The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 728 Celestial Seed, Grand Banquet (Seeking monthly votes~)

"The journey to the Wei River may take a few days longer."

Inside the vehicle, Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep and his demeanor was as profound as an abyss.

Although the matter of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce seems ordinary, it is undoubtedly a bad sign for the Gu family.

If this gets out and is used by someone with ulterior motives, it will be a blow to the Gu family's reputation.

Even without any unforeseen circumstances, as a secret, it is still a considerable hidden danger for the Gu family.

Although this matter is related to the current situation of the Gu family, it ultimately stems from him.

There must be a cause before there can be an effect.

"Five Blessings."

Chen Ping'an's expression remained calm, but a faint light shone in his eyes.

The carriage was moving quite fast, and soon arrived at the Canglong Prefecture Town Administration Office.

Chen Ping'an has now been promoted to the position of deputy director. Although he has no specific duties, he still comes to the state garrison office regularly to carry out his duties.

The auction had ended, and it was still early; even though they had spent quite some time at the Gu family's house, the sky showed no sign of darkening. They were currently still on official business.

Most importantly, he still had something he needed to discuss with Zhang Tianyuan.

"See my lord!"

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

"."

As they marched into the Zhenfu Division of Canglong Prefecture, they were naturally greeted by many welcoming voices.

Chen Ping'an is currently a highly influential figure in the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division. As the youngest top-level leader, he commands considerable influence from the outside world.

Chen Ping'an had just arrived at the State Garrison Command and was thinking of finding Zhang Tianyuan, the Xuanhuang Absolute Sword. Unexpectedly, news of Zhang Tianyuan reached his ears before he could.

Zhang Tianyuan wanted to see him.

"Greetings, Lord Chief."

Inside the public housing, Chen Ping'an remained calm and composed, bowing respectfully with his hands clasped.

"Peace has arrived!" Zhang Tianyuan said with a warm smile, extending his hand: "Come, sit down."

"Thank you, Chief Administrator." Chen Ping'an did not refuse, bowed, and then sat down at the long table.

"Ping An, do you know why I called you here today?"

After a few brief pleasantries, Zhang Tianyuan got down to business and mentioned the purpose of bringing him here.

"I don't know," Chen Ping'an replied truthfully.

Zhang Tianyuan smiled and said, "I invited you here today so that you could join me at the grand banquet."

"Hmm?" Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened: "A grand banquet?"

About half an hour later, Chen Ping'an walked out of Zhang Tianyuan's office.

Before leaving, he had already learned the details of the grand banquet from Zhang Tianyuan.

The Azure Dragon Grand Ceremony, lasting for a month, is the most prestigious event held once every ten years in Azure Dragon Prefecture. It includes various activities that attract participation from all sides.

As is customary, a grand banquet will be held in Canglong Prefecture to entertain guests from all sides at the end of the ceremony.

This grand banquet was called the Grand Banquet of the Throne, or the Azure Dragon Banquet.

Unlike ordinary banquets, this grand feast was of an extremely high standard.

As a place where fame and fortune converge, one must at least be a grandmaster of martial arts to participate.

And this is under the condition that their background and foundation are all quite good.

As the highest-level exchange held once every ten years in Canglong Prefecture, the forces that can participate are all top-tier entities with immense influence within their respective prefectures.

Examples include the Great Banner Gate in Yanlie Prefecture and the Heavenly Martial Pavilion in Xuanling Prefecture.

All major forces participating in this grand event will attend this Azure Dragon Feast.

Forces like the Hengshan Sect and the Wenxin Sword Pavilion will also send representatives to the scene.

As the host of this grand event, the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command naturally needed to send representatives to entertain all parties at the banquet.

As the powerful deputy head of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command, Zhang Tianyuan naturally had the right to represent the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command in hosting the guests since the head was absent.

However, Chen Ping'an is different. Although his combat strength is still superior to that of a top-tier grandmaster, he has not yet reached the level of a martial arts grandmaster. In terms of realm, he is still a step behind.

As a newly appointed deputy director, he lacks experience and, theoretically speaking, should not be the best candidate for selection.

However, as the only hidden dragon prodigy in Canglong Prefecture, Chen Ping'an still has unique advantages.

It is likely for this reason that Zhang Tianyuan gave him special consideration and ultimately took him into account.

Chen Pingan readily agreed to the offer.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, he inquired with Zhang Tianyuan about the power dynamics of the various parties attending the banquet.

Among the questions asked, the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce was of particular interest.

As the powerful deputy head of the Zhenfu Division of a prefecture and one of the organizers of this grand event, Zhang Tianyuan naturally had far more information channels than Chen Ping'an.

From him, Chen Ping'an also learned more about the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce's trip.

Just as the Gu family said, the Wufu Chamber of Commerce was indeed accompanied by important figures who held considerable influence within the Wufu Chamber of Commerce during their visit to Canglong.

In addition, the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce was accompanied by two pseudo-celestial beings on this trip, both of whom were top-level pseudo-celestial beings.

As is customary, for major events like the Azure Dragon Clan's gathering, the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce would only send an ordinary pseudo-celestial being. Even in exceptional circumstances, they would at most send a powerful pseudo-celestial being to maintain order.

As a first-tier chamber of commerce below the seven core chambers of commerce within the Beihai Business Alliance, the Wufu Chamber of Commerce, though possessing a profound foundation, is not so extravagant as to arrange such a grand event for an ordinary state-level event.

As a large chamber of commerce within the Beihai Business Alliance, the Wufu Chamber of Commerce has numerous trade routes. If every major event in the state were of this scale, even with many powerful individuals within the Wufu Chamber of Commerce, it would not be able to withstand such a drain.

Clearly, the scale and prestige of the Wufu Chamber of Commerce's visit are inextricably linked to the important figures involved.

From Zhang Tianyuan, Chen Ping'an also learned about that important figure in the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce.

"A seed of heaven and man, a prodigy from over a decade ago?" Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep, and a mysterious smile appeared on his lips.

"Are you specifically inquiring about the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce?"

Inside the public room, Zhang Tianyuan, dressed in a dark gold cloud robe and with a black jade belt around his waist, stood with his hands behind his back by the window.

"interesting."

Zhang Tianyuan's eyes were grayish-white, with faint outlines of black and yellow.

This grand gathering of the Azure Dragons was far from peaceful; covert struggles were commonplace. Not only were there numerous power struggles within the outer states, but even within the states themselves, various factions were vying for influence.

For example, the rivalry between the Qiankun Division and the Zhenfu Division.

"The situation is critical. I wonder when the Commander will return?"

Zhang Tianyuan flicked his cloud-patterned robe, and golden patterns surged forth like cascading water.

Chen Ping'an couldn't hide the fact that he was inquiring about the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce, nor did he intend to.

Having weathered many storms, Zhang Tianyuan possessed a keen eye; no amount of deception could fool him. Even with deliberate attempts to conceal, the results were never entirely satisfactory.

Instead of doing that, Chen Ping'an decided to be pragmatic and ask questions directly to understand the situation of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce.

The Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce changed its mind midway through the process without providing a satisfactory explanation. This is unreasonable from a moral, ethical, and logical standpoint.

Although his influence is not as great as it once was, he is no longer as insignificant as people used to be.

As a rising star and deputy head of the state's military command, he was able to make his voice heard in this situation.

The Azure Dragon Feast is just the right time.

Chen Ping'an fixed his gaze, then slowly closed it and sat down with his eyes closed.

hum~
A light shone from his brow, and a dreamlike, shimmering pearl appeared before him.

Spiritual energy gathers and permeates the precious pearl.

He has not stopped refining the Dream Pearl for a single moment these days.

Since mastering the method of spiritual infiltration and regular refining, he has been refining the Dream Pearl with the perseverance of water dripping on stone.

Now, after so many days of preparation, these efforts are about to bear fruit.

Within that vast space, the first chain binding the Dream Pearl has been triggered by spirituality and activated by divine power, and is now more than halfway complete.

Before long, this first chain will be completely removed, and the Dream Pearl will shine even brighter.

Although he didn't know what changes would occur to the Dream Orb after the first chain was removed, during the refining process, as the chain's spiritual patterns were triggered, Chen Ping'an had a feeling that if he waited until the first chain was completely activated and removed, and the orb's mottled shadow changed, he might be able to utilize some of the orb's divine abilities.

As for the wonders and powers of this part, what exactly are they?

He doesn't know yet.

But it is clear that such a divine power is probably astonishing!
"If we could harness the power of the precious pearl, then..."

Chen Ping'an's heart rippled slightly, but he quickly returned to calm.

Inside the quiet room, command flags fluttered, isolating the inside from the outside.

Amidst the pale blue halo, only the precious pearl remained to be refined.

In the following days, Chen Ping'an's life seemed to return to normal.

Having grasped the essence of the Soul Guiding Technique and glimpsed its principles, he temporarily devoted the energy he had been studying and practicing to refining the Blood Devouring Demon Jar.

Compared to the power boost from a pseudo-treasure, there's no need to rush the study of the Evil Extreme Secret Technique, Soul Guiding Art.

However, Chen Ping'an did not slacken his research on the Blood Forbidden Demons.

Since it was a matter of great importance, he had taken the Seven Absolute Divine Skill as a blueprint, borrowed the wonders of the Blood Restriction of Ten Thousand Demons, refined it to perfection, innovated and created his own secret techniques. Naturally, there was no reason for him to slack off.

In Chen Ping'an's plan, once he had thoroughly mastered the Ten Thousand Demon Blood Restriction, he would use its mysteries to refine his own martial arts insights, and take another step forward based on the Seven Absolute Divine Skill.

If this matter succeeds, it will mean that his new phase of experimentation is entirely feasible.

Chen Ping'an's time was always extremely full each day.

He cultivated the Azure Sun Blood Refining Method, the Void Wind Riding Step, studied the Myriad Demon Blood Restriction, refined the Evil Extreme Eye, the Blood Devouring Demon Jar, and infused spirituality to refine the Illusion Dream Pearl.

Compared to the progress of refining the Dream Orb, the progress of the Evil Eye and the Bloodthirsty Demon Jar is undoubtedly much faster.

Over the course of seven or eight days, the refinement of the Evil Eye had subtly progressed further, gradually evolving from initial refinement towards complete refinement.

On the other hand, although the Bloodthirsty Demon Jar was refined later, due to its grade, under Chen Ping'an's thorough refinement, its overall progress was approaching the level of the Evil Eye at an extremely fast speed.

This speed of refining greatly satisfied Chen Ping'an.

Every day, his martial arts progress and refinement progress are constantly improving.

And it was under these circumstances that the grandest celebration and banquet in Canglong Prefecture in the past ten years officially began.

In Canglong Prefecture, on the surface of a clear lake, lies an elegant little island with a beautiful environment and pleasant scenery.

Compared to its usual tranquility, the island was now bustling with activity. The local powers of Canglong Prefecture were hosting various forces participating in the Canglong Grand Ceremony.

The island is bathed in the glow of the setting sun, and filled with a mystical aura.

Above the magnificent jade platform were rows of long tables and desks, on which were displayed various delicacies, rare fruits and delicacies.

At this moment, many people were already seated behind the table, enjoying a private banquet and the spiritual wine and food in front of them.

Whoosh!Whoosh!Whoosh!
A series of streaks of light flashed by and finally landed on the island.

Some of them came alone, while others came in groups. Only representatives of various factions were qualified to participate in this grand banquet.

However, some accomplished younger generations were also fortunate enough to accompany them and participate in this most prestigious event in the state.

"Fellow Daoist Luo! Welcome, welcome!"

"This must be young friend Luo. He is indeed a handsome and extraordinary man."

"Elder Zhao, it's been a long time! The last time we met was twenty years ago!"

"Patriarch Lin, this way please."

"."

The island of Bihu was bustling with activity, with welcoming greetings ringing out from time to time.

The various factions representing Canglong Prefecture hosted the guests who had come to the banquet.

Among them were representatives of top powers within their respective states, including the Canglong Mu family and the Xu family, as well as the three great families of Canglong.

Whoosh!
A streak of crimson light streaked across the sky, shaking the very fabric of space, as it hurtled toward the island of Bihu.

The power that shook the space, along with the molten lava-like heat, drew the attention of everyone on the island.

"Hengshan Sect!"

"We've arrived at the Yokoyama Sect!"

"It's Black Rock Monster!"

"."

As a true behemoth within the Bicang region, the Hengshan Sect wields immense influence, its power radiating across more than a dozen states.

The arrival of the Black Rock Monster brought a brief silence to the noise on the island.

However, he was soon greeted with a barrage of compliments.

"Fellow Daoist Heiyan!"

"Senior Black Rock, it's been a long time! You're still as impressive as ever!"

"Greetings, Elder Black Rock!"

"."

With a wild and unrestrained laugh, Black Rock Old Monster landed on Azure Lake Island.

Black Rock Monster's back was like a mountain, his muscles were bulging, and he exuded a chilling sense of power.

"Fellow Daoist Heiyan." An elderly man with a frail appearance greeted him with a smile: "It's been a long time since I last saw you; you're even more radiant than before."

"It's Fellow Daoist Wang!" Old Monster Black Rock said casually and unscrupulously, "After all these years, you're still alive!"

Upon hearing this, the old man's expression froze, and an awkward look appeared on his face.

"After all these years, you're still the same, unable to take a joke! Hahaha!" Old Monster Black Rock's face was unrestrained, revealing his gaping maw: "You don't mind, do you, Fellow Daoist Wang?"

"Not at all, not at all." The old man smirked and said, "After all these years, Fellow Daoist Heiyan is still so humorous."

The old man chuckled twice, his expression somewhat forced.

"Fellow Daoist Wang is right, I am just being humorous."

Black Rock Old Monster patted the old man's shoulder with such force that the old man almost lost his balance.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, your body is weak, you still need to practice."

"Fellow Daoist is right, it's time to practice," the old man said with a forced smile.

"Hahaha," Black Rock Old Monster laughed loudly, then turned and walked forward.

The old man was left feeling awkward, but he didn't dare to make a scene. He simply hurried after them.

This scene naturally caught everyone's attention, and everyone had different thoughts and feelings.

Who would have thought that someone of the Wang family's caliber would be so humble and subservient in front of the Black Rock Old Monster of the Hengshan Sect?

Although the two were of the same generation, their interactions revealed a clear distinction between their superiors and inferiors.

"Fellow Daoist Heiyan!"

"senior."

"Elder Black Rock."

"."

Everyone greeted them respectfully with clasped hands and beaming smiles.

As the representative of the Hengshan Sect on this trip, Old Monster Heiyan enjoyed first-class prestige, not to mention that he was also a top-tier pseudo-celestial being proficient in external martial arts. Among pseudo-celestial beings, he stood at the very top.

On the magnificent jade platform, with tables and chairs laid out, Old Monster Black Rock took his seat in the second most prominent position without hesitation.

That was the most prestigious seat among the guests.

As he took his seat, Old Monster Black Rock's gaze swept across the room without restraint, finally settling on a seat behind him. There stood a man in a white robe with an elegant demeanor, a long sword at his waist, its design ancient and simple, its treasure unknown.

At this moment, the man was calmly sipping his spiritual wine, seemingly oblivious to everything happening around him.

"Gu Zhengnan, you certainly have a good time." Old Monster Heiyan looked at the man in white with an unfriendly expression. "A guest has arrived, and you don't even come out to greet him. You've ruined my mood!"

The man in white slightly raised his head, put down his wine cup, and said as if he had just seen Old Monster Black Rock: "It's Fellow Daoist Black Rock! Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist, I was just lost in thought and didn't notice you coming."

"Have you noticed it now?" Old Monster Black Rock sneered. "If you have, why don't you come and greet this old man?"

"Since you've already taken your seat, there's no need for further greetings," the man in white said calmly. "I believe you're not one to stand on ceremony."

Black Rock Old Monster gave the man in white a sinister look, chuckled a few times, and said nothing more.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat tense due to the arrival of Black Rock Monster. However, with someone taking the lead in revitalizing the atmosphere, it gradually returned to normal.

"Fellow Daoist Heiyan, congratulations on acquiring the Crimson Flame Seal earlier, adding another skill to your repertoire." A pseudo-celestial being walked over from the side and stepped forward to offer his congratulations.

"It's just a replica of a powerful treasure, not a real one, not worth mentioning." Despite saying this, a hint of smugness still appeared on the face of the Black Rock Old Monster.

The Crimson Fire Seal is no ordinary imitation treasure; in terms of power, it even surpasses some fake treasures. If he acquires this item and refines it properly, it will add another powerful technique to his arsenal.

Combined with his terrifying physical training, even top-tier pseudo-celestial beings wouldn't dare to challenge his might.

"Fellow Daoist Heiyan, from the past..." As he spoke, another pseudo-celestial being approached. He appeared to be from the Great Banner Sect of Yanlie Prefecture.

Before long, Black Rock Monster became the absolute center of attention.

Apart from a few people who did not participate, the conversations of the others, more or less, revolved around Black Rock Monster or Yokoyama Sect.

Over the next period of time, guests arrived one after another, and the local forces of Canglong Prefecture each had their own way of welcoming them.

"Elder Xu of the Xuanling Chamber of Commerce, here!"

The arrival of another pseudo-celestial being caused a slight change in the atmosphere.

The Xuanling Chamber of Commerce is a business force formed by various parties within Xuanling Prefecture. Elder Xu is not only an elder of the Xuanling Chamber of Commerce, but also the Supreme Elder of the Tianwu Pavilion in Xuanling Prefecture.

Furthermore, he was also a pseudo-celestial being with formidable combat power. Although not as powerful as Black Rock Monster, such a background and combat strength would undoubtedly earn him some respect from the people present.

"Old Xu, long time no see." Black Rock Old Monster laughed wildly, his face unrestrained.

"Fellow Daoist Heiyan," Elder Xu forced a smile and offered a few words of flattery, "Why did you arrive so early?"

Old Monster Black Rock was quite pleased with Elder Xu's flattery. Seeing that the other party had given him enough face, he did not make things difficult for him.

"This is a rare grand event in Canglong Prefecture, so naturally I should come and show my support as soon as possible. It's just that some people are not giving me face, and they take my good intentions for granted."

As he spoke, Black Rock Old Monster glanced at the white-robed man not far away.

Gu Zhengnan calmly sipped his wine, seemingly oblivious to everything around him.

Elder Xu gave an awkward smile and did not reply.

It's all too obvious who Black Rock Old Monster is referring to.

However, he had no intention of getting involved in the matter and only wanted to remain an observer.

There were indeed people within Tianwu Pavilion who advocated testing the Gu family, but Gu was based in the Xuanling Chamber of Commerce, so his stance was naturally biased.

The Xuanling Chamber of Commerce and the Ruyi Pavilion, which is led by the Gu family, have very close business ties, so there is no need for them to become enemies.

There's no need to be a pawn in this situation.

The Gu family's conflict lies in the interplay of heaven and man!
If the celestial beings don't intervene, no matter how loudly this pseudo-celestial being shouts, it's useless.

Rather than doing that, it's better to wait and see.

As the group was talking, several more people arrived, and the atmosphere in the room became lively again.

These are all forces from the surrounding states, and they are all fairly familiar with each other. Even those who have never met before have heard of each other's reputations.

The representatives who could attend the grand banquet were at least Grandmasters at the pinnacle level, and many possessed combat strength comparable to Feng Yun. Even pseudo-Celestials, who were rarely seen on ordinary days, could be found here.

However, besides the representatives from various parties, there were also some juniors accompanying them, whose cultivation levels varied. The weakest were just ordinary grandmasters, while the strongest had reached the grandmaster level.

The concept of "younger generation" is relative.

Before the grand banquet had even officially begun, the various parties were already exchanging pleasantries, speaking familiarly, subtly vying for power, and creating their own undercurrents.

Just then, a streak of light fell from the sky above the island, followed by a loud and clear voice.

"Zhang Tianyuan, the powerful Deputy Commander of the State Garrison, and Chen Ping'an, the Deputy Commander, are here—"

In an instant, everyone's gaze converged, falling towards the distance.

"Zhang Tianyuan?" The Black Rock Old Monster looked arrogantly into the distance.

Zhang Tianyuan, the Xuanhuang Absolute Sword, was quite capable. Although that sword technique couldn't defeat him, it had caught his eye.

As for Chen Ping'an...
A rising star, a powerful figure in the state, and the son-in-law of the Gu family, he is currently enjoying great success, and even old monsters like them often hear about him.

The game "Hidden Dragon" had just been updated, and he was no exception; he had heard of the other party's reputation.

With extraordinary talent and remarkable abilities, he ranked twenty-ninth on the Hidden Dragon List with a perfected mid-stage Jade Balance cultivation.

He wields a domineering blade, and his domineering blade is unparalleled. He is renowned throughout the four realms for his power to suppress and kill top grandmasters.

Even their Hengshan Sect has never possessed such a prodigy.

Unfortunately, he is still young and has not yet truly matured.

Black Rock Old Monster's gaze fell down and he saw a figure in the distance.

(End of this chapter)