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

Chapter 433: The Master's Descent, Luo Zhan's Astonishment Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend (九葉天煞)! Xu Yan felt a chill in his heart. The Star Fiend Shadow (天煞地影) dispatched not one, but two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends to deal with him, emphasizing not only how important he was to them but also their unequivocal intent to kill. "Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend?!" Luo Zhan's gaze turned icy, his aura growing more robust. Despite the opponents' superior strength, he displayed not a shred of fear or retreat, his battle spirit instead soared. "Well, well. Two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends come to kill me, Luo Zhan. Do you think you're hidden well enough that my Hundred Battles Hall (百战堂) can't find you? "If you wish to kill me, try it. Let's see if you can withstand the Hundred Battles Hall's wrath!" At this moment, Luo Zhan showed no intention of retreating. Even if it meant dying, he resolved to make his enemies pay. His desperation tactic was already poised to strike! Warriors of the Hundred Battles Hall never feared battle. The stronger the foe, the more fervent their fighting spirit! A Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend spoke with a chilling voice, "Luo Zhan, you overestimate yourself. We've come to kill Xu Yan, not you. Step aside." Luo Zhan's face flushed as crimson as a pig's liver, his breathing became heavy, his eyes bloodshot. Humiliation! This was sheer humiliation! Two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends came and aimed for Xu Yan, not him? Their dismissive tone clearly disregarded his existence. Luo Zhan felt as if his face had been stomped on, an uncontrollable fury burning. To be despised as a not-so-insignificant Immortal Heavenly Venerable compared to Xu Yan, who had not yet entered the Immortal Realm? Insufferable! "You want to kill Xu Yan? Are you worthy? You'll have to get past me first!" Luo Zhan roared in defiance. No matter what, he would not retreat now. Otherwise, his face and dignity would be utterly trampled. Xu Yan glanced at Luo Zhan in surprise. Despite facing two formidable opponents, Luo Zhan was resolute to fight for him? "I, Xu Yan, owe no one. It's unnecessary to involve Luo Zhan." With this thought, Xu Yan urged, "Brother Luo, they're not here for you. There's no need to intervene. You should leave." "No!" Luo Zhan declared firmly, "The Star Fiend Shadow has gone too far. Even if it means death, I will not step back!" Xu Yan felt a sense of admiration for Luo Zhan's spirited nature. "Brother Luo, it's really not necessary. These two may not necessarily pose a threat to me." Xu Yan continued to persuade. "The Star Fiend Shadow has already wronged my Hundred Battles Hall. Worry not, young brother Xu, I, Luo Zhan, will hold them down. You must go!" Luo Zhan was determined to make a stand. Profoundly angered by the Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends' utter disregard, he couldn't simply back down and preserve his honor. "Do you really think the Hundred Battles Hall can contend with us?" One Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend spoke coldly. Boom! A chilling aura stirred instantly, and within a blink, they had already begun to take control of the heavens and earth, with the Laws of Heaven and Earth raining down. Boom! Sinister lights enveloped the surroundings, using raw power to seal this piece of heaven and earth. Luo Zhan let out a low growl, his aura surged, yet he was being suppressed. The governing force of this space he couldn't wrestle control from. "Powerful indeed!" Xu Yan shivered internally. These two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends were at least as strong as the Emperor of Great Yue. That eerie aura filled the space, and as the two joined forces, they dominated this stretch of land, as if causing it to solidify. Vast heavenly power congregated, creating a place of confinement here. Clearly, they intended to fully seal off this area to prevent Xu Yan from escaping. Xu Yan's expression remained unchanged, his Sword Intent surging, and the Mountain and River Divine Intent emerged, poised to tear through this confinement and escape. "With my Absolute Heaven Sword (絕天一劍), breaking this confinement is feasible, allowing me to flee." Xu Yan calculated in his mind. "Brother Luo is also resisting their power, sharing part of the burden. If I escape, they won't necessarily kill Luo Zhan." Xu Yan had a plan. Upon fleeing, the two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends would undoubtedly pursue him, ensuring Luo Zhan's safety. Even when facing these two, Xu Yan remained unworried. He had his master's Jade Talisman, enough to ensure his safety. "Xu Yan, don't think about running." A Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend seemingly caught wind of Xu Yan's intentions, sneering. Raising his hand, with a hum, an artifact emerged, integrating into the space, and suddenly, a barrier descended, enclosing this land. "Even using such an artifact? You, Star Fiend Shadow, truly regard Xu Yan highly!" Luo Zhan's heart trembled coldly as he mocked, despite his outrage. The Star Fiend Shadow had truly exerted immense effort to kill Xu Yan. Even deploying such a rare artifact! These artifacts, precious beyond measure and wieldable only by Immortal Heavenly Venerables, were usually employed to trap Heavenly Abyss invaders, preventing them from disseminating and slaughtering indiscriminately. To deal with Xu Yan, the Star Fiend Shadow used such artifacts, indicating that their backing was anything but ordinary. Not every major power possessed such items. Only forces of the Grand Realm had the capabilities to craft them. Strong as the Hundred Battles Hall was, such artifacts were scarce, each managed by the very few elite at its pinnacle. "Xu Yan, there's no escape for you today. Don't bother with futile resistance." A Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend declared coldly. "Young Brother Xu, I can use my desperation technique to activate this weapon, tearing an opening, but it will only last for a breath. Take the chance to run!" Luo Zhan took a deep breath, voice firm as he transmitted it to Xu Yan. Xu Yan raised an eyebrow, aware that Luo Zhan's technique must bear immense cost, rendering him nearly crippled if not dead after use. "Brother Luo, there's no need for such extremes. I do have some cards up my sleeve; two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends aren't enough to endanger me." Xu Yan replied through their shared mental link. He disliked owing debts; a favor incurred demanded repayment. Moreover, despite the Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends' formidable prowess, and even with the artifact sealing the area, Xu Yan couldn't escape easily. Yet, his master's Jade Talisman remained, capable of eradicating them effortlessly. The artifact's sealing power was limited, ultimately a mere paper shield before his master's talisman. Boom! The chilling aura stirred in the heavens, murderous intent compounded, as the two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends prepared to strike. Despite sealing this entire realm and holding strength above Xu Yan, they still performed a sure-kill strike together. The significance they placed on Xu Yan, and their intent to kill, were evident. Luo Zhan wished to say more, but suddenly, a silhouette descended. The enshrouding light barrier disintegrated in an instant, the heavens restored, and the governing power of the two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends vanished. Luo Zhan was in shock—what kind of formidable being was this? The two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends were stupefied, staring aghast at the sudden newcomer. The youth held a jade ruyi in his hand, poised with elegance and extraordinary mystery, as if not belonging to the earthly realm. "Master!" Xu Yan was taken aback, then joyfully saluted. Luo Zhan was thunderstruck—Xu Yan's master? Though Xu Yan's monstrous abilities indicated he had a powerful backing, witnessing it firsthand was an entirely overwhelming experience. What realm of a master was this? Beyond the Immortal Realm? Even far surpassing the Immortal Realm? The Star Fiend Shadow targeting such a disciple was akin to courting death! "Ah!" Li Xuan nodded gently. Following the martial tie to Xu Yan, he stepped through, using the Instant of Heaven and Earth technique, reaching Xu Yan in mere moments. Coincidentally, it happened just as Xu Yan was facing an ambush. The two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends matched the prowess of Immortal Heavenly Venerables like the Emperor of Great Yue, and they even deployed an artifact to seal the land. Their significance and intent to ensure Xu Yan's demise was clear. "Not good, run!" The two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends were gripped by terror. The artifact sealing the land had shattered with the newcomer’s descent, and he hadn't even displayed a fraction of his power. What terrifying strength was this! --- Terms: - Star Fiend Shadow (天煞地影): An organization targeting the protagonist and is associated with the term "Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend". - Nine-Leaf Sky Fiend (九葉天煞): A title given to elite killers of the Star Fiend Shadow, retaining the original Chinese characters for emphasis on their notorious reputation and the unique level of threat they pose. This chapter reveals the immense strength and backing behind Xu Yan, emphasizing that powerful figures are involved in his affairs. The Star Fiend Shadow is portrayed as a persistent enemy, revealing its vast capabilities through the use of an artifact. Li Xuan, Xu Yan's master, exhibits unparalleled power, surpassing common realms, thus shifting the narrative's tension. As the two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends moved to flee, Li Xuan cast a mere indifferent glance in their direction. Suddenly, while they were poised to escape, their movements halted abruptly. Under Luo Zhan's astonished gaze, the two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends were swept by an invisible breeze and turned to ash, disappearing into nothingness—even the ash itself vanished. Gulp! Luo Zhan felt his heart quiver in fear. His whole body trembled slightly, eyes widening in sheer terror. With merely a glance, two top-tier Immortal Heavenly Venerables were utterly obliterated. What manner of terrifying expert was this? The Star Fiend Shadow dared to plot against the apprentice of such a frightening existence. Were they not afraid of provoking his wrath, leading to their complete annihilation? Or perhaps, had the Star Fiend Shadow intended to provoke this terrifying being deliberately? Considering such a powerful entity, no force in the Divine Domain could resist if he acted against them. Realizing that Star Fiend Shadow lurked among major powers to involve them all, Luo Zhan began to grasp the group's objective. What remained unclear to him was this: did the forces behind Star Fiend Shadow truly believe they could rival this daunting figure? "Perhaps, the Star Fiend Shadow underestimated the strength of this formidable presence!" These thoughts occupied Luo Zhan's mind. Li Xuan, unaware of Luo Zhan's internal turmoil, noticed his state of shock but paid him no heed. Hands clasped behind his back, he walked leisurely. He considered the two Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends insignificant. With his "Heavenly Dao Eye" (天道之眼), a simple glare was enough to obliterate them completely. To him, they weren't even as significant as ants. "Master, why have you come?" Xu Yan asked excitedly. "I came to take a walk and see the world, and to pass on martial arts techniques beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm," Li Xuan replied with a smile. "Master has foreseen everything," Xu Yan marveled internally. He had just grasped the martial arts techniques of the Heaven and Earth Realm, and his master already knew, indicating how well Li Xuan understood his cultivation. "How powerful must Master be?" Xu Yan pondered in awe. "Yes, Master, I will diligently cultivate and soon comprehend the martial arts techniques," Xu Yan replied with utmost respect. Following his master closely, Xu Yan observed Li Xuan's relaxed, free-spirited stride, reminiscent of their first meeting in a small village—a manifestation of effortless tranquility. "Natural Dao," Xu Yan considered. His master's every movement illustrated the essence of 'Natural Dao'. "This is profound. At my current level, I'm far from grasping the true meaning of Natural Dao," Xu Yan admitted, feeling somewhat ashamed. "I'm nearing the Void Shattering Realm, but the concept of Natural Dao remains distant to me." Xu Yan realized the long journey ahead to match his master's prowess. "My apprentice, do you have any martial arts queries?" Li Xuan inquired as they walked. Given his attained realm and extensive understanding of martial arts, especially having perceived the Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, Li Xuan felt confident addressing any of Xu Yan's martial arts-related questions. This was his assurance. He had transcended the phase of providing fabricated or vague responses. "Master, I do have some questions," Xu Yan replied, seizing the rare opportunity to express his doubts. Li Xuan listened quietly, nodding occasionally, though his lips twitched. He had presumed he could answer all of his disciple's questions with clarity, avoiding convoluted explanations. He underestimated the challenge! Some questions, even at his current martial realm, eluded straightforward answers, necessitating more esoteric explanations. "...Disciple, do you understand now?" Li Xuan asked after responding. Xu Yan, reflective, replied, "I think I understand, Master." "Good, ponder well. Martial Dao is infinite. As you progress, individual understandings of Martial Dao will differ. "As your master, I hope you carve a new path within my footsteps, creating your unique Martial Dao." Li Xuan imparted to his disciple the importance of creating one's path in martial arts. "Yes, Master!" Xu Yan replied with respect. Li Xuan continued to guide Xu Yan, especially in divine abilities, providing him with a more comprehensive tome of divine martial techniques. He also imparted the Heavenly Dao Eye's technique, though he wasn't pressed about Xu Yan mastering it immediately. After all, Li Xuan already possessed the Heavenly Dao Eye. Xu Yan then recounted his adventures in the Divine Domain, including meeting the Enchantress Witch and encountering the Seven Marvelous Divine Flower. Li Xuan twitched his lips; Xu Yan surely had stirred the Enchantress Witch's ire! "A bit pressured, the Enchantress Witch's strength is formidable. With my current Heaven and Earth Realm strength, could I contend with her?" However, within Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, Li Xuan feared not, especially since the Enchantress Witch couldn't physically enter this space. Her mere power projection was hardly daunting. Moreover, Xu Yan had set his sights on the Enchantress Witch's treasures, intending to seize even more from her. "Given that we're at odds, politeness is redundant." Li Xuan mused internally, supporting Xu Yan's motive. Additionally, Xu Yan's rapid grasp of Heaven and Earth Realm martial arts owed partly to the Seven Marvelous Divine Flower. "My disciple, let me impart martial arts techniques beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm now." Li Xuan paused atop a mountain peak. --- New Terms: - "Heavenly Dao Eye" (天道之眼): A powerful technique or ability mastered by Li Xuan, highlighting his unmatched level and wisdom, retained in Chinese to emphasize its significance. - Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth (太蒼天地): A realm understood by Li Xuan, signifying his profound connection to universal truths, used verbatim to convey its grandeur and complexity. Li Xuan's effortless dispersal of the Nine-Leaf Sky Fiends showcases his supreme abilities, starkly contrasting their menace. His mastery over diverse martial arts domains emphasizes his tranquil and insightful nature. The introduction of "Heavenly Dao Eye" serves to further the narrative of his unmatched prowess.