Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1302 All Paths leads to Same END

"Victor, Seraphina, speak up. What information do you have regarding these routes and our current predicament?" Max questioned, his gaze fixed upon the immense web of stone walkways that vanished into the glittering horizon. He refused to take a single step forward until he understood exactly where these trails would take them.

Stepping toward the edge, Victor scrutinized the diverging roads with a wary look. He spoke with measured caution, weighng every word. "These paths act as conduits to various zones within the secret domain. The layout seems chaotic and random, yet a hidden logic governs them all. During our last foray here, the Sect elders escorted us through several sectors. Some paths terminated at desolate ruins, while others served as minor trial grounds. We encountered routes filled with harmless illusions, and some that led to nothing but vacant stone dais hanging in the same endless void you see now."

He gestured toward the distance, where numerous luminous threads appeared to tangle together. "However, regardless of the direction we chose or the distance we covered, the conclusion remained identical. Every single road eventually loops back or merges into one specific location. It doesn't matter if the journey feels brief or grueling, or if the way seems direct or deceptive. All roads lead to the entrance of the Celestial Beast Temple."

Seraphina gave a subtle nod, her voice soft as she added, "It feels deliberate. It is as if the architects of this secret domain intended for every intruder to eventually stand before that temple. Even when the elders attempted to scout the periphery or disrupt the flow of these roads, the paths held firm, guiding our Cultivation journey without error."

Victor scanned the vast expanse, his eyes jumping from one stone bridge to the next. "These aren't paths meant for wandering. They are funnels. Their sole purpose is to herd every outsider toward the temple. The design feels absolute, something that cannot be defied. Even if we tried to take the most circuitous route possible, the realm would eventually force us back toward its chosen destination."

Max's eyes narrowed as he processed Victor's words. The realization that the entire domain was engineered to drag them toward the Celestial Beast Temple brought a heavy sense of predestination.

It felt as though their fate had been sealed the moment they crossed the threshold into this world. A soft wind brushed over the stone, carrying the faint glow of starlight from the violet sky, while the surrounding void seemed to watch them, waiting for their next move.

"So, ultimately," Max remarked after a brief silence, "no matter what illusions of choice we have, the end of our path has already been decided."

Victor confirmed this with a nod. "Correct. Every element of this domain gravitates toward the temple. Whether by design or natural law, these paths dictate that the only way to progress is through that final gate."

Max stared at the infinite glowing trails stretching into the darkness, feeling the true weight of their mission. The Celestial Beast Temple was the finality of this place, and whatever lurked within would surely demand total resolve.

"In that case, we proceed," Max declared with iron-clad conviction, stepping onto the next section of the stone bridge. Beneath his boots, the violet radiance pulsed softly, mimicking a rhythmic heartbeat that beckoned them forward.

The group fell in behind him in a tight, defensive formation, their faces etched with tension as the pressure of the environment intensified. Despite the outward calm of the walkways, an eerie silence permeated the world, causing even the smallest noise to resonate with unnatural clarity.

Walking beside Max, Victor maintained his vigilance as he continued. "We didn't encounter much trouble on these roads previously. The initial sectors were mostly quiet when the elders led the way, provided we didn't stray from the main path. Still, overconfidence would be a mistake. The elders never let us travel unescorted, and there were several zones they flagged as strictly forbidden. Stay alert. The nature of these paths can shift with each new group that enters."

He then inquired, "Do you want the guide who has navigated these trails for years to take over the lead?"

After a moment of deliberation, Max replied, "I’ve already planned for that, but the time isn't right. We will reach the first major zone first; from that point on, he can take charge."

"That sounds like a solid plan," Victor agreed.

Max offered a silent nod and pushed onward. The stone walkway began to expand, eventually opening up into a massive circular platform. This marked the first significant landmark of their trek. At first glance, the area appeared tranquil.

The stone masonry was perfectly preserved, and there were no signs of hostile beasts or enemies. However, the second Max's foot touched the platform's surface, the temperature spiked violently. A wave of scorching heat swept through the air, and the purple heavens above were suddenly streaked with jagged orange light. Before a word could be uttered, deep fissures ripped through the platform's structures, as if an ancient seal had just been shattered.

A piercing, soul-shaking screech erupted throughout the area. The sound seemed to originate from the sky, the ground, and the air itself. Suddenly, the stone ceiling disintegrated, and from the debris emerged a swarm of thousands of flaming bats.

Their wings left streaks of fire in the air, and their eyes glowed with a malevolent orange intensity. The atmosphere thrummed with their high-pitched cries as the mass of creatures dove toward the party like a sentient inferno.

Max began to draw his blade, but Seraphina of the Phoenix God Nation was faster. She stepped to the front, arms outstretched, and unleashed a massive surge of flame aura. Her power erupted, coalescing into a shimmering, translucent white dome that served as a protective shield.

The bats collided with the barrier in a relentless assault, sending ripples across the surface of the dome. Many of the creatures self-destructed upon contact, painting the shield in bursts of fire. The cacophony of thousands of wings thudding against the barrier grew deafening as the swarm tried to crush them through sheer volume.

Seraphina's expression tightened. "There are far too many. I can maintain the dome, but it won't last forever. These creatures are manifestations of pure flame essence. If we don't act, they will eventually burn through my defense."