The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 730 Combined Attack Technique, Undercurrents Raging (Bonus Chapter for 2000 Monthly Tickets)

"Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce"

Chen Ping'an remained calm and casually drank a cup of spiritual wine.

Fuquan's two elderly relatives.

Chen Ping'an noticed not Ling Xiao himself, but the two people following closely behind him on his left and right.

One man was heavily pregnant with a kind smile, while the other was tall and thin with a blank expression.

Whether it's Master Fu or Master Quan, either of them is a top-tier pseudo-celestial being.

Backed by the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce, the two possess profound inner strength, and at crucial moments, they may be able to unleash the ultimate combat power of pseudo-celestial beings.

Chen Ping'an remained calm, poured himself a glass of wine, and recalled the information he had learned from Zhang Tianyuan.

The Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce, led by the two elders of Fuquan, are masters of combined attack techniques.

When the two attack together, they can rival even the most powerful martial artists.

It was not a matter of maneuvering or parrying, but rather a matter of open and aboveboard confrontation with the heavens and man with overwhelming power.

However, it is said that this combined attack technique has some limitations and shortcomings, and may be lacking in the heat of battle. It might be able to fight against the old and weak Celestials, but if it really encounters a Celestial at the peak of their power, it is likely that in the end, not only will they not gain any advantage, but they may even suffer a crushing defeat.

Even so, the reputation of the Fuquan Elders remains undiminished, making them a unique presence among the pseudo-celestial beings.

"Can it rival the celestial beings?"

Chen Ping'an smiled and downed another cup of spiritual wine.

Only then did he see Ling Xiao's face clearly.

He was handsome and extraordinary, with an imposing presence, but the nonchalant attitude on his face detracted from his overall appeal.

For a young man, this might be seen as a display of carefree and charismatic charm, but for older people or in formal settings, it could be considered somewhat dissolute and unrestrained.

At this moment, Ling Xiao had already ascended the jade platform and immediately noticed the seat of the Black Rock Monster.

Black Rock Old Monster's decisive relinquishment earned him a higher opinion of Chen Ping'an.

Indeed, none of those who could achieve the status of a pseudo-celestial being had a bad character.

Even someone like Old Monster Black Rock, who seems carefree and lacks mental acuity, is actually quite cunning and difficult to deal with.

Black Rock Monster's setback did not cheer most of the people in the room; instead, it made the atmosphere somewhat dull.

Ling Xiao's subsequent actions offended almost everyone present with just a few words.

"Now this looks like something a human would eat."

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somber and silent.

The imposing presence of the two elders, along with the other party's identity, left the pseudo-celestial beings present speechless with anger.

Some people secretly wondered if Venerable Lingyu had a son late in life, but it turned out to be a fool.

But no matter what they were thinking, they dared not show it and simply sat quietly.

"It's such a grand banquet, why is no one saying a word?"

The young man looked dissatisfied, seemingly oblivious to the atmosphere in the room.

Before anyone could come out to intervene, he frowned deeply, his gaze fixed on one spot.

"How come there's a Grandmaster brat here?"

"Grandmaster brat?"

Some people were stunned for a moment, but quickly realized what was happening.

Chen Ping'an, Deputy Commander of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, is a ruthless swordsman.

In the pseudo-celestial realm area at the forefront, only Chen Ping'an, with his mid-stage Jade Balance cultivation, was seated there.

"This is bad." Zhang Tianyuan's heart skipped a beat, and a sense of foreboding arose in his mind.

Gu Zhengnan's expression changed slightly, and his movements faltered slightly.

Some people looked ahead with curiosity and interest, wanting to see how things would develop.

In an instant, all eyes met, and the spot where Chen Ping'an sat became the focus of everyone's attention.

As Chen Ping'an was enjoying his spirit wine, he heard a voice beside him. He raised his eyes slightly and saw Ling Xiao's face, which revealed disdain and arrogance. His gaze was contemptuous, scrutinizing, and exuded an innate arrogance.

Chen Ping'an chuckled and tilted his head back to drink the wine in his glass in one gulp.

"Good wine."

Having said that, he picked up the wine pot and poured himself a cup of spirit wine.

Throughout the entire process, he remained calm and composed, completely ignoring Ling Xiao as if Ling Xiao did not exist.

Chen Ping'an's actions clearly provoked Ling Xiao's anger.

"Do you know that I, the young master, am speaking to you?"

Ling Xiao raised his chin slightly, his smile fading, and his tone turning cold.

Everyone held their breath and remained silent for a moment.

No one expected that Chen Ping'an, the ruthless swordsman, would react in this way.

Did he know the true identity of the person in front of him?
Not far away, Gu Zhengnan sighed softly, put down his wine glass, and prepared to get up and help out.

Zhang Tianyuan sat beside Chen Ping'an, his eyes twitching slightly. He hadn't expected Chen Ping'an to be so assertive. Although he didn't say anything in response, his indifferent expression spoke volumes.

His scalp tingled, and he wanted to step forward and say a few words to smooth things over.

The room fell silent for a moment, the atmosphere heavy and solemn, like the calm before a storm.

Just then, a sudden, loud voice broke the solemn atmosphere.

"Elder Tong has arrived at Yuanhai Tower with his juniors—"

"Anyone else coming?"

The atmosphere in the room relaxed, and everyone turned their attention to the distance.

A flash of light appeared, and two figures emerged from the island.

The man was elderly, dressed in a long robe, with a tall and slender figure, like a pine tree that had stood the test of time. His temples were slightly gray, while the rest of his hair was jet black, held in place by a hair crown, and his hair was neat and tidy.

The young man was a fair-skinned gentleman with handsome features, red lips, and white teeth; he looked as if he had stepped out of a painting.

"Elder Tong."

The various factions on the jade platform rose to greet the others at the opportune moment.

Yuanhai Tower, one of the industries under the jurisdiction of the North Sea Merchant Alliance, has its closest industrial layout to Canglong Prefecture within Xuanling Heavy City.

Elder Tong is one of the highest-ranking officials of the Yuanhai Tower established in Xuanling City, and he possesses the cultivation level of a pseudo-celestial being.

"Tong Changchun!"

Ling Xiao's expression was unfriendly as he looked into the distance.

Yuanhai Tower is an industry under the Beihai Business Alliance, but to be more specific, it is an industry of Yunhai Business Association, one of the seven core business associations of the Beihai Business Alliance.

Tong Changchun is one of the heads of the Xuanling branch of Yuanhai Tower, which naturally means he has the background of Yunhai Chamber of Commerce.

However, Yuanhai Tower is not considered a core interest within the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce, so Tong Changchun is naturally not a core member of the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce; at most, he is just an outer elder.

These mere peripheral members, relying on their connections with the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce, dare to be so arrogant. They were the last to arrive at the Azure Dragon Banquet.

"Elder Tong certainly has a grand spirit, attending the Azure Dragon Banquet. I, the young master, am honored to have you here." Ling Xiao said arrogantly, his tone unfriendly.

"Haha, please forgive me, Young Master Ling. I am old and have difficulty walking. I rushed all the way here and only just managed to arrive. If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me, Young Master Ling."

Tong Changchun had a slender face, bowed with his hands clasped, and spoke in a manner that was neither humble nor arrogant.

After speaking, he apologized and bowed to everyone present.

"Please forgive me, everyone. I am late. I will punish myself with three cups of wine later to apologize to you all."

Tong Changchun had a gentle, spring-like demeanor, and his way of dealing with people was like a breath of fresh air.

"Elder Tong is too kind. I understand."

"Elder Tong, please take a seat quickly."

"."

Everyone greeted them with laughter and returned the greeting with clasped hands, creating a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.

Looking at the situation on the field, Ling Xiao's expression was rather unpleasant.

Although he had some dissatisfaction with Tong Changchun, he didn't say much because of the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce.

Amidst the welcoming crowd, Tong Changchun took his seat.

Among the pseudo-celestial beings, Tong Changchun's cultivation level wasn't top-tier, but due to his connection with the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce, he sat in a very high position, second only to Ling Xiao, Black Rock Old Monster, Qiu Siping, and a few others.

As Tong Changchun sat down, Zhang Tianyuan took the opportunity, taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere, to step in and say a few words to smooth things over.

"Young Master Ling, you may not know this, but this is the Deputy Commander of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command. He is here at this banquet as a representative of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command, along with me, Zhang."

"Deputy Commander of the State Garrison?" Ling Xiao glanced coldly at Zhang Tianyuan: "What arrogance! He even ignores my words."

Zhang Tianyuan gave an awkward smile, unsure of what to say next.

While Ling Xiao's words may seem arrogant, they are indeed objective facts in the current situation. However, responding to them would be an insult to the prestige of the State Garrison Command.

Whether you answer the call or not, it's not a good situation to handle.

Fortunately, whether it was because he was thinking about the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce or for some other reason, Ling Xiao did not dwell on it.

Not far away, Gu Zhengnan's expression relaxed slightly. Tong Changchun's arrival had interrupted a potentially explosive situation, preventing it from escalating.

This relieved him.

If things escalate, as an elder of the Gu family, he cannot simply stand by and remain silent in the face of such a situation.

Although he disliked Chen Ping'an's previous behavior, since Chen Ping'an was Qingcheng's husband, he was a junior member of the Gu family.

When a younger generation is in trouble, how can he, as an elder, not step forward?

Even though Ling Xiao is powerful and both Fu Quan and his parents are alive, such unreasonable and unjustified humiliation is something he must demand an explanation for Chen Ping'an, even if it means wielding his sword.

Fortunately, the worst-case scenario did not occur.

This matter has been temporarily put to rest.

Gu Zhengnan relaxed slightly and picked up the wine pot again, intending to pour some wine. But as he poured, he noticed a faint fingerprint on the porcelain wine cup. It was left when he had hesitated, preparing to step forward.

"His self-cultivation skills are ultimately lacking." Gu Zhengnan shook his head to himself and sighed softly.

Remaining calm even when Mount Tai collapses before you is something not everyone can do.

Concern leads to confusion, and so does the mind; this applies even to those who are merely pretending to be enlightened.

The so-called calm and composed demeanor is nothing more than a lack of pressure.

Speaking of
Gu Zhengnan's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Chen Ping'an not far away.

At this moment, Chen Ping'an was sipping his wine, his expression calm and composed, sitting as still as a pine tree, his sharp intent like a knife.

Listening to Zhang Tianyuan's few words, Tong Changchun gained a better understanding of the situation. He went from being completely confused to roughly grasping the facts.

He smiled slightly, his gaze casually sweeping over the young man beside Zhang Tianyuan.

As a junior accompanying him, the handsome young master stood behind Tong Changchun, his eyes as clear as the moon and sparkling as he curiously sized up Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an, a hidden dragon and a valiant swordsman.

Chen Ping'an sipped his wine, his keen spiritual sense allowing him to perceive the subtle gazes from all sides.

The scrutiny of the nearby people, including Tong Changchun and the pale-faced young master, naturally did not escape his eyes.

The former was a light touch, with some degree of evasion, but the latter was completely aboveboard.

Chen Ping'an remained calm and unconcerned.

Located at the forefront of the desk, and given the incident with Ling Xiao, such scrutiny was inevitable.

To be honest, if Tong Changchun hadn't arrived and interrupted things, then just now...
Chen Ping'an smiled and brought the wine glass to his lips.

"Ling Xiao?"

Chen Ping'an's eyes turned slightly cold as he downed the wine in his hand in one gulp.

With the arrival of all the guests, the grand banquet of the Azure Dragon officially began.

As the grand finale of the Azure Dragon Ceremony, this banquet naturally carries a very special significance. It not only serves to entertain all parties involved, but also implies multiple layers of meaning, including exchange, distribution, and strategic maneuvering.

This grand banquet was hosted by the local forces of Canglong, and the opening remarks were naturally made by the Canglong forces.

However, as is customary, the Qiankun Division and the Zhenfu Division will act as unified representatives to deliver the opening speech on behalf of all parties in Canglong.

The Zhenfu Division and the Qiankun Division were the two major violent institutions of the dynasty, and also the main institutions for local administration.

This was the case in most dynastic systems, with the Zhenfu Division managing the important affairs of a region. All matters, including investigation, coordination, criminal justice, and taxation, were handled solely through the Zhenfu Division.

The Qiankun Division will review and supervise the matter, and if any abnormalities are found, an impeachment can be initiated.

In Canglong Prefecture, for example, the Prefecture's Zhenfu Division is responsible for daily management, while the Prefecture Qiankun Division is responsible for supervision and inspection. The two complement each other and check each other, forming a system of checks and balances.

This situation has existed for a long time and has always been the case.

However, there are some special cases, such as certain state territories that are military garrisons with large armies stationed there, which would result in extremely powerful military forces.

The local situation will then form an ecosystem of interests led by the military, with the state and local authorities checking and balancing each other, and various family forces and chambers of commerce serving as supplements.

If the situation becomes more complicated, some local powers may also be involved, such as the Prince of Bicang's Mansion.

In places like Bicang Prefecture, where the Bicang Prince's Mansion is located, there is a trend toward this situation.

In short, there are various situations, and the details are numerous.

In comparison, the situation within Canglong Prefecture is much simpler.

However, due to the existence of the Gu family's Celestial Ancestor, for a long period of time, the interests of the Canglong Gu family were not in a supplementary position, but rather led the interests of the state.

However, such a situation has not occurred for a long time in recent years.

With the opening remarks by Dong Jinluo of the Qiankun Division and Zhang Tianyuan of the Zhenfu Division, the Azure Dragon Banquet proceeded according to the established ceremony.

Since it was a grand banquet, there would naturally be plenty of singing and dancing.

With the combined strength of the entire Canglong Prefecture and the concerted efforts of all parties, the songs and dances performed here are naturally of the highest caliber.

On the vast, misty lake, a long dress flutters as she dances gracefully.

With singing and dancing performances, the atmosphere at the venue undoubtedly improved considerably.

As the parties gradually became more familiar with each other, they began to loosen up.

As the young master of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce and a son of the Heavenly Emperor, Ling Xiao naturally had no shortage of people flattering him.

"Young Master Ling Xiao is exceptionally talented and has already reached the pinnacle of Grandmaster. It is likely that he will soon ascend to the realm of Celestial Being, become a Martial Celestial Being, and look down upon the world."

"Young Master Ling, with his seven-pattern foundation, broke through three barriers, intending to ascend to the pinnacle of humanity. He is truly a role model for us all."

"Young Master Ling has come from afar, this old man toasts you."

"."

Despite the flattery, Young Master Ling Xiao remained unmoved, though a hint of smugness crept into his expression. However, his demeanor was quite arrogant; even when a pseudo-celestial being offered a toast, he remained seated behind the long table, unmoved.

Because of the other person's status, the person offering the toast did not reveal anything, but what they were thinking remains unknown.

As the banquet progressed, several distinct circles gradually emerged within the venue.

The lowest tier consists of representatives of state-level forces who barely participate. While these forces are top-tier within their respective states, they are still far inferior to the truly transcendent forces within those states.

Most of the representatives who came to the banquet were only at the Grandmaster level. While such a level of existence was remarkable among Grandmasters, it was clearly insignificant in the face of the current top-level banquet in the state.

These circles are grouped into one level, where members interact amongst themselves. However, their interactions vary greatly, with members frequently exchanging pleasantries and compliments with those in higher circles to make acquaintances.

Above that level is the ordinary pseudo-celestial being level. These beings are mostly from the first tier of forces below the three great families of the Azure Dragon. Pseudo-celestial beings are basically the only foundation of their forces. Besides having some special purposes, they attend this banquet to make connections and show off their influence.

On the next level up were representatives from the three great families of Canglong, and none of them were ordinary pseudo-celestial beings.

Forces like the Great Banner Gate of Yanlie Prefecture, the Heavenly Martial Pavilion of Xuanling Prefecture, and the Xuanling Chamber of Commerce are also at this level.

Above this level, there exists an even more transcendent entity, the absolute center of this grand banquet, revered and flattered by all.

Examples include Lady Biluo of the Bicang Chamber of Commerce, Old Monster Heiyan of the Hengshan Sect, and Qiu Siping of the Wenxin Sword Pavilion.

Tong Changchun of Yuanhai Tower, in terms of strength, is not normally qualified to be at this level. However, due to the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce, he is able to move around and exchange pleasantries within this circle.

Ling Xiao, the young master of the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce, was blessed by the two elders of Fuquan, making him the person with the highest actual status in the room, and his presence was extremely extraordinary.

"I've heard that Lady Biluo intends to expand the Azure Dragon Trade Route to the Southern Territory. Is this true?" Ling Xiao asked with a playful expression, toying with the wine cup in his hand.

“Young Master Ling Xiao is joking. I am just a woman, and I only do small business to make a living. How could I have such ambitions as you men?”

Lady Biluo had a gentle and charming expression, her laughter was as sweet as bells, and her eyes sparkled with elegance.

"Oh? Is that so?" Young Master Ling Xiao put down his wine cup, glanced at Madam Biluo, and a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes: "I have heard that Madam Biluo rose from humble beginnings and achieved the pseudo-celestial realm with great perseverance. How can such a character not be compared with us men?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Biluo didn't react much, but the others nearby couldn't help but feel a jolt in their hearts.

Lady Biluo was born into a lowly family, the daughter of a lowly maid. After being sold several times, she was later discovered by a great man through a series of coincidences, which allowed her to display her talent and rise to prominence.

Bi Luo was young and her life was full of hardships and sorrows. This matter was an old story from years ago, and few people mentioned it, let alone Madam Bi Luo. Now that Young Master Ling Xiao has brought it up, it is clearly a provocation.

"I am but a humble woman, and I suffered hardship in my early years. It is only through the kindness and favor of noble people that I have achieved what I have today. I cannot compare to Young Master Ling Xiao, who was born into wealth and extraordinary."

Lady Biluo spoke with a charming tone, her delicate fingers lightly tapping, her supple waist swaying gently beneath her skirt.

"My lady is in such a miserable state, I cannot bear to see her suffer like this." Young Master Ling Xiao's face showed pity, and his expression revealed a hint of infatuation. "In that case, why don't I lend a hand to this trade route? It will be good to protect my lady from the wind and rain."

"These are all minor squabbles, I'm afraid they wouldn't catch Young Master Ling Xiao's eye." Madam Biluo's eyes sparkled like the delicate stamens of a peony, "But the Five Blessings Merchant Guild is a large and powerful organization, and I am quite interested in it. I've heard that the Five Blessings Merchant Guild is currently engaged in exchanges in the Western Territory. If Young Master Ling Xiao is interested, how about letting me participate?"

"Hahaha," Young Master Ling Xiao laughed frivolously, "Seeing is believing, Madam Biluo, you are indeed extraordinary. You have won my heart. If you are willing, Madam, to offer yourself to me, I might as well consider it."

"My life has been filled with hardship and misery, and I have heard most often that men are hypocritical. Most men in this world are cold-hearted. May I ask, young master, is this a suitable match?" Madam Biluo's eyes trembled slightly as she looked at Young Master Ling Xiao with a mixture of resentment and anger.

Her appearance was so pitiful that I felt sorry for her.

"A good match?" Ling Xiao's expression was playful, his smile smug. "I am certainly a good match. A beauty like Lady Biluo is someone I will naturally cherish."

"I am unworthy of your marriage, young master. Please respect yourself." Lady Biluo blushed, her demeanor a mixture of reluctance and acceptance, a gesture that stirred the blood and made it difficult for anyone to remain composed.

"Please don't embarrass me in public."

As she spoke, Lady Biluo swayed gracefully, her skirt billowing, and turned away, leaving behind a beautiful silhouette that left much to the imagination.

It leaves one feeling lost and unsettled.

Young Master Ling Xiao's smile remained unchanged as he calmly poured himself a glass of wine and took a small sip.

hum~
Chen Ping'an remained calm, having caught the fleeting opportunity.

As Lady Biluo departed, Ling Xiao transmitted his thoughts, and Chen Ping'an received this information.

"Madam, what I want, I have never failed to obtain. I believe you will understand."

Chen Ping'an remained calm and poured himself a glass of wine.

How similar this situation is to what happened back then.

It was so then, and it is so now. This world.
That's always been the case!

He took a sip of wine and glanced at the handsome young man out of the corner of his eye. The young man had clear, bright eyes and looked as if he had just seen something and was very surprised.

He smiled and shook his head, no longer thinking about it.

The dance was graceful, and the music was melodious. The air was filled with the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments, a place of refined elegance.

On the jade platform, at the long table, people were exchanging toasts and creating a lively atmosphere.

Representatives from all sides mingled, exchanging information and reaching a tacit understanding.

Some powerful groups even took this opportunity to achieve business collaborations. There were also initial discussions and plans for mutually beneficial industries.

During the exchanges, Chen Ping'an noticed that people like the Wenxin Sword Pavilion and Hengshan Sect, while not completely afraid of Ling Xiao, did not want to commit any offenses and performed all the proper etiquette.

People like Zhang Tianyuan and Dong Jinluo kept offering toasts.

Because of what had happened before, Zhang Tianyuan didn't bring Chen Ping'an along, fearing it might cause more trouble.

Chen Ping'an was quite relaxed and at ease, sitting upright, enjoying the fine wine and delicious food.

He also learned a lot of information from the exchanges between various parties.

For example: First in the wind and clouds, the divine arrow of the moon, and flowers like the moon.

　I can't wait, I can't wait any longer.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)