Chapter 427 - 363: Grandmaster Realm, Visitors from Outside the City

The gates of Five Peaks Mountain City were flung wide open. A massive, dense crowd had gathered at the entrance. Among them were Zhong Shanyong and the other mid-to-high-ranking officials of the Five Peaks Mountain Town Pacification Bureau. Numerous major families, led by the Wei Family, were also present, along with a smattering of the city’s various gang leaders.

As the only native Profound Light Realm expert in Five Peaks Mountain City, Wei Zhixing, the old ancestor of the Wei Family, was also part of the crowd welcoming Chen Ping’an’s return.

"Has the route for the lord’s return journey been arranged?"

"Lord Chen is returning today, so make sure your people stay in line! Don’t let some idiot who doesn’t know any better start something! They’ll do more than just lose their own life—they’ll drag me down with them!"

"All of you, remember this. When the lord enters the city, keep your heads down. Don’t look around. If I catch any of you gawking, I’ll skin you alive!"

"Later, if I hear that anyone’s voice isn’t loud enough, watch your hide!"

"Listen up! When the lord’s carriage arrives, remember to greet him in unison. The moment the lord steps out of the carriage, you all kneel!"

"..."

Similar warnings and orders echoed through the crowd, until one voice cut through the noise.

"The lord’s carriage is here!"

The crowd instantly fell silent. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the road. In the distance, on the main road, a carriage flanked by a dozen guards was slowly making its way toward Five Peaks Mountain City.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the city gates.

"We humbly welcome Lord Chen’s return! May Your Lordship enjoy boundless fortune and good health, and may all your endeavors meet with success!"

The crowd roared their welcome in unison, the sound shaking the very heavens, threatening to pierce the clouds.

The guards surrounding the carriage looked on with solemn expressions. They dismounted as one, standing ramrod straight. They shared in the glory of the crowd’s thunderous welcome.

The journey to Beicang had cemented their status as Chen Ping’an’s trusted men. His power was their glory.

Amid the chorus of greetings, Yuan Zutong bowed, lifted the carriage curtain, and softly called, "My Lord."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Chen Ping’an slowly stepped down from the carriage.

"We greet Your Lordship, and we kneel to wish you peace and health!"

The moment Chen Ping’an appeared, a thunderous roar erupted from the crowd. Everyone fell to their knees, save for a select few. Even Zhong Shanyong and the other high-ranking officials of the Five Peaks Mountain Town Pacification Bureau went down on one knee, bowing their heads in submission.

This scene alone was a testament to the sheer scale of Chen Ping’an’s power in Five Peaks Mountain City.

"All of you, rise," Chen Ping’an said, his expression serene and his gaze placid. His voice was not loud, yet it resonated with perfect clarity beside each person’s ear.

Hearing the voice detonate by his ear, a tempest of shock raged through Wei Zhixing. As the only person present who had stepped into the Profound Light Realm, he understood the terrifying power behind this feat.

’His True Qi is this dense! Even someone in the Profound Light Middle Realm would be no match!’

Wei Zhixing was terrified, and his face took on an even deeper reverence. He still hadn’t fully recovered from the shock of the incident involving Li Pingjiang, a disciple of the Seven Extremes Elder. Now, Chen Ping’an had given him yet another "surprise"!

Horses had already been prepared. Chen Ping’an stepped down from the carriage and swung himself into the saddle. Clad in his green robes and mounted on a fine steed, he cut a truly heroic figure.

He was no pampered scholar who had coasted on his family’s name. He had fought and clawed his way to his current position with his own two hands.

News of Chen Ping’an’s return sent considerable waves through the city.

Thanks to the groundwork laid by many prior events, Chen Ping’an’s prestige in the city was now at an all-time high. Many people’s spirits lifted upon hearing the news. Those who had been living in constant anxiety finally felt a sense of security.

"Lord Chen is back!"

"The Lord is back? When?"

"Today! Just a little while ago!"

"That’s great! With the Lord back in the city, let’s see who dares to act out of line!"

"That’s right! All you demons and monsters, scram!"

"..."

...

The city’s major families had prepared a grand welcoming banquet for Chen Ping’an. However, his mind was preoccupied with the matter of his Breaking Realm, so he graciously declined their offers.

After instructing Zhong Shanyong and Yuan Zutong to handle the matter of distributing rewards based on merit, Chen Ping’an announced he was going into seclusion.

Back in Beicang Town, Chen Ping’an had promised to reward them according to their merits. Now, upon his return to Five Peaks Mountain City, he had no intention of breaking his word.

His retinue on the trip to Beicang Town had not performed any major heroic deeds, it was true. But they had been loyal and diligent in their duties, conscientiously handling every detail of the journey. Their performance was more than commendable.

As a leader, he couldn’t hold his subordinates to his own standards. As long as they performed their duties well, he would not be stingy with his rewards.

This was how one cultivated true confidants—through a cycle of duty and reward.

Of course, maintaining an air of authority and meting out discipline were also essential. But a man of Chen Ping’an’s stature wouldn’t handle such matters personally. He had men like Zhong Shanyong to take care of it for him.

Using subordinates to manage their own subordinates, level by level—this was the art of power.

News of Chen Ping’an’s return quickly reached the Five Peaks Mountain Residence. Upon hearing it, You Yongming immediately rode for Five Peaks Mountain City. He had been temporarily managing affairs at the residence during Chen Ping’an’s absence, and now that his lord was back, he had much to report.

Unfortunately, by the time he reached Five Peaks Mountain City, Chen Ping’an had already announced he was in seclusion.

Upon hearing the news, You Yongming found lodging in Five Peaks Mountain City to await Chen Ping’an’s emergence from seclusion.

...

Inside his room, Chen Ping’an sat cross-legged. A Profound Light flickered between his brows. Within his body, his True Qi flowed in a continuous cycle, following the pathways of the Dragon Elephant Dominating Body Technique.

+1!

+1!

+1!

Before his eyes, notifications for Cultivation Experience flashed past, one after another. He was the only one who could see these symbols.