Daqian Martial Saint

But sadly, before someone who can decide your fate with a single word, any valid reason can turn into an excuse.

Fortunately for Chen Ping’an, he had now reached that point. His every word and deed was enough to send many people scrambling.

The higher one’s position, the more one must speak and act with caution, for the adverse effects of a single poor decision can far exceed what an ordinary person might predict.

Chen Ping’an headed for the main banquet hall. He had not gone far from his room when he was met by the representatives of the three major powers, who had long been waiting to greet him.

"Lord Commander!" Huang Zhishu greeted Chen Ping’an with a respectful, beaming smile and a deep bow.

The representatives of the other two major powers did the same, their faces wreathed in smiles so brilliant they looked as if they were greeting their dearest kin.

They had been waiting here for a long time, yet they showed no hint of impatience. Even if Chen Ping’an had failed to appear, they would have continued to wait indefinitely.

"En." In contrast to their eager reception, Chen Ping’an’s reaction was far more reserved. He gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Speaking of the gift the three major powers had sent him via Huang Zhishu, the Jade Box had indeed contained something quite good.

A Jade Lingzhi over a hundred years old.

Jade Lingzhi was a type of Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure. In terms of grade, it was no worse than the Xuan Can that Liu Yuanhua had given him previously.

However, that Xuan Can had been three hundred years old, while this Jade Lingzhi was barely over a hundred. The difference in their value was considerable.

Even so, this Jade Lingzhi was quite a grand gesture for Red Maple Market. After all, no matter how famous it became, it was ultimately just a market.

"Lord Commander, this way, please!" Huang Zhishu said, gesturing with a smile. The other two followed his lead, smiling and ushering Chen Ping’an forward.

You Yongming followed behind Chen Ping’an, and seeing everyone’s reactions, he felt a sense of vicarious honor.

Today, he had been ordered by the Lord Commander to investigate the situation on Red Maple Mountain. Though some time had passed, the scene on the mountain still lingered vividly in his mind.

The aftermath of the battle was simply too striking. Especially that one slash mark...

As a veteran of the Inner Qi Realm, he naturally understood its significance. And then there was what the Lord Commander had told him about the three Profound Light Realm Elders from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect.

’This...’

As You Yongming looked at Chen Ping’an, his gaze filled with an even deeper sense of awe.

’This lord of mine... his strength is probably even more terrifying than anyone imagines! To be able to follow such a man is the honor of a lifetime.’

When Chen Ping’an arrived at the main hall, everyone present rose to their feet, calling out in unison to welcome him.

"Greetings, Lord Commander! We wish you well!"

"Please, be seated." Chen Ping’an said with a smile and a wave. Led by Huang Zhishu and the others, he walked to the seat of honor at the center of the hall.

Despite his words, no one dared to sit before he did.

Only after he was seated at the head of the hall did the guests finally take their seats.

With Chen Ping’an’s arrival, the banquet officially began. A procession of servants and maids entered, filing in to place one dish after another on the tables.

The banquet was a grand affair. The guests included not only people from Red Maple Market but also prominent figures from the surrounding region.

Having heard the Lord Commander was present, they naturally had to come and pay their respects. In any case, it was always a good idea to show up and make one’s presence known.

At an event like this, they might not necessarily gain anything by attending. But if they failed to show, they would likely be remembered for their absence—and not fondly.

Even if Chen Ping’an himself didn’t mind, his subordinates were no pushovers. Those who failed to appear could expect to face difficulties in their future dealings.

As was customary, Chen Ping’an opened with a few words of encouragement and some standard pleasantries, saying something about how the peace of the outer Trade Route depended on everyone’s combined efforts, and so on.

Toasts were, of course, exchanged throughout the banquet. But with Chen Ping’an occupying the seat of honor, he was the one to be toasted, not the one to offer them. He simply sat and watched as person after person approached to offer him a respectful toast.

"My Lord, I am from the Red Maple Zhao Family..."

"Lord Commander, I am..."

One by one they came, their faces plastered with sycophantic smiles, approaching him with the reverence one would show an ancestor. They drained their own cups in a single gulp, but never presumed to dictate what Chen Ping’an should do. Whether he drank or not was entirely up to him.

Aside from Chen Ping’an, many guests also went out of their way to curry favor with You Yongming. As the Candidate for Commander of the Five Peaks Mountain Residence, he still held a certain amount of sway in their eyes.

A banquet is a microcosm of society, and this one was no exception.

A small incident occurred during the banquet. A constable from the Garrison Commandant’s Office arrived with a message, reporting that the recently captured spy had confessed. A great deal of valuable information had been obtained from him.

"Excellent. Investigate this thoroughly. Follow the lead and see if you can uncover the Ten Thousand Demons Sect’s nearby strongholds," Chen Ping’an instructed.

"Yes, sir," the constable replied respectfully.

During the banquet, there was a performance by a troupe of dancers. With their graceful figures and beautiful faces, they were a pleasing sight to behold.

As they danced, some of them looked at Chen Ping’an, seated in the place of honor at such a young age, and were inwardly amazed.

They had received their instructions long before the banquet. Tonight’s affair was of the highest caliber, attended by all the prominent figures of the region. Most importantly, the guest of honor was exceptionally distinguished and must not be slighted in any way. Their primary mission was to ensure this guest was thoroughly entertained.

What they hadn’t expected was for the guest of honor to be so young! Astoundingly so.

"Lord Commander, these dancers have been raised since childhood and have never before... entertained a guest. They are all untouched virgins. I was wondering if any have caught Your Lordship’s eye. If so, tonight..."

Huang Zhishu posed the question with utmost care, his eyes on the dancers as their bodies swayed, releasing a faint, sweet fragrance.

"That won’t be necessary."

Chen Ping’an declined Huang Zhishu’s offer; he had no intention of spending the night in Red Maple Market. Seeing that the hour was growing late, he rose to leave.

"My Lord, the accommodations in the market are humble, but it is already late. Perhaps you would do us the honor of staying the night?" Huang Zhishu offered.

"I have urgent business and cannot stay the night."

Seeing that Chen Ping’an’s mind was made up, no one dared press him to stay.

To be the last to arrive and the first to leave—this was a privilege unique to those in power.

Though the banquet was not officially over—other entertainments had even been arranged—the moment Chen Ping’an decided to leave, it was finished.

Everyone present rose to their feet in unison to see Chen Ping’an off.

...

「At the gates of Red Maple Market」

"You Yongming, I’m leaving matters on the outer Trade Route to you. Make the Ten Thousand Demons Sect’s strongholds a priority," Chen Ping’an instructed.

"Yes, My Lord! Rest assured, I will not shrink from my duty, even if it means death!" You Yongming declared solemnly, kneeling on one knee and clasping his fists.

"We humbly see you off, Lord Commander! We wish you a safe journey and success in all things!" the crowd chorused, their voices like thunder.

"Alright! There’s no need to see me any further!"

With that, Chen Ping’an vaulted onto his horse. With a thunder of hooves, he quickly vanished into the night.