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

Chapter 324: The Establishment of the Demon Tribe by Red Cat Xu Yan gestured with his hand, and two blades, including the Cold Resolute Blade, fell into his grasp, which he promptly collected. "That's enough!" In this battle, Xu Yan had comprehended all the doubts of the Martial Divine Art at the Divine Appearance Realm. All that remained was to sort through his insights to achieve complete enlightenment. "The journey to Dachuan Prefecture is over. It's time to leave." Looking down, Xu Yan saw that the treacherous mountain had mostly collapsed during the battle, revealing an ancient tomb beneath. He shook his head; although he had been interested in the tomb at first, he no longer cared to explore it. With a flicker, Xu Yan vanished, leaving Dachuan Prefecture that very day. "It's about time to explore other prefectures. Once I reach the peak of the Divine Essence Realm, I'll be ready to prepare for a breakthrough to the Divine Arts Realm." Before this breakthrough, accumulating a solid foundation would require some time for consolidation. "In the final battle of the Heaven's Prides, Divine Arts might not be necessary to enter, but with a perfected Divine Essence Realm, there's no problem at all." As Xu Yan moved through the lofty mountains of Dachuan, he continued to organize his insights from the Martial Divine Art at the Divine Appearance Realm, making his way out of Dachuan Prefecture. "I'm not sure if Second Junior Martial Brother is in Dachuan Prefecture." Meng Chong had also come to Dachuan, and the two had met once. "What about Brother Xie? Where has he gone?" Xu Yan thought about Xie Lingfeng. Since entering the Spiritual Domain, there had been no news of him. "After so many years, Brother Xie should have broken through to the Divine Intent Realm, perhaps even perfected it?" Xu Yan pondered, realizing that Xie Lingfeng would have no follow-up cultivation methods after perfecting the Divine Intent Realm. "Since I'm traveling through the Spiritual Domain, I should also search for any news about Brother Xie. It's time to pass on the Martial Divine Arts for the Divine Essence and Divine Arts Realms to him." After considering for a moment, Xu Yan decided on his next destination: Yunshan Prefecture! …… Tianling Prefecture is known as the land of spiritual beasts. Compared to Dachuan Prefecture, Tianling Prefecture's mountains are taller, forests denser, and mountain ranges stretch endlessly. Caves and underground rivers are numerous beyond count. It's precisely due to Tianling Prefecture's unique terrain that it became the land of spiritual beasts, where 80% of the Spiritual Domain's spiritual beasts gather. In the central mountain range of Tianling Prefecture, towering ancient trees and oddly-shaped peaks form the core area of the spiritual beast clan, where even sixth-level spiritual beasts reside. Few dare to tread here; even the strongest practitioners from the Spirit Control Mansion rarely venture this far. Amongst the mountains, atop the highest peak, an enormous palace was constructed at some unknown time. Its golden rooftops shimmering in the sunlight, exuding a brilliant glow. Upon closer inspection, one would find the palace carved out of an entire stone peak. Gold-plated rare materials adorn its rooftop, imbued with opulence. Surrounding the grand palace are various gemstones, enhancing its extravagant appearance. Flanking the grand palace are two smaller ones, each a third of its size, seemingly guarding the central edifice. Whoosh! A spiritual beast flew among the mountains and landed before the immense palace, shrinking its giant body from several dozen zhang to about three zhang before entering. This was an above-sixth-level spiritual beast, with power comparable to practitioners who have condensed the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. In the hours that followed, more above-sixth-level spiritual beasts arrived from all directions. Each one shrank its form to enter the palace. On this day, Tianling Prefecture's spiritual beast overlords—all above-sixth-level spiritual beasts—gathered, entering the grand palace. Within, they aligned themselves by strength, either crouching or lying, all heads turned toward the high throne above the hall. Three ornate chairs, two smaller flanking a massive central one, occupied the stage's uppermost section. The central throne was golden, radiating a majestic brilliance, and seated upon it was a tiger, its neck donning a grand golden chain, exuding an aura of might. The great tiger, majestic and imposing, sat with forepaws on the throne's armrests, back straight, looking down at the aligned spiritual beasts below. On the left-hand chair, a jade-white dragon coiled, its head slightly raised to observe the gathered beasts below. To the right lay a toad, smaller than the tiger, yet still akin to a small mountain. The central throne was dominated by Red Cat. At its sides were Yu Xiaolong and Xiao Ha. Upon arriving in Tianling Prefecture, Red Cat, as an eloquent tiger, maneuvered skillfully through the spiritual beast tribe. While still weak, it formed alliances, laying strong foundations for its rise. Now, Red Cat stood as the king of the spiritual beasts in Tianling Prefecture! Its power capable of intimidating all above-sixth-level spiritual beasts, the overlords among them lay as subjects at its feet, conquered one by one. Yu Xiaolong, having cultivated the Greater Beast Arts, broke through its bloodline constraints, transforming into a dragon. Its strength now rivaled any above-sixth-level spiritual beast. Xiao Ha, the Mountain-Swallowing Toad, was arguably the strongest of its kind in the history of the Spiritual Domain. Its power, comparable to an above-sixth-level spiritual beast, was bolstered by its immense internal spatial ability, allowing it to defeat several similar-tiered opponents. Firmly established in the Tianling Prefecture, Red Cat became the Great Demon King, with Yu Xiaolong as the Second Demon King and Xiao Ha the Third Demon King. "Great King, what are your commands for us?" One exalted spiritual beast asked. "Today, I summon you because there is something significant to declare, a matter concerning the future of our spiritual beast tribe and its rise." Red Cat's authoritative voice resonated throughout the grand hall, showcasing its majestic presence as the Great Demon King. The spiritual beasts stirred, lifting their heads eagerly, awaiting instructions from their king. Red Cat's eyes flickered with brilliance, gold radiance encasing it, enhancing its formidable demeanor. The aura of a Greater Beast reverberated through the hall. The spiritual beasts were taken aback, feeling a sense of awe that inspired reverence, and the increasing pressure testified to the king's growing power. "The era of the spiritual beast tribe has ended. From today forth, I shall establish the Greater Demon Tribe. We are the demon tribe, not mere beasts. As of today, Tianling Prefecture is the land of the demon tribe, and I am the Great Demon King." Red Cat's authoritative declaration echoed through the grand hall. Demon tribe?! The spiritual beasts were taken aback. One of them spoke up, "Great King, we are spiritual beasts. How can we forget our roots? This is unacceptable!" Smack! With a sharp glare, Red Cat unleashed its mighty aura. Yu Xiaolong's tail instantly lashed out, sending the dissenting spiritual beast crashing to the ground. "Insolent! Did the Great King permit you to speak?" Yu Xiaolong rebuked angrily. The cooperation between the two had become seamless. As soon as the beast questioned him, Yu Xiaolong acted swiftly to silence it. Red Cat coolly observed the assembly, "Forget our roots? Are you content to remain shackled by bloodlines, making no progress and forever unable to surpass your ancestors? "Moreover, your ancestors, were they not creatures themselves? "To remain mere beasts as spiritual creatures—is this your choice? "As the Great Demon King, I shall establish the demon tribe, providing the teachings of the Greater Demon Arts. These arts allow one to break through bloodline limits, forging a path unique to our tribe." Red Cat rose from the throne, standing tall. As it stood, Yu Xiaolong supported its body with its tail, rising to a height just a head lower than Red Cat. Xiao Ha stood as well. With the king standing, they couldn't remain seated. Red Cat raised its left paw, showcasing the swirling winds and encircling flames upon its massive claws—a display of the formidable power of wind and fire. It was one of Red Cat's Greater Demon Arts, a technique derived from countless depictions of the Wind and Fire Trap Array in its acupoints and polished over time. "Do you see this? This is my Fenghuo Greater Demon Art. You all have witnessed its power, and it is merely one of several such techniques. "You are trapped within your bloodline shackles, but I am unburdened by such troubles, akin to human martial artists who can continually cultivate and grow stronger. "Do you wish to remain confined by your bloodlines, never surpassing your ancestors, always a mere beast?" The spiritual beasts hesitated, knowing that breaking free from bloodline constraints was a lifelong pursuit. Not forgetting their roots was merely their ancestor's imposed might. Their bloodlines had grown thin over the ages, and refining them was just an attempt to return to that might. Now, with the opportunity to break past these constraints, surpassing and even transcending their ancestors, how could they not be moved? Yu Xiaolong spoke, "I am a Jade Crystal Serpent, and you know the limits of our bloodline. But now, look at my current strength." New Terms Explanation: 1. Tianling Prefecture (天陵州) - Translated as "Tianling Prefecture," the literal translation would be "Heavenly Mound Prefecture." It conveys a mystical geographical area suitable for beasts. 2. Dachuan Prefecture (大川州) - Translated as "Dachuan Prefecture," which could also mean "Great River Prefecture," signifying an expansive territory now left behind by Xu Yan. 3. Fenghuo Greater Demon Art (鳳火大妖術) - Translated as "Fenghuo Greater Demon Art," representing a sophisticated elemental skill wielded by Red Cat, employing wind and fire traits. Literal translation would be "Phoenix Fire Great Demon Technique." 4. Yu Xiaolong (玉小龙) - Name translates as "Jade Little Dragon," and Yu translates to Jade. Xiaolong suggests a diminutive dragon, indicating its transformation. The content introduces an evolving hierarchy and structure within spiritual beasts, underlining Xu Yan's exploration of different prefectures and the ascendancy of Red Cat, which organizes the spiritual beasts into a new 'demon tribe,' drastically redefining their identity and legacy. The narrative intimates the challenges of tradition versus innovation, resonance with personal growth themes and liberation from inherent constraints. The spiritual beasts exchanged glances, aware that the Jade Crystal Serpent possessed some dragon blood, but transforming into a full-fledged dragon without consuming dragon essence was nearly impossible. Yu Xiaolong's formidable strength and mastery of Greater Demon Arts clearly signified that its power wasn't solely derived from enhancing its bloodline but from cultivating the Greater Demon Arts. Red Cat patted the head of Xiao Ha beside it and remarked, "Look, your Third Demon King, the Mountain-Swallowing Toad, has already surpassed its ancestors." The spiritual beasts were further enticed. The Mountain-Swallowing Toad, although a spiritual beast, was considered low-tier, often raised by Spiritual Sect families to produce Storage Pouches. Yet the Third Demon King, a simple Mountain-Swallowing Toad, had attained unimaginable strength. "Wise and mighty king, leading us to ascend within the heavens and earth, I pledge my life to follow you and strive for the rise of our demon tribe!" A snow-white wolf amongst the spiritual beasts leaped up, kneeling on both knees and exclaimed loudly. "Good, very good! From this day forth, you shall be the Great Elder of the Elders' Hall of the demon tribe!" Red Cat nodded with an appreciative expression. This Snow Wolf was extremely powerful, ranking among the top three of all above-sixth-level spiritual beasts. It was crafty and adept at judging situations, making decisions that were always in its favor. Just as when Red Cat made its initial move, the Snow Wolf had immediately surrendered, becoming the only above-sixth-level spiritual beast that did not suffer a beatdown. "Thank you, Great King, for your grace!" The Snow Wolf, overjoyed, kowtowed with its head to the ground, exclaiming loudly. "From today forth, the spiritual beast tribe no longer exists; only the Greater Demon Tribe does. Who supports, who opposes?" Red Cat reseated itself, gazing down at the assembled above-sixth-level spiritual beasts and asked. "Mighty King, from today onwards, we are demons, not spiritual beasts!" The spiritual beasts exchanged glances; the change seemed unstoppable. Moreover, they desired to break free from bloodline constraints, so they knelt and proclaimed loudly. "Good, very good! Spread the decree of the Great Demon King: Tianling Prefecture is the land of the demon tribe, establish the Elders' Hall, Protector Hall, and form the demon tribe's Guardian Army... "Ladies and gentlemen, select a batch of prodigies from our demon tribe to come to Sacred Mountain. I shall personally teach and cultivate them!" Red Cat excitedly issued orders. "Yes, Great King!" The gathered spiritual beasts replied loudly. Red Cat raised a paw, revealing a scroll, though the visage was unclear, it exuded an inscrutable aura. "This is our demon tribe's progenitor. All worldly demons must venerate the Ancestral Demon, remember its benevolence, and lay the foundation for our demon tribe's roots..." Red Cat solemnly and respectfully declared. The spiritual beasts were bewildered; why was their progenitor a human? They harbored doubts but dared not voice them, lest they incurred the king's displeasure, even suppression. "What are you waiting for? Kneel to the Ancestral Demon!" Yu Xiaolong prompted. The spiritual beasts all kneeled, "Greetings to the Ancestral Demon!" Red Cat nodded in satisfaction. Never forget to respect the master; appeasing the master was indeed the correct path. It raised its hand for another scroll, revealing a graceful silhouette, though the face wasn't discernable, it carried an aura of unrivaled elegance. Once seen in reality, recognition would be instantaneous. "This is the Holy Mother of the demon tribe!" Again, the spiritual beasts found themselves puzzled; the Holy Mother was also a human. "Greetings, Holy Mother!" Regardless, they kneeled once more. Their rapid advancement owed much to Su Lingxiu's alchemical concoctions; thus, aside from the master, respecting Su Lingxiu was essential. Red Cat was satisfied with the spiritual beasts' behavior. Considering Xu Yan's formidable presence and his nature, despite being the Great Demon King, Red Cat dared not offend him. Thus, another scroll unfurled. "This is the Supreme of the demon tribe." "Greetings, Supreme!" "This is the Second Supreme of the demon tribe." "Greetings, Second Supreme!" "This is the Third Supreme of the demon tribe." "Greetings, Third Supreme!" The spiritual beasts were stunned; were all the top figures of the demon tribe humans? Red Cat pondered; if Xu Yan became the Supreme, should Meng Chong and Fang Hao hear and lack an official title, they might retaliate? Fang Hao's skills in crafting and array formations were useful to Red Cat, not something that should be risked. Meng Chong, with his formidable physique, second only to Xu Yan, was not to be offended either. Thus, the decision to include them as leaders of the demon tribe was made. As for Shi'er and others, naturally, they couldn't surpass the Great Demon King. "Today, as our demon tribe is newly established, we must set our rules. The Elders' Hall will be led by Snow Wolf as the Great Elder, with Protectors chosen and personally guided by me..." Red Cat began to lay down the laws of the demon tribe, forming a Guardian Army and establishing a Demon Tribe Academy. All demon tribe prodigies were required to read and write. To become a cultured demon like Red Cat, the Great Demon King. "A tribe cannot lack culture; everyone present lacks in this area. Here is a book, the essence of my wisdom. "I shall distribute it today. Make sure to study it diligently; I will assess your progress. "Outstanding performance will earn early access to my Greater Demon Arts." Red Cat waved its paw, and prepared pamphlets flew to each spiritual beast. "Yes, Great King!" The spiritual beasts collected their pamphlets and carefully stowed them away. Red Cat was about to assign further tasks when a spiritual beast suddenly dashed in, falling to one knee, "Great King, the one who deceives us spiritual beasts has returned!" New Terms Explanation: 1. Greater Demon Tribe (大妖之族) - A new identity for the former spiritual beast tribe, emphasizing their evolution and autonomy. 2. Elders' Hall (长老堂) - Translated as "Elders' Hall," signifies the governing body responsible for spiritual guidance and legislative matters within the new tribe. 3. Protector Hall (護法堂) - The hall responsible for enforcing the laws and protecting the tribe, reflecting its martial aspect. 4. Guardian Army (護衛軍) - A military entity formed for defense and security, highlighting the tribe's organized nature. 5. Sacred Mountain (聖山) - A revered place where prodigies are groomed, indicating a center for cultural and martial excellence. 6. Demon Tribe Academy (妖族學院) - An institution established to educate and foster the tribe’s intellectual and cultural growth. 7. Ancestral Demon (妖祖) - Personified as a foundational figure, akin to an origin figure, and central to the tribal ethos. The narrative underlines Red Cat's leadership and restructuring of the spiritual beast tribe into a more structured and empowered entity, emphasizing the importance of culture and education alongside martial prowess. It provides insights into the hierarchical and sociocultural transformations within the tribe, where tradition is reconciled with innovation, aligning with broader themes of metamorphosis and adaptation.