The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 743 Garrisoning Xuanling, Second Refinement Completed (Bonus Chapter for 4000 Monthly Tickets)

"What? You mean, an appointment from the North!?"

"Chen Ping'an's appointment has been finalized? What kind of appointment is it!?"

"The Xuanling Garrison Commander?! Are you kidding me?!"

"A top-level appointment! With this appointment, wouldn't Mang Dao's status leap directly into top-level decision-making?!"

"What 'wild knife'? Shut up! Call him Lord Chen! No! Chief Chen!"

"Quiet down! From this day forward, I will not hear anyone addressing Lord Chen by his given name! Anyone who violates this rule will be punished according to family law!"

"The Azure Dragon Prefecture is about to undergo a dramatic change!"

"."

The announcement of Chen Ping'an's appointment as the garrison commander of Xuanling immediately caused an uproar throughout the state.

The position of Garrison Commander in Canglong Prefecture has been vacant for over a decade. The person who can assume this responsibility is undoubtedly an extremely senior deputy commander, whose combat strength and cultivation are at least above the peak of Grandmaster.

With such combat strength and seniority, they are second only to the three giants in the entire Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division.

In terms of prestige and status, he far surpasses ordinary deputy directors; in terms of power, he holds a much higher position and greater authority.

It can be said that the news was an indescribable shock to the entire state.

This kind of tremor, if heard by others, may not be understood. But if someone who is well-versed in this art were to hear it, they would probably be immediately terrified.

"Ping An, are you saying that the latest appointment by the Northern Border Garrison Command is to appoint you as the Xuanling Garrison Commander?"

After listening to Chen Ping'an's presentation, Elder Hua looked at him with considerable disbelief.

Seeing this, Chen Ping'an nodded in agreement.

The shock and amazement in Hua Lao's heart were even greater, and he could not express it.

The shock and amazement were not only felt by Elder Hua, but also by the many elders of the Gu family around him.

Clearly, no one expected that the Northern Border Garrison would rely on Chen Ping'an so much, truly placing high hopes on him.

Even Ning Zhengyue, a master of the Five Thunder Transformation Technique, who had been in the business for many years, had never held such a position. How much less should Chen Ping'an, who had only recently been promoted, assume it!

"Peace is paramount, and the responsibility is immense, so the pressure on your shoulders is even greater. Be extremely careful on your journey to Xuanling. If you need anything, send a message immediately. My Gu family still holds some influence in Xuanling," Elder Lan instructed with concern.

According to the appointment statement, Chen Ping'an will take up his post in Xuanling. Although it will be some time before he arrives, Elder Lan is already starting to feel uneasy.

"Understood." Chen Ping'an smiled gently and said, "Thank you for your advice, elder. I will keep it in mind. If there is anything important, I will send a message in time."

Seeing that Chen Ping'an was confident, Elder Lan relaxed slightly, but his worries remained.

Xuanling City, strategically located and bustling with commerce, sees countless travelers coming and going. The interests involved are far too significant; it's hardly a peaceful place. Chen Ping'an, shouldering the responsibility of guarding this area, is no easy task.

As far as she knew, the number of pseudo-celestial beings within Xuanling Heavy City was not small.

Although Ping An's talent is remarkable, he is too young after all. How can he compete with such a person?
Clearly, Lan Lao wasn't the only one with such concerns, but seeing Chen Ping'an's calm expression, it wasn't appropriate to say too much about it.

"There is still more than a month before I take up my post, so we should carefully consider this matter and make some plans before I go," Elder Xuan said thoughtfully and prudently.

His words were quickly echoed and supported by the rest of the Gu family.

Chen Ping'an now represents not only himself, but also the Canglong Gu family. When necessary, their support is naturally indispensable.

Although there are factional struggles within the Gu family, everyone's attitude is basically the same on this matter.

This principle has been fully implemented, especially after the return of the second elder, Gu Zhengnan.

Looking at the elders discussing amongst themselves in the hall, Chen Ping'an felt helpless but also somewhat moved.

These emotions, though few in number, are genuine.

He also had his own opinions about Xuanling and his group.

Although this appointment was somewhat unexpected, it was undoubtedly in his best interests overall.

Compared to Canglong Prefecture City, the stage of Xuanling City is undoubtedly much broader.

Not only will there be more prosperous commerce and rarer resources and techniques, but there will also be a wider world. There, he will be able to access a larger world.

From one state to several states, he officially stepped onto the stage of stirring up the winds and clouds within the territory of Bicang.

Although he is now a rising star, in the eyes of the older generation of powerful figures and martial arts masters, he is viewed more as a junior.

It belongs to the path they walked in the past, to the rising stars, rather than to the top giants who can truly interact with them on an equal footing, or even show them great respect.

Xuanling's step is the most crucial step in the changes of heaven and earth to date.

This step will also lay the foundation for his public status and the next three years.

If we can take this a step further, then the next step will be to truly take control of a state!
Although Chen Ping'an was not obsessed with power, strength and power have always been inseparable.

Having this qualification, he certainly wouldn't give it up.

Through this leap, he can openly access more channels and circles, and more rare resources. He can accumulate these for future use.

Whether it's a priceless treasure or a genuine skill manual, one can use this to scheme.

On this basis, if you take one step forward, you will reach the entire Bicang region, the seventeen states of Bicang. If you take one step back, you will reach the territory of a state, a vast land of thousands of miles, dozens of counties, thousands of cities, and hundreds of millions of people!

Correspondingly, there are some risks behind it.
The power of the Xuanling Spirit does indeed put considerable pressure on him on the surface. But pressure is just pressure, not a dead end.

Considering his current true strength, Chen Ping'an believes this matter is...
Not worth mentioning!
Not to mention the second refinement of the Qingyang Blood Refining Technique, which is about to be completed, even in his current state, he is confident in controlling the Xuanling situation.

Although the situation in Xuanling is complicated, there is no martial arts master overseeing it on the surface.

Even if the forces behind them are mostly quite powerful, they are still behind them, not themselves!
During their conversation, Chen Ping'an also brought up the arrangements and plans of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison. To be precise, it was Zhang Tianyuan's idea.

His appointment as dispatcher is imminent, and he will soon be heading to Xuanling City. According to custom, a grand banquet should be held to bid him farewell.

As a special envoy of a state, representing the interests of the Azure Dragon, his significance cannot be underestimated.

It would be no exaggeration to give Chen Ping'an the highest possible send-off.

Given the established practice and the fact that Chen Ping'an had recently broken through to the Martial Arts Grandmaster realm, with both events approaching, Zhang Tianyuan decided to organize a grand celebration.

Zhang Tianyuan had laid the groundwork for this matter during their previous exchanges, and Chen Ping'an did not refuse when it was brought up again.

However, although he did not refuse, he still had to inform the Gu family about this matter.

The Gu family was naturally very interested upon hearing this. They indicated that they would negotiate with the Canglong Prefecture Garrison and jointly handle the matter.

After some communication, the basic tone of the matter was finally set.

Due to Chen Ping'an's departure time, the celebration will be somewhat rushed. However, with the combined efforts of both families, everything should proceed smoothly.

Chen Ping'an spent a considerable amount of time at the Gu family residence, during which he discussed many matters with the elders. Through their conversations, he gained a clearer understanding of the ecological situation within Xuanling Heavy City.

From what the crowd told him, Chen Ping'an also learned that the Gu family had considerable interests in Xuanling City. Although these interests had been somewhat affected in recent years, overall they hadn't changed much.

The Gu family also has several elders stationed in Xuanling, all of whom are powerful figures among the Grandmasters of Martial Arts. Previously, when he traveled to Xuanling with Gu Qingchan, he had visited one of the elders stationed there, Elder Rong.

Aside from the commercial interests within Chongcheng, the Gu family's greatest interest in Xuanling Prefecture lies in a mine located hundreds of miles away from Chongcheng.

This mine was acquired by the Gu family during their heyday, when they clashed with the Hengshan Sect, from the Tianwu Pavilion of Xuanling Prefecture. Now, it has been in the Gu family's hands for hundreds of years.

The mine produces extremely rare and valuable mineral materials, and after years of exploration, a large mining area has been established around the mine.

The Gu family has also invested a great deal of effort in this, and it brings them substantial profits every year.

"Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, let alone a camel that hasn't yet become weak." Chen Ping'an smiled and climbed onto the carriage that was leaving the Gu family's residence.

During this visit, he did not see Gu Zhengnan, who must be busy with something. As for the Gu family patriarch, he had not yet emerged from seclusion, and Chen Ping'an did not see him either.

However, I have heard that Gu Qingcheng has already emerged from seclusion.

During their conversation, Chen Ping'an considered suggesting that he meet Gu Qingcheng. However, considering his own situation—the second stage of the Qingyang Blood Refinement was nearing completion—he decided against it and put the matter aside for the time being.

Of course, this is only one of the more important reasons. As for the other reason, only Chen Ping'an himself knows it.

On the same day that Chen Ping'an left the Gu family, the Gu family sent a representative to negotiate with the Canglong Prefecture Zhenfu Division to discuss Chen Ping'an's celebration.

On the same night, the two roughly decided on their strategy, set a time, and invited many guests.

Because of the ongoing interests of Daizhou and the matter of taking up a post in Xuanling, the guests participating in this celebration were mostly from forces within Canglongzhou.

Early the next morning, the Canglong Prefecture Garrison and the Canglong Gu family jointly issued an invitation, dispatching martial arts experts to travel day and night in dozens of groups to deliver the invitation to the invited guests as quickly as possible.

Half a month later, Chen Ping'an, the deputy commander of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, will hold a grand celebration in Canglong Prefecture City.

This matter, along with Chen Ping'an's promotion to the position of Xuanling Garrison Commander, representing Canglong Prefecture in safeguarding the interests of the prefecture, spread wildly throughout Canglong Prefecture.

Thunderous City.

"What?! Chen Ping'an has been promoted to the Xuanling Garrison Commander?"

Upon hearing the news, Wu Benqing immediately stood up from his chair.

His face was visibly shaken, and he exclaimed in disbelief, "How is this possible!"

In the shadows stood a figure in a black robe, beneath a wide brim of a hat, a pale face filled with disbelief.

"How could it be so fast!? He's only been promoted for a short time!" Wu Benqing murmured, his eyes filled with shock.

He had reached the Grandmaster level, but even now, he hadn't been promoted to the deputy head level; he only held the title of a rank-based honorific. Although it meant wielding real power, far better than a regular rank-based honorific, it was still worlds apart from Chen Ping'an's appointment.

The authority to garrison Xuanling is far superior to that of others, allowing for the discretion to carry out all duties.

Wu Benqing remained silent, his expression filled with fear.

"The garrison commander, the garrison commander of Xuanling!" Gu Luping's eyes widened as he looked at the official document in front of him: "Chen Ping'an, the 'Wild Blade'?"

His voice took on a deep, hoarse tone, as if he could hardly believe it.

His eyes were wide open, and disbelief gleamed in them.

The Thunder Valley family.

The elders of the Gu family gathered together, and they could all see that Gu Xuanbai's expression was somewhat off.

"What's wrong?" one of the elders asked, slightly surprised.

Gu Xuanbai didn't speak, but simply raised his hand and threw something out.

Some elders who had not yet seen the scene felt a chill run down their spines upon seeing it.

The next moment, the Senate was filled with shrieks of shock.

"The garrison commander of Xuanling Prefecture? This..." An elderly man with white hair looked surprised and his heart trembled.

Compared to the various forces within Thunder City, the Gu family, who were stationed in Thunder City, undoubtedly had a simpler and more direct reaction upon receiving the news that Chen Ping'an had been promoted to the position of Xuanling Garrison Commander.

"What? The son-in-law has been promoted to the garrison commander of Xuanling?"

"Such a rapid promotion!"

"At this rate, in a few years, won't everyone be sitting in one?"

"Shh, don't talk nonsense."

"."

They also had quick and sharp reactions, suggesting whether or not to inform the elders about the matter.

Since returning to Leiming, the elder has been in seclusion. Now that the news has arrived, Elder Qingchan is still unaware of it.

"No need! Before the elder went into seclusion, he said that he should not be disturbed unless there was something important. Although the son-in-law's promotion is a big deal, it is not an urgent matter that needs to be reported immediately. It is not too late to report this matter after the elder comes out of seclusion."

"rational."

"."

Thunderous City, Gu Family Residence.

In an elegant and quiet room, a pale blue halo flows.

Like the azure sky and water, or the shimmering waves of the deep sea, a pale blue halo rippled in the void, outlining Gu Qingchan's exquisite figure.

Her black hair cascaded down, adorned with pearls and jade ornaments, which, along with the icy blue mark between her brows, reflected each other like moonlight and jade dew condensed in the depths of a cold pool, making her face even more stunning. Her porcelain-like, snow-white skin shone even brighter in the reflection.

Gu Qingchan kept her eyes closed, her expression serene and peaceful.

If a martial arts master were here, they would discover that at this moment, the eighth spiritual rune has already been inscribed within her spiritual platform.

Based on this, we are attempting to break through the three stages of the realm.

The news of Chen Ping'an's promotion to the position of Xuanling Garrison Commander continued to spread and ferment within Canglong Prefecture.

Amidst the hype surrounding the news, Chen Ping'an's cultivation reached a crucial stage.

hum~
His gaze sharpened slightly, and a screen of light appeared.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Late stage of Jade Balance - Breakthrough through three stages (Ultimate Perfection)
武学：青阳血炼法入门（5760/5760）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（225/8640）、广寒剑法（残篇）小成（0/7680）太虚御风步大成（0/14400）七杀天罡拳大成（5995/9600）、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

Looking at the panel in the void before him, Chen Ping'an let out a soft breath. Then, his divine light subsided, and spiritual energy surged forth.

"breakthrough!"

boom!
Inside the quiet room, a powerful aura could be heard, command flags fluttered all around, and blue flames flickered incessantly.

Black banners hovered overhead, obscuring the spirit's inspiration.

Wow~
Like a tide of starlight, it surged and disappeared into Chen Ping'an's brow.

(End of this chapter)