Grandmaster Celebration, All Parties Gather (Seeking Monthly Passes)

The Gu Family's current generation boasts a Heaven's Proud Daughter with the potential to become a Hidden Dragon, the newly promoted Grandmaster Gu Qingcheng. Her Promotion Celebration today has naturally sent ripples throughout Azure Dragon Province City.

Forces from all sides have dispatched representatives to attend Gu Qingcheng's Promotion Celebration.

In addition to the representatives of various powers, many younger generation individuals who wished to witness Gu Qingcheng's elegance also went to participate in the celebration.

Gu Qingcheng, the one who suppresses the younger generation of Azure Dragon Province, the Heaven's Proud Daughter of the past era. Ever since she first appeared on the rankings, she has held the top spot on the New Talent Rankings, making countless men feel inferior.

Had the Reckless Saber not emerged, she would have been the most stunning Heavenly Talent in Azure Dragon Province Territory, and even in the territories of several surrounding provinces.

Even now, with her breakthrough to Grandmaster, this matter has become muddled once again.

The topic of who is stronger between her and the Reckless Saber, whose talent is superior, and who has the upper hand in combat power, has completely ignited public opinion in Azure Dragon Province City. Discussions on the matter are endless.

On the same topic, some are at the center of it, some are debating fiercely, some are jumping in to support, some are watching from the sidelines, and some are... observing from afar.

Different social strata, different circles, different positions, and the scope of discussion are vastly different.

For instance, regarding Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster celebration, top powers have dispatched representatives to attend. Wealthy families have brought their younger generation to witness the ceremony.

Some personally experience the scene and gain insights, while others can only hear secondhand news from the outside. Even more people have closed-off channels and can only catch snippets of discussions that slip through the cracks.

Today's Gu Family is destined to be incredibly lively.

And it's not just the Gu Family that's lively.

Buzz~

Inside the room, spiritual light vibrated, and a faint cyan halo flowed.

After a short while, the spiritual light on Chen Ping'an's brow gradually dimmed until it completely dissipated.

Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.

As his gaze focused, a Golden Finger Panel appeared.

Name: Chen Ping'an

Realm: Jade Balance Late Stage - Third Stage of Breakthrough (Spirit Pattern Condensation)

Martial Arts: Azure Sun Blood Refinement Method Entry Level (1302/1920), Turbulent Phoenix Dance · Yin-Yang Pivot Entry Level (0/8640), Grand Void Wind Riding Step Entry Level (425/2160), Seven Kill Heavenly Dipper Fist Small Accomplishment (65/3840), Overlord Saber Great Accomplishment (0/3200), Seven Absolute Divine Skill Perfection, Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art Perfection

After three days of cultivation, his Martial Path accumulation had progressed further.

The Azure Sun Blood Refinement Method was steadily advancing, still needing over six hundred points of Cultivation Experience to reach the Perfection of the first refinement. With the aid of the Snow Spirit Leaf, the progress of the Grand Void Wind Riding Step was pleasing. At the current pace, it would take another month to cultivate the Grand Void Wind Riding Step to the Small Accomplishment stage.

By then, his Martial Path Realm might advance further, truly entering the second stage of breakthrough!

"It's time to settle this."

Chen Ping'an's eyes shone with an indescribable brilliance.

Today was Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster celebration, and it was also a crucial part of Chen Ping'an's planned schedule.

He slowly stood up and walked out of the room.

Wang Siyuan, dressed in white, followed behind the family's Clan Elders and ascended Small Pan Mountain.

Today, Small Pan Mountain was undoubtedly bustling with activity. At the foot of the mountain, the sound of gift announcements could be heard intermittently.

"Blazing Sun Pavilion, presenting thirty catties of Black Iron Ore, twenty bottles of High-grade Treasure Pills."

"Returning Spring Hall, presenting ten stalks of Mystic Ginseng Great Medicine, ten bottles of High-grade Origin Pills."

"Azure Dragon Xu Family, presenting ten pieces of Exquisite Treasure Weapon..."

"..."

Wang Siyuan gazed at the Cloud Terrace on the mountaintop, a hint of indescribable anticipation appearing on his face.

"Siyuan, let's go up."

The Clan Elder leading the Wang Family contingent was a Top Grandmaster. After all, a Grandmaster celebration was different from a Great Grandmaster ceremony. Sending a Top Grandmaster was already showing ample respect to the Gu Family.

If they sent someone higher, it might be seen as lowering their own status.

In addition to the leading Top Grandmaster, the Wang Family had also brought several Grandmasters and a considerable number of younger generation members to attend the ceremony.

"Mhm." Wang Siyuan nodded.

The gentle breeze ruffled his robes, making him look exceptionally elegant.

As the direct heir of the Wang Family, Wang Siyuan was naturally handsome and refined. Even at a celebration filled with scions of noble families, Wang Siyuan was undoubtedly among the most outstanding.

"There are so many people," Mu Qingyao, dressed in a jade-green long dress and possessing a beautiful and clear countenance, looked around curiously.

As one of the prodigies heavily cultivated by the Mu Family, Mu Qingyao rarely attended such grand occasions.

Mu Chenjie stood beside her, remaining silent. Beneath his seemingly calm expression, there was an irrepressible excitement.

This excitement was not due to the surrounding environment, but because of the person he was about to meet.

"You will observe the ceremony on the platform on the peak later. Chenjie, remember to take good care of Qingyao."

The Grandmaster leading the Mu Family was a veteran Clan Elder, the Wood Mulberry Daoist, who had also recently broken through to the Top Grandmaster realm.

Although the Wood Mulberry Daoist was not skilled in combat, he was excellent at cultivating health. Nearing old age, he was still able to take another step forward and break through a minor barrier, which had caused quite a stir in the State City at the time.

Despite his kind and benevolent appearance, the Wood Mulberry Daoist held great prestige within the Mu Family. As soon as his words fell, Mu Chenjie cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

"Yes, Ninth Clan Elder."

Mu Chenjie, Mu Qingyao, and several other younger members of the Mu Family, along with Daoist Wood Mulberry and two other Grandmaster Clan Elders, ascended Small Pan Mountain.

For this celebration, Veteran Grandmasters could be seated on the mountain peak's Cloud Terrace. Ordinary Grandmasters and direct lineage disciples would stay on the mountain peak platform. Following that, those on the mountainside would be seated.

Finally, there were those observing the ceremony at the foot of the mountain.

However, these powers were mostly peripheral and ordinary forces. The representatives they sent were not of great importance, and most were just there to join the festivities.

"Azure Dragon Xue Family, congratulating with sixty jin of ore, and three pieces of exquisite treasure material—"

A loud announcement of gifts echoed from the foot of the mountain.

Daoist Wood Mulberry didn't turn around. "The Xue Family is here."

"The Xue Family!" Mu Chenjie and Mu Qingyao exchanged glances, saying nothing more.

Previously, they had interacted with the Xue Family's Heavenly Talent, Xue Guangyu, and their relationship wasn't exactly friendly.

This matter wasn't the crucial point.

The key issue was that just over a year ago, rumors had spread throughout Azure Dragon Province City about Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an and Cloud Dream Fairy. At the Mist and Rain Ferry Crossing, during the Hundred Flowers Banquet, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had spent the night on the Mist and Rain Painted Boat.

Azure Dragon's Courtesan, the Hundred Flowers Fairy, Cloud Dream Fairy, had lost her chastity to Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.

And this incident was orchestrated by the Xue Family.

As the biggest stakeholder behind the Mist and Rain Ferry Crossing, no one would believe that the Xue Family had no part in it, no matter how they tried to explain it away.

Without the Xue Family's tacit approval, even if Cloud Dream Fairy wanted to lose her chastity to Reckless Saber, she probably couldn't have.

The Xue Family's visit, Reckless Saber's philandering, the entanglement of affections.

Countless thoughts flashed through Mu Chenjie's mind as he clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"Reckless Saber..."

Since he had already made a marriage contract with Qingcheng, and yet such scandalous rumors were circulating about him outside.

Regardless of whether it was a setup by the Xue Family, this matter was unforgivable.

Marrying Qingcheng was the dream of so many people! It was the longing and fantasy of countless nights.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, having already enjoyed such honor, why...

Mu Chenjie's fists tightened further, the color draining from his knuckles, leaving them deathly pale.

Why did he still have to chase after other women, showing no self-respect?

As Qingcheng's husband, enjoying that supreme honor, living in bliss, why didn't he cherish it?!

Mu Chenjie roared inwardly, his anger and frustration seeming to vent all his unwillingness onto Reckless Saber.

But after a moment, he deflated like a pricked balloon.

His knuckles loosened, trembling and weak.

That's right, Qingcheng's husband.

But this matter...

Even Qingcheng herself hadn't blamed him. As an outsider, what right did he have to blame or resent him?!

All his indignation and anger stemmed from his own unwillingness.

And this unwillingness precisely originated from his own powerlessness.

Reckless Saber...

He was like a towering mountain, standing in front of everyone.

His talent was so brilliant, it illuminated the entire Azure Dragon Province Territory. With his astonishing talent, he ranked on the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings, his name spread throughout the land, and his fame shook the Northern Territory.

Countless peers, upon hearing the name Reckless Saber, felt a sense of looking up at a lofty mountain, unreachable.

While people his age were still struggling in the Profound Light Realm, or even the Inner Qi Realm, or the Qi Blood Realm, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had already stepped into the Jade Balance Grandmaster realm, becoming a top magnate stirring up storms within the province.

Such a gap made one despair!

Setting aside emotions, perhaps only such a Heavenly Talent could truly be worthy of Qingcheng!

Mu Chenjie's expression became lost and wistful.

According to the Clan Elders, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was currently in Azure Dragon Province City.

Would he appear at the ceremony today?

He probably would.

After all...

He was Qingcheng's future husband, her future Dao Companion with whom she would share life's joys and sorrows.

Today was Qingcheng's Promotion Celebration, a Grandmaster celebration.

Although there were many people on Small Pan Mountain, perhaps no one had a closer relationship to Qingcheng than Reckless Saber.

Mu Chenjie's thoughts shifted, and he felt a sense of acceptance.

Even though he had come to terms with it, whenever he thought of Reckless Saber's philandering outside and Qingcheng's uncritical acceptance, he felt a suffocating, unbearable ache.

This feeling was worse than bitterness; it was like being flayed alive. Something precious, something you cherished and protected with all your might, was being carelessly toyed with and desecrated by others.

What you longed for, others could obtain with ease. And after obtaining it, they would trample it underfoot.

Just when you finally managed to convince yourself to let go, the memory of that scene would resurface, bringing with it a sense of shattered, poignant beauty.

That kind of feeling was despair-inducing!

Mu Qingyao watched her brother. In such a short time, he seemed to have lived through several lifetimes.

From anticipation to disappointment, from disappointment to resentment, from resentment to unwillingness, from unwillingness to powerlessness, and from powerlessness to despair.

With her sharp intellect, she guessed what her brother was thinking in that instant.

She didn't disturb him, merely watched him quietly from the side.

As time passed, the Gu Family's celebration grew more lively.

Xue Guangyu sat on the platform at the mountain peak, looking around restlessly.

"Guangyu, behave yourself."

Xue Zirou's purple hair was tied up, with a few stray strands casually falling, giving her a unique, gentle beauty. Her exquisite features were further accentuated by her striking purple hair.

Hearing this, Xue Guangyu jolted.

"Understood, Big Sister."

His expression stiffened, and he immediately sat up straight, his gaze fixed forward. His posture was exactly like that of an old teacher in school.

Beside them, a Xue Family Clan Elder watched this scene with a gentle gaze and a smile.

Xue Guangyu was lawless and had been unruly since childhood.

In the entire family, besides a select few, only Xue Zirou could control him.

Xue Zirou looked at her younger brother, who was preening beside her. Her bright eyes narrowed. Although Xue Guangyu had immediately sat up straight upon hearing her, looking at his demeanor, she still felt a surge of anger.

Feeling his elder sister's death stare, Xue Guangyu inwardly lamented his misfortune, finding it unspeakably bitter.

He had come to join the fun, so why was he now being treated like he was in prison?

His elder sister had been keeping a low profile lately, rarely leaving her room, so why would she decide to come out for this Promotion Celebration!?

Could it be that Gu Qingcheng's breakthrough to Grandmaster had unsettled her Dao heart!?

Xue Guangyu grumbled inwardly.

If he had known his elder sister was coming, he wouldn't have come!

It would have been more comfortable to stay at home!

Sitting still like this was worse than being killed.

Xue Guangyu kept his eyes straight ahead, his body rigid, and sat steadily on the mountain peak platform.

With such a posture, anyone unfamiliar with him would likely think that this Young Master of the Xue Family was truly gentle and peerless, possessing the demeanor of a great noble family.

At the foot of Small Pan Mountain, long tables were arranged. Compared to the mountainside and the peak, this area was undoubtedly more lively.

Freed from the constraints of etiquette, people exchanged pleasantries and greetings, appearing more casual and natural.

A young man in fine clothes sat at one of the long tables. Seeing another youth who had just entered, he raised his wine cup and gestured from afar.

Chen Ping'an hadn't expected anyone to greet him proactively.

His expression was calm, and he gave a slight nod.

With nothing else to do, he looked around and saw an empty seat nearby. There was still some time before the ceremony began, so he decided to sit there and truly enjoy the occasion.

As soon as Chen Ping'an sat down, the young man who had previously gestured walked over.

"Brother, you look a little unfamiliar. I haven't seen you before."

"Mm, I don't usually come out much." Chen Ping'an poured himself a cup of wine.

Although there were maidservants nearby, he didn't bother them. Compared to the mountainside and the peak, the viewing tables at the foot of the mountain were still a notch below.

The maidservants at the tables weren't assigned one-on-one service; instead, they had to look after four or five tables.

"May I ask your name, Brother?" the young man in fine clothes asked with a glint in his eyes. "My surname is Wang, and I am a disciple of the Wang Family from South City."

Although the person before him wore no expensive items, his demeanor was extraordinary, suggesting he was no ordinary person. He might even be a direct descendant from some noble family in Azure Dragon.

Coming to witness the ceremony was one thing, but if he could also make some connections, that would be excellent.

For most people, this Gu Family celebration was ultimately tied to fame and fortune.

Chen Ping'an hadn't expected to encounter such a social butterfly as soon as he arrived at Small Pan Mountain.

Facing the other's proactive approach, he didn't put on airs. His expression was calm, and he unhurriedly stated his surname.

"Chen?" The young man in fine clothes pondered for a moment.

Then, his eyes lit up. "Brother Chen, could you be a disciple of the Chen Family from Azure Dragon Inner City!?"

Chen Ping'an drank a cup of wine and poured himself another, then slowly shook his head, answering the young man's question.

"Not at all!" A hint of disappointment flashed in the brocade-robed youth's eyes.

The Chen family in the inner city, with its deep roots, wasn't among the absolute top tier, but it was still a renowned first-class noble family. Within Azure Dragon Province City, they ranked in the first echelon, just behind families like the Mu and Xu families.

If he could truly get acquainted with Chen Ping'an, it would be a great help to him.

It was just a pity it wasn't the case.

After a few pleasantries with Chen Ping'an, the brocade-robed youth returned to his seat.

Throughout the entire process, Chen Ping'an appeared extremely calm, dedicating most of his attention to the fine wine before him.

The Gu family truly was vast and wealthy; even the wine provided at the foot of the mountain was no ordinary item. It had an excellent taste, sweet and refreshing, truly a first-class vintage.

While it still fell short of the spirit wine suitable for Grandmasters, overall, it was not far off.

Chen Ping'an sat in his seat, quietly enjoying himself. Sometimes, after being surrounded by people for too long, he found this current feeling quite enjoyable.

During the banquet, a few people took the initiative to approach him for a chat. Chen Ping'an's responses were neither warm nor cold. While he didn't put on airs, he didn't show any particular enthusiasm either.

Finding no encouragement, the few individuals left directly.

Chen Ping'an sipped his wine while observing the surrounding scenery. Although this place at the foot of the mountain didn't offer a panoramic view, if one settled down and observed carefully, there was still beauty to be found.

Some people only focus on climbing higher, forgetting the scenery along the way. Some stand at the foot of the mountain, their eyes fixed only on the lofty summit, unable to see the surrounding landscape.

And then there are those who stand at the foot of the mountain, looking around, seeing only the lowly mud and the dust of their low position, forgetting that this too is a form of life experience.

Perhaps those who once stood at the peak had similar experiences.

Looking back, these experiences might be the fruits of victory!

Only from a low position can one ascend high!

Chen Ping'an's state of mind was peaceful, feeling a sense of calm immersion. This immersion wasn't forced or strained; it came naturally, like water flowing into its course.

Martial Dao Celestial, unity of heaven and man, sensing the natural world, observing the changes of all things!

The principles of life are found within all things!

Although Chen Ping'an had not yet stepped into the realm of Martial Dao Celestial, this kind of imagery already possessed a celestial aura!

Surrounded by the bustling crowd, Chen Ping'an, with his own pot and cup, remained steadfastly still, finding joy in his solitude.

Everyone was in the same place, yet their states of being were vastly different.

If this moment were captured in an ink wash painting, Chen Ping'an would seem to have stepped out from the background. Every movement he made exuded natural charm and effortless grace.

Time gradually passed, and as guests from all sides continued to arrive, Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster Promotion Celebration finally began.

A Gu family elder stepped forward to preside over the ceremony as the host.

"Esteemed guests..."

A resonant voice echoed from the mountaintop, spreading in all directions.

Even those at the foot of the mountain could hear it clearly.

Small Pan Mountain was not large, and even from the foot, one could roughly see the scene on the peak. Whether one could see clearly depended on their individual martial cultivation.

"Our Gu family's proud daughter has broken through to the Grandmaster realm, and we invite guests from all sides to celebrate this occasion together."

As the Gu family elder's voice continued, the anticipation on the faces of many guests grew stronger.

At the foot of the mountain, the brocade-robed youth also stopped his conversation, focusing his entire attention on the cloud terrace on the peak, eager to catch a glimpse of the Alluring Fairy's grace.

On another side at the foot of the mountain, Xu Zhiqi, a disciple from a branch of the Xu family, along with his younger brother, waited with full hearts for the appearance of the Alluring Fairy.

Mu Chenjie's expression was excited, with a hint of agitation.

Wang Siyuan's face was calm, but his slightly clenched fist betrayed his inner feelings.

The foot of the mountain, the mountainside, the peak, and even the cloud terrace...

Guests from all sides waited in unison, awaiting Gu Qingcheng's appearance.