Chapter 833
Red Rope and Silver Bell, Old Friends Remain
Lan Yingying's hand holding the teacup suddenly trembled, and the tea almost spilled.
Her expression trembled as she stared at Chen Ping'an in disbelief.
"then."
The Northern Cang Auction House is located in a major town. It is home to a powerful warrior with fierce eyes, whose combat strength is unparalleled and capable of fighting a grandmaster.
The atmosphere in the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Lan Yingjun stared wide-eyed at the man before her.
The man on that day
Is it really him!?
Although she and her mother had some guesses about what happened back then, none of those guesses could compare to what Chen Ping'an said today.
"Brother Chen."
Lan Yingjun's eyes trembled slightly, her expression complex.
Chen Ping'an sat quietly in the large chair, his expression calm, his gaze deep and unwavering.
After a long silence, Lan Yingying's slightly aged voice finally rang out.
"So it's Lord Chen. I'm quite surprised. Lord Chen is exceptionally talented. How come you were only at the Profound Light Realm back then? It turns out I was blind and failed to recognize you."
Lan Yingying spoke calmly, her expression showing no anger, but rather admiration and surprise.
"Master Lan." Chen Ping'an put down his teacup, preparing to say something.
"Lord Chen." Lan Yingying slowly raised her hand: "If we really want to talk about what happened back then, it was my fault. I should apologize to Lord Chen for fighting with you because of my own selfish desires."
As she spoke, Lan Yingying stood up and bowed to Chen Ping'an in apology.
"Mother!" Lan Yingjun exclaimed in surprise and quickly helped her mother up.
Lan Yingying patted Lan Yingjun's hand, her slightly cloudy eyes falling on Chen Ping'an: "Lord Chen, what happened back then was due to my own selfish desires, and I have only myself to blame. This matter has nothing to do with Ying'er, and I hope that you will see the truth."
Chen Pingan took a step forward and gently helped Lan Yingying up.
"Master Lan, you misunderstand. I have no intention of blaming you. It's just that I have karmic ties from back then, and now that we are destined to meet again and go through this together, I still need to make things clear."
"I see." Lan Yingying breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
"I never imagined that I would have such a past encounter with you, sir. It can be said that we became friends after our initial conflict."
"It's true that they became friends after a fight, but does Master Lan truly harbor no resentment whatsoever?"
Chen Ping'an remained calm, his gaze deep, quietly watching Lan Yingying.
"What happened back then was due to a series of unfortunate coincidences, all stemming from differing perspectives. Although I was unclear about the situation back then, the fact that I can sit here peacefully today tells me that Lord Chen harbors no ill will towards me."
Lan Yingying paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "As for Lord Chen, he and Ying'er had quite a connection back then. By some twist of fate, they have met again today. It can be said that their paths crossed."
“Mr. Chen and Miss Lan are indeed quite destined for each other.” Chen Ping’an nodded in agreement.
"Lord Chen, I heard that you were married in your early years. I wonder what happened to you now?" As the atmosphere became more harmonious, Lan Yingying finally brought up the matter.
But before she could finish speaking, Lan Yingjun stopped her.
"Mother!" Lan Yingjun tugged at Lan Yingying's clothes: "Brother Chen has recently obtained a secret formula for avoiding obstacles. There are many key points in it, and the writing may not be very clear. Mother has some free time, so you may explain the obscure parts. Ying'er can also learn from you."
"Oh, yes, it is. The secret formula for avoiding obstacles, Lord Chen. How about I explain it to you so that you can sort it out?"
"Then I'll have to trouble Master Lan." Chen Ping'an stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Lord Chen is exceptionally talented and insightful. I admire him greatly." Lan Yingying said solemnly, her face showing amazement, her expression genuine.
At first, she thought that although Chen Ping'an's martial arts talent was dazzling and amazing, he might not be so good at the art of poison. But who would have thought that after getting to know him, Chen Ping'an's learning ability and progress in understanding would exceed her expectations.
This is not just drawing inferences from one instance to another, but rather making connections and offering profound insights.
"Master Lan, you flatter me." Chen Ping'an said calmly, exchanging a few pleasantries with a smile, without being overly modest.
With his martial arts prowess and profound spiritual foundation, learning this subject was naturally a breeze. Furthermore, regarding the matter of poison, he had obtained some fragments of the Lotus Mist Man's memories during the previous soul-summoning ceremony. Although they were not systematic, they were proving quite useful in his use now.
At this moment, he seemed to have gained a deeper understanding of the wondrous uses of the Soul-Guiding Technique.
"Turning the essence of others into one's own insights—this Soul-Guiding Technique is truly remarkable," Chen Ping'an thought to himself.
He stayed in Black Mist Valley for a whole day, and for most of that time, Lan Yingying explained the key points and essentials of the secret recipe to him, as well as the precautions he needed to take.
His learning progress was extremely fast. Although it only took one day, strictly speaking, the efficiency was even more exaggerated than that of ten or a hundred days for ordinary practitioners.
Even without the aid of his cheat-like interface, he now possesses a remarkable understanding of various perspectives. His memory is so vast that he can recall everything he sees and access information instantly.
Furthermore, the support of his spiritual foundation allowed him to understand things more thoroughly. Even if he had some doubts, once they were resolved, he could often come up with new ideas and inspirations.
Although this obstacle avoidance technique is of a high grade, he has basically mastered it after Lan Yingying's explanation and guidance. The rest is just a matter of putting it into practice.
Of course, the necessary preparation of spiritual items is also essential.
In conclusion, he had gained a great deal this time, and with Lan Yingjun's alchemy notes, he was now confident about his next blood refining attempt.
With a gold-plated control panel, guidance and protection, and a solid foundation as its core, coupled with numerous attempts, this path may not be impossible!
On this day, in addition to learning the secret formula, Chen Ping'an also made some deals with Lan Yingjun and Lan Yingying.
Both were masters of poison, especially Lan Yingjun, who seemed poised to surpass her master. Given this opportunity, Chen Ping'an naturally wanted to further hone his skills.
Even if we can't go deep into the subject, it's good to have a better understanding. That way, when we need to plan and strategize in the future, we won't be completely at a disadvantage or fall prey to others' schemes.
He traded a number of books on poison from the two men, including some on the refining of common poison pills, the identification of poisons, and basic encyclopedias of toxicology.
Because of their previous life-saving grace, the two didn't hold back much from him. Apart from some core secrets, everything else was traded to him.
This includes the crafting process of some secret poison artifacts, as well as basic defenses against rare poisons. It also touches upon some in-depth principles, such as the efficient identification and precise control of celestial poison strains.
There are so many different things.
The bargaining chips Chen Ping'an used in the transaction were obtained from the man with the lotus-shaped vine. Using this method was convenient, efficient, and risk-free.
This person was killed along with Lan Yingjun, so any benefits they might have gained should be shared.
Although Lan Yingjun did not share the profits with him, she still benefited from this transaction in a roundabout way.
Like the transparent silk thread and the lotus cloth, Chen Ping'an traded them to Lan Yingjun at a price slightly below the market price.
To compensate for this, Lan Yingjun also made up for part of the price difference, mainly by converting it into readily available poisonous water and secret ingredients.
"I didn't expect you to be such a wealthy woman," Chen Ping'an said with a smile.
As he chatted and laughed, he suddenly remembered a joke he had made in Beicang years ago.
"I am far inferior to Brother Chen," Lan Yingjun said with a smile, her eyes full of liveliness.
After a whole day of interaction, this bright-eyed girl seemed to have regained some of her former radiance, and her tone had become lighter. Or perhaps, it wasn't a matter of regaining her former charm, but rather that she had shed the defenses she had built up over the years.
"Alright, it's time for me to take my leave. Miss Lan, if you have time, let's meet again in Xuanling another day," Chen Ping'an said with a smile.
"Are you leaving?" The girl's eyes lowered slightly, as if she were somewhat disappointed.
Chen Ping'an seemed to sense the emotions of that instant, like a stream flowing over a lake, rushing straight to his heart. He didn't know if it was an illusion or reality.
"Yes. I've been away for a few days, it's time to go back. Kuang Lan Lie Di's death caused quite a stir, it should be calmed down as soon as possible." Chen Ping'an rarely gave an explanation.
"Mm," Lan Yingjun responded, her eyes seeming somewhat dim.
"Alright, I should be in Xuanling these days. If you need anything, just come find me in Xuanling." Chen Ping'an said with a smile, "It's not too far from the city, so it's convenient to come and go."
"Okay." Lan Yingjun smiled sweetly, her smile as radiant as a fawn in the forest, light and agile, leaping into people's hearts: "Then when you come to find Brother Chen, Brother Chen, please don't pretend you don't know me."
The girl was radiant, like the morning light.
"Okay." Chen Ping'an smiled brightly, feeling as if he had been gently touched by something.
"Oh, right."
"What?" "Here, take this." Chen Ping'an took out a bell, small and exquisite, light and cheerful.
Chen Ping'an has always kept that bell on his person and has never sold it over the years.
“Here.” Chen Pingan stretched out his hand.
Looking at the silver bell in her palm, Lan Yingjun wrinkled her delicate nose.
"But this bell is mine."
"I just tied this rope."
Lan Yingjun reached out and grabbed the bell from Chen Ping'an's palm.
Ding bell~
The bell rang crisply, lightly, and pleasantly.
The warmth of the touch on his palm was fleeting, and Chen Ping'an smiled gently as he looked at the bright young girl in front of him who was curiously examining the red rope.
"Help me tie it." The girl suddenly stretched out her hand, revealing a fair and delicate wrist.
"it is good."
Chen Pingan gently agreed, took the bell, and carefully tied it to the girl's wrist.
Ding bell~
The bell rang out, clear and crisp like a spring.
The girl stared wide-eyed at the focused man in front of her, who wore a bell.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment; the clear sound of the bell wafted gently on the wind, as if to linger in the girl's heart.
"All right."
Chen Pingan smiled and withdrew his hand.
"Try it and see if it's secure."
"Mm." The girl nodded.
She looked at the bell in her hand; it jingled clearly and melodiously.
Beneath the fluttering skirt was a radiant face.
Looking at the curious and excited girl in front of him, Chen Ping'an felt something spreading through him.
She seemed just like she is now that day.
Ding bell~ding bell~
Amidst the crisp ringing of the bell, a melodious voice, clear and refreshing like a spring, gently soothes the soul: "I've found you!"
A fair-skinned, bright-eyed girl appeared before him.
That one glance felt like an eternity!
"I should go now," Chen Ping'an said with a light laugh.
"Miss Lan, there's no need to see me off."
"Hmm." The girl lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought.
"I hope you both take care of yourselves as we part today." Chen Ping'an solemnly cupped his hands in farewell. "We must meet again someday!"
"Please take care, Lord Chen." Lan Yingying returned the greeting solemnly: "This old woman wishes you a smooth journey on your path and everlasting success in your martial arts!"
Chen Ping'an nodded emphatically, cupped his hands in greeting again, and then left.
He had only taken a few steps when he heard a sound behind him.
"Brother Chen."
Chen Ping'an paused, turned around, and saw a bright-eyed girl with her skirt swaying gently in the breeze.
"When we meet again, should I call you Senior Chen?"
The girl took a few steps forward, her eyes sparkling with something, filled with anticipation and a hint of reluctance.
"Yes." Chen Ping'an smiled, his tone sincere. "Then I accept Miss Lan's kind words. I also wish Miss Lan success in breaking through the barriers and reaching the celestial realm!"
The girl smiled radiantly, her eyes sparkling with a light and lively light.
At that moment, it felt as if something had struck his heart.
"Miss Lan, take care!"
Whoosh!
A streak of green light shot into the sky and disappeared into the thick black fog.
"Brother Chen."
The girl's eyes sparkled, as if she were pregnant with something. She watched the blue light disappear into the horizon.
"Take care, Brother Chen. Ying'er will do her best to catch up with you as soon as possible."
Her lightly swaying skirt resembled a fawn in the forest, leaping and bounding about, never still.
"Brother Chen, perhaps when we meet again..."
She recalled the promise she made that day in the important town of Beicang, when she boldly challenged the heroes and geniuses of Canglong.
Within the important town of Beicang, countless geniuses gathered, and none could rival her.
But that day...
"Ying'er, it's time for us to go back." Lan Yingying's voice rang out from the side.
"Mm." The girl withdrew her gaze and nodded gently.
Now that her mother has resumed her spiritual practice and Xuanling's matter is settled, she should return with her mother.
The Five Poisons Cult in the Western Regions of the Great Qian Dynasty!
When you meet her again, she may already be a saint of the religion!
Using the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm as the key and the Five Poisons Extreme Poison Palm as the foundation, cultivate the supreme method of the Five Poisons Divine Sect: the Five Poisons Divine Palm!
Her practice differed from the mainstream within the religion.
Once a minor degree of success is achieved, then it will be...
The Great Cultivation of Heaven and Man!
Whoosh!
The light streaked across the sky.
"A smile can erase all grudges! When we meet again, let's talk about the future!"
Chen Ping'an felt a sense of joy and clarity, as if the cause and effect had been instantly eliminated.
The past is like smoke, there's no need to dwell on it. But now that we've looked back, things should be clear.
Years ago in Beicang, he had a complicated relationship with the two men, and that was the cause of his past actions. Every cause has its effect, and now that the cause and effect have been resolved, he is naturally delighted.
This feeling was not some illusory or mystical sensation. He had now reached the realm of celestial beings, borrowing the power of heaven and beginning to wield great power. Cultivation was not merely about cultivating oneself, but also about sensing the heavens and earth, and achieving harmony with them.
These mysteries of cause and effect were not abstract concepts to him. Even the concepts of destiny and the struggle for fate, though he could not fully comprehend them at his current level, were certainly real phenomena in the world.
When fortune smiles, heaven and earth lend their strength; when fortune turns, even heroes are powerless!
Countless ancient and modern books explain all of this.
"happy!"
Chen Ping'an soared through the sky, the momentary exhilaration suppressing the faint sense of parting in his heart.
We are both in Xuanling, so if you wish to meet again, we can do so anytime!
However, there is no need to worry about this temporary separation. When we have time in the future, we will discuss the Dao.
The ripple in his heart completely disappeared, and Chen Ping'an's emotions surged, soaring between heaven and earth with boundless pride.
Everything is ready for this body tempering. Once the poison barrier water is prepared, we can try blood tempering to improve our physique!
The Azure Sun Blood Refining Method, third refinement, uses the true blood of a transformed demon beast, the Golden-Crowned Feathered Sparrow, as the refining agent, supplemented by water that wards off poison and breaks through barriers, to temper the body and prove the foundation for great cultivation. (End of this chapter)