Gu Qingcheng, the Gu Family's Heaven's Proud Daughter of the current generation and a newly promoted Grandmaster with hopes of reaching the Hidden Dragon Rankings, naturally caused a stir throughout Azure Dragon Province City with her promotion celebration today.
Representatives from every major force flocked to attend Gu Qingcheng's promotion celebration.
Besides representatives of various factions, quite a few young members of the same generation who wished to witness Gu Qingcheng's elegance also came along for the celebration.
Gu Qingcheng had suppressed Azure Dragon Province's younger generation, a Heaven's Proud Daughter for nearly an entire era. Since first appearing on the rankings, she had held the top spot on the New Talent Rankings, leaving countless men ashamed of their own inferiority.
Had Reckless Saber not appeared, she would have been the most dazzling prodigy in Azure Dragon Province Territory, and even across the surrounding several provinces.
Even now, with her breaking through into the Grandmaster realm, the matter had once more become unclear.
The question of who possessed greater talent between her and Reckless Saber, and whose combat strength was superior, had completely ignited public debate across Azure Dragon Province City. Discussions of it were beyond counting.
On the same subject, some stood at the center of it all, some argued fiercely, some jumped in to lend their voices, some watched the show from the sidelines, while others observed from afar.
Different strata, different circles, different standings—the scope of their discussions was vastly different.
For example, at Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster celebration, top-tier forces had sent representatives in succession. Wealthy and influential families had brought their younger members along to witness the ceremony.
Some experienced it in person, gaining their own insights and realizations. Some could only remain outside and hear secondhand news. Others had blocked channels and could only catch the scraps of discussion leaking through people's fingers.
The Gu Family was destined to be extraordinarily lively today.
Yet the lively place was not merely the Gu Family.
Hum—
Inside the room, spiritual light trembled as a pale azure glow flowed and shifted.
Before long, the spiritual light between Chen Ping'an's brows gradually dimmed until it completely dispersed.
Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes.
As his gaze sharpened, a Golden Finger Panel emerged before him.
Name: Chen Ping'an Realm: Jade Balance Late Stage - Third Stage of Breakthrough (Spiritual 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 accumulation had advanced another step.
The Azure Sun Blood Refinement Method had progressed steadily. He was still more than six hundred points of Cultivation Experience away from completing its first refinement. Bolstered by the Snow Spirit Leaf, the Grand Void Wind Riding Step had made gratifying progress. At this pace, another month would be enough to cultivate the Grand Void Wind Riding Step to the Small Accomplishment stage.
At that time, his Martial Path Realm might advance another step, truly entering the Second Stage of Breakthrough!
"It is time to bring this to an end."
Brilliant light flashed in Chen Ping'an's eyes, dazzling beyond words.
Today was Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster celebration, and it was likewise an important part of Chen Ping'an's planned arrangements.
He slowly rose to his feet and walked out of the room.
Dressed in white, Wang Siyuan followed behind a Wang Family Clan Elder as they ascended Small Pan Mountain.
Small Pan Mountain was undoubtedly exceptionally lively today. From time to time, announcements of gifts rang out at the foot of the mountain.
"Blazing Sun Pavilion offers congratulations: thirty jin of Profound Essence Iron Mine, twenty bottles of high-grade treasure pills."
"Returning Spring Hall offers congratulations: ten Mystic Ginseng Great Medicines, ten bottles of high-grade Origin Pills."
"Azure Dragon Xu Family offers congratulations: ten Exquisite Treasure Weapons."
"..."
Wang Siyuan gazed toward the Cloud Terrace atop the mountain, his expression revealing a trace of indescribable anticipation.
"Si Yuan, go up."
The Wang Family Clan Elder leading the group was a Top Grandmaster. A Grandmaster celebration was ultimately different from a Great Grandmaster ceremony; sending a Top Grandmaster was already more than enough respect for the Gu Family.
Sending someone of even higher standing might instead seem like lowering one's own status.
Besides the Top Grandmaster leading the group, the Wang Family had also sent several Grandmasters and quite a few younger members to observe the ceremony and offer congratulations.
"Mm." Wang Siyuan nodded.
A gentle breeze stirred, making his robes flutter gracefully around him.
As a direct son of the Wang Family, Wang Siyuan was naturally handsome and refined, his bearing extraordinarily striking. Even at a celebration filled with scions of noble families, he was certainly among the most eye-catching.
"So many people." Mu Qingyao wore a long emerald-green dress, her features delicate and lovely as she curiously looked around.
As one of the Mu Family's key nurtured prodigies, Mu Qingyao truly had not attended many grand occasions like this.
Mu Chenjie stood beside her without speaking. Beneath his seemingly calm expression, there was excitement he could scarcely suppress.
That excitement did not stem from the surroundings, but from the person he would soon see.
"You will watch the ceremony from the platform on the mountain later. Chenjie, remember to take good care of Qingyao."
The Grandmaster leading the Mu Family was Wood Mulberry Daoist, a veteran Mu Family Clan Elder who had entered the Top Grandmaster realm not long ago.
Though Wood Mulberry Daoist was not skilled in combat, he was exceptionally proficient in nurturing his health. Despite his advanced age, he had managed to take another step forward and break through a minor barrier, causing no small commotion in the province city at the time.
Though Wood Mulberry Daoist looked kind and benevolent, he possessed extremely high prestige within the Mu Family. As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Chenjie clasped his hands and answered.
"Yes, Ninth Clan Elder."
Mu Chenjie, Mu Qingyao, and several other Mu Family juniors followed Wood Mulberry Daoist and two other Grandmaster Clan Elders up Small Pan Mountain.
For this celebration, Veteran Grandmasters could take seats at the Cloud Terrace atop the mountain. Ordinary Grandmasters and direct-lineage descendants would remain on the platform at the summit. Those of lesser standing would take seats on the mountainside.
Below that, they could only watch from the foot of the mountain.
However, such forces were mostly ordinary peripheral factions. The representatives they sent carried little weight and had largely come just to join the fun.
"Azure Dragon Xue Family offers congratulations: sixty jin of treasure ore, three pieces of precious treasure material—"
A booming announcement rang out from the foot of the mountain.
Wood Mulberry Daoist did not turn around. "The Xue Family has arrived."
"The Xue Family!" Mu Chenjie and Mu Qingyao exchanged a glance but said nothing.
Previously, they had crossed paths with Xue Family's Heavenly Talent Xue Guangyu, and their relationship had not been friendly.
That was not the key issue.
The crucial point was that more than a year ago, rumors had spread through Azure Dragon Province City concerning Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an and Cloud Dream Fairy. At Mist and Rain Ferry Crossing, during the Hundred Flowers Banquet, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had spent the night aboard the Mist and Rain Painted Boat.
Azure Dragon's courtesan, Hundred Flowers Fairy, Cloud Dream Fairy, had given herself to Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.
And this matter had been orchestrated by the Xue Family.
As the greatest backer behind Mist and Rain Ferry Crossing, no one would believe it no matter how they tried to explain it away if they claimed the Xue Family had not been involved in the slightest.
Without the Xue Family's tacit approval, even if Cloud Dream Fairy had wished to give herself to Reckless Saber, she likely could not have done so.
The Xue Family's arrival, Reckless Saber's romantic exploits, tangled affairs of the heart.
Countless thoughts flashed through Mu Chenjie's mind. He clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles turned white.
"Reckless Saber..."
Having already made a marriage contract with Qingcheng, he still allowed such romantic scandals to spread outside.
Whether or not the Xue Family had set the trap, this could not be forgiven. It was unforgivable.
To marry Qingcheng as one's wife—how many people's dream was that!? How many days and nights had it been the longing that haunted their souls and dreams?
Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had already received such an honor, so why...
Mu Chenjie's fists tightened further, the blood draining from his knuckles until they were miserably pale.
Why did he still have to chase after flowers and flirt with grass, showing no self-respect at all?
As Qingcheng's Son-in-law, enjoying such supreme honor, how could he stand amid blessings without knowing their worth!?
Mu Chenjie shouted coldly in his heart, his rage roaring as though he wished to vent every ounce of unwillingness upon Reckless Saber.
But after only a moment, he seemed to deflate.
His fingers loosened, trembling weakly.
That was right. Qingcheng's Son-in-law.
But regarding this matter...
Even Qingcheng herself had never blamed him. As a mere onlooker, what standing did he have to condemn or resent him!?
All his frustration and fury came from his own unwillingness.
And that unwillingness stemmed precisely from his own incompetence.
Reckless Saber...
Like a great mountain, he stood across the path before everyone.
His talent shone so brilliantly that it illuminated all of Azure Dragon Province Territory. With talent that startled heaven and dazzled the world, he had entered the Great Qian Hidden Dragon Rankings, his name spreading throughout the land and shaking the Northern Territory.
Countless members of the same generation felt they could only gaze up at a towering mountain, impossibly high and unreachable, whenever Reckless Saber's name was mentioned.
While people his age were still struggling in the Profound Light Realm, or even the Inner Qi Realm and Qi Blood Realm, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had already entered the realm of Jade Balance Grandmaster, becoming a top figure capable of stirring storm clouds throughout the province territory.
Such a gap made people despair!
Setting emotions aside, perhaps only a prodigy like him could truly be worthy of Qingcheng!
Mu Chenjie looked lost, his face filled with melancholy.
According to the Clan Elders, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was currently within Azure Dragon Province City.
Would he appear at today's ceremony?
He probably would.
After all...
He was Qingcheng's future husband, the Dao companion who would share the same breath and hardships with her, walking hand in hand through the years to come.
Today was Qingcheng's promotion ceremony, her Grandmaster celebration.
Though Small Pan Mountain was filled with people, perhaps not a single one of them shared a closer relationship with her than Reckless Saber.
Mu Chenjie's thoughts shifted, and he faintly felt relieved.
Yet no matter how relieved he tried to be, whenever he thought of Reckless Saber flirting about outside while Qingcheng did not blame him in the least and simply let him do as he pleased, his chest would tighten painfully.
That feeling was even worse than bitterness, as though it were tearing him apart alive. The peerless treasure he cherished beyond measure and guarded with every care was being freely played with and casually profaned in another person's hands.
What you begged for but could never obtain, another could gain with ease. And after gaining it, they would ruthlessly trample it beneath their feet.
When you finally managed to persuade yourself to let go, recalling that scene brought a shattered, tragic beauty that broke your heart anew.
That sensation made people despair!
Mu Qingyao watched her brother beside her, who seemed to have lived through several lives in that brief span of time.
From anticipation to disappointment, disappointment to resentment, resentment to unwillingness, unwillingness to helplessness, helplessness to despair...
She was quick-witted, and in that instant, she guessed what her brother was thinking.
She did not disturb him, merely standing quietly at his side and watching him.
As time passed, the Gu Family's celebration grew increasingly lively.
Xue Guangyu sat on the platform atop the mountain, looking this way and that, unable to settle down.
"Guangyu, behave yourself."
Xue Zirou had coiled up her purple hair, with a few loose strands falling casually around her face, lending her a uniquely gentle beauty. Her features were exquisitely delicate, and her flowing purple hair made her appear even more dazzling.
At her words, Xue Guangyu jolted.
"Understood, Boss."
His expression froze. He immediately sat upright with a solemn posture, staring straight ahead. He looked exactly like an old schoolmaster in a classroom.
A Xue Family Clan Elder nearby saw this and smiled gently.
Xue Guangyu was lawless and had been carefree and undisciplined since childhood.
Within the entire family, aside from a few people, only Xue Zirou could keep him in check.
Xue Zirou looked at her overly polished younger brother beside her, her bright eyes narrowing slightly. Although Xue Guangyu had immediately sat properly upon hearing her words, the sight of his appearance and posture still made anger rise in her chest for no reason.
Feeling the Boss's death stare, Xue Guangyu's heart cried bitterly, his misery beyond words.
He had clearly come to join the fun, so how had it turned into prison time?
Boss had clearly been living in seclusion recently, never stepping beyond the front gate or the inner door. Why had she suddenly wanted to come out for this promotion celebration!?
Could it be that Gu Qingcheng's breakthrough into the Grandmaster realm had thrown Boss's Dao heart off balance!?
Xue Guangyu secretly grumbled to himself.
Had he known Boss was coming, he would not have come!
He would have been far more comfortable staying home!
Having to sit here without moving was worse than being killed.
Xue Guangyu stared straight ahead, his body ramrod straight as he sat squarely and steadily on the summit platform.
If someone unfamiliar with him were present, they would likely think that this Xue Family Young Master was truly as gentle as jade, possessing the bearing of a great clan.
At the foot of Small Pan Mountain, long banquet tables were arranged in rows. Compared to the mountainside and summit, this place was undoubtedly much livelier.
Without so many rules binding them, their pleasantries and greetings were more relaxed and natural.
A brocade-clad young man sat behind one of the long tables. Seeing a young man who had just entered, he lifted his wine cup and gestured from afar.
Chen Ping'an had not expected someone to take the initiative and greet him.
His expression remained calm as he gave a slight nod.
With nothing else to do, he looked around and noticed an empty seat to one side. There was still some time before the ceremony began, so he simply sat down, intending to properly enjoy himself for a while.
As soon as Chen Ping'an took his seat, the brocade-clad young man who had gestured earlier walked over.
"Brother, you look somewhat unfamiliar. I do not believe I have seen you before."
"Mm, I do not often come out." Chen Ping'an poured himself a cup of wine.
Though there were Maidservants nearby, he did not trouble them. Compared to the mountainside and summit, the long banquet tables at the mountain's foot were ultimately several grades lower.
The Maidservants beside the tables did not serve people one-on-one; each had to attend to four or five long tables.
"May I ask how I should address you?" The brocade-clad young man's gaze flickered as he smiled. "My surname is Wang. I am a member of the South City Wang Family."
Though the person before him wore nothing precious, his bearing was extraordinary. He was likely no ordinary person, perhaps a bloodline descendant of one of Azure Dragon's aristocratic families.
Coming here to witness the Alluring Fairy's elegance was one matter. If he could take the opportunity to make connections, that would naturally be even better.
For most people, this Gu Family celebration was ultimately still tied to fame and profit.
Chen Ping'an had not expected to encounter such a gifted socializer as soon as he arrived at Small Pan Mountain.
Since the other party had taken the initiative to strike up a conversation, Chen Ping'an did not put on airs. Calmly and unhurriedly, he gave his surname.
"Chen?" The brocade-clad young man looked thoughtful.
A moment later, his eyes lit up. "Brother Chen, could you be a descendant of the Azure Dragon Inner City Chen Family!?"
Chen Ping'an drank a cup of wine, then poured himself another. Only after doing so did he gently shake his head and answer the brocade-clad young man's question.
"Not them!" A trace of disappointment flashed through the brocade-clad young man's eyes.
The Inner City Chen Family had deep foundations. Though it did not enter the ranks of the very top, it was also a renowned first-rate aristocratic family. Within Azure Dragon Province City, it ranked in the first tier just behind great families such as the Mu Family and the Xu Family.
If he could truly make their acquaintance, it would also be an enormous benefit to him.
What a pity it was not them.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Chen Ping'an, the brocade-clad young man returned to his seat.
Throughout the whole process, Chen Ping'an remained exceedingly indifferent, spending most of his time focused on the fine wine before him.
The Gu Family truly had immense wealth and influence. Even the wine provided at the foot of the mountain was no ordinary fare. It tasted exquisite, sweet upon entry, and counted as first-rate fine wine.
There was still a gap between it and spirit wine suitable for Grandmasters to drink, but overall, the difference was not far off.
Chen Ping'an sat in his place and quietly enjoyed himself. After being surrounded by people for so long, he rather enjoyed this feeling now.
During the banquet, several people took the initiative to come forward and speak with him. Chen Ping'an's responses were neither warm nor cold. Though he did not put on airs, he showed not the slightest enthusiasm either.
Having received no interest, they simply left.
As Chen Ping'an savored the fine wine, he looked over the scenery around him. Though the foot of the mountain did not allow one to climb high and gaze far into the distance, if one calmed down and examined it closely, it had no lack of striking beauty.
Some people only sought to climb ever higher, forgetting the scenery along the way. Some stood at the foot of the mountain, their eyes fixed only on the lofty summit above, unable to see the scenery around them.
There were also those who stood at the foot of the mountain and saw only the lowly mire full of mud, the dust dwelling in the lowest places. Yet they forgot that this, too, was one kind of life's realization.
Those who once stood upon the summit might perhaps have had such experiences as well.
When they looked back again, the experiences within might become the fruits of victory!
Only from a lowly place could one climb high!
Chen Ping'an's state of mind was tranquil, carrying the faint sense of naturally entering meditative absorption. This absorption was not forcibly sought, nor did it arise from reluctance. It came naturally, as water flowed into its channel.
A Martial Dao Celestial achieved Unity of Heaven and Man, comprehending heaven, earth, and nature while observing the changes of all things!
The principles of life existed freely within all things!
Although Chen Ping'an had yet to set foot in the realm of Martial Dao Celestials, such an artistic conception already carried much of a Celestial's bearing!
Amid the surrounding bustle, Chen Ping'an sat alone with one pot and one cup, steadfastly serene, delighting in it.
Though everyone was gathered in the same place, their realms were naturally different.
If this scene were recorded upon an ink-wash scroll, Chen Ping'an would seem to have stepped out from the background. Every movement carried a natural Dao resonance, unrestrained and at ease.
Time gradually passed. As guests from every faction arrived one after another to witness the ceremony, Gu Qingcheng's Grandmaster celebration finally began.
A Clan Elder of the Gu Family stepped forth to serve as the host and ceremonial announcer for this celebration.
"Esteemed guests."
A resounding voice sounded 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. Even from the foot of the mountain, one could roughly make out the sight atop its peak. As for whether one could see clearly, that depended on each person's martial attainments.
"My Gu Family's proud daughter has broken through into the Grandmaster realm. We have invited guests from every faction to celebrate this occasion together."
As the Clan Elder of the Gu Family's voice continued to sound, anticipation on the faces of the many guests grew increasingly intense.
At the foot of the mountain, the brocade-clad young man also stopped chatting, his entire attention fixed on the Cloud Terrace atop the peak. He wanted to witness the bearing of the Alluring Fairy for himself.
On the other side at the foot of the mountain, Xu Zhiqi of the Xu Family Branch stood with his younger brother, his face full of longing as they waited for the Alluring Fairy to appear.
Mu Chenjie looked invigorated, excitement faintly showing on his face.
Wang Siyuan's expression was calm, but his slightly clenched hand betrayed his inner thoughts.
The foot of the mountain, the mountainside, the peak, and even the Cloud Terrace.
Guests from every faction waited together, waiting for Gu Qingcheng to appear.
Before you continue