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

Chapter 335: Changes in Bīng State, the Tragic Fate of Mù Qiānliú A pale blue flying boat darted through the misty clouds in the sky, pausing not for an instant as it prepared to directly traverse Wù State into the Azure Sea. "This journey to the Azure Sea, and back to the Eighteen States, even if I don't enter the Divine Arts Realm, I will surely reach the perfection of the Divine Essence Realm," Xǔ Yán thought. Should this venture prove successful and he acquires the Azure Sea's mythical treasures, it would sufficiently bolster his foundation before breaking through to the Divine Arts Realm. "Attaining the perfection of the Divine Essence before the Celestial Pride Contention commences is certain. Hopefully, I can amass enough foundation to break into the Divine Arts Realm immediately after the Celestial Pride Contention," mused Xǔ Yán. If he reached the Divine Arts Realm, none in the entire Spiritual Domain, aside from his master, would be able to match him. Overpowering the transcendent spiritual sects single-handedly would pose no issue. "Should I gather adequate foundation before the Celestial Pride Contention, it may not be much of a stretch in time. Then, I should wait until after the Celestial Pride Contention to break through; a few days' wait won't hurt," Xǔ Yán mumbled to himself. Of course, whether enough foundation can be gathered before the Celestial Pride Contention remains uncertain, even if he successfully obtains the Azure Sea's treasures, as the accumulation of foundation requires time to settle. Bīng State, the most sparsely populated among the eighteen states in the Spiritual Domain. Covered in snow that never melts, as far as the eye can see, it is a vast expanse of white, devoid of greenery. Occasionally visible plants are mostly white, exuding a faint chill. The birthplace of cold-affinity spiritual herbs in the Spiritual Domain lies in Bīng State. Should one occasionally encounter a non-white plant, it must be a divine-grade spiritual herb. Bīng State has a sect, not quite on par with transcendent spiritual sects, but is still among the top-tier within elite spiritual sects. It is said to house strong cultivators who have refined the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. Jìngxuě Palace, ruling over Bīng State, is nestled deep within the Jìngxuě Mountain Range. Jìngxuě Palace is one of the few all-female spiritual sects in the Spiritual Domain, with no male martial artists among its ranks. It's rumored that the women of Jìngxuě Palace are all exceptionally beautiful, their skin like ice and bones like jade, blooming as exquisite flowers amidst the ice and snow. The chill of Bīng State is such that even Lesser Heavenly Beings would hesitate to reside long-term. As a result, Bīng State, large as it is, rarely sees cities or settlements. The disciples of Jìngxuě Palace are said to be selectively chosen from other states, practicing cold-affinity techniques, making them unafraid of the cold, and even making such an environment conducive to their cultivation. The beauty of Jìngxuě Palace's women is well-known in the Spiritual Domain. It's said that some geniuses from spiritual sects have sought them in marriage, with occasional success winning their favor. Once, it was rumored in the Spiritual Domain that Jìngxuě women were peerlessly alluring and enticing; their ice-like charm was most irresistible in the sweltering heat. Some said that marrying a Jìngxuě Palace maiden could offer martial artists who practice fire techniques the exquisite experience of ice and fire melding and clashing. When these opinions spread, Jìngxuě Palace was greatly displeased, and since then, rarely has any spiritual sect genius won the hand of a Jìngxuě Palace maiden. During the calamity of the Blood Demon, Bīng State wasn't spared, experiencing a period of turmoil as cultists of the Blood God Cult coveted the women of Jìngxuě Palace, leading to a series of battles. After the Blood God Cult's obliteration and the Blood Demon retreated into the Inner Domain, Bīng State gradually faded from public attention, with stories of Jìngxuě Palace rarely circulating in the Spiritual Domain. Jìngxuě Palace seemed forgotten by other states, as if entering a reclusive state. Now, within Jìngxuě Palace, what once were buildings have mostly disappeared. Only an ice and snow palace stands, surrounded by a riot of colors, stunningly beautiful. Divine-grade spiritual herbs filled Jìngxuě Palace. Deep within the ice and snow palace, a black, vortex-like cavern appeared. On the surface, it seemed like a simple cavern, but it conveyed the feeling that it was more of a rift in the heavens. The cavern exuded a mysterious aura, seemingly expanding with a gentle warmth emanating from within. Outside the ice and snow palace, a thinly clad man, shivering in the cold wind, was consuming a divine-grade spiritual herb. This herb was blood-red, famed for its exceptional efficacy in replenishing vital essence and blood. "The ninth one, regained strength again, should be able to endure," the man, extraordinarily handsome and suave, thought, though his eyes betrayed traces of regret and fear. He glanced at Jìngxuě Palace. Through the sparse buildings, one could vaguely see graceful women, each distinct in their charm. Some were proud and tall, some demure like jade, some gentle, some shy... He had lain with all these women. It's been more than ten years. Since he came across a certain rumor and message that led him to Jìngxuě Palace, he hadn't known peace, often finding himself needing supplementation due to weakness. The abundance of beautiful women, traversing through the myriad beauties of the mortal world, initially exhilarated him. As time went on, exhilaration turned to dread. Now, it had become numbness. Every beauty within Jìngxuě Palace was the same person! Their spirits were that of one soul! He even suspected these women's bodies might all be one person's as well. Of course, this was merely suspicion, with little likelihood, but that their spirits belonged to one being was one hundred percent certain. These women were perhaps once disciples, elders, etc., of Jìngxuě Palace; their spirits consumed, their bodies serving as vessels. What's more terrifying, this solitary spirit was extraordinarily unique, drastically different from the spirits cultivated by Spiritual Domain martial artists. These beauties, not only diverse in appearance, also varied in temperament; each day, he faced a new mood and personality. Drawing upon his life's worth of charm and eloquence, he managed to barely cope. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, the mastermind revealed herself. Three years ago! Three years ago, he saw the owner of these spirits—a stunningly beautiful woman with a fiery glamour and an irresistible allure—captivating as she was. From that moment on, he plunged into unending torment. Touching his cheeks, even consuming the divine-grade spiritual herb couldn't fully restore him, as his face sunken slightly. "Any longer, and I'll be drained to death!" he mumbled to himself. The enthralling sensation, though leading to a pain-free end, dying amidst ecstasy, could be considered a most beautiful death. Yet, he wished not for death! In his mind, a gentle lady, tender and understanding, emerged—the woman he cherished most among all he'd met. "When I left, you seemed to be with child. I wanted to stay by your side until the child was born, to bring you home... However, unforeseen circumstances forced my early return. "Trapped here now, perhaps you think I deceived you? "I swear I never lied to you. Though I had many romances, you were my favorite!" The man whispered to himself. At that moment, an irresistibly seductive voice echoed from the ice and snow palace, alluringly inviting him, "Mùmù, I want you, come here quickly!" "Damn it!" he cursed inwardly, though it wasn't really a curse—it was almost a sigh, knowing he was about to act. "I'm coming, my dearest treasure!" His face bore a doting expression, eyes filled with excitement as he turned to enter the ice and snow palace. Inside, amidst the ice and snow, she lay reclined on a pink couch, her body icy and bare, her skin seemingly one with the ice and snow. Her hair was pure white, her entire being crystalline snow-white. Seeing him enter, she raised her lovely leg, revealing all her enchanting allure. Stunningly beautiful, enough to enthral countless men. At first sight, he too was captivated, but now, fear gnawed at him inside, though he dared not show it. This woman seemed not quite human! Certainly not a sea spirit, for he too held affection for one of those. "Mùmù, you’ve regained your handsomeness." "There is none on earth more handsome than me, and for your sake, I'd face ruin willingly!" "Don't say such things, I could never bear to let you come to ruin. You're the only thing I truly cherish in this world, Mùmù." "Ah, darling, you're as enticing as ever..." This man was none other than the long-vanished charming figure of the Mù family, Mù Qiānliú! A day later. "Sob, sob, Mùmù, you're frail, what shall we do? I’ve drained you too harshly!" Mù Qiānliú at this moment appeared skeletal, a hollowed-out figure, his face gaunt and losing the handsomeness it once held. His eyes were listless, a flicker of fear lingering in their depths. His body trembled slightly as he stammered, "It's okay, I'm thrilled and happy. Even in death, I'm content." "Mùmù, I won’t let you die. What would I do without you? Where would I find happiness?" --- ### Terms and Explanations: 1. **Bīng State (冰州)**: Literal translation "Ice State," referring to the place characterized by its frigid environment. Alternate translation could be "Icy Province." 2. **Azure Sea (碧海)**: A name inspired by its original meaning in Chinese, evoking imagery of a mythical body of water. Alternate translations could include "Blue Ocean." 3. **Celestial Pride Contention (天驕爭鋒)**: A competition among talented individuals, suggesting a trial or battle for supremacy among the best. Alternate translation could be "Heaven's Chosen Clash." 4. **Jìngxuě Palace (靜雪宮)**: Translated as "Quiet Snow Palace," this name conveys tranquility and cold beauty, consistent with its environment and nature. Alternate translation might be "Silent Snow Temple." 5. **Mù Qiānliú (木千流)**: Name of a male character, indicating a family surname "Mù," with Qiānliú possibly conveying qualities of flowing wood, reflecting his character's traits. The name is left untranslated to maintain cultural authenticity. 6. **Sea Spirit (海靈)**: Likely referring to a race or clan within the context, composed of aquatic, possibly mythical beings. 7. **Blood Demon Calamity (血魔之禍)**: An event of chaos involving a demon, possibly demon sects. This term invites alternative translations such as "Blood Fiend Catastrophe." As the woman spoke, she shoved several divine-grade spiritual herbs into Mù Qiānliú's mouth. Having swallowed quite a few divine-grade spiritual herbs, Mù Qiānliú finally recovered a trace of vitality, though he still appeared emaciated and hollowed out. "This is bad. You've injured your core essence. Eating too many divine-grade spiritual herbs now yields negligible results," the woman remarked, frowning. Mù Qiānliú struggled to stand, draping himself in a thick spirit robe. His body trembled, and his legs shook, yet his gaze was resolute. "It's a minor issue. I'll gather some divine-grade spiritual herbs and visit a friend to concoct a powerful restorative potion. Ten days to half a month of recuperation and I'll be restored." "Really?" "Of course, but it's too cold. My darling, I fear freezing to death out there!" Mù Qiānliú said while hugging himself. "In that case, it's a simple fix," the woman raised a hand, beckoning a stone from the black vortex deep within the ice and snow palace. The light red stone appeared like red-hot iron yet emanated only gentle warmth. "Carry this with you, and you won't feel the cold." Mù Qiānliú took the stone and placed it inside his clothing, advancing excitedly to embrace the woman. Reluctantly, he said, "My dear, wait for my return, and we'll indulge for three days and nights!" "Three days and nights, it sounds so captivating." The woman nodded, her rosy face filled with longing. "I'll be back in half a month at the latest." "Mùmù, I'll wait for you!" As Mù Qiānliú exited the palace, he picked some divine-grade spiritual herbs, placing them into his mouth as he left Jìngxuě Palace. Constantly gathering divine-grade spiritual herbs, he made his way out. Upon leaving the mountain range surrounding Jìngxuě Palace, Mù Qiānliú glanced back, his underlying fear increasingly difficult to conceal. "Something's not right here. Is the crisis of the Spiritual Domain set to explode here?" With firm resolve, he progressed slowly at first, then soared into the air, heading out of Bīng State. "My core essence is nearly depleted; I can't recover this time. Who would have thought I'd meet such a demise?" he reflected. "Half a month—only half a month—if I overstay, she'll come looking for me!" Mù Qiānliú plotted, his schemes enabling escape. For three years, each time he nearly succumbed to her temptations, he used the pretense of seeking treasures to restore himself, buying half a month's reprieve from Jìngxuě Palace. Repeatedly returning promptly won her trust and slackened surveillance, earning him this chance to abscond. Unbeknownst, his core essence was steadily worn, this time irreparable. Undeniably fatal! "She seems unable to leave Bīng State; merely exiting Bīng State grants me escape. Her spirit power is predominantly focused on that cavern's consciousness," he reasoned. "This oversight is why she failed to notice my core essence was virtually exhausted and irretrievable." "Otherwise, escape would have been impossible." "But what is that cavern? What upheaval transpired at Jìngxuě Palace?" Mù Qiānliú brooded, fleeing Bīng State as quickly as possible. He had to escape within the half-month limit. When he had first ventured into Bīng State, he had already refined Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, just shy of consolidating Laws of Heaven and Earth. Such strength would rank among the Spiritual Domain's elites. Yet, he had no power to resist. That woman was terrifyingly powerful; perhaps she wasn't even flesh and blood, Mù Qiānliú speculated. "In all likelihood, I won't survive. Let me leave Bīng State, to see her one last time." Steeped in Jìngxuě Palace's enigma, he rapidly fled. In desperation, he resorted to secret techniques to increase his speed, finally escaping Bīng State just before the half-month timeframe expired. Without pause, Mù Qiānliú dared not return to the Mù family, fearing he might drag disaster upon them. In a great city, he found a contact point, delivering a letter to ensure it reached someone. Completing these tasks, he pressed onward to Yù State. Inside Bīng State, at Jìngxuě Palace, a female figure appeared above the palace, her gaze gradually chilling. "You dare deceive me! If you dared deceive me, I'd grind you to dust. I treated you so well, yet you dared deceive me. "You can't escape; I'll find you. I abhor deceit!" Boom! Suddenly, the ice and snow palace melted away. Women throughout Jìngxuě Palace rapidly scattered in all directions to search for Mù Qiānliú. Their efforts were in vain! "Damn it! You dare deceive me! You toyed with me, only to leave me. I'll flay you alive!" the woman shrieked madly. Boom! From the original black cavern, a warm, reddish glow emerged, ice and snow starting to melt around. The warmth expanded continually, spreading over Bīng State, the black cavern slowly enlarging. --- ### Terms and Explanations: 1. **Core Essence (本源)**: This refers to the very life force or foundational vitality of a being, critical to their existence and power. The literal translation is "origin." An alternate translation could be "vital core." 2. **Subduing Essence Pill (大補之藥)**: Indicated as a powerful restorative medicine. Alternate translation could be "Great Replenishing Pill." 3. **Spiritual Robe (靈衫)**: A garment imbued or crafted from spiritual materials, giving some protective or enhancing properties. Alternate translation could be "Spirit Garment." 4. **Contact Point (據點)**: Refers to a safe location for message exchange or covert operations. Could also be translated as "Base" or "Safehouse."