Azure Cang's Recruitment, Prince Manor's Adopted Daughter

Liang Xiaoxian stiffened, her face instantly turning deathly pale.

The warm breath brushing against her ear made her hair stand on end, sending a chill through her body.

She turned her head stiffly, only to see a young man in a cloud-patterned brocade robe standing behind her, looking at her with a half-smile.

The branch beneath his feet remained perfectly still, as if unaware of his weight.

The surrounding atmosphere was as usual; if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed someone was there.

Reckless Saber!

Liang Xiaoxian's pupils contracted, and the fingers in her sleeves clenched tightly, her nails almost digging into her palm.

When did this happen?!

Although she was only a newly promoted Top Grandmaster, her accumulated foundation was absolutely on par with any other Top Grandmaster. With the backing of the County King's Manor, her combat power could even touch the threshold of a Great Grandmaster when unleashed.

Even in terms of probing and sensing, her abilities could approach the level of a Great Grandmaster.

While she hadn't used any secret techniques just now, the fact that he could appear behind her so silently, without her noticing anything, indicated a level of skill that was absolutely beyond any Top Grandmaster.

The intelligence was wrong!

Liang Xiaoxian's expression changed drastically, and a terrifying guess surfaced in her mind.

Martial Dao Great Grandmaster!

Liang Xiaoxian's pupils trembled violently, her emotions churning like tidal waves, rising and falling.

"Lord Chen."

Her face was pale, and she forced a smile. "Xiaoxian apologizes for disturbing you so late at night. There are reasons for my actions, and absolutely no intention of overstepping. If I have offended you, Xiaoxian is willing to offer an apology."

A gentle breeze blew, lifting the stray hairs from Liang Xiaoxian's temples, revealing a bright and beautiful face.

Liang Xiaoxian's posture was extremely humble, devoid of any arrogance from being from the Azure Cang Prince Manor, completely unlike her condescending demeanor when trying to recruit him before.

Chen Ping'an's expression was calm as he looked directly at the woman before him.

Liang Xiaoxian's face showed apology, her posture dignified as she lifted the hem of her skirt and curtsied.

Chen Ping'an's eyes were bright and spirited, like lights in the dark night, seeming to pierce through to one's heart and lungs.

Liang Xiaoxian felt a tremor in her heart. Who could have imagined that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an hid his strength so deeply?!

Before coming here, even if she racked her brain, she could never have imagined that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had already reached the realm of Martial Dao Great Grandmaster!

What kind of cultivation speed is this?!

Just a year ago, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had only just broken through to the Grandmaster realm!

Liang Xiaoxian's thoughts were in disarray, various notions flashing through her mind.

"An apology?

Looking at Liang Xiaoxian's humble posture, Chen Ping'an suddenly chuckled.

"Miss Liang, as someone from the Azure Cang Prince Manor, you should know what crime it is to trespass into a private residence late at night."

"According to the Great Qian Law, those who trespass into private residences shall be given twenty strokes of the cane and three years of imprisonment. Those who trespass late at night will be punished based on the severity of the circumstances; lightly, they will receive a hundred strokes and ten years of imprisonment. Heavily, they will be treated as bandits and killed without penalty!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm, like a still ancient well, like the tranquility before a storm.

The hand holding the hem of Liang Xiaoxian's skirt tightened abruptly, her fingertips turning somewhat white.

"Lord Chen, I am extremely sorry for the disturbance tonight. I will surely visit your residence with gifts in the future to show my apology. Xiaoxian has also understood Lord Chen's request and will definitely send a message across a thousand miles to have the Prince Manor make a decision."

Liang Xiaoxian's expression was pale, her voice trembling slightly, like the gentle strumming of a lute string. Standing on the branch, she bowed respectfully to Chen Ping'an.

After bowing, Liang Xiaoxian did not dare to linger. Her figure was light, graceful as a butterfly, as she darted away.

In the blink of an eye, she disappeared into the moonlight.

Chen Ping'an said nothing. He stood with his hands behind his back in the clear moonlight, watching Liang Xiaoxian depart.

His eyes were deep, like an abyss or the sea.

The clear light cascaded down, the cloud-patterned brocade robe rippling with light, and the branch beneath his feet remained perfectly still.

Just like that unyielding heart, that steadfast pursuit of the Way.

Whoosh!

Under the moonlight, Liang Xiaoxian's figure streaked through the air, her skirt fluttering, her turns stirring up waves of silver light, like falling starlight.

"Reckless Saber!"

Even though she was quite far away, Liang Xiaoxian's expression was still somewhat pale.

She bit her lower lip tightly, pondering the scene from before.

Who could have imagined that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had already stepped into the realm of Martial Dao Great Grandmaster! He had taken a crucial step on the path of martial cultivation.

Not only that, but with Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's talent and potential, his combat power was likely far beyond that of ordinary Great Grandmasters!

The fact that he could appear behind her so silently, without her noticing anything, was something that not just any Great Grandmaster could achieve.

At that moment, looking into Reckless Saber's deep and calm eyes, she thought of many, many things.

However, amidst her swirling thoughts, none could compare to the scene before, leaving her emotions inexpressible.

If the Reckless Saber, Chen Ping'an, could appear so silently, he could also injure her just as quietly. In that situation, if the Reckless Saber, Chen Ping'an, had made a move, her life would have been precarious.

Even with her trump cards of the protector lineage, they couldn't provide her with much security.

Looking at the youth who was as calm as still water, a chill ran through her heart, feeling as though she had been seen through.

All her reliance seemed so fragile before the Reckless Saber.

But fortunately...

All of this had only happened in an instant.

The Reckless Saber, Chen Ping'an, was rational!

In fact, no one would dare to make a move against someone from the Azure Cang Prince Manor for simply trespassing. Moreover, she had come this time to recruit the Reckless Saber.

The conditions and chips offered were enough to move anyone.

First-class guest minister, a top divine weapon, relaxed restrictions...

Benefits move people!

Even Heavenly Talents are no exception!

Under her gentle words and deliberately lowered stance, the tense and intense atmosphere between them gradually eased.

Although the Reckless Saber spoke little, he was no longer as overbearing as before.

When she presented her chips, the Reckless Saber had stated that the offer was insufficient and needed to be renegotiated.

To this, she naturally could not refuse.

If it were before, she would have expressed it indirectly, stating that this was with the highest authorization and that the specifics were for the Reckless Saber to consider carefully.

But now...

That was clearly impossible.

The Reckless Saber's talent far exceeded their expectations.

With the talent displayed by the Reckless Saber, Chen Ping'an, he was completely worthy of better conditions and resources.

A Martial Dao Great Grandmaster under the age of twenty-six, what kind of talent was this?!

This level of talent was comparable to those Heavenly Talents and prodigies ranked high on the Hidden Dragon Rankings.

As long as he didn't fall midway, his future potential was promising!

Not to mention a Martial Dao Celestial, he was guaranteed to at least become a Martial Dao Pseudo Celestial in the future.

In fact, even a Martial Dao Celestial, with the talent displayed by the Reckless Saber, Chen Ping'an, as long as he didn't excessively pursue the foundation and roots during breakthroughs, there was a high probability he could enter this realm in the future and achieve the status of a Martial Dao Celestial.

If it truly came to that, then there would be a distinction between Celestials. Celestials would enjoy a lifespan of a thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of the world and the changes of the seas, far beyond the reach of ordinary mortals!

The Azure Cang Prince Manor, with its vast assets and deep foundation, was eager for such talent and treated it with utmost care.

She raised no objections to the conditions proposed by the Reckless Saber, accepting them all and stating that she would report to the Prince Manor and do her best to satisfy them.

"This person, the Reckless Saber, possesses heaven-sent talent, his aptitude and talent far exceeding expectations. This information needs to be relayed quickly for my Foster Father to make a decision!"

A hint of excitement flickered in Liang Xiaoxian's slightly pale expression.

The Reckless Saber was exceptionally brilliant. If she could successfully recruit him, it would be a great achievement for her.

With merit in recruitment, she would undoubtedly gain significant contribution points, further elevating her status within the Prince Manor!

"The Reckless Saber's talent is astonishing. He reached the Martial Dao Great Grandmaster realm before the age of twenty-six. I wonder if the Gu Family is aware of this. If they aren't, this matter can be handled slowly. But if they are, then..."

Liang Xiaoxian's figure moved swiftly, a sense of urgency arising in her heart.

She needed to relay the information about the Reckless Saber as soon as possible, re-evaluate his value, update the conditions and chips, and finalize the matter quickly.

Otherwise, complications might arise.

Furthermore, regardless of whether the Gu Family knew about this, the matter needed to be kept strictly confidential. If the news leaked, she would lose her advantage. If other factions found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

A Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talent who had the potential to become a Martial Dao Celestial could never be valued too highly!

If there was an opportunity, no one would refuse to recruit him.

The other factions within the Prince Manor were no exception.

Her faction, although a representative faction within the Virtuous Selection Faction of the Azure Cang Prince Manor, possessed a strong foundation and formidable power, it wasn't so strong as to disregard other factions.

This matter needed to be handled swiftly. Delay could lead to complications and interference from others.

Thinking back now, the Reckless Saber was truly meticulous and strategic. His previous actions were likely a means to exert pressure. At the beginning of the negotiation, he had already placed himself in a superior position.

Her late-night visit, the Reckless Saber displaying his strength, was indeed a way to express dissatisfaction. But more than that, it was likely to showcase his worth and raise his asking price!

"Reckless Saber..."

Liang Xiaoxian pursed her lips, forming a beautiful, slender curve.

Whoosh!

Liang Xiaoxian's figure flashed, landing in a courtyard. Although the courtyard wasn't large, its layout was orderly and its design exquisite, clearly indicating a wealthy household.

"Miss Liang."

Two people sat by the stone table in a corner of the courtyard.

One had dark skin and a wide grin. The other was tall and slender with a refined face.

Raging Wave, Raging Wave Guest, Earth Splitting Old Man.

Seeing the two, Liang Xiaoxian breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Chen Ping'an hadn't made a move, he was outside, and she could still feel the pressure. Especially his calm eyes, which exuded immense pressure.

Since Chen Ping'an could appear behind her silently, he could also assassinate her silently. While stealth and assassination weren't the same, they shared many commonalities.

Stealth only required concealing one's aura and moving swiftly. Assassination, in addition to these, also required ensuring that the flow of True Essence and the power of moves did not cause any fluctuations before they erupted. Any slight mistake would reveal everything.

Based on the methods Chen Ping'an had displayed, besides his Martial Dao Great Grandmaster realm, he must have also cultivated an extremely advanced stealth technique.

Although she had sensed her surroundings repeatedly along the way, she still couldn't guarantee her safety.

But now...

Liang Xiaoxian landed gracefully.

"Miss Liang."

The two greeted her.

"Old Lan, Old Di, is anyone following me?"

Liang Xiaoxian spoke solemnly, and the two dared not be careless. They immediately concentrated their senses, their spiritual light shining brightly between their brows.

After a moment, their spiritual light dimmed slightly, and they shook their heads.

"No."

"That's good." Liang Xiaoxian's expression relaxed slightly. Her skirt fluttered as she sat on a nearby stone stool.

Raging Wave, with his formidable reputation, was a first-class guest official of the Azure Cang Prince Manor. She had great confidence in the strength of these two.

The two had been famous for many years, each standing at the peak of a Peak Great Grandmaster, their combat power close to that of a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster. Under a burst of power, they even touched the level of a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster.

The combined strength of the two was enough to rival a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster!

"What happened?" the two asked.

Liang Xiaoxian had gone out to try and recruit Reckless Saber. Now that she had returned, her expression was grave. Had the recruitment failed?

But even if it had failed, it shouldn't be like this, right?

"There was a slight change, and the deviation is quite significant." Liang Xiaoxian took a sip of spiritual tea, her expression softening slightly.

"Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an has already entered the Martial Dao Great Grandmaster realm!"

"What?" The two were shocked, their faces filled with disbelief.

"Wasn't he just a newly advanced Grandmaster a year ago? How could this be?"

They exchanged glances, seeing the incredulity in each other's eyes.

A year ago, they had personally witnessed Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an breaking through on Small Pan Mountain in Azure Dragon Province City. This matter was undeniable.

Now, after only a year, he had directly bypassed the Jade Balance Middle Stage and entered the Jade Balance Late Stage?

This matter sounded like a fantasy, no matter how you heard it.

"Is there some misunderstanding?" Raging Wave Guest, with his steady mind, asked patiently.

Liang Xiaoxian shook her head and briefly recounted what had just happened.

"You're saying Reckless Saber appeared behind you silently?" Earth Splitting Old Man's bell-like eyes widened suddenly, a hint of shock flashing across his face.

Although Liang Xiaoxian was a newly promoted Top Grandmaster, her foundation and inner strength were definitely at the peak of her realm. With the backing of the Azure Cang Prince Manor, she could even contend with Top Grandmasters who were on the verge of becoming Great Grandmasters.

To completely conceal herself from her senses, making her completely unaware, such a feat was something even ordinary Martial Dao Great Grandmasters couldn't achieve! And Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an could do it?

Could it be that Reckless Saber had also become a Top Great Grandmaster!?

The thought sent a shiver down their spines.

"This matter is not trivial and needs to be reported to the Prince Manor as soon as possible," Raging Wave Guest said gravely.

It wasn't difficult to deceive Liang Xiaoxian. He could do it easily as well. But the problem was, how old was Reckless Saber!?

Age was one thing, but the speed of his breakthrough—how had he crossed so many bottlenecks and reached the Martial Dao Great Grandmaster realm in less than a year!?

Were there other fortuitous encounters involved!? Or was Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's talent simply that astonishing!?

"Indeed, it should be so," Liang Xiaoxian nodded.

The matter of Reckless Saber was not trivial and required her foster father to make a decision as soon as possible.

"Since Reckless Saber intends to join our Azure Cang Prince Manor, this matter must be kept confidential until everything is settled, to avoid any mishaps and allow other factions to get ahead!"

"Agreed."

"Furthermore, based on the situation just now, the Gu Family likely does not know Reckless Saber's true realm. But we must guard against this and prepare early! The Gu Family is not to be trifled with. Would the Heavenly Talents in their clan be handed over for nothing!?" Raging Wave Guest made a reasonable judgment.

Since Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an hadn't refused their recruitment, it meant he was willing to join. The matter hadn't been finalized, and it was ultimately a matter of price.

Reckless Saber's willingness to reveal his cultivation was also largely due to this. By revealing his true talent, he could obtain better treatment.

If he had no intention of joining, he wouldn't have needed to do this.

"People strive for higher places, and water flows to lower places; this is an eternal truth! It's not strange for Reckless Saber to make this choice." Liang Xiaoxian's delicate and beautiful face had regained its color. "This is also good. We don't need to make the final decision, and it saves both of you from having to act."

In the small courtyard, a few people were conversing in low voices. In a place no one noticed, a shadow stood in the air, its eyes as calm as water, coldly watching them.