235 - Made-Up Martial Arts, Have You Really Mastered Them, Disciple?

Chapter 235: Those Who Trespass on Canglan Island, Die! In the northern region of the Canglan Lands, at the headquarters of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion (天寶閣), a group of powerful figures, along with a man wearing a purple crown, gathered. "Xu Yan has been in the Spiritual Domain (靈域) for some time now, I wonder how he's faring?" one person said. "Xu Yan entering the Inner Domain (內域) is certainly different from what we do," the man with the purple crown shook his head and said. "What is the situation in the Inner Domain? Some old folks have already joined the Great Wilderness Cabinet and become its patrons." "This is the second path besides entering the Spiritual Domain. Who would willingly become a servant?" "What about us?" For a moment, silence fell among the strong individuals of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, unlike other forces in the Inner Domain, was under the influence of a Spiritual Domain power due to the backing of its Master, the man with the purple crown, whose purpose was to monitor the Demon Lord. Currently, it was unclear whether the Spiritual Domain had given up on the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. However, joining the Great Wilderness would bring trouble to the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. "The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. Though the Inner Domain has become the Great Wilderness, you all are now people of the Great Wilderness. Becoming patrons of the Great Wilderness Cabinet is quite normal. "Additionally, this doesn't violate the rules of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, so you can join the Great Wilderness Cabinet's Hall of Patrons in your personal capacities," the man with the purple crown said solemnly. Due to his special status, he couldn't join the Great Wilderness. Unless the Great Wilderness became strong enough to withstand the Spiritual Domain's impact. "Then so be it!" All the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion's Half-Step Heavenly Beings nodded in agreement. They were at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion, how could they willingly become servants unless there was no choice? With an option now, they naturally chose the other path. As the Half-Step Heavenly Beings of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion secretly joined the Great Wilderness Cabinet's Hall of Patrons, the situation in the Inner Domain changed once more. Meanwhile, within the Great Wilderness Cabinet, a group of powerful figures gathered to discuss the future of the Inner Domain. They were at the pinnacle of martial arts within the Inner Domain, with its changing dynamics under their control. "Since we are now patrons of the Great Wilderness, the Inner Domain becomes a thing of the past," one patron stated. "Indeed, let the Inner Domain be the past; the Martial Path of the Great Wilderness is the true path." Soon after, a significant event that shook the Inner Domain occurred. The State of Yan (燕国) announced its merger with the Great Wilderness, with the Emperor of Yan becoming the third emperor of the Great Wilderness. The descendants of the Yan royal family now have the right to compete in the next emperor selection of the Great Wilderness. Henceforth, the Great Wilderness Cabinet will govern the State of Yan. By this move, only the State of Purple Cloud (紫云国) remained of the three major states in the Inner Domain. Suddenly, all attention turned to the royal family of the State of Purple Cloud, and even the martial artists there were concerned if they too would merge with the Great Wilderness. In the palace of the State of Purple Cloud. The Purple Cloud Emperor was furious, "The Yan Emperor must be mad! How can the weak Great Wilderness compare to the Spiritual Domain?" Taking a deep breath, he asked sternly, "Has my rebellious daughter been found?" The grand eunuch bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, we have a lead. Young Master Su is on his way to find Princess Zi Yun (紫韻公主)." "Good, good, good. It's good that Young Master Su is going. Let the girl see what true bloodline is. It's a blessing for her to marry Young Master Su," the Purple Cloud Emperor said, feeling pleased. "The opening of the Spiritual Domain's Gate is not far away. With Young Master Su's Spiritual Domain bloodline, we can enter the domain without becoming mere servants. Whether it's the Inner Domain or the Great Wilderness, they are but wild lands. Only the Spiritual Domain is the true haven of the Martial Path!" The Purple Cloud Emperor's eyes filled with longing. Suddenly, a panicked figure rushed in. "Your Majesty, there's terrible news!" The Purple Cloud Emperor's eyes narrowed as he asked in a deep voice, "Has the Great Wilderness attacked?" The first thing he thought of was that the Great Wilderness had attacked the State of Purple Cloud, so his expression was solemn, but he remained composed. With the Spiritual Domain bloodline of Young Master Su present, it could intimidate the powerful forces of the Great Wilderness. "No, no, it's—it's Young Master Su, he's dead!" The newcomer was pale and spoke in a trembling voice. "What?" The Purple Cloud Emperor's expression changed drastically. "Who killed him, who could kill him?" After all, Young Master Su was his reliance to enter the Spiritual Domain, and now he was dead? "It was... Princess Zi Yun!" the man said, his voice trembling. The Purple Cloud Emperor was stunned, his face turned pale, and his eyes were filled with rage, "That rebellious girl! How could she dare? What about Su Elder, where is he?" "He went to hunt down Princess Zi Yun." "Pass my decree, capture the rebellious girl, and announce to the world that Zi Yun is no longer a princess of the State of Purple Cloud!" The Purple Cloud Emperor's voice trembled with rage, and his whole being was nearly hysterical. "Yes, Your Majesty!" The message suddenly spread throughout the Inner Domain. The Purple Cloud Emperor declared to the world the severance of the father-daughter relationship with Zi Yun, her removal from the title of princess, and issued a bounty for her capture. For a time, the major forces in the Inner Domain were stunned. Zi Yun, once one of the three youngest Grandmasters in the Inner Domain, was abandoned by the State of Purple Cloud and there was now a bounty for her capture? The Purple Cloud Emperor must be insane! On Canglan Island, Li Xuan exhaled a breath. The first volume of the "Classical Text on Array Paths" (陣道大典) was finally compiled. "A total of thirty-six formations, nine of which are grand arrays. Let's leave it at that for now." After organizing the array diagrams and integrating the Heavenly Mystery Array (天地奇局) into them, Li Xuan had compiled thirty-six array diagrams in total, with nine being grand arrays. The teleportation array was one of the nine grand arrays. "Small formations are easy to comprehend; grand arrays are much more difficult. They truly involve the Laws of Heaven and Earth and require extremely high talent," Li Xuan mused with a sigh. The Mysterious Martial Path requires exceptional talent; otherwise, one cannot cultivate artifacts, formations, and prohibitions into one and achieve mastery. Moreover, the path emphasizes the "mysterious" and "unorthodox." It needs individuals uniquely talented in this aspect. "I hope, I can find the fourth disciple smoothly," Li Xuan sighed. The array diagrams had been sent out. Yet, so far, no one had been able to comprehend anything significant from them. Finding the right disciple truly relies on fate. "If there's none in the Inner Domain, then let's look in the Spiritual Domain. With its vastness and flourishing martial arts, the Spiritual Domain should have someone with such talent, right?" Li Xuan thought to himself. With the Classical Text on Array Paths already organized, if anyone could comprehend the grand arrays, Li Xuan was willing to accept them as an informal disciple, allowing them to delve into the array path. However, to this day, not a single person had grasped anything from the array diagrams. Li Xuan glanced at the Red Cat (赤貓), this fat tiger had been diligently learning to read, practicing writing, and all the while, studying the array diagrams. But as it stood, there had been no progress. "Even though Red Cat is a Greater Beast (大妖) and has awakened intelligence, how could it possibly comprehend the array diagrams?" Li Xuan chuckled. Su Lingxiu and Meng Chong, on the other hand, might have a chance, but they were currently focused on enhancing their strength, striving to break through to the Divine Intent Realm. Thus, Li Xuan had not asked them to explore the array diagrams, avoiding any distraction that might delay their cultivation. Above Cang River, a figure soared from the water, splashing droplets into the air as it swiftly approached Canglan Island. "You wretch, you deserve to die, where can you escape!" A figure, an old man with bloodshot eyes and in a state of rage, chased relentlessly, his Half-Step Heavenly Being aura spreading outward. A Half-Step Heavenly Being! Zi Yun's face was pale as she frantically fled toward Canglan Island, her speed swift, fearing the oppressive aura of the pursuer. Having achieved the Great Grandmaster level, Zi Yun's speed was impressive, but still not enough against a Half-Step Heavenly Being. Fortunately, Canglan Island was within sight. Before the opposing Half-Step Heavenly Being's divine aura could suppress her, she desperately landed on Canglan Island. "Wretch, dared to kill the Young Master, I'll tear you to pieces!" The old man's rage knew no bounds, charging straight toward Canglan Island, making no attempt to withdraw his Half-Step Heavenly Being aura. Li Xuan glanced up, then continued to delve into the Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書). Clang! A blade light cleaved downward from the mountain. "Those who trespass on Canglan Island, die!" Meng Chong's cold voice resounded. Thud! Before the Half-Step Heavenly Being's aura could touch Canglan Island, the blade light shattered it, and the old man's body disintegrated into ash. Zi Yun fell to the ground in her disheveled state but smiled. "Why are you here?" Meng Chong appeared beside Zi Yun, his brow slightly furrowed, noticing her serious injuries and disheveled state. "I’m here to escape calamity!" Zi Yun smiled joyfully. "Whom did you provoke?" Meng Chong took out an elixir for her to consume. "A self-important arrogant fool, dared to covet me, so I killed him," Zi Yun chuckled. Meng Chong raised an eyebrow, curious, "Who?" --- **Translations and Explanations of New Terms:** 1. **Heavenly Treasure Pavilion (天寶閣)** - Translated as the "Heavenly Treasure Pavilion," preserving the original connotation of an esteemed gathering place or organization dealing with precious items. 2. **Inner Domain (內域)** - Translated as "Inner Domain," indicating a central and possibly protected or prestigious area within the setting. 3. **Purple Cloud Emperor (紫雲皇)** - Direct translation retaining the title and name, maintaining the regal and authoritative connotation. 4. **Zi Yun (紫韻)** - Kept the name as is, as it is a personal name. "Zi Yun" can translate directly to "Purple Rhyme," but is left as a personal proper noun here. 5. **Spiritual Domain (靈域)** - Translated to "Spiritual Domain" to emphasize its mystical and potentially transcendent nature in martial arts. 6. **Classical Text on Array Paths (陣道大典)** - Translated to "Classical Text on Array Paths," keeping the scope of the text as a scholarly or significant manual. 7. **Heavenly Mystery Array (天地奇局)** - "Heavenly Mystery Array" is a direct translation to maintain the intrigue and complexity suggested by the original term. The translation aims to keep the names and titles as close to their original meaning as possible to preserve the story's cultural and thematic integrity while considering context. "He claimed to have the bloodline of the Spiritual Domain, carrying a family heirloom jade token, and insisted on entering the Spiritual Domain. Because of this, he was arrogant, and even had a Half-Step Heavenly Being protector. "He was the very person my father intended for me to marry. That bastard found me and was insufferably arrogant, proclaiming that marrying him would be my fortune of a lifetime. "Then he demanded that I serve him, so in a fit of rage, I killed him. "I took advantage of the moment before his protector noticed and fled, finally escaping to here." Zi Yun scoffed. Meng Chong was surprised, "Spiritual Domain bloodline?" "It likely comes from descendants left behind when the Gate of the Spiritual Domain last opened and those from there entered our realm," Zi Yun rose to her feet and stood flirtatiously in front of Meng Chong, saying, "I've been disowned and cast out by my father. I no longer have a home, so I've come to take refuge with you." Meng Chong frowned, "You have a jade token too. Your father..." Zi Yun sneered, "He's just a scoundrel. If he knew I had a jade token, he would imprison me to seize it for himself, perhaps even kill me. "He’s already sent people to hunt me down, what more is there to say?" "Alright, then you can stay on Canglan Island," Meng Chong nodded. As for Zi Yun's troubles, he was completely unconcerned. The Purple Cloud State would not last long. The strength of the Great Wilderness is unstoppable, something Meng Chong is well aware of, and a trifling Purple Cloud State cannot impede such momentum! "The time for entry into the Spiritual Domain with the jade token is not far off. Will you enter with me?" Zi Yun asked. "You should pursue your own destiny; I will go to the Spiritual Domain as well; our paths will surely cross again," Meng Chong thought for a moment before replying. After rescuing Zi Yun, Meng Chong returned to his cultivation. "Greetings, Senior!" Zi Yun respectfully greeted Li Xuan. "Hmm." Li Xuan nodded, allowing Zi Yun to be at ease. Zi Yun possessed promising talent and was a devoted admirer of Meng Chong. Whether they could become a couple depended on their own fate, and as her master, he wouldn't interfere. Zi Yun's arrival did not cause any disturbances on Canglan Island. As for the pursuers from the State of Purple Cloud, they dared not step foot on the island. Moreover, the State of Purple Cloud's situation was precarious itself. The power of the Great Wilderness is unstoppable. Driven by many powerful figures and numerous forces, news regarding the Spiritual Domain slowly started spreading across the Inner Domain. The Inner Domain's people were regarded as mere servants, like pigs and dogs, by those from the Spiritual Domain. Encouraged by powerful figures and major forces, the martial artists of the Inner Domain felt ignited, frustrated with the overbearing of the Spiritual Domain, and harbored a desire to reclaim dignity for the Inner Domain! The Inner Domain was not a dependency of the Spiritual Domain, nor a servant's breeding ground! Thus, the Inner Domain was no longer the Inner Domain but the Great Wilderness, the true orthodox of the world! The concept of the Inner Domain was gradually abandoned and replaced with the deep-rooted idea of the Great Wilderness. Under the cumulative push from numerous powerful figures and top forces, the momentum of the Great Wilderness became unstoppable! The State of Purple Cloud was already teetering, and some ministers had even betrayed it, defecting to the Great Wilderness. "Your disciple, Meng Chong, has achieved Great Sun Immortal Golden Body Perfection, thus enhancing your Great Sun Immortal Golden Body." Meng Chong had perfected his Great Sun Immortal Golden Body. Next, it’s about building the foundation to break through to the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body. Soon after Meng Chong's breakthrough... "Your disciple, Su Lingxiu, comprehended the martial path to the Divine Intent Realm; your Dan Medical Martial Path has advanced to the Divine Intent Realm." Li Xuan smiled. His Dan Medical Martial Path had reached the Divine Intent Realm. "Your disciple, Su Lingxiu, has achieved mastery in the Tongxuan Realm; your Dan Medical Martial Path has advanced." Su Lingxiu had mastered the Tongxuan Realm. "Xu Yan should also be nearing a breakthrough, right?" Li Xuan pondered. Xu Yan had defeated several Lesser Heavenly Beings, but the reason was unknown. Could it be because of a struggle for treasures? "Where will I find my fourth disciple?" Li Xuan was once again reminded of the Mysterious Martial Path, and without anyone suitable to comprehend it, felt a headache coming on. "Perhaps, she should try?" Li Xuan thought about Zi Yun. She was one of the three youngest Grandmasters in the Inner Domain, and her talent even seemed to surpass Xie Lingfeng's. He took out a small array diagram he had drawn and called Zi Yun over. "You may comprehend this diagram; if you gain something, it may lead to an opportunity." "Yes, Senior!" Zi Yun was thrilled. Picking up the diagram, she found it extremely profound and could not discern much from it. "It's too profound, I have to study it carefully." Zi Yun began to delve into the array diagram. As time passed, Li Xuan grew disappointed. Zi Yun, too, failed to comprehend anything. It seemed she lacked the talent for the array path. Finally, Madam Xu was preparing for her breakthrough to the Innate Realm. Since Xu Yan went to the Spiritual Domain, she diligently trained, sometimes practicing for two and a half hours a day, sometimes two. Of course, there might have been some laziness in between, but overall, she became more diligent. Now, she was ready to break through to the Innate Realm. Currently, on Canglan Island, even the weakest possessed full Qi and Blood Realm mastery, including those apprentice alchemists. Apothecary Pan had achieved small mastery in the Innate Realm and had learned the most basic alchemy methods, capable of independently crafting low-grade pills like Qi and Blood Pills and Qi Nourishing Pills. Xu Junhe had achieved full mastery in the Innate Realm, as had Zhou Ying, but both had encountered bottlenecks and were unable to break through to the Tongxuan Realm for the time being. Madam Xu reaching the Innate Realm was a natural progression. Of course, her strength wasn't expected to be formidable. She had the realm without practicing martial techniques. As per Xu Junhe and Xu Yan's views, Madam Xu should just enjoy life, never being expected to engage in fighting. On this day, Li Xuan felt that he had committed the second page of the Tai-Cang Book to memory enough to paint it out, so he prepared to write it into the Great Dao Golden Book, pondering the formulations for higher-level grand arrays. Suddenly, the Great Dao Golden Book on his spiritual platform opened, and golden brilliance surged forth. --- **Translations and Explanations of New Items:** 1. **Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書)** - Translated as the "Tai-Cang Book," retaining its original meaning of an esteemed or seminal text, likely holding mystical or profound truths. 2. **Jade Token (玉令)** - Kept as "Jade Token," to emphasize its heritage and potential power or significance in the story, typically symbolizing a special status or privilege. 3. **Spiritual Platform (靈台)** - Translated as "Spiritual Platform" because it signifies a mystical or mental state, likely related to meditation or spiritual activities. 4. **Qi and Blood Pills (气血丹), Qi Nourishing Pills (蘊氣丹)** - Direct translations retain their original medicinal/significance meaning, aligning with cultural beliefs of their restorative potential. This translation strives to keep the core meaning and nuances of the original terms intact while adapting them naturally into English usage, ensuring both clarity and cultural integrity.