Daqian Martial Saint

After greeting Cao Yingxiong, the three from the Qiankun Bureau also saw Chen Ping’an standing to the side.

"Lord Chen?" Zhao Zhiteng looked somewhat surprised, having recognized Chen Ping’an.

After parting ways at the Five Peaks Mountain Residence, he never expected to meet Chen Ping’an again under such circumstances.

Since distinguishing himself during the encirclement of the Celestial Net Sect, he had been highly regarded by the Qiankun Bureau and had been at Cao Yingxiong’s side these past days.

With the Beicang Auction approaching, they had set out from a Qiankun Bureau branch, intending to travel to Beicang Town for the event. Along the way, however, they received news that bandits from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect were causing chaos, robbing and killing caravans along the route.

Their main purpose for this trip was the Beicang Auction, so without explicit orders, they naturally wouldn’t meddle in other affairs. They had planned to leave directly, but unexpectedly, their luck was so good that as they passed the vicinity of Red Maple Market, they actually heard the sounds of a fierce battle.

After some investigation and tracking, they arrived at the current scene.

As an Absolute Master, Cao Yingxiong was the fastest and arrived first. The others were slower, which was why they had only just arrived.

"Lord Zhao!" Seeing an old acquaintance, Chen Ping’an returned the smile. "It’s been a long time since we parted at the Five Peaks Mountain Residence!"

As the two exchanged pleasantries, both Lin Wanying and Lu Shengyang kept their attention fixed on Chen Ping’an. From just a few words, they immediately deduced his identity.

The Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy, Chen Ping’an! A rising star within the Garrison Commandant’s Office. At only twenty-one, he had already reached the twenty-first spot on the Rising Star Chart!

Just a few days ago, they had even heard that this Mang Blade Mang Vajra had entered the Profound Light Realm and was rumored to possess the combat strength of the Profound Light Middle Realm, making quite a name for himself. They never thought they would meet him here today.

A trace of caution appeared in Lu Shengyang’s gaze as he looked at Chen Ping’an. Lin Wanying, on the other hand, looked eager for a challenge.

’A prodigy from the Rising Star Chart, Mang Blade?’

’His reputation is so great, I’d like to see just what he’s made of! He’d better not be all show and no substance!’

"Commander Chen, have you taken what I just said to heart?" Cao Yingxiong’s gaze fell on Chen Ping’an once more.

The moment he spoke, Zhao Zhiteng and the others clearly sensed that the atmosphere was off.

’Did this Chen Ping’an somehow offend Lord Cao?’

"I will bear Lord Cao’s words in mind," Chen Ping’an replied indifferently.

Chen Ping’an’s tone of voice made Lu Shengyang secretly aghast.

’This Mang Blade...’

’To speak so coldly to a superior’s face... he clearly doesn’t know the meaning of respect and hierarchy!’

’He acts so recklessly. No wonder they call him Mang Blade!’

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhiteng’s eyelid twitched. He had interacted with Chen Ping’an before and knew this wasn’t his usual personality. Clearly, something must have happened just now.

Cao Yingxiong was clearly displeased with Chen Ping’an’s tone and continued to lecture him.

"I am gratified that Commander Chen can remember. However, some things aren’t meant to just be remembered! They must be constantly put into practice in your life, as a code of conduct!"

"It’s good for a young man to have a sharp edge, but be careful—what is too hard is easily broken!"

At that moment, Chen Ping’an stared at Cao Yingxiong, his expression blank, his killing intent deeply concealed.

’If Zhao Zhiteng and the others hadn’t arrived by chance, would Cao Yingxiong even have the chance to posture here now? If I had attacked with my full strength, Cao Yingxiong would’ve been beaten black and blue by now! He might even... be on the brink of death!’

But thoughts were just thoughts; Chen Ping’an didn’t let any of it show. Since he had already decided not to act, why let his opponent notice anything?

’True sharpness isn’t about shouting and clamoring. It’s about not striking at all, or, if you do strike, winning in a single, decisive blow!’

’However... I can conceal my edge, but I can’t miss out on the benefits I deserve! As for what the gray-robed elder left behind, I won’t be able to get it for now unless we come to blows completely. In that case...’

An idea sparked in Chen Ping’an’s mind.

SWOOSH!

His figure flashed, suddenly shooting off into the distance.

Nearby, Lin Wanying had been watching Chen Ping’an stand silently with his head bowed, a sneer forming on her face.

’And here I thought this Chen Ping’an was some tough guy. Is this all he amounts to?’

’Lord Cao hasn’t even gotten serious, and he’s already bowing and scraping?’

’So much for Mang Blade! So much for his methods and courage. It’s all just hype from his reputation, built up by the crowd!’

’He’s used to smooth sailing! It’s fine when he’s dealing with low-level characters, but when he runs into a real powerhouse, he doesn’t know what to do except back down and give in!’

’Some prodigy? Some Demon Fiend? Under the weight of power and authority, they’re all just ordinary people!’

Lu Shengyang’s reaction wasn’t as obvious as Lin Wanying’s, but he was likely thinking along similar lines. Zhao Zhiteng, on the other hand, felt a faint sense of unease as he watched the silent, head-bowed Chen Ping’an.

’The Mang Blade he knew wasn’t like this. For him to be acting like this now, could it be...’

After Cao Yingxiong’s lecture, Chen Ping’an didn’t retort as he had before, which made Cao Yingxiong feel a slight disdain.

’So this is all Mang Blade amounts to. The moment I got serious, he didn’t dare act up anymore!’

Cao Yingxiong was only halfway through this thought when he suddenly saw Chen Ping’an’s figure flash and fly off into the distance.

Hm?

Cao Yingxiong frowned. His first instinct was to move and intercept him.

But Chen Ping’an was neither a criminal nor his subordinate. His action was, at worst, disrespectful, but since they belonged to different organizations, Cao Yingxiong had no reason to stop him.

"Follow him and see what he’s up to!" Cao Yingxiong said, turning to the others.

"Yes, sir," the three replied in unison.

Chen Ping’an’s sudden action had also left Lin Wanying and Lu Shengyang slightly surprised.