The Great Martial Saint!

"My lord, this is an invitation to your residence."

Shen Huiqing wore a light-colored long dress, her appearance was elegant and beautiful, and her fair and white wrist, as smooth as solidified cream, was exposed.

"Who sent it?"

Chen Ping'an calmly accepted the visiting card from Shen Huiqing.

"The Prince of Bi Cang, Ji Changkong." Shen Huiqing's voice was calm, but a hint of worry appeared between her brows and eyes.

She had also heard about the entanglement between Bi Cang Wangsun, Ji Changkong, and Chen Ping'an.

To be precise, Chen Ping'an himself had no entanglement with Ji Changkong. It was only previously that Ji Changkong, the grandson of the Azure Prince, personally went to Azure Dragon to perform the "Phoenix Seeking its Mate" song, intending to win the heart of Gu Qingcheng, the proud daughter of the Gu family. This matter was widely circulated, and most of the surrounding states had heard of it.

Although Ji Changkong was determined to marry her, the Gu family did not agree, and the matter was left unresolved.

If that's the case, then so be it, let's leave it at that.

But not long after, the Gu family betrothed their proud daughter, Gu Qingcheng, to the fierce swordsman Chen Ping'an. Now, their engagement is finalized and known throughout the states.

In the past, Ji Changkong, the grandson of the Azure Prince, had longed for the beautiful fairy, who is now the fiancée of the Lord. Their marriage is now a done deal.

Given this situation, Ji Changkong's sending of a visiting card is clearly not a casual greeting.

Putting yourself in Ji Changkong's shoes, no matter how magnanimous he is, he couldn't possibly pretend nothing had happened. Even if there was nothing between him and Gu Qingcheng to begin with, and many things were just wishful thinking on his part.

But it is precisely because of this wishful thinking, and the huge uproar it caused before, that the current situation is so infuriating and even unacceptable.

Anyone in this situation would want to prove that he is superior to Mang Dao and far more suitable for Gu Qingcheng.

It's the Gu family's fault for not choosing him, not his!
Can.
The crux of the matter is that the adult is now exceptionally talented and possesses a commanding presence akin to that of a powerful figure. Compared to the other two, aside from their family backgrounds, the adult's advantages are far too obvious.

The latest ranking of potential top talents has confirmed this.

No matter how unwilling Ji Changkong was, he couldn't change the situation. Who knew what Ji Changkong's intentions were in sending a visiting card under these circumstances?

If it were just Ji Changkong alone, she wouldn't worry about this at all. She had a deep understanding of the adult's power.

With the power of an adult, this matter can be completely resolved. Even if some conflict arises, the ultimate winner will be the adult.

just
Ji Changkong did not come alone this time.

As for the other experts accompanying him, let's leave them aside for now. With your power, there's no need to be concerned about them.

However, Kuanglan Ke and Liedi Sou are figures who cannot be ignored.

Either of them, if they were to appear in Xuanling, would be enough to make people wary!
If the two appear at the same time, the sense of apprehension will only be doubled.

Kuanglan Ke, also known as Liedi Sou, has been famous for many years. He has already reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm by himself. Looking at the entire Xuanling Heavy City, he is a master who is firmly ranked among the top three, or even the number one, among the Grandmasters.

Compared to those with similar power to the Wind and Cloud, the two are more experienced and have protective artifacts. If they were to go all out, their combat power could definitely reach the threshold of the Wind and Cloud realm.

If the two join forces, their combat power would be enough to shake the Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud!

There were rumors that the two of them, when they joined forces, had a narrow victory over the Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud.

The outside world is unclear about this, but Shen Huiqing knows that such an event did indeed happen many years ago.

The two possess special combined attack techniques; if they join forces, their combat power far surpasses the effect of one plus one being greater than two.

The combined strength of the two is enough to overwhelm some of the lowest-ranked Grandmasters in the Fengyun Masters list, and is close to the middle level of the Fengyun Masters list.

Such beings are beyond the reach of even a powerful adult.

The difference between something that is close to the wind and clouds, something that touches upon the wind and clouds, something that is at the very end of the wind and clouds, and something that surpasses the very end of the wind and clouds is not just a little bit.

Although the adult's fighting strength is great, even if she returned to that night, judging from the best-case scenario, the most ideal result would be a mere draw with the two of them, with them being roughly equal in strength.

But Ji Changkong brought more than just these two people.

Putting aside other factors, Ji Changkong himself is a martial arts grandmaster with formidable combat power. As an outstanding contemporary role model of the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion and a prodigy among the younger generation of the Xianxuan faction, Ji Changkong must possess a wealth of protective trump cards and accumulated foundation.

Under such circumstances, it is unlikely that things will go well for an adult going alone.

"Ji Changkong?"

Chen Ping'an hadn't expected that Ji Changkong had reached the Xuanling realm.

Was it just a coincidence, or did you come here on purpose to find it?

Such thoughts lingered in Chen Ping'an's mind but quickly disappeared.

If it were him in the past, he might have thought things through more carefully when facing Ji Changkong.

But now
A raging torrent splits the earth; a Grandmaster?

It would be more like a celestial being.

His vision now extends far beyond martial arts grandmasters and even pseudo-celestial beings; it is now focused on true martial arts celestial beings.

His perspective is no longer limited to the territory of a single state. Although the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion is powerful and the Xianxuan faction is at its zenith, he may not be too afraid if things really turn out that way.

Furthermore, although Ji Changkong is called the grandson of the Bi Cang Prince, he is not a true prince. The power he can actually wield is so great that even a portion of the power within the Xianxuan faction might not be able to control, let alone the entire Bi Cang Prince's Mansion.

Such a display of power, capable of influencing even a martial arts master, is already at its peak. Anything more is highly unlikely.

For a true martial arts master, Ji Changkong's background might not offer much advantage. It's more like the young princess of Bicang. As the most favored young darling of the old Bicang prince, her political weight and influence over the situation are on a completely different level compared to ordinary juniors.

Looking across the entire Bicang region, among the younger generation, only that Bicang Princess can truly and effectively utilize the glory of her status, making her comparable to ordinary celestial beings, or even those at a higher level.

Because behind her stood Prince Bicang! Even though Prince Bicang was seriously ill, his political prestige and influence on the situation did not change much.

Until a successor to the throne is chosen, the Prince of Bicang will always be the Prince of Bicang. No matter how the factions below fight and scheme, as long as he is still alive, no one will ignore his importance, nor will anyone dare to ignore it.

The result of ignoring it is that they rise up against it, using the pretext of suppression to attack lawlessness and completely seize the moral high ground.

However, according to rumors, Prince Bicang is now seriously ill and bedridden. He spends most of his time in a daze and rarely speaks.

However, such matters are mostly rumors, and Chen Ping'an is not very clear about the specifics.

Shen Huiqing was still thinking that this matter had a great impact, and the slightest carelessness could ruin the situation that had been painstakingly built up. But given the lord's character, he would certainly not back down so easily. How could she suggest going with the lord without being refused?

The adults always meant what they said, so she only had one chance.

While Shen Huiqing was still considering, she saw Chen Ping'an glance at the visiting card indifferently and then return it to him.

"Rejected it for me."

Ok?
They rejected it?

Shen Huiqing paused, swallowing the words she was about to say: "My lord, Huiqing is willing to go with you."

She gently smoothed her hair and asked uncertainly, "My lord, should Huiqing directly reject this invitation on your behalf?"

“Yes, I’ve had many insights lately, and I’m planning to go into seclusion for quiet cultivation. I don’t need to be bothered by trivial matters,” Chen Ping’an said calmly.

"Seclusion for quiet cultivation?" Shen Huiqing looked surprised.

Is he going into seclusion for quiet cultivation just before the Xuanling Auction?

My lord, this is
Although Shen Huiqing had many thoughts in her mind, her expression remained unchanged. She bowed respectfully and said gracefully, "Yes, my lord."

It's good that the adults refused. Although it affected some of our momentum, Ji Changkong's visit was ill-intentioned, and the banquet was not a pleasant one. Rather than increasing the risks, it's better to end it here.

After setting the tone, Chen Ping'an spoke briefly with Shen Huiqing about some things that had happened during his seclusion.

During this time, Shen Huiqing gave a brief report on the movements of Hengshan Sect, mentioning the arrival of Heiyan Laoguai, a powerful elder of Hengshan Sect, in Xuanling.

"Alright, you may leave now." Chen Ping'an waved his hand gently, signaling Shen Huiqing to step down.

Shen Huiqing gave a graceful bow, her skirt trailing on the ground, and then withdrew.

"Bi Cang?" Chen Ping'an watched Shen Huiqing's departing figure, shook his head with a light laugh, and then stopped caring about the matter.

Neither Ji Changkong nor Hengshan Sect could arouse his interest much.

His vision and perspective should be at the level of a celestial being, a true celestial being in martial arts. The real competition and contest should also take place at this level.

The corresponding resource transactions and material planning are all done here.

As for the others, they're just wasting their time.

but
"Black Rock Old Monster." Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened slightly, and an enigmatic smile appeared on his face.

He had not forgotten the old grudge.

"Young Master." A woman with a beautiful face and dressed in dark blue robes stood in front of a pavilion.

Inside the pavilion, a man stood gazing intently at the lotus flowers and fish swimming in the pond before him.

"The Azure Dragon Garrison replied that Mang Dao is busy with official duties and has no free time lately, so he has no intention of chatting. In addition, he has had many insights recently and is now in seclusion to cultivate in peace. Please do not invite him again, Young Master."

The woman calmly recounted the reply from the Azure Dragon's encampment, her dark blue robes fluttering in the wind.

Ji Changkong stood in the pavilion without speaking. After a long while, he slowly turned around, looked at the woman in front of him, and said, "In that case, there is no need to invite him. I will personally visit him after he comes out of seclusion."

"Yes, young master." The woman bowed respectfully, her sleeves, adorned with subtle patterns, drooping slightly.

After the two talked for a while, the pavilion fell silent.

The woman stood to one side, looking at the man in front of her, her eyes seemingly reflecting the scene from two days ago.

After seeing the latest rankings of the Hidden Dragons, the young master seemed like a different person, sitting alone in his room all night.
They didn't come out until noon.

Chen Ping'an, the wielder of the savage sword, ranked seventeenth on the Hidden Dragon List. His combat strength was comparable to that of the Wind and Cloud Sect, and he killed Shi Panyue, the elder of the Hengshan Sect.

If we consider the previous update of Hidden Dragon, Chen Ping'an, the Brute, would still have a slight edge in combat power, even with the Young Master's strength. However, if we consider their trump cards and protective items, the Brute would be no match for the Young Master.

but now
The emergence of a new generation of Hidden Dragons undoubtedly crushed the young master's resolve.

A real man should avenge the theft of his wife. How could he not? How could he not? How could he not avenge it?
Can.
We were unable to do it!
Using external means, and not being in the young master's true nature, such a situation is truly lamentable.

When the young master emerged, his face still wore the same warm and gentle smile as always, but to her, there was clearly an unresolved knot of sorrow deep in the corners of his eyes. This sight of the young master pained her.

Even someone as outstanding as the young master could only admire Mang Dao's talent and brilliance.

It is unknown what the young master was thinking that night, but upon entering Xuanling City, he immediately sent someone to deliver a visiting card, inviting the Xuanling Garrison Commander, Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, to his residence for a chat.

Given the young master's high status and such sincere invitation, even if Mang Dao were to refuse such a formal invitation, he should not reject it so readily.

Looking at the young master before her, and at the hidden melancholy in the corner of his eyes, she only regretted that she was not strong enough. If she were a celestial being, or even just a pseudo-celestial being, how could she have allowed the young master to suffer such humiliation?

Unfortunately, she was not some celestial being, but merely a maidservant by the young master's side.

She looked at the man before her, unsure of what to say or how to comfort him. All she could do was quietly stay by his side, hoping that in doing so, she could offer him some warmth.

Just like the warmth he gave her back then, that feeling is something worth remembering for a lifetime.

The woman stood quietly, gently blowing on her clothes, revealing a short blade at her waist, and her hairpin swaying, with a strange gem shining brightly.

"Old Lan, how did Chen Ping'an cultivate? It's only been a few years, and he's already reached this level. If it continues for a few more years, won't he be a celestial being by then?!"

Beside an artificial hill not far from the pavilion, an old man with dark skin and a towering build stood with his chest bare, a wide grin on his face, and said in disbelief.

They had also read the latest issue of the Hidden Dragon Ranking. Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, was a prodigy with amazing talent and formidable combat power. He killed Shi Panyue, the elder of the Hengshan Sect, with a single strike, demonstrating power comparable to that of the Wind and Cloud Sect.

A power akin to that of wind and clouds!?
He couldn't understand how a junior who had become a Grandmaster in Canglong Prefecture City back then could reach such a height in just a few years.

Even if her combat strength is not as good as his, it is not far off.

In terms of status, given their talent and abilities, the other party's status is even higher than theirs.

These differences shocked him, leaving him with a sense of disbelief.

They were once insignificant juniors, and the battle at Xiaopan Mountain was merely a novelty to them. But now...
How did it reach such a height?!

His unparalleled talent and skill are truly astounding!
"A hidden dragon prodigy cannot be judged by ordinary standards! Back then, he broke through his cultivation realm on Xiaopan Mountain and fought, already showing his talent. Although his current achievements are extraordinary, there are still traces to follow." Kuanglan Ke wore a black robe, was tall and slender, with a thin face and a few wrinkles.

He also felt quite melancholy when the matter of the Savage Blade was mentioned. His mood was no different from that of the Earth-Splitting Elder when he perused the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

A junior from years ago has unknowingly grown to their level.

Such feelings make one suddenly realize that there is a sense of the ever-changing tides pushing the old waves forward.

Looking at the other prodigies on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, this feeling wasn't profound, but for those who had actually interacted with them, the feeling was especially deep. Looking at those dazzling, outstanding talents of their time, he felt a sense of the decline of an era.

"It's unbelievable that he has achieved so much at less than twenty-eight years old. If he truly becomes a celestial being one day, even you and I would have to address him as a senior!" The old man with the split earth had a complex look in his big eyes, and he felt a great sense of resentment and imbalance in his heart.

"Old man, becoming a Celestial is incredibly difficult, as difficult as ascending to heaven. The passes are treacherous, and the dangers within are all too clear to us. Although Chen Ping'an's talent is remarkable, his accumulation of knowledge is still shallow, and his foundation is far inferior to the most outstanding prodigies of the dynasty. Becoming a Celestial is not so easy. If his temperament is not right, he may very well stagnate and waste his time in the Grandmaster realm. Such brilliant prodigies are not uncommon on the Hidden Dragon Ranking throughout the ages."

Previously, his progress was extremely rapid, and his cultivation journey was smooth sailing. However, he encountered a bottleneck, and once he did, it would last for half his life. He became anxious and doubtful, until he forcibly broke through the bottleneck, resulting in his death and the dissipation of his cultivation! "Kuanglan Ke said calmly.

Upon hearing this, a hint of memory seemed to surface in the old man's large eyes. Although he had never met them, he knew of many promising talents.

Among these prodigies, some broke through barriers and achieved martial arts mastery, while others perished halfway, their bodies and paths extinguished. Some were fast, some were slow, but the final results were all different, which was entirely predictable.

Life's opportunities vary from person to person, and judging the outcome at this point would be premature.

With a change in his thoughts, the resentment in the Earth-Splitter's heart seemed to have eased considerably. However, even so, he still had a strong sense of imbalance in his heart.

Regardless of what the future holds, in terms of status alone, Chen Ping'an, the "Mangdao," is undeniably above them.

"If I had known this would happen, I should have killed him back then!" the Earth-Splitting Old Man said angrily, his murderous intent surfacing.

Kuanglanke stood to one side without saying a word.

When he first saw the achievements on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, he certainly had the same thought in his mind.

But opportunities are fleeting, and some things, once gone, are gone forever.

They could easily kill Chen Ping'an, the ruthless swordsman, back then, but now it won't be so easy.

Unless the two of them join forces, they alone can only suppress Chen Ping'an, but cannot completely kill him.

If exposed, the risk would be extremely high.

But if the two of them were to join forces, regardless of the consequences, Chen Ping'an wasn't stupid; how could he so easily fall for the trap?

Things are different now. They could approach Chen Ping'an, the ruthless swordsman, silently without being detected. Now, if they show any murderous intent, Chen Ping'an would likely sense it immediately.

They are all at roughly the same level, and although they can suppress each other, the gap between them is not that big.

Their advantage lies in their ability to work together, but individually, they are all roughly at the same level.

unless
Kuanglan Ke remained silent, secretly plotting in his mind.

They might just find a good opportunity to have the madman fight them openly. Or perhaps there's some chaotic scene where they can take advantage of the confusion to do their thing, and ideally, find someone to take the blame.

But regardless of the chances, in the end, it all depends on the final attitude of the faction.

If Mang Dao intends to come closer, then the previous grudges can only be left unresolved.

However, judging from the current situation, the Mangdao clan doesn't seem to have any intention of joining forces. If a direct opportunity can be found, they could challenge each other to a duel, with no regard for life or death. With this pretext in place and backed by the Bi Cang Prince's Mansion, they wouldn't have anything to fear.

After all, as long as no noble cause or principle is violated, the bottom line of the Zhenfu Division is that a dead prodigy is worthless. Without close ties, no one will stand up for him.

It would be best if the challenge was proposed by Mang Dao himself. That way, even if they were killed afterward, they could still maintain a moral high ground. As for any other troubles, they could easily handle them with the backing of a powerful figure.

Xuanling City, the headquarters of Hengshan Sect.

"The Azure Prince, Ji Changkong, hahaha."

A hearty, unrestrained laugh, like thunder from the heavens, boomed throughout the spacious and majestic hall.

Inside the hall, the thick beams and pillars resembled coiled dragons, and the dome-shaped ceiling conveyed a sense of weight and solemnity.

Black Rock Monster's back was like a giant mountain, his arms were raised high, and his muscle lines were like twisted dragons. His breath carried the energy and blood that vibrated the space.

"He's clever enough to do what I wanted to do. But it's a pity that this young man, Mang Dao, won't give him any face!"

Black Rock Old Monster's voice was deep and heavy, each sound like muffled thunder, making one's eardrums throb and one's heart pound.

Cao Penghai stood beside the giant stone chair below, smiling cautiously.

"Elder Heiyan, with your presence in Xuanling this time, the matter of Mangdao will surely be resolved satisfactorily, enhancing the prestige of our Hengshan Sect."

Cao Penghai was tall and strong, with every inch of his muscles seemingly containing explosive power.

But now, in front of the Black Rock Monster, it was like a small witch seeing a great witch. Both its size and physique had shrunk considerably, making it appear somewhat miniature and petite.

Old Monster Heiyan glanced at him, his displeasure undisguised: "Little Cao, we sent you to oversee Xuanling to uphold the prestige of my Hengshan Sect, not to be a hands-off manager who runs to the sect for help whenever there's a problem! If a pseudo-Celestial Being intervened, that would be one thing. But a mere Grandmaster, and you're so helpless? You've utterly disgraced our sect! Your head's practically offered up at our doorstep, and you're still putting up with it! How can you tolerate this?!"
Incompetent! Useless!

Black Rock Monster's voice boomed, initially expressing dissatisfaction, but later turning into anger.

“Elder Heiyan is right. However, for some reason, that Mangdao has gained the support of Yuanhai Tower and Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce. Although we don’t know the reason behind it, this matter is of great importance. After discussing it with Elder Cheng, we decided to hold off for now and wait for the sect to make a decision.” Cao Penghai did not dare to refute, but just smiled and carefully explained.

"Useless trash!" Old Monster Black Rock roared, "Not only you, but Cheng Wanyong is too, weak and incompetent! Such weakness is an insult to the Hengshan Sect, making us look down on them!?"

Black Rock Old Monster kept cursing, and Cao Penghai could only endure it.

As the most senior and powerful elder in the Hengshan Sect, below the Supreme Elder, Black Rock Elder held a considerable position. Let alone him, even to Elder Cheng's face, he suspected that Black Rock Elder would readily hurl insults.

Although Elder Cheng was also an elder with real power, his influence, status, and strength were clearly far inferior to Elder Heiyan's.

Elder Heiyan was cursing, so naturally he could only lower himself and admit defeat. After all, even Elder Cheng was being cursed. What else could he, a mere Grandmaster, say?

He could act arrogantly and domineeringly outside, but in front of Elder Black Rock, he could only act this way. He knew his own limitations.

Hei Yanla cursed for a while, and looking at Cao Penghai bowing his head and behaving subserviently in front of him, he was furious.

"Raise your head, you coward! What kind of man are you? You look nothing like a cultivator from Hengshan!"

“Yes, Elder Heiyan is right.” Cao Penghai responded, immediately straightening his chest and raising his head.

"Old monster, when I was young, I wasn't like you at all. Your generation is getting worse and worse. When the day comes that we need you to uphold the sect's honor, tell me, how can we rely on you?!"

Black Rock Old Monster's voice boomed, his blood and qi surged, and rolling heat waves emanated from his body.

Cao Penghai was sweating profusely, cold sweat pouring down his face, feeling like a grandson being scolded.

It wasn't until after he had been cursing for a long time that Old Monster Black Rock finally stopped.

"I'm here to attend the auction, not to clean up this mess for you," Black Rock Old Monster said with displeasure. "However, since I've run into this situation, and Chen Ping'an, a mere junior, dares to be so arrogant relying on his talent and backing, I'll make him pay the price when the opportunity arises, so he'll know that the Hengshan Sect is not someone he can mess with!"
"Alright, you can get lost now. Don't keep me from resting."

"Yes, Elder Heiyan." Cao Penghai was overjoyed upon hearing this and clapped his hands in celebration: "With an elder stepping forward, we are invincible. Mangdao will surely flee at the mere sight of us, either kneeling down begging for mercy or regretting his actions!"

"Get lost." Old Monster Black Rock glanced at him impatiently.

Cao Penghai respectfully took his leave and hurriedly departed.

Having received Elder Black Rock's promise, he felt reassured about the matter.
Stable.

"These brats are getting worse with each generation." Old Monster Black Rock said impatiently, slamming his palm heavily on the giant stone chair, cracking the armrest and shattering the boulder.

With his strength, even this specially made boulder could not withstand the slightest pressure.

In fact, if he hadn't held back, this giant stone chair would have been smashed to dust long ago.

"After I finish the auction, I'll teach this junior a lesson! I'll show him what it means to be arrogant and ignorant. Not everything can be solved by relying on talent!" Old Monster Black Rock's eyes were dark, and his body was filled with surging energy.

Mang Dao's talent is indeed remarkable, but at his level, he has already transcended the previous generation of the Hidden Dragon Ranking to view issues from a broader perspective. Compared to Grandmasters, his vision is wider, and his perspective on problems is more grand.

"A reckless blade? Hmph!" Old Monster Black Rock sneered twice, then slowly closed his eyes.
In the days following the announcement of Chen Ping'an, the Xuanling Garrison Commander of Canglong Prefecture, the prodigy of the Hidden Dragon Sect, and the savage swordsman, that he was going into seclusion, news of his avoidance of visitors, his closed-door cultivation, and his rejection of Princess Ji Changkong, the grandson of the Azure Cang King, gradually spread throughout Xuanling City.

Some independent cultivators, as well as practitioners from families, sects, alliances, and other forces who came to witness the Xuanling Auction, also heard about the news from different circles and channels while waiting for it to begin.

For a time, heated discussions and endless debates ensued.

In this atmosphere, the grandest top-tier auction in Xuanling City in the past decade finally began. (End of Chapter)