The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 654 Gu Family Base, Thunderous Prelude (Seeking monthly votes~)

Chen Ping'an has never paid much attention to Lei Ming's situation.

He had never been interested in getting involved in Lei Ming's factional struggles and power grabs. His requirement was simple: no matter how others fought or competed, it should not affect his cultivation.

Under this requirement, maintaining local stability and ensuring the safety of the situation is the most fundamental operating logic.

He had no interest in Lei Ming's scheme and didn't want to get involved.

But everything should be done in moderation.

Clearly, Lei Ming's speed has now exceeded his critical limit.

Based on his prior knowledge of the situation in Leiming, combined with the available information, he conducted a detailed analysis and realized that there might be a problem.

And the fact that he had just sensed that Wu Benqing's injuries were not serious, contrary to what was reported to the state garrison, made him realize the problem even more.

A simple verbal probe revealed even deeper secrets.

Currently, information is limited, and it's impossible to grasp the overall operational model. However, this move is undoubtedly orchestrated by Wu Benqing. As for his role behind the scenes, we'll have to wait for further investigation and understanding.

Chen Ping'an's time was precious and his energy was limited; he didn't have much time to waste on idle chatter with them. Since he felt he had to get involved, he might as well just say it directly.

Sometimes, it's more effective to be straightforward than to go through all the roundabout ways.

As Chen Ping'an had predicted, his righteous and idealistic rhetoric convinced Wu Benqing to willingly fall into his trap and get him involved, thus giving him overall control of the matter.

Chen Ping'an was largely aware of the other party's scheme. But their actions were exactly what he wanted and exactly what he desired.

Wu Benqing's move, intending to drag him into the mire alone and then use his own righteous words to completely elevate him, was a clever scheme to exploit the situation, but unfortunately...
Wu Benqing has misjudged him.

Taking charge of this matter is what he desires.

Sometimes, simply offering unsolicited advice isn't enough to get things done quickly. No amount of instructions can replace the satisfaction of taking matters into your own hands.

Especially amidst the thunder, interests intertwine, and various parties harbor ulterior motives and hidden schemes.

With so many constraints, how can the responsibility of supervision alone quickly resolve this matter?
He wanted not only to solve this problem, but also to eliminate all hidden dangers once and for all, with the fastest speed and highest efficiency!
Since he's involved in this matter, he won't use any gentle or subtle methods.

To act with swift and decisive force, to do things with thunderous force.

This thunderous situation is far too complicated.

Those involved talked a lot about balancing interests and prioritizing the bigger picture, but some forgot that in this thunderous situation, the Zhenfu Division is the one truly in charge!

All the major factions, such as the Five Families, the Black Spirit Sect, the Blood Owl Gang, the Outer Path Alliance, and the Left Path Alliance, must submit to this grand scheme.

Evil spirits run rampant, tragedies occur frequently, thunder roars from all sides, yet they remain bystanders, and some even go so far as to cover up such acts.

The Zhenfu Division remained silent and did not take any action for a long time. With the words "considering the impact" and "putting the overall situation first," all thoughts were cut off!

Can.
Why isn't it Lei Ming and his allies who are looking at the bigger picture?
When they sheltered evil spirits, did they ever consider that such actions might affect the overall situation?
They never thought of that!
That's why they repeatedly covered it up.

Because there are no consequences to doing this!
They didn't know that no matter what they did, as long as they didn't expose the truth, the Zhenfu Division would turn a blind eye to them.

If the Zhenfu Division makes even the slightest move, it will have a ripple effect, impacting the entire situation significantly.

Because they understand this principle, they become even more reckless.

But is the only thing we need to worry about the Zhenfu Division?
If the Zhenfu Division were to take action, it would certainly be unable to conquer Leiming Fang, but its actions would inevitably cause heavy losses to all sides.

The losses suffered by all parties will certainly be substantial.

Both sides suffered losses, so why is it that only the Zhenfu Division is being worried?
Chen Pingan smiled.

Only those who have been at a disadvantage for a long time will not know how many cards they actually have in their hand!
They've probably forgotten!

Under the overwhelming power of the Azure Dragon, there are many more than just the Zhenfu Division!

With their hearts set on their own little corner of the world, how could they have imagined that, under the overwhelming force of the times, all laws would yield!

Those evil spirits and heretics who fled here serve as a warning!

Or perhaps, they haven't forgotten!
They were blinded by immediate gains!

They talk about compromise, the big picture, and balance, but what they're really talking about is their own personal interests.

They talk about the big picture, but all they care about is business!
After leaving the main building of the Zhenfu Division, Chen Ping'an went to see Feng Wuhen again. He had been back for more than two months, and in principle, he should indeed greet his colleagues.

However, he didn't encounter Feng Wuhen this time. His subordinates from the government office said that Feng Wuhen had gone on patrol.

With the recent spate of tragedies, Master Feng is personally leading the team to provide Lei Ming with more protection.

Chen Pingan didn't say much about it.

He left a message and then left.

He had plenty of time before returning, so he wasn't in a hurry to get back to work. After a brief visit to the Inspectorate General Headquarters to learn about some recent official business, Chen Ping'an left the Thunderous Garrison.

The respectful greetings and waiting at the door from all sides go without saying.

As the head of the Thunderous Garrison's Inspectorate, Chen Ping'an wielded absolute authority here.

Of course, these are just the public statements; what people are really thinking is anyone's guess.

He's been away from Leiming for so long, and it's hard to say whether anyone has harbored ulterior motives. Besides, these people were already here before he took up his post.

No one would believe that the other parties didn't have any spies or undercover agents planted in their schemes.

Chen Ping'an was fully aware of this.

However, he was not in a hurry to deal with the matter.

Some things are better left unsaid for now.

Focus on the big picture and let go of the less important ones. Once the overall situation is handled well, other matters will simply be secondary and will fall into place naturally.

After leaving Leiming Town, Chen Ping'an got into the carriage and headed straight for the Gu family's residence.

As the son-in-law of the Gu family, he has a natural alliance with them, so he should naturally inform Gu Qingchan about his trip to Leiming.

However, given their intelligence, they should have already received news of his return to the city.

The gates of the Gu family's residence were heavily guarded, exuding an imposing aura.

As a key stronghold of the Gu family in Leiming, this place enjoys an extremely prestigious position. It holds a first-rate share in Leiming's commerce.

However, the Gu family has only recently begun to develop in Leiming City. Ultimately, the largest share of profits in Leiming City still belongs to the top forces in the Gu family and other territories.

"Greetings, Lord Chen!"

"I've met my uncle."

"."

There was no need for further pleasantries or formalities at the Gu family's residence.

However, Chen Ping'an did not expect that his escape would end up being a complete waste.

Chen Ping'an learned some news from the clan elders who remained in the area.

Gu Qingchan has not yet emerged from seclusion.

He has been in seclusion since more than two months ago.

"Why has he been in seclusion for so long?" Chen Ping'an wondered.

However, he didn't say much in front of the Gu family elders. After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, he took his leave.

Given his current influence and status, in this thunderous Gu family compound, apart from Gu Qingchan, there is no one else worthy of his personal visit.

Before leaving Leiming, Chen Ping'an left a letter for Gu Qingchan, mentioning his trip to Canglong. However, he hadn't expected that even after returning, Gu Qingchan hadn't read the letter.

You should know that his trip to Canglong this time took much longer than expected because of Gu Qingcheng's promotion celebration.

After more than two months of seclusion, who knows what Gu Qingchan has been cultivating?
Judging from the timing, Gu Qingchan's previous seclusion seemed to have occurred shortly after he made contact with her as an old monster. Could it be related to this matter?

Chen Ping'an had a hunch.

However, with limited information, it's unlikely he'll be able to figure it out no matter how hard he tries.

Once they left the Gu family's residence and boarded the vehicle, Chen Ping'an stopped speculating about it.

Now that he has returned to Leiming, besides dealing with Leiming's actions and eliminating the influence of these evil forces, his most urgent task is to collect what he needs for cultivation.

From the perspective of its benefits to cultivation, although the Snow Spirit Leaves he possesses can still be used for a while, their quantity is limited. After another two months, they will be completely exhausted.

Once he runs out of energy, he will find it difficult to maintain his current rapid cultivation pace. His cultivation speed will drop by an entire level.

Therefore, the matter of Xue Lingye is also a relatively important matter at present.

From the perspective of cultivation techniques, what he currently needs most is the blood of demonic beasts used in the Qingyang Blood Refining Technique, specifically a Heavenly Grade bloodline. Judging from the channels he might have access to recently, the only likely place is Xuanling City in Xuanling Prefecture, located on the other side of the Thunder Mountain Range.

In addition to resources, that dual cultivation technique might also be...
Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered as he pondered. Regarding external enhancements, he already possessed the rudiments of a powerful treasure. After acquiring the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade, his need for top-tier divine weapons diminished. However, if the opportunity arose, he still desired to acquire a powerful treasure as a true foundational protective artifact.

Inheriting a priceless treasure requires at least a pseudo-celestial being, aside from family background and other powerful connections. In terms of strength, he's currently qualified. However, overall, his position is still somewhat precarious.

At the very least, he needs to improve two levels from his current level to have enough confidence to compete with others for the inheritance of precious treasures.

Of course, there's something even more important: the Dream Pearl he possessed. As a treasure of the Demon Lord, the true power of this Dream Pearl far exceeded his expectations.

If he could master it and use it for his own purposes, the pearl's function would definitely not disappoint him.

However, although he has this intention, he is still unable to find the right method or approach for the time being.

His spirituality, let alone being refined, couldn't even be allowed to surround the surface of the pearl. The moment it touched it, it was spontaneously repelled by the pearl.

In addition to the items mentioned above, he would also collect cultivation techniques if given the opportunity, as a reserve for his cultivation progress, so as to continuously improve himself.

Chen Ping'an was making plans in his mind.

Besides what he needs for cultivation, he also needs to thoroughly refine the divine weapons and treasures he possesses to enrich his own foundation and increase his chances of making mistakes in the future.

Like that black iron mask, once fully refined, it can trigger the ultimate divine power: true simulation. With his cultivation level, once he uses true simulation, even a martial arts master would be deceived.

In addition, there is the prototype of a powerful treasure, the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade. As a primary weapon for combat, the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade doesn't possess many mystical properties, but its ability to break through restrictions and its sharpness alone make it worth Chen Ping'an's anticipation.

"Why does it seem like the more you cultivate, the more things you need to do?!"

With many thoughts swirling in his mind, Chen Ping'an's face gradually revealed a look of helplessness.

At this rate, he won't have enough time no matter how much he has.

And this doesn't even include his cultivation artifacts and enhancement pills.

He has a cheat code panel, so he can skip this aspect of seeking.

But other practitioners are different.

Each of these requires a great deal of effort, including preliminary intelligence gathering, establishing channels, and accumulating the necessary resources. Each and every one of these is no small matter.

In addition, even with time and effort invested, there is still a considerable chance of failure when trying to acquire rare items.

If you also take into account the time spent traveling back and forth, then no matter how many lifespans you have, it won't be enough to cover it all!

After this analysis, it's no wonder so many people want to join the faction.

Having a powerful and well-established force as a backer can provide more than just conventional assistance; it also saves a significant amount of time and energy.

The hardships of independent cultivators are unimaginable to those born into noble families, sons of the powerful, and the pride of heaven.

If you can do it, why can't you? Is it because you're not trying hard enough?

Isn't this, in a sense, a case of "Why not eat meat porridge!"?

After leaving the Gu family, Chen Ping'an did not return to the Thunderous Town Commandery, but instead went to the Gu family mansion.

This Gu family mansion is not the residence of the Leiming Gu family, but the mansion of Gu Luping, the second-in-command of the Leiming Town Command, located in the city of Leiming.

As the largest power in the Thunder Mountain Range, the Gu family has residences in Thunder City, but their ancestral home is located in a major town on the outskirts of the city.

Although it is called an important town, it is actually the private property of the Thunder Valley family.

Its overall atmosphere and scale are even superior to those of ordinary small towns.

As the largest power in the Thunder Mountain Range and a top power in Canglong Prefecture, the Thunder Valley family possesses this power structure.

"My lord, we have arrived at the Gu residence."

The sound of Xiong Sanrang's report came from outside the vehicle, and Chen Ping'an stopped thinking.

Before dismounting, Chen Ping'an glanced at Xiong Sanrang. At this moment, Xiong Sanrang's body was filled with rich qi and blood, and his profound light was gathered and polished, indicating that he was preparing to take a precious pill and attempt to break through to a higher realm.

The Middle Realm and the High Realm of Profound Light, though both belong to the same realm, have a hurdle between them.

If he overcomes this hurdle, he will live to be 180 years old, and everything will be different from then on. If he fails to overcome it, given Xiong Sanrang's age, after another 60 years, he will return to dust.

Gu Luping's mansion was extravagant, and in terms of prestige, it was far superior to his five-courtyard mansion in Leiming.

However, this is actually quite normal.

Having served in Leiming for many years, Gu Luping naturally wouldn't wrong himself.

A warm welcome and greetings followed, of course.

In Canglong Prefecture, Chen Ping'an was a rising star, but in Leiming, he was a true top-tier tycoon.

If one were to visit various places, which one would not need to bow down and be treated with utmost respect?

In the main house in the courtyard, Chen Ping'an met Gu Luping, who was recuperating at home.

"Lord Chen." Gu Luping's expression was somewhat pale, and his previous aura seemed to have weakened a bit. "I am still recovering from my injuries and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me, Lord Chen!"

"Lord Gu, you have worked hard and made great contributions. This injury was caused by Lei Ming. There is no need for you to be so concerned." Chen Ping'an said gently, with concern on his face.

"I am ashamed. I was caught off guard and the thief succeeded in his attack." As he spoke, Gu Luping couldn't help but cough twice.

"Lord Gu, there's no need to worry. Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war! I came here because I heard about your situation and came to visit you. Now that I've seen you, I feel at ease."

Chen Ping'an exchanged a few pleasantries with Gu Luping. Seeing that it was almost time, he got up to say goodbye and prepare to leave.

"Lord Gu is seriously injured, so I will not disturb you any longer. Please rest well."

"Lord Chen, why don't you stay a little longer?" Gu Luping said, trying to persuade him to stay.

However, as soon as he stood up, he couldn't help but cough twice.

"Lord Gu, please take good care of your injuries. We can continue our conversation once you have fully recovered," Chen Ping'an said with a smile.

As Chen Ping'an stepped out of the main house in the courtyard, his expression remained unchanged.

Because of his serious injuries, Gu Luping did not go out to see him off, but sent the steward of the mansion to see him off on his behalf.

"Lord Chen, please take care on your journey."

With the help of the Gu family's steward, Chen Ping'an boarded the carriage.

Inside the vehicle, Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

Are the injuries serious?

Inside the Gu residence, Gu Luping, who had previously looked pale, seemed to have regained his energy and spirit in an instant, with a rosy complexion and abundant blood and energy.

"Wild Blade".

Gu Luping's expression was sarcastic, and there was a hint of mockery in his eyes.

After completing this round, Chen Ping'an did not return to Leiming Town, but went directly back to his own residence.

The architecture is magnificent, the courtyards are exquisite, and the layout is ingenious. Artificial hills and flowing water, pavilions and towers, all are present.

Chen Ping'an walked calmly through the covered bridge and flower garden.

"This house is indeed a nice house, but the person who gave it to me..."

Chen Pingan smiled and shook his head, then went directly into the room.

Beneath the room was a secret passage leading directly to a meditation chamber. After checking it over and confirming there were no problems, he entered the meditation chamber and slowly closed his eyes.

hum~
Several more days passed between Qingyang's breakthrough in the Blood Refining Technique and his official arrival in Leiming.

I'm very close to achieving the minor mastery of the Taixu Wind-Riding Step.

Just as Chen Ping'an was focused on his cultivation, Wu Benqing, who was in the Thunderous Town Pacification Division, also received news that he had returned to his residence.

"Did Mangdao go straight back?"

"Yes, sir. After visiting Lord Gu, Lord Chen went straight back to his residence."

“Interesting.” Wu Benqing said with a playful expression, tapping the table lightly.

They talk a good game, but when it comes to actually doing things, it's all the same.

It's only the first day after my vacation, and I'm already so lazy.

Let's see how you handle this next.
Wu Benqing's playful expression faded, and his demeanor turned cold.

The day after Chen Ping'an returned to Leiming, the Leiming Town Pacification Division officially convened a large-scale review meeting.

The meeting was organized by Wu Benqing, the head of Leiming Town Pacification Division, and attended by a number of bigwigs including Chief Inspector Chen Ping'an and Chief Offering Feng Wuhen.

The theme of the meeting was to address the current situation where the Thunder Demon is rampant and tragedies are frequent.

(End of this chapter)