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

### Chapter 344: Thousand Martial Hall, All of You Come at Once A monstrous cloud of demonic aura descended, forming a distinct camp outside of the Spiritual Sect and the Wan Shi Alliance. When the demon cloud dispersed, the martial artists saw a massive striped tiger seated on a grand golden chair. The sight caused many of the martial artists to twitch at the corners of their mouths. The enormous tiger, as large as a small mountain, wore a thick gold chain around its neck, its legs slightly apart and planted on the ground, with its paws resting on the chair's armrests. Its eyes were wide and intimidating, projecting authority without anger. There was a gangster-like air about it! "What brings you here, Great Beast King, to the battlefield for prodigies?" The Master of the Imperial Spirit Mansion asked with a dark expression. "I am here to participate in this Prodigy Battle. Since it is within the Spiritual Domain, how could the Beast Tribe be excluded?" Red Cat's commanding voice answered. "Great Beast King, you really have the nerve. This is a prodigy battle, yet at your age, you still have the gall to join?" The Master of the Imperial Spirit Mansion laughed, infuriated. "I was born less than thirty years ago. By age alone, I qualify as a prodigy!" Red Cat declared proudly. "What?" Everyone was in shock; this Great Beast King was less than thirty years old? Impossible! "Master, is Red Cat really not thirty years old?" Su Lingxiu curiously asked. Li Xuan's mouth twitched as he replied, "Perhaps not!" Back when Red Cat was caught in the mountains, it was already a grown big cat. However, counting from its birth, it might indeed not be thirty years old yet! "Who would've thought that Red Cat is a prodigy too," Su Lingxiu laughed. "Great Beast King, stop joking around!" The Master of Thundercloud Manor said solemnly. "Who's joking? Verify my age if you like. I'm here to join the Prodigy Battle!" Red Cat snorted coldly. His eyes swept icily over the Spiritual Sect side. "What? Looking down on the Beast Tribe?" Behind Red Cat, a group of Beast Tribe powerhouses roared angrily, ready to cause trouble if excluded. "Since the Beast Tribe is part of the Spiritual Domain, they shouldn't be excluded. The Wan Shi Alliance has no objection," Fang Hao said with a smile. The Imperial Spirit Mansion's master's face darkened, as Red Cat's formidable strength surpassed that of a typical prodigy. Winning first place would be unfair! "As long as the Great Beast King truly meets the requirements, participating is fine," remarked the Emperor of Zhou State with a smile. In the end, Red Cat successfully joined in. After the confirmation, Red Cat's figure vanished from the Beast Tribe camp, appearing on the Evergreen Pavilion's flying boat, meowing affectionately at Li Xuan, its owner. "You are quite the amusing cat," Li Xuan chuckled as he tapped Red Cat's head with a Jade Ruyi scepter. Red Cat had grown very strong, possessing numerous Greater Beast Arts and if he were to face the Master of the Imperial Spirit Mansion again, the latter might not have the upper hand. "Greetings, Senior!" Xie Tianheng and his son arrived from Azure Heaven Blue Sea City. Li Xuan nodded, looking curiously at Xie Tianheng's wife Fu Yun. He wondered how Xie Tianheng managed to win her hand back in the Inner Domain. Fu Yun also cast curious glances at Li Xuan. Is he that mysterious expert? Xie Lingfeng was also participating in the prodigy battle, and Azure Heaven Blue Sea City brought some prodigies, including Li Shao and Hai Bo'er. "Where is Brother Xu?" Xie Lingfeng asked after catching up with Meng Chong and the others. "Our Senior Brother hasn't returned yet, but he should be back soon," Meng Chong replied with a smile. The day of the Prodigy Battle arrived. Boom! As a rainbow beam crossed the sky, illuminating the Azure Sea in splendor, several figures positioned themselves in four directions. "Today marks the final showdown of the Prodigy Battle. The top hundred successors will each receive one slot, the top ten will get five slots, and the top three ten slots. "Don't ask what these slots are for; you'll know after the battle. "The Prodigy Battle will be a matter of life and death; winners and losers are determined by the prodigies themselves. No seeking revenge after..." The Emperor of Zhou State announced the rules of the Prodigy Battle. "Why isn't Senior Brother back yet?" Su Lingxiu wondered aloud. "He's coming," Li Xuan replied with a calm smile. The group looked up to see a pale blue light shooting across the sky, descending on the Evergreen Pavilion's flying boat. Xu Yan arrived, holding a pale blue flying boat in his hand. "Master, Second Brother, Third Sister... and Brother Xie!" Xu Yan smiled. Having returned to Mist Province, he learned the final battle was in Rainbow Province, making haste to catch up just in time for the showdown. Upon finishing the announcements about the Prodigy Battle rules, the Emperor of Zhou State concluded, "The Prodigy Battle begins. Challenges can be made according to ranking or directly against any individual on the Prodigy Board." As his voice fell, a youth stepped out of the Thousand Martial Hall camp. This youth held a long sword, manifesting a divine artifact. With each step, spiritual light emerged from within, blending with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, aligning with the Laws of Heaven and Earth, gathering streams of these laws continuously. A Spiritual Physique Prodigy! It was apparent that this youth was indeed the true prodigy of Thousand Martial Hall. "Strong enough!" Xu Yan remarked with a smile. With the prodigy from Thousand Martial Hall stepping forth, tension arose among other prodigies. It was believed that Xu Yan's challenge at their gates meant Thousand Martial Hall lacked a true prodigy. Unexpectedly, such a powerful prodigy emerged, surely no weaker than the Hall Master of Thousand Martial Hall! "Thousand Martial Hall got lucky this time!" remarked the Emperor of Zhou State with a sigh. By his side, Azure Heaven Blue Sea City's Lord, Fu Tianhai, nodded with envy, "Indeed, having five core prodigies, while my Azure Heaven City has only three." "The Sea-Spirit Tribe only has one?" The Emperor of Zhou State asked, surprised. "Only Hai Bo'er's bloodline compares to a Spiritual Physique," Fu Tianhai nodded. "Who do you think he will challenge?" The Emperor of Zhou State inquired with a smile. "Xu Yan!" Fu Tianhai replied. The Emperor of Zhou State nodded; the core prodigy from Thousand Martial Hall took the stage specifically for Xu Yan. Especially since this prodigy also trained in the Sword Dao. "What do you think are Xu Yan's chances?" The Emperor of Zhou State pondered. "That's not the right question," Fu Tianhai shook his head with a smile. "You should ask how many moves Xu Yan would need to defeat him!" The Emperor of Zhou State was taken aback, looking at Fu Tianhai incredulously, "You see Xu Yan as that formidable?" "Sword Dao in the world, Xu Yan reigns supreme, no doubt about it!" Fu Tianhai laughed without further comment. Xu Yan alone suppressed the Azure Sea prodigies, Li Shao and Hai Bo'er couldn't withstand him even together. Compared to before, current Xu Yan is assuredly stronger. Beyond the Emperor of Zhou State and Fu Tianhai, other strong figures realized the Thousand Martial Hall prodigy targeted Xu Yan. "Where is Xu Yan?" "Is he here?" "Of course he is. In such a grand prodigy showdown, how could the so-called Spiritual Domain's supreme prodigy not come?" As expected. The sword-wielding youth stepped into the arena, saying coldly, "Thousand Martial Hall's Niu Qiansheng challenges Xu Yan!" "Is this the secretive prodigy kept hidden by Thousand Martial Hall?" Xu Yan looked disappointed. "Too weak." Despite being weak, his opponent displayed arrogant confidence. Having been called out, Xu Yan couldn't just let it pass unchallenged. With one step, Xu Yan appeared in the arena. "You’re too weak. Get someone else from Thousand Martial Hall... Forget it, let all of Thousand Martial Hall come at once." Xu Yan sighed, full of disappointment. Everyone: … Xu Yan, living up to the name, seemed even more outrageous than when he challenged Thousand Martial Hall's gates years ago. Not considering Thousand Martial Hall as anything at all. The faces of Thousand Martial Hall's masters darkened, Xu Yan was too arrogant! "Xu Yan, stop boasting. We were in secluded cultivation back then, unable to respond. Otherwise, you'd not have been so rampant!" Niu Qiansheng pointed his sword, coldly declaring, "You call yourself the supreme in Sword Dao without having faced me. Today, you'll witness the true Sword Dao of Thousand Martial Hall!" The Spiritual Sect's martial artists now had a look of realization. "I knew it, Thousand Martial Hall, standing above the Spiritual Sect, couldn't have been left unchallenged by Xu Yan due to internal seclusion." "Thousand Martial Hall excels in martial arts, particularly the Sword Dao. Xu Yan now faces a worthy opponent. We'll see how arrogant he remains." To the Spiritual Sect's martial artists, Thousand Martial Hall was seen as an unattainable powerhouse. If defeated by a rogue, it would be unsettling to them. ### New Terms and Translations: - **Niu Qiansheng (牛千勝)**: Translated directly as "Niu Qiansheng". A direct transliteration is appropriate as it's a name, but it can also be alternatively understood as “Victorious Ox” from its literal meaning. - **Azure Sea (碧海)**: Translated as “Azure Sea" to retain poetic imagery. Literal translation is "Blue Sea". - **Hai Bo'er (海波兒)**: Transliterated directly as a name. The character means “Wave Child,” but it’s more fitting to maintain the unique name form. Seeing Niu Qiansheng's formidable presence invigorated the audience, as they eagerly anticipated witnessing Thousand Martial Hall's magnificent display of prowess. Xu Yan, on the other hand, remained utterly disdainful, shaking his head, "Thousand Martial Hall lacks Sword Dao, only sword techniques. In my eyes, your so-called Sword Dao is nothing but flashy moves. "Don't believe me? Take a look at your sword—does it still belong to you?" "Arrogant!" Niu Qiansheng raised his sword, unleashing sword energy, drawing the Laws of Heaven and Earth together in a mighty, overwhelming momentum. The sharp sword light illuminated all around. "So strong!" "Is this the legendary core prodigy of Thousand Martial Hall?" "This is the Spiritual Physique talent?" Even among the martial artists present, including those who had refined Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, no one could help but marvel as Niu Qiansheng made his move. Even the elders of Thousand Martial Hall were impressed. At this moment, they truly recognized the formidable power of a Spiritual Physique. The laws gathered by the Spiritual Physique were not only stronger but also flowed more smoothly, allowing for effortless manipulation of the Laws of Heaven and Earth. "The Spiritual Sect's existence revolves around nurturing Spiritual Physique prodigies; that’s the essence of why it’s called the Spiritual Sect. These rogue cultivators, the Wan Shi Alliance, and even ninety-nine percent of the Spiritual Sect's members are unaware of this," lamented the Emperor of Zhou State. Fu Tianhai chuckled, noting that the secret of the Spiritual Sect was fundamentally centered on discovering and cultivating Spiritual Physique prodigies. "What would happen if Thousand Martial Hall's Spiritual Physique prodigy were to fall?" Fu Tianhai suddenly inquired. "Thousand Martial Hall would likely go mad," the Emperor of Zhou State speculated. "Would the Divine Bridge be opened ahead of schedule?" Fu Tianhai pondered. "There's no necessity to open the Divine Bridge. You know it has fixed times for opening, but they can also temporarily create a virtual bridge to escort a Spiritual Physique prodigy away or request a guardian’s arrival. "If Thousand Martial Hall's Spiritual Physique prodigy is slain, they'd likely open a virtual bridge," the Emperor of Zhou State replied with a smile. "There's a good show to watch," Fu Tianhai laughed. On the battlefield, all eyes were on Niu Qiansheng, whose first move was shockingly aggressive. The sword light surged towards Xu Yan. Yet, Xu Yan remained unconcerned, not even drawing his sword. One hand behind his back, he showed complete contempt for Niu Qiansheng's attack. "How dare you wield a sword in my presence, claiming to know Sword Dao when you haven’t even stepped through its gate?" Xu Yan smirked, extending a finger forward. Boom! To the astonishment of all, the sword light aimed at Xu Yan halted suddenly, then reversed its course back towards Niu Qiansheng. Even more terrifying was that Niu Qiansheng's sword lost control. Trembling and quivering, it slipped from his grasp, landing in Xu Yan's hand. "How is this possible!" Niu Qiansheng was taken aback. The sword light halted before him. Holding the sword, Xu Yan found it to be a divine artifact, yet it failed to catch his eye. Given his current martial realm, especially his advancements in Sword Dao, Niu Qiansheng, having neither entered the gate of Sword Dao nor comprehended sword intent, had no right to engage him in swordplay. With a mere thought, Niu Qiansheng's sword became his! The profundity of the Heart Sword Realm was beyond the understanding of those who had not embarked on the path of Sword Dao. "Truly, he deserves to be called the Sword God; even I would find it difficult to challenge Xu Yan with a sword," Xie Tianheng sighed. Though his own Sword Heart was enlightened and he understood Sword Intent, unlike Niu Qiansheng who was disgraced, drawing a sword against Xu Yan remained a challenging endeavor. The leaders of Thousand Martial Hall were stunned, standing in disbelief. Niu Qiansheng, considered their foremost sword practitioner and a Spiritual Physique prodigy, was no match for Xu Yan even with a single blow? "That's incorrect, Xu Yan's Sword Dao is exceptionally strange. Any cultivator of Sword Dao would find it hard to best him!" The Hall Master of Thousand Martial Hall stated sternly. At this moment, no matter how unwilling, he had to acknowledge Xu Yan's unparalleled supremacy in the Sword Dao. Xu Yan made no further moves, tossing Niu Qiansheng’s sword back to their side without a second glance. Though a divine artifact, it was beneath him. "Your Thousand Martial Hall has always sought to trample me, Xu Yan, to regain face after your past disgrace. Today, I, Xu Yan, give you an opportunity. "Thousand Martial Hall should come at me together, not limited to your prodigies." In a serene voice, he spoke the boldest challenge. Silence! Everyone was left speechless, as Xu Yan’s audacity, often rumored, was undeniable in person. One man challenging the entire Thousand Martial Hall? Not limited solely to their prodigies meant every strong member of Thousand Martial Hall could join? Where did Xu Yan's confidence stem from? Swoosh! All eyes turned towards the Thousand Martial Hall. Awaiting their decision—whether to collectively besiege Xu Yan or dispatch a more formidable prodigy. Clearly, Niu Qiansheng was out of his league, unable to withstand even a single move. His striking aura was just for show, after all. The Hall Master of Thousand Martial Hall and others wore an unfathomably dark expression, their eyes filled with murderous intent. To attack together? Though known as the most shameless Spiritual Sect, it didn’t mean they had no dignity to uphold. Xu Yan could issue a wild challenge, yet Thousand Martial Hall could not truly descend into a mass brawl. Otherwise, where was the prestige of a noble Spiritual Sect? ### New Terms and Translations: - **Heart Sword Realm (心境境)**: A realm or state of profound understanding and insight into the Sword Dao, enhancing one's mastery and cohesion with sword energy. - **Virtual Bridge (虛橋)**: A temporary bridge-like passage used to transport someone or something under exceptional circumstances, especially in dire situations. - **Sword God (劍神)**: A title acknowledging ultimate mastery in the Sword Dao. - **Prodigy Board (天驕榜)**: A ranking list of top prodigious individuals, often used in the context of martial competitions. - **Jade Ruyi (玉如意)**: Lit. "Jade Wish-Fulfilling Scepter", traditionally used as a symbol of power and good fortune. However, in context, it's a personal item Li Xuan used humorously. These specific terms, particularly related to realms and tools, emphasize the high status and special roles within the narrative's martial world, showcasing both power hierarchies and fantastical elements of cultivation.