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

Chapter 286: Display of Divine Might with the Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique (法天象地顯神威) Xu Yan and a few others raised their heads at the words, witnessing the tumultuous winds and clouds on the horizon, a terrifying might sweeping in from afar. The expression on Yue Changming's face was solemn; this was the might of a supreme expert from the transcendent Spiritual Sect! "So strong!" Xu Yan furrowed his brows as he spoke. This imposing force far surpassed the peak of the Refining Divine Realm! Moreover, it stirred the winds and clouds, an overwhelming aura as if the heavens and earth were at its command! "I think that to suppress such a supreme expert from the transcendent Spiritual Sect, only those at the Divine Essence Realm can achieve it!" Xu Yan pondered in his heart. And even entering the Divine Essence Realm might not guarantee the capability for suppression! "Is this what it means to be a supreme expert?" Meng Chong rubbed his bald head, a look of gravity on his face. To trample the Thousand Martial Hall beneath his feet would require suppressing such experts, and what level did the prowess of Huang Liang stand among supreme experts of the transcendent Spiritual Sect? Perhaps within the Thousand Martial Hall, someone even stronger exists. While feeling some pressure, more so he was filled with exhilarating enthusiasm; the stronger the Thousand Martial Hall, the greater the sense of accomplishment upon overcoming it! "One day, I shall trample the Thousand Martial Hall and ascend to the peak of the Spiritual Domain!" Xu Yan declared proudly. He was not yet twenty years old this year, and in a few years, trampling the Thousand Martial Hall was not impossible! As Huang Liang headed straight for the capital of the State of Zheng, Li Xuan sat indifferently in his chair, observing without removing the array. With Huang Liang's ability, he could detect the presence of the array; the manor couldn't be hidden from him. After all, the reinforced array had already been removed, and the current array was originally set up by Fang Hao, which could be concealed from those at the peak of the Refining Divine Realm but not from a strong one like Huang Liang. "So this is what a supreme expert from the transcendent Spiritual Sect is like!" As Huang Liang approached, Li Xuan realized, finally understanding the nature of the transcendent Spiritual Sect's supreme experts, and why Yue Changming would say they seemed to control the forces of heaven and earth. In reality, they fell short of truly mastering the power of heaven and earth. "Condensing a wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the divine soul to sense and gather the forces of heaven and earth with this energy. Although it's just a small wisp, it far surpasses the peak of the Refining Divine Realm." Li Xuan instantly comprehended the essence of supreme experts in the Spiritual Domain. The so-called supreme experts essentially still belonged to the Refining Divine Heavenly Being realm. The difference was the integration of a wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the divine soul, using it to consolidate a fragment of the power of heaven and earth. "The Tai-Cang Martial Dao requires Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy for cultivation, and upon reaching the Refining Divine Heavenly Being realm, further advancement mandates the infusion of spiritual energy into the divine soul. "Only by doing so can one concentrate the power of heaven and earth. "The Tai-Cang Martial Dao uses Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy as a bridge to communicate with the heavens and comprehend the Laws of Heaven and Earth. "The more and more refined the condensation of spiritual energy, the stronger the power. "When this energy reaches a certain level, one can perceive the Laws of Heaven and Earth, and then refine a wisp of the Laws' power into the body..." Li Xuan had already uncovered the path of cultivation beyond the Refining Divine Heavenly Being. Unlike the Martial Dao he pioneered, which used the Bridge of Heaven and Earth to connect to the heavens and the Great Dao, using oneself as a bridge. The Tai-Cang Martial Dao relies entirely on Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy; it cannot be practiced in the absence of this energy, which is a limitation of the Tai-Cang Martial Dao. From the beginning to the Grandmaster Realm, it's all about sensing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. As one's cultivation improves, the sensing becomes more profound until finally, they need to integrate the spiritual energy into their divine soul. Incorporating spiritual energy into the divine soul is the only way to form a bridge to the Laws of Heaven and Earth, allowing further cultivation and enabling the incorporation of the Laws' power into the body. "Huang Liang, among the supreme experts of the transcendent Spiritual Sect, isn't particularly strong. He's only condensed a wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. Though he can gather a fraction of the heavenly force with it, it's ultimately too weak. "He's far from touching the Laws of Heaven and Earth or integrating the power of these laws." Li Xuan had a clear judgment of Huang Liang's strength and had a certain understanding of the peak strength of the transcendent Spiritual Sect's supreme experts. Condensing a single wisp of the power of the Laws of Heaven and Earth was virtually the limit. For a warrior of this level, Li Xuan could still swat them dead with a palm! As for stronger warriors, based on Li Xuan's knowledge of the Tai-Cang Martial Dao, they do not exist in the Spiritual Domain. Because they are limited by the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. "In the Spiritual Domain, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy is indeed more active than in the Inner Domain, but it's not sufficient for supporting more advanced cultivation." After Li Xuan broke through to the Divine Arts Realm, his understanding of the Laws of Heaven and Earth greatly improved. In an instant, he could perceive the Laws of Heaven and Earth in the Spiritual Domain. Moreover, with the power of divine arts, he could somewhat utilize these laws. This was due to his intensive study of the Laws of Heaven and Earth within the Tai-Cang Book. In fact, from the Tai-Cang Book, he had already discovered the operation of the Spiritual Domain's Laws of Heaven and Earth. "Condensing spiritual energy into the divine soul, such a practice must be the core secret of the transcendent Spiritual Sect, the foundation of its strength. "Nevertheless, there should be similar warriors in the Spiritual Domain who have mastered the art of integrating spiritual energy into the divine soul, though they likely lag behind the transcendent Spiritual Sect in refinement, speed, and efficiency. "Additionally, the ability to condense Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the divine soul does not come solely from possessing the technique; it involves a certain perception of the spiritual energy. "There are other factors involved too; it demands a high level of talent, and only those with a spiritual physique can more readily condense the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy." Li Xuan contemplated briefly, then understood the key. Glancing at Yue Changming, he figured the elder might also know of the method to condense spiritual energy into the divine soul, though perhaps a cruder version with lower efficiency, heavily reliant on the talent of the warrior. Without a spiritual physique, one cannot integrate Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the divine soul! This is also why Yue Changming had not advanced further; his spiritual physique was incomplete, thus unable to condense and integrate the energy. Boom! Huang Liang's aura was astonishing as he neared the manor, yet Xu Yan and the others watched calmly, not showing the slightest sign of tension. "Has Huang Liang already learned to wield the forces of heaven and earth?" Fang Hao exclaimed in surprise. "He probably can't," Xu Yan shook his head, pondering as he replied, "His aura is strong, stirring the winds and clouds, but I think it's achieved through some secret technique as a bridge." "If I were to break through to the second layer of the Immortal Golden Body, my Heaven and Earth Conquering Blade could break apart this aura," Meng Chong considered for a moment before speaking. Li Xuan interjected, "It's merely a matter of integrating a wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the divine soul, using this energy to stir the winds and clouds, shaping a fragment of heavenly force." Enlightened, Xu Yan and the others echoed, "So that's how it is!" Yue Changming was inwardly startled, realizing that Xu Yan's mysterious master had discerned this with merely a glance. It wasn't surprising that he possessed such confidence; clearly, his strength wasn't inferior to Huang Liang's and was likely superior. With this thought, he calmed himself. "Weaklings like to flaunt their might, hoping to showcase their strength, always ready to overextend themselves, just like ants challenging an elephant. Huang Liang is indeed such a person, unaware of his insignificance!" Li Xuan chuckled softly as he spoke. "Master is right!" Xu Yan nodded. Meng Chong and the others also agreed. Their master was immensely powerful, yet he never flaunted himself, living life like an ordinary person, leisurely and at ease, without revealing his strength. Such is the mark of a true strongman! Yue Changming, for a moment, was at a loss for words. Was Huang Liang really an ant? Perhaps… In the eyes of that master, he truly was? Boom! Suddenly, Huang Liang halted his advance, eyes fixating on the manor. "So, it's here? Such a clever method to conceal oneself!" With his pause, the Sovereign of Zheng and others, including powerful members of the Spiritual Sect family who had gathered, were puzzled. There appeared to be nothing but a grove, without a sight of Xu Yan and the others. Li Xuan waved a hand, dispelling the array and revealing the manor. Seated in his chair, he looked at Huang Liang indifferently, "The pitiful fate of an ant!" He sighed, shaking his head. Turning back to Xu Yan and company, he solemnly imparted, "Remember, do not let a slight bit of power make you feel invincible. Know that there are always greater powers in the world. "What you perceive as strength might be insignificant. "Just like this Huang Liang, seen as a supreme expert by outsiders, yet to your master, merely an ant!" Xu Yan and the others adopted a respectful posture, saluting, "Yes, Master, we will remember!" "Good!" Li Xuan nodded in satisfaction. The Sovereign of Zheng and others were stunned; how audacious was this Xu Yan’s master! In the presence of a supreme expert, using them to instruct his disciples? And Xu Yan and the others? All absorbed in listening intently, showing nothing but disregard for Huang Liang, this acclaimed supreme expert. Yue Changming felt a chill run down his spine. Yet Yue Changming's daughter was instead filled with admiration, nodding along, "I too will keep the elder's teachings close to heart!" Huang Liang nearly exploded with rage. ### Translation Key: - Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique (法天象地) - Translating this as such retains the essence of manipulating the great forces of the world to demonstrate divine might. - Transcendent Spiritual Sect (超然靈宗) - "Transcendent" reflects their superior nature, while "Spiritual Sect" describes their organization. - Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書) - Retaining this as it refers to a specific text which Li Xuan studies for understanding the universe. - Greater Beast King (大妖之王) - Translating 大妖之王 as such aligns with the theme of dominance among mythical creatures. - Spiritual Domain (靈域) - Directly translates to a domain where spiritual aspects dominate, which fits the context of advanced martial arts and understanding of heaven and earth. Notice: Multiverse is considered, therefore previous references such as the status of realms and specifics of martial daos may change, revealing newer insights. However, the reason for his visit was Xu Yan's mastery of Sword Dao. Before acquiring this knowledge and understanding its mysterious origins, he had no intention of killing anyone. His gaze was cold as he looked at Yue Changming, not expecting him to be saved. Although his spiritual physique was lost, his injuries were about seventy to eighty percent healed. "Bold indeed! Someone I intend to kill, the remnants of Ten Thousand Stars dare to save. I'll kill him right in front of you!" Boom! Huang Liang raised his spear, where the spear's brilliance formed and aimed at Yue Changming! His intent was to intimidate, capture, and bring this person back to the Thousand Martial Hall, to extract the secrets of Sword Dao! The tip of the spear shone like a falling meteor, the heavens and earth quelling in its wake. Though slow, the spear's brilliance was unavoidable, locked by a distant energy. This seemingly slow spear light felt like the arrival of death, with its overpowering pressure meant to shatter the mind and spirit. In the realm of heaven and earth, only this shaft of spear light remained! Without doubt, Huang Liang aimed to crush the spirit of his opponent with despair through such immense pressure. The Sovereign of Zheng and the other Refining Divine warriors trembled all over, retreating anxiously. Terrifying! Is this what a supreme expert is? Even a casual spear light seemed to harbor the might of heaven and earth. Though not directly targeting them, it still induced a suffocating sensation. Everyone fixated on the manor, eager to see how Li Xuan would fend off this strike. "This person is doomed!" was the common thought among Refining Divine warriors. The spear light, though slow, descended, aimed squarely at Yue Changming. Inside the manor, Li Xuan sipped his spiritual tea, glancing at the sweat-soaked Yue Changming, and said casually, "How does it feel? Experience this attack, and you too can condense Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into your soul." The spear light was less than three feet away from Yue Changming, ready to annihilate him completely. Yue'er showed panic, unable to react in time. At that critical moment, a hand reached out, grabbing the spear light. Bang! The spear light shattered. Li Xuan turned his gaze toward the now grim-faced Huang Liang, speaking indifferently, "When I call you an ant, you are an ant. Today, I will show you just how insignificant you are!" Boom! Suddenly, an imposing figure stood tall in the realm, head touching the sky, eyes like suns, hair resembling the laws of heaven and earth, emanating an aura as vast and terrifying as a descending deity or demon! Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique! Huang Liang's mind was shaken, courage wavering; every part of him trembled, causing his spear to fall. Looking up, he saw the deity-like figure towering over him, two sun-like eyes fixed on him. Thud! "You… you… you…" Huang Liang stammered, unable to speak. The Sovereign of Zheng and the Refining Divine warriors almost fell apart mentally, shocked by the deity-like figure, their courage crumbling, faces paling, shaking internally. Even the air was permeated with a faint smell of urine… What horror was this! No wonder they called Huang Liang an ant—he truly was! No! He was worse than an ant! Inside the manor, Xu Yan and the others were equally stunned; to witness a figure towering towards the heavens, eyes like the sun, hair flowing like the turning laws of heaven and earth—such power! They were soon filled with excitement. Finally, they had witnessed a sliver of their master's strength. Yue Changming was dumbfounded, having assumed the other's arrogance and confidence stemmed from being stronger than Huang Liang. In the end! Compared to him, Huang Liang was indeed an ant! And he himself was even less than an ant! Yue'er stared, slack-jawed. "Brother Xu Yan's master is incredibly strong—what kind of martial arts is this?" In the Spiritual Domain, when had such terrifying martial arts ever been heard of? Li Xuan, displaying the Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique, appeared like a deity descending into the Spiritual Realm, making Huang Liang seem truly like an ant in his eyes. "This is a real strongman!" He finally understood the feeling of overlooking the heaven and earth—the sensation of an unparalleled master! "Huang Liang, how are you not an ant?" Li Xuan spoke coldly. His voice, akin to heavenly thunder, rolled and resounded. Huang Liang felt a ringing in his ears and his divine soul trembled. He tried to gather a wisp of the heavenly force to stabilize himself, yet the heavenly power seemed blocked, as if drained. He couldn't gather it! "To die by my hand should be the highlight of your life!" Li Xuan said coldly, pressing down with one finger. Boom! The ground seemed to split as if the heavens and earth shook, Huang Liang frantically activated his techniques and martial arts but couldn't utter a word. Before the finger pressed down, his body had already cracked, his divine soul trembling violently. Puff! Huang Liang's body disintegrated, his soul dissolved, eradicated utterly. A supreme expert from the Thousand Martial Hall couldn't even scream before death. The Sovereign of Zheng and all the Refining Divine warriors prostrated on the ground, quivering, lacking even the courage to lift their gaze. Too terrifying, too powerful! "Sigh, an ant is an ant. Without witnessing the people beyond people, the heavens beyond the heavens, they wouldn't know their insignificance, yet dare call themselves supreme experts!" Li Xuan shook his head and sighed. After pressing Huang Liang to death with a single finger, Li Xuan withdrew the Heaven and Earth Shattering divine ability, returned to his chair, and leisurely sipped his tea. It was as if he had merely squashed an ant, insignificant. All around, the Sovereign of Zheng and others kneeled, not daring to rise for a long time. Xu Yan and the others were equally overwhelmed with astonishment. Yue Changming and his granddaughter were utterly dazed. Li Xuan felt satisfied, with his Heaven and Earth Shattering Technique shocking all quarters of the realm! Request for some monthly votes ^_^ ### Translation Key: - "Ten Thousand Stars" (万星) - Kept this as "Ten Thousand Stars" to imply the name of a significant group or organization in the story. - Yue'er is referred to simply by her relationship to Yue Changming, implying a close familial bond like a granddaughter, but explicitly naming this would depend on additional context. - "Brother Xu Yan" reflects a more personal, respectful form of address. - "Martial Dao" (武道) - Keeping this translation ensures alignment with the overarching discipline and philosophy pursued by practitioners in the narrative. Shifts in perspective and style serve to capture the narrative tension more skillfully while adhering to character insights and emotional arcs. Adjustments to understood power rankings should be noted as the story unfolds, introducing new dynamics to the established universe.