Hidden Dragon Update, Gu Family Ancestor (Seeking Monthly Votes)

"This Reckless Saber is truly overconfident!"

In a magnificent pavilion in Thunderous Roar Great City, Gu Loping looked at the letter before him, a smile playing on his lips.

His Gu Family had operated in the Thunderclap Mountain Range for many years, with an intelligence network spread throughout. According to the latest news from the Gu Family, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had entered the interior of the Thunderclap Mountain Range on his way to his new post, with his escort team waiting in the outer perimeter.

It had been more than a month since Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an entered the Thunderclap Mountain Range.

A journey that should have taken just over ten days had been deliberately delayed by more than half a month. It had to be said that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an truly lived up to his name, acting with utter disregard and no regard for propriety!

"This is for the best. If things get out of hand and incite Wu Benqing's suspicion, it will be convenient to join forces with this department and leave him nowhere to make trouble!"

"Chief Inspector!? Inspecting what? Come and sit on the cold bench!"

"We'll give you plenty of face and won't shortchange you on benefits, but you want to get involved in the core interests?

Don't even think about it!"

Gu Loping squeezed his hand, and the letter before him turned into a ball of green flame, burning to ashes.

"The Hidden Dragon Rankings have been updated."

Wu Benqing sat in the large chair in the public office of the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, his expression calm and his eyes deep.

It had been half a year, and by his calculations, the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings should have been updated. He had already asked someone to purchase the latest issue of the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had been transferred to the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office as the Chief Inspector. Although he was the head of the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, from the perspective of the duty system and reporting logic, he still needed to show some respect to the other party.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had a great reputation and was ranked on the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings.

If he wanted to understand the man, he naturally had to start with the latest issue of the Hidden Dragon Rankings. He had learned a lot of other relevant information, but without personally verifying it, some information might be inaccurate and affect his judgment.

The information on the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings was uniformly compiled by the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, and after filtering out falsehoods and retaining truths, it was then recorded and disseminated to all regions.

In addition to regular information, it also recorded the peculiarities of cultivation methods, the marvels of divine weapons, and the power of their moves.

Furthermore, there was a series of detailed interpretations.

During the Dragon Peace Turmoil, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had slain a Top Grandmaster with his saber, displaying extremely formidable combat power. Although there were many versions circulating, there had never been a unified interpretation at the official level.

Many veteran Grandmasters held different views on Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's combat power. Some recognized him as extremely powerful, while others believed that the currently circulated information was exaggerated.

For example, the reason Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was able to slay a Top Grandmaster was largely due to the cover provided by Rock Bear Beast Master Zhou Zhaowu's consumption, along with the assistance of the Earth Splitting Rock Bear in containment. By seizing the opportunity, he had forcefully increased his combat power with the help of secret medicine and secret skills.

Only then could he achieve such a feat.

In terms of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's actual combat power, it was probably only slightly stronger than an ordinary Veteran Grandmaster. He was still far from a formidable Veteran Grandmaster, let alone a Top Grandmaster.

Although many people opposed such statements, within the state territory, there was still a large number of supporters. As for those Grandmasters who held opposing views, they did not all believe that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an truly possessed the power of a Top Grandmaster. Rather, they felt that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's possession of secret skills and secret techniques could be considered in his combat power, and he might be slightly stronger than the current version.

There were countless such opinions.

For most Grandmasters within the state territory, although Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was astonishing, his age was still a factor. At less than twenty-six years old, how could he achieve what they, in their two hundred and sixty years, had not been able to reach?!

"When Reckless Saber arrives, I will have to get to know him properly! This will help determine the tone of our future interactions." Wu Benqing lightly tapped the table and closed his eyes.

Recently, the Northern Border Pacification Bureau had taken action repeatedly, cracking down on a large number of Demonic Heretics. The demons and monsters within the Thunderclap Mountain Range were much more subdued than usual. He was able to free up more energy to deal with other matters.

In Thunderous Roar Great City today, various forces had formed a delicate balance.

The arrival of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, if not handled properly, might break this balance.

As the head of the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, it was necessary for him to step forward at this time to maintain the overall situation in Thunderous Roar Great City!

"Reckless Saber! I hope you will consider the overall situation! Otherwise, if we fall out, it will be beneficial to no one!"

In Thunderous Roar Great City, within a magnificently decorated and exquisitely beautiful jade palace.

Gu Qingchan, dressed in a light blue flowing immortal dress with ice-like sleeves hanging down, her long skirt trailing on the ground, was peerlessly elegant and graceful.

"Chen Ping'an, you truly did not disappoint this Palace!"

Gu Qingchan's delicate lips parted, her beautiful eyes shifting, her gaze like a clear spring.

Before Gu Qingchan was a jade stone that had manifested, now emitting a soft, shimmering light.

Through the channels of the Wishful Treasure Pavilion, she had obtained the latest issue of the Hidden Dragon Rankings in Thunderous Roar Great City, ahead of everyone else.

She had also seen Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's latest ranking on the Hidden Dragon Rankings.

When she first met him in Northern Cang years ago, she never expected that the young man from back then would have such a status today.

In Azure Dragon Province City, at the Gu Family.

A group of Gu Family Elders sat in the Hall of Elders, looking at the jade stone light screen that had manifested before them.

Information was displayed on the light screen.

"In Azure Dragon Province Territory, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, currently serving as the Chief Inspector of the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, a Senior Division Head Candidate of the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office, and under consideration for Deputy Division Head."

"He cultivates the Supreme Divine Skill Overlord Saber, the Top Divine Skill Soaring Dragon Movement Technique, the Divine Skill Soul Severing Saber Technique, Great Vajra Palm, Flying Star Sword Technique, and other cultivation methods."

"His talent is monstrous. He once killed a Grandmaster while in the Profound Light Realm and broke through to the Grandmaster realm at Small Pan Mountain in Azure Dragon Province City. After breaking through to the Grandmaster realm, he killed the Veteran Grandmaster Blood Bat Wei Yiqi at Small Pan Mountain! At the Dragon Peace Stronghold, during martial arts competitions, he suppressed several Grandmasters and defeated Kaiyang Great Compassion Hand Wu Xiutong. During the Dragon Peace Turmoil, he slew the Evil Extremity Path Grandmaster Hei Shan with his saber. He used the Overlord Saber Secret Skill to kill the Top Grandmaster Rotten Bone Granny. He joined forces with Azure Mist Sect Elder Du Moyuan to kill the demonic Grandmaster Blood Spirit Child."

"..."

The information on the jade stone screen was extremely comprehensive, listing some of his achievements and providing a detailed analysis of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's combat power.

For almost every major battle recorded, there were corresponding notes on his moves and combat strategies.

The power of some of his techniques was also analyzed and judged.

For example, the Overlord Saber he displayed previously possessed the formidable strength of a veteran grandmaster under normal circumstances. If he unleashed the secret skill, Severing Earth Strike, he had undoubtedly entered the ranks of top grandmasters!

Furthermore, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's foundation was extremely solid, capable of supporting him in unleashing secret skills multiple times. While not as enduring as a top grandmaster in formal combat, in short engagements, he could be treated as a top grandmaster.

Overall, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's combat power was assessed as being close to that of a top grandmaster, and under his secret skills, he was on par with top grandmasters! Additionally, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an possessed extremely high combat talent and danger perception, being exceptionally skilled at seizing opportunities and exploiting weaknesses. In chaotic battles, he might even perform beyond expectations.

Moreover, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an grew stronger with each battle, exhibiting breakthroughs in combat. When facing adversity, he might perform exceptionally well.

With the perfection of the Yuheng Early Stage, possessing power comparable to a top grandmaster, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's talent was monstrous, and his skills and artistry were outstanding. Considering his age among the Heavenly Talents on the Hidden Dragon Rankings, he was undoubtedly among the first tier.

His future prospects were worth looking forward to!

After comparing combat strengths and overall performance, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an ranked fifty-ninth on the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings!

"Haha, Heaven bless the Gu Family! Top sixty on the Hidden Dragon Rankings!" Elder Yuan, who had the most fiery temper, couldn't hold back his excitement and spoke first, his expression full of joy.

"Fifty-ninth on the Hidden Dragon Rankings!" Elder Lan's face was also full of smiles.

"The top sixty on the Hidden Dragon Rankings possess the power of a top grandmaster. Although the analysis on the rankings didn't list Ping'an as a true top grandmaster, they made a practical adjustment to his ranking! It's clear that in the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's judgment, while Ping'an's combat power is slightly inferior to a true top grandmaster, in a life-or-death battle, with Ping'an's talent and skills, he is completely on par with a true top grandmaster!" Elder Heng, his white hair cascading down his shoulders, had a face full of smiles.

"Indeed! Since our Azure Dragon Gu Family was established, including collateral relatives, no one has ever reached the top sixty of the Hidden Dragon Rankings like Ping'an!" Elder Hua stroked his beard, unable to help but praise, "He truly possesses heaven-sent talent, unparalleled talent!"

Everyone marveled at Elder Hua's words.

The Gu Family had a legacy of a thousand years, with countless descendants, yet even including collateral relatives, not one had achieved such a feat!

Like the most promising son-in-law of the Gu Family three hundred years ago who had a chance to approach such a ranking, he met his end during a trip to the Northern Sea before he could truly mature, fading away in disappointment.

"At less than twenty-six years old, to achieve such a feat! If this continues, his future will be smooth sailing!" one of the Gu Family Elders said joyfully.

The others nodded in agreement.

At this moment, within the Hall of Elders, the faction leaders of the Gu Family, including Elder Xuan, were not present.

For great families like the Gu Family, although the elders had stepped away from daily management, they each had their own duties, and it wasn't always possible for them to attend meetings in the Hall of Elders.

"Everyone, Ping'an's talent is brilliant. Should we discuss the matter of resource support for him!" Elder Lan proposed.

After a moment of silence, the suggestion was quickly met with agreement from an elder.

"It is only right!"

"Once we have discussed and finalized this matter, we will report it to the Ancestor and await his decision!"

"Excellent!"

"..."

The Gu Family Ancestor's combat power was unparalleled, but he was a late bloomer. In his youth, he had never ascended the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings.

Talent like Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's was enough for the Gu Family to offer greater sincerity in resource support and cultivation.

Given time, he would become a powerful asset for the Gu Family's prosperity!

In the Gu Family's rear garden, amidst pavilions and towers.

Gu Qingcheng, dressed in a white dress, sat playing a zither, her melancholic melody seemingly conveying a different state of mind.

A young girl holding a sword, her face delicate and beautiful, was currently narrowing her bright, large eyes, her delicate nose slightly furrowed, as if intoxicated by the music.

As the melody flowed, it was as if the Divine Firmament was being nurtured.

The power of the Divine Firmament could exterminate all evil!

With it, one could slay celestial beings!

The Azure Dragon Xue Family.

"Fifty-ninth on the Hidden Dragon Rankings!!!"

Xue Shijing's expression was shaken, filled with indescribable shock.

Although he had previously learned of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's achievements, after analysis by the Xue Family elders, they concluded that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an did not possess the power of a top grandmaster. However, the ranking on the Hidden Dragon Rankings at this moment undeniably reflected reality!

Under normal circumstances, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an possessed combat power close to that of a top grandmaster, and in short engagements, he could be treated as a top grandmaster.

But in a life-or-death battle, according to the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's judgment, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an could be treated as a top grandmaster!

This could be seen from the analysis of his combat power and the interpretation of his talent!

"How can it be so high!?"

Some Xue Family elders showed confusion, their expressions filled with doubt.

To this day, the junior they had once looked down upon had now surpassed them!

The power of a top grandmaster meant that few of the elders present would be able to defeat Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an!

In just a few years, such a drastic change had occurred. Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's talent was truly...

Azure Dragon Province, Wang Family.

"Reckless Saber!"

"Top sixty on the Hidden Dragon Rankings!"

"How could this be!"

"Didn't they say he only killed a Top Grandmaster by ambushing and taking advantage of their depleted state!? Why does the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion think so highly of Chen Ping'an!?"

"His future prospects are worth looking forward to! Out of the 108 Hidden Dragon Talents on the Hidden Dragon Rankings, less than twenty receive such an evaluation!"

"The Reckless Saber's momentum is established, now we'll see how the Elders decide!"

"The Gu Family!"

"."

"Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, ranked fifty-ninth on the Hidden Dragon Rankings!?"

"How did he climb so fast? Wasn't he at seventy-seventh place before!? In just half a year, he's moved up eighteen spots!"

"It's truly a bit exaggerated! A jump in ranking like this is extremely rare in the past few decades! Only those monstrous talents ranked at the very top of the Hidden Dragon Rankings have shown such performance!"

"The top sixty on the Hidden Dragon Rankings, that's a realm only Top Grandmasters are qualified to enter!"

"That's right, Top Grandmasters! Don't you know about the Dragon Peace incident!?"

"But that wasn't..."

"."

Within the state territories, many Grandmasters, while visiting friends, were discussing it animatedly.

Those who had previously doubted the Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an were now thoroughly embarrassed. With the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's certification and the Hidden Dragon Rankings' official announcement, who else would dare question the Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's strength!?

Talk of good luck, opportune timing, or helpful teammates was merely empty words!

Without absolute strength to suppress, where would luck come from!?

"Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, the Gu Family's fine son-in-law. The Gu Family's foresight is truly incredible; no wonder they are the foremost family in the Azure Dragon Province territory!"

"The Gu Family rejected the marriage alliance with the Azure Prince Manor and chose to marry Gu Qingchan to the Reckless Saber. It was truly a brilliant move!"

"It's a pity for Ji Changkong of the Azure Prince Manor. His 'Phoenix Seeking its Mate' song caused a stir in every province, and now he's become a joke!"

"A joke!? Who would dare laugh at the Azure Prince's grandson?"

"Haha, just kidding! Regardless, the Gu Family's actions truly hold deep meaning. We didn't realize it at the time, but the more we look now, the more impressive it seems."

"Indeed, the Azure Prince's succession to the throne has drawn in too many forces, with various factions exerting all their efforts. The Azure Prince Manor has become a massive vortex. The Gu Family's choice not to get involved was undoubtedly the right decision. Families like the Xue Family and the Wang Family are caught in the middle, already beyond their control! Comparing the two, the difference in judgment is clear!"

"Sigh..."

"Brother Ning, why the sigh!?"

"Do you think the Xue Family and the Wang Family don't see clearly through these matters? But sometimes, not getting involved is also a manifestation of strength. When great forces clash and chaos reigns, not everyone is qualified to be a bystander!"

"Are you implying that the Gu Family Ancestor..."

"Hush, let's not talk about it, let's change the subject!"

"Indeed, indeed!"

"."

The Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings were updated simultaneously across the four territories of the dynasty. At almost the same moment, all territories and provinces received the news of the Hidden Dragon Rankings' update.

The name of the Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an naturally caught the eyes of countless Grandmasters. Due to the stable rise in his ranking, truly top-tier forces had begun to pay attention to him.

With each update of the Hidden Dragon Rankings, the top positions were always occupied by the same individuals. Except for rare occasions when age exceeded the limit and required removal from the list, causing changes, the rankings of those at the forefront generally remained stable.

Under normal circumstances, Chen Ping'an's performance in this update of the Hidden Dragon Rankings would have been enough to attract more attention and discussion. However, this update was markedly different from previous ones. Besides Chen Ping'an, there were other significant changes. Two major shifts, in particular, drew considerable attention and diverted the focus of truly top-tier forces.

For a time, the buzz surrounding Chen Ping'an's eighteen-spot jump in ranking diminished significantly.

Without the backing of influential forces to promote and build momentum, he gradually faded into the crowd, becoming just another ordinary Hidden Dragon Talent!

However, even so, the title of Hidden Dragon Talent was incredibly glorious. The Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's reputation still sent shockwaves through the Azure Dragon Province and its surrounding regions, attracting high attention from various factions within the Azure Prince Manor's sphere of influence and drawing the notice of top forces in the Northern Territory. It even caused some ripples within the dynasty's territory.

After this update of the Hidden Dragon Rankings, the name of the Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an officially entered the sight of all parties and was duly noted!