The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 964 Bargain Trading, Gu Family Proposes

Previously, in the Black Nether Mountains, Chen Ping'an fought alongside the Heavenly Luo Saintess and obtained the remains of the White Bone Great Cultivator.

There was also the Yunshan transaction, which was full of twists and turns, and the battle between the Black and the Netherworld. He obtained a fourth-grade longevity pill from Master Gu.

Chen Ping'an had planned to hand over these two items to the Gu family as a way of repaying their help along the way.

The body and remains of a person who has undergone great spiritual cultivation and received nourishment from heaven and earth are of extraordinary value.

If properly stored, it can play a significant role in certain specific situations.

There are also longevity pills; these longevity pills of this grade have extraordinary effects.

If taken for the first time, it can provide an increase in lifespan of one or two hundred years. Even if it is not taken for the first time and the potency is somewhat reduced, its value is still beyond the reach of ordinary celestial beings.

In addition, the one in Chen Ping'an's hand is of a relatively uncommon category, which shows that it is a valuable item in the hands of Master Gu.

Now, if it is handed over to Gujia, it will surely be able to play its due role.

The patriarch of the Gu family, Gu Tianren, is nearing the end of his life. He suffered a backlash from a hidden injury and lost an arm in his early years, greatly reducing his combat power.

These two items, if sent up now, will be used to prolong life with longevity pills and to repair the corpse and reattach severed limbs. They are extremely suitable for all these purposes.

When Chen Ping'an presented the two items to Gu Qingchan, her beautiful eyes widened, revealing a deep sense of astonishment.

Besides astonishment, there was also an extremely clear disbelief deep in his eyes.

"Major repair of the corpse!"

If no great cultivator dies, how can there be a great cultivator's corpse?

Faced with Gu Qingchan's surprised and moved expression, Chen Ping'an didn't offer much explanation, only saying a few words lightly.

"When the opportunity arises, it comes at just the right time."

It took Gu Qingchan a long time to finally process this fact.

Besides the great repair of the corpse, which surprised and moved her, there was also that fourth-order longevity pill, which also moved her.

Fourth-tier pills are rare and precious.

Aside from the usual items used to enhance cultivation, all spiritual objects that have reached the fourth level possess extremely unique value.

For ordinary celestial forces, this is a resource of strategic importance.

These spiritual items only provide ordinary bursts of benefits and healing of injuries, not to mention rare items like longevity pills.

Gu Qingchan's expression was extremely complicated.

Major overhaul.

Has he already reached that level?

Compared to Gu Qingchan's reaction, Chen Ping'an's reaction was much more ordinary.

He gently stroked her smooth, jade-like skin and calmly recounted the wonderful uses of each item.

After his explanation, Gu Qingchan understood his feelings.

"Hand it over to the Ancestor to help him prolong his lifespan and reattach his severed arm?" Gu Qingchan's beautiful eyes widened in surprise, her gaze sparkling like stars.

“That’s right.” Chen Pingan nodded slightly, his expression gentle and calm.

Although these two items were quite valuable in his hands, they were far from being able to exert their maximum effect.

With his wealth, he wouldn't lack these spiritual items or resources he'd acquired.

Entrusting it to Gu Tianren is the ultimate way to maximize its value.

Not only can it resolve past karmic debts, but it can also make the best use of resources and provide a return.

Gu Qingchan looked at Chen Ping'an with a complicated expression, hesitating to speak for a long time.

But after some discussion, she finally agreed to it.

He promised to hand these two items over to the patriarch, and as for the other bargaining chips, the patriarch would decide.

When the topic of interests came up, Chen Ping'an appeared nonchalant.

"Just let things take their course. This spiritual object is merely a matter of chance, and I'm offering it to you by chance. There's no need to feel too much guilt."

Chen Pingan spoke casually, but Gu Qingchan's starry eyes narrowed slightly, clearly indicating that she had made up her mind.

With the Gu family's affairs settled, Chen Ping'an was naturally delighted. The air was filled with a delicate fragrance, and the warm, soft body in his arms filled him with joy.

All these feelings naturally lead to desire.

"You hardworking lady, you have helped me, Chen, to relieve my worries and solve my problems!"

Chen Ping'an chuckled softly and then reached out to touch her.

All exchanges need not be elaborated upon.

By the time daylight broke, the beauty beside him had vanished without a trace.

Chen Ping'an smiled gently, raised his hand, and swept his gaze across the universe. He felt refreshed and invigorated, then got up and walked outside.

Since Gu Zhengnan is staying here, he will not be in seclusion.

When Chen Ping'an came out, he had been waiting outside for a long time.

Sensing the aura, Chen Ping'an didn't find it strange.

The two agreed to meet at the cliff behind the mountain for a leisurely chat. As the atmosphere grew more relaxed, Gu Qingchan finally arrived, dressed in an ice-blue long dress.

"Elder Qingchan," Gu Zhengnan greeted with a smile, "I was just talking to Ping An about cultivation, and you've come at the perfect time."

Gu Qingchan smiled silently, her long dress making her look graceful and charming, and sat down to the side.

As the skirt sleeves swayed, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air, bringing a sense of tranquility and joy.

As he sat down, Gu Zhengnan suddenly sensed something and couldn't help but glance at Gu Qingchan a few more times, a hint of suspicion appearing in his expression.

"Elder Qingchan, what is this?"

Upon seeing her again, Gu Zhengnan felt that Gu Qingchan was quite different today. Her face was radiant, her spirit was excellent, and her charm was vibrant. Everything about her was completely different from before.

His eyes widened in surprise and doubt, and he couldn't help but ask another question.

"Perhaps it's because of the great benefits of last night's cultivation," Chen Ping'an explained with a smile, "that's why you look so vibrant today."

If Chen Ping'an hadn't explained, things would have been fine. But once he did, Gu Qingchan just wanted to roll her eyes at him.

But with Gu Zhengnan by her side, she obviously couldn't do that. Suppressing her thoughts, she casually offered an explanation.

My condition improved yesterday, and I have some insights today. In addition, I have recovered somewhat from the previous hard work.

After a brief exchange, the topic was moved on.

However, during the process, Chen Pingan couldn't help but give a compliment.

"Elder Qingchan, you truly live up to your dazzling appearance. You have made progress in just one ordinary cultivation session."

"Before Lord Chen, I dare not speak of brilliance." Gu Qingchan's eyes were cold and her expression inscrutable: "These past few days, I have merely happened to be in a blessed place and had a few insights."

"Even so, Elder Qingchan is a genius who is self-taught!" Chen Ping'an praised sincerely.

Chen Ping'an praised her solemnly, and Gu Qingchan replied earnestly. Their exchange seemed ordinary, but Gu Zhengnan sensed that the atmosphere in the room was somewhat strange.

"This is.

What's wrong? "

Gu Zhengnan looked puzzled, completely baffled.

For the next few days, Gu Zhengnan and Gu Qingchan stayed at Chen Ping'an's residence.

As the acting garrison commander of Beishan Pass, Chen Ping'an held a high position and wielded great power, and naturally had no shortage of official duties.

However, with the promotion ceremony approaching, everything revolves around this matter. Ying Congyun is in charge of overall coordination, so he doesn't need to worry about the specifics.

In addition, with the beast tide over, the Northern Territory's stance, and the Grand Master He Xinchen overseeing the Northern Mountain, all forces remained remarkably quiet, without any disturbances. For these reasons, Chen Ping'an had been relatively free these past few days.

It's not entirely true that I'm idle; I'm still extremely busy every day.

I believe Gu Qingchan understands this very well.

Your Majesty has worked hard; please rise quickly.

As for how arduous the task was, only Gu Qingchan and Chen Ping'an probably know.

Over the course of several days, the two gradually improved their skills. The secret techniques and cultivation methods of the Demon Lord were put into practice, becoming an aid to their cultivation and complementing each other.

Now that Chen Ping'an's true cultivation level has reached the half-step Grand Cultivator realm, the benefits that Gu Qingchan has gained from their cultivation are self-evident.

As their cultivation and realm improved, the two became increasingly intertwined.

In the past few days, during his spare time from cultivation, Chen Ping'an would still chat with Gu Zhengnan for a few minutes.

During each conversation, Chen Ping'an would bring out some spiritual wine, spiritual tea, rare fruits, and delicacies to entertain the guests.

The first couple of times were fine, but later on, Gu Zhengnan started to feel a little embarrassed by the hospitality.

After all, these rare and precious fruits are not ordinary things.

Anything placed before a grandmaster can become a foundational element for spiritual cultivation.

Based on their value, these are rare items worth at least several thousand or even tens of thousands of yuan.

Although the two communicate, they don't exhaust themselves every time.

However, this cycle continued, and Gu Zhengnan still felt a great psychological burden.

In the following days, when Chen Ping'an tried to entertain him again, Gu Zhengnan began to decline.

“Ping An, I understand your kindness. However, I cannot bear to spend so much more.”

There's no need for this between us.

Gu Zhengnan spoke with sincerity and his reasons were reasonable.

Under normal circumstances, although Chen Ping'an is a Celestial Being, he is only a newly promoted one. Even if he were to wield great power, he would still be relatively new and lack sufficient experience.

Such continuous provision of hospitality was a huge burden even for him.

Gu Zhengnan's decision to decline the offer was also for Chen Ping'an's sake.

However, Chen Ping'an was determined to repay the Gu family, so he was not easily swayed by Gu Zhengnan's few words.

“Elder Zheng Nan, this is but a trivial matter, nothing to worry about. Please enjoy it.” Chen Ping’an’s demeanor was gentle, his words polite, and he exuded a sense of magnanimity and understanding.

“Ping An, you have just been promoted, and the expenses for your subsequent cultivation will be enormous. I appreciate your kindness, but there is no need to spend so much.”

This reason alone was clearly not enough to persuade Gu Zhengnan, so Chen Ping'an naturally brought up the past favors they had received.

"When I was in humble circumstances, I suffered many hardships, and the Gu family helped me on numerous occasions. I am still deeply grateful for their kindness. These small tokens are merely a small token to express my gratitude. Elder Zheng Nan, there is no need to mention them!"

Despite this, Gu Zhengnan was still somewhat hesitant and wanted to decline.

"Peace, you."

"Elder Zheng Nan".

Chen Ping'an responded with a smile and clapped his hands lightly.

"Don't worry."

During the conversation, he naturally indicated that although he was not extremely wealthy or powerful, he held a position of authority and received commendations from the Garrison Command, so his expenses were not a problem.

Beishan Prefecture is a major prefecture in the Bicang region, and Chen Ping'an's position in Beishan is a high-ranking post.

According to the previous preferential treatment given to him by the Northern Border Garrison, although he is now in a position of leadership, his salary and support are distributed according to his rank in the Azure Jade Realm.

The salary system within the Zhenfu Division, while not comparable to the stipends of powerful retainers, is still a substantial sum for independent cultivators and ordinary families.

For someone of Chen Ping'an's current rank, a considerable amount of salary is paid out every year.

Under normal circumstances, if he wanted to purchase valuable treasures, his accumulated salary over several decades or even a century would be enough.

Moreover, he seemed to handle it with ease.

This does not include hidden income within the scope permitted by the rules.

At his level, ordinary treasures and spiritual items are no longer a problem.

Beyond the treatment, the greater advantages within the Zhenfu Division system lay in the status and power, as well as the various conveniences afforded by their official position.

This kind of treatment is comparable to that of some cultivators with decent backgrounds who have reached the second stage of cultivation or even the half-step into the Great Cultivation Realm.

Most importantly, as a prodigy closely watched by the Northern Border Garrison, Chen Ping'an receives even stronger implicit preferential treatment than this.

such as

That precious scroll of true martial arts, the "Free and Easy Wandering," might soon be within my grasp.

There's also the convenience of information from all the case files and secret documents, the natural network of personal connections within the system, and higher-level protection.

Of course, there are advantages within a system, and there are also benefits from external forces. The pros and cons of each are difficult to distinguish one by one.

But one thing is certain: the Zhenfu Division system, in terms of all its benefits, absolutely surpasses that of the vast majority of forces.

Especially when he reached the level of someone who held the reins of a major city and commanded the troops of a large prefecture.

It is no exaggeration to say that he holds a high position of power and is extremely wealthy.

Previously, Gu Zhengnan's concern was only that Chen Ping'an was a newcomer and lacked sufficient experience, rather than doubting his ability to amass wealth.

Under Chen Ping'an's sincere and heartfelt communication, Gu Zhengnan put aside his concerns and enjoyed the spiritual objects and wine with Chen Ping'an.

Just as Chen Ping'an brought up the past kindness shown to the Gu family, Gu Zhengnan's heart stirred. Seeing that the atmosphere was quite pleasant, he took the opportunity to mention one of the purposes of his trip.

“Ping An, given your current influence, it is indeed a mistake for me, a junior member of the Gu family, to be your principal wife and Daoist partner. Fortunately, the engagement was postponed, so this matter can still be discussed and resolved.”

Gu Zhengnan casually brought up the matter of the engagement, shifting the topic to the purpose of his trip.

"Discuss and negotiate?" Chen Ping'an frowned slightly. "Elder Zheng Nan, what do you mean by this?"

His engagement with Gu Qingcheng had been nominally postponed, but both of them knew the real reason behind it. Now that Gu Zhengnan had suddenly brought it up, he was somewhat puzzled.

Gu Zhengnan took a sip of the spirit wine in his cup, suppressing the fleeting unease in his heart.

"I, Gu Jia, wish to reunite with you and get married. What do you think?"

Gu Zhengnan's eyes were bright. He didn't engage in any pleasantries or tricks. He directly showed his sincerity and stated his attitude, presenting the Gu family's most genuine needs to Chen Ping'an and asking Chen Ping'an to make a decision.

To be honest, Gu Zhengnan's sudden suggestion caught Chen Ping'an off guard, and he was momentarily puzzled.

What puzzled him even more was Gu Zhengnan's next words.

"Ping An, you and the Gu family have long been connected, and the marriage agreement is a further step in your relationship. Although we no longer need such a relationship, the marriage agreement has already been made. It would be a pity to give up now."

Ping An, we understand your concerns. We have also discussed the corresponding matters within the family, and we empathize with you.

To be honest, I did my homework before coming here and asked Qingcheng for her opinion. She was also quite reluctant to part with you.

so."

Gu Zhengnan raised his head, his eyes shining brightly.

"How about making Qingcheng your concubine and renewing our marriage contract?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ping'an was taken aback, and his eyes narrowed involuntarily.

Gu Qingcheng!

A favored concubine? (End of Chapter)