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

Chapter 328: Meeting Old Friends, King Qing's Mansion of Great Zhou The torrent of ten thousand swords had not yet been unleashed when the petals drifting down from the peak vanished, and Xin Mengrou's voice echoed, "Enough, my Tai-Miao Sect's flora is not meant for such wanton destruction." Continuing the fight, regardless of the outcome, would likely obliterate the mountain's stones and vegetation, rendering the peak barren. Xu Yan, who was on the verge of transforming everything into swords, was obliged to relent. Two slender figures descended from the peak. "Young Master Xu!" "Young Master Xu!" Xu Yan acknowledged with a nod; these were truly Miss Du and Miss Yun. "Please wait a moment, I wish to ascend and take a look." Xu Yan had not abandoned his aspiration to reach the peak. "Young Master Xu, it might be best not to. The Ancestor Grandmother does not meet with outsiders." Du Yuying, fearing to offend the Ancestor Grandmother, gently advised. "Indeed, Young Master Xu, it's better not to disturb the Ancestor Grandmother." Yun Miaomiao also urged. Xu Yan raised an eyebrow; the relationship between Xin Mengrou and the two women seemed unusual. One was an Ancestor Grandmother, the other a Master Ancestor, suggesting Du Yuying was a descendant of Xin Mengrou. And Yun Miaomiao's inheritance also came from Xin Mengrou. "It’s just a meeting, nothing significant. You needn't worry. She is one of the two strongest individuals I encountered in the Spiritual Domain, so naturally, I must see her." With that, Xu Yan continued towards the peak. Swoosh! A graceful silhouette appeared, landing before Xu Yan. Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao were startled and hastily saluted, "Ancestor (Master) Grandmother!" Xu Yan looked at Xin Mengrou, somewhat astonished. This person seemed wrapped in an ethereal dream, not entirely real, with her visage indistinct. Yet she must be a peerless beauty. Concentrating his gaze, in that instant, it was as if he pierced through layered illusions to see her true form. Seeing this, Xu Yan was surprised, glancing back at Du Yuying. There was a notable resemblance between Du Yuying and Xin Mengrou, about fifty to sixty percent. The bloodline had clearly returned to its roots, explaining Du Yuying's formidable talent. "Your cultivation technique is quite profound, the most unique and intricate martial path I've encountered in the Spiritual Domain." Xu Yan remarked thoughtfully. Xin Mengrou’s cultivation method was remarkably mysterious and distinctive, the most advanced martial path he had seen in the Spiritual Domain. "You are quite extraordinary to see through my true form." Compared to Xu Yan's calm demeanor, Xin Mengrou was much more shocked internally. Xu Yan had actually penetrated her dream illusion to see her true form, something even Wu Tiannan couldn’t achieve unless she chose to reveal it herself. "It's not difficult." Xu Yan replied dismissively. Xin Mengrou contemplated briefly and asked, "The other person, one of the two strongest you mentioned, is it your master?" "My master's strength is beyond your comparison. Compared to my master, you're like a small ant, insignificant." "The other person I speak of is Wu Tiannan, the head of the Ten Thousand Stars Martial Institute." Xu Yan raised an eyebrow as he spoke. Xin Mengrou seemed unaware of her limits, thinking she could rival his master? Xin Mengrou, for a moment, didn’t know how to respond. Xu Yan's arrogance seemed excessive, claiming she was like an ant compared to his master? "You are limited by your perspective, naturally considering your master the strongest." Xin Mengrou shook her head, dropping the subject without taking offense. "Do you know Wu Tiannan? How does his strength compare to mine?" Xu Yan pondered briefly and said, "I think you might not be his match. The Martial Institute’s head had seen my master and likely gained some guidance, surely enhancing his strength." Xin Mengrou chuckled softly; it all boiled down to praising his master. "I shall take the opportunity to visit your esteemed master if fate allows!" After speaking, Xin Mengrou's figure rose gracefully, returning to the peak. Since he had met her, Xu Yan didn’t persist in ascending the peak. Xin Mengrou had come down to see him, clearly indicating some peak secrets not for outsiders. In Du Yuying's courtyard, the reunion with old friends naturally led to nostalgic conversation. Cui'er, filled with excitement, her face flushing, bustled about brewing tea and serving the spirit cakes she had made. Seated by her disciple, Wushuang wore a helpless expression. Xu Yan's arrival turned her disciple's attention entirely towards him. After a lengthy chat, Xu Yan inquired about Xie Lingfeng's whereabouts. "I don't know which Spiritual Sect their Jade Token belonged to, nor was it proper to ask at the time, but King Qing of Great Zhou said he would escort Xie Lingfeng and his companion..." Du Yuying said somewhat helplessly. "Is that so?" Xu Yan furrowed his brow slightly, indicating a trip to Great Zhou might be necessary to find King Qing or Zi Yun to learn Xie Lingfeng's whereabouts. "Senior Sister Yarong may know. I'll ask her." Yun Miaomiao rose promptly, "Please wait a moment, Young Master Xu, I shall return shortly." "Thank you, Miss Yun." Xu Yan expressed his gratitude. "It's no trouble, Young Master Xu, no need for thanks." Yun Miaomiao hurriedly departed. "Miss Du, your skill has advanced rapidly; do you intend to participate in the Tianjiao Competition?" Xu Yan asked with a smile. Du Yuying had already reached the peak of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being level, surpassing Wushuang. Yun Miaomiao was also at the peak of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being level, placing them among the elite prodigies of the extraordinary Spiritual Sects. "In the Tianjiao Competition, naturally, Young Master Xu is preeminent. I merely wish to take part." Du Yuying replied with a gentle smile. "Miss Du, your prowess among the prodigies of the Spiritual Domain is also at the top. There's no need for modesty." Xu Yan retrieved a few bottles of pills, potent for soul cultivation enhancement. At this time, Yun Miaomiao returned, accompanied by Yarong. "You’re from the Inner Domain?" Yarong looked at Xu Yan in disbelief. Having inquired about the Jade Token Xie Lingfeng held, Yarong thought of Xu Yan and joined the visit. "Is there a problem?" Xu Yan responded calmly. After some silence, Yarong sighed, "The Inner Domain turned out such a monster like you." Yun Miaomiao looked apologetic, not expecting Yarong to deduce Xu Yan's origins. Xu Yan was unfazed; his roots in the Inner Domain would eventually come to light. But with the Spiritual Domain's gate sealed by his master, there was no worry of intruders causing trouble there. "The Jade Token held by the Xie family father and son is a Yun Tian Jade Token from Yun Tian Blue Sea City." Yarong refrained from further questions about Xu Yan’s background. "Yun Tian Blue Sea City?" Xu Yan was a bit surprised. Yun Tian Blue Sea City, one of the transcendent Spiritual Sects, differed from the Thousand Martial Hall, Thundercloud Manor, and Royal Spirit Hall, located neither in the Eighteen Provinces of the Spiritual Domain but in the Blue Sea. The largest island and city in the Blue Sea, ruling countless islands, and in a sense, the Sea-Spirit Tribe also falls under Yun Tian Blue Sea City's domain, holding the title of a holy land overseas. "Indeed, if you wish to find them, you must go to Yun Tian Blue Sea City." Yarong confirmed with a nod. After saying this, she left without disturbing them further, heading to meet her master at the peak. Since Xie Lingfeng went to Yun Tian Blue Sea City, Xu Yan intended to visit the Blue Sea next. It was rumored to possess divine items, perfect for gathering background strength to prepare for advancing to the Divine Arts Realm. "These pills are for you, ladies." Xu Yan divided the pills, placing them before the two women. "Thank you, Young Master Xu!" Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao received them with delight. "What about me, Young Master Xu?" Cui'er blinked eagerly. "For you." Xu Yan handed her a bottle of pills. "Thank you, Young Master Xu!" Cui'er accepted joyfully. "It seems you both intend to refine the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy?" Xu Yan asked after musing for a moment. "Yes." Du Yuying nodded, sighing lightly, "Refining the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy is quite difficult. Hopefully, I can achieve it before the final battle of the Tianjiao Competition." "Though ubiquitous and perceptible, refining it into the soul is challenging." Yun Miaomiao sighed similarly. "Refining the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy isn't difficult." Xu Yan said after some thought, "My master once guided someone in refining it, if you don't mind, I can impart the method." Overjoyed, Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao nodded eagerly, "The senior's method must be exceptionally profound, hoping for Young Master Xu's guidance." The two women were aware that Xu Yan's martial path differed from the Spiritual Domain's. **New Terms:** - Tianjiao Competition (天驕爭鋒): Translated as "Tianjiao Competition," it refers to a martial contest for prodigies. - Ancestor Grandmother (祖婆婆) and Master Ancestor (祖師婆婆): Refers to titles indicating high status within their lineage. Translated as "Ancestor Grandmother" for direct lineage implication and "Master Ancestor" for a more formal title. - Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy (天地靈機): Translated as "Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy," a vital essence in cultivation. - Du family, Xin Mengrou's relation is clarified, revealing Du Yuying as a descendant. - Yun Tian Jade Token (雲天玉令) and Yun Tian Blue Sea City (雲天碧海城): These names denote affiliations with transcendent sects and specific locations. The text provides insight into each character's depth and lineage, particularly Xu Yan's perceptions and interactions with his peers and elders. Xu Yan had no need to refine the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy; this method clearly was a casual creation by some esteemed expert ancestor who had once offered guidance to others. The reach of such an elder, indeed unimaginable. Xu Yan shared the method of refining Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy with the two women, and after another session of reminiscing about the Evergreen Pavilion and the Wan Shi Alliance, he bid his farewell. The two women were reluctant to part; it seemed they might not meet again until the final battle of the Tianjiao Competition. Xu Yan stepped down the mountain, having gained considerable insights on this trip, including the whereabouts of Xie Lingfeng. "A visit to the Evergreen Pavilion, then onward to Yun Tian Blue Sea City," Xu Yan mused. Suddenly, a figure appeared. Xin Mengrou! Xu Yan raised an eyebrow, "My master is at the Evergreen Pavilion. If you'd like to meet him, you can try. As for whether he'll see you, that I cannot guarantee." Without a word, Xin Mengrou vanished from sight. ... In the capital of the Great Zhou State, at King Qing's Mansion. The Qing lineage was one of the nine royal lineages of the Great Zhou royal family but had long been in decline. This generation's King Qing, with notable talent and exceptional skills, showed signs of revitalizing the mansion. Xiang Qing had already refined the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into his soul, and refining three strands placed him among the strongest in the Great Zhou State. Though not the topmost, he was enough to support the continual strengthening of King Qing’s Mansion. A few years ago, King Qing, Xiang Qing, had brought back a young girl from outside and adopted her as his foster daughter, calling her Princess Zi Yun (紫韻). Rumor had it that Princess Zi Yun arrived with a jade token left by the previous King Qing during the opening of the Spiritual Domain gate. Although her talent was extraordinary, rumors of her originating from a lower place in the Inner Domain sometimes subjected her to peculiar glances. Nevertheless, Princess Zi Yun proved herself. Now at the late stage of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being level, her strength was outstanding among her peers. Xiang Qing had only one son, rumored to be sent to Yun Tian Blue Sea City for rigorous cultivation, thus the young generation of King Qing’s Mansion heavily relied on Zi Yun. Within King Qing’s Mansion, as Xiang Qing's foster daughter, Zi Yun commanded respect, but among the other eight royal lineages of the Great Zhou, she faced exclusion and could not integrate into the royal circles. Furthermore, although the descendants of some major officials showed her surface-level respect, they privately held disdain. Zi Yun paid little mind to this, solely focused on enhancing her strength. "Father." Zi Yun briskly entered Xiang Qing's study. "Zi Yun, have you been bullied again?" Xiang Qing slightly furrowed his brow, harboring dissatisfaction towards the other eight lineages' children. Zi Yun was, after all, his adoptive daughter, and excluding her was akin to excluding the Qing lineage. Unfortunately, even though he had refined the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into his soul, his strength still fell short of the others' strongest, leaving him unable to assert himself. "Not at all, I don't care about them." Zi Yun fidgeted with her garment hem, "It's just that the Evergreen Pavilion has come to our Great Zhou State and is said to be arriving soon in the capital. I want to buy some pills for cultivation." Evergreen Pavilion’s pills were renowned throughout the Spiritual Domain, but they were costly and not guaranteed available. It all depended on the proprietor's mood. "Ah, I see. Then let Ah-Qiu accompany you." Xiang Qing nodded. Zi Yun had already reached the late stage of the Refining Divine Heavenly Being level, just a step away from the peak. With medicinal assistance, she should be able to breakthrough soon. "Evergreen Pavilion's pills are hard to acquire; though you go, you might not succeed." Xiang Qing contemplated. "Don't worry, Father, I’m sure I can purchase them." Zi Yun confidently replied. She was eager to head to the Evergreen Pavilion, "I wonder if Meng Chong is around. It has been so long since I've seen him. I miss him so much, Meng Chong is the best." "If Meng Chong were here, I'd thrash those scoundrels." Zi Yun thought angrily. "Here are some divine-grade spiritual herbs. Take them to buy the pills." Xiang Qing, unfazed by Zi Yun’s confidence, handed her a storage pouch. "Thank you, Father!" Zi Yun took the pouch and left in a whirlwind to find the steward Ah-Qiu, departing the capital for the current location of the Evergreen Pavilion. In another princely residence within the capital. "Young Lord, King Qing's lady has left the capital." "Oh, she left the capital? Just as well, have those people make their move. King Qing’s degeneration reflects poorly on us, the Great Zhou royal family. Such filth in our line cannot be tolerated." "A girl from a lowlier place—what makes her fit to be our princess?" "What if King Qing finds out…" "Do it cleanly. The Spiritual Domain is unstable now, and the Wan Shi Alliance seeks to overthrow the rule of the Spiritual Sects. It wouldn't be surprising if they dared to attack our princess." "Understood, but with King Qing’s Ah-Qiu guarding, if we act…" "Ensure there’s no traceable link to our Great Zhou royals. If feasible, eliminate, leave no trace!" "Yes, understood!" "Prepare to visit the Evergreen Pavilion and that Dan Medicine Fairy." "Yes, Young Lord." News of the Evergreen Pavilion's arrival in Great Zhou had spread widely, drawing many strong individuals, especially those with old injuries, planning to visit. The royals of Great Zhou, too, were keen on visiting the Evergreen Pavilion. Thousands of miles from the capital, a burly man strode forcefully along, his bald head glinting in the sunlight. "This Great Zhou truly is bustling. I wonder how Zi Yun is faring." Scratching his head, Meng Chong mused quietly. **New Terms:** - Princess Zi Yun (紫韻郡主): Translated as "Princess Zi Yun," indicating her royal status within the narrative. - Xiang Qing (項青): Translated as "Xiang Qing," clarifying his role as King Qing. - Ah-Qiu (阿秋): Kept as "Ah-Qiu," representing the steward character. - Meng Chong (孟沖): Name of a character reintroduced, signifying his connection to Zi Yun. - Dan Medicine Fairy (丹醫仙子): Translated literally as "Dan Medicine Fairy," a title suggesting a highly esteemed alchemical practitioner. **Character Genders:** - Xiang Qing: He (male) - Princess Zi Yun: She (female) - Ah-Qiu: He (male) - Meng Chong: He (male) **Notes:** 9. The narrative illustrates various political dynamics and power struggles within the Great Zhou State royal family, emphasizing the exclusion and challenges faced by Zi Yun due to her origins. The pills and spiritual herbs represent common cultivation resources, while the Evergreen Pavilion is depicted as a prestigious, selective source of such items, contributing to the overarching theme of martial prowess and intrigue within the sects and royal circles.