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

Chapter 481: The Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao and the Dragon Subduing Turmoil A stone abruptly transformed into a human figure, a change that vastly exceeded Xu Junhe's understanding. Despite being close to achieving the Divine Arts Realm, he still found these means unfathomable. Shocked and wary, his face reflected his caution. “Do not worry; I am the Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao, guided by the Dao Ancestor!” Tian Zi attempted to assume an air of solemnity. The Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao?! Xu Junhe's heart lurched. Though he was unsure what the Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao entailed, he felt a sense of relief, seeing that the other was evidently enlightened by a predecessor to become the Heavenly Dao. “So it's the Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao!” Xu Junhe solemnly clasped his hands in respect. In his mind, the concept of the Heavenly Dao emerged, and he was increasingly astonished at the predecessor’s skill. “I am the Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao. Seeing the Great Wilderness weak, I need you, Canglan Island, to take certain actions!” Tian Zi pondered before speaking. “What actions must we take?” “Respect the Heavenly Dao! Those who perceive the Heavenly Dao will have their cultivation speed greatly enhanced, can attain sudden comprehension of the Martial Path, and find cultivation easier…” Upon hearing this, Xu Junhe nodded. “No problem!” These were trivial matters; since this predecessor-guided being had become the Heavenly Dao of the Great Wilderness, they were allies now. Moreover, this Heavenly Dao seemed a bit mysterious indeed! “Canglan Island is a bit small; a sacred place should have the appearance of one.” Tian Zi took steps across Canglan Island. “It is indeed small, but the island has some peculiarities.” Xu Junhe spoke with resignation. “A trivial matter. In my eyes as the Heavenly Dao, these are mere trifles.” Tian Zi chuckled heartily. At this moment, Xu Junhe witnessed a transformative event that left him aghast. Canglan Island expanded, turning into a giant island in an instant. Correspondingly, the segment of the Cang River where Canglan Island resided turned into a vast lake of azure waves. The Cang River remained just that; the only change was that the stretch of river by Canglan Island had become a lake, and the downstream flowed out from the other end of the lake. This transformation completed within a blink of an eye. Those on Canglan Island experienced a momentary daze, only to discover with shock that the island had drastically transformed. Navigating the Cang River, ships and martial practitioners suddenly found themselves on unfamiliar waters, seeing with raised eyes that the holy ground, Canglan Island, was inexplicably relocated. “Look quickly; why did the downstream become a lake? We were just at the Canglan Island segment of the Cang River, so what exactly happened?” “Could we have arrived at the Spiritual Domain?” “Impossible! I'm on the Cang River, not crossing the Spiritual Domain Gate, so how could we be in the Spiritual Domain?” “Where is the sacred island?” Warriors and travelers on the Cang River were stunned. “Let’s go and see!” Several Grandmasters soared into the air, flying in the direction of the original Canglan Island. Onward they flew, across the shimmering lake, until spotting a small black dot at the lake’s center—a closer look revealing it seemed to be Canglan Island! Yet, its appearance was vastly altered from their memories. Mountain peaks now towered on the island; originally a small isle, it had grown into a giant island. But in the island’s contours, the shape of Canglan Island could vaguely be discerned. On Canglan Island, Xu Junhe attended to Tian Zi, filled with amazement. Such was the power of the Heavenly Dao—changing the heavens and earth with a mere thought! This day marked the beginning of a metamorphosis for the Great Wilderness with Canglan Island’s tremendous transformation. Soon after, the sacred land of Canglan Island, the Great Wilderness Martial Academy, and the Great Wilderness Inner Cabinet jointly propagated the idea of revering the Heavenly Dao, and martial practitioners plunged into realizing the Heavenly Dao. The insight into the Heavenly Dao enabled the sudden enlightenment of Martial Paths and easier breakthroughs through bottlenecks. Martial practitioners of the Great Wilderness began to grasp the Heavenly Dao amidst their cultivation efforts. Former Inner Domain practitioners, upon realizing the Heavenly Dao, attained sudden enlightenment, swiftly transitioning their Martial Path, and stepping onto the path of the Great Wilderness Martial Path in no time. All in all, the prowess of the Great Wilderness was visibly rising. Tian Zi was overjoyed. “The Dao Ancestor's Heavenly Dao technique is indeed miraculous and powerful. I can become stronger by merely lying down, and soon, the shackles on me will be completely undone. “What Tai-Cang could not accomplish, I, Tian Zi, will. Let those people wait, including those hiding in the depths of heaven and earth’s unyielding divine halls, they all must wait!” This realm belongs to him! “Tai-Cang is dead, and it is time for the Great Wilderness to rise. I am the Heavenly Dao of the Great Wilderness. Whosoever offends the majesty of my Heavenly Dao will be severely punished!” Tian Zi thought, exuberant with excitement. The Great Wilderness was entering an era of explosive growth in power, with grades of spiritual herbs increasingly rising and the abundance of natural treasures multiplying. As a result, warriors were advancing in cultivation at accelerated rates. In a short time, understanding the Heavenly Dao had become deeply ingrained among martial practitioners in the Great Wilderness. The Great Wilderness is recognized by its living beings as possessing a Heavenly Dao. “You all have some nerve; this heaven and earth is not yours. Prepare to kneel and call the Heavenly Dao, Grandpa!” Tian Zi looked toward the Divine Domain, a cold sneer forming on his lips. Whatever schemes they had, they knew too little of Tai-Cang. As long as he—the spirit of the realm—existed, none could seize the authority of heaven and earth to become the Lord of Tai-Cang. Even those who obtained the Tai-Cang Book, hoping to become the world’s lord, would not find it easy. Moreover, while the Tai-Cang Book Tai-Cang left behind could cultivate someone to become the new Lord of Tai-Cang, it required his approval. Otherwise, being the spirit of heaven and earth, he could restrain them. “The Spiritual Domain should also see some groundwork laid in advance.” Tian Zi muttered softly to himself. Presently, the domain of the Great Wilderness was merely the Inner Domain, the smallest of all. Given the rapid advancement of strength within the Great Wilderness, at the right moment, he intended to extend the Heavenly Dao’s rules into the Spiritual Domain, then the Divine Domain, and ultimately, encompass the entire heaven and earth. ... The upheaval in heaven and earth continued to impact the Divine Domain. Yet, Qinghua Sect remained unaffected, though even Da Yue Emperor and others felt some pressure, fervently cultivating to enhance their prowess. Fang Hao was likewise enhancing the Qinghua Sect's great formation, while Su Lingxiu used the Heaven and Earth Divine Furnace to elevate her cultivation. Within the Nine Mountains Realm, the Demon Tribe was gaining momentum, with an ever-growing number of Immortal Realm beasts gathering from various parts of the Divine Domain. Red Cat turned to Wind Spirit Tiger and said, “The position of Demon King has been set for our tribe. Though you do not hold the title of Demon King, you won’t be treated unfairly. You shall serve as a Demon Commander of our tribe, and I’ll assign you twelve Demon Generals!” “But, wise brother…” The Wind Spirit Tiger felt uncomfortable. “Impertinent!” Just as it began speaking, a roar interrupted. “How dare you refer to yourself as my wise brother before our Great Beast King? Such audacity! What penalty should you face for offending our great beast king?” A few spirit beasts that were the earliest to pledge allegiance to the Red Cat, quick-witted as they were, instantly jumped forward to reprimand the Wind Spirit Tiger. The Wind Spirit Tiger was ashen-faced. Still, at that moment, with a palpable readiness to act, it felt immensely threatened by the surrounding Demon Generals. This moment brought the Wind Spirit Tiger to realize that with so many Demon Generals prepared to act, it was no match for them, and thus understood it could no longer lead as before. The entire Divine Domain was currently in turmoil, with the great transformation of heaven and earth arriving. After all, in surviving the calamity at Dragon Abyss, news of this would inevitably draw Tian Shi's attention. Only among the Demon Tribe could it find a secure place to reside. Red Cat was powerful! So powerful it left him in awe; in Red Cat's presence, its majestic tiger authority truly exuded a Tiger King's aura. No tiger tribe spirit beast could defy Red Cat’s Tiger King might. Furthermore, Red Cat was not only the king of the tiger tribe but also the founder of the Demon Tribe—the Great Beast King! It cast a gaze at Yu Xiaolong and Little Ha. The three Great Beast Kings were all stronger than him, indeed leaving no room for him. The methods of the Demon Tribe were precisely what the Wind Spirit Tiger urgently needed to strengthen itself against the impending crisis and even to seek vengeance against Tian Shi. “I pay my respects to the Great Beast King!” In that moment, the Wind Spirit Tiger submitted. “Good! Good! Between us, there’s no need for such formalities. From today, you are the Wind Spirit Demon Commander!” Red Cat delighted in saying. “Yes, thank you, Great King!” Wind Spirit Tiger expressed earnestly. Red Cat descended and remarked, “I’ve heard of the twelve spirit beast kings in the Divine Domain. Only you are here; where are the other eleven spirit beast kings?” The twelve spirit beast kings represent the strongest among the Divine Domain’s spirit beasts. Red Cat aimed to assemble twelve Demon Commanders! “The Jiao from Dragon Abyss was deceived by Tian Shi—who knows where it's gone. As for the other beast kings, they each have their territories and are quite proud, so I have no idea where they are at the moment.” Wind Spirit Tiger shook its head. “Then spread the word; the position of Demon Commander within the Demon Tribe awaits them on a first-come, first-served basis!” Red Cat said with a serene smile. Inside the Tai-Miao Sect pavilion, Xin Mengrou respectfully knelt before a statue. “Tian Sha possesses great ambition, but his aspiration to seize the authority of heaven and earth is overly presumptuous.” A dreamlike feminine voice echoed from the statue. --- **New Terms:** - Tian Zi (天紫): This character, claiming to be the Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao, employs a dramatic method of extending the island and transforming the environment, hinting at their vast power in the realm. - Dao Ancestor(道祖): Here translated as "Dao Ancestor," implying a significant status within Taoism, possibly equating to a founder or paramount figure in Daoist beliefs. - Canglan Island (滄瀾島): A location pivotal to the unfolding events; "Canglan" suggests azure waves, fitting its description next to the Cang River which transforms into a lake. - Great Wilderness' Heavenly Dao (大荒天道): Portrayed as a pivotal force demanding reverence and representing a celestial authority; adds a metaphysical balance to the storyline. - Nine Mountains Realm (九山境內): Not previously listed, showcasing another realm infused with a growing Demon Tribe influence. - Demon Tribe (妖族): Highlighted with hierarchical roles like Beast King, Demon Commander, and Demon Generals; their influence and structure provide depth to the setting. - Tian Sha (天煞): A character's name, indicating a potentially antagonistic force with grandiose ambitions. **Explanation of Changes for the List:** - Red Cat's role consolidates as the Great Beast King, founder and unifier of the Demon Tribe, asserting broader influence in the Divine Domain. - Introduction of major realms like the Spiritual Domain and Divine Domain expands the novel's world setting. - New character names like Tian Zi and Tian Sha enrich the narrative, providing allies and potential antagonists linked to larger plot elements like the Heavenly Dao and power struggles in the Divine Domain. "You have cultivated well. When the Path Domain and Divine Domain connect, you should come to the Tai-Miao Realm within the Path Domain." Xin Mengrou respectfully replied, "Yes, Ancestor!" "The subjugation of the True Dragon is no small matter. The True Dragon clan has deep foundations, and the disappearance of the young dragonling has stirred significant unrest. To the True Dragon clan, the subjugation of a dragon is a colossal humiliation. "They are certain to retaliate. Not only the True Dragon clan, but also other forces across the domains might covet the method of dragon subjugation. "Especially be wary of Tian Sha, who is ambitious and shameless, likely to be the first to act and seize the method of subjugating dragons. If he has backing, seek protection swiftly. News of the Divine Domain has already reached the Path Domain." The voice from the statue was cold and emotionless, yet dreamlike. Xin Mengrou felt puzzled. The Path Domain's Heaven Ladder had been severed; how had the news of Xu Yan's subjugation of the dragon reached the Path Domain so quickly? "Ancestor, the Heaven Ladder is broken. How did news of the dragon subjugation reach the Path Domain?" Xin Mengrou asked in confusion. "Taihe, Dayan, and Taikun all have channels for exchanging information with the Path Domain. Naturally, they passed news from the Divine Domain over." The statue explained. Realization dawned upon Xin Mengrou. No wonder the Ancestor was curious about the dragon subjugation; prominent domain forces had already transmitted the information to various sections of the Path Domain through special means. "There must be God Venerable Realm warriors in the Divine Domain; otherwise, such an act couldn't be accomplished. You should warn them, for Tian Sha might have them act on his behalf." The statue cautioned. "Thank you for the warning, Ancestor!" Xin Mengrou was deeply shaken. Despite the formidable prowess of the predecessor who might have provided Xu Yan with some life-preserving measures, caution remained imperative. "Go now!" "Yes!" Xin Mengrou immediately sought Xu Yan to inform him that word of the dragon subjugation had spread across the Path Domain, triggering a potential crisis. "A God Venerable Realm warrior?" Xu Yan pondered, thinking of Tian Shi. "No worry, it's a minor issue. Besides, that old man's prowess is greater." Xin Mengrou was momentarily stunned. Outside the Tai-Miao Sect, Meng Chong, Jiang Buping, and Wu Tiannan arrived. "Xin, it's been a long time." Wu Tiannan regarded Xin Mengrou with nostalgic sighs, marveling at how the once little girl had advanced so far, even surpassing him. "Dean Wu, still holding your own, I see." Xin Mengrou smiled happily, having let go of past heartaches and celebrating the reunion with old acquaintances. "Dean Wu, did you find the person you were seeking?" Xin Mengrou asked curiously. Wu Tiannan shook his head in dismay. As the group gathered at Tai-Miao Sect, Meng Chong and Jiang Buping eagerly asked, "Senior Brother, where's the True Dragon?" "Right here!” Xu Yan waved his hand, bringing Ao Yuxue, encased within the Yuan Turtle Shell, into view. Upon seeing the beautiful girl with tiny horns on her head, Meng Chong and Jiang Buping both were momentarily stunned, circling her incredulously. "She's the True Dragon?" Xu Yan nodded. "Indeed, a female dragon and not yet adult!" Ao Yuxue stomped her foot in anger, "Can you stop calling me a female dragon?!" "Then, little dragoness?" Xu Yan considered. "You... you..." Ao Yuxue's eyes turned red, on the verge of tears. "She's a dragoness, not a mere spirit beast; calling her female or mother is insulting!" She angrily corrected. "Senior Brother, is this what a True Dragon looks like?" Meng Chong rubbed his head, puzzled. "They don't match the tales." Jiang Buping agreed, "I read in the Jiang family ancient texts that True Dragons don't look like people with two small horns." Xu Yan reached up, pinching one of Ao Yuxue's small horns, "She's in human form." Then, he instructed Ao Yuxue, "Transform back to your True Dragon form to show my junior brothers what a True Dragon really looks like." Blushing fiercely, Ao Yuxue reluctantly agreed, feeling humiliated and objectified. "Very well, I'll revert!" Alongside this declaration, she suddenly took to the sky as a flawless jade-white True Dragon, spiraling above. “So this is a True Dragon!” Meng Chong and Jiang Buping exclaimed. "Senior Brother, do you think Yu Xiaolong might have a chance to become a dragon?" Meng Chong suddenly pondered their Jiao companion, Yu Xiaolong. "Possibly?" Xu Yan replied uncertainly. "Satisfied now?" Ao Yuxue descended from the air, shifting back into her human form. Yet, her face was paler than before, indicative of past injuries. "I need rest!" With a simple motion of the Yuan Turtle Shell, Xu Yan retrieved Ao Yuxue. “Let’s return to Qinghua Realm. Time for some seclusion and consolidation.” Xu Yan suggested. "Indeed. With the Divine Domain’s drastic change, powerhouses from the Path Domain will soon descend; it's time to consolidate and swiftly enhance strength." Meng Chong agreed. “Dean Wu, joining us?” Xu Yan asked Wu Tiannan with a smile. “Certainly!” Wu Tiannan nodded. “Xu Gongzi, we would like to visit the predecessor too. Besides, we miss Lingxiu.” Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao spoke up. “Senior Xin?” Xu Yan looked at Xin Mengrou. “Give me a moment to bid farewell to the Ancestor; I seek to consult the predecessor on some Martial Path questions!” Xin Mengrou contemplated and said. --- **New Terms:** - Path Domain (道域): A new location highlighting a realm closely linked by mysterious channels to the Divine Domain, known for its influence and strategic importance. - Tai-Miao Realm (太緲界): An integral location within the Path Domain; the term "Miao" suggests a sort of prominence or celestial influence, suggesting its pivotal role in the narrative. - Heaven Ladder (天梯): A symbolic or literal bridge connecting realms, severed but significant for cross-realm communication or travel. - Ancestor (祖師): Used here generically but implies a senior figure of great respect and wisdom in the Tai-Miao Sect, providing guidance and insight. - Wu Tiannan (武天南): Reiterated as powerful and notably familiar, though there's no change to the character name listing. - Dao Domain Realms such as Taihe, Dayan, and Taikun (太合、大炎、太崑): These are influences or realms with communication channels established across significant domains, potentially suggesting alternate paths or networks of power in the story's universe. - True Dragon (真龍): Ao Yuxue is characterized as a "True Dragon," underscoring her racial and mythological importance within the narrative. **Explanation of Contextual Changes:** - **Tian Sha's Role:** Tian Sha emerges as a prominent potential antagonist, exacerbated by ambitions that pose universal threats, reemphasizing vigilance against his maneuvers. - **The Integration of Realms and Characters:** This passage confirms that despite severed links, significant political and mystical information transfer—or its prevention—remains crucial to realm relations and plot progression. - **Character Dynamics and Revelations:** The interactions develop characters such as Ao Yuxue (True Dragon), whose presence incites changes and conflicts (both internal and external), influencing domain balance and showcasing Xu Yan's role's depth. This chapter integrates new dimensions of power, hierarchy, and lore in a way that enriches the story and expands readers’ perception of interconnectedness between characters and the universe.