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

### Chapter 449: This One Is Truly Fearsome A group of people gathered, fervently discussing the affairs of the Wanbao Alliance, such as the countless Immortal Heavenly Venerables who pursued, only for their target to escape. Not only that, but he even managed to raid one of their branches! Zi Yun, having been in secluded cultivation and generally indifferent to the matters of the Divine Domain, knew nothing about it. After listening for a while, she roughly understood the sequence of events. The situation had begun with the pursuit of a man wrongly accused of killing a disciple of the Changyun Realm's Alliance Master, which in turn led to a series of conflicts. Wanbao Alliance, unwilling to endure the disgrace, was further incensed that the pursued individual's faction had never approached them to resolve the misunderstanding. This led Wanbao Alliance to conclude that the individual might be a rogue cultivator who, by sheer luck, acquired a powerful inheritance and hence possessed such strength. Finding it boring, Zi Yun was about to leave when someone praised, "Heavenly God Meng Chong is indeed a monster. He's the first person to escape the Wanbao Alliance's pursuit unscathed!" Meng Chong?! Zi Yun was overjoyed. Could the individual pursued by the Wanbao Alliance be Meng Chong? "Dear Senior, this Meng Chong you mentioned, what does he look like? How is he so formidable?" Suppressing her excitement, Zi Yun eagerly inquired. Though certain that this Meng Chong pursued by the Wanbao Alliance must be the same Meng Chong she knew—after all, another person with such extraordinary prowess and boldness to confront the Wanbao Alliance couldn't exist—she couldn't help but confirm once more. "Rumor has it that this Meng Chong is bald, robust in build, and cultivates some unknown, powerful art that makes him as mighty as a giant, thus his name..." As this martial artist from Dongyang Martial Institute eagerly explained, his eyes were full of yearning. Is there any martial artist who doesn't aspire to become a powerhouse? "It truly is Meng Chong!" Zi Yun was brimming with excitement internally. "My Meng Chong has only been in the Divine Domain for less than thirty years and has already begun to make a name for himself!" Zi Yun felt a sense of pride welling up within her. Her judgment was indeed sharp; the one she fancied was incredibly powerful. As people enthusiastically discussed Meng Chong, another female martial artist, her face brimming with admiration, interjected, "While Meng Chong is strong, he's not without rivals. That person is esteemed in swordsmanship across the world..." Hearing this, Zi Yun knew immediately who was being referred to. Senior Brother Xu Yan! Besides Senior Brother Xu Yan, there would be no one else. Sure enough, everyone began discussing Xu Yan, the one who had slain the Heavenly Sha and Earth Shadow Immortal Venerable, single-handedly wielding a sword to cut through a Heavenly Abyss, annihilating all the powerful figures comparable to an Immortal Venerable within. One of these Heavenly Abyss powerhouses was even as formidable as a top-tier Immortal Venerable. Zi Yun no longer found it boring and joined the discussion herself, mostly inquiring about Meng Chong. However, as the conversation progressed, she felt puzzled. Where was Su Lingxiu? Why wasn't her fame spreading? Then it occurred to her that Su Lingxiu preferred tranquility, never ostentatious, and always stayed by a senior's side. Given the vastness of the Divine Domain, it was unsurprising that her name hadn't spread. But what about Fang Hao? Why hadn't he gained any renown either? "Could it be that Fang Hao also dislikes attracting attention?" Though puzzled, she wasn't overly concerned. All her thoughts were on Meng Chong. After the group dispersed, Zi Yun returned to her residence, restless with excitement, eager to go in search of Meng Chong. However, remembering her current insufficient strength, she hesitated. "Meng Chong will come to find me, won't he? It's been so many years." Zi Yun propped her chin, staring out of the window lost in thought, her mind drifting far away, lacking the focus to cultivate. --- "No wonder this Greater Realm is so grand, the spiritual energy is indeed denser, and the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy more active. The strength of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables here is slightly more formidable, with stronger inheritances too." Upon entering the Great Yan Realm, Meng Chong couldn't help but sigh. "I wonder where Zi Yun is." Meng Chong scratched his head. With such a vast realm, finding one person seemed daunting. "It's likely easier to find out where prodigies from the Spiritual Domain are settled. I should inquire with the local county governor of the Great Yan Dynasty." With his now formidable strength and confidence, Meng Chong decided to seek information directly from the county governor. Though the Great Yan Dynasty was strong, Meng Chong didn't find it concerning. Should a confrontation arise, while it might be difficult to dismantle the entire dynasty alone, killing dozens of Immortal Heavenly Venerables wouldn't be much trouble. The head of any county in the Great Yan Dynasty would certainly be an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, and a powerful one within their rank. The Southern Frontier County, where Meng Chong had arrived, was a border territory of the Great Yan Dynasty, adjacent to the Wilderness. The county governor, Du Yuan, had governed the Southern Frontier for over a millennium, wielding strength at the late Immortal Venerable Stage, nearing perfection. As the head of a county, he not only had to ensure the abyssal spaces of the Southern Frontier remained controlled and prevent any upheaval in these tumultuous times but also had to watch for insurgents. Notably, in the present unstable Divine Domain, with Heavenly Sha and Earth Shadow instigating chaos, even the Great Yan Dynasty showed signs of disturbance, although their efforts couldn't sway the dynasty lightly. Bounded by the Wilderness, the Southern Frontier had to remain alert for powerful individuals crossing over from the wild. Despite the Wild's desolation, even if personnel were assigned to monitor it, they might not fully control those crossing it. If a Mortal Venerable crossed over, they likely wouldn't have much impact. If it were an Immortal Venerable crossing the wild, unless they remained hidden, any motion would surely reveal them. If exposed, especially having bypassed official entry points, they'd need to explain their intentions within the Great Yan Realm or face expulsion—or death! Given the chaotic times, the Great Yan Dynasty showed no leniency and had the resolve to uphold their policies. At this moment, in the Southern Frontier County governor's office, Du Yuan was reviewing a newly conveyed intelligence report. It contained newly received, undisclosed information. "Sixteen Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Wanbao Alliance pursued Meng Chong, only for him to disappear without a trace?" Du Yuan was astounded by the report. Sixteen Immortal Heavenly Venerables! Even an organization as mighty as Wanbao Alliance would consider such a loss severe. And, among those sixteen was a late-stage Immortal Venerable. "Were they killed by Meng Chong?" Du Yuan found it hard to believe. The pursuit of Meng Chong by Wanbao Alliance had been a sensational affair within the Divine Domain for years. Meng Chong remained elusive, his evasion methods extremely ingenious, hiding and concealing his aura so well that even Immortal Venerables struggled to track him. "Perhaps it was the work of a powerful figure backing Meng Chong?" Du Yuan speculated, reluctant to believe it was Meng Chong alone. Even if Meng Chong had broken through to the Immortal Stage during the pursuit, could he alone have killed sixteen Immortal Heavenly Venerables? Especially when one was a late Immortal Venerable? Moreover, the treasure-protecting forces of Wanbao Alliance were masters of joint attacks. United, they could compel even the top-tier Immortal Venerable to flee. Killing sixteen would seem impossible. "Wanbao Alliance traced the last whereabouts of the sixteen strongmen to the Wilderness's fringe, finding battle remnants indicating it was Meng Chong's doing." Reading the final lines, Du Yuan was horrified. It truly was Meng Chong, alone slaying sixteen Immortal Venerables. Such unfathomable power! Had he reached a level beyond the Immortal Stage? "In some reports, Meng Chong's martial path is described as extraordinarily unique and powerful, likely connected to a formidable martial art practice." Du Yuan inhaled deeply. "How will the Wanbao Alliance respond? Will they concede, negotiate with Meng Chong, or refuse to swallow their pride, bringing supreme experts?" Du Yuan's curiosity intensified. "Isn't our Great Yan royal household also one of the founders of Wanbao Alliance? Will they take action as well?" Du Yuan pondered. The forces behind Wanbao Alliance were complex, involving several Greater Realms. Otherwise, Wanbao could not become the premier commercial alliance of the Divine Domain. Although the involvement varied across realms, while the Great Yan royal household participated, they seemed less deeply entrenched, notably not dispatching Immortal Heavenly Venerables in the pursuit of Meng Chong. "In my view, it's best not to provoke Meng Chong, avoiding colossal losses for Great Yan." Du Yuan contemplated. Despite its strength, all signs indicated Meng Chong possessed unparalleled evasion abilities, eluding every method Wanbao employed to hunt him down. --- **New Terms and Concepts:** 1. **Changyun Realm (长云境):** Translated as "Changyun Realm", it is referred to without context, presumed to be a realm or significant place within the world. 2. **Wanbao Alliance (万宝盟):** Translated as "Wanbao Alliance", assumed to be a large commercial and possibly martial alliance within the narrative. 3. **Great Yan Dynasty (大炎王朝):** Translated to accurately convey its relevance; marks a major political and geographic entity in this world. 4. **Heavenly Sha (天煞) and Earth Shadow (地影):** Titles of presumably strong antagonistic forces or beings causing chaos. 5. **Du Yuan (杜淵):** Newly introduced character, male, the governor of Southern Frontier County, noted for his strength and authority. 6. **Southern Frontier County (边南郡):** Translated as "Southern Frontier County", indicating a borderland overseen by the Great Yan Dynasty. 7. **Meng Chong's Identity:** Meng Chong is consistently referred to as formidable, further emphasized by being a target of major pursuits, also possibly with unique martial arts. 8. **Ziyun (紫韻):** Her actions and thoughts indicate she's a female character concerned with events and individuals, notably Meng Chong. Overall, the translation maintains the sense of wealth, martial conflict, and power dynamics crucial to the story's context, with character-driven narrative focus. The recent battle was evidently orchestrated by Meng Chong after his breakthrough, deliberately luring the experts of the Wanbao Alliance to decisively annihilate them. Such a fierce individual would spell massive losses, or even potential ruin, for any faction that dared to provoke him. Du Yuan stepped out of the study, standing in the garden of the county governor's residence. He looked up at the sky, musing, "Is the world truly about to change?" The signs were clear: certain beings were dissatisfied with the current order, yearning for transformation or seeking to gain something from the chaos. "Immortal Heavenly Venerables, though seemingly lofty and eternal as the heavens, still cannot control their own life and death under the grand scheme of things," Du Yuan pondered aloud. Not long ago, sixteen Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Wanbao Alliance were snuffed out like mere locusts. "Never before have I realized how frail Immortal Heavenly Venerables truly are," he reflected. "You must be the county governor?" A sudden voice startled him from behind! Du Yuan's heart leapt with fear as he spun around, martial aura surging. He clutched an official seal in his hand. This seal, shimmering with brilliance, augmented the space above him, instantly empowering his abilities within the governor's domain. It was a powerful artifact known as the Governor's Seal. The Governor’s Seal enhances its holder's control over the land, allowing them to communicate instantly with other powerful figures in the county. In dire emergencies, it can call for immediate aid, with neighboring governors sensing its distress signal to respond swiftly. Even if a governor were to fall and the seal shattered, it would imprint the attacker’s visage, signaling the central authority of the Great Yan Dynasty to take action. Every Governor's Seal is a core component of the Great Yan Dynasty's governance and rule over its domain. Immediately, Du Yuan activated the seal, though refrained from signaling distress. After all, if the intruder intended an ambush, they would have acted already. In this tense moment, his heart quavered. As an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, it was his first time being approached without notice! "How is this possible? Could he be a power beyond the Immortal Stage?" Du Yuan trembled inwardly. Turning to see the speaker, he faced a robustly built young man, bald-headed, reflecting the light. Upon seeing this person, a name instantly surfaced in Du Yuan's mind. Heavenly God Meng Chong! Meng Chong rubbed his head, offering an awkward smile to the wary, pale-faced Du Yuan. "Apologies, apologies, I was a bit abrupt and startled you!" Du Yuan: … Indeed, you did startle me, but must you be so blunt about it? Du Yuan, after all, was the head of a county and a dignified Immortal Heavenly Venerable—he had his pride to consider! "Meng Chong?" Du Yuan coughed awkwardly, asking. "Indeed!" Meng Chong nodded. Internally, Du Yuan couldn't help but tense up, recalling if he had ever offended Meng Chong. Confirming he had not, relief washed over him. This individual was a terrifying figure. He put away the Governor's Seal, curtailing his aura and offering a welcoming smile, "Ah, Brother Meng, I've heard of your great name!" "Please, don't mention it!" Meng Chong replied courteously, bowing slightly. "Please, Brother Meng, have a seat," Du Yuan hurriedly invited Meng Chong to take a seat in the gazebo within the garden. He personally brewed a pot of spirit tea for his guest. "Brother Meng, there's something I'm unsure whether I should ask..." Du Yuan said, curiosity unabated. He was eager to validate whether the death of the sixteen Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Wanbao Alliance was indeed Meng Chong's handiwork. "What is it? Feel free to ask." Meng Chong, with a shrewd guess, anticipated what the question would be. Having killed so many from the Wanbao Alliance, he had intentionally left battle remnants as proof of his deeds—his message to the alliance to consider their next move wisely. "About that, I've come across information suggesting the demise of sixteen Immortal Heavenly Venerables from Wanbao Alliance. I wonder if..." Du Yuan inquired cautiously. "It was me!" Meng Chong nodded, "Wanbao’s persistent harassment, despite the issue being stirred by Heavenly Sha and Earth Shadow, unfairly placed the blame upon me. Did they truly think Meng Chong has such good patience? Daring to encircle me with just a meager number of Immortal Heavenly Venerables—they must have tired of living!" Gulp! Du Yuan swallowed hard, his heart pounding. It was indeed this fearsome individual, Meng Chong, who had executed the slaughter! "Brother Meng, your divine might is truly worthy of the name Heavenly God!" Du Yuan exclaimed in admiration. "Those are just empty titles!" Meng Chong waved his hand modestly. "Brother Meng, having come to see me, what instructions might you have?" Du Yuan asked humbly. After all, here stood a terrifying figure—a man for whom killing Immortal Heavenly Venerables was like crushing chicks. Offending him would be dire. Should Meng Chong, in a fit of rage, decide to casually snuff him out, that would be unfortunate indeed. "It's nothing major. I came to inquire about something..." Meng Chong explained. Meng Chong approached Du Yuan to inquire about the whereabouts of the martial artists who had arrived from the Spiritual Domain. Once he got a direction, locating Zi Yun would be much easier. Going straight to Zi Yun’s location might risk drawing Wanbao Alliance's attention, involving her unnecessarily. Moreover, Heavenly Sha and Earth Shadow might also attempt mischief. --- **New Terms and Concepts:** 1. **Governor's Seal (郡守印):** Translated directly as an official artifact used for enhancing governance and protecting its holder, deeply intertwined with the Great Yan Dynasty's administrative operations. This aligns with its function as a regulatory and emergency tool within the narrative. 2. **Wanbao Alliance (万宝盟):** Multi-faceted alliance depicted as both commercial and martial, a widespread term offered direct translation based on its consistent depiction of influence and complexity in the story. 3. **Heavenly Sha (天煞) and Earth Shadow (地影):** Retained as opposing forces acting behind crises, each with their respective realms of power and manipulation as implied, showcasing narrative antagonism and their implication in Meng Chong’s tribulations. 4. **Du Yuan (杜淵):** Male character, governor of Southern Frontier County, prominent in the narrative due to his managerial role and significance in handling the aftermath of Meng Chong's actions. His thoughts and actions provide critical plot progression and set the scene for Meng Chong's revelation. Narrative translation provided maintains an emphasis on dialogue-centric revelations and the systemic and hierarchical nuances depicted within the fictional society, adhering to character-driven developments and overarching narrative themes.