Who Let Him Cultivate?! (WX)-Chapter 593: How Did I Become Second Place?

This wasn’t the first time the Qilin Immortal had knelt upon a sword array. The number of instances Lu Yang had heard was already at least a dozen; the actual number was undoubtedly higher. He couldn’t be certain of the specific reason for this particular incident of kneeling on the sword array.

As for the Qilin Immortal swearing to the heavens... with the Heaven Mandate Immortal around, forget being struck by five lightning bolts—you would have been fine even if you were struck by lightning every day.

“What?!”

Jiang Shishi stared at Lu Yang, dumbfounded, then shifted her gaze to Luo Hong’s face. She repeated this three times before finally accepting that Lu Yang’s answer was indeed correct.

But this wasn’t what the chieftain told me, though? How do these two know more about my Phoenix Tribe’s history than our own chieftain?

“Wait, what do you mean by ‘paramour?’ What was the relationship between my ancient ancestor and the Demon Immortal?” Jiang Shishi seemed to have stumbled upon some monumental information within Lu Yang’s answer.

Didn’t historical texts record that our ancient ancestor and the Demon Immortal were rivals? They battled fiercely for a position as an immortal, and in the end, our ancient immortal failed, while the Demon Immortal succeeded.

Why would our ancient ancestor speak to the Demon Immortal with that kind of tone? This doesn’t align with the history I know at all.

Jiang Shishi’s mind was a murky paste. A single question had overturned her entire understanding and her previous knowledge.

Meng Jingzhou glanced at the dazed Jiang Shishi and went back to pondering what to eat after returning.

Su Lian’er also stared at Lu Yang in astonishment. How could anyone know more about the Phoenix Tribe’s history than Jiang Shishi? Just what is the background of this guy called Lu Yang?

Luo Hong paid no mind to their reactions. Whatever their reactions were, it didn’t affect her asking questions; it was all part of the procedure.

“Please listen to the third question. The Dragon Tribe’s ancient ancestor was overwhelmingly powerful, a hurdle all demons had to face on their path to immortal ascension. In the ancient era, there was a demon genius. Although his cultivation talent was concerning, he possessed exceptional talent for researching divine abilities.

“This genius studied assiduously, forgetting sleep and food, and developed a mighty divine ability called ‘Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms.’[1] Theoretically, if one could master these eighteen palms, even the Dragon Tribe’s ancient ancestor would be defeated by this alone.

“However, this genius never perfected this mighty ability. What happened?”

The Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms was a widely known mighty ability passed down from ancient times in the Demon Region. Its power was unquestionable. All demons were searching for traces of this move, yet their efforts were futile. There were many theories about why this technique was never perfected.

Su Lian’er rushed to answer first. “According to my tribe’s ancient texts, this genius spent his entire life yet failed to perfect this divine ability. I suppose his talent was ultimately limited.”

Luo Hong offered no evaluation. Su Lian’er’s answer couldn’t be considered wrong.

Noticing Luo Hong’s silence, Jiang Shishi provided another answer. “Our ancient texts have similar records. They state that this divine ability was too heaven-defying. This genius encountered a life-and-death tribulation and failed to overcome it despite exhausting all his power. Thus, he perished with his body and Dao destroyed before he could perfect the divine ability.”

Luo Hong shifted her gaze to Meng Jingzhou, signalling he could answer.

Meng Jingzhou looked back at her, signalling her to ask someone else.

Luo Hong shifted her gaze to Lu Yang.

Lu Yang was thin-skinned and felt rather embarrassed from being stared at by Luo Hong. After hesitating for a moment, he divulged an ancient secret. “Regarding this matter, I’ve heard a little. It’s said that the Dragon Tribe’s ancient ancestor wielded the Natural Selection Incipient Dao Fruit. Its effect was that if she endured an attack without dying, it would make her stronger. Thus, if she withstood a complete version of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms without dying, she would become even more powerful.

“After hearing about this genius’s feats, she visited him, hoping he could perfect the technique to help her grow stronger. The genius was also extremely delighted upon learning this. He wished the Dragon Ancient Ancestor could demonstrate her full power to give him a reference.

“The Dragon Ancient Ancestor unleashed her full power. Winds and clouds shifted, great stars shattered—it was like doomsday. Witnessing this scene, the genius was frightened to death.

“At the time, people called this genius ‘Lord Ye.’ This is the famous tale of ‘Lord Ye’s Love of Dragons.’”[2]

Luo Hong nodded, satisfied with Lu Yang’s answer. “Correct answer. One point awarded.

“As for you two, your answers were not entirely correct. No points awarded or deducted.”

The oblivion trait belonged to complete Dao Fruits; the incipient form lacked this trait. Hence, everyone could remember what Lu Yang said about the Incipient Dao Fruit.

“Next, please listen to the fourth question. The Dragon Ancient Ancestor and the Phoenix Ancient Ancestor engaged in an intense battle when they were half-immortals. The Phoenix Ancient Ancestor died and came back to life in that battle. Please describe this battle in detail.”

Upon hearing this was another question about her Phoenix Tribe’s ancient ancestor, Jiang Shishi’s face lit up with excitement.

I know this battle well! Every movement of the two ancient ancestors emanated immense power. Even the stars in the sky were reduced to dust, the great sun was extinguished, and the universe fell into deathly silence. It was an unprecedented battle of the era! Our Phoenix Tribe’s ancient ancestor was even reborn from the ashes, awakening within the flames.

Both the Dragon and Phoenix tribes took tremendous pride in the formidable power their ancient ancestors displayed in that battle.

She was just about to answer when she remembered Lu Yang’s previous performance. She turned her head toward him. “You answer first.”

Lu Yang’s eye twitched. He actually wasn’t eager to answer this question, lest it ruin the image of the Phoenix Ancient Ancestor in Jiang Shishi’s heart. But since she has already yielded the opportunity to me, I can’t refuse.

Fortunately, the events in the ancient domain can’t be spoken of outside. Otherwise, just these few answers of mine would cause an uproar throughout the entire Demon Region if word got out.

According to the Immortal Fairy, their battle involved setting fire to burn paper, pulling hair, and drawing circles to curse each other.

Directly repeating that verbatim would seem rather disrespectful.

He adopted a solemn expression and spoke in a deep voice, as if he was showing the utmost deference toward the Dragon and Phoenix ancient ancestors. “That battle caused heaven and earth to collapse and space to shatter. The two ancient ancestors unleashed their most powerful methods. Despite hundreds of rounds, neither could gain the upper hand. They used their respective races’ true flames as their primary means of attack. Half-immortal-grade talismans blazed furiously within the true flames, their light piercing the heavens. The might of the talismans shook the past and illuminated the present. The two also used parts of each other’s bodies as mediums to cast unparalleled curses, filling the entire universe with an inauspicious energy.

“The Phoenix Ancient Ancestor was slightly inferior. She died under the curse, but was resurrected within the flames.”

In reality, the Phoenix Ancient Ancestor had used the Play-Dead Technique to feign death, but it was painful getting burned by the Dragon Ancient Ancestor, so she jumped up and howled.

Best not to mention this part.

“Correct answer. One point awarded.”

Jiang Shishi was racked with regret. I could have answered that question too!

“Sixth question: The Nine-Tailed Fox Tribe’s ancient ancestor captivated the world with her charm...”

“Seventh question: ...”

Jiang Shishi and Su Lian’er competed to answer, continuing until the tenth question.

“All ten questions have concluded. Lu Yang scored ten points and passed the third level.”

Out of the ten questions, Su Lian’er answered five incorrectly, scoring minus five points and ranking fourth.

Jiang Shishi answered four questions incorrectly, scoring minus four points and ranking third.

Meng Jingzhou didn’t answer a single question, scoring zero points and ranking second.

“I’ve decided. I’ll eat mung bean cake[3] after we get out.” Meng Jingzhou had finally decided on what to eat.

Returning to his senses, he discovered the competition was over.

“How did I become second place?”

1. This is one of the most supreme martial arts in Jin Yong’s novels. ☜

2. This idiom is used when one pretends to be fond of something they actually fear. The story is about a county’s senior official, whom people called “Lord Ye.” He told people he loved dragons, carving a pair of dragons on the stone pillars outside his house, placing a pair of dragons on the roof, and decorating his garden—stones, walls, steps—with dragons. He even named his children after the character for “dragon.” A true dragon learned of his love for dragons and decided to pay Lord Ye a visit to express his gratitude. One day, when Lord Ye woke up from his afternoon nap, he saw a massive dragon in his house. With nowhere to escape to, Lord Ye was so frightened he passed out on the spot. ☜

3. Lüdou-gao is a popular, traditional Chinese dessert or pastry. You can easily find it in China, and it commonly comes in round or square designs. You would probably have seen it in Chinese dramas too. ☜