Reunion with Qingchan, the Karma of the Past (Monthly Pass Request)

Inside the residence, guards and servants patrolled back and forth.

In a place no one noticed, a figure flashed past. Its speed was beyond description; even if ordinary people saw it, they likely would not catch the slightest glimpse.

Soundlessly, the figure left the residence.

That figure was naturally Chen Ping'an, having altered his appearance.

At Chen Ping'an's current level, even if ordinary people saw him, he could stir up Spiritual Energy and muddle their senses, leaving them completely unaware.

However, such methods were no longer very effective against Grandmasters. Grandmasters could probe with their spirituality; the senses were merely one part of how they perceived the outside world.

Whether it worked depended on the gap in spirituality between the two sides.

Under normal circumstances, an ordinary Great Grandmaster found it difficult to blind a Grandmaster's sensory spirituality. At most, it could provide some concealment.

Only Top Great Grandmasters, or even Peak Great Grandmasters, could muddle the senses of ordinary Grandmasters. Against Veteran Grandmasters, however, they could do nothing.

But that applied when the two had come face-to-face and perceived one another directly. Under normal circumstances, if a Great Grandmaster concealed themselves properly, even a Veteran Grandmaster would find it difficult to detect them.

Disrupting Spiritual Energy and muddling the senses was a method used only in emergencies.

With Chen Ping'an's current capabilities, even if Great Grandmasters were present, it would be difficult for them to discover his tracks. So long as he did not run directly into them, sneaking all the way to the Gu Family's compound was no problem at all.

Although Thunderous Roar Great City had many Grandmasters, there were only a handful of Great Grandmasters. Among them, the strongest was Gu Family Elder Gu Qingchan.

When she had first arrived in Thunderous Roar, Gu Qingchan had established her might by fighting two Great Grandmasters alone and defeating them both.

From that point onward, Gu Qingchan had become the publicly acknowledged strongest person in Thunderous Roar Great City!

As for whether there were other hidden experts in the shadows, Chen Ping'an did not know. At present, he had yet to encounter any.

There were indeed hidden experts in this world, but in practical terms, there really were not that many of them.

Even Celestials who had transcended the mortal world rarely chose to remain silent in one place and hide themselves away.

So long as one still pursued the martial path, one would most likely not detach from one's circle. Even those traveling abroad often moved among their circles and corresponded by letter.

Under the cover of night, Chen Ping'an's figure continuously darted through the city.

Though speed was his weakness, it was still beyond the reach of ordinary Great Grandmasters.

Before long, Chen Ping'an arrived at the Gu Family compound.

Compared to other places, the Gu Family compound was undoubtedly guarded far more tightly.

Yet before Chen Ping'an, no matter how stringent the defenses were, they were no more than decorations.

Having visited twice before, Chen Ping'an already understood the routes and layout within the compound. Entering this time was naturally incomparably smooth.

Given the foundation of his spirituality, knowing the routes and layout beforehand was not of much help, but it undoubtedly saved him considerable time.

"Hopefully, this trip will go perfectly as wished!" Chen Ping'an's black robe billowed as he sped through the Gu Family compound.

Light blue radiance flowed around her, while the mark between her brows flickered with Spiritual Light, making Gu Qingchan's lovely face shine brilliantly, as though she were no one of the Human World.

After an unknown length of time, the Spiritual Light gradually dimmed. Gu Qingchan slowly opened her eyes, revealing a pair of light blue eyes as bright as starlight in a river of stars.

Using thoughts of love as her intent, she outlined the image of destiny. Her cultivation was Progressing a Thousand Miles a Day.

Not long ago, she had broken through once more and successfully inscribed her fifth spiritual pattern.

Five spiritual patterns—one further step, and she would reach what was traditionally considered Jade Balance completion, qualifying her to attempt a breakthrough.

Yet with her foundation, she was clearly not content with that alone.

If she were to break through, seven spiritual patterns would merely be the foundation. If possible, she wanted to borrow Senior Night Owl's strength, merge their souls, and enter the Third Stage of Breakthrough on the foundation of eight spiritual patterns, attempting a breakthrough!

Light Gauze Curtains hung around her, fragrant mist curling through the air.

Gu Qingchan took light lotus steps and seated herself upright upon a bed splendid as brocade clouds.

Her magnificent palace gown spilled down like rosy clouds pouring from the horizon, its hem trailing behind her like peerless flowers in full bloom.

Gu Qingchan gently closed her eyes. Her butterfly-wing lashes trembled faintly as her thoughts drifted, as though she were intoxicated by a beautiful, hazy dream.

"Looks like I came at the wrong time!" A low, hoarse voice sounded within the room.

Who was it!?

Gu Qingchan abruptly opened her eyes, coldness filling them.

The light blue mark between her brows flashed with Spiritual Light, dazzling brilliantly, ready to unleash its strongest strike at any moment.

She cultivated the Mystic Maiden Heart Sutra. Her spirituality was abundant and immensely keen; even if a Peak Great Grandmaster arrived in person, it was impossible for her to remain utterly unaware.

Anyone capable of appearing soundlessly within her palace chambers was no ordinary person. No amount of caution would be excessive!

An ordinary person would already have gone pale with fright, but Gu Qingchan's gaze was icy and her expression composed. Light blue true essence circulated around her.

Her foundation was extraordinary. Having now inscribed five spiritual patterns and possessing a Top Divine Weapon, her combat strength had already touched the level of a Peak Great Grandmaster.

Yet faced with this sudden threat, she did not possess the slightest confidence.

Just as her mind tensed and she prepared to go all out, she finally saw the figure before her clearly.

That familiar aura loosened her mind, like a taut bowstring suddenly relaxing. The indescribable chill in her eyes was instantly replaced by delight, brimming with inexpressible radiance.

"Senior Night Owl!"

Gu Qingchan's face brightened as she cried out in surprise.

After so many days, seeing the Senior Night Owl she had yearned for day and night once again—this sudden turn of events filled her with boundless joy, leaving her beside herself with happiness.

Chen Ping'an stood before Gu Qingchan beneath his black robe, inwardly remarking that he had not expected Gu Qingchan to have such a side to her.

The radiance in her eyes, the uncontrollable delight on her face—if this were outside, who would believe that this was Gu Qingchan, Gu Family Elder and a woman bearing the majesty of a Queen!

Chen Ping'an did not speak. Instead, he sensed Gu Qingchan's realm and cultivation.

Previously, he had been wary of his own identity. If he rashly probed her, Gu Qingchan might have noticed, so he had only vaguely sensed that her realm had advanced without examining it in detail.

Now that he stood here as Night Owl, Chen Ping'an naturally had no reservations and carefully sensed Gu Qingchan's condition.

Sensing Senior Night Owl's utterly uninhibited spiritual probing, Gu Qingchan felt no discomfort whatsoever. Instead, she even seemed faintly cooperative.

Senior Night Owl's sudden appearance had filled her heart with surprise and indescribable joy.

Furthermore, Senior Night Owl's realm and abilities confirmed her earlier guess.

The one who had defeated the Heavenly Luo Saintess in the battle at Dragon Peace had been Senior Night Owl!

"Five spiritual patterns! How did she get there So Fast?" Chen Ping'an was inwardly puzzled, finding it exceedingly strange.

But strange as it was, Chen Ping'an's expression did not change in the slightest.

Hidden beneath the black robe, his face remained calm and composed, utterly unruffled.

Could she have encountered some opportunity?

Chen Ping'an silently guessed.

Her previous breakthrough speed had already been fast enough—from Jade Balance Middle Stage to Jade Balance Late Stage in less than two years.

But after entering Jade Balance Late Stage and becoming a Great Grandmaster, she had still maintained such astonishing progress. This rate of improvement left Chen Ping'an clicking his tongue in wonder.

No matter how he looked at it, Gu Qingchan's cultivation progress was a little unreasonable.

Even if Gu Qingchan had been exceptionally gifted before, delayed somewhat by cultivating the Mystic Maiden Heart Sutra, and her cultivation speed had now returned to its former pace as the heart sutra neared completion, this speed was still far too exaggerated.

Other than an opportunity, no other explanation seemed convincing.

After probing for a while, Chen Ping'an truly could not understand it.

Since he could not understand it, he simply stopped thinking about it for now.

The world was vast, and strange things abounded.

There would always be things beyond one's knowledge and experience.

He had not come here this time to investigate Gu Qingchan's cultivation.

"Your progress isn't bad." Chen Ping'an offered a brief assessment, then raised a hand. His black robe swept aside, and a Hundred Treasures Pouch appeared before him.

The Hundred Treasures Pouch contained five hundred Origin Crystals—not one more, not one less, exactly the right amount.

"Here are five hundred Origin Crystals, which This Palace previously lent you!" Chen Ping'an's voice was low and hoarse. With a lift of his hand, the Hundred Treasures Pouch flew toward Gu Qingchan.

"Senior." Gu Qingchan's delicate face suggested she wanted to offer some words of refusal.

Yet after hesitating for a moment, she ultimately accepted the five hundred Origin Crystals.

Senior Night Owl's aura lingered on the Hundred Treasures Pouch.

"Senior, have you come here tonight for some important matter? Qingchan has been here for many days and knows Thunderous Roar quite well. If Senior needs anything, Qingchan is willing to offer what little help she can."

Gu Qingchan spoke with a gentle smile, soft as jade and tender as a flower, a strange radiance faintly gleaming in her eyes.

Since their parting in Azure Dragon Province City that day, she had No longer have seen Senior.

Now that the figure haunting her thoughts and dreams had appeared so vividly before her, she felt she had a thousand words she wished to say.

"This Palace was passing through Thunderous Roar and recalled what happened before, so I came specifically to settle the karma." Chen Ping'an's black robe covered his body, his hoarse, low voice devoid of the slightest emotion.

Hearing this, Gu Qingchan felt somewhat disappointed.

But very soon, a bright glow spread across her face. Her palace gown swept the ground as she took light lotus steps and came before Senior.

"Qingchan will remember Senior's kindness for the rest of her life and never dare forget it. Senior's affairs are Qingchan's affairs. What happened before was merely a trifling matter—how could it be called karma?"

Gu Qingchan breathed fragrance like orchids, her lovely cheeks flushed as though she wished to reveal her feelings.

Chen Ping'an stood where he was, expressionless, and did not respond.

At this moment, Gu Qingchan was only an arm's length away. Her figure was graceful, her palace gown magnificent, and wisps of delicate fragrance lingered at his nose, carrying a faintly warm softness.

He truly had not expected Gu Qingchan to have such a side. The woman who had previously been peerlessly elegant and magnificently poised was now gazing at him with flushed cheeks, soft as a flower and tender as jade.

Such forms of address as This Palace or this concubine had vanished entirely at This moment. She was like an innocent girl before the man she loved, shyly pouting in bashful coquetry.

"This woman..."

Chen Ping'an's Spirit Platform was clear. Naturally, he would not be deceived by appearances.

He did not believe he possessed such overwhelming charm. Gu Qingchan had become a Great Grandmaster so quickly and achieved such Not Bad progress; she naturally had her own fortune.

Of those who could become Great Grandmasters, which one did not possess a clear heart and a firm path? How could they be like ordinary young men and women, pining over romance?

Even if there were a trace of affection, it would mostly be filled with calculation.

There was likely some other reason behind Gu Qingchan's current manner.

However, whether Gu Qingchan struck a pose or not had little to do with him. He had come only to achieve his own objective. If he could make use of her in some way, then he would; if not, he would move her with benefits and carry out an exchange.

"What happened has already scattered with the wind. Fairy Gu need not take it to heart." Chen Ping'an spoke in a low, dark voice.

Having not met for many days, the two naturally exchanged a few words.

Chen Ping'an was in no hurry to reveal the true purpose of his trip.

First, the night was long, and he had plenty of time. There was no need to rush.

Second, revealing his needs too openly could easily create unnecessary complications and unfavorable consequences.

He did not possess an omniscient viewpoint. Being within the situation, many things were difficult to see clearly. His deductions were mostly based on what he knew, following clues like drawing silk from a cocoon and carefully considering each layer.

Gu Qingchan seemed interested in him, but Great Grandmasters were deeply calculating. Who knew what she was truly thinking?

If one easily placed trust in others based on appearances, then this world would be far too easy to navigate.

He did not believe he was some fated protagonist from a biographical novel, who could release a kingly aura and have countless beauties bend at the waist in competition, drawing endless admiration.

Taking a step back, even if Gu Qingchan did have feelings for him, once benefits were involved, she might not be so easy to deal with.

In this world, love-struck fools were ultimately an exceedingly tiny minority.

Most of them appeared among second, third, and fourth-generation heirs who were not preparing to take over the family. Innocent and carefree, they were full of curiosity about the world. Because they had encountered nothing but kindness, all they felt was kindness.

With fewer troubles and judging others by themselves, the world became warm and bright.

But which Great Grandmaster had not endured life and death, weathered long hardship? Even descendants of great clans and true inheritors of famous sects had seen plenty of cruelty, treacherous hearts, schemes, and calculations.

Calling them love-struck fools was simply looking down on them too much.

It was true that he had shown Gu Qingchan kindness, but to say it had risen to the point where she would devote her entire life to him was undoubtedly going too far.

This world was ultimately cold and realistic.

Other than between life-and-death Dao companions, where could there be so much kindness, so much willingness to spare no cost?

Biographical novels could beautify such things, because their fated protagonists were people destined to stand at the end. Everything surrounding them was the providence of heaven and earth aiding their growth.

But where would ordinary people get so much providence from heaven and earth? Unity, goodwill, and mutual support were the minority; mutual oppression and schemes against one another were the norm.

Sometimes, the absence of oppression and calculation was not because one was lucky, but because one's position had not yet risen to a level where calculation was necessary.

When more direct words and violence could achieve the desired goal, why would there be any need for schemes!?

Or perhaps one's own interests were not substantial enough to warrant others exhausting their thoughts to plot against them.

Of course, truth, goodness, and beauty still existed in this world! It was merely that after walking this path for so long, the shining points of human nature had become all the more precious.

Biographical tales could beautify things, make them reasonable, and offer assistance—but reality could not!

Judging from Chen Ping'an's own experiences, since rising from humble beginnings, he had encountered no small number of people and events.

Yet those who could truly coexist harmoniously without deceit or calculation were exceedingly few.

Among the women he had encountered, aside from Er Ya, after careful thought, there was likely only Wan Jun.

But there was only one Wan Jun.

The bond forged in humble days was far beyond comparison with people met after one had risen!

Aside from Wan Jun, even Gu Qingcheng, with whom he already had a Marriage Contract, was someone whose calculations he did not know, nor whether she had some other designs on him.

A Marriage Contract was a Marriage Contract, and experience was experience. Without having gone through life and death together, without having supported one another, it was difficult to forge an exceptionally solid bond.

Without sharing hardship and enduring life and death together, even if they married one day, it would be difficult to establish a relationship of complete intimacy, free of all calculation.

Talk of always thinking of the other might be nothing but empty words.

Everyone had their own calculations and needs. Without absolute trust and love, how could there be any possibility of always thinking of the other!?

Even regarding the Heavenly Luo Saintess, with whom he had shared a thousand-year Illusory Dream and a mechanism that shared their injuries, he did not dare entertain the slightest such hope.

Still, always thinking of him might be false, but protecting his body was absolutely real.

Perhaps, in others' eyes, that counted as always thinking of him?

Chen Ping'an's thoughts drifted somewhat.

He spoke a few more words with Gu Qingchan. His voice was no longer as cold and stiff as before; their conversation carried a little more harmony.

Gu Qingchan appeared quite delighted by this.

Chen Ping'an could not fathom Gu Qingchan's thoughts, nor did he speculate too much.

During their conversation, Gu Qingchan asked whether the mysterious expert who had fought the Heavenly Luo Saintess in the battle at Dragon Peace had been Senior.

"It was indeed This Palace."

Chen Ping'an did not deny it and directly admitted it.

Since he intended to trade, he naturally needed to display his strength, so as to prevent her from letting her thoughts wander and entertaining ideas she should not have.

Though he had some trust in Gu Qingchan, it clearly had not reached one hundred percent.

As for how far that trust could rise, it would depend on the interactions between them from this point onward.

"It truly was Senior!" Delight filled Gu Qingchan's eyes, spring stirring within them.

She had long guessed as much and had been extremely certain before. Yet no matter how certain she was, it could not compare to the convincing force of hearing the person himself admit it.

In the battle at Dragon Peace, the Heavenly Luo Saintess had displayed unparalleled combat power. She severely wounded Dragon Peace Garrison Commander Nie Yunlong, fought many alone, suppressed several Great Grandmasters, and seemed intent on recreating the battle of Northern Cang, where she had fought seven alone and slain two Grandmasters.

If not for Dragon Peace Garrison Commander Nie Yunlong's timely rescue, those seven Grandmasters might all have been left there.

Gu Qingchan had been one of those seven Grandmasters.

At the time, black gauze filled the sky and silk ribbons danced through the air. The Heavenly Luo Saintess had seemed like an invincible Celestial, leaving an indelible impression in Gu Qingchan's heart and Became a trace of shadow on her path of cultivation.

Even though much time had passed, she had been unable to forget the matter for a long while.

At ordinary times, it was manageable, but whenever she attempted to break through a barrier, the details of that battle would resurface in her heart.

The Heavenly Luo Saintess wore black gauze over her face, violet eyes like stars, and a long black dress. Her figure was graceful, her curves exquisite, like carefully carved black jade.

The current saintess of the Heavenly Luo Sect was hailed as a genius appearing only once in the sect's nearly three-thousand-year history. Ranked eighth among the Hidden Dragons, her talent and grace were breathtaking beyond compare.

After the battle of Northern Cang, she had broken through her barrier and attained the Great Grandmaster realm. In the Thunderclap Mountain Range, she severely wounded Feng Yuanxiang, Great Vassal of the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office and wielder of the Yin Yang Two Elements Sword, displaying combat power close to the Peak level.

In the battle at Dragon Peace, she severely wounded Dragon Peace Garrison Commander Nie Yunlong and avenged their earlier enmity, fully displaying the bearing of a peerless genius.

Such a person had Became the shadow in Gu Qingchan's heart.

It was difficult to imagine who could defeat such a person—defeat her openly and honorably, in broad daylight.

Senior Night Owl had done it.

One punch shattered the mountain range; one battle entered the Wind and Cloud!

If not for the fact that updates to the Wind and Cloud Grandmaster Rankings required defeating someone already on the list, then based on the strength Senior Night Owl had displayed at Dragon Peace, he would likely have long since entered the Wind and Cloud Grandmaster Rankings.

Becoming a true Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster!

Gu Qingchan could not restrain herself. The shadow in her heart was swept away completely.

She used threads of emotion as her intent, outlining Senior Night Owl's image of destiny. Entering the Dao through feeling, she cultivated a grand and radiant path of dual cultivation between life and fate.

From the day that image of destiny took shape, Senior Night Owl had already Been her fated person, her life-and-death Dao companion.

Dao companions were originally one body. Senior Night Owl suppressing the Heavenly Luo Saintess was equivalent to her avenging their earlier enmity and suppressing the Heavenly Luo Saintess alongside him.

The shadows of the past naturally vanished like smoke and clouds. The road ahead was broad as sea and green as mountains, with limitless scenery.

"Is the Wishful Exquisite Ring in Senior's possession?" Gu Qingchan forcibly suppressed the stirring in her heart. A captivating flush spread over her cheeks, while flowing light in her eyes held a hazy radiance.

In their earlier battle, she had been defeated by the Heavenly Luo Saintess, and the Wishful Exquisite Ring had fallen into the Heavenly Luo Saintess's hands as well.

There had been faint rumors about the battle at Dragon Peace. Though they had not spread widely, she had still learned of them.

When the Heavenly Luo Saintess's battle situation turned unfavorable, she had lost a divine weapon, which fell into the hands of a mysterious expert.

"Correct." Chen Ping'an answered quietly.

"Senior, Qingchan has an unreasonable request. The Wishful Exquisite Ring was once Qingchan's possession. Could Senior part with it? Qingchan is willing to exchange an item for it." Gu Qingchan's cheeks were crimson, as though she were shy.

Had anyone else been present, they would never have believed that the Ice Soul Divine Needles, like a Mystic Maiden descended into the mortal world and bearing an aloof immortal grace, could display such a manner.

Unfortunately, beneath all heaven, only one person could witness this splendid sight.

"Here it comes!" Chen Ping'an inwardly said, understanding that the main act of tonight had finally arrived.

"Since that is the case, This Palace will not begrudge fulfilling another's wish. I simply wonder..." Chen Ping'an's voice was low and slow, each word striking through the palace chambers like a heavy hammer.

Beneath the black robe, he slowly raised his head, revealing a decayed and ruined face—withered, gaunt, like tree bark, crisscrossed with deep furrows. A pair of clouded eyes settled upon Gu Qingchan's flowerlike face, sweeping wantonly across it as though tangible. "Does Fairy Gu possess something This Palace requires?"

Feeling the uninhibited gaze before her, Gu Qingchan's heart grew slightly flustered.

But that thread of panic swiftly turned into a trace of anticipation. She tilted her face up slightly, revealing a jade-like neck, fair and lustrous, dreamlike beyond compare.

"So long as Qingchan possesses it, if Senior desires it, Senior may pluck and take it as you please."

The lights within the palace chambers were dim, casting their glow over Gu Qingchan's face, tender and rosy, soft and lovely as Yunxia. Her light blue palace gown was set with shimmering pearls, jade, and gemstones, carrying the depth of a starry sky as well as an indescribable dreamlike quality.

Gu Qingchan's bright eyes were like stars adorned with fantasy, as though concealing the most beautiful feelings in the world. Her eyes contained a measure of shyness, and also a measure of resolve.

Within that shyness seemed to lie anticipation.

This night was as beautiful as a dream.