Clang— Clang— Clang—

Nine bell tolls rang out, and auspicious clouds in the sky transformed into various shapes of hundreds of demons, vivid as life itself, representing the Demon Race that pledged allegiance to the Ancient Di Jiang.

The auspicious clouds of the hundred demons changed again, bowing respectfully towards the Heavenly Altar before turning back into white clouds. Like snowflakes or mist, they fell upon the mortal realm, scattering over the Heavenly Altar.

The Heavenly Altar became hazy, shrouded in mist as if at the dawn of creation, indiscernible and impenetrable, mysterious, and enigmatic.

Music started to play, the flute’s sound rippling, the zither ethereal, and the drum and se resonating together, creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony where countless members of the Human race and the Demon Race were immersed in the sweet melodies.

A figure the size of a hill appeared along with the music, swaying atop the Heavenly Altar, enveloped by endless mist, barely distinguishable as a six-legged, four-winged creature of ancient times.

The ancient creature was entirely crimson as if it were the sun, unusually conspicuous within the fog.

Thump—

The music shifted, becoming spirited and vigorous, forceful and inspiring, captivating the races of weaker determination with its rhythm, making them want to expand territories and charge into battle alongside the Di Jiang Clan.

The ancient creature danced atop the Heavenly Altar, its movements graceful and meticulous, representing the most orthodox ancient dance.

The ancient creature fluttered its wings, stirring up a wild wind, as if it were opening the heavens and splitting the earth at the dawn of chaos, turning into the sun, shining brilliantly above the nine-tiered Heavenly Altar.

A Semi-Immortal being, the Ancient Venerable Zhu Tian.

All the major powers were prepared and simultaneously brought out the Recording Orbs to document the process.

"Is that the legendary Ancient Di Jiang?"

"So terrifying. I feel like he is looking at me." Someone shivered under the subtle oppressive force of Zhu Tian, legs trembling, unable to stand straight; that was the pressure from Zhu Tian, as well as the weight of ancient history.

"Ancient Semi-Immortal, from the most prosperous era of ancient times, listening to the teachings of the Four Ancient Immortals." Another person spoke in a low voice, filled with emotion; those were the best of times, when four Immortals appeared simultaneously, and the number of Semi-Immortals and beings at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage were so many, it was ludicrous compared to the present.

For the common folk, the ancient times were history, were legends, but for Zhu Tian, those were events he had experienced firsthand.

Merely on this point alone, he was incomparable to current-day Cultivators.

"The Di Jiang Clan is very adept at music?" Lu Yang was surprised, noticing that the musicians responsible for stirring the audience’s emotions were all from the Di Jiang Clan, something that could not be mastered overnight.

"The Di Jiang Clan has always been very proficient in music and dance. Zhu Tian, in particular, is a master of this art. Music can inspire and also bewitch the heart. Zhu Tian is well-versed in musical theory, and on this basis, he comprehended the outline of the Survival Of The Fittest Dao Fruit that can control beings."

"During the ancient times when their lordships opened the altar to teach, Zhu Tian would perform his talents before that. This guy’s strength is mediocre, but his performance skills are first-rate."

"Why do the people around seem to have an urge to submit upon seeing Zhu Tian?" Lu Yang keenly noticed the unusual reactions of the people surrounding them.

"He’s using the Dao Fruit Outline; he wouldn’t dare to directly use other methods here. This is the most shallow level of control, a form of psychological suggestion. Using it here is probably to set the tone."

Jiang Lianyi’s expression was odd—being another holder of the Survival Of The Fittest Dao Fruit Outline and a fellow student who learned with Yingtian Immortal the art of maintaining facade, she couldn’t be deceived by any tricks Zhu Tian used.

Slowly stepping out were ten figures emitting a terrifying aura, each unique in shape, only slightly smaller than Zhu Tian’s own form, some appearing old and decrepit, others brimming with vigor... These figures signified absolute power.

These were the ten Transcendance Tribulation Stage Demon Emperors under Zhu Tian’s command!

A Semi-Immortal of the first rank, ten Demon Emperors, and nearly a hundred great clans, this power was even a few shades mightier than the forces the second-generation Imperial Teacher of Great Yu had prepared for the restoration of his nation!

𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Quick, look, isn’t that the Supreme Elder of the White Tiger Clan? Wasn’t it said that he fell? How is he still alive?!"

"Still alive, he’s an old Demon Emperor in the late stages of Passing Tribulation!"

"And that one there, that’s the Clan Leader of the Taozhu Clan. It’s said that there was originally another Taozhu at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage contesting with him for the leadership. The two fought one-on-one, and he killed the other in single combat!"

"Really? Killed a peer?"

"Could there be any doubt? Go and ask around the Taozhu Clan. Everyone knows!"

"Is that Nine-headed Snake over there the old Clan Leader of the Jiuying Clan?"

One by one, the origins of the Demon Emperors at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage were recognized, and all the Cultivators in the Body Integration Realm present were filled with dread and trepidation. Venerate Zhu Tian’s preparations were too thorough. Under this power, it was feared that the Dragon and Phoenix Clans would not be able to resist and would have to submit!

Zhu Tian pondered for a moment before he began to speak slowly, with a solemn expression, "The Great Era is about to arrive, the Demon Race is fragmented, each fighting for themselves, which weighs heavily on our heart. How can such a Demon Territory preserve itself in the struggle of the Great Era?"

"Before I went into slumber, I was entrusted by the Qilin Immortal. The Qilin Immortal hoped that I would extend a helping hand to save the Demon Territory in times of future peril."

"I am no seeker of power, but merely entrusted by the Qilin Immortal. And now, as the Great Era approaches and I fear a repeat of the ancient catastrophe, I wish to unite the Demon Race and establish a Demon Nation."

"Only by binding the strength of all clans into a single rope can we pass through the tribulations of the Great Era and preserve the power of the Demon Race!"

"With the fall of the Qilin Immortal, the Demon Race lacks someone to lead the fight. Although I am not talented and cannot reach the heights of the Qilin Immortal, I have contended with many a Semi-Immortal. Out of their esteem for me, I have been given the laudatory title of ’the foremost below the Semi-Immortals,’ a title I truly find undeserved."

Zhu Tian’s voice was downcast, as if he felt that the title of "the foremost below the Semi-Immortals" was too exaggerated. Even though he possessed the strength that warranted the title, it didn’t suit his understated nature.

It also seemed as if he were reminiscing about those deceased comrades, resenting that they left too soon, leaving the heavy burden of unifying the Demon Territory on his shoulders.

Suddenly, Zhu Tian’s eyes lit up, breaking free from the ancient memories, rallying his spirits. Now was not the time for despondency—he needed to focus on the present and take up the great responsibility.

With a determined gaze, Zhu Tian announced in a voice that could be heard throughout the entire Demon City:

"Let heaven witness, let the Four Ancient Immortals witness, those people are gone, the Ancient Era cannot be pursued, the calamity of the Great Era is upon us. For the sake of countless lives of the Demon Race, I hereby declare, on this day, the Demon Nation is established and I shall be the first leader of the Demon Nation!"

Boom—Boom—

Suddenly, the sky was covered with dark clouds, lightning flashed, and thunder rolled. Four purple bolts of lightning as thick as water buckets struck down, as if the Four Ancient Immortals witnessed this historic moment and agreed with Zhu Tian’s founding of the nation.

Zhu Tian’s body trembled with excitement, his eyes brimming with tears: "Zhu Tian here thanks the Four Immortals!"

Shills arranged by the Di Jiang Clan started clapping enthusiastically from below the stage, the applause thunderous, deafening to the ears.

Jiang Lianyi: "..."

Husband’s entrustment, being the foremost below the Semi-Immortals, crafting talismans to simulate lightning, arranging shills to lead applause, you’re well prepared.

Jiang Lianyi suspected that all Zhu Tian learned in his Yingtian Immortal’s lessons had been used here.

Lu Yang’s expression was somber, the first time he had witnessed a counterpart on par with him in acting.