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

Chapter 346: The Bewitching Sorceress's Hunting Ground, Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique In Dazhou (大泽州), famed for its abundance of mountains and lakes, buildings are not uncommon on top of these bodies of water. On this day, dozens of Refining Divine Heavenly Beings rushed in from Yunzhou (雲州) to find a spiritual sect in Dazhou, bearing shocking news. An apocalyptic flood is heading toward Dazhou; Yunzhou has already fallen, resulting in countless casualties! Upon hearing this, Dazhou was thrown into chaos. Many were anxious and frightened, while others, acting decisively, took their families and fled to higher ground. There were also those who remained skeptical. That day, rivers in Dazhou suddenly swelled with water — the flood arrived! Although the flood had weakened significantly after passing through Yunzhou, Dazhou, with its numerous rivers and lakes, was quickly engulfed, turning the region into a massive lake. Countless cities were submerged, and countless people who couldn't escape in time vanished in the flood. The flood continued to spread towards Dachuan State (大川州) and Lishou (離州), but the buffer provided by Yunzhou and Dazhou significantly diminished its power. Moreover, Dachuan State, with its many mountains, effectively blocked further spread of the flood, which had been caused by snowmelt from Bingzhou (冰州). However, a more disturbing report emerged: the floodwaters were strange, causing anyone below the rank of Grandmaster to experience fever, reddened skin, and a furious demeanor upon contact. Even Grandmasters in Yunzhou were affected upon contact, requiring days to recover. Bingzhou, meanwhile, had become warm and spring-like. A stunning woman was walking along the rivers formed from the snowmelt in Bingzhou, wearing only a thin layer of gauze, her alluring figure occasionally revealing glimpses of beauty. These women were once warriors of Jingxue Palace (靜雪宮), but they were not who they once were. Behind them, another beautiful woman reclined lazily on a couch floating downstream and out of Bingzhou, surrounded by a gentle, nurturing aura. The pervasive warmth seemed to cause anomalies in the spiritual energy of the world, and though the power of the Laws of Heaven and Earth surged, it seemed unable to find the source of disturbance. "Those who deceive me meet a grim fate." "You think you'll be safe once you leave Bingzhou?" "I'm coming for you!" The beautiful woman's eyes were filled with a steely resolve as she gazed back toward Jingxue Palace. The black cavern there continued to expand, resembling a black hole in the world. "It's finally widened; soon I can channel more power through it." A smile tugged at her lips. After ages of erosion, the cavern had finally been successfully opened, enabling power to be sent through. "Friends from Jingxue Palace, what has transpired in Bingzhou?" a Refining Divine Heavenly Being from Yunzhou asked upon spotting the women in the river. These were the warriors of Jingxue Palace, the ruling Spiritual Sect of Bingzhou. Even as their scanty attire raised eyebrows, the Armageddon-like crisis left no room for admiring their beauty. They rushed forward with inquiries. The once ice-covered Bingzhou was completely thawed. They had a dreadful suspicion: that the floodwaters, stemming from the melted ice of Bingzhou, were sweeping through Yunzhou and Dazhou. Why had Bingzhou's ice melted? It was unthinkable as its snows had never thawed in countless ages. "Ha-ha... It's nothing much. Come here, and I’ll explain!" The enchanting woman laughed crisply. "Come on!" At the rear, a Refining Divine Heavenly Being halted, sensing something off about the warriors from Jingxue Palace. Yet, those at the front were baffled as they were lured onto a boat by the women, their clothes stripped away, and found themselves staring in shock as one of the palace's beauties knelt down, mouth open... He was utterly stupefied! The women of Jingxue Palace had grown this desperate? In that instant, a maelstrom of emotions welled within the Refining Divine Heavenly Beings: should they continue to investigate the calamity, or indulge in pleasure for a moment? Yunzhou was practically hell on earth, yet they still had the mind to indulge? Savagery! Several of them cursed themselves inwardly and prepared to sternly rebuke the women of Jingxue Palace, pushing aside the kneeling beauty with her open mouth. Suddenly, terror plastered their faces. The overwhelming allure invaded their souls, but more frightening was that their essence poured out, with even their divine souls draining away. "No!" "Damn it!" They freshly perceived danger in that moment, but just when they intended to eliminate the woman kneeling before them, they found themselves unable to move! Thud! Their emaciated bodies, as if drained dry, had sunken eyes filled with terror — yet strangely appeared as if they had perished in bliss. "What a delectable sensation; it makes me stronger, wherever the waters flow, I can follow." The lazy beauty at the back reclined with a contented expression. A flush of vitality graced her delicate pale cheeks as countless Refining Divine Heavenly Beings fell. The lone survivor shuddered, recognizing the peril unfolding at Jingxue Palace. He spun to flee desperately. "Don't go, come and enjoy yourselves!" The enthralling voice bore directly into his heart, awakening primal desires and muddling his mind. "Argh!" He steeled his eyes and, with a roar, sacrificed a portion of his divine soul. The intense pain shattered the beguiling voice's grip, granting him freedom to escape. "What a ruthless one." One woman from Jingxue Palace exclaimed in admiration. "Quick, inform the formidable powerhouses of the sects; an upheaval has struck Jingxue Palace, the snows have melted in Bingzhou..." Pushing past soul-wrenching pain, the fleeing Refining Divine Heavenly Being intercepted another group investigating the floods, shouting forcefully as he recounted the situation. All were stunned with horror. One of the peak-level Refining Divine Heavenly Beings solemnly ordered, "Hurry, send word to Hongzhou; I’ll investigate Jingxue Palace's location." He then deftly bypassed the area, taking a wide detour towards Jingxue Palace. Simultaneously, groups of warriors entered Bingzhou one after another, vanishing eventually. "Hey handsome in the water, come aboard!" Jingxue Palace women sailed into Yunzhou on a small boat, encountering people in the water. The massacre began in Yunzhou. Withered corpses drifted in all directions with the flow. Everyone, regardless of gender or spiritual beast, who encountered the Jingxue Palace women turned into husks. "It's just wonderful, absolutely marvelous. This is my bewitching sorceress's hunting ground, my treasure trove!" The lazy beauty's jade face glowed as if intoxicated, murmuring softly. "Occupy it fully; no one else deserves it, this hunting ground of mine is unparalleled. But where has my Mumu gone? "Oh Mumu, you're the best, I'll find you." She mumbled to herself. Back at Jingxue Palace, a black cavern loomed large—stunning a lone Refining Divine Warrior. "What in the world... is this?" He was filled with uneasy astonishment, sensing it was linked to the upheaval there. "Such caverns have never existed in the Spiritual Domain! I must reach Hongzhou and report to the sect!" He shifted with resolve, avoiding the black cavern, and fled to Hongzhou without pause. "Finally, someone noticed. Let’s hope stronger ones come; it's more thrilling to hunt. This is too weak." The bewitching sorceress appeared unexpectedly above the cavern, smiling faintly. The upheaval in Bingzhou, the great change in the Spiritual Domain, had yet to reach Hongzhou. The Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟)'s transmission system, still in its infancy and hindered by transcendent spiritual sects, had not stretched far into Hongzhou. For this reason, the changes in Bingzhou, Yunzhou, and Dazhou had not swiftly reached Hongzhou. To the noble spiritual sects dominating the Spiritual Domain, this calamitous upheaval was unknown. In Yunzhou, Dazhou, and Dachuan, Refining Divine Heavenly Beings were en route to Hongzhou. Yunzhou had become a lake, with surviving warriors now facing new disasters. The final rounds of the contest for the proudest talents were nearing their end. The hundred strong star prodigies were about to be declared. Every spiritual sect warrior wore grim expressions, as despite countless years of oversight from the supreme spiritual sect, not one prodigy had broken into the top five. --- **Terms and Translation Explanation:** 1. **Dazhou (大泽州) and Dachuan State (大川州)**: Translated based on context to represent their geographical qualities, "Ze" means "lake" and "Chuan" means "river," reflecting the abundance of such bodies in those areas. Other alternatives could be "Great Marsh State" or "Great River State" to emphasize other geographical features. 2. **Jingxue Palace (靜雪宮)**: "Jingxue" translates to "Silent Snow," reflecting a serene, possibly chilling quality fitting for the palace of Ice State. Another alternative could be "Tranquil Snow Palace." 3. **Bewitching Sorceress (媚巫)**: The term "Mei Wu" incorporates an allure and enchantment commonly associated with the fantastical or supernatural, thus aptly translated to reflect this seductive, magical nature. An alternative could be “Enchanting Witch.” 4. **Hongzhou (虹州)**: "Hong" means "Rainbow," which may suggest a vibrant or colorful quality of that area. Another translation might include "Arch State" relating to the shape of a rainbow. 5. **Wan Shi Alliance (萬世盟)**: "Wan Shi" often denotes a sense of permanence or eternity, hence translated as "Alliance of all ages" or "Eternal Alliance." The narrative of a magical being employing captivating allure to drain essence suggests that the term "Mei Wu" conveys subtleties beyond simple beauty or magic, engaging with themes of subversion and dominance. The Spiritual Physique prodigies were meant to display their awe-inspiring power and uphold the prestige of the Transcendent Spiritual Sect. However, not a single one managed to enter the top five, being completely overshadowed by wandering cultivators. The Wan Shi Alliance is enjoying peak prominence, especially with Deputy Alliance Master Fang Hao, whose martial prowess and strategies have once again left the Spiritual Domain in a state of shock. At this moment, all the wandering cultivators seemed to have found their backbone, their fighting spirits were high, and they swore to change the configuration of the Spiritual Domain and overthrow the rule of the Spiritual Sect. On the flying ship of the Evergreen Pavilion (長青閣), Xu Yan brought out the divine artifacts he acquired in the Blue Sea Abyss. After keeping enough to bolster his own foundation, he gave the rest to Meng Chong and Su Lingxiu. Li Xuan internally marveled at how Xu Yan, the senior disciple, was incredibly dutiful, contributing immeasurably to the cause of their martial path. The battle of the prodigies continues, with Xu Yan already building his foundation to prepare for breaching the Divine Arts Realm. Meng Chong and Su Lingxiu are giving their all to reach the peak of the Divine Essence Realm. "It's coming to an end," Li Xuan mused as the grand tournament of prodigal competition neared its conclusion. The Wan Shi Alliance had firmly established itself in the Spiritual Domain, thoroughly disrupting the domain’s balance and shaking the rule of the Spiritual Sect. But could the Transcendent Spiritual Sect accept such a defeat without response? Li Xuan wondered if they were secretly plotting something. It was one thing for the other Transcendent Spiritual Sects, but would the Thousand Martial Hall swallow such embarrassment? Would they not consider retribution after being humiliated? The Great Dao Golden Book opened, releasing a surge of golden light. "Your disciple Meng Chong comprehended the first stage of the Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique. You have broken through the first stage of the Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique." Meng Chong had finally grasped the martial method of the first stage of the Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique. Boom! Li Xuan relished in the changes to his body, thrilled by his newfound strength. Both the Orthodox Martial Path and Physical Body Martial Path had reached the Divine Appearance Realm. It seemed the Dan Medical Alchemy Martial Path (丹醫武道) was not far off either. Xu Yan was already explaining the Divine Appearance Realm's martial techniques to Su Lingxiu. Moreover, Li Xuan sensed that Xu Yan seemed to have insights into the Void Shattering Realm. "Could the Void Shattering Realm be far off?" Li Xuan mused expectantly. On this day, the decisive battle of the prodigy war concluded. The Great Zhou Emperor, Fu Tianhai, the Thundercloud Manor Master, the Spirit Reigning Manor Master, the Thousand Martial Hall Master, and the Tai-Miao Sect Master stood aloft, announcing the results of this prodigal clash. "The top prodigy of the Spiritual Domain is Xu Yan, the second is Meng Chong..." The Great Zhou Emperor's sonorous voice echoed in all directions. "All one hundred prodigies from the Spiritual Domain have earned a spot; one month from now, they will enter a treasure land within the Spiritual Domain..." The specifics of this treasure land were not elaborated upon by the Great Zhou Emperor. The Thousand Martial Hall Master looked indifferent as his gaze turned towards the Thousand Martial Hall faction. The Sword Elder nodded, indicating readiness. Upon completion, the Great Zhou Emperor fell silent. As for the Wan Shi Alliance matters, they bore no relevance to the State of Great Zhou, since the Shèng Zhōu region was under direct control of the State of Great Zhou and the Wan Shi Alliance would not interfere. As for other domains governed by the Spiritual Sect, he cared even less. "The Spiritual Domain is governed by the Spiritual Sect, an order inviolate, anyone or any force seeking to change this order will be obliterated. "Just as the Blood Demon (血魔) and Blood God Sect met such fates, if the Wan Shi Alliance continues obstinately, it too will end similarly. "The Wan Shi Alliance has impressive methods, especially Deputy Alliance Master Fang, whose expertise in formations is extraordinary, but if they believe they can act with impunity and violate the rules of the Spiritual Domain, they are courting disaster." "Nonetheless, considering the establishment of the Wan Shi Alliance and its importance to the stability of the Spiritual Domain, some negotiation is possible, but one rule cannot be altered. "The Spiritual Domain is the domain of the Spiritual Sect; if the Wan Shi Alliance wishes to continue existing, it must become a Spiritual Sect!" Thundercloud Manor Master looked towards the Wan Shi Alliance side and spoke solemnly. The Spiritual Domain is the domain of the Spiritual Sect and cannot be violated! However, the strength of the Wan Shi Alliance is undeniable; hence for its existence to continue, it must ascend to become a Spiritual Sect rather than remain a loose faction. Whether it ascends to become a top-tier Spiritual Sect or ranks equally among the transcendent spiritual sects was left unspoken, seemingly leaving room for the Wan Shi Alliance. This statement provided a way out for the Wan Shi Alliance. By ascending to become a Spiritual Sect, like them, it would be considered a Spiritual Sect; thus, the existence of the Wan Shi Alliance would no longer be problematic. "What kind of rule is it that the Spiritual Domain must be ruled by the Spiritual Sect?" Tan Wenlin asked gravely. "A rule is a rule; it is not for you or me to set, nor for our Transcendent Spiritual Sect to determine. You of the Wan Shi Alliance should heed well," the Spirit Reigning Manor Master said gravely. "Rules are made to be broken. If our Wan Shi Alliance doesn't join the Spiritual Sect, what then?" Fang Hao replied with a light smile. Thundercloud Manor Master seemed poised to retort when, suddenly, over a dozen figures rushed in, their voices quaking with urgency: "Great Lord, there's terrible news; catastrophe has struck Bingzhou and Yunzhou, with countless casualties!" "Bingzhou's ice has melted, the great flood inundates Yunzhou and Dazhou, Yunzhou is already submerged, with countless deaths and injuries!" "Great Lord, hurry to take control; disaster has befallen our Spiritual Domain!" The entire assembly fell silent. Strong figures from Yunzhou and Dazhou starkly changed their expressions. Thundercloud Manor Master and the others' expressions changed drastically, instantly moving to intercept the arrivals. "What has happened?" "Is there anyone from Bingzhou?" "Something's amiss; there's not a single Bingzhou warrior present, not even one from Jingxue Palace?" They were curiously shocked, recognizing that such a grand event in the Spiritual Domain lacked representation from Bingzhou warriors! --- **New Terms and Translation Explanation:** 1. **Evergreen Pavilion (長青閣)**: Translated as "Evergreen Pavilion," capturing the enduring and vibrant nature associated with "Evergreen." Alternate translations could be "Long Green Pavilion" or "Perennial Pavilion." 2. **Shèng Zhōu (勝州)**: The name gives an air of triumph or success, which suits its function under the State of Great Zhou's direct jurisdiction. It could possibly mean "Victorious State." 3. **Treasure Land (寶地)**: Used as a stand-in for "寶地" to denote a place of significant value and opportunity within the context. Alternative options could be "Sanctuary" or "Treasure Realm." 4. **Transcendent Spiritual Sect (超然靈宗)**: Reflecting a higher standing than ordinary Spiritual Sects, "Transcendent" aligns with "超然," which conveys being above or beyond. The narrative refers to the spiritual hierarchy and political dynamics in the Spiritual Domain and the challenge of strictly adhering to tradition versus innovation and rebellion.