Who Let Him Cultivate?! (WX)-Chapter 972: Dismantling the Act
Demon Region, Demon City’s imperial palace...
Since the establishment of the Demon Kingdom, tens of thousands of demons had come to pay homage. Major and small tribes had submitted, bringing unprecedented unity to the Demon Region.
Under the influence of the Law of the Jungle Incipient Dao Fruit, over a dozen Transcendent Tribulation demon emperors had pledged allegiance to Zhu Tian. Several great demons at the Apex Fusion Stage had also received his tutelage and had the possibility of reaching the Transcendent Tribulation Stage.
“This is the life.” Zhu Tian reclined on his monarch chair and let out a comfortable yawn. He felt that he hadn’t slumbered for three hundred thousand years in vain.
If this were in the ancient era, how could I have enjoyed such good fortune?
The palace hall was lavishly decorated, even more opulent than the Great Xia imperial palace, surpassing it in both artistic and practical terms.
Zhu Tian had personally designed the Demon City’s imperial palace, and every piece of furniture within had been crafted by his own hands. When he first awoke and had yet to return to his peak state, he crafted furniture in his cave abode when he had nothing to do. Once the imperial palace was built, he put them all to use.
The vast palace hall was empty, save for Zhu Tian. He needed no maidservants or eunuchs to attend to him, much less guards to protect him.
As an almighty half-immortal in my own territory, who could possibly harm me?
“Zhu Tian, you seem to be having quite the comfortable time here.” A teasing voice sounded from behind him, startling him so badly that he nearly reverted to his original form.
Recognizing the visitor, Zhu Tian quickly plastered on a smile. “So it’s Sister Lianyi, Sister Ling, and Big Brother Lu Yang.”
“And this immortal.” The Everlasting Immortal Fairy darted out from within Lu Yang.
“Yes, yes, yes, and Sister Doudou.” Zhu Tian would never forget this great immortal. Although the Everlasting Immortal Fairy had never revealed her origins, it hardly mattered. No immortal was someone he could afford to offend.
“What brings the four of you here?” Zhu Tian promptly rose to make room, pouring tea and setting out melon seeds.
Ao Ling and Jiang Lianyi had visited him more than once, but Lu Yang hadn’t come since the Demon Kingdom’s founding ceremony. He had often entertained the idea of sending several beautiful female demon dancers to Lu Yang to get into his good books. However, he had hesitated, worried that such a direct gesture might come across poorly, so the idea was shelved.
“An old acquaintance would like to meet you. Would that be convenient, Monarch Zhu?”
“Just call me Little Zhu.” Zhu Tian bowed and scraped, not daring to say that it was inconvenient.
“In here; please enter, Monarch Zhu.” Lu Yang showed the black ancient ring, whose immense suction drew everyone into its small world.
Entering the small world, Zhu Tian felt as though he had been transported back to the ancient era. Countless familiar half-immortals and Transcendent Tribulation cultivators sat listening to a lecture. Before them was the Heaven Mandate Immortal, clad in snow-white robes. He spoke with eloquence, and his words triggered unusual phenomena. The sound of Dao echoed through the air, and fountains of golden light sprang from the earth, enlightening all.
Zhu Tian had recollections of this lecture. It was the first lecture the Heaven Mandate Immortal had given after becoming an immortal. Why is it appearing here?
Could it be that this lecture is so significant that it has been etched into history, becoming a historical projection and reappearing in this small world?!
The Heaven Mandate Immortal descended from the platform, lotuses blooming beneath each footstep. Wherever he passed, the projections of everyone dissolved into white mist and vanished.
This scene didn't belong to Zhu Tian’s memory.
Could the Heaven Mandate Immortal's cultivation be so profound that he can cross the river of time, reappearing in the mortal realm through mere historical projections?
Step by step, the Heaven Mandate Immortal walked towards the stunned Zhu Tian, a meaningful smile playing at his lips.
“Zhu Tian, it has been a long time. Has everything been well?”
“Immortal Venerable, it really is you?!” Zhu Tian suddenly registered that the person before him was no historical projection but the actual, living Heaven Mandate Immortal!
The Heaven Mandate Immortal nodded with a smile. “Of course it is me.”
Lu Yang clicked his tongue as he listened from the side. As expected of the Heaven Mandate Immortal. Zhu Tian had been among the most attentive half-immortals during his lectures, yet he could still be hoodwinked. If it were anyone else, wouldn't it be far worse?
“I didn't expect you to choose to slumber, Zhu Tian. In a flash, three hundred thousand years have passed, and I have found no acquaintances in this vast world. Now that I have met you today, this journey is worthwhile.”
Tears welled up in Zhu Tian’s eyes. That's right. I've already slept for three hundred thousand years, yet I still can't escape from you all.
It's one thing for Jiang Lianyi and Ao Ling to appear one after another, but now, even the Heaven Mandate Immortal has shown up.
When I stayed hidden, not a single half-immortal showed themselves. The moment I established the Demon Kingdom, half-immortals began popping up one after another, with the occasional immortal appearing every now and then.
There are now more immortals than in ancient times. Can you give me—the number one below immortals—a little room to shine?
At this rate, maybe even the Qilin Immortal would pop up next.
Wait, aren't there currently rumors about the Battle of the Great Era?
Could I have triggered the Battle of the Great Era?
At that thought, Zhu Tian’s heart stirred with excitement. I am indeed the most special.
“Immortal Venerable, please sit.” Zhu Tian brought out several monarch chairs, all newly crafted within the last two years.
After everyone sat down, Zhu Tian took out a monarch table and thoughtfully laid out fruits and pastries.
“Zhu Tian, you look to be doing quite well in the Demon Region. You've even established a Demon Kingdom.” The Heaven Mandate Immortal smiled.
“It’s all thanks to the support of my fellow Daoists,” Zhu Tian said humbly.
It was indeed due to their support; otherwise, Jiang Lianyi would have become the monarch of the Demon Kingdom.
“That, too, was because you had skill. In my opinion, now that you've established the Demon Kingdom, uniting the demon forces is a wise move.
“The Law of the Jungle Incipient Dao Fruit inherently strengthens its wielder. Lianyi is used to working solo and has never attempted it. As for you, you had no chance to attempt it in the ancient era.”
In those days, Transcendent Tribulation cultivators and half-immortals ran rampant. If Zhu Tian had wished to establish the Demon Kingdom, not only would he have had the Qilin Immortal above him, but several other half-immortal demons wouldn't have agreed to it.
“The current half-immortals keep a low profile for various reasons, giving you the chance to establish the Demon Kingdom. You should cherish this fortuitous opportunity and properly figure out your Law of the Jungle Incipient Dao Fruit.”
“I, Zhu Tian, will keep your teachings in mind, Immortal Venerable.” Cold sweat broke out on Zhu Tian's brow. Since awakening, he had been indulging in pleasure and neglecting his cultivation.
The Heaven Mandate Immortal rose, clasping his hands behind his back as he circled the group. Suddenly, he asked, “Zhu Tian, what do you think of this small world I refined?” 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
Zhu Tian buttered him up. “Immortal Venerable, anything refined by you is naturally of the best quality. This small world is tranquil and elegant, devoid of all things, embodying the spirit platform's empty, clear meaning.
Lu Yang, however, held a different opinion. “A small world is good, but it feels a bit empty. It doesn't seem suited for living.”
“The empty and clear meaning of the spirit platform is indeed a good state of mind. However, you have already attained this realm, Immortal Venerable. Why use the small world to serve as a foil? Why don't I craft a set of furniture for you to adorn this small world?”
The Heaven Mandate Immortal nodded. “That works too.”
The three exchanged a smile, the atmosphere harmonious.
The Everlasting Immortal Fairy squatted on the monarch chair, watching the three laugh for some time. She couldn't help but feel that there was more to the exchange than met the eye, and she contemplated carefully.
Right then, understanding flashed in the Everlasting Immortal Fairy's eyes, and she pointed at the Heaven Mandate Immortal. “Oh~ I get it! Heaven Mandate, you're embarrassed to ask Zhu Tian directly for furniture, so you enlisted Xiao Yangzi to be your shill!”
“...” The Heaven Mandate Immortal was silent. Everlasting, why is this the only time you're clever?
