The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1814: Star Man’s Master

The Astrok Divine Kingdom was a realm inhabited predominantly by beast people. These beings possessed humanoid forms yet carried distinct animalistic traits—an appearance reminiscent of the Deus Behemoth Race from the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe, albeit significantly weaker.

Life for the citizens of the Astrok Divine Kingdom was relatively peaceful and orderly. Most of their days were spent training diligently and cultivating their spiritual power, dedicating roughly three-quarters of their time toward nurturing their master’s Divine Kingdom. The remaining time was reserved for leisure and rest.

Due to the immense size of a Divine Kingdom, it naturally contained numerous recreational spaces and attractions where cultivators could unwind and release pent-up stress. Such features made the otherwise rigid and disciplined lives of these beings manageable and even pleasant.

However, today their peaceful routine was abruptly shattered. Without any prior warning, a colossal crimson gate suddenly materialized in the heavens above the kingdom. Its size was so extraordinary that it cast a dark shadow over the entire Divine Kingdom, plunging its vast lands into eerie darkness. Every beast person paused, gazing upward in astonishment and fear, unable to comprehend this sudden and overwhelming phenomenon.

Before they could even begin to formulate an understanding or mount a response, an overwhelming force, blending gravity and wind, surged throughout the kingdom. This mysterious energy wrapped around every inhabitant, gently but irresistibly pulling them away from their homes. Although the population numbered in the billions, this strange yet precise power evacuated everyone within ten short minutes, leaving the Divine Kingdom utterly deserted.

Only a heartbeat after the last citizen was evacuated, the crimson gate trembled violently and unleashed an enormous devouring force. An irresistible vortex surged forth, greedily swallowing everything in its path. Under the horrified gaze of the evacuated beast people, their majestic homeland, which had stood proudly for countless millennia, rapidly disintegrated and disappeared entirely into the swirling, crimson abyss.

The evacuees stared in shock, many paralyzed by terror and despair as they watched their beloved kingdom vanish before their very eyes. Yet, this fearful moment did not persist long. A majestic, powerful eye soon appeared in the sky above them, radiating immense authority and a calm, compelling presence that instantly soothed their troubled hearts.

”Leave for the west. Stay united. Seek shelter.”

The voice accompanying these words resonated deeply, penetrating into the very souls of the beastpeople. Without hesitation, they immediately obeyed, organizing themselves and migrating toward the western regions. They did not question or doubt the instructions; the sheer power and authority behind that command left no room for hesitation or fear.

Cain watched silently as the citizens moved away, ensuring they were safely departing the imminent battlefield of the Lord of Ages’ domain. Only when the last figure had vanished beyond the horizon did Cain resume his task, systematically devouring the lingering fragments of the Divine Kingdom until nothing remained—not even a speck of residual energy.

Divine Kingdoms constructed within the main landmass of the Second Realm were not truly integrated into the realm itself; such integration would transform them into Eternal Kingdoms. Instead, they existed within specially created dimensional pockets anchored to one of the true Eternal Kingdoms. This structure offered certain benefits, such as extended lifespans and a level of safety rarely found in the Chaos Beyond the Realm, making permanent death for Prima Deities in this region an extremely rare event, barring events like Eternal Wars.

However, this arrangement also came with considerable disadvantages. Prima Deities who chose this safer route needed to share harvested Origin Power with their anchoring Eternal Kingdom. Furthermore, their cultivation progress would naturally be slower, hampered by the limited spiritual density within these pockets compared to the chaotic energies found beyond the realm. Ultimately, cultivators had to weigh their priorities carefully: choose safety and longevity within the mainland or risk everything for rapid progress beyond the established borders.

Cain reflected deeply on these realities as he completed consuming the last remnants of the Astrok Divine Kingdom. In a swift yet methodical campaign, he had systematically devoured several such Divine Kingdoms without pause. Now, standing beside Meylin amidst the ruins of their latest conquest, he felt a deep satisfaction and clarity about their accomplishments.

”Seven Late-Stage Divine Kingdoms. Truly, this was a plentiful catch,” Cain remarked, turning toward Meylin with an approving smile.

Taking a deep breath, he opened his mouth, and a magnificent stream of golden energy flowed forth, gradually condensing into an enormous sphere brimming with pure Origin Power. Cain carefully handed this vibrant, pulsating sphere to Meylin, his eyes serious yet warm.

”This represents half of what I’ve gathered so far. I want you to use it directly to complete your mastery of the Oniric Truth of Envy,” he instructed firmly.

Meylin received the sphere gratefully, though a subtle hint of confusion flickered in her eyes. She was undoubtedly thrilled by the tremendous gift but couldn’t help feeling slightly perplexed. Using such a valuable reservoir of Origin Power directly for enhancing an Oniric Truth, rather than nurturing her primary Divine Kingdom in the Chaos Beyond the Realm, was not the most efficient path in the long run. Their current advantage over the Lord of Ages made urgency seem unnecessary.

Noticing her silent questioning, Cain’s expression turned solemn. ”The one who sent the Star Man after us,” he revealed slowly, ”is the same entity who once manipulated the Sun Lord to strike against your Master, the Demon King.”

Meylin’s eyes widened instantly at the gravity of Cain’s revelation. The Demon King was an existence nearly unparalleled within the Crimson World, representing absolute supremacy. Anyone powerful enough to challenge him directly was a terrifying existence, unquestionably at the peak of power. Understanding that someone of this caliber was now actively targeting them caused Meylin’s heart to tighten sharply in apprehension and resolve.

Seeing the clarity of comprehension and determination settle into Meylin’s eyes, Cain relaxed into a faint smile of approval. With her understanding confirmed, he turned inward, examining the abundant Origin Power flowing throughout his body. Unlike Meylin, Cain had no plans to use this wealth of energy to advance an Oniric Truth immediately. Instead, he redirected every ounce of power toward the awakening of his second Astral Black Hole.

Cain had diligently nurtured this second Astral Black Hole for several years now, yet he remained less than halfway to fully awakening it. Neo-Demons were supreme warriors, but their path required extraordinary resources. Their evolutionary needs were immense, almost bottomless, demanding constant nourishment.

”Hopefully,” Cain whispered softly, determination filling his voice, ”this Origin Power will suffice to awaken my second Astral Black Hole, bringing me another crucial step closer to awakening Imperium.”