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

### Chapter 237: Confronting the Aristocratic Family, Defeating the Refining Divine Heavenly Being! Shen Haizhou could only feel his scalp tingle with disbelief. Xu Yan had just barely escaped from the hands of Dai Sheng, a formidable Refining Divine Heavenly Being, and now he was about to take down the Dai family's stronghold? Anyone who managed to flee from a Refining Divine Heavenly Being would surely keep a low profile and hide, dreading being discovered. Yet Xu Yan was the contrary, he intended to take down the Dai family's stronghold! What audacity! Shen Haizhou was utterly astounded. Why was Xu Yan so bold? The Dai family was still an aristocratic family, even if it was just a second-rate one! Xu Yan raised a brow and asked, "What? Is there a problem?" "Brother Xu, I'm calling you brother, understand that the Dai family is a real aristocratic family." Shen Haizhou's face was drenched with cold sweat as he spoke. "So what if they're an aristocratic family? If someone messes with me, they need to pay the price. I, Xu Yan, never let grievances slide. If I'm wronged, I naturally need to retaliate. Since Dai Sheng hunted me down, I'll go and destroy his base." Xu Yan spoke with an air of assumed righteousness. Even Yu Xiaolong was taken aback. Was Xu Yan really going to take on the Dai family stronghold? "Calm down, calm down. Don't act recklessly!" Yu Xiaolong, as a snake, found it hard to cope. Following Xu Yan had made days more thrilling with each passing day. They were just on the run from a Refining Divine Heavenly Being, and now he had plans to destroy an aristocratic family? "Shut up, I know what I'm doing!" Xu Yan glared at Yu Xiaolong. Shen Haizhou swallowed hard, "Brother Xu, are you serious?" "Of course!" Xu Yan nodded, chuckling coldly, "While Dai Sheng is away, I'll take down his family's base. Now, tell me, where is the Dai family stronghold, and are there other Refining Divine Heavenly Beings?" Shen Haizhou’s demeanor grew serious. "The Dai family is a second-rate family in Yuzhou. Officially, only Dai Sheng is known as a Refining Divine Heavenly Being, but there are certainly two of them. "The other Refining Divine Heavenly Being must be guarding the Dai family's treasure vault, weaker than Dai Sheng perhaps, but not by much." Xu Yan's eyes lit up. "The Dai family's treasure vault?" A treasure vault of an aristocratic family—who knows how many treasures are hidden inside. Once more, cold sweat beaded on Shen Haizhou's forehead, and he hurriedly said, "Brother Xu, don't be rash. The Dai family vault does contain treasures, but it is protected by a Refining Divine Heavenly Being." Xu Yan pondered for a moment; with such a guardian, taking down the Dai family was a difficult task. However, it wasn't impossible. Not facing them head-on—could he achieve it by striking from the shadows? "Roaming the martial world requires knowing when to advance and when to retreat. Don’t act recklessly..." Xu Yan already had a few plans forming in his mind. As taught by the master, don’t act like a brute. Know when to advance and retreat, and use your strengths wisely. "You must elaborate on the Dai family. Why are you so sure they have another Refining Divine Heavenly Being?" Xu Yan asked solemnly. Taking a deep breath, Shen Haizhou seemed to realize Xu Yan had made up his mind about dismantling the Dai family stronghold, although it was unclear where his confidence stemmed from. Taking action indicated Xu Yan's preparedness. "The Dai family is a second-rate family in Yuzhou. For such a family, it's essential to have either a mid-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being or two early-stage ones. That makes a second-rate aristocratic family. "Dai Sheng is a perfected early-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being who hasn't yet broken through to the mid-stage. Thus, for the Dai family to hold their status, there must be another Refining Divine Heavenly Being. "These are matters known between Spiritual Sects and aristocratic families. Rogue cultivators outside remain unaware of these Spirit Sect and family class distinctions." Shen Haizhou explained to Xu Yan. The classification within Spiritual Sects and families wasn’t arbitrarily done and pertained to strength and foundation. First, qualifying as an aristocratic family required a heritage of over ten thousand years—a basic standard. A third-rate family must have at least one early-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being. A second-rate family needs either one mid-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being or two early-stage ones. For a top-tier family, at least one mid-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being must be there. Their numbers of Refining Divine Heavenly Beings cannot be less than five. Failing that, regardless of having over five Refining Divine Heavenly Beings, without a mid-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being, it still counted only as a second-rate family. This was the bare minimum. "As a second-rate family, the Dai family is among the weaker ones; having two Refining Divine Heavenly Beings is likely their limit." Shen Haizhou replied gravely. Xu Yan was intrigued by how Spiritual Sects and families were ranked. "What about the Yushen Sect? How strong are they?" The Yushen Sect was the most powerful entity he'd antagonized, calling itself the greatest sect in Yuzhou. "The Yushen Sect ranks as Yuzhou's top sect, a truly first-class Spiritual Sect within the Spiritual Domain, although they lean toward being weaker. In Yuzhou, however, they're the strongest. "The grading standards I discussed pertain to a singular state, while a first-class force within the Spiritual Domain requires at least one late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being, along with more than two mid-stage ones. "In Yuzhou, only the Yushen Sect holds a late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being, making it the preeminent sect in the region and the sole one within the Spiritual Domain rank.” Shen Haizhou spoke solemnly. Given Xu Yan's growing curiosity about the tiers of Spiritual Sects and families, Shen Haizhou elaborated further. Even among first-class forces, differences in strength can be quite vast. A top-tier force in the Spiritual Domain requires a late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being, at minimum. Some truly powerful top-tier families and Spiritual Sects might not find it unusual to have five or six late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Beings. Beyond that, unrivaled Spiritual Sects are awe-inspiring, possessing an unfathomable foundation. Across the entire Spiritual Domain, there are but a few. "Each minor breakthrough within the Refining Divine Heavenly Being realm is incredibly difficult. So many Refining Divine Beings are constrained to the early stages. "Countless Lesser Heavenly Beings cannot even step into the Refining Divine threshold, unable to forge a divine soul. "Many prodigies remain at the Lesser Heavenly Being level, some lingering at the early or mid-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being levels… "Those who push beyond into late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Beings truly stand at the pinnacle of the Spiritual Domain." Shen Haizhou sighed with emotion. Though he considered himself talented, even he dared not assert he would inevitably become a Refining Divine Heavenly Being. Xu Yan finally gained a detailed comprehension of the systems governing Spiritual Sects and aristocratic families. Shen Haizhou, as the young master of a family, clearly had insights into such matters that a wild snake like Yu Xiaolong could not provide. "Yuzhou doesn't seem so strong?" Xu Yan noted surprisedly. Though part of the Spiritual Domain's first-class, the Yushen Sect barely met the lowest qualifications. "Yuzhou is relatively remote, and rumor has it, there was once a calamity that led to Yuzhou's decline." Shen Haizhou explained. "So, where is the Dai family's stronghold? Describe it for me, so I can strike before Dai Sheng returns." Xu Yan said in a determined tone. Shen Haizhou found himself numb. Despite all said, Xu Yan still intended to take down the Dai family? Did he have no fear of their strength? "The Dai family is in Zheng State territory, located here. Among the younger generation, besides Dai Yingying and Dai Jun, there are a few others… "But their talents are average." Shen Haizhou drew a map on the ground, detailing the Dai family's location. He even indicated roughly where their treasure vault might be and described the current generation of Dai family members, their appearances and key traits. Xu Yan cast a suspicious glance at Shen Haizhou. He claimed unfamiliarity with the Dai family yet provided extensive detail on their ancestral grounds and the current generation of heirs. With an awkward smile, Shen Haizhou said, "I've owed Dai Jun before, and with his demise, I sought to understand more about the Dai family." "That's about all I know," Shen Haizhou said. Nodding, Xu Yan addressed Shen Haizhou, "Brother Shen, can you keep Dai Sheng occupied and prevent his return to the family for now?" "Sure!" Shen Haizhou agreed. "Brother Xu, do you truly have the confidence?" The Dai family was guarded by a Refining Divine Heavenly Being. "Not a problem." Xu Yan nodded. "Then I wish you success, Brother Xu!" Shen Haizhou clasped his hands in respect. "Thank you!" Xu Yan also clasped his hands, and turned away, disappearing in an instant. "Yuzhou is about to be shaken. Once the Dai family falls, how will the Yushen Sect and Su family react?" Shen Haizhou murmured. The Yushen Sect and the Su family would no doubt try all means to eradicate the threat that Xu Yan posed. Detaining Dai Sheng wasn't difficult—Shen Haizhou simply had to spread false sightings of Wen Yong and Xu Yan to occupy him. At the moment, Dai Sheng was frantically seeking Xu Yan and Wen Yong. For him, a dignified Refining Divine Heavenly Being of the Dai family, to be thwarted by two rogue cultivators—a question of prestige, indeed! Where would the dignity of the Dai family lie? ... Dai County served as the Dai family's dominion. The Dai family ancestral land was located here. For the Dai family, recent events seemed to herald a streak of bad luck. Dai Yingying, whom they were particularly hopeful for, had been killed, as was Dai Jun. Even the current generation's family head, Dai Yiping, had perished in Mang Mountain, slain by a rogue cultivator. An utter disgrace! Dai Yang was Dai Yingying's older cousin. A man of unremarkable talent, he was over thirty and yet to break through to the Lesser Heavenly Being realm. On this day, Dai Yang returned from the outside, head slightly lowered in a glum mood, appearing quite dejected. None of the family guards or elders suspected anything. Indeed, the misfortunes that befell the Dai family in recent times had subdued the once-vibrant spirit of its younger members. Aimlessly wandering, Dai Yang eventually arrived at the ancestral hall of the Dai family. “Dai Yang, why are you here? Don't act so listless! The treasure vault is a restricted area; no entry without permission!” The gatekeeper elder frowned and barked. "I know," the disguised Xu Yan replied dully as he turned and left. “This place is close to the treasure vault and is suitable for an ambush; I’ll take action here,” Xu Yan, still in disguise as Dai Yang, decided. Behind a large tree outside the ancestral shrine, he slowly buried himself underground, completely masking his presence. “I only have one chance. I must seriously wound him with a single sword strike to have a chance at killing him!” Xu Yan's eyes were serious as he prepared. Sword Intent quietly accumulated, as his Xun Wind Sword Intent continuously refined, relying on it to tear apart the opponent's divine soul when confronting a Refining Divine Heavenly Being. “It’s almost time,” Xu Yan mused silently. His Divine Intent spread out, and suddenly an enormous black-backed, white-bellied giant flood dragon appeared in the sky above the Dai family’s ancestral grounds, letting out a low roar. Thud! The martial artists of the Dai family were taken aback, as if a mountain were pressing down. Those below the Lesser Heavenly Being instantly fell to the ground. Only the Great Heavenly Being elders were able to resist the overwhelming might, though even they were shocked beyond measure. The corpse-manifestation of the Qingtian Jiao (青天蛟) had come to attack the Dai family? Boom! At that moment, an aura of soul pressure emanated from the ancestral shrine’s direction. An elder instantly appeared, charging toward the Qingtian Jiao. “If you came, Qingtian Jiao, don’t leave now. Let’s see how you’ve become a corpse beast.” The Qingtian Jiao exuded vast power, charging at the elder, but with a single palm strike, it fell from the sky, breaking a tree as it crashed to the ground. Roar! The Qingtian Jiao roared, struggling to rise as it landed. The elder descended from the sky, feeling somewhat elated. The missing Qingtian Jiao corpse beast had accidentally intruded upon the Dai family—was this compensation for the Dai family’s losses? “Vile creature, stop struggling!” The elder exclaimed excitedly, reaching out to suppress and capture the Qingtian Jiao completely. Buzz! Suddenly, an intense sensation of danger arose, as a piercing sword light flashed from behind! “Not good!” The elder’s expression changed to horror. He was about to unleash his soul’s might when his form moved to evade the attack. Yet previously unprepared, Xu Yan launched his long-prepared strike, the Xun Wind Sword Intent like a whirlwind, slicing into the elder’s divine soul in an instant. In that moment, the elder felt as if his soul was being battered by a hurricane, like a flickering candle in the wind, wildly wavering and forming fine cracks all over, ready to collapse at any time! "Ah!" The elder let out a pitiful scream. The unbearable pain in his soul halted all his strategies in a heartbeat. Though instinct screamed for him to dodge, to flee immediately, the soul-wrenching pain left him unable to react in time. Life and death teetered on a knife's edge! Xu Yan’s empowered strike sliced into the elder’s soul. Though it didn’t tear the soul to shreds, it inflicted enough damage to leave the unguarded elder’s soul wounded. The soul’s agonizing pain slowed the elder’s body, pausing all his reactionary measures for an instant. This was Xu Yan’s opportunity! Boom! Mountains and rivers seemed to collapse, transforming into a thunderous sword. It was as if, amidst shattered lands, a being wielded the sword of thunder to pass judgment. Slash! The elder’s body was cleaved in two! Without a physical form, his divine soul weakened, seeming to float aimlessly like it lacked support. Light radiated from Xu Yan, Sword Intent surging endlessly, as the Xun Wind Sword Intent, Mountain and River Sword Intent, and the Dragon Subduing Palm's true intent erupted forth! Slash! The divine soul shattered and began to collapse into nothingness. "Who are you?!" The elder’s soul bellowed with unwilling, furious cries. “The one who kills you!” Xu Yan relentlessly attacked, leaving no room for the elder to maneuver. Finally, the elder perished! Turning to dust! Xu Yan exhaled with relief, reaching out to seize the storage pouch that fell with the elder’s corpse, using the Dragon Subduing Palm to control the Qingtian Jiao’s shrinking corpse, and storing it in another pouch. He glanced at the utterly stunned Dai family elders, their expressions terrified and frozen. He swung his sword toward them. “Today, I take on the world, slaying a Refining Divine Heavenly Being!” Xu Yan declared coldly. Boom! With one strike, Xu Yan slew several Great Heavenly Beings without chasing the other panicked escapees, instead heading straight for the Dai family’s treasure vault. Innumerable treasures await in familial vaults, with no time wasted pursuing the fleeing Dai family elders. Breaking into the Dai family vault, there was no time to scrutinize. He seized every storage pouch, furiously stuffing contents into them without regard. Without considering what was inside, he swept the vault clean, then fled immediately. Time to return to the Inner Domain! Dai Sheng would be driven mad by this action, and Yuzhou was bound to feel the reverberations. --- **New Terms and Translation Explanation:** 1. **Qingtian Jiao (青天蛟)**: "Qingtian Jiao" is translated as "Qingtian Jiao." This is a type of mythical dragon in Chinese lore, often associated with storms and water, reinforcing the sense of an overpowering, elemental presence. "Jiao" can be translated to "flood dragon" which corresponds with traditional characteristics of such creatures. Other alternatives could have been "Azure Sky Dragon" or "Blue Heaven Serpent" to emphasize the colors green/blue, but "Jiao" captures the creature's sense as a transformation into a beast. 2. **Shen Haizhou (沈海舟)**: The character name remains transliterated directly, maintaining the cultural essence. 3. **Storage pouch (藏物袋)**: In the context of a cultivator or martial artist's equipment, a "Storage pouch" is used for items that can hold larger quantities than its physical appearance suggests, akin to a "magic bag" concept. This reflects the common use in translation for similar items. The narrative maintains the original's intensity and cunning, portraying Xu Yan's strategic prowess in planning and execution, and his single-minded focus on his mission, with enhanced dramatic tension through the looming Dao energies and martial confrontations.