I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1422: Please Step into the Vat

The Antiquity Corridor was once again filled with cultivators, their forms illuminated as streams of light poured in. These individuals, gathered in small groups or larger dozens, stood poised on the starlit path, a palpable fighting spirit emanating from them.

Despite their shared humanity, distinct factions emerged, shaped by personal ties and affiliations. They were united by a common purpose: the eradication of demons, their expressions grave, their righteousness seemingly boundless.

After a brief, quiet wait, a spatial distortion signaled an arrival.

Long Tian, a longsword in hand, emerged with steady steps. He surveyed the assembled crowd and addressed them in a resonant voice.

"Esteemed allies."

"Your presence here to aid is deeply appreciated. Our mission begins at the nearest stronghold, where we shall cleanse this detestable and ferocious alien race. For the galaxy's peace, we shall spare no sacrifice!"

"Soon, as your Star Master, I will lead the charge, commencing our assault on the Water Cold Star stronghold, the closest enemy position..."

Following his stirring oration, a resounding cheer erupted from the assembled cultivators.

Unknown to most, the cultivators revered the Star Master, having only recently learned of his prowess. The prospect of engaging the demon race ignited their fervor, their eyes shining with admiration.

Amidst the throng.

The contingent from Shadow Island joined the chorus, their feigned enthusiasm quite convincing. They, privy to the truth, felt no genuine investment in Long Tian's words or actions, merely playing their assigned roles while discreetly exchanging messages.

Xiong Fen and his son, in particular, excelled in their charade.

Their faces conveyed a resolute determination to face a heroic end for a just cause, yet their private messages were laced with amusement.

"Tsk, tsk, this demon youth has a silver tongue. Truly a master of manipulation," one transmitted.

"Indeed, he possesses leadership potential, though still quite green," the other replied.

"Father, you are absolutely correct. His rhetoric is mere empty words, failing to fully ignite the masses' spirits. Clearly, he lacks understanding of the Great Dao of Involuted Competition. Compared to us, the white hats, he has a long path ahead!"

"Hehe, he's not doing too badly all things considered. Those emerging from Shadow Island are truly a cut above the rest of the world!"

These whispered transmissions, confined to a ten-foot radius, were met with serene smiles from the Shadow Island members.

Listening to the varied sentiments and feeling the passionate shouts echoing through the Antiquity Corridor, Jiang Yuan and his companions were also moved, a subtle sigh escaping their lips.

Over the preceding days.

Their cultivation had been fully restored. Their participation now served a dual purpose: fulfilling their assigned mission and satisfying their personal desire to hunt demons.

Following a few days of recuperation on Shadow Island, the minds, bodies, and perceptions of these senior cultivators had undergone a profound transformation.

Their voices, transmitted discreetly, carried a tone of peace.

"Verily, all unfolds precisely as Manager Xiong foretold."

"Indeed, even without the direct intervention of the core disciples this time, as long as Long Tian proceeds methodically and strategically, dismantling the demon strongholds one by one will be as simple as grasping a pebble."

"Naturally. With Master Lu and the others holding the line, significant complications should be avoided. Let that demon youth revel in his fleeting glory for now; our sole requirement is to execute our roles flawlessly within this grand play."

"We shall commit our full effort and contribute all within our power!"

As the elders exchanged these words, their composure grew, their demeanor becoming exceptionally humble, shedding their former arrogance.

Jiang Yuan, demonstrating even greater humility, continuously nodded, his voice transmission tinged with a sigh.

"Your words, fellow Daoists, ring profoundly true."

"It is only today that I, this old man, truly grasp the extent of our prior ignorance. Had we not experienced this firsthand, it would have been exceedingly difficult to fathom that the demon race is naught but a pawn in a much larger game."

"Shadow Island is indeed a transcendent realm, its depths profound and immeasurable. With our current cultivation, we can merely offer our assistance and make a humble contribution."

As everyone was caught in this wave of shared sentiment.

Long Tian concluded his impassioned address. He raised his hand, his eyes radiating an undeniable dominance!

"My comrades!"

"Soon, we will enact my strategy and strike the demon race by surprise! The extermination of demons is of utmost importance!"

With these words, Long Tian proudly flicked his sleeve, guiding the assembled group to rip through the void. As the Star Master, he naturally took the lead, his resolute advancing figure radiating an aura of absolute authority, inspiring even greater reverence from onlookers.

For a period, exclamations filled with battle fervor reverberated through the star sea!

"The extermination of demons is of utmost importance!"

However.

The high spirits Long Tian displayed were perceived by the Shadow Island contingent as somewhat laughable and naive, akin to a child basking in unearned praise, utterly ignorant of the world's true vastness.

Fortunately, this individual was finally paving the way for the assault on the demon race, and the heaven-concealing net was nearing completion. Everyone simply humored the atmosphere, joining in with a few shouts before stepping into the void one after another.

This offensive moved with the swiftness of rushing thunder, completely overwhelming the various demon strongholds. Coupled with the formidable reinforcements from Shadow Island bolstering their ranks, pathways were naturally cleared with the ease of crushing dry weeds and rotten wood. Long Tian watched with fiery determination, and even the unsuspecting Cloud Star cultivators continued to gasp in sheer astonishment.

In less than a single day.

More than ten demon strongholds, both large and small, were reduced to ruins, and tens of thousands of assorted demons met their demise!

Such a scale of casualties could only be described as unprecedented.

Soon.

News of this devastating conflict reached the Demon Capital. Within the formidable Black Tower Demon Palace, demons convened, their hushed whispers filling the air.

The once imperious Demon Venerable, after a brief moment of silence, offered continuous words of praise.

"Excellent, truly excellent."

"Long Tian possesses remarkable abilities to incite so many human experts to action. His success in this endeavor clearly demonstrates his complete attainment of human trust. He is now, without question, the Cloud Star Master!"

"If my predictions hold true, the cultivator army engaging this time represents humanity's most potent core. Once we turn their strategy against them and annihilate these human cultivators in a single stroke, the entire galaxy will thereafter be powerless to resist."

"Complete victory is within our grasp!"

Upon hearing this, the assembled demons stepped forward in unison, hands clasped in admiration, their voices a ceaseless chorus of flattery and sycophancy!

"Your Excellency's wisdom is unparalleled!"

"I never imagined the humans possessed such hidden combat prowess. Reflecting now, Young Master Long Tian's grand scheme was indeed essential. Had he not endured such humiliation to earn the humans' trust, we might not have had this opportunity for an easy, decisive victory."

"Indeed, who would have foreseen that Cloud Star actually harbored such strength! Had we launched an attack without full knowledge, I fear significant casualties would have been unavoidable. Young Master Long Tian's foresight is truly extraordinary!"

"Young Master Long Tian's resourcefulness is far beyond our comprehension. It is Your Excellency who has guided him so effectively!"

"Precisely, Your Excellency's wisdom is a rarity across ages. Not only do we pale in comparison, but even Young Master Long Tian shines merely as a firefly beside your brilliance. All strategies unfold precisely as Your Excellency orchestrates!"

"With our race led by Your Excellency and blessed with a rising star like Young Master Long Tian, universal dominion is merely a matter of time!"

The demons offered their fervent salutations, their eyes shining with profound admiration!

The Demon Venerable, seated in his elevated position, basked in an unprecedented wave of reverence, his dark features betraying a rare expression of contentment.

Listening to the thunderous acclamations within the grand hall, he couldn't help but savor the subtle joy of imminent triumph.

A few moments later.

The Demon Venerable slowly raised a hand, his smile receding as he issued a deep, resonant command.

"Everyone, such formalities are unnecessary."

"Long Tian has performed admirably this time, and the various clans have cooperated with exceptional cleverness. I shall not forget each of your contributions."

"We are now at a critical juncture. None of you must let your guard down. Subsequently, dispatch your clans' elites to await the arrival of those ignorant humans, ensuring their complete capture! As for the areas surrounding the Demon Capital, heavy troop deployments are not required today. We shall simply lie in wait for Long Tian to lead his followers directly into our trap!"

"This is a typical human stratagem: luring the prey into the trap. Today, we will retaliate with their own tactic!"

"In the ensuing engagement, our clan's elite warriors will await their arrival at our doorstep. In terms of individual might or sheer numbers, we vastly outclass those paltry humans. The absolute advantage is already ours. The conquest of this galaxy commences today!"

Upon hearing this, the assembled demons clasped their fists, their eyes blazing with unwavering conviction!

"Resplendent, My Lord!"

At this juncture.

Whether it was the leaders harboring personal agendas or the cunning and somber High Priest, all were utterly swayed by the Demon Lord's profound sagacity. As they solemnly pledged to ready themselves for combat, they began to vividly picture a glorious future of dominating the cosmos.

As for the inconsequential cultivators from Cloud Star, they were no more than insignificant ants marching directly into a well-laid snare.

Victory was already assured for the demons even before the first blow was struck!

Following the Demon Lord's decree, the entirety of the Demon Capital stirred into action. Diverse powerful auras secreted themselves away within the deepest shadows, establishing a serene facade that belied the brewing tempest.

Concurrently.

In the vast expanse of space surrounding a peripheral star, the cultivators had once again secured a resounding triumph. As they meticulously cleared the aftermath of the conflict, their boisterous, exclamatory laughter reverberated through the celestial void, now strewn with drifting remnants of vanquished foes.

Amidst the throng, the denizens of Shadow Isle remained unfazed, their hearts unmoved. With practiced efficiency and silence, they gathered the demon corpses, their familiarity with such scenes absolute.

Occasionally, merely to maintain appearances, they would offer a few words of feigned astonishment, their acting prowess growing ever more refined.

Not far removed from this scene.

Long Tian stood with his hands clasped behind his back, surveying the battlefield. His outward demeanor was one of serene composure, yet inwardly, his spirit surged with exhilaration, and he couldn't help but marvel.

Truly formidable.

His current subordinates displayed an astonishing level of power.

They had vanquished nearly twenty demon strongholds in rapid succession. Such immense combat prowess suggested that even when confronting the core elite of the demon race, they might possess a fighting chance.

Perhaps, they could indeed breach the Demon Capital!

The more he contemplated this possibility, the more his ardor intensified. Long Tian's eagerness for action grew palpable. Following a series of consecutive victories, his confidence began to swell expansively.

Behind him, the Star God Guards, who had been his constant companions, perceived his subtle shift in disposition with clarity. While their cultivation levels might have been somewhat lacking, their expertise in deciphering moods and expressions was exceptionally keen.

That fleeting glance in Long Tian's eyes clearly indicated that his ego had become inflated.

Exchanging silent nods amongst themselves, the guards promptly stepped forward and bowed.

"The army's unbroken string of victories owes everything to Your Excellency's masterful leadership!"

"With Your Excellency's strategic brilliance, eradicating the demon race will be as simple as snatching a morsel!"

"To be able to serve under Your Excellency in this lifetime is a profound honor!"

After a few choice words of adulation, the corners of Long Tian's mouth curved upward. He subtly turned his head, unable to contain the broad smile that graced his features.

"You are too kind; you are too kind."

"Everyone has demonstrated remarkable bravery on the field. How could the credit rest solely upon my shoulders?"

Despite his outwardly humble words, his countenance was visibly flushed with pleasure.

Noticing the attention of numerous cultivators drawn by the exchange, Long Tian felt an added surge of elation. He squared his shoulders and issued a command in a deep, commanding voice!

"Everyone!"

"Today, our battle spirit surges heavenward! We shall press our advantage and strike directly at the Demon Capital in a singular, decisive offensive! With me spearheading a surprise assault, the demons will undoubtedly be caught unprepared. Victory is inevitably ours!"

With that declaration, Long Tian unhesitatingly tore open the fabric of space.

The cultivators, their voices erupting in triumphant cheers and adrenaline coursing through them, unleashed their roars across the star-filled expanse. Their eyes, consumed by the fervor of battle, wasted no time in plunging after him!

By the time the cultivator army emerged from the spatial rift.

A vista of chaotic darkness unfolded before them. A towering, pitch-black fortified city, hundreds of feet in height, materialized into view. Ominous, dark clouds hovered overhead, completely eclipsing the sun's rays. The atmosphere was dense and foreboding, emanating an inexplicable, chilling aura.

Confronted by such an imposing spectacle, even the majority of cultivators, despite their extraordinary battle intent, felt a tremor of apprehension. They gazed forward blankly, their expressions shifting to one of hesitant uncertainty.