Daqian Martial Saint

Early the next morning, representatives from the major powers within Weishui County City arrived at the Elegant Garden where Chen Ping’an was staying. They delivered invitations, hoping he would grant each of them a visit.

The location he had chosen to stay in the city was no great secret, so Chen Ping’an wasn’t surprised that these factions had managed to find him.

He had now reached the top level of Absolute Masters and could faintly touch the combat prowess of the experts on the Dragon and Tiger Chart. He was in no mood to play house with these factions. He had more important things to do.

Chen Ping’an politely declined the invitations and headed to the Weishui Garrison alone.

He was no longer a nobody who could be treated lightly. As the Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy, a Standard Commander Level position, he could be considered a major figure in the region. The Weishui Garrison was, of course, well-prepared for his arrival.

Greeted by a host of officials, Chen Ping’an strode through the main gates of the Garrison Commandant’s Office.

Chen Ping’an’s purpose for visiting the Garrison today was clear: he wanted to acquire a Treasure Saber that was a perfect fit for him.

’After all, as the Mang Blade, he had to live up to his title!’

When it came to a Treasure Saber, Chen Ping’an had something specific in mind. Ideally, he wanted to obtain a Fine Treasure Artifact. He even had a backup plan: if his accumulated merit wasn’t enough, he would use Gu Wu’s Cold Iron Long Spear to cover the difference.

After stating his purpose, Chen Ping’an was quickly led to a building deep within the Weishui Garrison.

"Lord Chen, this is it! The Garrison Treasure Vault," the Steward leading him said with an ingratiating smile.

"Mm," Chen Ping’an nodded and stepped inside.

...

When Chen Ping’an emerged from the building, the Yanling Saber he wore at his side and the Cold Iron Long Spear were both gone.

Once inside, he was received by staff assigned specifically for this purpose. After some negotiation, he achieved his goal.

He hadn’t encountered the difficulties he expected, nor were there any setbacks. The trip was a complete and smooth success.

By spending all his accumulated merit and trading in the Cold Iron Long Spear and the Yanling Saber, Chen Ping’an successfully acquired a Fine Treasure Artifact.

The Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber!

Chen Ping’an’s mood lifted as he recalled the description of the Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber.

The Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber was meticulously forged by a highly skilled Master Blacksmith from Canglong State City.

The body of the saber was forged primarily from Profound Iron of exceptional quality and unparalleled toughness, supplemented with several rare ores. During the weeks-long forging process, Demon Beast Earth Crocodile Essence Blood was repeatedly integrated into the blade using a special technique, creating unique patterns on its surface.

The Earth Crocodile, also known as the Earth Dragon, is an incredibly powerful Demon Beast capable of boring through mountains and drilling into the earth. An ordinary one can contend with a Profound Light Realm master, while the powerhouses among them possess combat strength rivaling that of an Absolute Master at the Profound Light High Realm.

In addition to burrowing, the Earth Crocodile is adept at breathing fire, and its essence blood is scorching hot. When prepared with a special method, it becomes an excellent material for crafting weapons.

This Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber, a Fine Treasure Artifact quenched with Earth Crocodile Essence Blood using a special technique, possessed an extremely rare Divine Wonder in addition to its toughness and sharpness.

The saber’s body has special patterns that, when infused with True Qi, can trigger its Divine Wonder: the ability to unleash a Fire Blade!

The heat and intensity of the Fire Blade depend on the quantity and density of the user’s True Qi.

The more potent the True Qi, the more powerful the Fire Blade.

Once triggered, the Fire Blade not only possesses considerable power but also has the effect of disorienting an opponent.

Layers of Fire Blades would stack, their scorching golden flames blinding the opponent and making it difficult for them to even open their eyes. Although they might have spiritual perception, their senses would be severely impaired.

’What a fantastic treasure!’ Chen Ping’an thought with a faint smile.

However, the Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber was too valuable to be kept in the Weishui Garrison’s Treasure Vault. It would have to be requisitioned from the State City.

He had already completed all the necessary procedures on his end. All he had to do was wait a few days to receive his Earth Crocodile Golden Flame Saber.

With his business concluded, Chen Ping’an prepared to leave the Weishui Garrison.

Ordinarily, as the Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy returning to the Weishui Garrison, he would need to report on his patrol to his direct superior. The report itself wasn’t the main point; what mattered most was showing the proper attitude—a sign of respect for his superior.

But he and Liu Yuanhua were on bad terms. Chen Ping’an believed that Liu Yuanhua had undoubtedly been the one fanning the flames behind Guan Yu Ping’s previous attitude toward him.

When it came to Liu Yuanhua, Chen Ping’an couldn’t be bothered to pretend anymore.

He had already revealed his capabilities by successfully leading the siege on the Celestial Net Church Entrance, and his name had even reached the Canglong Province Garrison Command. Bolstered by his status as a rising prodigy, a mere Liu Yuanhua could no longer keep him down.

Most importantly, his Martial Arts Realm had advanced just before he entered the city, giving him a tremendous boost of confidence.

However, to Chen Ping’an’s surprise, a kind-faced, middle-aged Steward blocked his path not long after he left the Garrison Treasure Vault.

"Lord Chen, Lord Liu wishes to see you."

"Oh?" Chen Ping’an was slightly surprised.

’He hadn’t gone looking for Liu Yuanhua, yet Liu Yuanhua had come looking for him instead.’

"Let’s go. Lead the way."

"Yes, Lord Chen." The Steward answered respectfully, bowing his head as he led the way.

A glint flashed in Chen Ping’an’s eyes as he followed.

’Since Liu Yuanhua wants to see me, I might as well go,’ he thought. ’It’s a good chance to see what his attitude is.’

’If the man knows what’s good for him, I can be magnanimous. If he doesn’t, well...’

’After all, Guan Yu Ping hasn’t been dead for very long!’

...

"Ping’an, you’re here! Come, please, have a seat!"

In an office within the Garrison, Chen Ping’an once again came face-to-face with Liu Yuanhua. The Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Weishui Garrison was acting unusually warm.

"Lord Liu, I’m fine standing," Chen Ping’an said with a cupped-fist salute, his expression unreadable.

"Ping’an, there’s no need for such formalities between us. You’re a hero of our Weishui Garrison now, how can we have you standing? Come, come, sit!" Liu Yuanhua stood up from behind his long desk, walked over, and smilingly guided Chen Ping’an to a wooden chair.

Liu Yuanhua’s face was wreathed in smiles and his words were full of warmth, showing no hint of the previous animosity between them.

Since Liu Yuanhua was insisting, Chen Ping’an didn’t put on airs and sat right down.

Seeing Chen Ping’an take a seat, Liu Yuanhua nodded in satisfaction. "That’s more like it!" he laughed. "Hahaha... Ping’an, your timing is perfect. Just a couple of days ago, a contemporary of mine from the State Garrison Command stopped by and brought me some North Mountain Mist Tea. You’re just in time to try some and savor its exquisite taste."

Staring at the overly enthusiastic Liu Yuanhua, Chen Ping’an was momentarily baffled.

’A contemporary from the State Garrison Command? A gift of North Mountain Mist Tea?’

’What is he trying to say?’

’Is this a show of force? Or is he simply trying to mend our relationship?’

"I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Lord Liu," Chen Ping’an said nonchalantly. "My palate is unrefined. I doubt I could appreciate the subtleties of North Mountain Mist Tea."