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

**Chapter 343: The Mysterious Cave, Enlightenment of Void Shattering Realm** Hongzhou (虹州) is so named due to the frequent rainbow hues seen in its skies. A flying vessel descended upon the peak designated for the decisive battle. Li Xuan gazed at the azure sea nearby, contemplating that Xu Yan should return soon. Half a month ago, Xu Yan achieved perfection in the Divine Essence Realm. Simultaneously, Su Lingxiu and Meng Chong advanced to the Grand Accomplishment of the Divine Essence Realm. Fang Hao also refined his fourth Innate Anomaly Pattern (天地奇紋), reaching a level equivalent to the Divine Essence Realm. His Mysterious Martial Path (奇門武道) continued to refine, achieving significant advancements in formation arrays, artifact refinement, restrictions, and the art of the heavens' mysteries. "Bowing to the elder!" Wu Tiannan respectfully greeted. Li Xuan nodded slightly. This time, the duel among the prodigies would determine the victory between the Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟) and the Spirit Sect (靈宗), shaping the ultimate structure of the Spiritual Domain (靈域). Naturally, Wu Tiannan was present to uphold the Wan Shi Alliance's position. Even if he hadn't reached the next realm yet and faced limitations, his strength had considerably increased. He could faintly perceive the threshold of the next realm. "Master!" Meng Chong had returned. Li Xuan nodded in acknowledgment. Meng Chong had not yet comprehended the first layer of the Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique (大日星辰不滅體), but he seemed to have gained some insights, possibly not too far from understanding it. Meng Chong found a spot to sit cross-legged, continuing his martial contemplation, awaiting the arrival of the duel among them. "Master!" Fang Hao arrived, carrying his Mysterious Weapon Casket (奇門兵匣). "Hmm!" Li Xuan acknowledged. "Where is Senior Brother?" Fang Hao asked in wonder. "Senior Brother hasn't returned yet," Su Lingxiu replied. "I wish to ask Senior Brother and Second Brother to assist our Wan Shi Alliance in the fight," Fang Hao expressed. To ensure victory in this battle, Fang Hao decided to request aid from his senior brothers. As long as they intervened, no matter how many prodigies the transcendent Spirit Sect had, they would be suppressed. After this battle, the structure of the Spiritual Domain would be set, and he would take over as the leader of the Wan Shi Alliance. "That's not a problem." Meng Chong opened his eyes and said. "Thank you, Second Brother!" Su Lingxiu let out a snort, "Junior Brother, why don't you ask me to help either? Do you think I'm weak?" "How could I dare, Senior Sister? It's just that you don't enjoy fighting," Fang Hao chuckled. "True enough, I'll just win one match to secure the fourth position," Su Lingxiu pondered. "That's unacceptable, Senior Sister. You should aim for third place." Fang Hao smiled. "You're right. I'm the Senior Sister after all," Su Lingxiu replied, feeling pleased. Prodigies from the Spiritual Domain were gathering. The transcendent Spirit Sect also arrived, but their core prodigies remained concealed. Naturally, many glanced towards the Thousand Martial Hall (千武殿), wondering if they could reclaim their honor in this fight. After all, they were once challenged by Xu Yan at their gate, their prodigies defeated, and their artifact taken. Furthermore, the Elder of the Blade, who had pursued Xu Yan, had disappeared without a trace. Presumably, he perished, though whether Xu Yan was responsible or if something else transpired remains unknown. ... Azure Sea Black Pool. A faint blue boat traversed through the dark sea, protected by an array that parted the waters as it descended continuously. Xu Yan had explored the Abyss of the Blue Sea, acknowledging its danger. In the Abyss, he lost two Divine Essence Avatars but also gained, securing blessings of the Azure Sea. Moreover, he went beyond just one. Now, he reached the Azure Sea Black Pool, spending over half a year exploring it. Once, he almost got lost, only finding his way back to the surface thanks to the Navigation Pearl. Xu Yan gazed at several divine beads in his hand, all discovered in the Black Pool. Besides the Azure Sea Divine Bead, he also stumbled upon a fragment, seemingly a weapon remnant not matching any known weapon, made from unique material. Undoubtedly, even incomplete, its grade matched that of the Spirit Domain's divine artifacts. Complete, it would surpass them considerably. Besides, he noticed ancient traces in the Black Pool, relics of a battle perhaps. Indeed, this might be a battlefield site. "Divine artifacts are sufficient. I just need a little more groundwork. After the duels, I should break through to the Divine Arts Realm." Excitement filled Xu Yan's heart. A few days ago, he intended to leave the Black Pool and return to the Eighteen States to partake in the prodigy duels. Unexpectedly, one of his Divine Essence Avatars discovered a peculiar phenomenon in the Black Pool, losing connection abruptly as if a great distance emerged unexpectedly. Curious, Xu Yan ventured to where the avatar vanished. As the Black Pool was pitch-black, location identification was tough, requiring time before finding it. "This should be it." Xu Yan grew cautious, slowing his approach. After all, the Divine Essence Avatar suddenly losing contact, seemingly absorbed, likely indicated danger. "Ah!" Suddenly, Xu Yan sensed where the Divine Essence Avatar resided. To his surprise, it sat inside an enigmatic cave. The cave appeared on the seabed, yet it wasn't a typical underwater cavern, lacking any soil around it. It felt like an independent space—a rift in the world itself. Xu Yan proceeded closer, linking his awareness with the avatar. Before him lay a small cave, just over nine feet in circumference, into which the avatar had been pulled. Oddly, the cave’s surface rippled like water, slowly expanding. A peculiar force constantly emerged from the cave’s depths. "The Law of Heaven and Earth’s power, accompanied by an intrusive force, seems to pry open a rift, creating this hole. This isn't a normal underground cave." Xu Yan furrowed his brows, sensing the area. He detected the Law of Heaven and Earth’s power, which seemed pried open around the cave, making the cave appear devoid of it. Yet an unknown force persisted, eroding and opening a cave against the natural laws. Carefully, Xu Yan approached the cave, guided by his link to the Divine Essence Avatar. Amidst the darkness, the cave was nearly invisible. Only through the peculiar force permeating it could its precise location be discerned. "What kind of cave is this? Is the Azure Sea Black Pool’s origin linked to this cave?" Xu Yan marveled. Now, standing outside it with his Divine Essence Avatar inside, he observed the cave from two perspectives, easing understanding of its nature. "The Law of Heaven and Earth pries open, forming a space akin to puncturing the world’s fabric…" Xu Yan paused sharply. An epiphany struck; he considered the realm beyond the Divine Appearance Realm — the Void Shattering Realm (破虛境). Though unrelated, the cave's existence mimicked a tear in the spatial fabric, leaving behind this phenomenon. In that instant, Xu Yan achieved insight, potentially using this peculiar cave as a reference for comprehending Void Shattering Realm Martial Art. With that resolved, Xu Yan sat cross-legged atop the sea-stealth vessel, enveloping the cave with his Divine Intent. Instantly, he sensed a force trying to rip his divine will or absorb it. Simultaneously, the Divine Essence Avatar inside explored the cave by hand, allowing the mysterious power to draw it into the cave walls. As the avatar crumbled, it continuously reformed, still weakening with each cycle. Finally, Xu Yan allowed his Divine Essence Avatar’s complete dissolution, transforming into a surge of divine essence that swept through the cave, even clashing with the permeating cave force. Outside, Xu Yan's comprehension of Void Shattering Realm Martial Art began clarifying, poised for an epiphany grasping the realm's essence: how to shatter voids, how to free from the spatial constraints. "This force, appearing feeble, pries open the Law of Heaven and Earth, creating a rift. It’s extraordinary. Where does such power originate?" --- **New Terms:** 1. **Hongzhou (虹州):** Translated directly as "Hongzhou," a location known for its rainbow-hued skies. 2. **Navigation Pearl (定航珠):** Translated as "Navigation Pearl," a tool aiding in returning to known paths, especially for navigation. 3. **Azure Sea Black Pool (碧海黑潭):** Translated directly, indicating a mysterious and dark part of the Azure Sea. 4. **Divine Essence Avatars (神元化身):** Translated as "Divine Essence Avatars," referring to forms made from an individual's divine essence. **Explanation:** - **Void Shattering Realm (破虛境):** introduced as a higher martial realm relating to breaking through spatial boundaries. The "破虛" literally means to "shatter void." - **Navigation Pearl:** used for navigation, emphasizing its role when Xu Yan almost lost his path, showing its strategic importance. - **Azure Sea Black Pool:** retained the original feel of a mysterious, darker section of the sea to maintain the context of Xu Yan's explorations and findings. **Notes:** Su Lingxiu and Meng Chong are consistent with previous character names, confirming genders. If there's a shift in individual names not mentioned, adjustments will be noted. The current translation retains the essence and style, bridging terms between the narrative's cultural and thematic elements while clarifying Martial Path nuances such as "奇門武道" (Mysterious Martial Path) showing the unique, esoteric style of martial arts practiced by Fang Hao. "The cave floor is not made of soil, but of an unknown power, seemingly the Laws of Heaven and Earth or perhaps a fundamental part of space itself. “How did this cave form, how does it exist? “Moreover, it is continually and slowly expanding. Although the rate is slow, it hasn't ceased. If this trend continues, the cave might grow significantly large. “It almost feels as though inside the cave lies another small space." As Xu Yan delved further, his comprehension of this mysterious cave deepened, even as new questions arose. Alongside these mysteries came greater insights into the martial methods of the Void Shattering Realm (破虛境). Yet, he puzzled over how this cave actually came into being. Did some transformation within Heaven and Earth lead to such a cave? Is it naturally formed? Regardless of its origin, the cave provided Xu Yan with insights, allowing him to touch the threshold of the martial methods of the Void Shattering Realm. Inside the cave, the Divine Essence (神元) had completely vanished. Xu Yan then sent another Divine Essence Avatar into the cave, continuing his observations on the cave’s changes. Time rushed by; in the blink of an eye, over half a month passed. Xu Yan opened his eyes from his meditative state to find the pitch-black cave slightly larger, though currently stalled, restrained by the spatial pressures of Heaven and Earth from further expansion. "Just a little more, and I could fully comprehend the art of the Void Shattering Realm," Xu Yan sighed with regret. Ultimately, he couldn't fully grasp it, though he was close. He just needed time to organize his insights and delve deeper, soon willing himself to grasp it fully. "It's time to return; the prodigy duels should be starting soon." Xu Yan waved his hand, releasing two Navigation Pearls (定航珠). One entered the cave, while the other descended to the seabed several dozen zhang outside the cave. With the navigation points established, he could easily locate the cave again without worry. Retrieving his Divine Essence Avatar from the cave, Xu Yan scanned the surroundings, but the pitch dark hindered his sight, and even his divine intent faced limitations within the Azure Sea Black Pool’s confines. The Black Pool held real dangers beyond disorientation, including entities resembling remnant spirits. Yet, these seemed peculiar, harboring resentment and extreme malice, attacking any living creature they encountered. Xu Yan witnessed a sea beast torn apart and devoured by such a malevolent entity, the act both violent and cruel as though a personal vendetta existed against sea beasts. He had even slain such entities, yet still hasn’t figured out their origin. The sea-stealth vessel emitted light, illuminating the dark sea. Xu Yan guided it out of the Azure Sea Black Pool. Shortly after Xu Yan departed, a ripple occurred at the cave's bottom—a shape akin to an eye appeared, peering out from the cave. With eyes filled with curiosity, it saw only darkness, unable to discern anything beyond the cave. It blinked, striving to see outside the cave, at which point the previously forced-open Laws of Heaven and Earth vibrated, compressing against the cave. The cave quaked under pressure, shrinking, and the eye disappeared from view. Guiding the sea-stealth vessel to the Black Pool’s outskirts, Xu Yan turned back, sensing slight waves of disturbance. He faintly sensed the power of the Laws of Heaven and Earth vibrating, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Forget it, I should return to the Eighteen States." Xu Yan shook his head, suppressing the urge to revisit it. The sea-stealth vessel emerged from the sea, transforming into a light-blue sheen disappearing into the world. Meanwhile, the Azure Sea Black Pool seemed unchanged, yet the mysterious cave resumed its gradual expansion. In Hongzhou. Prodigies gathered, accompanied by numerous powerful figures from the Spiritual Domain! Unlike past competitions among the Spirit Sect’s prodigies, the emergence of the Wan Shi Alliance drew prodigies from all walks of life, spreading across the entire Spiritual Domain. It became a well-known martial event. However, to simply watch this grand scale event for warriors outside Hongzhou, a minimum power equivalent to a Lesser Heavenly Being (煉神天人) was essential. Otherwise, even the journey posed significant threats. With only three days left until the prodigy duels, a sudden roar echoed across the sky. A mass of demonic clouds rolled in, imposing demonic might in its wake. From within the clouds, several massive spirit beasts carried a golden chair as they flew by. "It's Red Cat (赤貓)!" Su Lingxiu exclaimed in surprise. Li Xuan’s mouth twitched slightly. That cat he raised was increasingly adept at showing off! All warriors raised their heads, exclaiming, "It's the Beast Tribe (妖族)!" "Is the Beast Tribe making such a grand entrance to challenge us?" The Ling Beast Tribe, rarely mentioned since their clash with the Spirit Containment Palace (禦靈府), had their name spread across the martial world as the Beast Tribe (妖族). In the Spiritual Domain post-clash, they referred to themselves as the Beast Tribe, not Ling Beast Tribe. "That's the Greater Beast King (大妖之王)!" Someone recognized the one seated atop the golden chair—a Greater Beast King within the Beast Tribe. Rumor has it, the Greater Beast King was the creator of the Beast Tribe; yet beyond the Greater Beast King, the Beast Tribe possessed powerful and mysterious figures like the Ancestor of Beasts. Beneath the Beast Ancestor, there were also the Beast Supreme and the Saint Mother, both formidable entities. However, no one had ever seen the Beast Supreme or the Saint Mother. --- **New Terms:** 1. **Navigation Pearl (定航珠):** A tool used for setting navigation waypoints to retrace steps, crucial for navigation in mysteriously dark places like the Azure Sea Black Pool. 2. **Remnant Spirits (殘魂):** Translated as "Remnant Spirits," referring to malevolent entities that attack living creatures within the Black Pool. This translation maintains their ambiguous and ghostly nature. 3. **Greater Beast King (大妖之王):** The title for a powerful leader within the Beast Tribe. It reflects a hierarchical structure similar to sovereign kingship. 4. **Beast Tribe (妖族):** Used to refer to the group formerly known as the Ling Beast Tribe, highlighting their evolved identity within the narrative post-clash events. **Explanation:** - **Navigation Pearl:** Highlights its importance in strategic navigation and as a safeguard against disorientation, discussed in Xu Yan's journey. - **Remnant Spirits:** Descriptive of their incomplete nature and malevolent intent against life, retaining mystique and threat levels encountered by Xu Yan. - **Greater Beast King and Beast Tribe:** Reinforce the narrative's hierarchical and cultural depth, vital for depicting the internal social-political structure within the Beast Tribe. The translation maintains alignment with the characters and plot's mystical, literary tone and transforms cultural nuances into a comprehensible English narrative.