Earth's Greatest Magus

[You have entered Celestial Crossing]

Emery and his group found themselves within a vast cavernous vault, similar in design to the previous layer but significantly larger in scale. The stone caves seamlessly integrated with golden metal structures, creating a surreal ambiance that left the magus in awe. The ceiling emitted a gentle, ambient light, casting a mystical glow over the surroundings. Silver grass and crystals were scattered sporadically across the ground, enhancing the sense of wonder in this enigmatic place.

Throughout the vault, multiple golden arches could be seen, each serving as a gateway to other sections of the ruins. This junction, where various paths converged, marked the entrance into the second layer of the celestial ruins. 

While drones still patrolled the area, their numbers had significantly diminished compared to the first layer, making it a relatively less perilous environment. The simultaneous arrival of numerous magus through the golden arches played a crucial role in diminishing the threat posed by the celestial drones.

Among the freshly arrived magus, dozens could be detected within a 100-mile radius. Mostly in small groups, humans and elves, all driven by the common goal of finding the gate that would lead them deeper into the second layer. 

Jinkan was at the forefront of the group, leading them with the same objective in mind.

Their journey took them through the extensive, cavernous caves. Within this underground realm, they encountered towering stone pillars and labyrinthine tunnels, providing ample opportunities for potential ambushes or hidden sanctuaries. With such possibilities in mind, the group proceeded cautiously.

After half an hour of continuous flight, Emery and his group finally reached the colossal gate. This impressive structure spanned an impressive 300 meters in length. It was a rare opportunity to access a gate on the very first day of the expedition, and they were not the only ones vying for the chance. Approximately 700 magus had already congregated in the vicinity, their collective anticipation palpable as they awaited the possibilities that lay beyond the gate.

Among the various groups present, some familiar faces stood out. A voice from the crowd called out, "Jinkan, you've finally arrived!"

It was Linhao, the somewhat bothersome prince of the Amarhikss faction. He was flanked by 30 of his men, indicating that he had taken the daring decision to venture into the Celestial Crossings, leaving most of his bodyguards behind as they continued their pursuit of medals.

Jinkan, well aware of her stepbrother's impulsive tendencies, went straight to the point. "What do you want?"

With a chuckle, Linhao replied, "Follow me!. Let's open the gate together, the Amarhikss faction and us, hand in hand, and be the first to enter."

Jinkan sighed, the weight of her decision pressing upon her. She took a moment to survey the multitude of magus who had gathered. Among the 700 magus at the gate, there was a noticeable absence of any Nephilim factions, neither Azazel nor Aztebas, who were likely organizing their members and ensuring their factions were prepared before entering the Celestial Crossroads.

Apart from the human Nephilim, there were also other groups in the vicinity. About two dozen magus from Arcanum and Imperium appeared to be present as their frontline scouts, indicating that their main forces were yet to arrive. The majority of the congregation, however, consisted of two hundred elves and a similar number of rogue magus.

Opening the gate presented a significant risk, especially given the unknown dangers that lay beyond.

In response to Linhao's impatient urgings, Jinkan calmly addressed him, "Just give it another half an hour. By then, our numbers will have doubled, and we'll be better prepared."

Linhao, however, was not one to wait patiently. "I want to be the first! Let's do this now!"

His determination began to push Jinkan and her team to follow him. Still, Jinkan maintained her calm demeanor, carefully observing the unfolding situation. She then sighed and said, "It appears we are already too late to be the first aniway."

At that very moment, a formidable assembly of two hundred elves had already converged upon the gate. More than half of them belonged to the esteemed ranks of the high elves. Alongside the high elves, there was an equal number of dark elves and wood elves, each representing different facets of the elven world.

Leading this assembly was a female high elf, her skin as fair as pearl and draped in an ensemble of resplendent silver attire that shimmered like moonlight. Her radiant presence was unmistakable.

Jinkan, recognizing the elf, informed the team, "That's Loriel Starwind."

A highly respected and revered Sylph who held the prestigious title of high priestess within the Eldamar, one of the most powerful and influential high elf factions. Her authority extended not only over her fellow high elves but also over the wood elves and dark elves, showcasing the rare unity and shared hierarchy within elven society.

Unlike the competitive and often discordant nature of human factions, the authority and hierarchy among the elves were remarkably harmonious and rarely challenged. Consequently, when the venerable Sylph decided to initiate the opening of the gate, her decision was met with a collective and unanimous response from all elves present, including the wood and dark elves.

This also sparked a positive reaction among the human magus; witnessing the unity and leadership of the elves, many humans were emboldened to follow suit, eager to seize the opportunities ahead.

Infuriated by the turn of events, Linhao couldn't contain his frustration and directed it toward Jinkan. "Urgh, Jinkan! If only you had listened!" In his vexation, he promptly ordered his magus to enter the gate.

"Should we follow?" Neo inquired, looking to Jinkan for guidance.

Jinkan, turned her gaze to Emery, seeking his opinion. Emery responded, "I'd like to see the action. Let's just stay safe behind your lovely brother."

Amused by the response she said, "Alright, let's go."

After the gate opened, more than half of the 700 magus entered the vast chamber, following the leadership of the high elf Sylph. As they moved forward, the patterns on the chamber's walls began to shift to a foreboding red, and the warning sound rang out. From the walls, hundreds of drones and constructs emerged, and at the center of the chamber, golden liquid began to coalesce, forming a massive creature—the chamber's primary guardian.

This guardian took the form of a dragon-like creature, measuring a staggering 100 meters in length. It stood on four limbs and was entirely covered in golden crystals. 

[Crystal Basilisk]

[Mythical creature: ???] 

[Battle power: ???]

The creature unleashed a deafening roar, resonating with a forceful spirit attack that caused many who had entered the chamber to turn pale.