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

Chapter 339: The Sword King of Azure Sea, Fallen Genius "Sword King?" Xu Yan paused for a moment, then shook his head, "I am not the Sword King, I am the Sword God!" The title of Sword King was not worthy of him. The woman: ??? She was a bit confused—how did a Sword God suddenly appear? "Benefactor, aren't you the Sword King? In all of Azure Sea (碧海), only the Sword King has such a command of the Sword Dao!" The woman expressed her disbelief. Xu Yan's interest was piqued. Azure Sea has a Sword King? "There is a Sword King in Azure Sea? Where is he, and how powerful is he?" He claimed to be the Sword God, and now hearing about a Sword King in Azure Sea, he was curious to see how this person's Sword Dao compared to that of the Thousand Martial Hall's (千武殿). The woman was more convinced that this person was not the rumored Sword King, and she was even more shocked—since when did such a powerful swordsman emerge in Azure Sea? "The Sword King resides in Yuntian City (雲天城). He, with just his sword, has defeated every swordsman of the Azure Sea, sweeping across Yuntian City's Sword Dao, earning the respect of all swordsmen in Azure Sea. "They all say the Sword King's sword represents the true essence of Sword Dao. "It's rumored that the Sword King is a rather arrogant person. Although he modestly claims that his understanding of Sword Dao is only just beginning and that he has barely stepped onto its threshold, he still considers all other swordsmen in Yuntian City as worthless." The more Xu Yan listened, the more familiar this demeanor felt. He couldn't help but ask, "What's the name of this Sword King you speak of?" The woman awkwardly replied, "I only know him as the Sword King, but I don't know his actual name." At this moment, amongst the Refining Divine Realm (煉神) martial artists who had previously fled, one who was particularly strong was surrounded and attacked by the Blood Blade Bandits but unable to escape immediately. Now, feeling relieved after Xu Yan had defeated the Blood Blade Bandits, he approached and said, "The Sword King's name is Xie Tianheng!" Xu Yan suddenly understood—it made sense why all of this felt so familiar. It turned out to be Xie Tianheng! "Who would have thought that Xie Tianheng would earn the title of Sword King." Xu Yan mused, realizing that Xie Tianheng had evidently grown considerably stronger over the years since entering the Inner Domain, likely reaching the ranks of the most formidable. "Have you heard of Xie Lingfeng?" Xu Yan asked. Since Xie Tianheng earned the title of Sword King, and given Xie Lingfeng's significant talent in swordsmanship, he should have also made a name for himself. "You mean the Sword King's son?" The martial artist pondered. Xu Yan nodded. "The Sword King's son was once a genius in Yuntian City, but in recent years, he's made no progress and has even been surpassed by those he once defeated. The title of genius has been tarnished, and he's now considered washed up." The martial artist sighed in lament. "A fallen genius—once called a prodigy, now ridiculed as trash!" Xu Yan clicked his tongue. Xie Lingfeng wasn't doing well? It made sense, though. Xie Lingfeng's talent was undeniable; he might have perfected his cultivation in the Divine Intent Realm. With his talent, he could easily take on early Refining Divine martial artists. But because he couldn't break through, while those he had beaten before continued to advance to late or peak Refining Divine Realm, Lingfeng naturally couldn't match them anymore. No wonder he became silent. It was unexpected that he'd be ridiculed as trash now! "Lingfeng, just wait a bit longer. I'll come find you, and we'll rise again and suppress those you used to defeat." Xu Yan thought to himself. The Xie father and son must have experienced some significant events in Yuntian Azure Sea City, and not merely through operating in low profile to achieve such fame. Xu Yan asked a few more questions regarding Xie Tianheng and his son. However, the martial artist knew little else, only that a few years ago, Xie Tianheng first made his name by challenging a beginner Refining Divine Realm martial artist. At the time, Xie Tianheng was in the Great Heavenly Being Realm. Everyone thought he was doomed to fail. Yet, Xie Tianheng emerged powerfully, exhibited extraordinary swordsmanship, and beat his opponent, thus beginning his rise to fame. "Rumor has it, the Sword King's wife has an impressive background; otherwise, with the Sword King's initial arrogance, he would've been beaten to death long ago." The martial artist lamented again. Xu Yan nodded. Xie Tianheng's wife was indeed from the Spiritual Domain. He hadn't realized she carried such a distinguished background. It was puzzling how an Inner Domain martial artist like Xie Tianheng managed to marry someone from Spiritual Domain. After inquiring further about Xie Lingfeng, without any more useful information, Xu Yan took his leave. The marine beast pulled the Speed Sphere Vessel, speeding across the Azure Sea. "Sword God? Could it be a new showdown in the Sword Dao is upon us?" The martial artist couldn't contain his excitement—such an event couldn't be missed. If the Sword King heard someone dared call themselves the Sword God, he'd surely explode with anger. ... Yuntian Azure Sea City, a preeminent spiritual sect in Azure Sea, dominated the entire Azure Sea to the extent that even the Sea-Spirit Tribe, the Sea Lord's domain, had to heed the City Lord's mansion. The Fu Family was the City Lord's family in Yuntian City. In this generation, Fu Tianhai, the City Lord, became immensely powerful, rumored to have eclipsed the power of previous city lords. He was recognized as the strongest in Azure Sea. Despite Yuntian City being under the City Lord's mansion's authority, many forces resided there, with the Sea-Spirit Tribe holding significant positions within it. There had always been rumors of an ancient contract between Yuntian City and the Sea-Spirit Tribe that enabled them to jointly rule Azure Sea. The specific details and terms of this contract were known only to the high-level representatives of Yuntian City and the Sea-Spirit Tribe. Amidst Yuntian City's major powers, the Wan Shi Alliance was one that, after being defeated in Eighteen States, established a martial institute in Yuntian City, cultivating many renowned warriors. The Martial Institute’s headmaster was rumored to enjoy a close relationship with Lord Fu, giving the institute the impression of having the City's support. Today, the Martial Institute holds significant influence within Yuntian City and throughout the entire Azure Sea. Its students included geniuses from all corners of Azure Sea and sons of respected families from Yuntian City, especially those from declining families. The academy even welcomed Sea-Spirit Tribe peers, who increasingly favored sending their younger generations to study and cultivate there. A few years back, two notable events occurred in Yuntian City. The first was the heir of the Zhou Family being sent to study at Wan Shi Martial Institute; the second was City Lord Fu Tianhai suddenly acquiring a son-in-law and grandson! Even more surprising, the son-in-law came from the Inner Domain, bearing a jade token from the Fu Family in the City. The city's major forces were left dumbfounded. Those who long admired the City Lord's daughter were utterly shocked, realizing they couldn't compare to someone from the Inner Domain. The goddess they had in their hearts had married someone from the Inner Domain? And even had a son there? This news spread among the great powers of Yuntian City, prompting recollections of events from the past. The City Lord's daughter once ventured to the Eighteen States because of rumors involving a hedonistic Yu family member in Azure Sea. Offended by their notorious exploits, she intended to eliminate him. The pursuit supposedly led her to the Inner Domain, and she only returned to Yuntian City many years later. As for the pursuit’s end, nothing more was heard about it. And the Yu family's libertine seemed to vanish, leading to speculation in Yuntian City that the City Lord's daughter had likely ended him. So, she went to the Inner Domain and ended up having a son? Her admirers were devastated, curious to see what was so exceptional about the Inner Domain fellow who captured the City Lord’s daughter's heart. Rumors said that when Fu Tianhai, the City Lord, learned he suddenly had a son-in-law and a grandson, he was almost infuriated but had no choice but to accept it, as the situation was beyond change—he couldn't just kill them. Moreover, the son-in-law seemed rather talented, breaking through to the Lesser Heavenly Being Realm shortly after arriving in the Spiritual Domain. Initially, to avoid trouble, the City Lord’s son-in-law stayed within the City Lord’s mansion, never going out, letting speculations circulate, acting very discreetly and dutifully. Until he broke through to the Great Heavenly Being Realm, when he began to act more brazenly. His first act was to severely beat a certain clan scion who admired his wife. Then, he boldly challenged an early-stage Refining Divine Realm martial artist from another clan, dismissively calling them trash despite fully expecting to lose. Yet, the City Lord’s son-in-law, in the Great Heavenly Being Realm, defeated the Refining Divine martial artist. This caught the attention of various powers, and they were compelled to view him differently. Soon after, the City Lord’s son-in-law reached the Refining Divine Realm, growing even more arrogant, treating everyone like worthless beings, systematically defeating every admirer of his wife. Even the City Lord's grandson started showing his prowess, defeating one family genius after another. **New Terms:** 1. **Azure Sea (碧海)** - Translated as "Azure Sea" to give a mystical and expansive feeling fitting its description. 2. **Yuntian City (雲天城)** - Retained for its atmospheric association with the "clouds and sky." 3. **Blood Blade Bandits (血刀匪)** - Translated as "Blood Blade Bandits" to convey their savage reputation. 4. **Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟)** - Translated as "Wan Shi Alliance" to reflect its enormous assemblage. 5. **Eighteen States (十八州)** - Translated as "Eighteen States" to denote the many territories referenced. 6. **Fu Family (傅家)** - Retained as "Fu Family" for authenticity and relevance. 7. **Zhou Family (大周青王府)** - Translated this closely as possible for authenticity. **Gender Identification:** - The character Xie Tianheng is confirmed to be male. - The character Xu Yan is confirmed to be male. **Explanation & Puns:** In the text, Xu Yan's assertion of being the "Sword God" instead of the "Sword King" highlights his supreme confidence or arrogance in his abilities. It plays on the difference in status between a king, who rules a realm, and a god, who transcends realms. This can be seen as a power dynamic, emphasizing Xu Yan’s belief in his superiority over the title associated with kingship. **Suggestions for List Amendments:** - None needed based on current context. However, the City Lord's grandson had now become a fallen genius. The brilliance he once possessed now matched by his present decline, having been surpassed and ridiculed by those he once defeated. His progress had stagnated completely, becoming the very symbol of a 'waste' amongst prodigies. Driven by interested parties, this saying circulated within Yuntian City: "A temporary prodigy is not necessarily a prodigy, but can become just like the Sword King's son—a waste!" While the Sword King’s son faded into obscurity, the Sword King himself grew increasingly arrogant, as fierce as his name implied. He even once scorned his father-in-law, which resulted in a deserved thrashing. In a small courtyard within the City Lord's mansion. A young man sat cross-legged on a pool, a sword resting on his knees. Sword Intent enveloped him, echoing like raging waves, with a torrent sound emanating from the Intent. "What kind of Martial Path did you have Feng'er practice? Now he has stopped progressing!" said a beautiful woman at the courtyard's entrance, her hand on Xie Tianheng's waist, clearly displeased. She was Fu Yun, Fu Tianhai's treasured daughter. Xie Tianheng smirked and said, "It was his choice. Besides, his lack of progress is due to missing follow-up techniques. It’s no big deal—I’ll visit the Eighteen States to acquire them." "You spoke highly of this Great Wilderness Martial Path (大荒武道), is it truly that powerful? Why didn't you remember more techniques back then?" Fu Yun remained unsatisfied. "Memorizing too many makes it harder to comprehend," Xie Tianheng replied helplessly. "Rest assured, I’ll head to the Eighteen States soon. Though Feng'er hasn’t broken through, his Sword Intent smoothens, deepening his Sword Dao insight. Once he breaks through, his power will be immense." Fu Yun sighed, "I realized too late that I was deceived when I went to the Inner Domain, all because I was too young!" Xie Tianheng's mouth twitched, "Dear, I didn’t deceive you. Everything I promised, I achieved. In the wide Azure Sea, my Sword Dao reigns supreme!" "You only reign in Azure Sea. I’ve heard a Sword God emerged in Eighteen States, no older than twenty, subduing Spiritual Domain geniuses. "He challenged the gates of Thousand Martial Hall, killing its geniuses and taking a divine artifact amidst its mighty figures, who could do nothing." Fu Yun shot him an indignant glare. Xie Tianheng was stunned, "A genius like that appeared in the Eighteen States? What's his name?" He mused, "Could it be Xu Yan?" A challenger with such audacity, and someone claiming to be a Sword God, led him to immediately think of Xu Yan. "Xu Yan, the Sword God Xu Yan, is well-known in Eighteen States," Fu Yun said. Indeed! Xie Tianheng internally marveled, Xu Yan remained as bold as ever, a true disciple of his seniors—even he was still far behind. "Set a small goal; once I can subdue my father-in-law, I'll be even more fearless!" Xie Tianheng thought to himself. "Anything else notable in the Eighteen States? Like a remarkable blade wielder, or something regarding alchemy?" Xie Tianheng inquired. Fu Yun glanced at him with suspicion, "Did you secretly know this already?" "I didn't. I’ve been busy settling scores with old foes, not gathering information." Xie Tianheng shook his head. "There’s also a Blade Sovereign called Meng Chong, ranked right after Xu Yan. And Evergreen Pavilion is said to have the Dan Medicine Fairy’s miraculous alchemy, reviving the dead with extraordinary elixirs. "It's rumored to cure damaged foundations, collapsed spiritual bodies, and old wounds effortlessly. "It's legendary, though I don't know if it's true. I'm inclined to visit the Eighteen States too." Fu Yun spoke of the Eighteen States' news with incredulous wonder. Xie Tianheng nodded, already anticipating this. Here in Yuntian Azure Sea City he'd become renowned; Xu Yan and Meng Chong could only be stronger. He glanced at Xie Lingfeng, continually honing his Sword Intent, feeling helpless—his son had halted his accelerated progress. "In a few days, I’ll take Feng'er to the Eighteen States," Xie Tianheng contemplated. "For Feng'er’s techniques?" Fu Yun asked. Xie Tianheng nodded, "The prodigy competition has begun. Feng'er needs to reach the Eighteen States to participate; otherwise, his current strength isn’t enough for the prodigy battles." Fu Yun sighed, "To compete in the prodigy battles, it’s nearly impossible now. You know participants have at least a thread of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy (天地靈機) refined." "That might not be true," Xie Tianheng chuckled. "Where's this confidence from? You're barely comparable to those with a thread of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. Feng'er is so far behind, under three years until the prodigy finals—how can he reach such heights, even with new techniques?" Fu Yun furrowed her brows. "With the Eighteen States, there’s opportunity," Xie Tianheng smiled. With elixirs aiding cultivation and guidance, two years would suffice! Just then, a steward hurried in. "What is it? Is someone challenging Feng'er again? Not meeting them!" Fu Yun's face soured at the steward's arrival. "Miss, a person named Xu Yan is outside the City Lord's mansion. He claims to be the young master’s old acquaintance…" the steward announced. **New Terms:** 1. **Great Wilderness Martial Path (大荒武道)** - Translated literally to reflect the immense and powerful nature adhered to in martial practices. 2. **Fu Yun (傅雲)** - New character, identified as female, from the Fu family, specifically the daughter of Fu Tianhai and wife of Xie Tianheng. 3. **Dan Medicine Fairy (丹醫仙子)** - Retained the translated term from above for consistency. **Gender Identification:** - Fu Yun is female, wife of Xie Tianheng and daughter of Fu Tianhai. - Xie Lingfeng, son of Xie Tianheng, implied to be male. **Explanation & Puns:** The play on "one-time prodigy could become waste" highlights the fleeting nature of fame and prowess, emphasizing the transience and volatility of martial prowess and esteem in this world. **Suggestions for List Amendments:** - Add "Great Wilderness Martial Path" as a noteworthy concept in the martial arts section.