The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 933 Starry River Dream, Heavenly Net Saintess

The sudden sound startled Chen Ping'an.

Turning his head, he saw an ethereal and beautiful figure with violet eyes and a veil covering her face, appearing before him.

Her black hair danced in the night breeze, and her figure under the moon was like a dreamlike starry river. In that instant, something seemed to rush straight to her heart, stealing her soul and bewitching her mind.

Countless dreams, the passing years, like fireworks in the mortal world, surge from the heart.

"The Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Net!"

Chen Ping'an's expression showed a hint of surprise and bewilderment, as if he were in a dream and unaware of his surroundings, or as if they were rare encounters in the human world.

Under the soft glow of night, their eyes met, a deep, unwavering gaze that seemed to transcend time.

At this moment, no one spoke; the night wind whispered, and only tranquility prevailed.

After a long while, Chen Ping'an sighed softly, his expression complex.

"You finally came looking for me."

Since the Holy Maiden of Tianluo addressed him by his name and came to his door so precisely, all her attempts at concealment and pretexts were clearly futile.

Aside from lowering the overall quality and wasting time, it serves no other purpose whatsoever.

The Heavenly Maiden's purple eyes were dreamlike, like thousands of stars shining together. She gazed deeply at the man before her. At this moment, no one knew what she was thinking.

"Chen Ping'an, I need your help."

Beishan Pass was plagued by frequent riots and surging beast tides.

Most of the discussions in the streets revolved around the achievements in hunting demons, and any interesting topics quickly faded into silence under the prevailing public opinion.

Under such circumstances, a rumor about Chen Ping'an, the deputy garrison commander of Beishan Pass, going into seclusion was quickly buried under the overwhelming public opinion of the beast tide after circulating for a few days.

However, when this matter reached the ears of various forces in Beishan Pass, it still attracted considerable attention.

"Mang Dao is in seclusion?"

"The beast tide is surging, and powerful figures from all corners of the land are arriving."

"Why is Mang Dao going into seclusion at this critical juncture?"

"With the tides turning and various factions vying for power, and actions occurring frequently, is this time for seclusion due to some profound insights, or is it simply a matter of biding one's time and concealing one's abilities?"

"Hide your strength and bide your time? Who do you think he is? This guy is a brute!"

"That's hard to say. In Beishan today, there are many powerful people. Even Yu Minglong is having a headache. Let alone him? He is in the system but has no real power. It's more than just difficult to control him."

Now that you mention it, it seems...

"I've heard that the people from the Luanming Sect and the Qingmu Sect are no ordinary individuals. The Zhenfu Division is currently facing a major headache. With the beast tide in front of us, it's manageable. But what about after the tide ends? How will we deal with them? Should we stay here and take the opportunity to expand our power, or..."

Within the Zhenfu Division, quite a few people are troubled by this matter. After all, the Prince of Bicang's Mansion hasn't shown any intention of expelling them yet.

"The beast tide has now arrived from all sides, which is nothing short of a test. Since the Prince of Bi Cang's Mansion has not made a move, how can they expect everyone to retreat voluntarily?!"

"yes."

"That brute is quite clever!"

"."

Beishan Town Pacification Office.

"Having gained some insight, I'm going into seclusion to cultivate?" Yu Minglong said calmly, recalling the scene when Chen Ping'an came to ask for leave of absence.

There have been many things happening in Beishan lately, but he did not refuse Chen Ping'an's offer to resign.

Firstly, Chen Ping'an had already mentioned this matter, but it was delayed by some time compared to before.

Secondly, as a promising young talent favored by the Northern Border Garrison, even as his direct superior, he didn't have much authority over matters related to cultivation. Even if he wanted to suppress or refuse, he lacked a compelling reason.

Although the beast tide in Beishan is still raging, with all parties present, it is no longer a cause for concern. The various factions vie for control of the beast tide, viewing it more as an opportunity than a cause for contention.

Thirdly, and most importantly, there are too many things in Beishan that require his attention now. In comparison, the mere seclusion of Mangdao is not enough to make him waste too much energy or focus too much attention.

Whether it was the frequent arrival of powerful figures from various regions, the infighting within the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion, or Hou Xibai's frequent actions, or the arrival of the Cultural Envoy in the Northern Mountains, all of these things had taken up too much of his mind. Compared to these, the matter of the Mang Dao was undoubtedly much less important.

The real issue right now is Beishan!

The rest are not worth worrying about!

Yu Minglong slowly lowered his gaze, bent down to deal with the beast tide in Beishan, all official business, and also to keep an eye on the situation at the Bi Cang County Prince's Mansion.

"Elder Jiang, Mang Dao has gone into seclusion."

"I understand." Jiang Ruotong wore a white dress and her long hair flowed freely.

From that day on, she paid more attention to the dagger.

Previously, although the name "Mang Dao" was renowned, it still lacked significance for a powerhouse of her caliber. It wasn't that Mang Dao wasn't exceptionally talented, but rather that her current level wasn't high enough.

Even if we focus on building a good relationship, that's something for the future, not for now.

But on that day, she saw a different Mang Dao, or more precisely, a different kind of young prodigy than those described in the intelligence reports.

At the age of twenty-eight, he ranked second among the heroes, on par with the martial arts masters!

Such talent is something that even my senior sister might not have been able to match back then.

Recalling her senior sister from back then, a faint smile appeared on Jiang Ruotong's face.

"Senior sister."

A figure, radiant like a cloud, appeared in her mind, and her clear eyes seemed to brighten slightly.

With his reckless and powerful nature, if he doesn't perish prematurely, he might one day have the opportunity to achieve a high level of cultivation, perhaps even reaching the realm of celestial beings. However...

To be like my senior sister is beyond what talent alone can accomplish.

"Pay attention as needed, and report back promptly if there are any updates. Also, Beishan..."

Jiang Ruotong gave an instruction: While the matter of the Mangdao was worth paying attention to, there were undoubtedly more important matters to attend to in Beishan at the moment.

Deep within the Black Nether Mountains, a rare and precious treasure of heaven and earth is suspected to have appeared!

"Young Master, news of Chen Ping'an." A man in dark robes reported from a magnificent golden platform.

"Chen Ping'an?"

Enjoying the services of the woman behind him, Gu Yueyan looked pleased, languid and content.

"Say!"

"Yes, young master!" the visitor replied respectfully, and then reported on the matter of Chen Ping'an, the ruthless swordsman, going into seclusion for a period of rest.

"Seclusion?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yueyan stood up slightly, looking somewhat surprised.

Immediately, the corners of his mouth turned up, and a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes.

"Seclusion? So what? Does it mean I can actually reach the Celestial Realm?"

Cultivation is arduous, and even he, as a prodigy of the ancient moon, was no exception.

Not every retreat guarantees progress. More often than not, it's just pointless self-pity and futile effort.

If ordinary spiritual practice is like this, how much more so is it when facing such a great hurdle directly with the heavens and the human realm.

He lowered his gaze briefly, then dismissed it.

"By the way, any results from the investigation into the Netherworld?"

"Young Master, Elder Qianfang is currently confirming this matter."

Gu Yueyan looked relaxed, listening to the words in front of him and the gentleness behind him. His heart was calm, but his eyes revealed an undisguised ambition.

A treasure of heaven and earth!

If he gets the opportunity this time, it may be the day when he lays the foundation for a major overhaul!

On the path of cultivation, there has never been a lack of prodigies. But those who truly reach the end and become powerful are judged by more than just their innate talent.

Character, opportunity, mentorship, family background

Indispensable!

He has all of these!

And the Mangdao

"Heh." Gu Yueyan chuckled coldly, raised his hand to lift his black cloak, draped it over his shoulders, and stood up to leave. "Let's go, take this young master to see."

His voice was deep, his movements swift and decisive, and his flowing cloak created a striking and elegant scene.

"Young Master."

Behind her, the voices of orioles and swallows sang sweetly and melodiously.

Gu Yueyan did not stop walking, nor did he spare even a glance.

So-called orioles and swallows are merely a diversion; when it comes to important matters, they won't even spare him a glance.

His life should be considered a great transformation!

The news of Chen Ping'an's retreat and seclusion did not cause much of a stir among the general public, but it did cause some commotion among various factions.

Forces such as the five great families of Beishan, Wenxin Sword Pavilion, Hengshan Sect, Bicang Chamber of Commerce, and Jinglei Pavilion all showed curiosity and interest in Chen Ping'an's sudden seclusion.

His sudden seclusion sparked much discussion, with people speculating about the possible reasons.

They talked about the general situation in Beishan, the in-depth study of secret techniques, the progress of cultivation methods, and also about trying to break through to a higher realm through cultivation.

However, among all the possibilities, the possibility of breaking through to a higher realm through cultivation is not considered very high.

Although Mang Dao possesses extraordinary talent, his cultivation years are still relatively short, and he has not yet broken through to a higher realm. He has also never heard of any major spiritual artifacts protecting him. The only two items he relies on are merely the most basic and minor auxiliary spiritual artifacts, offering little in the way of enhancement or protection. As for breaking through to a higher realm, their effect is even more negligible.

Currently in seclusion, the possibility of attempting to break through to a higher realm is probably almost nonexistent.

Even with Mang Dao's talent, he would probably need to make some preparations to reach the Celestial Realm.

The experience of overcoming inner demons still makes every Celestial Being drenched in sweat and filled with lingering fear.

"That brute certainly picked a good time," someone sneered.

Why did they choose this time of year, of all times, to go into seclusion? If you said they weren't seeking refuge, no one would believe you.

The situation in Beishan is currently chaotic, with powerful figures from various regions, including the Luanming Sect, the Qingmu Sect, and the Guyue Clan, all vying for control. The Bicang County Prince's Mansion, as the overlord of Bicang, has yet to react, leaving no room for doubt.

Under such circumstances, Chen Ping'an, as the commander of the Beishan Town Pacification Office, was naturally not in a good position.

In the past, Yu Minglong's reputation and influence could have given him some leverage over the various factions. But now...

These people from various regions are no ordinary individuals.

Qingdi Yulu, Jiang Ruotong, Jiuhu Daoren, Guan Shendao.

These are all renowned and powerful beings among the celestial beings.

Even though the people from the Guyue Clan were slightly weaker this time, their status was no less impressive—they were the young master of the Guyue Clan, possessing a powerful bloodline!

Under such circumstances, let alone Mang Dao, even Yu Minglong would be unable to free up his hands and feet.

Without the assistance of the Prince of Bicang's mansion, Yu Minglong alone could not control the current situation.

There was much discussion, but Chen Ping'an, the central figure in the discussion, was already deep in the Black Nether Mountains.

Under the guise of seclusion, he made all the necessary preparations and quietly left Beishan Pass. Within a few days, he was far removed from Beishan.

"Beauty can bewitch people, and illusions can lead me astray!"

The mountain wind howled, and black mist swirled around. Chen Ping'an, dressed in a green robe, looked bitter under the light of his escape.

That night, upon hearing the words of the Holy Maiden of Tianluo, he was stunned, somewhat taken aback.

Didn't you come here to settle scores and demand an explanation?

how?

Is this still the Heavenly Luo Saintess he knows?

He looked at the woman before him, his heart pounding. Before he could figure out the crux of the matter, the woman removed her veil, and at that moment, he truly saw that beneath the veil of the Heavenly Maiden was a slightly pale face.

"Injured?" Chen Ping'an's heart skipped a beat.

The woman before him wore a long black dress, her dark hair cascading down to her slender waist. Her face was pale, yet it could not conceal her stunning beauty, which instead added a touch of softness, arousing the man's boundless protective instincts.

Unlike previous impressions, the Heavenly Maiden before me appeared unusually pitiful and charming under the moonlight.

For some reason, Chen Ping'an inexplicably agreed at that moment.

Recalling the lingering pain from before, a fleeting tenderness appeared in her eyes for a moment.

This scene, though fleeting, appeared unmistakably in the woman's dreamlike, star-like purple eyes.

In that unseen place, a faint light flickered in the woman's eyes, as dazzling as a starry river, as innocent and carefree as a young girl.

The dream has darkened, all its splendor vanished, as if it had disappeared without a trace.

"No! Absolutely not!"

As he was enveloped in the light, Chen Ping'an looked down and recalled what had happened.

Looking back now, his state of mind at that time and his reactions seem somewhat unbelievable.

Given his temperament, even if he agreed to the Heavenly Maiden's proposal and decided to take action, there was absolutely no way he would have agreed so readily. At least, it was impossible for her to say, "Chen Ping'an, I want your help."

He agreed without even asking what kind of help was needed.

Such a scene seems unbelievable no matter how you look at it.

But at the time, it really happened.

"Something's nine out of ten wrong." Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and he couldn't help but glance at the woman beside him.

The woman beside him had cascading black hair and a graceful figure; her black dress made her appear even more stunning.

It must be said that the Heavenly Maiden is indeed beautiful.

It's not just her face and appearance, but more importantly, her dreamlike aura, like a celestial galaxy or a secluded valley.

Such temperament is something Chen Ping'an has never seen before in his life.

It bears the unique symbol of the world.

But this

It wasn't that he agreed without thinking or by some strange impulse.

Chen Ping'an came back to his senses and sighed, unable to help but sigh again.

"Beauty can bewitch people, and illusions can lead me astray!"

Chen Ping'an glanced at her, undoubtedly catching the attention of the Heavenly Luo Saintess. She turned her gaze slightly, her demeanor ethereal: "I will not go back on my word regarding this harvest; you will receive seventy percent of it."

Compared to her previous appearance under the moonlight and the gentle demeanor she displayed at their first meeting, the Holy Maiden of Tianluo now appeared somewhat aloof.

"As long as the saint keeps her promise, that's fine."

Chen Ping'an glanced at the Heavenly Luo Saintess, his expression indifferent.

Reality!

That's pretty realistic!

The contrast before and after is too obvious!

Chen Ping'an wasn't in a very high mood.

The two sped along, walking side by side, but with a certain distance between them.

But for some reason, the Heavenly Maiden appeared in a flash, arriving beside Chen Ping'an, the distance between them less than an arm's length.

She turned slightly to the side and looked back at him.

"Are you unhappy?"

The sound was like an empty valley, the dreamlike atmosphere ethereal.

As she turned to the side, the hem of her skirt swayed slightly, revealing half an inch of her calves. The long skirt, which was enough to cover her slender legs and fell to her ankles, was gently lifted.

In that instant, countless thoughts surfaced. In the dreamlike moment, countless memories resurfaced.

Chen Ping'an quickly suppressed his thoughts and calmed his emotions.

"Chen has already promised and agreed; it's time for the Holy Maiden to say something about this trip."

What exactly happened?

In mid-air, the two stood side by side, their eyes meeting, gazing at each other as if nothing had happened.

In bygone days, the Northern Azure Lands were shrouded in darkness. (End of Chapter)