The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 623 Steady Progress, Inherited Treasure (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

"Lord Li, this is the Chief Inspector's intention." Ning Zhengyue frowned and looked directly at Li Wusheng, whose expression was gloomy.

"What does the Commander mean?" Li Wusheng's expression remained unchanged as he spoke in his uniquely cold voice, "What I'm hearing is that only victories at the Grandmaster level should be reported?"

"Lord Li! The Evil Duo have been renowned for many years, and their combat strength has long since reached the threshold of Grandmaster. How can their combined efforts not be considered a Grandmaster-level achievement?" Ning Zhengyue said unhappily, "Furthermore, Chen Ping'an's ability to kill the Evil Duo has already proven everything. Why argue further?"

His relationship with Chen Ping'an was ordinary, and under normal circumstances, there was no need to argue. However, since it involved the rules of the State Garrison, he still had to refute it.

“If one has not reached the late stage of the Jade Balance realm, then one cannot be considered a Grandmaster.” Li Wusheng glanced back at Ning Zhengyue, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

Chen Ping'an was officially registered with the Northern Border Garrison Command and included in the preliminary assessment plan for the deputy commander. Whether he could achieve a Grandmaster-level breakthrough was of great significance to him.

If you achieve something at this level, and report it to the Northern Garrison Command, there is a good chance you will be eligible for promotion.

Chen Ping'an is now a senior supervisor candidate. If he takes another step forward, he will become the deputy supervisor of the state garrison!
This promotion is of great significance.

Theoretically speaking, there is only a difference in authority between deputy commanders, but no difference in rank. Whether a deputy commander is ranked high or low, there is no difference in rank between them. In the system of the prefectural garrison, they are of the same level.

Once one reaches the level of Deputy Commander, they become a true core figure within Canglong Prefecture. Within the Prefecture's Garrison Command, they are second only to three, and far above all others!
If he takes this step, Chen Ping'an, the savage swordsman, will be on equal footing with him! He will undoubtedly have far fewer ways to restrain the savage swordsman.

"Lord Li." Ning Zhengyue, though not angry, looked at Li Wusheng with an air of authority.

"Lord Ning, there's no need for further words. Even if the Chief Inspector were here, I would still maintain the same attitude today." Li Wusheng's voice wasn't loud, but his stance was already very clear.

Many people listened in, but only a handful actually participated.

While the report of the Evil Duo's achievements may not necessarily lead to a promotion from the Northern Garrison, the mere fact that it has been reported makes a possibility possible.

Each additional core giant signifies a change in the situation and an impact on interests. Regarding Chen Ping'an's promotion, many people, though not explicitly stating it, are unwilling to see it happen.

Furthermore, Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, had only recently been transferred to Leiming and was granted the title of senior manager candidate. If he were to be promoted again, the speed of his promotion would be far too fast.

As the two argued, most of those present remained silent. Some influential figures, capable of impacting the situation, were not currently at the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command; they were traveling to various locations to handle the aftermath of the Long'an turmoil.

Chen Ping'an was naturally unaware of what had happened at the Canglong Prefecture Garrison.

After slaying the Evil Duo, he will inevitably reveal even more of his strength.

Although he concealed the true combat strength and condition of the Evil Duo, no matter how you look at it or in what situation, the fact that he could kill both of them means that his combat strength is at least among the strongest of the top grandmasters. In a burst of power, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he touched the threshold of a grandmaster.

Without such combat power, he would have had absolutely no chance of killing the Evil Duo! The idea of ​​killing the Evil Duo is simply unfounded.

This is why he appropriately revealed his cultivation level at the mid-stage of the Jade Balance realm.

Without the support of the mid-stage Jade Balance realm, even if he displayed the Overlord Blade at a level close to the Great Perfection, and with the Perfected level Soaring Dragon Body Technique and Soul-Severing Blade Technique, it would be difficult to explain how he could possess combat power close to or even touching the threshold of the Grandmaster.

But with this mid-stage Jade Balance realm, coupled with the groundwork he laid in the early stage of Jade Balance, his talent was astonishing, his skills outstanding, and he fought across borders.

With the power of the same realm, he unleashed combat strength approaching that of a Grandmaster. Given his previously established persona of talent and intelligence, he could still handle such a display of power.

Sometimes, hiding something too much can actually make it easier to be exposed.

Now that the results of the battle are already in front of him, he is not hesitant to reveal a little more of his combat power.

Although there are some additional risks, overall it's good news.

With his combat strength as a foundation, coupled with the numerous merits he has accumulated, his status in the Canglong Prefecture Garrison is bound to rise accordingly.

Without considering natural talent, although he is not as good as the deputy chiefs, he is definitely the best among the senior chief candidates.

Considering his talent and his appointment with the Northern Border Garrison, he has probably already surpassed many deputy commanders in popularity.

In terms of overall status, perhaps only those top-ranking deputy leaders can truly surpass him.

As for the others, they mostly interacted with each other as peers.

It can be said that although Chen Ping'an's return this time did not achieve the plans he had when he left the state city, he is not far from his original goal.

If he were to go even further, his overall standing in the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division would probably be second only to the three giants.

The Chief of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, also known as the Headmaster.

The deputy head of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command, who is the de facto head of the Garrison Command.

There was also the chief steward of the State Garrison Office, known as Old Master Zuo.

Several days have passed since we returned to Canglong Prefecture. Since our conversation that day, the Gu family has specially sent a steward to assist in organizing Er Ya's coming-of-age ceremony.

With the Gu family's deep-rooted resources, handling these matters with their help is naturally a breeze.

Often, Chen Ping'an only needs to give a general outline, and the managers assisting him will immediately provide several plans for Chen Ping'an to choose from.

Er Ya's coming-of-age ceremony was ultimately held at Ruyi Tower, a subsidiary of Ruyi Pavilion.

Ruyi, Ruyi, auspicious and auspicious, Ruyi Tower has a great reputation in Canglong Prefecture City, but few people actually have the opportunity to experience it.

Ruyi Lou is a high-end, customized establishment with a dedicated membership system; it's not a place anyone can just go to.

To enter the customer system, in addition to meeting a series of conditions, you also need to be introduced by an internal member; otherwise, even with abundant financial resources, you can only look on with envy.

Preparations for the little girl's coming-of-age ceremony are proceeding smoothly. Invitations from all sides have been prepared within a few days.

The roster was drafted by the Gu family and finalized by Chen Ping'an.

The headmaster and deputy headmaster of Canglong Academy, as well as Instructor Lin, were among those invited.

Besides the young girl's teachers, Chen Ping'an also invited many of his colleagues from the State Garrison Command. Following the Gu family's wishes, Chen Ping'an also invited those with connections to the Gu family.

Of course, he didn't need to personally make the invitation; his subordinates would handle it properly.

It's not that Chen Ping'an doesn't understand social etiquette, but rather that at his current stage, some social etiquette is no longer necessary.

What earns you respect is not your flattery, but your ability.

Chen Ping'an attached great importance to this coming-of-age ceremony.

Er Ya has come of age; life only happens once, and once it's over, it's gone forever.

He's worked so hard all these years, all he wanted was for his family to have a better life, a life with more dignity.

Even though many years have passed, he still remembers the days when he and the little girl depended on each other for survival in the small courtyard.

At that time, he was a newcomer and extremely confused.

In his weakest and most helpless moments, it was Old Chen and the little girl who gave him the most genuine warmth from humanity.

Even the faintest light, as low as dust, is enough to be remembered for a lifetime.

Some sorrows take a lifetime to heal.

Some warmth is worth remembering for a lifetime.

Old Chen has already left.

It's been many years since I left.

All he has left now is his little girl.

This is the only person he has truly relied on in his life, someone he has slowly come together with step by step, and the only one still alive in the world to this day.

The importance of that little girl in his heart is unimaginable to others!

Sometimes, even he himself is unsure where the right balance lies.

He clearly had some principles that he would never change for outsiders, but when it came to the little girl, those principles seemed to disappear.

It was then that he realized that one of his principles was the little girl.

But the little girl is very sensible and never makes demands on him, her older brother.

Sometimes, he wants to exert some effort, but he doesn't know where to exert it.

What he did for the little girl was what he thought was good and what he wanted to do, but it might not necessarily be what the little girl truly wanted.

What the little girl wants
Perhaps it was that period of time in my childhood.

At that time, the weather was perfect, the sun was shining brightly, just like the everyday life amidst thousands of lights in the city.

Cultivation, rituals, research, and practice.
In the courtyard, Chen Ping'an handled matters calmly and methodically, busy but not chaotically.

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

hum~
Inside the room, Chen Ping'an's brow shone brightly, sparkling with spiritual light, like a dazzling star.

The azure true essence, as it flowed, reflected his unique character and ineffable charm.

The Seven Killings Heavenly Fist is based on the intention of killing, and is a fist technique with accumulated intent.

The intent of the Seven Kills begins with shock and killing; a single punch shatters like thunder, and the fall of the fist stirs up wind and rain.

Secondly, it is anger; two fists unleash a torrent of fury, fierce and powerful enough to crush mountains.

Thirdly, there is madness; three punches create a chaotic shadow, and a wild dance shakes the world.

Fourthly.
As his true essence circulated, countless thoughts filled Chen Ping'an's mind, and through the accumulation of these thoughts day after day, a flash of inspiration broke out.

hum~
The light dimmed and gradually faded.

Chen Pingan slowly opened his eyes, and a golden finger panel appeared in front of him.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Late stage of Jade Balance - Breakthrough to the third stage (Spiritual Pattern Condensation)
武学：青阳血炼法未入门（721/1920）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（0/8640）、七杀天罡拳入门（1162/1440）、霸刀大成（0/3200）、七绝神功圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
"1162 points!"

Chen Ping'an spoke softly, his eyes as still as an ancient well.

Having reached this stage of cultivation, he also gained insights during his practice, not solely relying on the panel's assistance. However, compared to the panel's benefits, his own progress and insights seemed somewhat insignificant.

Regardless, with his martial arts foundation, even without a skill panel, cultivating some divine skills wouldn't be too difficult for him. However, compared to a skill panel, his progress would be much slower.

If the tasks are easy, it's fine, but if they are difficult, the difference in progress will become increasingly obvious, until it becomes like a chasm!

Chen Ping'an has made great progress in his cultivation over the past few days. In addition to making remarkable progress in the Seven Killing Heavenly Gang Fist and the Azure Yang Blood Refining Technique, he has also begun to refine the newly acquired Xuan Iron Ingots.

Although the black iron ingot bore the true essence imprints of the Evil Twins, it was completely washed away by Chen Ping'an in just a few days in the face of his true cultivation level.

Now, with the initial refinement, one can begin to utilize this divine weapon. It can provide considerable assistance in certain battles.

For him, this black iron ingot was a divine weapon that could be used openly, which made it extremely precious.

Besides the black iron ingots, he also put the refining of the patterned square cloth and the white bone claw armor on his agenda.

The patterned square cloth is both offensive and defensive, making it a formidable and powerful weapon that provides significant overt assistance to Chen Ping'an.

The White Bone Claw Gauntlets are unpredictable and versatile, capable of unleashing considerable power in combat. However, the only problem is that Chen Ping'an doesn't openly possess any claw techniques.

Even if one were to use this bone claw armor, its power could only be unleashed to a limited extent.

Forcing the activation of a divine weapon without a matching cultivation technique, or with an incompatible technique, will only greatly reduce the weapon's effectiveness.

In a situation like Chen Ping'an's, if he were to forcibly use the White Bone Claw Gauntlets, their power might not be stronger than that of an ordinary divine weapon with a compatible cultivation technique.

This situation is also considered normal.

Aside from those functional or buff-type divine weapons, most offensive weapons will face this situation.

Based on this, Chen Ping'an devised a plan to conceal this divine weapon in the open. Later, after disguise and modification, he would apply it to his disguise.

The problem that needs to be solved is how to modify these bone claw armor.

At least in terms of its shape, it should undergo a significant change, and it would be best to moderately upgrade its grade so that it can exert greater power when paired with the Seven Luminaries Finger Gloves.

Perhaps Xuanling City can provide a good answer to this problem.

Xuanling Heavy City, a major commercial hub connecting several states, is one of the seventeen states under the jurisdiction of Bi Cang. Xuanling Heavy City boasts a considerable number of master blacksmiths.

Even the figures of renowned craftsmen can be found.

Generally speaking, in common parlance, someone capable of forging divine weapons deserves the title of Grandmaster Blacksmith. However, many Grandmaster Blacksmiths are merely titles in name only; they simply succeeded in forging a divine weapon by chance and cannot be considered true Grandmaster Blacksmiths. At best, they can only be considered experienced blacksmiths who have had good luck.

In the true sense, someone who can be called a master forger must be able to consistently produce divine weapons. If they have enough luck and materials, they may be able to forge powerful divine weapons.

Every profession has its own intricacies, and every skill has its own hierarchy of seniority and ability.

The forging of divine weapons is also a process like this.

There are varying levels of skill among master blacksmiths. The weaker ones can only forge ordinary divine weapons, while the slightly more experienced ones have the experience of successfully forging powerful divine weapons. The truly experienced ones are bound to consistently produce powerful divine weapons, and may even have the potential to forge top-tier divine weapons.

Like the Elder Jian, the Supreme Elder of the Bixia Sect whom Chen Ping'an had previously contacted through Du Moyuan's connection, he was an extremely senior forging master who had successfully forged top-tier divine weapons, and more than one at that.

He is the most outstanding forging master below the master craftsmen and grandmaster craftsmen, only one step away from becoming a master forging craftsman or a grandmaster forging master.

True master blacksmiths, given enough materials, can consistently produce top-tier divine weapons. The distinguishing feature between a senior master blacksmith and a master craftsman is that a master craftsman has a history of successfully forging a treasure.

A treasure of great importance, as the name suggests, is the most precious of all treasures.

It can be passed down as a treasure, used to suppress the underlying essence.

Even a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud Sect might not be able to possess such a treasure.

Those who can wield such important treasures are all top figures who have stirred up the winds and clouds. Even if they are not famous now, they had glorious years in the past that are difficult for ordinary people to match.

However, the conditions for forging a treasure are extremely demanding, and the materials and spiritual objects required are extremely rare. Even a master craftsman may only successfully forge one treasure in his entire life.

Under such circumstances, concepts such as counterfeit treasures, fake treasures, prototype treasures, and near-treasures came into being.

The concepts are complicated and mostly gimmicks, especially the imitation of powerful artifacts. They seem to have the backing of powerful artifacts and unpredictable power, but in reality, they may not have much substance.

The concept is high-end and sophisticated, but in reality, it might only be comparable to top-tier divine weapons. A slightly inferior imitation of a powerful artifact might only be able to compete with a weaker top-tier divine weapon.

However, even when it comes to imitation, different materials, techniques, and artisans can result in vastly different finished products.

Some powerful replicas of rare treasures possess power surpassing the vast majority of top-tier divine weapons, comparable to complete sets of top-tier divine weapons. A very few, in particular, can even surpass them.

It stands at the pinnacle among top-tier divine weapons.

However, the rarity of such imitation treasures is not much different from that of fake treasures.

Unlike counterfeit treasures, fake treasures are crafted according to the logic of genuine treasures, but due to various factors, they were not successfully crafted as expected.

It's not entirely a failure, but it's far from a success either.

Compared to counterfeit treasures, pseudo-treasures have a guaranteed minimum power level. Generally speaking, the power of pseudo-treasures is bound to be above most top-tier divine weapons. A few exceptional ones even surpass top-tier divine weapons and treasures, which can be considered as a half-new tier.

A prototype of a powerful artifact is one made of superior materials but not yet fully formed. The reasons for this are varied: forging may be on the verge of failure and forcibly stopped; conditions may not be ripe, with higher aspirations to be pursued later; or a failed forging may be melted down and reforged, eventually forming a prototype and recouping some of the costs.

Compared to pseudo-heavy treasures, the prototype of a heavy treasure still has the potential to be forged further. However, in comparison, the power of the prototype is much weaker, only slightly stronger than a typical top-tier divine weapon.

As for quasi-heavy treasures, they are the most valuable among all these concepts!

Compared to a true treasure, a quasi-treasure is just one crucial step away. While quasi-treasures have many flaws compared to true treasures, their power should not be underestimated.

It surpasses top-tier divine weapons and most pseudo-heavy treasures, its power falling within that half-grade range.

Furthermore, near-heavy treasures have the potential to be further refined and improved. Compared to the prototype of a heavy treasure, the chances of success are much higher, making them excellent items for inheritance.

Some master blacksmiths may never be able to forge a truly powerful artifact in their entire lives. However, in the process of honing their skills, they may forge near-powerful artifacts.

He may not have been able to complete it in his generation, but he will pass on this near-treasure, using the same methods and techniques, leaving it for future generations to perfect, take that crucial step, and reach the level of master craftsmen.

This is the inheritance of skills between master and apprentice, a resonance of spirit, and the belief and pursuit that forges a master throughout his life.

Forging is an extremely tedious task, but within that tedium lie all sorts of requirements.

It demands extremely high levels of spirituality, focus, and skill.

Generally speaking, those who can become master craftsmen are usually quite accomplished in terms of cultivation and skill.

While they may not be skilled in magical combat, their foundation and ability to utilize spirituality are far beyond what ordinary people can match.

In addition, given that the master craftsman Dazong is wealthy and possesses forging skills, his equipment is absolutely luxurious.

With such enhancements, martial arts practitioners of the same level really shouldn't even think about trying to cheat them.

Chen Ping'an also knew quite a bit about this matter.

Compared to what others know, his knowledge is based on hearsay, devoid of gossip, and more inclined towards accumulating experience through practical means.

Unlike ordinary people, he possesses a truly invaluable treasure!

The Demon Lord's Secret Treasure, the Dream Pearl.

Although he cannot use this Dream Pearl for the time being, as long as he steadily improves, he will surely be able to completely refine it and make it his own in time.

Besides the Dream Pearl, the black iron mask in his hand was also quite remarkable.

According to the Holy Maiden of Heavenly Net, this black iron mask is as valuable as a priceless treasure.

Although Chen Ping'an remained skeptical, he could sense the extraordinary nature of the Black Profound Iron Mask from its refining process.

He has been refining it for so many days, but he has not yet succeeded in completely refining it. It has only improved a lot compared to the initial refinement.

Following this logic, could this black iron mask be a counterfeit treasure, a fake treasure, or even a near-treasure?

Chen Ping'an made a reasonable guess.

However, his sources of information were limited, and he could only conclude that the matter was a matter of speculation.

Although his vision is quite impressive, he is still far from reaching this level.

Ultimately, my experience was still too shallow.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and he slowly stood up from the bed.

He glanced at the sky and then walked straight out of the room.

Today is Er Ya's coming-of-age ceremony, and as her older brother, he's got quite a lot to do.

"Son."

Chen Ping'an stepped out of the room, where Shaoyao was already waiting.

The peonies today are quite different from usual; they have clearly been dressed up and look even more beautiful and charming.

As Er Ya came of age, Shao Yao, as her personal maid, naturally needed to pay attention to her appearance.

"Where's Er Ya?" Chen Ping'an asked casually.

"Miss is reading in the study," Peony replied sweetly.

The moment he asked the question, Chen Ping'an also sensed the little girl's location.

He never expected that, even though it was her coming-of-age ceremony, the little girl was still reading.

Today, in preparation for his coming-of-age ceremony, he requested a day off from the school.

It seems that whether or not she takes a day off makes no difference to the little girl.

Unlike him, this rest day was truly a rest day. He only went to the State Garrison Office on his first day in the city, and never went there again.

This act of giving up is really something else.

Chen Ping'an chuckled self-deprecatingly.

However, whether it's the little girl or him, once they've made up their minds, they'll keep doing it.

No matter what we encounter, no matter what we face, our original aspiration remains unchanged.
No changes!

(End of this chapter)