The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 1023 An Invitation from the Netherworld, A Hearing from the Northern Border

“Mr. Xu, why don’t you sit a little longer and leave after we enter the city?”

Inside the jade carriage, Jiang Ruotong looked on expectantly and tried to persuade her to stay.

The experience she just had was so wonderful that it is an unforgettable chapter in her long life.

Looking back now, she felt that time was too short; before she could fully enjoy herself, time had quietly slipped away.

The other party was knowledgeable, refined and easy-going, and every move he made exuded the mature charm of age.

Everything they said, their insights and reflections, made her feel as if she had met a kindred spirit too late.

At that moment, she was still immersed in that wonderful scene of perfect harmony and ease when the other person suddenly said goodbye. For her, it was a strange feeling of a beautiful dream being shattered.

It caught people off guard and caught them off guard.

Subconsciously, I felt reluctant to part and wanted to stay a little longer.

In the hope of letting that wonderful feeling linger a little longer.

“Yes, Senior Xu, why don’t you sit a while longer? Our Luanming Sect has a base in Wentian City. If you come into the city with us, it will be good to have someone to look after you.”

The sweet-looking female cultivator also extended an invitation.

The other female cultivators, though silent, shared similar emotions.

However, Chen Ping'an's mind was made up, and he would not be easily persuaded by a few words.

He smiled gently, stood up, and clasped his hands in greeting.

"I appreciate your kindness, fairies. However, I have to visit a friend in the city, so I won't bother you any longer."

His demeanor was gentle and refined, his manners elegant, and he exuded a worldly wisdom that seemed to transcend worldly concerns.

Jiang Ruotong's clear eyes were like water, and she slightly pursed her lips, revealing her reluctance.

"Since you have already made the arrangements, then Ruotong will not insist any further."

As she spoke, she slightly curled her slender fingers and gently tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.

"Ruotong extended an invitation before; I wonder if you have given a reply, sir?"

Sensing the change in Jiang Ruotong's tone, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but sigh.

The title "Mr." came about naturally after he accepted the invitation to address her as Ruotong during their previous high-sounding conversation, and the other party then began to use that title to address him.

Compared to "fellow Daoist," the title "sir" is undoubtedly more intimate.

The fact that it's mentioned repeatedly now always gives people a strange feeling.

Especially looking into her eyes, which were as gentle as spring water, somehow made him feel like a heartless man.

Chen Ping'an sighed inwardly, but under the hopeful gaze of the other party, he finally gave an answer.

"Xu is not good at killing and his combat strength is mediocre. He came to Wentian more for the grand event. As for the Netherworld Secret Realm, he has not yet figured it out."

As for Fairy Ruotong's invitation, I, Xu, am currently unable to give a reply. I can only say that if I am interested in the secret realm, the Luanming Sect will give me priority.

Jiang Ruotong's previous remarks did not refer to inviting Luanmingzong to serve as a guest elder or chief retainer.

Chen Ping'an had already explicitly declined this matter, and there was no opportunity for it to be brought up again now, which would undoubtedly be distasteful.

Jiang Ruotong knew the inside story, so naturally she wouldn't do that.

Her suggestion came not long ago, asking Chen Ping'an to team up with her Luanming Sect to explore the secret realm together.

Worried that Chen Ping'an would refuse outright, she added more leverage when she invited him, especially emphasizing that the sect's top cultivator, Fairy Luan Yue, would also be entering the secret realm together.

If Mr. Xu is interested, she can contact her senior sister to meet with him, make an agreement, and reach a consensus.

If Mr. Xu is still worried, they can even make a vow to ensure that the assignments on this trip will go smoothly.

The oath against inner demons is considered a very high-level promise for cultivators. For cultivators aspiring to advance further, it has a very strong restrictive effect.

Jiang Ruotong's offer of such a bargaining chip demonstrates her sincere sincerity.

In addition, the other party specifically mentioned Luanming Shouxiu, Xiao Luanyue.

I'm afraid they're trying to use the other person's good reputation to increase their attractiveness and anticipation.

but

Jiang Ruotong's idea was good, but he had no intention of doing so.

The moment was the time to prepare to refuse.

However, Jiang Ruotong seemed to have seen through his meaning and did not let him refuse to speak. She simply said that he should not rush to answer and could think it over carefully.

Thus, this question has remained unanswered until now.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruotong couldn't help but show disappointment.

Knowing that Mr. Xu had made up his mind, she did not try to persuade him further.

In his final farewell words, he invited Chen Ping'an to visit the Luanming residence in the city if he had some free time in the coming days. He added that his senior sister would also be arriving in Wentian City soon, and she would be delighted to see Mr. Xu then.

His words were earnest and sincere.

"Is Xiao Luanyue also coming to Wentian?"

Chen Ping'an's heart skipped a beat as he grasped the key information.

The other party repeatedly invited him, mentioning Xiao Luanyue again and again, going so far as to use Xiao Luanyue's beautiful name, Luanyue, to increase expectations and attract him.

I'm afraid they really hope he can join Luanming.

The previous invitation from the Netherworld was clearly not just for a secret realm adventure, but also a way to get closer to each other and get the other party to join Luanming.

It seems

The Luanming Sect is truly eager for talented individuals!

Logically speaking, given the prestige and influence of the Luanming Sect, and Xiao Luanyue's talent and reputation, it shouldn't be difficult for her to recruit one or two powerful cultivators to serve as retainers, provided the conditions were more lenient.

Why is that?

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted, all contained in a single thought in his mind.

He smiled gently, his expression calm: "If I have time, I will definitely come to visit."

Jiang Ruotong was somewhat disappointed that she couldn't see any admiration or expectation in Chen Ping'an's eyes.

But amidst the disappointment, I also felt a secret sense of relief.

This Mr. Xu is indeed a person indifferent to fame and fortune, with an elegant demeanor, unlike others who are impatient and eager to get their hands on his senior sister's reputation.

Even with some attempt to conceal it, it's difficult to hide the desires in one's heart.

That's absolutely tacky!

Mr. Xu, you are truly a refined gentleman!

Jiang Ruotong secretly admired him.

"Then Ruotong will await your arrival, sir."

Jiang Ruotong bowed slightly, her white dress fluttering, revealing her slender figure.

"All good things must come to an end. My farewells, my fairies."

Chen Ping'an bowed respectfully, and with a gentle smile, he vanished in a flash of light.

In the blink of an eye, he disappeared into the jade carriage, laughing and talking without leaving a trace.

Jiang Ruotong stood there, watching Chen Ping'an leave.

Only after the figure disappeared into the distance did I awaken as if from a dream.

All that has happened before seems like a dream, leaving one with a sense of melancholy.

"Senior Sister?"

A female cultivator nearby joked, "Senior Xu has already gone far away, don't look anymore."

"It's rare to see Senior Sister like this." The female cultivator in the colorful dress covered her mouth and laughed, "Junior Sister Yun, you have a rival now."

"Senior Sister Cai, you!"

The sweet-looking female cultivator tilted her chin up, trying to make her expression appear frank: "I was just admiring Senior Xu's knowledge."

"Oh? Just admiring your knowledge?" a female cultivator teased. "Isn't it just that you've developed feelings for someone, or have someone on your mind?"

"You!" The sweet-looking female cultivator's face fell, and she just wanted to roll her eyes.

"Junior sister, Senior Xu is very knowledgeable and a great cultivator, yet he is not at all pretentious. He is gentle, refined, and insightful. Even Senior Sister Jiang was captivated by his mature charm. It's not surprising that you like him."

"Ya ya ya!" The sweet-smelling female cultivator pounced on her with exaggerated gestures.

To outsiders, celestial female cultivators appear aloof, noble, and reserved. However, within their own circles, especially among close fellow disciples, their interactions often differ greatly from what outsiders imagine.

Some of the images are even astonishing.

Looking at the scene inside the jade carriage, Jiang Ruotong smiled slightly. The atmosphere inside the jade carriage made her feel much less melancholy.

Although I still feel a little uncomfortable, I am somewhat better.

To be honest, she's starting to have a hard time seeing herself clearly.

Logically speaking, she and Mr. Xu had only met for the first time and had only known each other for a few days, so she shouldn't have developed such feelings.

But the feelings expressed in those conversations were genuine; the tacit understanding and the joy of the musical resonance captivated her.

These are all real.

At that crucial moment, Mr. Xu's abrupt end and sudden farewell left her feeling lost and unable to extricate herself from her despair.

It felt like I had a lot of emotions to vent, and even though I had found a kindred spirit, before I could fully enjoy myself, that kindred spirit suddenly said goodbye and withdrew.

That kind of feeling

Words alone cannot possibly capture even a fraction of the truth.

She knew she shouldn't have acted that way, but the emotions in her heart were real. Those gentle words still lingered in her ears, stirring her heartstrings.

She knew this might not be love, but she couldn't help herself and longed to see the other person immediately.

perhaps

So this is the kind of feeling and connection that exists between soulmates who share the same emotions!

Jiang Ruotong had such a vivid imagination.

However, she was, after all, a female music cultivator who had cultivated for a long time and achieved great success. Although such influences were deeply present, she ultimately suppressed them.

Her emotions shifted, and she also thought about important matters.

"The surname is Xu."

Mediocre combat strength, not skilled in killing!? Could it be...?

Is it really just a coincidence?

Jiang Ruotong gazed into thought, and scenes from the past surfaced in her mind.

Previously, she had heard at Beishan Pass that a master body cultivator had appeared in the northern branch of the Black Nether Mountains.

She even went so far as to investigate and find out all the clues.

From the slightest clues, a lot of useful information was deduced.

For example, the great cultivator claimed that he had refined his qi and blood, and that his combat power was evident.

At that time, the mysterious body-forging master introduced himself as Xu in front of everyone.

They both shared the surname Xu, were both cultivators, and had such a short time gap between them, which explained her reaction when she heard the other person refer to himself.

In the past, when she arrived at Beishan Pass, she intended to invite him to serve as a guest elder of the sect.

Now that they've met by chance, she naturally won't miss this opportunity.

This is the real reason why she invited the other party to a chat and boarded the jade carriage.

just

In retrospect, her initial guess may have been wrong.

Mr. Xu was refined and knowledgeable, completely unlike the body-forging master he had heard of in Beishan.

While there are many exceptions among those who undergo body tempering and major repairs, generally speaking, they are all characterized by a reckless and impulsive style.

This is completely different from Mr. Xu's temperament.

Mr. Xu also claimed that he was not good at killing and had mediocre combat skills, which was completely different from the image of the mysterious body-forging master in Beishan.

During this close encounter, she did not find anything unusual about Mr. Xu's qi and blood, nor did she see any signs of physical training.

Is this really the same person?

Jiang Ruotong had some doubts.

Or perhaps the previous rumors about Beishan were wrong, and the mysterious cultivator who claimed to be surnamed Xu might have been fabricated.

All such news should not be taken seriously.

However, matters of great cultivation are not always predictable, although it is highly likely that they are not the same person. But there is also a slight possibility that they are the same great cultivator.

If that's true.

Jiang Ruotong's eyes flickered, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.

Doesn't that mean that beneath Mr. Xu's refined appearance lies an ultimate physique honed through rigorous physical training?

That kind of surging blood and qi, abundant essence, if

Upon realizing this, Jiang Ruotong blushed.

My mind is in turmoil, my thoughts are wandering, and the scene is somewhat enchanting and ambiguous.

Although she was self-possessed and indifferent to fame and fortune, and had taken a detached view of many things due to her musical upbringing, it's easy to imagine that if it were Mr. Xu...

The world is vast, but true friends are hard to find.

Mr. Xu is a master cultivator of the Upper Realm, and is also refined, easy-going, and indifferent to fame and fortune. Such a person, if combined with a contrasting personality, would be incredibly tempting.

For a woman of her refined and artistic temperament, this was simply fatal.

Most importantly, that lingering, subtle enjoyment left her wanting more and left a very deep impression on her.

And that kind of hazy filter, without being visible, further enhances this impression.

Under such circumstances, even though Jiang Ruotong had countless admirers and many who used similar methods to get close to her, she was still slightly trembling at this moment.

Jiang Ruotong's eyes flickered, knowing she couldn't think about it any further.

If you think about it more deeply, her supposed purity and innocence become a joke.

"Regardless of whether it's the same person or not, we must inform our senior sister about this matter and ask her to step in, offer her benefits and recognition, treat her with sincerity, and do her best to win her over!"

Jiang Ruotong's thoughts shifted, and she made up her mind.

Senior Sister's charm is extraordinary. Many people have only heard of her beautiful name but never seen her in person, and may even scoff at it. But if they actually get to see her, then they will understand what charm truly means in this world.

A graceful fairy stands against the wind, her flowing robes and antique charm depicting the splendor and prosperity of the human world.

Even so, Jiang Ruotong herself couldn't quite explain it, but she secretly hoped that Mr. Xu would be different.

With these thoughts in mind, her feelings became extremely conflicted.

She covered her face, not realizing that a blush had crept onto it.

The fairy in the white dress had eyes like spring water, and was as beautiful as a lotus emerging from the water.

But at this moment, something seemed to have been added to the fairy.

"Senior Sister Jiang, we've arrived at Wentian City."

"I understand." Jiang Ruotong replied elegantly, her expression serene and revealing no hint of anything amiss.

"Just reveal your identity normally."

Whoosh!

Chen Ping'an was dressed in a long blue robe, and his escape light was extremely astonishing.

In just a few moments, the majestic city, whose outline was gradually taking shape, was completely revealed before his eyes.

Wentian City stands majestically like a mountain, resembling a colossal beast coiled on the earth. Its imposing presence commands awe even from martial arts masters.

Wentian City, a major city in the northern border, is immeasurably larger in scale than Beishan Pass.

This is a magnificent city that is frequently undergoing major repairs even on ordinary days!

Without any attempt to conceal his intentions, Chen Ping'an charged straight towards Wentian City with overwhelming force.

As the light flashed by, Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted.

Unexpectedly, this journey to Wentian would be marred by such an unexpected encounter with a female cultivator from the Luanming Sect.

When they first met, the other party was quite wary of him. Even though he didn't show it on his face and tried to be friendly, his unfamiliarity was still evident.

But in just a few days, that unfamiliarity completely turned into the dust of history.

When it came time to part, there was even a sense of reluctance, with words conveying closeness and even hints and guidance for deeper conversations.

These feelings

The world is truly full of wonders!

"Do I really have that much charm?"

Chen Ping'an couldn't help but doubt himself.

However, he quickly dismissed these distracting thoughts.

"No! It wasn't me. This situation is due to Baosha!"

Aside from a small portion being his own personal accumulation, most of the conversations he shared, especially his insights into the principles of music, were Bao Sha's own.

He merely borrowed from memory; the content itself was naturally irrelevant to him.

At least, the original information had nothing to do with him.

The other party's goodwill towards him stemmed from his extensive knowledge and experience. Whether he was truly calculating or not had little to do with him personally.

"These female cultivators of the Luanming Sect are truly refreshing and charming, artistic and elegant, seeking resonance of the soul and kindred spirits."

In this golden age of martial arts, such a mindset is truly rare. However...

This revelation reveals that he has reached the Great Cultivation Realm, which is fundamental. If he were an ordinary Celestial Being, those female cultivators might not care.

Even if there are internal conflicts, I'm afraid there will never be such an opportunity for closeness.

Chen Ping'an had a clear understanding of the situation and made an objective analysis.

"From this perspective, Baosha's experience and background are already quite considerable. If one day a good opportunity arises... Baosha..."

Your ambition has potential!

Chen Ping'an smiled slightly to himself, and in a flash of light, he landed on the Wentian City traction platform.

"Welcome, senior!"

Within Wentian City, martial arts masters possess special privileges, allowing them to enter the city through a special passage without having to share the same passage with ordinary cultivators.

Even so, during the grand event, the number of celestial cultivators was still quite small.

At each entrance to the city, it takes a long time before one can see one of the many celestial beings.

"Senior, this is the city entry token." An old man who was a pseudo-celestial being bowed and presented a token with both hands.

Chen Pingan gently raised his hand, and with a flash of inspiration, the token in the other party's hand disappeared.

The old man felt a chill in his heart, his expression humble, and dared not look at him for too long.

Chen Ping'an looked around, sensing the surrounding aura, and found that there were no other cultivators paying attention to the aura.

It seems that even in a prosperous city like Wentian, a celestial being-level cultivator is not someone you can see anytime, anywhere.

The Celestial Master, standing atop the realm, still commands considerable prestige even in this great city.

Chen Pingan slowly withdrew his gaze, and then, amidst the awe-inspiring gazes of the crowd, entered Wentian City.

With a grand and imposing presence, they arrived at Wentian! (End of Chapter)