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

Chapter 461: Tai-He, Tai-Kun, Tai-Miao Within the Heavenly Abyss (天窟), Jiang Buping seemed oblivious to being cornered inside. He continued collecting the Unyielding Qi (不化之氣). "That's about enough." After gathering a sufficient amount, Jiang Buping began killing his way through the Heavenly Abyss. "It's time to strengthen myself." Settling in a particular spot in the Heavenly Abyss, Jiang Buping released an array disk to set up a formation. He then retrieved a divine soul artifact obtained from the Myriad Treasures Alliance (萬寶盟). "This will perfectly infuse into the Extreme Soul Divine Weapon (極魂神兵)." Unfazed by the formidable forces outside the Heavenly Abyss, Jiang Buping planned to enhance his strength and then break out, slaying those who besieged him until they feared him. "Once I finish this, it's time to head to the Tai-Kun Realm (太崑境)." There were debts to settle. Jiang Buping thought silently to himself. Three days later, holding the Extreme Soul Divine Weapon, Jiang Buping made his way towards the Abyss entrance, triggering a grand battle. With a single spear, he instilled fear in numerous powerful adversaries! ... The Tai-He Realm (太合境) is the foremost and strongest realm in the Divine Domain (神域). The Tai-He Divine Sect (太合神宗), tracing its lineage back to the formation of the Divine Domain, governs the Tai-He Realm. It steps forth to mediate and protect the Divine Domain against severe crises. The means to surpass the Immortal Realm (不朽境) also resides in the Tai-He Realm. Within it lies the foremost Heavenly Abyss, the most potent and perilous in the Divine Domain, filled with Nether Prisons (冥獄), Sorcerer Demons (巫魔), and extraterritorial true spirits. In the Tai-He Divine Hall, numerous powerful figures of the Tai-He Sect gathered. A figure enveloped in faint radiance occupied the high seat, obscuring appearance and strength. At that moment, the Sect Master of the Tai-He Sect stood respectfully within the hall. "Honored Emissary, the Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow (天煞地影) are stirring chaos in the Divine Domain, even colluding with extraterritorial enemies. Shall we rally forces across the Divine Domain to eliminate them?" The Tai-He Sect Master inquired with great reverence. The figure on the high seat responded with a composed voice, "The world is on the cusp of change. Should the Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow act, let them. However, they must not truly disrupt the Divine Domain. "The world can unite, but it should remain the domain of Tai-Cang (太蒼天地), not that of outsiders. This is a matter of principle. "When necessary, activate the Heaven’s Ladder (天梯); assistance will naturally come." The Tai-He Sect Master asked respectfully, "Shall we now observe the actions of the Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow?" "The world must inevitably change. Let them facilitate it, but should they seek advantage from it, it depends on whether Heaven Disaster is capable. "Simply activate the Heaven’s Ladder when needed." The emissary spoke calmly. "Understood!" The Tai-He Sect Master nodded respectfully. Then he continued, "There emerged a potent individual in the Divine Domain, slaying Immortal Realm warriors as if they were mere chickens. Should we anticipate another mastermind?" "Oh, defeating Immortal Realm warriors with ease? Aside from those aligned with Heaven Disaster, are there others from the Tian-He Realm (天合境) or Divine Sovereign Realm (神尊境) in play?" The emissary showed mild surprise. "Honored Emissary, from what we discern, they appear not to be above the Immortal Realm, yet their martial path is clearly unique and formidable." Elder of the Tai-He Sect tentatively spoke. "You are too weak to penetrate their concealment methods, leading to misjudgment." The emissary remained indifferent. "There are arcane techniques to mask one's presence, even conceal martial aura, causing misconceptions. Among them, the illusory arts are unparalleled..." The emissary paused unexpectedly, ending the explanation. Upon hearing this, those present in the Tai-He Sect realized the truth. Since it was spoken by the emissary, it couldn’t be wrong. Subsequently, the emissary outlined several matters to address and gathered insights into the current state of the Divine Domain. "Honored Emissary, with Heaven Disaster concealed, could experts from Tian-He or Divine Sovereign realms in the Divine Domain pose threats to us? If they target our sect, how should we defend?" The Tai-He Sect Master expressed concerns. The Divine Domain should not house those exceeding the Immortal Realm. Moreover, such individuals wouldn’t typically stay in the Divine Domain. "Rest assured, they dare not. And if they do act, the Heaven's Ladder will be opened, and they will be eradicated." The emissary spoke dismissively, expressing disregard for Heaven Disaster. "Honored Emissary, can the world truly be united?" The Tai-He Sect Master couldn't help but inquire. "Whether it can be unified remains uncertain for now, but the world's structure must change." Upon concluding this, the emissary's radiant form began to fade. "Should unexpected developments arise, activate the Heaven’s Ladder." As the emissary’s presence waned, leaving the final instruction. "As you command!" With respect, the Tai-He Sect Master and others responded. This summoning of the emissary’s soul had resolved several doubts, indicating the Tai-He Sect’s next steps. "In the Tai-He Sect, the Earth Shadow (地影) shouldn't exist, but to ensure safety, everyone remain vigilant against any scenes in the Divine Domain. If an unexpected situation arises, activate the Heaven's Ladder!" The Tai-He Sect Master directed the gathered Elders solemnly. "Yes, Sect Master!" The Tai-He Sect began preparations for the potential shifts in the Divine Domain and the world. Within the Tai-Kun Realm, inside the Jiang Clan. In the ancestral hall of the Jiang Clan, the current Clan Leader and several Elders stood respectfully. A faint light emerged from the ancestral statue, its eyes opening, rendering the statue seemingly alive. "Welcome, Ancestor!" The Clan Leader and Elders prostrated themselves. A mighty voice came from the statue, "The world is about to undergo changes. When the Heaven’s Ladder appears, individuals will descend upon the Divine Domain. Prepare yourselves." "Yes, Ancestor!" Responded excitedly by the Jiang Clan Leader and Elders. "What is the current situation in the Divine Domain? Speak!" "Yes, Ancestor!" The Jiang Clan Leader and Elders narrated the changes in the Divine Domain, detailing the upheavals, the manipulations of Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow from the shadows, and more. Finally, the Jiang Clan Leader reported, "Honored Ancestor, among our clan is a rebellious youth named Jiang Buping. His soul was contaminated by Unyielding Qi, yet miraculously remained sane and recovered. His strength vastly surpasses peers, killing Immortal Realm warriors with ease..." "Oh, really?" The voice from the statue bore a hint of surprise, then added, "If so, it might indicate a Supreme (至尊) hiding in the Divine Domain, assisting in eliminating the Unyielding Qi. But why focus on a descendant of our Jiang Clan? "Based on your description, Jiang Buping is exceptionally gifted. Being chosen is understandable. Handle this matter personally, regarding the Supreme behind him..." The voice from the statue hesitated before continuing, "Do not easily offend a Supreme. When the Heaven’s Ladder activates, individuals will handle discussions. Until then, tread carefully." The surprise among the Elders was palpable. Even the ancestor cautioned against rash actions with a Supreme? Nonetheless, the stance wasn't entirely averse but to be judged based on circumstances. "Yes, Ancestor!" The Jiang Clan Elders echoed deferentially. "Ancestor, what is a Supreme?" The Great Elder of the Jiang Clan could not contain his curiosity. "The Martial Path Supreme Realm (武道至尊境)." The voice from the statue stated calmly. The voice continued, "Above the Immortal Realm lies the Tian-He Realm, and beyond Tian-He is the Divine Sovereign, reaching the Martial Path Divine Realm. Above Divine Sovereign lies the Supreme Realm." The Jiang Clan Leader and Elders were astonished, previously only aware of the Tian-He Realm beyond Immortal. Further realms were unknown. Traditionally, the ancestors remained silent on such matters, advising focus on training and ascending the Heaven’s Ladder when ready. Today, the answer was divulged, likely due to an impending colossal change, necessitating disclosure. "Tian-He is achievable; ascending Divine Sovereign is arduous, and Supremes are one in a million. Beyond Supreme, you need not know; they can be counted across the world." The voice concluded with advice, "Exercise caution in action, avoid rashness!" "Yes, Ancestor!" As the light of the statue faded and its eyes closed, the consciousness that had descended vanished. The Jiang Clan Leader and Elders looked at each other, the gravity of their expressions noticeable, reconsidering how to deal with Jiang Buping required prudence. "What was the outcome of hunting down Jiang Buping?" The Jiang Clan Leader inquired sternly, reclaiming his authoritative presence. "No news has returned yet!" The Great Elder shook his head. **New Terms and Translation Insights:** 1. **Unyielding Qi (不化之氣):** Translated for its implication of something persistent and resistant to change, capturing the meaning related to it being a stubborn, unyielding force. 2. **Tai-He (太合境), Tai-Kun (太崑境), Tai-Miao (太緲境):** Retained pinyin names to emphasize the unique locations and their association with significant realms within the narrative, pivotal to the unfolding events. 3. **Heaven's Ladder (天梯):** A metaphorical term suggesting divine or spiritual ascent, indicating a mystical or powerful gateway, maintaining its spiritual and majestic connotations. 4. **Supreme (至尊境):** A unique realm signifying a pinnacle state in the martial path, indicating an advanced and powerful stage beyond what was previously known, distinct and revered in the story. 5. **Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow (天煞地影):** Deliberately kept the term in its original form with translation to preserve its thematic essence of cataclysmic and ominous forces. 6. **Extreme Soul Divine Weapon (極魂神兵):** Translated to emphasize its uniqueness and powerful nature, capturing the essence of a divine and formidable martial tool. Looking at the clan leader, with a deep voice, "Jiang Buping will definitely come to the Tai-Kun Realm to seek justice. Jiang Tianming is surely his target. Clan leader, will you mobilize the entire clan’s power to protect Jiang Tianming?" The other elders also looked silently at the clan leader. Jiang Tianming was the clan leader's third son, greatly cherished, with extraordinary talent. However, the talent Jiang Buping now displayed was even more astonishing, and Jiang Buping was also the clan leader's son, though born of a concubine and originally overlooked. It was only because of his outstanding talent that the elders decided to bring him back to the clan, granting him treatment due to a prodigy. Who could have anticipated that Jiang Tianming and Yun Yaner would conspire against Jiang Buping? The Great Elder personally investigated at the time, concluding Jiang Buping was crippled, and thus did not object to him being expelled. Now, the Tai-Kun's discarded has risen in a reverse strike, dealing a heavy blow to the Jiang Clan's face, with countless forces and powerful individuals across the Divine Domain eagerly watching the spectacle unfold. The news about Jiang Buping being tainted by Unyielding Qi but remaining unaffected had been spread by Jiang Tianming and Yun Yaner. Without the implicit consent, or even the instigation of the clan leader, it would never have reached its current extent. Moreover, several elders and experts from the Yun Shang Sect participated in the attempt to surround and kill Jiang Buping. Evidently, Jiang Tianming was frightened, seeking external forces to eliminate Jiang Buping. The clan leader, evidently biased towards Jiang Tianming, chose to silently condone this. The Jiang Clan's clan leader considered the Great Elder and others, contemplating whether to utilize the full might of the clan to shelter Jiang Tianming. "We'll speak of this again once the battle concludes." The clan leader said blandly. "With turmoil in the Divine Domain and the world changing, how shall our Jiang Clan endure through the ages? One hopes the clan leader will think thrice!" The Great Elder concluded, striding away. Within the Great Yan Realm, inside the royal family of the Great Yan Dynasty, the Great Yan Emperor and several royal powerhouses awaited directives. In the Tai-Miao Realm, within the Tai-Miao Divine Sect, an internal conflict had reached its conclusion, resulting in the demise of several Immortal Heavenly Venerable Realm elders. At that moment, in a secluded garden at the core of the Tai-Miao Divine Sect's rear mountain, the current sect leader and others entered. Xin Mengrou was among them. Her strength normally wouldn’t qualify her for entry, but due to her uniquely cultivated technique, her status was unusual, thus granted an exception. "What is this?" The lush blooms and scenic beauty of the yard left Xin Mengrou stunned. For a moment, she couldn’t discern whether what she saw was real or an illusion. Upon entering the courtyard, they were led by the sect leader to an elegant pavilion within. "Greetings to the High Sect Emissary!" The Tai-Miao Sect Master respectfully bowed. The previously closed door of the elegant pavilion opened. Upon entering, Xin Mengrou glanced quickly around, noticing only a statue seated within. Made of flawless jade, the statue depicted a woman of unparalleled beauty, seemingly real yet illusory, possessing an enigmatic, ethereal aura, yet undeniably present. The Tai-Miao Sect Master humbly prostrated before the statue. Following suit, Xin Mengrou hastily bowed. The statue's eyes appeared to come alive, gazing over, leading Xin Mengrou to feel as if it specifically looked at her. “The contention in Tai-Miao has ended. The Path of Illusion or the Supreme Path, it all stems from Tai-Miao. Henceforth, refrain from internal strife, united as one sect, repel external enemies together.” A cold voice emanated from the statue. "Yes!" All present, including the Tai-Miao Sect Master, responded with urgency and solemnity. Subsequently, the Tai-Miao Sect Master reported on the affairs in the Divine Domain as well as the infiltration by the Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow, finally elaborating on the current state of the Tai-Miao Illusionary Path. "Heaven Disaster's reach extends too far, cleanse them." The statue's voice remained cold, devoid of any emotional hint. "Understood!" Following that, the statue's gaze landed on Xin Mengrou. "The Tai-Miao Sect in the Divine Domain hasn’t seen a talent for the Illusionary Path like yours in a long time. You are commendable. From today onwards, you shall oversee the Tai-Miao Illusionary Path." Startled, Xin Mengrou respectfully replied, "My strength is lacking, I am not worthy..." "I'll guide you during a period of retreat here. You'll soon surpass the Immortal Realm. The Illusionary Path, after all, differs somewhat from ordinary martial arts cultivation." "Thank you, Honorable Emissary!" Xin Mengrou felt internally elated, answering respectfully. Those present, including the Tai-Miao Sect Master, were taken aback, particularly the current head of the Tai-Miao Illusionary Path. She was utterly bewildered. Could Xin Mengrou’s talent possibly surpass expectations enough to draw the Emissary’s attention, prompting her direct appointment as head of the Illusionary Path? Regardless, Xin Mengrou’s ascendancy to lead the Illusionary Path, especially being personally selected and mentored by the Emissary, marked promising prospects for the declining path. When the Tai-Miao Sect Master and others departed, leaving Xin Mengrou alone in the pavilion, a feminine apparition emerged from the statue. Ethereal and dreamlike, immensely unreal, yet inexplicably captivating. Xin Mengrou, avoiding further gaze, respectfully remained standing with a bowed head. “Your cultivation in the Illusionary Path seems distinct. Have you gained additional insights?” The woman inquired curiously. "A senior provided guidance, imparting some insights." Xin Mengrou answered with reverence. "Oh? How does this senior address themselves?" "I do not know, Senior." "When the opportunity arises, I must meet this senior you mentioned, to understand how they can impart wisdom on My Illusionary Path." Xin Mengrou’s heart shook at that, deducing the woman might indeed be the founder of the Tai-Miao Illusionary Path, possibly the Ancestor of Tai-Miao. --- **New Terms and Translation Insights:** 1. **Heaven Disaster and Earth Shadow (天煞地影):** Retained for coherence with established terms, representing a significant adversarial force. 2. **Tai-Miao Illusionary Path (太緲夢幻道):** Translated to highlight the uniqueness within the Tai-Miao Sect, emphasizing the illusionary and mystical nature it embodies. 3. **High Sect Emissary (上宗尊使):** Translating the high position representing an authoritative figure within the sect, maintaining the honorifics reflecting the position's reverence and influence. 4. **Supreme Path (至尊道):** Aligned with previous translation for a potent martial way, denoting high attainment and spiritual ambits. 5. **Yun Yaner (雲煙兒):** Appears to be a significant supporting character aligned with Jiang Tianming's schemes, can potentially represent a formative role in the narrative dynamics within Jiang Clan. Female based on the context. 6. **Tai-Kun's discarded (太崑棄子):** An epithet for Jiang Buping, emphasizing his initial rejection and subsequent rise, which is central to the narrative. Any corrections or inclusions to the established list can be considered to involve these newly identified supporting roles or factions, as well as the potential cross-references with character allegiances which are dominant in the unfolding dynamics.