Having Set Foot on the Martial Path, He Would Perfect It Himself (The World Was Wondrous, Unpredictable as a Shadow)

"Elder Mu!" Chen Ping'an said with a smile in his eyes.

The spirituality in his brow was abundant, his Spirit Platform shone brightly, and Wood Mulberry Daoist's cultivation realm lay completely exposed before him like a lamplight.

With a single glance, he saw through Wood Mulberry Daoist's cultivation realm.

Jade Balance Middle Stage Perfection, a Top Grandmaster!

This Wood Mulberry Daoist truly had inexhaustible reserves of strength.

After not seeing him for many days, despite his aged body, he had actually advanced another step, leaping into the ranks of Top Grandmasters.

Chen Ping'an raised his cup with a smile, an almost imperceptible trace of scrutiny appearing in his eyes.

Wood Mulberry Daoist was vigorous and spirited, his complexion rosy, his True Essence upright and tranquil. Within his aged body, life force faintly brimmed.

Had Chen Ping'an's martial foundation not been incomparably profound, and had his realm not long since reached the threshold of a breakthrough, he might not have detected anything unusual about Wood Mulberry Daoist upon examining him now.

It was said that Wood Mulberry Daoist was proficient in health-preserving arts. Seeing him today, his methods of preserving vitality were likely even more remarkable than the rumors claimed.

It seemed that Wood Mulberry Daoist also possessed an opportunity not fit to be spoken of to outsiders.

Chen Ping'an's expression remained unchanged as he exchanged pleasantries and greetings with Wood Mulberry Daoist.

Wood Mulberry Daoist's manner was respectful and his words courteous, utterly different from their previous exchange.

Chen Ping'an still remembered their earlier meeting. Wood Mulberry Daoist's attitude had not been poor, but his speech and temperament had faintly carried a hint of looking down from above. He had regarded Chen Ping'an as though he were a junior of boundless talent, one who might one day be ranked with him.

Even if they could stand as equals in the future, he had still carried a few traces of an old generation expert's bearing for now.

That single address of "Little Friend Ping'an" had said it all.

But now, more than a year later, when Wood Mulberry Daoist met him again, his words carried several more degrees of respect. He no longer took pride in his identity as an old generation expert as he had before. Even though he had advanced further and leapt into the ranks of Top Grandmasters, he did not dare show the slightest similar bearing.

The matter of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an suppressing and killing the Evil Extremity Twin Fiends on his journey to Azure Dragon Province City had not spread widely, yet it was enormously renowned among the upper circles of Azure Dragon Province City.

The Evil Extremity Twin Fiends both possessed the strength of Top Grandmasters. When they erupted with full force, they touched the threshold of Great Grandmaster combat power. Even though both had suffered severe injuries, once they joined hands, they were certainly not opponents whom ordinary Top Grandmasters could handle.

Since Chen Ping'an had achieved such a record, his combat strength had likely already touched the threshold of a Great Grandmaster. Even if there was some discrepancy, he was not far from it.

Faced with such circumstances, Wood Mulberry Daoist naturally spoke with several more degrees of respect and several fewer degrees of self-assurance.

A single address of "Lord Chen" already encompassed everything.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had now gathered an overwhelming momentum. He was no longer someone old generation experts like them could look down upon. Even Great Grandmasters would need to show several more degrees of humility when meeting him and treat him as an equal.

Let alone ordinary Top Grandmasters.

Wood Mulberry Daoist was exceedingly courteous and respectful toward Chen Ping'an. Chen Ping'an responded appropriately, but his gaze fell upon the juniors behind Wood Mulberry Daoist.

There were quite a few juniors behind Wood Mulberry Daoist, but Chen Ping'an was looking at two of them.

Mu Chenjie and Mu Qingyao.

When he had first journeyed to Azure Dragon Province City, he had once traveled with the Mu Family caravan through the convenience of the two of them.

"Long time no see!" Chen Ping'an smiled gently.

Wood Mulberry Daoist was startled, unable to Realize what was happening for a moment. When he came back to his senses, he saw two faces behind him filled with shock and disbelief.

Mu Chenjie's body trembled slightly. Even now, his eyes were full of disbelief.

Mu Qingyao wore a long emerald dress. Her pale, scallion-white little hand gripped a corner of her skirt tightly. Looking at the Green Robe Man before her, she felt as though she were dreaming.

So he was Reckless Saber.

In Five Peaks Mountain City, he had slain a Profound Light Realm expert with his saber, killed Seven Absolute Old Man's disciple, and hung the head above the city.

In Wei River County City, he had severely wounded the Northern Land Swordsman, slain a Heavenly Lotus Sect expert, and entered the ranks of dragons and tigers in a single day.

At North Azure Stronghold, he had slain Wind and Rain Saber with his blade, his prestigious name spreading far and wide.

In Azure Dragon Province City, atop Small Pan Mountain, he had fought a Jade Balance Grandmaster against the odds. He broke through in battle, slew Blood Bat Wei Yiqi, entered the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings, and became the greatest heavenly talent of Azure Dragon Province Territory in two thousand years.

At Dragon Peace Stronghold, he had defeated Kaiyang Great Compassion Hand Wu Xiutong and suppressed several Jade Balance Grandmasters.

During the Dragon Peace Turmoil, he had slain the Evil Extremity Path Grandmaster, Black Mountain. He had killed the Top Grandmaster Rotten Bone Granny and the demonic path grandmaster Blood Spirit Child.

Mu Qingyao's eyes were vacant as scene after scene of memories concerning Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an continuously surfaced in her mind.

Reckless Saber!

He was Reckless Saber!

The man who had once traveled alongside her, whose bearing had been easygoing and unrestrained, was actually Reckless Saber!

Mu Qingyao clutched her dress as the figure in her heart collided with the person before her again and again, clashed again and again, and continuously—

Merged.

"Lord Chen, you know them?" Wood Mulberry Daoist asked in surprise.

He truly had not expected the juniors of his Lineage to have any connection with someone like Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.

"We know each other." Chen Ping'an smiled. "We met several times in the past and traveled together for a stretch."

Though Wood Mulberry Daoist did not know the exact details, under such circumstances, he naturally continued along Chen Ping'an's words. "Then those two juniors are truly fortunate to have traveled with Lord Chen for a stretch. Speaking of which, Lord Chen truly has an affinity with my Mu Family."

Wood Mulberry Daoist's face was wreathed in smiles as he used this topic to continuously draw closer to Chen Ping'an.

Mu Chenjie looked blankly at the clan elder before him, who carried a few traces of restraint amid his casual manner and a few traces of politeness amid his natural demeanor. He felt that the man was utterly unfamiliar.

The Ninth Clan Elder, whose accumulated authority in the Lineage ran deep, had never shown such a manner before juniors. But now—

A trace of complexity appeared in Mu Chenjie's eyes as he looked toward the calm and composed figure not far before him.

He was—

Reckless Saber?

Mu Chenjie could not help recalling the time they had met in the province city.

Back then, he had been deeply trapped by the matter of Alluring Fairy's Marriage Contract, feeling incomparably low.

When he had happened to encounter the other man in the province city, his mood had worsened further.

He had thought that the province city was so vast that they ought not meet again, yet he had never expected to encounter him once more.

The emotions involved could not be spoken of to outsiders.

Especially when he saw the two little girls accompanying the man, he had already filled in every detail in his mind.

Not to mention failing to work hard at cultivation, he even took special pleasure in deceiving little girls!

Already so grown up, yet still utterly useless!

It was simply beyond words.

When the other man greeted him with an easygoing expression, he had not said much. Yet after leaving and seeing the scene of one man with two women, indignation had filled his heart.

He had thought fiercely, You deceive little girls every day. I bet you won't be able to marry a wife in the future!

But who could have expected—

The Alluring Fairy who haunted his dreams day and night was actually the other man's wife. Not long ago, the two had stood embracing atop the Cloud Terrace at the mountain peak.

Qingcheng.

Countless emotions surged forth in Mu Chenjie's heart like waves, rising and falling without end, rolling on in an unceasing torrent.

As one of the focal points of the banquet, Wood Mulberry Daoist naturally could not chat with Chen Ping'an for too long.

In truth, while the two raised their cups and conversed casually, people had already been waiting nearby.

Those waiting were no ordinary figures. They were all true backbones and pillars of their respective factions.

Even Wood Mulberry Daoist could not slight them. After exchanging pleasantries, completing his purpose, and paying his respects, he took his leave.

This conversation had exceeded expectations. Not only had he consolidated his relationship with Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, but he had also gained an unexpected harvest during their casual discussion.

Wood Mulberry Daoist glanced at the two juniors behind him and made up his mind to learn the full details from them once the banquet ended.

Not only that, this matter had to be reported to the Clan Elder Hall.

As one of the staunch ally families of the Azure Dragon Gu Family, the Gu Family's attitude was of paramount importance to the Mu Family. As the person the Gu Family had heavily invested in winning over, and the future husband of their current pillar heavenly talent, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's attitude was destined to represent a considerable portion of the Gu Family's stance.

Reckless Saber was of vital importance to the Mu Family.

When family affairs were involved, every trace and every fraction had to be treated with the utmost caution.

That juniors of the Lineage had known Reckless Saber early on and formed a good bond with him could absolutely be called an unexpected delight.

Reckless Saber was dazzlingly gifted and astonishingly talented. In the future, he would certainly ascend to the realm of Martial Dao Great Grandmaster. If his Dao heart encountered no obstruction, there was even a considerable possibility that he might ascend beyond the Great Grandmaster realm within his lifetime.

If he truly achieved such heights one day, all the clans of Azure Dragon would surely look to him for every breath. The Azure Dragon Mu Family would be no exception.

Given Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's martial path progress, that day might come very quickly.

Would it be three sixty-year cycles, or two!?

Wood Mulberry Daoist's eyes shone with delight as he forcibly suppressed the excitement in his heart.

If they could use this opportunity to forge a connection with Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an and establish an unbreakable friendship, then one day, the Azure Dragon Mu Family might not be unable to take another step forward and stand above the top powers of the province territory!

"Lord Chen, I have long heard of your illustrious name. To be fortunate enough to meet you today is truly an extraordinary blessing."

"Lord Chen, please make yourself at ease. This cup of wine, I—"

"..."

Chen Ping'an maintained a calm expression as he exchanged pleasantries and greetings with representatives from various factions.

Although Gu Qingcheng's Promotion Ceremony was incomparably grand, because it was merely for a breakthrough into the Grandmaster realm, it had not risen to the scale of a true foundation-level event. There were many guests who had come to observe the ceremony, but most were at the level of Veteran Grandmasters.

There were also Top Grandmasters, but their overall number was not large. As for Great Grandmasters, there was even less need to mention them.

For the overwhelming majority of guests, Chen Ping'an was already famous far and wide, powerful and influential, with a vast future ahead of him beyond the reach of ordinary people.

With such a fine opportunity before them, they naturally had to seize it firmly. Otherwise, if they missed this occasion, they had no idea when the next would come.

There might even be no next time at all.

With the talent Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an currently displayed, even if he ascended to the Great Grandmaster realm in the future, it might not take him much time. Perhaps one sixty-year cycle, perhaps only half a cycle.

It was even highly possible that he would enter the Great Grandmaster realm within twenty years.

By exchanging pleasantries and greetings now, even if they could not form a good bond, they could still lay a solid foundation for future dealings.

If they could go a step further, that was naturally what the vast majority of factions and representatives wished to see.

A favor owed by an important figure might not necessarily be used, but if it truly was used, it would surely serve a great purpose!

For the overwhelming majority of people, this might concern their entire fortune and even their lives!

Faced with the unending stream of raised cups and toasts, Chen Ping'an said little, but his manner remained proper and courteous.

In any case, it was merely idle time. Using it to become acquainted with some people was naturally no issue.

Although knowing these people did not really count as accumulating connections, they had at least formed the bond of having met. If one day his wings had fully grown and his great momentum had gathered, perhaps it could save him some effort.

The banquet was extraordinarily lively. Yet in their interactions, the cold remained cold, and the lively remained lively.

Some people schemed and racked their brains to squeeze into a circle, only to discover after entering that they were dispensable fringe figures.

Some racked their brains, hoping to advance further and draw closer to the center of the circle.

And some simply stood there, naturally occupying the very center.

They needed no words. A single glance or movement was enough to make countless people speculate and deliberate, terrified that the slightest carelessness would make them say something wrong and offend them.

At this moment, the crowd surrounding Chen Ping'an was precisely like that.

Any one of them, placed outside, would be an absolute center of their own circle. Yet here, they were exhausting their minds to form good bonds and gain friendship.

The focal point of tonight's banquet was Gu Qingcheng, but it was Also—

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an!

A banquet was like a miniature of the world itself. Between one circle and another, the boundaries were as distinct as the Jing and Wei rivers, the order strict and clear.

Some were cautious, some respectful and courteous, some natural and easygoing.

Amid the exchanges and greetings, Chen Ping'an also met Wang Siyuan, the current heavenly talent of the Azure Dragon Wang Family.

Wang Siyuan had come together with a Wang Family Clan Elder.

As the Wang Family's representative attending the ceremony, the clan elder they had sent was naturally also a Top Grandmaster.

There was not much to say during their exchange of pleasantries and greetings.

Most of Chen Ping'an's attention fell upon Wang Siyuan.

As early as Wei River County City, ever since he had first stepped onto the martial path, he had heard the other man's name.

Second on the New Talent Rankings, Wang Family heavenly talent, Wang Siyuan!

The Wang Siyuan of those days had been utterly unattainable to Chen Ping'an, a legendary existence.

At such a young age, he had already ascended to the Profound Light Middle Stage. He was a heavenly talent among heavenly talents, a rising star among rising stars.

At that time, to Chen Ping'an, who was still in the Qi Blood Realm, even an Inner Qi Realm expert was a renowned figure who dominated a region, an unattainable existence. Even his direct superior, Mu Wanjun, who ranked among the top ten heavenly talents of Wei River, was merely an Inner Qi Realm cultivator.

Who could imagine the sheer weight carried by a Profound Light Middle Stage expert!?

He had been entirely a legendary existence, a true heavenly talent spoken of by countless people. There was no possibility that he would appear in the ordinary daily life of common mortals.

But today—

Six years later, everything had changed.

The heavenly talent of old legends no longer even had the qualifications to meet Chen Ping'an's gaze on equal terms.

He merely stood behind as an accompanying junior, watching the elders of his family converse with Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.

Strictly speaking, today was Chen Ping'an's first time meeting the Wang Family heavenly talent, Wang Siyuan, and also the first meeting between the two.

As the Wang Family's direct son and its current pillar heavenly talent, Wang Siyuan completely matched Chen Ping'an's image of a noble lineage's gifted descendant.

His face was handsome, his bearing refined as jade. Dressed in white, simply standing there made him the natural protagonist.

A man on the road was like jade; the young master was peerless beneath heaven!

It had to be said that Wang Siyuan's demeanor and appearance were exactly as Chen Ping'an had imagined. They were also what he had long hoped for.

Like Cloud Concealing Sword Feng Wuhen, Wang Siyuan possessed traits Chen Ping'an had wanted.

If Feng Wuhen embodied the swordsman Chen Ping'an had hoped to become, with a swordsman's carefree elegance and unrestrained grace, then Wang Siyuan embodied the unique warmth of a noble young master, gentle as jade, subtle and soundless.

Beneath a blue-grey sky and misty rain, he held an oiled-paper umbrella, a sword at his waist, standing at the prow of a boat.

Such a scene had always been one Chen Ping'an imagined and yearned for.

The warmth and elegance he required were each possessed by Wang Siyuan and Feng Wuhen.

A beautiful woman stood by the riverbank. In the instant of a startled glance, his figure flashed, graceful as a soaring swan, supple as a wandering dragon. When he appeared again, he stood beside the beautiful woman.

Holding an oiled-paper umbrella, he would say, "Miss, it's raining." A perfect ending—the dream of his youth.

He did not know whether the dream of his youth would have a chance to come true in this life.

Between meticulously cultivating the sword path and becoming a swordsman, he had chosen to marry a female swordsman as his wife.

A clear breeze brushed the mountain ridge; the Bright Moon shone upon the great river.

Seeing Wang Siyuan, Chen Ping'an recalled the Wang Family's Previous Generation Heavenly Talent, Wang Lingzhi.

Once high-spirited and full of vigor, a single misstep had now reduced him to a cripple.

Until one reached the mountain peak and set foot upon the ultimate summit, it was never time to relax.

Since he cultivated the martial path, he naturally had to see it through to perfection.

Chen Ping'an smiled calmly as he looked at Wang Siyuan in the distance, his thoughts shifting, a deep sense of wistfulness rising within him.

Time truly was a fine thing. It smoothed out every wrinkle and brought all information into symmetry.

The affairs of the world were wondrous, beyond the telling of a few words.

The once unattainable prodigy had become an utterly ordinary supporting backdrop in a conversation.

The prodigy who had once stood atop the rankings and suppressed his entire generation had also become his not-yet-wed wife.

And also—

Chen Ping'an tilted his head slightly and glanced at Xue Zirou not far away.

Just as he turned his gaze toward her, Xue Zirou happened to be looking at him as well.

Their eyes met across the distance, their gazes touching in mid-air.

Xue Zirou's clear eyes were like water, as though they held a thousand words.

At that very moment, a voice as cool and clear as a spring sounded by Chen Ping'an's ear.

Like cold jade carved into shape, Immortal Music lingered sweetly, too pleasing to describe.

It was Secret Voice Transmission—Gu Qingcheng!