The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2348 Crossing the Eternity Gate

"BOOM!"

A thunderous explosion resonated throughout Origin Island as Cain descended heavily before the Eternity Gate. The ground fractured beneath his boots, sending ripples of obsidian energy across the terrain. With a gaze as piercing as ice, he stood as a sentinel, obstructing the path through the open portal.

The individual responsible for unsealing the way waited for him with an air of serenity.

It was the Crimson Exarch.

A faint, knowing smile played on the man's lips as he met Cain’s eyes. Despite being battered and drained of his strength, his expression held no trace of terror—only a deep-seated determination.

"Brother," the Crimson Exarch spoke softly, his voice eerily composed. "Is this confrontation truly necessary?"

A profound light danced within his eyes as he pressed further.

"Lest you forget, had it not been for my intervention, your life would have reached its end."

Cain maintained a heavy silence, observing him for a long beat before giving a slow nod.

"Yes. That much is true," Cain conceded. "Your actions sparked the evolution that provided me the strength to endure this trial. It is for that reason alone that I have not slain you for meddling with my fate."

The frigid tone in Cain's voice was bone-chilling. As he spoke his ultimatum, the very atmosphere shook, warped by the sheer killing intent he was barely keeping in check.

"Our debts are settled, brother," Cain declared. "And I will not permit you to step through this gate."

At that moment, Cain’s aura erupted. Dark obsidian energy pooled within his palm, condensing into a volatile sphere that throbbed with power. It was poised to strike at any second—a force more than capable of reducing the weakened Crimson Exarch to nothingness.

The Crimson Exarch contemplated Cain for a brief interval, then shook his head while wearing a gentle smile.

"Beyond that threshold," he remarked, "lies the truth of our history and our beginnings. It is knowledge that you would surely find fascinating."

He hesitated momentarily before adding with a calm demeanor, "Furthermore, I do not possess the Ancient One's narrow ambition of cosmic unification. You have no reason to fear such things from me."

Cain sensed the sincerity in his words.

His attention flickered toward the Eternity Gate, pulled by the staggering pressure and the enigmas shrouded within. After a short pause, he nodded.

"I am aware," Cain whispered. "Many solutions to my questions lie within."

He then fixed his gaze back upon the Crimson Exarch, his face hardening with a look of absolute conviction and iron will.

"However, in this moment, certain matters outweigh ancient secrets. I shall uncover those truths when the time is right. Until then, I will strike down anyone who dares to cross this threshold—whether it be the Ancient One... or even you, brother."

The Crimson Exarch let out a weary sigh and lowered himself to the ground. His physical form was spent, his reserves of energy nearly extinguished. He looked toward the colossal moon of shadows and its myriad eyes that trapped the Ancient One, a look of contempt crossing his features. "Both the Ancient One and I desire to pass through that gate," he noted. "But do you perceive the distinction between us, brother?"

Cain felt his muscles tighten as the Crimson Exarch looked up. The fire of resolve in the man's eyes was terrifying—a will so absolute it seemed capable of shattering the very boundaries of existence.

"When I set my sights on a goal," the Crimson Exarch said evenly, "I am prepared to sacrifice everything to attain it."

As his final declaration faded, his body began to radiate light.

Fissures appeared across his skin, spider-webbing rapidly like breaking glass. Cain’s eyes widened in shock, but before he could move, the Crimson Exarch’s physical form and soul detonated in a violent burst.

Golden radiance surged across the pyramid’s summit, expanding in a ruinous wave of self-immolation.

Cain’s Wings of Chaos snapped shut around him, forming a protective cocoon against the blast. The golden inferno howled past, searing the air and causing reality to tremble under the strain.

Amidst the fire, Cain’s eyes flashed with a brilliant scarlet light as he sensed a sudden movement.

A streak of light darted forward at a velocity that surpassed even his own reactions.

It wasn't a physical body.

It wasn't even a soul.

It was something far more minute and fundamental—an essence nearly impossible to detect.

"True Name," Cain realized instantly.

Despite his vast power, Cain was unable to intercept it.

The True Name of the Crimson Exarch slipped past the Eternity Gate and disappeared into the unknown.

"Dammit!" Cain snarled internally.

He threw his wings open with a violent force, dispersing the lingering golden embers as he spun toward the Eternity Gate. For a fleeting second, he pondered giving chase.

But he hesitated.

He was ignorant of what awaited on the other side, or if his own True Name could ever return. There was a legitimate risk of being exiled there for centuries.

That would spell the doom of the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe.

Cain was certain that the World of the Root would launch an assault long before his return.

"RUMBLE!"

There was no further time for contemplation.

The instant the Crimson Exarch passed through the portal, Origin Island began to shake with terrifying intensity. A dominant force radiated outward, ensnaring every cultivator from the Nine Realms of the Crimson World.

Their stay on the island had reached its limit.

"AGHRRRGHH!"

A shriek of unadulterated malice and insanity rang out as the great shadow moon binding the Ancient One began to thrash. A visage appeared above it, contorted with a rage that defied logic.

The Ancient One had been pushed to the edge.

Not only had he been barred from the Eternity Gate, but the Crimson Exarch had succeeded—utilizing him as a mere pawn to reach his objective. It was a humiliation of the highest order.

Driven by that fury, the massive lunar shadow began to lurch forward, making one last frantic push to breach the Eternity Gate.

"Dammit!" Cain roared.

Turning his back to the portal, he braced himself as obsidian energy flooded into his arms. He channeled more and more power into his technique, disregarding the agony it caused his body.

Then, he released the strike.

"BOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!"

A cataclysmic torrent of obsidian energy exploded as Cain’s counterattack collided with the shadow moon. Shards of darkness were vaporized instantly, erased by the sheer destructive output. Nonetheless, the Ancient One’s indignation propelled him onward.

He simply refused to accept that eons of meticulous planning and schemes would be usurped and exploited by another.