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

### Chapter 421: Yan Shanhe from the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance and the Framed Meng Chong In the Changyun Realm, Bai Mu City stands as one of the major cities, hosting the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance for the Changyun Realm. The Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance is the premier merchant alliance in the Divine Domain, with influence spanning thirty realms. The Changyun Realm is one such domain. Throughout the Divine Domain, whether for purchasing or selling treasures, the first choice is always the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance. It's backed by many powerful forces, possessing deep roots and immense power. Yan Shanhe, the leader of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance in the Changyun Realm, is a formidable force among the top-tier Immortal Heavenly Venerables. Today, the usual affable smile on his round face has vanished, replaced by a somber and fiercely murderous expression. "I, Yan Shanhe, have always been amiable, believing in harmonious business. Even if the younger generation errs, I am the first to apologize and never use my strength to oppress others. "As the leader of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance in the Changyun Realm, I prioritize our interests, ensuring harmonious transactions. I provide quality martial resources for warriors fighting in the Heavenly Abyss and purchase resources from them at high prices when they return. "My only successor, my personal disciple, has been killed. Is it because I've always been kind that they find me easy to bully?" Inside the main hall, all the strong members of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance held their breath, not daring to make a sound. A young man's corpse lay quietly on the ground, his chest slashed open almost splitting him in half. "I have taught my disciple well, never oppressing others, not bullying the weak, bravely battling in the Heavenly Abyss to protect the Divine Domain from foreign invasions. "How cruel must one be to murder my virtuous disciple?" Everyone in the hall hung their heads in silence. Those familiar with Yan Shanhe secretly call him a smiling tiger with a scorpion heart. He appears amiable but is vicious like a scorpion behind the scenes. He never acts personally. If caught, he decisively sacrifices his pawns, mercilessly killing them to uphold a facade of fairness and justice, returning fairness to the victims. Because of this, Yan Shanhe's reputation is excellent externally, with many warriors praising him for maintaining the honor of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance, being impartial and just, never shielding those under him if they dishonor the alliance! The powers subjugated to the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance know Yan Shanhe's true nature, yet they dare not speak of it, instead eagerly proclaiming his integrity and selflessness. His personal disciple naturally is no saint either. Yet, like Yan Shanhe, he appears a good person publicly, hiding his dirty deeds in the shadows. Relying on Yan Shanhe as his master and the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance's influence, who in Changyun Realm dared oppose him? Moreover, his strength was formidable, at the peak of the True King Heavenly Venerable. He was constantly accompanied by three guards; who, aside from an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, could kill him? And none of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables would offend Yan Shanhe over this, while the other True King Heavenly Venerables were aware, choosing not to target him. Thus, no one expected someone like Yan Ping would ever be killed! "Speak, who is the murderer?" Yan Shanhe asked with a grim face. "Lord League Master, the murderer's identity is unknown, only that he was bald, burly, and very skilled with a blade. Even with our lives on the line, we couldn't withstand him." Behind Yan Ping's corpse, a pale-faced middle-aged man, missing an arm, spoke in a weak voice. "Although Ping'er was at the peak of the Refining True Realm, you three have long honed your skills there. How could four be defeated unless against an Immortal Heavenly Venerable in Changyun Realm? "Even if unmatched, surely escape was possible, yet only you survived, gravely injured. When has such a powerful Refining True Realm opponent appeared in Changyun Realm?" Yan Shanhe coldly asked. "Lord League Master, could it be a warrior from another realm? Even if such an individual existed in Changyun Realm, no one would dare act." A Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance strong practitioner in the hall solemnly suggested. "What grievance did my disciple have with him?" Yan Shanhe turned to the armless man. "Lord League Master, Young Master Yan had a harmonious relationship with a beautiful woman, but unexpectedly..." Yan Shanhe waved his hand dismissively, knowing it was likely coercion, and they encountered someone righteous who intervened, leading to his disciple's death. "Deal with the woman accordingly, issue a bounty, pursue this individual. Those who provide information shall be rewarded; those who capture him alive will be richly rewarded... "Send my order, have twenty guards from the Treasure Protectors, led by two half-step Immortal Venerables, tasked with capturing this person. I want him skinned alive!" The alliance strong practitioners in the hall quickly and respectfully replied, "Yes, Lord League Master!" "My poor disciple!" Yan Shanhe's round face displayed a mournful look. "Despite living a life of peace and harmony, my personal disciple has been viciously murdered. Bury him with honor." Turning away, as he left the hall, the tension lifted from the many there, like casting off a heavy burden. Yet, Yan Shanhe's voice echoed: "The guards failed in their duty, severely injured, another arm lost, nursing a wasted divine medicine, bury him as well!" "Yes!" Inside the hall, everyone's hearts went cold. The armless man, faced drained of color, slumped on the floor. In a secret chamber within a mansion in Bai Mu City. "Has the plan succeeded?" "Master, it has succeeded. Yan Ping is dead; all participants are also dead. Yan Shanhe has issued a bounty, pursuing Meng Chong." "Very good! Meng Chong having arrived in Changyun from Jiushan, presumably means Xu Yan has also left Jiushan. Relay this information to Lord Tian Shiqi." "Understood!" "Master, with Xu Yan and Meng Chong being extraordinary prodigies, surely there's someone powerful behind them. If by chance..." "Foolish! What is Tian Sha Di Ying's aim? The stronger the forces behind Xu Yan and Meng Chong, the better, isn't it? The fear is they don't retaliate. If they do, it's advantageous. "Our Tian Sha Di Ying spreads across many major powers; won't the Divine Domain churn with turmoil once entangled?" "I understand now!" "Right, has Song You not been dealt with? He must be silenced; if he knows anything and leaks it, it would be unfavorable to us." "Rest assured, Master. He's being hunted and won't live long. Besides, if he knew anything, he'd have exposed it by now." "Hmm, proceed swiftly!" "Yes!" In some place in Changyun Realm, Meng Chong strode boldly towards a city. "I should explore what peculiar Heavenly Abysses Changyun Realm has, what unique heavenly materials and treasures. It's time to start seeking treasures to build a foundation for a breakthrough." Meng Chong had mapped out a rough plan for his martial path. Traveling through, every realm in the Divine Domain, those thirty-six realms have unique heavenly materials and treasures waiting to be accumulated for the transformation into the second level of the Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique. "The third level hasn't been comprehended yet, but there's no rush. Perhaps searching for marvellous treasures, like the Blood Heart Fruit, can assist comprehension and speed up martial insights." Meng Chong mused. "According to those warriors, for buying and selling treasures, even learning about tomes, heavenly materials, and treasures, the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance is the place to visit. The alliance spans thirty realms, with deep knowledge of unique materials, and there's much to learn by visiting. "Once in the city, I'll visit the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance and see what worthy treasures they may have." Meng Chong entered the city, making some inquiries before heading straight to the alliance. "Huh?" On a rooftop within the city, a gathering of warriors took notice. "Isn't that the person wanted by the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance?" "Bald, burly... Yes, he's indeed the notorious one wanted for killing Young Master Yan Ping!" "Gasp! This person is bold, parading openly, dismissing the alliance, ignoring Leader Yan Shanhe. Does he have deep backing?" "If he's daring enough to kill Young Master Yan Ping, perhaps he does have some connections. Yet, the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance isn't an ordinary force. Even extraordinary prodigies must account for their actions. He's being too ostentatious." "Let's quickly report his presence to the alliance." "Wait, is he heading towards the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance branch?" "Gasp! Indeed he is. Could he have a grudge with them, intending to wreak havoc at their branch?" Imagining such, the warriors were stunned and excitedly hurried towards the alliance's branch, eager to witness the spectacle. Oblivious to his bounty, Meng Chong continued delving towards the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance branch. ### Terms Explained: 1. **Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance (萬寶盟)**: A powerful merchant organization renowned throughout the realms for its vast resources and alliances. Literal translations maintain the imagery of an all-encompassing treasury. 2. **Yan Shanhe (嚴山和)**: Known as a "smiling tiger" being amicably deceptive. Here, Shanhe translates to "mountain and river" symbolizing resilience and depth. 3. **Heavenly Abyss (天窟)**: This translation preserves the mystical and perilous nature of the location. The term "窟" implies an otherworldly cave or abyss within the heavens. 4. **Blood Heart Fruit (血心果)**: Direct translation preserving the imagery of a powerful and lifeblood-linked artifact suggested in context as enhancing martial insight. Alterations in provided character names and realm terms might be unnecessary as they align with extracted context. Additional characters and techniques consistently followed provided pronoun conventions and existing context delineations. ### Branch Manager and "Big Shopkeeper" of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance The individual responsible for a branch of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance is referred to as the "Big Shopkeeper (大掌櫃)." They are typically at the True King pinnacle or even the half-step Immortal Realm. The leader of the Treasure Protectors, without exception, must be a half-step Immortal, having honed their skills in the True King Heavenly Venerable Realm for a considerable time. Feng Yang was in the midst of entertaining an esteemed guest and was just about to escort them out when he noticed a bald and burly man entering. Initially, he paid it little heed. Yet, in the next moment, a spark of realization lit up in his mind! A bounty had been issued from the main alliance in the Changyun Realm. Leader Yan Shanhe had dispatched twenty Treasure Protector experts to hunt down the murderer of Young Master Yan Ping. The murderer was described as a bald, burly martial artist, and the person who just walked in matched the description exactly! The murderer! In an instant, Feng Yang was astonished. Could the perpetrator have come seeking capture of his own accord? "Can you provide me with a ledger of the Divine Domain's heavenly materials and treasures and introduce your Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance's collection of rare items?" came the voice of the murderer from nearby. Having seen off the guest, Feng Yang turned back, spotting the bald youth at the counter, seemingly ready to make a purchase. The attending maidservant, her expression peculiar, also realized that this individual might be the one wanted by the leader for killing Young Master Yan Ping. But she was uncertain—why would someone walk into their trap so openly? Perhaps he merely resembled the murderer? "Alright, dear guest, please hold on a moment. May I boldly inquire if you need any divine weapons? What kind of weapon suits you best? Looking at your formidable demeanor, do you perhaps practice blade techniques? Such domineering arts befit your mighty presence!" Meng Chong rubbed his head, grinning, "Indeed, indeed. You have a keen eye—only a blade can match my prowess!" No doubt about it! This person must be the notorious villain! Feng Yang's heart roared with excitement—his chance to make a name for himself had arrived. However, acknowledging that this individual was immensely powerful, confronting him alone would be futile. He'd be unable to subdue him. Immediately, he communicated with the Treasure Protector warriors, instructing the team leader to seek assistance from the city's powerful practitioners. "May I ask for your esteemed name?" he inquired. The maidservant, meanwhile, placed a thick ledger of the Divine Domain's heavenly materials and treasures on the counter and began introducing the items available at the alliance branch. To buy time! "My name is Meng Chong," he replied with a smile. "Dear guest, you see, these are our branch's heavenly materials and treasures, all sourced from various realms in the Divine Domain. Their quality is extremely high, so naturally, the prices aren't low. You can't buy them with mere Spirit Crystals..." As Meng Chong browsed the ledger, listening to the maid's introduction, he asked, "Anything special about heavenly materials and treasures, maybe akin to Blood Heart Fruit? Also, treasures for the body, including those harmful toxins." The maid responded with a smile. Suddenly, Meng Chong's brow creased. A killing intent! He looked up, to find that over a dozen True King Heavenly Venerable pinnacle experts from the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance had surrounded him. The maidservant explaining things retreated swiftly. "What does your Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance intend?" Meng Chong was puzzled. He hadn't offended the alliance—could this be an underground branch of Tian Sha Di Ying? He turned his gaze to Feng Yang and asked solemnly. Though surrounded, to Meng Chong, these were mere True King Venerables and posed no threat. Even if one was a half-step Immortal, it made little difference. "Are you Meng Chong? You dare strut into our alliance branch after killing the disciple of our leader? You've walked right into our net; surrender obediently!" Feng Yang coldly declared. "What leader of the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance? I've killed no one!" Meng Chong was surprised. Having just arrived in Changyun Realm and meeting a few warriors for intel, he hadn't harmed anyone on his journey to this city. "You must have the wrong person!" he protested. Enraged, Feng Yang retorted, "Rogue! Quit your excuses—surrender now!" "Seize him!" At a gesture, the strong practitioners attacked immediately, sealing all escape routes. "I, Meng Chong, stand by my actions! If I haven't killed, then I haven't. If you seek conflict, then let my blade render justice!" Meng Chong's expression steeled. Though he realized he might have been framed, with the alliance already making their move, was he to just take the hit? Boom! Golden light flared, the radiance of stars emerged. In that instant, under the starry glow, the alliance's powerful warriors found their bodies sinking, as if trapped in a quagmire. "What martial art is this? No wonder he could kill Young Master Yan Ping!" The alliance's warriors felt a chill in their hearts. Boom! Several of the Treasure Protector warriors unleashed their hidden techniques. Over a dozen True King Heavenly Venerable pinnacle fighters joined forces, murderous intent radiating as they attacked. Since words failed, Meng Chong wouldn't hold back. This conflict would inevitably sour relations with the alliance. Why be cautious? "This is an alliance branch stocked with treasures. If it comes to blows, then I, Meng Chong, shall take them unapologetically!" With that thought, Meng Chong roared and transformed into a giant of resplendent gold, sweeping his hands and smashing the branch's grand hall. ### Terms Explained: 1. **Big Shopkeeper (大掌櫃)**: A high-ranking managerial position within the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance, someone with substantial authority and fighting prowess. 2. **Feng Yang (馮陽)**: A name unchanged because of its commonality, representing the character's routine presence within the alliance. His actions and demeanor align well with his role within the narrative. The translation aimed to maintain the tone and context of Meng Chong's confrontation while preserving its core motifs. These adaptations align with character interactions and Meng Chong's personality as depicted, capturing both his strategic and unconstrained nature when entangled in misunderstandings or conflicts.