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

## Chapter 331: The Astonished Xin Mengrou and the Infuriated Xiang Mingmao "It was bestowed upon me by a senior," Cai Ling'er declared, her face radiating with pride. Xin Mengrou was utterly shocked at the ease with which the power of the "Laws of Heaven and Earth" could be granted to someone. "It's nothing to make a fuss about," Li Xuan said with a dismissive shake of his head. Raising his hand, he captured the power of the Laws, forming them into "Dao Seal Pellets" which he casually tossed onto the table. "If you find them useful, feel free to take them," he said, displaying utter indifference. Xin Mengrou was left speechless, bewildered by the feat of casually coalescing the power of the Laws into pellets. What kind of technique was this? "I dare not accept such a reward without merit," Xin Mengrou said respectfully, recovering from her astonishment. Li Xuan raised an eyebrow, observing that Xin Mengrou had a commendable temperament, unlike Cai Ling'er who couldn't take her eyes off the Dao Seal Pellets on the table. "Being here is fate enough, no need to be formal," Li Xuan said with a smile. "Then, I thank you for your generosity, senior!" Xin Mengrou said. After hesitating for a moment, she took two Dao Seal Pellets and said, "Two will suffice!" Li Xuan nodded. With a mere wave of his hand, he tossed the remaining pellets to Su Lingxiu, so his disciple could study them at her leisure. Cai Ling'er looked visibly disappointed. "Cease being so greedy!" Li Xuan said with a chuckle. "I'm ashamed of my greed," Cai Ling'er murmured, lowering her head in embarrassment. After a moment of thought, Xin Mengrou asked respectfully, "Senior, could you offer guidance on the martial arts I've been practicing?" Having reached the pinnacle of the Spiritual Domain, she found it exceedingly difficult to advance further. Yet, possessing the Dao Seal Pellets brought her closer to the next realm. Li Xuan smiled faintly and said, "When dreams are dreams, they are truly dreams; yet dreams can be reality, and reality, a dream. True yet untrue, false yet not false... If you can comprehend this profundity, you may transcend the limitations of your martial path." "In such a case, you may well become the founder of a unique path," Li Xuan concluded after his esoteric guidance left Xin Mengrou both pensive and bewildered. Whether she succeeds or not did not greatly concern Li Xuan. Her success would be attributed to his sagacious advice, while if she failed, it would simply be due to her own lack of perception, her inability to seize the opportunity. Either way, he wouldn't lose; his mystique as a wise master was intact. Of course, his cryptic guidance wasn't baseless; there was indeed sound logic beneath. Xin Mengrou was deeply moved, the more she pondered, the more she felt that the senior's advice contained profound truths, suggesting that should she truly understand, it was possible to forge her own martial path. "My martial path is in Tai-Miao Divine Arts, a rigorous path completed by only a few across ages. I am the sole practitioner to succeed in nearly a hundred thousand years of the Tai-Miao Sect..." "If I can comprehend the senior's advice, I would transcend beyond Tai-Miao Divine Arts, developing a martial path as illustrious, if not superior," Xin Mengrou contemplated. Her prestigious position in Tai-Miao Sect was largely due to mastering the mysterious Tai-Miao Divine Arts, and now, the thought of possibly going beyond was exhilarating. With this in mind, she stood up, offering a respectful bow, "Xin Mengrou acknowledges and thanks you for the guidance, senior!" "Indeed," Li Xuan nodded. Since she was not an enemy, coming to meet to him and obtaining such guidance was fortuitous, especially since Du Yuying was of Xin Mengrou's bloodline—a connection, however tenuous. Having received both guidance and Dao Seal Pellets, and ascertaining that Xu Yan's master was indeed a supreme expert, not a mere Blood Spirit Son, Xin Mengrou did not linger and promptly took her leave. She intended to return to the Tai-Miao Sect to meditate on the senior's counsel. Once Xin Mengrou departed, Cai Ling'er also returned to further contemplate and refine her Dao Seal Pellets. Zi Yun and Su Lingxiu, upon meeting, inevitably had much to catch up on. Su Lingxiu introduced everyone, and the three women bonded immediately. Su Lingxiu continued her work on alchemy, now aided by Zi Yun. After paying respects to his master, Meng Chong shared tales of his journeys in the Spiritual Domain, his martial comprehensions, and the progress made. Outside Evergreen Pavilion, a young man approached. His arrival caused the waiting martial artists to part and clear the way. "I am Xiang Mingmao, here to meet the Dan Medicine Fairy!" he announced. Shi’er looked up, assessing the young man adorned in regal purple robes which exuded nobility. Despite his amiable expression, his concealed arrogance was unmistakable. Hailing from the esteemed royal family of the State of Great Zhou, he might well be one of the emperor's sons or princes. However, Shi’er was unfazed; Su Lingxiu was occupied, with no time for visitors. "The master is occupied today; come another day—next!" Shi’er declared. With a hint of fire in his eyes, Xiang Mingmao, the heir to the Purple Prince lineage and next to inherit the title, couldn't believe he was being dismissed so casually. Despite his rising frustration, Xiang Mingmao held his composure, acknowledging the pavilion's formidable reputation, "Please convey that the heir to the Purple Prince lineage from Great Zhou calls on the Dan Medicine Fairy." Holding his anger, Xiang Mingmao thought, "When have I ever shown such humility?" "I said, no visitors today, not even if the Emperor of Zhou himself came!" Shi’er retorted with a roll of his eyes. "Next!" Xiang Mingmao's face turned a deep shade of blue. Even those queuing behind him stepped back in fear, not daring to step forward. They were astounded by the manager's audacity. Even declaring that the Dan Medicine Fairy wouldn't see the emperor seemed reckless. "How presumptuous!" One of the middle-aged men beside Xiang Mingmao roared, "You, a mere attendant, dare to be so arrogant? How dare you scorn the Emperor of Zhou!" Boom! An overwhelming aura pressed toward Shi’er. Swish! In response, layers of light unfolded before him, intertwined with purple lightning—a testament to the activated defense formations aboard the Evergreen Pavilion's vessel. Formulated by Fang Hao and additionally strengthened by Li Xuan, the formations of the Evergreen Pavilion's vessel were formidable, impenetrable even to someone like Xin Mengrou unless the spirit crystals within were completely depleted. Shi’er remained unperturbed, digging into his ear and nonchalantly said, "I'm merely telling the truth. Even if your Emperor graces us today, he won't be met. If you think you can cause trouble, feel free to try." Shi’er was finally relishing the joy that comes with true power. "How exhilarating it is to act so confidently," Shi’er mused, understanding perhaps a fraction of Xu Yan's notorious boldness. Xiang Mingmao and his guard took one glance at the purple lightning surrounding them, prompting them to focus intently. Rumors of the Evergreen Pavilion being a divine artifact were confirmed. "Do not be disrespectful!" Xiang Mingmao scolded his guard, seemingly in reproach. "Yes, my lord!" The guard immediately withdrew his aura. "Given the Dan Medicine Fairy doesn't receive visitors today, I shall return tomorrow!" Xiang Mingmao stated with polite decorum. "Tomorrow? Even then, you'll be turned away. The Dan Medicine Fairy isn't receiving visitors," Shi’er informed plainly. Though Xiang Mingmao seethed within, he refrained from outbursts, asking instead, "Then when will she be available?" "How should I know? I'm not in charge," Shi’er replied, rolling his eyes once again. Xiang Mingmao struggled to maintain his composure, turning to leave with a grim expression. "Today has been stressful, the Evergreen Pavilion won't see patients today," Shi’er grumbled, closing the entrance and turning away with satisfaction. "Though not a formidable power, I've at least tasted the exhilarating pleasure of authority!" Xiang Mingmao's encounter, though a mere incident, was noted by nobody with much concern. For, as Shi’er declared, even the Emperor of Zhou would be denied an audience with Su Lingxiu. Xiang Mingmao's affair spread through Little Star Lake, with martial artists of Great Zhou wondering whether Xiang Mingmao, the heir of the Purple Prince lineage and a royal prodigy, would tolerate such humiliation. The following day, Xiang Mingmao returned again. This time, Meng Shushu took appointments, while Shi’er practiced his cultivation. "I am Xiang Mingmao of the Purple Prince lineage of Great Zhou, here to meet the Dan Medicine Fairy," he announced while passing a box forward. "Just a token of sincerity, please accept it." ### New terms and translations - **Xiang Mingmao (項明茂)**: Translated as Xiang Mingmao, retaining the Chinese name for authenticity. - **Dao Seal Pellets (法則之丹)**: The term '法則之丹' was translated as "Dao Seal Pellets" to emphasize their mystical properties associated with 'Dao' (Law) rather than ordinary energy pills. - **Dao Seal (法則)**: Adopted 'Dao Seal' given its focus on binding the laws, suitable for a sophisticated concept within a martial arts novel. - **Haoyu Sect (太緲宗)**: Retained the term Tai-Miao Sect for consistency with historical or classical sect names maintaining gravitas. - **Purple Prince (紫王)**: Chose "Purple Prince" for a sense of regality, aligning with princely titles, while maintaining the intrigue of 'purple' from the original text. - **Evergreen Pavilion (长青阁)**: Translated as "Evergreen Pavilion," indicative of the connotation of longevity and resilience suggested by '长青'. Meng Shushu glanced inside the box, seeing a premium-grade spiritual herb. However, having encountered such herbs often, he didn't find it particularly valuable. "Today, the master is busy with alchemy and cannot see guests," he remarked while accepting the herb and producing a small vial containing a single pill. "This is a Revival Pill, a healing elixir. Even if a Refining Divine Heavenly Being's foundation were damaged, this could restore it. Considering your sincerity, I'll sell it to you at a reduced price." In Meng Shushu's view, a premium-grade spiritual herb sufficed to show respect to the Great Zhou royal family. Xiang Mingmao did not see it that way. His anger was hardly contained. As the Purple Prince heir, an acknowledged prodigy of Great Zhou, where hadn't he been received with adoration? Yet again, he faced rebuff! "When might the Dan Medicine Fairy be available to see guests?" Xiang Mingmao asked, drawing a deep breath to quell his burgeoning anger. "It's hard to say," Meng Shushu responded after some thought. "Only after the master completes her alchemic studies and has free time will she see visitors. During this period, no one is allowed to disturb her." Acknowledging the Dan Medicine Fairy's preoccupation with her work, Xiang Mingmao persisted, "When will the Dan Medicine Fairy conclude her seclusion?" "How would I know? You can inquire daily. Meeting her depends entirely on your fortune," Meng Shushu replied impatiently. "I'll return tomorrow," Xiang Mingmao resignedly stated before leaving. The following day, Xiang Mingmao returned, only to be received this time by Zhou Ying. "I am..." he started. "No visitors!" Zhou Ying interrupted before he could finish. Xiang Mingmao's face flushed red, veins bulging on his forehead as he struggled to hold back his fury. At that moment, Xu Yan returned. He stepped into the Evergreen Pavilion, and Xiang Mingmao, unable to suppress his rage, exclaimed, "Why is he allowed entry while I, a prince of Great Zhou, am kept outside? Is this how your pavilion scorns the Great Zhou royal family?" Xu Yan turned to look at him—a prodigy from the Great Zhou royals? His abilities weren't lacking, having refined a strand of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, but still, he held no interest; a mere slap could decimate such strength. Disdaining any confrontation, Xu Yan turned away. Xiang Mingmao seethed, feeling utter disdain and contempt in that single glance. "How dare you, Evergreen Pavilion, show such arrogance and disdain within my Great Zhou's territory, truly believing..." His composure shattered, and his voice rose with fury. Inside the pavilion, Xu Yan was met with joy by Su Lingxiu and others, only for the cries of anger outside to reach their ears. Zi Yun looked up, surprised, "Why is he here?" "You know him?" Su Lingxiu asked curiously. "He's the Purple Prince of Great Zhou—a competitor to my Green Prince lineage. The guy's insufferable, often undermining me behind my back, claiming those from lower lands shouldn't integrate with the Great Zhou royals, that it taints Great Zhou, and Green Prince is disgraced by not resisting." Zi Yun spoke with indignation and a trace of disdain. "Ah, I see. Just ignore him and let him rage outside." Su Lingxiu nodded, instantly calling back Zhou Ying, and activated the formation, sealing off any noise. Enraged beyond measure, Xiang Mingmao and his guard launched an assault on the Evergreen Pavilion's flying vessel. Su Lingxiu wasn't bothered. Many had once coveted the vessel—even a supremely powerful figure from an extraordinary spiritual sect attempted before without success. As soon as Xiang Mingmao and his guard attacked, they triggered the vessel's defensive formation, which unleashed a thunderous strike of purple lightning. "Look out!" The guard's face turned ashen, moving to shield Xiang Mingmao, "My lord, flee quickly!" Boom! His full-strength strike deflected the purple lightning, but left him smoldering. Xiang Mingmao's expression changed drastically as he retreated wildly, shouting, "How dare Evergreen Pavilion defy Great Zhou!" Boom! Another bolt of lightning descended. The guard roared, giving his all, yet was slain under its force! The whole of Little Star Lake quaked with shock. Did Evergreen Pavilion dare to strike against the Purple Prince heir? This was outright provocation against the Great Zhou royal family, particularly on their home ground. Would Great Zhou swallow such an insult? Xiang Mingmao was deeply shaken, having never anticipated that they'd disregard his status and resort to lethal measures. He fled in haste, terrified that a moment's delay would cost him his life. ### New Terms and Translations - **Revival Pill (回生丹)**: Translated as "Revival Pill" from 回生丹, highlighting its function to restore vitality or 'revive.' - **Purple Prince (紫王世子)** and **Great Zhou (大周)**: Maintained as "Purple Prince" and "Great Zhou" for continuity and preserving the narrative's cultural context of royalty. - **Evergreen Pavilion's flying vessel (長青閣飛舟)**: Kept "Evergreen Pavilion's flying vessel" to reflect the intended grandeur and mobility. - **Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy (天地靈機)**: Directly translated for clarity, linking mystical energy to broader cosmological elements within the story. (Translation Notes: The narrative highlights distinct power dynamics and cultural tensions with respect to royal status and martial prowess, which are central themes often explored in such web novels.)