The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1962: The Diastole Gate

The Tribulation Inheritance was extremely complete. Unlike other inheritances, it required no external treasures or assistance to assimilate. Everything necessary was contained within its teachings, making it self-sufficient and immensely valuable.

The group had agreed to reunite at the Fifth Gate in three months’ time. With that arrangement in place, Cain closed his eyes and began to meditate, patiently assimilating the knowledge he had just acquired and making it his own.

For forty days, Cain remained seated in deep meditation, his soul immersed in the intricate teachings. At last, his eyes opened, glowing with a profound sense of enlightenment and thrill. He slowly raised his hand, caressing the Crown of Ascendance that rested on his head. Though he had not yet completely assimilated the entirety of the inheritance, his progress was remarkable for such a short time. Much of this advancement was thanks to the Crown itself, which accelerated his comprehension to an outrageous level.

With that stage complete, Cain rose to his feet, performed a respectful bow toward the statue, and lifted into the air. His destination was clear: the final inheritance he sought to claim.

This time, Cain stood before the statue of a member of the Legio Eldritch Race, a woman whose face bore writhing tentacles. As he approached, shadows enveloped the figure, animating it with eerie life, and soon a calm, confident voice echoed forth.

"I am Elder Susmira," the figure declared, her tone carrying both confidence and aloofness. "Founder of the Genetic Association of the Ouroboros Cult. I can impart the inheritance of Genetics, carrying the essence of my knowledge as an Alpha–Omega Tier Genetic Coder."

Shortly after, the ancient voice of the stronghold itself rang out once more, announcing the cost.

"To gain access to Elder Susmira’s inheritance, pay 5,000 credits."

Cain did not hesitate. Without wasting a single moment, he paid the price. Instantly, the shadows detached themselves from the statue and lunged into his Soul Dimension, forming a third rune beside the others.

Cain lowered himself to the ground, adopting a meditative posture, and began absorbing the profound knowledge of the Genetic Inheritance. A wide smile gradually spread across his face. Not only did the inheritance refine his training and improve his abilities as a Genetic Coder, but it also provided a myriad of specialized viruses, each carrying incredible potential for both himself and his people.

He delved deeply into the teachings, losing track of time, opening his eyes only when the day of their agreed reunion finally arrived.

Cain’s smile widened as he reflected on his journey. This stronghold had truly been a blessing. In the short span of their stay, he had managed to elevate his cultivation, pushing his Inner Universe to the Middle Prime Deity stage. His flesh and blood had been tempered, every aspect of his physical body enhanced, increasing his might by more than twenty percent. He had obtained three Alpha–Omega Overgod Inheritances, one of which gave his body the potential to become virtually indestructible within the Everstreif Empyrean World.

Even if everything ended here, Cain would have left content.

After giving Elder Susmira’s statue a respectful bow, Cain rose into the air once more and flashed toward the appointed gate, where Amon and Bael were already waiting. Both greeted him with wide smiles.

Unlike Cain, the two did not have the credits to purchase Alpha–Omega Inheritances related to combat. Nevertheless, the stronghold contained plenty of Peak Archdeity Inheritances accessible to them. They had invested their accumulated credits wisely, significantly increasing their battle power and placing themselves far above most of the superpowers of the Everstreif Empyrean World.

As Cain descended before them, the duo clasped their hands together and performed a deep bow.

"Hail, the Scarlet King!"

Their voices carried unwavering conviction. Rising from the bow, their eyes shone with awe, admiration, respect, and loyalty.

Cain had fulfilled his promise to them and more. By offering them opportunity and strength, he had earned not only their gratitude but also their allegiance. As they had vowed before, they would now join the Scarlet Alliance fully, following the Scarlet King—the singularity who constantly elevated all those around him.

Cain’s eyes glimmered with quiet satisfaction as he gazed upon them. The golden light of The Flow reflected in their auras, showing the sincerity and resolution behind their actions. The thrill within his heart only grew stronger. This journey had not only made him more powerful but had also secured him two invaluable allies—warriors he would surely need in his inevitable clash with Azazel.

That, however, was a matter for the future. For now, their focus had to remain on the present.

Cain’s eyes sharpened, and so too did the expressions of Amon and Bael as the three of them turned toward the Fifth Ring’s Gate.

The structure was breathtaking. It resembled a colossal arch carved from luminous obsidian, threaded with veins of crystal that pulsed faintly with light. Each glow surged like an artery pumping lifeblood, the rhythm echoing a vast heartbeat that rippled through the very ground beneath their feet.

Standing before it, the trio felt a pressure unlike any other they had faced. It was not violent, not the crushing force of raw energy, but rather an awareness—an ancient consciousness pressing down on them, as though the gate itself was alive and watching. Its pulsing glow seemed to study them, carrying the weight of wisdom as old as the stronghold itself.

None of the three dared to act carelessly, especially after witnessing the intensity of Cain’s reaction when he completed the trial of the Fourth Gate.

"I will go first," Bael said at last, stepping forward with resolve.

As a cultivator of the Astral Rebirth Path, Bael was uniquely suited to defend himself if something went wrong. And if there was even the slightest chance of clearing this final trial, it was better that someone else first experienced its nature, giving Cain more time to prepare.

Cain and Amon both nodded, though their energies immediately surged to the surface. They were ready to strike at a moment’s notice should anything unexpected occur.

Taking a deep breath, Bael revolved his Star Power, letting it spread across his body, before he stepped forward and projected his consciousness into the gate.

The next instant, the ancient voice that had overseen all previous trials rang out once more.

"Welcome to the Diastole Gate, and congratulations on reaching the last level of the Petitioners’ Path!"

When the trio heard those words, their hearts raced. Beyond this gate, it seemed, lay the very heart of the Ouroboros Sect itself.