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

Chapter 440: The Invincible Master, A Glance that Turns Enemies to Dust "Yunshang Sect (雲上宗)!" Jiang Buping's gaze was icy as he fixed it on the Immortal Heavenly Venerable who appeared. "Ha, you truly believe that the three of you can capture me?" Facing three Immortal Heavenly Venerables, with his current strength, he knew he was no match. An illusionary layer formed, and in an instant, Jiang Buping's true body had already fled far away. "Chase him!" The two Immortal Heavenly Venerables from the Jiang Clan exchanged a glance with the one from Yunshang Sect and, without a word, pursued him in tacit understanding. "This boy must not be allowed to live. Even before reaching the Immortal Realm, he's displayed such prowess. Should he break through, both you and I would be in grave danger." "Indeed!" The three Immortal Heavenly Venerables raced after him, yet Jiang Buping's speed surpassed theirs, and in just a blink, he vanished on the horizon. "With just the three of us, it's unlikely we can corner Jiang Buping; we'll need some additional force." "I'll rally the major forces from the Yuanping Realm. You two continue the chase." The wounded Immortal Heavenly Venerable spoke solemnly. "Alright!" The other two continued to pursue the path Jiang Buping had taken. Concealed within a massive tree, Jiang Buping's figure emerged, staring coldly at the two departed Immortal Heavenly Venerables. Using the peculiar nature of the Unyielding Divine Soul (不化神魂), he merged himself into the tree, hiding his aura and evading detection. "I can't go to the Heavenly Abyss (天窟). Once trapped inside, I'd have to use my master's jade talisman to escape." Jiang Buping's expression turned grim. "The Yuanping Realm (淵平境) isn’t a safe haven either." Now that the Jiang Clan and a Yunshang Sect Immortal Heavenly Venerable were pursuing him in the Yuanping Realm, he needed to avoid them temporarily and journey to other realms instead. "When I break through, it will be the day of your demise!" Jiang Buping thought coldly. With a swift movement, he headed towards the realm's boundary in Yuanping, intending to flee the realm. "A discarded Jiang Clan member? You've handed yourself over, now it's time to capture you!" Yet, as Jiang Buping reached the realm gate, an Immortal Heavenly Venerable stationed there attempted to apprehend him. Boom! Jiang Buping thrust his spear, retreating swiftly. "Jiang Tianming, hmpf!" He had no choice but to flee once more. The major forces of Yuanping Realm were hunting him, offering a hefty bounty. To curry favor with the Taikun Jiang Clan, even Immortal Heavenly Venerables were personally taking action. "A Divine Soul Secret Art (神魂秘術) offered as a bounty?" Jiang Buping's expression was extremely grim. For most Immortal Heavenly Venerables, a Divine Soul Secret Art was indeed a formidable and valuable technique. The lure of such a bounty was immense. And now, knowing Jiang Buping was a criminal from the Jiang Clan and possessed a powerful Divine Soul Secret Art, how could these Immortal Heavenly Venerables resist? Without a major sect as support, they had no qualms in pursuing him. "Jiang Buping, surrender now, you can't escape." At the edge of the Yuanping wilderness, Jiang Buping looked troubled. He had been careless! Aside from the three Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Taikun Realm (太崑境), five Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Yuanping Realm had enclosed the area where he planned to cross the wilderness to leave. Though surrounded, Jiang Buping remained unperturbed, albeit somewhat annoyed at his own negligence in hiding his presence properly. "I'm not as experienced as Senior Brother and Second Brother," he thought, "I'll have to be more cautious from now on. Whenever possible, change my appearance to avoid tracking." "Do you really want to get involved in this, Yuanping Realm's Immortal Heavenly Venerables? This is a feud between Jiang Buping and Taikun Realm; you should consider the consequences of your involvement!" Jiang Buping addressed the Immortal Heavenly Venerables of Yuanping Realm coldly. "Stop the threats, Jiang Buping. You ought to know your fate today. With your current power, you have no right to threaten us." One of the Yuanping Immortal Heavenly Venerables responded coldly. Among the spectators were several True King Heavenly Venerables. "Jiang Buping, huh? I know him, the discarded child of Taikun, once the youngest True King Heavenly Venerable!" "Why would the Jiang Clan discard such a prodigy?" "Wasn't he said to be a has-been? It seems he truly is undefeated beneath the Immortal Realm, having so many Immortal Heavenly Venerables chase him. This will surely mark a remarkable event in martial history." The gathered True King Heavenly Venerables sighed in awe. Could he be the first True King Heavenly Venerable pursued by so many Immortal Heavenly Venerables? "It's a pity; Jiang Buping seems unlikely to escape this ordeal today. I wonder who will claim his Divine Soul Secret Art?" "What are you thinking? That's a Jiang Clan Secret Art. Who dares claim it? Still, the Jiang Clan has offered a Divine Soul Secret Art as a reward, so these Immortal Heavenly Venerables will not return empty-handed." "True, none would covet such a powerful Divine Soul Secret Art; the Jiang Clan would unleash its fury." The observing martial artists nodded in agreement. The stronger the Divine Soul Secret Art, the more it belongs to the core inheritance of a major sect. Anyone daring to steal such knowledge would be hunted relentlessly, finding no sanctuary throughout the entire Divine Domain. This mutual understanding among major sects ensures no core secret arts have leaked out. Jiang Buping, gripping his spear, gazed unflinchingly at the eight encroaching Immortal Heavenly Venerables. Despite his current inability to break through their ranks, he remained fearless. Nonetheless, it was equally impossible for them to kill him. Even without his master's life-saving jade talisman, Jiang Buping was confident that the Immortal Heavenly Venerables couldn’t destroy his Unyielding Divine Soul. The Unyielding Energy had merged with his soul; as long as it remained intact, he couldn’t be killed. However, if captured, their grinding could weaken his soul. This was the strength of the Unyielding Divine Soul, a state he shouldn’t have been able to cultivate at his current level. Yet being born with a powerful soul, touched by the Unyielding Energy, enabled him to train this soul so early. "There is still a way to escape!" Jiang Buping glanced downward. "To escape using this method, I’ll have to let go of my original body, transforming entirely into a soul state, which feels somewhat dissatisfying." With a sigh, Jiang Buping contemplated. Although his physical form had long merged with his soul, it still existed. To disperse into soul energy and burrow into the earth, he'd have to abandon his body entirely, merging into the ground undetected. "Very well, my own carelessness led to this; I alone must bear the burden!" Determined, Jiang Buping prepared to escape using this method. Using his master's jade talisman only as a last resort, he remained committed to causing his master as little trouble as possible, a steadfast principle of his disciple duty. "Jiang Buping, stop your futile attempts to escape. Surrender for a more lenient fate." A Taikun Jiang Clan Immortal Heavenly Venerable, exuding an overpowering aura, began to advance. Suddenly! A figure drifted in. Li Xuan regarded his fifth disciple with exasperation. How could he have been so careless as to let himself be trapped? "He let his training in the Extreme Soul Martial Path (極魂武道) get to his head." Li Xuan sighed inwardly. "Master?!" Jiang Buping was momentarily stunned, but quickly overcome with joy. "Yes." Li Xuan nodded, "You managed to leave Taikun Realm back then because you were adaptable and capable of self-preservation. How now have you allowed yourself to be surrounded?" Feeling both shame and embarrassment, Jiang Buping replied, "Master is right; I was careless." Since training in the Extreme Soul Martial Path had pushed his power beyond its peak, he had grown somewhat conceited, believing he could handle Immortal Heavenly Venerables with ease, resulting in his complacency and being cornered. "I constantly tell you, a true martial artist is not an impulsive brute. Do not arrogantly boast about supreme power. Remember always, there's always someone stronger, somewhere. "Throughout history, how many prodigies have succumbed to overconfidence, and how many powerful fighters have had their fortunes reversed when least expected..." Li Xuan sternly admonished. The surrounding Immortal Heavenly Venerables wore increasingly grim expressions, laden with gravity. This person had arrived abruptly, unnoticed/ until his presence was undeniable. Moreover, claiming to be Jiang Buping's master? Yet here was this man, fearlessly instructing his disciple without acknowledging their presence, igniting their ire. "Do you truly have time to teach your disciple? Jiang Buping is a criminal of the Taikun Jiang Clan. As his master, you should accompany us back to Taikun to face judgment." A Taikun Realm Jiang Clan Immortal Heavenly Venerable spoke with a gaze full of malice. Li Xuan glanced indifferently upwards, "Insects, buzzing about!" **New Terms:** 1. **Yunshang Sect (雲上宗):** Translated as "Yunshang Sect," a name for a faction not previously mentioned. 2. **Yuanping Realm (淵平境):** Literally means "Deep Level Realm," but translated as "Yuanping Realm" to keep the place names consistent. 3. **Extreme Soul Martial Path (極魂武道):** This implies a martial path or discipline focusing on extreme soul cultivation. Translated to match similar expressions. 4. **Divine Soul Secret Art (神魂秘術):** This refers to a type of secret technique focused on the soul, indicating its high value and power. 5. **Unyielding Energy (不化之氣):** A critical aspect of Jiang Buping's power related to his soul. "Unyielding Energy" reflects its persistence and inexhaustibility trait. **Changes Needed in Previous List:** - Add "Yunshang Sect (雲上宗)" as an organization. - Include "Extreme Soul Martial Path (極魂武道)" under Martial Paths. - Add "Divine Soul Secret Art (神魂秘術)" under Techniques or Concepts. Under the terrified gazes of the remaining Immortal Heavenly Venerables, the one who had just spoken was reduced to ashes in an instant with a mere gust of wind, not even having time for a final scream! Gulp! In that moment, the other seven Immortal Heavenly Venerables felt their scalps tingle with fear, their hearts quaking within, and their entire bodies trembling slightly. With just one glance, an Immortal Heavenly Venerable was turned to ashes? What kind of terrifying existence was this, something unheard of. Even the Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Taikun Realm and Yunshang Sect were drenched in cold sweat from shock. What kind of being could, with just a single glance, reduce an Immortal Heavenly Venerable to dust? Even more frightening, the person had not displayed any aura of power or dominion; it was merely an ordinary, straightforward glance. And yet, a person was reduced to ashes. Even the mightiest Immortal Heavenly Venerables aren't capable of reducing ants to ashes with a mere glance. To this being, Immortal Heavenly Venerables were lesser than ants! Jiang Buping was profoundly shaken—this was his invincible master. With just a glance, an Immortal Heavenly Venerable was turned to ashes. "A being who transcends heaven and earth, such terror!" Jiang Buping's heart surged with fervor, "I, Jiang Buping, will also transcend heaven and earth, to become a mighty existence like Master!" The Immortal Heavenly Venerable from Yunshang Sect began to subtly retreat, slowly moving backwards before abruptly turning and fleeing. Too terrifying! To have such a formidable master, capturing or subduing Jiang Buping was utterly impossible! "Did I give you permission to leave?" Li Xuan's indifferent voice echoed. As the remaining six Immortal Heavenly Venerables prepared to flee, they were horrified to see that the one from Yunshang Sect, who had just attempted an escape, was immediately reduced to ashes. Gulp! At this moment, the rest of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables were so frightened that their faces went pale, their bodies trembling, as they fell to their knees. "Spare us, Senior! We had no part in this..." A Yuanping Realm Immortal Heavenly Venerable stammered in a plea for mercy. "Silence!" Whoosh! The pleading Immortal Heavenly Venerable was also reduced to ashes. The remaining Immortal Heavenly Venerables hurriedly clamped their mouths tight, not daring to breathe, afraid that any noise might disturb this horrific being. They even frantically tried to control their trembling bodies, fearing any excessive movement might displease the terrifying figure. Yet, the overwhelming fear within them was uncontainable, and they shivered uncontrollably while kneeling, faces drenched with cold sweat. Normally high and mighty, accustomed to respect and adoration, even these Immortal Heavenly Venerables found themselves terror-stricken before such an unknown, terrifying force. Despite their powerful cultivation, they couldn't master their fear. In the distance, a group of True King Heavenly Venerables, though unsure of the events unfolding, saw a figure suddenly beside Jiang Buping. Thereafter, the Immortal Heavenly Venerables knelt! "Run!" If even Immortal Heavenly Venerables were kneeling, then this was an existence of unimaginable horror. The True King Heavenly Venerables, in a frenzy of retreat, dared not make any noise, fearing they'd be noticed. "What is that?" "Could it be a powerful entity from the wilderness has been disturbed?" "Perhaps!" As they fled, the True King Heavenly Venerables whispered amongst themselves. The tales about the wilderness often included rumors of Immortal Heavenly Venerables’ falls. So their initial thought was that an unknown entity inhabiting the wilderness had been roused. In no time, the area of True King Heavenly Venerables had emptied. At the edge of the wilderness, a few kneeling figures trembled all over, heads bowed, not daring to raise them. "How do you plan to handle these?" After offering his counsel to Jiang Buping, Li Xuan turned to the kneeling Immortal Heavenly Venerables. Jiang Buping, his gaze sharp, took a long breath, and declared, "Kill them all, naturally!" "Indeed." Li Xuan nodded with satisfaction. Hearing this, the Yuanping Realm Immortal Heavenly Venerables frantically begged for mercy, their voices quaking, almost incoherent. "Spare us..." Yet before finishing their pleas, a breeze swept through, and they all turned to ashes. "Your business with Taikun Realm is yours to resolve. I will not intervene." Li Xuan resumed his casual pace, Jiang Buping dutifully following behind. "Yes, Master. Your disciple will retrieve the justice he deserves," Jiang Buping replied respectfully. "The Extreme Soul Martial Path is one of slaughter, extreme slaughter. You still lack the ultimate intent behind it; practice diligently. "Today, I shall guide you further in the Extreme Soul Martial Path, imparting more Extreme Soul Divine Techniques. How much you comprehend or cultivate is up to you." Li Xuan transmitted a plethora of further refined Extreme Soul Martial Path divine techniques and secret arts to Jiang Buping. "Thank you, Master. I will train diligently, striving to break through soon." Jiang Buping expressed gratitude with reverence. "You are already on the path of Extreme Soul; how far you proceed depends on your effort. Martial paths are limitless, strive to chart your own course." With a wave, Li Xuan enhanced the power within Jiang Buping's jade talisman. **New Terms:** 1. **Unyielding Divine Soul (不化神魂):** Used previously, this concept suggests a powerful and resilient aspect of Jiang Buping's soul that is integral to his survival. 2. **Yunshang Sect (雲上宗):** Reappears here, reinforcing it as a significant faction alongside the others. 3. **Extreme Soul Martial Path (極魂武道):** Further detailed here as a "path of slaughter," emphasizing its destructive focus. **Notes on Gender and Characters:** - Li Xuan, the invincible master, displays overwhelming power. His gender and unrivaled martial prowess remain consistent throughout. - Jiang Buping, the disciple, exhibits burgeoning power and ambition, consistently presenting as male.