The Great Martial Saint!

Beneath the ancient trees in the forest, Chen Ping'an's hair fluttered, and his eyes shone brightly.

"Thunderous Fury, Minor Mastery, the Blade Transforms into a Gale!"

After practicing for more than ten days, the Thunderous Blade Technique finally made further progress and entered the minor completion stage.

After mastering the basics of Thunderclap, his swordsmanship improved further. In addition, he also mastered the first secret technique of Thunderclap Swordsmanship, Gale and Thunder.

The blade moved like a raging storm, destroying everything in its path; with a single strike, it stirred up winds and clouds from all directions.

As a technique that has reached the level of a true martial arts manual, even if it is only at the minor level of mastery, the power of its secret techniques is extremely terrifying.

With the foundational power that Chen Ping'an has openly displayed, he is capable of threatening the vast majority of pseudo-Celestials. If his martial will, as he has previously planned, is to be displayed, he could reach a level comparable to a Martial Celestial.

The power of that secret technique is enough to terrify even the most skilled pseudo-celestial beings.

With this support, even if he doesn't openly appear to be a celestial being, he can still handle many troubles.

Their ranking on the popularity chart might also move up a few places.

hum~
Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered, and a golden finger panel appeared in front of him.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Realm 2 - Rainbow Penetration Realm (Four Stages)
武学：青阳血炼法小成（7355/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（1395/8640）、无相自在法（残篇）未入门（237/1920）广寒剑法（残篇）大成（0/19200）、狂雷刀法小成（0/5760）、五毒地煞掌圆满、太虚御风步圆满、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 Suppression Technique, Soul Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique, Illusionary Eye

"Piercing Rainbow, Fourth Stage!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes gleamed with a sharp light, as bright as stars.

Having mastered the Thunderous Blade Technique to a minor level, and with the help of the panel, his martial arts realm has taken another step forward.

Previously, when he had mastered the Guanghan Sword Technique, his realm was extremely close to the fourth stage of Guanhong. Now, with the minor mastery of Kuanglei, he has not only entered the fourth stage, but has also made significant progress in that direction.

Inside the Lingtai, a rainbow bridge spans the sun, its sections forming a series, like ascending to heaven step by step!

The fourth stage of the Rainbow Piercing Realm is considered a veteran even among second-realm celestial beings. Under normal circumstances, it requires exceptional luck and fortune, and is extremely difficult to reach without external assistance.

"The key to cultivation is perseverance. Now that I have just broken through to a higher realm, my condition is excellent. Let me cultivate some more!"

With his thoughts in turmoil, Chen Ping'an composed himself, his eyes flashing, and resumed his cultivation.

He sent Gu Qingchan back to the city first to handle the Gu family's affairs during his cultivation trip. Therefore, his cultivation trip was not delayed in any way.

After mastering the Thunderous Blade Technique to a minor level, Chen Ping'an did not change his approach. Instead, he continued to practice the blade technique, adding to his visible foundation.

hum~
The forest was filled with shimmering spiritual light and flowing true energy, but because the soul was isolated, there was no trace of any energy to be sensed.

"With my current level of cultivation, practicing the supreme divine skill should be a breeze!"

Chen Ping'an took a long breath and slowly finished his practice.

Although the Thunderous Blade Technique is of a high grade, having reached the level of a true martial arts scroll, it is ultimately just an unparalleled divine skill.

With the foundation of a second-level Celestial Being, he is fully capable of cultivating the True Skill Scroll. Now, supported by his realm, he can be compatible with lower realms, and his cultivation will naturally proceed smoothly.

By the time he finished his practice, the first light of dawn was already appearing in the distance, indicating that it was nearly daylight.

"It's time to head into the city."

Chen Ping'an narrowed his eyes slightly and stood up from under the old tree.

When he left Canglong, his cultivation level was only at the Grandmaster level. Now that he has returned, the world has changed completely.

Whoosh!
Chen Ping'an's figure flashed and shot into the sky, heading towards Canglong Prefecture City.

Three hundred li is a distance that might take more than a day for an ordinary person. But for Chen Ping'an, it was just an ordinary distance. Although it wasn't a short while, it didn't take much time either, and he easily crossed it.

This situation is still based on Chen Ping'an acting with the aura of a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud.

If one were to use the speed of a celestial being and go all out, it would truly be over in an instant.

When the Tai Xu Wind-Riding Step technique is perfected, one can travel thousands of miles on the wind.

The martial arts master, relying on the power of heaven, has a power that goes far beyond this!

Canglong Prefecture City is densely populated, with processions flowing like dragons in an endless stream. As the central hub of a prefecture, Canglong Prefecture City has always been prosperous. While its grandeur may not rival that of Xuanling Heavy City, it is certainly not comparable to major cities like Leiming.

In terms of sheer numbers, Canglong Prefecture City is no less impressive than Xuanling Heavy City; however, in terms of the quality of the cultivators who come and go, Canglong Prefecture City is inferior to Xuanling Heavy City.

When Chen Ping'an entered the city, he did not conceal his identity and returned to Canglong with the power of a Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud.

Upon receiving the order from the former garrison commander, a crowd of people knelt and prostrated themselves outside the city.

"We warmly welcome Lord Chen back to Canglong!"

The commotion was deafening, like a thunderclap, startling the crowd outside the city, causing their blood to surge and their veins to bulge.

"Lord Chen?" Someone stared wide-eyed, muttering incoherently.

Some people were deeply shaken as they gazed at the magnificent spectacle that filled the city.

Giant of Azure Dragon, Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud, Chen Ping'an of the Wild Blade returns to Azure Dragon!

The news of Chen Ping'an's return to the city spread throughout the entire Canglong Prefecture in almost no time.

From high-end channels of various forces to mainstream circles, and then to ordinary streets and alleys, the speed at which the news spread was astonishing.

Just as the news reached the ears of those in charge of decision-making at various forces, Chen Ping'an had already arrived at the Canglong Prefecture Garrison.

"We pay our respects to Lord Chen!"

"May you be well, my lord!"

"."

Chen Ping'an returned to Canglong, and the area outside the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division was bustling with activity.

Given Chen Ping'an's current status, even Zhang Tianyuan would likely have to show him great respect.

With the power of a Grandmaster, he slew a pseudo-Celestial Being. Even when he was working with others, such a feat was enough to terrify people!
Furthermore, the rankings on the popularity chart are not just empty words.

This means that if Chen Ping'an wanted to, he could easily kill all the deputy commanders in the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division on the spot.

Even someone like Yao Guang, a master of the Eight Desolations Fist, couldn't last more than a few moves against Chen Ping'an.

Looking at his former colleagues, who were smiling brightly and looking gentle in front of him, Chen Ping'an remained calm and unmoved.

After entering the State Garrison Command like a star surrounded by admirers, Chen Ping'an easily met Zhang Tianyuan, the Xuanhuang Absolute Sword.

"Ping An, you're back! Quickly, come with me to see the Headmaster."

Zhang Tianyuan, dressed in a long black and yellow robe, spoke in a manner so polite that it was completely unlike that of a superior or subordinate colleague, and entirely unlike his previous style. His words were devoid of any airs; this went beyond the attitude of treating peers as friends, and was more of a deliberate attempt to befriend them and an undisguised display of goodwill.

"Lord Chief." Faced with Zhang Tianyuan's enthusiasm, Chen Ping'an's attitude remained unchanged.

“There’s no need for such formalities. You are now in a prominent position and have been appointed by the governor. We can simply be friends as equals,” Zhang Tianyuan chuckled, his words as gentle as a spring breeze.

Although he was a swordsman, the person who could sit in this position was clearly not someone who lacked empathy.

Chen Pingan neither confirmed nor denied this, responding with a faint smile.

Led by Zhang Tianyuan, the two arrived at a pavilion in the center of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison, which was also the tallest building in the entire Garrison. On the top floor of the pavilion, Chen Ping'an met Min Xiaolin, the Garrison Commander of Canglong Prefecture, whom he had never met before.

Previously, Chen Ping'an's status was insufficient to even meet the other party. By the time he reached a sufficient level, the other party had left for a period of time due to an exchange with Bi Cang. When he returned, Chen Ping'an was already in Xuanling City. Through several encounters, he had never actually met the true head of the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division, the one everyone referred to as the "Lord Head."

"Greetings, Your Excellency." Zhang Tianyuan bowed respectfully.

Chen Ping'an didn't do anything special and simply greeted him with a cupped hand.

"Haha, no need for formalities, no need for formalities." Min Xiaolin was a bold and forthright man. Judging from his appearance alone, one would not guess that he possessed the aura of someone who could govern a province. But there was a captivating power in his eyes.

"These are just polite formalities from others. Ping An, you have risen to prominence and are now on par with us. If you don't mind, you can just call me Brother Min."

Min Xiaolin acted extremely familiar, quickly closing the distance with just a few words, clearly demonstrating his mastery of interpersonal relationships.

"I've been wanting to see you for a long time, but things have always been so unfortunate. Now that I've finally met you, you are as handsome as jade and as dashing as a star; truly extraordinary!"

Min Xiaolin laughed heartily.

"A hidden dragon rises to prominence, ranking on both lists, Ping An, you've really made me look incredibly proud! Hahaha."

"."

Upon meeting, Min Xiaolin showed no airs whatsoever, treating him like a kind old brother he hadn't seen in years.

"Brother Min, you're too kind." Chen Ping'an didn't play the distance game and went along with the other party's words, directly addressing him as Brother Min.

Although the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command is not as large as Xiaguang Prefecture or Beishan Prefecture, Min Xiaolin has been in charge of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command for many years, which clearly shows that he is no ordinary person.

Meeting you today confirms this suspicion.

Under the influence of divine sense, Min Xiaolin's accumulation was extremely profound, even surpassing that of ordinary top-tier pseudo-celestial beings.

Chen Ping'an deduced that the opponent, under full power, might reach the ultimate combat strength of a pseudo-celestial being.

While such combat power may not seem like much to Chen Ping'an now, it would be an extreme threat and oppression to any pseudo-celestial being.

Even a top-tier pseudo-celestial being, under the ultimate combat power of a pseudo-celestial being, could risk death and annihilation if they are not careful.

Even if the risk is small, it is still a risk.

The oppressive aura emanating from Min Xiaolin is evident.

However, this kind of oppression was irrelevant to Chen Ping'an.

Compared to communicating with Min Xiaolin, Chen Ping'an was more concerned about the transfer order from the Northern Border Garrison.

Fortunately, Min Xiaolin didn't spend too much time exchanging pleasantries with Chen Ping'an, and directly led him to the true central location of the Canglong Prefecture's Zhenfu Division.

“Ping An, look here.” Min Xiaolin smiled and pointed ahead.

Inside the spacious hall, which was seven or eight stories high, a huge spiritual instrument was constantly operating. Around the sphere, which was filled with spiritual light, there were intricate tracks and spiritual patterns constantly emerging.

"The Celestial Instrument." Chen Ping'an looked directly at the object in front of him and felt an extremely rich fluctuation of primordial energy.

He sensed the Heavenly Mystery Instrument even before entering, but seeing it with his own eyes still evoked a different feeling.

The Celestial Instrument, a fundamental artifact of the Zhenfu Division of a prefecture, is used to transmit messages and report on the state's situation. It is also a foundational artifact used by the Great Qian Dynasty to govern the world.

The empire's territory was vast and boundless. How could conventional methods of communication ensure timely and effective synchronization among all parties?

What should we do if an emergency occurs?
Clearly, the emergence of the Celestial Instrument greatly compensated for this deficiency.

Although the cost of using the Celestial Instrument is enormous, having this instrument means that it can be used to handle emergencies.

Leaving aside the urgent military situation, the governance of the state and the people's livelihood are also extremely important aspects.

If the foundation is shaken, then the nation's stability is compromised.

According to the provisions of the Great Qian Dynasty's "Nine Heavens Mysterious Pivot Spirit Construction Chapter", the standard equipment of the Zhenfu Division in the prefecture is spiritual instruments, and the communication speed is generally no more than one hundred miles in an instant. The central prefecture can apply for special approval, and the communication speed can be between one hundred and three hundred miles in an instant, depending on the specific circumstances.

For example, the Heavenly Mechanism Instrument can transmit messages over a hundred miles in an instant, just like the Zhenfu Division of Canglong Prefecture.

These regulations are not intended to restrict, but rather to address the high costs of public services. The faster the communication speed, the greater the expenses. In ordinary states, operating at high speeds would be simply insufficient to support such enormous expenditures.

"My Canglong Prefecture has a territory of ten thousand miles, with mountains and rivers, and governs thirty-seven prefectures, dozens of large cities and thousands of small cities. The registered population exceeds one billion. But even so, it is still not considered a large prefecture. With the foundation of my Canglong Prefecture, the standard configuration of the spirit instrument is a hundred miles in an instant."

“The spirit instrument is precious, and commissioning the construction of one would be extremely costly. If we were to consider it from a personal perspective, it’s not without its flaws, but even with all my savings over the years, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be worth as much as this spirit instrument,” Min Xiaolin said with a wry smile.

"Ultimately, it is extremely costly, and even with my Azure Dragon's power, I can only barely afford it. I wouldn't use the spirit instrument for communication unless it was an emergency. The cost of each use of the spirit instrument is unimaginable to ordinary people. Even for you and me, it's a considerable expense."

Min Xiaolin, as if reciting a familiar story, explained it in detail to Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an didn't say much, but just listened quietly.

He already knew some of the information Min Xiaolin mentioned, but he didn't know all of it.

Since Min Xiaolin was happy to bring it up, he was naturally happy to listen.

The Heavenly Mystery Instrument is extremely rare. If it weren't for the mandatory regulations of the dynasty's "Nine Heavens Mysterious Pivot Spirit Building Chapter," which mandated its manufacture, even some small prefectures probably wouldn't have been equipped with this so-called Heavenly Mystery Instrument.

The costs involved were enormous, far too much to be summed up in a few words. The cost of its construction, the maintenance along the way, and the expenses of communication were enough to drag a once-powerful pseudo-celestial being into a quagmire.

Fortunately, the expenses of the Celestial Mechanism were covered by public funds, supported by the resources of the entire prefecture. This situation was considerably better.

However, Chen Ping'an still sensed a hint of corruption in it.

With such enormous expenditure, wouldn't those involved have some ulterior motives?

Even a tiny bit of it leaking through the fingers would probably be enough for a seasoned grandmaster to live a very comfortable life.

Chen Ping'an was already aware of the preciousness of this spiritual artifact. The outer side of the palace was protected by a protective barrier, which Chen Ping'an sensed to be roughly at the fourth-order level.

A quasi-fourth-order restriction is equivalent to the peak power of a pseudo-celestial being, which Chen Ping'an's current restriction-making skills are far from matching.

This level of protective restriction demonstrates the immense importance of the Heavenly Mystery Instrument to the Azure Dragon State.

It can be considered a true strategic hub.

With it, one can connect all the states and link the central government in the north. Without it, news would be delayed, and even if a state falls into chaos, information can be largely blocked.

"It is said that small spiritual instruments can be delicately worn and carried on one's person. The larger ones are no more than the size of a three-legged cauldron, about the size of an adult, while the smaller ones are as delicate as toys, no more than the size of a palm. Unfortunately, I was fortunate enough to see the former at an auction, but the latter... my experience is limited, and I have not been able to see it." Min Xiaolin looked disappointed: "Those who can carry small spiritual instruments are nothing more than Grand Cultivators of the Celestial Realm, or even Grand Cultivators of the Third Realm with deep roots and immense wealth!"

If it were as delicate as a palm, only a Great Celestial Being of the Fourth Realm could possibly possess such skill!

"Looking across all seventeen states of Bi Cang, we have never seen a powerhouse of this caliber before!" Min Xiaolin's face was filled with anticipation and melancholy, with a hint of regret.

For a pseudo-celestial being like him, whose path to enlightenment is hopeless, even a Martial Celestial being is someone he can look up to. Not to mention the Great Celestial Beings of the Fourth Realm, who are above even the Great Celestial Beings!
Even if such a person were to hold the position of governor of a prefecture, he would still be nothing more than a legend to him.

Speaking of
Min Xiaolin couldn't help but glance at Chen Ping'an a few more times. Rumor had it that a powerful figure within the Northern Border Garrison had once shown interest in him.
That one seems to be...
Min Xiaolin's changing thoughts were not outwardly apparent.

With a sigh of melancholy, he approached the spirit instrument and activated it with a secret technique. As the spiritual light flickered, words appeared on the spirit instrument.

"Ping An, this is the appointment and transfer order issued by the Northern Border Garrison Command. Please read and accept it carefully."

Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened as he focused on the transfer order for the Heavenly Mystery Instrument. (End of Chapter)