The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 1014 Gentle Breeze and Bright Moon, No Question of Return

After the grand ceremony of Heaven and Man came to a close, Chen Ping'an spent several days at the Gu family's house, practicing cultivation and researching, exchanging pleasantries and chatting, and enjoying a very comfortable time.

However, all good things must come to an end. The grand ceremony concluded, and his continued stay for several days already sent a very strong signal to the outside world, so there was no need to reinforce anything further.

Today, the actual result is quite different from what he had previously expected.

During this trip, his visible cultivation level has been raised to the peak of the first realm, and his combat power has increased several levels compared to before, making him capable of suppressing a peak second realm monster like Black Crow Old Monster.

The journey of the Azure Dragon can be considered a complete success.

He also plans to formally resign and return to Beishan.

However, just as he was about to mention this matter to Gu Zhengnan, he learned from the other party that Gu Tianren had emerged from seclusion.

"You've made it out of quarantine?"

Chen Ping'an was taken aback; what a coincidence!

"Upon emerging from seclusion this time, the Ancestor learned of the Grand Ceremony." Gu Zhengnan paused for a moment, then solemnly said, "Ping An, the Ancestor wishes to see you."

"Gu Tianren wants to see me?"

Chen Ping'an was slightly taken aback, but then he understood.

Anyone who learns of his achievements at the Gu Family Ceremony will likely want to investigate him thoroughly.

While there are differences in combat strength between the Celestial and Human Realms, and between the Perfected Rainbow Penetration Realm, without exception, none of them are weak among the Celestial and Human Realms.

His ability to defeat the Black Crow Monster means that his strength is already outstanding in the Azure Land and even in the surrounding areas.

Among his contemporaries, he was already the chosen one of his time.

At less than thirty years old, his combat strength has already reached the peak of the second realm. What does that mean?

Chen Ping'an readily nodded and agreed to the matter in front of Gu Zhengnan.

It was the same wooden cabin and thatched hut as before, where Chen Ping'an once again met Gu Tianren, the patriarch of the Gu family.

This meeting was different from the previous ones. The moment they met, Chen Ping'an sensed a powerful sword intent emanating from the other party.

The sword intent was obscure and deeply hidden. If Chen Ping'an had not possessed powerful spiritual senses and cultivated the Azure Spirit Heart Method, he probably would have been unable to perceive it.

"This sword intent."

Chen Ping'an's eyes were serious, and he was quite alarmed.

Although it was only a vague sensation, making it difficult to accurately estimate the power within, it was enough to feel the sharpness and offensiveness of this sword intent. It was foreseeable that if the sword intent were fully activated, it would be an extremely terrifying and powerful force.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted as he recalled the sudden palpitation he felt in the back garden of the Gu family before his journey to Xuanling.

"That day."

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, but his expression remained calm. He bowed solemnly to Gu Tianren.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Gu."

During their previous meeting, he and Gu Tianren had a very pleasant conversation, discussing martial arts cultivation, its true meaning, and all related matters. Gu Tianren once said, "Young friend, your talent is exceptional, and your brilliance is unparalleled in my life. Reaching the realm of the celestial being is as easy as taking candy from a baby for you. If you don't mind, young friend, please address me as a fellow Daoist, what do you say?"

Thus, the two became friends who shared the Dao, discussing the Dao with each other.

However, at that time, Chen Ping'an's apparent cultivation level had not yet reached the Celestial Realm, so the title of "fellow Daoist" was not entirely appropriate. But today, the situation is completely different.

In retrospect, those words have come true.

However, judging from the time frame, the passage of time was far faster than Gu Tianren had imagined.

Gu Tianren, dressed in a linen robe, still had his severed arm, and his expression carried a hint of loneliness. However, his gaze towards Chen Ping'an was filled with shock and sorrow.

Unlike before, when he addressed him as "young friend," he formally returned the greeting and said, "Fellow Daoist Chen."

Faced with Gu Tianren's use of such a title, Chen Ping'an responded with a few humble words, saying that there was no need for such formality.

But Gu Tianren brushed it off lightly and responded calmly.

"Fellow Daoist's talent is astonishing. At less than thirty years old, you have reached this realm. It is not inappropriate for us to be friends as peers. As for Qingcheng, let's leave it to our own friends."

Gu Tianren directly blocked Chen Ping'an's escape route, while also indicating that he was aware that the marriage agreement would remain unchanged.

Gu Qingcheng is a junior member of the Gu family, and the two are engaged. In terms of status, Chen Ping'an is also a junior member in front of Gu Tianren.

But times have changed. Given his current status and influence, I'm afraid no one would dare to treat him as a junior.

Even someone like Gu Tianren only treats them as equals.

After exchanging a few words with Gu Tianren, Chen Ping'an noticed that Gu Tianren's complexion was much better than before. Although it wasn't outwardly apparent, Chen Ping'an possessed powerful spiritual senses and an extremely keen sensitivity to life force.

The matter was discovered through a brief conversation.

"It must be the longevity pill that's working." Chen Ping'an was perfectly clear about this matter and quite certain of it.

Those high-grade longevity pills, if taken for the first time, can generally extend one or two hundred years of life. Even if one has taken similar pills before, as long as they are not the same variety, their effects can still be retained by seven or eight tenths.

For Gu Tianren, it was an extremely rare item that could make up for lost lifespan.

However, after a brief conversation, Chen Ping'an discovered that he couldn't quite grasp Gu Tianren's level of cultivation. His focus was more on the faintly visible sword intent; everything else seemed rather obscure and difficult to articulate.

He didn't intend to investigate further, and to prevent Gu Tianren from noticing, he exercised extreme restraint in his overall perception, relying more on his eyesight to examine the situation.

The two exchanged a few words, mainly about the Heavenly Ceremony, briefly mentioning the Black Crow Monster, and Chen Ping'an also asked a few questions about it.

Gu Tianren gave only a brief response, his expression showing little emotion.

In an instant, Chen Ping'an made a judgment.

It seems that Black Crow is not someone Gu Tianren considers an old acquaintance. He's not even a memorable enemy.

On the other hand, the scene of the Black Crow Old Monster can be easily described.

"What a clown!"

In the world's gossip and everyday affairs, some people seem to have spent their entire lives vying for dominance, but in reality, they've never been considered true rivals. They might even need to think a little about who you are.

These people are not defeated by others, but by themselves. They are trapped in their own world for the rest of their lives and cannot get out.

He believed that the way out was to defeat his opponents, but in reality, what he truly needed to overcome was his own inner self.

"I heard you caused quite a stir in Beishan?"

After a few words, Gu Tianren remained calm and mentioned Chen Ping'an's recent situation.

"It's nothing much, just a few people killed," Chen Ping'an said with a faint smile.

"That's true." Gu Tianren nodded slightly, then changed the subject.

"You killed Gu Yueyan of the Gu Yue clan and offended the Gu Yue clan. Have you thought about how to deal with this?"

"How to deal with it?" Chen Ping'an was slightly surprised, not expecting Gu Tianren to ask such a question.

He smiled faintly and said softly, "I hadn't thought of that."

"The ancient Yuezhi clan has a long history and a powerful reputation. They have dominated the ancient territory for a long time. Aren't you afraid of offending such a force?"

"I was never afraid. Since I had already done this, I had already anticipated the outcome."

"I will naturally bear all the consequences." Chen Ping'an chuckled and shook his head: "Just now, Fellow Daoist Gu asked me if I had thought of any way to deal with this matter. I am actually wondering if the Gu Yue Clan, having offended me, has considered any countermeasures!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Tianren paused slightly. He looked at the young man in front of him. There were no grand ambitions or emotional outbursts. He spoke calmly, as if things were just how they should be.

"That's quite a bold move."

Gu Tianren looked haggard, and his emotions were difficult to discern at first glance.

"Back in my day, I was just like you."

Chen Ping'an was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, recalling the rumors about Gu Tianren losing an arm in the past.

In the past, Gu Tianren, with the power of the second realm perfected, defied the Great Cultivator of Heaven and Man, and that Great Cultivator of Heaven and Man seemed to be a member of the Ancient Yue Clan.

Judging by the timeline, that great repair was completed.

Chen Ping'an's thoughts shifted as he recalled old news he had learned in the past. However, Gu Tianren didn't give him any time to reminisce; he gently raised his hand, and a scroll of blue silk appeared in his palm.

The blue silk was ordinary, without any embellishment, but Chen Ping'an's gaze suddenly narrowed as he sensed an indescribable artistic conception within it.

Like a gentle breeze, and like the bright moon.

"This is..." Chen Ping'an was slightly moved, as if he had foreseen something.

"I have spent my life cultivating the sword, with gains and losses. Now, looking back, I feel mostly loneliness," Gu Tianren said with a sigh, his expression desolate, as if he were recalling something.

As he spoke, he lowered his gaze slightly, his eyes falling on the blue silk in his hand: "This contains the essence of my life's cultivation, which I will now bestow upon you, fellow Daoist."

Although you cultivate the way of the sword, the way of the sword is natural, and the essence is the same. Different paths lead to the same goal. I believe that you can also learn something from my way of the sword.

I hope you, fellow Daoist, will be courageous and diligent in your practice, free from constraints, and lest you follow in my footsteps.

"Do not let fleeting clouds obscure your vision; instead, use your Daoist heart to dispel illusions!"

Chen Ping'an stared blankly at Gu Tianren for a long time. By the time he came out of the wooden house, it was already completely dark outside.

Night fell, the moon was low and the stars were few.

"Safety."

Gu Zhengnan waited outside for a long time. Even though he had now reached the Celestial Realm, his respect for the Ancestor remained undiminished.

Upon seeing Chen Ping'an emerge, he immediately went to greet him.

"Elder Zheng Nan".

Chen Ping'an bowed slightly and gave a brief response.

"Is it appropriate?" Gu Zhengnan didn't ask for details, but only asked a general question.

Chen Ping'an nodded slightly, his thoughts shifting as he recalled Gu Tianren's parting words.

"When we met in the past, do you still remember the question I asked you?"

I asked you, "Do you know what a Daoist companion is?" Your words at that time deeply moved me.

At that time, you said: "The Great Way is our aspiration; hand in hand, we are companions. On the path of the Way, those who support and care for each other are companions of the Way. Those whose lives are intertwined, who entrust their lives to each other, are companions of the Way! Those who share life and death, and enjoy prosperity together, are companions of the Way!"

"Those who share the Great Way, walk hand in hand, are bound by life and death, and entrust their lives to each other are true companions! Most people in the world are indifferent, so how can they entrust their lives to each other? But there are always two or three things in the world that make people's hearts uneasy."

Even in death, I will have no regrets!

Gu Tianren spoke calmly, but Chen Ping'an keenly sensed the subtle change in his emotions and felt the ripples beneath that calm surface.

"Though I die, I have no regrets." Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep as he walked with Gu Zhengnan along the winding path in the back garden of the Gu family.

Before parting, Gu Tianren bowed solemnly to Chen Ping'an, his expression relieved, calm and peaceful.

"All that I have thought about and cherished in my life has been left in the past. Time flies, and life is fleeting."

May you, fellow practitioner, have a smooth journey and a long and prosperous path!

Sensing Chen Ping'an's lack of interest, Gu Zhengnan didn't say much, simply keeping him company, bowing respectfully, and preparing to leave.

“Elder Zheng Nan, I, Chen, will return to Beishan tomorrow.”

Before parting, Chen Ping'an slightly raised his eyes, called out to Gu Zhengnan, and said softly, "The matter of Beishan has been arranged. When the time is right, Elder Zhengnan can come on his own."

Gu Zhengnan was taken aback upon hearing this, but his expression quickly returned to normal, and he smiled gently.

"Then we'll meet again at that time. Elder Qingchan?"

"Chen went to pay her a visit."

"That's good." Gu Zhengnan nodded and smiled, then gave a respectful bow.

"Be safe and take care."

"Solemnly".

The back garden of the Gu family.

Inside the wooden house, Gu Tianren looked somber as he gently stroked the memorial tablet in front of the hall, caressing the inscriptions on it.

"Min'er."

His expression trembled slightly, and a hint of reminiscence flickered in his eyes.

After a long while, he carefully and meticulously placed the memorial tablet back in its place and wiped it clean. Then, he turned slightly and looked out of the hall, where there was the vast universe, the bright moon, and the gentle breeze.

"Min'er, I have waited too long for this day."

His expression was serene, and beneath his calm demeanor lay a deep sense of relief.

"Having lived half my life, it's time to seek justice for you."

Wow~

Inside the wooden house, Gu Tianren's linen clothes fluttered without wind, and his rusty longsword resonated with a clanging sword aura.

"What they owe you, it's time for them to pay it back!"

Upon returning to the courtyard, Chen Ping'an suddenly felt a surge of palpitations, as if a powerful force had arisen out of nowhere.

However, that feeling was fleeting, like an illusion.

"It's not an illusion."

Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep, and one could sense the certainty in his aura.

He slightly raised his eyes, as if he could cross the void and traverse the barriers, and see the figure in hemp cloth standing in front of the wooden house.

Gu Tianren

Chen Ping'an's gaze was deep. He gently raised his hand, and a scroll of blue silk appeared before him.

In a flash of inspiration, the blue silk scroll unfurled, revealing countless characters that flowed like swimming tadpoles, and a profound and mysterious artistic conception appeared out of thin air.

What's written on this blue silk isn't a cultivation technique, but it's not just simple text either. It contains all of Gu Tianren's insights and understandings from his entire life of cultivation, profound and mysterious.

Especially in swordsmanship, his insights were penetrating and profoundly mysterious. Even with Chen Ping'an's level of understanding, perspective, and foundation, as well as his training in the Guanghan Sword Technique and the Seven Forbidden Techniques, he found it difficult to fully comprehend it in a short time.

Its profound meaning and vast knowledge cannot be acquired overnight.

Chen Ping'an slightly closed his eyes, a blue light swirling within them, his soul rippled, constantly sensing the changes within.

He had a vague premonition that if he could thoroughly understand this substance, it would be of great benefit to his martial arts cultivation and future path!

The following day, Chen Ping'an bid farewell to the Gu family and left Canglong Prefecture City, embarking on his journey home. (End of Chapter)