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

### Chapter 396: Spirit Sovereign Mountain's Wind Spirit Tiger, Heaven and Earth Return to One After obtaining the needed treasures and learning about the True King Heavenly Venerable dispatched by the Bewitching Witch, who they were and where they came from, Xu Yan took his leave from Wan Tianlin. Wan Tianlin, on his part, candidly stated that the Wan family investigation would continue, while he intended to seclude himself for a time, using the Blood-Heart Fruit to comprehend his skills. "Finally, I can continue building my foundation and break through to the Divine Appearance Realm," Xu Yan thought to himself with excitement. During seclusion, he needed to be cautious to avoid being tracked. Xu Yan concealed his Qi, altered his appearance, and evaded all tracking and surveillance. Even if an Immortal Heavenly Venerable were to make a move, they wouldn't be able to trace him. Once safety was confirmed, Xu Yan set up a concealment array in the secluded areas of the Grand Cap Mountain. Additionally, he enveloped his seclusion spot with the Mountain and Rivers in the Sword technique. "I can now accumulate my foundation and break through," Xu Yan's excitement was palpable as he began using the treasures to gather enough to prepare for his breakthrough. Accumulating his foundation took time, and so did breaking through to the Divine Appearance Realm. Xu Yan once again vanished from Grand Cap Mountain. Neither the Tian Sha Earth Shadow nor the True King Heavenly Venerable sent by the Bewitching Witch Sect from the Thousand Layered Mountain could locate Xu Yan. In Thousand Layered Mountain, which housed the Bewitching Demon Heavenly Abyss, the scene was stunningly transformed with illuminations and vibrant pink flowers planted throughout the abyss. It was no longer an eerie place, but a paradise on earth. Inside a tastefully decorated pavilion, sheer curtains hung down, revealing a glimpse of a beautiful woman lazily reclining within. Her long, fair legs were half exposed beyond the curtains. Dozens of beautiful women were tending within the pavilion, each one of them a True King Heavenly Venerable. They were no longer the same individuals they once were. Meanwhile, outside the pavilion, several True King Heavenly Venerables were prostrate, their eyes filled with fervor and infatuation as they fixated on the alluring figure inside. "So, you didn't bring the target in?" a seductive voice inquired. "Yes!" The person on the ground trembled slightly, a cold sweat forming on his forehead, and a look of helplessness in his eyes. "What is the reason?" "Temporarily we haven't found him, and he doesn't trust us," one person hesitated before speaking, "It seems Xu Yan is gathering rare treasures, likely for some grand purpose." A graceful figure flew out of the pavilion and landed in the speaker's arms. "You've managed to get some information, well done. She will accompany you to ensure your happiness," the seductive woman said with a smile. "Yes, yes, thank you!" the True King was overjoyed, holding the woman in his arms, his eyes full of zeal as he hurriedly walked away. Looking down at the woman in his embrace, who bore a resemblance to a goddess entwined with his heart and spirit, the man grew even more excited. "Rare treasures?" A seven-colored flower suddenly flew out from the pavilion, each of its seven petals radiating a colorful glow, seemingly endowed with divine use. "Then pass the message to Xu Yan. Here is a Seven Wonder Divine Flower. Tell him if he is unaware; the Seven Wonder Divine Flower can compensate for a martial artist's weaknesses, strengthen their divine soul, purify their martial arts foundation, calm their mind and spirit, and provide deeper understanding in the martial ways..." "Yes, it will be done!" The True Kings eyed the Seven Wonder Divine Flower planted in the ground with infinite desire. This desire came from the depths of their martial artist's intuition. Their instincts told them that if they could obtain the Seven Wonder Divine Flower, they had a substantial chance of breaking through to the Immortal Heavenly Venerable! But despite their intense longing, they harbored no improper thoughts. After the True Kings left, the person in the pavilion lazily turned over and murmured, "Even the Seven Wonder Divine Flower is offered; there's no way your disciple won't come. If they do, surely you should as well?" "You've offended the Bewitching Witch, and it won't be so easily forgotten. Let's see what you can do." Recalling a past incident, especially that singular sword strike, caught her off guard, nearly inflicting severe injury during the confrontation. This grudge must be avenged! "Your disciple is indeed handsome; I'm a bit interested," the Witch smiled, her allure captivating. As it became challenging to trace Xu Yan's whereabouts and with the Wan family intensifying surveillance over Grand Cap Mountain, the Tian Sha Earth Shadow's actions became increasingly cautious. During this time, a few Earth Shadow members were killed, under suspicion of being traitors. This has caused unrest among some Earth Shadow members, making them execute their missions with even more caution. At Hengfeng Mountain, one of the Nine Mountains of the Nine Mountain Realm. Here, within a certain heavenly abyss, there is a massive Bronze Hall suppressing this abyss. The one who presides here is an Immortal Heavenly Venerable from Hengfeng Mountain. This Heavenly Venerable donned a fierce mask with seven leaves upon it. "Seven Leaf Tian Sha!" "Master, how shall we proceed?" Several Tian Sha members below the five-leaf rank gathered within the Bronze Hall, awaiting instructions respectfully. "Now that Wan's family sees through it, we can directly kill Xu Yan. As long as he perishes in the Nine Mountain Realm, the rest can be managed." "Once he dies, there are endless ways to incite a conflict between Qinghua Realm and Nine Mountain Realm." "Furthermore, Qinghua Realm's Heavenly God Meng Chong has already entered Nine Mountain Realm. We can strike at him." "Once they die in the Nine Mountain Realm, matters will become straightforward. At worst, let Hengfeng Mountain take responsibility, what of it?" "As long as a conflict erupts between Qinghua Realm and us, any method will suffice. Send Earth Shadows to infiltrate Qinghua Realm." "Qimen Academy, Dan Medical Academy, all can be infiltrated, and wait for the right opportunity," Seven Leaf Tian Sha spoke coldly. "Yes, Master!" The suggestion invigorated the hall, showing enthusiasm. Seven Leaf Tian Sha, as an Immortal Heavenly Venerable of Hengfeng Mountain, can fully represent Hengfeng Mountain, taking on the responsibility of killing, thereby stirring conflict with both Qinghua Realm, Tiangod Gate, Wanlei Sect, and even the State of Great Yue. Once subordinates left and only the Seven Leaf Tian Sha remained in the Bronze Hall, he gazed at the sky and toward the heavenly abyss he guarded. No one knew that the original blood child of this heavenly abyss had long been killed, and the current blood child was but a nominal placeholder. He had struck a deal with the counterpart, assisting them to the rank of blood child, but they lacked the true strength of one. This heavenly abyss would not turn chaotic, and he could temporarily leave at will! "The Divine Domain ought to be in disarray," he murmured. The Divine Domain, amidst heavenly abyss invasions, should also war against itself, which is a goal for Tian Sha Earth Shadow. "If the Divine Domain isn't in chaos and can't war with itself, how can Heaven and Earth return to one?" His eyes scanned the horizon, having come to the Nine Mountain Realm with the intent to churn the Divine Domain. It was through ceaseless wars among its thirty-six realms that the mission could be achieved. "Qinghua Realm and Nine Mountain Realm should also descend into chaos and conflict without rest," his figure vanished in an instant. An Immortal Heavenly Venerable silently left his post. Spirit Sovereign Mountain, one of the Nine Mountains of the Nine Mountain Realm, is dominated by spirit beasts with an Immortal Realm Spirit Beast King overseeing it. Unlike the other eight mountains, Spirit Sovereign Mountain has only one heavenly abyss, yet its strength is formidable. Thus, apart from the spirit beast forces, the strong presence of Spirit Sovereign Gate also resides here. In a sense, the Spirit Beast King is part of the Spirit Sovereign Gate, a protector spirit beast of incredibly high standing. Within the ancient forest of Spirit Sovereign Mountain rests a gigantic azure tiger-like beast, reminiscent of a small mountain, breathing great gusts of wind, with an aura of gentle breeze about it. Wind Spirit Tiger is among the most formidable spirit beasts. Its bloodline is exceedingly high, reigning as king among beasts. This particular Wind Spirit Tiger is the Spirit Beast King of Spirit Sovereign Mountain and is reputed as the strongest tiger-like spirit beast in the Divine Domain, earning the title of the undisputed king of tigers. The name Spirit Sovereign Mountain, and indeed the name of the Spirit Sovereign Gate, both derive from it. The Wind Spirit Tiger stands as the most potent existence within the Spirit Sovereign Gate, even stronger than the sect's Master. However, few are privy to this fact, just a handful within the Nine Mountain Realm. The Wind Spirit Tiger doesn't leave the Spirit Sovereign Mountain territory, usually not needed to suppress the heavenly abyss unless there is a risk of losing control. Most often, it simply rests quietly within the ancient forest. Those who can enter this ancient forest in the Spirit Sovereign Mountain are limited to Immortal Heavenly Venerables or the younger generation esteemed by the Wind Spirit Tiger. A figure approached, stepping into the ancient forest. The newcomer wore a fierce mask with a pattern of seven leaves. Though his momentum appeared negligible, each step seemed to blend seamlessly with the world. "Heaven Seventeen? I recall you go by that name," the Wind Spirit Tiger said, raising an eyelid to glance at the newcomer. "It's me," Heaven Seventeen replied, stopping a hundred zhang away from the Wind Spirit Tiger, speaking in a deep voice. The Wind Spirit Tiger yawned, looking bored. "What have you come to say now?" "If the Divine Domain remains chaotic, the Thirty-Six Realms don't engage in battle, how can you advance further? How can you shatter the chains of your bloodline to advance to the next level?" Heaven Seventeen spoke solemnly. "Continue," the Wind Spirit Tiger replied, lifting a paw and licking it. Taking a deep breath, Heaven Seventeen had braced for an assault before stating, "Only with heaven and earth returning to one can you break your shackles and advance further." "As one of the Twelve Kings of Divine Domain's spirit beasts, are you content to remain here, never progressing further, unable to elevate your bloodline?" The Wind Spirit Tiger extended sharp claws from its tiger paws and lifted its head, gazing at Heaven Seventeen. "Return to one, is that your goal? "However, what is this Heaven and Earth Return to One you speak of? Do you and your ilk truly possess the capability to achieve it? "Are you attempting to deceive me into exerting myself for you with promises that only by this means can my bloodline be enhanced? Do you truly believe it's so easy to deceive the Wind Spirit Tiger?" As it finished speaking, a swirling gust surrounded the Wind Spirit Tiger, exuding an intimidating presence without expressing anger. Heaven Seventeen spoke sternly, "Wind Spirit Tiger, you should be aware. The Divine Domain is not the core of the world. Our task is to create the conditions for Heaven and Earth Return to One, something neither you nor I can achieve at our level." "I can assure you that if you participate and your bloodline advances by breaking through your shackles, it is but a minor benefit. Once heaven and earth return to one, the power over the realm..." He didn't finish the sentence. The Wind Spirit Tiger contemplated, lowering its lifted paw. After a long while, it finally spoke, "I'll consider it." Heaven Seventeen's eyes relaxed, knowing that consideration meant consent would only be a matter of time. "Then I won’t disturb you further. I shall return," Heaven Seventeen concluded before turning to leave. As Heaven Seventeen departed, the Wind Spirit Tiger watched the direction he left, deep in thought. "So the Divine Domain isn't the world's core; it's not surprising. Divine Domain, Spirit Domain, Inner Domain... merging heaven and earth to break barriers? They intend to restore the ancient world's state, following the transformation from ancient times that established today's world order? "Who can achieve this? With external foes watching the heavenly abyss, today's world isn't the same as the world of old. "Still, Heaven Seventeen's background is likely not simple, carrying the backing of a power greater than even the Immortal. Yet, can such a power discreetly hide within the Divine Domain?" The Wind Spirit Tiger closed its eyes, contemplating whether to agree with Heaven Seventeen and whether doing so could provide the benefits it sought, while also being cautious of being used. --- Elsewhere, Meng Chong stood before a mist-enshrouded mountain lake, pondering whether to meet with his senior brother, after having just unearthed a divine herb from the lakebed. Having made a name under the title of a Heavenly God within the Qinghua Realm and founding the path of body refinement, Meng Chong had left Qinghua Realm after achieving perfection in the Divine Arts Realm to seek treasures to fortify his foundation in the Nine Mountain Realm. The treasures he sought were specifically chosen, favoring divine herbs that strengthened the physical body, which aligned with the Nine Mountain Realm known for its weighty lands. "The Small Heavenly Dao Eye, I'm on the brink of comprehending it. But this last step is the toughest. I wonder if my senior brother has mastered it," Meng Chong mused. "My fourth junior brother's messaging talisman has been upgraded. I should deliver some of the new ones to my senior brother for backup." Having decided to find his senior brother to discuss insights on the Small Heavenly Dao Eye, Meng Chong prepared to leave. Suddenly, his expression froze, energy surged overwhelmingly around him, golden light radiated as wind and thunder gathered with a great sun manifesting behind him. Boom! With a punch, he collided with a fine, cold beam of light. The fist imprint was punctured, but the beam, though weakened, continued towards him. "Stinking vermin hiding your heads!" Meng Chong snorted coldly, moving neither to dodge nor evade. Drawing his blade, he unleashed a mighty slash. Instantly, the mountains transformed into a domineering long blade, launching a fierce attack. Simultaneously, four figures charged at him, each holding True King Heavenly Venerable peak strength. Meng Chong's eyes narrowed as he assessed the four masked True King Heavenly Venerables, noting their intention to ambush him. "Warriors from Qinghua Realm? No, Qinghua Realm wouldn't dare to send four True King Heavenly Venerables here to hunt me. Such a move would quickly surface, and they are not blood shadows from the Netherworld Abyss..." His brow furrowed. The intent was decidedly aimed at him, despite his recent arrival in the Nine Mountain Realm and no provocation towards its factions. Besides, these individuals seemed unlike common robbers murdering for plunder. ### New Translations and Explanations 1. **Spirit Sovereign Mountain (靈尊山)** - This mountain is one of the Nine Mountains in the Nine Mountain Realm and hosts powerful spirit beasts. This translation maintains the mystical element while signifying its dominance as a spirit beast territory. 2. **Wind Spirit Tiger (風靈虎)** - This is a beast with immense power, described vividly in terms of its magnitude and authoritative presence. It's rendered as a compound based on its elemental and physical traits. 3. **Heaven Seventeen (天十七)** - Maintained as a character's name with a potentially unique numbering system, attributing mystery and significance within the narrative. 4. **Small Heavenly Dao Eye (小天道之眼)** - Rendered as a mystical spiritual technique within the story, focusing on spiritual awakening and insight, indicating its esoteric value. 5. **Immortal Realm (不朽境)** - Used to denote a high level of cultivation or mastery, indicating a rank within the hierarchy of power. Potential corrections to the list could include confirming codified naming conventions for techniques of varied mystical or spiritual levels, considering more context from ongoing chapters. Additionally, confirming gender through pronouns used for new or ambiguous characters is essential for narrative clarity.