I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1417: The new generation replaces the old.
Previously on I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God...
Jiang Yuan spun around, his eyes like daggers, unleashing a mighty aura as he demanded an explanation. Yet, the newcomer remained utterly unfazed. A subtle grin graced his features as he effortlessly nullified the formidable presence. His mastery of Cultivation was clearly exceptional.
This remarkable composure caught Jiang Yuan off guard, prompting him to regard the man with newfound seriousness.
Under his gaze, Wu Tao, standing opposite him, flicked away a toothpick, his smile vanishing.
"Addressing you as 'Senior' is merely a courtesy. Without disrespect, understand that the matters of Cloud Star are absolutely not within your purview to meddle. As for your fellow Daoists, they are, after all, esteemed predecessors of Cloud Star. We shall not make things overly difficult for them."
"Esteemed Senior, I advise you to look after your own well-being."
As his gentle words concluded, an unnatural stillness fell upon the ocean's surface. The swirling clouds and the cresting waves all froze in time. The sea transformed into a vast, unblemished mirror, and the entire world seemed to be held captive by those pronouncements.
Such an awe-inspiring and formidable aura was truly unprecedented!
Jiang Yuan couldn't help but narrow his eyes, recognizing this individual as a potent adversary.
Judging merely by his bearing, even in the bygone eras of Cloud Star, an existence like this was exceedingly rare!
However.
As an ancient sage, Jiang Yuan would never be swayed by mere words, nor could he stand by while Cloud Star fell under the dominion of the Demon Race.
He was determined to exert all his strength to safeguard Cloud Star, no matter the cost!
His unwavering resolve had never faltered, and it remained steadfast even after his reawakening.
Jiang Yuan channeled his entire Cultivation base and bellowed with chilling intensity!
"Scoundrel!"
"Youngster, it is a rare feat to possess such innate talent and Cultivation, yet you choose to align yourself with the Demon Race! To claim we are unqualified to participate in Cloud Star's grand undertaking is utter folly!"
"Today, I shall personally ascertain whether the so-called new waves of the Yangtze can truly overwhelm us old waves!"
His resonant voice boomed, and Jiang Yuan's white hair whipped around him in the wind.
With a dual palm strike, he unleashed his innate divine ability with the full extent of his power!
"Ten Thousand Laws Return to Origin!"
Boundless Dao charm converged from the heavens and the earth, merging with an ancient, desolate power that had endured through the eons. It emanated an ethereal glow, stirring the ocean's depths as it surged forward!
The personal assault of an ancient great sage was sufficient to reshape the very fabric of reality!
Confronted by such a formidable offensive, Wu Tao let out a sigh of resignation.
"Sigh..."
With a gentle extension of his hand, the colossal waves that threatened to engulf the sky became placid once more.
Instantly!
Jiang Yuan's eyes widened, his visage etched with utter disbelief!
"This..."
Even a soft utterance, on this eerily silent sea, carried immense clarity, betraying the profound shock gripping the heart of this great sage.
His full-powered assault had been effortlessly nullified by the opponent. The newcomer's strength was simply beyond comprehension!
Before Jiang Yuan could even process this, another figure materialized before him.
This figure bore an exact resemblance to Wu Tao, its aura indistinguishable from the original.
Could this be a clone?
The very being whose power he could not even budge with his ultimate attack was merely a clone of the other party?
If that was the case, to what unfathomable level must the true body possess in terms of strength?
This defied all logic!
Jiang Yuan's eyes snapped wide open, beads of cold sweat forming even on his temples.
Observing his grave expression, Wu Tao inquired once more.
"What do you say?"
"Do you still wish to attempt another strike?"
As his gentle voice faded, the oppressive aura seemed to intensify, doubling its ferocity!
Jiang Yuan's mental fortitude began to waver precariously.
For a fleeting moment, he even questioned his own existence and started to re-evaluate the words that had just been spoken.
The opponent's sheer might was...
Perhaps the grand endeavor they were engaged in was indeed beyond the reach of his fellow Daoists?
But with such overwhelming power, could they truly be manipulating the Demon Race?
Just as he stood in agonizing hesitation.
Fissures began to ripple across the surface of the sea!
One...
Two.
Ten!
Thousands, nay, hundreds of figures materialized before his very eyes simultaneously!
The dense multitude of figures nearly obscured the entire seascape, and uncountable forms stood motionless even in the sky. A cursory glance made it impossible to even begin counting them!
What was even more terrifying was that the auras emanating from these figures were almost uniformly potent!
They were all clones!
Regardless of how monstrous one's talent might be, it was inconceivable to possess such a vast number of clones.
How could this be possible!
"Hiss..."
Jiang Yuan surveyed his surroundings and gasped audibly!
His face turned deathly pale, his pupils trembling uncontrollably.
Engulfed by tens of thousands of terrifying energies, even this ancient great sage felt an overwhelming sense of dread, as vulnerable as a lone sheep cast amongst a pack of wolves.
One mere thought from the opponent would spell his absolute doom right where he stood!
Such a terrifying disparity was enough to crush anyone's spirit into despair.
What Jiang Yuan found even more unbelievable was the existence of a monstrous prodigy capable of manifesting such an immense number of clones. This technique shattered his understanding of the world, leaving him in utter astonishment!
Silence descended.
The sea, as calm as a mirror, was suddenly engulfed by a profound quietude.
The countless figures spoke as one, their voices like the pronouncements of a divine being from the Heavenly Dao!
"Do you still wish to proceed?"
The deep resonance echoed from every direction, causing Jiang Yuan's cold sweat to trickle down.
"Tick... tock..."
At this precise moment.
His defiance completely evaporated, and he could only bow his head in resignation.
"Your cultivation is indeed profound. It was this old man's ignorance..."
Jiang Yuan had always believed himself to be unparalleled, traversing the ages without equal.
He never anticipated that upon awakening after two eras, he would encounter such a formidable junior. In terms of both inherent talent and cultivation methods, this individual had reached heights that commanded his utmost respect.
How could a generation of old, stagnant practitioners like themselves possibly comprehend the true ambitions of such an entity?
Placing a puppet of the Demon Race as the Star Master was likely merely a playful endeavor for them.
As fragments of the truth began to dawn upon him, Jiang Yuan couldn't help but look up with a self-deprecating smile.
"Phew..."
"The new always surpasses the old. The ancients spoke the truth; this old man has truly learned a valuable lesson today."
With his resigned sigh, the oppressive aura surrounding him instantly vanished.
The gentle voice that spoke then returned to its earlier, relaxed, and seemingly casual tone.
"Senior is too kind."
"I harbored no ill intent. My actions were born of necessity."
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Jiang Yuan dazedly opened his eyes.
Before him, the myriad clones from moments ago had completely dispersed. Apart from Wu Tao, who stood with a smile and his hands tucked into his pockets, there were several other unfamiliar individuals, as well as his own Daoist companions.
Though his fellow Daoists appeared disheveled, they were unharmed. They now stood to the side, awaiting instructions with subdued expressions, all casting sheepish glances his way.
Their defeated postures spoke volumes of their earlier encounter.
Having personally felt the might displayed in the recent confrontation, Jiang Yuan wasn't surprised by their loss. Seeing his old friends alive and well brought him a measure of relief, bolstering his trust in Wu Tao's words.
As his gaze shifted, he took in the presence of the other figures.
A youth swathed in bandages...
A tonsured man.
A young swordsman.
And five burly, dark figures, bearing a coffin.
This peculiar group all radiated potent auras, causing a sinking feeling in Jiang Yuan's heart as he observed them!
What was their origin to possess such immense, unimaginable strength?
With the Cloud Star reduced to its current state, how could it possibly harbor such an abundance of remarkable juniors, surpassing all those from previous eras?!
A torrent of questions and shock welled within his chest, prompting Jiang Yuan to clasp his fists and inquire.
"Esteemed One..."
"We have been thoroughly defeated today. Our skills are lacking, and we have no complaints. From this moment forth, we shall cease all interference with the grand designs of the Cloud Star. With monstrous juniors like yourselves, the Cloud Star is destined to reclaim its former glory, a true blessing for all beings."
"However, might you enlighten us as to your origins?"
Before he could finish, Wu Tao offered a warm smile and a nod.
"Senior, you are too gracious."
"Since you are so eager to know, then return with us to Shadow Isle and discover the truth for yourselves. Along the way, you may rest and recuperate to fully restore your cultivation. Consider it a token of our respect for your past protection of the Cloud Star."
Hearing this invitation, Jiang Yuan was even more taken aback.
He had never imagined that the other party, despite their staggering cultivation, would afford him such deference. He pondered what kind of peerless and magnificent Almighty expert could have nurtured such an exceptional disciple.
Amidst his musings of admiration, Jiang Yuan's curiosity intensified.
What precisely was this "Shadow Isle"?
Why not accompany his fellow Daoists and explore its mysteries?
When he glanced towards his companions, he received their immediate, unspoken assent.
"Elder Jiang, I am willing to accept!"
"I too, am willing!"
"Yes, indeed! Let us journey together and broaden our perspectives..."
These ancient sages, once titans of their era, were now filled with an eagerness reminiscent of their youthful curiosity.
Having endured a crushing defeat that felt akin to a one-sided massacre, their dormant spirits had been reawakened, as if on the cusp of unlocking a new, expansive world.
Recognizing the shared fervent desire among the gathered individuals, Jiang Yuan offered a respectful fist-and-palm salute to Wu Tao, expressing his gratitude.
"Given your generous offer, we shall impose upon your kindness without any hesitation."
As Wu Tao inclined his head in affirmation, the space behind him shimmered with renewed ripples.
Jiang Yuan's heart swelled with warmth as he observed Wu Tao ushering the assembled cultivators into the opening one by one. The hushed whispers of his fellow Daoists reached his ears, filled with anticipation.
"This elder is genuinely eager to witness the origins of these formidable young prodigies."
"What a thrilling prospect this promises to be!"
"It has been an age since my curiosity was piqued to such a degree."
"Having reached our present Cultivation realm, progress has become arduous. If destiny still holds wondrous opportunities, they may well reside within this very moment!"
Though these sentiments were voiced by others, they perfectly encapsulated Jiang Yuan's own internal state.
At this precise juncture.
Jiang Yuan found his heart unable to remain still. He adjusted his robes, striving to maintain a composed expression, and then stepped forward into the void.
In the ensuing moment.
The entire group emerged from the spatial distortion. The instant they grasped the spectacle before them, a cascade of astonished gasps and exclamations erupted.
Even the usually unflappable Jiang Yuan, who had just moments before meticulously composed his features, lost all semblance of composure upon beholding the colossal skyscrapers stretching towards the heavens in the distance. His dignified bearing, befitting a senior figure from ancient times, evaporated instantaneously.
Nothing but a chorus of astonished expletives reverberated across Shadow Island!
"Unbelievable!?"