The Great Martial Saint!

Xuanling Mountain, a quiet room in a residence.

Chen Ping'an had a handsome face and a refined and elegant demeanor. He wore a light blue robe and sat cross-legged on a jade futon.

At this moment, he had undergone a complete physical transformation and returned to his original appearance, completely unlike his previous frail and aged appearance.

His previous disguise utilized a realistic replica of the Black Iron Mask, borrowing one of the auras imprinted within it. His facial features were now fixed, exactly as he had appeared before.

Correspondingly, his disguise was extremely sophisticated; even a seasoned second-realm Celestial Being could not detect the slightest flaw in him upon close contact.

This experience, with its extraordinary demonstration of the Black Iron Mask, greatly boosted Chen Ping'an's confidence in the Black Iron Mask and gave him a more comprehensive understanding of it.

Some judgments and guesses are ultimately just guesses; only by truly applying them can one know their power.

Clearly, the past few days have provided Chen Ping'an with a firsthand experience, giving him a new understanding and assessment of his own abilities in various aspects.

hum~
Chen Ping'an remained calm, his brows gradually brightening with spiritual light. The divine soul power, imbued with the meaning of black and white, slowly permeated the quiet room, creating invisible fluctuations.

A dark blue light shimmered, and a jade scroll of illustrations appeared suspended in front of Chen Ping'an.

The precious scroll is a fragment, a formless and free Dharma.

Wow~
Chen Ping'an's eyes narrowed, and his divine soul power surged forth, causing the trace of inherited intent contained within the jade scroll to spread out.

"The formless is without form or substance, without beginning or end; the free is unrestrained, unhindered, and without attachment."

"Appearance arises from the mind, and the mind changes with circumstances; if the mind has no attachment, what appearance can bind it? Observing a falling leaf, one knows that autumn is not truly autumn; seeing a speck of dust rise, one understands that emptiness is not truly emptiness."

"Emptiness is not nothingness, but the ability to encompass all things; freedom is not indulgence, but following the natural order."

"Formlessness is not non-existence, but contains all things; freedom is not solitude, but roaming with all things."

"Because it is without form, it can be ever-changing; because it is free, it can be successful in everything it does."

"."

The artistic conception was passed down, and the thoughts changed. A large number of insights emerged in Chen Ping'an's mind.

Without any hindrance or stagnation, the whole process was as easy and smooth as drinking water.

Under the Golden Finger panel, even insights gained from the True Skill Scroll level can be easily inherited, transformed into personal insights and becoming one's own resources and foundation.

If Rahu were to learn of this situation, he would likely be so shocked that his mind would tremble and his expression would be filled with awe.

Even for martial arts masters like those with profound spiritual insight and the ability to sense the divine, comprehending most techniques is relatively easy, given their own inherent abilities. However, when it comes to genuine martial arts scrolls, the difficulties remain immense.

It takes anywhere from a year and a half to a century to even begin to grasp the basics of a martial arts technique. Not to mention a fragmented version like this, with its incomplete and fragmented essence, the difficulty of comprehending it is immeasurably greater.

Only after careful study, repeated contemplation, meticulous chewing, and constant analysis and judgment can one dare to truly attempt, cultivate, and comprehend. How could one compare to Chen Ping'an, so unrestrained and free-spirited?

The entire process was initiated in the blink of an eye.

In the quiet room, the soul is stirred, the atmosphere permeates, until it completely dissipates and returns to the world.

"Formless, merging into emptiness, selfless, all phenomena!"

Chen Ping'an opened his eyes slowly with a calm expression, his gaze seemingly filled with endless brilliance.

hum~
In the void, a panel appeared, carrying a wealth of information.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Being 1st Realm - Pivotal Light Realm
武学：青阳血炼法小成（0/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（225/8640）、无相自在法（残篇）未入门（189/1920）广寒剑法（残篇）小成（0/7680）、狂雷刀法入门（0/2160）太虚御风步大成（12820/14400）、七绝禁法圆满、七杀天罡拳圆满、霸刀圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
Secret Techniques: Soul-Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique
"The Dharma of Formless Freedom!"

Concealing fluctuations, hiding forms, and using subtle simulations are all ingenious applications.

Luo Hou traded this technique for a secret method, but what he received was undoubtedly a fragment of a precious scroll.

The fragments contained a deeper sense of heritage than Chen Ping'an had imagined.

This harvest has exceeded expectations and is well worth the money.

After some reflection, it turned out to be close to one-tenth of the incomplete cultivation technique.

Of course, such insights were only possible because Chen Ping'an's understanding was flawless, perfectly capturing the essence of the concept. Under normal circumstances, when trying to comprehend a concept, a significant amount of information would likely be lost or dissipated during the process. The actual gains would be far less than what Chen Ping'an was experiencing.

"I wonder what Rahu would think if he knew about this?"

For Luo Hou, this was merely a secret technique. Although it originated from the True Skill Scroll, the method for cultivating it was unclear. Let alone reaching a high level, even just getting started was extremely difficult.

Upon acquiring the cultivation technique, he immediately studied and comprehended its entire essence, advancing his progress by nearly one-tenth.

With time and effort, one can easily reach the beginner stage.

Judging from the panel's appearance, this introductory stage does not refer to the incomplete techniques or the hidden secrets of the art. Rather, it refers to the introductory stage as considered from the perspective of the complete technique.

As Chen Ping'an comprehended the technique, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that although the inherited essence of the technique was extremely thin, the essences were also disconnected from each other. They were mostly disjointed and fragmented.

If an ordinary cultivator were to see this, they would likely be utterly bewildered. The fragmented meaning is already difficult to comprehend, let alone when the meanings are completely disconnected, with vast blank spaces between them!
However, for Chen Ping'an, this was a great gain. Although the artistic conceptions were not connected and there were large gaps and deviations, there were original illustrations and records. After studying them, it did not affect his cultivation.

Instead, it is through the blank spaces and disjointed imagery that the author sketches out the complete picture of this precious manual at its peak.

This one-tenth of the inherited artistic conception almost laid the foundation for the cultivation method of this true skill scroll.

Thus, the progress of cultivation, as measured by the complete cultivation method, is also displayed on the panel.

According to the incomplete manual and detailed explanations, Chen Ping'an could only cultivate this technique to the minor completion stage. After that, it would be difficult to continue practicing until the technique was completed.

However, due to the existence of the artistic conception framework, Chen Ping'an was able to glimpse the complete situation of this technique, and with the help of the panel, the entire appearance was basically outlined.

In this situation, Chen Ping'an saw more. Although it didn't help his cultivation much, it was clear that the existence of the cultivation framework was to point out the path ahead.

Even if he can't complete the technique or find the corresponding artistic conception later, the existence of the framework means that he only needs to find the detailed explanation of the technique's illustrations to continue practicing.

It's just a bit more difficult than inheriting the artistic conception, but it's not a dead end.

How could Chen Ping'an not be overjoyed by such a gain?

Without the inherited intent, it's almost impossible to even begin to learn the true skill manual. But he already possessed the inherited intent, albeit incompletely, which was enough for him.

What he needs next is the specific content of this technique. With this concept as a starting point, and the content in place, subsequent cultivation will be a natural progression.

While capturing the essence of an image is difficult, simply providing a detailed explanation of the illustrations is much easier.

Although it involves a genuine skill scroll, the difficulty is still extremely high, but relatively speaking, it is much easier.

Chen Ping'an's emotions fluctuated, and ripples arose, which gradually subsided after several breaths.

The concept of "formless freedom" is divided into four stages, corresponding to the progress of spiritual practice: entry, minor achievement, major achievement, and perfection.

The fragment of the catalog he possessed was the method of concealment and disguise, the method of hiding one's form and concealing one's breath, as described by Luo Hou.

This corresponds to the previous two stages: formlessness and merging with emptiness. At the stage of formlessness, one can conceal one's form. At the stage of merging with emptiness, one can merge one's spirit with heaven and earth, regulating one's breath and simulating their forms.

As for the latter two stages, namely, selflessness, all phenomena, and the realm of meaning, although there is a framework, the detailed explanations in the catalogues do not include the methods of cultivation.

Chen Ping'an could only guess and understand, but he had no practical ability.

"Now that I have grasped the basics of the technique and can use it in a simple way, it should enhance the Black Iron Mask's ability to simulate concealment. Once I have mastered the technique and reached the Formless stage, my ability to hide and conceal my form will complement the Black Iron Mask's abilities. Even with my current cultivation level, I'm afraid I can still deceive the senses of the Hidden Radiance Realm."

If my cultivation progresses further, my ability to conceal myself will also improve. If I can reach the stage of merging with emptiness, my cultivation will rise to the second realm. At that point, among the celestial beings, there will probably be very few who can see through my concealment!

Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment, made a quick judgment, and then stopped thinking.

He was in a good state right now. As a fragment of the precious scroll, the Formless Freedom was at the true level. He could use the rare Snow Spirit Leaf to get a feel for his cultivation progress.

With this thought in mind, Chen Ping'an closed his eyes slightly.

hum~
A radiant light appeared on his forehead, and the power of his soul rippled within the quiet room.

+1!

For the next day, Chen Ping'an devoted all his time to practicing the Formless Freedom Dharma.

After a day of practice, Chen Ping'an had gained a new understanding of the newly acquired fragment of the precious scroll. Compared to the Tai Xu Wind-Riding Step, the difficulty of cultivating the Formless Freedom Method was undoubtedly much greater.

The overall progress of cultivation will be more than half slower.

Having clarified this point, Chen Ping'an also gained a new understanding of his own path to improvement.

For the next period of time, he temporarily put aside the practice of the Formless Freedom Method and devoted himself to the practice of the Great Void Wind Control Step.

Both techniques belong to the same category, but Chen Ping'an's energy is limited, making it difficult to cultivate both simultaneously without sacrificing progress. This differs from the Qingyang Blood Refining Technique, where he can switch between states, regulate his breathing, and advance simultaneously, achieving rapid improvement in strength.

With these considerations in mind, Chen Ping'an became even more eager for the demon beast blood needed for the third refinement.

However, no matter how eager one is, one must wait until after cultivation, especially now that the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu (a martial arts technique) is about to be perfected.

If he perfects the Tai Xu Yu Feng Bu (a martial arts technique), it will undoubtedly allow him to take a big step forward in his martial arts development.

Although the cultivation of a Celestial Being is difficult, his foundation is so solid that it is even more challenging. However, given the level of his Taixu Wind-Riding Step, his progress should not disappoint him.

In the time that followed, Chen Ping'an naturally focused his main energy on cultivating the Tai Xu Wind Control Step. He allocated his remaining free time reasonably to ensure efficient use of his time.

With the aid of detailed explanations of array formations, Chen Ping'an ensured he dedicated a certain amount of time each day to studying and comprehending the Soul-Guiding Technique, the Butterfly Dream Bewitching Method, and the inheritance of forbidden techniques. At the same time, he naturally wouldn't neglect the refinement of the Illusionary Dream Pearl. As his trump card for protecting his path, the Illusionary Dream Pearl was of paramount importance.

He is currently in seclusion, focusing his time on meditation. With no distractions to distract him, he is able to concentrate his energy and is making steady progress on everything he is doing.

He hadn't neglected his research on the two demonic beast carvings either. After entering the Celestial Realm, his spirituality transformed into divine soul power, but he hadn't made much progress in his research on the demonic beast carvings.

The two carvings, just as before, were being devoured at an extremely slow, almost negligible pace.

In addition to advancing research, he also focused on self-improvement and system building. Every bit of his previous accumulation became his own resources and foundation, serving as a solid basis for dealing with future crises.

After acquiring the fourth-tier aquatic treasure ore from Luo Hou, he had almost completed the necessary preparations for forging heavy treasures. All that remained were some forging auxiliary materials and purified mineral water.

In addition, there are the refined secret materials that he actually needs to prepare, depending on his specific requirements. However, he will only know about these things after meeting a master blacksmith.

As things stand, his preparations are almost complete.

Forging treasures, fourth-tier rare items, guardian treasures, and dream pearls.
Each accumulation has continuously enriched his current foundation.

And in this situation, half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Over the past two weeks, the bustling prosperity of Xuanling City has gradually faded, returning to tranquility. Although it remains incredibly lively, it is clearly not as grand as it was during the Xuanling Auction.

The frequency of small gatherings in various circles began to gradually decrease ten days ago, and recently, they have become extremely rare. Promotional discounts at shops in the city's treasure pavilions have also gradually disappeared.

Some cultivators who had traveled from afar to participate in the Xuanling Grand Gathering also left Xuanling and returned to their respective states.

A grand and prosperous event has ultimately vanished without a trace.

In this situation, the pressure on the various prefectural and garrison commands naturally eased, and there was a sense of calm after the commotion.

With Xuanling stationed there and Shen Huiqing overseeing the overall situation in Canglong Prefecture, there would naturally be no mishaps. Chen Ping'an's seclusion had been planned long ago; given the immense pressure he had previously faced, and now that his influence had diminished, no one would dare to disturb him.

Within the Xuanling City, a festive atmosphere prevailed, the prosperity echoing the lingering charm of the previous grand event.

Rumors such as the arrival of a martial arts master in Xuanling and the convening of a top-level gathering in Xuanling have been widely circulated and endlessly spread among the people.

The news that Chen Ping'an, the garrison commander of Xuanling, was in seclusion temporarily lost its impact amidst the uproar. Similarly, the matter of Ji Changkong, the prince of Bicang, inviting Chen Ping'an to his residence for a chat but being refused, though still mentioned, was no longer a hot topic, relegated to the second tier of current affairs.

However, although this matter is no longer widely known, after the uproar subsided, all parties are still paying attention to the aftermath of this incident and to the final response from Chen Ping'an, the "Mangdao".

This matter may seem like casual gossip, but it is actually related to the situation in Xuanling, and naturally, all forces cannot ignore it.

The Hengshan Sect's headquarters were closely monitoring the latest movements of Chen Ping'an, the Xuanling Garrison Commander, the Hidden Dragon Prodigy, and the Savage Blade. Meanwhile, as the grand event concluded and the clamor subsided, Bi Cang Wangsun Ji Changkong showed no signs of leaving Xuanling. Instead, she and Kuang Lan Liedi settled in Xuanling's main city, seemingly waiting for Chen Ping'an to emerge from seclusion and visit.

In this atmosphere, Chen Ping'an's Taixu Wind-Riding Steps finally reached perfection.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Being 1st Realm - Pivotal Light Realm
武学：青阳血炼法小成（0/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（225/8640）、无相自在法（残篇）未入门（225/1920）广寒剑法（残篇）小成（0/7680）、狂雷刀法入门（0/2160）太虚御风步大成（14400/14400）、七绝禁法圆满、七杀天罡拳圆满、霸刀圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
Secret Techniques: Soul-Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique
In the quiet room of the mansion on Xuanling Mountain, Chen Ping'an gazed intently.

"The Great Void is perfected, and this day is the only day!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, and he began to stir the panel in front of him.

Wow~
Starlight surged, filling the sky and the fields, and entered the spiritual realm.

Above the spiritual platform, divine souls rippled, surrounded by black and white, transforming into the source of divine souls.

At the source center, the pivotal light gradually appeared, illuminating a white glow.

Starlight enters the body, spirit and soul merge, true essence boils.

Various insights emerged in my heart, and the vast and boundless realm of thought permeated my mind, free and unrestrained, unconventional and unbridled.

Tai Xu Riding the Wind Step, perfect!

boom!
At this moment, the spirit was powerful and resounding.

Within the Lingtai, the light shone brightly, as if reaching its most brilliant peak, as splendid as the sun.

In the hazy light, a bridge seemed to appear, as if it were being erected, but it has already become a phantom.

The benefits of martial arts, take it a step further!
After an unknown amount of time, Chen Pingan slowly opened his eyes.

hum~
His eyes focused, and a panel appeared. (End of Chapter)