The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2377: Mayhem in the Everstrife Empyrean World (I)

After almost four months of deep seclusion and cultivation, Cain finally fully recovered from the injuries he had sustained during the last battle on the surface of the World of the Root.

Although four months was a long time to remain away from the battlefield, the timing was ideal. The first layer of the World of the Root was gone, its foundation and matrix destroyed, so it could not be fixed.

And the second layer had not yet been affected, so there was no loss in not attacking soon. For the Scarlet King and every warrior of the Nine Empyrean Suns Alliance, this window was invaluable.

Taking a deep breath, Cain stretched his body and allowed his energy to circulate freely. His aura flowed smoothly, powerful yet stable, and a wide smile appeared on his face.

"I have become stronger," he murmured. "I can feel my Astral and Essence Cultivation flowing at a higher level. It’s only a matter of time before they evolve to the next stage."

Although reaching the Middle ArchDeity Rank in those Path of Powers would not drastically increase his battle power, every improvement mattered. Especially because it would take a very long time before Cain could reach the next stage of Ego Above Reality. The only clear path to a massive leap in strength lay in advancing to Alpha-Omega Overgod within either the Astral or Essence Paths of Power.

With his path clearly defined, Cain waved his hand and summoned a flame composed of forty-four distinct colors. His proficiency in forging Middle-Stage Alpha-Omega Overgod Revolution Flames had grown exponentially, approaching the realm of perfection. Before the next incursion into the World of the Root, Cain intended to fully master this stage of Tribulation Enhancement. A deep instinct told him he would need it.

After all, even with limitations placed on their deployment, the power of the Root Dragons had been overwhelming. Had the Scarlet King not acted swiftly and decisively during the last battle, countless warriors of the alliance would have perished.

"Time to act," he said quietly.

Sharpening his focus, Cain retrieved a Prima Deity–rank treasure and directed the forty-four-colored flame toward it. Instantly, massive waves of world energy surged into the artifact, refining its structure and strengthening its essence. Cain’s eyes glowed with intense concentration as he poured his full will into the process.

The weapon trembled violently.

Its energy became unstable.

Reacting instantly, Cain devoured the artifact, preventing the inevitable explosion from wreaking havoc upon the throne room. Smoke escaped from the Scarlet King’s mouth, but aside from that, he remained unharmed. His body was more than capable of enduring such a level of destruction.

Cain released a long sigh.

Only now did he truly grasp just how complex a Middle Alpha-Omega Overgod Tribulation Enhancement was. Still, the momentary frustration faded as his willpower surged once more.

"As long as I improve with every attempt—even if only a little—it will all work out," Cain reassured himself. "Besides, they’re only Prima Deity treasures. I have plenty."

With that thought, Cain focused on recovering his energy and resting his mind before attempting the process again.

Yet no matter how much he tried to relax, his thoughts drifted toward the next major issue—Markin, Kaizer, and the Tenth Empyrean World.

The Scarlet King had extracted an enormous amount of wealth from them and forced the warriors of their Empyrean Worlds to fight on the front lines. This had protected the rest of the alliance and significantly weakened the army of the duo, so it was a win-win.

Still, something deeply troubling lingered.

Cain had ordered the Absolute Life Form System to record and analyze every word spoken by the warriors under Markin and Kaizer. However, progress was slower than expected.

"The fact that an attack is coming is certain," Cain muttered, his eyes sharpening with cold focus. "But based on what we know, it will happen no sooner than three years—and no later than ten."

That window was massive.

And incredibly difficult to prepare for.

"Whoever the Lord of the Tenth Empyrean World is," Cain continued, "they’re clever. They’ve manipulated even their own forces. Even if I uncover their plotting, I have no way to prepare properly. I can’t spend seven years hiding."

Cain released a long sigh as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. Fighting the Root openly while simultaneously engaging in a shadow war against the Tenth Empyrean World was an immense burden.

"If only one of the two would fade, everything would be much easier," The Scarlet King could not help but fantasize, but the next second, he shook his head as he knew that was not going to happen, so he put his mind back to the task.

"If the analysis of their patterns is correct," he reasoned, "they’ll make their move while I’m facing the World of the Root."

Fortunately, Cain had already set numerous fail-safes in motion. Beyond continuing to analyze their behavior and searching for mistakes, there was little more he could do.

Only after issuing further orders through his thoughts was Cain finally able to calm his mind and rest properly.

For the next four weeks, Cain devoted himself entirely to improving his Tribulation Enhancement abilities, refining his control and growing more efficient with every attempt.

Then, just as the fourth week drew to a close, two figures appeared in the sky above the Everstrife Empyrean World, directly over the Scarlet Crown.

They were none other than Markin and Kaizer.

The expressions on their faces were grim.

Dread and anxiety filled their eyes as they gazed upon the Scarlet Crown and felt the terrifying forces dwelling within. Even without the Scarlet King taking action, the True Primordial of the Void or the Knights of the Scarlet Throne could annihilate them if they were perceived as threats.

Unfortunately, they had no choice.

"Why did the Immortal Knight suddenly demand that we survey the terrain without even giving us a warning?" Kaizer growled, his brows deeply furrowed as he turned toward Markin.

Markin sighed heavily.

He didn’t want this either.

But there was no way he could refuse Sozing.