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

Chapter 413: My Name Is Beyond Your Bearing Li Xuan decided to demonstrate his supreme skill in the Extreme Soul Martial Path for his fifth disciple, to let him understand the immense power of his master. Li Xuan sat composed, while a figure emerged. This figure was identical to him, yet exuded an aura of ultimate power, with an additional hint of dominance. "Since you've entered the door, today as your master, I shall reveal a move, allowing you to witness this so-called Extreme Soul Martial Path." The Extreme Soul Physique turned to Jiang Buping and spoke. "Yes, Master!" Jiang Buping was astonished, looking back and forth between the Extreme Soul Physique and his master still leisurely seated, unable to comprehend it all. Su Lingxiu widened her beautiful eyes, scrutinizing the Extreme Soul Physique for a long time, realizing this seemed not to be a Divine Essence Avatar or similar incarnation. It was as if this was indeed the master. "Master, this is..." Li Xuan smiled calmly, "The means of your master aren't something you can fathom. This isn't an avatar; it is also a part of me." Without much explanation, the Extreme Soul Physique then turned its gaze towards the location of the Dayue Heavenly Abyss, and with a smile, it said, "Let's go." "Yes, Master!" Su Lingxiu was thrilled, Jiang Buping was extremely excited, knowing their master was about to act. And Shi’er and others were similarly affected. Feng Yan, displaying anticipation, was simultaneously shocked at the profound and unfathomable depth of their senior master. Despite the fact that Fang Hao had established a grand formation with the power of the world, the Dayue Heavenly Abyss still endured significant impacts, looking on the verge of collapse. Below the Dayue Heavenly Abyss, several Blood Sons were taking action, with countless Blood Slaves and Blood Disciples at the back. Boom! Suddenly, a strong beam of blood light transformed into a scarlet great blade, slicing fiercely, with its surface appearing to burn with a crimson flame. As this slash executed, behind it, thousands of Blood Slaves and dozens of Blood Disciples were refined to enhance the power of the blade. "Defend!" With that slash, came the formidable assault from the Blood Sons. The congregation of True King Heavenly Venerables hurriedly joined forces, leveraging the grand formation's might to withstand this powerful blade. The expression on Great Emperor Dayue's face was exceedingly grim. "I refuse to believe the Netherworld Abyss Blood Slaves can create endless attacks, refining blood without reservation!" He gritted his teeth. This Netherworld Abyss seems mad, intending to reckon even at their core strength just to invade the Qinghua Realm. Otherwise, refining so many Blood Slaves—are they truly not concerned about weakening their power? He recalled past brutal battles. Netherworld Abyss had previously employed similar tactics, whereas Qinghua Realm, in the end, wielded forbidden arts resulting in grievous costs to force the retreat of the Netherworld Abyss. Ever since that ordeal, Netherworld Abyss had abandoned such tactics. Now, deploying them once more, could it be a strategy to exhaust the overall strength of Qinghua Realm by forcing them to retaliate in kind? His thoughts were inevitably drawn to the motives of the Heaven-Curse Earth-Shadow, suspecting their involvement. "Has the Netherworld Abyss's power intruding the Nine-Mountain Realm, all been diverted to assault our Qinghua Realm?" Great Emperor Dayue's expression grew even more unsightly. At present, unrest is widespread in the Nine-Mountain Realm, making it difficult for the Qinghua Realm to seek aid. Even requesting assistance from beyond the Nine-Mountain Realm proved arduous due to vast distances, necessitating traversal of the Nine-Mountain Realm, resulting in significant delays even if help were dispatched. "This time, the losses must not be overly severe." Great Emperor Dayue assessed the formation and believed—with its help—there wouldn't be catastrophic casualties. Just then, his expression changed once more. With a swift move, he appeared in front of Fang Hao, striking back a scarlet blade emerging from the abyss. Shockingly, this blade was refined from over fifty Blood Disciples. Has the Netherworld Abyss gone insane? Even with numerous Blood Disciples, such consumption is unsustainable. To break through the formation at such costs—what's next? Refining Blood Sons for explosive great arts? Boom! Under the assault of both the formation and Great Emperor Dayue, the blade was deflected. However, in the next moment, Great Emperor Dayue's expression shifted dramatically. From behind the abyss, a Blood Son approached toward the entrance. Blood-red flames swirled around him, his energy growing stronger as he neared. Then, the surrounding Blood Slaves transformed into blood-colored light, flowing into him. Upon reaching the abyss entrance, this Blood Son had already become a scarlet, icy, murderously aura-emitting great blade. The leading Blood Son raised a hand, gripping this scarlet blade, his gaze dark and sinister, he looked at Great Emperor Dayue and then at Fang Hao. "This is bad, Brother Fang, fall back!" Horrified, Great Emperor Dayue urged. This blade, refined from a Blood Son and thousands of Blood Slaves, possessed unimaginably potent power. Even he would struggle to fend it off without forbidden arts. The other remaining Immortal Heavenly Venerables wore heavy expressions too. One stepped forth, energy surging, "Your Majesty, I shall resign my cultivation and fight him!" At this juncture, a desperate measure was needed; otherwise, the barrier would fall, and Netherworld Abyss's foes would certainly breach the Qinghua Realm. Fang Hao, too, was stunned. Has this Netherworld Abyss Blood Son gone mad? Such madness? In that instant, he felt a bit helpless, as his strength paled before this threat. Yet, no time seemed available to waste, the power of the world surged like a tide, the Laws of Heaven and Earth fell, and radiance swept over Fang Hao as the Mysterious Divine Weapon Casket unveiled, launching several marvelous divine weapons. He prepared to establish a grand array of the Heaven and Earth Mysteries to resist the blade from the Netherworld Abyss Blood Son. At this moment, several figures descended. "Master?!" Fang Hao was bewildered, seeing his master and puzzled by his difference. Li Xuan nodded, gazing towards the abyss, particularly at the blade formed by the Blood Son's blood refinement, he turned to Jiang Buping, "I will only act this once, however much you learn and perceive will depend on yourself." Jiang Buping earnestly nodded, "Yes, Master!" Hearing this, Great Emperor Dayue and others were overjoyed. The esteemed senior master was going to act, the Dayue Heavenly Abyss would undoubtedly be cleared! Gratefully, they looked towards Jiang Buping, without him, the senior master might not have intervened. Below the abyss, the Netherworld Abyss Blood Son, gripping the scarlet blade, wore a grave expression, eyes locked on Li Xuan’s Extreme Soul Physique, feeling an acute sense of danger. With a lift of his hand, Li Xuan unveiled the Ultimate Soul Weapon. Upon its reveal, the expressions of Great Emperor Dayue and the others turned aghast, averting their gaze hastily. Terrifying! Just a glance and it felt like being torn asunder. What kind of divine weapon was this? Jiang Buping compared his master's Ultimate Soul Weapon with his own Extreme Soul Divine Weapon, instantly awe-struck by the vast disparity. "This is the Ultimate Soul Weapon; more nurturing is needed for yours, as it remains basic." Li Xuan gently stroked the Ultimate Soul Weapon. He then turned to the grim Blood Son, expressionless, and said calmly, "You Netherworld Abyss appreciate blood refinement, now's your chance, continue, or you'll lose even that." "Who are you?" the Blood Son asked gravely. "My name, is beyond your bearing!" Li Xuan replied with indifference, as if dismissing an insect. Boom! Below, the Blood Slaves transmuted into blood light, ceaselessly streaming into the Blood Son's blade. Even the remaining Blood Sons decided to sacrifice themselves through blood refinement. Boom! Even at the abyss entrance's edge, the Laws of Heaven and Earth were in turmoil—countless Blood Slaves within the abyss vanished in an instant, leaving behind only three Blood Sons. Each gripped a scarlet blade. Their powers had maximized the abyss's limit. Yet their blood-refined slaughter blades grew even stronger. "Is that all?" Li Xuan smiled coldly. Peering deep into the abyss, as Blood Disciples, Blood Slaves, and Blood Sons dwindled, the abyss could now admit new Netherworld Abyss Blood Sons. So, from its depths, more Blood Sons descended. "Extreme Soul Martial Path, soul-devouring, body-slaughtering, peerless offensive, with soul extinction as the prime, and body slaughter as the auxiliary, all techniques are subservient to soul extinction." **Translation Notes:** 1. **Qinghua Realm (青華境):** Literal translation is "Green Flower Realm." 2. **Dayue Heavenly Abyss (大嶽天窟):** "Dayue" is a place name, translating to "Great Mountain," and "Heavenly Abyss" refers to a significant chasm or deep pit. 3. **Netherworld Abyss (冥獄):** "Netherworld" implies a dark underworld, and "Abyss" refers to a deep or seemingly endless chasm. 4. **Blood Sons, Blood Slaves, Blood Disciples (血子, 血奴, 血徒):** Literal translations of these terms imply varied ranks or roles within a blood-themed hierarchy, leading to significant force in the narrative. 5. **Great Emperor Dayue (大嶽皇):** "Great Emperor of Great Mountain," hinting at a sovereign or leader of significance. These names have been translated to maintain clarity in English for a fantasy setting while adhering to the original context and character significance. "The extinction of the soul leaves everything void, turning all to emptiness. "The divine soul is hard to defend, and yet not easily slain, but the Extreme Soul Martial Path is born for this very purpose—slaying the divine soul. The path of the extreme soul employs one's utmost soul to vanquish the myriad souls of living beings," Li Xuan explained to Jiang Buping, lifting the Ultimate Soul Weapon and slowly thrusting it forward. This thrust was incredibly slow, as if any Grandmaster martial artist could easily avoid it. However, facing this thrust, the three Blood Sons were utterly horrified, unable to evade and feeling as if a great terror was striking at their souls. "Kill!" With a furious roar, they unleashed their mightiest attack, invoking the deadly arts born from their blood refinement! Jiang Buping gripped his spear tightly, eyes wide as he watched his master's move. The spear seemed mundane yet embodied the essence of the Extreme Soul Martial Path. Great Emperor Dayue and the others were similarly shocked. It seemed as if the senior's technique was only executed at the Immortal Heavenly Venerable level, clearly suppressing his power just to teach his disciple. Yet, observing this strike made the Immortal Heavenly Venerables feel as if there was no escape, no defense, their divine souls surged with immense danger. If such terror was inflicted upon those not targeted by the strike, what horror enveloped the three Blood Sons? As the spear pierced forward ever so slowly, in the moment the three Blood Sons countered, a chilling brilliance lit up the abyss entrance. This chilling brilliance was perceived by the soul, not the eyes! Splat! The eyes of the three Blood Sons turned void in an instant, their unleashed attacks vanishing, as if their soul awareness had completely dissipated. Stepping forward, Li Xuan entered the abyss. With his movement, the bodies of the Blood Sons turned to ash, while the remaining Blood Slaves and Blood Disciples fell to the ground, soulless, empty shells. Upon Li Xuan's entry, these husks too disintegrated into ash. Gulp! Great Emperor Dayue and others swallowed, their hearts trembling. These formidable Netherworld Abyss warriors nearly breached the abyss defense, yet the senior dispatched them with a single spear, turning every enemy to ash. Alarmingly, the senior seemed to have suppressed his cultivation, acting only at the Immortal Heavenly Venerable level? A true master indeed. "So this is the Extreme Soul Martial Path, the Extreme Soul Divine Art?!" Jiang Buping murmured, both excited and awed. "Fifth junior disciple, strive diligently in your cultivation," Su Lingxiu, recovering from her shock, patted Jiang Buping's shoulder with a smile. Then eagerly, she followed into the abyss. "I will!" Jiang Buping, clutching his spear, gazed firmly ahead, mentally envisioning the destruction of Immortal Heavenly Venerables with one strike. Such shock, such thrill. I, Jiang Buping, will surely enhance the Extreme Soul Martial Path, making it renowned throughout the Divine Domain! "This spear wasn't bad," Li Xuan muttered internally. He indeed didn't unleash his full potential, yet the spear was formidable enough. With a single thrust, the Blood Sons’ divine souls vanished, offering them no resistance at all. The domain of soul-killing was indeed dominant and powerful. Entering the abyss, a torrent of blood swelled, led by Blood Sons commanding Blood Disciples and Blood Slaves in attack. Li Xuan slightly lifted his spear, a cold glint instantly vanquishing a Blood Son, erasing half the Blood Disciples and Blood Slaves. Turning back to Jiang Buping, he said, "Try your skills." "Yes, Master!" Jiang Buping eagerly brandished his Extreme Soul Divine Weapon, charging forth. Boom! A terrifying spear light tore the air apart, transforming into countless scintillations, launching a deadly assault. Extreme Soul Divine Art, Star Extermination! Li Xuan nodded. Jiang Buping truly possessed extraordinary talent—noted for his divine soul, marked by enormous fortune. He had done well in cultivating this divine art, Star Extermination. Thud! Figures collapsed under Star Extermination, eyes vacated, their souls obliterated. Their bodies remained, but were devoid of life. This was Jiang Buping's first use of divine art, and he couldn't yet achieve instantaneous soul-and-body eradication, hence their souls were extinguished, but their bodies hadn't turned to ash. Raising a palm, Jiang Buping unleashed it, seemingly infused with a black abyss, engulfing a Blood Disciple. Within the Blood Disciple's consciousness, an abyss descended, rendering his soul defenseless, consumed in an instant, leaving the soul obliterated. Li Xuan nodded, recognizing this as another divine art Jiang Buping cultivated—Abyss Devour! So far, Jiang Buping had mastered these two divine arts, and in his journey across the Divine Domain, he would naturally comprehend further Extreme Soul Divine Arts and Martial Techniques through continued battles. "I'll practice too!" Fang Hao, blood boiling, with a tap on the Mysterious Divine Weapon Casket, discharged a torrent of myriad weapons towards the Netherworld Abyss warriors. The Heaven and Earth Mystery Grand Array quickly emerged. Boom! At the abyss core, bloodlight flared as three figures descended, all Blood Sons. Evidently, the Netherworld Abyss sensed changes in the abyss. Li Xuan slightly lifted his spear, and the newly descended Blood Sons abruptly fell, eyes blank and souls eradicated. "Master, keep their bodies!" Su Lingxiu hastily requested. She turned and instructed Feng Yan, "Quickly, fetch the Blood Sons' bodies!" "Alright!" Hearing this, Feng Yan's spirit surged; finally, it was his time to shine. Dashing over, he grabbed the three Blood Sons' bodies to return, yet in that moment, danger loomed, and a strong sense of peril surfaced in his heart. Above the abyss, on the celestial barrier, a drop of dark red blood was descending. **Translation Notes:** 1. **Divine Soul (神魂):** Refers to the spiritual essence or consciousness, key in many cultivation narratives, representing a deeper level of soul or spirit. 2. **Netherworld Abyss Warriors (冥獄武者):** The faction from the underworld-like abyss, signifying their origin and allegiances. 3. **Extreme Soul Divine Art (極魂神通):** Specialty skills within the martial path focused on attacking the soul. 4. **Star Extermination (星滅):** A newly introduced technique of Jiang Buping, metaphorically comparing the destruction caused to extinguishing stars. 5. **Abyss Devour (吞淵):** Another divine art cultivated by Jiang Buping, symbolizing the obliteration akin to devouring by an abyss. 6. **Feng Yan (封岩):** Character identified handling logistics on-site, possibly an associate or disciple.