The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 727 Five Blessings Uncertainty, Gu Family's Predicament (Will They Regret It?)
A spacious and understated yet stylish vehicle slowly drove through the city of Canglong.

If one has discerning eyes, one can discover the hidden secrets within this carriage frame, revealing the profound heritage of a thousand-year-old family.

Several old guards stood respectfully around the carriage, seemingly ordinary, yet their every move exuded a restrained brilliance and an indescribable charm.

hum~
Inside the vehicle, Chen Ping'an's spiritual light gradually dimmed as he sensed his vision fading.

With his cultivation level, he could not hide the scrutiny of others.

Besides the man in the blue robe, there were many other people staring at him.

However, some of them changed their minds after seeing him get on the Gu family's car, while others remained lingering.

"His bid for the Golden Illusion Robe ultimately attracted the attention of quite a few people."

Chen Ping'an remained calm, as he had anticipated this.

Since he himself was present at this auction, there was no risk of him being exposed.

From the moment he decided to participate in this auction, he was prepared to reveal some of his inner strength.

With his current power and the might of a hidden dragon, he can still protect a top-tier divine weapon.

The youngest deputy commander in the Bi Cang region and even several surrounding regions, a peerless genius ranked among the top thirty on the Hidden Dragon List, with monstrous talent and unparalleled style. Such a person is among the top in the surrounding states.

In terms of combat power, although he has not yet reached the Grandmaster level of martial arts, he has already achieved the feat of killing top Grandmasters. In terms of prestige, he is a rising star. According to the evaluation on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, as long as he does not deliberately pursue the foundation of breaking through the realm, he has a good chance of reaching the Celestial Realm of martial arts!
Moreover, the possibility is not low.

In particular, the fact that he is currently still within the territory of Canglong Prefecture, and his connection as the son-in-law of the Gu family, gives him a unique advantage.

The Gu family patriarch, the Sword of Clear Breeze and Bright Moon—no one has forgotten this name.

Even if some have forgotten, the martial arts master who perished in the past is still there.

"Although we didn't acquire the sword-wielding inheritance at this auction, overall, the gains slightly exceeded our expectations." Chen Ping'an said calmly, sitting on the carriage.

At this auction, he won a Bursting Yuan True Pill, thus completing his collection of three mainstream explosive pills. Combined with half a portion of Millennium Stone Milk, consuming it would make for a rather formidable trump card.

In addition, he also acquired a key spiritual item suitable for cultivators at the advanced Xuan Guang realm to break through to the next level: the Nine-Leaf Silver Essence Mushroom. Combined with his previous accumulations, this would significantly enhance his breakthrough plans. He considered it a gift prepared for Wan Jun.

It's been quite a while since I've seen her, and I really miss her.

Chen Ping'an's gaze softened slightly, and a beautiful figure appeared in his mind.

If it weren't for his previous trip to Xuanling, he probably would have gone to visit Wanjun long ago.

However, it's not too late to go now.

After finishing the business of the Wufu Chamber of Commerce, they set off for the Wei River.

After acquiring the Golden Illusion Armor, the divine weapons Chen Ping'an could openly use became the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade, the Golden Illusion Armor, the Mysterious Iron Ingot, the White Bone Claw Gauntlets, and the Yin Wind Knee Guards, among others.

Other divine weapons he acquired were either not allowed to be used or were sold off. For example, the patterned cloth, after the battle at Youtan Cave, had its grade dropped, so Chen Ping'an handed it over to the Gu family to handle and convert into corresponding resources.

As for the divine weapons that can be used in secret, there are many more. The Dream Pearl, which is being continuously refined to break through the first chain, the Evil Eye, the Bloodthirsty Demon Jar, the Azure Flame Four Directions Command Flag, the Black Jade Ring, and the Withered Wood Staff and the Black Banner, which have not yet been refined.

It is worth mentioning that Chen Ping'an conducted a second screening afterward, and after careful study and comprehensive consideration, he added the blood-red compass that he had previously obtained from the skeleton elder.

They prepared to refine it first, to be used as a divine weapon in reserve.

At his current level, even the finest divine weapons offer little benefit. Only top-tier divine weapons can provide substantial advantages.

However, there are some differences between top-tier divine weapons, and the combination of different types will affect the specific benefits.

After obtaining the Golden Illusion Armor, unless he acquires it passively, his active pursuit should no longer be on top-tier divine weapons.

It is a true treasure! A true heirloom!
As Chen Ping'an pondered, his eyes flashed slightly, and the Golden Finger Panel appeared in front of him.

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（2395/5760）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（4315/5760）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
Secret Techniques: Soul-Guiding Technique, Blood Restriction of Ten Thousand Demons

"4315 point."

He's taken another step closer to mastering the Void Control Steps. Furthermore, Chen Ping'an didn't come away empty-handed during the auction these past few days.

After many days of diligent study, he finally mastered the Soul Guiding Technique, a secret method he obtained from the Evil Path Master, Blood Nightmare Luo, and recorded it on the panel.

Although I can't really apply it yet, I've at least gotten a glimpse of the basics.

With this foundation, and through careful practice, one day you will be able to successfully execute it.

Of all the knowledge Chen Ping'an had accumulated, the one he had not yet truly studied was the high-level spiritual restriction.

Chen Ping'an's expression softened as a thought flashed through his mind.

"I wonder if there's been any progress with Gu Qingchan?"

They had previously agreed that when they had studied this forbidden inheritance to a sufficient extent and each had gained something, they would verify each other's findings and discuss the Dao with one another.

Speaking of this, Chen Ping'an felt somewhat ashamed.

These days, he has been busy with cultivation and other secret techniques, which has caused him to neglect this spiritual restriction.

However, the situation should gradually improve over time.

Once he has finished refining the Evil Eye, the Bloodthirsty Demon Jar, and several other top-tier divine weapons, he will be able to gradually devote his energy to studying this forbidden inheritance.

However, compared to other secret techniques and cultivation methods, this restriction inheritance, in the short term, does not seem to provide a particularly significant benefit to his abilities.

However, there is still a long time to go, and we can study it slowly. Over time, we should be able to gain a lot.

You can never have too many protective items.

Slow is slow.

"Young master, the family has arrived."

Just as Chen Ping'an was pondering, the carriage arrived in front of the Gu family's house.

Canglong has arrived at his home.

Prior to the auction, Chen Ping'an had asked an elder of the Gu family to help make arrangements with the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce. The Gu family had already finalized the agreement before the auction, stipulating that after the auction, the Gu family would host and introduce the person in charge of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce for this trip.

Now that the auction is over, Chen Ping'an immediately went to the Gu family to push forward with the matter.

If we are efficient enough, we should be able to meet the people from the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce tomorrow.

After some thought, Chen Ping'an arrived at the Gu family's elders' hall with practiced ease.

"Ping An greets all the elders."

As soon as he entered, he sensed that something was off.

Hua Lao sat on a large chair to one side, his expression seemed a little off. The elders next to him also did not have the smiles they had seen on previous occasions, and they looked rather somber.

"Ping An is here! Please take a seat." Seeing Chen Ping An enter, Old Hua forced a smile and urged him to sit down quickly.

Elder Lan and the others forced a smile and greeted him.

"Elders, what's wrong?" Chen Ping'an asked with concern, "Has something happened?"

The group exchanged glances, remained silent, and their expressions were rather unpleasant.

Old Hua pondered for a moment, then said apologetically, "Ping An and the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce can't come. I'm afraid the introduction can't be arranged for the time being."

"Can't come?" Chen Ping'an's expression was slightly taken aback.

They promised so readily, how can they just turn around and not come?
"This morning, the Wufu Chamber of Commerce sent a letter saying that they have been extremely busy lately, far exceeding their expectations, and that the banquet they were invited to has been cancelled. They sincerely apologize for this." Old Master Hua explained the situation to Chen Ping'an from his seat.

Previously, the Gu family, under the guise of extending hospitality, had invited the core members of the Wufu Chamber of Commerce to a banquet. The Wufu Chamber of Commerce had readily agreed, stating that they would attend the banquet after the auction.

In response, the Gu family replied to Chen Ping'an, saying that the matter had been settled and that they could make an introduction after the auction.

But now
However, the plan changed halfway through and the trip did not take place.

"The Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce changed its mind at the last minute. What was the reason?" Chen Ping'an asked.

"I don't know yet." Elder Hua shook his head: "After learning the news, I sent people to investigate the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce's movements in the past few days, but we haven't found any reason."

"They agreed so readily before, but now they've suddenly changed their minds. This is quite strange. If they really didn't want to attend the banquet, they could have refused earlier. Why did they agree first and then change their minds at the last minute?" Old Lan also found it somewhat unbelievable.

"Based on the current situation, none of the core members of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce have met anyone special. It's all just normal business dealings," Elder Heng said. "However, we can't rule out the possibility of external interference. Some secret meetings might not be able to be uncovered."

For a moment, several elders in the hall of elders fell into deep thought.

The Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce initially agreed but then changed its mind, and the reasons it gave were not particularly convincing.

To put it mildly, it shows a lack of consideration for the Gu family's feelings; to put it more bluntly, it shows a lack of respect for the Gu family.

This banquet, though seemingly ordinary, was actually a high-level negotiation between the two parties, and was held in accordance with the agreed-upon terms.

Unless there is force majeure, adjustments are generally not made rashly. Even if adjustments are made, at most the time is changed, rather than the entire banquet being canceled and the subsequent time is not determined.

This is somewhat impolite, even for an ordinary person. And even more so for someone in a position of power.

This incident has reminded many people of the current state of the Gu family.

The Gu family of Canglong is the premier family in Canglong Prefecture, with a long history and profound heritage.

However, in recent years, the Gu family's situation has not been very good.

Externally, there is pressure from the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion faction; internally, there is conflict among the powerful families in the state. Although the struggle between them is not overt, it is already quite intense.

Moreover, the probing from some outlying forces is becoming increasingly frequent. Given this overall situation, forces like the Hengshan Sect and the Wenxin Sword Pavilion may harbor ulterior motives.

Even today, although the Gu family is still the number one family in Canglong Prefecture, it is far from its former glory.

In the past, our ancestor was at the height of his power, his might extending to several states, leaving all sides breathless with oppression. Even the Prince of Bi Cang's Mansion dared not rashly interfere in this matter, regarding the territory of Canglong State as the Gu family's private domain.

just
Time has passed, and the scenes of yesteryear are gone forever.

Although the Gu family is still the number one family in Canglong today, its prestige has long since diminished. Even the Xue and Wang families, with the tacit approval of all parties, dare to step forward to confront and test the waters.

With the ancestor still alive, outsiders dare not go too far, and all attempts to probe are within a controllable range.

However, in recent years, the patriarch has appeared less and less frequently, and the probing from the outside world has become increasingly intense.

If that were the case, it would be fine, but unfortunately, their descendants are disappointing.

For generations, not a single one of them came up with any worthwhile achievements.

Over the years, only one false celestial being has emerged.

Including their ancestors, the vast Gu family only had two pseudo-celestial beings in charge.

Apart from the newly appointed great-uncle, one of them is already nearing the end of his lifespan and is now struggling to maintain his lifespan only for the sake of family succession.

Compared to the Xue, Wang, and Gu families of Canglong, the current family is already showing signs of a generational gap. With the patriarch in charge, no one dares to provoke them. But if the patriarch passes away, how will the family maintain its power?

The actions of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce today may seem like a trivial matter, but upon closer examination, they are quite alarming.

Inside the Hall of Elders, everyone pondered the matter deeply. Looking at Chen Ping'an in the room, many elders showed expressions of apology.

"Ping An, I'm so sorry. We didn't think this through and gave you false hope."

"We'll figure out a way to deal with the Snow Spirit Leaf! The North Sea Business Alliance isn't just comprised of the Five Blessings Business Association. If we put in some more effort and make some contact, we'll surely find someone."

"Don't worry, Ping An, we'll take care of this."

"."

Looking at everyone in the hall, Chen Ping'an was unsure of his own emotions.

"Dear elders, all things are preordained, and there is no need to force them. Since that is the case, let's leave it at that."

As he spoke, Chen Ping'an stood up, looked around at everyone in the room, and scanned them one by one.

"Thank you for your concern regarding my safety."

After speaking, Chen Ping'an cupped his hands, bent down, and bowed deeply.

"Ping An, what are you doing?"

"Get up, get up, get up now!"

"."

Chen Ping'an's contact with the Gu family wasn't a one-off occurrence. The earliest contact was during Gu Haoqing's time. After that, he met Gu Qingchan. Although their initial conversation wasn't particularly harmonious, their subsequent interactions were quite compatible.

After that, he married into the Gu family, specifically the eldest daughter of the Gu family, Gu Qingcheng. They signed a marriage contract and agreed to a three-year marriage ceremony.

The eldest daughter of the Gu family, a pillar of the contemporary society, and his lawfully wedded wife.

From then on, he had more frequent contact with the Gu family.

Both the Overlord Blade he cultivated with and the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade he carried were gifts from the Gu family. The Gu family had also assisted him considerably with his previous system advancement.

Chen Ping'an felt deeply indebted to all those who had shown him kindness.

Chen Ping'an has learned quite a bit about the Gu family's situation through his interactions with them in recent years.

Compared to the Xue and Wang families, the Gu family in its early years suffered from a lack of successors. For hundreds of years, only one pseudo-celestial being was born in the family.

In earlier years, the pseudo-celestial beings who were in charge of the Gu family passed away one after another, leaving only an old celestial being.

In terms of age, he is probably not much younger than the Gu family patriarch.

It is said that the old, pseudo-celestial being is over eight hundred years old.

While pseudo-celestial beings enjoy a lifespan of eight hundred years, not all pseudo-celestial beings can live to that age. If a pseudo-celestial being is skilled in health cultivation techniques, that's fine. However, if they prefer fighting to tranquility, years of combat would likely have resulted in numerous injuries.

Even if it is repaired in time, it will still affect the vital energy of life to some extent.

Over time, this has a significant impact on one's lifespan.

This elderly celestial being of the Gu family had a fiery temper in his younger years, and had suffered many hidden injuries from years of fierce battles.

The reason he is still alive is not only because he had previously taken longevity pills, but also because he is supported by secret medicines.

Although he now possesses the power of a pseudo-celestial being, his lifespan has reached its limit, and he has probably already made many moves.

If they go all out and fight a real battle, they might just die halfway through.

If secret techniques are used, this possibility will increase even more.

It can be said that this kind of old, pseudo-celestial being is nearing the end of his lifespan, possessing only the name of a pseudo-celestial being but lacking the substance of one.

However, his survival still serves as a deterrent to foreign enemies.

After all, anyone would be hesitant to trade one for one at the last minute.

Even if a one-for-one trade isn't possible, being in a severely injured state is not something everyone can accept.

But so-called deterrence is ultimately only deterrence in life-or-death battles.

Normally, if it were a matter of discussing Dao, aside from the influence of this old pseudo-celestial being, the only person the Gu family could truly communicate with was this pseudo-celestial being.

For other forces, a pseudo-celestial being is something they would be extremely eager to obtain.

However, for a family like the Gu family, this is somewhat lacking in foundation and resources.

Whether it's the Xue family of Canglong or the Wang family, the number of pseudo-celestial beings residing within their families is more than two.

In terms of sheer numbers of pseudo-celestial beings, the Gu family is significantly weaker compared to the other two great families. However, fortunately, the newly ascended pseudo-celestial being possesses considerable combat strength. With the Gu family's resources and protective measures, his combat power is close to that of a top-tier pseudo-celestial being.

Comparatively speaking, it can reverse a significant decline.

In addition, with the Gu family patriarch still alive, the Gu family is undoubtedly the number one family in Canglong Prefecture.

However, the Gu family patriarch has been alive for over nine hundred years. In his earlier years, he suffered severe injuries and suffered from persistent internal wounds, so his power and prestige are no longer what they used to be.

The increasing probing by all parties in recent years is largely due to this.

The Gu family patriarch is nearing the end of his lifespan and is suspected of being seriously injured. The hidden injuries have backfired, and his combat strength is far from his peak. Nothing could excite all parties more than this information.

However, despite the probing, with the Gu family patriarch present, none of the parties dared to go too far.

The dignity that should be given to the Gu family must be given.

However, this dignity will eventually pass.

The patriarch of the Gu family has grown old.

In addition, the Gu family is in decline, and its combat strength at the pseudo-celestial level is severely lacking.

Compared to earlier years, the Gu family's reputation has been quite good in recent years.

First there was Gu Qingchan, who broke through to become a Grandmaster of Martial Arts and was hailed as having the potential to become a female ruler. Then there was Gu Qingcheng, who broke through to become a Grandmaster and was included in the Hidden Dragon Second List.

Furthermore, he even won over Mang Dao, making him the son-in-law of the Gu family.

However, compared to the grand scheme of things, all this momentum is ultimately just like a bubble or a shadow.

The patriarch of the Gu family is already old.

I can't protect the Gu family for many more years.

According to outside speculation, the Gu family patriarch will be nearing his death in as little as sixty years or a dozen years.

At most, sixty years of protection is no longer enough to support their growth.

For a family of Gu's stature, whether they gain or lose a pseudo-celestial being is no longer of any consequence in protecting their reputation as the number one family.

To protect the Gu family's reputation, given the current situation, at the very least, we need a pseudo-celestial being with ultimate combat power!

And this was barely enough to protect them.

With the situation in Bicang turbulent, the Prince critically ill, various factions vying for power, and factional struggles raging, the Bicang region is far from peaceful as it once was.

If the situation becomes critical, even a pseudo-celestial being with ultimate combat power would probably not be enough in the face of such a powerful situation.

But what if they were celestial beings?
From an outsider's perspective, although Gu Qingcheng was listed on the Hidden Dragons Second List and her talent was amazing, she was ultimately not a first-rate prodigy.

The hope of reaching the pinnacle of martial arts is slim!
Furthermore, even if we were to become a martial arts master, that would be many years from now.

Rather than relying on her, it's better to hope that the Gu family has other strong allies.

Compared to Gu Qingcheng, Gu Qingchan was somewhat better. However, although she was hailed as having the potential to become a female ruler, there was only one level of difference between a Grandmaster of Martial Arts and a Celestial Being of Martial Arts.

However, the differences between them cannot be measured by reason.

Inscribe spiritual patterns, condense spiritual patterns, nurture the divine soul, and break through the shell barrier.
Which step doesn't require a lot of effort, let alone the truly difficult hurdles between heaven and man?

Even if Gu Qingchan has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills and made rapid progress, she shouldn't even think about reaching the realm of the celestial beings without at least sixty or twenty years of experience.

Furthermore, the appearance of a female ruler is ultimately just that—an appearance.

The pass between heaven and man is fraught with danger and unpredictability. Before actually climbing it, no one dares to guarantee that they will succeed.

Even martial arts masters are still terrified when they mention the perils of the Inner Demon Gate.

Strictly speaking, the Gu family's current situation is indeed like a mountain collapsing.

Especially under the current circumstances.

The Wufu Chamber of Commerce's change of heart midway through its operations may be related to this broader trend.

Even if it's not a complete connection, the impact is definitely there.

If we're talking about the Gu family's heyday, the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce might not have dared to do this.

Agree first, then change your mind!

Are they truly unafraid of Qingfeng Mingyue Sword, and will simply take the sword and go to his door?

The power and prestige of the Gu family patriarch in the past was such that even veteran celestial beings felt lingering fear when they mentioned it, let alone a newly emerging business association like the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce.

The Wufu Chamber of Commerce has considerable influence within the Beihai Business Alliance, but it is not one of the seven core chambers of commerce and therefore lacks the same level of influence.

"Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce"

Chen Ping'an, with deep-set eyes and a calm expression, stepped out of the Gu family's gate.

"grown ups."

Xiong Sanrang, who had been waiting there, came forward to greet them.

"Go to the Garrison Command."

"Yes, sir," Xiong Sanrang replied respectfully, lifting the carriage curtain.

Chen Ping'an calmly climbed onto the vehicle.

Before leaving, he obtained the Yuan Crystal for the auction of the Divine Weapon Golden Ring from the Gu family.

The total was 9,800 yuan crystals. The Gu family didn't mention the auction fees at all, as if it had never happened.

(End of this chapter)