The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 874 The City in Turmoil, Illusions Shattered (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

The night was quiet, the stars were sparse, and the moonlight was hazy.

hum~
Inside the room, the spiritual light gradually dimmed, and the true energy dissipated.

"Since you want to see me, then come in."

Chen Ping'an opened his eyes, his gaze calm.

As soon as she finished speaking, an icy blue light surged in the room, and Gu Qingchan appeared in the room wearing an icy blue dress.

"You," Gu Qingchan said, her starry eyes shining brightly as she looked at Chen Ping'an with a complicated expression.

"Just ask whatever you want." Chen Ping'an got up from the bed and stared at the beautiful woman in the long dress in front of him.

"Just now in the palace," Gu Qingchan pursed her lips and asked the question that had been bothering her, "why was the engagement postponed?"

"No comment," Chen Ping'an replied expressionlessly.

After a brief pause, clear sounds rang out again from inside the room.

"But is it related to me?"

Chen Pingan smiled, walked up to Gu Qingchan, and looked down at the beauty in front of him.

"Compared to this, I prefer your phrase 'This Empress'!"

"Answer me." Gu Qingchan's pretty face was as cold as frost, her phoenix eyes filled with murderous intent.

“That’s right.” Chen Ping’an reached out and lifted the beautiful woman’s jade-like chin, watching her with great interest.

Gu Qingchan's clear eyes were cold as she awaited Chen Ping'an's reply.

A moment later, sounds came from inside the room.

"It's none of your business."

For some reason, Gu Qingchan felt her mind relax slightly for a moment.

The next moment, amidst the enchanting scenery, she fell into a warm embrace.

hum~
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Realm 2 - Rainbow Penetration Realm (Four Stages)
武学：青阳血炼法小成（7378/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（1430/8640）、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（125/5760）、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

The room was still warm, but the beauty had long since left, leaving only a lingering fragrance.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, last night was likely the last time in the near future.

Chen Ping'an's gaze sharpened, and the panel in front of him vanished.

“This kind of cultivation is still a bit too slow.”

Although Gu Qingchan was a celestial being, the two of them had their souls intertwined, greatly increasing their efficiency. However, they still felt somewhat powerless in the face of over eight thousand points of cultivation experience.

If it were a long-term endeavor, it might be feasible over time. But as things stand, it seems unlikely to happen in the short term.

"The road ahead is difficult!"

Chen Ping'an sighed softly, clearing his mind of all distractions.

He reached out and raised his hand, and something appeared in front of him.

Fourth-tier spirit wine!

Previously, he had traded with the Gu family, acquiring a total of three items besides Yuanjing.

This fourth-grade spirit wine is one of them.

hum~
Chen Ping'an lightly touched the spiritual light, and the restrictions on the altar in front of him dimmed, releasing a clear and refreshing aroma of wine.

This fourth-tier spirit wine is of exceptional quality, belonging to the high-grade category. Even for martial arts masters, it is a rare treat. The aroma alone, even the slightest whiff of it, is enough to make an ordinary person sleep for three days and three nights, utterly intoxicated.

If consumed in excess and not digested in time, it could be life-threatening.

Chen Ping'an took a gentle inhale, not wasting a single drop, and inhaled all the aroma of the wine around him.

The aroma of the wine appears refreshing, but once it enters the lungs, it has a burning sensation.

Under the control of the spirit, it quickly transformed into warm currents that flowed to every part of the body.

"Good wine!"

Chen Pingan couldn't help but give a thumbs up.

I haven't even tasted this wine myself, but just a light sniff has such an effect. It truly lives up to its reputation as a fourth-grade spiritual wine!

This small jar of spiritual wine may not necessarily help his cultivation, but it will certainly improve his condition. He may be able to use it to find that glimmer of inspiration and refine what he has gained.

Chen Ping'an felt overjoyed, and his previous irritability vanished.

He slightly raised his head and drank the spirit wine in front of him directly from his lips.

The wine, like a string of sparkling pearls, went down his throat and spread throughout Chen Ping'an's body.

Warm currents continuously gathered and flowed to all parts of his body. Under his conscious guidance, the strange warmth generated by the wine merged with his soul, unleashing remarkable effects.

After taking a large, satisfying gulp, Chen Ping'an didn't rush to take a second sip. Instead, he sealed the wine, sat cross-legged, and began to contemplate its changes.

hum~
Inside the room, inspiration struck again, a bluish light filled the air, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility.

hum~
As the light faded, Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.

"It did not go as planned."

During his trip to the Gu family, he received personal guidance and instruction from the Gu family patriarch, gaining profound insights into cultivation. He had hoped that with the help of the spiritual wine, he could unleash all his accumulated power in one fell swoop, refining himself and achieving perfect cultivation.

But as it stands, it still falls short.

Several attempts were made, but none were successful.

"Don't rush, don't get caught up in appearances," Chen Ping'an reassured him, then closed his eyes again, shifted his focus, took out the broken green lotus, and began to ponder its mysteries.

The effects of the spirit wine are already present; if it is not fully utilized, it would be a great waste.

Of all the secret techniques, the only one he has truly grasped so far is the opportunity within this broken green lotus. He has yet to fully comprehend the secret technique he desires, and he has yet to comprehend it.

For the next few days, Chen Ping'an stayed indoors in his courtyard, studying and cultivating, and comprehending the mysteries and changes.

In the past few days, since learning of his return to the city, various powerful figures have frequently come to his door to pay their respects and extend sincere invitations. However, without exception, Chen Ping'an has declined all of these invitations.

Today, his status is no longer what it used to be.

Although the latest appointment remains secret, the appointments and the important role it entails have already sparked much speculation.

A Grandmaster of the Wind and Cloud, one of the top ten Hidden Dragon Prodigies, capable of slaying a pseudo-Celestial Being.
Regardless of their identities, they are all enough to command attention and inspire awe.

But for Chen Ping'an, such invitations were nothing more than a waste of time. He was currently focused on his cultivation and naturally had no interest in participating.

To be precise, even if he had the intention, most of the invitations were meaningless to him.

His purpose in this trip to Canglong was twofold: to fulfill his appointment as governor and to attend to his family matters. Other matters were of little importance.

With these two matters settled, the rest is entirely up to him.

In the past few days, Chen Ping'an had drunk spiritual wine several times, but whether it was due to insufficient quantity or some other reason, he was unable to fully integrate his insights into his body as he wished.

After several attempts, I ended up feeling rather uneasy.

"The greatest taboo in spiritual practice is sitting still!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes flashed, and he stood up from inside the room.

Logically, having traversed mountains and rivers, stopping and starting along the way, his condition should have been relaxed by now. Now, with the help of the spirit wine, the time is ripe. But why?

Could it be related to Gu Qingcheng?
While he might say he doesn't care, it actually affects his state of mind at all times! This influence might not be obvious in terms of cultivation, but it is extremely significant in terms of contemplation, insight, and spiritual enlightenment.

Chen Ping'an harbored suspicions.

But suspicion is just suspicion, and there is no way to verify it. With the day of taking office approaching, Chen Ping'an temporarily put aside his research and smelting. After a simple cultivation session, he went to the State Garrison Office.

His arrival caused a great stir at the state garrison and drew Min Xiaolin's attention. He met with Min Xiaolin and Zhang Tianyuan immediately.

Previously, he had only heard of the two people in rumors, but now he could easily meet them whenever he wanted. His presence allowed the two to put aside their important matters and have a friendly chat with him.

Today, everything is different.

The conversation among the group goes without saying. During this time, Chen Ping'an agreed to Min Xiaolin's suggestion to host a farewell banquet. The date was set for a few days later to send Chen Ping'an off to his new post in Beishan.

Min Xiaolin will also solemnly announce his latest appointment at that banquet, informing all parties.

He was the de facto deputy commander of the Beishan Prefecture Garrison, assisting the various garrison commanderies of Beishan, and serving as the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass, holding the title of Imperial Envoy.

After leaving the State Garrison, Chen Ping'an felt unsettled and his mind was still turbulent, so he visited the Gu family again.

The elders of the Gu family warmly welcomed his arrival. Their conversation was pleasant, seemingly unaffected by the postponement of the engagement.

Among the elders who were exchanging ideas, Chen Ping'an did not see Gu Qingchan. When an elder suggested going to see her, he passed by Gu Qingcheng's elegant garden and looked at her from afar, but finally gave up the idea of ​​sensing her with his soul.

By the time I returned from the Gu family home, night had already fallen.

During this time, Master Xuan took the initiative to bring up the matter of publicly announcing the postponement of the engagement and asked for his opinion.

Chen Ping'an smiled politely, made a few perfunctory remarks, and then carried out the family-care strategy in its entirety.

Since returning home, Chen Ping'an felt, perhaps it was just his imagination, that the ripples in his heart had dissipated considerably.

My mind has calmed down, and I seem to have found my footing.

Is it letting go of the obsession, or extinguishing the illusion?

Chen Ping'an didn't know.

That night, he did not engage in study or contemplation, but instead focused on spiritual practice.

The Gu family was very efficient; they announced the postponement of the engagement the day after Chen Ping'an's visit.

The overall tone naturally revolves around the narrative that Chen Ping'an is about to take up his post and travel far away.

The news quickly caused a sensation in Canglong Prefecture.

"What? The engagement has been postponed?"

"Weren't you supposed to get married soon? Why was it postponed?"

"What does a three-year postponement mean?"

"I don't know, what do you guys think, could it be?"

"."

In just two days, similar exchanges filled various high-end circles in Canglong Prefecture.

As the leading family in Canglong Prefecture, their every move naturally attracts the attention of countless people. Not to mention that this matter involves the prodigy Chen Ping'an, the Grandmaster of Wind and Cloud.

On the same day the news was announced, all the major powers in Canglong Prefecture held an emergency meeting to discuss the matter.

Families such as the Xue and Wang families have conducted detailed analyses and assessments of this matter.

"The engagement has been postponed?"

"Given Mang Dao's current strength, the postponement certainly wasn't requested by the Gu family. Therefore, the crux of the matter lies with Mang Dao!"

"Is it that Mang Dao has regretted his actions, or is there another reason? Or is it, as the Gu family said, simply because he is about to take up a post and be transferred?"

"Various reasons are possible, some true, some false, and with limited information, it's difficult to determine the truth for the time being. However, one thing is certain: this matter is entirely beneficial to us! The Mangdao clan is currently thriving, and the Gu family's alliance with them through marriage has recently shown signs of a resurgence, especially after the Xuanling incident, which has greatly increased the Gu family's prestige. The current situation..."

"."

All parties involved have conducted extremely comprehensive analyses of this matter, offering their own interpretations of every possible speculation. Some have even gleaned further details from this overall tone, such as the fact that Mang Dao is about to embark on a distant journey to take up his post.

"A long journey to take up a post? Mang Dao's latest appointment is not in this state? Nor in any of the surrounding states?"

"That should be the case, otherwise there would be no need to mention a long journey. However, it's also possible that the Gu family is deliberately using this to cover up the real reason?"

"Are you saying that the relationship between the Gu family and Mangdao has already cracked, and that your current words are just an attempt to cover it up?"

"That's possible."

"But according to intelligence, Mang Dao has visited the Gu family twice in the past few days? Could this mean their relationship has broken down?"

"Is this the problem? In all your previous experience, have you ever seen the Mangdao Gang visit your home so frequently? There must be another reason behind this!"

"."

Some analysts were certain, suspecting there must be something they didn't know behind this. Others, under the pressure of the Gu family's public opinion campaign, accepted the tone and message of the announcement.

"A long journey to take up a post? A postponement of the engagement? Hmm, that makes sense!"

"Judging by the years, Mangdao is not yet twenty-eight years old. In ordinary families, he would have already passed the age of marriage, but for Mangdao, now is the perfect time! Postponing it for three years is no problem!"

“Mang Dao is now the most powerful figure in Canglong Prefecture. Now that he is going to take up a post far away, his position will probably be even higher. Such an important task is indeed not suitable to be involved in marriage too early. Postponing it for three years is also reasonable. Gu Jia’s consideration is indeed appropriate!”

"You two are right!"

"."

Of course, among the various speculations, there are conspiracy theories, such as the possibility that this matter is deeply connected with the overall situation in Bi Cang.

These delays are the result of strategic maneuvering by all parties involved.

Similar remarks have a certain audience, and for a time they caused quite a stir.

Of course, this situation also aligns with the interests of the Gu family. They did not stop the surging public opinion, but instead fueled the flames and confused the situation.

Among the various comments, there were naturally some expressing dissatisfaction with Chen Ping'an. The level of criticism in some of these comments went far beyond what could be described as mere criticism.

Although the Gu family's beautiful fairy is stunningly beautiful, she is not as unattainable as she was before for Mang Dao.

Mang Dao is a snob who loves the rich and dislikes the poor. Now that he's gaining popularity, he probably already has a good partner.

It's even possible that they've already reached a tacit agreement with the forces behind them.

Such statements, given the rumors passed down from Xuanling, seem even more authentic and reliable.

There was a female Grandmaster who once joined forces with Mang Dao to fight against the false Celestials.

There is a hidden dragon prodigy, Lan Yingjun, a member of the Five Poisons Clan, who becomes entangled with the Mangdao (a type of swordsman) and pledges his life to him.

These remarks shattered the spirits of countless talented young people in Canglong Prefecture, leaving them feeling as if their dreams had been shattered.

A stunningly beautiful fairy, the white moonlight of countless young people in the Azure Dragon Clan.

But why?
"That bastard Mang Dao!"

In private settings, the younger generation makes outrageous remarks.

In the lakeside courtyard, there lived Wang Siyuan, the contemporary prodigy of the Wang family. Looking at the garden full of flowers, he felt only desolation and sorrow.

Despite being the pride of the Mu family, Mu Chenjie stood there dejectedly, like a wooden statue.

Countless talented individuals were furious, but faced with such a powerful trend, they only felt their own insignificance.

For them, the Mangdao swordsmen of today have long since transcended the boundaries of competing with their contemporaries, becoming an unattainable existence in the clouds.

Even their fathers and grandfathers could only bow down and show great respect in front of Mang Dao.

Their family's glory seemed utterly laughable in the face of Mang Dao.

"Qingcheng" stirred countless hearts, and under such circumstances, many wished they could replace her and marry her immediately.

But upon waking, all that remained was a sense of utter dejection and powerlessness; all the anger and resentment ultimately turned into a deep sigh.

"Wild Blade"

In Canglong Prefecture, amidst the uproar of public opinion, the last ripple in Chen Ping'an's heart subsided.

(End of this chapter)