The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 974 Purchase of Spiritual Items, Princess Bi Cang

"Returning to the origin through three parts: artistic conception and atmosphere"

Inside the Qingchi Courtyard, Chen Ping'an closed his eyes and concentrated, his brows shrouded in a hazy, ethereal light.

Within the spiritual platform, wisps of divine souls intertwined freely, with a spiritual bridge faintly visible, shimmering brightly.

A series of insights swirled and cycled in Chen Ping'an's mind, searching for a path to realization.

The Three-Part Return to Origin True Scroll is a precious scroll of true skill that he used to refine finger techniques, palm techniques, and fist techniques when he broke through to the Celestial Realm.

At this moment, with the benefits of the fourth-tier spiritual wine, various spiritual lights constantly emerged, and spiritual ideas intertwined. Amidst the myriad of thoughts, they found the one that was ultimately the right path.

Chen Ping'an has been searching for this path for a long time, and now, he is just one step away from truly putting it into practice.

Night fell deep, and dark clouds obscured the moon. A gentle breeze stirred, blowing out a corner of moonlight, scattering a faint glow. Then, in the distance, a golden wheel rose, its light tinging the sky with a touch of red.

Before they knew it, a night had passed.

Chen Ping'an sat with his eyes closed, seemingly unaware of anything.

"Using finger strength, palm power, and fist force, the intention is to divide into three parts."

"Human Calamity, Earthly Fiends, Heavenly Dippers. The Threefold Return to Origin."

"."

Thoughts surged and collided in Chen Ping'an's mind, igniting intense emotions.

As the wine went down, it nourished his mind, making Chen Ping'an's mind exceptionally clear.

My thoughts were incredibly clear when I was in Japan, and this is especially true today.

Under such circumstances, it was another daytime, and as night deepened, the light in Chen Ping'an's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Until a certain moment, he suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing, like the first rays of sunlight.

"I see!"

hum~

A flash of inspiration, intertwining and intersecting.

Name: Chen Ping'an

Realm: Celestial Realm 2 - Piercing Rainbow Realm (Piercing Rainbow Hidden Radiance)

武学：青阳血炼法大成（0/38400）、颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（2285/8640）、三分归元真卷小成（1/15360）、无相自在法（残篇）小成（0/15360）、广寒剑法（残篇）大成（17075/19200）、狂雷刀法圆满、太虚御风步圆满、七绝禁法圆满.

Secret Techniques: Soul Suppression Technique, Soul Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique, Illusionary Eye

"It's done!"

Chen Ping'an stared intently, a hint of joy flashing across his face.

The information on this panel, which is only a small part of the Threefold Return to Origin True Scroll, is of great significance.

After much deliberation, this Three-Part Return to Origin True Scroll can finally take a step forward.

This also means that Chen Ping'an has truly perfected this precious manual of self-cultivation. All the theoretical foundations are sufficient to support its implementation at the Great Perfection stage.

Even after reaching the perfect stage, thanks to the spiritual wine, Chen Ping'an still had some thoughts on the matter. However, since they hadn't reached that point yet, the specifics still needed to be verified.

Such gains were not only due to Chen Ping'an's accumulation over many days, but also inseparable from the pot of fourth-grade spirit wine he traded with Ji Qingyu.

This pot of fourth-grade spirit wine is of excellent quality, belonging to the category of fourth-grade fine brews, and its effects are incomparable to ordinary fourth-grade spirit wines.

Only by combining the two can such an effect be achieved.

However, in contrast, this pot of fourth-grade fine brew was completely consumed, leaving only a small amount at the bottom of the pot, which was still preserved.

"With three-tenths of the potential already established, the path of cultivation will now have a solid foundation!"

Chen Ping'an felt a surge of pride and exhilaration.

Compared to the tangible benefits, the consumption of some external resources is nothing at all.

Now that the spirit wine has enhanced his condition, Chen Ping'an is in excellent form. He has finished studying the cultivation technique and has not delayed at all. He has simply started practicing the Guanghan Sword Technique.

Whether it was because of his clear mind or because he had just consumed a fourth-grade fine wine, his cultivation progress was excellent.

Over the next few days, Chen Ping'an spent his time cultivating and studying in the Qingchi Courtyard, comprehending the essence of the spirit wine until the effects wore off and his condition returned to normal. Only then did he stop his cultivation, which had lasted for several days, and begin to handle transactions, purchases, and resource management.

Over the past few days, my practice of the Guanghan Sword Technique has made further progress.

After consuming the last bit of fourth-grade fine wine, his understanding of the Soul Guiding Technique also improved significantly. Compared to before, it was at least a small step higher.

With his current cultivation level, he could attempt to guide the soul of a Celestial Being with an unstable foundation, even if the opponent was seriously injured and in an unstable state.

As for the success rate, that depends entirely on luck.

But for ordinary celestial beings, it is already extremely difficult to deceive him.

This is another gain from this trip to Bicang. Following the landing of the Three-Part Return to Origin, the Soul Guiding Technique has made further progress.

If he could go a step further on this basis, then he would have completely mastered this secret technique obtained from the evil path.

After all, given his cultivation level, this Soul-Guiding Technique is quite remarkable, but it's only a fourth-tier secret technique. It can only be described as somewhat mysterious and exquisite, not as good as the Avici Thunder Sound Technique or the Yin Bone Flame Technique.

In the following days, Chen Ping'an became active in various shops, pavilions, and merchant alliances throughout Bi Cangzhou City.

He had already taken care of all the resources he needed when he arrived in Bicang.

Some were intended to be sold off and converted directly into elemental crystals. Others were intended as key trading resources to acquire desired items. Still others were kept for other uses.

Chen Ping'an handled these transactions and sales with extreme care, appearing in different guises among the shops.

Some of the more common ones appeared with pseudo-celestial cultivation levels, while some of the rarer ones displayed the aura of celestial level cultivators.

Of course, on the surface, his divine light was concealed, and his cultivation was difficult to perceive.

If you want others to believe you, then it's best to let them deduce and analyze it themselves.

To deliberately show off is a low-class approach.

Over the course of a few days, in addition to trading and selling off assets, Chen Ping'an also intentionally searched for some usable resources.

Such as the guiding spirit objects used in cultivating the second stage of Yin Bone Netherfire, Yin Soul Jade, Yin Wind Sand, etc. There are also some messages about demon beast blood, Ice Soul spirit objects, cold water, poisonous water, and even True Skill Scrolls.

However, it is clear that even a commercial city of the size of Bi Cang Prefecture would find it difficult to access treasures of the True Skill Scroll level through ordinary trading channels.

However, Chen Ping'an did gain something from this trip, purchasing some necessities.

For example, rare snow spirit leaves, and some common cold water.

After many days of cultivation, his reserves of Snow Spirit Leaves were running low. Now that the opportunity was right, he could replenish them.

However, even though Bi Cangzhou City was quite large, he didn't dare to make large-scale purchases. He only stockpiled enough for about half a year's use before stopping.

As for what will happen in about half a year, Chen Ping'an will have somewhere to go to make further preparations.

As for Cold Water, although its value is far less than that of Ice Soul Cold Water, it is not something to be taken lightly.

At considerable cost, Chen Ping'an only managed to collect a portion of it.

It's clearly far from enough to be used for deep-sea pearls.

This will require time and effort to raise gradually.

However, Chen Ping'an was not in a hurry and simply went with the flow.

While clearing out his personal assets, he also purchased some necessities.

This series of actions, however, led him to some hidden channels.

After a while, they fell into a positive cycle.

This put Chen Ping'an's resource cleanup on an excellent track.

"You're lucky."

Chen Ping'an stroked the grayish-white jade in his hand, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.

This grayish-white, cold jade with its surface shrouded in yin energy is precisely the Yin Soul Jade, the guiding material needed for the second stage of the Yin Bone Flame Technique, the Netherfire.

He happened to come across it at a private meeting he had just attended and bought it for a considerable price.

"The Yin Soul Jade is in hand. With the previous Extreme Yin Grass, all that's left is the Yin Wind Sand."

Chen Ping'an has already mastered the first stage of Bone Fire. Although he is still researching the second stage of Yin Bone Nether Fire, this does not prevent him from making preparations in advance.

Unexpectedly, he was quite lucky; he obtained one of the items after only a few days in Bicang Prefecture. During these days, he traveled through various channels, appearing under different aliases.

With everything concealed, no flaws were revealed.

In addition, he also learned a lot of information during the conversation.

Among them are discussions about the power dynamics of Bi Cang, the struggle for the throne, and the current situation of various factions in Bi Cang.

For example, some well-known powerful figures and influential people in Bi Cangzhou City.

This naturally includes information that Chen Ping'an intentionally inquired about.

such as

Mo Sidao, a renowned master craftsman and forging master who resides in Bi Cang.

“There are intervals between trading sessions. The pursuit of resources is now on the right track, so there’s no rush. We can just wait patiently. What we need to deal with right now is the forging of precious artifacts.”

Chen Ping'an's eyes brightened slightly, and he had already made a plan in his mind.

In the past few days, he has already found out most of the news about Mo Sidao.

This includes the location where the other party is based, their secluded residence, etc.

Some information is top secret to those below, but once you enter that class, it might be common knowledge.

It's incredibly difficult to avoid reaching that stage. But once you get started, you might learn relevant information just through a casual conversation.

Just as Chen Ping'an was pondering this and preparing to take action, that very night, another guest came to his Qingchi Courtyard for a chat.

"Uncle Chen, it's been a long time."

Upon meeting, Ji Qingyu made a playful joke.

"Princess." Chen Ping'an bowed calmly, his gaze falling on someone beside Ji Qingyu.

"This is boring," Ji Qingyu muttered, then turned and introduced the person next to her to Chen Ping'an.

"This is Sister Shulan, who came with me specially tonight."

Standing beside Ji Qingyu was a tall woman with fair skin. She wore a long, cloud-blue dress and exuded a touch of heroic spirit.

Chen Ping'an's gaze had been fixed on the other party from the very beginning. Combining his aura with his intuition, he already had a guess in his mind. Now, with Ji Qingyu's introduction, he was even more certain.

Shulan, Ji Shulan!

"Greetings, Princess Bi Cang." Chen Ping'an said with a gentle smile, "I have long admired your name, Princess. I am deeply honored by your presence tonight. Your humble abode is truly blessed."

"Lord Chen, you flatter me." Ji Shulan returned the greeting with a smile, her manners impeccable: "Lord Chen's name is renowned throughout the Northern Border, and his reputation resounds throughout the Azure Sky. I have long admired your name; it is more appropriate for me to be the one to speak."

After exchanging pleasantries and polite greetings, Ji Qingyu, standing to the side, pouted and said unhappily, "Hey, hey, hey, it's an honor for Sister Shulan to come, but what about me!? I'm here, aren't I?"

"Qingyu." Ji Shulan said with a smile, then smiled apologetically, "It was just a joke, please don't take offense, sir."

“Princess, you speak your mind without hesitation. I would never take offense.” Chen Ping’an smiled and waved his hand. “Please, both of you, have a seat.”

Ji Qingyu's words, though seemingly inappropriate, actually made the atmosphere more harmonious and less formal.

The conversation shifted from formal dialogue to casual conversation.

"I apologize for my intrusion in coming tonight without prior notice, Lord Chen." Ji Shulan bowed apologetically, and only after receiving Chen Ping'an's reassurance did she take her seat, displaying elegance and poise befitting a princess.

During their conversation, Ji Shulan's cultivation level was fully revealed to Chen Ping'an.

Is the second realm perfected?

This Princess of Azure Green's cultivation level is even higher than outsiders imagine. She has already reached the peak of the second realm, and her cultivation is even a notch above Yu Minglong's in the past.

"This is my first visit. I don't know what Lord Chen likes. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will accept it."

Ji Shulan gently raised her hand, revealing a section of her jade-like wrist, and a sandalwood box appeared on her fair palm.

"You're too kind, Your Highness."

Chen Ping'an remained calm: "I, Chen, have no merit to accept such a reward. What is it, Princess? Please speak freely."

Upon hearing this, Ji Shulan lowered her gaze slightly, surprised by Chen Ping'an's directness.

She smiled faintly, and without holding back, directly expressed her feelings.

"Does the princess mean for Chen to express his support for you?"

Although Chen Ping'an was speaking to Ji Shulan, his gaze fell on the little princess standing to the side.

"Exactly." Ji Shulan smiled slightly, gently smoothing the hair at her temples. Her skin was radiant and glowing, with a faint hint of light pink.

"I have already made an agreement with the princess on this matter, and I will do it. Your Highness need not worry about it," Chen Ping'an said calmly.

He wasn't surprised by Ji Shulan's purpose in coming. From the moment the young princess brought her here, he knew who the young princess truly favored.

Unexpectedly, this Princess Bicang, though nominally neutral, already had someone she supported in secret.

I wonder if she's the only one like this, or if the faction behind her is the same? And what about Old Master Yi?

If it's the former, that's fine. But if it's the latter...

Chen Ping'an pondered in his heart, but outwardly maintained a normal demeanor while exchanging pleasantries.

During their conversation, Ji Shulan's eyes sparkled with intelligence, displaying both heroic spirit and feminine grace. Her every gesture was measured and appropriate, demonstrating impeccable composure.

During this time, she subtly hinted at further attempts to win Chen Ping'an over, hoping that his support would go beyond mere words of encouragement and reach a deeper level.

For example, making more substantive statements and standing by someone on certain necessary occasions.

His words were measured by weighing the pros and cons, getting straight to the point, and his demeanor was neither pretentious nor affected, making it easy for people to feel good about him.

However, Chen Ping'an had already made up his mind before coming to Bicang.

The struggle for the throne could drag on for an unknown period of time, perhaps half a year or several years. If it could be resolved in one fell swoop now, he might consider it, but if it dragged on, he had no interest in it.

This trip was largely driven by considerations of the cost-effectiveness of verbal commitments, as well as the inherent needs of the trip to Bicang.

Therefore, he had no interest in Ji Shulan's attempts to win him over.

"Lord Chen, there is no need to rush to express your opinion. It is not too late to make a decision after the situation becomes clearer and you have conducted some investigations."

Sensing Chen Ping'an's refusal, Ji Shulan smiled and took a step back to avoid pushing him too far and making it difficult to back down.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness."

Chen Ping'an smiled slightly, neither firmly refusing nor denying it, which could be considered as tacit agreement.

Whether he supports it or not is of little concern to him.

The difference lies simply in whether it's suitable or not, and whether it will waste too much energy.

If it's not worth it, he'll turn around and leave without wasting too much time.

One's own strength is the only true path to success.

Unlike the young princess, Ji Shulan, as the princess of Bicang and a strong candidate for the throne of Bicang, shines brightly, and countless eyes are watching her.

Her coming here this time was not an easy thing in itself.

The fact that several days have passed since the young princess's arrival is likely due to this reason.

Now that the two sides have met, a basic tone has been set, so Ji Shulan naturally cannot stay any longer.

If they linger any longer, their previous cover-up will be exposed.

After a brief discussion, Ji Shulan rose to take her leave.

"It is late at night, so Shulan will not disturb your meditation any longer."

"Please take care, Your Highness." Chen Ping'an nodded slightly and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

"Uncle Chen, see you next time."

Ji Qingyu blinked and left with Ji Shulan.

"Quirky and clever".

Chen Ping'an smiled helplessly and then looked away.

He slowly raised his eyes and looked up at the sky, where countless stars shone brightly, and in the distance, a dark hue seemed to be quietly spreading. (End of Chapter)