Some of the workers unloaded the boxes.After Luther finished reading the list, he looked at a petrified Zion. Smiling, he asked, “Mr. Lloyd, where should I place the presents?”“Huh?”Zion came to his senses. Quickly, he said, “Br-bring them in.”Luther said, “Bring them in.”Louisa caught on, leading the way. “This way, please.”Zion followed them.At the entrance.Respectfully, Luther said, “Sir, Mr. Caden, is there anything else? Otherwise, I’ll be returning.”Zane looked at James.James waved a hand. “There’s nothing else. Go on.”“Sir.”Luther looked at Zane, hesitating for a moment. “Sir, everything’s ready for Cynthia. Many VIPs have arrived.”Zane waved a hand. “Cancel it.”“Cancel it?” Luther looked helpless and troubled. “Sir, it’s easy for you to say. What should I tell Cynthia?”Zane thought about it. He had an idea. “Here’s what you’ll do. Get everyone who’s at the party to come here. We’ll have the party here.”Zane looked at James as he said it.“James,
“Of course. Who else would give you such lavish presents?” The man smacked Louisa on her rump.“Stop, there are so many people. My husband’s here too.”Zion clenched his fists when Leonardo was talking, his veins popping, but he relaxed after that.Louisa, her arm still linked with the man’s, walked into the shop.James pulled Zion aside, asking, “Zion, what’s going on? Why did you marry her?”“James, don’t.” Zion looked troubled.“Tell me.”James’ expression darkened.Many people had arrived this morning.All of them were far too close to Louisa.“James, don’t ask.” Zion still looked troubled.“Zion, if you think of me as a friend, tell me.”Thinking about how James helped him at Dragon Fountain Villa, Zion hesitated before pulling James aside. Softly, he said, “I-I married Louisa a year ago. She came to me and told me she liked me. She even asked if I would marry her and was willing to forgo wedding presents.“I was almost thirty, and no woman had liked me because I was
The Black Dragon was Sol’s God of War. He was the religion of every soldier.He was a myth and legend to all men in Sol.Zion was not exempt. He idolized the Black Dragon so much. When he found out that the Black Dragon was his classmate and best friend from 10 years ago, he stood a little taller and walked a little straighter.However, he did not expect that James who helped him at Dragon Fountain Villa was the Black Dragon James Caden, his classmate.“J-James…”Zion looked at James with gratitude.James clapped him on the back. “I don’t want to see you waste your life away. A man should stand tall and proud, not live in the shadow of a woman. You’ll have sufficient funds to settle down with a nice woman.”“Alright.”Zion nodded firmly.He had had enough of this life anyway.He and Louisa were husband and wife, but in a year, he had only touched her once.On the other hand, Louisa was always out and about.Every time she returned, she was drunk.He even found hickeys on h
Everyone was confused.They all looked at Zion.Before Leonardo could say anything, Louisa’s expression soured. She let go of Leonardo, slapping Zion across the face.Smack!The slap was loud and clear.It left a mark on Zion’s face.“Zion, are you crazy? This is Mr. Logan. You should be on your knees apologizing to him!”After that, she turned to look at Leonardo apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Leonardo. It’s my fault. I failed to keep him in line. He’ll get it when we get home.”“Hmph.”Leonardo hmphed coldly.Louisa hit Zion. To add salt to injury, she insulted him in public. He was furious.“Who knew that Zion would have no standing at all?”“Exactly. Louisa slapped him just like that, and even said that he’d get it at home.”“She’s so beautiful. Why did she marry him?”“I heard that Louisa was a call girl. After she earned enough, she was just looking for an honest man to take her in.”“Do you think she let Zion touch her after they got married?”Everyone started wh
Louisa looked disdainful.She knew all about James.He was good for nothing. Furthermore, the Callahans could never come up with so much money, never mind their son-in-law.“The presents are from me.”James said it casually, then he looked at Zane.Zane stepped forward, saying, “That’s right. Mr. Caden prepared these presents. I can vouch for him.”Louisa looked at Zane. He was just a bearded, unkempt man. A nobody. She laughed coldly. “You? Vouch for him? How is that helpful? Stop spouting nonsense.”Zane fell speechless.How could giving a gift turn out to be so complicated?If he knew, he would have made Luther stay.He looked at James. “James, this isn’t going to be easy. Let’s wait it out. Luther will bring the guests over soon. This shall be Cynthia’s birthday party and an act of support for your friend.”“Get out. You’re not welcome here.”Louisa barked an order.“And you, Zion. Get lost. From now on, we go our separate ways. The five hundred thousand dollars is a f
Standing at the entrance, Louisa was completely shocked.Was he not the one who delivered the presents earlier on?Why was he speaking to James?Just then, all thoughts fled her mind.Zane told Luther, “When you delivered the presents earlier on, you didn’t mention an important point. Go on. Clarify that the presents are from Mr. Caden to Mr. Lloyd.”“Yes, sir.”Luther approached Louisa.Louisa came to her senses. “Sir, please come in.”Luther waved his hand. He said, “I was here delivering the presents earlier. The presents are for Mr. Lloyd, courtesy of Mr. Caden.”“Huh?”Louisa’s jaw dropped.After a few seconds, she turned to look at Leonardo.As Leonardo said that the presents were from him, she thanked him properly in the private room on the third floor.Leonardo was shocked.He was just someone who worked in construction. Even though he had some money, he could not compare to the bigwigs in front of him.Celestial, Longevity, the Xenoses, and the Watsons.All of
Cynthia was on James’ arm, both of them looking like two peas in a pod.James did not like it at all.However, Zane had given Zion lavish gifts on his behalf and invited everyone to dine at the barbeque restaurant, which helped boost Dragonair Barbecue’s reputation.From now on, they would never be short of business.As such, he allowed Cynthia to take his arm.Thea watched as they entered.She had no courage to approach.She stood far, far away, hesitating for a moment before turning away.“Thea, what are you doing?” Gladys grabbed her.Thea looked resigned. “Why would I enter? I’ll be a joke.”“You silly girl. Have you forgotten our lessons? You’re his wife! Now that your husband is with another woman, you’re running scared? You have to be more confident. Walk up to Cynthia and say hi. Tell her that you’ll lend James to her just for a day because it’s her birthday. How do you not know this?”Gladys looked determined.“I can’t do it. I wanted a divorce, and now I have to m
Everyone saw what happened.They knew that Zion was the owner of the restaurant after this.“Zion.”Some of their classmates sensed the change and ran after Zion.On the third floor of the shop.In a magnificent private room.There were a few people in the room.Zane, James, and Cynthia.“Cynthia, are you happy now?” Zane smiled as he asked.“Yes.”Cynthia nodded. “This is the most meaningful birthday ever. Thanks, dad.”Zane felt gratified.Knock knock knock.Someone knocked on the door.Luther opened it.Two people were standing outside.A middle-aged woman.A tall, beautiful woman in a pretty dress.It was Gladys and Thea.“Mr. Dawn.”Gladys stood at the door, smiling widely. “You wouldn’t mind if we joined you, would you?”She also said loudly, “James, your wife is here.”James was sitting near the window. He was smoking, staring out into space.As he heard his name, he turned around to see Gladys and Thea standing there.Immediately, he got up and walked to
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