Maxine pointed upward. “Based on Thomas' position when he fell, it seems impossible for him to have ended up here. He would have fallen on a rock about 100 meters from the opening of the hole and rolled…”After a brief pause, she continued. “He should have stopped rolling at around 200 meters deep. When we descended, I saw a pit where he would’ve come to a stop.”“Are you sure?”James was uncertain. He had only cared about going deeper and had not checked the cavern’s surroundings.“Alright, then. Let’s head back there to check.”Maxine jumped up, grabbed onto a stone a few meters away, and quickly climbed upward.Following her lead, James also opted to not use a rope and began scaling the rocky cavern.Eventually, they returned to the 100-meter mark.An enormous rock, more than 20 meters wide, jutted out precariously from the walls.Maxine raised her head and pointed, saying, “If he fell from there, he would’ve landed here.”She moved her body and pointed to the rock under h
On the cliff…Thea’s eyes frequently glanced down the cavern as she waited impatiently for James and Maxine to return.After checking for the umpteenth time, she finally saw James climbing back up and excitedly chirped, “How did it go, Honey?”James shook his head sadly. “This cavern is bottomless, and the heat was searing hot down there. We couldn't go any deeper. I doubt grandpa would’ve survived.”Maxine climbed up after him.James sighed and said dejectedly, “We’re done here. Let's go back.”Since they could not find him, James did not intend to waste another second in this cavern.Based on what he and Maxine had gleaned from the clues, he had a rough idea of what might have happened.His grandfather was most likely still alive.He was still slightly dubious about Maxine’s theory.James firmly believed that his grandfather would not bring harm him, or Thea.The only thing he was unsure about was why his grandfather needed to come up with so many elaborate plots.James t
James did not press the matter further since it was a matter of small consequence.“Alright, I’ll see you around.”James engaged in a brief conversation with the Blithe King and Daniel. Then he turned to leave.After leaving the military region…Thea tilted her head. “Honey, where are we going? Are we going back to the Callahans?”Before James could answer, Maxine interrupted. “James…”“Yeah?”James turned around and looked at Maxine, who was still traveling alongside James.Maxine said, “Grandpa sent me to protect you. As it stands, you’ve almost caught up to me now that you've recovered your cultivation base. Aside from that, you also have Thea, a grandmaster of the third rank beside you. It’d be pointless for me to stay in Cansington any longer. It's time for me to return to the Capital."“So soon?” James uttered in disappointment.She had a sharp mind and could think on her feet.Having Maxine beside him would be immensely beneficial to him. Her departing so quickly was
Cynthia had no business meddling in James' affairs. Upon seeing Thea, she had the urge to say something but swallowed the urge.Thea walked toward the sofa and sat opposite Cynthia. Then, she looked at James. “Honey, what are you planning on doing next?”James also sat down. He shook his head and replied, “I’ve no plans for now.”He was like a blind man that was not able to see the path ahead.“We’ll stay in Cansington for the time being and observe the overall situation. Right now, there isn't much to do. All I can do is hone my skills and continue to improve my strength as much as possible.”Maxine had made James aware of how far beneath the Ancient Four's strength he was.As he was, he was too weak to achieve anything.He was nothing compared to the Ancient Four.Unless he reaches the fifth rank, he would essentially be a sitting duck for his enemies.Regardless of his rank, he would still end up doomed if the Ancient Four were really determined to eliminate him.“Honey,
After James had left, Luther approached and stood beside Cynthia. He opened his mouth and reminded her. “Miss, there are plenty of women around James. I hope you don’t get involved in his love life.”Cynthia side-eyed Luther and sneered. “Your imagination’s run amok. That won’t happen.”“But you’re going to practice the Dual Cultivation method with him…”“Alright, that’s enough out of you. Quit nagging. Go back to the North if you’ve got nothing better to do.” Cynthia looked at him with a displeased expression.Luther wisely snapped his mouth shut.James had not slept in the past few days. He was bound to feel physically and mentally exhausted even if he had the stamina that comes with being a martial artist. He collapsed into the sweet embrace of his bed as soon as he reached his room.Meanwhile, in a particular courtyard within the Capital…The courtyard had the feel of a historical relic that was hundred of years old. It was built mainly with wood and was painted red. From af
Maxine was adopted by Tobias. Tobias taught her everything she knew about martial arts from the time she was a child. It was not in her nature to disobey him.There was no doubt in her mind that this day would come.However, things were progressing faster than she expected.Tobias leaned back in his chair and let out a wistful sigh. “My first encounter with the Blithes was 20 years ago when I went to the Enchanted Forest in search of medicinal materials. The person I met at that time was Ezra Blithe. We exchanged blows over a rare medicinal herb, and it was there where I witnessed his otherwordly skills…”Tobias’ eyes glazed over as he recalled the past.The battle 20 years ago came back to him.Even after 20 years, the memory was fresh to him as if it had taken place just yesterday.“The Blithe Fist of Abomination is an extraordinary technique. That fight almost cost me my life. For the past 20 years, I’ve tried to come up with various ways to counter it, but to no avail.”M
“What else did Grandpa tell you?”Thea tilted her head in an effort to remember and suddenly recalled a fact. “Grandpa said the technique recorded in the Medical Book Volume Two is called Invincible Body Siddhi. Mastering it will make you invulnerable to swords and bullets. However, it needs to be practiced alongside the Medical Book First Volume which will act as a guide.”“Back then, Julianna wasn’t able to pierce through your skin with a knife in Dagon Fountain Villa. You claimed to be wearing clothes made from a special material, but now it's clear to me that you've changed your body's cellular structure with medicine.”Thea felt the shame creep up on her as she recalled past events.After reading the second volume of the medical book, James realized what it was trying to describe was a set of defensive martial arts.However, he had yet to understand how to practice it.His grandfather was a martial arts genius and was highly proficient in the field of medicine too. Since Tho
Madelyn relayed a series of drastic decisions.First, make efforts to resume their research as soon as possible.Second, every other pharmaceutical group apart from Centennial Corporation must be eliminated. Third, only one medical hospital could exist on Medical Street—Universal Hospital.Madelyn gave out her orders with swift determination. The process did not matter to her. All she cared about was achieving the desired end result.“Ms. Gabriel…” Jonathan stood up anxiously.He chose his words carefully so as to not anger her. “James is in Cansington and has established Messiah Corporation. His company has been fiercely competing with Centennial Corporation for market share. It’s going to be an uphill battle to accomplish your goals. James is definitely going to get in our way and interfere with our plans.”“James…” Madelyn murmured pensively.She had never left the Capital before, but she was keenly familiar with James’ name.“Does he think he can stop Centennial with Mess
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