Azure Sun Blood Refining Technique, he became even further away from becoming a free-spirited swordsman.

Time flies, and three days have passed in the blink of an eye.

During these three days, the Thunderous Garrison Command received some good news.

This time, the Thunderous Garrison Command achieved its first victory against a senior Grandmaster-level enemy.

A seasoned grandmaster of the Evil Path who had fled has been officially captured!
It's not so much that he was captured, but rather that he was forcefully killed during the capture process.

The entire operation to encircle and suppress this enemy was coordinated by Gu Luping, and the final kill was also achieved through his decisive action.

Congratulations, Lord Gu!

"Lord Gu's combat prowess is formidable, upholding the prestige of our Thunderous Garrison!"

"Congratulations, Your Excellency!"

"."

The Thunderous Garrison Command was quite lively, with many high-ranking officials offering their congratulations.

Chen Ping'an was no exception, offering a symbolic congratulatory greeting.

Gu Luping smiled, a hint of arrogance in his eyes: "It was just good luck. If Lord Chen were to make a move, he would surely reap even greater rewards."

Chen Ping'an didn't chat much. After offering a token congratulation, he returned to his residence to continue his cultivation.

These past few days, his schedule has been packed, leaving him with little free time.

He cultivated the Seven Absolute Divine Skills, practiced the Azure Sun Blood Refining Method, and refined the Black Profound Iron Mask.

Physical training and mental cultivation techniques can be broadly categorized into two types. Therefore, Chen Ping'an was able to do both simultaneously without significantly impacting his progress.

If it were the same type of practice, the results might not be as ideal.

However, the refining progress of the Black Profound Iron Mask was still slowed down considerably. But compared to cultivation, refining the Black Profound Iron Mask was obviously not that important.

Anyway, the Black Xuan Iron Mask, after its initial refinement, basically met his requirements.

Although the current refining process is a bit slower, it only delays the process and will eventually be completed.

"This brute knife"

Watching Chen Ping'an leave, Gu Luping narrowed his eyes.

But soon, his face was filled with smiles again as he accepted the congratulations from others. *Buzz*
Inside the public room, Chen Ping'an focused on his cultivation. With his true essence isolated, the Seven Absolute Lights continuously shone.

He has been keeping a low profile lately.

He doesn't get involved in anything, and aside from occasionally attending deliberation meetings, he basically doesn't express any opinions on major matters.

Originally, the merits awarded by the State Garrison Command were insufficient. According to his plan, he might also get involved in the encirclement and suppression of the Evil Path to make up the difference.

However, the successful acquisition of the demon beast's blood changed his mind.

Firstly, this raid didn't yield any major targets. According to reports from the past few days, the biggest gain so far has been a senior grandmaster whose combat strength is extremely ordinary and not particularly outstanding.

Instead of wasting this effort, it's better to practice a little longer.

Secondly, he was actually only a little short of the merit needed to exchange for the Tai Xu Wind-Riding Step. He didn't need to rush for merit. After this matter was settled, as a top figure in the Thunderous Suppression Division, although he hadn't actually participated in this matter, he would still hold the title of coordinating the blocking and encirclement.

Once the merits are reported to the State Garrison Command, the approved awards will be issued. Although it will take some time, his current cultivation techniques are sufficient, so a little more time won't make a difference.

Furthermore, and quite importantly, Er Ya's coming-of-age ceremony is approaching. He may not have much time to waste on this matter.

After careful consideration, Chen Ping'an abandoned his previous idea.

As his business trip was nearing its end, Chen Ping'an went to see Wu Benqing.

Wu Benqing sat on the large chair in his public room, looking to be in a good mood.

Chen Ping'an didn't stand on ceremony and got straight to the point, stating his thoughts directly.

"Should we return to Canglong Prefecture City?" Wu Benqing pondered for a moment, seemingly hesitant, "Given the current situation in Leiming..."

"With the situation under control and several high-ranking officials in charge, these mere bandits are nothing more than eggs thrown against rocks. The outcome will be safe and smooth." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

Wu Benqing did not answer for a moment, and the atmosphere in the room became somewhat heavy.

Just as the atmosphere seemed to freeze, Wu Benqing chuckled, breaking the silence.

“I admire Lord Chen’s care for his younger sister. It is only natural for elders to be present at a coming-of-age ceremony, and I have no reason to stop it. Lord Chen, please go in peace.”

Wu Benqing smiled and agreed to Chen Ping'an's request.

"Thank you, Lord Wu," Chen Ping'an said with a smile. "My father passed away early, and as the eldest brother, I should be there for my younger sister's coming-of-age ceremony. I hope Lord Wu can understand."

“I understand, I understand. It’s Lord Chen’s younger sister’s coming-of-age ceremony, so of course he should be there, of course he should be there.” Wu Benqing’s face was kind, as if he wasn’t the one who had been pondering just now.

After Wu Benqing agreed to the matter, the atmosphere in the room became extremely harmonious, without the slightest sense of stagnation.

Chen Ping'an didn't linger. After exchanging a few words, he left with a smile.

"Take care, Lord Chen." Wu Benqing stood up and said a symbolic farewell.

Given Wu Benqing's position as the top leader, this action was a great show of respect to Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an cupped his hands in greeting and left directly.

"A Grandmaster, huh?"

"How did you agree?" After Chen Ping'an left, a hoarse voice rang out from the shadows in the corner of the public housing.

"It's better that he left. Even if he doesn't stir up the muddy waters, his presence here is still a disadvantage."

Wu Benqing sat on the large chair, his smile long gone, replaced by a calm demeanor.

"Besides, even if I disagree, given Mang Dao's temperament, do you think he'll just let it go so easily? Rather than making things ugly in the end, it's better to give him face. Given Lei Ming's situation, the others will be happy too."

"You know how to handle people." After saying this, the voice from the shadows disappeared completely.

Wu Benqing smiled but didn't say anything.

Before parting, Wu Benqing gave Chen Ping'an a small gift, saying it was to celebrate the coming-of-age ceremony of Chen Ping'an's younger sister, and as her superior, he should do something to show his appreciation. He hoped Chen Ping'an wouldn't find it offensive.

After leaving Wu Benqing's official residence, Chen Ping'an did not return to his own residence, but went directly to his post.

It has to be said that those who reach this position naturally have a knack for interpersonal relationships; the only difference is whether they are willing to use them.

As before, when Chen Ping'an expressed his attitude, Wu Benqing seemed hesitant and pondering, but in reality, this was an important part of understanding human relationships.

If you agree to a request too easily, the person making the request may not be very grateful.

However, if one hesitates appropriately, even under pressure, and finally agrees, then the desired effect can be achieved.

Chen Ping'an was fully aware of this and saw it clearly.

However, he didn't care either.

As long as the goal is achieved, that's fine.

He told Wu Benqing that he would be leaving for a month to go to Canglong Prefecture City to arrange his sister's coming-of-age ceremony.

Compared to Weishui County, Beicang Town, and Leiming City, which are closer to Canglong Prefecture, he spent less time on the journey.

A month, with a slightly faster pace, should be just right.

To be honest, Wu Benqing is quite something.

Surprisingly, a grandmaster was hidden inside the public house.

He usually focuses on his spiritual practice, busy with his daily errands, and hasn't paid much attention to it. I really didn't expect to go there today.

That grandmaster must have a special technique, mastering the art of concealment. As long as he doesn't move, ordinary grandmasters wouldn't be able to detect him.

If one is not careful in investigating, even top grandmasters can be deceived.

However, these points naturally do not include Chen Ping'an.

With a casual glance, he immediately spotted the other person. The person, seemingly well-hidden and concealed, shone brightly before him like a lamp, their outline clear and completely unmasked.

Wu Benqing's years of hard work in Leiming have truly paid off. His team includes grandmasters of the same realm.

I don't know if it was due to mutual cooperation or some other reason.
However, Chen Ping'an only gave this matter a brief thought.

He didn't care whether he was a grandmaster or not; what he cared about was not causing trouble and disrupting his peaceful cultivation environment.

Otherwise, no matter how great a master or not, they could be wiped out with a single slap!

With his current abilities, even a supreme grandmaster would not last more than a few moves against him.

Unless it's an iron turtle like Jing Xingyan, who can last a few more rounds in a battle.

But no matter how hard they try to hold on, the final outcome is already predetermined.

Chen Ping'an was going to leave Leiming for a while, and naturally he needed to inform Gu Qingchan about this.

After finishing his business trip, he did not go directly back to his residence, but instead took a detour to the Gu family's residence.

Given his relationship with the Gu family, he wouldn't need any prior invitation to visit the Gu family's residence.

If you have an idea, just go there.

No matter what, he was Gu Qingcheng's fiancé, the rightful son-in-law of the Gu family.

This Gu family residence is, to some extent, half their own home.

However, as it turns out...

Chen Pingan can indeed go anywhere he wants, but whether he can see Gu Qingchan is another matter.

He arrived at the Gu family's residence and learned that Gu Qingchan was in seclusion.

"Seclusion?" A hint of doubt arose in Chen Ping'an's mind.

Normal cultivation does not require seclusion. Seclusion is only necessary when breaking through barriers or when the cultivation method reaches a critical point.

Is Gu Qingchan currently in seclusion because she has made another breakthrough?

If that's really the case, then it's a bit too fast!
According to his investigation a few nights ago, Gu Qingchan has already inscribed the fifth spirit rune. If she makes another breakthrough, wouldn't she have reached the level of inscribing six spirit runes, reaching the late stage of the Jade Balance realm in the general sense?

"Comparison is the thief of joy! What a twist of fate!"

Chen Ping'an felt a pang of envy at Gu Qingchan's rapid cultivation.

However, it's also possible that he's overthinking it. Gu Qingchan may have encountered some other fortuitous opportunity, which has little to do with the cultivation bottleneck.

Two days later, Chen Ping'an had accumulated enough experience to perfect the Seven Absolute Divine Skill, further advancing his martial arts realm.

(End of this chapter)