Dong— Dong— Dong—
Nine chimes of the bell rang out. In the distant sky, auspicious clouds shifted into the lifelike shapes of a hundred different beasts, each representing a demon race that had pledged allegiance to the Ancient Dijiang.
The auspicious beast clouds morphed once more, bowing respectfully toward the Altar of Heaven before dissolving into white clouds. Like drifting snowflakes or billowing mist, they descended into the mortal realm, scattering across the altar.
The Altar of Heaven became veiled in haze, resembling the primeval mist of creation—indistinct, unfathomable, and shrouded in enigma.
Music rose into the air. The delicate notes of a flute drifted across the expanse, intertwined with the ethereal strumming of zithers and the resonant harmony of drums and harps. An aura of peace washed over the scene, immersing countless humans and demons in the sweet melody.
Accompanied by the music, a mountain-like figure emerged, swaying upon the Altar of Heaven amidst the endless mist. Vaguely, one could make out an ancient creature possessing six legs and four wings.
The ancient beast was crimson from head to toe, blazing like a sun, extraordinarily dazzling through the fog.
Thump—
The tempo abruptly shifted, growing fierce, stirring, and robustly powerful. Those of weaker will found themselves entranced by the rhythms, seized by an urge to charge into battle and expand territories under the banner of the Dijiang Clan.
The ancient beast danced atop the Altar of Heaven. Its movements were graceful and exquisite, following the most orthodox of ancient dances.
Flapping its four wings, it stirred up gale-force winds, as if parting heaven and earth at the dawn of creation. Transforming into a brilliant sun, it radiated blinding, majestic light atop the nine-tiered Altar of Heaven.
A half-immortal-tier entity, the Ancient Supreme Zhu Tian!
The major factions had prepared in advance, taking out their image-recording orbs in unison to capture the entire spectacle.
"Is that the legendary Ancient Dijiang?"
"Terrifying... I feel like his eyes are fixed on me." Under Zhu Tian's faint yet suffocating pressure, several cultivators trembled, their legs shaking so violently they could barely stand upright. It was the might of Zhu Tian, as well as the sheer weight of ancient history.
"An ancient half-immortal, hailing from the most glorious ancient era, one who listened to the sermons of the Four Ancient Celestials," another marveled in a hushed voice. That had been the golden age of cultivation, a time when four immortals coexisted, and the number of half-immortals and Tribulation Transcendence experts was staggering beyond belief—completely incomparable to the present day.
To the people of today, the ancient past was merely history and myth; to Zhu Tian, it was lived experience.
On that point alone, no contemporary cultivator could rival him.
"The Dijiang Clan is skilled in music?" Lu Yang asked in surprise, noticing that the musicians responsible for playing the stirring symphony were all members of the Dijiang Clan. Such artistry could not be mastered overnight.
"The Dijiang Clan has always been proficient in music and dance, and Zhu Tian is the consummate master of the craft," Jiang Lianyi explained. "Music can inspire, but it can also bewitch. Zhu Tian mastered the principles of rhythm and tone, and on that foundation, he comprehended the rudimentary Law of the Jungle Dao fruit capable of controlling living beings.
"Back in the ancient era, whenever my husband and the others held a sermon, Zhu Tian would put on a talent show beforehand. His combat strength was mediocre, but his performance skills were top-notch."
"Why do the people around us look like they want to kneel in submission?" Lu Yang keenly observed the strange demeanor of the spectators.
"He's using his rudimentary Dao fruit. He wouldn't dare unleash heavy-handed methods here, so this is just the shallowest layer of control—a form of psychological suggestion. Using it right now is probably just to set the mood."
Jiang Lianyi's expression turned peculiar. As a fellow holder of a rudimentary Law of the Jungle Dao fruit, and as a peer who had also studied techniques for maintaining an aura of prestige under Immortal Ying Tian, none of Zhu Tian's tricks could escape her eyes.
Ten figures radiating terrifying auras stepped out slowly. They varied in appearance and were only a size smaller than Zhu Tian. Some looked ancient and withered, while others bristled with vitality... but every one of them embodied absolute might.
These were the ten Tribulation Transcendence stage Demon Emperors under Zhu Tian's command!
A first-tier half-immortal, ten Demon Emperors, and nearly a hundred major clans—this force was noticeably more formidable than the army the Second Imperial Preceptor of Great Yu had assembled for his dynastic restoration!
"Look quickly, isn't that the White Tiger Clan's Supreme Elder? Didn't rumors say he perished? He's actually alive?!"
"He is! He's an old Demon Emperor at the late Tribulation Transcendence stage!"
"And that one—that's the Taowu Clan Chief! They say another Tribulation Transcendence Taowu once vied with him for the leadership, and he killed his rival in a duel!"
"Is that true? Slaying an opponent of the same realm?"
"How could it be fake? Just ask around the Taowu Clan, everyone knows!"
"Is that nine-headed serpent over there the old clan chief of the Jiuying Clan?"
As the identities of the Tribulation Transcendence Demon Emperors were recognized one after another, the Body Integration experts present felt their hearts clench with dread. Supreme Zhu Tian had prepared far too thoroughly. Faced with such overwhelming might, the Dragon and Phoenix clans would stand no chance; submitting seemed their only option!
After composing himself for a moment, Zhu Tian spoke slowly, his countenance grave and solemn. "The Golden Age is at hand, yet the demon race remains scattered like loose sand, fighting among ourselves. It grieves Us to the depths of Our heart. How can a Demon Domain like this preserve itself in the struggle of the Golden Age?
"Before entering Our slumber, We were entrusted by Immortal Kirin with a mission. He hoped that when danger befell the Demon Domain in the future, We would extend a helping hand and save our race.
"We are not one to covet power. It is solely out of devotion to Immortal Kirin's entrustment, and because the Golden Age is descending—fearing a repetition of the ancient tragedy—that We seek to unite the demon race and establish the Demon Empire.
"Only by twisting the strength of every clan into a single cord can we weather the tribulations of the Golden Age and preserve the demon race's power!
"Immortal Kirin has fallen, leaving the demon race without a champion to raise the banner. Though lacking in talent, unable to reach Immortal Kirin's heights, We have clashed with many a half-immortal. Our fellow Daoists flattered Us with the title of 'Foremost Beneath the Immortals,' an honor We truly feel unworthy to bear."
Zhu Tian's tone grew melancholy, as though he felt the title 'Foremost Beneath the Immortals' was far too grandiose. Even if he possessed the strength, it clashed with his modest nature. He also seemed to be reminiscing about those departed Daoists, reproaching them for leaving so soon and placing the heavy burden of uniting the Demon Domain upon his shoulders.
Then, Zhu Tian's eyes lit up, breaking free from his ancient memories to rally his spirits. Now was not the time for despondency; he had to focus on the present and shoulder this great duty.
With resolute eyes, Zhu Tian projected his voice across the entirety of Demon City:
"Heaven as Our witness, the Four Celestials as Our witness! Those who came before have passed, and the ancient era cannot be reclaimed. The tribulation of the Golden Age approaches. For the sake of the myriad living beings of the demon race, We hereby proclaim: the Demon Empire is founded this day, and We are its first ruler!"
Rumble— Rumble—
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered and thunder rolled. Four purple lightning bolts, each as thick as a water vat, crashed down—as if the Four Ancient Celestials were bearing witness to this historic moment and granting their blessing to Zhu Tian's empire.
Zhu Tian's body trembled with emotion, tears brimming in his eyes. "Zhu Tian kowtows in gratitude to the Four Celestials!"
Down below, the shills planted by the Dijiang Clan burst into thunderous applause, clapping so loudly it shook the heavens.
Jiang Lianyi: "..."
Claiming a commission from her husband, boasting the title of Foremost Beneath the Immortals, conjuring lightning with talismans, and planting claques to lead the clapping... He certainly had prepared thoroughly.
Jiang Lianyi suspected Zhu Tian was pouring everything he had ever learned in Immortal Ying Tian's lectures into this single performance.
Lu Yang wore a grave expression. For the first time in his life, he had met a rival whose acting skills were truly on par with his own.
Chapter 611