475 - Made-Up Martial Arts, Have You Really Mastered Them, Disciple?
### Chapter 475: Chaos in the Divine Domain, Tai-Miao's Crisis The immortals who participated in besieging the True Dragon, aside from a few who quietly fled in advance, were all utterly annihilated. When the news spread, the Divine Domain was in shock! Countless powerful cultivators were filled with unease, even the major factions felt an acute sense of crisis. Even more terrifying was that as numerous formidable figures of the Divine Domain fell, the various Heavenly Abysses erupted all at once, launching an assault on the Divine Domain. Bloodlings from the Netherworld Abyss, sorcerers, and unyielding true spirits surged out from the Divine Domain, causing immense chaos. In that instant, the Divine Domain entered a true catastrophe. --- "Just like that, they were annihilated!" In the Tai-He Realm, both Meng Chong and Jiang Buping were utterly speechless. The strength of the True Dragon was indeed formidable beyond measure; even the two of them combined would stand no chance. Yet, from the current information, although the True Dragon was extremely strong, they could still manage to escape should they encounter it. Boom! The steps on the heavenly dome became increasingly distinct, droplets of sweat formed on the foreheads of the Tai-He Supreme and his followers. At this time, over a dozen elders rushed to join in opening the celestial ladder. These elders had been in secluded cultivation, but with the crisis approaching, they had no choice but to emerge. In the Di-Yun Realm. Tian Shiqi and the other four members of the Heaven Slayer observed the sky, where distant ripples could be seen. A brilliance was beginning to appear. That was the sign of the Dao Domain Celestial Ladder's activation. "It's close, everyone get ready!" Tian Shiqi said deeply. "Rest assured, everything is prepared!" Within the Di-Yun Heavenly Abyss, the heavy clouds were whirling, absorbing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Flame into the abyss, even the Laws of Heaven and Earth seemed to flicker into sight at this moment. As the clouds were absorbed into the abyss, a massive black chasm appeared at the heart of the Di-Yun Realm, visible from a bird's-eye view above. This was a colossal Heavenly Abyss, teeming with powerful energy, poised to erupt skyward at any moment! A faint layer of brilliance covered the abyss, sealing the various forces inside from leaking out in the slightest. "Run!" In a certain part of the Divine Domain, before a major city, an immortal saw the rolling blood-red light in the distance, and his face turned pale with fright as he shouted frantically. After experiencing the True Dragon Catastrophe, the power of the Divine Domain had greatly diminished, lacking the might to suppress the Heavenly Abysses. Moreover, these external enemies were clearly prepared, waiting for this very moment. In the Qinghua Realm, the previously calm Heavenly Abyss also experienced turbulence. However, whether it was the Great Yue Heavenly Abyss or the other three, Su Lingxiu had transformed them into Heaven and Earth Divine Furnaces. With the Qinghua Array in place, the martial artists from the Netherworld Abyss were suppressed the moment they set foot in the abysses. Indeed, the Qinghua Realm today is unarguably the strongest in the Divine Domain. Even though the Great Yue Emperor and his cohorts have become Heaven Sealing Realm martial artists, surpassing any other realm in foundational depth, without a sect in the Dao Domain for support, the Qinghua Sect holds the foremost position within the Divine Domain. "The Qinghua Realm seems suspicious!" A murmur originating beyond the heavens brought this to attention within the Great Yue Abyss. Originally intending to invade the Qinghua Realm, they found death upon entry. This even led to the dispatch of a massive number of Netherworld Abyss fierce beasts, but they were all refined into blood pearls upon entry. The Qinghua Realm remained calm, even deliberately releasing certain abysses to allow bloodlings and fierce beasts from the Netherworld Abyss to enter, using them to hone their disciples. These abysses became training grounds. Adjacent to the Qinghua Realm, the Nine Mountains Realm had become territory of the Beast Tribe, with the Red Cat having gathered divine beasts of the domain together, even drawing in immortal divine beasts. Their initial intentions, malicious or not, became irrelevant, as they are all subdued under the Red Cat's majesty as the Beast King. They became great generals within the Divine Domain's Beast Tribe. "Today marks the time for the Beast Tribe's might to shine; it is time to amass treasures and devour the blood essence of the Netherworld Abyss to strengthen our Tribe's physique." The Red Cat stood proudly, wielding a massive blade. He had passed down the arts of the Beast Tribe, allowing these divine beasts to break free from their bloodline shackles, aspiring to grow stronger akin to martial artists. For the Great Beast King, there was nothing but unwavering loyalty. Boom! The Beast Tribe military mobilized, aligning into great formations that displayed incredible power. The Red Cat was very pleased with this, as it was the result of his careful cultivation. Of course, much credit is due to Yu Xiaolong and Little Ha. The Beast Tribe's battle formation, obtained by grabbing it from Fang Hao, was painstakingly studied and altered to suit the combat needs of the Beast Tribe. At Mount Da-Gai, Wan Tianlin sighed, seeing the disappearance of the Nine Mountains Realm's previous ruler happen so quickly. Even though Mount Da-Gai appeared under Wan family governance and humans' land, it was practically just a site for discourse, trade, and interaction. The chaos in the Nine Mountains Realm was insignificant. "The True Dragon is too strong. When I, Red Cat, become powerful enough, I will no longer fear the True Dragon." In his core, the Red Cat held a sense of pride. Yu Xiaolong exhibited a look of longing. Being a Jiao, should he transform into a True Dragon, his power would rise tremendously. "Great King, the True Dragon shares lineage with us. One day we must conquer them, incorporating them into our Beast Tribe ranks. I am willing to lead the True Dragon Beast Tribe for you, Great King!" Yu Xiaolong flattered. The Red Cat glanced at him, coughed lightly, and said, "Though I know you wish to transform into a True Dragon, I cannot assist you at present. However, you could seek help from your master, our Beast Tribe's Supreme!" Yu Xiaolong paused in surprise, thinking of Xu Yan? He suddenly recalled when he encountered Xu Yan, and had been subdued under his dragon aura. "Are you suggesting my Beast Tribe Supreme, Xu Yan, the Sword God, can procure True Dragon blood for me?" Yu Xiaolong asked excitedly. "Perhaps? After all, he does have a technique called Dragon Subduing Palm, meant for subduing dragons." The Red Cat spoke in uncertainty. After all, that was a True Dragon, beings that defeated half the Divine Domain's powerful figures in one battle. The Tai-Miao Realm, one of the significant regions of the Divine Domain, with Tai-Miao Sect being a venerable power, deeply rooted in historical legacy. However, as the True Dragon Catastrophe spread, the True Dragon was advancing towards Tai-Miao Realm. Once the dragon enters, even the Tai-Miao Sect couldn't withstand it. At present, the strongholders of Tai-Miao Sect converged in their grand hall. "We must evade, head to Tai-He Realm." The Tai-Miao Sect master sighed in exasperation. "Tai-He Sect is likely activating the Dao Domain Celestial Ladder, and the True Dragon issue will naturally be addressed by the Dao Domain." "Apart from those of the Immortal Realm, the other martial artists will remain at the sect. According to the current situation, the True Dragon only hunts Immortals, leaving Tai-Miao Realm, the dragon won't wreak havoc in our territory for long." The Tai-Miao Sect master's demeanor was grave. At that moment, a graceful figure entered. Her presence blurred the environment around her, a blend of illusion and reality, so faintly unreal. Xin Mengrou! At this juncture, Xin Mengrou had broken through the Immortal Realm. "Mengrou, you've broken through?" The Tai-Miao Sect master exclaimed in surprise. "Indeed." Xin Mengrou nodded. With her breakthrough, henceforth, she would govern the Dream Path of Tai-Miao Sect. "The True Dragon Catastrophe is imminent, we need to avoid the edge and relocate to Tai-He Realm." The Tai-Miao Sect master announced. "Alright!" Xin Mengrou was naturally in agreement. And so, the Tai-Miao Sect's powerful figures prepared to leave Tai-Miao Realm, seeking temporary refuge in Tai-He Realm, awaiting the activation of the Dao Domain Celestial Ladder. "Granny Ancestor, Honored Ancestor, you've broken through?" Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying joyfully exclaimed. "You strive to reach the Immortal Realm swiftly. Xu Yan, that young lad, is growing stronger by the day." Xin Mengrou remarked with a sigh. Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying straightened up, nodding with solemn determination. "Let's move to Tai-He Realm for now; though you have the predecessor's jade tokens, do not be careless. The catastrophe behind the True Dragon is more complicated and avoid creating more trouble for your seniors." Xin Mengrou reminded. "We will do as Granny Ancestor, Honored Ancestor command!" Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao nodded in acknowledgment. The Tai-Miao Sect’s strong figures then proceeded to head towards Tai-He Realm. Yet, before reaching the borders, the True Dragon had already arrived at Tai-Miao Realm. Its swiftness was beyond expectation. "This isn't good, flee across the wilderness!" The Tai-Miao Sect members' faces drastically changed. --- New Terms: 1. **True Dragon (真龙)** - Mystical creature, known for immense power. Various cultures describe them as creatures of regal and mystical attributes, often possessing great wisdom or abilities. 2. **Heaven Slayer (天煞)** - A group or faction characterized by formidable martial prowess, embodying lethal skill against supernatural entities. Note: The translations aim to preserve the mysterious and powerful aura surrounding legendary creatures and factions within the story's universe. With terms like the "True Dragon," emphasis is placed on their grand, mythical stature, while the "Heaven Slayer" describes a formidable group, reflecting a lethal prowess implying their martial capabilities. With the speed of this True Dragon, it seems its goal might also be heading towards Tai-He Realm! The powerful elites of the Tai-Miao Sect fled frantically, Xin Mengrou leading Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao in the escape, their speed matching that of any of their fellow strong cultivators. Before they could cross the wilderness, a cold, awe-inspiring force was already sweeping towards them. The powerful members of the Tai-Miao Sect turned to look back and their expressions changed drastically. Rolling dark clouds, flashing with thunder, a jade-white flawless dragon silhouette loomed, faintly visible within the clouds. Despite the distance, the cold emanating from it could be felt. Snowflakes fell from the clouds, freezing the earth below, turning grass and trees into powder, painting a scene of utter destruction. "We can't escape!" The faces of the Tai-Miao Realm's powerful cultivators turned pale; the True Dragon was clearly heading directly for them. In one section of the dark clouds, the carefree Xia Lao stepped leisurely, following the True Dragon, yet remaining unseen by it. At this moment, Xia Lao glanced at the powerful cultivators of the Tai-Miao Sect ahead, furrowing his brows in thought. "Should I save the Tai-Miao people? If I save them, wouldn't it expose me? The Tai-Miao has been caught in the conflict between the Dream Path and the Supreme Path, dividing the Tai-Miao world into two factions, with constant strife..." At a certain point, Xia Lao's gaze fell on one individual. "Hmm, this woman's Dream Path is special, but why does she also have secrets from the Tai-Miao? Did Tai-Miao personally pass down the Dream Path to her? If so, I should save the three of them." In this moment, Xia Lao made his decision. The other members of the Tai-Miao Sect might perish, but he'd preserve the three women, in consideration of the Tai-Miao connection. Moreover, protecting them wouldn’t necessarily expose him. Tai-Miao Sect's supreme and others continued their frantic escape. As for splitting up, with the speed of the True Dragon, they would be hunted down individually; they might as well fight a desperate battle together, with perhaps a sliver of chance. Xin Mengrou furrowed her brows, hesitating whether to use the secret arts of the Dream Path to temporarily dazzle the True Dragon, seizing a moment for them to escape. Still, she didn’t have full confidence in overwhelming the True Dragon in illusion. After all, the strength of the True Dragon behind them far surpassed her own. “Die, all of you!” The violent voice of the True Dragon reached their ears. The dark clouds bore down, draping the world in darkness, the cold permeating everything. "We can't escape, brace for a fight." The Tai-Miao Sect Master remarked gravely, mixed with a hint of despair. Though the True Dragon had yet to arrive, its dragon might rippling through the heavens and earth, pressing on their hearts like a mountain, unbearably oppressive. Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying turned pale, the two women being the weakest in power; even under Xin Mengrou’s protection, they felt terrified by the True Dragon’s power! "Granny Ancestor, shall I use the elder’s jade talisman then?" Yun Miaomiao suggested. Xin Mengrou's delicate eyebrows knitted. Though she knew that senior possessed unfathomable strength, she worried that involving them might result in troublesome entanglements, fearing it might lessen their goodwill towards her. "Think carefully. Once you use the jade talisman, it might subdue this True Dragon, but considering the complexities behind the True Dragon Catastrophe involved, it could drag that senior into significant trouble. Could your Young Master, Xu Yan, possibly be displeased?" Xin Mengrou’s words gave Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying pause. Xin Mengrou sighed inwardly; when it concerned Xu Yan, these two young women exercised extreme caution, afraid of prompting the slightest displeasure from him. Roar! With the rolling dark clouds, roaring thunder, and permeating cold, a dragon's roar reverberated across the world. Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying turned even paler, their bodies trembling slightly, yet as they exchanged glances, they still couldn't make that critical decision. The powerful members of Tai-Miao Sect were steeped in despair, only up close could they truly feel the might of the True Dragon. "Our Tai-Miao Sect holds no grudge against the True Dragon, why does it pursue us?" The Tai-Miao Sect Master could not help but voice out. "Die! All must die, kill you all!" But all they received was the enraged, bloodthirsty reply from the True Dragon. The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Blaze swept down, the dark clouds pressing in, each snowflake-like flash of thunder radiated bone-chilling cold sweeping forward. At this moment, the powerful members of the Tai-Miao Sect had no chance of escape left. At the wilderness's edge, from afar, a group of Tai-Miao Realm martial artists watched the dark cloud with despair, fearing their esteemed elders might be annihilated by the True Dragon. If that comes to pass, how could the Tai-Miao Sect continue to stand within the Divine Domain? Unless, a powerful figure from the Dao Domain was seated to guard. "We have to act, there's no other choice!" The Tai-Miao Sect Master declared solemnly. As her words fell, an exceptionally domineering aura surged from her, her frail figure bursting forth with an imposing aura that commanded reverence. What she'd cultivated, was the Tai-Miao Supreme Path! One after another, the Tai-Miao Sect's elites released their aura, exuding a presence commanding reverence with stark contrast to their weak appearances. Meanwhile, Xin Mengrou and her companions radiated a mystic aura; in a moment, a dreamlike illusion pervaded all around, blurring reality and fantasy. Tai-Miao Dream Path! Xin Mengrou glanced at the still hesitant young women, sighing inwardly; at this juncture, worried they might prompt Xu Yan's displeasure, their hesitation lingered. "Die!" It seemed the outburst of the Tai-Miao Sect's power provoked the True Dragon, who roared angrily. Boom! The dark clouds rolled, thunder roared, and the pervasive cold seemed to freeze all of the world, as the True Dragon dove down from the clouds, attacking directly. At this moment, facing the True Dragon’s might, the Tai-Miao Sect's elites could hardly steady their trembling hearts; despite their commanding presence, even they faced a breaking point. Yet, just then, a dragon’s roar resounded, a golden dragon appeared suddenly, breaking through the clouds, rushing towards the flawless jade-white True Dragon! --- ### New Terms and Explanations 1. **Xia Lao (逍老头)**: A mysterious, seemingly carefree old man following the True Dragon, going unnoticed. In context, "Xia Lao" suggests the aloofness and wisdom of the elder, signifying not only his hidden powers but also his nonchalant demeanor. 2. **Tai-Miao Sect (太緲神宗)**: A major sect within this universe, demonstrating significant legacy and power despite internal conflicts. 3. **Tai-Miao Supreme Path (太緲至尊道)**: A martial path learned by the present Tai-Miao Sect Master, highlighting a contradiction as a mighty presence emerging from a seemingly delicate figure. 4. **Tai-Miao Dream Path (太緲夢幻道)**: An enchanting martial path governed by Xin Mengrou, representing illusion and reality interwoven, used diversely across their mystical reaches. This translation maintains the mystical and perilous aura of powerful beings and deep-seated rivalries, reflecting the intense dynamics within this world.