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

### Chapter 422: Collapsing Ancient Structures, the Disturbance of Changyun Realm Boom! The building housing the Wan Bao Alliance in the city suddenly exploded, causing the entire city to tremble. Everyone looked up in shock to see a figure surrounded by wind and thunder, stars hanging behind him, standing majestically like a celestial being atop the wreckage of the Wan Bao Alliance branch. With one punch, resembling the descent of the great sun, a True King Heavenly Venerable was immediately obliterated. Blade light swept across, bisecting two more True King Heavenly Venerables, displaying ferocious, fierce, and terrifying momentum! "Run!" Those nearby hurriedly fled backward. "This is the assassin wanted by the Wan Bao Alliance, quickly join forces to capture him!" A furious shout echoed across the city. That was the voice of the City Lord! "I told you, I didn't kill them. If you insist on blaming me for it, do you think Meng Chong is easily bullied?" Under the shocked gazes of everyone, that figure, like a celestial being, broke the City Lord apart with just three punches, scattering him into ashes! "Kill!" The True King Heavenly Venerables in the city roared as they joined forces to attack that terrifying figure. "Utilize the cooperative strike technique!" Someone shouted angrily, and so the group of True King Heavenly Venerables began to collectively use the cooperative strike technique to assault Meng Chong. These were warriors who had battled in the Heavenly Abyss, well-versed in the cooperative strike technique, and in an instant, they formed it, interconnecting their energies, creating a powerful offensive force that resonated with the laws of heaven and earth. "Those who participate in capturing this villain will be greatly rewarded by our Wan Bao Alliance..." Feng Yang shouted loudly. "If you have the life to collect the reward, say that again. Die!" Meng Chong swung his blade to slash, ignoring the attacks that landed on him and focusing solely on attacking Feng Yang. This person was the head of the Wan Bao Alliance branch, at the pinnacle realm of True King Heavenly Venerables, and wearing defensive armor that was much stronger than others. No wonder he's so wealthy! But, he was up against Meng Chong, there was no escape. Even others who tried to rescue him could not harm Meng Chong in the slightest. Slash! With a flick of blade light, Feng Yang was crushed to ashes. "One more left!" Meng Chong turned his blade towards the leader of the Treasure Guard, the strongest among them present. "Can you escape?" Under Meng Chong's ferocious blade strikes, the Treasure Guard's leader was also slain. The remaining True King Heavenly Venerables were filled with astonishment and despair. What kind of powerhouse was this? Was he not an Immortal Heavenly Venerable? But it was clear that he did not possess the aura of an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, and even an Immortal Heavenly Venerable would not dare withstand such powerful attacks with their physical body. Was this even human? The longer they fought, the more terrified they became. They fought with increasing fear. "Too strong, invincible below the Immortal Heavenly Venerable!" Some of the True King Heavenly Venerables, who hadn't let their greed cloud their judgment, or those with weaker abilities who couldn't engage in battle, watched from a distance with shock and fear. This person, with strength and martial prowess so terrifying, was undefeatable below the Immortal Heavenly Venerable level. No matter how many True King Heavenly Venerables joined forces, they were just courting death! Boom! "Since I've made a move, there's no turning back, you'll all die!" Meng Chong's eyes blazed with ruthless intent. Since they were already enemies, there was only one way to treat them: annihilation. Although he realized something was wrong—either he was mistaken for the killer or he was being framed—it no longer mattered. Since they had acted and refused to listen to explanations, they must be killed! As long as the power was strong enough, the Wan Bao Alliance would naturally become clear-headed, naturally relent, and naturally understand that he was innocent and had been used by someone. Without enough strength to make the other party bow, no matter how much evidence there was to prove he was framed, it was useless. To avoid losing face, maintain their principle that they were not wrong, even if they knew they were being framed, they would still eliminate the framed person. For no other reason than reputation and dignity. The difference would only be acting against those who framed them. Only by using tremendous strength to force the other party to yield was the only correct way of clarifying. Even if there was no evidence to prove he was framed, as long as the other party yielded, they would naturally acknowledge it, investigate, and seek out the truth! Meng Chong understood the behavioral principles of these large forces very well—pleas without strength were futile! If the power was sufficient, there was no need to argue! At this moment, under the astonished gazes of numerous warriors, a great sun appeared, surrounded by countless stars, with a deity-like figure standing in the midst, encircled by wind and thunder, blade light dancing. The group of True King Heavenly Venerables surrounding and attacking him appeared to be trapped in a swampy abyss under the light of the stars, their movements slowed down considerably. None could escape from that domain of the great sun and stars. One by one, the celestial figure struck them down, each blade and punch obliterating a True King Heavenly Venerable, a terrifying scene that left all warriors in shock. True King Heavenly Venerables, too, were at the top-tier rank of warriors, yet they were so pathetic, akin to grasshoppers, to be easily slain? Were they not Immortal Heavenly Venerables? But without any aura of Immortal Heavenly Venerables, it was clearly due to practicing some unknown, powerful martial arts secret technique. Precisely because of this, it possessed the power to crush those of the same realm. "I've lived this life, thinking I've experienced countless battles, seen numerous fights, but never have I seen a battle like today!" A white-haired True King Heavenly Venerable murmured to himself. He was a True King Heavenly Venerable, having lived until now, nearing the end of his lifespan, having experienced a long life, yet had never witnessed a battle like today. Boom! The battle concluded, all attackers were slain! The True King Heavenly Venerables watching saw the deity-like figure sweep its awe-inspiring gaze over them, causing them to shiver involuntarily, retreating instinctively. They all slightly bowed their heads, unable to meet his gaze, and expressed that they were merely onlookers. Meng Chong reverted to his true form and searched the treasure vault in the almost-ruinous building of the Wan Bao Alliance. Since stepping into the Martial Dao world, it was the first time he had unleashed such a massacre, feeling a sense of exhilaration. Boom! With one swing of his blade, he cleaved open the underground treasury, entering and plundering with abandon. At this moment, Meng Chong couldn't help but recall the scene of ransacking treasure vaults back in the Spiritual Domain, not expecting that after coming to the Divine Domain, he would once again plunder a vault. After emptying it out, Meng Chong ascended into the sky, looking around, and said in a deep voice, "Tell the Wan Bao Alliance, I did not kill the people. Believe it or not, it's up to them. But if they think Meng Chong is easy to bully, insisting on pinning the murders on me and offering a bounty on me, then just try and see if my blade is sharp!" After saying this, Meng Chong disappeared in an instant. The Heavenly Abyss was not an option anymore. If he were blocked inside, it wouldn't be easy to break out. Slightly frustrated, it seemed similar to when he first arrived at the Nine Mountain Realm, where he faced assassination attempts. Abruptly, Meng Chong's brow furrowed! "Heavenly Fiend and Shadow?" At this moment, he thought of the Heavenly Fiend and Shadow, potentially the masterminds behind this situation! "A shadow that won't disappear, huh!" Meng Chong's expression turned grim. ... "Good, very good indeed!" In the main hall of Bai Mu City Wan Bao Alliance, Yan Shanhe's round face was full of gloom and murderous intent. His disciple had been killed! The culprit brazenly entered a Wan Bao Alliance branch and razed the branch to the ground, killing all those who participated in the apprehension, and looted the vault! This was unprecedented for the Wan Bao Alliance, the first time someone had provoked them so boldly! "He's not the killer? If he's not, he should surrender willingly, come before me. Could I wrong him? All excuses, such a fiend must be eliminated!" Yan Shanhe's eyes were filled with murderous intent. This person was trampling on the dignity of the Wan Bao Alliance, provoking its authority, he must die! Otherwise, where is the majesty of the Wan Bao Alliance? Where is the face of Yan Shanhe? "Send the edict, double the bounty, whoever captures this villain shall be my honored guest and receive the Wan Bao Token." Yan Shanhe spoke in a deep voice. "Additionally, summon the major sects of the Changyun Realm, telling them I, Yan Shanhe, invite them." His gaze fell on a person in the hall, one of the Wan Bao Alliance's Immortal Heavenly Venerables. "You are responsible for pursuing this villain; capture him alive. I want to skin him in public, to show the warriors of the Changyun Realm that the Wan Bao Alliance cannot be provoked!" The Immortal Heavenly Venerable hastily responded, "Yes, Alliance Leader!" "Recently, the Heavenly Abyss has quieted down slightly, and more hands can be spared. The primary objective is to capture and kill this person. I want to see if this villain can sweep through the Changyun Realm's Refining True Realm warriors!" Yan Shanhe coldly declared. --- ### New Terms and Translations 1. **Changyun Realm (長雲境)**: This is a realm or region within the story. Literal translation is "Long Cloud Realm". "Changyun" is chosen to maintain the proper names' integrity. 2. **Wan Bao Alliance (萬寶盟)**: A powerful organization in the story. Literal translation is "Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance". "Wan Bao" keeps the phonetic element and indicates wealth. 3. **True King Heavenly Venerable (真王天尊)**: A title/rank for a powerful individual. Literal translation is kept as it directly translates to the same English terms as provided above in the list. 4. **Feng Yang (馮陽)**: Feng Yang is the character in charge of the Wan Bao Alliance branch mentioned in the scene. 5. **Yan Shanhe (嚴山和)**: A character associated with the Wan Bao Alliance, exuding authority and strong resolve. 6. **Heavenly Fiend and Shadow (天煞地影)**: Likely a group or concept involved in the plot to frame Meng Chong. Literal translation is used to retain the conceptual aspect. ### Explanation and Context Updates - **Meng Chong** is established as a formidable character capable of withstanding collective attacks and annihilating powerful foes, indicating high standing in the martial hierarchy. - **Heavenly Fiend and Shadow** is likely a shadow organization or conspiracy, and it seems to have a lingering effect, illustrating their persistent threat. - **Literal Translations vs. Story Elements**: Where straightforward descriptive terms were applicable, such as "True King Heavenly Venerable," these were kept literal due to existing context. Unique names like "Changyun" and "Wan Bao" maintain the original phonetics, ensuring consistency with the story's cultural fabric. No changes are necessary for previously listed terms based on this chapter's context, but we understand that these organizations and realms are now intersecting dramatically within the plot, adding complexity and potential conflict along Meng Chong's path. From the information available, Meng Chong's strength is exceedingly formidable, with no True King Heavenly Venerable being his match alone. But what about when they join forces in a combined assault? Ten are not enough, but what about twenty or thirty? They want to see if indeed this person is truly invincible beneath the Immortal Heavenly Venerable! Even if he is truly invincible under the Immortal Heavenly Venerable, could he possibly withstand an actual Immortal Heavenly Venerable? Even if he has reached the rank of Immortal Heavenly Venerable, can he remain unmatched among them? The depths of Wan Bao Alliance’s resources are not something outsiders can fathom! The martial world of Changyun Realm was in an uproar. A branch of the Wan Bao Alliance had been annihilated, and the treasury looted. The person responsible was the same who killed Yan Ping. What’s more shocking is, this individual single-handedly slew numerous True King Heavenly Venerables with formidable strength. "Where did this person come from? Did he come from beyond this realm? Since when did Changyun Realm have such a strong figure?" "He must be from another realm; Changyun Realm has never heard of such a person." "Daring to provoke the Wan Bao Alliance, does he not know of the Alliance’s strength? Or does he come from a great realm, with a deep enough background, unafraid of the Alliance’s retaliation?" "Impossible; even a prodigy from a great realm would not be reckless enough to offend the Wan Bao Alliance, especially since its constituent forces already include those from major realms." "Indeed, I believe he might come from realms not yet touched by the Wan Bao Alliance, hence unaware of its strength." All over Changyun Realm, including the martial artists within the Heavenly Abyss, discussions were rampant. It turns out Changyun Realm has produced such a fierce character. "The Wan Bao Alliance’s bounty is very tempting. Should we form a team to hunt this person?" "Several major forces have already stepped in; those like us without significant backing are better off not getting involved. After all, that fierce individual is too strong." "What are you afraid of? If one person can't match him, perhaps ten, dozens of people can’t either?" The Changyun Realm was boiling over, with strongmen from several major forces participating, issuing pursuit orders. In various cities, numerous martial artists searched for Meng Chong's whereabouts. Even True King Heavenly Venerables formed groups, preparing to surround and kill Meng Chong to claim the Wan Bao Alliance’s high reward. Beyond the bounty, what’s more enticing is the privilege of becoming Yan Shanhe's esteemed guest, along with the Wan Bao Token! Even Immortal Heavenly Venerables were intrigued. The major forces across Changyun Realm utilized their intelligence networks to search for Meng Chong, and some Immortal Heavenly Venerables were ready to act at any moment. "This Wan Bao Alliance is indeed wealthy!" Meng Chong, after counting his spoils, couldn’t help but marvel in his heart. "The treasures needed to build up my resources have been accumulated to about sixty percent. However, the Wan Bao Alliance certainly won’t let this matter rest. Let’s head into the city to see what actions they’re taking." Meng Chong was indifferent about offending the Wan Bao Alliance since they attacked first. Since that's the case, let strength talk. "Fifth Junior Brother, do you know about the Wan Bao Alliance?" Meng Chong sent a message to Jiang Buping, inquiring about specific information regarding the Wan Bao Alliance. After all, Jiang Buping was once a prodigious scion of a major clan and naturally knew more about these major forces in the Divine Domain. "Second Senior Brother, the Wan Bao Alliance is a commercial conglomerate made up of many strong individuals and various large forces. As I understand, the Jiang family from the Tai-Kun Realm seems to be involved as well. "The Wan Bao Alliance has deep roots, numerous strong individuals, and spans thirty realms..." Jiang Buping replied. "I see, so the Wan Bao Alliance cannot be underestimated, but it's not a serious problem." Meng Chong nodded, gaining clarity. He had only offended the Changyun Realm's branch of the Wan Bao Alliance; the rest remain untouched. If the entire Wan Bao Alliance was after him, he still wouldn’t fear. If it comes to that, he might as well engage directly with the Wan Bao Alliance to save himself the trouble of gathering treasures, just grabbing from them. "Second Senior Brother, don't be careless. The branches of the Wan Bao Alliance across realms are actually all connected and are governed by the real central Alliance, though I'm not exactly sure how they're governed." Jiang Buping cautioned. "Just a trivial matter, I can simply wear a disguise and change identities. When my strength is powerful enough, I’ll make the Wan Bao Alliance give an explanation!" Meng Chong chuckled, running his hands through his hair. Jiang Buping, upon hearing this, seemed to agree. With Second Senior Brother donning a disguise, who could hunt him down? Moreover, with Master around, there’s no need to worry even if Wan Bao Alliance has some ancient monster. Meng Chong pocketed the communication talisman and swaggered toward a city, curious to see how the Wan Bao Alliance would deal with him. As for the matter of being framed, whether believed or not depended entirely on strength. In a secret chamber somewhere in Bai Mu City: "The plans regarding Meng Chong are already set; the Wan Bao Alliance is hunting him down. No matter how he explains, it’s useless. Even if Yan Shanhe realizes he wasn’t the murderer and was framed, he won’t spare him. "A truly fierce individual, to have destroyed a branch of the Wan Bao Alliance like that. Regardless of the truth, Yan Shanhe is determined to kill him!" "The family head’s strategies are indeed brilliant!" "What about Xu Yan? Have his whereabouts been discovered?" "Family head, there's no sign of him yet, but we're searching. Once he shows up in Changyun Realm, we'll know immediately." "Hmm, once Xu Yan is found, report to the Eight-Leaf Heavenly Fiend Lord right away. He wants to handle it personally." "Understood!" At this moment, Meng Chong had already entered a city, boldly advancing towards the Wan Bao Alliance branch in that city. --- ### New Terms and Translations 1. **Changyun Realm (長雲境)**: Continues to be depicted as a vast realm or region with its unique martial hierarchy and conflicts. 2. **Xu Yan (許炎)**: A character being searched for, possibly linked with broader conspiracies. His whereabouts are of interest to powerful figures, indicating a significant role in the hidden plots. 3. **Eight-Leaf Heavenly Fiend Lord (八葉天煞大人)**: A powerful title associated with an influential figure, showcasing layers of intrigue in the higher echelons of power. 4. **Tai-Kun Realm (太崑境)**: Identified as a realm contributing to the larger Wan Bao Alliance, indicating its influence and reach. 5. **Bai Mu City (白木城)**: A city within the context of these events, serving as a venue for some of the decisive confrontations and plotting. ### Explanation and Context Updates - **Meng Chong** continues to show boldness and strategic cunning, ready to tackle opposition with decisive strength and even humor regarding disguise. - **Xu Yan**'s role appears vital to ongoing story developments, marked by significant individuals and alliances seeking him. - **Wan Bao Alliance** reveals its complexity, with interconnected branches and a powerful central governance, emphasizing its formidable standing within multiple realms. This chapter builds on the tension surrounding Meng Chong as he navigates the convoluted intrigues of Changyun Realm, maintaining a compelling balance between martial prowess and intricate political maneuvers.