Demonic Sect Elder Cultivates Righteous Disciples: An Isekai LitRPG

Demonic Sect Elder, Book 1

By: Kalzara

Narrated by: Johnathan McClain

The thrilling opening installment of a xianxia series that takes the least qualified human and puts him in the most impossible—but hilarious—of positions.

Before meeting his pathetic and all-too-predictable demise in the middle of a pie-eating contest, Zack was living the high life: schlubbing around his parents' basement, subsisting on pizza, video games, computer screens, and web novels. He had it all . . . while still being a big, fat nothing.

But when he's forced to ditch his pudgy mortal corpse, Zack finds himself taking the place of a recently-killed demonic sect elder known as Slifer, who—even as an elderly man—is one serious badass. He's known and feared by all as a master, with a slew of disciples at his beck and call. Not a bad upgrade from the uber-nerd Zack used to be.

Unfortunately, there are some snags. First, Slifer wasn't exactly a people person and has a slew of enemies out to remove his head from his body. Second, the overlord System he's operating under is out to eliminate all demonic cultivators—himself included. And third, well, let's wait and see if he survives the first two before we get to that mess . . .

The first volume of the hit LitRPG fantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

©2025 Kalzara (P)2025 Podium Audio

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED

This was an awesome cultivation story. I hope the author keeps this going for awhile. With so many sub-par cultivation stories out here, this one has the potential to truly be special. SHOUT OUT TO THE NARRATOR TOO. Can’t wait for book 2 :3

Definitely worth a listen.

Johnathan McClain does another great job. The book had some Noobtown vibes but with cultivation. Overall, great time. Looking forward to number 2.

I can't stand the narrator.

The story was meh, probably would have finished this audiobook if the narrator wasn't so annoying.

Audio was bad at the beginning

Story wasn’t too bad. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be funny at the beginning. Overall I enjoyed it.

There were several instances of after the fact explanations of deus ex machina. I am not fond of characters taking improbable actions and only then explaining how it was all planned out. To me it always feels like the author is trying paper over issues in the story or was too lazy to include it in a meaningful way prior to the event.

The recording at the start of the book was tinny(?), like the narrator was in an echoing room which overloaded the mike. It got better, but should have been re-recorded.

Criminally Underrated

This was funny, well performed, and perfectly blend nostalgia berries with satire of the genre. Come on bruv. Dew it. I can't believe I almost didn't listen to this. Narrator is a must listen though.