Chapter 2023

Marcello was training James’ reflexes.

“Remember not to rely on your brain to make a decision at critical moments, James. Use the natural

reflexes of your body,” Marcello said.

“Th-This is hard.” James panted.

Marcello explained, “Once you learn the trick, it’s going to be a piece of cake. Besides, I’m not asking

you to train your entire body into doing this. I just need you to pass the third barrier.”

“I’ll try my best.’

James relaxed his mind and discharged Psynergy. With the help of his Psynergy, the surrounding

objects nearby began to surface in his mind.

Marcello struck once more.

Sensing Marcello’s hand, the trajectory of his attack surfaced in James’ mind. However, by the time the

information was transmitted to his brain, he was already sent flying.

“Your physical body is strong, and your conditioned reflexes are much faster than an ordinary human.

When you sensed my attack, your body should have dodged instead of waiting for your brain to issue

the command.” Marcello gave James his advice.

Though James understood what he said in a theoretical sense, he simply could not do it. As such, he

was beaten up many times. After a whole day of beating, however, he gradually improved, dodging

some of Marcello’s attacks.

Then, a group of people arrived at the golem formation.

They were all top-notch cultivators. Apart from a few who had reached the Supernatural Consummation

rank, the rest had at least released the Eighth Inner Seal of their bodies. After these Overworld

Outsiders arrived, they tried passing the barrier.

However, they could not despite possessing enormous strength. The strongest only managed to reach

the 400-meter mark before being forced to retreat.

Meanwhile, James continued training. After being trained by Marcello, his reflexes improved drastically.

However, he was still a distance away from passing the third barrier.

Gradually, more and more people arrived at the third barrier. However, everyone was trapped there.

Soon, three days passed. In the meantime, only a handful managed to pass the third barrier and

descended the slope.

“Forget about me, Marcello. You should go by yourself. With your abilities, you should be able to obtain

the Celestial Abode.”

Alhough James trained arduously for the past few days, he still could not pass the third barrier.

Marcello stared at him and furrowed his eyebrows, murmuring, “This shouldn’t be… He possesses

incredible physical capabilities. Why can’t he accomplish such an easy feat?”

He did not give up.

“Have a seat.”

James immediately sat in a lotus position on the ground.

“Empty your mind and feel your surroundings. From now onward, you and nature are one and the

same.

James did as he was told.

Then, Marcello waved his hand, and a few rocks on the ground levitated in mid-air. Then, they

shattered into tiny stones and hurled toward James.

Instinctively, James managed to dodge them with ease.

“That’s more like it!” Marcello grinned. “James, you have to empty your mind of all things. Do not allow

your mind to wander at any cost.”

James stood up.

“Alright then, go give it another try. If you fail again, I’ll be leaving you behind,” Marcello said.

Unwilling to disappoint him, James nodded and approached the golem formation, taking a deep breath

to calm himself down.