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

### Chapter 429: The Ones Inside the Small Stone House Li Xuan gazed at the Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書) he held, and couldn't help but speculate. Who could have authored such a tome that delineates the laws and principles of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, comprehending its origin and operation? Ordinary transcendent beings might not be capable of creating it, as mere transcendence doesn't guarantee profound understanding of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth. There was only one possibility! Only the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth could possess such intricate knowledge. The Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth! "Could it be that the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth met with some accident, leaving behind this Tai-Cang Book? Whoever obtains it can become the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth!" However, Li Xuan was puzzled. If such a book exists, allowing its possessor to become the Master, why hasn't anyone sought or contested it? Or perhaps, it was once contested and then, due to unique circumstances, the Tai-Cang Book drifted into the Border Wilderness and was forgotten as time passed? Li Xuan looked up at Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, faintly visible were battle scars. Were they the result of battles over the Tai-Cang Book? Or were they remnants of the Master defending against enemies? "The grand figure Xu Yan saw, could it have been the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth?" Li Xuan wondered in surprise. "So, is the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth dead, or what happened to him?" Was the appearance of the Tai-Cang Book in the Wu State of the Border Wilderness an accident, or was there some historical connection? What link does the presence inside the small stone house in the Wu State palace have with the Tai-Cang Book? Could the person within be the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth? "Impossible! As the Master, how could he be trapped within Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth? "Could he be suppressing a formidable enemy?" Li Xuan took a deep breath, feeling a twinge of excitement as if uncovering an extraordinary secret. "Ah, Wu Tiannan is quite interesting, truly a favored child of fortune?" Li Xuan was about to travel to the Wu State when he paused in surprise. Now that his strength had increased and having gained insight into Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, through his martial connection with Wu Tiannan, he detected something unusual. Wu Tiannan possessed the qi luck of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, which allowed him to avert dangers and seize opportunities despite facing formidable foes. "What’s going on with this qi luck?" Li Xuan was filled with astonishment. "Should I go over and take a look?" Li Xuan pondered aloud. With the Heavenly Dao Eye (天道之眼), he could undoubtedly perceive everything regarding Wu Tiannan. "Never mind, for Wu Tiannan, it's not necessarily a bad thing." Li Xuan glanced at the principles related to Heaven and Earth's qi luck, deep in thought. "Interesting. Wu Tiannan seems to have saved someone extraordinary back then, truly a person blessed with thick fortune. "Being able to meet me and receive my guidance also means he's part of my fold, indeed favored by fortune." Reflecting on Wu Tiannan's journey, Li Xuan couldn't help but smile. After reaching the Divine Domain, as Wu Tiannan's strength broke through, he began to touch the qi luck of Heaven and Earth, completely activating his inherited fortune. As a result, his cultivation advanced at an incredible pace, even mastering divine abilities. No wonder, among Tai-Cang martial artists, Wu Tiannan was the first to cultivate divine abilities. "The Immortal Realm is not far for him." Li Xuan had an odd expression. If nothing else, Wu Tiannan might break through beyond the Immortal Realm in the Divine Domain, drawn by qi luck. "Is Wu Tiannan’s martial path guide there?" Li Xuan looked to the sky. From his understanding of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, it seemed Wu Tiannan's qi luck had some connection to that place. "I should point Wu Tiannan in the right direction when I have time. I ought to revisit the Wu State too; I'm curious about the one in that stone house." Li Xuan felt an eager excitement. A mystery was about to be unraveled, satisfying his curiosity. "Let Xu Yan settle down before teaching him martial paths beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm." A figure emerged from Li Xuan’s body, sitting leisurely on a chair. This was his Extreme Soul Physique (極魂之體). Even though the Qinghua Realm wouldn't ordinarily pose a danger, Li Xuan left behind his Extreme Soul Physique just in case to suppress any unexpected situations effectively. As the Tai-Cang Book disappeared, Li Xuan vanished from the spot. His Extreme Soul Physique remained seated, appearing as relaxed as always. No one could tell it apart from Li Xuan himself. In the Great Wilderness (大荒), with the rising spiritual energy, cultivation accelerated. The grades of Spiritual Herbs were rising too. Over the years, its overall strength had far surpassed the former Inner Domain. Moreover, nearly everyone in the Great Wilderness pursued martial cultivation. The old martial path classics of the Inner Domain were not destroyed but became a historical footnote, stored in Great Wilderness Martial Institutes and some former martial factions. At Sword Sovereign Cliff (剑尊崖), with Xie Tianheng and Xie Lingfeng gone, leadership shifted to Hu Hai and Hu Shan, father and son, both having cultivated their Sword Momentum. They were lauded as the foremost sword practitioners in the Great Wilderness. Canglan Island (滄瀾島), a sacred place shrouded in grand arrays, every year welcomed geniuses from the Great Wilderness Martial Academy for a month of advanced martial training. At Evergreen Pavilion (長青閣), alchemists held esteemed positions and were now producing blacksmiths, all thanks to the legacy left by Xu Yan. The Great Wilderness flourished but naturally wasn’t devoid of strife; all, however, remained under control. In the Border Wilderness (邊荒), although not devoid of spiritual energy, it was violent, lacking the presence of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. Occasionally, Great Wilderness martial artists came to hone their skills in the turbulent spiritual energy. Tai-Cang Martial Paths required Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy for cultivation, unlike the Great Wilderness Martial Paths. In the northern region of the Border Wilderness, a formidable leader arose, leading armies to invade the lands of Qi and Wu, aiming to unify the Border Wilderness. The North Barbarian’s homeland, harsh and barren, was unaware of the changes in the Border Wilderness and the emergence of martial paths. After internal chaos, unification was achieved, and the North Barbarian royal court saw the strongest leader in a millennium emerge. With enough strength amassed, they finally launched a campaign to unify the world. Upon learning of this, the Emperor of Qi and the Emperor of Wu excitedly took action, single-handedly crushing the North Barbarian army and capturing its leader alive. The spirit of the North Barbarians broke. Initially expecting to overrun the States of Qi and Wu to seize fertile lands, they found themselves swept aside by only two figures! Their power was akin to heavenly beings! Compared to them, the North Barbarian’s revered gods seemed no more significant than ants! The North Barbarian leader was staggered, and those with weaker wills bordered on insanity from the shock! After this, the North Barbarians changed, pledging allegiance to the two Emperors of the Great Wilderness, becoming citizens. The North Barbarian leader decisively knelt to learn at their feet. "The North Barbarians possess robust physiques, capable of enduring hardships, making them suitable for cultivating the Great Wilderness Physical Body Martial Path!" Thus, gifted North Barbarian prodigies were taught the Great Sun Golden Bell Shield and began training in Great Wilderness martial arts. The once Inner Domain faded into obscurity, young generations unaware it was once known as the Inner Domain. Elder martial artists seldom referred to the Inner Domain. Only the historical records in martial academies chronicled the history of the prior Inner Domain and Great Wilderness evolution. The vast numbers continuing to practice Inner Domain martial paths couldn't all switch to Great Wilderness martial paths. Hence, among veterans, Inner Domain martial arts still prevailed. Yet, despite not practicing Great Wilderness arts, they had integrated into the Great Wilderness, wearing the title with pride. In the Border Wilderness, Wu State, within the royal palace. This has become the residence for one of the two Emperors of the Great Wilderness, the Emperor of Wu, who visits yearly. For the most part, the vast palace remains silent, bustling only during the Emperor of Wu's stays. Previously, former eunuchs maintained the palace. These eunuchs remained due to lacking martial talent, unable to pursue martial paths, spending their remaining years there. Of course, these eunuchs also practiced, albeit too weak to embark on martial paths. Still, they had the strength to clean the palace and handle chores. The Emperor of Wu would even reward them with some pills upon his visits. The Great Wilderness had abolished eunuch practices. Any serving near Emperors of Wu and Qi were the original batch, with no newer ones introduced. Deeper within the palace, a particular area only the Emperor of Wu could enter. --- **New Terms Translated:** - **Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書):** Translated as "Tai-Cang Book," referring to a mystical book containing the essence and laws of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, linked to its master. - **Extreme Soul Physique (極魂之體):** Translated as "Extreme Soul Physique," a soul manifestation of Li Xuan left behind as a precaution. - **Great Wilderness (大荒):** The broader domain beyond the Inner Domain, denoting the larger, more developed martial region. - **Great Sun Golden Bell Shield (大日金钟罩):** A martial technique taught to the North Barbarians. - **Heavenly Dao Eye (天道之眼):** A mystical eye technique Li Xuan possesses to perceive hidden truths. - **North Barbarian (北蠻):** Translated to "North Barbarian," referring to those who live in the harsh regions of the Border Wilderness. - **Qi luck (氣運):** Noted Qi luck tied to Heaven and Earth flowing within Wu Tiannan. - **Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth (太蒼天地):** Refers to the broader cosmic domain Li Xuan is in. **Alternate Translations:** - **Qi Luck:** Could be translated as "Fate Energy," emphasizing the mystical energy aspect. **Notes:** - *New Characters:* None specifically introduced by name, but there's enhanced insight into their affiliations and contexts, such as Wu Tiannan's connection to celestial fate. - The chapter suggests the interconnectedness of power, fate, and the vast, mysterious domains individual forces interact with, creating a rich tapestry of political and mystical intrigue. ### Chapter 429: The Ones Inside the Small Stone House In the cold and quiet palace, within the small stone house, a murmuring voice suddenly echoed, "What is happening? Why do I feel more and more uneasy? The spiritual energy and Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy are increasing too quickly. "And also, the Emperor Wu has become a martial artist now. But why is the martial path he practices different from what I know? "Could it be that Tai-Cang has fallen? Impossible! If it had, why haven’t I sensed it?" The voice was filled with confusion and uncertainty. If the Emperor Wu were here, he would know that this mysterious voice was the one that had vanished long ago. "This is strange. Next time that kid, Emperor Wu, comes, should I test the waters? No, I can’t. I’m playing dead right now and can’t reveal myself. "Yes, I must not reveal myself. There are too many deceivers out there, all liars who tricked me into coming here and got me trapped in this place. "I must not fall for it again. I must not be curious. I can't trust anyone, not even Tai-Cang! "Yes, not even Tai-Cang can be trusted. It tricked me and locked me here, then went off to die!" The murmuring voice grew more indignant but carried a hint of sadness. "How long has it been? I can't even remember, just so long, sleeping over and over, yet Tai-Cang still hasn’t returned. He really did die. "Woo woo, he even died, isn't that terrible? Can this land continue to exist? What if I'm discovered? What should I do then? "Forget it, I’ll just sleep as if nothing happened. "Yes, just sleep it off as if nothing happened. Woo woo... Tai-Cang must have died a miserable death. Who told him to lock me in here? If I helped, there should be at least a bone left even if I died!" In the small stone house, the murmuring voice echoed. "Sleep, sleep. A nap will be good. I must not be curious. That kid, Emperor Wu, is surely trying to stir my curiosity. Humph, I'm not falling for it!" The voice gradually fell silent. Meanwhile, Li Xuan returned to the Great Wilderness, walking amidst a scene of vibrant cultivation as youngsters strived in Skin Refining, Bone Refining, and Viscera Refining, diligently practicing martial arts. "Not bad. In a hundred or a thousand years, the martial world of the Great Wilderness will be extraordinarily potent." Without alerting anyone, Li Xuan strolled majestically on the clouds, making his way to the Border Wilderness. "The Border Wilderness can remain as it is; its lack of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy isn’t necessarily a bad thing." Arriving outside the Wu State palace, Li Xuan gazed toward the sky. With his current strength and the Heavenly Dao Eye, he noticed something peculiar. "A seal? Not quite, it feels more like an existence constrained by Heaven and Earth itself, somewhat unique." If it weren't for his insights into Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth and possessing the Heavenly Dao Eye, along with his strength reaching the Heaven and Earth Realm, he wouldn’t have discovered the abnormality here. "Even the most transcendent beings can't detect this." It's too concealed! Furthermore, orchestrating such a method isn’t something ordinary beings can achieve. The handiwork of the Master of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth! Only the Master of Tai-Cang could achieve this. "Who is trapped here that even the Master cannot handle?" Li Xuan was deeply intrigued. Moreover, it appeared set up to prevent anyone from discovering and rescuing the being trapped here. He directed his gaze to where the small stone house stood. Almost as if piercing through all obstructions, he vaguely saw beneath the small stone house, at an unknown depth, a faint, diffused purple glow. "This stone house…" Li Xuan raised an eyebrow. The stone house seemed ordinary, yet it wasn’t, playing a pivotal part in the layout, a key to concealing the trapped existence. "Unless I enter the stone house, I cannot thoroughly see through it." Li Xuan pondered. He had only glimpsed a faint purple glow, unable to clarify what it enveloped. "With my current strength, the presence bound here, no matter how strong, can't exhibit full might, so there’s no need to fear potential dangers." Li Xuan stepped toward the palace. At that moment, a mysterious aura arose, rendering him unfathomable, enough to impress the trapped being. Holding a jade ruyi, he moved with a carefree poise, exuding an air of a high master. He pushed open the palace doors, entering within. The doors closed behind him. Casually and elegantly, he entered the small stone house. The empty stone house appeared utterly simple, with nothing extraordinary visible. Li Xuan pulled out a seat and sat down with ease. Brewing a pot of spiritual tea, he poured two cups. "Young friend, come up for a cup of tea." Li Xuan chuckled warmly. As an esteemed master, he naturally had to maintain that demeanor, regardless of the opponent’s strength, they appeared insignificant in the presence of his profound mystery! Being unable to discern his strength, the other can only perceive him as unfathomable. In that vein, calling the presence a "young friend" seemed fitting, right? With a gentle smile like a benevolent elder, Li Xuan said, "Young friend, stop pretending. I can see you. Come, have a cup of tea and let’s talk, just some casual chat." --- **New Terms Translated:** - **Small Stone House (小石屋):** Literally translated as "small stone house," referring to a mysterious room within the palace. - **Jade Ruyi (玉如意):** Retained as "jade ruyi," a ceremonial object symbolizing power and good fortune. - **Purple Glow (紫色光華):** Translated literally; describes a mysterious glow under the stone house. - **Wu State Palace (吳國皇宮):** Referred to as the palace belonging to the Wu State. **Notes:** - It appears a mysterious presence is trapped within the palace in a small stone house, possibly linked to the Master of Tai-Cang or an event concerning Tai-Cang's history. - Li Xuan's approach is diplomatic, blending nonchalance with curiosity and subtle authority, hinting at his masterful demeanor and depth. This also underscores the enigmatic dynamic and possible historical context between Tai-Cang and the mysterious voice. - Wu State and the palace interactions delve into deeper political and martial arts evolution narratives, painting a broader picture of intrigue among martial realms.