Chapter 358 - 334: Hung on the City Wall, Awing the Four Quarters

The Inspectorate officer standing in the hall, stirred by Chen Ping’an’s powerful aura, acknowledged the order with a resounding cry and left to carry it out.

With such a major incident suddenly breaking, Zhao Lianzhi had no desire to linger. The matter involved a Grandmaster from the Celestial Net Sect and was of grave importance. He had to return to the Weishui Garrison as quickly as possible and report it to his superiors.

After exchanging a few more words with Chen Ping’an, Zhao Lianzhi hurriedly took his leave.

Seeing how heavily the matter weighed on Zhao Lianzhi, Chen Ping’an offered a few token words to try and make him stay, but seeing his mind was made up, he didn’t press the issue.

He then gave an order to Zhong Shanyong. "See Lord Zhao out for me."

"Yes, my lord!" Zhong Shanyong replied respectfully. He turned to Zhao Lianzhi and gestured with an open hand. "Lord Zhao, I will see you out."

Zhao Lianzhi nodded and cupped his fist in a salute toward Chen Ping’an. "Lord Chen, I take my leave."

"Safe travels, Lord Zhao," Chen Ping’an replied with a smile, returning the salute.

With his mind full of worries, Zhao Lianzhi followed Zhong Shanyong’s lead out of the Five Peaks Mountain Town Pacification Bureau.

He would take this matter back to the Weishui Garrison, but he had no idea what would transpire or how it would impact the current state of affairs.

After the two departed, Chen Ping’an was the only one remaining in the hall.

"Someone!" Chen Ping’an called out softly.

A man quickly entered from outside the door, bowing respectfully. "My lord!"

"Ready the carriage and an escort! We depart for Beicang Town in one hour!"

"Yes, my lord!" The man bowed deeply, then retreated backward until he was outside the door before turning to hurry away.

’Beicang Town...’

Chen Ping’an sat high in the main seat, his gaze fixed on some distant point. His eyes were profound, like a bottomless ancient well.

He had made a last-minute decision to go to the Red Maple Mountain area because the Ten Thousand Demons Sect had ambushed a merchant caravan. At the time, he had resigned himself to missing the Beicang Auction. Fortunately, things had gone unexpectedly smoothly, delaying him by less than two days.

If he headed to Beicang Town to attend the Beicang Auction now, he could still make it in time.

...

One hour later, a spacious and sturdy carriage, drawn by four fine steeds, slowly rolled out of Five Peaks Mountain City. Carved upon its body was the insignia of the Garrison Commandant’s Office, radiating an undeniable aura of dignity and power.

News of Chen Ping’an’s departure from the city soon reached the ears of the various great families.

The Wei Family estate.

"Third Grand-uncle, the Lord Commander has left the city!" Wei Zhenheng reported to Wei Zhixing the moment he received the news.

"He’s left the city?" Wei Zhixing looked startled. "But didn’t he just get back? Why is he gone again?"

However, the words had barely left his mouth before Wei Zhixing figured it out on his own, without waiting for Wei Zhenheng to answer.

"The Beicang Auction is about to begin! It seems our Lord Commander wants to go join the festivities!

By the way, have you identified the owner of that head!?"

Wei Zhenheng shook his head. "Not yet, Third Grand-uncle. The artist had some trouble recreating the portrait and had to go through several drafts, which took some time. It’s been sorted out now, though. We should have the results in a little while."

"Then we’ll just have to wait," Wei Zhixing said, unconcerned.

He had been curious at first, but it didn’t seem so important now. After all, he was getting on in years, and his curiosity wasn’t as sharp as it used to be. ’It was probably just some reckless fool who came out of nowhere and provoked Chen Ping’an,’ he thought.

"Mm," Wei Zhenheng acknowledged. The mention of the Beicang Auction reminded him of something, and he asked out of curiosity, "By the way, Third Grand-uncle, why aren’t you attending the Beicang Auction this time?"

"I’m getting old. I don’t feel like moving about," Wei Zhixing said, rocking in his chair. "The Trade Route is officially operational, and Beicang Town is holding this auction to build up hype for it. Lately, news of the auction is absolutely everywhere. The standard is said to be extremely high, with one Heavy Treasure after another. I’m afraid it will attract quite a few true masters!"

"Me? Your Third Grand-uncle? Here in Five Peaks Mountain City, I can throw my weight around and look like I’m somebody. But if I actually went there, I’d be a nobody!"

Wei Zhixing smiled, perfectly content. "Zhenheng, my boy, I’ve lived a long time. I’ve seen, heard, and experienced plenty. Some people flourish for a moment, others for an age. Some decline in the blink of an eye, while others thrive and prosper. Life is full of ups and downs; you mustn’t try to force it.

A man’s reach should not exceed his grasp. When you have the power, be bold and seize your chances. When you don’t, it’s better to sacrifice and retreat than to thrust yourself into the spotlight. The summary is this: you must clearly understand yourself and your own capabilities. When you lose your advantage, don’t lose heart. Happiness lies in being content with what you have!"

Wei Zhenheng listened intently. The Wei Family had reached its current position thanks to the leadership of the old man before him. Aside from his Martial Arts Realm, there was a great deal he could learn from this elder.

For example, back when the opening of the Trade Route stirred up a storm, the signs of internal strife were already becoming apparent in Five Peaks Mountain City. Chen Ping’an, then the Outer Trade Road Patrol Envoy, had intended to unite the city’s various factions to form a joint city patrol. The move was meant to share the costs of maintaining public order, but it would have been a massive drain on the resources of the great families. As soon as the news broke, opposition was widespread.

Even within the Wei Family, most members were against it. But Wei Zhixing had assessed the situation, overruled all objections, and resolutely agreed to the proposal.

At the time, many did not understand his reasoning. They only went along with it out of fear of Wei Zhixing’s authority. But looking at how things stood now, Wei Zhixing had undoubtedly made the correct decision.

Considering the methods, boldness, and temperament that Chen Ping’an had displayed, if the Wei Family had refused to cooperate back then, they would have likely become the cornerstone on which he built his authority.

Facts proved that his Third Grand-uncle’s foresight was correct.