Chapter 445 - 370: Beicang Dignitary, Marriage Alliance

Escorted by their guards, two carriages slowly pulled to a halt at the entrance of Beicang Town for inspection.

The inspection to enter the town this time was, without a doubt, far stricter than before.

The impact of the Beicang Chaos had been utterly devastating, and many had yet to emerge from its shadow.

Subordinates took care of the necessary procedures. Water Hibiscus had a considerable reputation in Beicang Town, so with her in one of the carriages, their entry was handled with exceptional smoothness.

As the carriages entered Beicang Town, Chen Ping’an peered through the window, taking in the sights on either side of the street.

It felt like no time at all had passed since he’d left Beicang Town, and yet here he was again. Upon his return this time, however, he noticed the town had undergone significant changes.

Much of the damage to the streets had already been repaired. The more heavily damaged buildings on either side were also being fixed, and it looked as though reconstruction had begun on those that had completely collapsed.

The town was significantly less bustling than it had been during the Beicang Auction, but on the whole, it still seemed rather prosperous.

It was clear the Beicang Garrison had implemented many strategies to recover after the turmoil.

Under the curious gazes of pedestrians, the carriages proceeded slowly into the heart of the town, eventually stopping before a magnificent and elegant building.

"Lord Chen, we’ve arrived!"

Water Hibiscus alighted from her carriage and walked to Chen Ping’an’s, her face wreathed in smiles as she spoke.

A guard bowed and pulled back the carriage curtain, and Chen Ping’an stepped out at a leisurely pace.

Chen Ping’an raised his head, his expression serene. On the plaque hanging before the building were two large words.

"Yunlai Pavilion!"

Water Hibiscus smiled and gestured. "Lord Chen, after you."

Chen Ping’an gave a slight nod, his expression tranquil, and strode into the building.

...

On the top floor of Yunlai Pavilion, Chen Ping’an finally met the VIP whom Water Hibiscus had mentioned.

The Gu Family Grandmaster, Ice Soul Divine Needle, Gu Qingchan!

After escorting Chen Ping’an to the room, Water Hibiscus respectfully excused herself and departed. In the presence of a true Grandmaster, even someone as renowned as Exquisite Ruler Water Hibiscus—who ranked among the top-level experts of the Peak Realm in Beicang Town—could only lower herself and assume the posture of a junior.

"I am Chen Ping’an. Greetings, Grandmaster Gu."

The moment he saw Gu Qingchan, Chen Ping’an instantly bowed and clasped his hands in a formal salute.

He made no effort to appear overly calm, instead allowing a fitting trace of awe to show on his face.

Regardless of his true Martial Arts Realm, in the eyes of the world, he was merely a rising star within the Garrison System. His status was undoubtedly impressive, but it was nothing compared to that of a true Grandmaster; the gap between them was still immense.

"You’re not surprised to see me?" A delicate, crisp voice rang out, like a gentle breeze rustling through new leaves, carrying a fresh, sweet sound. The voice of this Gu Family Grandmaster, Ice Soul Divine Needle Gu Qingchan, was unexpectedly pleasant.

Chen Ping’an’s focus sharpened. He remained bowed, hands clasped, and answered respectfully, "I had some faint suspicions about your identity on the way here, so I was mentally prepared. Seeing you today, Grandmaster Gu, confirms my theory. Therefore, I am not surprised."

"You may rise."

After a moment of silence, Gu Qingchan’s voice rang out again.

"My thanks, Grandmaster Gu." Chen Ping’an didn’t rise at once. He waited for a full two breaths before slowly straightening up.

Gu Qingchan was dressed in a long, aqua-blue gown embroidered with intricate, delicate patterns. It gave her an air of noble elegance, yet also a fresh, unearthly quality. Her hair was swept up into a high coiffure, studded with brilliant gemstones and exquisite pearl ornaments that shimmered dazzlingly.

Judging by her attire alone, one would expect this female Grandmaster from the Gu Family to be a paragon of courtly grace and beauty. However...

...her baby face completely shattered that image.

When paired with her delicate, gentle, and still somewhat childish voice, the overall effect was a unique kind of beautiful.

Gu Qingchan’s eyes shone like stars. With a calm expression, she sized up the man standing before her.

’His posture is ramrod straight, like a pine tree. There’s a hint of martial valor in his features. In both looks and bearing, he is truly one of a kind.’

’Profound Light Middle Realm Perfection!’

With her keen eye, Gu Qingchan could see Chen Ping’an’s Martial Arts Realm as if it were an open book. A single glance was all she needed to ascertain his current level.

’His True Qi is abundant, his foundation is solid. He’s only half a step away from the Peak Realm!’

Gu Qingchan nodded slightly. Her first impression of Chen Ping’an was quite good.

’It seems my efforts to settle the matter of his review were not in vain.’

Chen Ping’an stood silently, his gaze fixed straight ahead, awaiting Gu Qingchan’s questions.

’This female Grandmaster wouldn’t have summoned me from so far away just to exchange pleasantries. She must have a purpose.’

"Fifth on the Rising Star Chart, Mang Blade Mang Vajra, Dual Mastery of Blade and Sword..."

Gu Qingchan softly recited Chen Ping’an’s entry on the Rising Star Chart. As she spoke, the hem of her aqua-blue gown swayed as she drew closer to him.

By the time she finished reciting his description from the Rising Star Chart, Gu Qingchan had come to a stop directly in front of him, no more than three feet away.

"Chen Ping’an, do you know why I’ve summoned you here?"

"In response to Grandmaster’s question, I do not," Chen Ping’an said, bowing slightly, his demeanor humble and courteous.

A faint smile touched Gu Qingchan’s lips as she looked at the bowing Chen Ping’an.

"Everyone says that Mang Blade Mang Vajra is boundlessly reckless and acts without a care for the consequences. Why so reserved today?!"

"In the presence of a Grandmaster, I dare not be presumptuous." Chen Ping’an bowed and clasped his hands again, adopting a look of earnest deference.