Chen Ping's Sword

Wanting to rely on cultivation advancement is not as effective as gathering more Fortune, increasing Innate Talent and Enlightenment, and perhaps experiencing a few moments of epiphany.

[Spring and Autumn Silkworm (Second Transformation)]

[Talent: Trace Origin and Steal Fortune, Cocoon Rebirth]

[Innate Talent: 15 (Eternal Unparalleled)]

[Enlightenment: 15 (Eternal Unparalleled)]

[Tribulation: 738 (Breaking Realm)]

[Fortune: 12 (Change Destiny)]

[Cultivation Technique: Hand-to-Hand Combat Body Technique (Perfection), Seven Stars Step (Perfection), Swallow Returning Butterfly Dance (Perfection), Primordial Technique (True Gang Glazed Body: Perfection (Open 360 apertures), Sword Gang Stream (Extreme Intent, Spirit Communication, Divinity Transformation, Yin Deficiency, Yang Essence), Three Yang Heart-Burning Skill (Perfection), Wind-Chasing Sunset Divine Arrow (Perfection), Brahma and I are One (Perfection), Three Lights Divine Spell (Perfection), Star Observation Method (Perfection))

[Body Refining: Tier Six (Peak of Unity Realm) 100%]

[Qi Refining: Tier Six (Mid-Stage Unity Realm) 47.5%]

[Spirit Refining: Tier Six (Early Stage of Manifest Saint) 5.2%]

...

Another day with the sun setting in the west.

The walls of Xingqing Prefecture City still linger with the faint smoke from the flames, and there are densely scattered corpses beneath the city, not yet collected, perhaps due to lack of time.

The True Martial Army retreated like a tide, having already sounded the retreat, while suppressed cries echoed faintly from the city, clearly indicating significant losses and a low morale.

Seeing this scene, Chen Ping shook his head.

He knew that after he chased the elder Tongyun away and had not returned for three days, the people inside the city would surely be anxious...

Adding to that, the True Martial King would definitely seize the opportunity to sow discord and conduct psychological warfare.

Spreading rumors that he was severely injured and near death.

Also perhaps sending spies to win over the city’s generals and scholars; the success of convincing is not as important as the act of "persuasion" itself.

As long as he doesn’t appear for a day, the generals inside the city won’t be united, and morale would be significantly lowered during battle.

Meanwhile, should the True Martial King press on with a fierce assault which hasn’t yet conquered the city, it’s attributed to the Xingqing Prefecture civilians and soldiers willing to fight to the death.

When Chen Ping appeared on the city tower with Han Xiaoru, Ji Mingyue, and Fang Qingzhu, the defending generals and soldiers had already come forward to greet him joyfully.

"It is Prince Ping, Prince Ping has returned, and General Han is unharmed..."

As several great generals came to pay respects.

The news spread like a tide flowing into the city, with booming sounds coming from all directions; that was the laughter of the whole city’s military and citizens.

Yes, as long as Prince Ping is unharmed, is there anything in this world that would pose a difficulty?

This has become the common belief of all the soldiers and civilians.

Even the generals harboring unusual ideas had to forcibly quash all inappropriate thoughts, feigning great joy.

Military morale is usable, civilian morale is usable.

Morale remains, Prince Ping remains, thus this Xingqing Prefecture is an impregnable city.

Everyone affirms this point.

Soon, Cui Huchen and Cui Boyu rushed over, followed shortly by Han Wushang and Sun Yun.

Several high-ranking generals at the level of Unity Realm Grandmaster arrived, followed by civil servants and military generals who also showed themselves...

At a bit of a distance, Chen Ping saw disciples and elders of the Primordial Sect, who were rapidly advancing; a large number of dozens of innate strong hands.

It must be said, the Primordial Golden Body Technique combined with the Star Essence Body Infusion Technique is like a demon skill in rapid succession, and moreover, extremely powerful in combat.

Of course, this also owes to Chen Ping’s "Three Yang Heart-Burning Dao Seed"; without this technique cleansing the influence of star power, they wouldn’t dare to advance so swiftly.

Thinking of demon skills, Chen Ping was slightly stunned.

He recalled those crimson monsters in the Celestial Star Ruins, some of which could even compete with his physical strength.

’Could it be that the Celestial Star Sect truly practiced demon skills and have connections with the invasion of celestial demons from the World of All Heaven Floating Map? Could the transformation of the Celestial Star Sect into ruins be related to this matter?’

Specific events are now untraceable; Chen Ping has only reached the third level of the Heaven-Reaching Tower and dares not delve deeper into the Celestial Star Ruins for fear of triggering unforeseen incidents.

The hidden secrets can only be explored in the future.

He constantly feels that.

That Heaven-Reaching Tower, or potentially the Celestial Star Ruins, might relate to his next path.

It is the greatest opportunity he has obtained in this world.

"Today, I return safely, with greatly enhanced strength, worthy of celebration. Prepare a feast, and tonight we shall gather in celebration.

Also, over these three days, those who defended the city deserve merit; distribute money and provisions as rewards for the entire army...

Tell them, I have returned, I am here with you, victory will be assured!"

"Victory assured..."

"Victory assured!"

As Chen Ping’s bright voice spread across the city.

Responses boomed in all directions.

To see the aura of tens of thousands of people roaring in unison, simply look at the scene.

The firmly built city of Xingqing Prefecture was shaken slightly by the cheers.

...

The True Martial King’s sixty thousand troops camped ten miles from the city also stirred slightly.

"Quickly scout to see if Chen Ping has returned to the city and his condition; has he suffered a significant loss of vitality?"

Ji Changfeng squinted his eyes slightly, sitting calmly in the tent, unmoved by any wind.

Surrounded by strategists like rain, generals like clouds, and just Unity Realm Grandmaster level commanders have reached eight in number, not to mention others who would occasionally come to offer assistance.

It was unclear whether the newcomers were indeed wandering Jianghu individuals or undercover agents sent by major sects and noble families.

Of course, the first batch of 40,000 infantry behind the True Martial King had already arrived.

The second and third batches were set to arrive successively within ten days.

Most importantly, he was waiting for a person, one whose appearance will cease any back and forth in the war.

He knew showcasing this performance doesn’t suffice if he wants that person to appear; at least, he must severely wound Chen Ping, pin him dead in Xingqing Prefecture so he can’t escape.

"Gentlemen, the strength of Xingqing lies with one individual. A fierce tiger among sheep; as long as we slay that tiger, the others will be easy to conquer.

Hence, this battle is the Tiger Stabbing Battle; victory is permitted, defeat is not."

True Martial King Ji Changfeng always had a simple intention.

No matter his attacks or preparations, they weren’t meant for an actual huge battle.

In his view, fighting on the battlefield or engaging in siege warfare with Chen Ping were lower tactics.

Essentially, he must take advantage of when the opponent’s soul is damaged to pressure them into a frontal duel and then encircle, directly worsening their condition without giving a chance for recovery.

"Report, an arrow message says Chen Ping has returned to the city, hosting a banquet in celebration, rewarding the army."

"This..."

The True Martial King was confused.

He turned to Feng Yuantu.

Wasn’t it said that the returning character from the ruins must have a damaged soul and significant loss of vitality?

Yet why does this seem like an early celebration?

Could it be he truly obtained opportunity without loss, completely unscathed?

"Able yet shown as unable, weak yet shown as strong...

Chen Ping’s style, I have specifically investigated before.

He dares to take risks, understands human nature, and does things unpredictably.

Celebrating and rewarding the army at this time must have a scheme."

Feng Yuantu pondered briefly before slowly speaking: "The plan to stab the tiger must proceed, but before that, to prevent complications, Your Majesty should refrain from leading the charge.

Reserve yourself, change appearances, prevent contingencies."

"I, Your Majesty, haha, Feng, are you overestimating Chen Ping.

Now with talent gathered around, the solitude isn’t perfectly fortified; it’s close enough.

Moreover, solitude isn’t a weak hand... If Chen Ping truly aims for me, then it’s self-entrapping."

True Martial King laughed heartily and shook his head.

...

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