Inner Treasury Pavilion, Soul Power

"Sir, we've arrived at the Town Pacification Office."

Xiong Sanrang's respectful voice came from outside the carriage.

The heavy curtain was lifted, revealing a handsome and refined face. Chen Ping'an slowly stood up and alighted from the carriage.

The elite guards solemnly saluted, their gazes fixed in welcome.

"Welcome, Lord Chen. May you have peace." In front of the Province Town Pacification Office, elite officers lined both sides, saluting in welcome.

Chen Ping'an nodded slightly, his expression calm, and stepped into the Province Town Pacification Office.

Not long ago, someone from the Province Town Pacification Office had come to report. The Merit Points for the Evil Extremity Twin Fiends had been verified and issued, and Lord Chen was invited to check them.

Chen Ping'an was naturally paying attention to the matter of the Merit Points for the Evil Extremity Twin Fiends.

Although he was in seclusion, someone from the Province Town Pacification Office had been dispatched, and through Xiong Sanrang and others, the information had reached him immediately.

Under normal circumstances, when Merit Points were verified and issued, the person who submitted the request would be the one to follow up in real-time. There would be no one from the Province Town Pacification Office making a special trip like this.

After all, whose business is it to follow up on their own matters? If you don't care about your own affairs, who else will?

There was always the principle of the submitter urging, but never the verifier informing the other party.

However, this point was clearly not applicable to Chen Ping'an.

As a prominent figure in the Province Town Pacification Office and a rising Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talent, he possessed this small privilege.

He was informed of the matter immediately upon the verification and issuance of the Merit Points.

After learning of this, Chen Ping'an did not delay. Using the opportunity to regulate his breathing, he came to the Province Town Pacification Office.

The Evil Extremity Twin Fiends, as long-established Top Grandmasters of the Evil Extremity Path, could reach the threshold of Great Grandmaster combat power when they unleashed their full strength. Such long-standing Top Grandmasters would naturally earn a significant amount of Merit Points.

Even if someone tried to obstruct him, it would not affect his ability to make up the difference and exchange for the top Supreme Divine Skill, the Grand Void Wind Riding Step.

Chen Ping'an's purpose for coming here today was secondary to checking his Merit Points; his main reason was to exchange for this top Supreme Divine Skill.

Otherwise, given his state of mind and disposition, he might not have been willing to make this extra trip.

For specific amounts, as long as privacy was not a concern, he could completely let his subordinates handle it.

This haul not only earned Chen Ping'an a considerable sum of Merit Points but also left a significant mark on his official record.

In the Province Town Pacification Office, besides strength, corresponding contributions and seniority were also essential factors for promotion.

Normally, the stronger one's strength and the higher one's position, the greater the contributions one could make. Or rather, the higher the chances and possibilities of making greater contributions.

Strength was one of the most important reference factors, but it was not the only one.

There had been Division Head Candidates with exceptional strength who, due to issues with opportunities or their own laziness and lack of proactivity in various matters, had never been promoted to Senior Division Head Candidate.

With strength close to that of a Deputy Division Head, they only held the rank of an ordinary Division Head Candidate.

While rare, such situations were not unheard of.

The Province Town Pacification Office occupied a vast area, far exceeding that of its subordinate agencies. Its architectural complex was immense, complete with pavilions, courtyards, public offices, and officer quarters, with all functional layouts in place.

Within the Province Town Pacification Office, there was a Merit Treasure Vault specifically for exchanging treasures. Whether it was cultivation techniques, weapons, or other rare spiritual items, they could all be exchanged for in the Merit Treasure Vault.

The Merit Treasure Vault's collection was rich and diverse, far surpassing that of ordinary Noble Families.

Even Noble Families of the Azure Dragon Gu Family's caliber would find it difficult to compare with the Province Town Pacification Office's Merit Treasure Vault.

However, the scale and support for both were entirely different, making direct comparison of the resources difficult.

Furthermore, although the Province Town Pacification Office was the central hub of a region, it was not without the influence of major Noble Families and various forces behind it. Rather than being exclusive to the Province Town Pacification Office, its Merit Treasure Vault was more like a shared resource among various forces.

Truly rare items might not remain in the Province Town Pacification Office's Merit Treasure Vault for long.

The situations in different provinces varied, and the names of their Merit Treasure Vaults also differed. However, they generally fell under names like Heavenly Treasury Pavilion, Treasure Supervision Office, Treasure Repository, or Golden Jade Treasury.

It was rumored that in higher-level Town Pacification Office organizations, there were even designations like Mysterious Wall Platform, Crimson Gold Palace, and Azure Kui Hall.

The names were secondary. The main point was that these treasure vaults and palaces were equipped with complex restrictions, possessing abyssal power and immense might.

However, these matters were too distant for Chen Ping'an, and he did not pay much attention to them.

Firstly, there was the issue of the cost-effectiveness of information. Secondly, other intelligence that was worth his attention had a higher priority. Given the distance and his inability to access them for the time being, he chose to focus his limited energy elsewhere.

The Merit Treasure Vault of the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office had a rather unpretentious name: the Inner Treasury Treasure Pavilion, located in a crucial area of the Province Town Pacification Office.

The location of the Treasure Pavilion was meticulously chosen, situated near the offices of several Deputy Division Heads of the Province Town Pacification Office. Additionally, there were comprehensive patrol and early warning mechanisms in place.

The Treasure Pavilion was guarded by dedicated Martial Grandmasters and equipped with stringent protective measures and self-inspection mechanisms.

This ensured sufficient security for the treasury.

Guided by a dedicated elite officer, Chen Ping'an proceeded to this crucial area of the Inner Treasury Treasure Pavilion.

Strictly speaking, this was Chen Ping'an's first time visiting the Inner Treasury Treasure Pavilion.

Previously, although he had exchanged for the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique, he had applied for the exchange under the name of a subordinate agency, and he himself had never come to this Inner Treasury Treasure Pavilion.

However, the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique was merely a Divine Skill, and its value naturally could not compare to the Grand Void Wind Riding Step he intended to exchange for this time.

Such a rare cultivation technique was highly valued even by leaders at the Deputy Division Head level.

Even...

This cultivation technique inheritance is incomplete.

"Lord Chen."

An elder with white hair led Chen Ping'an into the Treasure Pavilion.

Although Chen Ping'an had only visited the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office a few times, his reputation was immense, and many within the office recognized him.

This elder was a senior vassal of the Province Town Pacification Office's Vassal Pavilion. He had a cultivation base at the Jade Balance Middle Stage and was also one of the publicly acknowledged guardians of the Treasure Pavilion.

"Does Lord Chen have any specific needs for this visit?" the elder asked, as there was no one else around. His tone wasn't overly enthusiastic, but a sense of goodwill could be felt.

"This is the exchange section, Lord Chen. You may take a look."

"No need." Chen Ping'an waved his hand. "I wish to exchange for a movement technique, the Grand Void Wind Riding Step!"

"The Grand Void Wind Riding Step?" The elder's eyes brightened slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing through them. However, it quickly vanished.

"That's right." Chen Ping'an nodded slightly.

The inner treasury of the Treasure Pavilion was extremely quiet. However, Chen Ping'an sensed several auras from the shadows, all belonging to Jade Balance Grandmasters. Furthermore, from a greater distance, he felt the gaze of Great Grandmaster-level individuals observing the area.

"Lord Chen, please follow me." Seeing Chen Ping'an's decision, the elder said, stroking his beard.

Chen Ping'an didn't engage in further pleasantries and followed the elder directly to the top floor of the Treasure Pavilion.

A cultivation technique inheritance of the Grand Void Wind Riding Step's caliber was considered one of the rarest categories, even within the inner treasury of the Province Town Pacification Office. While not the absolute top-tier resource, it was certainly close to that level.

The entire exchange process was extremely smooth, with no interruptions.

The exchange procedure was very rigorous. Not only did Chen Ping'an have to be present in person, but he also had to present his royal seal and token for multiple verifications.

The royal seal and token bore unique markings that could be identified by the naked eye. In addition to their external form, they were also inscribed with exclusive spirit patterns. These spirit patterns didn't serve a significant functional purpose but acted as an excellent anti-counterfeiting measure.

Multiple verifications were essential; none could be omitted.

Such measures were in place to prevent individuals from altering their appearance, impersonating others, and attempting to exchange for treasures by deception.

It was worth noting that during Chen Ping'an's verification for the exchange, he felt a subtle, almost imperceptible attention sweep over him from the shadows.

This attention was faint, incredibly subtle, and extremely hidden.

If he hadn't cultivated his realm to the first stage of breaking through, possessed the robust foundation granted by the Golden Finger Panel, and undergone the purification of the Dual Cultivation Method, he might not have even detected it.

Chen Ping'an maintained a normal expression, acting as if he were unaware, and handled the matter at hand with utmost naturalness.

It wasn't until he exited the inner treasury of the Treasure Pavilion that a ripple of emotion stirred within Chen Ping'an.

Beneath that ripple lay his seemingly calm, yet inwardly turbulent, heart.

"Is it a Pseudo Celestial? Or a Celestial!?"

The aura that had swept over him from the shadows was completely different from spirituality; it was a new kind of power.

Transcending spirituality, it was...

Soul Power!

A Martial Dao Great Grandmaster, upon reaching Perfection, needed to fully experience the three stages of breaking through, condense spirit patterns, nurture the soul, and shatter the shell barrier before they could attempt to reach the Martial Dao Celestial realm.

Under the unity of heaven and man, if the shell barrier was flawed, the soul damaged, and the path ahead severed, it would result in the Pseudo Celestial realm.

If the shell barrier was completely shattered, the soul flawless, smooth, and self-consistent, then it would be the Martial Dao Celestial realm!

However, whether it was the former or the latter, as long as the shell barrier could be broken, soul power would be generated.

Possessing soul power, the identity of the person who had covertly observed him was self-evident.

Chen Ping'an's contemplation of whether it was a Pseudo Celestial or a Martial Dao Celestial lasted only a moment before he quickly arrived at an answer.

Based on the information he had previously gathered, in Azure Dragon Province and its surrounding provinces, including various overlord-level forces and violent institutions like the Universe Control Division and the Town Pacification Office, there were many powerful individuals. However, there was only one true Martial Dao Celestial!

And this Martial Dao Celestial resided within the Azure Dragon Province territory, within the Azure Dragon itself.

All other factions, despite possessing hidden foundations, were merely Pseudo Celestials!

Although the truth of this matter was difficult to ascertain, it was widely circulated within the province.

Anyone who had entered the upper echelons of society within the province had likely heard of it.

Given its widespread dissemination, this matter held a considerable degree of credibility.

In other words, the aura and attention Chen Ping'an had just sensed came from a Martial Dao Pseudo Celestial.

Furthermore, Pseudo Celestials enjoyed a lifespan of eight hundred years!

However, compared to the thousand-year lifespan of true Celestials, there was still a significant gap.

If the lifespan was so different, let alone the power and miraculous aspects.

If the person who had covertly observed him just now were a true Martial Dao Celestial, with Chen Ping'an's current foundation and background, he likely wouldn't have been able to detect them as he had.

"Pseudo Celestial!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm, and his expression remained unchanged as he walked along the corridor.

According to Chen Ping'an's previous sensing, although the inner treasury of the Treasure Pavilion was heavily guarded, it was still some distance away from true security.

Let alone a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster, even a powerhouse whose combat strength touched the level of a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster might be able to succeed with careful planning.

Although the top floor of the Treasure Pavilion had spiritual restrictions that divided different areas, they clearly couldn't stop experts of this caliber.

However, Chen Ping'an's doubts were now gone. He understood that the true guardian of the inner treasury's Treasure Pavilion was a hidden pseudo-celestial.

With such a powerful guardian, it was no wonder the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office never worried about the treasury being stolen.

Under such security, if the treasury were to be stolen, the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office wouldn't need to be stationed in Azure Dragon Province anymore. If that happened, it would mean a complete loss of imperial authority, rampant evil, or widespread chaos with rebellious armies rising everywhere!

Chen Ping'an walked along the corridor, leaving the Treasure Pavilion area. After just a few steps, he saw a majestic building.

That was the office of Xiong Sanrang, the Deputy Division Head of the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office.

It was adjacent to the inner treasury's Treasure Pavilion, allowing for mutual support during normal times and the fastest possible reinforcement in emergencies. This minimized the risk of any incidents occurring at the inner treasury's Treasure Pavilion.

Around the inner treasury's Treasure Pavilion, there were many like Xiong Sanrang. Several Deputy Division Head powerhouses had their offices in this vicinity.

"Xiong Sanrang."

Chen Ping'an walked past the majestic building with a calm and natural expression.

Perhaps...

He should change his approach.

On the top floor of the Treasure Pavilion, in a dimly lit room within the attic, an old man was suspended in the air, seated cross-legged.

The old man's eye sockets were deep like wells, his eyelashes as black as crow feathers, and a grayish-blue nail was embedded in his brow. His graying hair moved as if in a breeze.

"Jade Balance Middle Stage."

The old man murmured, a hint of surprise on his face.

Besides his cultivation, he also sensed a will in Chen Ping'an that was no less than that of a Great Grandmaster.

His talent was top-tier, incredibly monstrous.

But...

The Hidden Dragon Rankings were held once every fifty years, with a new generation every thirty years. The changes in the Hidden Dragon Rankings were commonplace. He had lived for hundreds of years and had encountered numerous Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talents.

While Chen Ping'an's talent surprised him, it was far from enough to shock or stun him.

Looking back at past Hidden Dragon Rankings, apart from those at the very top who had the potential to ascend to the Martial Dao Celestial realm, the rest could only achieve the pseudo-celestial level. Even if they eventually became pseudo-celestials, it would be decades, or even one to two hundred years, after they were removed from the rankings.

Not to mention, some Heavenly Talents, due to misfortune, met with death and the extinction of their Dao, perishing early and stopping at the Great Grandmaster realm.

The path of cultivation was unpredictable. Only through experiencing the world could one gain true insight.

The old man's gaze deepened, and he slowly closed his eyes.

Without reaching the Celestial realm, one would always remain an ant!

Upon boarding the carriage, Chen Ping'an smoothly returned to his own courtyard.

At this hour, Er Ya, or rather, Zhaoheng, was still at school.

After returning to the courtyard, Chen Ping'an did not delay and went directly to his room.

After setting up a simple spiritual restriction, his eyes flashed, and an item appeared in his hand.

The top-tier Supreme Divine Skill, Grand Void Wind Riding Step!

His visit to the Province Town Pacification Office allowed him to exchange for the cultivation technique inheritance he had longed for. The hidden observation also made him alter his plans.

He contemplated quietly, waiting for the right moment.

However...

No matter what, before he left Azure Dragon Province.

Xiong Sanrang would surely die!

Chen Ping'an's gaze narrowed slightly, a spiritual light flashed on his brow, and he opened the inheritance jade book before him.

Spiritual light flickered, and radiance flowed.

Within the radiance, the inherited artistic conception emerged.