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

Chapter 285: Let Him Come Here to Meet His End! Yuzhou was in turmoil as the mighty figures from the exalted Spiritual Sect descended! In the State of Zheng, the Zheng Emperor led a group of formidable royal household members and high-ranking officials, swiftly heading towards the border of Yuzhou. This was a supreme powerhouse, not just a true disciple like Cui Huayu. How could the Zheng Emperor and his entourage dare show any negligence? Aside from the State of Zheng, the powerful figures from various spiritual sects and noble families scattered throughout Yuzhou also emerged one after another to welcome them. In essence, this Spiritual Domain was governed by the exalted Spiritual Sect! With the Yujin Sect and the territories of the Su family now in shambles, the warriors of the Wan Shi Alliance had gone into hiding. Fortunately, aside from the Shen family, no one knew their identities. The Shen family also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If the exalted Spiritual Sect found out about their collusion with rogue cultivators, they would likely be expelled from the ranks of noble houses. It's crucial to understand that the establishment of each spiritual sect and noble family in the Spiritual Domain requires the acknowledgment of the exalted Spiritual Sect. Once expelled, they would no longer be considered noble, losing the privileges of a noble status, and their territories would quickly be taken over by other spiritual sects and noble families. "Greetings, Supreme One!" The Zheng Emperor and his companions prostrated themselves. Even from afar, before they were near, they felt a suffocating pressure. Peering into the distance, they saw a figure stirring the very clouds and winds as he approached. This was the majesty of a supreme powerhouse? "Hmm!" Huang Liang nodded. He did not restrain his overwhelming presence, holding a long spear as the winds and clouds swirled around him. "Greetings, Exalted Sovereign!" With the Yujin Sect now destroyed, the Shen family had become the leading force of spiritual sects in Yuzhou. Shen Tai, a late-stage Refining Divine Realm warrior who succeeded Zhu Liang, led the spiritual sect families of Yuzhou to pay their respects. "Hmm!" Huang Liang nodded again. His gaze was icy, his demeanor indifferent, as he coldly inquired, "Where are Xu Yan and his master?" "Reporting to the Exalted Sovereign, we do not know their whereabouts!" Shen Tai replied with his head bowed. The Zheng Emperor interjected, "Supreme One, though Xu Yan and his master remain hidden, they are surely still within Yuzhou." Huang Liang nodded, saying, "Inform Xu Yan and his master that they must come and kneel before me in three days, and perhaps their lives will be spared. If not, they will die!" "Yes!" The gathering of powerful individuals felt a shiver run through their hearts. The supreme powerhouse had made his move. Xu Yan and his master were doomed! The thought of the supreme powerhouse from the Qian Martial Hall intervening because of the death of Lu Xinting in a battle of young elites left many feeling stern. Images of Xu Yan's master making a move raced through their minds. It was astonishing! Surely the arrival of the supreme powerhouse from the Qian Martial Hall was due to Xu Yan's master. Huang Liang strode forth, making his way to the capital of the State of Zheng. The various spiritual sect families in Yuzhou dispersed, spreading the news throughout Yuzhou to ensure Xu Yan would hear of it. ... In Chenzhou, one of the eighteen states of the Spiritual Domain. Standing three thousand zhang tall, a stone peak was the highest and central peak among a range of mountains. Inside, however, it had been hollowed out. At its center was a massive plaza, around which grand halls, pavilions, and secret chambers were chiseled out of the stone walls. This was the headquarters of the Wan Shi Alliance. The news from the Luozhou Alliance had stirred the Wan Shi Alliance into action, as many formidable figures gathered to discuss their next steps. The news of Yue Changming's defeat by Huang Liang from the Qian Martial Hall had also reached them. In a large hall, powerful figures converged. Among them, a burly man displayed a look of anger. "Huang Liang!" His face turned red with fury, his eyes radiating murderous intent. "I must kill him!" Sitting at the head of the hall, the genteel leader of the Wan Shi Alliance, Tan Wenlin, sighed, "Yue Changming, once famed across the land, even in the Blue Sea. "I thought he fell during the Wanxing Calamity but survived. "With Brother Yue's talent, he shouldn't have been defeated by Huang Liang." Tan Wenlin mused with some perplexity. The burly man angrily retorted, "Senior Brother Yue's spiritual body was shattered by a despicable elder of the Qian Martial Hall. Otherwise, how could Huang Liang rival him!" "I see!" Tan Wenlin nodded in understanding. "Leader, the Luozhou Alliance was nearly annihilated. Huang Liang's arrogance is unbearable. Allow me to kill him!" The burly man stood up, declaring. Tan Wenlin contemplated solemnly and warned, "Big Bull, be cautious. Huang Liang is a supreme powerhouse, and the foundation of the Qian Martial Hall cannot be underestimated." "Rest assured, Leader. I know my limits!" Zhang Daniu replied in a steady voice. Tan Wenlin, with a serious expression, addressed the powerful figures of the Wan Shi Alliance, "Brothers, the Luozhou Alliance suffered heavy losses, and the other alliances in each state are likely exposed. The spiritual sects will soon take action. "There's no need to hide any longer. It's time for the Wan Shi Alliance to emerge and claim a rightful place for rogue cultivators in the Spiritual Domain. "We must meet the supreme powerhouses of the exalted Spiritual Sect!" The members of the Wan Shi Alliance agreed passionately, "The leader is right. It's time for the Wan Shi Alliance to make its presence known!" "I've endured enough!" "The spiritual sects have gone too far. The Wan Shi Alliance must secure its place!" Tan Wenlin quieted the hall with a gesture, silencing them instantly. "The alliance needs strong leaders to oversee regions immediately. Begin preparations to claim a state. Chenzhou shall be our territory! "Even if we cannot secure a place among the eighteen states, Chenzhou must be controlled by our alliance. "Moreover, the Yuzhou Alliance must remain hidden for now. We cannot send strong leaders there. Big Bull will oversee Luozhou." Tan Wenlin began assigning tasks. After completing the arrangements, the members of the Wan Shi Alliance departed from the headquarters to stations in various state branches. "Big Bull, I know you hate Huang Liang and the Qian Martial Hall, but Huang Liang is a supreme powerhouse. Even if you defeat him, killing him might be challenging. Don't take unnecessary risks. "The annihilation of the Luozhou Alliance cannot go unavenged. Let's destroy the Red Nether Sect!" Tan Wenlin advised strongly as he saw Zhang Daniu off. "Rest assured, Leader. I know what I must do. I will oversee Luozhou and annihilate the Red Nether Sect; the blood of our Wan Shi Alliance brothers will not be shed in vain. "Even if Huang Liang doesn't die, I'll make sure he's severely wounded. "For avenge of Senior Brother Yue and the grudge from the academy, I will not forgive him!" Zhang Daniu replied solemnly. Tan Wenlin patted his shoulder, saying no more. The thirty-six heroes of Wanxing, once renowned, had overshadowed even the prodigies of the exalted Spiritual Sect, yet how many of them survived today? Zhang Daniu was one of the thirty-six, but he ranked relatively lower among them. Zhang Daniu left, heading directly to Luozhou to intercept Huang Liang and destroy the Red Nether Sect. Tan Wenlin remained, pondering silently. The thirty-six heroes of Wanxing were once celebrated by everyone, and rogue cultivators across the Spiritual Domain admired them, yet how many now remember the thirty-six heroes? Even the infamous Blood Demon disaster, known to all who tore through the spiritual sect families in those days, has been forgotten by most rogue cultivators. "Spiritual Sect!" The historical traces have almost been erased by the Spiritual Sect. Only people like them remember those days, but even if they spoke of it now, how many rogue cultivators would believe that rogue cultivator prodigies once overshadowed the exalted Spiritual Sect's prodigies? Would any rogue cultivators believe that someone once left a shadow in the hearts of spiritual sect families? It seems absurd. "The strongest prodigy of Wanxing wasn’t among the thirty-six heroes, but the Blood Devil Demon Lord!" Tan Wenlin sighed inwardly. He felt a heavy weight on his heart. If the once mighty Demon Lord couldn't achieve it, could he, Tan Wenlin? ... "Luozhou Alliance, destroyed!" Fang Hao was quite shocked upon receiving the message from Yu Yao. He had thought that the Wan Shi Alliance, in seeking a place for rogue cultivators, would not be easily overpowered. Yet the Luozhou Alliance was almost entirely wiped out shortly after its emergence. With the Luozhou Alliance Leader and many powerful figures slain, only a few managed to escape and flee to Yuzhou. "A supreme powerhouse has arrived in Yuzhou!" Fang Hao said gravely. He continued angrily, "That arrogant Huang Liang from Qian Martial Hall, how dare he demand that we kneel before him in three days, or face death!" Li Xuan's eyes flashed coldly. This Huang Liang was walking further down the path to his demise. "Outrageous! I shall trample the Qian Martial Hall beneath my feet!" Xu Yan's face was filled with rage. Yue Changming emerged from the house. After recuperation, his injuries had mostly healed. Though his realm hadn't regressed, his prowess was not as strong due to the depletion of his spiritual body's essence. But to have survived was already a blessing. --- ### New Terms: 1. 至強者 (Zhì qiáng zhě) - Supreme Powerhouse: Used to describe individuals with unmatched strength. Alternate translation could be "peerless powerhouse." 2. 靈域 (Língyù) - Spiritual Domain: Refers to a realm or area governed by spiritual sect forces. Alternate translations include "Spiritual Realm." 3. 靈宗 (Língzōng) - Spiritual Sect: Indicates sects of significant spiritual prowess. Alternate translation could be "Esoteric Sect." 4. 天驕之戰 (Tiānjiāo zhī zhàn) - Battle of Young Elites: Describes a competition for prodigies. Alternate names could be "Heaven's Chosen Battle." 5. 靈體 (Língtǐ) - Spiritual Body: Refers to the spiritual composition that enhances power. Alternate translation includes "Spiritual Essence." 6. 萬星三十六傑 (Wàn xīng sānshíliù jié) - Thirty-Six Heroes of Wanxing: A renowned group of elite fighters. Alternate translation could be "Wanxing’s Elite Thirty-Six." ### Explanation: - The term "至強者" (Supreme Powerhouse) efficiently conveys the idea of unmatched strength, preferred in conveying the authoritative and indomitable nature of these characters. - "靈域" has been translated as "Spiritual Domain" to maintain thematic consistency with existing terms related to spirituality and sects. - "天驕之戰" is retained as "Battle of Young Elites," emphasizing the involvement of exceptionally talented and chosen individuals. - "萬星三十六傑" as "Thirty-Six Heroes of Wanxing" captures the epic and legendary nature of the characters involved. ### Notes: The original includes some public website links and commands which are omitted as they do not pertain to the narrative. He dared not ask for much more. "Huang Liang's strength is formidable; the power of his spear is like the might of the heavens and earth — it should not be underestimated!" Yue Changming said in a grave tone. Li Xuan raised an eyebrow. The power of one spear, like the mighty force of the heavens and earth? Could it be that the supreme powerhouse of the exalted Spiritual Sect is already capable of wielding the power of the Laws of Heaven and Earth? Upon further reflection, that seemed unlikely. If he truly could wield the Laws of Heaven and Earth, Yue Changming wouldn't have the slightest chance to escape — not even a shred of it! "Tell Huang Liang to come here and meet his end. An insignificant ant dares to claim the title of supreme powerhouse? How laughable!" Li Xuan declared. "Yes, Master!" Fang Hao said, brimming with excitement. Was Master going to take action once more? Immediately, he sent a message to Yu Yao, instructing him to spread the news that Huang Liang was coming to meet his death! Yue Changming did not argue further; after all, when a supreme powerhouse was reduced to the status of an ant, what was there left to say? If they really couldn't handle it, then they'd face death together! Xu Yan and his companions weren't the least bit worried; instead, they were thrilled, as if eagerly anticipating the moment when Huang Liang, whom they now saw as an ant, would be crushed under a single slap. Su Lingxiu didn't even consider the matter of Huang Liang important; she began discussing the next steps for Yue Changming's treatment. "Your spiritual body has been depleted; restoring it will be challenging without some special spiritual herbs needed to reactivate your essence. "But there's a way. I can concoct a Bloodline Revival Pill to activate your spiritual body and replenish its depleted essence. "Once the spiritual body's essence is activated and recovers somewhat, you'll just need to cultivate a bit to restore your spiritual body to its peak." Yue Changming was shocked; could his spiritual body truly recover? However, his heart grew heavy at the thought. If it were merely this single incident that depleted his spiritual body, he might have been able to recover. However, his spiritual body had already been shattered and incomplete since his youth. Now that its essence was entirely depleted, how could it recover? "My spiritual body was already shattered in my youth, and now it has completely collapsed, losing all its essence. "Old injuries of that kind cannot reactivate the spiritual body or be restored, so there's no need to expend energy." Yue Changming shook his head. "That won't do!" Su Lingxiu retorted, "I've rarely gotten involved in healing others. If I can't heal someone, doesn't that look bad on my skills? "Rest assured, though your spiritual body is long damaged, it's not beyond recovery." Yue Changming was taken aback, "Can it truly be restored?" If his spiritual body could be restored, it wasn't impossible for him to reach Huang Liang's level. This idea stirred excitement within him. "Of course!" Su Lingxiu affirmed and added, "But it requires some spiritual body essence." She then looked towards the girl called Yue'er, "Sister Yue'er, being of the same spiritual lineage, requires your blood essence for the Bloodline Revival Pill!" Yue Changming immediately shook his head, "No! I will not harm Yue'er for my sake!" "Grandfather, it's okay. I don't mind such a small harm!" Yue'er hurriedly objected. "No!" Yue Changming insisted firmly. Su Lingxiu said with exasperation, "Old man, you're being stubborn. I can restore your spiritual body, do you really think I would harm Yue'er in the process? "You can rest easy; these are minor issues. Don't judge my Dan Medical Alchemy skills with your limited perspective." Yue Changming opened his mouth, momentarily speechless. Su Lingxiu's argument made a lot of sense! Ultimately, Su Lingxiu took a bit of Yue'er's blood essence, administering her a pill to restore the loss. She then set about concocting the elixir to restore Yue Changming's spiritual body. … As Huang Liang and his group made their way towards the capital of the State of Zheng, a figure approached in haste. "What is it?" the Zheng Emperor asked from afar. The figure was a strong member of the Zheng royal family. "Your Majesty, there's news of Xu Yan!" The Zheng Emperor was instantly ecstatic. "Speak!" Huang Liang commanded in a low voice. "Exalted one," the messenger said, with lines of cold sweat forming on his forehead, "Xu Yan's master sent a message. He’s outside the capital, awaiting your...” The true message brought on a reflexive pause, realizing mid-sentence how disrespectful Xu Yan's master's words truly were. Huang Liang's brow furrowed, "Speak frankly!" "Yes...Yes, Exalted One!" The man took a deep breath, steadying himself, and recited word for word in the tone he was given, "Tell Huang Liang to come here and meet his end. An insignificant ant dares to claim the title of supreme powerhouse? What a joke!" After relaying the message verbatim, he sighed in relief, hoping the supreme powerhouse wouldn’t fault him simply for being the messenger. "Ha ha, such boldness!" Huang Liang laughed angrily. With a jab of his spear, a gleam of gunlight burst forth, obliterating the messenger in an instant. The Zheng Emperor and his people were instantly drenched in cold sweat, exceedingly tense, while internally cursing the messenger for his reckless mimicry — didn’t he realize that it was a death wish? "Alright, alright, we'll see who the real ant is. You dare taunt me, unaware of the heavens' vastness? I meant to let you live, but since you've asked for this, I shall grant your wish!" Huang Liang laughed wrathfully, his body moved as he headed straight for the capital of the State of Zheng. The Zheng Emperor and his entourage hurriedly followed. The news spread, and the Refining Divine Realm warriors from various spiritual sect families emerged, eager to witness this world-shaking battle outside the capital of the State of Zheng! To witness the power of a supreme powerhouse first-hand! Although in the Battle of Young Elites, Xu Yan's master left a jaw-dropping impression, no one considered him a match for the supreme powerhouse of the exalted Spiritual Sect. For Xu Yan and his companions, death seemed inevitable. "The ant has arrived," Li Xuan said casually, raising his head as Su Lingxiu prepared to refine the pill in the manor. --- ### New Terms: 1. 乞求 (Qǐqiú) - Plead: Used here for the act of humbly requesting or begging. 2. 靈體本源 (Língtǐ běnyuán) - Spiritual Body Essence: Refers to the essential and fundamental energy or component of one's spiritual form. ### Explanation: - While "乞求" directly translates to "plead," it's more than just a request; it involves displaying vulnerability or humbleness, which is reflected in Huang Liang's attempted humility. - "靈體本源" as "Spiritual Body Essence" maintains the tone of something intrinsic and fundamental to the concept of spiritual cultivation that defines these characters' power. ### Notes: - The confrontation of Huang Liang highlights the tension between arrogance and humility, an ongoing theme in martial art novels where might makes right. - Xu Yan's master and disciples' casual demeanor towards the challenge showcases deep confidence or underestimation of their adversaries, typical in literary tropes where the narrative suggests unseen or hidden prowess.