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

Chapter 326: Searching for an Old Friend at Tai-Miao Sect "The intricacies of the Dao, so this is what it truly is." Li Xuan sighed to himself. Now that he was delving into the Dao principles of the Tai-Cang Book, it no longer felt as taxing as before. It was becoming much easier. "Beyond the Divine Appearance Realm lies the Void Shattering Realm, breaking free from the constraints of the laws of heaven and earth. Beyond void shattering, one touches upon the Dao principles. "The Dao is the root of heaven and earth, and a martial artist's Martial Dao should also be elevated, transforming into the Dao principles of the martial artist. "But this elevation is not achieved overnight. For a martial artist, the human body and the Martial Spirit are akin to heaven and earth themselves..." Upon breaking through to the Divine Appearance Realm, Li Xuan gained greater insight into Dao principles. He had already developed deeper theories on what lies beyond the Void Shattering Realm in martial arts. He even had ideas for the next two or three realms. "It seems I'll be busy for a while." Li Xuan sighed once more, knowing the road ahead was filled with endless martial pursuits. He needed to continue refining the direction of martial arts, doing everything he could to enhance the martial arts he was crafting. The Divine Arts Martial Manual was still not completely perfected. Meng Chong's subsequent physical body martial path also required further refinement. "I should first transmit the Beast Tribe Divine Arts to Red Cat." Li Xuan pondered for a moment and then utilized his true beast form's ability, transmitting the divine arts of the Beast Tribe to Red Cat in a dream-like manner. In the Demon King's Hall of Tianlingzhou, Red Cat suddenly felt dazed, his consciousness seemingly entering a dream where he saw his master. In that instant, he transformed into a chubby cat, running to his master's feet and rubbing against them, meowing, "Meow meow!" Even in dreams, he remembered to curry favor with his master! "You're quite the amusing cat." Li Xuan chuckled, rubbing Red Cat's plump head, "Alright, enough with the cuteness. Since you've founded the Beast Tribe, I'll grant you the divine arts of the Beast Tribe. Memorize them well, comprehend them, and strengthen the Beast Tribe." After a pause, he added, "If you want to fully control those spirit beasts, feel free to pass on the Greater Beast Arts to them without fear of losing control. Comprehend the methods from it. "It's up to you now whether you succeed or not." Li Xuan didn't say much more. Using the technique of Spirit Beast Mark, he imbued Red Cat's consciousness with the symbols of the Beast Tribe's divine arts. After passing everything on, Li Xuan rubbed Red Cat's plump head again, saying, "Alright, comprehend it well on your own." The vision shattered as Red Cat came back to himself, puzzled by what had just happened. Had he missed his master so dearly that he dreamt of him? Then, his eyes widened, realizing the presence of divine symbols related to the Beast Tribe's divine arts within his consciousness. These were passed on by his master. "Meow meow, Red Cat will surely work hard to strengthen the Beast Tribe!" Red Cat understood that his master had seen through his creation of the Beast Tribe, thus gifting him the Beast Tribe's divine arts to provide more means to expand the strength of the Beast Tribe. Having transmitted all the Beast Tribe's divine arts to Red Cat, Li Xuan fully immersed himself in advancing his martial path, enhancing and strengthening it further. He worked on crafting post-Void Shattering Realm martial theories, refining the Body Refining Martial Path after the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body. He authored Divine Arts Martial Manuals, among others. Simultaneously, he spent time every day studying the Dao principles of the Tai-Cang Book. "The martial path is so arduous. I exhaust my mind daily; crafting martial arts isn't easy. Few martial artists in the world labor as hard as I do." Li Xuan lamented internally. Though he didn't have to toil in cultivation, creating martial arts was truly a strenuous endeavor. ... Xu Yan, journeying towards Yunshan State, continually contemplated the martial path of the Divine Appearance Realm until he finally comprehended it entirely. "Understanding the Void Shattering Realm is incredibly challenging. It may require breaking through to the Divine Essence Realm and truly grasping the intricacies of divine arts before gaining any insights." Xu Yan shook his head. Comprehending the martial path of the Divine Appearance Realm had already consumed considerable time. The martial path of the Void Shattering Realm was something difficult to fathom with the current martial realm. He wasn't in a rush. For now, reaching the peak of the Divine Essence Realm, accumulating strength, and then gaining insights after breaking through to the Divine Arts Realm would suffice. "I wonder how Miss Du and Miss Yun are doing." Having arrived in Yunshan State, he naturally sought the Tai-Miao Sect. Both Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao had entered the Spiritual Domain with Jade Tokens; even joining the esteemed Spiritual Sect Tai-Miao Sect upon arrival, the hierarchy and prejudice against Inner Domain people in the Spiritual Domain might not allow them an easy life. "I wonder where Brother Xie is, perhaps I should inquire from Miss Du and Miss Yun." Since arriving in the Spiritual Domain, there had been no news of Xie Lingfeng or his father, Xie Tianheng. Despite his own reputation of the Evergreen Pavilion resounding within the Spiritual Domain, Xu Yan hadn’t encountered Xie Lingfeng. "With Brother Xie's talents, he should have already reached the perfection of the Divine Intent Realm. Without further cultivation methods, advancing would be impossible." Xu Yan headed towards the Tai-Miao Sect. Xie Tianheng and his son, along with the three women including Du Yuying, had entered the Spiritual Domain; possibly, he might discover Xie Lingfeng's whereabouts among the Spiritual Sects in the Spiritual Domain. In Yunshan State, the War of the Geniuses was in full swing. By this time, only those groomed as elites by the top Spiritual Sects were participating, each hailed as a genius with exceptional talents. None lacked extraordinary abilities. However, to Xu Yan, these so-called geniuses held no significance. He didn’t even feel intrigued to make a move. Their strengths simply weren’t on the same level. "So this is the Tai-Miao Sect." Upon arriving at the entrance of Tai-Miao Sect, Xu Yan gazed upward, noting the mist encompassing the mountain peaks. Despite his strength, he couldn’t see the summit clearly and sensed an illusory, dreamlike unreal quality from the top. "The Tai-Miao Sect is reputed as having the deepest foundations and greatest strength among the supreme Spiritual Sects, authentically exuding an air of transcendence beyond the world." "They rarely interfere with matters within the Martial World of the Spiritual Domain and govern Yunshan State with far less tyranny than other supreme Spiritual Sects." Xu Yan stepped towards the gate of the Tai-Miao Sect. Information about the Tai-Miao Sect surfaced in his mind. The sect predominantly consisted of female disciples and had exceptionally high standards for both talent and appearance, resulting in fewer disciples compared to other supreme Spiritual Sects. It was said that male disciples only made up about 20% of the sect, and each male disciple had to be exceptionally handsome. "The male disciples of Tai-Miao Sect are mocked as pretty boys behind their backs, lack masculinity..." Xu Yan mulled over this within, recalling the information he'd gathered about the Tai-Miao Sect. "Tai-Miao Sect entry, no idle males allowed!" At the entrance of Tai-Miao Sect, a young man with a fair, beardless face and handsome looks blocked Xu Yan’s path. Xu Yan regarded him, noting his Refining Divine Heavenly Being late-stage cultivation. The fair, beardless face indeed gave him a pretty boy vibe. "I am Xu Yan, the Sword God, here to visit old friends at Tai-Miao Sect!" Xu Yan cupped his hands and stated. If outside males were not allowed entry, then so be it; Xu Yan held no interest. A simple notification would suffice, having Miss Du and Miss Yun descend the mountain to meet him. "You’re Xu Yan?" The young man’s expression changed. "The very same!" Xu Yan nodded. A drastic change came over the young man, and he frantically retreated, shouting loudly, "Xu Yan has come to besiege Tai-Miao Mountain Gate! Elders, come quickly!" He shouted while fleeing hastily back into the mountain gate. Xu Yan: ??? Is this person unwell? Hard of hearing? Did I not say I came to visit old friends? When did I mention besieging Tai-Miao Mountain Gate? Xu Yan found himself bewildered, watching as the young man disappeared into the Tai-Miao Mountain. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. With no one left at the Tai-Miao Mountain Gate, Xu Yan pondered briefly and stepped towards the Tai-Miao Sect's mountain gate. No outsiders allowed? Today, this rule shall not apply. At that moment, the entire Tai-Miao Sect was in an uproar! Following the Thousand Martial Hall, could it be that Xu Yan intends to besiege the Tai-Miao Sect gate? "Arrogant!" "Does Xu Yan think he can easily bully Tai-Miao Sect as he did Thousand Martial Hall?" "Elder, let me go and suppress him!" In no time, Tai-Miao Sect disciples began gathering towards the mountain gate, with a wrinkle of concern appearing on the brow of a Tai-Miao Sect elder who appeared before the young man. "Who does Xu Yan intend to challenge?" The young man, still with a hint of panic in his eyes, replied, "He came straight to the gate of Tai-Miao Mountain, claiming to visit old friends, which surely means he was here to challenge us, besiege our sect’s gate. Luckily, I fled quickly, or he would have used me to make an example of!" Back when Xu Yan besieged the Thousand Martial Hall gate, he made an example of the guard at the gate. If he hadn’t escaped, and Xu Yan named a challenger, he would undoubtedly use him to make an example to force the Tai-Miao Sect’s geniuses to respond. Xu Yan’s notorious reputation indeed preceded him. --- **New Terms:** - **Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書):** Used as the original term as it refers to a specific text relating to the doctrines or principles within the Tai-Cang. - **Greater Beast Arts (大妖之法):** Translated this way to maintain the connection to the Greater Beast Martial Path. Alternate translations could be "Grand Beast Arts" or simply "Beast Arts," but "Greater" retains a sense of hierarchy and power. - **Spirit Beast Mark (點妖術之法):** Translated to "Spirit Beast Mark" to suggest a method of marking or bestowing power/control over beast spirits. Could also be "Beast Spirit Marking," but the chosen translation emphasizes the system of passing on knowledge or power. - **Spiritual Domain (靈域):** Used throughout the text to refer to a broader spiritual or mystic region. "Spiritual Realm" is an alternate, but "Domain" suggests a more expansively governed or controlled area. - **Yunshan State (雲山州):** Translated directly as "Yunshan State." "Cloud Mountain State" is a literal translation, but using "Yunshan" maintains the local flavor. - **Tai-Miao Sect (太緲宗):** Used in translation for a specific sect within the Spiritual Domain, indicating its particular doctrines or practices. "Tai-Miao School" or "Great Miao Sect" are alternatives, but "Sect" captures the structured religious and martial aspect. This passage features a comedic misunderstanding where a character fleeing assumes aggression where none was intended. Xu Yan’s known reputation heightens the humor as it playfully contrasts expectations of a menacing figure with his actual purpose. The young man, after imagining all sorts of scenarios in his mind, grew ever more anxious, his forehead breaking out in cold sweat. He also felt fortunate for his quick reflexes, having fled back into the mountain gate at the earliest moment. The elder of Tai-Miao Sect's expression turned cold. For Xu Yan to be so arrogant as to intend using their gatekeeper as a warning to others? With a swift motion, she moved toward the mountain gate. Behind her was a surge of Tai-Miao Sect disciples, along with several other elders. "Xu Yan, how dare you!" The elder shouted, seeing Xu Yan leisurely making his way up the mountain, which sparked her anger. "How did I offend? Or is it that your Tai-Miao Sect lacks hospitality? I've traveled far to visit, and this is how you welcome me? "Or do you think I, Xu Yan, am unworthy of visiting your Tai-Miao Sect?" Xu Yan was visibly displeased. He hadn't come to cause trouble, so why this accusatory reception? "Visit? Aren't you here to besiege our Tai-Miao Sect gate?" The elder's gaze was icy. Then, with anger, she said, "Our sect's rules dictate no outside males are allowed inside. You dare ascend the mountain gate; it is an affront to our Tai-Miao Sect. Today, we shall capture you, and until you repent, don't think of leaving Tai-Miao Sect!" Saying so, she raised her hand to grab Xu Yan. The formidable forces of nature converged, her attack elusive, as if its trajectory was impossible to trace. "And what of it if I ascend your Tai-Miao Sect's mountain gate? Wasn't it you who were rude first?" Xu Yan struck out with his palm. Roar! A golden dragon surged forth, sending the elder flying in an instant. A mere martial artist with only two strands of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy condensed was no longer in his eyes. A golden dragon soared up from the foot of Tai-Miao Mountain, with an imposing young man standing proudly on its head! The disciples of Tai-Miao Mountain, initially full of fervor, were now stunned. They wide-eyed, watched the dragon and the handsome young man on its head rise from the mountain's base. Ahead of the golden dragon, a figure flew backward and landed on the ground, precisely the elder who had descended the mountain in outrage. At this moment, no one stepped forward to help; they all watched with shock as Xu Yan came riding the dragon. The Tai-Miao Sect gatekeeper swallowed hard, feeling grateful for his quick response. If not for his swift action, he might have been in trouble—Xu Yan was indeed as fearsome as rumors suggested! "Xu Yan is so handsome!" A voice filled with admiration arose from the crowd! "Indeed, Xu Yan is so handsome, so commanding, so..." Among the female disciples of Tai-Miao Sect, many echoed in amazement. The male disciples:... That's the enemy! Fellow sisters, where is your resolve? "I am Xu Yan, with no ill intentions. I only wish to visit old friends!" Xu Yan proclaimed. The golden dragon beneath him vanished as he landed, calmly observing the Tai-Miao Sect disciples. "This place has so many beauties; it's a great place for heart training. However, I no longer need such tempering." Xu Yan mused internally. "Xu Yan, who do you wish to visit? Do you have acquaintances in Tai-Miao Sect?" The Tai-Miao Sect Guardian Elder asked in a deep voice. "My old acquaintances, Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao, where are they?" Xu Yan asked. "Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao?" The Guardian Elder furrowed her brows, having never heard of these names. She turned to the elder responsible for the disciple registry, "Do we have such disciples in Tai-Miao Sect?" "No!" That elder shook his head. "Xu Yan, we do not have the people you seek in our Tai-Miao Sect." Xu Yan's brow furrowed. Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao had entered the Spiritual Domain with Tai-Miao Jade Tokens, so they must have entered Tai-Miao Sect. Could it be that something had happened to them because they came from the Inner Domain? "My two friends had Jade Tokens. Are you sure they are not here? Or has some undisclosed event occurred?" With this, Xu Yan's tone grew stern. "Jade Tokens?" The Guardian Elder hesitated and then replied, "Our Tai-Miao Sect hasn't issued Jade Tokens for a long time. It's impossible for anyone to come with such a token. "Xu Yan, your acquaintances likely carry fake tokens; we do not have the people you are looking for!" Xu Yan's brow furrowed. The Tai-Miao Jade Tokens couldn't be fake; the tokens held by Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao all originated from the same person. Pondering this, he said loudly, "The Jade Tokens my acquaintances bear were left by Xin Mengrou of Tai-Miao!" "Audacious!" The Guardian Elder was instantly furious, shouting coldly, "How dare you refer to our elder by name? You are audacious, bringing excuses to provoke Tai-Miao Sect. Today, I will show you the might of Tai-Miao!" Xu Yan's brows knit tighter; something was amiss. Yet the Guardian Elder waved her hands, sending petals scattering, each imbued with lethal force and a trace of the laws of heaven and earth. In terms of strength, she was even stronger than the Blade Elder of the Thousand Martial Hall! Since the other party had already taken action, Xu Yan felt impatience rise. Directly finding Xin Mengrou to clarify would be easier. If they truly never arrived at Tai-Miao Sect, he’d then have to search the State of Zheng's royal family in Yuzhou for investigation. "The Jade Tokens my associates possessed were left by Xin Mengrou. The truth or falsity—allow Xin Mengrou to clarify!" Xu Yan struck out with a palm, eighteen golden dragons spiraling forth, crashing towards the Tai-Miao Sect Guardian Elder, their formidable power surging like the descending of genuine dragons. --- **New Terms:** - **Xin Mengrou (辛夢柔):** Referenced as an elder of Tai-Miao Sect, indicating her importance within the sect and the gravity of mentioning her directly. - **Guardian Elder (護法長老):** Used to denote an elder responsible for safeguarding the sect, emphasizing their authority and role within Tai-Miao Sect. - **State of Zheng (鄭國):** Mentioned as a location Xu Yan might seek out for information, translated directly to maintain its regional identity. - **Golden Dragon (金色巨龍):** Used for the visual impact and signifies Xu Yan's immense power and control over formidable forces. The misunderstanding escalates with a focus on miscommunication and assumptions, highlighting the comedic error resulting from Xu Yan's formidable reputation, causing paranoia among the insecure sect members.