I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1453: We Have Been Waiting for You

With the spontaneous formation of a guard brigade by everyone, not even a bird could penetrate the defenses of Shadow Island. The surrounding silence grew increasingly profound, to a point that unnerved many.

Outside the island, nestled within a dirt mound beside a lake, a concealed figure betrayed a look of bewilderment, murmuring with a hint of nervousness.

"How is it that the surroundings have become progressively quieter over these past few months? I perpetually sense that something is amiss."

This individual was none other than the Demon Chief, who had once marshalled his forces with the ambition of conquering Cloud Star.

After a few moments of suspicion, a spark of keen insight suddenly flickered in his eyes.

"Hmph..."

"The sudden tranquility enveloping this island must be a deliberate ploy to manufacture an air of mystery. Nevertheless, my cultivation is formidable, and I've remained undetected despite my prolonged hidden state. How could I possibly reveal a vulnerability now?"

"This minor stratagem is hardly worth mentioning!"

Upon contemplating this glorious prospect,

the Demon Chief's gaze filled with fervent anticipation, solidifying his resolve to endure the wait.

Yet, he remained oblivious to the fact that his self-proclaimed masterful concealment and unwavering patience were, in reality, utterly insignificant. Beyond the distant Heaven and Earth Gate, an entity even more adept at hiding lay buried deep within a haystack.

As a seasoned veteran in the art of waiting unto death, Lord Destroyer of the World possessed an unparalleled level of patience.

However, after enduring several years of bitter waiting, Destroyer of the World's head was already adorned with a thick layer of moss, so verdant it appeared almost black. Despite this, the unwavering light in his eyes had not diminished, and a sense of pride swelled within him.

"To remain undiscovered for several years, I am truly a genius of concealment!"

"So what if the aura emanating from this island grows increasingly terrifying? They are still incapable of pinpointing my location! Once several lords emerge in the future, we shall coordinate our efforts from both within and without, ensuring I make a monumental contribution to the Master!"

At this very thought, Destroyer of the World's expression hardened with even greater determination.

For the sake of the grand design, what was the significance of waiting a mere few years?

If he lacked even this modicum of patience, how could he possibly attain the Great Dao!

The more he reflected upon it, the firmer his conviction became. Destroyer of the World concealed himself even more profoundly. Though weeds sprouted around his very mouth, and bouts of bitterness occasionally surfaced, they failed to shake his unwavering resolve.

Thus, this pair of shadowy figures, akin to crouching dragons and hidden phoenixes, deepened their comprehension of the Dao of Concealment.

Despite their never having met, their resolute hearts beat in unison, each employing their unique skills to remain hidden in the shadows, dormant and enduring for their ambitious schemes.

Two years subsequently vanished in the blink of an eye.

Under the leadership of Long Tian, the demon race had undergone a complete transformation, ceasing their overt acts of aggression. The lesser demonic creatures inhabiting Cloud Star gradually faded into extinction, ushering in an era of unprecedented peace across the entire realm.

The world rejoiced, and sounds of jubilation echoed from every direction.

Listening to the distant, lively sounds of merriment, the Demon Chief, still entrenched in his dirt mound, found himself staring blankly.

At this precise moment,

he felt an overwhelming sense that humanity was simply too boisterous. Indeed, the joys and sorrows of disparate races could never be shared!

Finally,

unable to bear the solitude any longer, he discreetly dispatched a message to Lord Demon General. To his utter shock, there was no response whatsoever, not even the faintest trace of demonic aura detectable in the entire world.

Instantly, the Demon Chief was rendered speechless, prostrate in the dirt mound, questioning the very fabric of his existence.

"What is transpiring?"

"Could it be that I have been forsaken by Lord Demon General?"

"Why do I not sense the presence of any of my kin? Where has our grand ambition of dominating the universe vanished to?!"

A gentle breeze swirled past, lifting particles of dust. The Demon Chief, coated in dirt, finally glimpsed the dawn he had so long awaited, yet his eyes were vacant, and his face was a dishevelled mess.

Gazing up at the long-absent white clouds adorning the sky, he felt an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity.

Suddenly, he felt as though he no longer recognized this world, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, utterly unable to reconcile what he was witnessing.

It wasn't until a faint sound drifted from the horizon that the Demon Chief was jolted back to awareness.

Overcome with terror, he hastily retreated back into the embrace of the dirt mound, only then daring to exhale a long, shaky breath. It seemed only the comforting darkness of the earth could grant him a semblance of peace, and he no longer had the courage to face the world.

That unremarkable dirt mound had previously gone unnoticed by anyone.

The cultivators who soared through the sky were engaged in cheerful banter, passing the time as they journeyed amongst the clouds.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, where might you be headed?"

"Naturally, to Pingjiang City!"

"What makes such a small city so special that you would summon friends to accompany you there?"

"The Linglong Pavilion recently established a branch in Pingjiang City. It's rumored that the Linglong Pavilion houses countless rare treasures and artifacts, and even offers a game called Simulated Life, where one can experience a hundred lifetimes. It is said to be exceptionally intriguing. Brother Lu, have you not heard of it?"

"Simulated Life? Such a marvel truly exists in this world? If that is the case, then let us hasten to experience it!"

Several cultivators, radiating extraordinary auras, increased their speed and soon reached Pingjiang City.

Outside the highly acclaimed Linglong Pavilion, the area was already thronged. It appeared that cultivators from various locales had gathered, drawn by curiosity upon hearing of its renown, all eager to enter the Linglong Pavilion and discover its secrets.

Nevertheless, the doors of the Linglong Pavilion remained firmly shut.

After a period of anxious waiting, they observed the shopkeeper emerge, offering a courteous apology with clasped fists.

"Esteemed patrons."

"Effective immediately, our Linglong Pavilion will be temporarily closed. We kindly request your understanding!"

These pronouncements stunned everyone present into disbelief.

Before the assembled cultivators could voice their displeasure, the doors of the Linglong Pavilion were promptly shut once more!

"Bang!"

A dull thud echoed, causing everyone to exchange bewildered glances!

"How can they simply close down without any prior notice!"

"Such audacity!"

"Exasperating!"

The cultivators present were prominent figures from their respective regions, possessing an uncommon bearing. Even though they felt dejected by this abrupt rejection, the majority were acquainted, making it difficult to openly display anger lest they lose face and become a subject of ridicule.

Shortly thereafter, the individuals gathered before the entrance began to disperse. Even a few persistent souls who hoped to wait and ascertain the situation found themselves unable to endure the frustrating circumstances for long.

In under half a day, the area in front of the Linglong Pavilion was deserted, no longer exhibiting its former bustling and grand appearance.

As dusk settled and the entrance became quiet, a figure clad in white attire entered discreetly. The shopkeeper and the remaining staff bowed in unison, their eyes filled with profound reverence.

"My Lord, you have finally arrived."

"We have awaited your presence with great respect for a considerable time."

As the figure offered a slight nod and proceeded into a distinguished private chamber, the long street surrounding the Linglong Pavilion was suddenly enveloped by layers of concealed guards. The interior became exceptionally active, and a peculiar fragrance permeated the air.

...

Serene periods are invariably fleeting, and a few years vanish as swiftly as a passing shadow.

During these years of tranquility that Cloud Star experienced, opportunities for cultivators to vanquish demons and eradicate wickedness were scarce. Most individuals harbored the inclination to retreat into secluded cultivation. The once sparsely populated villages nestled in the mountains began to see an increasing number of inhabitants, almost imperceptibly.

At midday.

The elderly men returning to the village entrance exchanged greetings, discussing their day's yield.

"Senior Brother, what was your harvest today?"

"Alas, do not even mention it! The number of newcomers is growing, and the competition is more intense than ever. After toiling all morning for the past few days, I have only managed to gather two piles of Red Flame Golden Crystal Beast dung!"

"Hahaha, Senior Brother, your fortune is not as great! As for this Junior Brother, despite my lack of talent, I was fortunate enough to collect three piles!"

"Inconceivable!"

Witnessing Wei Donghai turn sideways to boast, Zui Wuya felt a surge of anger, his mouth twitching, unable to conceal the envy in his gaze.

The newly arrived elders nearby were even more astonished, drawing in sharp breaths of disbelief. Their eyes fell upon the fresh dung in Wei Donghai's basket, and they couldn't help but display looks of covetous admiration.

"Hiss..."

"There are actually three piles?!"

"Brother Wei is truly exceptional!"

"I suspect that other than Elder Luo, no one else could possibly gather more than Brother Wei!"

Upon hearing the compliments from his fellow Daoists, Wei Donghai's face lit up with pleasure, and he subtly waved his hand with a modest smile.

"Hahaha..."

"Not at all, not at all, everyone is being overly generous with their praise. How could I possibly dare to compare myself with Brother Luo."

That smug demeanor naturally provoked a degree of bitterness in some, compelling them to voice their skepticism.