I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1452: The Time Has Come

The immense power from beyond the divine realm was continuously absorbed, like a colossal whale draining the ocean, amassing a potent force that even the gods themselves observed with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

After several full days had elapsed, a subtle transformation began to manifest in Zhong Qing, who remained seated in a cross-legged posture at the very heart of this world. A nascent, sacred aura gently emerged, startling the over a thousand gods in the vicinity, causing their eyes to widen in disbelief.

Perceiving this faint aura, the assembled deities bowed their heads in unison, offering their huspects in hushed whispers, their gazes filled with profound reverence. Simultaneously, numerous other formidable entities seemed to gain awareness, as if a subtle luminescence had begun to flicker within the deepest reaches of the cosmos.

Meanwhile.

On the distant Cloud Star, specifically on Shadow Island.

The previously bustling populace had gradually returned to their serene routines, with the lengthy avenues now populated by figures bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Bai Qiyu, his eyes exhibiting a characteristic lack of expression, was making his way home with a bag of groceries. Amidst the throng, his ordinary appearance rendered him utterly unremarkable, yet, as he ambled along, individuals consistently bowed and offered greetings.

My Lord...

My Lord, have you been out for groceries again?

As he passed by the storefront of a modest boutique, the proprietor enthusiastically called out to him from a distance.

Lord Bai, our humble shop has recently received a new collection of athletic wear. They are both of superior quality and offered at an affordable price! Should you find yourself inclined to purchase, I can happily extend a thirty percent discount!

A thirty percent discount!

These impactful words caused Bai Qiyu to halt his steps abruptly.

He turned back, his expression one of sudden excitement, poised to respond, but then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he seemed to perceive something significant. A spark of insight flashed through his mind, causing his eyes to quiver incessantly as he gazed vacantly towards the heavens!

In the very next instant.

Bai Qiyu propelled himself forward with a powerful surge, launching off the ground and ascending towards the towering skyscrapers at the city's core like a brilliant streak of light!

Near the man-made lake, a short distance away.

Qing Huan Xiang and Old Turtle were engaged in fishing, their baskets conspicuously devoid of any catch. The pair let out quiet sighs, their expressions contorted into a look of helplessness as they prepared to depart with empty hands.

Observing the increasingly murky lake water, which seemed to have thoroughly spooked the fish, their eyelids twitched uncontrollably. They cast glances at the juvenile green ox luxuriating in the lake, then shifted their focus to Li Taibai, who lay sprawled on the grassy bank. Despite their grievances, they felt compelled to remain silent.

Just as they were about to gather their fishing equipment and make their way home.

Suddenly.

Li Taibai’s eyes snapped open, and he sat bolt upright, directing his gaze towards the blushing clouds painting the sky, as though he had suddenly perceived something of extraordinary significance!

The two elderly companions were equally taken aback. Following his line of sight, they found themselves observing nothing out of the ordinary.

Before any questions could be voiced, Li Taibai had already issued a summons to the green ox, mounted it swiftly, and galloped away.

Gazing at the rapidly retreating figure that disappeared from view.

The two old friends were plunged into an even deeper state of bewilderment and suspicion, rising to their feet and exchanging perplexed glances.

What transpired? What could possibly provoke such haste from him?

Something of major importance must have occurred!

Old Turtle, truly, listening to your words is akin to... well, listening to your words. Can’t I discern that something significant has indeed happened?

Blast it all! You old reprobate!

The two venerable gentlemen exchanged a few choice words before reverting to their customary mode of playful bickering.

However, before their familiar exchange could truly commence, they became aware of numerous formidable energies converging in the sky above, accompanied by a cacophony of gasps and animated discussions reaching their ears.

That trace of aura we just detected, did it not seem to emanate from one of the Lords?

And those fleeting figures appearing in the east, they bore a striking resemblance to the personal disciples of the Lords!

If one observes the direction of their hasty movement, it appears they are all converging upon the central office building!

Good heavens, in all my years residing on Shadow Island, I have never witnessed such a formidable assembly!

What momentous event is about to unfold?

As a flurry of astonished and questioning murmurs erupted from the surroundings.

The two old comrades were also jolted, their gazes instinctively snapping upwards. They beheld a sky adorned with countless streaks of light, a multitude of energies converging from every conceivable direction, streaming towards the city center like a celestial river!

In that instant.

Their pupils dilated with shock, and they remained frozen in place, their bodies utterly rigid!

Meanwhile, the entirety of Shadow Island seemed to erupt into a frenzy of discussion, its inhabitants directing their surprised gazes towards the towering structure at the city's heart.

Amidst the boisterous and sensationalized throng, Juan and Little Juan also displayed faces etched with astonishment. Their current tasks were entirely forgotten as they stared, mesmerized, at the distant convergence of lights.

Father, what is happening...

Son, I too have never witnessed such a gathering!

Within the highly anticipated central skyscraper.

In the opulent grand hall situated on the uppermost floor, the expansive, multi-tiered circular table was nearly occupied to its full capacity!

Gathered around the central round table were Wu Tao, Mo Tianji, Su Yunyun, Hong Fengkuang, Li Jin, and other prominent figures, with the remaining disciples arranged at two outer round tables according to their seniority. All of the core disciples were present.

The chief seat, however, remained conspicuously vacant.

An atmosphere of profound quietude and solemnity permeated the assembly, with not a single word uttered out of turn.

Every gaze was fixed upon the empty seat of honor, as if an extraordinary presence was seated there, unseen.

After a prolonged silence.

Su Yunyun’s gaze swept across the hall before she spoke, her red lips parting to articulate with gravity.

“Esteemed fellow disciples.”

“Our Eldest Senior Brother has commenced the condensation of his godhead and will soon rejoin us. Now that the appointed time has arrived, it is incumbent upon us to act as well, employing all means to forge our own godheads, thereby securing our rightful divine positions in the time to come.”

Her pronouncement elicited silent nods from the assembled disciples, their eyes reflecting unwavering determination.

Even the typically indolent Wu Tao offered a rare, serious acknowledgment.

“Indeed, the moment is opportune.”

“The aspirations of the myriad worlds have been gathered, and the construction of the city nears completion. Our remaining imperative is to closely emulate our Eldest Senior Brother’s path and reclaim our divine seats!”

As his words concluded, the core disciples throughout the hall exchanged resolute glances, their eyes ablaze with an unprecedented fervor.

The next instant.

A celestial spectacle unfolded as a cluster of stars emerged in the sky above the city, their brilliance painting the twilight horizon!

Instantly, the inhabitants below erupted in a chorus of gasps and exclamations, the sounds of reverence washing over the scene like a tidal wave!

“A gasp!”

“Is that the Second Young Master? And the Fifth Young Miss?! All the Lords have graced us with their presence today!”

“Father! Quick, look! All the Lords are in the sky. Is Master returning?”

“Incredible?!”

“We pay our respects, My Lords!”

“We pay our respects, My Lords!”

The populace of Shadow Island, in unison, bowed with hearts overflowing with elation.

At this precise juncture.

The bustling thoroughfares teemed with a dense multitude. Among them were venerable figures of long standing, such as Master Lu, alongside burgeoning talents like the Involution King and his son, and numerous esteemed predecessors from Cloud Star, including Jiang Yuan…

Recognizing these familiar faces, the disciples descending from the heavens offered gentle smiles, their hearts warmed by the evident excitement and anticipation within the crowd. Wu Tao and his companions were moved by a sense of deep satisfaction.

The following moment.

With a subtle signal from Wu Tao, Su Yunyun’s voice, though soft, carried a weight of profound pronouncement.

“Everyone.”

“For the foreseeable future, all of us disciples will be embarking on a journey, and the duration of our absence is uncertain. This undertaking is of immense importance, and we entrust the safekeeping of Shadow Island to all of you.”

Her declaration caused many to look upward in astonishment, their expressions etched with disbelief.

“The Lords are departing?”

“Leaving Shadow Island in our care?”

“This…”

While the cultivation and bearing of the islanders were undeniably transformed, their current prosperity owed everything to Shadow Island. The sudden news of their stewardship over this supreme domain left them feeling adrift and unprepared.

Even the highly perceptive father-son duo, Xiong Fen and his son, were rendered momentarily speechless.

“So, we are to… involute ourselves into temporary custodians?”

“Could such a responsibility exist?”

“Ah, this…”

Stunned by the pronouncement, the father and son exchanged bewildered glances, their hands trembling slightly.

Gazing down at the millions of people below, a wave of palpable emotion rippling through them, Su Yunyun offered a reassuring smile.

“Everyone, there is no need for alarm.”

“Our departure from Shadow Island is temporary, and we shall certainly return. You are all an integral part of Shadow Island; this is our shared home. Its significance to our Master is profound, making your guardianship an appropriate and fitting trust.”

“As long as each of you fulfills your duties diligently, Shadow Island will continue to flourish in our absence. In the event of any significant matters, you are empowered to deliberate and reach a collective decision.”

With these words, Su Yunyun led the disciples in descending to the central plaza. She then clasped her fists, offering a deep bow to the sea of faces below.

“From this moment forth, the protection of Shadow Island rests in your capable hands. We express our deepest gratitude!”

The core disciples behind her mirrored her gesture, their clasped fists conveying their earnest appreciation!

“We thank you all!”

This act of humility stunned the assembled populace of Shadow Island into a flurry of reciprocal bows!

“My Lords, we implore you, do not do this!”

“We would never dare accept such an honor; it is far too great a tribute!”

Witnessing the sincere entrustment from their revered disciples, the veteran members of Shadow Island exchanged knowing glances, their expressions hardening with resolve. Oaths of commitment began to resound throughout the crowd!

"Please be assured, My Lords, we shall pledge to defend Shadow Island until our last breath!"

"As long as we live, the island will endure!"

"As long as we live, the island will endure!"

With Master Lu and the others spearheading the solemn pledge, the entire population of Shadow Island roared in unison. This display of unity finally brought a wave of relief to the faces of all the direct disciples, who then offered their farewells and departed.

In an instant.

More than a hundred figures ascended into the heavens, dispersing like streaks of brilliant light.

As the final five Lords of Zangtian vanished into the fading night, becoming nearly imperceptible to the naked eye, Xiong Fen and his son remained, their fists clasped towards the horizon in a heartfelt farewell, their expressions brimming with emotion.

"To think that all the Lords would actually leave."

"From this moment forth, our reliance must be solely on ourselves. Even at the cost of our lives, we must safeguard Shadow Island!"

By immediately elevating the duty of protection to the level of risking their very lives, the title of Involution King was truly earned.

The surrounding departments and the common folk were deeply moved, their arms raised in fervent shouts as if invigorated by a potent elixir!

"We will risk our lives to protect Shadow Island!"

"Manager Xiong spoke truly. Shadow Island is our home, and the Lords have placed such immense trust in us. Should any dare to stir up trouble, we will fight them with our final breaths!"

As these passionate declarations reverberated, the various departments immediately sprang into action.

Without the need for a central organizer, the departments spontaneously formed guard brigades, delineating guarding responsibilities by sector. Xiong Fen and his son, with a heroic sweep of their hands, issued new uniforms to their subordinates and established the most formidable gate guard alongside Jiang Yuan and others, positioned at the highway intersection on the outskirts of town.

From this point forward, Shadow Island entered a state of heightened vigilance!