Who Let Him Cultivate?! (WX)-Chapter 610: The Ancient Dijiang’s Lifelong Learning

Dang— Dang— Dang—

Nine tolls of the bell rang out. The auspicious clouds at the horizon morphed into multifarious forms of a hundred different demons, each lifelike and with a unique demeanor. They represented the demon races that had pledged allegiance to the Dijiang Tribe.

The hundred demon clouds shifted once more, bowing reverently toward the heavenly altar before reverting to simple white clouds. They drifted down like snowflakes or mist, scattering over the altar.

The heavenly altar became shrouded in a hazy veil, akin to the mist at the beginning of primordial hundun chaos—indistinct, inscrutable, and profoundly mysterious.

Music began to play. The notes of dizi flutes flowed like a river, and the melodies from guqin were ethereal like illusions. They intertwined with the harmonious rhythms of drums and se[1], creating a peaceful atmosphere. Countless humans and demons alike were immersed in the mellifluous tunes.

A figure the size of a small mountain appeared alongside the music. It moved upon the altar, enveloped by endless mist. One could faintly discern that it was an ancient being with six legs and four wings. This ancient being was crimson like the sun, especially conspicuous within the mist.

Dong!

The music changed, swelling with fervor, strength, and valor, imbuing the audience’s hearts with zeal. Races of weaker willpower found themselves swayed by the music’s influence, feeling an urge to follow the Dijiang Tribe into battle, charging forward and breaking the enemies’ lines to expand territories.

The ancient being danced upon the altar. Its movements were graceful and precise, displaying the most orthodox ancient dance. Beating its four wings, it stirred up a gale that felt like the beginning of primal hundun chaos, where heaven and earth were split apart. It transformed into a sun, blazing gloriously atop the nine-layered altar, radiating brilliant light in all directions.

It was a half-immortal being—the ancient Supreme Lord Zhu Tian.

The major factions had come prepared. As if they had agreed to it beforehand, they took out recording orbs to document the entire process.

“Is that the legendary ancient Dijiang?”

“So scary. I feel like he’s looking at me.” Someone shuddered under Zhu Tian’s nearly imperceptible yet palpable oppressive aura, their legs trembling so violently they could barely stand. It was due to the oppressive aura of Zhu Tian, but also the immense weight of ancient history.

“An ancient half-immortal—one who hails from the most prosperous ancient era and listened to the sermons of the Four Ancient Immortals,” others murmured in awe. That was the greatest era because four immortals existed, and the number of half-immortals and Transcendent Tribulation cultivators was staggeringly high. The present era couldn’t compare at all.

For most people, the ancient era was history, a legend. But for Zhu Tian, these were events he had personally lived through. This fact alone placed him above any modern-era cultivators.

“The Dijiang Tribe is very proficient in music?” Lu Yang was surprised, noting that the musicians responsible for the heart-stirring performance earlier were all Dijiang tribespeople. This wasn’t a skill that could be honed overnight.

Jiang Lianyi replied, “The Dijiang Tribe has always been very proficient in music and dance. Zhu Tian is a prolific master of this art. Music can inspire the heart, but it can also beguile the heart. Zhu Tian is well-versed in music, and building upon this, he comprehended the Law of the Jungle Incipient Dao Fruit, which is capable of controlling living beings.

“In ancient times, whenever my husband and the others held their sermons, Zhu Tian would always perform beforehand. His combat strength was average, but his performance skills were first-rate.”

“Why do the people around us seem to have an impulse to submit upon seeing Zhu Tian?” Lu Yang was quick to notice the unusual behavior around them.

“He’s using an Incipient Dao Fruit. He wouldn’t dare to employ its power here openly. This is the most superficial level of control, considered a form of psychological suggestion. Using it now is probably to enhance the atmosphere.” Jiang Lianyi’s expression turned peculiar. As a fellow wielder of the Law of the Jungle Incipient Dao Fruit and a fellow Daoist who had studied the Dao of maintaining lofty airs with the Heaven Mandate Immortal, Zhu Tian’s methods could not escape her eyes.

Ten figures emanating terrifying auras slowly walked forth. They were of varied forms, only slightly smaller than Zhu Tian’s massive frame. Some appeared old and decrepit, while others brimmed with vitality... Nonetheless, they represented absolute power.

These were the ten Transcendent Tribulation demon emperors under Zhu Tian’s command!

One first-tier half-immortal, ten demon emperors, and nearly a hundred major races—this lineup was even more formidable than what the second-generation Great Yu Imperial Preceptor had amassed for his attempt at resurgence!

“Look! Isn’t that the Baihu Tribe’s Grand Elder? Wasn’t it said he had perished? He’s actually alive?!”

“He’s still alive! And he’s an old demon emperor at the Advanced Transcendent Tribulation Stage!”

“And that one! That’s the Taowu Tribe’s chieftain. Rumor has it that there was another Transcendent Tribulation taowu who vied with him over the position. The two fought one-on-one, and he single-handedly killed his opponent!”

“Is that for real? He killed someone of the same level?”

“How could it be false? Go inquire around the Taowu Tribe; everyone knows!”

“Is that nine-headed snake the Jiuying Tribe’s old chieftain?”

The origins of each Transcendent Tribulation demon emperor were gradually identified. The Fusion cultivators present were filled with fear and trepidation. Supreme Lord Zhu Tian had prepared too thoroughly. Under such a force, it was likely that even the Dragon and Phoenix tribes couldn’t resist, compelled to surrender and pledge allegiance!

Zhu Tian composed himself for a moment before slowly speaking with a solemn expression. “The Great Era is imminent, yet the demon race is scattered like loose sand, with everyone fighting their own battles. This pains this monarch deeply. How can a Demon Region like this protect itself in the Battle of the Great Era?

“Before my deep slumber, I received a request from the Qilin Immortal. He wished for me to lend a hand and save the Demon Region in times of crisis.

“I am not one who covets power. But since I have been entrusted by the Qilin Immortal, and the Great Era is upon us, I fear a repeat of the ancient era’s tragic situation. This is why I seek to unify the demon race and establish the Demon Kingdom. Only by combining the strength of all tribes into a single rope can we overcome the tribulations and calamities of the Great Era and preserve the demon race’s power!

“Since the Qilin Immortal perished, the demon race is missing a standard-bearer. Although I lack talent and cannot reach the Qilin Immortal’s heights, I have once exchanged blows with numerous half-immortals. My fellow Daoists were generous to hold me in high regard, conferring me the flattering title of ‘Number One Below Immortals.’ I am truly unworthy of such praise.”

Zhu Tian’s tone grew somber, as if he found the title “Number One Below Immortals” too exaggerated, not in line with his low-profile nature, even if he did possess such strength. It also seemed he was reminiscing about those fellow Daoists who had passed away and lamenting their early passing, which had left the heavy burden of unifying the Demon Region on his shoulders.

Then, Zhu Tian’s eyes brightened. He pulled himself out of his memories of ancient times and rallied his spirits. This is not the time to sink into despondency. I must focus on the present and shoulder the great responsibility that awaits me.

With a resolute gaze, Zhu Tian announced in a sonorous voice that echoed throughout the entire Demon City, “Let the heavens bear witness! Let the Four Immortals bear witness! The departed are no more, and the ancient era cannot be pursued. The tribulation of the Great Era is imminent. For the sake of the countless demons in this world, this monarch hereby declares the establishment of the Demon Kingdom, with this monarch as its first ruler!”

Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, lightning flashed, and thunder boomed. Four purple lightning bolts as thick as water vats struck down, as if the Four Ancient Immortals were witnessing this historic moment and granting their approval for Zhu Tian to establish the kingdom.

Zhu Tian shook with excitement, warm tears welling in his eyes. “Zhu Tian kowtows in gratitude to the Four Immortals!”

The shills planted below the stage by the Dijiang Tribe clapped ardently, their applause thunderous and deafening.

Jiang Lianyi, “...”

Entrusted by my husband, “Number One Below Immortals,” talismans to create lightning, planting shills to lead the applause—your preparation is really thorough.

Jiang Lianyi suspected that Zhu Tian had applied all his lifelong learning from the Heaven Mandate Immortal’s lessons here.

Lu Yang’s expression was solemn. For the first time, I’ve met an opponent whose acting skills are on par with mine.

1. The se or guse is a Chinese plucked instrument. It is said to have evolved to the modern zheng. The guqin and se are said to be the predecessors of the guzheng. The se has been lost to time, and there are efforts to reconstruct it. It was supposed to have 25 strings, but the ancient se displayed in museums no longer have strings. ☜