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

### Chapter 236: Innate Divine Bone, A New Era Li Xuan was taken aback when the Great Dao Golden Book (大道金書) opened. Meng Chong had just had a breakthrough and was consolidating his foundation, so he wouldn't be advancing to the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body (大日不灭金身) anytime soon. Su Lingxiu had also just broken through not long ago. The feedback from the Great Dao Golden Book must be from Xu Yan. Had he broken through or perhaps slain a Martial Heavenly Being (武道天人)? "It was the Sword Dao cultivator Xie Tianheng, who you guided, that successfully mastered the Sword Dao you composed. He initiated Enlightened Sword Heart (劍心通明), raising the level of your Heart Sword Realm (心劍境)." Unexpectedly, the feedback from the Great Dao Golden Book wasn't from Xu Yan but from Xie Tianheng! He had achieved Enlightened Sword Heart! Li Xuan was slightly stunned. Xie Tianheng had become the second person to attain Enlightened Sword Heart in the Sword Dao he had crafted. Although it was through his guidance that Xie Tianheng realized and broke through, it proved that Xie Tianheng's talent in Sword Dao was truly exceptional. He was somewhat stronger than Xie Lingfeng, which was also due to Xie Tianheng's accumulation. After all, Xie Lingfeng was younger and his accumulation in Sword Dao wasn't as deep as his father, Xie Tianheng. "No wonder he could comprehend Sword Momentum. Such talent is extraordinary!" Li Xuan sighed. The path of Sword Momentum filled a gap in his crafted Sword Dao, allowing it to be popularized more broadly and reducing the innate talent requirements for cultivating Sword Dao. "With Enlightened Sword Heart already achieved, Xie Tianheng has long comprehended Sword Momentum. The understanding of Sword Intent (剑意) shouldn't be far off." Li Xuan was curious about which Sword Intent Xie Tianheng would comprehend. "Xie Tianheng should be coming to Canglan Island (滄瀾島) soon, shouldn't he?" Li Xuan looked forward to Xie Tianheng's arrival. Given Xie Tianheng's breakthrough, Xie Lingfeng's shouldn't be too far behind. Li Xuan was about to record the pattern from the second page of the Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書) into the Great Dao Golden Book to attempt composing a higher-level formation diagram based on its Laws of Heaven and Earth (天地法則) when suddenly, the Great Dao Golden Book erupted with gold light. "Did Xie Lingfeng break through?" Li Xuan's first thought was that Xie Lingfeng had broken through, achieving Enlightened Sword Heart. "Your disciple Xu Yan has consolidated the Intent of Heaven and Earth as his own, condensed Martial Divine Intent (武道神意), and broke through to the Divine Intent Realm (神意境), with your divine intent increasing a hundredfold." Li Xuan was startled. Xu Yan had broken through to the Divine Intent Realm. Moreover, the feedback from the Great Dao Golden Book indicated that his own divine intent had increased a hundredfold. In that instant, Li Xuan felt that his divine intent had transformed, the coverage area expanding a hundredfold in just a thought! The increased coverage meant the distance that his awareness could connect with his Divine Essence Avatar (神元化身) had greatly improved, growing from the previous twenty miles to a hundred miles! Although not quite the exaggerated hundredfold increase, the improvement was still astonishing! The enhancement of divine intent meant a substantial increase in power. With one thought akin to divine will, even some Lesser Heavenly Beings (小天人境), their spirit would be suppressed. Sword Intent, Blade Intent, and others all significantly improved with the enhancement of divine intent. Li Xuan was ecstatic. The hundredfold increase in divine intent also meant that the time he could use the Great Dao Golden Book would substantially increase, benefiting his efforts to perfect various techniques with it. For instance, the Great Wilderness Martial Path (大荒武道) still lacked certain martial skills and secret arts. Currently, the martial artists of the Great Wilderness frequently employed the martial techniques and secret arts from the Inner Domain. Now, it was time to compose some martial skills and secret arts. The martial arts techniques practiced by his disciples Xu Yan, Meng Chong, and Su Lingxiu were too profound, making them difficult for ordinary martial artists to learn due to the high talent needed. It was time to compile more accessible techniques. The Great Dao Golden Book once again emitted golden light. "Your disciple Xu Yan has broken through to the Divine Intent Realm and transformed into the Mountain and River Divine Bone (山河神骨), granting you the Innate Divine Bone (先天神骨)." As expected, Xu Yan made a complete breakthrough, transforming himself. Mountain and River Divine Bone! As the Great Dao Golden Book conveyed this, Li Xuan was astonished. This Innate Divine Bone was truly extraordinary, surpassing the Spiritual Bone with a divine grace interwoven within. "Xu Yan now possesses a Divine Bone and Spiritual Physique, making him even stronger and unbeaten below Refining Divine Heavenly Being (煉神天人)." With Xu Yan's current strength, even if he provoked a Refining Divine Heavenly Being, he could still evade them. "Sacred Domain (靈域) Martial Path is flourishing. Su Lingxiu, with her Sacred Domain bloodline, was born with a special constitution. It stands to reason that the Sacred Domain's prodigies must also possess special constitutions." And these prodigies with special constitutions should not be underestimated. Of course, in the same realm, Xu Yan still dominated. But when faced with those a major realm higher, it's uncertain whether Xu Yan could easily prevail. Moreover, powerful Refining Divine Heavenly Beings, likely possessing special constitutions, are incomparable to ordinary ones. Hence, Xu Yan's current strength is not yet overwhelmingly powerful. Only by breaking through to the Divine Essence Realm (神元境) could he possess the true might, fearless of any Refining Divine Heavenly Being. "Now in the Divine Intent Realm, it shouldn't be long before the Divine Arts Realm (神通境) techniques are comprehended, right?" Li Xuan's spirits were uplifted. The Divine Arts Realm represented an incredibly powerful stage he had devised. Once divine arts manifest, sweeping through Refining Divine Heavenly Beings would be effortless. However, the Divine Arts Realm is complex, and what divine arts will be mastered upon breakthrough remains an unknown. Now that Xu Yan has broken through to the Divine Intent Realm, according to calculations, it shouldn't be too long before he returns. "It's time to prepare for martial cultivation after the Divine Arts Realm." Li Xuan pondered. Though divine arts are formidable, they are not the pinnacle of martial arts. The subsequent cultivation and martial methods must also be devised. Yet there's no immediate rush. The realm after the Divine Arts needs careful contemplation. Li Xuan recorded the Laws of Heaven and Earth from the second page of the Tai-Cang Book into the Great Dao Golden Book, attempting to compose a higher-tier formation diagram, albeit with considerable difficulty. "A compendium of Great Wilderness Martial Path should be composed." Li Xuan decided to compile martial skills, secret arts, and techniques related to the Great Wilderness Martial Path. On Canglan Island, those martial academia scholars have studied certain techniques, though still unable to detach from the frameworks of the Inner Domain Martial Path. But Li Xuan desired techniques unique to the Great Wilderness Martial Path. With his Divine Essence Realm prowess, composing martial techniques below the Tongxuan Realm (通玄境) wasn't particularly challenging, especially aided by the Great Dao Golden Book. For techniques and secret arts above the Tongxuan Realm, there was no rush, considering the current Great Wilderness martial artists' realms were mostly in the Innate Realm. Moreover, the created martial skills and secret arts weren't exclusively for those below Tongxuan. Within a few days, Li Xuan compiled an initial compendium of Great Wilderness Martial Path, covering body techniques, step techniques, Qi and Blood (气血) usage, Qi and Blood secret arts, True Qi (真氣) usage, True Qi secret arts, True Essence (真元) usage, and secret arts. It encompassed quite a bit. In total, there were dozens of martial techniques and secret arts. He handed this Great Wilderness Martial Path compendium to Peng Yuan, allowing them to study it. Once these martial scholarship scholars realized it, they could use it as a foundation to explore martial arts unique to the Great Wilderness. Instead of remaining tied to the Inner Domain's martial structure. Peng Yuan and the others were excited beyond measure, and they dove into their study and research day and night. This compendium of Great Wilderness Martial Path wasn't too challenging to comprehend. These martial scholars, with their fair talents and minds focused on martial research, were not likely to fail in comprehension. Completing this task, Li Xuan was again preoccupied with finding a fourth disciple. "It seems I must search for a disciple in the Sacred Domain," Li Xuan sighed. Taking out the Tai-Cang Book, he began delving into the Laws of Heaven and Earth on the third page. The Laws on the third page were more profound and complex, recollecting this knowledge was challenging, even with his divine intent amplified a hundredfold. The stronger his divine intent, the more Li Xuan sensed the profound mysteries and transformations contained within the Tai-Cang Book's patterns. On the spiritual platform, the Great Dao Golden Book opened, spilling forth golden light. "Your disciple Xu Yan has slain a Grand Martial Heavenly Being, elevating your Sword Intent." Li Xuan was taken aback. Xu Yan had just had a breakthrough, and already he had slain a Grand Martial Heavenly Being? Could Xu Yan be on the run, pursued by some major force? In the days following Xu Yan's first kill of a Grand Martial Heavenly Being, he went on to kill three more. Li Xuan almost concluded that Xu Yan might indeed have provoked a force in the Sacred Domain. "Could he have drawn the ire of a Refining Divine Heavenly Being?" Li Xuan murmured to himself. That day, the State of Purple Cloud (紫云国) crumbled. The whereabouts of the Emperor of Purple Cloud became unknown. The powerful from the State of Purple Cloud announced the annexation of their state into the Great Wilderness. Thus, the Inner Domain was completely replaced by the Great Wilderness. A new era truly dawned upon the Inner Domain. Xie Tianheng arrived at Canglan Island. Yet after achieving Enlightened Sword Heart, he hadn't naturally comprehended Sword Intent. "Xie Tianheng, pays respects to the elder!" Xie Tianheng no longer bore arrogance, at least not before Li Xuan. "Not bad. You achieved Enlightened Sword Heart in such a short time, proving your talent in Sword Dao isn't lacking." Li Xuan nodded approvingly. "I am deeply grateful to you, elder. Without the Sword Dao you imparted, Enlightened Sword Heart would have been impossible. Entering the gateway of Sword Dao, one truly perceives its profoundness." ### Terminology and Translation Notes: 1. **Great Dao Golden Book (大道金書)**: A mystical scripture or artifact filled with profound wisdom and insights, used by Li Xuan to enhance cultivation and divine techniques. 2. **Enlightened Sword Heart (劍心通明)**: Refers to clarity or enlightenment in the realm of swordsmanship, where the practitioner attains deep understanding and insight into the Sword Dao. 3. **Heart Sword Realm (心劍境)**: A metaphorical realm or state of mastery in Sword Dao, emphasizing emotional and spiritual connection to sword techniques. 4. **Mountain and River Divine Bone (山河神骨)**: Refers to a legendary or divine physique, signifying immense power and strength, surpassing conventional spiritual constitutions. 5. **Sacred Domain (靈域)**: Represents a mystical or spiritually significant realm known for its formidable martial arts and unique talents. These translations aim to capture the mystical and majestic tone inherent in the Chinese terms while respecting context and introducing the terms for readers unfamiliar with these concepts. Alternative translations could include more literal interpretations like "Sword Heart's Clarity" for Enlightened Sword Heart, but the chosen translations are intended to reflect the original's grandeur and sophistication. "Junior Xie Tianheng hereby declares to become a Sword Dao apprentice under your esteemed tutelage from now on," Xie Tianheng respectfully stated. He had devoted his life to the study and passion for Sword Dao, believing himself to be peerless throughout history after comprehending Sword Momentum. However, only by achieving Enlightened Sword Heart and truly entering the gateway of Sword Dao did he realize that he had been like a frog at the bottom of a well. Since Xie Tianheng wished to become a Sword Dao apprentice under his guidance, Li Xuan did not object. Although merely an apprentice and not a full disciple, Xie Tianheng's understanding of Sword Momentum made him a fitting member of his Sword Dao lineage. "Are you encountering difficulties in grasping Sword Intent?" Li Xuan inquired. "Yes, I humbly seek your guidance to dispel my confusion," Xie Tianheng replied eagerly. "Sword Intent can arise from your heart's intention, the essence of Sword Momentum, or even the principle of a sword technique. This concept is profound and must be realized personally, though I can offer some guidance. "You can base your understanding on Sword Momentum and from there grasp Sword Intent. "You can also start from a sword technique you excel in, using that as a foundation to comprehend Sword Intent..." Li Xuan was prepared and began to offer his guidance. "Thank you, senior!" After taking a respectful leave, Xie Tianheng returned to Sword Sovereign Cliff (剑尊崖) to contemplate Sword Intent. "What kind of Sword Intent will Xie Tianheng comprehend? If every practitioner of my Sword Dao enlightens with Sword Intent, can I receive feedback from all?" Li Xuan grew eager at the thought. Sword Intent is not easily grasped. It requires considerable talent, and any Sword Dao practitioner of his who realizes Sword Intent could provide him with feedback. In this way, the Sword Intents he mastered would increase over time. The Sword Dao had spread far; what about the Blade Dao? Li Xuan glanced at Meng Chong, shaking his head; the progress of Blade Dao would depend on fate. Meng Chong had not discerned additional Blade Intent. For him, the journey of continually refining and perfecting Blade Intent to its utmost was his unique gift. "If there is Sword Intent and Blade Intent, naturally there can also be Fist Intent and Battle Intent. This represents a stage of Martial Dao Intent unique to the Great Wilderness Martial Path. "To step into such intent signifies a true prodigy of the Great Wilderness Martial Path. "In that sense, perfecting the concept of intent as the signature mark of a prodigy should happen, and directions for understanding Fist Intent and Battle Intent need to be defined. "Similar to Sword Dao, which can begin with Sword Momentum, leading to the comprehension of Sword Intent. "Intent can vary in strength; the Sword Intent realized by Xie Tianheng is surely not as strong as Xu Yan's. "And Xu Yan and Meng Chong represent the pinnacle of intent." Li Xuan developed more ideas for refining the Great Wilderness Martial Path. "The Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path (丹醫武道) isn't easy for realizing intent, yet the longevity and acute focus needed for refining medicinal pills could very well mirror the concept of intent. "That girl Su Lingxiu, as a pioneer of the Dan Medical Path, should also grasp some unique traits specific to Dan Medical practitioners." Li Xuan thought of the Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path. Alchemists in this path are not combat-focused; hence, they lack certain mystical insights. Nevertheless, their longevity and acute awareness for alchemy can offset the lack of innate intent. While delving into the third page of the Tai-Cang Book, Li Xuan gradually composed higher-order formation diagrams and simultaneously researched the theories of martial intent in the Great Wilderness Martial Path. After the Inner Domain was officially replaced by the Great Wilderness, the latter rapidly developed its martial path. Li Xuan noticed the exponential growth in the number of his Thousand Martial Divine Shadows (千武神影), with their mastered martial techniques transforming. "The practitioners of the martial path you composed have exceeded ten thousand; you have gained Myriad Martial Divine Shadows (萬武神影)!" The number of Great Wilderness practitioners surpassed ten thousand. Li Xuan was curious whether the number of divine shadows would transform if it continued to grow. "It's been some time since Xu Yan killed any Martial Heavenly Beings; he should be returning soon, right?" Li Xuan reminisced about his first disciple, Xu Yan. For several days, the Great Dao Golden Book hadn't shown any feedback of Xu Yan slaying Martial Heavenly Beings. --- In Wushuang Pavilion (无双阁), Yun Miaomiao dressed simply, leaning by the window, gazing towards where Canglan Island was situated. "That rascal Xu Yan has entered the Sacred Domain; I wonder how he's faring. Hopefully, he hasn't been ensnared into slavery," the Wushuang Great Grandmaster remarked cheerily. "Master!" Yun Miaomiao rolled her eyes at her teacher. "My dear disciple, once the Jade Token time arrives to enter the Sacred Domain, perhaps you could seize Xu Yan and make him your servant, so you can be with him every day?" the Wushuang Great Grandmaster offered with a sly grin. "Master, abandon such thoughts; doing that could end terribly for you. Xu Yan is no ordinary person. Even in the Sacred Domain, he is a peerless prodigy," Yun Miaomiao sternly replied. "I understand." The Wushuang Great Grandmaster rolled her eyes. "The Inner Domain is now history; it's the Great Wilderness era." She couldn't help feeling a deep sigh with such dramatic changes in a short span. "I have a premonition that the Great Wilderness and the Sacred Domain will clash," the Wushuang Great Grandmaster spoke solemnly. "But it doesn't concern us. As I hold the Tai-Miao Jade Token (太緲玉令) and become a Tai-Miao Sect (太緲宗) member, we won't partake in these conflicts," Yun Miaomiao said, adding, "And whether our Grand Ancestor is still alive remains unknown." "Perhaps she is?" the Wushuang Great Grandmaster uncertainly responded. "According to our heritage, years ago the Grand Ancestor was critically injured by the Demon Lord but was saved by another ancestor, leaving behind the Jade Token. With the Sacred Domain's gate opening, one who bears the Jade Token can enter and become a disciple of Tai-Miao Sect. "The cultivation methods we practice were also transmitted by the Grand Ancestor," the Wushuang Great Grandmaster recalled from their secret inheritance. --- ### Terminology and Translation Notes: 1. **Sword Momentum (劍之勢)**: Refers to the underlying force or momentum of sword techniques. Could also be translated as "Sword Aura" but "Momentum" captures the progressive force suggested. 2. **Tai-Miao Jade Token (太緲玉令)**: A symbolic token granting access or affiliation to the Tai-Miao Sect, highlighting one's legitimacy or special status. 3. **Thousand Martial Divine Shadows (千武神影)**: A metaphorical representation of martial mastery. Used to indicate diverse martial arts skills or avatars practiced or controlled by Li Xuan. 4. **Myriad Martial Divine Shadows (萬武神影)**: An extension indicating an immense multitude of martial representations marking the escalation and proliferation of martial techniques under Li Xuan’s guidance. These terms focus on conveying the mystical essence of martial arts cultivation, while terms like "Sword Intent" and "Blade Dao" retain translations that respect cultural martial philosophies.