As Bright as the Sun, the Universe Carries All Phenomena

Absolute Sound Palm, Li Wusheng!

When he first debuted, he was renowned for his palm techniques. Later, he cultivated sound wave cultivation methods, integrating them with his palm stances.

Furthermore, he delved deeply into this path, innovating and establishing the formidable reputation of Absolute Sound Palm.

Famous for sixty years, dominant for two hundred, he held immense prestige within the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office, and his fame extended across several provinces.

Among Great Grandmasters, he was undoubtedly one of the absolute top figures.

According to Chen Ping'an's assessment, Li Wusheng's combat power might have already been subtly brushing against the threshold of a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster. Even if there was still a slight distance, it was negligible.

His combat strength was likely on par with Yin Jiuyou, the Corroding Bone Yin Sha, a core elder of the Heavenly Luo Sect.

Rustle, rustle~

Under his spiritual perception, the space around the black inkstone distorted, emitting an invisible force that rippled with layers of ink-colored waves.

The moment Chen Ping'an touched the inkstone, countless piercing wails and dry howls erupted in his ears.

Those mystical sound waves, imbued with the ability to captivate the mind, felt like sharp thorns piercing into Chen Ping'an's Spirit Platform.

Using the inkstone as a vessel, it contained sound wave mysticism, effortlessly unsettling the mind without a trace.

Chen Ping'an acted as if he noticed nothing, calmly accepting the inkstone.

"Lord Li's generous gift, I shall remember it."

Hum~

With a flash of spiritual light, the black inkstone vanished from Chen Ping'an's hand.

"What?"

Li Wusheng's gaze couldn't help but narrow.

Within that inkstone resided one of his sound wave mystical abilities.

Due to the limitations of the vessel, this mystical ability was not his peak power, but under the sound wave mysticism, even a Great Grandmaster might not fare well.

Caught off guard by the Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, the best outcome would have been a trembling mind and public embarrassment.

If his will was not sufficiently condensed or his foundation flawed, given the Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's cultivation realm, it wasn't impossible for him to collapse on the spot and be consumed by perpetual dread.

Whether the former or the latter, as long as Chen Ping'an accepted the inkstone, the situation would have been sealed.

But now...

Li Wusheng gave Chen Ping'an a deep look, a flicker of apprehension flashing in his eyes that held a strange hue.

A Martial Will comparable to a Great Grandmaster!

"Lord Li, such might!"

Lan Lao's expression soured as she coldly regarded Li Wusheng.

"With Elder Lan present, the word 'might' is undeserved," Li Wusheng replied calmly, unhurriedly.

However, he did nothing further, taking his seat in the main hall like any normal guest.

Chen Ping'an stood to the side, his expression serene, betraying no emotion.

"What was that just now..."

In the main hall, representatives of various factions noticed something amiss.

Although Li Wusheng's sound wave mystical ability was subtle, it was still observed by many discerning individuals. What surprised them was that the Reckless Saber didn't react publicly?

However, upon considering Li Wusheng's identity, status, and cultivation realm, many understood.

In the main hall, everyone maintained a calm demeanor, their thoughts varied.

With Elder Lan acting as a mediator, no major disturbance occurred, and the slight commotion quickly subsided.

Lan Lao, her hair completely white, sat in the principal guest seat, a cold glint in her eyes.

Only after seeing Li Wusheng take his seat obediently did she shift her gaze from him, meeting Chen Ping'an's eyes with a questioning look.

Chen Ping'an remained unfazed, shaking his head slightly.

Seeing this, Lan Lao breathed a small sigh of relief.

As an observer, she hadn't experienced the sound wave mystical ability as profoundly as Chen Ping'an, the direct participant. Since Chen Ping'an said he ignored it, there should be no major issues.

Fortunately, Chen Ping'an's cultivation had broken through, and with his cultivation of the Overlord Saber, he had condensed his Overbearing Will, now bringing it to near Great Accomplishment. Facing Li Wusheng's malicious probing, he ultimately suffered no significant harm.

As the auspicious hour for the coming-of-age ceremony approached, Chen Ping'an also took his seat at the head of the table.

At this ceremony, he would act as Er Ya's elder brother, fulfilling the ceremonial procedures according to the seniority of an elder.

The saying "an elder brother is like a father" was not mere words in many situations.

"Li Wusheng..."

Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, as if nothing had happened.

If it weren't for today being Er Ya's coming-of-age ceremony, a once-in-a-lifetime grand occasion for the little girl, the previous incident would never have been let go so easily.

Given his usual temper and personality, he would likely have already retaliated.

When Li Wusheng presented the black inkstone, Chen Ping'an sensed the malice contained within it, and the killing intent in his heart surged uncontrollably.

But in the end...

Chen Ping'an suppressed the killing intent in his heart.

Being able to kill is a skill, and stopping oneself from killing is also a skill!

As long as one is human, they will have emotions, but humans are not slaves to emotions; they are masters of their emotions!

Li Wusheng, he deserves to die!

But not now!

Today holds extremely special significance for the little girl, perhaps a moment she will remember her entire life.

On such a day, he would not allow any defilement to touch it. He also did not want the little girl to see even the slightest unhappiness during her coming-of-age ceremony today.

May everything be complete and smooth.

Anything can wait until after today!

Chen Ping'an sat in the main seat, not looking at Li Wusheng.

In his mind, Li Wusheng was already a dead man.

Touching the Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster?

I don't know...

How many moves can he block?

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate my younger sister's coming-of-age ceremony. Today is a major event in my sister's life, and also a major event in my life. As an elder brother..."

The auspicious time has arrived. Chen Ping'an stood up, looked around, and spoke the opening words according to the prescribed ritual.

Given his status and position, saying these words naturally drew expressions of deference from everyone.

The guests listened intently, offering congratulations repeatedly.

Li Wusheng sat among the guests, his pupils filled with coldness.

"Jade Balance Middle Stage!"

Previously, regarding the matter of the Evil Extremity Twin Fiends, he had made a guess about Chen Ping'an's cultivation. Seeing him today completely solidified his suspicion.

He had indeed broken through to the Jade Balance Middle Stage.

Not yet twenty-six years old, and he had already reached such a realm. The probing just now revealed another trump card Chen Ping'an possessed.

His Martial Will was comparable to a Great Grandmaster, and even better than most newly promoted Grandmasters.

Such a person, his future talent and potential, could be described as terrifying.

Having such a person as an opponent, if he wasn't eliminated in time, it would truly be impossible to eat or sleep peacefully.

Chen Ping'an's talent was limitless, ranking among the Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talents and attracting the attention of the Northern Border Pacification Bureau. If such a person were to die, there would likely be considerable trouble.

But if he didn't die, then...

"My heart is uneasy!"

Li Wusheng's pale complexion remained calm, but a fierce resolve flashed through his mind.

Before coming, he had been hesitant, unable to make a complete decision. At this moment, he had made up his mind.

Chen Ping'an's opening ceremony proceeded extremely smoothly. Although there had been minor disruptions earlier, the guests in the main hall were generally cooperative, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant as they conversed.

Li Wusheng sat in his seat, causing no trouble, and simply watched quietly.

As Chen Ping'an finished his final words, a middle-aged woman with an outstanding demeanor walked out from the west side with a gentle smile, taking her place at the officiant's seat in the center of the main hall.

She was a Clan Elder of the Gu Family and the officiant for this ceremony.

This situation naturally drew admiration from many representatives of factions who were unaware of the details.

"Grandmaster?"

"A Grandmaster serving as officiant, what a grand gesture!"

"That's Gu Zhuyin, the 'Mysterious Hand' from the Gu Family."

"The Gu Family's support is truly unwavering."

"..."

As the officiant took her place, the absolute protagonist of this coming-of-age ceremony, Er Ya, walked out from the east side.

"Little girl..."

A smile appeared on Chen Ping'an's calm face.

The little girl was coming of age!

Many people looked on with curiosity. Many of them were seeing the sister of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an for the first time. They wanted to see what kind of demeanor Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an's sister possessed.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an ranked among the Hidden Dragons, his talent was brilliant, and his name was known throughout the land. His sister was likely no less impressive.

Er Ya wore her hair in a double loop bun and was dressed in ceremonial robes. Her fair face carried a faint scholarly aura.

Li Wusheng's gaze also fell upon Er Ya, his pale face showing no fluctuation.

Chen Ping'an's killing intent was fully revealed.

His spirituality sensed the entire scene, grasping every detail. No subtle change in expression escaped his perception.

With his current martial path realm, the solid foundation granted by the Golden Finger Panel, and the refinement from the Dual Cultivation Method, his senses were so acute that even a Storm Cloud Great Grandmaster might not detect his abnormality.

Li Wusheng, naturally, was no exception.

Fortunately, Li Wusheng made no further moves. Chen Ping'an's killing intent did not dissipate; instead, it retreated deeper within.

"Sooner rather than later," Chen Ping'an's eyes were profound as he made his decision.

Er Ya, dressed in ceremonial robes, walked to the center of the main hall, bowed to everyone, and then took her seat at the designated spot for the ceremony.

The officiant combs her hair!

The officiant picked up the hair comb and began to style Er Ya's double-ringed buns into a single updo.

After finishing, the officiant stood and placed the comb on the north side of the mat.

The principal guest washes their hands!

Lan Lao stood up from the principal guest's seat with a smile. Chen Ping'an rose to accompany her, extending a hand in greeting. In the main hall, a prepared washbasin was already placed on the east side.

Lan Lao washed her hands, and after she finished, a maidservant brought a dry cloth to wipe them clean.

With Lan Lao's cultivation as a Great Grandmaster, such actions were unnecessary. However, it was part of the ritual and procedure, forming its own established order. She had to comply with the custom.

"Thank you, Elder Lan."

Chen Ping'an cupped his hands in a bow and then took his seat.

Lan Lao walked to the front of the seat for the ceremony, smiling kindly at Chen Er Ya, and loudly recited the congratulatory words.

"On this auspicious day, you begin your adult rites. Cast aside your childish ways and embrace virtuous character. May you have longevity and good fortune, and be blessed with great happiness."

After the recitation, a maidservant presented a silk cloth and a hairpin.

The principal guest adds the hairpin!

In ordinary families, the hairpin is added once. However, according to this ceremony, the little girl would receive three hairpins. Thus, the first hairpin was a simple, unadorned one.

Though simple, its value was by no means small.

It was personally selected by Chen Ping'an. As a man, he was not skilled in such matters, but he had put in his utmost effort, personally attending to every detail.

After adding the hairpin, Lan Lao returned to her original position.

The officiant stepped forward to symbolically secure the hairpin.

"The hairpin recipient changes clothes!"

The officiant proclaimed loudly, presiding over the ceremony.

Er Ya bowed and, accompanied by Peony, walked towards the inner room of the east chamber.

The hall was solemn, waiting quietly.

When the little girl reappeared, her ceremonial robes had been replaced with a plain colored tunic and skirt that matched the hairpin.

The first addition is complete!

The hairpin recipient bids farewell to childhood and enters maidenhood, beginning to possess a preliminary adult composure.

"The hairpin recipient bows!"

The officiant presided over the ceremony. The little girl walked before the main seat and bowed respectfully to Chen Ping'an.

This bow represented gratitude for the nurturing grace of her parents.

Chen Ping'an's mother had passed away, and his father had died long ago. This bow was received by Chen Ping'an on their behalf.

Chen Ping'an smiled warmly, his gaze gentle, and calmly accepted the little girl's bow.

Having accepted this bow, a karmic connection was formed!

With this karmic connection established, in this life, Chen Ping'an would protect her from harm!

After completing the bow, the little girl took her seat at the table for the ceremony.

The officiant removes the hairpin!

The simple hairpin was removed, her hair was re-combed, and the updo became more intricate and secure.

Then, Lan Lao stepped forward and recited the blessing: "In this auspicious month and day, your attire is adjusted. Respect your demeanor and cultivate your virtue. May your years be long and your blessings abundant."

The second hairpin addition!

This time, the hairpin was a hair ornament. Compared to the first hairpin, this one was considerably more ornate.

After the hairpin was added, the officiant symbolically secured it and then presided over the ceremony for the second change of clothes.

The little girl again entered the inner room of the east chamber. When she emerged, she was wearing a deep-sleeved robe that matched the hair ornament.

This symbolized the maiden's gradual growth, her increasing attention to appearance and demeanor, and her blossoming.

"The hairpin recipient bows again!"

The little girl walked up to Elder Lan and bowed respectfully.

This second bow was for a highly respected elder in the family. Chen Ping'an and the little girl depended on each other and had no other relatives, so Elder Lan was chosen as the elder.

As Gu Qingcheng's son-in-law, Chen Ping'an was engaged to her. It was not inappropriate for Elder Lan to act as the little girl's elder.

"Good, good, good child," Elder Lan said with a warm smile. Although her hair was white, her skin was delicate, and her appearance was that of a middle-aged woman.

After the bowing ceremony, it was time for the third and final hairpin insertion.

The attendant removed the hairpin and re-combed the hair, styling it more solemnly and elaborately.

Elder Lan stood up and once again recited the blessings in a clear voice.

"At the proper time of the year, according to the commands of the months, may all adornments be added to you. With brothers present, may your virtue be perfected. May your life be boundless, and may you receive the blessings of Heaven."

After the blessings, Elder Lan inserted another hairpin, and a maidservant presented a coronet.

Once Elder Lan had finished inserting the hairpin, the attendant symbolically adjusted the hairpin according to the ritual. The little girl returned to the inner room of the east wing, and when she emerged, she was wearing a formal robe with wide sleeves that matched the hairpin and coronet.

"Those who have their hair pinned bow three times!"

This bow was for faith, for inheritance.

The little girl adjusted her formal attire, her wide sleeves falling to cover her fingers. She faced the heavens and bowed, her wide sleeves rippling like waves. The golden ornaments of the hairpin and coronet dangled, and the strings of pearls swayed gently on either side without making a sound.

She rose and completed the ritual. The bowing ceremony was finished!

Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep as countless scenes flashed through his mind.

That little girl from years ago...

had grown up!

"Now that you have reached the age of hairpin insertion, I shall bestow upon you the courtesy name Zhaoheng. May you bring light to the darkest rooms, and may your fragrance be like that of the Hengwu plant. May your radiance be as bright as the sun, and your balance as steady as the stars. May your heart be open and your wisdom as profound as the sun and moon. May you traverse vast mountains and rivers, under an eternally bright galaxy."

May you be as constant as the sun, illuminating the clear mountains and rivers;

May you be as thick as the earth's virtue, supporting the birth and growth of all things;

If you ascend the Cloud Platform in the future, you will surely be an instrument that commands the respect of the universe!

As bright as the sun, the earth carries all things. With the Jade Balance, regulate the seven celestial bodies!

Zhaoheng, Chen Zhaoheng.