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

Chapter 299: Platform Before the Thousand Martial Hall In front of the Thousand Martial Hall (千武殿), a fierce battle was underway, and news of this spread quickly, drawing more and more martial artists to witness it. Every face was marked by shock. Challenging the Thousand Martial Hall directly – who gave him the courage? "The Sword God Xu Yan (许炎)? Wasn't he the one who slew Yu Changfeng in Luozhou?" "Not just Yu Changfeng, even the master of the Sword Cave was killed." "Are independent cultivators nowadays really so bold, daring to challenge the Thousand Martial Hall? Where's the dignity of the transcendent spiritual sects?" "Gasp! Xu Yan is immensely strong, and did you notice? His Sword Dao seems quite unusual." "Indeed. It feels more powerful than the Sword Dao of the Thousand Martial Hall." The gathered martial artists murmured among themselves. Atop the peak of the Thousand Martial Hall, the hall master and several elders watched from above, their expressions dark. According to their plan, the gallant talents of the transcendent spiritual sect would descend later to sweep away all the contenders and showcase their immense strength before crushing the talents of the Wan Shi Alliance with overwhelming superiority. They had the confidence and the backing to do so. Even knowing that Wushuang Pavilion had Wu Tiannan on their side, with his terrifying strength, how could the foundation of a transcendent spiritual sect be ordinary? They had begun investing even more resources into their promising talents, determined to secure ultimate victory in the competition. Yet, facing a direct challenge to their doorstep was entirely unexpected. "What kind of Sword Dao is this?" a Thousand Martial Hall elder asked gravely. He cultivated the Sword Dao of the Thousand Martial Hall, yet upon seeing Xu Yan's Sword Dao, he felt as if he couldn't draw his sword against it. "You can't discern its essence either?" the hall master asked seriously. "I feel ashamed to even draw my sword; my diligently practiced Sword Dao feels like child's play in comparison!" The elder spoke heavily. "Impossible!" The other elders were equally stunned. This was spoken by the leading Sword Dao elder, the current Sword Wielding Elder of the hall! "I feel the same way!" Another elder, also a practitioner of Sword Dao, commented with a grave expression. "This kid's Sword Dao must have been stolen from our Thousand Martial Hall!" An elder stated with a sinister glint in his eyes. "Huang Liang went to Yuzhou because of this matter and ended up dead!" Someone reminded them. "He dares to come to our gates. What have we to fear?" "But the rules of the competition for talents…" "Is he a Wan Shi Alliance talent? If not, why should we care? Would Wu Tiannan really stand up for this independent cultivator?" "What do you think, Hall Master?" The debating elders turned to the hall master. The hall master pondered and then spoke solemnly, "The time isn't ripe, and Xu Yan might have connections with that Wu Tiannan; otherwise, how could such an extraordinary Sword Dao come out of nowhere? "Remember, if that Wu Tiannan loses his achilles heel and goes berserk, neither you nor I may hold him at bay. "We should act when the Divine Bridge descends. Then, let's see what Wu Tiannan can do!" The Sword Wielding Elder agreed, "The Hall Master is right; the time isn’t ripe." "What about Xu Yan?" an elder asked, frowning. "Among the Three Nations, Seven Sects, and Eight Families, there must be someone who can deal with Xu Yan. Let them face him." The hall master stated coldly. The other elders nodded. Should the talents of the Thousand Martial Hall confront him directly, it would only diminish their prestige. Let's set up a threshold: Xu Yan must defeat all the talents of the Three Nations, Seven Sects, and Eight Families before he can discuss challenging the talents of the Thousand Martial Hall! In front of the Thousand Martial Hall, the battle was reaching its climax. With a slash of his sword, Xu Yan sent forth sword intent that transformed into sword shapes, surrounding the Thousand Martial Hall warrior. The Wheel of Life and Death Sword flashed in an instant, alternating life and death, and a single sword swept across the warrior's neck, sending his head tumbling. The Xun Wind Sword Intent churned like a storm, obliterating the soul, and reducing the body to ashes. After slaying yet another warrior of the Thousand Martial Hall, Xu Yan held his sword, staring defiantly at the hall's entrance, and coldly declared, "Are the talents of the Thousand Martial Hall all cowards?" The onlooking martial artists were all astounded. The Thousand Martial Hall was being publicly shamed, yet they didn't retaliate? Could there be some hidden aspect to this competition that even the revered transcendent spiritual sect of the Thousand Martial Hall dared not oppose? "Xu Yan!" An elder of the hall stepped forward, emanating a formidable presence, as if the mighty power of the heavens was at his behest, a truly unmatched figure! Xu Yan narrowed his eyes, ready to escape at a moment's notice. This elder's presence surpassed that of Huang Liang; he was definitely no match for him. "Is the Thousand Martial Hall devoid of any talents? Only the old geezers remain?" Xu Yan said, looking straight at the elder with disdain. "How arrogant!" "Rumor has it Xu Yan is arrogant. Seeing is believing!" The onlookers gasped in amazement. Here was an unmatched figure, yet Xu Yan treated him with such disdain. Elder Song Zeng's anger surged but he suppressed it, coldly stating, "Our Thousand Martial Hall occupies an exalted position among transcendent spiritual sects. How can our talents be challenged at the whim of an independent cultivator? "First, defeat all the talents of Thousand Martial State before challenging our talents. Only then will you have the qualification!" Though Xu Yan had approached their gate and even killed two warriors, slightly slighting their reputation, deploying their talents due to such provocation would indeed diminish their value. No, bound by the competition rules, they couldn't allow Xu Yan to openly provoke uninhibitedly; otherwise, they would have fiercely retaliated long since. In truth, with Wu Tiannan watching closely, any breach of the rules would give him grounds to retaliate. Other transcendent spiritual sects might not ally with the Thousand Martial Hall against Wu Tiannan over such a matter. Back during the battle at the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute, it was the previous master of the Thousand Martial Hall who struck down Wu Tiannan. Yet, he miraculously escaped and further improved his strength, reaching the ultimate martial limit of the Spiritual Domain! With such a mighty figure keeping watch, the Thousand Martial Hall had no choice but to bide their time. "The Thousand Martial Hall is strong, their talents possess spiritual physiques, differing by two great realms. With my current prowess, it's uncertain if I could suppress them. "Moreover, if I were to defeat all the Hall's talents, these old geezers would certainly intervene as one; escaping would prove difficult. "In that case, I'd have to use my master's divine talisman, which won't do. How could I rely on my master's protection while walking the martial path? "Soon, I'll break through to the Divine Essence Realm. Just a few more battles. Once I enter the Divine Essence Realm, there will be nothing to fear." Xu Yan mused inwardly. "Fine, then I, Xu Yan, shall suppress all the talents of Thousand Martial State!" Xu Yan nodded coldly. Song Zeng's face darkened. How arrogant Xu Yan was, proclaiming to suppress all talents of Thousand Martial State alone? "I will see how you intend to suppress the talents of Thousand Martial State!" Song Zeng snorted coldly. The crowd of onlookers brightened up; Thousand Martial State was about to get lively. Those talents would likely appear one after another. "Next, where will Xu Yan challenge? Among the Three Nations, Seven Sects, or Eight Families?" "Definitely. They're all affiliated forces of the Thousand Martial Hall." The martial artists speculated among themselves. As for Xu Yan, he retreated, and just as everyone thought he was leaving, he struck down with a palm. Boom! Several hundred zhang outside the Thousand Martial Hall, the earth surged, piling up until a tall platform, tens of zhang high, compacted from the soil, appeared. On the flat platform, Xu Yan took out unknown treasures and placed them at the four corners. In an instant, a mysterious force gathered, strengthening the earthen platform until it was as solid as rock. Xu Yan stood proudly atop the platform, raising his voice, "I am the Sword God Xu Yan, challenging the talents of Thousand Martial State right outside the gates of Thousand Martial Hall!" All the martial artists were left slack-jawed. How could he be so bold? They thought he was leaving the Thousand Martial Hall gates to challenge other powers, but instead, he directly erected a platform outside the Hall to confront the talents of Thousand Martial State? Song Zeng's face turned livid with rage, "Xu Yan, you insolent brat!" Xu Yan glanced back at him and said, "You said it: defeat all talents of Thousand Martial State to challenge your talents. Yet, Thousand Martial State is vast. Running around singlehandedly is tiring. "By setting this duel platform right in front of the Thousand Martial Hall's gates, it’s much more convenient and gives Thousand Martial Hall a clear view, so you can't deny it when I defeat all the talents of Thousand Martial State." ---- **Translation Notes:** - **Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟):** Translated as "Wan Shi Alliance" referring to an organization or group. Alternatives could be "Eternal Alliance" or "All Ages Alliance", but "Wan Shi Alliance" captures the original essence well. - **Zhang (丈):** A Chinese measure of length, approximately 3.3 meters. Left as "zhang" to retain its cultural context. - **Mounting Platform (高台):** Rendered literally to "platform" to convey the scene of martial challenge. - **Elder Song Zeng (宋增):** New character, presumed elder of the Thousand Martial Hall. Alternative translations could be "Song Increase", however, "Song Zeng" maintains the integrity of the original name. No changes to existing terms were necessary based on this chapter's context. All translated techniques and concepts aim to preserve the intricacy and tone of the original narrative. Song Zeng's face darkened, the truth in Xu Yan's words undeniable, but setting up a platform right in front of the Thousand Martial Hall (千武殿) was practically a direct affront! "Xu Yan, do you think that just because there are rules for this talent competition, you can act so wantonly?" Song Zeng sneered with a fierce gleam in his eyes. "I, Xu Yan, have never regarded such so-called rules. Rules bind the weak, and I’ve always broken them. The rules of your transcendent spiritual sects mean nothing to me. "Today, I challenge the talents of Thousand Martial State right here. If you're dissatisfied, let your talents come out for a match. "If you wish to bully the small with the old, then go ahead. After all, they say the Thousand Martial Hall is the most shameless…" Xu Yan gazed sidelong at Song Zeng with a demeanor full of contempt and disdain, stirring anger in Song's heart to the point where his face flushed red, and his aura intensified, instinctively gripping a sword. The onlooking martial artists immediately stepped back, looking at the figure atop the platform in awe. Xu Yan was the first to set up a platform right outside the gates of a transcendent spiritual sect. Not even the infamous Blood Demon (血魔), known for his arrogance and wildness, dared to set up a platform before such a sect. Xu Yan was the first in the history of the Spiritual Domain! The Thousand Martial Hall is universally acknowledged within the Spiritual Domain’s sects and nobility as the most shameless among transcendent spiritual sects. Yet no one had ever dared to say it to their face until today. They were witnessing history! A fierce soul had spoken it out front of their mountain gate! Song Zeng's face turned crimson with rage as he seethed at being so openly scorned and insulted by a solitary young cultivator. To swallow this anger would be the equivalent of cowering in fear! Xu Yan must die! "You brat, Xu Yan, no matter who backs you, today you must..." Song Zeng gritted his teeth, channeling a sliver of the might of Heaven and Earth into his blade, ready to unleash it to kill the audacious youth on the spot. But he halted abruptly, his expression shifting as he turned his gaze skyward, feeling an enigmatic presence locking onto him, instilling a potent sense of danger. Simultaneously, the master of the Thousand Martial Hall soared into the clouds with a solemn and vigilant demeanor. Within the sect, a formidable force had gathered, poised to act. Song Zeng moved back to the sect entrance, joining the elders as they stared upward with concern. Xu Yan was slightly baffled. Could this person truly be so cowardly as not to act even now? His curiosity piqued, he also gazed upward. "So powerful!" At that moment, he was gripped by an intense awe. "Stronger than Huang Liang. If that person makes a move, escaping would be difficult without using my master's divine talisman." Xu Yan had to take the situation seriously. "My strength is still too weak. Even at Divine Essence Perfection, I wouldn't fear such a strong entity if they haven't reached the realm of Divine Powers." Through sensitive perception, he detected an immense power gathering in the sky – far from simply condensing spiritual energy but assembling a tangible might of Heaven and Earth. "Is it the force of the Laws of Heaven and Earth?" He mused inwardly. Above the clouds stood a man with the aura of a teacher, engrossed in a book held with one hand, while the other wielded a ruler, utterly ignoring the thousand Martial Hall master's stormy expression. "Wu Tiannan!" The hall master gritted his teeth, speaking in a biting tone, "How dare you come to our Thousand Martial Hall – aren't you afraid of being killed?" Wu Tiannan turned a page, smiling, "Feel free to try. I've come to oversee the competition rules, ensuring none are broken here. "After all, the Thousand Martial Hall's shameless reputation is known to all, even that little lad down there knows." "Hmph, let's see how long you can be arrogant!" The hall master scoffed coldly. It became clear that Wu Tiannan was the powerful figure behind Xu Yan. Returning to the hall, the master gravely instructed, "With Wu Tiannan here, it’s likely Xu Yan is his disciple. Otherwise, why challenge us directly? "Instruct the talents from the Three Nations, Seven Sects, and Eight Families to act, offering rich rewards for defeating Xu Yan. It doesn't have to be within Thousand Martial State!" "Understood, Hall Master!" The elders acknowledged with a sober realization. Above the clouds, Wu Tiannan was equally puzzled, "Why is Xu Yan's Sword Dao so profound, unlike anything ever heard? Where does his legacy come from?" To personally challenge the Thousand Martial Hall's entrance – what courage and backing did an independent cultivator have? Even the former Blood Demon wasn't this audacious or boastful! News of Xu Yan's platform at the gates, challenging Thousand Martial State’s talents, spread rapidly. All of Thousand Martial State was abuzz with shock. Who was Xu Yan to be so bold, so fierce? Even more incredible was that the Thousand Martial Hall didn't use overwhelming force to suppress him, but instead silently acquiesced to his challenge outside their gate. "Xu Yan, cease your arrogance! Thousand Martial Hall’s supreme talents aren't for you to challenge. Today, I'll end you!" A figure rapidly approached. It's the end of the month, and if you have any monthly votes, please cast them ^_^ ---- **Translation Notes:** - **Xu Yan (许炎):** Retained original name, as with all character names, to preserve cultural significance. - **Song Zeng (宋增):** As previously translated. - **Wu Tiannan (武天南):** Retained original name, an influential figure offering protection to Xu Yan. - **Laws of Heaven and Earth (天地法則):** Denotes natural laws or cosmic forces in cultivation contexts. - **Divine Essence Perfection (神元境大成):** Retains cultivation rank implying near-peak strength for that level. No changes were necessary to any list terms but explanation regarding "Thousand Martial Hall's shameless reputation" gives cultural context on internal hierarchies and perceptions of the sect’s behavior within this fictional universe.