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

Chapter 294: Sword God Xu Yan, Here to Challenge the Heavenly Prodigy of the Spiritual Sect In Luozhou, though the great battle has subsided, its effects linger on. The Luozhou League, having suffered significant losses, is now trying to regroup. The presence of the mighty Chang Daniu as a guardian has encouraged many wandering cultivators to join the Luozhou League. However, the Luozhou League is conducting strict assessments for incoming wanderers to prevent any cases of betrayal. Most of those recruited harbored deep vendettas against the Spiritual Sect and its affiliated families. Yet, the freshly recuperating Luozhou League was struck another blow. Yu Changfeng, a prodigy from the Sword Cave, with just a sword, slew the top talents of the Luozhou League. Moreover, he swept through Luozhou, eliminating wandering cultivators under thirty years old. In a short time, he killed dozens, all of whom were promising talents. The Luozhou League was powerless. This severely dented their morale, and the newfound backbone of the wanderers seemed to collapse again. "I told you, how can wanderers compete with the Spiritual Sect?" "Those we consider prodigies are mere waste in the eyes of the Spiritual Sect." "Yes, maybe it's better to honestly toil like oxen and horses and stop provoking the Spiritual Sect." "While the Wan Shi Alliance seems powerful, it's actually not much. The Spiritual Sect hasn't even exerted itself yet." Such dejected and even self-deprecating remarks spread among the wanderers of Luozhou. At the headquarters of the Luozhou League, since the Wan Shi Alliance is out in the open, there was no need to conceal its headquarters, which was now known to many martial artists. "I am Yu Changfeng from the Sword Cave, here to meet the prodigy of the Wan Shi Alliance in Luozhou. Is there any prodigy who will come out for a duel?" Yu Changfeng's voice reverberated. The on-looking wanderers, including many martial artists from the Spiritual Sect family, awaited the Luozhou League's response. However, faces in the Luozhou League were grim. Chang Daniu, with a stern visage, and the newly appointed leader of the Luozhou League looked visibly distressed. They couldn't find a suitable prodigy to face Yu Changfeng in a duel. Yu Changfeng was merely in the initial stage of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being Realm but was extremely powerful. Not to mention the prodigies of Luozhou, even among the present elders of the Luozhou League, few could defeat him. "Uncle Master Chang, we should request reinforcements from the main alliance to send someone here to Luozhou for the duel. The Sword Cave is not restricted to the Luozhou Spiritual Sect; since they've come to Luozhou for a challenge, we should be able to get a prodigy from the main alliance for this." The Luozhou Alliance leader spoke in a deep voice. Chang Daniu, sulking, replied, "The main alliance has no one to spare either. You must understand that the main alliance is dealing with the Thousand Martial Hall, Thundercloud Villa, and Royal Spirit Mansion." He was also furious but felt helpless. The Luozhou League was simply too weak. "So, we should just let Yu Changfeng step all over us?" Clenching his teeth, a member of the Luozhou League asked furiously, "I'll go kill him!" An elder angrily stood up, to which Chang Daniu exclaimed, "Sit down! The rules of the prodigy duels are in place. Our Wan Shi Alliance cannot violate them. Otherwise, the Spiritual Sect will have an excuse." "The rules of the prodigy duels must not be broken by the Wan Shi Alliance as long as the Spiritual Sect doesn't." The elder had to reluctantly sit down. "What? Luozhou League has no prodigies today? I'll come again tomorrow then." A mocking voice from Yu Changfeng echoed. "Chang Daniu, if your Luozhou League doesn’t have anyone to fight, just hide within your little territory. Our Spiritual Sect won't trouble you." Another jeering voice chimed in, this one coming from a formidable force of Thundercloud Villa. "Yes, just stay sheltered here. Seeing your pitiful state, we'll be magnanimous enough not to make this difficult for you." A group of martial artists from the Spiritual Sect burst into laughter. Among the spectating Luozhou wanderers, many felt a sense of grievance, although some took pride in their decision, believing that siding with the Spiritual Sect was always the wiser choice. Chang Daniu's face turned ashen with anger. The next day, Yu Changfeng came again, engaging in more mockery. The members of the Luozhou League felt increasingly aggrieved but remained helpless. Over the following days, Yu Changfeng continued his provocations, challenging and mocking while even targeting martial artists at the initial stage of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being Realm from the Luozhou League. One such martial artist, enraged, accepted the challenge and was ultimately killed on the spot. "Wan Shi Alliance weaklings, I am back. Still no one to challenge me? No reinforcements from your main alliance? Can’t send any of your so-called prodigies to fight? Wanderers are lowly, though it sounds unpleasant, isn't it the truth? Recognizing your place is challenging, isn't it? Want to rise above your station, who dares now? Come on, someone, speak up. Well, since you have no prodigies, I'll lower myself and challenge one of your initial-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Beings again today." "If I, Yu Changfeng, lose, you can cut my head off and play soccer with it. Come on, someone step up; are you all cowards? Truly pathetic!" Yu Changfeng's words were venomous. The spectating wanderer martial artists became almost numb, anger stifled by repeated blows, reinforcing the absurdity of thinking lowly wanderers could defy the hierarchy! "This is intolerable!" Chang Daniu roared. Holding a pair of large hammers, he charged out, followed quickly by a retinue of strong members from the Luozhou League. "You brat, today I will destroy you!" Chang Daniu shouted, lifting his hammers threateningly. Yu Changfeng showed no fear, even smiling in satisfaction. He had finally incited them enough. The mission was near completion. "Come on, come at me, you old waste. If I even bat an eyelash, I'll take your surname!" Yu Changfeng even leaned his head forward, unbridled, full of contempt. Behind him, the leader of the Sword Cave and two elders also smiled. In front of the trio stood a burly man with bushy whiskers, wielding two large hammers, a formidable power from Thundercloud Villa. Seeing Chang Daniu enraged, he smiled. "A subordinate sect of the Thousand Martial Hall is as shameless and base as the main hall itself. Such vile words can only come from those folks at the Thousand Martial Hall. "But only in this way, can they incite Chang Daniu. If he strikes... "Let's see how the Wan Shi Alliance responds to them being the first to break the prodigy duel rules." Fan Kaishan was ready to intervene, prepared to save Yu Changfeng from Chang Daniu's hands. Even he, witnessing Yu Changfeng's scornful act would have been incensed, let alone the hot-tempered Chang Daniu. Sure enough, Chang Daniu prepared to make his move. "Damn this! I'm so furious!" Chang Daniu nearly exploded with anger on the spot. The young brat from the Sword Cave was infuriatingly audacious! "Don't, don't!" The Luozhou League leader turned pale, recognizing the intent to provoke Chang Daniu blatantly. "Uncle Master Chang, don't act rashly. You can't strike!" The Luozhou League leader desperately clung to Chang Daniu. "Yes, you can't strike!" Several more Refining Divine Heavenly Beings of the Luozhou League advised, cold sweat on their brows. Chang Daniu slightly calmed, but Yu Changfeng didn't miss a beat, looking down his nose at him, "Lowly wandering cultivator, coward indeed. If you hold it all in, find a turtle shell to hide in." Just as Chang Daniu began to regain composure, his eyes flared red with fury, a killing intent in the air. His aura burst forth violently, flinging the Luozhou League leader and others aside, "Don't block me, today I shall eliminate this little brat!" Fan Kaishan chuckled softly, slightly tightening his grip on his hammer, a half step forward, ready to intervene and stop Chang Daniu. Meanwhile, Yu Changfeng's heart was fraught with tension. Despite having Fan Kaishan backing him, he knew facing a powerful man alone, a slight delay from Fan Kaishan could mean certain death! Watching martial artists gathered in anticipation, silently retreating. A confrontation with a powerful individual was about to erupt once more! It was evident to any keen observer that the Spiritual Sect's side intentionally provoked Chang Daniu. At the moment of escalation when Chang Daniu raised his hammers, ready to strike down, a figure gracefully descended between them, landing in front of Yu Changfeng. "Are you Yu Changfeng from the Sword Cave? Finally found you!" The newcomer was a young man, attractive and carrying a long sword with effortless grace. This interruption momentarily cooled Chang Daniu's fury, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glared at Fan Kaishan. "And who might you be?" Yu Changfeng asked coldly. Fan Kaishan and the Leader of the Sword Cave looked on with darkened expressions. If not for this person's sudden appearance, the plan would have succeeded. Xu Yan paid no heed to the unfolding drama. After inquiring around Luozhou, he finally tracked Yu Changfeng's whereabouts and hurried over. After all, this was the moment to contest the prodigies of the Spiritual Domain, and time was of the essence. "Sword God Xu Yan, here to challenge the Heavenly Prodigy of the Spiritual Sect!" Xu Yan declared calmly. Sword God Xu Yan?! --- **New Terms:** - **Chang Daniu (常大牛):** The name of a character. Translated directly. - **Fan Kaishan (范开山):** The name of a character. Translated directly. - **Sword Cave (剑斋):** A martial sect. The term "cave" is used to imply a secluded and perhaps secretive martial location. - **Royal Spirit Mansion (御灵府):** A notable organization. "Mansion" suggests a large and significant establishment. - **Thundercloud Villa (雷云山庄):** Another martial establishment. "Villa" complements the grandeur associated with thunder and clouds. - **Yu Changfeng (余长锋):** The name of a character. Translated directly. **Explanation:** - **Chang Daniu:** Maintained as a character name which implies he is known for his resolute and bullish nature. - **Fan Kaishan and Yu Changfeng:** Names preserved to maintain cultural significance and singularity, which often carry connotations within wuxia contexts. **Possible Adaptations:** - **Sword Cave (剑斋):** Could also be "Sword Sanctuary," implying a place of deep learning or shelter. - **Royal Spirit Mansion (御灵府):** Could be "Spirit Command Abode," stressing authority and control over spiritual matters. - **Thundercloud Villa (雷云山庄):** An alternate translation could be "Thundercloud Estate," emphasizing its grandeur. In context, Zhanyi makes a pun resonant to the implication of not being daunted by a task, adding layers to his statement's boldness. The Sword Cave master narrowed his eyes, gazing at Xu Yan with a mix of surprise and doubt. Huang Liang had gone to Yuzhou specifically for Xu Yan's Sword Dao and ended up dead! And now, Xu Yan had appeared on his own accord! "Sword God? Haha, do you think you are worthy?" sneered Yu Changfeng with disdain. "Are you a prodigy of the Wan Shi Alliance?" he asked, drawing his sword from its sheath, the energy of the blade exuding a chilling intent to kill. "No," Xu Yan shook his head while still cradling his long sword. "Make your move." Yu Changfeng and his companions were stunned—Xu Yan wasn't a prodigy of the Wan Shi Alliance? "The rumor is, he's Xu Yan, the one who transformed mountains into swords and slew Lu Xinting?" "Transform mountains into swords? Such absurd rumors, who could believe that?" "Though Xu Yan killed Lu Xinting, how can Lu Xinting compare to Yu Changfeng? Xu Yan is certainly doomed this time!" The surrounding martial artists erupted into chatter. At this moment, Chang Daniu sighed with relief, hoping for Xu Yan's victory. Even if Xu Yan wasn’t a Wan Shi Alliance prodigy, he was at least a fellow wanderer. He scoffed, glancing at Fan Kaishan. Should Xu Yan win, regardless if the Sword Cave master or Fan Kaishan makes a move, he could then retaliate. Violating the rules of prodigy duels would force Sword Cave and Thundercloud Villa to pay a price. Xu Yan disregarded the discussions around him, focused on his ascent to the apex of the Spiritual Domain. By the time he crushed the Thousand Martial Hall, these talks would only turn into praises. "Go ahead, make your move. I don't have all day," Xu Yan said calmly. "Well, let this ignorant wanderer witness true Sword Dao!" Yu Changfeng sneered coldly. The Sword Cave master and the two elders kept their eyes glued to Xu Yan, eager to see if he indeed possessed the mythical Sword Dao that could turn grass and trees into swords, shape mountains into swords. Hum! Yu Changfeng attacked, seemingly dismissive of Xu Yan, but in truth, he was using his entire strength without any carelessness. Sword light flew like lightning, the sword energy was exceptionally sharp, closing in within a heartbeat. "Lowly wanderer, this sword will shatter you to pieces!" Yu Changfeng proclaimed, his intent to kill unmistakable. Xu Yan stood unmoving; even as the sword light drew near and the sword energy enveloped him, he remained unfazed. "Watch out!" Chang Daniu couldn't help but warn, feeling a twinge of disappointment—a single move, and Xu Yan couldn't withstand it. The spectators shook their heads, some sneering. With such strength, dare he call himself Sword God? That Lu Xinting died by his hands must mean Lu was a disappointment too. Sizzle! The sword energy descended. However, Xu Yan walked amidst it, and no matter how rampant the sword energy, it couldn't harm him in the slightest! "This is impossible!" Yu Changfeng's expression shifted, shouting in anger. His sword light layered thickly, murderous aura surging, even creating blossoming sword flowers, each exuding intense killing power. In that moment, he unleashed the ultimate sword technique of Sword Cave. Xu Yan still held his long sword, and all the sword energy, all the sword light seemed to be absorbed into an invisible terrain of mountains and rivers, and as they neared him, it was as if they surrendered, devoid of lethal force. "So this is the Sword Dao of the Spiritual Domain? At the mere initial stage of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being Realm, what right do you have to draw your sword against me?" Xu Yan mused. The sword energy entered, the sword light followed, not directly into his body but through the cleansing presence of the Mountain and River Sword Intent, assimilating them upon contact. In battle, Xu Yan was already accumulating his foundation—his Sword Dao foundation! To directly absorb Yu Changfeng's sword energy and light was also to intake the Sword Dao Yu had honed. The Sword Cave master's face was struck with horror—what martial method was this? To ignore sword attacks entirely, how could anyone do that? Fan Kaishan's expression turned serious—a prodigy such as this among wanderers? Chang Daniu exhaled a sigh of relief, though internally astounded—what was with Xu Yan? How could the sword energy not affect him at all? It wasn’t even as though he made any effort to resist. "Impossible, absolutely impossible. It must be an illusion!" Yu Changfeng roared, his face contorted with rage and disbelief. Xu Yan calmly suggested, "You should use your secret technique now, or you won't have another chance." Draining Yu Changfeng's value dry. "Fine! Fine! Let me show you the secret arts of the Spiritual Sect!" Yu Changfeng coldly retorted, eyes steely with determination. Being defeated by a wanderer was intolerable to him! After all the times he had looked down upon and stepped on wanderers, humiliating them in jest, for him to now be trampled underfoot by one? Unacceptable! "I would rather die than accept this!" Blood spurted from Yu Changfeng as the sword in his hand took on a blood-red hue, and a thread of crimson light surged from him. "Kill!" In that instant, Yu Changfeng unleashed the most powerful sword strike of his life! Sword blended with form, he charged at Xu Yan. Splat! Caught in an instant, he seemed to be enveloped by a tranquility of mountains and rivers, his fierce sword losing its edge, softening amidst the gentle breeze of the landscape, continuously dissipating, melding into the scenery. "What is this Sword Dao?" his inner turmoil flared; shaken to the core, Yu Changfeng neared madness. Within the calm passage of the mountain's breeze, his being seemed to dissolve. Not his body, but his spirit was disintegrating, his flesh rending into countless pieces. As his consciousness faded, Yu Changfeng still beheld Xu Yan cradling his long sword, standing immovably... --- **New Terms:** - **Huang Liang (黄亮):** A character's name. Kept for authenticity. - **Lu Xinting (陆新廷):** A character who appears deceased. Maintained as a proper name. - **Sword Cave Master (劍齋齋主):** Title for the head of the Sword Cave. Directly translated to reflect authority. - **Blood-red Sword Light (血色的劍光):** Describes the technique. Kept descriptive to convey hostility and power. **Explanation:** - **Blood-red Sword Light:** Chosen to express vividly the visual element that accompanies Yu Changfeng's desperation and intensity. **Possible Adaptations:** - **Mountain and River Sword Intent (山河劍意):** Could be "Landscape Sword Intent," emphasizing its enduring and transformative nature. - **Huang Liang and Lu Xinting:** By preserving their names, it maintains the cultural and storyline coherence, allowing readers to connect the dots from earlier narrative mentions. This passage embellishes the divergence between arrogance and the undeniable prowess of Xu Yan, a contemplation on mortals rising against predetermined hierarchy, revealing Xu Yan's intrinsic mastery over Sword Dao through both innate ability and strategic composure.