“What are you standing there for?” Seeing that James was hesitant, Hades provoked him. He knew that James would not dare kill him. “Hmph!” The potent True Energy which had gathered in James’ palm pulled Hades toward him. “You won’t escape punishment.” Then, James struck Hades’ abdomen, which destroyed his elixir field. In an instant, all of Hades’ True Energy dissipated. Immediately after, he grabbed Hades’ hand and exerted great force. Crack! The bones cracked. “Argh!” Hades cried out in agony. His eyes bulged, and his face contorted in pain. Then, James broke all of Hades’ limbs and tossed him aside like a rag doll. Everyone was dumbfounded. “Is he crippled?” The Patriarch of the Johnstons had cultivated for decades before arriving at the sixth rank. Now, he was completely crippled. Kennedy’s face turned pale upon seeing this. “You…” Eyes full of hatred, Yumi glared at James and roared, “How dare you, James?!” James said coldly, “I’m just returning t
Back when Thea impersonated Maxine to save James, she had seen with her own eyes how James’ martial art skills were taken away by Hades. However, she did not have any martial art skills. Even with the support of the God-King Palace, she could not act recklessly. Now, she applauded James for crippling Hades. “Have you thought of the consequences?” Maxine frowned. James said, “Of course I have. I was worried that the Johnstons would lose control. If not, I would’ve killed that old geezer.” “Sigh…” Maxine sighed. James was not worried about the Johnstons for now. He was only concerned about one thing—Who leaked the information regarding his strength? “Maxine, who do you think revealed my strength? Could it be the Cadens?” Since things had already come to pass, Maxine did not blame James further. After brief contemplation, she gave her own opinion. “That’s highly unlikely. Based on what you said, they assumed you cultivated the secret of the four paintings. That’s how you w
Now, however, three families of the Ancient Four had lost their closely guarded paintings. “Has he unraveled the mystery behind the paintings? Could it be that the paintings contain records of martial art skills that enable us to reach the ninth rank?”Yaakov’s expression was grim. He did not dare act recklessly. After all, he should have been long dead. All this while, he had been sustaining his life through the consumption of medicine. If his True Energy leaked while he was in the midst of a battle, he would die in a few months. If chose to retain his True Energy, he could live for a few more years. “We shouldn’t act recklessly.” After brief contemplation, he ordered, “We’ll wait and see for now. I’ll go to the Cadens’ mansion personally.” Although the Johnstons were dissatisfied with the Grand Patriarch’s decision, they remained silent and nodded respectfully.Yaakov stood up. Under the watchful gaze of the Johnstons, he dragged his old body with the help of a cane and lef
Before James could even react, he was sent flying back into the foyer.The moment the powerful blow struck his chest, he could feel excruciating pain throughout his body. Then, his Blood Energy churned, and he vomited a mouthful of blood. He swiftly got up and sat in a lotus position, catalyzing Heavenly Breath to suppress the Blood Energy inside his body which had gone rogue.Then, he lifted his head. An elderly man with a cane walked in. Upon seeing the man’s appearance, Tobias’ face paled, and he exclaimed, “Mr. Yaakov?”It was Yaakov Johnston, the Grand Patriarch of the Johnstons. His status was even beyond that of Bennett Caden. Walking into the foyer, he found a place to sit. Then, covering his mouth, he coughed a few times. James was sitting in a lotus position on the floor to treat his injuries. From Tobias’ reaction, he knew that the elderly man before him was a Johnston of high status. Not only that, his strength was unbelievable. After Tobias recollected himse
He looked at James and reprimanded him, “James, is it true that you’ve stolen the paintings of the other three families and unraveled the secret behind them?”Tobias was also curious to know how James managed to become this powerful in such a short amount of time. However, James refused to tell him the truth. So, he was using this opportunity to pressure him into spilling the beans.James thought long and hard about it. He knew that the Cadens would not shield him from the Johnstons’ Grand Patriarch if he did not provide a satisfactory explanation.“No.” After brief contemplation, he said, “When I was imprisoned in the Johnstons’ dungeon, I came across a man by the name of Spencer Johnston. As he knew he wouldn’t be able to live for long, he imparted his True Energy to me and taught me the Blithe Fist of Abomination.“Also, the elderly man who defeated Donovan Blithe, the Patriarch of the Blithes, at Mount Littleroot was me in disguise. That’s also how I came to learn the B
Tobias had had his eyes on the Blithe Fist of Abomination for a very long time.Although he had cultivated Thirteen Heavenly Swords, the signature martial art skill of the Cadens, he was still bitter about losing to the Blithe Fist of Abomination.Now that he knew that James had cultivated this martial art skill, he was tempted to learn it himself. James knew what Tobias was thinking of. How could he impart the Blithe Fist of Abomination to him? “James, from today onward, you’ll be the Minor Patriarch of the Caden family. After the Mount Thunder Conference, I’ll step down from my position as Patriarch for you, assuming that the Cadens are still around.” Tobias was wearing an anxious expression.“The Cadens are now besieged on all sides. Many hope for our destruction. However, as my strength is limited, I can’t protect the entire family. However, if I can cultivate the Blithe Fist of Abomination, I might be able to turn the tides.”James looked at Tobias and said, “I wish I co
Although James did not know Bennett’s strength, he knew he was strong. He put his thoughts aside for now. Thea asked, “What do you plan to do now, Darling? The Mount Thunder Conference is just around the corner. Do you plan to use this opportunity to enter closed-door meditation or do you wish to proceed with your plan of executing Mr. Gabriel?”“Let’s not rush things…” Maxine said. “Huh?” James and Thea looked at her. Maxine was deep in contemplation. “I’ve been thinking… I think Mr. Gabriel is the mastermind behind this incident.”James asked, “Why do you say so?”Maxine explained her analysis, “Your strength is confidential. Not many people know about it. Now, all of a sudden, the other three families have received word about it and decided to make a move. The three families do not concern themselves with worldly affairs. There’s no way they would know that your strength has greatly increased nor would they suddenly realize that you were the elderly man on Mount Littler
Thea trusted Thomas. However, Maxine’s words made sense. It was worth a try. James thought about it. His objective was to execute Mr. Gabriel, lure the Gu Sect out, and catch them all in one fell swoop. On the contrary, by cooperating with Mr. Gabriel, he would learn more about the Gu Sect. This was a pretty good deal as well. “Alright, I’ll go visit the Sullivans and the Lees. But I don’t know where their residences are.” “I’ll go as well,” Maxine said, “Grandpa once brought me there. I know the way.” “Mhm,” James agreed. With Maxine showing the way, it would be much less cumbersome. Unwilling to provide them an opportunity to be alone together, Thea hurriedly said, “I’ll go as well, Darling.” “Thea, this is serious business.” “I know. I’m not the Thea from before. As a third-rank martial artist, I’m even stronger than Maxine,” she said and glanced at Maxine. Aware of what Thea was concerned about, Maxine said smilingly, “Sure, why not?” “Let’s go then,” James said
The sky was a brilliant blue, accented by white clouds. Vast plains stretched out with rolling peaks, rivers, and seas crisscrossing the expansive land, while an aura of Spiritual Energy permeated everything. This was a new world, brimming with life and vitality, existing independently from the myriad realms.Countless cultivation resources awaited discovery here. Unending adventures beckoned the brave, and limitless opportunities awaited those with exceptional talent.This was the new world James had created, based on the Forty-Nine Daoisms and merged with his own Daoism, to resolve the Leere Tribulation and save countless beings across the myriad realms.In this world, there was no powerful Heavenly Path, no hierarchy of races, no strict rules or oppressions, and no fate governing everything. Instead, actions were judged by karma. Fortune and misfortune, as well as success and failure, were determined by karma.Though it adhered to the principle of survival of the fittest and res
“No wonder,” Lord Goyo finally understood after an extended contemplation.He distinctly remembered that back at the Yin’s Void, Jacopo, the incarnation of Waitara Path’s Soremsia, had abruptly ordered him to move all foundations out of the Dark World. In hindsight, everything now made sense. It was likely that Jacopo had foreseen all of this.Realizing this, Lord Goyo felt a chill run down his spine as cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Despite doubting Jacopo’s identity as an incarnation of Waitara Path’s Soremsia, he had followed his advice. Otherwise, the consequences would have been disastrous.Snapping back to reality, Lord Goyo looked down at the Yang governor and Gladwin from his elevated position.“You fool, do you realize your mistake?”The Yang governor and Gladwin looked up simultaneously, their faces full of fear.“Lord Goyo, I truly didn't notice this. I had no idea when the Dark World was separated.”“Lord Goyo, there is something fishy about this. If James has
At the peak of Mount One in the myriad realms, the Yang Governor, disguised as James, descended with Gladwin. Both looked deathly pale, as if they had just escaped a life-threatening disaster. They were filled with panic.They stopped simultaneously upon arriving beneath a massive platform in a grand dojo.“We need to sort this out first,” the Yang Governor glared fiercely at Gladwin. “Who's going to explain this later, you or me?”Gladwin swallowed nervously. “Of course, it should be you.”“Why should it be me?” the Yang Governor scoffed. “Haven't you always claimed to be Lord Goyo's top confidant and meddled in our alliance's affairs? Now you're chickening out when there's a major issue?”Gladwin's face twitched. “This has nothing to do with cowardice. It's your duty as the leader of the Path Guardian Alliance.”The Yang Governor laughed in exasperation. “You've always been the one gathering intelligence across the myriad realms, boasting that you're better than Yegor from Skyn
That was the first thing he asked after surviving a monumental battle. James patted his shoulder. "The twenty thousand men…" "As long as it's broken," Wyot interjected, staring into the emptiness. "It's a pity the Dark World is gone forever."James wanted to respond, but the other survivors gathered around them. After the battle and the aid of the path source, they had ascended to Path Emperors, becoming top powerhouses in the myriad realms.James nodded, then waved his hand, summoning a path pearl that gleamed with holy light. The light and aura it radiated were enough to make any living being kneel before it.Just as James was about to act, Wyot knelt on one knee, followed by his warriors.James frowned. "Wyot, brothers, you have the right to stand…""We will not be Deified until the Leere Tribulation is broken!" Wyot declared loudly, clasping his fists. His warriors did the same."We will not be Deified until the Leere Tribulation is broken!"Their voices were unified, echo
Then, the Formation of Perception shook violently. When he snapped out of it, he realized that the twenty thousand Doom Race warriors led by Xezal had almost all perished.Among the remaining ones, three were losing their bodies. Hastily, James tossed three path sources into the formation, but it did not stop their bodies from crumbling."Move them out, quickly," urged Zella. "They're under immense pressure inside."James waved his hand and broke the Formation of Perception.Xezal and his remaining warriors—just three of them—appeared in the void. They were tattered and covered in blood. Their hair was unkempt, and they were barely recognizable. These were heroes who had experienced hell.Though wobbling, they stood in battle stances. Their valiance and undying will moved James. He turned his hand and covered them with four path sources, then told them to sit and heal."That's the Doom Race for you. The fact that they survived this titanic battle says a lot about their talent," Z
"Fourth, I have left some treasures for the Yaneiri Clan. They should be enough to establish yourselves in the new world. Fifth, do not be Deified. Never, ever do that. You must keep the Yaneiri Clan safe."Wynton's body contorted, plunging him into further pain. Cracks spread across his skin. "You owe me, James! You owe my clan!" he roared for the last time in his life before crumbling into dust.The light strips that imprisoned him shattered as well, and purple flames lunged at James' light wall, the shockwaves splintering it into fragments before rampaging toward the inconsolable Zella.James flew to Zella, scooped her up, and they took off. The shockwaves from Wynton's self-destruction rapidly spread, obliterating the surrounding formations.But that wasn't the end. Once freed, the shockwave rippled across the Dark World, annihilating everything in its path. Countless universes met their demise.Meanwhile, James protected the remaining Doom Race warriors within the formation,
Wynton was hysterical, but James merely shrugged. “Wynton, they say the last act people do before they die is to be kind. I see none of that in you, and you lost to me.”“And so what?” Wynton roared. “You’re just luckier than me, James! You have a Yin governor as your wife, and she has your back all the time! You would never have come this far otherwise!”James smiled. “Keep going.”“I know you don’t want to owe me any favors.” Wynton glared at him angrily. “You gave me three free attacks to repay me for sparing you in the River of Time.“Now, I’ve given you your children’s past selves back, and you owe me once more. You’re waiting for my terms, aren’t you?”James looked resigned.“Wrong,” Wynton sneered. “I won’t ask for any promises, nor will I give you any chance to repay this debt. Now, you shall owe me a favor you can never repay!”James sensed something was wrong and was shocked. “Wynton!”Wynton, imprisoned, began to burn, flames flickering and licking his body. He roare
"That’s…" The sight of that token filled Wynton with shock. "Y-You’re working with the Shadowborns?""Will you give it to me?" James shot him a threatening look.Wynton shivered, taking a deep breath. Then, a flash of purple light burst forth, and a brilliantly shining mirror flew out from the top of his head.James released Wynton and grabbed the mirror. It resonated with the token, and both items shone blindingly, responding to each other.'It’s true,' James thought. 'The Shadowborn token the master gave me before he left can sense the Nothingness Path Mirror. But why?' Questions swirled in his mind."That mirror will do nothing for you," Wynton said. "I can’t control it, so you can’t either. The only one who can is the Yin governor."He looked at James. "And she’s cleaved in two. Unless you can merge them together, the mirror will not work. However, with just your wife’s half-self, finding Wuia’s current and future selves will be a nigh impossible task."James tucked the mirr
James remained silent. He couldn't muster a response. Now, he finally understood why the Leere Tribulation had been orchestrated and the role his wife played in it.He had initially thought that by destroying the past version of Wuia concealed within the River of Time, he could hurt Wuia. Even if he couldn't stop the Leere Tribulation, he could at least delay it.With more time, he planned to gather additional clues and eradicate all three versions of Wuia, permanently solving the problem. However, his conversation with Wynton had changed his plans.Wynton observed James standing in silence and smirked. "Of course, there's a way to do this."James furrowed his brow.Wynton, brimming with glee, continued, "Kill your wife and the Light Heavenly Path. If they vanish entirely, Wuia will never obtain the Void Spiral. Even if the Leere Tribulation materializes and he returns, his strength will be no greater than before his reincarnation. You'll have enough power to fight him."That was