The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 667 Thunderous Tremors, the Situation is Set (Bonus Chapter for 2000 Monthly Tickets)

The main hall was completely silent.

After Chen Ping'an finished speaking, no one dared to answer for a moment.

Before they arrived, as representatives of the forces and holding important positions, they had already made up their minds about their stance and decisions.

But when they actually arrived here and faced the legendary figure Chen Ping'an, they felt the awe-inspiring domineering aura contained within his extreme calmness, and for a moment they were speechless.

I have finished speaking. Who agrees? Who opposes?

Gu Qingrong was filled with mixed emotions. He had already made up his mind, but when he saw the figure sitting in the main seat, he hesitated and did not dare to stand up and speak.

As the leader of the Thunderous forces, the Gu family's attitude has a crucial impact on the other forces.

All parties were watching the Gu family's attitude. If Lei Ming did not speak up at this time, it would not be in line with the tone and resolution set at the previous meeting of elders.

After hesitating for a moment, Gu Qingrong finally mustered the courage to step forward.

"May I ask, sir, how many people from each household are needed to participate in this encirclement and suppression?"

Gu Qingrong's voice broke the silence in the main hall and attracted many eyes.

The Gu family has spoken!
Representatives from many factions held their breath, quietly awaiting Chen Ping'an's response.

Judging from Mang Dao's words, the tone has been set. In this situation, whoever speaks first will inevitably become the focus of attention. If things go wrong, they will be the chicken used as a warning to others.

This is the fundamental reason why the audience remained silent for so long!

Although they had formed a tacit understanding, most of their forces still needed to think things through carefully and proceed with extreme caution in the face of the overwhelming force of the Mangdao. While the Mangdao might not be able to deal with them, it would be extremely easy for them to deal with one or two of their forces.

but
Now that the Gu family has spoken up, everything is fine. Many people feel they have found their backbone and are just waiting for a rallying cry to completely overturn the reckless knife's decision.

After all, the Gu family is no ordinary power. As the number one power in the Thunder Mountain Range, the clan has Grandmasters in charge! And there are far more than one of them!
No matter how angry Mang Dao was, he would never put pressure on the Gu family.

All eyes were on Gu Qingrong, who became one of the focal points of the scene. Chen Ping'an slightly raised his eyes, his gaze falling upon Gu Qingrong.

"Regarding manpower, I have already made the allocations; each household can simply follow the roster details!"

After saying this, Chen Ping'an gently tapped his hand, and two clerks from the yamen stepped forward and presented a list to everyone.

The list details the personnel required for each entity, organized by their respective strengths.

"Ten Grandmasters!"

Gu Qingrong's heart skipped a beat.

His eyesight was astounding; he immediately saw the details of what the Gu family needed to accomplish. Leaving aside other matters, the Gu family alone needed to support ten Grandmasters of the Jade Balance Sect. In addition, there were various other forms of support, including but not limited to intelligence support, network support, and connections.

"What?! Three Grandmasters of Jade Balance!"

"Why so many!"

"This"

Inside the main hall, discussions arose, creating a great commotion.

They could remain calm before the roster was released. But when the detailed list was actually presented to them, most of them couldn't contain themselves.

"My lord, isn't this too much?" a representative of one of the factions asked bluntly.

As an important part of Lei Ming's ecosystem of interests, they are considered to be of considerable importance among the various forces within Lei Ming. Although they are not as powerful as the Gu family, they are not to be trifled with.

"Your Excellency is wise, our clan is weak and lacks resources, and cannot support such a large number of people!"

"grown ups!"

"."

One person stepped forward, and representatives from various factions in the room also stood up. Some explained their difficulties, while others expressed doubts.

The scene quickly descended into chaos.

Chen Ping'an sat in his seat, watching the scene unfold, his expression calm and undisturbed.

He had been in Leiming for quite some time now, and while his understanding of the various factions wasn't exhaustive, he had the basic information. According to this allocation list, the support needed from each faction, while not insignificant, was clearly not enough to cripple them.

Unexpectedly, this has caused such a strong reaction from these various factions.

It really is.
Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep and devoid of any emotion. He glanced sideways and his gaze fell once again on Gu Qingrong, the representative of the Gu family's power.

"What is Elder Gu's opinion on this matter?"

Gu Qingrong's heart skipped a beat.

In this situation, when Mang Dao asked for his opinion, it was not just a simple question.

Mang Dao wanted to see the Gu family's attitude.

And the attitude of the Gu family is also a weathervane for most of the forces in Leiming.

If he has no objection, this noisy situation will naturally dissipate.

Having truly experienced the power of the brute force, he really didn't want to offend him if possible. But unfortunately...
The family decision had been made, and he was not allowed to act on his own initiative.

After much deliberation, he finally spoke.

"My lord, the rampant evil spirits are wreaking havoc in this region, a matter that concerns the ecology of Thunderclap. Every family within Thunderclap bears this responsibility without hesitation. However..."
Within the Thunderous Mountains, various forces are eyeing the region with predatory intent. Groups like the Left Path Alliance and the Blood Owl Gang have a history of misdeeds, and now, taking advantage of the chaos caused by evil spirits, they intend to profit from the disorder. Our various factions within Thunderous Mountain also need manpower to guard against this matter. Otherwise, if the situation escalates and the chaos intensifies, it could threaten Thunderous Mountain itself.

With operations on multiple fronts simultaneously, and the need to manage family businesses and trade, our manpower is truly stretched thin. We humbly request Your Excellency's understanding!

Gu Qingrong's appeal was sincere and earnest. Regardless of the truth of the matter, his arguments and reasoning were indeed impeccable.

"I hope Your Excellency will see the truth!"

"Our Qinglei Chamber of Commerce second this proposal!"

"The Three Mountains Gang second that!"

"."

After Gu Qingrong finished his speech, representatives from more factions stepped forward. Their previous silence did not mean they had no opinions; rather, it meant that no one was there to stand up for them and protect them.

At this moment, Gu Qingrong stepped forward, and they naturally wanted to seize the opportunity.

Seeing the crowd's outrage, a representative of a certain power chuckled inwardly.

This reckless man is still too young, placing all his hopes on the Gu family, attempting to use their power to turn the tide.

However, this would require too many people to support the Gu family, and they would never agree to it.

In the end, it turned out that they had shot themselves in the foot.

The already difficult situation has now become even more complicated!

Some representatives of various factions wondered what Mang Dao would do in this situation.
Should we put the matter aside and renegotiate? Or should we confront them on the spot and completely break off relations?

It should be the former.

After all, raising expectations at the outset of negotiations is a negotiation tactic. By increasing the level of support provided, the psychological position of all parties can be improved, thereby achieving the ultimate goal.

The best way to get someone to agree to a demanding condition is to present an even more demanding condition before making that one.

With this condition as a comparison, the latter condition is undoubtedly much easier to accept.

This brute force must be planning the same thing!

The current situation in Leiming is fraught with crisis. Mangdao's previous pronouncements were too ambitious, and now his fall from grace has been far more devastating. He needs more manpower to bolster his authority and address the current predicament in Leiming.

In such a situation, every extra person is a good thing.

As for tearing off all pretenses!?
Surely this brute wouldn't be so foolish!
Previously, he had confronted various forces in the Thunder Mountain Range head-on, intending to intimidate them and act decisively with ruthless methods. However, this plan ultimately failed before it even began. Not only did it fail to gain the desired support, it also became a stumbling block on his path to encirclement and suppression.

Having already offended all sides in the Thunder Mountain Range, it's hard to imagine how Mang Dao could possibly survive in Thunder Mountain if he were to further escalate the conflict with them!

This has drawn dissatisfaction from all sides, causing widespread anger and resentment. It seems that even without any intervention from the remaining evil forces, this brute force should request a transfer from Leiming!
Inside the main hall of the Inspectorate, representatives from various factions were in turmoil, their thoughts and emotions varied.

The crowd stood in the hall, forming an alliance, and pleaded with Mang Dao to retract his order!

A clerk from the yamen stood to one side, his forehead covered in cold sweat, his heart pounding.

In the current situation, neither advancing nor retreating is a good thing for Chen Ping'an, the "Reckless Blade".

If they advance, the situation will reach a stalemate, or even completely break off relations. If things go wrong, it could be a major event that affects the overall situation of Lei Ming.

If they retreat, the impact will certainly not be as great as the former, but for Mangdao, it will only make matters worse for the already dwindling prestige.

Even if an alliance is formed to suppress them, there will likely be significant deviations in the implementation of decisions and policies, resulting in a situation where no one is convinced.

Furthermore, this retreat would create significant discrepancies in the forces responsible for the encirclement and suppression, inevitably impacting the overall situation.

Everyone looked at Chen Ping'an, waiting for his reply.

However, despite the combined pressure from everyone, Chen Ping'an seemed completely unfazed, remaining utterly calm. He quietly observed the crowd, gently tapping the armrest of his chair.

Ta, Ta, Ta
The soft tapping sound was rhythmic and melodic.

At first, it wasn't noticeable, but as the tapping continued, it felt as if it were hitting everyone's heartbeats, gradually becoming one with everyone's heart rate.

despair!despair!despair!
The soft tapping continued, seemingly increasing in speed.

Many people's faces began to turn pale, as if their hearts were being squeezed by a hand or hammered by a heavy hammer.

"What kind of trick is this?" Gu Qingrong's expression turned pale, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The knocking sound seemed to possess a magical power, controlling his physical signs and influencing the vital energy and blood within his body.

If this continues, at best it will cause disorder of qi and blood, and at worst it will cause the true essence to flow backward!

"no!"

Gu Qingrong's eyes narrowed, and he disregarded the situation, channeling his true energy in an attempt to break the deadlock.

However, he had only just begun his movements when he heard a "click".

Like the tolling of a bell, a heavy hammer fell, striking the hearts of everyone present.

Boom!
Their hearts skipped a beat, and many people's faces turned deathly pale. Some even collapsed to the ground, their legs giving way.

"This is."

Everyone looked horrified and utterly shocked.

The skills that Mang Dao displayed filled them with fear and trepidation.

The powerful representative stared wide-eyed at Chen Ping'an, who was seated in the main seat, in utter horror.

"Grandmaster!"

Only through the guidance of martial arts will and the combination of spiritual secret techniques can such an effect be achieved!
Gu Qingrong looked horrified, her eyes filled with shock.

How could this brute force be so capable?
Just as everyone was in shock, Chen Ping'an spoke.

"To guard against all sides of the Thunder Mountain Range?" Chen Ping'an slowly lowered his eyes, looking at the disheveled crowd in the arena: "There's no need for such trouble!"

"The evil spirits are rampaging and wreaking havoc in Thunderous Mountain. All those within Thunderous Mountain must unite to eradicate them! This is your responsibility, and the responsibility of all parties in the Thunderous Mountain Range!"

“Some people can’t see this clearly. That’s why his head is right here.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingrong's heart skipped a beat. He looked up and saw two wooden boxes hanging in the main hall.

A flash of blue light appeared, the wooden box opened, revealing two heads.

thump!
Gu Qingrong's heart skipped a beat.

"This is."

His eyes widened as he saw the head's face clearly. In the twisted and sunken skull, he saw the once rampant arrogance.

Blood Owl Gang, Owl Dragon!
and also
Blood Owl Gang, Tiger Owl!
"This"

The powerful representative, looking dazed, could no longer maintain his strength and collapsed to the ground.

Blood Owl Gang's Dragon is dead?
"Evil spirits are causing chaos. All those under Lei Ming's command must unite as one. Anyone who disobeys or objects will be killed!"

Anyone who takes advantage of the chaos to profit shall be killed!

Anyone who secretly sends intelligence shall be killed!

Anyone who harbors or condones such behavior shall be executed!

Chen Ping'an's voice was calm, yet it contained a chilling intent.

Inside the main hall, everyone was filled with unspeakable fear and utter terror.

They looked at the figure in the main seat as if they were seeing a thunderous sky.

The thunderous sky has changed!
A meeting was held and a consensus was reached with remarkable speed. Even those who could not make a decision on the spot returned to their respective factions as quickly as possible, bringing the latest information and setting a new course of action.

Outside Leiming City, Gu Qingrong rode at breakneck speed, his heart pounding. Chen Ping'an's parting words kept echoing in his mind.

"I spared your lives not out of fear, but because I hold goodwill towards you. But do not mistake my goodwill for a bargaining chip. If no decision is reached within two days, I will personally go to the Gu family!"

I personally visited the Gu family!

Recalling the calm yet ruthless demeanor of Chen Ping'an, the savage swordsman, Gu Qingrong felt a chill run down his spine, and his steed seemed to accelerate even faster.

Half a month ago, Mang Dao sent a message to all sides of Leiming, intending to use the power of Leiming Town to intimidate all sides of the mountain range. This matter was not taken seriously by all sides! But half a month later, Chen Ping'an returned, bringing back the attitude of Leiming Mountain Range, and also bringing back the head of Xiaolong of the Blood Owl Gang!
Blood Owl Gang, Owl Dragon, Martial Arts Grandmaster!
Now, however, it has become an exhibit in the hall, stunning everyone.

The lessons of the past serve as a warning; please do not make the same mistake!
A wrong step will lead to irreparable regret!
Mang Dao's words were like thunder in the ears, shaking the mind and spirit.

Gu Qingrong's face turned pale as he sped along.

He needed to get back to the Gu family as soon as possible and bring them the latest information he knew.

"The meeting is over, and everyone has left?" Inside the communal room, Wu Benqing inquired about Chen Ping'an's situation.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, they have already left."

"What will the final tone be!?"

"My lord, Lord Chen's meeting is being held at the Inspectorate. The specific details are still unclear. However, judging from the expressions of the representatives who came out, they all looked rather grim."

"You don't look well." Wu Benqing pondered for a moment, then said, "I understand, you can go now."

"Yes, my lord."

"What? Are you worried?" A voice rang out from the shadows after the trusted subordinate had left, its tone tinged with a hint of mockery.

Wu Benqing remained silent, sitting quietly in the large chair. After a long while, he suddenly said, "Go and find out what exactly was discussed at the Mangdao discussion meeting."

Gu Qingrong sped all the way and finally arrived at the Gu family's territory. However, before he could report the latest situation in Mangdao, the elders of the Gu family urgently convened a deliberation meeting.

"Breaking news! In the Thunderous Incident, Mang Dao personally went to the Blood Owl Gang, beheaded the gang's Xiao Long and Xiao Hu, and bestowed upon Xue Hu the title of the Blood Owl's legitimate heir, entrusting him with the authority of the Blood Owl Gang!"

"what?"

The elders of the Gu family trembled in shock.

Blood Owl Gang, Owl Dragon.
died?

Died within the Blood Owl Gang?
Not only the Gu family, but also some medium and large-sized forces in the Thunderous region received the latest news circulating within the Thunderous Mountains. Previously, due to the chaos caused by the Blood Owl Gang and the instability of the situation when Blood Tiger had just taken power, they had tried their best to block information about the Blood Owl Gang.

But such news can be suppressed for a time, but not forever. As time went on, it eventually reached the ears of spies from all sides and spread at top speed.

"Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, personally went to the Blood Owl's lair and slew the Grandmaster of Martial Arts!"

"The Blood Owl Gang is in complete chaos!"

"After the Blood Owl Gang, Mang Dao is suspected to have headed to the Left Path Alliance!"

"."

Each piece of news struck like a heavy blow to the hearts of all parties involved.

"What? The JF-17 is dead?"

"This"

"Berserk Blade!"

"Investigate! What happened to the Left Path Alliance!?"

"Gentlemen, the previous decision needs to be reconsidered!"

"What exactly did that madman do?"

"."

When all parties learned of this matter, Wu Benqing, who was in the Leiming Town Pacification Division, also learned of it.

"What? Xiaolong is dead!?" Wu Benqing's expression trembled, and his hands holding the letter trembled slightly.

He had been stationed in Thunder for many years and had dealt with Xiaolong of the Blood Owl Gang quite a bit. Although Xiaolong's combat strength was not as good as his, he was definitely a genuine martial arts grandmaster.

And now, this martial arts grandmaster is dead!
He still died at the hands of the ruthless Chen Ping'an!

Besides him, Tiger of the Blood Owl Gang also died in this incident.

And the root of all this was simply because the Blood Owl Gang refused to obey orders and killed the messenger from the Thunderous Garrison!

Wu Benqing, nicknamed "Reckless Blade," trembled slightly, his expression incredibly complex.

When one person is angry, thunder roars!

"We underestimated him!" After a long while, a sigh came from the shadows.

"We've lost." Wu Benqing sighed dejectedly and slumped into the large chair.

Two days later, various parties expressed their opinions.

The evil spirits are rampant, wreaking havoc on Leiming. Leiming has a duty to help every household, and is willing to obey Lord Chen's orders to jointly eradicate the evil spirits!
The campaign against the demons has been launched, but news about the Thunder Mountains has not stopped.

In the days that followed, news kept coming from the Thunder Mountain Range.

"Mang Dao personally went to the Left Path Alliance, and with one sword, he killed an elder of the Left Path Alliance and subdued Hu Yanqing, the Grand Elder of the Left Path Alliance!"

"The Left Path Alliance is willing to fully support the encirclement and suppression campaign! We will obey the orders of the Thunderous Garrison Command!"

"Elder of the Left Path Alliance, Hu Yanqing appears to have suffered a severe injury, likely from the slash of the 'Overlord Blade'!"

"."

The news spread, sparking numerous discussions and causing a stir in the area.

"The Mang Dao has personally arrived at Leizhushan Market. The current head of the Wufang family, Wufang Hong, has come to the mountain gate to welcome the esteemed Mang Dao!"

"The Five Families respectfully welcomed Mang Dao with the highest honors. Lei Ming's most beautiful woman, a female grandmaster, delighted the Five Families, and they had a very pleasant conversation with Mang Dao."

"The five parties expressed their willingness to fully support the encirclement and suppression campaign and provide all necessary assistance."

"."

Within the Thunder Mountain Range, news continued to circulate, causing constant tremors and triggering violent reactions.

Only then did all the forces truly realize the power and might of Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman.

Whether in terms of reputation, talent, or combat prowess, Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, is beyond reproach.

Chen Ping'an, a rising star and a powerful figure in the state, is known as the "Ruthless Blade."
He shall be the Lord of Thunder!

Three days later, Feng Wuhen officially returned, bringing back news that both the Black Spirit Sect and the Heretical Alliance had submitted to him.

Both sides are willing to cooperate fully and support the encirclement and suppression campaign.

At this point, all five major powers of the Thunder Mountain Range submitted to the Thunder Town Command.

Regardless of the schemes of all parties, nominal power has already fallen into Lei Ming's hands.

That year, Chen Ping'an was twenty-six years old.

(End of this chapter)