Daqian Martial Saint

The news of Mu Feiyu Breaking Realm and preparing to challenge the Rising Star Chart sent shockwaves through the major powers of Weishui County City. Every move made by the Mu Family’s rising star was now the center of their attention.

To the truly powerful Noble Families within Weishui County City, Mu Feiyu’s Martial Arts Realm of the Third Stage of Inner Qi, Celestial Rain Falling on the Crown, was not their primary concern. While it was certainly enough to dominate a region, for powers with such deep foundations, the heart of the matter lay elsewhere.

What they truly cared about was Mu Feiyu’s future.

The younger generation of any power represents its future. If Mu Feiyu could ascend to the Rising Star Chart, it would symbolize the burgeoning fortune of the Mu Family and herald the rise of a young prodigy in Weishui County City.

Based on the records of past prodigies, anyone who made it onto the Rising Star Chart was guaranteed to reach the Profound Light Realm, so long as they didn’t meet an untimely end.

If they managed to rank in the top thirty on the Rising Star Chart, more than half of those prodigies would go on to reach the Profound Light Middle Realm.

As for those prodigies who could rank in the top ten, it essentially meant they had already secured a future spot as an Absolute Master.

An Absolute Master!

The reason the Four Great Noble Families of Weishui were able to lead all the others—the reason they were called the ”Four Greats”—was because each of them had an Absolute Master presiding within their ranks.

Profound Light Penetrating Objects, Armor Unlost—this is what defines an Absolute Master.

While all the major powers had their eyes on Mu Feiyu of the Mu Family and Liu Ziming of the Liu Family, a horse-drawn carriage silently left Weishui County City.

As the carriage departed Weishui County City, a young man stood at the gates, waving farewell.

”Sir! A safe journey to you!”

Zeng Jihe cupped his fist in a salute, respectfully seeing Chen Ping’an off.

”Xiaozeng, go on back!”

Chen Ping’an waved a hand back at him.

In the past few days, aside from seeking out Monkey Head Da Shan, he had also met with Zeng Jihe. After asking for his opinion, Chen Ping’an had decided to keep him by his side.

Once he reached White Stone City, he would need at least one trusted subordinate who could get things done to his satisfaction.

Xiaozeng was an excellent candidate.

In fact, with his deliberate support, Xiaozeng had already reached Qi Blood First Level Perfection. His progress wasn’t particularly fast compared to true geniuses, but compared to the average person, his talent was quite remarkable.

’He’s worth cultivating!’

’Indeed, many with the potential to reach a High Level of Qi and Blood are buried amongst the common folk. They may possess remarkable martial talent but lack the right opportunity. Without it, they are destined for a life of mediocrity. But with it, a new Chapter of their lives can begin. How that Chapter is written is entirely up to them.’

Once Chen Ping’an arrived in White Stone City and found his footing, he would summon Xiaozeng. Given Xiaozeng’s current rate of progress, he might even have broken through to the Qi Blood Second Realm by then.

Chen Ping’an had it all planned out. If Xiaozeng successfully achieved a Breaking Realm before then, he would secure a position for him as a Preparatory Constable.

A small city isn’t Weishui County City. The Qi Blood Second Realm was just barely enough to qualify for a Preparatory Constable position there.

The carriage gradually receded into the distance, but Zeng Jihe remained where he stood, his eyes following it until it was gone.

’Sir, I wish you a prosperous official career and a safe and smooth journey!’ Zeng Jihe thought silently to himself.

What he failed to notice was that shortly after Chen Ping’an’s departure, a figure standing not far off quickly ran back toward the city, disappearing into the crowd.

...

The sun was warm, the breeze gentle and cool.

Chen Ping’an drove the carriage himself. Inside, Chen Erya and Peony were seated. He sat at the front, listening to their soft whispers from within, feeling the fresh breeze on his face, and his heart was at ease.

As he drove, Chen Ping’an’s gaze fell upon the Yanling Saber at his side, his mind drifting back to his conversation with Mu Wanjun the day before.

”Ping’an, things in White Stone City are treacherous. Even with your considerable strength, you must be careful. This saber... it’s a small parting gift from me.”

’A gift?’

Chen Ping’an hadn’t expected a gift from Mu Wanjun at all. His first instinct had been to refuse.

But Mu Wanjun had been adamant, insisting that he take it.

”Ping’an, please, take this saber. It will give you an edge, and I... I’ll be able to rest a little easier.”

”For what happened before, my Mu Family owes you a great debt. Think of this saber as a small compensation!”

”Your Hundred Pattern Saber is decent, but it’s just a common blade. If you face an evenly matched opponent and get drawn into a bitter fight, it will be of little use! Worse, if your opponent’s weapon is superior, your own blade will become a liability.”

”...”

Mu Wanjun had said a great deal more, and in the end, Chen Ping’an had accepted the Yanling Saber.

This Yanling Saber, with its refined steel patterns and a blade so sharp its edge gleamed with a cold light, had been meticulously forged by a renowned craftsman from Weishui. It was a Premium Level blade.

Its quality was a cut above the Hundred Pattern Saber he had been using.

A Premium Level blade was considered an excellent weapon even for a master at the Third Stage of Inner Qi, Celestial Rain Falling on the Crown.

This gift wasn’t just valuable in and of itself; more importantly, it was a symbol of Mu Wanjun’s feelings.

”Ping’an, be careful in White Stone City. If the situation becomes impossible, you must prioritize your own life above all else!”

Mu Wanjun’s words echoed in Chen Ping’an’s mind.

Clearly, the death of the previous Deputy Commander still weighed heavily on her. The treacherous situation in White Stone City wasn’t just a rumor. Even from Weishui County City, one could sense the political games at play.

Sitting atop the carriage, Chen Ping’an glanced again at the Yanling Saber, engraving Mu Wanjun’s sentiment deep in his heart.

’It truly is a fine, well-balanced saber. Killing with it should be a very satisfying experience.’

Chen Ping’an tilted his head back, gazing at the clear blue sky with narrowed eyes.

’Tonight... is a night for killing.’

This was why he had chosen to drive the carriage himself for this journey, rather than hiring a driver.

The carriage was leaving the city, but tonight, he would return to Weishui to settle a score.

He had never forgotten about Fang Rui.

’In the past, I was weak. I had to swallow my pride and think carefully before every move. But now, my Martial Dao is established. If I still act so timidly, what was the point of all my cultivation?’

’Tonight, Fang Rui must die!’

...

A little over an hour after Chen Ping’an’s carriage left Weishui County City, several figures on fast horses galloped out of the city gates.

”Young Master, slow down!”

Fang Shicheng rode close behind Fang Rui, worried he might accidentally fall from his horse.

After all, compared to the others, Fang Rui’s Martial Arts Realm was still somewhat lacking.

But Fang Rui spurred his horse onward, feeling a rush of exhilaration, and paid Fang Shicheng no mind.

The words his father had spoken to him two nights ago surfaced in his mind.

”Rui’er, as Noble Family Descendants, we should handle matters with a soft touch. If there is a grudge, it is best to bury the hatchet. But if you cannot... then you must be resolute and decisive. Never hesitate. When you strike, be clean and swift. Strike with the force of a thunderbolt!”

”He was able to kill that retainer you hired, Shadowless Leg. Whatever the reason, it proves your initial assessment of him was flawed. To kill him, the First Stage of Inner Qi is not enough. Take my Waist Token, find Tower Holder Ding Tong, and have *him* kill Chen Ping’an!”

”And remember, do it outside the city! The last incident had terrible optics. He’s about to be transferred, isn’t he? Wait until he has left the city to strike.”

”When you strike, be clean and swift. Strike with the force of a thunderbolt!”

This sentence from his father echoed in Fang Rui’s mind, striking him like a clap of thunder.

’Tower Holder Ding Tong. Perfect Second Level of Inner Qi!’

’With him on the move... Chen Ping’an! Let’s see you escape this time!’