Chapter 1260: Divine Descent of the Wuqiao

Like a cat scenting fish, Mo Hua's pores trembled slightly, and he couldn't help murmuring softly:

"God… descends…"

Though his voice was low, Lord Yan Zhu, who had outwardly ignored Mo Hua but inwardly been watching him closely, caught it.

Even Mo Hua's subtle shock and unusual expression did not escape his keen perception.

Lord Yan Zhu sneered, "What? Doesn't this 'Lord Wuzhu' know about the Divine Descent?"

Normally, even if Mo Hua didn't know, he'd pretend to know, for the sake of the 'Lord Wuzhu''s dignity.

But this time was different.

Mo Hua, like a cat whose soul had been stolen by a fish, nodded helplessly: "I don't know—tell me about it?"

Lord Yan Zhu froze, surprised by Mo Hua's bluntness, then let out a cold laugh:

"What? Your 'Divine Master' didn't even tell you this? And you still call yourself Lord Wuzhu?"

Mo Hua said nothing, silently enduring Lord Yan Zhu's mockery.

One must have broad-mindedness; before great matters, he could endure Lord Yan Zhu's petty 'disrespect.'

Seeing Mo Hua remain silent, Lord Yan Zhu did not press further, lest he appear petty as a late-stage Jin Dan.

One counterpoint was enough.

Lord Yan Zhu's expression turned solemn, and he spoke slowly, in a low voice:

"The Wuqiao Tribe is an ancient tribe of the third-grade Great Witch Fengshan Realm, with a long lineage, but for the past few centuries, its power has declined, remaining obscure."

"Until the previous Great Chief, who worked tirelessly, abandoned luxury, renounced pleasure, exhausted himself refining tribal systems, breeding barbarian soldiers, cultivating witch cultivators, and mass-producing barbarian armor… thereby accumulating sufficient foundation."

"The previous Great Chief exhausted his spirit and blood over a lifetime, finally dying with depleted divine essence and vital energy."

"His son, who succeeded as Great Chief, carried on his father's will, driving the Wuqiao Tribe's development."

"And the current Wuqiao Great Chief, after centuries of meticulous planning and overexertion, is now ancient and frail."

"His son inherited his will, leading a distant campaign on his father's behalf, sending the Wuqiao Tribe's barbarian soldiers to crush all mountain realms and unify the wilderness—this is the current Wuqiao Young Master…"

……

This was a grand vision spanning three generations, relentlessly expanding the tribe.

Even the assembled Great Chiefs and Grand Elders felt moved, secretly admiring it.

Unfortunately, on the Wuqiao Tribe's path to strength lay the corpses of these very tribes.

This was nearly an irreconcilable contradiction.

Mo Hua furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss here.

The Wuqiao Tribe's rise had been too 'rapid'—it couldn't be explained merely by 'exhaustion' or 'diligent governance.'

Barbarian soldiers, witch cultivators, vast quantities of barbarian armor, and numerous beast riders were tangible cultivation-based combat power.

Such a foundation could not be gained by hard work alone.

The Wuqiao Tribe's rise likely concealed other secrets.

Mo Hua even suspected the previous Wuqiao Great Chief had gained some powerful opportunity, granting the tribe divine-like rapid advancement.

This point, not just Mo Hua, but the Great Chiefs of other tribes, likely also understood.

Yet opportunity was only one aspect.

Even with opportunity, without fierce effort, it would be useless.

The Wuqiao Tribe's iron will and ambition were equally formidable.

Lord Yan Zhu continued: "But this 'conquest' is merely territorial and military. What the Wuqiao Tribe seeks is 'permanent' rule."

"Therefore, they will almost certainly summon their god to descend upon Zhu Que Mountain, using divine power to suppress the beliefs of all tribes on Zhu Que Mountain."

Someone frowned: "Can the Wuqiao Tribe's god really wield such power?"

Lord Yan Zhu fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly:

"This matter is a secret of the Wang Ting's divine lineage, forbidden to be disclosed. But the situation is urgent—if I don't clarify, you won't believe it…"

Lord Yan Zhu paused, then continued: "Ordinary gods naturally lack this ability. Even if they had it, they'd lack the medium to manifest it."

"But the Wuqiao Tribe is different—they are an ancient tribe, worshipping an ancient god passed down since time immemorial, and one of the rare 'monotheistic' faiths, unchanged since its origin. Thus, the Wuqiao god is exceptionally powerful, known in the divine path as the 'Great Wuqiao God.'"

"And Zhu Que Mountain is an ancient mountain; according to the Wang Ting's mountain records, deep within Zhu Que Mountain lies an ancient altar, a sacred site dedicated to ancient 'gods,' possessing supreme authority."

"Once the Great Wuqiao God descends upon the ancient altar and completes the 'Divine Descent' ritual, the entire Zhu Que Mountain's barbarian divine consciousness will be permeated by it—everyone's faith may be twisted and reshaped…"

Great Wuqiao God, ancient altar.

Mo Hua was stunned.

The other tribes' Great Chiefs and Grand Elders also reacted with shock.

From prior clues, they had suspected the Wuqiao Tribe sought something in divine belief—but never imagined it would be this vast.

Moreover, the existence of Zhu Que Mountain's 'ancient altar' was an absolute ancient secret.

Even some of the younger Great Chiefs present had never heard of it.

At least Lord Lugu, who had just assumed his position, knew nothing of it.

Lord Yan Yi frowned: "How did the Wuqiao Tribe learn the secret of our Zhu Que Mountain's ancient altar?"

Lord Yan Zhu's gaze sharpened: "The Wuqiao Tribe also has an ancient lineage of Lord Wuzhu. Though inferior to Wang Ting, pooling the strength of a single bloodline to nurture one or two powerful Lord Wuzhu is not impossible. These Lord Wuzhu have studied the divine path, delved into unknown divine consciousness, and could thus have learned ancient secrets through unpredictable channels."

"Therefore…"

Lord Yan Zhu's eyes slowly glowed with fire: "This war against the Wuqiao Tribe is not merely a war of barbarian soldiers—it is a war of Lord Wuzhu, a 'divine war' over faith."

All present grew solemn.

The atmosphere in the hall became extremely solemn.

Lord Yan Zhu scanned the room, his thoughts shifting, then added:

"This war is both a tribal war and a faith war—so crucial that it demands a Buluo Alliance leader to oversee the entire campaign."

"Therefore, as Lord Wuzhu, I nominate..." Lord Yan Zhu's gaze swept across the faces of the chieftains, finally settling on one man.

"Danque Tribe's Chief Dan Lie, as the Buluoda Alliance Leader of this campaign!"

At these words, the hall fell into stunned silence.

Chief Yan Yi, who believed himself close to Lord Yan Zhu and had always supported him, now stared in disbelief—he could not fathom that such a vital position, such immense authority, would be offered to anyone but himself.

Chief Dan Lie was equally astonished.

He had no prior connection with Lord Yan Zhu and could not understand why the lord had suddenly nominated him as Alliance Leader.

Yet not only Lord Yan Zhu—Lord Qing Zhu, who had remained silent beside him, also nodded and said, "I concur."

This only deepened the astonishment of all present.

Lord Yan Zhu looked around and asked, "Does anyone have objections?"

The hall remained utterly silent.

None in the room understood the purpose behind Lord Yan Zhu's move.

Moreover, the position of Buluoda Alliance Leader of Zhu Que Mountain was an honor of the highest stature—every chieftain here desired it.

But bound by the authority of Lord Yan Zhu and Lord Qing Zhu, none dared speak out.

Chief Dan Lie frowned and asked slowly, "Lord Yan Zhu, may I ask... why have you nominated me for this role?"

He did want the position.

But without understanding why, he could not feel at ease.

Lord Yan Zhu smiled faintly, his tone softening considerably: "Chief Dan, you have a daughter named Dan Ling, who serves in the Wang Ting."

Chief Dan Lie froze, his mind suddenly clear—he nodded. "That is correct."

Lord Yan Zhu continued: "Several years ago, while I still served in the Great Wilderness Wang Ting, before I was sent on missions across the wilderness, I met your daughter several times. I remember her vividly—her bones like fine jade, her beauty like a vermilion phoenix, truly radiant as red jade, unparalleled in the world."

"To offer such a gem to the Wang Ting demonstrates Chief Dan Lie's unwavering loyalty to the Wang Zu and faith in the Great Wilderness."

"Therefore, this position of Alliance Leader belongs to no one but you."

Chief Dan Lie looked slightly dazed. "So... Lord Yan Zhu, you mean..."

Lord Yan Zhu smiled lightly: "I am now traveling through the Great Wilderness. One day, when I have resolved the tribal disputes, I will return to the Wang Ting. Thus, I only hope that upon my return, you will grant permission for Dan Ling to become my disciple, receive my purification, and serve as my attendant offered to the gods."

At these words, a cold laugh suddenly rang out: "You dare?"

Lord Yan Zhu turned to see Lord Qing Zhu, his face dark with displeasure: "Don't think I don't know your intentions. I've seen Dan Ling too—I like her very much. I too want her as my disciple, to receive my purification."

Lord Yan Zhu's expression darkened.

As the two Lord Wuzhu quarreled, no one else dared speak.

Chief Dan Lie, however, looked troubled and frowned: "Whom she chooses as master depends solely on my daughter's own will. As her father, I cannot decide for her."

Lord Yan Zhu said: "No matter. All you need do is write a letter—I will deliver it to her. A father's command is not to be disobeyed; Dan Ling will understand her duty."

All he needed was a "formality."

Chief Dan Lie glanced between Lord Yan Zhu and Lord Qing Zhu, still uncertain.

Lord Yan Zhu spoke gently: "This is a matter between Lord Wuzhu—we will resolve it ourselves. Your duty, Chief, is simply to fulfill your role as Alliance Leader. This is an act of justice, unrelated to other matters—you need not concern yourself."

Lord Yan Zhu spoke with perfect decorum.

But all knew this was a way to let Chief Dan Lie "sell" his daughter with dignity.

After a brief pause, Chief Dan Lie nodded: "If that is how it must be, I humbly accept."

Lord Yan Zhu nodded in satisfaction.

Lord Qing Zhu said nothing more.

With the support of two Wang Ting Lord Wuzhu, no one dared oppose.

The chieftains and elders in attendance merely regarded Chief Dan Lie with complex, strange glances.

Some admired him; some envied him; some resented him; some scorned him; some despised him.

Yet admiration and envy still dominated.

This concerned the fate and power of the tribe, its fortune and future—nothing else could compare.

No one would refuse this choice.

Lord Yan Zhu looked again at the assembly and asked, "Does anyone else have questions?"

The hall remained silent; no one spoke.

Just then, a clear voice rang out: "I do."

Lord Yan Zhu turned at the sound and looked toward Mo Hua.

Mo Hua asked: "I have a question..."

Lord Yan Zhu nodded. "Speak."

"That god, Wu Jiao..." Mo Hua asked curiously, "how big is he?"

Lord Yan Zhu blinked, and the other high-ranking figures were left speechless—they could not fathom why this half-fake "Lord Wuzhu" would ask such a childish question now.

Lord Yan Zhu merely replied vaguely: "Very big."

Mo Hua nodded.

Lord Yan Zhu ignored Mo Hua and announced the final resolution to the chieftains:

"For this alliance, Chief Dan Lie of the Danque Tribe shall serve as Buluoda Alliance Leader, overseeing the campaign."

"In matters of great importance that cannot be resolved, the chieftains and elder chiefs shall convene a tribal council to deliberate and decide."

"The purpose of this alliance is to annihilate the Wu Jiao Tribe's army in the barbarian war."

"And to destroy the Wu Jiao Tribe's Lord Wuzhu forces in the divine war."

"Wu Jiao is an ancient god of the wilds, beyond mortal strength to oppose. Thus, our goal is to spare no effort in killing every Lord Wuzhu and Wu Xiu of the Wu Jiao Tribe, destroying the 'Divine Descent' ritual to prevent Wu Jiao's arrival—otherwise, the Zhu Que Mountain Realm will lose its faith and face utter ruin..."

All the chieftains, elder chiefs, and barbarian generals rose to their feet, placing their hands across their chests in the Buluoda salute.

"I humbly follow Lord Wuzhu's will..."

"Our tribes shall spare no effort to guard our ancestral lands, resist the enemy Wujiao, and repel foreign divine beings."

"If we break this alliance, heaven itself shall not spare us!"

The solemn vow rang out with conviction.

Mo Hua stood among the crowd, his eyes flickering, saying nothing.

Thus, the alliance was preliminarily agreed upon.

All the tribes began urgently preparing, advancing the war effort.

After returning to his tribe, Mo Hua sought out Dan Zhu and asked, "Do you have an older sister named Dan Ling?"

Dan Zhu nodded. "Yes, Mr."

Mo Hua asked curiously, "Is she very beautiful?"

When Lord Yan Zhu mentioned Dan Ling, he called her "a piece of jade," "a vermilion phoenix," radiant as red jade.

In Lord Yan Zhu's divine awareness, that uncontainable desire surged like a demonic flame.

Others could not perceive it, but Mo Hua, whose divine awareness had transformed into Dao and who had learned the Dao Heart Seed Demon technique, sensed it with perfect clarity.

Lord Yan Zhu, after all, was a senior shaman and a Jin Dan cultivator at the late stage, serving the Wang Ting, a man who had seen great worlds—he should not be so unable to suppress his desires.

The only possibility was that Dan Ling was truly beautiful, having shattered Lord Yan Zhu's defenses against desire.

Even stranger, Lord Qing Zhu also seemed deeply concerned about this Dan Ling.

This deeply intrigued Mo Hua.

Dan Zhu said, "I suppose so..."

Mo Hua did not understand. "What do you mean 'I suppose'?"

Dan Zhu said, "I saw my sister only as a child. She held me, faint and hazy—she was indeed beautiful. But many years have passed; I do not know what she looks like now, nor whether my childhood memory still holds true..."

Mo Hua nodded slowly.

Yet Dan Zhu looked at Mo Hua, hesitating for a long while, before finally blurting out:

"Mr., why are you asking whether my sister is beautiful?"

Mo Hua paused, then said seriously, "It relates to heavenly fate and karmic cause—this cannot be revealed yet."

"Oh..." Dan Zhu nodded, unconvinced.

Mo Hua turned back to Dan Zhu, his expression slightly more serious, and asked, "Have you decided on my previous question?"

Dan Zhu froze at the words, his expression solemn, his gaze dimming, as if afraid to meet Mo Hua's eyes.

After a moment, he took a deep breath, looked directly into Mo Hua's eyes, and nodded earnestly:

"Mr., I have decided."

"A man's life must ultimately have a Dao heart. If my father and brother walk the same path as me, I will stand with them in unity. But if they walk a different path, I will never yield."

Having endured countless setbacks and the refining fire of war, Dan Zhu's gaze grew firmer, his Dao heart more resilient.

Mo Hua confirmed the resolve in Dan Zhu's eyes and gave a slight nod. "Good."

He simply wanted Dan Zhu to awaken to this realization sooner.

As for whether things would eventually descend into father versus son, brother against brother, Mo Hua naturally did not wish to make his "disciple" suffer too greatly.

Everything still depends on the capability of this "master" of mine.

The Zhu Que ancient altar.

The Wujiao Great God...

Mo Hua's gaze grew deep as he silently thought:

"I wonder whether this Wujiao God is truly great enough... whether he is great enough for me to swallow him whole... and gain twenty-four patterns..."

(End of Chapter)