The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 999 The Secret of Treasure Sand, The Palace of Wind and Cloud

Ok?

Chen Ping'an was taken aback, and his heart was filled with surprise.

He's already kneeling?

He was even prepared to abandon his planning and just go for it head-on, but then this big change happened.

What happened to the promise of unwavering integrity and fearlessness?

Inside the quiet room, Baosha Sanren, sporting a large, bald head covered in mottled marks, knelt before Chen Ping'an with a fawning smile. The scene looked utterly incongruous.

"Whether you know you're wrong or not depends on your sincerity. From now on, I will ask you questions and you will answer them. Don't think about how to deceive me. I naturally have ways to verify the truth of your words. If there is even a single falsehood, I will make sure your soul is scattered to the winds today."

Chen Ping'an's face was calm, like a still well, and the surrounding Yin energy surged, as if to confirm his words.

"I understand, Xiao Xiu." Bao Sha Sanren said with a fawning smile, his posture extremely humble.

He knew that the other party had spared his life for a reason, and he originally wanted to use this opportunity to gain some leverage. However, he did not expect the other party's attitude to be so resolute, which forced him to bow his head and submit.

All things in the world are heavy, but none can be heavier than his life.

Where there is life, there is hope.

"Alright, I'll now ask you your first question."

Having witnessed Chen Ping'an's previous combat prowess, and now being at his mercy, coupled with the previous threats, Bao Sha Sanren had lost his morale and was willing to speak frankly and without reservation.

He answered all of Chen Ping'an's questions very readily.

Even more so, fearing that Chen Ping'an might misunderstand, he would add a few words at the end of his sentence, for fear of causing unnecessary trouble.

After verifying a few questions, Chen Ping'an was quite satisfied with Baosha Sanren's attitude. He then gradually guided the conversation, asking some more sensitive questions.

This naturally included the precious sand technique that he had been longing for.

His decision to spare Baosha Sanren's life earlier was naturally based on his own considerations. The Baosha Technique was extremely famous, and he had heard from the previous exchange meeting that the leader of the Crimson Cloud Alliance, Zuo Mengzhu, was aiming to further develop his Crimson Cloud Flawless Body and was inviting various parties to verify his abilities. As one of the specially invited individuals, Baosha Sanren's combat strength was mediocre, but his invitation was largely due to the Baosha Technique.

The fact that this Precious Sand Technique has been valued by a Martial Arts Grandmaster means that even if it doesn't have anything unique about it, it must have something exquisite about it.

Through the questions and answers, Chen Ping'an gradually understood the intricacies and secrets of the Treasure Sand Technique.

Although Bao Sha San's physique was decent, it was insignificant compared to true master body-forging cultivators. However, his Bao Sha technique could aid in physical cultivation, especially in refining essence, where it was unique.

The initial reason for this trip to Bi Cang was an invitation from the Chi Xiao Alliance, which led to a stop in Bi Cang. Since Bao Sha Sanren was going to the Chi Xiao Alliance, he was prepared to share the Bao Sha Technique, and the only thing he was concerned about was the price.

Now that his life and fortune are in danger, and he can manipulate others for his own life or death, he speaks of the cultivation method of the Treasure Sand Technique without any psychological burden.

Having witnessed the opponent's formidable combat prowess and keen senses, he also developed a deep sense of apprehension towards the opponent's vision and profound knowledge.

In all aspects of the explanation, they dared not make any embellishments, and even in some details, they concealed their true intentions. At most, they would keep things to themselves, but dared not make any arbitrary changes.

After all, the operational difficulty between the two is not even in the same league.

Some seemingly plausible words may deceive cultivators of lower realms, but in front of a powerful cultivator of the same realm, they are as clear as a flame in the darkness.

While Baosha Sanren didn't want to elaborate on the details, Chen Ping'an pressed him for answers. Chen Ping'an's current understanding and foundation in martial arts cultivation far surpassed that of ordinary Celestial Realm cultivators, especially in the depth and sophistication of certain issues.

Some questions are often the most effective, hitting the nail on the head and getting straight to the heart of the matter.

After several attempts, Baosha Sanren became increasingly apprehensive about the questions, fearing that he might incur the other party's displeasure and cause the situation to spiral out of control.

At this moment, in his mind, the young man in front of him was already an old monster who had lived for many years. His current appearance was most likely a disguise, a deliberate act of deception.

"That old monster has a truly perverse sense of humor," Bao Sha Sanren thought to himself, but dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction on his face.

With lowered eyes and a submissive demeanor, she answered Chen Ping'an's question.

Through the exchange of questions and answers, a complete Treasure Sand Technique gradually became clear before Chen Ping'an's eyes.

He deduced the essence and key points in the method from the reverse, asking Baosha several questions. After repeated verification, the reliability of the cultivation method was finally confirmed.

To ensure an unexpected outcome, he deliberately included a few intentionally flawed interpretations to examine Baosha Sanren's intentions.

But after some testing, there were no problems.

"The reliability should be over 80%."

After careful consideration, Chen Ping'an formed a judgment in his mind.

Theoretically speaking, after his extensive testing, the method of cultivating this Treasure Sand Technique should be without any problems.

However, as a great cultivator of the Celestial Realm, he is meticulous, shrewd, and extremely cunning. Even with the slightest probing and the most elaborate methods, he may not be able to discern the truth from the falsehood.

Ordinary practitioners, who try to verify authenticity by asking multiple questions and using a combination of forward and reverse chronological narratives, find this method utterly ineffective against a celestial being of great cultivation.

Even the most complex and profound principles are but a fleeting moment in the face of a master cultivator of the Heavenly Realm. Such methods are utterly useless against a divine memory far surpassing even photographic recollection.

To truly verify this, a considerable period of practice and study is still needed.

During the research, problems were discovered, and it was even possible to deduce whether there was any foul play involved.

"The Art of Treasure Sand".

After learning the complete secret technique from Baosha Sanren, Chen Ping'an was in a good mood and began to appreciate it more.

The Treasure Sand Technique possesses the ability to gather sand and manipulate its force to create overwhelming pressure. And this is only its most basic application; sand can be gathered into puppets, controlled by secret techniques, and used in combat.

To put it simply, it's the technique of using precious sand to create giant puppets that can fight against humans in the vast world.

As for the size of this giant puppet, that is related to the cultivator's realm and mastery of the Treasure Sand Technique.

A person of Baosha Sanren's skill could create a giant Baosha puppet that could be a hundred feet in size by using the Baosha Technique.

A hundred feet in size—even some celestial-level demonic beasts might not be able to achieve such a physique. That imposing aura, if placed before one, would be endlessly majestic and overwhelmingly oppressive.

In their previous encounter, if Baosha Sanren had truly unleashed his full power, even with Chen Ping'an's abilities, it would have taken him considerable effort.

If that really happens, the commotion it causes will likely involve far more than just one or two people.

Beneath the giant sand puppet, it is certain that it can be sensed from a great distance.

Even the Yin Wind Domain cannot completely isolate and eliminate it.

Fortunately.

He sensed it in advance, preventing the opponent from truly unleashing their full potential.

However, while the Treasure Sand Technique is powerful, it is not without its drawbacks. If it had no drawbacks, given its immense power, Treasure Sand Hermit wouldn't be known as the "Great Floor Repairman."

The Treasure Sand Technique requires sand to form a giant puppet. Without yellow sand, other objects cannot take shape, let alone unleash their power.

Previously, the Treasure Sand Technique required a relatively long preparation time to activate, during which there would be some delays.

Unlike other methods, it is not unrestricted and can be used immediately upon activation.

Furthermore, the Treasure Sand Technique consumes a great deal of energy, especially when using its final form. While inside the giant puppet, it requires a large amount of true essence and divine soul for support at all times.

Even at the level of a Celestial Being, it would be difficult to maintain control for an extended period.

The sand-gathering tower of Baosha Sanren perfectly satisfies the limitations of the yellow sand mentioned earlier. However, the latter two limitations are not so easily resolved.

Such restrictions mean that although the Treasure Sand Technique is powerful, there are very few scenarios where it can actually be used in actual combat.

If you use it manually first, it will be too much of a hassle, and the consumption will be too high, making it extremely inefficient.

If used as a counter-strategy, there might not be enough time to prepare and build up the strategy; the battle could very well end before you even have a chance to use it. In reality, this Treasure Sand Technique is best suited for offensive and defensive battles, as well as siege warfare.

However, Chen Ping'an was not concerned with the sand golem giant formed by the Treasure Sand Technique. What he valued was another function of the Treasure Sand Technique, which was to temper one's qi and blood, form qi and blood essence, and even condense it into essence sand as a reserve of qi and blood.

In times of crisis, these vital essences and spirits, along with the precious sands of essence, can be used together to unleash terrifying combat power.

However, Baosha Sanren's physical physique was mediocre at best, utterly insignificant compared to a true master of body tempering. Moreover, it seemed his mastery of secret techniques in this area was also rather unremarkable.

All the insights were probably focused on that giant sand golem. Otherwise, a sand-gathering tower wouldn't have been specially commissioned to complement it.

Having learned about the Treasure Sand Technique, Chen Ping'an had more to consider regarding his future direction.

Then he asked a few more questions, and the conversation lasted for more than half an hour before Chen Ping'an finally ended the conversation.

"Senior, have you finished asking your questions?"

Baosha Sanren asked cautiously.

"Given my past temperament, you would not escape death today, but considering your sincerity, I am willing to give you a chance."

Chen Ping'an remained calm, his aura deep and profound, appearing even more unfathomable beneath the Yin Wind Domain.

Bao Sha Sanren's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the real show was about to begin, and his next response would determine his life or death.

Judging from the events of today and the events of the past, it is likely that things will not end well.

Whether it succeeds or fails depends on the following dialogue.

"Please enlighten me, senior," Baosha Sanren said respectfully, bowing his head.

Chen Ping'an slightly raised his eyes, a hint of gloom in them, and spoke softly, "Do you know about the Wind and Cloud Palace?"

"The Palace of Wind and Clouds?"

Baosha Sanren then showed a look of doubt.

As a high-level cultivator of the Celestial Realm, his vision was undoubtedly broad, and he had heard of some of the major powers in the world to varying degrees. However, after reviewing his memories, he had never encountered a similar name.

Could it be some kind of secret organization?

Bao Sha Sanren's heart skipped a beat, and he slowly shook his head.

"The Palace of Wind and Clouds acts on behalf of Heaven and controls the winds and clouds of the world. However, most people are foolish and do not know the vastness of Heaven and Earth and the aura of wind and clouds."

Chen Ping'an possessed a lofty and ethereal air, like a reclusive master atop a mountain, navigating the ups and downs of the world.

Bao Sha Sanren's heart pounded wildly, as if he had vaguely come into contact with the truth of the world.

"May I ask, senior, are there any beings above the Great Celestial Realm within the Wind and Cloud Palace?"

The world is filled with numerous, intertwined, and incredibly complex forces. A single great cultivator can dominate a region, or the vast world with its countless territories and borders.

Manipulating the world's affairs and weathering the storms—such power is not trusted by anyone without a supreme being.

"Above the Great Celestials?"

Chen Ping'an smiled dismissively, seemingly unwilling to elaborate on the topic. He slowly turned around, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and fell upon Baosha Sanren: "Today, are you willing to enter the Fengyun Palace, be recommended by me, and become an outer Fengyun steward, guarding the duty of listening to the wind?"

"Outer guards?"

Baosha Sanren felt his heart skip a beat.

With his advanced cultivation level, even if he barely joined and made no contribution, he shouldn't just be an outer steward.

unless

Bao Sha San's mind was in turmoil, and he felt somewhat unsteady.

This force is astonishingly large, so large that even a cultivator at the highest level would find it difficult to truly reach the upper echelons. Such is its sheer size.

Bao Sha was shaken. The contemptuous smile on the other person's face flashed through his mind. That expression was magnified infinitely in his heart until it was frozen in his mind.

Could it be that...?

Bao Sha Sanren's expression was shaken, and ripples of emotion stirred deep within his eyes.

"May I ask, senior, how are the levels within the hall ordered?" Baosha Sanren suppressed the violent fluctuations in his heart and asked with forced composure, but the tremor in his mind could not be concealed no matter what.

"Below the stewards are those who proclaim crimes, judge fates, and ordinary members. Among the stewards are those who listen to the wind, hold lamps, observe clouds, and guide stars. The position of guiding stars is a high-ranking position within the hall, and can be called a star envoy. Above the star envoys is the hall master of a star hall, who can receive the mandate of heaven and proclaim decrees on behalf of heaven. As for those above the hall master... that is not something you can understand at present."

"Listen to the wind, light the lamp, observe the clouds, guide the stars, and above the stars, there is also the Palace Master." Bao Sha Sanren's mind was pounding, and he was secretly chewing over and digesting the information he had obtained.

"With your current status, although you haven't achieved any great feats, you are qualified to be a powerful figure once you enter the palace. However, your identity is still uncertain and requires further observation. It won't be too late to promote you after you have achieved some great merit." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, and his demeanor was lofty.

"Light the lamp?" Bao Sha San's heart pounded wildly, and combined with the information he had received earlier, his body trembled slightly.

It wasn't fear, but excitement.

Despite his advanced cultivation, under normal circumstances, he could only serve as a lantern bearer within the Wind and Cloud Palace. Even considering his understated combat strength, such a low rank and position still meant...

Within the Wind and Cloud Palace reside truly powerful and influential figures. Moreover...

It's very likely that there's far more than one!

It is conceivable that the positions of Grand Master of the Lamp, Cloud Observer, and Star Envoy would likely be filled by a Martial Arts Grand Master.

According to their power structure, the Star Envoys are mostly ranked in order of rank.

The position of Star Palace Master, which is above the Star Envoy, is either the most top-level Martial Arts Grand Celestial or above the Grand Celestial.

Regardless of the speculation, there are even higher figures within the Wind and Cloud Palace, above the Star Palace Master.

this means

There are definitely powerful individuals at the Great Celestial level or above inside the Wind and Cloud Palace!

Bao Sha San's mind trembled, his imagination running wild.

Seeing Bao Sha Sanren's emotions and keenly sensing the change in his mind, Chen Ping'an thought to himself that there was a way, and all his preparations over the years had not been in vain.

If an ordinary person were to hear that there are secret organizations in the world with powerful individuals, they would probably just think the person is crazy.

But after he has demonstrated his formidable combat prowess and terrifying martial arts skills, revealing these other information would likely be enough to intimidate people.

They can only marvel, wondering if they have come across the truth of the world and uncovered a small part of the ancient world.

It's not a matter of doubt.

After all, such words are meaningless if they are false.

Every organization needs resources and a vast network of systems to operate. What's the point of fabricating something out of thin air?

Given the current situation, if one wanted to subdue and turn them into one's own, there are far better options. Why bother telling this colossal lie?

"Senior, I am willing."

Amidst excitement and trembling, Baosha Sanren finally gave his answer.

Given the current situation, this issue seems like a choice, but in reality, there is no choice at all.

He had no doubt that if he refused their offer today, they would eliminate him without hesitation.

Joining the Wind and Cloud Palace will not only save your life, but you may also turn misfortune into blessing and find opportunities and possibilities for further advancement in the future.

"Very well! Since you are brothers in this palace, then today I will spare your life."

"Thank you, senior." Baosha Sanren breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, feeling fortunate to have survived a calamity.

"Now that you have entered the Wind and Cloud Palace, there is no need to address me as senior anymore. In the future, when no one is around, you may call me the Cloud Watcher."

"Yes, Cloud Watcher." Baosha Sanren was puzzled, but still answered respectfully.

Thus, the Wind and Cloud Palace, which Chen Ping'an had casually fabricated and which had been established to this day, welcomed its third member, including himself.

"Don't you find it strange that I'm entrusted with the responsibility of observing the clouds?" Chen Ping'an possessed a vast and ethereal aura, his eyes were deep and unfathomable, and he wore a peculiar smile. (End of Chapter)