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

Chapter 409: Unyielding and Indestructible Primordial Spirit and Unyielding Sword Intent This old man, Wu Tiannan had encountered over a dozen times. Each encounter, the old man lay not far from him. At first, he thought it was just a coincidence. Repeated encounters led Wu Tiannan to confirm that the old man was deliberately following him. Taking a deep breath, just as he was about to approach and ask directly, he saw the old man suddenly sit up, look towards the sky with a face full of surprise and astonishment. Puzzled, Wu Tiannan remained vigilant of him while looking towards the sky himself but found nothing unusual. However, the old man did not take the opportunity to launch a sudden attack while he was looking at the sky. "That's strange." The old man muttered to himself. "Senior, why are you following me?" Wu Tiannan took a deep breath and asked in a deep voice. The old man withdrew his gaze, looked at Wu Tiannan, and said with a chuckle, "It's not me following you; it's fate. Why is your luck so extraordinary, young man?" Before Wu Tiannan could react, the old man had already reached him, circled him once while clicking his tongue, and said, "Not simple, truly not simple. The martial path you're cultivating is not simple, and neither is your luck. Who is your master?" "I..." Wu Tiannan was internally shocked. The old man's strength was far superior to his own. If the old man intended to kill him, it would not take any effort. "Could he be an Immortal Heavenly Venerable?" Thinking this in his heart, he was momentarily lost for words, unsure how to answer. Who is his master? His martial path guide was not a master-disciple relationship, and the relationship with other high-ranking individuals was not that of master and disciple. To be precise, he had no master! "I have no master." "Then who imparted your martial path?" The old man appeared very interested. "It was passed on by a senior expert." "A senior expert? How do they compare to me?" "Senior, you are no match for them." "Interesting." The old man laughed and said, "Is your thick luck a gift from the senior you mentioned?" Wu Tiannan was puzzled and shook his head, saying, "I don't know." He too felt his luck seemed excessively good. For example, not long ago, he witnessed a battle between two Immortal Heavenly Venerables. All accompanying martial artists perished, yet he escaped unscathed and even found a divine weapon. Such close calls and serendipitous treasure gains happened not once or twice. As the old man now questioned it, Wu Tiannan couldn't help but suspect whether his fortunate luck was somehow linked to the senior. Could it be that, by successfully cultivating the divine arts passed down by the senior, he had formed a martial connection with that senior and thus received a feedback of fortune? After all, the senior was an unparalleled existence, transcending heaven and earth. "The senior you mentioned, where is he?" The old man asked with interest. Wu Tiannan pondered for a moment and then replied, "Maybe in the Qinghua Realm (青華境), maybe not. I'm not sure." The old man nodded. He took out a token, placed it in Wu Tiannan’s hand, and said, "This is for you. Encountering you everywhere is quite annoying. Do not mistake it for a chance encounter. Your luck is somewhat absurd." Wu Tiannan was dumbfounded. Clearly, this old man was following him. How could the old man suggest it was the other way around? "What is this?" He glanced at the token, sensing something extraordinary yet unclear in its significance. "When you go to the Tai-He Realm (太合境), in due time, you silly lad will understand the use of the token." The old man shook his head. How could there be such a fortunate person in this world? Truly strange. "Senior, hold on a moment. Can I inquire about someone?" Wu Tiannan suddenly spoke up. "With your luck, you will find what you are looking for very soon. No need to ask me. I, an old man in the Divine Domain (神域), know no one!" The old man waved his hand and left, disappearing without a trace. Wu Tiannan sighed helplessly and put away the token. "Tai-He Realm, huh? The first and strongest realm in the Divine Domain. I will have to go eventually." He resumed his quest to find someone. …… "This Wu Tiannan is a bit unusual." In the Qinghua Realm (青華境), Li Xuan suddenly raised an eyebrow in surprise. Wu Tiannan had not only cultivated one divine art, but several. What surprised Li Xuan even more was that through this martial connection, he astonishingly discovered that Wu Tiannan's luck seemed exceptionally bountiful. "Could he truly be a child of fortune?" Li Xuan was deeply puzzled. Could Wu Tiannan actually be a child of fortune? When Wu Tiannan was around, there was no Heavenly Dao Eye; otherwise, it could see at a glance what his luck was about. "Well, no matter how fortunate he is, he cannot surpass my disciple." Shaking his head, Li Xuan refocused on the Great Daos Tome of Tai-Cang (太蒼書). "I'm almost there, just about to memorize the general outline of the Tai-Cang Tome." Being close to thoroughly comprehending the Tai-Cang World (太蒼)’s Dao principles, it meant he could soon check out the mysterious being in the small stone house in the royal palace of the State of Wu (吴国), to explore the secrets of Tai-Cang World. While Li Xuan continued his serene days, delving into the Great Daos Tome of Tai-Cang, laying foundations for his martial enterprise, a piece of news arrived. The Nine Mountains City (九山城), where the Nine Mountains Realm (九山境) gate is located, had fallen. Unexpectedly for the Great Yue Emperor and others, it was not occupied by Tiansha Earthly Shadows (天煞地影), but a son of the Netherworld Abyss (冥獄血子) broke through, confronting an Immortal Heavenly Venerable of the Nine Mountains Realm. The entire Nine Mountains City collapsed significantly, with countless casualties. The Immortal Heavenly Venerable’s battle prolonged without a decisive victory. The Nine Mountains Realm gate could directly access the inner Qinghua Realm (青華境), hence another Immortal Heavenly Venerable was dispatched to guard the Qinghua Realm gate. After all, the Immortal Heavenly Venerable confronting the Netherworld Abyss son had a probabilistic association with Tiansha Earthly Shadows (天煞地影). While the Great Yue Emperor, Sect Master of Tianwu Sect, and Sect Master of Wanlei Sect discussed, preparing to support and break through the Netherworld Abyss son, the Heavenly Abyss in the Qinghua Realm once again faced massive invasions. The site of the Dague Heavenly Abyss was especially targeted, a powerful Netherworld Abyss son seeking to descend, forcing the Great Yue Emperor to personally stabilize the situation. This turmoil in the Netherworld Heavenly Abyss evidently aimed to restrain the Qinghua Realm, deterring the Great Yue Emperor and others from aiding the Nine Mountains Realm. "Another son of the Netherworld Abyss, quite chaotic." Li Xuan glanced towards the Nine Mountains Realm direction and couldn’t help but sigh. "Huh, is it a Netherworld Abyss army this time?" Li Xuan glanced briefly and then lost interest, merely a troop of thousands of Netherworld Abyss martial artists. The protective talismans of Xu Yan and Meng Chong had not been activated yet, indicating they hadn't faced any life-threatening dangers. Since there was no danger, their rise amid chaos and improvement through battle were inevitable. The Nine Mountains Realm grew increasingly chaotic; battles among Immortal Heavenly Venerables had erupted several times. …… In the secluded room, Jiang Buping’s spirit emerged, whereas his physical body was wrapped inside, embraced by the force of his spirit. At this moment, strands of Unyielding Qi were merging into his spirit, integrating and assimilating with his spirit. As Unyielding Qi fused, his spirit underwent a transformation. His already powerful spirit became more solid, eventually indistinguishable from his physical form as Unyielding Qi continued to blend. At a certain point, the final wisp of Unyielding Qi fully dispersed within his spirit, achieving perfect fusion. A gentle radiance emanated from his spirit, a hint of Unyielding presence manifesting upon the spirit. Boom! The spirit exploded into a misty cloud, then quickly reassembled flawlessly, without any diminished sensation. The increasingly solid spirit continuously transformed, unleashing a formidable spirit force that strengthened and solidified further. By now, Jiang Buping’s spirit bore a dramatic difference compared to ordinary martial artists of Tai-Cang, seemingly with an aura of Unyielding and Indestructible. Boom! The spirit burst and scattered into a misty cloud within the secluded room, soon converging again. "I’ve finally succeeded!" Jiang Buping exulted. Days and nights of relentless cultivation, enduring exhaustion and languor, stimulating his body with pain, consuming medicinal pills to forcibly stay awake, and concentrating on training. Now, finally, he’d completely integrated Unyielding Qi into his spirit. The spirit had merged with Unyielding Qi, unified, initiating a transformation and successfully cultivating an Unyielding Spirit! No longer would he be troubled by Unyielding Qi or worry about losing his mind and becoming muddle-headed. "This is only the first step!" Calming his excitement, Jiang Buping resumed cultivation. He sought entry into the Extreme Soul Martial Path, becoming an Extreme Soul Martial Artist. Fusion with Unyielding Qi and transformation into an Unyielding Spirit was only the initial step. Currently, he was not yet an Extreme Soul Martial Artist, nor had he truly entered the threshold of the Extreme Soul Martial Path. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Unyielding and Indestructible Primordial Spirit (不化不滅元神)** - A type of invincible spirit achieved by integrating special Unyielding Qi, granting formidable essence akin to being indestructible. Alternate translations could include "Immutable and Immortal Spiritual Essence" or "Eternal Invincible Spirit." 2. **Qinghua Realm (青華境)** - A specific mystical region mentioned as a possible location of significant characters or events. Alternate translations may include "Azure Blossom Realm" or "Green Radiance Domain." 3. **Divine Domain (神域)** - Refers to a supreme area of existence where significant power and mysterious beings are found. Alternatives might be "Godly Domain" or "Deity Region." 4. **Tai-He Realm (太合境)** - Another mystical realm, indicated as a probable significant location for future adventures or discoveries. Alternates can be "Grand Harmony Realm" or "Supreme Unity Domain." 5. **Nine Mountains Realm (九山境) and Nine Mountains City (九山城)** - Locations involved in significant battles and conflicts, tied to Immortal Heavenly Venerables and realm gates. 6. **Unyielding Qi (不化之气)** - A mysterious energy influencing transformation into an Unyielding and Indestructible Spirit, endowing unique qualities of resilience and longevity. Literal translation implies a steadfast or immutable force. This chapter expands on the mystical geography and hierarchy of power in this narrative world, emphasizing realms and the unique qualities of cultivation paths like the Extreme Soul Martial Path. Although, due to the influence of Unyielding Qi, he was born with a natural spirit, skipping an arduous step-by-step, realm-by-realm cultivation, directly merging with Unyielding Qi, and thus cultivating an Unyielding Spirit in one fell swoop. Yet, because of this rapid advance, he hasn't quite stepped into the threshold of the Extreme Soul Martial Path. "I have comprehended the Essence of the Extreme Soul Martial Path; becoming an Extreme Soul Martial Artist won't take long," Jiang Buping declared with determination. He had finally risen once again. Those who once abandoned, insulted, and ridiculed him probably never imagined he would rebound, emerging in front of them once more? "Tai-Kun Realm (太崑境), I will return." Jiang Buping's expression turned resolute. "The Extreme Soul Martial Path ensues at the pinnacle of the soul, and the ultimate soul Dao lies in extremity: a body is optional, but an Extreme Soul Martial Artist does not discard the physical form. Instead, it gradually integrates the physical body into the spirit. "Using the physical body to nourish the spirit, this body is no longer mere flesh and bones, but an Extreme Soul Body." Jiang Buping focused on his physical form. Spirit force enveloped and entered, embarking on the true cultivation of the Extreme Soul Martial Path. "Your disciple Jiang Buping has fused with Unyielding Qi, transforming into an Unyielding Spirit. Your primordial spirit has transformed into an Unyielding and Indestructible Primordial Spirit." The feedback from the Great Dao Golden Book (大道金書) arrived. Jiang Buping had finally entirely fused with Unyielding Qi, evolving into an Unyielding Spirit, taking a crucial step in cultivating the Extreme Soul Martial Path. "This is the Unyielding and Indestructible Primordial Spirit," Li Xuan beamed with joy. The fifth disciple began feeding back to him; new martial accomplishments were on their way. The transformation of his primordial spirit into an Unyielding and Indestructible one implies a power boost, and even if his body is destroyed, his primordial spirit remains. Utterly eradicating him is nearly impossible; only sealing him away could suffice. Li Xuan couldn't help but think of the mysterious presence in the small stone house of the Wu Nation Palace – could this being have been sealed away due to similar indestructibility? "With my current primordial spirit, employing lethal soul divine arts, no martial artist with strength similar to mine could withstand it." Li Xuan's confidence surged anew. "The Extreme Soul Martial Path is nearing completion." Li Xuan eagerly anticipated the feedback following Jiang Buping's thorough cultivation of the Extreme Soul Martial Path. This fifth martial path pertains to the soul; could it mean his primordial spirit will transform again? Time passed as Li Xuan awaited these possibilities. Chaos escalated in the Nine Mountains Realm. Battles among Immortal Heavenly Venerables erupted frequently, while disturbances in major Heavenly Abysses in the Qinghua Realm (青華境) compelled these Heavenly Venerables to remain vigilant and unable to leave the abysses rashly. The Great Yue Emperor had maintained vigilance at the Heavenly Abyss for a while, with Sui Hongwu overseeing Great Yue Capital. Despite the aid of formations significantly reducing the threat of Netherworld Abyss invasions, the Immortal Heavenly Venerables remain restrained, unable to address the turmoil in the Nine Mountains Realm. This perhaps was the intention of Tiansha Earthly Shadows. As for Feng Yan, the Immortal Heavenly Venerable, he pretended to ignore the chaos, having no disciples or subordinates in the Nine Mountains Realm, being a free agent. Thus, he continued to preside over the Qimen Courtyard and Dan Medical Courtyard, diligently practicing divine arts while working hard. "Opportunity arrives; I must firmly grasp it!" Feng Yan was resolute, unwavering in his commitment to seize his opportunities! His rise to Immortal Heavenly Venerable status, aside from innate talent and effort, was heavily credited to his ability to capitalize on opportunities! As Li Xuan delved into the Great Daos Tome of Tai-Cang (太蒼書), he noticed the Great Dao Golden Book unveiled, revealing feedback. "Has Jiang Buping successfully cultivated the Extreme Soul Martial Path?" Li Xuan’s immediate thought was that Jiang Buping had become an Extreme Soul Martial Artist. "Your disciple Xu Yan has cultivated Unyielding Sword Intent; your Unyielding Sword Intent is a hundredfold stronger." Unyielding Sword Intent! Li Xuan rejoiced, "Xu Yan is indeed a pioneer of my martial path. He used Unyielding Qi to cultivate sword intent. This eternal and indestructible sword intent." He couldn’t help but marvel; Xu Yan was indeed monstrous. The Unyielding Sword Intent is endless and eternal, meaning its sword intent is even more resilient to being vanquished. A remnant of sword intent lingers in a place, challenging to dissipate with time. "When the Unyielding Sword Intent merges with Yin-Yang Immortal Sword, the defense is so strong that, given Xu Yan’s current power, ordinary Immortal Heavenly Venerables can’t break through it." Li Xuan considered the Xun Wind Sword Intent, a soul-harming sword intent. With Unyielding characteristics, once it pierces the enemy’s soul, even if resisted, the lingering sword intent becomes hard to remove. The residual sword intent continuously impacts the soul, becoming an eternal wound on the soul. Should the soul weaken one day, it could be annihilated by the sword intent. "Unyielding Sword Intent finally figured out how to leverage Unyielding Qi to enhance strength." Li Xuan had a hunch that Xu Yan might ultimately discover how to use Unyielding Qi to cultivate a primordial spirit-type divine art, or even resist the loss of wisdom from Unyielding Qi exposure. Although Xu Yan’s specialty lay not in the Extreme Soul Martial Path, opting for a pure martial path, his genius might lead him to derive from the Extreme Soul Martial Path methods of avoiding adverse Unyielding Qi effects. "Pure Martial Path, in its pure form, can encompass myriad Daos." Li Xuan sighed, acknowledging that one day Xu Yan would carve his unique martial path. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Extreme Soul Martial Path (极魂武道)** - A martial cultivation path centered around the extremity and transformation of the spirit, emphasizing intense integration of the physical form into the soul, resulting in supreme spiritual concentration and power. Alternative translations might be "Ultimate Soul Martial Discipline" or "Supreme Spirit Path." 2. **Tai-Kun Realm (太崑境)** - Identified as a crucial geographical or cosmic realm in the narrative, possibly holding significant events or characters. Alternatives could include "Grand Kun Realm" or "Mighty Foundation Domain." 3. **Unyielding Sword Intent (不化剑意)** - A profound sword intent cultivated using Unyielding Qi, characterized by perpetual indestructibility. This endows the sword intent with resilience against dissipation, maintaining influence over time. Alternatives can be "Immutable Sword Intent" or "Indestructible Sword Will." 4. **Sui Hongwu (隋弘武)** - A character presumably allied with Great Yue, overseeing its capital in the emperor’s place. Confirmation of character role and potential affiliations needed. 5. **Feng Yan (封岩)** - An Immortal Heavenly Venerable known for seizing opportunities, currently focusing on divine arts and work balance while disregarding Nine Mountains Realm chaos. Confirmation of character motivations and connections needed. The narrative reveals Jiang Buping's progression into the Extreme Soul Martial Path and Xu Yan's mastery of the Unyielding Sword Intent, highlighting unique cultivation methods and regional political dynamics.