The Frog at the Bottom of the Well

What kind of mount is this? With only two wheels, how can it be as fast as lightning?

That four-wheeled one ahead is even more terrifying. There's not the slightest aura of a living creature, nor can I sense any treasure energy, yet it can gallop far away. I have never heard of such a bizarre mount!

Fellow Daoists, look quickly! The broom that person is using to sweep the floor seems to be a Desolate Artifact!

Hiss...

Just where exactly is this place? The foundation here is terrifyingly deep!

The seniors had just stepped onto Shadow Island and were completely stunned by what they saw and heard along the way. They had lost every bit of the demeanor expected of ancient entities; instead, they looked more like a group of old men entering a big city for the first time, their excited exclamations rising one after another.

It was truly an eye-opening experience.

Compared to the crowd, although Jiang Yuan could barely maintain his composure on the surface, his heart was surging with waves of emotion. Looking around following the crowd's gaze, his shock grew higher with each wave.

After walking only a few steps on the sidewalk, his eyes gradually widened as he looked at the smooth avenue on his right.

The long road led straight into the city, stretching as far as the eye could see.

It looked exceptionally flat and seemingly ordinary, yet it exuded an indescribable, bizarre aura, as if it was in no way inferior to the corridors of grand halls paved with the world's finest immortal jade.

Could it be that this road outside the city was also no ordinary object?

This level of extravagance was simply too immense.

The more Jiang Yuan looked, the more curious he became. He couldn't help but take a few steps to the left and stomped heavily on the long road.

Unexpectedly, there wasn't the slightest mark left behind.

Instantly, Jiang Yuan frowned and stopped in his tracks out of shock.

This...

What material is this long road made of to be so sturdy? Could it be that your esteemed land even uses Desolate Artifacts to pave roads?!

Hearing this, the fellow Daoists also turned their heads abruptly in shock!

Using Desolate Artifacts to pave roads?!

Elder Jiang, please don't joke around!

Holy crap?

After observing carefully for just a few breaths, the old men's eyes widened more and more. Some even imitated his actions, going over to stomp and inspect it, their heads full of question marks. Those who didn't know better would think they were studying some precious magical treasure.

Looking at their posture, it would be difficult for this group of old men to continue moving forward smoothly without figuring out all the curiosities before them.

Helpless.

Wu Tao had no choice but to look back and casually explain a few words.

Everyone, there's no need to be surprised. This asphalt road is condensed from the flesh and blood of the Demon Race, so it's naturally quite sturdy. There are many other unique aspects here on Shadow Island; you'll get used to them after staying for a while.

Now, please follow us into the city.

This casual remark completely left the group of sages dumbfounded with shock!

Gah!

The... the flesh and blood of the Demon Race is used to pave roads?!

This!

Shock.

Including Jiang Yuan, the five ancient elders were so shocked that the corners of their mouths twitched violently!

In their understanding, the Demon Race was a terrifying existence that rampaged across galaxies and brought disaster to all realms. Their demonic bodies were especially formidable. Even when Jiang Yuan allied with many great sages back in the day, risking all their cultivation bases, they only barely managed to stabilize the situation on the Cloud Planet.

Yet here on Shadow Island, the Demon Race was merely used as road-paving material?

Damn it!

They had fought desperately for two eras, and it turned out they were just playing house like children!

Outrageous!

To possess such strength and extravagance, just how powerful had Shadow Island become?

To think they had previously believed the other party was playing with fire. Looking at it now, the Demon Race was just used for paving roads. Let alone playing, even if they toyed with them ten or eight times, it probably wouldn't pose any difficulty.

Thinking back to his previous righteous words, Jiang Yuan blushed with shame.

Amidst their embarrassment, an immense shock swept over everyone. The ancient seniors looked at each other, not even daring to breathe loudly, their toes curling so hard they could almost dig out a three-bedroom apartment in the ground.

It was unknown how long had passed.

They finally recovered their senses. Taking a distant look at the prosperous city, they hastily bowed and replied.

Yes, yes...

We made a fool of ourselves, Your Excellency. Please lead the way.

Unknowingly, the attitude of the five elders had become several times more respectful.

Following Wu Tao into the city, they experienced endless surprises along the way. Passing by a park, they witnessed a group of ordinary-looking middle-aged women dancing, yet their entire bodies emitted an aura that made them not dare to underestimate them...

Instantly, only awe remained in everyone's eyes.

Catching a glimpse of two old men fishing by an artificial lake, even Jiang Yuan wore a helpless, bitter smile.

I didn't expect that upon waking up again, we would be reduced to ordinary people. This era is indeed not something we are qualified to interfere with. All our previous ignorant actions seem truly laughable now.

Being able to visit your esteemed land today, we finally realize that we are nothing but frogs in a well. It is truly our honor to witness such a treasured place.

The other four elders were also filled with shame, chiming in and bowing to Wu Tao.

Please forgive us, Your Excellency. We were too shallow.

Looking at the obedient appearances of Lei Qianjue and the others, Wu Tao smiled and comforted them.

There's no need to be so nervous. We are all of the Human Race, and you once protected the Cloud Planet in the ancient era, achieving eternal merit. There's no need to mind a little misunderstanding.

From now on, you can recuperate on Shadow Island. You have complete freedom here, and absolutely no foreign race will dare to come and disturb you.

Everyone, this is already the city center. You can familiarize yourselves with the environment first. If you need anything, just look for me, Wu Tao. My martial brothers and I still have matters to discuss, so I will take my leave first.

Saying that, Wu Tao put his hands in his pockets and led his squad toward an office building in the city.

At the intersection.

The five elders bowed in unison, their faces filled with respect.

Thank you, Your Excellency. Take care.

By the time they stood up, Wu Tao had long disappeared. Jiang Yuan's eyes still revealed a look of gratification as he couldn't help but sigh and murmur.

We will engrave Your Excellency Wu Tao's kindness in our hearts.

I wonder what kind of stunningly brilliant mighty figure could create such a faction and cultivate an outstanding talent like Your Excellency Wu Tao. If we have the fortune to meet them, it wouldn't be in vain that we lived for two eras.

To be able to reside here long-term from now on, it truly is a profound blessing.

Hearing this, the old men behind him looked full of yearning, and some even suddenly repented.

Elder Jiang is absolutely right.

Please forgive us, Elder Jiang. We once had selfish motives and almost caused a huge disaster. Only now do we know that there is always someone better out there. Our past actions were truly laughable; our perspective was simply too narrow.

We hope for Elder Jiang's forgiveness. From now on, we will thoroughly correct our past mistakes and absolutely not dare to make any inappropriate moves on Shadow Island.

These few words were filled with deep emotion.

The group of old friends looked at each other and chuckled softly, gazing at the long streets of the bustling metropolis with fascinated eyes.

That kind of demeanor was extremely common in the eyes of passersby; one look and you could tell they were newly arrived rookies. Xiong Fen and his son, who had just gotten out of a car, seized the opportunity and stepped forward, putting on a full display of bearing as they smiled and cupped their fists.

Greetings, fellow Daoists. I wonder if you have ever heard of the Great Dao of Involution?

As soon as this unfathomable statement came out, all five elders were attracted. Even though the newcomers looked ordinary, they didn't dare to underestimate them, cautiously and low-key cupping their fists in return.

Please enlighten us, Your Excellency.

Before long, Xiong Fen and his son spoke with such eloquence that they actually made the five elders' blood boil with excitement. Looking up at the beautiful scenery of the city as night fell, their faces were full of anticipation.

The dazzling neon lights were incredibly gorgeous, making even the starlight seem much dimmer.

In the depths of the endless starlight, the Demon Realm was even darker.

Infinite demonic energy lingered, and various types of demons lay hidden.

Only the Black Tower of the Demon Capital was brightly lit. Bursts of laughter would occasionally drift out from the grand hall, completely different from the previously oppressive and gloomy atmosphere, as if it were just as peaceful and joyful as Shadow Island.

Inside the great hall, the various clans scrambled to recount the events, reporting the fall of the prodigies. Their smug expressions made it seem more like they were claiming credit; it was as if the greater the casualties, the more excited they became.

It was not until all the factions had finished their reports that the Demon Venerable nodded in satisfaction.

"Mm, not bad."

"The plan is proceeding smoothly. Long Tian has slaughtered many elites, and I will remember the contributions of every faction. However, this alone might not be enough for Long Tian to fully earn the trust of the humans."

As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed through the Demon Venerable's blood-red eyes.

"If my predictions are correct, Long Tian's innate aura of the Black Wyrm clan might have already been sensed by certain human cultivators."

Instantly.

The great hall fell eerily silent, and the host of demons widened their eyes in shock!