The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 721 Initial Refinement, Promotion to Important Position (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

The Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, the largest event in Azure Dragon Prefecture, is held every ten years.

The month-long Azure Dragon Festival will be accompanied by a variety of activities.

In addition, during the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, the largest auction in ten years will be held, with the auction items being top-tier even across several states.

Although there are still a few days until the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, the streets, alleys, restaurants, and elegant gardens of the state capital are already filled with heated discussions about the ceremony.

"A top-tier auction! Rumor has it that top-tier divine weapons will be auctioned!"

"A top-tier divine weapon? What type!?"

"We don't know yet; it's estimated that it will be revealed last as the grand finale."

"Anything else!?"

"High-grade spiritual items, breakthrough pills, demon beast pills, scales, claws, and armor pieces, as well as seashells and precious minerals from the North Sea. It is said that there are also high-grade cultivation techniques and secret arts!"

"This is interesting. Do you have any longevity pills?"

"Of course! It's a top-tier auction, how could it not have one!"

"."

The city of Canglong Prefecture was bustling with activity, and every now and then, a number of unfamiliar faces with different personalities would appear.

A state-level grand event, gathering all parties, a meeting of the titans.

hum~
Chen Ping'an's spiritual light trembled slightly, and he withdrew the deep vertical pupils in front of him.

With a flash of black light, the deep vertical pupils vanished from their original spot.

"Initial refinement successful!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes lit up with joy, a joy that emanated from within.

After more than half a month of refining, he finally completed the initial refinement of this precious heirloom of the Evil Path.

Compared to divine weapons, refining precious treasures is undoubtedly more difficult. However, his current spirituality is incomparable to that of the past, and after a wholehearted refinement, he naturally achieved remarkable results.

At this rate, it should take another month or two to fully digest this treasure.

Once the Evil Eye is fully refined, he will focus his remaining energy on the Bloodthirsty Demon Jar.

Whether it is a genuine treasure or a pseudo-treasure, as long as it is properly refined, it can be stored in the spiritual platform of the eyebrows.

At that time, it will be filled with brilliant light and surrounded by spiritual energy, placed on the spiritual altar.

In any situation, it is triggered instantly, revealing its miraculous power.

However, there is a limit to the amount of precious treasures that can be stored in the third eye spiritual platform; it is not without restrictions. If a certain threshold is exceeded, it will affect daily cultivation.

The exact amount of precious treasures a cultivator can hold depends on their spiritual foundation.

Even a typical martial arts grandmaster would find it difficult to store such a powerful treasure within their spiritual platform. To do so, one would need to be at least at the pseudo-celestial level.

However, the world is vast and full of talented people. Some who have entered the third stage of the breakthrough realm with seven or even eight spiritual patterns may also be able to carry great treasures at the Grandmaster level.

Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered slightly, and a screen of light appeared.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Late stage of Jade Balance - Breakthrough Three Barriers (Breaking through the Shell Barrier)
武学：青阳血炼法入门（1765/5760）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（152/8640）、广寒剑法（残篇）小成（0/7680）太虚御风步小成（3079/5760）七杀天罡拳大成（0/9600）、霸刀圆满、七绝神功圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
After more than half a month of cultivation, both the Taixu Wind-Riding Step and the Qingyang Blood Refining Technique have made progress. Among them, the Taixu Wind-Riding Step has already progressed to more than halfway. In another month or so, he will be able to officially enter the mastery stage.

The progress of the Qingyang Blood Refining Technique is much slower, but overall it is still progressing steadily.

During his cultivation over the past few days, Chen Ping'an's stock of Snow Spirit Leaves has been depleted once again.

Although there is still a surplus, for the sake of long-term planning, we need to prepare for the future.

Chen Ping'an had high expectations for this Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, hoping to take the opportunity to purchase some Snow Spirit Leaves.

It's almost time to harvest the snow spirit leaves.

Chen Ping'an has a very clear plan for his own cultivation.

Once he mastered the Tai Xu Wind Control Steps, he focused his cultivation efforts on the Seven Killing Heavenly Gang Fist. Based on the benefits he had previously inferred from the cheat system panel, once he mastered the Seven Killing Heavenly Gang Fist, he would be able to ascend to the Martial Dao Celestial Realm!
Martial arts are about harmony between heaven and man, and the unity of heaven and man!

He will ascend to the heavens with unparalleled foundation and pure power!
At that time, with abundant resources, we will embark on a path to heaven, until we reach the gates of heaven.

Chen Ping'an used his spiritual insight to sense the changes in the spiritual fruit on his spiritual platform.

The spiritual fruit contains the essence of divine soul, which cannot yet be utilized, but its quantity is quite considerable. If it can be nourished further, it will surely grow stronger again.

Besides cultivation, Chen Ping'an has spent the past half month studying the Myriad Demon Blood Restriction and has gained some insights into its essence. Although he hasn't fully grasped it, he has made significant progress compared to half a month ago.

However, he did not have much expertise in studying the Soul Guiding Technique, which was obviously easier than the Blood Restriction of Ten Thousand Demons.

These days, Chen Ping'an has been busy with such matters and has not yet had time to study the high-level spiritual restrictions obtained from the cave at the bottom of the pool.

Compared to the previous two, the difficulty of high-level spiritual restrictions is undoubtedly a leap forward. With Chen Ping'an's current foundation, studying and cultivating them would take more than just a few months.

It is often measured in years, requiring a long period of time to accumulate.

After reviewing the information briefly, Chen Ping'an put it aside for the time being, intending to wait until all matters were settled before making further plans.

"There really isn't enough time," Chen Ping'an sighed softly.

However, he is currently living a long life and his time is far from over.

With proper accumulation, one day one will be able to fully digest and master high-level spiritual restrictions.

Just as Chen Ping'an was focused on his secluded cultivation, he received a summons from the powerful deputy head of the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division.

"Zhang Tianyuan wants to see me?" Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, and a guess appeared in his mind.

Sitting in the carriage on the way to the State Garrison, Chen Ping'an could clearly feel that Canglong State City was much more lively than before.

Every now and then, one can sense completely different auras.

"Quite a few people have come!" Chen Ping'an smiled.

Although Canglong City is not as important as Xuanling City as a commercial and trade center, its overall influence is still considerable as the Canglong Grand Ceremony is held once every ten years.

In particular, the Azure Dragon Auction, which is scheduled to be held during the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, is half a level higher in terms of scale and quality than the Xuanling Auction that Chen Ping'an had previously participated in.

After all, one is a grand event held once every ten years in a state, while the other is an auction in Xuanling City that is not particularly outstanding in terms of scale.

The two sides invested different amounts of effort and placed different levels of importance on each other. Even though the trade standards differed, some gaps still emerged.

As expected, Chen Ping'an met Zhang Tianyuan, the Xuanhuang Absolute Sword, without any problems.

"Greetings, Your Excellency."

"Congratulations on your safety."

This time, Zhang Tianyuan was very enthusiastic upon seeing him. However, due to his personality traits, it was difficult to perceive Zhang Tianyuan's enthusiasm solely from his expression.

"A letter from the North has arrived, outlining new plans for you."

As they spoke, Zhang Tianyuan handed over a forwarded official letter.

Chen Ping'an took the official letter, glanced at it briefly, and then showed a look of surprise.

Promoted to an important position, awaiting the right time to assume the post?

The official letter mentioned his meritorious service and proposed to promote him to the position of deputy director, but did not elaborate on the specific appointment, only mentioning that he would be appointed when the time was right.

The surprise Chen Ping'an showed at this moment was not entirely feigned; a small part of it was genuine.

He had already guessed what the purpose of his meeting with Zhang Tianyuan was.

His previous report on his merits should be forthcoming soon, given the timeframe. Considering everything that has happened, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he's likely to be promoted.

However, he did not expect that although he was promoted, the specific appointment was not issued.

Judging from this, there must be a reason behind it, right?

Zhang Tianyuan noticed Chen Ping'an's expression but didn't speak immediately. He waited until Chen Ping'an finished reading the letter before asking, "Have you finished reading the letter?"

"Yes, sir, I have finished reading it," Chen Ping'an nodded.

"Tell me your thoughts," Zhang Tianyuan said, his expression questioning.

"The higher-ups only mentioned a promotion in rank, but no official appointment has been issued. I think the Northern Border Garrison Command might have other considerations," Chen Ping'an said truthfully.

"What kind of test?" Zhang Tianyuan asked with great interest.

"They may be given a position with great power, but Ping An is currently too inexperienced and lacks sufficient prestige, so we will not discuss it for now. Or perhaps there are differing opinions within the Northern Garrison Command, and it is still under review."

“You’re very clever,” Zhang Tianyuan praised. “That’s exactly what I meant. According to the rules of the State Garrison, as long as one has enough merit and reaches the Grandmaster realm, the position of deputy garrison commander can be promoted.”

However, this is only in theory. Most deputy commanders are selected through examinations based on their rank and experience. They hone their qualifications, build connections, and wait for the right opportunity to be promoted. But…” Zhang Tianyuan changed the subject: “You are different. You are a rising star, a prodigy of the dynasty. Even within the entire Zhenfu Division system, you are a rare talent among your peers. Your previous appointment in the Northern Zhenfu Division as a candidate for deputy commander is proof of that. As long as you have enough merit and experience, you can be promoted to the position of deputy commander.”

In fact, without the previous impeachment by the Qiankun Division, the Thunder Mountain Range incident would have been enough to promote you to the position of Deputy Director and assign you corresponding duties. However, the timing of the Qiankun Division's impeachment was so perfect that it ultimately caused a delay.

But things are different now. The impact of this incident has been eliminated. You have made a great contribution by killing a top-level grandmaster of the evil path. Even if you are directly promoted to deputy head, no one will have any objections.

However, you should know that even among deputy directors, different assignments and duties exist. The authority of each duty varies greatly. If you have just been promoted, according to the rules, you will be assigned to the lowest-ranking duty, to be gradually promoted over time. Until you leap to a position like this one, a deputy director with real power.

But even so, it's still too slow. This is true for ordinary people, and even more so for a hidden genius like you.

You were previously impeached by the Qiankun Division, suffering an injustice and injustice. Someone in higher positions is taking advantage of this to gain benefits for you.

The appointment has not yet been issued, which is probably precisely why.

If our prediction is correct, and all goes smoothly, your position will likely be a second-tier post, wielding exclusive authority and managing various affairs, placing you on par with the likes of Ning Zhengyue!

Zhang Tianyuan spoke slowly and carefully.

The system is complex and intricate; there are different positions for the same rank, and different ranks for the same position; honorary positions hold no real power, while substantive positions are not merely nominal; and the various crucial matters cannot be fully explained in a few words. Chen Ping'an, however, understood.

What Zhang Tianyuan said coincided somewhat with his own thoughts.

"Second-class authority, huh?" Chen Ping'an thought to himself.

Judging from the situation of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, the deputy garrison commanders who wield second-class authority are basically all at the peak of the Grandmaster level. With his current combat strength, he is considered to have reached a higher level.

but
Chen Ping'an's thought flickered for a moment, then quickly vanished.

It doesn't matter anyway, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Once his true strength breaks through, it will be time to raise his apparent realm.

What will become of a 27-year-old martial arts grandmaster?

Upon learning the important news from Zhang Tianyuan, Chen Ping'an naturally showed gratitude and spoke respectfully.

Zhang Tianyuan was very satisfied with Chen Ping'an's attitude.

"The announcement will be released tomorrow. You should also prepare yourself. You've been idle for so long, it's time to get back to work. However, you haven't been appointed yet, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Focus on your cultivation."

"Yes." Chen Ping'an said respectfully, cupping his hands in a salute: "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Zhang Tianyuan smiled and said no more.

Seeing this, Chen Ping'an took his leave and left the public housing.

Zhang Tianyuan's eyes were gray as he watched Chen Ping'an leave.

"A peerless prodigy, if he does not perish halfway, he may become a god among men! In a hundred or two decades, perhaps even our company will have to look up to him."

After leaving Zhang Tianyuan's residence, Chen Ping'an did not stay long at the Canglong Prefecture Garrison.

I have to go to work tomorrow, so there's plenty of time and no rush.

Old Zhong, it's the same if we go and take another look tomorrow.

Regarding Zhang Tianyuan's mention of the deputy commander's power, Chen Ping'an, having worked in the Zhenfu Division, had quite a bit of experience with it. Previously, he had served as a clerk outside the city walls of Weishui County.

I once served as a jailer in the southern part of the city for a period of time. In terms of rank, the jailer was equivalent to the neighborhood constables, but in terms of duties, they were quite different.

However, in terms of authority, it is clear that the neighborhood constables wielded more power than the jailers. Whether in terms of the scope of their jurisdiction or the interests of those below them, the neighborhood constables undoubtedly held the upper hand.

However, for Chen Ping'an at the time, the position of prison warden was more in his interest.

There isn't much interaction with other powers; you just need to manage internal affairs and develop peacefully.

However, he now has a different idea.

It all depends on what the actual appointment will be.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts were in turmoil as he walked out of the State Garrison Office.

He sensed a familiar presence from afar.

However, the so-called acquaintances did not come over after seeing him, but chose to stay away immediately.

Chen Ping'an gazed into the distance, squinting his eyes.

The Zhenfu Division of Canglong Prefecture enshrines Fang Zhengyu.

Previously, taking advantage of Li Wusheng's influence, he had verbally provoked Fang Zhengyu. Now that Li Wusheng is dead, Fang Zhengyu is still alive and well in the state garrison.

Chen Ping'an smiled, his mind at peace.

With his current level of cultivation, the mere offering of a Grandmaster can no longer stir his emotions.

If he wanted to, he could kill them with a single hand.

just
is it necessary?

For some, death may not be the best punishment; experiencing regret firsthand is.

"call!"

After turning through several corridors and confirming that the other party was out of sight, Fang Zhengyu breathed a long sigh of relief.

"You actually run into this?"

He felt a slight tension in his heart.

There had been a verbal rift between him and Chen Ping'an. Previously, when Li Wusheng was around, he had powerful backers and didn't go to apologize or humble himself. Instead, he chose to maintain the stalemate.

But now that Li Wusheng is dead, his situation is not good.

but
Fang Zhengyu's eyes flickered.

Fortunately, Chen Ping'an is now in dire straits, impeached by the Qiankun Division, and retired at home.

As long as Chen Ping'an is not in a position of authority, even if he has extraordinary combat power, he is in the State Garrison Command and the other party cannot do anything to him.

A moment later, a smile returned to Fang Zhengyu's face.

"A phoenix that has lost its feathers is no better than a chicken; a tiger fallen into the plains is bullied by dogs."

Although Chen Ping'an is powerful, his current situation is probably not much better than his.

With this thought in mind, Fang Zhengyu instantly felt at peace. He composed himself and headed towards the Offering Pavilion.

During his visit to the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, Chen Ping'an did not sense any unfamiliar aura from anyone at the pseudo-Celestial level. Besides Zhang Tianyuan, the only other presence was that of Old Man Qingfan.

Clearly, the head of the prefectural garrison has not yet returned. Is he in Bicang, or is he handling some other important matter?

Chen Ping'an didn't think too much about it.

With his current level of power, the position of head of a prefecture's military command is no longer something that can make him too wary. Given his abilities, he will inevitably be transferred to another prefecture one day to assume the position of commander.

And that's just a matter of time.

Once he becomes the governor of a state, the stage he will see will truly open up a corner of the vast northern border.

Now that he had left the pass and made a trip to the State Garrison, Chen Ping'an wouldn't hesitate to make another trip to the Gu family.

"I wonder if Gu Qingcheng has emerged from seclusion yet?"

He arrived at the Gu family home with a glimmer of hope, only to learn that Gu Qingcheng had not yet emerged from seclusion.

Is she really in seclusion, or does she simply not want to see him?
I shouldn't not want to see him!
They even sent over sword techniques before, they seemed so affectionate, there's no reason for it all to happen.

Chen Ping'an was completely baffled.

Perhaps, just as he guessed, Gu Qingcheng was indeed in seclusion.

But if she's in seclusion, then Xiyue should have time to come out, right?

With this thought in mind, Chen Ping'an even made a special trip to the elegant building in the back garden.

His current actions are naturally against etiquette. Families like the Gu family have strict rules and regulations. If an ordinary son-in-law dared to act like this, he would probably be beaten out without even being told.

However, if this person is Chen Ping'an, then everyone will naturally turn a blind eye.

In fact, the husband of the ordinary legitimate daughter of the Gu family was not considered a son-in-law by the public.

Currently, within the Gu family, Chen Ping'an has monopolized the role of son-in-law among the younger generation.

He made a special trip to the back garden, but unfortunately, all his efforts were in vain.

He wanted to try to sense something spiritually, but remembering his previous experience, he ultimately did not.

Inside the warm building, Xi Yue stood to one side, holding a sword in both hands.

She glanced at the beautiful woman in the moon-colored dress beside her, a hint of curiosity flashing in her bright eyes.

The son-in-law has come twice, but why haven't I seen him?
Xi Yue was a little curious.

But out of consideration for his reputation, he couldn't bring himself to ask.

Gu Qingcheng's eyes were clear and cold, deep and unfathomable, her long, flowing black hair cascading down like moonlight and dew. She stood there, her aloofness reminiscent of a goddess descending to earth, yet the swaying wooden hairpin added a touch of humanity.

The Guanghan Palace is cold and desolate, the abyss is shrouded in mist, the cold light is deep and eerie, chilling the remnants of a dream.

Although he didn't see Gu Qingcheng, Chen Ping'an didn't waste his time during his visit to the Gu family. Mentioning the upcoming Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, Chen Ping'an asked several elders for a VIP seat at the auction.

With his current status, he could naturally enjoy a private box even at such a top-tier auction. However, if he were to try to obtain one on his own, it would require some effort.

His time is precious these days, and he feels there's never enough time in the day. Naturally, he wouldn't waste it on something like this.

At least, before he has fully accumulated the necessary knowledge and skills and transformed them into a solid foundation, he has no intention of doing so.

With the Gu family's influence in Canglong, accomplishing this was merely a matter of convenience. Therefore, they readily agreed to the task.

Furthermore, Chen Ping'an could take this opportunity to hand over the resources he had accumulated from the Golden Circle Protector to the Gu family, allowing them to manage them. As for the Golden Circle Divine Weapon, the Gu family would be asked to consign it for auction at the Azure Dragon Auction House.

The Golden Ring Divine Weapon, as a top-tier and powerful divine weapon, could be auctioned as a precious item even at a top-level event like the Azure Dragon Auction.

With everything settled, Chen Ping'an left the Gu family.

The next morning, the Canglong Prefecture Garrison issued a public notice, informing all parties and sending a proclamation to the prefecture and local garrison offices.

Chen Ping'an, a senior candidate for the position of Commander of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, formerly the Chief Inspector of the Leiming Garrison, is a man of both wisdom and courage. He is adept at planning and has made outstanding contributions in suppressing evil and slaying demons. By decision of the Northern Garrison, he is hereby promoted to the position of Deputy Commander of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, pending further appointment and important responsibilities.

The news sent shockwaves through the state.

During the Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, this news spread to all sides at an extremely rapid pace.

Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, has been promoted to Deputy Commander of the State Garrison, becoming a top figure in the state!
(End of this chapter)