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

Chapter 453: Complete Annihilation, Astounded Mighty Warriors   Above the Azure Sea, the roaring waves transformed into sword light, both sky and ocean overwhelmed by a tempest of blade intent, a sense of annihilation permeating this domain.   Giant swords rolled, with the sea resounding, straining the bounds of heaven and earth.   Even the Gateway of Realm (境門) shuddered, seemingly on the verge of crumbling with the encroaching sword array.   Gao Xueming (高雪明), his gaze filled with astonishment, observed the distant maritime battle, heart trembling. Never had he imagined, as an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, feeling so shaken by a mere duel!   What terrifying mastery of the sword was this!?   He watched the remote battle, where titanic swords, crushing the universe under their might, altered the very color of heaven and earth.   The azure sea for thousands of miles seemed oppressed!   Beyond the battlefield's surging turbulence, even the azure sea lay still, devoid of any waves.   For a moment, all was calm, everything returning to stillness.   "Half a moment!"   Gao Xueming murmured to himself.   Just half a moment, and the battle concluded?   Twenty Immortal Heavenly Venerables, including one at the peak of the Immortal Realm, several others in late Immortal stages, all fallen?!   They couldn’t withstand even a full moment?   Where the Gateway of Realm stood, the island had vanished, leaving only the gateway ominously suspended above the sea.   Xu Yan (许炎) maintained a serene demeanor, dismissive of the mere twenty Immortal Heavenly Venerables, even if one was at Immortal's peak; it mattered not.   "I'm not far from mastering the Void Shattering Realm. To me, Immortal Heavenly Venerables are insignificant!"   At this moment, Xu Yan stood as a pinnacle powerhouse of the Divine Domain.   This assault from Heavenly Fiend Land Shadow was but a trivial matter for Xu Yan, ending within half a moment, foes completely eradicated.   "The Tenfold Annihilation Sword (十方寂滅劍) is indeed fierce in slaughter. With this sword formation, even siege by dozens of Immortal Heavenly Venerables is no concern!"   Xu Yan, having tested the Tenfold Annihilation Sword, felt satisfied.   With a single step, he vanished in an instant.   Gao Xueming saw a figure skimming through the distance, a handsome youth, the same who had just slain twenty Immortal Heavenly Venerables in half a moment.   Suddenly, Gao Xueming stiffened, his heart tightened, and he seemed dazed, afraid to move.   A mere calm gaze, a single instant of eye contact, had Gao Xueming's spirit taut with tension, as if unable to breathe.   Fearful that one wrong move might provoke the youth, leading to his death in a single strike!   In the past when weaker, meeting such powerful individuals left him breathless, sensing his ant-like insignificance.   Since breaking through to the Immortal Realm and reaching the Divine Domain's elite, he'd never felt such insignificance again.   Yet the youth’s single glance took him back to those powerless times, feelings of tension, apprehension, and his own insignificance like that of an ant.   A youthful appearance, outstanding face: either an ancient monster or a prodigious genius!   No matter which, Gao Xueming knew he couldn't afford to provoke it.   Xu Yan glanced at Gao Xueming, sensing no malice nor intent to kill. Unrelated to the Heavenly Fiend Land Shadow, he ignored him and departed instantly.   ……   On Yun Tian Island, most of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables of the Azure Sea realm resided here, including the Sea-Spirit Tribe's Immortal experts.   The movements of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables were generally fixed, taking turns guarding the Heavenly Abyss, closing in secluded cultivation, only occasionally venturing out to patrol the Azure Sea realm.   This day, however, what was a routine Yun Tian Island suddenly erupted with the presence of countless Immortal Heavenly Venerables.   Everyone on the island looked up in shock.   "What happened?"   "Could it be, has the Heavenly Abyss been disturbed again?"   With such commotion, the island's first thought was that the Heavenly Abyss must be experiencing serious turbulence, prompting all the Immortal Heavenly Venerables to act.   "What happened at the Gateway of Realm?"   Yet on Yun Tian Island, the Immortal Heavenly Venerables wore expressions of solemn concern.   Recently, they sensed powerful combat tremors emanating from the direction of the Gateway of Realm, signaling an Immortal Heavenly Venerable battle.   Moreover, such violent tremors suggested a large-scale clash among numerous Immortal Heavenly Venerables.   But how could this be!   The Divine Domain hadn't witnessed such intense battles among Immortal Heavenly Venerables in many years.   "Go, to the Gateway of Realm!"   One by one, the Immortal Heavenly Venerables sped toward the portal, leaving four to guard Yun Tian Island against potential threats.   Immortal Heavenly Venerable auras stirred the cosmos, anchoring the island, ensuring defense from intruders.   On Yun Tian Island, in a modest courtyard, Xie Tianheng (谢天横) lifted his gaze to see the departing figures, a face full of envy.   "So this is an Immortal Heavenly Venerable, far too strong; I still have a long way to go!"   Xie Tianheng sighed with emotion.   Nearby, Fu Tianhai (傅天海) looked uncomfortable, feeling surpassed by his son-in-law after striving since arriving in the Divine Domain, much to his chagrin.   Worse was Xie Tianheng's frequent offers to "guide" his cultivation, in a tone brimming with pride!   After his sigh, Xie Tianheng turned to his father-in-law, "Father-in-law, how far are you from the Refining True Realm? You're a bit slow, aren't you?"   Fu Tianhai snorted, face darkening as he walked away.   Xie Tianheng reveled in triumph, thinking how boldly this old man had treated him in the Spiritual Domain, looking down upon his son-in-law. Now it's different, isn't it?   "My strength is still lacking. Though I've broken into the Refining True Realm, even among True King Heavenly Venerables, I am not top-tier."   Xie Tianheng mused.   Even with his formidable sword mastery, sword intent comprehension, and sword-related divine skills, he only barely managed combat power equivalent to a late-stage True King Heavenly Venerable.   While others saw him as a notable figure among True King Heavenly Venerables and quite renowned, for the ever-strength-focused Xie Tianheng, it wasn't enough.   "Immortal Heavenly Venerable is still far beyond; I'm merely in early Refining True Realm, fearing a hundred years more for an Immortal breakthrough."   At this instant, Xie Tianheng thought of elixirs.   "With elixir assistance, breakthroughs would be swifter."   Considering whether to venture to Qinghua Domain for this.   Suddenly, the faint sound of a sword echoed, filling Xie Tianheng with glee.   "Feng'er advanced?"   Looking towards the source of the sound, a beam of sword light flew from a secluded courtyard, revealing a divine form manifesting a turbulent sword wave, its intent of slaughter flickering.   The divine form vanished, leaving Xie Lingfeng (谢淩峰) in view.   Xie Lingfeng had finally advanced to the Divine Appearance Realm.   "Feng'er, now that you've advanced, should we spar somewhere?"   Xie Tianheng proposed.   On Yun Tian Island, arguably across the Azure Sea realm, only his son, Xie Lingfeng, was noteworthy in the sword path.   Besides their father-son duo, no one else in the Azure Sea realm qualified as a swordsmanship martial artist.   Xie Lingfeng considered his father, paused briefly, and remarked, "Father, it's unnecessary. You're not my match!"   Xie Tianheng's face darkened.   "Truly think your father is like those worthless sword practitioners? Defeating me won't be easy!"   Xie Lingfeng's mouth twitched, acknowledging his father's audacity, "Upon reaching Divine Skill's breakthrough, I birthed three divine skills. Now crossing into the Divine Appearance Realm, my strength has significantly elevated. Father, relinquish this idea, you're no match for me."   "Currently, my martial path has wholly transitioned to the Great Wilderness Martial Path. How could you challenge me within the same realm?   "In terms of sword comprehension, sword intent, and divine skills, you fall short of me!"   Xie Tianheng opened his mouth to retort but found nothing to say.   ……   Yun Tian Island's Immortal Heavenly Venerables raced toward the Gateway of Realm, witnessing its island's disappearance and the gateway hanging over the sea.   The battle had concluded!   Such a grand conflict ending in less than a moment?   What on earth happened?   Mystified, the warriors quickly thought of Gao Xueming who had been stationed at the gateway.   "Where is Gao Xueming?"   "Where is she?"   The group suddenly noticed Gao Xueming standing on a nearby island, appearing dazed as if terrified.   This was an Immortal Heavenly Venerable!   Where on the island, those who alongside guarded the realm, True King Heavenly Venerables were all unconscious.   "Gao Xueming, what transpired?"   An elder, gripping an azure staff, exuding powerful energy, face ruddy, addressed solemnly.   The elder, the Grand Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe, held formidable strength, ranked among the top in Azure Sea realm. Terms and their translations: 1. Azure Sea (碧海): Translated as "Azure Sea," maintaining the description provided by the original name. Alternate translations may include "Blue Sea" or "Green Sea." 2. Tenfold Annihilation Sword (十方寂滅劍): Directly translated to reflect the technique's emphasis on pervasive, complete destruction through the sword path. 3. Gao Xueming (高雪明): Maintained the character's transliteration, signifying her as female. 4. Heavenly Fiend Land Shadow (天煞地影): This name is a direct translation, encapsulating the sense of a dangerous, looming threat from the original phrase. 5. Qinghua Domain (青華境): Translated as "Qinghua Domain," keeping its aesthetic and domain reference. Alternate translations could be "Green Flower Domain" or "Blue Flower Domain." No suggested changes for the list above based on current context. Gao Xueming inhaled deeply to regain his composure and turned to the assembly of Immortal Heavenly Venerables, his voice somber, "A formidable presence has arrived in the Azure Sea realm—one we absolutely cannot afford to offend. His power is such that, even if all of us Immortal Heavenly Venerables were to join forces, we likely wouldn't match him!"   At these words, the gathered powerhouses were thoroughly astounded.   "A powerhouse above the Immortal Realm? Impossible. Such figures rarely appear, and if they did, we would certainly be aware."   One of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables shook his head.   "Perhaps not above the Immortal Realm, but his strength utterly surpasses ours," Gao Xueming sighed.   "Tell us, what exactly happened?"   The Sea-Spirit Tribe's Grand Elder frowned and inquired.   "It’s straightforward," Gao Xueming began, succinctly recounting the events.   However, he omitted the part about willingly cooperating to relinquish the Gateway of Realm's position, instead describing how he was forced, leaving the True King Heavenly Venerables unconscious and retreating to his current location.   With those of Heavenly Fiend Land Shadow already eliminated and the one he owed a favor to dead, no one could verify his story now. Whatever he chose to say was unchallenged.   Even if the truth came out, what would it change?   He merely repaid a lifesaving favor; reciprocating in this way cleared the slate—it wasn’t a major affair.   After all, the assailant was terrifyingly powerful, slaughtering the ambushers entirely.   Upon hearing the recount, those present from the Sea-Spirit Tribe and others were thoroughly shaken.   "Twenty Immortal Heavenly Venerables joined forces and were annihilated in just half a moment?"   The powerhouses wore expressions of disbelief.   "Indeed!" Gao Xueming nodded.   "The opponent appeared youthful; I doubt he was an ancient monster," he chuckled bitterly—just one glance from this opponent had him petrified.   "Are you certain there were twenty Immortal Heavenly Venerables?"   One powerhouse couldn’t help but ask.   "Why would I lie?" Gao Xueming's expression was serious.   Silence fell over the group.   Their hearts trembled slightly—twenty Immortal Heavenly Venerables, skilled in combined attacks, wielding artifacts to stabilize heaven and earth, scarcely lasting a moment against an attacker?   "Let's inspect the battlefield!"   The Sea-Spirit Tribe's Grand Elder commanded as they flew to the site.   Outside the Gateway of Realm, the battle there had long settled, the island vanished, but standing over the ocean, their expressions subtly shifted.   A sharp, dense aura lingered in the air.   Being among it evoked a profound sense of annihilation.   "What manner of technique is this!"   An Immortal Heavenly Venerable whispered in awe.   Even with their Immortal Realm strength, they felt the extinctive air. Should a Refining Divine Realm practitioner venture in, they’d be obliterated instantly!   This deadly intent was beyond them, too horrifying to replicate.   Even as the battlefield’s deathly intent dissipated slowly, its persistence demonstrated that the one who acted far outstripped them.   Xu Yan merely executed the Tenfold Annihilation Sword without invoking the Enlightened Sword Heart. Otherwise, the sword intent here would not fade, becoming sacred ground for sword cultivators' enlightenment.   "Such an individual must not be provoked. Let's hope he harbors no ill will," the Sea-Spirit Tribe's Grand Elder sighed.   He turned to Gao Xueming, "Since you've seen him, project his likeness, so we don’t offend him inadvertently."   The other Immortal Heavenly Venerables concurred.   Faced with such a terrifying figure, they must tread carefully—not one to offend lightly.   Gao Xueming waved his hand, conjuring Xu Yan's likeness from the power of heaven and earth. Although not the perfect likeness, it was recognizable enough to prevent accidental provocation.   The powerhouses memorized his appearance, then discussed their next steps.   The Sea-Spirit Tribe's Grand Elder gestured, pulling a distant island towards the Gateway of Realm, placing it below to restore its position atop an island.   Leaving one to oversee the gateway, Gao Xueming joined the others returning to Yun Tian Island, while those True King Heavenly Venerables were awakened to continue their duties.   These True King Heavenly Venerables awoke bewildered—how had the small island under the gateway changed while they’d slept?   Yet they understood something significant had happened; otherwise, why would they, noble True King Heavenly Venerables, have slumbered?   But such matters were beyond their knowledge, not meant for weaker beings like them.   Meanwhile, having repelled the Heavenly Fiend Land Shadow attackers, Xu Yan set out towards Yun Tian Island, unfamiliar with the Azure Sea realm, thus veering slightly off course.   Navigating the waves, Xu Yan deployed a flying boat for maritime travel, gazing over the vast ocean from its deck.   "With Brother Xie's talent, he should be nearing a breakthrough to the Divine Appearance Realm," Xu Yan mused.   Xie Lingfeng’s talent was commendable, his cultivation speed enhanced by elixirs, likely nearing the Divine Appearance Realm now.   "Brother Xie's breakthrough places him respectably among True King Heavenly Venerables."   Contemplating Xie Lingfeng's capabilities, Xu Yan assessed his standing.   "I wonder how many divine skills Brother Xie has developed?"   A sudden exclamation escaped Xu Yan as he noticed a desolate island in the distance. New Terms and Translations: 1. Gao Xueming (高雪明): Gao Xueming has been revealed to be a male character, hence the pronoun changes. 2. Gateway of Realm (境門): This is translated as "Gateway of Realm," indicating a location or boundary in the world. Alternatives could include "Realm Gate" or "Dimensional Gate." 3. Sea-Spirit Tribe's Grand Elder (海靈族大長老): Maintained translation of the title to signify a senior figure within the Sea-Spirit Tribe. Alternative translations might be "Chief Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe." 4. Flying Boat (飞舟): Translated directly as "flying boat," preserving the fantastical transport method. Alternatives could include "Flying Vessel" or "Sky Boat." No changes are suggested for the existing list given the current context.