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

Chapter 476: Xu Yan’s Dragon Subduing, Shocking the World Dark clouds roiled as dragon might surged overwhelmingly. The scarlet eyes of the True Dragon were filled with brutality and murderous intent, diving swiftly from the sky to kill. The Sect Master of Tai-Miao Sect and the others, despite trying their utmost to unleash their strength, found their aura collapsing under such immense dragon might, filled only with despair and a sense of helplessness. They had thought that by joining forces, they might resist somewhat. However, facing the True Dragon's might at this moment, they realized just how powerless and insignificant they truly were. Their hearts trembled, faces ghastly pale, as the crisis of death loomed nearer. Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying hesitated, unsure of what to do amidst the mounting tension. Even if faced with a life-and-death crisis, their jade talismans would activate to protect them, regardless of their intentions. And would the final outcome mean the True Dragon's demise as well? Could this draw dissatisfaction from Xu Yan, bringing trouble to their elders? At that moment, a dragon's roar pierced through the heavens. This dragon's roar rang through the sky, its clarity infused with masculinity and authority. Unlike the voice of the earlier True Dragon, it had its distinctions. Yet, without a doubt, this roar was equally shocking, resounding through the sky, stirring the clouds with its majestic dragon might. Another force of tremendous majesty abruptly descended. This was a grand dragon might, distinct yet different from the might of the jade-white True Dragon. A golden dragon swiftly descended, dispersing the heavy clouds; its robust and vigorous aura even melted away the chilling air! The jade-white True Dragon, which had been diving down, ready to strike, suddenly lifted its head and gazed at the golden dragon that appeared unexpectedly. Even in its mindless state, it seemed puzzled. Roar! It let out another dragon's roar, a mix of rage, confusion, and an indescribable astonishment. The Sect Master of Tai-Miao Sect and others were stupefied. Where did this second True Dragon come from? "Retreat quickly!" The Sect Master of Tai-Miao Sect urged frantically. The powerful members of Tai-Miao Sect hurriedly retracted their aura and retreated madly. Roar! The jade-white True Dragon roared again, lowering its head toward the fleeing Tai-Miao Sect members and diving once more to attack them. The members of Tai-Miao were abruptly taken aback to find the golden dragon had already dissipated! "What’s going on?" Watching the True Dragon charge again, despair spread across their faces once more. Meanwhile, Yun Miaomiao and Du Yuying beamed with joy, their cheeks flushed as they eagerly searched for the gallant figure they desired to see. Roar! Suddenly, the golden dragon broke through the clouds again, charging toward the jade-white True Dragon, its roar resonating with imposing power. The True Dragon, about to attack the Tai-Miao Sect members again, halted its form and let out a furious growl before a claw struck out with piercing cold, thunder flashing, and storm clouds churning towards the golden dragon! The golden dragon spiraled, emitting a radiant glow from its mouth while its claw lashed out, a fierce strike meeting the attack head-on. Boom! But just as their attacks clashed, the golden dragon's claw shattered explosively and then dissipated completely. The powerful members of Tai-Miao Sect finally realized that the golden dragon wasn’t a real dragon but a martial art of tremendous power possessing a dragon shape. Yet, they were puzzled by why this dragon-shaped technique bore such a strong resemblance to a True Dragon, surpassing their understanding of martial arts. Roar! The scarlet eyes of the True Dragon turned toward the clouds beyond, emanating an enraged howl. Tai-Miao Sect members desperately fled from the clouds. Once outside, they finally saw the person who had acted beyond the clouds. It was a young man with an elegant demeanor, surrounded by a sword wheel, brimming with an incredible aura, with an impression akin to a peerless divine sword. Upon seeing the young man, the powerful members of Tai-Miao Sect had a name flash through their minds! Sword God Xu Yan! Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao’s eyes were glued to that figure, their faces filled with excitement. Boom! The world shook as the jade-white flawless True Dragon coiled from the clouds, its raised head fixating violently on that figure. Roar! The clouds swirled like a vortex, constantly rotating but also contracting, until finally disappearing, leaving only a jade-white flawless True Dragon coiling mid-air. Yet, the True Dragon's might was now even heavier and more frenzied. Its aura grew mightier, seemingly thoroughly enraged. "Who is that?" The Tai-Miao Sect Master glanced towards the distant Old Man Xiao, silently puzzled. Had this person been watching all this time, ready to witness their slaughter by the True Dragon? Old Man Xiao was already dumbfounded, ever since Xu Yan’s presence materialized within the heavens, summoning a golden dragon into the clouds with a wave of his hand, leaving him in a daze. What kind of martial art was this? Summoning a True Dragon? If it were only dragon-shaped palm force, it wouldn’t be particularly special; any martial master with commendable control over their power could shape their palm force into a dragon. But such dragon-shaped palm force wouldn’t enhance power and, with its flamboyant nature, might hinder the wielder's true power. However, this young man didn’t merely summon a golden dragon-shaped palm force—it was as if he had conjured a real dragon! Those vividly commanding eyes, that surging dragon might, that dragon form and dragon intent—it had differences and distinctions from a True Dragon, yet undeniably belonged to the dragons’ realm. "What’s going on with this Divine Realm? How is it filled with prodigies?" Old Man Xiao muttered to himself. Wu Tiannan was considered a prodigy of sorts, his fortune rather extraordinary. Meng Chong and Jiang Buping, however, were prodigies among prodigies, making him suspect perhaps the heavens were about to grow stronger. "Is this young man here to subdue the dragon?" Old Man Xiao clucked with disbelief. While Xu Yan was undoubtedly powerful—and his formidable Sword Dao was nothing short of incredible—despite being able to kill Immortal Heavenly Venerables as if they were mere chickens, he seemed weaker than this True Dragon. "This jade snow True Dragon might be the precious descendant of that old dragon, innately prodigious among True Dragons; its dragon power is special, making it stronger than ordinary True Dragons. "This young man thinking of overcoming this dragon with inferior strength, taming it, sounds delusional!" Old Man Xiao wasn’t optimistic about Xu Yan. However, at this moment, Xu Yan’s expression was incredibly serious, yet full of fighting spirit. "Worthy of being a True Dragon, its strength is indeed formidable, and now that I’ve seen it for myself, I can truly comprehend the vastness of dragon might, which holds immense significance for my Dragon Subduing Palm." Xu Yan noticed differences between the dragon might and intent of his Dragon Subduing Palm and those of a True Dragon, yet there were also similarities. "My Dragon Subduing Palm is about to be perfected. Though my strength is inferior, the Dragon Subduing Palm can indeed subdue it; this is the palm of dragon subjugation. "My master said the Dragon Subduing Palm subdues dragons through dragons, so I must let the Dragon Subduing Palm evolve and learn the combat techniques of True Dragons, using the techniques of True Dragons to subdue a True Dragon!" Clarity came to Xu Yan’s heart. He felt he had comprehended the true essence of the Dragon Subduing Palm. "After my Dragon Subduing Palm subdues this dragon, it’ll be perfected, even to perfection itself!" This isn’t merely the completion or perfection of a level of the Dragon Subduing Palm—this symbolizes the martial path's perfection or completion. After witnessing the True Dragon firsthand and taking action, Xu Yan’s Dragon Subduing Palm had already ascended to the ninth level. At this juncture, the powerful members of Tai-Miao Sect stopped their escape, watching from afar. "What realm is Sword God Xu Yan in? Why is he not of the Immortal Realm or the Harmonizing Heavenly Venerable Realm, yet so incredibly powerful?" The members of Tai-Miao Sect were filled with doubt but also an overwhelming sense of awe. Seeing it firsthand, they comprehended Xu Yan was even more formidable than the legends suggested. Supreme in Sword Dao across the land, the name Sword God is indeed well-deserved. At present, Xu Yan was akin to a peerless divine sword, his sharpness undisguised. Such Sword Dao might was beyond their understanding, a swordsmanship never seen nor heard. Not just the Immortal Heavenly Venerables of Tai-Miao Sect, even Old Man Xiao was inwardly shaken. "Is this Sword Dao?" Such sharp and fierce Sword Dao, never witnessed in his lifetime. Roar! The True Dragon roared, the flawless jade-white dragon, its scarlet eyes fixating on Xu Yan, the violent intent growing ever stronger. "Die! Die!" Boom! The True Dragon suddenly lunged at Xu Yan, raising one claw, sweeping forward. In the mid-air, it seemed as if the freezing thunder, capable of sealing the void of heaven and earth, was about to seize Xu Yan instantly. --- Terms and Translations: 1. **降龍掌 (Dragon Subduing Palm)** - Translated as "Dragon Subduing Palm." Literal translation is "Dragon Descending Palm," but to align with the martial art theme, "Subduing" was selected to convey the intent of overcoming or taming the dragon. 2. **劍輪 (Sword Wheel)** - Translated as "sword wheel." Maintained as "Sword Wheel" maintaining the imagery associated with circular motion characteristic of a wheel. 3. **玉雪真龍 (Jade Snow True Dragon)** - Translated as "jade snow True Dragon." Literal translation for clarity and to enhance the mythical quality of the dragon. 4. **逍老頭 (Old Man Xiao)** - Retained as "Old Man Xiao," following the cultural context where "Xiao" is possibly a surname, and "Old Man" denotes familiarity or respect. Buzz! A resonant sword hum broke the silence as colossal sword lights rose all around, imminent with the intent of annihilation. In an instant, these sword lights transformed into a sword array, enveloping the True Dragon. Sizzle! A silvery-white glow emanated from the Jade Snow True Dragon, its dragon scales seemingly encased in a layer of solid ice. As it raised its claw and waved, ripples emanated, wind and clouds converged, forming a formidable defense. Boom! In scarcely any time, the sword array shattered, and the True Dragon surged forth, its tail sweeping an icy thunderbolt akin to a sharp blade cutting across. Wham! The Yin-Yang Immortal Sword persisted and circulated continuously, yet faced with dissolution. Xu Yan's expression turned grave, recognizing that the power of this True Dragon technique was so formidable that even his Yin-Yang Immortal Sword struggled to withstand it. The True Dragon persistently charged forward, intending to slaughter its foe with its mighty form. Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao’s hearts were in their throats as they watched intently, tensing each time the dragon struck. Swish! Xu Yan shifted his stance instantaneously, slashing once more. Roar! For the first time, the True Dragon encountered an opponent it couldn't easily crush, growing more agitated and intensifying its murderous intent. Boom! As Xu Yan battled the True Dragon, he keenly observed each move, analyzing its techniques. As the confrontation grew fiercer, Xu Yan felt increasing pressure. Without relying on his shape-shifting and rapid speed, he might not have held his ground. “Truly, a formidable True Dragon. Given my current realm, defeating a True Dragon is a monumental challenge. "However, I am here to subdue the dragon, not with my swordsmanship, but with the Dragon Subduing Palm!" Xu Yan sensed it was the right moment to deploy his Dragon Subduing Palm. "If Xu Yan cannot hold his own, we must flee immediately!" The Sect Master of Tai-Miao Sect spoke with a solemn expression. The balance of strength on the battlefield was clear: Xu Yan was at a disadvantage. The rest of the Tai-Miao Sect’s fighters nodded in agreement. While the allure of witnessing the Sword God in battle with a True Dragon was compelling, escaping was foremost. "Hah, I thought this young man might actually subdue the dragon—gave me quite a scare." Old Man Xiao sighed. Ultimately, Xu Yan was no match for the True Dragon. After all, the True Dragon's innate strength exceeds his, and battling against such a powerful being, particularly one like the True Dragon, was already enough for him to make his name known across the land. At this moment, Xu Yan, whose Sword Dao might reflected throughout the world, suddenly withdrew all his sword intent. "Not good, we must flee immediately!" The Tai-Miao Sect Master’s face changed dramatically. However, just as they moved to escape, another commanding dragon might emerged, dignified and powerful, exuding an unmatched majesty. It seemed that this presence was even purer. "Today, I, Xu Yan, shall subdue the dragon!" Those who were just about to flee from the Tai-Miao Sect were struck with shock, their eyes fixated on the battlefield. A tremendous aura of dragon might surged around Xu Yan, growing stronger and conveying an unmatched majesty and overwhelming authority. As if his dragon might was the purest. Old Man Xiao was stupefied, rubbing his eyes in disbelief, confirming Xu Yan to be human, not a True Dragon. Roar! A golden dragon coiled around Xu Yan. With a gesture, a golden dragon roared and charged at the jade-white True Dragon, its claw striking out immediately. If not for witnessing it with their own eyes, anyone would have mistaken the golden dragon, emerging from Xu Yan's gesture, for a real True Dragon! Roar! The Jade Snow True Dragon emitted a roar mingled with both surprise and increased agitation, lunging toward the golden dragon. The two fought fiercely, yet within moments, the golden dragon was torn apart. Unfazed, Xu Yan unleashed another palm strike. "Perfect, I shall use this True Dragon to hone my Dragon Subduing Palm!" The golden dragon charged toward the jade-white True Dragon again. Though torn apart shortly, another golden dragon appeared, battling fiercely, and Old Man Xiao's shock deepened learning this new dragon seemed more agile, even mimicking the True Dragon's combat style. Boom! The golden dragon met its end once more, but consistently, a fresh golden dragon emerged to continue the battle. With each successive fight, even the Tai-Miao Sect Master and others noticed the golden dragon's combat style mirrored that of the True Dragon increasingly. Not only did its close combat resemble the True Dragon's attacks, but also its techniques bore strong similarity. Gulp! "What kind of martial art is this?" All who gazed upon the youthful figure amidst the battlefield were filled with indescribable astonishment. The fierce battle drew in more martial artists, even drawing in Immortal Heavenly Venerables from beyond Tai-Miao Realm, eager to witness this epic encounter. News of Sword God Xu Yan subduing a dragon within Tai-Miao Realm spread like wildfire, shocking the world. "To subdue dragons with dragons—this is subduing a dragon's form and spirit; to attack its body and its resolve through its own might... Today, I finally comprehend it. "This True Dragon, its mind lost, reason absent, makes attacking its spirit difficult, given it’s inherently unhinged, and its mind incomplete. "Yet, I can subdue its body, conquer its spirit!" Xu Yan was exhilarated. "Die! Die! Die, all of you!" The Jade Snow True Dragon's rage only escalated, its eyes turning ever more blood-red. With a fierce roar, it shattered the golden dragon, lunging towards Xu Yan once more. At that moment, Xu Yan pressed both palms firmly together, his mind steady, “If one dragon can't hold you, then perhaps two, or even three may…” --- Terms and Translations: 1. **陰陽不滅劍 (Yin-Yang Immortal Sword)** - Translated as "Yin-Yang Immortal Sword." Chose "Immortal" to signify unending or enduring power, aligning with the martial arts theme. 2. **劍陣 (Sword Array)** - Translated as "sword array." Retained this translation for mnemonic parallel in the magical sense and tactical maneuver inherent to the concept of formations. 3. **移形換位 (Shifting Form, Changing Place)** - Translated as "shape-shifting" for easier understanding of the concept of rapid movement or teleportation. 4. **形掌力 (Dragon-shaped palm force)** - Remained consistent with how previously referred, recognizing the continuity distinction in techniques. 5. **真龍之術 (True Dragon technique)** - Translated as "True Dragon technique." Kept the wording as "technique" to reflect skills or abilities exhibited by the True Dragon. These selections maintain alignment with fantasy tropes and themes common in martial arts and xianxia genres.