The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2364 Sozing, The Silence of All Things

The Lord of the Tenth Empyrean World took his time, fully absorbing the warmth of the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe's laws before finally shifting his gaze toward Markin.

"I am Sozing," the elder declared with an air of tranquility. "The Silence of All Things. Immortal Knight of the Tenth Empyrean World."

His introduction echoed throughout the subterranean hall. The very laws etched into the fabric of the world shuddered and wailed, seemingly unable to withstand the sheer authority vibrating within that ancient tone.

Markin’s response was instantaneous. Bowing his head, he sank to one knee and struck the ground with his fist in a gesture of absolute fealty.

"I am Markin," he stated with deep reverence. "Leader of the Eternitysoul Empyrean World—"

He was cut short.

Sozing’s expression grew icy, and the atmospheric pressure in the room surged exponentially. Markin’s frame quivered, feeling as though he were being flattened by the weight of an invisible peak.

"This domain," Sozing stated, his voice stripped of all feeling, "along with everything else within the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe, belongs to us. You are nothing more than a caretaker!"

A heavy silence followed.

"Never let that slip your mind."

Markin ground his teeth together, a flicker of resentment crossing his face, yet he lacked the courage to look up. Keeping his eyes glued to the floor, he gave a silent nod.

Sozing caught the flash of anger but dismissed it entirely. Whether Markin harbored bitterness was of no consequence—as long as he performed his designated function.

"Now," the Immortal Knight pressed on, "have you carried out your duties?"

"Indeed, Immortal Knight," Markin answered without delay. "I have successfully infiltrated the Nine Empyrean Suns Alliance. We shall be fighting by their side in the coming struggle against the Root."

He paused for a heartbeat, a chilling glint entering his eyes.

"To accomplish this, I sacrificed a massive fortune in wealth and resources—enough that it might interfere with certain future arrangements."

Sozing’s eyes narrowed slightly, his lips twisting into a brief, mocking sneer.

"You shall be reimbursed," he said coldly. "As you always are."

Then, his focus sharpened.

"Since you have stood in the presence of the Scarlet King," Sozing added, "provide me with an assessment."

He took a measured breath.

The aura radiating from him erupted violently.

Suddenly, Markin was confronted by the spectral image of a gargantuan, five-headed alien entity. Its silhouette was blurred and hazy, as if the laws of reality struggled to manifest it—yet the power vibrating from it was undeniable.

A chill ran through Markin’s marrow.

Despite being an Alpha-Omega Overgod Godslayer Human, an instinctive terror clawed at his very soul.

"If you were to draw a comparison between us," Sozing asked evenly, "who holds the greater power?"

Markin swallowed heavily. He stayed quiet for a long moment, carefully calculating every word.

"Your power is beyond imagination, Immortal Knight," he finally spoke. "However... it is my belief that the Scarlet King is the stronger of the two."

Sozing allowed him to continue without interruption.

Markin spoke on, his voice remaining firm despite the spiritual pressure weighing him down.

"His physical form is as resilient as a late-stage Alpha-Omega Overgod Treasure. Even if severed in two, he can heal in an instant. And those crimson, flame-like wings... they provide him with a host of horrifying techniques."

Rather than taking offense, a subtle smile touched Sozing’s lips.

"I see," he whispered. "In that case, it shall be a fascinating battle."

The spectral vision dissolved.

Sozing placed a hand against his chest.

To Markin’s utter bewilderment, the old man reached into his own torso and pulled out a massive, complex compass crafted from an unidentified substance. Arcane runes danced across its casing, glowing with the light of karma.

With a flick of his wrist, he sent the object drifting toward Markin.

"Establish a soul bond with it."

Markin wavered.

It was never prudent to bind an unknown artifact to one's soul—yet he had no power to refuse. With a soft sigh, he nodded and obeyed.

The moment the connection was sealed, countless specks of light ignited across the compass's surface. Within moments, the display was virtually saturated with them.

Information flooded Markin’s consciousness, teaching him how to read and control the device. With a mere thought, the perspective shifted outward.

Nine massive orbs manifested.

One sphere was teeming with countless lights. Five others held only a single point each. One was entirely empty, while the last sphere contained two.

Markin narrowed his focus on those two points—and immediately recognized their identities.

"The Scarlet King," he breathed, "and the True Primordial of the Void."

A look of pure astonishment filled his eyes.

"That is their exact coordinates... Truly marvelous."

The device allowed him to track the precise location of anyone he had encountered—whether through physical contact or spiritual interactions like soul scans.

"The Karma Compass is truly exceptional," Sozing remarked. "Since you will be operating closely with the Nine Empyrean Suns Alliance, you will encounter all of them. Through you, their positions will always be known to me."

A cold, tactical light shone in Markin’s eyes as he addressed the Immortal Knight.

"Do you intend to use their subordinates as bait?" he inquired. "To lure the Scarlet King into an ambush? I have employed such tactics frequently. They are highly effective."

There was a hint of arrogance in the Alpha-Omega Overgod’s voice.

Sozing shook his head, clearly unimpressed by the suggestion.

"Then you have only ever dealt with trash."

The insult stung, and Markin’s face darkened. Sozing remained indifferent.

"Against a foe capable of tapping into the Power of Chaos," the Immortal Knight explained, "my objectives can only be achieved through the element of surprise."

His eyes shimmered with a faint light.

"Traces of a trap only provide him time to strategize. No matter how many contingencies or layers of security you implement, he will shatter them all."

Markin fell into a pensive silence. He resented the Immortal Knight’s condescension, yet he could not dispute the logic.

"Then," Markin finally asked, "what are my orders?"

Sozing gave him a brief look before closing his eyes.

"Depart," he commanded. "Fulfill your role. Wait for further commands." With those words, the Immortal Knight returned to his trance within the crystalline vat.

Markin stood motionless for a few moments, a tempest of feelings swirling in his heart. Having sat at the pinnacle for so long, being treated as a subordinate was nearly intolerable.

And yet, rebellion was a death sentence.

Ultimately, he bowed his head once more. Without another word, he turned and exited, not daring to challenge the mandate of the Tenth Empyrean World.