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

Chapter 297: Meng Chong Shows His Might, Pressures the Sanjue Pavilion Alone On the martial platform, Wu Tu had already driven his technique to the extreme, unleashing assaults in their most ferocious state. However, Meng Chong continued to handle it with composure. The Sanjue Pavilion Master wore a sullen expression. Could it be that Wu Tu was on the verge of defeat? This was a matter affecting the face of the Sanjue Pavilion and Ling Sect's honor. Just recently, they had suppressed the arrogance of the League of Liao Prefecture, and now they were about to be humiliated by a rogue cultivator? His fingers twitched slightly, contemplating intervening secretly, but he noticed the League of Liao Prefecture's leader watching him with a smile, seeming to wait for his interference. His heart sank, recalling the instructions from Thousand Martial Hall's superior. The rules of the battle of prodigies dictated that Ling Sect could not be the first to break the rules, but they could force the Wan Shi Alliance to do so! He was unclear about the specific reservations involved. Given the superior's orders, it was evident that there were factors within the Wan Shi Alliance that even the superior was wary of. After a moment of contemplation, the Sanjue Pavilion Master sat back down but used a sound transmission to speak to Meng Chong. "Meng Chong, I am the master of the Sanjue Pavilion. I observe your martial aptitude as exceptional, and your skill with the blade is superb. Truly, a rare prodigy in the Way of the Blade. Why not come to our Sanjue Pavilion? "If you join us, I can recommend you to the Thousand Martial Hall as their top prodigy in the Way of the Blade; it could be none other than you. "Once you enter the Thousand Martial Hall, you will be an unparalleled prodigy of Ling Sect!" The Sanjue Pavilion Master believed that a rogue cultivator could hardly resist the temptation of becoming a Ling Sect prodigy. Especially with the chance to become an unparalleled prodigy of Ling Sect's Thousand Martial Hall. Meng Chong's eyebrows raised as he glanced at the Sanjue Pavilion Master outside the martial platform. Seeing Meng Chong's gaze, the Sanjue Pavilion Master smiled and nodded, eagerly awaiting Meng Chong's allegiance. The League of Liao Prefecture's leader, witnessing this, felt uneasy. If Meng Chong truly sided with the Sanjue Pavilion, it would undoubtedly be detrimental to them. Moreover, he knew that for most rogue cultivators, entering the Ling Sect represented a chance to escape the lower echelons and achieve a substantial status leap. Few could withstand such allure. Just as he was about to use a sound transmission to draw in Meng Chong, even preparing to promise treasures to ensure Meng Chong's loyalty, Meng Chong sneered. Previously responding with calm, he abruptly unleashed a fierce slash. A blade without equal, invincible, and indescribable; it cut through layers of blade energy, depleted the residual blade aura, and sent Wu Tu's blade flying. With one cut, Wu Tu disintegrated into ashes and vanished! The Sanjue Pavilion Master’s face turned dark, killing intent surging, as he stood up abruptly, glaring fiercely at Meng Chong. On the martial platform, Meng Chong stood with his blade, reflecting on the spoils of this battle. As for the Sanjue Pavilion Master's killing intention, he paid it no mind. The League of Liao Prefecture's leader smiled, looking at the Sanjue Pavilion Master, offering a faint smile, "The battle of prodigies has its rules. Do you wish to intervene?" "Hmph!" The Sanjue Pavilion Master sank back into his seat with a sullen face. After slaying Wu Tu, Meng Chong planted his blade beside him, coldly declaring, "It is said that the Sanjue Pavilion has three prodigies; Wu Tu was one. His blade art is mediocre at best. I wonder how Bao Sheng's fists fare? "I, Meng Chong, wielder of the Invincible Fist, hereby challenge Bao Sheng of Sanjue Pavilion!" The watching martial artists:... Wasn’t he just the Blade Sovereign? Now he's the Invincible Fist? Yet, all knew that Meng Chong had come for the Sanjue Pavilion. Many speculated, did Meng Chong hold a grudge against Sanjue Pavilion? "Arrogant!" From within the Sanjue Pavilion, a towering figure soared onto the martial platform. With a stocky build matching Meng Chong's stature, the figure wore a pair of gauntlets, his face full of fury. Since Meng Chong directly challenged, the Sanjue Pavilion had no option to retreat. To be bested by a rogue cultivator and refuse combat? Could the pride of a top-tier Ling Sect permit such humiliation? "Come on! Let’s have a vigorous brawl!" Meng Chong refrained from drawing his blade and instead gripped his fists, charging barehandedly towards Bao Sheng for a physical brawl. Even though Bao Sheng wore spiritual gauntlets, Meng Chong faced off using his bare fists, robustly confronting Bao Sheng's attacks. In this fierce, flesh-and-blood battle, only the sight of two stocky figures exchanging close combat strikes, each punch landing deeply! Though Bao Sheng wore the gauntlets, in the heat of battle, he frequently evaded Meng Chong's assaults, appearing overwhelmed. In contrast, Meng Chong, bare-fistedly, confronted Bao Sheng’s hits unyieldingly, without a crease on his brow; his formidable physique bore little trace of injury. The spectators were aghast. Such fearsome resilience! The fight concluded predictably; Bao Sheng was punched into fragments, disintegrating into ash! The observing martial artists couldn't help but swallow. This bald youth, though not menacing in appearance, assaulted with fearsome cruelty, even scattering his adversary's ashes! Meng Chong relished the battle, his muscles pulsing, emitting fierce warmth. He sensed an enhancement in his Indestructible Golden Body, with the effects of the Heavenly Hammer Hundred Refinement Technique evidently strengthening. In corporeal martial arts, battle showcased robustness and granted further growth. "Where is Lu Yi? Dare he battle?" He aimed to challenge all three prodigies of the Sanjue Pavilion. Da Xuan City erupted. The notorious Wu Tu and Bao Sheng had been slain. And Meng Chong still wanted to challenge Lu Yi. He intended to vanquish all Sanjue Pavilion’s three prodigies! The rogue cultivators were ecstatic, feeling vindicated, their spines straightened, no longer faltering when encountering Ling Sect martial artists, but raising their heads boldly. A cohort of Ling Sect martial artists wore grim expressions. Some even cursed the Sanjue Pavilion for being so useless as to let a rogue cultivator dominate them! Members of the League of Liao Prefecture grinned. Although Meng Chong wasn’t a prodigy of the Wan Shi Alliance, as a rogue cultivator, he stood as their supported figure, as long as he wasn’t in alliance with the Ling Sect families. "Keep a close eye on those Ling Sect fellows. If they dare act, show no mercy, and protect Meng Chong from covert harm!" Tension ran high among the League's strong figures. "Understood!" The specialists of the League of Liao Prefecture nodded excitedly. The Sanjue Pavilion Master’s face was shadowed with deep gloom, murder boiling within but subduing his intent. The rules of this prodigy challenge dictated that Ling Sect couldn’t initiate breaches! Such were the orders from their superiors; witnesses everywhere reckoned it was inconceivable to act out! Even covert maneuvers required absolute discretion, without risk of exposure. But evidently, the Wan Shi Alliance allowed no such opportunities! Lu Yi ascended the martial platform, a spear in hand. He said nothing, launching into a thunderous attack, his spear a raging dragon, swift and overpowering, lashing towards Meng Chong like a storm. Meng Chong summoned his blade with a gesture, launching a matchless strike. Heaven and Earth Conquering Blade! The outcome was expected. Lu Yi fell! The Sanjue Pavilion's strong men wore stormy expressions, eager to peel Meng Chong alive. The undisputed Meng Chong, having fought three prodigies, remained on the platform, blade in hand, surveyed the surroundings, and loudly declared, "I am Meng Chong, challenging the prodigies of the Spiritual Domain. Who will enlighten me?" Silence! No one responded. All three of the Sanjue Pavilion’s prodigies had perished; who dared challenge now? Moreover, Meng Chong had battled three prodigies without tiring? Anticipating further battles? Meng Chong furrowed his brows, continuing, "I am Meng Chong, a mere rogue cultivator, challenging the Ling Sect family prodigies. Who dares enlighten me?" He emphasized "a mere rogue cultivator" to provoke the Ling Sect families’ prodigies. Under the heel of a rogue cultivator, these Ling Sect families surely felt immensely troubled, compelled to send out prodigies to preserve face, to uphold Ling Sect's dignity. Still, none stepped forth. "Isn't the Ling Sect known for its arrogance? For despising us rogue cultivators? Why, now, has it become inept?" "The so-called prodigies of Ling Sect, truly disappointing, cultivating superior techniques, gaining the most cultivation resources, enjoying the finest treatment, yet inferior to a mere rogue cultivator." "Indeed, once boasting about the absence of rogue prodigies and claiming Ling Sect's as the true great ones, what thick skin they have. Now, why not step up and respond?" "Tsk, cowardly Ling Sect trash!" Sneers arose from the crowd. These words were from the Wan Shi Alliance members, prompting rogue cultivators in the audience to join in. Such an opportunity to trample the Ling Sect mustn't be missed! This led to an uncomfortable visage among the Ling Sect martial artists. "Can it be without mortality?" Amidst this, a timid voice asked. Meng Chong traced the voice to a family disciple glancing up, unsure, hesitant to engage, fearing a loss and a fate with no remains remaining once defeated. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Sanjue Pavilion (三绝楼)** - Translated as "Sanjue Pavilion," a fictional organization within the narrative. 2. **Wu Tu (巫屠)** - A character associated with the Sanjue Pavilion; his name translates literally to "Shaman Slaughter." 3. **Bao Sheng (包胜)** - A character associated with the Sanjue Pavilion translated to "Certain Victory" in a literal sense. 4. **Lu Yi (鲁义)** - Another Sanjue Pavilion prodigy whose name translates literally to "Blunt Honor." 5. **Heaven and Earth Conquering Blade (天地霸刀)** - A martial technique used by Meng Chong, emphasizing dominion over heaven and earth. **Explanation:** - The term **Sanjue Pavilion** refers to a fictional organization. It keeps the original phonetic sound, and the context implies a prestigious or dangerous entity. - The character names **Wu Tu**, **Bao Sheng**, and **Lu Yi** maintain their original phonetic sounds for consistency but provide an undertone of their personalities or roles via literal translation if necessary for narrative depth. - The technique **Heaven and Earth Conquering Blade** follows the literal translation approach, maintaining the imagery of dominance and power inherent to it. - The narrative is heavily focused on maintaining dignity and superiority among different martial sects, with Meng Chong portrayed as a powerful rogue challenging established norms. His martial prowess is highlighted by his technique's names and his demeanor, enforcing his fearlessness and unmatched might. "I agree! I, Meng Chong, am not one to indulge in gratuitous killing. It was not I who set the terms of a life-and-death battle; it was those fellows from the Sanjue Pavilion who were courting death themselves!" Meng Chong said, rubbing his head. The expressions of Sanjue Pavilion's experts grew even uglier. However, indeed, it was Wu Tu who had proposed the life-and-death battle! Meng Chong couldn't truly be blamed! "Then I will accept the challenge!" The young prodigy from a prominent family sighed in relief upon hearing Meng Chong’s agreement. The battle resumed. Although this family prodigy was not weak, compared to the three prodigies of Sanjue Pavilion, he was far inferior. In just a few strikes, he was defeated by Meng Chong. As the first one stepped onto the stage, one by one, Ling Sect's prodigies began to appear. Although they intended to tire him out with successive challenges, Meng Chong was thoroughly disappointed. Their strength was too inadequate; for someone with his Indestructible Golden Body, there was little refinement or advancement to gain. His gaze shifted, focusing on the elders of the Sanjue Pavilion. "I know you old fellows from the Sanjue Pavilion are itching to flay me alive. Now, I offer you a chance: elders below the mid-level Refining Divine Heavenly Being, dare you to come and challenge me?" Everyone was taken aback. Meng Chong was actually challenging the elders of the Sanjue Pavilion? "Meng Chong, my young friend, be cautious!" The League of Liao Prefecture's leader urgently advised. "No need for more words. Any elder below mid-level Refining Divine Heavenly Being, do you dare battle? I, Meng Chong, offer you a chance for vengeance!" Meng Chong said resolutely. "Fine, then I'll put an end to you!" An elder from the Sanjue Pavilion, wielding a spear, stepped up to the platform. He was at mid-refining divine heavenly being and nearing the late stage in strength. "Good, let's fight then!" Meng Chong, filled with fighting spirit, charged forward with his blade. News spread from Da Xuan City. Upon hearing the news, martial artists flooded towards Da Xuan City, and the name of Blade Sovereign Meng Chong began to spread. With a swift slash, another elder from the Sanjue Pavilion was cut down. "Is there no one else willing to step forward?" Meng Chong continued his challenge. "Insolence!" Another elder from the Sanjue Pavilion descended with a treasured blade, instantly utilizing his ultimate secret technique. After Meng Chong felled three elders in succession, his aura surged like a rainbow, shocking those nearby. All prodigies from the League of Liao Prefecture lowered their heads in dismay. He was exceedingly powerful! Even after so many victories in succession, he remained at peak condition; did he not tire? "Once more, I give the Sanjue Pavilion a chance: any late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being elders willing to fight?" Meng Chong elevated the level of his challenge. "Alright, you've set your sights on us, eh? Let's see how you fare against me!" A Sanjue Pavilion expert at the late refining divine heavenly being level took the stage, spear in hand. Meng Chong's expression turned serious. A late-stage Refining Divine Heavenly Being warrior possessed formidable strength, and he did not dare to take him lightly, considering himself only at the consummate Divine Intent Realm. However, thanks to his formidable Indestructible Golden Body, he remained unafraid! Boom! This time, the Immortal Divine Armor covered Meng Chong entirely, rendering him as if clad in golden armor, exuding extraordinary martial prowess. "What sort of martial technique is this?" "Unheard of!" All martial artists were stunned. Ling Sect's strongmen wore markedly grim expressions, their eyes fixed fiercely on Meng Chong. The battle was unbelievably fierce, and even though the Immortal Divine Armor on Meng Chong's body was pierced several times, his physical body remained unharmed. "What kind of body is this? Why is it so terrifying?" "It's comparable to a spirit weapon!" Amid the voices of astonishment, a female voice suddenly rang out: "So tough, I'm tempted to test it myself." The martial artists: … More and more warriors gathered in Da Xuan City until eventually, Ling Sect and the Wan Shi Alliance were compelled to maintain order, barring anyone below the Great Heavenly Being Realm from assembling at the martial platform to reduce congestion. The name Meng Chong echoed throughout Da Xuan City. While Meng Chong was displaying his formidable might in Da Xuan City, Xu Yan had already defeated Cai Yunhong and grasped the terrifying power of Cai Yunhong's Divine Strength Physique during the display. In that battle, he refrained from killing Cai Yunhong; after all, it wasn't a life-and-death fight. The martial momentum within Xu Yan grew stronger, prompting him to move towards his next destination. East of Luozhou, the super-prestigious Mu Family, to challenge the Mu family's prodigy, Mu Feiming! In Luozhou, the Mu Family's strength and reputation far surpassed the Red Nether Sect and the Cangyun Dynasty, yet the Mu Family remained relatively low-key. A low-key Mu Family, but one with flamboyant individuals. Their previous generation birthed a prodigious genius, causing the typically reserved Mu Family to see their fame in the Spiritual Domain skyrocket instantaneously. The flamboyant scion of the Mu Family was well-known in the Spiritual Domain, infamous for his romancing exploits, becoming a hot topic in martial circles. Naturally, it also brought more trouble to the Mu Family, such as when he absconded with a Ling Sect young master's fiancée or cavorted under moonlit flowers with a certain widowed family matron. The Mu Family elders were frustrated, frequently needing to clean up his messes with compensatory resources. Ultimately, marrying the flamboyant Mu Family scion to a wife as a form of restraint backfired. Just days after the wedding, he resumed his saucy exploits. His wife, incensed, returned to her parental home, and as the official wife, sought out those women who once romanced with her husband, demanding accountability. Despite his problematic tendencies, the flamboyant son was exceptionally gifted, boasting immense power. At the pinnacle of Refining Divine Heavenly Being strength, he was a prodigy whom the Mu Family elders both loved and detested. **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Mu Family (木家)** - Translated as "Mu Family." A family located in Luozhou known for having a mix of low-key members and flamboyant individuals. 2. **Cai Yunhong (蔡雲虹)** - A character that Xu Yan defeated. The name translates to "Colorful Cloud Rainbow" literally. 3. **Mu Feiming (木飞明)** - A prodigy from the Mu Family. "Feiming" can be translated to "Flying Brightness" in a literal sense. 4. **Divine Strength Physique (神力寶體)** - A technique possibly referring to a mystical or powerful body constitution. **Explanation:** - **Mu Family** is maintained in its original phonetic, hinting at its underlying presence and strength within the fictional setting. - **Cai Yunhong** and **Mu Feiming** maintain their original phonetics for consistency, preserving personal identifiers in the narrative while providing literal meanings for deeper context. - **Divine Strength Physique** is directly translated, conveying the mystique and formidable nature of the technique or inherent trait. These translations aim to preserve the narrative’s character complexity while maintaining certain terms’ implicit significance within the story's martial arts world.