The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 2350: The Ancient One’s identity

A wide smile filled with thrill and excitement spread across Cain’s face as he finished reviewing his new stats.

They were nothing short of mind-blowing.

The numbers far surpassed what anyone would expect from someone who had only just reached the Alpha–Omega Overgod realm—even when compared to members of Supreme Races. His strength, energy reserves, and soul force were especially astonishing, reaching levels that bordered on the absurd for someone at his rank.

"My battle strength should already be at the limit of the Middle Alpha–Omega Overgod Rank," Cain muttered, clenching his fist as power surged through his body. "I feel like I’m only a single step away from Late Alpha–Omega Overgod... and I could cross that barrier easily if I used my Chaos Arts."

The realization sent another wave of exhilaration through him. Every breath felt heavier, every heartbeat more profound, as though the universe itself was acknowledging his growth. Yet the excitement did not blind him for long.

His gaze shifted back to the unanswered questions.

Specifically, the question marks surrounding his race and cultivation path.

"I’m neither a Neo-Demon nor a Neo-Angel," Cain said slowly. "I’m most likely the first of my kind."

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"That means I should decide the name myself."

Dozens of names flashed through his mind—titles shaped by destruction, chaos, dominion, and transcendence. But before he could settle on any of them, he sensed approaching presences.

Powerful ones.

The first arrival was unmistakable.

A ripple in space announced the Demon King’s arrival, and the old man appeared before Cain with a wide, genuine smile. His eyes moved slowly over Cain’s obsidian-scarlet wings, the halo hovering around him, and the subtle way the laws of the universe bent in his presence.

The Demon King could feel it clearly.

Cain’s internal power system and the external laws of reality were no longer separate—they had converged into a single, terrifying force.

After a moment of silence, the Demon King’s expression turned solemn. He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply toward Cain.

"You truly saved us, young man," he said, his voice heavy with sincerity. "I am extremely grateful."

Despite his ancient age, immense status, and overwhelming power, the Demon King felt that this display of gratitude was not only appropriate but necessary. Without the Scarlet King, the Ancient One would have crossed the Eternity Gate—and everything would have been lost.

Cain reacted instantly, stepping forward and lifting the Demon King up.

"I was fighting for myself as well," Cain said calmly. "You owe me nothing."

For a brief moment, the two simply stared at one another. Then Cain’s expression sharpened, his eyes turning cold and focused.

"However," he continued, "I do have questions. And I want answers."

The Demon King sighed softly.

"I assume this is about Adam?"

Cain nodded immediately. The memory still disturbed him—the way the Demon King had called the Ancient One by the name of the ancestor of Godslayer Humankind.

"The truth is... even I am shaken," the Demon King admitted, frowning deeply. "His appearance was exactly as I remember Adam—down to the smallest detail. And the power unleashed by those white plasma wings..."

His eyes darkened.

"It resembled the power Adam used to seal me and help me overcome my nature."

Cain’s own frown deepened. He had felt it too.

"The force behind those wings did resemble the Power of Chaos," Cain said slowly, "but it wasn’t quite the same. It felt like a reflection—similar, yet distorted."

The Demon King nodded at once.

"Exactly. While his appearance matched Adam’s, his behavior, his attitude, and his will were completely different. Adam remained composed even in the face of absolute doom. That was clearly not the case for the Ancient One."

He paused.

"And there is also..."

His voice stopped abruptly. His eyes twitched, and Cain could feel an invisible restriction tighten around the Demon King’s soul.

Cain narrowed his eyes.

"It’s something you cannot share," he said. "Something related to your origin."

The Demon King’s expression turned complicated. He could neither deny nor confirm it. Even if he wished to speak, the limitations imposed by higher existences from his origin world prevented him—and all Depravitas—from revealing certain truths.

Cain exhaled slowly.

"I understand," he said. "The chances that the Ancient One is truly Adam are almost zero. Still, his background is clearly abnormal. He somehow possesses the power of the Ancestor of Godslayer Humankind—or at least a fragment of it."

It was clear they would not find an answer regarding the true identity of the Ancient One, so Cain carefully changed the subject.

"What will your next move be?"

The Demon King tilted his head slightly.

"You’re not taking part?"

Cain shook his head. His eyes glowed with determination and responsibility.

"I came here to empower my True Name," he said firmly. "And I succeeded. Now I must return to the Nine Empyren Sun Universe and face my enemies."

The Demon King considered his words for a moment before responding.

"The Ancient One will likely be healing in his stronghold in the Void Beyond the Ninth Realm," he said. "But he could reappear at any moment. I need to remain here."

A cold smile spread across his face.

"Our first move will be to dismantle his army and infrastructure. When he rises again, he will have nowhere to run."

That smile turned greedy.

"The Ninth Realm is about to be thoroughly plundered. If you stay a few more weeks, you’ll gain massive resources—enough to help your Divine Kingdom evolve at a terrifying pace."

Cain considered the offer.

"A few more weeks shouldn’t be a problem," he said with a nod.

It was important that his Divine Kingdom continued growing while he was away. The stronger it became, the greater the surge of power his True Name would receive the moment he returned.

Cain’s gaze drifted into the distance—and then softened.

Meylin had just appeared.

His smile widened.

"This could also be a chance," he said quietly, "to spend some relaxing time together."

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End of Book 23 - The Path to the Red Sun