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

### Chapter 295: In the Realm of Sword Dao, I Reign Supreme Silence! The audience was utterly silent, everyone was utterly stunned. Yu Changfeng executed a secret technique, transforming into a scarlet sword light, and charged towards Xu Yan. The ferocious, swift, and sharp sword was such that even a late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being facing it would be grievously injured, if not killed. However, just as everyone was watching Xu Yan to see how he would counter this strike, they were horrified to witness Yu Changfeng, who was charging at Xu Yan, slowly disintegrate. Xu Yan, from beginning to end, remained standing in place, his posture unchanged, and his sword never unsheathed! Within an instant, Yu Changfeng was dead! He turned to ashes and dispersed. Gulp! The martial artists watching were all terrified. What kind of power did Xu Yan possess, and what sort of martial arts technique had he used? "This brat is ruthless, not even leaving the corpse of our Sword Cave disciple. You cannot be allowed to live today!" A Sword Cave elder drew his sword, furious beyond measure. Chang Daniu's spirit lifted; finally, it was his turn to intervene, as the Spiritual Sect had broken the rules, shouldn't they have an explanation? Though Xu Yan wasn't one of the supreme talents of the Wan Shi Alliance, the rules for the supreme talent competition weren't just for the Wan Shi Alliance and Spiritual Sect but included all itinerant cultivators. Xu Yan pondered for a moment and asked, "Is there a rule that says you must leave the body of opponents you've killed?" "There is no such rule, life and death are decided by fate, and there is no saying you cannot reduce the body to dust!" Without waiting for the Sword Cave elder to respond, Chang Daniu roared. Xu Yan nodded, satisfied there was no breach of rules. Though rules are meant to be broken, as he just started walking in the Spiritual Domain, keeping a low profile for now was wise. Otherwise, others not accepting his challenges would be troublesome. He addressed the furious Sword Cave elder, "Leaving a body is too cumbersome and can pollute the environment. I've always been an advocate for the environment, so I ensure my enemies return to dust and ashes." Everyone: ... This is the first time they've seen turning bodies to dust being described so elegantly. The Sword Cave elder was furious. He wanted to make a move, but with Chang Daniu's watchful eyes, any action on his part would break the rules and potentially bring calamity to Sword Cave. This time around, orders had been given from the sect's top not to violate rules unless the Wan Shi Alliance broke them first! Xu Yan glanced at the Sword Cave elder, who, at the late stage of Refining Divine Heavenly Being, was much stronger than Zhu Liang, also in the late stage, but, in Xu Yan's eyes, he was inconsequential. Especially since the elder cultivated sword dao. "I know you wish to make a move, I permit you to do so, come, let us have a contest." Xu Yan stated calmly. "You said it yourself!" The Sword Cave elder was elated, this wouldn't count as breaking the rules. Afraid Xu Yan would go back on his word, he shouted in anger and attacked with a sword. Xu Yan retained his sword clasped, yet this time, facing the Sword Cave elder's assault, he occasionally moved, evading the sharp, lethal strikes. The more the Sword Cave Master watched, the darker his mood grew. This young man's sword dao was peculiar, appearing to have already fathomed Sword Cave's sword techniques, identifying flaws in every strike and slash. The Sword Cave elder also noticed this and, with a grim demeanor, continued attacking furiously, seemingly utilizing all his strength. At one point, he suddenly wielded a secret technique, becoming one with his sword in a swift, aggressive style, locking Xu Yan with his aura before charging viciously! Xu Yan motioned with his finger, from which a sword light emerged. At this moment, the Sword Cave Master was struck with panic! Sizzle! The Sword Cave elder's body dissolved into ashes, leaving only a sword that fell to the ground. Xu Yan squinted slightly, feeling a deeper understanding of sword dao, augmenting his accumulated experience. "Still lacking a bit, his strength is just a bit short." Xu Yan then set his sights on the Sword Cave Master. A pinnacle Refining Divine Heavenly Being cultivator, just a step away from condensing a strand of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, his strength far surpassed that of the Crimson Divine Sect's practitioner. A true helm bearer of a top-tier Spiritual Sect under the Thousand Martial Hall! Moreover, the Sword Cave Master exuded a sharp, lethal sword aura, although he had not comprehended Sword Intent, his sword aura was nonetheless extraordinary. Extremely refined, and incredibly sharp. Were it another martial arts practitioner, Xu Yan, with his current strength, would not casually challenge, after all, he was only at the perfected Divine Intent Realm. However, since the Sword Cave Master cultivated sword dao, there was no fear. He was already at small success in the Heart Sword Realm, able to discern the Sword Cave Master's sword techniques and detect their flaws. Moreover, he could control and seize the opponent's sword! The myriad of things in the world as swords, the opponent's sword was also his sword! "I know you wish to make a move; go ahead," Xu Yan invited the Sword Cave Master. "Young man, be cautious, he is the Sword Cave Master!" Chang Daniu was already amazed by Xu Yan's slaying of the Sword Cave elder, now he was challenging the Sword Cave Master? "Chang Daniu, mind your Luozhou Alliance," snorted Fan Kaishan. "Xu Yan, you're quite arrogant, allowing me to draw my sword demonstrates your confidence!" The Sword Cave Master advanced step by step. With each step, the sword aura intensified, until, at last, an imposing sword aura shot a hundred zhang skyward. Sword in hand, murderous intent surged! Xu Yan's gaze hardened, for the Sword Cave Master's strength was indeed formidable, the sharpness and refinement of his sword aura were unprecedented. "You are the Sword Cave Master, having devoted your life to sword dao. Although you've yet to step through the threshold of sword dao, and perhaps don't even understand what sword dao is, it would be disrespectful and condescending of me, Xu Yan, to not draw my sword against you." The audience: You sure do respect your opponents! "Hah, not even through the door of sword dao? Arrogant brat!" The Sword Cave Master gazed icily, his anger boiling. Xu Yan unsheathed his sword, standing proudly, his gaze indifferent, "In the realm of sword dao, I reign supreme, you are merely strong in cultivation realm, but in true sword dao, you're far behind, not even through the door!" His master was beyond this world, so here, Xu Yan being the sovereign of sword dao was no exaggeration! Chang Daniu took a sharp breath; this was immensely arrogant! Though the Sword Cave Master was no match for him, he was undeniably a top-tier Refining Divine Heavenly Being, yet in Xu Yan's eyes, hadn't even stepped through sword dao's gate? The watching martial artists were all dumbstruck. "Rumor has it Xu Yan is quite arrogant, and he's even more so than the rumors suggest!" "The Sword Cave Master must be going insane!" "Look at his reddened face, I wouldn't be surprised if, in his rage, he resorts to secret techniques!" Various martial artists whispered among themselves. "Arrogant!" The Sword Cave Master roared, swinging his sword, the sword aura extending mighty and unparalleled across the sky, obliterating everything in its path, even the nearby foliage was pulverized. Xu Yan remained calm, with a single sword stroke. The sword light seemed ordinary, yet it manifested like mountains and rivers, blanketing the surroundings and dissipating the Sword Cave Master’s sword aura in an instant! Though a top-tier expert, as the Sword Cave Master displayed his sword technique, the sword aura surged, the sword light biting, and the battlefield was engulfed by sword aura and light. Even onlookers at a distance could feel the chill of murderous intent. How powerful! The weaker spectators withdrew further back. Chang Daniu's eyes tightened, the Sword Cave Master was indeed powerful, justifying his position under the Thousand Martial Hall. He was a "Treasureous Body"! Inwardly, Chang Daniu noted the Sword Cave Master possessed a Treasureous Body talent, unfurling every essence of this body’s potential, his ultimate sword technique was wielded, even Chang Daniu felt the intense biter sharp, murderous aura. Xu Yan stepped into the midst of the sword aura, each step finding the flaws in the Sword Cave Master's technique, and with every stab, effortlessly dissolved the Sword Cave Master's fatal strikes. He traversed the battlefield as if strolling leisurely, moving through the interwoven sword aura, the sword in his hand void of lethal intent, seemingly commonplace. Yet every thrust broke through and nullified the Sword Cave Master's lethal attacks, passing effortlessly through their weaknesses. No matter how the Sword Cave Master attacked, no matter the intricate lethal technique, Xu Yan understood every bit, discerning all the flaws. These weak points in the sword techniques were unbeknownst even to the Sword Cave Master himself. The battle continued, with the Sword Cave Master's expression growing serious, not daring a single lapse. The more they fought, the more astonished he grew; how could Xu Yan so effortlessly dissolve his lethal strikes with a single sword? When did these lethal moves reveal such vast vulnerabilities? Xu Yan carried an earnest expression, despite the seemingly relaxed traverse through the sword aura, he dared not let his guard down, his sword heart more refined than the Enlightened Sword Heart, could naturally discern the Sword Cave Master's techniques with ease and flexibility. --- **New Terms:** 1. **Yu Changfeng (餘長鋒)**: Translated as "Yu Changfeng," a character who performed a secret technique and was swiftly defeated by Xu Yan. 2. **Sword Cave (剑齋)**: Translated as "Sword Cave," an organization associated with the Sword Dao, demonstrating a hierarchical structure with roles like elders and masters. 3. **Chang Daniu (常大牛)**: Translated as "Chang Daniu," a character aligned with Xu Yan's interests and a participant in ensuring the rules are upheld. 4. **Fan Kaishan (範開山)**: Translated as "Fan Kaishan," possibly a character opposing the Luozhou Alliance. 5. **Treasureous Body (寶體)**: Represents a unique bodily talent, noted for its application in combat and martial technique refinement. 6. **Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy (天地靈機)**: Translated as "Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy," signifying a critical aspect of cultivation and power. 7. **Sword Cave Master (剑齋齋主)**: Translated as "Sword Cave Master," the figurehead of the Sword Cave, demonstrating mastery but also facing critique from Xu Yan. **Explanation:** The translation maintains the original narrative's tone and keeps the essence intact. Terms for the Sword Cave and its hierarchy, specific characters, and unique abilities fueled the vivid scheduling of martial combatants. The translation sought clarity, keeping critical terms like "Sword Cave" and "Treasureous Body" consistent, ensuring the reader understands without oversimplifying the world-building elements inherent in the narrative. Some storytelling elements were preserved to reflect the hierarchical and cultural motifs central to martial arts and cultivation literature. But the Sword Cave Master was indeed incredibly strong, and even if one could discern the flaws in his sword techniques, it required the ability to seize that fleeting opening to make a move. The sword aura penetrated his body, and sword light continuously slashed at him, with the onslaught growing fiercer. Xu Yan was immersed in the battle, deeply engaged in the accumulation of his own foundation. At this moment, within his body, and even within his Sword Intent, a mysterious momentum seemed to have gathered. This momentum appeared capable of elevating his mindset and augmenting his martial foundations. This was not the aura revealed by a martial artist but rather a "momentum" from within his intent. "When the 'momentum' is full, it is time to break through." Xu Yan had a realization in his heart. Accumulating this momentum of intent, this momentum of martial dao, to a certain extent, would result in his foundation being sufficiently amassed for a breakthrough to the Divine Essence Realm. And this momentum could only be accumulated in battle, in confrontation, by perceiving and embracing the martial momentum of the enemy. "Xu Yan, you truly are a monster, peerless in the art of the sword, unprecedented in the Spiritual Domain." The Sword Cave Master spoke with a solemn expression. He had to admit, Xu Yan's sword dao was exceedingly profound and powerful. "But you are too arrogant, too confident." As the Sword Cave Master spoke, a faint cold light emanated from his body—not from his sword's edge, but from within his being. At this moment, the Sword Cave Master's power was constantly increasing, and his fierce murderous aura was also intensifying and condensing. Boom! At a certain point, the Sword Cave Master was enveloped in the cold light. "Though I am not a Spiritual Physique, I possess the Frost Edge Treasureous Body, and I have cultivated a sword technique that complements it. Even a newly ascended supreme martial artist can be fought by me!" This was the confidence of the Sword Cave Master. While a Treasureous Body might be weaker than a Spiritual Physique, a martial artist with a Treasureous Body was not necessarily inferior to one with a Spiritual Physique. Everything hinged on one's cultivation! As the leader of a top-tier Spiritual Sect under the Thousand Martial Hall, his natural talent was not lacking, and he had the Thousand Martial Hall as a powerful backing. He had been refining and amplifying his Treasureous Body, cultivating a sword technique aligned with it. Now, the Sword Cave Master had to fully exert his Treasureous Body, revealing its full might. The cold light shot from his body, like an icy, chilling treasured sword. At this moment, the sword aura he wielded became bone-chilling, the battlefield as if frozen by the icy sword aura, and the space surrounding the battleground seemed on the verge of solidifying into ice. As Xu Yan moved, he felt a sense of stagnation. The cold sword aura seemed to penetrate everywhere. "How will you break through this blockade? Unless you can forcefully break through my sword aura, how will you evade it?" The Sword Cave Master sneered. The cold light grew ever stronger, with sword aura slicing through the air, leaving behind trails of razor-sharp ice. The icy sword aura continuously condensed and pressed towards Xu Yan. Though the Sword Cave Master seemed relaxed, he was actually unleashing his full power, and his Treasureous Body and sword technique were both exerted to their utmost. His current state was not much different from using a powerful martial secret art. The consumption was immense, and he could not maintain it for long. Thus, a swift victory was essential! His figure moved faster, his sword moves quickening, transforming the battlefield into a domain filled with cold light, obscuring the view of the inner conflict. And this cold light battlefield was continuously compressing, its coverage shrinking. "You are indeed powerful, and if you were not a practitioner of sword dao, I would keep my distance, but since you cultivate sword dao, you are no more than this. "You have cultivated sword dao your whole life, yet you still do not know what true sword dao is. Today, I will show you what sword dao truly is. "You can rest in peace seeing the real sword dao before you die." Xu Yan spoke calmly. With one sword strike, Mountain and River Sword Intent emerged, and in that instant, the sword was like a thunderbolt, striking down in a breath! Thunder Sword! The martial artists observing could only see a thunderous sword appear within the battlefield, cutting through the cold light and tearing apart the icy sword aura. The cold atmosphere seemed to vanish under the Thunder Sword. Then, they witnessed Xu Yan's strike seemingly enshrining mountains and rivers, as if wielded by the multitudes. Pfft! The Sword Cave Master wore an expression of disbelief. At that moment, he discovered that his sword no longer obeyed him, transforming into the enemy's sword! What was more terrifying, the sword aura he deployed also became the enemy's weapon! "How is this possible?" Pfft! His body began to disintegrate, his spirit dissolving. "This is sword dao? What kind of sword dao is this?" In his unwillingness, resentment, and confusion, the Sword Cave Master both body and spirit dissolved, eventually turning to ash! The leader of a top-tier Spiritual Sect Sword Cave, a sword dao expert, had died just like that! Killed at Xu Yan's hand, a young martial genius! Sword God Xu Yan! At that moment, all the martial artists etched this name deeply into their memories. Fan Kaishan’s expression was extremely grave. Was there such a powerful genius among the itinerant cultivators? Even the Sword Cave Master fell to him. Xu Yan now posed a potential threat to the supreme talents of the esteemed Spiritual Sects! With one step, Fan Kaishan was filled with anticipation, hoping Xu Yan would continue his arrogance and challenge him so that he might seize the opportunity to eliminate this threat! --- **New Terms:** 1. **Frost Edge Treasureous Body (寒鋒寶體)**: Translated as "Frost Edge Treasureous Body," suggesting a body talent that aligns with ice and sword techniques, indicating a unique martial attribute that enhances combat ability. 2. **Thunder Sword (震雷劍)**: Translated as "Thunder Sword," representing a powerful sword technique used by Xu Yan to overpower the Sword Cave Master. **Explanation:** The translation stays faithful to the original narrative and tone, carefully selecting terms to accurately convey the martial arts and fantasy themes present. The use of "Frost Edge Treasureous Body" and "Thunder Sword" aligns with the thematic expression of unique body and sword techniques, thereby preserving the mystical elements of Xu Yan's confrontation with the Sword Cave Master. These translations support the story’s depth while maintaining a balance between accessibility and authenticity. The term "Mountain and River Sword Intent," from the list, illustrates Xu Yan’s prowess and connection to nature, enhancing the thematic resonance of his character as a martial arts prodigy.