I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1438: Nemesis

The dawn broke the next day.

Morning light just began to peek through the horizon.

A chill still lingered in the early morning breeze, and the streets were mostly empty of people.

Shadow Island seemed to have lost its usual vibrancy after the previous night's chaos. Island residents were clearly uneasy, emerging from their homes much later than usual. Even the energetic aunties who typically filled the plaza were few and far between.

Near the construction site along the main road.

Xiong Fen and his son were leading their crew in rebuilding the roadside. A complex mix of emotions played on their faces as they surveyed the rather deserted surroundings.

Xiong Zhong, in particular, still seethed with barely contained anger.

Damn it...

Who knows where those lowlife dogs came from, daring to cause such mayhem on our Shadow Island. They nearly killed so many people, and even the road we just completed was ruined.

If I ever catch them, I'll make sure they pay!

As soon as he finished speaking, his father shot him an annoyed glare!

Get back to work, stop your incessant rambling!

The adversaries from last night were undoubtedly no ordinary individuals. If a fledgling like you crossed their path, this old man would be mourning your death!

Instead of wasting breath on pointless talk, you'd be better off contributing more labor. Your grip on the Dao of Involution is clearly lacking. With your current weak cultivation base, merely protecting yourself is a challenge!

His father's words acted like a bucket of cold water on Xiong Zhong's ignited temper, leaving him utterly dejected. He could only turn to Jiang Yuan behind him, attempting to save a sliver of his pride.

Uh...

Old Jiang, you tell me. Were those enemies last night truly that formidable?

When has our Shadow Island ever shown fear towards anyone? Even though I, Xiong Zhong, am merely a humble deputy manager, I am still a member of Shadow Island. I refuse to believe I should dread a bunch of sneak-attacking cowards, right? Isn't that just lowering our own prestige while elevating theirs!

To his surprise, the moment his words left his lips, Jiang Yuan's expression also shifted to one of subtlety.

After a few moments of contemplation, he responded with a grave look in his eyes.

Deputy Manager, you cannot view it that way.

The powerful foes from last night were far beyond anything we've encountered before. Not even the Demon Race of the past possessed such experts. It was only due to the Second Young Master's intervention that a catastrophe was narrowly averted. One can only imagine the opponent's terrifying might.

It is possible that even the Nine Heavens Sword Maiden herself might not be able to defeat them easily...

Deputy Manager, it is best that you remain cautious.

Upon hearing this, Xiong Zhong's eyes widened in disbelief.

No way...?

I concede those scoundrels were somewhat powerful, but they shouldn't be as incredible as you claim, should they?

Just as he was engulfed in doubt and astonishment.

Xiong Fen and Jiang Yuan simultaneously turned and bowed towards a distant direction. The laborers nearby also straightened up, their faces etched with surprise!

Following their gaze.

Xiong Zhong finally laid eyes on Wu Tao, strolling towards them with his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

He was immediately taken aback and quickly clasped his fists in greeting.

Second Young Master!

As the Second Young Master of Shadow Island, Wu Tao's standing was naturally paramount. His appearances before common folk were exceedingly rare. His decisive action last night and this subsequent appearance inevitably stirred a sense of awe among the people.

Observing the crowd bowing respectfully, Wu Tao offered a slight nod.

Mm, continue with your tasks.

Only then did everyone relax. As they gazed upon Wu Tao's rugged countenance, an indescribable feeling of excitement and pride swelled within their hearts.

Xiong Zhong, unable to contain his burning curiosity, bowed hesitantly after repeated contemplation to seek clarification.

Second Young Master, this subordinate boldly ventures to ask...

His question drew the attention of everyone present.

All those around, already bewildered and intrigued, felt their hearts race at that moment. Even Jiang Yuan, they were all eager to uncover the truth behind last night's surprise assault.

Yet, just as he began to speak, Wu Tao's indifferent voice cut him off.

There is no need for you to concern yourself with these affairs.

To put it plainly, even if you were privy to the details, you would be powerless to influence the intricate karma involved. Consequently, ignorance is preferable. Simply focus diligently on your assigned duties, and that shall suffice.

The city has sustained considerable damage. I will have to rely on all of you in the coming days. I shall arrange for newly developed work uniforms and tools for everyone, and subsequently, performance-based incentives will be distributed. Your hard work will absolutely not go unrecognized.

New work uniforms and tools?

And performance rewards?!

These vows naturally sent waves of exhilaration through the assembled crowd. Xiong Fen and his son felt as though they had been revitalized, their entire beings charged with an immense surge of motivation, yearning to dedicate even more hours to their tasks!

However, as they absorbed Wu Tao's grave pronouncements, a ripple of unease spread through their hearts. Their prior certainty suffered a profound fracturing, creating a sense of impending doom that made finding peace nearly impossible.

A heavy silence descended, yet the apprehension was palpable in each person's uncertain and alarmed expressions. The fleeting joy of moments prior was rapidly extinguished, replaced by a shared, bewildered apprehension that cast a somber pall over the gathering.

Witnessing this shift.

Wu Tao paused, contemplating the situation before deciding to disclose a portion of the underlying truth.

Concerning the events of last night, it is highly probable that you have witnessed or at least heard accounts of them. The assailants who initiated the surprise attack were indeed formidable. If my assessment is accurate, they represent the sworn enemies of our Shadow Island.

Sworn enemies!

The revelation sent a palpable tremor through the depths of every individual's gaze.

Even with Shadow Island's immense power, it harbored an adversary capable of rivaling it?!

Before the anxious Xiong Zhong could voice his thoughts, Wu Tao continued his explanation.

Nevertheless, there is no need for excessive worry.

Those vermin from yesterday were merely pawns. They dared to launch a harassment only because the cultivation bases of myself and my fellow disciples have not yet reached their zenith, foolishly aiming to sabotage this city and disrupt Master's grand design.

Should our cultivation reach its full potential, how significant would they truly be?

Upon hearing this, Xiong Fen and the laborers experienced a measure of relief. Simultaneously, their gazes toward Wu Tao intensified with reverence and fervent admiration.

Truly worthy of his title as Second Young Master.

His current cultivation was already awe-inspiring, yet it had not even attained its peak. If he were to continue his cultivation journey, what extraordinary heights might he reach!

In contrast, Xiong Fen and Jiang Yuan, possessing greater experience, grasped the subtle implications within his words.

They exchanged glances, murmuring in astonishment, their eyes reflecting profound shock.

The individuals who attacked last night were nothing more than subordinate lackeys?!

This is...

Second Young Master, I beg your pardon for this impertinent question, but if the true orchestrator behind them were to appear, what course of action should we pursue?

Second Young Master, please understand, Elder Jiang's concerns are entirely justified. Your cultivation and that of the other lords has not yet reached its culmination, and it remains uncertain if the several Lord Protectors could effectively repel such incoming adversaries...

This inquiry cast a hushed, stunned silence over the surroundings. Upon deeper reflection, a wave of dread washed over everyone.

In a swift moment.

Nearly a hundred laborers along the entire thoroughfare cast anxious glances towards Wu Tao.

Under their scrutinizing gazes, Wu Tao offered a serene, enigmatic smile.

Heh...

That pack of curs only dares to strike from the shadows, a reflection of their inherently cowardly and villainous nature. The mere reputation of my Master has instilled fear in them to this very day; they would never dare to approach recklessly.

Even if a rare few reckless individuals were to disregard their own lives, they would at most be mere middle management. Such insignificant beings, the Chief Protector could obliterate them into dust with a single finger!

Hiss...

A collective gasp of awe and astonishment swept through the onlookers!

Even the seasoned Xiong Fen's pupils dilated in shock at these pronouncements.

The sheer power of their archenemies was far beyond their comprehension. The lackeys alone instilled a sense of terror; they could scarcely fathom the true might of the mastermind pulling the strings.

It was an utterly unforeseen revelation.

Despite their immense power, they still harbored a fear of the Mister's name, and under the Chief Protector's might, they were less than insignificant?

What reason then, remained to harbor any fear!

Our Shadow Island truly possesses foundations that reach the heavens!

Instantly.

The complexions of several hundred individuals flushed with renewed vigor. Expressions of excitement surged, and the confidence and pride reflected in their eyes burned brighter than ever before, as they eagerly recommitted themselves to their labor!

Xiong Fen and his son felt their spirits ignite with such fervent enthusiasm that their pent-up energy found no outlet. Glancing around with palpable eagerness, they unceremoniously discarded their outer garments, seized the iron pickaxes from nearby workers, and immersed themselves wholeheartedly in their arduous tasks.

Amidst the vibrant and impassioned atmosphere, the two previously bewildered workers were left standing, utterly perplexed!

Observing that the collective morale had finally been restored to a stable state, Wu Tao turned, slipped his hands into his pockets, and resumed his stride. The rhythmic slapping of his sandals against the ground resonated with an unparalleled sense of security in the hearts of all present.

The moment Wu Tao stepped off the bustling street, the laid-back demeanor that had previously graced his features disappeared. A seldom-seen seriousness now settled upon him. He lifted his gaze toward the heavens, a flicker of veiled concern briefly illuminating the depths of his eyes.

Those wretched curs have initiated their schemes.

Our time is dwindling rapidly.

Skull Lord, I inquire about the status of your endeavors and those of the others?

And, Master, when might your long-awaited return be...?