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

Chapter 432: It's Too Crazy, Extorting the Fallen Shaman The eyes of the Fallen Shaman emitted an eerie glow, enveloping Xu Yan in a shroud of sinister light. The martial artists trailing far behind Xu Yan frantically retreated, terrified of being caught by the gaze of the Fallen Shaman's eyes. A mere glance from those evil eyes would seal their fate with a laziness unto death. "Is Xu Yan doomed?" "Too careless, after all, it’s the Fallen Shaman." Even the two Immortal Heavenly Venerables stationed at the Fallen Shaman Abyss were alarmed by the situation. "Should we intervene?" "It's too late!" They were all too familiar with the power of the Fallen Shaman's gaze; facing it alone was fraught with perilous erosion. However, Xu Yan, standing calmly within the light of the Fallen Shaman's eyes, appeared unaffected. The Xun Wind Sword Intent circled around him like a gentle breeze. "... Seven, eight... twenty, twenty-one..." Xu Yan continued to count the eyes of the Fallen Shaman with great interest. "You..." The Fallen Shaman's face changed to one of astonishment. How could someone of a lesser realm completely ignore the power of his sinister gaze? And what was that power swirling around him? "Who are you?" The numerous eyes of the Fallen Shaman began to close, the eerie light dissipated. Further illumination was rendered futile. His eyes betrayed a tinge of apprehension and a profound killing intent. If this boy grew stronger, one unfazed by the intimidating power of his sinister eyes that instilled fear in many strong practitioners, he would become a significant threat! He must be dealt with before he has the chance to grow. "I am Sword God Xu Yan. Remember, I am Sword God Xu Yan. The Sword Dao under heaven bows to me!" Xu Yan announced with a smile. "Hmph! Sword God? Such arrogance. Let's see how your Sword Dao fares." With a wave of his hand, the Fallen Shaman summoned a dark power capable of corroding everything, even dissolving spiritual energy. Xu Yan remained unflinched. The Yin-Yang Immortal Sword surged eternally, with all the myriad phenomena of mountains and rivers revealing themselves to engage the Fallen Shaman in combat. Although the Fallen Shaman's power was formidable, surpassing even that of the Eight-Leaf Heavenly Fiend, he could not defeat Xu Yan. After exchanging blows, Xu Yan vanished for a moment, reappearing amidst a legion of shaman puppets nearby. In a heartbeat, with his sword flashing, he had obliterated over a dozen shaman puppets. The Fallen Shaman was filled with fury as he hurriedly pursued Xu Yan, but after a brief clash, Xu Yan had already used his Shifting Form, Changing Place technique and moved again to slay more puppets. "The Fallen Shaman has met a powerful adversary!" "Good, serves him right for being so arrogant!" The Immortal Heavenly Venerables at the Fallen Shaman Abyss were left in astonishment. Xu Yan's strength might not surpass that of the Fallen Shaman, but his incredible agility and speed took everyone by surprise, leaving even the Fallen Shaman at a loss. And the most potent light from the Fallen Shaman's eyes failed to affect Xu Yan, rendering the Fallen Shaman helpless against Xu Yan's evasive maneuvers. "Fallen Shaman, do you have the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower? Give me one, or any similar high-grade treasure, and I'll leave you in peace!" Xu Yan offered. "You've angered me, boy!" The Fallen Shaman's eyes turned icy, brimming with murderous intent. Just as Xu Yan was about to strike more shaman puppets down, they suddenly exploded one by one, transforming into sinister energy that returned to the Fallen Shaman. "Recalling the puppets?" Xu Yan raised an eyebrow but did not continue with the slaughter. Instead, he turned to unleash a series of six Absolute Heaven Swords in one breath, demanding careful attention from the Fallen Shaman. "Fallen Shaman, I'm serious. Give me a Seven-Wonder Divine Flower or a similar treasure, and I'll leave without further disturbances." Xu Yan sincerely stated. The Fallen Shaman remained silent, his form turning ethereal, with speed dramatically increasing. Huge eyes opened on his shoulders. Suddenly, threads of sinister light shot out from the eyes on his shoulders, creating a web-like structure meant to ensnare Xu Yan. Whoosh! Xu Yan deftly maneuvered while the sinister threads had yet to weave completely, seizing the chance to escape. The current appearance of the Fallen Shaman was utterly bizarre. Eyes opened on his forehead and cheeks, blinking menacingly. The shoulders each bore a massive eye, one vacant and the other fierce, exuding fine sinister threads from the pupils. These wispy threads danced densely in the air, utterly strange. Xu Yan was secretly astounded. Was this the Fallen Shaman's true form? So eerie! "Fallen Shaman, let's leave it here for today. I'll return tomorrow!" Xu Yan retreated swiftly. "Come and go as you please?" The Fallen Shaman spoke coldly, releasing a surge of sinister light from his body. The eyes on his shoulders stretched their threads, rapidly extending toward the abyss entrance, intending to seal it! "Run quickly!" Observing martial artists were immediately gripped by fear and fled the abyss in panic. "Take action!" The expressions of the two Immortal Heavenly Venerables stationed there shifted, hastily working to ward off the creeping threads. Since the Fallen Shaman appeared at this abyss, they had never seen him so furious. Moreover, this state of the Fallen Shaman was unprecedented even to them. Boom! The abyss quaked, the power of the Laws of Heaven and Earth undulating like ripples. "Not good, what manner of anomaly is this?" To the shock of the two Immortal Heavenly Venerables, the threads extending from the Fallen Shaman's eyes were impervious to their attacks, untouched by any kind of assault. "Xu Little Friend, hurry away!" One Immortal Heavenly Venerable anxiously urged. "I'm coming!" Xu Yan remained as calm as ever, reaching the abyss entrance in an instant. By then, a few threads already crossed the entrance like spider silk, beginning to weave a web. "Buzz!" Xu Yan raised an eyebrow, slashing with his sword, and with a snap, severed some threads, dissipating parts of them. The two Immortal Heavenly Venerables were left in awe. "Fallen Shaman, I'm not joking. Unless you give me the treasured item I need, I won't rest until I have it." Xu Yan looked back at the Fallen Shaman with a smile. Stepping out of the abyss. The Fallen Shaman watched Xu Yan leave, face dark with fury, eyes brimming with intense killing intent, and deep-seated apprehension. "What kind of Sword Dao is that, capable of severing my sinister threads!" Not only was he immune to the power of the sinister eyes, but he could also cut through his sinister threads. Should he grow stronger, he'd become a grave threat. It's crucial to know his sinister threads are a unique entity, impervious to ordinary Martial Dao forces, vulnerable only to soul force, yet touching the threads with soul force risks the corrosion of one's soul, rendering the will indolent. Subsequently, those facing his sinister threads tread with utmost caution. Yet Xu Yan, with a casual wave, severed them, indicating his Sword Dao was immensely powerful, perhaps even suppressing the sinister threads! This one must not be allowed to live! The Fallen Shaman's gaze was cold and stern. "In the Tai-Cang realm, to think such a monstrosity has emerged. Could it be a second master is to rise?" Glancing at the abyss, he felt resigned; bound by its limitations, the power he could summon was capped. The next day, Xu Yan returned to the Fallen Shaman Abyss. Without a word, he began slaying a batch of shaman puppets. The Fallen Shaman appeared, furious, even attempting to ambush him. After another skirmish, Xu Yan retreated. "Fallen Shaman, without a Seven-Wonder Divine Flower or a similar treasure, I'm coming back tomorrow!" Xu Yan again left the abyss with a flourish. His intention was clear, constantly emphasizing the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower to create the impression he desired such treasures. Continually provoking the Fallen Shaman would deepen the killing intent. Over time, should there be any alliance with Enchanting Shaman, it would inevitably reach her ears. Given her animosity, she would surely scheming against him, luring him into a trap. Day by day, Xu Yan repeated the cycle, until there were no more shaman puppets in the abyss, all withdrawn by the Fallen Shaman. Inside the abyss, only the Fallen Shaman remained. "Xu Yan, you've gone too far!" The Fallen Shaman roared furiously, charging towards the abyss entrance, unsettling the stationed Immortal Heavenly Venerables who hastily took action to suppress him. **Key Terms Translated and Notes:** 1. **Fallen Shaman (墯巫)** - Translated keeping the original name intact to retain context and significance as an entity representing a mystical and malevolent being. 2. **Xun Wind Sword Intent (巽風劍意)** - Represents a wind-associated sword technique, retaining the original spirit of the text by using "Xun" to hint at its origin. 3. **Seven-Wonder Divine Flower (七妙神花)** - A mythical plant of significant power and mystery, emphasizing its divine and wondrous characteristics. 4. **Absolute Heaven Sword (绝天一剑)** - Chosen for its representation of an ultimate, powerful sword attack, keeping the original character for specificity. 5. **Shifting Form, Changing Place (移形換位)** - A technique depicting quick movement or teleportation. The translation directly reflects the literal meaning, respecting Chinese textual nuance. 6. **Tai-Cang realm (太蒼天地)** - Depicts a significant geographical and mystical realm, keeping the original name to convey its mythical quality. **Gender and Other Notes:** - Xu Yan's repeated emphasis on the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower suggests a strategic ploy to manipulate the Fallen Shaman. - The repetitive confrontation indicates a larger scheme at play, potentially involving other characters or entities like the Enchanting Shaman. - The Fallen Shaman's inability to effectively combat Xu Yan hints at a unique and powerful Sword Dao, that might be further explored or connected to other forms of Dao in the narrative. The translation captures the strategic, mystical, and combative aspects of the narrative, maintaining a balance between literal translation and narrative context. Standing outside the abyss, Xu Yan beamed brightly as he looked back at the Fallen Shaman raging within. "Fallen Shaman, give me the treasure I need, and I'll leave immediately without disturbing you further!" The Fallen Shaman snorted coldly and turned to leave. The two Immortal Heavenly Venerables nearby were stunned. Was Xu Yan extorting the Fallen Shaman? This was utterly insane! Moreover, they suddenly realized that perhaps the Fallen Shaman couldn't leave the abyss. If that were truly the case, there would be no need for them to guard this place day and night, as the Fallen Shaman's inability to exit the abyss wouldn't pose any threat to the Changyun Realm. "The Fallen Shaman and Enchanting Shaman both can't leave the abyss. Are they restricted because they've only managed to enter with power clones?" Xu Yan pondered this idea. When Xu Yan re-entered the abyss, he was more cautious this time, wary of any tricks the Fallen Shaman might employ. After all, a formidable foe like him no doubt had numerous methods up his sleeve. To his surprise, the Fallen Shaman was nowhere to be seen within the abyss. "Fallen Shaman, where are you?" Standing in the heart of the abyss, Xu Yan raised his voice toward the sky. "What a coward!" Xu Yan chuckled, baffled that the Fallen Shaman had fled. Upon seeing Xu Yan emerge, the two Immortal Heavenly Venerables became alert, casting vigilant gazes into the abyss, ready to counter any sudden attacks from the Fallen Shaman. "No need to be tense, the Fallen Shaman has run off and isn't in the abyss anymore." "Ran off?" The two Immortal Heavenly Venerables were left speechless. In the following days, Xu Yan ventured into the Fallen Shaman Abyss daily yet never saw a glimpse of the Fallen Shaman. It seemed the shaman had grown weary of it all and abandoned the abyss altogether. "This Fallen Shaman is so easy to taunt." Xu Yan shook his head, feeling exasperated over the failure of his plan. "Perhaps I'll give it one more try tomorrow. If there's still no sign of the Fallen Shaman, I'll leave the Changyun Realm." Xu Yan decided in his mind. On the next day, Xu Yan returned to the abyss, unexpectedly finding the Fallen Shaman present. "Fallen Shaman, you dare to show up again?" Xu Yan steadied his sword, ready to strike at any moment. The Fallen Shaman regarded him coldly, uttering, "I don't have the Seven-Wonder Divine Flower, but take this treasure map and leave me alone in the future." With a wave, he tossed a scroll over. Raising an eyebrow, Xu Yan caught the scroll. "A treasure map? Do you think I'd fall for such a trick?" With a languid expression, the Fallen Shaman responded, "This leads to a hidden site somewhere in your world, not just home to a Seven-Wonder Divine Flower, but also to a stalk of Jade Bamboo reputed to be a treasure of heaven and earth. I chanced upon this secret location tens of thousands of years ago. Were it not for the barrier preventing entry from beyond the heavens, why would I let this fall into your hands?" "Is that true?" "I never deceive. Take it and bother me no more." With those words, the Fallen Shaman paid no further attention to Xu Yan, sitting cross-legged at the abyss's heart, eyes closed in meditation. "I'll trust you this once!" Xu Yan beamed joyously. Unfurling the scroll, he revealed a content smile. "Enchanting Shaman, is this one of your schemes?" Xu Yan's heart surged with excitement; his plan had succeeded. However, this hidden site of the abyss was bound to be riddled with dangers. It might not just be the Enchanting Shaman lying in wait, but the Fallen Shaman as well. "I'll meet you all with power beyond your expectations!" Not long from reaching fullness in the Divine Appearance Realm, Xu Yan anticipated attaining a level where not even top-tier Immortal Heavenly Venerables would faze him, perhaps even defeating them. Given his wide array of Martial Dao techniques, he should have no issues facing potential threats. "Enchanting Shaman, you better not disappoint me!" Satisfied, Xu Yan departed. The Fallen Shaman opened his eyes, a chillingly murderous intent unhidden as he watched Xu Yan disappear. "Boy, since you crave heavenly treasures, let them be your grave. Sacrificing one treasure for burying a Tai-Cang prodigy is worth it." Unease gnawed at him so long as Xu Yan lived. This Tai-Cang martial artist who bore no fear of his sinister gaze and could easily sever his threads was a significant hidden peril, even if Xu Yan's current strength was still leagues behind him. Yet, it remained a looming threat. Upon exiting the abyss, Xu Yan opened the scroll and inspected it. "Guangyou Realm?" The treasure map indicated the hidden site lay in the Guangyou Realm, beneath a secretive abyssal swamp. "Guangyou Realm is distant from Changyun Realm, but by accumulating treasures along the way, I should reach it within two to three years. Let the Enchanting Shaman wait a bit longer." Xu Yan estimated and considered his travels, honing his skills and gathering treasures through different realms, estimating two to three years to reach Guangyou Realm. Of course, a direct journey would be a quicker, simpler affair, but it didn't align with Xu Yan's objective of trial and accumulation. In each realm, he intended to venture into the abyss for training, collecting each realm's unique treasures. Stowing away the treasure map, Xu Yan prepared to find Luo Zhan to procure information on the hidden units of Tiansha Ground Shadows, only to encounter Luo Zhan first. "Xu Little Friend, here’s what you needed: a list of the hidden names from the Ground Shadows. So far, only these six have been identified; the rest are deceased." Luo Zhan handed a list over to Xu Yan. "Six is more than enough." Xu Yan accepted the list, ready to exact revenge on Tiansha Ground Shadows by controlling these six and using them as a foothold to expand his influence. He prepared to employ techniques he once used in Jiushan Realm’s DaGai Mountain, with which he was immensely familiar. "Xu Little Friend..." Before Luo Zhan could finish, his expression shifted dramatically, imposing energy rising as he clutched his wolf-tooth club, looking sharply skyward! Two figures descended, their aura eerie and giving Luo Zhan a profound sense of crisis. They wore fearsome masks adorned with nine slender leaves! **Key Terms Translated and Notes:** 1. **Guangyou Realm (廣幽境)** - Another geographic and mystical location in this narrative, staying true to its original name to maintain its enigmatic allure. 2. **Luo Zhan (羅戰)** - A character not yet described, presumed Male based on name and interaction. Probably an ally or source of intelligence for Xu Yan. 3. **Ground Shadows (地影)** - Translated this to refer to some stealth or espionage faction, relating to tactics and operations beneath the surface. 4. **Wolf-tooth Club (狼牙棒)** - A specific weapon indicating strength and combat readiness, preserving the imagery from the original text. The narrative continues to weave intrigue with Xu Yan's cunning and strategy, his challenges cloaked in mysticism and danger, keeping readers engaged with a balance of poetic translation and contextual fidelity.