Northern Lands Saber, Tong Guan's Backhand

"Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang!? Why has he run all the way to Wei River?"

Fan Zhengheng stood by the window, listening to the report from his trusted aide, a look of contemplation on his face.

Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang had always been active in the Azure North region; why would he suddenly come to Wei River for no reason, and specifically name Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an for a duel? The reasons behind this were worth deep consideration.

"Has Lord Chen ever offended him?" Fan Zhengheng turned his head to ask.

"Reporting to my lord, it should not be the case. According to current intelligence, there has been no contact between Lord Chen and the Northern Lands Saber, let alone any enmity." This trusted aide, who had followed Fan Zhengheng for many years, bowed his head respectfully.

"If that is so, it is rather suspicious! To issue a challenge to Chen Ping'an for no reason, Guan Dongxiang is not afraid of being called a bully!" Fan Zhengheng withdrew his gaze from the distance and said in a deep voice.

Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang had been famous for decades; before Chen Ping'an, he was truly an elder among elders. Since he and Chen Ping'an had no life-or-death feud and were not rivals of the same generation, issuing a challenge without cause was bound to invite criticism.

"Could it be instigated by the Xue Family?" Fan Zhengheng's eyes flickered as he pondered secretly.

Since the reason could not be found in Guan Dongxiang himself, it had to be sought from those behind him. Guan Dongxiang was ranked on the Dragon and Tiger Rankings and had a great reputation; ordinary people did not have the power to command him. Judging from the current situation, after much thought, only the Xue Family had the qualifications.

"Using the official invitation letter for Xue Mingde's promotion ceremony to push Chen Ping'an into the spotlight, then having Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang step forward to challenge him, forcing Chen Ping'an into a dilemma! The Xue Family really has calculated well!"

Guan Dongxiang's challenge had caused a massive stir, creating a Stormy City. Everyone was watching Chen Ping'an's reaction, waiting for his reply.

As an elder expert, if Chen Ping'an chose to avoid the fight, it would be perfectly reasonable. However, reasonable or not, if Chen Ping'an avoided the fight, it would contradict the persona and stance he had established, likely triggering a significant public opinion backlash. Under the manipulation of those with ulterior motives, he might even be branded as someone who bullies the weak and fears the strong.

Facing the weak with iron-blooded, aggressive tactics, but facing the strong with cowardice and avoidance!

Furthermore, as a rising prodigy, Chen Ping'an had enjoyed smooth sailing since his debut, his heart filled with surging ambition. Everything had gone well, and he had long since cultivated a sharp, courageous, and indomitable spirit. If Chen Ping'an were to weigh the gains and losses now and avoid the fight, it would inevitably have a detrimental impact on his Martial Dao Heart. It might even cause the temperament and spirit he had nurtured for years to collapse, leaving behind a psychological shadow that would be difficult to dispel in the days to come.

Yet, if Chen Ping'an were to accept the challenge, the situation he would face would be no better. Although Chen Ping'an's combat power was extraordinary, possessing strength near that of the Dragon and Tiger, Guan Dongxiang was a powerhouse on the Dragon and Tiger Rankings whose saber techniques were fierce and domineering—certainly not something Chen Ping'an could easily withstand.

The Xue Family's move was an Overt Scheme with no solution. Whether Chen Ping'an accepted the challenge or not, he would ultimately end up in a miserable state.

And in this, the only thing the Xue Family paid was Guan Dongxiang's reputation; they lost nothing else.

It was Guan Dongxiang's reputation that was lost, but it was Chen Ping'an's Martial Dao Heart that would be destroyed! Such a trade could not be more cost-effective!

"First Xue Mingde, then Guan Dongxiang; one ring after another, killing the person and destroying their spirit. The Xue Family's methods are truly fast and ruthless," Fan Zhengheng sighed, shaking his head.

The wisdom of a Great Family that had been passed down for thousands of years could not be underestimated! They killed without shedding blood, forcing people into a dead end before they even realized it.

Fan Zhengheng asked himself, if he were in that position, he would have no good way to break the situation either, and would likewise fall into a dilemma.

"My lord, do you think the Town Pacification Office should intervene to reduce the impact?" the trusted aide on the side asked cautiously.

"Wait and see," Fan Zhengheng said calmly.

The gratitude of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was good, but the Xue Family's blade was not exactly dull! Since it involved a Great Family, how could he rashly get involved?

Although he was the Brigade Commander of the Wei River Town Pacification Office, in front of a top-tier Great Family like the Xue Family, he was not enough!

Pseudo-Grandmaster Realm?

In front of a behemoth like the Xue Family, even a Grandmaster would have to bow their head!

Of course, under normal circumstances, the Xue Family would treat Grandmasters with courtesy and would not rashly form a feud.

"Chen Ping'an, everything depends on your own fortune!" Fan Zhengheng's gaze was deep as he gazed into the distance.

"Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang?"

Located outside the Wei River County City, Feng Chengxiu at the Universe Control Division station also received the news immediately. He was temporarily in charge of the Universe Control Division Wei River Branch, and with his meticulous intelligence network, he naturally had many judgments about this matter.

But no matter what the judgment was, the most important point for him was that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was about to be in big trouble.

"Those who do many unrighteous deeds will surely die!" Feng Chengxiu sneered. "Chen Ping'an, oh Chen Ping'an, I want to see how you will deal with this?"

Guan Dongxiang was famous; even if he were to deal with him, it would take a lot of effort, let alone Chen Ping'an.

"Lord Feng, I think there is no need for us to take action at all; this Chen Ping'an will soon fade into the crowd!"

Wu Dazhen stood to the side, laughing with schadenfreude.

"Chen Ping'an left Wei River not long ago, and it should be some time before he returns. Take advantage of this time to find more people, make a big deal out of it, stir up the waves, and spread it as far as possible! The bigger the matter, the more people who know, the more Chen Ping'an will be unable to back down when he returns, and the greater the backlash he will suffer afterward!"

Feng Chengxiu's face showed coldness, his hawk-like eyes flashing with ruthlessness.

He had long harbored malice toward Chen Ping'an, and since such an opportunity had just arrived, he naturally wanted to add fuel to the fire.

"Yes, Lord Feng," Wu Dazhen replied. He was also happy to see this happen.

"I really want to see the scene of a rising prodigy falling!"

Wu Dazhen's face showed a sinister look, a trace of cruelty flashing in his eyes.

The news of Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang challenging Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an spread among the major forces in Wei River, and each family reacted differently.

"Northern Lands Saber Guan Dongxiang? An expert on the Dragon and Tiger Rankings? Challenging Lord Chen?"

"Guan Dongxiang challenging Chen Ping'an? Where does he get the nerve?"

"Bullying the weak! He's not even ashamed!"

"It just so happens to be at this time! Is someone seeing that Chen Ping'an is too prominent and wants to suppress him?"

"Suppression? I think it's a vicious Overt Scheme!"

"This Guan Dongxiang is famous; Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an won't accept the challenge, right!"

"How could he not! Chen Ping'an is a man of fierce integrity and reckless action. With Guan Dongxiang coming to his doorstep to challenge him, how could he possibly swallow such an insult?"

"That may be so, but this is Guan Dongxiang we're talking about! The Northern Lands Saber, renowned for his blade techniques! Reckless Saber may be strong, but facing him, there is only one path: a miserable defeat!"

"Indeed, Reckless Saber is strong, but he is still young! If you gave him another ten years—no, not even ten, five years at most—he would surely surpass Guan Dongxiang. But not now!"

"Does this Guan Dongxiang have a grudge against Reckless Saber? Traveling ten thousand miles just to issue a challenge at his door!"

"I don't know if there is a grudge! But this matter is suspicious; perhaps behind it..."

"Hush, watch your tongue!"

"."

"Ping'an."

In a quiet courtyard, Mu Wanjun sat with her hands clasped, her face etched with worry. She was filled with anxiety and concern for Chen Ping'an.

Over the past few days, she had nearly worn out the pages of the Dragon and Tiger Rankings that recorded the Northern Lands Saber, Guan Dongxiang. Guan Dongxiang was a master of the blade; his techniques were neither flashy nor complex. Every move and every stance struck directly at vital parts, sharp and extreme. Ordinary experts of the Peak Realm could not even block three of his strikes!

Based on her understanding of Chen Ping'an, he would certainly accept Guan Dongxiang's challenge. Not only would he accept, but he would meet it head-on without yielding an inch.

And this...

was exactly what worried her the most.

Guan Dongxiang's blade was fierce, and while Chen Ping'an's combat power was strong, he was likely no match for him. If the two were to clash, Ping'an...

The odds were grim!

Thinking of this, an indescribable worry surged in Mu Wanjun's heart. She closed her eyes, pressed her palms together, and prayed with all her sincerity.

"I hope Ping'an... please, do not be impulsive. Good people have their own protection. May the heavens bless him, keep him safe, and let him pass through this ordeal smoothly."

In a spacious and bright guest room, Guan Dongxiang sat cross-legged like a stone statue, his blade case placed beside him.

Hum~

Guan Dongxiang kept his eyes tightly shut, a mysterious light flickering between his brows, his True Qi trembling faintly throughout his body.

It was unknown how much time had passed before Guan Dongxiang slowly opened his eyes.

"Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an!"

Guan Dongxiang recalled the intelligence he had gathered over the past few days.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an: a man of fierce integrity and reckless action, acting without regard for consequences. He wiped out gangs and families in White Stone City and killed to establish his authority at the Five Peaks Mountain Garrison.

He held sole power in Five Peaks Mountain City, guarding the city alone. He beheaded a disciple of the Seven Absolute Old Man and hung the head above the city gates to intimidate the wicked. He stood his ground against Cao Yingxiong at Red Maple Mountain.

He was transferred to Wei River to provide reinforcements, suppressed the Three Forks Mountain, and shone brilliantly during the Ten Thousand Demons Siege.

He had no background and no resources. To reach where he was today, aside from the blade in his hand, he relied on his wits.

No matter the opponent, he always approached them with the utmost caution and prudence. As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

Since he had challenged Chen Ping'an, regardless of whether the other party accepted, he would not neglect his homework.

Based on the information he had gathered, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was a formidable opponent! But that was all!

In a standard battle, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an should be able to withstand dozens of his strikes. But in a life-or-death struggle, Chen Ping'an would surely die under his blade within ten moves!

This judgment was not born of arrogance, but of the blade intent he had cultivated between life and death over many years, which gave him his confidence.

As a saber wielder, one must trust the blade in one's hand—trust it without reservation! Before engaging an enemy, judge carefully; once the strike is made, one must have confidence—absolute confidence!

"He is indeed a peerless talent!" Guan Dongxiang's eyes narrowed, and the thoughts in his mind gradually settled.

Based on his understanding of Chen Ping'an's past deeds, he was undoubtedly a talent! Throughout his journey, he had moved with overwhelming force, already cultivating a Martial Dao Heart that pressed ever forward.

Such a talent, if he had someone to guide his path, would surely have a smooth road ahead. It was just a pity...

Guan Dongxiang shook his head lightly.

"Offending Lord Tong!"

With this challenge, regardless of whether Chen Ping'an accepted, a bad ending was inevitable.

Chen Ping'an was undeniably gifted and brilliant. His rise to prominence had not only made his path steady and his career smooth, but it had also made him the focus of everyone's attention. However, it was precisely because of this that his reckless and consequence-free nature had been fostered.

This personality was like a double-edged sword; it was both the driving force behind his forward momentum and the potential root of his downfall. In times of prosperity, this personality manifested as sharp decisiveness and an indomitable spirit. But in times of adversity, the other side of this double-edged sword was laid bare. As the saying goes, that which is too rigid is easily broken. Chen Ping'an's recklessness and impulsiveness often left him lacking sufficient calm and reason when facing difficulties and setbacks. Once frustrated, he would only suffer further, potentially even damaging his Martial Dao Heart.

His challenge would inevitably push Chen Ping'an into adversity. This meant that before the battle even began, Chen Ping'an had already fallen into a losing position.

Unless...

Guan Dongxiang smiled, not continuing that line of thought.

"However, sacrificing a bit of insignificant, superficial fame to repay a favor to Lord Tong—this trade is worth it!"

Guan Dongxiang recalled the letter Lord Tong had sent from Azure Dragon Province City a few days ago. The letter contained only a few lines, yet it compelled him to immediately set aside his affairs and travel ten thousand miles to Wei River County City to challenge Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.

Many years ago, he had owed Lord Tong his life.

At that time, he had not yet reached the Peak Realm. Instead, with the martial cultivation of the Inner Energy Third Stage, he had climbed onto the Azure Dragon Province New Talent Rankings as a rising star. Although his ranking was not high, it was an impressive achievement for someone with no background or connections.

Just as he was in high spirits, he was ambushed by demonic thieves in the wilderness. The thieves were powerful, and he was far from their match. Just as he was about to die, he was saved by Lord Tong, who happened to be passing by.

Although Lord Tong did not save him intentionally—he had merely done so to claim the bounty on the demonic thieves—the incident left him deeply grateful, and he never forgot Lord Tong's favor.

In the years that followed, he secretly performed many unspeakable deeds for Tong Guan, and no one knew he was working for him. Over the decades, he had experienced countless brushes with death; beyond his ever-increasing combat prowess, there was the constant repayment of a debt of gratitude. Decades of this day-in, day-out existence had left him quite weary.

Years of repayment had turned that debt of gratitude into a mere obligation. He was just a sliver away from regaining his freedom and living for himself.

The letter Tong Guan sent was simple, mentioning only one thing. As long as he stepped forward to challenge Chen Ping'an, regardless of the outcome, the favor he owed would be wiped clean!

Compared to the things he had done for Tong Guan in the past, this task was incredibly simple. It was so simple he could hardly believe it; he only needed to sacrifice a bit of his false fame, and no matter the result, he would settle his final debt!

However, after pondering it carefully over these past few days, he finally realized Tong Guan's ruthlessness.

Borrowing the influence of the Xue Family to carry out such a vicious scheme!

A simple challenge would force Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an into a dilemma. If Chen Ping'an fought, he would end in a miserable defeat. If Chen Ping'an retreated, his Dao heart would become unstable.

"If Chen Ping'an fights, I shall slay him with one blade! If he does not fight, he shall leave at once!"

"After this matter, the debt is cleared, and I shall regain my freedom to live a life of ease!" Guan Dongxiang slowly closed his eyes, ceasing his thoughts.

What had shackled his freedom all these years was not some external chain, but the sense of righteousness within his own heart!