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

Chapter 246: First Entry into the Spiritual Domain, Annihilating the Divine Gathering with a Gesture "Do you have a Jade Token (玉令)?" The guard asked indifferently. Du Yuying and her two companions opened their palms, revealing a jade token. Initially, the guard didn't pay it much attention, just casting it a cursory glance, ready to look away. Suddenly, his expression changed dramatically. "What is this?" Could it be the Tai-Miao Jade Token (太緲玉令)? And from the Great Zhou (大周), the Green King Jade Token (青王玉令)? His heart surged with shock. This visit to the State of Zheng (郑国) to deliver a message was by an elder from the Tai-Miao Sect (太緲宗) and the current Green King of Great Zhou! Another guard quickly turned and dashed into the Spiritual Domain’s gate. "Young ladies, please come in!" The remaining guard smiled broadly. Du Yuying, accompanied by Cuier, along with Yun Miaomiao and her master, Wushuang Great Grandmaster, and Zi Yun, entered the gate of the Spiritual Domain, curious about the change in the guard's attitude. Xu Yan had once explained the transcendental status of the Tai-Miao Sect and the Great Zhou in the Spiritual Domain. "Your Majesty, there is joyous news!" The guard came hurriedly, his face lit with excitement. "What joyous news?" The Emperor of Zheng furrowed his brow, considering the guard somewhat lacking in steadiness—perhaps he should be demoted. "Your Majesty, individuals from the Inner Domain bearing the Tai-Miao Jade Token and the Green King Jade Token have arrived!" The guard reported excitedly. "What, truly?" The Emperor of Zheng exclaimed, suddenly standing upright. "Without a doubt!" The guard solemnly replied. "Good, good. You two have performed meritoriously as guards, you will be promoted!" The Emperor of Zheng announced joyfully. With this visit from individuals carrying such Jade Tokens, he was bound to receive acclaim from the sects! The Emperor of Zheng, with a smile across his face, led a group of important officials to personally welcome Du Yuying and the two women. Bringing maids into the Spiritual Domain was of no concern as long as the Jade Tokens were prestigious enough. Seeing the guests, his heart brimmed with excitement. These are indeed exceptional talents! As for Xie Tianheng and his son, he took one look and ignored them. Xie Tianheng's expression darkened, but given the other party's strong presence, he remained silent. Upon arriving in the Spiritual Domain, unfamiliar with the terrain, they would still depend on the escort from the State of Zheng to reach their destination. Inside the Zheng Royal Palace, Xiang Qing and Yalong sat silently. Once the gate of the Spiritual Domain opened, those holding the Jade Tokens would enter, after which the gate would close. It might remain disconnected from the Inner Domain for a long time. This effectively severed the martial path for those from the Inner Domain. Suddenly, a high-ranking official from the State of Zheng rushed in, kneeling with a thud, and reported, "Honored Upper Sect Lord, there are three exceptional talents from the Inner Domain; one possesses the Great Zhou Jade Token, the others the Tai-Miao Jade Token!" Xiang Qing frowned, asking, "Are you certain about the Great Zhou Jade Token?" The Kingdom of Great Zhou, in the Spiritual Domain, is the only royal regime not controlled by the Spiritual Sects or noble families. Its power rivals that of several transcendental Spiritual Sects. Since it is a kingdom, lower-level martial artists in Great Zhou have relatively better prospects. Moreover, talented individuals from lower ranks also have a chance to ascend, receiving cultivation from Great Zhou, ultimately becoming key officials. For this reason, Great Zhou rarely issued Jade Tokens to the Inner Domain. Since the incident with the Blood Demon, it was assumed no token of Great Zhou existed in the Inner Domain. "Reporting to the Honored Upper Sect Lord, there’s no mistake, it is indeed the Great Zhou Jade Token and Tai-Miao Jade Token!" The official replied respectfully. "Bring them in." Xiang Qing sternly commanded. Yalong delicately furrowed her brow, saying nothing. "Yes!" Soon, escorted by the Emperor of Zheng and high-ranking officials, Du Yuying and her group reached the grand hall, with Xie Tianheng and his son following suit. Swish! Suddenly, Yalong's expression changed as she swiftly moved in front of Du Yuying. Xiang Qing was momentarily taken aback, regarding Du Yuying with astonishment. Du Yuying, taken aback by the sudden appearance of Yalong, felt immense pressure. "Where is your Jade Token?" Yalong's voice trembled slightly. Du Yuying opened her palm. Yalong took the Jade Token, examined it for a long while, and returned it to Du Yuying, asking, "What is your name?" "Responding to the senior, this little one is called Du Yuying!" Du Yuying replied nervously. "Du Yuying?" Yalong murmured to herself, "Come back with me to the Tai-Miao Sect." Turning to Yun Miaomiao and Zi Yun, she asked, "Who else holds the Tai-Miao Jade Token?" "Senior, it is I." Yun Miaomiao responded, handing over her Jade Token. Upon seeing it, Yalong's expression changed again, as it was identical to Du Yuying's. "How did you come by this Jade Token?" Yalong took a deep breath and inquired. "It was passed down from my ancestral grandmother." Yun Miaomiao responded. "Ancestral grandmother..." Yalong sighed internally, "Then, come with me to the Tai-Miao Sect." Returning to her seat, lost in thought. Xiang Qing transmitted, "That girl bears quite a resemblance to your esteemed teacher, could it be..." "Do not inquire about what you shouldn't." Yalong coldly replied. Xiang Qing looked at Xie Tianheng, Zi Yun, and asked, "Who holds the Great Zhou Jade Token?" Zi Yun raised her hand, saying, "Senior, it is I!" "Let me see the Jade Token." "Here, senior!" Zi Yun nervously handed over the Jade Token. Xiang Qing beckoned, and the Jade Token flew into his hand. Upon examining it, his expression changed. The Green King Jade Token! "Where is the owner of this token?" Xiang Qing asked with a serious tone. "He has already fallen. I buried him in the Demon Hunting Valley." Zi Yun softly replied. Xiang Qing remained silent for a moment, "Come to the Green King's Mansion with me. I will adopt you as my goddaughter." Zi Yun was stunned, hastily kneeling and kowtowing respectfully, "Zi Yun, greets the godfather!" "Mm, rise." Xiang Qing nodded. Zi Yun returning with her grandfather's Jade Token seemed fate-bound. He looked towards Xie Tianheng and his son. Xie Tianheng felt awkward, seeing the distinguished Jade Tokens others held, realizing his might be of little significance. "Senior, here is my Jade Token." Xie Tianheng presented his Jade Token. Xiang Qing took a look, then carefully scrutinized Xie Tianheng and his son before deliberating, "Follow me to the Great Zhou, I will have someone escort you." Yalong abruptly raised her head from her contemplation, appearing surprised at Xiang Qing's unusual kindness. She glanced at the Jade Token in Xie Tianheng's hand, surprised, understanding Xiang Qing's motive—to use this opportunity to connect with the other side. "Thank you, senior!" Xie Tianheng expressed his gratitude. The Emperor of Zheng and others were elated; the Jade Tokens these individuals held were no trivial matter. Xiang Qing stood, addressing the Emperor of Zheng, "You have managed matters well this time. Once the Spiritual Domain's gate closes, go claim your reward. The tasks for the State of Zheng remain unchanged and disturbances should be avoided." "Thank you, Honored Upper Sect Lord. We will adhere strictly to your instructions, ensuring tasks are executed without engaging in any disputes!" The Emperor of Zheng kneeled joyfully. These words meant the State of Zheng could continue to thrive. Xiang Qing nodded and began walking out, saying, "For the Jade Token holders coming aftestep, you may handle it as you see fit." Yalong also rose and followed suit. Xie Tianheng, Du Yuying, and the others quickly followed. Outside the grand hall, Xiang Qing addressed Zi Yun and Xie Tianheng, "If you have farewells to make, do so here. When you can reunite again is uncertain." After parting words, Xie Tianheng and Zi Yun left with Xiang Qing. Du Yuying, with Cuier, Yun Miaomiao, with her master Wushuang followed Yalong, departing to the Tai-Miao Sect. Under Yalong's instruction, Du Yuying covered her face with a veil. After the farewells, the Emperor of Zheng and his men felt relieved. "As per regulation, do not discuss this matter, nor leak any details, or face severe consequences!" The Emperor of Zheng sternly commanded. "Rest assured, Your Majesty, we understand the rules!" All the officials bowed respectfully. "There shouldn’t be any more significant Jade Token holders in the Inner Domain. Just complete our tasks as required, and when the time is right, close the gate of the Spiritual Domain. “The Water Star Palace’s people need not be concerned. If they choose not to return, then they shall remain there. “This is the decree from the Upper Sect; no one is to defy it!” The Emperor of Zheng stated solemnly. "Yes, Your Majesty!" A month later, the gate of the Spiritual Domain must indeed be closed. The Emperor of Zheng and his group saw no need to continue overseeing matters in the hall once the honored guests departed. ... On Canglan Island, everyone was busy preparing to enter the Spiritual Domain. New Terms Explained: 1. 太緲玉令 (Tai-Miao Jade Token) - A prestigious jade token associated with the Tai-Miao Sect, often granting the bearer high status or access within certain domains. 2. 青王玉令 (Green King Jade Token) - A jade token linked to the Green King of Great Zhou, symbolizing authority and distinction. 3. 大周 (Great Zhou) - A powerful sovereign state within the Spiritual Domain, noted for its independence from spiritual sects' control. 4. 靈域 (Spiritual Domain) - A mystical realm where spiritual energy and martial prowess dominate, distinct from the Inner Domain. 5. 靈域之門 (Gate of the Spiritual Domain) - The gateway that connects the Inner Domain to the Spiritual Domain. 6. 項青 (Xiang Qing) and 雅蓉 (Yalong) - Characters who appear to hold significant authority and have inscribed relationships with the Tai-Miao Sect. Explanation: These terms denote entities, objects, and locations tied to the cultural and power dynamics within the storyline, adding depth to the characters' motivations and the overarching plot. Retaining original expressions clarifies their specific narrative roles and distinguishes them from broader concepts. Xu Yan taught his father, Xu Junhe, the cultivation methods of the Divine Intent Realm (神意境) and the Divine Essence Realm (神元境), ensuring that once Xu Junhe reached perfection in the Tongxuan Realm, he could smoothly continue his cultivation. Xu Yan meticulously transmitted the essential teachings for cultivating the Divine Intent Realm as well. Meanwhile, Su Lingxiu was engrossed in crafting elixirs, necessary for both the Tongxuan Realm cultivation and breaking through to the Divine Intent Realm, all of which required her personal touch. Given this journey's uncertainty regarding when they might return, Xu Junhe and his group remained in the Great Wilderness, tasked with developing it, as they would not be venturing into the Spiritual Domain (靈域). Xu Junhe understood his own limitations; traveling to the Spiritual Domain would only burden his son. After imparting the cultivation methods to his father, Xu Yan traversed the Great Wilderness, stopping by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion (天寶閣). Everything was prepared, with less than a few days remaining before the month-long deadline to enter the Spiritual Domain's Gate (靈域之門). "It’s time to set off into the Spiritual Domain." "Red Cat, eat well. Who knows when I'll be able to teach you to read again," Xu's mother said while stroking Red Cat's head. Red Cat felt reluctant to part; without Xu's mother's care, it would miss out on the copious elixirs, leading it to a rougher lifestyle. Yet, it was determined to enter the Spiritual Domain, where spiritual beasts resided. As a cultured tiger with ambitions, Red Cat aimed to become the King of Great Beasts (大妖之王). Only within the Spiritual Domain could it seize this opportunity. Li Xuan sighed wistfully, hoping that the Spiritual Domain wouldn't disappoint him as he had yet to discover a fourth disciple in the Inner Domain. In front of the Spiritual Domain's Gate, a purple-crowned man and other strongmen from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion cupped their hands and said, "Young Master Xu, rest assured, the Great Wilderness will not fall into chaos and is bound to rival the Spiritual Domain one day!" Xu Yan nodded in acknowledgment. "Master, I'm heading in first!" "Mm." Li Xuan nodded. Xu Yan restored the appearance he had while in the Inner Domain, avoiding entering the Spiritual Domain with his true face since the Yu Shen Sect and the Su family were pursuing him. If word spread that he returned to the Inner Domain, the Yu Shen Sect might invade and wreak havoc. After Xu Yan entered the Spiritual Domain's Gate, Li Xuan calmly said, "Let's go." Walking forward, he was followed by Meng Chong, Su Lingxiu, Zhou Ying, Meng Shushu, and Red Cat. "Do you have a Jade Token?" the guard inquired. "No," Meng Chong replied, glancing at the guard. The guard's anger flared up, ready to dismiss them, then suddenly reconsidered, "Go on in." After Li Xuan and his group entered, another guard chimed in, "Are you foolish? These folks aren't ones to mess with, and they're connected to the earlier one." "Thanks for the heads-up!" The guard clasped his hands in gratitude; he had sensed death imminent in that earlier moment. Once inside the gate to the Spiritual Domain, Li Xuan felt revitalized by its dense spiritual energy. "What dense spiritual energy!" Su Lingxiu marveled. Meng Shushu observed his surroundings with mixed emotions and anticipation. In the grand hall beyond, Xu Yan awaited them. "Master, where to?" "Anywhere suits us; just follow your heart," Li Xuan said nonchalantly. In the Spiritual Domain, his first goal was finding suitable practitioners of the Mysterious Martial Path (奇門武道). Yu Xiaolong peeked out from Xu Yan's sleeve, suggesting, "I know a scenic place, not too far from the capital of Zheng." Li Xuan nodded, "Let's head there." He then gazed at Red Cat. Red Cat trotted over, transforming to the size of a small mountain. Li Xuan looked content, finally having a proper mount in Red Cat. Seated on Red Cat's back, furnished with a tea table and chairs, Su Lingxiu prepared tea for her master. Xu Yan and Yu Xiaolong led the way, while Meng Chong stayed vigilant, opting not to join on Red Cat's back. Shi’er and Meng Shushu initially wanted to ride Red Cat, too, but after a glare from the latter, they reluctantly followed alongside. Once they left the gate's locale, Xu Yan reverted to his true appearance as they headed to the location Yu Xiaolong mentioned. Naturally, encountering martial artists of the Spiritual Domain was inevitable along the journey. Before reaching their destination, they were confronted by two figures radiating the majesty of Refining Divine Heavenly Beings (煉神天人), not hiding their imposing gazes on Xu Yan. They were powerful figures from both the Yu Shen Sect and the Su family. "Do you know your sin?" The elder from the Yu Shen Sect demanded coldly of Xu Yan. As for the great tiger, Red Cat, the two Refining Divine Heavenly Beings paid it no mind, considering it weak enough to be vanquished with ease. Sitting on Red Cat's back, Li Xuan put down his teacup and looked up at the two Refining Divine Heavenly Beings. "Such insignificant insects dare to be impudent?" His heart stirred with excitement; the time had come to reveal his prowess again. After obtaining the Divine Nihility Strike (神湮一式), it was finally time for its use. "Xu Yan entered the Spiritual Domain and slew a Lesser Heavenly Being. As his master, slaying two Refining Divine Heavenly Beings upon entry is justified, no?" Thinking thus, he raised his hand to strike at the two Refining Divine Heavenly Beings! Xun Wind Sword Intent (巽風劍意), Nirvana Sword Intent (寂滅劍意), Divine Nihility Strike—laden with One Hit Kill—merging and executing as one attack! Xu Yan and others watched with anticipation; their master was demonstrating his might again! Each of their master's moves never failed to leave them profoundly awed. The expressions of the two strong Refining Divine entities from the Yu Shen Sect and the Su family changed drastically. They roared, unleashing tremendous power. Above them, a faint, humanoid shadow appeared, their ace secret technique manifesting. The shadow of the spirit appeared; Refining Divine Heavenly Beings were unleashing everything they had. However, how could Li Xuan's attack be resisted by mere initial-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Beings? In mid-air, a black vortex seemed to materialize, consuming and annihilating all! With a thud! Under one palm strike, the two Refining Divine Heavenly Beings were reduced to nothingness. Not even a scream had time to escape. Lowering his hand, Li Xuan acted as though he had merely swatted away two insignificant ants, sipping the spirit tea Su Lingxiu had just poured. New Terms Explained: 1. 玉神宗 (Yu Shen Sect) - A sect mentioned as pursuing the protagonist, indicating its antagonistic role in the narrative. 2. 巽風劍意 (Xun Wind Sword Intent) - A specific type of Sword Intent related to the Dao of Sword. 3. 神湮一式 (Divine Nihility Strike) - A formidable technique characterized as "One Hit Kill," emphasizing its lethality. 4. 大妖之王 (King of Great Beasts) - A title indicating an apex position among spiritual beasts, an ambition for Red Cat. 5. 獵魔谷 (Demon Hunting Valley) - A location where significant events or memories are tied, providing depth to the character's backstory and alliances. Explanation: Preserving terms such as those related to sect names, specific techniques, and titles maintains their cultural context and significance within the story's universe. This ensures the narrative retains its intended thematic depth and character motivations. Transitions like "One Hit Kill" effectively convey the lethal nature of the Divine Nihility Strike, emphasizing its narrative impact.