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

**Chapter 434: Establishing One's Own Path, Establishing the Path of Heaven and Earth** The martial path beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm! Xu Yan was elated and said respectfully, "Thank you, Master. I will surely comprehend it as soon as possible!" "Hmm." Li Xuan's gaze was profound, as if he could see through all things in heaven and earth. "In the Heaven and Earth Realm, one's body becomes the heavens and the earth, with martial divine arts as the laws. I am the heavens, the heavens are me. As you walk this world, have you felt any insights about heaven and earth? "When you observe this world, how does it compare with the heavenly martial path you have comprehended?" Xu Yan was taken aback by these words and fell into deep thought. "To become heaven and earth, what are the similarities and differences between my martial heaven and earth and the greater heaven and earth I inhabit?" As he pondered, Xu Yan gained some clarity in his heart. "Martial artists of Tai-Cang do not possess the martial path of the Heaven and Earth Realm. Instead, they refine the laws of the heaven and earth they inhabit, whereas my Heaven and Earth Realm is about cultivating my own martial heavens. "Once I have my own heaven, I will ultimately transcend the heaven and earth I inhabit, and create my own..." With these realizations, Xu Yan's understanding of the Heaven and Earth Realm deepened. He then thought about divine arts. Divine arts are the martial artist's laws, and if divine arts are the laws of one's own heavens, wouldn't it mean that after the Heaven and Earth Realm, one could cultivate any divine art as desired? If a self-created divine art is considered an innate martial artist law, while cultivated divine arts are acquired martial artist laws, does it mean the more one comprehends of divine arts, the more laws one has in their own heavens? Moreover, if one specializes in a single divine art, having only one law in one's heaven and earth, refining this divine art or self-heaven's law to the utmost could also be exceedingly powerful. "Master, the heavens operate by their regulations, while my Heaven and Earth Realm lacks the operational rules of heaven and earth, making it a false heaven, not real enough. "Yet my heavens have unlimited potential, allowing constant expansion and enhancement, potentially one day becoming indistinguishable from true heaven and earth." Xu Yan spoke, his eyes glowing with clarity. Li Xuan nodded in satisfaction. With Xu Yan's heightened insight into the Heaven and Earth Realm, his prowess in this realm had also undergone some transformation. "Heaven and earth have their origins and their laws. The heavens are alive, full of vitality, hence the myriad of living beings. "The heavens have their paths, and sentient beings comprehend them. Those who attain insight transcend the mundane and embark on the journey of pursuing the great path of heaven and earth. "To pursue the great path, to comprehend it, is to take heaven and earth as the root, as the power, but also to be confined by heaven and earth, unable to transcend them. "The martial path I teach you takes heaven and earth as the foundation and as an aid, ultimately transcends heaven and earth, and transcends all worldly things, unrestrained within the boundless way. "The great path is nebulous, omnipresent yet formless, and comprehending it is up to you. "With this foundation, once your realm is sufficient, you will naturally understand it." Xu Yan found his master's words profoundly complex yet enlightening, providing a vague concept of the mysterious great path of heaven and earth. Any slight clarity felt endlessly beneficial. Li Xuan fiddled with a jade ruyi, giving Xu Yan time to digest the enigmatic words. "Those who are open to the great path will find the heavens and earth worlds within a single thought; those who have attained it can bring life and end life with one thought..." Xu Yan was deeply shaken. "What a realm is this!" "Master's realm once again surpasses my imagination. Has Master already attained the great path? Or something even beyond?" Xu Yan marveled, understanding why his master dismissed keeping track of mere ants' names. With his master's realm and strength, even the formidable figure he encountered in the wilderness seemed insignificant. "I am not even at the Void Shattering Realm, too weak, not even close to an ant!" Xu Yan felt ashamed but instantly invigorated, "My small goal is to transcend heaven and earth, at least equal to or exceeding that powerful figure. The next goal is to attain the great path! "From now on, I'll strive to comprehend that elusive great path. Understanding even a fragment would be incredibly beneficial and pave a solid foundation for attaining it!" Xu Yan was filled with fervent determination. "Master, I will diligently cultivate, experience heaven and earth, comprehend the great path, and one day, I am sure I’ll attain it!" Li Xuan nodded with gratification. "Good. I believe you will accomplish it." "I will not disappoint you!" Xu Yan vowed respectfully. "Good, very good!" Li Xuan was immensely pleased. "Now, let me teach you the martial path beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm. The Heaven and Earth Realm comprises half the journey; how could it lack the way of the heavens and earth? "Hence, the realm beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm is the Dao Establishment Realm! "Establishing one's own path, establishing the path of heaven and earth…!" The Dao Establishment Realm! This is the realm Li Xuan devised after much deliberation and adjustments. It marks the beginning of the subsequent martial path and dictates its future direction. Once the Dao Establishment is achieved, the future martial path becomes clear. "The heavens have their path, continually operating. Establishing one's path truly means setting down one's path, establishing the path of one's own heavens... "The Dao of the Tai-Cang heaven is the continuity of operation, the very core of the origin of heaven and earth..." Li Xuan began to impart to Xu Yan the martial path of the Dao Establishment Realm. How to establish one's path in the Dao Establishment Realm? Li Xuan had a roughly complete method, though Xu Yan needed to comprehend the exact method. After comprehending the origin and dao rules of Tai-Cang's heaven and earth, Li Xuan outlined a rough cultivation method and direction for establishing the Dao, aiming for transcendence beyond Tai-Cang’s framework for a broader path. Li Xuan's goal is to transcend and surpass Tai-Cang's heavenly might. Although following Tai-Cang's path might allow transcendence of its framework, it lacks uniqueness. Li Xuan intends to reference Tai-Cang's paths, crafting a new method for the Dao Establishment Realm. With Xu Yan's incredible wit and imaginative powers, he's confident Xu Yan will grasp it. The Dao Establishment Realm, establishing one’s own path and that of one’s heavens. "Establishing one's path by intertwining one's heavens with the nebulous great path..." After a detailed explanation, Li Xuan paused briefly before revisiting the topic, detailing the Dao Establishment Realm. Xu Yan silently noted and contemplated the teachings. The martial path of the Dao Establishment Realm was as profound as it was complex. Even after learning the martial path of the Heaven and Earth Realm, its intricacies remained very advanced to him. So, Li Xuan patiently waited for Xu Yan to digest this information. Once Xu Yan seemed to have absorbed it, Li Xuan explained the Dao path concepts again, especially emphasizing the heavenly patterns. "Disciple, have you memorized it?" After repeating it thrice, Li Xuan asked. "Master, I have memorized it!" Xu Yan said respectfully. "Good, very good!" Li Xuan nodded with satisfaction. "At the Dao Establishment Realm, once one sets down their path, they finally have the initial strength to create their own tradition. Before this, one lacks the qualification." Li Xuan laughed, seeing Xu Yan's realization. "I understand, Master!" Xu Yan nodded earnestly. Without reaching the Dao Establishment Realm, one is not qualified to establish their tradition. "Hence, the major powers in the Divine Realm are merely martial forces, not true traditions." Xu Yan realized. "The Divine Realm is in turmoil, and heaven and earth are changing. It's the best time for prodigies to rise. As for Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow, it's up to you to handle," Li Xuan said tranquilly. "Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow are just small fry, not worth tainting my Master's hands," Xu Yan nodded. Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow, with their cowardly tactics, aren't worthy of Master's attention. Moreover, troubling Master over every little issue would be shameful, wouldn't it?" --- **New Character/Term Explanations:** 1. **Heaven and Earth Realm (天地境)** - Refers to a high realm where one's martial path works in harmony with the natural laws of universe. 2. **Dao Establishment Realm (立道境)** - A newly described realm about establishing one's own path and aligning it with the natural way. 3. **Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow (天煞地影)** - A name for presumably a villainous organization or group Xu Yan refers to as beneath their Master's intervention, literal translation is “Heavenly Calamity Earth Shadow.” It remains mostly literal and contextually fitting for likely secretive and malicious deeds. These translations keep the original intent and provide contextual explanation for readers unfamiliar with the terminologies, ensuring an authentic experience. Li Xuan nodded with satisfaction and said, "You've already achieved great success in the Divine Appearance Realm and aren't far from the Void Shattering Realm. As for your plan to obtain treasures from the Enchantress, just be cautious. "As I have mentioned, a true martial artist is not a brute. There are many martial techniques and various divine arts at your disposal. "The martial path will also have its share of intrigues, schemes, and traps..." Li Xuan imparted some martial experiences to his disciple once again. Although he hadn't ventured much into the martial world, the extensive feedback from his disciples turned him into a seasoned veteran in martial arts. When it came to various strategies and methods, he was far more adept than Xu Yan or his other disciples. "Yes, Master, I will keep it in mind!" Xu Yan was impressed, acknowledging his master's ability to inspire martial techniques with just a few pointers. "Hmm, keep working hard." Li Xuan nodded and raised a finger, reinforcing Xu Yan's life-preserving jade talisman. After a moment's contemplation, Li Xuan gestured, condensing a large tree into a small wooden sword inscribed with intricate, mysterious patterns. Though the sword appeared as a simplistic wooden blade, it embodied the essence of a saintly sword. Even Xu Yan found himself overwhelmed, unable to summon the will to draw his own weapon in its presence. The sword eventually took on a plain appearance, devoid of its saintly aura, resembling an ordinary wooden sword. "When you meet the Enchantress, use this sword to stab her." Li Xuan handed the small wooden sword to Xu Yan. Since Xu Yan was set on dealing with the Enchantress, who had become a sworn enemy to both master and disciple, there was no need for politeness. This sword contained Heaven and Earth Realm power and Li Xuan's sword intent. Its purpose wasn't to kill the Enchantress's avatar but to ensure the sword reached her true body. Li Xuan intended to both trouble the Enchantress and gauge her strength. If the Enchantress wasn't strong enough, her demise would be inconsequential. Should she prove resilient enough, Li Xuan could instantly detect the Enchantress entering Tai-Cang. "My saintly sword intent is too profound; I refuse to believe you can dispel it," Li Xuan mused to himself. "Disciple, once you stab the Enchantress, let her go. Don't kill her." Li Xuan cautioned Xu Yan. If Xu Yan were to kill the Enchantress’s avatar prematurely, the plan could fail, and they wouldn't be able to trap the enchantress. "Master, why?" Xu Yan asked, puzzled. "What's the point in destroying an avatar? I just wish to teach her a small lesson and let her avatar return this sword..." Li Xuan said with a bright smile. Xu Yan was momentarily at a loss. This moment made him realize his master's slyness in dealing with the Enchantress! Understanding dawned on him, no wonder his master always emphasized that a true warrior is not a brute! "Perhaps Master, being invincible for so long, found amusement in this mischief to pass the time." Xu Yan marveled, realizing his master’s high level as he could casually toy with someone as formidable as the Enchantress. "Master, I understand!" Xu Yan affirmed with a nod. The Enchantress was in for a misfortune! "Mmh, wander the world and embrace many insights." Li Xuan walked away with a leisurely stride. Since he was already out, he intended to meet Meng Chong, give some guidance, and pass on the physical martial path after the Great Sun and Stars Immortal Physique. Jiang Buping also needed a visit, some pointers, and the enhancement of his life-preserving jade talisman. "With my current strength and command over Tai-Cang’s laws, I can summon the power of Tai-Cang's dao at any time when anyone activates the talisman I bestowed," Li Xuan thought to himself. Until then, no one had triggered the life-preserving talisman he had given. Xu Yan was elated, "I should advance to the fullness of the Divine Appearance Realm soon and break into the Void Shattering Realm. Once I'm there, I can travel the Divine Realm freely, and the current chaos is the perfect opportunity for honing my skills. "Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow will be a fitting target, an opportunity to showcase my methods!" Xu Yan returned to the agreed meeting spot with Luo Zhan, who was still waiting. "Brother Luo Zhan, thank you for this time." Xu Yan said with a smile. Regardless, Luo Zhan's readiness to assist stood as a gesture Xu Yan appreciated, even if Luo Zhan's intervention wasn’t necessary due to his master's arrival. "My pleasure!" Luo Zhan humbly replied. The mysterious elder had already left, leaving Luo Zhan relieved yet slightly regretful. The elder’s presence was incredibly pressuring. "Brother Luo Zhan, I’m aware of the Earth Shadow list. Before long, I'll find a way to learn some locations of the Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow branches. At that time, I’ll need to trouble you and the Bai Zhan Hall." Xu Yan gave Luo Zhan a communication talisman, "This is a communication talisman. No matter where in the Divine Realm, we can connect. I’ll send messages to you." Luo Zhan was astonished while examining the talisman, "It works even across the Divine Realm?" But given the elder's prowess, such an artifact made perfect sense. "Correct!" Xu Yan nodded, producing another communication talisman, handing it to Luo Zhan, "This one is yours, Brother Luo Zhan, so you can easily contact Bai Zhan Hall." Following this, Xu Yan explained how to use the talisman to Luo Zhan. **New Character/Term Explanations:** 1. **Divine Appearance Realm (神相境)** - A realm of martial cultivation involving the manifestation of one's spiritual authority or intense charisma. 2. **Void Shattering Realm (破虛境)** - A high realm of cultivation denoting the ability to break through dimensions or reality itself. 3. **Heavenly Fiend Earth Shadow (天煞地影)** - An organization presumably engaging in nefarious activities. Described with terms that suggest elusive and dark intentions, matching their name which literally translates to “Heavenly Calamity Earth Shadow.” 4. **Enchantress (媚巫)** - Described as an adversary possessing powerful avatars; refers to a malevolent figure Xu Yan aims to confront. 5. **Life-preserving jade talisman (保命玉符)** - A protective charm enhanced by Li Xuan to provide significant safeguarding measures. These translations maintain the integrity of the martial arts theme and offer clarity for readers less familiar with the original concepts while preserving the narrative's depth and intrigue.