The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 844 Coercion and Enticement: The Princess Makes a Proposal (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

Chen Ping'an was somewhat surprised. It seemed that the status of this Princess Bi Cang in the Prince's Mansion was even higher than he had imagined.

He was accompanied by a powerful Celestial Being, a senior Celestial Being whose origins were unfathomable and whom even he had to be wary of.

Is it a coincidence, or has it always been this way?

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, but he didn't show it on his face.

This old man, known as Yi Bo, was of unfathomable depth. When he sensed the divine soul earlier, he had vaguely caught a trace of divine soul energy. Even with his foundation, he could only sense the subtlety within it and could not perceive much more.

If it weren't for his keen senses and powerful spirit, he might not have noticed anything at all.

Such a situation, even if it is not a great cultivation of a celestial being, is definitely not a typical second-realm perfection.

Behind this young princess, there's actually such a powerful figure!?

Judging from the other party's attitude and appearance towards the girl, it didn't seem like they were just being perfunctory or fake.

Such situations
Chen Ping'an couldn't help but ponder deeply.

Normally, once one's cultivation reaches the Celestial Realm, one has already transcended ordinary constraints. Even if one has power to manipulate things, one wields power independently in one's own domain and is rarely subject to the control of others.

Even if there are some restrictions, that is only if the other party has a higher cultivation level.

But this little princess of Bi Cang, a girl in a yellow dress, clearly has a cultivation level far inferior to the other party, so why is the other party so willing to call himself an old servant?

Perhaps it wasn't entirely voluntary, or perhaps it involved too many secrets unknown to outsiders, or perhaps there were too many details he was unaware of.

Regardless, this indicates that Princess Bicang's status in the Prince's Mansion is much higher than the rumors suggest.

And this attempt to win them over
Rumor has it that Princess Bicang belongs to the neutral faction. Although she is highly regarded by the old prince, she does not participate in the struggle for the throne. But currently...
What are you trying to do now?
As Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, the old man in front of him had already finished explaining the main bargaining chips he was using to win him over.

"My Bicang Prince's Mansion sincerely wishes to win you over. What do you think, Lord Chen?"

The old man's eyes were deep as he scrutinized Chen Ping'an's expression.

Chen Ping'an remained silent and did not give an immediate reply. His expression was slightly serious, as if he was pondering.

This time, the other party is showing great sincerity in their efforts to win them over. Compared to the conditions offered when they tried to win over Liang Xiaoxian before, the bargaining chips they're offering this time are far greater.

The resources and spiritual objects involved are numerous, and the offerings and privileges are considerable. In addition, there is the full support promised by the Bicang County Prince's Mansion. As long as he accepts the olive branch from the Bicang County Prince's Mansion, starting from today, they will support him in his attempt to break through to the Celestial Realm until he truly enters the Martial Dao Celestial Realm.

They will also provide some assistance and convenience in your subsequent cultivation. When exchanging merit points in the Prince's Mansion Treasury, there will be some preferential treatment in terms of resources and cultivation spiritual items.

Such as spiritual objects, elixirs, and secret items that can aid in the cultivation of celestial beings.

Furthermore, joining the Bicang Prince's Mansion will not affect his position within the Zhenfu Division system; the Bicang Prince's Mansion will fully support him in his duties within the Zhenfu Division. In fact, if he were to ascend to the Celestial Realm, the Prince's Mansion would assist him in fully governing a major province, wielding absolute power, holding the fate of millions in his hands, and influencing the overall situation of the region. It is not impossible that he might one day even strive for a higher position.

In addition, there is an extra agreement and promise: if Chen Ping'an one day reaches the pinnacle of a certain realm, the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion promises to use a favor to customize a protective treasure for him, based on his actual situation. The corresponding resources and spiritual objects forging the treasure can be drawn from the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion's treasury.

Such a bargaining chip is arguably a free treasure. Such temptation would likely entice even a typical second-stage Celestial Being, let alone Chen Ping'an.

The rarity of protective treasures can only be truly understood by those who have reached the Celestial Realm or even touched upon such a realm. Martial Celestials with shallow foundations and unremarkable roots, even after accumulating experience for a hundred or two hundred years, would likely find it difficult to acquire such treasures for protection.

As for truly valuable treasures, those are even rarer. Let alone a first-realm celestial being, even a second-realm celestial being, standing at the Rainbow Piercing Realm, would find it difficult to be picky about valuable treasures.

Generally, people use whatever they can get their hands on. Only a very few seasoned individuals or those with exceptionally good fortune have the means to acquire suitable treasures.

Before Chen Ping'an had even reached the Celestial Realm, Elder Yi mentioned such a bargaining chip, demonstrating the precision with which he had handled the situation.

Such temptations are difficult for ordinary martial arts practitioners, even the most gifted ones, to resist.

Compared to these bargaining chips, promises to quell the current turmoil are merely an add-on to the bargaining chips.

As for the subsequent mention of a marriage alliance, it is nothing compared to these practical benefits.

We will fully support those who attempt to reach the Celestial Realm, provide them with preferential treatment in terms of resources, support their status as the Commander of the Pacification Bureau, and promise them a great treasure when they reach the pinnacle of their cultivation.
All of these factors combined form the core leverage in recruiting Chen Ping'an.

In return, Chen Ping'an would have to give up his engagement with the Gu family and marry a suitable junior from the Prince of Bicang's mansion.

Such recruitment cannot be merely a verbal promise. The Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion naturally desires to forge a deep bond with a prodigy like Chen Ping'an.

Given Chen Ping'an's current status and the talent and potential he has displayed, even the Prince of Bicang's Mansion would have to treat him with caution and try their best to win him over.

If the two parties were to form a marriage alliance, the younger generation of the Prince's Mansion would basically be chosen by Chen Ping'an, and he could become their spouse. Such a promise could serve as proof of the marriage contract, and as for the influence on the Gu family, the Prince's Mansion of Bicang would handle it.

Furthermore, when the marriage alliance was mentioned, Elder Yi's words seemed to carry a hidden meaning. Although he didn't say much, Chen Ping'an was sure to understand.

Princess Bi Cang, standing to the side, looked at Chen Ping'an with a bright and curious expression.

A yellow dress swayed gently in the wind, creating ripples; the young girl's demeanor was radiant and full of spirit.

"I wonder who you are trying to win over, senior?" Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment before getting straight to the point.

Princess Bi Cang's arrival today was strange, especially since she was accompanied by such a senior Celestial Being. This situation made him ponder.

Rumor has it that Princess Bicang has always been neutral, but her arrival today, openly recruiting others, suggests a different intention.

If the young princess were older and more accomplished, he might have suspected her of coveting the title of prince. But given the current situation, that was clearly not the case.

The Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion is a family-based system of enfeoffment. Even the weakest prince would never be allowed to hold the position of a junior below the Celestial Realm. The few who are currently the most popular candidates are all powerful figures among the Celestial Realm.

The position of Prince of the County is a highly prestigious one, and only a celestial being can hold it.

In fact, those who can assume the position of Prince are all outstanding individuals among celestial beings. Even if their cultivation level is not currently apparent, they definitely possess the potential to advance further.

After ascending to the throne, one gains access to the entire foundation of the Prince's Mansion, allowing one to break through barriers and advance to the next level as quickly as possible. One can retreat to the second level of cultivation and reach the pinnacle, or even aspire to the position of a great cultivator.

With the power of a great cultivator, it is perfectly legitimate for him to assume the position of Prince!
As far as Chen Ping'an knew, under the current circumstances in Bi Cang, there were several exemplary individuals who were likely to succeed him, such as Dong Qing, Xuan Mo, and Shu Lan, all of whom possessed cultivation potential.

Ji Shulan, for example, is a woman who has cultivated to the second realm of Celestial Being, and it is said that she is not far from the perfect state of Piercing Rainbow.

People like this are the true contenders for the title of Prince of Bicang, unlike this little princess.
I'm afraid we're still far from it!
Even if he were to gain the favor of the old prince, given the current state of his cultivation, it would likely be difficult for him to ascend to the throne.

If forced into this situation, it could lead to a disintegration. The best-case scenario is that various factions obey orders but not directives.

"I am a member of the Prince's Mansion, and naturally I am trying to win him over." The old man's gaze was deep and profound, with an indescribable depth.

Clearly, the other party did not want to be direct with Chen Ping'an and instead opted for ambiguity.

If the other party were interested in joining, or even just slightly tempted, Chen Ping'an would have asked them directly. But since they weren't saying anything, he lost interest.

With his current resources, the offer he received was decent, but to say he was tempted was a joke. "Senior, you should know how I responded when your esteemed family tried to recruit me," Chen Ping'an said calmly. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my words from that day remain unchanged."

Chen Ping'an calmly refused, without much hesitation, and directly expressed his feelings.

"Does Lord Chen mean to reject my good intentions?" The old man's face visibly darkened.

"Senior is a Celestial Being, a being from the Clouds. I dare not refuse your kindness. However, I have risen from humble beginnings to where I am today, and the Gu family has been kind to me. Furthermore, I and Fairy Qingcheng are deeply in love and have no desire to marry another. I hope you understand my feelings." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm and composed.

They're perfectly in love!
The young princess, listening to Chen Ping'an's words, thought to herself, "This man is shameless."

She hadn't been in the city long before she heard rumors of Mangdao's romantic escapades. The old records were filled with accounts of Mangdao Chen Ping'an's romantic affairs.

Now they've come to say they're kindred spirits and have a deep and abiding affection for each other.

How could he possibly have the nerve to do that!

The young princess opened her eyes wide, curiously scrutinizing the man before her. It seemed she had gained a new understanding of him.

"Has Lord Chen truly made up his mind?"

The old man sneered. Something was faintly rising around him, its aura rippling. Around the pavilion, red flowers were planted, and the shimmering pond trembled slightly.

He wasn't surprised that Chen Ping'an had seen through his cultivation level with a single sentence. He hadn't deliberately concealed his cultivation level; after all, Chen Ping'an was now a Grandmaster among the most powerful figures, facing the Celestials directly. It would be a joke if he felt nothing at all.

However, Chen Ping'an's knowledge is probably limited to the concept of "celestial beings." As for anything more, that's beyond his reach.

As the aura surged and ripples spread through the space, Chen Ping'an appeared slightly pale under the imposing presence of the celestial beings, but his heart remained as still as a mountain.

"He's roughly at the senior level of a first-realm Celestial Being, yet this old scoundrel hasn't used his full strength." Chen Ping'an calmly assessed the situation before him.

If the other party insists on doing it today, he will not hesitate to test his latest achievement.

With the blessing of the Piercing Rainbow Realm, the appearance of the precious pearl is even more wondrous; it is unknown to what extent it will reach.

Although the other party's aura was concealed, it might not truly be a Celestial Realm cultivator. Rather than speculating that the other party was a Celestial Realm cultivator, he was more inclined to believe that the other party had cultivated a special technique.

His foundation is much stronger than that of a second-stage perfected Celestial Being, but as for his combat strength, it remains to be seen.

Even within a single region, a Grandmaster of the Celestial Realm is a terrifying force, capable of suppressing all obstacles and holding immense power. Looking across the entire Bi Cang region, within its seventeen states, there are only a handful of such individuals, including the former King of Bi Cang.

At least, that's how it seems on the surface.

Now that the old prince is seriously ill, there is no celestial cultivator openly overseeing the entire Bicang region.

He refused to believe that his luck would be so good, that he would run into a celestial cultivator today.

Furthermore, even if a Celestial Being were to personally arrive and force was used, he would demand an explanation today.

It's a pity that despite his bloodline training, he couldn't truly achieve success.

Otherwise, he would truly let the other party know what it meant to be impermissible during the Three Refinements!
"Senior, are you threatening me?" Chen Ping'an's voice was calm, and although his expression was pale, he possessed an unyielding spirit even in the face of a storm.

"What do you think?" The old man's expression turned completely cold, and his voice contained a hint of ruthlessness.

"Then senior has miscalculated." A strange smile appeared on Chen Ping'an's face: "Although senior's realm is high, my blade is not necessarily at a disadvantage!"

"Is that so?" The aura around the old man continued to rise, and a celestial aura suddenly descended. Black light flashed between his brows, turning the area pitch black.

The oppressive feeling around me intensified, as if it were squeezing my chest and extinguishing my will.

"Approaching the second realm." Chen Ping'an's will was as sharp as a blade, condensed as a knife, brilliant and resolute, yet he was actually quite at ease and composed.

"Hmm?" A strange look appeared on the old man's face.

Clearly, he hadn't expected that even with his mastery of the divine realm, he still couldn't make his opponent show the slightest sign of weakness.

This will
He was amazed, and his opinion of Chen Ping'an rose to a new level.

"Alright, Uncle Yi, stop scaring him. He's not falling for that." The little princess's voice rang out from inside the pavilion.

The surrounding atmosphere momentarily froze, then quickly dissipated until everything returned to calm.

"Why did you expose this old servant, Miss?"

The old man chuckled, his expression kind and approachable.

He then turned to Chen Ping'an: "Your sword intent is high, and your will is unyielding. You are quite good!"

"You flatter me, senior."

Chen Ping'an's face was slightly pale, as if he had just been through a storm, but the brilliance in his eyes remained as dazzling as ever.

"A test?" Chen Ping'an remained calm and unmoved.

That level of artistic conception, let alone him now, even he before breaking through to the next realm could easily withstand it.

"Since you don't agree, then forget it. However, I have a suggestion; would you like to hear it?" The girl opened her bright eyes and looked at the man in front of her: "Don't worry, I won't force you if you disagree."

Chen Ping'an smiled calmly and said, "Please speak frankly, Princess."

"Hehe." The girl chuckled softly, her voice as melodious as a bell: "You don't need to join the Prince's Mansion, nor do you need to betray the Gu family. You just need to agree to one thing, and the previous conditions will still apply. We can even add an extra sum."

Chen Ping'an listened intently, his gaze calm, waiting for what was to come.

"What do you think of me?" the young princess suddenly asked, uttering this question out of the blue.

"The princess is of heavenly beauty and radiance, a true beauty unparalleled in the world."

Chen Ping'an made a polite remark.

Don't speak too deeply with someone you don't know well. Some comments can just be about the surface; there's no need to go into too much detail.

Chen Ping'an's evaluation directly reinforced the young princess's preconceived notions.

She gently raised her head, her smile bright and her eyes sparkling.

"Okay, then marry me! If you marry me, everything I have will be yours."

(End of this chapter)