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

### Chapter 479: Reunion with an Old Acquaintance, The Beginning of a Great Change "Hey, since you refuse to tell me your master's name, then where is he? This old man will pay a personal visit!" With a deep breath, the old man, Xiao Laotou, said. He was eager to see just who this shameless braggart was. Boasting a name that even the Tai-Cang heavens couldn't bear! "My master is probably still in the Qinghua Realm." Xu Yan thought for a moment before answering. Given this old man's formidable strength and his appearance here, he might very well be connected to Ao Yuxue's sabotage. With the God Domain in turmoil and the world undergoing significant changes, this man might even be the mastermind behind it all. Of course, Xu Yan harbored no fear. No matter how powerful this man was, before his master, he was nothing more than an ant. "Qinghua Realm, is it? The old man will remember that." Xiao Laotou nodded, recalling that Wu Tiannan had also mentioned Qinghua Realm. Could it be the same person? Moreover, could the genius behind Meng Chong and Jiang Buping also be the same person? Upon realizing this, Xiao Laotou was startled. Even if the opponent's claim seemed exaggerated, the ability to foster such talents hinted at immense power. "Is the turmoil in the God Domain and the collapse of the realms connected to you?" Xu Yan asked solemnly. Xiao Laotou smiled and replied, "If the old man says it’s related, what then? If I say it has nothing to do with me, what then?" Xu Yan, serious, said, "From what I know, all this is orchestrated by the Tian Sha Di Ying. If you’re connected, then you are one of them. "I, Xu Yan, have grievances with the Tian Sha Di Ying. If you are one of them, naturally there’s a personal grievance between us!" Xiao Laotou paused for a moment and then laughed, "Aren’t you afraid that the old man will make a move to kill you?" "You might try, but you won't succeed in killing me!" Xu Yan shook his head confidently. Xiao Laotou hesitated as Xu Yan didn't seem to be lying but rather radiated confidence, making him think of Xu Yan’s mysterious master. "Interesting, I'm increasingly intrigued by your master!" Looking at the sky, Xiao Laotou laughed and said, "Young man, you exposed yourself by taking down Ao Yuxue, and her status among the True Dragon Tribe is no simple matter; your troubles won't be small. "Besides the True Dragon Tribe, the scoundrel Tian Sha is quite shameless and might target you himself for the Dao of Subduing Dragons. "You'll be watched by many strong figures. Although the Dao Domain has numerous contenders, there aren't three hundred realm lords, but there are many supreme martial artists, and the forces in the Dao Domain are even more complex. "Once outsiders inhabited beyond this world, now they're settling within this realm. Provoking you not only offends the True Dragon Tribe but all of the True Spirits. "Even those from the Netherworld Abyss and Wizard Demon could monitor you!" Xu Yan dismissed the notion lightly, saying, "They're nothing but stepping stones. Anyone opposed to me, Xu Yan, or coveting what’s mine should prepare to be annihilated. "As for the Art of Subduing Dragons, not just anyone can cultivate it. As for big bullying the small, that's not an issue. No one is older than my master!" Xiao Laotou was speechless. This lad was truly arrogant, overly confident, especially regarding his master. It was as if he looked down on all powerful figures in the world. "Young man, you still have time to grow stronger, yet not much. The heavenly ladder of the Dao Domain has collapsed. With the Earth Shadow Realm drawn to fall into the God Domain, they will unite the Dao and God Domains. "Once the descent completes, the laws of heaven and earth will stabilize, and figures from the Dao Domain will descend upon the God Domain, including those at the Tian He Realm, Divine Sovereign Realm, and even Supreme Realm. "Of course, strong figures from the True Dragon Tribe will certainly descend." Xiao Laotou paused, reminding him. Xu Yan nodded, saying, "Then so be it, I can venture into the Dao Domain. The God Domain is now dull. Even the Immortal Heavenly Venerables are too weak!" As he spoke, Xu Yan sighed, glancing at the Immortal Heavenly Venerables, indifferently remarking, "So weak, it isn't even entertaining to kill them!" Crap! Xiao Laotou was at a loss. This young man was excessively rampant! "Do you know much about these powers from beyond the world?" Xu Yan suddenly asked. "I know a little," said Xiao Laotou, puzzled as to why Xu Yan was inquiring about figures beyond the world. Could it be that his master hailed from beyond this world? No way! Absolutely impossible, beings from beyond could not easily enter. Besides, if they were to enter, someone as powerful as him would have sensed them immediately. Since the great battle back then, the Tai-Cang world's laws have been adjusted, preventing outsiders from entering unnoticed. The stronger they are, the harder to disguise their presence. "Do you know the Bewitching Witch?" Xu Yan asked with a glint in his eyes. Upon hearing those words, Xiao Laotou’s expression changed slightly, shocked as he asked, "Young man, don't tell me that you've been enchanted by that seductive woman? Heed my advice: despite her allure, falling under her spell could be disastrous!" Xu Yan was taken aback. Even this old man feared the Bewitching Witch? "You overthink it. Her enchantment skills can't affect me. It's just that she hates me with a passion. If we meet again, she’ll surely seek revenge, so I want to prepare." Xiao Laotou was stunned. The Bewitching Witch hated Xu Yan? "What did you do to offend her?" Xu Yan chuckled, "Nothing much, I just conned her a few times. Honestly, she's quite kind, gave me a Seven Marvel Divine Flower, and even a Jade Bamboo." Saying this, Xu Yan retrieved the Jade Bamboo. Xiao Laotou was dumbfounded. Bewitching Witch and Xu Yan: allies or foes? "This is Green Jade Bamboo (青灵玉竹). Although it's a young shoot, it's extremely precious. She willingly gifted you one?" Xu Yan laughed, "That's why I say, she's actually quite nice." Xiao Laotou clicked his tongue but reminded him, "Try not to provoke the Bewitching Witch. She isn't someone to mess with. Surviving that upheaval in the past proves her strength. "She’s one of the Wizard Demon’s mightiest, capable of consuming souls. She's tricky to handle—even I must be wary around her…" Xiao Laotou suddenly paused. The Bewitching Witch seemed recently perturbed, incredibly violent—unlike her past enchanting self—and even attempted to breach Tai-Cang heavens. "Could her agitation be related to this boy?" Xiao Laotou mused inwardly. "It's a minor matter, no threat at all." Xu Yan replied with dismissive assurance. Xiao Laotou was speechless, growing even more intrigued by Xu Yan’s master. "In a few days, I’m visiting my master. If you're not in a hurry, come along." Xu Yan proposed after some thought. "Deal!" Xiao Laotou nodded. Xu Yan then turned his gaze toward the familiar figures in the Tai-Miao Sect. "Long time no see!" In a blink, he appeared before the two women. "Young Master Xu!" Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao were thrilled, their jade faces flushed, almost unable to resist throwing themselves into Xu Yan's arms. The leader of Tai-Miao Sect and others were momentarily stunned, observing Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao. They then glanced at Xin Mengrou, and seeing Xu Yan’s familiarity with these two, it was evident he had known Xin Mengrou as well. "Senior Xin, it's been a while!" Xu Yan remarked with slight surprise, noting Xin Mengrou had broken through to the Immortal Realm. Such speed was astounding. Many who entered the God Domain with him had not yet advanced past the Refining True Realm, let alone the Immortal Realm. So far, only three from the Spiritual Domain had breached the Immortal Realm: Wu Tiannan, Cai Ling'er, and Xin Mengrou. Cai Ling'er, gifted with the Sea Spirit Royal Bloodline, had it activated and was under her master's tutelage, making such swift progression into the Immortal Realm reasonable. Wu Tiannan seemed to hold some unique quality as well. However, Xin Mengrou’s rapid advancement was surprising, indicating she must have encountered some fortuitous event. Yue Changming and Yue’er were also close to the Immortal Realm and could likely achieve a breakthrough soon. "Young Master Xu, you're too modest." Xin Mengrou sighed, "From the Spiritual Domain to the God Domain, you remain unparalleled, sweeping invincible all the way!" In the Spiritual Domain, Xu Yan’s rise was astonishing—from renowned within the Spiritual Domain to dominating it, he had single-handedly suppressed its powerful figures. The same happened in the God Domain. From being famous there to subduing the True Dragon, it took only a brief period—a time barely enough for warriors to advance even a small level. Yet, Xu Yan had achieved dominance in the God Domain! Truly a prodigy, indeed the true successor of such an elder. "Senior Xin, you overpraise. The path of martial arts is long. I'm far from invincible." **New Terms and Translation Notes**: 1. **Tai-Cang (太蒼)**: Refers to a realm or world within the narrative. Alternate translation could include "Great Azure" or "Great Cang," capturing the majesty implied by "太." 2. **Qinghua Realm (青華境)**: A region or realm. "青" means "green/blue" and "華" translates to "splendor," with "境" meaning "realm." 3. **Tian Sha Di Ying (天煞地影)**: Indicates an antagonistic group or faction. "天煞" can mean "Heaven's Misfortune" and "地影" means "Earth's Shadow." 4. **Bewitching Witch (媚巫)**: Character or entity known for enchantment abilities. "媚" suggests allure or seduction. 5. **Green Jade Bamboo (青灵玉竹)**: A rare and precious object. "青灵" signifies a type of spiritual green, "玉" means "jade," and "竹" is "bamboo." 6. **Seven Marvel Divine Flower (七妙神花)**: A mystical flower or plant, with "七" meaning "seven," "妙" suggesting "marvelous," and "神花" as "divine flower." These terms are chosen to maintain consistency with the narrative's fantasy elements, ensuring characters and objects retain their intended intrigue and significance. The repeated emphasis on realms and powerful figures suggests a broader cosmology, where hierarchy and alliances are critical. Xu Yan shook his head. "Out of those who came from the Spiritual Domain, it's the senior and Dean Wu whose strengths are the greatest, quickly breaking through to the Immortal Realm!" Hearing this, Xin Mengrou looked surprised. "Dean Wu has broken through to the Immortal Realm?" Her rapid breakthrough to the Immortal Realm was aided not only by her innate talent on the Dreamlike Dao Path but also by Tai-Miao Ancestor's guidance and a great serendipity she acquired, allowing such swift advancement. All thanks to the senior's guidance in the past, which set her on an extraordinary half-step path in her Dreamlike Dao. "Indeed, Dean Wu has been in the Immortal Realm for some time now." Xu Yan nodded. Standing nearby, Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao glanced subtly at Xin Mengrou. Why was the ancestral grandmother (ancestor's granny) speaking so much when they hadn’t even caught up with Young Master Xu! "Alright, you youngsters can talk. These two young ladies have been pining for you daily!" Xin Mengrou chuckled. "Many thanks, Young Master Xu, for your timely rescue!" The head of the Tai-Miao Sect spoke gratefully. "This isn't the place for a reunion; would Young Master Xu consider moving to the Tai-Miao Sect?" The sect master continued, signaling subtly to Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao. "That's acceptable!" Xu Yan nodded. ... "Senior Brother has subdued the dragon and is at the Tai-Miao Realm. Let's go to the Tai-Miao Realm!" Meng Chong and Jiang Buping said excitedly. "Dean Wu, join us." "Alright!" Wu Tiannan considered it. With the God Domain unsettled and news of his sister absent, and unable to visit the Dao Domain for now, accompanying them to the Tai-Miao Realm wasn’t a bad idea. "Senior Brother's message said Xin Mengrou has also broken through to the Immortal Realm." Meng Chong commented in awe. "Oh, that girl Mengrou has broken through?" Wu Tiannan was a bit surprised. Although Xin Mengrou was naturally talented, cultivating the special Dreamlike Dao of Tai-Miao, her swift advancement to the Immortal Realm was unexpected. She must have gained opportunities from the Tai-Miao Sect. Meng Chong and the others set off for the Tai-Miao Realm, while many Immortal Heavenly Venerables of the God Domain converged on the Tai-He Realm. The turmoil in the God Domain originated from the Tai-He Realm, sparked by the collapse of the Dao Domain’s heavenly ladder. With the Tai-He Realm in continuous upheaval, the strong of the Tai-He Sect found themselves helpless; their sect head and several elders had perished in the collapse, leaving the sect leaderless. However, being the leading sect in the God Domain with its deep foundations, and as a subordinate sect of the Tai-He World in the Dao Domain, a few remaining elders quickly took control to stabilize the situation, awaiting emissaries from the Tai-He World. Boom! Amidst the heavenly ladder's collapse, a small world fell with continuous roars as cosmic dao laws appeared, with spiritual energy raging and Heaven and Earth's spiritual energy becoming volatile. Boom! The Tai-He Realm quaked violently, buildings crumbled, landscapes boiled over repeatedly. The tremor affected the entire God Domain; even the farthest realms like Qinghua and Nine Mountains quaked in turmoil. Even mighty Immortal Heavenly Venerables felt unease, with grave expressions, sensing an apocalyptic crisis looming. Weaker martial artists, especially those below the Refining Divine Realm, were even more hopeless, lacking the power to resist these crises, forced to leave their fate to the heavens. The weak suffered injuries amidst the tremor, desperately seeking safe havens. Fortunately, strong individuals unleashed auras, calming the uneasy, awaiting the tremors to subside. As time progressed, the world's tremors persisted, but without disaster following, the tense atmosphere began to ease. Once the anxiety dissipated, speculation began on what had transpired within the God Domain, causing the world to shake. Weaker individuals had scarce means to uncover the great worldly scheme or the secrets of Heaven and Earth, unbeknownst to what truly transpired despite the long-lasting turmoil. Within the God Domain, invaders from beyond continued to rampage; with the realm's strength diminished, the guarding forces of the Heavenly Abyss were insufficient, causing many to fall, becoming footholds for the external martial artists. The entire God Domain descended into chaos, slaughter prevalent, even seeing Blood Spawn from the Netherworld Abyss sacrificing cities. "My wise younger brother founded the Beast Tribe?" Having narrowly escaped death, the Wind Spirit Tiger survived under the True Dragon's claw, now recuperating in hiding, having regained much of its power after some rest. In a twist of fate, its bloodline underwent refinement, acquiring Heavenly Tiger might. Just emerging from sanctuary, it learned of Red Cat founding the Beast Tribe, rallying the God Domain's spirit beasts at the Nine Mountains Realm to establish the Beast Tribe! "Return to Nine Mountains Realm!" The Wind Spirit Tiger was thrilled. Without the Jade Talisman’s aid, it would've been a dead tiger! "Tian Shiqi, just you wait!" Now the Wind Spirit Tiger realized Tian Shiqi had schemed against it! The upheaval in the God Domain, all from sparking the Heavenly Tiger's power in Dragon Abyss, leading to the True Dragon's fall, was all part of the Tian Sha Di Ying’s plot! Realizing even in its slow moments, Tian Shiqi wasn’t as simple as he appeared, possessing strength surpassing its own. Given its realization, the Wind Spirit Tiger raced towards the Nine Mountains Realm, and along its path, encountered Immortal Realm spirit beasts, all heading the same way. They even spotted hundreds of spirit beasts equivalent to True King Heavenly Venerables, all marching towards the Nine Mountains Realm to join the formidable Beast King, Red Cat! With the God Domain in chaos, these spirit beasts sought unity in facing the upcoming threats, and the Nine Mountains Beast Tribe was the prime choice due to legends of their techniques transcending bloodline limits, allowing spirit beast cultivation akin to martial artists! **New Terms and Translation Notes**: 1. **Tai-Miao Sect (太緲宗)**: A sect connected to dreams or illusionary paths, translating here to "Tiny-Mystical Sect". 2. **Dreamlike Dao (夢幻道)**: A method involving dreams or illusions, translated here to preserve the mystical nature. 3. **Tai-He Realm (太合境/太合宗)**: A region or sect related to stability or union, translated as "Great Harmony Realm/Sect". 4. **Heavenly Ladder (天梯)**: A celestial structure part of the Dao Domain, translating as "heavenly staircase" to represent its grand status. 5. **Wind Spirit Tiger (风灵虎)**: A beast characterized by wind attributes, translated literally to "Wind Spirit Tiger". 6. **Blood Spawn (血子)**: Referring to a blood-related entity or beings within that realm, refers to those who perform the blood sacrifices. These translations aim to keep the context and significance of each term, aligning with the established universe while introducing new heavenly concepts and beast dynamics to enhance the narrative richness, reflecting the complex hierarchical systems and transformative journey within the realms.