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

## Chapter 242: Xu Yan Breaks Through the Heart Sword Realm Li Xuan sipped the spiritual tea Xu Yan had scavenged from the Dai family treasury, feeling a wave of refreshment wash over him. No wonder the Dai family had kept this tea as a treasured heirloom; its quality was high, and it had the subtle effect of nourishing the soul. Although the effects were minor, drinking it left one feeling particularly reinvigorated. If a peak Great Grandmaster consumed it, they might gradually break through to the threshold of a Lesser Heavenly Being and enter the Divine Gathering stage. Xu Yan sat atop the mountain peak, refining his martial path and steadily increasing his strength. At certain moments, it seemed as if sword beams were arranging themselves within his internal landscape. The sword beams aligned in some sort of pattern or sequence. Seeing this, Li Xuan couldn't help but be secretly delighted. "Could it be that Xu Yan is beginning to comprehend a sword formation?" Given Xu Yan's prodigious talent, Li Xuan wouldn't be too surprised if he managed to understand the sword formation after studying the array diagrams. Su Lingxiu had started concocting pills necessary for Xu Junhe, Shi’er, Zhou Ying, and Meng Shushu to break through to the Tongxuan Realm, using mostly third-grade spiritual herbs as primary ingredients. Kou Ruozhi had recently managed to reach the pinnacle of the Innate Realm. However, he was still some ways from the Tongxuan Realm and required more time to consolidate his foundations. Among the apprentice alchemists, two had already broken through to the Innate Realm. The others had reached the pinnacle of the Qi and Blood Realm. This speed of progress wasn't slow at all, especially with the help of alchemical pills. In the ranks of the Wu Dao scholars, there were also those preparing to break into the Tongxuan Realm. The power within Canglan Island was rapidly increasing, except for Madam Xu! Li Xuan was delving into the Laws of Heaven and Earth on the third page of the Tai-Cang book while pondering the martial realms beyond the Divine Arts Realm. "Divine Arts concentrates the Martial Spirit, birthing powers of the divine essence. Beyond Divine Arts, it should involve the Laws of Heaven and Earth and the mighty forces of nature. How should one apply these laws and harness these forces?" Li Xuan fell into deep thought. "To continue progressing in martial arts, one must transcend beyond the terrestrial realm. So, although martial arts beyond Divine Arts can utilize the Laws of Heaven and Earth, they shouldn't be constrained by them. “One can use the laws, but cannot be limited by them.” Li Xuan began to form some ideas. The realms beyond Divine Arts started to become clearer in his mind. Time went by quietly. Meng Chong was not far from achieving a complete foundation, which meant he was close to breaking through to the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body. Su Lingxiu was in a similar position. Zi Yun had also surpassed the peak Grandmaster level. Instead of advancing further, she occasionally sought Meng Chong’s guidance in martial arts. Although they practiced different martial paths, Meng Chong had no trouble advising her. Yu Xiaolong finally began interacting with Red Cat, hoping to learn the Greater Beast Arts. To that end, he tried to curry favor with Madam Xu, although she seemed to have an inherent dislike for serpents. However, since it was her treasured son's pet snake, she allowed Red Cat and Yu Xiaolong to interact. Atop Canglan Island, Xu Yan sat cross-legged in silent meditation, as if he had become one with heaven and earth. Even his form seemed to blur at times. His Harmony of Light and Dust Technique had improved to the extent that even if his appearance changed, no one would notice. "Your disciple Xu Yan has perfected the Harmony of Light and Dust Technique; your technique has evolved into the Return to Truth Technique." The Great Dao Golden Book flipped open, emitting golden light. The Return to Truth Technique: everything is genuine! Li Xuan marveled inwardly. This Return to Truth Technique was truly formidable; when one's aura blended with a stone, one became as inconspicuous as that stone, indistinguishable from reality. It's all but impossible that even refining realm experts, or martial artists stronger than them, would detect discrepancies or flaws. Xu Yan continued refining himself; Sword Intent surged around him, as if he were in some kind of profound state. One day, while Li Xuan was memorizing the third page of the Tai-Cang book, preparing to infuse it into the Great Dao Golden Book as a foundation for future martial creations, he suddenly looked up at the mountaintop. A smile appeared on his lips; Xu Yan was about to break through in his Sword Dao. Meng Chong, who was solidifying his own foundations, looked towards the mountaintop in amazement at the spot where his senior brother sat. Then Su Lingxiu also glanced up. Gradually, everyone on Canglan Island turned their gaze to the peak, some in astonishment, others with confused expressions. "When did a sword appear on the mountain?" "I thought it was a tree." Someone asked, puzzled. "Shi'er, do you see a sword there?" Zhou Ying asked, furrowing her brow as she gazed at the peak. She remembered it as a large tree. "It’s a sword, possibly just placed there?" Shi'er nodded, yet remained perplexed. Why place a sword there? The less their power, the more they thought it resembled a sword! But to Meng Chong, it was a great tree, yet also a sword! Sword Intent had concentrated within it, emitting sharp sword beams, and yet it was a tree! In that moment, Meng Chong experienced a flash of insight. "Has Senior Brother grasped the Heart Sword Realm? Is this the Heart Sword Realm? To take all things as swords, mountains as swords, rivers as swords... The second realm of Blade Dao, the Hidden Blade Realm, shares a similar concept; the blade is hidden in all things, where in the world is there no blade? What in the world isn't a blade..." As Meng Chong observed the towering tree, inspiration flooded his mind, and at that moment, his Blade Soul became complete. He also found a direction for how to practice and understand the Hidden Blade Realm. "Your disciple Meng Chong has attained a complete Blade Soul and realized a path for cultivating the Hidden Blade Realm; you've broken through the Hidden Blade Realm." Li Xuan looked towards Meng Chong, feeling overjoyed in his heart. "So this is the Hidden Blade Realm." The blade's presence remained unseen, its sharpness concealed; when activated, it could split heaven and earth in a single strike! Strength had enhanced once more. "Your disciple Xu Yan has broken through to the Heart Sword Realm; your Heart Sword Realm reaches perfection." Xu Yan had broken through to the Heart Sword Realm. In an instant, the small grasses on the mountaintop flew up, cutting into the Cang River, severing its flow. At this moment, everyone on Canglan Island knew Xu Yan had broken through once more. The tiny grasses shot through the air like sharp swords, cutting the river flow! What an incredible Sword Dao! Su Lingxiu's eyes shone brightly; the great tree had turned into a sword, the grass into swords as well, so that all things in the world could transform into swords. Her senior brother's Sword Dao was truly both mysterious and powerful. "If grass and trees can become swords, then what about my Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path..." In that moment, Su Lingxiu received an epiphany. She felt the Dan Fire emerging from her body. Li Xuan turned his head; his joy was palpable. Xu Yan breaking through to the Heart Sword Realm not only brought insight to Meng Chong but also gave Su Lingxiu enlightenment. Could she be about to grasp a new state of mind? "Meng Chong's talent is extraordinary, and Su Lingxiu too. It makes sense they'd gain insight during Xu Yan's breakthrough to the Heart Sword Realm." Li Xuan thought to himself. "Your disciple Su Lingxiu has attained Dan Fire; your Dan Fire perfects." Dan Fire, embodying the essence of fire, accelerates alchemical processes, increases success rates, and enhances the purity and grade of pills, possibly creating Dan Halo. Moreover, its power is significant, surpassing ordinary flame. Xu Yan's breakthrough to the Heart Sword Realm unexpectedly pulled insights from both Meng Chong and Su Lingxiu, proving an unexpected harvest. Yu Xiaolong was deeply shaken; Xu Yan's strength had increased even more. "With his current power, facing average Refining Divine Heavenly Beings, he might not even lose; if caught unawares..." The more he thought about it, the more his mind reeled. Xu Yan's rate of advancement was astonishing. Soon enough, regular Refining Divine Heavenly Beings might not be his match. "The Greater Beast Arts, I must learn them! This is my opportunity; I must seize it!" Yu Xiaolong's eyes were resolute. He looked at the Red Cat; the plump tiger seemed gluttonous, and thus likely easy to manipulate, right? There were still supplies on him; perhaps he could trade some for the methods of Greater Beast cultivation. Yu Xiaolong pondered deeply. Xu Yan had bridged to the second realm of Sword Dao, the Heart Sword Realm. "The third realm of the Sword Dao should now be conceptualized." Li Xuan felt a hint of pressure. Though the martial realms beyond the Divine Arts Realm have just started to form in his mind, they were not yet complete; the third realm of Sword Dao had to be planned as well. Despite the pressure, Li Xuan was highly motivated; growth in strength was the ultimate joy. Not long after Xu Yan attained the second realm of Sword Dao, the Heart Sword Realm, the Dragon Subduing Palm also advanced. "Your disciple Xu Yan has elevated the Dragon Subduing Palm to its fifth level; yours too reaches perfection." At the fifth level, the Dragon Subduing Palm's Dragon Sovereign essence became more pronounced; the form of the palm’s power closely resembled a true dragon, vivid and lifelike. And in a subtle way, a majestic might seemed to emerge. The fifth level of Dragon Subduing Palm had the strength to ride the clouds and command the rains, battling atop waters. Li Xuan felt that the creation of a Divine Skill related to the Golden Dragon might not be far off. Perhaps, upon reaching the next realms of martial arts, the golden dragon projected by the Dragon Subduing Palm would exhibit divine traits, resembling a true dragon. On the Sword Sovereign Cliff, Xie Lingfeng sat cross-legged, silently meditating on Xu Yan's teachings, which floated in his mind until a moment of enlightenment arrived and he entered a profound state. He felt some frustration. Despite having accessed true Sword Dao earlier and delved into it for longer, his father reached Enlightened Sword Heart before him and grasped Sword Intent. At times, he questioned his own talent. While immersed in Sword Dao contemplation, a flash in Xie Lingfeng's mind presented the flaws and weaknesses in his learned sword techniques, laying them all bare. To his eyes, the sword techniques seemed starkly insignificant. He had attained Enlightened Sword Heart! On Canglan Island, Li Xuan was studying the third realm of Sword Dao. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Xu Yan (许炎突破心剑境)**: "Breaks through the Heart Sword Realm" - Emphasizes his advancement in the Sword Dao. 2. **Canglan Island (沧澜岛)**: Retained for its significance as a location of cultivation and narrative importance. 3. **Dan Fire (丹焱)**: Translated as "Dan Fire" to convey its inherent properties as a type of alchemical flame. 4. **Divine Gathering Stage (聚神阶段)**: The stage following the Great Grandmaster, which involves further refinement of martial capabilities. 5. **Hidden Blade Realm (藏刀境)**: Retained for its parallel with the Heart Sword Realm, illustrating a martial concept where all things conceal potential weaponry. 6. **Return to Truth Technique (归真术)**: Conveys the purity and authenticity of the technique’s effects in blending seamlessly into the environment. 7. **Heart Sword Realm (心剑境)**: Emphasizes the integration of Sword Intent with external elements, paramount to the narrative theme of using everything as a sword. 8. **Enlightened Sword Heart (剑心通明)**: Reflects profound understanding and introspection in Sword Dao, highlighting Xie Lingfeng's advancement. ## Chapter 242: Xu Yan Breaks Through the Heart Sword Realm The Great Dao Golden Book flipped open. “Cultivator of your Sword Dao, Xie Lingfeng, has attained Enlightened Sword Heart; your insight into the Heart Sword Realm has risen.” Xie Lingfeng had achieved Enlightened Sword Heart. "Comprehending Sword Intent should not be far off either." Li Xuan hoped with anticipation that Xie Lingfeng would soon grasp some form of Sword Intent. A few days later, Xie Lingfeng arrived. Although he had attained Enlightened Sword Heart, stepping through the gateway of Sword Dao, comprehending Sword Intent still seemed slightly out of reach. He had come to seek guidance from his senior. To his surprise, he found Xu Yan had returned from the Spiritual Domain, which got him instantly excited. "Congratulations, Brother Xie, on entering Sword Dao!" Xu Yan greeted with a smile. "I'm still a bit lacking; understanding Sword Intent is quite difficult!" Xie Lingfeng lamented with a sigh. "Sword Intent isn’t that hard to grasp. Brother Xie already has the foundation; finding the right direction will allow you to understand it quickly,” Xu Yan said, patting his shoulder. Xie Lingfeng felt speechless; to Xu Yan, comprehending Sword Intent seemed like a simple feat. "But I haven’t found the direction for understanding Sword Intent," Xie Lingfeng expressed his frustration. Xu Yan pointed toward the Cang River, saying, “Look at the Cang River, ever-flowing and unceasing. Isn’t your 'Ten Thousand Rivers Sword Technique' supposed to be like that? You might use this as your direction to understand its essence.” Xie Lingfeng paused, staring deeply at the Cang River, and began to ponder. Vaguely, he found inspiration, seemingly discovering the path to grasping Sword Intent. “Thank you, Brother Xu, for your guidance.” Xie Lingfeng found a spot to sit cross-legged and began his meditation. With Xu Yan's guidance, Xie Lingfeng soon found his way. Sword Momentum began to surge within him, resembling the unending flow of mighty rivers. Gradually, the momentum concentrated and started its transformation. The sound of rushing rivers resonated from Xie Lingfeng, and Sword Intent emerged, akin to a great river coursing around him. Gradually, the great river divided itself into small rivers, intertwining and transforming back into a great river. "Your Sword Dao cultivator, Xie Lingfeng, has comprehended the Ten Thousand Rivers Sword Intent; your comprehension of the Ten Thousand Rivers Sword Intent has reached perfection." Li Xuan looked up, nodding in approval—another had attained insight into Sword Intent within the realm of Sword Dao. Not long after comprehending Sword Intent, Xie Lingfeng prepared to break through to the Tongxuan Realm. He had long since achieved Innate perfection and had only lingered there for a while to enter Sword Dao. Xie Lingfeng’s talent surpassed that of Xu Junhe and others; he encountered no bottlenecks in the Innate Realm. After learning the methods for the Tongxuan Realm from Xu Yan, Xie Lingfeng began his transition. Xie Lingfeng's breakthrough to the Tongxuan Realm didn't prompt any feedback from the Great Dao Golden Book, as Li Xuan had anticipated, considering his own Divine Essence Realm status. Xie Lingfeng's breakthrough was relatively minor in comparison. Moreover, since Xie Lingfeng wasn’t his disciple, it made sense that the Great Dao Golden Book didn’t respond. However, within the Ten Thousand Martial Divine Shadows, one shadow now contained Sword Intent, capable of employing the Ten Thousand Rivers Sword Intent—this was Xie Lingfeng's martial feedback. Following Xie Lingfeng's breakthrough, Xu Junhe and several others began advancing to the Tongxuan Realm. Once Xu Junhe, Meng Shushu, Shi'er, and Zhou Ying broke through, the martial scholars soon followed, also stepping into the Tongxuan Realm. Upon entering Tongxuan, they possessed strength comparable to peak Great Grandmasters. They stood at the pinnacle of the Inner Domain's martial prowess. After all, in the present Inner Domain, there were few who stood at the half-step Lesser Heavenly Being threshold. Xu Yan began teaching Xu Junhe and the others martial arts, even trying to guide them in comprehending the concept of Intent. However, limited by their talent, achieving this understanding within a short time posed a significant challenge. Nonetheless, breaking through to Tongxuan granted them a measure of self-protection. Taking some time, Xu Yan visited the Great Wilderness Cabinet to guide Guo Rongshan and the others in their martial cultivation, also delivering pills crafted by Su Lingxiu to ensure their development into the Tongxuan Realm. “It’s about time I head for the Spiritual Domain.” Li Xuan exhaled a long breath. With Xu Junhe and the others breaking through, Li Xuan was ready to leave behind Divine Essence Avatars for protection, ensuring their safety in emergencies, allowing him to venture into the Spiritual Domain without worry. Xu Yan eagerly anticipated returning to the Spiritual Domain, exploring its vast martial world, and competing with the geniuses in transcendent Spiritual Sects. Meanwhile, Li Xuan was thrilled at the prospect of entering the Spiritual Domain to seek out his fourth disciple, aiming to cultivate the mysterious Martial Path. One day, golden light emanated from Meng Chong; he had completed his internal foundation and was ready to break through to the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body, achieving transformation and elevation upon breaking through. Li Xuan showed a look of expectation, “What Divine Bone will Meng Chong transform into upon breakthrough?” This special physique of a Divine Bone Spiritual Physique made one’s strength greatly enhanced and smoothed the path in martial arts. Throughout the Spiritual Domain, unique physiques like this would be a rarity among peerless talents. In the Spiritual Domain, within the capital city of the State of Zheng, and inside the palace— The Emperor of Zheng, along with numerous royal family members and key ministers, bowed low to the ground, paying their solemn respects. “Greetings to the Exalted Ancestor of the Sect!" --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Ten Thousand Rivers Sword Technique (万河剑法)**: This term emphasizes the flowing, connected style that mirrors the unending nature of rivers, significant for Xie Lingfeng’s insight into Sword Intent. 2. **Sects in Chinese Martial Arts culture**: Typically, larger, formal organizations for martial arts training, regarded with high prestige, implicit in the term "Exalted Ancestor of the Sect" which conveys reverence and hierarchy within a martial or spiritual organization. 3. **Great Wilderness Cabinet (大荒内阁)**: A governing or organizational body within a larger wilderness region, in this case, retaining organizational importance, often a place where strategic decisions and learning occur. 4. **Mysterious Martial Path (奇门武道)**: This term conveys a sense of exotic or unorthodox martial techniques yet to be explored by Li Xuan's new disciple. 5. **State of Zheng (郑国), Emperor of Zheng (郑皇)**: Retained for its geographic and political context within the novel, highlighting the centralized royal authority acknowledging or interacting with powerful sects or martial entities. 6. **Divine Bone Spiritual Physique (神骨灵体)**: A crucial martial concept denoting a gifted body, enhancing a practitioner's capabilities and journey in martial arts, key for Meng Chong's arc. 7. **Inner Domain (内域)**: Indicates a specific, perhaps more protected or advanced area in the martial world, reinforcing the strength hierarchy present in the narrative.