The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 848 What Face Do I Have, Golden Cloud Sword Intent (33rd update, please vote!)

"Greetings, Envoy Ji."

"Greetings, Senior Ji."

"."

As the figure in the golden robe with cloud patterns entered, everyone stood up and bowed in greeting.

"Fellow Daoists, you're too kind."

With a smile on his face, Ji Mingchang strode into the hall with a powerful stride and finally took his seat at the head of the table. A large group of people followed behind him and took their seats as well.

Among the crowd, Chen Ping'an noticed a figure with an exceptionally handsome face, a gentle and warm temperament, and a refined and elegant demeanor, exuding the air of a noble young man from a prominent family.

"Ji Changkong?"

Seeing the other person take a seat near Ji Mingchang, Chen Ping'an was certain of the other person's identity.

The other party's cultivation level was only Grandmaster. If he were an ordinary person, he would obviously not be qualified to sit here.

By combining age, demeanor, and cultivation level, one can naturally make inferences.

Ji Changkong had been in Xuanling for some time, but the two had never met before. This was the first time he had seen Ji Changkong.

I've heard of their reputation for a long time, and today I finally meet them.

The legend of the Phoenix Seeking Its Mate in the past was famous throughout the land of Bicang and spread to several states, its fame reaching far and wide, making it quite a lively affair.

He first learned of the name of Bi Cang Wangsun, Ji Changkong, some time after he came into contact with the Canglong Rising Star Ranking.

When he saw the list of rising stars, including Gu Jia Tianjiao and Gu Qingcheng, he sought to learn more about them.

Prince Bi Cang, Ji Changkong, personally went to Canglong Prefecture City and performed the song "Phoenix Seeking Phoenix" to express his admiration.

This matter spread throughout the states, and everyone knew about it.

From this point on, Ji Changkong, the grandson of the Azure Cang King, became an insurmountable mountain in front of those who admired Gu Qingcheng in the Azure Dragon State and even in the surrounding states.

At that time, when he first heard of Ji Changkong, he was only at the Inner Qi realm. Even a Grandmaster was an unattainable figure for him. Not to mention someone like Ji Changkong, a prince of noble birth and a son of exceptional blood.

Those are untouchable, the pinnacle of beings standing in the celestial palace amidst the clouds. Such people are different from birth.

In the past, he was still busy with his career, starting from Weishui County, then transferred to Baishi City, passing through Wufeng Mountain, Wufeng Mountain City, Weishui, and finally to the important town of Beicang.
He underwent two changes of position, rising to the ranks of Thunder City and Xuanling Heavy City.
Today, the noble bloodline that was once high above the clouds is now standing right before him. And for him, the person who once commanded his respect based solely on reputation is now nothing more than that.

This was the first time the two had met, but from hearing about each other to actually meeting, he had gone through a lot along the way.

What appears to be a simple, unremarkable aspect of Chen Ping'an's life is, in fact, the best proof of his relentless pursuit of progress.

The proud girl he once coveted, the top rookie, is now his fiancée.

In another year, it will be time for the two to get married.

Such a situation, viewed in the long run, cannot help but evoke feelings of sorrow.

This is one of the most inspiring stories from ancient times.

Looking back on the past, Chen Ping'an remained calm and composed, glancing casually at aspects that could be considered milestones, and then no longer paid them any attention.

If it had been earlier, he might have been somewhat interested in this aspect.

If we follow the classic biographies, we're bound to encounter a series of contradictory statements.

But now...
I'm starting to lose interest.

Grandmaster of Martial Arts?
How unreasonable!

Ji Changkong maintained a proper posture and calm expression, preserving the demeanor of a nobleman. After entering, he took his seat with Ji Changming, the Golden Cloud Swordsman.

She didn't look at Chen Ping'an even once during the process, and it was impossible to tell what her emotions were.

"I'm sorry I didn't see Lady Biluo here." After taking his seat, Ji Mingchang looked around and finally fixed his gaze on the charming and alluring Lady Biluo.

Lady Biluo, with her gentle and charming smile, said, "Elder Mingchang, you are too kind. It was I who was impolite, as I failed to greet Elder Mingchang upon his arrival in Xuanling."

"Madam Biluo, you flatter me." Ji Mingchang waved his hand and smiled, "Madam's seclusion is of great importance, how could it be affected by Mingchang's affairs? On the contrary, Madam's secret techniques have improved again during this seclusion."

As he spoke, Ji Mingchang glanced over, as if trying to discern something from the scene.

"Elder Mingchang, please don't tease me." Lady Biluo smiled shyly and covered her face with her hand: "I am of humble appearance, with no future prospects, so how can I make any progress?"

“With Madam here, Mingchang dares not make jokes.”

Ji Mingchang had a warm expression and exchanged a few more pleasantries.

Although he was a member of a collateral branch of the Bicang Prince's family, he had no superiority over Lady Biluo.

Although the two had not met often, he was well aware of the other's methods.

Despite being a woman, she managed the trade and commerce of the Bicang Chamber of Commerce across several states, creating a remarkable situation despite being surrounded by powerful figures.

While the power of the Bicang Prince's Mansion certainly played a part, it also showed that the other party was a ruthless character.

If you are fooled by the other person's charming and shy demeanor, then you are the biggest idiot in the world.

Lady Biluo belongs to the Changxuan faction, which is part of the Dongqing faction. Her ability to represent the Prince's Mansion this time indicates that she is more neutral internally.

Exchanging a few words with the other party and expressing your importance is sufficient; going into deeper conversations would be counterproductive.

Under these circumstances, after exchanging a few pleasantries with Madam Biluo, Ji Mingchang shifted his gaze to Hua Danshi, who was standing to the side.

In Xuanling City, the number one alchemist, Hua Dan Shi.

A master alchemist who has already stepped into the ranks of the most prestigious alchemists can reliably produce near-fourth-grade pills. With a stroke of genius, they might even be able to successfully refine a fourth-grade pill.

Hua Danshi was originally from the Dan Alliance and had many friends within the alliance, including some martial arts masters.

In addition, Master Hua Dan is also a top-tier pseudo-celestial being.

Although Ji Mingchang was a special envoy of Bicang, he could not be treated lightly.

"Master Hua, how have you been lately?" He had met Master Hua once before in Bi Cang Prefecture, so there was a reason for this greeting.

Master Hua Dan, with a kind expression and a smile, replied, "Fellow Daoist Lao Ji, I am feeling quite content and in excellent condition lately."

"That's excellent," Ji Mingchang said with a smile.

As the group chatted, most of the guests remained silent. They didn't express any surprise at Ji Mingchang's selection process.

Lady Biluo, being a member of the same Bi Cang Prince's Mansion, held a position of influence and status no less than Ji Mingchang's, so it was perfectly normal for her to have priority in exchanging greetings. Master Hua Dan, highly respected and a master alchemist of exceptional skill, was also a reasonable and respectable figure for Ji Mingchang to exchange greetings and extend goodwill.

As he watched the exchange taking place, Chen Ping'an recalled the biographies and miscellaneous books he had previously read.

Sure enough, the image of a special envoy who is arrogant and domineering from the moment he arrives is unlikely to actually appear in real life. Even if it does, it will be extremely rare.

While a powerful dragon may not necessarily be unable to suppress a local snake, if there is no conflict of interest, maintaining proper good relations is the best approach.

Even if they have some leverage, they will try to divide and conquer, targeting one faction at a time, rather than launching a sweeping generalization that triggers a crisis among all parties, thereby uniting them in hatred and exacerbating the situation.

As Chen Ping'an was thinking this, he saw that Ji Mingchang had finished exchanging pleasantries with the several pseudo-celestial beings who had more influence in the room.

Among them was the Black Rock Old Monster of the Hengshan Sect. When facing Ji Mingchang, the Black Rock Old Monster's unbridled gaze was somewhat restrained, but he still looked somewhat arrogant and unruly, like a crude martial artist who was not good at socializing.

However, those who have had prior contact with him know that this Black Rock Monster is extremely cunning.

If you're really fooled by his mask, who knows what kind of tricks he might pull on you later!
Over the years, he has explored many caves and secret realms, but in the end, he still appears alive and kicking, making a fortune.

"I suppose this must be the young friend Chen Ping'an, who has recently risen to prominence and whose name resounds throughout the four realms!"

After exchanging pleasantries with the others, Ji Mingchang turned his gaze slightly and looked towards Chen Ping'an.

Chen Xiaoyou?
Chen Ping'an lowered his gaze.

Well, it's become the one that's being targeted.

The other party's form of address seems innocuous, but in this context, it is a major problem. This form of address not only diminishes his position within the Zhenfu Division but also places the two parties in an inherently unequal position.

If Chen Ping'an were just an ordinary martial arts grandmaster, there would be no problem with the other party addressing him in this way; in fact, it might even be seen as a sign of flattery and goodwill.

可.
In the eyes of the outside world, Chen Ping'an is no ordinary grandmaster.

That's someone who's made it onto the Wind and Cloud Ranking, a Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud!
He is not just an ordinary Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud, but a Grandmaster ranked high on the Wind and Cloud Ranking with the feat of slaying a pseudo-Celestial Being.

In this situation, even disregarding his status as a hidden prodigy, he should theoretically be considered on par with a pseudo-celestial being.

If we take his talent into account, even communicating with a martial arts master wouldn't be too disgraceful.

The moment Ji Mingchang spoke, everyone's eyes turned to him.

In those few words, everyone could feel the undisguised pressure. Although it wasn't a direct outburst and there was some consideration for face, the malice in the words was already evident.

At the Xuanling Grand Banquet, if the parties have no personal relationship, they generally address each other as official business or as fellow Daoists.

In such a situation, if it were a normal, friendly meeting, Ji Mingchang could address him as "Lord Chen" or "Chief Chen." This wasn't a sign of excessive respect, but rather a common form of address, indicating acknowledgment of the other party's status.

Ji Mingchang can be addressed as Lord Chen or Fellow Daoist Chen, but not as Young Friend Chen!

These words seem reasonable and in line with the tone of a pseudo-celestial being who claims to be a grandmaster.

However, considering the current situation, it carries a strong sense of humiliation, placing the other party in the position of a junior.

Black Rock Old Monster grinned widely, watching the scene with great interest, anticipating Chen Ping'an's response.

In his view, he couldn't be happier if Chen Ping'an caused more trouble, because only by causing more trouble could he strengthen the resolve of the Bicang County Prince's Mansion. He was essentially helping their Hengshan Sect to handle things on their behalf.

While this move wasn't exactly pleasant, given the current situation, it did appease them.

Chen Ping'an put down his wine glass, his gaze meeting Ji Mingchang's in mid-air without any attempt to conceal it.

"This is the first time I have heard your words since I arrived in Xuanling. I am delighted that you have shown me such kindness, Envoy Ji."

Chen Ping'an spoke with joy, but there was no trace of joy in his expression.

This envoy?

What an arrogant official!
"Okay, okay."

Cao Penghai sat at the long table, his face beaming with excitement.

The people in the room had different emotions.

Ji Mingchang's smile faded slightly, and his eyes lost some of their warmth: "Young friend Chen is joking. Young friend is exceptionally talented and holds a prominent position. What you say is only right."

"Since Special Envoy Ji already knows that I am exceptionally talented and hold a prominent position, what right do you have to address me as a 'young friend'? Could it be that Special Envoy has already continued on the path of cultivation and ascended to the Heavenly Realm?" Chen Ping'an's gaze was undisguised, and his expression was calm, as if he were recounting an ordinary matter.

As soon as Chen Ping'an finished speaking, the smile on Ji Mingchang's face completely disappeared, and it darkened at a visible speed.

"They've started fighting!" Cao Penghai exclaimed excitedly, but under the intense atmosphere, he managed to hide his excitement.

Chen Ping'an's words were no longer just veiled barbs, but a blatant and open mockery.

Ji Mingchang, a pseudo-celestial being, holds a lofty position.

But this sense of nobility may have been a source of pain for him personally.

A pseudo-celestial being, revered by thousands, standing tall amidst the clouds of the Heavenly Realm. Yet, his martial arts path in this life is severed, his hope for the future lost!
Some things you can say yourself, but if someone else says them, the meaning is completely different.

The word "false" in "false celestial beings" is their sore spot.

What others see is merely a celestial being; no one would be foolish enough to add the word "false" to the face of a pseudo-celestial being.

Just like in the old days, when the Black Rock Monster appeared, he transformed into a stream of black light and rainbows. Amidst the astonishment of onlookers, everyone mentioned the Celestial Being!
After Chen Ping'an finished speaking, the room fell silent for a moment.

Most of the people in the room were surprised by Chen Ping'an's boldness.

The special envoy from Bicang! This is a special envoy from the Bicang Prince's Mansion!
How dare he?
Those who had previously had some contact with Chen Ping'an, but not much, were filled with surprise at this moment.

Although they had heard of Chen Ping'an's reputation, in their minds, the ruthless Chen Ping'an had always been a gentle, polite man with a slight smile. Even when he used ruthless methods, they were mostly unavoidable countermeasures under the circumstances.

But now.
Is this all Chen Ping'an is capable of, simply calling someone "young friend"?
At this moment, even someone as audacious as Black Rock Old Monster was astonished by Chen Ping'an's audacity and recklessness.

Although Black Rock Old Monster boasts of being unscrupulous, his unscrupulousness is always somewhat reckless. When facing cultivators of higher realms, he always knows when to be pragmatic.

But the "莽" in "莽刀" sounds a bit different from his.

Even with the special envoy from Bi Cang right in front of him, things are still like this!?
At this moment, although Chen Ping'an's actions were in line with his expectations, a hint of admiration arose in his heart.

Although it is minuscule, it is real.

Not everyone has the confidence to bare their fangs at the stronger.

This is the hidden dragon prodigy!?

He truly experienced the style of the brute force for the first time.

Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman?
"I see." Old Monster Black Rock lowered his gaze slightly, observing the scene before him. His wide-open mouth seemed to close slightly.

Leng Yunhe sat at the very back of the banquet, but that didn't stop him from watching the entire exchange.

At this moment, he gained another impression of Chen Ping'an's womanizing ways.

People like Lantai Wen had experienced Chen Ping'an's style before, but they clearly hadn't expected that Chen Ping'an would act the same way when facing a top-tier pseudo-celestial being.

Without any maneuvering or detours, they directly laid bare their dissatisfaction.

His dissatisfaction stemmed not from his emotions or expression, but from his attitude!

"And what gives you the audacity to address me as a young friend? Could it be that you have already continued your cultivation journey and ascended to the Heavenly Realm?"

This sentence
Old Rong looked somewhat agitated, but also vaguely worried.

"Safety."

There are some things that are completely different when you hear about them and when you experience them firsthand.

Among those present at this grand banquet were quite a few individuals who now had a genuine understanding of Chen Ping'an's (the ruthless and cunning) style.

Shen Huiqing wore a light-colored long dress with a hem that draped like small flowers. Her expression was calm, as if she were used to such occasions.

The adult's words yesterday left her with no doubt and she believed them without question.

However, they are nothing special and not worth mentioning.

Don't worry about it, and don't need to worry about it!
"Young friend Chen, what is the meaning of this?" Ji Mingchang asked with a stern face, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"For Special Envoy Ji to still call you a young friend, it just goes to show that your skin is thicker than I imagined!"

"Can I interpret this as you provoking me?"

Ji Mingchang's face was grim, his gaze sharp, as if carrying the clang of sword intent.

Ignoring Ji Mingchang's expression, Chen Pingan poured himself a glass of wine and calmly raised it.

“Special Envoy Ji, if you have any ideas, please feel free to implement them. Why go through all this trouble, going around in circles and playing those roundabout tricks?”

"While Envoy Ji may have such leisure time, I, on the other hand, have precious time and do not possess such refined tastes."

As soon as he finished speaking, a clang of sword intent arose, like the roar of a dragon and the howl of a tiger, sweeping across the field and containing the meaning of golden clouds.

His soul was stirred, his sword intent roared, and beneath the rolling waves, Ji Mingchang, dressed in a golden robe, stood tall and handsome, dazzling and radiant.

Ji Mingchang's eyes were sharp and piercing, like countless swords, bringing endless pressure.

The atmosphere in the room froze instantly.

(End of this chapter)