The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 682 The Journey of Xuanling, Encountering Halfway

The figure that appeared on the outskirts of Leiming was naturally Chen Ping'an, who had rushed over.

Gu Qingchan had specified the time and place in her letter, and Chen Ping'an, keeping to the rhythm, naturally arrived on time.

However, to his surprise, Gu Qingchan was waiting here in advance.

That's not right! A woman shouldn't only appear after being called out a long time!

Why were you waiting here beforehand?

Having not seen Gu Qingchan for many days, Gu Qingchan remained as beautiful and elegant as ever.

Beneath the phoenix hairpin, her hair was piled high like clouds, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes were like stars, her lips were red and moist, and her teeth were white and shiny. She was clearly a beautiful woman with a majestic and ethereal appearance, but at first glance, she had an extremely indescribable feeling of youthful tenderness.

Sure enough, when it comes to pretending to be young, Gu Qingchan is the best.

Chen Ping'an chuckled inwardly.

However, Gu Qingchan wasn't pretending to be young; this was simply her true nature.

At Gu Qingchan's current age, within the Grandmaster realm, she is in the prime of her youth, like morning dew.

Having embarked on the path of martial arts, one cannot view discussions about age with ordinary eyes. One's life force and vitality are completely different from those of ordinary people.

This is quite similar to those biographical novels about seeking immortality and enlightenment.

Furthermore, it is said that Gu Qingchan possessed the qualities of a female ruler.

At her current age, if she were to one day reach the realm of celestial beings, she would likely be considered one of the most youthful and beautiful among martial arts celestial beings.

Sure enough, the old saying is true: if you want to look young, you have to be in the right circle; if you want to stay young forever, you must cultivate and break through realms.

Compared to ancient monsters who are hundreds of years old, Gu Qingchan is indeed young.

A similar thought flashed through Chen Ping'an's mind. He smiled and bowed respectfully.

"I've been waiting for you, senior."

"No need for formalities." Gu Qingchan said calmly and gracefully, "I intend to participate in the Xuanling Auction. I heard you mention it before and know that you need resources. I invited you to come along so that we can look out for each other."

"I understand," Chen Ping'an replied, bowing respectfully.

It still tastes the same: delicate, crisp, fresh, and sweet, like tender buds on a branch or a clear spring.

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, the two set off.

The journey to Xuanling is long and arduous; even with the speed of a Grandmaster, it would take more than ten days to arrive.

Although the Thunder Mountain Range borders the Xuanling Prefecture, the Xuanling Heavy City, a major commercial hub, is not located in this area. Their journey here means crossing almost half of the Xuanling Prefecture before they can reach the Xuanling Heavy City.

Whoosh!Whoosh!
In mid-air, two streaks of light flashed and headed towards the distant horizon.

Although Grandmasters cannot fly like martial arts masters, the flow of their true essence is enough to lift themselves up and fly through the sky.

The Grandmaster's true essence is abundant, and their martial arts are accomplished, which is incomparable to that of a Grandmaster.

For a Grandmaster, the ability to fly for only a few breaths is enough to sustain them for a very long time.

However, no matter how long you persist, you will need to rest and recuperate after flying for a period of time.

When traveling, it's impossible to wait until your true energy is completely depleted before settling down to rest. The usual approach is to first fly through the air, skimming over each other until more than half of your true energy is depleted, then switch to a more agile and swift manner to continue your journey.

When traveling, be mindful of conserving your energy so that you can rest and recuperate at the same time.

When the time is right, we will use our true essence to lift ourselves up and fly through the air again.

This method is also the most common way to travel long distances.

Of course, some wealthy individuals, when pressed for time, would choose to fly while taking some restorative elixirs.

This is to improve its own battery life and replenish its energy.

However, this method is far too extravagant, since it's merely for traveling. Most grandmasters with modest means wouldn't do it this way. Even the wealthy are extremely cautious about such methods.

After all, it's not like we have too much money to spend; we're just on our way, there's no need for this.

To be able to travel at such a speed, one must either be incredibly wealthy and have an amazing background, or it must be an extremely urgent situation where even the slightest delay is unacceptable.

Except for two specific cases, these situations are rarely seen.

Furthermore, some close couples who are destined to be together will sometimes use other methods to travel. For example, they may take turns supporting each other, such as carrying each other on their backs, hugging each other, or linking arms.

While one person is working hard, the other can rest and recuperate. When the person working hard is almost exhausted, the other person takes over, and so on.

In this way, when the accumulation and recovery speed of true essence reach a certain level, seamless transitions can be achieved, allowing for rapid travel.

However, while this method is good, it's impossible for someone who isn't a close partner to do it.

Let alone partners, even couples in the Daoist tradition rarely do this.

After all, you can't see into someone's heart, so you have to be extra cautious when you're out and about. Not everyone can be trusted.

The two traveled together, and both experienced wear and tear, requiring rest and recuperation at the same pace. If they had to take turns, who could confidently entrust their back to the other?

When you are exhausted, others are at their peak. If they harbor ill intentions, what should you do?

Those who can reach this level and achieve mastery of martial arts are naturally shrewd and calculating.

I'm not as naive as I was when I was young.

Even if the risk is extremely small, there is still a risk, isn't there?
There's no need to gamble on human nature, and some risks are simply unnecessary to take.

As for Daoist partners taking turns traveling, such a thing is rare. One reason is that Daoist partners with the same cultivation level are extremely rare.

In most cases, male cultivators are generally more advanced than female cultivators. While there are instances where female cultivators are more advanced than male cultivators, the overall situation is less common.

Among them are many cases of second or third marriages.

His former lover has passed away, and as the years have passed, he has eventually found a new love.

Those who wait patiently and remain chaste like a single person are, after all, an extremely small minority.

After all, hundreds of years of desolate life is no joke.

Time is long enough to erase many things. If someone can maintain that love consistently, it is truly love that has withstood the test of time.

On the other hand, not all Daoist partners are life-and-death Daoist partners.

The factors that bring them together are varied, including interests, trade-offs, considerations, compromises, and compromises.

The feelings between people are not necessarily good.

Furthermore, conflicts can also arise between Daoist couples.

As time goes by and people encounter all sorts of things, even the slightest difference in their beliefs can be magnified over time.

Some couples can overcome obstacles and grow closer through trials. However, others will drift apart over time, eventually becoming estranged and even turning against each other.

Like in fairy tales, the prince and princess being together is a perfect ending.

But reality isn't a fairy tale. Even the closest couples will inevitably have conflicts after a long time together. Even the most devoted lovers can separate or live apart. Perfect couples, after all, are an extremely rare minority.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been recorded in various best-selling biographical novels, widely circulated, and aroused endless expectations and imagination among the world.

Some things, because they are unattainable, are all the more likely to inspire longing.

Although Daoist couples aspire to the Great Dao and become partners, they are all worldly people, so their relationship is not truly pure.

Whether it's about interests or emotions, everyone has their own ulterior motives.

There are people in this world who, even though they already have a partner, still flirt with others outside.

Ironically, the more outstanding a person is, the more people gather around them.

It's truly a case of some dying from drought and others from floods.

Speaking of this, Chen Ping'an suddenly felt something was off.

Speaking of which, he seems to
Okay, it seems like he was referring to himself.

Chen Ping'an felt somewhat ashamed.

Although there are various reasons and some twists of fate, his current situation seems to be just as rumored.

Whoosh!Whoosh!
Pale blue and pale cyan light intertwined in mid-air, and surrounded by spiritual energy, the overall commotion was not too great.

However, some martial arts practitioners with a decent level of skill can still discover it.

The two hadn't seen each other for several months, and given the thunderous incident, they still managed to exchange quite a bit of information during their flight.

The main topics inquired about were the Thunder Mountain Range and Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster Celebration, with occasional interludes of conversations among the Gu family elders.

Chen Ping'an was very familiar with such matters and had a wealth of experience, so he naturally handled them appropriately.

"Counting the days, it's been a year since you and Qingcheng got engaged. In another two years, you should get married." Gu Qingchan wore a light blue dress, shimmering with light, her figure elegant, dignified and beautiful.

"Yes," Chen Ping'an said with a smile, "there are still two years left."

"What's wrong?" Gu Qingchan glanced at Chen Ping'an, a rare smile appearing on her face. "Are you getting impatient?"

Although she was close to Chen Ping'an, her feelings were more of an appreciation for the younger generation, and she didn't smile much during normal conversations.

Chen Ping'an naturally wouldn't respond directly to Gu Qingchan's teasing.

It's true that the Gu family set the wedding date for him and Gu Qingcheng, but as the witness on the marriage certificate, Gu Qingchan also has a certain say. If he goes along with the topic and admits that he's anxious, it's easy for people to misunderstand. But if he doesn't mention his anxiety at all, it's easy for people to overthink.

Is it that he has no expectations for his future wife, or is he simply too hypocritical, concealing his true feelings?

Therefore, Chen Ping'an did not directly address Gu Qingchan's topic. However, Gu Qingchan persisted, insisting on bringing up the subject: "Judging from your calm demeanor, are you not particularly looking forward to this marriage?"

"The Fairy of Allure is beautiful and has a captivating appearance. She is of noble character, like the bright moon, a rare treasure. I, Chen Ping'an, am naturally looking forward to her marriage." Chen Ping'an expressed his feelings, carefully choosing his words: "However, the marriage is arranged by our elders and the matchmaker. The wedding date has been set, and I dare not be anxious."

"What a fine excuse of not daring to be anxious." Gu Qingchan's starry eyes shone brightly as she gave Chen Ping'an a deep look: "Are you blaming me?"

"No, no, I wouldn't dare," Chen Ping'an said modestly, his eyes lowered.

"Alright, it's rare to see you so honest, so I won't make things difficult for you." Gu Qingchan stared at Chen Ping'an for a while and smiled lightly, "The engagement is already set, so there's no need to worry. Focus on your cultivation and don't slack off."

Even so, Gu Qingchan was extremely satisfied with Chen Ping'an's progress in cultivation. She was even amazed by it.

Such breakthroughs and advancements are truly exceptional, even within the vast territory of the dynasty, making them exceptionally brilliant talents.

"I understand," Chen Ping'an nodded in agreement.

"The journey to Xuanling is long and arduous, so we must not be careless. Focus on making the most of our journey."

"Yes," Chen Pingan said softly.

After speaking, Gu Qingchan said no more. Bathed in the pale blue light, she appeared dignified, elegant, noble, and reserved.

"Take a break."

A little over half a day later, Gu Qingchan estimated the time and made a suggestion.

Although her condition wasn't bad, she still needed to take care of Chen Ping'an's. After all, with her spirit patterns now engraved in the Six Paths, her cultivation level was far beyond what Chen Ping'an could match.

"Thank you, senior."

Chen Ping'an readily agreed to Gu Qingchan's suggestion.

Although he was in good condition and far from being exhausted, he naturally wouldn't stand out too much under such circumstances.

Although it was called a rest stop, it was actually a change in the way of traveling, turning into a journey of moving and changing on the mountain range.

Compared to flying, this way of traveling, although slower, is undoubtedly more energy-efficient.

As they flew by, Gu Qingchan kept an eye on Chen Ping'an's condition, feeling slightly alarmed.

Chen Ping'an, with his mid-stage Jade Balance cultivation, displayed speed comparable to a martial arts grandmaster, which was already enough to startle her. Now, after flying for half a day, he could still maintain this level of performance.

Such accumulated knowledge and skills likely surpass even those of ordinary martial arts grandmasters.

"This child possesses profound and terrifying abilities." Gu Qingchan's beautiful eyes widened in astonishment, revealing a hint of disbelief.

Over the next few days, Chen Ping'an maintained a speed comparable to that of an ordinary Grandmaster, traveling with Gu Qingchan towards Xuanling Prefecture.

Over the course of a few days, the two developed a certain understanding. Every now and then, they would stop and rest.

Once you've replenished enough, you can fly again.

However, after several attempts, Chen Ping'an began to show signs of exhaustion.

At this point, the two of them will stop and take a proper rest.

Seeing this, Gu Qingchan was surprised and also weakened her stance.

It seems that although Chen Ping'an possesses a profound foundation, he is ultimately only a senior grandmaster. While he far surpasses others of the same level, there is still a gap between him and a true grandmaster of martial arts.

Under these circumstances, the two quickly crossed the Thunder Mountain Range and entered the Xuanling Prefecture.

During these days, besides traveling, Chen Ping'an also took the opportunity to cultivate a little.

After being purified by the dual cultivation technique, his endurance and recovery ability far exceeded the imagination of ordinary people.

Let alone a grandmaster of martial arts, even a pseudo-celestial being would rarely be able to match him.

The reason he stopped to recuperate was simply to use the time to practice cultivation.

Martial arts practice involves flashes of spiritual light and the movement of true energy, which, from the outside, looks similar to rest and recuperation.

Except for a few very special techniques, this is the case in most other situations.

Chen Ping'an's martial arts level is superior to Gu Qingchan's, so he naturally has no reservations about this matter.

With the help of the cheat system, his entire cultivation process was quite different from that of ordinary martial arts practitioners, and he didn't have as many flaws.

In particular, the cultivation technique he practiced was a fragment of the Guanghan Sword Technique, not something like the Seven Killings Heavenly Gang Fist or the Seven Absolute Divine Skill.

If it were the Seven Killings Heavenly Fist, then he might really have to be cautious, worried that Gu Qingchan might figure out something.

If the reality is not like that, then he can cultivate normally.

In recent days, he has been either traveling or cultivating. But even so, his cultivation progress has inevitably been somewhat delayed.

Traveling with Gu Qingchan brought some convenience, but also some trouble.

Now, Chen Ping'an understands why so many important figures travel, even though he can travel much faster, they still insist on riding in carriages and palanquins.

While traveling on one's own is faster, it is not only too energy-consuming but also affects cultivation time. Apart from deliberate travel and enlightenment, important figures rarely travel on their own.

Even when time is tight, people will choose more convenient and faster modes of transportation.

Legend has it that some extremely noble royal descendants, who were granted royal titles, would have their carriages pulled by mythical beasts or carried by flying chariots when they traveled.

In some ancient holy sites, there are also legends of void chariots and golden beast chariots.

Chen Ping'an was not very familiar with the matter.

However, when the imperial princess traveled in the past, nine phoenixes faced the sun, surrounded by divine light, with rosy clouds filling the sky and auspicious colors shining everywhere, which was extremely miraculous. However, these things are all old news, recorded in the secret archives of the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division, and Chen Ping'an had heard of them quite a bit.

When the imperial daughter travels, it is called a phoenix carriage. Beneath the phoenix carriage, all are but ants.

Such a weather pattern would cause even martial arts masters to keep a distance of three thousand miles as a sign of respect.

Unfortunately, no imperial princess has appeared in this world.

The imperial princess recorded in the secret archives was a blood relative of Emperor Qian before he ascended the throne. Unfortunately, after Emperor Qian ascended the throne, that renowned imperial princess...
The imperial family of the Great Qian Dynasty has numerous bloodlines. Not to mention the bloodlines of princes and dukes, the Qian Emperor's offspring alone number in the thousands.

Among them, only a hundred possessed imperial blood, nine were granted the title of prince, and only one could be called the son of an emperor.

Among the princes, apart from the Ninth Prince, the competition is still among his own generation, while the rest are all senior figures who have been famous for many years. In recent years, the royal bloodline has become thin, and not to mention the enfeoffment of princes, there are very few people who actually possess the blood of the emperor.

Even those with imperial bloodlines are extremely rare, so it's naturally even more impossible for an imperial daughter to be born.

In this world, among the royal bloodline, only the Emperor's son reigns supreme, representing the legitimate destiny of the world.

The Emperor's son shines brightly, like the sun high in the sky. He was born to rule all directions and is a born saint!
Royal bloodline was far too distant for Chen Ping'an. Even the Bicang Prince's Mansion was a colossal entity he had to look up to.

Based on past precedents and his own experience, Chen Ping'an understood that sometimes when important figures traveled with imperial carriages and golden beasts leading the way, it wasn't necessarily for grandeur, but rather for convenience.

Chen Pingan felt this deeply.

This trip also delayed his cultivation.

Fortunately, this is only temporary.

If he finds a way to trade Snow Spirit Leaves in Xuanling City, he can quickly make up for the shortfall in his cultivation.

After entering Xuanling Prefecture, Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan did not slow down at all. They continued along the planned route towards Xuanling Heavy City.

Their trip was focused on reaching their destination. They had no time to experience the local customs and culture of Xuanling Prefecture.

Xuanling Prefecture is considered an outer prefecture compared to Canglong Prefecture. Due to their proximity, most things are the same, with only minor differences in their status.

Several more days passed, and they traveled a considerable distance within Xuanling Prefecture, passing through many cities.

Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan traveled together for more than ten days, which, in a sense, could be considered as a man and a woman alone together.

However, cultivators are different from ordinary people. Although such situations can be considered intimate, they may not necessarily make those kinds of connections.

Neither of them had their minds on this.

In Gu Qingchan's eyes, Chen Ping'an was just a junior whom she admired. There was only care between them, and no romantic feelings between them.

For Chen Ping'an, his relationship with Gu Qingchan was still very pure.

Well, without any ambiguity.

Looking at the stunningly beautiful woman beside him, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but think back to that night.

Fortunately, he was mainly concerned with his cultivation along the way, and although there were aftereffects, his overall condition was completely under control.

Under these circumstances, the two finally arrived at the territory of Xuanling Heavy City.

Upon arriving at Xuanling City, the surrounding scenery was undoubtedly much more lively.

The two of them slowed down and took in the local customs and culture.

Just as the two were about to approach Xuanling City, a dark red streak of light, like a battle flag fluttering in the wind, chased after them from the side.

Ok?
Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened, and with his spiritual sense, he clearly saw who had come.

Gu Qingchan, standing to the side, had a slightly cold look in her starry eyes, her delicate brows furrowed, and a hint of displeasure appeared on her porcelain-white face.

(End of this chapter)