Daqian Martial Saint

South Town Garrison Command.

Mu Wanjun picked up the latest booklet recording the Rising Star Chart and began to flip through it.

A moment later, the color drained slightly from her pretty face.

"Feiyu didn’t make it onto the Rising Star Chart?"

"Chen Ping’an, 91st on the Rising Star Chart!"

...

Liu Ziming’s cultivation has reached the Celestial Rain Descending Realm Perfection, placing him 73rd on the Rising Star Chart!

Chen Ping’an entered the Rising Star Chart at 91st, revealing his astonishing talent in the Martial Dao.

Mu Feiyu’s combat record was lacking, so he failed to make the Rising Star Chart.

These few pieces of news circulated endlessly among the upper echelons of Weishui County City.

The setting sun slowly sank below the horizon, dyeing the sky a shade of orange-red. The afterglow was like golden silk, gently blanketing the earth.

Upon the land, a majestic city appeared even more stable and solemn in the sunset’s embrace. A group of people traveled along the main road, rapidly approaching the city.

"We’re here!"

Chen Ping’an pulled on the reins, and the swift horse beneath him gave a snort, spinning in place.

Gazing at the magnificent city in the distance, Chen Ping’an narrowed his eyes, a sense of pride surging within him. ’When I left, I was targeted by the Fang Family and suffered under the oppression of the Noble Families. While I wouldn’t say I left with my tail between my legs, it was far from a glorious departure.’

Deputy Commander of White Stone City, Vice Chief Duty Officer Level!

’But this time, I’m returning openly and honorably, with the prestige of an Outer Trade Road Patrol Deputy Envoy for the Long’an Trade Route, concurrently serving as the Commander-in-Chief of White Stone City, and enjoying the treatment of a Vice Commander Level official!’

’And not only that, at not even twenty-one years old, my future is limitless!’

The comparison between then and now was enough to make one sigh with emotion.

"Let’s go, into the city!" Chen Ping’an waved his whip with a soft cry.

"Yes, sir," the riders behind him responded in unison.

Long lines had formed before Weishui County City. The numerous constables guarding the city gates were inspecting the luggage of everyone entering, one by one.

But when it was Chen Ping’an’s group’s turn, one of the elite guards behind him produced a token, and they entered Weishui County City smoothly, without the slightest hindrance.

"Who are those people? Why didn’t the city guard constables even check them?"

"SHH! Keep your voice down! They’re from the Weishui Garrison!"

"The Weishui Garrison? That young man? That’s..."

"Quieter!"

"..."

...

Chen Ping’an led his men into Weishui County City. The sun was about to set, but its afterglow remained, and night had not yet fallen.

After a moment of thought, Chen Ping’an had his subordinates find a tavern to settle in. He then headed toward the Weishui Garrison alone.

His main reason for returning to Weishui County City was to report for duty. Now that he had arrived, the first thing he had to do was go to the Weishui Garrison.

It was already close to the end of the workday. By the time he got there, the various chief officers might have already left, and he probably wouldn’t be able to get any paperwork done.

But that’s how it often was. When you set out to do something, whether you succeeded or not wasn’t always the most important thing. What mattered was that some people wanted to see your attitude.

If you succeed but have the wrong attitude, you’re no good!

If you fail but have the right attitude, you might still be alright!

Those two sentences were worth pondering for half a lifetime.

The Weishui Garrison, as the martial authority governing Weishui County, held jurisdiction over all the major and minor powers within Weishui County City. Even though it had been severely infiltrated by the Noble Families, its outward prestige remained intact.

Its headquarters was naturally located in the very center of Weishui County City’s Inner City.

Chen Ping’an was a swift walker. When he reached the Inner City, he didn’t have to pay the so-called entrance fee; relying on his waist token, he entered amidst the reverent gazes of the guarding constables.

It had to be said, Weishui County City was incredibly bustling, completely beyond what White Stone City could compare to. The streets were lined with a dazzling array of goods, and people were coming and going in great numbers.

With his duty on his mind, Chen Ping’an was in no mood for leisurely strolling. After walking for quite a while longer, he finally arrived at the main entrance of the Weishui Garrison.

The time Chen Ping’an arrived happened to be when the Weishui Garrison was letting out for the day. Many constables and their superiors were emerging from within the Garrison Command.

’The constables of the Weishui Garrison are truly worthy of their reputation. Their bearing is extraordinary!’

Chen Ping’an glanced around and noticed that even the most ordinary constables possessed impressive attainments in the Martial Dao.

Among the people walking out of the Garrison Command, some looked at him with curiosity.

"Who is that? Why is he just standing at our main gate?"

"No idea! I’ve never seen him before."

Chen Ping’an’s hearing was astonishing, so the contents of their discussion naturally didn’t escape him.

Almost simultaneously, his mind conjured up a series of classic face-slapping dramas.

’According to the most popular biographical novels on the market, at a moment like this, the protagonist is always questioned. Then someone, not knowing their own limits, starts mocking him. Finally, the protagonist reveals his identity, and the other party is scared out of their wits. The protagonist completes a perfect show of power and steps through the Garrison Command’s gates under the awestruck gazes of the crowd.’

Just as Chen Ping’an was lost in his fantasy, he saw a person walking toward him.

’Hm?’

Chen Ping’an’s gaze sharpened slightly.

’Could it be? Is it really going to happen like that today?’

Just as Chen Ping’an was mentally preparing himself, he saw the person approach, his face full of reverence.

"Lord Chen, this humble one is Deng Yi, a Steward from the Dispatching Bureau. I have been waiting here for you for a long time."

’Er... seems I got that wrong.’

Chen Ping’an’s expression showed no hint of emotion; his face was a mask of composure.

"Steward Deng, I have come to the Garrison Command to report for duty. I wonder if the Lords are available at the moment?"

"Lord Chen, the Lords gave their instructions long ago. Please, follow me." Deng Yi bowed, walking ahead of Chen Ping’an to lead him inside.

Watching Deng Yi respectfully welcome Chen Ping’an through the Garrison Command’s main gate, many of the people getting off work were filled with curiosity and began to gossip.

"That’s Deng Yi, right? Who’s that young man? Why is he being so respectful?"

"Yeah, Deng Yi is in the Dispatching Bureau. He greets and sends off plenty of people, but you rarely see him act so reverently!"

"Right, that young man must be someone special."

"No kidding! Could anyone who makes Deng Yi act that respectfully be ordinary?!"

"Is he a young master from some family? Or...?"

"I’m telling you guys, are you really clueless or just pretending? Don’t you know what major event just happened in the Garrison Command?"

"A major event? You mean... Lord Guan Yu Ping being transferred to become the Trade Route Patrol Envoy?"

"Ugh, you idiot! It’s Chen Ping’an, the Commander-in-Chief of White Stone City! He’s been promoted to Vice Inspector of the Trade Route! He’s here now to report for duty!"

"Chen Ping’an! The Deputy Commander who isn’t even twenty-one!"

"HISS~ So it’s him!"

"What are you so shocked about? Was it that hard to recognize him..."

"I’m so envious. He’s still just a young man, but he’s already a giant within the Garrison Command."

"What’s the use of being envious? Can you even compare to his methods and courage?!"

"You! Why are you spouting such harsh truths!"

"..."

News of Chen Ping’an’s arrival at the Weishui Garrison quickly appeared on the desks of the various major powers.

"Chen Ping’an has returned to Weishui County City!"

"Go, find out where he is staying tonight. Tomorrow, I will personally pay him a visit."

"So young, yet already on the Rising Star Chart, and at 91st place no less! A prodigy of the Martial Dao like him has likely already been targeted by the Four Great Noble Families. We can’t compete with them, but we can still visit to form a good relationship and get acquainted."

"I wonder which family a prodigy like him will ultimately fall to! Based on past events, he seems to be closer to the Mu Family. Perhaps he’ll join them. However... it looks like the Liu Family will also get personally involved in recruiting him, so it’s not certain he’ll go with the Mu Family!"

"Hahahaha... I’ve been looking into Chen Ping’an these past few days and discovered some interesting things. The Mu Family was the first to discover a prodigy like him, and I heard they even discussed a marriage alliance internally. If they had bet heavily on him back then, they might have had the chance to recruit him directly. Who would’ve thought that just when they were on the verge of success, they gave up in the end. I wonder if those people regret it now?"