The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 737 Passing on the Torch, Yin-Yang Academy (Though millions of people, though millions of things.)

"Peace, congratulations on emerging from seclusion. Judging from your appearance, your cultivation level must have been completely consolidated."

With a smile, Zhang Tianyuan told Chen Ping'an to take a seat after he entered.

"Thanks to the Lord Chief, everything is going smoothly." Chen Ping'an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

After passing through the border, he immediately went to the State Garrison Office.

"By the way, Ping An, we haven't discussed the promotion ceremony with you yet because you were in seclusion. What are your thoughts on this? Should our state's garrison handle it, or..." Zhang Tianyuan pondered, seeking Chen Ping An's opinion.

Now that Chen Ping'an has reached the position of deputy director, in principle, his promotion to the Grandmaster of Martial Arts should be handled by the State Garrison Command.

just
Chen Ping'an is, after all, the Gu family's son-in-law, and the specifics of how to handle this matter do need to be discussed.

"The current situation is uncertain, and with the Azure Dragon Ceremony just after it, matters of peace are not urgent for the time being. I will trouble you, Lord Commander, to take care of things."

With a few words, Chen Ping'an declined Zhang Tianyuan's offer.

"Not in a hurry?" Zhang Tianyuan asked, somewhat surprised.

However, after exchanging a few words, she ultimately followed Chen Ping'an's advice.

“That’s a good idea. We’ll wait for your appointment and then proceed with the arrangements together,” Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile. “Don’t refuse then. A Grandmaster is no ordinary person, and organizing a celebration is a long-standing tradition. You don’t need to have any reservations.”

If he was unsure of the final date of the appointment before, now that Chen Ping'an has broken through to the Grandmaster realm of martial arts, he has no more doubts about it.

The only slight concern is whether the higher-ups might consider transferring Chen Ping'an directly to the Northern Border Garrison.

Given Chen Ping'an's current talent, the possibility of this happening is quite high.

"I leave it to the Lord Chief to decide," Chen Ping'an said.

Seeing that the atmosphere was pleasant, Chen Ping'an didn't chat much. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he explained the purpose of his visit.

"You want to go back to the Wei River?" Zhang Tianyuan looked at Chen Ping'an with slight surprise.

He really didn't expect that the renowned Mangdao would be someone who cherishes old friendships.

"I just happened to have some free time and wanted to go back and take a look." Chen Ping'an looked calmly at Zhang Tianyuan without flinching. "Once I get a new assignment, I might not have this opportunity again."

“Yes, that’s true.” Zhang Tianyuan looked at Chen Ping’an for a moment, then nodded with a smile: “Should we arrange more people? It’s a rare trip back home, a triumphant return, so let’s make a big show of it.”

Given Chen Ping'an's current status, regardless of his identity as a rising star, the position of deputy director alone is enough to support his status as a top-tier figure in the state.

Returning home in glory is a common aspiration for people. Since Chen Ping'an wanted to go back, he would naturally make proper arrangements.

All the prefectures along the way were greeted and welcomed with special care, until they reached the prefecture city by the Wei River.

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Chief. However, Ping An is returning home for personal matters, so it is not appropriate to make a big fuss about it."

Chen Ping'an smiled and declined Zhang Tianyuan's offer.

His main purpose in returning this time was to see Wan Jun, to revisit the people and events of the past, and to revisit familiar places to ease his mind.

With a flawless heart, challenge the barrier between heaven and man.

To this day, he still remembers the night he first met Wan Jun.

Inside Jiming Lane, the night was deep and the moonlight was cold.

"Alright, the person has already run away, no need to knock anymore."

Under the moonlight, a beautiful woman in her early twenties, with unparalleled elegance, stood before him, sword in hand.

The moonlight poured down, illuminating the beautiful woman's figure, creating a hazy yet enchanting scene.

"You're quite quick-witted. What's your name?"

Chen Ping'an smiled gently, reminiscing about many things from the past.

Time flies so fast.

In the blink of an eye, almost eight years have passed.

After leaving the State Garrison, Chen Ping'an also completed his departure procedures.

According to his plan, this trip back to the Wei River should take more than a month.

The time is not too short, and those who need to say goodbye should be informed.

After leaving the State Garrison, Chen Ping'an went to the Gu family.

Chen Ping'an had mentioned this matter when they met before, so the Gu family members weren't surprised that it was brought up now.

Unlike before, this time Chen Ping'an also met the legendary elder of the Gu family, whose lifespan was nearing its end.

Among the many elders of the Gu family, he ranked first in the hierarchy. In his heyday, he was a renowned top-tier pseudo-celestial being.

Unfortunately, he has not lived long enough and is now very old, only able to sustain his life by using magical artifacts and secret techniques.

In a secret room beneath the Gu family's basement, Chen Ping'an met the Gu family's first elder.

His hair was sparse and white, his cheekbones were prominent, his eyes were sunken, his skin was like withered vines and old trees, and his face was covered with dark brown age spots.

When Chen Ping'an saw him, he was half-lying in a therapeutic pool, his eyes closed, looking like a candle flickering in the wind.

The pool water was steaming with milky white mist, and the surrounding area was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees.

"Great-uncle, Chen Ping'an has arrived." Gu Zhengnan whispered as he approached, afraid of disturbing the old man.

Hearing the voice beside him, the first elder of the Gu family, the withered old man, barely opened one eye, his gaze cloudy, and tried his best to examine the young man in front of him.

"Ancestor."

Chen Ping'an stepped forward quietly, imitating Gu Zhengnan, and stood with his head down and back bent at one side of the sanatorium pool.

Some titles have nothing to do with actual ability.

He looked at the old man in front of him, at his withered and emaciated figure, as thin as tree bark.

Chen Ping'an's gaze was deep, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

The old man sized him up for a long time before finally uttering a sound.

The voice of the "good boy" was hoarse, carrying the deathly stillness of someone nearing the end of their life.

The elderly man, who had dedicated his life to the Gu family, was thin and frail, but a trace of relief appeared on his face in his twilight years.

However, this glimmer of solace was hidden deep within the deathly desolation, making it difficult for anyone to perceive.

After leaving the secret room, the two remained silent for a long time without exchanging a single word.

As they walked into the back garden of the Gu family, surrounded by the delicate and beautiful flowers, a complex expression appeared on Gu Zhengnan's face.

"In two more years, my great-uncle will be eight hundred years old!"

Gu Zhengnan's voice was flat, revealing no emotion.

"He fought fiercely in his youth, which damaged his very essence. We told him to take it easy, but he has that fiery temper. As soon as he hears that the family has suffered a loss, he can't wait to get revenge. When I was young, I suffered a setback in an exchange event outside the state. I was about to win first place, but I failed to take it back. At that time, it was my great-uncle who stepped in and helped me get that first place back."

A hint of reminiscence appeared on Gu Zhengnan's face.

"In his early years, Grand Uncle was constantly engaged in battles and practiced explosive cultivation techniques, so his lifespan and vitality were inferior to those of others in the same realm. Even if he took longevity pills, it would be difficult for him to live past eight hundred years old."

Chen Ping'an didn't speak, but listened quietly.

"My great-uncle's health began to decline more than thirty years ago. But he kept pushing himself for the sake of the family. Starting more than twenty years ago, he basically stopped moving. He just lay there all day, and I don't know what he was thinking about."

I wonder if, when I was young, knowing that I would end up like this in old age, I would have been more cautious when fighting.

Gu Zhengnan's expression was complicated, as if he had remembered something.

"Sometimes, I would go to see my great-uncle and try to ask him why he was persisting like this. Lying there every day, unable to move, is it not more painful than death?"

After all these years, I've never asked the question. Because I know that some questions already have answers before they're even asked.

"My great-uncle has been holding on for so many years, hoping that he can stand up for the family one last time before he dies."

"To stand up one last time for those younger than me, like I did back then."

Gu Zhengnan stood in the flower garden, looking at the beautiful flowers in full bloom, his back to Chen Ping'an, and did not take another step forward.

"As long as you're alive, there's still a chance! As long as you're not dead, you still have the strength to strike!"

"Over the years, my great-uncle has always thought this way. He has lived a very painful life, but perhaps..."
"And he lives a very happy life." Chen Pingan listened quietly, without saying a word, looking at Gu Zhengnan in front of him.

What I saw was a deep, somber silhouette.

Just like her dedication to her family all these years.

Time flies, seasons change, but the spirit of caring for one's family is passed down from generation to generation.

The Gu family of Canglong Prefecture is the number one family in Canglong Prefecture!

After leaving the Gu family, Chen Ping'an had an extra item on him.

These were spiritual items he had previously asked the elders of the Gu family to help him purchase for breaking through to higher realms. He planned to present them to Wan Jun along with the Nine-Leaf Silver Essence Ganoderma and the Golden Wind Grass during this trip to the Wei River.

With primary, secondary, and auxiliary spiritual items, along with other enhancements, Wan Jun's chances of becoming a Grandmaster are quite high.

With the aid of spiritual objects alone, the chance of breaking through to the next realm can be increased to 45%. If there are no major deficiencies in foundation, cultivation method, or mentality, the chance of becoming a grandmaster will not be less than 60%.

With Wan Jun's talent and careful planning, there's a 70-80% chance she'll become a grandmaster.

However, it is too early to consider these things at this time. Wan Jun has received his cultivation resources and the full support of her family, but it will probably take many years before she can accumulate enough to prepare for breaking through to the next realm.

By presenting the spiritual item now, Chen Ping'an had made plans in advance, paving the way for Wan Jun.

People give me peaches and plums, I give them precious jade.

A drop of kindness deserves a spring of gratitude in return. How much more so should we repay a debt of kindness from Wan Jun?

Although the trip to the Gu family was short, Chen Ping'an had many feelings about it.

Especially when he saw the eldest elder of the Gu family, who was on his deathbed but struggling to stay alive.

For the sake of the family, they were willing to remain as lifeless as withered trees for decades.

The purpose was to preserve a breath for the family's future.

To preserve a sliver of hope and to restore the family's honor.

Chen Pingan had many feelings.

But that desolate scene also gave rise to a heartfelt understanding in him.

Even if the path is cut off, and you live for eight hundred years, it will eventually come to an end. Time is like water, and eventually the water will dry up and the stone will be worn away.

Chen Pingan tilted his head slightly and saw a vast sky.

The sky is vast and boundless.

"Celestial Beings".

The Gu family patriarch was detached from worldly affairs, and the first elder was nearing the end of his lifespan and no longer concerned himself with worldly matters. The entire Gu family was managed by Gu Zhengnan.

Whether it's representing interests at top-level events or navigating the power struggles within and outside the state, Gu Zhengnan shoulders all the responsibilities. Compared to other sects and families, whose fortunes rise and fall in cycles, the burden on Gu Zhengnan's shoulders is undoubtedly extremely heavy.

Even today, the Gu family of Canglong remains the number one family in Canglong Prefecture. However, in reality, this glory of being the number one family is quietly fading away.

Previously, the Gu family patriarch was at the height of his power, dominating several states and forcing various forces to refrain from making any move against him. However, the Gu family patriarch has not made a full-scale attack for many years.

Various rumors have been circulating frequently. All parties are eager to make moves, and under the lure of interests, whether passively or actively, they have all taken some tentative actions.

However, due to the reputation of the Gu family patriarch, this probing could not be too obvious.

But as time goes by, similar commotions will only grow larger and larger.

Among the pseudo-celestial beings, Gu Zhengnan's strength is not bad, but it is obviously difficult for Gu Zhengnan alone to protect such a huge share of benefits amidst a pack of wolves.

The current ability to balance the various factions and maintain the Gu family's prestige is largely due to the power and influence of their ancestor. But if one day the ancestor passes away, then...
Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened slightly. His expression was calm, and his eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a bottomless abyss.

Back at his own residence, the young maid had just finished her morning duties.

These days, he has been busy cultivating and practicing in seclusion, and it has been quite a while since he had a proper chat with the little girl.

Chen Ping'an naturally wouldn't miss this opportune moment.

After a brief exchange, they were naturally very enthusiastic.

The little girl has come of age and is now a beautiful young woman. But in Chen Ping'an's eyes, there's always a trace of her from back then, just like...
She's always been that little girl who never grew up.

The brother and sister chatted until late at night before reluctantly parting ways.

"The academy's assessment is just around the corner!"

Chen Ping'an smiled, gazed at the moonlit night sky, and slowly walked back to his room.

Chen Ping'an had never stopped paying attention to the academy's assessment. He had also been constantly asking Xiong Sanrang to keep an eye on the matter, reporting any progress to him promptly.

A few days ago, the Weishui Academy compiled a preliminary list of candidates, which was then submitted to the Zhenfu Division for review and verification. If there were no errors, the list would be submitted as the candidates for this term's academy examination.

Not only the Weishui Academy, but also various registered clan schools and prestigious mountain halls, all had quotas for initial screening and recommendation. However, compared to the schools supervised by the governor, these clan schools and mountain halls had much more flexibility in their recommendation process.

The Zhenfu Division's supervision of it was more of a formality, a perfunctory exercise of established procedures. Most of the review authority lay with the behind-the-scenes forces of the various clan schools and mountain halls.

Various forces are intertwined, their interests intertwined, creating a complex and interconnected situation.

Although this matter only involves literature and literature, it is enough to glimpse a corner of the truth hidden by public opinion.

In the past, when the dynasty was at its peak, all powers were unified under the central government. The governors guarded their respective regions and acted on behalf of the emperor.

Whether it is a noble family or a sect, matters involving important dynasties cannot be touched in the slightest.

But nowadays, such things are commonplace and considered nothing more than trivial matters.

Once the list of recommended students from the academy has been approved, it will be submitted to the Education Bureau along with the list of clan schools and academies registered within the prefecture.

Then, the Academic Affairs Office will coordinate and arrange preliminary examinations. Students who pass the screening will be assigned to the two major academic palaces.

Finally, the two academies would conduct the examinations. Those who passed the examinations could then enter the two academies for further study.

However, both academies have always emphasized easy entry but strict exit; being able to enter for further study is only the beginning.

As is customary, once the list is submitted at the state level, the subsequent preliminary screening and list distribution will proceed quickly.

Including the final academy assessment, the whole process will take no more than half a year.

Chen Ping'an had spoken with the little girl several times about the academy's assessment, and had also learned about her expectations from her.

Compared to the Jixia Academy, the little girl would rather go to the Yin-Yang Academy located in the southern border.

Although both academies taught everything, they each had their own emphasis in specific studies.

Over the years, Chen Ping'an has collected some information. He has also shared the relevant information with the little girl.

This consideration was the result of the little girl's careful deliberation.

Yin-Yang Academy, Yin-Yang and Five Elements, Qimen Dunjia, Earthly Fiends and Heavenly Generals, Deduction of Heavenly Secrets.

"Yin Yang Academy." Chen Ping'an's gaze softened, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

Since the little girl likes it, he, as her older brother, naturally has to do his best to support her.

He is no longer the penniless man he once was. Although he hasn't yet grown to the point of influencing the fate of Bi Cang, he can now provide the little girl with considerable support.

And this support will only grow stronger over time.

Born into the dust, yet unable to conceal the heart yearning for the Way.

Even in a high position, one should not forget one's past aspirations.

Perhaps the meaning of spiritual practice lies not only in oneself, but also in these embellishments of life.

It may seem hard to find, but it's actually all around us.

Madam Biluo's inner world, the withered old man's perseverance, and Gu Zhengnan's family.
All of this is for the sake of building up the foundation and resources on the path.

Even if I die a hundred times, I will not regret it!

Though countless things may happen, my heart will never change!
Although millions of people
It's over!
A day later, Chen Ping'an left Canglong Prefecture City and traveled lightly towards Weishui County City.

　Guys, tomorrow's update will be in the afternoon.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)