Chapter 2017

Marcello intended to annihilate everyone here, whereas James disagreed, believing that such a plan

was unrealistic. Even though many perished just by attempting to pass the first barrier, there were still

at least 7000 of them left. Besides, those who managed to pass the barriers. would be the best of the

best. Annihilating them all would be nigh impossible.

Currently, the best way to obtain the Celestial Abode was to pass the nine barriers. With that thought in

mind, James hastened his footsteps and pressed onward.

Along the winding path, all sorts of mysterious flora exuded an alluring fragrance. The berries also

radiated a blinding light. Every flora here was spiritual fruit that was imbued with mysterious energy.

Upon consumption, it would bring many benefits to cultivators, such as improving one’s strength in a

short amount of time.

Upon seeing the spiritual fruits in his surroundings, James’ desire for the Celestial Abode grew more

intense.

*I have to obtain this Celestial Abode. This place is as huge as a megacity. If properly reconstructed, it

can house several millions of people. If the Calamity truly arrives, I can select a handful of elites to stay

with me in the Celestial Abode.”

James began formulating plans for the future.

Soon, he was already at the forefront.

Those who advanced the furthest were also some of the most powerful. James could recognize a few

familiar faces-Xain, Wynter, Samarth, Yandel, Leandro, and the Son of Heaven. Thought James could

not recognize the others, he knew that they also possessed enormous strength and were only slightly

weaker than those at the Supernatural Consummation rank.

The strongest amongst them all were perhaps the Son of Heaven and Marcello. They might have

advanced into the Herculean stage long ago. However, could they truly overwhelm everyone else by

themselves?

James doubted it.

Even if they had crossed into the Herculean rank, they would not be able to annihilate everyone here.

Soon, they arrived at the second barrier.

There were a few bizarre rocks nearby the road. As they approached, the rocks moved and formed a

mysterious Magical Circle, trapping everyone inside.

As the Magical Circle was enveloped in a thin mist, visibility was low.

Swish!

At that moment, James could hear the sound of a wave of Sword Energy. He hurriedly dodged. as

Sword Energy nearly sliced his neck. Though he dodged the attack, his neck was scratched, and there

was a bloody wound on it.

Though he managed to dodge in time, the same could not be said about an Overworld Outsider behind

him. The man’s body was pierced through, and Sword Energy exploded inside his body, shattering his

body into a million pieces.

Upon seeing this, James took a deep breath.

He began scanning his surroundings while on high alert.

“Argh!”

Then, the sound of an agonizing scream came.

James’ face paled. It was simply too cruel.

If he did not pay attention even for just a brief moment, he would lose his life. As he knew nothing

about Magic Circles, he could only march along with the crowd.

Swoosh!

A succession of Sword Energies burst forth. Though many before him managed to dodge in time, those

who did not were struck and perished almost immediately.

“James.”

A voice came from afar.

James turned his head to see Marcello walking toward him in a hurry. Marcello grabbed his arm and

said, “Be careful, this Magic Circle is powerful. Lose your attention for a moment and you’ll lose your

life. I know a way out, follow me.”

After he spoke, he grabbed James’ arm and left.

His hand was soft and smooth. It was the first time James had been in such close contact with

Marcello. He could smell the alluring fragrance he exuded, which was even more bewitching than a

woman’s perfume.

“I-I don’t want to continue anymore. I’m quitting.”