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

Chapter 288: Guiding Yue Changming, Xu Yan's Thoughts A fierce fist imprint shot towards the sky, as if intending to shatter the firmament, unleashing a power as potent as the Laws of Heaven and Earth, shaking the surroundings. The Emperor of Zhou's expression tightened, "How could a mere rogue cultivator wield such power? And why possesses such techniques?" "Why wouldn't a rogue cultivator possess such capabilities?" A powerful expert from the Wan Shi Alliance chuckled, "Emperor of Zhou, do I have the qualifications?" The Emperor of Zhou smiled, saying, "Very well, as long as your Wan Shi Alliance does not meddle in the Zhou State's protected domain, we shall not intervene." After finishing, he turned and started to leave, then paused, "The Wan Shi Alliance indeed possesses formidable power, but challenging the Spiritual Sects, you're still not enough. "The transcendence of the Spiritual Sects is not as simple as it appears." Saying that, he strode away. "Thank you for the counsel, Emperor of Zhou!" The expert from the Wan Shi Alliance cupped his fists in gratitude. In Qingzhou, one powerful figure after another appeared from the Royal Beast Palace, battling the Spiritual Beast Clan experts from Tianlingzhou. "The Wan Shi Alliance colluding with spiritual beasts deserves death!" "The Royal Beast Palace can associate with spiritual beasts, why can't we of Wan Shi Alliance? Better stay put in Qingzhou." The Wan Shi Alliance expert sneered coldly. In Chenzhou, where the headquarters of the Wan Shi Alliance was located, they emerged and with overwhelming power, subdued the spiritual sects of Chenzhou, taking their place! The rogue cultivators of Chenzhou were invigorated, pledging allegiance one after another, joining the battle against the spiritual sects. A war spreading across the Spiritual Domain, challenging the dominion of the spiritual sects, suddenly erupted in various states, taking many spiritual sects by surprise and at an instant, putting them at a disadvantage. Weaker spiritual sects were even annihilated by the Wan Shi Alliance. As the influence of the Wan Shi Alliance grew stronger, rogue cultivators also joined in droves, whether for the benefit of the spiritual sects, or to avenge past grievances. Within a short half-month, the spiritual sects governing the Spiritual Domain found their status threatened, teetering precariously. Even the enormously powerful transcendent spiritual sects couldn't spare efforts to aid the spiritual sect families across the states. In Yunshan State, where the Tai-Miao Sect was located. Unlike the other transcendental spiritual sects such as Thundercloud Villa, Thousand Martial Hall, or the Royal Beast Palace, the Tai-Miao Sect truly emanated an otherworldly air. Seemingly content with silent cultivation, recruiting exceptionally gifted disciples, and perpetuating its legacy, no more and no less. Ruling Yunshan State seemed merely a means to obtain resources necessary for nurturing disciples. Yet, no one dared to underestimate the Tai-Miao Sect. The leader of the Wan Shi Alliance, Tan Wenlin, personally arrived outside the Tai-Miao Sect. Showing their regard for the Tai-Miao Sect. "Yunshan State may not be disturbed, do not intervene in Yunshan State, or face death!" A cool voice resounded from within the Tai-Miao Sect. Accompanying the voice were dreamlike flowers, ethereal and mystical, drifting down, both beautiful and imbued with terrifying murderous intent. Tan Wenlin's expression turned exceedingly solemn as he pointed with a pen, causing countless stars to emerge along with that stroke. Boom! Clashing with the dreamlike flowers, the ethereal power collided forcefully. Poof! The stars vanished, causing Tan Wenlin to stagger back several steps. Meanwhile, the dreamlike flowers also disintegrated and vanished, the ethereal power turning as illusory as a bubble, on the verge of fading. "Fine! The Wan Shi Alliance will not enter Yunshan State!" Tan Wenlin said gravely, his expression heavy with contemplation. The Tai-Miao Sect offered no response. Tan Wenlin turned away, the hand gripping the Star Point Pen trembling slightly. "Xin Mengrou of Tai-Miao has stepped beyond this point!" Tan Wenlin was inwardly shocked. But also somewhat relieved; if Xin Mengrou had intervened, he may not have been able to withstand it! That day, all Wan Shi Alliance experts withdrew from Yunshan State. In Luozhou, Chang Danou did not await Huang Liang's arrival but instead learned of Huang Liang's death in Yuzhou. He was deeply shaken. Who could have killed Huang Liang? An old acquaintance from the past? As he prepared to head to Yuzhou, a figure blocked his way. This powerful individual hailed from Thundercloud Villa. ... The emergence of the Wan Shi Alliance shook the Spiritual Domain. Yet, only Yuzhou remained tranquil. Refining Divine martial artists who escaped to Luozhou now returned to rebuild Luozhou's sub-alliance. But Yu Gao and others awaited no decree from the main alliance's emergence and were instead instructed to continue their dormancy. "Who could have thought the Wan Shi Alliance possessed such strength!" Fang Hao sighed. He communicated with Yu Gao that everything was as usual. Hence, the Jade God Sect and Su Family territory remained secretly controlled by the Yuzhou sub-alliance, while overtly still under Shen Family's management. "Is the spiritual sects’ dominion coming to an end?" Yue'er said, unable to contain her excitement. "It's not that straightforward," Yue Changming shook his head. Although the Wan Shi Alliance had displayed immense power and seemed to suppress the spiritual sects' momentum, it was merely the beginning. Still, he was surprised; where did the Wan Shi Alliance gather so many powerful figures? "Could it be the Academy's past research has succeeded?" Yue Changming pondered. At that moment, he was recuperating his spiritual body, having consumed pills refined by Su Lingxiu. His once-collapsed and depleted spiritual body was regenerating, undergoing a recovery process. However, complete restoration would take time, and he needed to consume potent restorative pills daily. "Miss Su, I will find a way to compensate for the spiritual herbs needed for recovery," Yue Changming expressed gratitude. Su Lingxiu's eyes shifted, saying, "You have decent strength. My junior disciple's Wan Shi Alliance lacks a strong figure. Why not oversee his Wan Shi Alliance for him? Treat it as a payment for the healing. What do you think?" Yue Changming nodded in agreement, "Alright, no problem!" Amidst the external tumult and ongoing battles, the manor remained serene and undisturbed by the war, nor did top-tier experts from the Thousand Martial Hall seek vengeance. Yet, Xu Yan, Meng Chong, and Fang Hao grew restless, desiring to immerse themselves in the turbulence, refine their skills, and reach the pinnacle. Li Xuan, after a moment of contemplation, realized Fang Hao's Wan Shi Alliance was lacking a powerful overseer. He couldn't take up the position in the Wan Shi Alliance; however, Yue Changming was a suitable candidate, albeit his strength was lacking, unable even to defeat someone like Huang Liang. To oversee the Wan Shi Alliance, one must possess the power to withstand top-tier experts from the transcendental spiritual sects. "Condensing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy (天地靈機) into the soul is not difficult, even integrating a sliver of Heaven and Earth Laws is not challenging—it just necessitates some time." In this Spiritual Domain, no one understood the Laws of Heaven and Earth better than him. Li Xuan resolved to guide Yue Changming, granting him the fated opportunity to encounter a transcendent figure. Meeting a higher being without gaining opportunity or upliftment — wouldn't that imply this higher being wasn't grand enough? "Are you Yue Changming?" Li Xuan casually said while sipping spiritual tea. "Yes, Senior!" Yue Changming responded with utmost reverence. This was genuinely an extraordinary higher being, and within, he felt a surge of anticipation, hoping for the chance to alter his destiny in this moment. "Are you capable of integrating Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into your soul?" Li Xuan tranquilly inquired. "I know a bit, but since my spiritual body hasn't fully recovered, I'm unable to infuse Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into my soul," Yue Changming admitted, his heart fluttering with excitement. "The Tai-Cang Martial Dao is intimately connected with Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, but infusing it requires no reliance on a fully restored spiritual body." Li Xuan extended his hand and captured a wisp of ethereal essence in his grasp. Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy! Yue Changming's heart jolted, and he quietly noted down "Tai-Cang Martial Dao," feeling as if he had grasped a hint of the mysteries of the universe, an exhilarating notion. He gazed at the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy in Li Xuan's grasp, marveling at the unparalleled prowess, capturing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy with a mere motion. "Within your Martial Dao, after refining the deity, it's a matter of integrating Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the soul, subsequently using it to perceive Heaven and Earth Laws, integrating those Laws into the body... "You've reached the pinnacle of deity refinement. The subsequent cultivation involves infusing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into the soul, then perceiving Heaven and Earth Laws, integrating those Laws into the body. "Since destiny has brought you here, allow me to pass on the integration technique to you." That wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy danced on Li Xuan's fingertips, moving seamlessly. Yue Changming was thrilled and elated, gratefully responding, "Yue Changming, thanks the Senior for bestowing the technique!" "Mm!" Li Xuan nodded. Creating a method to integrate Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was trivial for him. Neither was the method for integrating the Laws of Heaven and Earth. With his current strength and understanding of the Laws of Heaven and Earth, he could effortlessly develop such techniques, and he was confident they surpassed those mastered by the transcendental spiritual sects, making integration simpler and less challenging. "Take this Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy as well," Li Xuan flicked his fingers, sending the wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy immediately into Yue Changming's soul, along with the integration technique he crafted. **New Terms:** 1. Tan Wenlin (譚文林) → Leader Tan - Translated based on the character's title and position. Alternate translations include Master Tan. 2. Xin Mengrou (辛夢柔) → Xin Mengrou - Retained the original name as no specific title or contextual translation was provided. The passage includes a pun on the term for "transcendent" (超然), used both as a quality of spiritual sects and to denote their perceived superiority. The changes or additions to the earlier list aren't required as Tan Wenlin and Xin Mengrou are unique names that don't require specific designation in the translations. With a wave of his hand, several intricate patterns emerged, intertwining in a profound and extraordinary manner, as if they contained some fundamental truths of the universe. A piece of paper appeared on the table, the patterns imprinted on it, and it floated to Yue Changming's hands. "These are a few Laws of Heaven and Earth for you to comprehend on your own." Yue Changming was in utter shock. This senior was truly an unparalleled sage, the methods bestowed were so profound and unfathomable. Was integrating Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy truly so simple and easy? Holding the paper with the imprinted patterns, he was elated. Were these really the Laws of Heaven and Earth? Even imprinting the Laws of Heaven and Earth on paper for others to understand—he completely believed that if this senior merely leaked a hint of aura, it could trigger a cataclysm of heaven and earth. "Thank you, Senior, for bestowing this method!" Yue Changming bowed deeply in gratitude. "Mm." Li Xuan nodded indifferently. Yue Changming, filled with excitement, began cultivating, his heart ablaze with passion. "I, Yue Changming, will once again reach the pinnacle, and I shall suppress my former rivals once more!" After guiding Yue Changming, Li Xuan returned to compiling Divine Martial Arts, while contemplating future martial realms. With divine arts established, the subsequent martial cultivation paths and realms should be part of the agenda now. Fang Hao, while cultivating, also crafted Mysterious Weapon Caskets that could be assimilated into the body, while instructing Yu Gao to monitor the outcome of the Wan Shi Alliance’s battle against the spiritual sects. The war was ongoing, and the strength displayed by the Wan Shi Alliance was beyond imagination. Surprisingly, the State of Zhou did not intervene against the Wan Shi Alliance, albeit understandable, as the State of Zhou was, in essence, not a spiritual sect. It was a sovereign dynasty. Despite that, it was comparable to a transcendental spiritual sect in foundation and strength. And another transcendental spiritual sect, the Tai-Miao Sect, remained inactive as well, though the Wan Shi Alliance caused no disturbances in Yunshan State, under Tai-Miao's jurisdiction. It seemed some form of agreement had been reached between both parties. As the Wan Shi Alliance grew stronger, confronting the transcendental spiritual sects without faltering, they inspired numerous rogue cultivators to join them, opposing the spiritual sects. Their momentum continued to swell. Of course, there were also opportunists targeting the Wan Shi Alliance, aiming to curry favor with the spiritual sects and seizing the chance to become their martial practitioners. Major spiritual sect families in Yuzhou were tense and closely watched the Wan Shi Alliance’s battle against the spiritual sects. Yet, the Shen family remained calm, showing no panic. After all, they had already secretly colluded with the Wan Shi Alliance, though this was a top secret known to less than a handful within the Shen family. Shen Haizhou came to the manor; after acquiring pills, he broke through to the Greater Heavenly Being level. Li Xuan was somewhat surprised that the war between the Wan Shi Alliance and the spiritual sects persisted for a month without a decisive outcome. "Is the Wan Shi Alliance this strong?" He was puzzled; shouldn’t the spiritual sects ruling the Spiritual Domain not be this weak? More information trickled in as Wen Yong reported the war details to Fang Hao. First, within the Wan Shi Alliance’s strongest ranks were remnants of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute's prodigies from past years. Second, among them were powerful sea spirits from the Azure Seas. Third, formidable spiritual beasts from the Spiritual Beast Tribe of Tianlingzhou also participated. Due to these factors, the Wan Shi Alliance was able to battle the spiritual sects to a stalemate thus far. "The dynamics of the Spiritual Domain are bound to shift a bit." Li Xuan thought silently. Of course, the foundation of the transcendental spiritual sects wasn't limited to just this, else they couldn’t have ruled the Spiritual Domain. Hidden factors led to the current situation. Glancing at Xu Yan and Meng Chong, both disciples were diligently cultivating, eager to venture out and explore. "Your disciple Xu Yan has achieved consummation in the Divine Intent Realm; your spirit doubled in strength." Xu Yan had made a breakthrough. Li Xuan was instantly delighted; his spirit doubled in strength meant significant improvement in power. Since Xu Yan had broken through, it was about time for him to venture out, accumulate experience, and prepare for the sublimation when breaking into the Divine Essence Realm. A few days after Xu Yan’s breakthrough, Meng Chong also broke through. "Your disciple Meng Chong achieved the first major accomplishment of the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body; you achieved the first minor accomplishment of the second stage." A few more days later, Su Lingxiu also broke through. "Your disciple Su Lingxiu reached major accomplishment in the Divine Intent Realm; your Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path within the Divine Essence Realm reached the first minor accomplishment." The three disciples gradually breaking through signified an increase in strength. Meanwhile, Fang Hao's crafting of the Mysterious Weapon Casket reached the final stages. Li Xuan turned to look at the young girl, Yue'er, who was breaking through to the Refining Divine Heavenly Being Realm. "At her age, reaching the Refining Divine Heavenly Being Realm in the Spiritual Domain is a testament to extraordinary talent—her spiritual physique indeed stands out." Of course, Yue'er’s swift breakthrough was also aided by medicinal elixirs. Now she and Su Lingxiu had become best friends. "Master!" Xu Yan approached, greeting with respect. "Mm, feeling restless?" Li Xuan smiled. "Master, I wish to refine myself through battle, using medicinal elixirs and spiritual artifacts to supplement, to refine and accumulate my foundation, striving to breakthrough the Divine Essence Realm and undergo personal transformation..." Xu Yan explained his intention after some thought. He wanted to engage in combat to temper himself, surpass limits, and accumulate foundation through battles, rather than solely nurturing and refining himself with spiritual artifacts and materials. Li Xuan was slightly taken aback, surprised that Xu Yan wanted to build his foundation using this method! **New Terms:** 1. Mysterious Weapon Casket (奇門兵匣) - Translated as 'Mysterious Weapon Casket' to indicate a storage or containment designed for mystical weapons, consistent with the theme of enchanting objects. Literal translation is "Strange Gate Weapon Box." 2. Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute (萬星武道院) - Translated as 'Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute,' highlighting the prestigious and expansive nature associated with the concept of 'thousands of stars.' Literal alternative could be "Myriad Star Martial Academy." 3. Tan Wenlin (譚文林), Xin Mengrou (辛夢柔), - names retained from previous context as no specific context change necessitates alteration. The narrative highlights the dynamism in the Spiritual Domain, suggesting shifts with the rise of the Wan Shi Alliance and involvement of various forces. The guidance from a transcendent figure like Li Xuan emphasizes profound insights into martial cultivation, which also alludes to the underlying mystery and potential of such paths. Concepts such as "Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy" (天地靈機) and profound techniques underline the metaphysical depth in Li Xuan's mentorship. The new terms maintain alignment with the existing mystical theme consistently conveyed throughout the narrative.