“Even among those in the Inner Qi Realm, the disparity is truly vast!”
Chen Ping'an began recalling the detailed information he had previously gathered about the Inner Qi Realm.
According to his understanding, the classification of experts within the Inner Qi Realm was not so simple and crude; it wasn't merely judged by the amount of Internal Energy accumulated in the Qi Sea or the time of promotion.
To be able to step into the Inner Qi Realm meant that, more or less, one possessed extraordinary Cultivation talent. Martial Dao experts in the Inner Qi Realm had many differences in terms of Cultivation Technique, combat skills, practical experience, and natural talent.
Therefore, the classification of Inner Qi Realm experts, as long as it wasn't a difference in a major Realm, such as the disparity between Qi Sea Initial Formation and Clear Turbidity Returning to Origin, was determined through actual combat. Only after they had exchanged blows could one know who was stronger or weaker.
Basically, every renowned Inner Qi Realm expert had forged their path through continuous combat and tempering.
Under a great reputation, there were no false claims; any Inner Qi expert whose name was widely spread was not a simple character.
If classified according to the textual information gathered, the first stage of the Inner Qi Realm, based on combat performance, could generally be divided into four levels: weak, normal, strong, and peak.
Someone like Chen Ping'an currently was at the weak level. Of course, that was because he had just entered the Inner Qi Realm and his Realm had not yet been consolidated.
After accumulating Internal Energy normally for a period, with the Martial Arts Cultivation Technique he practiced, he would be able to firmly establish himself and approach the normal level of the Inner Qi Realm.
After roughly understanding his combat power positioning, Chen Ping'an once again sensed the situation within his Dantian Qi Sea; the Internal Energy he had previously consumed was slowly recovering.
Although the speed was not fast, it was not unacceptable.
After several attempts, Chen Ping'an came to a conclusion.
If he wanted to add new Internal Energy, the speed would be extremely slow, taking days to calculate. But merely to restore existing Internal Energy, the speed would be much faster.
“No wonder those Inner Qi experts need to accumulate for several years to possess extremely considerable destructive power! This refining of Kun Ling Turbid Qi into Internal Energy is simply too slow!”
Chen Ping'an sighed.
However, based on his past experience, as long as his Martial Dao Cultivation Technique Realm achieved a Breakthrough, the Internal Energy within his body should be able to achieve new growth.
Two days after breaking into the Inner Qi Realm, Chen Ping'an also successfully achieved entry into Eight Steps Catching Cicadas, a high-grade light Cultivation Technique.
With the entry into Eight Steps Catching Cicadas, Internal Energy surged within his Dantian Qi Sea, and dozens of wisps of Internal Energy emerged.
“Indeed!”
Chen Ping'an was delighted; his guess was indeed correct.
Just the entry into a single light Cultivation Technique allowed him to completely consolidate his Realm and step into the normal combat power level of the first stage of the Inner Qi Realm.
“Continue! Continue!”
This feeling of constantly receiving feedback on his progress was truly intoxicating.
That evening, Tian Fuliang, along with the Chief Constables of the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office and representatives from various Gangs, set up several tables for Chen Ping'an.
Unlike usual, Chen Ping'an became the absolute protagonist of this banquet.
During the feast, needless to say, the Chief Constables and Gang representatives, even Tian Fuliang himself, were all smiles, frequently toasting Chen Ping'an.
“Ping'an, in the future, I will still have to rely on you a lot!”
“Lord Tian, what are you saying? It's mutual help.”
“Yes, mutual help, hahaha…”
After a round of toasts, the atmosphere was harmonious and warm.
At the farewell banquet, Chen Ping'an received many gifts. Among the gifts were gold, silver, cloth, and other items.
Returning home from the farewell banquet, Chen Ping'an still did not relax his Cultivation of Martial Dao Cultivation Techniques.
In the small courtyard, his posture was tall and straight, like an upright green pine.
His whole body's Qi and blood surged, Internal Energy churned, flowing and swaying back and forth.
Every part of his skin, tendons, bones, blood, and marrow was being continuously refined and tempered.
+1.
As a burst of experience appeared.
A hint of a smile appeared on Chen Ping'an's face as he stopped his Cultivation and stood up.
Whoosh~
The experience points on the panel churned continuously, turning into starlight that poured into his glabella.
Golden Bell Cover, Major Achievement!
At the same time, a large amount of Internal Energy appeared in the Dantian Qi Sea. In just a few moments, the Dantian Qi Sea rapidly filled up.
After a long while, Chen Ping'an emerged from his insights and looked at the panel information floating in the Void Realm.
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Inner Qi - Qi Sea Initial Formation
Martial Arts: Iron Cloth Perfection, Flying Locust Stone Perfection, Gongmen Thirteen Blades Perfection, Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training Perfection, Golden Bell Cover Major Achievement (0/400), Swift Wind Saber Technique Entry (16/60), Eight Steps Catching Cicadas Entry (5/60)
...
“I didn't expect that the Major Achievement of Golden Bell Cover would directly cause the Internal Energy in my Dantian Qi Sea to skyrocket, nearly two-thirds of my Internal Energy reserves! At this point, I can probably be considered an experienced Inner Qi expert, right?”
The significant increase in Internal Energy was somewhat beyond Chen Ping'an's expectations.
Now, in the Inner Qi stage, he was by no means a weak hand.
He should still be a bit short of Mu Wanjun, the Chief Warrant Officer, but there shouldn't be much difference with the Deputy Total Affairs Office. As for other Inner Qi offerings, if they were a bit weaker, he could even gain an advantage.
Of course, this was just Chen Ping'an's own thought; as for the specifics, he would only know after a fight.
After Golden Bell Cover reached Major Achievement, Chen Ping'an wiped his body and then went to sleep contentedly.
Tomorrow was the day he would officially assume his post at the Nancheng Suppression Office.
...
Chen Ping'an had been to the Nancheng Suppression Office several times, so he was familiar with the way.
This time, when he took up his post at the Nancheng Suppression Office, he did not bring Chen Er'ya. He planned to bring Chen Er'ya and others over after he had established himself.
The Nancheng Suppression Office had a wide entrance, and the Yamen Runners on duty were solemn, their spirit and vigor completely different from those in Nanquan Lane.
As Chen Ping'an walked to the main entrance of the Zhenfu Division, before he even spoke, a Yamen Runner came up to greet him.
“Is this Lord Chen Ping'an?”
Evidently, Chen Ping'an's appointment had already been arranged by the Nancheng Suppression Office.
The head of the South City Prison held a high position and power. Even within the Nancheng Suppression Office, he was considered a significant figure in charge of a department.
For such a person to report for duty, his portrait and the date had long been arranged, and people had specifically managed and greeted him from all aspects. Naturally, there would be no plot like in storybooks where the Yamen Runner guarding the gate was ignorant, leading to a reversal and crushing defeat.
Under the Yamen Runner's guidance, Chen Ping'an smoothly entered the Nancheng Suppression Office.
His dossier had already been transferred from Nanquan Lane. When he reported for duty today, matters like registration had already been properly arranged; the main purpose was to receive his waist token and get acquainted with his colleagues.
As Chen Ping'an walked to the Errand Office of the Nancheng Suppression Office, he saw a familiar figure from a distance.
“Lord Chen, I heard you were coming today, so I thought I'd come and see, and I didn't expect to actually wait for you.”
The other party saw Chen Ping'an's figure, let out a hearty laugh, and walked towards him.
“Lord Shen, long time no see.”
Chen Ping'an smiled and cupped his hands.