Daqian Martial Saint

Chapter 509: Chapter 396: Beauty in a Palace Gown, The General Offensive

In the distant woods, a touch of elegant blue bloomed like the first ray of light at dawn. Carried by a gentle breeze, a beautiful woman in a blue palace-style dress glided over from afar.

Pale blue True Essence flowed around her, leaving faint, fleeting ripples in the air. Her eyes were clear, her hair as black as ink. She was like a fairy from the Celestial Palace about to dance, unstained by the mortal world, transcendent and ethereal.

Ice Soul Divine Needle, Gu Qingchan!

HUMMM—

As her True Essence circulated, Gu Qingchan’s figure landed softly. Her jeweled hairpins tinkled, and her dress swayed.

Cloud-Pushing Mountain Palm Yan Shibao and Beidou Divine Fist Qu Zhaocheng both opened their eyes and greeted Gu Qingchan.

"Fairy Gu."

Gu Qingchan’s arrival drew everyone’s attention. Hearing the two Grandmasters’ words, the crowd evidently realized her identity and immediately greeted her in unison.

"Greetings, Elder Gu."

"Lord Qu, Elder Yan, it is my pleasure." Gu Qingchan’s eyes were like stars, her aura otherworldly.

Qu Zhaocheng held an important post in the State Garrison Command, while Yan Shibao was an Elder of a top-tier power.

"Not at all! You are too kind, Fairy Gu." Hearing her words, both Yan Shibao and Qu Zhaocheng beamed, repeatedly insisting they were unworthy of her politeness.

Although they were Grandmasters, they didn’t dare act presumptuously before Gu Qingchan. To say nothing of her status as a Grandmaster from the esteemed Gu Family, which was far beyond that of an ordinary Grandmaster, her current Realm alone was enough to command their utmost respect and courtesy.

Though they were all Grandmasters, Gu Qingchan, having already stepped into the Mid-stage Jade Balance Realm, was clearly superior to them in both strength and status.

Among the crowd, many were seeing Gu Qingchan for the first time.

The blue palace-style dress was noble and elegant, her gems brilliant and her jewelry dazzling. Judging by her attire and renowned reputation, one would imagine a peerless beauty of immense grace. But...

This female Grandmaster, Ice Soul Divine Needle Gu Qingchan, actually had a baby face. More importantly, her voice was still tinged with childishness—delicate and crisp, soft and gentle, fresh and sweet, utterly youthful. It created a stark sense of contrast in everyone’s hearts.

When the imagined Ice Soul Divine Needle collided with the real Gu Qingchan, it created an intense emotional shock, setting minds adrift and imaginations running wild.

Her status, her face, her voice... stirred a desire in the depths of many hearts—a desire for conquest.

It wasn’t just the prideful fairy who inspired such a desire. It was as if seeing a hint of vulnerability in a superior suddenly sparked unrealistic fantasies.

This was the desire for the ultimate, exhilarating conquest of a subordinate overthrowing a superior, a fantasy captivating enough to enthrall most people.

However, a fantasy was just a fantasy, far from becoming reality. A Grandmaster’s status was incredibly noble, and Gu Qingchan was a powerhouse among them. Moreover, given her talent, it was highly likely she would advance even further in the future.

Ultimately, the difference between them and Gu Qingchan was like that between the clouds and the mud.

Reality was like a basin of ice-cold water poured over them, instantly extinguishing those unrealistic thoughts.

After a brief daze, everyone held their breath and focused, guarding their thoughts. With expressions of reverence, they listened quietly to the Grandmasters’ conversation. Many, worried about attracting Gu Qingchan’s notice, lowered their heads, daring only to observe her secretly from the corners of their eyes.

Chen Ping’an slowly raised his eyes, gazing at the beautiful figure not far away.

’Gu Qingchan?’ A trace of surprise flashed in Chen Ping’an’s eyes.

He hadn’t expected Gu Qingchan to come to this Ten Thousand Demons encirclement. She had just left Weishui County City for Canglong State City not long ago. How many days had it been? And now she was here at Sanqi Mountain.

’Did she receive an assignment midway and come directly? Or did she first return to Canglong State City, settle the little girl, and then set out?’

As he thought of this, a trace of doubt surfaced in Chen Ping’an’s mind.

He had made an agreement with the little girl that she would send him a letter to let him know she had arrived safely in Canglong State City. However, because he had led his team away from Weishui County City to provide support for the Ten Thousand Demons encirclement, he hadn’t had a chance to receive her letter. He had no idea if she had sent it or not.

’I’ll find a chance to ask Gu Qingchan later.’ A glint flashed in Chen Ping’an’s eyes, and his gaze landed on her baby face—or more precisely, on the point between her eyebrows.

Back in Weishui County City, he had once shared a carriage with her. At that time, he had not yet entered the Mid-Jade Balance Stage, but he had sensed a hidden sharpness in her—an aura so fierce and piercing it could almost stab a person’s soul.

He had been surprised by her cultivation back then. Although she had just achieved a Realm breakthrough, her true combat power was likely several notches higher than one would expect.

Seeing her again today, Chen Ping’an had formed a Spirit Fruit Embryo and his cultivation had entered the Mid-Jade Balance Stage. His perception was extraordinary, far beyond what it used to be. Although they were not close, he could still feel a faint, almost imperceptible threat from her. This further confirmed his previous assessment.

Gu Qingchan’s combat power was likely truly approaching the level of a Top Grandmaster.

’How did she do it?’ Chen Ping’an wondered, speculating inwardly. ’She’s only just reached the Mid-Jade Balance Stage, so how can she possess such formidable combat power? Or... is it just my imagination?’

At this thought, Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but take a few more glances at Gu Qingchan.

Just a moment ago, after learning Gu Qingchan’s identity, Zhong Zeyu, Xu Chongyuan, Xiong Sanrang, and the others had let their gazes drift, either intentionally or not, toward Chen Ping’an.