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

### Chapter 290: Ten Thousand Stars Dean Wu Tiannan, The Secret of the Divine Bridge The battle between the Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟) and the Spirit Sects (靈宗) has entered a new phase. After the deployment of divine artifacts by the Thundercloud Pavilion (雷雲山莊), Thousand Martial Hall (千武殿), and Spirit Command Palace (禦靈府), the formidable foundation of the Spirit Sects has become apparent. The Wan Shi Alliance was forced to retreat from the region of Lei Yunzhou, and similarly, from the Thousand Martial Province. Meanwhile, in Qingzhou, the Spirit Command Palace deployed a divine artifact of Spirit Command, slaying an over sixth-rank spirit beast and compelling the spirit beasts to retreat back to the great mountains of Tianlingzhou. The Wan Shi Alliance in Qingzhou was defeated, its strongest warriors gravely injured, until Alliance Master Tan Wenlin intervened personally to stabilize the situation and withdraw from Qingzhou. The Spirit Sects in each province have also displayed formidable strength, turning the previously unfavorable situation in an instant and reclaiming vast territories. However, Chen Province (辰州) has already fallen under the control of the Wan Shi Alliance, and other provinces have seen the Wan Shi Alliance take a firm position as well. The situation has led to a stalemate between the two sides. In Luo Province, at the border of the Cangyun Dynasty, Chang DanNiu was engaged in a fierce battle with a formidable warrior from Thundercloud Pavilion. The strength of both sides was evenly matched, and they were old acquaintances. “Remnants of Ten Thousand Stars, do you truly believe you can rise again?” the powerful warrior from Thundercloud Pavilion said coldly. “The Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute will not rise again, but the Wan Shi Alliance will surely establish its place. The era of your Spirit Sects ruling the Spiritual Domain is coming to an end!” Chang DanNiu retorted with a sneer. Chen Province has already been controlled by the Wan Shi Alliance, and aside from the provinces directly governed by the exalted Spirit Sects, each has a stronghold of the Wan Shi Alliance. The once-complete domination by the Spirit Sects over the regions is starting to see changes. “Ha! Do you truly believe you can succeed? The depths of our Spirit Sects is not something you lowly wandering cultivators can comprehend. Even if you unite with the Sea Spirit Tribe and the Spirit Beast Clan, what can you achieve? “This Spiritual Domain will ultimately belong to us, the Spirit Sects.” Chang DanNiu laughed wildly, “Is that so? Then let's see what hidden strength your Spirit Sects truly have. The new structure of the Spiritual Domain has been determined, and there will be a place for wandering cultivators!” The battles continued to rage between the two, with Chang DanNiu’s twin hammers relentlessly smashing down. The warrior from Thundercloud Pavilion also wielded a large hammer, but it was enshrouded with thunderlight. The clash of strength was terrifying, and the onlookers were all filled with trepidation. Is this the might of supreme powerhouses? In a certain sky over the Spiritual Domain, five figures stood in the clouds, surrounded by a hint of the ultimate truth of heaven and earth. Although they didn’t emanate a strong aura, it felt as though the power of heaven and earth was converged upon them. The Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall, the Master of Spirit Command Palace, and the Lord of Thundercloud Pavilion — these three supreme powerhouses of the exalted Spirit Sects looked coldly at the two figures before them. "Lord Fu, would you truly lower yourself to associate with these lowly wandering cultivators?" the Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall said with a somber gaze to the man, who styled his hair with a Bi Hai Divine Pearl (碧海神珠) and held a folding fan, looking rather innocent. Lord Fu wore a helpless expression, shaking his head and sighing, "I have no choice. I owe this bastard a favor for being trapped once. I must repay him. “Please, the three of you, don’t get so angry. Don’t you see that Da Zhou and Tai-Miao haven’t sent anyone? “You three alone aren’t enough to win.” As he finished, he waved his folding fan with one hand, and with the other, he tucked his ponytail around his wrist, sighing, "Do you see the Bi Hai Divine Pearl on my head? I've always wanted to use it to tie my hair, but could never make an opening. “This guy said he could help me, and I didn’t believe it. But he actually did it. “You all know me, Fu Tianhai, as a man of my word. I have to honor it." The three from Thousand Martial Hall were deep in thought, their expressions grim. The figure beside Fu Tianhai, with one hand holding a ruler and the other cradling a book, exuded no visible might, yet his scholarly demeanor was undiminished. Still, this was the man who caused the utmost caution among the three from Thousand Martial Hall. The head of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute, a true legendary figure. Entering the Spiritual Domain from the Inner Domain, rising to the leadership of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute (萬星武道院) and elevating its strength to rival that of the exalted Spirit Sects. Rumor has it, this individual was the master of the Blood Devil Demon Lord during his first rise to power. Though crushed in the battle with the geniuses of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute, which wiped the institution from the eighteen provinces, this man survived. "Wu Tiannan, do you think finding Lord Fu will allow you to withstand us?" the Lord of Thundercloud Pavilion took a step forward, surrounded by thunderlight, with the Lei Yun Pearl (雷雲珠) in hand, exuding a murderous intent. A white short stick topped with a fist-sized azure bead, emitting azure thunderlight, this was the divine artifact, Lei Yun Pearl of Thundercloud Pavilion! The Master of Spirit Command Palace chuckled, looking at Fu Tianhai and saying, “Lord Fu, I understand your difficulty, so you and I should abstain from interfering, and let these three battle it out?” Fu Tianhai chuckled, “Agreed!” The Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall held a blade in hand, its blade veiled in a cold aura, exuding a chilling blade momentum, and said coldly, "Wu Tiannan, I heard my uncle heavily injured you back then. I thought you’d either be dead or disabled, and never thought you’d last until today. “But since you seek death, today I shall grant it!” Wu Tiannan, however, smiled in a gentle manner, putting away the book in his hand and holding the ruler, without the slightest hint of anger or retreat. “Of all the exalted Spirit Sects, Thousand Martial Hall is the most shameless. Your uncle ambushed me, bribed those around me in secret. “The fall of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute was fortunate. It relieved a burden.” Wu Tiannan tapped the ruler lightly on his left palm, the sound echoing in the clouds. He showed no fear in the face of the supreme powerhouses of the Thousand Martial Hall and Thundercloud Pavilion. His gaze was distant, as if reminiscing about the past. “I was born in the Inner Domain, in a small mountain village of the southern county of the dynasty, without martial arts and no exposure to the martial path. My parents died early, and I lived alone, struggling in poverty. “The villagers called me a stray dog. I didn’t even have a name. “Until, at the age of eight, a celestial-like older sister, gravely injured and being pursued, fled to our village, and I hid her in the cellar. “I erased traces of her presence and deceived those chasing her…” Wu Tiannan recalled his childhood slowly and leisurely. The two leaders of Thousand Martial Hall were not in a rush to act but listened quietly, curious about Wu Tiannan's intentions in sharing his background and experience, while also intrigued by the storied background of this legendary figure, known to have emerged from the Inner Domain and entered the esteemed Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute. Wu Tiannan continued, “The beautiful sister was severely injured, but with medicines on her, was able to recover. It was then that I first encountered martial arts. “She taught me martial arts, which I found very simple, and quickly mastered. “She was amazed by my talent, and guided my martial path as I reached the rank of Great Grandmaster at sixteen. “I thought I would stay with her forever, but she eventually left, urging me to enter the Spiritual Domain and the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute. “Before she left, she named me Wu Tiannan. “In the Inner Domain, I established the Seven Star Academy (七星学宮), spreading martial practices, studying the martial path…” Wu Tiannan, the founder of the Seven Star Academy, a legendary figure. Upon arriving in the Spiritual Domain, he joined the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute, transforming it into the Spiritual Domain counterpart of the Inner Domain's Seven Star Academy. The previous head had sustained injuries and lost longevity, perishing twenty years after Wu Tiannan joined. Wu Tiannan, with his immense strength and prestige, succeeded as head, continuing his martial dedication, and elevating the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute, yielding countless prodigies. "…The Blood Spirit Son was an accident. It was the aristocratic families of your Spirit Sects that drove him mad," Wu Tiannan sighed. The three leaders of the Thousand Martial Hall frowned, puzzled at Wu Tiannan's reasons for recounting his origins and experiences—was it to boast of his legendary rise? The Master of Spirit Command Palace suddenly frowned and said, “Your martial fate was tied to that woman, and your path to the Ten Thousand Stars Institute was her guidance. Where did she go?” Wu Tiannan smiled brightly, “I don’t know. There’s no trace of her in the Spiritual Domain. I’ve been searching for my sister.” Then he fixed his meaningful gaze on the three of them, saying word by word, “That bridge is about to appear, right? Or do you have the means to bring forth that bridge?” The three from Thousand Martial Hall heard this and their expressions transformed dramatically, their eyes sharp, their intent murderous. “Fu Tianhai, did you dare to reveal such a secret matter to him?” the Lord of Thundercloud Pavilion roared angrily at Fu Tianhai. Fu Tianhai rolled his eyes, putting on an innocent look, “I, Fu Tianhai, am no fool. How could I possibly reveal such a secret? “How he knows, I haven’t a clue.” --- **Terms not in the previous list:** 1. **Wu Tiannan (武天南):** Translated as "Wu Tiannan." No translation required as it is a proper name. 2. **Tan Wenlin (譚文林):** Translated as "Tan Wenlin." Proper name. 3. **Fu Tianhai (傅天海):** Translated as "Fu Tianhai." Proper name. 4. **Chang DanNiu (常大牛):** Translated as "Chang DanNiu." Proper name. 5. **Bi Hai Divine Pearl (碧海神珠):** Proper name of a divine artifact. In a different context, it might be translated as Azure Sea Divine Pearl, but it refers to a specific item here. 6. **Seven Star Academy (七星学宮):** Translated as such to maintain the connection between the Inner Domain's equivalent. 7. **Lei Yun Pearl (雷雲珠):** Proper name of an artifact. "Thundercloud Pearl" could be an alternate translation, but the proper name was maintained for specificity. 8. **Blood Spirit Son (血靈子):** A specific character or title likely related to another individual in the narrative, directly translated for clarity. 9. **Divine Bridge (神橋):** Translated directly as "Divine Bridge" to reflect its mysterious significance. The proper names and terms were maintained as they are integral character names, titles, or items with cultural and narrative significance. In some cases, alternate translations might provide more literal insight; however, the chosen translations best preserve the tone and cultural essence of the narrative. The Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall raised his sword, exuding a murderous aura, "Wu Tiannan, today you must die, and the Wan Shi Alliance must be vanquished!" The Lord of Thundercloud Pavilion also unleashed his momentum, the thunder roaring, and the Master of Spirit Command Palace waved his hand, causing a spirit beast to instantly retreat from the clouds above. "So it is as expected, this is the secret of your Spirit Sects, held solely by your exalted sects," Wu Tiannan's smile turned suddenly cold. "The Martial Institute no longer exists in the eighteen provinces. My sole purpose in this life is to ascend that Divine Bridge to see if the person I'm looking for is there. "Who among you can stop me? Who has the right to stop me? "Though I didn't establish the Wan Shi Alliance, Wenlin can be considered half my disciple. Today, I fight to secure a place for the Wan Shi Alliance!" Boom! At that moment, the ruler in Wu Tiannan's hand shone with an overwhelming radiance. From the clouds above and between heaven and earth, nine profound auras descended, surrounding Wu Tiannan. His momentum oppressed the three supreme powerhouses. "How… how is this possible!" The faces of the three leaders of the Thousand Martial Hall changed drastically as they gazed in horror at Wu Tiannan. The nine profound auras emitted faint luminescence as if containing the ultimate truths of heaven and earth! Fu Tianhai also wore a shocked expression, staring at Wu Tiannan in disbelief, stunned by this demonstration of strength. "Why would it be impossible? I have already reached the martial limits of the Spiritual Domain. You shall see whether I qualify to fight for a place for the Wan Shi Alliance and ascend that Divine Bridge!" Wu Tiannan swung his ruler, releasing a mighty brilliance, as he alone faced off against the three supreme powerhouses. In the clouds, the battle erupted. The three leaders wielded divine artifacts in a combined effort against Wu Tiannan, yet they were pushed into a disadvantage. Each of the three was enveloped by five profound auras, four fewer than Wu Tiannan's, highlighting the disparity in their strength. "Bring forth the foundation of your exalted Spirit Sects, and see if I, Wu Tiannan, can withstand it!" Wu Tiannan's expression was cold and proud, his scholarly demeanor underlaid with a martial ferocity. With each swing of his ruler, the three from Thousand Martial Hall were forced to retreat step by step. "Is there truly a need for such strife?" A sigh echoed out. Dreamlike flowers drifted down, a seemingly ethereal power emerged, blocking Wu Tiannan's attack. A silhouette, as if enshrouded in a dream, approached slowly. Though her face was unclear, her presence suggested she was unparalleled in beauty, a figure that could captivate the world. Enveloped by nine profound auras, she neared. Wu Tiannan put away his ruler and looked at the newcomer with a calm yet somewhat complex expression. "I'm unindebted with favors, standing alone. Such dreams, such illusions, Xin Mengrou of Tai-Miao, I never expected you to advance to this level." The three from Thousand Martial Hall, shocked, let out a sigh of relief. Xin Mengrou of Tai-Miao had reached this level, possessing strength not inferior to Wu Tiannan. The exalted Spirit Sects still held the upper hand. "As Wu Tiannan knows the secret of the Divine Bridge, he cannot be left alive, and the Wan Shi Alliance must be destroyed. Elder Xin, join me to slay Wu Tiannan!" the Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall said sternly. Xin Mengrou, however, paid him no mind, quietly gazing at Wu Tiannan, lost in thought. Wu Tiannan's expression remained indifferent, though his eyes held complexity and sighs of reminiscence. That once innocent and lively girl had enjoyed tricking him out of martial manuals—but circumstances changed. A series of events molded the lively girl into someone entirely new. "I ventured to the Inner Domain, killed him, buried him, and paid back someone there for rescuing me. I bore him a daughter. "In this world, I owe nothing to anyone, no debt of gratitude. "Thinking it over, perhaps I still owe something to you, Headmaster Wu, like the martial secrets you once shared, the essentials of martial arts you explained. "The Spirit Sects have their rules. Since he knows some secrets of the Divine Bridge, then let him be. "The rivalry between the Wan Shi Alliance and the Spirit Sects can come to a pause. Any further fighting will only result in more deaths. "Let's adhere to the rules of the bygone heroes' competition. Continue under those rules, and with you present, none from the Spirit Sects will dare break them." Xin Mengrou's voice was soft, carrying a sense of dreamlike wonder. Wu Tiannan sighed, cupping his hands in acknowledgment without further words. The Blood Spirit Son was ultimately dead, slain by Xin Mengrou. The Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall grew anxious, "Elder Xin, this is the secret of the Spirit Sects, it cannot be known by outsiders! The Wan Shi Alliance must be eradicated, the heroes' competition is but a joke, what talents can wandering cultivators possess?" Xin Mengrou glanced back at him, "If you're dissatisfied, duel with Headmaster Wu. If you win, naturally, things will follow your wish!" "I..." The Palace Lord of Thousand Martial Hall opened his mouth but said nothing. "There's no rule dictating that only members of the Spirit Sects can ascend the Divine Bridge; it's merely controlled by the Spirit Sects. If you can kill Headmaster Wu, everything will remain as before. "If not, what if Headmaster Wu climbs it? "If you wish that the Divine Bridge descends, that's up to you. I, from Tai-Miao, will not partake." With her last words, Xin Mengrou's ethereal figure drifted away. --- **Terms not in the previous list:** 1. **Xin Mengrou (辛夢柔):** Translated as "Xin Mengrou." A proper name, no translation is necessary. 2. **Inner Domain (内域):** Context indicates an area different from those controlled by the Spirit Sect, a backstory setting. 3. **Bi Hai Divine Pearl (碧海神珠):** A recurring divine artifact that appears to have significant utility or status, previously defined. 4. **Divine Bridge (神橋):** A repeated mysterious concept in their world, possibly connecting realms or destiny. Terminologies such as titles, locations, and artifacts have been maintained to fit the original narrative tone and cultural setting, preserving characterizations and narrative history.