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

Chapter 446: Merely Talking of the Way, Yet Becoming the Dao Ancestor Xu Yan was, naturally, unaware that the Bewitching Witch was hatching plans on how to capture him. After breaking through to the Void Shattering Realm (破虛境) and transforming into the Mountain and River Dao Physique (山河道體), Xu Yan's strength had skyrocketed, filling him with confidence. "With my current strength, my Divine Intent can easily control ordinary Immortal Venerables. It's time to investigate the lair of the Tian Sha Earthshade." Xu Yan's gaze was sharp and determined. He took out a Transmission Talisman to contact Luo Zhan to inquire whether there were any traces of the Seven-Leaf Tian Sha (七葉天煞). "This jade bamboo from the Bewitching Witch is indeed a treasure. It feels like it contains some kind of law, giving me some insights." Holding the jade bamboo, Xu Yan felt elated. The jade bamboo contained a certain Dao resonance, and the mysterious lines seemed like some kind of rule, reminding Xu Yan of the natural laws that govern the heavens and the earth. "It will help me realize the Dao Establishment Realm (立道境) sooner." The Dao Establishment Realm is extremely profound, as it's about establishing one's Dao within the cosmos. After breaking through and transforming into the Mountain and River Dao Physique, Xu Yan gained some insights into this realm. Some vague concepts began to form in his mind, as if he was about to grasp how to establish his own Dao and the Dao of the heavens and the earth. The distance to fully understanding the Dao Establishment Realm was no longer far off. With this jade bamboo, Xu Yan believed he could significantly shorten the time needed for comprehension. "I will start my journey from here, continue exploring the Divine Domain (神域), until I reunite with my fifth junior brother at the Tai-Kun Realm (太崑境)." Xu Yan looked ahead, and with one step, the void shattered as he traversed, instantly crossing tens of thousands of miles. "So this is what it’s like to shatter the void!" Xu Yan was thrilled. "However, my strength is still somewhat lacking. The commotion is too large when crossing the void. When I can do so silently, it will mean my Void Shattering Realm is fully matured." Moving through the void by shattering space is a capability inherent in the Void Shattering Realm, using the natural laws as a spear, with the force of void shattering, piercing through the heavenly void. Because of this ability, the Void Shattering Realm, in a way, restrains Immortal Venerables, who wield the power of a realm. "From today, the Divine Domain is at my command, Immortal Venerables can be wiped away with a wave!" Xu Yan was full of confidence. "My next goal is the Heaven and Earth Realm, aiming to perfect my Void Shattering in ten years and to break through to the Heaven and Earth Realm soon." Xu Yan set his next target for himself. "The distance to transcending the cosmos is not far, nor is the hundred-year goal." "I’m also one step closer to standing alongside or surpassing that grand figure." Xu Yan didn't forget the small goal he set early on: to transcend the heavens within a century and the recent goal of standing alongside or surpassing that majestic figure. That majestic figure's strength surpassed an ordinary transcender, as both Ming Wu and Shan Gu, who perished in their great battle, were transcendents of heaven and earth. "Martial Dao has no end; I must follow in the footsteps of my master step by step!" Xu Yan was filled with blood-boiling excitement and fighting spirit. "The title of Sword God should also resonate across the Divine Domain now!" "It starts with slaying the Immortal Venerables of Tian Sha Earthshade." Xu Yan embarked on his journey to slay a Seven-Leaf Tian Sha. ...... As Xu Yan broke through, Li Xuan was equally excited, seeing his martial endeavors about to make further progress. In high spirits, his fingers couldn’t help but twitch, utilizing the Thousand Mechanism Manipulation (千機引) to control the sword within the Bewitching Witch. "Tsk, the Bewitching Witch’s aura is extremely agitated. Is she about to blow her top?" Li Xuan clicked his tongue in amazement. "Getting angry is futile. You can neither enter the realm nor find me, nor can you remove this sword." Li Xuan’s smile was radiant. After messing with the Bewitching Witch, Li Xuan guided Shi’er and some others in their martial paths. "Su Lingxiu and Fang Hao are also about to break through." Li Xuan wore a look of anticipation. "Your disciple Xu Yan slayed an Immortal Realm martial artist with one sword strike, enhancing your martial experience." The response from the Great Dao Golden Book (大道金書) arrived. "Immortal Venerables are no longer a big deal, huh? Killing one only yields a bit of martial experience." Li Xuan shook his head helplessly. As Xu Yan’s strength improved, slaying a True King Heavenly Venerable no longer provided any feedback. Killing an Immortal Venerable only resulted in feedback through martial experience. "Xu Yan is set to shock the Divine Domain." From the moment Xu Yan broke through to the Void Shattering Realm, it was destined he'd make a name in the Divine Domain. "Meng Chong is also on the verge of a breakthrough; let’s see what the Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance can do afterward." The Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance continued to hunt Meng Chong, putting him under considerable pressure, and wherever he went, even a slight trace would draw Immortal Venerables after him. He had nearly been surrounded by Immortal Venerables several times, narrowly escaping their encirclement. To this day, Meng Chong didn’t dare to venture to the Heavenly Abyss for fear of being trapped there. Although Meng Chong possessed advanced techniques for changing his appearance and concealing his aura, once he employed his martial path, his presence would eventually be revealed. Meng Chong’s path in Physical Body Martial Arts differed greatly from the Divine Domain's martial artists, and even if he imitated other martial paths, his uniqueness would be recognized. The Ten Thousand Treasures Alliance, evidently anxious, was trying to determine Meng Chong’s escape direction and methods, planning to trap him and suppress him collectively. "Meng Chong will unleash havoc again upon breaking through." Li Xuan sighed. Apart from Meng Chong, Jiang Buping remained low-key, dodging Tai-Kun Realm’s pursuits as much as possible, and even when his location was leaked, he managed to evade easily. Jiang Buping understood Tai-Kun Realm's strength well and was exceedingly cautious before his breakthrough, wary of being cornered. "This Tai-Cang Book is the foremost treasure of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth." Li Xuan looked at the Tai-Cang Book (太蒼書) in his hand, knowing whoever mastered it and understood it could become the ruler of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth. Undoubtedly, it was the ultimate treasure of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth. "I have my own martial path, so this Tai-Cang Book is merely for reference. Since I’ve grasped and comprehended Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth’s essence, I should utilize it." With that thought, Li Xuan had some plans in mind. The Qinghua Sect was founded by Fang Hao; in that case, he thought about giving some guidance to Emperor Dayue and others. With his understanding of the essence of Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth and his martial insights, guiding Emperor Dayue and others was more than sufficient. Cai Ling'er, now his maid, practiced the Sea-Spirit Tribe's (海靈族) heritage, which was also part of Tai-Cang. Li Xuan took some time to point out aspects regarding Heaven and Earth’s laws and Dao. With his guidance, Cai Ling'er would face no bottlenecks when breaking through to the Immortal Realm; as long as her cultivation reached the required level, she could break through smoothly. Then there were Yue Changming and Xiao Yue, Having received his guidance, the grandfather-grandson duo would have a smooth martial path ahead, at least until breaking through the Immortal Realm. Beyond that level depended on their talent and comprehension. And on this day, a message spread to the elders of the Qinghua Sect. The mysterious senior, Fang Hao’s master, was going to give a lecture in three days. Although not fully understanding what "giving a lecture" entailed, since it was initiated by a great sage, it was undoubtedly a grand opportunity. Thus, all the Immortal Venerables of the Qinghua Sect hurried back, fearing they’d miss the lecture. The Immortal Venerables respectfully stood in the plaza, awaiting the lecture, with complete focus, not daring to be distracted in the slightest. "It’s time to show off again." Seeing the respectful and solemn Immortal Venerables, Li Xuan nodded. "The Qinghua Sect has gained so many Immortal Realm martial artists now." Li Xuan noted, acknowledging the potent assistance from alchemy. The Qinghua Sect had many martial artists stuck below the Immortal Realm for ages, having accumulated over long years. Though they hadn't broken through, their martial foundation was extremely solid. And, to reach that level of cultivation, each one of them was a proud talent of their domain. Yet, the Immortal Realm seemed like a chasm, impossible to cross, and the emergence of alchemy provided a bridge, allowing some to traverse across it. As a result, the number of Immortal Venerables surged in a short period. Sitting on a chair, holding a jade ruyi, the Great Wilderness Divine Form (大荒神相) manifested beside Li Xuan, resembling the scene of primordial times, ancient and untouched. Li Xuan’s figure vanished from sight, replaced by an ancient, unseeable presence from the early times of the wilderness. The mysterious aura made the scene profound and unfathomable, as if even heaven and earth became as insignificant as ants. "Greetings to the senior!" A wave of awe swept over the Immortal Venerables, who respectfully and devoutly prostrated. "I look upon you; many have felt setback on the martial path, unclear of their way forward. Today, I shall speak of the Dao of Heaven and Earth for you. "How much you comprehend will depend on each of your opportunities and insights." --- **New Terms and Translations:** - Mèi Wū (媚巫): "Bewitching Witch" - Represents a cunning and mysterious female witch. - Lì Dàojìng (立道境): "Dao Establishment Realm" - A stage where one establishes their Dao within the cosmos. Alternate: "Realm of Establishing the Dao." - Tiānshā Dìyǐng (天煞地影): "Tian Sha Earthshade" - Represents an organization or entity; translated as "Heaven-sent Terror Earthshade." - Qīyè Tiānshā (七葉天煞): "Seven-Leaf Tian Sha" - Presumably a powerful entity particularly sought after; alternative: "Seven-Leaf Celestial Evil." - Shén Yù (神域): "Divine Domain" - A realm or territory overseen by divine figures. Alternate: "Godly Region." - Wúxíng Dàhǎng (無聲無息): "Silently Without Trace" - An advanced skill level of moving silently. **Explanations:** - The use of Dao or the Way (道) can be equivalent to "Path" but is more associated with a philosophical and spiritual journey rather than just a simple path. - "Show off again" is a humorous acknowledgment of Li Xuan's position where he imparts profound wisdom, akin to the "showing-off" culture. - The mysterious aura and ancient presence that Li Xuan creates is both a literal and symbolic transformation to the onlookers, signifying ascension and authority in the martial and spiritual realms. As the voice resonated, it felt as though it was echoing from eternity past, resembling the sound of heaven and earth, embodying an essence of the supreme Dao. The multitude of Immortal Venerables prostrated even further, their demeanor becoming increasingly devout and solemn. "Thank you, senior!" Li Xuan began speaking, directly converting the heavenly laws into sound, cascading it downward, initiating his very first lecture on the Dao. To the Immortal Venerables, it felt profound and elusive, akin to the sound of heaven and earth, difficult to comprehend, yet imparting a sudden clarity and realization. Some martial Dao confusions were instantly cleared up. Even martial arts techniques that had yet to be mastered and understood were, in this moment, suddenly grasped. Moreover, divine abilities that had long been stagnating saw a breakthrough in this moment, as if the path forward in cultivation was illuminated. Time passed, and the lecture concluded long ago. Li Xuan, returning to his courtyard, leisurely sipped tea and tasted the spiritual pastries made by Cai Ling'er. The Immortal Venerables remained prostrated, immersed in the profundity of the lecture, yet to fully come back to their senses. Suddenly, someone's aura fluctuated, signifying a breakthrough! Moments later, three formidable auras emerged one after another. They belonged to Emperor Dayue and his two companions. At this moment, the three opened their eyes, faces brimming with excitement—they had finally broken through! They had perfected the Immortal Realm! The trio had been stuck at the late peak stages of the Immortal Realm for a long time, unable to attain perfection. Today, they finally experienced sudden realization during the lecture, breaking through the bottleneck, achieving perfection in the Immortal Realm! They had truly reached the martial pinnacle in the Divine Domain. However, with the completion of the Qinghua Sect's grand formation, the perfection of the Immortal Realm was no longer the pinnacle, as further breakthroughs were possible. Each Immortal Venerable had gained something from the lecture, though the extent of their gains was known only to themselves. For them, it was a grand opportunity! "So this is what a lecture on the Dao is!" The Emperor Dayue trio exchanged glances, a mutual understanding forming between them. The concept of a Dao lecture was new to them, yet through it, they gained immense benefits—this is the greatness of a true sage. And this sage was the master of the founding sect leader, Fang Hao, and to call him the Dao Ancestor wouldn't be an exaggeration, right? The Dao Ancestor of Qinghua! "Thank you, Dao Ancestor, for your lecture!" In an instant, Emperor Dayue and his companions kowtowed deeply and called out. Subsequently, the remaining Immortal Venerables followed suit, kowtowing and shouting in unison. Their voices reverberated, spreading far and wide. Li Xuan was taken aback; a whimsical lecture on heaven and earth's Dao suddenly earned him the honorific of Dao Ancestor? He knew that in Tai-Cang Heaven and Earth, there was no such title as Dao Ancestor. In fact, there hadn't been a concept of Dao lectures before him. Abruptly, the Great Dao Golden Book flipped open, radiating golden light. Li Xuan was instantly overjoyed—did the lecture trigger feedback? "You have given a Dao lecture, enlightening the sect's martial practitioners, and been honored as the Dao Ancestor. You have gained the Dao Ancestor's Aura." Dao Ancestor’s Aura! Li Xuan was thrilled; this was an unexpected gain. The mysterious aura materialized behind his head, enveloping him, its ethereal glow seemingly reflecting the great Dao itself. "Wonderful, truly wonderful!" Li Xuan was elated. With the Dao Ancestor's Aura, convincing and intimidating others would be effortless. Even those more powerful than himself would instinctively kneel at the sight of him. Moreover, the uses of Dao Ancestor's Aura go beyond mere awe-inspiring display. "Qinghua Sect was founded by Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu, my disciples’ sect, thus making me the sect's patriarch. Therefore, enhancing the elder's strength through this lecture naturally brought forth feedback." Li Xuan understood internally. Who would've thought that a spontaneous Dao lecture would yield such immense rewards? Putting away the Dao Ancestor’s Aura, the Great Dao Golden Book delivered additional feedback. "You have been honored as the Qinghua Dao Ancestor and have obtained the Qinghua Cushion." Looking at the cushion, Li Xuan couldn’t help but marvel at having another tool for showmanship. The Qinghua Cushion, woven with threads of Dao, brimmed with Dao resonance. Sitting on it while giving a lecture could enhance the focus and comprehension of the listeners. "From now on, I am the Great Wilderness Dao Ancestor and the Qinghua Dao Ancestor..." Li Xuan was exceedingly excited. "Breaking through to the Dao Establishment Realm is just the beginning of my path as a Dao Ancestor; without establishing a Dao lineage, the title of Dao Ancestor feels empty." Li Xuan muttered to himself. According to his own understanding, only by establishing a Dao could he lay down a Dao lineage. Without the implementation of a Dao lineage, the so-called title of Dao Ancestor would be impotent. "The Dao Establishment Realm is but a start; I am to become a true Dao Ancestor." Li Xuan was immediately filled with fervor. "I cannot afford negligence. From now on, I must fully dedicate myself to my martial path endeavors. Further realms beyond the Dao Establishment Realm need to be conceived." "I am the Ancestor of Martial Dao, a being equal to the Great Dao, a true Dao Ancestor!" Li Xuan glanced at the Great Dao Golden Book, pondering its potential to further his martial ambitions. Emperor Dayue and the Immortal Venerables, after their reverent chanting and bowing, departed respectfully, each looking invigorated and sensing a broad path ahead in their martial journey. --- **New Terms and Translations:** - Dàoyuǎn (道祖): "Dao Ancestor" - A title given to someone recognized as a founder or significant figure in the practice and teaching of the Dao. Alternate: "Ancestor of the Way." - Qinghua Dao Ancestor (青華道祖) - A specific title for Li Xuan as a respected figure within the Qinghua Sect. - Qinghua Cushion (青華蒲團): A significant implement associated with Dao lectures and meditation, enhancing focus and comprehension. **Explanations:** - The Dao Ancestor's Aura is described as a metaphysical glow that represents Li Xuan's elevated status in comprehending and teaching the Dao. Its mere presence commands reverence and can awe or intimidate others. - "Qinghua Dao Ancestor" emphasizes the special recognition Li Xuan received in relation to the Qinghua Sect. - The concept of a spontaneous Dao lecture yielding divine rewards exemplifies the theme in cultivation narratives where enlightenment brings tangible benefits.