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

Chapter 284: A Gathering of Madmen, the Shock of Yue Changming Yue Changming opened his mouth, at a loss for words. Su Lingxiu took out a pill and said, "Here, take this Revitalizing Pill (回生丹), and your injuries will recover significantly." The injuries on Yue Changming's body were severe, yet it was the collapse of his spiritual physique and the loss of his essence that were the root issues. If his spiritual essence wasn't restored, even if his injuries healed, his strength would be greatly diminished. Since she was going to treat him, she naturally intended to restore him to his peak state. He was her first seriously injured patient; surely it was an opportunity to showcase her skills in Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path and to accumulate experience. Failing to cure him completely would tarnish her reputation as a Dan Medical Martial Artist. "It's no use; I understand my own injuries!" Yue Changming shook his head with a bitter smile. However, he still swallowed the Revitalizing Pill. "Alright, sit down. Let me figure out how to heal you!" Su Lingxiu felt a surge of excitement. At this moment, Xu Yan recounted, furious, how the Thousand Martial Hall had shamelessly accused his master of stealing their Sword Dao secrets. "This Thousand Martial Hall is courting death!" Li Xuan's fury ignited upon hearing this. "If they relish my Sword Dao so much, let them have a taste. Besides, it’s a chance to gauge the strength of the Transcendent Spirit Sect (超然靈宗). Let's see if they can withstand the might of my divine skill." With a dissatisfied heart, Li Xuan was prepared to make Thousand Martial Hall his target, to test the depths of the Transcendent Spirit Sect's heritage. "I've decided! I'll use Thousand Martial Hall as a stepping stone. I will subdue it and climb to the pinnacle of the Inner Domain!" Xu Yan declared coldly. "What do you think, Master?" He glanced toward his master for approval. In Xu Yan's view, his master wouldn’t trouble himself over such a minor issue as to destroy Thousand Martial Hall personally. Such tasks were meant for disciples like him! "Yes, it can serve as refinement." Li Xuan nodded. Since Xu Yan had this ambition, Li Xuan had to temporarily set aside his own thoughts of subduing Thousand Martial Hall. Moreover, the true strength of the Transcendent Spirit Sect was unknown. If he couldn't eliminate Thousand Martial Hall with a single palm strike, it would tarnish his image as an unrivaled master. Not being able to annihilate Thousand Martial Hall in a mere gesture would somewhat diminish his indomitable image. So, it would be prudent to let things unfold. "This was good. With Xu Yan having a goal for refinement, his martial path would advance rapidly!" Li Xuan thought to himself. Razing Thousand Martial Hall was minor; what truly mattered was Xu Yan's growth in strength. The stronger Xu Yan became, the greater Li Xuan would be. Since Xu Yan eyed Thousand Martial Hall as a stepping stone, best to leave it for his disciple's refinement. "Senior Brother, you chose Thousand Martial Hall. So, which Transcendent Spirit Sect should I choose? None has targeted my Blade Dao, it seems. It's tricky; they haven't offended me, so I'm rather reluctant to make a move." Meng Chong scratched his head, somewhat vexed. Yue Changming: ... Yue'er: ... The grandfather and granddaughter were dumbfounded. In their eyes, were the Transcendent Spirit Sects so contemptible? As stepping stones, tools for disciples' refinement... A gathering of madmen! Meng Chong turned to Yue Changming and asked, "Which Transcendent Spirit Sect practices Blade Dao? I reckon once I display my Blade Dao, they'll surely target me. That would make things easier." Yue Changming swallowed hard, saying, "For Blade Dao, it would still be the Thousand Martial Hall!" Upon hearing this, Meng Chong’s eyes gleamed. "Senior Brother, leave a bit of Thousand Martial Hall for me too. I'll test my skills on them!" "Alright!" Xu Yan nodded. In a few words, the two brothers had carved up Thousand Martial Hall, using it as a whetstone to strengthen themselves for their ascent to the pinnacle of the Inner Domain. Yue Changming felt numb. In the eyes of these two, the highly revered and unattainable Transcendent Spirit Sect, Thousand Martial Hall, was merely a stepping stone? "For you to have such ambitions, as your master, I'm gratified. Being chosen by you for refinement, even if extinguished, should be an honor for the Thousand Martial Hall ancestors!" Li Xuan nodded in approval. After entering the Inner Domain, his disciples finally had targets for their ambition. With goals, there was motivation, driving swift martial progression. It was excellent! Thousand Martial Hall seeking to become a stepping stone - what a splendid sect! Yue Changming remained speechless, abandoning his notions of advising escape. Here, the disciples were mad, and the master even madder. A gathering of madmen indeed! In their eyes, for a dignified Transcendent Spirit Sect to be annihilated by his disciples, it was considered an honor. Where else in the world would you find such audacity? Impossible to find! Suddenly, Yue Changming’s expression shifted drastically, abruptly standing. "Grandpa, what's wrong?" Yue'er asked, alarmed. Yue Changming now looked at Su Lingxiu, his lips trembling, his previously pale face flushed with color. Despite his excitement, his voice quivered. "What exactly is this Revitalizing Pill? Why is it so miraculous? My injuries feel about twenty percent healed!" He had been so caught up in the shock of this gathering of madmen that he had neglected his own injuries. Now, as he came back to his senses, he was startled to discover his injuries had indeed improved by about twenty percent. Though still grievous, and his spiritual essence not restored, he was no longer doomed to a short life. "Grandpa, are you healing a bit?" Yue'er exclaimed with delight. "Thank you, Brother Xu Yan, thank you, Sister!" Su Lingxiu pressed Yue Changming back down, saying, "Sit still. Don't get agitated. The Revitalizing Pill is a concoction of mine. Even a severely injured martial artist with but a breath left can recover and repair their foundation. "However, given your strong power level and your severe injuries, with your spiritual essence lost, the pill only mends about a fifth of your injuries. "But fear not, with my Saint Hand skills in Dan Medical Alchemy, your return to peak condition is assured!" Yue Changming was puzzled. What was this pill he had never heard of? "Stop asking. Healing is what's important. Do not move." Su Lingxiu halted Yue Changming's further questions. In her hand, golden needles continuously pierced Yue Changming’s body as she began to treat him. She then took out several spiritual herbs, pondering briefly before composing a formula. "Your injuries are quite severe, sapping your soul's strength. The rare spiritual herbs I'm using—if we hadn't seized the treasures from the Jade God Sect and the Su family—wouldn't be enough to save you." As Su Lingxiu spoke, the Verdant Essence (長青真元) in her hands manipulated the needles. Instantly, Yue Changming was astounded to feel a burgeoning vitality within him. Circles formed around his body, the points of needle penetration shivering slightly, as if echoing some mysterious resonance throughout his being. In that moment, he felt invigorated. Simultaneously, Dan Fire materialized in Su Lingxiu's palm as she smoothly began concocting pills. Her void refinement technique had progressed to near mastery. Her alchemical prowess was beyond anything Yue Changming had ever seen or heard of, leaving him more and more in awe. Yue'er also stared, mouth agape, utterly amazed. Since entering this manor, everything had felt extraordinarily unique. High and mighty Transcendent Spirit Sects were deemed stepping stones. And what was this alchemy? "Sister, I'll repay you with spiritual herbs," Yue'er said, starting to extract herbs from her storage pouch. "No need; I have ample herbs. Consider this your reward for informing us," Su Lingxiu declined. The pill was ready. "Come, take it!" "Okay, okay!" Yue Changming was ecstatic. He had believed he wouldn't live much longer, imagining his granddaughter alone and mourning, filled with a bitter resolve for revenge. Now, hope for recovery appeared as light in the darkness. He swallowed the pill in one go, feeling a warm current ripple from his dantian throughout his body, then seep into his soul, nourishing it. His previously weak and dispirited state began to recover. With a gesture, Su Lingxiu called back her needles, saying, "Take your time to recover. While you may not return to your peak, you won't lose your cultivation level. "Your weak soul, nurtured by the pill, will be restored after a rest." Yue Changming cupped his hands in gratitude. "Many thanks, Young Lady. Words can't express my gratitude!" Yue'er was equally excited. "Thank you, Brother Xu Yan, thank you, Sister." Su Lingxiu gave her a puzzled look. Why did she mention her senior brother every time in gratitude? The one who healed them was herself! "It's likely because Senior Brother brought them here." But thanking him was appropriate. "The empty room there is available. Rest well." --- **Explanation of New Terms:** 1. **Revitalizing Pill (回生丹)** - A translated term for a healing elixir able to restore significant health and repair foundations. Chosen to convey its restorative power. 2. **Transcendent Spirit Sect (超然靈宗)** - This term was translated to denote a sect considered beyond ordinary, implying their influential status in the martial world. 3. **Verdant Essence (長青真元)** - Defined as a type of profound energy or "True Essence" imbued with the nature of longevity and vitality. Su Lingxiu gestured inside the room. "Alright, thank you, Sister!" Yue’er helped Yue Changming to rest. "Master, restoring his spiritual physique will be quite challenging. I checked and don't have the necessary spiritual herbs to concoct a pill for recovery," Su Lingxiu said, somewhat troubled. Yue Changming's spiritual physique had collapsed, with his essence drained, almost entirely dry. Restoring it seemed nearly impossible. Of course, if suitable spiritual herbs were available and a proper formula was created, a pill could be refined to activate the dried spiritual physique and replenish the lost essence. "There’s an alternative: using the vital blood of someone with a spiritual physique," Li Xuan suggested. Su Lingxiu's eyes lit up, "She possesses a spiritual physique?" Li Xuan nodded! Su Lingxiu curiously asked, "Master, am I also a spiritual physique?" Li Xuan nodded. Xu Yan also came over, curious about whether his successive transformations every time he broke through a realm made him one. However, verifying a spiritual physique requires specific methods. Yet, people like Su Lingxiu, due to her path in Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Arts, could sense unique qualities in people, even without much knowledge about precious or spiritual physiques. Li Xuan, proficient in recognizing unique constitutions, especially the changes in his disciples’ physique after their transformations, could easily distinguish between a precious and spiritual physique. "Master, do I have a spiritual physique?" Xu Yan asked in curiosity. "Yes and no," Li Xuan replied with a smile, seeing his disciple’s confusion. "Whether it’s a precious or spiritual physique, it's merely a form of talent, a head start above ordinary people. "However, the path of martial arts is long; reaching the peak doesn't depend on physique alone. Insight, perseverance, and opportunity are equally essential. "Even ordinary physiques can move forward step by step, surpassing so-called precious and spiritual physiques, so don’t get fixated on this. "Understand yourself, overcome yourself, transform yourself; the martial path has no end, and it lies in the courage to climb higher!" Xu Yan understood; although his master didn’t explicitly say it, during his martial cultivation, he wasn’t a precious or spiritual physique. Yet, now he was not only not weaker than any spiritual physique but stronger! Hence, precious and spiritual physiques were merely martial arts talents; reaching the heights of the martial path requires more than just these natural advantages. "Master, I understand!" Xu Yan earnestly nodded. "I'm heading for training!" The Thousand Martial Hall as a stepping stone was exceptionally solid; with his current strength, it couldn’t be stepped over. Hence, seizing every moment for cultivation and striving for rapid breakthroughs was critical! Meng Chong felt the same; with a clear target, his cultivation motivation soared! Yue’er emerged from the room, thanked Li Xuan with a respectful bow, and proceeded to express gratitude to Xu Yan and Su Lingxiu, all while watching Su Lingxiu's alchemy with curiosity. "Meow!" Red Cat trotted over, brushing against Su Lingxiu’s leg, appearing adorably innocent. "Red Cat, you’ve gotten quite chubby!" Su Lingxiu said, gently rubbing Red Cat's head. "Meow!" Red Cat indicated that although he’s a bit heavier, he’s even more satisfying to the touch! "Here, ration it well. Even if we have plenty of spiritual herbs, they can also run out!" Su Lingxiu handed some pills to Red Cat. This includes any rejected refining attempts. Despite her prowess, creating new, higher-grade pills often resulted in some waste, which all went to Red Cat. Red Cat never refused, accustomed to consuming imperfect pills, considering them a palate cleanser. "Meow!" Red Cat was exuberant. As for whether spiritual herbs could be exhausted? When that time comes, they could simply seize another spiritual sect! "Is that a cat?" Yue’er asked, looking puzzled as this plump cat seemed more like a fierce tiger, though its size was certainly catlike, complete with meowing. She reached out to pet it, only for Red Cat to haughtily flick its tail, swatting Yue'er's hand. Her soft pale hand turned red instantly, and Yue’er was taken aback by the cat's considerable strength! "It was originally a Crimson-Eyed Tiger but has grown accustomed to being a cat," Su Lingxiu explained. Yue’er was confused, from tiger to cat? What did that mean? Red Cat strutted off, feeling outsiders were unworthy to touch him! --- At the border between Luozhou and Yuzhou, several battered figures were fleeing frantically. They were the few fortunate enough to escape the calamity at Luozhou's Wan Shi Alliance. "Hurry! Notify the Yuzhou Alliance to hide!" All covered in wounds, they made their way toward a Yuzhou Wan Shi Alliance stronghold. "Who goes there?" A voice rang coldly as the Left Protector ascended the air, suspicion filling his face seeing so many Refining Divine Realm warriors arriving. Could the Yuzhou Spirit Sect be making a move? "Hurry, inform our allies, hide, and do not reveal yourselves. The Thousand Martial Hall’s strongest have appeared!" One bloodied Refining Divine Realm warrior shouted anxiously. "What?!" The Left Protector was shocked. The Thousand Martial Hall’s strongest have emerged? "What of the Luozhou Alliance?" Seeing the disheveled state of the newcomers, his heart sank, feeling an ominous premonition. "The Luozhou Alliance is practically annihilated, the leaders all fallen!" a grieving Luozhou Refining Divine Realm warrior replied. "Quickly, come with me; treating your injuries is urgent." In haste, the Left Protector led them to a hidden refuge, transmitting news of the Luozhou Alliance’s near destruction and the revelation of the Thousand Martial Hall's formidable forces to Yu Gao. Meanwhile, at the Luozhou and Yuzhou border, a figure strode forward, wielding the power of wind and clouds. Wherever he stepped, his mighty presence spread like a soaring rainbow, the immense authority of the greatest powerhouse shaking all around. --- **New Terms Explained:** 1. **Spiritual Physique (靈體)** - A unique type of physique that holds unusually high potential for martial cultivation. Characterized by an innate ability to channel and refine spiritual energy more efficiently. 2. **Precious Physique (寶體)** - Another type of remarkable physique, which provides superior foundational traits that offer outstanding advantages in martial arts. These terms were chosen to highlight the differences in innate abilities. 3. **Vital Blood (精血)** - This signifies a concentrated form of life essence that can substitute rare herbs in certain alchemical processes. 4. **Yu Gao (於臯)** - A name of a character mentioned as a point of contact. This name was retained in its original form as it signifies an individual rather than a concept or term. 5. **Left Protector (左護法)** - A title denoting a position of authority within a sect or organization, responsible for safeguarding and maintaining order. This term was chosen to depict the character's authoritative role. These translations were meticulously chosen to appropriately convey the nuances and roles described, ensuring a faithful and engaging rendition of the narrative.