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

### Chapter 420: Enlightenment of the Heaven and Earth Realm Li Xuan naturally did not know what the existence of a Nether Shaman (冥巫) was. No matter how powerful he was, after all, he was already dead. Why care about an ant? "How could this Master remember the name of an ant? Those whose names this Master remembers are but a few, and even they are not worth mentioning," Li Xuan said earnestly. It was necessary to make his disciple understand that one shouldn't ask him if he knew every strong person they encountered. In the eyes of this Master, they were all ants, unworthy of being remembered! "Who is that towering figure? My disciple, if he is alive, you'll know him when your strength is sufficient. If he is already dead, knowing is pointless," Li Xuan continued thoughtfully. "Focus on your cultivation and strive to comprehend the Martial Arts of the Heaven and Earth Realm soon. When the time comes, I'll teach you new martial methods. Just consider him a short-term goal and strive to surpass him," Li Xuan continued in a practiced tone. "My disciple understands, and it brings comfort to this Master!" Li Xuan nodded in satisfaction, offering encouragement to his disciple. "The Nether Shaman? This Master does not remember the name of ants. For questions, ask your senior brother," Li Xuan instructed, noticing Meng Chong's inquiry about the Nether Shaman and directing him to seek Xu Yan. At this moment, Li Xuan couldn't help but think of someone—Mei Wu (媚巫). He mused inwardly, "Mei Wu, could she be of equal strength to this Nether Shaman? If that's true, her true form is beyond my current ability to contend with." Looking up at the sky, Li Xuan reassured himself that Mei Wu, no matter how powerful, currently posed no threat to him. "Xu Yan is confident he can soon comprehend the martial techniques of the Heaven and Earth Realm. I am also on the verge of breaking through to this realm, and my strength will take a significant leap. I'll be close to transcending Heaven and Earth." "As for that figure, who is he battling? Perhaps, the one in the stone house within the State of Wu might know, as it involves the changes of the Tai-Cang Realm. Once I break through the Heaven and Earth Realm and imprint the Tai-Cang Grand Principles, I'll meet him to probe these secrets." Li Xuan had formed a plan in his heart. Understanding the realms of these supreme beings would help him develop further martial techniques. "The Tai-Cang Grand Principles, I am about to thoroughly imprint them," Li Xuan felt invigorated. Once fully imprinted with the Tai-Cang Principles, he had an intuition that he could control the laws of the Tai-Cang Realm, even if not entirely, at least some parts of its power. "Once I break through to the Heaven and Earth Realm and comprehend the essence of the Tai-Cang Realm, even though I'm not the ruler of the Tai-Cang Realm, I can protect myself from supreme beings, unless their power rivals the owner of the Tai-Cang Principles," Li Xuan felt his confidence surge. ... Wandering the wilderness, heaven and earth seemed desolate. After half a month of lonely travel, Xu Yan finally crossed the wilderness and entered Longyun Territory. After exchanging messages with Meng Chong and Jiang Buping, Xu Yan began searching for a secluded place to enter seclusion. "Longyun Territory is still stable, and Tian Sha and Di Ying probably don't know that I have left Nine Mountain Territory. I can take this time to retreat and consume the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower," Xu Yan thought, excited. "I must quickly surpass that figure! Master was right; setting a short-term goal to surpass that strong person is essential!" If it's a short-term goal as Master said, it implies that person's strength isn't considered terribly strong in Master's eyes, Xu Yan mused. "Indeed, Master is truly a highman, the invincible one. It seems Master has hidden himself due to invincible loneliness," Xu Yan reflected, recalling his first meeting with Master in the small mountain village. "When will I ever experience this state of invincible loneliness that Master endures? Unless I surpass Master, I'll never feel it. Master is hidden because he has reached the end of the martial path and is unmatched? Is Master the pinnacle of the martial path?" Xu Yan pondered. "No, Master has repeatedly said there is no end to the martial path. Master is continuously forging new martial paths...because on his journey, he no longer has companions or equals... Everyone else has long been left behind, walking alone, leading to this solitude and hence, the retreat in the small village," Xu Yan finally realized. "This is it," Xu Yan declared. Near the wilderness, in Longyun Territory, stood a verdant valley covered by evergreens, clouds intertwining the peaks. The isolation made it an ideal place for seclusion and consuming the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower. Setting up a concealing formation, the "Phenomena of Mountains and Rivers" appeared, merging into the valley, transforming its very essence while leaving its outward appearance unchanged. Inside the cave, after some tidying, Xu Yan began his seclusion. In Nine Mountain Territory, Tian Sha and Di Ying began searching for Xu Yan and Meng Chong. The Unyielding Heavenly Venerables of Hengfeng Mountain and Thousand-Stack Mountain also personally embarked on the search within Nine Mountain Territory. The Great Mountain also became one of their targets since Xu Yan had some dealings with Wan Tianlin and connections with the Wan family. However, the Wan family wielded immense power, with top-notch Immortal Heavenly Venerables in residence, confident they had nothing to fear. Time swiftly passed. Xu Yan and Meng Chong disappeared just as before, eluding all efforts to track them. "Do these two possess some supreme treasure concealing them?" Tian Qishi frowned. All the treasures had been sent to the Wind Spirit Tiger, but without locating the people, the Wind Spirit Tiger had no opportunity to act, making it as if the treasures were given to him in vain. At Lingzun Mountain, Tian Qishi arrived once more. "Well, have you found them?" The Wind Spirit Tiger sat on his throne, looking down at Tian Qishi, whose expression darkened. "Wind Spirit King, let's change the request. Instead of killing Xu Yan and Meng Chong, help me with something else," Tian Qishi proposed. "What do you take the Wind Spirit King for? Change as you please? In fact, you may do so with an additional offering of treasure, otherwise, it's off the table!" The Wind Spirit Tiger's initial agreement shifted as he altered his stance. Tian Qishi glanced at the Bengal Tiger beside the Wind Spirit Tiger, noting the changes it brought about in the Wind Spirit Tiger and Lingzun Mountain. "Wind Spirit King, double the offering is excessive," Tian Qishi shook his head. "It's not excessive; it must be double!" The Wind Spirit Tiger insisted firmly. His sage brother was right; why exert your strength if you can gain freely? If more efforts are solicited, the appropriate treasure tribute must be offered to maintain the dignity of the Wind Spirit King! Tian Qishi pondered and said, "Alright, I'll offer double the treasures. However, the task requires you to leave Nine Mountain Territory; it's a long journey..." Before he could finish, the Wind Spirit Tiger interrupted, "Leave Nine Mountain Territory? Such a long journey, double isn't enough!" Damn! Tian Qishi's face darkened. He glanced at Red Cat and mulled over his words before sending a telepathic message, "I'll give you a treasure if you persuade the Wind Spirit King, how about that?" Showing no emotion, Red Cat replied, "The Wind Spirit King is the ruler of Lingzun Mountain, and he cannot leave easily, no!" His stance was resolute. "In that case, if you convince the Wind Spirit King, I'll award you a treasure to help enhance your bloodline to the Immortal Realm Spirit Beast. What do you think?" Determined, Tian Qishi was ready to pay a high price to enlist the help of the Wind Spirit King. "Moreover, rest assured, the Wind Spirit King won't leave immediately. You'll have enough time to advance to immortality, ensuring that even if the Wind Spirit King departs, Lingzun Mountain will have a spirit beast king to oversee it!" Red Cat mulled over, realizing that Tian Qishi's insistence on collaboration hinted at something significant, perhaps threatening to the Wind Spirit Tiger. However, since it wouldn't happen immediately, opportunities remained. Furthermore, the treasure aiding its ascension to the Immortal Realm would undoubtedly be extraordinary. Although it was not a spiritual beast, practicing the Greater Beast Arts, such treasures would significantly uplift it. "The departure of the Wind Spirit Tiger would be my chance to establish the Beast Tribe. As the Red Cat Greater Beast King, my debut is near. Tian Sha and Di Ying's plot could jeopardize the Wind Spirit Tiger's life. "Regardless, as a powerful member of the tiger clan, I'll save him now, and in the future, when he calls me king, he naturally becomes my general," Red Cat pondered. --- **New Terms Translation and Context Explanation:** 1. **Nether Shaman (冥巫)** - A powerful yet mysterious entity. "冥" implies darkness or the netherworld, and "巫" suggests a shaman or sorcerer. The term suggests an individual with dark or mystical powers, possibly involving death or spirits. 2. **Mei Wu (媚巫)** - Another enigmatic character, possibly equated in strength to the Nether Shaman. "媚" suggests enchantment or charm, coupled with "巫," indicating a sorceress. 3. **Tai-Cang Grand Principles (太蒼總綱)** - Refers to a set of paramount doctrines governing the Tai-Cang Realm. "總綱" implies fundamental principles. 4. **Phenomena of Mountains and Rivers (山河萬象)** - Describes a formation or illusion technique using the natural landscape, reinforcing the valley's true form. 5. **Wind Spirit King (風靈王)** - The title of the Wind Spirit Tiger, indicating leadership and sovereignty over Lingzun Mountain. "王" means king or ruler. 6. **Lingzun Mountain (靈尊山)** - The domain of the Wind Spirit King and Red Cat, emphasizing spirit grandeur, as indicated by "靈" (spirit) and "尊" (venerable or lordly). 7. **Red Cat (赤貓)** - This character seems to have ambitions and is portrayed as a future leader or king in his narrative. The name "赤" denotes the color red, possibly symbolizing vitality or danger. These terms and concepts are essential to understand the intricate power dynamics and ambitions in the realm as characters strive for strength, survival, and influence. No significant changes to the existing list are required beyond adding these new terms. ### Translation and Contextual Explanation Red Cat pondered over the situation and replied, "That's my elder brother, how can I send him into danger? There must be an increase in price!" Underneath his mask, Tian Qishi's face darkened further. This Bengal Tiger was indeed greedy, but a greedy tiger was easier to manipulate. In case the Wind Spirit Tiger failed, this tiger could still serve his purposes. "Agreed," Tian Qishi nodded. "Then provide my elder brother with three portions of treasures and give me double portions. I'm afraid one portion won't be enough for my breakthrough," Red Cat said matter-of-factly. Since Tian Qishi insisted on cooperating with the Wind Spirit Tiger, Red Cat naturally demanded a great deal, intending to extort as much as possible. "Very well," Tian Qishi complied. He then spoke again, "Wind Spirit King, three portions of treasure is the limit." "Deal!" The Wind Spirit Tiger agreed promptly. Tian Qishi became even more convinced that this Bengal Tiger was the one making decisions. "I'll deliver the treasures when the time is ripe," Tian Qishi said as he turned to leave. ... Xu Yan swallowed the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower in one gulp, and his entire being was enveloped in a radiant seven-colored glow, immersed in insight. The martial path he had walked unfolded before him. More understandings surfaced in his heart. His pure and unblemished martial foundation gleamed brightly, and his primordial spirit's eyes opened, seemingly observing a series of scenes. Amidst the haze, he saw a vast heaven and earth and a towering figure worthy of martial reverence. Xu Yan was deeply absorbed in his insights while the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower gradually refined within him. "My martial path." "Holy Sword Realm, no sword fails to bow, no sword fails to comply... Ah, so that's the way. I've finally understood how to cultivate the Holy Sword Realm. The door to the Holy Sword Realm has already opened," Xu Yan suddenly comprehended, realizing the profoundness of the Holy Sword Realm. Even though the road is long, he's finally found his direction. At that moment, Xu Yan achieved perfection in the Wisdom Sword Realm. His aura continued to strengthen, mere inches from completing the Divine Appearance Realm. The Mountain and River Saint Physique radiated brilliance, its energy rising steadily. Who knew how much time had passed? Finally, he took that crucial step, and his power surged. Achievement in the Divine Appearance Realm! He was now closer to entering the Void Shattering Realm. "With the body as heaven and earth, the Divine Apparition becomes the form of heaven and earth, using one's martial principles as the laws of heaven and earth..." Xu Yan immersed himself in the enlightenment of the martial methods of the Heaven and Earth Realm. He was only a step away from comprehending it fully. Now, under the influence of the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower, he organized his martial path, from the Qi and Blood Realm to the comprehended Void Shattering Realm. Each realm was integrated, creating a clear martial path. And the Heaven and Earth Realm was now emerging on this martial path. "So that's it, I've understood!" Xu Yan exclaimed after an unknown period. His martial path suddenly expanded, stretching indefinitely, as if he had entered a boundless realm. This was a significant leap on the martial path. The martial method of the Heaven and Earth Realm became clear at this moment. The seven-colored light enveloping him dimmed, and Xu Yan exhaled deeply, opening his eyes. "Mei Wu, truly a noble person. This Seven-Wonder Divine Flower is indeed an extraordinary treasure. I wonder if she has any treasure even more miraculous." At this moment, Xu Yan wished to meet Mei Wu again, to inquire if she possessed any treasures more amazing than the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower. If she did, he wouldn't mind being "plotted against" by her. "Heaven and Earth Realm, I've grasped it." Xu Yan was thrilled. "Strive to breakthrough to the Void Shattering Realm soon." Having achieved perfection in the Divine Appearance Realm, the Void Shattering Realm wasn't too far off. However, before that breakthrough, he needed to accumulate his foundation, to transform during the breakthrough. "The Void Shattering Realm should be the final transformation, right? The Heaven and Earth Realm can't undergo transformation anymore; it's no longer a realm of physical metamorphosis." Xu Yan understood clearly. The transformation when breaking through to the Void Shattering Realm was the culmination of physical evolution. The Heaven and Earth Realm transcends physical transformation. Even if a change can occur, it's not a mere physical transformation anymore, nor can it rely entirely on accumulated power for transformation. "Within ten years, I'll achieve the Void Shattering!" Xu Yan set a small goal for himself—to break through the Void Shattering Realm within ten years. "If Mei Wu assists me, perhaps it won't even take ten years!" Xu Yan mused aloud. "Longyun Territory seems to have the Sorcery Abyss (巫魔天窟). I wonder if there are ways to draw Mei Wu here," Xu Yan contemplated. Mei Wu was undoubtedly very powerful. The stronger someone is, the more mystical treasures they possess, surely even surpassing the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower. "Longyun Territory, here I come!" Xu Yan exited the cave, waved his hand to retract the formation disk, and rose into the air, heading towards the major city within Longyun Territory to gather information, especially about the heavenly abyss. "With my current strength, ordinary Immortal Heavenly Venerables can't handle me anymore." Xu Yan's confidence grew, using the Yin-Yang Immortal Sword, even top-tier Immortal Heavenly Venerables like the Grand Mountain Monarch couldn't trap him; he could easily escape. A day later, a great city appeared in view, and Xu Yan entered the city to learn about the Sorcery Abyss in Longyun Territory, hoping to find a way to bring Mei Wu forth. --- **New Terms Translation and Context Explanation:** 1. **Sorcery Abyss (巫魔天窟)** - This term suggests a mysterious and possibly dangerous location associated with sorcerers or magical entities. "巫" denotes witchcraft or sorcery, "魔" implies demonic or formidable power, and "天窟" refers to a lofty cave or abyss, likely symbolizing an enigmatic cavern or secret place. 2. **Yin-Yang Immortal Sword (陰陽不滅劍)** - A powerful weapon Xu Yan possesses, representative of balance and eternity as suggested by "Yin-Yang" and "Immortal." 3. **Grand Mountain Monarch (大嶽皇)** - Likely a formidable individual or force within the story, as "皇" suggests imperial or sovereign status. "大嶽" implies greatness or dominance, possibly symbolizing a significant power figure. These terms reflect the growth and ambition in Xu Yan's narrative, aspiring towards newfound realms and alliances. No major alterations to the established list are needed beyond incorporating these terms.