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

Chapter 436: Yan Shanhe's Wrath, the Song Family Stunned Meng Chong took out a few pills and handed them to Song You, explaining the uses of each. "This pill can unlock hidden potential, offering an instant strength boost far beyond some costly secret techniques. Of course, taking this pill comes at a price, but it is far superior to certain secret arts. "This pill is a great essence and blood tonic that instantly enhances soul power. However, this augmentation is temporary; once the medicinal effect fades, your soul power will drop back to normal, leaving you feeling soul fatigue, needing some time to recover fully. "The remaining pills include healing ones and those that nourish the body and soul. Consuming these together can amplify your strength two to three times. However, this power surge won't last long, but it'll suffice. "With healing pills, you can minimize damage. If you manage to escape, these healing pills will prevent foundational harm…" Meng Chong meticulously explained the effects and usage of these pills to Song You. Currently, Meng Chong had no need for these pills. As for the healing ones, those were most abundant with him, anyway, and he rarely suffered injuries. Ordinary wounds healed thanks to his formidable physical recovery, making elixirs unnecessary. It would take a significant blow to force him to rely on healing pills, something even standard Immortal Heavenly Venerables couldn’t inflict. These pills were prepared for emergencies and now found their purpose. Helping Song You was partly because his story resonated with Meng Chong’s own past experiences, and Song You’s clan seemed likely tied to the hidden Tian Sha Di Ying forces, considering they harbored enmity with the Wan Bao Alliance. This was a chance to exact revenge on Tian Sha Di Ying. Moreover, Meng Chong suspected the force that framed him might very well be the Song family. Being a subsidiary of the Wan Bao Alliance, the Song family would have easy access to Yan Shanhe’s disciples, making them prime suspects. Stunned by the revelation of such miraculous pills, Song You couldn’t disbelieve Meng Chong. Tears welled up as he, trembling and speechless with gratitude, carefully tucked the pills away. "Brother Meng, should I survive this ordeal, I will repay your great kindness tenfold." "That's an exaggeration. A small matter," Meng Chong replied dismissively. Next, he produced an array disk. "This is the Bewilderment and Inversion Array (迷幻顛倒陣). Once activated, it can conceal you and bewilder your enemies, thus creating more opportunities. Of course, this disk isn’t of high level and will only take them off guard once, thus allowing you one chance." He passed a relatively low-tier array disk to Song You. Even if a True King Heavenly Venerable experienced its effects once, they would be cautious afterward. While the confusing illusions could be impactful initially, they would only work once, ensuring adversaries remain vigilant, creating openings for Song You. Offering Song You higher-grade tools wasn't wise or obligatory; they didn’t share a close connection. Providing an obsolete array disk was already a favor done out of generosity. "Array disk?" Song You, once more surprised, had never encountered such objects. Despite hailing from a great power, witnessing these miraculous elixirs and arrays was groundbreaking. "Array disks are easy to operate. Do it like this..." Meng Chong patiently demonstrated their usage. "Do you understand?" "Yes, I do. Thank you for your great kindness, Brother Meng!" His excitement palpable, Song You expressed his delight. "This mask is for you." Meng Chong handed a Di Ying Mask to Song You, advising him on how to feign an identity, avoiding implicating the Song family while plotting against Yan Shanhe's son within the Wan Bao Alliance's scope. The goal was to ensure the Song family couldn’t escape repercussions, guaranteeing Yan Shanhe would destroy them in furious reprisal, avenging Song You. "Don’t worry, Brother Meng, I know what to do. We'll succeed!" Song You declared, exhilaration evident. The dawn of vengeance rose for Song You, as even death seemed worthwhile if it meant retaliation. Song You embarked on his plan, needing first to confirm the whereabouts of Yan Shanhe’s sole heir, Yan Long, and await an ideal opportunity. Meng Chong decided to delay departing from the Chang Yun Realm for now. Yan Long, known as the Young Master of the Chang Yun Realm's Wan Bao Alliance, was extraordinarily gifted, equipped with premium cultivation techniques, limitless resources, and guidance from renowned Immortal Heavenly Venerables. Yan Shanhe's only son, possessing high potential for reaching the Immortal Realm, meant his attention and affection from Yan Shanhe were unparalleled. Within the resources-laden and extensive network of Wan Bao Alliance, rumors circulated cautioning against provoking Yan Long. For the safety of his heir, Yan Shanhe handpicked a near-Immortal Heavenly Venerable rogue cultivator, bestowing advanced techniques and resources, aiding his breakthrough into the Immortal Realm, serving as Yan Long's bodyguard. Having an Immortal Heavenly Venerable guardian was a privilege even some mighty forces couldn’t claim for their top prodigies. Yan Shanhe's resources extended to a ferocity where even Meng Chong’s heist pale in comparison. With an Immortal Heavenly Venerable protector, thoughts concerning Yan Long’s safety were negligible. Yan Long wasn’t stationed in Bai Mu City but was widely venturing. Recently departing from a city, Yun You accompanied him, a beautiful lady in attendance, with several True King Heavenly Venerable peak guards securing the perimeter, preventing any approach. Hidden was another Immortal Heavenly Venerable guardian. "How envious of Yan Long!" "The undisputed top young master of Chang Yun—wherever he ventures, enviable beauties accompany him!" "Blessed with talent, prestigious heritage, boundless resources…if only I had a father like his!" "You're dreaming. With your talent, if your father were Yan Shanhe, he'd have banished you long ago!" As city martial artists gazed with envy at Yan Long’s party leaving, suddenly— "Meng Chong?!" A deep voice resonated. "Guard the young master," commanded a figure, exuding sheer momentum while racing to mid-air, targeting a bald youth. "Gasp! Is Meng Chong really aiming to kill Yan Long? That tops even his raid on the Wan Bao Alliance branch; Yan Shanhe might personally engage him." "So audacious! He’s utterly dismissing Yan Shanhe." "What is Meng Chong’s background? His martial prowess is endlessly terrifying. Perhaps a formidable entity shields him, lessening his fear of Yan." "This isn't just about Yan Shanhe anymore but implicates the entire Wan Bao Alliance, entwined as it is with major realms." As martial artists marveled at the Immortal Heavenly Venerable rushing after Meng Chong, still stunned, Yan Long's group unceremoniously faced an abrupt onslaught. Boom! An unforeseen silhouette emerged seamlessly as if ambushed. "Beware, protect the young master!" shouted Yan Long’s guards, reacting vehemently, yet their attacks went astray. "Not good!" Suddenly, dread surged amongst them—a mere illusion! The real assailant shifted unnoticed elsewhere. Yan Long snorted, confident in his formidable strength among the True King Heavenly Venerables. Unless approached by an Immortal Heavenly Venerable or a demon-like Meng Chong, he feared nothing. Boom! Readying his defense, his expression altered drastically as revealed attacks inverted, the real threat hailing from elsewhere. Panicked amidst thundering danger, he feared no longer discerning the inversion array's power. Yet ill fortune played still—they remained oblivious to distinguishing the force within the inversion array's onslaught. Calamitous peril descended as Yan Long attempted evasion. Sudden energies shielded him while a blade pierced through his shield and armor, embedding into his chest. Shhh! Blood spilled forth as Yan Long perceived his foes, seemingly empowered through mystic arts, suddenly energized. "Young master!" **New Terms:** - 孟沖 Meng Chong: A character, translated as Meng Chong. No alternative names required. - 宋友 Song You: Another character, translated as Song You. - 嚴山和 Yan Shanhe: A character, translated as Yan Shanhe. - 嚴龍 Yan Long: Yan Shanhe's sole heir. Directly translated. - 嚴家 Yan family: Refers to the clan of Yan Shanhe and Yan Long, given as the Yan family. - 萬寶盟 Wan Bao Alliance: Translated as Wan Bao Alliance, capturing the idea of a powerful syndicate. - 天煞地影 Tian Sha Di Ying: Untranslated as Tian Sha Di Ying, denoting a likely antagonist faction, its menacing name retained for effect. - 長雲境 Chang Yun Realm: Left as Chang Yun Realm, indicating a positional locale/realm. The guards were shocked. One of them suddenly moved forward, sheltering Yan Long with his body. *Pfft*! A blade pierced through him, yet it managed to stop a truly fatal strike. The other guards hurriedly took action. Meanwhile, Yan Long took this chance to retreat frantically. Song You felt a pang of regret. His strength was ultimately lacking, unable to eliminate Yan Long in one blow even at his peak outburst. Having missed this opportunity, it was now too late to try again. The guards were already attacking with ferocity. Letting out a low growl, Song You desperately fought back. It seemed as if he fought with no regard for his life, taking numerous hits and spewing blood, all to achieve his goal of attacking Yan Long. "Young Master, run!" a guard urged, protecting Yan Long while retreating wildly. Another shouted, "Capturing the culprit will earn a generous reward from the Wan Bao Alliance!" The previously stunned martial artists, hearing this, became instantly excited. A number of True King Heavenly Venerables rapidly joined the fray. "It's enough," Song You realized, a look of regret surfacing. In the chaos of battle, the mask on his face abruptly shattered. In a moment of panic, he crushed the mask, tearing off a sleeve to cover his face despite taking a hit. "Song You?" someone exclaimed in surprise. The former young master expelled from the Song family, still being hunted by them—was this really Song You attacking Yan Long? "I'm not Song You. My enmity with Yan Long is personal," Song You claimed, panic in his eyes briefly before maintaining composure and fleeing wildly. "Quickly, seize Song You!" many martial artists madly pursued. At this moment, the thought crossed many minds: was the Song family betraying Yan Shanhe? Though Song You was expelled, who could tell if it was all an act? Moreover, the mask Song You wore... Nobody would have anticipated someone resorting to this method of vengeance, thus immediately suspecting the Song family's treachery. They believed this a ploy of self-harm to ambush Yan Long and then deny involvement. *Boom!* The aura of an Immortal Heavenly Venerable descended. "Young Master!" The Immortal Heavenly Venerable, just back from chasing Meng Chong, instantly understood. Fortunately, while Yan Long's injuries were severe, his life wasn’t in danger, nor was his foundation harmed. "What of Meng Chong?" Yan Long’s voice was ice-cold, murderous intent palpable. For the first time, he had brushed against death so closely. Also, for the first time, someone dared to assault him! "Meng Chong seemingly appeared here by coincidence. His target is this city's Wan Bao Alliance, not you, Young Master," explained the Immortal Heavenly Venerable. "Return to Bai Mu City!" Yan Long grumbled through clenched teeth. "Song family!" Song You frantically fled, capitalizing on the pills' power surge, finally eluding his pursuers. He nearly laughed aloud upon realizing the plan had worked. His future now faced Wan Bao Alliance's relentless pursuit. "Flee for as long as I can," thought Song You, refusing to pause, seeking a concealed place to heal, then investigate the Song family's current situation. In Bai Mu City, Yan Shanhe received secret intelligence about the Song family's subsidiary status. "Song You's expulsion is merely an act? The former Song patriarch didn’t truly die?" Yan Shanhe pondered. The Song leader's supposed demise was known by many; after all, an Immortal Heavenly Venerable’s death was momentous. "Perhaps a fake death technique?" Yet Yan Shanhe couldn’t fathom the Song family’s motives. The new Song family leader, allied with many elders, had sworn allegiance to him, eliminating numerous supporters of the previous patriarch. "Secretly observe the Song family," Yan Shanhe mused, convinced of the Song family's grand plots. "Yes!" responded an Immortal Heavenly Venerable before leaving. At this moment, a Wan Bao Alliance intelligence officer rushed in urgently, wearing a dire expression. "What is it?" Yan Shanhe inquired softly. "Alliance Master, Young Master was assaulted and severely injured!" "What?!" Energy radiated from Yan Shanhe's eyes, his chilling murderously dominating the room, causing the intelligence officer to collapse trembling to the floor. "Who dared attack my son?!" Yan Shanhe now seemed ready to devour anyone in his path. "Alliance Master, it was Song You!" reported the officer, detailing the assassination attempt to Yan Shanhe through gritted teeth. "Very well, the Song family's ambition threatens my position as Alliance Master? Do they assume such a title is easily snatched? "The Song family must be eradicated!" Yan Shanhe seethed with rage. Finally, it dawned on him. The Song family, supported by Tian Sha Di Ying, eyed greater power within the Chang Yun Realm's Wan Bao Alliance. "Song family has become a puppet of Tian Sha Di Ying!" On the surface, the Song family appeared to covet Yan Shanhe's leadership, yet it was the Tian Sha Di Ying manipulating events behind the scenes. "Did they think infiltrating Wan Bao Alliance so simple?" Yan Shanhe was livid beyond belief. "Gather the loyal and follow me to annihilate the Song family!" His tone was decisive, devoid of any negotiation. *Boom!* The array of forces within Bai Mu City, including numerous formidable individuals, were bewitched by the sight of Yan Shanhe leading Wan Bao Alliance's Immortal Heavenly Venerables and elite guards toward Song family territory, their murderous aura palpable. News quickly spread: the Song family had plotted grand ambitions, and Song You's failed attempt on Yan Long only revealed their schemes! Everyone was astounded, and among them, the Song family was utterly dumbfounded! "What does Song You's actions have to do with us? We're being wrongly accused!" they cried out, aghast. **New Terms:** - 嚴少主 Yan Long: Previously mentioned as Young Master, now referred to with a more specific personal pronoun as Yan Long. - 松友前少主 Former Young Master Song You: Refers to Song You's past title before his expulsion. - 苦肉計 Self-harm Plots: A strategy involving self-wounding or deception for a greater outcome. - 白木城 Bai Mu City: A place name, translated as Bai Mu City. - 附屬勢力 Subsidiary Power: Describes powers or organizations that operate under or are affiliated with a larger body. **Explanation and Changes:** - "Young Master" could replace "Yan Long" directly in certain contexts for dramatic cultivation-style dialogue while maintaining a respectful tone. The shift when revealing his name emphasizes the narrative context of him being a more central character. - "Self-harm Plots" translates "苦肉计" more literally and may better indicate the emotional manipulation intended. - Bai Mu City as a location continues to be used instead of exact alternative terms like "Whitewood," preserving its cultural authenticity in context. - Using subsidiary power mirrors the dependence or alliance of smaller factions on a larger entity for increased clarity concerning power dynamics.