Chapter 1417: The Younger Generation Surpasses The

Jiang Yuan turned around with a cold gaze, his imposing aura erupting as he questioned the newcomer. However, the person before him remained completely unfazed, wearing only a faint smile. Without a sound, the terrifying pressure was effortlessly dissolved, revealing a level of cultivation far beyond ordinary.

Such composure shocked Jiang Yuan, forcing him to take the situation seriously.

In his line of sight, Wu Tao, standing opposite him, spat out a toothpick and put away his smile.

"Calling you 'senior' is a matter of courtesy, not disrespect. The affairs of Yunxing are not something you can meddle in. As for your fellow cultivators, since they are also predecessors of Yunxing, we won't make things too difficult for them."

"Old senior, I hope you'll act wisely."

As his soft words fell, the sea became eerily calm.

Whether it was the shifting winds or the surging waves, everything came to a standstill at this moment. The vast ocean resembled an endless mirror, and all things between heaven and earth seemed to be subdued by his words.

This level of terrifying aura was unheard of!

Jiang Yuan couldn't help but narrow his eyes, realizing that this person was a formidable opponent.

In terms of presence alone, even Yunxing in its prime rarely had such a figure!

However.

Jiang Yuan, as an ancient sage, would never be swayed by mere words, nor would he allow Yunxing to fall under the control of the demonic race.

No matter what, he had to do his utmost to protect Yunxing!

His resolve, unchanged since ancient times, remained firm even after his awakening.

Jiang Yuan channeled all his cultivation and coldly rebuked:

"Nonsense!"

"You, a junior, possess such rare talent and cultivation, yet you side with the demonic race and claim that we have no right to intervene in Yunxing's affairs? Utterly absurd!"

"Today, I will personally see if the so-called 'younger generation surpassing the old' can truly push us aside!"

With a deep, resonant voice, Jiang Yuan's white hair danced wildly.

He thrust out both palms, unleashing his ultimate divine ability with full force!

"All Laws Return to the Source!"

Infinite Dao essence gathered from heaven and earth, merging with the ancient power that had endured for millennia, emitting a strange radiance that stirred the sea into a frenzy!

The true power of an ancient sage was enough to reshape the world!

Facing such an attack, Wu Tao sighed helplessly.

"Ah..."

With a gentle push of his hand, the surging waves instantly stilled.

At that moment!

Jiang Yuan's eyes widened in disbelief!

"This..."

Even his soft exclamation, in the deathly silence of the sea, was crystal clear, exposing the panic in the heart of this great sage.

His full-powered strike had been effortlessly neutralized. The strength of this newcomer was simply unimaginable!

Before Jiang Yuan could react, another figure appeared before him.

This figure was identical to Wu Tao, with an indistinguishable aura.

A clone?

The being he couldn't even shake with his full power was merely a clone?

If that were the case, how strong must the original be?

This couldn't be!

Jiang Yuan's eyes widened further, and cold sweat even began to form on his temples.

Seeing his grave expression, Wu Tao spoke again.

"Well?"

"Do you still want to try?"

As his soft words fell, the terrifying aura intensified!

Jiang Yuan's resolve began to waver.

For a moment, he even doubted his own existence, reconsidering his earlier words.

With such overwhelming strength...

Perhaps the grand affairs they were involved in truly weren't something his fellow cultivators could meddle in?

But even with this level of cultivation, could it really be enough to control the demonic race?

As he hesitated.

Ripples began to appear across the sea's surface!

One...

Two.

Ten!

Hundreds, thousands of figures materialized before his eyes!

A dense sea of figures filled his vision, covering the ocean and even the sky. A single glance couldn't possibly count them all!

What was even more terrifying was that the auras of these figures were all equally powerful!

All clones!

No matter how prodigious one's talent, it was impossible to have so many clones.

How could this be?!

"Hiss..."

Jiang Yuan looked around, sucking in a sharp breath!

His face turned deathly pale, and his pupils trembled uncontrollably.

Surrounded by tens of thousands of terrifying auras, even this ancient sage felt an indescribable sense of panic, like a lamb surrounded by wolves.

With just a single thought from the other party, he would surely perish!

This terrifying gap was enough to drive anyone to despair.

What Jiang Yuan found even harder to accept was that such a monstrous talent existed in the world, capable of creating so many clones. This method completely overturned his understanding, leaving him in a state of profound shock!

Silence.

The mirror-like sea surface suddenly became deathly still.

Countless figures spoke in unison, their voices resonating like the edicts of a heavenly deity!

"Now, do you still want to try?"

The deep voice echoed in all directions, and Jiang Yuan's cold sweat dripped down.

"Drip..."

At this moment.

He completely lost his edge and could only close his eyes in resignation.

"Your cultivation is profound, and I have been presumptuous..."

Jiang Yuan had always prided himself on being unmatched throughout the ages.

He never imagined that after awakening two epochs later, he would encounter such a terrifying junior, whose talent and techniques had reached heights even he could only look up to.

The affairs of such a being were surely beyond the comprehension of a group of old-timers like them.

Supporting a demonic puppet as the ruler of Yunxing was nothing more than a trivial game to them.

Finally understanding a sliver of the truth, Jiang Yuan couldn't help but look up with self-mockery.

"Sigh..."

"The younger generation surpasses the old—the ancients did not deceive us. I have learned my lesson today."

As he spoke these words of resignation, the oppressive aura around him instantly dissipated.

The soft voice that followed returned to its earlier lazy and casual tone.

"Senior, you flatter me."

"I meant no offense. I only resorted to this out of necessity."

Hearing this, Jiang Yuan opened his eyes in surprise.

In his line of sight, the countless clones had already vanished. Aside from Wu Tao, who stood with his hands in his pockets and a smile on his face, there were also a few unfamiliar figures and his familiar fellow cultivators.

Although his fellow cultivators looked disheveled, they were still alive and well, standing obediently to the side and casting awkward glances his way.

Their expressions clearly conveyed their crushing defeat.

Having experienced the battle just now, Jiang Yuan wasn't surprised by their loss. Seeing his old friends still alive, he felt somewhat reassured and became more inclined to believe Wu Tao's earlier words.

As his gaze swept across the scene, he couldn't help but notice the other figures.

A young man wrapped in bandages...

A bald man.

A young swordsman.

And five burly men carrying a coffin.

This strange and motley crew all exuded profound auras, causing his heart to sink!

Where did they come from, and how were they all so unbelievably strong?

How could Yunxing, fallen to such a state, produce so many juniors who surpassed even the talents of the past?!

A flood of questions surged in his mind, and Jiang Yuan couldn't help but clasp his hands and ask.

"Sir..."

"Today, we have been defeated, and we have no complaints. From now on, we will not interfere in the affairs of Yunxing. With prodigies like you among its ranks, Yunxing is sure to regain its former glory, a blessing for all living beings."

"But could you tell us, where do you all come from?"

Before he could finish, Wu Tao smiled and nodded.

"Senior, you're too kind."

"Since you're so curious, why not come with us to Shadow Island and see for yourself? You can also take some time to recover your full cultivation as a sign of respect for your past efforts in protecting Yunxing."

Hearing the invitation, Jiang Yuan was even more astonished.

He hadn't expected that someone with such profound cultivation would still show him such respect. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of extraordinary figure could have nurtured such an outstanding disciple.

As he pondered, his curiosity grew even stronger.

What kind of place was this "Shadow Island"?

Why not go with his fellow cultivators and see for himself?

When he turned his gaze to the others, he didn't even need to ask before receiving unanimous agreement.

"Old Jiang, I'm willing to go!"

"Me too!"

"Same here! Let's all go and see..."

The once-mighty ancient sages now looked eager, as if they had returned to their youthful days of boundless curiosity.

After experiencing a near-humiliating defeat, they had somehow reignited their passion, as if they were about to step into a brand-new world.

With everyone in agreement, Jiang Yuan decisively clasped his hands and thanked Wu Tao.

"In that case, we will impose on your hospitality."

As Wu Tao nodded, ripples appeared in the void behind him.

Watching as Wu Tao led the group through one by one, Jiang Yuan's heart warmed.

Behind him, he could hear the soft murmurs of his fellow cultivators.

"I want to see for myself where these terrifying juniors come from."

"How exciting!"

"It's been so long since I've felt this curious."

"After cultivating to our current level, it's nearly impossible to make further progress. If there's still a chance for advancement in this world, perhaps it lies here!"

Though these were the words of others, they perfectly mirrored his own thoughts.

At this moment.

Jiang Yuan could no longer calm his emotions. After straightening his robes and barely steadying his expression, he stepped into the void.

In the next instant.

The group emerged from the void, and as they took in the sight before them, exclamations of shock erupted.

Even someone as composed as Jiang Yuan, who had just tried to maintain his dignified demeanor, couldn't hold back his astonishment upon seeing the towering skyscrapers in the distance. The demeanor of an ancient sage vanished in an instant.

Only a series of expletives echoed across Shadow Island.

"Holy sh*t!?"