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

Chapter 467: The Opportunity to Subdue the Dragon Arrives, The Sea-Spirit Treasure Vault Wu Tiannan's gaze toward the elder shifted somewhat, as he understood that his own luck seemed unusually peculiar. Upon encountering the elder, he instinctively drew closer, attempting to establish a connection. There had to be a reason for it. Hearing the elder introduce the realm above the Immortal Realm, he realized that this elder's strength might be incredibly formidable. Could it be that he was a powerhouse of the Heavenly Venerable realm? "So, senior is a Heavenly Venerable. I apologize for my lack of respect!" Wu Tiannan respectfully said. "Is that so, the Heavenly Venerable, hmm," the elder chuckled. "And what should I call you, senior?" Wu Tiannan courteously and curiously inquired. "I wander around freely, call me Old Man Xiao," the elder pondered and replied. "So it's Senior Xiao!" Wu Tiannan's respect increased. "What does Senior Xiao think about this True Dragon calamity?" Wu Tiannan wondered if Old Man Xiao, who seemed like a Heavenly Venerable and potentially stronger, could subdue that True Dragon? "The True Dragon calamity? Perhaps. It's not for me to meddle; others will take care of it," Old Man Xiao laughed, showing a nonchalant demeanor. Wu Tiannan was very curious about the rumored True Dragon and couldn't help but continue inquiring about it. Finally, Old Man Xiao said, "The entity that fell into the Divine Domain is a young dragon, still immature. It's a Jade Snow Dragon with extraordinary lineage. Some folks love scheming, and if they lose control, it could provoke the elder dragon, which would be interesting to watch!" Old Man Xiao chuckled, completely enjoying the spectacle. "A Jade Snow Dragon? Not yet mature?" Wu Tiannan reflected on the elder's words, realizing that the elder seemed well-versed with True Dragons and that this True Spirit in the Divine Domain was evidently plotted against and fell. Its extraordinary lineage suggests it might be an offspring of the elder dragon mentioned by Old Man Xiao, a dragon of terrifying strength. "Young man, just watch the show. Though your fortune isn't insignificant, your strength is too lacking. If you encounter those guys, you won't escape. Moreover, your fortune can easily attract certain individuals' attention," Old Man Xiao warned. "Thank you, senior, for the warning." Wu Tiannan felt a chill in his heart, yet he wasn't too worried. At worst, he could return to Qinghua Realm and stay near his senior. "I entered the Divine Domain to find my Martial Dao guide, yet I haven't succeeded. I wonder if, by any chance, senior..." Wu Tiannan hadn't forgotten the person he was searching for. As he spoke, he took out a scroll. "With your fortune, you'll eventually find information. The people I know can't be associated with you," Old Man Xiao shrugged, turning away, saying, "I'm off to watch the show. Until we meet again." Wu Tiannan felt helpless yet accepted Old Man Xiao's reasoning. With his level of strength, how could he ever have met the people that the elder knew? "Where on earth is my sister? Could it be she's encountered misfortune?" Wu Tiannan's heart was heavy with worries. Reflecting on the scene when they last met, his sister was gravely injured, pursued relentlessly. Could it be she couldn't escape her crisis and perished? Even if she fell, there should be some trace or news, such as from the forces that once hunted his sister. "Forget it, I should visit the Tai He Realm and see how this major crisis is addressed in the Great Divine Domain." Wu Tiannan decided and set off for the Tai He Realm. … In the Earth Cloud Realm, the ground was covered in a dense fog, thicker than ever before. The Heavenly Abyss had grown significantly larger, with fog swirling around its entrance like a vortex, as if brewing something, simultaneously suppressing it. The figure of Tian Shi emerged, standing before the Heavenly Abyss. "Did it succeed?" The powerful presence overseeing the Heavenly Abyss asked in a deep voice. "It succeeded. The True Dragon has fallen. The Great Catastrophe in the Divine Domain has begun, and the Tai He Realm's Heaven Ladder is about to open," Tian Shi nodded. "The opening of the Dao Domain's Heaven Ladder will summon Heavenly Venerables, maybe even Supremes?" A strong figure pondered curiously. "Do you think they have the chance to descend?" "True enough," Tian Shi replied, looking at the entrance of the Heavenly Abyss, and said, "How are the tasks assigned by the sovereign going? Everything must be ready before the Heaven Ladder opens!" "Rest assured, we are ready to act at any moment," the Guardian of the Abyss laughed. "However, if the martial blood of warriors is sacrificed, it will amplify the power, disturbing the Laws of Heaven and Earth, completing the unification with the Divine Domain," a Tian Sha said gravely. "There are plenty of strong figures in Earth Cloud Realm who should have noticed these abnormalities. It's an opportunity to clean out, I'll take some action to collect warrior blood essence," Tian Shi nodded coldly. He then looked up toward the exterior of the Heavenly Abyss, aware of other strong figures cautiously approaching amidst the thick fog. "In recent days, many investigating warriors have come, all ended up as sacrifices in the Abyss," a Tian Sha laughed. In a flash, Tian Shi's figure vanished. The True Dragon calamity had drawn the attention of the entire Divine Domain, causing even many powerful individuals in Earth Cloud Realm to leave and discuss the disaster. These recent days, the major influences in Earth Cloud Realm detected some unusual occurrences in the central region, sending warriors to investigate, all of whom vanished. All indicators suggest something is amiss in the central region of Earth Cloud Realm. On this day, a massacre unfolded in Earth Cloud Realm, unknown to anyone, absent of any communication of the event. In the Azure Sea Realm, a Canghai Turtle raised its head toward the heavens, a somber look in its eyes. "It seems I need to hide better. This Tai Cang Heaven and Earth is indeed changing. If certain folks discover my presence here, trouble will follow." With a few gulps, its enormous body gradually shrank, merging with the seabed, fully concealed beneath the ocean sand, not revealing a trace of breath. The Canghai Turtle's Breath is its technique for concealment and survival. It was also the key to escaping a past catastrophe. On Yun Tian Island, Xu Yan emerged from seclusion, having suppressed the chaos at the Abyss within Azure Sea Realm, and later reunited with Xie Lingfeng to guide him in cultivation. There was no time to visit the Tai Kun Realm, thus the trip was canceled. Moreover, with Jiang Buping's strength, seeking vengeance would be easy, especially since his second disciple Meng Chong was already in Tai Kun Realm, enough to handle any unexpected situations. Hence, Xu Yan stayed on Yun Tian Island, guiding Xie Lingfeng's cultivation while also offering some pointers to Xie Tianheng in the Sword Dao. Today, a senior of the Sea-Spirit Tribe visited, fulfilling a promise to let Xu Yan select treasures from the Sea-Spirit Vault. The Sea-Spirit Vault, naturally, was located in the sea. Xu Yan didn't fear any trickery; even in the sea, he could move without hindrance. If the Sea-Spirit Tribe thought they could hold advantage underwater and suppress him, they were courting disaster. On the way to the Sea-Spirit Vault, Xu Yan received messages from Meng Chong and Jiang Buping, which startled him, then elated him. A True Dragon has descended into the Divine Domain? Moreover, this True Dragon was wreaking havoc, invincible wherever it went?! "I've cultivated Dragon Subduing Palm so far, and although I've defeated countless foes, demonstrating its might, the true power of the Dragon Subduing Palm lies in subduing dragons! "All along, True Dragons have been the stuff of legends. None in the Inner Domain, nor in the Spiritual Domain, and none appeared in the Divine Domain before. "Now the opportunity has come, I can finally test the might of the Dragon Subduing Palm. "Only by genuinely subduing a dragon can the limitations of Dragon Subduing Palm be broken, truly comprehending its essence, and becoming stronger!" Xu Yan's heart surged with excitement. To elevate the Dragon Subduing Palm further, mere comprehension and combat aren't enough. He must battle a True Dragon, genuinely subduing it to grasp its essence! "As Master said, using a dragon to subdue a dragon, it's also time to verify the Dragon Subduing Palm's Dragon Might compared to the real Dragon's Might. Taking this opportunity, I can cultivate a true Dragon Might, enhancing the grandeur of the Dragon Subduing Palm's Dragon Might!" Moreover, Xu Yan felt that only through a true dragon subjugation, tempered by the True Dragon itself, could the Dragon Subduing Palm be elevated into a powerful Divine Art. "You, Young Master, this is our Sea-Spirit Palace." --- New Terms and Explanations: - 真龍 (True Dragon): Refers to a mythical dragon with extraordinary lineage and abilities. In this context, a living legendary creature causing havoc in the Divine Domain. - 不朽境 (Immortal Realm): A realm of cultivation that confers seemingly immortal attributes on practitioners. - 神尊 (Heavenly Venerable): A term indicating a level above the Immortal, likely indicating exceptional strength and wisdom. Changes Required: - "True Dragon" and cultivation realms such as "Immortal Realm" and "Heavenly Venerable" can be added to the list for future reference, as they are integral to unfolding story arcs surrounding mythical and legendary beings and hierarchies. - The character "Tian Shi" (天十七) was inferred to be male but needs confirmation in further chapters. The Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe pointed to a magnificent underwater palace complex ahead and spoke. "The underwater scenery is truly vibrant and colorful. Your Sea-Spirit Palace is indeed beautifully constructed," Xu Yan marveled as he looked toward the Sea-Spirit Palace. "A mere trifle, really. Our Sea-Spirit Palace of the Sea-Spirit Tribe is actually rather average. It's said the True Dragon Spirit Palace is even more grand and magnificent," the Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe sighed. "Oh, how much do you know about True Dragons?" Xu Yan's interest was piqued. The news of the True Dragon calamity hadn't yet reached the Azure Sea Realm, for the transmission talismans hadn't passed it on, and communication through other channels required some time. "Actually, claiming that our Sea-Spirit Tribe is the lord of the sea is inaccurate. As long as True Dragons exist, our tribe will never be the rulers. True Dragons are born to rule the oceans. Once, our Sea-Spirit Tribe was indeed part of the True Dragon line..." the Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe explained nostalgically. The Sea-Spirit Tribe belonged to the lineage of the True Dragon's true spirit, under the command of True Dragons to rule the seas. However, the True Dragons vanished from the Divine Domain long ago, and with the drastic changes in heaven and earth, many past secrets were lost to time. Nowadays, the Sea-Spirit Tribe became the dominant force of the sea, but not as powerful as it once was. Although the Sea-Spirit Palace is located underwater, the area within the palace is free of water. A power to repel the sea keeps the water at bay outside the Sea-Spirit Palace, a natural ability of the Sea-Spirit Tribe. Led by the Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe, Xu Yan entered the Sea-Spirit Palace, heading toward the treasury. Numerous members of the Sea-Spirit Tribe watched along the way, including many beautiful women of the Sea-Spirit Tribe, with gentle, tender gazes, ready to embrace Xu Yan if he merely nodded. Xu Yan noticed an acquaintance from the Spiritual Domain, Hai Bo'er, a Sea-Spirit Tribe maiden, who was a top prodigy in the Spiritual Domain and had once sparred with him. Now in the Divine Domain's Sea-Spirit Tribe, her talent was still considerable, having just broken through to the Refining True Realm. Her cultivation speed wasn't slow. However, the gap between them had only widened over time. Xu Yan nodded in greeting to Hai Bo'er. Being old acquaintances, it was natural to acknowledge each other. Hai Bo'er's jade-like face blushed. Yet, she showed a joyous expression, returned the courtesy with a bow, though a complex look lingered deep in her eyes. Since arriving in the Divine Domain, she pursued cultivation diligently, aiming to spar with Xu Yan again someday. However, the gap between them had widened like an unbridgeable chasm, growing even larger instead of narrowing. Her current strength, in the eyes of an Immortal Realm expert, was akin to an ant, something to be obliterated with a wave, and as for Xu Yan, Immortal Realm experts were now at his mercy. Even the Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe treated him with utmost respect. "You, my young friend, our tribe's younger generation does have exceptional beauty and gentle sophistication. Now that you..." the Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe, pleased by the situation, began to say. "Just meeting old acquaintances and exchanging greetings," Xu Yan replied calmly. The Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe was taken aback. Old acquaintances? He remembered this for later, planning to inquire further and verify how this younger member of the Sea-Spirit Tribe was related to Xu Yan. If there was indeed such a connection, she would certainly be cultivated well. "This is our Sea-Spirit Tribe's treasury." Arriving at an inconspicuous, even somewhat dilapidated-looking palace, the Great Elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe announced. "Greetings to the Great Elder. This must be the Sword God Xu Yan!" An elder of the Sea-Spirit Tribe emerged from hiding, greeting respectfully. "Indeed, this is Sword God Xu Yan, our young friend." The Great Elder nodded. Xu Yan glanced at the Sea-Spirit Tribe elder, nodding as a greeting. This elder guarding the treasury was no less formidable than the Great Elder. "Our Sea-Spirit Tribe has a long heritage. Though we've declined, due to certain reasons, some ancient relics remain. These relics are stored here," the Great Elder opened the treasury, leading Xu Yan inside, speaking wistfully. "This old palace is specifically for storing precious relics, to mislead others." There were many old palaces in this area. Ordinary people wouldn't guess that the Sea-Spirit Tribe's core treasures were stored in these palaces. "My young friend, feel free to take whatever catches your eye." The Great Elder made a welcoming gesture. "In that case, I won't be polite," Xu Yan nodded. Within the Sea-Spirit Tribe's treasury were numerous treasures, all extremely rare and valuable, with some radiating Dao Rhythms. However, after obtaining the Genbu Shell, ordinary treasures no longer interested Xu Yan. Moreover, despite the Great Elder’s promise of selecting any treasures he liked, Xu Yan was not greedy, intending only to take a few that truly caught his eye. "Hmm, what is this?" Xu Yan noticed an exquisite, snow-white garment, its beauty stirring his heart. "Legend has it that this garment belonged to our Sea-Spirit Tribe's Ancient Emperor and is a treasured piece. A female powerhouse from the Tai He Realm once tried to purchase it, but I refused," the Great Elder explained. "Unfortunately, there is only one," Xu Yan shook his head. Initially, he thought of gifting the garment to someone, but after a moment’s reflection, he realized it wasn't appropriate to give it to either Du Yuying or Yun Miaomiao. Since he couldn't decide, he opted not to give it to anyone. "There’s another one here," the Great Elder interjected hastily, opening a jade box under the garment and saying, "There are two in total. Since you fancy them, take them both!" The Great Elder was overjoyed, seemingly afraid that Xu Yan would find them lacking, and handed the garments enclosed within a jade box to him. The jade box seemed like a hot potato in his hands. "These two garments have been coveted by others, and for various reasons, they couldn't obtain them. Fear remains that their interest may bring trouble, so you might want to reconsider taking them," the Great Elder sighed. --- New Terms and Explanations: - 海波兒 (Hai Bo'er): A female character of the Sea-Spirit Tribe, previously acquainted with Xu Yan in the Spiritual Domain. - 古皇 (Ancient Emperor): A historical figure within the Sea-Spirit Tribe's lore. - 玉台 (Jade Stand): A decorative or functional stand, likely a pedestal or holder, made from jade. - 剑神 (Sword God): Title for Xu Yan, indicating his formidable prowess with the sword. This passage adds depth to the lore surrounding the Sea-Spirit Tribe, highlighting their connection to the True Dragon lineage and the cultural significance of the treasures within their heritage. The mention of the "Ancient Emperor" suggests a rich historical backdrop that can potentially unfold in future narratives.