Suddenly, a commanding and resonant voice echoed through the cave, startling James, who was surveying his surroundings. He immediately raised his guard, searching for the voice’s owner.

“Since you’ve already achieved the first half, why not tackle the later half?” asked the voice.

Confronted with the query, James frowned. He refrained from answering and changed the topic. “Are you Emperor Yarden?”

“I’m the one asking questions,” the assertive voice responded.

James asked calmly, “Does the Daeclon Mahayana and the identity as the Chosen One have to be bound together?”

“Yes,” the voice affirmed.

“Then I don’t need it,” James said with a carefree smile.

The majestic voice scoffed. “You don’t need it? Do you realize how many have endured immense suffering because of the Daeclon Mahayana? How many divine beings had fought to become the Chosen One.”

James muttered solemnly, “Whether or not I enter the Daeclon Rank doesn’t concern me. I only need the strength to defeat Yehria. As for