I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1308: Passing the Buck
Previously on I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God...
Merely moments after the eager wait, three silhouettes tore open the fabric of space and stepped inside.
One featured temples streaked with gray and donned a simple short coat. The remaining pair sported plain, undecorated robes. Even their aged features failed to conceal the keen edge of their brows resembling drawn blades. Towering close to nine feet in height, they exuded a fierce, dominating presence that lingered, undiminished by their ripe old age.
In sequence, the trio drew near, cupping hands while beaming smiles.
"Tree Venerable, it's been ages!"
"Hahaha, what a uncommon reunion for us ancient companions. Time flies, and lo, ten thousand years have slipped by once more."
Observing these elders with their majestic poise, Yi Feng, now on his feet, sensed his excitement building. While the seniors traded fist greetings and light banter, their eyes caught sight of the unknown youthful practitioner.
Upon a brief inspection, shock hit them as they detected Yi Feng's aura as deep and intangible. Amazement and uncertainty flickered across their expressions, urging them to examine him intently and voice their curiosity.
"Tree Venerable, who is this young fellow?"
The Old Tree caressed his beard, rose to his feet, and saluted with clasped hands, presenting him cheerfully.
"Fellows, allow me to introduce Young Friend Yi Feng, a promising talent I've been lucky enough to encounter. Gathering with so many comrades in the Demon-Suppressing Prison to enjoy drinks and chat today is indeed a joyful event."
The three seniors bobbed their heads in agreement, directing warm grins toward Yi Feng.
"Young Friend Yi, I am Xu Nanbei. Come, sit down and let's talk."
"I am Chang Yuhai, from the Kun-peng bloodline."
"I am Mu Rufang."
Yi Feng hadn't uttered a word yet when they all grinned and inclined their heads at him. Their seasoned countenances beamed with kindness and an exceptional vibe.
In the lightless, boundless expanse of the Demon-Suppressing Prison, for these figures to hold such calm poise and converse so freely marked them as far from common folk.
Humans and demons sharing tea side by side, akin to the tightest of buddies. It stood in stark contrast to the superficial biases of race prevalent beyond these walls.
Yi Feng paused in surprise for an instant, then politely replied with a cupped-fist gesture.
As he took in the scene, yet another wave of spatial fluctuation rippled outward.
A pair of elders, one stout and one slender, emerged chuckling boisterously, each clutching a jug of wine.
"Hahaha..."
"What special occasion is this, drawing all you relics out? Ages have flown by; such a gathering is truly scarce!"
The scent of spirits wafted strongly, their guffaws bold and free.
The ancient vine's tea setup welcomed fresh arrivals, turning the spot far more animated at once.
The Tree Venerable and his companions glanced over with grins, fingering their beards in reply.
"These pair have made an appearance too."
"Heh, countless mighty ones have ascended and declined, meditated and departed. The Fat and Thin Elders sure know how to persist. Surviving without perishing or forsaking their Dao even now, they truly embody the core heritage of the Sea Clan."
"These pair of miserly geezers, they were indeed stashing premium wine!"
In the midst of the playful jabs, the duo had reached the assembly.
Setting the jug down on the table, they fired back with mock indignation, igniting fresh bursts of merriment.
"Old Chang, that's an unjust remark. Fine treasures deserve careful hoarding, not casual display, right?"
"Exactly. Your Kun-peng folk guzzle wine like beasts at a trough. How could you grasp the refined savor of top-notch spirits? Bringing it out sooner would've just squandered it."
"Hahaha..."
Their quarrelsome exchanges rang out relaxed and lighthearted, free of any ill intent, resembling nothing more than ribbing between lifelong pals.
Confined eternally in the Demon-Suppressing Prison, these souls still upheld such elegant leisure and fortified their Dao hearts to this extent. They were genuinely as unshakable as ancient hounds, undisturbed by tempests.
Seeing the elders converse and chuckle, Yi Feng caught the buoyant mood as well.
As the saying goes, hardship unveils genuine bonds.
For these entities to stand united through trials to this point, mingling beyond racial lines, even offering their prized reserves and jesting freely, proved invaluable. Such camaraderie outshone that of everyday mortals by leagues, a bond not easily found.
Without witnessing it firsthand, who could fathom that this notorious exile realm harbored such unity and warmth? Unlike the rigid rivalries of the outer sect on Snowdrift Island, this felt more like one cohesive Sect among fellow disciples.
All of a sudden.
Yi Feng recalled his past run-ins and couldn't suppress a wave of feeling. He also sensed some unease. Amid this congenial vibe, he truly didn't know where to start.
Exactly how could he stir up these serene-minded old brothers?
Right at that moment.
A low, rhythmic thump echoed from the emptiness.
It resembled impacts against the earth.
The cluster of elders abruptly tensed, swiveling their heads to peer together!
"Whoosh..."
A subtle distortion unfurled as a silver-haired senior emerged. His stride was firm and silent; absent the staff's taps on the ground, most would scarcely detect his approach.
Despite the senior's mildly hunched posture, his vitality shone strong.
Spotting that form advancing with unyielding gait, the elders around the vine table all stood up in thrilled astonishment, delivering joint salutes!
"Old Guo..."
"We offer respects to Old Guo!"
This was evidently the deference due a paramount senior. Such a figure surely wielded immense power.
Yi Feng observed with rapt attention, also admiring the steps solid as a mountain peak. As the group stood, he started to study the arrival discreetly and thoroughly.
The elder approached like any regular person, yet in a flash, he stood amid them.
Examining nearer at hand.
Yi Feng grew ever more convinced of a vague recognition, as though he'd crossed paths with him previously...
The Tree Venerable, blending anxiety and joy, swiftly presented another salute in welcome.
"Old Guo, reuniting after countless years fills us with deep fortune. Might we inquire what prompts your presence among us today?"
The figure halted, resting on his staff, and held his silence briefly.
His murky gaze scanned the assembly. Each felt a mounting weight, their demeanor turning even more deferential. Still, the elder spared them scant notice, as if they mattered little.
Only when his eyes landed on Yi Feng.
Those orbs gleamed with clarity. Holding that stare for several beats, not a trace of fear or withdrawal emerged. Rather, an boundless, surging battle intent arose, the individual akin to a honed blade!
At last, warmth lit the elder's gaze.
He gave a faint nod, voicing his regard.
"Hmm..."
"This day holds promise. It might just mean we ancient ones can glimpse daylight anew."
With those words out.
The expectant seniors all quivered, leaping up in stunned elation!
"Glimpse daylight?!"
"This!"
"At last, we've reached this moment!"
They traded subtle looks, overflowing with thrill.
The elders, steady as peaks just before, now inhaled the aroma of life's prospect, their Great Dao path pulsing with life again. So astounded, they struggled to compose themselves, bliss flooding their features.
Before Old Guo could utter more, the Tree Venerable and companions advanced with zeal, saluting once again.
"Old Guo, is there really a shot at daylight once more?!"
"Could you tell us... what forms this hope?"
Amid their fervent questions, the elder's focus remained fixed.
His weathered eyes fixed solely on Yi Feng's stunned form.
"The hope I mention is this young friend."
Hiss...
At that revelation, the assembly reeled in greater shock.
They whipped around their stares, every eye locking onto Yi Feng!
In a flash.
Every elder present fixed their intense regard upon him. Thrust into the spotlight, Yi Feng felt even greater confusion.
What on earth was happening?
How had he turned into the hope?
He hadn't even begun his scheme to incite enmity, yet this elder slapped such a title on him. How could he later incite conflict and court demise? This only brewed complications.
In mere heartbeats.
Gazed upon by the throng of elders, Yi Feng squirmed in discomfort, like some irresistibly alluring damsel right then.
With no alternative, he steeled himself to reply.
"Uh..."
"I don't know a thing about escaping. Old Guo, you've mistaken me for someone else."
As he spoke.
The attention did pivot successfully. The elders gawked at one another, expressions laced with doubt and reluctance, ultimately directing their scrutiny to the staff-propped Old Guo.
Who could've guessed the elder's grin would widen further.
With a leisurely gesture, he firmly redirected the narrative.
"Heh."
"No chance this old one errs. This young friend is precisely the savior we've awaited!"
In that instant, Yi Feng's forehead creased deeply in frustration.