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

Chapter 400: Enchantress Witch: This Divine Soul's Flavor is Too Fiery The battle ended swiftly. After Xu Yan successfully controlled one person, he had the True King Heavenly Venerable he controlled ambush the one preparing to escape. In just a few breaths, that True King Heavenly Venerable was injured, and Xu Yan's Xun Wind Sword Intent tore apart his divine soul. Once his divine soul was wounded and weakened, it was easily controlled by the Celestial Determination. "Speak, disclose everything completely." After controlling the two, Xu Yan instructed. Compared to the Enchantress Witch's allure, Celestial Determination was evidently more extraordinary. The two True King Heavenly Venerables could not resist the destiny-binding power on their divine souls. Moreover, even if controlled, the allure of the Enchantress Witch did not dissipate; it persisted. Even the Enchantress Witch couldn't discover that those under her control were already under Xu Yan’s influence, acting purely on his commands. This was Xu Yan’s intention in controlling these two, to cause unexpected trouble for the Enchantress Witch at a crucial moment. The two True King Heavenly Venerables revealed all of the Enchantress Witch’s plans thoroughly. Xu Yan was secretly delighted. The Seven Mystical Flower was real. The lengths the Enchantress Witch went to lure him was indeed extravagant. Since he confirmed the existence of the Seven Mystical Flower, meeting the Enchantress Witch was imperative. "The Witch and Devil Abyss wouldn't accommodate beings comparable to an Immortal Heavenly Venerable. So, regardless of the Enchantress Witch's strength, she wouldn’t have the power of an Immortal Heavenly Venerable." "However, the Enchantress Witch possesses unique power and shouldn't be viewed ordinarily. Even a typical Immortal Heavenly Venerable could be caught off-guard by her." Xu Yan pondered, quietly evaluating. The Enchantress Witch’s power was peculiar, with her most terrifying aspect being her ability to devour divine souls. "A divine soul is one thing, but my Martial Spirit is beyond comparison to a mere divine soul. For the Enchantress Witch, who isn't even an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, to dream of consuming a Martial Spirit is sheer fantasy." Xu Yan was not concerned about the Enchantress Witch’s soul-devouring power. After all, devouring a divine soul of the same realm, even with her talent, wouldn't be easy. And as for the Martial Spirit, it would be impossible for the Enchantress Witch to consume it. "My Martial Spirit has defensive capabilities, so I fear not. If I catch her off-guard, by simulating my Xun Wind Sword Intent as a divine soul, and allowing her to devour it..." Xu Yan contemplated how to disguise the Xun Wind Sword Intent as a divine soul for the Enchantress Witch to ingest, which was indeed a question. "There are always solutions..." After pondering, Xu Yan formed a plan in his mind. "Summon your people, one by one..." Xu Yan commanded the two True King Heavenly Venerables. "Yes!" The True King Heavenly Venerables hurriedly replied respectfully. While still conscious deep down, they were somewhat uneasy, recognizing Xu Yan's bewildering methods. Instinctively, they sensed that the beautiful maiden of the Witch and Devil Abyss might suffer a great loss this time. Xu Yan was not hasty to visit the Witch and Devil Abyss. Instead, he systematically controlled all the True King Heavenly Venerables sent out by the Enchantress Witch to find him using Celestial Determination. These True King Heavenly Venerables, unsuspecting of their comrades’ betrayal, were caught off-guard and easily controlled by Xu Yan. Once he had controlled them all, Xu Yan proceeded to understand the Witch and Devil Abyss thoroughly, questioning whether it truly couldn't accommodate the entry of extraterrestrial powerhouses at the Immortal Heavenly Venerable level. After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the Enchantress Witch within the abyss didn't possess the strength of an Immortal Heavenly Venerable. Her powers, though peculiar and hard to defend against for Tai-Cang martial artists, were not problematic for Xu Yan. "You are in great danger; your divine souls could be devoured at any time. I have a method that might protect your souls at a critical moment." Xu Yan addressed the True King Heavenly Venerables he had under his control. These True King Heavenly Venerables are bound to become prey for the Enchantress Witch, who will eventually devour their souls. In that case, Xu Yan might as well plan ahead. Xu Yan infused a cluster of Xun Wind Sword Intent into each True King Heavenly Venerable’s divine soul, integrating seamlessly. Since Xun Wind Sword Intent is aimed at divine souls, it naturally can be merged with them. Especially since these True King Heavenly Venerables willingly accept the fusion, the sword intent goes unnoticed. Simultaneously, Xu Yan consumed a few pills, integrating the Xun Wind Sword Intent within them and concealing it internally. These pills, crafted by Su Lingxiu, were known as Fake Soul Pills, possessing divine soul-like energies that can transform into a soul form to deceive. Of course, they also have the effect of nurturing the Martial Spirit. Intent on using Xun Wind Sword Intent to deceive the Enchantress Witch, Xu Yan thought of the Fake Soul Pills, now finding them useful. "Weird and peculiar pills can sometimes come in handy." Xu Yan sighed inwardly. His junior sister crafted numerous pills with various peculiar and unique effects. Now, these Fake Soul Pills have found their use. "What will happen when the Enchantress Witch ingests the Xun Wind Sword Intent?" Xu Yan was filled with anticipation. With everything prepared, it was time to meet the Enchantress Witch! Qian Die Mountains, Witch and Devil Abyss. At this moment, the abyss resembled an elegant woman’s chamber, tastefully decorated and richly aromatic. Pink flowers were artistically arranged. In front of a small building bloomed a seven-colored flower, surrounded by a mysterious aura. "Where is he?" The Enchantress Witch lounged lazily on a bed within the elegant abode, attended by several beautiful maids. These maids were no longer who they once were. Several True Kings knelt outside the building, their bodies trembling slightly, brimming with anxiety. "We’ve found his trace and are working on luring him. It won't be long before he enters." One True King Heavenly Venerable voiced, trembling. "Let’s hope so, otherwise, useless beings have no need to exist." The Enchantress Witch licked her lips, eyeing the True King Heavenly Venerables like delectable morsels. "Here he comes, Xu Yan is heading for the abyss!" Two True King Heavenly Venerables excitedly reported upon entering from outside the abyss. "Good, very good!" The Enchantress Witch was thrilled, her enchanting eyes glinting coldly. "Wasn’t it said that Xu Yan was coming to the abyss?" A day later, the Enchantress Witch spoke with some irritation. "Xu Yan is cautious but is surveying the surroundings. We dare not approach in fear of arousing suspicion. Within a few days, he may enter the abyss." A True King Heavenly Venerable replied, voice shaking. "Let it be so!" The Enchantress Witch took a deep breath, her eyes flickering with cold light, contemplating something unknown. Another day passed. Growing impatient, the Enchantress Witch awaited. A True King Heavenly Venerable hastily returned from outside. "Xu Yan has arrived!" "Good, prepare to seal the exits!" The Enchantress Witch promptly commanded. Pink light drifted within the abyss, with the True King Heavenly Venerables following the Enchantress Witch’s instructions, hiding in the pink glow and concealing their presence. "Do not alert him!" The Enchantress Witch mused, and the pink glow within the abyss slowly receded. Currently, the abyss near the entrance appeared ordinary, devoid of anomalies. "Your disciple is in my hands. Let’s see if you come to save, and how you plan to do so!" The Enchantress Witch gnawed her teeth in secret. Xu Yan approached the abyss entrance, adjusted his aura, and masked his presence as that of someone newly entering the Divine Arts Realm. "The Seven Mystical Flower is mine." Xu Yan stepped into the abyss, feigning obliviousness to the hidden True King Heavenly Venerables, cautiously advancing deeper. Arriving at the elegant abode, he spotted the Seven Mystical Flower. Though apparently cautious, he suddenly accelerated rapidly toward the flower, swiftly picking and securing it. "Boy, since you’re here, you’re not leaving!" The Enchantress Witch emerged from the building. "It’s you?" Xu Yan pretended surprise, recoiling rapidly as if preparing to escape. "Giggle, am I so fierce that you’re afraid to stay upon seeing me? You've already acquired the Seven Mystical Flower, why not stay and play with me?" The Enchantress Witch laughed enchantingly, pink light emanating, saturating the entire abyss. Blocking the entrance, the True King Heavenly Venerables appeared, encroaching to seal the escape routes. "What do you want?" Xu Yan’s expression turned serious, wielding his sword, ready to fight desperately at a moment’s notice. --- **New Translations and Explanations:** 1. **媚巫**: Translated as "Enchantress Witch." The original term '媚' translates to charm or enchant, paired with '巫' meaning witch or sorceress, it aptly describes a character adept at alluring and using mystical, possibly harmful powers that align with her thematic portrayal. 2. **天意定神**: Translated as "Celestial Determination," a technique or force possibly involving fate or divine will in controlling the divine soul. '天意' refers to heavenly will or fate, and '定神' implies a calming or settling effect on the soul. 3. **巫魔天窟**: Translated as "Witch and Devil Abyss," '巫' ties back to the witchcraft theme, and '魔' meaning demon or devil, creating an abode associated with mystery, danger, and allure fitting the Enchantress Witch's domain. 4. **七妙神花**: Translated as "Seven Mystical Flower," combining '七妙' implying seven mystics or wondrous, and '神花' indicating a divine or mystical flower. This points to a rare, highly desired object with significant power. 5. **假魂丹**: Translated as "Fake Soul Pill," describing a pill that can mimic or simulate a divine soul, consistent with the term's implications for disguise and deception through alchemical means. These translations aim for fidelity to the original content, capturing cultural and contextual nuances while translating mystical and character themes pertinent to the story. Xu Yan sighed in relief internally; with the Seven Mystical Flower successfully in hand, the next steps became clearer. From the moment he entered the abyss, he feigned caution to mislead the Enchantress Witch and seize the Seven Mystical Flower. Everything had gone smoothly, and now it was time to get the better of the Enchantress Witch. The pink light spread, and the Enchantress Witch exuded an aura of seduction that seemed to stir one's primal desires. Especially for a young man full of vigor, it was easier to become lost within this allure. "What kind of enchantment power is this?" Xu Yan was secretly startled. No wonder the True King Heavenly Venerables fell under its influence; the enchantment power of the Enchantress Witch was incredibly powerful and strange. “But it doesn’t affect me!” Outwardly, Xu Yan appeared as if he was barely holding on, resisting bewitchment, and guarding his mind, but internally, he was completely calm. Thanks to the marvels of the Wisdom Sword Realm, he was immune to such enchantments; all illusions were ineffective against him. The Small Heavenly Dao Eye also penetrated through illusions, nullifying the Enchantress Witch’s captivating power. “Little brother, what do you think of your big sister?” The Enchantress Witch’s eyes sparkled brighter, her fragrance enchanting. Regardless of Xu Yan's preference, in his eyes, she appeared as his ideal woman. Such extreme beauty, who in the world could resist becoming entranced? Let alone a young man like Xu Yan. “You can’t bewitch me!” With sweat beading on his forehead, Xu Yan growled, slashing his sword. The sword light was sharp, lethal, and unmatched. The Enchantress Witch merely lifted her slender jade finger, flicking slightly, and blocked the attack with ease. “Boy, to be the disciple of that detestable fellow, you do have some extraordinary qualities. To have held out this long, I’m curious to see how much longer you can resist!” The Enchantress Witch sneered. For Xu Yan to maintain his composure and not succumb entirely, indeed, he was a peerless talent much stronger than those True King Heavenly Venerables. “Hmph!” Xu Yan snorted lightly, veins bulging on his forehead, growling as sword glows spiraled around him. The sword intent layered like waves, surrounding him, fending off the enchantment. Meanwhile, his body shifted, changing position in an instant, as if intending to escape. “Since you’ve come, don’t think about leaving. Let’s see if your master will come to rescue you.” The Enchantress Witch appraised Xu Yan’s shifting technique more highly. “You can’t hold me back!” Xu Yan shifted once again, this time escaping the blockading True King Heavenly Venerables, heading straight for the abyss entrance. “Useless trash!” The Enchantress Witch raised her eyebrows, eyeing the True King Heavenly Venerables. Since Xu Yan was already here, these wastes had no further use. “Little brother, behave, you can't get away!” A delicate jade hand promptly extended towards him. Xu Yan slashed with his sword, but the slender hand wrapped around him, capturing him along with the sword. "What a handsome little brother!" The Enchantress Witch’s eyes shone brightly, fixating on Xu Yan, those eyes possessing an entrancing allure. Xu Yan gritted his teeth, maintaining composure, feigning as if he was on the verge of falling into enchantment. "Interesting!" The Enchantress Witch smiled radiantly. "You, spread the word that Xu Yan is in my clutches, and let’s see how his master plans to rescue him!" The Enchantress Witch instructed a True King Heavenly Venerable, pointing at him. "Yes!" The True King hastily and respectfully retreated, quickly leaving the abyss. The other True Kings' expressions subtly changed, sensing something amiss deep within, yet unable to struggle or resist. "One by one, don't resist now." The Enchantress Witch said with a smile. One after another, the True King Heavenly Venerables stepped forward. The Enchantress Witch opened her mouth slightly, extracting and swallowing their divine souls. Thud! Once a divine soul was devoured, only a soulless shell of the True King's body remained. After absorbing all their divine souls, the Enchantress Witch’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. For some reason, these divine souls seemed a bit different. The flavor seemed almost... fiery? “You’ve managed to hold on until now? Quite rare, I’ll take your divine soul, and let's see how your master will rescue you! “If your master wants to reclaim your soul, let’s see what he has that’s worth the exchange. “Little brother, remember a piece of advice: the rarer the treasure, the higher the risk in acquiring it. “Though, assuming you have a next time.” The Enchantress Witch's smile was radiant, her soft white hand caressing Xu Yan’s cheek, sighing, “Such a handsome little brother, your body can entertain me for years!” With her mouth open, she utilized her soul-devouring power. At this moment, Xu Yan felt a peculiar force attempting to envelop and bind his Martial Spirit, attempting to pull it from his body. However, since his cultivation path was not of the Tai-Cang style, having refined into a Martial Spirit, this suction couldn’t envelop or bind his spirit, and his mental defenses could fend off this suction externally. “It’s time!” Yet, Xu Yan was already prepared. Infusing the combined concoction of the Fake Soul Pill and Xun Wind Sword Intent into that suction, he let the Enchantress Witch absorb it. Upon absorption, the Enchantress Witch was momentarily stunned. Why was this boy’s divine soul so abundant? On second thought, she dismissed it; considering he was a disciple of an exceptionally powerful individual, some uniqueness was expected. “What’s with this boy’s soul? It’s too fiery! What kind of divine soul is this? I’ve devoured countless souls, but never one with such a spicy flavor!” The Enchantress Witch was puzzled; the taste of this soul was spicily overwhelming! --- **New Translations and Explanations:** 1. **灵台之力**: Translated as "mental defenses" in the context, implying a power or force derived from mental or spiritual focus that repels external influences. '灵台' stands for spiritual or mental platform, emphasizing a stable state of consciousness or mind. 2. **慧劍境**: Translated as "Wisdom Sword Realm," indicating a realm of cultivation focused on wisdom or enlightenment within the sword path, providing immunity to illusions or disturbances. These translations aim to clarify the powers and states within the narrative, illustrating Xu Yan's immunity and strategic use of deceptive techniques against the Enchantress Witch.