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

Chapter 333: The Great Sun Star Immortal Physique, Disappearance of the Spiritual Domain's Gate In the Blue Sea, besides the Abyss, there are other dangerous places, but none as perilous as the Abyss, reducing the likelihood of divine treasures appearing there. "In addition to the Blue Sea Abyss, there's another place rumored to contain divine artifacts, though it's incredibly hard to locate — it's said that the Blue Sea Divine Pearl lies within." Cai Ling'er pondered before suggesting, "The Blue Sea Black Pool is a unique region within the Blue Sea. Despite the danger present due to the risk of losing one's way, it is still deemed relatively dangerous. "Especially for humans, it's even more perilous, as one might get trapped within." According to Cai Ling'er, the Black Pool isn't an actual deep pool; it's named so because there's an area in the Blue Sea as black as ink, resembling a black pool. Entering it doesn’t just limit one’s vision, but also greatly reduces the effective range of divine consciousness. "Because of the Black Pool's uniqueness, even if there are divine artifacts, they're not easy to find—it's a matter of luck and fortune. One must not delve too deep, lest they risk getting lost. "You might think you're floating to the surface, when you're actually sinking or drifting elsewhere. "The lore speaks of special things within the Black Pool that may attack those who enter — while most are not strong, there's no guarantee there aren't powerful entities lurking in the depths." Cai Ling'er explained seriously. Xu Yan nodded, noting these locations he planned to explore in the Blue Sea. "I once heard from an elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe that the Black Pool may be remnants of an ancient battlefield, which is why it's so unusual." Cai Ling'er added. She then took out a crystalline conch and a small shell inscribed with patterns and the characters for Cai Ling's name. "This is a token of mine. Should you require assistance, you can present this token to seek help from the Sea-Spirit Tribe. If you find yourself lost or wish to scout a location, you can blow this conch. "If there are Sea-Spirit nearby, they will follow the sound and guide you." Xu Yan accepted the conch and shell, cupping his hands in gratitude, "Thank you!" "You're welcome!" Cai Ling'er replied with a smile. This little trinket was hardly worth mentioning when compared to the opportunities granted by the seniors. Xu Yan set off once more on the path through the Spiritual Domain, this time heading to the Blue Sea in search of Xie Lingfeng, as well as the divine objects of the Blue Sea. Meng Chong scratched his head, "After I tour a few other states, I'll take a trip around the Blue Sea as well." Su Lingxiu was also intrigued. She decided that the next route for Evergreen Pavilion was towards the Blue Sea. Evergreen Pavilion's flying boat lifted into the sky, heading to the capital city of Great Zhou. The royal family of Great Zhou remained silent, evidently aware of their fault, showing no intention of retaliation. Li Xuan sat in a pavilion, currently, only Meng Chong was there. It was time to teach Meng Chong the next steps after the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body. He had devised the continuation of the Physical Body Martial Path. "Master!" Meng Chong greeted respectfully. "You have understood the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body, but what insights do you have regarding the continuation of the Physical Body Martial Path?" Li Xuan inquired. "Master, I’m rather slow-witted. I have no insights regarding the future cultivation after the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body." Meng Chong scratched his bald head sheepishly. "Today, I shall teach you the methods beyond the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body." Li Xuan nodded. It wasn’t surprising to him that Meng Chong lacked insights into the Physical Body Martial Path’s future cultivation, otherwise, there’d be no need for him to draft the method. "Thank you, Master!" Meng Chong was overjoyed. The Great Sun Immortal Golden Body was immensely powerful, showcasing the might of the Physical Body Martial Path. With his current power, even if he stood still, martial artists refining Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy couldn't harm him. Even if they wield artifacts, those martial artists would only inflict minor injuries. Meng Chong even suspected that his physical prowess was about to rival the Spiritual Sect's artifacts. Li Xuan, with a solemn demeanor, continued, "Beyond the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body lies the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique. Each acupoint is a star, the stars orbit the Great Sun, adhering to a certain rule; the first layer of the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique features the Star Aspect, with the body resembling the Great Sun and stars encircling it..." The continuation of the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body has been christened the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique, decided after thorough deliberation by Li Xuan. This laid the foundation for further Physical Body Martial Path cultivation—a single golden body acupoint being akin to a star. Each star contained its own mysterious wonders. Possibly a divine ability. Like the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body, the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique also has three levels. The first level corresponds to the Divine Appearance Realm, where the body resembles the Great Sun, surrounded by stars which are acupoint stars connected with the Laws of Heaven and Earth. To ensure the Physical Body Martial Path stays powerful and achieves a certain realm state, Li Xuan has poured significant effort into it. Despite this, only two levels of the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique were completed, with the third level still needing perfection. Meng Chong was stirred at heart, merely listening to his master's description, amazed by the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique's power and dominance. With a thought, the golden body is like the Great Sun, stars encircling, imposing an awe-inspiring divine might! Every star is a mystery, a divine power in itself. "I shall teach you the first level now, memorize it thoroughly..." Li Xuan began imparting the first level of the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique to Meng Chong. This level of cultivation method was also integrated with the patterns of the Laws of Heaven and Earth, making it easier to comprehend how to manipulate them and cultivate star acupoints through these laws. While teaching Meng Chong, Li Xuan examined the information from the Great Dao Golden Book. Great Sun Star Immortal Physique (First Level): Completion of the method: Above Average. Connection to the realm: High. Difficulty in comprehension: High. Difficulty in cultivation: High. The method was maintained at above average completion as much as possible. The connection to the realm had notably improved. After fully explaining the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique, Li Xuan explained it again, ensuring Meng Chong thoroughly memorized it. Meng Chong took his time to comprehend it, engraving the method fully in his memory, leaving not even a word forgotten. Once Meng Chong digested the first level, Li Xuan began teaching him the second level. Great Sun Star Immortal Physique (Second Level): Completion of the method: Above Average. Connection to the realm: Above Average. Difficulty in comprehension: High. Difficulty in cultivation: High. Li Xuan spent considerable time lifting the connection of the second level of the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique to the first level to an above-average standard. Nevertheless, it sufficed. Once Meng Chong comprehends the first level of the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique, he will naturally grasp the second level; the above-average linkage merely entailed spending more time comprehending. Likewise, having explained the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique twice, Li Xuan highlighted and elucidated key points in greater detail to ensure Meng Chong could fully memorize and assimilate it. "You will learn the second level of the Great Sun Star Immortal Physique. The third level shall be taught once you have comprehended the first level, to ensure you’re able to retain it." Having imparted the second level, Li Xuan waved his hand. "Yes, Master!" Meng Chong respectfully saluted and retreated, seeking a quiet corner to settle down and ponder thoroughly, inscribing the method into his memory to prevent any oversights. The Evergreen Pavilion's flying boat had descended on a vacant spot outside Great Zhou's capital, erecting a small estate where the pavilion stood prominently. "The Evergreen Pavilion has arrived." In the capital of Great Zhou, countless martial artists awaited the royal family's response. Though they arrived in line with their itinerant nature, the previous conflict at Little Star Lake where they slew a powerful member of the Great Zhou royal family, followed by this unexpected arrival, implied possible provocation. Despite their known sightseeing course, the scaffolded confrontation left many wondering if it was intentional provocation. Consequently, though the Evergreen Pavilion arrived, no martial artist sought consultation, leaving an air of solitude as everyone awaited the Great Zhou royal family’s stance. "What’s with the people in this Great Zhou capital? Are there no injured martial artists? Or perhaps they don't care for elixirs?" Shi’er queried, puzzled. "Probably waiting for the Great Zhou royal family’s statement, I presume?" Meng Shushu replied with a laugh. "Ziyun, does the Great Zhou capital have anything fun to do?" Su Lingxiu asked curiously. "There should be, I guess?" Ziyun appeared uncertain but added, "I'm not well acquainted with those royal fellows and can't be bothered to curry favor with them; I mostly focus on cultivation. "But, my foster father does treat me well. As for my brother who traveled to Azure Heaven Blue Sea City, I’m unsure why my foster father sent him there." "I see." --- **New Terms and Translations:** - **Blue Sea Black Pool (碧海黑潭):** Unique dark region within the Blue Sea, called Black Pool due to its inky appearance. Alternate translations could include Black Lagoon of the Blue Sea or Abyssal Black Pool. It captures the mysterious and daunting nature of the location. - **Blue Sea Divine Pearl (碧海神珠):** A mythical treasure rumored to exist within the Blue Sea. Blue Sea God Pearl is an alternate translation, emphasizing its divine status. - **Little Star Lake (小星湖):** Location of a previous confrontation involving the Evergreen Pavilion and Great Zhou royal family. Alternate translation could be Lesser Star Lake or Small Star Lake, naming emphasizes its minor or secluded nature. **Explanation:** This passage introduced several new settings and terms pertinent to the plot narrative, centering around the mysterious and dangerous Blue Sea regions and potential treasures. These details add depth to the world-building, enrich the storyline with treasure hunting motifs, and showcase interconnections between various factions and individuals with their unique objectives and alliances. Additionally, the juxtaposition of past confrontations with current events enriches the existing tension and political intrigue between characters and organizations. I recommend adding Blue Sea Black Pool and Blue Sea Divine Pearl to the list. The Spell "Little Star Lake" might be needed to update its affiliation with Evergreen Pavilion as a primary scene of action. The references to the Great Sun Immortal Golden Body and cultivation progressions are essential in emphasizing the novel's focus on personal growth and development through martial techniques. Su Lingxiu pondered for a moment and said, "Tomorrow, let's take a stroll around the capital city. After all, it's the only dynasty in the Spiritual Domain not ruled by the Spiritual Sect. I want to see the prosperity of the Great Zhou capital." "Miss, could there be any trouble entering the Great Zhou capital?" Zhou Ying asked worriedly. "What trouble could there be? I'm not afraid of trouble. If the Xiang family of Great Zhou wishes to seek their doom, then let them. We have Master here," Su Lingxiu replied nonchalantly. Zhou Ying thought about it and realized it made sense. The Evergreen Pavilion is the least afraid of trouble. "So this is the capital of Great Zhou, the foremost royal city in the Spiritual Domain. Since we're here, how could we not explore a bit?" Li Xuan mused, contemplating a stroll around the Great Zhou capital as well. "The Purple King of Great Zhou comes along with the unworthy son to apologize to the Dan Medicine Fairy," a sudden voice interrupted as Su Lingxiu and the others discussed their trip to the capital. "Purple King?" Su Lingxiu was surprised. Has the Great Zhou royal family admitted defeat? The Purple King came to apologize? "Xiang Mingmao is the Purple King’s son," Ziyun explained. "I see," Su Lingxiu nodded, activating the array to open a passageway. "Come in." A man clad in a purple robe, followed by a youth with a lowered head, entered — it was Xiang Mingmao! "Greetings, Purple King," Ziyun politely greeted. As a member of the Great Zhou royal family, it was necessary for her to show deference to the Purple King, unlike Su Lingxiu and the others who were dismissive. The Purple King nodded in acknowledgment. "Greetings, Miss Su!" the Purple King offered an apologetic bow. "Some time ago, my son was arrogant and disrespected you, Miss Su. Due to pressing matters, we couldn't apologize in a timely manner. I hope you don't take offense. "Today, upon hearing of your arrival in the capital, I brought my son to offer our apologies." He gave Xiang Mingmao a sharp look. "Recently, my actions were reckless, and I offended the Evergreen Pavilion and Miss Su. I apologize and hope Miss Su remains magnanimous!" Xiang Mingmao said, though reluctance was clear in his heart. However, this was the emperor of Great Zhou's decision. No matter how unwilling he was, he had to comply, or he'd risk losing his position as the heir of the Purple King. Seeing Ziyun standing beside Su Lingxiu stirred jealousy and discontent within him, but he buried these feelings deep inside. While apologizing, Xiang Mingmao presented a box with both hands, lifting it above his head. "It's a trifling matter, no need for compensations," Su Lingxiu shook her head. "It's just a small token of apology; I hope Miss Su won't mind!" the Purple King smiled as he spoke. "If so, then thank you!" Su Lingxiu nodded. Zhou Ying stepped forward to receive the box. "Our emperor of Great Zhou wishes to host a banquet for Miss Su. Would you be able to attend?" the Purple King asked. "I have no interest in banquets," Su Lingxiu flatly refused, despite the humble disposition of the Great Zhou emperor. "Since that's the case, we shall take our leave," the Purple King nodded and bid farewell, taking Xiang Mingmao with him. "The Purple King was so agreeable? I heard he's quite domineering," Ziyun wondered aloud. "He’s only domineering towards the weak. When faced with the strong, that domineering attitude disappears," Meng Chong intervened. The Purple King was indeed formidable. However, with his current strength, Meng Chong was unfazed. Should they engage in combat, the Purple King would surely be the one defeated. The next day, Ziyun took Meng Chong, Su Lingxiu, and Cai Ling'er to the capital, leaving Shi’er, Meng Shushu, and Zhou Ying aboard the flying boat due to their concerns of being a burden should any complications arise. Meanwhile, Li Xuan had casually strolled into the Great Zhou Palace, silently admiring, "It indeed rivals the Spiritual Sects in legacy. The strength here isn't bad, and the Great Zhou emperor is quite powerful." Though inferior to Xin Mengrou and Wu Tiannan, the emperor's strength was, by Wu Tiannan's account, superior to that of the Thousand Martial Hall Master, Thundercloud Pavilion Master, and the Spirit Guard United Main House Master. Of course, the emperor concealed his true strength with an artifact he carried, rather than using cultivation techniques. His true prowess matched those robust masters but was cunningly hidden. In Yuzhou, the State of Zheng! Two elders from Thousand Martial Hall quietly arrived, directly meeting the King of Zheng, whom they led to the hall where the gate to the Spiritual Domain could be activated. "This matter of opening the Spiritual Domain Gate must not leak; any who disclose it will face death without pardon!" one Thousand Martial Hall elder sternly told the King of Zheng and the two guarding martial artists. "Yes, honored elder!" the three perspired profusely, understanding they were dealing with elders from an exalted Spiritual Sect. "Please wait a moment, my lord!" The guards hurriedly worked to activate the Spiritual Domain's Gate. "Just a sliver will suffice," said another elder. Trying to avoid detection, the two scrutinized the surroundings thoroughly to ensure no other martial artists lingered, preventing any from discovering the Spiritual Domain’s Gate opening. "My lord, it's ready!" one of the guards announced. "Hmm!" The Thousand Martial Hall elder eagerly crossed the hall towards the Spiritual Domain Gate, only to lift his gaze and freeze in shock. Where was the Spiritual Domain Gate? In its place was only empty space. The Spiritual Domain Gate vanished! **New Terms and Translations:** - **Great Zhou (大周):** The country in the story, translated as Great Zhou, following traditional naming conventions for dynasties, suggesting a vast and established empire. - **Purple King (紫王, zi wang):** A title for a high-ranking noble or prince in Great Zhou. Alternate translations include Purple Prince or Duke, but King emphasizes sovereignty and power. - **Xiang Mingmao (項明茂, xiang mingmao):** The son of the Purple King. **Explanation:** The excerpt intricately weaves the political dynamics and social hierarchies involving the Great Zhou royal family, Evergreen Pavilion, and Spiritual Domain's secrets. These interactions highlight interplays of power, authority relationships, and personal ambitions. The Purple King’s visit and subsequent apology illustrate diplomatic niceties and tact, whereas the disappearance of the Spiritual Domain Gate leaves a pivotal mystery that promises further narrative exploration, contributing suspense and engaging the readership.