Absolute Sound Palm, Li Wusheng!
When he first made his name, he was renowned for his palm techniques. Later, he cultivated soundwave arts, mastering them thoroughly and merging them with his palm techniques.
Furthermore, he had delved deeply into this path, casting off the old and bringing forth the new, establishing the formidable reputation of the Absolute Sound Palm.
Famous for six cycles of sixty years, roaming unchecked for two hundred years, he commanded extremely high prestige within the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office. Even across several provinces, his name carried immense weight.
Among Great Grandmasters, he was absolutely one of the very strongest.
By Chen Ping'an's judgment, Li Wusheng's combat strength had perhaps faintly touched the threshold of a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster. Even if some distance remained, it was not much.
His strength should have been evenly matched with that of Yin Jiuyou, the Corroding Bone Yin Sha and core elder of the Heavenly Luo Sect from the past.
Rustle, rustle~
Under his spiritual perception, the space around the black inkstone warped. An invisible force radiated from it, sending layer upon layer of ink-colored ripples spreading outward.
The instant Chen Ping'an touched the ink-colored inkstone, countless shrill screeches and dry howls exploded beside his ears.
Those wondrous soundwaves, containing the power to seize one's heart, were like sharp spikes piercing into Chen Ping'an's Spirit Platform.
Using the inkstone as a vessel, it contained soundwave wonders capable of silently shaking the mind with the slightest gesture.
Chen Ping'an seemed utterly unaware as he calmly accepted the inkstone.
"Lord Li's generous gift, Chen will remember it well."
Buzz~
With a flash of Spiritual Light, the black inkstone vanished from Chen Ping'an's hand.
"What?"
Li Wusheng's gaze could not help but tighten.
That inkstone contained one of his soundwave wonders.
Limited by its vessel, this wonder was not at the height of his power. Yet beneath its soundwave power, even a Great Grandmaster who came in person might not come away unscathed.
Caught off guard, the best outcome for Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an would have been a trembling mind and public humiliation.
If his will were insufficiently condensed and his foundation flawed, then at Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's cultivation realm, it was not impossible for him to collapse limply to the ground before everyone, panicked for days on end.
Whether the former or the latter, once Chen Ping'an reached out and took the inkstone, the situation should have been set.
But now—
Li Wusheng gave Chen Ping'an a deep look. A trace of wariness flashed through his strange-colored eyes.
A Martial Will comparable to a Great Grandmaster!
"Lord Li, what imposing authority!"
Lan Lao's expression darkened as she looked coldly at Li Wusheng.
"With Lan Lao before me, I dare not accept the words 'imposing authority.'" Li Wusheng's expression remained calm as he replied unhurriedly.
However, he did nothing further. Like an ordinary guest, he took his seat in the main hall.
Chen Ping'an stood to one side, his expression tranquil and betraying not the slightest emotion.
"Just now, that was..."
Within the main hall, representatives from various factions noticed something amiss.
Though Li Wusheng's soundwave wonder had been subtle, quite a few observant people had still noticed it. What they did not expect was that Reckless Saber had not erupted on the spot.
Yet when they considered Li Wusheng's status, position, and cultivation realm, many immediately understood.
Everyone in the main hall appeared composed, though each harbored different thoughts.
With Lan Lao smoothing things over, no trouble broke out in the field. The minor disturbance quickly subsided.
Lan Lao, her head full of white hair, sat in the seat of honor, coldness glinting in her eyes.
Only after seeing Li Wusheng sit down obediently did she shift her gaze away from him. Her eyes met Chen Ping'an's, carrying a questioning look.
Chen Ping'an remained impassive and gave a slight shake of his head.
Seeing this, Lan Lao relaxed somewhat.
As an observer, she had not experienced that soundwave wonder nearly as deeply as Chen Ping'an had. Since Chen Ping'an said it could be ignored, there should be no serious issue.
Fortunately, Chen Ping'an's cultivation had broken through. Coupled with his cultivation of the Tyrant Saber and the condensing of an Overbearing Will, he had now cultivated that overbearing force close to great completion. Thus, Li Wusheng's malicious probe had ultimately caused no harm.
As the auspicious hour for the Coming-of-Age Ceremony approached, Chen Ping'an also took his seat at the head.
At this ceremony, he would act as Er Ya's elder brother and, in accordance with the rank of an elder, carry out the prescribed ceremony procedures.
An eldest brother was like a father. In many circumstances, that was not merely something said in passing.
"Li Wusheng..."
Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, as though nothing had happened.
If today had not been Er Ya's coming-of-age ceremony, not the Little Girl's one great day that came only once in her life, then what had happened just now could never have been let go so easily.
Given his usual temperament, he would likely have already erupted.
When Li Wusheng presented the black inkstone, Chen Ping'an had sensed the malice within it, and killing intent had surged uncontrollably in his heart.
But in the end—
Chen Ping'an still restrained the killing intent in his heart.
Being able to kill was skill; knowing when to refrain from killing was skill as well!
As long as one was human, one would have emotions. But humans were not slaves to their emotions; they were their masters!
Li Wusheng deserved to die!
But not now!
Today held an exceptionally special meaning for the Little Girl. Perhaps it would become a moment she remembered for her entire life.
On such a day, he would not allow even the slightest filth to come and stain it. Nor did he want the Little Girl to see even the tiniest trace of unpleasantness during today's Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
Whole and complete, smooth and successful.
Whatever needed to be done could wait until today had passed!
Seated at the head, Chen Ping'an did not look at Li Wusheng.
In his heart, Li Wusheng was already a dead man.
Touched the threshold of a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster?
He did not know—
How many moves could he withstand from me?
"Thank you all for coming to attend my younger sister's coming-of-age ceremony. Today is a momentous day in my younger sister's life, and also a momentous day in Chen's life. As her elder brother..."
The auspicious hour had arrived. Chen Ping'an rose to his feet, swept his gaze around, and spoke the opening rites according to the prescribed ceremonial form.
With his status and standing, his words naturally drew a chorus of guests saying they dared not accept such courtesy.
The guests focused attentively and offered congratulations again and again.
Li Wusheng sat among the guests, coldness glinting in his eyes.
"Jade Balance Middle Stage!"
Over the matter of the Evil Extremity Twin Fiends, he had previously made guesses about Chen Ping'an's cultivation. Seeing him today had completely confirmed those suspicions.
He had indeed broken through to the Jade Balance Middle Stage.
Not yet twenty-six, yet already at such a realm. And from the probe just now, Li Wusheng had learned of another of Chen Ping'an's trump cards.
His Martial Will was comparable to that of a Great Grandmaster, perhaps even considerably superior to that of most newly promoted Grandmasters.
Such a person possessed terrifying future talent and potential.
With such a person as an enemy, if he were not removed in time, one would truly be unable to sleep or eat in peace.
Chen Ping'an's talent was limitless. He ranked among the Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talents and had drawn the attention of the Northern Border Pacification Bureau. If such a person died, the ensuing trouble would surely not be minor.
But if he did not die, then...
"My heart cannot rest easy!"
Li Wusheng's pale expression remained unruffled, but a ruthless thought flashed through his heart.
Before coming here, he had hesitated and failed to make a final decision. At this moment, however, he had made up his mind.
Chen Ping'an's opening rites proceeded extremely smoothly. Though there had been a minor twist earlier, the guests in the main hall were still fairly harmonious, and the atmosphere was excellent amid their conversations.
Li Wusheng remained seated without stirring up any trouble, merely watching quietly.
As Chen Ping'an's final words fell, a middle-aged woman of outstanding bearing emerged from the western side with a warm smile and took her place at the ceremonial assistant's seat in the center of the main hall.
A Gu Family Clan Elder, and also the ceremonial assistant for this ritual.
This naturally left many faction representatives unaware of the inside story marveling in admiration.
"A Grandmaster?"
"A Grandmaster serving as ceremonial assistant? What a grand display!"
"That is a Gu Family Clan Elder, Mystic Hand Gu Zhuyin."
"The Gu Family's support truly knows no bounds."
"..."
As the ceremonial assistant took her place, the absolute protagonist of this Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Er Ya, emerged from the eastern side as well.
"Little Girl..."
A smile appeared on Chen Ping'an's calm face.
The Little Girl had come of age!
Quite a few people watched curiously. Many of them were seeing Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's younger sister for the first time. They wanted to see what manner of presence Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's blood sister possessed.
Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an stood among the Hidden Dragons, his talent brilliant and his name known throughout the land. His blood sister presumably would not be lacking either.
Er Ya wore her hair in twin looped buns and dressed in a colorful robe. Her fair face carried a faint air of scholarly refinement.
Li Wusheng's gaze also fell upon Er Ya, but his pale face showed not the slightest ripple.
Killing intent burst forth in Chen Ping'an's heart.
His spiritual perception enveloped the entire field, controlling every detail. No minute shift in expression could escape his senses.
At his current Martial Path Realm, with the solid foundation granted by the Golden Finger Panel and further refinement through the Dual Cultivation Method, under such perception, even a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster present might not discover anything unusual about him.
Li Wusheng naturally could not be an exception.
Fortunately, Li Wusheng made no further move. The killing intent in Chen Ping'an's heart did not dissipate; instead, it sank into an even deeper place.
"The sooner, the better." Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep as he made his decision.
Dressed in her colorful robe, Er Ya walked to the center of the main hall, saluted everyone, and then took her seat at the coming-of-age participant's mat.
The ceremonial assistant combed her hair!
The ceremonial assistant picked up the comb and began combing Er Ya's hair, arranging her twin looped buns into a single hair bun.
Once the combing was complete, the ceremonial assistant rose and placed the comb to the south side of the mat.
The guest of honor washed her hands!
Lan Lao rose from the seat of honor with a smile across her face. Chen Ping'an rose to accompany her, extending a hand in invitation. A washbasin prepared in advance had long been placed on the eastern side of the main hall.
Lan Lao washed her hands. Once she had finished, a maidservant brought a dry cloth for her to wipe them clean.
With Lan Lao's Great Grandmaster cultivation, such measures were naturally unnecessary. But the ceremonial rules had their own established order, and she naturally had to follow them.
"Many thanks, Lan Lao."
Chen Ping'an cupped his hands in salute and returned to his seat.
Lan Lao walked before the coming-of-age mat, smiled kindly at Chen Er'ya, and recited the blessing aloud.
"On this auspicious day of this fair month, we begin by adding the first adornment. Cast aside your childish aspirations and follow the path of virtue. May long life and good fortune be yours, and may splendid blessings protect you."
Once she finished reciting, a maidservant presented a silk handkerchief and hairpin.
The guest of honor added the hairpin!
Ordinary families generally added a hairpin only once. But according to the procedures for this ceremony, the Little Girl would receive hairpins three times, so the first hairpin was simple in design.
Simple though it was, its value was not the slightest bit low.
Chen Ping'an had selected it especially. As a man, he was not skilled in such matters, but he had still done his utmost, personally attending to every detail.
After Lan Lao finished adding the hairpin, she rose and returned to her original place.
The ceremonial assistant stepped forward and symbolically adjusted the hairpin.
"The participant shall change clothes!"
The ceremonial assistant proclaimed loudly, presiding over the ritual.
Er Ya performed a cupped-hand salute and, accompanied by Peony, walked toward the inner room on the eastern side.
The field was solemn as everyone waited quietly.
When the Little Girl emerged again, her colorful robe had been changed into a plain-colored ruqun dress that matched her hairpin.
The first adornment was complete!
The participant had bid farewell to childhood and entered girlhood, beginning to possess the dignified composure of an adult.
"The participant shall bow!"
Presiding over the ritual, the ceremonial assistant had the Little Girl walk before the head seat and respectfully bow to Chen Ping'an.
This bow represented gratitude for the nurturing grace of her parents.
Mother Chen had passed away, and Father Chen had died early. Chen Ping'an received this bow on their behalf.
Chen Ping'an smiled warmly, his gaze gentle, and calmly accepted the Little Girl's bow.
Having accepted this bow, there was karma between them!
With karma set, for this lifetime, Chen would keep you safe and sound!
After the Little Girl completed her bow, she returned to her place at the participant's mat.
The ceremonial assistant removed the hairpin!
The simple hairpin was removed, and her hair was combed again, making the bun more exquisite and secure.
Then Lan Lao stepped forward and offered a blessing: "In this auspicious month and favorable hour, we now add your second attire. Respect your bearing, and be gentle and prudent in virtue. May you enjoy a long life of ten thousand years and forever receive abundant blessings."
The second hairpin was added!
This time, the hairpin was replaced with an ornamental pin. Compared with the first hairpin, this ornamental pin was far more splendid.
After the hairpin was added, the ceremonial assistant symbolically adjusted it, then presided over the ritual for the second change of clothes.
The Little Girl entered the eastern inner room again. When she emerged, she wore a curved-hem deep robe matching the ornamental pin.
This represented the girl gradually growing up, beginning to care about her appearance and bearing as she matured ever further.
"The participant shall bow a second time!"
Little Girl walked up to Lan Lao and bowed respectfully.
This second bow was for a venerable elder of the Lineage. Chen Ping'an and Little Girl had depended on each other for survival and had no relatives, so Lan Lao had been chosen as the elder.
As the Gu Family Son-in-law, Chen Ping'an was bound to Gu Qingcheng by a Marriage Contract, so there was nothing inappropriate about Lan Lao acting as Little Girl's elder.
"Good, good, good child." Lan Lao smiled warmly. Though her hair was white, her skin was delicate, and she looked no older than a woman in middle age.
Once the bows were complete, it was time for the third hairpin ceremony.
The ceremony attendant removed the hairpin, combed her hair again, and arranged it into an even more solemn, intricate style.
Lan Lao rose and once more recited the blessing in a clear voice.
"With the righteousness of the year and the decree of the month, may your garments all be bestowed. With your brothers gathered, may your virtue be fulfilled. May the yellow-haired live without bound and receive Heaven's blessings."
Once the blessing was finished, Lan Lao placed another hairpin upon her, while a maidservant presented the hairpin crown.
After Lan Lao finished, the ceremony attendant symbolically adjusted the hairpin crown according to the ritual procedure. Little Girl then returned to the inner chamber of the eastern room. When she emerged again, she wore a long ceremonial gown with wide sleeves that matched the hairpin crown.
"The girl receiving the hairpin, bow three times!"
This bow was for faith, and for inheritance.
Little Girl straightened her garments, her expression solemn. Her broad sleeves draped down, concealing her fingers. Facing Heaven, she gathered her robes and bowed. Her wide sleeves stirred like waves, while the Gold Ornaments on her hairpin crown hung down and the strings of pearls swayed gently at either side, yet not a sound was made.
She rose and performed the return salute. The ceremony was complete!
Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep as countless fragments flashed through his mind.
That Little Girl from years ago—
Had grown up!
"Now that you have reached the age of the hairpin ceremony, I bestow upon you the courtesy name Zhaoheng.
"A dark chamber shines bright; fragrant herbs bloom with their own perfume. Brightness gleams with light, and balance stands like the stars. May your heart be open and unburdened, and your wisdom rival the sun and moon. The mountains and rivers stretch vast, while the river of stars shines forever.
"May you be as constant as the sun, illuminating mountains and rivers in clarity;
"And as rich as the earth's virtue, bearing all things and nurturing life;
"If one day you ascend the cloud terrace, you will surely become one whom Heaven and Earth alike look up to!
"Bright as the sun, bearing all manifestations. Celestial Jade Balance, aligning the Seven Luminaries!
"Zhaoheng—Chen Zhaoheng."
Before you continue