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 surging outward. With a gaze as sharp as ice, he stood as a sentinel, obstructing the path through the open portal.

The individual responsible for unsealing it remained composed in front of him.

It was the Crimson Exarch.

A subtle grin played on the man's lips as he locked eyes with Cain. Despite his battered state and clear exhaustion, his expression betrayed no fear—only a deep-seated determination.

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

A profound light danced within his eyes as he continued his plea.

"Consider this: had it not been for my intervention, your life would have ended."

Cain maintained a long, silent stare before finally giving a slow nod.

"Yes. That is true," Cain admitted. "Your interference sparked an evolution that provided me the strength to endure this crisis. That fact alone is why I haven't killed you for meddling with my destiny."

The frigid tone in Cain’s voice was bone-chilling. As he spoke those final words, the atmosphere vibrated, warped by a murderous intent he was barely holding back.

"We are even now, brother," Cain declared. "And I will not permit you to pass through this gate."

Instantly, Cain’s aura erupted. Dark obsidian energy coalesced in his palm, forming a concentrated sphere that throbbed with violent power. It was ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice—a force more than capable of vaporizing the weakened Crimson Exarch.

The Crimson Exarch observed Cain for a beat, then tilted his head back with a gentle smile.

"Past that portal," he remarked, "lies the truth of our history and our very beginnings. It is knowledge you would surely find compelling."

He took a brief breath before adding with composure, "Furthermore, I lack the Ancient One's petty ambition to rule the universe. You have no reason to fret over such things."

Cain sensed the sincerity in his words.

His attention drifted momentarily toward the Eternity Gate, lured by the crushing pressure and the enigmas swirling within. After a short pause, he nodded.

"I am aware," Cain whispered. "Many answers await me there."

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

"However, in this moment, there are priorities higher than uncovering secrets. I shall claim those answers when the time is right. But until then, I will strike down anyone attempting to breach this gate—whether it be the Ancient One... or even you, brother."

Exhaling a weary breath, the Crimson Exarch sank slowly to the earth. His physical form was spent, his energy reserves nearly dry. He looked toward the colossal moon of shadows and its myriad of eyes—the prison of the Ancient One—and a look of contempt crossed his features. "Both the Ancient One and I desire to cross that threshold," he noted. "But do you perceive the difference between us, brother?"

Cain felt his muscles tighten as the Crimson Exarch looked up. The fire of resolve in his eyes was terrifying—an intensity so absolute it seemed capable of shattering the very laws of the universe.

"When I set my sights on a goal," the Crimson Exarch said calmly, "I am prepared to set the world ablaze to reach it."

As his final declaration rang out, his form began to radiate light.

Fissures split his skin, racing across his body like cracking glass. Cain’s eyes went wide, but before he could move, the Crimson Exarch’s physical body and soul underwent a violent detonation.

Golden flames burst forth atop the pyramid, expanding in a catastrophic wave of self-immolation.

Cain’s Wings of Chaos snapped shut around him instantly, creating a shield against the blast. The golden inferno howled past, searing the very air and causing reality to tremble.

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

A streak of light shot forward at a velocity that surpassed even his own speed.

It wasn't a physical form.

It wasn't even a soul.

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

"A True Name," Cain realized immediately.

Despite his immense Cultivation and power, Cain was unable to intercept it.

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

"Dammit!" Cain growled internally.

His wings flared open with a violent gust, dispersing the lingering golden embers as he faced the Eternity Gate fully. For a fleeting second, he pondered giving chase.

But he hesitated.

The nature of what lay beyond was a mystery, and he didn't know if his own True Name could ever return. There was a legitimate risk of being exiled on the other side for ages.

Such a fate would seal the doom of the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe.

Cain was certain that the World of the Root would launch its assault long before he could find a way back.

"RUMBLE!"

There was no further luxury of time.

The moment the Crimson Exarch breached the gate, 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 filled with pure malice and insanity erupted as the shadow moon containing the Ancient One began to thrash. A visage appeared above the sphere, contorted with a rage that defied logic.

The Ancient One had been pushed to the edge.

Not only had he been denied entry to the Eternity Gate, but the Crimson Exarch had succeeded by using him as a mere pawn. It was a level of humiliation he could not endure.

Driven by that fury, the massive shadow moon lurched forward, making one final, frantic push to reach the Eternity Gate.

"Dammit!" Cain roared.

Turning his back to the portal, he braced his feet against the stone as obsidian energy flooded into his arms. He channeled every ounce of power into the technique, disregarding the immense strain on his Dantian and physical form.

Then, he fired.

"BOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!"

A devastating torrent of obsidian energy exploded forward, colliding with the shadow moon. Pieces of darkness were vaporized instantly, erased by the sheer destructive force. Yet, fueled by his obsession, the Ancient One continued to press on.

He simply refused to accept that eons of planning and billions of years of scheming would be usurped and exploited by another.