Alluring Fairy, Azure Cang Assistant Duke

In one day, it will be the promotion ceremony for the Gu Family's newly promoted Grandmaster, the Heaven's Proud Daughter, Gu Qingcheng.

The entire Azure Dragon Province City was exceptionally lively.

Many forces, openly or secretly, entered the fray, fanning the flames of public opinion. They intended to leverage public sentiment to create potential hidden dangers and sow division.

Of course, most forces focused their energy on the promotion ceremony to be held tomorrow, preparing gifts and making various calculations.

Among the various forces, the younger generation preparing to attend the ceremony with their elders were indescribably excited, looking forward to catching a glimpse of the Gu Family's Alluring Fairy tomorrow.

Amidst this situation, Chen Ping'an met this renowned Alluring Fairy in the Gu Family's backyard. To be precise, after many days, he met again his fiancée, whose marriage contract was witnessed by heaven and earth.

After many days apart, Gu Qingcheng was still as beautiful as ever, breathtakingly beautiful, not like a mortal.

She wore a plain white dress, her skirts flowing like flowing clouds. Moonlight condensed like dew, and with every gentle movement, it seemed to ripple like silver waves.

Gu Qingcheng's gaze was clear and cold, like a solitary fairy in the moon palace. Only when she saw Chen Ping'an did a hint of a gentle smile appear on her face.

But...

It was only that hint.

"Miss Gu," Chen Ping'an said with a warm smile, naturally taking a seat in front of Gu Qingcheng.

His action naturally drew dissatisfaction from the sword-holding girl beside her.

The girl glared at Chen Ping'an with her large, bright eyes.

Chen Ping'an acted as if he hadn't noticed, sitting upright, his expression gentle as he looked at Gu Qingcheng before him.

After many days apart, Gu Qingcheng's temperament had become even more refined and aloof. Her aloofness was not like the biting cold of ice, but rather gave a sense of being detached from the mundane world.

At a glance, she didn't seem like a mortal, but like a cold fairy from the Moon Palace, gracefully descending to the human world.

"It's been several months, congratulations Miss Gu on your further progress and entering the Grandmaster Realm. Such speed truly makes me, Chen, admire you."

Gu Qingcheng, with her wide sleeves like flowing clouds and wrists as white as snow, poured Chen Ping'an a cup of tea.

"Young Master Chen's talent is exceptionally brilliant, ranking among the hidden dragons. My minor progress, Qingcheng, does not deserve such praise from Young Master Chen."

Gu Qingcheng's features were as picturesque as a painting, her demeanor as aloof as snow. Though her voice was soft, she sat like an ice lotus fairy, exuding an aura of aloofness that kept people at a distance, making them only dare to admire from afar, not to presume intimacy.

Chen Ping'an's gaze was calm as he gladly accepted the tea from Gu Qingcheng.

Whether to show closeness or for some other calculation, Gu Qingcheng did not use True Essence to support the teacup. Instead, she chose to use her bare hands to lift the cup and hand it to Chen Ping'an.

As Chen Ping'an took the tea, their fingertips lightly brushed. Although they didn't fully touch, the tingly sensation sent a ripple through their hearts, making them yearn for more.

Chen Ping'an's temperament was seasoned and shrewd, so he would not easily change.

But it was clear that this action was noticed by the sword-holding girl beside him, drawing her strong dissatisfaction.

If Gu Qingcheng's expression had not remained as usual, without any unusual reaction, the girl would have likely blurted out "scoundrel."

Even so, the girl gritted her teeth and stared intently at Chen Ping'an, watching to see if he made any other improper moves.

Sensing the girl's behavior, Chen Ping'an found it amusing.

This girl is really fun!

Gu Qingcheng didn't say much. Chen Ping'an drank the spiritual tea and chatted with Gu Qingcheng about trivial matters.

The topics were all ordinary, with no particularities.

Having had the previous experience, Chen Ping'an did not try to probe or sense her this time.

He hadn't forgotten the wondrous phenomena of the Bright Moon Golden Wheel, the Ancient Sword Divine Firmament, and the clouds by the radiant light.

Although his cultivation had greatly advanced now, reaching the first stage of breaking through with the foundation of nine Spirit Patterns, he still didn't want to endure that kind of suffering when facing Gu Qingcheng.

Well, it's good to maintain some mystery between fiancés.

Chen Ping'an nodded to himself, convincing himself.

In fact, during their conversation, he had several times felt the urge to probe and sense, but whether intentionally or unintentionally, he was always stared at intently by the sword-holding girl who gritted her teeth.

Her gaze was like that of someone watching a heavily guarded wolf.

Chen Ping'an felt a little speechless.

"When my wife comes in next time, I'll have you wait outside! During the wedding night, let's see if you still stare." Chen Ping'an, with his optimistic spirit, thought to himself, feeling a bit amused.

For a great family like the Gu Family, a personal maidservant by Gu Qingcheng's side would likely be part of the dowry on the day Gu Qingcheng got married.

In theory, she would likely enter the household together with Gu Qingcheng on that day.

Whether she would serve or not was uncertain, depending mostly on the principal wife's attitude. But waiting outside was something that couldn't be avoided.

This was something Chen Ping'an didn't even need to mention.

Furthermore, in reality, personal maids who were part of the principal wife's dowry often became the husband's concubines within the next few years.

Thinking of this, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but feel a sense of playfulness.

Taking advantage of a lull in his conversation with Gu Qingcheng, he winked at the sword-holding girl beside him.

The girl's mouth immediately pouted.

Judging by her posture, if Gu Qingcheng hadn't been present, she would have already drawn her sword and attacked.

Chen Ping'an smiled, not lingering. He looked at Gu Qingcheng in front of him and said seriously, "For tomorrow's celebration, how does Miss Gu need my cooperation?"

Gu Qingcheng seemed oblivious to their actions, her gaze clear and cold, as pure and detached as an immortal: "Young Master Chen, please do as you please, as you wish.

What Young Master Chen wishes is also what Qingcheng wishes."

"As I wish..." Chen Ping'an murmured internally, savoring the meaning.

Tomorrow was Gu Qingcheng's Promotion Celebration. According to their prior agreement, he, as Gu Qingcheng's future husband, needed to make a grand entrance at the beginning of the ceremony, creating the greatest possible stir to push the celebration to its climax and ignite public opinion in Azure Dragon Province.

This was a plan for the Gu Family, and also Chen Ping'an's promise.

But was this truly what Gu Qingcheng wanted!?

Chen Ping'an didn't know.

Chen Ping'an had come to the Gu Family for another important matter.

After meeting Gu Qingcheng and having a conversation with his famous fiancée, Chen Ping'an did not stay long.

After a few pleasantries, he indicated his intention to leave.

Gu Qingcheng did not try to stop him. With flowing sleeves and tassels, she bowed gracefully.

"Thank you for the spirit tea, Miss Gu," Chen Ping'an said, cupping his hands and bowing respectfully.

The two sat facing each other. They were not far apart to begin with, and during their bows, they drew even closer.

A man and a woman, one in white, the other in a moon-white skirt, cupped their hands in a bow, like a pair of celestial lovers.

The sword-bearing maiden beside them saw this scene, and her fierce expression softened slightly, her tightly clenched teeth relaxing a bit.

As they bowed to each other, like a married couple, it was enough to make one's mind wander.

"Miss Gu, I'll see you tomorrow!"

Chen Ping'an cupped his hands and rose. A faint, lingering fragrance wafted to his nose, making his heart yearn.

Looking at the moon-like face before him, Chen Ping'an held his breath, steadying his mind.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

Gu Qingcheng's wide sleeves fell, and beneath her radiant robes, she appeared otherworldly.

"Miss..."

A trace of bewilderment flashed across the pretty face of the sword-bearing maiden. Her bright eyes softened slightly, as if she had glimpsed a direction for the future through the mist.

However, before her eyes had fully softened, she saw the young man in white make a funny face at her the moment he turned around.

"You!" The maiden was furious.

Chen Ping'an chuckled and left with a flourish.

All that remained was the maiden's slightly flat chest heaving up and down, her bright eyes glaring fiercely at his retreating back.

"Oh, dear!"

Gu Qingcheng said nothing as she watched the lively and beautiful maiden flailing her arms.

Her expression was serene, her eyes flawless, just like the Golden Wheel and the Bright Moon.

The maiden holding the sword, with a gentle breeze caressing her, was like the clouds and radiant light of the Divine Firmament.

Beneath the Divine Firmament, all things retreated; even celestial beings could not resist.

But the might of the Divine Firmament was like an abyss, like the sea. If one wished to borrow it, what could be borrowed!?

Chen Ping'an was also a frequent visitor to the Gu Family.

After leaving Gu Qingcheng, he headed towards the Gu Family's Hall of Elders.

He walked through the Gu Family's back gardens, his passage unimpeded, as if he were in his own home.

Along the way, maidservants and maids saw him, their faces showing respect, and they greeted him one after another.

"Greetings, son-in-law."

"Hello, son-in-law!"

"..."

Chen Ping'an did not put on airs, his smile warm and genial. He nodded slightly.

Such behavior naturally increased the favorability of the maidservants, stirring their emotions.

Being able to move about the Gu Family's back gardens, the maidservants and maids were all carefully selected. If they were placed in the outside world, any one of them would be considered outstanding.

Years of service and movement had broadened their horizons.

But no matter how discerning their gaze, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was undoubtedly a Heavenly Talent.

Such a man was rarely seen in the world.

Seventh Miss...

She had truly found a suitable husband.

It makes one wonder which maidservants would be fortunate enough to marry alongside the Seventh Young Lady.

If one could have such a husband, even serving as a slave or a maid would bring unspeakable joy, willingly accepting any hardship.

Chen Ping'an, of course, wouldn't know the thoughts of the maidservants.

He was currently contemplating something else.

Judging by her exposed cultivation realm, Gu Qingcheng was indeed at the Grandmaster realm. However, whether she had held back was difficult to say.

Combining his previous senses, Chen Ping'an felt that the latter possibility was quite high.

Even from the most conservative perspective, Gu Qingcheng's combat power could not be underestimated.

In the past, he, as a newly promoted Grandmaster, could kill the veteran Grandmaster Blood Bat Wei Yiqi. Now that Gu Qingcheng had entered this realm, she could probably do the same.

The Bright Moon Sword Technique, at its Perfection level, when activated with True Essence after entering the Grandmaster realm, would see a surge in combat power, its might likely immeasurable.

Even if it wasn't as good as someone like Flame Saber Zhong Lisheng, it was probably not far off.

The most crucial point was...

According to Chen Ping'an's deduction, Gu Qingcheng might not be...

Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm, but a hint of solemnity appeared deep within them.

If that were truly the case, he would even more so not understand Gu Qingcheng's intentions.

The Gu Family's estate was vast, but with Chen Ping'an's familiarity, he smoothly arrived at the Gu Family's Hall of Elders. Although the Hall of Elders was usually empty, as a Great Grandmaster, their senses were sharp and their spirituality abundant, so they were naturally aware of Chen Ping'an's arrival.

Even before he arrived, several Gu Family Elders had already gathered in the Hall of Elders.

As they conversed, several free Elders arrived one after another.

Although the number of Elders present for this meeting was not as large as before, overall, it still conveyed an unspeakable level of importance placed upon Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an's purpose for coming was clear. After simple pleasantries and greetings, he directly brought up the matter of the Azure Cang Prince Manor.

"Azure Cang's solicitation? Such a thing exists!"

Elder Lan's expression was somewhat solemn.

"Did people from the Azure Cang Prince Manor enter the city?" Elder Heng asked in a deep voice.

Liang Xiaoxian and the others had entered the city very discreetly. After entering, they stayed within their residences, keeping their doors closed.

Although the Gu Family's intelligence network was spread throughout Azure Dragon Province City, under such circumstances, it was quite difficult to obtain this information.

Of course, this was only a temporary situation.

If Liang Xiaoxian and the others were to stay in Azure Dragon for a long time, they would inevitably be discovered by the Gu Family.

However, as the group had just arrived, their only outing was late at night, so the Gu Family naturally wouldn't know.

Using ordinary martial cultivators as informants to keep watch ultimately could not effectively detect the traces of top Grandmasters, let alone Martial Dao Great Grandmasters.

Especially when the latter intentionally concealed their tracks.

After learning of this from Chen Ping'an, the Elders appeared quite surprised.

However, after a moment of surprise, they quickly calmed down.

"We should have expected it. The Azure Cang Prince Manor is eager for talent, and your talent, Ping'an, is brilliant. Your ranking on the Hidden Dragon list has also advanced significantly. The Azure Cang Prince Manor will definitely not give up!"

"With Liang Xiaoxian appearing, it's no different from before. The power behind this should be the representative faction within the Virtuous Selection Faction of the Azure Cang Prince Manor. It belongs to the same faction as the power behind Ji Changkong!"

"The representative faction of the Virtuous Selection! Azure Cang Assistant Duke!"

"Everyone, let's discuss this."

"The second recruitment, this move is likely determined to succeed! This matter is not trivial and needs to be reported to the Ancestor as soon as possible!"

"The 'Raging Waves Split the Earth' has also arrived, so it seems to be true! Also, if the solicitation is rejected..."

"Ping'an's handling of this is appropriate, leaving room for maneuver!"

"..."

Chen Ping'an did not conceal the details of Liang Xiaoxian's recruitment, only hiding the part about his own cultivation.

In the Gu Family's understanding, Chen Ping'an's martial path realm had reached the Jade Balance Middle Stage, and his combat power touched the threshold of a Great Grandmaster. However, after obtaining the treasure prototype Skyfall Cold Star Saber, once it was successfully refined, his combat power would see a significant increase.

In ordinary combat, although he couldn't unleash the true might of the Skyfall Cold Star Saber, it could enhance his overall combat strength to a certain extent.

If he encountered a crisis, he could unleash it with full force at a critical moment, erupting with a peak strike, and his combat power might even surpass that of an ordinary Martial Dao Great Grandmaster.

Given Chen Ping'an's martial path realm, although he couldn't bear the consumption of the Skyfall Cold Star Saber for long periods, he could still unleash one or two strikes at crucial moments.

With the full might of the treasure prototype, coupled with the Overlord Saber Secret Skill, his peak combat power reaching the level of suppressing ordinary Martial Dao Great Grandmasters was not unusual.

However, although he could suppress them, defeating them would be somewhat fantastical. While the treasure prototype's might was immense, in actual use, it could only be unleashed with full force once or twice.

Such a move was more than enough for self-preservation, but it was somewhat unlikely to defeat or suppress them.

During the conversation, Chen Ping'an also mentioned the details of the Azure Cang Prince Manor's increased offer for recruitment. There was no intention of comparison or belittling; he was simply stating the facts objectively, allowing the Gu Family to grasp more comprehensive details for their comprehensive judgment and consideration.

After the matter was discussed, Chen Ping'an had nothing else to attend to. The Gu Family Elders, having just learned of the Azure Cang Prince Manor's second recruitment offer, had many details to review and discuss.

After briefly discussing the matters of the celebration tomorrow, Chen Ping'an cupped his hands in a salute, preparing to take his leave.

"Ping'an, the celebration is tomorrow. You must act with high profile. Please don't forget."

"Ping'an understands."

Chen Ping'an bowed respectfully and cupped his hands before leaving.

After exiting the Hall of Elders, Chen Ping'an headed outwards. As he passed a garden with rockeries, he seemed to sense something and looked to the side.

However, with just a glance, he withdrew his gaze.

"Gu Qingcheng."

Chen Ping'an's expression deepened, and he left the Gu Family directly.

Boarding the carriage, Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted.

Regarding their previous agreement, Gu Qingcheng didn't mention a single word during this meeting.

Could this renowned Alluring Fairy be trying to go back on her word?!

Her emergence today was solely due to tomorrow's celebration!

In that case, could it be that her previous seclusion was truly to avoid him!?

Chen Ping'an shook his head slightly, a faint smile on his face.

Qingcheng, oh Qingcheng...

If a fairy from the Guanghan Moon Palace were to develop mortal affections, would she still be the untainted Guanghan Fairy?!

Although in this situation, he should compose a poem and sigh to the heavens.

"I offered my heart to the bright moon, but alas, the bright moon shines on a ditch."

Yet, for some reason, under these circumstances, he felt a sense of amusement. Behind the coldness, he saw a trace of imperceptible worldliness.

Perhaps, even...

should possess a worldly heart, not losing the purest emotions in their heart.

If that were truly the case, then perhaps the dream of preparing meals together would no longer be out of reach.

And also, that beautiful young woman...

Chen Ping'an's smile faded, his eyes deepened, and a hint of solemnity appeared on his face.

A day always passes so briefly and swiftly.

The celebration for Gu Qingcheng, the former top of the Azure Dragon New Talent Rankings and the Gu Family's contemporary Heavenly Talent, will be held today at Small Pan Mountain, the Gu Family's ancestral land.

Inside the room, Chen Ping'an sat cross-legged and slowly opened his eyes.

"Tonight, something big is happening!"