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

Chapter 454: The Turtle Named Canghai, Comprehending the Dao Establishment Realm Xu Yan gazed at the desolate island ahead with a look of wonder. The island was slowly moving. It appeared to be a floating island, yet it was utterly barren, with no trace of vegetation. The island wasn't small, spanning over ten miles and floating on the sea, gradually shifting. The term "Blue Sea of Ten Thousand Islands" refers to the islands inhabited by martial power and the human race, not that the Blue Sea Realm only contains ten thousand islands. In the vast sea of the Blue Sea Realm, no one knows exactly how many islands exist. An island of ten miles in radius is nothing significant in the Blue Sea Realm, just a small island that can be overlooked. What caught Xu Yan's attention was not the island itself, nor that it could move, but rather that it wasn't a real island at all. It turned out to be a massive black turtle disguised as an island. Even though this giant turtle was carefully concealing its presence and blending into the sea with its island disguise, it couldn't escape Xu Yan's notice. "This isn't a native turtle!" Xu Yan immediately took interest. The aura of this giant turtle clearly wasn't from a divine domain's spiritual beast or a sea beast of the Blue Sea Realm. It originated from a being beyond the heavens and earth. He recalled some rumors about the Blue Sea Realm's Heavenly Abyss, where beings had escaped from it and hidden in the vast ocean. Each time an Immortal Heavenly Venerable of the Blue Sea Realm patrolled the whole area, they would discover some hidden outsiders. With such a disguise, even an Immortal Heavenly Venerable could not detect it! "This turtle is intriguing. I wonder if it holds any treasures from beyond the heavens!" Xu Yan's eyes lit up. He was quite interested in treasures from beyond the heavens. After all, the Seven Wonder Divine Flower seemed to be such a treasure, and the jade bamboo in his hands was also from beyond the heavens. The Enchantress was an existence from beyond the world, and her treasures certainly wouldn't be from within the Tai-Cang world. With this in mind, Xu Yan put away his flying boat and took to the air, heading toward the giant turtle. As soon as Xu Yan appeared, the turtle, which had been moving slowly, came to a sudden halt. Thud! Xu Yan landed on the turtle's back. In an instant, the soil and stones camouflaging the island flew apart, revealing a vast, pitch-black turtle shell. Thud, thud, thud! Xu Yan stomped on the turtle shell, producing thudding sounds, and when he landed, a mysterious dark halo rippled. "Oh, this little island is quite strange!" Xu Yan commented to himself, feigning ignorance while stomping around. The soil and stones kept scattering, revealing more and more of the turtle's back. The pitch-black back seemed to contain some profound patterns, sturdy and indestructible. "The turtle shell’s defense is incredibly strong!" Xu Yan inwardly marveled. Though he appeared to be stomping casually, the force of each step was enough to crush an average Immortal Heavenly Venerable. Yet the turtle shell remained unscathed, unaffected. There wasn't even a crack. The entire shell barely felt any vibrations. Boom! Sea water surged as a turtle head emerged from the water, turning back to look at Xu Yan standing on its back. "Stop that, if you keep it up, I'm going to die!" This young man obviously discovered him, yet continued to feign ignorance! The giant turtle felt a bit exasperated. It had been careless, failing to notice the young man's presence nearby, leading to its exposure. Xu Yan pulled out a sword, saying, "Stomping certainly won't kill you. I’d like to see if a single sword strike can pierce your shell!" "Young man, state your conditions directly. I, Old Turtle, can’t endure such torment. Besides, I harbor no malice or hostility here and have never harmed anyone!" The giant turtle spoke, sounding rather distressed. "Since Brother Turtle is so straightforward, I'm not going to be bashful!" Xu Yan replied with a grin. While examining the giant turtle, whose power was at the Immortal Realm yet likely stronger than the average peak of the Immortal Realm, Xu Yan doubted any Immortal could break through its defense. On the turtle's head was a patch of blue scales with fine lines resembling waves. A single glance made it seem as if waves were surging. Xu Yan's intuition told him this giant turtle was extraordinary. "Recently, I've been facing difficulties in cultivation, encountering bottlenecks in martial insights, and I'm running short of treasures. What do you say, Brother Turtle?" Xu Yan spoke with a cheerful demeanor. The giant turtle, feeling quite helpless, spat out a storage pouch and said, "Friend, take these items. They are my entire collection." Xu Yan caught the storage pouch with a wave of his hand, opening it while saying, "Brother Turtle, are you trying to dismiss a beggar? Such meager offerings, and they are all common treasures of the divine domain, which you collected in the Blue Sea Realm. These are originally divine domain items. "As an outsider, you've unlawfully possessed divine domain items. Attempting to dismiss me, Xu Yan, with such is audacious!" Sword Intent surged from him, and in an instant, giant swords formed from sea waves rose around, completely enclosing the giant turtle. The killing intent of Nirvana Sword Intent resonated in the space between heaven and earth. The giant turtle gazed at the giant swords formed from sea waves, a look of shock in its eyes. "Friend, let’s discuss this calmly. What do you desire?" The giant turtle sighed. "Very well, very well. I'm quite interested in items from beyond the heavens. Might Brother Turtle..." Xu Yan continued with a friendly tone. The giant turtle paused in thought before saying in a deep voice, "Friend, I have an item for you, but I'd like to engage in a transaction. How about it?" Xu Yan raised an eyebrow, "That depends on whether your item is worth it." "I won't disappoint you." Said the giant turtle, opening its mouth to reveal a small turtle shell, faintly blue and shimmering with a subtle glow. Though not exuding powerful energy, Xu Yan immediately recognized the unusual nature of this turtle shell. Within the shell, it seemed to hide a realm of its own. "This is the Shell of the Primordial Turtle (元龜之甲), something I acquired by chance. It can be considered a supreme treasure. How do you find it?" The giant turtle spoke gravely. "Not bad, this Shell of the Primordial Turtle is indeed remarkable." Xu Yan nodded in acknowledgment. "State your terms for the transaction." The giant turtle explained, "My request is simple. Once you're powerful enough, capture for me a strand of Heavenly Dao Charm (天地道韻)!" Xu Yan raised an eyebrow at the mention of capturing Heavenly Dao Charm. To capture Heavenly Dao Charm, currently, he couldn't achieve it. Only by breaking through to the Heaven and Earth Realm could he hope to achieve this. Heavenly Dao Charm is exceptionally mysterious, not easily captured like Dao patterns. It involves the fundamental essence of the way of heaven and earth. "Heavenly Dao Charm is highly valuable; capturing it isn't easy." Xu Yan didn't immediately agree. "This Shell of the Primordial Turtle is far more precious than a strand of Heavenly Dao Charm. It inherently contains some mysteries, potentially even the way of the Primordial Turtle. "However, since I’m asking for your help, if you do obtain the Heavenly Dao Charm for me one day, I will, in addition, provide you with a great secret. This secret holds a great opportunity, though it comes with a certain risk." The giant turtle considered carefully before speaking. "What sort of great opportunity?" Xu Yan was curious. The opportunity the giant turtle mentioned must be from beyond the heavens, still a long way from him having sufficient strength to explore it. "An opportunity far greater than the Shell of the Primordial Turtle, a true great opportunity." The giant turtle said sincerely. "Why not acquire such a great opportunity yourself?" Xu Yan stomped on the turtle's back again. "I lack the ability and that place fills me with dread. The matter is deeply complex, and when your strength is sufficient, I will naturally divulge everything to you. "Moreover, should you obtain that great opportunity, I shall serve you for life." The giant turtle sighed in response. Xu Yan furrowed his brows, realizing the giant turtle wasn’t lying. When speaking of the opportunity, there was a hint of fear deep in its eyes. "Alright, I agree to it!" Xu Yan nodded after thinking it over. Since it was a great opportunity, once he became strong enough, there's no harm in seizing it. "In that case, thank you, friend!" The giant turtle breathed a sigh of relief. Xu Yan lifted his hand, and the Shell of the Primordial Turtle fell into his grasp. Without giving it a detailed look, he stowed it away and asked, "Brother Turtle, how should I address you?" "Canghai." The giant turtle replied after some contemplation. "Canghai Turtle?" Xu Yan murmured, having never heard of this turtle's name before. Raising a hand, he tossed a communication talisman to Canghai Turtle, saying, "Keep this communication talisman. When I acquire Heavenly Dao Charm, I'll contact you. If you have any inquiries, you can reach me with this as well." Canghai Turtle was taken aback, staring at the talisman, and asked, "What is the range of its communication?" --- Terms: 1. Canghai Turtle (滄海龜): Named Canghai, meaning "blue sea." In the context, it refers to the giant turtle, which represents a mysterious and ancient character who has traveled beyond known realms. Alternately translated as "Blue Sea Turtle," but "Canghai" adds a layer of mystical atmosphere fitting for a character. Changes: - The Shell of the Primordial Turtle (元龜之甲): A new term indicating a supreme treasure with mysterious properties. It emphasizes its connection to an ancient form of wisdom or truth that transcends conventional boundaries. - Heavenly Dao Charm (天地道韻): A significant concept implying a deep connection to the essence of heaven and earth, a much sought-after and rare entity that extends beyond simple Dao patterns. - No changes required to existing terms, but adding context for the giant turtle and its significance in the narrative enriches previously established lexicon. The narrative maintains its focus on martial adventures, treasure seeking, and the subtle interplay of strength and negotiation. "My junior brother said that within the heavens and earth, all can be contacted through this, although it hasn't been tested yet. However, within the divine domain, it can undoubtedly be used." After Xu Yan spoke, his figure soared into the sky, disappearing instantly from sight. Canghai Turtle gazed at the communication talisman, somewhat dazed, murmuring to itself, "When did the Tai-Cang heavens and earth acquire such an item? And why do I feel that this person’s martial path isn't that of Tai-Cang Martial Path? "Strange, how can there be a non-Tai-Cang martial path within the Tai-Cang heavens and earth? Moreover, the Tai-Cang Martial Path is revered; no one would abandon the strong for the weak. "No, his martial path is stronger than the Tai-Cang Martial Path! "Could it be that something has changed in the Tai-Cang heavens and earth? Could it be that Tai-Cang isn’t dead and has developed an even stronger martial path?" Canghai Turtle pondered this, feeling startled for a moment, then shook its head, "Impossible, Tai-Cang cannot be alive." It looked up at the sky, sighed, and its form slowly vanished into the sea. Having distanced himself from the Canghai Turtle, Xu Yan took out his flying boat and drifted on the sea, sitting inside while examining the Shell of the Primordial Turtle. "How strong was the Canghai Turtle in its prime?" Xu Yan mused with curiosity. Instead of forcibly taking it, he chose to make a deal with Canghai Turtle, one of the key reasons being that though the Canghai Turtle appeared only at the Immortal Realm, the full extent of its power when pressed was unpredictable. Of course, doing so would likely mean the Canghai Turtle would pay a significant price, possibly never recovering. For this reason and sensing Xu Yan's extraordinary potential as a heaven-defying talent, the Canghai Turtle chose to make an alliance. Xu Yan looked at the Shell of the Primordial Turtle, elated. Inside the shell was a small space, akin to a miniature world, imbued with spiritual energy that would gather from the heavens, allowing a martial artist to retreat and cultivate there. "No wonder it couldn’t fit into a storage ring." Xu Yan was delighted; indeed, the Shell of the Primordial Turtle was a supreme treasure. "It contains a small world running on its own rules—perhaps I could comprehend the Dao Establishment Realm within it." With this thought, Xu Yan poured the power of his divine essence into the shell, beginning the process of recognizing it as his own and nurturing it within his body. As the divine essence nurtured the Shell of the Primordial Turtle, its shimmering aura grew brighter, and patterns resembling laws flickered across its back. As his flying boat drifted across the sea, Xu Yan was engrossed in bonding and nurturing the Shell of the Primordial Turtle, unaware of where the boat was headed. Time passed, and finally, Xu Yan's mind connected with the Shell of the Primordial Turtle. In a single thought, he could observe the miniature world within the shell. "It's finally succeeded!" Xu Yan beamed with joy. With a gesture, the shell's aura shimmered, and Xu Yan's figure vanished from sight, leaving only a small turtle shell on the boat. "So this is the space within the Shell of the Primordial Turtle?" Xu Yan looked around, awestruck. Upon truly entering this miniature world within the shell, he felt the marvel of it. The spiritual energy was abundant, forming a thin mist. Since Xu Yan recognized and nurtured the shell, he clearly sensed the presence of rules within, akin to the Dao patterns of the world. "This resembles a small world, where the Shell of the Primordial Turtle forms its own Dao, operating this space..." In that instant, clarity enveloped Xu Yan’s mind, and the methods for reaching the Dao Establishment Realm appeared one by one. "What level of power did the Primordial Turtle possess in its lifetime?" Xu Yan was amazed. A turtle shell that formed its own small world with functioning rules must have been born from the Primordial Turtle’s cultivation insights. "The Canghai Turtle’s strength might not even be less than that of the Primordial Turtle." Xu Yan was speechless with astonishment. Yet, even such a powerful being like the Canghai Turtle ended up in its current state—what calamity did it endure? "For such a formidable being to fall and degrade to this state, I, who am merely at the Void Shattering Realm, must be cautious and humble, never becoming complacent or arrogant!" Xu Yan reminded himself. He recalled the colossal figure he saw while traversing the wilderness. Is the master of that towering silhouette still alive? Could it also have perished? What terrifying adversary did it face? "Only Master is truly invincible!" Xu Yan sighed within his heart. "This place is perfect for grasping the Dao Establishment Realm. When I have the Shell of the Primordial Turtle nurtured into my Mountain and River Realm, it will greatly enhance my understanding of the Dao Establishment Realm." Xu Yan sat, cross-legged within the world of the Primordial Turtle shell, his primordial spirit sensing the rules of the Primordial Turtle’s realm, beginning his comprehension of the Dao Establishment Realm. With a thought, a jade bamboo appeared, settling in front of him. "Using the jade bamboo and the Primordial Turtle’s world as aids, I should soon comprehend the Dao Establishment Realm, laying the foundation for my breakthrough to the Heaven and Earth Realm." Xu Yan thought silently. A single flying boat drifted aimlessly on the sea, long having strayed from any navigation lines in the Blue Sea Realm. Inside the boat remained only a small turtle shell, now devoid of its shimmering aura. The shell appeared as if covered with moss, resembling an ordinary turtle shell left behind after its death. --- Terms: 1. Primordial Turtle (元龜): Refers to the source of the Shell of the Primordial Turtle, which represents ancient wisdom and mystical power derived from cultivation practices and enlightenment. 2. Canghai Turtle (滄海龜): Named Canghai, representing an ancient and possibly mythical creature known for its profound abilities. 3. Dao Establishment Realm (立道境): A new realm implying the establishment of one's path within the martial and spiritual practices, significant for personal growth and understanding within martial narratives. The narrative continues to explore themes of discovery, introspection, and the intricate balance between strength and humility.