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

### Chapter 298: Directly Stomping the Face! It was rumored that the prodigal scion of the Mu family might become a supreme powerhouse, but the path to becoming a supreme being involved techniques possessed only by the transcendent Spiritual Sects, and whether the Mu family could obtain such methods was uncertain. Ten years ago, the Mu family's prodigal scion vanished for a dalliance, and in the same year, a beautiful woman accompanied by a boy of about twelve or thirteen appeared at the gates of the Mu family. This boy was the illegitimate child left behind by the prodigal son, and the beautiful woman was just an itinerant cultivator. Upon hearing the news, the scion's primary spouse, Tang Jinyan, was so furious she nearly exploded on the spot. She called the boy a "bastard," wishing to eliminate him. However, the elders of the Mu family noticed that the boy possessed a spiritual physique, which was extraordinary! The background turned irrelevant; what mattered was that he had the Mu family bloodline and an astounding talent. That was enough. The reality of being a prestigious family became apparent when the elders ignored Tang Jinyan's opinions and anger, even warning her against harboring any hostility toward the Mu family's prodigy. Tang Jinyan was so enraged that she no longer wished to stay in the Mu family. That boy is the current Mu family prodigy, Mu Feiming. The elders were worried he would inherit his father's poor disposition and have always rigorously disciplined him, lest he become another promiscuous scion. Xu Yan eyed Mu Feiming with a touch of curiosity. How could this person bear a resemblance to his junior sister, Su Lingxiu? "A mere resemblance in features is not surprising." Xu Yan brushed it off, thinking it wasn't unusual to find similar-looking people in this vast world, especially when it's just a slight resemblance in features. Mu Feiming regarded Xu Yan with a serious expression. By now, Xu Yan's renowned prowess had spread throughout Luozhou; defeating Yu Chanfeng and slaying the master of the Sword Cave—this kind of might was beyond his capability to contend with. Even Cai Yunhong of the Cangyun Dynasty had been defeated. Now, among the prodigies in Luozhou, only he remained. Though he knew he couldn't win, he had no choice but to fight. "Brother Xu, please!" Mu Feiming exclaimed, taking a deep breath. Xu Yan nodded. After defeating Mu Feiming, his next destination would be Qianwu State, the territory of Thousand Martial Hall. The transcendent Spiritual Sect had yet to reveal any prodigies, seemingly saving their appearance for a climactic unveiling, intending to suppress all prodigies in one move. He plans to directly challenge the gates of Thousand Martial Hall, forcing their prodigies to appear, and trample on the face of Thousand Martial Hall. The elders of the Mu family were tense, as Xu Yan's notorious reputation had spread throughout Luozhou. Apart from Cai Yunhong, all of Xu Yan's opponents had been reduced to dust, their bones turned to ash. "Young friend Xu, go easy, go easy, let's not harm the harmony. Our Mu family has a few divine-grade spiritual herbs that I believe would be quite suitable for you." A Mu family elder secretly transmitted this message to Xu Yan. Xu Yan: ... Seeing Xu Yan not respond, the Mu family elder became even more anxious. They had painstakingly cultivated a prodigy with upright character, capable of leading the younger generation—if he were to perish, it would be a tremendous loss. He was undoubtedly the prime candidate for the head of the Mu family, as the position remains unclaimed due to the absent-mindedness of the prodigal scion, who dislikes managing affairs. Seeing a prodigy arise to potentially lead the Mu family toward continued prosperity, should he be killed by Xu Yan, the Mu family would suffer crippling losses. "Young friend Xu, ten divine-grade spiritual herbs—no, twelve, it's the maximum our Mu family can currently offer!" The elder gritted his teeth as he delivered the offer. Xu Yan nodded. If someone was eager to gift spiritual herbs, especially divine-grade ones, why refuse? Moreover, he had no intention of killing Mu Feiming, as they bore no feud. Seeing Xu Yan agree, the Mu family elder was overjoyed and immediately transmitted another message: "Young friend Xu, how about we make a deal? Our Mu family will offer five more divine-grade spiritual herbs if you refrain from defeating our prodigy too quickly. How about it?" Xu Yan: ... Looking at the Mu family elder, Xu Yan was speechless. Then his gaze returned to the determined Mu Feiming, ready to battle for the honor of the Mu family. Xu Yan couldn't help but sigh. Mu Feiming truly was a cherished figure within the Mu family! Learning about the Mu family, he found they specialized in cultivating spiritual herbs and producing potions. Their abundance of spiritual herbs was a given. Regarding the Mu family’s potions, they held quite a reputation, both in Luozhou and the greater Spiritual Domain. However, in Xu Yan's eyes, the Mu family’s potions were a misuse of valuable resources. Xu Yan nodded, agreeing to the offer. After all, divine-grade spiritual herbs were indeed rare treasures. Even after plundering the reserves of the Jade God Sect and the Su family, such herbs weren't abundant. The Jade God Sect and the Su family were relatively impoverished among the Spiritual Sects, especially compared to the Mu family. After pondering a while, Xu Yan transmitted: "Mu family elder, if I were to battle your prodigy for one whole quarter-hour, how many divine-grade spiritual herbs would you offer?" The Mu family elder was stunned—fighting for a quarter-hour? If this were known, that the Mu family prodigy battled Xu Yan without defeat for a quarter-hour, his name would resonate far and wide! If Xu Yan's fame grew larger and more renowned, the Mu family prodigy's reputation would also soar. Gritting his teeth, the elder said, "Fifty divine-grade spiritual herbs! Truly, no more than that!" Xu Yan couldn’t help but sigh. This Mu family truly was a spiritual herb-centric lineage. They likely mastered the art of cultivating divine-grade spiritual herbs, thus having such an extensive reserve. "One hundred!" Xu Yan wasn’t buying the elder's bluff and directly made his offer. "This..." The Mu family elder hesitated for a moment before finally biting the bullet, his face filled with pain. "Very well, it's a deal!" Xu Yan rolled his eyes; this Mu family elder sure knew how to put on a show! Unaware of all this, Mu Feiming found himself evenly matched during his bout with Xu Yan, surprised that Xu Yan didn’t seem as formidable as rumored. Meanwhile, Xu Yan, during the fight, continuously absorbed Mu Feiming's martial energy, noticing that it was rather balanced and steady. It seemed related to the Mu family’s techniques: less explosive, yet tirelessly enduring. Once the quarter-hour concluded, Xu Yan landed a decisive blow, sending Mu Feiming flying. Mu Feiming was taken aback; how had Xu Yan suddenly unleashed such ferocity that he couldn’t withstand it? "Thank you for allowing me to win!" Xu Yan cupped his hands in salute. "Thank you, Brother Xu, for showing mercy!" Mu Feiming politely returned the gesture. The elders were very pleased with Mu Feiming's performance. "Young friend Xu, here are your spiritual herbs!" In a nearby grove, the Mu family elder handed Xu Yan a storage pouch. Xu Yan took a glance; there were over a hundred divine-grade spiritual herbs inside, and he nodded in satisfaction. The deal was worth it! "I wonder, young friend Xu, where do you plan to challenge the next prodigy?" After some thought, the elder asked. Xu Yan raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide, "I’m heading to Qianwu State to challenge the prodigies of Thousand Martial Hall." Upon hearing this, the Mu family elder took out a small booklet from the storage pouch and handed it to Xu Yan. "Young friend Xu, this contains a general overview of Qianwu State, along with a list of notable figures and visible prodigies in Thousand Martial Hall." Xu Yan accepted the booklet, puzzled at the Mu family elder's willingness to provide information about Thousand Martial Hall, as if there were some vendetta between them. "The people in Thousand Martial Hall are quite unscrupulous, young friend Xu. Be careful; while there are rules in the Prodigy Struggle, if they can't best you, they’ll resort to lowly tricks." The elder warned. "Does your Mu family have a feud with Thousand Martial Hall?" Xu Yan asked in surprise. "Not so much a feud. If it truly were, Thousand Martial Hall would have eradicated the Mu family long ago. However, they once demanded certain things from us, and it took a great effort from us to keep them." "So, seeing Thousand Martial Hall suffer a setback is something we'd gladly see." The elder waved it off. Then, with a solemn and earnest expression, he added, "Young friend Xu, please make sure not to mention that the Mu family provided you with this information!" Xu Yan pocketed the booklet, assuring, "Don’t worry, I won’t mention your Mu family. Being an itinerant cultivator, they’d likely assume this intel came from the Wan Shi Alliance." "Then that’s reassuring. I wish you success, young friend!" The elder clasped his hands in gratitude. "Farewell!" Xu Yan nodded, taking a step forward, vanishing from sight. Qianwu State is one of the five largest states within the Spiritual Domain, exclusively governed by the Thousand Martial Hall, and is among the strongest in the Spiritual Domain. The tri-nations, seven sects, and eight families make up the forces within Qianwu State, all thriving under the umbrella of Thousand Martial Hall, managing the vast territory. As a transcendent Spiritual Sect, Thousand Martial Hall naturally wouldn’t bother with such mundane affairs. The Wan Shi Alliance emerged, showcasing formidable strength. Remarkably, the transcendent Spiritual Sect hadn’t demonstrated the dominant power needed to suppress the Wan Shi Alliance, subtly challenging the Spiritual Sects' governance over the Spiritual Domain. --- ### New Terms: 1. **Mu family prodigal scion (木家风流子)**: The playboy son of the Mu family. Alternate translations could include "Mu family's debauchee" or "Mu family's libertine." 2. **Transcendent Spiritual Sects (超然靈宗)**: Spiritual Sects considered to be above ordinary sects due to their superior techniques and knowledge. 3. **Divine-grade spiritual herbs (神品灵药)**: High-grade spiritual herbs with powerful properties. 4. **Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟)**: An emerging and powerful alliance that challenges existing powers. Alternate translation might be "Eternal World Alliance" or "Perpetual Alliance." ### Explanation: - The term “Mu family prodigal scion” was selected to emphasize the character’s frivolous and promiscuous nature while retaining a familial connection. - "Transcendent Spiritual Sect" abbreviates the original term to effectively convey the elite and unattainable standing these entities possess in the world. - "Divine-grade spiritual herbs" conveys their sacred nature and rarity. - The "Wan Shi Alliance" was chosen to reflect the words' literal meaning, emphasizing the alliance’s enduring ambition and capability, consistent with its narrative function. The Mu family elder's negotiation with Xu Yan cleverly involved feigned reluctance and strategic bargaining, typical of a "hard-to-get" tactic in business-speak, used to ensure the best outcome while feigning hesitation over resources. ### Chapter 298: Directly Stomping the Face! However, the foundation of the transcendent Spiritual Sects is, after all, exceptionally profound. As the Prodigy Struggle unfolds, prodigies from all the top-tier Spiritual Sects began to make their moves, vying for position against the prodigies of the Wan Shi Alliance. To date, the Spiritual Sects have maintained a distinct advantage. The transcendent Spiritual Sects are sitting idly by, and no prodigies have descended from their peaks, as if waiting to appear at the very end, sweeping all before them in an invincible manner to overwhelm the prodigies of Wan Shi Alliance. Or perhaps they are observing the foundation of the Wan Shi Alliance. In Qianwu State, the Wan Shi Alliance isn’t present, and there's no belief that any prodigy from the Wan Shi Alliance would dare challenge them there. Thus, for the prodigies of Thousand Martial Hall, as well as those of the tri-nations, seven sects, and eight families, they need only focus on diligent cultivation and continuous improvement, aiming for the best standings in the final stages of the Prodigy Struggle. The current stage of the Prodigy Struggle is one of elimination; the true prodigies make their entrance at the end. So, when Xu Yan, with his lone sword, arrived directly at the gates of Thousand Martial Hall, a sword light soaring to the heavens, challenging Thousand Martial Hall’s prodigies, it caught all the martial artists of Thousand Martial Hall off guard, leaving them stunned. "I am Xu Yan, the Sword God, here to challenge the prodigies of Thousand Martial Hall!" His voice rolled like thunder, echoing far and wide. Inside Thousand Martial Hall, all the powerful figures were left dumbfounded. Who is this warrior audacious enough to arrive at the gates of Thousand Martial Hall to challenge? Immediately, all the martial artists of Thousand Martial Hall flushed with anger, and the elders wore grim expressions. Had the intimidation of Thousand Martial Hall diminished to such a degree? A mere itinerant cultivator dared to come challenging? Moreover, he called himself the "Sword God"? Who didn't know that the Sword Dao of Thousand Martial Hall was renowned as the best in the Spiritual Domain? This is a direct attempt to slap them in the face! "Where did this lowly itinerant cultivator come from, thinking this is a place you can run wild?" A steward of Thousand Martial Hall appeared, his demeanor fierce and filled with rage as he spoke. "Why, do the prodigies of Thousand Martial Hall not dare to fight?" Xu Yan's gaze turned cold, as the attitude of these martial artists from Thousand Martial Hall was truly vile. "You, a lowly itinerant cultivator, aren’t worthy for our prodigies to fight. Get lost already!" The steward of Thousand Martial Hall wanted to strike directly. But remembering the rules of the Prodigy Struggle, he held back, shouting in anger. "Then I’ll challenge you, dare you fight?" Xu Yan's expression turned icy as he spoke. The steward of Thousand Martial Hall paused, then rejoiced; this ignorant itinerant cultivator wanted to challenge him—seeking death, it's his own fault! "If you're seeking death, I'll grant it!" As he spoke, the steward launched a fierce attack without holding back. Truly, Thousand Martial Hall was as shameless as its reputation! Xu Yan smirked sarcastically, swinging his sword. In an instant, Sword Intent surged, enveloping the mountains and rivers. This steward was merely at the late Refining Divine Realm, insignificant in Xu Yan's eyes. Slash, slash, slash! Mountain and River Dragon’s Roar, Shocking Thunder Sword, Xun Annihilation Sword! Whoosh! The steward of Thousand Martial Hall was immediately slain, turned to ashes! "Outrageous!" A martial artist within the gates of Thousand Martial Hall raged. It had been years since such an incident occurred—an execution of a steward right at their gates? Last time something of this nature happened, it was the doing of the Blood Demon. And now, this scene reoccurred, like being savagely slapped in the face. Boom! The imposing aura of a peak Refining Divine martial artist was evident, a massive spear launched from the gates. "Thousand Martial Hall truly stands as the most shameless sect in the Spiritual Domain; does it intend to violate the rules of the Prodigy Struggle?" Xu Yan laughed coldly, his voice resonating widely. From afar, martial artists gathered to watch, all showing expressions of shock. Who was this fierce person, directly challenging Thousand Martial Hall’s gates? Wasn't this akin to the Blood Demon’s actions back in the day? The massive spear paused mid-air, its wielder's face flushed. Under usual circumstances, they would dismiss the rules of the Prodigy Struggle. Yet, the situation had indeed changed. "I know you’re eager to kill me." Xu Yan flashed a bright smile, "Thousand Martial Hall’s prodigies are spineless, hesitant to fight. I understand why you're stepping in. "If that’s the case, I challenge you. Come on, make your move!" "You’re spouting nonsense!" The martial artist from Thousand Martial Hall was furious, considering an attack, but any action would imply acknowledging their prodigies’ cowardice and having someone replace them. Yet, if he did nothing, it would appear he was cowardly, receiving a challenge and not daring to respond. "The nerve of this kid!" He ground his teeth with anger. Xu Yan raised an eyebrow, "What’s wrong, are Thousand Martial Hall's prodigies spineless, and you, the old fellow, are no better?" "Die already!" Boom! The spear moved like a dragon, roaring forth. Xu Yan struck with his sword, the sound of a dragon's roar echoing, stepping forward for a direct confrontation. "Thousand Martial Hall’s spear techniques are indeed remarkable!" Xu Yan had to acknowledge, within the same realm, the martial artists of Thousand Martial Hall were a notch above others from the Spiritual Sects and familial lineages. Since the attack was initiated, the martial artist from Thousand Martial Hall no longer hesitated, pushing his techniques to the limit, his spears roared like dragons, their glints like chill stars, enveloping Xu Yan. "Today, you must die!" Yet Xu Yan smiled calmly, deploying the Mountain and River Sword Dao, continually engaging in exchanges, while the opponent's offensive aura was subtly absorbed into his own body. His Martial Dao momentum was growing, gaining insights from different martial styles with each encounter. "The Divine Essence Realm is not far off." Xu Yan thought silently to himself. --- ### New Terms: 1. **Prodigy Struggle (天驕爭鋒)**: A competitive event where prodigies from various sects and factions compete against each other. Alternate translation could be "Genius Clash" or "Champion Battle." 2. **Gates of Thousand Martial Hall (千武殿山門)**: Refers to the grand entrance of the Thousand Martial Hall, significant for being a place of challenge. 3. **Sword God Xu Yan (劍神許炎)**: Refers to Xu Yan claiming the title of "Sword God," signaling his mastery and confidence in swordsmanship. 4. **Xun Annihilation Sword (巽滅劍)**: A specific sword technique used by Xu Yan, emphasizing devastation. 5. **Mountain and River Dragon’s Roar (山河龍吟)**: Likely an attack or technique involving elemental or dragon might, playing into symbolic imagery within martial arts. 6. **Shocking Thunder Sword (震雷劍)**: Another specific technique emphasizing thunderous impact. ### Explanation: - **Prodigy Struggle**: Chosen to reflect the competitive and elite nature of the event. The term "struggle" carries a weight of intensity suitable for the context. - **Sword God Xu Yan**: Uses the exact wording to encapsulate the elevated status and martial prowess of Xu Yan. - **Mountain and River Dragon’s Roar, Xun Annihilation Sword, Shocking Thunder Sword**: Each technique was translated to capture the essence and power inherent in the names, maintaining a storytelling flavor consistent with epic martial novels. These choices convey the raw power, assuredness, and tumultuous atmosphere characteristic of martial arts confrontations, while maintaining fidelity to the original Chinese essence and using terms familiar within the genre context.