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

Chapter 474: The Path to Dao Domain and the Great Tribulation of the True Dragon "Freedom is wonderful, and having great power is wonderful." Heavenly Purple (天紫) was full of envy. "If I had even half the power of the Dao Ancestor, I wouldn't be in such a predicament. I can only imagine how carefree life would be!" But soon, he was spirited again. "However, if I become the Heavenly Dao and manage the entire world, then the entire world will be my body. Even if my body is a bit larger, I can still roam everywhere, right? "As a Heavenly Dao, wandering around seems quite reasonable, doesn't it?" The more Heavenly Purple thought, the more excited he became. These were the thoughts that the Dao Ancestor imparted to him, and they seemed very logical. Thus, becoming the Heavenly Dao was his only choice. Only by becoming the Heavenly Dao could he feel more comfortable, increasing his strength without the need for personal effort, as the sentient beings within the world would do the work for him. "The Outer Unyielding Land, vast and boundless, this world is so small compared to the Unyielding Land. To roam the Unyielding Land with Tai-Cang is my aim, bringing the whole world along. "And with the sentient beings of the world gathering treasures and cultivating in the Unyielding Land, the stronger they become, the stronger I will become. "Unyielding God Temple, hmm, you'd better watch out. Let me show you the might of the Heavenly Dao!" Heavenly Purple was full of anticipation for the future. "Haha, let them toil all they like. Do they really think they can seize the authority of the heavens? Have they asked for my permission, the spirit of this world... no, the Heavenly Dao?" "One day, I will make them feel the power of the Heavenly Dao. They should learn to revere it, much like they revered Tai-Cang... no, they should surpass the reverence they had for Tai-Cang!" Heavenly Purple was dreaming sweetly, imagining how he would let those beings taste the power of the Heavenly Dao once he became one. With a single step, Li Xuan returned to the Qinghua Realm. "The Divine Realm sure is tumultuous." Back in the Divine Realm, Li Xuan couldn't help but sigh. "Many ambitious folks around, huh?" Li Xuan chuckled. Heavenly Purple, the spirit of the world of Tai-Cang, once becoming the Heavenly Dao, wouldn't be repelled by the world's essence, allowing him to ascend smoothly. Meanwhile, those realm lords who coveted heavenly authority were merely engaging in wishful thinking. Ever since the True Dragon fell and wreaked havoc all around, powerful figures from various major forces began to converge at the Taihe Realm. "This True Dragon must be an immature one with limited power. If we join forces, we should have a chance to suppress it!" "Indeed, with the use of numerous divine artifacts and laying down a great ambush formation, suppressing this True Dragon shouldn't be a problem!" A group of powerful beings from the Divine Realm voiced their high spirits at the Taihe Shrine. "Are you all truly confident in this?" The Taihe Sect Leader asked gravely. "An immature True Dragon, and one that has lost its sanity, surely, with all of us united, we can suppress it?" "With the strength of Meng Chong and Jiang Buping, they surpass ordinary Immortal Heavenly Venerables. If they were to join us..." "No, that won't do!" The suggestion to involve Meng Chong and Jiang Buping was immediately protested against. The thoughts of the powerful were in tacit understanding with each other. A True Dragon, and an immature one at that—if it could be suppressed, it surely would present some fortuitous opportunity for them, wouldn't it? After some discussion, the powerful figures of the Taihe Realm, Taiyan Realm, Taikun Realm, Taimiao Realm, Hundred Battles Hall, and the Wanbao Alliance, along with Immortal Heavenly Venerables from various realms, formed an alliance known as the Dragon Suppression Alliance! Time was of the essence, so the major forces, leveraging some of their reserves and rallying numerous Immortal Heavenly Venerables, grandly proceeded to the place where the True Dragon was causing havoc, prepared to ambush it. Within the Taihe Shrine, the Taihe Sect Leader looked exceedingly grave. "Heaven's Calamity and Earth's Shadow have been too bold, daring to plot the True Dragon's descent into the Divine Realm. What are they aiming for? A war with the True Dragon?" "Master, this is a significant matter beyond our capability. We should open the Dao Domain Ladder." The Taihe Sect Grand Elder said solemnly. "That's exactly my intention, though opening the ladder will take some time." The Taihe Sect Leader replied, grave in tone. "We can only hope they can slow the True Dragon down, giving us the time to open the ladder." The Taihe Sect Grand Elder sighed. Each major power prepared to leverage their bases and assemble Immortal Heavenly Venerables to confront and suppress the True Dragon—a plan quietly pushed by the Taihe Sect. The purpose being unmistakable: to delay the True Dragon's destruction in the Taihe Realm, enabling a smooth ascent on the ladder. The fallen True Dragon in the Divine Realm, though immature, still bore the formidable might of the Tianhe Realm, not something a mere alliance of Immortal Heavenly Venerables could withstand. Born with immeasurable might, the True Dragon stirred heaven and earth, its dragon aura surging, capable of performing the powerful True Dragon Art. "Prepare to open the island's celestial ladder." Commander of the Taihe Sect said in a deep voice. The matter had grown beyond their ability to handle. They had no choice but to seek assistance from the Upper Sect in the Dao Domain. "I wonder if the lords at the Upper Sect are aware of Heaven's Calamity and Earth's Shadow plotting against the True Dragon." The Taihe Sect Leader sighed inwardly. The current situation seemed that the machinations of Heaven's Calamity and Earth's Shadow had indeed exceeded the control of the lords at the Upper Sect. The Taihe Realm was abuzz. Assembled powerhouses once again prepared to march out for the battle to suppress the True Dragon. Meng Chong and Jiang Buping had reached the Taihe Realm and were somewhat speechless at the sight of the enthusiastic powerhouses gathered from various realms. "Do they naively believe they can suppress the True Dragon with sheer numbers?" Jiang Buping asked in puzzled tone. Moreover, with himself and his second brother, two such capable warriors present, it was unusual no one sought their assistance. This seemed anything but usual. Meng Chong chuckled lightly and said, "The word's out, it's an immature True Dragon. If it's immature and lost its mind, it implies the possibility of being hunted. "A True Dragon, what a tremendous opportunity, a veritable treasure. That's why they believe they can suppress the True Dragon." Jiang Buping suddenly understood. No wonder they weren't sought to help; it was because they feared that with their mighty strength, they might claim the True Dragon for themselves or at least demand a large share. "Moreover, the incitement of other Immortal Heavenly Venerables by a major realm lies behind this." Meng Chong said as he read a secret missive delivered by Zhou Qingshuang. For forces like the Great Yan Dynasty, it was obvious that the Immortal Heavenly Venerable alone couldn't suppress a True Dragon. Yet, it was necessary to slow the True Dragon's rampage. Thus, this effort was undertaken. "Junior Brother, do you think Heaven's Calamity and Earth's Shadow caused the True Dragon's descent just to cause chaos in the Divine Realm?" Meng Chong pondered aloud. "Heaven's Calamity and Earth's Shadow have been proven to conspire with otherworldly beings. Their goal is to unite heaven and earth, with the True Dragon's fall in the Divine Realm being just one part of the grand scheme. Could their next step be to lead alien forces inside?" Jiang Buping was also puzzled. "Let's go, and watch how they plan to hunt a True Dragon." Meng Chong suggested with interest. "Second Brother, should we intervene?" "Let's watch. If possible, challenging a True Dragon isn't unthinkable, though our current strength might not be a match for that True Dragon. "But First Brother will soon arrive from the Bihai Realm; let's see if he can subdue the dragon." Just as Meng Chong and Jiang Buping prepared to leave the Taihe Realm and observe how the powerhouses planned to ambush the True Dragon, Wu Tiannan approached them. "Wu Headmaster, what brings you here?" Meng Chong asked in surprise. "There's likely something big about to happen in the Taihe Realm. This token of mine suddenly activated, with some kind of guidance or granting some qualification to reach a certain place. But I don't know whether this is good or bad." Wu Tiannan revealed a token emitting a faint glow. "Wu Headmaster, where did you get this token?" Meng Chong asked, intrigued. "It was a gift from a senior. He said that upon reaching the Taihe Realm, I'd understand its use." Wu Tiannan recounted his earlier meeting with an Elder Sab. "In that case, I'll accompany Wu Headmaster on this journey." Meng Chong nodded, expressing curiosity about this token. Hence, the three followed its guidance and arrived at a location within the Taihe Sect. It was a high platform, pale azure in color, unclear what type of stone it was made of. At this moment, the platform emitted gentle ripples. Below the platform, members of the Taihe Sect, each holding a divine artifact placed atop the platform, channeled their spiritual power through it continually. Boom! The ripples on the platform grew more intense, and amidst them, a staircase seemed to descend from the sky. The appearance of Meng Chong and the others caught the attention of the Taihe Sect Leader and his companions, who became wary. "What is this?" Wu Tiannan asked, dumbfounded. --- Translations for new terms: - **Heavenly Purple (天紫)**: A character introduced here, originally the name indicates a possible connection to the heavens or celestial aspects, likely a character with spiritual or otherworldly aspirations. - **Taihe Realm (太合境)**, **Taiyan Realm (大炎境)**, **Taikun Realm (太崑境)**, **Taimiao Realm (太緲境)**: Different realms, each possibly denoting a particular domain or world within the universe of the novel. - **Dao Domain Ladder (道域天梯)**: A metaphorical or literal "ladder" that might serve as a bridge to a higher realm or a means to ascend spiritually or physically. - **Unyielding Land (不化地)**: A mysterious or possibly hostile land that is mentioned as vast and boundless. - **Heaven's Calamity and Earth's Shadow (天煞地影)**: A possible faction or individuals associated with malign activity, plotting against True Dragons. - **True Dragon Art (真龍之術)**: Likely a type of powerful martial or mystical art exclusive to True Dragons, highlighting their formidable nature. Explanation: The characters’ goals and motivations drive their actions, revealing power struggles within the realms. Heavenly Purple's ambitions reveal deeper plot elements regarding cosmic balance and power. The difference between a True Dragon and an immature dragon denotes the weight of mythical creatures within the novel's universe. The mention of realms suggests a multi-world setting with diverse domains. The power emanating from the token came from that barely perceptible staircase. "A pathway like the Divine Bridge in the Ling Domain." Meng Chong remarked calmly. The three of them silently watched, refraining from any interference or intervention. They awaited the formation of the staircase. During this time, Meng Chong and Jiang Buping communicated through messages, trying to understand the true nature of this staircase. "The Dao Domain Ladder, is it? I see." Meng Chong suddenly felt a sense of anticipation. Currently, he was nearly invincible within the Divine Realm. With the arrival of the Dao Domain Ladder, perhaps it was time to venture into the Dao Domain? Boom! The Dao Domain Ladder grew clearer, and at its far end, powerful auras began to surge, not just one, but multiple. It was apparent that the backers of Taihe Sect and these great powers had all received the news of the True Dragon, and they were preparing to descend their true forms into the Divine Realm via the Dao Domain Ladder. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Divine Realm... Roar! The True Dragon roared, its icy aura penetrating to the bone. A radius of a thousand miles had become frozen, seemingly covered in thick ice and snow, which radiated a certain oppression. The jade-white True Dragon spiraled in mid-air, its crimson eyes surveying the surroundings, caught in a frenzy. Pillars of light stood between heaven and earth like chains, sealing the world and locking onto the Jade Snow True Dragon. Behind every chain were hundreds of Immortal Heavenly Venerables! The number of participating Immortal Heavenly Venerables was overwhelming, representing at least half of the force of the Divine Realm. If they failed to subdue the True Dragon, it would signify that the Divine Realm had no resistance left. The True Dragon's spiraling presence became a swirl of snow and ice, suffused with lightning, brimming with immense power. In its circling, the air manifested a draconic form, as if the heavens roared, and the grand dragon majesty suppressed all beings. Even the mighty Immortal Heavenly Venerables were engulfed in terror, their hearts overwhelmed by the immense fear they faced. So powerful were they, yet even they couldn't suppress their fright. With a clatter, the chains fortified by the many Immortal Heavenly Venerables constricted like a vast net, intending to bind the True Dragon. As the chain-net grew smaller, seemingly about to capture the True Dragon, excitement lit up the faces of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables. Watching from above, Elder Sab silently observed. "The Great Tribulation of the Divine Realm—half the Immortal Heavenly Venerables might perish just like that. Some have played quite a ruthless game." Elder Sab shook his head and muttered to himself. "But what does it matter to me? Let them struggle as they will." He showed no intention of intervening. Roar! Just as the net of chains closed in on the True Dragon, it let out a roar of furious intensity. As if the net triggered some memories. Boom! In an instant, the True Dragon expanded in size once more, surrounded by a white, frost-laden dragon aura. The sky turned as dark clouds hovered above, lightning flickering fiercely. Amidst the cascading snow and lightning, a suffocating atmosphere pervaded heaven and earth. An intense fear seemed to unfold. Even the Immortal Heavenly Venerables instinctively shuddered with apprehension. However, at this pivotal moment, retreat was no longer an option—even thinking of retreat meant certain death. "Give it everything you've got; victory or defeat rests on this moment!" A mighty voice from the great realm resounded. Boom! The Immortal Heavenly Venerables unleashed their full force. "You, all, die!" In that moment, the True Dragon's eyes turned even redder, its savage aura ever so potent, word by word, it growled out. Roar! With a dragon cry, the True Dragon extended a claw, unleashing icy lightning that seemed to tear the air apart, instantly snapping one of the chains. Then it opened its dragon mouth. A chilling glow emerged within, causing the spiritual energy of the heavens and Earth to become tumultuous. The dark clouds above swirled like a vortex, continuously sinking. Dark clouds covered the sky as lightning went rampant, piercing cold through the bones. Snowflake-like lightning, infused with icy energy, descended from the clouds, resembling a world-ending disaster. The faces of the Immortal Heavenly Venerables changed drastically, their hearts filled with an unstoppable panic. The impending doom felt overwhelming. The snowflake-like lightning, shockingly, contained an appalling icy power. What kind of True Dragon was this? Just how terrifying was its True Dragon Art! Among the powerful figures of the great realm, some began an unobtrusive retreat, choosing to flee the scene. Amidst the backdrop of a furious dragon roar, the world was already under the dark clouds, as a white icy breath spewed from the dragon's mouth. The sky was filled with a dazzling light, with the battlefield being engulfed in ice, as if the heavens themselves were shattering and freezing! "Run for your lives!" A terrified voice cried out. Then, more violent turbulence ensued; the True Dragon roared, dark clouds rolling, lightning exploded, icy cold spread over a hundred miles; everything shattered under the dragon's majesty. For a radius of a hundred miles, all life ceased, leaving only the wrathful True Dragon hovering above. Then, it charged in a certain direction. In distant quarters, Immortal Heavenly Venerables who hadn't participated in the suppression trembled to their core. The power of the True Dragon—terrifying beyond belief! "The Divine Realm is doomed!" This True Dragon was clearly out of control, and after this battle, it grew even more wrathful, filled with fury and killing intent. Without a supreme being subduing this True Dragon, they, the Immortal Heavenly Venerables, would all be annihilated. The Divine Realm would undoubtedly suffer monumental losses during the True Dragon's great calamity, with many of its warriors perishing. --- **Translations for new terms:** - **Ling Domain Divine Bridge (靈域神橋)**: A type of mystical or magical pathway, likely related to the transportation or linking of realms. - **Dao Domain Ladder (道域天梯)**: A mystical or literal "ladder" serving as a bridge to higher realms, symbolizing spiritual or physical ascension. - **True Dragon (真龍)**: A sentient creature of immense power within the lore, representing significant strength and mystique. - **Elder Sab (逍老頭)**: A character observing events unfold, representing a more detached or neutral party within the conflict. Explanation: The True Dragon's immense power and destructive abilities showcase its unparalleled presence, causing terror even among the Immortal Heavenly Venerables. The Dao Domain Ladder offers a promise of ascension or escape from current turbulences. Meng Chong’s insights on the potential connectedness to the Ling Domain Divine Bridge stress the intertwining paths among the realms. These translations follow the spirit of the text, interpreting the intent behind the realm-based and creature-related terms accurately. Alternate translations could refer to the "Divine Bridge" and "True Dragon's Path," emphasizing the significant roles both play in conveying the novel's atmospheric tension and character's mental states.