The moment Thomas spoke, James knew he was his grandfather.The same grandfather who adored him since he was a child.He knelt on the ground, staring at the bottomless pit in front of him, and sobbed uncontrollably.Scenes from his childhood flooded back to him.He remembered sitting on his grandfather's lap while his grandfather taught him ancient language and the fundamentals of Solean Medicine.In the fire at the Cadens' ten years ago, he was helpless. He heard the Cadens howling and roaring in agony, but he could not do anything.In the end, it was Thea who rushed in and saved him.Ten years later, he was still helpless and witnessed his grandfather's fall into the bottomless pit with his own eyes.“Damn it.”James stood up, veins bulging on his face, and stared unwaveringly at the black-robe figure on the rock across from him.Maxine was concerned that James would lose control and grabbed him just in time. “James, don’t be reckless. Thea is still dangling there,” she adv
Maxine stared at Thea and said, “It was you who helped James kill the Emperor in the Capital. You were also the one who impersonated me, escorted James out of the Johnston residence, and dumped him at the Caden mansion's main entrance. The God-King Palace was, in fact, Thomas' creation.”“Yes.” Thea did not try to deny any of it. “Grandfather did build the God-King Palace,” she said.“Why did he take Tiara and Quincy away?” James asked.“Grandfather said it wasn't safe for them to be following you because you have a lot of enemies around you. He also took them away for the time being to protect them so that you wouldn't be preoccupied,” Thea said.James questioned once more, “Then why are you and Grandfather here?”“Grandfather told me that we needed True Energy with extreme Yang energy to cultivate Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge, so he brought me along to look for it. But we didn't expect him to be ambushed and for us to be taken prisoner,” Thea responded.“What?” Maxine ex
Tobias left quickly and came back just as quickly.After ten minutes or so, he returned.“How did it go, Grandpa?” Maxine inquired.Tobias shook his head and said, “The base is very deep and filled with lava. I couldn't delve any further. He most likely didn't survive the fall.”“I don't believe that,” James kept shaking his head.His grandfather had even survived the devastating fire ten years before. He would not have died so easily right now.Tobias took a glance at him and said, “Even if you don't believe it, you should. Theoretically, falling from this point would result in certain death, unless his strength had reached unimaginable heights and advanced beyond the seventh rank.”As he was saying that, he cast a quick glance at Thea and inquired, “How did you become involved with Thomas?”Thea did not hold back, telling him everything about how Thomas had met up with her.She did not, however, say anything about the secret of Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside's Edge. She only m
Cynthia was still in Cansington.He needed to absorb the Cold Energy from her body to cultivate his True Energy.“I'm not going to the Capital for the time being. I have to return to Cansington first,” he said.Tobias gave him a quick glance and nodded, saying, "Be careful, then."After saying that, he leaped, covering a few dozen meters. In a matter of seconds, he was already a few hundred meters away.“Let’s go too,” said Maxine.“Not yet,” said Thea. “Ja… Honey, Grandfather came here to search for the Sacred Fire Fig. He found it eventually, but the Gu Devil showed up before he could collect it.”“Forget about it. Let’s go back. The Gu Devil hasn’t left yet. If we stick around, he might come back. Grandpa had already left and we stand no chance against him.”“Oh, that’s right…” James pondered and asked, “What is Tobias’ rank? Why did the Gu Devil run away so quickly when he saw him?”“I don't know that,” Maxine said, shaking her head. “Grandpa never made his rank known to t
James was also relieved that Thea had acquired third-rank Internal Energy. Now, he could finally relax and stop worrying about her getting into trouble.Instead of responding to Thea, he turned around and stared at the cavern’s entrance nearby.Thea was tactful and stood by quietly without asking any further. “Haa…” James sighed deeply in resignation.When the man thought to be his grandfather showed up, he was both ecstatic and concerned.He was ecstatic because his grandfather was still alive. In contrast, he was concerned that his grandfather was, as Tobias and Maxine had described him, a vile and unforgivable devil.James wished he could find his grandfather and learn the truth from him. He wanted to hear from him directly that he was not who they claimed he was.However, his grandfather fell into the bottomless abyss only moments after they met. Although he saw him fall, James was powerless to stop it.“Honey, Grandfather wanted you to live a good life and didn't want you
James had heard about these events from Blake.He also knew that the Gu Sect had been exterminated by the King of Sol at that time with the aid of some martial artists. This was, however, quite typical. Since ancient times, the people who had made significant contributions to the country would be killed when a new dynasty and king rose to power. James was fairly certain after hearing Thea speak that his grandfather was not a vile and unforgivable devil. He was simply labeled as evil because the martial arts he was learning were unconventional. He was also ambushed, which caused his Energy to deviate, and that was when mistakes were made.The two continued to talk about a lot of things.Maxine soon made her way back. She returned carrying a few red fruits, which were not particularly large. They were about the size of a fist, red, and resembled a ball of raging flames.“James, this is the Sacred Fire Fig. There were only four on the tree, and I brought them all back. Four of the
The trio returned through the same path.In an attempt to find a signal, James held up his phone while walking. Unfortunately for them, mobile phone signals were non-existent where they were. After walking for what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the car.Since James was still unable to find a phone signal, they had no choice but to drive back.It was eight in the evening when they reached Harvin City.Afterward, the three had dinner and checked into a five-star hotel.Hotel reception. James looked at the young woman working as a receptionist at the front desk and said, “We need three rooms.”Thea quickly corrected him. “Two rooms.”James turned to Thea with a look of confusion on his face.Thea linked her arms around him and looked up at him affectionately. “We’re husband and wife. Why do we need to have separate rooms?”The receptionist tilted her head, looked at James and double-confirmed. “Sir, may I confirm many rooms you’d be needing?”“Three.”“I’ll ne
“Hello, who’s calling?” A hoarse voice answered the phone.“It’s James. I’m in the North now and I need you to do me a favor.” James stated his purpose plainly.Mr. Walker let out a small noise of pleasant surprise. “Hahaha, James! I’ve wanted to go drinking with you for a while now, but I haven’t been able to leave the Northern Borders. What’s up? What kind of favor are you looking for?”“I’m in Harvin City right now and I need to find someone in an underground cavern in Mount Arclens. “I called to ask whether I might be able to borrow some equipment from you,” James explained his intentions to Mr. Walker.“You’re in Harvin City now? I’ll come meet up with you. You can tell me what exactly you need face-to-face.”The Centurion guarded the Northern Borders, and Harvin City was located in the North. It was only a two-hour drive between the city and the military region.“Sure.”“Alright, I’ll see you later.”“See you.”James hung up the phone.Then, he took out a cigarette
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