Daqian Martial Saint

As Chen Ping’an was leaving the South Town Garrison Command, he happened to run into Shen Shikang. Mu Wanjun had escorted him out of the main building, and as they passed the Task Room, Shen Shikang was just walking out.

"Lord Chen, Lord Mu."

The man who was once his direct superior now acted with the utmost deference.

"Lord Shen." Chen Ping’an smiled and clasped his hands.

"Lord Chen, you do me too much honor!" Shen Shikang bowed again and again, not daring to accept such a title from Chen Ping’an.

Inspectorate, Candidate for Chief Constable, Vice Chief of the Patrol, Chief of the Patrol Office, Candidate for Commander, Deputy Commander...

In just a few months, their stations in life were worlds apart.

Chen Ping’an exchanged a few pleasantries with Shen Shikang, then smiled and left.

Shen Shikang, with his back slightly bent and hands clasped, watched Chen Ping’an’s departing figure.

From a subordinate’s subordinate, to a colleague, and now to someone impossibly high above. The rollercoaster of emotions in Shen Shikang’s heart could not be described in just a few words.

"Wan Jun, you don’t have to see me out," Chen Ping’an said with a smile.

"Mm." Mu Wanjun nodded slightly.

After the two said their goodbyes, Chen Ping’an departed alone under the awestruck gazes of the many constables at the Garrison Commandant’s Office entrance.

After leaving the South Town Garrison Command, Chen Ping’an headed for Nanquan Lane.

Since he was already in the South District, he decided to make a trip to Nanquan Lane and visit his old friends.

Ever since the Tiger Head Gang was wiped out, the gangs in Nanquan Lane had toned down their act quite a bit. At least they were no longer so brazen about collecting their monthly protection money.

"Make way! Make way!"

Several constables in the Black Clothing of the Garrison Commandant’s Office, with sabers at their waists, were walking down the street.

Chen Ping’an watched them, an unexpected wave of nostalgia washing over him.

A little over a year ago, he had been just like them, patrolling these very streets. Back then, Monkey Head, who patrolled with him, was full of ambition, hoping to become an official constable.

Listening from the side, he too had secretly set his own ambitions.

When he’d occasionally witnessed the imposing presence of a Garrison Commandant’s Office Constable, in his youthful arrogance he had thought, ’A real man should be like that!’

Looking back now, he had long since achieved that ambition. As for the so-called Constables, he now had dozens, if not more, under his command.

’Truly, a person’s horizons expand as they journey through life!’

Passing through Willow Leaf Street and by Niu Ye Square, Chen Ping’an arrived at the entrance of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office.

The constable guarding the gate suddenly saw someone approaching and was about to shout at them to stop. But when he got a clear look at Chen Ping’an’s face, he began to tremble, his voice filled with excitement.

"Lord... Lord Chen!"

The constable on the other side had been spacing out and hadn’t seen Chen Ping’an. Startled by his colleague’s excited voice, he wondered why the man he was on duty with had suddenly become so agitated.

Just as he cast a questioning glance over, he too caught sight of Chen Ping’an.

"Lord Chen!" He practically jumped out of his skin, his reaction even more exaggerated than the first constable’s.

Chen Ping’an!

He broke into the Inner Qi Realm at a young age, ascended to a high position, became famous throughout Weishui, and stirred up storms wherever he went.

Today’s Chen Ping’an had long since become a legend within the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office.

"It’s been a while. I came back to have a look." Chen Ping’an’s smile was gentle.

His return caused a huge commotion within the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office. Amid the bustling and respectful greetings of numerous constables and their leaders, he stepped through the gates of the Patrol Office.

"Lord Chen, this humble subordinate has failed to give you a proper welcome. Please forgive me," Tian Fuliang said, rushing out from inside.

Given Chen Ping’an’s current status, he should have been waiting at the entrance with everyone to greet him, not like this. If Chen Ping’an chose to take offense, no amount of excuses would save him.

"We’re all old friends here, it’s fine," Chen Ping’an said with a smile.

Chen Ping’an’s smile was gentle, but Tian Fuliang didn’t dare to relax in the slightest. He respectfully led Chen Ping’an into the main hall and showed him to a seat. A short while later, someone brought in fruit, snacks, and tea.

A large group of people waited to the side, some with familiar faces, others with new ones. Without exception, all of them wore ingratiating smiles.

’At first, these smiles were rather amusing. But after seeing so many, they’ve become rather dull.’

After exchanging a few words with Tian Fuliang, and at Chen Ping’an’s suggestion, Monkey Head, Da Shan, Mr. Qin, and the others were called back.

The men hadn’t changed much; they looked the same as always.

"Boss!" Monkey Head’s eyes lit up when he saw Chen Ping’an.

Da Shan was more reserved, greeting him respectfully.

Old Qin was more relaxed, though a hint of disbelief would occasionally flicker across his face.

Even though he had known for a long time, Old Qin still couldn’t quite fathom that Chen Ping’an had come this far.

"Haha, Monkey Head, Da Shan, come, sit down." Chen Ping’an was clearly happy to see them.

Thanks to Chen Ping’an’s arrangements, the men had long since become official constables of the Garrison Commandant’s Office.

"It’s a shame Xiaozeng isn’t here, otherwise the whole gang would be back together," Chen Ping’an said with a laugh.

Xiaozeng was supposed to be transferred to White Stone City with him. But things don’t always go according to plan. After Chen Ping’an took up his post in White Stone City, a lot happened in between, and Xiaozeng was still over at the South City Prison.

Chen Ping’an planned to go see him later when he had time.

Friendships forged when one is at their lowest are always so much deeper than any other. After some initial awkwardness and unfamiliarity, their conversation gradually began to flow smoothly.

They talked for nearly four hours before Chen Ping’an, still wishing he could stay longer, finally got up to leave.

Declining the carriage Tian Fuliang had specially arranged for him, Chen Ping’an chose to leave on foot once again.

At the entrance of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, numerous constables shouted in unison.

"Farewell, Lord Chen!"

Chen Ping’an walked away without looking back, raising a hand to give a simple wave. Under the setting sun, the young man’s figure seemed to be plated in a golden brilliance, a sight that stirred the heart.

...

The Mu Family, one of the Four Great Noble Families of Weishui County City. Their estate was vast, like a miniature city unto itself. It was surrounded by high walls and deep courtyards, with upturned eaves, and carved beams and painted pillars, all of which spoke of a deep and rich heritage.

Within the Mu Family estate, maids and servants bustled about, preparing for the evening in a busy yet orderly fashion. Tonight, they were to host an important guest. Red silks and lanterns had been hung in many of the courtyards and corridors.

In a corner of the estate, several lavishly dressed young women were gathered in a pavilion, whispering amongst themselves.

"He’s not even twenty-one, and he’s already a grandmaster at the Third Stage of Inner Qi! It’s incredible!" one of the pretty, vivacious girls said excitedly.

"I know, right? In the latest issue of the Rising Star Chart, he’s ranked ninety-first!" said a more demurely dressed young woman beside her.

"I heard he comes from a poor background and had no family support. To have made it this far is truly remarkable," said a woman in a simple, elegant long dress.

"Born poor! A classic underdog story, rising up to become a prodigy of Weishui! It sounds so inspirational~"

"Yeah, I just wonder what he looks like."

"What? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of marrying him?"

"Hee hee, it’s not like it’s out of the question," said the vivacious girl.

"You little vixen, you’re getting ideas! Already thinking about boys!"

"Hmph! If I could marry a prodigy like that, I’d be more than willing! What’s wrong with that~ Are you jealous?"

"Jealous? Of course I’m jealous! Who wouldn’t want to marry a prodigy like him? You want me to marry one of those pretty-boy fops instead?"

"..."

Mu Zhixuan sat in a corner of the pavilion and let out a soft sigh.

These daughters of the main family line, who were usually so arrogant and looked down on everyone, were now showing such immense interest in a young man they had never even met, not even hesitating to reveal their romantic feelings.

’Chen Ping’an...’ A flash of disappointment crossed Mu Zhixuan’s eyes.

She once had the chance to become that man’s fiancée, but she hadn’t seized the opportunity. Due to various concerns, she ultimately let it slip away.

And now, that same man was coming to her family’s banquet tonight as a prodigy and an honored guest of the Mu Family, while she could only be a bystander, not even qualified to officially attend.

Staring at the shimmering surface of the water below the pavilion, Mu Zhixuan was overcome with a mix of complicated feelings.