The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 975 The Prince's Rumors, The Master Forger

"Sister Shulan, that's just his personality, please don't mind him."

Under the cover of night, the young princess smiled as she looked at the woman beside her, whose skin was fair and radiant.

"Mind?! Mind your Uncle Chen?"

Ji Shulan tapped Ji Qingyu's little head, her gaze playful: "Little Qingyu, do you think your older sister is such a petty person?"

“Of course not. Sister, you are far more insightful than any man.” The young princess smiled and took Ji Shulan’s hand.

Ji Shulan glanced at her, her face full of doting affection.

"The situation is volatile and the outcome is uncertain. My sister is not in a favorable position, so it's normal for him to have more considerations and make a cautious choice."

Making a statement is different from simply offering support or verbal endorsements; it requires taking concrete actions, even at a certain cost.

If successful, the rewards will be substantial. But if it fails, the risks will be enormous.

She could understand that Chen Ping'an was being cautious in his considerations.

"A pure Dao foundation?"

Ji Shulan gazed into the distance, a hint of pink rising beneath her eyelashes.

Chen Ping'an ultimately refused to accept the gift that Ji Shulan brought as a token of their greeting.

Although the other party persisted, Chen Ping'an's attitude was clear: he adhered to the principle of not accepting rewards without merit.

His trip to Bi Cang stemmed from a deal with the young princess. All matters were primarily his responsibility to her.

In other words, his support was for the young princess, not for Ji Shulan.

Before the next step was decided, he didn't want to create any more trouble out of thin air, like having another Ji Shulan.

Like now, simple and easy is just fine.

Speaking of which, Ji Shulan is quite generous.

Such a generous gift on our first meeting.

Inside the sandalwood box was a rather rare fourth-tier spiritual herb.

In terms of value, it is quite rare. Even among close friends, it can be considered a great gift to express one's stance.

Moreover, the two had only just met.

Ji Shulan is certainly willing to do that.

No wonder she was able to gain so much support despite being a princess.

Besides her cultivation level, her character, conduct, and mindset are likely also closely related.

However, whether or not to increase investment and provide further support remains to be seen.

The current flexible support is quite good.

Ji Shulan and Ji Qingyu's late-night visit was merely an interlude and did not disturb Chen Ping'an's cultivation. After they left, he focused on his practice.

Today, we are very, very close to perfecting the Guanghan Sword Technique.

In the following days, Chen Ping'an, just like in the previous days, walked around Bi Cangzhou City, moving among various treasure pavilions, shops, and social circles.

With the groundwork laid earlier, his actions these past few days have undoubtedly been much easier.

Having established connections with some channels, he took the opportunity to acquire a considerable amount of resources, and also purchased a small amount of spiritual ingredients that could be used to concoct poison.

This poisonous water was naturally not intended for Chen Ping'an's own use. Rather, it was planned to be used later, along with the cold water, to refine a fourth-tier rare artifact, the Deep Sea Pearl.

Unfortunately, his access was limited, and he only learned about the method of refining the Hundred Poisons Water.

All configurations can only be carried out based on this foundation.

Although the Poison Water was quite good, it still felt a little lacking to him.

Fortunately, it's a good start. With some continued effort, we might be able to figure out how to use the Thousand Poisons Water.

Even a little is better than nothing. If we accumulate more of the poison and fill the deep-sea pearl with it, it can still have a significant effect.

In the course of several days of trading, in addition to the resources he gained, Chen Ping'an also heard a lot of secrets about the Bi Cang Prince's Mansion.

"The old prince is critically ill and doesn't have much time left?"

Chen Ping'an's gaze narrowed slightly as he listened for information from the side.

He had heard this news among his social circle when he first arrived in Bicang Prefecture. Now, in business exchanges, he hears it even more frequently. The stories are told with such certainty and detail that they don't seem like baseless rumors.

The old prince has been critically ill for a long time, a fact that is no secret within Bicang's social circle. But the frequent mentions of it now raise the question: is the old prince truly beyond saving?

Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment, listening to the many secretive messages beside him.

The trading circles he interacted with were not ordinary circles; they were among the top tier in Bi Cangzhou City.

All such information still has considerable reference value.

Even some of the guest retainers of the Prince of Bicang's mansion are occasionally members of this circle.

Information obtained from them is often more authentic and reliable.

As for whether anyone deliberately spread this information to confuse the public and disrupt the situation, that's a matter of opinion.

Currently, the power struggle among various factions within the Bicang Prince's Mansion has reached a critical and intense stage, where anything could happen.

After leaving the trading meeting, Chen Ping'an went straight to Bixin Lake.

The city of Bi Cang Prefecture is vast and boasts numerous scenic spots. Bi Xin Lake is one of them.

The Prince of Bicang's mansion was embroiled in a fierce struggle for the throne, but within the city of Bicang, all was peaceful and serene, as if no one had noticed.

Some things, with dramatic changes, only occur at the top. As for those below, they often only learn about them when the dust has settled.

As for how intense it was and how much blood was shed, that's beyond the understanding and knowledge of ordinary people.

Those who can sense the tense situation in Bicang Prefecture are at least at the higher levels.

Just as ducks are the first to know when the river warms in spring, so too are these kinds of strategic competitions.

"arrive."

The vast expanse of blue water stretches to the horizon, a boundless expanse of misty waves.

Bixin Lake.

Chen Ping'an didn't come here to admire the scenery; he came here to find someone.

Master craftsman Mo Sidao.

This place, Bixin Lake, is a lake, but it has reefs and islands at its bottom, which are connected to the earth's fire, making it an excellent place for forging.

The renowned blacksmith Mo Sidao, whose fame resounds throughout Bicang, resides here.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, and without delay, he went straight into the water.

In the past, before he had fully developed his Xuan Guang (Mysterious Light), he could move freely in the lake for a short period of time using his internal energy. After he entered Xuan Guang, he was even more at ease.

As for the Grandmaster, ordinary waters are no longer a threat to him.

However, the vast empire is never short of special waters, and some of these waters are so dangerous that even grandmasters risk suffocating if they go there.

There are also some deep-sea areas where the water pressure is terrifying, even for celestial beings.

In areas like the North Sea, some trenches are places even seasoned celestial beings dare not venture into. The depths of the sea are immense, and the water pressure is terrifyingly high.

While a seasoned Celestial Being could withstand the attack, their combat strength would be greatly diminished. Encountering a high-level sea beast here would be extremely dangerous.

Although Bixin Lake is extremely deep, it is clearly not comparable to the sea. However, after diving down several dozen feet, Chen Ping'an felt that the water pressure around him was abnormal.

"A water-based formation?"

Chen Ping'an immediately sensed the difference in his surroundings, with faint ripples of spiritual light indicating a restriction.

As the restriction was triggered, Chen Ping'an also sensed an aura coming from afar. Before long, it appeared in front of him, revealing a middle-aged figure.

"May I ask, fellow Daoist, what brings you here?" The newcomer's expression was unfriendly, but his tone was still quite polite.

In fact, if Chen Ping'an's aura hadn't been so profound that he couldn't see through him, he might have been met with the words: "This is a private place, leave immediately."

Seeing this, Chen Ping'an didn't waste any words and directly took out the token he had previously purchased from the trade fair.

He was certainly not unprepared for this visit.

This token was specially made by Master Mo. Over the years, it has mostly been given to close friends and trusted younger generations. With this token, one can meet him regardless of the reason.

Although it was just a meeting, the value of the token was evident.

A piece of artisan's artifact is naturally of extraordinary value, and in recent years it has mostly been traded and circulated in the market.

Chen Ping'an also paid a certain price to acquire this item.

Upon seeing this token, the other party's attitude changed drastically.

"Please wait a moment, esteemed guest, while I go and inform them."

Meeting a master blacksmith is by no means easy; it's as difficult as ascending to heaven.

This is especially true for those who do not have access to certain channels.

Like the Golden Illusionary Robe that Chen Ping'an previously won, many people were eager to compete for it, hoping to establish a good relationship with the disciples of Mo Sidao, or even to get in touch with Master Mo Sidao through this connection.

But some things, once you actually reach a higher level, you'll find that reality is not as difficult as you imagined.

Inside a cave dwelling on a rocky reef, Chen Ping'an met the renowned blacksmith, Mo Sidao.

Mo Sidao wore a long robe, his face was wrinkled, and he had a faint red glow. The remaining crimson fire on his body made it seem as if he had just come out of the Earth Fire Furnace Chamber.

A young man was also standing beside Mo Sidao, his face also glowing red, with crimson fire almost filling his entire body.

Mo Sidao clearly didn't have the habit of introducing people. He glanced at Chen Ping'an and confirmed that he had never seen him before.

"Greetings, Master Mo." Chen Ping'an smiled and bowed.

“Fellow Daoist, we are not acquainted, are we?” Mo Sidao said slowly.

“Master and I are indeed strangers. However, whether we know each other or not, there must be a first time.” Chen Ping’an smiled, appearing neither humble nor arrogant.

"Oh?"

Mo Sidao found it rather strange and couldn't help but take another look at Chen Ping'an.

He was highly skilled and held a superior position. Those who came to visit him before were mostly seeking his help, and their attitude was, if not obsequious, at least extremely ingratiating.

It's truly rare to see someone like that.

"Fellow Daoist, you haven't come here today to make acquaintances with me, have you?"

"To be honest, Master Mo, I've come here today to ask for your help in refining and enhancing one of my items," Chen Ping'an said frankly.

With just a few words, he sensed the other person's personality; beating around the bush was pointless, so it was better to speak frankly.

"Such arrogance." The young man beside him thought disdainfully, his impression of the person in front of him dropping a bit.

He had followed his master for a long time and had seen quite a few guests. Most of them had requests to make of his master, but none of them had ever been so direct or so impolite.

Without any preamble or asking whether his master was available or willing to help, he bluntly stated his needs. Who did he think he was?

The young man sneered inwardly, but did not show it on his face.

He had followed his master for many years, so he knew these rules.

"Refinement and upgrade?"

Mo Sidao frowned: "What do you wish to improve, fellow Daoist?"

"Master Mo, please take a look."

Chen Ping'an chuckled softly, and with a gentle lift of his hand, a cold, jet-black longsword appeared out of thin air in front of him.

"A prototype of a great treasure!" The young man standing to the side immediately recognized the grade of the longsword.

He had followed his master for a long time, so he had some discernment.

"Master Mo, to what extent do you think this item can be improved?" Chen Ping'an asked calmly and gently.

"Arrogant and rude!"

The young man stood to the side, his face already showing hostility.

He had followed his master for many years and had never seen such a rude person. Instead of discussing his own needs, he asked about his master?

Such a madman should be expelled from the sect, given the master's temperament.

He subconsciously looked at Mo Sidao.

But contrary to his expectations, upon hearing this, his master not only did not get angry, but suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, I never expected that the prodigy Qianlong, who became famous throughout the world after the Battle of Beishan and whose reputation shook the world, would grace my humble abode with his presence today."

Lord Chen, how have you been lately?

Upon hearing this, the young man was startled and looked dazed.

Hidden... Hidden Dragon?

Chen Ping'an didn't intend to hide his identity when he came to see Mo Sidao. If the other party had only guessed before, then from the moment Chen Ping'an took out the Heavenly Meteor Frost Star Blade, he recognized his identity.

Mo Sidao, as a master blacksmith and a senior fourth-level blacksmith, might not be able to recognize his face. However, considering his appearance, cultivation level, and the sword he carries, recognizing him is inevitable.

"Lord Chen, when did you arrive in Bicang?" Mo Sidao asked with a friendly smile, offering him tea.

The young man beside him, with a respectful posture, poured tea with his hands.

"Just a few days ago," Chen Ping'an replied with a smile, his expression gentle.

"I see." Mo Sidao nodded slightly. "By the way, Lord Chen, let me introduce you. This is my disciple. He has some talent and I'm training him as my last disciple."

As he spoke, Mo Sidao glared at the young man: "Jiefu, why don't you greet Lord Chen?"

"Lord Chen." The young man hurriedly bowed and then presented a cup of freshly brewed tea to Chen Ping'an: "Lord Chen, please have some tea."

"Indeed, Master Mo's disciple has a bright future ahead of him." Chen Ping'an replied with a smile and accepted the tea.

"Lord Chen flatters me." Mo Sidao smiled wryly: "Your Excellency is a peerless genius. How could I dare to boast of any brilliance before you? As long as I achieve something, I will have lived up to my teachings over the years."

Mo Sidao sighed softly, while Chen Ping'an spoke gently with a smile.

The young man stood to the side, his posture respectful and his expression solemn, not daring to utter a single word.

Now that he knows the other party's identity, he no longer feels any resentment.

The giant of the Azure Cang Mountains, the guardian of the Northern Mountain, the hidden dragon prodigy, the martial arts master, the valiant Chen Ping'an!

He once used his unparalleled talent to kill a celestial being of the same realm.

Afterwards, the ancient Yue clan remained silent.

Such a being would be renowned throughout the Northern Territory. Although he was a disciple of Master Mo, he dared not harbor any ill intentions towards him.

He stood respectfully, occasionally serving tea and water, behaving extremely obediently throughout the entire process.

The two talked for a long time, covering all topics, and finally brought up the matter of forging.

"Jiefu, go check the furnace and make sure the temperature is right, so nothing goes wrong." Mo Sidao glanced at his disciple.

"Yes, Master." The young man kept his eyes down, bowed respectfully, and left.

Chen Ping'an's heart skipped a beat; he knew the real drama was about to begin.

"Lord Chen's sword was originally forged to be a treasure. Although it's only in its initial form, its quality is excellent and it has great potential. If I were to forge and refine it, elevating it to the level of a treasure shouldn't be a problem. However..."

Mo Sidao paused slightly, stroking his beard as if deep in thought.

"I have an even better method. Would Lord Chen be willing to hear it?"

Mo Sidao looked on with interest, his eyes shining brightly.

"Master Mo, please speak freely." Chen Ping'an waved his hand gently, put down his teacup, and sat up straight. (End of Chapter)