The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2278 The strongest lifeform in the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe

The rescue operation stretched across several days, dragging on longer than anyone desired, but the ArchDeities eventually succeeded in gathering every survivor from the minor worlds circling the ruined Abyssalcrown Empyrean World. One after another, those realms were emptied of life as their populations were relocated into space treasures or Inner Universes.

A heavy, oppressive silence fell over the survivors. Not a single word was spoken as they stared back at the distant horizon, where a wall of corrupted flesh and fire continued to consume the world they had failed to protect. The violent flickering of that radiance cast jagged shadows across their battered armor and exhausted faces. Then, as if moved by a collective instinct, they turned their gaze toward the unconscious Scarlet King resting in Anark's arms.

If a soul existed who could navigate this disaster—someone capable of finding a path through such a calamity—it was Cain. He was the most brilliant and tactical mind within the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe Alliance. He was their strategist and their Warmaster. Only he could find a sliver of hope at the end of this pitch-black, collapsing tunnel.

"Let's go." Anark's voice sliced through the stillness. The True Primordial let out a heavy breath before leading the group away from the site of the corruption. There was no reason to linger. Every one of them was too injured to continue fighting, and remaining in such proximity to the Heart of the Root's influence would only aggravate their wounds. They were in desperate need of a sanctuary, and this devastated frontier offered none.

Luckily, the Everstrife Empyrean World had moved close enough for Anark to tear open a wormhole. The portal manifested with a low, vibrating hum, and the group crossed through, leaving the wreckage behind. It was only when they stepped into the familiar void of their home realm that the crushing fatigue in their bodies began to subside. It wasn't true peace, but it provided a much-needed moment of respite.

"Get whatever rest you can," Anark commanded. "Keep the survivors unconscious and hand them over to the Six Chief Counselors. They are equipped to handle the logistics."

While the True Primordial was unmatched in leading armies and facing world-ending threats, he had little interest or talent for the nuances of government policy and resettlement. Fortunately, the Scarlet Kingdom functioned as a massive, efficient machine. He simply needed to lean on the existing infrastructure of the realm.

Leonidas and the others gave a firm nod. After offering a respectful bow to Cain's motionless form, they vanished toward the heart of the Empyrean World to begin the massive task of organizing the refugees.

Standing alone in the expansive throne room, Anark cast one final look toward the void where the corrupted world burned out of sight. Then, with a surge of power, he stepped into the Scarlet Crown and reappeared by the throne. He carefully placed Cain onto the smooth floor and began to circulate energy into the King's unconscious frame.

He had just started when two figures shimmered into existence: an elder with eyes containing ancient depths and a child radiating a terrifying level of wisdom. These were Ao and Aioro. Without speaking, the pair moved to Cain's side and began channeling the vital essence drawn from the core and surface of the Everstrife Empyrean World.

As the trio poured their strength into Cain, their expressions turned grim. They were certain that Cain was the only person who could lead them through the coming storms. Yet, it wasn't merely his tactical genius or sharp wit that gave them confidence. It was his raw power.

Being ancient lifeforms, they could perceive the true nature of the Power of Chaos more clearly than others. The essence they sensed within Cain was nothing short of staggering. Though he had yet to achieve full mastery over it, the sheer scale and potential of his power were beyond anything they had ever felt. Even the Alpha Omega Overgod Godslayer Human could not compare to what lay dormant within him.

There was no lingering doubt: Cain was the most powerful entity in the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe. He was the only figure capable of forging the various armies into a unified force that could stand against the Root, especially now that it had devoured an entire Empyrean World. As days turned into weeks, the Everstrife Empyrean World hummed with activity as millions of new residents arrived daily. The Six Chief Counselors worked without sleep to manage the influx of people from the Abyssalcrown Empyrean World—a monumental challenge.

The first hurdle was dealing with the criminals and the malevolent. During the frantic evacuation, Leonidas and the rescue teams had no opportunity to separate the righteous from the wicked; they had simply saved everyone. However, integration was another matter. The Everstrife Empyrean World had already been cleansed of its own corrupt elements, and the leadership refused to let millions of new criminals roam free.

Not everyone with a violent past was punished, though. If their past deeds were merely the result of Cultivation conflicts, the Counselors simply placed them under close watch. However, those who had preyed upon mortals found their fates sealed, as they were handed over directly to the Scarlet Throne.

Racial tensions and xenophobia presented the next major obstacle. The Abyssalcrown Empyrean World was plagued by a long history of hatred between the Light and Dark Races. Forcing these groups into the same communities as hybrids or races indifferent to such feuds was a recipe for disaster. They required time—time to adapt, time to learn, and time to discard old prejudices. Overseeing this fragile transition demanded an incredible amount of focus.

Minxet, Razputin, and the other Counselors were pushed to their limits by the burden, yet they remained steadfast, doing everything required of them.

Meanwhile, Leonidas and the other elites—including the Third Realm Masters who had faced the Heart of the Root—entered their private cultivation grounds. They dedicated themselves entirely to recovery, attempting to mend their souls and bodies before Cain regained consciousness. They had to be prepared for what came next.

Finally, four and a half weeks after the Abyssalcrown Empyrean World fell, a massive surge of soul force erupted from the Scarlet Crown.

Every resident of the floating city looked toward the source. Relieved smiles spread across their faces as they felt that unmistakable, powerful presence.

The Scarlet King had finally woken from his slumber.