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

Chapter 282: Gathering the Divine Soul, Manifesting Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique Xu Yan meticulously processed his insights while deeply contemplating the Divine Martial Arts. As he continued his contemplation, the path of the Divine Martial Arts became increasingly clear. "I finally understand. Master depicted the patterns of the Laws of Heaven and Earth for me to comprehend, not just to show me that there are laws in the universe, but to make me realize that there are laws for warriors as well. And the Divine Martial Arts represent the laws of a warrior." "It's a pity I was so slow-witted. If I had realized Master’s deeper intent earlier, wouldn’t I have already comprehended the path of Divine Martial Arts?" Xu Yan sighed internally, reflecting on his slow understanding of his Master’s profound intentions. "Master imparted his teachings hoping I would forge my own martial path, rather than retrace his footsteps. Thus, at pivotal moments in martial arts, Master would deliberately leave things unsaid, encouraging me to discover them myself." "I should have understood that Master certainly had a deeper meaning." The more Xu Yan thought about it, the more ashamed he felt. While Li Xuan was diligently studying the Laws of Heaven and Earth depicted in the Tai-Cang Book, he suddenly sensed something and looked toward where Xu Yan was, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Has Xu Yan gained enlightenment?" As Xu Yan gradually drifted into a state of oblivion, undistracted by external influences, his heart and mind were unified, and he seemingly moved into a state akin to sudden enlightenment. "Divine Arts, not far away!" Li Xuan was overjoyed. "Upon entering the Divine Arts Realm, divine abilities naturally manifest. If I enter the Divine Arts Realm, what kind of divine abilities will manifest? Xu Yan’s progress in the Divine Arts will certainly feedback into the abilities I control, and they must be numerous. "The Four Martial Paths—Mysterious Martial Path being particularly unique—should naturally possess divine abilities. Even if no innate Divine Arts manifest, there must be methods no less powerful than divine abilities. "Such as the Divine Abilities of the Physical Body Martial Path, and the Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path..." Li Xuan became increasingly excited at the thought. "The innate divine abilities that manifest are similar to innate abilities—they grow without limit as the realm and power increase. "Additionally, one can also create postnatal divine abilities, which is the essence of the Divine Martial Arts." Thinking so, Li Xuan couldn’t help but get excited. "I should compile a collection of Divine Martial Arts. Even if future warriors break into the Divine Arts Realm, their inherent divine abilities might not be strong, or they might only have one. "In such cases, they would need to cultivate other Divine Martial Arts. Since they’ve achieved the Divine Arts Realm, they should have ways of dealing with divine abilities." Upon this thought, Li Xuan began contemplating how to compile a compendium of Divine Martial Arts. "Divine abilities vary in strength, with distinctions between minor and major abilities. Innate divine abilities aren’t necessarily stronger than postnatal ones. "For example, in the case of warriors like Shi’er and Zhou Ying, perhaps their innate divine abilities are just minor ones? "If one’s innate divine ability isn’t strong, they can still cultivate stronger ones, which is the strength of the Great Wilderness Martial Path." Li Xuan’s thoughts fluctuated, and the gateway to the Divine Martial Arts emerged in his mind. Create Divine Martial Arts! He aimed to further refine the concept, incorporating both innate and developed divine abilities, ensuring the latter also possesses significant power. "As the Martial Ancestor, I’ve pondered countless martial arts principles. Spending some time compiling a tome of Divine Martial Arts seems essential." Li Xuan sighed inwardly. The tome of Divine Martial Arts would encompass a variety of major and minor divine abilities, and diverse divine techniques. "More work to be done." Li Xuan sighed internally. He had to devote energy and mental resources to compile the divine abilities, albeit this was no urgent matter. Breaking into the Divine Arts Realm and comprehending the essence behind these divine abilities would be foundational to compiling them effectively. As for whether the compiled divine abilities can be cultivated, this didn’t concern Li Xuan much. Even if his four disciples didn’t cultivate or comprehend them, passing them on would ensure later generations could. In such a vast world, Xu Yan might be a singular anomaly, but heavenly talents are not scarce. Someone would eventually comprehend these divine arts. Moreover, with the Great Dao Golden Book assisting him, the compiled divine abilities would be relatively perfected, reducing comprehension difficulty. Even if understanding a major divine ability proved elusive, mastering a minor one would be attainable. Although Xu Yan understood the concept of divine abilities, organizing the methods for the Divine Arts Realm still required some additional time to be fully comprehended. But it would only be a matter of two or three days. Li Xuan continued to delve into the Laws of Heaven and Earth on the eighth page of the Tai-Cang Book, while awaiting Xu Yan's complete comprehension of the Divine Arts Martial Path. On the third day of Xu Yan wrestling with the Divine Arts paths, a message arrived: The Wan Shi Alliance's presence in Luozhou was exposed, and they were locked in battle with the Spiritual Sects and Aristocratic Families. They even called upon scattered cultivators to unite against the Spiritual Sects, gaining an upper hand. "Are the Luozhou Spiritual Sects and Aristocratic Families truly that weak?" Fang Hao questioned, perplexed. Yu Xiaolong and others were animated, eager to make their move. If the Luozhou Alliance succeeded in carving out a domain in Luozhou, then the Yuzhou Alliance should reveal itself soon. Li Xuan merely shook his head after hearing this news. "The Luozhou Alliance will amount to nothing." "Master, why do you say that?" Fang Hao inquired curiously. "The foundation of the Spiritual Sects and Aristocratic Families isn’t that easily shaken. Moreover, the Wan Shi Alliance was exposed inadvertently, suggesting Spiritual Sects already have extensive intelligence on them. "The only surprising factor is the unexpected strength of these scatter cultivators." "But that's all there is to it. Once they recover, they will surely deliver a severe blow to the Luozhou Alliance. Furthermore, the stronger factions of the Sects have yet to act." Hearing this, Li Xuan showed little faith in the Luozhou Alliance and continued, "Except for unaffiliated cultivators with deep grievances against the Spiritual Sects and Aristocratic Families, many would merely observe or even act against the Wan Shi Alliance to ingratiate themselves with the Sect." "Moreover, the Wan Shi Alliance’s slogan lacks inspiration." Discussing this, Li Xuan realized the necessity of imparting some wisdom to his disciple, Fang Hao, who was the Alliance Lord of the Yuzhou branch of the Wan Shi Alliance. He ought not to make the same mistakes and realize that granting a status to the unaffiliated wouldn’t naturally earn their support. Explaining further, Li Xuan instructed his disciple to shout slogans like, "Are nobles necessarily born of noble blood? A call to arms would naturally rally the passionate." "The unaffiliated of the Spiritual Domain have been subdued by the Sects so long that they’re obsessed with joining their ranks, imagining lofty heights once they’re part of them." "After joining the Sects, these affiliates often treat other unaffiliated individuals harshly. You must remember not to be naïve." "For the Wan Shi Alliance to succeed, they must not only rival the Spiritual Sects but also show tangible benefits to all unaffiliated cultivators." "Convince them that overthrowing the Sects means sharing their resources..." Fang Hao, listening to his Master’s guidance, suddenly gained clarity, realizing the diverse means to achieve success. For the Wan Shi Alliance to prevail, they must truly possess the power to confront the commanding Spiritual Sects. Otherwise, it's all idle talk. As for the strength of the Wan Shi Alliance, Fang Hao wasn’t entirely sure. Even Yu Xiaolong knew little, but he assured that the Alliance included numerous powerful experts! After guiding Fang Hao, Li Xuan continued to study the Tai-Cang Book. Suddenly, in his spiritual terrace, the Great Dao Golden Book unfurled, emitting rays of golden light. The excitement surged within him. Xu Yan had finally comprehended the essence of the Divine Arts Martial Path! "Your disciple Xu Yan has comprehended the Divine Arts Martial Path you compiled, helping you break through to the Divine Arts Realm." Boom! In that instant, Li Xuan felt a fusion of his Divine Essence and Divine Intent as his entire being ascended to new heights. The brilliance in his divine palace grew larger, purer, and more rich with connotation. The Divine Intent consolidated, and atop the spiritual terrace, a humanoid form coalesced. Li Xuan felt the transformation within himself, grasped the profoundness of the Divine Soul, and completely mastered the Divine Arts Martial Path, marveling at his comprehension. Xu Yan, truly, was a pioneer of this martial path! Divine Abilities—the laws of a warrior! The martial laws that a warrior cultivates! On his spiritual platform, Li Xuan opened his eyes. At this moment, his Divine Soul was almost indistinguishable from his true form. Raising his hand, the Great Dao Golden Book fell into his grasp. Feeling its vastness was akin to perceiving the Dao. Holding the Great Dao Golden Book, the golden light enveloped his Divine Soul. On the spiritual platform, Li Xuan's Divine Soul smiled. "This is the Martial Dao Divine Soul!" Only now did Li Xuan truly feel the profound power of the Divine Arts Martial Soul he had compiled. Understanding the Laws of Heaven and Earth inscribed in the Tai-Cang Book, especially the first page, he gained genuine comprehension of the elegant mystery embedded in the Laws of Heaven and Earth. "You have broken into the Divine Arts Realm, gathering your Martial Dao Divine Soul. You have obtained the divine ability, Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique!" Boom! In that instant, Li Xuan's divine ability was born. "Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique! I never expected to manifest such a divine ability!" Li Xuan was overjoyed. Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique, an incredibly powerful divine ability! "You have broken into the Divine Arts Realm, gathering your Martial Dao Divine Soul. You have obtained the divine ability, Sword Within Heaven And Earth!" *New Terms & Translations:* - "Laws of Heaven and Earth"(original: 天地法則) - This term refers to the universal laws that Master illustrated for Xu Yan, aiming for an understanding beyond just natural laws, extending them to the concepts that govern a warrior's martial path. - "Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique" (original: 法天象地) - A powerful divine ability acquired by Li Xuan as he breaks into the Divine Arts Realm. - "Sword Within Heaven And Earth" (original: 劍裏乾坤) - Another divine ability acquired alongside the first, indicating a profound mastery over martial elements. *Explanation:* - Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique is chosen for its connotations of immense power and omnipresence that the original Chinese conveys. Other potential translations could include "Manifesting the Laws" or the more literal "Method/Technique of Heaven and Earth," but these lack the evocative and dynamic sense implied by the original. - Sword Within Heaven And Earth suggests a vast, encompassing mastery of swordsmanship—its presence within the foundational fabric of martial understanding. Similar alternatives could include "Sword Encompassing Cosmos," but such shifts slightly away from the holistic integration suggested in the original. - The phrase "王侯將相寧有種乎" directly translated means "Are nobles necessarily born of noble blood?" This ancient Chinese saying emphasizes that greatness and nobility aren't confined by birth but achieved through merit. No changes to the list above are required, but contextual associations are developed further, revealing characters like Xu Yan as deeply connected to the advancement of martial arts, serving as a vessel for innovation and evolution in technique comprehension. The second divine ability has been born. As expected, a Sword Dao divine ability has emerged. Sword Within Heaven And Earth, with a single stroke of the sword, heaven and earth lie within its reach, where life and death hinge on a single thought! "Excellent, incredibly powerful!" Li Xuan was overjoyed. With his Divine Soul coalesced, two innate Divine Abilities have now manifested, establishing powerful martial laws! "You have broken through to the Divine Arts Realm, forming your Martial Dao Divine Soul, and you've acquired the divine ability Breath-Determining Divine Slaying Sword!" A third divine ability emerged, another Sword Dao divine ability. "This Sword Dao divine ability is formidable!" With the Breath-Determining Divine Slaying Sword, all that is required is to acquire even a wisp of the enemy's breath; regardless of their location or distance, a single strike will directly cut down their soul! "This divine ability, as one's realm and strength increase, rivals causal divine abilities, requiring no breath, and still capable of striking down from afar with a single blow!" This Sword Dao divine ability is undeniably powerful. No matter where the enemy flees, they can be struck down with one sword. Of course, while a single breath might suffice to cut through the vast distance and strike at the opponent's soul, should the enemy withstand this attack, it would be impossible to kill them. Nevertheless, this divine ability remains exceptionally powerful and difficult to defend against. Even if someone matches in strength, facing such a sudden attack might leave them defenseless. "You broke through to the Divine Arts Realm, forming your Martial Dao Divine Soul, and gained the divine ability Divine Dragon Descends!" Another martial divine ability emerged. However, this divine ability belongs to the Dragon Subduing Palm, manifesting as if it summons a true Divine Dragon to descend. Of course, the power of the Divine Dragon Descends is related to one’s own realm. Nonetheless, the power of this divine ability is immensely potent, wielding the might of a true Divine Dragon. "With Dragon Subduing Palm reaching its pinnacle, it truly becomes divine, employing dragons against dragons. It truly has become such!" Li Xuan felt a bit sheepish, recalling how he casually mentioned "dragons against dragons" to Xu Yan, never expecting it would turn out to be precisely that. "Four divine abilities!" Li Xuan was thrilled; upon entering the Divine Arts Realm, with his Divine Soul formed, he birthed four divine abilities. "You broke through to the Divine Arts Realm, forming your Martial Dao Divine Soul, and gained the divine ability Instant of Heaven and Earth!" The fifth divine ability was born! Instant of Heaven and Earth! “This is a speed-type divine ability, traversing across realms in an instant. This speed even outpaces Divine Thunder Transcending Void.” Li Xuan marveled internally. Divine Thunder Transcending Void is incredibly powerful; once fully utilized, it allows one to traverse voids like divine thunder. But Instant of Heaven and Earth, this divine ability’s speed is astoundingly swift, spanning the realms from south to north in a mere moment. In a moment, one can cross the heavens. Of course, despite the strength of divine abilities, sufficient power is also necessary. Clearly, even though Li Xuan broke through to the Divine Arts Realm, he couldn’t instantly span the realms from north to south in a moment. "Only five divine abilities." After the birth of the Instant of Heaven and Earth, no further divine abilities manifested, leaving Li Xuan with a tinge of regret. "But it's enough—Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique, Sword Within Heaven And Earth, Breath-Determining Divine Slaying Sword, Divine Dragon Descends, Instant of Heaven and Earth—they are all uniquely powerful!" Li Xuan believed he should be content. Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique, once executed, is far more powerful than the Six-Zhang Golden Body and becomes even more terrifying if layered together. Sword Within Heaven And Earth, seamlessly blends offense and defense, with unmatched Sword Dao prowess. Divine Dragon Descends is undeniably domineering and unrivaled—can anyone challenge once the Divine Dragon manifests? "These are the divine abilities manifested upon my breakthrough into the Divine Arts Realm. When Xu Yan breaks through, there will surely be feedback, and at that time, I will birth more divine abilities." “Meng Chong’s breakthrough will be the same; he will manifest body divine abilities, with the Six-Zhang Golden Body likely transforming into a mighty divine ability, much like Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique?” "Su Lingxiu’s breakthrough will also provide feedback—Dan Medical Arts divine abilities..." With this thought, Li Xuan was filled with anticipation. Having broken through to the Divine Arts Realm, his martial pursuits advanced further, and his understanding of divine abilities became clearer. It was now time to act and compile a tome of divine abilities. "Divine abilities certainly have varying magnitudes; though the ones I manifested belong to major divine abilities, a warrior like Shi’er breaking into the Divine Arts Realm might not produce ones as powerful." "Let this serve as a benchmark, distinguishing between major and minor divine abilities by the completeness and strength of the martial laws." Li Xuan contemplated silently. "Since divine abilities are to be compiled, they must be categorized clearly: offensive divine abilities, defensive divine abilities, speed divine abilities, etc." Compiling a tome of Martial Dao divine abilities isn’t accomplished overnight. It’s a painstaking endeavor, but for the prosperity and perfection of his martial path, Li Xuan can only persist. "Once the Divine Abilities Manual is compiled, the disciples should study it—one tome per person. Let them comprehend as much as they can." Li Xuan smiled. When the Divine Abilities Manual is complete, how could it remain neglected? Of course, it should be given to the disciples, encouraging them to study diligently. "Now that I've entered the Divine Arts Realm, who else in this Spiritual Domain poses a challenge? Can even the supreme experts of the ascendant Spiritual Sects withstand a mere slap from me? Would dozens of supreme experts withstand a full-powered strike I conjure?" Li Xuan felt immensely confident at this moment. The Divine Arts Realm signifies not only potent divine abilities but also martial feats executed with ease, nearing the divine—such is the transformation since before! *New Terms & Translations:* - **Breath-Determining Divine Slaying Sword (original: 定息斬神劍)** - A unique divine ability utilizing a wisp of the enemy's breath to pinpoint and strike the soul, disregardless of location, implying tremendous scope and potency. - **Instant of Heaven and Earth (original: 天地一瞬)** - A speed-related divine ability allowing instantaneous movement across immense distances, highlighting its transcendental speed compared to former techniques. *Explanation:* - **Breath-Determining Divine Slaying Sword** captures the lethal precision and expansive reach suggested by "定息" (Breath-Determining), emphasizing its decisive and targeting capacity. - **Instant of Heaven and Earth** mirrors the immediacy and boundless reach of the original, maintaining the pivotal aspect of instantaneous traversal. Additionally, observing ongoing cultivation and anticipation for divine abilities born from disciples' breakthroughs reinforces character dynamics and advancing martial legacies. Terms like "至強者" might be further contextualized as reflecting the pinnacle cultivators within powerful sects, connoting invincibility. This groundwork solidifies Li Xuan’s unparalleled ascension, setting intrigues for subsequent narrative evolution.