The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1644: War against the Golden Star Kingdom?

Horror—complete and absolute horror—arose in Marlin’s eyes. She felt the hand of a scarlet demonic god closing around her throat, a grip so firm and inescapable that no place on the Everstrife Empyrean World would hide her from Cain’s wrath.

Even if she fled to the most remote corner of the world, the Scarlet King would inevitably find her, and she’d be forced to suffer a fate far worse than death itself.

Seeing the overwhelming despair and fear clearly etched in Marlin’s expression, Cain’s smile widened. A wave of crimson flames suddenly burst forth from his palm, swiftly enveloping Marlin’s possessed vessel and consuming every fiber of its existence within less than a second.

Karter, Lancer, and Pation remained silent, their eyes flickering uneasily between each other and Cain. Though no words passed among the three Third Realm Masters, their complex, thoughtful expressions communicated clearly the doubts now surfacing in their minds.

Cain turned slowly to face them, eyes glowing with golden radiance. “You’re probably wondering why I revealed to that woman that I could track her down,” he said calmly, voice filled with authority. “You must think I could have simply pretended to fall for her deception, secretly tracing her movements and ambushing her by surprise, correct?”

Their expressions turned slightly uncomfortable as Cain’s words echoed their thoughts exactly. They felt transparent beneath Cain’s penetrating gaze as if their minds were laid bare before him, leaving no room for secrets.

Cain continued, his tone firm yet thoughtful, as if teaching a lesson rather than merely explaining himself. “When cornered and facing no path to escape, some individuals surpass their limitations. In their most desperate moments, they find strength within themselves they never knew existed. In these dire circumstances, miracles can occur.”

Cain briefly paused, recalling his own harrowing experiences, particularly the oppressive struggle he endured beneath the Karma Seal—a situation that had forced him to break through his own limitations repeatedly.

“But,” Cain’s voice grew colder, “there are also those who freeze under pressure, paralyzed by fear and indecision, desperately hoping the situation will resolve itself or that someone else will come to their rescue.”

Cain’s gaze shifted to each of the three masters. “Tell me, what type of person do you believe Marlin to be?”

Pation, without hesitation, answered bluntly, “The second type.”

Karter and Lancer immediately nodded in agreement. Marlin had always feigned bravery, but when confronted by true danger, she inevitably revealed herself as fearful and weak-willed.

Cain smiled knowingly. “Exactly. I needed her to stay exactly where she is now, cowering in fear. Her immobilization saves me the hassle of a prolonged chase, and more importantly, provides me the perfect pretext to start a war.”

As Cain finished speaking, his smile deepened, becoming colder and more calculating, causing a wave of confusion to sweep over the three Third Realm Masters.

They didn’t immediately grasp Cain’s full intention, but before they could question him further, Cain’s hand swiftly landed on Lady Azure’s unconscious body. His eyes erupted once more with monstrous willpower as the Concept of Life surged intensely, radiating outwards with divine force.

Cain concentrated deeply for several tense seconds, his perception piercing through countless walls, mountains, and even spatial layers as if they were mere illusions, trivial barriers unable to obstruct his gaze. Finally, a triumphant glint shone in his eyes as he located a distant, red aura, faint yet unmistakable.

“Just as I suspected,” Cain whispered, his voice tinged with satisfaction. “Marlin is hiding in the Golden Star Kingdom.”

Shock visibly passed over Karter, Lancer, and Pation. Although the Golden Star Kingdom openly held the Gu Sect in disdain, it appeared they were still pragmatic enough to overlook their hostility if it meant acquiring another Third Realm Master.

Marlin’s choice made sense; having already betrayed the Gu Sect, she’d sought refuge with a power known to be hostile towards her former sect.

This revelation prompted a new wave of unease among the trio as they recalled Cain’s earlier words. It was clear now that Cain was deliberately pushing them toward a conflict—a war with the Golden Star Kingdom itself.

Pation spoke first, his tone serious and disapproving. “You want to ignite a war against the Golden Star Kingdom?”

Though Karter and Lancer were less forthright, their tightened expressions showed that they shared Pation’s reservations. They were uncomfortable with this direction, recognizing the significant dangers such a conflict presented.

Cain noted their reluctance but met their hesitation with unwavering confidence. “It’s not simply a matter of personal vengeance. I now stand as the King of the Gu Sect. How can I tolerate such blatant betrayal from one of our members? Allowing Marlin to take shelter among our enemies, openly mocking our sect, is utterly unacceptable.”

Although Cain’s reasoning made strategic sense, the three masters still found it difficult to accept this aggressive move. Unlike the declining Gu Sect, the Golden Star Kingdom had steadily grown stronger and more influential in recent centuries.

Even with Cain’s incredible strength adding to their power, victory in such a war would not come without substantial cost. The enemy would possess the home-field advantage, wielding extensive defensive formations and a deeply entrenched position. It would likely turn into a grueling, drawn-out battle with catastrophic casualties.

Cain, perceptive as ever, recognized their lingering doubts and calmly continued, “I haven’t made this decision lightly or without consideration. I have long anticipated such a confrontation. I’ve laid careful plans to significantly increase our chances of victory. Not only will we have strategies to dismantle their defenses, but I’ll establish a point-based merit system, providing powerful incentives and impressive treasures to motivate our cultivators.”

He paused momentarily, allowing his words to sink in. Then, a cunning smile appeared, giving his expression a devilish allure. “And as for you three,” he added enticingly, “I’ll personally bestow upon each of your weapons a 36 Revolution Refinement—dramatically enhancing their power. If your performances during the war meet my expectations, I’ll also grant the same incredible enhancement to your bodies and your Sacred Organs after victory is achieved.”