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

### Chapter 296: The Great Xuancheng, Meng Chong's Emergence Xu Yan had just slain the Sect Leader of the Sword Cave, and the momentum of his intent grew even stronger, continuously reinforcing his martial foundation. He was now one step closer to accumulating enough to advance further. He glanced at the eager and expectant Fan Kaishan and simply turned to leave. Challenging a martial artist who had refined Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy? He wouldn't be so foolish. Given his current prowess, he was no match for Fan Kaishan. Unless, of course, he breaks through to the Divine Essence Realm. "You won't make another move?" Fan Kaishan was somewhat taken aback. Xu Yan paused, pondering, "In the Spiritual Domain, I am the pinnacle, and other prodigies should bow to me. My journey here is to challenge and defeat every prodigy in the Spiritual Domain. "I didn't come to challenge old geezers. You may be strong, but with such meager strength at your age, you aren't worth my challenge. "The Sword Cave's Sect Leader practiced Sword Dao, hence I engaged him. You aren't a Sword Dao martial artist, so you're not worth my effort!" Fan Kaishan's face alternated between hues of blue and red, his anger simmering. A mighty figure, yet being scorned by a youth? What did he mean by "such meager strength at your age"? "You brat, do you look down on me?" Fan Kaishan asked in a deep, angry voice. Xu Yan, being straightforward, nodded and admitted directly. "Yes, I do look down on you. After all, with such meager strength at your age, if I were as old as you, I would've transcended long ago!" All the martial artists: ... Fan Kaishan's eyes reddened with fury as he huffed, feeling insulted. Chang Daniu also felt slighted. He was of similar strength and age as Fan Kaishan. If Xu Yan looked down on Fan Kaishan, wasn't he looking down on him too? Xu Yan couldn't be bothered with him and disappeared in a flash. His next target was the Spiritual Domain prodigy Cai Yunhong of the Azure Cloud Dynasty; time was tight, and he was busy accumulating his foundation to break through to the next realm. "Where do you think you're going!" Fan Kaishan fumed, about to give chase. However, Chang Daniu moved, sneering, "What, you old fool want to bully the young? He may not be a prodigy of our Wan Shi Alliance, but he's still a rogue cultivator prodigy. Are you trying to break the rules of the prodigy competition?" "Hmph!" Fan Kaishan snorted angrily and left. Xu Yan, that brat, was bullying him too much! He couldn't attack openly, but he could do so secretly. As long as no one knew, it wouldn't count as breaking the rules! Xu Yan officially embarked on his journey to challenge the prodigies of the Spiritual Domain, walking the path of invincibility. Meng Chong, meanwhile, had arrived at the location controlled by the Three Absolutes Pavilion. The Three Absolutes Pavilion was not in Luozhou but in Lizhou. In Lizhou, the Wan Shi Alliance was not weak and held its ground well against the Spiritual Sects. They had a few prodigies of their own. However, they were ultimately slightly inferior to the Spiritual Sects' prodigies. Great Xuancheng, the largest city in Lizhou, was jointly ruled by several major Spiritual Sects. The Lizhou branch of the Wan Shi Alliance had its headquarters there, occupying the southern part of Great Xuancheng, facing off against the Spiritual Sects. The prodigy competition in Lizhou was far more bustling than in Luozhou, with more participants. In the center of Great Xuancheng, on a martial stage, two young men were engaged in a fierce battle. One was a rogue cultivator, the other a disciple of a Spiritual Sect. Both combatants were at the peak of the Greater Heavenly Being realm. With both under thirty and possessing such strength, they could be considered prodigies. Though not the top-tier prodigies, they were classified as such. Boom! Pfft! The rogue cultivator was struck and spat out blood, with several bones broken, as he was sent flying. "I concede!" He hurriedly admitted defeat. Although the prodigy competition in Lizhou was intense, it wasn't a death match. One could forfeit to end the fight. Of course, this rule only applied to those outside the Wan Shi Alliance and the top-tier Spiritual Sects. Battles between prodigies from Spiritual Sects and families happened frequently, with the desire to climb the prodigy rankings and gain rewards from the competition. True competitors were from the Spiritual Sects and families, as rogue prodigies were rare and generally weaker. Rogue cultivators, in terms of their practices, martial skills, or weapons, could not compare to those from Spiritual Sects. Even though the Wan Shi Alliance was formed by rogue cultivators, it wasn't to be underestimated. Across the eighteen states of the Spiritual Domain, excluding Yuzhou and Luozhou, other states were bustling with the prodigy competition in full swing. Everyone was sharpening their skills, seeking fame, rewards, and resources, aiming for higher training standards and cultivation. The clash between the Wan Shi Alliance and the Spiritual Sects was not something ordinary prodigies could partake in; the ultimate outcome depended on the elite Spiritual Sects and the main Wan Shi Alliance. The final showdown was still far off. This prodigy competition was the biggest martial event since the blood demon disaster and the defeat of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute in the eighteen states. Major Spiritual Sects and families were heavily investing in their prodigies for fame, higher rankings, and to claim their share of resources and influence. Even without the rise of the Wan Shi Alliance, in a few years, a challenge of the Spiritual Sects would have occurred; this competition simply preempted it. Furthermore, it included the Wan Shi Alliance and rogue cultivators. Meng Chong, having hurried to Great Xuancheng, observed the duel on the martial stage. Although both contestants had early stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being strength, their levels seemed unstable, showcasing their weak power. Clearly, their respective factions had recently infused them with resources for a forced breakthrough, leaving their realms unrefined. Of course, they took this opportunity in the prodigy competition to solidify their realms. These so-called prodigies were not of interest to Meng Chong. His target was Wu Tu, a prodigy of the Three Absolutes Pavilion. Besides Wu Tu, his second target was Bao Sheng. Naturally, if Lu Yi also took the stage, Meng Chong would challenge him as well. His journeys through the Spiritual Domain were to face all kinds of prodigies. "Accumulating martial foundation through battle should be effective, as martial artists ultimately grow through combat. Engaging with various martial paths will help grasp the true essence of martial arts, gaining foundational accumulation along the way." Meng Chong pondered. His senior brother's method couldn't be wrong. His first layer of the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body was nearly complete, needing just a bit more. He was confident that after a few battles, he would quickly accumulate his foundation to achieve perfection. Moreover, he could use enemy attacks to refine the Heavenly Hammer Hundred Refinement Technique, enhancing his immortal golden body faster. The battle on the martial stage was over, and both fighters were wounded, neither gaining an upper hand. At that moment, a cold gleam descended from the sky. A blade stood upright on the martial stage, its glow reflecting all around, while a figure descended from above, one foot landing on the blade's hilt. "Wu Tu has arrived!" "This time, which prodigy from the Lizhou Alliance will step up?" "There should be no one left, right? Nobody challenged yesterday. Rogue cultivators are ultimately weaker, and Wu Tu is one of the Three Absolutes Pavilion's three prodigies, practicing the Blade Dao." "After all, the Three Absolutes Pavilion is under the Thousand Martial Hall. With Wu Tu's talent and strength, he has a chance to enter the Thousand Martial Hall in the future. How can rogue cultivators compare?" The surrounding martial artists discussed. Wu Tu, the prodigy of the Three Absolutes Pavilion. Wu Tu stood atop the blade's hilt with a proud bearing, casting a cold, mocking glance at the Lizhou Wan Shi Alliance party, "What, no one accepts the challenge today either? Just concede and get out of Great Xuancheng." The powerhouses within the Lizhou Alliance wore somber expressions. "I'll go meet him!" An enraged young man wielding a long blade prepared to step up. Even if he couldn't win, he wouldn't shrink or cowardly avoid the fight! Before he could take the stage, he saw a burly figure executing a swift move to arrive on the martial stage. "Is he challenging Wu Tu? Seeking death?" The onlookers were taken aback. This bald-headed youth, a mere rogue cultivator, dared to challenge Wu Tu? Meng Chong ascended the stage directly. With multitudes of martial artists and numerous prodigies in Great Xuancheng, he suddenly thought of a perfect method—no need to run around everywhere. He could directly challenge all the Spiritual Sect prodigies in Great Xuancheng! Wu Tu's expression turned cold; a clueless rogue cultivator! "You wish to challenge me?" He sneered coldly, murder in his eyes. "Precisely!" Meng Chong nodded. Wu Tu stood mid-air, motioning to grasp his blade, coldly stating, "Anyone challenging me, Wu Tu, surrenders is not an option—either I die, or the challenger does! "Do you still wish to challenge?" Meng Chong paused, scratching his head, surprised, "Do you want to die?" The martial artists: ... Was this bald-headed youth not understanding the words? --- ### Translations and Clarifications: 1. **三絕樓 (Three Absolutes Pavilion)**: Translated to "Three Absolutes Pavilion", referring to the organization's name and maintaining its significance as a sect or faction in the martial arts world. - Alternative: "Tri-supreme Tower", which may suggest a tower or building but misses the connotation of a martial group. 2. **大宣城 (Great Xuancheng)**: Translated as "Great Xuancheng". It maintains the grandeur implied by "大" and specifies it as a prominent city. - Alternative: "Grand Xuancheng" could also be used, but "Great" is more compatible with the English term for larger or significant cities. 3. **丹医 (Dan Medical Alchemy)**: While not precisely a new term, it's worth noting its translation maintains the dual implication of medicinal and alchemical arts within the martial context. 4. **巫屠 (Wu Tu)**: Used as a proper noun, the name is transliterated rather than translated due to its specific association with a character within the story, a prodigy of the Three Absolutes Pavilion. 5. **倒霉蛋 (dǎoméi dàn)**: This term has a humorous and slightly mocking tone, often referring to someone having bad luck or being in an unfortunate position. - Changes Required: The list above categorizes various literary and character terms, but it should also separate organization names like "Three Absolutes Pavilion" and "Wan Shi Alliance" to foster clarity in the text, avoiding confusion between realms and factions. Having such a structure would enhance understanding of their influence and significance in the complex narrative realm. Wu Tu was nearly enraged to death, shouting, "You're the one seeking death! Since you wish to die, I'll grant it to you!" Meng Chong held his blade, scratching his head as he said, "Although you're from the Three Absolutes Pavilion, a subsidiary of the Thousand Martial Hall, we have no grudges. Fighting to the death seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?" In the Great Xuancheng's prodigy competition, since battles need not end in death, he had no intention of killing. However, it seemed Wu Tu had grown tired of living, so Meng Chong was willing to oblige him. "If you're afraid of dying, then get lost!" Wu Tu shouted angrily. "Since you insist on seeking death, I might as well grant your wish!" Meng Chong's demeanor turned serious. He looked towards both the Spiritual Sect side and the Wan Shi Alliance and asked solemnly, "If I turn him to ashes, would that break any rules?" The martial artists: ... From the outset, this bald youth declared he'd turn Wu Tu to ashes. How brutal was he? "It won't break any rules; it's not mandated to leave the enemy's body intact." The Alliance leader of Lizhou said, twitching at the corners of his mouth. The Pavilion Master of the Three Absolutes Pavilion wore an even grimmer expression. Wu Tu was nearly exploding with rage, gritting his teeth as he said, "I'll cut you to pieces!" As he raised his blade to strike with force, Meng Chong waved him off, saying, "Hold on a moment." "What other last words do you have to say?" Wu Tu coldly remarked. Meng Chong, blade in hand, seriously said, "I haven't introduced myself. You can't die without knowing who killed you, can you?" The martial artists: ... Wu Tu's eyes turned red, and the blade in his hand radiated fierce brilliance, exuding a powerful momentum. A blade-shaped aura even appeared atop his head. "Master is the Sword God, the deity of Sword Dao. I cultivate the Dao of the Blade. Of all blades under heaven, I am their sovereign. The title Blade Absolute seems insufficient, so let me call myself Blade Sovereign!" Thinking thus, Meng Chong, holding his blade, bowed and circled once, announcing gravely, "I am Blade Sovereign Meng Chong, the supreme master of all Blade Dao under heaven!" The assembled martial artists were slack-jawed. Where did this rogue cultivator come from, so audacious as to claim to be the supreme master of Blade Dao? And he said this right in front of Wu Tu. It was known that one of the Three Absolutes Pavilion's specialties was the Dao of the Blade! Lizhou’s best blade has always been attributed to the Three Absolutes Pavilion. "You arrogant fool, die!" Wu Tu, furious beyond measure, swung a domineering, unmatched blade at Meng Chong. Clang! Meng Chong pointed his blade out, softly yet swiftly, breaking Wu Tu's strike in an instant. Wu Tu's expression immediately became grave. An expert move revealed the extraordinary. He dared not take it lightly, unleashing his full strength in his blade technique. Meng Chong faced him with a blade in hand, neither using the Immortal Divine Armor nor exhibiting any blade intent, but merely engaging Wu Tu with pure blade technique. Blade energy surged mightily and fiercely. "This bald guy is incredibly strong!" The spectating martial artists were astonished. The experts from the Three Absolutes Pavilion wore solemn expressions. The bald youth's blade technique was extraordinarily refined and variable, sometimes domineering, sometimes like a fierce wind, and at other times tender like a gentle breeze. His blade technique had reached an unparalleled level! Wu Tu grew increasingly shocked. As a mere rogue cultivator, Meng Chong's mastery of the Dao of the Blade was profoundly advanced—truly unimaginable. There must be a pinnacle blade master behind him! "You deserve my serious response!" Wu Tu said in a deep voice. He swung a blade that, instead of a dominating aura, glimmered like ripples: soft yet weaving relentless, formidable killing intent. Meng Chong maintained a solemn demeanor. Wu Tu's Dao of the Blade was indeed commendable. He continued to attack steadily, each blade strike simple yet always targeting the weak points in Wu Tu's blade light, defusing the killing intent of his attacks. Wu Tu grew increasingly alarmed. He was now using the most potent blade technique of the Three Absolutes Pavilion, one of the top ten even in the Thousand Martial Hall. Yet to Meng Chong, it seemed full of flaws, being effortlessly neutralized. Boom! The blade energy suddenly intensified. Wu Tu roared, changing his blade technique to a stormy assault, wild and frenetic, covering the entire martial stage with blade energy. Within this energy were rippling blade lights, harboring deeper, more dangerous killing intent. Meng Chong remained indifferent, as blade energy entered his body, and even as blades slashed at him, he was unfazed—the Heavenly Hammer Hundred Refinement Technique was already in play. With a single blade swing, he opened a breach in Wu Tu's attack, further pressuring Wu Tu to fight desperately, resulting in even more intense attacks! The Pavilion Master of the Three Absolutes Pavilion abruptly stood up, his expression deeply somber. Wu Tu seemed outmatched! How could this be possible! Yet the truth was clear: Wu Tu was nearly driven to madness by his exertion—it was his strongest blade technique, pushed to its utmost limit. Conversely, Meng Chong remained unflustered and composed, seemingly allowing blade energy to strike his body with ease. Yet he neutralized every truly sharp and lethal attack, leaving the rest unable to harm him in the slightest! The result was clear! **New Terms and Translation Comments:** 1. **刀絕 (Blade Absolute)**: This is translated as "Blade Absolute", reflecting a high title in the Blade Dao, serving as a potential title before Meng Chong decides on "Blade Sovereign." The title "Blade Absolute" could imply mastery but not ultimate supremacy, which drove the narrative element of claiming "Blade Sovereign." 2. **刀尊 (Blade Sovereign)**: Used by Meng Chong to signify supreme mastery of the Blade Dao. "Sovereign" connotes a ruler or supreme authority, aligning with his declaration of ultimate blade master. 3. **刀之道 (Dao of the Blade)**: Translated as "Dao of the Blade," indicating a martial path focusing specifically on the art and principles of blade techniques. 4. **千絕樓 (Thousand Martial Hall)**: Interpreted as "Thousand Martial Hall," an organizational name suggesting a broader martial arts academy or society under which sects like the Three Absolutes Pavilion operate. - **Potential Amendments**: The term "Three Absolutes Pavilion" might be refined within context discussions to emphasize its position in martial hierarchy, similarly with "Thousand Martial Hall," given their recurring appearances in character affiliations and martial hierarchy coherence.