Daqian Martial Saint

In any great family, there are daughters of the main line and daughters from side branches. But even among them, there are finer distinctions: whether their elders hold true power, and if so, how much.

All things considered, even among the noble ladies of the Gu Family, one could probably create more than nine distinct ranks if they were to be categorized. The higher the rank, the rarer they become.

The more exalted a young woman’s status, the greater the political considerations she embodies. Once she comes of age, she is expected to represent her family in a marriage alliance, securing benefits and balancing power.

Meanwhile, vassal families also hope the main family will bestow one of their noble ladies upon them to secure their loyalty.

Chen Ping’an’s talent may be extraordinary, but his family background was as common as could be. Besides himself, he only had his younger sister. He was a lone force, with no powerful backing. Even if the Gu Family was optimistic about his future, the woman they chose for him would almost certainly not be a daughter from their main line.

As for which of the daughters from the side branches they would choose, it was hard to guess what the Gu Family was ultimately considering.

’If I were one of the Gu Family Elders, how would I choose, given Chen Ping’an’s talent?’

As these thoughts ran through his head, Liu Yuanhua let out a long sigh.

’If only they had known sooner that this Chen Ping’an was such a Demon Fiend. The Liu Family would have married off a daughter from their main line long ago, presenting a generous dowry to bind him to them. Then there would be none of this spectacle with the Gu Family marrying off one of their own.’

’It was too late. Far too late...’

Liu Yuanhua sat in his public office, an inexplicable exhaustion washing over him.

’Though I long for the life of a carefree wanderer—to travel the world and put my knowledge into practice—the weight of family responsibility is a burden on my shoulders. I can’t set it down. I just can’t!’

’Outsiders assume that once you reach the pinnacle of cultivation, you can do as you please, free to act as you wish. But who could understand that even at the peak, you are still mired in worldly affairs, vexed by countless troubles, toiling day in and day out.’

Then, a glimmer of hope flashed in Liu Yuanhua’s eyes.

’Perhaps if I can one day achieve the rank of Grandmaster, only then can I cast off these burdens, roam the wide world, and enjoy true, absolute freedom!’

...

Having obtained the Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber, Chen Ping’an had now accomplished all his goals for his trip to Weishui County City.

Before his departure, he and his little sister talked late into the night, just like back in the small courtyard on Nanquan Lane. Back then, whenever he got off his shift late, the little girl would always wait up for him. Only after he returned would she be willing to wash up and go to bed, but she always had to exchange a few words with her big brother before she could sleep.

As her brother’s status rose, such opportunities had become increasingly rare.

Revisiting this old habit felt as if time had wound backward, returning them to those early days.

Precious moments are always fleeting. Early the next morning, Chen Ping’an bid farewell to Chen Erya and Peony, leaving Weishui Inner City with his trusted retinue.

It was worth noting that during his stay, Chen Ping’an had noticed Peony’s growing interest in martial arts. She had already learned a move or two back in White Stone City. So, Chen Ping’an left behind a Swordsmanship manual for her, encouraging her to practice it diligently.

As Chen Ping’an set off, quite a few people from the Garrison Commandant’s Office came to see him off, including Mu Wanjun, Zhao Lianzhi, and Shen Shikang.

Speaking of Shen Shikang, the two had met when Chen Ping’an returned to the South Town Garrison Command to visit Mu Wanjun. Shen Shikang had been extremely respectful upon seeing him. Chen Ping’an, not one to put on airs, had chatted with him for a bit, which left Shen Shikang absolutely thrilled.

After all, having a face-to-face conversation with the Lord Commander was not a privilege just anyone could enjoy.

Regardless of the actual nature of their relationship, to outsiders, Shen Shikang now appeared to be intricately connected to Chen Ping’an. Should Shen Shikang face a crisis in the future, this perceived connection could be used as a shield.

At a critical moment, a connection like that could be a lifesaver!

When trying to survive within the system, situations like this were all too common.

If you denied any connection to him, people might call you harsh and ungrateful. But if you said nothing, plenty of others would try to latch onto you.

’No matter what kind of connection it is, as long as you can make it, it’s a good thing!’

Chen Ping’an didn’t mind people like Shen Shikang trying to establish a connection. After all, their past interactions had been decent enough. A long time ago, Shen Shikang had been his direct superior—a figure who had once seemed utterly beyond his reach.

"Lord Chen, travel safely!"

"We send off Commander Chen! May you have a safe journey, my lord!"

Amidst the chorus of farewells, Chen Ping’an led his retinue straight out of Weishui County City.

This time, as he departed, he also carried a new letter of appointment from the Weishui Garrison.

It ordered the Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy, Chen Ping’an, to concurrently assume the position of Five Peaks Mountain City Commander, while relinquishing his concurrent post as commander of White Stone City.

CLIP-CLOP! CLIP-CLOP! ...

Chen Ping’an hadn’t been long out of the County City when a lone rider came galloping up from behind on the main road. He glanced back and was surprised to see it was an acquaintance.

Liu Ziming, the prodigy of the Liu Family.

Liu Ziming was mounted on a swift horse, dressed in green robes with a Longsword at his waist. With his robes fluttering, he was the very picture of a dashing noble son. A closer look, however, revealed a weather-beaten face and deep exhaustion in his eyes.

’What’s this about?’

’Is he here to challenge me?’ Chen Ping’an wondered, watching the rapidly approaching Liu Ziming.

Liu Ziming quickly caught up, reining his horse in to ride alongside Chen Ping’an.

"You’ve ridden hard to catch me, Young Master Liu," Chen Ping’an said. "What can I do for you!?"

"Chen Ping’an, my ranking may be lower than yours right now, but I swear I will reach the Profound Light Realm before you!" Liu Ziming said, staring intently into Chen Ping’an’s eyes.

"Oh?" An amused smile played on Chen Ping’an’s lips. "You’re sure about that?"

"I’m sure," Liu Ziming replied with a grave expression.

"Well then, good luck with that." With that, Chen Ping’an paid Liu Ziming no more mind, dug his heels into his horse, and began to accelerate.

Liu Ziming didn’t give chase. He simply held his reins and watched Chen Ping’an ride off into the distance.

’I will reach the Profound Light Realm before you,’ Liu Ziming vowed silently. ’I will!’

...

’What a foolish kid,’ Chen Ping’an thought, amused by the encounter.

He hadn’t expected Liu Ziming to get so worked up over competing with him.

’Reach the Profound Light Realm before me?’

’I wonder what Liu Ziming would think if he knew I’d already reached the Profound Light Realm long ago.’

’What a shame...’

’Liu Ziming had chosen the wrong rival. He’d set a goal he could never achieve in his entire life—a goal he was doomed to fail.’

The first time he’d met Liu Ziming, Chen Ping’an had thought him an interesting character. Now, after their second meeting, his impression had changed considerably.

’Yep, still just a foolish kid.’

’Who says prodigies have to be aloof, cold, and indifferent to everything? They can have a childish, youthful side too!’

People are complex, multifaceted beings.

The same person can present a completely different side of themselves depending on the occasion and who they are with.

An arrogant woman might have a gentle, compliant side. A noble lady might humble herself before certain individuals.

Being human is to be complex, ever-changing, and difficult to fathom.

That was why Chen Ping’an never placed his hopes in others.

If he wanted to live well, to live with dignity in this world, the only person he could ever rely on was himself.

He would climb, step by step, to the very peak.

...

「Two days after Chen Ping’an’s departure from Weishui County City.」

Several riders on swift horses galloped into the city, carrying a message.

The Long’an Trade Route was now officially operational! All merchant caravans from the counties within the territory could now use the Long’an Trade Route to cross the Canglong Mountain Range and travel to the Qingling State Territory.

The moment the news broke, the entire State Realm was thrown into an uproar.