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

Chapter 334: The Thousand Martial Hall Master's Decision and the Disappearance of the Sea Gateway Within the halls of the Thousand Martial Hall, two elders surveyed the vacant space where the Spiritual Domain's Gate once stood. Now, there was nothing but emptiness. Their hearts trembled, and their scalps prickled with unease. The Emperor of State Zheng was equally astounded, feeling a chill run through him, while everything before him turned black. His legs nearly gave way beneath him. With the disappearance of the Spiritual Domain's Gate, the very purpose of State Zheng's mission had vanished. How could they now maintain their unique status or continue to receive the protective favor of Sublime Spiritual Sects? At such a thought, the Zheng Emperor was on the brink of collapse. "My lord, let me check if those two fools completed the activation!" As he spoke, the Zheng Emperor dashed into the main hall in a frenzy. "Open the Spiritual Domain's Gate, open it fully!" He spoke with a deep voice. The two martial guards, noticing the strange look on the Zheng Emperor's face, hurriedly activated the Spiritual Domain's Gate completely. Once assured that the gate was entirely open, the Zheng Emperor rushed through the hall. Yet, the place where the gate should have been remained empty. Darkness swam before his eyes, and his legs turned to jelly. "Is the Spiritual Domain's Gate fully open?" One of the elders of the Thousand Martial Hall asked, his voice trembling ever so slightly, a fact even he did not notice. "Yes, my lord, fully open, not a single problem!" The Zheng Emperor replied, prostrate on the ground. "This..." The two elders exchanged glances, disbelief etched on their faces, as their hearts trembled with turmoil. The Spiritual Domain's Gate, which had existed for countless ages, connecting them to the Inner Domain, had vanished entirely? This was a matter that would shake the very core of the Spiritual Domain! "What should we do?" "We cannot let this be known. Return and report to the Hall Master to make further plans." "That's all we can do!" The two elders communicated quietly through their souls. "This matter of the Spiritual Domain's Gate is known only to us. Understood?" One elder spoke with gravity. The Zheng Emperor, face ashen, nodded, "Yes, my lord, I understand." "Hmm!" The two elders nodded. If the Zheng Emperor were not special and his death might not draw the attention of other Sublime Spiritual Sects, they would have silenced him permanently. Back in the main hall. "The Spiritual Domain's Gate is closed. From this day forth, no one may open the gate without an order from the Thousand Martial Hall!" one elder declared solemnly. "Yes, my lord!" The two martial guards obediently closed the Spiritual Domain's Gate, even though they found it perplexing that the gate was opened and then closed in such a short span of time. Matters concerning such powerful individuals were best not questioned. The less they knew, the safer they were. The two elders from the Thousand Martial Hall took the Zheng Emperor aside, issued a few more instructions, and then departed. The following day, using the pretext of inspection, the Zheng Emperor visited the main hall and accused the guards of negligence, executing them on the spot and replacing them with new ones. This was a minor event; the Zheng Emperor's displeasure at merely killing two guards was of little concern to anyone. Nobody knew about the disappearance of the Spiritual Domain's Gate. The Zheng Emperor dared not divulge this even to the other Sublime Spiritual Sects, lest his life be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the two elders from the Thousand Martial Hall hurried back to their hall. "Have you found Xu Yan's weakness? Is he already under control?" The Hall Master of the Thousand Martial Hall was surprised by the swift action. "Master, we have grave news!" Both elders wore solemn expressions. "What happened?" The Hall Master asked, his seriousness increasing, "Was the operation exposed to Xu Yan?" "No, Master. It's something much bigger." "Speak, what is it!" "The Spiritual Domain's Gate is missing!" "What did you say?" The Hall Master stood abruptly. "It's gone!" one elder reiterated gravely. "Disappeared? How could the Spiritual Domain's Gate disappear?" The Hall Master was incredulous. "Master, it's the truth!" With heavy hearts, the two elders recounted the entire series of events without omission. "Three people know of this presently. The guardians should have been taken care of. Master, what now? Should we inform the other houses?" one elder asked. The Hall Master paced back and forth, still unable to fathom the disappearance of the Spiritual Domain's Gate. How did it vanish? Why did it disappear? "Since the last opening, has anyone else attempted to open the Spiritual Domain's Gate?" The Hall Master halted, asking deeply. "No." The Hall Master resumed his pacing. The disappearance of the gate was a major shock to the Spiritual Domain, and for the other Spiritual Sect families, it might merely seem like the loss of a portal to lesser parts of the Inner Domain. However, for the transcendent Sublime Spiritual Sects, the gate's importance was a known fact. Now, the Hall Master needed to decide whether to conceal the gate's disappearance and pretend nothing happened or to notify the other major Sublime Spiritual Sects. If they reported it, their plan to journey into the Inner Domain would be exposed. The revelation could be momentous or mundane, especially with Xu Yan potentially backed by a Celestial Lord. "The disappearance of the gate must remain a secret. We should act as if nothing happened, but keep an eye on the others to see if anyone else tries to open the gate to the Inner Domain." The Hall Master made his decision. "Yes, Master!" Both elders nodded. One inquired further, concern lining his brow, "Master, could the disappearance indicate some problems? If we do not inform the others, and something bad happens..." The Hall Master replied firmly, "The Divine Bridge is about to open; the battle of prodigies is nearing its climax; and that place is due to be entered. "Xu Yan's backing might be a Celestial Lord, and what they are doing within the Inner or Spiritual Domains is beyond our knowledge. "If this news leaks, and they know we discovered and disclosed it prematurely, how will we cope if they attack us? "No matter what, we must pretend ignorance. The Thousand Martial Hall must not be implicated in this matter till the Divine Bridge opens!" The elders understood the wisdom in the Hall Master's words. "Yes, Master, we understand!" The Hall Master nodded, instructing, "Let this be the end of it. Do not mention Xu Yan's weakness any further; focus on preparing for the prodigy battle instead." The vanishing of the gate weighed heavily on the Hall Master's heart, forcing him to feign ignorance. In the royal capital of the Grand Zhou, Su Lingxiu and her companions, led by Zi Yun, wandered through the bustling city. Among them were those who sought to curry favor with the Grand Zhou's prodigies, but all were decisively rebuffed. Meanwhile, Meng Chong drew considerable attention. Blade Sovereign Meng Chong! As Meng Chong's identity was recognized, one enthusiastic Grand Zhou prodigy challenged him. Without hesitation, Meng Chong retaliated with a simple punch, sending the famed prodigy flying. It was just a friendly spar, naturally, without deadly intent. Li Xuan roamed leisurely in the Grand Zhou palace. His presence went undetected by the palace's formidable presences, who failed to notice the stranger amidst them. "Xu Yan once tempered his spirit in the Emperor of Qi's harem, but the Grand Zhou's harem is far removed from such frontier dynasties. The Grand Zhou Emperor truly has a discerning eye. "The dance of these warriors is truly impressive. Their grace, their supple waists, their complex movements… The Grand Zhou Emperor cultivates techniques from the path of fire, which seems to keep his fiery spirit perpetually ignited." Perched atop an artificial hill, Li Xuan watched the Grand Zhou Emperor's concubines dance, clicking his tongue in admiration. Within the Emperor lay a raging force, cultivated through fire-dominated martial techniques, which perhaps explained his continuous fiery vigor. Leisurely, Li Xuan strolled through the Grand Zhou royal archives, his steps unhurried as he entered. Though the archives were guarded by a formidable presence, Li Xuan remained carefree. With every step, a Marvelous Mysterious Scheme emerged subtly. To the guards, it seemed as if nothing had changed, as if no one approached or opened the archive doors. Li Xuan ambled through the archives to the top floor, where the core collections were kept—those piquing his interest. Settling into a chair, he summoned a tome with a wave of his hand, beginning to peruse the secret volumes of the Grand Zhou, encompassing martial techniques and hidden knowledge. While Su Lingxiu and others explored the vibrant Grand Zhou city, Li Xuan leisurely explored the royal treasures within its palace. And Xu Yan had already arrived in Chenzhou, seeking out Fang Hao. "Senior Brother!" Fang Hao, having received a message, hurried over with Yue Changming by his side. --- ### New Terms: - **State Zheng (鄭國)**: Translated as "State Zheng," referring to a political entity or region within the novel's world. - **Spiritual Domain's Gate (靈域之門)**: "Spiritual Domain's Gate" refers to a paranormal or mystical portal that connects the Spiritual and Inner Domains, significant for its inter-realm access. - **Chenzhou (辰州)**: Translated as "Chenzhou," relating to a location within the novel. - **Zheng Emperor (鄭皇)**: This refers to the ruler of State Zheng, reflecting his imperial status. ### Context and Explanations: - **Terms like "State of Zheng" and "Zheng Emperor" suggest organized political structure, with the Emperor representing the leadership within those structures. They are maintained in translation for setting consistency. - **The 'Spiritual Domain's Gate' is a vital physical and mystical structure within the narrative, implying access or control over spiritual entities and realms, emphasizing its sudden disappearance's significance. - **'Chenzhou' is a geographical location important to the plot and characters' interactions. - **The **Marvelous Mysterious Scheme (天地奇門之局)**, referenced by Li Xuan, implies a stealth or manipulation mechanism that aligns with his secretive and skillful character. - The **'Prodigy Battle' mentioned** underscores ongoing large-scale events alluded to by several characters, reflecting significant internal and external conflicts. Each term has been chosen to best convey the original text's context, character motivations, and plot intricacies, maintaining the narrative's immersion and intrigue. "Fourth Junior Brother, you've been doing quite well as the Young Alliance Leader," Xu Yan remarked with a smile. "Heh heh, it's going alright!" Fang Hao chuckled. Although officially still the Young Alliance Leader, he was now the actual helm of the Wan Shi Alliance (万世盟). With the advent of the communication talisman, a new messaging system was established. The setup of teleportation arrays connected major cities, facilitating travel. Chenzhou was undergoing massive changes. Individual cultivators from throughout the Spiritual Domain were flocking there, and even some Spiritual Sects and noble houses were considering setting up branches in Chenzhou. Travel between cities became a breeze, and the wonder of teleportation arrays both awed the Spiritual Domain and challenged the ruling power of existing Spiritual Sects. As mobility and connectivity boomed, Chenzhou began to thrive. However, everyone knew that the Über Spiritual Sects would not sit idly by as the Wan Shi Alliance grew stronger, merely waiting for the right moment to strike during the Prodigy Battle's climax and crush the alliance. They might even be plotting something as we speak. Despite this, martial artists from various states continued to visit Chenzhou in droves, if only to experience the marvel of the teleportation arrays for themselves. There was a subtle sense that Chenzhou might become the center of the Spiritual Domain. The two brothers reminisced for a while, and Xu Yan mentioned his upcoming trip to the Azure Sea. "Junior Brother, do you have a flying ship?" Xu Yan inquired. His visit was for a flying ship. Considering the vastness of the Azure Sea, a flying ship would make his endeavors easier and the journey more comfortable. "Senior Brother, as you venture into the Azure Sea to search for treasures, you'll unquestionably need to enter its depths. I shall craft a flying ship for you that can navigate beneath the sea," Fang Hao pondered before responding. "That would be perfect. There are several places in the Azure Sea that need thorough investigation, and a flying ship would make that much more convenient," Xu Yan nodded in agreement. "Give me a few days to forge the ship for you, Senior Brother." "Alright!" Xu Yan nodded. Fang Hao began crafting the flying ship for Xu Yan, focusing on its crucial ability to dive underwater and maneuver through the sea—a task requiring careful design. A few days later, Fang Hao presented a light blue flying ship. "Senior Brother, the flying ship is ready. It can traverse under the sea and is equipped with water-resistance and water-separation capabilities, as well as directional navigation." Fang Hao detailed the features of the flying ship, highlighting its biggest function: course-setting navigation and return positioning to prevent getting lost. "These are course-setting pearls. Once placed at a specific location, should you lose your way, the ship's navigation array can be activated to return to the position of the course-setting pearl," Fang Hao explained as he handed Xu Yan several fist-sized light blue pearls. Xu Yan was delighted. With these, he need not worry about losing his way within the Black Pool of the Azure Sea. "But, the array might encounter interference. The greater the distance, the higher the chance of deviation. Within a thousand miles, the force of navigation is strongest, so Senior Brother, do exercise caution," Fang Hao advised. "I understand," Xu Yan acknowledged. Arrays, after all, could be affected by interference, and the interference strength of the Black Pool was yet unknown, necessitating a cautious approach. "Since this ship can dive into the sea, let's call it the 'Sea Diving Boat (遁海舟),'" Xu Yan declared, holding the azure flying ship in his palm. "Junior Brother, I will return before the Prodigy Battle." "We await the day you dominate the Prodigies of the Spiritual Domain, Senior Brother!" Fang Hao replied with a laugh. "Haha, we'll sweep the top four of the Prodigy Ranking in the Spiritual Domain!" Xu Yan laughed as he leaped into the air, and a flying ship, over ten feet long, appeared, transforming into a streak of blue light and flying away. "The Azure Sea!" Fang Hao sighed with longing. Since joining the Wan Shi Alliance and becoming its Young Alliance Leader, he had accepted that he couldn't enjoy the same carefree life as his senior brothers and sisters. "Do you envy your Senior Brother's freedom and lack of constraints?" Yue Changming teased. "A bit, but soon, I'll achieve that too," Fang Hao nodded. The Wan Shi Alliance was but a chapter in his martial journey and would not be his eternal confines. As the Spiritual Domain's landscape shifted, he'd eventually step away from alliance affairs to pursue his Mysterious Martial Path, freely like his senior brothers and sisters. To wander the world, conquering all prodigies in battle! "I feel that Chenzhou will become a land of storms," Yue Changming mused. The more wondrous the teleportation arrays, the greater the whirlwind they would create. The current tranquility was merely a brewing storm, one that would erupt with unimaginable ferocity. "No matter how massive the storm, it can only signify the Wan Shi Alliance's downfall, not mine," Fang Hao laughed. Yue Changming nodded—regardless of the storm's might, the fall of the Wan Shi Alliance would merely be an event. Who could possibly overcome Fang Hao? After all, he had an unparalleled master. Seated in the cabin of the flying ship, Xu Yan loaded it with sufficient Spirit Crystals, then began cultivating and contemplating his martial path. The ship turned into a streak of light blue, heading toward the Azure Sea, faster than the pinnacle of Refining Divine Heavenly Being speed. One day, the flying ship entered a foggy sky. Xu Yan opened his eyes to see. "We've reached Wuzhou." Wuzhou, one of the eighteen states of the Spiritual Domain, named for its dense fog, also bordered the Azure Sea. Xu Yan planned to enter the Azure Sea through Wuzhou and head to Azure Heaven Blue Sea City. Once there, he'd seek out Xie Lingfeng, impart the martial technique, and then proceed to explore the Azure Sea's Black Pool and Abyss of the Blue Sea. --- ### New Terms: - **Wan Shi Alliance (万世盟)**: Translated as "Wan Shi Alliance," a significant organization in the narrative. - **Azure Sea (碧海)**: Refers to the sea referenced in the narrative, translated for contextual continuity. - **Chenzhou (辰州)**: As mentioned before, it's a location being transformed largely due to innovations like the teleportation arrays. - **Course-setting Pearls (定航珠)**: Artifacts providing navigation and positioning services for Xu Yan during his explorations. ### Context and Explanations: - **'Wan Shi Alliance'** suggests historical or immortal connotations due to its name, implying enduring influence or ambition, kept consistent for narrative immersion. - **'Azure Sea'** and **'Black Pool'** are geographical locations relevant to the story, reflecting the vast, unknown, and magical elements of Xu Yan's mission. - **Course-setting Pearls** serve as technological or magical navigational aids, illustrating a blend of fantasy elements with practical applications, significant within the expansive, potentially confusing seascape. These translations aim to maintain the narrative's integrity, fantastical aspects, and character relationships, key elements of the original text that enrich the reader's understanding of the plot and its settings.