ã€ŠAgainst The True Godsã€‹


 Chapter 1 The Last

    The sound of footsteps echoed.In a long corridor leading to a grand gate, a man could be seen walking.

    He was tall, standing over six feet, with a compact and refined frame that perfectly complemented his masculine yet slightly androgynous features.

    His short black hair was slicked back, and his eyes, like a world of silver clouds, mysteriously swirled with hints of white and gold.

    Every step the man took was powerful yet endlessly elegant, perfectly reflecting the scholarly aura and sharpness with which he carried himself.

    He wore an ancient changpao of black and white, embroidered with a sleek design of golden clouds.

    As he arrived before the grand gate of golden metal, he took a deep breath, slipped on a pair of glasses, and murmured to himself.

    "It''s time."

    He exhaled a long, calm breath, then without fear, pushed the gates open.

    ***

    Within a war conference room, entities of divine proportions were arguing.

    Some had bodies of fire and heads of lightning; others were spectral entities, noticeable only by the terrifying pressure they emitted, while some weren''t even humanoid, taking the form of famed dragons with multiple demonic heads.

    All kinds of supernatural and divine energies clashed and exploded as they argued, their terrifying power shaking the earth, their breaths causing tornadoes and their intensity threatening to shatter the world itself.

    These entities could only be referred to as Gods.

    "NO! We MUST attack now! The abominations are slowly eating away and corroding our cosmic barrier! If we remain passive, by the time we get an answer from their side, we''ll be overrun. Do I need to remind you we CANNOT afford to lose any mortals?! Or has peace made you all stupid?" Roared a man whose body was entirely made of snakes, with eyes of swirling golden fire.

    Before any of the many divine figures in the room could respond or get mad at his words, they all froze as the doors opened and a figure walked in.

    Detached and cold, handsome, with dark hair and cloudy eyes¡ªthey all immediately recognized him.

    ''Blight¡­.''

    Existence was divided into three realms¡ªThe Infernal Realm, The Earthen Realm, and the Heavenly Realm.

    Between these three realms, countless smaller worlds existed, populated by quintillions of cultivators, entities that used Qi to ascend and leave their mortal coil behind.

    And yet, within the World Council, through the ages since the first dawn, not a single cultivator had managed to reach their ranks.

    The World Council had only ever included Celestials, Immortals, Demons, and Rulers¡ªthe strongest of the strongest races.

    This had been the case until a few thousand years ago when a certain mortal cripple defied fate itself and reached their ranks without ever cultivating.

    His name was Caine, and they called him The First Blight.

    ***

    Caine''s gaze was cold yet unthreatening as he calmly scanned the room, observing each council member seated around the meeting table.

    Silence reigned as he did so, and after a few moments, he walked over to a simple throne of silver metal.

    Only when he sat down did the previously ongoing conversation continue.

    "As I was saying, we need to act. I understand that you don''t want to violate the ancestral pacts, but we must. If they don''t care for the ancient pacts, why must we? We have to be decisive," said the one who had previously been roaring and screaming, his tone now much tamer and civil.

    On the other side of the table, a woman with a body seemingly made of broken glass and ice shards suddenly spoke.

    "No, we do not need to do anything, Sarbon." She shook her head. "As detailed in the monthly reports, we are specifically waiting for them to breach our cosmic barrier so the ancient pacts are nullified and we can attack at full force."

    Another figure, with a body made of rotten hands, nodded and spoke.

    "Mhm. Our armies have been ready for a long time. All we need to do is¡ª"

    Caine shook his head at these words, disappointment painting his face.

    "It seems our people have not learned. We''ve warred against the abominations for eons and lost most of those wars, yet we still look down on them. How sad."

    His words were like a bucket of cold water.

    "Pacts? When have restrictions ever mattered to these monstrosities? They are born from pure chaos, and pacts are kernels of order. Why would they work on them?" He sighed and stood up.

    "They''re not attacking our cosmic barrier to create a pathway to enter; they''re trying to distract us while their forces take place."

    He began to walk away. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "They''re already here and have been for a long time."

    As Caine walked out, he spared a glance at an entity with a body of water filled with tiny meteors.

    "We''ve been compromised."

    As soon as their gazes met, the entity exploded into a rain of ash, and a wild gust of chaotic energy swept over the shocked members of the World Council.

    The entity who''d just died was Kairo, a Celestial from the Tainted Water Clan, who had been here for the longest time. His age ranged in the millions, and most of that time was spent as a member of the council.

    If Caine''s judgment and words were to be trusted, and Kairo indeed was a traitor¡ªone who had been among them for so long and knew all their deepest secrets¡ª

    They were done for.

    Panic rapidly consumed these lofty and divine existences, but this only made Caine shake his head more as he exited the room.

    "Prepare the armies. We''ll be marching out at dawn."

 Chapter 2 Traitor

    Caine left the council members to stew in their own cowardice and stupidity as he teleported away, appearing within a landscape of endless destruction.The skies were tainted red, filled with grey clouds crackling with amethyst lightning, while harsh gusts of wind swept over the dried and cracked lands below, revealing rivers of magma through countless fissures.

    Giant beasts of all kinds roamed the desolate terrain, their auras madly threatening and their presences divine. In this space, as a cripple, Caine truly had no place.

    And yet, he stood unbothered, unaffected by it all, his body intact despite its innate weakness.

    "I do not have much time. Hurry and manifest yourself," he calmly uttered to the wind.

    A few seconds passed before the chaotic world around him began to warp and coalesce into a mighty figure adorned with a crown of golden flames.

    The figure''s eyes opened, revealing obsidian depths as Caine''s gaze locked with theirs.

    Seeing the clear lack of regard and respect in Caine''s gaze, the figure frowned and suddenly swung its arm toward him, a trail of chaotic energy following its quake as it instantly slammed into Caine.

    BANG!

    He was only pushed back a few meters before coughing up a mouthful of blood, which he wiped away with an apathetic expression.

    "Are you done?" he asked, his face scrunched in discomfort as he coughed out more blood and dusted off his clothes.

    The entity shook its head and slowly floated down, reaching eye level with Caine.

    "Boy, you truly have a knack for angering people. If I didn''t know any better, I''d think you weren''t doing it on purpose."

    After finally straightening his changpao, Caine ran a hand through his hair, slicking it back to perfection.

    "It''s brought me more problems than you can imagine. The number of times I could have died probably counts in the millions."

    "It saddens me that none have succeeded," the entity whispered, genuine sadness and melancholy in its voice.

    "I''m happy to see you too, Nova," Caine sighed. "Alright, I''ve fulfilled my end of the deal. Now it''s your turn."

    Caine flipped his palm over, revealing four keys¡ªone golden, one scarlet, one blue, and the last a verdant green.

    "These are the Four World Keys. With them, you''ll be able to control the Three Realms and countless worlds in between. They''ll also help you seal all the ancient lords of the council if push comes to shove and as a last resort, you''ll be able to use them to control the World Will."

    He waved his hand, and the keys floated toward Nova.

    "I don''t care what you do with them. Whether you kill everything that exists, enslave the world, or save it¡ªI don''t care. Now give me my dues."

    Nova ignored Caine''s words, his greed and joy palpable as he trembled with jubilation at the sight of the four keys.

    With these four keys, he''d finally become a¡­

    Without hesitation, Nova reached up and grabbed his own crown of fire, forcing it to solidify into a beautiful golden crown fitted with nine purple jewels.

    Carelessly, he threw it to Caine, but the moment he did, a loud BOOM! echoed across the chaotic landscape.

    Caine calmly caught the crown and began to watch as a plan he''d been brewing for centuries played out.

    ***

    As mentioned before, Existence was divided into the Infernal Realm, Heavenly Realm, Earthen Realm, and countless minor realms, respectively led by the Demons, Celestials, Immortals, and Rulers.

    Above these Three Realms and countless minor realms, however, existed a palace of infinite majesty. Within this palace resided four entities, acting as the last barrier for Existence against the threat of abominations¡ªentities born solely to consume and destroy.

    These four entities were the strongest that had ever existed:

    The Jade Emperor, Lord of all Celestials.

    The Fallen One, Lord of all Demons.

    The Everlasting Sire, Lord of all Immortals.

    And finally, The Ascendant, Lord of all Rulers.

    These four entities were lofty and untouchable, representing the heavens themselves. And yet now, akin to mere peasants, they stood just a few miles away from Caine and Nova, their bodies disheveled as they looked at the First Blight with eyes full of madness.

    "TRAITOR!"

    The four beings glared at Caine as they rushed toward him, but soon their gazes locked onto the four keys in Nova''s hands. Their hearts sank as they realized the depths of Caine''s betrayal were far more profound than they had ever expected.

    ''How did he acquire the Divine Keys¡­''

    Nova snapped out of his stupor and turned to Caine, his sense of foreboding growing as his heart began to violently slam against his chest.

    Something was wrong. Very wrong.

    This feeling only intensified as, for the first time since meeting Caine as a boy, Nova saw him smile.

    "What''s wrong, Nova?"

    Nova''s danger sense peaked, and on instinct, he attacked.

    "DIE!" they all screamed in unison.

    Caine remained calm as five of the strongest beings to ever exist attacked him all at once.

    He took a deep breath, and time seemed to slow to a crawl as he brought his hands together. Suddenly, thousands upon thousands of spell circles appeared, branded all over the cracked earth beneath them.

    Caine''s gaze burst with fiendish light, and with a low shout, he cast his spell.

    [Heaven Deceiving Array: Terminus.]

    In one moment, he stood in a chaotic world, on the brink of death, surrounded by five divine entities. In the next, everything had disappeared.

    All that was left was an endless expanse of white.

    Slowly, within this expanse, a platform manifested. Upon this platform, six entities slowly took shape.

    Of those six entities, five were chained and impaled, positioned in a circular manner around the sixth entity.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes.

    ''Success.''

    sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 3 Samsara

    Caine took a deep breath and then checked his surroundings as he exhaled.On the floor of the platform he stood on, countless micro pathways were visible, channeling the dripping blood of the five entities to empower the living spell that the platform itself had become.

    "WAIT! Wait! Listen! Whatever it is you want, we can give it to you, but now is not the time for this! The abominations are attacking our lands and we need to¡ª"

    Caine tuned out the Jade Emperor''s voice and sat down, crossing his legs and closing his eyes to focus.

    The four Lords of The Realms began barking threats and pleas for mercy at Caine, unaware of what he might do to them. The only person who remained silent was Nova.

    His gaze was almost empty and void of emotion as he stared at Caine, memories of the past filling his ancient mind.

    He remembered the child he had met on that river, crying rivers of blood as he held the cold, lifeless body of a little girl, just as young as him.

    He remembered the endless defiance and bubbling hate in Caine''s eyes. Though Caine had been nothing but a little boy back then, nothing like the entity he was now, the hate that burned deep within him had been so intense it shocked Nova.

    At the time, Nova''s plans had only been in their embryonic stage, and he had been traveling the myriad worlds, finding youths like Caine to transform into useful pawns for when the war with the abominations would inevitably come.

    For years, Caine amazed him with his feats despite his status as a cripple, having somehow found an alternative path of cultivation he created himself, but even then, Caine was fully under his control and grasp, like the pawn he''d raised him to be.

    It wasn''t until that fateful day, when Caine suddenly disappeared for a century¡­

    ''I should''ve known this would happen. I thought he was still nothing but a little toy¡­''

    Even when Caine returned, wielding power so terrifying that Nova was forced to outwardly treat him as an equal, he hadn''t been worried, for he himself wasn''t just anyone.

    Nova was a Demigod, born from the union of a Godly abomination and an outer entity who couldn''t be spoken of.

    Being a Demigod meant he was a single step away from true Godhood and Eternity. Yet despite having lived for billions of years, he was still stuck as a mere Demigod with his power dwindling over time due to the curse inflicted by his strange origins.

    But despite this, Nova had never truly cared. The entirety of existence and its three realms had always been nothing but steps within his plan, the same for the abominations and everything in between.

    They were all steps of a plan he''d devised to free himself and truly become a God.

    And yet now, all of that had been thrown away and wasted due to a single mistake he had committed.

    Nova couldn''t help but laugh.

    ***

    A while later, Caine slowly opened his eyes, unbothered by the mix of shouts and laughter that echoed around him. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He stood up, then looked at the Three Lords.

    "Before I begin, I will give you a way out. You simply have to answer my question."

    They immediately fell silent, their gazes stilling, and their minds focusing.

    "Who created the Three Realms?"

    Silence.

    Even Nova was taken aback by the question. Was Caine truly asking them who had created everything that existed? What kind of nonsensical question was that?

    And yet, hearing this question, the facade of the Three Lords broke. Their previous display of cowardice faded away, revealing the refined temperament of entities who''d lived since the dawn of time and led all who had ever been born.

    A violent pressure erupted from their bodies, causing the ground they stood on to crack.

    "¡­I do not know who told you, but be aware that if you go through with¡ª"

    "Alright, be quiet."

    Caine waved his hand, and the pressure dissipated as their mouths were sealed shut by a mighty spectral force.

    Though he had asked this question, he wasn''t expecting an answer. He just wanted to confirm one of the many theories he''d developed over the years about the truths of the Three Realms.

    "Well¡­"

    Caine stretched out a palm, then closed it into a fist. Suddenly, the spike that had impaled the five entities began to glow as all their blood and energy were rapidly sucked into the platform below.

    BANG!

    The world itself began to rumble as the fabric of space tore and shattered, the flow of time was disturbed, and millions of timelines collided and shattered, exploding into a cosmic mist that flooded the white space and painted it with a beautiful yet terrifying scenery.

    Nova and The Four Lords all began to scream in pain and horror as they felt their very souls and bodies be ground to dust and used as fuel for Caine''s mad plan.

    As this happened, Caine slowly put the crown he''d taken from Nova on his head and felt its terrifying power course through him.

    To Nova, this crown was called the [Crown of Ascension], an object that would allow him to finally cultivate and gain power through the conventional and superior path. But if Caine had gone through all this trouble and years of scheming just for this, then he wouldn''t be worthy of his own name.

    No, this crown was called the [Divine Crown of Samsara], and it had a near-endless number of effects, but only one mattered to Caine.

    BOOOM!

    One after another, the jewels on the crown lit up. Each time this happened, a loud explosion echoed, and Caine violently threw up a mouthful of blood.

    But he didn''t care. Rapidly, the platform below him began to morph into a swirling portal of amethyst and rose colors.

    Seeing this, Caine laughed madly and brought his hands together for the final time, manifesting a blade within them. Without mercy or hesitation, he plunged the blade into his heart and killed himself as he roared out:

    "[SAMSARA IGNITION: REINCARNATION.]"

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 4 Fall

    Years ago, on an otherwise ordinary day, Caine had been assigned a mission by Nova.The mission was simple: plant trackers on a few Celestials who had begun to suspect Nova''s schemes. Yet, that day turned out to be the one that changed everything.

    On that day, Caine discovered a cave, sealed away from the world and its endless conflicts. Inside, he met a man.

    This man, who never revealed his true name, went by [The First Sinner] and from that day on, became Caine''s first and only master.

    "The reality you live in is fake, mortal. The earth you walk on is illusory, the stars you gaze at are mere reflections, and the heavens that shackle you are nothing but servants serving a greater purpose."

    "You, mortals of the world, are lab rats endlessly bred as they seek something within you."

    "Boy, what I am telling you is that you live in a dream and are nothing but an ant, shackled by the chains of fate and imposed with a perverted destiny."

    These were the first words Caine heard as his gaze fell on the decrepit figure of an old man, with more bones than flesh on his frame.

    He wore tattered dark robes, had long oily black hair, and his body was covered in ancient cursive marks. Yet, as Caine stood there, he couldn''t help but think that this man was the most majestic entity he''d ever seen.

    Immediately, and perhaps on instinct, he knelt and begged for deliverance.

    He begged the First Sinner to free him from this wretched world and take him away, but the answer he received was nothing like what he expected.

    "Little bastard, stand up. I will not be handing you anything, you stupid mongrel. If you seek something, TAKE it!" The old man''s voice boomed across the cave. "But just this one time, I''ll show mercy and impart you with a seed."

    "What you do with this seed of knowledge will be up to you."

    And just like that, the years that shaped and permanently changed Caine began under the harsh and merciless tutelage of the man he knew as The First Sinner.

    After years of planning, as Caine pierced his blade into his heart and killed himself, a smile bloomed across his face as the figure of that grumpy old man popped into his mind.

    "I''ll be seeing you soon, master."

    **** S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Upon an ocean of amethyst, emerald, and rose colors that extended into infinity and beyond, a small wooden boat could be seen calmly and peacefully making its way across this infinite expanse of water.

    On this boat, a figure could be seen.

    Tall, extremely so, wearing wide and airy dark robes that revealed the entity''s Lich-like body, covered in golden runes, with its left hand holding a scythe of purple fire.

    Its skull was entirely black, covered in ancient cursive marks that gave it a primordial and primal air, only accentuated by the terrifying mantle of dark energy that hung around it, reeking of death and destruction.

    This entity seemed to be the perfect embodiment of what mortals called Reapers.

    Despite its terrifying appearance, the Reaper hummed a harmonious and ensnaring melody that echoed across the vast ocean it sailed upon, as within this strange space, time seemed to hold no meaning.

    An unknown amount of time later, from the black starry skies of this space, a figure could be seen, wearing white garments, unconscious and falling from the skies without any support.

    The Reaper didn''t react, but by the time the entity fell from the skies, it had somehow magically appeared in the perfect position to retrieve the body.

    PUH!

    Despite the terrifying height from which the body fell, it only made a soft thud as it landed on the wooden boat, barely rocking it as the figure remained unconscious.

    "Awaken."

    Immediately, the entity who had fallen from the skies, Caine, sat up and violently snapped his eyes open, his breaths labored as he subconsciously slicked his hair back and began to look around, alert.

    When Caine noticed he was indeed alive¡ªwell, somewhat alive¡ªhe calmed down and exhaled a final breath that regulated his mind and body.

    He then immediately stood up and bowed to the Reaper, who still stood indifferently at the helm of the wooden boat, looking off into the distance.

    "I greet the mighty and revered Reaper, Traverser of Life and Death."

    His body was bent at a ninety-degree angle as he uttered these words.

    After dying, most wouldn''t know what would happen, but if Caine was in the same case, wouldn''t he be a fool? Why go through so much just to blindly kill himself?

    Of course, though he didn''t know much about where he was, he knew enough to have planned his whole escape around it.

    He knew this entity before him could kill him and anything he''d ever met in a mere instant.

    The Reaper, for the first time, reacted and stopped humming as it chuckled and turned to face Caine.

    Its empty eye sockets lit up as a swirling golden flame appeared within them. Although Caine was still bowing, unable to meet its gaze, he suddenly broke into a cold sweat as his hairs stood on end and his heart began to slam violently against his chest, not from fear, but because his very existence felt threatened, like prey before a predator.

    Despite this, he tried his best to remain calm and collected. After all, after coming so far, he couldn''t allow himself to fail now.

    The Reaper''s eerie chuckle echoed and spread throughout the entire ocean they sailed upon as it then shook its head.

    "It''s rare to see mortals like you. Usually, I only hear about your kind during the Era meetings."

 Chapter 5 Information

    Caine was confused by the words, but he didn''t dare question the entity before him.The Reaper waved its hand, and a spectral force took hold of Caine''s body, forcefully straightening it so they now met eye to eye¡ªor rather, Caine looked up, as the Reaper was still much taller than him despite his own imposing frame.

    Their gazes clashed for a few moments before the Reaper chuckled and then turned back to look at the ocean it sailed upon.

    "Mortal, you have died and left the world of the living. Now, you stand in the realm that bridges life and death¡ªSamsara."

    Caine''s heartbeat involuntarily quickened as excitement faintly bubbled within him.

    Samsara was a place of endless myths and one of existence''s greatest mysteries, as even the weakest of mortals knew of this legendary place.

    "Well, technically, we''re in the Void Sea of Life and Death, leading toward Samsara, but whatever, it does not matter."

    "Samsara, as I implied, is a place of transition for the dead, but I''m sure you''re wondering what this means and what it has to do with you."

    The Reaper remained silent for a few seconds before continuing. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Usually, the cycle goes like this: You''re born, you live, you die, your soul comes to Samsara, and then one of us plucks your soul, purifies it, and shatters your memories before sending you back into the endless cycle of reincarnation as a new entity. In truth, it''s much more complex than that, but for now, this explanation will suffice."

    "Now, we get to the part about you." The Reaper turned again and, this time, squatted down to truly meet Caine eye to eye.

    "As you can see, you have a body, and even beyond that, your memories are intact. This means your very mind has resisted the cleansing of another Reaper, and thus, you''ve been labeled a Heaven Defier."

    "This, in itself, is both a curse and a blessing."

    From its squatting position, it sat down cross-legged and gestured for Caine to do the same as it summoned two cups of tea and began serving them.

    "It is a blessing because now, you''ve been granted a chance. A chance to fight other Heaven Defiers for both an opportunity for reincarnation and the granting of three wishes, regardless of magnitude."

    For the first time, Caine was shocked. This last part wasn''t included in any of his plans, nor did he know about its existence. But instead of saddening him, it only solidified his determination.

    To escape from the ''false world'' he''d been living in, he''d spent years slaving away and undergoing the world''s most atrocious forms of torture, even going as far as killing himself¡ªjust for a chance to reincarnate in the ''real world,'' the place where his master had come from.

    But now, not only did he have a chance to fight for this, but he could also compete for three wishes? Of any magnitude?

    ''Good...''

    The Reaper noticed the flame that had been lit within Caine''s eyes, but it didn''t mind.

    Caine was already an anomaly among anomalies. Though the Reaper hadn''t said it, it was a known fact that almost all Heaven Defiers were fallen gods. To be able to resist the cleansing power of a Reaper wasn''t just any regular feat.

    Mortals who managed to do such things were referred to as Irregulars, and in its entire life, the Reaper had only heard of a dozen of them.

    "But it is also a curse because if you fail the coming trials, your mind and soul will be separated. Your soul will be torn and twisted, transformed into a Reaper like me, while your mind will be sent to a place called {Hell}."

    Caine was taken aback by this revelation, both because he felt he''d learned a massive secret and also because that place, {Hell}, was...

    ''Master told me about this place... I can''t remember...''

    Caine groaned slightly in pain as he tried to remember the words his master had told him about Hell, but as he did so, his memories became foggy, and a soul-tearing headache assaulted his mind.

    The Reaper was patient as it sipped its tea and extended the other cup to Caine.

    After a while, Caine felt the pain lessen and exhaled a shaky breath.

    He looked at the cup, then looked at the Reaper in confusion. Receiving no answer, he nodded and took the cup, beginning to sip it.

    As soon as he did, he felt his mind freshen up and grow much, much stronger. It was akin to a gust of cold, refreshing air to a parched traveler stranded in an unforgiving desert, akin to the touch of comfort and warmth itself. Caine nearly passed out from the bliss.

    In fact, he felt his body grow stronger as he downed the cup.

    Slowly, he reopened his eyes and looked at the Reaper with twinkling eyes, both in gratitude and... greed.

    "It''s called Soul Tear Bovy," the Reaper chuckled, not bothered by such a gaze. "It''s made using something called Spiritual Quintessence, something that leaks out of a god''s soul when the flames of Hell burn and tear them apart."

    As soon as Caine heard these words, another headache assaulted his mind, this time much more violent.

    "Oops, it seems I''ve said too much."

    The Reaper waved its hand, and a wave of Soul Tear Bovy manifested from thin air. With a wave of its hand, it all entered Caine''s body through his pores.

    "It''s unfortunate we cannot talk much due to your mortality. Well, it''s a miracle you can even hear my voice without dying, but alas, I digress."

    The Reaper stood up and grabbed its scythe once more.

    "Now, Caine, do you accept your status as an Irregular Heaven Defier?"

    Its tone this time was regal and mighty, so powerful it made the waters around them ripple and the skies darken even more.

    Caine nodded, "Yes."

    "By accepting your title, you understand the consequences of failure and accept them?"

    "Yes, I do."

    Caine stood up as the Reaper nodded.

    The Reaper waved its hand, and a bundle of runes appeared atop its palm.

    "Very well, here you go."

 Chapter 6 Island

    The bundle of runes rapidly shot toward Caine''s head, fusing with it immediately. His mind was overwhelmed with information about what lay ahead and much more."This is the only gift I can give you, Caine. Don''t disappoint me, brat."

    As Caine passed out and fell from the boat and into the ocean, he couldn''t shake the feeling that this reaper seemed eerily similar to¡­

    "Good luck."

    ***

    A while later¡ªor perhaps only an instant¡ªCaine slowly opened his eyes.

    Lying on his back among bushes and vines, the first thing he saw were soft rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead, covering the sky.

    He sat up, looking around. He was in the middle of a massive jungle, with trees as tall as mountains and a fauna unlike anything he''d ever imagined.

    The soil was a dark emerald green, and the skies were tinted pink. The world around him was a mix of vivid, beautiful colors¡ªranging from ordinary Sakura trees to strange, esoteric ones with white leaves and light blue bark. Even in the many realms of his previous world, he had never seen anything like it.

    Despite his amazement, Caine didn''t linger. Thanks to the knowledge the reaper had bestowed upon him, he knew this forest was the first stage of the competition¡ªand perhaps the most dangerous.

    This event, called the Fate Defying Samsara Festival, was made up of many stages, designed to eliminate as many useless Defiers as possible.

    The first stage, where Caine now found himself, was called the Island of Possibility.

    It had two goals: the first was to grow stronger, and the second¡ªand most crucial¡ªwas to reach the island''s center. Only one person would pass from each island, which meant the Defiers had to kill each other to secure their spot¡ªa sort of preliminary round, so to speak.

    ''I need to start planning.''

    Caine immediately stood up and hurried to a tree, climbing it to gain a better vantage point and to protect himself from the dangers lurking on the ground.

    While most would think the obvious course was to rush to the island''s center, Caine knew that wasn''t the case.

    He was an irregular¡ªmost likely the only mortal among thousands of fallen gods.

    Caine wasn''t sure what it meant to be a god; in his world, it was just a title for the strong. But from the way the reaper had spoken, these gods must be terrifying beings.

    His goal was simple: use this round to level the playing field.

    ''To grow stronger, I need to kill other Defiers. But to do that, I need to lure them to me while stopping them from reaching the center. I''ll also have to do it in secret since they might be stronger than me¡­''

    From the knowledge the reaper had given him, Caine learned that his current form was called a True Soul Form. It wasn''t a real body¡ªnot in the way he, as a mortal, understood it.

    But that didn''t matter.

    In this form, by killing other Defiers, he could steal their soul strength, which would elevate the stage and grade of his True Soul Form.

    There were 13 grades and stages, each representing the quality and quantity of power gained, and each tier was harder to reach than the one before.

    Since Caine was a mortal, his True Soul Form was at the lowest grade and stage. But he had a plan¡ªand if it worked¡­

    RUSTLE!

    He finally reached the top of the gigantic tree and peered through its canopy, looking at the forest''s horizon with determination.

    ''Alright, let''s begin.''

    ***

    After Caine had set his trap, he noticed something that changed everything¡ªhe was alone.

    Why?

    Because he''d been the first to land on the island.

    ***

    A few days later, figures could be seen falling from the sky. Unlike Caine, they were conscious. Some even flew.

    As they rushed toward the island''s center, uninterested in killing each other to elevate their Soul Forms, a powerful gravitational force violently slammed into them, pulling them to the ground.

    BANG! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A young man hit the earth, dust rising as he groaned in annoyance.

    He had a bulky, sculpted physique, and wore airy white robes that complemented his long white hair and burning scarlet eyes.

    He was handsome¡ªextremely so¡ªbut his beauty was marred by an ugly frown as he scanned his surroundings.

    ''A sealing formation¡­''

    He looked at his hands, feeling his power muddled. But before he could complain, a dome of golden light enveloped the island, preventing anyone from escaping toward the endless ocean.

    Immediately after, the young man roared in anger. Trees within a 20-kilometer radius turned into golden chains made of runes.

    These chains dug into his body, transforming into tattoos that heavily restricted his power and gravely injured him.

    He vomited blood as he fell to one knee, his muscular body shrinking in real-time.

    His eyes were bloodshot, and golden blood seeped from his pores. His gaze was full of madness.

    "BASTARD! SHOW YOURSELF!"

    Despite his weakened state, the power in his voice shook the earth. But no answer came.

    Across the island, the same scene played out for every single Defier, without exception.

 Chapter 7 Genius

    Caine was born a cripple.While he was still in his mother''s womb, someone tore her qi roots and crippled her, nearly killing him and destroying all his potential.

    By the time he was born, she had already died, and by the time he was old enough to do any research, it was too late to learn who his mother was or what had happened to her and his people.

    This was how his life began.

    Despite this, and all the suffering he endured, he persevered.

    Even as a cripple, he forged his own path of cultivation and mastered all four arts, reaching a level where he could match any member of the High races.

    Nova found him, enslaved him, and trained him, but in the end, Caine freed himself and turned Nova into a pawn in his escape.

    He spent years under the First Sinner''s tutelage, and centuries fighting his way to the top, killing abominations, celestials, immortals, rulers, and demons alike.

    He was a man who defied and betrayed his entire world just for a chance at freedom.

    He was a mortal, but not just any mortal. Soon, the world would know why even the mightiest of titans had fallen to him.

    The First Blight.

    ***

    Caine stood calm and collected on a floating platform above the dome of golden light, coldly watching as the entities fell one by one.

    What he''d done was combine three art forms¡ªThe Arcane Arts, The Formation Arts, and The Sacred Arts of Feng Shui.

    Using Feng Shui, he turned the entire island into an energy source he could control. Then, using formations, he rewired the island''s natural structure, making it the perfect foundation for any area-of-effect arcane spell he wanted to cast.

    This had been endlessly easy for him. The only challenge was how weak his body was.

    Because his body was slow and weak, he wasted a lot of time running from one end of the island to the other. In fact, he nearly missed the deadline he''d set.

    It had been close, but despite his success, nothing could be perfect.

    Among the thousands of entities he''d trapped and sealed, one had somehow bypassed the restrictions of his spell.

    BANG! CRACK!

    A loud boom echoed as a small fissure appeared in the dome of golden light.

    Out of it soared a man, furious beyond belief, his mere presence shaking the sky.

    With long white hair, an imposing frame, and deep bloody red eyes, this man radiated power, despite the chains'' weakening effect.

    "LITTLE BASTARD!"

    Caine raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the man.

    ''How did he break the dome despite being so weakened?''

    He didn''t dwell on the thought. With a wave of his hand, the dome of light fully solidified. He dropped down from his platform and onto the dome.

    If they fought in the air, he''d be at a massive disadvantage.

    "Come down."

    The man saw red at Caine''s blatant disregard for his presence, taking it as an insult.

    Energy gathered at the soles of his feet, but as soon as it did, the chains tightened, and he coughed up blood, dropping from the sky as the pain became too much.

    Though the pain was severe, the humiliation was even worse. He stood back up, and a massive greatsword, resembling diamond, manifested in his hand. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Once again, he gathered energy at his feet and ignited it, boosting his speed as he shot toward Caine, violently swinging the sword.

    Caine shook his head at the sight.

    ''It seems they can''t tell how much weaker I am.''

    Challenging Caine in anything not rooted in cultivation was foolish. The man''s best bet would''ve been to endure the pain and fire as many energy beams at Caine as possible, hoping one of them would kill him.

    But now that he''d engaged in direct combat, he''d already lost.

    "[Flutter.]"

    Caine took a step forward, and for a brief moment, a ring flashed at his back. By the time it vanished, so had Caine, reappearing miles behind the white-haired man.

    The man came to a sudden stop, pure shock on his face as he slowly looked down at his chest.

    Disbelief wasn''t enough to describe what he felt as he stared at the gaping hole in his chest, dripping with warm golden blood.

    "You¡­ who¡­"

    He fell to a knee, his mind spiraling, the world around him growing cold as the chains tightened and more of his strength drained away.

    "Fascinating."

    Caine studied the man''s still-beating heart for a few seconds before crushing it, killing him.

    BOOM! WHOOSH!

    The man''s body exploded into white mist that rapidly flowed toward Caine, fusing with him.

    A cool surge of energy rushed through Caine, his strength soaring.

    ''I wonder¡­ is this what cultivation feels like?''

    The path of cultivation Caine had created didn''t enhance his body or soul. So, despite his years of experience, the feeling of ascension was foreign to him.

    All his path did was extend his lifespan. That was it.

    ''Anyway¡­''

    Shaking off the idle thoughts, he refocused.

    He brought his blood-covered hands together, and suddenly, horrified screams echoed from across the island.

    "[Shatter.]"

    RUMBLE!

    An ocean of white mist rose from the island as every Defier died in a single stroke, and Caine absorbed them all at once.

    BANG!

 Chapter 8 Unexpected

    Most Defiers never bothered to absorb and kill other Defiers, as it was seen as a low and crass action. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.They mostly came from divine and majestic backgrounds, so such things were unnecessary. In fact, though Caine didn''t know this, it was a known fact that most Defiers died knowing they would become Defiers and get the chance to reincarnate.

    Some of them even prepared for it by bringing strange artifacts that could follow them through death, and some were even repeaters, having already been granted the wishes in a past life yet still dying during their next.

    All in all, this system of growth and cultivation was mostly reserved for the Irregulars, but even then, none had ever done it like Caine.

    The white mist was not supposed to be absorbed in such quantities. Even a tenth of the mist heading toward Caine would have been enough to bring most to the twelfth stage and grade.

    But now, not only had he absorbed more than ten times what was needed to reach the theoretical peak of the Soul Form''s cultivation system, but he had done so by killing every other Defier on his island, something that had never been done, which granted him even more mist.

    BANG!

    Caine''s body glowed like a beautiful burning star as tendrils of silver energy manifested around him, wildly whipping about as the air shook and the skies darkened.

    Though the Soul Form took the shape of what seemed to be a physical body, it was still fundamentally rooted in one''s true soul and mind, so as his power soared and his strength ascended, his mind was seemingly freed of endless shackles.

    Caine could already be considered an absolute genius, but now...

    PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH!

    One after the other, he shattered the barriers between each stage and grade. In one moment, he was nothing but a mortal, and in the next, he became a mighty entity standing at the peak of the thirteenth stage of the thirteenth grade.

    And yet, barely half of the mist had been consumed.

    It continued to flow into his body and thicken it, seemingly surpassing the limitations of his Soul Form as his power continued to grow. Suddenly, a crown manifested atop his head.

    It was the same Samsara Crown he had used to get here, but right then, before his eyes, he saw it morph and change.

    From its magnificent golden hue, it turned to silver, and its nine amethyst jewels rapidly became thirteen jewels of black and white swirling currents.

    BANG!

    All the mist was absorbed into Caine as he stood in the skies, his eyes closed, basking in the euphoric feeling of pure and unbridled ascension.

    WHOOSH!

    The dome of light faded as he floated down, and his crown blinked out of existence.

    Slowly, he pulled himself away from the endless bliss and opened his eyes, seeing the world through a completely different lens.

    ''I see why those cultivators were always so obsessed and arrogant. Gaining such power routinely must truly be something¡­''

    His feet touched the earth below.

    ''I''ve now leveled the field in terms of raw power with most of these beings, but that doesn''t mean my struggle is over. If these entities truly are worthy of being called Gods, their knowledge must be expansive and deep.''

    ''So would their skill, senses, and expertise. Some may even have billions of years of experience. I need to stay on my toes at all times.''

    ''I cannot fail, not now.''

    With the new strength of his Soul Form, it took Caine barely a dozen seconds to reach the center of the island.

    It was a cleared plain of white grass, with a swirling portal of golden and blue currents at its center, emitting terrifying waves of power.

    Suddenly, a screen appeared before Caine.

    <Dear Defier, you have reached the Pool of Fate first and proven your worth. Step into the portal to enter the festival and begin your trials.>

    Caine didn''t waste any more time and jumped directly in, readying his mind for any challenge as he dropped into its depths.

    ***

    Upon a grand and expansive patch of purple soil in a landscape of golden and white clouds, multiple entities stood.

    They numbered in the hundreds of millions, each radiating an aura of absolute power and authority.

    They came in all shapes and sizes, from almost every race imaginable, the diversity of the crowd seemingly endless.

    Despite all this, they stood patiently and silently, all staring at a throne floating above them.

    Days passed, and they remained quiet, until eventually, an entity began to materialize.

    It was a Reaper, not unlike the one Caine had seen after killing himself. The only difference was that this Reaper was adorned with a majestic black crown fitted with three hundred glowing purple jewels.

    The empty eye sockets of the Reaper''s skull suddenly exploded into swirling infernos of white flame as a terrifying aura descended from the skies and slammed into the Defiers, forcing most of them to their knees.

    The Reaper''s gaze panned over the crowd, the pressure increasing severalfold before it suddenly vanished. It nodded to itself.

    "Good batch," the Reaper whispered as it lazily sat back on its throne and waved a hand before speaking again. "There are too many of you, sadly. Before you even think of passing our Samsara trials¡­"

    Suddenly, from the massive singular crowd of Defiers, three thousand and eight hundred smaller crowds formed, as energy barriers sprung from the ground and encaged each group.

    Despite this separation, each cage still held millions of Defiers.

    "¡­you must be culled. By cage, I only want ten of you. You have an hour. Any less than ten, you die. Any more than ten, you die."

    "Go."

 Chapter 9 Target

    Caine stood with his arms crossed, unbothered by the chaos that ensued after the reaper had uttered those words.It was as though the world itself had flipped on its head, as thousands of abilities were cast in an instant and thousands of transformations were unleashed.

    The skies filled with clashing figures and maelstroms of chaotic energies of all kinds.

    ''Bothersome,'' thought Caine as his gaze locked onto the horde of entities surrounding him, all targeting him, as within his cage, he seemed to still be the weakest.

    Or at least, they thought so.

    Caine shook his head and gathered some of the white mist that flowed through his body, forming a beautiful yet simple spear in his hand.

    His aura towered, and he vanished.

    ''I suppose this will be a good way to familiarize myself with my power.''

    He reappeared among the crowd of enemies pouncing on him, his spear so fast that the shadows of his past and present movements overlapped to form a deific fresque.

    A swing would reap a thousand lives, a sidestep would dodge a hundred blows, and a cleave would end a million lives.

    The world was his canvas, his spear was his brush, and the blood of the Defiers was his paint as he began to paint a picture of indifferent supremacy.

    Among the many arts Caine had mastered, martial arts were one of the most fundamental ones, specifically weapon arts.

    He''d mastered every single weapon imaginable to its highest level, before boiling and distilling all his insights into one singular path.

    One singular spear.

    SHAH!

    A blinding silver light enveloped Caine as the world around him seemed to slow to a crawl, and enlightenment after enlightenment hit him in waves.

    While it was true that as a mortal, he had mastered all arts to such a degree that he could match cultivators, at the end of the day, he was still nothing but a mortal, unable to fully capitalize on his skill.

    Both because his body had been too weak and because his mind had been too slow to execute all he had mastered.

    But now¡­now that his soul form was comparable to that of a god''s, his true talent bloomed along with years of blood and sweat.

    It all exploded forth at once.

    WHOOOOSH!

    An echoing bubble of silver flames burst from his body, incinerating everything in its path as nine resplendent rings manifested at his back and his silver crown reappeared.

    The light Caine emitted was so bright that for a moment, all battles across Samsara paused and all gazes locked onto his divine figure.

    The reaper, still sitting on his throne, looked at Caine with narrowed eyes.

    ''An Irregular Defier with nine [?] rings¡­and an innate crown¡­'' he shook his head. ''What the hell could those human emperors be planning¡­'' S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ***

    After Caine''s enlightenment came to an end, his crown faded once more, as did his rings. He floated down, and his silver flames vanished.

    He reopened his eyes and, instead of being in a daze, dove back into the heat of battle, uncaring of the fearful gazes he was receiving.

    In less than ten minutes, he had cleared and killed all he could, standing in a pool of endless blood as nine other naked, traumatized figures lay at his feet, shaking in fear as they bowed and begged for mercy.

    "PLEASE! SPARE US! WE''LL DO ANY¡ª"

    Caine clicked his teeth in annoyance and ignored them, looking into the distance toward the other battlefields.

    He wanted¡ªno, needed¡ªmore battle. But unfortunately, he couldn''t kill the remaining nine or else he would die. Even if he could, they still wouldn''t be able to satiate the deeply rooted desire he felt.

    It wasn''t that he had suddenly become a bloodthirsty idiot, but rather that he needed battle to test something, something deeply linked to the path of cultivation he had created.

    ''I see, my mind has become fundamentally more powerful. In fact, I could go so far as to say it exists on a plane that supersedes my previous one¡ªa transcended plane of thought, or perhaps a godly one. So by default, since I''m viewing all my past knowledge from a higher vantage point, I can see all its flaws and possible evolutions.''

    ''I can see all the links between my mastered arts and, from those arts, deduce and create many more. It''s all fusing to become one perfect whole, greater than the sum of its parts¡ªgreater than anything I previously thought possible.''

    Immediately, he sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes, falling into a deep state of meditation.

    ''Thirty minutes is all I need to bring all my knowledge to that plane.''

    ****

    Just like that, an hour passed.

    All battlefields were left with exactly ten Defiers each, all surrounded by countless bodies and rivers of blood.

    Of the hundreds of millions of Defiers, only thirty-eight thousand remained, perfectly divided into three thousand eight hundred teams of ten. To say these were the best of the best would be an understatement.

    Due to the incredible number of dead Defiers, the world was filled with white mist, but for some reason, none seemed to pay attention to it or absorb it, except for a single person.

    Suddenly, as the reaper stood up to speak, all the white mist vanished at once.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes.

    "Congratulations, you''ve survived the culling, as we call it. I, the Reaper of Redemption, now officially grant you the Sacred Title of Samsara Defiers."

    The air shook as the reaper''s crown shone with a resplendent light that washed over all the Defiers.

    "With this, we can officially begin the Fate Defying Samsara Festival."

    "As you''ve seen, you''ve all been divided into teams of ten. Before I continue, choose a Fate Defier, or in other words, a leader."

    It didn''t take more than a minute for all the Fate Defiers to be chosen.

    "There will be three trials: The Trial of Thriam, The Trial of False Limerence, and finally, The Trial of Reflection."

    "These trials will be successive and, together, form a race. Beyond passing these trials, you must also complete them quickly so that other teams don''t finish before you."

    "If a team clears all the trials before you, all hope is not lost, as they will then have to race to the throne. The race to the throne is exactly what it sounds like¡ªa race. But it is the most deadly part of this festival for obvious reasons."

 Chapter 10 Trials

    "Now, once the trials begin, what you do with one another doesn''t concern us. Whether you kill or cooperate¡ªwe don''t care. The teams were enforced merely to heighten your odds of survival."A vicious wave of killing intent erupted from most groups as their fragile team cohesion instantly dissolved. The reaper shook his head, unable to fathom their stupidity.

    If they, as reapers, had deemed the trials so dangerous they required at least ten Defiers per team, there was a reason.

    But this was expected. The strong were often blinded by arrogance.

    "Good luck."

    The reaper waved its hand, summoning portals before each group.

    Without hesitation, they all marched through, and the race for the throne commenced.

    ***

    Ten figures stood on a gigantic flying eagle soaring through a harsh desert, consumed by relentless sandstorms.

    Their auras were terrifying, yet impeccably refined, as they wore ancient white tunics that covered their entire forms, revealing only their eyes.

    At the helm, a crouching figure with glowing silver eyes stood: Caine.

    "How close is it, boss?" asked one of the figures standing behind him.

    Caine sighed, rising to his feet as he gazed back at the men and women he''d fought beside for the past eleven years.

    "It''s right below us. The desert itself was the gate."

    The first trial, known as the Trial of Thriam, was a peculiar one.

    Upon entering the portal, Caine and his group were thrown into a world where every living creature relentlessly hunted them.

    Their objective was simple: find the portal to the second trial.

    And, of course, survive the constant onslaught from the world''s inhabitants.

    For years, they traversed cities, continents, and ruins, seeking clues to lead them to the gate.

    Initially, they made significant progress, but it gradually slowed until, in the last year, they uncovered only one clue.

    It was only now, after eleven years, that Caine finally understood.

    "When we first arrived, I was both shocked and intrigued. A world made entirely of sand is strange, isn''t it?"

    His head turned from the shocked, frozen team member to the vast stretches of sand below.

    "The flow of energy was broken, twisted¡ªopposing the natural world nodes. And the creatures...they seemed connected. As if fragments of one entity had been shattered then scattered over the land and incarnated within them."

    "That''s because they were. This isn''t a world; it''s a beast¡ªso vast and complex it mirrors a real world."

    At this, none of his team could hold back any longer. One of them spoke out.

    "What? So... what do you mean by ''the gate is below us''? Are we supposed to kill that...entity?"

    Caine looked back, his expression confused.

    "Kill it? It''s already dead. Didn''t I say the gate was beneath us?"

    "But you said¡ª"

    "The entity became the gate."

    Without hesitation, Caine stepped off the flying eagle, a faint smile crossing his lips as his robes fluttered violently in the wind, his speed accelerating rapidly.

    Just as his body seemed ready to splatter against the sands below, a radiant silver glow burst from his form, full of authority and life. Above his head, nine overlapping spell circles appeared.

    [Open.] Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The desert parted.

    ***

    Caine landed softly on a vast, metallic surface.

    The sandy skies warped, transforming into an infinite stretch of pitch-black darkness.

    BANG!

    His nine teammates landed harshly behind him moments later.

    "You could''ve given us a heads up instead of playing mysterious, old man," said one of the women, dusting off her robes.

    "I wasn''t sure yet."

    "What do you mean, you weren''t sure? You jumped without knowing?! What kind of psycho¡ª"

    Already accustomed to this, Caine tuned out Sabrina''s nagging as his subordinates shook their heads, slight smiles on their faces.

    Over the years, they had come to understand their captain well.

    Eccentric? Definitely. Apathetic most of the time, needlessly arrogant, cunning beyond belief, incredibly analytical, and strangely...caring. Though it often came in the form of tough love, love was still love.

    Many of them had expected him to kill them when the trials began, but Caine had done the opposite. Instead, he fostered their bond.

    After ten years, some could even call them a family.

    "You and your antics."

    Caine began walking, examining his surroundings. As soon as he did, Sabrina''s nagging stopped, and the others focused.

    Aside from the metallic floor and black sky, there was nothing¡ªjust an endless stretch of infinity.

    As Caine''s footsteps echoed, he suddenly stopped, frowning.

    ''After a searching quest, a maze. As expected.''

    He crouched, running his hand over the metal floor, his gaze sharpening as a wave of silver mist engulfed the ground, revealing an intricate web of runes etched deeply into it.

    His fingers traced the runes as a flood of thoughts raced through his mind.

    ''A maze, yes¡ªbut a deadly one.''

    These runes weren''t just symbols. Together, they formed an endlessly complex tapestry.

    At once, they were a spell, a set of rules, conditions, and a formation. This level of craftsmanship was rare. Though it fell short of his expertise, to be this close to his level was nothing to scoff at.

 Chapter 11 Trials(II)

    ''If I recall correctly, this trial is known as The Road of Limerence.''''Limerence usually refers to obsessive love and delusional infatuation. So, this road likely leads us into that mental state.''

    ''In a different context, this trial could be about overcoming those obsessions and delusions¡ªor perhaps embracing them.''

    ''Hm. I''m sure this trial tests the mind, but it must be more intricate.''

    Caine finished analyzing the fundamental runes etched into the formation beneath him. The rules and conditions of the trial now neatly arranged in his mind, he nodded in understanding.

    It was just as he had predicted.

    "This trial delves into the mind''s complexities. Once I inject qi into the formation, we''ll be pulled into a mental-scape, where each of us will face our deepest obsessions individually."

    "But this trial is a double-edged sword. Remember, our obsessions and mental resilience are what allowed us to survive the Reapers'' cleansing in the first place. If you release too much of that, you might die, even if you pass the trial itself."

    "However, if you let go of too little, you''ll be trapped in this mental nightmare forever¡ªfailing the trial as well."

    They all frowned.

    "What do you mean by ''letting go''?"

    Caine stood up, turning to face his team. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I mean exactly that¡ªletting go of part, or perhaps all, of your obsession. Alternatively, you could take it to an even greater extreme, but that comes with its own dangers."

    "As spiritual beings without physical bodies, our minds shape our forms. Push your obsession too far, and it could consume you, turning you into an abomination."

    "In short, there''s no easy escape. But I trust all of you will make it out¡ªalive and sane."

    Without waiting for their response, he crouched down again, injecting a surge of qi into the formation. It activated instantly.

    As they all collapsed, their minds pulled into the mental-scape where their trials awaited, Caine smiled. His crown flickered atop his head, and with a low shout, he cast a spell that rewrote the formation''s structure.

    BOOOOM!

    A wave of silver energy engulfed the endless expanse, distorting and rippling the fabric of space like a disturbed lake.

    Of course, Caine knew he couldn''t take this trial. If he did, he''d either be trapped forever or turn into an abomination. Despite what his teammates thought, he was keenly aware of his flaws. His obsessions ran deep, and for this trial, they would be his undoing.

    Though he didn''t view his obsessions as weaknesses, they were his Achilles'' heel in this context.

    So, just as the trial began, Caine cast a spell that concealed his presence from the formation''s receptors while simultaneously disrupting its mechanism, converting it from a single-path system to a parallel one.

    In other words, he forced the trial to split.

    While his teammates endured the second trial, he would confront the third. By the time they woke, they would already be miles ahead of any other group.

    It was cheating, but Caine knew the Reapers wouldn''t care. They likely expected such tactics from irregulars.

    ''Let''s see...''

    The silver fog dissipated, revealing a grand, empty hall illuminated by a small, floating white star.

    Behind him, his teammates lay unconscious, while ahead, a figure began to form.

    WHOOSH!

    The figure solidified.

    A tall, skeletal being, its body composed entirely of bones, stood before him. A black skull adorned with golden runes, it was unmistakably a Reaper.

    Emerald flames flickered in its hollow eye sockets as a scythe of purple fire manifested in its right hand, and an hourglass appeared in its left.

    Draped in a pitch-black robe, the Reaper exuded both eerie and majestic power as it locked eyes with Caine, who had already conjured a spear of white mist.

    "An Irregular. I see." The Reaper''s voice was a cacophony of a thousand screams, fused into one demonic echo.

    "The third trial, the Trial of Reflection, is me. A Reaper. To pass, you must kill me. But since you''ve broken the rules¡­"

    A golden crown of fire suddenly ignited atop the Reaper''s skull.

    "¡­I''ve been granted more power."

    The hourglass in its left hand shattered into a swarm of runes that quickly merged with its bones, amplifying its strength until its mere presence made the air tremble.

    Caine imperceptibly nodded, his expression turning cold. He slowly removed his upper tunic, revealing a tight, black shirt that hugged his toned, muscular physique.

    He tossed his tunic into the air. The Reaper''s gaze followed it, only to widen as¡ª

    BOOM!

    The tunic exploded into a swarm of runes, mirroring the ones from the hourglass. The runes interlocked, forming dozens of colorful spell circles that instantly vanished.

    The Reaper roared and took a step forward, but as it did, a spell circle appeared above its head, freezing it in place.

    [Freeze.]

    The Reaper''s shock was palpable as Caine appeared before it, his spear viciously cutting down toward its chest, leaving a trail of starry silver energy in its wake.

    In the last ten years, beyond searching for clues, Caine had devoted himself to rigorous training. One area he had focused on intensely was mastering qi, the energy cultivators used to ascend and evolve.

    At the start of the first trial, he had barely been a novice in qi manipulation. But now...

 Chapter 12 Trials(III)

    Qi surged through Caine''s body, his muscles swelling as his speed reached an otherworldly level. His blade tore through the reaper''s skeletal chest with ease, like a hot knife slicing through butter. Chaotic qi trailed from his weapon, seeping into the reaper''s bones and corrupting them from within, reducing its structure to dust."Enough!" the reaper shrieked, its voice like the grinding of stone. It swung its scythe violently, summoning a surge of amethyst flames that crackled and hissed through the air, heating the battlefield.

    Caine glided back with effortless grace, his feet barely touching the ground as though he skated across ice. He spun, then launched forward again, dodging a downward strike from the reaper''s scythe. Immediately, he countered with a precise upward slice, his blade moving like a silver streak.

    CLANK!

    Scythe met spear in a resounding clash, but Caine didn''t hesitate. Using the built-up momentum from the clash, he spun once more, executing a lateral slash. This strike was infused with imploding qi, fueling the blade with deadly energy.

    The reaper, still disoriented by the speed of the attack, barely managed to raise its scythe pole in time to block. The force of Caine''s blow reverberated through the reaper''s entire skeletal frame, sending shockwaves that rattled its bones. For a brief moment, the reaper''s stance faltered, its gait shattered.

    This opening was all Caine needed. With a swift step, a spell circle flickered into existence behind him, and in a flash, he teleported to the reaper''s left side. His blade descended, time rippling around its path, splitting into three illusory trajectories.

    From these three paths, more blades emerged, multiplying until the reaper''s vision was filled with shimmering, silver qi-covered blades descending upon it. Confused and unable to discern which was real, the reaper assumed they were all distractions. It swung its scythe directly at Caine''s neck, aiming to cut him down¡ªonly to discover, too late¡­

    BANG!

    ¡­they were all real.

    The reaper''s arm shattered under the weight of the strikes. Bones splintered and cracked as the force drove the reaper down to one knee. Its fiery eyes dimmed, the flames within them flickering weakly.

    As the reaper knelt there, its body ravaged, time itself seemed to slow. A seed of burning rage bloomed within its chest, anger swelling as it realized the absurdity of the situation.

    Had it, the overseer of gods and immortals, truly been brought low by a mere Defier? And not just any Defier, but an Irregular one at that? The reaper''s pride recoiled in fury.

    It couldn''t accept this.

    ''Two can play at this game¡­''

    Suddenly, Caine froze mid-attack. His instincts screamed at him, an overwhelming sense of danger prickling his skin. His heart raced, and his eyes widened as he realized the reaper had vanished from sight.

    Before Caine could fully assess the situation, his instincts screamed once more. His body twisted reflexively, his spear swinging in a wide arc toward whatever might be behind him.

    CLANK!

    The reaper''s hand collided with Caine''s spear, its voice rasping mockingly, "Such sharp instincts¡­ nearing the realm of spiritual senses¡­"

    Before Caine could react further, his vision blurred for a fleeting moment. When his surroundings snapped back into focus, a sharp pain flared in his chest. Blood poured from the wound, soaking his clothes. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Shocked, Caine stumbled backward, struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

    Had the reaper¡­manipulated time? And space? How was this possible¡ª

    Before he could finish his thought, his vision blurred once again. A second searing gash tore across his chest, causing him to grunt in pain.

    ''I didn''t think my weaknesses would catch up to me so soon¡­''

    Caine had been born crippled, denied the natural ability to cultivate. He lacked what others around him had been granted by birthright. Three things: affinity, innate gifts, and talents.

    Affinity allowed one to attune to the elements of existence, enabling them to manipulate those elements with ease. It was this ability that made it possible for others to perform feats of spellcasting that Caine had to painstakingly study.

    In fact, if they had Caine''s depth of arcane knowledge combined with their natural affinity, they would be unstoppable. But Caine had no such luxury.

    The second, innate gifts, bestowed individuals with mysterious powers that ranged from something as grand as immortality to something as simple as heightened physical attributes. These gifts were ranked according to a detailed ladder, but one needed a minimal affinity with qi and energy to awaken them. Caine, being born utterly crippled, had never awakened his own innate gift or affinity. It was a crippling handicap, for these gifts and affinities were often the pillars upon which personal strength was built.

    Then there were talents, the most complex of the three. Talents could be broken down into five pillars: the Soul Pillar, the Bodily Pillar, the Racial Pillar, the Lineage Pillar, and the Qi or Essence Pillar. Together, these pillars, combined with other factors, formed a person''s Innate Circle, the source of their personal power. Talents ranged from the Mortal to the Immeasurable grade, each representing a different level of natural ability.

    A child born with a Bodily Pillar like "Fire God''s Body," for instance, could possess an immense innate strength. Even at the peak of Mortal grade, such a child would be innately stronger than anyone without a similar talent, capable of contending with full-fledged cultivators without needing to cultivate themselves. The Fire God''s Body would grant them abilities related to fire, a natural affinity for it, and even immunity to its destructive properties.

    Some children born with Peak Immeasurable Innate Circles were said to have the power to slaughter gods with their cries at birth. They were monsters among monsters.

    And yet, Caine had been stripped of all these advantages. Now, facing the reaper, all his weaknesses were laid bare. The reaper exploited his lack of natural gifts and talents, twisting time and space with its affinity to trap him in an unwinnable battle. The reaper''s strikes were precise and unrelenting, pushing Caine deeper into a corner with every blow.

    Caine grimaced in pain as his vision blurred once again. The reaper''s manipulation of time was overwhelming, and the abyss it had plunged him into seemed impossible to escape. Yet, despite the agony, despite his glaring weaknesses, Caine wasn''t ready to give up.

    He had known his shortcomings all his life. He had spent years studying the intricate workings of the Innate Circle, analysing how the elements of affinity, gifts, and talents worked in unison. He had dissected every part of it, searching for a way to overcome the disadvantages he had been born with.

    Back in the Three Realms, he had forged his own path, and now, even in the face of an impossible battle, he would not give in.

    He had found a solution, a way to bridge the gap between himself and those who had been born with power.

    BANG!

    Caine drove his spear into the ground, releasing a shockwave of energy that rippled across the battlefield. His breath steadied, his mind sharpened. Though his body was battered and bleeding, his will was unshaken.

    This battle was far from over.

 Chapter 13 Art

    [The First God sang until the Heavens bowed, and the throne of creation was his! The Second God painted the majesty of his divinity into existence! The Third God wrote his otherworldliness onto the very fabric of reality!][Art is God, and God is Art!]

    These words formed the foundation of the cultivation path that Caine had painstakingly forged.

    Art, when taken to its most extreme expression, would lead one to godhood.

    "[Open]," Caine whispered, his voice a command that echoed beyond mere sound.

    His back straightened, and his presence radiated a glow that left the world around him in shame. In that moment, he was like a lone star standing against the vast expanse of an endless, unyielding darkness. His mere existence seemed to hold the balance of the universe within it.

    WHOOOSH!

    Behind him, nine concentric circles manifested, each etched with ancient runes of power. They radiated with a force that would have driven lesser beings to madness. Each of the nine circles represented an art of creation, the fundamental forces that shaped existence.

    The Arcane, the Martial, the God, the Primal, the Primeval, the Sacred, the Primordial, the Archaic, and the Artisan Arts¡ªall mastered to an unfathomable degree, each one perfected.

    Caine stood on the cusp of Godhood, having reached the pinnacle long ago. Yet, there was something that continued to hold him back, some unseen barrier preventing his final ascension. Nevertheless, with his recent breakthrough during the culling, the manifested circles had reached an entirely new level of mastery and power.

    Many believed such a path, one forged solely from the arts, was mere myth, a legend born of wishful thinking. And yet, here Caine stood, proof of the impossible, years after creating this very path, now facing the Reapers of Life and Death themselves.

    The Reaper, who had been grinning malevolently just moments earlier, suddenly froze. Its expression shifted to one of shock, perhaps even fear, or maybe both.

    "D... Dominion... wh¡ª" the Reaper stammered, its words faltering in disbelief.

    Caine''s eyes slowly closed, his face serene as he exhaled softly. His hands moved through the air, commanding it with the grace of a maestro conducting an orchestra. The Qi that flowed naturally through the world began to shift, tainted by a silver light that took hold of it. The energy twisted and coiled around his will, condensing rapidly into a complex web of interlinked runes.

    The world around him blurred, fading into an expanse of white. Before him, an infinite array of runes and formations appeared, etched into reality itself. The sheer complexity of the design was staggering, something that would have driven any mortal mind to instant insanity.

    Before elevating his soul and enhancing his rings, Caine would never have been capable of such a feat. But now¡­

    [Blight Spell: Warped Suicide].

    ***

    With a gentle TOH!, Caine''s feet touched the floor of the hall. His rings faded away as he exhaled, a slight breath of exhaustion escaping his lips. Though he still had several trump cards left unused, not to mention his innate crown, using his rings always took a heavy toll on him. When he eventually reincarnated, those rings would become costless, but for now, they remained taxing on his body and soul.

    "A body that isn''t crippled... and my rings," Caine mused. "I could only dream of it."

    His gaze drifted forward to the figure of the Reaper before him. It was kneeling, prostrated in utter defeat. The once-fiery glow in its eye sockets had vanished, and the ethereal runes that had decorated its form were now dimmed and lifeless. The Reaper was dead.

    Slowly, the Reaper''s body began to disintegrate, crumbling into black ash that swiftly transformed into a purple mist. The mist shot toward Caine with a speed that caught him off guard. He barely had time to raise his hands before it sank into his body.

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion of power rang out within him. A torrent of strength surged through his veins as purple, white, and green runes snaked along his skin, infusing him with even more power. His body began to morph and shift, his muscles bulging violently before compressing into a compact, tempered form.

    Caine''s mind expanded wildly, reaching a level of cognition that exceeded anything he had thought possible. Billions, perhaps trillions, of neural connections and deductions fired within his consciousness in a mere instant. His rings, already powerful, shattered¡ªonly to reform into something far greater, better, and more grand than before.

    His hair, now a sleek wave of pure darkness, flowed behind him. His eyes had transformed into swirling infernos of silver flame, giving him an aura that far surpassed any divine entity.

    WHOOOOSH!

    A gust of silvery Qi engulfed the hall as Caine exhaled once more. His transformation complete, his mind calmed.

    "Such an evolution... from killing a single lowly Reaper? One so insignificant that it was used as a trial dummy?" Caine''s thoughts raced. "I can only imagine how much I''d gain from killing a Reaper like the one on that throne¡­"

    He quickly shook his head, quelling the dangerous thoughts before they could take root. That path would surely lead to disaster.

    Turning, Caine''s ears picked up the groans of his teammates as they began to stir from unconsciousness. A portal materialized to his side, glowing faintly.

    "The last stretch," Caine muttered.

    ***

    In a space filled with swirling purple and white clouds, a throne stood, its occupant a Reaper adorned in regalia of death. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "This mortal, he''s quite strange, isn''t he?" The Reaper mused, stroking its chin with long, bony fingers. "He carries the scent of Her Majesty, and yet... he bears no title of nobility."

    It paused, thinking for a moment. "Hm, I suppose that''s something worthy of reporting."

    With a wave of its hand, the Reaper summoned a large, ancient black grimoire. Opening it, a shimmering screen appeared before it.

    ***

    Name: Caine [?] [?]

    Age: [?]

    Affiliation:[?]

    Potential:[?]

    Descendance:[????]

    Note: Do not interact with the subject. This case has been taken over by the Yama Lords. Any interference will result in immediate death.

    ***

    The Reaper''s body went rigid as its eyes fell upon the word ''Yama''. Pure, unadulterated fear seized it.

    It quickly shook its head and sighed. "Of all Irregulars, I had to get involved with one connected to the Yamas¡­"

    "What wretched luck."

    With a flick of its wrist, the Reaper''s crown flickered and disappeared.

    ***

    The Fate-Defying Samsara Festival had always been divided into three trials since its first iteration. Traditionally, the Reapers expected the trials to take a hundred thousand years to complete, with the final race to the throne taking about a decade.

    But this festival was unlike any other.

    Not only had two teams completed the trials in less than a hundred years, but they had finished at the exact same time. Yet this was only the first of many anomalies.

    One team was led by an Irregular, composed entirely of fallen gods. The other, by a fallen god, with all its members being Irregulars.

    In the end, none of it mattered. The Irregular Fate Defier of the fallen god''s team utterly crushed the opposing team, allowing them a calm, uneventful stroll toward the throne.

    Never before had the festival seen such a dominant and controlled victory. It was terrifying, methodical, and precise¡ªalmost as if... planned.

 Chapter 14 Wishes

    Caine stood in the center of an awe-inspiring, grand hall forged from gleaming purple-gold. Every detail of the room, from the towering pillars to the intricately designed floor, radiated an otherworldly majesty.At the far end, a gigantic throne loomed before him, as colossal as a mountain, its sheer size dwarfing even the tallest structures he had ever seen. His teammates, visibly tense, stood behind him, their breaths held in anticipation.

    PAH!

    Suddenly, an overwhelming gust of Qi rushed through the hall, forcing them all off their feet. The air shimmered with an electric intensity as thin filaments of energy began to materialize, interweaving in an intricate dance to form a figure seated upon the grand throne. The entity took shape slowly, as if sculpted by the cosmos itself.

    Long, white hair cascaded down its back like a river of flowing silk. The figure''s naked body was a perfect blend of strength and grace, every muscle exquisitely sculpted and adorned with glowing runic tattoos that pulsed with ancient power. Its eyes¡ªscarlet pupils that seemed to pierce through reality¡ªradiated both wisdom and an unimaginable, terrifying strength.

    This androgynous being was the very embodiment of perfection, an entity that seemed to transcend any mortal understanding of beauty or power.

    Its aura was overwhelming, endlessly potent, yet strangely gentle. It did not crush them with its sheer might; instead, its presence seeped into their minds like a whisper from the heavens. They felt a natural compulsion to bow before it, as if in the presence of a true god. The reverence it commanded was automatic, primal, and all-encompassing.

    Caine, who had unconsciously been drawn into this web of awe, quickly shook himself free from the trance. He stood up, dusting off his robes before waving his hand to wake his teammates. One by one, they recovered from their daze, regaining composure, but the impression left by the entity was indelible.

    "Well done," the figure said, its voice ringing with a heavenly melody that reverberated within their very souls. "It has been a long time since a full team has reached my throne. Usually, one of you perishes along the way."

    The divine tone of the being sent shivers down Caine''s spine. He could feel his soul tremble once more, instinctively filling with awe. He frowned to himself, thinking, ''So this is the nature of a true divine being... And I doubt this is even its real form. How terrifying.''

    The figure smiled, as if sensing Caine''s thoughts. "I am Augustine, a noble Yama Heir, sent down to these lower realms of Samsara to guide those who prove worthy of redemption."

    Caine made a mental note of this crucial information but wisely kept silent, waiting for Augustine to continue.

    "As you may or may not know," Augustine went on, "if a team reaches my throne with none having died, the circumstances change."

    Caine and his teammates tensed at this. A flicker of disappointment threatened to bloom in their minds, but before any negative emotions could take root, Augustine spoke again, his smile deepening.

    "The Fate Defier of the team will still be granted three wishes, but¡­" Augustine paused, amused by the reactions he sensed. "¡­each of the Defiers in the team will also be granted one wish."

    Their eyes widened in surprise.

    Caine, who had been prepared to sacrifice his own wishes to ensure the success of his plan, felt a wave of unexpected relief wash over him.

    For a brief moment during their journey, he had even considered killing his teammates, unwilling to let them jeopardize the intricate strategy he had woven for the future. But now, everything was falling into place perfectly.

    Augustine, clearly entertained by their reactions, rested his chin on his closed fist and waved a casual hand. "Go ahead. I''ll give you a few minutes to discuss among yourselves."

    Immediately, the group huddled together, their excitement bubbling over. They spoke in hushed but eager tones, deliberating over what their wishes would be. They already knew that Caine had his own plans in mind, so they didn''t bother consulting him.

    However, a realization quickly struck them: while each of them had only one wish, there were nine of them in total. If one of them wished for something that could apply to all, wouldn''t that maximize their collective gain?

    Caine chuckled as he observed their animated discussion. He could feel the excitement building among them, and in truth, he had anticipated this outcome.

    He had prepared for it over the years, filling their minds with countless suggestions for potential wishes, but now the moment had come for them to make the final decision.

    Looking toward Augustine, Caine''s curiosity got the better of him. "Sir Augustine," he called, his voice unusually casual, "mind if I ask you a question?"

    The informal tone seemed to catch Augustine slightly off guard. His brows lifted, but he smiled nonetheless, gesturing for Caine to continue. "Go ahead, Caine."

    "What did you do to get thrown down here? And more importantly, who did you offend, and whose pawn are you?"

    A ripple of silence followed Caine''s words. Most would have been shocked, perhaps even enraged by such an audacious question. But Augustine remained unmoved, showing no more reaction than when Caine had addressed him informally moments before. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Instead, Augustine hummed softly, stroking his chin as if in deep thought. "Quite perceptive, aren''t you?" he remarked. "I''ll answer, but first, tell me what led you to such a conclusion."

    Caine smiled and sat down cross-legged, relaxing as if they were old friends. "You''re young and inexperienced. I''d bet anything on that. You''re surely much older than me in terms of years, but I''d wager you''re little more than a toddler in whatever supreme race you come from, no?"

    Augustine raised a brow, intrigued.

    "This matters," Caine continued, "because entities with true experience hate those like me. The powerful loathe uncontrolled chaos, and I embody it. You, on the other hand, don''t seem to harbor any ill will toward me, which is a clear sign of your youth."

    "Still not enough," Augustine remarked, though his eyes glimmered with interest.

    "You''re right," Caine admitted, "for most, that wouldn''t be enough to draw conclusions. But for me, it is."

    He slicked his hair back, exuding an air of analytical clarity. "From there, it''s quite easy to connect the dots. The fact that Reapers are born from fallen gods and Defiers implies that there''s a higher authority that transcends them. Otherwise, it''d be a paradox, especially since Reapers are clearly artificial, not born naturally."

    "You saying you''ve come down here confirms this, and the fact that you''re a Yama and not a Reaper solidifies it."

    Caine paused, watching as Augustine''s interest deepened.

    "Now, if we link back to my earlier remark about you being young, the picture becomes clearer. It''s a simple story, really. A young noble within a higher world is sent down here as punishment for, let''s say, having too much ambition. But that raises another question¡ªwhy couldn''t you buy your way out of it? After all, that''s the hallmark of nobility, right? So, why are you the exception?"

    Caine leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "That implies one of two things¡ªor perhaps both. Either there''s a centralized force that balances even you Yama nobles, and they enforced your punishment. Or¡­ you wanted to come down here. To do something out of sight."

    A smile crossed Caine''s face. "Now I''ve found the painted picture, I''ve found the painter, and I just need to identify the buyer."

    "The rest is simple," Caine concluded, locking eyes with Augustine. "You''re a traitor, aren''t you?"

    Augustine froze, his perfect composure cracking for the briefest of moments.

    "A traitor turned double agent," Caine continued. "You play for both sides, enslaved by one and protected by the other. Two entities using you as their tool in a delicate game of power."

    Caine chuckled. "And what''s most amusing is that this means there''s likely an even higher power above them, regulating the whole thing."

    He sighed, leaning back as if it were all just a casual street echo. "Politics, truly, are fun."

 Chapter 15 Wishes(II)

    Though Caine often wore the mask of apathy, there were a few things that sparked a deep, unrestrained joy within him.One of those was what he had just done¡ªtearing others apart with nothing but his words.

    Since his youth, he had been weak, forced to work twice as hard for half the reward. It had twisted something inside him, molding him into a man who derived immense pleasure from toying with and shattering the egos of powerful figures.

    But Caine wasn''t evil by nature; he was simply... pragmatic. His sharp tongue had gotten him into more life-or-death situations than anything else.

    However, his actions were always calculated. He wouldn''t jeopardize his grand plans for the fleeting joy of angering a higher entity like Augustine. No, Caine always had a goal, and in this conversation, he''d achieved exactly what he wanted.

    Augustine leaned back in his throne, staring deeply at Caine, his gaze unreadable. A faint pressure began to build in the air, as if the heavens themselves were drawing nearer to the mortal plane. But soon, that pressure vanished with a sigh, and Augustine shook his head. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Time is up, dear Defiers," Augustine said softly, his voice carrying an air of finality. "As for your question, the answer lies within your own deductions."

    Caine merely shook his head, a faint, bitter smile playing on his lips. ''As expected.'' He didn''t mind, though¡ªhe had already gotten what he wanted from the exchange.

    His teammates, now standing by his side, shifted their focus back to Augustine. Their gazes held a mixture of excitement and reverence as they awaited the next phase of this monumental encounter.

    "What are your wishes?" Augustine asked, his voice calm and composed.

    ---

    Far from the grand hall, in the boundless Void Sea of Life and Death, Augustine soared through the dark skies, his mind racing with a billion thoughts. His calm demeanor betrayed none of the turmoil within.

    Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a sharp, mental message.

    [Have you met the target?]

    ''Yes,'' Augustine responded without missing a beat. ''He''s the perfect candidate, but it seems he''s already been claimed.''

    [Then why haven''t you eliminated him?]

    ''Because,'' Augustine''s voice held a slight edge, ''he bears the mark of a Sinner. The Sinner.''

    A pause followed, the weight of that revelation settling in.

    [¡­]

    ''No need to panic,'' Augustine continued. ''This festival has at least ten other Irregulars to choose from.''

    [Ten? What?!]

    ''Yes, ten.'' Augustine''s tone remained steady. ''It''s good news for us.''

    [Good news? Are you insane? This means they were watching! You need to leave, now!]

    Before the message could finish, Augustine severed the connection. His face, previously neutral, now showed a flicker of calm, confident resolve. He gazed into the distance, the image of Caine fresh in his mind.

    "Caine¡­ Caine¡­ Caine," he whispered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips.

    As a portal appeared before him, Augustine stepped through with a final thought: Hopefully, you''re interesting.

    ---

    [Unknown Location]

    In a lively, rowdy bar filled with drunken revelers, two figures sat in a secluded corner, seemingly oblivious to the celebration around them.

    One of the men was an older figure, bald and sporting a thick white beard. His silver armor clinked slightly as he took a swig from a large bottle, his face flushed red from drink. At his side, a sheathed sword rested on the ground, its presence hinting at countless battles.

    "You need to take it easy. You''re not young anymore," the second man said, his voice calm and measured.

    "Who the hell are you calling old?" The bearded man grinned foolishly, his words slurred. "Since when was a man in his thousands considered old? My liver could implode, for all I care! Won''t stop me from drinking until I become the beer! Hahaha!"

    Beside him sat a man just as old but far more composed. His long red hair was tied into a neat bun, and his dark red and black robes hinted at his ancient lineage. Despite the power that radiated from him, his face bore only a faint smile as he sipped a simple cup of wine.

    "Have you heard the news?" asked the bald man, whose name was Reiner.

    Sylas, the red-haired man, shook his head. "No, I haven''t. What''s happening? Another war?"

    Reiner sighed, taking another swig from his bottle before answering. "Worse."

    Sylas''s amber eyes burned with curiosity. "Worse than war?"

    Reiner leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "That bastard child from the Timeless Alliance is coming."

    Sylas froze, the cup in his hand trembling slightly. "What? When?"

    "As we speak," Reiner replied grimly. "His mother went into labor, and she''s using the entire Qi of the plane to keep him alive."

    Sylas''s face paled. "The entire plane''s Qi? All of it?"

    Reiner rolled his eyes. "Yes, all of it. What do you think I meant? She''s practically draining the realm dry for this kid."

    Sylas''s mind raced as he processed the gravity of the situation. After a moment, he stood up, his expression hardening. "We''ll wait until she''s at her weakest¡­ then we''ll strike."

    ---

    Amidst a frozen landscape of endless snow and rain, a grand castle stood tall and proud, its spires piercing the heavens. The castle''s majesty dominated the horizon, casting an aura of unassailable power over the land. Inside its towering walls, a woman lay on a grand bed, her body trembling with the pain of childbirth.

    Her long, dark hair, blacker than the void itself, contrasted sharply with her porcelain skin. Her eyes, glowing with an intense purple hue, flickered with both exhaustion and determination. This woman, whose beauty transcended mortal limits, was now nothing more than a mother, struggling to bring her child into the world.

    Sweat poured down her forehead as she pushed with all her might, her face twisted in agony.

    Around her, nurses stood at attention, offering words of encouragement. "Just one last push, Mistress! You''re almost there!"

    "We''ll count to three, then you push with everything you''ve got!" the doctor instructed, his hands steady as he prepared to receive the child.

    The woman nodded weakly, her body wracked with pain but her resolve unbroken.

    "One¡­ two¡­ three¡ªnow! Push!"

    With a scream that could shatter the heavens, she gave one final push, her cry echoing through the realm. The Qi around her exploded outward in a chaotic wave, tearing through the landscape and leaving destruction in its wake.

    The skies above the snow-covered land erupted in a symphony of dragons and phoenixes, their celestial forms dancing through the parted clouds. A shower of pure, radiant Qi rained down upon the castle.

    "He''s here¡­" whispered the doctor as the first cry of the newborn filled the air. The woman, despite her exhaustion, began to laugh and cry at once, overwhelmed with joy.

    A man burst into the room, his face streaked with tears as he rushed to his wife''s side, kissing her and their newborn son with fervor.

    On that day, as the heavens rejoiced and dragons filled the skies, an announcement rang out across the land:

    "Caine Lerouge Velios, rightful heir of the Velios lineage, has been born!"

    "Hail His Majesty!"

 Chapter 16 Years

    Within a grand and expansive library, as wide as a city and filled with knowledge tempered and refined through ages of scholarship, many could be seen reading, walking, or talking, all under an umbrella of peace and unity.The sound of flipping pages, echoing steps, whispers and laughs all blended into an atmosphere that radiated wisdom and hope.

    On the highest floor of this grand library, where fewer than a hundred books resided, and fewer than a dozen figures were ever allowed, a young man could be seen flipping the last page of a thick tome.

    "Done."

    With long dark hair, akin to filaments of incarnated darkness, pupils of swirling silver currents, and a face sculpted by the gods themselves, this young man seemed to be in his late teens, incarnating the very concept of perfection.

    His features were androgynous yet contained a masculine edge that made his gender evident, and his gaze held a light full of refined wisdom and experience.

    He wore inner robes of pure black with large, airy white outer robes, perfectly complimenting his porcelain skin.

    The young man closed the book, having finally read every single book in this thousand-floored library.

    He sat back in his chair and stretched, smiling in satisfaction as his thoughts raced.

    "One more spar, and I''ll be good to go."

    Suddenly, a rush of black wind gathered behind the young man, coalescing into the figure of a middle-aged man.

    With slicked-back black hair, glasses that covered his blue eyes, and a tight changpao that put his refined muscles on display, this older man smiled at the figure before him.

    "Young Master Caine, it is almost time." The man patted Caine''s back. "With your birthday coming in a few hours, I trust your preparations for the ceremony have been adequate, hm?"

    Caine stood, straightening his robes as he overlooked the grand city before him through the glass windows of the floor.

    Dragons filled the skies, encircling futuristic ships of metal that routinely phased in and out of the world.

    Flying cultivators could be seen going from palace to palace and temple to temple that floated in the sky, connected by bridges of energy.

    The library Caine was in was one such structure.

    On land, structures of all architectural philosophies met, blending together to form a cultural melting pot that satisfied all.

    Cultivators and mortals alike flooded the streets, none in fear or consumed by arrogance, as powerful guards wearing armours of gold stood on watch, ensuring the city''s peace. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The diversity of the city''s crowd was impressive, filled with humans, men with wings, women with elemental bodies, and children half-beast, half-human.

    The sun stood high, illuminating the beautiful scenery in its warm rays as a soothing wave of fresh air washed over the city.

    It was beautiful.

    "You were saying?" Caine broke out of his daze and turned to Zao''s figure.

    Zao smiled, shaking his head. He was already used to his young master''s antics. "I was asking how your preparations went, young master."

    Caine began to walk toward the exit. "Ah, that. It went as well as it could go." From thin air, he summoned a talisman that formed a portal, walking into it, followed closely by Zao.

    "Is that so? You seem¡­ worried."

    "Worried? No. But I am aware these old bastards are gonna make my ceremony unnecessarily complicated." He sighed. "I''m not fond of wasted efforts."

    "Young master, how many times must I tell you? Your ancestors can hear your swearings. Please, watch your tone lest you garner their wrath." Zao warned, a chill running down his spine as he said so.

    Caine laughed as he exited the portal and arrived in a large plain of snow and rain.

    There, in the distance, a grand palace could be seen.

    "Their wrath? Oh, please. They wouldn''t dare."

    A carriage appeared in front of them, pulled by winged horses with manes of blue fire. Without a word, the two boarded as the carriage began to fly toward the palace in the distance.

    Zao sighed as he saw Caine''s smile, free of worry. Though he sighed, inwardly, he couldn''t help but smile. It was hard to be dissatisfied with a young master such as his.

    In the world, none could match the young man before him, and of the few that could threaten him from his generation, all were much older.

    Caine looked out of the carriage''s window as he yawned, then asked, "Tell me, who will my last opponent be? They''ve all refused to tell me."

    Though Caine hadn''t been allowed to cultivate until he turned sixteen, he''d been intensively trained since his birth.

    One of the training practices involved him fighting against cultivators as a mere mortal. It started when he was two years old and would end today, mere hours before his sixteenth birthday.

    He had started by battling cultivators at the early stages of the Blood Realm, the lowest cultivation realm, but now faced True Ascendants¡ªentities who stood at the peak of the Ascendant Realm, the third realm of cultivation.

    This was shocking, as the gap between Blood Cultivators and mortals was considered endless. But for him, a mere teenage boy, to be able to face them as a toddler was nonsensical.

    It could be said that this wasn''t just the result of hard work. No, it was a mix of hard work and a result of his Innate Circle, which stood at the very Zenith of the Immeasurable grade.

    Though he hadn''t awakened it yet, it still showed its might by enhancing his innate strength beyond what mortality could hold. After his coming-of-age ceremony, when he awakened his abilities and talents, he would be unstoppable.

    "Hm¡­ let me see." Zao flipped a palm over, and suddenly, a floating screen appeared before his eyes. With a twitch of his eye, thousands of pages opened, only to close and flip through one another as he rapidly read through hundreds of documents at once.

    A few moments later, he nodded to himself as the screens vanished.

    "Your last opponent will be Soran Celestis, a half-step sage."

 Chapter 17 Final Spar

    The first realm of cultivation was the Blood realm, followed by the Spark realm, and concluded by the Ascendant realm, each realm divided into sub-stages that required one to follow complex and elaborate steps.After reaching the peak of the Ascendant stage, a large chasm would separate one from the next realm of power. To bridge it, they''d need to undergo a terrifying tribulation and also shatter part of their mortal coil.

    After that, the Sage Realm came.

    Soran Celestis, a young master of the Celestis lineage, was merely a step away from that. Having already passed his tribulation, he only needed to gather enough momentum to shatter his mortal coil. Then, he''d ascend.

    This was all to say that Soran would be a terrifying opponent. Of course, unlike most, Soran was guaranteed to have an innate circle of an extremely high grade. Perhaps not as high as Caine''s, but that didn''t matter. Anything above the Mortal grade was lethal.

    "I see."

    Caine wasn''t worried. He merely nodded and closed his eyes, sitting back as he rested his elbow on the carriage''s window, his chin on his closed fist.

    ***

    The moon''s rays slipped through a tall window, illuminating a young man sitting on the edge of a large bed, covered in sheets of white satin.

    Caine''s gaze was calm and apathetic, focused on the tattoos that had begun to form upon his wrist.

    One was black, made out of ancient runes that seemed to be a blend of ancient cursive and jagged lines, as if made with rough stone tips. Within its gaps, a second set of tattoos took shape¡ªwhite runes of geometrical shapes that encased one another to form a beautiful mandala.

    Around it all, the last tattoo could be seen, made from simple silver runes that lined all the others.

    This beautiful runic work ran from his wrist all the way up to his shoulder. A searing pain invaded his senses as the etching process became more and more intense.

    Most wouldn''t know what these tattoos were, but Caine did. They were Curses.

    After choosing his wishes and being thrown into reincarnation, Caine hadn''t immediately appeared within the Velios lineage, in his mother''s womb.

    No, something had gone wrong. Someone had intercepted his soul in the process. He was brought to a place where...

    ''It should be done.''

    The tattoos finished forming and immediately sank into his flesh, vanishing from sight as they integrated into his very soul. His porcelain skin returned to normal.

    A flood of knowledge entered his mind.

    "[Mark of Heaven], [Mark of the Sinner], [Mark of Samsara], [Mark of Madness]."

    These were the names of his curses. Rather than showing concern, as most would when cursed, Caine smiled, his eyes brimming with ambition.

    A curse was only bad when inflicted by another. These curses, he had chosen for himself, and they would help him build something grand.

    ''I need to reach godhood fast.''

    He needed power.

    ***

    In the middle of a forest, an elevated stone platform, as wide as an arena, floated among the trees.

    At the center of it stood Zao, smiling as he looked at the young man before him.

    This young man had short, curly blonde hair, healthy rosy skin, and pupils that swirled with golden and scarlet currents. He wore armor in black and gold, and half of his face was covered in intricate, beautiful runes.

    The pressure radiating from him was overwhelming, as refined Qi swirled around him in complex patterns, mirroring the runes on his face.

    Despite his expressionless face, anyone familiar with Soran knew he was more than annoyed at this moment.

    He had already been enraged when his elders forced him to participate in this battle. He was a royal of his clan, after all. Even if his clan was subordinated to Caine''s, couldn''t they have hired a mercenary for this task?

    He had complained and protested for days, but after a rather "rough" discussion with his elders, he had been convinced.

    Now, after all that, Caine dared to make him wait?

    Just as his lips parted, ready to speak, a portal opened behind Zao.

    Caine walked out, his long dark hair still messy, and his eyes puffy. From the simple tunic he wore, anyone could tell he had just woken up.

    Caine yawned and stretched, his palm reaching out and closing as a spear of Qi formed within it, solidifying until it was indistinguishable from a real spear.

    Zao glanced back at Caine, then nodded. He turned to Soran and offered an apologetic smile before vanishing.

    "Begin!"

    Soran''s muscles barely twitched, yet in the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Caine, his golden eyes blazing with fury as he formed a weapon of his own from Qi¡ªa great sword.

    With wrath bubbling beneath his calm exterior, he swung the sword downward, leaving a trail of chaotic golden Qi in its wake.

    The platform cracked under the immense pressure as the gravity around Caine multiplied several times over due to the sheer weight of Soran''s Qi.

    BANG!

    Soran''s sword collided with the stone ground, his strike having missed. His vision blurred for a brief moment before...

    "Argh!"

    ...a deep gash tore across his chest.

    Soran stumbled back, his Qi instinctively forming thousands of barriers around him, but it was futile. With a soft whisper from Caine...

    "[Break]."

    ...all the barriers shattered, and another gash, crossing the previous one, appeared on Soran''s chest.

    He fell to one knee, his vision blurring once more. In the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a rushing shadow. He reacted quickly, gathering volatile Qi into a concentrated beam before hurling it at the figure.

    BOOOOOM! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    WHOOOSH!

    The chaotic Qi from the explosion was instantly dispersed by powerful gusts of wind. The shadow, however, reappeared¡ªnot on his right, but his left.

    Soran roared in frustration, gripping his sword tightly as his blood surged through his veins, imbuing him with untamed power. He twisted his body, his Qi imploding at once, amplifying his speed as he swung his sword, executing a martial art.

    "[Celestis Series: Division.]"

 Chapter 18 Final Spar(II)

    Caine laughed as he leapt into the air, qi coursing through his veins, merging with his blood as it followed a complex sequence of patterns. In an instant, he unleashed a martial art.[Blight Art: Addition.]

    A wave of silver light crashed against a golden one, exploding into a multicolored storm of chaotic qi.

    Bloodied but unyielding, Soran soared out from the swirling cloud of energy, slashing wildly from a distance. Each swing released arcs of qi, hurtling toward Caine with tremendous speed.

    BOOM! BANG!

    In a flash, Caine zipped through the oncoming arcs, closing the gap between them in the blink of an eye. With a sweeping motion, his leg took Soran''s off balance, and the butt of his spear slammed into Soran''s gut, driving the air from his lungs. Spinning around the pole of his weapon, Caine''s blade glided through the air, leaving another gash in Soran''s chest.

    In that moment, fear and rage swirled in Soran''s chest, and whatever pride he held evaporated.

    Though Soran stood just a step away from the Sage realm, possessing much more than mere qi and physical prowess, he had refused to utilize his full strength out of stubborn pride.

    But now...

    SHING!

    Soran''s body hardened into metal, his wounds healing instantly. His hair transformed into a blazing mane of white qi flames, and arcs of lightning crackled around him.

    "Little bastard¡­"

    His sword shattered, reforming a moment later into a weapon of fire and lightning. Runes danced around him, the stone platform quaking as his aura surged, multiplying in intensity.

    Caine retreated, sweat beading on his forehead as an oppressive wave of heat from Soran''s new form hit him.

    He sighed, dispelling his spear. Raising his arms, he closed his eyes, slipping into the role of a maestro once again.

    At the sight, Zao shook his head and sighed softly. ''Poor fella.''

    Atmospheric qi swirled around Caine in intricate patterns, elemental forces manifesting alongside it. Around his wrists and ankles, a multitude of spell circles materialized.

    Soran''s instincts screamed at him, alerting him to danger. Reacting instantly, he moved with the speed of lightning, appearing in front of Caine. His sword split into three arcs¡ªone formed from his real blade, and the others from pure elemental control.

    The elemental blades of lightning and fire stacked atop his real one, amplifying his power several times over. But still...

    "[Fade.]"

    In an instant, all the qi in Soran''s body dissipated. His face paled, and he violently spat out blood as he stumbled back. A moment later, a massive fist of fire crashed down from above, crushing him without mercy.

    His body was driven into the platform, bones shattering along with his pride. A complex array of spell circles hovered above him, resonating with Caine''s will as all the qi in the forest responded.

    "[Final Fanta-...]"

    Caine''s words trailed off as Zao gently patted his back, speaking softly. "That''s enough, young master. You''ve won."

    Zao flipped his palm, revealing two pills¡ªone gold, the other white. Handing the golden one to Caine, he tossed the white pill toward Soran''s crumpled form.

    "Here you go, sir Soran. This will heal you completely," Zao said with a smile, waving his hand to form a portal beside him. "Let''s head back, young master."

    "Mm."

    Without another word, the two departed, leaving Soran alone with his turbulent emotions¡ªa mixture of shock, fear, rage, and disappointment that gnawed at his mind.

    "They said I''d lose but¡­" he muttered, swallowing the pill. "I didn''t think it''d be by this much." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As emerald and white qi surged through his body, rapidly healing his injuries, a sudden figure appeared beside him. An old man with a bitter smile.

    The old man knelt beside Soran, placing a hand on his chest.

    "Kiddo, I told you you''d lose," the man chuckled. "The Velios aren''t to be trifled with, especially their main line."

    Soran sat up, his face void of expression. "You sent me here¡­ to fail. To break me."

    "No," the man said, shaking his head. "I sent you here to humble you. Your arrogance had grown too deep. Only someone like him could bring you back to reality."

    He sighed before continuing. "Son, remember this: your heaven is his earth. That boy is merely a mortal, barely aware of the true nature of the world. And yet, he brought you to your knees."

    "If you had continued on your path, you wouldn''t have even been worthy to serve him, let alone hope to catch up."

    "I did this for you, brat."

    Soran stood up, tearing off his armor, a deep scowl on his face as he ripped open a portal and stepped through.

    "Whatever you say, old man."

    ***

    Hours after his spar with Soran, Caine sat across from Zao in a lavish restaurant. Both were dressed in robes of fine silk, seated on one of the highest floors of the building. Before them lay a feast fit for kings.

    Zao quietly ate his meal¡ªa traditional Zavian steak with everwood mashed potatoes, topped with a drizzle of obsidian mushroom gravy. Caine, on the other hand, opted for a simple bowl of noodles.

    "What''s your plan, young master?" Zao asked between bites.

    Caine set his bowl down and wiped his mouth. "After my coming-of-age ceremony, it will mostly be a race. A race for the clan''s throne. I doubt anyone can truly stand in my way, but I''m sure someone will try."

    Caine''s world, known as the Five Brilliant Sky, was divided into six continents.

    He was currently in the northern continent, which was governed by his family''s faction¡ªthe Timeless Alliance.

    The Timeless Alliance was an alliance of Human Clans, ruled by the Velios Royal Clan, with five Heavenly Clans beneath them.

    The Celestis Clan, The Relana Clan, The Azanthiel Clan, The Stormborne Clan, and The Thyrn Clan.

    Below the Royal Clan and the five Heavenly Clans were thousands of minor subordinate clans, but their relevance was minimal.

    Oddly enough, despite being the most powerful clan on the continent and the rulers of the alliance, the Velios Clan consisted of only three individuals.

    Zao, Caine, and one other mysterious figure.

    After the disappearance of Caine''s parents years ago, he had been left in Zao''s care, alone.

 Chapter 19 Talk

    Caine''s position, as the alliance''s De facto Scion, was heavily sought after, and almost all the youths of his generation wanted him dead.Being the youngest and last-born of his generation, most would expect Caine to crumble beneath the pressure, but he truthfully didn''t care. He didn''t see any of these children as true opponents.

    What worried him more were their elders¡ªshrewd individuals who had lived longer than some civilizations and were prepared to do anything for the prosperity of their own factions.

    They were the enemies he had to be cautious of.

    Zao shook his head after hearing Caine''s words. "Young master, I''ve told you a million times, and I''ll say it again. As long as I''m alive, no one shall lay a hand on you."

    "I swore it to your father, your mother, and to myself that the tragedies of the past will not be repeated."

    Caine smiled at his uncle''s unyielding passion. "I''m well aware of this. But my ceremony will be the first of many events they can interfere with, and there will be moments when you won''t be able to protect me. If I don''t die during the ceremony, they''ll try again during my pagoda trials. If not then, they''ll wait for the clan gatherings."

    "It''s inevitable. And beyond all that, you can''t keep sheltering me, Zao." He chuckled. "I''ll soon be a man, after all."

    "To the world, maybe. But to me, you''ll always be my nephew." Zao said, his voice filled with pride. "They''ll have to step over my dead body."

    Caine sighed and nodded, though he couldn''t help but think to himself. ''He still blames himself for their disappearance.''

    "Anyway, any news? What''s been happening lately?" he asked, changing the subject.

    Zao cleared his throat, placing his cutlery down before crossing his arms. "Not much that would interest you. But good news: we''ve found the second legacy realm of the Five Elemental Lords. That means an outing will soon be happening. I assume the events will follow one another."

    "I''ve already informed the elders that you''ll be going in first, before anyone else. So, as soon as you finish your coming of age trials, there''s quite a bit of work cut out for you."

    Caine raised a brow. "You''ve been insisting I go to these legacy grounds for a while now. Surely, there must be something significant there for you to push so hard. What is it?"

    "You''ll understand soon enough. When you enter the realm of Blood yourself, you''ll see how important the five elements are to your foundation. By then, you''ll thank me for forcing you to go."

    "Another issue is our Velios lineage. Our bloodlines only awaken during our prime, which means you''ll be without a bloodline when facing the masters of other clans."

    "To compensate for that, I''m hoping you''ll find a few bloodlines within these legacy grounds to empower yourself. They should help to even the odds."

    "If it weren''t for the ridiculous political matters, I''d have already taken a few bloodlines from the Alliance Treasury for you. Unfortunately, they''re arguing you''re too young."

    "Young?" Caine asked, a slight confusion crossing his face.

    "Mhm." Zao sipped from a glass of wine. "They claim that before you''re allowed to take anything from the treasury, you must at least reach the Sage realm."

    "And who''s ''they,'' exactly?" Caine pressed.

    "The Renala Clan, mostly. Those bastards aren''t even trying to hide their disdain these days."

    Caine frowned, unable to comprehend why they would harbor such animosity towards him. He had always been amicable and reasonable, even from a young age, but it seemed almost all the members of the Renala Clan despised him.

    The hatred ran so deep that he had nearly been killed once when he was only three years old, attacked by a group of their elders. Zao had intervened just in time, slaughtering them all. Still, the fact they had dared to try said a lot.

    "What exactly do they have against me?"

    Zao laughed, a smile lighting his face. "It''s not you. They''re terrified of what you''ll do when you find out the truth."

    "If your parents were still here, the Renala would''ve been wiped from existence long ago."

    Caine nodded. He didn''t bother asking what Zao meant. They had this conversation before, and the answer was always the same.

    You''ll know soon.

    Though Caine had been reincarnated, his attachment to his family and his roots as a Velios ran deep. He was determined to find his parents. He had lost them in his first life, but this time, things would be different.

    Zao cursed inwardly, noticing the fire burning in Caine''s eyes. ''I got carried away.''

    "But, in a way, not having access to the treasury might be for the best," Zao said, steering the conversation away from the past. "You''ll have to fight for most of what you want until you officially become Scion. By then, you''ll have been forged by countless tribulations, tempered by adversity." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "And adversity is what makes us grow."

    Their conversation continued for hours as they ate, drank, and celebrated.

    It was Caine''s sixteenth birthday, after all.

    ***

    In a dark room, veiled by chaotic mantles of qi, two figures sat across from each other.

    "How''s the operation going?" one asked, his voice low and cold.

    "Decent," the other replied. "The continental guard has uncovered a few of our hideouts, but none have found the mines we''ve created. So, for now, our underground network remains safe."

    "For now?" the first figure pressed.

    "I doubt the elders of the great powers haven''t noticed our movements. Several major events involving the younger generation are coming soon. I wouldn''t be surprised if they do a sweep to secure the lands before their heirs start playing around."

    The first figure chuckled. "That works in our favor. If they try to sweep, we''ll start the war. If they don''t, we''ll have trapped them."

    "We win either way."

    The second figure nodded but cautioned, "Still, we should be careful. The alliance concerns me. Their internal conflicts are maddening, yet they maintain a unified front that''s difficult to break."

    "It''s as if some power at their core can still unite and lead them when necessary."

 Chapter 20 Coming of Age

    In the depths of a thick forest, standing in front of a gate embedded deep within a mountain, Caine stood alone, his tall figure dwarfed by the imposing structure. The air was thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional distant call of a bird.The coming-of-age ceremony of the Velios was many things at once. It was a trial, a baptism, a transition, and much more. But most importantly, it would mark the beginning of their quest for power¡ªthe start of their cultivation journey. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine had prepared for this moment his entire life. This wasn''t just about proving his worth; it was about unlocking his true potential, the latent power that had been waiting within him.

    The ceremony was divided into three sections. Completing the first section would allow him to obtain an awakening stone, something he absolutely needed to unleash his innate gifts.

    Approaching the gate, he felt the coolness of the mountain air against his skin. He placed his palm upon the cold metallic structure of the gate, feeling a subtle vibration as it responded to his touch.

    A screen appeared before him, its glowing text floating in the air.

    [Coming-of-age parameters¡­ royal lineage¡­ Velios Heir¡­]

    [Trial difficulty has been set to¡ªERROR!]

    Caine chuckled softly, not surprised in the least by this ''sudden'' error.

    [Trial difficulty is unknown.]

    The gates slowly parted, revealing a grand swirling blue portal that seemed to pulse with energy. Without hesitation or fear, Caine stepped through the portal, ready to begin his ceremony.

    As he vanished into the swirling vortex, the gates closed behind him with a heavy thud, and a final screen flashed briefly before disappearing.

    [Good Luck!]

    ****

    When Caine emerged from the portal, he found himself standing in the middle of a vast plain. The winds were fierce, so strong that his robes whipped and fluttered around him, his hair blown back in a dramatic display.

    The sun hung high above him, its rays bathing the landscape in golden light, casting long shadows on the vibrant green grass beneath his feet. Nearby, a tall tree stood, its leaves rustling softly in the wind, providing a patch of shade where he now stood.

    In the distance, Caine noticed a woman. She wore long, flowing purple robes, and her face was concealed by a delicate veil. There was an aura about her¡ªone of mystery and quiet authority.

    Without hesitation, Caine began walking toward her. When he reached her, he sat down cross-legged across from her, his gaze calm and unwavering. He said nothing, simply waiting.

    After a moment, the woman chuckled, a soft sound that carried on the wind. "Do you know what they say about you, Velios?"

    With a graceful motion, she waved her hand, and a marble table appeared between them. A pot flashed into her hand, followed by two cups as she began to pour a steaming liquid into them.

    "Not sure," Caine replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "They say we''re greedy, corrupted, evil, tyrannical¡ª"

    "Prideful," she interrupted, pushing a cup toward him. "The Velios are known to be prideful beyond belief."

    "Well," Caine said, taking the cup but not drinking from it yet, "power stands on a foundation of achievements, which inevitably breeds pride. Though it can easily turn into arrogance, I think my people have managed."

    "Is that so?" she murmured, lifting her veil just slightly to take a sip of her cup. Caine paid little attention to this, instead allowing his gaze to wander over the expansive landscape around them.

    ''I expected the trials to happen within pocket spaces,'' Caine mused to himself, ''but what is this? I wonder if this is a trial of the mind?''

    "It is a trial of the heart," the woman said aloud, as if reading his thoughts. She set her cup down gently and leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, as you stand before me, here on the verge of beginning your path, what makes you worthy?"

    She paused, her eyes gleaming behind her veil. "Why should I give you this so-called awakening stone? Why do you deserve the gift of ascendance?"

    Caine''s head turned slowly, his attention returning to the woman before him. His silver eyes met her amethyst gaze with calm detachment. There was no fury in his gaze, no frustration¡ªonly a touch of confusion, tinged with faint mockery.

    "Worthy?" he repeated, a small smile playing on his lips. "What do you define as worthiness? What does it mean to you?"

    As if she had anticipated this response, the woman nodded slowly. She set her cup down and spoke again, her voice soft but firm. "It''s all a matter of value, and our relativity to external value."

    "Fancy way of saying it depends on each person''s opinion. Be direct," Caine replied, his tone sharp.

    Her gaze darkened. In a flash, her hand shot forward, aiming for his throat. But before she could make contact, Caine''s body dissolved into mist, reappearing a moment later behind her.

    The woman spun around, a blade materializing in her hand as her qi flared, slashing at the spot where he stood.

    "Rather aggressive," Caine remarked with a smirk.

    Her blade struck nothing but air. She turned again, only to see Caine sitting calmly in his original position, his expression unbothered.

    Suddenly, nine overlapped rings began to materialize behind him, their ethereal glow casting long shadows across the ground. The world seemed to dim, and an oppressive pressure filled the air.

    "You people underestimate me too much," Caine said, shaking his head. "I''m not sure why you do this, nor why you want me dead so badly, but¡­"

    His eyes sharpened, narrowing as his gaze seemed to pierce through space, locking onto something hidden beyond the surface of the trial. He knew who had tampered with it¡ªhe had suspected from the moment he stepped through the gate.

    "¡­I know you''re responsible for their disappearance."

    The woman''s body disintegrated into a cloud of ash, leaving behind only a single obsidian stone. The stone floated in the air, glowing with hues of gold and white, pulsing softly.

    "Your time will come," Caine muttered, reaching out to take the awakening stone into his hand.

    ***

    In a dark room, far away from the trial, a figure sat on a throne, their gaze fixed on a floating screen. The moment Caine''s words reached them, the figure''s pupils dilated. Blood gushed from their mouth, golden in color, as black chains suddenly materialized, wrapping around their body, sinking deep into their flesh.

    Their breathing grew ragged, a mixture of rage, terror, and disbelief flooding their mind. How could a mere gaze from that bastard child cause such a violent backlash?

    Just as they prepared to scream in fury, Caine''s final words echoed in their mind, cold and unforgiving.

    [Your time will soon come.]

    The screen before them shattered.

    ***

    Caine glanced down at the awakening stone in his hand, his lips curling into a smirk. What he had done wasn''t as impressive as it might have seemed. It was only due to his expertise in the arts that he''d been able to detect the tampering in his trial almost immediately.

    The technique he''d used, [Runic Eye], allowed him to read the runes of the world around him. As he conversed with the woman, he had been rapidly analyzing the illusory realm and its formations, uncovering the flaws and the foreign interference.

    Once he found the cancerous rune formation that had corrupted his trial, the rest was simple. He summoned his rings, using their power to shatter the formation and form a connection with the entity who had placed it there.

    As he severed the connection, he also cast a curse and a tracker through his arcane ring, marking the hidden figure for future pursuit.

    His enemies had been waiting for his trial to begin. But so had he.

    Now, he finally had a lead.

 Chapter 21 Awakening

    "Awakening stone¡­" Caine softly whispered, his gaze sharp as he examined the glowing treasure in his hand.As mentioned, one needed an awakening stone to unlock their innate gift, but that wasn''t all.

    Gifts were categorized into four tiers, each forming a strict hierarchical order. They were: The Gifted tier, The Blessed tier, The Childe tier, and The Heavenly tier.

    Each of these tiers was further divided into grades, mirroring the structure of the Innate Circle.

    The lower grades were Mortal, Earth, Sky, Heaven, Supreme, Chaos, and Origin.

    The upper grades, meanwhile, were Boundless, Immemorial, and Immeasurable.

    This meant that gifts could range from a mortal-level Gifted gift, which was extremely common, all the way up to the peak of an Immeasurable-level Heavenly gift, the latter being a legend¡ªa myth, really.

    To be born with a Heavenly tier gift was rare enough, but to possess one at the Immeasurable grade? That was unheard of.

    It would be even more terrifying if one''s Innate Circle matched that grade¡ªjust like Caine''s.

    Children with such terrifying potential had existed in the past, but they had all perished at birth. Their existence simply broke the balance of the world.

    Of course, exceptions always existed.

    ''Let''s see,'' Caine thought.

    Without hesitation, Caine ingested the stone.

    BOOOOM!

    A deafening explosion echoed through the air, yet the world remained still, as though a spectral force was holding it in place.

    Qi swirled violently around Caine, thickening to the point where it turned into a liquid state, before being absorbed into his pores, opening his body to the surrounding energy.

    Mortals usually couldn''t manipulate or interact with Qi until they awakened their Innate Circle, but thanks to his rings, Caine had circumvented that rule and had been able to wield Qi from the moment of his birth.

    But now, as his innate gifts awakened and his affinity to Qi unlocked, it was as if he could breathe freely for the first time after years of suffocation.

    The countless hours of Qi training he had put into his first trial of the Samsara Festival now seemed to multiply exponentially, as his mastery over Qi ascended to a level even he hadn''t thought possible. Insights flooded into his mind endlessly, like a rushing river of knowledge.

    The Qi poured through him, nourishing his body and refining it at an astonishing pace. His robes tore apart as his muscles swelled and bulged, only to compress and be tempered repeatedly by the pure Qi flooding into him from the surrounding environment.

    Simultaneously, as this transformation took place, information surged into his consciousness. His innate gifts awakened fully, taking root within him as though they were always part of his body and an extension of his very mind.

    WHOOSH!

    As his body completed the process of absorbing the vast Qi in the air, the world around him settled. Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing silver pupils that gleamed with a sharpness that defied description.

    Extending a hand forward, he opened his palm, then closed it again in the next instant.

    BANG!

    In the distance, a tree was torn to shreds by an unseen force. The next moment, Caine vanished from his spot, reappearing beside the tree''s remains.

    He nodded to himself before flashing back to his original position, sitting cross-legged once more.

    ''Perfect.''

    Caine had always known, due to one of his wishes, that his innate circle and gifts would inevitably be powerful. What concerned him most, however, was whether they would be compatible with the path he desired to walk.

    Powerful talents, if misaligned with one''s chosen path, could become powerful shackles. In recent years, Caine had even contemplated ways to safely cripple himself if it became necessary. But fortunately, his fears had been unfounded.

    This awakening not only granted him the perfect set of innate gifts, but also confirmed that his Innate Circle would harmonize with his chosen cultivation path.

    ''Let''s see¡­''

    In a rare stroke of fortune, Caine had awakened five innate gifts, all standing at the Quasi-Immeasurable Heavenly tier¡ªjust a step short of the true peak.

    Suddenly, a screen appeared before him.

    [Would you like to analyze your new state?]

    Caine nodded silently.

    [Analyzing¡­]

    ---

    >[Name: Caine Lerouge Velios]

    >[Realm: Mortal (Enhanced)]

    >[Innate Circle: Immeasurable Grade (Unawakened)]

    ? Details of the pillars cannot be obtained due to the high circle grade.

    >[Innate Gift: Quasi-Immeasurable Heavenly Tier]

    ? Five Innate Gifts detected: Warp (?), Analysis (?), Master (?), Control (?), Sense (?)

    ? Note: Due to the high grade of the awakened innate gifts, tribulation may occur soon.

    ---

    ''I guess I should have expected that. The ''innate'' part of innate gifts must refer directly to us as individuals. Still, I wonder¡­ I''ve heard of children born with their gifts already awakened. What do their gifts draw upon to define themselves? Previous lives, perhaps? Anyway¡­''

    His gifts were simple on the surface, but the potential they held was immense.

    For instance, Warp allowed him to manipulate space itself. As demonstrated moments ago, by warping space, he could teleport, but he could also create zones of chaotic energy that could rip apart objects, like the tree he had destroyed earlier.

    But this was only the beginning. As he began to cultivate further, his gifts would evolve, growing stronger alongside him, despite already being at such a high grade.

    Before Caine could continue experimenting with his newly awakened powers, the world around him began to blur and shift, as though the very fabric of reality was being altered.

    Suddenly, he felt the ground vanish beneath him, and the next thing he knew, he was plummeting toward a massive forest that stretched out below him.

    Just as he was about to react, a shadow zipped past him, slashing across his back. Blood began to flow freely from the wound as he twisted in mid-air, narrowing his eyes to spot the assailant¡ªa massive eagle circling above him, preparing for another attack.

    His gaze sharpened, and in the blink of an eye, he disappeared.

    --- Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine reappeared on a thick branch deep within the forest, standing perfectly still, his presence completely concealed by his mastery of stealth.

    The second trial was intricately linked to the awakening of his Innate Circle, though that wasn''t the immediate goal.

    He had been dropped into this wild forest, filled with countless ferocious beasts. His objective was to reach the center, where he would face the Beast King.

    Along the way, he needed to hunt and ingest enough beasts to trigger the awakening sequence of his Innate Circle.

    The problem was that Caine''s Innate Circle was of the highest grade. The sheer number of beasts he would have to consume to meet the requirements would be staggering.

    But, as always, Caine wasn''t fazed.

    ''I just need to innovate.''

 Chapter 22 Heaven and Man

    Beasts were just that¡ªBeasts.Caine didn''t need to exert much effort to attract and slaughter them. If he had slain fallen gods like cattle, these creatures would be no different. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The only true concern was time, but unlike on the Island of Possibility, Caine now possessed the ability to manipulate Qi, and at an exceptionally high level.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, all the beasts within the vast forest felt their fur bristle as a massive formation of silver and gold materialized in the skies, eclipsing the sun.

    Above it, like a god watching over the world, a majestic young man floated¡ªnine rings circling behind him, while intricate spell circles formed around his wrists.

    Veins bulged across Caine''s neck and forehead as his muscles tensed. With a low shout, he activated his gift, [Control], imposing his will on the Qi that flowed through the forest, directing it into the massive formation in the sky.

    "Ah!"

    An ocean of colors surged into the heavens. The vibrant hues of the world were drained away, devoured by Caine''s formation as it spun and lit up, blinding the land beneath it.

    As the light dimmed, the beasts of the forest could be seen suspended in mid-air. Their bodies disintegrated into ashes, which drifted toward Caine''s formation. The formation whirled faster, absorbing the beasts'' remains and converting them into a thick, strange white energy that shot toward Caine, burrowing deep into his being.

    Caine''s pupils and sclera glowed like burning torches in the dead of night as his Innate Circle began to awaken. Runes of silver, gold, white, and black manifested across his body, marking his ascension from mere mortal to something beyond, even as he remained encased in his mortal form.

    An entity with an Immeasurable Innate Circle could never be compared to others.

    Strength surged through Caine, along with a flood of information about his pillars, all coalescing into a single, harmonious whole. His body seemed to fracture, only to rebuild itself into a form beyond perfection, as though his true self had finally been released from the chains that bound him.

    Yet, the Qi of the world wasn''t enough. Space itself began to tear and shatter as pillars of pure Qi descended upon him, flooding his body with a seemingly infinite reservoir of energy.

    But just as Caine neared the peak of his awakening¡­

    RUMBLE!

    The skies split open, revealing the depths of an abyssal void, where a grand, gigantic eye, radiating all imaginable colors, appeared.

    A Tribulation.

    A tremendous pressure crashed down on Caine, driving him to the earth below.

    The force snapped him out of his awakening, and he glared at the sky.

    Tribulations were usually reserved for the later stages of cultivation, but for individuals of immense talent, they could occur as early as birth. It was the world''s way of testing one''s worth.

    But this¡­ this didn''t feel like a test. This felt like judgment.

    Not that Caine minded. He had expected this.

    After all, his reincarnation had not gone smoothly, and many things had transpired between the moment when Augustine granted him his wishes and the time when he awoke within his mother''s womb.

    His curses¡ªand now this tribulation¡ªwere all part of what he had foreseen. And planned for.

    WHOOOOOOSHHHHHHH!

    The forest was obliterated as the colossal eye above gathered swirls of black lightning. The lightning crackled with such power that the void of space itself seemed to tear, raining down cosmic fragments in a display of both majesty and horror.

    "Come!" Caine roared, his silver pupils burning with unbreakable conviction.

    A spear materialized in his hand as Qi swirled around him. He thrust the spear toward the heavens as the first bolt of tribulation lightning descended.

    Spear and lightning collided, and unsurprisingly...

    BOOOM!

    Lightning won.

    BANG!

    Caine was driven deep into the ground, his body torn by the otherworldly force of the bolt. He coughed up blood as his mind teetered on the edge of oblivion.

    Gritting his teeth, Caine let out a fierce roar, and the reflection of his nine rings flared in his pupils. Their power surged through him as he shattered the lightning bolt and soared from the crater he''d been forced into, his bloodied body ready to thrust his spear toward the sky once more.

    Another bolt fell.

    Then another.

    And another, and another, and another, and another.

    And another.

    Caine lost every single one of these clashes, but each time he stood back up, the determination in his eyes grew fiercer, and his aura bloomed stronger.

    As his body was repeatedly broken and battered, a strange silence echoed across the battlefield¡ªa place where mortal and heaven fought alone.

    In the distance, an ape-like figure sat on a wooden throne, resting its chin on its fist, observing the battle with a calm, unbothered expression.

    "A Defier? From the Velios bloodline? Interesting."

    As the three thousand eight hundredth bolt crashed down, Caine''s body was broken beyond comprehension. But in a final, defiant roar, he thrust his spear toward the sky once more, his rings glowing with a ferocious light.

    For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Heaven and earth connected through spear and lightning, locked in a fleeting harmony that could never be broken.

    And then¡­

    "Hahahahahahahaha!"

    The bolt shattered upon contact with Caine''s spear.

    BANG!

    An echoing boom resounded across the land as Caine staggered back. The great eye in the sky slowly faded, and the parted heavens began to close.

    But before it vanished completely, the eye sent down a massive pillar of silver energy, which crashed into Caine.

    WHOOOOSH!

    Instead of harming him¡­

    ''As expected.''

    ¡­the pillar refined him.

    For every bolt Caine had fought against, the world rewarded him with refinement, tempering his body and talents to new heights.

    Caine laughed out loud, his voice filled with a mix of madness and joy as a profound sense of pride filled his heart.

    Pride? Of course.

    Why wouldn''t he be proud?

    He had just defeated the world.

 Chapter 23 Ape

    "Feels good, doesn''t it?"Caine turned his gaze to the left.

    The once-lush forest that had filled the lands was now gone, reduced to nothingness by his battle, yet one grand tree remained untouched.

    At its base, a wooden throne pulsed with emerald veins of Qi, and seated upon it was a figure.

    The figure was a perfect blend of human and ape, crowned with black fire that swirled above its head. Golden flames wrapped around its wrists and ankles like living bracelets, radiating raw power.

    The ape''s scarlet pupils locked onto Caine''s as it grinned, speaking again.

    "Don''t take too much pride in this act. The tribulations of the world scale based on your actions and your state of being. Considering that your only action here was existing, and your state was still mortal, understand this¡ªthough you may have faced one of the most powerful tribulations a mortal has ever endured¡­"

    The ape slowly rose from its throne.

    "It''s still nothing compared to what the world is truly capable of. You''re still just a little bastard of an ant."

    A heavy staff appeared in its hands, while the final stages of Caine''s refinements completed, signaling the end of his awakening.

    ''Hm.'' Caine''s eyes narrowed as he studied the ape. He could sense that this creature was within the realms of blood. Despite this, his expression darkened.

    Although Caine''s high innate circle grade allowed him to easily bridge realms¡ªand this ability would only grow more absurd as time passed¡ªthere were always exceptions.

    Some beings were anomalies, defying the natural order. While Caine himself was an anomaly, he was still young, still nascent. The ape, on the other hand, was a mature anomaly.

    Suddenly, golden fumes of Qi began to rise from the ape''s body. Its presence loomed, and its aura exploded with force.

    [Toseh, Ape King.]

    ''It''s time.''

    Qi gathered around Caine, solidifying into pristine white battle robes. In his hand, a simple spear manifested.

    His gaze sharpened, and atop his head, a crown appeared.

    Caine''s first wish had been a simple one:

    [I want to keep my memories and the power I''ve cultivated here¡ªeverything.]

    The reason he hadn''t used this power until now was equally simple¡ªhis body and mind had not been ready to contain it. The power he''d cultivated in Samsara was purely spiritual, meaning his physical form needed to be strong enough to wield it, and his mind sharp enough to process and control it.

    Though he was still far from his full potential, thanks to his gifts, his awakened inner circle, and the support of his crown, he could now tap into his full strength for a brief period. His body had been empowered, and his mind refined, allowing him to manage¡ªbut if he exceeded his limits, there would be a heavy backlash.

    Caine didn''t mind. He was confident.

    The momentum of Toseh''s aura was fiercely matched by Caine''s, the golden energy of the ape crashing against the silver radiance of the man.

    Their gazes locked once more, and Toseh''s eyes widened as his vision blurred.

    In an instant, a deep gash tore across the ape''s chest. Before Toseh could react, he sensed a distortion of Qi behind him.

    Instead of turning like most would, he rolled forward, dodging a precise slice followed by a powerful stomp. As he rose to his feet, a frown of irritation twisted his features¡ªCaine was already upon him, a spell circle of flames blooming behind him, pinning the Ape King in a tight spot.

    Toseh sneered. His crown spun rapidly, and his body shifted into an elemental form, flickering away. But as he did, Caine followed, his movements as fast as his falling blade.

    Another gash appeared on Toseh''s chest. Before he could devise a solution, his vision blurred again, and a third cut slashed across the previous two, completely overwhelming him.

    ''How is he doing this?'' Toseh thought as he retreated, forming a protective bubble of Qi around himself. ''Is he using a special type of Qi to blur my senses? But how? At this stage, he should only be able to manipulate atmospheric Qi...''

    His thoughts were cut off by a cold chuckle. Hearing it, Toseh froze, remembering the spell circle Caine had cast earlier.

    "Damn it¡ª"

    A torrent of flames erupted, engulfing the Ape King. But as Toseh laughed at Caine''s supposed folly, his laughter stopped cold.

    Toseh couldn''t understand. His crown and elemental affinity should have granted him complete immunity to fire. And yet¡­

    "ARGHH!"

    He burned.

    BOOOM!

    An explosion of Qi followed as Toseh shattered the flames, gasping for breath, his Qi surging through his veins to heal his charred body.

    In the distance, Caine''s eyes narrowed. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Interesting. His Qi is purely supportive, enhancing his offensive abilities without issue. His resilience is remarkable, and his healing factor even more exaggerated.''

    ''Wearing him down won''t work. I''ll need to finish this in one decisive strike.''

    Despite his body still smoldering from the flames, the wounds on Toseh''s chest had closed. His gaze steadied as he gripped his staff tightly.

    His Qi flared, the ground splintering beneath his feet as his aura soared higher. Runes manifested in the depths of his bestial eyes, and a low growl rumbled from his throat.

    Toseh took a single step forward.

    But the moment his foot touched the ground, his heart leaped into his throat. Somehow, without him realizing, a blade had appeared inches from his face, descending in a vicious arc.

    Toseh jerked his head back, cursing inwardly. Caine swept his legs out from under him, breaking his balance and forcing him to the ground, his back slamming against the earth.

    His gaze locked on the sun above.

    ''I''m dead.''

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 24 Pocket

    Caine''s crown slowly faded away as he exhaled a shaky breath and squatted down, watching the life drain from Toseh''s eyes.Though it seemed like an uncontested victory on Caine''s part, he knew better. The fact that he had been forced to use his crown and spirituality spoke volumes, and that didn''t even factor in the likelihood that Toseh had been weakened.

    After all, Toseh wasn''t here naturally¡ªhe had been captured by the alliance and placed in this trial. Caine knew the victory wasn''t as glorious as it appeared.

    Now that Toseh was truly dead, Caine let out another shaky breath and sat back. His body trembled from the strain of maintaining his crown''s power for so long. He''d gotten through the first two trials, but the third and final one awaited him.

    The Fissured Trial.

    This trial was the most mysterious of them all and directly connected to one of the Velios Clan''s biggest secrets¡ªa truth that even Caine didn''t fully understand.

    The Velios weren''t entirely human.

    Technically, they were, but they were also something more. They were part of a superior race known as Spirit Humans. Spirit Humans, while in their mother''s womb, were born with a twin egg¡ªa spiritual entity that represented their other half.

    This final trial was about finding his other half.

    To the other elders, this trial was just another test of battle and wits, but Zao, his uncle, knew the deeper meaning behind it.

    ''I wonder why they separate us at birth...''

    Caine stood up, his body steadying as he scanned the barren land before him. There was nothing¡ªno trees, no mountains, just endless wasteland.

    ''Guess I''ll have to keep searching.''

    With nothing else to go on, Caine conjured a mount from his qi, a powerful beast materializing beneath him, and he set off, riding across the vast, empty land.

    ***

    Hours passed, and the desolate scenery began to change. In the distance, Caine spotted something unusual¡ªa village.

    ''What the hell¡­ a village?''

    He had assumed he was in a pocket realm. After a certain level, cultivators gained the ability to warp space and distort time, creating what were essentially miniature worlds¡ªpocket realms¡ªseparated from reality but still connected to it. His trial was supposed to occur within one of these spaces, where only he and his enemies would be present.

    But now he saw an entire village filled with people.

    "HALT!"

    A group of guards rushed toward him, mounted on beasts that looked like a fusion of unicorns and qilins, their horns crackling with lightning.

    Caine didn''t bother to respond. With a flicker, he and his mount blinked past the guards, disappearing from their sight before they even had time to react. The leader of the group, flustered, threw a talisman to the ground.

    **BOOM!**

    A dome of thick qi spread across the barren land, sealing off all possible exits. But by then, Caine had already vanished.

    "Where did he go?!"

    ***

    Infiltrating the village wasn''t difficult. After evading the guards, Caine altered his appearance, blending in with the locals as he gathered information. The more he learned, the more shocked he became.

    This village had no name. It was just one part of an endless chain of villages, each linked to a city, the cities to kingdoms, the kingdoms to empires, and all of them ultimately governed by thirteen sovereignties under the rule of a single religious body¡ªThe White Star Church.

    ''What is going on here...?''

    It was more than Caine had anticipated. The first problem was whether he was even in a pocket space anymore. If this was still a pocket realm, it meant someone of incredible power had altered it beyond recognition, creating a fully functional world within it. The power needed to do that was far beyond what even the strongest sages could manage. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    On the other hand, if this wasn''t a pocket space anymore, it meant something even more frightening¡ªhe had been transported. Either to another world entirely or to a different time. Both possibilities were equally alarming.

    If it was the former, he had no idea how to return. If it was the latter, the implications could be catastrophic.

    But this wasn''t even the worst part.

    The White Star Church, which seemed to rule over the entire world, worshipped a god.

    According to the people, this god was sealed within a star-shaped egg covered in golden and silver runes. Every so often, the egg would pulse, blessing the world with miracles.

    The most frightening rumor was that this god was close to awakening.

    ''How tricky.''

    Caine could already sense it. This so-called god was no ordinary deity¡ªit was his other half, the spirit entity he had been separated from at birth. He''d be a fool not to guess this much.

    Sitting on a rooftop overlooking the village as dusk settled, Caine mulled over everything he had learned. His mind raced with countless thoughts, but outwardly, he remained calm. The darkening sky above only deepened the shadows across his face, his expression unreadable.

    After a while, though, his lips curled into a faint grin.

    He had fooled the three realms once; he could certainly do it again here.

    ''You better be worth it, brother.''

    ***

    Away, Zao floated in the sky, standing amidst a sea of torn bodies and spilled blood. The scene around him was one of pure carnage, yet Zao remained indifferent, his presence exuding superiority.

    His gaze shifted, piercing through the veils of space and time to land on Caine''s figure, far away. Seeing the grin on his nephew''s face, Zao couldn''t help but smile to himself.

    "The brat''s got wits, for sure," a voice echoed.

    Suddenly, a massive creature appeared beneath him, manifesting from thin air. It resembled a dark whale, its body covered in purple scales etched with glowing white runes. Its form was more monstrous than any normal whale, with countless wings unfurling from its back. Atop its head was a halo of iridescent light, spinning with unimaginable power.

    Despite the creature''s overwhelming presence, its aura was perfectly aligned with Zao''s own, as though they were one and the same.

    "He does," Zao continued, stepping onto the creature''s back, "but his arrogance is growing faster than I like."

    His gaze shifted again, looking out into the distant horizon.

    "Things are about to get chaotic. I''m not sure if the boy is ready to face what''s coming." He sighed deeply.

    "I don''t want him to become like me."

 Chapter 25 Simple

    Word soon began to spread¡ªword of a battle so fierce it had destroyed an entire forest and split the skies, revealing a grand eye of fathomless depth. To most, this was merely another sign of the imminent awakening of their grand god, but to high-level officials, it signaled something far more dangerous. It was a harbinger of chaos.Tribulations of such magnitude only occurred when someone broke into a higher realm or defied the natural order. Since the church kept tight control over all cultivators, monitoring them constantly, they knew this wasn''t the former. It had to be the latter. And that was terrible news.

    Not even a day after Caine''s battle, the infamous Holy Guard was dispatched by the Pope himself. Villages were put on lockdown, and a dark net of suspicion was cast over the world. The hearts of the people, previously filled with anticipation of their god''s awakening, were now weighed down with an uneasy sense of dread.

    Something was coming.

    ***

    Riding upon horses that stepped through the air as if it were solid ground, a unit of soldiers adorned in white and gold armor could be seen moving swiftly. At the helm rode a man with long blonde hair and piercing emerald eyes, a deep frown etched onto his face as he departed from the village the Pope had sent him to investigate.

    They had been tasked with capturing a young man¡ªthe one supposedly responsible for the recent upheaval. However, things hadn''t gone as planned. Not long after the Holy Guard had been dispatched, they received word that the village had been seized by the very youth they sought.

    A message had been sent, along with images of a grand formation hovering in the skies above the village, trapping everyone below. Demands followed, stipulating conditions for the safe return of the village''s civilians. It was audacious, but the Holy Guard complied, sending what was requested, confident they would reclaim it once they arrived.

    What could a single teenager do against the most elite squadron of holy warriors?

    Unfortunately, nothing went according to plan.

    When the Holy Guard finally reached the village, it was empty. Not a single soul remained. All that greeted them was a trail of footsteps leading into an underground maze. Undeterred, they pressed forward, raiding the labyrinth in search of the young man. Along the way, they found villagers tied up but otherwise unharmed.

    As they delved deeper, their confidence grew¡ªuntil they encountered an unexpected obstacle.

    An army.

    But not just any army¡ªan army of monsters, mud golems formed from a strange fusion of earthen and water magic. The creatures had an unnatural vitality, regenerating faster than the guards could cut them down. For every golem that was split in two, two more would rise from its remains. No matter how many were destroyed, more would emerge to replace them, slowly overwhelming the Holy Guard.

    Realizing they were at risk of being swarmed, the guards retreated. They sealed the maze and returned to the surface, only to find themselves caught in yet another trap. The formation from the earlier images reappeared, targeting the Holy Guard directly and teleporting them hundreds of thousands of miles away from their original position.

    Now, defeated and humiliated, the Holy Guard made their way back to the capital to report the fiasco to the Pope.

    "Bastard¡­"

    Reinhard, the squadron''s leader, scowled as they rode in silence. By now, he knew they were dealing with an opponent far more cunning than they had anticipated. It was clear that this entire affair had been orchestrated to humiliate him and his men.

    ''A master of the arcane arts, capable of such a feat, is rare,'' he mused. ''As far as I know, only the Pope and his Holy Childes possess such mastery. Could one of them have betrayed our cause?''

    His thoughts continued to swirl in frustration, deepening the frown on his face. His men, riding silently behind him, shared his grave expression¡ªexcept for one.

    Among the group was a man with short brown hair and bright blue eyes. He wore the same white and gold armor as the others, his face serious. But there was something off about his demeanor¡ªsomething almost playful in the way his gaze flickered between his comrades. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A strange light flashed in the man''s eyes¡ªa silver gleam¡ªbefore he quickly concealed it.

    ''Good,'' he thought, his lips twitching into a small, hidden smile.

    ***

    The Holy Capital was a sight to behold.

    Polished grey stone paved the streets, intricate runes glowing faintly from their surface. White banners adorned with the Ouroboros¡ªthe symbol of a snake biting its own tail¡ªhung from every corner, fluttering gently in the breeze. The buildings themselves seemed to swirl in concentric rings around a massive central tower, The Church, a monolith of white stone that pierced the sky.

    Its gothic architecture, sleek white bricks, and enormous silver-stained glass windows made it a wonder of the world. The tower''s peak was so tall that it seemed to touch the heavens.

    Despite the brewing unrest, the atmosphere in the capital was vibrant. Men, women, and children filled the streets, dressed in simple religious garments marked with the Ouroboros insignia. Laughter echoed as children played, and vendors called out to passersby, the scent of spices wafting through the air.

    But the joyful scene was abruptly interrupted as the Holy Guard rode through the streets. The crowd parted in awe, their voices hushed, and gasps of admiration echoed through the air.

    The Holy Guard paid no attention to the stares. They moved with purpose, making their way toward the towering church that dominated the city skyline.

    "Return to the barracks and rest," Reinhard commanded. "We''ll most likely be sent out again soon, so be ready."

    "Yes, sir!" his soldiers responded in unison before veering off toward a grand castle that stood not far from the church.

    As they rode away, Reinhard continued toward the Church, his mind focused on his upcoming report to the Pope. He knew that failure was not an option, and yet¡­ he couldn''t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more dangerous.

 Chapter 26 Power

    What defined power? Authority? Worthiness?How truly powerful could a mortal man become? Was there a limit to the strength that could be derived from unspoken loyalty, from the undying trust of others? How much weight could a king bear before his shoulders gave way, crushed beneath the sheer burden of his title?

    How heavy was a single life when its value was measured against the heavens? And how close to divinity could a mortal soul ascend before the light consumed it?

    The strange world Caine had stumbled into was far darker and more intricate than he could have imagined. Its depths defied comprehension, and its scope stretched so vast that even the likes of Zao¡ªan entity of unparalleled wisdom¡ªwould frown upon beholding its entirety.

    Yet, for all its vastness, this world was a masterpiece of structure. It radiated an order so meticulous that it seemed unnatural, as if designed by an intelligence beyond mortal understanding.

    Every element was measured, controlled, and recorded. The land was divided into villages, built to accommodate mortal existence.

    These villages, in turn, fell under the dominion of cities, which were governed by kingdoms.

    The kings of these realms were elected or re-elected annually, a tradition that ensured no ruler lingered too long upon the throne.

    Above the kingdoms stood empires, whose emperors bent their knees to even greater powers¡ªthe Sovereignties. But even these supreme entities answered to a single force: The Church.

    The White Star Church reigned as the absolute authority over this world, its influence unchallenged. At its head stood a singular man, a being whose very existence bore the weight of the world¡ªa titan cloaked in mortal flesh.

    This figure of absolution and control, known as the Pope, presided over a dominion so complete that even Caine, an anomaly among anomalies, could not help but marvel at its reach.

    ***

    In a grand hall of impossible majesty, two figures occupied the space. The floor was an endless expanse of blue marble, its polished surface reflecting the faint light from the tall stained-glass windows. The ceiling arched high above, carved from white stone, its intricate details lost in the shadows cast by the bright moonlight spilling into the chamber.

    One figure sat upon a throne, radiating a light so brilliant it obscured every feature of its form. The other lay prostrate on the ground, trembling.

    Reiner, a soldier sworn to serve, pressed his face to the cold marble floor. His body quaked as sweat soaked his back, his breaths shallow and uneven. Tears gathered at the corners of his tightly shut eyes, threatening to spill over.

    The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves from the forests beyond the hall''s towering windows. The dark blue skies above the capital seemed to bow to the moon''s luminous reign, its rays cascading through the stained glass to illuminate the scene below.

    Reiner dared not move. He dared not speak. Yet, even in the absence of physical force, his very soul felt laid bare under the Pope''s gaze.

    Upon the throne, the radiant being sat unmoving, a star of golden light so overwhelming that no mortal could discern its true form. The air in the hall was void of qi, devoid of any discernible energy. Yet Reiner''s hairs stood on end, his stomach churned, and his heart slammed violently against his ribs.

    The sheer presence of the Pope was suffocating. It wasn''t pressure in the physical sense¡ªit was the overwhelming weight of infinity itself. Reiner felt as if he were an ant before a boundless cosmos, his fragile mind fracturing under the strain.

    Countless voices echoed within his head, a maddening cacophony that threatened to drive him to the brink of insanity. He teetered on the edge, seconds away from ending his own life to escape the unbearable intensity.

    "Reiner."

    The Pope''s voice rang out, calm and serene, yet as absolute as a force of nature. The sound shattered the chaos in Reiner''s mind, bringing a momentary reprieve. His thoughts stilled, and he exhaled a shaky breath, his body trembling as he regained his composure.

    No matter how many times he stood before this being, Reiner knew he would never grow accustomed to the experience.

    "Yes, Your Holiness," he croaked, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear. Clearing his throat, he continued, "My men and I ventured into the southern regions, specifically to the central relay village where the youth was first spotted. Unfortunately¡­"

    His words were laced with hesitation and apprehension, but he pressed on, recounting the tale of his failures in painstaking detail. He left nothing out, for he knew that lying¡ªor even omitting a single truth¡ªwas futile. The Pope''s gaze was all-seeing, his knowledge absolute.

    Minutes bled into hours as Reiner delivered his report. When he finally finished, his voice was hoarse, and his body felt drained.

    "I see. Interesting," the Pope said, his tone unchanging, as if untouched by emotion. "Now, listen carefully to my next words."

    Reiner''s heart pounded as he nodded rapidly, his ears straining to catch every syllable.

    "I want you to¡­"

    The orders that followed sent a chill through Reiner''s very soul. Each word struck him like a hammer, the magnitude of the commands threatening to crush him. By the time the Pope''s voice fell silent, Reiner''s face was pale, his body trembling anew.

    The scope of what was to come was beyond anything he had imagined.

    ***

    In a simple room far removed from the grandeur of the hall, a young man sat in silent meditation.

    The walls were painted white, and the room was sparsely furnished¡ªa single bed, a desk, and a cultivation mat. Above the bed, a veiled and disguised Caine hovered cross-legged in the air, his blue eyes closed in deep concentration.

    Through the open window, the sounds of the Holy Capital drifted in. Voices, shouts, and laughter blended together, forming an urban symphony that filled the air. For reasons he couldn''t fully explain, Caine had always found comfort in the liveliness of cities. They felt warm, alive¡ªhuman.

    ''This so-called Pope truly is extraordinary¡­''

    Caine had not yet met the Pope, but his experiences over the past few days had left a lasting impression.

    To test the waters of this new world, Caine had made an audacious request: rare resources in exchange for the freedom of captives. These resources were treasures even in the Five Brilliant Sky World, yet within an hour, they had been delivered to him without question.

    The efficiency was staggering. But more than that, there was something about the Church itself that unnerved him.

    Caine could sense an immense force radiating from it¡ªan energy that wasn''t qi, nor any power he recognized. Yet it was tangible, oppressive, like a guillotine poised above his neck or an all-seeing eye that scrutinized his every move.

    Despite the unease, Caine couldn''t deny that things had gone in his favor. Thanks to the Pope''s compliance, he now had access to resources that allowed him to begin cultivating earlier than anticipated¡ªa crucial advantage in this unpredictable world.

    He opened his eyes, determination gleaming within their blue depths. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''This is no trial. This is real. And if I die here, there''s no coming back.''

    Taking a steadying breath, he began.

    ''Let''s start.''

 Chapter 27 Cultivation

    The first realm of cultivation, called the Realm of Blood, was divided into seven smaller stages, each requiring the practitioner to follow complex and elaborate steps.The initial stage of the Blood Realm was known as the Bone Forging Stage.

    At its core, the Blood Realm revolved around the body¡ªits foundation, its innate power, and its endless potential. Unsurprisingly, the first stage reflected this idea.

    Before anything else, a cultivator in the Bone Forging Stage had to attune themselves to the rhythm of their own blood, sensing its subtle ebbs and flows. Harmonizing with this life force, they had to take control over it completely. Only then could they move on to the next step: sensing and mastering the blood qi flowing within their veins.

    This was the bare minimum requirement to enter the Realm of Blood.

    Once this initial mastery was achieved, the true intricacies of the Bone Forging Stage could begin.

    In this stage, the cultivator''s task was to shatter their bones using their own blood qi, destroying their entire skeletal structure.

    Then, using the very blood qi that had dismantled their body, they would reform their skeleton¡ªthis time not from ordinary matter but from qi matter, a superior substance transmuted from energy into physical form.

    Such transmutations were akin to what Caine often performed when using his qi to craft spears or other constructs.

    The process, though agonizing, brought immense benefits. It empowered the body far beyond its natural limits and elevated the cultivator''s affinity with qi to previously unattainable realms.

    Yet, even this monumental transformation was only the beginning.

    After reforming their skeletal structure, the cultivator had to embark on a grueling cycle of shattering and tempering their bones repeatedly. This relentless process further fortified their physical foundation, enhanced their strength, and purified their blood qi, condensing it into a higher quality.

    ''Quite tricky,'' Caine mused, his thoughts swirling as he reviewed the intricacies of the task ahead.

    Of course, the Bone Forging Stage contained a hidden step¡ªa secret known only to the most privileged nobles and prodigies.

    At this hidden stage, once a cultivator had reached the natural limits of how much tempering their bones could withstand, they could inscribe runes onto their skeletal structure. These runes imbued the body with innate attributes, granting overwhelming advantages that would compound with the techniques of future stages.

    ''Let''s finish the basics first before worrying about that,'' Caine thought.

    He inhaled deeply, then exhaled. A moment later, thick fumes of scarlet energy erupted around him, saturating the air with a pungent metallic scent. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It took him only an instant to sense his blood qi. That was no surprise¡ªhis talent was immense, and his rings provided invaluable assistance.

    ''If I''m going to shatter my bones, I might as well redesign my entire skeletal structure. I''ll create a custom one that maximizes my potential. Hm¡­ I should take inspiration from¡ª''

    CRACK!

    The sickening sound of Caine''s bones shattering echoed through the room, followed by more fractures in rapid succession. A grotesque symphony of destruction filled the air as his blood qi went to work.

    Beneath his skin, his bones disintegrated into dust, ground down by the overwhelming force of his blood qi. Veins bulged and writhed like serpents beneath his flesh, forming a nightmarish fresco of movement. Yet, despite the pain, Caine''s expression remained indifferent, his resolve unshaken.

    His body underwent strange transformations. At times, his height surged upward as if he were becoming a giant, only to collapse moments later to the stature of a dwarf. His muscles bulged grotesquely, tearing apart, only to compress and reform under the relentless pressure of his blood qi.

    Minutes turned into hours, which then bled into days, as the cycle of destruction and rebirth continued without pause.

    BOOM!

    A pulse of potent blood qi exploded outward, signaling the end of the changes.

    For most cultivators, the Bone Forging Stage took weeks for the exceptionally talented¡ªor years for the average¡ªto complete. But thanks to the rare resources provided by the Pope, Caine had reached its peak in a single, grueling session.

    All that remained now was the secret step.

    WHOOSH!

    For this hidden step, most cultivators relied on a Bone Endowing Manual. These manuals contained predefined runes that could be inscribed onto bones, granting standardized enhancements.

    But Caine had no intention of following someone else''s blueprint.

    ''I''ll forge my own, unique bone structure,'' he resolved.

    Long ago, during his studies of the cultivation realms, Caine had meticulously mapped out his path.

    For the Bone Forging Stage, his vision was ambitious¡ªEndlessness.

    He intended to create a skeletal structure that granted him strength far beyond the confines of the Realm of Blood. More importantly, it would remain in a perpetual state of refinement, constantly evolving and removing any limitations on his growth. The longer he lived, the stronger he would become.

    But that wasn''t all.

    Caine aimed to elevate his blood qi to an unmatched level of quality and purity. He wanted it to possess a malleability beyond imagination, allowing him to infuse his intent into it. At will, he would transform it into a chaotic force of destruction or a nurturing essence of vitality capable of healing him instantaneously.

    It was a tall order, bordering on the impossible. Yet, Caine was confident it could be done.

    ''I''ll call it the Celestial Taiyi Blood Qi Bone Structure.''

    However, the process would be excruciating. The method Caine had devised to inscribe runes involved using his rings and crown to force his bones beyond their natural limits.

    This would put immense strain on his mind, pushing it to the brink of collapse.

    ''Fear is the mind-killer,'' Caine reminded himself.

    He took another steadying breath and closed his eyes. A moment later, his blood qi surged forth, saturating the air around him in a dense, crimson haze.

    Within this scarlet expanse, countless runes began to manifest, glowing with ancient, otherworldly light.

    With a low, determined shout, Caine commanded,''CONDENSE!''

    BANG!

    His bones shattered once more, and the excruciating process of crafting his Celestial Taiyi Blood Qi Bone Structure began.

 Chapter 28 Affinity

    Celestial. Taiyi.Celestial, in the context of a cultivator''s body and bones, could mean many things. But for Caine, it held a singular and precise definition: Distance.

    The absolute, unfathomable distance that separated the stars from the earth¡ªtheir bright luster casting shadows upon the heavens, their radiant forms etched into the night sky, defying the very void of existence.

    They were the nurturers of life, the challengers of Heaven.

    Taiyi, similarly, carried numerous interpretations, but Caine''s vision for it remained steadfast: Totality.

    Everything, everywhere, all at once. The convergence of all existence¡ªnot into one singular entity, but under a supreme form that dominated all else. A single star reigning over every avenue.

    Together, these two ideas forged a meaning only Caine could fully comprehend.

    In the cultivation world, names held unparalleled significance, especially for those like Caine who paved their own paths with every step. Names weren''t just labels¡ªthey embodied power, destiny, and defiance.

    If Caine succeeded in forging this bone structure, the power he would wield would be¡­ special.

    But, as with all things, it wasn''t so simple. If forging such power were easy, the first cultivator would have named their creation the "Absolute God Blood Qi Bone Structure" and ruled over all. Yet they hadn''t¡ªnot because they couldn''t, but because they hadn''t dared. In fact, they hadn''t named their bone structures at all.

    Even now, most cultivators avoided naming their creations. They named only the manuals, and for good reason¡ªfear. Fear of the Heavens above.

    Whether Caine understood the risks of his audacity was uncertain. But even if he did, it likely wouldn''t matter to him. He had defied the will of this world once. He could do so again if necessary.

    Time would reveal whether his actions were arrogance or calculated risk.

    ***

    Sat cross-legged on his bed, Caine was motionless, his breathing even and his heartbeat so faint it seemed nonexistent. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The atmospheric qi of the world, which usually flocked to him like loyal servants rejoicing at the sight of their lord, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, an oppressive stillness hung heavy in the room.

    The flow of his blood resembled a wild, untamed river, surging through every corner of his body. His bones, now etched with intricate runes and formations, stood like celestial pillars¡ªsupporting the heavens and dominating the earth.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes, and a shockwave of qi rippled outward, shaking the room. The silver depths of his pupils now carried an unreadable brilliance.

    He exhaled a shaky breath and raised his hand, summoning a thread of blood qi that wove gracefully between his fingers.

    ''I''ve eliminated one of my greatest weaknesses¡ªreliance on atmospheric qi.''

    Though he could still harness it with his rings, he resolved not to. The higher one ascended in cultivation, the more powerful their dominion over qi became. Considering most of Caine''s future opponents would be realms beyond him, it was a flaw he needed to address immediately.

    By relying solely on the blood qi naturally produced within his body, he couldn''t match the sheer quantity of atmospheric qi¡ªat least, not yet. But in terms of quality? He was now leagues ahead of anything the world could produce.

    BANG! BANG! BANG!

    The sudden, violent knocking on his door shattered the silence.

    "Ryder! Get out here! We''re late! We''ve been waiting for you for fucking ages! The monument closes in two hours¡ªwe have to leave now!"

    A smile crept across Caine''s face as his appearance shifted back to that of a blue-eyed young soldier.

    "I''m coming!" he called back.

    ***

    A group of soldiers strode briskly through the bustling streets of the Holy Capital, heading toward a towering structure. Their voices carried over the hum of the city, drawing curious glances from passersby.

    After all, these were warriors of the Holy Guard¡ªthe protectors of the sacred city. How could they not attract attention?

    "Damn you, Ryder! If I miss my awakening because of you¡ª"

    "It''ll be fine," Ryder¡ªCaine''s alias¡ªinterjected, cutting off the complaint. "We''re only five minutes away, and it doesn''t close for another hour and a half. Relax." He sighed and added, "Sorry. I got caught up with some things."

    "What the hell were you doing, anyway?" one of the soldiers asked, draping an arm over Caine''s shoulder. "Were you¡­ you know?"

    "What?"

    "You know¡­?"

    Caine blinked in confusion, but with a subtle flash of his rings, he peered into the soldier''s mind to find the answer.

    When he did, he froze.

    The soldiers around him burst into laughter, their amusement echoing through the street.

    A bitter smile spread across Caine''s face as he shook his head. ''Hopefully, I''ll find them soon,'' he thought, his mind drifting to the image of nine figures. Their faces, filled with trust and hope, lingered in his memory.

    "No, I wasn''t thinking about her. I told you all¡ªI''m over it. Even if I wasn''t¡ª"

    "Keep lying to yourself, little man. Weren''t you just¡ª"

    Their teasing voices and laughter carried on as they continued toward their destination.

    The building they approached was known as the Tower of Reconnaissance, or as Most preferred to call it, the Elemental Hall.

    Within the Holy Guard, soldiers could attempt to awaken their affinities here, provided they had earned enough merit.

    An affinity was an innate attunement to a specific force of existence. The stronger the affinity, the more potent one''s control over that force.

    Someone with even a minor affinity for fire, for instance, could summon flames effortlessly, regardless of their cultivation stage. But affinities extended far beyond elements.

    As Caine had witnessed, affinities could encompass forces like time, space, gravity¡ªor even emotions.

    Soran, one of the nobles of the timeless alliance, for example, possessed an affinity called Elemental Rage, which allowed his emotions to dictate his elemental powers. When angry, he commanded flames. When sorrowful, he controlled water. When joyous, he wielded the wind.

    Affinities formed the foundation of a cultivator''s prowess, a direct reflection of their potential.

    As Caine approached the tower with his companions, his thoughts shifted to the path ahead. For him, awakening an affinity wasn''t about power, well, not entirely.

    This awakening was what he needed to fully complete his bones.

 Chapter 29 Totality

    The group soon reached the Elemental Hall.Within the sprawling landscape of the city, the tower itself appeared unimpressive. Apart from its height, there was nothing remarkable about it. Its walls were constructed of plain grey stone, its doors fashioned from old, weathered wood. At its apex, smoke drifted lazily into the sky, carried away by the cold winds that swept through the capital.

    Above the tower, a sign hung with the words "Tower of Reconnaissance" deeply etched into its surface. The text was invisible to ordinary eyes, only perceptible to those who could wield qi.

    It was a tower like any other, and yet, as Caine and his fellow soldiers gazed up at its imposing form, they couldn''t help but swallow hard, a sense of foreboding settling over them.

    With a step forward, Caine took the initiative. Without hesitation, he reached out to touch the entry door, his hand pressing firmly against its surface¡ª

    "NO! WAIT¡ª"

    He vanished.

    ***

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself standing in a strange, grey void. Below him stretched an endless expanse of black water that, despite its appearance, bore his weight and would not let him sink.

    In the distance, a metallic sphere hovered mid-air, radiating a dim, silvery glow. It resembled a miniature sun, with flares of silver qi dancing across its surface, emitting an aura that drew Caine''s attention irresistibly.

    [Are you ready for your awakening?]

    Before he could respond, Caine was abruptly transported, now standing mere steps away from the sphere.

    [Failure to awaken your elements may result in a loss of life force.]

    Caine exhaled deeply, his expression calm. Lowering himself into a cross-legged position, he closed his eyes and softly spoke, "Let us begin."

    [Good luck.]

    The metallic sphere exploded, shattering into four distinct fragments that hovered around him at the cardinal points. Energy barriers formed between them, enclosing Caine within a glowing geometric cage.

    The black waters below churned violently, their surface twisting into towering waves that crashed against the barrier with deafening force.

    Caine felt a stirring deep within him, something ancient and primal awakening from eons of slumber. His body trembled as his eyes snapped open, widening in shock.

    A violent cough wracked his body, forcing him to vomit a mouthful of foul, black blood¡ªimpurities. Simultaneously, his pores opened, expelling a thick, oily substance that coated him in the remnants of years of hidden imperfections.

    While this awakening was necessary to complete his bones, Caine intended to use it as a platform to advance further¡ªto step into the second stage of the Blood Realm: the Flesh Destruction Stage.

    ''Let''s start with the awakening.''

    BOOOOOM!

    A mantle of white energy enveloped Caine, its pristine glow stained by countless silver runes. Streams of golden and black energy swirled chaotically around him, sending ripples of force across the black waters below.

    Arcs of lightning, tongues of flame, harsh winds, and droplets of water coalesced around him. They flared briefly, elements vying for dominance, but were quickly devoured by the stained mantle of energy that now cloaked him. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His eyes burned like twin torches, purging the remaining impurities from his body in a searing wave of heat.

    [Affinity awakened¡ªUnknown.]

    The monument couldn''t recognize his affinity, but Caine knew exactly what it was. That knowledge, however, wasn''t important at this moment. What mattered now was that the perfect conditions had been created to complete his bones.

    With a roar, Caine unleashed his power. His Celestial Taiyi Bones glowed brilliantly beneath his flesh, the runes etched upon them flaring so brightly they illuminated the entire expanse of the void.

    The surrounding elements¡ªthe flashes of lightning, fire, wind, and water¡ªshattered into countless runes. These runes flowed like rivers of light, etching themselves into his bones.

    Caine wasn''t simply anchoring his affinity into his bones. No, what he was doing was far more profound¡ªand heretical. He was stealing a fragment of the universal force his affinity resonated with, fusing it into his very being.

    By doing so, his bones would no longer rely on the world for resonance. Instead, they would devour the essence of that universal force, becoming their own center of power, unbound by the limitations of the world.

    It was an act of defiance, a rejection of the natural order.

    Caine knew the risk he was taking. Such an action would be impossible in a stronger world, but this one was weak. He could feel it in the very air. It was the same weakness that had allowed him to survive his innate circle tribulation, the same weakness that made his plans feasible.

    It was suicidal. But if he didn''t dare to seize this opportunity, how could he ever hope to reach the heights he sought to surpass?

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The runes etched themselves into his bones all at once. What had once been pristine white now turned a dark, burnished gold, streaked with swirling silver runes.

    The power emanating from his bones tore through his flesh, incinerating it until his body resembled the skeletal form of a Reaper of Samsara.

    ''Second step.''

    The second stage of the Blood Realm, the Flesh Destruction Stage, was a logical progression from the Bone Forging Stage.

    Having forged his bones with blood qi, Caine now needed to address his flesh. The task was to drain his flesh of its blood qi entirely, redirecting it into his bones to create a perpetual stream of qi flowing through them. This process would cause his flesh to wither and fall away, preparing it for reconstruction.

    By weaving his blood qi into intricate filaments, he would remake his flesh and muscles, using these qi threads as the foundation.

    The transformation would render his flesh unimaginably powerful. Moreover, his cells would gain the ability to naturally produce blood qi independent of his physical blood.

    This would resolve the issue of quantity and quality he would have faced relying solely on blood qi.

    As with the Bone Forging Stage, this step also had a secret technique: inscribing runes onto the flesh. These runes would resonate with those on the bones, completing a cycle that bridged the realms of qi and matter. The resulting synergy would transform the body into an unstoppable machine.

    But for Caine, the challenge wasn''t simply completing this stage¡ªit was in the type of Blood Qi Flesh he intended to forge.

    ''It''s definitely doable,'' he thought, his gaze steely.

 Chapter 30 Dong!

    If one followed Caine''s actions, his next steps would seem obvious.If his bones were to act as absolute and undeniable pillars that controlled all things, then his flesh would be forged of all things¡ªleashed by the tyranny of his bones.

    What Caine was attempting wasn''t simple. He sought to form 3,800 Blood Qi Flesh Structures, simultaneously, on a single body, in a single attempt.

    Of course, forging an infinite number of Blood Qi Flesh Structures was impossible. Instead, Caine settled on 3,800, aligning with the 3,800 avenues of origin¡ªthe first and most primordial paths and elements.

    He would call this creation the Chaos Wu Ji Blood Qi Flesh Structure.

    But like his bones, for each structure, he planned to steal a fragment of universal force and fuse it into his flesh, making his body truly and fully independent.

    SKREECH!

    A grating sound echoed as Caine''s bony jaw shifted, forming a grotesque grin. Flames of pure, unbridled madness ignited within his empty eye sockets, blazing with intensity.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Countless portals erupted around his cube, swirling with various colors and elements. Yet, Caine paid them no mind. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.

    Blood Qi flowed from his bones in relentless waves, pulling at the portals and forming thin qi filaments that began to gather around him.

    Runes of every imaginable type flashed in the air as Caine clenched his jaw and summoned his rings, stabilizing his spiraling thoughts. He couldn''t afford failure¡ªnot now.

    A brilliant flash lit the space as his crown manifested atop his head, radiating power. With untamed conviction, he roared:

    "COME TO ME!"

    The portals fused with the blood qi filaments, their edges expanding outward, glowing like molten metal.

    RUMBLE!

    Countless filaments of qi surrounded Caine''s glowing bones, overlapping and intertwining in chaotic precision. They formed thick layers of flesh around his skeletal frame, growing and expanding until his body surpassed the size of a giant, nearing the grotesque stature of a flesh abomination.

    The filaments continued flooding him, cascading in endless waves until the portals blinked out of existence. Through the towering layers of flesh, a pair of burning silver pupils pierced through, glowing with terrifying brilliance.

    "CONDENSE!"

    SNAP!

    A deafening crack echoed as the countless layers of flesh compressed inward, clinging tightly to his bones. Runes blazed to life, searing themselves onto his new flesh, interlinked by swirling silver marks that completed Caine''s audacious design.

    DONG!

    A resonant chime reverberated through the void.

    "Celestial Taiyi."

    Incredibly pure neutral qi surged around him, wrapping his naked flesh and reforming it into flawless, jade-white skin. From his skull, a river of darkness spilled, draping over his shoulders as his hair reformed. It swayed gently, imbued with the intangibility of the void yet as durable as steel.

    His muscles rippled beneath his new flesh, striated like cords of tempered metal. Slowly, Caine''s heart began to beat once more, sending a renewed flow of blood through his veins. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    DONG!

    A second chime rang out.

    "Chaos Wu Ji."

    At that moment, his cells seemed to awaken, releasing an endless wave of tyrannical Blood Qi. His bones and flesh bridged, forming an unbreakable link.

    It all happened in an instant.

    DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG!

    "[SOLIDIFY]!"

    The chimes echoed endlessly as chaotic waves of power radiated outward, shaking the cube''s energy barriers.

    Meanwhile, Caine writhed in agony, clutching his head as the backlash assaulted his mind like a relentless storm.

    ''Success¡­''

    The thought barely formed in his mind, fragmented and weak. The mental toll was beyond fierce, but at least he had succeeded. Somehow, there had been no tribulation for his actions¡ªyet.

    ''I''ve done it¡­ though I''m sure it''ll catch up to me soon¡­''

    His vision blurred, the world spinning out of focus. Darkness consumed him as he fell unconscious.

    [Congratulations, you have completed your awakening.]

    **

    What woke Caine was the same excruciating headache that had sent him to sleep.

    "Fuck!" he muttered, rolling onto his side as pain wracked his skull. He cursed under his breath, gripping his temples as the pounding intensified.

    Suddenly, his rings flickered to life, their light shining faintly in the depths of his closed eyes. In a strained whisper, he chanted:

    "[Heal]¡­ [Calm]¡­ [Mend]¡­"

    Dozens of healing spells activated at once, gradually dulling the pain until it finally ebbed away.

    With a relieved sigh, he let himself fall flat against the bed, his body drenched in sweat and his breathing labored.

    ''The last time I overworked my mind like this was when I first forged my rings¡­ That was something else entirely.''

    After a deep inhale and a steadying exhale, Caine opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings.

    ''As expected.''

    He was back in his room¡ªnaked, for some reason¡ªand night had fallen. By his bedside, a few handwritten notes lay neatly arranged.

    His fellow soldiers had left them, congratulating him on his awakening and reminding him of their next mission''s departure time.

    ''Another mission? So soon?'' His gaze narrowed. ''I suppose it doesn''t matter. With my current power, I should be able to defend myself.''

    He clenched his fist experimentally. Immediately, arcs of blood qi crackled around it, vibrant and powerful.

    ''Even if I wanted to break past the peak of Flesh Destruction, it wouldn''t be possible here. I''ll have to wait until I return home.''

    Though he sighed at the thought, he didn''t truly mind. There was already much on his plate.

    Beyond fully mastering his new bones, flesh, and affinity, he still had to delve deeper into his Gifts. Breaking through without fully understanding these aspects of his power would be foolish.

    And even then, there was another pressing matter¡ªthe mysterious other half he had to find. Unlocking its secrets remained one of his greatest priorities.

    But amidst all these challenges, Caine had made a startling discovery during his breakthrough process:

    ''I finally know where I am¡­ I''m in a fractured reality.''

    The thought weighed heavily on him. His gaze darkened, reflecting a swirl of worry and seriousness.

    To say this complicated matters would be a vast understatement.

 Chapter 31 Fractured

    This realization had settled over Caine as he committed one heretical act after another and somehow¡­ lived.Someone like him, with an inner circle standing at the very peak of all that existed, shouldn''t have survived his awakening¡ªnot fully.

    He should have been pushed to the brink of death, left crippled, or at least gravely weakened. Yet, against all odds, he had not only kept his body whole but even overcome one of the many bolts that had fallen upon him.

    Even more mind-boggling was the fact that he had been able to steal shard after shard of universal forces. Such a feat should have been impossible. It defied reason and the natural laws of existence.

    That''s when he realized: all his theories had been both wrong and right at the same time. He hadn''t merely been displaced through space or time. No, he had been displaced through both, and yet somehow¡­ neither.

    He was in a fractured reality.

    Something so outlandish and absurd that he hadn''t even considered it as a possibility.

    All worlds resided within an endless expanse of clashing positive and negative forces¡ªa primordial battleground known as Primordial Chaos.

    In this chaos, negative and positive forces clashed endlessly, their collisions producing fluctuations in energy. Occasionally, these fluctuations would resonate, causing the essence of the 3,800 Primordial Paths to bloom simultaneously. This phenomenon would bind portions of the negative and positive energy together, forming a seed¡ªa World Seed.

    By consuming these opposing forces, also known as Yin and Yang, the seed would grow.

    Stabilized by the 3,800 paths, it would eventually bloom into a fully realized world. A cosmic barrier would then form around this new reality, shielding it from the unending chaos of the primordial expanse.

    This was the simplified, widely accepted explanation of how worlds came into existence.

    However, like all things, not every attempt was successful. Some seeds failed. When the balance of Yin and Yang forces was off, the seed would become corrupted, resulting in a fractured point of warped space and time¡ªa Ruined Seed.

    These failures mattered because all worlds were intrinsically connected. When one seed failed, the ripple effect would echo across the interconnected tapestry of existence.

    The ruined seed would latch onto a nearby world, warping a point in its space and time. This would create an entirely separate, self-contained reality¡ªa warped reflection anchored by the ruined seed''s fractured will.

    These fractured realities were often tied to specific time periods and were notoriously difficult to escape. Those who fell into these twisted realms would be trapped until they completed a set of tasks dictated by the ruined seed''s will.

    This was the nature of a fractured reality, or as many called it: a Dungeon.

    With this knowledge, Caine''s predicament became glaringly obvious.

    First and foremost, he hadn''t been given any tasks. Without the seed''s guidance, he had no idea what he needed to do to clear this fractured reality and return to his own.

    But more pressing was the issue of time.

    In fractured realities, the flow of time rarely aligned with that of the outside world. While he had spent only a few days here, centuries could have passed in the outside world¡ªor, conversely, only seconds.

    Even worse, fractured realities often took years to complete, and Caine couldn''t afford to waste that much time.

    ''If I were strong enough, I could simply read the runes of this world and decipher the clear conditions myself. Hell, I could have just torn a hole into the void and escaped.'' He sighed, but his focus quickly sharpened as he assessed the situation.

    ''Let''s think this through. Those old bastards tampered with my trial on purpose. Their goal is either my death, the wasting of my time, or both.''

    ''That means two things. First, this fractured reality likely contains a threat capable of killing me¡ªmost likely this so-called Pope. Second, even if I knew the clear conditions, they would have been designed to take years to complete. I can''t rely on conventional methods.''

    ''If I assume the worst, they''ve likely manipulated the world will itself to hide the conditions from me. They may have even restructured this entire place as a trap tailored specifically for me. That means I have to act quickly, decisively, and unpredictably.''

    His hand brushed against his chin as he fell into deep thought.

    ''The biggest trap is most likely where my other half is. I''ll need to plan around that carefully. I also need to devise a way to leave this place whenever I want.''

    Caine''s eyes widened suddenly as a thought struck him. A soft smile spread across his face.

    ''That could work.''

    ***

    High above the horizon, as the first light of dawn painted the skies, a squad of ten soldiers soared through the air on the backs of flying beasts. They wore golden armor that gleamed in the morning sun, their leader unmistakable¡ªReiner.

    "The mission is straightforward," Reiner said, his voice cold and commanding. "We''re to search the cave we previously sealed¡ªthe one infested with mud golems. The Pope has entrusted me with a talisman that should clear them out."

    He glanced at the soldiers under his command, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

    "His Holiness wants us to locate the summoning formation responsible for spawning those creatures and bring it back to him. Once he has it, he''ll reverse-engineer the formation to create a portal to the suspect."

    Reiner''s voice dropped, his tone laced with gravity. "Since our enemy is intelligent, it''s likely he anticipated this and left traps within the cave. Stay vigilant."

    He paused briefly before continuing.

    "Additionally, we need to secure the surrounding villages before we move on the cave. We can''t afford another hostage situation¡ªnot with tensions this high."

    Reiner''s cold gaze swept over the squad.

    "Based on the intelligence we''ve gathered, our current forces should be sufficient to take him down if it comes to that. But remember, he''s a master of the arcane arts. If combat becomes necessary, assume the Burning Crane Formation immediately and link your qi streams. I want no mistakes."

    As Reiner continued to issue orders, his soldiers couldn''t help but feel the weight of his words. The air around them seemed heavier as the squad soared through the skies, their leader''s cold, authoritative voice a constant reminder of the danger ahead.

    Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 32 Reiner

    Reiner and his men moved swiftly, focused and meticulous as they navigated to all the villages near the cave. Yet, for some reason, the task had proven far more tedious than anticipated. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.The suspect they were after had somehow planted his army of mud golems within a cave that was neither close to any village nor far from any¡ªa maddeningly inconvenient location.

    What had initially been expected to be a quick evacuation of five to ten villages turned into a grueling week-long operation involving hundreds of villages. Each new development only served to frustrate Reiner further.

    The tediousness was exacerbated by the countless trap formations laid throughout the villages. These traps were not just dangerous but so intricate that none of the men dared to approach them.

    Yet, the traps themselves weren''t the biggest issue.

    They had been strategically placed to force Reiner and his men into taking longer, more perilous routes, as though they were cattle being herded by an unseen master.

    Still, despite these challenges, Reiner and his men eventually managed to evacuate all the mortals. That''s when things took a turn for the worse.

    Beasts.

    No matter where they were or what precautions they took, the beasts always found them. It was as though the enemy knew their exact location at all times.

    This constant harassment forced yet another shift in their plans. Instead of conserving their energy for the cave, they were now compelled to remain in a perpetual state of battle, always on guard as they pushed forward.

    Reiner, overwhelmed by the unrelenting chaos, found himself at a loss for words.

    ***

    Covered in wounds, his armor shattered, and his figure disheveled, Reiner finally arrived at the cave''s entrance.

    He had learned from past failures and immediately contacted the Pope, transmitting the location to ensure the path ahead would be cleared.

    Once they received the green light, they breached the cave walls and descended into its depths, weapons drawn and jaws set, bracing for horrors beyond imagination.

    But what awaited them was¡­ nothing.

    "WHAT?!" Reiner''s roar echoed through the cave as he rushed down its winding paths, unable to believe the once-endless army of mud golems had vanished without a trace.

    Frantically, he turned around to address his soldiers, only to have his heart drop.

    Behind him wasn''t his team¡ªit was a solid wall.

    Spinning back around, he found another wall blocking his way. When he glanced behind him again, a previously unseen path had appeared.

    ''¡­A¡­maze¡­ of illu¡­illusions¡­''

    Reiner''s blood ran cold. He had lost his men, and now he was lost himself, trapped within an ever-shifting maze of illusions.

    ***

    Days blurred into what felt like weeks, then years¡­ decades¡­ centuries¡­

    He was alone.

    There was no one else.

    The maze stretched endlessly, a cruel prison of deceit and madness. His men were gone. His sense of self began to crumble.

    ''¡­No¡­''

    Reiner''s mind slipped further into the abyss, his steps aimless as he wandered through this endless falsehood. His senses dulled, ground to numbness by the overwhelming barrage of deceit surrounding him.

    After what felt like billions of years, he found himself kneeling, his gaze hollow and his mind void.

    The illusory world around him faded, and he returned to the main clearing of the cave¡ªthe same one he had entered before venturing into its depths.

    There, sitting atop a pile of corpses near the entrance, was a young man of almost otherworldly beauty.

    Long, flowing black hair as dark as the void of space cascaded over his shoulders. His skin was white as jade, unmarred and pure. His eyes, cold and apathetic, swirled with currents of silver and faint gold.

    The man wore pristine white robes¡ªCaine.

    "That was easy enough, hm?" Caine''s calm voice cut through the silence as he wiped blood from his blade with a cloth.

    Reiner''s eyes widened, his gaze shifting to the pile of corpses beneath Caine. They were his soldiers¡ªthe men he had trained and raised like sons. His flesh and blood.

    "The Pope''s plan was rather elaborate," Caine continued, his voice steady, unbothered by the storm of rage bubbling within Reiner. "He knew one of you was compromised, so he orchestrated this mission to reveal the ''traitor'' and lure him back to the capital."

    Caine''s lips curled into a faint smile. "If I had to guess, this so-called traitor would be summoned to the Pope''s hall under the guise of a reward. Then, in front of the congregation, the Pope would unveil the betrayal and deliver swift punishment. Perhaps he''d even sacrifice the traitor to his mighty god."

    Reiner''s body trembled with rage, his golden qi flaring uncontrollably as Caine tilted his head, still smiling.

    "Was I close?"

    A pillar of golden qi erupted from Reiner, burning away the tears streaming down his face and healing the wounds scattered across his body. With a snarl, he pulled a talisman from thin air and slapped it onto his forehead.

    "But of course," Caine mused, "the mighty Pope anticipated that someone might figure out his plan. That''s why he granted you partial access to his power through that talisman. If I had to guess again, your earlier contact to ''clear the path'' was just your way of signaling to him that the operation had begun. Am I wrong?"

    Shaking his head, Caine rose from the pile of corpses.

    CLANK!

    A suit of pure white armor materialized over Reiner, its radiant glow stark against the darkness of the cave. A massive bastard sword appeared in his hand, its edge gleaming with destructive power.

    Reiner''s eyes turned white, a core of crimson burning fiercely at their center. His hair transformed into a mane of searing flames, flickering with intensity.

    Tears streamed down his face, glowing gold, only to evaporate in the heat of his qi. His expression twisted into a demonic scowl, his fury etched into every line of his face.

    "I''ll kill you," Reiner growled, his voice low and menacing. "As painfully as possible."

    Caine rested his spear on his shoulder, his smile broadening into a grin. With a casual wave of his hand, he beckoned Reiner forward.

    "Come."

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 33 Francis

    In a flash, Reiner appeared in front of Caine, roaring as he swung his sword down with untamed fury. Yet, just as swiftly, a shield of qi materialized between them, halting the strike.His blade rebounded off the shield, sending a jarring shock through his arm that nearly tore it from its socket. Before Reiner could recover,

    Caine''s palm was already upon his chest, a chaotic mass of Blood Qi swirling violently in his hand. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The energy erupted in an instant, sending Reiner crashing into the cave wall.

    BANG!

    The cavern trembled from the impact, but Reiner was undeterred. He surged forward once more, his qi burning with even greater ferocity. His blade descended in a powerful arc, yet none of it seemed to matter.

    Caine swatted the blade aside as though it were a mere twig, his other hand sweeping his spear through the air. The strike cleaved effortlessly, sundering all in its path. Blood spattered, and bones cracked audibly.

    Reiner staggered back, coughing up a mouthful of blood, his lung torn. His widened eyes betrayed equal parts shock and rage.

    "BASTARD!" he bellowed, his voice raw with fury.

    Caine paid no heed. In a single step, he closed the gap, driving his spear deep into Reiner''s chest.

    As the life faded from Reiner''s eyes, Caine showed no surprise. Long before reaching this point in his cultivation, he had faced seasoned half-step sages of considerable talent. Why would this lowly soldier be any different?

    Judging by the strength Reiner displayed, Caine estimated his power to be that of a peak Blood Realm cultivator with a mortal-grade innate circle¡ªin other words, weak.

    As Caine dismissed his qi spear, Reiner''s lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

    ''Hm, this Pope is something.''

    While Caine had predicted much of the Pope''s strategy, he now realized he had underestimated him. Now that he stood near Reiner''s body, the talisman affixed to the man''s forehead was within reach of his analysis.

    The talisman had indeed granted Reiner a fragment of the Pope''s power. However, it had also served another purpose: as a sensory bridge. Everything Reiner saw, heard, and felt had been transmitted directly to the Pope.

    Even though Caine had deliberately revealed little of his true strength, he knew that someone as cunning as the Pope could infer a great deal from even the smallest display.

    In one calculated move, the Pope had stripped Caine of the element of surprise and rendered the weeks he''d spent toying with the soldiers a waste.

    ''Ingenuity often lies in simplicity. I should''ve considered that he''d use his men to gather intel on me.''

    Despite the setback, Caine shook his head, his expression indifferent as he strode toward the cave''s exit.

    ''Unfortunately, it does not matter.''

    ***

    [In the Holy Capital]

    Moments after Caine left the cave, the earth beneath the Holy Capital began to rumble.

    WHOOOSH!

    The city''s inhabitants froze in fear, their gazes drawn upward. High above the skyline, a colossal formation materialized, its complexity so overwhelming that it induced splitting headaches in the non-cultivators below.

    Qi surged madly toward the formation, whipping the air into furious tempests. The ground fissured, buildings crumbled, and panic spread like wildfire.

    DOOM! DOOM! DOOM! DOOM! DOOM!

    Thunderous stomps echoed across the capital, drawing the citizens'' attention to the horizon. There, at the distant edges of the city, a terrifying sight unfolded: waves of enraged beasts pouring in from every direction.

    This wasn''t a single beast tide¡ªit was a convergence of tides, a deluge so vast it seemed endless.

    As the people''s despair reached its peak, the formation in the skies trembled. The raging qi that had been feeding into it suddenly reversed its flow, tearing through nature''s laws.

    The consequences were immediate.

    BANG!

    The skies split open, revealing countless eyes¡ªunfeeling and apathetic¡ªstaring down at the chaos. Within their depths, storms of crimson lightning churned ominously.

    The heavens had been fractured.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Chaos erupted across the city.

    ***

    [Within the Church]

    Inside the holy sanctuary of the church, Pope Francis sat motionless upon his throne, his expression unreadable as the city outside descended into ruin.

    The radiance that usually surrounded him was conspicuously absent, revealing the man beneath the light.

    Seated there was a young man with long, golden hair as smooth and radiant as sunlight, perfectly complementing his rosy, life-filled complexion. His eyes, brilliant blue and filled with swirling silver stars, contrasted sharply with his unnervingly serene face.

    Clad in flowing white priest robes, his fingers adorned with golden rings encrusted with multicolored jewels, he exuded an otherworldly aura.

    He looked entirely human, and yet his presence betrayed something far more sinister¡ªa beauty so unnatural it evoked the dread of gazing upon an abomination encased in perfection.

    As though some entity beyond comprehension had tried to mimic humanity but had fallen just short, leaving behind an air of alien apathy.

    The Pope shook his head, unfazed by the screams of horror echoing from the crumbling capital. The chaos outside seemed incapable of touching the church, its pristine interior a stark contrast to the devastation beyond.

    "For this to happen now, of all times, when we are so close to the awakening of the divinities¡­" He sighed, shaking his head again.

    With a groan of frustration, he rose to his feet. The sound of clinking metal followed, revealing golden chains binding his body beneath his robes.

    The chains tightened as he moved, eliciting another annoyed grunt. Yet, he didn''t linger. With a single step, he vanished.

    ***

    [Behind the Throne]

    From the shadows behind Pope Francis''s throne, a point of warped space formed. Emerging from it was Caine, unscathed and composed.

    "Truly, what a terrifying man," he remarked quietly, his tone betraying no fear.

    Of course, after retrieving Reiner''s talisman, Caine hadn''t discarded it. Instead, he had reverse-engineered its functionality, altering it to create a bridge that allowed him to peer into the Pope''s hall.

    Using this link, he had devised two simultaneous distractions: one to plunge the city into chaos and another to mimic his presence, forcing the Pope to leave the church.

    Once the Pope was gone, all Caine had to do was wait. Then, with the aid of his Gifts, he teleported directly into the heart of the Pope''s sanctuary.

 Chapter 34 Egg

    Caine knew he didn''t have much time. It was likely the Pope had left knowing the distraction was just that¡ªa ploy. Caine had to act quickly before the man returned.It wasn''t that he was directly afraid of the Pope. No, Caine knew he could fight him. But he also knew that if he engaged in battle, he''d have to go all out. And in doing so, he wouldn''t have the time or focus to search for his other half''s egg. A full-scale fight would demand his complete attention, leaving no room for anything else.

    ''Let''s see.''

    Caine quickly scanned the hall, his sharp eyes noting its emptiness. Yet, his focus wasn''t on the lack of objects or furnishings¡ªit was the unsettling absence of qi.

    The hall was utterly void of it. Even more concerning, Caine could feel his own blood qi flowing slower than usual, as though the space was suppressing it.

    Without hesitation, he crouched down and ran his hand along the white marble floors. His eyes glowed faintly, reflecting his rings.

    Activating them in conjunction with his blood qi, he pressed against the floor.

    WHOOOSH!

    A silver mist spread across the marble, revealing a deeply etched formation hidden beneath its pristine surface.

    Suddenly, a sense of unease prickled at the back of Caine''s mind. His heart began to race, a cold sweat forming as he looked up at the Pope''s throne.

    But it was too late.

    The throne erupted, shattering into pieces as the formation beneath him activated in full force. The room, once void of qi, was suddenly filled with an overwhelming surge of energy.

    Caine staggered, temporarily blinded by the sheer magnitude of qi flooding the space. The ground trembled violently, and then¡ª

    ''Son of a bitch. He got me.''

    ¡ªhe was forcefully teleported.

    WHOOOSH!

    ***

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself¡­ back in the same room.

    He scanned his surroundings, his sharp gaze falling on the place where the throne once stood. Now, in its stead, hovered three eggs, each surrounded by layers of intricate formations far beyond anything Caine could hope to craft.

    The formations were unlike anything he had ever seen, their complexity and craftsmanship transcending all his knowledge. For the first time in his life, Caine felt a tinge of awe.

    The first egg was golden, adorned with flowing black runes. These runes merged seamlessly into one another, forming a tapestry of ancient, primal wisdom. Halos of silver and white light rotated peacefully around it, radiating an aura of serene knowledge.

    The second egg was pitch black, covered in jagged red runes that exuded a primal, savage energy. Yet, despite their rawness, they were intricately woven together, creating a tapestry that seemed to recount the beginning and end of all things. Around this egg, rings of white and silver fire burned, so intense that Caine felt sweat drip down his back just from looking at it¡ªeven from a distance.

    The third and final egg was ethereal, a convergence of all colors yet none at the same time¡ªa shifting, indescribable phenomenon. Unlike the others, this egg bore no runes. Instead, within its translucent depths, an entire world seemed to exist.

    Storms raged, volcanoes erupted, and tsunamis clashed in an endless, chaotic symphony. Surrounding it were rings of grey and golden clouds, rotating with a tranquil rhythm.

    The sight was overwhelming. These eggs radiated an aura that transcended mortality.

    They didn''t just embody power¡ªthey felt like the embryonic forms of true gods.

    It was maddening.

    ''Why¡­ why are there three eggs¡­?''

    The thought barely formed in his mind when the eggs trembled. In an instant, they shattered the formations around them and appeared directly in front of him.

    Caine sucked in a sharp breath, shelving his confusion for later as he lowered himself into a cross-legged position.

    These eggs¡ªhis other halves¡ªwere not merely objects. They were innate bonds, deeply intertwined with his existence. They were Caine, and yet, they were also independent entities.

    Separated from them at birth, Caine now had to follow specific steps to reunite with them.

    The first step was to open his Bond Space.

    The Bond Space was a unique ability of the Velios lineage, granted at birth. It was a private dimension contained entirely within one''s mind, accessible only to the Velios and their bonds.

    Normally, a few days after birth, a Velios''s eggs would be placed within this space, where they would incubate and eventually hatch. Without access to this dimension, the eggs would remain dormant forever, unable to awaken.

    Opening the Bond Space was the simplest part of the process. In fact, Caine could have done it long before arriving in this fractured reality.

    The real challenge was the Bond Forging process.

    In the Velios lineage, royals were always born with their eggs. Both the child and the eggs shared the same womb, the same mother, and their talents were inherently mirrored.

    Traditionally, for ten days after birth, the child and their eggs would be left alone in a specialized room. During this time, the eggs would attune themselves to the child''s body, granting them unparalleled physical strength and latent abilities even before hatching.

    Caine, however, had been denied this process.

    Because of this separation, he now faced an excruciating alternative: he would have to pour every drop of blood from his body onto the eggs, allowing them to draw him back from the brink of death. Only at that point, where he danced on the edge of life and death, could the bond take root within the very kernel of his existence.

    It was an incredibly dangerous procedure. No Velios was ever meant to be separated from their bonds in the first place.

    But Caine had prepared for this moment.

    His Celestial Taiyi Bones¡ªhis greatest creation¡ªwould ensure his survival. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Let''s begin.''

    Caine exhaled deeply, his gaze unwavering. Unlike other meditative processes, this time he didn''t close his eyes. Instead, he opened them wide, focusing his mind.

    Opening the Bond Space was, in theory, simple. He only needed to imagine it, shape it in his mind, and bring it to life with a single command.

    His voice was steady, filled with authority:

    "I, Caine Lerouge Velios, first and only heir of this generation''s royal line, demand my sovereignty."

    "[Open¡­]"

 Chapter 35 Bond

    The silver expanse within Caine''s eyes suddenly trembled and expanded, gaining a life of its own, twisting and shifting in ways that defied explanation.The silver landscape widened and stretched endlessly, transforming into an infinite dimension. Against this backdrop of shimmering silver skies, dark lands of pure black emerged in stark contrast, while an ocean of gold formed below.

    High above, nine radiant rings materialized in the silver sky, shining so brightly they anchored this dimension, acting as its suns.

    Caine exhaled slowly, and the vivid world within his eyes blurred and receded. His pupils returned to their usual form.

    Surprisingly, opening his Bond Space had turned out to be far easier than he had anticipated.

    Though the process required only a single command, he had expected complications¡ªsomething to go wrong. Yet, everything had proceeded without issue. Shaking his head, he prepared to continue.

    But before he could take another step, something extraordinary occurred. Beside the three eggs that hovered in the air, two more suddenly appeared out of thin air.

    Caine barely had a moment to examine them before all five eggs vanished, reappearing deep within his Bond Space.

    He froze.

    "Five eggs¡­?"

    His pupils trembled as the realization struck.

    ''Normally, a Velios can only have a single bond. It''s an absolute law¡ªunshakable and unquestionable. Only rare, mutated bloodlines produce exceptions. But¡­''

    Caine wasn''t just any Velios. He was a royal¡ªa direct descendant of the main line, the bloodline that had ruled since time immemorial.

    His bloodline simply couldn''t mutate. It was an absolute impossibility.

    Which meant¡­

    ''This has to be related to my past life. In one life, I can only have a single half¡ªotherwise, it would create a paradox.''

    His pupils trembled even more. ''Does that mean¡­?''

    Caine immediately shook his head, forcing the thought from his mind. Now wasn''t the time to lose focus. He would have to wait until he returned and sought Zao''s counsel to examine his condition. Assuming the worst now served no purpose.

    Taking a shaky breath, he steadied his mind. As calm settled over him, he exhaled once more, his worries dissipating as his thoughts fell into alignment.

    Closing his eyes, he embraced the darkness behind his eyelids.

    His bones began to glow, their radiance seeping through his flesh. The intricate runes etched onto them pulsed, resonating with the dense qi coursing through his blood. A low hum reverberated through the space, and within his Bond Space, the five eggs began to tremble.

    Runes and streams of qi gathered in the air. At that moment, grand shadows began to materialize within his Bond Space.

    Caine tried to discern their shapes, but each attempt brought a splitting headache so intense it nearly forced him to collapse.

    Despite the pain, he pressed forward.

    ''Let''s begin.''

    The five shadows suddenly vanished from his Bond Space and reappeared around him in the physical realm. Just as swiftly as they had appeared, they shattered into countless runes that burrowed into his body.

    Caine''s robes disintegrated, revealing his bare skin as five distinct rune patterns began to form.

    Upon his left arm, a crimson tattoo of fiery clouds appeared, completely covering his hand, forearm, and shoulder. Pure, maddening vitality erupted from the tattoo, flooding his body and saturating his blood qi in an instant.

    On his right arm, black-scaled tattoos outlined in deep amethyst materialized, stretching from his fingers to his shoulder. The overwhelming vitality coursing through his body was rapidly devoured by these scales, condensed and contained within his frame, amplifying his power.

    The tattoos from both arms converged on his chest, forming a majestic fresco: golden flames engulfing a scaled dragon.

    On Caine''s legs, silver feathers appeared, etched like the remnants of an angel''s descent from the heavens.

    His back bore the image of white mountains clashing against stormy black clouds, arcs of grey lightning raining down in a depiction of the eternal struggle between earth and sky.

    Caine''s eyes snapped open, glowing with intensity as a complex arcane sigil seared itself into his retinas, burning deep into his very soul.

    The tattoos on his body shimmered with auspicious light before sinking into his skin, embedding themselves permanently within his flesh.

    Runes bloomed from these tattoos, linking seamlessly with those on his bones, their intricate arrays expanding his internal structure.

    Deep within his Bond Space, Caine could now feel an unbreakable connection to the eggs. The bond was primal, raw, and profound¡ªhe felt almost paternal, as though looking upon his own children in the safety of a womb.

    It was a strange sensation, yet it felt natural, as though it had always been meant to be this way.

    WHOOOSH!

    A cold wind swept through the hall as Caine exhaled and rose to his feet. From thin air, white robes transmuted from qi wrapped around him, draping over his frame.

    ''What a strange feeling,'' he thought, a soft smile gracing his lips. He felt whole, like a shattered vase finally restored.

    ''I wonder what Uncle''s bonds look like. He never talked about them.''

    Pushing the thought aside, Caine turned his attention to the task at hand¡ªescaping this strange place.

    The presence of the eggs and the formation they were kept in revealed something crucial: this wasn''t the original hall he had entered. It was clear the Pope had hidden these eggs in a separate location, accessible only through the teleportation formation within his hall.

    Yet, as Caine examined his surroundings, he couldn''t shake the unease creeping into his thoughts.

    ''I have no idea where I am.''

    This wasn''t just a different location¡ªit felt like an entirely separate dimension, a pocket space. It was eerily reminiscent of the place where his trials should have originally taken place.

    And if this truly was a pocket space, one created by the Pope¡­

    Caine''s thoughts darkened.

    ''If the Pope is capable of forming pocket spaces while existing as an entity within a fractured reality¡­''

    Caine was under no delusions. He knew he''d inevitably have to face this Pope if he wanted to leave and if before he was confident in coming out unscathed, he wasn''t so sure now.

    Caine sat down on the floor cross legged and closed his eyes, circulating his qi as he waited.

    S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 36 The Pope

    A while later, Caine opened his eyes, feeling his body being teleported away once more.He exhaled a steady breath as it happened, rising to his feet with calm precision.

    Straightening his robes and slicking back his long hair out of habit, he maintained his even composure.

    His gaze did not waver.

    WHOOOSH!

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself back in the previous hall, standing directly before the Pope''s throne. Seated atop it, the Pope''s cold, calculating eyes met his.

    For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Sparks of invisible lightning bridged their gazes, the tension growing so thick it made the ground tremble beneath them.

    The Pope chuckled softly, reclining lazily in his throne. He rested his chin on his closed fist, his elbow propped against the armrest. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amusement flickered in his brilliant blue eyes as he spoke.

    "Who would''ve thought," he mused, his tone almost playful. "To think the one wreaking havoc in my lands would be a little Velios."

    Caine''s expression didn''t shift, but inwardly, his thoughts churned.

    "You seem young. Incredibly young," the Pope continued, his gaze narrowing slightly as if appraising a rare artifact. "Barely twenty years old. And yet¡­" He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Your mind¡­ it''s older. Barely reaching the ten-thousand-year mark. Still, a little baby. How cute."

    "You know a great deal," Caine replied slowly, his voice calm and steady. "And yet, you allowed me to move freely under your nose. To what end?" His tone was casual, as though it was only natural to expect an answer from a potential enemy.

    The Pope''s amusement deepened, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes.

    ''So young, yet so unyielding. Truly fascinating,'' the Pope thought, suppressing a smirk.

    "To what end?" the Pope repeated, feigning surprise. "There was no end to it. I didn''t know who you were until I laid eyes on you."

    With a slight shift, he opened his robes, revealing purple, bruised flesh tightly bound by golden chains.

    "You see these?" he asked, gesturing to the chains. "They greatly limit me. They''re called God''s Chains." He smiled faintly, closing his robes. "I imagine you''ll get to know them well in a few years. After all, you''re the one who gave them to me."

    Caine''s stoic mask cracked, uncertainty flashing across his features for the first time.

    "What?" he muttered, his voice tinged with confusion.

    The Pope shook his head and stood. "It doesn''t matter. Just like with that Reaper, there are certain things I can''t say to someone still tethered to mortality."

    Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    The Pope''s grin widened in turn. "I can''t explain it all, but know this: time is far flatter than you might expect. Unless you surpass it, everything is bound to happen again. And again. And again."

    His voice dropped, a hint of mocking pity seeping into his tone.

    "No matter how many wishes you make."

    The Pope''s words were followed by uproarious laughter, his voice echoing through the hall like a madman''s hymn.

    Caine, stunned, had no time to react. In an instant, the Pope appeared before him, his fist sinking deep into Caine''s gut.

    The air in Caine''s lungs was forcibly expelled, leaving him gasping as the Pope''s palm struck his torso, rupturing the flow of qi within his body.

    Caine''s eyes turned bloodshot as he gritted his teeth, suppressing the blood threatening to spill from his mouth.

    Deep within his gaze, his rings began to glow, their light intensifying as they prepared to activate.

    But then¡ª

    "Oh, no, you don''t," the Pope sneered. "[Interrupt.]"

    The glow of Caine''s rings dimmed instantly, receding into the depths of his eyes. The activation was halted¡ªa feat no one in the Three Realms had ever achieved.

    Without hesitation, the Pope unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike connecting with devastating precision. Caine''s body was hurled into the wall of the hall, the impact barely stirring the indomitable structure of the church.

    "There''s much you lack," the Pope said, his voice cold yet matter-of-fact. "Far too much. And time¡­" He tapped the golden chains binding his body. "Time is not on your side. Nor is it on mine."

    He sighed, almost wistfully. "I can''t help you. I can''t train you¡ªnot yet. But what I can do¡­ is prime you."

    Ignoring the man''s words, Caine burst from the rubble, a spear of blood qi forming in his hand. With unmatched grace, he swung the blade down, aiming for the Pope''s neck.

    The Pope batted the spear aside as though it were a child''s toy. His counterpunch tore into Caine''s chest, shattering bones and bruising flesh. Caine''s body flew through the air like a broken doll.

    Raising a hand, the Pope gathered chaotic particles of qi in his palm, forming a concentrated beam of energy.

    ZIM!

    The beam shot out in an instant, colliding with Caine midair.

    BOOOOM!

    The impact reverberated through the hall as the Pope clapped his hands together. Runes of every shape and size materialized, interlinking to form dozens of spell circles.

    With a low chant, he unleashed a barrage of elemental attacks, a storm of destruction converging on Caine.

    In that moment, time seemed to freeze for Caine.

    In mere seconds, everything he relied on had been sealed.

    His blood qi had been reversed, leaving him unable to use it until his internal organs healed.

    His rings, the cornerstone of his power, had been locked away, indirectly sealing his crown as well.

    Even his bones and flesh, his most prized creations, had been battered to the brink of collapse under the Pope''s relentless blows.

    He was tossed about like a mere child.

    Caine had always marched forward without fear, fully aware of the possibility of death at any turn. He had always acted without regret, placing one foot in front of the other, relentlessly pursuing his goals.

    But now, beaten and broken, a tinge of fear crept into his heart.

    Was this the end? Was he to die so early, at the hands of a Pope in a fractured reality?

    Had it all been for nothing?

    As doubt seeped into his thoughts, a strange warmth enveloped his mind, whispering acceptance.

    ''Perhaps it isn''t so bad,'' he thought. He had achieved much. He had given his all. Perhaps his death would be graceful.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s roar shattered the silence, a sound so primal it seemed to tear the world apart. Rage and fury erupted within him, obliterating all doubt, fear, and resignation.

    ''When did I fall so low?''

 Chapter 37 Bye

    <If you''re scared, do it scared. Embrace the fear and use it as fuel to propel your courage.>[I hate that expression. It churns my guts. Why fear when all that lies ahead of you is victory? Only bottom feeders wake each day content with the idea of second place. If you lack conviction, give up. Don''t do it scared¡ªjust don''t do it.]

    [If you do it, do it knowing death is but a step away, and never look back. Fear is the mind killer, not a tonic. I''d rather die reaching for the throne than wait for its king to fall and relinquish it.]

    [I don''t care if I''m delusional. At least it''s honest. Most of the people going against me are just coping anyway. Nobody likes fear.]

    [What I''m saying is¡­ go for it. Shine as brightly as possible. Then die, if you must. But you''ll die knowing you were the brightest star in the cold, endless void of existence. Isn''t that more memorable than all the other bullshit? Haha!]

    These words echoed in Caine''s mind, accompanied by the foolish, confident smile of a certain person¡ªa smile brimming with unshakable hope.

    Something deep within Caine stirred, sparked by the resonance of those words and that unforgettable smile. The memory ignited a flicker of light in the dormant rings hidden within the depths of his pupils.

    At once, his nine rings activated, and his crown flickered into existence atop his head, its brilliance so intense that the world around him seemed to bathe in silver.

    WHOOOSH!

    The wall of destructive elemental attacks converging on Caine disintegrated, dispelled as he dropped back onto solid ground.

    For a moment, he stood still, his mind racing. Though he hated to admit it, the years he''d spent amidst the comfort and opulence of the Velios had softened him.

    It had dulled the edge of the person he used to be.

    But unlike most, Caine wasn''t about to reject who he''d become under this new life. Nor would he forsake the person he had once been.

    He was as much Caine Lerouge Velios as he was the Nameless Caine, the First Blight.

    It was a simple realization, yet it unleashed a cascade of revelations in his mind. The internal struggle between his two identities, once clashing like opposing tides, fused into a singular, harmonious whole.

    The transformation extended to his rings, which solidified into perfection, their complexity evolving as runes of unseen intricacy etched themselves across their surface.

    Exhaling slowly, Caine steadied himself and looked upward¡ªonly to frown.

    The Pope was gone.

    In the time it had taken him to land, the man had vanished, leaving no trace behind.

    ''I suppose this isn''t the end. Or perhaps it is. I''m not sure.'' sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The entire encounter had been chaotic, a whirlwind of confusion and revelations. Yet, despite the turmoil, it had left an indelible mark on Caine.

    He sighed, casting a few healing spells on himself, mending his battered body.

    ''If nothing else, this fight has highlighted my flaws. I need to take training more seriously. And beyond that, I need to master techniques that truly capitalize on my talents.''

    His gaze sharpened. ''I''ve been underutilizing my innate circle. Everything¡ªmy bones and flesh, my gifts, my qi, my rings, my techniques¡ªit all needs refinement. It will take time, but that time will be well invested.''

    Caine flexed his fingers, robes materializing around him with a flick of his hand.

    With the same hand, he performed a clawing motion. His Gift¡ªWarp¡ªactivated, rippling through the fabric of space.

    Space tore, and a portal opened before him. Without hesitation, Caine stepped through, leaving the fractured reality behind without a backward glance.

    He had finally completed his coming-of-age ceremony.

    ***

    [Above the Holy Capital¡ªFar into the great holy stars.]

    In the skies above, Pope Francis hovered, gazing down at the hall where Caine had been. A faint smile graced his lips.

    A voice, disembodied yet clear, broke the silence. "You know this will bring you trouble, right?"

    The Pope chuckled. "I know. But it is what it is. If we want to bring about change, chaos is necessary. And you can''t get anything more chaotic than that little grumpy man."

    The voice, though invisible, seemed exasperated. "And what if he kills you?"

    The Pope shrugged, his grin widening.

    "Wouldn''t be the first time. He''ll kill me a few more times, then get over it."

    The voice faltered, defeated. There was no arguing with the Pope''s madness.

    ***

    [Outside the Trials¡ªNorthen Continent]

    Caine emerged from the portal, stepping into the heart of a dense forest near the grand gate he had used to begin his trials.

    ''I see.'' He nodded to himself, analyzing his surroundings. ''My Gift provides me with spatial awareness. When I warped space, I simply willed myself to return here, and it brought me to the perfect location.''

    If anyone had been privy to his thoughts, their shock would have been indescribable. The ability to tear portals from one place to another as a mere mortal was already groundbreaking.

    But opening a portal to an unknown destination without coordinates or direction?

    Such a feat should have been a death sentence. And yet, here he stood, unharmed.

    The potential of his awakened Gifts was terrifying.

    "Hm?"

    Caine''s thoughts were interrupted as his senses flared. A spike in atmospheric qi rippled around him. In the next instant, twelve veiled figures clad in blood-red robes materialized, surrounding him.

    Each figure wielded a scarlet blade etched with black runes. Talismans on their backs interlinked, forming a network that amplified their collective strength¡ªa unit far greater than the sum of its parts.

    Caine regarded them coolly, his gaze devoid of concern. He had expected opposition. What intrigued him, however, was the fear and confusion in their eyes.

    His aura was perfectly restrained, so much so that even Zao would believe he was still a mortal. Yet, their gazes betrayed doubt and apprehension.

    Seconds passed before the realization struck him.

    ''They''re shocked I came out alive.''

 Chapter 38 Tribulation

    ''Which means the Pope was a variable within their plans they didn''t account for.'' Caine frowned, his thoughts racing. ''I''ve already concluded that they wanted to stall me in that fractured reality¡ªand kill me.''''There''s no way that Monkey King was supposed to stop me¡­?'' His eyes widened as another realization struck him.

    Nobody truly knew just how powerful or talented he was.

    Caine had assumed his abilities were well-known, a fact established during his countless spars. But now, he wasn''t so certain.

    It made sense if Zao had intentionally wiped everyone''s memories after their battles¡ªexcluding the elders of the respective clans, of course.

    To the world, he was an enigma.

    ''So maybe that fractured reality wasn''t entirely their doing. They tried to kill me during the first trial using that woman by attacking my mind. When that failed, they had a failsafe¡ªthe second trial. They were hoping I''d die to her or the Monkey King.''

    His frown deepened, his mood souring. ''If that''s the case, then what was that fractured reality? And why were my bond eggs there?''

    The questions mounted, his frustration building.

    ''If I go deeper into this¡­ how did they even get my bond eggs in the first place? Whether it''s the Pope or those old bastards, someone gained access to them. By logic, they should''ve been left with Zao. But if that''s the case, it would mean he''s the one behind all this, and that''s impossible.''

    Rage sparked in his silver pupils. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''At my birth, my parents kept my eggs with them. Whoever''s behind this must''ve taken them from my parents.''

    Caine''s fists clenched tightly as chaotic thoughts swirled.

    ''I was told something happened moments after my birth¡­ surely this isn''t¡­''

    Without him realizing, clouds of chaotic qi had begun to whip around him, slaughtering the assassins who had come to kill him. Their bodies crumbled, shredded by the sheer force of his untamed energy.

    The skies darkened further, thunderclaps booming loud enough to quake the air.

    ''It''s not as simple as I imagined. We have enemies within the alliance¡ªbut we also have major ones outside of it. If I had to guess, they''re working together.''

    His thoughts sharpened.

    ''But for what purpose? The Velios hold no treasures¡ªat least, none we don''t share through the Alliance Treasury. What could we have done to provoke this much hate and envy? What could my parents and I have possibly done?''

    BANG!

    His musings were interrupted by another deafening clap of thunder, shaking the ground and echoing across the skies.

    Caine''s gaze snapped upward, rapidly narrowing as he took in the strange sight above.

    The skies had darkened beyond the natural night, the zone above him veiled in an unnatural shade of black emptiness.

    Golden arcs of crackling lightning danced within the thick gray clouds, swirling in tandem with harsh winds. Chaotic waves of qi formed a dome around him, stretching for thirty kilometers.

    ''A tribulation.''

    Yet even this revelation did little to faze him. What concerned Caine more was what the tribulation revealed.

    This was a punishment for his heretical actions in the fractured reality. At first, Caine had been unconcerned, believing the fractured reality to belong to some faraway world.

    But now, it was clear that wasn''t the case.

    The fractured reality he had just left wasn''t a fragment of some distant realm¡ªit was a warped period of time from his own world, The Five Brilliant Sky World.

    Whether it was a distorted piece of the past or the future, he couldn''t yet tell.

    Instead of providing clarity, this realization only left him with more unanswered questions.

    RUMBLE!

    As if offended by Caine''s indifference, the clouds above shifted. The first streak of lightning fell.

    Caine''s gaze met the bolt of golden lightning descending from the heavens, its fury laced with divine retribution.

    Raising his hand, he clenched his fingers into a fist.

    CRACK!

    The lightning shattered into countless particles of chaotic qi, scattering into the turbulent winds surrounding him.

    For a moment, the world fell silent, as if the skies themselves were stunned by his audacity.

    But before the clouds could retaliate, Caine raised his other hand. Pressing his palms together high above his head, he began to part them slowly.

    As he moved, the swirling storm clouds above began to sunder. The more he parted his hands, the more the skies above dissipated, light spilling through the cracks.

    Unfortunately, Caine''s inexperience betrayed him. Born a cripple in his previous life, he lacked the knowledge most experts gained about tribulations.

    What he had just done was the single worst thing he could have attempted.

    RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

    The earth trembled violently as the skies themselves tore apart. From the depths of the void beyond, a single, grand, and majestic eye emerged.

    This was no fractured reality.

    The pressure emanating from the eye was indescribable. Mere moments after it appeared, Caine collapsed to his knees, blood erupting from his mouth.

    The eye, known as the World Will Eye, was the manifestation of his world''s consciousness.

    The difference between the fractured reality''s will and that of a full-fledged world was staggering.

    BANG!

    Blood qi burst forth from Caine''s body, countering the suppression. His back straightened as he wiped the blood from his mouth, his heart steady despite the unimaginable pressure bearing down on him.

    His gaze met the colossal eye, a fierce smile spreading across his face.

    It felt as though he was staring into the core of a smoldering universe¡ªchaotic, destructive, and utterly beyond his reach.

    An ant facing a God¡ªno, an ant facing the Heavens themselves.

    Yet, despite this, Caine made no move to summon his rings, crown, or spear.

    RUMBLE!

    More eyes began to form in the void beyond the torn skies. From one, they became a dozen, then a hundred, until their number was beyond count.

    The pressure intensified, accumulating with every new eye. Despite their apathetic gaze, hints of rage flickered within their depths.

    Caine''s grin only widened.

    With unshakable confidence, he uttered a single word:

    "Come."

 Chapter 39 Tribulation(II)

    With his arms folded, Caine looked up, unmoving, as from the countless eyes within the distant void, pillars of lightning as thick as mountains began their descent.They tore through the air with vicious momentum, their heat supercharging the air and destabilising the natural flow of atmospheric qi.

    The first slammed down with the force of a god''s hammer delivering divine judgment.

    BOOOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    The earth quaked violently, splitting apart as waves of molten magma surged into the air, akin to deep ocean tsunamis.

    Caine coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body sinking into the scorching rivers of liquid fire.

    Had it not been for his mysterious affinity, this strike alone would have ended him.

    Caine''s affinity, Totality, was exceedingly rare, an ability beyond the comprehension of most cultivators. Its nature was exactly as its name suggested¡ªeverything, everywhere, all at once.

    Unlike the Chaos Affinity, which was an amalgamation of all things, Totality stood above as a supreme force.

    It granted control over every element and aspect, encompassing all affinities in their entirety. At its core, Totality could be defined by one word: Control.

    And because it stood at the Immeasurable Grade, just like the rest of Caine''s talents, it granted him unparalleled immunity to all other affinities. This was why the rivers of magma that surrounded him caused no harm¡ªhe was immune to its essence.

    But even this mighty affinity seemed to falter before the overwhelming power of the lightning pillars.

    As the second pillar descended, its chaotic arcs of energy flooded Caine''s body, tearing through his internal structure, seeking to annihilate him from within.

    ZIM!

    Despite the onslaught, Caine remained indifferent.

    A third pillar fell.

    BOOOOM!

    Just before it struck, Caine soared out of the magma, his expression serene. His glowing bones radiated power as they absorbed the lightning pillar entirely.

    The mighty energy was subdued and shattered by his bones, which then passed it to his flesh for assimilation.

    It was the perfect cycle Caine had envisioned.

    His bones would subdue and shatter all things, while his flesh would devour and assimilate them. A balance of Totality and Orderly Chaos.

    WHOOOSH!

    Veins bulged across Caine''s body as his blood qi surged, breaking past a hidden threshold and growing even stronger.

    He looked to the skies, spreading his arms wide. Though absorbing the lightning had bolstered his strength, it had also worsened his injuries. Yet, Caine ignored the pain entirely.

    BOOOOOOOM! BOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    Pillar after pillar rained down from the void, driving Caine deeper into the molten sea that had replaced the earth.

    Each strike pushed him closer to death, but each time, his bones and flesh refined the energy, feeding his growth.

    The eyes in the void above seemed to grow angrier with every passing second. The once-white lightning pillars turned crimson, then golden, then obsidian, and finally became multicolored blasts of incomprehensible power.

    By now, everything within the sealed dome had been reduced to magma, its heat so intense that the surrounding qi had vaporized into a dense mist.

    A thousand and eighty pillars had fallen, each more potent than the last. And yet, though Caine''s body was battered and his wounds severe, he still lived.

    The countless eyes in the void trembled, their rage palpable. Slowly, they began to merge into a single entity. From this union, a small eye of golden mist appeared.

    The golden mist-eye began to multiply, then fuse, repeating the process over and over.

    Each cycle increased its intensity, a terrifying display of power.

    Had Caine understood the true nature of World Will Eyes and tribulations, he would have fled immediately.

    Tribulations were often misunderstood as punishments from the world, but they were, in truth, tests. A tribulation evaluated the worthiness of a person''s actions, their talents, and their defiance of natural law. The more their existence broke the world''s rules, the harsher the test.

    Caine''s actions¡ªhis talents, his heretical creations¡ªhad pushed the boundaries far beyond what the world could tolerate.

    But why was this tribulation so severe? Surely it wasn''t just for his bones, flesh, and affinity? Or was there something more?

    The answer lay in the World Will Eyes.

    These eyes, the physical manifestation of a world''s consciousness, were divided into grades.

    The colorless eyes Caine first encountered were the most common, appearing in ordinary tribulations.

    The gray eyes represented the next level, reserved for talents like Caine whose very existence demanded a test.

    Above these were levels so unfathomable that no one had ever survived to recount them.

    The power of such tribulations was unimaginable.

    And Caine had unknowingly ascended to one of these higher levels.

    RUMBLE!

    After dozens of fusion cycles, the countless eyes became one.

    This final eye was made of a color that defied mortal comprehension, its depth infinite and unknowable. Surrounding it were clouds of pure white qi, crackling with blue lightning.

    The eye trembled, and shockingly, it parted in two, acting as a gateway.

    WHOOOOOOSH!

    The mere opening of the gate sent devastating waves of chaotic wind cascading across the land. The molten sea below cooled instantly, solidifying into an endless expanse of blackened stone.

    A storm of chaotic qi erupted, swirling violently as an entity emerged from the gate.

    The being''s body was composed entirely of pure white qi. Its long, majestic hair burned like golden flames, while its armor, made of chaotic qi tendrils, radiated an aura of unmatched power.

    From its back spread a pair of massive, feathered gray wings, the only part of it resembling flesh.

    Though it had no discernible facial features, its gaze seemed to pierce through the layers of hardened magma, locking onto Caine.

    BOOOOOM!

    The magma bed exploded, forming a massive crater. At its center, a battered and bloodied Caine sat atop a jagged rock, staring up at the celestial figure. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Though his body was weak, his spirit remained unbroken.

    He smirked, his voice a faint whisper as he stared at the divine being.

    "Just what have I gotten myself into¡­"

 Chapter 40 Tribulation(III)

    In the depths of Caine''s eyes, his Arcane Ring glowed faintly, seizing control of his blood qi and forming thin filaments around him. The filaments moved swiftly, suturing his open wounds.Though far from fully healed, the bleeding finally stopped.

    Caine rose to his feet, rolling his shoulders as the light of his Arcane Ring dimmed. In its place, his Martial Ring began to glow.

    When Caine had resolved to refocus on the mastery of his talents, he hadn''t been joking.

    WHOOSH!

    His blood qi twisted and warped under the control of his Martial Ring, transforming into a sleek, black spear.

    The weapon was a masterpiece. Its pole was jet black, etched with intricate golden runes, and near its blade, a metallic golden dragon coiled upward, wrapping around the long, single-edged blade.

    The metallic tang of blood qi filled the air as Caine grasped the spear. Around his wrists and ankles, halos of dense silver light pulsed rhythmically.

    He looked up, smiling faintly.

    ''I might die.''

    The entity looming in the skies above radiated power so immense that merely gazing at it made Caine''s vision blur and his thoughts waver. His stomach churned, his heart raced, and goosebumps rippled across his skin.

    And yet, he smiled.

    His body may have trembled under the entity''s overwhelming presence, but his gaze remained steady, his resolve unbroken.

    The celestial being paused for a moment. Its faceless visage twisted, and from its blank surface, a pair of white eyes formed, along with a mouth.

    "My¡­ child¡­"

    Caine didn''t frown at the words. Instead, he raised a brow in mild surprise and remained silent.

    The entity took a single step forward, then descended from the void above, landing within the dome.

    It now stood no more than ten meters away from Caine.

    Their gazes locked.

    "My child, do you know why you have angered me?" the entity asked, its voice a symphony of nature''s raw forces¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the roar of volcanoes, the crash of waves, and the howl of storms.

    It was as if the world itself spoke.

    "No." Caine shook his head calmly. Though he had an idea, he wasn''t entirely sure.

    Beyond that, he had no clue who¡ªor what¡ªhe was truly speaking to.

    As far as he knew, tribulations weren''t supposed to have¡­ this.

    "Good," the entity nodded. "Because you have not angered me at all."

    Before Caine could respond, it continued.

    "I am the World Avatar, the incarnation of this world. Well, at least a fragment of my incarnation, but the point stands."

    The Avatar''s gaze shifted to the horizon as it spoke.

    "I am not here to punish you, nor am I here to judge you. I am here to test you."

    "These bones you''ve forged, this flesh you''ve crafted¡­ they are unique. Very unique." The Avatar''s voice carried a subtle weight, its tone reverent and ominous. "What you''ve created is not normal. It is too special."

    Its eyes gleamed faintly.

    "If you survive what is to come, perhaps you''ll one day understand the significance of this moment. Perhaps you''ll ascend to heights so great that you''ll grasp the heresy of what you''ve made."

    "And perhaps, on that day, you''ll realize how merciful I''ve been."

    The Avatar sighed, its ethereal presence momentarily flickering.

    "I allowed you to devour my heavenly lightning to solidify the foundation of your creations, but it was not without purpose. Now that you have this power¡­"

    It waved its hand, and a blade materialized within its grasp. The weapon was simple¡ªso plain it almost felt like an insult to the Avatar''s divine aura.

    "¡­ battle me for your right to live and for the integrity of what you''ve created. Win, and you''ll live to see what lies ahead. Lose, and death will claim you. Simple, no?"

    Caine smirked, his tone light. "Who would''ve thought a world would be so¡­ human? Peculiar, isn''t it?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    For a fleeting moment, the Avatar''s blank face twisted into what could only be described as a smile.

    "I suppose that makes the both of us anomalies, Caine."

    The words echoed as its features faded away, returning to a faceless void.

    CLANK!

    Caine was violently flung backward, a powerful leg crashing into his chest and sending waves of chaotic qi spiraling through him.

    As he tumbled and rolled across the ground, he couldn''t help but admire the Avatar''s mastery of qi.

    But then again, if this truly was the incarnation of his world¡ªor even a fragment of it¡ªsuch skill was to be expected.

    He scrambled to his feet, only to be forced onto the defensive again. The Avatar was upon him, its blade slicing through the air toward his neck.

    The halo on Caine''s right arm spun rapidly, and above his head, a spell circle materialized in an instant.

    [Buffer]

    The atmospheric qi wrapped around the Avatar, significantly slowing its movements for a few precious moments before it broke free.

    But those moments were all Caine needed.

    WHOOSH!

    The blade struck empty air as Caine weaved beneath it, darting into close range. His spear pole shortened until it resembled a sword, and with a flash, he swung upward, aiming for the Avatar''s chest.

    Qi gathered around the Avatar at blinding speed, forming layers of protective shields.

    Caine''s blade struck the first barrier but barely scratched its surface before rebounding. The force of the impact wrenched his arm backward, nearly tearing it from its socket.

    He stumbled, wincing in pain.

    In a blur, the Avatar struck him dozens of times, its palms coated with chaotic qi.

    Caine spat out a mouthful of blood as he crumpled to his knees. Before he could recover, the Avatar''s rising knee slammed into his chin, sending his body flying upward.

    Suspended in midair, Caine became a perfect target for the Avatar''s next move.

    With a wave of its hand, it summoned countless beams of chaotic qi, which shot toward him with unrelenting precision.

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    The beams crashed into Caine, consuming him in a blinding explosion of light and energy.

 Chapter 41 Tribulation(IV)

    The volatile clouds of qi dissipated, revealing Caine hovering in the skies, encased within a fragile bubble of red qi.At the last moment, he had managed to activate his rings, converting atmospheric qi into blood qi to form a protective shield.

    It was the first time Caine had ever converted one type of qi into another. Frankly, he hadn''t even known it was possible. Yet, the pressure of life and death had borne unexpected results.

    Below, the Incarnation swung its sword, and atmospheric qi coalesced into razor-sharp arcs. With a flick of its wrist, it sent the first wave slicing through the air toward him.

    The sword moved again¡ªand again¡ªa dozen more times in less than a second. More arcs of condensed qi followed, cascading toward Caine with relentless precision.

    BOOM!

    The shield surrounding Caine shattered under the barrage. Deep gashes tore across his body as he plummeted from the skies, blood trailing in his wake.

    But this time, he was ready. Twisting mid-air, he flipped to land on his feet, his silver gaze locking firmly onto his foe.

    He extended a hand, and his spear snapped back into his grip as if summoned by instinct.

    The Martial Ring in the depths of his eyes ignited with a furious light. With a single step, qi exploded beneath his feet, launching him toward the Incarnation like a bolt of lightning.

    Sidestepping a falling blade of qi, Caine spun, his spear dancing fluidly across his body before arcing upward in a cleaving strike.

    The Incarnation moved with effortless grace, slapping the rising blade aside before seizing Caine''s wrist. With a vice-like grip, it twisted, bones cracking under the pressure.

    Yet Caine didn''t flinch. Without hesitation, he tossed his spear into his other hand and swung again.

    Caught in an awkward position, the Incarnation released his wrist and retreated.

    Caine''s blade sliced through empty air, but he used the momentum to spin forward, closing the gap. He followed with a falling cleave that mirrored his previous rising strike.

    BANG!

    The blade collided with a shimmering shield of qi, sending vibrations coursing up his arms.

    This time, however, Caine was prepared.

    Using the rebounding force, he spun once more, transitioning into a horizontal slice aimed at the Incarnation''s lower half.

    The Incarnation responded with the same cold indifference, slapping the blade downward and disrupting Caine''s balance.

    Off-kilter, Caine stumbled forward, his body vulnerable to a devastating counterattack.

    CRACK!

    A powerful, qi-laden punch slammed into his jaw, the sickening sound of bone snapping reverberating through the air.

    Caine''s vision blurred, his brain rattled, and his consciousness teetered on the edge. A sharp, searing pain ripped through his chest as the Incarnation''s blade thrust in and out of his torso.

    Mere seconds later, the blade swept across his shoulders with unnerving precision, severing key nerves. His arms fell limp, useless.

    The shift was abrupt, unsettling, and devastating. Stripped of control over his own body, Caine found himself forced deeper into the Incarnation''s calculated rhythm¡ªa chaotic dance that tore him apart piece by piece.

    The Incarnation relied solely on its mastery of qi manipulation and unparalleled blade skills, yet that seemed more than enough.

    Methodically, it dismantled Caine, forcing him to adapt to its tempo and rules.

    Its blade worked on two planes¡ªthe physical and the metaphysical. Every gash it carved into his flesh was accompanied by an echo of chaotic qi, burrowing into his body and wreaking havoc on his nerves.

    With surgical precision and qi control beyond anything Caine had witnessed, the Incarnation systematically stripped him of all bodily functions. The wounds accumulated, the blood loss mounting as Caine''s body betrayed him.

    Worse still, the Incarnation seemed acutely aware of the danger posed by Caine''s mind. It pressed the attack relentlessly, allowing no time for him to formulate a counterstrategy.

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion of raw energy erupted, forcing the Incarnation back.

    Slowly, Caine staggered to his feet, his arms hanging limply at his sides. His body was a canvas of blood and gore, stripped of its former vitality and strength.

    Yet he stood tall, his silver gaze steady as it bore into the Incarnation.

    By now, Caine was certain. This being was truly the Incarnation of his world¡ªa fragment of its consciousness made manifest.

    It wielded only the power of a peak Flesh Destruction cultivator, yet it had utterly dominated him.

    For someone of Caine''s talent, this should have been impossible. Only an opponent of a higher cultivation realm should have been capable of such a feat, and even then, he doubted they could have overwhelmed him so thoroughly.

    Below the Sage Realm, Caine knew he should have been untouchable.

    Only a World''s consciousness could wield qi with such monstrous precision and mastery.

    Yet Caine wasn''t impressed.

    He knew he held the cards to change the tide. His monstrous gifts, the abilities of his bonds, the full extent of his innate circle, his affinity for Totality¡ªall of it could turn the battle in his favor.

    But he refused to use them.

    Just as when he had faced the tribulation during his Innate Circle awakening,

    something deep within told him that taking a single step back would cost him something irreparable.

    Something far more valuable than his life.

    If the Incarnation limited itself to the Flesh Destruction stage, relying only on qi and a blade, then so would he.

    He would defeat the World itself¡ªon its terms.

    As these thoughts solidified in his mind, Caine exhaled a shaky breath. His body swayed under the weight of his injuries, barely able to stand, yet his resolve burned brightly.

    Behind him, the faint outline of something vast and grand began to materialize¡ªa form so subtle it was barely perceptible, even to the Incarnation.

    The rings within Caine''s eyes dimmed, and his spear dissolved into motes of red light.

    Seeing this, the Incarnation discarded its blade as well.

    WHOOSH!

    Thin filaments of blood qi coiled around Caine, weaving into his flesh and binding his broken body.

    If his nerves were fried, he would puppeteer himself with qi. He would not surrender.

    If death awaited him, he would meet it with honor¡ªon his own terms.

    BOOOOM!

    The battle resumed.

    Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 42 Tribulation(V)

    The field of black stone on which they battled was desolate. The world around them was eerily silent, broken only by the echoes of their strikes and their labored grunts.They fought on a primal level¡ªfists, kicks, bites, headbutts, and more. Caine used every part of his body with savage intent and the incarnation returned everything with primal precision.

    Their qi manipulation was on full display. Though Caine lagged behind the Incarnation at first, with every brutal exchange, he inched closer to matching its prowess.

    He seemed indifferent to the state of his body or the severity of his injuries. All he cared about was equivalence.

    For every blow the Incarnation landed on him, he forced himself to retaliate. Even if his counter lacked power, even if it left him open to further attacks¡ªeven if it worsened his wounds¡ªhe struck back.

    All he cared about was balance.

    A fist suddenly crashed across Caine''s face, tearing several teeth from his jaw. But he ignored the pain. Blood qi surged through his arm as he retaliated with a punch. His fist barely grazed the Incarnation''s face, leaving a faint bruise.

    The creature lashed out with a savage kick, but Caine dodged. He swept its leg out from under it, seized its arm, and spun. With a thunderous BANG, he hurled the Incarnation onto the cold stone ground.

    Still gripping its arm, Caine tightened his hold and twisted. With a sickening CRUNCH, he tore the limb from its socket.

    "EEEEEEEKKKK!"

    A banshee-like scream tore from the Incarnation as golden blood spurted from the gaping wound, the pain surging through its form.

    BANG!

    Caine''s fist, cloaked in chaotic blood qi, slammed into the creature''s chest, shattering its bones. He grabbed its leg and flung it into the air like a rag doll.

    A savage glint flickered in Caine''s eyes. His will bloomed like an inferno, and he seized control of the surrounding atmospheric qi.

    Countless platforms of qi formed in the air, creating a path that Caine sprinted across in the blink of an eye. He reached the airborne Incarnation in mere moments.

    WHOOSH!

    The Incarnation twisted midair, landing on a qi platform behind it. But no sooner had it done so than the surrounding platforms converged, forming a solid cube of atmospheric qi around it.

    Caine waved his hand, and the cube plummeted toward the ground. With another wave, the remaining platforms transformed into sharp spears of qi, hurtling toward the falling prison.

    Panic overtook the Incarnation. The battle had turned too quickly. Before it could react, the cube imploded just as it hit the ground, sending a shockwave through the air.

    In the next instant, a storm of qi spears descended upon it.

    It all happened too fast.

    BOOOM!

    Caine dove into the chaotic cloud of energy, unaffected by the unstable arcs of qi that tore at his flesh. His hand shot forward, grabbing hold of the Incarnation within the storm.

    With a brutal pull, he tore its remaining arm from its body. Golden blood drenched his face as he drove his forehead into the creature''s, shattering its features.

    Caine''s bones erupted with power, radiating a force that oppressed the Incarnation''s qi flow. Its inner energy reversed violently, and it spat out a mouthful of blood.

    Its veins ruptured, flesh tore and bones quaked as its own qi seemed to act as poison to its being, something inconceivable.

    Staggering backward, it impaled itself further on one of the many qi spears embedded in its body.

    Caine''s flesh resonated with the atmospheric qi around him as his crown bloomed majestically over his head. He concentrated the surrounding qi into his fist¡ªa singularity of pure, liquid energy.

    He aimed for the Incarnation''s head.

    With a roar that shredded his vocal cords, he summoned his nine rings. His will erupted in cascading waves, silver qi flooding his eyes.

    He gathered all his remaining strength.

    "DIE."

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The earth trembled and splintered beneath the impact. Air churned into violent tornadoes, and the natural flow of qi was thrown into chaos.

    "Huff¡­ huff¡­ huff¡­"

    Caine''s arm was gone, vaporized by the immense strain of his final attack. His body was riddled with strained veins, his internal organs gravely damaged. His heart struggled to pump blood through his depleted frame, and his reserves of blood qi were utterly exhausted.

    Yet none of it seemed to matter. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Ha¡­ haha¡­ haha¡­"

    The Incarnation''s head was obliterated, reduced to nothing by the force of his strike.

    Caine collapsed onto his back, gasping for air as his lungs filled with blood. His vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges.

    A ferocious headache pounded in his skull, and his entire body screamed in agony. He felt as though he had been plunged into an abyss of unrelenting pain.

    The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was the blurred figure of a middle-aged man, rushing toward him with impossible speed, leaving afterimages in his wake.

    The man had black hair, piercing blue eyes, and¡ª

    Caine passed out.

    ***

    In a grand and luxurious room, a figure lay in a bed, swathed in bandages and connected to countless machines and formations. The person appeared to be teetering on the edge of life and death.

    Beside the bed sat another figure. With slicked-back black hair, radiant blue eyes hidden behind thick glasses, and a tightly fitted changpao, it could only be Zao.

    It had been days since he had found Caine''s body. To say the young man had been on the brink of death was an understatement. Had Zao been a minute later, Caine would have succumbed to his injuries.

    But thankfully, Zao had arrived in time. With the help of the Timeless Alliance''s finest specialists, they had managed to regrow Caine''s arm and restore his body to perfection.

    Now, all that remained was to wait.

    ''Hm?''

    Zao looked up as Caine''s eyelids fluttered.

    His pupils twitched and moved until, at last, they opened slowly.

    He didn''t move much, simply staring at the ceiling, his gaze even and his heartbeat steady. His head slowly turned and he looked at his uncle.

    "I survived."

 Chapter 43 Ring

    Zao shook his head, almost annoyed by the grin spreading across Caine''s face."You''re unbelievable," he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose before letting out a deep sigh.

    "Not only did you survive, but you somehow beat your tribulation," Zao continued, his lips quirking into a reluctant smile. "Congrats, brat."

    Caine chuckled, ignoring the sharp pain that coursed through his body as he did so. "Oh? No more ''young master''?"

    Zao flicked his finger, and a thin thread of qi zapped Caine in response. "No, not anymore. You''ve become far too reckless for that title."

    Caine smirked as he sat up in bed, his movements sluggish but deliberate. He reached down and began removing the countless tubes and wires plugged into his body.

    Almost instantly, his blood qi surged to life, flowing freely through him like a raging river.

    The soreness and fatigue that had riddled his body vanished in an instant, replaced by an overwhelming sensation of vitality and strength.

    During the battle with the Incarnation, Caine had been too consumed to notice, but now he could feel it¡ªhis blood qi was far more potent than before.

    Even Zao''s eyes widened in shock. When he''d found Caine, the young man had been on the brink of death, his body drained of all qi and mangled almost beyond recognition. Zao hadn''t been able to properly assess the state of his qi back then.

    But now? Now, the sight before him was nothing short of extraordinary.

    ''How pure¡­'' Zao thought, his gaze fixed on Caine.

    Caine''s muscles bulged momentarily before compressing, their definition sharpening beneath the oppressive force of his qi. His flesh and bones seemed to hum in perfect harmony, and any lingering injuries were healed in an instant.

    A rush of vitality flooded his body, so intense it felt almost unnatural.

    At that moment, Caine ascended fully to the peak of the Flesh Destruction Stage, his flesh and bones aligned in flawless equilibrium.

    He turned his inquisitive gaze to his uncle, who appeared uncharacteristically contemplative.

    "Your qi was refined by the tribulation pillars of lightning," Zao said, answering the question lingering in Caine''s eyes. "Though not many people know this, like most things in cultivation, qi can be ranked and graded."

    Zao''s tone shifted, adopting the cadence of a teacher.

    "Having grades and divisions allows cultivators to better understand their progress. It provides clarity on each step forward and offers insight into what the next steps might be. It''s a map for the road ahead, so to speak."

    Caine nodded, absorbing Zao''s words as he continued.

    "Currently, I can see that your blood qi is teetering on the edge of the Immeasurable grade''s peak. That''s quite impressive. It reflects the danger of the tribulation you faced."

    Zao gestured at Caine. "Before breaking into the next stage, you''ll need to spend several days meditating on your blood qi. This will help you understand it fully. Once you reach that level of comprehension, your blood qi will truly bloom, and you''ll ascend to the absolute peak of the Immeasurable grade."

    Caine arched a brow, intrigued. "Comprehend blood qi? I thought comprehension only became a necessity in the Spark Realm."

    Zao shook his head. "Yes and no. In the Spark Realm, comprehension is mandatory for manipulating higher forms of qi. To form stable cores of this advanced qi, you need an innate understanding of it, as well as the corresponding runes to anchor the cores. But you already know this¡ªyou''ve read the records."

    Zao adjusted his glasses, his tone becoming sharper.

    "With blood qi, however, the reason for comprehension is simpler: control. Never forget, blood qi is an extension of your blood, and your blood is the essence of your body. The stronger your body¡ªyour flesh, bones, and organs¡ªthe more potent your blood becomes. In turn, the stronger your blood qi will be."

    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.

    "By comprehending your blood qi, you gain control over the very essence of your body. You learn its intricacies, which allows you to better wield your strength. This creates a cycle¡ªstronger control over your blood qi makes your body stronger, which enhances your blood qi further." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It''s crucial for someone like you, with blood qi of such a high grade. Right now, it''s comparable to the lower levels of True Qi, which is remarkable for someone at your stage."

    Caine rubbed his chin thoughtfully, intrigued by the explanation. "But why wasn''t this information in the cultivation records I''ve read?"

    Zao shrugged as he stood, stretching lazily.

    "It''s not that important to most people. Talented cultivators eventually figure it out on their own. You would have as well, given time. I''m just saving you the trouble."

    He pointed at Caine''s chest, his expression more serious.

    "You think wielding blood qi in its manifested form is normal? You think controlling it as though it were atmospheric qi or True Qi is ordinary? It''s not. Far from it."

    "When you sparred against other Blood Realm cultivators, did any of them wield qi in this way? Or did they rely solely on their physical abilities?"

    Caine''s eyes widened as the realization dawned on him.

    "You see?" Zao said, smirking. "You were already ahead of the curve. With or without my guidance, you would''ve reached comprehension eventually. I''m just speeding things along."

    Ruffling Caine''s hair, Zao turned toward the door, yawning as he stretched again.

    "All right, kid. I''ve got tasks to complete. I''ll come back for you in a few days. We''ve got a trip to the elemental fields for the legacy grounds I told you about."

    As he stepped through the doorway, he glanced back with a smirk. "In the meantime, try not to die."

    Caine chuckled as his uncle left, shaking his head. He lay back for a moment, staring at the ceiling, but before he could fully relax, a ring materialized in the air before him.

    Zao''s voice echoed through the room.

    "Here''s a spatial ring for you. You needed one. It has everything you''ll want for whatever endeavors you have. Don''t tell the elders I gave it to you."

    Caine picked up the ring, inspecting it closely.

    Made of dark blue steel and etched with coiling eastern dragons, its surface glittered with embedded crystals.

    Spatial rings, crafted from void stones, were marvels of cultivation. They housed extra-dimensional spaces, allowing the storage of items.

    Lower-grade rings could only store inanimate objects, but higher-grade ones, forged by master artisans, could contain living beings¡ªor even entire worlds.

    ''Amazing,'' Caine thought, marveling at the craftsmanship.

    To most members of the alliance, such rings were common commodities, but to Caine, they were incredible. The concept of compressing entire spaces into a tiny piece of metal felt incomprehensible¡ªjust like his own bond space, hidden within his mind.

    ''I''ll reach a realm high enough to understand it one day,'' he resolved silently, slipping the ring onto his finger as a determined glint flickered in his eyes.

 Chapter 44 Completion

    Caine sat on a floating platform deep within the forest, far removed from the main quarters of the Timeless Alliance.This was his private cultivation platform, a construct designed to ease his mind as he meditated, while simultaneously providing him with the purest qi to aid his cultivation.

    The soft hum of energy surrounding the platform created an atmosphere of perfect stillness.

    ''Let''s start with my bones.''

    Though Caine had fully forged and refined his bones during the tribulation, he was determined to complete the process entirely using the wealth of resources Zao had provided.

    And so, he began.

    Ores, pills, elixirs, elemental treasures, and all manner of rare materials were consumed by Caine in rapid succession. With every passing second, his power not only surged but solidified, becoming an unshakable foundation.

    If his body had once been akin to a wide but empty container, now it was a refined and reinforced vessel, filled to the brim with vitality and power.

    This was the advantage of wealth. The privilege of a powerful background. The unfairness of it all.

    It didn''t take more than an hour for Caine to saturate both his flesh and bones with nutrients. His body brimmed with tightly contained energy, the very air around him crackling with the suppressed force radiating from his frame.

    But Caine didn''t linger on this transformation. The boost in power was impressive, but it was something he had grown accustomed to.

    ''Now, the runes.''

    During his awakening, Caine had used his bones to devour fragments of the universal forces that governed the world, fusing their essence into himself. This process had forged his bones into the root of their own reality, allowing them to resonate with his flesh and grant him access to his affinity.

    This affinity had also shaped his body, forging his flesh into the ideal vessel¡ªa perfect childe of any and all affinities.

    But the work was far from complete.

    With the resources at his disposal, Caine planned to light up every rune etched onto his bones and flesh. This process would unlock the full potential of his body, allowing the might of his forged creations to truly shine.

    Activating every rune would trigger a mutation within his body, a transformation with countless effects. But the one Caine desired most was Unity.

    Unity would allow the 3,800 affinities fused within his body to exist in perfect harmony, creating a multiplicative effect. This would not only enhance his physical power and refine the purity of his blood qi but also elevate the overall grade of his original affinity.

    His affinity to Totality already stood at the peak of the Immeasurable grade. What would happen when it was pushed beyond?

    Caine intended to find out.

    ***

    While Caine delved deeper into the intricacies of the heretic foundation he sought to build, the world outside continued to turn, with or without him.

    The Southern Continent was a peculiar place.

    Like the other continents of the world, it was governed by one of the major powers¡ªthe Red Sky Heavenly Temple.

    This temple was unlike any other force. It allowed no outsiders to exist on its lands, a stark contrast to the open nature of the Timeless Alliance or even the hierarchical Heavenly Clans beneath Caine''s own Velios Royal Clan.

    The Red Sky Heavenly Temple was entirely composed of a single lineage¡ªthe Sharkhyn Lineage.

    This lineage was shrouded in mystery. What little was known of them was enough to place them among the most powerful forces in existence, rivaling even the Velios Clan.

    The only widely known fact about the Sharkhyn Lineage in recent years was the existence of its Scion.

    It was said that her birth had shaken the earth, overturned the seas, and splintered the skies. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    By the age of two, she had reached the peak of the Blood Realm without cultivating. By ten, she had ascended to the middle ranks of the Spark Realm.

    Now, no one knew her true power.

    ***

    [Red Sky Heavenly Temple, Main Lineage House]

    Above an endless desert of golden dunes, fierce winds swept through the land, carrying waves of sand that obscured the horizon. The chaotic scene was illuminated only faintly by the sun''s rays, which struggled to pierce the raging sandstorms.

    In the eye of this storm, a floating platform hovered serenely amidst the chaos.

    Seated upon it was a young woman. Her robes, a pristine blend of white and gold, shimmered in the dim light. Her face seemed sculpted by the gods themselves, devoid of any blemish, with rosy pink lips and a delicately arched nose.

    Her skin was a healthy beige, contrasting beautifully with her swirling amethyst and rose-colored eyes. Long, silky silver hair draped over her slender yet powerful shoulders, framing her otherworldly visage.

    This was Lilith Sharkhyn, the sole heir of the Red Sky Heavenly Temple.

    She sat in meditation, her eyes closed as if in deep thought. Her serene expression hid the waves of power coursing through her being.

    "Your Highness."

    Lilith''s eyes opened slowly at the sound of the voice. As she did, the storm around her stilled. The chaotic winds ceased, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.

    A wave of suffocating power erupted from Lilith''s form as she exhaled, her aura settling only after a moment.

    "Yes?" she asked, her voice calm yet commanding.

    A veiled woman clad in black robes appeared beside Lilith, bowing deeply. "The young master of the Velios Lineage has returned. It seems he has passed his coming-of-age ceremony."

    "Oh?"

    "Yes, Your Highness. However, something unusual occurred upon his return. A sudden force blocked all surveillance systems we had in place. When our systems came back online, the young master was found severely injured, on the brink of death."

    Lilith''s aura erupted once more, her eyes widening in shock. The previously serene and regal demeanor she maintained was momentarily shattered.

    The veiled woman shivered under the weight of the pressure and quickly added, "B-but¡­ the young master''s uncle, Sir Zao, came to his rescue. According to our sources, he is now safe and recovering."

    Lilith''s aura receded, her expression returning to one of calm elegance as though the sudden burst of emotion had never happened.

    "Good. You did well to inform me." She closed her eyes again, her voice softer now. "When he departs for the Elemental Fields, inform me immediately."

    The veiled woman nodded and vanished as silently as she had appeared.

    Lilith exhaled slowly, suppressing the bubbling rage within her.

    ''If this wasn''t the work of a tribulation, then the Renala must be involved¡­ if only I could¡­''

    She pushed the thoughts aside before they consumed her, forcing herself back into meditation.

    The world around her erupted once more into a chaotic storm, the winds howling as though reflecting the turmoil within her heart.

 Chapter 45 Blood

    Caine sat cross-legged on his platform in silence, his body completely still. No waves of energy emanated from him, no visible aura surrounded him. He was like a statue, perfectly at one with his surroundings.The sounds of nature enveloped him¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, the rhythmic ebb and flow of nearby rivers, the cool caress of the breeze, the warm embrace of sunlight, and the faint tremors that pulsed through the earth. Each sensation blended seamlessly into the next, creating an intricate symphony of life.

    Caine''s mind drifted on this harmony, his entire being so relaxed it felt as though he were riding the crest of an eternal wave of bliss, achieved simply by the act of breathing and exhaling.

    He inhaled deeply, and as he did, his nine rings began to take root within his body, anchoring themselves using the indomitable bond between his bones and flesh as a bridge.

    The process was smooth, effortless, requiring no conscious thought. Riding the wave of peace that carried him, Caine allowed his mind to wander, pondering the mysteries of Blood Qi.

    What was Blood Qi? No, beyond that, what was Qi itself?

    Qi was the essence of all things, the fuel that enabled existence and function. It acted as both the defining factor and the core essence of everything in the universe.

    Fire was mirrored by fire qi, water by water qi, and the world itself by neutral qi.

    This realization struck Caine like lightning.

    ''To manipulate Qi is to manipulate the essence of things. When I manipulate atmospheric qi, I manipulate the world''s very essence and defining factor.''

    ''When I manipulate my blood qi, I influence the core essence of my own body.''

    He sank deeper into his meditative state.

    But even this understanding felt incomplete.

    Qi was indeed the essence and fuel of all things, but it did not define them. It was a vessel for something else, something more fundamental.

    ''Qi is the fuel, but the essence is¡­ intent.''

    His thoughts sharpened as clarity bloomed.

    ''Qi fuels all things, and intent defines all things. Intent resides within qi as its core.''

    ''They work in tandem¡ªone cannot exist without the other. Without intent, qi is blank and purposeless. Without qi, intent remains abstract, confined to imagination.''

    He exhaled slowly, the insight settling into his mind like a key into a lock.

    ''Qi is the bridge that connects the mind to the world. By infusing my intent¡ªmy will¡ªinto my qi, I can¡­''

    A burst of blood qi erupted from Caine''s body, coiling and morphing into the shape of a blood-red dragon. The creature spiraled around him, its scales glistening with life, its form so intricate and lifelike it seemed like a masterpiece forged by a divine artisan.

    ''¡­make my will tangible. I can make my intent real.''

    Something within Caine shifted. His bond space trembled, expanding outward. At the center of his nine rings, a faint silver star began to take shape, its outline fragile yet unmistakable. Made of thin, wispy currents of fog, it seemed as though it could shatter with the slightest touch.

    But it was there. It was real.

    ''If intent defines all things, then all things can be understood through qi. By grasping the qi of something, I can grasp its intent.''

    His thoughts turned sharper, more curious.

    ''But what are the limits of intent?''

    Even with his eyes closed, a vivid image appeared in the darkness of his mind¡ªa world born of his contemplation.

    In this endless expanse, countless strings of qi appeared, each glowing with a unique hue, connecting the fabric of existence. Runes of every kind bloomed within this imaginary world, each one pulsating with meaning.

    And then, he saw it.

    The intent that wove the world together.

    It was¡­

    ''Everything has intent. Intent has no limits.''

    ¡­beautiful.

    WHOOSH!

    The blood dragon circling Caine suddenly became more real. Its form ascended in complexity, and its roar echoed across the skies, carrying with it the essence of its master''s will.

    A swirling mist of white qi emerged around Caine, enveloping him as he remained perfectly still, his eyes still closed.

    ''It extends to my affinities.'' His bones vibrated in resonance with his thoughts. ''By understanding the intent behind the runes etched into my bones and flesh, I can perfect my comprehension of all my affinities.''

    The thought alone set his mind into motion.

    Insights flooded in, as if a dam had been broken.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    The elements themselves seemed to respond. Flames, water, wind, earth, lightning, and countless other manifestations materialized around Caine, each one shimmering with raw, unbridled power.

    Yet just as quickly, they shattered and fused, coalescing into a thick silver mist that joined the white qi already swirling around him.

    The complexity of the insights pouring into his mind should have been overwhelming, but for Caine, it felt natural, effortless¡ªas though he had always been destined to wield this understanding.

    The dragon soaring through the skies vanished, reappearing within Caine''s bond space. It coiled tightly around the fragile silver star at the center, its presence stabilizing the fledgling celestial object.

    BANG!

    The star grew more tangible, more solid. It trembled momentarily before falling into perfect harmony with the dragon that now encased it. The entire bond space seemed to hum with newfound unity.

    ''So, this is what it means.''

    Caine''s mind moved with an eerie fluidity, his thoughts crystal clear as he focused inward on his blood qi.

    ''I''ve been using my blood qi incorrectly. My blood is the lifeblood of my body. Just as qi serves as the vessel for intent, my blood is the vessel for my vitality.''

    ''The intent of blood qi is vitality and life. It must remain within this context. My blood qi is not meant to be used like atmospheric qi. To do so is to waste its potential¡ªa perversion of its essence, like wielding a shield as a sword.''

    Caine nodded to himself, the realization settling deep within his core.

    His blood and blood qi fused seamlessly, becoming one unified entity. His blood flowed with the unstoppable force of a mighty river, and his heart beat with the power of an exploding star. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Unlike before, no energy oozed from his body¡ªnot because he suppressed it, but because he had allowed his blood qi to fulfill its true purpose. It was no longer a force to be controlled but the natural essence of his being.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes.

 Chapter 46 Theobald

    Caine exhaled a steady breath, his gaze serene and peaceful, as if it blended seamlessly into the natural rhythm of the world around him.His mind slowly stirred from its deep state of meditation, and he shook his head lightly, a faint smile gracing his lips.

    In one effortless session, he had checked off two of his main training tasks: mastering his affinities and perfecting the synergy between his bones and flesh. But not only had he completed these to perfection, he had also mastered his Blood Qi and made a monumental discovery.

    To say he was pleased would be an understatement.

    He raised his palm, inspecting it with an almost childlike wonder.

    ''To think the world held such beauty, hidden away from me all this time.''

    He looked around, his eyes perceiving the countless threads of intent that connected and defined everything in existence. These threads wove an intricate tapestry, a reflection of the world''s infinite complexities. With but a thought, he felt he could reach out and uncover any secret they held¡ªand the truth was, he could.

    ''To think there is so much to uncover, so much to understand. To think it could be so fulfilling. How strange.''

    A melancholic smile touched his lips as the memory of a familiar face flickered briefly in his mind. But he quickly shook his head, banishing the thought before it could take root.

    There was no need to dampen his good mood.

    He rose from his seated position and took a single step forward. In an instant, he vanished without a trace, as if he had never been there at all.

    ***

    [Kael City¡ªNorthern Continent Border]

    Kael City was a marvel of culture and history.

    Its architecture was a harmonious blend of ancient stone buildings and wooden houses carved into colossal trees. These towering giants stretched skyward, their tops piercing through the thick grey clouds that hung perpetually above the city.

    Snow drifted lazily from the heavens, carried by a crisp breeze that added a chill to the bustling streets below. Residents bundled themselves in heavy coats as they moved about, their breath visible in the cold air.

    The city was alive with activity. Vendors called out from stalls, offering all manner of delicacies unique to Kael''s vibrant culture.

    Merchants loudly proclaimed the superiority of their wares, hoping to attract customers during this period of heightened commerce.

    For this was the season of the Forger''s Trials, an event that brought unprecedented excitement and opportunity to Kael City.

    Known for its dedication to auxiliary cultivation paths, Kael City had become a hub for practitioners of alchemy, formation mastery, rune-smithing, forging, and other such disciplines. These auxiliary paths, often seen as support roles in the world of cultivation, were here elevated to an art form.

    The Forger''s Trials, an annual competition, gathered the brightest talents from these professions and pitted them against one another in a series of challenges. The event drew spectators and participants alike from across the continent. The victor would earn the coveted chance to join the ranks of the Timeless Alliance, the continent''s supreme ruling force.

    Excitement buzzed in the air, an almost tangible force that seemed to energize the city.

    It was within this vibrant city, in a modest home carved into a smaller tree, that a lone man could be found.

    The workshop was dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of molten metal and the dancing flames of a forge. The rhythmic sound of a hammer striking steel echoed through the space.

    The man stood tall, nearly seven feet in height, with a frame that exuded raw power. His muscular build, thick with both muscle and fat, gave him the presence of an ancient titan god. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Runic blue tattoos adorned his bare chest, their intricate patterns covering half his torso. His bald head gleamed under the firelight, and his thick ginger beard framed a face marked by stoic focus.

    His eyes, swirling currents of gold and blue, reflected a depth of thought that was almost hypnotic.

    CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

    The hammer in his hand moved with precision and purpose, shaping the metal beneath it. His expression remained unchanging, his concentration absolute.

    Suddenly, he paused mid-strike, his gaze shifting as he sensed another presence in the room. Without turning, his deep, primal voice broke the silence.

    "Who are you?"

    "Caine," came the reply. "Caine Velios."

    The man slowly turned to face him. Despite his imposing height, Caine met him nearly eye-to-eye, his own presence radiating quiet strength.

    Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment, the older man seemed lost in the younger''s unyielding eyes. He quickly recovered, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

    "It''s rare to meet someone with such a firm¡­ will," the man said, inclining his head slightly.

    "I apologize for my lack of respect." He bowed. "I am Theobald Archwinter, Duke of Kael City."

    "To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Your Majesty?"

    Caine didn''t respond immediately. His eyes swept across the forge, taking in its details.

    The setup was decidedly traditional¡ªa single forge burning with powerful flames, a well-organized workbench lined with tools, and walls adorned with an assortment of weapons.

    Despite their humble display, Caine could sense that each weapon on those walls was a masterpiece, their value immeasurable.

    Turning back to Theobald, Caine''s gaze was steady. "Sir Theobald Archwinter, Duke of the famed Kael City," he began. "And the light bearer of auxiliary cultivation paths. A true legend."

    He extended a hand with a warm smile. "It''s a pleasure to finally meet you."

    Theobald''s rigid demeanor softened slightly, and he shook Caine''s hand.

    "I hear from my uncle that you craft the finest works on the Northern Continent. Is that true?"

    A chuckle rumbled in Theobald''s chest, his golden-blue eyes glinting with a mix of pride and amusement.

    "What would His Majesty require?" he asked, his tone humble yet confident.

    "I''d like a symbiotic spear and suit armor. If both can be symbiotic crafts, that would be ideal. But I leave the specifics to your expertise¡ªI trust you to give me what you deem fit."

    Theobald fell silent, his hand moving to stroke his beard as he considered the request. His eyes narrowed slightly, his mind clearly at work.

    Finally, he spoke. "Your Majesty, I have a proposition."

 Chapter 47 Theobald(II)

    "I''m all ears."Theobald nodded, then flipped his palm over, revealing a slab of floating black stone. It hovered in the air, exuding an air of unyielding solidity.

    He met Caine''s gaze. "From where you are, try to fissure this without using qi or your physical body."

    The instruction was deceptively simple, but it immediately narrowed Caine''s eyes. ''He''s asking me to use intent¡­''

    Caine was certain that Theobald didn''t know for sure that he possessed intent. If he did, this would hardly be a test¡ªit would be a confrontation. Still, the fact that intent might be a known concept left Caine intrigued. Was it something others had begun to grasp, or was Theobald just exploring a possibility?

    Pushing the thought aside, Caine nodded and extended a single finger. Without any visible effort, he drew a line across the air in front of him.

    There was no fluctuation of energy, no ripple to disturb the space around him. Yet, the slab of black stone split cleanly in half.

    Before Theobald could speak, the slab was severed again¡ªdiagonally, then horizontally, then into countless smaller fragments. The precision was surgical, each cut sharper than the last, until all that remained was a fine black powder that drifted lazily into the air.

    Caine lowered his hand, meeting Theobald''s shaken gaze with calm confidence. "Is that good enough?"

    Theobald exhaled slowly, then chuckled, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "Yes, Your Highness. That will do."

    "So," Caine said, folding his arms, "what is your proposition?"

    Theobald cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "How confident are you in becoming the Alliance''s Scion?"

    Caine raised a brow, the question catching him off guard. He wasn''t fond of being questioned, but curiosity about Theobald''s intent won out. "The position is mine," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

    Theobald nodded, as though expecting that answer. "Alright. Are you familiar with the grading of crafts?"

    "Refresh my memory."

    Theobald began, his voice steady and instructive. "Crafts are typically graded using the Chrome scheme of tiering. At the bottom, you have Obsidian-grade crafts, corresponding to the Blood Realm. At the top, you have Golden-grade crafts, the pinnacle of known craftsmanship, corresponding to¡­ well, the appropriate realm."

    He hesitated to name the realm associated with Golden crafts, a gesture that didn''t escape Caine. Within cultivation circles, it was often considered taboo to openly discuss realms beyond a certain threshold, especially with those yet to reach them.

    "But what most don''t know," Theobald continued, "is that beyond Golden-grade crafts lies an entirely different world¡ªthe realm of God Crafts."

    Caine''s interest deepened, though he maintained his composed exterior.

    "The realm of God Crafts isn''t just an extension of the grading system; it''s an entirely new paradigm," Theobald said, his voice growing more intense. "It begins at Obsidian God Crafts and ascends to Golden God Crafts, mirroring the lower-tier grades."

    "A God Artifact is no longer inanimate. It becomes alive¡ªa parasitic existence that bonds with its wielder, growing alongside them. Their power is vast, unpredictable, and terrifying. Even I cannot claim to fully understand their depths."

    Theobald''s expression grew uncharacteristically serious, his gaze locking onto Caine''s.

    "If you pass all the trials of the Alliance and become our Scion, I¡­"

    He paused, as though summoning the resolve for what he was about to say. His eyes ignited, burning with the brilliance of a star.

    "¡­I swear to give you the Nine Greatest God Crafts ever created¡ªacross time and space immemorial."

    Caine''s composure faltered, shock rippling through his mind. The weight of Theobald''s words pressed against his thoughts, demanding analysis.

    How had it come to this? He had merely requested a spear and armor. Now, he was being promised the greatest creations to ever exist?

    The implications were staggering. Why would Theobald make such a grand offer, seemingly unprompted? And how could he even promise such things? Were these artifacts truly in his possession? If so, why had he not used them himself?

    A strange unease stirred within Caine. The moment felt orchestrated¡ªcontrived, almost as if this interaction were an inevitable point in time, something he had been destined to experience.

    The thought left him unsettled. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Fate.''

    The word echoed in his mind, unbidden, before fading into silence.

    "Alright," Caine finally said, his voice steady but deeper than before. "I''ll accept your proposition. Not that I see much to lose in doing so." He tilted his head slightly. "In the meantime, could you give me a weapon? It''ll take some time before I officially become Scion."

    Theobald''s gaze lingered on him, curious.

    Was Caine truly not going to ask any questions? Though he wouldn''t have answered even if pressed, the young man''s restraint spoke volumes.

    With a wave of his hand, Theobald summoned a spear and pendant from the wall behind him. Both floated toward Caine with an almost regal grace.

    The spear was nearly three meters long, its pole forged from dark gold and inscribed with intricate white runes. Its double-edged blade glowed faintly with magenta runes, exuding an aura of blood and destruction.

    "This is End''s Oath," Theobald said, his tone reverent.

    The pendant, by contrast, was simple¡ªa silver chain holding an amethyst jewel. It emitted faint waves of emerald qi, radiating a soothing, healing energy.

    "And this is Emerald Embrace."

    Caine accepted both items without hesitation. The pendant went around his neck, and the spear vanished into his storage.

    "They''re both Golden God Crafts," Theobald explained. "The pinnacle of what can currently be made. The spear is versatile, suited to all elemental affinities, though it thrives best with opposing elements like fire and ice. Its design harnesses the push and pull of clashing elements, channeling chaotic qi through the runes on its pole and unleashing it through its blade."

    He gestured toward the pendant. "The pendant is your suit-armor. Inject qi into it, and it will deploy a full-body battle suit capable of regenerating and blocking most full-powered attacks from peak sages. However, its core weakness is the pendant itself. If destroyed, the armor will collapse, and you may suffer a backlash."

    He paused, then added, "But given enough time, the pendant will heal itself."

    Caine nodded, satisfied. "Thank you," he said, extending a hand.

    Theobald shook it firmly, his expression unreadable.

    As Caine turned to leave, Theobald''s voice stopped him.

    "Don''t let anyone know you''ve touched upon Intent," he said, his back now to Caine as he gazed into his forge. "Not even those you trust the most. I''ve sworn allegiance to your father, but not all of us have. Be careful."

    Caine didn''t respond, merely nodding before teleporting away.

    As he vanished, his mind churned with thoughts, a storm of unanswered questions and lingering unease.

 Chapter 48 Talk

    Caine, covered from head to toe in thick white robes, calmly walked across a snowy plain, alone.The cold winds brushed against the robes draped over his face, while his silver pupils reflected the snowflakes drifting down from the skies.

    Vapors escaped his lips with every exhale as he basked in the peaceful sounds of nature.

    The soft crunch of snow beneath his boots provided the only interruption to the quiet serenity.

    ''So my parents must have known something would happen to them. In preparation, they left certain things with people they trusted.''

    ''But I''ve never heard of Theobald¡ªat least not as someone important to us. From that, I can only assume my parents had a private task force, separate and parallel to the Velios.''

    ''Zao is most likely the head of this private force, the one overseeing all its affairs. After all, he''s the one who told me Theobald is a great crafter.''

    ''But why hasn''t he just told me outright? Why all these mental games?''

    Caine shook his head. The answer was obvious.

    ''He has to be careful¡ªhe''s being watched. But how deep does this surveillance run? I don''t know what realm Zao has reached, but it must be near the peak. For him to tread so cautiously means our enemies are just as powerful¡ªor perhaps weaker, but far more cunning.''

    As he reached the top of a small hill, Caine stopped, gazing out at the vast, snow-covered plains stretching before him. The endless expanse of white felt suffocating yet freeing¡ªa reflection of his inner turmoil.

    His gaze, lifeless yet burning with a deep, savage killing intent, seemed to pierce the horizon. The intensity of his intent was palpable, flickers of crimson dancing in the depths of his eyes. Now that he''d grasped intent, his killing intent had truly become tangible, a force that could be felt by anyone standing too close.

    ''In the end, all that matters is the size of my fist and the depth of my gaze. A fist strong enough to hold the earth, tear the skies, and face the heavens. Eyes sharp enough to read the tides of fate and calm enough to bear the karma of my actions.''

    ''A balance of strength and wisdom,'' he thought quietly, the words echoing in his mind like a mantra.

    Suddenly, his attention snapped upward. A figure stood high in the skies, gazing down at him with a faint smile.

    Zao took a deliberate step forward, and beneath his feet, a grand black eagle appeared, its presence commanding. The creature emitted powerful waves of qi, its feathers glinting like polished obsidian in the pale light of the snowy landscape.

    Caine remained motionless on the hill, his robes fluttering in the biting wind. Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward into thin air and vanished, reappearing beside his uncle atop the mighty eagle.

    With a single flap of its massive wings, the eagle gathered qi and shot forward, slicing through the air at incredible speed. The icy wind howled around them, but neither Zao nor Caine seemed affected.

    "You seem annoyed," Zao remarked, his voice calm but probing.

    Caine shook his head and sat cross-legged, unfazed by the immense pressure of their rapid movement. "Annoyed? No. Just disappointed." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Disappointed?"

    "Mhm. In myself. Recent events have exposed many of my shortcomings."

    "You can''t be perfect¡ª"

    "But I must." Caine cut Zao off. "I can''t, but I must. If I''m to bear the weight of the crown, the foundation I stand upon must be flawless."

    "Even if it''s vain, I have to chase it¡ªperfection." His voice was calm, his gaze even.

    Zao turned away from the horizon to look at Caine. A flicker of worry crossed his face, but he quickly suppressed it. Such was the nature of their world.

    Caine had witnessed the world''s ruthlessness all his life, but only now, as he truly experienced it for himself, was he beginning to grow¡ªbeginning to understand what he was always meant to grasp.

    This was the weight of royal blood that coursed through his veins.

    "Tell me more about where we''re going," Caine said, breaking the silence.

    Zao leaned back slightly, his posture as relaxed as it was commanding. "We''re heading to the edge of the northern continent, to a region called the Elemental Fields. It''s a hazard zone where chaotic elemental qi is at an all-time high."

    "Deep within this zone, we discovered the legacy realm of the Five Elemental Lords. Their history is complex, but in essence, they were among the earliest cultivators in our world."

    "We don''t know if they''re still alive, but they left their legacy behind. It''s vital to your foundation. I''ve ensured it''s been reserved for you."

    Caine nodded, though his expression remained indifferent. "I see. Hopefully, it''s worth the trouble. You were also telling me about bloodlines¡ªwhat''s that about? Did the Elemental Lords leave theirs?"

    Zao shook his head. "No. The chaotic elemental qi in the zone has mutated the beasts there, flooding the legacy realm with their influence. In response, the realm''s defense mechanisms activated, slaughtering the beasts. But it''s no ordinary defense system."

    "Instead of simply eliminating them, it created a second legacy realm¡ªthis one containing countless purified bloodlines."

    "These bloodlines are among the most potent you''ll find."

    "And why do I need them?" Caine asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. "I don''t feel like I''m lacking."

    Zao looked at him, wide-eyed, as if Caine had just spoken complete nonsense.

    "Do¡­you even realize how important bloodlines are to your foundation? Or how much of an advantage they provide?"

    Of course, Caine knew. He just didn''t feel it was a necessity. Still, refusing such a gift would be foolish.

    "Bloodlines, like innate circles, are graded¡ªfrom Mortal Grade to Immeasurable Grade," Zao explained. "They represent concentrated, inherited power. For instance, if you never broke past the Blood Realm but refined your blood to its peak, your descendants would inherit that refined bloodline."

    "Through it, they''d innately wield the power of a peak Blood Realm expert, possess exceptionally pure Blood Qi, and gain access to Bloodline Abilities. But that''s only if you fully refined your blood and imprinted abilities into it."

    "Even such a bloodline wouldn''t qualify as Mortal Grade. Now imagine the power of an Immeasurable Grade bloodline."

    "But beast bloodlines¡ª" Zao''s gaze sharpened. "Beast bloodlines are on a completely different level. The difference between a beast bloodline and a humanoid bloodline is like comparing a Golden Craft to a Golden God Craft."

    "The gap is vast. Unbridgeable."

 Chapter 49 Lilith

    "So, are you saying my dormant Velios Bloodline is weaker than what I''ll find there?"Zao let out a hearty laugh at the question, his mirth echoing in the wind.

    "Oh no, that''s not what I''m saying at all. I''ve told you already, we aren''t humans¡ªor at least not the regular kind. Explaining it is¡­complicated. But suffice it to say, our race is among the most feared."

    Zao adjusted his glasses, the reflective lenses catching the light as his tone turned more serious. "But even if that weren''t true, the principle remains the same. Any family with enough experts refining their bloodlines over generations can bridge the gap. Not completely, but enough to compete."

    Caine nodded thoughtfully at the explanation.

    ''There''s an element of time to bloodlines, isn''t there?'' he mused, his mind racing. ''The ability to draw on the strength of your ancestors without limit, reaping the rewards of their efforts¡­ how fascinating.''

    His silver eyes gleamed as a new thought struck him. ''It might also be a method of control¡ªcontrol through blood. If I''m right, the one who first starts the bloodline must hold a unique position, like a Progenitor, granting them influence over all descendants.''

    ''And if it works that way, could the reverse also be true? Could a Progenitor pull strength from their future descendants as well? That would be¡­ terrifying.''

    The implications deepened, and his gaze sharpened. ''If that''s the case, then the Progenitors of ancient bloodlines must be among the most horrifying existences alive. They''d hold sway over both the past and the future.''

    He smirked, a mix of intrigue and unease curling in his chest. ''Or maybe I''m wrong. Still, the potential¡­''

    Caine sighed and shrugged, dismissing the spiraling thoughts for now. He closed his eyes, seeking the solace of meditation.

    But the peace didn''t last.

    Opening his eyes, he noticed a cluster of figures in the distance, standing atop a crow nearly as large as the eagle carrying him and Zao. From their posture, it was clear they''d been waiting¡ªand intended to block their path.

    Caine turned toward Zao, noting the older man''s deep frown.

    "Red Sky Heavenly Temple," Zao murmured, his voice barely audible. His gaze locked onto the group as he added, "The lady at their helm must be their famous heiress, Lilith Styxia Sharkhyn."

    "Is that so?" Caine''s gaze narrowed, piercing through the distance to study the group more closely.

    There were about a dozen of them, all women dressed in dark robes that concealed their forms¡ªexcept one. At the center of the group stood a young woman clad in jade-white robes.

    Her long silver hair glinted like moonlight, and her eyes swirled with mesmerizing currents of pink and purple. An aura of raw, unbridled power radiated from her, a match to the rumors Caine had heard.

    Despite the apparent threat, Caine remained calm, his expression unreadable.

    Zao, however, quickly recovered from his initial frown. He adjusted his glasses and stood behind Caine, his gaze turning cold and calculating. Though he said nothing, Caine understood the unspoken message.

    They''d been followed¡ªand for quite some time. Somehow, Zao hadn''t noticed.

    It didn''t surprise Caine. After all, if Zao hadn''t detected the assassins from days ago, it wasn''t shocking that these figures had evaded him too. What did surprise him, however, was their boldness.

    The Red Sky Heavenly Temple had made no attempt to hide their presence. Instead, they''d openly confronted him as if daring him to act.

    Caine smiled faintly. "I suppose I''ll oblige."

    With a smooth motion, his palm extended from beneath the folds of his robe, and he lightly tapped the air.

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    The surrounding qi surged, twisting and condensing into a storm of icy spears that tore through the sky toward the temple members.

    In the blink of an eye, the spears reached their targets. But just before they could strike, they shattered into countless fragments, transforming into runes that arranged themselves into a complex formation¡ªa sealing array.

    The group was trapped.

    By the time the formation solidified, Caine and Zao had already closed the distance, standing just outside the array''s bounds.

    "Quite the impressive affinity you have there," Lilith remarked, her tone steady and regal. Her confidence was palpable, unshaken even in the face of their predicament.

    Caine smiled faintly, his expression calm. "I was born on the coldest day ever recorded in our world. I suppose it''s only fitting."

    Lilith raised a delicate hand, and golden flames flickered to life around her fingers. With a single gesture, the sealing formation shattered, its intricate runes dissolving into the air.

    Her gaze locked with Caine''s, and a faint smile graced her lips. But Caine only sighed, shaking his head.

    "You shouldn''t have done that."

    Lilith glanced to her left, her expression tightening as she noticed the shards of the broken formation morphing into smaller arrays.

    These new formations latched onto her companions, their complexity significantly reduced but their lethality far greater. She realized with grim certainty that a single thought from Caine could spell death for them all.

    Lilith exhaled deeply, forcing herself to remain composed. "We come here in peace."

    Caine tilted his head slightly, his interest piqued. "Oh?"

    Lilith nodded. "I simply wanted to meet you¡ªto ask a favor."

    Caine remained silent, his gaze steady.

    "I''d like you to allow me access to the Legacies you''ve found," Lilith continued. "In exchange, I''ll help you clear the area."

    "Clear the area?" Caine asked, his tone laced with confusion.

    Lilith nodded again. "Yes. News of the legacy you''ve uncovered has already spread. Worse, people are waiting there for you. They''re curious, excited¡ªand many are looking for trouble. When I say ''many,'' I mean it."

    Caine stroked his chin thoughtfully. He wasn''t particularly concerned about others knowing his destination. What intrigued him was how this revelation benefited his enemies.

    ''Leaking my plans doesn''t make sense,'' he thought. ''They must know Zao is always with me. Even without him, I''m not easy prey.''

    The cold smile that curled his lips hinted at brewing schemes in his mind.

    "Sure," he said at last. "You can come."

    Lilith''s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly masked it, her confident demeanor returning. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Thank you," she replied, her tone measured.

    Caine didn''t respond, turning his gaze toward the horizon.

 Chapter 50 Lilith(II)

    "I''d heard you long surpassed the realm of Blood. I''m surprised to find it untrue," Caine said suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled over the last hour.Lilith, perched on her massive crow flying alongside their eagle, tilted her head. With a flicker of movement, she teleported to their side, landing lightly on the eagle''s back. She regarded Caine for a long moment before he smiled and patted the fur beside him.

    "Sit," he invited.

    To Zao''s surprise, she returned the smile and did as told, settling gracefully beside Caine. Watching this unfold, Zao''s frown deepened.

    Unlike Caine, Zao knew a great deal about Lilith Styxia Sharkhyn. Known as the Blood Expanse Heiress, her title was a testament to her violent dominance in securing her position as a Scion within the Red Sky Heavenly Temple. Yet here she was, casual and composed, acting far more human than her reputation suggested.

    Zao''s unease only grew. He sent a mental transmission to Caine: <Stay Careful, kiddo.>

    "Well," Lilith began, her tone calm yet confident, "I did surpass the realm of Blood long ago, but I decided to forcefully suppress my cultivation so I could forge a foundation I was truly satisfied with."

    Caine''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Suppress your cultivation? Isn''t that risky? From what I understand, it''s not exactly a safe method."

    Lilith shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It is dangerous, but what isn''t? If I want to break limits, I must take risks, don''t you think? What about you? Why are you still in the Blood Realm?"

    Caine leaned back, his expression unbothered. "I only just turned sixteen. Since I''m following the conventional path of progression, it means I''ve only been cultivating for about a month." He yawned, slicking back his hair. "I''m not in a rush to break through, so I''m taking my time, carefully laying each step. But I am interested in your method of suppression."

    Lilith chuckled softly, covering her mouth with the sleeve of her robe. "Oh my, what would you offer in exchange? It''s quite a valuable technique."

    Caine considered this for a moment. "What are your main affinities?"

    "Fire and poison," she answered immediately, her curiosity evident.

    Caine nodded and closed his eyes. Deep within his Bond Space, the glow of his nine rings intensified as they harmonized with his mind. His perfect understanding of all elements and affinities swirled and coalesced into runes, combining seamlessly with his intent.

    When Caine opened his eyes again, he extended his palm. Slowly, a thick tome began to materialize, golden runes dancing across its surface.

    The title etched itself into the cover:

    [Scarlet Arts of Rot]

    WHOOOSH!

    The tome solidified, and Caine exhaled, his hand steady as he handed it to the stunned Lilith.

    She accepted the tome absentmindedly, her fingers trembling slightly as she began flipping through its pages. But as she delved deeper, her shock only grew.

    The tome contained a treasure trove of arts and techniques that perfectly fused fire and poison, each one intricate yet shockingly intuitive. Even with her years of expertise, Lilith found her understanding deepening with every page.

    Caine remained composed, though inwardly he noted her reaction. ''Spontaneously creating arts could be a viable path for expanding my arsenal, but mastering them all immediately might prove difficult,'' he thought.

    His gaze flickered as a new idea surfaced. ''Perhaps my Gifts can aid in this. I''ll be focusing on them soon enough¡­'' sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He pushed the thought aside, returning his attention to Lilith, who now stared at him with an intensity that felt almost tangible. Her piercing gaze seemed to bore holes into his very being.

    Even Zao, observing from behind, couldn''t mask his surprise. With a sweep of his senses, he had gleaned the tome''s contents¡ªand they were astonishing.

    Lilith finally broke the silence. "Do you have any idea how valuable this is?"

    Caine smiled, his expression radiant yet unreadable. "Hopefully valuable enough to trade for your suppression method."

    Lilith exhaled deeply, shaking her head in exasperation. With a flick of her palm, she summoned her own tome. The crimson-bound book radiated a potent, oppressive aura, its cover etched with runes dripping in symbolic blood.

    She handed it to Caine without hesitation.

    Caine nodded in acknowledgment and opened it immediately, diving into its contents with quiet focus. Seeing this, Lilith mirrored his actions, returning to the tome he had given her.

    Zao and the other temple members could only watch in silence, utterly baffled by the scene unfolding before them.

    Inside the tome, Caine''s mind quickly unraveled the intricacies of Lilith''s method.

    ''I see. This technique uses runes to partially absorb foreign qi and concentrate it within the blood. It temporarily regresses one''s life state, allowing for adjustments to the foundation before releasing the accumulated pressure, facilitating evolution.''

    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ''The forced pressure enhances the quality of one''s qi, and there doesn''t seem to be a limit to its use¡­''

    His silver eyes flicked toward Lilith. ''How many times has she used this? Just how powerful has she become?''

    Though the method was incredibly interesting, Caine wasn''t planning to use it on himself, even in the future. After all, with the foundation he was forging, what need would he have for such a method?

    Though this was the case, he did have a certain idea on how to use this technique to his advantage.

    ***

    The group continued their journey north, venturing deeper into the chaotic, untamed regions of the continent. Elemental phenomena grew increasingly violent, painting the landscapes with raw power that could annihilate even peak Blood Realm cultivators.

    Fields of crackling lightning stretched as far as the eye could see. Storms of emerald flames raged without end. Rivers of caustic poison coiled through valleys, while mountainous ranges were swallowed by swirling tempests.

    Each step forward was a gamble with death.

    But eventually, they emerged from the chaos, reaching a wide clearing of vibrant green grass. The contrast was stark, almost unnerving.

    The clearing was crowded with people, all gathered before a massive red portal that swirled ominously at its center.

    As Caine''s eagle came into view, every head turned toward him. The weight of countless gazes fell upon the group.

    Caine smirked, his confidence unshaken.

    ''As expected.''

 Chapter 51 Soran

    There, standing in the skies above the crowd of countless humans, stood Soran, his aura imposing and unyielding.His hair was still just as blonde and curly, his eyes just as golden, and his face just as arrogant as ever. His gaze, however, burned with unrelenting hatred as he stared at Caine.

    Though he remained a Half-Step Sage, Caine could easily discern that Soran had grown far stronger since their last encounter.

    But that didn''t concern him. In fact, if Soran was about to do what Caine suspected, it would serve as the perfect opportunity for him to test something he''d been working on.

    "Unseen Prince of the North," Soran''s voice carried as his gaze shifted to Lilith. "Blood Expanse Heiress."

    Hearing these titles, the gathered crowd erupted into an uproar, countless whispers filling the air. Caine watched the chaos unfold with a faint, amused smile.

    Soran, ignoring the commotion, fixed his eyes on Lilith. "I hold no grievances against your people, Heiress. Please step aside from the prince. I have no wish to harm you."

    Lilith blinked in surprise at his words. She glanced at Caine''s profile, observing his expression carefully before letting out a soft chuckle. She stayed rooted in place, making no move to comply.

    Soran took note of her refusal but said nothing. Nodding to himself, he extended a palm. In an instant, a sword of light materialized in his grasp. His blonde hair ignited into a golden, flame-like mane, and his pupils deepened into swirling abysses of magenta.

    His aura surged, casting a suffocating net of power over the crowd below as glowing runes flickered and bloomed around him.

    He pointed his sword at Caine. "Fight for your¡ª"

    Soran''s words abruptly cut off, a wet, choking sound replacing them as blood filled his throat. His face paled, and his eyes widened in horror as he looked up at Caine, whose expression remained utterly devoid of emotion.

    With a flick of Caine''s hand, Soran''s blood qi began to writhe and churn violently. His skin reddened, and his muscles spasmed uncontrollably as his body betrayed him.

    Caine slowly clenched his extended hand into a fist. At that moment, under the stunned gaze of everyone present, Soran''s cultivation plummeted, falling from the Half-Step Sage realm to the Bone Forging Stage in mere seconds.

    But Caine wasn''t finished. Another wave of his hand, and runes crawled across Soran''s skin, pulsing with potent blood qi. They began refining his body, tearing and remolding it on a fundamental level.

    Soran roared in agony as his very essence was split and reshaped. The pain was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

    Watching the scene unfold, Lilith tilted her head and murmured, "Puppetry?"

    "Mhm," Caine replied, his tone casual. "I''ve always been curious about the arts of necromancy and puppetry."

    "A matter of trust?" Lilith probed.

    "Perhaps," Caine admitted with a faint nod. "It''s still rudimentary, but I see potential in the technique."

    Lilith''s lips curved slightly. "Necromantic arts are among my specialties. If you wish, I can assist you in refining this."

    "That would be ideal," Caine said, his expression softening as he accepted her offer.

    Soran''s screams gradually faded until they ceased altogether. His body vanished, sealed away within the depths of Caine''s Bond Space for further experimentation. There were still things Caine wanted to test.

    Zao''s eyes widened in shock as he witnessed this. Had Caine just¡­ placed a living being into his Bond Space? Even he, with all his power, couldn''t accomplish such a feat.

    He cast a deep, searching look at Caine, knowing full well the younger man could sense it. But neither spoke.

    Caine shifted his gaze to the crowd of rogue cultivators and fanatics below. They stared back, equal parts horrified and reverent.

    "Return to where you came from," Caine said calmly. "I have no desire for a massacre. Killing my people will yield you nothing but despair. Do not force my hand." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Before anyone could respond, Caine''s massive eagle flared its wings and soared into the portal, which had turned a vivid green.

    WHOOOSH!

    The portal closed behind them, leaving the crowd stunned and speechless.

    Zao, now among the temple members, could only shake his head at the turn of events. He knew Caine better than most and understood that everything he did was deliberate and served a purpose.

    But this time, even he was left baffled. Beyond the odd dynamic forming between Caine and Lilith, Zao couldn''t fathom why Caine had abducted Soran so publicly. Not only had he done so in front of countless witnesses, but he had also left them alive to ensure the news would spread far and wide. And then there was his overt distrust of the alliance¡ªwhy make that so clear?

    It didn''t make sense, but Zao trusted his nephew more than anyone. If there was anyone worth believing in, it was him.

    ''Let''s see how this plays out,'' he thought.

    ***

    The portal carried Caine and Lilith into a vast, ethereal tunnel. The walls shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors, made from an otherworldly matter neither could identify.

    At the tunnel''s end, a radiant light beckoned, likely the entrance to the Legacy Realm.

    The air was calm and serene as they drifted toward the light. Caine''s gaze wandered, his mind awash with countless threads of intent he instinctively absorbed and analyzed.

    These were fragments of comprehension he''d already grasped, yet they now deepened, pushing toward¡ª

    ''Perfection.''

    Caine''s eyes glazed over for a moment before clarity returned. He blinked as his thoughts refocused.

    "You know," Lilith remarked, "it''s dangerous to leave yourself so vulnerable in the presence of a stranger."

    "I''m alive, aren''t I?" Caine replied without missing a beat. "I''m a decent judge of character."

    Lilith shook her head, amused but resigned.

    From the little time she''d spent with him, she''d learned much about the enigmatic prince¡ªand one thing was clear: Caine was as unyielding in his trust of himself as he was in his power.

    Sighing, she rested her head lightly on his shoulder as they continued forward. Meanwhile, Caine''s thoughts swirled, fixated on a single concept.

    ''Intent¡­ Intent¡­ Intent¡­''

 Chapter 52 Bloodlines

    The duo rapidly reached the end of the tunnel, arriving before a grand, oscillating wall of white, almost translucent qi.Immediately, a screen materialized before them.

    [You have been deemed worthy to enter the Legacy Realm of the Five Elemental Lords.]

    Caine raised a brow, surprised by the message. ''There was a test leading up to here? Could the tunnel have been the test? But¡­I didn''t feel anything¡­''

    He decided to shelve the thought for now and waited. Moments later, something unexpected happened.

    From the grand wall of qi, a figure emerged. It was a tiny humanoid entity with butterfly-like wings, a body wrapped in flowing emerald robes, and long hair made of intertwining black vines.

    The entity resembled a fairy, its presence radiating an aura of peace and harmony.

    The fairy''s striking blue eyes scanned the pair before focusing entirely on Caine.

    "Hello," he greeted suddenly, breaking the silence. Lilith followed shortly, offering her own polite, "Hello."

    The tiny fairy smiled, her dainty hands folding over one another. "Greetings, little mortals."

    Her voice was an extraordinary contrast to her size¡ªdeep, regal, and velvety, with a richness that seemed to resonate through the qi and the world around her. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I am Elura, the Grand Faery of Harmony, tasked by the Five Elementals with guarding their realm and legacy," she declared. "As you progressed through the tunnel, your affinities to the elements were tested, and you both passed with flying colors. Thus, you have been deemed worthy to enter this realm."

    Her eyes sparkled as she added, "Even better, you are two individuals of opposing genders. This will make it significantly easier for you to obtain the final legacy here."

    Caine frowned at her words, disliking their implication. But, as if sensing his thoughts, Elura quickly clarified.

    "No vulgar acts are required," she reassured him with a light chuckle. "The necessity for opposing genders lies in the Yin and Yang phenomenon of harmony that must occur to reap the maximum benefits. Physical contact is not necessary."

    As soon as she finished speaking, Elura waved her hands. Without warning, Caine and Lilith vanished. Alone now, the fairy''s serene smile morphed into a wild grin, one filled with¡­ambition.

    ''Let''s see if this works.''

    ***

    Caine fell from the sky, landing gently onto what appeared to be a river. Yet, instead of sinking, he stood upon its surface, the liquid barely rippling beneath his feet. A thin layer of qi coated his soles, allowing the seamless transition.

    He looked around, taking in his surroundings. The place he had entered was strange, to say the least.

    Above him stretched a black sky peppered with red stars, while the horizon extended infinitely. The air was thick with the unmistakable stench of blood. The "river" he stood upon was no river at all¡ªit was a boundless sea of blood. The liquid was so viscous that he doubted he would sink even if he withdrew his qi coating.

    Looking down, Caine narrowed his eyes. This wasn''t ordinary blood. It was purified beast blood.

    ''Straightforward at first glance,'' he thought. ''No enemies, no apparent trials, and the reward is right here.''

    ''But the insidiousness of it all lies in the details. How does one obtain a bloodline from this? If Zao was correct, this isn''t a single, unified bloodline. It''s a chaotic mixture of countless others.''

    ''So while it''s technically pure, it''s paradoxically impure. A contradiction¡ªbut not really.''

    Caine sat cross-legged atop the sea of blood, closing his eyes. Though he already had a solution in mind, he recognized this as a rare opportunity to deepen his understanding of blood qi and bloodlines.

    A low hum echoed as he began harmonizing the intent of his own blood with the blood around him, delving into its endless mysteries.

    The world suddenly rippled, and Caine found himself pulled into the depths of his own mind¡ªa realm of infinite darkness.

    From this void, countless colossal figures emerged, each more majestic than the last.

    True Phoenixes, Red Dragons, Golden Crows, Azure Whales, Purple Qilins, White Tigers, Emerald Turtles, Storm Gryphons, Chaos Serpents¡ªlegendary beasts thought to be long extinct materialized around him.

    Each entity was so vast and magnificent that Caine appeared like a grain of sand before a cosmos of immortal stars.

    They surged endlessly until the figures numbered precisely 3,800.

    Three thousand eight hundred legendary entities loomed in the void, their beady, primal eyes filled with hatred and hunger as they bore down on him.

    Despite the overwhelming pressure, Caine remained calm, his eyes closed as he meditated, using his intent to unravel the mysteries of the bloodlines before him.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    He nodded to himself, piecing together the intricate truths.

    ''There are two paths to forming a bloodline: the natural and the artificial. This is where the divide between humanoid and beast bloodlines lies.''

    ''Humanoid bloodlines must be forged¡ªthey cannot arise spontaneously. We, humanoids, must labor over countless generations, continuously refining our bloodlines, strengthening them, and passing them down to the next. Each generation adds to the foundation laid by the last, perfecting their inheritance.''

    ''Beasts, however, are entirely different.''

    He slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of understanding flashing through them.

    ''Beasts don''t forge their bloodlines¡ªthey embody them. Their bloodlines are crafted by the world itself, vessels of essence and intent that reflect the natural order. It is the world that grants beasts their strength, creating a direct link to the primordial forces they represent.''

    ''This is why the gap between humanoid and beast bloodlines is so vast¡ªour starting points are fundamentally unfair. Yet, beasts can also refine their bloodlines, enhancing them further, passing even greater strength to their descendants.''

    ''In other words, Beast Progenitors¡­are terrifying.''

    A grin spread across Caine''s face as his gaze lifted to the countless towering figures surrounding him. A wild, ambitious idea began to take shape in his mind.

    He had already survived the tribulations of the world for performing heretical acts once.

    Surely, he could do so a second time.

    ''Let''s find out.''

    The void trembled as an earth-shaking rumble echoed across the expanse.

 Chapter 53 Bloodlines(II)

    Just as Caine prepared to move forward with his plan, a sudden thought struck him, halting him in place. Waves of enlightenment washed over him, submerging his entire being.From the presence of the first God, light came. From the fury of the first Dragon, fire burned. From the breath of the first Gryphon, storms raged. From the hiss of the first Serpent, sin proliferated. And from the cry of the first Phoenix, life and death bloomed.

    Beast Progenitors were not merely embodiments of the elements or affinities, at least not in the way most beings comprehended them. No, Beast Progenitors were the creators¡ªthe originators¡ªof these elements themselves.

    Dragons were not born from fire; they birthed it. Dragons existed long before fire. Beast Progenitors were progenitors in the most literal sense.

    Caine''s already heretical idea suddenly evolved into something even more audacious. His smile deepened as the madness of his plan unfolded in his mind. If he could succeed, this would surpass the creation of his bones and flesh¡ªa feat that had already defied reason.

    He exhaled slowly, his breath measured and deliberate. Then he inhaled sharply, holding it for a moment before releasing it again, his focus sharpening with each controlled cycle.

    His intent flared to life, manifesting within the dark expanse of his mind. It took form as golden chains that lashed out, binding the 3,800 majestic entities that loomed around him. The chains constricted, subduing the powerful beasts and reducing them into tiny orbs of translucent white qi.

    With a low growl, Caine made a single, decisive motion, and the orbs were transported into his Bond Space.

    His mind hummed with razor-sharp clarity as his intent bloomed. What he was attempting to do was unprecedented¡ªand dangerously complex.

    Using his perfect comprehension of the 3,800 intents, Caine planned to condense an equal number of stars. Each star would be a flawless, physical manifestation of his comprehension¡ªa construct akin to the rings he had previously forged.

    But that was just the beginning.

    These stars would act as anchors, allowing him to forcefully comprehend the higher root intent tied to each one. Once the higher intent was mastered, he would refine the star further, linking it to its corresponding bubble.

    For instance, Caine would condense a fire star based on his perfect comprehension of fire intent. Using the star as an anchor, he would delve deeper into the root of that intent¡ªDragon Intent. By fully comprehending Dragon Intent, his mastery of fire would deepen, surpassing even the perfection he had achieved. This would create a harmonious connection between Dragon and Fire Intents, stabilizing the star and amplifying its power to unimaginable levels.

    Finally, he would tether the dragon-contained bubble to the star, completing the cycle.

    The dragons within the bubbles were formed from the countless dragon bloodlines distilled within the sea of blood he sat upon, representing the purest essence of their respective intents. Through this method, Caine would not simply wield these powers¡ªhe would birth a true dragon egg, created entirely from pure will and intent.

    This was akin to forging a human child from the beating heart of a god¡ªan act both miraculous and terrifying. And yet, even this was only the first step in Caine''s grand plan.

    The potential benefits were staggering.

    Beyond achieving a depth of comprehension in fire and Dragon Intent that even dragons themselves might never have attained, Caine would gain a new Bond Egg of unparalleled caliber. Most crucially, his Blood Qi would mutate, eliminating the need to consume the blood of lesser beasts.

    Indeed, Caine was attempting to force 3,800 simultaneous mutations in his Blood Qi.

    RUMBLE!

    The dark expanse he had been trapped in was now empty, its vastness devoid of the once-menacing entities. Only Caine remained, seated in absolute stillness.

    For a fleeting moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, cloaked in an unnatural silence. Then it shattered.

    Caine''s eyes snapped open, and with a roar of raw power, he shattered the illusion of the void and returned to reality.

    "[CONDENSE.]"

    His voice reverberated like the command of a god, carrying the unshakable might of a titan and the authority of an emperor. The effects were immediate.

    WHOOOOOOOSH! Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Within his Bond Space, countless stars of every color and type ignited into existence.

    They condensed rapidly before expanding and soaring upward, arranging themselves into a vast, intricate constellation.

    The insights flooding into Caine''s mind were overwhelming, almost unbearable in their intensity. His jaw tightened, his gaze sharpened, and he held himself steady, refusing to falter.

    He needed this. If he was to seize the throne of the alliance, he required strength that was undeniable, divine, and absolute. This was his path¡ªto become Perfect. Unrivaled. Absolute.

    BOOOOOOOOM! BOOM! BOOOM!

    The sea of blood beneath him surged upward, funneled directly into his Bond Space. The torrent flowed into the five eggs nestled within, each of which had been growing steadily but far too slowly for his liking.

    The eggs trembled violently, greedily absorbing the blood as though they had been waiting for this exact moment. Like the stars above, they expanded, their growth accelerating until they began to approach the size of their destined forms.

    Caine allowed himself a shaky exhale, releasing the tension in his mind and letting the flood of insights flow more freely. The depth of comprehension he was gaining was dizzying. Each affinity he had mastered deepened even further, reaching realms beyond perfection.

    Simultaneously, he monitored the changes within his body. His Blood Qi, already potent, was undergoing a profound transformation.

    The influence of the stars in his Bond Space took root within him, granting him unimaginable power.

    But just as he began to revel in his newfound strength, he froze.

    His body¡ªcompletely still. Not by his own will, but by the will of another.

    A mischievous chuckle echoed through the air, breaking the stillness. From the distance, a stream of darkness surged forward, piercing through Caine''s chest with ruthless precision.

    "Perfect," the voice murmured.

 Chapter 54 Bloodlines(III)

    Caine barely had time to react.The stars within his Bond Space suddenly dove into the depths of its sky, expanding at an incomprehensible speed as their radiant light washed over the entire space, casting everything in a blinding brilliance.

    The bubbles tethered to them morphed seamlessly, transforming into magnificent eggs, each as radiant and regal as his five original Innate Bond Eggs.

    For a moment, the chaos in his Bond Space seemed to stabilize, giving him the faintest hope that everything was under control. But then¡ª

    "NO!" Caine roared within his mind, the shock rippling through his consciousness with devastating force.

    Elura, the so-called Grand Faery of Harmony, had somehow appeared in the deepest recesses of his Bond Space. She stood silently before his precious eggs, her presence both alien and unsettling.

    "Be quiet. We''ll both emerge victorious from this. You just have to endure," she said softly, her voice calm yet filled with an eerie finality.

    Before he could react, her delicate hand moved. With a single motion, the five Innate Bond Eggs collided violently, shattering into a grotesque amalgamation of viscous blood and energy.

    "ARGHHHHHH!"

    Caine''s scream of agony tore through the void, reverberating within his Bond Space as he writhed in mental and physical torment.

    Yet, Elura paid no attention. Her unwavering gaze remained fixed on the pulsating mass of destruction before her. She whispered, almost to herself, "For freedom."

    Without hesitation, she plunged into the amalgam of the eggs. Her banshee-like wails melded with Caine''s, their combined screams echoing in a cacophony of unbearable pain.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, tattoos erupted across Caine''s body, intricate and alive. The markings depicted every beast contained within his Bond Space, their forms etched with stunning detail across his flesh. These tattoos seared into his skin, a vivid reminder of the immense power at play.

    Simultaneously, glowing runes flickered into existence, fusing with his very bones in a chaotic yet harmonious rhythm.

    The transformation was swift, brutal, and unrelenting.

    Qi poured out of him in massive torrents, devoured alongside the endless sea of blood that continued to funnel into his Bond Space.

    His body convulsed violently, his mind and flesh caught in a relentless cycle of destruction and renewal. The very fabric of his existence was being torn apart and reshaped into something entirely new.

    The pain was constant, all-encompassing, and infernal. Trapped within this storm of agony, Caine could do nothing but endure.

    ***

    Far away, Lilith sat cross-legged atop her own expansive sea of blood. Unlike Caine''s, hers shimmered with a golden luster, radiating a brilliance that illuminated the surrounding void. The blood beneath her seemed alive, pulsing with vitality and purpose, a stark contrast to the ominous crimson hue of ordinary blood.

    Her eyes remained closed, her focus entirely consumed by the monumental task at hand.

    Though part of her reason for entering the Legacy Realm was undeniably tied to Caine, she had not lied about her desire to forge a foundation she could deem worthy.

    Like Caine, Lilith sought to construct a heretical foundation¡ªone that defied the laws of cultivation itself. But her methods were entirely her own.

    Unlike him, Lilith had spent years mastering her gifts, elevating them to a level that bordered on the divine. She had awakened three Heavenly-tier Gifts at the Immeasurable Grade¡ªa feat so rare it was almost mythical.

    Her gifts surpassed even Caine''s by half a step, an accomplishment that few could comprehend.

    Two of these gifts, [Regress] and [Ascend], had been the catalysts for her meteoric rise. [Ascend] allowed her cultivation to progress autonomously, advancing without effort or input, while [Regress] enabled her to reverse and refine her advancements with flawless precision, correcting even the smallest imperfections.

    While these gifts had countless applications beyond cultivation, they were the keys to her current endeavor.

    For years, Lilith had cycled her Blood Qi through endless loops of ascension and regression, tempering it to an unparalleled level of purity and strength. Now, her Blood Qi had reached the threshold required to construct the foundation she envisioned.

    Her Bone Structure, the [Myriad Beast Progeny Pillar Bone Structure], would serve as the cornerstone of her power. Through precise manipulation of her Blood Qi, she would extract the golden blood beneath her, separating it into distinct bloodline essences.

    Then, using [Ascend], she would purify and evolve these essences, restoring them to their primordial, progenitor forms.

    These perfected bloodlines would then be refined into pure Blood Qi, which she would use to forge her bones.

    This alone would make her a terrifying force to rival Caine. But Lilith''s ambitions did not end there.

    Once her Bone Structure was complete, she planned to construct her Flesh Structure: the [Inverted Samsara Flesh Structure].

    Caine had deduced that Blood Qi was the vessel of vitality, a higher reflection of qi itself.

    But his understanding had not yet pierced the deepest truths. Blood Qi was indeed a vessel¡ªbut within it lay the essence of Life Qi, the purest form of vitality. This unique energy, unlike all others, could only exist when contained within Blood Qi.

    Lilith, however, had long surpassed this level of comprehension. Her mastery of Blood Qi had refined it to a state beyond perfection.

    This insight had given rise to her audacious plan.

    By tempering her Blood Qi to unprecedented levels, she would make it capable of containing not only Life Qi but also its antithesis¡ªDeath Qi.

    This union of opposites would create a paradoxical state within her Blood Qi, one of chaos and harmony existing simultaneously.

    The harmonious interplay between Life Qi and Death Qi would grant her regenerative abilities so profound they bordered on immortality.

    At the same time, the chaotic clash of these forces would flood her body with boundless energy, enabling ceaseless refinement and growth under the strength of her bones.

    And yet, these were merely the foundational benefits of her plan.

    Lilith exhaled slowly, steadying her mind and calming her blood. Then, her eyes snapped open, blazing with unshakable resolve.

    She began.

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!

    ***

    Far from the Legacy Realm, in the depths of the oceans that separated the continents, a small bubble of air floated in the pitch-black abyss. The crushing pressure of the deep seemed to have no effect on this strange anomaly.

    Within the bubble lay a massive, coiled beast. Its body twisted upon itself dozens of times to fit into the confined space. Scales shimmering with a resplendent azure light contrasted with countless white runes etched into them.

    The creature bore the regal head of a tiger, the sinuous body of a dragon, the fierce eyes of a nascent phoenix, and the resplendent wings of a gryphon. It was a paradoxical entity, an abomination that seemed to embody the essence of an entire world.

    Slowly, it stirred, its presence sending faint ripples of terrifying qi through the ocean, shaking the waters with ominous force.

    "It seems little Elura has become free," a voice murmured from nowhere, not belonging to the beast.

    The abomination closed its eyes once more and returned to slumber. But before it did, it spoke, its voice low and reverberating with ancient power. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hopefully she''s happy this time."

 Chapter 55 Elura

    Caine''s body had stopped convulsing and now lay eerily still, submerged in the depths of the clear ocean where he had been sitting moments before. The once turbulent waters had calmed, their reflective surface undisturbed, mirroring the tranquility that had finally settled within him.His Bond Space, once a chaotic maelstrom, had transformed. The stars within it now stretched so wide they seemed infinite, their radiance illuminating the expanse like celestial beacons. His newly formed eggs shone with a majesty and brilliance that surpassed even the wildest of imaginations.

    At the very center of his Bond Space, below his intricate rings and the original dragon-coiled silver star, sat a single egg. It was entirely black, its presence radiating an ominous yet profound energy.

    Caine''s bloodline had mutated far beyond his expectations, his body undergoing countless changes. Yet, he remained unconscious, his mind adrift elsewhere, unable to assess the monumental transformations that had taken place.

    ***

    Elura couldn''t help but shiver as she stared at him.

    They were back in the dark expanse that Caine had been drawn into earlier by the Beast Progenitor Intents. Yet, this time, something was different. Something terrifying.

    Caine stood before her, his appearance unchanged¡ªhis long black hair flowed freely, his cold silver eyes gleamed with their usual sharpness, and his tall, lean frame exuded its familiar strength. But now, there was something else.

    Atop his head rested a resplendent crown, shimmering with an ethereal light. Around his shoulders hung a mantle of silver mist, flowing like a living entity, wrapping around him with the grace and authority of an emperor.

    He did nothing, yet the sheer pressure he exuded was overwhelming¡ªan invisible weight that pressed down on everything around him. It was a power Elura had never encountered before, a presence that defied understanding.

    This was no ordinary power. This was the unrestrained soul force of a god. Somehow, this space had managed to pull his Soul Form into it.

    "Elura, Faery of Harmony," Caine spoke softly, his voice carrying an unshakable calm. He sighed, and in that moment, the crown atop his head faded into nothingness, the mantle dissipating into thin air. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and the suffocating pressure vanished.

    "The fear in your eyes tells me that even you didn''t fully understand what you were involving yourself in," he said. "You saw an opportunity and seized it."

    Caine''s voice was measured, devoid of rage yet brimming with authority. "I cannot and will not kill you," he continued, his tone unwavering. "Somehow, you have managed to become my Innate Bond. I don''t know how you achieved this, but you''ve tied your existence to mine."

    Elura''s body trembled under his scrutiny, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. A faint flicker of confidence shone in her eyes, though her shivering betrayed her inner turmoil. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "While I cannot kill you without endangering myself," Caine continued, "I can make your existence a nightmare. I am more than capable of tearing you apart, piece by piece, leaving you suspended on the edge of life and death for eternity."

    His voice hardened. "You desecrated my body. You killed my five Bonds. That alone is an offense worthy of death. I will give you one chance¡ªexplain yourself."

    Caine''s silver eyes glinted with cold light as he added, "And do not lie. I will know."

    Elura felt the raw, primal rage simmering within Caine. It was a force so violent, so overwhelming, that it shook her to her very core. The fabric of her soul trembled beneath the weight of it.

    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. Then, with a shaky exhale, she began to speak.

    "My name is Elura Sanctus, Queen of the Faery Race," she said. Her voice wavered at first but grew steadier with each word.

    "To explain my actions, I must first tell you about the Five Elemental Lords. They are not of your world," she said, her tone grave.

    Caine''s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable.

    "They are not truly lords in the conventional sense," Elura explained. "They are envoys¡ªrepresentatives of the Elemental God Race, a branch of the mighty Spirit Race."

    She hesitated for a moment, gauging Caine''s reaction, but his face remained impassive.

    "The Spirit Race sent them to this world eons ago when the Velios decided to settle here," she continued. "You may or may not know this, but the Velios and the Timeless Alliance are not the same. They are two separate entities."

    Elura paused, her gaze flickering. "I mean, it''s in the name¡ªan alliance. But the details of their relationship are not matters I dare speak of."

    "The Elementals came here to scout, to establish a foothold. Their ultimate goal was to launch an assault on the Velios. The two factions have always been at odds. In truth, the Elementals are on bad terms with nearly every force I know, but their conflict with the Velios is particularly violent."

    As Elura spoke, Caine''s expression softened slightly, though it soon settled into an unnervingly apathetic mask. Her words seemed to align with truths he had long suspected. ''Did Zao send me here with this outcome in mind?'' he wondered.

    "The way I relate to all this is simple¡ªI am collateral damage," Elura continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "I am part of a branch of the Faery Race, one of the most powerful races to exist. My world was destroyed, my people enslaved, and I was trapped here, used as bait."

    Her gaze met his, steady and unflinching. "I was a lure for the elders of your alliance. They knew my worth. They knew what I represented."

    "I''ve been trapped here for eons, bound by chains I could not break. And then I saw you." Her voice grew softer. "A Spirit Human. A royal Velios. My chance at freedom."

    She took a shaky breath. "So I reached out. I took it. I tore it from the hands that had stolen it from me."

    Her tone hardened. "By mutating your existence and forcefully becoming your Bond, I freed myself from this accursed realm. I broke my chains."

    "This is why I did it," she finished. "For freedom."

    For a long moment, silence reigned. Elura''s gaze remained locked with Caine''s. Her eyes reflected a mixture of defiance and vulnerability, while his face was an unreadable mask.

    As he processed her words, understanding dawned on him. He saw her actions for what they were. How could he not? Was her desperation not a mirror of his own?

    Had he not done the same¡ªabandoned everything, risked it all, and crossed forbidden lines¡ªfor freedom?

    The flame that burned within her heart was the same as the one that burned in his.

    Elura, overwhelmed by the depth of emotions pouring through their bond, froze. She was unprepared for the intensity of their connection, her soul trembling under the weight of it.

    Caine exhaled slowly, breaking the silence. "I see," he said at last. "And the envoys? You didn''t explain their fates."

    Elura blinked, startled out of her stupor. She took a moment to compose herself before her gaze sharpened.

    "They''re still here," she said. "And their presence is tied to the very foundation of this realm."

    Her voice lowered, heavy with foreboding. "This legacy was never meant to be a mere inheritance. It was the first step in a war¡ªa settlement meant for conquest."

 Chapter 56 Elura(II)-Childish

    "Their plan was rather simple. Attract a member of the alliance here to gain their so-called legacy, then, at the last moment, pull them into this place.""This place where we''re currently in is called a Soul Prison. By trapping the member here, they planned to overtake their body and slowly infiltrate the alliance."

    "But things changed. The day they settled and created the realm, they were ruthlessly suppressed by the World Will Eye, which recognized them as foreigners."

    "Then, the various factions of the world attacked and annihilated them, destroying their physical forms and leaving them on the brink of extinction. But such possibilities were the reason I was required in the first place."

    "Using my abilities, I salvaged parts of their souls and conserved them, storing them here, ready to attack and take over anyone who was compatible enough."

    "This prison, which had once been intended to create a double agent, became their last hope¡ªa final chance to revive and find vessels before the fragments of their souls inevitably collapsed and they truly ceased to exist."

    The implications were clear¡ªCaine would have to battle these so-called Elemental Lords if he ever wanted to leave this place alive.

    Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, Caine remained unshaken. His mind felt startlingly calm, free of the complexities that might normally weigh him down in such a moment.

    He didn''t know why, but he felt incredibly liberated. Unrestrained.

    His thoughts flowed like a gentle stream, smooth and unbroken, while his heart seemed immune to fear or hesitation. It was as if he could process everything clearly, act decisively, and remain untouched by doubt.

    Perhaps it was the mutations that had occurred during his fusion with Elura. Or perhaps it was because his Soul Form, unbound by the limitations of his body, now stood at the forefront. Whatever the reason, he felt good.

    Elura fluttered her wings lightly and flew over to perch on his shoulder. The tension she had once felt in his presence was gone, replaced by an inexplicable comfort. It was strange¡ªa sharp contrast to the fear she''d been consumed by earlier.

    But unlike the delicate, almost chaotic dynamic Caine shared with Lilith, this bond was different. It felt natural, clear. Elura was now undeniably a part of Caine, as though she were his kin, his blood.

    The suddenness of the transformation might have alienated her, yet she found herself at ease with it. What had felt unnatural moments ago now seemed like it had always been.

    Caine, too, was at peace with her presence, though for entirely different reasons. He understood that, as his Bond, Elura was incapable of harming him. Though he had no desire to do so, he could read her memories at will or even take control of her actions if he wanted.

    But he wouldn''t. The advantage of having a Bond like Elura, with her unique origins and vast knowledge, was far more valuable than any power play. She was a treasure trove of insight¡ªa living, walking encyclopedia.

    And though he mourned the loss of his five baby Bonds, he couldn''t deny the trade-off had been worth it.

    "Une de perdue, cinq de retrouv¨¦es," he mused wryly. Though, in this case, the reverse seems to hold true."

    "When will these Lords show themselves?" he asked, rising to his feet.

    Elura froze mid-flutter, clearly shaken by the question. "You plan to confront them? That''s¡­ suicidal!" she exclaimed, darting around his head like a panicked moth. "Let''s find another way to leave! There must be an escape¡ª"

    "No." Caine''s tone was firm. "I already have ideas for what I want to do with them. I''ll face them."

    "They are far beyond the Realm of Blood!" Elura cried, her wings flapping frantically as she hovered in front of him. "Not only are they FAR beyond the Realm of Blood, but they also have millennia of experience! You have no idea what you''re up against!"

    "Did you not say this would be a battle of the soul?" Caine asked. His crown flared into existence atop his head, casting an oppressive aura that washed over the space.

    "When you look at me¡­" He gestured to himself. "¡­does it seem like I''m lacking in that department?"

    "Yes!" Elura retorted without hesitation. She was no longer affected by the pressure he exuded, now fully adjusted to their bond. "I didn''t say it would be a battle of the soul! I said nothing about the type of battle you''ll face!"

    She flew closer, jabbing a tiny finger toward him. "This will be a battle of the mind¡ªa challenge you are not prepared to face."

    Caine raised a brow. "There''s a difference between the mind and the soul? That''s news to me."

    Elura froze, staring at him with wide eyes. In an instant, she remembered how little Caine knew about the broader workings of the universe. No, it wasn''t ignorance, she realized¡ªit was isolation. His world had kept him confined, cut off from the greater truths of existence.

    Caine noticed the revelation dawning on her but chose not to comment. He could guess what she was thinking.

    It all came back to the nature of his world. The fact that his world had a name¡ªThe Five Brilliant Sky World¡ªimplied the existence of others. After all, if there were no others, why not simply call it existence?

    Caine knew other worlds existed. He even understood how they formed, at least conceptually. But he had never seen, heard, or encountered anything beyond his own world and the Three Realms. The isolation of The Brilliant Five Sky World was absolute.

    Why this isolation existed, he didn''t know. But it was clear Elura understood more than she was letting on. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She exhaled deeply, visibly composing herself. "The details are¡­ complicated," she began cautiously. "But the crux of it is this: the battle ahead will test your mind. And the mind can only be tempered by time."

    "No matter how talented you are, this is a gap you cannot bridge¡ªconventionally. Even unconventional methods would take years to achieve the level of preparation needed to face them."

    "Battling them would be suicidal," she concluded, her tone resolute. "No matter how powerful your soul may be."

    Caine nodded, and for a brief moment, Elura relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips. But then he crossed his arms and grinned¡ªa mischievous, almost childish expression that sent a chill down her spine.

    Her heart sank.

    At that moment, Caine looked like a stubborn toddler, his shit-eating grin broadcasting one unmistakable message: My stance won''t change.

 Chapter 57 Spark

    Elura was left speechless.Through her Bond with Caine, she could sense he was far more intelligent than his actions suggested. His nature didn''t align with impulsive or immature behavior. Yet, as she pondered this contradiction, a realization struck her.

    "Dao Sparks¡­"

    Her eyes narrowed as she studied him intently, her opinion of him rising yet another level. What was happening to Caine was a phenomenon she recognized all too well. A phenomenon that, depending on how it was handled, could either elevate him to unimaginable heights or utterly destroy his future.

    The weight of this realization made her shoulders falter, her heart trembling with unease. But with a deep breath, she steadied herself. This was her task now. As his Bond, it was her role to guide him, to help him grow and accompany him on his path.

    Caine, noticing the swirling emotions in her gaze, chuckled softly. He could easily peer into her mind to uncover her thoughts, but where was the fun in that? Ever since awakening in this realm, he had found himself listening to his heart more than he ever had in his past life. And, surprisingly, it felt¡­ freeing. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Perhaps this newfound freedom of thought was what allowed his mind to flow with such clarity and fluidity. Maybe it wasn''t the mutations or even the power of his Soul Form that granted him this state of calm¡ªit was his heart. His free heart.

    But then again, why draw a line between the mind and the heart? Only fools believed logic and emotion were opposing forces. In truth, the two were meant to be intertwined, forming a stage upon which one could endlessly dance between them.

    His mind would be his heart, and his heart would be his mind.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    Elura had barely begun to formulate a plan when Caine''s body erupted with a blinding radiance, shimmering like an imploding star.

    Within his chest, the outline of a golden heart appeared, pulsing with an intensity that eclipsed even his own light.

    The heart sank into him, vanishing into his body before reappearing within his Bond Space. It fused with the dragon-coiled silver star at its center, merging seamlessly.

    Caine''s gaze refocused, and a faint frown crossed his face. He could feel the changes within him, the power that had surged forward as a result of his brief moment of enlightenment.

    But something gnawed at him. These days, enlightenment seemed to find him far too easily. Whether he sought it or not, the phenomenon occurred with increasing frequency. His strength soared relentlessly, bottlenecks became a thing of the past, and growth felt¡­ effortless.

    "Why is this happening?" he mused, his thoughts narrowing in on the one aspect of himself he had yet to fully master.

    "It''s the Gifts," he realized. "They''re the source of all these uncontrolled changes. As soon as I leave this realm, I''ll need to focus entirely on understanding and mastering them."

    His gaze fell on the exasperated Elura, whose wings fluttered anxiously. He reached out, plucking her gently from the air and placing her on his shoulder.

    "You''ll explain what just happened later," he said with a faint smile. "For now, summon the Five Lords. I''m confident."

    Elura sighed deeply, as though she had been holding her breath for an eternity. She hesitated but eventually obliged, waving her hand and causing the void around them to ripple.

    The air quaked, and countless streams of intent and qi coalesced in the darkness.

    RUMBLE!

    Five massive doors emerged from the void, their presence commanding and foreboding.

    ***

    Meanwhile, far away, Lilith sat cross-legged atop her golden sea of blood. Her body trembled violently, drenched in sweat, as countless veins erupted across her skin.

    Every fiber of her being screamed in protest against the strain she endured.

    Yet, despite the agony, her lips curled into a demonic smile¡ªproud, defiant, and triumphant. She had done it. She had finally forged her Bone and Flesh Structures.

    The air quivered around her as her cultivation surged. Her power oscillated violently, tearing through the stages of the Blood Realm, rising to its peak before plunging to its nadir. Each cycle compressed and concentrated her energy further, refining it to perfection.

    The process repeated itself countless times within a single instant until her cultivation stabilized at the peak of the Flesh Destruction Stage. Her power now radiated an aura that was truly earth-shattering.

    But just as she prepared to test her newfound strength, her body gave out, collapsing into the depths of the ocean beneath her. Her consciousness flickered, the world fading in and out, before she finally succumbed to the pull of unconsciousness.

    ***

    Lilith''s eyes snapped open what felt like mere moments later. Instinctively, she bolted upright, her gaze darting around in search of danger.

    The world around her was an endless expanse of darkness. Even the ground beneath her feet felt intangible, as though it were made of shadow itself. Yet, amidst the void, one thing stood out.

    She turned sharply, her breath catching. Standing mere inches behind her was Caine, a calm smile on his face. Elura perched on his shoulder, her presence strangely serene.

    Lilith''s gaze shifted past him, drawn to the five massive gates that had begun to take shape in the distance. Their aura was oppressive, their presence suffocating.

    She hissed through clenched teeth, her instincts warning her of the immense danger they posed. Her eyes darted back to Caine, meeting his steady gaze.

    "Do you know what''s happening here?" she asked sharply. Her attention then turned to Elura, suspicion lacing her tone. "And what''s her deal? What''s going on?"

    Caine turned to glance at the gates before answering casually. "It''s a long story, but here''s the gist," he said, gesturing toward the ominous doors. "We''re about to be thrown into a battle of life and death. High chances I die here."

    Before Lilith could respond, he added with a faint grin, "But that''s just a statistic. I don''t plan on dying¡ªnot now."

    He crossed his arms. "The battle ahead will be one of the mind. I''m not entirely sure what that entails. Maybe illusions. Maybe torture. Maybe something entirely new. But that''s the situation."

    He turned back to her, his expression resolute. "If we win, we regain control of our bodies and move on to the final part of this realm. If we lose¡­" He trailed off, his meaning clear. "Our bodies become theirs."

    Lilith took a moment to absorb his words, her sharp mind piecing together the implications.

    She nodded curtly, her apprehension giving way to grim determination. Though this form was merely her soul, she summoned a blade out of thin air, its shimmering edge reflecting her readiness.

    Caine raised a brow at the sight, mildly surprised. Even he hadn''t figured out how to control qi in this form. But there was no time to dwell on it.

    The gates flung open.

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!

    A violent gust of air tore through the void, whipping their hair and robes with an almost feral intensity. The oppressive force of qi that erupted from the gates was suffocating, pressing down on them like a tangible weight.

    From the shadows of the gates, five resplendent figures emerged, their presence shaking the very fabric of the void.

 Chapter 58 Mind

    Fire, Water, Air, Darkness, and Light¡ªthese were the elements embodied by the five entities.With humanoid forms composed entirely of their respective elements, chaotic qi swirled and crackled around them, so dense and pure it caused the air itself to tremble.

    The Fire Elemental''s body glowed with an intense red, akin to a living star. A mane of golden flames blazed from its head, and behind it floated a wheel of fiery orbs, slowly rotating as their heat and intensity steadily grew.

    The Water Elemental''s form consisted of jagged ice shards, linked by thin filaments of flowing water. This gave it the appearance of an intricate, almost robotic monstrosity. Atop its head spun a halo of ice and water, scattering dazzling snowflakes that shimmered as they fell.

    The Air Elemental''s body was a whirlwind of coiling streams, so thick and furious they resembled fine threads of silk, woven into the shape of a towering figure. Within its form, arcs of lightning danced in the crevices, cracking with unmatched ferocity.

    The Darkness and Light Elementals seemed simultaneously inseparable and independent.

    Their forms were deceptively simple, yet they emanated the most oppressive aura. The Darkness Elemental stood like a shadow to the Light Elemental, while the latter radiated a brilliance so blinding that no specific features could be discerned.

    Caine gave them a brief glance before turning to Lilith. "Which one do you want?"

    "My affinity makes dealing with the Fire and¡ª"

    "Alright," Caine interrupted. "I''ll take the other four."

    Lilith didn''t seem surprised. She nodded calmly, her gaze locking onto the Fire Elemental as the entities fully emerged from the gate.

    For a moment, their forms trembled, almost unstable, before settling into solidity. From their blank faces, eyes and mouths materialized, radiating waves of killing intent so overwhelming it sent shudders through the air.

    The Light Elemental''s glowing eyes focused on Caine¡ªmore specifically, on Elura. "Of course," it rumbled, its voice deep and resonant. "Of course, you''d degrade yourself by siding with the enemy."

    Elura''s expression remained neutral, unfazed by the words. The Light Elemental continued, disdain dripping from every word. "These children will suffice. Their bodies will make fine vessels, flesh puppets we can inhabit. They won''t sustain us for long, but they''ll address our immediate needs."

    "Any objections?" it asked, its gaze sweeping over the others.

    None of the other Elementals responded.

    They simply shook their heads.

    The Light Elemental stepped forward, but its advance was abruptly halted. Its eyes narrowed as a towering wall of silver fog rose between it and the Fire Elemental, separating the latter from the rest of the group.

    Lilith glanced at Caine, offering him a faint smile as she stepped through the wall of fog toward the isolated Fire Elemental. "Don''t die," she said lightly.

    Caine nodded, turning his attention to the remaining four elementals. He raised a hand, gesturing for them to come forward. "Come."

    The Light Elemental''s eyes widened in shock, rage building in its ancient heart. For an entity of its stature to be treated with such casual disregard¡ªit was intolerable.

    Its form blurred, vanishing only to reappear before Caine in an instant, a blade of light materializing in its hand as it slashed downward.

    Simultaneously, the other elementals launched their attacks. The Air Elemental raised its arms, conjuring violent storms of chaotic qi that surrounded Caine, trapping him in a vortex that made movement nearly impossible. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Darkness Elemental surged silently from Caine''s shadow, its malevolent eyes gleaming as it thrust a blade of pure darkness toward his spine.

    Above, the Water Elemental loomed, summoning an array of constructs¡ªdragons, spears, tigers, and humanoid soldiers, all encased in armor of ice. They descended upon Caine with relentless force, each attack aiming to annihilate him.

    The onslaught converged.

    WHOOOSH!

    Blades of light and darkness pierced Caine''s chest, meeting at his heart. The storm shredded his flesh, spilling blood, while the water constructs slammed into him, compounding the destruction.

    The Elementals sneered, assured of their victory.

    But Caine remained unmoved.

    In an instant, his wounds vanished, his body knitting itself back together as though untouched. His hand shot out, seizing the Light Elemental by the throat with an iron grip.

    With a single motion, he spun and slammed the Light Elemental into the Darkness Elemental, sending both crashing into the distance with a thunderous BANG!

    Caine''s gaze shifted upward to the Water Elemental. The constructs it had summoned froze in mid-air before disintegrating into shimmering runes of water. These runes swirled together, forming a grand formation that wrapped tightly around the Water Elemental, imprisoning it.

    With a flick of his wrist, Caine clenched his fist.

    BOOM!

    The formation imploded, reducing the Water Elemental to vapor.

    He turned his eyes to the Air Elemental, which now trembled before him. "This won''t be a drawn-out battle," he said, his voice calm and absolute. "There will be no back-and-forth."

    He raised his arm and struck. A single punch tore a gaping hole through the Air Elemental''s silken body. It staggered, horrified, but before it could react, a second strike obliterated its head, scattering its form into chaotic winds.

    The Light Elemental reappeared, lunging at Caine in a final, desperate attack. He sidestepped effortlessly, driving his knee into its chest. His hand reached for its head, tearing out a pulsing core¡ªa glowing, brain-like mass.

    With a flick of his fingers, he incinerated it.

    As its body dissolved into motes of light, the Darkness Elemental surged from the remnants, wielding twin blades of light and shadow. Both weapons streaked toward Caine with blinding speed.

    Time slowed. Caine''s intent flared like an erupting star. The twin blades shattered mid-air, their fragments fusing into a single weapon¡ªa blade forged of both light and darkness.

    Caine snatched the weapon and turned it on its creator. With one precise motion, he beheaded the Darkness Elemental, its body dissolving into nothingness.

    The battlefield fell silent.

    Caine''s expression remained serene as he turned and stepped through the wall of silver fog. His movements were measured, unhurried.

    What had they expected? A battle of minds?

    Against him?

    Had it been a battle of souls, perhaps he would have struggled. Even he had yet to master the full power of his Soul Form. But a battle of minds¡ªa test of mental fortitude?

    The outcome had been decided the moment it began.

 Chapter 59 Mind(II)

    The wall of silver fog dissolved just as Caine stepped through, and immediately, he was greeted by a suffocating wave of heat.Lilith and the Fire Elemental were still locked in combat, their focus entirely consumed by the battle. Neither seemed to notice his arrival. Deciding not to interfere, Caine sat down, closed his eyes, and waited.

    "How¡­ how did you do that?" Elura finally asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

    What she had witnessed made no sense. A battle of the mind was exactly that¡ªa clash of wills, pitting two minds against one another.

    Within the confines of the Soul Prison, victory was determined by the maturity, tenacity, and resilience of one''s mind, forged through years of hardships.

    She had told Caine his decision was reckless, almost suicidal. Even with his talent, the gap between them and the Elementals seemed insurmountable.

    The Elementals were ancient beings, their minds tempered by thousands¡ªor even hundreds of thousands¡ªof years. They had endured countless peaks and valleys, sharpening their resolve over lifetimes. How could someone like Caine, comparatively young, possibly overcome them?

    And yet, he had.

    Even though Elura had sensed that Caine carried more memories than someone his age should, it was still insignificant compared to the ocean of time the Elementals had experienced.

    It defied all logic.

    "Quality versus quantity," Caine said at last, his voice calm and steady. "They''ve lived long, meaningless lives. I''ve lived a short, meaningful one. My heart is firm; theirs isn''t. My back seeks to stand straight; theirs bows to serve."

    He paused before continuing, his tone still devoid of arrogance. "I look up to meet those above. They look down to praise them. It''s simple¡ªwe live very different lives. Mine affirms my character. Theirs comforts theirs."

    "Neither is fundamentally right or wrong," he added, "but it makes me more mentally adept."

    Elura remained silent, absorbing his words.

    "But that doesn''t make me perfect," Caine continued. "Not yet, at least. I still have Achilles'' heels¡ªweaknesses that could kill me if touched. A few Pandora''s boxes, if you will." He smiled faintly, opening his eyes.

    Seated on his shoulder, Elura let out a shaky breath. But before she could fully collect herself, Caine spoke again.

    "When we leave, you can go through my memories if you wish. It''ll make things easier for you."

    Elura gasped, freezing in place. Her gaze shifted toward his face, her heart pounding in disbelief.

    "¡­Thank you," she whispered.

    Caine didn''t respond, but his smile deepened. His time with his ten generals had taught him many lessons, and the most important one was trust.

    As the one holding the reins of power in their bond, Caine knew that building trust was essential for long-term harmony. To ease the partnership, he had to trust Elura.

    And truthfully, he didn''t mind. Elura, quite literally, couldn''t harm him even if she wanted to. If she ever developed such intentions, he would know instantly, even without searching her mind. He was losing nothing by trusting her.

    Besides, he had grand plans for Elura¡ªplans that required her trust and loyalty.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s attention snapped back to the battlefield. He watched as the Fire Elemental''s form began to disintegrate, its blazing body flickering and fading. Lilith stood victorious, though her head turned sharply toward him as his body suddenly went limp.

    Before she could react further, her body also went slack, and both figures began to dissolve into the dark expanse, vanishing completely.

    ***

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. He sat up quickly, scanning his surroundings. He was now in the depths of a vast ocean, the water pressing heavily around him.

    But his location wasn''t what caught his attention. It was the changes in his body.

    The stars in his Bond Space, the eggs, the bloodlines, his blood qi, his mind, his flesh¡ªeverything felt renewed, transformed.

    "Elura, what has happened to my body?" he asked.

    Elura''s form had changed as well. In the center of his Bond Space, beneath the dragon-coiled silver star, a black egg now rested¡ªElura''s egg. The countless mutations they had undergone had affected her too.

    Though still unborn, her mind had manifested outside the egg, a rare and extraordinary phenomenon.

    Appearing before him, Elura explained, her voice resonant in the ocean''s depths.

    "The mutations you sought for your Blood Qi were successful. You''ve acquired a corresponding set of bloodlines, each rooted in the stars of your Bond Space."

    "But," she continued, "due to my interference, an additional mutation occurred. It created a unique bloodline¡ªa Chimeric Bloodline, forged from the remnants of the others and rooted in both of us."

    Caine stood slowly. With a tap of his foot, he surged upward, breaking through the water and reaching the surface in an instant. He inhaled deeply, letting his qi flow freely as his body recalibrated itself.

    Despite the monumental changes, Caine felt completely in control. The new power within him didn''t destabilize his foundation; it only made him stronger. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I see now why he was so insistent on me acquiring a bloodline," he murmured. "This power¡­ it feels like the missing piece, the final link between my bones and flesh."

    Caine raised his palm, and red scales erupted across his skin, glowing with golden runes etched deeply into their surface. His fingers lengthened into black, razor-sharp claws. Massive, bony wings unfolded from his back, their edges rippling with power.

    A pair of curved horns emerged from his forehead, standing tall and majestic. Around him, the air shimmered with heat as crimson runes flickered to life. His eyes shifted, their silver depths giving way to a reptilian, regal gold.

    He studied his transformed body for a moment before canceling the form. The strength he now possessed would surely be enough to face the challenges ahead¡ªespecially the fight for the Scion position.

    But Caine wasn''t satisfied. This level of power wasn''t nearly enough to reach his true goal. When the time came for the clan gathering, his display of strength needed to be absolute and uncontested.

    For that, he needed more. Much more.

    Caine exhaled slowly, suppressing the emotions surging within him. His gaze sharpened, and his mind steadied. "Alright, let''s proceed," he said.

    Elura nodded silently. With a wave of her hand, she opened a portal to the final piece of the legacy realm.

    Normally, this path would have been barred, but with the Elemental Lords now dead, nothing could stop her.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine stepped into the portal and vanished.

 Chapter 60 Elements

    Caine reappeared in the middle of a vast, colorful hall supported by thick pillars of white stone.At the room''s dead center, countless tiny cores swirled around a blob of liquid energy, fluorescent and reflecting all imaginable colors. From this central mass, tendrils extended outward, latching onto the swirling cores like insects ensnared in a spider''s web.

    WHOOSH!

    A portal opened beside Caine, and Lilith stepped through. The moment he laid eyes on her, his gaze narrowed. She''d grown stronger¡ªmuch stronger.

    Elura floated off Caine''s shoulder and drifted to a position between the two of them. Her voice carried an almost ethereal weight as she began to explain.

    "The final piece of this legacy revolves around Elemental God Cores and Heavenly Elements."

    "These concepts are simple to grasp. Elemental God Cores are crystallizations of elemental power containing an infinite essence¡ªtrue infinity. They''re treasures used in constructing advanced machines and refining the bodies of high-level cultivators. Their value is beyond measure."

    "As for Heavenly Elements," Elura continued, "they''re mutated forms of the original elements. These elements play fundamental roles in the fabric of existence itself. For example, you''ve heard of the Twelve Divine Flames, yes?"

    Both Caine and Lilith nodded.

    "These flames are Heavenly Elements, each incredibly powerful. Beyond being mere sources of elemental energy, they grant unique abilities. For instance, the Chaos Flame can emulate all elements, enabling the wielder to do something as extraordinary as creating a ''water flame.'' And even that is just the beginning."

    She gestured to the pulsating blob behind her.

    "This is how it relates to you. Surrounding the room are countless neutral Elemental God Cores¡ªcores you can define with your intent. At the center is the Source Sphere, a wellspring capable of forming as many Heavenly Elements as you can comprehend."

    She paused to let the gravity of her words settle. "Given that both of you are at the peak of the Flesh Destruction Stage, preparing to advance, this is your perfect opportunity."

    Elura''s gaze sharpened. "The Heavenly Elements and Cores function in tandem. First, you comprehend a Heavenly Element using the Source Sphere. Then, you manifest it through a neutral Elemental God Core."

    The cultivation system flowed naturally toward this moment.

    The Bone Forging Stage reshaped the bones, reshaping them with Blood Qi to provide an unshakable foundation.

    The Flesh Destruction Stage, as its name suggested, destroyed and rebuilt one''s flesh entirely from fine threads of silky Blood Qi.

    This not only heightened one''s affinity to Blood Qi but also mutated their cells to produce it autonomously.

    Next came the Organ Vessel Stage. This stage addressed the body''s internal systems, focusing on the organs. Each of the six major organs required an elemental core and refinement by the corresponding origin element: Fire for the heart, Wind for the lungs, Earth for the spleen, Water for the kidneys, Wood for the liver, and Lightning for the brain.

    But there was a secret¡ªone known to only a few.

    The power of the Organ Vessel Stage wasn''t limited to these base elements. If a cultivator refined their organs using Heavenly Elements instead, the resulting power was incomparable. For instance, a Chaos Flame Core forged in the heart and refined by Chaos Fire was vastly superior to a simple fire element refinement.

    The challenge, however, lay in the almost insurmountable requirements.

    Comprehending even a Mortal-grade Heavenly Element was incredibly difficult. Elemental God Cores were rare beyond imagining, and containing them within a Blood Cultivator''s body was nearly impossible.

    Most cultivators settled for less, using mortal-level elements and solidified elemental qi to form cores.

    But neither Caine nor Lilith would settle.

    Without hesitation, the two walked toward the Source Sphere and sat beneath it. They performed entirely different tasks¡ªLilith dove into the mysteries of the blob, while Caine focused on the Elemental God Cores.

    Caine sat motionless, his senses focused entirely on the swirling cores. His mind sought to unravel their structures, to understand their inner workings.

    "Hm. My understanding was flawed. No, incomplete."

    "Qi is a vessel, and intent defines its contents. That much is true. But I overlooked something. What drives intent into existence? To call it the ''mind'' feels insufficient¡ªit''s more than that. The mind is the body but not the hand."

    The answer came to him like a revelation.

    "Will births intent. Intent shapes Qi. And Qi resonates with the world. That''s why my intent grew stronger when I severed the false connections between my mind and heart. In affirming my will, I made it more potent."

    His thoughts turned inward, to the dragon-coiled silver star in his Bond Space.

    "This star is the seed of my will¡­"

    Then his gaze shifted to the countless smaller stars surrounding it.

    "¡­and these are seeds of Elemental Wills. Will seeds."

    He didn''t know how to make these seeds bloom, but he understood the process now.

    Neutral Elemental God Cores began disappearing from the blob''s web, reappearing within Caine''s Bond Space. They fused with his stars, stabilizing and compressing them to the brink of explosion.

    A surge of power coursed through him, though he barely noticed.

    "They won''t bloom until my will matures."

    Will was the product of a sublimated mind. Intent emerged from a mature will, and Qi took form from potent intent.

    The cycle became clear.

    His silver star trembled, and the dragon coiled around it let out a low growl, the sound reverberating through his Bond Space. The stars above shuddered, resisting the oppressive force of Caine''s embryonic will.

    But resistance was futile.

    One by one, the stars succumbed, branded by silver runes that seared into their cores.

    The marks reflected upon their eggs, embedding themselves deeply. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s eyes opened slowly, and within their silver depths, countless stars formed, converging into a single white cross that burned across his pupils.

    The essence of the elements infused itself into his blood, merging with the essence of the Beast Progenitors. Two halves, always meant to be one, finally joined.

    His will solidified, and for the first time, Caine felt utterly¡­ in control.

 Chapter 61 Elements(II)

    These days, Caine found himself reflecting on a singular realization more often than not: every new improvement in his cultivation granted him a deeper sense of control over himself, making his previous mastery feel like a pale imitation.Still, he pushed these thoughts aside. There would be time to explore the mysteries of Will later. For now, his focus shifted entirely to the Source Sphere.

    Unlike Lilith, Caine already knew which Heavenly Elements he wanted to bind to each of his organs. Thanks to his seemingly boundless affinity for every element, comprehension came to him effortlessly. It took mere moments to grasp the elements he sought.

    For a brief second, he pondered whether he should try to comprehend all Heavenly Elements within the Source Sphere. The idea seemed audacious¡ªbut then a grin spread across his face.

    "Why not?" he thought.

    Setting aside his immediate breakthrough process, Caine redirected his focus. Neutral Elemental Cores began to flood his Bond Space, rotating around the Embryonic Will stars. The process unfolded seamlessly. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    In an instant, thirteen smaller cores materialized around each star, resembling multicolored satellites orbiting a brilliant sun.

    These new cores trembled briefly before blooming with intricate, luminous runes. Each rune pulsed with the unique aura of its Heavenly Element.

    The Intent Stars evolved, leaping to the next stage¡ªthey became Embryonic Will Stars, suppressed in power but primed to mature once Caine''s central star bloomed.

    The transformation was as breathtaking as it was terrifying: the process unfolded with absurd ease, shocking speed, and an unshakable smoothness. To any observer, Caine might have appeared as though he were simply sitting idly, betraying none of the monumental achievement he''d just completed.

    Technically, comprehending so many Heavenly Elements at once should have caused a tremendous phenomenon¡ªa cosmic event akin to when he reforged his bones. But his control over his body and Bond Space had advanced to such a level that not even the faintest ripple escaped.

    "Fascinating," Caine mused. "Each elemental affinity branches into thirteen derivative Heavenly Elements. Now I have 3,800 main Embryonic Will Stars, not counting my own, and 49,400 derivative Heavenly Element Will Stars, all born from the main stars."

    "That''s 53,201 stars. All linked. All mine."

    Satisfied, he wasted no time. Having completed this monumental task, he no longer needed the Source Sphere. His attention shifted to the stars in his Bond Space, pulling upon their collective Intent.

    From the Source Sphere, six Neutral Elemental Cores launched toward his body, drilling into the corresponding origin organs to fulfill their purpose.

    Caine began with his Heart.

    The neutral core embedded itself into the heart''s walls, fusing into its center. The core transmuted into a crystalline construct, perfectly integrated with his flesh. Almost immediately, power surged through his heart, and it hardened into a gleaming crystalline organ, pulsing with overwhelming energy. His veins transformed as well, becoming unyielding conduits of crystal-like blood, capable of withstanding the immense power coursing through them.

    For his heart, Caine had chosen the [Primordial Chaos Flame] as the element.

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    As the element solidified, fiery golden runes ignited across his heart and veins, radiating an intense brilliance. The core within his heart resembled a miniature golden star, brimming with energy so potent that his very blood quaked under its might. Flames flickered around him, the raw heat reshaping the air, but Caine paid it no mind.

    Next, the second core split into two and lodged itself within his Lungs, anchoring itself into the hollow interiors of both organs like a web of silken threads.

    For his lungs, Caine had chosen the [Grandmist Tempest Winds].

    WHOOOOOOOOOSH!

    The transformation began. His lungs turned faint and almost ethereal, their structures covered in radiant white runes. Wisps of dense white fog filled the once-empty space within, expanding his breath capacity to an otherworldly degree. With every inhale, the air around him seemed to bend, attuned to his will.

    The third core descended toward his Kidneys, splitting into two once more. Unlike the other cores, it fused directly with the flesh, bypassing the formation of a distinct crystalline construct.

    For his kidneys, Caine chose the [Void Ocean Droplet].

    The transformation brought about an ethereal beauty. His kidneys became polished, gem-like structures of deep blue, refracting light in scintillating patterns. Neon green runes appeared across their surfaces, radiating a soft glow. Almost immediately, Caine felt an internal lightness, as if every impurity within his body had been purged. The Void Ocean Droplet Heavenly Element harmonized with his Qi, granting a fluidity that seemed to resonate with the ebb and flow of life itself.

    The fourth core merged with his Liver, forming a structure that combined flesh, bark, and leaves. Vines twisted through the organ, anchoring its transformed state.

    For his liver, Caine had chosen the [Evergreen True Wood].

    TOH!

    The liver tightened, its bark-like surface glowing with a deep emerald light. Runes of brown and blue bloomed across its exterior, emanating an aura of vitality. A flood of life force surged through Caine''s blood, elevating his Blood Qi to unparalleled levels. His body brimmed with vigor, as though reborn with limitless energy.

    The fifth core dissolved into liquid and merged seamlessly with his Spleen, integrating fully with the mound of flesh.

    For his spleen, Caine selected [Gaia''s Mighty Sands].

    Light toffee-colored runes spread across the organ, shimmering like grains of desert sand.

    Around each of his bones, translucent trails of fortified sand coiled, reinforcing their structure and eradicating lingering impurities. This enhancement fortified his body''s core strength, grounding him with unparalleled stability and balance.

    Finally, the sixth and last core shot into his Brain, bypassing the folds and settling directly into his brain stem.

    For his brain, Caine chose [Immemorial Tribulation Lightning].

    BANG!

    For a moment, all neural activity ceased. His consciousness faded briefly, but before any harm could manifest, an explosion of lightning coursed through his brain stem. His neurons were destroyed and immediately reformed, their connections sharper and more efficient than ever before. Mental clarity struck him like a thunderclap, his thoughts firing with unmatched speed and precision.

    The transformations happened simultaneously, solidifying in perfect harmony.

    Caine''s body shattered, reduced to blackened fragments, only to rebuild itself in an instant.

    Waves of impurities expelled from his pores were incinerated in a flash, leaving behind nothing but pristine flesh and muscle. His frame grew denser, his muscles tightening and striating under the force of his renewed Blood Qi.

    Caine''s hair fell out completely, only to regrow moments later as a flowing mane of shimmering black, each strand carrying an otherworldly sheen.

    His organs settled into place, their enhanced functions radiating a steady hum of energy. Slowly, Caine opened his eyes, revealing silver irises streaked with radiant gold.

    The changes ran deep. His Blood Qi, infused with the essence of six Heavenly Elements, pulsed with a power that seemed to echo through existence itself. The link between his flesh, bones, and Qi felt complete¡ªan unbroken cycle of strength and harmony.

    In that moment, Caine felt it: absolute control.

 Chapter 62 Elemental(III)

    His six organs shimmered like imploding stars. In an instant, they were refined to perfection by their respective elements, reaching a level that matched the transformative power of his bones and flesh.What Caine had just accomplished¡ªfusing Elemental God Cores into his organs¡ªwas beyond rare. It was akin to creating Elemental Organ Structures, something almost mythical in its rarity.

    Who could claim to have fused an Elemental God Core into their heart? And not just any core, but one imbued with the Primordial Chaos Flame, standing at the immeasurable grade?

    If anyone else had achieved such a feat, they were likely long forgotten in the annals of time.

    Yet Caine did not linger on his success. He didn''t stop for even a moment. Without hesitation, he moved on to the next stage of the Blood Realm: the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage.

    This stage marked a shift from the radical transformations of the body to its refinement and tempering. By harmonizing the six organs and one''s Blood Qi, a cultivator purified the blood flowing through their veins, eliminating impurities while massively strengthening their Blood Qi.

    The process revolved around a technique called the True Blood Cycle. Blood Qi would be cycled through the six organs and then used to temper the blood. The bare minimum required to advance to the next stage was three True Blood Cycles. However, this was considered a weak foundation¡ªone that would cripple everything built in prior stages.

    On the other hand, the upper limit was eighty-one cycles, resulting in a perfect purification cycle.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s body began radiating terrifying heat. His skin reddened, and his blood surged through his veins with untamed ferocity, creating a sound akin to roaring rivers breaking free from a dam.

    Impurities seeped out of his pores in droves, dark and vile. With a single thump of his heart, they were incinerated to ash. One after another, True Blood Cycles began to form and flow.

    Yet Caine knew there was more to this stage than merely purifying his blood. He sensed it¡ªa deeper purpose hiding in plain sight. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    To him, the extra step was obvious: comprehension. He needed to grasp the essence of Blood Qi in its purest form.

    "Blood Qi is the vessel of vitality," he thought, his focus sharpening. "Its essence is life¡ªa preserver of life, to be precise. But what does vitality truly mean in this context?"

    The answer became clear: Life Qi.

    "Life Qi. Within a mother''s womb, her Blood Qi merges with the Yin and Yang forces of father and mother, forming the embryo."

    "From there, an additional process unfolds¡ªone I don''t fully understand yet. It involves the world itself granting the embryo its own unique Blood Qi signature, separate from the mother''s yet originating from it."

    "But even in the womb, the child''s Blood Qi lacks vitality and still relies on its mother''s. This means the life force within their Blood Qi is borrowed. Normally, the presence of another''s Qi would create a dissonance, but the embryonic state makes it malleable."

    "At what point, then, does the child gain its own Life Qi? And why does Life Qi exist within Blood Qi in such perfect harmony? Why is there even a distinction between the two?"

    Questions bloomed in Caine''s mind, but instead of confusion, he felt clarity. The pieces fell into place.

    The Spark of Life¡ªthe Soul.

    Once the child''s Blood Qi signature was established, their soul began to form. It was at this moment that Life Qi emerged.

    Blood Qi and Life Qi mirrored the relationship between the body and soul. Life Qi gave Blood Qi essence and purpose, just as the soul gave life and sentience to flesh.

    The Soul was the Spark of Life, and the Body was the Vessel of Life, just as Blood Qi was the Vessel of Vitality, and Life Qi was its Essence.

    "Elura once said there''s a divide between the Soul and the Mind. That means they''re distinct aspects of my existence."

    "If that''s true, then my mind must act as the core of my soul, allowing me to control it. Through my soul, I control my body."

    "By this logic, my Will¡ªan extension of my mind¡ªmust govern my Life Qi, which in turn controls my Blood Qi."

    "The perfect method of mastering Blood Qi lies in the unity of Will and Life Qi."

    Caine''s thoughts deepened as he pieced it all together.

    "I am the Body. I am the Soul. I am the Mind. I am all of them at once, and none is greater than the other. Without one, I am incomplete."

    But even this realization felt like the penultimate step. There was something more¡ªa final layer waiting to be unraveled.

    No aura leaked from Caine as he sat still, his eyes closed in meditation. Yet the air around him grew heavy with an unspoken pressure.

    Silver flames flickered around him, their tongues etched with golden runes.

    "The essence of the Blood Realm lies in the aspects of existence itself. Perfect comprehension of Blood Qi is merely a doorway to the Blood Realm''s true purpose."

    "Through this realm, I must fully understand what makes me who I am¡ªwhat makes me exist."

    "I am the Body. I am the Soul. I am the Mind. I am the Qi. I am the World."

    The revelation crystallized in his mind: there were Five Aspects of Existence, accessible only through Blood Qi''s perfect comprehension.

    Qi¡ªBody¡ªMind¡ªSoul¡ªWorld.

    This was the secret step of the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage: to discover these Five Aspects through the lens of Blood Qi.

    Caine exhaled deeply, his skin returning to its smooth, jade-like sheen. The searing heat radiating from his body dissipated as he completed his eighty-first and final True Blood Cycle.

    His Blood Qi now surged through his veins with unparalleled purity and might. The impurities that had once weighed him down were eradicated, leaving his body flawless.

    As his enlightenment concluded, he slowly opened his eyes. Their silver depths sparkled with newfound understanding, tinged faintly with golden light.

    One word escaped his lips: "Done."

    In a single session, Caine had ascended to the true and perfect peak of the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage.

 Chapter 63 Dangerous

    ''There''s much to look forward to.''This simple understanding¡ªor rather, discovery¡ªof the Five Aspects had illuminated countless shadows in Caine''s mind.

    But it had also revealed just how little he truly knew about the world and the infinite length of the path ahead. He was only a Blood Realm cultivator, standing at the very beginning of a journey that seemed endlessly distant from Godhood.

    And yet, instead of feeling discouraged, the realization invigorated him. For the first time in a long while, Caine felt something unfamiliar stirring in his hollow heart¡ªhope.

    He smiled and rose silently, careful not to disturb Lilith, who still sat in deep meditation. As he stood, Elura appeared, settling onto his shoulder with her usual quiet grace.

    "From now on, I suggest slowing things down until you''ve mastered your abilities," she said lightly. "It won''t help to move forward with so many loose ends. Besides, it won''t take you long to catch up. You won''t lose much time."

    Caine nodded, dark robes materializing over his form. "Mhm. This much power should be enough for the events ahead¡­ though I do wish I had more," he said, sighing softly.

    "But I can''t ask for too much. Fate has its way with things."

    He tilted his head back, his gaze meeting the crystal ceiling of the hall. A faint smile touched his lips. "Speaking of fate, it seems a tribulation awaits me outside."

    Thanks to the many advancements he had made¡ªand primarily the Immemorial Tribulation Lightning Heavenly Element fused into his brain¡ªCaine could now sense incoming tribulations with startling clarity.

    "While we''re on the topic of elements," he said, "correct me if I''m wrong, but my body shouldn''t be so adaptable to so many paths, should it?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s mind drifted toward the mysteries of Blood Qi, and he began to realize that his affinity for elements was only part of the story.

    While it was true that he could comprehend elements with terrifying efficiency and possessed an unmatched affinity for them all, that alone didn''t explain the lack of conflict between them. It didn''t explain why they harmonized so perfectly within him¡ªor why they hadn''t harmed him in the slightest.

    At first, he had assumed it was due to his bones, which certainly played a role. But that raised another question: how had his body endured the formation of such bones in the first place?

    His Innate Circle being at the Immeasurable grade might have explained some of it. Yet Caine knew that his Bodily Pillar had no direct connection to adaptation. Its abilities¡ªwhile terrifying¡ªwere useless in the Blood Realm and only activated in the higher realms.

    This left one possibility: his Race.

    But even this didn''t add up. His Racial Pillar, like the others, only began to manifest in realms beyond the Blood Realm.

    So what, then, was the true source of his anomaly?

    "Indeed, it shouldn''t be possible," Elura said, her voice tinged with agreement. "Even surviving the mutation I caused is an anomaly."

    "It''s a miracle neither of us ended up as abominations of flesh. But beyond that, your body shouldn''t be able to sustain as many Bond Eggs as it does. You have thousands."

    Caine hummed thoughtfully, his fingers stroking his chin. "Even before I formed my new Bond Eggs from the Beast Progenitor Wills, I already had five. That means something was off from the start."

    "This is something we''ll need to investigate further, Elura. Keep monitoring my body and its vitals at all times. If there are clues, I want to find them."

    Elura nodded, and her form dissolved into motes of golden light, retreating to his Bond Space. At the same time, Lilith began to stir, her meditation coming to an end as her eyes opened.

    A faint pressure rippled outward from Lilith as her gaze met Caine''s. The wave passed through him before he could react.

    ''This is the benefit of being able to use your Pillars from the start,'' he mused with a faint smile.

    It was clear that Lilith had been constructing all her stages in the Blood Realm around her Pillars, likely aiming for an unparalleled synergy. But Caine didn''t feel envious¡ªhe knew that when his own Pillars activated later in his cultivation journey, they would make him¡­ special.

    ''I wonder what grade her Innate Circle is at,'' he thought.

    Lilith stood gracefully, stretching and dusting off her robes. Her gaze locked onto his as she spoke, answering the unspoken question.

    "Immeasurable. Same as yours."

    Caine froze, genuine surprise flashing across his face.

    "You can¡­ read minds? And how do you know I¡ª"

    He cut himself off, shaking his head to regain his composure. Lilith''s enigmatic smile told him he''d get no answers.

    Despite his casual demeanor, his thoughts churned. The possibility of her reading his mind was unsettling enough. But the fact that her Innate Circle matched his own made her something else entirely.

    ''¡­Dangerous.''

    Exhaling a slow breath, Caine pushed the thoughts aside. "Alright, let''s get out of here," he said, his voice steady.

    ***

    Zao sat cross-legged on a floating mat, his eyes closed. The slight slouch in his normally upright posture betrayed his drowsiness.

    It had been several hours since Caine and Lilith entered the legacy realm. Most of those Caine had warned had already left, leaving Zao to wait in solitude.

    He had resigned himself to waiting for days if necessary. But suddenly, his eyes snapped open.

    Ahead of him, the portal¡ªonce sealed¡ªflickered back into existence. It shimmered briefly before vanishing again. This time, however, two figures stepped out.

    ''Well, that was quick. I can only assume things went well,'' Zao thought, his expression calm but thoughtful.

    From the aura Caine attempted¡ªand failed¡ªto suppress, Zao''s assumption was confirmed. Few would have been able to perceive the changes in Caine, but Zao was no ordinary cultivator.

    With deliberate movements, Zao stood and summoned his eagle mount. The massive bird appeared in a flash, its sharp eyes reflecting Zao''s steady presence. At the same time, Lilith''s servants materialized beside him, perched atop their shadowy crow.

    The atmosphere grew tense, anticipation hanging in the air as dark clouds gathered in the skies above.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 64 Zap

    Caine slowly looked up, meeting the World Will Eye''s gaze without hesitation. Their stares clashed for a few long moments, as if testing each other''s resolve, before the skies above rumbled once more.The clouds swirled and condensed, forming a dense sphere. This sphere hardened, glowing faintly before it cracked apart, revealing a swirling black portal that radiated chaotic arcs of lightning.

    The portal spun faster and faster, pulling neutral qi from the world around it, supercharging itself until it seemed to reach a state of saturation.

    In the blink of an eye, the once tiny portal expanded, covering the entire sky and casting a dark shadow over what appeared to be the entire world. And with another blink, a colossal pillar of lightning, as thick as a giant''s finger, descended toward Caine and the land below.

    Everyone except Caine found themselves encased in crystal-like domes of qi, protected by the world from the wrath of the tribulation. The pillar''s destructive power was meant solely for him.

    Yet Caine seemed unconcerned. His gaze remained locked on the World Will Eye, something peculiar stirring deep within him.

    What did it mean to meet the consciousness of the world itself eye-to-eye? The feeling was surreal, almost ineffable, especially now that his affinity for all things had grown so profound.

    Caine sighed softly, finally breaking their locked gazes. Time seemed to slow for him as he observed the pillar, which had yet to touch him.

    Within his Bond Space, the Lightning star rotated once, awakening all the Beast Progenitor eggs related to lightning. At the same time, dark blue runes bloomed along Caine''s arm, and his bones shimmered with resplendent light.

    He raised a palm toward the sky, extending his fingers before clenching them into a fist. The air itself seemed to fold and tear like fragile silk under the force of his grip.

    The descending lightning pillar shattered into countless fragments that rained down slowly, glowing like falling stars. Just as they began to dissipate, Caine''s Lightning star rotated again, and all the shards were pulled into his body, devoured by the star''s insatiable energy.

    The World Will Eye narrowed slightly, its gaze lingering on Caine for a few moments longer before finally dissipating. The storm clouds above cleared, revealing a radiant blue sky illuminated by a warm, golden sun.

    The glowing runes on Caine''s skin dimmed, fading into nothingness as he exhaled heavily.

    Exhaustion weighed on his expression. "It''s quite tiring to use these abilities without any Qi supply," he mused.

    "I should probably start using neutral qi again. It''s better than nothing." A faint smile crossed his lips. "Things have come full circle, haven''t they?"

    He turned to Lilith, who stood some distance away. "Alright then, it''s time for me to go. Hopefully, we''ll meet again in the future."

    Lilith chuckled softly, her response laced with amusement. Without another word, she turned and walked toward her people.

    Caine didn''t mind the lack of farewell. With a slight movement, he teleported to Zao, where Lilith and her group soon departed.

    "See you soon, little prince," Lilith''s voice carried faintly on the wind as her crow mount soared into the horizon.

    Zao leaned lazily against his eagle mount, side-eyeing the foolishly grinning Caine. "Of all the people in this world, you just had to get tangled up with the craziest of them all. You and your father are specimens I''ll never understand."

    "Entangled?" Caine asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

    Zao chuckled but didn''t respond. With a light tap of his foot, the eagle unfolded its massive wings. In one powerful flap, it soared into the sky, heading toward the Timeless Alliance.

    ***

    The Clan Gathering.

    The Timeless Alliance was composed of five Heavenly Clans, all under the authority of the Royal Velios Clan. Together, these six clans formed the foundation of the Alliance''s power. Each clan had its heir, and Caine was one of them.

    Once an heir completed their coming-of-age ceremony, they were required to prepare for the Clan Gathering, a grand event that determined the Alliance''s Holy Scion.

    The Holy Scion represented the Alliance''s hope for the future¡ªa leader who would receive the faction''s most precious resources and unwavering support.

    Caine, by virtue of his bloodline, was already considered the de facto Scion. Yet the Clan Gathering posed a unique challenge. Even his exceptional lineage couldn''t guarantee his position.

    The competition would be fierce. Beyond facing the heirs of the Heavenly Clans¡ªmany of whom had years of cultivation advantage¡ªCaine would also contend with the heirs of the minor clans under the Alliance''s domain. It would be a brutal fight for supremacy.

    *** S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Above the Clouds.

    On a platform floating high above the clouds, five veiled figures sat upon golden thrones.

    Though their youthful vitality was palpable, their auras radiated terrifying power. Each of them appeared only a step away from ascending to the Sage Realm.

    "Any news?" asked a voice, its tone twisted and warped, making it impossible to discern its gender.

    "No," another replied. "As I''ve told you before, it''s impossible to gather any intel on him. Ever since the stunt the Renala pulled, he''s been under heavy protection. Not even the ancestors dare to investigate him."

    "It''s this bad?" The question was laced with surprise.

    The veiled figures, heirs to the Heavenly Clans, were rarely involved in worldly matters.

    They had spent most of their lives in deep seclusion, emerging only when necessary to interact with the Alliance for resources.

    "Mhm. It''s terrible. The number of ancestors we''ve lost since that incident keeps rising."

    A heavy silence filled the air as the heirs contemplated the situation. None of them feared Caine. To them, he was just a sixteen-year-old at the start of his cultivation journey.

    What threat could he pose to those who had spent decades honing their strength?

    What intrigued them more was Zao. The man''s ability to routinely eliminate their ancestors while remaining untouchable was frightening. Even more concerning was the lack of backlash¡ªhis reputation remained unsullied despite his actions.

    "It doesn''t matter," one of them finally said, their voice calm yet resolute. "As long as we crush the boy, he won''t be able to act against us. He''s only been able to cause such chaos because he has leverage."

    "Once the boy is gone, we can execute our plan and divide power as the ancestors originally envisioned."

    The others nodded in agreement, their expressions hidden beneath their veils.

    Their resolve was clear. The Clan Gathering would be the end of Caine.

 Chapter 65 Summon

    Caine sat cross-legged on his usual cultivation platform. This time, however, he wasn''t in a deep state of meditation.Before him lay a body wrapped in rune-covered cloth, emanating a thick, pungent metallic scent that hung heavily in the air. With a casual wave of his hand, Caine made the body float toward him, gently lowering it to the platform''s surface as he began to ponder.

    This was Soran.

    ''How should I go about this?''

    Caine''s expression turned thoughtful. As he had once told Lilith, he couldn''t afford to trust anyone. Enemies lurked everywhere, and no one could safeguard his back better than himself. It was a truth that had shaped a decision he''d made years ago¡ªeven before his reincarnation.

    He would become a Necromancer.

    If he couldn''t rely on others, he would rely on necro-summons bound by his will. And Soran would be the first of many.

    ''Now that I''ve uncovered the Five Aspects, the path forward is clearer, but also infinitely more complex. I''ll have to create a True Necromancer Sigil Technique of my own¡ªand refine it over time.''

    Sigil Techniques¡ªA Foundation of Mastery

    Sigil Techniques were not particularly difficult to understand. They were the condensed essence of a master''s knowledge, creating a structured, perfected path for an art or discipline. Once formed, the technique became an extension of its creator, serving as a proxy to further refine their craft and ascend to new heights, almost like Caine''s rings.

    However, Sigil Techniques paled in comparison to the majesty of Caine''s rings.

    Though he had ceased using his rings for now, they remained a masterpiece¡ªsomething unparalleled across the ages. Even the thought of comparing the two felt like an insult.

    ''Thankfully, I already have the perfect idea,'' Caine mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. ''But first, let''s delve deeper into this.''

    With a wave of his hand, the cloth covering Soran''s body vanished, revealing a withered, hairless, eyeless figure. Despite its grotesque appearance, Soran''s body radiated terrifying waves of power, with red runes pulsing faintly across his wrinkled skin. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    This was no accident. Caine had modified the technique Lilith had given him, using it to dissolve Soran''s cultivation into raw power to refine his body.

    Although Soran was now without cultivation, his physique alone rivaled that of peak sages who had spent their lives tempering their bodies.

    ''From what I can tell, my actions seem to have blended all his aspects into one strange, chimeric whole. But this¡­ doesn''t make sense.''

    Caine frowned. He was far from being at a level where he could sense the Five Aspects, let alone manipulate or fuse them. Such a feat seemed fundamentally impossible. There had to be another explanation.

    ''I see¡­ lowering his cultivation must have thrown his body''s harmony into complete disarray. That chaos created a window for my influence to pull all parts of him¡ªhis very essence¡ªtogether through his Life Qi.''

    Caine''s eyes gleamed as realization struck.

    ''His body isn''t this strong because of mere refinement. It''s powerful because the boundaries between his aspects have blurred and fused, transforming him into a seed of raw, untapped potential.''

    A slow smile spread across Caine''s face.

    What he had inadvertently created was the perfect foundation for his Necromancer Sigil Technique. If he merged his newfound understanding of the Five Aspects with the sigil framework he envisioned¡­

    Caine''s gaze sharpened, and the atmospheric qi around him began to stir. It thickened and flowed toward him, resembling silky threads weaving through his fingers like a puppeteer controlling his strings.

    He entered a state of intense focus.

    Soran''s body rose into the air, levitating as his Blood Qi trembled violently. The energy fused with his flesh, deconstructing it into thin filaments. Like a doll woven from wool, Soran''s body unraveled into a mass of delicate threads.

    Caine''s eyes glowed, and the cross within his pupils began to spin slowly.

    The neutral qi threads tethered to Caine''s fingers snaked along the filaments of flesh, intertwining them with precision. Suddenly, the cross in Caine''s eyes spun faster, and deep within his Bond Space, his nine rings shone brilliantly.

    BANG!

    The flesh filaments and qi threads fused into a single form before compressing into a tiny sphere, etched with intricate golden runes.

    The sphere pulsed with radiant light but quickly began to darken under the oppressive force of Caine''s Embryonic Will, the golden hue shifting into a gleaming silver.

    As the transformation completed, the sphere disappeared, and within Caine''s Bond Space, an egg of flesh and viscous yellow fluid began to form.

    Caine chuckled softly. ''Success.''

    From that moment, the process became automatic.

    BOOM!

    The stars within Caine''s Bond Space spun wildly, releasing waves of light and elemental qi that flowed into the egg. The Beast Progenitor Eggs trembled in unison, and primal runes began to etch themselves onto the egg''s surface.

    Finally, Caine''s Dragon-Coiled Silver Star quivered, releasing a pillar of silver light that enveloped the egg. The egg responded instantly, drawing neutral qi from the outside world in a ravenous torrent.

    The runes on its surface glowed brighter as it absorbed the energy, and once it had taken in enough, the process slowed to a halt.

    Caine extended his hand, and with a gesture, the egg materialized before him. It hovered in the air, pulsating like a living heart. To call it "hand-sized" would have been wrong¡ªit stood as tall as Caine himself.

    He studied the egg for a moment before a deeper smile tugged at his lips.

    "Hatch," he commanded.

    The egg shuddered violently, peeling apart layer by layer like a blooming flower. As the layers fell away, a terrifying aura erupted from within, rising into the sky like a storm. Dark flames flickered and swirled around the egg, radiating menacing heat.

    Caine raised an eyebrow. ''Oh? He managed to resonate deeply with one of my Heavenly Elements¡ªto the point of forming a core in his heart. Interesting.''

    WHOOOOSH!

    A gust of harsh wind swept past Caine as the egg revealed its contents. Standing before him was a new figure, towering and imposing. Its body pulsed with power, every inch of its flesh etched with runes that glowed faintly in the dim light. Dark flames curled around its form, licking the air with a primal fury.

    The figure had a long mane of curly white hair, primal scarlet pupils that burned with intensity, and skin as pale as freshly fallen snow. It exuded an aura of pure violence¡ªraw, unrestrained, and unrelenting.

    Soran was no longer human. He had been remade¡ªtransformed into something greater.

    Caine''s smile widened, his voice calm yet laced with satisfaction. "My first Necro-Summon."

 Chapter 66 [Nameless Call]

    Soran immediately kneeled, placing a hand over his chest in a gesture reminiscent of a knight pledging fealty. His voice was soft yet resolute as he spoke. "I greet His Highness."Caine raised an eyebrow, surprised by the greeting. "You''ve kept your memories? How much of them?"

    "All of them, Master. But I perceive them through a third perspective. I am Soran, but I am also not Soran. I am¡­ new."

    Caine nodded thoughtfully and closed his eyes for a moment, sinking into his Bond Space. His attention turned toward his arcane ring.

    ''Hm¡­ I suppose I''ll call this technique [Nameless Call].''

    As soon as he decided on the name, countless runes materialized, arranging themselves into a complex formation. The formation slowly shrank, folding into a singular three-dimensional rune.

    The rune floated toward the arcane ring, shrinking further until it branded itself onto an empty section of the ring. With this step complete, Caine could now replicate the process he had just performed with Soran using nothing more than a thought.

    It would be automatic, seamless, and instantaneous. Such was the terrifying efficiency of his arcane ring¡ªcapable of automating tasks to perfection. And this was only one of its many passive abilities.

    Opening his eyes, Caine waved a hand, and pristine white robes draped over Soran''s form.

    ''Let''s run a few tests.''

    With a tap of the air, Soran''s body abruptly disintegrated into ashes. The arcane ring trembled, and within the lands of Caine''s Bond Space, a new egg materialized.

    Moments later, the egg hatched, and Soran reappeared outside, once again kneeling as if nothing had happened.

    ''Perfect,'' Caine mused, a smile forming on his lips. ''My summons will be immortal as long as I live. But more importantly¡­'' A realization dawned upon him, and his smile deepened. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''¡­My Bond Space contains Qi¡ªa flood of neutral Qi that it independently produces. Beyond that, it''s filled with elemental Qi formed by my stars. How did I not notice this before? This changes everything.''

    Now that Caine had decided to use atmospheric Qi once again, he''d been mildly concerned about the upcoming Clan Gathering. He knew most of his opponents would be Sages or half-step Sages, meaning they could block his access to atmospheric Qi while using True Qi stored within their bodies.

    But now, he had a solution.

    Not only could he tap into the neutral Qi produced by his Bond Space, but he also had access to the True Qi of his stars. The difference between Neutral Qi and True Qi was monumental¡ªakin to comparing earth to sky.

    ''Yet another mutation in my favor,'' he thought, though his expression turned more serious.

    ''I''ll need to have a conversation with Zao about this. Not all mutations are beneficial. This needs careful consideration.''

    Turning his focus back to Soran, Caine spoke calmly. "Sorry, I just wanted to test something. I won''t do that again."

    Soran''s voice was steady, his tone unwavering. "Do not apologize, Your Highness. I am the hilt of your blade, the arrow of your bow¡ªuse me as you see fit. My immortality serves you, Your Highness."

    Caine nodded, unsurprised by Soran''s newfound loyalty. "Tell me, do you still have access to your Innate Circle? Can you cultivate?"

    Soran raised his head, meeting Caine''s gaze directly. "Master, my Innate Circle has been reshaped and remodeled. It now aligns entirely with the Heavenly Element I resonated with during my transformation."

    "Oh? Elaborate."

    "My previous Innate Circle stood at the cusp of the Boundless Grade, making it one of the finest Origin Grade circles in existence. But now¡­" Soran hesitated briefly. "Now, it feels¡­ gradeless. It''s as if its grade no longer depends on me but rather¡­ you."

    Caine fell silent, his thoughts churning as he processed this revelation. His gaze sharpened, and he clenched his jaw, though his expression remained calm.

    The implications were staggering.

    If Soran''s Innate Circle was now tied to Caine, it meant he could potentially create an army of summons, each equipped with Innate Circles built around the strongest Heavenly Elements¡ªand all at the Immeasurable Grade. The prospect was exhilarating, a dream come true for any cultivator.

    But alongside this power came immense risk.

    The world operated on balance and equivalence. If Caine was permitted to perform such heretical acts, the tribulations he faced in the future would surely scale to match.

    ''If I attempt to ascend to the Sage Realm,'' Caine thought, ''I''ll face a tribulation designed for two Sages with Immeasurable Innate Circles. And that''s only if Soran remains my sole summon. If I create more¡­''

    He could already see the path before him: an army of summons, but at the cost of tribulations that would border on the impossible.

    For a fleeting moment, doubt and fear tried to take root in his heart. But then, his Dragon-Coiled Star trembled, his Will surging forth like an unyielding flame, snuffing out all hesitation.

    ''I''ll be ready to face it all when the time comes.''

    Elura appeared suddenly, perched atop Caine''s head, her expression tinged with concern. "That confidence of yours will be your downfall one day," she said, her tone laced with worry. "It''s okay to step back sometimes¡ªto make concessions."

    Caine''s eyes narrowed, his resolve unwavering. ''I''ve given up far too much in the past. I''ve endured too much and seen too much.''

    ''In this life, I''ll take it all¡ªor die trying. I''m not leaving anything behind.''

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    His Embryonic Will Star trembled fiercely, resonating with his determination.

    ''I''ll either reach the sun and conquer the stars, or fall from the Heavens with my wings torn. I''ll be content with both.''

    Elura sighed, sensing the intensity of his Will. "Then I''ll support you through it all," she murmured.

    Caine''s aura calmed, and a faint smile crossed his lips. He turned his attention back to Soran, who was drenched in sweat, trembling as the pressure of Caine''s Will dissipated.

    With a gentle pat on Soran''s shoulder, Caine eased the tension. The fear that had gripped Soran melted away.

    "Alright," Caine said, his tone steady yet commanding. "Recultivate to the Sage Realm as quickly as you can."

 Chapter 67 Relaxed

    Caine lay on his back atop a grand eagle mount that soared effortlessly through the skies.He wasn''t cultivating, nor was he planning or scheming. For once, he simply let himself relax, something he''d rarely had the chance to do in his past lives.

    The world around him seemed to hum with serenity. He admired the sights of the lands below, the beautiful shapes of the clouds above, the soft caress of the wind against his skin, and the warm embrace of the sun''s rays.

    The silence of existence itself felt like a balm to his bruised, chaotic mind.

    His heart beat slowly, its steady rhythm echoing in his consciousness and calming his ever-busy thoughts. The peace he allowed himself in this rare moment seemed to push his Embryonic Will Star just a step closer to blooming.

    But for now, he didn''t care about cultivation. He simply lived in the moment. Yet even while relaxing, a few thoughts couldn''t help but slip through. Find exclusive stories on empire

    ''Now that I think about it,'' Caine mused, ''from the very beginning, the Five Aspects have been deeply active in the cultivation path. To sense your Blood Qi through your blood¡­''

    For him, it had been an easy process. With his rings and incredibly sharp senses, most steps in cultivation seemed intuitive. But realistically, how did others manage it?

    ''You have to use your soul to harmonize with your body and sense the essence of your blood. When I think about it, that''s an incredibly complicated process.''

    His mind wandered further.

    ''And beyond that, when I shattered my bones in the Bone Forging stage, how did my flesh hold up? I personally used Qi threads to stabilize myself, but how do others manage it?''

    Turning Qi into threads was an advanced technique, nearly impossible for most people.

    ''So, they must have done it subconsciously. That''s where the Qi Aspect comes in. A portion of the Blood Qi used to forge bones must be diverted to maintain the body''s structure.''

    He yawned, shifting slightly on the eagle''s back.

    ''Then there''s the Flesh Destruction stage,'' he continued. ''The Mind Aspect must take over here. Your flesh is destroyed, leaving only your bones. If I had to guess, the soul is somewhere in the brain, so during that stage, the soul either goes dormant or is temporarily destroyed.''

    This thought lingered as he considered it further.

    ''If the soul goes dormant, then only the mind keeps you alive during that stage. There''s probably some involvement from the Qi Aspect too.''

    He thought about the Organ Vessel stage.

    ''Here, it''s obvious. The World Aspect intervenes, forcefully bridging your organs to elements. Elements are¡­conceptual in nature. Yet they interact with the tangible through the World Aspect.''

    Taking a step back, he reflected on all the stages of cultivation.

    ''Each stage uses the Bodily Aspect as a foundation to be refined and expanded upon. You forge Qi bones and flesh to gain control over your Qi Aspect. If you''re talented, you touch upon Will and Intent to gain control over your Soul and Mind Aspects. With high enough affinity, you can even begin to manipulate the World Aspect.''

    He yawned again, his body feeling weightless atop the eagle''s back. ''I''m still not entirely sure of the exact specifics of each aspect, but just understanding this much is endlessly fascinating.''

    A sigh escaped his lips. ''To think I''ve been missing out on such fun.''

    Caine rolled over onto his belly, gazing at the clouds trailing behind them. ''I wonder where they are now¡­''

    His eyelids grew heavy, and his body felt even lighter. ''Let me close my eyes for a bit.''

    He drifted into sleep.

    The eagle mount, sensing its master''s exhaustion, slowed its flight, ascending above the clouds where the air was silent and still. Hours passed as Caine''s soft snores echoed gently in the vast expanse of sky.

    When Caine''s eyes fluttered open, the moon hung high above him, its soft glow casting silver light across the eagle''s outstretched wings. The night sky, dotted with countless stars, resembled flowing rivers of silk that stretched endlessly in every direction.

    He smiled as the fog of sleep cleared from his mind. "I like you," he murmured, reaching out to stroke the eagle''s feathers.

    The bird screeched softly in appreciation, its keen eyes fixed on the horizon. Suddenly, Zao appeared beside him, sitting cross-legged as if the wind and motion of the eagle didn''t exist.

    "How have you been?" Zao asked casually, pulling a bottle of wine and a glass from thin air. He poured himself a drink with practiced ease.

    "Good," Caine replied, his voice warm yet tinged with a quiet longing. "A bit lonely, but that''s like any other day. I''m mainly excited for¡­ I don''t know. I''m just excited."

    Zao took a slow sip of his wine, nodding thoughtfully. "If you''re happy, that''s what matters. We can all die at any moment¡ªit''s important to enjoy every second like it''s the last."

    Caine nodded in agreement, appreciating the sentiment.

    "That''s how my father raised me and your father," Zao continued. "He taught us to live with a smile, to chase after what our hearts desired, and to use our brains to navigate through the chaos."

    He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "A roundabout way of telling us to be troublemakers."

    Caine chuckled softly as well, though he didn''t ask about this mysterious grandfather. The history of the Velios family was shrouded in shadow, and some things were better left unspoken.

    "Hey, Zao," Caine began after a moment of silence, "I had a few questions."

    "Go ahead." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''ve noticed some strange mutations and occurrences within my body lately. They seem to center around my Bond Space and the adaptability of my frame. Any idea what''s going on?"

    Zao nodded knowingly. "It''s most likely your mother''s bloodline. Her family is¡­ strange, to say the least. When your father married her, even his bloodline began to mutate just by being close to hers. So I can only imagine what''s happening inside your body."

    He took another sip of his wine before continuing. "But it shouldn''t be anything to worry about. All the mutations we''ve seen so far have been beneficial. In fact, one of them saved your life during your birth tribulation."

    Caine tilted his head, intrigued. "What happened?"

    "It was one of the most violent birth tribulations I''ve ever witnessed," Zao said, his gaze distant as if recalling a long-buried memory. "And then¡­ poof. It was gone, just like that."

    He sighed. "My memories of that event are blurry, though. Something¡­ interfered. But yeah, don''t worry. If anything concerning comes up, let me know."

    Caine nodded, closing his eyes briefly as he let out a deep breath. "That''s good to know. Thanks."

    The two fell silent after that, comfortable in each other''s presence. High above the world, carried by their loyal eagle mount, uncle and nephew shared a rare moment of peace under the starry sky.

    The eagle let out a soft screech, as if basking in the shared serenity of its passengers. In this moment, with the wind and stars surrounding them, the chaos of their lives seemed far away.

 Chapter 68 The Gathering

    Today was an important day. Today was the Clan Gathering.In the middle of a snow-filled desert, a grand arena of white marble stood proudly, its imposing structure stark against the chaotic snowstorms swirling and roaring around it.

    The marble shimmered faintly under the filtered sunlight, a beacon of civilization amidst the untamed elements.

    Within the arena''s vast stands, countless groups gathered, numbering in the millions.

    This was no ordinary gathering¡ªit was the culmination of years of preparation and ambition. Subordinate clans of the Timeless Alliance huddled together, their gazes filled with hope and desperation. Explore more at empire

    For them, the stakes were immense. If their Heirs were chosen as Scion, the fates of their lowly clans would transform overnight. Power, influence, and resources awaited those who ascended through their heirs.

    Above the arena, five floating structures hovered ominously, their tinted windows obscuring any view of the occupants inside.

    These structures housed the members of the five Heavenly Clans, their auras palpable even through the distance. The sheer pressure emanating from them cast an oppressive net over the world, blending seamlessly with the howling snowstorms to create an atmosphere tense beyond belief.

    Suddenly, in the arena''s center, a woman appeared.

    Her presence was magnetic. She wore long, layered purple robes, her figure adorned with glittering jewels and artifacts that clinked softly with her movements.

    Her black lipstick curled into a sultry smile, her dark blue hair cascading in scintillating waves down her back. Her amethyst eyes sparkled mischievously, while her devilish figure radiated confidence and allure, enough to sway even the purest of saints.

    With a theatrical flourish, she spread her arms wide, her jewelry chiming melodiously. Her voice boomed across the arena, rich and sultry, carrying effortlessly despite the roaring winds.

    "Welcome! I am Tasha Renala, and I will be your guide for this generation''s Clan Gathering!"

    Her words were poised to continue when, suddenly, the world darkened.

    The sun disappeared, obscured by an enormous entity that cast a shadow over the arena. A suffocating aura descended like a tidal wave, slamming into all present¡ªeven those within the floating structures of the Heavenly Clans.

    Tasha froze, looking skyward, her amethyst eyes widening in shock. Hovering above was a colossal eagle, its wings spanning so wide they seemed to blot out the heavens. Atop its back stood Zao, his figure imposing, his gaze cold and indifferent as it swept across the arena.

    ''Where is¡ª?''

    Before Tasha could finish her thought, she felt it. Behind her. Slowly, she turned, her breath catching in her throat.

    Caine stood there.

    He wore a loose, grey changpao that billowed slightly in the wind. His long hair, tied into a single braid, swayed gently behind him. His expression was calm, his silver eyes sharp yet serene, as if he were already in control of everything around him.

    Tasha, known for her towering presence, was rendered diminutive before him. At nearly six feet six, she was accustomed to looking down on most men. But in front of Caine''s towering six-foot-eleven frame, she felt utterly small. His shadow eclipsed her entirely, swallowing her in its dominance.

    Caine glanced upward toward the floating structures, where the ancestors of the Heavenly Clans resided, and offered a faint smile. His gaze then returned to Tasha.

    "I don''t have time to waste," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

    "Summon all your Heirs."

    Tasha''s first instinct was to object, to assert control over the proceedings, but as her eyes met Caine''s, a sharp, invisible dagger seemed to pierce her very soul. Her resolve shattered instantly, leaving her like a lifeless puppet.

    Without a word, she waved her hand, and a moment later, all the Heirs appeared in the arena.

    The young heirs, now standing in a confused crowd, looked around in shock. This was not how the Clan Gathering was supposed to unfold. Traditionally, they would remain in a pocket realm, summoned one by one for their matches. Why were they all here together?

    Among them stood the Heirs of the Five Heavenly Clans, their gazes burning with determination. Mental transmissions immediately flooded their minds, explaining the situation.

    Caine''s gaze shifted from Tasha, who collapsed in a faint, her mental state too fragile to endure further. With a flick of his hand, Caine sent her body soaring gently upward into the floating structure occupied by the Renala Clan.

    His focus turned to the crowd of young heirs. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Their average strength was astonishing; most of them were half-step Sages. This level of power wasn''t normal. These heirs were the pride of their clans, nurtured and refined with every resource imaginable. They represented their clans'' last hopes, their sacred champions.

    But to Caine, they were potential.

    More specifically, they were perfect candidates for his army.

    While his army would primarily consist of non-humanoid summons, if he were to acquire humanoid ones, why not start here? These heirs, with their exceptional potential and training, were ideal.

    Caine raised his hand. A swirl of thick neutral Qi, bolstered by earth intent, surged forward and encased the five Heavenly Clan Heirs, separating them from the rest of the group.

    He fixed his gaze on them. "I value fairness," he began, his tone calm yet laced with an edge of menace. "But I also don''t care for any of you. So I''ll give you a chance¡ªan unfair one, but a chance nonetheless."

    His voice carried across the arena, silencing even the snowstorm.

    "If any of you can touch my skin, even once, I will forfeit my life," he declared. "I swear on the honor of the ancestors above. If I lie, they''ll kill me personally."

    Gasps erupted from the stands, disbelief rippling through the spectators.

    "I won''t move. I won''t use Qi. I won''t attack," Caine continued. "You have thirty seconds. Use whatever you want, whatever you need. But if the thirty seconds pass, and I remain untouched¡­"

    He didn''t need to finish the sentence. His arms crossed over his chest, his towering figure exuding unshakable confidence.

    The Heirs looked toward the floating structures, seeking approval.

    "I''ll allow it," a deep, wizened voice echoed from above.

    That was all they needed.

    Weapons and artifacts appeared in their hands, their auras igniting with overwhelming force. In an instant, the arena''s center became a chaotic swirl of energy as attacks flooded toward Caine from every direction.

    Caine smiled faintly, the scene nostalgic. It almost reminded him of the Samsara Trials, where he had faced hordes of fallen gods.

    Almost.

    BANG!

    A deafening explosion of pressure erupted from Caine, shattering every attack in an instant. The heirs fell to their knees, their weapons slipping from their trembling hands.

    The oppressive force rippled outward, reaching the stands. The spectators collapsed one by one, driven to their knees by the overwhelming weight. Even the occupants of the floating structures faltered, though the ancestors remained upright, their gazes sharp.

    Caine stood tall, his silver eyes burning like imploding stars. Reflected within them was the image of his Dragon-Coiled Star, flickering with wrath and absolute dominion.

    Today was a day of reckoning¡ªa day of untamed, absolute dominance. And Caine would ensure it was unforgettable.

    The ground trembled beneath him, the air thick with the sound of a coming storm.

    RUMBLE.

 Chapter 69 The Gathering(II)â€”Son of Hate

    Rage and frustration¡ªaccumulated not just from sixteen years of this life, but from the thousands of years lived before¡ªerupted from Caine all at once, tainting his eyes with a vicious scarlet glow.Around his body, the illusory image of a blood-red dragon coiled tightly, its presence magnifying Caine''s aura, amplifying his oppressive tyranny.

    A killing intent, the likes of which the world had never seen, bloomed violently. It was so potent, destructive, and hateful that even Zao instinctively took a step back, his usually calm heart pounding in his chest.

    Caine''s face twisted into a demonic scowl, his aura swelling ever higher, his Will taking step after step toward an inevitable blooming. The dark clouds above rumbled, gathering ominously. Thick pillars of crimson lightning fell, charring everything they touched, the air sizzling with malevolent energy.

    The hatred bubbling deep within Caine''s soul thickened, spreading like a poison. As it did, the pressure radiating from him grew even more suffocating, a storm of wrath that threatened to devour the world.

    Zao, watching from the skies, felt his breath hitch. It wasn''t Caine''s intent that affected him¡ªit was the image he saw reflected in Caine''s aura. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It was an unmistakable echo of Heaven''s Fallen Divinity, The Great Mother of Hate, The Herald of The End¡ªCaine''s mother.

    The resemblance was uncanny, so much so that even Zao''s tempered heart trembled. Pride surged within him, mingled with threads of worry that coiled tightly around his thoughts.

    Then, as suddenly as it began, it ended.

    The waves of suffocating emotion flowed back into the depths of Caine''s heart, sealed away with iron will. His killing intent faded, the reflection of his star dimmed, and the blood dragon coiling around him vanished like mist in the morning sun.

    A calm smile graced Caine''s beautiful face.

    His voice, soft yet filled with finality, uttered, "[Nameless Call]."

    Thirty seconds had passed. It was time to reap his reward. Before anyone could react, all the heirs¡ªexcept the Heavenly Heirs¡ªvanished. Their very existence was erased as if they had never been there.

    Even Zao, even the ancestors observing from above, couldn''t comprehend what had just happened.

    Caine turned to the five Heavenly Heirs and waved his hand, dissolving the cage of Qi that had trapped them.

    "Unfortunately," he sighed, sadness rolling off him in waves, "I cannot kill you. So come at me. I''ll only use one hand."

    He folded his left hand behind his back and beckoned with his right. The five heirs, their pride wounded beyond repair, stood paralyzed. They glanced up, eyes pleading for intervention from their ancestors.

    "They won''t act," Caine said, his voice cold. "Even if they wanted to, they couldn''t stop me. So either come to me¡­"

    He took a single step forward.

    Suddenly, his body shattered like a mirror, splitting into five identical reflections. The heirs barely had time to process the sight before each reflection appeared before them, a palm pressed firmly against their chests.

    "¡­or I come to you."

    A mere tinge of pressure from Caine''s palms caused fountains of blood to erupt, the metallic scent thickening the air. The heirs stumbled backward, their faces contorted in shock and pain.

    Caine''s reflections dissolved, merging back into his original body. It was as if time itself had rewound, leaving the spectators frozen in disbelief. None could fathom the complexity of the technique Caine had just executed, nor could they comprehend where he had learned such mastery.

    The gap between the Heavenly Heirs and ordinary heirs was already wider than the chasm between heaven and earth. But the gap between Caine and the Heavenly Heirs? It was a void beyond measure.

    As the stunned silence grew unbearable, the five heirs roared with fury. Their wounds sealed, their pride igniting into desperate rage. In perfect coordination, they launched a unified assault. Their dignity was already shattered; there was no point in restraint.

    They would attack together, shame be damned.

    Caine laughed softly, stepping forward once more. He had promised to only use his right hand. But were his bones not part of his hand? And by extension, were the elements not infused into his very flesh of this same hand?

    If they wished to abandon shame, he would gladly oblige.

    WHOOOSH!

    Flames erupted around him, fused with harsh emerald winds. The inferno spread rapidly, engulfing the entire arena. Blinded by the searing heat and swirling winds,the heirs were forced to divert most of their Qi into defense.

    Reiner Renala, the heir of the Renala Clan, screamed as a blade of fire pierced his leg, immobilizing him.

    Caine appeared behind him like a wraith, his hand a blur as it struck the young man unconscious. Reiner crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering uselessly beside him.

    Without pause, Caine moved to the next targets.

    Athena Thyrn, the heiress of the Thyrn Clan, and Cassandra Azanthiel, the heiress of the Azanthiel Clan, stood back-to-back. Athena''s long green hair whipped in the wind, her blue eyes darting around desperately.

    Cassandra''s short black hair stuck to her sweat-drenched forehead, her orange eyes glowing with defiance.

    Together, they spun in unison, covering each other''s blind spots amidst the blazing chaos.

    Caine appeared in front of Cassandra, his silver eyes glinting with amusement. Her eyes widened in horror, but she reacted with the precision of a trained warrior. Her rapier pierced through the air, aiming for his throat.

    Caine didn''t flinch. His hand shot out, parrying the blade with casual ease.

    BOOM!

    The air exploded as his fist drove into her abdomen. Cassandra''s body folded, her breath stolen. Before she could recover, his knuckles grazed her jaw, and darkness claimed her.

    Athena spun, chanting desperately, a spell forming on her lips.

    Caine''s eyes flashed with a silver rune.

    Her spell shattered into harmless motes of light. Before the backlash could hit her, Caine''s fist swept across her face with such speed and grace that she barely felt the impact before her consciousness faded.

    ''Two left.''

    Caine''s eyes gleamed with malevolent anticipation.

 Chapter 70 The Gathering(III)â€”Son of Hate(II)

    From behind, the two remaining Heirs attacked Caine with everything they had left.Dorothy Celestis, Heiress of the Celestis Clan, with her long golden hair and pulsating blue eyes, and Elijah Stormborne, Heir of the Stormborne Clan, with his slicked-back white hair and radiant emerald pupils, burst forward, their blades gleaming with fiendish momentum as they tore through the air toward Caine, their restraint abandoned.

    Suddenly, time itself slowed¡ªnot metaphorically, but literally. Caine''s time affinity roared to life, and a shimmering domain of time spread around him. Within this domain, the world froze, each moment stretched like a single frame in a painting.

    ''What a terrifying affinity,'' Caine thought idly, his eyes reflecting the crystalline stillness.

    He lifted his hand and tapped the air in front of him. Though his fingers barely brushed empty space, a ripple of Qi surged behind him toward the two Heirs.

    The time domain dissolved.

    BOOOM!

    Reality snapped back, and before anyone could comprehend what had happened, Dorothy and Elijah coughed up mouthfuls of blood, their Qi in disarray. They stumbled backward, eyes wide with shock and pain.

    Caine turned slowly to face them, his expression calm, almost indifferent.

    His gaze, full of pity, rested on their trembling figures. They were reflections of something he never wanted to become.

    They had been born with everything¡ªwealth, status, talent¡ªand yet they were still so pitifully weak. If even a crippled version of himself could carve something out of his curses, how could they squander their blessings?

    Their very existence reminded him of his past vulnerabilities, a period of weakness he loathed with every fiber of his being. Just looking at them filled his heart with disgust.

    His gut twisted, and his lips curled in contempt.

    Dorothy and Elijah met his gaze, and their hearts quivered. The disgust in his eyes was so potent, so raw, that it seeped into their minds, shaking their very souls.

    Caine clicked his teeth and waved his hand.

    Their veins ruptured, and they crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The battle was over.

    The performance¡ªa clown show¡ªhad ended.

    The inferno that had raged around them flickered out, revealing a grim tableau to the spectators: five Heavenly Heirs, all defeated, while one man remained untouched.

    ''It should be about now.''

    BANG!

    From the Renala Clan''s floating structure, a door burst open. A figure emerged, his presence radiating malice.

    The man appeared ancient, his wrinkled skin marred with dark spots. His bald head bore intricate white tribal tattoos that glowed faintly.

    His eyes, two bloody-red orbs, burned with the killing intent of countless battles fought and lives extinguished.

    Dark robes fluttered around him as he descended, the northern winds whispering through the fabric. His gaze locked onto Caine, who returned the look with an infuriating smile. The old man''s fury spiked.

    In a heartbeat, he vanished from the floating structure and appeared on the arena floor, his hand already slicing through the air toward Caine''s throat. His nails, curved and razor-sharp, glistened with murderous intent.

    This was no ordinary Sage. He was a Paragon, a being two realms beyond the Sage Realm. If he wanted Caine dead, no one could stop him.

    BANG! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    From above, Zao''s eyes went wide in panic.

    His heart thundered in his chest as his aura surged, a desperate wave of power meant to tear through the heavens. He lunged forward, knowing it was too late.

    He''d made a mistake. He should have stayed by Caine''s side. He should have¡ª

    "Oh?"

    Caine''s voice, calm and detached, broke through the chaos.

    He stood there, eyes locked with the Paragon''s, his fingers wrapped tightly around the old man''s wrist. The deadly hand, poised to shred his throat, was caught mere inches away.

    The Paragon, Ancestor Bloody Eye, frowned in confusion. His instincts screamed, but before he could react, his body betrayed him.

    His heart stopped.

    Not from shock, but because Caine held it in his hand¡ªa pulsing, bloody organ torn free from his chest.

    Caine''s crown appeared above his head, shimmering with undeniable authority. He looked down at the heart, his silver eyes cold.

    "Bunch of idiots."

    He clenched his fist.

    The heart exploded in a burst of blood and gore. Ancestor Bloody Eye stumbled backward, his face draining of color. For a being of his caliber, losing a heart shouldn''t have been fatal.

    And yet, weakness seeped through his limbs. The world dimmed; the sun''s warmth faded.

    His arms felt like lead.

    He collapsed, his body striking the cold marble floor. His eyes, locked on the sky, dimmed to darkness. His last thoughts were of utter, bewildered confusion.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    A shockwave of terrifying Qi erupted from his corpse, threatening to annihilate everything nearby.

    Caine tapped the air, and the explosion compressed, contained effortlessly.

    The entire sequence had happened in less than a second. By the time Zao reached the arena, panting, a second and a half had passed¡ªand everything was over.

    Zao stared at Caine, eyes wide, heart pounding. Sweat slicked his back.

    Caine turned to him, a serene smile on his face. "Did I not tell you I could hold up the skies on my own?"

    That smile curled into a grin.

    Around them, more ancestors descended, their auras flaring violently. The oppressive pressure slammed into Caine from every direction, darkening the skies and cracking the earth.

    Yet Caine stood firm, unbothered. Blood still stained his hands, the evidence of Ancestor Bloody Eye''s demise. His grin widened, an expression of pure arrogance and defiance.

    The crowd watched, paralyzed by confusion and fear. Why were the ancestors attacking their own royal heir? And more importantly¡ªhow had Caine killed an ancestor?

    BOOOOOOM!

    The pressure continued to build, a storm of power that threatened to crush everything in its path.

    But Caine simply waited, daring them to act, his silver eyes glinting with challenge.

    Just as the tension reached a breaking point, a voice rang out, powerful and unwavering.

    "Enough."

    It was the same voice that had sanctioned the battle between Caine and the Heirs.

 Chapter 71 Dare?

    From the skies above, a young man descended, draped in layered white robes that flowed like cascading waves of silk.His long, thick, curly white hair spilled over his broad shoulders, trailing behind him like a cloud of ethereal mist. The sheer weight of his presence bent the air around him, pressing down on the arena below.

    His eyes glowed with a serene, milky-white light, reminiscent of a blind man''s gaze. Yet, within their depths, faint bloody-red runes pulsed ominously, exuding an aura of ancient, terrifying power.

    Caine had never seen this man before. As he gauged the stranger''s presence, his eyes narrowed slightly, a ripple of caution coursing through him.

    "Hello," the man said, his voice soft yet carrying a resonance that seemed to vibrate within the bones of those who heard it. "I am the Timeless Guardian, but feel free to call me Ancestor Tallow."

    He landed gently on the cold marble of the arena, his movements so graceful it was as if the world itself welcomed him.

    A faint, unrestrained smile tugged at his lips¡ªa smile so pure it seemed to melt the tension in the air, dissolving the weight of anticipation that hung over the crowd.

    Ancestor Tallow''s gaze rested on Caine, his expression warm and disarmingly gentle. "Ah, young man. You have clearly bested all the Heirs of the Alliance and, by rights, deserve the title of Scion. That would be true under normal circumstances."

    His smile deepened, the warmth in his eyes hardening into something colder, sharper.

    "But these are anything but normal circumstances, aren''t they?" His voice remained light, but there was a subtle edge to it.

    "You''ve shattered every rule we have. Perhaps you didn''t realize, but killing the other Heirs is strictly forbidden. You''ve left many of them dead, and that poses¡­ a bit of an issue."

    He heaved a theatrical sigh, as though burdened by an insurmountable problem.

    "Yet we can''t simply strip you of the title. It''s painfully clear that no one in this generation can rival you," he continued, his eyes flicking toward the ancestors encircling the arena.

    As if on cue, the ancestors exchanged glances. Faint smiles curled their lips, and their oppressive auras withdrew, softening to appear less threatening. But Caine, with his razor-sharp perception, detected the malevolence and contempt lurking beneath their controlled exteriors.

    "So, how do we resolve this, lad?" Ancestor Tallow asked, his finger pointing skyward.

    "The answer is simple. If we are unworthy to judge you, then let the world itself decide."

    "There exists a place known as the Ancestral Trial Grounds. We''ve never used it because it has never been necessary. But surely, with your strength, you wouldn''t mind partaking in it?"

    Tallow''s chuckle was low and smooth as he stepped closer, placing a hand on Caine''s shoulder with the casual intimacy of an old friend. "If you pass, you''ll be our Scion. No one will dare contest it. Think of it as a political¡­ detour to secure your position without any trouble, alright?"

    He leaned in, his arm draping around Caine''s neck. His voice dropped to a whisper, laced with mockery. "So, what do you say? Do you dare?"

    A thick silence blanketed the arena. The spectators, unsure of who this man was or what the Ancestral Trial Grounds entailed, watched with wide eyes and pounding hearts.

    The air felt heavy, like a net tightening around them, suffocating any sense of ease.

    It felt like witnessing a devil offering a child a forbidden fruit¡ªan offer that could lead only to ruin.

    Caine''s head turned slowly to face Ancestor Tallow. Their eyes locked, and for a heartbeat, Tallow''s smile faltered.

    The look Caine gave him was one of searing contempt¡ªthe gaze of a god looking down on a sinner begging for undeserved mercy. It stripped Tallow of his facade, exposing his hollow motives to the world.

    Tallow''s smile barely wavered, but a bitter thought clawed at the edges of his mind: "I see why these old fools despise him."

    "What do these trials entail exactly?" Caine asked, his voice cold and even. He brushed Tallow''s arm aside with deliberate ease.

    Without missing a beat, Caine dusted his robes, his expression unchanged. Tallow''s smile stayed fixed as he explained, "It''s simple."

    "The Ancestral Trial Grounds are trials devised by the World Will Eye itself. They test worthiness in all its facets. Long ago, these trials determined the ruler of all clans¡ªthe one who proved themselves through the world''s judgment."

    "We abandoned that tradition, but the option remains. If you succeed, no one can doubt your right to lead."

    "It''s the perfect compromise."

    Caine nodded slowly. He expected omissions and half-truths from these cunning old foxes.

    Their schemes were as transparent as glass.

    He glanced at Zao, noting his calm composure. Then he turned back to Tallow.

    "Sure, I''ll go."

    Ancestor Tallow''s smile widened, brilliant and triumphant. He waved his hand, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.

    The sky churned violently, clouds twisting and tearing apart to reveal the yawning void beyond. From that endless abyss, the colossal figure of the World Will Eye manifested, its gaze cold and ancient, a silent judge of mortals.

    Tallow lifted his hand once more, conjuring a whirl of intricate runes. The symbols twisted and merged, forming a complex array that soared into the sky. The formation embedded itself into the World Will Eye, shattering and reforming it into a glowing, white void¡ªlike a tear in the fabric of reality itself.

    From that tear, a brilliant pillar of light descended, connecting heaven and earth.

    Tallow gestured toward the light. "Step into the pillar when you''re ready." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine didn''t hesitate. His expression was serene, his heart steady, his back straight. He walked forward, his gaze sharp and unyielding. He passed through the gathering of ancestors without a glance of respect, their presence beneath his notice.

    As he reached the pillar, he turned back. His voice, low and cold, echoed across the arena, a blade cutting through the tension.

    "Time will expose your ignorance, you rotting corpses of saturated sin."

    With that, he stepped into the pillar of light¡ªand vanished.

    Just as Caine vanished, from the skies above, silver, white and black feathers began to fall and from the heavens above, a figure appeared.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 72 Ancestral

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself in an endless expanse of white fog, standing on floors of smooth white stone.Above him, a colossal sun hung high in the sky, its brilliant rays seeping through the dense fog, casting ethereal beams of light that created a divine and unforgettable scene. The air shimmered with a surreal tranquility, an illusion of peace that felt almost mocking.

    But Caine''s gaze didn''t linger on this spectacle. His necklace, Emerald Embrace, flared with light, and in an instant, tight-fitting white armor enveloped his frame, its surface shimmering with protective runes.

    In his hand, End''s Oath materialized, the weapon radiating terrifying waves of power.

    Caine''s gaze was calm, yet behind that calmness lay a seriousness he had never shown before¡ªa readiness to face the impossible.

    Suddenly, high above in the depths of the blinding fog, a faint outline formed. The colossal, all-seeing World Will Eye opened, its presence washing over the arena like a tidal wave.

    "My child." The voice of the World Will Eye was a fusion of thunder, wind, and the rustling of ancient forests. It rattled Caine''s bones and vibrated through his core. "It seems you are surrounded by snakes."

    Caine didn''t respond, but he understood immediately. The message was clear: he was too weak for these trials, not by ordinary standards, but by the standards set by those who sought his failure. Yet, this did not faze him. He welcomed the challenge.

    "These grounds are not trials," the World Will Eye continued, its voice layered with a subtle hint of emotion. "They are great cullers. Designed to strip away the false kings and forge the True Emperors from the flames of endless carnage."

    "Whether you perish, emerge broken, or rise to conquer these challenges is up to you, child of spirits."

    "Grasp the stars if you dare, and do not shrink from their light."

    As the words faded, the World Will Eye dissolved into the sun, leaving behind a heavy silence.

    In front of Caine, a figure began to take shape.

    It was an entity of pure white qi, its mane ablaze with radiant fire, its form clad in chaotic dark gold qi armor, and long, feathered wings unfurled from its back¡ªthe embodiment of power and purity. This was a World Avatar.

    But unlike the one he had faced before, this one pulsed with overwhelming strength. And it wasn''t alone. Explore more at empire

    As Caine readied himself, his eyes widened. Around him, more figures materialized¡ªfirst a dozen, then a hundred, then thousands, then hundreds of thousands. He stopped counting.

    The arena was filled with a sea of World Avatars, their combined auras forming an oppressive storm that sought to crush him.

    Caine inhaled deeply. Calm settled over him.

    He didn''t fear death; he feared how he would die. Would he fall with his back straight, eyes glaring defiantly at the heavens? Or would he crumble, bowed and trembling beneath divine judgment?

    Would he swing his weapon to claim victory or to merely defend himself? Would his heart beat with fear or hope?

    In the face of annihilation, all he saw was the path ahead¡ªa path paved with torn bodies, shattered souls, and victory.

    A feral light ignited in his eyes, a defiance that countered the pressure radiating from the Avatars. For a moment, the battlefield froze.

    And then¡ª

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    Neutral qi surged around Caine, threading itself like silver silk through the air. His silver crown shimmered above his head, and with a surge of power, he leaped into the heart of the enemy swarm.

    His eyes flickered, and with a single thought, thousands of summons erupted into existence around him. They wielded blades of condensed qi, their movements precise and deadly, all tethered to his Will through shimmering threads of energy.

    They were extensions of him, guided by his mind. They fought with reckless abandon, using their immortality as a weapon. Each time an Avatar fell, Caine whispered, [Nameless Call], and a new summon was born¡ªstronger, fiercer.

    Caine himself moved like lightning, his spear a blur of fury and precision. He darted into a cluster of Avatars, his eyes scanning rapidly, reading their every movement.

    They responded immediately, surrounding him, weapons drawn. Caine crouched, a blade whistling above his head, then rolled aside to evade a beam of chaotic qi. He danced through the onslaught, his movements fluid and unnaturally precise, as if he could predict each attack before it came.

    Suddenly, Fire and Water qi flowed from his Bond Space, surging through his veins and into his spear. The runes along its shaft blazed with emerald light as he swung upward.

    A radiant arc of energy erupted from his spear, slicing through a wave of Avatars and buying him a momentary reprieve.

    PURCHI!

    A flash of white¡ªthe searing pain of a blade slicing his back. Blood sprayed, and Caine staggered forward. Another Avatar struck, its blade piercing his elbow, nearly severing his arm.

    Caine gritted his teeth, his face pale but his resolve unshaken. He tore himself free from the blade and channeled his Blood Qi, his wounds sealing shut. But as his flesh mended, he coughed violently, black blood splattering the ground.

    ''Qi poison¡­ sneaky bastards.''

    His veins burned, his muscles trembled. Qi poison corroded his Blood Qi, turning it against him. The more powerful his Blood Qi, the more devastating the poison.

    SPLAT!

    A savage kick slammed into his chin, snapping his head back. He soared upward, his body caught by another Avatar that slammed him down like a rag doll. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BANG!

    He hit the ground hard, choking on his own blood. The pain was excruciating, his body screaming in protest. But his mind remained focused, his Will unbroken.

    The World Avatars closed in, their eyes glowing with merciless intent.

    Yet, through the agony, Caine smiled¡ªa grim, defiant smile.

    ''Pain means nothing. Failure is not an option.''

    His silver crown blazed brighter, the threads connecting his summons shimmering with renewed intensity. His summons surged forward, blades flashing, tearing through the ranks of Avatars.

    Caine pushed himself to his feet, his eyes burning with fury and determination. His grip on End''s Oath tightened.

    The battle was far from over. And he would not fall here.

    He would fight.

    He would conquer.

    Or he would die with his back straight and his gaze fixed on the heavens.

    ''Again. Again. Again.''

 Chapter 73 Ancestral(II)

    Caine and his summons moved like a single, complex chimeric entity¡ªone mind and a thousand bodies. His rings hovered behind him, rapidly spinning and gliding across the battlefield like extensions of his body, weaving through the chaos with a precision that seemed almost preordained.Caine unleashed everything¡ªspells, martial arts, wills, intents, qi¡ªand as he did so, the world suddenly became eerily quiet. The cacophony of war faded into the background, replaced by a stillness that pressed against his consciousness, as though reality itself held its breath. In this unnatural quiet, every movement, every breath, and every heartbeat felt amplified, more significant than it had ever been.

    He slipped into a trance, his mind embracing the void of thought, leaving only pure instinct.

    All he perceived was the now. His vision fractured, each moment crystallized into a series of still frames.

    Scene after scene unfolded before him.

    An enemy lunged. A blade swung. Flesh split. A scream silenced. A body fell.

    Then another. Experience exclusive tales on empire

    And another.

    Again. And again. And again. And again.

    Wounds blossomed across his body, staining his clothes crimson, yet they felt inconsequential.

    Instead of slowing down, he became faster, sharper. Pain was an afterthought, an irrelevant whisper in the storm of his will. His movements grew fluid, a dance choreographed by death itself.

    His summons mirrored his every motion, extensions of his mind and soul, fighting alongside him in perfect synchrony. His control over them reached an entirely new level, an apex he hadn''t known was possible.

    It was within this abyss of silence and carnage that his mind bloomed once more.

    ''My Gifts.''

    He had awakened five gifts: Analyse, Master, Sense, Control, and Warp. They had been with him, latent and untested, waiting for the moment he was ready to wield them fully.

    Even now, he hadn''t truly tapped into their depths.

    It wasn''t carelessness that held him back. The gifts were profound, intricate, and demanding.

    To focus on them would have slowed his progress to a crawl. Had he tried to master them earlier, he would still be trapped in the early stages of Bone Forging, his potential shackled by his own ambitions.

    But what were these gifts, truly? Each one, like all gifts, possessed passive and active aspects that mirrored each other. Caine''s gifts were no exception.

    Control was the simplest and most straightforward of his gifts. Its passive ability, Inner Control, allowed him near-perfect mastery over his body and his aspects. His muscles, his nerves, his very essence¡ªeverything obeyed his will with flawless precision. He could feel every fiber of his being, every flicker of energy that surged within him. They were not just parts of him; they were him.

    The active counterpart, Outer Control, allowed him to extend that mastery beyond himself. He had only used it once, during his coming-of-age ceremony before his battle with Toseh. With it, he could bend atmospheric qi to his will, turning the very air into an extension of his power. Even dormant, this ability had allowed him to steal shards of universal forces effortlessly, his subconscious mind persuading reality to yield to his influence.

    Warp was more intricate, a gift entwined with the fabric of space and time. Its passive ability, Continuum Glide, granted him an uncanny awareness of spatial and temporal shifts. He could feel the subtle warps in the fabric of reality, the ripples and currents that others were blind to. The full depth of this ability was beyond his current comprehension, a puzzle whose pieces would only fit together in the distant future. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Its active ability, Distort, was a tool he wielded often, especially in combat. With it, he could twist distances, collapsing vast spaces into a single step. But that was merely the surface of its potential. He could distort perceptions, clouding his enemies'' minds. He could twist his qi, making it more volatile, more dangerous. He could warp flesh and matter, inflicting wounds with a gesture. The versatility of Distort was terrifying, a reminder that space itself was pliable in his hands.

    Analyse was the gift he used the most, often without realizing it. Its passive ability, Comprehend, stood at the zenith of the Quasi Immeasurable Heavenly Tier, like all his others. It allowed him to understand anything effortlessly, no matter how complex or arcane.

    The only limitation was the fragility of his mind, unable to handle the sheer weight of comprehension. Even at a fraction of its potential, Comprehend had propelled him forward, an unyielding force that pushed him beyond his limits.

    The active ability, Compute, processed and filtered the information Comprehend gathered. It smoothed the flood of knowledge, making it manageable, digestible. Without it, his mind would have shattered when he mastered multiple elements at once. This gift had saved him from his own ambitions.

    Master was the perfect partner to Analyse, a gift of mastery and perfection. Its passive ability, Absolute Savant, allowed him to achieve Savant-level proficiency in any skill he chose. Mastery levels ascended from mortal grades to the Immeasurable Grade, but above that lay realms few could fathom: True Primordial, True Transcendent, and True Divine. And then, beyond even those, was the Savant Grade¡ªa level so rare it defied record.

    Achieving it was rarer than being born with an Immeasurable Circle.

    The active ability, True Virtuoso, elevated Savant-level mastery to a higher state: the Virtuoso state. This mastery was exclusive to those with his gift, a realm where perfection transcended itself. Together with Analyse, Master formed a cycle of limitless growth. But this was why he couldn''t use them fully. His body was too weak to endure the strain of such limitless potential.

    Sense, his fifth gift, was deceptively simple. Its passive ability, Sensory Prime, sharpened his senses to their utmost limits, with no backlash. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell¡ªall heightened, all perfect.

    Its active ability, Sensory Domain, created a field where his senses fused with the natural world. Within this domain, nothing escaped him. He could see the unseen, hear the unheard, touch the intangible. Every detail, every whisper of reality, became part of him.

    These gifts, simple in concept yet boundless in execution, formed a synergy so potent that his potential had to be sealed. His body could not withstand the full force of what he was.

    But today, that seal would break.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 74 Ancestral(III)â€”True Will

    Caine''s rings were what allowed him to break all limits¡ªhis bones, his flesh, his stars, his organs, his bloodlines¡ªand today, they''d allow him to break yet another limit.But it wasn''t going to be just any limit.

    RUMBLE!

    The world shook, and suddenly, Caine stood still. His summons gathered around him, forming a protective wall of flesh to shield him from the Avatars rushing toward him.

    The world shook once more.

    RUMBLE!

    Caine knew he would never truly harness the full potential of his gifts. Not unless he ascended to a realm so high that he became immortal.

    That was unacceptable.

    He also knew his Will would take thousands of years to fully bloom and solidify.

    That was unacceptable.

    And he knew that, with time, his rings would gradually lose their purpose, becoming useless relics.

    That was unacceptable.

    RUMBLE!

    The solution was simple, really.

    His bond space trembled as his rings began to spin violently, drawing in all the neutral qi within his bond space. The air crackled with energy, thick with impending transformation.

    "[Manifest]¡­" Caine whispered, his voice barely audible.

    WHOOOSH!

    He collapsed to one knee, blood gushing from his mouth as his body cracked and shattered under the strain. His veins ruptured and exploded into a mess of blood and gore. But his expression remained serene, eyes burning with a manic light.

    Around his rings, five bundles of runes, qi, and flesh materialized, his gifts made manifest. He had pulled them from the very core of his existence, wrenching them into the physical world. It was a move that spelled certain death, and his body was already disintegrating, but Caine didn''t care. His determination eclipsed all reason.

    <I either take it all, or die trying. I either take it all or die trying.>

    The rings spun faster, an unstoppable force, and then his Silver Embryonic Will Star shattered.

    BANG!

    Every bone in his body broke simultaneously. His flesh turned a deathly shade of purple, shriveling as his body withered. He was a husk of himself, but still, his rings spun.

    And then they shattered.

    BOOOOOM!

    A violent explosion erupted within him. His body convulsed uncontrollably, black blood bubbling up and seeping from his pores. His muscles tore, his organs liquefied, his nerves screamed. Yet through it all, his silver eyes remained unfazed, as though he were blind to the destruction of his very being.

    His life force ebbed, fading like a dying ember. His lips parted, cracked and bloodied, his hoarse voice clawing its way out.

    "¡­[Con¡­den¡­se¡­]¡­"

    This time, time itself stopped. The world froze, locked in place. Nothing moved¡ªnothing except Caine.

    The shattered remnants of his gifts, his rings, and his star gathered together. His Blood Dragon, usually coiled around his silver star, was the only thing left unbroken. It stirred, its golden eyes blazing with ancient fury.

    It swooped down, devouring the fragments of his power. The instant it did, it roared¡ªa primal, world-shaking sound that sent new waves of agony through Caine''s already broken form.

    The dragon''s scales turned golden, white patterns of runes etching themselves into its flesh. Each scale shimmered, reflecting endless possibilities.

    A new star formed¡ªmassive, brilliant, a solid core of pure silver that dwarfed anything Caine had ever imagined.

    The golden dragon split into five: a crimson dragon dripping with bloodlust, a dragon armored in radiant gold, a swirling wraith of black and white mist, a sleek, ivory-scaled beast, and finally, a dragon woven from a kaleidoscope of elemental energy.

    They rose together, roaring in unison, their cries shaking the very foundation of his bond space. They spiraled upward, binding themselves to the new silver star, coiling around it like living chains.

    Slowly, nine black rings, each etched with vibrant multicolored runes, materialized around the star. They locked into place, orbiting with a serene finality.

    For a moment, all was still.

    "I¡­ said¡­ [CONDENSE]!"

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    Caine''s scream was no longer human, a guttural roar that tore his throat and lungs apart. Blood sprayed from his mouth, but he didn''t falter.

    The world trembled and the new star construct solidified. Dark silver runes burst across its surface, the dragons and rings woven into an intricate, terrifying design.

    "[CONDENSE]! [CONDENSE]! [CONDENSE]!"

    His screams rang out like commands from the heavens. From his Elemental Stars, bridges of neutral qi formed, linking to his new star and reshaping his constellation. His gifts, his rings, and his Will were now one. A unified force, inseparable, indomitable.

    This was no longer potential sealed away. This was his essence, unbound and unleashed.

    "¡­[Bloom]."

    His voice, though soft, resonated like the final strike of a hammer on an anvil.

    In that instant, his Will bloomed completely. Everything clicked into place.

    A tidal wave of neutral and elemental qi surged through his broken body, reforging him. His form lifted off the ground, suspended by sheer force of Will.

    His muscle fibers knitted together, intertwining, compressing, striating under the tremendous pressure of his Blood Qi.

    His jade-white skin gleamed, transmuted from pure neutral qi, wrapping tightly around his muscles.

    Darkness draped his shoulders like a cloak. Runes seared into his skin, branding his frame with symbols of power, only to dissolve and reform as his cultivation ascended.

    His bones hardened, his flesh strengthened, his organs purified. His blood flowed, vibrant and untainted. He had returned to the absolute peak of the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage, but now he was something far greater.

    He had forged a True Will. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Throughout the agony, his eyes had never closed. He felt every shred of pain, every moment of transformation, yet his gaze remained unwavering.

    RUMBLE!

    His heart thundered, and his blood surged with renewed vitality.

    White robes materialized around him, and a low chuckle escaped his lips. The laughter grew, echoing through the frozen Ancestral Trial grounds. Above him, a new World Will Eye formed, colossal and watching. It didn''t press down on him; it simply observed, acknowledging his transformation.

    He laughed again, a sound both victorious and defiant.

    "Do you know what you''ve done?"

 Chapter 75 Ancestral(IV)â€”True Will(II)

    Caine continued to laugh, his voice echoing across the frozen landscape, raw and uncontainable. His strength soared without end, an endless torrent surging within him, even though his cultivation remained strangely stagnant. The laughter spilled from him, a defiant, unhinged sound that mocked the constraints of reality itself.He could guess why the World Will Eye had appeared in this desolate, time-frozen expanse.

    There was a fundamental difference between allowing a Will to bloom and forging a True Will.

    One was a relatively natural progression, the other an act of defiance¡ªa rebellion against the very order of existence. And rebellion required a tribulation. A test imposed by the world itself.

    But this wasn''t just any test.

    When one comprehended intent and shaped it into their own, no tribulation was necessary.

    The struggle of discovering intent, of crystallizing that understanding into a personal force, was a trial in itself. The process forged resolve and clarity.

    Will, however, was an entirely different force¡ªa behemoth that demanded more. To wield a True Will was to tap into a power so profound that the mere act of comprehending and forging it wasn''t sufficient. The world demanded more. It demanded proof.

    "Who are you?" the World Will Eye asked, its voice resonating through the stillness.

    This was the test. A deceptively simple question. Yet simplicity here was a cruel illusion.

    Who truly knew themselves? Who could claim, without hesitation or doubt, that they were a complete, unbroken individual? The concept of the self was a labyrinth, obscured by fear, doubt, and the endless layers of experience. To know oneself required facing the abyss, standing on the edge of oblivion, and not flinching. To gaze into the void and see the reflection of one''s essence, stripped of all illusions.

    True self-awareness demanded doubt and fear. No one truly understood themselves until they met death head-on. No one achieved clarity until they questioned the very core of their existence.

    To know the self didn''t mean defining it with words or titles. No, the truth was simpler¡ªand infinitely harder.

    It was about acceptance.

    To know oneself was to stand before the mirror and not turn away. To peer into the eyes staring back and acknowledge the truths reflected there. The flaws. The weaknesses.

    The strengths. The contradictions.

    Everything.

    Acceptance was the key.

    Caine''s laughter grew louder, sharper. The absurdity of the test was almost insulting.

    From the moment he had clawed his way out of his dead mother''s womb, life had tempered him with an unrelenting hammer. He had been forced to look into the mirror of his soul and had never been allowed to look away.

    He accepted that he was selfish, greedy, vindictive, petty, violent, and superficial.

    These were not sins or regrets¡ªthey were truths, embraced without shame or inner conflict.

    He also accepted that he was patient, considerate, stubborn, and caring¡ªwith the right people.

    His entire path up to this moment had been a relentless confrontation with his reflection, an unending awareness of who he was and who he would never be.

    From his first breath, when his newborn cries echoed in confusion against his mother''s cold, lifeless body, he had understood his identity and his purpose.

    He was Caine. And he would always be.

    BANG!

    The World Will Eye shattered, unable to withstand the terrifying purity of Caine''s Will¡ªhis True Will.

    Torrents of neutral qi erupted from the eye''s remains, flooding into Caine''s bond space.

    His star devoured the energy greedily, swelling with newfound power. His True Will advanced, relentless, taking step after step, refusing to rest.

    In a single bound, his True Will reached its peak. Simultaneously, his Embryonic Elemental Will Stars quaked, bottlenecks disintegrating as they ascended to the apex of the True Will stage.

    Caine drifted downward, his feet touching the ground. The flow of time resumed, and his summons exploded in a burst of energy and light.

    He barely noticed. With a casual wave of his hand, the avatars froze. He clenched his fist, and they shattered into dust.

    Not a heartbeat passed before he whispered into the wind, "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    In the charred expanse of his bond space, countless eggs of flesh appeared, writhing and twisting as they underwent grotesque transformations under the influence of his new constellation.

    But Caine''s attention remained elsewhere.

    He looked at his hands, turning them over slowly. The world around him was silent, unnaturally still. It had all ended too quickly, too abruptly.

    ''Qi comprehension. Intent grasping. True Will forging. I don''t know what path I''m walking¡­'' His silver eyes glowed, and the cross etched over his pupils spun slowly. ''¡­but I''ll see it to its end.''

    As this thought settled in his mind, the fog around him stirred once more.

    Though the World Will Eye didn''t reform, its voice echoed through the stillness. "You have passed the first of four trials. Under the weight of my hammer, you forged your Will¡ªyour True Will. Congratulations."

    A pause. Then the voice continued, "Now face my children, and under their flames, may you be reborn."

    The white landscape trembled, then darkened. The light bled away, swallowed by an abyssal blackness. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Figures began to emerge from the foggy shadows, their forms towering and majestic.

    Dragons with scales like molten gold, Phoenixes wreathed in flames, Qilins surrounded by crackling arcs of lightning,

    Great Turtles hugged by chaotic world ending storms, White Tigers riding upon waves and tsunamis of blood¡ªall the mythological titans of old took shape. Their auras were oppressive, stretching into the infinite black sky.

    Caine''s eyes narrowed as he scanned them.

    A strange stirring pulled at his chest. He loosened his robes, glancing down at his right pectoral. A glowing formation was etched into his skin.

    In an instant, he understood its purpose¡ªWill Suppression. The formation would bind his Will, forcing him to rely solely on his physical strength.

    Caine didn''t flinch. With a thought, the formation shattered. He closed his robes, his expression unchanged.

    ''If you want me to face this with my flesh alone, then so be it.''

    By now, he was no fool. The world was tempering him, shaping him for a purpose he couldn''t yet fathom. Whatever the reason, he wouldn''t refuse this gift.

    If the path to greater strength required him to fight with his body alone, then he would do it willingly.

    The previous trial had given him the most significant breakthrough of his life. He could only wonder what this trial would offer.

    RUMBLE!

    The darkness surged. The titans roared.

    And Caine stepped forward, ready to meet them.

 Chapter 76 Ancestral(V)â€”Progenitor

    Though this was the case, he still wanted to do a few things first.Caine exhaled slowly, his breath curling into frost as he closed his eyes. The beasts continued to take shape around him, their towering forms cloaked in the swirling mists of this void-like battlefield. He ignored them for the moment, turning his attention inward.

    Within his Bond Space, the progenitor beast eggs trembled, pulsing with an ancient rhythm. Then, in a burst of light, they transformed into stars. They bloomed effortlessly, their radiance brightening the vast expanse. Around each primary star, thirteen smaller stars formed, just like the heavenly elements of his Elemental Stars.

    A single beast progenitor star, surrounded by thirteen branching progenitor stars.

    In a mere instant, these stars reached the True Will stage. They interlinked with one another, forming a second constellation that gleamed brilliantly in the sky of Caine''s Bond Space. The two constellations¡ªElemental and Beast¡ªbridged, creating a seamless tapestry of celestial power, all under the dominion of his main star.

    Originally, Caine had intended for each progenitor egg to hatch a beast progenitor, forging powerful bonds with them. But with the path of necromancy he now followed, a new and ambitious idea had taken root in his mind.

    He couldn''t implement it now, but in time, if he succeeded, this temporary setback¡ªif it could even be called that¡ªwould be worth it.

    For now, the transformation of these eggs into stars completed the constellations supporting his main star.

    The Elemental and Beast stars harmonized, their energies blending seamlessly. They grew together, expanding until, finally, they settled into a state of docile subservience.

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. ''Now that this has been taken care of, let''s deal with this.''

    WHOOOSH!

    The thought barely finished forming when a massive claw swiped at his face, its surface etched with burning red runes that radiated waves of searing heat. Caine''s gaze followed the claw''s path, tracing it back to a colossal red-scaled dragon whose eyes glimmered with boundless killing intent.

    Behind him, a fire phoenix spread its blazing wings, readying a beam of concentrated flames that pulsed with the very essence of life and death.

    Above, a grand black serpent descended, its venom-laden fangs poised to strike. The air crackled with chaotic elemental qi as more mythical beasts converged on him, each one launching devastating attacks.

    He watched it all unfold, his time affinity stretching each second into minutes. The attacks were inevitable, unstoppable¡ªat least, if he relied solely on his body. His other abilities could save him; he could deflect, evade, or counter. But that wasn''t the point.

    He wouldn''t break his own promise. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Where was the fun in taking the easy way out?

    His journey had been defined by hardship, not for the sake of suffering, but because the hard path often revealed his flaws, his weaknesses.

    In this case, the difficulty lay in his ignorance.

    He knew next to nothing about the countless bloodlines flowing through his veins. He had acquired them in the Blood Sea, his blood mutated and fused with the essence of countless beasts. Yet, like his Gifts, he had neglected them¡ªnot out of carelessness, but perhaps, in this instance, it was carelessness.

    The idea of acquiring bloodlines hadn''t been his own. It had been Zao''s, his uncle. Caine didn''t blame him; Zao always acted with his best interests in mind. If his uncle had insisted on obtaining these bloodlines, there had to be a spark of potential, a path worth exploring.

    But then again why did he always need to innovate, to create something new? Some things were fine as they were. Perhaps his heresy lay not in possessing these bloodlines, but in failing to embrace them fully.

    After all, who else could claim to possess the bloodlines of all beast progenitors, coexisting without conflict in a single body? Most humans couldn''t bear the strain of even a single beast bloodline without their bodies tearing apart.

    Yet, despite the power within him, it still wasn''t enough. The bloodlines were already woven into the very fabric of his Blood Qi, part of his essence. But what more could he do with them?

    Caine allowed these thoughts to swirl in his mind, undisturbed by the imminent threat of death.

    ''The advantage of bloodlines lies in their potential as reservoirs of power, kernels of raw strength I can draw upon. For a human like me, beast bloodlines are even more valuable, offering racial abilities and traits I''d otherwise lack.''

    He had demonstrated this before, summoning scales to armor his body or transforming his nails into claws capable of rending steel. But he rarely used these abilities. Why summon scales when a qi shield was more efficient?

    Why use claws when he wielded a spear with deadly precision? His human instincts, his habits, always overruled the need for these traits.

    ''And maybe that''s the problem.''

    Thanks to Elura''s interference, his bloodlines had fused further, giving rise to a Chimeric Bloodline¡ªa blend of all progenitor essences, Elura''s influence, and his own. This bloodline held untapped potential, a sleeping giant he had set aside.

    But now, clarity struck him, and a smile curled his lips. Innovation was inevitable, after all.

    WHOOOSH!

    His Blood Qi trembled, vibrating with anticipation. Around him, the illusory forms of three thousand and eight hundred beast progenitors emerged, each manifestation shimmering with power. They hovered for a breathless moment before shattering into countless runes.

    The runes swirled around him, a storm of symbols and energy. His Blood Qi surged again, and behind him, a colossal avatar materialized¡ªa featureless entity of pure white, its form draped in an aura of ominous power. Thirty-six feathered wings unfurled, black, white, and silver, their tips glowing with latent energy.

    This was Caine''s Chimera Bloodline.

    The runes converged on the avatar, embedding themselves into its structure. It grew larger, wings multiplying as eyes, eerily similar to the World Will Eyes, appeared across its body. Power flooded the avatar, a torrent drawn from the depths of each progenitor bloodline. It consumed the energy, devouring without end.

    WHOOOSH!

    The avatar vanished, reappearing in his Bond Space. It floated above his dragon-coiled star, wings outstretched. Slowly, it settled, connecting with the star, falling seamlessly under Caine''s absolute control.

    RUMBLE!

    A deep, resonant sound echoed through his Bond Space.

 Chapter 77 Ancestral(VI)

    Caine felt the difference immediately.There was no explosion, no ripple of qi¡ªnothing. And yet, everything felt different.

    The kernels of endless power within each progenitor bloodline had been forcefully drawn and fused into his own, creating a new baseline¡ªthe sum of all three thousand and eight hundred kernels. But this time, Caine wasn''t wielding another race''s bloodline. This was a human bloodline¡ªone of his own creation, a bloodline that harmonized perfectly with the intricate workings of his Bond Space.

    A Human Bloodline born from the greatest Beast Progenitor Bloodlines in existence, forged by a spirit human, the pinnacle of human potential¡ªit was flawless.

    The changes to his body were seamless and instantaneous. His form shuddered briefly, rippling a dozen times before settling into a tranquil, unnerving stillness.

    The world continued to crawl at an unbelievably slow pace around Caine.

    He pondered the revelation. ''Who would''ve thought these beast bloodlines were actually disturbing the balance of my body? But in the end, it makes sense. Beasts are beasts. Their essence is too different from ours to be compatible.''

    ''I suppose the only reason I didn''t explode wasn''t my bone or flesh structure¡ªit was most likely my racial traits. The fact that us Velios are born with bonds must have helped. In a sense, we Velios probably share more with beasts than we realize. Perhaps our roots are intertwined with theirs.''

    WHOOOSH!

    A pair of dark grey wings unfurled from his back, radiant and immense, stretching hundreds of meters. Each feather shimmered with silver runes, etched like ancient secrets, emanating waves of formidable strength.

    Caine''s blood transformed, turning silver threaded with hints of gold. It surged through his veins with unstoppable force, an unending river of power. The avatar within his Bond Space settled above his star, folding its wings as it sat cross-legged, its presence a silent guardian.

    His abilities fused effortlessly into this new bloodline. His crown, his bones, his flesh, his rings, his stars, his elements¡ªall were woven into a seamless, harmonious whole. It was as if every breakthrough had led to this moment, each step culminating in a tapestry spun by Caine''s will.

    A dragon''s breath of fire consumed no stamina. A phoenix''s rebirth required no reserves. Now, Caine stood on that same threshold. Most of his abilities would become effortless, automatic¡ªas natural as drawing breath, as instinctive as a passing thought.

    But this was just the beginning.

    As he processed these changes, his mind surged with countless ideas and possibilities. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The current grade of his bloodline, by conventional standards, was mortal. Yet, it held a potency that rivaled Immeasurable bloodlines. Caine didn''t care about such classifications. The fact that his bloodline remained mortal opened a thousand doors.

    Like his summons, he couldn''t implement his grand plans now. But in the future¡­

    He exhaled a slow breath, the changes settling deep within his core. Time resumed its flow.

    BOOOOOM!

    A barrage of attacks crashed down on the spot where he''d stood, tearing through the air with cataclysmic force. But they struck nothing. With a single flap of his new wings, Caine had vanished, reappearing far from the swarm of mythic beasts.

    He glanced back at the wings, their immense span folding behind him. "Quite cumbersome to use," he muttered. He closed his eyes briefly, and the wings dissolved into silver runes that sank into his back.

    He smiled with satisfaction. "Alright. I doubt this trial can offer me much more."

    Extending his hand toward the horde of beasts, he narrowed his eyes. "But you''ll still be useful."

    A gleam flashed from the crown on his head. His voice dropped to a whisper. "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    BIM!

    A surge of resistance snapped through the air. Caine''s frown deepened. ''Oh? The Progenitor intents within their blood are resisting my call?''

    He chuckled darkly. ''Futile.''

    His True Will surged, an overwhelming force that shredded their defiance. He spoke again, his voice a command of inevitability.

    "[Nameless Call.]"

    The beasts roared in fury and anguish, struggling against the inevitable. Their forms disintegrated into ash, the remnants coalescing into fleshy eggs that sank into the depths of Caine''s Bond Space.

    ''With these beasts, the avatars, and the geniuses I''ve slain, my backlog of summons should last until I can execute my plan.''

    Elura''s voice chimed in, a note of amusement tinged with exasperation. ''They''ll last you forever¡ªthey''re immortal, remember?''

    Caine shook his head. ''I know. But that''s not the point. I meant their quantity. By now, I should have tens of thousands of summons. For now, that''s enough to handle whatever threats come my way. But it won''t always be. Things escalate quickly.''

    He paused, his silver eyes glinting. ''It''s been mere weeks, and I''ve gone from having just Soran to commanding a full-fledged horde.''

    Elura''s tone softened. ''With the environment of your Bond Space¡ªif we can even still call it that¡ªthey''ll grow rapidly. Your Beast Progenitor stars will accelerate the growth of your beast summons. The same goes for your humanoid summons under the elemental stars.''

    ''We don''t have to rush. With the summons you have, the resources at your disposal, and my guidance, we can craft an elite force. Focusing on quantity will dilute quality.''

    The black fog surrounding Caine began to thin, fading back into a serene white luster.

    He shook his head again. ''You''re missing the bigger picture. Quality will never be an issue. Soran has already proven that my summons will always possess the highest talent. And as I grow stronger, you will too, making it easier to manage them.''

    ''The real problem lies elsewhere. My tribulations. The scale of my future battles.''

    A fiendish light flared in his eyes. ''What I have now is just the beginning¡ªa first step on a long, unforgiving road.''

    ''It won''t be enough. And because balance must always be maintained, my tribulations will only become more brutal.''

    He exhaled slowly, a sense of resolve anchoring him. ''I wouldn''t be surprised if I needed a tribulation just to break past the Blood Realm.''

    The air around him quivered, as if acknowledging his words.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 78 Toseh

    Elura frowned.''What does that have to do with anything? Using your own logic, shouldn''t keeping a low number of summons be the smartest path?''

    ''No. Using my logic, it means that, just like the world, I need to find a balance between quality and quantity. Right now, the scale skews heavily toward quality, and that''s not good.''

    ''It still doesn''t make sense,'' Elura argued, her form appearing above Caine''s head, a wisp of ethereal light and shadow. ''Why would quality matter to an army of immortal summons?''

    ''Not only are they immortal, but they can draw power from your stars and your Will. Why the need to go overboard? You''re complicating your life for no reason, Caine.''

    ''What kind of enemies could you possibly face that require such overwhelming power? You''re rushing to the end of a race that hasn''t even begun. I can feel the unrest in your heart.''

    ''Who are you afraid of?''

    Silence followed, heavy and suffocating. The world seemed to hold its breath, afraid to move under Caine''s gaze. Elura''s form trembled, only now realizing the weight of her words.

    "Fear?" Caine repeated aloud, his voice unnervingly calm. "Fear?" he asked again, the single word slicing through the stillness like a blade.

    Elura shivered as an oppressive Will descended upon her, a force so overwhelming that it felt like the sky itself was bearing down on her. It wasn''t Caine who acted; his Will moved of its own accord, lashing out as if her words had insulted its very essence.

    But with a thought, Caine quelled the storm within him, suppressing his own Will star.

    "I do not act out of fear," he said. "You simply cannot see what I see."

    A powerful rush of qi swirled before him, and slowly, a figure began to take shape. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Simultaneously, high above, the World Will Eye began to manifest once more, its gaze cold and indifferent.

    Elura stopped trembling. The tears brimming in her eyes dried instantly, evaporating under an unseen force. "I¡­ I''m sor¡ª"

    "There''s no need to apologize," Caine interrupted, his tone even. "Perhaps my actions did contain traces of fear I hadn''t noticed. It is what it is."

    Elura''s form faded, retreating deep into his Bond Space, silent and withdrawn. In that fleeting moment, she had glimpsed the boundless wrath and hate simmering deep within Caine''s heart. It wasn''t directed at her, nor the world, but at himself. A self-loathing so potent it had taken form, breaking into the True Will stage long before his reincarnation.

    Perhaps it had ascended even beyond that.

    ''What could have happened in his past¡­?''

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    Caine''s attention returned to the figure now fully formed in front of him.

    A tall humanoid entity stood there, its body covered in dark brown fur that shimmered with radiant golden runes. Ape-like features dominated its visage, and its scarlet, bestial eyes gleamed with vicious intent.

    Atop its head, a swirling crown of fire blazed, and rings of golden flames encircled its wrists and ankles, radiating waves of oppressive heat. In its grasp, a long wooden staff gleamed with ancient power.

    Toseh, the Ape King¡ªthe very entity Caine had faced during his coming-of-age ceremony, during the second phase of the trial.

    The World Will Eye''s voice resonated above, cold and final.

    [More trials were intended, but they have proven unnecessary. The ruthlessness of your own hands and the infernal fire within your heart are trials enough to forge you, child. So be it.]

    [Face my warrior and emerge triumphant, or fall.]

    The World Will Eye faded, its decree echoing into the void.

    Caine and Toseh locked eyes. The Ape King shifted uncomfortably under Caine''s unwavering gaze, an unsettling sensation gnawing at his confidence.

    The last time they had faced each other, Toseh had been stripped of everything¡ªhis cultivation, his dignity and his hands, mangled beyond recognition. Chains had bound him, forcing him to fight under crippling restraint.

    Now, his strength had returned, almost to its full extent. Yet, he still felt¡­ inadequate.

    The feeling festered within him, feeding his bitter rage.

    "Little Velios boy," Toseh growled, his voice a deep, primal rumble. "You''ve grown quite a bit, haven''t you? I see that the world¡ª"

    "You''re afraid too, aren''t you?" Caine cut him off, his voice quiet yet sharp.

    Caine slowly removed his upper robe, revealing a black battle shirt that hugged his muscular frame. He flicked his wrist, and the robe vanished into his storage ring. His hair, dark and silken, moved like threads of living shadow, weaving itself into a long, tight braid.

    Toseh''s laughter erupted, a deep, earth-shaking roar. "Me? Afraid?" he mocked, his voice rumbling through the air, shaking the ground beneath them.

    Caine paid no attention to the display. His voice was soft, reflective. "Scared and embarrassed. Is this what I looked like to them?" he mused aloud.

    He flexed his fingers, his knuckles cracking.

    "Regardless, I''ll be using you to test a few things."

    Caine exhaled slowly.

    Toseh''s laughter choked off abruptly. His pupils shrank to pinpricks, a primal terror surging through him. His breath grew ragged, and his heart pounded erratically.

    "¡­[Star Ring Circle: Fire.]¡­"

    Behind Caine, his arcane and martial rings manifested, their forms overlapping in a mesmerizing dance of power. At their center, his Elemental Fire Will Star blazed, a radiant beacon of destructive energy.

    Toseh''s chest tightened, his instincts screaming in panic. He snarled, furious at his own fear. His crown of fire spun faster, and his aura flared, roaring to life. But it was futile.

    Caine wasn''t finished.

    "¡­[Dragon Foundation.]¡­"

    In the depths of his Fire Star, an ethereal dragon appeared, its eyes glinting with primordial might.

    Toseh''s vision blurred.

    A heartbeat later, he found himself airborne, flames searing his body, blood spilling from his lips. Agony radiated from his chest, a clear indentation of a fist burned into his flesh.

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    Far in the distance, Caine''s voice drifted toward him, calm and cold.

    "I hope you can stay alive until I''m done testing. After that, I''ll let you rest¡­ for eternity."

 Chapter 79 Toseh(II)â€”Demon

    Toseh thrashed across the cold white stone of the trial grounds, his body twisting in agony.Caine stood motionless in the distance, his gaze fixed on the Ape King as he fumbled and struggled.

    Chaotic waves of fire qi coursed through Toseh''s body, shattering the momentum of his blood qi and plunging him into an abyss of infernal pain. His roars of anguish echoed through the empty air.

    Caine''s eyes remained calm, but a vicious and malevolent edge flickered within them¡ªa glimmer of inhuman rage and deep-seated anger, reminiscent of a certain pope long forgotten.

    With a wild, defiant roar, Toseh extinguished the invasive qi burning through his veins. He rolled across the stone and landed on his feet, his knees bent, his breath ragged. His blood qi surged, and his wounds healed instantly.

    "I see. I see."

    The golden rings around his wrists and ankles spun violently, igniting into an inferno of white and gold flames. His crown of fire darkened, turning into black flames that crackled ominously.

    He took a step forward, and a ball of fire exploded beneath his foot, propelling him with blinding speed. In an instant, he was in front of Caine, his wooden staff swinging, flames swirling around it.

    BOOOM!

    Caine sidestepped effortlessly. His knee shot upward, driving into Toseh''s abdomen and knocking the wind from his lungs. Before Toseh could react, Caine''s fist zipped through the air and crashed into his face with brutal precision.

    Toseh staggered back, only for Caine''s raised foot to stomp down, summoning a pillar of flames that erupted and engulfed him.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine struck again, his palm slamming into Toseh''s collarbone, shattering it with a sickening crack and sending him flying backward. The pillar of fire splintered into countless swirling orbs of flame, each one humming with deadly intent.

    With a wave of his hand, Caine unleashed the orbs.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    Explosion after explosion tore into Toseh''s flesh, charring his skin repeatedly. But his blood qi was relentless, knitting his wounds closed before the pain fully registered. He burst out of the cloud of fire, his body smoking, and punched the air from a distance.

    BANG!

    A massive fist of golden qi materialized, hurtling toward Caine with unstoppable force.

    But Caine didn''t flinch. His palm rose, and dark red runes flickered into existence, arranging themselves into a flawless formation that glowed with fiery intensity.

    He infused the formation with a thread of fire qi from his star, and a towering wall of flames surged upward.

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    The golden fist crashed into the wall, but instead of dissipating, a whisper echoed through the air: "¡­[Reflect]¡­"

    Toseh''s eyes widened in shock as the wall of flames coiled like a spring, rebounding his own attack back at him with terrifying speed.

    He barely managed to dodge, veering to the side, but Caine was already there, his palm streaking forward like a viper.

    Toseh twisted away, closing the distance with a flaming punch aimed at Caine''s chest.

    Caine''s hand snapped out, deflecting the blow with a casual slap. He leaned in close, their faces mere inches apart.

    Caine''s mouth opened, his throat expanding grotesquely, a fierce crimson light building within. In the next heartbeat, he roared, unleashing a beam of concentrated plasma.

    WHOOOOSH!

    Toseh jerked aside, but his arm was caught in the searing beam. Flesh sizzled and burned away. He howled in pain, his eyes wide with panic.

    Caine seized the opportunity. His hand shot forward, fingers digging into the exposed wound, and he tore out a chunk of flesh.

    Toseh''s scream pierced the air, raw and desperate.

    "ARGHH!"

    Caine''s other hand plunged into Toseh''s abdomen, fingers curling around his intestines before he yanked them out in a splatter of blood and gore.

    SPLAT!

    Toseh''s entrails spilled onto the cold white stone, steaming in the frigid air. A feral light burned in Caine''s eyes as his fire star spun faster. Two concentrated beams of fire qi shot from his pupils, drilling into Toseh''s skull.

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    Toseh''s scream was cut short as Caine''s blood-soaked hand reached for his eyes, intent on gouging them out. Desperation surged through Toseh, and he twisted away¡ªonly to slam into a brutal uppercut that snapped his head back.

    Caine''s hand closed around Toseh''s throat. With a ruthless jerk, he tore out his trachea, a spray of crimson misting the air.

    Blood splattered across Caine''s face, painting him in a grotesque mask of fury and sin. A darkness, long restrained, now roared to the surface, Elura''s words having cracked open a well of violence he''d been struggling to suppress.

    Both of Caine''s hands seized Toseh''s head. With a savage motion, he drove it down onto his rising knee.

    CRACK!

    The sound of Toseh''s skull fracturing echoed through the grounds. Brain matter oozed from the fissures, a grotesque cascade of gore and pulp.

    Caine''s left fist tightened, then descended in a bone-shattering axe punch to the back of Toseh''s head. The Ape King crumpled, his body spasming weakly as his blood qi fought in vain to heal him. But it was too slow. By the time one wound closed, another had been torn open.

    Caine''s ferocity knew no bounds. He dismantled Toseh piece by piece, his fists and feet a relentless storm of destruction.

    SHURP!

    With a sickening tear, Caine ripped Toseh''s left arm from its socket. He infused the severed limb with fire qi, turning it into a burning blade of flesh and bone. Without hesitation, he drove it into Toseh''s chest.

    BANG!

    Toseh fell to his knees, shattered, broken, and utterly defeated. His body refused to move, his will crushed beneath the weight of Caine''s wrath.

    Silence descended, thick and oppressive.

    "Huff¡­ huff¡­ huff¡­"

    Caine''s labored breaths filled the void, his chest rising and falling as if each breath were an effort. His eyes blazed with lingering hate and wrath.

    He looked down at Toseh''s ruined form, his expression twisting into a frown. Slowly, he exhaled, closing his eyes. His bloodstained hands rose to his temples, massaging them as he fought to regain control.

    ''I can''t lose control like that ever again.''

 Chapter 80 Blessing

    ''It''s a flaw in my technique.''The technique Caine had used in this battle was called [Star Ring Circle]. In essence, it allowed him to summon and fully utilize the power of his stars through his rings, which served as specialized conduits.

    The technique drew upon his stars and amplified his abilities in ways that defied the ordinary limits of qi manipulation.

    Though Caine hadn''t relied on many overt fire abilities during the fight, the mere presence of his Fire Star had suppressed most of Toseh''s powers. The star enhanced his physical abilities, granting him superior strength and speed.

    Most importantly, it allowed him to wield True Fire Qi with unparalleled ease, a feat that was otherwise beyond the reach of most cultivators.

    The second step of the [Star Ring Circle] technique let him tap into the Wills of the Beast Progenitors associated with the element he desired. This infusion of primal power not only strengthened his body but also made his control over the element absolute, bending it to his whims as though he were a force of nature itself.

    It was a technique he had created only moments ago, yet it was already terrifying in its potential.

    But it had a flaw. The second step of the technique connected him too deeply with the primal instincts of the Beast Progenitors. It stirred something ancient and wild within his heart, dragging suppressed emotions to the surface and making it difficult to maintain his rationality. The raw, unfiltered essence of the beasts clawed at his mind, pushing him toward a frenzy of violence.

    The fact that Elura''s words had shaken him only exacerbated the issue. Her questions had struck a chord, unearthing feelings he had tried to bury. His emotions, already volatile, had surged uncontrollably, feeding into the primal power of the technique.

    ''I''ll fix it later.''

    Caine exhaled a slow, measured breath, then reopened his eyes. The [Star Ring Circle] technique faded, his rings withdrawing, and his aura gradually settled. The raging storm within him ebbed, replaced by a hollow stillness. His gaze fell on Toseh''s lifeless body, the once-mighty warrior reduced to a broken husk.

    Such a proud, formidable foe¡ªreduced to ashes of his former glory. Caine sighed deeply. He raised a hand and summoned a gentle wave of fire that enveloped Toseh''s corpse. The flames consumed the body, leaving nothing but ash. Caine couldn''t bring himself to turn Toseh into a summon. It felt wrong, a final insult to a warrior who had fought with everything he had.

    The least he could do was grant Toseh the dignity of rest.

    The soft wind of the trial grounds caught the ashes, carrying them away into the vast sky.

    They drifted and swirled, disappearing into the distance.

    Suddenly, a pillar of milky white qi descended from the heavens, wrapping itself around Caine in a warm embrace. The sensation was strange, familiar in a way that tugged at the edges of his memory. He felt as though he were back in his mother''s womb, nurtured by her blood qi, safe and secure.

    Elura''s voice echoed in his mind, urgent and calm. "You''re being blessed by the World Will Eye. Quick, sit cross-legged. I''ll guide you."

    Without hesitation, Caine folded his legs and closed his eyes. His breath slowed, his mind opening to the flood of energy washing over him.

    "The path you''re walking is called the True Defiant Forgery," Elura explained. Her voice was steady, each word clear and precise. "It begins with the Qi Comprehension stage, where you understand qi''s fundamental function¡ªbeing a vessel. Once you grasp this, you gain the ability to manipulate any and all qis. That''s how you were able to wield True Fire Qi in your previous form."

    Caine listened, absorbing the information like a parched man drinking water. The knowledge filled the gaps in his understanding, clarifying concepts that had always felt just out of reach.

    "After that comes the Intent Grasping stage," Elura continued. "This stage extends the Qi Comprehension stage to its limits. Once you understand that qi is a vessel, you learn to comprehend what it contains¡ªintent. In this stage, you can tap into the true force and power of any qi by accessing its intent. You can forge and read intents, and you can also see the true shape of the world through the strings of intent that bind everything together."

    As Elura spoke, Caine felt his stars tremble, the connections between them strengthening and expanding. The web of energy within him grew more intricate, more refined.

    "Then comes a stage that diverges into two paths," Elura said. "The Will Blossoming stage or the True Will Forging stage. The Will Blossoming stage can only be reached through countless years of experience and near-godlike understanding. It allows you to impose your Will on the world and disturb the natural flow of intents."

    She paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "The True Will Forging stage, however, is a different beast entirely. In this stage, you don''t merely disturb the flow of nature¡ªyou mold and shape it to your whim. A Will Blossoming practitioner can influence nature. But you? The world listens to you. You don''t force it; it obeys, like a loyal vassal to its king."

    Caine''s mind buzzed with clarity. He could feel his understanding deepening, the pieces of his power fitting together with a satisfying click.

    "And then there are the fourth and fifth stages," Elura said. "The Essence Creation stage, where you forge an Essence True Will, and the Quintessence Reckoning stage, where you give birth to a Quintessential True Will."

    She paused again, her voice growing softer.

    "The final stage of this path is the Dao Heart Bloom stage. But for now, we''ll leave that aside. Now that you know what lies ahead, let''s backtrack."

    "To solidify yourself in the first two stages, no test was required. But from the True Will Forging stage onward, a test is necessary. You must face and accept yourself. These trials will be essential for entering the higher stages."

    Elura''s tone grew somber. "Due to the nature of the True Defiant Forgery path, this is as much as I can tell you. You must light the path ahead yourself. But if you''ve made it this far without guidance, I trust you''ll figure it out." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She hesitated before speaking again. "I apologize for the long explanation, but it leads to this¡ªthe Blessing. The blessing you''re receiving now is plunging your mind into the perfect state to grasp the secrets of your path and ascend. This is your chance."

    "Don''t miss it. This path may one day determine your life and death."

    Elura''s presence faded, leaving Caine alone in the quiet embrace of the blessing. He didn''t notice her absence. The moment she stopped speaking, his mind exploded with ideas, revelations blooming like a thousand stars.

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    The force of his thoughts was almost overwhelming, a torrent of insight and clarity.

    ''True Defiant Forgery path¡­ I see. I see. I see.''

    He repeated the words, each repetition deepening his understanding. If he had reached this point with no guidance, no direction¡ªthen what heights could he achieve now, with his gifts unsealed and his path illuminated?

    He smiled faintly, a sense of boundless potential swelling within him.

    The answer was clear.

    He had no limit.

 Chapter 81 Blessing(II)

    Caine had previously lacked direction with his stars. They had been born from a series of luck and coincidences, which meant their structure and potential were likely impeded.Anything Caine did without deliberate thought was inherently flawed.

    But now, this would change.

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    WHOOOSH!

    All his stars dissipated, breaking apart into streams of chaotic intent. What remained were the countless Elemental God cores that had been fused into them. These crystalline cores pulsed with raw, dormant power, suspended in the void of his Bond Space.

    The cores began to move, drawn toward one another by a force of will. They fused and compressed, forming 106,402 singularities¡ª53,201 for the Elements and 53,201 for the Beast Progenitors. Each singularity was a seed of potential, dense and waiting to be refined.

    Caine moved according to the stages Elura had explained to him, her words etched into his mind.

    Qi Comprehension.

    Neutral qi from his Bond Space gathered and swirled around each core. The energy flowed like rivers of starlight, seeping into the depths of the singularities. The cores absorbed the qi eagerly, expanding and becoming denser, growing larger and more potent with each pulse.

    Intent Grasping.

    The singularities quivered, their surfaces trembling as runes began to snake across them. Each rune was a crystallization of purpose, a symbol of refined intent. A powerful intent bloomed within each singularity, and with a thunderous BOOM!, they ignited into stars. These stars spun in place, their light infused with raw, undeniable meaning.

    True Will Forging.

    The stars spun faster, their energies intertwining in a celestial dance. They connected, forming a radiant constellation of power. The runes etched upon each star flared brilliantly, mirrored by a new set of runes that flickered within their blazing flares.

    BOOOOM!

    A tyrannical Will surged from each star, their energies feeding into one another, weaving together to form a singular, overwhelming force. This force concentrated on Caine''s central silver True Will star, which blazed brightly at the heart of the constellation.

    Without hesitation, the collective force shattered his silver star.

    In that instant, all his stars moved in unison, reshaping his central star and pushing it through the same three stages¡ªQi Comprehension, Intent Grasping, and True Will Forging.

    They refined it to absolute perfection, purging any flaws or weaknesses.

    Five dragons materialized, their massive forms coiling protectively around the silver star. His nine rings manifested, their radiant forms encircling his winged avatar. Everything connected seamlessly, the power flowing like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. His Bond Space trembled under the weight of his breakthrough.

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    Caine exhaled slowly, as if this monumental feat were as natural as breathing. But he didn''t stop.

    RUMBLE!

    Essence Creation.

    The truths of this stage unfolded effortlessly in his mind. It felt so natural, so obvious, that he barely needed to think as his stars breached the barrier of the Essence Creation stage.

    They evolved into Essence True Will stars, radiating a deeper and more fundamental power.

    After mastering Will, it was time to grasp the very essence of things. Fire qi burned because its fire intent willed it, and that intent was birthed by its Dragon Will.

    But why did the Dragon Will exist? Why did the dragon exist at all? Who had created this primal force?

    The Heavens.

    The Heavens¡ªthe world itself¡ªhad created dragons to spark the first flame. The Heavens had determined their purpose, their task, their essence.

    The Essence Creation stage was about understanding the essence of an element within the context of the world. To know the fire''s purpose, its role, and how it fit into the grand design. This comprehension allowed one to guide and manipulate that essence.

    Through this understanding, fire could quench thirst, water could burn the sky, and earth could rise above the stars. The lines between all things blurred, unified into a singular mosaic of existence.

    It was the ability to tap into the core of an existence itself.

    But Caine didn''t stop. Why would he stop now?

    His stars, fresh from their evolution, trembled violently. They exploded into colossal black holes, devouring all light and logic. Yet within those voids, something wondrous occurred¡ªnew stars began to bloom in the darkness, defying all reason.

    Quintessence Reckoning Stage.

    This stage came to Caine with such ease it felt inevitable. A deep resonance stirred within him, as though he were truly touching his soul for the first time. All complexities fell away, leaving only simplicity¡ªthe Self. The raw truth of existence, stripped to its purest form.

    The Quintessence Reckoning stage was about embodying defiance and breaking limits.

    A flame so intense it could burn the Heavens. Waters so deep they could drown the void. Winds so fierce they could tear the cosmos apart.

    A Will so pure it could ascend to godhood.

    BOOOOOOM!

    The black holes flared with color, transmuting into sheets of white fabric that wrapped around the stars hidden within. These multicolored bubbles compressed, their brilliance intensifying until they blazed like new stars.

    The new constructs settled into a tranquil constellation, their energies harmonizing. The constellation trembled and linked, focusing on Caine''s silver star.

    His silver star imploded into a black hole, from which dragon-coiled silver stars and nine radiant rings emerged. The black hole turned white, transmuting into silvery fabric that wrapped around the stars.

    The silver fabric compressed as five enormous dragons reappeared, coiling around it protectively. Nine majestic rings spun into existence, gleaming with a divine light.

    WHOOOSH!

    The winds of his Bond Space whispered softly, a gentle lullaby after the storm. His winged avatar descended gracefully, taking its place above the final star, a serene guardian watching over the cosmos.

    It was calm. How could it be otherwise? Under Caine''s absolute [Outer] and [Inner] control, nothing in his body could go wrong.

    ''This is interesting.'' He exhaled slowly, the changes settling within him.

    All his stars now stood at the perfect peak of the Quintessence Reckoning stage¡ªexcept for his own silver star.

    It was far more potent than all the others combined, yet it lingered at the Half-Step Quintessential Reckoning stage. He could feel the barrier, elusive yet undeniable.

    ''If I had to guess, it''s related to the Dao Heart Blossoming stage. For the Dao Heart to blossom, it must first exist. To break through, I''ll need to forge a Dao Heart, making my two breakthroughs occur simultaneously.''

    Caine''s mind raced, analyzing the situation at blinding speed. But just as the thought solidified, the skies above stirred and rumbled.

    Time froze.

    The World Will Eye took shape.

 Chapter 82 Blessing(III)â€”The Throne

    Caine looked up, meeting the World Will Eye''s gaze with calm, unwavering resolve.He could sense the turmoil within its gaze¡ªuncertainty, hesitation. He had broken into the Essence Creation stage, meaning he should face the tests required of that level. But he had also ascended to the Quintessence Reckoning stage while his main star hovered at the half-step. The boundaries were blurred, making the situation ambiguous even for the world itself.

    To see the world hesitate was fascinating to Caine. Was there truly a difference between mortals and the world? This thought danced through his mind. The ability to interact with the world''s consciousness was astonishing enough, but to witness it display emotions and hesitation¡ªthis was something truly unique, something profound.

    "What are you?"

    The voice of the World Will Eye resonated, a question that was simple yet carried infinite weight.

    The test of the Essence stage was an extension of the Will stage. After being able to look into the mirror of one''s soul and accept oneself, the next step was to shatter that mirror and recreate the image, forging a reflection that embodied one''s essence¡ªto change oneself and truly bloom.

    To define yourself.

    But for Caine, just as with the previous test, this was laughably easy. Not because he had a clear answer, but because he found the question absurd.

    To define himself? To define was to limit. No title could encompass his entirety. No word could capture all that he was, all that he had been, all that he would become, and all that he aspired to be. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire

    His silence was his answer. It was that simple.

    The World Will Eye trembled, its form flickering. Then, without suspense or hesitation, it shattered into countless motes of light. The fragments descended, sinking into Caine, instantly devoured by his stars.

    A soothing ripple of energy radiated from his stars. They settled, stabilizing fully, their power firmly rooted.

    Time resumed its flow. In front of him, a swirling blue portal appeared¡ªhis exit.

    It seemed his trials were complete. In truth, they had felt more like an intensive training sequence than anything else. But Caine wouldn''t complain. He had gained invaluable insights, unlocked new power, and refined his understanding.

    He sighed and tilted his head up, staring at the sky. A weight pressed onto his chest, subtle but insistent. ''Why am I so scared? What am I afraid of?''

    An uneasy feeling gnawed at him. Something was coming. He didn''t know what, but the sensation was familiar¡ªlike the moment when Theobald had offered him the supposed greatest god-crafts in existence.

    It felt as though the invisible grip of fate was tightening around his neck, a silent noose slowly closing in. The suffocating dread of inevitability. He felt like an ant marching toward a trap, helpless to resist, his instincts screaming but his mind unable to comprehend the danger.

    It was as if someone were controlling his hands, forcing them to strangle him. As if the world itself were closing in, crushing him under its weight.

    ''Fate.''

    The word echoed in his mind.

    ''Fate. Fate. Fate.''

    The word repeated, louder each time, until it was a cacophony tearing at his thoughts. Panic threatened to overwhelm him. His breath quickened, his heart pounded, but then¡ªhis Will flared, a beacon of light cutting through the storm. His mind settled, the chaos subsiding.

    Caine''s fingers dug into the flesh of his chest, his face contorted into a frown, his pupils trembling. He didn''t understand what was happening.

    He sighed once more and rose to his feet. Pulling his upper robes on, he approached the portal. His gaze, a swirl of chaotic and unreadable emotions, fixed ahead.

    The Ancestral Trial Grounds had been conquered.

    ***

    It had only been moments since Caine vanished through the portal, and Ancestor Tallow smiled, the other ancestors chuckling in relief and triumph.

    WHOOSH!

    Ancestor Tallow''s gaze sharpened as he looked up. Black, white, and silver feathers began drifting from the sky, and from the depths of the clouds, a figure appeared.

    Caine descended, his wings outstretched, blotting out the sky. His gaze, though calm, held an elusive essence. A flicker of melancholic warmth glimmered within his eyes, stirring the hearts of all who looked upon him. A deep, inexplicable sadness bloomed in their souls, leaving them breathless.

    Even Ancestor Tallow felt his composure waver. The sight of Caine''s angelic form, his ethereal presence, was almost overwhelming. An urge to reach out to the sky¡ªto touch that fleeting radiance¡ªgripped him.

    Ancestor Tallow frowned and shook his head, snapping out of the trance. ''What a terrifyingly potent aura¡­ or is it intent?''

    Caine descended slowly, his aura soft yet commanding. When his feet touched the ground, his wings dissolved into the wind.

    Zao rushed forward immediately, his eyes scanning Caine for any injuries, unconcerned about appearances. Caine chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on his uncle''s shoulder.

    "I''m alright. Aren''t I here?"

    Zao, still taller than his nephew, looked down with a steady, knowing gaze. He could see the storm raging behind Caine''s eyes, a stark contrast to his serene exterior.

    "We''ll talk later."

    Zao sighed, patting Caine''s shoulder before stepping behind him. He straightened his changpao, adjusted his glasses, and slicked his hair back, adopting the stance of a vigilant guard.

    Caine''s expression softened. His gaze shifted to Ancestor Tallow, who still wore a deep frown. The man''s eyes reflected disbelief. He clearly hadn''t expected Caine to survive. And yet, here he stood.

    Ancestor Tallow remained silent for a moment before waving his hand. The arena stands opened, and the spectators flooded in, forming a circle around Caine and Zao.

    Another wave of his hand, and a golden crown materialized.

    BANG!

    The spectators dropped to their knees, arms crossed over their chests, their voices ringing out in unison. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "We greet His Royal Highness, Scion Lerouge!"

    The ancestors knelt as well, their voices solemn.

    "We, the Pillars of the Alliance, recognize His Royal Highness, Scion Lerouge."

    Ancestor Tallow floated toward Caine, their eyes locking. He nodded, a gesture of acknowledgment, before placing the crown gently on Caine''s head.

    Then he stepped back and knelt. Zao followed suit.

    The weight of the crown pressed down on Caine''s brow. He tilted his head up, his eyes catching the light of the sun. For a fleeting moment, his gaze glazed over, moisture glimmering before vanishing¡ªburnt away by the intensity of his heart.

    "We acknowledge and greet His Highness, Scion Lerouge!"

    Their voices echoed like a hymn. Caine closed his eyes, letting the moment wash over him.

    The throne was his.

 Chapter 83 Message

    In front of Caine, a golden door appeared¡ªsimple and unadorned, yet endlessly elegant.It radiated an aura of royalty and power, as though it embodied the very concept of dominion.

    Without hesitation, Caine pushed the door open and stepped through.

    ***

    Caine reappeared in what seemed to be a vast hall constructed entirely of dark purple marble. The marble gleamed under an unseen light, its surface polished to a mirror sheen. Ahead of him, a throne loomed¡ªan imposing structure forged from pure black void stone. Suspended above the throne, a silver ring floated gently, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

    Caine walked forward slowly, his steps echoing in the silent hall. He paused just before the throne, his gaze fixed on the ring. It seemed to pulse with latent power, as though it were alive. He extended his hand and grasped the ring carefully.

    Instantly, a screen materialized before him.

    [Would you like to appraise this object?]

    He nodded.

    ***

    [Name: Ring of Timeless Reign¡ªVelios Heirloom]

    [Type: Irregular Defiant God Craft¡ªNatal Treasure]

    ?Previous Owner: Roman Carnis Velios

    >A heirloom passed down through the Velios line since its inception. The mighty seek the crown, and the divine are bound by it¡ªthe ring yields only to boundless life.

    ?Effect (I): Upon first wear, the ring becomes an innate artifact that mutates the wearer''s Bond Space, evolving it into a fully-fledged Personal Space.

    ?Effect (II): Creates a passive qi shield generated by the flowing neutral qi of the Personal Space.

    ?Effect (III): Gain 90% of the strength of each loyal subordinate. Injuries can be transferred to subordinates, who may be sacrificed to heal or revive the wearer if they have achieved immortality.

    ?Effect (IV): 300% boost to power for every loyal subordinate. Loyalty must be absolute and unquestionable.

    ?Effect (V): Upon reaching the Spark realm, unlock an artificial database containing eons of information gathered by Velios Overlords and Scholars. Innate Bonds also gain access to this database to assist the ring-bearer.

    Note: Say your name to the wind.

    *** Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Elura''s whistle of astonishment rang in his mind as he absorbed the ring''s details. To call this a reward was a gross understatement.

    ''Fascinating. Our lineage must have had quite a few Necromancers among its leaders.''

    Without delay, he slipped the ring onto his finger. The moment the band touched his skin, a surge of energy coursed through him, and a profound connection took root. He knew, instinctively, that even if he tried, he wouldn''t be able to remove the ring now.

    A thin layer of white qi erupted from his body, shimmering briefly before fading into an intangible glow. Apart from that, nothing else happened. The ring''s other effects, he realized, would require time and effort to activate.

    ''Say your name to the wind¡­?''

    Puzzled, he decided to follow the instruction. He spoke his name aloud, his voice steady.

    "Caine Lerouge Velios."

    The air trembled, and Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    A voice, deep and familiar, filled the hall.

    "If you see this, it means you''ve managed to become the Scion."

    Before him, seated on the black void stone throne, a figure materialized. The man''s long black hair flowed like the fabric of space itself, his jade-white skin luminous against the shadows. His azure eyes sparkled with countless stars, galaxies reflected within their depths.

    The resemblance was uncanny¡ªa vision of Caine himself, older, tempered by time and experience.

    The man''s face was flawless, beyond mortal standards of beauty, his bearing one of quiet strength and majesty. A proud, joyous smile stretched across his lips as he regarded Caine.

    "Congratulations, son."

    Caine''s heart shook. He could scarcely believe what he was seeing. Resting on the man''s lap was a baby boy with short black hair and radiant silver eyes. The child giggled, his laughter like the chiming of heavenly bells.

    ''Is that¡­ me?''

    The first few years of Caine''s life were hazy, shrouded in an inexplicable fog. Though born with a mature mind, those early years had slipped into confusion, rendering him no different from an ordinary infant. He retained only fragmented flashes of the past¡ªand one clear memory: the faces of his parents.

    This man was his father.

    "It''s unfortunate that I won''t be able to see the man you''ll become," his father said, his smile tinged with sadness. "But life has its way with things." He paused. "I''m sure we''ll see each other soon."

    Roman Carnis Velios drew a deep breath. "I don''t have much time, so I''ll be brief. If my calculations are correct, the world is on the brink of unprecedented chaos. It will be a snowball effect of crisis upon crisis¡ªso relentless that one disaster will arise before you can resolve the last. Life-and-death struggles will stack endlessly."

    He sighed, the weight of inevitability in his voice. "We won''t be able to stop it. My absence here proves that."

    "But you must survive. You must claw your way through. Too much has been taken from you¡ªthings that you must reclaim."

    He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Focus on Fractured Realities. They will be seeds of hope. They''ll provide the time and resources you need to advance quickly. More importantly, they''ll help you uncover the history of our lineage."

    Roman''s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Zao might have already hinted at this, but there are things I can''t say aloud. Some ears are always listening."

    A towering Will radiated from Roman, a regal force that, while harmless, overwhelmed Caine''s senses. His own Will trembled in response.

    "Build a strong foundation. Power alone won''t save you¡ªit must be tempered, refined. Forge bonds with allies you can trust. You can''t survive this alone."

    He hesitated, his eyes softening. "And no matter how much you want to, don''t come looking for us. You won''t find us. That doesn''t mean we''re dead¡ªat least, I hope not. But for now, you''re too weak. Focus on surviving."

    Roman''s jaw clenched slightly. "And be wary of the Renala Clan. Trust them at your peril."

    He glanced down at the baby on his lap, a tender smile spreading across his face. He ruffled baby Caine''s hair, then looked up. His gaze pierced the recording, as though seeing Caine directly.

    "I really wish I could see the man you''ll become, little one." His laughter was warm, full of hope. "Your mother and I love you. Always." Experience more content on empire

    The figure faded. The recording ended.

    Caine stood there, frozen in place, his heart a tumult of emotions. The silent hall stretched around him, but in his mind, his father''s words echoed endlessly.

 Chapter 84 Heal

    Caine sat in a warm, steamy lake, naked under the vast expanse of the night sky. The moon hung high, its silver glow intensified by the myriad of stars scattered across the heavens. Their light shimmered on the surface of the emerald waters, casting a calming, ethereal glow over everything.His wet hair clung to his broad, tempered back as he let the soothing waters work their magic.

    The lake seemed almost alive, its scintillating surface healing his hidden injuries with every passing second. As impurities were burned away, his muscles relaxed, the tension melting under the heavenly touch of the waters. It was as though the cosmos themselves were massaging his weary body.

    He leaned back against a smooth, moss-covered rock and exhaled slowly. His gaze lifted to the sky, eyes locking onto the luminous moon.

    "Usually, it''s the other way around, isn''t it?" he murmured. "Women don''t typically peep on their male counterparts."

    From the thin air above, a figure emerged, descending gracefully. She wore layered robes of silver and black, each fold of fabric flowing as if woven from moonlight itself. Her long white hair glistened like freshly fallen snow, and her rose-colored eyes held deep crimson depths, secrets swirling within. Her face, flawless and ethereal, seemed sculpted by the gods.

    Lilith looked down, meeting Caine''s eyes with a knowing gaze. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Few knew the truth, but their meeting during Caine''s journey to the Elemental Legacy Grounds had not been their first. In fact, Caine had known Lilith for years. Just weeks before his fifth birthday, she had appeared out of nowhere, unseen by anyone else, and befriended him.

    Back then, she had been only eleven years old and yet had already firmly planted herself in the depths of the Spark Realm.

    "You seem sad," Lilith said softly as she descended. Her feet brushed the surface of the water, and she settled beside him, weightless. "You always look sad, but today, you seem¡­ worse."

    Caine shook his head and offered a bitter smile. "I''m happy to see you too, Lilith."

    "Answer me," she insisted.

    "You didn''t ask a question," he countered. Her brow furrowed, but before she could reply, he continued. "I''m fine. Just winding down after everything that''s happened recently."

    She nodded but didn''t seem entirely convinced. Her gaze sharpened. "You''ve broken into the Quintessential Threshold, haven''t you?"

    He nodded again. "Yeah. That explains how you read my mind back then. It finally makes sense. How long have you been at that stage?"

    Lilith grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

    "Me? I''ve been at the peak of the Dao Heart Blooming Stage for years now. What''s it been, ten years?"

    Caine sneered. "Must be nice to have such an overpowered set of gifts." His voice was a mutter, edged with mock annoyance. He stood and stretched, his muscles rippling under the moonlight.

    He drifted upward, floating out of the water, and with a thought, his body dried instantly. A loose white changpao materialized around him, flowing down to his ankles, while his hair braided itself neatly.

    "Still haven''t cut it?" Lilith teased, standing up beside him.

    "I''ll cut it after I''m done with my Scion training. Until then¡­" He trailed off, his eyes gleaming with an auspicious light.

    A piercing screech echoed through the night.

    High above, Caine''s eagle mount swooped down, its wings a blur of black and silver. The two of them soared up to meet it, settling onto its broad back with practiced ease.

    "There''s someone I need to see in Kael City," Caine said. "Care to join me?"

    Lilith nodded, her smile widening. The eagle''s wings beat powerfully, and they surged forward into the cold night air.

    ***

    [Kael City ¡ª Northern Continent Border]

    Kael City was perpetually blanketed in snow, like most of the northern continent. A quiet stillness had settled over the city since the excitement of the Forger''s Trials had faded.

    The streets were mostly empty, the residents huddled indoors, seeking warmth.

    Carriages clattered by occasionally, leaving muddy tracks mixed with slush. Merchants, knowing sales were unlikely in such frigid conditions, clustered in open plazas under makeshift shelters, their stalls open for the rare passerby.

    Enjoy new adventures from empire

    The atmosphere was serene, peaceful even. Sunlight filtered through thick clouds, casting a muted glow on the snow-draped rooftops. It was in this tranquil setting that Caine and Lilith arrived. They wandered through the stalls, sampling delicacies and listening to snippets of conversation.

    "Have you heard about the chaos in the central continent?" a merchant asked a guard, who was clad in thick steel armor, clearly off duty.

    The guard shook his head, his breath fogging the cold air. "No, I''ve been swamped dealing with idiots who think they can take over the city. What''s happening? It''s not another war, is it?"

    The merchant sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head, irritated. "You won''t believe it. It might be another war."

    The guard''s brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

    "The Merchant Alliance from the central continent has been recalling everyone. We''ve been ordered to return with all our goods and dismantle any stations outside the main continent."

    "That''s probably because of the Millennium Auction," the guard suggested. "If it only happens once every ten generations, they need to be careful."

    The merchant rubbed his hands together for warmth. "Nah, it''s more than that." He blew his nose before continuing. "It''s happening alongside that cult''s activities."

    "A cult?" the guard repeated, frowning.

    "Yeah. Haven''t you heard? They''ve been blowing up trade houses of all the major powers. Just last week, they looted a treasury in the eastern continent."

    The guard let out a low whistle. "Hell. What makes them a cult? Sacrifices and rituals?"

    "Not exactly. They brand their victims'' faces with these weird eye symbols. They look like World Will Eyes, but¡­ off somehow."

    The guard strapped on his belt of swords, his expression grim. "Can we ever have one normal generation?"

    The merchant sighed. "We can only hope the new Scion will keep us safe."

    The guard nodded, his eyes shadowed with worry. "You''re right. Let''s hope."

    "See you around, Skelly."

    "Stay safe, big guy."

    They parted ways, their footsteps crunching through the snow.

 Chapter 85 Nine

    Caine and Lilith sat on a rooftop, overlooking the serene city below. The night air was crisp, the snow-covered streets bathed in the silvery glow of the moon."Hm, that''s interesting," Lilith said aloud, watching the guard and merchant part ways. Her rose-colored eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Have you heard of this?"

    Caine shook his head slowly, his dark hair rustling with the motion. "No, not at all. I''ve been too focused on the Clan gathering." He yawned, stretching his long limbs. "Zao did mention a few things brewing in the central continent, but nothing urgent enough to need my attention."

    Lilith shrugged, acknowledging his words.

    "Yeah, I guess. Still, it''s good to keep track of stuff like this," she said, scooping another spoonful of ice cream from the wooden bowl in her hands. The dessert was infused with wood elemental crystals, an experiment by an ambitious chef from one of the stalls below.

    While the ice cream hadn''t impressed Caine, Lilith seemed to savor every bite.

    "So, when are we meeting this guy?" she asked between mouthfuls.

    "He should be here any moment."

    WHOOSH!

    A rush of wind heralded the arrival of a figure behind them. Soft winds rustled as Theobald''s imposing frame cast a shadow over the duo. His deep blue and gold eyes glowed with respect and reverence. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee.

    "Greetings, Your Highness," Theobald intoned, his voice low and measured. He turned to Lilith and inclined his head. "I greet the Heiress."

    Caine rose slowly, his eyes warm as he looked at Theobald. He placed a firm hand on the older man''s shoulder, helping him up. "There''s no need for that, Sir Theobald. Please, stand."

    Theobald complied, straightening to his full height¡ªan inch taller than Caine''s already impressive six-foot-eleven frame. His eyes softened at Caine''s genuine smile, a smile that reminded him of a man he had once sworn to serve through life and death.

    A sigh escaped his lips, and his stern expression melted away. "I''ve been well, Your Highness. Congratulations on your recent victory. I apologize for ever doubting you. My sincerest apologies."

    Caine chuckled, patting Theobald''s arm lightly. "Oh, come on. I told you there''s no need for that. It''s fine." He nodded toward the distance. "Shall we get going?"

    Theobald nodded and waved his hand. A swirling portal appeared before them, its edges shimmering with a silvery glow.

    As Caine and Theobald began to walk toward the portal, Caine glanced back. "You coming?"

    Lilith grinned, stood up, and followed without hesitation.

    **

    They emerged in a dimly lit room, the air damp and heavy. The lack of windows suggested they were underground. Fire-lit lamps lined the rough, mudstone walls, casting flickering shadows across the expansive chamber.

    The room was enormous¡ªfar larger than one might expect from such a hidden place. At its center, nine silver orbs floated in mid-air, radiating a soft, otherworldly glow. They illuminated the room like miniature stars, their light pulsing gently.

    Theobald stepped aside, and Lilith followed suit, standing back to let Caine approach the orbs alone. He didn''t hesitate, his eyes locked on the floating spheres. But as he took his first step forward, his body stiffened. The moment was fleeting; he soon resumed his stride, continuing toward the orbs. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Behind him, Theobald and Lilith exchanged stunned glances, though for different reasons.

    Theobald''s brow furrowed in disbelief. He hadn''t designed this room, but he knew well the test it held. Each step toward the orbs applied crushing pressure on the mind, pushing it to the very brink. He had witnessed countless warriors crumble under that weight; some had even perished after a single step.

    Lilith, on the other hand, could feel the pressure emanating from the trial. Her Will allowed her to sense the layered oppression, and it was terrifying. She was confident she could pass the test, but not with such ease. It didn''t add up. She was two Will stages ahead of Caine, and after having forged her Bone and Flesh Structures she reached the peak of the Blood Realm. She should be stronger.

    ''Now that I think about it, I can''t see through his cultivation or thoughts anymore¡­ strange,'' she thought, her frown deepening.

    ''Does it have to do with that red thing attached to his Will?''

    Experience tales at empire

    WHOOSH!

    Caine reached the orbs, their silent call resonating within him. He could feel the boundless power they held, the majesty and authority that oozed from them. But that call remained unanswered¡ªfor now. With a firm tug of his Will, he drew the orbs into his Bond Space, storing them away for later.

    Now wasn''t the time to bind with such potent treasures. If Theobald was to be believed, these were some of the strongest artifacts to ever exist. He couldn''t take this lightly.

    And of course, as always, Caine had a plan.

    "That was a bit anticlimactic, wasn''t it?" Caine chuckled, turning back to them. Their inquisitive stares didn''t faze him.

    "It truly was, Your Highness," Theobald admitted with a sigh. His expression grew serious. "About my allegiance to your parents¡­ it''s complicated. I¡­"

    The air thickened with unspoken words.

    Theobald struggled to continue, his face a mask of conflicted thoughts.

    Caine''s smile never wavered. "It''s alright. I understand."

    He didn''t press further, walking past the older man. His eyes met Lilith''s. "You want to head back home, or¡­"

    "Or?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

    "There''s a city nearby with an ancient beast exhibition. Interested?"

    Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Will there be good food?"

    "Mhm." He smirked. "The duke there is a master of the culinary arts. The exhibition is about the beasts they use to create their dishes."

    Lilith''s eyes widened. "Oh?"

    They stepped through the portal, their figures vanishing into the swirling light.

    Theobald remained behind, his gaze lingering on the spot where they disappeared. His shoulders slumped slightly, and a weary sigh escaped him.

    ''Fate has its way with things.''

    He took a step forward and teleported away, leaving the room empty. The silence that followed was profound, the faint flicker of the lamps the only sign of life.

 Chapter 86 Invent

    Caine sat cross-legged on his usual cultivation platform, nestled deep within a snow-covered forest. The air was crisp, the world blanketed in a serene hush.His eyes were closed, his breathing rhythmic and steady as he allowed his mind to settle into perfect stillness. Snowflakes drifted lazily around him, some landing on his broad shoulders, only to melt instantly from the heat of his focused qi.

    Normally, after one ascended to Scionhood, they were required to undergo the Scion Training Regime within specialized underground facilities. These facilities contained everything a Scion needed to advance swiftly and securely.

    But Caine wasn''t interested in the formalities just yet. He preferred the quiet solitude of his platform, surrounded by the ancient trees and the whisper of falling snow. Here, his thoughts flowed freely, and his connection to the world felt unbreakable.

    ''Let''s begin.''

    Caine centered himself, preparing to enter the Perfected Folds stage. This stage followed the foundational processes of Blood and Marrow Washing stage and was designed to take a cultivator''s physical refinement to its utmost limits.

    After constructing the foundational structures of his body and purifying his blood qi, the next step was to empower and refine his body to the pinnacle using that purified blood qi.

    The stages of refinement were sequential: Bone Fortification, Flesh Empowerment, Five Elements Union, Blood Purification, Vein Channel Widening, and finally, Marrow Washing. Each step mirrored the earlier stages of the Blood Realm, and together, they formed what was known as a refined fold.

    But there was a secret to this stage.

    Once the first refined fold was completed with blood qi, a cultivator could continue refining their body with different types of qi. Most cultivators could handle only thirteen folds due to the conflicting nature of various qis.

    But Caine had no intention of stopping there.

    After his initial refinement with blood qi, he planned to refine his body thirteen times for each of his stars and their corresponding qis.

    Given that he had 106,402 stars, this meant a total of 1,383,226 refined folds.

    One million, three hundred and eighty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty-six folds.

    It was an absurd, seemingly impossible number. Yet, Caine''s resolve didn''t waver. He was determined to draw out the full potential of his Bone, Flesh, and Organ structures.

    And even that wasn''t enough. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He planned to refine his body not only with the true qis of his stars but to push further still.

    Beyond qi refinement, he intended to incorporate Intent, then Essence, and finally Quintessence into the process.

    In essence, he was pioneering a new path of refinement: Qi Fold Refinement, Intent Fold Refinement, Essence Fold Refinement, and Quintessence Fold Refinement.

    Only when he had completed all these steps would he be satisfied.

    ''It''s definitely doable. Definitely.''

    Caine''s aura surged, his usually calm presence transforming into something sharp and unyielding. A terrifying edge lurked beneath the surface¡ªa sharpness capable of sundering even the strongest Wills.

    He exhaled slowly. Nature seemed to respond to his intent, wrapping around him like a comforting blanket and pulling him into a state of profound focus.

    The refinement began. His robes fluttered under the immense pressure of his raging qi.

    Yet, his mind was split in two¡ªone half dedicated to the refinement process, the other occupied by a lingering thought. Experience exclusive tales on empire

    Thanks to his rings, Caine had always been able to split his mind into multiple streams.

    Now, it was as natural as breathing.

    ''I need a deeper understanding of the gaps between each Will stage to complete my foundation.''

    ''It''s complicated, especially when factoring in qi.''

    Caine reflected on his grasp of Intent and its later stages. He had only truly used it a couple of times¡ªonce during the Clan Gathering when he fused Earth Intent with his neutral qi to imprison the Heavenly Heirs. The second time was in his battle with Toseh, when he used [Star Ring Circle], though he dismissed that example.

    The truth was, he hadn''t yet taken the time to fully analyze and internalize his understanding of Intent and Will. To wield it effectively, he needed to peel back its layers, dissecting it to its core.

    ''Qi comprehension is straightforward for me. My affinity with qi is uncanny, even without my talents. As a mere Blood Realm cultivator, I can use True Qi and manipulate it effortlessly.''

    But Intent was more nuanced.

    ''Grasping Intent offers the ability to read and create intent. More importantly, I can tap into the intent behind qi to unlock its true potential.''

    By reading the intent of an object or energy, Caine could understand it perfectly. This gave him an undeniable advantage, one he had yet to fully exploit.

    ''I need to use this more. I can even do what Lilith does¡ªread others'' intentions and build predictive models based on their actions.''

    The ability to create intent was another area where he was falling short. His mind automatically associated intent with qi, which limited his creativity.

    ''What''s stopping me from creating Fist Intent when I throw a punch? Or Spear Intent when I wield a weapon? I could even use Mental Intent to sharpen my thoughts.''

    He considered the reverse application: using neutral qi as a vessel for intent.

    ''I could mold neutral qi into anything I desire through intent.''

    This realization extended to the True Will Forging stage as well.

    ''What''s stopping me from channeling my Will into neutral qi¡ªor even into my own body?''

    His True Will was the core of everything. From True Will to True Essence Will and, ultimately, to True Quintessential Will, everything branched from that core.

    ''Instead of viewing this as an evolution, I should see it as branches of the same tree. Intent isn''t above qi, just as Essence isn''t above Quintessence.''

    ''They all originate from Will itself. If I wanted, I could''ve forged a Quintessential True Will first and worked my way back.''

    As enlightenment blossomed within him, his stars trembled. Around each star, four smaller stars manifested¡ªQi Star, Intent Star, Essence Star, and Quintessence Star.

    A spark ignited within Caine, illuminating his path forward.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    His eyes slowly opened, their depths shimmering with newfound clarity.

    ''I almost stepped onto the wrong path.''

 Chapter 87 Dâ€¦

    Caine''s eyes snapped open, sharp as a blade.A flicker of something ancient and elusive stirred deep within his mind, like the fluttering of wings against a locked door. His gifts surged to life, working relentlessly to grasp that fleeting insight.

    It felt tantalizingly close yet maddeningly distant.

    ''D¡­d¡­'' His gaze narrowed, a frown etching itself onto his face. It felt as though an unseen force was deliberately shrouding his thoughts, blocking his path to complete enlightenment.

    BANG!

    A shockwave of chaotic qi exploded around him as he completed the final fold of his refinements. His body thrummed with terrifying power, the atmospheric qi warping and contorting under his sheer presence. The sky above darkened, clouds roiling and crackling with suppressed fury, while the earth trembled beneath his feet as if afraid of what he had become.

    But with a flicker from his silver star, [Inner Control] activated. The wild, chaotic energy that had surged outward like an uncontrollable tempest immediately stilled, tamed by his indomitable Will. The overwhelming power was leashed, falling completely under his command.

    He exhaled slowly, his breath steady and measured. The Perfected Folds stage was now behind him. What lay ahead was the True Rebirth stage¡ªthe penultimate stage of the Blood Realm, a stage that would take his body beyond its current limits.

    At this point in cultivation, a practitioner''s body would have reached a state of completion. No more enhancements could be made; no more impurities remained to be purged. Instead, their blood would be suffused with Potential¡ªthe raw, untapped energy that lay dormant within.

    This Potential was the essence of the True Rebirth stage. By igniting their Blood Qi, a cultivator could unleash this potential and fuse it into their body, undergoing a transformative rebirth. Each ignition equaled one rebirth, and the maximum number achievable was 81 rebirths.

    The more rebirths one completed, the more formidable they would become. The quality of these rebirths was determined by the foundation laid in the earlier stages. The stronger the foundation, the more profound and powerful each rebirth would be.

    Caine had no intention of overcomplicating things. He would complete 81 rebirths for each of his stars, just as he had achieved 13 folds per star in his previous refinements.

    With his recent breakthroughs, his star count had risen to a staggering 425,608 stars. This meant he was aiming for an astronomical total of 34,474,248 ignitions and rebirths.

    Thirty-four million, four hundred and seventy-four thousand, two hundred and forty-eight rebirths.

    The sheer scale of the task would have driven others to despair. But to Caine, it was just another step on his path. He didn''t hesitate.

    The process began immediately, his mind splitting effortlessly into multiple streams of thought. One part of his consciousness focused on the ignitions and rebirths, while another continued to probe the depths of his Will.

    His frown remained, the weight of his incomplete understanding gnawing at the edges of his mind.

    ''I can''t let this slip away. I need to backtrack and pin it down. I''m too close to let it fade.''

    He exhaled again, his Will washing over his body, sinking him into a state of hyper-focused clarity.

    ''I now understand that True Will is the core, the very heart of the path. Qi, Intent, Essence, and Quintessence are not stages above it¡ªthey are branches extending from it.''

    ''If I peel back even further, everything circles back to my first enlightenment¡ªBlood Qi.''

    Blood Qi was where it had all begun. The foundation of his journey.

    ''Through Blood Qi, I first comprehended Intent. By deepening my understanding of Intent, I realized that this path serves as a bridge.''

    A bridge connecting his mind to reality. A means to transform abstract thought into concrete action. A path to achieving absolute control.

    A ripple of energy surged through his body, and the air shimmered with auspicious signs¡ªa celestial affirmation of his insight.

    ''Creation and Control¡ªthe essence of True Will. The ability to make my thoughts reality. The power to command myself and the world around me.''

    The realization crystallized further.

    ''Each stage I''ve traversed represents a form of control and creation: Qi Control and Creation. Intent Control and Creation. Essence Control and Creation. Quintessence Control and Creation.''

    But now, he needed to unify these elements.

    Not through fusion¡ªthat would be clumsy and crude. No, he needed to link them, to create a seamless whole where each part flowed into the next.

    He dove deeper, his mind stretching into the depths of the True Defiant Forgery Path. He didn''t realize it, but what he was attempting was revolutionary. Law-breaking.

    True Wills were deeply personal. Every cultivator''s path to True Will was unique. One could forge a True Will by mastering the elements, while another might forge theirs through profound emotional experiences.

    But not all True Wills were equal. Some paths led to simple, ordinary Wills. Others birthed monstrous, terrifying Wills capable of reshaping reality itself.

    ''Before I attempt to unify everything, I need to examine the foundation I''m building on.''

    ''Creation and Control may form the outer structure, but the core consists of my elements and beast progenitors. They are the roots of everything.''

    His body shuddered as a new thought burst into his mind.

    ''The dragons¡­''

    His focus turned inward to the five dragons coiling protectively around his silver star.

    ''¡­I see it now¡­''

    The answer had been there all along. The path he sought was the same path he had used to manifest his gifts. Those gifts, now represented by the five dragons, were formed by a blend of Intent, Essence, and Quintessence, all bound together by Qi.

    Hadn''t those dragons always been the key to his perfect control?

    Before their evolution, hadn''t the Bloody Dragon granted him flawless mastery over his body and Blood Qi?

    The realization struck like lightning. The path had been in front of him the entire time. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Deep within his mind, the outline of a new technique began to form. It was faint, still embryonic, but filled with limitless potential.

    His body quivered as his mind rewired itself.

    His Arcane Ring activated, dissecting his brain, rearranging his understandings, organizing every insight into a perfect, cohesive whole.

    All the knowledge he had gained¡ªacross lifetimes¡ªclicked together.

    Read latest stories on empire

    ''Creation and Control.''

    BOOOOOOOM!

    A deafening explosion erupted. The earth shook violently. Snow vaporized into mist. The sky cracked open with blinding arcs of chaotic qi.

    Caine sat in the eye of the storm, his eyes blazing with clarity and purpose. The tempest of power around him stilled, bowing to his Will.

    The path was clear.

 Chapter 88 Scions

    The path had been there all along.His rings. His bones. His flesh. His stars. His summons.

    Everything led to that path.

    WHOOOOOOOSH!

    The last of Caine''s rebirths concluded just as his brain finished its restructuring. Around him, a cocoon of flesh had formed, pulsing rhythmically like a nascent heart, brimming with life and power.

    PAH!

    A hand tore through the cocoon''s surface, and in moments, the entire structure dissolved, disintegrating into dust. A figure emerged, standing tall and unyielding.

    Caine looked the same, yet somehow entirely different.

    His towering frame was sculpted with tempered, refined muscles that flexed subtly under each slight movement. His jade-white skin blended seamlessly with the falling snow, ethereal runes flashing intermittently across it, pulsing with life and power.

    Qis of every type danced across his skin''s surface, radiating waves of immense energy.

    His long, dark hair flowed freely with the wind, crowning his face, which had been refined to a level that defied mortal standards.

    But his eyes¡ªthose were different.

    An inhuman sheen glinted in their depths, vast and unfathomable. It was as if a World Will Eye had fused with his own, evolving into something greater, something beyond comprehension. Silver, white, and golden-red currents swirled within, cold and mesmerizing, filled with a melancholic apathy that created a strange, fitting contrast.

    Caine''s finger twitched, and qi materialized into dark robes that majestically draped over him, the fabric whispering with restrained power.

    He raised his hand, extending a single finger, and drew a line through the air. SHING! With a sharp sound, his hair was cut, the strands falling gently, now brushing just past his shoulders.

    ''Finally.''

    Caine knew he couldn''t step into the final stage of the Blood Realm just yet. Even if he could, he wouldn''t. There was too much left to do.

    One of his priorities was training in the Scion facilities. He planned to spend a few months there, perhaps a year at most. During that time, he aimed to elevate all his knowledge to the Savant and Virtuoso stages, study his bloodlines thoroughly, and deepen his understanding of his aspects. He also intended to create a multitude of new techniques.

    He had reached the stage of Scionhood, and his opponents would no longer be weak or predictable. Many would be as smart and cunning as he was, with talents that rivaled his own. They would wield countless treasures and techniques, and he needed to be ready.

    And there was the looming threat of the chaos his father had foreseen¡ªa turbulent age on the horizon. Preparation was essential.

    ''Cutting your hair now is a bit silly, isn''t it?''

    Elura''s voice echoed through his mind, tinged with a playful giggle. ''By the time you''re done training, it''ll grow back.''

    Caine sighed, a resigned smile crossing his lips. He knew she was right. "I think I''ll just stop cutting it. It''s whatever." Find more to read at empire

    With that, he took a step forward and teleported away, leaving his snow-covered training field empty and silent.

    ***

    Months passed.

    Lilith stood on the deck of a sleek, pill-shaped ship zipping through the air at a terrifying speed. The wind whipped around her, but she remained poised, her deep rose-colored eyes locked on the horizon.

    After the Scions of the world''s major factions were chosen, an event known as the Worldly Scion Meeting took place. This prestigious gathering was held in the Heart Star, a massive construct that hovered above the clouds. Only the world''s most powerful and privileged were allowed to enter.

    The meeting had one primary purpose: the allocation of resources. The major powers controlled the world''s resources, and this event served as a competition to determine how they would be divided. The higher a Scion ranked, the more resources their faction received.

    However, the Scions themselves weren''t particularly invested in the competition. Most would attend briefly out of obligation before leaving. For now, the real battles were fought between their respective forces, not between the Scions themselves.

    BOOM!

    Lilith''s ship pierced through the final layer of clouds and entered the star-filled void above.

    In the distance, the Heart Star loomed¡ªa majestic platform constructed of gleaming metal, streaked with veins of amethyst qi that pulsed like lifeblood through the structure.

    Floating above the platform were countless cubes, each of a different color and material, hovering protectively around a grand palace made of gold and silver. These cubes served as defensive hubs, constantly in motion, their surfaces shimmering with protective enchantments.

    Lilith''s ship descended, landing gracefully on the platform. The vessel''s hull peeled away, revealing the legion within.

    Behind Lilith stood millions of her servants, all clad in immaculate white robes. Their faces were hidden behind rose-colored veils, men and women alike. At their sides, they carried elegant rapiers and long swords, their demeanor calm and composed.

    They formed perfect lines behind their mistress, silent and still, an unbreakable wall of loyalty.

    BANG!

    A crimson-scaled dragon burst through the clouds, roaring as it ascended into the starry void. On its back rode countless warriors clad in red robes, each radiating a suffocating killing intent.

    The Chaos Heaven Pagoda had arrived¡ªthe overlords of the western continent.

    WHOOOSH!

    A ripple of energy heralded the appearance of another group. They teleported directly onto the platform, dressed in flowing light green robes. Arcane artifacts floated around them, analyzing their surroundings with meticulous precision.

    This was the Alchemy Haven Hall¡ªmasters of the eastern continent.

    SHURRR!

    Space itself groaned and tore apart as the third faction made their entrance. Cloaked in pitch-black robes and wearing dark amethyst masks, their terrifying auras bled into the surroundings.

    The Void Trading Alliance¡ªrulers of the central continent¡ªhad arrived.

    All four factions stood on the platform, their combined auras towering with unspoken hostility and latent killing intent.

    At the forefront of the Chaos Heaven Pagoda''s forces stood a young man. Bald, with a face marred by deep, gruesome scars, his presence exuded brutality. His black robes clung tightly to his muscular frame, and a massive axe was strapped across his back.

    Taharis the Great, Scion of the Chaos Heaven Pagoda.

    Beside Lilith''s forces and in front of the Alchemy Haven Hall stood a radiant young woman. Her long golden hair flowed like a river of sunlight, and her emerald eyes gleamed with intelligence. Her beauty was otherworldly, enhanced by a pair of thin, scholarly glasses.

    Serena, Heiress of the Arcane, Scioness of the Alchemy Hall.

    Facing the Void Trading Alliance was a shadowy figure, identical to the rest of the faction''s forces. Shrouded in dark robes, an amethyst mask concealed their features.

    Tathamet, Scion of the Void Trading Alliance. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    WHOOOSH!

    The air crackled with tension as the Scions locked eyes, their auras surging upward, threatening to shatter the skies.

    Suddenly, the temperature dropped. A chill seeped into the very bones of those present.

    Snowflakes began to fall, mingling with white, silver, and black feathers drifting from above.

    The stars dimmed, cloaked in darkness.

    All eyes turned skyward, their gazes narrowing.

    BOOOOM!

    A presence descended, and the world trembled.

 Chapter 89 Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda

    Above, eclipsing the stars, a fleet of avian beasts of all kinds soared, their wings stretched across the heavens. Upon their backs, countless entities clad in pristine, pitch-white robes could be seen, radiating power and majesty that seemed to warp the air around them.At the forefront flew a simple yet magnificent eagle, far larger than any other beast in the fleet behind it. On its massive back, three figures were present.

    Two of them stood¡ªZao and the Timeless Guardian¡ªwhile a single figure sat cross-legged in front of them: Caine.

    Caine''s gaze fell to the Scions below, his eyes steady, unblinking, and undisturbed. The longer their gazes remained locked, the colder the world became. Gradually, it felt as though a blue filter had been overlaid onto reality itself.

    Lilith looked around, her eyes sharp, seemingly unaffected by Caine''s icy gaze. The platform was now covered in snow¡ªsnow so cold that even cultivators of their level found it biting, harmful, and relentless.

    ''His ice affinity¡­ has somehow become even more potent?'' S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Without hesitation, the members of the Timeless Alliance descended in unison. Only Caine remained behind, his eyes reflecting a quiet storm. He glanced at Zao, who nodded silently and leapt off alongside the Timeless Guardian.

    WHOOOSH!

    The air split as Lilith suddenly appeared beside Caine, standing on his eagle''s back.

    Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her curiosity. "Where are we going?"

    "Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda," he replied, his tone as resolute as steel.

    Lilith''s eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "You want to go now? I thought you wanted us to go after the¡ª" Her words faltered as realization dawned. Her gaze sharpened, her thoughts racing.

    If Caine was suggesting they head to the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda now, it meant something was on the horizon. Something big. It meant he needed even more power than he already wielded.

    She could feel his current strength¡ªan overwhelming force that had seemingly caught up to her own. If even he believed he needed more power, then whatever was coming was beyond anything they had faced before.

    "Let''s go," she whispered, her resolve hardening as she sat beside him.

    Caine nodded, a faint smirk touching his lips as he patted the eagle''s sleek feathers. The beast chirped in response, and they shot forward, a blur of motion and wind, leaving the other Scions behind to battle for resources.

    But what was the point? If Caine''s instincts were correct, soon, none of those resources would matter. He had what he needed from the alliance treasury. There was no need to compete.

    Though that didn''t mean he doubted his people''s abilities. No, he knew they would likely win, as they had done for countless years before.

    ***

    The Central Continent.

    The Central Continent was the heart of the world, the epicenter of power and influence.

    Everything of consequence happened there.

    The continent was home to the major figures of all the dominant forces, overseen by the formidable Void Trading Alliance, arguably the most powerful organization in existence.

    Blessed with an overwhelming abundance of resources, the Central Continent was a paradise for geniuses. Ancient houses, temples, and facilities dedicated to cultivating talent dotted its landscapes, each designed to forge the greatest, most divine minds of their generation.

    Among these legendary structures, none was more prestigious or sacred than the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda. So revered was this pagoda that even figures like Caine and Lilith couldn''t just arrive unannounced.

    ***

    [Central Continent ¡ª Plains of Ishva''al] Experience more content on empire

    The Plains of Ishva''al were a vision of natural beauty. Gigantic trees, taller and wider than mountains, housed intricately carved dwellings within their colossal trunks. White and scarlet leaves adorned their vast branches, drifting gently through the air like soft, colorful snow.

    A potent flow of life qi infused the plains, saturating the atmosphere with vitality. At the heart of this vibrant expanse stood a grand obsidian tower¡ªa structure that loomed over the plains with a commanding, ancient presence.

    The tower appeared to be carved from dark marble, veins of purple and red threading across its surface. White runes pulsed along its exterior, shifting and glowing as if the tower itself were alive. Its rectangular form pierced the sky, disappearing into the clouds, exuding a menacing, primordial aura.

    At the tower''s base, a congregation of entities clad in priestly attire stood in neat formation. Their gazes were fixed on the horizon, awaiting something¡ªor someone¡ªwith bated breath.

    A piercing screech shattered the silence.

    SKREEEEEEEEE!

    The wind whipped violently as an eagle appeared in the distance, speeding past the towering trees and arriving before the gathered priests with breathtaking swiftness.

    WHOOOSH!

    The figure leading the priests, an aged man known as Priest Conan, stepped forward. His oily white hair framed a face creased with wisdom, his deep blue eyes sparkling with reverence. A smile spread across his face as Caine and Lilith dismounted from the eagle.

    "Greetings, Your Highness!" Priest Conan bowed deeply, his voice warm with respect.

    "Greetings, Priest Conan," Caine replied with a light smile, his demeanor calm and measured.

    Priest Conan straightened. "I do not wish to waste your time, Your Highness. Let us proceed."

    Caine nodded and began to follow the procession toward the tower.

    A younger priest glanced back. "Your Highness, may I remind you of the pagoda''s settings?"

    "Go ahead."

    The priest took a deep breath. "The Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda was constructed countless eons ago to transform potential into greatness¡ªto forge geniuses. We, the Priests of the Bloody Sun, are dedicated to protecting and maintaining it with our very souls."

    "The pagoda has multiple modes, but only two matter: Void Meditation Mode and Endless Samsara Mode."

    "The Endless Samsara Mode immerses the user''s mind in a dreamscape where they live countless lives, each unique. This mode allows them to gain millennia of experience within mere months, accelerating their growth and maturity. It refines the mind and forges true divinities. However, only those with a firm sense of self can withstand this mode; otherwise, they risk losing their identity and falling into eternal madness."

    "On the other hand, the Void Meditation Mode doesn''t transport the mind. Instead, it creates a formation that suspends time for the user. Within this suspended zone, they can train or meditate under perfect conditions for as long as they need."

    "But this mode carries risks, too. During suspended time, the user is vulnerable to Heart Demons. If they succumb, there''s little we can do once time resumes. Additionally, those without time affinity will suffer backlash once the suspension ends. Though we have healers who specialize in treating this, accidents can still occur."

    "Typically, the backlash incapacitates a user for up to a year. But for the potential of millions of years of training, it is often worth the risk¡ªif their minds can endure it."

    Caine nodded, absorbing the information as they reached the pagoda''s entrance. His eyes glimmered with determination as he stepped inside.

 Chapter 90 The Heart

    Caine and Lilith entered the wide entry hall of the pagoda, their steps steady and deliberate.The marble-white floors gleamed under the dim light, stretching out toward a ceiling that seemed to pierce into the very heavens. The grand architecture conveyed an ancient majesty, whispering of secrets and power cultivated over countless eons.

    Delicate butterflies fluttered around the empty space, their wings shimmering with an iridescent glow that illuminated the hall''s darkness. Their soft, ethereal light lent the scene an otherworldly tranquility, masking the intensity of what lay ahead.

    Priest Conan turned to the two Scions, a warm smile softening his aged features. With a wave of his hand, two ethereal screens appeared before them, each glowing with ancient runes.

    [Endless Samsara Mode / Void Meditation Mode / Auxiliary]

    Caine''s finger moved with the same calm confidence as Lilith''s. She selected the Endless Samsara Mode at the exact moment Caine chose the Void Meditation Mode.

    Their eyes met briefly, each reflecting the same unspoken understanding. There was no surprise in their choices¡ªthey had long accepted each other''s paths.

    "Good luck," they said in unison.

    Two portals materialized before them, shimmering with swirling energy. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, vanishing into the unknown. Their unwavering resolve left Priest Conan momentarily stunned. He shook his head, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips.

    "Good luck, Your Highness," he whispered.

    **

    Caine stepped into a realm that mirrored the Blood Sea where he had once formed his Progenitor bloodlines. But this was different.

    Instead of a crimson sea, he now stood on an expanse of thick, black goo that stretched endlessly in all directions. The viscous surface held his weight, refusing to let him sink.

    Above him, the sky was an abyss¡ªpitch black and starless. No qi stirred. No breeze whispered. This was a void in the truest sense: a place where all things ceased to exist.

    For most, this emptiness would be suffocating. But for Caine, it was perfect. Over the last year spent in relentless training and introspection, the path forward had become crystalline in its clarity.

    This was the setting he needed. Time to focus. Time to forge. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He exhaled slowly, lowering himself into a cross-legged position. The instant his breath left his lips, the waters below stirred violently.

    Thick tendrils of goo surged upward, writhing and coiling until they coalesced into a humanoid figure. It sat before him, mirroring his posture.

    Caine chuckled, a wry smile touching his lips.

    "So soon?"

    The figure trembled, its form solidifying further. Crimson eyes flickered open, and a cruel mouth twisted into a smirk. "Why act surprised if you expected me? I don''t even know why you came here."

    The entity''s voice was cold, yet it dripped with disdain and mockery.

    Heart Demons¡ªthe embodiment of one''s deepest fears, hatred, jealousy, and pain¡ªmanifested through the metaphysical pressures of cultivation. They were the shadows of the heart, brought to life by unresolved darkness.

    Hate that festered until it became sentient.

    Jealousy that twisted into a venomous presence.

    Fear that coiled like a serpent in the mind.

    Without overcoming these demons, the path of cultivation was closed. They were barriers, merciless and unyielding.

    Most cultivators faced their Heart Demons only in the later stages of their journey. For Caine to confront his now¡ªas a mere Blood Realm cultivator¡ªwas a testament to the shadows that lurked within his soul.

    The Heart Demon sneered. "You''re like a child afraid of the dark. So terrified you mistake your madness for bravery as you charge head first into the abyss."

    Caine''s eyes remained calm, steady. He had always carried this burden. He had been born with a Heart Demon nestled within his soul, nurtured by the hatred and sin that fueled his very existence.

    Even as a fetus, trapped in the lifeless womb of his mother, it was that demon''s presence that gave him the strength to claw his way into the world.

    That voice had been his constant companion, whispering venom into his thoughts since his first breath. It had vanished only after his reincarnation as a Velios. Even then, it took the birth of his True Will to suppress and control it.

    This demon was why he avoided the Trial of False Limerence during the Samsara Festival.

    He knew he''d lose himself to it. He knew the demon would win.

    But that was the past. The Caine of today was no longer the frightened child of yesterday.

    "Yes," Caine admitted, his voice a soft murmur. "Yes, I''m afraid. Why wouldn''t I be?"

    A smile curled his lips, a fragile yet defiant expression.

    "I have everything I ever wanted. All the dreams I clung to as a child are now within my grasp. Why wouldn''t I fear losing it all?"

    His gaze met the Heart Demon''s, unflinching.

    For the first time in his life, he looked into those crimson eyes without trembling.

    "I''m scared. Terrified, even. But that doesn''t mean I''ll stop."

    The Heart Demon''s sneer widened. "So now you move in fear? You''re just prey under a predator''s gaze. The old you would be disgusted."

    "You were once something to admire. Now you''re just a boy with too much power. A boy too afraid to live. A boy who can''t let go of the past."

    The demon''s gooey face twisted into a cruel mirror of Caine''s smile. "Even I pity you."

    But Caine didn''t falter. He sighed, the weight of his words grounding him.

    "That''s what cultivation is, isn''t it? Surpassing limits. Evolving. Facing fears. All that nonsense, you know?"

    He leaned forward slightly, eyes glimmering with traces of insanity. "I''m scared today, but I won''t be tomorrow. And that''s enough."

    The void trembled. A crushing pressure descended from the black sky, suffocating in its intensity. The Heart Demon''s eyes flickered with uncertainty.

    A spark of madness danced in Caine''s eyes as he began to close them. Laughter bubbled up from his chest, a sound so raw and unhinged that even the Heart Demon recoiled.

    He laughed louder, the sound reverberating through the void, shaking its very foundation. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire

    "Today is a great day!"

    Today, he would forge his Dao Heart.

 Chapter 91 The Heart(II)

    What Exactly Is the Dao Heart?To many, the Dao Heart simply represented the drive to succeed or the result of countless years of trials and tribulations. It was almost akin to a Blooming Will, a reflection or mirror of a True Will.

    To others, the Dao Heart was far deeper, perhaps representing the very essence of defying the natural order¡ªa crystallization of rebellion against fate.

    It carried many meanings and interpretations.

    During his long period of training, Caine had pondered this concept endlessly. He had dissected the layers of his mind, rearranged his thoughts, and reflected repeatedly in search of a true and comprehensive understanding of the Dao Heart.

    At its core, Dao meant Path.

    Heart could be interpreted as the core, the essence of all things.

    The connection between the two became clear: First, discover one''s path¡ªthe Dao; then, create its core¡ªthe Dao Heart.

    The Dao Heart was the heart¡ªthe core¡ªof one''s path. And without a path, there was no ascension. It was a symbiotic relationship.

    One''s Dao Heart solidified the path, and the path defined the Dao Heart.

    This naturally led back to the concept of True Will. How did True Will factor into this dynamic? Was True Will the heart or the path? What distinguished one from the other?

    As Caine delved deeper, the distinction grew clearer. It wasn''t just about his path and heart; it was about his Will.

    What did he want? What path did that desire dictate? And what core would define that path? What essence would shape him?

    When framed this way, everything crystallized for Caine.

    He had known his desire for the longest time: Perfection.

    To be flawless. To be absolute. To be the Prime.

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    From that unwavering desire for perfection, everything else unfolded naturally. If he desired perfection, his path would be one of unfettered supremacy. The core of that path was himself and his own desires, completing a perfect loop.

    His Will craved perfection; therefore, his path was one of supremacy, defined by the core of his own essence and ambition.

    He was the path, the core, and the Will¡ªall at once.

    It would be a path without fear. A path where fear had no place, where it wasn''t even imaginable. It would be a path without hope. A path where hope was unnecessary.

    This was the essence of the Hopeless Dao Heart¡ªthe absolute logical extreme of a fearless existence.

    A Dao Heart that embraced everything he was, driving him to heights beyond imagination.

    It would be his greatest and most personal creation. Greater even than the rings he had forged through his mastery and willpower.

    He had planted the seed of this Dao Heart during his time in the Soul Prison, where the boundaries between his mind and heart blurred. Now, it was time to complete that seed and watch it bloom.

    The Hopeless Dao Heart.

    [No fear. No hope. My Will shall be absolute and almighty.]

    WHOOOOOOOSHH!

    Caine''s chest ignited with a glow that resembled an imploding star. The outline of his heart shone through his flesh and bones, pulsing with raw energy. His heart twisted and rippled, its crystalline outer layer suddenly morphing into a radiant gold, blazing like a miniature sun. Moments later, the gold cooled and hardened into a cold, lifeless silver¡ªa silver imbued with otherworldly majesty.

    Intricate runes, a blend of white, black, and gold, unfurled across its surface. The symbols pulsed, alive with esoteric power. Caine''s entire body shook under the transformation.

    In his Bond Space, his stars trembled. Around each star, a fifth minor star materialized and solidified¡ªDao Stars. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Bond Space quivered, a deep resonance echoing through it. Something had reached a state of completion. The brilliance of his stars flared, their radiance filling the skies of his Bond Space with boundless power.

    Caine''s newly-formed Dao Heart absorbed the energy eagerly. His stars connected directly to his heart, channeling their immense strength into his body and aspects. Strength that had been capped by the absence of a proper vessel now flowed freely, erupting across his form like a tidal wave. His body, like a parched riverbed, drank it in without hesitation.

    His aspects surged with newfound power, and his mind and True Will evolved in response, shaped by the influence of his freshly forged Dao Heart.

    Above, the black sky tore open, revealing an even darker void within its depths. From that abyss, countless World Will Eyes stared down at him. Pillars of thick, milky-white qi descended, enveloping Caine¡ªBlessings.

    The formation of his Dao Heart had drawn not just one, but multiple blessings from the World Will Eyes. This was a phenomenon that neither his Bone Structure, his Flesh Structure, nor even the creation of his stars had achieved.

    His Heart Demon observed the spectacle quietly, its form fading like a shadow at dusk.

    "I see what you''re trying to do. Bold. Very bold. But you''re just making it easier for me when the time comes."

    It paused, its voice tinged with a rare, melancholic note. "But I suppose that''s part of your plan, too¡­"

    Then it vanished entirely.

    Caine paid it no mind. His focus was absolute.

    One of his grandest plans¡ªone that had taken root long before his reincarnation¡ªwas finally about to bear fruit.

    To grasp the magnitude of his intent, one had to understand the final stage of the Blood Realm: the Blood Ascendancy Stage.

    On the surface, this stage seemed simple. It was about sublimation¡ªof the body, the blood, the Blood Qi¡ªeverything. But it grew complex once one realized that there was no set method for this sublimation.

    The sub-stages provided only reference points, from the Ascendant Blood Prince stage to the pinnacle, the Ascendant Blood Venerable stage.

    The method used to ascend these stages was unique to each cultivator. This individuality made the differences in power starkly clear.

    A superior method led to a powerful Blood Ascendant. A weaker method resulted in a feeble path forward into the Spark Realm.

    For someone like Caine, this stage was a divine gift. It was like giving wings to a lion.

    What he was about to attempt would change everything.

    If his Dao Heart was his greatest creation, then what he was about to do would rank a close second¡ªperhaps even equal.

 Chapter 92 Curses and Blessings

    In Caine''s past life, before he ascended to the seat of Council Lord, he bore two titles: The Cursed Child and The Blessed Child.But these titles weren''t simply a result of his actions or achievements.

    In the cultivation world, anything could happen. Miracles and misfortunes intertwined, and as a result, strange phenomena unfolded. One such occurrence was the existence of blessings and curses.

    In rare cases, children could be born crippled, just like Caine had been. But in even rarer cases, this crippling wasn''t an accident¡ªit was a trade-off. In exchange for a curse, these children received godly and divine abilities.

    For example, a child born blind might develop senses sharper than those of the gods themselves. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine was often speculated to be one of these cursed children. His curse was his crippled body, but the trade-off was a mind of terrifying brilliance, teeming with outlandish ideas and schemes. Though Caine wasn''t a cursed child, most people thought it to be the case.

    Opposing the Cursed Children were the Blessed Children.

    These children were born without curses or afflictions. At the moment of their birth, the heavens themselves would part, showering them with blessings tied to their aspects¡ªbe it their body, mind, soul, or affinity.

    Blessed Children grew to become gods among gods, rivaled only by Cursed Children who had shattered their curses and fully cultivated their potential.

    These two classes of entities were rare beyond imagination. Even rarer than those like Caine¡ªthose born with immeasurable grade innate circles.

    And that was just considering mortal-grade Cursed and Blessed Children. When one began to encounter immeasurable Cursed and Blessed Children, the sheer power and potential became truly terrifying.

    Now that one understood the essence of the Blood Ascendancy Stage and the horrors of Cursed and Blessed Children, the final pieces of Caine''s plan could fall into place.

    Where had Caine gone after Augustus cast him into reincarnation? What force had intercepted his soul? And what had happened as a result?

    The answer was simple: The Sinner.

    It was The Sinner who had intercepted Caine''s soul. And not only did he intercept it, but he also bestowed two gifts upon him.

    The first gift was the ability to ask three questions of his choosing. The second was far darker.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s body rippled violently. His robes tore apart, exposing intricate black, white, and silver curse marks that he had kept hidden since the night before his final duel with Soran.

    These were his curses.

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

    The pillars of milky white qi pouring down on him thickened exponentially, as if trying to suppress and counteract the curse marks.

    Caine''s plan was deceptively simple yet deeply layered. He had set three goals.

    The first was to transform his aspects into Blessed and Cursed Immeasurable Aspects¡ªsimultaneously.

    The second was to harness the clash between the curses and blessings within his body, using the resulting pressure and refinement to advance through the Blood Ascendancy Stages.

    And the third¡­

    CRACK! BANG!

    Caine''s heart shattered. In that same instant, his stars exploded. His body shriveled, reduced to a skeletal husk, barely clinging to life.

    ¡­was to shatter his Dao Heart and stars over and over again until he attained absolute perfection.

    This was why he had chosen the Void Meditation Mode. The process would require an immense amount of time, far beyond what any normal mode could allow.

    The agony would be hellish. But Caine knew it would all be worth it in the end.

    And he wasn''t going to stop there.

    "ARGHHH!"

    A roar of pain tore from Caine''s cracked and bloody lips. He forcefully split his mind into hundreds of fragments, each working independently.

    Why waste time enduring pain passively? As his body underwent torment, he would push his mind into overdrive. He would deepen his comprehension of techniques, analyze his abilities, and strategize endlessly.

    He had reached this point in his life by being relentlessly ruthless with himself. By holding himself to an impossible standard.

    He would never stop.

    This was how he had become the First Blight.

    The Great Betrayer.

    One of the few mortals in existence who had outsmarted and slaughtered gods like they were mere cattle in his eyes.

    Excellence paved his path, and he walked it without hesitation.

    BANG!

    Caine''s stars and Dao Heart entered a cycle of destruction and rebirth. They shattered and reformed repeatedly. With each shattering, a strange aura fed into his curses. With each reformation, another aura nourished his blessings.

    BOOOM!

    His body crumbled, fractures spreading like spiderwebs across his flesh. Half his form glowed with radiant, beautiful marks of gold, white, and emerald. The other half was marred with sinister marks of black, silver, and scarlet.

    His veins ruptured, one after another, yet his body endured. His aspects¡ªSoul, Body, Mind, World, and Qi¡ªtwisted and morphed in real time, evolving under the pressure of transformation. Each aspect split into three natures: one neutral, one cursed, and one blessed.

    The process began.

    ***

    Above Caine, in the void where the World Will Eyes rained blessings upon him, two figures stood.

    They were humanoid yet featureless. One figure was composed entirely of pure white qi.

    The other, a swirling mass of pitch-black qi.

    "We should investigate this," said the white figure, Yin. "His affinity to Fate might be trying to warn him."

    The black figure, Yang, shook its head. "You imply his affinity to Fate rivals or surpasses ours. That''s quite the claim, Yin."

    "But it''s plausible," Yin replied softly.

    Yang sighed. "We''ve already done as much as we can without disrupting the balance of the world. What will happen will happen. There''s nothing more we can do."

    "Whether the world falls into ruin or ascends to glory¡­ who can say?"

    Yin''s form shimmered. "I long for an era of peace. I''m tired of so much conflict."

    "It would be nice," Yang agreed. "It truly would."

    Suddenly, a third figure materialized beside them, its form composed of shimmering silver qi. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    "But that''s impossible," the silver figure said.

    "Not unless we achieve power far beyond our current limits."

    "The boy''s audacity and drive for power should serve as an example to us."

    "An example?" Yin questioned. "It will consume him. You saw how potent his Heart Demon was."

    "Precisely why we should take note. We can learn from his inevitable failure."

    The three figures fell into silence, their forms dissolving into motes of qi, leaving the void to its endless, silent watch.

 Chapter 93 Curses and Blessings(II)

    Caine sat atop the thick, black waters of the void sea, silent and unmoving.His body had withered, his muscles vanished, and his skin clung tightly to his bones. The intricate outlines of his skeletal frame were exposed, a stark testament to his ordeal.

    Dried blood coated his body, intersected by countless scars and wounds, from which radiant silver blood still seeped, each drop a flicker of vitality.

    The beating of his heart was slow and faint, a whisper of life echoing the weakness of the blood qi that struggled through his ruptured veins.

    SHIIIIH!

    Caine''s form began to dissolve into ashes.

    These ashes, silver in hue, drifted down to the waters below, but they refused to sink, hovering on the surface like stubborn remnants of his will.

    From the void above, blessings continued to fall, each flake of light akin to a divine acknowledgment of his struggle.

    The silver ashes trembled under their touch, coalescing and condensing into a mound of silver flesh¡ªa heart. Across the surface of this heart, gold, white, and emerald runes flared to life, only to be immediately mirrored by black, dark amethyst, and scarlet runes.

    WHOOOOOOSH!

    The heart thumped once, and a shockwave rippled through the sea, shattering the stillness. In an instant, mighty black bones erupted, adorned with intricate runes of every conceivable color and shape.

    His Bone Structure solidified in an instant, followed closely by his Flesh Structure. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The heart thumped a second time, and thin filaments of blood qi manifested, weaving into flesh that filled out the skeletal frame. Runes mirrored those on his bones, dancing across the surface of his flesh. The muscles tightened and vibrated under the influx of power.

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    His veins and organs reformed in a cascade of elemental explosions, lighting the void with bursts of color. The void sea glowed briefly, painted by hues of power and Will.

    From pure neutral qi, jade-white skin formed, wrapping tightly around his muscles with the grace of a divine sculptor. His body was no longer the frail husk it had been; it now radiated an unspoken strength.

    SHURR!

    On the left side of his body, black, crimson, and dark amethyst curse marks spread like veins of corruption, countered by emerald, gold, and white blessed marks on the right side.

    His five aspects¡ªSoul, Body, Mind, World, and Qi¡ªcompleted their transformation. The three natures¡ªneutral, cursed, and blessed¡ªsettled in perfect balance.

    Rivers of dark hair burst from his scalp, cascading down past his shoulders like a river of dark starlight.

    Caine''s cultivation soared.

    His heart pulsed once more, and his power surged. From the Ascendant Blood Prince Stage, he tore through the boundaries, advancing to the Blood Lord, Blood King, and Blood Emperor Stages in rapid succession.

    In his Bond Space, his stars reformed. The summons reawakened, their natures twisting and evolving, infused with neutral, cursed, and blessed attunements. The power of his stars flowed into his heart, and in that moment, everything clicked¡ªthe bones, flesh, stars, rings, Dao Heart, bloodline, summons, and aspects. They unified into one grand, harmonious whole.

    Caine''s blood qi turned into a radiant silver, its brilliance a reflection of his perfected self. His power continued to surge, and from the Blood Emperor Stage, he ascended to the Blood Sovereign Stage.

    His body lifted from the void sea, weightless as the blessings flooded him. His empty eye sockets turned toward the World Will Eyes above.

    Slowly, qi and flesh fused in the sockets, reforming his eyes. With a deafening BANG!, his deep silver eyes reappeared, just as he transcended the Blood Sovereign Stage and entered the Blood Monarch Stage.

    The void above began to close. The World Will Eyes faded, their task complete. The torrent of blessings slowed to a halt as Caine''s transformation reached its culmination.

    All the fragmented pieces of his mind fused back together.

    For a moment, the world was utterly still.

    Then¡ª

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

    Like detonations of raw power, his heart thundered within his chest, sending radiant silver blood surging through his rejuvenated form. In that instant, he breached the final substage of the Blood Realm, becoming a Blood Venerable.

    Caine had reached the pinnacle of the Blood Realm.

    WHOOOOSH!

    His aura settled, retreating within him as his body began to drift downward, falling slowly from the black skies of the void sea. His descent was so gentle, he seemed no heavier than a feather.

    Suddenly, Elura appeared from the shadows, her form no longer the petite, fairy-like figure she usually embodied. Instead, she was as tall as a human adult, her ethereal beauty undiminished.

    She caught Caine in her arms, her gaze softening as she looked at his sleeping face. He had pushed himself beyond mortal limits.

    His body, aspects, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªhis mind had borne unimaginable strain. The backlash from the Void Meditation Mode was severe, even with his incredibly potent time affinity.

    And that didn''t even account for the exhaustion from his year in the Scion Training Facilities. To say he had pushed himself to the brink was a gross understatement.

    ''How did he manage this?'' she wondered, her thoughts a mixture of awe and concern.

    ''An Immeasurable-grade Innate Circle, Immeasurable-grade Cursed Aspects, and Immeasurable-grade Blessed Aspects¡­ all in a single person.''

    Her eyes narrowed slightly. ''His tribulation into the Spark Realm will be monstrous. And if his summons are also close to becoming Sages again¡­''

    She sighed, glancing up at the now-empty void.

    ''Will he survive such a tribulation?'' The thought lingered for a moment before she dismissed it with a scowl. Doubt was a hindrance she could no longer afford. She was not separate from Caine; they were one in the truest sense.

    He had proven time and time again that nothing was beyond his reach.

    ''It''s time I act like the Faery Queen I am and truly help him. I''ve been holding back.''

    Her self-criticism was not entirely fair, though.

    The mutations in Caine''s bonds had placed her in an embryonic state. Her powers were sealed, being refined and sublimated by his royal Velios bloodline.

    She could feel her abilities evolving, twisting into something greater. But until she hatched, all that potential remained locked away.

    When that day came¡­

    ''Everything will change.''

 Chapter 94 Years

    A year and a half. That was how long had passed since his sixteenth birthday¡ªsince he began his path.He had spent three months cultivating from the Bone Forging Stage all the way up to the True Rebirth Stage¡ªan astounding feat considering the depth and complexity of his foundation.

    Then, he had devoted a year to the Scion Training Facilities, honing his skills under intense conditions. Afterward, he spent another three months in Void Meditation Mode within the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda.

    Unknowingly, he had turned seventeen.

    ''Time passes fast,'' he thought.

    Caine sat cross-legged on the back of his eagle mount, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp. Bandages wrapped his body from head to toe, hidden beneath layers of thick, white robes. Each movement, though slight, reminded him of the toll his body had endured.

    Since leaving the Pagoda, six months had passed. His eighteenth birthday was mere hours away.

    ''Two years. Two years since I began exploring the world.''

    The backlash from his cultivation had been severe. After exiting the Pagoda, he had slept for two entire months, unable to do anything but drift in an exhausted void. Even after waking, his body refused to cooperate. It had taken another four months of wandering the world before he felt anything close to recovery.

    But those months were not wasted. Beyond mastering his new abilities and acclimating to his strength, Caine had finally been able to live.

    He traveled from city to city, town to town, continent to continent, experiencing the vast cultures and untamed beauty of the world. It was a luxury he had never known before.

    In the Three Realms, even after becoming Council Lord, his life had been consumed by war. Endless, brutal war.

    He had no one he loved, and no one loved him. He was the First Blight¡ªa figure of fear and hatred. His existence had been an inhumane stretch of brutality lasting thousands of years.

    The fact that Caine had not become twisted by such a life was a testament to the strength of his Will, even before its formal manifestation.

    ''It''s a good life. A beautiful life,'' he thought, '' I suppose it''s something worth protecting.''

    Beside him sat Lilith, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, a radiant smile softening her features. Unlike him, she had spent six months in Endless Samsara Mode. Yet, the moment she emerged, she had sought him out, and they had spent the past three months together.

    Even Caine couldn''t unravel the mystery of her strength. She had emerged from the Samsara trial unscathed, her power somehow matching his own. The symmetry between them was strange, but not unwelcome.

    "You get sadder by the day. What''s wrong with you?" Lilith asked suddenly, pinching his cheek with a teasing glare.

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    Caine winced but didn''t remove her hand. He sighed. "I don''t know. It''s like the feeling mortals have on the last days of their vacations. The moment is beautiful, but knowing the dread that lies ahead casts a shadow on the heart."

    Lilith fell silent, studying his serene profile with a thoughtful expression. "You say this, but I don''t see any fear in your eyes."

    Caine smiled at her words, his elusive silver pupils glimmering with excitement.

    "You''re right."

    Lilith didn''t question his smile or his shifting emotions. Instead, she sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. Together, they drifted through the sky in peaceful silence.

    ***

    "YOU BASTARD! WHERE IS MY SON?!"

    Caine sat on his father''s obsidian throne, his chin resting on his fist. His silver eyes regarded the man before him with cold detachment.

    The man was short for a member of the Heavenly Clans, his bald head covered in rose-shaped tattoos identical to those that had once adorned Soran''s face. He wore heavy, dark-brown robes, and his light-brown eyes shimmered with rage. Particles of sand hovered around him, vibrating with his turbulent aura.

    His nose was red, a reflection of his fury and anguish.

    This was Onoku Celestis, Soran''s father and an elder of the Heavenly Celestis Clan.

    Behind Onoku, a crowd of elders filled the throne room, their auras thick with hostility, all directed at Caine.

    Caine had known this moment would come.

    When he publicly "killed" Soran, he had anticipated retribution. But not like this.

    ''Why did they take so long?'' he wondered.

    ''Did they wait for me to become a Scion? This makes no sense. Or are they just genuinely enraged?''

    His gaze swept over the elders, noting that most were from the Celestis Clan, with a few from the Renala Clan. The Renala elders radiated the strongest killing intent, which didn''t surprise him.

    Caine sighed. "Your son is alive."

    Onoku''s rage faltered, his eyes widening. His aura wavered, and tears filled his eyes.

    "WHERE?! Where is he?! Please! Please!"

    The old man collapsed to his knees, clutching Caine''s robes, tears streaming down his weathered face.

    A pang of regret shot through Caine. Not just for Onoku, but for all the clans whose heirs he had taken. In another timeline, this could very well have been Zao, begging for his own life. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine waved his hand. A shimmer appeared to his right, and Soran stepped forth, clad in resplendent golden armor. His aura pulsed with the strength of a Sage.

    Soran looked at Caine, his eyes steady. "Your Highness?"

    Onoku''s breath hitched. He rose unsteadily and approached his son. Tears streamed freely down his face as he looked up at Soran''s face. Smiling through the tears, he floated upward to embrace him.

    For a moment, Soran was stiff, uncertain. But Caine nodded, and Soran returned the hug.

    The elders stood frozen, their shock palpable.

    Caine''s voice cut through the silence. "Who instigated this?"

    The elders turned, their fingers pointing at a member of the Renala Clan. Caine nodded and pushed himself up from the throne.

    "Follow me to my personal courtyard," he commanded.

    He walked from the hall, the sound of Onoku and Soran''s sobs echoing in the vast chamber behind him.

 Chapter 95 Serenity

    Caine exited a winding path that stretched from the hall of his throne room, weaving through forests and snaking around mountains. The path led all the way up to an elevated courtyard¡ªa wide, airy space teeming with life.Vibrant flowers bloomed in wild profusion, their colors a striking contrast to the pale sky. At the center stood a grand, majestic tree.

    The tree''s bark shimmered with radiant gold, its thick leaves a pristine white. Behind the tree, a resplendent pond of thick, emerald-green waters glimmered, reflecting an otherworldly light that seemed to pulse with life.

    Caine walked slowly through the courtyard, his steps light and deliberate. His hand grazed the ancient, cool bark of the tree, fingers tracing the subtle patterns etched by time.

    A smile tugged at his lips, unbidden. He looked up, watching the sun''s rays filter through the dense canopy of white leaves, dappling the ground with shifting patterns of light and shadow. The smile deepened, a quiet peace settling over him.

    Ever since forging his Dao Heart, he felt an inexplicable closeness to nature and the world around him. Everything seemed more vivid, more harmonious. He felt grounded, as if the universe itself invited him to exist in a state of constant serenity.

    It was fitting, considering this courtyard was home to one of the Timeless Alliance''s most treasured sites¡ªthe Pond of Serenity.

    WHOOOSH

    A gust of wind signaled the arrival of Elder Golden Bark.

    His steps were measured, his presence commanding. He was tall, his body brimming with vitality, resembling a man in his early forties. A thick, greying black beard framed his face, highlighted by slicked-back hair. Like all members of the Renala Clan, his eyes glowed with a deep, bloody scarlet. But unlike his kin, whose eyes typically burned with hatred, his eyes sparkled with a mischievous arrogance.

    Elder Golden Bark''s black-and-red robes fluttered gently in the breeze as he surveyed the courtyard, a faint smile gracing his lips. He knew the significance of this place.

    Even for an elder of his stature, entering this sacred space was an extraordinary privilege.

    Only the Scion, the Alliance Overlord, and the Alliance Knights were permitted to tread here.

    His gaze settled on Caine, who stood with his back to him. Caine turned slowly, his silver pupils glimmering with such intense light that Elder Golden Bark''s Will shivered and faltered.

    ''I¡­ lost? A battle of Wills?'' The elder''s frown flickered briefly before morphing into a grin.

    Caine raised a hand, beckoning him forward.

    "Go ahead. Attack me. I''ll kill you either way, so you might as well defend yourself."

    Elder Golden Bark barely had time to register the command before a palm of dense qi slammed into his chest. He collapsed to one knee, his organs rupturing, blood bubbling up and spilling from his mouth.

    From a distance, Caine sighed, shaking his head. ''I guess I''ll have to restrict myself even more.''

    He took a step forward, the space around him warping and collapsing, depositing him in front of the elder in an instant. His foot shot upward, connecting with Elder Golden Bark''s chin. The sickening crunch of shattering bone echoed through the air as the elder was hurled skyward, blood spraying in crimson arcs.

    ''Good,'' Caine thought. ''With the foundation I''ve built, no one except Gods ¡ªor those at my level¡ªshould be able to threaten me, regardless of their cultivation realm. Even without my crown.''

    He chuckled softly. ''Or maybe not. Who knows.''

    He lifted his hand and clenched it into a fist. A spectral force seized Elder Golden Bark''s broken body, holding him suspended in the air.

    The elder''s breath caught. Time seemed to freeze, the chill of death closing around him. It had all happened so fast. His heart pounded, a surge of desperate energy pushing him beyond reason.

    A roar burst from his throat as ancient runes flared to life across his body, shattering the spectral grip. He landed hard, his injuries healing instantaneously. His eyes blazed with renewed fury, his gaze fixed on Caine.

    Clapping his hands together, the runes around him twisted and spun, forming intricate formation circles around his wrists and forearms. Crimson lightning crackled, surging in and out of the circles, pulsing with raw power.

    In a blink, he vanished, reappearing before Caine, his hands slashing forward in a deadly clawing motion.

    ''Bloody Sky Lightning?'' Caine mused.

    ''Interesting.''

    He leaned back effortlessly, dodging the strike, then stepped forward, driving his knee into the elder''s stomach.

    Elder Golden Bark gasped, his mind reeling.

    How was this happening? The power dynamic between them should have been the reverse. He had believed Caine''s defeat of Ancestor Bloody Eye was due to a one-time artifact.

    The strength of a Paragon was supposed to be beyond mortal comprehension.

    But now, with Caine''s oppressive strength pressing down on him, his objective shifted.

    Survival was all that mattered. He had to escape. He had to warn his clan.

    Caine could not be allowed to grow any stronger.

    "Oh?"

    Elder Golden Bark''s aura flared. His body dissolved into a mist of runes, reforming several meters away.

    Caine smiled, his time affinity sparking to life. A light emerald rune flickered in his pupils, and time rewound by half a second.

    His hand shot forward, wrapping around the elder''s throat. Caine''s True Will clamped down, preventing any escape.

    The formation circles spun faster, and Caine felt an invisible force prying at his fingers, trying to force his grip open.

    He sneered, his True Will drawing on the power of his stars. The pressure shattered with a resounding crack.

    CRACK!

    The formation circles splintered but immediately reformed. Crimson lightning surged through them, bolstering the elder''s qi.

    BANG!

    Elder Golden Bark''s body contorted violently, tearing away from Caine''s grip. His head exploded into a cloud of runes, only to reassemble moments later on his headless torso. Find more adventures on My Virtual Library Empire

    Caine''s eyes widened.

    The elder''s body transmuted, morphing into a swirling mass of bark, flesh, blood, and crimson lightning. He moved around Caine in a blur, his speed leaving afterimages that rippled through the air.

    But that wasn''t what shocked Caine.

    ''He''s¡­ controlling the world.''

    A sharp pressure built in Caine''s mind, a sensation he hadn''t felt in a long time.

    ''Laws?''

    The realization struck him like a thunderclap, his thoughts reeling.

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 Chapter 96 Serenity(II)

    Thick scarlet vines tore out of the earth and snaked through the air, aiming for Caine.The latter, still in a daze, didn''t pay much attention to this.

    ''Runes¡­ Laws..? What''s the link?''

    From Caine''s understanding, built in his past life, runes were proxies of communication that allowed one to, in a sense, make an exchange with the world. By providing refined energy to the world, one had the right to use the world to invoke a spell.

    The way Caine understood it, it was all just a language used to communicate and trade with the world.

    But what he was seeing now was changing everything he knew.

    "Show me more."

    Caine vanished, dodging the countless vines that tore the space where he once stood apart. He reappeared behind Elder Golden Bark, his gaze blazing as he immediately analyzed him.

    ''This is strange. Even this new strange form he has isn''t a sort of transmutation from flesh to the elemental. It''s as if this is his true form while at the same time not being it.''

    Elder Golden Bark frantically turned around, his beady eyes narrowing as his legs extended into long vines that propelled him away from Caine.

    His right hand moved to face the grand tree standing in the middle of the courtyard. With a slight tug, he pulled rivers of thick and ancient emerald qi from it¡ªNature Qi.

    The older a type of qi was, the stronger it became, and considering this mighty tree had existed since the dawn of the Timeless Alliance¡ªmillions of years ago¡ªthe qi Elder Golden Bark drew wasn''t anything to laugh at.

    The ancient natural qi flowed into his body as his bark-like frame tightened, and the fleshy aspects of this new form vanished, compressed under the pressure of his now fully bark-like exterior. The arcs of crimson lightning dancing around him deepened to a rich emerald as the beating of his heart became loud and steady.

    Steam hissed from the Elder''s mouth as he hunched over and assumed an ancient and primal pose. Claws of intertwining vines sprouted from his hands and feet, and atop his head, a set of resplendent white horns grew.

    With a single step, he was upon Caine, his fist cutting through the air, trailed by countless vines that followed every movement. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    Caine didn''t panic. With a slight push of his palm, he deviated the punch, redirecting the momentum as he spun, allowing Elder Golden Bark''s face to crash into his spinning elbow.

    A loud CRACK! echoed through the courtyard, but the fissures on the Elder''s face healed immediately, vines wrapping around him to stabilize his form.

    Emerald runes flared across the Elder''s body, fusing into his bark-like skin, and at that moment, the world itself seemed to become part of his Will.

    Caine observed it all with widened eyes.

    He could sense all the different qis in the courtyard flowing through the earth and into Elder Golden Bark''s legs, then surging toward his heart, fueling him with terrifying power.

    He could feel the atmospheric qi around them tightening, akin to invisible chains meant to slow him down. He could even feel a presence similar to the World Will Eye pressing down on him, attempting to suppress the flow of qi within his own body.

    ''It''s as if the world itself is trying to help him.''

    "I see. I see."

    Caine nodded as he dodged a lance of crimson lightning. He then spun and backflipped, evading a series of vines brimming with chaotic emerald qi.

    Landing lightly on his feet, he exhaled slowly, his mind calming. ''I understand now. Well, not entirely, but I''ve learned all I needed from this Elder. Now¡­'' Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "¡­you can die. You''ve done your job."

    Caine''s True Will surged, towering over Elder Golden Bark, and all the runes flashing across the Elder''s body shattered into a fine mist of qi.

    Elder Golden Bark coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips as his body was forcefully reverted to its original state.

    Caine''s arm bulged as he punched the air in front of him.

    A deafening BOOOM! resounded, and in an instant, Elder Golden Bark was gone¡ªvaporized. A meaningless death, devoid of suspense or struggle.

    "Good."

    Caine yawned and stretched, his demeanor calm and nonchalant. With a flicker of his True Will, all the destroyed vegetation regrew, restoring the courtyard to its previous, immaculate state. He turned and walked toward the Pond of Serenity, the emerald waters glimmering softly under the dappled light of the tree''s white leaves.

    Caine stepped lightly onto the surface of the pond, his feet gliding across the water as he reached its center. Lowering himself into a seated position, he closed his eyes and let the pond''s effects wash over him.

    Immediately, he felt his mind flow with divine clarity, his thoughts aligning seamlessly, and his heart settling into a docile calm, like a heavenly dove.

    It was as though his already profound connection with the world was pushed one step further.

    While such effects might seem subtle, any cultivator would understand the terrifying significance of this. Almost no one could enter states of enlightenment as easily as Caine did. In fact, moments of enlightenment were almost as rare as individuals with his level of talent.

    ''I see. My comprehension of Will is complete. I''ve understood Qi, Intent, Essence, Quintessence, and Dao. Together, they encase and interlink to form the foundation of my True Will, which itself stands upon the foundation of all my other stars.''

    ''I can sense that beyond the Dao Heart stage, there is something more, but it''s too far from me because of my current cultivation realm.''

    He paused, his thoughts narrowing in on a revelation.

    ''Something I almost missed though, is runes. Or perhaps it''s not that I''ve missed it, but that I''ve noticed it too early.''

    ''My comprehension of runes was too surface level. Runes are indeed a language, but not just that. Runes are the language of all things.''

    ''Runes are the origin of all Laws. From the Heaven''s commands, runes are born, and from runes, Laws are manifested. And from Laws, all things bloom.''

    The countless runes across Caine''s body began to glow faintly.

    ''It''s not complex at all. To control them, all I need to do is¡­''

    The runes trembled, responding to the infusion of his True Will.

    BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM!

    A terrifying wave of power erupted from him as the runes settled into place.

    ''¡­infuse my True Will into them.''

    The power coursing through him felt limitless, each pulse of his runes resonating with the very fabric of existence.

    Caine''s journey, short yet long in its intensity, had been a sequence of trials and triumphs, each building upon the last.

    He began with his bones, stealing shards of universal force to forge them.

    He then followed with his flesh, crafting it with the essence of those same forces.

    He touched upon Intent and rapidly advanced through the stages of the True Defiant Forgery Path.

    He forged stars from all 3,800 primordial paths, comprehended the Beasts Progenitors, and mastered the Heavenly Elements.

    His path underwent countless changes, tribulations, and tests, leading him to form his Dao Heart and evolve his aspects.

    Everything about his journey had been heretical, defying the natural order, and the fact that he still stood here was a testament to his indomitable Will. Perhaps it was the result of one of his wishes¡ªor perhaps it wasn''t.

    But none of that mattered now.

    Because only now, as Caine grasped the absolute truth of runes, did it all come together.

    Only now, with his understanding crystallized, would the results of all his heretical actions bloom.

    BOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    Caine''s heart trembled as the very fabric of reality tore apart.

 Chapter 97 The Weave

    The world was wide, but existence was immeasurable.Beyond the endless expanse of countless worlds suspended in the chaotic tides of primordial chaos, there lay realms far removed from what mortals could ever comprehend as reality.

    Hell, Heaven, The True Void, Samsara¡ªthese were but whispers of places that defied the boundaries of existence.

    And yet, among these realms, some were more elusive, more mythical than others.

    There was a place where all things met and unraveled. A place where the chains of fate and the currents of destiny could be seen as threads in an infinite loom.

    A place where causality intertwined and diverged in endless streams.

    A place where only the divine, known as True Angels, could tread.

    This was The Weave.

    ***

    "ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Caine''s scream pierced the heavens, raw and primal, as if the very essence of his soul was being unraveled.

    ''Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate.''

    Silver tears of blood streaked his face, his anguish carved into his very being as the word echoed endlessly in his mind. The mantra was a curse, pulling him into the abyss of madness.

    He writhed on the waters of the Pond of Serenity, its tranquil surface disrupted by his convulsing body. His mind dangled over the precipice of insanity, held together only by the unyielding might of his Dao Heart.

    WHOOOSH!

    The fabric of reality above Caine shattered, splitting apart like an old wound reopening.

    From the tear emerged a void so deep and black that the world itself seemed to pale, its light dimmed by the presence of absolute nothingness.

    Time froze. The wind stilled. The world held its breath.

    And then¡ª

    CRACK! BOOOM!

    The black void fractured, its edges splintering like fragile glass. Shards of its dark essence tumbled downward, rupturing the fabric of the world further.

    From within the abyss, a multicolored expanse emerged¡ªa kaleidoscope of shifting hues that defied mortal understanding.

    At its center, a figure began to materialize.

    Enshrouded in golden light, its movements were incomprehensibly swift, transcending the limitations of perception.

    In one moment, the world teetered on the brink of annihilation, with Caine spiraling into madness.

    In the next¡ª

    WHOOOSH!

    Nothing. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Time resumed.

    The skies were once again serene and blue, unmarred by the chaos that had unfolded mere moments before. The wind whispered softly, carrying with it the illusion of calm.

    Everything was as it had been.

    Except for one glaring truth: Caine was gone.

    ***

    The realm he found himself in was infinite and incomprehensible.

    The world was white, yet it refracted an infinite spectrum of colors, shifting and intertwining like a living tapestry.

    The sea below mirrored the luminous white above but was translucent, revealing an endless web of strings and runes in countless hues and shapes. These threads stretched outward into eternity, their presence both calming and overwhelming.

    In the vastness of this expanse, two figures sat.

    One was a young man. His lifeless eyes stared vacantly ahead, his slack mouth dripping with saliva. He was a shadow of his former self, devoid of consciousness or will.

    The other figure was no mere mortal¡ªor even divine¡ªit was an entity.

    Its towering frame, standing nine feet tall, radiated an aura of absolute majesty. Its skin, a soft yet resplendent gold, shimmered like liquid sunlight. Its flowing hair, a cascade of molten gold, fell in undulating waves.

    Its face was perfection incarnate, a beauty so pure it transcended mortal comprehension, capable of unraveling minds with its mere presence.

    From its back, seventy-two white feathered wings spread wide, their brilliance illuminating the infinite realm.

    Above its head, a halo of divine light rotated slowly, its radiance both calming and oppressive.

    But behind this divine visage loomed a far greater horror: A pulsating, cancerous mass of flesh hovered ominously, riddled with countless wings that burst forth from its grotesque form. At its center sat a single, massive World Will Eye, its gaze omnipotent and unyielding.

    Together, these two forms embodied the full and terrifying might of the word Angel.

    Between Caine and the angel was a small marble table. They sat cross-legged, their gazes locked in silence.

    Caine was broken, incapacitated, his body shattered and lifeless, while the angel exuded an unshakable divinity, its presence overwhelming the very fabric of the realm.

    Within Caine''s Bond Space, chaos reigned.

    His stars exploded and reformed in an endless cycle, each rebirth more defiant than the last. They resisted the angel''s oppressive presence with every reformation, their light refusing to dim.

    His stars refused to die.

    And neither did his Dao Heart, which shattered and reformed in a relentless cycle of destruction and renewal.

    Time passed.

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    "Should be about time," the angel said softly.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s True Will surged to life, roaring back with unrelenting force. His body convulsed violently, thrashing on the waters beneath him.

    ''Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate.''

    The mantra echoed endlessly, driving him to madness and beyond. His stars and Dao Heart shattered once more, the momentum of their destruction reaching terrifying heights.

    Time passed.

    BOOOM!

    Suddenly, Caine went still.

    Time seemed to halt.

    Memories of his life flashed through his mind, each moment illuminated with perfect clarity.

    And then¡ª

    "I AM ALIVE."

    The words erupted from his lips as he gasped for air, his chest heaving. Black blood poured from his mouth as he keeled over, trembling.

    His stars and Dao Heart stabilized, their light now blindingly powerful.

    His True Will washed over him, its presence calming and steadying his fractured mind.

    Slowly, he sat upright, his breaths even and deliberate.

    As strength returned to his form, his crown materialized atop his head, surging power through his veins. Only once he felt the overwhelming might coursing through him did he truly calm.

    The crown faded, and Caine''s silver eyes opened, locking onto the entity before him.

    "Good. Barely took an eon to adapt. Very good seed. Very good," the angel said. Its voice was a symphony of countless androgynous tones, each word laced with unfathomable authority.

    Caine''s Will trembled under the weight of its words, despite his newfound strength.

    ''¡­Terrifying¡­''

    "Before we begin, I''ll hand you this. You''ll know what to do with it in time."

    The angel reached up, grasping its spinning halo. With a flick of its wrist, it sent the golden ring hurtling toward Caine.

    The halo landed on his head, fitting perfectly before vanishing¡ªjust as his crown did.

    Caine neither reacted nor protested. Deep down, he knew he couldn''t.

    "Now, little Lerouge, I must congratulate you. You are the second to ever open The Weave as a mortal."

    "Congratulations, truly. Even though it will take time for you to understand the depth of your actions, you deserve this much."

 Chapter 98 The Weave(II)

    "Now, I''ll explain a few things. In the meantime, please, remain quiet. I''m not fond of speaking in¡­ a mortal tongue.""It is nothing against you, child, so do not feel offended, yes?"

    Caine slowly nodded.

    "Good." The angel waved its hand and summoned two cups and a teapot. "Soul Tear Bov¨ª. You''re familiar with it, no?"

    Caine''s eyes widened for a moment before he calmed down and nodded.

    "Not my favorite. Seems a bit twisted to drink the soul quintessence of fallen gods, but what can you do? Not only is it twisted, but it''s also dirty. I see it as drinking piss." It said.

    The angel sighed and served Caine.

    "I digress." It put the teapot down before extending a palm and signaling him to drink. Caine obliged.

    Feeling the divine liquid grace his throat, he nearly fainted in euphoria, his strength soaring into terrifying stratas. His mind clouded over, flickering in and out of consciousness.

    "I am Laplace, also known as The Last True Angel and the False Son of the Weave."

    "Describing this place would be too long and complex for you to comprehend, but in simple terms, this place is akin to Samsara. As for the rest, you''ll discover more as you ascend."

    It looked into the distance with a soft gaze, almost as if peeling the layers of space and time to gaze at a distant future or perhaps past.

    "You are here because The Weave itself has recognized and accepted you. Not only has The Weave called upon you, but the River of Fate has as well."

    It looked back at Caine with a gaze full of¡­ respect.

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    "You are to claim the Throne."

    Under this entity''s intense gaze, Caine felt like a squirming ant. The sensation left him more enraged than afraid, but he ruthlessly suppressed this emotion and suppressed the pride of his True Will.

    He didn''t feel like an ant. He was an ant in front of such an entity.

    "To say this is impressive is an understatement, but alas, I digress once more."

    "My role here is rather simple. I am to help and warn you."

    Laplace waved its hand, and Caine suddenly heard a click echo within his bond space. He focused on it and immediately noticed the oddity.

    "Now, I have unsealed your affinities to Fate, Karma, Totality, and The Weave."

    Laplace''s eyes narrowed as it said the following words.

    "Listen, little Lerouge. The path you will have to walk upon from now on will be a¡­ strange one. Believe me when I say this: death will be far from the worst of outcomes."

    "Eternity twists us all, and gods will be nothing but ants to those that will be coming. You must live, do you understand?"

    Caine was taken aback by the intensity of Laplace''s words. His heart began to thump in anxious fear, a fear he didn''t even understand.

    "You must live. You must claw your way to the top." Laplace sighed. "These four affinities you have, never underestimate them. They are your greatest gift but your most potent curses."

    Caine began to shiver. The more the angel spoke, the more a sense of fear began to invade his heart. He didn''t understand what was happening.

    Tears brimmed in his eyes, but as soon as this happened, rage bloomed in his heart.

    What was going on?

    "There is always a price to pay, and you, my friend, have¡­" A smile graced the angel''s lips.

    "¡­already paid the greatest price there ever was, is, and will be."

    "Reclaim what you have lost."

    A tear fell from Caine''s eyes as emotions not belonging to him surged and erupted within his heart. For some reason, his Dao Heart refused to shatter these emotions. It instead accepted them.

    Laplace slowly began to vanish, its smile still as radiant.

    "Before I vanish, I''ll give you this one additional gift."

    Two strings manifested around Caine, tightly bound to his right arm. Looking at them, for a moment, he stood confused.

    But in the next instant, his eyes widened as his newly unsealed affinity to the Weave stirred, and he understood. His heart stopped.

    "I''ll be seeing you soon, brother."

    ***

    Caine blinked, and he found himself in the Brilliant Five Sky World once more, sitting atop the Pond of Serenity.

    More and more tears began to flood his face. He clutched his chest, gasping for air, barely able to compute what had and was happening.

    The skies above darkened, and countless World Will Eyes began to manifest.

    Something had triggered his breakthrough into the Spark Realm.

    "No¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ n¡­ no¡­"

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

    Lightning loudly crackled around the World Will Eyes in the skies. A dome, akin to the one Caine faced in his second tribulation, after exiting his coming-of-age ceremony, formed, trapping him in the vastness of his tribulation.

    "Please¡­ no¡­"

    The strings that had been attached to Caine''s arm were simple to understand. They were called Harmonic Descendance Strings.

    They were divided into Yin and Yang Strings.

    One for the father, one for the mother.

    Caine, as a reincarnated individual, was supposed to have four¡ªtwo from his previous life and two from this one.

    But he only had two. The truth was obvious.

    Caine''s parents in his past life were the same as the ones in this one. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But if that was true¡­

    WHOOOSH!

    The World Will Eyes in the skies fused into one another, becoming a grand and majestic eye, covering the skies of the whole world.

    This eye parted, acting as a gate, and from it, countless World Avatars descended, all radiating terrifying strength.

    ''¡­how¡­''

    But this wasn''t all. Caine could feel that beyond the matters of his parents, there was something much deeper.

    Something much more sinister. He didn''t know why, but the words Laplace had uttered about a price kept echoing endlessly in his mind.

    But he couldn''t remember. It was on the tip of his tongue, refusing to be uttered.

    ''Why can''t I remember¡­ what did I do¡­ what did I say¡­ what happened¡­''

    It was all so overwhelming.

    BANG!

    The first of the World Avatars landed in his courtyard, closely followed by countless others.

    BANG! BANG! BANG!

    Caine slowly stood up, his tears burning, only for their mist to be carried by the wind.

    His gaze was exceptionally apathetic, and his stance incredibly relaxed.

    "¡­[Star Ring Form: Caine]¡­ [Velios Foundation]¡­"

 Chapter 99 The Weave(III)â€”Pointless

    Caine''s nine rings took shape behind him, and at their center, his radiant, coiled silver star dragon manifested.His wings erupted from his back, tearing his robes apart as a calm ripple of strength echoed outward.

    By habit, he slicked his long hair back and exhaled slowly. His eyes panned over the avatars assembled in front of him, observing them all. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

    He analyzed each one, his gaze effortlessly piercing through their strengths and weaknesses without much struggle.

    He sighed. ''It''s pointless.''

    His rings began to vanish as his wings retracted and the star faded. Light and airy white robes draped over him as he turned around and began walking toward the grand tree that stood before the Pond of Serenity.

    His steps echoed, accompanied by the faint flutter of his robes. The world seemed to hold its breath, frozen in place, as if observing each and every one of his movements.

    Caine slowly sat down, leaning his back against the tree.

    "Your Highness?" Soran suddenly appeared beside him, closely followed by Caine''s army of summons.

    "Take care of them for me. When on the verge of death, tell Elura so she converts them. Take it as training if you want."

    Soran noticed the weary air swirling in his master''s gaze but dared not argue. He nodded, then turned toward the swarm of avatars in front of him.

    Without hesitation, he charged forward, followed closely by the rest of Caine''s army. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Avatars, beasts, and soldiers collided in a violent and brutal clash. Explosions of chaotic qi echoed through the battlefield as roars, screams, and cries filled the air. The clash of blades, the cracking of bones, the spilling of blood, and the pounding of hearts merged into a symphony of carnage.

    Caine watched it all, his gaze serene and his heartbeat steady.

    While he could spend time trying to process what he had just discovered, a part of him knew it was pointless.

    Perhaps it was the effect of his unlocked main affinities, or perhaps his Dao Heart was trying to shield him. Either way, he didn''t dwell on it.

    Since he was trapped here until his tribulation ended, he would simply wait.

    ''Caine,'' Elura called out, her voice echoing in his mind.

    ''Yes?''

    ''If¡­ if it helps, the fact that their strings are still intact means they''re still alive¡ªtechnically.''

    Caine slowly nodded, bearing this in mind. ''I see.'' He looked toward the horizon. ''That''s good to know. Thank you.''

    He remained silent after that, embracing the still emptiness surrounding him.

    The World Avatars fell one after the other, their golden blood splattering across the grass from which new summons arose under Caine''s control.

    Not even an hour passed before the courtyard was empty.

    Caine looked up, expecting yet another tribulation, most likely as punishment for the lack of respect he''d shown. But surprisingly, nothing happened.

    The dome enclosing the tribulation area faded, and strength surged through his body. From the Peak of the Blood Realm, he naturally tore through the bottleneck and entered the earliest stages of the Spark Realm.

    ''I suppose it makes sense. I wasn''t even supposed to undergo a tribulation for breaking past the Blood Realm.''

    ''The World Will Eye can''t break too many of its own laws, or the balance of the world will be thrown off.''

    Caine pushed himself to his feet and walked out of the courtyard. As he did, he waved his hand, healing all the destroyed vegetation of this peaceful haven.

    Following the winding path that led to his throne room, Caine passed through mountains, rivers, forests, and flatlands. He allowed his mind to bask in the serenity of nature.

    The skies were dim and the air cold, carrying a biting edge that could be considered harsh even by the standards of the northern continent¡ªjust the way he liked it.

    He re-entered his throne room but exited it almost immediately.

    ***

    [Frodolth¡ªEastern District¡ªCapital of the Timeless Alliance.]

    The streets of the Eastern District were paved with countless pavilions, each grander than the last. Their towering spires and intricate carvings reflected a blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. These structures stood tall and proud, adorned with hanging lanterns that radiated a warm, golden glow even during the dimmest hours.

    The streets were bustling, as they always were. Esteemed merchants peddled their goods under elaborate awnings embroidered with their family crests. Nobles from the Timeless Alliance carried out their duties, and officials from other factions wandered the district''s beautiful roads, admiring the fusion of art, commerce, and culture.

    Though Frodolth as a whole was known as the Alliance''s capital, the Eastern District held its own distinct name¡ªFalse World.

    It was said that one could find and do anything in this district. All cultures converged and diverged here, creating an atmosphere of peace and vibrancy beyond words. A harmonious cacophony filled the air: the hum of conversations, the jingling of coins, and the occasional song of a street performer.

    At the far end of a quieter street stood a small yet inviting restaurant. Its modest exterior was unassuming, but the colorful flower arrangements lining the windowsills gave it a welcoming charm. A simple sign hung above the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze.

    "Ah! My son!"

    An older lady smiled warmly as a man entered her restaurant. She wore an apron, her long brown hair tied in a tight bun. Her aged face radiated waves of love and tender affection, embodying the word mother in its truest sense.

    Though she stood no taller than five feet, the intensity of her golden gaze made her seem as large as a giant.

    Her smile lit up the mostly empty restaurant as she walked forward and wrapped her arms tightly around the young man¡ªCaine.

    "Hello, Aunty Tania."

    This pavilion was one of many places Caine had visited during his travels, particularly when he was injured. Without a doubt, it was his favorite.

    "Oh, look at my beautiful boy!" She floated up slightly to cup Caine''s face. "Look at how this cultivation nonsense has hardened your gaze in just a few weeks."

    She sighed. "Where''s my little princess?"

    Caine smiled faintly. "She had to return to the Pagoda to train some more. Last time, she only completed half of what she set out to do."

    Aunty Tania raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    "Oh? Alright then. Come, sit. I''ll serve you the usual."

    She floated back into the kitchen as Caine chose a table and sat down. The interior was cozy, with polished wooden floors and shelves filled with jars of spices and herbs. A faint aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread lingered in the air, comforting and familiar.

    Moments later, Zao appeared across from him.

    "Oh, for fuck''s sake," Caine muttered under his breath.

    Zao chuckled, shaking his head. "Tania, can you serve me up as well?" he called toward the kitchen.

    "No problem! Tanurian beef or Zavian? I also have¡ª"

    "I''ll take a simple Zavian steak, the old-fashioned recipe."

    "Coming right up!"

    "Thanks, love."

    Zao turned his attention back to Caine. "We have a few things to talk about, you and I."

 Chapter 100 Millenium

    "What''s the highest realm there is?" Caine suddenly asked.For a moment, Zao was taken aback. But he answered nonetheless.

    "Godhood. To be a God."

    "Have you ever met one?"

    Zao caressed his chin, considering the question. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    "Your father and I once went into this legacy realm that apparently belonged to an entity calling itself a God. I think it referred to itself as the White Scaled True God."

    "Anyway, we went in, and it truly was one of the most dangerous outings we''ve ever partaken in. We were mere Ascendants at the time, facing beast summons with Quasi-God prowess. It was terrifying."

    Caine''s eyes widened. "You could fight Quasi-Gods as Ascendants? What?! How?" he asked, genuine disbelief coursing through him.

    Even he, with his terrifying foundation and abilities, knew he''d be vaporized by even the slightest intention from such entities.

    Zao laughed. "Yes, we could, but for different reasons. You aren''t the only one who managed to form a terrifying foundation while young."

    "Your father was an extremely crafty person. I don''t know how, but he somehow managed to devour an entire World Will Eye and fuse its essence into his heart. After that, since he was also a summoner, he created summons based around World Will Eyes."

    "Using them, he set a sort of trap to devour more and more of those eyes. It made him extremely powerful in no time, and the worst part? That was only his first attempt at breaking limits. The things he went on to do later were truly special."

    He sighed as he continued. "As for me, it was all because of the sword. My swordsmanship blurred the lines so much that cultivation stopped mattering. God or not, my blade could sever all things."

    Caine was in shock hearing this. To think this humble man before him was capable of such things.

    ''If he has such power, then why doesn''t he¡­'' Caine''s eyes narrowed. ''He''s either injured or¡­ crippled.''

    "Anyway, when we cleared the legacy ground, the big prize was actually the corpse of that so-called God¡ªwhich, as it turned out, really was a God. I used its bones to make a set of sword and armor, while your father used its flesh to create his first God summon."

    Caine whistled in amazement. "Gods can die?"

    "It''s a bit complicated, but yes, they can. Just not in the way mortals understand it."

    "But even then, that entity wasn''t really a God born through cultivation. It was a beast from a strange race that ascended naturally as they aged, without any effort on their part. A terrifying race, to say the least."

    "It probably killed itself in its own sleep or something of the sort. Or perhaps it was the mount of an even stronger entity and died from the strain. I''m not sure."

    Aunt Tania exited her kitchen, her hands full of plates and glasses she skillfully placed in front of the two.

    Delicacies of all kinds and types littered their table, drawing warm smiles from the two.

    From thin air, Tania pulled out a bottle of wine, which she used to serve Zao. She then served Caine a simple glass of cold water.

    She smiled. "Alright, boys, have a good meal and don''t hesitate to let me know if you need anything, yes?"

    The two nodded. "Thank you, Aunt Tania."

    With a smile, she returned to her kitchen, and the two began to eat.

    "But enough about me," Zao said as he served himself three slabs of meat. "How close to recovery are you?"

    Caine passed the mashed potatoes over to him as he took the greens and began serving himself. "Mostly healed. Just a few of my veins are still a bit swollen, but that''s nothing serious."

    "My eyes do hurt a lot, though. Not sure why. My vision has been becoming a bit blurry. But again, I''m not worried."

    Zao nodded. "Alright. If you''re not worried, then I won''t worry either."

    Using a small container, he drizzled thick mushroom gravy onto his steaks and mashed potatoes. A smile bloomed across his face as he shook his head in anticipation.

    Caine chuckled, seeing this. They sat across from one another, eating in silence and peace.

    The air suddenly became colder as rain began to pour outside, but instead of ruining the mood, it elevated it, setting a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

    The faint ripple of raindrops splattering across the streets and the clatter of rushing carriages filled the silence. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hm, I almost forgot." Zao wiped his mouth.

    "It''s your eighteenth birthday, is it not?"

    From thin air, Zao pulled out a thick tome.

    "Oh, you don''t have to¡ª"

    "Here. A gift. Adulthood is something to celebrate, you know? Plus, I missed your last birthday, so I ought to make up for it."

    Caine smiled and reluctantly accepted the tome. He glanced at its title for a moment before his smile deepened, and he stored it away.

    "Thanks."

    Just as Caine was about to continue eating, Zao spoke once more.

    "Alright, let''s address the elephant in the room¡ªThe Millennium Auction."

    Caine grimaced at this, a deep and weary sigh escaping his lips.

    "I really don''t wanna go, Zao. I really don''t."

    Zao shrugged and continued eating. "You''re obligated to go. It''s one of the only outings you''re forced to attend as a Scion."

    "It''d also be badly seen if you didn''t go after spending the last few months traveling around the world."

    ''Fuuuuuckk,'' Caine lamented in his mind. He really didn''t want to go.

    "Why don''t you want to go, anyway? It''ll be a fun outing, no? You may even find something you''re looking for¡ªwhatever nonsense you do these days."

    Caine sighed again. "I''m so tired. Barely had any time to rest. A year isn''t enough for me to fully recover mentally. I think I cultivated too fast, especially after learning about the paths of Will."

    Zao nodded, unsurprised that Caine had touched upon the True Defiant Forgery Path.

    He could feel it, so Caine knew he knew.

    "Oh, then that makes sense. Your Will most likely hasn''t fully settled down. My advice is to take a bit of a break from cultivating until you feel you''ve passed that mental bottleneck."

    "Does that mean I can¡ª"

    "Nope. You still have to go."

 Chapter 101 Millenium(II)

    Caine sat on the back of his eagle mount, soaring through the skies toward the central continent where the Void Trading Alliance would be holding its famous Millennium Auction.An auction that occurred only once every generation. It was the event to attend, where treasures of immeasurable rarity were showcased and displayed for all to bid on.

    Caine grumbled in annoyance as he inched closer and closer to the location, counting the seconds until he could return home.

    ''Hopefully, things go fast.''

    ***

    Caine jumped off his eagle, free-falling from the skies, and landed softly on the ground.

    Looking around, he raised a brow in confusion.

    He had arrived in a vast, empty plain¡ªwide and airy, covered in lush green grass. At its center stood a tall and grand floating palace, its architecture dazzling and otherworldly.

    Intricate carvings ran along its hovering walls, and the base shimmered faintly as though supported by an invisible force.

    But the palace wasn''t what confused him. He had expected grandeur. What perplexed him were the layers of formations that covered the area.

    ''Why is this place covered in such complex formations?''

    Security was normal for such events, but the sheer scale of what Caine was witnessing was almost maddening. Formation upon formation wove through the air and the grass, each pulsing faintly with energy. It felt excessive¡ªmore akin to preparation for a war than an auction.

    His suspicions were nearly confirmed when he spotted countless pocket spaces in the distance, brimming with armed soldiers. Their terrifying auras oozed forward, heavy and oppressive.

    ''Whatever. Not my business.''

    Caine shrugged and took a step forward, beginning his journey toward the palace. But just as he moved, a man appeared in front of him, blocking his path.

    Caine didn''t bother to look at him and casually stepped forward, teleporting past him, assuming the man had mistakenly crossed his path.

    However, his gaze narrowed when an arm reached out, grabbing his shoulder.

    "Excuse me."

    A pulse of qi instantly repelled the hand from Caine. He slowly turned around.

    "Hm?"

    The man before him looked simple¡ªblack hair, red eyes, dark robes¡ª

    ''¡ªIs this a Renala?''

    "I am Sire Elderson, missionary of the Chaos Heaven Pagoda, Lords of the Western Continent. Please, come with me. Our Lord wishes an audience with you."

    "What''s my name?"

    Sire was taken aback by the question but answered nonetheless. "Caine Lerouge Velios, Scion of the Northern Forces."

    "Knowing this, you still ''require'' anything of me?"

    The man smiled, a rumbling chuckle echoing from his throat. "Please, young man, do not make this harder than it needs to be."

    "Be a good boy and follow me, or else." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Or else?" Caine blinked, his disbelief turning into amusement. He almost burst out laughing.

    Was he being threatened?

    Caine shook his head, chuckling to himself, and continued walking toward the auction palace.

    Sire sighed as his qi exploded outward. His hand tore through the air, aiming directly for Caine.

    BOOM!

    In an instant, a formation above activated, reducing Sire to ashes. The defense mechanisms of the plain had been triggered.

    Caine barely spared the incident a glance.

    Using his Will, he activated one of the many formations scattered around the area, ensuring a smooth journey to the palace.

    As he walked, a thought struck him. ''Since when were we on bad terms with them?''

    ''Also, why the hell do they look like Renalas so much? Even his blood had their scent.''

    He shook his head and sighed. ''This is why I didn''t want to come.''

    ***

    The auction hall was a marvel of craftsmanship, a vast, towering structure built to accommodate thousands of attendants. Its floors were carpeted in a rich, red velvet that absorbed every footstep, and the walls gleamed with a polished golden sheen, adorned with intricate engravings of past auctions and historical events.

    The stage, where all bidding would take place, was constructed from dark, ancient wood that radiated a faint spiritual aura. Heavy, long curtains of crimson velvet hid its surface, embroidered with gold-threaded runes that glimmered faintly in the light.

    Directly before the stage were rows upon rows of neatly arranged seats, designed to provide comfort while maintaining elegance. Above, elevated private rooms lined the walls, hidden behind tinted one-way glass. These rooms catered to the nobles and Scions from the five major powers, offering privacy and luxury.

    Caine lounged alone in one such boxes, sprawled on a wide sofa, even spacious enough for his tall frame. He lay there comfortably, his eyes half-closed, utterly indifferent to the grandeur of the event.

    WHOOSH!

    Slowly, the thick curtains parted, revealing a woman standing at the center of the stage.

    Her face was obscured by a dark amethyst mask, as was customary for members of the Void Trading Alliance. Her layered black robes, embroidered with silver, flowed elegantly, accentuating her commanding presence.

    "Welcome to the¡­"

    Caine''s eyes grew heavier as he leaned back and crossed his arms.

    "¡­we are honored to¡­"

    His eyelids drooped further, and he struggled to stay awake. ''Alright, I''ll close them, but I''ll keep listening. Definitely.''

    "¡­for our first item placed up for¡­"

    He fell asleep.

    ***

    On stage, the presenter stood beside a floating bubble, within which a dozen thick tomes were suspended, each covered in intricate, glowing runes.

    "For our nineteenth treasure, I present to you the Arcane Tomes of Liberation!"

    "Created by the late arcane cultivator Lord Sermond, considered one of the youngest pioneers of the art, these tomes contain the culmination of his life''s greatest project¡ªthe Liberation Spell Sets. But that''s not all."

    "A guide is also included¡ªa guide that takes cultivators step-by-step through a process that allows them to recreate their veins, inextricably linking them to their bones and, indirectly, their flesh."

    "This refinement allows for the formation of a completely new body structure¡ªthe Liberation Structure Set! A titled structure set standing at the very peaks of the Chaos Grade!"

    Gasps of shock and excitement rippled through the audience. The attendees stirred in anticipation, unable to hide their hunger for such a priceless opportunity.

    But just as the bidding was about to begin¡ª

    Clap! Clap! Clap!

    A man strode onto the stage, clapping his hands mockingly. His face was obscured by a stark white mask, and his layered white robes were a sharp contrast to the Void Trading Alliance''s black.

    Without a word, he waved his hand, and golden qi chains snaked through the air, wrapping around the presenter. She fell limply to the ground, unconscious before she could react.

    "Hello," the man''s deep voice echoed, sending chills through the room.

    Many attendees prepared to retaliate, but before they could act, the man waved his hand again. Most of the crowd was immediately bound by golden chains, leaving only a handful untouched.

    "Hello, I am Magnus Carlier, from the White Sea Cult."

    Masked figures in white robes suddenly appeared behind him, their presence oppressive.

    "It''s been a long time, hasn''t it?" Magnus said with a chuckle, his gaze directed at one of the private boxes above.

    For a moment, the room was silent, the air thick with tension.

    BOOM!

    All the private rooms exploded simultaneously as countless ancestors and elders from the major factions soared into the air. Their auras clashed violently against those of Magnus and his followers.

    Chaos erupted.

    ***

    Caine woke up what felt like hours later, yawning and stretching as he stood from his sofa.

    ''Should be done.''

    He looked around and froze.

    Everything was destroyed. His private room floated in the air, the only intact structure amidst the carnage.

    Below, countless battles raged. Bodies littered the grassy plains where the auction palace had once stood.

    ''What the hell happened¡­?''

    Screams, roars, and cries overwhelmed his senses as shockwaves rippled through the air, filling it with chaotic qi.

    Just as the chaos and his confusion reached their peak, the formations surrounding the area suddenly activated.

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    Caine''s [Warp] gift blared warning signs, but it was too late. Before he could react, he and everyone present were sucked into a chaotic spatial storm.

    As his sense of direction was torn apart and the world around him began to warp he sighed.

    ''Of course, things had to go wrong.''

    [End of Volume One: Timeless Genesis]

    [Volume Two: Blinding Heavenly Light]

 Chapter 102 Blind

    Up, down, left, right¡ªit all stopped having meaning.Caine found himself spiraling through a void of endless colors, his body battered and torn by countless chaotic streams of qi.

    The wounds accumulated on his body faster than he could heal, forcing his Blood Qi to go into overdrive.

    ''Where the hell am I¡­?''

    All he could see was a blurry fresque of colors reflected by streams of qi that intertwined in chaotic yet beautiful dances.

    His body sped through this blurry space with terrifying speed, accelerating over time as if pulled by an invisible spectral force.

    ''¡­Blurry? My senses are¡ª''

    Before he could complete his thought, his already blurry vision began to darken as he felt his very Blood Qi twist and churn, mutating into something grotesque.

    His normally sharp senses began to shut down, one by one.

    His sight left first, plunging him into an eternal abyss of darkness. Then his sense of touch tore away, leaving him a motionless, numb puppet of flesh. His sense of smell overloaded his brain with countless otherworldly odors before vanishing entirely.

    A loud ringing echoed in his mind just as his tongue began to ripple and darken.

    His entire body trembled, rippling violently as dark runes surfaced across his skin. His mind flickered between consciousness and unconsciousness. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''What the¡­?''

    The thought barely formed before it all went blank. His body continued to be pulled further into the grand and strange abyss of colors.

    ***

    In an endless white room, a body suddenly appeared, crashing heavily onto the ground.

    Caine''s body convulsed violently, his lungs expanding as he gasped for air. His blind eyes widened as he regained consciousness.

    Though stripped of his senses, his mind remained intact, allowing him to adapt almost instantly.

    From his Bond Space, countless strings of Neural Qi shot out, binding his body and turning it into a puppet controlled by his Will.

    His affinity to qi flared, and he began to survey his surroundings through the intent and Will contained in the air.

    His mind sharpened, and his blood cooled as he primed himself for the worst.

    WHOOOOSH!

    ''Good.''

    He released a breath of relief. Though he didn''t know where he was, at least he was alone.

    But his relief was short-lived. ''What the hell has happened to me?'' His face twisted into a frown.

    He cycled his Blood Qi through his body, targeting his nerves, but nothing changed. His body wasn''t healing.

    However, this wasn''t what worried him most. In his past life, he''d spent his first twelve years blind and stripped of his senses. It was why his eyes had once been silver¡ªhe used to be blind. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    Through arcane arts, he had partially healed his body and regained his senses. Later, after forming his rings, he had fully recovered.

    But this felt entirely different. His body felt fine, yet he was blind. Something was deeply wrong.

    ''Something passed through my Blood Qi to corrupt my Life Qi. It wounded all my aspects and caused this state I''m in.''

    His thoughts grew sharper. ''And because of my recent breakthroughs and their effects on my body, this change runs even deeper.''

    In other words, while his situation wasn''t hopeless, it was dire. His wounded aspects had stripped him of his senses, the bodily fatigue he''d spent a year recovering from had returned, and, worst of all, he didn''t yet know how to heal himself.

    Having only just entered the Spark Realm, he had never interacted with his aspects. For now, there was nothing he could do except rely on his affinity to qi and his True Will.

    He exhaled, calming himself as his Dao Heart plunged him into a state of serenity. But just as this happened, the white space around him began to tremble. Through the darkness that blinded his vision, a set of runes assembled, forming a screen directly projected into his mind.

    ~~~

    [Fractured Reality: City of God.]

    ? Description: The Gods have fallen, their bones used to forge the pillars of humanity and their blood to nurture the lands from which ascendants shall rise. But amidst this coming golden age, a dark shadow grows, casting a net of sin over the world.

    ? Clear Conditions (Individual): Kill The Man Bathed in Golden Blood. Save The Ten Sovereign Stars. Join the [?]. Discover the [?].

    ? Clear Conditions (Collective): Survive the Last Calamity of Man.

    >Time Ribbon: For every day passed in the True World, ten years will pass in the Fractured World.

    >Time Frame: 30 Days (300 Fractured Years).

    ? Difficulty: Origin Grade (Lower Grade).

    ~~~

    The moment the screen imprinted itself into his mind, the white space began to twist and shift once more. Before Caine could react, he was thrown and teleported away.

    ***

    Fractured realities were strange and complex, both in their structure and essence. There were many types, and even among them, variations existed.

    Some fractured realities could be conquered and used as training grounds for the youth. Others could be exploited for resources. Still, others could hide treasures and knowledge¡ªlost in the mazes of time and space.

    But some were traps.

    Unfortunately for Caine, his luck had run out.

    This fractured reality was the very same one where he''d taken his coming-of-age ceremony.

    And that wasn''t all.

    Everyone who had attended the auction was also sucked into the fractured reality, but their screens were¡­ different.

    ~~~

    [Fractured Reality: City of God.]

    ? Description: The Gods have fallen, their bones used to forge the pillars of humanity and their blood to nurture the lands from which ascendants shall rise. But amidst this coming golden age, a dark shadow grows, casting a net of sin over the world.

    ? Clear Conditions (Individual): Kill Caine Lerouge Velios. Kill the Ten Sovereign Stars. Follow the Orders of the Man Bathed in Golden Blood.

    ? Clear Conditions (Collective): Kill Caine Lerouge Velios.

    >Time Ribbon: For every day passed in the True World, ten years will pass in the Fractured World.

    >Time Frame: 30 Days (300 Fractured Years).

    ? Difficulty: Origin Grade (Lower Grade).

    ~~~

    Caine''s enemies had underestimated him once, but they wouldn''t make the same mistake twice.

 Chapter 103 Death Qi

    Caine fell from the stars and into the skies, his bloodied body catching fire as he hurtled downward, twisting and rolling in the air as he desperately tried to regain balance.The void above seemed endless, a dark canvas punctuated only by faint glimmers of distant light, but his descent was unrelenting. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Below stretched a vast forest, ominous in its design. The soil of this land was ashen grey, devoid of life''s vibrancy.

    The countless trees were pitch black, their towering trunks splintered and gnarled, crowned with sharp and deadly branches.

    These branches bore emerald flames instead of leaves, flickering ominously, casting eerie shadows that danced across the forest floor.

    Roaming through the vast expanse of this deathly land were skeletal creatures, their gaunt forms radiating an aura of death and carnage.

    Though Caine couldn''t see any of this, he didn''t need to. His intent allowed him to read the nature of his surroundings instantly, the very air whispering its truths to him.

    BOOOOM!

    A crater formed in the heart of the forest as his body crashed into the ground with the force of a meteor. Dirt and debris exploded outward, mingling with emerald sparks from the fiery foliage above.

    The world around him shuddered. A wave of emerald qi surged through the air, thick and oppressive. It spread outward like an ocean, consuming everything in its path.

    The once-visible forest became an endless expanse of emerald mist, suffused with a single unmistakable energy.

    Death Qi.

    Caine''s Blood Qi stirred violently, sensing the danger. Warning signs blared through his being, but he was already too late to react.

    WHOOOSH!

    The thick waves of death qi condensed, spiraling toward him and flooding his body with their eerie, malevolent essence. It moved with precision, as if alive, targeting every fiber of his being.

    His body began to expand unnaturally, and the strain caused it to crack apart in places.

    Glowing emerald veins spread across these cracks, pulsing with energy. His skin turned entirely black, and his pupils transformed into voids of pure darkness, swallowing all light.

    Caine''s already mutated Blood Qi began to shatter, throwing his body into complete disarray. Black and emerald runes snaked along his form, their luminous glow marking the areas where corrosion was deepest. The death qi was relentless, slowly corroding him from the inside out.

    Yet Caine remained calm. The immense pain wracking his body wasn''t enough to break his focus.

    BOOOM!

    His hair ignited, transforming into a mane of burning white flames. A chitinous armor formed over his bare body, glistening in the emerald light. Waves of chaotic power oozed from him, and within, life and death qi clashed violently, threatening to tear him apart.

    Caine slowly sat up, crossing his legs in a meditative posture. His Dao Heart radiated serenity, shining brilliantly amidst the chaos brewing within him.

    The situation was dire. If he didn''t act, the death qi would completely corrode his life qi.

    Once that happened, his Blood Qi would mutate into something grotesque and corrosive, a force that would kill him in seconds.

    But Caine remained unshaken.

    If he had truly wanted to stop this, he could have done so already.

    His True Will alone was enough to command all qi to obey him. Beyond that, he was protected by the countless safeguards he had painstakingly cultivated. His body, refined through the power of his Death Star, was resistant to such assaults.

    His rings could control atmospheric qi and offset the effects of even potent death qi. And above all, his Qi Pillar stood as his foundation.

    Though Caine hadn''t used it up to now, it still stood at the immeasurable grade. Its mere existence shielded him from such attacks.

    The reason he had allowed his body to endure this torment was twofold. The first reason lay in his Blood Qi.

    ''I see. The additional cursed and blessed natures of my Blood Qi are the root causes of all this.''

    His thoughts were calm and methodical.

    ''My five fundamental senses reflect my five aspects. An evolution in one is mirrored by a change in the other.''

    ''The World Will Eye of the real world had been suppressing the completion of my aspects. Entering this fractured reality allowed them to fully complete, which in turn mutated my senses.''

    ''They weren''t just mutated¡ªthey were turned into templates for me to use. I can''t see, hear, smell, feel, or taste because I now need to reforge these senses.''

    Caine nodded to himself as clarity washed over him, unbothered by the flames of death qi burning his body.

    ''This completion made my Blood Qi malleable, causing my senses to vanish. Conversely, it is through my Blood Qi that I can regain them.''

    For most cultivators, reforging their senses entirely would be an impossible task¡ªespecially when those senses reflected Immeasurable Cursed and Blessed aspects.

    But for Caine, this task was almost trivial. His gift, [Sense], was the perfect tool for such a task. As an extension of his True Will, all he needed to do was allow it to function.

    The second reason for enduring this agony was simple yet profound¡ªBalance.

    He sought to strike equilibrium between his Life Qi and the invading Death Qi, allowing them to mutate and harmonize. By doing so, his Life Qi would ascend to match the potency of Lilith''s, granting him regeneration abilities that bordered on godlike. The resulting balance would also synchronize perfectly with the functions of his flesh and bones.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s True Will Star glowed as one of the five dragons coiled around it opened its eyes. As it stirred, the manifestation of a dragon materialized, coiling tightly around him.

    BOOOM!

    His Will surged, and his Life Qi erupted with terrifying momentum. It countered the Death Qi with equal force, initiating a violent dance within his body that pushed him closer to destruction.

    Two shades of emerald¡ªlight and dark¡ªclashed around him, filling the air with chaotic energy. Flowers sprouted amidst the dead forest, their fragile blooms flickering with vitality, only to wither and rot moments later under the relentless clash of qi.

    Caine''s body peeled away layer by layer, alternating between a state of perfect regeneration and grotesque decay. It was a brutal cycle, but it created the ideal environment for his senses to reforge.

    RUMBLE!

    With a faint roar from the dragon coiled around him, complex runes began to materialize in the air. They shimmered as they slowly reconstructed each of his senses, restoring balance to his fragmented being.

    ''I suppose I''ll take a deep dive into the complexities of Death Qi as well.''

    As this thought formed, the skies above darkened. Ominous clouds gathered, thick with the promise of lightning. They crackled with volatile energy, the sound reverberating like a harbinger of judgment.

    Caine sighed, shaking his head as his blind eyes met the brewing storm above.

    "What have I done this time? I''m only healing my body."

    A deafening clap of thunder drowned his words as the first bolt of lightning struck, searing his body.

    The pain was immense, but Caine remained indifferent. He sighed once more, his tone one of mild exasperation.

    "I suppose I should be happy it''s just a simple tribulation this time."

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    The second bolt of lightning fell.

 Chapter 104 Wraith

    ''Decent.''Caine''s body sat naked in the middle of a charred no man''s land, his chest rising and falling steadily. Above him, the stormy clouds cleared, signaling the end of the tribulation.

    WHOOSH!

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    Despite the destruction surrounding him, his body stood in perfect condition, with only one oddity¡ªhis face, now a shade paler than usual. The tribulation had prevented him from fully healing, leaving him at about sixty percent of his total strength. For now, however, it would have to suffice.

    He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes, immediately frowning. His regained senses were sharper than ever, exceeding the limits of ordinary mortals, but something was off with his sight. Everything he saw was distorted, blurry, and cloaked in darkness.

    Swirling colors and fragmented runes danced erratically in his vision.

    ''If my sight reflects my soul, does that mean something is wrong with it?''

    The thought lingered in his mind, and his expression hardened as realization dawned.

    PURHCI!

    A blade tore into his back, the cold steel erupting through his chest. Silver blood sprayed violently, covering his naked body as potent dark qi invaded his flesh, surging through his veins like a poison.

    BOOM!

    Caine''s body disassembled into a cloud of fiery runes, reappearing several meters away.

    His narrowed gaze locked onto his attacker.

    Standing where he''d been moments ago was a tall, skeletal entity draped in thick, metallic dark armor. Like Caine, when poisoned by death qi, it bore a mane of flaming emerald hair. Its hollow eye sockets burned with scarlet orbs of fire, emanating dense waves of killing intent.

    Behind it, an army of summons stood in ominous silence, each more powerful than the last. Skeletal dragons, armoured skeletal titans, skeletal foot soldiers¡ªthey varied.

    Caine''s gaze sharpened. For some reason, an unfamiliar sensation crawled through him¡ªthreat.

    WHOOOSH!

    The air around him stirred violently, and in the next instant, all of Caine''s summons materialized, overwhelming the skeletal summoner''s forces in sheer numbers.

    The entity let out a soul-piercing screech, its bony jaw rattling as it laughed. "Still quite young, hm?" Its voice grated like the scraping of chalk on a board, undercut by the gurgling rasp of a dying man''s breath.

    "So young, yet so powerful. You''re wasting the potential of such beautiful and mighty summons. I''ll be taking them off your hands."

    A black hilt appeared in its bony grip, and as it tightened its hold, a blade of amethyst qi formed, completing the weapon.

    Caine remained unmoved. With a flicker of his Will, dark robes draped over his body as his summons charged forward. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Remember my name¡ªAdari. I shall take you as one of my sons."

    Adari charged. The ground beneath him exploded into a rain of debris as his blade tore through the air, aimed directly at Caine.

    Caine squatted, dodging effortlessly, but his eyes narrowed as Adari''s stance shifted instantly. A rising leg shot upward, perfectly timed to meet Caine''s descending face.

    ''How is he reacting to my movements?''

    Caine jolted back, using the momentum to backflip away from the kick. He landed on his feet, summoning a spear into his grip without hesitation. Shooting forward, their weapons clashed.

    Caine expected a brief stalemate, but instead, Adari''s qi blade phased through his spear, its intangible edge continuing toward his neck.

    Without panicking, Caine spun the pole of his spear, striking Adari''s hand and deflecting the attack by mere centimeters.

    Adari missed, his blade slicing through empty air. Caine capitalized on the opening, stepping forward and swinging his spear upward, its blade shimmering with chaotic neutral qi.

    Adari grinned as dense death qi gathered around him, forming a robust shield.

    BANG!

    Caine''s spear struck the shield, but the force sent his arm flying back, leaving him vulnerable. The shield shattered into countless deadly shards of solid death qi, which shot forward, embedding themselves into Caine''s body.

    Silver blood stained his robes as the shards tore through him. Before he could retreat, the embedded shards exploded into emerald runes, which quickly assembled into layered formations.

    Caine sneered. His Blood Qi surged through his veins, devouring the death qi that sought to erode him, instantly healing his wounds.

    His True Will towered, shattering the formation in front of him. But the runes reassembled into an even more complex array, surging with destructive intent.

    Adari''s rasping voice echoed. "Foolish child. Attempting to poison a Death Wraith¡­ with Death Qi?"

    Caine ignored the taunt. His martial ring glinted in his eyes, and his muscle fibers tightened as he regained his footing. Blood Qi flowed smoothly through his veins, unperturbed.

    With a step, he was upon Adari, his spear aimed for the wraith''s neck.

    Spear intent exploded from the weapon, suppressing Adari''s movements. Before the wraith could adapt, the intent ascended into Spear True Will.

    SHANG!

    Adari blocked once more, summoning a shield of death qi.

    ''Let''s switch methods.''

    Caine''s heart thumped, and his Primordial Chaos Flame roared to life. A mantle of golden fire enveloped his body as the surrounding heat ascended to an unbearable level.

    Adari''s gaze narrowed, but it was too late.

    A flame-covered hand struck his metallic armor, melting it instantly. The flames shifted, turning emerald as they became infused with pure life qi.

    Caine''s other hand moved with precision, grabbing one of Adari''s ribs and violently tearing it out. The melted steel from the armor gathered upon the rib, forming a short sword.

    Channeling his flames into the weapon, Caine drove it into Adari''s skull, shattering it.

    BOOOOM!

    Before the wraith could reform, Caine spread his arms wide, summoning his arcane ring behind him. Neutral qi flooded his veins as he began reciting incantations, his body levitating into the air.

    Above, a grand spell circle formed in the skies, its energy building to a crescendo.

    "Gotcha," Caine muttered.

    But just as the words left his lips, another blade tore into his back.

    Then a second, a third, a fourth.

    Dozens of identical figures emerged from the shadows, all bearing Adari''s visage. Each held a weapon soaked with Caine''s silver blood.

 Chapter 105 Wraith(II)

    Caine remained unfazed, his palms converging toward one another with an almost serene swiftness as his spell activated.[Blight Art: Incineration]

    From the heavens above, a grand and majestic pillar of flames descended, engulfing the earth, sky, and all that lay between in its infernal heat. The blinding light of the flames consumed everything, and in an instant, Adari and his summons were reduced to nothing but ashes.

    Caine, drained and battered, fell from the skies, landing heavily on the charred ground below. On his knees, his breath came in ragged gasps, his face scrunched into a deep frown.

    ''Why can''t I heal?''

    His silver blood pooled beneath him, seeping from the myriad wounds that marred his frame. Though his Blood Qi desperately worked to repair the damage, its efforts proved futile, leaving him in a dire state.

    His mind churned with ideas on how to resolve the situation when suddenly, a shadow loomed above him. Adari appeared once more, his body completely intact as if nothing had happened.

    Behind him, a magnificent formation circle of black and golden runes rapidly materialized.

    Death Qi surged into it, condensing into a spell that activated before Caine could react.

    [Wraith Command: Deathly Karma.]

    Caine''s eyes widened, and a roar of pain tore from his lips as the effects of the spell struck him with devastating force. Every wound he''d ever sustained since the beginning of this life reopened simultaneously, throwing him into a state of unimaginable agony.

    But Adari wasn''t done.

    The formation circle behind him shattered and split into two parts. One half shot into the skies, fusing with the storm clouds above, while the other merged with Adari himself. His summons reappeared, only to instantly fuse into his body, further amplifying his already terrifying strength.

    "¡­We summoners stand atop the world. None can stand above or across from us." Adari''s voice echoed with malevolent pride as his bony jaw twisted into a menacing grin. "¡­As I said, you will become one of my sons."

    In a blur, Adari vanished, leaving countless afterimages in his wake, only to reappear directly in front of Caine. His fist plunged into Caine''s gut, expelling all air from his lungs and propelling him high into the air.

    Golden runes flashed around Adari as chains materialized from thin air, wrapping around Caine''s ascending body. Bound tightly, Caine could only watch as Adari''s blade, brimming with chaotic Death Qi, swung upward with devastating force.

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    SHURR!

    The sickening sound of breaking bones and tearing flesh echoed as Caine''s left arm was gruesomely severed, the silver blood staining the already blackened earth below.

    The golden chains binding him glowed ominously before exploding into a violent blast of pure destructive energy.

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Amidst the swirling cloud of chaos, Adari''s laughter thundered across the charred lands, blanketing the scene in untamed malevolence.

    As the dust began to settle, Caine emerged, standing amidst the destruction. His body was littered with countless wounds, his silver blood dripping from his broken frame. Yet his gaze was calm, almost apathetic.

    He looked to the heavens where the storm clouds churned, fused with Adari''s formation circle. Within them, arcs of thick tribulation lightning rolled, crackling with ominous energy, ready to strike at a moment''s notice. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''A death, karma, and tribulation affinity. Interesting.''

    Lowering his gaze, he examined his own broken body.

    ''So that''s why my wounds won''t close.''

    Without hesitation, he sutured every single wound using the qi from his stars, solidifying the sutures with his True Will. Flames surged over the gaping wound on his left shoulder, halting the bleeding. Though it wouldn''t completely stop the damage, it would keep things from worsening for now.

    As for his severed arm, he''d deal with it later.

    A spear materialized in Caine''s hand, and the chaotic qi swirling around him instantly dispersed. His calm gaze met Adari''s mocking one.

    "Do you submit?" Adari taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. "If you do, I might be inclined to let your mind survive the transition. It would be a waste to ruin such a potent Dao Heart."

    Caine swung his spear at the air, prompting Adari to laugh as he summoned a shield of qi in front of him. But his laughter stopped abruptly, his heart clenching in shock as a shadow appeared behind him.

    Reacting instinctively, Adari turned, his blade already moving in a vicious lateral arc. Yet Caine weaved under the strike, closing the distance with uncanny speed. His spear tore upward in a deceptively simple yet deathly arc.

    Just as Adari prepared to adjust his stance, a sharp pulse of pain shot through his back.

    Turning, he realized with alarm that Caine''s initial figure had not moved¡ªit had landed its strike.

    ''¡­Clones? But¡ª''

    Before the thought could finish, Caine''s blade cleaved through Adari''s armor. Seizing the opportunity, Caine''s hand shot forward, grabbing the wraith''s spine and violently tearing it out.

    CRACK!

    Flames erupted from Caine''s hand, incinerating Adari''s body to ash. He gazed at the remnants with narrowed eyes.

    ''So, he can''t die through physical attacks. I have to destroy his soul.''

    He frowned. ''Tricky. Tricky. Tricky.''

    The two bodies of Caine exploded into mists of silver runes and reassembled meters away, narrowly avoiding an attack from Adari, who had already reformed his body.

    ''Or I could shatter his Will. But his Will seems more¡­mature than mine. Though fundamentally weaker, it feels superficially stronger. The issue remains the same.''

    ''I can''t win.''

    Adari felt a shiver run down his spine as Caine''s lips curved into a mad grin. His aura shifted, soaring toward the heavens.

    "¡­[Star Ring Circle: Totality]¡­"

    Caine''s wings erupted from his back, brilliant runes of every color blooming across his body in a stunning tapestry of complexity. Tendrils of thick qi condensed and extended from his left shoulder, forming an energy arm to temporarily replace his severed limb.

    His hair ignited into a mane of multicolored flames, and his muscles bulged before tightening under the strain of his qi.

    Nine rings appeared behind him, their overlapping forms housing countless stars.

    The power of these stars surged into his rings and then into his Dao Heart, forming a seamless, perfect loop.

    "¡­[Nameless Foundation]¡­"

    The strength of all his summons flowed through his Sovereign Ring, merging with him.

    BOOOOM!

    Caine''s aura towered into the skies, shattering the tribulation clouds above and casting an oppressive force over the battlefield.

    He smiled, his voice calm. "Let''s see if this is enough."

    With a twitch of his wings, Caine vanished, leaving the ground where he''d stood exploding into a rain of dust and debris.

    BOOOM!

 Chapter 106 Wraith(III)â€”Potential

    During the Samsara Trials, after upgrading his soul form and restructuring all his knowledge of the nine arts, Caine had taken the time to compare himself to the fallen gods he had competed against.The conclusion he reached was humbling yet extraordinary: using his rings alone, he stood just steps away from true godhood.

    But what did this truly mean?

    What did it signify for a mortal to master the arts to such a degree that they were mere inches away from absolute godhood, the highest realm of existence?

    And what did it mean now that Caine had not only grown more powerful than ever but had pushed all his knowledge to the Virtuoso and Savant grades?

    The question lingered¡ªjust how much potential was Caine wasting by not relying on his rings more?

    ***

    Adari was overwhelmed.

    As a Wraith, Adari''s race was among the rarest and most sought-after across the myriad worlds of existence, and for a very specific reason: potential. The Wraith race brimmed with untamed, unbridled potential.

    Wraiths were unique beings. They could only be born from the fusion of corpses and shattered souls, forming a construct that was neither spiritual nor physical¡ªa perfect balance between the two. Their power depended on the quality of the corpses and souls used in their creation, and they often bore affinities so strange and potent that they rivaled those like Caine.

    A Wraith''s sheer affinity alone allowed them to contend with beings like Caine, provided they were at least one or two realms higher. That was the nature of their terrifying potential.

    Adari, in particular, was no ordinary Wraith. He had been forged from the corpses of countless powerful figures and bore two of the most fearsome affinities known: Karma and Tribulation.

    By all logic, with these affinities and his immense power, Adari should have overwhelmed Caine effortlessly¡ªespecially after fusing with his meticulously cultivated army of summons. An army he had painstakingly nurtured over millennia.

    And yet, facing Caine now, even Adari felt apprehensive. Something about this mortal had transcended explanation.

    But unlike most, fear did not deter Adari. It fueled him. He was, in many ways, the perfect opposite of Caine. While Caine maintained an unshakable calm, Adari burned with unrelenting madness. Every emotion he felt became fuel for his Dao Heart, filling him with even greater power.

    "GOOD!" Adari''s loud, ear-shattering voice boomed across the battlefield as he shot forward. His crazed laughter echoed through the air like thunder.

    His armor exploded off his frame as Death Qi transmuted into thick, layered muscles that rapidly grew to fill his skeletal form. Strange, dark-gold Qi condensed into pale grey skin that tightly wrapped around him. His armor reformed, majestic and menacing, draping his form like a conqueror''s mantle.

    Tendrils of Tribulation Lightning erupted from his bald head, reforming into strands of wild, fiery hair. His eyes blazed crimson, their blood-red pupils overflowing with madness.

    He swung his blade at Caine''s speeding figure, laughing as he did.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s wings fluttered, and his momentum seemed to vanish momentarily before redirecting entirely. In the blink of an eye, he maneuvered around Adari, his movements so precise they defied logic.

    With a flick of his left wing, its feathers shining resplendent and milky white, Caine tore across the Wraith''s back, leaving rivers of black blood in his wake. His right wing followed, slamming into Adari and sending him hurtling through the air.

    Without pause, Caine extended a hand, gathering the terrifying essence of all his stars into a single concentrated beam of power.

    With a thought, he launched it.

    Adari tumbled across the ground but landed on his feet, his mad laughter undeterred. He stared at the incoming attack with a resolute heart. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    [Wraith Art: Karmic Mirror]

    BOOM!

    A golden mirror materialized in front of him, freezing the world around it for a fleeting moment. Then, in an instant, Caine and Adari switched places.

    From where Caine had once stood, Adari extended his hand, casting another spell.

    [Wraith Art: Death Amplification]

    The orb of chaotic Qi heading toward Caine tripled in size. A thin film of Death Qi coated its surface, elevating its lethality to unimaginable levels.

    [Wraith Art: Tribulation Cage]

    The skies darkened as five pillars of Tribulation Lightning descended, encasing Caine. Azure barriers formed around the pillars, sealing off every possible escape.

    It all happened in less than a second, barely giving Caine time to register what had occurred.

    ''He''s a terrifying spellcaster,'' Caine noted, his expression unchanging.

    His massive wings folded tightly around his body just as the amplified orb crashed into him, erupting in a kaleidoscopic explosion.

    The cage itself detonated next, and from above, countless lightning pillars descended simultaneously, stacking upon one another in a relentless barrage.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    "COME ON! MORE!" Adari roared to the heavens, his laughter growing even more manic. He knew Caine wasn''t dead¡ªnot even close. His madness only fueled his desire to strike again.

    But Caine, fully aware of his plight, refused to give Adari the upper hand.

    The earth beneath them cracked and shattered, giving way to a surging tide of magma that erupted into the skies.

    [Blight Art: Magma Chain]

    WHOOSH!

    From the magma, countless thick chains formed, each heading toward Adari. He frowned, his instincts immediately on high alert.

    ''This attack is too weak and simple. It must be a trap.''

    Using the remaining fragments of intact ground as platforms, he began to evade the chains, his body a blur of motion.

    Seconds passed, and realization struck.

    These chains weren''t coming for him.

    Adari turned, his eyes widening in horror as he analyzed the pattern of the runes forming around him.

    ''A formation!''

    But it was too late.

    [Blight Art: Abyss]

    The battlefield vanished, replaced by a domain of pure, unbridled darkness. Adari stood frozen, his cognitive functions slowed to a crawl as his body, soul, aspects, and even his True Will refused to respond.

    Veins bulged across his frame as he strained to regain control, but nothing worked.

    Suddenly, a voice echoed through the abyss.

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    [Blight Art: Blade of Damocles]

    Across the dark expanse, all of Caine''s stars manifested, their radiance horrifying as the pressure upon Adari multiplied tenfold. The stars began to fuse, their brilliance converging into a single, grand blade held by a towering, winged angelic figure.

    Caine''s calm gaze met Adari''s fiery one, and for a brief moment, the world fell silent.

    "You are a warrior worthy of respect," Caine said softly, "but I cannot grant you eternal rest."

    Though frozen, Adari somehow managed a grin, his madness undeterred. "Do what you must. Such is the way of summoners."

    The blade descended, tearing through the domain like paper. As it struck Adari, Caine whispered one final incantation.

    [Nameless Call]

    The blade detonated, consuming Adari in an explosion of cataclysmic proportions.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 107 Merchants

    Caine''s wings faded, dissolving alongside his star form as he exhaled a labored breath. His body trembled with exhaustion, and his hands shook uncontrollably. He gazed at them with a sigh, frustration flickering behind his calm demeanor.Adari had truly been a formidable opponent.

    But beyond that, he was the perfect subject for study.

    His abilities almost perfectly mirrored the bodily pillar Caine had been born with but not only that, analyzing him further could bring breakthroughs for the evolution of his Sigil Technique.

    Capturing Adari as a summon was an invaluable gain, both for his future plans and his path toward true mastery.

    ''Unfortunate,'' Caine mused, the faint thought brushing against his consciousness before fading.

    But this time, he had pushed himself far beyond his limits. The world around him blurred, and his vision darkened as his body fell from the skies, his consciousness slipping into the void.

    ***

    Through a dense forest, along a muddy road flanked by ancient, towering trees, a massive carriage slowly made its way. Unlike conventional carriages, it had no wheels; instead, glowing formations etched into its aged wooden frame allowed it to float gracefully above the uneven terrain.

    At its helm were two strange creatures, massive and imposing, resembling a cross between ancient qilins and horned horses.

    Their dark purple fur shimmered faintly under the forest''s dim light, while manes of blue fire cascaded down their long necks, flickering and swaying in the gentle breeze.

    Steering the carriage was an elderly woman wrapped in thick, dark emerald robes. Only her wrinkled hands and aged, piercing blue eyes were visible beneath her hood.

    The forest was eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of the carriage''s formations and the rhythmic clinking of the creatures'' ornate harnesses. But this quiet was abruptly shattered when the creatures froze, their bodies trembling as if gripped by an unseen terror.

    The woman''s frown deepened. Qi flowed into her eyes, sharpening her vision as she peered ahead. Her gaze pierced through the misty horizon and landed on a scene of utter devastation.

    "What in the world am I looking at¡­" she whispered.

    Ahead lay a field of destruction so vast and chaotic it defied explanation. Rivers of molten magma crisscrossed the landscape, weaving between jagged black rocks that pierced the sky. Clouds of chaotic Qi churned above the wasteland, heavy and oppressive. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But these features weren''t what caused her mounts to tremble. At the edge of this hellish expanse stood a knight clad in radiant golden armor, his presence so imposing that the air itself seemed to twist and bend around him.

    In his arms, he carried a figure draped in tattered robes, their aura far more terrifying than even his own.

    The woman, Elder Anna, felt her heart seize as the knight''s gaze met hers. She immediately averted her eyes, understanding the unspoken command. With a nod, she directed the trembling mounts forward.

    "Anna, what''s going on?" came a voice from within the carriage.

    "Sir, it seems there is a¡­" Elder Anna hesitated, glancing back at the golden knight before continuing. "¡­ a figure of great importance ahead."

    ***

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. In an instant, his True Will flared, creating a domain that expanded outward, scanning his surroundings with precision.

    "Your highness, you are safe."

    Caine turned to his right, finding Soran kneeling beside him. Taking note of the gesture, he shifted his gaze to the unfamiliar environment.

    He was inside a spacious wooden carriage, its interior so wide and ornate it resembled a luxurious living room. Soft cushions lined the seats, and intricate carvings adorned the walls, their designs glowing faintly with protective runes.

    Across from him sat a group of nobles, their faces pale and drenched in sweat. All except for one.

    "You are blind. How fascinating," the lone noble remarked, his tone casual yet intrigued.

    The man appeared to be in his late fifties, though his thick black beard and long, curly hair defied his age. His azure and golden eyes swirled with a strange brilliance, and his attire, a simple gray noble''s robe, was unassuming yet refined.

    Caine ignored the comment, his attention shifting to his own body. His condition was far worse than he''d hoped. Though he was no longer bleeding, his wounds remained unhealed, leaving him in the same critical state he''d been in during his battle with Adari.

    Bandages covered in faintly glowing runes wrapped around his torso, applied with great care¡ªlikely Soran''s handiwork. He wore only a pair of black pants, his upper body bare save for the bindings.

    Caine adjusted his position, pivoting to sit upright as his legs swung to face the older nobleman.

    "How long?" he asked, his voice calm.

    "A week," Soran replied immediately.

    Caine nodded, his expression unreadable.

    "You did well. You can sit; no need to kneel."

    Soran hesitated for a moment before complying, taking a seat beside him.

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    "Sir Jamie Osbatt," Caine spoke, his gaze shifting to the nobleman. "Youngest son of City Lord Theodore Osbatt. It is an honor to be in your presence."

    Jamie seemed taken aback by the unexpected politeness but quickly recovered, smiling warmly. "Oh, please, young man. There''s no need for formalities. A more pressing matter would be your condition." He gestured toward Caine. "You appear to be in a state far beyond critical. I happen to have a camp nearby, staffed with skilled holy healers trained in the capital."

    He leaned forward slightly. "If you accompany me, they will gladly tend to your injuries."

    Caine chuckled softly. "Smart and straight to the point, hm?"

    Jamie nodded. "Of course. I would not waste the time of a figure such as yourself. All I ask in return is that your knight protects me and my people for a few days, until we reach the capital."

    Caine raised a brow, intrigued. "Protect? What makes you think you''re in danger?"

    Jamie''s expression darkened. "We are in the midlands of death. Such a place is inherently perilous. It is only by a miracle of fate that I stand before you untouched."

    Caine considered the words, nodding after a moment. "That''s reasonable." He turned to Soran. "Is that acceptable to you?"

    Though briefly puzzled by the question, Soran quickly understood Caine''s intentions and nodded. "Of course, your highness."

    Caine leaned back against the plush cushions, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Then it''s settled."

    Jamie''s smile widened, and the tension among the other nobles visibly eased.

    Though they still trembled in awe of Caine, they began to relax, realizing his civility outweighed his intimidating presence.

    "So, Jamie," Caine began, his tone light. "What is a noble like you doing in such dangerous lands? And without any guards, no less."

 Chapter 108 Merchants(II)

    Jamie chuckled at the question. "Oh? You know my name, but you do not know what I do? How strange. I must admit, I don''t know your name or occupation either, young man."He folded one leg over the other, resting his interlocked hands on his thigh. "But I digress. What do I do? I am a merchant."

    "I travel the countless plateaus and lands of our marvelous world, seeking to sell the treasures entrusted to me by the Merchant Association."

    He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with passion. "I came here specifically to these Lands of Death to search for the corpses of the ancient gods."

    Caine''s serene expression did not falter. "The ancient gods?" he asked.

    Jamie grinned, his excitement brimming as he spoke. "Yes! The gods who once walked upon the very earth we live on! The ones who held the skies aloft and ruled the heavens with divine authority!"

    His voice rose as his fervor took over. "It is said these very gods, slain by the first Great Pope, were buried here in these accursed lands. This is why this place is so ominous! It is stained by the presence of weeping, fallen gods!"

    Caine''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Men of your age are rarely swayed by word of mouth, no? Unless, of course, the source is credible. It''s fascinating that you''re so confident you''ll find the corpse of a god here."

    Jamie scoffed, gesturing grandly. "Credible? Lad, my heart tells me the truth is right before us! Can you not feel it? The lingering divinity in the air? The fragments of godhood fused into the land? The divine blood falling as rain?"

    His laughter filled the carriage, his passion so powerful that imperceptible waves of Will radiated from him.

    Caine''s brows furrowed ever so slightly. ''It''s almost like the opposite of a heart demon. His love for his craft is so potent it''s birthed a near-Will of its own. Strange.''

    Jamie cleared his throat, regaining some composure. "But on a more serious note, I wasn''t sent here on a whim. The Merchant Association tasked me with several objectives."

    "Beyond searching for the remains of the gods, we were told strange happenings have been reported here recently. Strange, even for the Lands of Death." Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire

    Caine tilted his head slightly. "So they sent you, a merchant, to investigate? You must be quite strong, then. The creatures here aren''t weak." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Jamie laughed, his confidence unwavering.

    "Me? Strong? No, no, lad. I am not powerful. But I am lucky." He pointed directly at Caine, his grin widening. "And now that I''ve met you, am I not safe?"

    Caine shook his head as Jamie and the nobles burst into uproarious laughter.

    ***

    The carriage continued its journey through the foggy forest, its ethereal glow cutting through the oppressive gloom. Soon, it arrived at a clearing surrounded by tall, ancient trees¡ªa small sanctuary amidst the hellish wilderness.

    The camp was alive with activity. Small tents dotted the wide expanse, and at the center burned a grand bonfire, radiating waves of soothing heat. Men and women clad in armor moved with purpose¡ªsome sparring, others sharpening their blades, while a few queued before tents marked with holy symbols, awaiting healing from the capital''s holy healers.

    Despite the bustling atmosphere, the arrival of Caine and Jamie drew little attention. The camp seemed accustomed to strange occurrences.

    Jamie stepped down from the carriage first, followed by his retinue, then Caine and Soran.

    Caine took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to fill his lungs. For a moment, the calm of the camp was almost disorienting compared to the chaos he had just endured.

    "That tent there will be yours," Jamie said, gesturing to a spacious tent a few meters away. "If you need anything, let me know, and it''ll be handled immediately."

    Jamie paused, glancing at the busy healers.

    "Unfortunately, they''re a bit occupied at the moment. It might take an hour or two before they can tend to you. Is that acceptable?"

    Caine nodded silently.

    "Excellent." Jamie waved as he made his way toward the bonfire. "Take your rest. You look like you could use it."

    Caine chuckled softly as he turned toward his tent.

    The tent was simple yet impressive, its frame held up by sturdy metallic bars and wrapped in strange, leathery fabric marked with intricate protective formations. Inside, the space was wide and accommodating, with a soft white fur carpet covering the floor.

    A bed, a dining table, and a small heated bathtub occupied the corners, arranged around a cultivation mat engraved with complex runes.

    ''Decent,'' Caine thought.

    He turned to Soran. "Scout the surroundings. If possible, get close to their soldiers and gather any useful information."

    Soran nodded, vanishing without a word.

    Caine closed the tent''s flaps and moved to the edge of the bed, sitting down with a groan as the ache from his wounds flared once more.

    ''If I can''t heal myself, I doubt they''ll be able to, but I suppose it doesn''t hurt to try.'' He groaned again, pushing himself off the bed and walking toward the cultivation mat at the tent''s center.

    Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes.

    ''Aside from healing, there are other things I wish to try.''

    Ever since mastering runes, Caine had felt as though he''d completed the True Defiant Forgery Path, though he suspected there was more to uncover. His instincts told him further progress would require advancing his cultivation realm. Until then, he could only wait.

    What intrigued him more was the lingering thought that had been with him ever since Laplace had unlocked his affinities¡ªa thought tied to the Dao.

    After forming the Dao Stars for each of his elements, Caine had fully grasped their individual paths. Yet something whispered in the back of his mind, urging him forward.

    There was another step, one he hadn''t yet taken.

    ''What am I missing?'' he pondered, frustration bubbling beneath his calm.

    His thoughts drifted to the first time he had touched upon intent, a moment when the world had transformed before his eyes. It had appeared as a vast tapestry of lines, runes, and shapes, each holding a fragment of universal truth.

    That vision had been pivotal in comprehending his elements and building his path. But since then, it had never returned.

    ''Why didn''t it return?'' he wondered, his mind replaying the purity and beauty of that strange lens through which he had once seen the world.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, his vision darkened. Even the blurred colors and broken runes he had grown accustomed to seeing vanished.

    Everything plunged into a pitch-black abyss.

    And then¡­

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion of colors erupted, brighter and more vivid than anything he had ever seen before.

 Chapter 109 Tapestry

    The colors in Caine''s vision rapidly faded, their brilliance absorbed into the dark fabric of his perception. Yet, before the void could fully take hold, strings of every imaginable hue began to appear, weaving themselves into existence and casting faint light upon the endless darkness.Caine observed with a fascinated heart.

    Runes materialized in intricate rows and complex formations, their shapes etching themselves into the fabric of the void. Then, with a resounding BOOM!, the world around him shifted. Colors and shapes returned to his vision, but the change was profound. The darkness remained, yet now he could see energy bundles coursing through everything around him.

    He could see his tent, the air, and the very essence of the world itself, not through ordinary sight but through the ebb and flow of Qi.

    The endless lines that had emerged began to intertwine, wrapping around one another as the runes carved themselves into the threads, creating an intricate tapestry of light and form.

    The void itself morphed into a twisted yet stunning fresco of all imaginable colors, blending and clashing in chaotic harmony.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s senses trembled. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though every fiber of his being had shifted. Then, his perception evolved further. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire

    Now, he could hear the runes and lines around him, feel their textures as though they were tangible, comprehend their truths as if they whispered secrets directly into his soul. He could even smell their essence¡ªeach rune and thread possessing a unique nature that spoke of creation, destruction, and everything in between.

    His stars blazed brighter, their light burning with newfound intensity. It felt as though he could only now truly wield them, as if this new perception had unlocked their full potential.

    Time, space, the elements, life, death¡ªall the paths he had painstakingly cultivated came alive before him, their truths laid bare.

    Caine''s True Will bloomed and settled, a rare sense of comfort washing over him.

    ''I haven''t regained my full vision, but I''m one step closer now.''

    As formidable as this transformation was, Caine instinctively understood it was far from complete. Whatever changes his eyes were undergoing still required time¡ªor perhaps countless more moments of enlightenment.

    ''How strange,'' he mused, his mind rapidly adapting to the change. ''I can see the world for what it is¡ªQi, Intent, Essence, Quintessence, and Dao. Yet even stranger is¡­'' sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He glanced at his hand. In this new vision, he appeared to be the only thing still made of flesh.

    ''¡­it feels like I can finally use my main affinities properly. As if this was the foundation I always needed to truly grasp them.''

    As the thought crystallized in his mind, another surged forward, making his eyes widen.

    With a flip of his palm, he summoned the thick tome Zao had given him on his birthday. Its title glowed faintly in the dim light of his tent:

    [The Heavenly Pupil¡ªAn Ocular Truth]

    And at the bottom, etched with delicate precision:

    [Written by Julia Herales Velios]

    His mother.

    ''¡­how could Zao have known I would¡­'' Caine''s gaze narrowed. ''¡­can he read the future?''

    Under normal circumstances, this thought might have seemed ridiculous, but now Caine wasn''t so sure. Zao''s actions over the years had consistently guided him toward moments of tremendous growth.

    His stars, his bloodline, even the God-craft tools he possessed¡ªeach had been a direct result of Zao''s interventions.

    In a sense, even Caine walking upon the True Defiant Forgery path was a result of Zao''s actions.

    ''He''s been guiding me from the shadows. If that''s true, then this is a huge opportunity.''

    Without hesitation, Caine opened the tome and began to read.

    ***

    Hours passed.

    Outside Caine''s tent stood a young woman, her slender frame cloaked in the layered robes of a priestess. Her eyes radiated a pure and joyful blue, her long blonde hair partially obscuring her face as it swayed gently in the breeze.

    "Sir?" she called softly, her voice carrying both authority and warmth.

    The flaps of the tent opened, revealing Caine seated cross-legged on a cultivation mat, his attention absorbed by the tome in his hands.

    "Come in," he said, his tone distant, almost distracted.

    The priestess stepped inside, her movements light and deliberate. She hesitated for a moment, watching him intently. Caine seemed completely unaware of her presence, his gaze locked on the book, his mind clearly elsewhere.

    Finally, at a loss for how to proceed, she crouched and tapped his shoulder.

    Startled, Caine blinked, raising his head to meet her gaze.

    "Hello," he said, closing the book and rising to his full height. He towered over her, his presence almost overwhelming in the confined space. "My apologies. I didn''t notice you."

    The priestess smiled warmly. "There''s no need to apologize, sir."

    "How do we proceed?" he asked, his voice calm but direct.

    She gestured toward the mat. "Please, sit back down on the mat. It will assist with the procedure. I''ll position myself behind you to begin the work."

    "You can continue your reading, if you wish. Judging by your injuries, this will take several hours."

    Caine raised an eyebrow. "You''re confident you can heal me?"

    She chuckled, pride flickering in her eyes. "Of course, sir. From a glance, I can see your body is riddled with Demonic Dao Will, an extremely potent form of it at that."

    Her tone shifted, becoming clinical. "There''s also a significant amount of Karmic Qi intertwined with your Blood Qi, reversing its function and forcing it into a catatonic state."

    Her gaze fell to his left shoulder. "As for your arm¡­ well, that''s another matter entirely. It''s healable, but not by me."

    She sighed. "It seems someone proficient in Karmic Laws severed the limb. That alone makes healing it nearly impossible. But beyond that, there are additional laws layered onto the wound. Nasty ones."

    She straightened, her tone regaining its confidence. "I can restore your body to perfect health, but your arm will have to wait."

    "You''re fortunate to have survived such a powerful Ascendant."

    Caine''s eyes widened slightly as he processed her analysis, but before he could respond, the priestess smiled brightly, laughing at his expression. "Shall we begin?"

    Caine nodded and sat back down on the mat.

    "Are all healers as capable as you?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

    The priestess harrumphed as she knelt behind him. With a flip of her palm, she summoned a small marble table covered in a dazzling array of tools.

    "Me?" she said with a grin. "In this world, apart from the Pope himself, I doubt anyone could rival me¡ªlet alone surpass me."

 Chapter 110 Enya

    Caine smiled, unfazed by Priestess Enya''s confidence. It was refreshing to see such confidence and pride.Enya began her work, her holy qi flowing with precision into Caine''s battered body. The energy moved steadily, carefully untangling the chaos within him. Meanwhile, Caine reopened the tome in his hands, his eyes scanning its intricate script.

    As silence settled in, Caine spoke, his tone calm. "Laws, Dao Wills¡ªthose topics are typically reserved for Sages, no? If I may ask, Lady Enya, are you one?"

    She nodded, her hands not faltering in their work. "Yes, I am a Sage specializing in Healing and the Holy Arts."

    "Specializing?" Caine raised a brow slightly.

    "Yes," she replied with a soft smile. "The Pope has refined the cultivation realms, tailoring them to suit individuals'' strengths. Warriors, Healers, Strategists¡ªthere are many paths suited to all kinds."

    "I see," Caine murmured, turning another page in the tome.

    Enya continued, her tone growing clinical as her gaze moved over his body. "But beyond the injuries I''ve already mentioned, there''s more."

    Her qi expanded, probing deeper into his body. "Your system is saturated with tribulation lightning. It''s too chaotic for you to digest yet too deeply intertwined to remove."

    She paused, her expression growing more focused. "Your life qi, in turn, is stuck in a state of semi-evolution. It''s likely being impeded by the tribulation qi."

    Her fingers traced invisible patterns in the air as she worked. "And there''s another issue: your body is under immense stress. You''ve been pushing it beyond its limits recently, haven''t you? While you''re healing naturally, it''s clear that you lack the proper methods to fully recover."

    Caine stayed silent, allowing her to continue.

    "It''s as if you''ve cultivated without considering how your body would adapt to such rapid growth," she remarked. "Your death and life qi are steps in the right direction, but they''re not enough. Healing is essential for growth. A torn muscle must heal to grow stronger; otherwise, it''s just a wound."

    She exhaled softly, her hands still moving with steady precision. "I can fix you for now, but unless you address this, the same problem will return."

    Caine nodded, offering a faint smile. "Thank you, Lady Enya. I understand. I''ll make sure to look into it."

    Enya nodded in return, her focus returning fully to her work.

    ***

    It took three full days for Priestess Enya to heal Caine. The complexity of his injuries, combined with her perfectionist tendencies, drove her to push her abilities to their limits.

    Fortunately, her stamina as a Sage allowed her to work tirelessly until every detail was addressed.

    Caine sat on the edge of his bed, testing his restored strength. His body felt lighter, stronger¡ªmore in tune with itself. Though his missing arm remained, he was otherwise in perfect condition.

    Enya''s work had not only healed him but had also allowed his life qi to fully evolve, solidifying his cultivation at the early Spark Realm. Though some mental fatigue lingered, the rest of his body was functioning better than ever.

    Despite this progress, Caine knew his cultivation journey would only grow more complex from here. The Spark Realm and beyond required an Ascension Manual to proceed.

    These manuals dictated the specialization paths cultivators could take, which were divided into five main paths: The Earth Path focusing of the Body Aspect, the Spirit Path focusing on the Soul Aspect, the Sky Path focusing on the Qi aspect, the Astral Path focusing on the mind aspect and the World Path, simply focusing on the World Aspect.

    But above these stood the elusive Sixth Path, a secretive and supreme route only the highest elites could follow. It was the path Caine aimed to pursue, yet the manuals he currently possessed were subpar. Without one that met his standards, his cultivation had reached a temporary standstill.

    ''If no manual exists that''s worthy of my foundation, I''ll just have to create one myself,'' he thought. But creating an Ascension Manual would be no simple task¡ªit could take decades, if not longer. For now, his focus shifted to refining the many other aspects of his power.

    Thankfully, if there was one benefit about being trapped in a fractured reality, it was time.

    "Hello?" Jamie''s voice broke through Caine''s thoughts.

    "Come in," Caine said without looking up, still testing his restored strength.

    Jamie stepped inside, his aged features lit with a broad smile. Caine rose from the bed to greet him.

    "Ah, I see Lady Enya''s done wonders for you," Jamie said, his voice brimming with warmth.

    "You''re looking much better now. Though it''s a shame about your arm¡ªtake it as a badge of honor, eh?" He chuckled lightly.

    Caine smiled faintly. "I''ll find a way to restore it eventually." Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Jamie''s expression grew more curious. "If you don''t mind me asking, what happened to you? Your knight seems powerful enough to rival most Sages, so what kind of threat left you in this state?"

    With a flick of his wrist, Jamie summoned a marble table and two chairs from one of his storage rings. He gestured for Caine to sit and produced a teapot along with two cups.

    Caine took his seat, his expression calm.

    "What happened? I stumbled upon an unusual concentration of death qi. A creature emerged from it and caught me off guard."

    Jamie froze mid-pour, his hands trembling. "¡­A death swirl? And you survived?!"

    Caine raised an eyebrow. "A death swirl?"

    Jamie''s chest heaved as he leaned back, his expression shifting into awe. "Death swirls are said to mark the burial sites of ancient gods. Their corpses radiate death qi, saturating the land around them for eternity!"

    Caine shook his head. "I don''t believe it was that. The death qi seemed to originate from the creature itself. But if it helps, I can provide you with the coordinates. You can investigate the area if you''d like."

    Jamie''s eyes gleamed with excitement, his earlier shock replaced by fervor. "That would be incredible!" he exclaimed, pouring tea into their cups with renewed enthusiasm.

    As Caine reached for his cup, the distant sound of screams pierced the air, followed by a wave of chaotic qi that rippled through the camp.

    Caine paused, his hand hovering over the cup. His gaze narrowed, and he rose to his feet in one fluid motion.

    The sounds of chaos grew louder, closer.

    "They''re under attack," he muttered coldly, already moving toward the tent''s entrance.

 Chapter 111 Abomination

    What met Caine was a field of destruction. The once peaceful and warm camp had become a chaotic battlefield where Jamie''s people clashed against strange, grotesque humanoid creatures of flesh and bone.Caine''s gaze immediately narrowed.

    ''Abominations.''

    In his past life, the Three Realms had been in a constant state of war, battling countless forces and races, with some of the strongest being these same entities¡ªabominations.

    Nova, the entity who had once enslaved Caine as a child, had been from this race.

    ''So they exist here as well. Interesting.'' He began to walk toward the chaos. ''They always have a pack leader¡­ let''s see.''

    His sharp gaze scanned the battlefield, quickly analyzing each abomination. His attention locked on one that appeared indistinguishable from a regular human.

    It was a tall young woman with long, curly, vibrant green hair, her piercing emerald pupils glowing with an unnatural intensity. She wore tight-fitting leather that hugged her curves, the black lipstick on her plump lips accentuating her fiendish grin.

    Her gaze locked with Caine''s, and her grin widened. She flicked her reptilian tongue across her lips, her body radiating predatory glee as she shot forward in a blur.

    "Not here," Caine muttered, taking a single step forward and vanishing.

    When they reappeared, they were in a vast and empty plain, far from the previous battlefield.

    The abomination leader, Lady Emerys, stumbled slightly, her eyes narrowing in confusion. She didn''t understand how Caine had managed to teleport them so far without her being able to react.

    Her gaze hardened, and she immediately shot backward, her wand swirling in her hand as she summoned countless runes. The air vibrated as these runes formed layered formations in front of her. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The world quaked as clones of her began to appear, circling Caine. Within moments, a torrent of chaotic qi gathered around him, slowing the flow of his own qi and clouding his qi perception.

    ''I see.''

    Such tactics might have worked on someone else, but Caine''s evolved senses rendered them meaningless. How could an entity like her, even an abomination, hope to muddle his perception?

    ''She''s tainting the qi around her with her blood, converting it into atmospheric abomination qi. With this, she hopes to slow me down and use these clones as a distraction for¡­''

    His gaze shifted upward, piercing through the clouds to locate her true body. ''¡­that.''

    Caine shook his head. His arcane ring manifested behind him, its oppressive force causing his robes to flutter lightly. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

    Extending a palm, he tapped the air. The fabric of the tainted qi around him shattered instantly, dissolving into waves of broken energy. With a flick of his wrist, the chaotic qi condensed into intricate runes. But instead of forming a formation, the runes seeped into the fabric of space itself.

    Caine''s hand clenched into a fist. A deafening BOOM! echoed as all of Emerys'' clones exploded simultaneously, crushed under the weight of the distorted space.

    But Emerys had anticipated this. The remnants of her clones broke down into swirling emerald currents, forming a portal from which hordes of abominations began to surge forth.

    Caine smiled faintly. "Sure."

    He waved a hand, and his own army of summons appeared, surging to meet the onslaught.

    As his summons battled the abominations below, Caine stomped the ground, leaving a crater in his wake as he ascended into the skies. His wings erupted from his back, spreading wide as he faced Emerys high above.

    With one arm clasped behind his back, he looked at her with calm detachment, his gaze serene yet mocking.

    "You huma¡ª"

    Caine shook his head, cutting her off. "No talking. Attack or die."

    To punctuate his words, his leg blurred, sending a compressed projectile of qi rocketing toward Emerys. The impact sent her careening through the air, her body crashing into the ground below.

    "I guess I''ll have to be a little violent."

    Caine''s wings flapped, and he shot down toward her, grabbing her by the hair. With a sharp twist, he slammed her into the earth, creating a crater beneath them. Lifting her from the rubble, he drove his head into hers, fracturing her skull.

    His eyes glowed, and beams of searing plasma erupted from them, burning into her chest and charring her flesh. He hurled her into the air, summoning an array of ice spears that tore into her body before detonating, encasing her in a crystalline prison of frost.

    Runes erupted across the surface of the ice, triggering a chain reaction of explosions.

    Each detonation transformed the chaotic qi into broken runes, which further exploded in a relentless cascade.

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    Emerys screamed, her form disintegrating before reconstructing into her true self¡ªa massive, grotesque amalgamation of flesh, bone, and countless inhuman eyes.

    Caine remained unimpressed. His True Will condensed into a spear, its sharpness palpable even to Emerys.

    With a single slash of his spear, the world seemed to freeze. For a moment, there was silence.

    Then¡­

    SHURRRRRRRRRR!

    The skies split apart as the world itself was cleaved in half.

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s True Will blanketed the battlefield, silencing all resistance. He descended gracefully, his summons retreating in unison.

    Standing before the remains of Emerys'' shattered form, he murmured softly:

    "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    Her mangled body reformed into a summon, now bound to Caine''s will. With an air of indifference, he turned and began his journey back to the camp. His expression remained calm, though his mind processed everything with sharp clarity.

    To say Priestess Enya''s healing had been miraculous was an understatement. Thanks to her efforts, Caine could now fully wield his cursed and blessed power.

    ''Decent,'' he mused, nodding to himself. ''Still more to refine, though. On another note, it would be unfortunate if anyone died while I was gone.''

    His leg muscles tightened as he suddenly exploded with speed, tearing through the air to return to the camp.

    ***

    Caine''s heart sank as he arrived. The battlefield was empty. Blood stained the soil, and shattered weapons littered the ground, but not a single body remained.

    ''How did they¡­?''

    His gaze shifted, catching movement in the distance. Slowly, he turned, locking eyes with Emerys. Her form had reappeared, her grin stretched wide with a malevolent glee.

    "Oh, Lord, you people have a thing for backstabbing, hm?"

    Before he could react, sharp pain tore through his chest. Blood began to pool from the fresh wound, soaking his robes. Yet, unlike before, this time, Caine was prepared.

    BOOM!

 Chapter 112 Abomination(II)

    Emerys'' body fell back, her head exploding into a cloud of green mist. But before Caine could even attempt to heal, another blade tore into him, cutting from his ribs to his chest.His gaze snapped to his right, meeting the abomination''s gaze just as yet another blade sliced through him, this time from his left flank.

    SHURR!

    A third figure appeared behind him, Emerys'' clone, and her blade ripped into his back, spilling warm silver blood onto the scorched ground below.

    ''¡­What kind of nonsense is this?''

    Caine''s silver blood dripped as the clones around him moved in unison, their synchronization eerie and unnatural. But this time, he had learned. As the clones rushed to strike, Caine exploded into motion, dodging with fluid grace while rapidly assessing the situation.

    ''Illusions? Immortality? Or perhaps an extremely complex Summoner''s Sigil Technique? Maybe all of them¡­''

    He remained calm. Emerys'' true form reappeared in front of him, her palm streaking forward, radiating potent death qi.

    Caine''s eyes sparkled. The countless lines and runes of his enhanced vision whispered to him, revealing the truth behind the world.

    Guided by this newfound clarity, he dove toward her palm, deftly deflecting it before seizing her wrist. With one brutal motion, he tore it from her body.

    Green ichor sprayed in every direction but failed to touch his skin, repelled by the qi shield radiating from his sovereign ring.

    ''The world¡­ so predictable.''

    Before the clone could detonate, Caine dodged and ducked beneath it. His leg swept behind him in a powerful kick, followed by a backflip. He grabbed Emerys'' falling form mid-air and used the momentum to hurl her into another clone, sending both spiraling into the ground.

    With a smooth motion, his hand followed through with a swipe, releasing a beam of chaotic qi that obliterated yet another of her clones.

    Caine almost laughed.

    The first step in forming his Dao Heart had been merging his mind and heart¡ªunifying them into one. Now, seeing the world through the lens of his strange eyes, everything had clicked.

    The world was no longer chaotic; it was a code, a pattern he could predict, stir, and manipulate. Every element whispered to him, listening as though awaiting his command.

    Caine''s figure blurred as he vanished, reappearing meters away. His fist shot forward, slamming into an invisible force.

    BANG!

    The air rippled as the impact revealed a reflective shield cleverly hidden within the tapestry of the forest.

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    CRACK!

    The shield fractured, exposing yet another of Emerys'' figures, but Caine wasn''t fooled.

    ''It''s all connected.''

    Through his vision, Emerys'' bundle of qi shifted and morphed, revealing threads that linked her clones to the intricate web above.

    His gaze sparkled with understanding as he traced these lines.

    ''I see.''

    Caine''s hand shot forward, clamping down on her throat with unyielding force. Her struggling ceased as he squeezed tighter.

    "You''re able to create an endless number of bodies using your summons, transferring your soul between them." His tone was cold, devoid of emotion. "An excellent technique."

    Her clone exploded in his grip, but this time, Caine was ready.

    In the darkness of his vision, he saw the fading bundle of qi detach itself. A small illusory figure shot out of the remnants, fleeing desperately.

    Emerys'' soul.

    Caine''s True Will surged, infusing his hand as he reached out and grasped the air before him.

    BANG!

    Emerys'' soul was violently pulled into his palm.

    "How¡­ how are you able to touch the spiritual with your flesh? How¡­" she stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

    Caine grinned. "I am a Spiritual."

    Slowly, he began piecing together the secrets of his eyes. While he didn''t yet fully understand them, he had begun to unravel their essence.

    The lines in his vision represented the gears of the world, connecting primordial paths. The runes? They were the laws that governed these paths, visible to him now.

    The threads linked to bundles of qi¡ªrepresenting people¡ªrevealed their aspects: life, death, karma, fate, and even their connections to the world itself. At the center of it all was Intent and Will.

    With this newfound understanding, Caine realized his body was in the process of mutating, granting him a pair of Heavenly Pupils. And now, with the help of his mother''s book, a dangerous plan began to form in his mind.

    BANG!

    Emerys'' soul shattered into fragments of golden light. The echoes of her screams lingered faintly in the air, but Caine paid them no mind. He immediately sat cross-legged on the ground.

    His Dao Heart glowed brilliantly, pulling him into a state of enlightenment.

    ''The base ability of my eyes is [Reading]. They allow me to read the threads that weave the aspects of existence.''

    He delved deeper, his thoughts sharpening.

    ''Each person has four main threads¡ªLife, Fate, Karma, and Death. Through Life, I can understand their past; through Fate, I see the infinite possibilities of their future; through Karma, I observe their connections and actions; but Death¡­ I still don''t fully comprehend its function.''

    The pounding headache at the edge of his mind intensified as he pushed further. He could tell his understanding was still shallow, his vision only scratching the surface of the threads'' true potential.

    With his eyes still closed, Caine lifted a finger.

    From thin air, a dark blue thread appeared, drawn taut by his touch. His True Will manifested around it, smooth as silk but heavy as a mountain. Slowly, the thread began to dim.

    As it did, blue runes formed and shattered around him, each broken piece resonating with chaotic energy. Emerys'' screams returned, louder and sharper than before.

    The fragments of her shattered soul coalesced, reforming her soul once more. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine keeled forward, coughing a mouthful of blood as veins bulged across his body. His Dao Heart trembled under the immense pressure, not from fear but from the weight of the world itself.

    Above, the sky tore open. Heaven''s fury descended, so potent that even the air carried traces of a Demonic Will that seemed to seep into reality itself.

    In the depths of the fractured heavens, something began to take shape.

    But before the entity could fully manifest, the ground beneath Caine''s feet split apart. The earth swallowed him whole, dragging him into darkness.

    It all happened in an instant.

 Chapter 113 The Mother

    Caine landed heavily on wooden floors, the impact reverberating through the chamber.Immediately, his body convulsed, and he vomited a thick stream of blood mixed with black goo that seeped from his pores.

    Sweat drenched his frame as he shivered, his breath ragged. His body felt foreign, as if it were on the verge of collapse.

    ''What¡­ What just happened to me?''

    He understood, of course, that his actions had angered the world enough to summon a tribulation. But this¡­ this was unlike anything he had faced before. The skies opening alone had almost killed him. He didn''t even dare to think about what kind of monstrosity had been forming in the heavens.

    Within him, his life and death qi surged, clashing chaotically, the echoes of their conflict rumbling through his body as they worked to shatter the Demonic Will raging within him.

    Slowly, the two qis separated, each taking its role¡ªlife qi rushed to heal his injuries, while death qi began purifying his body of the invasive substance.

    His organ elements shimmered faintly, pumping their essence through him to aid the process.

    Caine exhaled deeply, his breath shaky but steadying as calm returned to his mind. He collapsed onto his back, utterly spent, his body drenched in sweat and covered in foul black impurities.

    ''The number of times I''ve almost died since coming here is getting ridiculous.''

    "Hello."

    Caine''s eyes shot open, his body snapping upright despite the ache in his muscles. He frantically scanned the surroundings, trying to sense the origin of the voice. But in the void of his vision, he saw nothing. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Am I hallucinating¡­?''

    "No, you''re not," the voice replied, a melodious chuckle accompanying the words.

    "Your eyes simply aren''t powerful enough to see me."

    Then, beside him, a figure began to take shape.

    A tall, breathtakingly beautiful woman emerged. Her skin resembled radiant bark adorned with leaves, veins of emerald qi coursing through her frame. Her hair flowed like a bouquet of vibrant flowers and petals, and her eyes shone with a warm, motherly light, their emerald hue radiating a profound serenity.

    Her frame was imposing, her mature figure reflecting the vitality of someone in their prime. Robes of intertwining vines draped over her, and atop her head, nine stacked halos of thorny vines hovered, their quiet presence exuding an aura of majesty.

    Yet, it was her aura that truly overwhelmed him. Majestic, pure, and boundless, it pressed against him like the weight of a celestial realm.

    His body shivered uncontrollably, reacting in primal fear, even as his heart inexplicably warmed in her presence.

    It was as if he stood before a higher existence¡ªsomething beyond comprehension. And judging from the fact that he saw her as she was, rather than a bundle of qi, perhaps she truly was.

    "That''s good," she said softly, her smile radiant. "Your True Will is at least solid enough to gaze upon my mortal projection without dying. You''ve made good progress."

    As her words washed over him, the fear dissipated, shattered by the sheer purity of her presence. Her warmth healed not only his spirit but his body, which rippled under her influence. In an instant, he was whole again, fully healed without so much as a single lingering ache.

    "Stand up."

    Caine exhaled and pushed himself to his feet.

    Even at his full height, he barely reached her chest, standing a dozen heads shorter than her. He tilted his gaze upward to meet hers, careful to remain composed.

    Though her presence demanded respect, her words were gentle, even comforting. Clearly, this was not an entity he could afford to act rowdy with. The same way Laplace had commanded his submission, so too did she demand it¡ªbut not through force.

    "You don''t have to worry, child," she said, turning and walking toward a distant table. "If I''d wanted to kill you, you would''ve never been born."

    As she moved, Caine took the opportunity to observe his surroundings.

    They were in a vast cavern made entirely of wood, its surfaces emanating a faint golden light as ancient runes danced across them.

    From the smooth floor to the arched ceiling that stretched toward unseen heights, the chamber radiated an air of sacredness.

    High above, intertwined vines formed an intricate canopy, their surfaces alive with tiny fairies that danced and played, their laughter echoing softly. These fairies shed sparkles of white qi, which fell like starlight, illuminating the cavern in a serene glow.

    In the distance stood a colossal palace formed from a spiraling tree. Its leaves shimmered with every imaginable color, and veins of qi pulsed from the ground, snaking their way into its trunk.

    The air was cool and soothing, the atmosphere peaceful in a way that felt almost surreal.

    The woman walked to a wooden table in front of the majestic palace and sat, gesturing for Caine to join her. He approached and took a seat across from her, feeling the weight of her gaze.

    "Do you know who I am?" she asked, her tone calm yet carrying an underlying power. She crossed her arms and folded one leg over the other, waiting.

    Caine froze. Normally, such a question would precede a grand introduction, but this felt different. It felt like a test.

    For reasons he couldn''t explain, his heart thudded with anxiousness, like a child being scolded by a mother. His mind scrambled to respond, but nothing came.

    He hated the feeling. And yet, somehow, it felt¡­ natural.

    Caine took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His eyes shifted, attempting to read the world around her for clues.

    BANG!

    The attempt rebounded sharply, his senses overwhelmed by the force protecting her.

    ''If I can''t read the world or her, then my last option is¡­ myself.'' Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    He closed his eyes, his True Will sinking deep into his core. He tapped into his instincts, letting them guide him. Slowly, his lips moved on their own, as if the answer had been lying dormant within him all along.

    "The Mother."

 Chapter 114 The Mother(II)

    Hearing this, she slowly nodded and clapped her hands. "Close enough.""I am the Great Mother World Tree¡ªGaia. In simple words, I am the world''s mother, and you are children of the world. Thus, you are my grandson."

    Space rippled, and the world shook as her words reverberated, carrying the weight of a universal truth. The air itself seemed to acknowledge her declaration.

    Caine felt something stir within him, something deep and unexplainable. But his Will remained steady in the face of her overwhelming presence. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I am the Great Mother of the world," she continued, "meaning time holds little meaning to me. This fractured reality may be a warped domain of our world''s past, but I remain one."

    "As long as it relates to this world," she said, her voice resonating with authority, "present, future, and past blur into one. But I digress."

    Caine''s gaze narrowed slightly, immediately sensing there was more to her words.

    Lady Gaia smiled. "Tell me, child, why do you think you''re here?"

    "You saved me," Caine replied without hesitation. Yet, aware she wanted more, he added, "As for why, I''m not sure, Lady Gaia. Perhaps because I could be of use to you?"

    "Go ahead," she said, gesturing for him to elaborate.

    Caine exhaled, his tone calm but resolute.

    "Part of me believes something strange has happened to our world. And another part believes we are under attack."

    "Attacked by what? I do not know. What has happened to the world? I do not know either. These are just hunches I have," he continued, his eyes locking with hers. "But I believe the answers to my questions lie here, in this fractured reality, where the secrets of the past are exposed."

    Caine''s words weren''t idle speculation. From the very beginning of his life in this world, he had sensed that something was amiss. Zao''s cryptic warnings, the isolation of their world from the myriad others, and the revelations from Elura had only deepened his suspicions.

    [Some people may be listening.]

    Those words from Zao echoed in his mind, cementing his unease. And then there was his father''s message, one that had all but confirmed his fears. The fractured reality, he believed, held the key to everything.

    "You are correct," Lady Gaia said softly, "but you are also mistaken. The answers you seek are tied to this fractured reality, yes, but they are not mine to give."

    Her voice grew heavier. "That is not why I saved you."

    Her gaze shifted, and she looked toward the distant palace behind him. "Do you know what laws you have broken, child? And why such a tribulation was triggered in the first place?"

    Caine shook his head, his expression even and calm.

    "You have broken three primordial laws¡ªTime, Death, and Spirit," she said, her tone carrying the weight of her authority.

    "You reversed an event that was set in stone, disturbing the very workings of time. You resurrected a being, creating a karmic imbalance that disrupted the flow of the world."

    "And above all¡­" Her voice turned colder, her emerald gaze piercing. "¡­you sullied and shattered a soul as a mere mortal. That, child, is among the greatest offenses a mortal or god could commit."

    "When such an offence is committed, the punishment is absolute," she continued. "It is my duty to deliver that punishment. I am meant to erase you from existence. And that was my intent."

    Caine''s gaze didn''t falter, though his mind churned with questions.

    "My belief," she said, her tone softening for a moment, "was that you would find a way to survive, as you have with all my previous punishments. But this time¡­" Her emerald eyes darkened, faint traces of chaos flickering within them. "¡­this time, something overrode my authority and seized control of your tribulation."

    "Something beyond me and beyond all things," she added.

    Caine''s lips parted slightly, the answer forming before he could think. "The River of Fate."

    Lady Gaia nodded slowly. "It has been calling you since the moment of your birth. I have tried to shield you, for you are still just a child, though you are destined for greatness. Too young to bear such a burden."

    Her voice grew heavy with sorrow. "I sealed your affinities at great cost, trying to protect you. But Fate surpasses me and all others. Its call cannot be ignored."

    Her gaze turned distant, her tone almost bitter. "Unbeknownst to me, I was made to set a trap for you. Fate is terrifying, child. And I fear you can no longer ignore its pull."

    Caine''s mind raced, his thoughts like a storm.

    Pieces of a vast, incomprehensible puzzle began to fall into place.

    The Coming of Age Ceremony. Elura''s warnings. His Aspects. His Bloodline. His True Will. His Dao Heart. The Pagoda. His mutated senses. His eyes¡ªit had all been orchestrated. A slow, unrelenting game that had led him here.

    "It was a setup," Gaia said, her voice low but unwavering. "A grand and elaborate trap. The tribulation you faced was far beyond what even I could stop. Nowhere in the real world or the fractured reality would have kept you safe. You would have perished."

    "So I brought you here, to my domain¡ªThe World Core," she continued. "A place separate from all things. But even here, the trap awaited."

    Her voice grew softer. "This place exists beyond the world''s reach. And that distance amplifies Fate''s influence, allowing it to manifest fully."

    She gestured toward the grand palace in the distance. "That palace is an exit back to the world. But if you take it, the tribulation will strike you down."

    Her tone grew grim. "The tribulation is powerful enough to destroy not just you, but the entire world. If you return, all will be reduced to ashes."

    She waved her hand, and a golden portal appeared beside the palace, radiating an otherworldly brilliance. "This," she said, gesturing toward it, "is the only path you can take."

    "It is forged entirely of Fate Laws. It was here the moment I brought you to this place. I cannot interfere with it, nor can I explain it. But it has revealed its name¡­"

    [The Road of Inevitable Sovereignty.]

    The portal shimmered, its golden light pulsating faintly.

    Lady Gaia then remained silent, looking toward Caine with a sorrowful gaze.

    He had no choice but to take the road.

 Chapter 115 The Mother(III)

    Caine remained silent, staring at the swirling portal with a calm gaze.His heart thumped softly, his back straight as his mind settled into a serene state. Without hesitation, he turned toward Lady Gaia, stood, and bowed deeply. "Thank you."

    For a moment, she appeared stunned by the gesture, her radiant emerald eyes widening.

    Then, her lips curved into a warm smile as she helped him rise. "There''s no need for this. All my children deserve a fair attempt at life."

    She extended a hand, and four orbs, encased in golden vines, materialized in the air between them. Before Caine could analyze them, they vanished, stored neatly within his sovereign ring.

    "Only open them when you vanquish what lies ahead," she said sternly, her tone brooking no argument, as if his success was an inevitability rather than a possibility.

    Caine nodded, his expression steady.

    "Now," she continued, her gaze narrowing slightly, "while I cannot interfere too much, I can help you a little more." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her palm hovered over his chest, and a gentle glow of radiant gold and emerald qi began to gather at her fingertips. Swiftly, she inscribed a complex rune over his chest.

    "When the time is right, use this to unseal your True Will," she said softly. "But be warned¡ªyour body may shatter. Use it only as a last resort."

    Caine nodded once more, his calm demeanor unwavering. He didn''t bother to question when, why, or how his Will had been sealed, nor by whom. By now, he understood he was part of a game much larger than himself. Until he grew strong enough, answers would remain elusive.

    Lady Gaia cupped his face in her hands, her gaze softening. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, a motherly gesture that caught him off guard.

    Caine met her gaze, his silver eyes unblinking.

    "This doesn''t feel like a goodbye. Are you dying, Mother Gaia?"

    She chuckled, the sound both warm and melancholic. Her hands dropped to his shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze as her body began to dissolve into countless golden and emerald runes.

    Watching her fade, Caine couldn''t help but feel something deep within him crumble, as though an unseen thread tethering him to her was being severed.

    "Change the future," her voice echoed, the last remnants of her form dissipating into the air.

    And then she was gone.

    For a long while, Caine stood alone, the silence punctuated only by the steady thump of his heart and the quiet hum of his blood flowing through his veins.

    Eventually, he turned toward the swirling portal.

    ''¡­Fate. Fate. Fate¡­''

    The word echoed endlessly in his mind, reverberating like a bell tolling through his thoughts. He sighed softly, his expression resolute as he stepped forward. Without hesitation, he entered the portal.

    A low, resonant hum filled the air, a hymn that seemed to oscillate between melancholy and triumph. It was as though the universe itself sang of an uncertain destiny¡ªone balanced precariously between glory and despair.

    A hymn for a future yet to be written.

    ***

    Above the fractured reality, in the skies where Caine''s tribulation had been summoned, the entity meant to enforce judgment finally manifested.

    The figure that emerged was otherworldly¡ªa young woman with cascading white hair that gleamed like silver in the starlight.

    Her radiant eyes glowed with icy silver depths, flecked with cold golden light. Her robes were pristine and layered, embroidered with intricate patterns of dark grey clouds.

    Black rings adorned each of her fingers, their surfaces shimmering with faint, shifting runes.

    Behind her, nine pairs of grey-feathered wings stretched wide, their presence imposing and majestic.

    Atop her head hovered twelve overlapping halos of thorny silver vines, just beneath a towering obsidian crown fitted with six multicolored jewels.

    Her beauty was unearthly, a perfection so profound it almost defied comprehension. But it was her aura that truly demanded attention.

    The air around her warped and twisted as if reality itself bent beneath the weight of her existence.

    Her gaze swept across the fractured reality, scanning with an intensity that froze the very air.

    Suddenly, a figure appeared before her, stepping into her line of sight.

    It was a man with long golden hair, deep blue eyes, and a refined, otherworldly aura. He wore flowing black priest robes, their edges faintly glowing with golden runes.

    He smiled. "Hello, little lady."

    The angelic woman''s frown deepened. Her gaze pierced through his robes, her eyes narrowing as they landed on the golden chains binding his bruised and battered body.

    Her lips parted, her voice a blend of countless male and female tones, regal and commanding. "You¡­ how are you still¡­?"

    The man chuckled softly, interrupting her. He clapped his hands together, and instantly, a dome of golden light encased the two of them, isolating them from the world outside.

    "It''s unfortunate," he said with a sigh. "You angels are always too curious for your own good. But then again, can I really blame you? It is your duty, after all."

    Her eyes blazed with fury. "Are you responsible for the appearance of the child?" she demanded.

    The man tilted his head, a blade materializing in his hand as he regarded her with a faint smile. "Does it matter?" he asked casually.

    His grip tightened around the blade, his demeanor shifting slightly. "Like I said, it''s unfortunate. Had you arrived a year later, I might have let you face him. He might even have spared you. But now¡­"

    The angel''s frown deepened, her expression hardening at his words. "You speak as though I require mercy. Insolent."

    Her form flared with power, the air trembling under the pressure of her Will. "You shall face judgment."

    ''¡­We need to accelerate things¡­ What could that little fool have done to attract a True Angel this early?¡­''

    What neither Caine nor most others understood was that tribulations didn''t have to follow a linear timeline.

    An offense committed today might result in a tribulation years¡ªor even lifetimes¡ªlater.

    Conversely, the repercussions of present actions could ripple backward through time, rewriting the past.

    ''¡­This is trouble¡­ If it''s something Caine has yet to do¡­''

    The angel surged forward, her silver blade drawn as the two clashed with earth-shattering force.

    BOOOOM!

    Their battle ignited the fractured skies, each blow tearing through the fabric of reality itself.

    But amidst the chaos, one thing became abundantly clear: Whatever had drawn the angel to Caine was no ordinary offense.

    It was the herald of something far greater.

 Chapter 116 Carnage

    Blood. Blood. Blood.The smell of blood instantly flooded Caine''s nostrils as he stepped into a world of carnage and death.

    The skies were a dark and ominous shade of grey, the land black, charred even and soaked in dried blood as through the cracks of the land below, rivers of rotten blood flowed with untamed wilderness.

    Mountains of corpses loomed over the horizon, their forms twisted in eternal agony.

    But before Caine could analyze what lay ahead, five runes suddenly materialized in front of him.

    [Rune of Bshemethoth¡ªTrue Will is Inverted]

    [Rune of Submission¡ªBodily Control is reduced by 80%]

    [Rune of At''hlely¡ªElemental Rejection]

    [Rune of Origin¡ªMental clarity reduced by 50%]

    [Rune of Earthen Might¡ªRuptured Qi flow]

    He barely had time to read their effects before they shot forward and branded themselves on his forehead. Searing heat radiated from the markings, the pain immediate and overwhelming.

    Caine dropped to one knee as the effects took hold.

    Chains wrapped tightly around each of his stars, cutting off their energy as the qi within his body turned chaotic, barely responding to his Will. His senses dimmed; the world around him spun, disorienting him as his thoughts fractured into fragments of incoherence.

    Terrible pain coursed through his body. His chest heaved with labored breaths as sweat pooled down his back. His head throbbed, each beat pounding like a war drum.

    It was overwhelming¡ªbut he remained calm.

    He would persist.

    His Dao Heart shone faintly, casting a holy light over his being, allowing him to ignore the worst of the rune''s effects.

    Slowly, he stood, his legs trembling under the strain. Closing his eyes, he focused on measured breaths, forcing the chaotic palpitations of his heart to slow just enough to regain control.

    He would persist.

    As his breathing stabilized, his spear appeared in his hand. The cold weight of its hilt steadied him further.

    [Defeat all enemies.]

    The instruction burned itself into his mind.

    There was no elaboration, no details¡ªjust a single task.

    Before he could search for his foes, one came to him.

    From the horizon, a figure veiled in dark robes surged forward, moving faster than the eye could track. The figure wielded a long spear crackling with golden lightning, each step bridging kilometers in an instant.

    As it closed in, it swung its spear in a vicious arc, releasing a crescent of chaotic lightning qi.

    Caine''s jaw tightened. He forced his unsteady body to the side, narrowly evading the attack.

    The edge of the lightning nicked his torso, tearing through flesh and drawing blood.

    DANG!

    Planting his spear into the ground, he steadied himself, his cold gaze locking onto the figure. Before he could retaliate, his opponent was upon him.

    The figure''s spear flashed forward, its blade aimed for Caine''s neck.

    Threads of neutral qi formed around him, binding his unstable body. His weakened True Will surged just enough to take hold of them, granting him fleeting control.

    Caine ducked, his head narrowly avoiding the blade. He pivoted, using the momentum to deliver a rising kick. The force of the strike created space between him and his assailant.

    The figure retreated momentarily, spinning their spear in a defensive motion before stepping back into the offensive. Their leg swept low, shattering Caine''s balance.

    Caine spun midair, using his spear as leverage to backflip onto his feet. But before he could regain his footing, a beam of chaotic lightning qi surged toward him.

    Rolling to the side, he avoided the beam, but his breathing was heavy, and his body protested every movement.

    Gritting his teeth, Caine cast a shield of qi in front of him. The figure''s spear shattered it instantly, but the fragments of the shield reassembled into intricate runes, forming a three-dimensional formation that encased his opponent.

    The robed figure sneered. Their True Will flared, shattering the formation with ease. The backlash slammed into Caine, blood spilling from his lips as pain rippled through his body.

    Before he could recover, the figure lunged again, their spear supercharged with lightning qi. It moved faster than thought, its tip aimed straight for Caine''s exposed chest.

    His mind blanked for a moment, overwhelmed by a powerful Will attack. When his thoughts returned, pain consumed him.

    Blood poured from his left side, a chunk of flesh missing from his torso. His organs were exposed, barely held together as agony radiated from the wound.

    But the attacker gave no respite.

    They spun, their spear rising in a deadly arc that slammed into Caine''s chin, sending him flying upward.

    The skies darkened, and from above, a pillar of lightning descended, slamming into his falling body.

    BOOOOM!

    A massive crater formed upon impact. The figure landed at its edge, peering down to assess Caine''s condition.

    Suddenly, their gaze widened as a suffocating sense of danger overwhelmed them.

    Caine appeared behind the figure, his body shrouded in silver runes, his eyes cold and lifeless.

    SHUR! S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His spear moved with blinding speed, severing the tendons in the figure''s leg. As they faltered, off balance, Caine surged forward, speed runes glowing beneath his feet.

    He swung his spear again, cutting down in a cross-shaped motion that tore through the figure''s robes, exposing their true form.

    A middle-aged man stood before him, bald with scarlet eyes and runic tattoos carved into his body.

    "NO¡ª"

    Caine''s spear cut down once more, the strike imbued with a ferocious True Spear Will.

    The air trembled, the skies split, and blood rained as the man''s head fell from his neck.

    Caine stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as the body collapsed into the crater below. The severed head rolled to his feet, the remnants of fear and disbelief frozen in its lifeless gaze.

    [Nameless Call.]

    But he did not dwell on it.

    Threads of neutral qi wove through his body, suturing his wounds as he bent down, retrieving the man''s robes. Draping them over himself, he turned without a word and began to walk forward.

    The battlefield behind him fell silent.

    The only sound that remained was the steady rhythm of his breathing as he moved into the distance.

 Chapter 117 Carnage(II)

    Immediately, Caine stumbled upon another enemy.This time, they weren''t veiled.

    It was a male humanoid entity, with a body covered in rune-etched white chitin scales, the gaps filled with veins of chaotic earth qi.

    Long, sharp claws extended from its fingers, and atop its head, dozens of unblinking eyes were neatly arranged above a grotesque mouth filled with countless blade-like teeth.

    Potent killing intent radiated off the creature.

    Its gaze locked onto Caine, and immediately, he frowned.

    ''¡­how¡­''

    This entity''s killing intent was so overwhelming that it nearly made him pass out. He had never experienced anything like it before.

    But again, he remained calm. There was no escape¡ªno salvation beyond what he could carve for himself. It was either victory or death.

    There was no running from the all-encompassing hand of Fate. He would either soar or fall.

    BANG!

    Caine weaved under a swipe of qi-coated claws, his hips twisting and his chest torquing as his blade tore upward. A low shout escaped his lips as neutral qi erupted along the blade''s edge, enhancing its potency.

    The creature seemed to grin in amusement.

    The earth qi flowing through its body solidified, forming a thin yet impenetrable layer over its scales that effortlessly deflected Caine''s attack.

    Before Caine could counter or retreat, his gaze sharpened as he felt his movements slow unnaturally, his body sluggish even as the monstrous entity became impossibly fast.

    ''¡­Time affinity.''

    He concluded this without hesitation, his thoughts cutting through the haze.

    The entity''s punch hurtled toward him, moving with the speed of lightning, but just as it was about to crush his face, Caine''s figure rippled like water and distorted. He vanished entirely, reappearing meters away.

    Slowly, he began walking in a circle around the creature.

    As he moved, afterimages trailed in his wake, so vivid and sharp that they seemed like real clones. Within seconds, the creature found itself surrounded, its senses heightened and primed for an ambush as a guttural growl rumbled from deep within its chest, a sound dripping with primal savagery.

    Caine walked leisurely, his sharp gaze dissecting the countless layers of the creature''s battle style, analyzing its every motion with clinical precision.

    ''¡­Time affinity compensates for its reaction speed, slowed by its bulk¡­''

    ''¡­Earth qi veins heighten its defenses to account for the innate fragility of its flesh¡­''

    ''¡­Scales reflect most physical attacks while absorbing qi-based ones to heal¡­''

    ''¡­Those eyes¡ªthey''re all Heavenly Pupils. Though it doesn''t know how to wield them, they make it formidable nonetheless.''

    Heavenly Pupils were blessings of the heavens, bestowed at birth upon the rarest of individuals. Spiritual wonders passed down through untold generations, they were tools of unfathomable potential.

    BANG!

    The creature, unsettled by Caine''s cold and calculating gaze, lost patience. With an ear-splitting shriek, it lashed out, its voice so deafening that the atmospheric qi imploded into chaotic currents. A cloud of turbulent qi enveloped the battlefield, concealing its lunge toward one of Caine''s flickering afterimages.

    BANG!

    The figure it struck dissolved into smoke, and the creature visibly calmed, reassured that the clones were nothing more than a diversion.

    But it was wrong.

    [Blight Art: Clones of Thought] sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s weakened True Will manifested through the flickering clones, which immediately attacked, each one thrusting with blades forged of pure Will and intent. The blades struck true before erupting into a grand explosion of neutral qi.

    For a moment, the creature seemed shaken.

    Then it grinned madly, its dozens of eyes glowing ominously as its lips moved, murmuring in an ancient runic tongue.

    [Reflect.]

    Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    BOOOOOOM!

    He was blasted backward by his own attack. Blood poured from countless wounds, and his True Will trembled, nearly fracturing under the psychic weight of his reflected intent.

    But even as his mind reeled, the earth beneath him shifted, transforming into a pit of writhing sand.

    Caine was pulled under, dragged into the suffocating depths by an unseen force. His qi spiraled out of control, frantically pulled in countless directions.

    Within the pit, spears of sand solidified into jagged glass, each shard igniting with chaotic energy before tearing into his flesh. They struck so fast and relentlessly that his body became a canvas of blood and agony.

    ''¡­too fast¡­''

    His thoughts began to blur as the scent of death grew thick in his nostrils. Desperation clawed at his heart.

    [Blight Art: Time Point.]

    Caine vanished in an instant, reappearing high in the sky. His body fell from above and crashed onto solid ground, just meters from his original position.

    He landed hard but forced himself back to his feet, his stance widening as he leveled his blade in preparation for what was to come.

    ''¡­This is absurd. This thing barely said a word, and I''m already half dead¡­''

    Silver runes flickered around his battered frame, suturing his wounds as best they could. Summoning every ounce of strength, Caine charged forward, refusing to let the monster set the tempo.

    Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

    The creature''s grin widened, its eyes gleaming with twisted glee as it unleashed a pulse of energy that expanded outward, forming a domain that engulfed them both.

    Suddenly, Caine''s movements faltered. His legs buckled, and his breath came in short, panicked bursts. A primal fear sank into his bones, so deep and visceral that even his Dao Heart struggled to resist.

    ''¡­Bloodline suppression¡­''

    Caine''s Chimera bloodline, though powerful, was still in its mortal grade. The creature''s bloodline, by contrast, was like an unyielding mountain, pressing down with the weight of the heavens.

    WHOOSH!

    The creature appeared above him in a flash, its clawed leg crashing into his stomach with enough force to send him hurtling into a nearby mountain of corpses.

    SHUR!

    Arcs of chaotic death qi rained down upon him, slicing through the air with deadly precision.

    BOOM!

    The explosion obliterated the pile of corpses, and Caine was thrown deeper into the battlefield. Blood streamed down his face as he staggered to his feet, every movement a Herculean effort.

    But as his gaze locked onto the creature, he noticed something unsettling.

    The mountain of corpses he''d crashed into began to stir.

    Dead hands reached out, clawing at him with an insatiable hunger.

    Before he could react, the entire mountain detonated in a cataclysmic burst of energy.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    The creature cackled maniacally, diving into the explosion to pluck Caine''s battered body from the wreckage.

    Grabbing him by the neck, it hurled him skyward, his silver blood raining down like liquid starlight.

    Caine''s consciousness flickered, the edges of his vision blurring. His thoughts grew chaotic, but instinct took over, forcing his body into action.

    WHOOSH!

    A platform of ice materialized in the sky, catching him mid-flight. His nine rings emerged behind him, their brilliance cutting through the oppressive aura of the battlefield.

    Lifeless silver eyes stared down at the creature as it conjured a massive beam of chaotic earth qi.

    Caine''s platform propelled him downward like a comet. His spear snapped into his hand, its edge glowing with intent.

    The creature launched its beam, but Caine''s blade severed it with a single strike. The fragments of energy were drawn into a complex formation that encased them both.

    The creature''s True Will surged, attempting to shatter the formation, but it was too late.

    The moment its mind touched the formation, Caine''s True Will invaded, tearing through the creature''s defenses with unrelenting force.

    Its mind shattered under the assault, leaving it helpless as Caine''s killing intent erupted.

    SPLAT!

    His spear cleaved the creature in half, its warm green blood pooling on the ground.

    Caine landed harshly, his knees buckling as his breaths came in ragged gasps.

    But he didn''t celebrate.

    "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    He whispered softly, then turned and sprinted toward the next fight.

    There was no rest for the wicked.

 Chapter 118 Carnage(III)

    One arm and one spear¡ªthat was all Caine could truly rely on.Dozens, hundreds, thousands, millions, billions¡ªthe amount of enemies he faced seemed endless.

    Each of them was just as powerful and law-breaking as he was, and all seemed to have abilities that specifically countered his assets and aimed for his weaknesses.

    Each battle was a life-and-death one that pushed him deeper and deeper into a state of empty focus.

    A single mistake meant death.

    But he persisted.

    Every battle ended with him getting more and more injured, but he persisted.

    Every enemy he encountered was more powerful than the last, forcing him to pull at the very depths of his core¡ªbut he persisted.

    Every battle was a direct challenge to everything he stood for. Everything he''d worked for. Everything he''d once asked for.

    But he persisted.

    Every encounter was a spit on the Will he''d forged across two lifetimes. The countless sacrifices he''d made. All the people he''d once had and then lost.

    The world was utterly silent to him, the only sound reaching his ears being the fluttering of his torn robes and the whistle of air as he swung.

    The pressure of death slowly became unimportant, an impenetrable force he routinely faced and climbed over. His heart steadied, beating with unstoppable force, and his mind calmed, facing it all one step at a time.

    The more he swung his blade, the more he felt his emotions stir and clash against the walls of his heart. The more he killed and triumphed, the more he felt his blood flow.

    The more injured he became, the more alive he felt. And the more he advanced, the more wrathful he became.

    Every step forward he took was filled with just as much unshakable conviction as it was endless wrath.

    His bones broke countless times, his flesh was torn relentlessly, and his blood had become paint to a canvas that followed and trailed behind him, immortalizing each and every one of his steps.

    Fate. Karma. Destiny. Totality.

    The more he danced with death, the more he understood.

    And the more he understood, the colder his gaze became and the smoother his steps were.

    Life, death, the future, the past¡ªnone of it mattered more than the present.

    He had decided to live. So he would live. He had decided to fight and challenge Fate, so he would win.

    Step after step, he''d walk ahead until infinity was conquered.

    [Either die as a star, your radiance blinding the cosmos for the faintest of moments, or look ahead and climb mountain after mountain, allowing your heart to weather the storm and brutality of existence.]

    ***

    In the middle of these lands of life and death, a grand, gigantic, and majestic gate stood, made out of pitch-black obsidian metal and outlined by gold.

    Runes of white and dark gold hues danced across its surface, its aura imposing and mighty, so much so that the space around it seemed to warp and bend in subservience.

    Sat at the foot of this grand gate, a man could be seen sitting cross-legged, still and unmoving.

    His skin was bronze, tanned and healthy, wrapped around refined and thick muscles, draped over by simple white robes.

    He looked normal, and yet, looking at him, none would be able to take their eyes off him, as if he incarnated the very essence of the world.

    As if a god made flesh¡ªa mortal god.

    Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing their brilliant golden depths.

    Ahead, a tall man covered in hundreds of different torn robes slowly walked over, his steps slow and his features obscured.

    But from the little shown from his feet and the slight dangle of his only arm, countless scars could be seen.

    The man noted all this in an instant and nodded to himself.

    "It seems it''s time."

    He pushed himself up.

    "To reach the gate in such a short amount of years is something even I must recognize," the man slowly spoke, his voice deep and primal.

    From thin air and into his palms, bandages appeared. With refined skill, he began to wrap them around his palms and forearms, black runes reflected across the bandages as he did so.

    "But it is unfortunate. You are too young. But who am I to question the Supreme Mother Fate? If you were deemed worthy enough to compete against us, then I must oblige."

    "The opponents you faced all were royalty of Fate, chosen across time and space to compete for the crown, yet only the both of us remain now."

    "The first candidate and the last, quite poetic, no?" The man chuckled, finishing the work he was performing on his hands.

    He gripped his fists, testing the tightness of his work before nodding in satisfaction.

    Slowly, a long sword formed out of thin threads of qi, weaving and landing in his palms.

    A faint golden cloak of aura erupted from the man, soft and soothing as his qi began to flow with an unhurried motion.

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    He swung his blade in the air a few times, unbothered as the veiled man slowly made his way over to him.

    "My name is Autumn Ignis, from the Lands Wreathed in Gold. Who may you be?"

    The man''s steps halted a few dozen meters away from Autumn, a silver pair of pupils suddenly gleaming from the darkness of the man''s hood.

    Autumn was taken aback for a moment but then smiled.

    "It''s fine. Not everyone is as talkative as¡ª"

    "You''re quite old." Caine slowly uttered, his voice hoarse and strained, as if he hadn''t spoken in decades.

    His gaze turned to the horizon.

    "Have you been here for long?"

    Autumn nodded.

    "As I told you, I was the first chosen. I''ve been waiting here for quite a few¡­millions? Billions? I''m not sure. I stopped counting time ago."

    "Billions of years." Caine slowly whispered, his voice devoid of any awe or emotion.

    Normally, such a thing¡ªan entity that had lived for millions of years¡ªwould''ve amazed him. But now, he couldn''t find it in him.

    All he felt was indifference as he stared at Autumn.

    And inversely, Autumn could feel the dehumanizing gaze Caine landed on him.

    It made his skin crawl, his soul shudder, and his qi tremble, but instead of frowning, he smiled¡ªa pure and joyous smile at the prospect of this battle.

    At the possibility of having a battle between equals.

 Chapter 119 Carnage(IV)â€”Autumn

    Caine''s gaze was locked on the horizon, his mind unreadable.An interesting thing he''d discovered was that, after killing another chosen of fate, he''d receive their runes, which would stack atop his and have a multiplicative effect rather than an additive effect.

    But beyond that, if the person Caine killed had also killed other Chosen of Fate, he''d gain the amount of runes they had, multiplied by the number of people they had defeated.

    So, for example, if someone killed two people, they''d have fifteen runes¡ªfive of their own and five from each of the people they killed.

    But the issue was that, when Caine killed them, not only would he get fifteen additional runes, but he''d get forty-five runes added, to make a total of fifty runes added to his own for a single kill.

    And considering Caine had killed everyone except Autumn, the amount of strain and pressure he was under was hard to fathom by any.

    But he remained calm and indifferent. From the horizon, his gaze panned over to Autumn once more.

    With a glance, he could tell the man still only had five runes, the original amount all received upon arrival.

    It was obvious he''d been waiting here, without killing anyone, just not to accumulate any runes.

    Before, Caine would''ve perhaps been disgusted or found it funny, but he truly didn''t have any thoughts about it.

    Things were as they were. There was no point in complaining.

    He was massively weakened, his opponent wasn''t¡ªend of the story.

    WHOOSH!

    The winds howled as the two stood, unmoving and silent. Their gazes met, yet no clash of Wills occurred, something that deeply rattled Autumn.

    In Caine''s hand, a battered and broken spear appeared, the edge of its long blade now dull and the pole covered in cracks, a reflection of the countless battles he''d waged.

    Autumn didn''t wait for Caine to engage and immediately swung at the air, his body vanishing and reappearing in front of Caine.

    The latter calmly parried the attacks, sparks igniting from the clash of their blades. But this wasn''t all.

    From their connected blades, a ripple of neutral qi snaked from Caine''s blade and into Autumn''s, immediately invading his body and turning chaotic, tearing apart the balance of qi inside his flesh.

    He stumbled backwards, blood leaking from his mouth, but Caine didn''t pursue. He stood where he''d been, unmoving and calm.

    He merely stared at Autumn, waiting for him to attack once more. Autumn laughed seeing this, unable to believe he was being looked down upon. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    At no point in his life had anyone ever looked down upon him. In fact, none of his battles had ever lasted more than one exchange.

    And that was before he came here.

    Now, with the countless years of quiet cultivation he''d undergone, none should''ve been able to even gaze upon him and yet¡­here he was.

    He found it just as funny as it was exciting.

    BANG!

    Veins erupted across his body as his aura grew and towered, his aged and refined qi shaking the air as his blade became supercharged with qi.

    His golden aura gathered and coalesced into tongues of flames that flickered around him, swirling like a mantle and burning with such intensity that the world seemed to tremble and boil over.

    Noticing this, Caine took a step forward and ran toward Autumn, his speed normal and almost unhurried.

    Suddenly, each of his steps seemed to leave a ripple on the solid ground below, runes of silver flickering around him as he closed in.

    The ripples overlapped and spread across the lands of carnage they fought in, seemingly reaching its limits before it all suddenly pulled back, dragging all qi in its path as it did so and flowing into Caine''s leg.

    The massive torrent of energy flowed from Caine''s leg and into his blood qi, his blood qi then exploding with power and fueling his arm as he swung upward, his speed so high his afterimages overlapped and clashed into a fresque of frozen frames, akin to capsules of sealed time.

    But unlike what Autumn believed, this wasn''t all.

    All of Caine''s afterimages began to glow with a soft emerald light, the power from his blood qi diverting and flowing into them as if they were real bodies.

    And that, they were.

    Countless blades fell upon Autumn, each seemingly full of endless power.

    His gaze narrowed, and his qi rapidly twisted into runes he used to continuously teleport backwards, his hands simultaneously moving to cast formations that summoned shields of all types.

    But it was all futile.

    Caine''s True Will merely flickered and the distance between them collapsed, bringing Autumn''s neck right back upon the edges of his blades as the countless shields he''d casted were rendered useless, Caine effortlessly moving through them.

    [Blight Art: Remembrance of the Blade]

    Time slowed to a crawl.

    The first of Caine''s blade tore through Autumn, but before any blood could be spilled, another blade fell, followed by another, and another and another and another and another.

    The blades fell so fast that their impacts lagged and layered, unable to keep up with the speed of all the countless after images hacking down.

    BANG!

    Suddenly, all the afterimages snapped back into Caine''s body and his gaze narrowed, his Will slowly wrapping around his crumbling blade as he swung again once more.

    [Blight Art: Blade of Concession]

    SHURRRRR!

    Time retook its course and at once, all attacks impacted, layering into one grand explosion, so potent and violent the world around seemed to black out for a bit.

    Autumn''s body was vaporized, each part of his flesh torn and split into such small bits that when Caine''s qi followed to burn and shatter him, nothing was left. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOSSHHHHH!

    Countless waves of compressed air wound into one another, exploding at once and shaking all that was around.

    Caine''s robes widely fluttered under the chaotic storm his swings had caused and yet, his body remained firmly rooted and his gaze just as indifferent.

    He waited for a few moments, then, without any word, began to walk toward the gate.

 Chapter 120 Carnage(V)â€”Autumn(II)

    Caine didn''t take more than a dozen steps forward before he stopped.There, in front of him, at the foot of the grand gate, Autumn''s body began to reform, threads falling from the dark grey skies above and intertwining to revive him.

    PAH!

    Naked, his body reappeared, lungs instantly expanding, gasping for air as he screamed in horror, writhing like a wounded child.

    Caine watched it all without moving.

    A few moments passed, and Autumn''s True Will seemed to recover, washing over his body and instantly allowing his sanity to return.

    Covered in sweat, with his chest heaving, he lay on his back, dried tears staining his face.

    But suddenly remembering he was still in the midst of battle, he rapidly stood up, white robes draping over him as he immediately assumed a battle stance.

    For the first time, Caine smiled, a soft and incredibly pure smile. ''Life and Fate affinities bound together by a deep study of Temporal arts. How ingenious.''

    Though Caine thought of it lightly, what Autumn had created was essentially a technique that gave one a form of pseudo-immortality.

    If he refined his True Will more, he could truly become immortal solely by using the technique he''d been crafting.

    But then again, to Caine, if after millions of years spent peacefully cultivating, this was the most the man could create, perhaps he wasn''t so impressive.

    He''d created his rings when he was nothing but an idiotic teenager. If he could, anyone could.

    Of course, Caine''s thoughts were ludicrous and reflected the ridiculous standards he set for himself, but he didn''t care.

    ''He also has a Heavenly Body. I''m not sure if it''s natural or not.''

    Heavenly Organs were simply parts of the body blessed by the Heavens with incredibly potent power and abilities, ranging from Heavenly Eyes¡ªthe rarest of them all¡ªto Heavenly Musculatures, a relatively common blessing that gave one divine strength. It was almost like an organ in itself had its own separate Innate Circle.

    In rare cases, one could be born with all of their body parts being Heavenly Organs, thus creating a Heavenly Body, one of the many wonders of existence.

    And it seemed like Autumn had inherited one.

    In fact, Caine was almost certain that the technique the man had created had come from him attempting to understand the hidden abilities of his organs and body.

    But Caine wasn''t envious, not in the least.

    The body constitution his bodily pillar gave him was¡­ special. Now that he was in the Spark Realm, the might of his Innate Circle would slowly begin to take root and show its effects.

    ''Anyway.''

    Caine''s thoughts refocused, and he swept his spear across the rough ground as he walked toward the trembling Autumn.

    What Caine found strange was that he wasn''t trembling in fear but rather excitement. Well, actually, he didn''t know. Flickers of excitement and fear intermingled to form a strange emotion suffusing through his being.

    Autumn exhaled a breath, his sword rapidly reforming in his hand. Slowly, atop his head, a beautiful golden crown appeared, along with a horrifyingly potent wave of power.

    Caine''s gaze narrowed. This wasn''t the first time he''d seen someone else with a crown in this place, but the issue was that he''d realized he couldn''t use his own, the same way he, for some reason, couldn''t talk to Elura as she seemed to be in a deep state of slumber.

    The crowned chosen of fate, as he called them, were some of the toughest enemies he''d faced here.

    Caine''s gaze relaxed, as did his posture. His breathing began to follow rhythmic cycles that attuned him to the world, just as the faint reflection of his rings appeared in the depths of his blind eyes.

    The world''s qi embraced him, wrapping around him, its tendrils softly dancing around his cracked blade and holding it together.

    The two stared at one another for the faintest of moments before they vanished, the impact of their departure only exploding moments after their blades clashed, as if the world was struggling to keep up.

    CLANK!

    Autumn''s True Will was terrifying, seemingly creating a domain that enveloped the both of them¡ªa domain where all was within his grasp.

    Space was akin to a field he could move across with the most insignificant of thoughts, and time became a wheel he could steer to his liking.

    He teleported around Caine so fast that countless iterations of himself attacked at once, moving at different speeds, as if each from different timelines.

    But Caine remained indifferent. His mind was supreme.

    With a methodical approach, he analyzed all that was in front of him and his blade followed.

    His blade swam through the air like a fish in water, smooth and unfettered, as he parried strike after strike and danced around Autumn like a dove soaring through the heavens. His footwork was so complex he seemed to truly be dancing.

    His fluttering robes harmonized into a lullaby that echoed through the battlefield, as quiet as it was. Their rapid and powerful steps became akin to drums, as their rhythmic breaths played off one another¡ªa balanced tempo that highlighted the hymn their battle created.

    Fists whistled through the air, forearms clashed, blades rebounded against one another, qi exploded, and Wills erupted.

    Amidst the raging battle, Caine''s gaze suddenly lost all emotion as he released all the air from within his lungs.

    His aura entirely died down, and he became a shadow.

    [Blight Art: Enhance]

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    Autumn barely reacted before he saw his left arm flying through the air, his own blood showering him. His gaze panned to the right, meeting Caine''s rapidly streaking qi-covered blade.

    [Blight Art: Lag]

    His body froze, and the blade tore through his head as if it were a mere cloud, instantly shredding it to pieces.

    But aware the man was immortal, Caine''s movements didn''t stop¡ªnot in the least. He spun, his blade rising from the humble earth and toward the mighty heavens as he tore upwards, his muscles bulging and his countless Wills manifesting.

    SHURRR!

    Autumn''s body was cleanly split in two, but before both sides could separate, Caine''s figure blurred and an afterimage of himself layered atop his body, cleaving the enemy before him laterally. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Another afterimage layered atop of him, then another, and another, and another.

    Autumn''s body was shredded and dissected, but unlike before, threads of fine silk immediately fell from the skies, rapidly stitching him together and bringing him back from the brink of death.

    Caine immediately retreated, closely dodging an exploding wave of Autumn''s strange golden qi. But taking advantage of his sudden retreat, Autumn charged forward.

    As he did so, his hand swiped forward, and countless beams of qi shot at Caine, forcing him to zip through them as he retreated.

    But this was what Autumn wanted. Having pinned Caine at his desired location, his hand moved, shooting forward and violently tightening into a tight fist.

    SHAH!

    Countless threads appeared from thin air, binding Caine and chaining him down as he was forced to stop dead in his tracks.

    The many beams Autumn had thrown and crashed into the ground had exploded and etched runes into the ground. These runes glowed, linking into a grand formation.

    Planting his foot forward, Autumn glided forward and toward Caine, his blade drawn back, almost as if sheathed, and his back curled backward.

    A low and primal roar escaped his lips as his hips pivoted and his chest torqued toward Caine, his blade unsheathing and harmonizing with the formation around him.

    [Ancestral Season: Worldly Summer]

    A blade split heaven and earth in half.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 121 Carnage(VI)â€”Autumn(III)

    Your journey continues with My Virtual Library EmpireA wave of fire, so large and grand it could only be called a world-sized tsunami of flames, erupted from Autumn just as Caine''s body was split in half at the waist.

    But Caine''s True Will remained firm. A vast amount of qi burned from his bond space, surging into his time star. Instantly, his injuries rewound, leaving only scars to mark where his body had once been torn asunder.

    His robes, already tattered, were shredded further, revealing the countless and endless scars covering his compressed, vascular, and refined frame.

    Caine focused. A flame seemed to ignite within his gaze as he roared out, slamming his only palm onto his chest. Countless formation circles manifested around him, linking together to form the outline of a gigantic humanoid avatar.

    Atmospheric qi gathered, condensing into a grand spear that the avatar gripped. Just as Caine swung, the avatar mirrored his movement, countering the tsunami of flames rushing toward them.

    SHING!

    The wave of flames was severed, then blown to pieces, but Caine immediately fell to one knee, coughing out blood as the immense strain on his body closed in on him.

    Tightening his jaw, he steeled his mind and forced himself up. Looking ahead, he saw that Autumn wasn''t in a much better state.

    The two stared at one another for a few moments before they seemed to come to an unspoken agreement. Caine planted his blade in the ground beside him, and Autumn did the same.

    Autumn tore off his already shredded robes, his gaze so focused it seemed as if Caine was the only thing in existence at that moment.

    Autumn laughed loudly, the distance between them collapsing as if by will alone. In an instant, they were upon one another, and their battle resumed with renewed intensity.

    BANG!

    Both were true masters of martial combat, and their clash ascended into an entirely new strata of blood and violence.

    Caine was cold, vicious, and calculating.

    Each of his moves carried the essence of the roar of a dragon, the fury of a qilin, the cry of a phoenix, and the might of a white tiger.

    He clawed forward, tearing mounds of flesh from his opponent. His palms came in rapid waves, aiming for Autumn''s inner organs, while his elbows and knees flowed seamlessly into one another, breaking bone after bone.

    Autumn, on the other hand, truly embodied his name. He moved as smooth as a breeze, almost uncatchable, his movements carrying the fluidity of water and the solidness of earth.

    His punches aimed for Caine''s vital points, each strike stacking upon the last to rapidly tear him apart. Exploiting Caine''s missing arm, he constantly pushed him off balance, pivoting around him with unrelenting precision.

    He was adaptable, reading and reacting to Caine''s movements with terrifying speed. Yet, despite his skill, he couldn''t fully end Caine with any single strike.

    It was a battle between immortal regeneration and timeless skill.

    BANG!

    Caine weaved under a punch, spinning to grab Autumn''s arm and hurling him over his shoulder, slamming him violently onto the ground.

    BANG!

    Autumn rolled away, narrowly dodging a crater-creating punch, then backflipped to avoid a kick that left the air sizzling.

    Landing on his feet, he stepped forward, closing the gap between them. His palms layered strikes in rapid succession, hitting Caine from skewed angles and at speeds too fast to counter.

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    Flames erupted across Caine''s body, blasting Autumn backward, but the flames were quickly extinguished and replaced by cold, frigid shards of ice that danced around Caine.

    He thrust his palm forward, sending waves of compressed air toward Autumn, the waves followed closely by sharp shards of ice.

    Autumn laughed, stomping the ground as gravity suddenly multiplied hundreds of times.

    The shards of ice shattered under the immense weight, and he punched the air, sending a massive wave of compressed energy to meet Caine''s.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine teleported past the wave, his frown deepening. This battle was going nowhere.

    They were evenly matched.

    He had no choice but to take things to the next level.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s nine rings fully manifested behind him, his wings unfurling and taking space, shadowing the skies above. He took a step forward.

    Autumn''s smile froze. A deep, primal sense of danger overwhelmed him, but it was too late.

    [Blight Art: Chain of The-Lo''ku]

    From the ground, rune-covered chains seemingly made of vines appeared, wrapping around Autumn''s hands and legs, forcing him to his knees.

    Caine took another step forward.

    [Blight Art: Seal of Anak''ym]

    Countless runes manifested around Autumn, linking into a searing sealing formation that branded his skin and flesh.

    Autumn screamed in agony, feeling his own qi tearing his body apart. It was futile.

    Caine took another step forward.

    [Blight Art: Lances of Jude]

    From thin air, dozens of black spears, darker than the void itself, materialized and pierced Autumn, sundering his flesh and spilling his mighty blood.

    [Blight Art: Blood of the Forsaken]

    Autumn''s leaking blood ignited, his aspects shuddering and cracking as his very existence began to erode.

    Caine stood a mere step away.

    Feeling death approaching, Autumn roared to the heavens, all his power erupting in a golden supernova that swallowed the world.

    His binds shattered, and he stood, ancient and dark lightning crackling around his palms.

    He charged forward, his gaze filled with demonic killing intent.

    His palm pierced into Caine, grabbing his heart. With narrowed eyes, he roared, "SHATTER!"

    His lightning-covered hand clenched, burning Caine''s heart to ashes.

    Silver blood splattered across Autumn, his chest heaving, bones creaking, and sweat pouring from his battered frame. Slowly, he looked up, meeting the gaze of the man he had killed.

    What he saw shook him to his core.

    Caine looked back at him, his gaze empty and apathetic.

    "I cannot fall. Not here." Caine''s voice was almost infernal, carrying a conviction that seemed to surpass anything True Will could ever birth.

    These words were not born of mere thought.

    They were the purest essence of his soul¡ªhis existence.

    Autumn''s heart palpitated. He trembled, tears streaming down his face as his life flashed before his eyes. Endless regret gnawed at his True Will.

    Looking toward the skies above, he cried.

    [Blight Art: Final Fantasy]

    What happened next was beyond words, beyond comprehension, beyond perception.

    BOOM!

 Chapter 122 True Self

    It all went black. Then it all returned.Reality blinked.

    Caine stood over Autumn''s dead body. The wound in his chest slowly faded, leaving behind only a scar.

    The world was absolutely silent. He was the only one left.

    Caine looked up to the skies, his lips parting, and his chest heaving as he let out a roar that shook everything around him.

    RUMBLE!

    His True Will towered and split everything in its path. Veins erupted across his body as his vocal cords tore, and blood filled his throat.

    The emotions he had sealed and contained in his heart for years erupted all at once, fueling his Will and forming a mantle of manifested aura around him.

    His roar was so primal, it seemed akin to a primordial dragon''s final cry, like the lament of a god.

    He had fought. He had conquered.

    He had battled. He had dominated.

    He had decided to live. And he had lived.

    His roar was one of victory¡ªuncontested victory.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s mind blanked, and he fell onto his back, unconscious, as his roar echoed and shook the air.

    [You have conquered the Field of Carnage.]

    The skies above split open, and a gigantic pillar of golden light, as wide as the sky itself, descended upon Caine, granting him blessings upon blessings.

    Simultaneously, all the cursed runes etched onto his forehead sunk into his body, devoured by his Cursed nature.

    Impurities burned from his body as his muscles began to restructure themselves, along with his veins, organs, and flesh.

    Countless years of prolonged stress and hidden injuries melted away, and his true power began to soar.

    His body rippled, slowly beginning to change.

    ***

    Hours passed, and Caine''s pupils fluttered open. For a moment, he lay confused, but his memories rushed back in full force.

    He remained lying on his back, ignoring the newfound power flowing through him and simply basking in the comfort of his own existence.

    It had been too long¡ªso long that he had almost forgotten what it felt like to exist without the cursed runes, without constantly feeling his body teetering on the brink of death, without being suffocated by the terrifying killing intent of the countless enemies that swam around him.

    He took a deep breath and exhaled.

    ''I am alive.''

    He stood up. Looking around, the world wasn''t much different. He glanced at Autumn''s corpse, still intact. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    Without paying further attention to the body, he picked up his torn robes, spending a few moments stitching them back together before draping them over himself.

    These robes, bathed in the blood of so many powerful entities, had essentially become a Godcraft of their own¡ªjust like his fractured spear.

    With an unhurried pace, he walked toward the gate. Reaching its foot, he spent a few moments admiring its beauty before touching its surface and vanishing.

    The Fields of Carnage were left empty.

    ***

    He reappeared in a garden full of bloody roses. Above, the skies were dark, directly reflecting the cold lifelessness of the void.

    Beyond the garden, an all-encompassing, endless ocean of gold stretched far and wide.

    Caine felt the soft winds of this place brushing against his face. Moments later, a set of runes appeared in his mind.

    [Conquer the Heart.]

    Caine nodded and sat down cross-legged, storing his spear away. Across from him, tendrils of darkness gathered and coalesced into a shadowy figure with piercing scarlet pupils full of hate.

    Caine''s Heart Demon.

    But behind it, thousands of other shadow figures, just as full of hate as the first, appeared. They stood silently, calmly staring at Caine.

    Caine didn''t flinch. He was mildly surprised to see so many Heart Demons but, upon reflection, found it unsurprising.

    His gaze locked onto the shadowy figure seated across from him¡ªthe Heart Demon he knew the most.

    "I told you, did I not?" it hissed, its voice serpentine, dripping with malice. "That heart of yours would allow me to eventually take over."

    Caine sighed and shook his head, directly ignoring the Heart Demon before him.

    This trial would be too easy for him, for the simple reason that he had already devised a plan for his Heart Demons.

    He had been waiting for an opportunity to confront them again, and now, this was perfect.

    His plan was simple: not only would he evolve his current Dao Heart, allowing it to reach its true and absolute state, but he would also forge a second one.

    This second Dao Heart would be forged from his Heart Demons, allowing him to birth a Demonic True Will¡ªone that perfectly mirrored his original True Will.

    These two hearts, together, would encapsulate and strengthen one another, enabling him to take the final step forward.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s chest slowly split and opened, revealing his radiant silver Dao Heart.

    The Heart Demons screeched in horror at its light. Beams of strange, chaotic energy erupted from them, crashing into his heart.

    But Caine remained indifferent.

    His Dao Heart, the Hopeless Dao Heart, was unquestionably powerful and true to who he was. But it wasn''t enough.

    In the Fields of Carnage, he had encountered countless enemies, each wielding True Wills as strong, if not stronger, than his own.

    Through these battles, he encountered countless types of Dao Hearts, each teaching him what a Dao Heart truly meant.

    His Hopeless Dao Heart was built to sunder fear and abandon needless hope.

    But what did this truly mean?

    It meant defiance. It meant control. It meant ascension.

    It was a path where all ahead was beneath him and nothing could stop his steps.

    But, indirectly, wasn''t it also a Heart that challenged the very essence of Fate?

    Caine had spent a long time studying his stars of Fate, Karma, Destiny, and Totality.

    Fate was inevitability¡ªthe hand that moved the pieces across the board.

    He had experienced it firsthand. Without fully understanding how, Fate had wound him in its countless strings and trapped him here.

    Fate was supreme, inevitable, and absolute.

    It was said that at the highest extremes, opposites converged. If Caine took defiance to its ultimate extreme, would it not circle back to Fate?

    To defy all things was to allow none to defy oneself. To control all things was to allow none to control anything.

    But this highlighted a glaring flaw in his Dao Heart.

    His heart was one of absolute results. It was a heart without fear or hope.

    But what if Fate chose a path where fear was all that existed? Or one where there was nothing but false hope to grasp at?

    Could he truly claim he would resist Fate? No. He couldn''t.

 Chapter 123 True Self(II)

    He''d been afraid countless times within his time in the Fields of Carnage.Though over time, he repeatedly affirmed himself and overcame all challenges, the flaw in his heart remained.

    So he would change it. He would evolve it.

    He would forge a Dao Heart forged out of the very essence of fate, a Heart where everything in his sight was a matter of Will.

    A Heart that steered the workings of Fate in his direction, a Heart that controlled and dominated fate.

    A Heart that would be above fear or hope¡ªfor the future, past, and present were within the palm of his hands, the absolute being a mere possibility.

    The Dao Heart of Hopeless Fate.

    And there came the horror of Fate.

    Because, was this not what it wanted? Was this very moment not what Fate desired?

    Fate called upon him, and unbeknownst to him, he''d answered its call.

    It was a trap he couldn''t help but walk into.

    Fate desired to crown him, and he had no choice but to bow his head and accept control over it.

    Fate itself had controlled the world around him, forcing him to walk upon this path¡ªa path which he had no choice but to walk upon, a path that led to this very moment.

    A path where all possibilities led him to this moment. A path where he either accepted the crown or died.

    It was inevitable.

    It was horrifying. Just as much as it was exciting. It was only now that it all became clear to Caine¡ªbut he''d already accepted it.

    He would answer its call.

    WHOOOSH!

    His silver heart slowly faded and unwound into threads of silver. Simultaneously, from thin air, threads of gold and white appeared.

    These threads weaved into one another and overlapped to form flesh that shaped into a radiant and majestic heart of shades of silver, gold, and white.

    Upon the Heart''s surface, complex runes of gold and silver formed, bound by runes of pure white.

    PAH!

    The heart pulsed and installed itself into his chest, connecting to his veins. His body rippled and deconstructed itself into fine threads that instantly restructured his body.

    Simultaneously, Caine closed his eyes just as his perception of time slowed to a crawl. Time essentially froze for him.

    This was the perfect moment to form his second Heart.

    Heart Demons.

    Manifestations of one''s emotions through the wonders of existence.

    Fear, hate, loss, jealousy, envy, melancholy¡ªand many more. These are all emotions that could birth Heart Demons.

    And Caine had experienced it all, countless times. These were emotions that had never left him; they always danced around in his mind, pushing him closer and closer to the edge¡ªtoward madness.

    Unlike what most believed, he wasn''t particularly tenacious¡ªor so he believed. He wasn''t as emotionally mature as most, nor as emotionally resistant as most.

    He was more fragile than most. More wounded than most. And had a softer heart than most.

    His heart was so soft in the face of such cruelty, he still managed to smile. He still managed to view the world with relative objectivity and appreciate its beauty.

    He still managed to trust and advance without lingering on the horrible past he had.

    Staring at the countless demons ahead, he could see he wouldn''t last long. Soon, he''d fall into madness and be twisted into a demonic entity full of hate.

    So, instead of letting it happen, instead of letting these demons slowly devour him from the inside, he''d simply accept it.

    He''d accept it all. He''d allow himself to fall into madness. He''d allow his endless emotions to bloom and explode into the world.

    He''d never hold anything back; it would all always flow out¡ªwild and unfettered. He''d well and truly bathe in his worldly and futile aspect.

    He''d become his True Self.

    His emotions would become a fuel, they''d become an extension of himself, as would the emotions of any and all people.

    He''d forge his second Heart¡ªthe Serene Madness Dao Heart. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

    WHOOOOOSH!

    The Heart Demons, frozen in time, slowly began to collapse into motes of dark light and threads of crimson blood. They wove into one another, just like his previous heart, and layered into flesh that formed a majestic yet malevolent heart, highlighted by shades of black, crimson, and amethyst.

    Dark emerald runes erupted across its surface as the heart settled beside Caine''s first Dao Heart. New veins formed in his body, connecting to the new heart as the two tightly pressed against one another.

    Caine''s chest closed, and his two hearts thumped at once, releasing a wave of terrifying power as they reached completion and immediately reached a state of harmony.

    Caine''s body rippled, changing more and more, his body rewiring itself anew. Atop his head, his crown suddenly appeared, along with the halo Laplace had given him.

    The Halo trembled, then shattered, but in between the cracks, links of red and purple energy formed, holding the halo together as beautiful golden runes erupted across its surface.

    The Halo shook as twelve other halos, identical to the original, appeared and layered atop it. Atop Caine''s head, they slowly spun, connecting to his Dao Hearts and allowing more changes and mutations to occur in his body.

    On the other hand, his crown didn''t change but rather, its thirteen fitted jewels shone, lighting up one after the other.

    The crown linked to his halo, then to his Dao Hearts, forming and completing a perfect loop.

    The divine strength of his soul-form, contained in his crown, rapidly began to fade, sacrificed to allow a great and grand change to occur.

    An exchange of strength for endless potential.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOOM!

    His hearts thumped again and again, their strength flooding him and changing everything.

    All the stars in his bond space imploded, only to reform and erupt with horrifying power, almost as if their nature had split and completed, gaining a demonic nature.

    His own silver star split in half, one remaining silver while the other became a swirl of amethyst and dark silver, perfectly balancing out his other star.

    Caine''s two True Wills towered. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 124 True Self(III)

    His True Will evolved into a Holy True Will just as his Demonic True Will took shape.His aspects shook, his body shook, and everything else in between followed suit.

    It all clicked into one beautiful machine.

    His crown and halos faded from above his head and settled atop his Demonic and Holy True Will stars.

    The rune etched onto his chest by the Great Mother shone, and the potency of his Wills diminished, sealed by illusory emerald vines.

    At a glance, anyone could see it was a protective measure she had put in place, knowing this moment would come and that Caine''s body wouldn''t be powerful enough to handle the eruption of his True Wills.

    But even while sealed, the power and sense of oneness Caine felt was beyond words.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s own True Will had been stuck at the Quasi-Quintessential step for a long time, for reasons he couldn''t understand. But now, the barrier holding him back shattered into pieces.

    He reached the perfect peak of the Quintessential Reckoning stage in a single bound. His power grew, solidified, and surged once more, prompting the Great Mother''s rune to act again.

    BANG!

    The trial for the Quintessence Reckoning stage was usually a question revolving around the solidity of one''s Dao Heart, but this time, there was no need for a trial from the World Will Eyes.

    His entire existence seemed to hum and sing with delight, his control over his body extending into the depths of all his aspects.

    His qi, his soul, his body, his mind¡ªthe world¡ªhe felt it all with utmost clarity, and it all fell under his dominion.

    WHOOOSH!

    A thin mantle of dark silver-gold aura wrapped around him, harmonized by a red-purple mantle that danced along in perfect rhythm.

    Caine sat in silent meditation for hours after his transformation ended, his aura settling into a state of calm grandeur. His two Dao Hearts thumped rhythmically¡ªa sound that soothed his mind and nurtured his spirit.

    [You have conquered the Heart. You have conquered the Broken Visages of Life.]

    Blessings fell from the skies, flooding into Caine, but he remained indifferent, his eyes closed and his body as still and unmovable as a mountain.

    More hours passed, and the blessings gradually died down, leaving him alone amidst the fields of blood roses.

    Slowly, Caine opened his eyes, their sharpness concealed behind countless layers of unreadable emotions.

    As soon as his gaze met the sky, a new set of runes materialized before him, plunging him into yet another trial with a fiendish cadence.

    [Conquer the fractures of life and death.]

    Even with his heightened power, Caine couldn''t react in time.

    His mind instantly shattered into countless fragments, each one plunged into an illusory world created by Fate itself.

    The task was simple yet impossibly cruel, almost identical to the Endless Samsara mode of the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda.

    The shards of his mind would each experience lives of all types, unable to remember who he truly was. He would live and die, endlessly.

    His goal? To awaken his memories before death. If even a single shard of his mind failed to do so, he would perish, and the trial would be lost.

    It was a trial designed to kill, even for someone with a True Will as powerful as Caine''s. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But Caine had one advantage¡ªan edge that flipped the trial entirely in his favor.

    The seed and foundation that had allowed his Dao Heart to bloom was the link between his mind and his heart: the blurring of the lines between emotion and logic.

    It was this step that had led him here and granted him a chance.

    Though his mind had been taken off guard, pulling him into the trial unprepared, his heart and instincts remained active¡ªand so did the core of his True Will.

    WHOOOSH!

    The shards of Caine''s mind were drawn into the countless roses surrounding him, each representing a set of illusory worlds to conquer.

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    His Dao Heart and True Will stood watch, silently observing each life. They learned, absorbed, and deepened the countless comprehensions that Caine had accumulated over his lifetime.

    While he could have forcibly awakened each shard through his active Dao Heart and True Will, that would have been wasteful.

    Not only would each world serve as a capsule of time, allowing him to make significant advancements, but it would also be the perfect opportunity to deepen his understanding of Fate, Karma, Destiny, and Totality.

    By observing the lives of countless entities from a detached vantage point and subtly stirring events in one direction or another, was this not the ideal training ground for a Chosen of Fate?

    Was it not a gift tailored for someone like Caine, who would face entities countless millions of years older and more experienced than he?

    This trial, terrifying to others, was an unprecedented boon to him. And he would take full advantage of it.

    PAH!

    His body sat frozen, his empty eyes slowly closing as his aura deepened and gained a vast richness and ancientness with every passing moment.

    His long, dark hair swayed gently in the wind, and his serene expression was free of worry or fear.

    His chest heaved slowly, his breaths calm and rhythmic as his blood coursed with unmatched force through his veins.

    He was a picture of unshakable serenity.

    ***

    In the middle of a dark, infinite void, an entity sat cross-legged in the emptiness of space.

    This being''s body was made entirely of golden qi and runes, its hair a mane of flowing, burning dark flames. Simple gray robes embroidered with ancient lotuses draped loosely over its frame.

    Dark lightning¡ªeerily similar to Autumn''s¡ªcrackled and swirled around the entity, dancing like a serpent in the air.

    The figure slowly opened its eyes, revealing deep, dark golden depths.

    "The youngest has faded, but his Life Jade remains intact," a feminine voice echoed.

    "Is that so?" the golden entity responded, its voice deep and apathetic, resonating through the void.

    "Who?"

    "A Spiritual. A prince."

    The entity froze. In the depths of its cold golden eyes, a flicker of rage ignited.

    If its son had fallen to anything else, it wouldn''t have mattered. But this? This was personal.

    "Revive him ahead of time," the entity ordered, its voice heavy with quiet menace.

    "Send him to me."

    The voice hesitated but obeyed. "As you command."

    The golden figure stood, its presence suffocating, as arcs of dark lightning intensified and illuminated the void around it.

    "I will train him myself."

 Chapter 125 Tapestry of Life

    As his mind fractured and split into the countless illusory avenues of life created by Fate, Caine''s entire being fell under the control of his subconscious¡ªthe primal and instinctive part of his True Will that bridged toward his mind.It perfectly mirrored his conscious self, his active True Will, possessing an ancient and primal cognitive ability. This primal Will processed and reacted to the world on instinct alone, with a sharpness that neared premonition, almost as if it sensed the tides of the world and Fate itself.

    It was almost as though it were in tune with the world to such a deep level that it whispered its most intimate secrets to it without resistance.

    This primal part of Caine''s Will perfectly matched his conscious self, and now, its might would truly shine.

    A primal and ancient aura erupted from Caine, only to rapidly settle into a calm wave of power¡ªakin to the aura of a slumbering titan, a beast waiting patiently for its moment.

    WHOOOSH!

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    The fractured pieces of his mind each fell into illusory worlds, worlds that could almost be called fractured realities of their own, hand-crafted by Fate itself.

    In each life, he was born as a regular child, without any memory of who Caine Lerouge Velios was.

    He appeared as all genders, living all kinds of lives, from all kinds of backgrounds, experiencing everything from unparalleled success to the most crushing of defeats.

    From an emperor leading an empire on the brink of collapse, to a humble farmer tending to his fields, to a homeless woman shattered by the world, and even to the myriad possibilities of non-human existence¡ªa demon bathing in sin, a violent beast, a tree, a spirit, a rock, or even an ant. The diversity of lives he lived through was endless, and each was filled with unspeakable peaks and lows.

    Each life was one worth remembering.

    From above, his Primal True Will observed it all, keenly studying the intricacies of life and subtly steering these lives with a soft and undetectable hand.

    Caine experienced what it was like to be Fate itself.

    He studied the painful predictability of life, its seemingly infinite possibilities, the sways of all hearts, the rise and fall of countless empires, the betrayals of the great, and the rise of false ones.

    It all followed patterns¡ªpatterns one could read, patterns one could replicate, patterns one could recognize. Rarely, if ever, did anything stray from the chains of life and Fate.

    They were all cogs in a wheel, tools used to shape a world controlled by forces beyond their comprehension.

    His True Will observed it all. But it did not stop there. Beyond observation and experience, it acted.

    As noted before, this trial was the perfect training opportunity for someone like Caine.

    The countless lives and experiences of his shards all blurred into one grand tapestry of existence¡ªboth beautiful and terrifying. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Through these lives, Caine''s knowledge and skills were refined, twisted, and evolved through endless perspectives. Everything he learned was picked apart and rebuilt billions of times before being passed from shard to shard, tempered and sublimated.

    His True Will conducted an innumerable number of experiments, testing ideas Caine had never before had the chance to explore. It observed the failures and successes, and then tried again and again, iterating endlessly.

    Each life brought countless enlightenments Caine had never had before. These insights were extracted, refined, and passed throughout the interconnected tapestry of his lives, deepening his understanding of himself, his abilities, and his aspects.

    Finally, he had the opportunity to meticulously study everything he had built over the past few years with a sharp and focused eye.

    All of it was neatly arranged and sorted, only to be dissected, peeled apart, and analyzed¡ªlayer by layer, inch by inch.

    The countless millions, billions, and trillions of years of life his shards experienced were extracted and fed into his Hearts, leaving his youthful mind intact.

    His Demonic Dao Heart feasted on an endless flood of Heart Demons, allowing its Demonic nature to ascend step by step, growing endlessly.

    Simultaneously, his Holy Will steadily grew and surpassed its previous limits, entering a deeper and more profound state of serenity.

    The two Wills danced endlessly, feeding off one another''s growth and blooming toward infinity.

    His Stars and Hearts cycled through creation and destruction, mirroring the way his shards experienced life and death. They destroyed and rebuilt themselves relentlessly, each cycle enhancing Caine''s understanding and pushing him toward perfection.

    The more he cycled through life and death, the more his comprehension deepened, and the more his enlightenments stacked and overflowed within him.

    His Stars and True Will aged, gaining a mature and ancient flare that only the most eternal of existences could acquire. This maturity began to carry weight, take up space, and command dominance. It gained a royal nature that grew more imposing with each passing moment.

    Caine''s bond space, intrinsically linked to his mind, aged in tandem. Its qi production matured along with his stars, taking on a primordial and ancient hue that deepened as time stretched on.

    The older the qi, the more powerful it became.

    But that was far from the only change. The effects extended to his physical body.

    Through the countless experiments and observations his True Will conducted, it began to subtly modify his body''s structure, refining it step by step toward a desired state of perfection¡ªor at least, as close to perfection as the current Caine could achieve.

    His muscles rippled and shifted beneath his skin, like worms in a bag, as they were torn apart and rebuilt with surgical precision. His bones, organs, and brain followed suit, adapting to align with the countless possibilities he observed and studied.

    Each life was a step toward perfection. Each death was a leap toward endless growth.

    Together, they formed a progression that would have otherwise taken billions of years to accomplish.

    Caine was akin to an ever-changing canvas.

    Every stroke of Fate''s brush refined him, every hue of its palette added depth to his existence, and every detail sharpened his understanding of the world, life, and himself.

 Chapter 126 Tapestry of Life(II)

    Aura.It was a reflection of one''s presence, one''s Will, one''s cultivation, and one''s Dao Heart. It highlighted the chasms between those above and those below.

    But it wasn''t as intangible as most thought. In fact, it was deeply linked to one''s True Will.

    Once it reached a certain threshold, Will could birth True Aura. And when one''s True Aura reached a certain apex, it became a True Royal Aura, ascending through tiers of noble royalty.

    The higher one''s Aura state, the greater their power and presence, with countless passive abilities inherently tied to their True Wills.

    WHOOOSH!

    The aura around Caine thickened, evolving into a mantle. The faint royal traits within his True Will fully bloomed, pushing his Will into the True Royal Will state.

    Subsequently, his aura ascended as well, reaching royalty. A swirling haze of purple-red and silver-gold enveloped him, obscuring his features and casting a net of oppressive force.

    His True Will settled at the earliest stage of royalty, but his aura surged forward.

    From the Prince stage, it climbed higher, shattering past the Lord, King, and Emperor stages.

    The line between Caine''s Demonic and Holy auras blurred further, becoming an ethereal, multicolored mantle as it surged past the Emperor, Sovereign, Monarch, and Venerable stages.

    An ancient hum resonated through his body. His True Aura flowed seamlessly through his existence, leaving its noble mark. In a single bound, it shattered the final barrier.

    It reached the True Royal God Aura stage.

    The evolution was smooth, seamless, and natural. There was no explosive display of power. Instead, Caine''s aura became subtler, an abyss of empty calm that none could penetrate.

    WHOOOOOOOSH!

    One transformation flowed into the next.

    At once, the fractured shards of his mind awakened and answered his call, returning to him and reassembling into a whole. His mind, now vast and expansive, seemed to have multiplied its already immense capacity several times over.

    BANG!

    Caine''s conscious and subconscious selves bridged once more, and his body stirred as he slowly began to awaken.

    His aura receded, along with his roaring True Wills, simmered by the Great Mother''s rune, a protective measure to preserve his flesh.

    [You have conquered the avenues of life.]

    Even as the message rang through his mind and blessings rained down from the skies, Caine remained quiet, caught in a half-slumber.

    It was hours before his mind fully mended and he was whole again. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

    WHOOOSH!

    A soft breeze brushed against his skin, sending a pleasant tingle down his spine. The sweet scent of the garden''s flowers filled his senses. His long hair flowed gently in the wind, and his crystalline skin reflected faint traces of the void above.

    Caine raised his hand and gazed at his palm.

    ''Good.''

    It felt like a mere instant¡ªlike the blink of an eye. Yet, it also felt like an eternity. An eternity of growth and change he could not fully comprehend but knew had occurred.

    His mind felt reborn, alive, and unshackled. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But there was an unfamiliar fatigue, not like the exhaustion he''d felt after forging his cursed and blessed aspect natures. It was a different kind of weariness¡ªa heaviness akin to a child overwhelmed by too much energy, so much so that it tired rather than invigorated him.

    It felt natural.

    Without a care, he let his body fall backward, using his arm as a makeshift pillow. The soothing waves of the endless golden ocean surrounding the garden served as a lullaby, pulling him into a deep and restorative sleep.

    For the first time in what felt like eons, a sense of profound peace enveloped him, as though the very hands of Fate cradled him in their care.

    And perhaps, they did.

    ***

    Caine''s dream was strange. It was a replay of an old memory.

    He saw nothing, only heard voices.

    "I wish we could all simply die and start anew, with knowledge of the past. That''d be nice."

    "Of the past? Wouldn''t you rather know the future? Seems much more practical."

    "I don''t know. The past feels like a database of assured information I can use to navigate forward. The future just feels fledging, like a bundle of countless possibilities, like a bag of needles."

    "Each needle is just as different as the other, but they still remain needles, you know? I don''t know if I''m making sense."

    "I see what you''re trying to say. Knowing the future nulls it, yes?"

    "Mhm." The voice sighed. "It''s like that prophecy. I feel like it holds more truth than any knowledge of the future."

    "Prophecy?"

    "Yeah, the prophecy told by the Oldest Sister before she perished at the hands of the Imperials. Haven''t you heard?"

    "No."

    Suddenly, Caine''s vision cleared. His dream shifted into a vivid depiction of the past.

    He sat at a table in a lively bar filled with chatter and laughter. Two veiled figures conversed¡ªthe voices he had been hearing.

    One was a woman with long purple hair and scarred features. The other was an older man, bulky and rugged, with a bald head, wise eyes, and a thick beard.

    The woman snacked on biscuits while the man drank from a jug of beer.

    The man spoke. "Her prophecy was strange. It spoke of a dead child. A child bound by the chains of hell and forged from the flames of Heaven, bound by the void''s fury. It was weird."

    He took a swig of his drink and let out a satisfied sigh before continuing. "If I remember correctly, the exact prophecy was¡­"

    [On the first night of the last winter, the Eyes of Fate shall flood the skies and scour for the Son born of mist and soil.]

    [On the second night of the first summer, the Son''s heart shall be torn from his carcass and used as a relic of melancholy.]

    [On the third night of the forgotten autumn, the winds shall howl in fury, the seas in fear, and the heavens shall weep in regret.]

    [On the fourth night of the forsaken spring, the Son shall be reborn, his fate stripped and his heart unfettered.]

    [On the final day, all shall look to the darkened veil of the heavens.]

    [And on the final night, he shall appear like a thief in the night, to steal the Lost Throne.]

    [The echoes of his name shall be: The Usurper, The Stolen of Fate, The Bastard, The Fallen!] Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

    The man fell silent, staring into his drink as though the weight of the prophecy pressed against him.

 Chapter 127 An Ugly Dream

    The world then blurred, leaving Caine in a dark expanse, standing upon blackened soil covered in dark purple flowers, reeking of blood.Without hesitation, he clasped his hands behind his back and began to walk across this shadowed expanse, his mind focused and clear.

    This was obviously a sort of hidden trial¡ªor perhaps even the second half of the previous one. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s gaze sharpened as blurry runes appeared around him. One by one, he analyzed their intricate structures, peering into the deepest layers of this trial.

    ''A message. I see.'' His gaze softened, and his aura loosened. ''Four Dreams, each containing a shard of a message.''

    ''To go from one dream to another, I must uncover a part of the message, otherwise, I''ll be stuck here. The final step is to bring it all together and grasp this message.''

    Caine nodded to himself.

    ''Time.''

    Immediately, he understood that the core of this first dream vision revolved around time¡ªlayered in a manner that intertwined its three aspects: the future, the present, and the past.

    ''A desire to backtrack and take back all that was given and erase all that happened. A desire to collectively return to a point in the past.''

    ''A hatred for the future for its fickle nature, a fear of the present for its absoluteness, and a love for the past for its stability.''

    ''An understanding of the curse future truths grant, thus splitting the future into an infinite tapestry of possibilities.''

    ''An ancient prophecy told by a titled martyr, an oppressor afraid of the contagiousness of truth¡ªa prophecy that speaks of a child.''

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    His thoughts flowed like water as his steps echoed through the vast space, deduction after deduction blooming in his mind.

    ''The answers lie in the past. The present is filled with threats that desire such answers, and the fate of the future is broken.''

    ''A game must be played¡ªa delicate game where one dances around the events of a distant future to salvage a path of survival.''

    His gaze narrowed further.

    ''The tides of such times are held by oppressors who fear change, and the spark of revolution is held by seers of fate.''

    ''A child¡­a messiah shall rise, sundering all shackles.''

    Having expanded upon the dream, Caine began to dissect each of his vague conclusions, overlaying them onto a context that applied to the circumstances of his world.

    ''Some people in our world are dancing across time and changing events set in stone. These people hold power, and few know of them.''

    ''Those that know have been silenced, but their findings have been left in the past¡ªin this Fractured Reality.''

    ''The oppressors control and observe all, so all things must be done in secret¡­'' His gaze began to glow. ''¡­like through a cult veiled in secrecy, for example.''

    ''Amidst all this, an individual, most likely to change this situation, has been chosen.''

    His gaze glazed over as he sank into a deep state of focus.

    ''But it''s not me. No, it isn''t an individual. It''s an¡­event?''

    Caine paused in his steps. His mind halted.

    From its static immobility, his thoughts exploded with action, and it all clicked.

    ''No, this isn''t about time. It isn''t about the world. It isn''t about any grander force.''

    His gaze became brilliant, akin to imploding stars as he reached a final conclusion.

    ''I must prepare for an event that''ll force me to either save or kill someone of great importance.''

    The world of darkness around Caine rippled and suddenly changed, another dream immediately taking shape and being put into action.

    ***

    Upon a dragon that soared through star-filled emerald skies, two figures stood, unbothered by the chaotic and violent winds that buffeted against their bodies and refined robes.

    The two were women, almost identical, both with long white hair and deep silver eyes.

    Their backs bore nine pairs of grand, majestic feathered grey wings.

    Ethereal white robes that reflected all colors draped over them and hugged their alluring curves as the winds blew past. Their faces mirrored the essence of perfection, flawless and unblemished, like wonders of existence incarnate.

    The only distinction between the two was their crowns¡ªone made of bloody thorns, the other of cut-off hands dripping with blood of gold and white hues.

    For a long while, they stood in silence, not uttering a word. But a transmission soon reached them, carrying a message.

    <Reach coded World N98777-XH0. Capture all targets of interest nearing divinity and wipe out all life.>

    <Mission file has been added to codex.>

    In unison, they raised their arms, activating bands around their wrists. With a tap, holographic screens were projected, showering them with information.

    Their gazes narrowed in sync.

    "What are your thoughts?" said the woman crowned in bloody thorns, her voice a blend of slithering malice and angelic melody¡ªa balance of melodious purity and vile echoes of hatred.

    Her companion took a moment to consider before answering. "While it is surprising, it was to be expected." Her voice was androgynous, devoid of emotion.

    "Those of the Five Skies have acted foolishly in recent years, believing their alliances with the Spirits and ones of the Void would shield them forever."

    She sighed, releasing a low and spine-tingling chuckle filled with dark intent, a stark contrast to her previous detachment.

    "When we were sent to shackle their world and kill the whore and her offspring, I had an inkling this would happen. I feared they''d set us up in such a manner."

    The woman crowned in bloody thorns grinned wickedly.

    "It remains a victory. Whether this suicide mission kills us or not doesn''t matter. The woman has died by his hands. There is no greater solace than that."

    The two burst into uproarious laughter, their voices mad and twisted, filled with jealousy, hatred, and regret¡ªa swirl of chaotic, volatile emotions.

    "I''m sure we can find her corpse before those of the Five Skies eliminate us. If we could find it in time¡ªor even find the embryo of that child, then turn it into an artifact¡ªI''d have no qualms with embracing death!"

    The previously emotionless woman keeled over, her laughter consuming her entirely as her wings trembled with twisted glee.

    "Could you imagine it? The slut born out of chaos and her bastard child, hanging as dried mementos upon my neck, clear for all to see? The echoes of their burning souls would act as a hymn I''d carry through the heavens and beyond!"

    Her head swung back as her wings turned entirely black, dark emerald flames consuming her body. Her laughter pierced the skies, and her Will tainted the world.

    "¡­would it not be¡­beautiful?!

 Chapter 128 An Ugly Dream(II)

    The dream vision faded, and Caine was left alone in the dark expanse once more.He slowly closed his eyes, exhaling a shaky breath, his body trembling and his heart thundering.

    THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

    His Dao Heart beat with incredible force, nearing collapse as his Holy and Demonic Wills flooded his body, wrapping around his mind in an effort to calm the flood of emotions threatening to erupt.

    Caine''s trembling hands slowly moved to clasp behind his back. Without uttering a word and with his eyes still closed, he began to take measured steps forward.

    And yet, with each step, the emotions burning in his Hearts only seemed to thicken and darken, nearly gaining sentience as a mantle of bloody scarlet aura erupted across his body, blooming along with a wave of potent and malevolent killing intent that blanketed over the expanse.

    But his steps didn''t falter, uncaring for his raging emotions and his crumbling Hearts.

    WHOOOSH!

    His emotions reached an unknown peak, seemingly ready to explode, but suddenly, all cracks on his Hearts vanished entirely. By the second, these same chaotic emotions were leashed and contained, flowing through him and falling under his perfect control.

    Still, his steps did not falter, even as he regained control and his aura stabilized once more.

    The essence of his path was perfection, but its foundation remained control. Fate, Totality, Karma, Destiny¡ªthey all stemmed from control.

    To conquer them was to conquer himself. To control them was to control himself.

    If he couldn''t manage even this, would he truly be worthy of the crown waiting ahead?

    He would remain in control.

    He had killed himself in the Three Realms because he abhorred the idea of another manipulating him, of being reduced to a mere lab rat.

    He had forged his bones and flesh by stealing from the world itself, drawing its wrath because he refused to rely on anything that wasn''t himself¡ªanything he couldn''t control.

    He had chosen to be a Summoner and Necromancer because, unless he was in control, he would never be at ease.

    Control, in all its forms and shapes, was primordial. It was a part of him.

    He would remain in control.

    WHOOOSH!

    His Dao Hearts shone with brilliant splendor, solidifying into even greater strength as Caine repeated this mantra endlessly in his mind.

    Again, and again, and again, and again.

    He slowly opened his eyes, and immediately, the world around him blurred and yet another dream began to take shape. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

    There was no need to waste time analyzing and dissecting the vision¡ªhe already understood.

    While he had believed that he needed to prepare for a future event, this dream recontextualized everything.

    He didn''t need to prepare for anything. The event¡ªthe one meant to steer the direction of the world''s future¡ªhad already occurred.

    What he needed to do was not to save or kill anyone. He had to understand the circumstances of it all.

    Only then would this entire puzzle truly make sense.

    Caine''s mind sharpened, and he began to pay attention. But as the dream began, his gaze widened.

    ***

    In a grand and vast hall, five thrones of gold were arranged around a floating, spinning sphere of silver. The sphere was etched with black and white runes that danced and intertwined, forming an otherworldly formation of inhuman complexity.

    Upon the first throne sat a tall man with slicked-back, short black hair and deep blue eyes full of wisdom, veiled by thick rectangular glasses. Thick black armor draped over him, and nine floating swords hovered behind him.

    Sitting upright on his throne, this could only be one man¡ªZao Lequin Velios.

    On the second throne sat an almost eight-foot-tall man with a large, bulky frame. His titan-like muscles were so thick and powerful that the air shook with the slightest twitch. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He wore only pants, his hairy chest exposed, revealing blue tunic tattoos on one half and deep, complex dark amethyst runes on the other.

    His bald head gleamed under the dim light of the hall, and his thick ginger beard covered his aged face. His blazing gold and azure eyes radiated stoic focus and tempered tenacity.

    This could only be one man¡ªTheobald Archwinter.

    Upon the third throne sat a very short woman.

    Her long brown hair flowed behind her like a cape, complementing her deep, unreadable golden eyes.

    Her aura carried the essence of a slumbering titan and a raging dragon¡ªa stark contrast to her tiny frame, yet strangely fitting.

    This was Tanariaham Cercis, or as Caine knew her, Aunty Tania.

    The two remaining thrones were empty.

    The three sat in silence, indifferent to the sounds of war echoing from beyond the hall.

    The thick smell of blood filled the air, accompanied by violent roars, cries of pleading mercy, and the clanking of blades¡ªall merging into a symphony of merciless carnage.

    "Lady Gaia has died," Zao softly spoke, his voice deep and measured.

    Tania''s head rose, her gaze meeting his.

    "¡­what?"

    Zao sighed. "She has died. It appears to be a sacrifice of some sort. I only just noticed it through a concealed ripple in the world and a message she left behind."

    Theobald''s gaze narrowed. "A message?"

    Zao nodded and elaborated. "She left a rather cryptic word puzzle¡ªor perhaps it''s a prophecy. But it''s quite short¡­"

    [Life and Death sundered by a Star.]

    Tania frowned. "What do we do now? With the Great Mother gone, our forces restrained, and the world invaded, there isn''t much I see that can be done."

    "We either charge one final time in a suicide attack, or we leave now before it''s too late."

    Her voice was grim, yet filled with untamable conviction.

    She was ready to die without regrets.

    "None of that will be needed," Zao said, pushing himself up from his throne. He groaned in pain, the wounds concealed beneath his armor evidently numerous.

    "I''ll simply have to call upon the¡ª"

    His words blurred into an unintelligible screech as the dream vision faded, and Caine returned to the dark expanse once more.

 Chapter 129 An Ugly Dream(III)

    Caine caressed his chin, remaining still in deep thought. He stood motionless for a moment before he began to walk in circles, his state of focus unprecedented.This revelation answered many questions but left countless more inquiries.

    ''The event was a war. A war between us and invaders. A war we nearly lost.''

    His gaze narrowed. ''So, my suspicions that the world has been invaded were indeed correct.''

    The fact that Elura and the Elementals were so blatantly installed in their world had been an obvious indicator to Caine, but he had always remained on the fence.

    ''Zao, Theobald, and Tania all came out of this war injured and are most likely the only individuals I can trust.''

    ''Since they were separate from the other great forces, I must assume that none of the others are worthy of trust, not even the Timeless Alliance.''

    His gaze widened slightly as another thought struck him. ''But if that''s the case, why are we staying there willingly?''

    The answer struck him like lightning. ''Are Zao and I being kept¡­ captive?''

    His steps faltered for a moment as the pieces of the puzzle began falling into place. ''He''s trying to give me the tools necessary to free myself from these binds, but he''s doing it at the expense of his own freedom and life.''

    Caine''s thoughts split into two streams, something that had become endlessly easy after his previous trial.

    ''Last Gaia sacrificed herself for something. She was aware of her coming death generations before it occurred, but what could the reason be¡­?''

    His thoughts split further.

    ''They nearly lost the war but invoked something that turned the tides, though not enough to end it completely. We are essentially in a state of cold war at the moment.''

    ''We are most likely at a standstill, but with a disadvantage.''

    His qi flowed into his brain, the Immemorial Lightning fused within its structure pushing his thinking speed to its limits.

    ''Those sisters were sent down to attack and eradicate our world, but they knew they would die. So, I must assume they are a third party.''

    ''But they also noted that they were once sent to shackle our world, which is most likely the reason why we are sealed off from contact with any outside forces.''

    ''There''s also the mention of an alliance with the "Spirits" and the "Ones from the Void," most likely referring to us Velios and¡­ the Void Trading Alliance?''

    ''Are they to be trusted, or did they betray us in some way?''

    Caine''s thoughts jumped from moment to moment, suddenly returning to a conversation he had overheard while traveling with Lilith, just before he met Theobald and gained the crafts he had once promised him.

    ''The Void Trading Alliance was recalling all its forces, as if preparing for a catastrophe, and at the same time, the cult''s actions became more rowdy and bold, as if they were preparing for their return.''

    ''The two happened in tandem, as if an unspoken agreement had been reached between them.''

    ''But the Void Trading Alliance¡­ their Auction House was so loaded with formations¡­''

    His eyes narrowed as he recalled a specific moment. ''They knew the cult would attack during the auction. They also knew the fractured reality would open on their grounds. If anything, I''m sure they must have triggered it.''

    Caine suddenly froze, remembering the moment he reached Jamie''s camp and spoke with his people. He recalled the countless echoes of conversations he had heard back then and slowly began to piece everything together.

    [¡­The Pope¡­The Villages were¡­Our Gods¡­The Fallen Gods¡­A Great Danger¡­Death Swirls¡­Jamie¡­The Merchant Association¡­]

    His gaze widened. ''Is¡­ this the fractured reality from my coming-of-age ceremony¡­?''

    Caine''s mind split into so many diverging streams of thought that his qi nearly ran dry, unable to keep up with the consumption of his brain.

    A brilliant light burned in his gaze as the pieces of the puzzle became opaque and arranged themselves into a complex tapestry that bridged the past, present, and future.

    But Caine didn''t stop there. This was a Trial from Fate itself; there had to be more. He had to contextualize everything according to the workings of Fate and his current circumstances.

    ''Invaders. A war. Deaths. A cult. Betrayals.''

    Caine''s face scrunched into a demonic scowl, fury rising within him. Just like the last time, when he had felt a hand obscuring his thoughts and stopping him from reaching the peaks of his enlightenment, he felt a force blurring his thoughts, stopping him from reaching the final conclusion.

    It was at the tip of his tongue, ready to be uttered, but shackled by a force beyond his comprehension.

    It felt like his mind was trapped in a box, desperately trying to wiggle free but failing again and again.

    The deeper he sank into these thoughts, the more he analyzed his own life, and the more he felt the effect of this restraining force.

    He felt like he had never even had control.

    Suddenly, the words Pope Francis had spoken to him rang like a bell in his mind.

    .

    .

    .

    .

    <"Who would''ve thought," he mused, his tone almost playful. "To think the one wreaking havoc in my lands would be a little Velios."

    Caine''s expression didn''t shift, but inwardly, his thoughts churned.

    "You seem young. Incredibly young," the Pope continued, his gaze narrowing slightly as if appraising a rare artifact.

    "Barely twenty years old. And yet¡­" He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Your mind¡­ it''s older. Barely reaching the ten-thousand-year mark. Still, a little baby. How cute."

    "You know a great deal," Caine replied slowly, his voice calm and steady. "And yet, you allowed me to move freely under your nose. To what end?" His tone was casual, as though it was only natural to expect an answer from a potential enemy.

    The Pope''s amusement deepened, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes.

    ''So young, yet so unyielding. Truly fascinating,'' the Pope thought, suppressing a smirk.

    "To what end?" the Pope repeated, feigning surprise.

    "There was no end to it. I didn''t know who you were until I laid eyes on you."

    With a slight shift, he opened his robes, revealing purple, bruised flesh tightly bound by golden chains.

    "You see these?" he asked, gesturing to the chains. "They greatly limit me. They''re called God''s Chains." He smiled faintly, closing his robes. "I imagine you''ll get to know them well in a few years. After all, you''re the one who gave them to me."

    Caine''s stoic mask cracked, uncertainty flashing across his features for the first time. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What?" he muttered, his voice tinged with confusion.

    The Pope shook his head and stood. "It doesn''t matter. Just like with that Reaper, there are certain things I can''t say to someone still tethered to mortality."

    Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    The Pope''s grin widened in turn. "I can''t explain it all, but know this: time is far flatter than you might expect. Unless you surpass it, everything is bound to happen again. And again. And again."

    His voice dropped, a hint of mocking pity seeping into his tone.

    "No matter how many wishes you make." >

    .

    .

    .

    .

    < "There''s much you lack," the Pope said, his voice cold yet matter-of-fact. "Far too much. And time¡­" He tapped the golden chains binding his body. "Time is not on your side. Nor is it on mine."

    He sighed, almost wistfully. "I can''t help you. I can''t train you¡ªnot yet. But what I can do¡­ is prime you.">

    .

    .

    .

    .

    ***

    Caine stood frozen in place, his mind short-circuiting.

    He couldn''t understand. He didn''t understand.

    What did any of it mean?

 Chapter 130 An Ugly Dream(IV)

    "What am I even supposed to understand here?" Caine sighed, releasing the tension that had coiled tightly in his body."Having Elura here right now would''ve been perfect¡­"

    The thought lingered for a moment, but he shook it away. Most of it was still maddeningly blurry, but countless deductions had already taken shape in his mind. None of them were positive.

    WHOOOOSH!

    The expanse around him blurred as the final dream vision began. This time, however, there was something different. Instead of being a detached observer, watching from a safe distance, Caine was pulled into the scene itself.

    ***

    Fate moved in ways beyond comprehension.

    Caine was forced to witness it, every detail etched into his mind, his heart an unsteady mixture of awe, confusion, and dread.

    He had never felt this way before.

    Now, he stood inside Jamie''s carriage¡ªthe one Soran had brought him to after that brutal battle with Adari. His past self''s battered body lay slumped on one of the carriage''s sofas, swathed in bandages. Soran sat beside him, ever the vigilant protector.

    The scene was frozen, every detail still and unchanging. Everything, that is, except Jamie. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Jamie turned to look directly at Caine, his gaze piercing through the illusion. It shouldn''t have been possible¡ªCaine was supposed to be a mere observer here. Their eyes met, and Caine couldn''t help but laugh, a dry, humorless sound.

    Walking over to one of the sofas, he sat down, facing Jamie. He shook his head, muttering, "You bastards truly are something else. I must applaud."

    Jamie smiled, though the aura surrounding him was completely transformed. He still looked the same¡ªlong, curly black hair, thick beard¡ªbut his presence was far from the jovial and cunning old man Caine had once known.

    His eyes, swirling with gold and azure currents, carried a profound, almost otherworldly weight. This was a man tempered by the trials of countless years, his soul baptized in blood and his resolve hardened by an unrelenting world. Jamie now radiated the presence of an ancient general, weathered but unyielding.

    Jamie''s gaze swept over Caine, appraising him. "I wasn''t convinced when I first saw you, but it seems the future has tempered you enough. Enough to be worthy."

    "I see potential¡ªa blade sharpened by the world. Not sharp enough yet, but a blade is still a blade."

    Each word Jamie spoke was imbued with potent True Will¡ªRoyal True Will. The air itself trembled under its weight, and even the frozen qi in the dreamscape cracked and shattered, unable to withstand the force of his presence.

    But Caine was unshaken. Jamie''s True Will, though mighty and regal, had not reached the Holy stage. It could not affect him. Still, Caine acknowledged its depth. Had this encounter happened before his last trial, he would have been crushed beneath it.

    This man¡­ He was powerful. Incredibly powerful.

    But not powerful enough.

    Jamie''s aura faltered, shredded to pieces as a wave of dread washed over him. His True Will wavered, his composure cracking under the weight of an unseen force. His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he saw the reaper''s blade glinting in the air, pressing cold steel against his neck.

    Jamie couldn''t feel anything from Caine¡ªno aura, no palpable power¡ªbut there was no doubt in his mind. This oppressive presence came from him. Taking a deliberate breath, Jamie steadied his racing heart.

    "So¡­ speak," Caine said softly. His tone was calm, almost gentle, yet it carried an unshakable authority.

    Hearing it, Jamie frowned, his unease only growing. He felt like a child standing before an adult whose gaze held the weight of eons.

    It was like standing at the edge of an abyss, staring into the unfathomable void and realizing his insignificance. Like drowning in an endless ocean, his cries swallowed by the vast, uncaring depths. Like a mortal man confronting the infinite darkness of the universe, realizing the cold, lonely truth of his existence.

    ''I need to calm down.'' Jamie clenched his eyes shut, forcing his turbulent thoughts to still. His attempt to intimidate Caine had not just failed¡ªit had backfired in spectacular fashion.

    Taking rhythmic, measured breaths, he allowed his True Will to envelop him, grounding himself in its embrace. Minutes passed in heavy silence. Finally, Jamie opened his eyes, his composure restored.

    Rising to his feet, he offered a formal bow.

    "I apologize. That was indecent of me."

    Caine nodded, waving a hand dismissively.

    "There''s no need. Now, please¡ªget to it. I doubt I have much time here."

    Jamie sat back down, his movements measured. Without hesitation, he began to speak.

    "When the time is right, come to the capital. Join the Pope''s cavalry of Holy Knights. Through this, I will find you and lead you to the entrance of the Cult''s remains. Be cautious, though. Many are wary of those like us, so conceal your appearance and identity if possible."

    The dream began to blur at the edges, the vivid details dissolving into mist. Jamie''s voice, however, carried on, growing fainter.

    "If you can find Enya before reaching the capital, do so. If not, she will find you. Good luck."

    The final dream vision ended.

    Caine''s body began to fade from the dark expanse as his true body stirred, waking from its slumber.

    His mind, however, raced. Countless thoughts collided like stormy waves, crashing against the veil that obscured his deductions.

    [You have vanquished the Deathly Echoes of the Past.]

    Though he hadn''t managed to piece everything together, reaching this point seemed to be enough to move forward.

    But Caine wasn''t satisfied. Not even close.

    As the expanse shattered and his consciousness returned to his body, an idea formed in his mind. A dangerous idea.

    BANG!

    ***

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. He was back in the rose-filled garden.

    For a few moments, he remained still, adjusting to his body. The familiar weight of his missing arm tugged at his awareness, but he dismissed it quickly. It didn''t take long to regain his composure.

    Caine surveyed his surroundings, his mind still spinning with fragments of Jamie''s words and the haunting echoes of the expanse.

    "Let''s see," he murmured to himself.

 Chapter 131 In between

    Caine felt a rumbling in the depths of his heart, coming from the primal side of his Will, the side deeply in tune with the world.He could feel that what lay ahead, the final stretch of this road, would be dangerous beyond belief.

    He could feel death''s blade pressing upon his neck, the phantom sensation of his own blood slowly trickling down his chest.

    So he would prepare.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine took off the tattered robes he had on just as neutral qi gathered and transmuted into simple white battle robes that draped over him.

    His hand moved with incredible speed, turning and twisting the tattered robes in countless ways, dissecting and analyzing them to fully understand if his idea was feasible.

    After a while, he nodded.

    While he still couldn''t regrow his arm, he could replace it and place a seed that would later bear fruit.

    These tattered robes, turned into an incredibly powerful defense god craft by the blood of the countless Chosens Caine had killed, would turn into a prosthetic arm.

    But it wouldn''t be just any prosthetic arm.

    It''d be one linked and wired through his body that would be able to passively form threads of time qi to constantly heal him in the midst of battle.

    This was merely the first layer of what Caine had planned for these robes, but for now, that was all he could do and was the most direct path to the improvement in strength he direly needed.

    WHOOOSH!

    Opening his new robes, Caine revealed his scar-covered, toned, and refined body. His left side sat empty, lacking an arm from the shoulder down.

    The tattered robes tore and shredded into countless threads of silk just as all the qis in Caine''s bond space were pulled upon, infusing into the threads of silk.

    As the threads began to dig into his flesh and overlap and intertwine to reform his arm, Caine''s other hand moved, his qi-covered fingers rapidly drawing runes in the air that etched and seared into the many layers that formed and lapped.

    The threads dug further into his flesh, wiring into his nervous system and wrapping their filaments around each of his organs, more threads moving to snake across the surface of his inner flesh.

    Even thinner filaments formed, wrapping around his cells and harmonizing with his entire body.

    PAH!

    Like rubber snapping back, all of Caine''s body tightened, his muscles rippling with strength, his body bursting with vitality, and his arm finally returned to him. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Looking at the arm, of all shades of overlapping colors, that now replaced his left arm, Caine smiled. Tightening a palm into a fist, he felt a terrifying force ripple through him.

    Nodding to himself, he put his robes back on, then moved to his next task. He most likely didn''t have much time, so he had to hurry.

    Through the many experiments Caine had run during the trial that fractured his mind, he''d made countless discoveries, conclusions, and deductions.

    One of the most important, though, was the lack of specialization Caine displayed during battles. It extended beyond battle and into other aspects of his cultivation, but at this current moment, Caine only cared about his prowess. Nothing else mattered.

    Without a specialized element, Caine could barely use the true might of his more complex and powerful stars like the chaos, time, and fate stars, and this was a very pressing issue.

    So, among the fundamental nine elements, he had to choose one to focus on, and through it, he''d use all his other elements.

    This would bring his efficiency and skill to otherworldly levels.

    But, in truth, he didn''t need to choose.

    After forming his first Dao Heart, the primordial chaos flame fused into his heart had mutated and heightened his affinity to untold levels.

    Mirroring that, after forming his second Dao Heart, all the lingering tribulation lightning Enya had discovered had been devoured into his heart, making it its organ element and bringing his lightning affinity to levels that matched that of his fire affinity.

    The only issue, though, was that, within the nine fundamental elements¡­ Caine''s highest affinities were nowhere near fire and lightning.

    His highest affinities were Ice and Darkness.

    The day of his birth had been said to be the coldest day ever recorded in the Brilliant Five Skies world, and the first night he slept was said to be the only day in existence where the world had seen no light for an entire night, and the stars had been obscured by a veil darker than darkness and more sinister than the void itself.

    So there came the dilemma. On one hand, Caine could use the affinities he was born with, while on the other, he could use the natural affinities his Dao Hearts had provided him.

    Each side was just as powerful as the other, and giving up one over the other would inevitably end up being a waste.

    So¡­ he wouldn''t.

    He''d specialize in two Heavenly Elements that bridged the two sides of the coin.

    And he knew the perfect set.

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    ''Fire and Darkness, birthing the True Primordial Bane Flame, a flame born at the end of all worlds, meant to eradicate all things and wash existence anew. A herald of creation through destruction.''

    Caine''s body shook, and from within his bond space, his True Primordial Bane star trembled before splitting in half, the original immediately recovering and settling within the constellation of stars while the other rushed and fused into his first Dao Heart.

    White flames burst off his body, emitting no heat yet destroying and corroding everything in their path.

    The flames danced with an ominous cadence, black and silver runes contrasting their white shades, akin to a demon wearing the flesh of an angel¡ªan evil shrouded in purity.

    His Dao Heart thumped with terrific force, harmonizing and truly fusing with the flame as its power shot through his flesh.

    His True Will trembled, then bloomed further, as if finally having gained a vessel powerful enough to stabilize it.

 Chapter 132 In between(II)

    But it was only the beginning.''Lightning and Ice, one falling upon the other to birth arctic sparks, the Everfrost Lightning, the bridge from the frozen lands to the unfathomable void above. A pillar fallen from emptiness, connecting life to death.''

    Arcs of crackling dark lightning emerged around Caine, swimming and coiling around him like fish in water, the air around suddenly slowing down, as if time itself had been lagged.

    The dark lightning reflected runes of blue and gold that moved in straight yet sharp lines vertically and horizontally, like code on a screen.

    Atmospheric qi fell and rained around Caine in frozen shards of starlight as he himself released a steamy breath that created vapor, carried by a gentle breeze.

    Just like with his True Primordial Bane flame, an Everfrost Lightning star fused into his second Dao Heart, infusing terrifying power into its fabric.

    The two elements harmonized, and his Dao Hearts settled down into a calm lullaby, powerful and stable.

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    Caine exhaled a breath, the arcs of lightning and tongues of fire flickering around him slowly fading away. Standing up, his gaze immediately sharpened, ready to go.

    There was no time to waste.

    [Find the Island of Split Time.]

    These were the only directions he received, and immediately, his attention turned to the garden.

    Specifically, he turned to the bloody roses filling this garden, the same roses that had contained the illusory dream worlds his mind shards had fallen into.

    His True Will seeped into them, digging into their fabric and unravelling runes deeply hidden in their depths.

    These runes shot out and into the air, madly swirling into a tempest that swallowed Caine whole, but he remained calm.

    His mind split in hundreds of ways, each analyzing segments of the storm of runes and using his Will to pull them in one way or another, dissecting them layer by layer.

    The storm rapidly subsided, each rune encasing into the other and assembling into a spherical three-dimensional formation.

    The sphere landed on Caine''s palm, and with a tug of his qi, all its runes lit up, activating the formation.

    The sphere exploded into a mist of broken runes, and immediately, he felt a rush of information flooding his mind.

    ''Coordinates.''

    Nodding to himself, he swept the garden one more time. Not noticing anything else worth spending time on, he shot off and toward the expansive and endless ocean of gold surrounding the garden, his steps rapid as he sped across it as if it were solid ground. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ***

    Caine ended up being wound into the sort of game he hated the most¡ªmaze puzzles.

    He was forced to jump from one end of the golden sea to another, repeatedly returning to the bloody rose garden and having to run countless calculations to deduce more coordinates and uncover more puzzles.

    The entire space seemed to be a maze, a maze based on spatial coordinates where one could only reach the exit by following a specific route.

    Essentially, via his steps, Caine had to draw a rune in space itself, which would trigger the opening of whatever place he was supposed to go to.

    But it was also a puzzle. The layers of space in the golden sea seemed to constantly shift and move, something that made absolutely no sense.

    The fabric of space remaining in constant movement was akin to having an endless amount of blades, the sharpest blades of all existence, constantly flying and swimming around oneself.

    It was a death sentence and should''ve made this world look like a chaotic mess of broken space, chaotic void storms, and twisted qi streams.

    And yet, it all looked normal and stable.

    ''Tricky.''

    Due to the endlessly moving layers of space around, Caine was forced to constantly recalculate all his previously made progress, then once again retrace his steps, rearrange the drawn rune, then start it all over again and again.

    While each time, having to go against complex timed challenges to get more and more coordinates.

    For someone like Caine, it wasn''t necessarily hard, but it was painfully tricky and bothersome. But most importantly, it was frustrating.

    It felt like he was being played with, and he hated it. This entire ordeal had a mocking undertone that left his guts churning and his True Will simmering with wrath.

    He felt like a mindless beast running after a piece of meat hung on a branch, being swayed by the hand of its master, made to run circles as the master laughed at the creature''s idiocy.

    He felt like a jester, endlessly whipped and forced to dance in front of his king and entertain him.

    He felt like a whore being stripped naked in public, shamed for circumstances out of her reach.

    It was humiliating beyond belief and only served to feed the bubbling hatred that''d been festering and brewing in the depths of his heart for the past few years.

    ***

    In the end, it took Caine an entire three months to complete the maze puzzle.

    It had taken three entire months for perhaps one of the world''s greatest minds to complete this maze puzzle.

    Three entire months. Three entire months backed by a gift that gave one an unmatched affinity to space and time.

    Three months.

    Fate just had its way with things, a way that constantly managed to slowly but surely crush all that Caine was, in the most inconspicuous and perverted of ways.

    Each second felt like a spit on his face, each day like a slap to his face, each week like a stain on his pride, and each month like a dagger pressed against the fabric of his oh-so-mighty Dao Heart.

    Pure and utter humiliation.

    ***

    Caine stood on the green grass of the bloody rose garden, his steps having led him back here.

    Of course it would. A stupid game that''d end up where it started, like the final slap to an already purple and bruised cheek.

    Caine chuckled, his gaze almost empty as he pressed a palm against the grass, and he completed the spatial rune.

    RUMBLE!

    The ground shook.

 Chapter 133 In between(III)â€”Leviathan

    The ocean of outstretched golden waters rippled, then surged into the air, as if gravity had been inverted and a spectral force pulled upon it.The garden of bloody roses trembled, then crumbled, drawn upward into the levitating body of water.

    All that remained below was a field of wet white soil. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BANG!

    The remains of the island and the waters of the ocean collided violently, crashing and converging into a compact, pressurized sphere that expanded and blotted out the skies.

    Runes erupted across the surface of the sphere, shimmering with unstable energy as it compressed further, trembling under the immense strain.

    From below, with his arms clasped behind his back, Caine watched it all unfold, his gaze void of interest and his heart free of anticipation.

    BOOOOM!

    The compressed sphere exploded, then rapidly expanded into a swirling portal of golden currents¡ªmajestic, regal, and imposing as it filled the skies.

    From the portal, a creature as wide as the heavens descended.

    It was a long, serpentine beast, its scales a dark purple that shimmered with worlds of emerald runes. Arcs of dark lightning danced across the gem-like surfaces of its scales, reflecting an eerie brilliance.

    Its colossal body stretched endlessly, its spine adorned with towering ridges of spikes connected by thin, membrane-like structures etched with archaic and complex formations.

    The creature''s eyes, burning like infernos of white flame, radiated ancient power. Its maw, containing four long, mountain-sized dagger-like fangs, dripped with dark venomous liquid potent enough to corrupt the very fabric of existence.

    Fumes of toxic qi wafted off it in waves, shrouding the serpent in a mantle of corrosive aura that spread throughout the world, dissolving everything in its path.

    An ancient, bestial Will filled the air, suffocating and oppressive, blanketing the space in savage ferocity. A mythical killing intent permeated the atmosphere, dyeing the world with the weight of pure and unbridled force.

    The aura of the creature spoke of a weathered predator, its scarred body reflecting countless eras of relentless slaughter. Experience tempered and refined over millennia was etched into its very being.

    The Leviathan''s massive form fully exited the portal, its movements causing the air to implode into chaotic storms of ruptured qi flows. It soared and coiled through the skies, its power steadily and endlessly rising.

    Dark azure qi gathered in the air, coalescing as its dance grew more intense.

    But this was not all.

    From the portal still dominating the skies, waves of creatures poured out, each one subservient to the Leviathan''s Will. The wet white soil below was overrun by the monstrous horde, their ferocious intent spreading like a plague.

    A True Leviathan, with an army of summons.

    Caine observed it all with an unshaken gaze, waiting for something more. Yet, when the portal began to close, his eyes narrowed.

    ''¡­That''s it?''

    He had been humiliated, degraded, and toyed with for this? A Leviathan? A glorified flying water snake? A lesser beast that had not even evolved into its humanoid form?

    For this?

    Caine''s gaze trembled violently before settling into its usual calm indifference.

    Below, reflecting the closing portal of gold, a grand and heavy dark portal opened. From its depths, swirls of terrifying creatures emerged, immediately engaging the Leviathan''s army in a gruesome battle.

    Ignoring the carnage below, Caine kept his gaze fixed on the Leviathan, its aura seemingly having reached its peak.

    Though in this life, he had faced few non-humanoid opponents, his past was filled with countless such battles. The fact that he still stood here was testament enough to his ability to overcome them.

    WHOOOSH!

    The Leviathan let out a deafening roar, its breath releasing waves of poisonous dark qi that surged toward Caine.

    Simultaneously, the air twisted and shattered, lances of chaotic energy and broken space tearing through the void in his direction.

    Caine''s palm moved slowly, tapping the air before him. The space folded upon itself like soft fabric. A thunderous BOOM! echoed as a wall of neutral qi formed, absorbing the attacks completely.

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    The wall shattered as Caine sped through it, his figure reaching the Leviathan in an instant.

    Against the massive serpent, his frame was no more significant than a grain of sand before a star, yet their auras told a different story.

    Caine''s True Royal Demonic Will thundered and towered, shrouding him in a mantle of dark silver qi. His fist, insignificant in size but immense in force, cocked back before unleashing a devastating punch.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The sound reverberated across the world, and the Leviathan''s massive head tilted downward under the weight of the strike.

    Shards of the neutral qi wall reformed, transforming into blade-like fragments that pierced the Leviathan''s scales, drawing emerald blood that dripped from its colossal form.

    Above, the once-empty skies tumbled and churned. White clouds materialized, crackling with arcs of dark lightning¡ªEverfrost Lightning.

    Caine''s fist struck again, and the heavens responded to their emperor''s call, a massive pillar of lightning hammering down upon the Leviathan''s skull.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The beast''s head crashed into the ground with colossal force, its weight causing the soil to rupture and white mist to rise into the air.

    But Caine''s fury only grew, and the skies mirrored his wrath. Arcs of lightning filled the heavens, descending to encircle him, joining the mantle of his silver aura.

    Pressing his foot against the air, he shot downward, his fists forming a hammer strike.

    A concentrated pillar of lightning followed, crashing into the Leviathan with unparalleled intensity.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The Leviathan lay battered, its scales shattered, bones broken, and blood spilled across the ground.

    How had such a massive, ancient being been reduced to this state by a mortal as small as a grain of sand?

    Primal, ancient fury erupted from the beast, and it rose from the crater, its wounds rapidly closing as its True Will surged and manifested.

    "¡­[Star Ring Circle: Everfrost Lightning]¡­[Foundation: Demonic Quilin]¡­"

    In the beast world, Quilins were the revered emperors of lightning, darlings of the heavens. Demonic Quilins, their fallen counterparts, ruled as tyrants, feared and revered.

    Today, Caine would show this Leviathan the might of such power.

    BOOOM!

    Caine''s hair erupted into a mane of lightning tendrils as black scales spread across his body. His already large frame elongated and expanded, forming a slender yet powerful eight-foot build.

    His fingers sharpened into claws of white, while his feet transformed into talons etched with runes. Scarlet markings erupted across his scales, glowing faintly as his teeth elongated.

    From his back, metallic dark wings tore free, and above him, the Everfrost Star shimmered, its power surging into his Dao Heart and flowing through his veins.

    Caine''s Demonic Will eclipsed all else¡ªa malevolent, majestic force that suffocated the Leviathan and its army.

    His gaze, now blazing with fire and lightning, held untamed wrath. His chest expanded, and with a mighty roar, the world itself seemed to shake.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 134 In between(IV)â€”Leviathan(II)

    Leviathans were Lords of the Skies, Gods of the Seas, and Darlings of Storms, their bodies being Great Progenitors of all poison and corrosion.They were true legends. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Their Will held the fathomless depths of the seas, their flesh the unapproachable might of the heavens, and their minds the chaotic width of a storm.

    As the Leviathan rushed toward Caine, its body moving with terrifying force, these truths became evident. Its poison spread through the air, creating an all-encompassing domain that corroded every form of qi it touched.

    Waves of storms collided and exploded upon Caine like the clashing hands of divine titans, while lightning of the Leviathan''s own creation tore through the skies, aiming to pierce through his body.

    Its scales, shimmering with ethereal brilliance, reflected damage away while simultaneously casting countless spells that ripped through the battlefield. Despite its massive size, its movements were swift and precise, each strike aimed to claim Caine''s life.

    Its Will twisted and dyed the very fabric of space, an unstoppable tide of supremacy that echoed through every corner of the battlefield.

    But Caine was Caine.

    While Leviathans may be legends, Quilins were Gods. And in the hands of a man such as Caine, their power became something far greater.

    Demonic Quilins ruled through the wrath of the Heavens, the chaos of the oceans, and the emptiness of the skies. Their blood burned with hatred, their flesh radiated fury, and they embodied destruction in its purest form.

    Caine moved with blinding speed, his claws tearing into the serpent''s flesh while his talons ripped off its supposedly indestructible scales. He wielded these scales as weapons, slicing through the Leviathan''s body with its own armor.

    His onslaught was relentless. Pillars of inescapable lightning rained down from the heavens, each strike accompanied by waves of frost that accumulated around the Leviathan, slowing its monstrous speed.

    Caine had no care for his body. Wounds accumulated across his frame, yet they healed as quickly as they formed. His blood qi surged through his veins with unfathomable might, while his death and life qi intertwined to render him a quasi-immortal being.

    His True Royal Demonic Will was unstoppable. Every wound he inflicted on the Leviathan refused to close, his Will dictating a law that overpowered the creature''s natural regenerative capabilities. His Will hammered into the Leviathan''s mind, driving it into a maddened frenzy.

    And as the battle raged on, Caine''s mastery over his Demonic Will only grew, its royal trait advancing with every moment.

    This was a battle between an immortal beastial man and a primordial predator of old.

    Neither was willing to take a step back.

    They clashed.

    BOOOOOM!

    Soran looked upward, his gaze fixed on the battle his master was waging. He couldn''t comprehend how Caine had reached such a level of power.

    The movements were too fast to follow, the skies filled with phantom impacts that overlapped and lagged atop one another. The air was thick with the terror of two ancient Wills colliding.

    Frost and poison battled for dominance.

    White and black lightning clashed violently, while formations and spells intertwined in the skies.

    Silver and emerald blood fell like ominous rain, the heavens themselves trembling under the weight of their struggle. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire

    Furious storms filled the skies as man and beast waged a battle for supremacy in a deadly dance of violence and chaos.

    It was terrifying.

    ''All hail his majesty,'' Soran thought with a grin as he dove back into the heat of his own battle.

    BANG!

    [Blight Art: Frozen Lands of Omertha]

    Around the wounded Leviathan, countless formations manifested, linking together and slowing its body and perception to a crawl.

    Caine''s wings flapped violently, propelling him through the air. His fist collided with the serpent''s mouth, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Before the Leviathan could recoil, Caine dove straight into its maw.

    [Blight Art: Simple Palm]

    A massive, radiant silver hand materialized within the Leviathan''s mouth. With a single motion, Caine directed it to grab one of the creature''s colossal fangs and rip it out.

    SKREEEE!

    The Leviathan let out an ear-splitting roar of pain as emerald blood gushed from its wound.

    Unfazed, Caine summoned three more palms, each tearing out another fang in quick succession.

    [Blight Art: Lance of Gar''halla]

    The torn fangs hovered in the air, trembling under the influence of countless runes. They transformed into gigantic emerald blades, their edges glowing with ominous energy.

    Caine shot out of the Leviathan''s mouth, stabilizing himself high in the skies. With a series of shadowboxing movements, the blades responded to his Will, slicing through the air and embedding themselves into the Leviathan''s body before it could react.

    HISSSS!

    The Leviathan roared in anger and humiliation, its massive form coiling through the skies. Though the blades were crafted from its own fangs, Caine had altered their poison, turning it against the creature.

    The combination of its own venom and the speed of the blades created wounds faster than the Leviathan could hope to heal, leaving it in a dire state.

    "MORTAL!" the Leviathan bellowed in a runic tongue, its voice filled with desperation and fury. "CEASE THIS CHARADE NOW AND¡ª"

    Caine''s fist crashed into its face, his muscles bulging as all his qi burned in one decisive blow.

    The Leviathan plummeted to the ground with such force that the resulting crater seemed bottomless.

    Caine followed, directing the emerald blades downward. They pierced into the still-sinking serpent, pinning it into the earth.

    Standing alone in the skies, his body drenched in blood that was not his own, his aura radiating with vicious and sinful intent, Caine truly embodied the word demon.

    And he wasn''t finished.

    The Blight Art series of spells he wielded was only one of five he had forged in his life.

    There were others.

    "¡­[I call upon the blood of those forgotten in the beyond, those chained in limbo, those forsaken by the skies, those lost in the great darkness, and those shattered by the old will.]¡­"

    Caine''s voice echoed in the runic tongue, his nine rings appearing behind him as the skies above darkened further.

    "¡­[Fall under my Will and grant me power. Allow me to restore balance.]¡­"

    Lightning from the heavens coalesced, spiraling around him before forming a massive wheel that encircled his rings.

    Dark blue runes shimmered across the wheel as it began to spin, gathering power with every revolution.

    Blood leaked from Caine''s mouth, his body trembling under the immense strain, but his gaze burned with unrelenting fury.

    He was making a statement. A statement that Fate would never forget.

    The wheel spun faster, supercharging the gathered lightning as it poured into his rings.

    Caine raised his hands to the skies with excruciating slowness, as though chains were holding him down. And they were¡ªlaws of the world itself tried to halt his spell, but it was futile.

    His brain ruptured, his flesh tore apart, but all that adorned his face was a maddened, triumphant smile.

    His palm faced the heavens.

    RUMBLE!

    From the crater below, the Leviathan trembled, sensing what was to come.

    It had seen this spell before. But how could a mortal¡­

    "¡­[Come to me¡­]¡­"

    [Tarnished Art: Fall of¡ª]

    "¡­[Longinus.]¡­"

    BANG!

    Caine''s palm slowly closed as a blurry spear formed within his grasp.

    SHING!

    Everything was severed.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 135 In between(V)

    Caine was a true spellcaster and, in turn, had created dedicated spells that only he would ever be able to use.There were five tiers.

    The first, the Blight Art series of spells, was a complex arrangement of time, space, and worldly runes layered atop countless others. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    When Caine used a Blight Art, he wasn''t merely commanding the world around him¡ªhe was using the world itself to emulate and encapsulate the essence of a moment in time and space.

    For instance, the spell [Blight Art: Simple Hand] wasn''t just Caine gathering runes and qi to create a gigantic hand. No, it was the emulation of a real and true titan''s hand¡ªa titan that had once existed.

    Along with it came the innate power of that titan, its Will, and all its abilities. And therein lay the ingenuity and horror of these spells.

    They offloaded the weight of creation from Caine''s shoulders, prompting him only to control the process and direction.

    But such spells, evidently, had limits. For many reasons, not least being the impossibility of emulating certain things.

    Could Caine emulate an attack from someone like Zao, whose Will was so powerful it transcended time and space? No, he couldn''t.

    Zao''s presence alone was enough to protect itself against such replication.

    Could Caine emulate the tribulation that had nearly killed him¡ªthe one Lady Gaia had saved him from? No, for reasons that were equally clear.

    Having recognized this flaw, Caine created his second tier of spells: the Tarnished Art spell series.

    In truth, he had never used this tier of spells¡ªor any from the third, fourth, or fifth tiers.

    Though he had countless spells in each, his body had only ever been strong enough to handle the first tier.

    The strain was unimaginable.

    If the first tier used the world to emulate events or actions that occurred in time and space, then the second tier¡­

    Truly summoned them.

    ***

    What happened next was a blur, even to Caine himself.

    One moment, he stood in the skies, ready to cleave down toward the Leviathan. The next, he awoke to searing pain tearing through his battered frame.

    Caine''s eyes snapped wide open, his body instinctively shooting upright before standing to his feet. A tidal wave of agony coursed through him, ripping through the countless open wounds across his body.

    His flesh was bruised and purple, layers of gaping wounds stacked upon one another.

    His bones protruded at awkward angles, blood and shards cascading down his torn frame to mingle with the Leviathan''s blood splattered across him.

    But it didn''t remain so for long.

    His prosthetic arm trembled, and from it, tendrils of qi and silk shot out alongside waves of time qi. The three forces worked in perfect harmony, snaking through his body alongside his life and death qi, mending his injuries at breakneck speed.

    Unbothered, Caine swept his gaze over the scene before him.

    Everything was in ruins. The earth was riddled with craters, each filled with the Leviathan''s blood. Bits and pieces of its flesh were skewered across the battlefield like remnants of a shattered god.

    In the distance, he saw its head. Nearly intact, it dangled precariously off a tall, jagged rock.

    With a single step, Caine reached it.

    He stared into the blazing white serpentine eyes of the now-dead creature. Without hesitation, he placed his palm upon its head.

    Slowly, the massive structure dissolved into a cloud of runes.

    [The Island Guardian has been defeated. The Island of Split Time shall reveal itself.]

    The Leviathan''s blood rose into the skies, transmuting and solidifying into a platform that loomed ominously above.

    Caine felt a soft yet undeniable spectral hand take hold of his body, pulling him toward the platform. As he ascended, his gaze lingered on the dissolving runes from the Leviathan''s head.

    Then, faintly, he heard a whisper.

    "¡­I''ll kill you¡­"

    ***

    Caine landed on the platform and was immediately greeted by a tiny, featureless humanoid figure.

    "GREAT!" the tiny creature screamed, its voice both childish and authoritative. "You''ve finally made it! The end!"

    "You ought to be proud! Haha!"

    The child-like entity danced around the platform, circling Caine with bell-like laughter that echoed like a chime in the silence.

    Caine paid it no mind. His attention shifted to two mats positioned opposite one another, separated by a small marble table. Without a word, he walked over, sat on one of the mats, and waited.

    The child rushed to him, standing before the empty mat yet making no move to sit.

    "What''s your name?" the child asked, kneeling with curious energy.

    "Caine," he replied calmly. "You?"

    "Uriel!" the child giggled, pride radiating from its tiny form.

    Caine chuckled. "Like the angel?"

    "Angel?" Uriel tilted its head, confused. "What angel?"

    "I think he was the angel of wisdom."

    Uriel''s body rippled. Threads of gold, smooth and silky, shifted atop its featureless head as its skin of gold faded into a healthy beige-white.

    Human features began to take shape. A robe of gold and white draped over its body, and before Caine stood a young boy with rich red and gold eyes. He looked entirely perplexed.

    Uriel stared at himself, then back at Caine.

    "¡­Huh? Is this me?"

    Caine hesitated, unsure of what to say. His affinity for fate and time stirred, and once again, he felt the presence of that strange hand manipulating the moment.

    It was the same hand he had sensed when he first met Theobald.

    Too strange. Yet, Caine remained calm.

    "I suppose it is, Uriel," he responded with a soft smile. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

    Suddenly, upon the empty mat across from Caine, a figure began to take shape.

    Uriel''s newfound courage shattered, and he rushed behind Caine, trembling in fear.

    ''¡­How is he this fast¡­?''

    But Caine''s surprise did not end there.

    The figure forming in front of him was familiar.

    Short, slicked-back dark hair. A tight black and gold changpao draped over a large, tempered body. Framed glasses veiled a pair of mysterious silver pupils. And an androgynous face of divine beauty stared back at him.

    It was him.

    Him before his reincarnation.

    Caine''s gaze widened as he met his own eyes.

 Chapter 136 The Past, Present and Future

    With the level Caine''s Will had reached, it was nearly impossible to create a clone of him without his consent. Even if an entity like Fate attempted it, Caine would immediately sense when a replica of himself had been made.His existence was his own domain to control.

    But this¡­ the figure standing before him¡­ he could tell it wasn''t a clone. It was him. Truly and actually him, pulled from the past and brought to this moment in time.

    As realization dawned on Caine, his past self came to a similar conclusion. Unlike Caine, who struggled to comprehend why such a moment had come to pass, the past version of himself seemed entirely indifferent. He accepted the situation in a heartbeat.

    "I suppose my plans have borne fruit," he said calmly, his gaze shifting to the distant horizon.

    His eyes were cold, calculating, and distant¡ªa predator''s gaze. It was as if he were always on guard, always devising countermeasures, always analyzing the world for flaws to exploit.

    A true predator. A true monster.

    Slowly, his gaze returned to Caine. Their eyes locked, and his past self gave him a once-over before shaking his head.

    "Strange," Past Caine remarked, his tone dripping with disdain. "You seem¡­ dull. I would have expected my edge to be sharpened by the wonders of freedom, but¡­"

    His gaze narrowed.

    "I suppose this artificial period of teenage development will eventually forge a form of myself¡ªor should I say, ourselves¡ªgreater than anything I envisioned before."

    He sighed, his disappointment palpable. "Still, it''s disheartening that such emotional instability and idiocy would affect even me."

    Caine, having long since recovered from his initial shock, chuckled at his past self''s words.

    He understood them, of course. How could he not? But instead of being offended, he found them amusing.

    How could this version of himself possibly understand what he had become? What he had endured?

    "The echo of my voice truly is a gnawing parasite that eats at the mind, isn''t it?" Caine mused. "Perhaps Nova''s dislike of us wasn''t entirely unwarranted after all."

    Past Caine raised an unimpressed brow. "Not only have I become an emotional sack of conceited waste, but I''ve also turned into a talkative little fox?"

    He sighed dramatically. "Oh, Lord, what have I done to deserve such a bleak future?"

    Genuine sadness rippled through his tone, outwardly exaggerated yet undeniably real.

    Caine smiled, his amusement clear. "Says the curious little bastard. Instead of trying to rattle answers out of me, just ask. Why on earth would I hide anything from myself?"

    Caine knew himself too well. If their positions were reversed, he would have done exactly what his past self was doing: fishing for information by baiting his future self into an argument. What better way to coax the truth out of someone than to insult their character and provoke a defensive response?

    But at the end of the day, Caine wasn''t just himself. He was an older, far more experienced version of this Caine¡ªa version with depth his past self couldn''t fathom.

    "Don''t play games with me," Past Caine snapped, shaking his head. "You''d purposefully lead me astray, you little venomous snake."

    "Judging by the surprise on your face, you didn''t know this moment would occur. That means my memories of this instant will most likely vanish."

    Caine laughed openly at this. "And yet you still tried to bait me for information. A superior form of what you are, and you still dared to call me the snake? You stupid, arrogant brat."

    Uriel, who had been standing behind Caine all this time, watched the exchange with wide eyes. The two versions of Caine bickered and insulted one another with increasing intensity, their sharp words striking like sparring blows.

    What was going on? Why did the air between them feel so charged?

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (0/6)]

    The message flashed in Caine''s mind.

    The platform beneath their feet trembled and shifted. Caine and his past self were separated, moved to opposite ends of the platform. In the middle, a massive stone tablet rose from the ground. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Uriel appeared in the air above them, his aura heavier and more imposing than before.

    "Fate has ordained a ripple through time, and thus it will occur," Uriel declared, his voice booming with the authority of a sovereign.

    "Present and Past shall vie for truth."

    "This will be an Artes Ignition."

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    An Artes Ignition¡ªa battle centered around the Nine Great Arts, where only one could emerge victorious. A trial that tested the very essence of one''s artistic path.

    WHOOOSH!

    Nine rings appeared behind both versions of Caine as they began to circle each other, moving in deliberate, measured steps along the edge of the platform.

    "The Artes Ignition will be lawless, encompassing all nine disciplines," Uriel announced. "Begin."

    Uriel vanished, leaving the two Caines alone on the platform.

    Caine¡ªPresent Caine¡ªwatched his past self closely, analyzing every movement. He had no intention of underestimating himself, especially not this version of him.

    Past Caine, or Oldest as he''d decided to call him, observed him with equal scrutiny. His gaze betrayed no reaction, even as he studied Present Caine''s nine rings.

    The tension was palpable.

    Oldest waved a hand, and in an instant, twelve massive white formations materialized in the skies above. Each formation was etched with complex jagged runes, their layers interlocking to form a web-like pillar.

    Oldest''s extended palm closed into a fist, and the pillar exploded into a brilliant tapestry of colors that dyed the world.

    From the swirling colors, butterflies began to bloom, their delicate wings fluttering through the air in a hauntingly beautiful display. The skies echoed with their presence, a symphony of visual and auditory art.

    Caine remained silent, observing. With a wave of his own hand, he began to work.

    What did an Artes Ignition mean? How could one win? It surely wasn''t a simple matter of combat.

    The answer was obvious ¡ª victory would go to the one who created the most complex, beautiful, and authentic piece of art using the Nine Arts.

    This was not a battle of brute strength. It was a clash of pure artistic vision and Will.

 Chapter 137 The Past, Present and Future(II)

    But Caine knew he would lose immediately if he relied on the advantages of all the abilities he had gained and the advancements he had made after his reincarnation.To win, he had to limit himself entirely to the scope of knowledge and skill he had acquired before his own death.

    It would be a challenge¡ªa dance with death¡ªbut it was a dance he welcomed, and a challenge he met with a faint smile.

    The arts were one of his heart''s deepest passions.

    ''Focus.''

    The Nine Arts: The Arcane Arts, The Martial Arts, The Sacred Arts, The Artisan Arts, The God Arts, The Primal Arts, The Primeval Arts, The Primordial Arts, and finally, The Archaic Arts.

    The Arcane Arts and Martial Arts, in a sense, mirrored one another. The Arcane Arts were a study of the world and the supernatural, the harnessing and control of its forces. They were the arts of comprehension and manipulation¡ªunderstanding the esoteric to shape and command the world''s hidden currents.

    The Martial Arts, on the other hand, focused on the mastery of the body, blood, and flesh.

    They studied the innate, seeking to emulate runes through natural movement, intertwining veins and muscle to create something greater.

    Where the Arcane Arts sought to conquer the supernatural forces of the world, the Martial Arts sought to conquer the self. Together, they moved in perfect harmony¡ªa reflective dance of internal and external mastery.

    The Sacred Arts, though, were simpler in their origins. During the longest time of his life, Caine had been unable to wield energy, crippled in his ability to interact with qi. The Sacred Arts were born out of necessity¡ªa study of all energies and essences, providing ways to fuel his spells even in the absence of innate power.

    These arts became the foundation of his terrifying control over qi, a skill that later defined him.

    Then came the Artisan Arts, even simpler than the Sacred Arts. They embodied the mundane: painting, singing, poetry, philosophy, botany, and so much more.

    But under Caine''s mastery, these humble practices became a profound and unified profession, bridging creativity and understanding into something grander.

    These were the arts Caine had started with, and they remained among the most vital tools in his arsenal.

    The Primeval Arts followed¡ªarts tied to professions and practices involving tools and weapons.

    The Primal and Primordial Arts, however, were entirely different.

    The Primal Arts mimicked and schematized the ways of beasts, turning their instincts and movements into replicable techniques. The Primordial Arts applied a similar philosophy, but on the scale of the natural world.

    For example, the Primal Arts could allow Caine to mimic the stealth of a shadow leopard, while the Primordial Arts could allow him to move like the shadows themselves.

    When paired, these two disciplines became terrifying. Together, they formed the foundation of Caine''s Martial Arts¡ªa union of the beastial and the worldly. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The God Arts, however, were something altogether unique. Caine had discovered them purely by coincidence, while exploring a strange ruin during a long-forgotten mission.

    These arts allowed him to call upon the power of higher entities said to exist beyond the material plane. Most of Caine''s Tarnished Spells were rooted in this discipline.

    Finally, there were the Archaic Arts. In simple terms, they represented the foundation of all other arts. They were Caine''s purest understanding of runes and their artistry, the culmination of his research and mastery.

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    These nine arts, brought to their highest level, had allowed Caine to defy death time and time again. And now, they would serve him once more.

    This time, they would be the tools with which he created his greatest Artes to date.

    ***

    Ignoring what Oldest was doing, Caine closed his eyes and sank into a deep state of focus.

    He made certain not to call upon his Dao Heart.

    But he didn''t stop there. His True Wills moved, forming chains that snaked through his bond space and aspects, locking them all down.

    His mind shut itself off, falling into a state of slumber, as did all his abilities. The only things left active were his Primal Will and his nine rings.

    Caine lowered his stance, his eyes remaining closed, a steaming breath escaping his lips.

    The flow of his blood slowed, his heartbeat falling into a sluggish, steady rhythm.

    Everything within him calmed into an eerie, deliberate stillness.

    Then, in an instant, his fist shot forward. It hadn''t even fully extended before his legs skidded across the platform, forcing his body backward. His other arm moved downward in a sharp strike, only for the opposite arm to sweep backward in tandem. His legs moved in sync, reversing and sweeping forward.

    His blood rumbled and began to pick up speed, the sound of rushing rivers echoing faintly across the platform.

    Caine''s movements remained erratic and seemingly senseless, his body falling into a rhythm it could neither stop nor comprehend.

    The fluttering sound of his robes filled the air, accompanied by the impact of his fists, the rushing of his blood, and the creaking of his bones.

    The atmosphere bent and twisted under the force of his movements, unable to resist the pull of his Will.

    Qi flowed into him of its own accord, fueling his flesh and quickening his movements. His speed increased to the point where his strikes left overlapping afterimages in their wake, colliding and blending into one another.

    The afterimages trembled, then began to form intricate formations, each one dancing in tune with Caine''s rhythm. These formations grew more complex with every passing moment.

    The qi surrounding Caine split into 3,800 distinct streams, each coiling and weaving around him in perfect harmony.

    Caine''s speed surged once more.

    The impact of his fists echoed like falling meteors. His blood coursed through his veins with the intensity of a cosmic river. His hair swayed with a fiendish cadence, as though caught in an otherworldly storm.

    Before anyone could comprehend it, a spear had materialized in his hands.

    His speed became absurd, his movements a blur of light and brilliance. The spear tore through the air, shredding it apart with every strike. His steps echoed like primordial drums, shaking the platform with each beat.

    Caine spun upon himself and his spear, the weapon swimming and weaving around him as if alive.

    Runes bloomed across his body in rapid succession, their patterns aligning into formations that built upon one another endlessly.

    RUMBLE!

    From the shadows beneath him, creatures began to emerge.

    Dragons coiled around his arms, their movements following the impact of his fists.

    Phoenixes spiraled around his legs, leaving blazing trails in their wake. The phantom of a great ancient turtle loomed behind him, anchoring his growing presence like an unmovable mountain.

    The spear in his hand flowed with the fluidity of koi fish, reflecting the natural grace of water.

    His muscles rippled like vines under pale, reflective skin.

    The more his movements intensified, the more his rhythm transformed.

    What began as a violent, primal dance of jagged patterns evolved into something majestic¡ªsmooth, calculated, and attuned to the very frequency of the heavens.

    His steps aligned with the qi streams of the world. His heartbeat resonated with the earth''s core. His breath harmonized with the cadence of the winds.

    As his movements slowed, Caine''s eyes opened.

    For a moment, his dance returned to chaos.

    But only for a moment.

 Chapter 138 The Past, Present and Future(III)

    Caine alternated between chaos and order, the blinking of his eyes dictating the cadence of his movements.But his body couldn''t handle the strain. He had decided to limit himself, and he had done it properly. Even his body wasn''t spared¡ªit had been brought back to the state it was in his previous life.

    His flesh tore, silver blood cascading down in an endless torrent. His bones fractured and impaled his organs, yet none of it seemed to matter.

    The world itself moved to heal him, refusing to let him fall, allowing him to push past all limits.

    His spilled blood didn''t disperse¡ªit gathered and swirled around him like a celestial tide, mimicking his movements as if it were the moon to his star.

    Veins bloomed across his frame as the strain on his body and aspects continued to mount, but he didn''t stop. He kept pushing.

    What Caine was attempting wasn''t simple. In fact, it was suicide.

    [A drunken Titan once wandered through the vast emptiness of nothingness. His steps echoed through the void, his breath infecting the nothing, for there was nothing.]

    [In a drunken fit of madness, he imagined the earth, and from his Will, the earth was.]

    [His drunk steps overlapped and snaked across the soil as a dance of unbalanced bliss began, each of his steps clashing against the humble earth below.]

    [He looked to the skies, laughing, and his breath filled them, forming clouds. He spoke to an invisible man, and his spit painted stars across the heavens.]

    [The invisible man took shape and became the skies themselves.]

    [The Titan''s bottle, loosely hanging from his ancient hands, spilled its drink onto the lifeless soil below, sparking the impetus of life.]

    [His laughter echoed, and the invisible man began to dance as well, their intertwining steps harmonizing to create the ominous tapestry of existence.]

    [The drunken man and his friend, the invisible man.]

    This was a story told to all children across the Three Realms, and it was one of Caine''s favorite tales.

    Now, it would serve as the inspiration for his greatest creation.

    What he sought to create was a world.

    Like the Drunken Titan, Caine''s body would act as the foundation, stirring the ebbs and flows of heaven.

    These flows would twist and break down into the primordial qis of heaven and earth, harmonizing with Caine and folding into runes that birthed formations.

    Under the roars of beast progenitors, these formations would spark creation, forming the framework of a world.

    His spear would etch the laws of this world, while his heart and blood balanced order and chaos.

    He would paint the endless intricacies of this realm into existence, sing its life into being, and draw its vividness into reality.

    The world around him would serve as a foundation and model, but he would be the funnel.

    What greater creation could there be than the world itself?

    BANG!

    The Nine Arts blended and harmonized, birthing a world¡ªan illusory world, but a world nonetheless, entirely crafted by one mortal man.

    Caine''s skin peeled away, disintegrating into ashy starlight. His muscles lost their vitality, their fibers unraveling and drifting into the soft winds.

    His organs spilled out, his blood splattering across the platform in a torrential downpour.

    And yet, his bones kept moving.

    The ominous creaking of his skeleton echoed through the silence, even as fractures appeared and splinters began to fall away. But Caine''s movements did not stop. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The atmospheric qi around him responded, unable to bear the sight. It wove itself into threads, suturing his broken body together even as it fell apart.

    His World Aspect shone brightly, pulling him into an even deeper state of focus. He harmonized completely with the world around him.

    The surroundings were deathly silent.

    Oldest had stopped moving entirely, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed Caine with a placid, unmoved gaze.

    Uriel stood far above, his young eyes wide with shock.

    Though he appeared like a child, his senses were sharp, and his intelligence far exceeded his appearance. Watching Caine break down so completely, Uriel didn''t know what to think.

    Caine hadn''t even reached the stage where he could throw his body away so casually. By all rights, he should have died.

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    If not for his World Aspect, which had suddenly become incredibly active, forcefully communing with the world to keep him alive, he would have been gone long ago.

    Beyond that, Uriel could feel the waves of pain ripping through Caine''s soul. They were so potent that an ominous aura had formed around him¡ªan echo of death itself, as though the gates of the underworld were slowly opening to claim him.

    To say he was dancing with death was an understatement.

    Yet, for some reason, as Caine faced death so openly¡ªwith his Will sealed and his abilities shut down¡ªhis Primal Will exuded exhilaration.

    It was as though the essence of his existence had been set ablaze, shining so brightly that none could bear to look directly at him.

    As though he had been dormant all his life until this moment.

    With the final strike of his fist, so slow it seemed held back by an unseen force, a mad grin spread across his face.

    His eyes snapped wide open.

    [¡ªArt: Flickering World]

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    The moment the spell was finalized, the seal Caine had placed on himself shattered. His body rippled, then began to heal at an extraordinary rate.

    But Caine paid no attention to that.

    There, resting upon his palm, a small sphere began to take shape. It flickered in and out of existence, its form unstable yet mesmerizing.

    It was as heavy as infinity itself, yet as light as a feather. As colorful as the tapestry of life, yet as transparent as the void. It was as full of potential as a child, yet as weary as an elder.

    It was as complex as a world, yet as simple as¡­ a dream.

    Caine stared at the sphere, his heart thundering with emotion.

    Then, a voice rang out.

    "Disappointing."

    Oldest''s voice echoed across the platform, shattering the moment.

    Caine''s gaze reluctantly left the sphere, turning toward him¡ªand immediately, his eyes widened.

    In Oldest''s hands hovered a glass cube.

    With a single point of his finger, a perfect replica of Caine''s sphere materialized within the cube.

    A shiver ran down Caine''s spine. The sphere inside the cube wasn''t just a copy¡ªit was perfect.

    And Oldest didn''t stop there.

    The cube trembled as runes erupted across its surface. The flickering sphere stabilized, gaining depth, richness, life, and laws. It became something far beyond what Caine had created.

    It became a true and complete world.

    WHOOOSH!

    All of it, contained within a single glass cube.

    Oldest''s gaze remained unimpressed as always. A grin spread across his face as a blade appeared in his hand.

    Without hesitation, he slit his own throat, his eyes never leaving Caine.

    "I am unrivaled."

    These last words echoed as Oldest collapsed to the ground, dead.

 Chapter 139 The Past, Present and Future(IV)

    What Oldest had done was the oldest trick in the book for Artes Ignitions.He had simply created an enhancer. Whatever Caine created, his enhancer would take, copy, and elevate by one level.

    Caine had crafted an illusory world? Oldest''s enhancer had transformed it into a real one.

    From the very beginning, Oldest had understood that whether Caine held himself back or not was irrelevant. He knew himself, and by extension, he knew Caine.

    No matter how much Caine restricted himself, the advancements he had made in his current life would shine through in some way or another.

    A master wielding a mere branch as a sword was still a master.

    So Oldest had chosen the simpler, most effective path.

    Oldest knew he would win the moment he understood a challenge would take place.

    There had not been a single flicker of doubt or fear in his heart.

    His final act¡ªslitting his throat¡ªhad not been a display of despair or defeat. He had done it because he understood that if Caine failed to overcome this trial, it would indirectly sever his own future path.

    [I am unrivaled.]

    Those words echoed endlessly in Caine''s mind as Uriel slowly descended from the skies.

    Caine''s body was fully healed. Despite the dried silver blood streaking his skin, the torn robes clinging to him, his heaving chest, and his sweat-drenched frame, he was intact.

    And yet, he couldn''t stop trembling.

    [I am unrivaled.]

    Caine laughed. What else could he do?

    The sound of his laughter reverberated through the platform, pure and unrestrained.

    Rather than crumbling under the weight of his loss, his True Wills bloomed even further.

    Joy surged through his veins, igniting his heart, which thumped so loudly it sounded like explosions echoing in his chest.

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (?)]

    Now, Caine understood¡ªat least partially.

    These trials were battles against himself.

    He had just faced his past self and, in a way, emerged victorious. Logically, his next opponent would be himself in the present.

    Uriel landed beside him, his wide eyes fixed on Caine''s still-laughing form, brimming with curiosity.

    "What''s so funny? I want to laugh too," Uriel said, tilting his head.

    Caine''s laughter slowly subsided. Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes, he sighed.

    "No, it''s nothing," he replied. "The situation is just¡­ ridiculous, you know?"

    Uriel tilted his head again, his expression one of confusion.

    "You''ll understand when you''re older¡ªif you even age, that is," Caine added with a faint smile.

    With a thought, his tattered robes vanished, replaced by pristine white garments. The dried blood faded from his skin, leaving him looking fresh and composed.

    "When''s the next opponent coming?" he asked, his tone calm yet tinged with anticipation.

    As if in response, the platform began to shift and move. The stone tablet disappeared, replaced by the mats and marble table Caine had previously sat at. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A spectral force tugged at Caine, guiding him back to his seat.

    Motes of silver and golden light began to assemble, while dark threads descended from the heavens. They intertwined, weaving together to form a figure seated opposite Caine.

    Watching the figure take shape, Caine couldn''t suppress his grin. Despite the life-or-death nature of the situation, all he felt was a bubbling excitement.

    He seemed to have forgotten that this battle was for the fate of his world.

    All he could feel was an uncontainable exhilaration seething in his heart, invigorating his True Wills.

    ***

    [Central Continent ¡ª Plains of Ishva''al]

    The Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda loomed tall in the middle of the plains, surrounded by towering trees that reached the heavens and circled by avian creatures whose wings eclipsed the skies.

    The pagoda itself was unchanged¡ªa monumental tower of dark amethyst marble, its surface reflecting veins of purple and red.

    Its presence was commanding and majestic, grounding all those around it.

    At the foot of this immense structure, atop a moss-covered stone platform, stood a woman.

    She was of exceptional beauty, her long silver-white hair cascading down her back, highlighted by her rose-colored eyes. White robes adorned her frame, fluttering gently in the breeze.

    Her aura was muted yet all-encompassing, an ethereal force that seemed to embrace the world itself¡ªa presence that defied perception yet suffocated all within its range.

    Lilith stepped away from the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda with light, deliberate steps.

    Her progress had been the inverse of Caine''s.

    Unlike him, she had already formed her Dao Heart when she first entered the pagoda.

    Using the Endless Samsara Mode, she refined her Dao Heart again and again, mirroring the process Caine had undergone with his Primal Will.

    But there was a difference: she had spent six months in Endless Samsara. Six months of endless reincarnation, where each fleeting moment represented millions upon millions of lifetimes.

    The strength of her Dao Heart¡ªand by extension, her True Will¡ªwas terrifying. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire

    But she hadn''t stopped there.

    A short time before Caine had attended the Millennium Auction of the Void Trading Alliance, Lilith returned to the pagoda. This time, she entered the Void Meditation Mode, spending another six months refining herself.

    This time had allowed her to perfect and solidify her foundation, granting her the strength to flawlessly ascend into the Spark Realm.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, a veiled woman in black robes appeared beside Lilith, bowing deeply.

    "Your Highness," the woman said, her tone deferential. "I trust you have been well."

    Lilith nodded, a small smile gracing her lips.

    "Yes, everything went smoothly. I was able to complete all I sought to accomplish. My tribulation was troublesome, but manageable."

    Her gaze shifted, scanning her surroundings.

    Noticing a certain absence, her smile faded slightly.

    "Hm? Is he not here?" she asked, her voice calm yet expectant.

    The servant hesitated before bowing again.

    "Ah, yes¡­ about that¡­"

    Taking a steadying breath, the servant began to explain. She recounted everything¡ªthe strange occurrences in the Central Continent, the cult, the Millennium Auction, and the fractured reality that had swallowed all those who attended.

    The more Lilith listened, the narrower her gaze became, her calm demeanor slowly hardening.

    "¡ªafter they reached the main plains of the¡ª"

    SKREEE! BANG!

    The servant''s words were interrupted by a deafening roar.

    A grotesque creature landed heavily on the platform. Its form was a writhing mound of cancerous flesh, covered in countless golden eyes. Black bones jutted out of its body, forming a crude, jagged armor.

    Its aura was vile. The atmospheric qi twisted and shattered around it, corrupted into chaotic, impure energy. The skies darkened, and the earth trembled, as if enraged by the creature''s existence.

    Lilith cast a glance at the monstrosity, her expression serene and unbothered.

    With a flick of her hand, a wave of silvery-rose qi flowed forth, carried by the wind like smoke.

    In an instant, the creature was torn to pieces, its body compressed into a grotesque flower of flesh, blood, and bone.

    Lilith examined the flower for a moment, her gaze impassive. Then, she turned and began to walk away.

    "Analyze it," she instructed calmly.

    Her servant, still trembling, nodded hastily and rushed toward the grotesque flower.

    Lilith stepped into the sky, silvery wings erupting from her back.

    As she soared higher, her gaze sharpened, her thoughts focused.

    ''It will happen soon.''

 Chapter 140 The Past, Present and Future(V)

    What Caine met was nothing like what he''d expected.What formed in front of him, unlike before, was a copy of the present him, but not just any copy.

    WHOOOSH!

    The figure finished forming, and at the same time, upon the marble table separating them, a chessboard appeared. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Long black hair, elusive silver eyes, a tall, tempered frame draped in white robes¡ªit was him.

    Caine met his clone''s gaze, and the clone met his. It was strange. While he could tell this was a perfect replica of him, he also knew something was off.

    There was something uncanny about this clone¡­ something eerie and inhuman.

    Uriel walked over to the marble table''s side, intently looking at them both before speaking.

    He pointed at the chessboard. "A Summoner''s Gambit, or in simple words, Chess Necro-Games."

    "A simple game of chess played on four dimensions that involves one''s summons."

    He paused, allowing the announcement to settle before continuing.

    "Past and Present have blurred into one. Now, the Present must be reflected through clear and muddy waters to determine truth from falsehood."

    Slowly, he soared into the skies just as chess pieces began to appear on the board.

    "You may begin."

    ***

    Unlike Caine''s previous clash with Oldest, one filled with tension, insults, and adrenaline, this encounter was extremely tame. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire

    Quiet, silent, and unmoving¡ªthe two sat, their gazes locked on the board before them as their fingers, bound by strings, moved at speeds too fast for most to follow.

    Mirror, as Caine had decided to call this copy of himself, didn''t utter a word. Its presence was imposing in its silence, oppressive in its absence of sound.

    Caine didn''t speak either, but for entirely different reasons.

    He was losing.

    Badly.

    A Summoner''s Gambit had relatively simple rules, rules that mirrored those of classical chess, at their foundation and core at least.

    The goal was the same: to trap the King, which, in this case, would be the summoner¡ªthe players themselves.

    The minds of the summoners were projected into the board, into an illusory battlefield where their summons would wage war.

    Their armies were divided into sixteen specific smaller segments, reflecting the sixteen distinct pieces of the board.

    Each segment of their army was restrained and locked by a set of complicated and dynamic laws.

    Dynamic in the sense that these laws changed and adapted based on the circumstances and environment of a clash.

    These laws could shift based on which segment clashed against an opposing segment and what ally segment stood near an ally or enemy during a specific clash.

    The laws could change to favor one side or another depending on how skillfully a player danced and tiptoed around their limits and definitions.

    Via these dynamic laws, countless offensive, defensive, and passive combinations could be made, along with even more complex tactics and layered approaches, all with the single purpose of bypassing all enemy segments to trap their King.

    Each summoner, or King, had thirty-three lives per round, with each round netting one a point and the game ending when one reached three points.

    Every time a King was trapped, a life was lost, and once all of one''s lives ran out, they lost the round.

    Caine had already lost the first round in less than an hour and was already down to his sixth life in this second round, in barely half an hour.

    Meanwhile, Mirror hadn''t lost a single life.

    ***

    It was only now that Caine fully understood what was so off and uncanny about this clone of his.

    It was him, the present him, but¡­ at full potential.

    It was a version of himself with almost no flaws, a version of himself who''d taken the time to fully and properly master all of Caine''s abilities and enlightenment.

    A version of him that had every single facet of his power mastered and understood.

    And while it was true that Caine had undergone massive change through the trial that fractured his mind, he''d barely had the time to let it all settle in.

    By the time he finished one battle to the death, he was plunged into another, and then another, and another. It was a relentless and exhausting tempo that left no room to breathe or think.

    But it didn''t stop there. Caine could feel that this version of himself was actively relying on its affinity to Fate. Or, more accurately, it had mastered this affinity to such a high degree that Fate itself moved to help and light the path ahead.

    It was as if he was facing a part of Fate itself.

    His segmented armies of summons were routinely dissected and torn to shreds, the many layers of his offensive tactics read like an open book and countered before he could react.

    His defensive tactics were peeled away with absurd ease, Mirror somehow always finding flaws to exploit and using them to steal a life from him.

    Mirror''s army moved with coordination and calculated precision that overwhelmed Caine.

    Akin to a hive mind, they moved as one entity, attacked as one blade, retreated as a singular shadow, and defended as one grand, impenetrable shield.

    Caine''s oh-so-sharp mind was ridiculed and read like an open book as Mirror performed pre-moves and counterattacks dozens of plays before Caine even thought of them and put them into action.

    Caine felt like a defenseless sheep being shepherded one way or another, to the sharp whims of a herd dog loyally following the will of its master.

    Nothing seemed to work.

    As the seconds passed and he lost life after life, a pressure began to build in his mind.

    Caine exhaled a breath and focused.

    ''Let''s take this step by step.''

    He had tried the most obvious solution¡ªusing Mirror as a template to absorb all his perfect advancements and even out the playing field. And, in truth, it worked.

    Just not fast enough. As Caine studied Mirror and slowly devoured his skills, he was still losing. Mirror was actively adapting and growing just as he was, making it a never-ending loop where he''d eventually run out of time and lives.

    So this path wasn''t viable.

 Chapter 141 The Past, Present and Future(VI)

    Caine stood frozen in the chaotic expanse his mind had become, filled with broken and shattered ideas.He parsed through countless solutions, discarding them before they solidified, knowing none were worth wasting time on.

    His heart was free of fear and despair, yet full of frustration and annoyance¡ªnot at the world or his circumstances, but at himself.

    He''d gotten too used to these so-called life-and-death situations working in his favor, always providing a path for him to improve his power.

    Now faced with a real challenge, where there was nothing to grasp, he was at a loss.

    The simple truth was that Caine had never truly faced the unfairness of circumstances or the blade of death during any of these trials.

    Taking a step back, he saw it as clear as day.

    When he recontextualized everything that had happened, it was almost¡­ pathetic.

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    From the beginning, he''d been receiving help.

    It had all been a result of luck and circumstances.

    For the Fields of Carnage, Caine had to face opponents of equal talent to him but far older.

    If not for the mutations his Will underwent when he met Laplace, would he have had any right to face them?

    If not for completing his Blessed and Cursed aspect natures, could he have survived against entities of similar talent but far beyond his realm?

    If not for the lenience of the World Will Eyes, would he have managed to form those aspect natures while keeping both his life and sanity?

    If not for his eyes, could he have bridged the gap created by countless years of experience between him and Autumn?

    If not for his myriad heretic abilities, would he have withstood the cursed runes that sought to break his mind?

    This pattern¡ªof random events bearing fruit years later to help him¡ªwas repeated across every trial.

    For the Trial of the Heart, if he hadn''t begun forging his Dao Heart by blurring the lines between his mind and heart, would he have overcome it?

    If not for his affinity to Fate, could he have formed such a terrifying Dao Heart?

    For the Trial of Fractured Minds, if not for his Primal Will¡ªa result of the link between his mind and heart, strengthened by his True Will during the prior trial¡ªwould he have succeeded?

    In the Dream Trial, if not for the expansion of his cognitive abilities born out of the Trial of Fractured Minds, would he have made the countless deductions needed to escape?

    For the Maze Puzzle, if not for his tempered mind, widened and refined by previous trials, would he have solved it so easily?

    In his battle against the Leviathan, if not for his Demonic Will pulling upon his emotions to madly empower him, could he have won?

    And when he faced Oldest¡ªif not for the fact that he had no choice but to let himself lose¡ªwould Caine still be standing here?

    It was all luck. A small part was effort and dedication, but most of it was the result of circumstances too specific to be called random.

    From the very start, Fate, while trapping him on this path, had also handed him the cards he needed to flawlessly overcome every trial.

    His luck was as much a part of his power as anything else.

    As Caine realized this, the pressure building in his mind vanished, and he sighed.

    For men like him, understanding that most of their achievements were the result of fabricated luck would have been devastating.

    But Caine remained calm.

    Things were as they were.

    There was no point in crying or rejecting the hand of Fate. By now, he understood it was inevitable.

    And as he accepted this lesson, imparted by Fate itself¡ªthat Luck was as important as any of his abilities¡ªhe found a solution.

    The simplest solution.

    Caine was a Chosen of Fate, yes, but not just that.

    He was a Chosen of Fate, Destiny, Karma, and Totality.

    If his enemy overwhelmed him, why not rely on these innate affinities, the ones he''d been born with? If Mirror''s mastery of Fate was overpowering, then he''d simply counter it with Destiny, Karma, and Totality.

    He''d let these affinities take the reins and guide him.

    They were a part of him, after all.

    He stopped resisting and chose to accept them fully.

    His stars blazed with brilliant light as his Dao Hearts eased and suddenly entered an even deeper state of resonance.

    ***

    The result was unsurprising.

    From the moment Caine allowed his affinities to take control, it was over.

    The tempo of the battle slowed to a crawl, the tides entirely under Caine''s control. With an unhurried hand, he dismantled everything Mirror had been building on the board.

    Its offense was undone, its defense shattered, and its passive tactics turned against it.

    Slowly, Mirror was pushed into an inescapable corner. Then, just as slowly, it was farmed.

    Mirror lost life after life. The closer it edged toward defeat, the more deliberate and elusive Caine''s actions became.

    The relationship between Caine and his affinities shifted. After giving them control, he reclaimed his agency, harmonizing with them.

    Instead of weakening him, this synergy solidified his power even further.

    Yet, despite his decisive victory, Caine couldn''t help but feel disappointed.

    It saddened him to see how easily he had defeated himself.

    There was something particularly dark about the concept of luck. Something profoundly unsettling about how little mattered when the odds were fixed.

    If your luck dictated that you would die, what could you do?

    If Fate wove a future of inevitable ruin, how could you escape?

    If Destiny promised only suffering, how could you resist?

    If Karma bound you in eternal servitude, how could you break free?

    As Caine tapped into the truest potential of his affinities and realized how much they had shielded and protected him, the weight of their implications pressed down on him.

    It was only now, understanding how much of his survival had relied on their influence, that the unfairness of it all became clear. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It was only now that the reality of his mortality truly sank in.

    He was just a mortal, standing in a world ruled by gods and immortals.

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (2/6)]

 Chapter 142 Luck

    Caine''s and Mirror''s gazes remained locked, their shared indifference reflecting off one another, amplifying the silence that filled the platform.Suddenly, Mirror''s body exploded in a rain of golden threads and ashes as his last life was stripped away, marking his humiliating defeat.

    Throughout their entire exchange, neither had spoken a word, as if silently agreeing to let the game play out in silence. Even as Mirror faded away, his expression remained stoic, quiet, and indifferent.

    Caine paid it no mind, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.

    ''It''s quite sad, but I suppose this, in a sense, crystallizes all I''ve lived for. All I''ve ever worked for.''

    Caine had reached this point because he despised his lack of control. He hated being reduced to a pawn, moved at the whim of another.

    His disdain was so profound that even as he killed himself, the possibility of it all being for nothing hadn''t fazed him.

    To him, death was a better fate than remaining in the Three Realms as a slave to some higher entity, a pawn used only for observation and manipulation.

    Even thinking about it made his guts churn and his True Will recoil in disgust.

    Yet, here he was once again, confronted by the undeniable truth: the reality of the Three Realms hadn''t changed.

    The weak remained nothing more than cogs in a machine, endlessly controlled by the powerful, and the world itself remained a tool, loyal and subservient to those who held dominion over it.

    A perverted world, governed by inhumane entities.

    It was still the same hell he thought he''d escaped¡ªa world where all were born chained and controlled, forced to follow the whims of those who viewed them as nothing more than cattle.

    ''Fate, Destiny, Karma, Totality, and now, Luck,'' he thought as his gaze turned to the chessboard before him.

    ''It''s all so cruel. So cruel and heartless.''

    He sighed, his hands moving idly across the board, rearranging the pieces.

    ''Fate dictates the world''s flow, its circumstances and paths. Destiny chooses who walks those paths. Karma defines the weight and direction of one''s steps, while Totality sits above and below it all, looming like the immutable will of the heavens.''

    ''And Luck¡­ Luck dictates the odds. The likelihood of the pendulum swinging left or right.''

    ''And then there are those above, playing across the board. The ones beyond.''

    ''Gods, Immortals, Demons, Emperors¡­ the powerful.''

    These thoughts flowed through his mind like water through a river, smooth and unfettered. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

    The sharpness of his gaze dulled, softening into a void of abyssal depths¡ªdistant, unreadable.

    His eyes, once an inferno of passion, now seemed like an endless well of¡­ pity.

    ''And then, there''s us. Mortals. To be born so chained, so encased, truly makes you wonder what the point of it all is. What purpose it serves.''

    ''Are so-called Defiers merely favored sons? Or is there truly a path to salvation¡­ to freedom¡­ to control?''

    His gaze wandered upward, fixing on the dark, starless skies above. A faint, bitter smile curved his lips.

    ''The message is threefold¡ªLuck, Pride, and Possibility.''

    ''My luck allowed me to overcome these trials because Fate willed it so. I am not worthy. I am lucky.''

    ''But the essence of it all was the destruction of my pride and sense of self. To make me understand my insignificance, my weakness, my stupidity, my¡­ mortality.''

    ''Almost as if it were a sick, twisted attempt to see whether I''d crumble or fall under the weight of such comprehension.''

    Caine understood how Fate worked, and that understanding could be summarized in one simple truth: Fate cannot be understood.

    He had been placed in circumstances designed to crush and destroy him, yet given the tools to overcome those challenges.

    It was nonsensical, heartless, and cruel. But wasn''t that the very essence of Fate?

    ''Above it all, it''s a reminder. A reminder that, had I not been chosen, this path of freedom and control I walk upon now could have been stripped away. I could have been on the receiving end of it all.''

    ''Without this crown handed to me, I have no control. And without control, I am just another cog, another tool like the rest.''

    He chuckled softly, shaking his head in slight disbelief.

    ''It''s almost like it''s asking me to be grateful for being given a chance.''

    None of this fazed Caine in the least. To him, it was nothing more than a rowdy child pouting and throwing a tantrum.

    Regardless, the throne would be his. Just as Fate worked, his rise to its throne and crown was inevitable.

    When its reins were his to control, and his hands dictated the sways of the almighty river of Fate, would any of it matter?

    It was only a matter of time.

    WHOOOSH!

    Across from him, where Mirror had once sat, yet another figure began to take shape. But unlike before, this figure materialized instantly, and with it came a terrifying wave of power.

    A sweep of ancient and tempered True Will followed, so potent the air twisted and tore into chaotic storms that ravaged the space around them.

    The man sat across from Caine was shrouded in an ethereal golden aura, but from what little Caine could see, he was the picture of angelic perfection.

    Long, curly white hair framed a flawless face, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly golden and white light that overflowed like mist into the world.

    Wide, airy black robes draped over his tall yet relatively frail frame, enhancing the pure, holy aura of his existence, as if he were an angel fallen from the heavens.

    Ancient runic tattoos of gold and black danced across his healthy beige-white skin, moving like a living script.

    Despite his unassuming appearance, the man exuded terrifying power, his presence all-encompassing and unshakable.

    A wave of golden aura spread outward, filling the space with his dominance as his True Will thundered and loomed like a colossal shadow.

    Above his head hovered a bloody halo and a cracked, shattered crown. The former spun slowly, while the latter flickered in and out of existence.

    Future Caine''s gaze roamed curiously, tinged with slight confusion, before he nodded to himself as if piecing things together.

    He turned to Caine, his amusement clear in the way his lips curved into a faint smile.

    "How strange. I''d forgotten this moment would occur."

    His voice was light, warm, almost angelic, yet carried an inhuman weight¡ªlike the distorted echo of a god''s voice confined to mortal flesh.

    Caine remained silent, his gaze narrowed.

    Oldest had been him, pulled from the past. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Mirror had been a perfect, mastered version of him.

    But this¡­ Caine immediately saw through it.

    Like Oldest, this was truly him. But it was only a possibility.

    It was one among many paths he could take.

    A version of himself who had given up¡ªor perhaps lost¡ªeverything, choosing to walk a path wholly reliant on Fate.

    A path where, instead of wearing Fate''s crown, he became its apostle.

    A path of subservience.

 Chapter 143 Luck(II)

    Noticing the overwhelming waves of disgust and pity swirling in Caine''s gaze, Future Caine couldn''t help but chuckle, his expression serene and unbothered."Oh? Am I not living up to your dream, dear youngest?"

    The scene mirrored Caine''s earlier meeting with Oldest¡ªone side amused by the ignorance of the other, the other repulsed by what the other had become.

    A reflection across time, truly.

    "I don''t know. I really don''t know." Caine''s voice dropped to a near whisper, his tone heavy as he shook his head.

    He could feel his Will trembling, teetering on the edge of collapse as he stared at the man before him. It wasn''t just the man''s terrifying power that shook him but what he represented.

    He represented failure. A version of Caine that had failed so catastrophically that his entire existence had become warped, perverted by regret and compromise.

    And yet, what did Caine truly know about the horrors that awaited him in the future? Had Oldest not likely thought the same about Caine during their encounter? Had Oldest been wrong? Or was he right?

    Caine didn''t know. Perhaps no one did.

    Meeting Failure''s eyes¡ªthe name he had given this future version of himself¡ªCaine saw something beyond the layers of amusement, pride, and arrogance.

    Behind the fa?ade, there lay an endless pit of melancholic regret, sadness, and¡­ hopelessness.

    But beneath that, Caine also saw a foundation that remained unbroken.

    Reflection. Acceptance. Confidence. Power.

    The two stared at one another, animosity beginning to dissolve into something quieter, something more introspective.

    One looked at the other with nostalgic, reminiscing eyes. The other looked back with pity and regret.

    Silence settled between them, deep and profound.

    "I promise I won''t let it happen," Caine finally said, breaking the stillness.

    Failure chuckled softly, nodding. A genuine smile graced his lips, free of mockery or sarcasm. "All that matters is that you try, you know?"

    "Your path remains your own."

    Uriel, who had been hovering uncertainly in the skies above, finally decided to descend.

    "Can we¡­ begin¡­?"

    Both Caine and Failure nodded, and Uriel sighed in visible relief.

    Though he was supposed to have supreme authority in this realm, Uriel couldn''t help but feel like a younger sibling caught between two imposing older brothers.

    It was strange, unsettling even.

    "Alright. The Past and Present have blurred, the reflections of the Present have merged, and now, the Present must peel the layers of itself, unveiling the core of truth."

    Uriel''s voice echoed with finality as he prepared to continue, but suddenly, from Caine''s chest, an emerald rune appeared.

    Along with it, countless vines spread across his skin like living veins.

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    The phantom image of Lady Gaia materialized behind him, her presence both commanding and gentle. At that moment, time froze for everyone except Caine, Failure, and Lady Gaia herself.

    Her gaze shifted from Caine to Failure, the two exchanging a brief nod of understanding.

    For a fleeting moment, Lady Gaia''s expression softened, her eyes glistening as if on the verge of tears. But no tears fell.

    Her stance remained resolute, powerful. She nodded once more, then waved her hand. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her phantom vanished, and the emerald rune, along with the vines, sank back into Caine''s body.

    Uriel frowned, his senses picking up the faint ripple of something monumental, but before he could question it, his gaze widened in shock.

    Failure''s body began to fade.

    "What¡­ what is going on¡­?"

    Uriel''s gaze darted to Caine, but seeing the confusion on his face, he realized Caine was just as clueless as he was.

    [Conquer The Fracture of Time and Fate (3/6)]

    The platform beneath them trembled violently, rapidly expanding until it covered the entirety of the skies, completely eclipsing the ruined lands below.

    Above them, the dark, starless void transformed. One by one, stars appeared, painting the heavens in breathtaking patterns.

    The void turned into a radiant emerald tapestry, upon which celestial wonders danced.

    The qi density in the air surged, becoming so concentrated that it rivaled the Timeless Alliance''s most treasured qi training rooms¡ªbut on a scale that spanned the world itself.

    Uriel and Caine watched the transformation unfold, the shock in their hearts slowly subsiding.

    ''Lady Gaia¡­ So, she did foresee all of this.'' Caine thought, his mind racing. ''Was she truly trapped and manipulated into leading me here, or did she know and allow it to happen?''

    ''Or perhaps¡­ she has restrictions regarding future events? But if that''s the case, why intervene now? Did she see a future where I couldn''t win against Failure no matter what?''

    A faint smile tugged at his lips. Slowly, he was beginning to grasp the intricacies of the game being played around him.

    Once, such a realization would have filled him with fear¡ªa game played across time itself, involving the fates of countless beings.

    But now¡­ now he couldn''t help but smile.

    At the same time, however, the fury that had been smoldering in his heart since his encounter with Laplace only grew stronger, more unrelenting.

    Whether the chuckle that escaped his lips was one of amusement or suppressed, twisted madness, only he could say.

    Standing off to the side, Uriel frowned, sensing the change in Caine''s aura.

    When Uriel had first encountered Caine during the Fields of Carnage, his aura had been like a starry sky¡ªbrilliant, majestic, overflowing with a radiance impossible to ignore.

    Akin to a living sun.

    But now¡­ now it had become something else entirely.

    Primal. Unreadable. Distant.

    Caine''s presence was no longer that of a sun but that of a serpent in human flesh, his gaze filled with mockery and¡­ pride.

    The change was unsettling, but Uriel found it strangely natural.

    "Well," Uriel said, clearing his throat, "I suppose¡­ you''ve conquered this."

    He gestured around him. "So, let''s move on."

    The platform trembled again. From its marble surface, countless figures surged upward, rising like ghosts from the depths of the earth.

    Humanoids, beasts, spirits, and creatures that defied classification¡ªthe diversity was staggering.

    Uriel swept his gaze across the seemingly endless crowd, their sheer numbers suffocating the space around them.

    He waved a hand, and a glowing rune appeared on his palm.

    Caine''s eyes immediately locked onto it, analyzing its intricate patterns.

    Explanations flowed into his mind unbidden, and suddenly, he burst out laughing¡ªa deep, thunderous laugh that shook the skies and reverberated across the platform.

    Uriel shook his head, already understanding the reason for Caine''s laughter.

    It was absurd. Truly absurd.

    How lucky could one man be?

 Chapter 144 Luck(III)

    The rune Uriel had cast was one that fully explained the intricacies, details, and rules of this coming challenge.After facing the echoes of the past, a reflection of the present, and a vision of the future, he now had to face the consequences of his actions across the three axes of time.

    The entities around him were none other than the souls of all those he''d ever killed across his lives¡ªbut not only him.

    They represented all whom he''d personally killed but included Oldest, Mirror, and Failure''s kills as well, all brought here together, regardless of the fact that there would surely be overlapping and repeating souls.

    Every single person and entity he had ever killed.

    Every single one.

    Regardless of gender, age, race, or type¡ªthey were all here.

    And Caine would have to slay them all once more. But in doing so, he''d have to pay the price and face the consequences of such actions.

    Every single sentient life form had a Heart Demon, but inversely, they also had a Holy Incarnation, the true incarnation of their hopes, dreams, virtues, and all that was good about a being.

    For every person that Caine would have to kill here once again, he''d have to bear the weight of not only their Heart Demons¡ªwhich had grown and thickened over the times of their deaths¡ªbut also the weight of their Pure Incarnations.

    He''d have to bear the weight of their sins, their regrets, their losses, their hopes, their dreams, their ever-so-distant aspirations, their resentment, and so much more that had been brewing in the core of their hearts.

    But beyond that, Caine would also have to bear the weight of their very souls. He''d have to carry them with him, forever.

    It was all a perfect path to simply break one''s heart and will. A recipe for failure and disaster.

    And there came the twisted comedy of it all. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s Dao Hearts were so perfectly suited for such a test, as if made for this moment, that Caine himself couldn''t help but laugh out loud.

    Not because he was glad the moment was occurring, but because of how ridiculous it all was.

    While many, if not all, would see this as yet another gift and blessing from Fate and Luck, a blessing from the Heavens above, Caine saw through the layers of it all. Caine saw it as yet another attempt to crush him, to crush his pride, and a pathetic attempt to strip him of all he''d ever done.

    A sort of emasculation on the scale of his existence and its core.

    To show him a failed and broken version of himself, a version that had become a slave of Fate itself, yet still a version he couldn''t hope to compare to without the aid of a great entity like Lady Gaia¡ªbut to then also give Caine the perfect trial to temper his mind, as if telling him his mind was still lacking, so much so that he still needed help to temper it¡ªwhat was it, if not a slap in the face?

    What was it, if not a blatant attempt to put him in his place?

    He''d been shown a past version of himself, to whom he''d pathetically lost, then been confronted with a perfect version of himself he could only hope to defeat by relying on his gifts and affinities, but then also shown a future him he could only look in the eye and defeat via the help of Lady Gaia.

    Defeat, after defeat, after defeat.

    Lucky moment after lucky moment, endlessly stacked.

    It was hilarious, truly.

    These were the sorts of inconspicuous and hidden schemes and attacks that only those as sharp as Caine would notice and pick up on. But they also were attacks only those as prideful and unstable as Caine would fall to.

    He didn''t understand what Fate''s purpose and goal was, why it sought to stoke his bubbling and stirring wrath so much, or why it so greedily desired to test his bottom line.

    But, evidently enough, it was working. The more Caine laughed, the more he felt his heart tremble, the more he felt the fabric of his True Will fissure and crack.

    He laughed.

    He would accept it. He had no choice, once again. It was a poison he had no choice but to swallow.

    He would use all these entities to temper his True Will and endlessly refine his Dao Hearts.

    He''d devour all their Heart Demons and Pure Incarnations.

    He''d collect their souls.

    He''d play along with Fate''s twisted game.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s laugh died down, and an exhale escaped his lips. Closing his eyes, he sat cross-legged in a meditative position. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire

    Without uttering a word to Uriel, he began.

    ***

    Far, far away from Caine, the world kept moving, and its endlessly intertwining threads began to bear fruit.

    The Brilliant Five Sky World indeed had five continents.

    The central continent, led by the Void Trading Alliance.

    The northern continent, led by the Timeless Alliance.

    The southern continent, led by the Red Sky Heavenly Temple.

    The eastern continent, led by the Alchemy Haven Hall.

    And finally, the western continent, led by the Chaos Heaven''s Pagoda.

    But, unbeknownst to most, the world had a sixth hidden continent.

    The Forbidden Continent.

    ***

    [Forbidden Continent¡ªBloody Rivers of Hate]

    The skies were dark and filled with chaotic arcs of tribulation lightning that slammed onto the black and charred lands below with demonic wrath and scowl.

    Towering trees soared into the air, blood covering their trunks and their branches adorned with rotten mounds of flesh that oozed toxic fumes carried by the harsh winds.

    Snaking through this ominous forest was a grand, long, and wide river of resplendent crimson blood, glowing faintly under the brilliant light of the lightning above.

    This river snaked through the entire forest, and from it, a conglomeration of extremely potent killing intents jetted out, casting a net of demonic force over the surrounding space.

    Somewhere along the river, a man could be seen sitting at the foot of a tree, calmly looking at the flowing waters before him.

    He had long flaming red hair, perfectly complementing his golden eyes, which contained a primal and reptilian slit. Upon his tan skin, illusory red scales could be seen as his fingers stretched into sharp metal claws and his feet into long rune-covered talons.

    He wore bloodstained black robes, contrasted by the golden jewels adorning his muscular and lean frame.

    As he smirked, his long fangs poked out of his mouth, dripping with terrifying poison.

    Suddenly, his gaze panned upwards toward the skies, and his grin widened.

    "¡­finally."

    With a groan, he pushed himself up and began to stretch.

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    The skies above tore apart as a gigantic dragon of rotten flesh and black bones appeared, its entire body covered in countless eyes of gold and black.

    It roared out, and the air shook, the atmospheric qi twisting and breaking down into¡­ atmospheric abomination qi.

    The skies darkened even more as more and more dragons appeared, akin to a fleet of them.

    They stared down at the man below with unbridled hate and fury.

    "¡­Scarlet Venom Dragon¡­" the first abomination dragon whispered in a runic tongue, its voice strained and hoarse. "¡­hand your heart over¡­"

    The man below didn''t bother answering and immediately shot into the skies, fiery wings erupting from his back as his mad laughter echoed.

 Chapter 145 Luck(IV)

    Viryon, the so-called Scarlet Venom Dragon, sat atop a mountain of dragon corpses, his body drenched in blood that was not his own.A frown marred his face as he bit into a mound of flesh. "These sacks of shit always look so strong, only to end up being¡­ so pathetic."

    He spat out the flesh, his frown deepening.

    "And they taste like actual fucking shit. I hate them."

    Throwing the meat in his hands into the distance, he spat again and hopped off the mountain of corpses.

    Dusting his bloody robes, he methodically cleaned off the blood caking his body.

    Suddenly, a man appeared before him, one nearly identical to himself. The only difference between them was the man''s burning black hair and his immaculate appearance.

    Viryon met his brother''s sharp gaze¡ªTeryon.

    "Mother has already told you multiple times to stop eating strangers'' flesh," Teryon said sternly.

    He stepped forward, producing a cloth in his hand. Like a doting older brother, he began to clean Viryon''s face, wiping the blood and bits of flesh from his features.

    Viryon''s face flushed red with embarrassment, but he didn''t dare move away. Despite Teryon''s cold and composed exterior, he was deeply caring¡ªeven for a dragon, a race renowned for their strong familial bonds.

    "So, what''d you find?" Teryon asked after finishing his task.

    Waving a hand, the cloth disappeared. In its place, a clean set of robes appeared, which he handed to his younger brother.

    As Viryon donned the fresh robes, he sighed before answering. "Nothing interesting, to be honest."

    "I tried to bait those of the Trading Alliance, but the bastards are firm. No matter how many of their hideouts I destroy, they refuse to come out."

    Teryon frowned, tapping his claws against his palm. "Have you tried a softer approach?"

    Viryon nodded. "Yeah, I rebuilt all the hideouts I destroyed and sent them a message, making it clear I just wanted to talk. Even then, I''ve been met with nothing but silence."

    Teryon began stroking his elegant face with his long metallic claws. They glided over his skin like silver across marble, sparks flying in the air as he fell deep into thought.

    "The elders won''t be happy about this," he muttered, glancing at the pile of corpses behind Viryon. "Hm. If they refuse to talk or investigate, it can only mean one thing¡ªthey know our rise is near."

    "But why let us expand freely and prepare like this¡­" he whispered, his pupils narrowing in suspicion. His gaze returned to his brother.

    "Odds of it being a trap?"

    "100%," Viryon answered bluntly. "But I think they''re preoccupied with internal conflicts."

    He leaned closer. "Not sure if you''ve heard, but recently, that infamous cult came back."

    Teryon''s eyes widened violently, his aura erupting into chaotic turbulence.

    "¡­what?"

    Viryon''s expression grew grave as he nodded.

    "Not only that, but someone orchestrated a scheme that pulled everyone attending the Millennium Auction into a Fractured Reality."

    "I''m almost certain the cult and the Trading Alliance are working together. It would explain why they''re letting us prepare so freely."

    "Elaborate," Teryon demanded, his voice sharp.

    The two brothers sat down, facing one another as the discussion grew more intense.

    "My thought is that they want another war between us and the human forces of the world. Then, at the peak of the conflict, they''ll swoop in and wipe us both out."

    Viryon''s eyes narrowed further as he continued. "If I go deeper, I''d say the only reason the cult let us survive and ally with those of the eastern continent is so they could fully and properly identify all their true enemies."

    "Think about it, Ty. I''m sure His Majesty is aware of this, and¡­"

    Teryon, now calmer, nodded. He grasped the outline of the plan his brother was describing.

    "His Majesty wants to use the abominations as a chaos factor to ruin their schemes. The cult must have noticed this and acted sooner than planned. This Fractured Reality¡­ it''s their only chance."

    Suddenly, both brothers grinned, their expressions wicked and sharp.

    "War is coming soon, and that means¡­"

    WHOOOOOSH!

    "¡­opportunity."

    The greed of the two dragons surged, their auras rising like roaring flames. Yet just as quickly, they cooled, their fiery ambitions tempered by calculated patience.

    "There''s still too much we don''t understand," Teryon said. "Why would they want a war between us and the humans? Surely they know it''s inevitable."

    Hearing his brother''s words, Teryon paused for a moment.

    "True. His Majesty is most likely playing an intricate game involving both the humans and the cult, but to what end?"

    He continued, his tone thoughtful. "Let''s take a step back."

    "The cult and the Trading Alliance are working together. They want us and the humans to wage war, even though that war is inevitable."

    "On the other hand, His Majesty knows this and is using the abominations as a chaos factor to disrupt their plans."

    Viryon''s gaze sharpened. "Additionally, the humans are vulnerable right now, thanks to their inner conflicts."

    "Beyond that, there''s also the eastern continent, which has sided with us¡­"

    "But there''s also the fact that¡­ and also¡­ but maybe¡­"

    "I''m not sure if¡­ maybe if we¡­ we could¡­"

    As the two mischievous dragons analyzed and schemed, imagining a future of endless riches and power, a pair of majestic eyes silently watched them from the skies above.

    ''¡­interesting¡­''

    ***

    [Northern Continent¡ªUnknown Location]

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    Blood and carnage.

    At the bottom of a dark cave lit by golden flames that gnawed at the walls and soil, a man crawled forward.

    His body was ruined, everything from the waist down gone, replaced by a grotesque tangle of guts, organs, and blood.

    He dragged himself across the ground, leaving a river of crimson in his wake.

    His face was a mask of blood and despair, yet within his eyes burned a flickering flame of hope and determination.

    As he neared the cave''s exit, his trembling hands clawed at the ground, pulling him toward the surface.

    ''The world is going to end¡­ the end of the world¡­ the end of existence¡­''

    Tears streamed down his face as the weight of his thoughts threatened to overwhelm him.

    ''Demons¡­ monsters¡­ gods¡­ heresy¡­''

    His sobs echoed through the cave, filling the air with his anguish and fear. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Finally, as he reached the surface, he cried out, his voice hoarse and broken.

    "I MUST WARN THE WORLD!"

 Chapter 146 Me, Myself and I

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (4/6)] S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.The platform was empty. Caine sat cross-legged at its center, alone.

    He was utterly still, his presence blending seamlessly with the vast emptiness around him. The only signs of life were the slow, rhythmic heaving of his chest and the faint, steady echo of his heartbeat, a quiet cadence that resonated with the serenity of the world.

    His long black hair swayed gently in the breeze, each strand flowing like ink spilled into the air. His pristine white robes fluttered softly, catching the light of the stars above. That starlight painted his pale skin with a celestial glow, as though the heavens themselves had chosen him as their canvas, weaving an unspoken tapestry of beauty and grace.

    On his thighs rested his spear, humming faintly, vibrating as if alive. The low sound reverberated through the space around him, like a heartbeat in harmony with his own.

    The world was calm, steeped in serenity.

    Caine surrendered himself to this peace, letting it wash over him. He became one with the flow of nature¡ªa leaf swaying gently on a tree branch, a stone resting unyieldingly at the bottom of a river, a star nestled among countless others in the infinite expanse above.

    WHOOOSH!

    The tranquility was broken as the winds intensified, stirring the stillness into motion.

    In the distance, three figures emerged from the void, their forms gradually sharpening until their features became clear.

    Short, slicked-back black hair, cold silver eyes, and a tight-fitting black changpao¡ªOldest. His aura radiated quiet authority, his expression as sharp and unyielding as tempered steel.

    Long black hair, unreadable silver eyes, and loose grey robes¡ªMirror. A silent enigma, his presence seemed to distort the very space around him, as if reality itself struggled to comprehend him.

    Long curly white hair, an angelic face, and eyes of endless gold¡ªFailure. His beauty was almost otherworldly, yet the weight of his presence carried an oppressive force, a contradiction that made him all the more unnerving.

    The three stood side by side, their gazes meeting briefly before turning to Caine. No words were exchanged, yet an unspoken understanding passed between them, an acknowledgment of what was to come.

    Failure glanced at his hands, which were bound by strange, writhing vines. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, a sound laced with both amusement and frustration. Oldest and Mirror noticed the vines but said nothing, recognizing that Failure would not explain.

    They simply observed in silence, their focus returning to the man seated on the platform.

    High above, Uriel hovered in the skies, his arms crossed and his expression neutral. His face betrayed no emotion, but within his chest, his heart raced with anticipation. Even as he maintained his stoic fa?ade, he could not help but feel a thrill coursing through him.

    Moments stretched into eternity, the tension thickening like a coiled spring.

    Caine opened his eyes. Their dark depths were calm yet carried a weight that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of the world.

    Without a word, he stood, his movements fluid and deliberate. Using his spear as a crutch, he rose to his full height and looked ahead. His gaze met Oldest''s, then Mirror''s, then Failure''s. He regarded each of them in turn, his faint smile never wavering.

    Raising his hand, he beckoned them forward.

    His voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority.

    "Come."

    The word had barely left his lips when a blade flashed toward his neck, so fast it seemed to materialize out of thin air. Simultaneously, a dozen formation circles appeared behind him, their intricate patterns glowing ominously.

    Above, another blade descended, poised to strike him down.

    "Repulse."

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    A shockwave erupted from Caine, violently repelling everything around him. The formation circles shattered into nothingness, and the descending blade disintegrated mid-air.

    Failure''s formations crumbled under the force, while Oldest and Mirror were hurled backward, tumbling toward Failure. Yet they rose swiftly, their expressions as calm and composed as before.

    Caine took a step forward, then another, and another. Each step was deliberate, unhurried, yet carried an undeniable momentum, like the steady march of time itself. The faint smile remained on his lips, unshaken by the assault.

    Failure spoke, his tone measured but firm.

    "My body is heavily restricted. I''ll remain here and cover your bases. Mirror, go and engage him head-on. Oldest, stay in the mid-section. Support Mirror''s attacks and cover his retreats."

    Without hesitation, they moved.

    Mirror appeared in front of Caine, his blade splitting into nine shimmering arcs that descended simultaneously.

    Caine''s body blurred, his movements almost imperceptible as he parried each strike with precision.

    Mirror''s expression remained unchanged.

    Flames erupted across his body as he slid his foot forward, swinging his blade upward in a fiery arc.

    Caine''s hand ignited with white flames, and with a single, brutal motion, he slapped the blade downward, slamming it into the platform and shattering Mirror''s balance.

    BANG!

    Taking advantage of the opening, Caine''s fists blurred, unleashing a torrent of strikes upon Mirror. The sheer force of the assault sent Mirror spinning, his blade arcing upward in a desperate attempt to counter.

    CLANK!

    The blade struck nothing but air. Mirror had been pulled away by a massive hand of qi, summoned by Oldest.

    Switching places seamlessly, Oldest stepped forward. His nine rings began to spin, their radiant light illuminating the skies.

    Coiling his fist with the phantom of a black dragon, Oldest launched a strike aimed directly at Caine''s liver.

    Caine dodged, sidestepping gracefully, but Mirror emerged from Oldest''s shadow, his blade tearing upward in a perfectly timed strike.

    Caine clicked his tongue in annoyance, tilting his neck awkwardly to avoid the blade.

    Seizing the opening, Oldest''s fist slammed into Caine''s side.

    Yet, instead of breaking through, his fist shattered against the sheer durability of Caine''s body.

    Oldest had anticipated this. All he needed was contact.

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    The formation etched into his fist burned into Caine''s body, spreading across him like wildfire.

    The formation activated, freezing Caine in place for the briefest moment. It was enough for Mirror to capitalize, his blade cleaving downward.

    "Not bad."

    From above, a bolt of black lightning descended, striking Mirror and charring his body. The surrounding air froze under the following waves of frost.

    White flames erupted across Caine''s skin, incinerating the sealing formation in an instant.

    Caine''s leg shot out like a bullet, slamming into Oldest''s gut with devastating force. The blow sent Oldest flying toward Failure, his stomach nearly torn apart.

    Just as Caine turned to counter Mirror''s strike, Failure''s voice rang out:

    "[Blight Art: Frames of Latency]."

    Caine froze mid-motion, and Mirror''s speed doubled. Gashes appeared across Caine''s chest, blood spilling freely and soaking his robes.

    "[Blight Art: False Immortal]."

    Mirror and Oldest''s bodies rippled, crimson halos forming above their heads. Their strength surged, and Oldest, who had been near death, healed instantly. Mirror''s speed increased further, his blade a blur as it nearly severed half of Caine''s neck.

    Caine remained calm, his mind accelerating as time seemed to slow.

    His blood qi surged into his left arm, exploding outward. His fist struck Mirror with overwhelming force, launching him skyward.

    Taking advantage of the brief reprieve, Caine healed himself, threads of neutral and time qi weaving his wounds together and leaving only a faint scar on his neck.

    With a single step, he soared into the skies, aiming to finish Mirror.

    "[Blight Art: Swapped Origin]."

    Before Caine''s blade could reach him, Mirror vanished, replaced by a concentrated beam of chaotic qi.

    The beam struck Caine''s blade.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The explosion rippled through the heavens.

 Chapter 147 Me, Myself, and I(II)

    Potent flames engulfed Caine as a storm of chaotic qi swirled around the platform, a spectacle of destruction and power. Yet, mere moments later, the inferno dissipated, revealing an intact and unyielding Caine.His upper robes had been reduced to ash, exposing his refined, scarred physique to all who dared to gaze upon him.

    Caine''s eyes narrowed, his thoughts sharp and calculating. ''Mirror and Oldest are weak, little more than fodder. But with Failure aiding them, they become chaotic factors that could kill me at any moment.''

    He assessed the battlefield with clarity, his mind dissecting every possibility. ''Without dealing with Failure, I can do nothing. He knows this. He''s using those two as bait to draw me in.''

    A grin spread across Caine''s face, dark and eager. ''How fun.''

    "¡­ [Star Ring Circle: Primordial Bane Flame] ¡­ [Foundation: Eternal Night Dragon] ¡­"

    Dark, hexagonal scales etched with white runes erupted across Caine''s skin. Twin horns, sharp and tall like infernal spires, tore free from his forehead and reached skyward.

    His fingers elongated into claws of darkness, gleaming with a deadly edge, as his legs thickened, their muscles rippling with immense power. Black, demonic wings burst from his back, and his gaze burned crimson.

    His hair became a flowing mane of eternally burning black flames.

    Behind him, a white star materialized, radiating terrifying power. Its essence surged into Caine''s hearts, flowing through his veins and fusing with his very being.

    Though his True Wills remained dormant, the air itself trembled beneath the weight of his demonic presence. The suppressed rage in his soul boiled over, manifesting as an infernal mantle of crimson aura that surrounded him.

    [Star Ring Art: Demonic Upheaval]

    Failure''s eyes narrowed as flesh-and-bone vines surged from the platform below, twisting through the air like serpents toward him, Mirror, and Oldest.

    The vines moved with staggering speed. In mere moments, Mirror and Oldest were riddled with holes, their bodies pierced through. They would have perished instantly if not for the quasi-immortality bestowed upon them by Failure''s prior spell.

    Caine seized the opportunity.

    An explosion of qi marked his disappearance, a crimson blur streaking toward Oldest. In a flash, his blade found its mark, tearing into Oldest''s heart. As the latter began to regenerate, Caine''s hand shot forward, seizing Oldest''s head. With a vicious twist, he tore it from his neck, sending a geyser of blood spraying into the air.

    [Star Ring Art: Flame of the Scowled]

    Chaotic black-and-white flames erupted, consuming Oldest''s body entirely, reducing it to ash in an instant.

    Without hesitation, Caine shifted his focus to Mirror. His movement was seamless, each step calculated and precise.

    Failure''s hands moved swiftly, weaving through the air as he cast a spell.

    [Blight Art: Weave of Return]

    Oldest''s body reformed from the ashes, as if nothing had occurred. Rising to his feet, he lunged at Caine, a blade materializing in his hand mid-thrust.

    Caine sidestepped the attack effortlessly, pivoting away from Oldest''s blade before dodging a beam of chaotic qi hurled by Mirror.

    With fluidity, he spun behind Oldest, driving his hand into his chest and ripping out his heart once more. His blade dissected Oldest''s body into countless pieces, rendering him into a shredded mess.

    But Oldest regenerated almost instantaneously, his body stitching itself back together. The sight prompted a groan of frustration from Caine. ''Tricky.'' S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Thinking quickly, Caine grabbed Oldest and hurled him toward the speeding Mirror. The two collided, a tangle of limbs and confusion.

    Without pause, Caine waved his hand, summoning chains of neutral qi that bound the pair together. With a ferocious kick, he sent them hurtling into the distance before redirecting his attention to Failure.

    Failure smirked faintly, meeting Caine head-on. Despite the vines restricting his body, his speed was almost nonsensical, leaving even Caine momentarily stunned.

    Caine thrust forward, but Failure sidestepped with uncanny precision. His hand grazed Caine''s spear, ripping it away in one fluid motion. Failure''s leg shot forward, sweeping Caine''s balance from under him, and with a powerful overhead slam, he drove Caine into the ground.

    BANG!

    Pain surged through Caine as his bones cracked and his veins ruptured. Yet he had no time to linger. Rolling away from Failure''s follow-up stomp, he was caught off guard when Failure grabbed his leg and hurled him into the air.

    For a fleeting moment, time seemed to slow for Failure. He exhaled, gripping Caine''s spear tightly, before unleashing a devastating attack. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    [¡ªArt: Cleave]

    SHRRRRRRR!

    The sound of tearing flesh and rending fabric echoed across the battlefield. Caine''s body was bisected, his lower half severed from his upper. His silver blood painted the platform in brutal streaks of carnage.

    [Blight Art: Lifeless Echo]

    Caine''s two halves shot toward one another, fusing rapidly. His body healed almost instantly, the process driven by time qi and supported by the interplay of life and death qi coursing through him. Rising to his feet, he faced Failure''s relentless assault once more.

    This time, chains surged from the platform, binding Caine in place. Behind him, Mirror and Oldest reappeared, their blades aimed for lethal strikes¡ªone toward his heart, the other for his head. At the same time, Failure''s blade descended toward his throat.

    Caine''s smile deepened, a glint of madness flaring in his crimson gaze.

    The blood he had spilled moments earlier began to writhe and shift. It formed a glowing formation that encapsulated the four combatants.

    Failure''s eyes widened, analyzing the formation''s structure, but realization came too late.

    [Blight Art: Kaiser Infinity]

    Azure time runes erupted across Caine''s skin, and an overwhelming surge of time qi flowed into him.

    In an instant, Caine''s speed escalated to incomprehensible levels, rendering the world around him frozen. He turned, his movements a blur as his fists slammed into Mirror and Oldest repeatedly. Each punch was delivered with such velocity that the afterimages of his strikes overlapped, seemingly attacking from past, present, and future all at once.

    [Blight Art: Bulwark End]

    Time resumed its normal flow, and Mirror and Oldest were sent hurtling away, their bodies reduced to mangled heaps of flesh and bone.

    Caine''s spear returned to his grasp, ripped away from Failure''s hand in a blur of movement.

    [Blight Art: Timeless Cleave]

    With a final, devastating strike, Failure was split in two.

 Chapter 148 Me, Myself, and I(III)â€”Grim

    Failure felt every fiber of his body tear in half, felt every shard of his bones tear into his flesh, and felt the eerie cold flow of his golden blood soaking his robes.He was torn in half, from the waist to the shoulder, but even as life faded from his eyes, for the faintest of moments, his True Will gathered. With the last embers of power burning in his heart, his arm moved and cut the air.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine didn''t even know what had happened, but all he could feel was pain. Looking down at his chest, he saw a gash torn across his frame, so deep his heart pulsed visibly through the wound.

    The wound ached; his blood fell in rivers, and Caine could feel Failure''s True Will deeply entrenched in the wound, preventing it from healing and slowly spreading through him.

    Like a plague, it gnawed at his flesh and spread through his blood, invading all aspects of his body.

    Caine fell to his knees just as both halves of Failure''s body hit the ground, lifeless.

    But Caine didn''t stay down for long. His gaze burned with an unquenchable fire as he used his spear for support, forcing himself to stand.

    He gazed at Failure''s body, his lifeless eyes still looking up at him.

    He was dead. Truly.

    Caine''s gaze turned to the distance, where Mirror and Oldest stood, already healed thanks to Failure''s spell, which still lingered despite his death.

    ''It won''t heal¡­''

    The wound on his chest continued to bleed.

    No matter what he tried, it wouldn''t close, and though his vitality was terrifying, he wasn''t immortal yet.

    If he lost enough blood, he would die.

    So, his hands moved.

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    Threads of time qi wove through the injury, forcefully pulling it together, while Caine''s nails dug into his own chest, using his own blood as ink to draw a formation upon himself.

    [Blight Art: Bloody Cycle]

    The wound on his chest didn''t heal in the slightest, but it now remained closed, tightly bound by the endless threads of forming qi, which continued to suture his flesh.

    The blood that still managed to seep out flowed into the formation on Caine''s chest and back into his bloodstream, effectively solving the problem for now.

    The pain pulsed through Caine incessantly, his hands trembling and his heart chaotically pounding under the strain. Even for someone as accustomed to suffering as him, Failure''s True Will was far too much.

    But he stood, his gaze unwavering as it landed on Mirror and Oldest, full of malice.

    Like a predator gazing upon prey, like a god gazing down upon mortals.

    Throughout this entire battle, he hadn''t used his True Will at all to prove a point, and it would remain that way.

    BANG!

    Before Oldest and Mirror could react, Caine was upon them, but this time, his blade wasn''t in his hands. It swam around him like a fish in water, harmonizing with his every movement.

    A deathly dance began.

    Oldest and Mirror were entirely outmatched, but through their quasi-immortality, they managed to survive.

    Caine''s fists flowed with the smoothness of a river, his legs struck with the ferocity of a roaring dragon, and he moved with the agility of a soaring phoenix.

    Like a loyal companion, his spear swam around him, complementing each of his strikes. A punch was followed by a cleave, a kick by a thrust, and a roundhouse by a slice¡ªa harmony of man and weapon.

    Oldest and Mirror''s blood covered Caine entirely, yet he seemed indifferent. The light of wrathful madness in his gaze only grew, exploding forward and clashing against the walls of his hearts.

    Even as the wounds on his frame accumulated and the pain from Failure''s attack intensified, he advanced, using the pain as a reminder, as fuel.

    His claws tore their flesh, his hands shattered their bones, and his fangs ripped veins away from them in a display of primal, brutal dominance.

    An inhuman roar escaped Caine''s lips, shaking the platform below and echoing like the bellow of a primordial terror.

    RUMBLE!

    Oldest and Mirror stood side by side, broken and trembling, suppressed and shattered, but they stood.

    Their gazes, nearly empty and teetering on the edge of life and death, landed on the demonic figure before them. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    If they were to die, they would do it with pride.

    Oldest stood upright, the trembling of his body ceasing entirely. His nine rings appeared behind him, rapidly spinning to devour atmospheric qi that then flowed into the halo above his head to heal him.

    Mirror did the same. Feathery white wings tore out of his back, spreading wide across the air.

    Their power soared, reaching unseen heights, their auras blending into a wave of silver and gold that clashed against the crimson sea of aura surrounding Caine.

    And yet, it was pointless.

    Caine looked at them. They rushed toward him, roaring and unleashing their power in one final, desperate attempt.

    Seeing them rush toward assured death left Caine bitter, his gaze full of pity.

    Being forced to kill himself three times over, in the most brutal of ways, was twisted¡ªand yet, so fitting for Fate''s sense of humor.

    It was pointless. Oh-so pointless.

    WHOOOOOSH!

    Caine took a step forward, and all the qi in the surroundings dissipated, leaving a void of energy on the battlefield.

    His hand reached out, his metallic claws tapping the air.

    The halos above Mirror and Oldest shattered in a scintillating rain of glowing stars. Yet, they continued to charge forward, uncaring of the assured death that lay before them.

    Caine''s outstretched palm swung across the air.

    There was no ripple, no fluctuation, yet the two fell to their knees, clutching their throats as blood gushed from wounds that tore across them.

    Caine looked down, meeting their widened gazes.

    "How pathetically weak we all are, hm?"

    Their heads exploded in a mangled mess of brain matter, flesh, bone, and blood. Their bodies fell flat, lifeless.

    Silence. That was all there was¡ªsilence.

    From the skies above, rain began to fall, pouring torrentially.

    Caine looked skyward, the rain flowing down his face and mingling with the blood coating his body, forming rivers of what looked like bloody tears.

    [Conquer The Fracture of Time and Fate (?)]

    "Fate, come."

    The world shook, and the rain intensified.

    [Conquer The¡ªError! Error!]

    Caine grabbed his spear, which had been floating around him.

    His gaze landed on Uriel, still hidden in the dark clouds above.

    [The End Has Come¡ªSubmit to the Eye Above All (?/?)]

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 149 Fateâ€”Uriel

    The remains of Failure, Oldest, and Mirror''s dead bodies shot into the skies and toward Uriel, fusing into one grand entity.Caine remained unfazed, even as a divine aura erupted across the heavens and slammed onto the earth below with tyrannical might.

    WHOOOOSH!

    The skies parted.

    There, amidst the starry expanse beyond, a figure emerged, majestic and divine.

    With long hair of radiant gold cascading over a tall, broad, and muscle-bound frame, the man in the skies bore nine pairs of angelic white wings that reflected worlds of silver runes.

    His face was a masterpiece of perfection, each feature flawless, and his eyes burned with a cold yet welcoming golden light.

    Upon his forehead, a vertical slit could be seen, faintly glowing.

    Ethereal, misty white robes draped over Uriel''s newly formed body, radiating an aura of absolute and undeniable power.

    Slowly, he descended upon the platform.

    He smiled. "I am Uriel, Ninth and Last True Angel of Fate, or, as many would call me, the Mortal Avatar of Fate."

    The rain continued to pour, and for a long moment, the only sound was the pitter-patter of raindrops upon the marble platform where the two men stood. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire

    "¡­An Angel of Fate, you say¡­" Caine whispered to himself, his gaze letting go of Uriel and panning back toward the sky. "Your purpose is¡­ my submission?"

    Uriel nodded and chuckled lightly. "Yes, it is. The crown cannot be given; it must be taken. As much as the Great Mother loves and favors you¡­ I cannot allow a weak man to sit upon her throne."

    "So, either submit and join us, the True Angels of Fate, or simply die and be forgotten, like the eight princes who fell before you to my predecessor''s hands."

    "What was the saying again¡­?" Caine spoke softly. "One is unity, two is duality, three is the trinity, four is chaos¡­"

    "¡­Five is balance, six is imperfection¡­" Uriel added.

    "¡­Seven is heresy, eight is true balance, and nine¡­" Caine''s gaze returned to Uriel. "¡­is the limit."

    Uriel nodded solemnly. "Your path was fated to end here from the moment you were born. No one deserves to sit upon the throne, and it is unfortunate that someone with your talent has been chosen."

    "You could have gone on to achieve greatness¡ªand you still can, but only if you subm¡ª"

    Caine raised a hand, signaling Uriel to stop.

    Though taken aback at first, Uriel obliged.

    Caine glanced at the cracked blade of his spear and smiled. "To bathe in the blood of Fate''s Avatar¡­ that would be glorious, wouldn''t it?"

    His spear hummed and trembled, as if alive, resonating with his words.

    Caine nodded to himself, his grip tightening on the spear. He looked up, meeting Uriel''s gaze once more.

    His decision was clear.

    Uriel shook his head and sighed, a simple sword appearing in his hand as he spoke again. "It''s unfortunate. Truly."

    "Before I kill you, I suppose I''ll allow you to witness what lies above it all."

    Uriel took a single step forward, and as his foot touched the marble floor, dozens of gashes were torn across Caine''s body instantly, without rhyme or reason.

    Caine stumbled backward, pain flooding his senses. By the time he remembered Uriel''s presence, the angel was already upon him, his blade piercing Caine''s throat.

    "Potential¡­ so much of it¡­" Uriel watched blood pool and seep from Caine''s wounds with a sorrowful gaze. "¡­And yet so¡­ so stupid."

    A flash of light blinded Caine, and when his vision returned, the world felt colder. The ground spun beneath him, and in the distance, he saw his own headless body.

    His eyes widened in shock.

    SHAH!

    Uriel waved a hand, and Caine''s head shot back into his palm. Raising it to eye level, Uriel stared into Caine''s shocked expression.

    Without care, he placed Caine''s head back onto his body. Seamlessly, it healed and fused back into place.

    "Go on. Fight for your life." Uriel smiled.

    "You''re a warrior, are you not? Show me¡ªdefy fate itself and win."

    Another flash of light blinded Caine, and when his vision cleared, he found himself armless.

    "Oh, my apologies. You''re armless. That''s quite ugly, isn''t it? Let''s even it out."

    Uriel''s blade moved with incomprehensible speed. In a single motion, Caine was legless as well, his limbless torso collapsing to the ground like discarded trash.

    "Dear Mother of Fate Almighty, what have I done?!" Uriel exclaimed, squatting down to stare into Caine''s eyes.

    With a wave of his hand, Uriel restored Caine''s arms and legs, seamlessly attaching them back to his body.

    Uriel smiled. "See, I can¡ª"

    SPAT!

    Caine spat a dollop of blood onto Uriel''s face.

    Then another, and another.

    Uriel''s face froze, covered in spit and blood.

    The angel stood motionless for a moment before shaking his head and summoning a cloth from thin air to wipe his face clean. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A dry, lifeless chuckle escaped his lips. "I expected more from you."

    "But, since we are stooping so low, I must oblige, no?"

    Caine stood to his feet. "You talk a lot."

    ZHIM!

    Uriel''s hand tore into Caine''s chest, ripping his ribs out with vicious momentum.

    "I suppose I do. Aren''t I lovely?"

    Uriel''s figure blurred as his blade multiplied a thousandfold, swimming toward Caine with incomprehensible fluidity and force.

    Yet Caine was not cut down.

    Uriel''s blades moved methodically, peeling off layers of Caine''s skin with precision, leaving him as nothing more than a mannequin of flesh.

    Uriel tapped the air, sending a ripple of qi through Caine, frying his nerves. As Uriel reached out to grab Caine, the latter moved, dodging clumsily.

    Caine stumbled backward, his control over his body reduced to a pathetic state. Uriel, however, stared at his own hand in disbelief.

    He had¡­ missed?

    "Good."

    Uriel''s wings extended and curved, lancing forward like spears to pierce Caine''s body.

    Blood spilled freely, carried down by the rain that continued to fall.

    Uriel smiled¡ªa toothy, demonic smile.

    "We''re going to have a lot of fun, you and I."

 Chapter 150 Fate(II)â€”Uriel(II)

    Caine lay impaled on a grand lance of bronze, covered in black runes. His arms and legs were outstretched by long golden chains that soared out of the void, wrapped around and into him with vicious intent.His skin, flesh, and bones constantly fell away in waves of rotten matter, only to regenerate in the next instant.

    Floating in the air in front of him, Uriel stood.

    "You know, the heavens were once filled with those like me, angels of untold beauty."

    "We once lived in harmony with all there was and acted as the arbiters of good. We stood for all that bathed in light."

    Uriel''s smile faded. His hands reached out and¡­

    "ARGHHH!"

    ¡­dug into Caine''s face, gouging out his eyes.

    Uriel played with the eyeballs in his palms, looking at them with a strange mix of emotions¡ªfear, hate, reverence, and¡­ jealousy.

    "Those eyes. The bastard had the same eyes. Eyes of silver, a mane of white, skin kissed by the sun, and¡­ a heart from the dreamless lands."

    "Alone, he tore the heavens apart and chased my kind like dogs. From the greatest of our kin to the lowest, we were all hunted and¡­"

    Uriel''s words trailed into an eternity of silence.

    His palm clamped shut, and the eyeballs in his hands shattered, breaking into a rain of starry debris.

    WHOOSH!

    The lance impaling Caine vanished along with the chains that bound him. He fell from the skies and crashed onto the platform below like a discarded rag.

    Uriel floated down.

    "It''s dark, isn''t it?" He smiled. "To not see the light we angels once guarded¡ªhow horrifying must that be?"

    Caine slowly stood up, his body still a monstrosity of falling flesh and bone, endlessly regenerating.

    Uriel threw a punch forward, and Caine''s head exploded, his body collapsing backward, limp.

    Uriel waved his hand, and Caine''s head reformed instantly.

    "How helpless do you feel, hm?"

    Uriel''s hands extended and grabbed the air as if it were a cloth. Then, with vicious force, he tore the empty space apart. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

    Following the motion, pulled by a terrifying spectral force, Caine''s body was torn in half, from head to toe. Blood spilled, and his organs splattered everywhere.

    Uriel brought his hands back together, and the two torn halves of Caine''s body fused again.

    "I stand upon these waves of holy light because I have known the depths of the dark abyss I fight against."

    Uriel clapped his hands together, and from the platform below, a grotesque creature soared out. It began devouring and tearing Caine apart with violence that defied comprehension.

    "But do you? Do you know how dark it can all truly be? Hm?" Rage simmered in Uriel''s tone, like a slumbering volcano slowly awakening, ready to erupt.

    From the skies above, countless blades, spears, and weapons of all kinds began to form, along with beams of qi in every type and hue. With merciless intent, they rained down upon Caine.

    "DO YOU NOT KNOW?!" Uriel''s voice boomed across the world, powerful enough to clear the cloud of chaotic qi that had engulfed Caine. It annihilated the creatures that had been tearing him apart.

    Uriel''s chest heaved, his hands trembled, and his golden gaze slowly turned crimson.

    Caine, still lying on the floor, began to move.

    With excruciating slowness, he stood up.

    He raised his guard and looked ahead.

    "Ha¡­ haha! Hahahaha!" Uriel laughed. "Let me show you something."

    Uriel tapped the air, and a loud crack echoed.

    Caine''s True Wills shattered.

    Uriel tapped the air again, and another loud crack echoed.

    Caine''s Dao Hearts shattered.

    "How fickle is it all, really? Hm? How insignificant are you to the likes of me?"

    Uriel tapped the air again, and Caine''s True Will immediately¡­ healed, along with his Dao Hearts.

    Every time Uriel tapped the air, the cycle repeated.

    A cycle that drove Caine deeper and deeper into a state of madness no mortal should ever face.

    His Dao Heart crumbled and was erased countless times, while his True Will regressed, destroyed, and twisted over and over again.

    His senses were stripped away one by one, and his cultivation faded by the second.

    Through it all, all Caine could do was roar out in pain. His mind, too weak to comprehend what was happening, could only drown in the agony.

    He was helpless.

    "Come!"

    As if compelled by an irresistible command, Caine charged forward. To him, the world had become an endless expanse of darkness and pain.

    Mindlessly, he swung forward.

    Uriel sneered. His blade tore through the air, severing Caine''s arms once more.

    Uriel pivoted around him and swung his blade toward Caine''s neck. Yet, somehow¡ªinstinctively¡ªCaine moved and dodged.

    Uriel laughed. His leg shot out, crashing into Caine''s back, sending him flying across the platform. Bones shattered, and flesh unraveled under the friction as Caine skidded across the surface. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Even so, he managed to stop himself and stand up again. He raised his guard, his hollow eye sockets staring ahead.

    In the distance, Uriel frowned, sensing something unusual.

    At his level, intuition was a form of precognition. Trusting his instincts, he decided to end it.

    "I suppose I''ve vented enough," he said, his wings flaring and stretching wide. "I''ll execute you with the little respect you deserve."

    [Heavenly Truth: Chains of Erebus]

    The same golden chains that had previously bound Caine reappeared, wrapping around his entire frame and forcing him to his knees.

    The chains dug into his flesh, twisted around his bones, and pierced into his organs.

    Terrifying golden qi seeped from them, flooding and corroding his body.

    [Heavenly Truth: Fallen Lance]

    From the platform below, two lances shot up, impaling Caine''s arms and stretching them outward. Golden veins of qi erupted across his skin, cracking and fissuring his body.

    Two more lances fell from the skies, piercing his legs, locking him in place, and shattering his bones.

    Uriel took step after step toward him, his blade elongating into a majestic, qi-covered sword.

    His wings, previously simple, now bore countless amethyst pupils, radiating an overwhelming and terrifying power.

    "May Samsara have mercy on your soul."

    [Heavenly Truth: True Death]

    There was no explosion, no flashiness, no fluctuation¡ªUriel swung, and Caine''s head was severed from his body.

    Caine''s head fell to the ground and rolled across the platform. All signs of life were gone.

    Death was ordinary¡ªsomething even someone like Caine could work around.

    But True Death?

    Not even Gods, not even True Gods, could return from such an end.

    It was absolute¡ªan absolute and final death.

 Chapter 151 Fate(III)â€”Luck, Luck, Luck

    ''Death.''Caine found himself standing in an endless expanse of outstretched ethereal glowing golden waters. Above, in the skies, countless majestic eyes of gold, amethyst, and purple gazed down upon him¡ªdivine and otherworldly.

    The place felt strangely familiar, as though he had returned to his mother''s womb. Its warmth was almost nostalgic.

    But Caine didn''t seem to react much to this.

    ''I have died.''

    He looked around and found himself utterly alone.

    PAH!

    Caine sat down on the waters beneath him, his expression empty, his gaze locked on the endlessly stretching horizon beyond.

    There was no trick.

    No complex plan. No grand heretical idea. No sealed and hidden power. No sudden awakening or enlightenment¡ªthere was nothing.

    No one was there but him.

    Nothing would save him. He had died, truly and simply because he was too weak, because he wasn''t worthy.

    The realization sank into Caine without resistance.

    He accepted it for what it was. What else could he do?

    He didn''t know why he was here instead of Samsara, nor did he know where "here" even was, but he truly didn''t care.

    At the end of the day, none of it mattered.

    RUMBLE!

    The sea of eyes flooding the skies above parted, allowing a figure to descend.

    The figure was a featureless, feminine humanoid entity of gold, with a burning mane of white hair and majestic purple eyes that glowed with piercing light.

    Black robes draped over her figure, fluttering slightly as she descended. She landed upon the endless waters of gold and walked toward Caine.

    Then, she sat beside him.

    For a long while, they both remained silent.

    "I¡­ am sorry," the lady spoke, her voice a melodious, androgynous echo that soothed both the soul and spirit.

    "But some things must be burned, for the flames of defiance require sacrifice. These flames can either consume the world¡­ or the self."

    "If the self is consumed, rebirth is the only path. If the world is consumed, death is the only path."

    Caine''s heart trembled at her words, but his face remained serene.

    "Things are just the way they are, aren''t they?" the lady asked with a soft smile.

    Caine''s gaze shifted toward her, and he smiled faintly in return. "They are."

    The lady nodded, her smile deepening.

    "Well, then, I am happy, my child."

    Slowly, Caine''s silver crown began to manifest atop his head. His gaze left the lady and returned to the horizon.

    The lady''s body began to dissolve into motes of golden light, which fused into Caine''s crown.

    "Live as you wish, yes?"

    The lady vanished entirely, her essence now part of the crown. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The crown disappeared as well, leaving Caine alone once more. The world around him was utterly silent.

    "Yes, I will."

    Caine, across all his lives, had only cried three times.

    The first was the day of his birth in the three realms.

    The second was the day he met Nova, cradling the lifeless body of the love of his life.

    The third was the day of his birth as a Velios.

    And today, he cried for the fourth time.

    Caine''s gaze remained locked on the horizon, his face apathetic, as a tear rolled down his cheek and fell onto the pristine robes he wore.

    WHOOSH!

    The countless eyes flooding the skies trembled and began to shed tears. These tears fell as a rain of gold upon Caine.

    The waters he sat upon stirred and moved, forming wave after wave.

    Yet Caine remained unmoved, even as more and more tears streamed down his face.

    His hand moved to his chest, gripping the flesh over his heart tightly. He bent slightly forward, the echo of his heartbeat reverberating in his ears.

    It was happening again¡ªthat feeling. The same one he''d felt when he met Laplace.

    Endless fear, sadness, and melancholy.

    But this time, Caine didn''t fight it.

    He basked in its overwhelming tides. The harder he cried, the heavier the golden rain poured, and the larger the waves became.

    ''¡­''

    At that moment, Caine made a promise to himself.

    A promise he would never betray.

    ***

    Uriel stood over Caine''s lifeless body. Mere seconds had passed since his death.

    And yet¡­ nothing happened. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Uriel frowned, his gaze shifting upward to the skies that continued to pour torrents of rain.

    WHOOSH!

    His gaze narrowed.

    Caine''s head faded into motes of light, along with his body. Even the blood and shattered bits of flesh scattered across the platform disappeared.

    ''¡­What is going¡­ on?''

    Uriel''s heart began to race¡ªa sensation that should have been impossible for him. Sweat gathered on his back, and goosebumps erupted across his flawless skin.

    His chest heaved, his golden eyes narrowing.

    Frantically, he spun around, his gaze locking onto a figure standing miles away.

    "¡­HOW?!"

    Uriel''s voice, meant to be grand and commanding, barely echoed, drowned by the endless patter of rain upon the platform.

    Caine, flawless and unharmed, stood in the distance. Yet, his eyes remained gouged out, concealed by rune-covered white bandages.

    "I am¡­" Caine''s words trailed into silence.

    Deciding not to finish, he waved his hand.

    Uriel was pulled forward, brought directly before him by the sheer weight of Caine''s Will.

    Uriel, trembling, fell to his knees. A blade appeared in his hand, and he pressed it against his own neck.

    "Sh¡­ sh-what¡­ please¡­" His words were incoherent, broken into a jumbled mess.

    "Do it," Caine commanded with a nod.

    Uriel pressed the blade into his throat and tore, decapitating himself.

    [??? (6/6)]

    As Uriel''s headless body crumpled at Caine''s feet, dozens of orbs of gold appeared before him¡ªrewards.

    Without sparing them a second glance, Caine stored the orbs in his ring.

    He looked upward.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    Caine had never seen spatial tears form with such ferocity.

    The fabric of reality folded and tore, raining void debris. From within the void''s depths, an eye emerged.

    The eye was impossibly complex and divine, yet all Caine could perceive was a blurry mess of broken runes.

    But he understood.

    He knew what was coming.

    His crown reappeared above his head.

    WHOOSH!

 Chapter 152 Promised of Fate

    It was said that after one''s Will reached a certain stage, one''s actions gained weight and became tangible, in a way that directly and drastically enhanced their power.At this stage, one''s actions could birth Titled Runes, symbols that would brand themselves into one''s Will. These runes were called Titles.

    However, only after reaching this threshold of Will could one access these Titles. Otherwise, they would merely accumulate in the ether, never taking form.

    And today, Caine''s True Will had reached that stage. The eye in the skies rewarded him.

    It rewarded him not only with the Titled Runes he had accumulated across his many lives but also with the Titled Runes of his fallen summons along with Oldest, Mirror, and Failure''s Titled Runes.

    All of them were etched into his crown, and all his future achievements would join them automatically.

    A sea of runes majestically cascaded down from the heavens, each one sinking into his crown. The silver fabric of the crown gained rune after rune, each one blazing with power.

    Endless power coursed through Caine''s body, flooding him to the point where it felt as though it would shatter him. Yet, the mark of Lady Gaia shone through, sealing and methodically putting this terrifying power to sleep.

    < [God Slayer], [Defiant], [Promised of Fate], [Mad Savant], [Progenitor], [Samsara Overlord]¡­ >

    The runes continued to accumulate upon his crown.

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    From the skies above, threads of gold descended, fusing into his hands and arms. A complex series of tattoos began etching themselves onto his back, but Caine paid it no mind, allowing the process to proceed undisturbed.

    Caine glanced down at Uriel''s lifeless body.

    He stood still and unmoving, as if nothing of importance were happening¡ªas if this moment was utterly worthless.

    What was supposed to be a moment of incredible joy and pride felt like nothing but a lull of silence and heavy indifference.

    It was bitter. So bitter that Caine couldn''t help but chuckle amidst it all.

    ''It''s finally over.''

    ***

    Though Caine himself was indifferent to the moment, the wider world was not.

    Far, far away, in the void of all things, a floating platform stood. Made of emerald rocks and entwined vines, it served as the base for a grand and looming tree at its center.

    The tree''s leaves were colorless, reflecting infinity and unity at once¡ªa duality of all things and nothingness.

    Its trunk was a swirl of every color, with veins of black twisting into beautiful, intricate runes that snaked across it.

    The vines of the tree intertwined around the rocks, holding the platform together as its core.

    At the foot of this majestic tree stood an old man before a stone tablet embedded in the trunk.

    The man was ancient, his back hunched, his bronze skin wrinkled and sagging. Layers of flesh covered his face, leaving only his brilliant brown eyes visible.

    He was nothing but skin and bones. The large orange robes he wore hung loosely over his frail frame, exaggerating his thinness.

    Yet, despite his appearance, the man''s hands moved faster than any youth''s, writing countless words onto a parchment in his hands.

    Suddenly, he froze. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His gaze lifted to the stone tablet before him.

    WHOOSH!

    An overwhelming aura erupted from him, enough to flatten a world. In an instant, the man regained his youth, transforming into a beautiful, bald figure with bronze skin kissed by the sun and eyes as bright as the stars over a desert night.

    His gaze widened, and his hands trembled.

    ~~

    {Noble Ladder of Origin¡ªYouth Ladder}

    [1. Herald of Chaos, Lord Tyrr]

    [2. Scion of Heaven, Lord Sarahadah]

    [3. Darling of Samsara, Lord Styxia]

    [4. Void Childe, Lord Void]

    [5. Architect of Perfection, Lord Enumah]

    .

    .

    .

    These were the previous rankings of the top five.

    But now¡­

    ~~~

    {Noble Ladder of Origin¡ªYouth Ladder}

    [1. Herald of Chaos, Lord Tyrr]

    [2. Scion of Heaven, Lord Sarahadah]

    [3. Darling of Samsara, Lord Styxia]

    [4. Promised of Fate, Lord Lerouge]

    [5. Void Childe, Lord Void]

    .

    .

    .

    In fifty years, the list had already changed ten times. Yet this shift was monumental.

    For longer than the man could remember, the top five had remained unchanged¡ªuntil ten years ago, when Lord Styxia entered the ranks.

    But now, another had ascended into the top five.

    This was monumental.

    The man fell to his knees, trembling.

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    Across existence, this scene repeated countless times.

    Over and over again, Caine''s name was sung to the heavens:

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    Yet, far from the celebrations, the news reached the ears of¡­ a certain young Lord.

    ***

    [???¡ªAbode of the Flawless]

    In an impossibly vast open hall, seemingly suspended in the skies, a throne of crackling lightning and fire stood.

    Upon it sat a figure cloaked in a mantle of thick white aura, unaffected by the throne''s chaotic elements.

    Lord Enumah.

    "¡­Hm¡­" He tapped the armrest of his throne rhythmically, his demeanor a reflection of deep-seated indifference.

    And yet, anyone who understood the significance of the Noble Origin Ladder would know: he was furious.

    But his anger ran deeper.

    The fact that he knew nothing of this so-called "Lord Lerouge" could only mean one thing:

    The newcomer was from a lesser realm. A much, much lesser realm.

    And yet, he had been dethroned.

    First, Enumah had been knocked down by Lord Void¡ªa humiliation he had grudgingly accepted.

    Then came Lord Styxia, an unknown figure who had similarly surpassed him.

    And now¡­ this.

    Enumah had fallen from second to sixth, cast out of the top five entirely.

    With his fall, he had lost an opportunity of incalculable importance.

    "Interesting. Interesting. Interesting," he muttered, his tapping fingers quickening. The lightning around him grew more chaotic, and the flames surrounding his throne burned with terrifying intensity.

    As the Chosen of Perfection, Enumah had long hated not being number one. He had tempered this frustration under his father''s instructions, but now¡­

    "I apologize, father."

    Lord Enumah rose from his throne.

    He took a single step forward¡ª

    And vanished.

 Chapter 153 Return

    Jamie''s camp, already a field of carnage and destruction, now resembled an extract of hell itself.The land was scorched emerald, covered in eternally burning white flames. The soil curved inward, forming deep trenches and craters that littered the area.

    These craters brimmed with blood, flesh, bones, and corpses, strewn about in grotesque piles that seemed to stretch endlessly.

    A thick, lingering killing intent saturated the air, mingling with the clashing intents and wills of countless entities. These forces tore at the natural flow of qi, creating volatile and chaotic storms that raged across the battlefield.

    At the edge of this chaotic field of destruction, a lone woman stood.

    She wore layered black and white priestess robes, her long, curly blonde hair framing her face and cascading over her shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes radiated waves of slumbering power, their depths hinting at untold strength.

    Priestess Enya surveyed the scene, her gaze scanning for something¡ªor someone¡ªwhile her thoughts churned with confusion.

    After the abominations invaded the camp, she had fled for no more than an hour, yet in that short time, the camp had transformed into this hellscape.

    The corpses of soldiers and abominations alike piled upon one another, further deepening the mystery of what might have occurred in her absence.

    Her thoughts were interrupted when she sensed a ripple in space.

    Her aura flared as her gaze narrowed, but before she could locate the source of the disturbance, a sudden and overwhelming pressure engulfed the world.

    Her body trembled, and her heart pounded as she fell to her knees.

    A tall figure stood before her, shrouded in a mantle of thick silver aura. He was mere inches away¡ªso close she should have seen him arrive. But she hadn''t.

    She couldn''t.

    The world had become a blurry and broken fresco of runes and colors, making it impossible for her to focus.

    "Enya, I see you''ve survived. I''m glad," the figure spoke, his voice resonant and melodic yet terrifying in its lifeless echo.

    The figure gazed down at Enya''s trembling form and seemed to understand.

    The oppressive pressure vanished instantly, and the mantle of aura surrounding Caine dissipated, revealing his figure. Squatting down, he extended a hand and helped Enya to her feet.

    "I apologize. I hadn''t noticed my aura leaking."

    Enya stood, her body still trembling, though she quickly regained her composure. As she gazed at Caine''s face, she found herself momentarily enthralled before snapping back to reality.

    "Sir¡­ your eyes¡­?"

    Caine chuckled. "They''re fine. I''ll get them back in due time. The world has never been clearer to me, so there''s no need to worry."

    Enya opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself. Instead, she dropped to one knee, crossing her palm over her chest in solemn reverence.

    "Sir, I, Enya Sanglier, swear dearly to the Daos of Heaven that I shall serve his lordship Lerouge to death and beyond."

    The skies parted, and a golden chain descended from their depths. The chain phased into Enya''s chest, wrapping tightly around her heart.

    "Let my blood be a testament to this oath."

    A blade appeared in her hand, and without hesitation, she slit her throat.

    Blood gushed forth, spraying into the air and intertwining into runes that linked together to form another chain.

    The chain moved with terrifying speed, suturing the wound on her neck and stabilizing her condition.

    Enya rose, her gaze resolute as she looked toward Caine.

    "Well, that was something. A Dao Oath, hm?" Caine mused aloud.

    Dao Oaths were promises made with the world itself as a witness¡ªunbreakable vows.

    The punishment for breaking one was worse than death: an eternity of unimaginable suffering.

    With this, Enya had essentially bound herself as a vassal to Caine, no less loyal than any of his summons.

    Though Caine considered it a slight waste¡ªhe could have turned her into a summon and granted her unique talents¡ªit didn''t bother him much.

    "Alright, dear Enya. I accept your oath."

    The chain around her heart glowed brightly, dissolving into a cloud of runes that fused into her flesh.

    Waves of strength coursed through her body as the oath was finalized.

    "But you''ll have quite a bit to explain," Caine remarked.

    ***

    Caine sat naked in a grand hot spring, its glowing crimson waters as red as blood yet as soothing as a mother''s warm embrace. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Impurities slowly burned away from his body, cleansing him.

    Most of the scars he had accumulated over years of battle faded, though a few remained¡ªmost notably the ones on his neck, chest, and ribs.

    Upon his back, a complex golden tattoo of intertwining dragons and silver clouds flickered on and off in rhythm with his heartbeat.

    Reclining against the edge of the spring, Caine listened as Enya stood behind him, recounting her report.

    "Jamie himself is quite restricted by figures I am not very informed on, but he has considerable influence over all merchant deals involving the Church''s Knighthood. In turn, he controls a network of corrupted pawns within their ranks. That''s why he wanted you to join the Royal Knight Guard¡ªso he could locate you."

    "It would have been simpler for him to meet you here, but the issue is twofold. The ruins you must see are in the capital, and after the incident here¡ªwith your terrifying tribulation¡ªhe''s drawn far too much attention. Leaving discreetly would be nearly impossible."

    Caine nodded, absently stroking his chin as he sank deeper into thought.

    "As for me, your highness," Enya continued, "I was sent by Pope Francis to aid you¡­ forever. Though you may not trust him fully yet, I believe this will change once you meet him. He, too, awaits your arrival at the Royal Knight Guard."

    Caine raised a brow in mild surprise. "I see. How are you and Jamie''s people connected? From what I know, these are two paths that should never have crossed."

    Enya nodded, clearly anticipating the question. "Pope Francis said you would ask this."

    "The answer, in his words, is this¡ªand I quote: ''I was simply using them to make things easier for you.'' That was all he told me."

    Caine chuckled softly at the response, leaning back against the warm edge of the spring.

 Chapter 154 Strings of Fate

    "Hm, I see. Well, thank you, Enya. You can go and rest. We have a lot of traveling to do tomorrow, no?"Enya nodded, then politely excused herself, heading back to a tent she had set up not far from the hot spring.

    Caine was left alone with his thoughts.

    There were quite a few things he needed to do¡ªperhaps "quite a few" didn''t even do justice to the sheer enormity of what lay ahead. The list of tasks he had planned was endless, overwhelming, even.

    But all of it would begin once he reached the capital. For now, all he could do was rest and¡­

    ''Interesting.''

    Caine raised his hand to eye level. Despite his lack of eyes, he could still see¡ªstrangely, more clearly than ever.

    He could no longer perceive the strings, runes, and tapestry of existence as he once did. But none of that mattered now. What captured his attention were his hands.

    During the final moments of the Trial of Fate, threads of golden strings had descended from the skies and fused into his hands, just as the strange tattoo had taken form on his back.

    Before, he might have been clueless as to what these phenomena were. But now, he knew¡ªinstinctively and with absolute clarity.

    ''Divine Royal Mark of Fate¡­ and Strings of Fate.''

    The former was shrouded in mystery; all he knew was its name. But the latter was different¡ªhe understood it completely.

    The Strings of Fate, now fused into his hands, allowed his affinity to fate to take a tangible, physical form.

    He could sense the tides of the river of fate, albeit only on a small scale. To some extent, he felt he could steer it, altering its flow to suit his needs.

    It felt as if he could almost glimpse the future, decipher its possibilities, and manipulate what was beneficial while discarding what wasn''t.

    But beyond even that, his dexterity had reached unprecedented levels.

    Caine already understood that one of Fate''s core essences was Control, a concept deeply tied to his own True Will. So, what did it mean for the Strings of Fate to be woven directly into his flesh and hands?

    And finally¡­

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine pressed a finger forward. Instantly, a tapestry of golden strings materialized before him, bending and warping under the weight of his touch.

    Though he could no longer "see" the strings in the way he once could, he could now truly touch them¡ªsomething he had never been able to do before.

    ''It''ll most likely take time for these abilities to show their true might.''

    Caine was well aware that the true potential of his new powers would only reveal itself when he ascended to higher cultivation realms. For now, as a mere Quasi-Spark realm entity, he had no right to wield the full scope of these gifts from Fate.

    But he was in no rush. He had plans, and if¡ªor rather, when¡ªthey bore fruit, every sacrifice and effort would be worth it.

    He would exploit this fractured reality in ways no one had ever dared to before.

    ***

    [Holy Capital¡ªKnight Haven]

    In a grand office with polished wooden floors, high ceilings, and a marble desk facing massive tinted windows that overlooked the ancient beauty of the capital, a woman worked tirelessly. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her appearance was deceptively simple¡ªmid-length brown hair, sharp black eyes, and a slightly aged face. She wore a military uniform, and the skin visible beneath it was marred by countless scars. The fierce light in her eyes told stories of battles long past.

    Quietly, she read through a towering stack of documents, her focus unwavering. Hours passed as she meticulously examined each page.

    Suddenly, across from her, a man clad in dark robes appeared.

    Unlike her, he was inhuman. His body was a flawless machine of refined, tempered muscle, covered in white scales inscribed with runes of gold and scarlet.

    His face resembled that of a tiger, yet his eyes were unsettlingly human, glowing with the light of aged wisdom and experience.

    Power rippled from his being, suffocating and immense.

    Yet the woman remained indifferent, not even sparing him a glance. She continued flipping through her documents, her demeanor unbothered.

    Minutes passed in tense silence. The creature seemed to grow impatient and finally broke it.

    "Little human¡­ if you do not¡ª"

    The woman''s gaze left her papers for the first time, locking onto the creature.

    Instantly, the tiger-like entity froze.

    It lost the ability to speak, think, or even move.

    A terrifying Will seeped into every fiber of its existence, constricting like a massive boa suffocating its prey.

    Had Caine been present, he would have been astounded. Not only did this woman possess a True Will, but it also bore a Royal trait.

    More than that, her Will seemed alive, as if it had its own character, its own unique nature.

    It exuded the all-encompassing reach of darkness and the slow, methodical force of a serpent.

    The level of mastery she had achieved over her Will was unfathomable.

    WHOOOSH!

    The tiger-like creature gasped for breath as the woman''s aura retreated entirely.

    Without a word, she returned to her documents.

    The creature remained unsettled for several moments, but it eventually regained its composure.

    When it spoke again, its tone was measured, filled with respect and caution.

    "Esteemed Elder Larisse, the leaders of the clans have sent me with a message."

    The man summoned a box from his storage ring and placed it carefully on the desk.

    "Soon, the Pope will become active once more. This will force him to leave the capital, just as he was forced to leave not long ago to deal with the strange tribulation that occurred."

    "When that happens¡­ please deal with this target."

    He stood and bowed deeply.

    "All the information is contained within the box, along with the payment."

    Without another word, the man vanished into thin air.

    The box on Elder Larisse''s desk was swallowed by a wave of darkness, leaving no trace of its existence.

    Elder Larisse herself remained indifferent, flipping through her documents with the same unwavering focus.

    Yet those who knew her well would have noticed the faint smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

    ''Interesting.''

    She was¡­ excited.

 Chapter 155 Ease and Simplicity

    Elder Larisse stood high in the skies, gazing down at a crowd of countless youths¡ªmen and women alike¡ªeach exuding fierce and valiant auras.The crowd gathered in a vast, beautiful plain of green grass, where a soft and refreshing breeze carried the scent of life and hope. The sun poured its golden light upon them like rivers of silk, illuminating their eager faces.

    The world seemed serene, and the youth below reflected its endless potential, their hearts brimming with anticipation and resolve.

    Today was the day: the Knight Selection Exams.

    This was their chance¡ªtheir only chance¡ªto join the Church''s revered squad of Knights. It was their opportunity to grasp power, prestige, and purpose.

    Every youth present had trained tirelessly for most of their lives, facing countless challenges and tempering their bodies and minds on the edge of life and death.

    They were ready.

    Only one hundred would be chosen for the Knighthood, and none among them were prepared to give up.

    Elder Larisse''s cold gaze swept over the crowd, meeting the burning eyes of those gathered.

    None of it impressed her. But alas, the job was the job.

    "Welcome to the Knight Selection Examinations," her voice rang out, cold and sharp, carrying a savage undertone that silenced all murmurs.

    "Die, live¡ªnone of that matters to me. Pass the three exams, and you join our ranks. As you all know, only a hundred of you will be accepted."

    She raised a hand, her expression unchanging.

    "So, it is a race just as much as it is an examination."

    With a simple wave, a road of shimmering blue crystals materialized before the crowd.

    The crystalline path stretched into the horizon, disappearing far into the distance.

    "First examination¡ªthe body. This road will test your physical limits. Each step will become harder to take than the last."

    "The next two examinations are self-explanatory, so you won''t see me again until the finish line¡ªif you make it that far."

    The crowd''s auras flared, their determination igniting into a towering wave of intent.

    "Go."

    And with that single word, they exploded into motion, surging forward like a tidal wave of ambition and resolve.

    ***

    Caine reached the end of the road mere moments after the examination began.

    His appearance was as unassuming as ever.

    Though he had initially planned to hide his identity and power, he decided against it at the last second.

    An idea had taken root in his mind, and he was curious to see how it would play out.

    WHOOSH!

    As soon as Caine stepped off the road, he was teleported to another plain, this one covered in red grass.

    He looked around, but before he could make sense of his surroundings, a stone tablet materialized before him.

    With a single glance, he read its inscription. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "A test of the heart? Okay."

    Without warning, the tablet shattered into a rain of ash, and Caine was teleported away once more.

    ***

    The world beyond the examination grounds was eerily quiet as the Knight Selection Trials unfolded.

    Across cities and villages, people gathered to watch the trials, broadcasted to all corners of the world.

    As always, the trials were a spectacle.

    The hopeful knights struggled through the infamous Road of Pulled Waters, where each step subjected their bodies to unbearable pressure, a weight that doubled with every step taken.

    Bones broke, flesh tore, and minds faltered.

    Yet they pressed on, fueled by dreams of glory and a burning passion for their future.

    Next came the Heart Render Tablet, a test of conviction and willpower. The tablet delved into the depths of their hearts, exposing them to unimaginable torment. Their beliefs and dreams were scrutinized and shattered, forcing them to confront their very essence.

    Souls were torn, men wept, women fainted, and all suffered as the foundations of their resolve were tested.

    Finally, there was the Cloud Tether Step, a test of determination and skill. The youths had to ascend into the skies, bypassing the chaotic storms and fierce avian beasts that guarded the fabled Cloud Castles.

    These castles, home to the divine and mighty Holy Knights, radiated terrifying auras that served as an additional barrier. The Holy Knights, trained personally by the Pope, stood as figures of power second only to the Pope himself.

    Together, these trials made for a captivating spectacle¡ªa tempest of excitement, triumph, and despair. Underdogs rose, geniuses faltered, and every moment was a feast for the eyes.

    So why was the world so quiet?

    In the capital, a merchant stood among a crowd gathered in the streets, staring at one of the massive projection screens displaying the trials.

    "What¡­ am I¡­ seeing?"

    His voice trembled as he struggled to comprehend the scene before him.

    To traverse the Road of Pulled Waters without stopping was already a feat that bordered on impossible. Doing so in less than a minute was unthinkable.

    But to shatter the Heart Render Tablet entirely?

    And to ascend into the clouds and reach the Cloud Castles without encountering any obstacles?

    "Who¡­ who the hell is that blind bastard?!"

    Gasps and whispers filled the streets as people began to wonder if the Church was about to birth its tenth Holy Knight.

    ***

    Caine landed softly on one of the Cloud Castles, his wings fading into nothingness as his feet touched the ground.

    The castle''s architecture was ancient and gothic, its stained-glass windows reflecting sunlight in dazzling hues that contrasted starkly with the dark, black bricks of its structure.

    It sat atop a bed of clouds, defying logic with its weightless elegance.

    Caine found it odd but unworthy of investigation¡ªany low-tier formation could accomplish such a feat.

    ''Where is the supposed hidden trial?''

    Enya had informed him that if he reached this castle in record time, a special trial would occur. Yet, so far¡­

    BANG!

    A man crashed onto the platform in front of Caine, the impact shaking the clouds and the castle behind them.

    The man was clad in heavy silver armor, his bald head gleaming in the sunlight. His burning orange eyes radiated power and authority.

    Dozens of swords hovered behind him, arranged in a perfect spherical formation, each blade glimmering with lethal intent.

    The man''s gaze locked onto Caine, narrowing slightly.

    "Greetings," he said, his voice deep and resonant.

 Chapter 156 Ease and Simplicity(II)

    Caine observed the man before him, his eyes¡ªor rather, his gaze¡ªsweeping up and down in quiet assessment. Before he could act, a sudden mental transmission from Pope Francis interrupted his thoughts.<Don''t kill or cripple him; he''s a good kid. Also, be wary of the old lady.>

    Caine didn''t respond, offering only the faintest nod of acknowledgment. His attention returned to the towering man standing before him.

    "Hello," Caine greeted, his voice calm and neutral.

    The armored man''s tense stance relaxed for a moment before he straightened and spoke. "I am Bertrand Sims, Holy Knight of the Rising Sword."

    "Who might you be?"

    Caine remained silent for a beat, as though considering his response.

    "Lerouge. Caine Lerouge."

    Bertrand nodded, his expression unchanging.

    "Good, Lerouge. Your performance in the trials was impressive enough to trigger the Holy Protocol."

    His feet left the clouds as he began to hover, qi wafting off his body in rippling waves. The energy coated his hovering swords, and his aura steadily built, climbing to oppressive heights.

    "Now, you have a chance to join us, the Knights of the Holy Creed. All you must do is defeat me."

    Caine chuckled softly. "A mere trainee must defeat a fully-fledged Holy Knight to join? Quite demanding, don''t you think?"

    Bertrand did not respond, his aura now fully unleashed. A sword of orange light materialized in his hand, blazing with searing energy.

    "Let us begin."

    Bertrand shot forward, the air folding and exploding under the strain of his acceleration.

    In moments, he was upon Caine, his blades moving to impale him from all sides while his own sword arced upward with terrifying momentum.

    "Apologies," Caine murmured, his voice calm despite the ferocity of the attack. "But I''m still quite tired, so I won''t drag this out."

    Caine''s palm shot forward, moving so quickly it seemed to transcend the natural laws of existence.

    His hand lightly tapped Bertrand''s armored chest, and a pulse of qi rippled outward from the contact, surging through every fiber of Bertrand''s body.

    Bertrand froze mid-motion. His swords clattered to the ground, his qi dissipated into nothingness, and he fell to one knee, blood pouring from his nose.

    But Bertrand wasn''t finished. His blood qi surged violently, repairing the damage to his body in an instant. With a roar that echoed across the sky, his aura reignited, his blades springing back to life.

    Caine sighed, exasperation flickering across his face.

    He moved forward with deliberate steps, dodging Bertrand''s attacks with uncanny precision. Each of Caine''s retaliatory strikes was a simple palm, delivered too quickly for Bertrand to counter or evade.

    Though the attacks seemed harmless, Bertrand''s body slowly began to fail. His veins ruptured, his organs faltered, and his strength ebbed away.

    It made no sense.

    How could a palm coated in neutral qi cause such devastation?

    "Please, give up," Caine said, his tone almost pleading. "As I said, I''m very tired."

    Bertrand''s orange eyes burned crimson, black runes erupting around him as a new, sinister power awakened within. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Caine''s gaze narrowed slightly, and he immediately moved.

    In a single step, he closed the distance between them. In the blink of an eye, dozens of palms crashed into Bertrand''s body, each one delivering precise, devastating force.

    Bertrand didn''t even have time to scream before a fist slammed his jaw shut, snapping his head back.

    PAH!

    Caine''s fist buried itself in Bertrand''s gut, driving all the air from his lungs. A wave of death qi coursed through Bertrand''s body, corroding his blood qi and ravaging his system.

    To Bertrand, Caine was a blur¡ªa mess of overlapping motions he couldn''t comprehend, let alone counter.

    PURCHI! Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Bertrand collapsed to his knees, his body bloodied and broken. His swords hovered precariously at his sides, their tips pressed against his own throat.

    Caine stood over him, his expression as serene as ever.

    "This could''ve been avoided had you listened. Now look¡ªyou won''t be able to move for days."

    Bertrand sighed in resignation. Seeing this, Caine smiled faintly and dispelled the death qi coursing through Bertrand''s body.

    Bertrand''s eyes widened as the once-lethal energy transformed into a restorative tonic, amplifying his blood qi''s healing properties.

    His recovery, which should have taken weeks, was reduced to mere moments.

    Rising shakily to his feet, Bertrand accepted Caine''s outstretched hand.

    "I tried my best not to crack your armor," Caine said with a smirk. "You can thank me for that."

    Bertrand''s lip twitched in annoyance, but he couldn''t help the grudging smile that followed.

    "Welcome to our ranks, Holy Knight Lerouge."

    ***

    Before the Church''s grand glass doors, the people of the capital had gathered, their eyes fixed on two figures.

    The first was a young man kneeling on the ground, his eyes concealed by rune-covered bandages. He wore thick golden knight armor, the light of the sun glinting off its surface.

    The second was Elder Larisse, standing tall and imposing, her expression cold and unyielding.

    In her hand, she held a ceremonial blade.

    She began the knighting ceremony, her voice echoing through the hushed crowd.

    "Holy Knight Lerouge, son of the stars, we of the Holiest Church welcome you into the Timeless Pantheon of Honor."

    She touched the blade to his right shoulder.

    "May your blood bleed gold, and your heart echo with the pulsing drums of heaven and earth."

    The blade moved to his left shoulder.

    "May your soul burn with the flare of a billion suns."

    Finally, the blade rested gently atop his head, pressing into his long black hair.

    "May your body stand against the evils beyond and protect the world from the darkest of lights and the brightest of shadows."

    Suddenly, a terrifying pressure erupted from Elder Larisse. Above Caine''s head, a golden star materialized, blazing with celestial light.

    "Holy Knight Lerouge of the Endless Stars, please¡­"

    Her voice grew thunderous, reverberating across the capital.

    "¡­RISE AND CLAIM YOUR TITLE!"

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The golden star exploded, its fragments fusing into Caine''s armor.

    The armor, once golden, turned jet-black, etched with countless shimmering silver stars. It tightened around his body, accentuating the tempered strength of his refined physique.

    From his shoulders, a cape as dark as the void erupted, cascading majestically down his back.

    Caine rose to his full height, locking eyes with Elder Larisse.

    They nodded at one another before crossing their hands over their chests in solemn salute.

    Together, the crowd, the Holy Knights, and Elder Larisse spoke in unison, their voices rising like a chorus to the heavens.

    "All hail the Holiest of Popes, Francis!"

 Chapter 157 Existence

    After Caine was knighted, officially becoming the Church''s tenth and youngest Holy Knight, a whirlwind of events unfolded.Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire

    Countless parades celebrated his ascension, and he was required to attend numerous official meetings where he was forced to network with influential figures¡ªofficials, leaders, and workers from all across the world.

    Though tedious, Caine didn''t mind much. When he told Bertrand he was tired, it wasn''t a lie. He truly was.

    These formalities, trivial as they were, gave him a rare chance to relax, to wind down after everything he had endured. But such moments of respite wouldn''t last for long.

    At the end of it all, Caine was awarded his own Cloud Castle¡ªan estate in the skies filled with every amenity he could desire.

    ***

    [Cloud Castle of Endless Stars]

    Caine stood in a spacious room with polished wooden floors. The high ceilings were supported by thick white pillars, and tall, wide glass windows allowed streams of sunlight to filter in. The clouds brushed gently against the glass, adding an ethereal beauty to the scene.

    Dressed in simple white robes, Caine stood by a cold metallic table.

    On the table lay Adari''s lifeless body, naked and motionless.

    In one hand, Caine held a scalpel, using it with meticulous precision to dissect Adari''s form.

    Beside him was an array of tools, neatly arranged for his use.

    Originally, Caine had planned to kill Adari and move on without another thought. But during their battle, Caine realized Adari''s value was far too significant to discard.

    It wasn''t Adari''s strength that intrigued him¡ªit was the man''s nature. Adari was a perfect research subject.

    For his plans to succeed, Caine needed a thorough and complete understanding of the aspects. Adari, as though sent by fate, was the ideal tool for such an investigation.

    Caine''s thoughts deepened as he worked, his scalpel gliding across Adari''s flesh with surgical precision.

    ''The aspects seem to be directly tied to the conceptions of their paths in the Spark Realm,'' he mused.

    ''The body, tied to the Earth Path, is far more than just one of many aspects. It feels foundational¡ªperhaps the most fundamental of all.''

    ''Like the Earth itself, the body serves as the foundation upon which all else flourishes.''

    Caine switched tools, slipping on a pair of gloves as his analysis grew more intricate.

    ''The soul, tied to the Spirit Path, is more complex. One would assume that the Earth reflects Heaven, but instead, it reflects the Spirit. Curious.''

    ''Perhaps my understanding is still too superficial.''

    He adjusted his stance, leaning closer to inspect the intricate structures within Adari''s body.

    ''Spirits are born from the clashing or harmonizing phenomena of nature. Nature is a product of the Earth''s capacity for endless potential and life. In that sense, the body is the foundation that allows the soul¡ªthe spark of life¡ªto ignite.''

    ''The body creates the fertile ground necessary for the soul to spark into existence. Once birthed, the soul stabilizes and burns eternally, much like how the elements of nature clash and harmonize to create spirits.''

    Caine''s hands moved faster now, his thoughts accelerating with clarity.

    ''Then we have the World Aspect. For the body to exist, an embryonic form must adhere to the world''s laws. Similarly, for the soul''s spark to ignite, the world must shield and cultivate it.''

    ''To exist is to be in harmony with the world. That is the essence of the World Aspect: one''s resonance and alignment with the world itself.'' S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As his understanding deepened, Caine recalled a key moment from his confrontation with Oldest.

    During their battle, Caine''s illusory world had taken shape, and in that instant, he understood something profound.

    ''My current World Aspect is merely a seed¡ªa precursor to something greater. The maturing of this aspect will allow me to birth an actual world within my body.''

    ''The World Aspect then transitions naturally into the Qi Aspect, tied to the Sky Path. This represents a level of harmony so profound that one gains the ability to manipulate the world''s energies and aspects.''

    ''At this stage, one becomes the bridge between the mortal and the divine, controlling the skies themselves.''

    Caine''s aura shifted subtly, gaining a richness it had not possessed before. His comprehension of the aspects was evolving at a rapid pace.

    He paused for a moment, considering the final piece of the puzzle.

    ''And finally, the Mind Aspect, tied to the Astral Path.''

    Caine set down his tools, clasping his hands behind his back as he began pacing the room, deep in thought.

    ''The mind¡­ the self¡­ the origin. How does it connect to all of this?''

    His brow furrowed, and his steps slowed.

    ''Among all the aspects, the mind is the anomaly. It is unnatural, yet it is a fundamental component of life. It shouldn''t exist, but it does¡ªand its presence is essential.''

    He paused, gazing out the tall glass windows as clouds drifted by.

    ''If the body is the foundation, the soul the spark of life, the world the incubator, and qi the glue that binds it all together, then the mind is the spark of defiance.''

    ''The mind is what allows us to defy, to cultivate, to ascend beyond our natural limitations. Its origins lie in the separation of the self from the world.''

    Caine''s pacing resumed, his thoughts flowing like a torrential river.

    ''When the four aspects¡ªbody, soul, world, and qi¡ªare at their weakest, they form a microcosm, one that is separate yet dependent on the world.''

    ''At their peak, these aspects create a macrocosm, one that is independent of the world entirely. It is within this separation that the mind is born.''

    His thoughts crystallized, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips.

    ''So that is why consciousness forms last.''

    Caine returned to Adari''s body, his movements now confident and precise. His mind was racing with newfound understanding.

    ''The body is the foundation of existence. The soul is the spark that animates life. The world is the nurturing incubator. Qi is the force that binds and bridges all things. The mind is the defiant flame that separates the individual from the world.''

    ''And together, when harmonized, these five aspects birth the hidden sixth aspect¡­ existence itself.''

    A silent explosion seemed to erupt in Caine''s mind, clarity washing over him like a tidal wave.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    Caine''s smile deepened as his thoughts shifted once more. His hands began to move faster, his focus unwavering.

    ''If existence is the hidden sixth aspect, then¡­''

 Chapter 158 Existence(II)

    Caine''s thoughts slowed, and he retraced his reasoning, carefully reviewing the insights he had gained.Realizing his understanding was still too abstract, he delved deeper into his enlightenment, attempting to ground it in tangible application.

    ''In a more concrete and practical sense, what does all this mean¡ªespecially within the context of cultivation?''

    Caine''s True Will seeped and dug into Adari''s flesh as he continued his meticulous dissection.

    ''The body,'' he thought, ''can be seen as the upper limit of all things¡ªthe anchor and the source of all power.''

    ''As a vessel, its upper limits dictate how much the other aspects can grow and evolve. Moreover, the body acts as a central force; as long as it remains intact, the other aspects can be restored.''

    He paused, turning Adari''s arm slightly to better observe its structure.

    ''In a more nuanced sense, the body is also a well of power, a reservoir from which all other aspects draw.''

    A soft hum escaped his lips as understanding blossomed further.

    ''Ah, I see. I see. I see.''

    He adjusted his tools, his focus sharpening.

    ''Then the soul¡­ The soul can be understood similarly. Born upon the Earth from the clash and harmony of nature, it can be seen as a tool of control and, perhaps more importantly, a bridge for communication.''

    ''The soul allows me to control my physical form, but its primary function is to commune with forces beyond the physical¡ªthe energies and phenomena that gave birth to it.''

    ''In essence, the soul acts as a second body, but one that operates within the ethereal and spiritual realms.''

    Caine''s scalpel danced across Adari''s flesh, his movements precise and deliberate.

    ''Then there is the World Aspect and qi.''

    ''The World Aspect supports all others, acting as a gateway to qi control. It also serves as a template, one that gradually mutates my body into something capable of hosting a world.'' Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire

    His thoughts flickered to his Bond Space, the internal world tied to his Velios bloodline.

    ''I was born with the ability to hold a world within me because of my lineage. My flesh was mutated from the start to accommodate such potential.''

    He switched tools again, his hands moving almost instinctively.

    ''Then there''s the mind. In the simplest sense, it governs both the self and the world. It works in tandem with the soul, which initiates control in the spiritual realm, while the mind fully applies that control.''

    ''The same applies to the body: I interact with the physical world, but it''s the mind that wills those interactions into tangible, active reality.''

    The air around Caine shimmered, his aura becoming blinding, like a star igniting in the darkness.

    ''Finally, we arrive at the child of the five fundamental aspects¡ªthe Aspect of Existence.''

    His lips curled into a grin as his thoughts crystallized.

    ''Existence¡­ It''s the most complex yet the most fundamental. Its primary function appears to be¡­ reverse engineering.''

    The grin widened.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    ''Once one masters and perfects the five fundamental aspects¡ªbody, soul, world, qi, and mind¡ªthe Aspect of Existence unveils itself. Through it, one can modify, tweak, and reverse the effects of the other aspects.''

    ''That''s how some cultivators manage to burn their souls into their flesh, discard their physical bodies entirely, or forgo qi control. It''s through mastery of Existence.''

    A chuckle bubbled from Caine''s lips, light and full of glee. It was the laugh of someone discovering a profound truth¡ªa child enthralled with a new toy.

    ''Now I understand.''

    He removed his gloves, tossing them into a nearby bin. His understanding of the aspects had reached a level that made him confident enough to attempt healing his arm.

    But he wasn''t planning to simply heal. He had greater ambitions.

    ''From Enya''s words, Adari''s attack injured me across three distinct planes.''

    He clasped his hands behind his back, pacing slowly as his thoughts flowed.

    ''First, his Karmic Qi altered the foundational structure of my blood qi, forcing parts of it into dormancy. This prevents certain aspects of my body from healing naturally.''

    ''Second, he infused Demonic Dao Will into my flesh, disrupting its integrity.''

    ''Third, he applied the world''s laws to sever my arm¡ªnot just physically, but fundamentally. He erased its connection to my existence, as if the arm had never been mine.''

    Caine''s fingers brushed his chin, his expression pensive.

    ''Adari used karmic laws to sever my arm across time, erasing it from the continuity of my existence. Uriel''s actions piggybacked off this, gouging my eyes in a way that permanently blinded me.''

    He paused, his gaze distant.

    ''Then there''s the issue of my body itself. Enya wasn''t wrong¡ªmy body is both too weak and too strong.''

    ''My bone structure constantly pushes my strength to greater heights, but my healing factor can''t keep pace with the endless refinement. What should have been an advantage has become a crippling flaw.''

    He exhaled deeply.

    ''This vicious cycle made me vulnerable to their attacks and exacerbated the injuries I sustained.''

    Caine''s aura shifted, a subtle ripple of determination washing over him.

    ''To heal my arm, I must first fix the foundation of my body. Then, I must repair my existence, stabilize my aspects, and purge all external disruptions. Only after these steps will true healing be possible.''

    His lips curved into a faint smile.

    ''But why stop there? I can do more.''

    With a wave of his hand, Adari''s body and the metallic table vanished, replaced by a pristine cultivation mat.

    Caine walked over, his steps deliberate, and sat cross-legged on the mat.

    Flipping his palm, he revealed three orbs entwined with glowing vines.

    These were among the many gifts he had received¡ªsome from Fate after his Trials, and others from Lady Gaia beforehand.

    He had spent considerable time analyzing these gifts since moving into his Cloud Castle, and their potential was nothing short of extraordinary. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    They would be key to the ambitious plans he had laid out for the future.

    Today, three of those gifts would play their part.

 Chapter 159 Existence(III)

    The orbs rippled, and the vines opened up, revealing the treasures inside.The first was a bundle of golden and silver strings, covered in glowing white runes. The second was a beating heart, covered in vines and runes of all colors, and finally, the third was a wiggling mass of flesh and tendrils, like a living cancerous mound.

    ''True Strings of Fate¡­ Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart¡­ Ancestral Vine Symbiote¡­''

    Without wasting any more time, Caine took off his robes just as he applied multiple sealing formations all over the room.

    With a deep inhale and an even deeper exhale, he began.

    The Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart floated toward him and viciously exploded into a bundle of emerald runes that were etched into his chest, right above his hearts.

    BOOM!

    An explosion seemed to go off in Caine''s body as an overflow of Boundless Life and Death Qi flooded his body and tore him apart.

    His skin fell off in dried flakes, followed by his flesh that withered into crimson dust, leaving behind his mighty black bones.

    The Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart was a rather simple treasure. It contained a true and endless amount of Boundless Life Qi and Boundless Death Qi, the highest forms of life and death qi that existed.

    It constantly saturated its wielder''s body and Blood Qi, essentially making them¡­ quasi-immortal.

    Any limb cut off could be regenerated in an instant, any injury could be healed in a minute, and if its wielder''s head was cut off¡­ it could be regrown.

    It was a terrifying treasure and, normally, would be impossible for anyone to wield. After all, who had a body capable of holding such an amount of qi?

    As Caine had understood, the body represented the upper limit of all other aspects. If his body broke down, then everything else fell.

    But Caine had the perfect bone and flesh structure for this heart. With the ability of his bones that endlessly and constantly refined his body at all times, would it not be perfect?

    And with the ability of his flesh to truly and perfectly assimilate all things, would it not be perfect?

    By now, Caine was a hundred percent sure both Zao and Lady Gaia could see the future and help him navigate through it.

    If not, then why was each and every single one of their gifts so pertinent? Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    From Zao''s birthday gift that would soon help him regain his eyes to Lady Gaia''s current gifts and the rune she''d given him, which restrained his True Will so as not to shatter his flesh.

    But though Caine was truly grateful for this, he saw the issue beyond.

    No one but himself knew just how horrifying his Innate Circle was. In truth, if he''d wanted to solve all these issues, he could''ve simply awakened his constitution, though that would''ve ruined a few plans he had.

    So, if even with all his talents and his unmatched mind, he still needed help from the future¡­ just what was he supposed to face? S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    At first, Caine had thought his father''s warning was about his Trial of Fate, but now, he wasn''t so sure.

    BOOOOOM!

    A terrifying rush of thick Boundless Life and Death Qi soared into the air, flowing through Caine''s bones and rapidly lighting up the countless runes etched upon their surfaces.

    At that moment, Caine''s True Will erupted, burning through all aspects of his existence like an eternal flame and burning all foreign influences.

    Though normally, this wouldn''t have worked due to both the complexity of Adari and Uriel''s attacks and the complexity of his own body, now it was different.

    He''d discarded all aspects of his flesh and only kept his bones for the moment, lowering the load needed to be managed and through the endless life and death qi fueling him, it was much easier to shatter their influence.

    BANG!

    The bones of Caine''s severed arms formed in an instant, the sensation of wholeness washing over Caine and momentarily overwhelming him.

    But he didn''t lose focus for long.

    "Celestial Taiyi Bones. Form."

    BANG!

    His bones, previously on the verge of crumbling, solidified as his Bone Structure reformed and horrifying power coursed through them.

    "Chaos Wuji, come."

    Filaments of multicolored flesh appeared in the air, weaving and overlapping to rapidly fill his frame with thick, tempered, and rippling muscles.

    His muscles compressed under the force of his skin, having gone from jade white to a slightly tanned and exotic hue, enchanting beyond words.

    Rivers of darkness fell from his bald skull, his hair having become curly and undulated as it majestically fell and draped over his broad and powerful shoulders.

    His Elemental Organs reformed one after the other just as his Blood Qi began to pump through his veins.

    Over his chest, the emerald tattoo began to grow and cover its entirety, joining with the tattoos of gold and silver on his back, the two harmonizing seamlessly.

    The tattoos faded from sight, and power shot through Caine.

    Now, with the appropriate fuel of his Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart, Caine felt the terror of his foundation. Akin to an empty cup finally filled, his strength began to tower.

    Having done this, Caine pulled upon a second treasure as well as the tattered robes that he''d once used to form his prosthetic arm.

    With a steady heart, he pressed the robes against the Ancestral Vine Symbiote.

    The two fused seamlessly, becoming a strange, wiggling mound of flesh and silk.

    Caine took it and pressed it onto his back.

    He steeled his jaw. "Go."

    The symbiote dug into his spine, fusing into it.

    Caine had already repurposed the torn robes, fusing them into his nervous system and using them as an agent in his body that''d immediately pull upon his Time Qi to heal any of his injuries¡ªbeyond becoming his new arm, that is.

    But now that he''d regained his arm and fixed his foundation, most would likely think it had become useless.

    Caine had other plans, though.

    The Ancestral Vine Symbiote, similarly, was supposed to be fused into the body to almost become a second self that''d protect oneself at all times while also deepening one''s connection with the world.

    When the Ancestral Vine Symbiote was fused with the torn robes, though, a new treasure formed, with an entirely different set of abilities.

 Chapter 160 Existence(IV)â€”Star Fusion

    The Chimera Tendril, as Caine had decided to name this new treasure, would fuse into his spine and completely rewire his nervous system.Not only would this finalize the countless changes he had made to his body during the Trial of Fate, but it would also allow the Chimera Tendril''s abilities to manifest fully.

    Its first and most fundamental ability was control¡ªabsolute control. Not only over his body and qi but also over all his aspects.

    Through the Chimera Tendril, he would gain the ability to manipulate every part of himself as though they were extensions of his mind.

    Consequently, the effects of the Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart would extend to his aspects.

    This meant he could heal his soul, mind, existence, or any other part of himself if they were ever damaged.

    On top of that, the Chimera Tendril would become the vessel of his Primal Will, which could now move independently through him, monitoring his body at all times. It would heal him or address any issues automatically, as needed.

    But the most significant ability, the one that had inspired the idea of the Chimera Tendril in the first place, was Star Fusion.

    Star Fusion was a process Caine had first begun to conceptualize during the Perfected Folds stage of the Blood Realm. At that time, he had decided to refine his body further using Intents, Essences, and Quintessences.

    However, the idea had solidified in his mind only after forming his Dao Heart, when he realized the only way to fully harness his stars'' powers was to use his Dao Heart as a vessel.

    Star Fusion would allow Caine to infuse his stars and True Wills into all his aspects.

    It wasn''t just a matter of tempering or refining his aspects. No, he planned to integrate the influence of his stars into the very foundation of his existence.

    This process wouldn''t merely mutate his aspects. It would transform his entire being into a vessel capable of wielding the immense power of his stars.

    The Chimera Tendril was the ideal tool to achieve this transformation, not only because of the unparalleled control it granted him but also because of the malleability it temporarily bestowed upon his body during the fusion process.

    WHOOOOSH! SHAH!

    Caine''s body, which had just begun to stabilize, suddenly roared back to life. The Chimera Tendril pulled upon the power of his stars, meticulously reshaping all his aspects from the ground up.

    It was during this process that Caine would finally utilize the last treasure he had prepared for this transformation: the True Strings of Fate.

    As his body was reshaped and reformed, the bundle of golden and silver strings dove into his Dao Heart, fusing with its structure.

    Moments later, from his two Dao Hearts, new strings of fate shot out, connecting to the Chimera Tendril and further mutating his aspects, weaving themselves into the very fabric of his being.

    The Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart had completely repaired Caine''s foundation, granting him a quasi-immortal body strong enough to withstand fusion with the Chimera Tendril.

    The Chimera Tendril, seizing the opportunity presented by his chaotic, restructuring body, initiated the Star Fusion process. Amid this transformation, with his aspects temporarily broken down, the strings of fate rooted in his Dao Hearts began to fuse into every part of him.

    The purpose was singular: control, control, and more control.

    The True Strings of Fate had virtually limitless potential, but for now, Caine focused on a single use.

    By embedding the strings into his Dao Hearts, he enabled them to generate their own threads. These threads, once fused into his aspects, allowed him to control every facet of his being through his Dao Heart and, indirectly, his True Will.

    This intricate series of procedures, each step carefully calculated and planned, was designed to transform Caine entirely, addressing and resolving countless issues within him.

    RUMBLE!

    Caine''s body trembled as his existence rippled, reshaped by the infusion of his stars'' essence and True Wills.

    His aspects, one by one, morphed and evolved as the Chimera Tendril burrowed deeper into him, becoming an integral part of his being.

    As this transformation unfolded, his True Will expanded in both width and depth. Through the strings of fate now embedded within him, his control over himself grew sharper with every passing second.

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    The sensation was intoxicating. For a brief moment, Caine''s mind blanked, overwhelmed by the bliss of absolute oneness over his own existence.

    And yet, the changes continued.

    ***

    Elder Larisse reclined in her chair, her expression thoughtful as she absentmindedly caressed her chin.

    She now wore her Holy Knight armor, a pristine white adorned with blood-red runes that radiated a palpable killing intent.

    "What do you think?" a masculine voice echoed from the shadows.

    Elder Larisse''s chair pivoted slowly, turning her to face the expansive windows behind her. From this vantage point, she gazed out over the capital and its bustling streets. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "About?" she asked, her voice as cold and unyielding as ever.

    "The kid."

    Larisse shrugged, her tone indifferent.

    "Decent at best, mediocre at worst. I see no depth in his character, no spark to his Will."

    A low chuckle resonated from the darkness.

    "But isn''t that exactly what you''d expect from a snake? What good would its stealth and slow slithering be if its light was visible to all?"

    Her frown deepened. "Am I supposed to praise a noble brat for falling from the skies, forced to crawl pitifully on the earth while we climbed higher?"

    "Why should I honor the mighty for their fall? If the light is too bright for him, then he''s worthless."

    The voice chuckled again, softer this time.

    "Oh, my dear Larisse¡­ a man without pride, a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain¡­"

    "¡­is a god wreathed in scales," she finished, the words leaving her lips in a whisper.

    Elder Larisse rose from her seat, her expression unreadable. "We''ll see."

    With deliberate steps, she exited the room, her armor glinting faintly in the dim light.

 Chapter 161 Sir

    The streets of the capital were rather empty, most preferring to stay inside and keep warm against the rain that had suddenly begun to fall a few days prior. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library EmpireYet, the children still played and danced in the rain, stepping and jumping into puddles, splashing one another as their laughter echoed alongside the smoke from the lit chimneys.

    A few merchants lingered in the streets, smoking under the cover of plazas, shielded from the rain. Some hoped to make a few sales, while others joined in the children''s games. Meanwhile, the capital''s knight guards stood watch, their presence providing a sense of peace and security.

    Caine and Enya walked through the capital amidst it all, unseen and unfelt by those around them.

    Enya wore simple rose-colored robes, her hair neatly tied into a bun, while Caine, as always, was clad in robes of black and white. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His long curly hair flowed freely with the soft breeze, his robes fluttering as they moved.

    Despite his eyeless state, his face still wrapped in bandages, Caine''s head turned slowly, as though he could see and appreciate the beauty of the scene before him.

    With unhurried steps, they strolled through the quiet streets of the capital.

    Suddenly, Enya broke the silence.

    "May I ask you a question?" she asked.

    "Go ahead."

    Enya hesitated for a few moments, their footsteps echoing faintly in the stillness before she finally spoke. "Sir, do you dream?"

    "What a strange question," Caine replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "Do I dream? I suppose not anymore. I haven''t slept in quite some time. Even when I do, I don''t think I dream."

    "It''s interesting you ask that. I truly don''t remember ever dreaming," he continued with a soft chuckle. "I suppose my mind finds comfort in the silence and stillness of sleep, foregoing the need for dreams."

    "Why do you ask?"

    Enya laughed at his response, her hands moving to cover her mouth as her giggles echoed through the rain-drenched streets.

    "Oh? Have I said something funny?" Caine inquired, his voice light.

    Shaking her head, Enya allowed her laughter to fade. "Sir, I didn''t mean it literally. I meant to ask if you had any dreams¡ªfor the future? Or if you had any at some point?"

    "You seem strangely driven," she added. "As if you chase after a star you must grasp at all costs. Such passion is embedded in your flesh and radiates off of you in blinding waves."

    "I can only wonder what could make a man such as yourself chase so hard, you know?"

    "Such as myself?" he asked in return.

    "Sir, what do you not have? Is there anything not in the palm of your hand?"

    Caine paused, momentarily stunned by her words. Shaking his head, he smiled¡ªa soft, ethereal smile.

    "What do I not have¡­ how interesting." His smile deepened. "Dreams? I don''t know. I truly don''t."

    Enya was taken aback by his response, her gaze widening slightly.

    "I try not to think about myself if I can. My mind usually remains apathetic to anything related to my own being."

    Before Enya could respond, a voice echoed from the distance.

    "Oh? Do you not even dream of happiness?"

    Elder Larisse materialized from thin air, her steps deliberate as she approached the duo.

    Like them, her presence was hidden from the average populace.

    "Happiness? Maybe." Caine smiled faintly.

    "Such a thing is rather illusory, is it not? Wishing for it seems¡­ harmful."

    "Harmful?" Larisse''s usually emotionless face shifted slightly, the faintest curve of her lips hinting at a smile.

    "Dreaming of happiness is harmful, you say. You are afraid, hm? Deathly afraid."

    The slight curl of her lips sharpened.

    "You''re scared of losing it, so you run away from it, hm? How cowardly. But what else can I expect from a slithering bastard?"

    Caine''s expression remained calm, his smile unbroken.

    "Oh, it seems you already have quite the strong opinion of me. How unfortunate."

    He resumed walking, but just as he moved to pass her, Larisse''s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder and rooting him in place.

    Her piercing black eyes bore into his face, unrelenting in their intensity. Her True Will erupted like a tidal wave, crashing into Caine with violent force, seeking to overwhelm and destroy him.

    A suffocating pressure descended on the area, silencing even the distant sounds of laughter and rain.

    Just as Larisse opened her mouth to speak, the oppressive aura dissipated, vanishing like a wisp of smoke in the wind. Her True Will recoiled, forcibly pushed back into her own body against her will.

    She blinked, momentarily disoriented, only to find herself staring at empty air. Turning quickly, she spotted Caine and Enya''s slowly retreating figures, their backs fading into the distance.

    Her gaze narrowed, and she reached up to touch her throat. Pulling her hand away, she saw blood.

    Though the wound was already closing, the fact that it hadn''t healed instantly spoke volumes¡ªand beyond that, she hadn''t even seen him move.

    Her eyes remained fixed on their fading silhouettes, and just as they disappeared from view, a whisper reached her ears.

    "It was a pleasure, Lady Larisse."

    ***

    "What¡­ what was that?!" Enya exclaimed once they were safely out of Larisse''s range of perception.

    The sheer pressure the woman had emitted was unlike anything Enya had experienced before.

    "Hm? Nothing too important. She was simply testing my bottom line and failed miserably. She''s quite the wounded animal," Caine replied calmly.

    "Anyway, what were we talking about again? Was it¡­ dreams?"

    "Sir, are we truly going to let this slide?!" Enya demanded, her voice trembling with frustration.

    Caine chuckled softly. "What would you have me do? She''s a Holy Knight. No one but the Pope himself can hold her accountable."

    "And fighting her? That would be far too troublesome."

    Enya''s gaze faltered, disbelief evident in her expression.

    "Sir¡­ are you saying¡­ you''d lose?"

    Caine shook his head, his smile one of quiet amusement.

    "No, I doubt I''d lose. It would simply be bothersome because of the Pope. He doesn''t want me to kill anyone."

    He paused, then redirected the conversation with effortless ease.

    "Now, back to dreams. What''s yours?"

    Enya sighed, reluctant but resigned to let the matter drop.

    "My dream¡­?"

 Chapter 162 Sir(II)â€”Facets

    "My dream¡­ my dream?" Enya spoke aloud, her gaze drifting upward toward the gray skies that loomed over the capital.

    "I suppose my dream would be to become a goddess." Her eyes pierced through the clouds, landing on the brilliant and ever-stable sun. "A goddess of light and hope."

    She smiled softly, her features brightening as she continued. "If there is no heaven for us poor mortals, why not create one?"

    "The brutal finality of death is¡­ horrifying. It scares me. To one day exist, and in the next blink, to not. It terrifies me that nothing of me may linger, that I''ll never be able to look back on my years as a living being."

    "The endless void of it all¡­ it frightens me."

    She sighed deeply. "So, my dream is to transcend such a fate and create a paradise where all can find comfort." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "A paradise of eternal life, eternal bliss, eternal joy¡ªwhere no regret or sorrow can ever take root."

    "My mother¡­ I wish to hold her in my arms once more, and my father¡­ I wish to feel the warmth of his smile again. I want them to be at peace."

    "As hopeless as my dream may seem, I¡­ believe. I believe in this paradise. I can almost see it."

    Caine listened intently, his usual indifferent smile fading into something warmer, almost empathetic.

    "You fear death and wish not only to save yourself but to save the world from such a fate," he said, his gaze glowing faintly with an unreadable hue. "Their deaths¡­ or perhaps death itself¡ªit has impacted you deeply, hasn''t it?"

    "I wonder, is it loss or death that we truly fear? Or is it our lack of understanding of what lies beyond?"

    Enya remained silent for several moments, her breaths quickening as her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

    "Grief breaks us all," Caine continued, his tone measured. "It''s as inevitable as death itself¡ªlike a burden cultivated and passed from person to person."

    "Your dream¡­ I can''t say I''d be able to pursue it. I don''t think my heart would weather that storm."

    He chuckled lightly.

    "You''re quite the tenacious lady, Enya."

    ***

    The duo wandered through the capital''s streets, alternating between conversation and stretches of tranquil silence.

    As they walked, Caine''s mind began to drift back toward the intricacies of the aspects, his thoughts circling their complexities yet again.

    By now, he was almost entirely certain he had mastered the basic layers of their mysteries to perfection.

    In fact, he guessed that in the Spark Realm, his comprehension of the aspects was likely unmatched. Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

    And yet, his mind continued to return to their intricacies, as though drawn by some elusive final piece of the puzzle. As he pondered, his Dao Heart pulled him into a trance-like state.

    ''Five aspects, birthing an umbrella greater than the sum of their parts¡ªthe sixth aspect.''

    ''All interlinked, wound together, and reflected by¡­ the light of the world.''

    Caine hummed softly in understanding, nodding to himself.

    ''It comes back to Fate, Karma, Destiny, and Luck¡ªthe created facets of one''s existence as a result of interactions with the world.''

    Suddenly, a ripple coursed through Caine''s body, and his perception of the world began to change in real time.

    Above every person''s head, illusory stars of various sizes and colors appeared. Some were adorned with runes, while others were reflected by towering, ancient creatures and entities.

    ''Luck¡ªOrigin Luck Star.''

    From their spines, golden threads filled with endless, rune-covered patterns shot out, connecting to a tapestry that stretched into the heavens above.

    ''Fate¡ªTrue Fate Thread.''

    Beneath the golden threads, shimmering brands glowed faintly, emitting dark gray fumes of essence.

    ''Karma¡ªKarmic Brand.''

    And finally, black strings emerged from their spines, intertwining with the golden threads and joining the vast tapestry above.

    ''Destiny¡ªDestiny Line.''

    Caine remained calm despite the enormity of his breakthrough, his thoughts immediately multiplying.

    ''The Luck Star directly dictates how lucky someone is¡ªor will be. It skews the odds toward or away from them. But¡­ it can also be influenced.''

    He focused on the Luck Star of a passerby.

    Unlike most people, whose illusory white stars were no larger than a bean, this man had a golden star the size of a melon, shimmering with the reflected image of countless blades.

    ''His luck is steering him toward a specific path. It''s directly influencing the outcomes of his actions, guiding him toward a predetermined direction.''

    Caine''s gaze shifted to the man''s True Fate Thread.

    ''I see,'' he thought, realization dawning. ''The True Fate Thread assigns inevitable tasks¡ªconditions of life. In turn, his luck bends and twists to accommodate his fate.''

    ''This man''s thread has marked him to become a grand swordsman, someone destined to revolutionize the world. His luck is simply steering him toward that outcome¡­''

    Next, his gaze settled on the man''s Destiny Line.

    ''The Destiny Line is a conduit. It represents the myriad possibilities branching from his assigned fate. But it also harmonizes with his Will, tweaking the direction of his luck and the exact shape of his fate.''

    ''It aligns with his desires, giving him a path to take control of his luck¡ªor even defy his fate entirely¡­''

    Finally, Caine examined the man''s Karmic Brand.

    ''The Karmic Brand¡­ what is it exactly?''

    His thoughts paused, his brow furrowing as his Dao Heart erupted with power. It forcefully pulled him into the deepest state of enlightenment his mind could withstand.

    Though Caine often regarded this as a trivial ability of his Dao Heart, he would soon learn otherwise.

    ''The Karmic Brand serves as a bridge¡ªlinking the external and internal. The better one''s karma, the more favorable the tides of the world become, almost like luck¡­ but entirely dependent on one''s actions.''

    ''But beyond that, it represents connection. Connection to the world, to family, to one''s body and aspects. Good and bad karma with others can be exploited and utilized, shaping the world''s response to you.''

    As the realization struck, his aura manifested on its own, wrapping around him like a protective shroud.

    WHOOOSH!

 Chapter 163 Francis

    ''But though these facets come from one''s interactions with the world itself, they are entirely ours¡­ The world communes with these facets to indirectly control and stir us¡­ but it''s only because most, if not all, have no idea these facets exist¡­''

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    ''¡­and can be controlled. These facets are fundamental and inseparable parts of the very fabric of our existences.''

    An exhale left his lips, carrying a foggy heaviness.

    ''So this is how Adari did it. He used his understanding and control over Laws to attack me through my Karmic Brand and isolate my arm, as if it were an existence on its own yet still linked to me.''

    ''Then, he severed the karma between this false existence and myself, essentially rewriting my entire¡­ existence. To make it as if I''d never even had an arm in the first place.''

    ''Not only is it a deep application of karma, life, death, and time laws¡­ he also added chaos laws to disturb the harmony of my existence itself.''

    ''What a monster. What a monstrous genius¡ªthe bastard essentially created a technique that¡­ rewrites your opponent''s existence.''

    These thoughts tore through Caine''s mind with inexplicable ease, his Dao Heart bouncing off the endless vitality of his life heart to forcefully overload his brain, pushing him deeper and deeper into his enlightenment.

    And in turn, the scope of his mind widened while retaining its elasticity, allowing for¡­ much more.

    Much, much more.

    ''The Five Aspects. The sixth aspect. The four facets.''

    Caine''s gaze turned upward, his eyeless face staring at the skies above.

    Above his head, he had no star. No thread. No line. No brand.

    Observing this, Caine couldn''t help but grin madly. At that moment, two terrifying techniques were birthed in his mind.

    ***

    A few days passed.

    After spending time sparring and familiarizing himself with the other Holy Knights, Caine was finally summoned by the Pope.

    [Holy Capital¡ªSacred Hall]

    In a wide and empty hall, its towering ceilings adorned with ancient paintings, thick golden pillars radiated qi, holding the structure aloft.

    The floors of black obsidian reflected the faint light of the room, giving the space a somber, ethereal quality.

    Caine and Pope Francis faced each other.

    Pope Francis sat lazily reclined on a throne, his chin resting on his closed fist. His gaze, full of amusement, calmly observed Caine.

    On the other hand, Caine stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back, his demeanor entirely serene. He didn''t move, speak, or act.

    He simply waited.

    The Pope smiled and finally broke the silence.

    "You''ve changed quite a bit, little Velios."

    "How many years have passed since we last met, from your perspective?" he asked, leaning forward and interlocking his fingers.

    "Five years in a few hours," Caine replied directly.

    "Interesting," the Pope muttered. "Well, I''m sure you have quite a few questions. Go ahead and ask them."

    Caine remained silent for a few moments, his thoughts drifting back to their first encounter.

    More specifically, to a set of words the Pope had spoken back then:

    <¡­some things can''t be said due to your mortality¡­>

    Immediately, Caine understood that what he could ask¡ªor rather, be told¡ªwas limited. It was very likely that everything he truly wanted to know was locked behind those restrictions.

    So he had to take another approach.

    "Who are you to me?" Caine asked.

    Immediately, Francis grinned. "You clever little snake," he said, chuckling aloud. "I am Francis Voinery Void, also known as The Artisan, Lord of the Artisan Guild."

    He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You could also call me uncle, considering I''m your mother''s youngest brother. Or, you could call me master, since you''re my disciple."

    If Caine had eyes, they would have widened beyond belief. He had expected a shocking answer, but this¡­ this he hadn''t anticipated.

    Not at all.

    In fact, he didn''t even know how to react. Now that he could see Karmic Brands, it was clear that his blood was indeed tied to Francis''s, just as it was tied to Zao''s.

    Caine sighed, raising a hand to massage his forehead in frustration as his mind buzzed with countless thoughts.

    "I see," he whispered. "I suppose I can''t know more on that front?"

    "You suppose correctly," Francis replied.

    "How did you get here? Or have you always been here? Where are you in the real world?"

    Francis''s gaze narrowed for a moment in confusion. "Hm? What is the basis of these questions?"

    "Our world is sealed off from the outside, is it not?"

    Francis froze, his previously casual expression hardening. His gaze, once confused, sharpened dangerously. "How¡­ do you even know that?"

    Before Caine could respond, Francis raised a hand to stop him. "No, don''t tell me. It''d be troublesome, and I can guess."

    "As for how I got here? Your world may be sealed off, but this isn''t your world, is it? This is a fractured reality encroaching on a point in your world''s space and time."

    "It''s a small world linked to yours, but not truly part of it. It acts as both an entry point and an exit point."

    "All I had to do was sense your location via our blood connection and send one of my avatars near here, waiting for the day this fractured point opened up."

    "So this isn''t your real body¡­" Caine sighed as a new realization dawned on him.

    If this was merely one of Francis''s avatars, then that meant this fractured reality would likely¡­ sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine shook his head, brushing those thoughts aside.

    "I see. So¡­ what is your goal? What is the point of all this? What is going on? And¡­ do you know where they are? Or what happened? What can you tell me?"

    Francis leaned back on his throne, his typically smug smile fading as his features grew serious.

    "It''s complicated. Very complicated," Francis admitted, his gaze flickering with a brief flash of fury. "Too complicated. I could have told you much more if your other uncle were here, but he''s too injured to take the risk."

    "So I can''t talk about them for now."

    "As for my goal?" Francis''s smile returned, sharp and mischievous. "Didn''t I say you were my disciple?"

 Chapter 164 Francis(II)

    Caine remained silent, hearing these words, waiting to see where Francis was going.

    "Here," Francis materialized a hexagonal token and threw it toward Caine. Before he could grab it, though, the token immediately stored itself in his spatial ring.

    "You''ve decided to walk the Heaven path of the Spark Realm, yes?"

    Caine nodded.

    "Have you found a manual yet?"

    Caine nodded again.

    One of the many gifts he had received from Fate was an Ascension Manual of the Heaven Spark path, perfectly tailored to him.

    "Good," Francis said as dozens manuals appeared from thin air, immediately vanishing into Caine''s ring again. "Make sure you complete these techniques before you reach the Fifth Heaven stage, yes?"

    Caine''s lip twitched in slight annoyance at Francis'' behavior, but in the end, he nodded.

    As shameless as the man seemed to be, Caine could tell he was relatively trustworthy.

    "Alright, follow me. We don''t have much time."

    Francis stood up from his throne and exited the hall without further delay.

    ***

    The room they entered was almost identical to the previous one, with the only difference being two mats placed where Francis'' throne had been.

    Without halting their steps, they moved to the mats and sat down cross-legged.

    Immediately, Francis began.

    "Talent, Foundation, and True Will¡ªthese are the factors that separate the elite from the rest. I don''t have much time, so I''ll focus on True Will."

    "True Will, the most important of them, is also the most complex due to its endless possibilities. As you''ve seen, your True Will has evolved to become a True Royal Will, which has allowed you to gain an aura."

    "Though your aura is of the God standard of royalty, your True Will is still at the lowest stages of royalty. Obviously, that''s fine, but I bring this up to show you how different each person''s Will can be configured."

    "For example, your Holy and Demonic Wills are rare beyond belief, even among those with innate circles like you or those who come from lineages like ours."

    Francis paused for a moment.

    "On that front, I won''t need to help you since I suppose you have your own plans regarding your royalty, demonic, and holy Wills. What I''m going to focus on is your Will Core and Will Nature."

    Caine''s attention reached an unprecedented state.

    "I''ll be brief," Francis continued. "The goal of the forgery path is to create a True Will and then use that True Will to form a Dao Heart."

    "You may or may not know this, but eventually, all cultivators are led to create a Dao Heart. It is what will eventually house their souls."

    "When that happens, regardless of talent and effort, all will gain something known as a Dao Will. That little death wraith that injured you, for example, used his Dao Will to empower his attack."

    "Now, as I was saying, the true forgery path allows you not only to form a True Will, but it also allows you to form a Dao Heart much earlier than anyone else."

    "Why is that important? Apart from the simple abilities you''ve gained before¡ªyour royalty, demonic, and holy Wills¡ªit mainly allows you to structure your Will in itself."

    "It allows you to forge and create a True Will Core, in which your royalty, demonic, and holy traits and other abilities can take eternal root. But it also allows you to awaken something known as your Will Nature."

    "You''ve met Elder Larisse, yes?" Francis asked.

    Caine nodded.

    "How did her Will feel to you?"

    Hearing the question, Caine remained quiet in contemplation for a few moments.

    "She has a True Will, of royal trait, though it seemed a bit weak. The most interesting thing is her Will felt¡­ alive. It almost felt like¡­ I don''t know¡­ an element?"

    Francis grinned, nodding in affirmation.

    "That was her Will Nature. Her Will Nature is gravity, and her Will Core was directly forged by the very kernel of her darkness affinity. Together, they birthed the oddities you saw, along with an almost endless array of abilities¡­ terrifying abilities."

    Francis laughed, practically able to see the gears in Caine''s mind spinning at breakneck speed.

    "Once you''ve completed this and practiced the techniques I''ve given you, you''ll be set and ready. From there on, your True Will progression will be directly linked to your cultivation base."

    Francis stood up just as Caine closed his eyes and fell into a deep state of meditation.

    "Good luck."

    He vanished.

    ***

    Caine immediately knew what to do, and the process unfolded with such speed, smoothness, and ease that, had Francis been present, even he would have been shocked.

    With Caine''s Star Fusion, his egregiously tempered Will, and his horrifying mastery of True Will, along with the many theories he had previously formulated¡ªit was as if his entire existence had been primed for this moment.

    In turn, it seemed as though his Velios bloodline had been waiting for this exact moment.

    WHOOOOSH!

    At that moment, his Bond Space shook and duplicated¡ªonce, then twice.

    The two perfect copies of his Bond Space shot through his body, burrowing into his Dao Hearts as two loud BANGS! echoed within him, like a pair of primordial explosions.

    The dimensions within his two hearts solidified and stabilized in an instant. They contained the exact same things¡ªhis stars, his Crown and Halos, his Bloodline Avatar¡ªeverything, twice over. The only exception was his summons, which remained in his Bond Space.

    ''Interesting¡­''

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    Now, due to some strange mutation caused by his Velios bloodline, he had two Demonic Wills, two Holy Wills, twice as many stars, two crowns, twice as many halos, and¡­ two Gaia Runes, each containing the terrifying power Lady Gaia had sealed to protect him.

    WHOOOSH!

    His Bond Space trembled as his bloodline whirred to life once more, burning everything within¡ªexcept his summons¡ªinto a cloud of pure essence.

    This was the perfect spark needed for what he sought to accomplish. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    If it had been before, perhaps Caine would have cared to ponder how his bloodline could perform such feats, but now, he truly didn''t care.

    Zao had already confirmed to him that its mutations were positive, so he had no intention of wasting any time doubting him.

 Chapter 165 Francis(III)â€”Will Core

    The process Caine had wanted to follow was rather simple.

    He would forge his Will core, stabilize it, then he''d root his royal traits within it along with his demonic and holy True Wills.

    After that, he''d simply awaken his Will nature, and at that moment, he''d have completed his path of True Will.

    A path that began almost six years ago.

    But with the sudden changes his Velios Bloodline had birthed, he''d decided to change the process.

    He would still, indeed, begin by forging his Will core, but now, he''d do it differently.

    Caine, previously, had already harmonized his True Will and Gifts via the comprehension of the control and creation essences of Will, which had allowed him to solidify the five dragons around his Star.

    Now, using these same dragons¡ªthe very essence and fabric of his Gifts¡ªhe would form his Will core. His Gifts would become the very core of his True Will.

    But not only that, he would fuse Lady Gaia''s rune into the fusion process, which would not only integrate the rune itself into the fabric of his core but also compress and infuse the horrifying power Lady Gaia had sealed within it.

    It was to be remembered that Caine''s Will, during his meeting with Laplace, had been tempered for so many countless years and eons that it had almost ruptured under its own weight, and that was before the countless advances he''d made during his Trial of Fate.

    His Will was too potent, and by condensing this power into his very core, he''d be fixing part of the issue.

    His Gifts, Lady Gaia''s rune, and this sealed power would fuse to become one¡ªhis Will core.

    And once this happened, using the clouds of pure essence his Velios Bloodline had created by burning everything in his Bond Space, he''d¡­ make these cores grow and mature.

    WHOOOOSH!

    Across his two mirrored Dao Hearts, a smooth process unfolded, unhurried and natural. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

    His dragons slowly swam and coiled through the skies of his Dao Hearts'' inner space, fading into streams of flesh and runes that converged and gathered.

    As this happened, emerald runes joined, fusing into the forming cores.

    It all fused and compressed without any fluctuation, explosion, or resistance.

    In both his Dao Hearts, two Will cores formed¡ªDemonic and Holy.

    The former was dark, akin to a spherical void, etched with ancient cursive amethyst marks, while the latter was a bundle of silver radiance, carved with beautiful runes of gold.

    In both his Dao Hearts, the two cores spun around one another, harmonizing, and as this happened, white and emerald runes erupted across their surfaces.

    The power of Lady Gaia''s rune fused into the fabric of his cores as the sealed force it contained rapidly compressed and infused into them.

    Simultaneously, Caine''s royal traits firmly took root as his True Demonic and Holy Wills nestled themselves into the cores.

    His aura rose like a burning, all-consuming flame, silent yet all-encompassing, filling the space of the hall he sat in with his mere presence.

    The clouds of pure essence in his Bond Space shook and flowed down into his two hearts, seeping into his four cores as they rapidly began to enter an endless cycle of expansion and compression.

    The process began and ended just as fast.

    Caine felt all these changes occur, one by one, and allowed the strange novelty of it all to wash over him.

    His Will cores floated down, finding a place between his Twin Stars and linking to the entire ecosystem of his existence.

    The feeling was strange.

    Due to his bloodline, everything had doubled, mirrored across his two Dao Hearts, yet the effects felt both multiplicative and additive.

    The power should have absolutely overwhelmed and ruptured his flesh, yet due to the structure of his cores, it all lay dormant, compressed¡ªcontrolled and harnessed.

    But above all, now that Caine truly had his stars, Wills, and everything else rooted in his Dao Heart¡­ he realized just how much power had been kept away from him and just how beneficial the star fusion process had been.

    ''My bloodline was able to entirely duplicate my Bond Space two times and fuse it into my Dao Heart¡­ essentially granting me two additional inner spaces¡­''

    ''All of this¡­ without me being drained of energy or having to pay any price. How strange.''

    Zao had once told Caine that, until he matured, his Velios bloodline would remain dormant, which was one of the main reasons he''d decided to go get beast bloodlines at the elemental fields, which later trickled into him forming his Chimera Bloodline.

    If his Velios bloodline could do this now¡ªgrant him a Bond Space, an Innate Bond, but also perfectly replicate things free of cost¡ªwhat would it be able to do when awakened?

    ''It seems to have a heavy reliance on¡ª'' Caine''s thoughts suddenly paused. ''Why am I assuming this is an effect of my father''s clan blood¡­?''

    ''What clan is she even from¡­?''

    Just as this thought formed and solidified in his mind, Caine''s Will cores stabilized and finished their establishment.

    A ripple shot through his True Wills, his aspects trembling as a torrential wave of power flowed through him. His Dao Heart shone with a brilliant light, overflowing into his aura and thickening the echo of his presence.

    His Gifts now suddenly felt like something much deeper than just a part of him. Though he couldn''t find the words to describe it, he could definitely feel it.

    If his Gifts before were stuck at the quasi-immeasurable grade, now, they would no doubt have broken past this barrier and reached beyond, firmly rooted at the peak immeasurable grade. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Warp, Control, Sense, Master, and Comprehend¡ªthese were the Gifts Caine had been born with. And now, they had become part of the very fabric of something much more fundamental than his existence itself¡ªhis Will.

    Caine''s Will expanded outward like a domain, and suddenly, everything within this domain seemed to fall under his perfect and unbreakable control.

    He could observe and sense the hidden intricacies and details of all things around him, comprehending and peeling them apart with a mere probe of his Will.

    Space and time, usually beyond the reach of mortals, fell under his Will''s whims as the slightest shifts in their fabrics became evident to him.

    And beyond all that¡­ Caine somehow felt like his Will had gained a sort of sealing essence¡ªjust like Lady Gaia''s rune.

 Chapter 166 Will Natureâ€”Failure

    But it still remained foggy, unclear, sloppy, and directionless¡ªuntrained.

    The countless advancements he repeatedly made stacked atop one another and constantly pushed back his mastery and skill.

    While most lacked power but overflowed with skill, he overflowed with power and heavily lacked skill.

    Apart from pressuring others and imbuing his Will into attacks¡­what could Caine truly do with his Will? What complex technique could he perform with it?

    And now, now that his gifts had joined the fray along with Lady Gaia''s runes, things would only grow more complicated.

    But Caine wasn''t very worried. Once all his current plans were completed, he''d have ample time to focus on mastery and skill¡ªsomething that had always been his forte.

    For now, raw and overwhelming power would suffice.

    ''¡­awaken¡­''

    Caine''s thoughts suddenly quieted, his mind an empty void as his aura faded, retreating into his body.

    Unlike Elder Larisse, who''d forcefully forged her Will Nature, Caine would allow his own to awaken.

    He''d let it form on its own and flourish in accordance with his most favored path.

    WHOOOSH!

    Just as Caine felt a stir in his body, his mind blanked, pulled elsewhere.

    Before he could react, his body limply fell back.

    ***

    In a void of endless darkness, illuminated by countless stars, wrapped around by cosmic storms of divine proportions, a battle unfolded.

    On one side, a gigantic creature, entirely made out of emerald flames, with the grand body of a phoenix, majestically floated.

    Atop the creature''s head, a crown of blazing crimson flames stood, emitting such heat that even the fabric of the void itself seemed to ripple and melt under its might.

    On the other side, a man stood, much smaller than the creature of emerald fire, akin to an ant facing a world.

    The man had long white hair, his eyes a radiant gold, and his body rather frail for his towering frame. Black robes draped over him as his fair hands remained clasped behind his back, his apathetic gaze locked on the distance.

    ''Failure.'' Caine, standing as an observer far from the battle, immediately recognized the man.

    But this wasn''t the only oddity. To his left and right, two other entities stood as bystanders¡ªMirror and Oldest.

    Both seemed just as confused as him but remained silent, aware they were most likely observing a sort of vision or projection.

    "Usurper of Light and Hope¡­" The creature of emerald flames spoke in a runic tongue, its voice filled with vicious hatred and contempt.

    "¡­Slut of Fate, Son of Hatred, Slave of Origin¡­"

    Failure chuckled. "Phoenix Bane, Flame Bearer, Lamp Storm, Beast Defiler¡­" Failure''s voice trailed into silence as he grinned. "I have quite a few titles, hm?"

    "BASTARD!" The Emerald Phoenix shrieked, a sea of flames erupting from its body to flood the void.

    An overflowing domain of emerald flames formed around them, the Phoenix''s crown suddenly erupting with power that slammed into Caine.

    Or rather, attempted to slam into him.

    "Come to daddy." Failure laughed and beckoned the Phoenix forward.

    BANG!

    The fabric of the void itself compressed and shattered as the Phoenix''s wings flapped and it shot toward Failure.

    From the fractured part of the void, countless more phoenixes soared out, rushing toward Failure with gazes full of fury.

    But Failure remained rather indifferent to it all, his gaze focused on the humanoid figure that slowly walked out of the hole torn into the void.

    But suddenly, just as the figure became visible, time seemed to halt and the vision faded into an expanse of endless white, leaving only Failure behind.

    His head panned, his gaze locking on Caine.

    "Up to now, I still don''t remember." He chuckled. "How funny is that?"

    In a step, he appeared in front of the three. Still looking at Caine, he asked, "Do you remember?"

    Caine frowned slightly. "Remember wha¡ª"

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    "Your wishes."

    Caine froze.

    His first wish had been to keep his memories as well as the power of his soul form.

    His second wish had been to be granted the highest level of talent and background possible and compatible with him.

    And the third was¡­the third was¡­

    ''¡­I don''t remember¡­?''

    Failure smiled, seeing Caine''s trembling hands. "What about the Sinner? Do you remember, hm?"

    After Augustine granted Caine his three wishes and sent him into reincarnation, his soul had been intercepted by the Sinner himself.

    There, he''d been given the original curses that allowed him to birth his blessed and cursed aspect nature. But beyond that, and most importantly, the Sinner had offered him a gift.

    He''d be allowed to ask any three questions of his choice, regardless of their scope, and the Sinner would have to answer.

    ''¡­''

    Caine didn''t remember either.

    "What about her name? Do you remember her name? The shape of her face? The color of her eyes?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine didn''t remember.

    Failure''s smile faded. "I''m sacrificing quite a lot to tell you this."

    "Whether you make good use of it is up to you."

    WHOOOSH!

    Immediately, Failure''s body exploded into a cloud of white gold runes that shot into Caine''s body.

    Following along, Oldest and Mirror''s bodies also exploded, turning into clouds of runes that shot into his mind.

    In an instant, Caine''s mind was pulled back as his Natures rapidly awakened.

    ***

    Caine''s body shook as his Will cores trembled and etchings began to erupt across their surfaces.

    Caine''s body suddenly morphed, changing and awakening under the effect of his Natures.

    His first Nature awakened.

    ''The Ouroboros.''

    Crimson etchings settled on the surface of his cores.

    His second Nature awakened.

    ''The Chimera.''

    Multicolored runes overlapped atop the crimson etchings, settling and falling into harmony with the cores.

    His final Nature awakened.

    ''Mother Gaia.''

    Vines suddenly appeared, wound around his cores, tightly gripping and infusing them with vitality and protection.

    His three Natures awakened rapidly, then immediately settled down, falling obediently into the ecosystem of his body.

    Caine''s Will path was finally and truly completed.

    And yet, he remained seated, his mind void of any thoughts and his heart as serene as an untouched river.

    Yet the slight shifts of his chest betrayed the true emotions bubbling deep within.

 Chapter 167 Divine Cloud

    ''Augustine¡­Nova¡­The Sinner¡­''

    By now, Caine would be a fool not to understand something nefarious was happening around him.

    This game, which he''d originally thought only involved the complicated matters of his family, had suddenly expanded to include much more.

    And in turn, it had become much more dangerous.

    ''I see.'' Caine smiled.

    Standing up, he dusted his robes.

    Whether it was Nova, an outer entity seeking godhood, Augustine, a noble higher existence from Samsara itself, or even the Sinner, the man that allowed him to be here¡ªnone of it mattered.

    The worst anyone could do was give him time.

    ***

    "What is going on around here?" Caine asked Enya as they walked through crowds of people that filled the streets, under the warm and brilliant rays of the sun.

    Many wore what seemed to be traditional attire made of hay, their heads adorned with large masks painted white and blue with the faces of strange primordial entities.

    The sound of drums and foot stomping overlapped and echoed to form an old and primal chant that all those in the streets partook in.

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    Merchants walked through the crowded streets with mobile stands attached to their bodies, selling delicacies and trinkets to anyone who might be interested.

    The atmosphere was one of joy, reunion, and remembrance.

    "This is the Divine Cloud Festival, sir," Enya explained as she then pointed to the clouds above and continued. "You see, one of the oldest tales of the world lies in them."

    "It is said that, from the depths of the void, the first gods arose, their sovereignty shattering the earth into countless pieces they''d each rule. And from the cracks in the land, from the abyss itself, the greatest god arose."

    "It is said that his cry twisted the clouds, tore the heavens, and sundered the skies to birth the first pope."

    "And as such, the Day of the Divine Cloud represents the day of union between the first pope and the greatest god¡ªthe day they began their crusade against the ancient, primal gods that tore the earth above the abyss."

    Caine nodded and hummed in understanding upon hearing this, though his mind couldn''t help but inwardly frown. ''So many pieces of history present here¡­yet I''ve never heard of any of this in the real world.''

    ''Has someone wiped out history?'' His gaze narrowed slightly. ''Where even would the church be in the real world..?''

    "So, the people take this day to celebrate, remember what they should be grateful for, and, in general, simply have fun. It''s an amazing tradition, if you ask me!" Enya joyously said as she, too, put on a traditional mask, immersing herself with the crowd.

    Caine chuckled, looking ahead with a smile.

    But suddenly, he felt a pull at his robes.

    Looking down, he saw a tiny, truly tiny figure, perhaps shorter than even a toddler, tugging at his robes.

    The man''s body was extremely disproportionate, his head as large as his torso and his legs chubby mounds of flesh covered in hair.

    From his long, dirty gray hair, the stench that oozed from him, and the bottle in his hand that trailed the ground, he seemed homeless.

    But Caine didn''t focus on that. What he noticed first were his eyes¡ªor rather, his lack of them.

    It wasn''t that the man simply didn''t have eyes.

    With his newfound mastery and understanding of the aspects, Caine could tell the man was blind because of an injury much more severe than even his own, which was maddening considering he''d been injured by an Angel of Fate.

    The man''s aspects had been mutated and turned into chains that tightly wrapped around his existence, warping him into the small, strange creature he was. But most importantly, Caine could see that the aspect facets of this man were¡­stolen.

    They''d been stolen.

    It was a miracle the man was still alive and a testament to the sheer power of his Will, now holding up his entire existence.

    The reason Caine hadn''t seen him come wasn''t because he was too short but rather because the man simply hadn''t allowed him to. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His gaze narrowed.

    "You''re a strange kid, you know?" The man''s voice was rather soothing, almost angelic.

    "What''s your name?"

    The question was simple and held no hidden intention, yet Caine felt his own True Will tremble as if something was pulling at it, forcing it to answer.

    But he could tell the man wasn''t doing it on purpose. The same way Caine''s natural aura had suppressed Enya when they first met was the same way this man''s Will demanded truth¡­it was natural.

    "Caine." He slowly answered, his presence softening as his calm returned. "You?"

    The man laughed. "Decent Will you have on you, though you''ll have to remake it soon. It''s not bad, but I suppose you already have plans for that, hm?"

    Caine didn''t react to these words, but his evaluation of the man rose just one more level.

    "As for me? You can call me Old Kronos. I forgot what my full name was, not that it matters."

    The man took a swig of his bottle, his mouth too small for the bottle itself as he spilled waves of liquor on his face, but he didn''t seem to care.

    "The more solid a thing is, the easier it ironically is to break. How solid you are doesn''t matter; how elastic and malleable you are is all that matters."

    "The mountains beyond are endless, forging yourself to conquer one is futile."

    Caine deeply looked at the man, his emotions unreadable.

    "But again, I suppose you know this, hm?" He took another swig of his bottle. "I loathe little baby snakes like you."

    The man let go of Caine''s robes and began to walk away, his presence fading into a fog of emerald light.

    "Be careful. I''ll be seeing you soon, Lerouge."

    Caine didn''t react to these words, his gaze returning to the horizon as he clasped his hands behind his back.

    "Where did you go, sir?" Enya asked.

    "Hm? What do you mean?"

    Enya tilted her head. "You disappeared for a few minutes. I couldn''t find you."

    Before Caine could respond, screams began to echo from the distance as a tide of chaotic qi swept over the capital.

 Chapter 168 Larisse

    Caine''s senses spread out like a tidal wave, engulfing the capital, searching for any anomaly.

    ''Interesting.''

    The crowd immediately dispersed, screams echoing as the countless buildings of the capital crumbled and the earth itself fractured.

    Rivers of lava rose from the cracks, filling the air with suffocating heat and blinding smoke.

    The skies darkened, clouds gathering to rain down horrifying lightning as soul-rending echoes of thunder filled the ears of all present.

    Torrential rain began to pour as harsh winds swept through the capital.

    Caine took a step forward, vanishing to reappear high in the skies alongside the other Holy Knights. All their gazes remained locked on the horizon.

    "Divine Beast Tide."

    There, on the horizon, upon an empty wasteland, countless entities shrouded in incredibly thick qi rushed toward the capital.

    Fleets of avian beasts filled the skies as the earth rumbled under the rushing tide of beasts tearing through the land. They surged forward toward the capital like a force of nature.

    Dragons and phoenixes soared through the skies, tigers and turtles littered the ground, and the roars of qilins and leviathans reverberated through the air. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Each entity, at the very least, stood at the peak of the Ascendant Realm, their very Wills pulsating with kernels of killing intent.

    Together, these Wills blended and blared out through the world like a deafening call for slaughter.

    The ten Holy Knights calmly observed this.

    "Have beasts been an enemy of the church for long, or is this new?" Caine asked calmly.

    Chauvin, the Holy Knight of Indestructible Earth, a man covered in vines from head to toe, answered without hesitation. "The beasts are the envoys of the ancient gods. Once upon a time, when we were mere slaves, before the awakening of the greatest god and the rise of the first pope, they ruled the world."

    "Since their fall, they have been trying to reclaim their throne in vain."

    Caine nodded in understanding. "Alright, let''s deploy. I''ll stay back and act as support for everyone. If needed, I''ll jump in. Good?"

    "Good," everyone said in unison before shooting off into the distance, leaving Caine alone.

    The nine Holy Knights dove into the heat of battle, closely followed by their Knight armies.

    Caine''s hands moved rapidly, weaving through the air, casting formation after formation and spell after spell in quick succession.

    As he worked, his mind spun with thoughts.

    ''Beasts are the common enemy here and seem to be a force the world endlessly clashes with, but I''ve never heard of this in the real world¡­'' Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

    ''Such a recurring war cannot have been isolated, nor could the existence of the church itself¡­''

    ''So this is either before the Timeless Alliance arrived in our world or¡­has happened in a place within our world that no one knows of.''

    ''Toseh¡­'' Caine''s thoughts quickened. ''He was part of their scheme to originally kill me during my coming-of-age ceremony, and he''s beast nobility¡­''

    ''Which then led me to this fractured reality, most likely under Francis'' influence.''

    ''Should I assume the beasts we face here have become subordinates to the force trying to kill me and Zao, or should I assume they''re cooperating?''

    His thoughts spun once more.

    ''But then again, could I link these beasts to the war Zao and the others fought years ago?''

    ''They appeared to be losing, but none of that shows in the current world¡­so we won somehow¡­''

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine suddenly vanished from his position, reappearing a few meters behind as a blade tore through his original spot.

    Looking at the attacker, he chuckled. "Oh my, who would''ve thought an esteemed elder such as yourself would be so shameless, hm?"

    Elder Larisse slowly turned to face him. "I am not an Elder. My name is Elder."

    Caine was stunned for a few moments before bursting into laughter. Elder shook her head, already used to such scenes.

    As Caine laughed, she moved once more.

    The blade in her hand ignited with burning qi as she swung, her muscles bulking and filling out the frame of her armor as she did so.

    Caine''s hand, though, was faster. Slapping her blade away, he opened her defense, his palm then moving like a streaking meteor to crash into her chest.

    Elder choked on her own blood as she stumbled backward in the air. Her qi suddenly faded from her body as death qi began to erode her flesh.

    BANG!

    A rising kick from Caine connected with her jaw, sending her flying toward the stars above.

    "ENOUGH!"

    Her True Will suddenly erupted from her body, a domain of darkness surging from her that engulfed both her and Caine.

    Looking around, Caine couldn''t help but be surprised. Somehow, Elder had managed to spontaneously create a pocket world and twist this world in the image of her True Will.

    For all intents and purposes, within this world, she was now a god.

    ''¡­Interesting. So Ascendants can create pocket worlds so easily? I''ll have to study my manual soon.''

    Most of the time, cultivators weren''t allowed to know the details of future realms due to complications that could arise either from qi deviation or heart severance.

    But Caine, after his Trial of Fate, had no such limitations. And thanks to the manual gifted to him by Fate itself, he''d have absolutely all the details he could ask for about the realms, from the Blood Realm all the way up to Godhood.

    All he had to do was spend the time.

    "Now, what is the point of all this?" Caine slowly uttered, his fingers holding the tip of a blade that stood mere inches away from his throat.

    Suddenly, the fabric of space around him began to tremble as the world itself seemed to tighten and compress around Caine, applying countless tons of force to him.

    "Well, I suppose you won''t talk."

    With a press of his fingers, the blade shattered and immediately, Elder''s figure faded back into the endless darkness of the world.

    WHOOOOSH!

    His wings manifested, flaring out as dark lightning began to coil around his body and his hair turned into a mane of burning obsidian flames.

    A spear appeared in his hand, its long blade cracked yet held by spider-like threads of golden qi silk. White runes snaked along the spear''s golden pole, and as Caine lightly spun and swung it through the air, the ambient fabric of qi bent and twisted.

    "This won''t be long," Elder slowly uttered, her voice coming from everywhere and nowhere at once.

    Silence reigned for a moment before they vanished.

    BANG!

 Chapter 1 - 1: The Last

    The sound of footsteps echoed.

    In a long corridor leading to a grand gate, a man could be seen walking.

    He was tall, standing over six feet, with a compact and refined frame that perfectly complemented his masculine yet slightly androgynous features.

    His short black hair was slicked back, and his eyes, like a world of silver clouds, mysteriously swirled with hints of white and gold.

    Every step the man took was powerful yet endlessly elegant, perfectly reflecting the scholarly aura and sharpness with which he carried himself.

    He wore an ancient changpao of black and white, embroidered with a sleek design of golden clouds.

    As he arrived before the grand gate of golden metal, he took a deep breath, slipped on a pair of glasses, and murmured to himself.

    "It''s time."

    He exhaled a long, calm breath, then without fear, pushed the gates open.

    ***

    Within a war conference room, entities of divine proportions were arguing.

    Some had bodies of fire and heads of lightning; others were spectral entities, noticeable only by the terrifying pressure they emitted, while some weren''t even humanoid, taking the form of famed dragons with multiple demonic heads.

    All kinds of supernatural and divine energies clashed and exploded as they argued, their terrifying power shaking the earth, their breaths causing tornadoes and their intensity threatening to shatter the world itself.

    These entities could only be referred to as Gods.

    "NO! We MUST attack now! The abominations are slowly eating away and corroding our cosmic barrier! If we remain passive, by the time we get an answer from their side, we''ll be overrun. Do I need to remind you we CANNOT afford to lose any mortals?! Or has peace made you all stupid?" Roared a man whose body was entirely made of snakes, with eyes of swirling golden fire.

    Before any of the many divine figures in the room could respond or get mad at his words, they all froze as the doors opened and a figure walked in.

    Detached and cold, handsome, with dark hair and cloudy eyes¡ªthey all immediately recognized him.

    ''Blight¡­.''

    Existence was divided into three realms¡ªThe Infernal Realm, The Earthen Realm, and the Heavenly Realm.

    Between these three realms, countless smaller worlds existed, populated by quintillions of cultivators, entities that used Qi to ascend and leave their mortal coil behind.

    And yet, within the World Council, through the ages since the first dawn, not a single cultivator had managed to reach their ranks.

    The World Council had only ever included Celestials, Immortals, Demons, and Rulers¡ªthe strongest of the strongest races.

    This had been the case until a few thousand years ago when a certain mortal cripple defied fate itself and reached their ranks without ever cultivating.

    His name was Caine, and they called him The First Blight.

    ***

    Caine''s gaze was cold yet unthreatening as he calmly scanned the room, observing each council member seated around the meeting table.

    Silence reigned as he did so, and after a few moments, he walked over to a simple throne of silver metal.

    Only when he sat down did the previously ongoing conversation continue.

    "As I was saying, we need to act. I understand that you don''t want to violate the ancestral pacts, but we must. If they don''t care for the ancient pacts, why must we? We have to be decisive," said the one who had previously been roaring and screaming, his tone now much tamer and civil.

    On the other side of the table, a woman with a body seemingly made of broken glass and ice shards suddenly spoke.

    "No, we do not need to do anything, Sarbon." She shook her head. "As detailed in the monthly reports, we are specifically waiting for them to breach our cosmic barrier so the ancient pacts are nullified and we can attack at full force."

    Another figure, with a body made of rotten hands, nodded and spoke.

    "Mhm. Our armies have been ready for a long time. All we need to do is¡ª"

    Caine shook his head at these words, disappointment painting his face.

    "It seems our people have not learned. We''ve warred against the abominations for eons and lost most of those wars, yet we still look down on them. How sad."

    His words were like a bucket of cold water.

    "Pacts? When have restrictions ever mattered to these monstrosities? They are born from pure chaos, and pacts are kernels of order. Why would they work on them?" He sighed and stood up.

    "They''re not attacking our cosmic barrier to create a pathway to enter; they''re trying to distract us while their forces take place."

    He began to walk away.

    "They''re already here and have been for a long time."

    As Caine walked out, he spared a glance at an entity with a body of water filled with tiny meteors.

    "We''ve been compromised."

    As soon as their gazes met, the entity exploded into a rain of ash, and a wild gust of chaotic energy swept over the shocked members of the World Council.

    The entity who''d just died was Kairo, a Celestial from the Tainted Water Clan, who had been here for the longest time. His age ranged in the millions, and most of that time was spent as a member of the council.

    If Caine''s judgment and words were to be trusted, and Kairo indeed was a traitor¡ªone who had been among them for so long and knew all their deepest secrets¡ª

    They were done for.

    Panic rapidly consumed these lofty and divine existences, but this only made Caine shake his head more as he exited the room. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Prepare the armies. We''ll be marching out at dawn."

 Chapter 2 - 2: Traitor

    Caine left the council members to stew in their own cowardice and stupidity as he teleported away, appearing within a landscape of endless destruction.

    The skies were tainted red, filled with grey clouds crackling with amethyst lightning, while harsh gusts of wind swept over the dried and cracked lands below, revealing rivers of magma through countless fissures.

    Giant beasts of all kinds roamed the desolate terrain, their auras madly threatening and their presences divine. In this space, as a cripple, Caine truly had no place.

    And yet, he stood unbothered, unaffected by it all, his body intact despite its innate weakness.

    "I do not have much time. Hurry and manifest yourself," he calmly uttered to the wind.

    A few seconds passed before the chaotic world around him began to warp and coalesce into a mighty figure adorned with a crown of golden flames.

    The figure''s eyes opened, revealing obsidian depths as Caine''s gaze locked with theirs.

    Seeing the clear lack of regard and respect in Caine''s gaze, the figure frowned and suddenly swung its arm toward him, a trail of chaotic energy following its quake as it instantly slammed into Caine.

    BANG!

    He was only pushed back a few meters before coughing up a mouthful of blood, which he wiped away with an apathetic expression.

    "Are you done?" he asked, his face scrunched in discomfort as he coughed out more blood and dusted off his clothes.

    The entity shook its head and slowly floated down, reaching eye level with Caine.

    "Boy, you truly have a knack for angering people. If I didn''t know any better, I''d think you weren''t doing it on purpose."

    After finally straightening his changpao, Caine ran a hand through his hair, slicking it back to perfection.

    "It''s brought me more problems than you can imagine. The number of times I could have died probably counts in the millions."

    "It saddens me that none have succeeded," the entity whispered, genuine sadness and melancholy in its voice.

    "I''m happy to see you too, Nova," Caine sighed. "Alright, I''ve fulfilled my end of the deal. Now it''s your turn."

    Caine flipped his palm over, revealing four keys¡ªone golden, one scarlet, one blue, and the last a verdant green.

    "These are the Four World Keys. With them, you''ll be able to control the Three Realms and countless worlds in between. They''ll also help you seal all the ancient lords of the council if push comes to shove and as a last resort, you''ll be able to use them to control the World Will."

    He waved his hand, and the keys floated toward Nova.

    "I don''t care what you do with them. Whether you kill everything that exists, enslave the world, or save it¡ªI don''t care. Now give me my dues."

    Nova ignored Caine''s words, his greed and joy palpable as he trembled with jubilation at the sight of the four keys.

    With these four keys, he''d finally become a¡­

    Without hesitation, Nova reached up and grabbed his own crown of fire, forcing it to solidify into a beautiful golden crown fitted with nine purple jewels.

    Carelessly, he threw it to Caine, but the moment he did, a loud BOOM! echoed across the chaotic landscape.

    Caine calmly caught the crown and began to watch as a plan he''d been brewing for centuries played out.

    ***

    As mentioned before, Existence was divided into the Infernal Realm, Heavenly Realm, Earthen Realm, and countless minor realms, respectively led by the Demons, Celestials, Immortals, and Rulers.

    Above these Three Realms and countless minor realms, however, existed a palace of infinite majesty. Within this palace resided four entities, acting as the last barrier for Existence against the threat of abominations¡ªentities born solely to consume and destroy.

    These four entities were the strongest that had ever existed:

    The Jade Emperor, Lord of all Celestials. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Fallen One, Lord of all Demons.

    The Everlasting Sire, Lord of all Immortals.

    And finally, The Ascendant, Lord of all Rulers.

    These four entities were lofty and untouchable, representing the heavens themselves. And yet now, akin to mere peasants, they stood just a few miles away from Caine and Nova, their bodies disheveled as they looked at the First Blight with eyes full of madness.

    "TRAITOR!"

    The four beings glared at Caine as they rushed toward him, but soon their gazes locked onto the four keys in Nova''s hands. Their hearts sank as they realized the depths of Caine''s betrayal were far more profound than they had ever expected.

    ''How did he acquire the Divine Keys¡­''

    Nova snapped out of his stupor and turned to Caine, his sense of foreboding growing as his heart began to violently slam against his chest.

    Something was wrong. Very wrong.

    This feeling only intensified as, for the first time since meeting Caine as a boy, Nova saw him smile.

    "What''s wrong, Nova?"

    Nova''s danger sense peaked, and on instinct, he attacked.

    "DIE!" they all screamed in unison.

    Caine remained calm as five of the strongest beings to ever exist attacked him all at once.

    He took a deep breath, and time seemed to slow to a crawl as he brought his hands together. Suddenly, thousands upon thousands of spell circles appeared, branded all over the cracked earth beneath them.

    Caine''s gaze burst with fiendish light, and with a low shout, he cast his spell.

    [Heaven Deceiving Array: Terminus.]

    In one moment, he stood in a chaotic world, on the brink of death, surrounded by five divine entities. In the next, everything had disappeared.

    All that was left was an endless expanse of white.

    Slowly, within this expanse, a platform manifested. Upon this platform, six entities slowly took shape.

    Of those six entities, five were chained and impaled, positioned in a circular manner around the sixth entity.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes.

    ''Success.''

 Chapter 3 - 3: Samsara

    Caine took a deep breath and then checked his surroundings as he exhaled.

    On the floor of the platform he stood on, countless micro pathways were visible, channeling the dripping blood of the five entities to empower the living spell that the platform itself had become.

    "WAIT! Wait! Listen! Whatever it is you want, we can give it to you, but now is not the time for this! The abominations are attacking our lands and we need to¡ª"

    Caine tuned out the Jade Emperor''s voice and sat down, crossing his legs and closing his eyes to focus.

    The four Lords of The Realms began barking threats and pleas for mercy at Caine, unaware of what he might do to them. The only person who remained silent was Nova.

    His gaze was almost empty and void of emotion as he stared at Caine, memories of the past filling his ancient mind.

    He remembered the child he had met on that river, crying rivers of blood as he held the cold, lifeless body of a little girl, just as young as him.

    He remembered the endless defiance and bubbling hate in Caine''s eyes. Though Caine had been nothing but a little boy back then, nothing like the entity he was now, the hate that burned deep within him had been so intense it shocked Nova.

    At the time, Nova''s plans had only been in their embryonic stage, and he had been traveling the myriad worlds, finding youths like Caine to transform into useful pawns for when the war with the abominations would inevitably come.

    For years, Caine amazed him with his feats despite his status as a cripple, having somehow found an alternative path of cultivation he created himself, but even then, Caine was fully under his control and grasp, like the pawn he''d raised him to be.

    It wasn''t until that fateful day, when Caine suddenly disappeared for a century¡­

    ''I should''ve known this would happen. I thought he was still nothing but a little toy¡­''

    Even when Caine returned, wielding power so terrifying that Nova was forced to outwardly treat him as an equal, he hadn''t been worried, for he himself wasn''t just anyone.

    Nova was a Demigod, born from the union of a Godly abomination and an outer entity who couldn''t be spoken of.

    Being a Demigod meant he was a single step away from true Godhood and Eternity. Yet despite having lived for billions of years, he was still stuck as a mere Demigod with his power dwindling over time due to the curse inflicted by his strange origins.

    But despite this, Nova had never truly cared. The entirety of existence and its three realms had always been nothing but steps within his plan, the same for the abominations and everything in between.

    They were all steps of a plan he''d devised to free himself and truly become a God.

    And yet now, all of that had been thrown away and wasted due to a single mistake he had committed.

    Nova couldn''t help but laugh.

    ***

    A while later, Caine slowly opened his eyes, unbothered by the mix of shouts and laughter that echoed around him.

    He stood up, then looked at the Three Lords.

    "Before I begin, I will give you a way out. You simply have to answer my question."

    They immediately fell silent, their gazes stilling, and their minds focusing.

    "Who created the Three Realms?"

    Silence.

    Even Nova was taken aback by the question. Was Caine truly asking them who had created everything that existed? What kind of nonsensical question was that?

    And yet, hearing this question, the facade of the Three Lords broke. Their previous display of cowardice faded away, revealing the refined temperament of entities who''d lived since the dawn of time and led all who had ever been born.

    A violent pressure erupted from their bodies, causing the ground they stood on to crack.

    "¡­I do not know who told you, but be aware that if you go through with¡ª"

    "Alright, be quiet."

    Caine waved his hand, and the pressure dissipated as their mouths were sealed shut by a mighty spectral force.

    Though he had asked this question, he wasn''t expecting an answer. He just wanted to confirm one of the many theories he''d developed over the years about the truths of the Three Realms.

    "Well¡­"

    Caine stretched out a palm, then closed it into a fist. Suddenly, the spike that had impaled the five entities began to glow as all their blood and energy were rapidly sucked into the platform below.

    BANG!

    The world itself began to rumble as the fabric of space tore and shattered, the flow of time was disturbed, and millions of timelines collided and shattered, exploding into a cosmic mist that flooded the white space and painted it with a beautiful yet terrifying scenery.

    Nova and The Four Lords all began to scream in pain and horror as they felt their very souls and bodies be ground to dust and used as fuel for Caine''s mad plan.

    As this happened, Caine slowly put the crown he''d taken from Nova on his head and felt its terrifying power course through him.

    To Nova, this crown was called the [Crown of Ascension], an object that would allow him to finally cultivate and gain power through the conventional and superior path. But if Caine had gone through all this trouble and years of scheming just for this, then he wouldn''t be worthy of his own name.

    No, this crown was called the [Divine Crown of Samsara], and it had a near-endless number of effects, but only one mattered to Caine.

    BOOOM!

    One after another, the jewels on the crown lit up. Each time this happened, a loud explosion echoed, and Caine violently threw up a mouthful of blood.

    But he didn''t care. Rapidly, the platform below him began to morph into a swirling portal of amethyst and rose colors.

    Seeing this, Caine laughed madly and brought his hands together for the final time, manifesting a blade within them. Without mercy or hesitation, he plunged the blade into his heart and killed himself as he roared out:

    "[SAMSARA IGNITION: REINCARNATION.]" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 4 - 4: Fall

    Years ago, on an otherwise ordinary day, Caine had been assigned a mission by Nova.

    The mission was simple: plant trackers on a few Celestials who had begun to suspect Nova''s schemes. Yet, that day turned out to be the one that changed everything.

    On that day, Caine discovered a cave, sealed away from the world and its endless conflicts. Inside, he met a man.

    This man, who never revealed his true name, went by [The First Sinner] and from that day on, became Caine''s first and only master.

    "The reality you live in is fake, mortal. The earth you walk on is illusory, the stars you gaze at are mere reflections, and the heavens that shackle you are nothing but servants serving a greater purpose."

    "You, mortals of the world, are lab rats endlessly bred as they seek something within you."

    "Boy, what I am telling you is that you live in a dream and are nothing but an ant, shackled by the chains of fate and imposed with a perverted destiny."

    These were the first words Caine heard as his gaze fell on the decrepit figure of an old man, with more bones than flesh on his frame.

    He wore tattered dark robes, had long oily black hair, and his body was covered in ancient cursive marks. Yet, as Caine stood there, he couldn''t help but think that this man was the most majestic entity he''d ever seen.

    Immediately, and perhaps on instinct, he knelt and begged for deliverance.

    He begged the First Sinner to free him from this wretched world and take him away, but the answer he received was nothing like what he expected.

    "Little bastard, stand up. I will not be handing you anything, you stupid mongrel. If you seek something, TAKE it!" The old man''s voice boomed across the cave. "But just this one time, I''ll show mercy and impart you with a seed."

    "What you do with this seed of knowledge will be up to you."

    And just like that, the years that shaped and permanently changed Caine began under the harsh and merciless tutelage of the man he knew as The First Sinner. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    After years of planning, as Caine pierced his blade into his heart and killed himself, a smile bloomed across his face as the figure of that grumpy old man popped into his mind.

    "I''ll be seeing you soon, master."

    ****

    Upon an ocean of amethyst, emerald, and rose colors that extended into infinity and beyond, a small wooden boat could be seen calmly and peacefully making its way across this infinite expanse of water.

    On this boat, a figure could be seen.

    Tall, extremely so, wearing wide and airy dark robes that revealed the entity''s Lich-like body, covered in golden runes, with its left hand holding a scythe of purple fire.

    Its skull was entirely black, covered in ancient cursive marks that gave it a primordial and primal air, only accentuated by the terrifying mantle of dark energy that hung around it, reeking of death and destruction.

    This entity seemed to be the perfect embodiment of what mortals called Reapers.

    Despite its terrifying appearance, the Reaper hummed a harmonious and ensnaring melody that echoed across the vast ocean it sailed upon, as within this strange space, time seemed to hold no meaning.

    An unknown amount of time later, from the black starry skies of this space, a figure could be seen, wearing white garments, unconscious and falling from the skies without any support.

    The Reaper didn''t react, but by the time the entity fell from the skies, it had somehow magically appeared in the perfect position to retrieve the body.

    PUH!

    Despite the terrifying height from which the body fell, it only made a soft thud as it landed on the wooden boat, barely rocking it as the figure remained unconscious.

    "Awaken."

    Immediately, the entity who had fallen from the skies, Caine, sat up and violently snapped his eyes open, his breaths labored as he subconsciously slicked his hair back and began to look around, alert.

    When Caine noticed he was indeed alive¡ªwell, somewhat alive¡ªhe calmed down and exhaled a final breath that regulated his mind and body.

    He then immediately stood up and bowed to the Reaper, who still stood indifferently at the helm of the wooden boat, looking off into the distance.

    "I greet the mighty and revered Reaper, Traverser of Life and Death."

    His body was bent at a ninety-degree angle as he uttered these words.

    After dying, most wouldn''t know what would happen, but if Caine was in the same case, wouldn''t he be a fool? Why go through so much just to blindly kill himself?

    Of course, though he didn''t know much about where he was, he knew enough to have planned his whole escape around it.

    He knew this entity before him could kill him and anything he''d ever met in a mere instant.

    The Reaper, for the first time, reacted and stopped humming as it chuckled and turned to face Caine.

    Its empty eye sockets lit up as a swirling golden flame appeared within them. Although Caine was still bowing, unable to meet its gaze, he suddenly broke into a cold sweat as his hairs stood on end and his heart began to slam violently against his chest, not from fear, but because his very existence felt threatened, like prey before a predator.

    Despite this, he tried his best to remain calm and collected. After all, after coming so far, he couldn''t allow himself to fail now.

    The Reaper''s eerie chuckle echoed and spread throughout the entire ocean they sailed upon as it then shook its head.

    "It''s rare to see mortals like you. Usually, I only hear about your kind during the Era meetings."

 Chapter 5 - 5: Information

    Caine was confused by the words, but he didn''t dare question the entity before him.

    The Reaper waved its hand, and a spectral force took hold of Caine''s body, forcefully straightening it so they now met eye to eye¡ªor rather, Caine looked up, as the Reaper was still much taller than him despite his own imposing frame.

    Their gazes clashed for a few moments before the Reaper chuckled and then turned back to look at the ocean it sailed upon.

    "Mortal, you have died and left the world of the living. Now, you stand in the realm that bridges life and death¡ªSamsara."

    Caine''s heartbeat involuntarily quickened as excitement faintly bubbled within him.

    Samsara was a place of endless myths and one of existence''s greatest mysteries, as even the weakest of mortals knew of this legendary place. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Well, technically, we''re in the Void Sea of Life and Death, leading toward Samsara, but whatever, it does not matter."

    "Samsara, as I implied, is a place of transition for the dead, but I''m sure you''re wondering what this means and what it has to do with you."

    The Reaper remained silent for a few seconds before continuing.

    "Usually, the cycle goes like this: You''re born, you live, you die, your soul comes to Samsara, and then one of us plucks your soul, purifies it, and shatters your memories before sending you back into the endless cycle of reincarnation as a new entity. In truth, it''s much more complex than that, but for now, this explanation will suffice."

    "Now, we get to the part about you." The Reaper turned again and, this time, squatted down to truly meet Caine eye to eye.

    "As you can see, you have a body, and even beyond that, your memories are intact. This means your very mind has resisted the cleansing of another Reaper, and thus, you''ve been labeled a Heaven Defier."

    "This, in itself, is both a curse and a blessing."

    From its squatting position, it sat down cross-legged and gestured for Caine to do the same as it summoned two cups of tea and began serving them.

    "It is a blessing because now, you''ve been granted a chance. A chance to fight other Heaven Defiers for both an opportunity for reincarnation and the granting of three wishes, regardless of magnitude."

    For the first time, Caine was shocked. This last part wasn''t included in any of his plans, nor did he know about its existence. But instead of saddening him, it only solidified his determination.

    To escape from the ''false world'' he''d been living in, he''d spent years slaving away and undergoing the world''s most atrocious forms of torture, even going as far as killing himself¡ªjust for a chance to reincarnate in the ''real world,'' the place where his master had come from.

    But now, not only did he have a chance to fight for this, but he could also compete for three wishes? Of any magnitude?

    ''Good...''

    The Reaper noticed the flame that had been lit within Caine''s eyes, but it didn''t mind.

    Caine was already an anomaly among anomalies. Though the Reaper hadn''t said it, it was a known fact that almost all Heaven Defiers were fallen gods. To be able to resist the cleansing power of a Reaper wasn''t just any regular feat.

    Mortals who managed to do such things were referred to as Irregulars, and in its entire life, the Reaper had only heard of a dozen of them.

    "But it is also a curse because if you fail the coming trials, your mind and soul will be separated. Your soul will be torn and twisted, transformed into a Reaper like me, while your mind will be sent to a place called {Hell}."

    Caine was taken aback by this revelation, both because he felt he''d learned a massive secret and also because that place, {Hell}, was...

    ''Master told me about this place... I can''t remember...''

    Caine groaned slightly in pain as he tried to remember the words his master had told him about Hell, but as he did so, his memories became foggy, and a soul-tearing headache assaulted his mind.

    The Reaper was patient as it sipped its tea and extended the other cup to Caine.

    After a while, Caine felt the pain lessen and exhaled a shaky breath.

    He looked at the cup, then looked at the Reaper in confusion. Receiving no answer, he nodded and took the cup, beginning to sip it.

    As soon as he did, he felt his mind freshen up and grow much, much stronger. It was akin to a gust of cold, refreshing air to a parched traveler stranded in an unforgiving desert, akin to the touch of comfort and warmth itself. Caine nearly passed out from the bliss.

    In fact, he felt his body grow stronger as he downed the cup.

    Slowly, he reopened his eyes and looked at the Reaper with twinkling eyes, both in gratitude and... greed.

    "It''s called Soul Tear Bovy," the Reaper chuckled, not bothered by such a gaze. "It''s made using something called Spiritual Quintessence, something that leaks out of a god''s soul when the flames of Hell burn and tear them apart."

    As soon as Caine heard these words, another headache assaulted his mind, this time much more violent.

    "Oops, it seems I''ve said too much."

    The Reaper waved its hand, and a wave of Soul Tear Bovy manifested from thin air. With a wave of its hand, it all entered Caine''s body through his pores.

    "It''s unfortunate we cannot talk much due to your mortality. Well, it''s a miracle you can even hear my voice without dying, but alas, I digress."

    The Reaper stood up and grabbed its scythe once more.

    "Now, Caine, do you accept your status as an Irregular Heaven Defier?"

    Its tone this time was regal and mighty, so powerful it made the waters around them ripple and the skies darken even more.

    Caine nodded, "Yes."

    "By accepting your title, you understand the consequences of failure and accept them?"

    "Yes, I do."

    Caine stood up as the Reaper nodded.

    The Reaper waved its hand, and a bundle of runes appeared atop its palm.

    "Very well, here you go."

 Chapter 6 - 6: Island

    The bundle of runes rapidly shot toward Caine''s head, fusing with it immediately. His mind was overwhelmed with information about what lay ahead and much more.

    "This is the only gift I can give you, Caine. Don''t disappoint me, brat."

    As Caine passed out and fell from the boat and into the ocean, he couldn''t shake the feeling that this reaper seemed eerily similar to¡­

    "Good luck."

    ***

    A while later¡ªor perhaps only an instant¡ªCaine slowly opened his eyes.

    Lying on his back among bushes and vines, the first thing he saw were soft rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead, covering the sky.

    He sat up, looking around. He was in the middle of a massive jungle, with trees as tall as mountains and a fauna unlike anything he''d ever imagined.

    The soil was a dark emerald green, and the skies were tinted pink. The world around him was a mix of vivid, beautiful colors¡ªranging from ordinary Sakura trees to strange, esoteric ones with white leaves and light blue bark. Even in the many realms of his previous world, he had never seen anything like it.

    Despite his amazement, Caine didn''t linger. Thanks to the knowledge the reaper had bestowed upon him, he knew this forest was the first stage of the competition¡ªand perhaps the most dangerous.

    This event, called the Fate Defying Samsara Festival, was made up of many stages, designed to eliminate as many useless Defiers as possible.

    The first stage, where Caine now found himself, was called the Island of Possibility.

    It had two goals: the first was to grow stronger, and the second¡ªand most crucial¡ªwas to reach the island''s center. Only one person would pass from each island, which meant the Defiers had to kill each other to secure their spot¡ªa sort of preliminary round, so to speak.

    ''I need to start planning.''

    Caine immediately stood up and hurried to a tree, climbing it to gain a better vantage point and to protect himself from the dangers lurking on the ground.

    While most would think the obvious course was to rush to the island''s center, Caine knew that wasn''t the case.

    He was an irregular¡ªmost likely the only mortal among thousands of fallen gods.

    Caine wasn''t sure what it meant to be a god; in his world, it was just a title for the strong. But from the way the reaper had spoken, these gods must be terrifying beings.

    His goal was simple: use this round to level the playing field.

    ''To grow stronger, I need to kill other Defiers. But to do that, I need to lure them to me while stopping them from reaching the center. I''ll also have to do it in secret since they might be stronger than me¡­''

    From the knowledge the reaper had given him, Caine learned that his current form was called a True Soul Form. It wasn''t a real body¡ªnot in the way he, as a mortal, understood it.

    But that didn''t matter.

    In this form, by killing other Defiers, he could steal their soul strength, which would elevate the stage and grade of his True Soul Form.

    There were 13 grades and stages, each representing the quality and quantity of power gained, and each tier was harder to reach than the one before.

    Since Caine was a mortal, his True Soul Form was at the lowest grade and stage. But he had a plan¡ªand if it worked¡­

    RUSTLE!

    He finally reached the top of the gigantic tree and peered through its canopy, looking at the forest''s horizon with determination.

    ''Alright, let''s begin.''

    ***

    After Caine had set his trap, he noticed something that changed everything¡ªhe was alone.

    Why?

    Because he''d been the first to land on the island.

    ***

    A few days later, figures could be seen falling from the sky. Unlike Caine, they were conscious. Some even flew.

    As they rushed toward the island''s center, uninterested in killing each other to elevate their Soul Forms, a powerful gravitational force violently slammed into them, pulling them to the ground. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BANG!

    A young man hit the earth, dust rising as he groaned in annoyance.

    He had a bulky, sculpted physique, and wore airy white robes that complemented his long white hair and burning scarlet eyes.

    He was handsome¡ªextremely so¡ªbut his beauty was marred by an ugly frown as he scanned his surroundings.

    ''A sealing formation¡­''

    He looked at his hands, feeling his power muddled. But before he could complain, a dome of golden light enveloped the island, preventing anyone from escaping toward the endless ocean.

    Immediately after, the young man roared in anger. Trees within a 20-kilometer radius turned into golden chains made of runes.

    These chains dug into his body, transforming into tattoos that heavily restricted his power and gravely injured him.

    He vomited blood as he fell to one knee, his muscular body shrinking in real-time.

    His eyes were bloodshot, and golden blood seeped from his pores. His gaze was full of madness.

    "BASTARD! SHOW YOURSELF!"

    Despite his weakened state, the power in his voice shook the earth. But no answer came.

    Across the island, the same scene played out for every single Defier, without exception.

 Chapter 7 - 7: Genius

    Caine was born a cripple.

    While he was still in his mother''s womb, someone tore her qi roots and crippled her, nearly killing him and destroying all his potential.

    By the time he was born, she had already died, and by the time he was old enough to do any research, it was too late to learn who his mother was or what had happened to her and his people.

    This was how his life began.

    Despite this, and all the suffering he endured, he persevered.

    Even as a cripple, he forged his own path of cultivation and mastered all four arts, reaching a level where he could match any member of the High races.

    Nova found him, enslaved him, and trained him, but in the end, Caine freed himself and turned Nova into a pawn in his escape.

    He spent years under the First Sinner''s tutelage, and centuries fighting his way to the top, killing abominations, celestials, immortals, rulers, and demons alike.

    He was a man who defied and betrayed his entire world just for a chance at freedom.

    He was a mortal, but not just any mortal. Soon, the world would know why even the mightiest of titans had fallen to him.

    The First Blight.

    ***

    Caine stood calm and collected on a floating platform above the dome of golden light, coldly watching as the entities fell one by one.

    What he''d done was combine three art forms¡ªThe Arcane Arts, The Formation Arts, and The Sacred Arts of Feng Shui.

    Using Feng Shui, he turned the entire island into an energy source he could control. Then, using formations, he rewired the island''s natural structure, making it the perfect foundation for any area-of-effect arcane spell he wanted to cast.

    This had been endlessly easy for him. The only challenge was how weak his body was.

    Because his body was slow and weak, he wasted a lot of time running from one end of the island to the other. In fact, he nearly missed the deadline he''d set.

    It had been close, but despite his success, nothing could be perfect.

    Among the thousands of entities he''d trapped and sealed, one had somehow bypassed the restrictions of his spell.

    BANG! CRACK!

    A loud boom echoed as a small fissure appeared in the dome of golden light.

    Out of it soared a man, furious beyond belief, his mere presence shaking the sky.

    With long white hair, an imposing frame, and deep bloody red eyes, this man radiated power, despite the chains'' weakening effect.

    "LITTLE BASTARD!"

    Caine raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the man.

    ''How did he break the dome despite being so weakened?''

    He didn''t dwell on the thought. With a wave of his hand, the dome of light fully solidified. He dropped down from his platform and onto the dome.

    If they fought in the air, he''d be at a massive disadvantage.

    "Come down."

    The man saw red at Caine''s blatant disregard for his presence, taking it as an insult.

    Energy gathered at the soles of his feet, but as soon as it did, the chains tightened, and he coughed up blood, dropping from the sky as the pain became too much.

    Though the pain was severe, the humiliation was even worse. He stood back up, and a massive greatsword, resembling diamond, manifested in his hand.

    Once again, he gathered energy at his feet and ignited it, boosting his speed as he shot toward Caine, violently swinging the sword.

    Caine shook his head at the sight.

    ''It seems they can''t tell how much weaker I am.''

    Challenging Caine in anything not rooted in cultivation was foolish. The man''s best bet would''ve been to endure the pain and fire as many energy beams at Caine as possible, hoping one of them would kill him.

    But now that he''d engaged in direct combat, he''d already lost.

    "[Flutter.]"

    Caine took a step forward, and for a brief moment, a ring flashed at his back. By the time it vanished, so had Caine, reappearing miles behind the white-haired man.

    The man came to a sudden stop, pure shock on his face as he slowly looked down at his chest.

    Disbelief wasn''t enough to describe what he felt as he stared at the gaping hole in his chest, dripping with warm golden blood.

    "You¡­ who¡­"

    He fell to a knee, his mind spiraling, the world around him growing cold as the chains tightened and more of his strength drained away.

    "Fascinating."

    Caine studied the man''s still-beating heart for a few seconds before crushing it, killing him.

    BOOM! WHOOSH!

    The man''s body exploded into white mist that rapidly flowed toward Caine, fusing with him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A cool surge of energy rushed through Caine, his strength soaring.

    ''I wonder¡­ is this what cultivation feels like?''

    The path of cultivation Caine had created didn''t enhance his body or soul. So, despite his years of experience, the feeling of ascension was foreign to him.

    All his path did was extend his lifespan. That was it.

    ''Anyway¡­''

    Shaking off the idle thoughts, he refocused.

    He brought his blood-covered hands together, and suddenly, horrified screams echoed from across the island.

    "[Shatter.]"

    RUMBLE!

    An ocean of white mist rose from the island as every Defier died in a single stroke, and Caine absorbed them all at once.

    BANG!

 Chapter 8 - 8: Unexpected

    Most Defiers never bothered to absorb and kill other Defiers, as it was seen as a low and crass action.

    They mostly came from divine and majestic backgrounds, so such things were unnecessary. In fact, though Caine didn''t know this, it was a known fact that most Defiers died knowing they would become Defiers and get the chance to reincarnate.

    Some of them even prepared for it by bringing strange artifacts that could follow them through death, and some were even repeaters, having already been granted the wishes in a past life yet still dying during their next.

    All in all, this system of growth and cultivation was mostly reserved for the Irregulars, but even then, none had ever done it like Caine.

    The white mist was not supposed to be absorbed in such quantities. Even a tenth of the mist heading toward Caine would have been enough to bring most to the twelfth stage and grade.

    But now, not only had he absorbed more than ten times what was needed to reach the theoretical peak of the Soul Form''s cultivation system, but he had done so by killing every other Defier on his island, something that had never been done, which granted him even more mist.

    BANG!

    Caine''s body glowed like a beautiful burning star as tendrils of silver energy manifested around him, wildly whipping about as the air shook and the skies darkened.

    Though the Soul Form took the shape of what seemed to be a physical body, it was still fundamentally rooted in one''s true soul and mind, so as his power soared and his strength ascended, his mind was seemingly freed of endless shackles.

    Caine could already be considered an absolute genius, but now...

    PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH!

    One after the other, he shattered the barriers between each stage and grade. In one moment, he was nothing but a mortal, and in the next, he became a mighty entity standing at the peak of the thirteenth stage of the thirteenth grade.

    And yet, barely half of the mist had been consumed.

    It continued to flow into his body and thicken it, seemingly surpassing the limitations of his Soul Form as his power continued to grow. Suddenly, a crown manifested atop his head.

    It was the same Samsara Crown he had used to get here, but right then, before his eyes, he saw it morph and change.

    From its magnificent golden hue, it turned to silver, and its nine amethyst jewels rapidly became thirteen jewels of black and white swirling currents.

    BANG!

    All the mist was absorbed into Caine as he stood in the skies, his eyes closed, basking in the euphoric feeling of pure and unbridled ascension.

    WHOOSH!

    The dome of light faded as he floated down, and his crown blinked out of existence.

    Slowly, he pulled himself away from the endless bliss and opened his eyes, seeing the world through a completely different lens.

    ''I see why those cultivators were always so obsessed and arrogant. Gaining such power routinely must truly be something¡­''

    His feet touched the earth below.

    ''I''ve now leveled the field in terms of raw power with most of these beings, but that doesn''t mean my struggle is over. If these entities truly are worthy of being called Gods, their knowledge must be expansive and deep.''

    ''So would their skill, senses, and expertise. Some may even have billions of years of experience. I need to stay on my toes at all times.''

    ''I cannot fail, not now.''

    With the new strength of his Soul Form, it took Caine barely a dozen seconds to reach the center of the island.

    It was a cleared plain of white grass, with a swirling portal of golden and blue currents at its center, emitting terrifying waves of power.

    Suddenly, a screen appeared before Caine.

    <Dear Defier, you have reached the Pool of Fate first and proven your worth. Step into the portal to enter the festival and begin your trials.>

    Caine didn''t waste any more time and jumped directly in, readying his mind for any challenge as he dropped into its depths.

    *** sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Upon a grand and expansive patch of purple soil in a landscape of golden and white clouds, multiple entities stood.

    They numbered in the hundreds of millions, each radiating an aura of absolute power and authority.

    They came in all shapes and sizes, from almost every race imaginable, the diversity of the crowd seemingly endless.

    Despite all this, they stood patiently and silently, all staring at a throne floating above them.

    Days passed, and they remained quiet, until eventually, an entity began to materialize.

    It was a Reaper, not unlike the one Caine had seen after killing himself. The only difference was that this Reaper was adorned with a majestic black crown fitted with three hundred glowing purple jewels.

    The empty eye sockets of the Reaper''s skull suddenly exploded into swirling infernos of white flame as a terrifying aura descended from the skies and slammed into the Defiers, forcing most of them to their knees.

    The Reaper''s gaze panned over the crowd, the pressure increasing severalfold before it suddenly vanished. It nodded to itself.

    "Good batch," the Reaper whispered as it lazily sat back on its throne and waved a hand before speaking again. "There are too many of you, sadly. Before you even think of passing our Samsara trials¡­"

    Suddenly, from the massive singular crowd of Defiers, three thousand and eight hundred smaller crowds formed, as energy barriers sprung from the ground and encaged each group.

    Despite this separation, each cage still held millions of Defiers.

    "¡­you must be culled. By cage, I only want ten of you. You have an hour. Any less than ten, you die. Any more than ten, you die."

    "Go."

 Chapter 9 - 9: Target

    Caine stood with his arms crossed, unbothered by the chaos that ensued after the reaper had uttered those words.

    It was as though the world itself had flipped on its head, as thousands of abilities were cast in an instant and thousands of transformations were unleashed.

    The skies filled with clashing figures and maelstroms of chaotic energies of all kinds.

    ''Bothersome,'' thought Caine as his gaze locked onto the horde of entities surrounding him, all targeting him, as within his cage, he seemed to still be the weakest.

    Or at least, they thought so.

    Caine shook his head and gathered some of the white mist that flowed through his body, forming a beautiful yet simple spear in his hand.

    His aura towered, and he vanished.

    ''I suppose this will be a good way to familiarize myself with my power.''

    He reappeared among the crowd of enemies pouncing on him, his spear so fast that the shadows of his past and present movements overlapped to form a deific fresque.

    A swing would reap a thousand lives, a sidestep would dodge a hundred blows, and a cleave would end a million lives.

    The world was his canvas, his spear was his brush, and the blood of the Defiers was his paint as he began to paint a picture of indifferent supremacy.

    Among the many arts Caine had mastered, martial arts were one of the most fundamental ones, specifically weapon arts.

    He''d mastered every single weapon imaginable to its highest level, before boiling and distilling all his insights into one singular path.

    One singular spear.

    SHAH!

    A blinding silver light enveloped Caine as the world around him seemed to slow to a crawl, and enlightenment after enlightenment hit him in waves.

    While it was true that as a mortal, he had mastered all arts to such a degree that he could match cultivators, at the end of the day, he was still nothing but a mortal, unable to fully capitalize on his skill.

    Both because his body had been too weak and because his mind had been too slow to execute all he had mastered.

    But now¡­now that his soul form was comparable to that of a god''s, his true talent bloomed along with years of blood and sweat.

    It all exploded forth at once.

    WHOOOOSH!

    An echoing bubble of silver flames burst from his body, incinerating everything in its path as nine resplendent rings manifested at his back and his silver crown reappeared.

    The light Caine emitted was so bright that for a moment, all battles across Samsara paused and all gazes locked onto his divine figure.

    The reaper, still sitting on his throne, looked at Caine with narrowed eyes.

    ''An Irregular Defier with nine [?] rings¡­and an innate crown¡­'' he shook his head. ''What the hell could those human emperors be planning¡­''

    ***

    After Caine''s enlightenment came to an end, his crown faded once more, as did his rings. He floated down, and his silver flames vanished.

    He reopened his eyes and, instead of being in a daze, dove back into the heat of battle, uncaring of the fearful gazes he was receiving.

    In less than ten minutes, he had cleared and killed all he could, standing in a pool of endless blood as nine other naked, traumatized figures lay at his feet, shaking in fear as they bowed and begged for mercy.

    "PLEASE! SPARE US! WE''LL DO ANY¡ª"

    Caine clicked his teeth in annoyance and ignored them, looking into the distance toward the other battlefields.

    He wanted¡ªno, needed¡ªmore battle. But unfortunately, he couldn''t kill the remaining nine or else he would die. Even if he could, they still wouldn''t be able to satiate the deeply rooted desire he felt.

    It wasn''t that he had suddenly become a bloodthirsty idiot, but rather that he needed battle to test something, something deeply linked to the path of cultivation he had created.

    ''I see, my mind has become fundamentally more powerful. In fact, I could go so far as to say it exists on a plane that supersedes my previous one¡ªa transcended plane of thought, or perhaps a godly one. So by default, since I''m viewing all my past knowledge from a higher vantage point, I can see all its flaws and possible evolutions.''

    ''I can see all the links between my mastered arts and, from those arts, deduce and create many more. It''s all fusing to become one perfect whole, greater than the sum of its parts¡ªgreater than anything I previously thought possible.''

    Immediately, he sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes, falling into a deep state of meditation.

    ''Thirty minutes is all I need to bring all my knowledge to that plane.''

    ****

    Just like that, an hour passed.

    All battlefields were left with exactly ten Defiers each, all surrounded by countless bodies and rivers of blood.

    Of the hundreds of millions of Defiers, only thirty-eight thousand remained, perfectly divided into three thousand eight hundred teams of ten. To say these were the best of the best would be an understatement.

    Due to the incredible number of dead Defiers, the world was filled with white mist, but for some reason, none seemed to pay attention to it or absorb it, except for a single person.

    Suddenly, as the reaper stood up to speak, all the white mist vanished at once.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes.

    "Congratulations, you''ve survived the culling, as we call it. I, the Reaper of Redemption, now officially grant you the Sacred Title of Samsara Defiers."

    The air shook as the reaper''s crown shone with a resplendent light that washed over all the Defiers.

    "With this, we can officially begin the Fate Defying Samsara Festival." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "As you''ve seen, you''ve all been divided into teams of ten. Before I continue, choose a Fate Defier, or in other words, a leader."

    It didn''t take more than a minute for all the Fate Defiers to be chosen.

    "There will be three trials: The Trial of Thriam, The Trial of False Limerence, and finally, The Trial of Reflection."

    "These trials will be successive and, together, form a race. Beyond passing these trials, you must also complete them quickly so that other teams don''t finish before you."

    "If a team clears all the trials before you, all hope is not lost, as they will then have to race to the throne. The race to the throne is exactly what it sounds like¡ªa race. But it is the most deadly part of this festival for obvious reasons."

 Chapter 10 - 10: Trials

    "Now, once the trials begin, what you do with one another doesn''t concern us. Whether you kill or cooperate¡ªwe don''t care. The teams were enforced merely to heighten your odds of survival."

    A vicious wave of killing intent erupted from most groups as their fragile team cohesion instantly dissolved. The reaper shook his head, unable to fathom their stupidity.

    If they, as reapers, had deemed the trials so dangerous they required at least ten Defiers per team, there was a reason.

    But this was expected. The strong were often blinded by arrogance.

    "Good luck."

    The reaper waved its hand, summoning portals before each group.

    Without hesitation, they all marched through, and the race for the throne commenced.

    ***

    Ten figures stood on a gigantic flying eagle soaring through a harsh desert, consumed by relentless sandstorms.

    Their auras were terrifying, yet impeccably refined, as they wore ancient white tunics that covered their entire forms, revealing only their eyes.

    At the helm, a crouching figure with glowing silver eyes stood: Caine.

    "How close is it, boss?" asked one of the figures standing behind him.

    Caine sighed, rising to his feet as he gazed back at the men and women he''d fought beside for the past eleven years.

    "It''s right below us. The desert itself was the gate."

    The first trial, known as the Trial of Thriam, was a peculiar one.

    Upon entering the portal, Caine and his group were thrown into a world where every living creature relentlessly hunted them.

    Their objective was simple: find the portal to the second trial.

    And, of course, survive the constant onslaught from the world''s inhabitants. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    For years, they traversed cities, continents, and ruins, seeking clues to lead them to the gate.

    Initially, they made significant progress, but it gradually slowed until, in the last year, they uncovered only one clue.

    It was only now, after eleven years, that Caine finally understood.

    "When we first arrived, I was both shocked and intrigued. A world made entirely of sand is strange, isn''t it?"

    His head turned from the shocked, frozen team member to the vast stretches of sand below.

    "The flow of energy was broken, twisted¡ªopposing the natural world nodes. And the creatures...they seemed connected. As if fragments of one entity had been shattered then scattered over the land and incarnated within them."

    "That''s because they were. This isn''t a world; it''s a beast¡ªso vast and complex it mirrors a real world."

    At this, none of his team could hold back any longer. One of them spoke out.

    "What? So... what do you mean by ''the gate is below us''? Are we supposed to kill that...entity?"

    Caine looked back, his expression confused.

    "Kill it? It''s already dead. Didn''t I say the gate was beneath us?"

    "But you said¡ª"

    "The entity became the gate."

    Without hesitation, Caine stepped off the flying eagle, a faint smile crossing his lips as his robes fluttered violently in the wind, his speed accelerating rapidly.

    Just as his body seemed ready to splatter against the sands below, a radiant silver glow burst from his form, full of authority and life. Above his head, nine overlapping spell circles appeared.

    [Open.]

    The desert parted.

    ***

    Caine landed softly on a vast, metallic surface.

    The sandy skies warped, transforming into an infinite stretch of pitch-black darkness.

    BANG!

    His nine teammates landed harshly behind him moments later.

    "You could''ve given us a heads up instead of playing mysterious, old man," said one of the women, dusting off her robes.

    "I wasn''t sure yet."

    "What do you mean, you weren''t sure? You jumped without knowing?! What kind of psycho¡ª"

    Already accustomed to this, Caine tuned out Sabrina''s nagging as his subordinates shook their heads, slight smiles on their faces.

    Over the years, they had come to understand their captain well.

    Eccentric? Definitely. Apathetic most of the time, needlessly arrogant, cunning beyond belief, incredibly analytical, and strangely...caring. Though it often came in the form of tough love, love was still love.

    Many of them had expected him to kill them when the trials began, but Caine had done the opposite. Instead, he fostered their bond.

    After ten years, some could even call them a family.

    "You and your antics."

    Caine began walking, examining his surroundings. As soon as he did, Sabrina''s nagging stopped, and the others focused.

    Aside from the metallic floor and black sky, there was nothing¡ªjust an endless stretch of infinity.

    As Caine''s footsteps echoed, he suddenly stopped, frowning.

    ''After a searching quest, a maze. As expected.''

    He crouched, running his hand over the metal floor, his gaze sharpening as a wave of silver mist engulfed the ground, revealing an intricate web of runes etched deeply into it.

    His fingers traced the runes as a flood of thoughts raced through his mind.

    ''A maze, yes¡ªbut a deadly one.''

    These runes weren''t just symbols. Together, they formed an endlessly complex tapestry.

    At once, they were a spell, a set of rules, conditions, and a formation. This level of craftsmanship was rare. Though it fell short of his expertise, to be this close to his level was nothing to scoff at.

 Chapter 11 - 11: Trials(II)

    ''If I recall correctly, this trial is known as The Road of Limerence.''

    ''Limerence usually refers to obsessive love and delusional infatuation. So, this road likely leads us into that mental state.''

    ''In a different context, this trial could be about overcoming those obsessions and delusions¡ªor perhaps embracing them.''

    ''Hm. I''m sure this trial tests the mind, but it must be more intricate.''

    Caine finished analyzing the fundamental runes etched into the formation beneath him. The rules and conditions of the trial now neatly arranged in his mind, he nodded in understanding.

    It was just as he had predicted.

    "This trial delves into the mind''s complexities. Once I inject qi into the formation, we''ll be pulled into a mental-scape, where each of us will face our deepest obsessions individually."

    "But this trial is a double-edged sword. Remember, our obsessions and mental resilience are what allowed us to survive the Reapers'' cleansing in the first place. If you release too much of that, you might die, even if you pass the trial itself."

    "However, if you let go of too little, you''ll be trapped in this mental nightmare forever¡ªfailing the trial as well."

    They all frowned.

    "What do you mean by ''letting go''?"

    Caine stood up, turning to face his team.

    "I mean exactly that¡ªletting go of part, or perhaps all, of your obsession. Alternatively, you could take it to an even greater extreme, but that comes with its own dangers."

    "As spiritual beings without physical bodies, our minds shape our forms. Push your obsession too far, and it could consume you, turning you into an abomination."

    "In short, there''s no easy escape. But I trust all of you will make it out¡ªalive and sane."

    Without waiting for their response, he crouched down again, injecting a surge of qi into the formation. It activated instantly.

    As they all collapsed, their minds pulled into the mental-scape where their trials awaited, Caine smiled. His crown flickered atop his head, and with a low shout, he cast a spell that rewrote the formation''s structure.

    BOOOOM!

    A wave of silver energy engulfed the endless expanse, distorting and rippling the fabric of space like a disturbed lake.

    Of course, Caine knew he couldn''t take this trial. If he did, he''d either be trapped forever or turn into an abomination. Despite what his teammates thought, he was keenly aware of his flaws. His obsessions ran deep, and for this trial, they would be his undoing.

    Though he didn''t view his obsessions as weaknesses, they were his Achilles'' heel in this context. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    So, just as the trial began, Caine cast a spell that concealed his presence from the formation''s receptors while simultaneously disrupting its mechanism, converting it from a single-path system to a parallel one.

    In other words, he forced the trial to split.

    While his teammates endured the second trial, he would confront the third. By the time they woke, they would already be miles ahead of any other group.

    It was cheating, but Caine knew the Reapers wouldn''t care. They likely expected such tactics from irregulars.

    ''Let''s see...''

    The silver fog dissipated, revealing a grand, empty hall illuminated by a small, floating white star.

    Behind him, his teammates lay unconscious, while ahead, a figure began to form.

    WHOOSH!

    The figure solidified.

    A tall, skeletal being, its body composed entirely of bones, stood before him. A black skull adorned with golden runes, it was unmistakably a Reaper.

    Emerald flames flickered in its hollow eye sockets as a scythe of purple fire manifested in its right hand, and an hourglass appeared in its left.

    Draped in a pitch-black robe, the Reaper exuded both eerie and majestic power as it locked eyes with Caine, who had already conjured a spear of white mist.

    "An Irregular. I see." The Reaper''s voice was a cacophony of a thousand screams, fused into one demonic echo.

    "The third trial, the Trial of Reflection, is me. A Reaper. To pass, you must kill me. But since you''ve broken the rules¡­"

    A golden crown of fire suddenly ignited atop the Reaper''s skull.

    "¡­I''ve been granted more power."

    The hourglass in its left hand shattered into a swarm of runes that quickly merged with its bones, amplifying its strength until its mere presence made the air tremble.

    Caine imperceptibly nodded, his expression turning cold. He slowly removed his upper tunic, revealing a tight, black shirt that hugged his toned, muscular physique.

    He tossed his tunic into the air. The Reaper''s gaze followed it, only to widen as¡ª

    BOOM!

    The tunic exploded into a swarm of runes, mirroring the ones from the hourglass. The runes interlocked, forming dozens of colorful spell circles that instantly vanished.

    The Reaper roared and took a step forward, but as it did, a spell circle appeared above its head, freezing it in place.

    [Freeze.]

    The Reaper''s shock was palpable as Caine appeared before it, his spear viciously cutting down toward its chest, leaving a trail of starry silver energy in its wake.

    In the last ten years, beyond searching for clues, Caine had devoted himself to rigorous training. One area he had focused on intensely was mastering qi, the energy cultivators used to ascend and evolve.

    At the start of the first trial, he had barely been a novice in qi manipulation. But now...

 Chapter 12 - 12: Trials(III)

    Qi surged through Caine''s body, his muscles swelling as his speed reached an otherworldly level. His blade tore through the reaper''s skeletal chest with ease, like a hot knife slicing through butter. Chaotic qi trailed from his weapon, seeping into the reaper''s bones and corrupting them from within, reducing its structure to dust.

    "Enough!" the reaper shrieked, its voice like the grinding of stone. It swung its scythe violently, summoning a surge of amethyst flames that crackled and hissed through the air, heating the battlefield.

    Caine glided back with effortless grace, his feet barely touching the ground as though he skated across ice. He spun, then launched forward again, dodging a downward strike from the reaper''s scythe. Immediately, he countered with a precise upward slice, his blade moving like a silver streak.

    CLANK!

    Scythe met spear in a resounding clash, but Caine didn''t hesitate. Using the built-up momentum from the clash, he spun once more, executing a lateral slash. This strike was infused with imploding qi, fueling the blade with deadly energy.

    The reaper, still disoriented by the speed of the attack, barely managed to raise its scythe pole in time to block. The force of Caine''s blow reverberated through the reaper''s entire skeletal frame, sending shockwaves that rattled its bones. For a brief moment, the reaper''s stance faltered, its gait shattered.

    This opening was all Caine needed. With a swift step, a spell circle flickered into existence behind him, and in a flash, he teleported to the reaper''s left side. His blade descended, time rippling around its path, splitting into three illusory trajectories.

    From these three paths, more blades emerged, multiplying until the reaper''s vision was filled with shimmering, silver qi-covered blades descending upon it. Confused and unable to discern which was real, the reaper assumed they were all distractions. It swung its scythe directly at Caine''s neck, aiming to cut him down¡ªonly to discover, too late¡­

    BANG!

    ¡­they were all real.

    The reaper''s arm shattered under the weight of the strikes. Bones splintered and cracked as the force drove the reaper down to one knee. Its fiery eyes dimmed, the flames within them flickering weakly.

    As the reaper knelt there, its body ravaged, time itself seemed to slow. A seed of burning rage bloomed within its chest, anger swelling as it realized the absurdity of the situation.

    Had it, the overseer of gods and immortals, truly been brought low by a mere Defier? And not just any Defier, but an Irregular one at that? The reaper''s pride recoiled in fury.

    It couldn''t accept this.

    ''Two can play at this game¡­''

    Suddenly, Caine froze mid-attack. His instincts screamed at him, an overwhelming sense of danger prickling his skin. His heart raced, and his eyes widened as he realized the reaper had vanished from sight.

    Before Caine could fully assess the situation, his instincts screamed once more. His body twisted reflexively, his spear swinging in a wide arc toward whatever might be behind him.

    CLANK! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The reaper''s hand collided with Caine''s spear, its voice rasping mockingly, "Such sharp instincts¡­ nearing the realm of spiritual senses¡­"

    Before Caine could react further, his vision blurred for a fleeting moment. When his surroundings snapped back into focus, a sharp pain flared in his chest. Blood poured from the wound, soaking his clothes.

    Shocked, Caine stumbled backward, struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

    Had the reaper¡­manipulated time? And space? How was this possible¡ª

    Before he could finish his thought, his vision blurred once again. A second searing gash tore across his chest, causing him to grunt in pain.

    ''I didn''t think my weaknesses would catch up to me so soon¡­''

    Caine had been born crippled, denied the natural ability to cultivate. He lacked what others around him had been granted by birthright. Three things: affinity, innate gifts, and talents.

    Affinity allowed one to attune to the elements of existence, enabling them to manipulate those elements with ease. It was this ability that made it possible for others to perform feats of spellcasting that Caine had to painstakingly study.

    In fact, if they had Caine''s depth of arcane knowledge combined with their natural affinity, they would be unstoppable. But Caine had no such luxury.

    The second, innate gifts, bestowed individuals with mysterious powers that ranged from something as grand as immortality to something as simple as heightened physical attributes. These gifts were ranked according to a detailed ladder, but one needed a minimal affinity with qi and energy to awaken them. Caine, being born utterly crippled, had never awakened his own innate gift or affinity. It was a crippling handicap, for these gifts and affinities were often the pillars upon which personal strength was built.

    Then there were talents, the most complex of the three. Talents could be broken down into five pillars: the Soul Pillar, the Bodily Pillar, the Racial Pillar, the Lineage Pillar, and the Qi or Essence Pillar. Together, these pillars, combined with other factors, formed a person''s Innate Circle, the source of their personal power. Talents ranged from the Mortal to the Immeasurable grade, each representing a different level of natural ability.

    A child born with a Bodily Pillar like "Fire God''s Body," for instance, could possess an immense innate strength. Even at the peak of Mortal grade, such a child would be innately stronger than anyone without a similar talent, capable of contending with full-fledged cultivators without needing to cultivate themselves. The Fire God''s Body would grant them abilities related to fire, a natural affinity for it, and even immunity to its destructive properties.

    Some children born with Peak Immeasurable Innate Circles were said to have the power to slaughter gods with their cries at birth. They were monsters among monsters.

    And yet, Caine had been stripped of all these advantages. Now, facing the reaper, all his weaknesses were laid bare. The reaper exploited his lack of natural gifts and talents, twisting time and space with its affinity to trap him in an unwinnable battle. The reaper''s strikes were precise and unrelenting, pushing Caine deeper into a corner with every blow.

    Caine grimaced in pain as his vision blurred once again. The reaper''s manipulation of time was overwhelming, and the abyss it had plunged him into seemed impossible to escape. Yet, despite the agony, despite his glaring weaknesses, Caine wasn''t ready to give up.

    He had known his shortcomings all his life. He had spent years studying the intricate workings of the Innate Circle, analysing how the elements of affinity, gifts, and talents worked in unison. He had dissected every part of it, searching for a way to overcome the disadvantages he had been born with.

    Back in the Three Realms, he had forged his own path, and now, even in the face of an impossible battle, he would not give in.

    He had found a solution, a way to bridge the gap between himself and those who had been born with power.

    BANG!

    Caine drove his spear into the ground, releasing a shockwave of energy that rippled across the battlefield. His breath steadied, his mind sharpened. Though his body was battered and bleeding, his will was unshaken.

    This battle was far from over.

 Chapter 13 - 13: Art

    [The First God sang until the Heavens bowed, and the throne of creation was his! The Second God painted the majesty of his divinity into existence! The Third God wrote his otherworldliness onto the very fabric of reality!]

    [Art is God, and God is Art!]

    These words formed the foundation of the cultivation path that Caine had painstakingly forged.

    Art, when taken to its most extreme expression, would lead one to godhood.

    "[Open]," Caine whispered, his voice a command that echoed beyond mere sound.

    His back straightened, and his presence radiated a glow that left the world around him in shame. In that moment, he was like a lone star standing against the vast expanse of an endless, unyielding darkness. His mere existence seemed to hold the balance of the universe within it.

    WHOOOSH!

    Behind him, nine concentric circles manifested, each etched with ancient runes of power. They radiated with a force that would have driven lesser beings to madness. Each of the nine circles represented an art of creation, the fundamental forces that shaped existence.

    The Arcane, the Martial, the God, the Primal, the Primeval, the Sacred, the Primordial, the Archaic, and the Artisan Arts¡ªall mastered to an unfathomable degree, each one perfected.

    Caine stood on the cusp of Godhood, having reached the pinnacle long ago. Yet, there was something that continued to hold him back, some unseen barrier preventing his final ascension. Nevertheless, with his recent breakthrough during the culling, the manifested circles had reached an entirely new level of mastery and power.

    Many believed such a path, one forged solely from the arts, was mere myth, a legend born of wishful thinking. And yet, here Caine stood, proof of the impossible, years after creating this very path, now facing the Reapers of Life and Death themselves.

    The Reaper, who had been grinning malevolently just moments earlier, suddenly froze. Its expression shifted to one of shock, perhaps even fear, or maybe both.

    "D... Dominion... wh¡ª" the Reaper stammered, its words faltering in disbelief.

    Caine''s eyes slowly closed, his face serene as he exhaled softly. His hands moved through the air, commanding it with the grace of a maestro conducting an orchestra. The Qi that flowed naturally through the world began to shift, tainted by a silver light that took hold of it. The energy twisted and coiled around his will, condensing rapidly into a complex web of interlinked runes.

    The world around him blurred, fading into an expanse of white. Before him, an infinite array of runes and formations appeared, etched into reality itself. The sheer complexity of the design was staggering, something that would have driven any mortal mind to instant insanity.

    Before elevating his soul and enhancing his rings, Caine would never have been capable of such a feat. But now¡­

    [Blight Spell: Warped Suicide].

    ***

    With a gentle TOH!, Caine''s feet touched the floor of the hall. His rings faded away as he exhaled, a slight breath of exhaustion escaping his lips. Though he still had several trump cards left unused, not to mention his innate crown, using his rings always took a heavy toll on him. When he eventually reincarnated, those rings would become costless, but for now, they remained taxing on his body and soul.

    "A body that isn''t crippled... and my rings," Caine mused. "I could only dream of it."

    His gaze drifted forward to the figure of the Reaper before him. It was kneeling, prostrated in utter defeat. The once-fiery glow in its eye sockets had vanished, and the ethereal runes that had decorated its form were now dimmed and lifeless. The Reaper was dead.

    Slowly, the Reaper''s body began to disintegrate, crumbling into black ash that swiftly transformed into a purple mist. The mist shot toward Caine with a speed that caught him off guard. He barely had time to raise his hands before it sank into his body.

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion of power rang out within him. A torrent of strength surged through his veins as purple, white, and green runes snaked along his skin, infusing him with even more power. His body began to morph and shift, his muscles bulging violently before compressing into a compact, tempered form.

    Caine''s mind expanded wildly, reaching a level of cognition that exceeded anything he had thought possible. Billions, perhaps trillions, of neural connections and deductions fired within his consciousness in a mere instant. His rings, already powerful, shattered¡ªonly to reform into something far greater, better, and more grand than before.

    His hair, now a sleek wave of pure darkness, flowed behind him. His eyes had transformed into swirling infernos of silver flame, giving him an aura that far surpassed any divine entity.

    WHOOOOSH!

    A gust of silvery Qi engulfed the hall as Caine exhaled once more. His transformation complete, his mind calmed.

    "Such an evolution... from killing a single lowly Reaper? One so insignificant that it was used as a trial dummy?" Caine''s thoughts raced. "I can only imagine how much I''d gain from killing a Reaper like the one on that throne¡­"

    He quickly shook his head, quelling the dangerous thoughts before they could take root. That path would surely lead to disaster.

    Turning, Caine''s ears picked up the groans of his teammates as they began to stir from unconsciousness. A portal materialized to his side, glowing faintly.

    "The last stretch," Caine muttered.

    ***

    In a space filled with swirling purple and white clouds, a throne stood, its occupant a Reaper adorned in regalia of death.

    "This mortal, he''s quite strange, isn''t he?" The Reaper mused, stroking its chin with long, bony fingers. "He carries the scent of Her Majesty, and yet... he bears no title of nobility."

    It paused, thinking for a moment. "Hm, I suppose that''s something worthy of reporting."

    With a wave of its hand, the Reaper summoned a large, ancient black grimoire. Opening it, a shimmering screen appeared before it.

    ***

    Name: Caine [?] [?]

    Age: [?]

    Affiliation:[?]

    Potential:[?]

    Descendance:[????]

    Note: Do not interact with the subject. This case has been taken over by the Yama Lords. Any interference will result in immediate death.

    ***

    The Reaper''s body went rigid as its eyes fell upon the word ''Yama''. Pure, unadulterated fear seized it.

    It quickly shook its head and sighed. "Of all Irregulars, I had to get involved with one connected to the Yamas¡­"

    "What wretched luck."

    With a flick of its wrist, the Reaper''s crown flickered and disappeared.

    ***

    The Fate-Defying Samsara Festival had always been divided into three trials since its first iteration. Traditionally, the Reapers expected the trials to take a hundred thousand years to complete, with the final race to the throne taking about a decade.

    But this festival was unlike any other.

    Not only had two teams completed the trials in less than a hundred years, but they had finished at the exact same time. Yet this was only the first of many anomalies.

    One team was led by an Irregular, composed entirely of fallen gods. The other, by a fallen god, with all its members being Irregulars.

    In the end, none of it mattered. The Irregular Fate Defier of the fallen god''s team utterly crushed the opposing team, allowing them a calm, uneventful stroll toward the throne. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Never before had the festival seen such a dominant and controlled victory. It was terrifying, methodical, and precise¡ªalmost as if... planned.

 Chapter 14 - 14: Wishes

    Caine stood in the center of an awe-inspiring, grand hall forged from gleaming purple-gold. Every detail of the room, from the towering pillars to the intricately designed floor, radiated an otherworldly majesty.

    At the far end, a gigantic throne loomed before him, as colossal as a mountain, its sheer size dwarfing even the tallest structures he had ever seen. His teammates, visibly tense, stood behind him, their breaths held in anticipation.

    PAH!

    Suddenly, an overwhelming gust of Qi rushed through the hall, forcing them all off their feet. The air shimmered with an electric intensity as thin filaments of energy began to materialize, interweaving in an intricate dance to form a figure seated upon the grand throne. The entity took shape slowly, as if sculpted by the cosmos itself.

    Long, white hair cascaded down its back like a river of flowing silk. The figure''s naked body was a perfect blend of strength and grace, every muscle exquisitely sculpted and adorned with glowing runic tattoos that pulsed with ancient power. Its eyes¡ªscarlet pupils that seemed to pierce through reality¡ªradiated both wisdom and an unimaginable, terrifying strength.

    This androgynous being was the very embodiment of perfection, an entity that seemed to transcend any mortal understanding of beauty or power.

    Its aura was overwhelming, endlessly potent, yet strangely gentle. It did not crush them with its sheer might; instead, its presence seeped into their minds like a whisper from the heavens. They felt a natural compulsion to bow before it, as if in the presence of a true god. The reverence it commanded was automatic, primal, and all-encompassing.

    Caine, who had unconsciously been drawn into this web of awe, quickly shook himself free from the trance. He stood up, dusting off his robes before waving his hand to wake his teammates. One by one, they recovered from their daze, regaining composure, but the impression left by the entity was indelible.

    "Well done," the figure said, its voice ringing with a heavenly melody that reverberated within their very souls. "It has been a long time since a full team has reached my throne. Usually, one of you perishes along the way."

    The divine tone of the being sent shivers down Caine''s spine. He could feel his soul tremble once more, instinctively filling with awe. He frowned to himself, thinking, ''So this is the nature of a true divine being... And I doubt this is even its real form. How terrifying.''

    The figure smiled, as if sensing Caine''s thoughts. "I am Augustine, a noble Yama Heir, sent down to these lower realms of Samsara to guide those who prove worthy of redemption."

    Caine made a mental note of this crucial information but wisely kept silent, waiting for Augustine to continue.

    "As you may or may not know," Augustine went on, "if a team reaches my throne with none having died, the circumstances change."

    Caine and his teammates tensed at this. A flicker of disappointment threatened to bloom in their minds, but before any negative emotions could take root, Augustine spoke again, his smile deepening.

    "The Fate Defier of the team will still be granted three wishes, but¡­" Augustine paused, amused by the reactions he sensed. "¡­each of the Defiers in the team will also be granted one wish." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Their eyes widened in surprise.

    Caine, who had been prepared to sacrifice his own wishes to ensure the success of his plan, felt a wave of unexpected relief wash over him.

    For a brief moment during their journey, he had even considered killing his teammates, unwilling to let them jeopardize the intricate strategy he had woven for the future. But now, everything was falling into place perfectly.

    Augustine, clearly entertained by their reactions, rested his chin on his closed fist and waved a casual hand. "Go ahead. I''ll give you a few minutes to discuss among yourselves."

    Immediately, the group huddled together, their excitement bubbling over. They spoke in hushed but eager tones, deliberating over what their wishes would be. They already knew that Caine had his own plans in mind, so they didn''t bother consulting him.

    However, a realization quickly struck them: while each of them had only one wish, there were nine of them in total. If one of them wished for something that could apply to all, wouldn''t that maximize their collective gain?

    Caine chuckled as he observed their animated discussion. He could feel the excitement building among them, and in truth, he had anticipated this outcome.

    He had prepared for it over the years, filling their minds with countless suggestions for potential wishes, but now the moment had come for them to make the final decision.

    Looking toward Augustine, Caine''s curiosity got the better of him. "Sir Augustine," he called, his voice unusually casual, "mind if I ask you a question?"

    The informal tone seemed to catch Augustine slightly off guard. His brows lifted, but he smiled nonetheless, gesturing for Caine to continue. "Go ahead, Caine."

    "What did you do to get thrown down here? And more importantly, who did you offend, and whose pawn are you?"

    A ripple of silence followed Caine''s words. Most would have been shocked, perhaps even enraged by such an audacious question. But Augustine remained unmoved, showing no more reaction than when Caine had addressed him informally moments before.

    Instead, Augustine hummed softly, stroking his chin as if in deep thought. "Quite perceptive, aren''t you?" he remarked. "I''ll answer, but first, tell me what led you to such a conclusion."

    Caine smiled and sat down cross-legged, relaxing as if they were old friends. "You''re young and inexperienced. I''d bet anything on that. You''re surely much older than me in terms of years, but I''d wager you''re little more than a toddler in whatever supreme race you come from, no?"

    Augustine raised a brow, intrigued.

    "This matters," Caine continued, "because entities with true experience hate those like me. The powerful loathe uncontrolled chaos, and I embody it. You, on the other hand, don''t seem to harbor any ill will toward me, which is a clear sign of your youth."

    "Still not enough," Augustine remarked, though his eyes glimmered with interest.

    "You''re right," Caine admitted, "for most, that wouldn''t be enough to draw conclusions. But for me, it is."

    He slicked his hair back, exuding an air of analytical clarity. "From there, it''s quite easy to connect the dots. The fact that Reapers are born from fallen gods and Defiers implies that there''s a higher authority that transcends them. Otherwise, it''d be a paradox, especially since Reapers are clearly artificial, not born naturally."

    "You saying you''ve come down here confirms this, and the fact that you''re a Yama and not a Reaper solidifies it."

    Caine paused, watching as Augustine''s interest deepened.

    "Now, if we link back to my earlier remark about you being young, the picture becomes clearer. It''s a simple story, really. A young noble within a higher world is sent down here as punishment for, let''s say, having too much ambition. But that raises another question¡ªwhy couldn''t you buy your way out of it? After all, that''s the hallmark of nobility, right? So, why are you the exception?"

    Caine leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "That implies one of two things¡ªor perhaps both. Either there''s a centralized force that balances even you Yama nobles, and they enforced your punishment. Or¡­ you wanted to come down here. To do something out of sight."

    A smile crossed Caine''s face. "Now I''ve found the painted picture, I''ve found the painter, and I just need to identify the buyer."

    "The rest is simple," Caine concluded, locking eyes with Augustine. "You''re a traitor, aren''t you?"

    Augustine froze, his perfect composure cracking for the briefest of moments.

    "A traitor turned double agent," Caine continued. "You play for both sides, enslaved by one and protected by the other. Two entities using you as their tool in a delicate game of power."

    Caine chuckled. "And what''s most amusing is that this means there''s likely an even higher power above them, regulating the whole thing."

    He sighed, leaning back as if it were all just a casual street echo. "Politics, truly, are fun."

 Chapter 15 - 15: Wishes(II)

    Though Caine often wore the mask of apathy, there were a few things that sparked a deep, unrestrained joy within him.

    One of those was what he had just done¡ªtearing others apart with nothing but his words.

    Since his youth, he had been weak, forced to work twice as hard for half the reward. It had twisted something inside him, molding him into a man who derived immense pleasure from toying with and shattering the egos of powerful figures.

    But Caine wasn''t evil by nature; he was simply... pragmatic. His sharp tongue had gotten him into more life-or-death situations than anything else.

    However, his actions were always calculated. He wouldn''t jeopardize his grand plans for the fleeting joy of angering a higher entity like Augustine. No, Caine always had a goal, and in this conversation, he''d achieved exactly what he wanted.

    Augustine leaned back in his throne, staring deeply at Caine, his gaze unreadable. A faint pressure began to build in the air, as if the heavens themselves were drawing nearer to the mortal plane. But soon, that pressure vanished with a sigh, and Augustine shook his head.

    "Time is up, dear Defiers," Augustine said softly, his voice carrying an air of finality. "As for your question, the answer lies within your own deductions."

    Caine merely shook his head, a faint, bitter smile playing on his lips. ''As expected.'' He didn''t mind, though¡ªhe had already gotten what he wanted from the exchange.

    His teammates, now standing by his side, shifted their focus back to Augustine. Their gazes held a mixture of excitement and reverence as they awaited the next phase of this monumental encounter.

    "What are your wishes?" Augustine asked, his voice calm and composed.

    ---

    Far from the grand hall, in the boundless Void Sea of Life and Death, Augustine soared through the dark skies, his mind racing with a billion thoughts. His calm demeanor betrayed none of the turmoil within.

    Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a sharp, mental message.

    [Have you met the target?]

    ''Yes,'' Augustine responded without missing a beat. ''He''s the perfect candidate, but it seems he''s already been claimed.'' Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    [Then why haven''t you eliminated him?]

    ''Because,'' Augustine''s voice held a slight edge, ''he bears the mark of a Sinner. The Sinner.''

    A pause followed, the weight of that revelation settling in.

    [¡­]

    ''No need to panic,'' Augustine continued. ''This festival has at least ten other Irregulars to choose from.''

    [Ten? What?!]

    ''Yes, ten.'' Augustine''s tone remained steady. ''It''s good news for us.''

    [Good news? Are you insane? This means they were watching! You need to leave, now!]

    Before the message could finish, Augustine severed the connection. His face, previously neutral, now showed a flicker of calm, confident resolve. He gazed into the distance, the image of Caine fresh in his mind.

    "Caine¡­ Caine¡­ Caine," he whispered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips.

    As a portal appeared before him, Augustine stepped through with a final thought: Hopefully, you''re interesting.

    ---

    [Unknown Location]

    In a lively, rowdy bar filled with drunken revelers, two figures sat in a secluded corner, seemingly oblivious to the celebration around them.

    One of the men was an older figure, bald and sporting a thick white beard. His silver armor clinked slightly as he took a swig from a large bottle, his face flushed red from drink. At his side, a sheathed sword rested on the ground, its presence hinting at countless battles.

    "You need to take it easy. You''re not young anymore," the second man said, his voice calm and measured.

    "Who the hell are you calling old?" The bearded man grinned foolishly, his words slurred. "Since when was a man in his thousands considered old? My liver could implode, for all I care! Won''t stop me from drinking until I become the beer! Hahaha!"

    Beside him sat a man just as old but far more composed. His long red hair was tied into a neat bun, and his dark red and black robes hinted at his ancient lineage. Despite the power that radiated from him, his face bore only a faint smile as he sipped a simple cup of wine.

    "Have you heard the news?" asked the bald man, whose name was Reiner.

    Sylas, the red-haired man, shook his head. "No, I haven''t. What''s happening? Another war?"

    Reiner sighed, taking another swig from his bottle before answering. "Worse."

    Sylas''s amber eyes burned with curiosity. "Worse than war?"

    Reiner leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "That bastard child from the Timeless Alliance is coming."

    Sylas froze, the cup in his hand trembling slightly. "What? When?"

    "As we speak," Reiner replied grimly. "His mother went into labor, and she''s using the entire Qi of the plane to keep him alive."

    Sylas''s face paled. "The entire plane''s Qi? All of it?"

    Reiner rolled his eyes. "Yes, all of it. What do you think I meant? She''s practically draining the realm dry for this kid."

    Sylas''s mind raced as he processed the gravity of the situation. After a moment, he stood up, his expression hardening. "We''ll wait until she''s at her weakest¡­ then we''ll strike."

    ---

    Amidst a frozen landscape of endless snow and rain, a grand castle stood tall and proud, its spires piercing the heavens. The castle''s majesty dominated the horizon, casting an aura of unassailable power over the land. Inside its towering walls, a woman lay on a grand bed, her body trembling with the pain of childbirth.

    Her long, dark hair, blacker than the void itself, contrasted sharply with her porcelain skin. Her eyes, glowing with an intense purple hue, flickered with both exhaustion and determination. This woman, whose beauty transcended mortal limits, was now nothing more than a mother, struggling to bring her child into the world.

    Sweat poured down her forehead as she pushed with all her might, her face twisted in agony.

    Around her, nurses stood at attention, offering words of encouragement. "Just one last push, Mistress! You''re almost there!"

    "We''ll count to three, then you push with everything you''ve got!" the doctor instructed, his hands steady as he prepared to receive the child.

    The woman nodded weakly, her body wracked with pain but her resolve unbroken.

    "One¡­ two¡­ three¡ªnow! Push!"

    With a scream that could shatter the heavens, she gave one final push, her cry echoing through the realm. The Qi around her exploded outward in a chaotic wave, tearing through the landscape and leaving destruction in its wake.

    The skies above the snow-covered land erupted in a symphony of dragons and phoenixes, their celestial forms dancing through the parted clouds. A shower of pure, radiant Qi rained down upon the castle.

    "He''s here¡­" whispered the doctor as the first cry of the newborn filled the air. The woman, despite her exhaustion, began to laugh and cry at once, overwhelmed with joy.

    A man burst into the room, his face streaked with tears as he rushed to his wife''s side, kissing her and their newborn son with fervor.

    On that day, as the heavens rejoiced and dragons filled the skies, an announcement rang out across the land:

    "Caine Lerouge Velios, rightful heir of the Velios lineage, has been born!"

    "Hail His Majesty!"

 Chapter 16 - 16: Years

    Within a grand and expansive library, as wide as a city and filled with knowledge tempered and refined through ages of scholarship, many could be seen reading, walking, or talking, all under an umbrella of peace and unity.

    The sound of flipping pages, echoing steps, whispers and laughs all blended into an atmosphere that radiated wisdom and hope.

    On the highest floor of this grand library, where fewer than a hundred books resided, and fewer than a dozen figures were ever allowed, a young man could be seen flipping the last page of a thick tome.

    "Done."

    With long dark hair, akin to filaments of incarnated darkness, pupils of swirling silver currents, and a face sculpted by the gods themselves, this young man seemed to be in his late teens, incarnating the very concept of perfection.

    His features were androgynous yet contained a masculine edge that made his gender evident, and his gaze held a light full of refined wisdom and experience.

    He wore inner robes of pure black with large, airy white outer robes, perfectly complimenting his porcelain skin.

    The young man closed the book, having finally read every single book in this thousand-floored library.

    He sat back in his chair and stretched, smiling in satisfaction as his thoughts raced.

    "One more spar, and I''ll be good to go."

    Suddenly, a rush of black wind gathered behind the young man, coalescing into the figure of a middle-aged man.

    With slicked-back black hair, glasses that covered his blue eyes, and a tight changpao that put his refined muscles on display, this older man smiled at the figure before him.

    "Young Master Caine, it is almost time." The man patted Caine''s back. "With your birthday coming in a few hours, I trust your preparations for the ceremony have been adequate, hm?"

    Caine stood, straightening his robes as he overlooked the grand city before him through the glass windows of the floor.

    Dragons filled the skies, encircling futuristic ships of metal that routinely phased in and out of the world.

    Flying cultivators could be seen going from palace to palace and temple to temple that floated in the sky, connected by bridges of energy.

    The library Caine was in was one such structure.

    On land, structures of all architectural philosophies met, blending together to form a cultural melting pot that satisfied all.

    Cultivators and mortals alike flooded the streets, none in fear or consumed by arrogance, as powerful guards wearing armours of gold stood on watch, ensuring the city''s peace.

    The diversity of the city''s crowd was impressive, filled with humans, men with wings, women with elemental bodies, and children half-beast, half-human.

    The sun stood high, illuminating the beautiful scenery in its warm rays as a soothing wave of fresh air washed over the city.

    It was beautiful.

    "You were saying?" Caine broke out of his daze and turned to Zao''s figure.

    Zao smiled, shaking his head. He was already used to his young master''s antics. "I was asking how your preparations went, young master."

    Caine began to walk toward the exit. "Ah, that. It went as well as it could go." From thin air, he summoned a talisman that formed a portal, walking into it, followed closely by Zao.

    "Is that so? You seem¡­ worried."

    "Worried? No. But I am aware these old bastards are gonna make my ceremony unnecessarily complicated." He sighed. "I''m not fond of wasted efforts."

    "Young master, how many times must I tell you? Your ancestors can hear your swearings. Please, watch your tone lest you garner their wrath." Zao warned, a chill running down his spine as he said so.

    Caine laughed as he exited the portal and arrived in a large plain of snow and rain.

    There, in the distance, a grand palace could be seen.

    "Their wrath? Oh, please. They wouldn''t dare."

    A carriage appeared in front of them, pulled by winged horses with manes of blue fire. Without a word, the two boarded as the carriage began to fly toward the palace in the distance.

    Zao sighed as he saw Caine''s smile, free of worry. Though he sighed, inwardly, he couldn''t help but smile. It was hard to be dissatisfied with a young master such as his.

    In the world, none could match the young man before him, and of the few that could threaten him from his generation, all were much older. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine looked out of the carriage''s window as he yawned, then asked, "Tell me, who will my last opponent be? They''ve all refused to tell me."

    Though Caine hadn''t been allowed to cultivate until he turned sixteen, he''d been intensively trained since his birth.

    One of the training practices involved him fighting against cultivators as a mere mortal. It started when he was two years old and would end today, mere hours before his sixteenth birthday.

    He had started by battling cultivators at the early stages of the Blood Realm, the lowest cultivation realm, but now faced True Ascendants¡ªentities who stood at the peak of the Ascendant Realm, the third realm of cultivation.

    This was shocking, as the gap between Blood Cultivators and mortals was considered endless. But for him, a mere teenage boy, to be able to face them as a toddler was nonsensical.

    It could be said that this wasn''t just the result of hard work. No, it was a mix of hard work and a result of his Innate Circle, which stood at the very Zenith of the Immeasurable grade.

    Though he hadn''t awakened it yet, it still showed its might by enhancing his innate strength beyond what mortality could hold. After his coming-of-age ceremony, when he awakened his abilities and talents, he would be unstoppable.

    "Hm¡­ let me see." Zao flipped a palm over, and suddenly, a floating screen appeared before his eyes. With a twitch of his eye, thousands of pages opened, only to close and flip through one another as he rapidly read through hundreds of documents at once.

    A few moments later, he nodded to himself as the screens vanished.

    "Your last opponent will be Soran Celestis, a half-step sage."

 Chapter 17 - 17: Final Spar

    The first realm of cultivation was the Blood realm, followed by the Spark realm, and concluded by the Ascendant realm, each realm divided into sub-stages that required one to follow complex and elaborate steps.

    After reaching the peak of the Ascendant stage, a large chasm would separate one from the next realm of power. To bridge it, they''d need to undergo a terrifying tribulation and also shatter part of their mortal coil.

    After that, the Sage Realm came.

    Soran Celestis, a young master of the Celestis lineage, was merely a step away from that. Having already passed his tribulation, he only needed to gather enough momentum to shatter his mortal coil. Then, he''d ascend.

    This was all to say that Soran would be a terrifying opponent. Of course, unlike most, Soran was guaranteed to have an innate circle of an extremely high grade. Perhaps not as high as Caine''s, but that didn''t matter. Anything above the Mortal grade was lethal.

    "I see."

    Caine wasn''t worried. He merely nodded and closed his eyes, sitting back as he rested his elbow on the carriage''s window, his chin on his closed fist.

    ***

    The moon''s rays slipped through a tall window, illuminating a young man sitting on the edge of a large bed, covered in sheets of white satin.

    Caine''s gaze was calm and apathetic, focused on the tattoos that had begun to form upon his wrist.

    One was black, made out of ancient runes that seemed to be a blend of ancient cursive and jagged lines, as if made with rough stone tips. Within its gaps, a second set of tattoos took shape¡ªwhite runes of geometrical shapes that encased one another to form a beautiful mandala. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Around it all, the last tattoo could be seen, made from simple silver runes that lined all the others.

    This beautiful runic work ran from his wrist all the way up to his shoulder. A searing pain invaded his senses as the etching process became more and more intense.

    Most wouldn''t know what these tattoos were, but Caine did. They were Curses.

    After choosing his wishes and being thrown into reincarnation, Caine hadn''t immediately appeared within the Velios lineage, in his mother''s womb.

    No, something had gone wrong. Someone had intercepted his soul in the process. He was brought to a place where...

    ''It should be done.''

    The tattoos finished forming and immediately sank into his flesh, vanishing from sight as they integrated into his very soul. His porcelain skin returned to normal.

    A flood of knowledge entered his mind.

    "[Mark of Heaven], [Mark of the Sinner], [Mark of Samsara], [Mark of Madness]."

    These were the names of his curses. Rather than showing concern, as most would when cursed, Caine smiled, his eyes brimming with ambition.

    A curse was only bad when inflicted by another. These curses, he had chosen for himself, and they would help him build something grand.

    ''I need to reach godhood fast.''

    He needed power.

    ***

    In the middle of a forest, an elevated stone platform, as wide as an arena, floated among the trees.

    At the center of it stood Zao, smiling as he looked at the young man before him.

    This young man had short, curly blonde hair, healthy rosy skin, and pupils that swirled with golden and scarlet currents. He wore armor in black and gold, and half of his face was covered in intricate, beautiful runes.

    The pressure radiating from him was overwhelming, as refined Qi swirled around him in complex patterns, mirroring the runes on his face.

    Despite his expressionless face, anyone familiar with Soran knew he was more than annoyed at this moment.

    He had already been enraged when his elders forced him to participate in this battle. He was a royal of his clan, after all. Even if his clan was subordinated to Caine''s, couldn''t they have hired a mercenary for this task?

    He had complained and protested for days, but after a rather "rough" discussion with his elders, he had been convinced.

    Now, after all that, Caine dared to make him wait?

    Just as his lips parted, ready to speak, a portal opened behind Zao.

    Caine walked out, his long dark hair still messy, and his eyes puffy. From the simple tunic he wore, anyone could tell he had just woken up.

    Caine yawned and stretched, his palm reaching out and closing as a spear of Qi formed within it, solidifying until it was indistinguishable from a real spear.

    Zao glanced back at Caine, then nodded. He turned to Soran and offered an apologetic smile before vanishing.

    "Begin!"

    Soran''s muscles barely twitched, yet in the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Caine, his golden eyes blazing with fury as he formed a weapon of his own from Qi¡ªa great sword.

    With wrath bubbling beneath his calm exterior, he swung the sword downward, leaving a trail of chaotic golden Qi in its wake.

    The platform cracked under the immense pressure as the gravity around Caine multiplied several times over due to the sheer weight of Soran''s Qi.

    BANG!

    Soran''s sword collided with the stone ground, his strike having missed. His vision blurred for a brief moment before...

    "Argh!"

    ...a deep gash tore across his chest.

    Soran stumbled back, his Qi instinctively forming thousands of barriers around him, but it was futile. With a soft whisper from Caine...

    "[Break]."

    ...all the barriers shattered, and another gash, crossing the previous one, appeared on Soran''s chest.

    He fell to one knee, his vision blurring once more. In the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a rushing shadow. He reacted quickly, gathering volatile Qi into a concentrated beam before hurling it at the figure.

    BOOOOOM!

    WHOOOSH!

    The chaotic Qi from the explosion was instantly dispersed by powerful gusts of wind. The shadow, however, reappeared¡ªnot on his right, but his left.

    Soran roared in frustration, gripping his sword tightly as his blood surged through his veins, imbuing him with untamed power. He twisted his body, his Qi imploding at once, amplifying his speed as he swung his sword, executing a martial art.

    "[Celestis Series: Division.]"

 Chapter 18 - 18: Final Spar(II)

    Caine laughed as he leapt into the air, qi coursing through his veins, merging with his blood as it followed a complex sequence of patterns. In an instant, he unleashed a martial art.

    [Blight Art: Addition.]

    A wave of silver light crashed against a golden one, exploding into a multicolored storm of chaotic qi.

    Bloodied but unyielding, Soran soared out from the swirling cloud of energy, slashing wildly from a distance. Each swing released arcs of qi, hurtling toward Caine with tremendous speed.

    BOOM! BANG!

    In a flash, Caine zipped through the oncoming arcs, closing the gap between them in the blink of an eye. With a sweeping motion, his leg took Soran''s off balance, and the butt of his spear slammed into Soran''s gut, driving the air from his lungs. Spinning around the pole of his weapon, Caine''s blade glided through the air, leaving another gash in Soran''s chest.

    In that moment, fear and rage swirled in Soran''s chest, and whatever pride he held evaporated.

    Though Soran stood just a step away from the Sage realm, possessing much more than mere qi and physical prowess, he had refused to utilize his full strength out of stubborn pride.

    But now...

    SHING!

    Soran''s body hardened into metal, his wounds healing instantly. His hair transformed into a blazing mane of white qi flames, and arcs of lightning crackled around him.

    "Little bastard¡­"

    His sword shattered, reforming a moment later into a weapon of fire and lightning. Runes danced around him, the stone platform quaking as his aura surged, multiplying in intensity.

    Caine retreated, sweat beading on his forehead as an oppressive wave of heat from Soran''s new form hit him.

    He sighed, dispelling his spear. Raising his arms, he closed his eyes, slipping into the role of a maestro once again.

    At the sight, Zao shook his head and sighed softly. ''Poor fella.''

    Atmospheric qi swirled around Caine in intricate patterns, elemental forces manifesting alongside it. Around his wrists and ankles, a multitude of spell circles materialized.

    Soran''s instincts screamed at him, alerting him to danger. Reacting instantly, he moved with the speed of lightning, appearing in front of Caine. His sword split into three arcs¡ªone formed from his real blade, and the others from pure elemental control.

    The elemental blades of lightning and fire stacked atop his real one, amplifying his power several times over. But still...

    "[Fade.]"

    In an instant, all the qi in Soran''s body dissipated. His face paled, and he violently spat out blood as he stumbled back. A moment later, a massive fist of fire crashed down from above, crushing him without mercy.

    His body was driven into the platform, bones shattering along with his pride. A complex array of spell circles hovered above him, resonating with Caine''s will as all the qi in the forest responded.

    "[Final Fanta-...]"

    Caine''s words trailed off as Zao gently patted his back, speaking softly. "That''s enough, young master. You''ve won."

    Zao flipped his palm, revealing two pills¡ªone gold, the other white. Handing the golden one to Caine, he tossed the white pill toward Soran''s crumpled form.

    "Here you go, sir Soran. This will heal you completely," Zao said with a smile, waving his hand to form a portal beside him. "Let''s head back, young master."

    "Mm."

    Without another word, the two departed, leaving Soran alone with his turbulent emotions¡ªa mixture of shock, fear, rage, and disappointment that gnawed at his mind.

    "They said I''d lose but¡­" he muttered, swallowing the pill. "I didn''t think it''d be by this much."

    As emerald and white qi surged through his body, rapidly healing his injuries, a sudden figure appeared beside him. An old man with a bitter smile.

    The old man knelt beside Soran, placing a hand on his chest.

    "Kiddo, I told you you''d lose," the man chuckled. "The Velios aren''t to be trifled with, especially their main line."

    Soran sat up, his face void of expression. "You sent me here¡­ to fail. To break me."

    "No," the man said, shaking his head. "I sent you here to humble you. Your arrogance had grown too deep. Only someone like him could bring you back to reality."

    He sighed before continuing. "Son, remember this: your heaven is his earth. That boy is merely a mortal, barely aware of the true nature of the world. And yet, he brought you to your knees."

    "If you had continued on your path, you wouldn''t have even been worthy to serve him, let alone hope to catch up."

    "I did this for you, brat."

    Soran stood up, tearing off his armor, a deep scowl on his face as he ripped open a portal and stepped through.

    "Whatever you say, old man."

    *** sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Hours after his spar with Soran, Caine sat across from Zao in a lavish restaurant. Both were dressed in robes of fine silk, seated on one of the highest floors of the building. Before them lay a feast fit for kings.

    Zao quietly ate his meal¡ªa traditional Zavian steak with everwood mashed potatoes, topped with a drizzle of obsidian mushroom gravy. Caine, on the other hand, opted for a simple bowl of noodles.

    "What''s your plan, young master?" Zao asked between bites.

    Caine set his bowl down and wiped his mouth. "After my coming-of-age ceremony, it will mostly be a race. A race for the clan''s throne. I doubt anyone can truly stand in my way, but I''m sure someone will try."

    Caine''s world, known as the Five Brilliant Sky, was divided into six continents.

    He was currently in the northern continent, which was governed by his family''s faction¡ªthe Timeless Alliance.

    The Timeless Alliance was an alliance of Human Clans, ruled by the Velios Royal Clan, with five Heavenly Clans beneath them.

    The Celestis Clan, The Relana Clan, The Azanthiel Clan, The Stormborne Clan, and The Thyrn Clan.

    Below the Royal Clan and the five Heavenly Clans were thousands of minor subordinate clans, but their relevance was minimal.

    Oddly enough, despite being the most powerful clan on the continent and the rulers of the alliance, the Velios Clan consisted of only three individuals.

    Zao, Caine, and one other mysterious figure.

    After the disappearance of Caine''s parents years ago, he had been left in Zao''s care, alone.

 Chapter 19 - 19: Talk

    Caine''s position, as the alliance''s De facto Scion, was heavily sought after, and almost all the youths of his generation wanted him dead.

    Being the youngest and last-born of his generation, most would expect Caine to crumble beneath the pressure, but he truthfully didn''t care. He didn''t see any of these children as true opponents. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    What worried him more were their elders¡ªshrewd individuals who had lived longer than some civilizations and were prepared to do anything for the prosperity of their own factions.

    They were the enemies he had to be cautious of.

    Zao shook his head after hearing Caine''s words. "Young master, I''ve told you a million times, and I''ll say it again. As long as I''m alive, no one shall lay a hand on you."

    "I swore it to your father, your mother, and to myself that the tragedies of the past will not be repeated."

    Caine smiled at his uncle''s unyielding passion. "I''m well aware of this. But my ceremony will be the first of many events they can interfere with, and there will be moments when you won''t be able to protect me. If I don''t die during the ceremony, they''ll try again during my pagoda trials. If not then, they''ll wait for the clan gatherings."

    "It''s inevitable. And beyond all that, you can''t keep sheltering me, Zao." He chuckled. "I''ll soon be a man, after all."

    "To the world, maybe. But to me, you''ll always be my nephew." Zao said, his voice filled with pride. "They''ll have to step over my dead body."

    Caine sighed and nodded, though he couldn''t help but think to himself. ''He still blames himself for their disappearance.''

    "Anyway, any news? What''s been happening lately?" he asked, changing the subject.

    Zao cleared his throat, placing his cutlery down before crossing his arms. "Not much that would interest you. But good news: we''ve found the second legacy realm of the Five Elemental Lords. That means an outing will soon be happening. I assume the events will follow one another."

    "I''ve already informed the elders that you''ll be going in first, before anyone else. So, as soon as you finish your coming of age trials, there''s quite a bit of work cut out for you."

    Caine raised a brow. "You''ve been insisting I go to these legacy grounds for a while now. Surely, there must be something significant there for you to push so hard. What is it?"

    "You''ll understand soon enough. When you enter the realm of Blood yourself, you''ll see how important the five elements are to your foundation. By then, you''ll thank me for forcing you to go."

    "Another issue is our Velios lineage. Our bloodlines only awaken during our prime, which means you''ll be without a bloodline when facing the masters of other clans."

    "To compensate for that, I''m hoping you''ll find a few bloodlines within these legacy grounds to empower yourself. They should help to even the odds."

    "If it weren''t for the ridiculous political matters, I''d have already taken a few bloodlines from the Alliance Treasury for you. Unfortunately, they''re arguing you''re too young."

    "Young?" Caine asked, a slight confusion crossing his face.

    "Mhm." Zao sipped from a glass of wine. "They claim that before you''re allowed to take anything from the treasury, you must at least reach the Sage realm."

    "And who''s ''they,'' exactly?" Caine pressed.

    "The Renala Clan, mostly. Those bastards aren''t even trying to hide their disdain these days."

    Caine frowned, unable to comprehend why they would harbor such animosity towards him. He had always been amicable and reasonable, even from a young age, but it seemed almost all the members of the Renala Clan despised him.

    The hatred ran so deep that he had nearly been killed once when he was only three years old, attacked by a group of their elders. Zao had intervened just in time, slaughtering them all. Still, the fact they had dared to try said a lot.

    "What exactly do they have against me?"

    Zao laughed, a smile lighting his face. "It''s not you. They''re terrified of what you''ll do when you find out the truth."

    "If your parents were still here, the Renala would''ve been wiped from existence long ago."

    Caine nodded. He didn''t bother asking what Zao meant. They had this conversation before, and the answer was always the same.

    You''ll know soon.

    Though Caine had been reincarnated, his attachment to his family and his roots as a Velios ran deep. He was determined to find his parents. He had lost them in his first life, but this time, things would be different.

    Zao cursed inwardly, noticing the fire burning in Caine''s eyes. ''I got carried away.''

    "But, in a way, not having access to the treasury might be for the best," Zao said, steering the conversation away from the past. "You''ll have to fight for most of what you want until you officially become Scion. By then, you''ll have been forged by countless tribulations, tempered by adversity."

    "And adversity is what makes us grow."

    Their conversation continued for hours as they ate, drank, and celebrated.

    It was Caine''s sixteenth birthday, after all.

    ***

    In a dark room, veiled by chaotic mantles of qi, two figures sat across from each other.

    "How''s the operation going?" one asked, his voice low and cold.

    "Decent," the other replied. "The continental guard has uncovered a few of our hideouts, but none have found the mines we''ve created. So, for now, our underground network remains safe."

    "For now?" the first figure pressed.

    "I doubt the elders of the great powers haven''t noticed our movements. Several major events involving the younger generation are coming soon. I wouldn''t be surprised if they do a sweep to secure the lands before their heirs start playing around."

    The first figure chuckled. "That works in our favor. If they try to sweep, we''ll start the war. If they don''t, we''ll have trapped them."

    "We win either way."

    The second figure nodded but cautioned, "Still, we should be careful. The alliance concerns me. Their internal conflicts are maddening, yet they maintain a unified front that''s difficult to break."

    "It''s as if some power at their core can still unite and lead them when necessary."

 Chapter 20 - 20: Coming of Age

    In the depths of a thick forest, standing in front of a gate embedded deep within a mountain, Caine stood alone, his tall figure dwarfed by the imposing structure. The air was thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional distant call of a bird.

    The coming-of-age ceremony of the Velios was many things at once. It was a trial, a baptism, a transition, and much more. But most importantly, it would mark the beginning of their quest for power¡ªthe start of their cultivation journey.

    Caine had prepared for this moment his entire life. This wasn''t just about proving his worth; it was about unlocking his true potential, the latent power that had been waiting within him.

    The ceremony was divided into three sections. Completing the first section would allow him to obtain an awakening stone, something he absolutely needed to unleash his innate gifts.

    Approaching the gate, he felt the coolness of the mountain air against his skin. He placed his palm upon the cold metallic structure of the gate, feeling a subtle vibration as it responded to his touch.

    A screen appeared before him, its glowing text floating in the air.

    [Coming-of-age parameters¡­ royal lineage¡­ Velios Heir¡­]

    [Trial difficulty has been set to¡ªERROR!]

    Caine chuckled softly, not surprised in the least by this ''sudden'' error.

    [Trial difficulty is unknown.]

    The gates slowly parted, revealing a grand swirling blue portal that seemed to pulse with energy. Without hesitation or fear, Caine stepped through the portal, ready to begin his ceremony.

    As he vanished into the swirling vortex, the gates closed behind him with a heavy thud, and a final screen flashed briefly before disappearing.

    [Good Luck!]

    ****

    When Caine emerged from the portal, he found himself standing in the middle of a vast plain. The winds were fierce, so strong that his robes whipped and fluttered around him, his hair blown back in a dramatic display.

    The sun hung high above him, its rays bathing the landscape in golden light, casting long shadows on the vibrant green grass beneath his feet. Nearby, a tall tree stood, its leaves rustling softly in the wind, providing a patch of shade where he now stood.

    In the distance, Caine noticed a woman. She wore long, flowing purple robes, and her face was concealed by a delicate veil. There was an aura about her¡ªone of mystery and quiet authority.

    Without hesitation, Caine began walking toward her. When he reached her, he sat down cross-legged across from her, his gaze calm and unwavering. He said nothing, simply waiting.

    After a moment, the woman chuckled, a soft sound that carried on the wind. "Do you know what they say about you, Velios?"

    With a graceful motion, she waved her hand, and a marble table appeared between them. A pot flashed into her hand, followed by two cups as she began to pour a steaming liquid into them.

    "Not sure," Caine replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "They say we''re greedy, corrupted, evil, tyrannical¡ª"

    "Prideful," she interrupted, pushing a cup toward him. "The Velios are known to be prideful beyond belief."

    "Well," Caine said, taking the cup but not drinking from it yet, "power stands on a foundation of achievements, which inevitably breeds pride. Though it can easily turn into arrogance, I think my people have managed."

    "Is that so?" she murmured, lifting her veil just slightly to take a sip of her cup. Caine paid little attention to this, instead allowing his gaze to wander over the expansive landscape around them.

    ''I expected the trials to happen within pocket spaces,'' Caine mused to himself, ''but what is this? I wonder if this is a trial of the mind?''

    "It is a trial of the heart," the woman said aloud, as if reading his thoughts. She set her cup down gently and leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, as you stand before me, here on the verge of beginning your path, what makes you worthy?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She paused, her eyes gleaming behind her veil. "Why should I give you this so-called awakening stone? Why do you deserve the gift of ascendance?"

    Caine''s head turned slowly, his attention returning to the woman before him. His silver eyes met her amethyst gaze with calm detachment. There was no fury in his gaze, no frustration¡ªonly a touch of confusion, tinged with faint mockery.

    "Worthy?" he repeated, a small smile playing on his lips. "What do you define as worthiness? What does it mean to you?"

    As if she had anticipated this response, the woman nodded slowly. She set her cup down and spoke again, her voice soft but firm. "It''s all a matter of value, and our relativity to external value."

    "Fancy way of saying it depends on each person''s opinion. Be direct," Caine replied, his tone sharp.

    Her gaze darkened. In a flash, her hand shot forward, aiming for his throat. But before she could make contact, Caine''s body dissolved into mist, reappearing a moment later behind her.

    The woman spun around, a blade materializing in her hand as her qi flared, slashing at the spot where he stood.

    "Rather aggressive," Caine remarked with a smirk.

    Her blade struck nothing but air. She turned again, only to see Caine sitting calmly in his original position, his expression unbothered.

    Suddenly, nine overlapped rings began to materialize behind him, their ethereal glow casting long shadows across the ground. The world seemed to dim, and an oppressive pressure filled the air.

    "You people underestimate me too much," Caine said, shaking his head. "I''m not sure why you do this, nor why you want me dead so badly, but¡­"

    His eyes sharpened, narrowing as his gaze seemed to pierce through space, locking onto something hidden beyond the surface of the trial. He knew who had tampered with it¡ªhe had suspected from the moment he stepped through the gate.

    "¡­I know you''re responsible for their disappearance."

    The woman''s body disintegrated into a cloud of ash, leaving behind only a single obsidian stone. The stone floated in the air, glowing with hues of gold and white, pulsing softly.

    "Your time will come," Caine muttered, reaching out to take the awakening stone into his hand.

    ***

    In a dark room, far away from the trial, a figure sat on a throne, their gaze fixed on a floating screen. The moment Caine''s words reached them, the figure''s pupils dilated. Blood gushed from their mouth, golden in color, as black chains suddenly materialized, wrapping around their body, sinking deep into their flesh.

    Their breathing grew ragged, a mixture of rage, terror, and disbelief flooding their mind. How could a mere gaze from that bastard child cause such a violent backlash?

    Just as they prepared to scream in fury, Caine''s final words echoed in their mind, cold and unforgiving.

    [Your time will soon come.]

    The screen before them shattered.

    ***

    Caine glanced down at the awakening stone in his hand, his lips curling into a smirk. What he had done wasn''t as impressive as it might have seemed. It was only due to his expertise in the arts that he''d been able to detect the tampering in his trial almost immediately.

    The technique he''d used, [Runic Eye], allowed him to read the runes of the world around him. As he conversed with the woman, he had been rapidly analyzing the illusory realm and its formations, uncovering the flaws and the foreign interference.

    Once he found the cancerous rune formation that had corrupted his trial, the rest was simple. He summoned his rings, using their power to shatter the formation and form a connection with the entity who had placed it there.

    As he severed the connection, he also cast a curse and a tracker through his arcane ring, marking the hidden figure for future pursuit.

    His enemies had been waiting for his trial to begin. But so had he.

    Now, he finally had a lead.

 Chapter 21 - 21: Awakening

    "Awakening stone¡­" Caine softly whispered, his gaze sharp as he examined the glowing treasure in his hand.

    As mentioned, one needed an awakening stone to unlock their innate gift, but that wasn''t all.

    Gifts were categorized into four tiers, each forming a strict hierarchical order. They were: The Gifted tier, The Blessed tier, The Childe tier, and The Heavenly tier.

    Each of these tiers was further divided into grades, mirroring the structure of the Innate Circle.

    The lower grades were Mortal, Earth, Sky, Heaven, Supreme, Chaos, and Origin.

    The upper grades, meanwhile, were Boundless, Immemorial, and Immeasurable.

    This meant that gifts could range from a mortal-level Gifted gift, which was extremely common, all the way up to the peak of an Immeasurable-level Heavenly gift, the latter being a legend¡ªa myth, really.

    To be born with a Heavenly tier gift was rare enough, but to possess one at the Immeasurable grade? That was unheard of.

    It would be even more terrifying if one''s Innate Circle matched that grade¡ªjust like Caine''s.

    Children with such terrifying potential had existed in the past, but they had all perished at birth. Their existence simply broke the balance of the world.

    Of course, exceptions always existed.

    ''Let''s see,'' Caine thought.

    Without hesitation, Caine ingested the stone.

    BOOOOM!

    A deafening explosion echoed through the air, yet the world remained still, as though a spectral force was holding it in place.

    Qi swirled violently around Caine, thickening to the point where it turned into a liquid state, before being absorbed into his pores, opening his body to the surrounding energy.

    Mortals usually couldn''t manipulate or interact with Qi until they awakened their Innate Circle, but thanks to his rings, Caine had circumvented that rule and had been able to wield Qi from the moment of his birth.

    But now, as his innate gifts awakened and his affinity to Qi unlocked, it was as if he could breathe freely for the first time after years of suffocation.

    The countless hours of Qi training he had put into his first trial of the Samsara Festival now seemed to multiply exponentially, as his mastery over Qi ascended to a level even he hadn''t thought possible. Insights flooded into his mind endlessly, like a rushing river of knowledge.

    The Qi poured through him, nourishing his body and refining it at an astonishing pace. His robes tore apart as his muscles swelled and bulged, only to compress and be tempered repeatedly by the pure Qi flooding into him from the surrounding environment.

    Simultaneously, as this transformation took place, information surged into his consciousness. His innate gifts awakened fully, taking root within him as though they were always part of his body and an extension of his very mind.

    WHOOSH!

    As his body completed the process of absorbing the vast Qi in the air, the world around him settled. Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing silver pupils that gleamed with a sharpness that defied description.

    Extending a hand forward, he opened his palm, then closed it again in the next instant.

    BANG!

    In the distance, a tree was torn to shreds by an unseen force. The next moment, Caine vanished from his spot, reappearing beside the tree''s remains.

    He nodded to himself before flashing back to his original position, sitting cross-legged once more.

    ''Perfect.''

    Caine had always known, due to one of his wishes, that his innate circle and gifts would inevitably be powerful. What concerned him most, however, was whether they would be compatible with the path he desired to walk.

    Powerful talents, if misaligned with one''s chosen path, could become powerful shackles. In recent years, Caine had even contemplated ways to safely cripple himself if it became necessary. But fortunately, his fears had been unfounded.

    This awakening not only granted him the perfect set of innate gifts, but also confirmed that his Innate Circle would harmonize with his chosen cultivation path.

    ''Let''s see¡­''

    In a rare stroke of fortune, Caine had awakened five innate gifts, all standing at the Quasi-Immeasurable Heavenly tier¡ªjust a step short of the true peak. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Suddenly, a screen appeared before him.

    [Would you like to analyze your new state?]

    Caine nodded silently.

    [Analyzing¡­]

    ---

    >[Name: Caine Lerouge Velios]

    >[Realm: Mortal (Enhanced)]

    >[Innate Circle: Immeasurable Grade (Unawakened)]

    ? Details of the pillars cannot be obtained due to the high circle grade.

    >[Innate Gift: Quasi-Immeasurable Heavenly Tier]

    ? Five Innate Gifts detected: Warp (?), Analysis (?), Master (?), Control (?), Sense (?)

    ? Note: Due to the high grade of the awakened innate gifts, tribulation may occur soon.

    ---

    ''I guess I should have expected that. The ''innate'' part of innate gifts must refer directly to us as individuals. Still, I wonder¡­ I''ve heard of children born with their gifts already awakened. What do their gifts draw upon to define themselves? Previous lives, perhaps? Anyway¡­''

    His gifts were simple on the surface, but the potential they held was immense.

    For instance, Warp allowed him to manipulate space itself. As demonstrated moments ago, by warping space, he could teleport, but he could also create zones of chaotic energy that could rip apart objects, like the tree he had destroyed earlier.

    But this was only the beginning. As he began to cultivate further, his gifts would evolve, growing stronger alongside him, despite already being at such a high grade.

    Before Caine could continue experimenting with his newly awakened powers, the world around him began to blur and shift, as though the very fabric of reality was being altered.

    Suddenly, he felt the ground vanish beneath him, and the next thing he knew, he was plummeting toward a massive forest that stretched out below him.

    Just as he was about to react, a shadow zipped past him, slashing across his back. Blood began to flow freely from the wound as he twisted in mid-air, narrowing his eyes to spot the assailant¡ªa massive eagle circling above him, preparing for another attack.

    His gaze sharpened, and in the blink of an eye, he disappeared.

    ---

    Caine reappeared on a thick branch deep within the forest, standing perfectly still, his presence completely concealed by his mastery of stealth.

    The second trial was intricately linked to the awakening of his Innate Circle, though that wasn''t the immediate goal.

    He had been dropped into this wild forest, filled with countless ferocious beasts. His objective was to reach the center, where he would face the Beast King.

    Along the way, he needed to hunt and ingest enough beasts to trigger the awakening sequence of his Innate Circle.

    The problem was that Caine''s Innate Circle was of the highest grade. The sheer number of beasts he would have to consume to meet the requirements would be staggering.

    But, as always, Caine wasn''t fazed.

    ''I just need to innovate.''

 Chapter 22 - 22: Heaven and Man

    Beasts were just that¡ªBeasts.

    Caine didn''t need to exert much effort to attract and slaughter them. If he had slain fallen gods like cattle, these creatures would be no different.

    The only true concern was time, but unlike on the Island of Possibility, Caine now possessed the ability to manipulate Qi, and at an exceptionally high level.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, all the beasts within the vast forest felt their fur bristle as a massive formation of silver and gold materialized in the skies, eclipsing the sun.

    Above it, like a god watching over the world, a majestic young man floated¡ªnine rings circling behind him, while intricate spell circles formed around his wrists.

    Veins bulged across Caine''s neck and forehead as his muscles tensed. With a low shout, he activated his gift, [Control], imposing his will on the Qi that flowed through the forest, directing it into the massive formation in the sky.

    "Ah!"

    An ocean of colors surged into the heavens. The vibrant hues of the world were drained away, devoured by Caine''s formation as it spun and lit up, blinding the land beneath it.

    As the light dimmed, the beasts of the forest could be seen suspended in mid-air. Their bodies disintegrated into ashes, which drifted toward Caine''s formation. The formation whirled faster, absorbing the beasts'' remains and converting them into a thick, strange white energy that shot toward Caine, burrowing deep into his being.

    Caine''s pupils and sclera glowed like burning torches in the dead of night as his Innate Circle began to awaken. Runes of silver, gold, white, and black manifested across his body, marking his ascension from mere mortal to something beyond, even as he remained encased in his mortal form.

    An entity with an Immeasurable Innate Circle could never be compared to others.

    Strength surged through Caine, along with a flood of information about his pillars, all coalescing into a single, harmonious whole. His body seemed to fracture, only to rebuild itself into a form beyond perfection, as though his true self had finally been released from the chains that bound him.

    Yet, the Qi of the world wasn''t enough. Space itself began to tear and shatter as pillars of pure Qi descended upon him, flooding his body with a seemingly infinite reservoir of energy.

    But just as Caine neared the peak of his awakening¡­

    RUMBLE!

    The skies split open, revealing the depths of an abyssal void, where a grand, gigantic eye, radiating all imaginable colors, appeared.

    A Tribulation.

    A tremendous pressure crashed down on Caine, driving him to the earth below.

    The force snapped him out of his awakening, and he glared at the sky.

    Tribulations were usually reserved for the later stages of cultivation, but for individuals of immense talent, they could occur as early as birth. It was the world''s way of testing one''s worth.

    But this¡­ this didn''t feel like a test. This felt like judgment.

    Not that Caine minded. He had expected this.

    After all, his reincarnation had not gone smoothly, and many things had transpired between the moment when Augustine granted him his wishes and the time when he awoke within his mother''s womb.

    His curses¡ªand now this tribulation¡ªwere all part of what he had foreseen. And planned for.

    WHOOOOOOSHHHHHHH!

    The forest was obliterated as the colossal eye above gathered swirls of black lightning. The lightning crackled with such power that the void of space itself seemed to tear, raining down cosmic fragments in a display of both majesty and horror.

    "Come!" Caine roared, his silver pupils burning with unbreakable conviction.

    A spear materialized in his hand as Qi swirled around him. He thrust the spear toward the heavens as the first bolt of tribulation lightning descended.

    Spear and lightning collided, and unsurprisingly...

    BOOOM!

    Lightning won.

    BANG!

    Caine was driven deep into the ground, his body torn by the otherworldly force of the bolt. He coughed up blood as his mind teetered on the edge of oblivion.

    Gritting his teeth, Caine let out a fierce roar, and the reflection of his nine rings flared in his pupils. Their power surged through him as he shattered the lightning bolt and soared from the crater he''d been forced into, his bloodied body ready to thrust his spear toward the sky once more.

    Another bolt fell. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Then another.

    And another, and another, and another, and another.

    And another.

    Caine lost every single one of these clashes, but each time he stood back up, the determination in his eyes grew fiercer, and his aura bloomed stronger.

    As his body was repeatedly broken and battered, a strange silence echoed across the battlefield¡ªa place where mortal and heaven fought alone.

    In the distance, an ape-like figure sat on a wooden throne, resting its chin on its fist, observing the battle with a calm, unbothered expression.

    "A Defier? From the Velios bloodline? Interesting."

    As the three thousand eight hundredth bolt crashed down, Caine''s body was broken beyond comprehension. But in a final, defiant roar, he thrust his spear toward the sky once more, his rings glowing with a ferocious light.

    For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Heaven and earth connected through spear and lightning, locked in a fleeting harmony that could never be broken.

    And then¡­

    "Hahahahahahahaha!"

    The bolt shattered upon contact with Caine''s spear.

    BANG!

    An echoing boom resounded across the land as Caine staggered back. The great eye in the sky slowly faded, and the parted heavens began to close.

    But before it vanished completely, the eye sent down a massive pillar of silver energy, which crashed into Caine.

    WHOOOOSH!

    Instead of harming him¡­

    ''As expected.''

    ¡­the pillar refined him.

    For every bolt Caine had fought against, the world rewarded him with refinement, tempering his body and talents to new heights.

    Caine laughed out loud, his voice filled with a mix of madness and joy as a profound sense of pride filled his heart.

    Pride? Of course.

    Why wouldn''t he be proud?

    He had just defeated the world.

 Chapter 23 - 23: Ape

    "Feels good, doesn''t it?"

    Caine turned his gaze to the left.

    The once-lush forest that had filled the lands was now gone, reduced to nothingness by his battle, yet one grand tree remained untouched.

    At its base, a wooden throne pulsed with emerald veins of Qi, and seated upon it was a figure.

    The figure was a perfect blend of human and ape, crowned with black fire that swirled above its head. Golden flames wrapped around its wrists and ankles like living bracelets, radiating raw power.

    The ape''s scarlet pupils locked onto Caine''s as it grinned, speaking again.

    "Don''t take too much pride in this act. The tribulations of the world scale based on your actions and your state of being. Considering that your only action here was existing, and your state was still mortal, understand this¡ªthough you may have faced one of the most powerful tribulations a mortal has ever endured¡­"

    The ape slowly rose from its throne.

    "It''s still nothing compared to what the world is truly capable of. You''re still just a little bastard of an ant."

    A heavy staff appeared in its hands, while the final stages of Caine''s refinements completed, signaling the end of his awakening.

    ''Hm.'' Caine''s eyes narrowed as he studied the ape. He could sense that this creature was within the realms of blood. Despite this, his expression darkened.

    Although Caine''s high innate circle grade allowed him to easily bridge realms¡ªand this ability would only grow more absurd as time passed¡ªthere were always exceptions.

    Some beings were anomalies, defying the natural order. While Caine himself was an anomaly, he was still young, still nascent. The ape, on the other hand, was a mature anomaly.

    Suddenly, golden fumes of Qi began to rise from the ape''s body. Its presence loomed, and its aura exploded with force.

    [Toseh, Ape King.]

    ''It''s time.''

    Qi gathered around Caine, solidifying into pristine white battle robes. In his hand, a simple spear manifested.

    His gaze sharpened, and atop his head, a crown appeared.

    Caine''s first wish had been a simple one:

    [I want to keep my memories and the power I''ve cultivated here¡ªeverything.]

    The reason he hadn''t used this power until now was equally simple¡ªhis body and mind had not been ready to contain it. The power he''d cultivated in Samsara was purely spiritual, meaning his physical form needed to be strong enough to wield it, and his mind sharp enough to process and control it.

    Though he was still far from his full potential, thanks to his gifts, his awakened inner circle, and the support of his crown, he could now tap into his full strength for a brief period. His body had been empowered, and his mind refined, allowing him to manage¡ªbut if he exceeded his limits, there would be a heavy backlash.

    Caine didn''t mind. He was confident.

    The momentum of Toseh''s aura was fiercely matched by Caine''s, the golden energy of the ape crashing against the silver radiance of the man.

    Their gazes locked once more, and Toseh''s eyes widened as his vision blurred.

    In an instant, a deep gash tore across the ape''s chest. Before Toseh could react, he sensed a distortion of Qi behind him.

    Instead of turning like most would, he rolled forward, dodging a precise slice followed by a powerful stomp. As he rose to his feet, a frown of irritation twisted his features¡ªCaine was already upon him, a spell circle of flames blooming behind him, pinning the Ape King in a tight spot.

    Toseh sneered. His crown spun rapidly, and his body shifted into an elemental form, flickering away. But as he did, Caine followed, his movements as fast as his falling blade.

    Another gash appeared on Toseh''s chest. Before he could devise a solution, his vision blurred again, and a third cut slashed across the previous two, completely overwhelming him.

    ''How is he doing this?'' Toseh thought as he retreated, forming a protective bubble of Qi around himself. ''Is he using a special type of Qi to blur my senses? But how? At this stage, he should only be able to manipulate atmospheric Qi...''

    His thoughts were cut off by a cold chuckle. Hearing it, Toseh froze, remembering the spell circle Caine had cast earlier.

    "Damn it¡ª"

    A torrent of flames erupted, engulfing the Ape King. But as Toseh laughed at Caine''s supposed folly, his laughter stopped cold.

    Toseh couldn''t understand. His crown and elemental affinity should have granted him complete immunity to fire. And yet¡­ S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "ARGHH!"

    He burned.

    BOOOM!

    An explosion of Qi followed as Toseh shattered the flames, gasping for breath, his Qi surging through his veins to heal his charred body.

    In the distance, Caine''s eyes narrowed.

    ''Interesting. His Qi is purely supportive, enhancing his offensive abilities without issue. His resilience is remarkable, and his healing factor even more exaggerated.''

    ''Wearing him down won''t work. I''ll need to finish this in one decisive strike.''

    Despite his body still smoldering from the flames, the wounds on Toseh''s chest had closed. His gaze steadied as he gripped his staff tightly.

    His Qi flared, the ground splintering beneath his feet as his aura soared higher. Runes manifested in the depths of his bestial eyes, and a low growl rumbled from his throat.

    Toseh took a single step forward.

    But the moment his foot touched the ground, his heart leaped into his throat. Somehow, without him realizing, a blade had appeared inches from his face, descending in a vicious arc.

    Toseh jerked his head back, cursing inwardly. Caine swept his legs out from under him, breaking his balance and forcing him to the ground, his back slamming against the earth.

    His gaze locked on the sun above.

    ''I''m dead.''

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 24 - 24: Pocket

    Caine''s crown slowly faded away as he exhaled a shaky breath and squatted down, watching the life drain from Toseh''s eyes.

    Though it seemed like an uncontested victory on Caine''s part, he knew better. The fact that he had been forced to use his crown and spirituality spoke volumes, and that didn''t even factor in the likelihood that Toseh had been weakened.

    After all, Toseh wasn''t here naturally¡ªhe had been captured by the alliance and placed in this trial. Caine knew the victory wasn''t as glorious as it appeared.

    Now that Toseh was truly dead, Caine let out another shaky breath and sat back. His body trembled from the strain of maintaining his crown''s power for so long. He''d gotten through the first two trials, but the third and final one awaited him.

    The Fissured Trial.

    This trial was the most mysterious of them all and directly connected to one of the Velios Clan''s biggest secrets¡ªa truth that even Caine didn''t fully understand.

    The Velios weren''t entirely human.

    Technically, they were, but they were also something more. They were part of a superior race known as Spirit Humans. Spirit Humans, while in their mother''s womb, were born with a twin egg¡ªa spiritual entity that represented their other half.

    This final trial was about finding his other half.

    To the other elders, this trial was just another test of battle and wits, but Zao, his uncle, knew the deeper meaning behind it.

    ''I wonder why they separate us at birth...''

    Caine stood up, his body steadying as he scanned the barren land before him. There was nothing¡ªno trees, no mountains, just endless wasteland.

    ''Guess I''ll have to keep searching.''

    With nothing else to go on, Caine conjured a mount from his qi, a powerful beast materializing beneath him, and he set off, riding across the vast, empty land.

    ***

    Hours passed, and the desolate scenery began to change. In the distance, Caine spotted something unusual¡ªa village.

    ''What the hell¡­ a village?''

    He had assumed he was in a pocket realm. After a certain level, cultivators gained the ability to warp space and distort time, creating what were essentially miniature worlds¡ªpocket realms¡ªseparated from reality but still connected to it. His trial was supposed to occur within one of these spaces, where only he and his enemies would be present.

    But now he saw an entire village filled with people.

    "HALT!"

    A group of guards rushed toward him, mounted on beasts that looked like a fusion of unicorns and qilins, their horns crackling with lightning.

    Caine didn''t bother to respond. With a flicker, he and his mount blinked past the guards, disappearing from their sight before they even had time to react. The leader of the group, flustered, threw a talisman to the ground.

    **BOOM!**

    A dome of thick qi spread across the barren land, sealing off all possible exits. But by then, Caine had already vanished.

    "Where did he go?!"

    ***

    Infiltrating the village wasn''t difficult. After evading the guards, Caine altered his appearance, blending in with the locals as he gathered information. The more he learned, the more shocked he became.

    This village had no name. It was just one part of an endless chain of villages, each linked to a city, the cities to kingdoms, the kingdoms to empires, and all of them ultimately governed by thirteen sovereignties under the rule of a single religious body¡ªThe White Star Church. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''What is going on here...?''

    It was more than Caine had anticipated. The first problem was whether he was even in a pocket space anymore. If this was still a pocket realm, it meant someone of incredible power had altered it beyond recognition, creating a fully functional world within it. The power needed to do that was far beyond what even the strongest sages could manage.

    On the other hand, if this wasn''t a pocket space anymore, it meant something even more frightening¡ªhe had been transported. Either to another world entirely or to a different time. Both possibilities were equally alarming.

    If it was the former, he had no idea how to return. If it was the latter, the implications could be catastrophic.

    But this wasn''t even the worst part.

    The White Star Church, which seemed to rule over the entire world, worshipped a god.

    According to the people, this god was sealed within a star-shaped egg covered in golden and silver runes. Every so often, the egg would pulse, blessing the world with miracles.

    The most frightening rumor was that this god was close to awakening.

    ''How tricky.''

    Caine could already sense it. This so-called god was no ordinary deity¡ªit was his other half, the spirit entity he had been separated from at birth. He''d be a fool not to guess this much.

    Sitting on a rooftop overlooking the village as dusk settled, Caine mulled over everything he had learned. His mind raced with countless thoughts, but outwardly, he remained calm. The darkening sky above only deepened the shadows across his face, his expression unreadable.

    After a while, though, his lips curled into a faint grin.

    He had fooled the three realms once; he could certainly do it again here.

    ''You better be worth it, brother.''

    ***

    Away, Zao floated in the sky, standing amidst a sea of torn bodies and spilled blood. The scene around him was one of pure carnage, yet Zao remained indifferent, his presence exuding superiority.

    His gaze shifted, piercing through the veils of space and time to land on Caine''s figure, far away. Seeing the grin on his nephew''s face, Zao couldn''t help but smile to himself.

    "The brat''s got wits, for sure," a voice echoed.

    Suddenly, a massive creature appeared beneath him, manifesting from thin air. It resembled a dark whale, its body covered in purple scales etched with glowing white runes. Its form was more monstrous than any normal whale, with countless wings unfurling from its back. Atop its head was a halo of iridescent light, spinning with unimaginable power.

    Despite the creature''s overwhelming presence, its aura was perfectly aligned with Zao''s own, as though they were one and the same.

    "He does," Zao continued, stepping onto the creature''s back, "but his arrogance is growing faster than I like."

    His gaze shifted again, looking out into the distant horizon.

    "Things are about to get chaotic. I''m not sure if the boy is ready to face what''s coming." He sighed deeply.

    "I don''t want him to become like me."

 Chapter 25 - 25: Simple

    Word soon began to spread¡ªword of a battle so fierce it had destroyed an entire forest and split the skies, revealing a grand eye of fathomless depth. To most, this was merely another sign of the imminent awakening of their grand god, but to high-level officials, it signaled something far more dangerous. It was a harbinger of chaos.

    Tribulations of such magnitude only occurred when someone broke into a higher realm or defied the natural order. Since the church kept tight control over all cultivators, monitoring them constantly, they knew this wasn''t the former. It had to be the latter. And that was terrible news.

    Not even a day after Caine''s battle, the infamous Holy Guard was dispatched by the Pope himself. Villages were put on lockdown, and a dark net of suspicion was cast over the world. The hearts of the people, previously filled with anticipation of their god''s awakening, were now weighed down with an uneasy sense of dread.

    Something was coming.

    ***

    Riding upon horses that stepped through the air as if it were solid ground, a unit of soldiers adorned in white and gold armor could be seen moving swiftly. At the helm rode a man with long blonde hair and piercing emerald eyes, a deep frown etched onto his face as he departed from the village the Pope had sent him to investigate.

    They had been tasked with capturing a young man¡ªthe one supposedly responsible for the recent upheaval. However, things hadn''t gone as planned. Not long after the Holy Guard had been dispatched, they received word that the village had been seized by the very youth they sought.

    A message had been sent, along with images of a grand formation hovering in the skies above the village, trapping everyone below. Demands followed, stipulating conditions for the safe return of the village''s civilians. It was audacious, but the Holy Guard complied, sending what was requested, confident they would reclaim it once they arrived.

    What could a single teenager do against the most elite squadron of holy warriors?

    Unfortunately, nothing went according to plan.

    When the Holy Guard finally reached the village, it was empty. Not a single soul remained. All that greeted them was a trail of footsteps leading into an underground maze. Undeterred, they pressed forward, raiding the labyrinth in search of the young man. Along the way, they found villagers tied up but otherwise unharmed.

    As they delved deeper, their confidence grew¡ªuntil they encountered an unexpected obstacle.

    An army.

    But not just any army¡ªan army of monsters, mud golems formed from a strange fusion of earthen and water magic. The creatures had an unnatural vitality, regenerating faster than the guards could cut them down. For every golem that was split in two, two more would rise from its remains. No matter how many were destroyed, more would emerge to replace them, slowly overwhelming the Holy Guard.

    Realizing they were at risk of being swarmed, the guards retreated. They sealed the maze and returned to the surface, only to find themselves caught in yet another trap. The formation from the earlier images reappeared, targeting the Holy Guard directly and teleporting them hundreds of thousands of miles away from their original position.

    Now, defeated and humiliated, the Holy Guard made their way back to the capital to report the fiasco to the Pope.

    "Bastard¡­"

    Reinhard, the squadron''s leader, scowled as they rode in silence. By now, he knew they were dealing with an opponent far more cunning than they had anticipated. It was clear that this entire affair had been orchestrated to humiliate him and his men.

    ''A master of the arcane arts, capable of such a feat, is rare,'' he mused. ''As far as I know, only the Pope and his Holy Childes possess such mastery. Could one of them have betrayed our cause?''

    His thoughts continued to swirl in frustration, deepening the frown on his face. His men, riding silently behind him, shared his grave expression¡ªexcept for one.

    Among the group was a man with short brown hair and bright blue eyes. He wore the same white and gold armor as the others, his face serious. But there was something off about his demeanor¡ªsomething almost playful in the way his gaze flickered between his comrades.

    A strange light flashed in the man''s eyes¡ªa silver gleam¡ªbefore he quickly concealed it.

    ''Good,'' he thought, his lips twitching into a small, hidden smile.

    ***

    The Holy Capital was a sight to behold.

    Polished grey stone paved the streets, intricate runes glowing faintly from their surface. White banners adorned with the Ouroboros¡ªthe symbol of a snake biting its own tail¡ªhung from every corner, fluttering gently in the breeze. The buildings themselves seemed to swirl in concentric rings around a massive central tower, The Church, a monolith of white stone that pierced the sky.

    Its gothic architecture, sleek white bricks, and enormous silver-stained glass windows made it a wonder of the world. The tower''s peak was so tall that it seemed to touch the heavens.

    Despite the brewing unrest, the atmosphere in the capital was vibrant. Men, women, and children filled the streets, dressed in simple religious garments marked with the Ouroboros insignia. Laughter echoed as children played, and vendors called out to passersby, the scent of spices wafting through the air.

    But the joyful scene was abruptly interrupted as the Holy Guard rode through the streets. The crowd parted in awe, their voices hushed, and gasps of admiration echoed through the air.

    The Holy Guard paid no attention to the stares. They moved with purpose, making their way toward the towering church that dominated the city skyline. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Return to the barracks and rest," Reinhard commanded. "We''ll most likely be sent out again soon, so be ready."

    "Yes, sir!" his soldiers responded in unison before veering off toward a grand castle that stood not far from the church.

    As they rode away, Reinhard continued toward the Church, his mind focused on his upcoming report to the Pope. He knew that failure was not an option, and yet¡­ he couldn''t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more dangerous.

 Chapter 26 - 26: Power

    What defined power? Authority? Worthiness?

    How truly powerful could a mortal man become? Was there a limit to the strength that could be derived from unspoken loyalty, from the undying trust of others? How much weight could a king bear before his shoulders gave way, crushed beneath the sheer burden of his title?

    How heavy was a single life when its value was measured against the heavens? And how close to divinity could a mortal soul ascend before the light consumed it? S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The strange world Caine had stumbled into was far darker and more intricate than he could have imagined. Its depths defied comprehension, and its scope stretched so vast that even the likes of Zao¡ªan entity of unparalleled wisdom¡ªwould frown upon beholding its entirety.

    Yet, for all its vastness, this world was a masterpiece of structure. It radiated an order so meticulous that it seemed unnatural, as if designed by an intelligence beyond mortal understanding.

    Every element was measured, controlled, and recorded. The land was divided into villages, built to accommodate mortal existence.

    These villages, in turn, fell under the dominion of cities, which were governed by kingdoms.

    The kings of these realms were elected or re-elected annually, a tradition that ensured no ruler lingered too long upon the throne.

    Above the kingdoms stood empires, whose emperors bent their knees to even greater powers¡ªthe Sovereignties. But even these supreme entities answered to a single force: The Church.

    The White Star Church reigned as the absolute authority over this world, its influence unchallenged. At its head stood a singular man, a being whose very existence bore the weight of the world¡ªa titan cloaked in mortal flesh.

    This figure of absolution and control, known as the Pope, presided over a dominion so complete that even Caine, an anomaly among anomalies, could not help but marvel at its reach.

    ***

    In a grand hall of impossible majesty, two figures occupied the space. The floor was an endless expanse of blue marble, its polished surface reflecting the faint light from the tall stained-glass windows. The ceiling arched high above, carved from white stone, its intricate details lost in the shadows cast by the bright moonlight spilling into the chamber.

    One figure sat upon a throne, radiating a light so brilliant it obscured every feature of its form. The other lay prostrate on the ground, trembling.

    Reiner, a soldier sworn to serve, pressed his face to the cold marble floor. His body quaked as sweat soaked his back, his breaths shallow and uneven. Tears gathered at the corners of his tightly shut eyes, threatening to spill over.

    The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves from the forests beyond the hall''s towering windows. The dark blue skies above the capital seemed to bow to the moon''s luminous reign, its rays cascading through the stained glass to illuminate the scene below.

    Reiner dared not move. He dared not speak. Yet, even in the absence of physical force, his very soul felt laid bare under the Pope''s gaze.

    Upon the throne, the radiant being sat unmoving, a star of golden light so overwhelming that no mortal could discern its true form. The air in the hall was void of qi, devoid of any discernible energy. Yet Reiner''s hairs stood on end, his stomach churned, and his heart slammed violently against his ribs.

    The sheer presence of the Pope was suffocating. It wasn''t pressure in the physical sense¡ªit was the overwhelming weight of infinity itself. Reiner felt as if he were an ant before a boundless cosmos, his fragile mind fracturing under the strain.

    Countless voices echoed within his head, a maddening cacophony that threatened to drive him to the brink of insanity. He teetered on the edge, seconds away from ending his own life to escape the unbearable intensity.

    "Reiner."

    The Pope''s voice rang out, calm and serene, yet as absolute as a force of nature. The sound shattered the chaos in Reiner''s mind, bringing a momentary reprieve. His thoughts stilled, and he exhaled a shaky breath, his body trembling as he regained his composure.

    No matter how many times he stood before this being, Reiner knew he would never grow accustomed to the experience.

    "Yes, Your Holiness," he croaked, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear. Clearing his throat, he continued, "My men and I ventured into the southern regions, specifically to the central relay village where the youth was first spotted. Unfortunately¡­"

    His words were laced with hesitation and apprehension, but he pressed on, recounting the tale of his failures in painstaking detail. He left nothing out, for he knew that lying¡ªor even omitting a single truth¡ªwas futile. The Pope''s gaze was all-seeing, his knowledge absolute.

    Minutes bled into hours as Reiner delivered his report. When he finally finished, his voice was hoarse, and his body felt drained.

    "I see. Interesting," the Pope said, his tone unchanging, as if untouched by emotion. "Now, listen carefully to my next words."

    Reiner''s heart pounded as he nodded rapidly, his ears straining to catch every syllable.

    "I want you to¡­"

    The orders that followed sent a chill through Reiner''s very soul. Each word struck him like a hammer, the magnitude of the commands threatening to crush him. By the time the Pope''s voice fell silent, Reiner''s face was pale, his body trembling anew.

    The scope of what was to come was beyond anything he had imagined.

    ***

    In a simple room far removed from the grandeur of the hall, a young man sat in silent meditation.

    The walls were painted white, and the room was sparsely furnished¡ªa single bed, a desk, and a cultivation mat. Above the bed, a veiled and disguised Caine hovered cross-legged in the air, his blue eyes closed in deep concentration.

    Through the open window, the sounds of the Holy Capital drifted in. Voices, shouts, and laughter blended together, forming an urban symphony that filled the air. For reasons he couldn''t fully explain, Caine had always found comfort in the liveliness of cities. They felt warm, alive¡ªhuman.

    ''This so-called Pope truly is extraordinary¡­''

    Caine had not yet met the Pope, but his experiences over the past few days had left a lasting impression.

    To test the waters of this new world, Caine had made an audacious request: rare resources in exchange for the freedom of captives. These resources were treasures even in the Five Brilliant Sky World, yet within an hour, they had been delivered to him without question.

    The efficiency was staggering. But more than that, there was something about the Church itself that unnerved him.

    Caine could sense an immense force radiating from it¡ªan energy that wasn''t qi, nor any power he recognized. Yet it was tangible, oppressive, like a guillotine poised above his neck or an all-seeing eye that scrutinized his every move.

    Despite the unease, Caine couldn''t deny that things had gone in his favor. Thanks to the Pope''s compliance, he now had access to resources that allowed him to begin cultivating earlier than anticipated¡ªa crucial advantage in this unpredictable world.

    He opened his eyes, determination gleaming within their blue depths.

    ''This is no trial. This is real. And if I die here, there''s no coming back.''

    Taking a steadying breath, he began.

    ''Let''s start.''

 Chapter 27 - 27: Cultivation

    The first realm of cultivation, called the Realm of Blood, was divided into seven smaller stages, each requiring the practitioner to follow complex and elaborate steps.

    The initial stage of the Blood Realm was known as the Bone Forging Stage.

    At its core, the Blood Realm revolved around the body¡ªits foundation, its innate power, and its endless potential. Unsurprisingly, the first stage reflected this idea.

    Before anything else, a cultivator in the Bone Forging Stage had to attune themselves to the rhythm of their own blood, sensing its subtle ebbs and flows. Harmonizing with this life force, they had to take control over it completely. Only then could they move on to the next step: sensing and mastering the blood qi flowing within their veins.

    This was the bare minimum requirement to enter the Realm of Blood.

    Once this initial mastery was achieved, the true intricacies of the Bone Forging Stage could begin.

    In this stage, the cultivator''s task was to shatter their bones using their own blood qi, destroying their entire skeletal structure.

    Then, using the very blood qi that had dismantled their body, they would reform their skeleton¡ªthis time not from ordinary matter but from qi matter, a superior substance transmuted from energy into physical form.

    Such transmutations were akin to what Caine often performed when using his qi to craft spears or other constructs.

    The process, though agonizing, brought immense benefits. It empowered the body far beyond its natural limits and elevated the cultivator''s affinity with qi to previously unattainable realms.

    Yet, even this monumental transformation was only the beginning.

    After reforming their skeletal structure, the cultivator had to embark on a grueling cycle of shattering and tempering their bones repeatedly. This relentless process further fortified their physical foundation, enhanced their strength, and purified their blood qi, condensing it into a higher quality.

    ''Quite tricky,'' Caine mused, his thoughts swirling as he reviewed the intricacies of the task ahead.

    Of course, the Bone Forging Stage contained a hidden step¡ªa secret known only to the most privileged nobles and prodigies.

    At this hidden stage, once a cultivator had reached the natural limits of how much tempering their bones could withstand, they could inscribe runes onto their skeletal structure. These runes imbued the body with innate attributes, granting overwhelming advantages that would compound with the techniques of future stages.

    ''Let''s finish the basics first before worrying about that,'' Caine thought.

    He inhaled deeply, then exhaled. A moment later, thick fumes of scarlet energy erupted around him, saturating the air with a pungent metallic scent.

    It took him only an instant to sense his blood qi. That was no surprise¡ªhis talent was immense, and his rings provided invaluable assistance.

    ''If I''m going to shatter my bones, I might as well redesign my entire skeletal structure. I''ll create a custom one that maximizes my potential. Hm¡­ I should take inspiration from¡ª''

    CRACK!

    The sickening sound of Caine''s bones shattering echoed through the room, followed by more fractures in rapid succession. A grotesque symphony of destruction filled the air as his blood qi went to work.

    Beneath his skin, his bones disintegrated into dust, ground down by the overwhelming force of his blood qi. Veins bulged and writhed like serpents beneath his flesh, forming a nightmarish fresco of movement. Yet, despite the pain, Caine''s expression remained indifferent, his resolve unshaken.

    His body underwent strange transformations. At times, his height surged upward as if he were becoming a giant, only to collapse moments later to the stature of a dwarf. His muscles bulged grotesquely, tearing apart, only to compress and reform under the relentless pressure of his blood qi.

    Minutes turned into hours, which then bled into days, as the cycle of destruction and rebirth continued without pause.

    BOOM!

    A pulse of potent blood qi exploded outward, signaling the end of the changes.

    For most cultivators, the Bone Forging Stage took weeks for the exceptionally talented¡ªor years for the average¡ªto complete. But thanks to the rare resources provided by the Pope, Caine had reached its peak in a single, grueling session.

    All that remained now was the secret step.

    WHOOSH!

    For this hidden step, most cultivators relied on a Bone Endowing Manual. These manuals contained predefined runes that could be inscribed onto bones, granting standardized enhancements.

    But Caine had no intention of following someone else''s blueprint.

    ''I''ll forge my own, unique bone structure,'' he resolved.

    Long ago, during his studies of the cultivation realms, Caine had meticulously mapped out his path.

    For the Bone Forging Stage, his vision was ambitious¡ªEndlessness.

    He intended to create a skeletal structure that granted him strength far beyond the confines of the Realm of Blood. More importantly, it would remain in a perpetual state of refinement, constantly evolving and removing any limitations on his growth. The longer he lived, the stronger he would become.

    But that wasn''t all.

    Caine aimed to elevate his blood qi to an unmatched level of quality and purity. He wanted it to possess a malleability beyond imagination, allowing him to infuse his intent into it. At will, he would transform it into a chaotic force of destruction or a nurturing essence of vitality capable of healing him instantaneously.

    It was a tall order, bordering on the impossible. Yet, Caine was confident it could be done.

    ''I''ll call it the Celestial Taiyi Blood Qi Bone Structure.''

    However, the process would be excruciating. The method Caine had devised to inscribe runes involved using his rings and crown to force his bones beyond their natural limits.

    This would put immense strain on his mind, pushing it to the brink of collapse.

    ''Fear is the mind-killer,'' Caine reminded himself.

    He took another steadying breath and closed his eyes. A moment later, his blood qi surged forth, saturating the air around him in a dense, crimson haze.

    Within this scarlet expanse, countless runes began to manifest, glowing with ancient, otherworldly light.

    With a low, determined shout, Caine commanded,''CONDENSE!'' Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BANG!

    His bones shattered once more, and the excruciating process of crafting his Celestial Taiyi Blood Qi Bone Structure began.

 Chapter 28 - 28: Affinity

    Celestial. Taiyi.

    Celestial, in the context of a cultivator''s body and bones, could mean many things. But for Caine, it held a singular and precise definition: Distance.

    The absolute, unfathomable distance that separated the stars from the earth¡ªtheir bright luster casting shadows upon the heavens, their radiant forms etched into the night sky, defying the very void of existence.

    They were the nurturers of life, the challengers of Heaven.

    Taiyi, similarly, carried numerous interpretations, but Caine''s vision for it remained steadfast: Totality.

    Everything, everywhere, all at once. The convergence of all existence¡ªnot into one singular entity, but under a supreme form that dominated all else. A single star reigning over every avenue.

    Together, these two ideas forged a meaning only Caine could fully comprehend.

    In the cultivation world, names held unparalleled significance, especially for those like Caine who paved their own paths with every step. Names weren''t just labels¡ªthey embodied power, destiny, and defiance.

    If Caine succeeded in forging this bone structure, the power he would wield would be¡­ special.

    But, as with all things, it wasn''t so simple. If forging such power were easy, the first cultivator would have named their creation the "Absolute God Blood Qi Bone Structure" and ruled over all. Yet they hadn''t¡ªnot because they couldn''t, but because they hadn''t dared. In fact, they hadn''t named their bone structures at all.

    Even now, most cultivators avoided naming their creations. They named only the manuals, and for good reason¡ªfear. Fear of the Heavens above.

    Whether Caine understood the risks of his audacity was uncertain. But even if he did, it likely wouldn''t matter to him. He had defied the will of this world once. He could do so again if necessary.

    Time would reveal whether his actions were arrogance or calculated risk.

    ***

    Sat cross-legged on his bed, Caine was motionless, his breathing even and his heartbeat so faint it seemed nonexistent.

    The atmospheric qi of the world, which usually flocked to him like loyal servants rejoicing at the sight of their lord, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, an oppressive stillness hung heavy in the room.

    The flow of his blood resembled a wild, untamed river, surging through every corner of his body. His bones, now etched with intricate runes and formations, stood like celestial pillars¡ªsupporting the heavens and dominating the earth.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes, and a shockwave of qi rippled outward, shaking the room. The silver depths of his pupils now carried an unreadable brilliance.

    He exhaled a shaky breath and raised his hand, summoning a thread of blood qi that wove gracefully between his fingers.

    ''I''ve eliminated one of my greatest weaknesses¡ªreliance on atmospheric qi.''

    Though he could still harness it with his rings, he resolved not to. The higher one ascended in cultivation, the more powerful their dominion over qi became. Considering most of Caine''s future opponents would be realms beyond him, it was a flaw he needed to address immediately. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    By relying solely on the blood qi naturally produced within his body, he couldn''t match the sheer quantity of atmospheric qi¡ªat least, not yet. But in terms of quality? He was now leagues ahead of anything the world could produce.

    BANG! BANG! BANG!

    The sudden, violent knocking on his door shattered the silence.

    "Ryder! Get out here! We''re late! We''ve been waiting for you for fucking ages! The monument closes in two hours¡ªwe have to leave now!"

    A smile crept across Caine''s face as his appearance shifted back to that of a blue-eyed young soldier.

    "I''m coming!" he called back.

    ***

    A group of soldiers strode briskly through the bustling streets of the Holy Capital, heading toward a towering structure. Their voices carried over the hum of the city, drawing curious glances from passersby.

    After all, these were warriors of the Holy Guard¡ªthe protectors of the sacred city. How could they not attract attention?

    "Damn you, Ryder! If I miss my awakening because of you¡ª"

    "It''ll be fine," Ryder¡ªCaine''s alias¡ªinterjected, cutting off the complaint. "We''re only five minutes away, and it doesn''t close for another hour and a half. Relax." He sighed and added, "Sorry. I got caught up with some things."

    "What the hell were you doing, anyway?" one of the soldiers asked, draping an arm over Caine''s shoulder. "Were you¡­ you know?"

    "What?"

    "You know¡­?"

    Caine blinked in confusion, but with a subtle flash of his rings, he peered into the soldier''s mind to find the answer.

    When he did, he froze.

    The soldiers around him burst into laughter, their amusement echoing through the street.

    A bitter smile spread across Caine''s face as he shook his head. ''Hopefully, I''ll find them soon,'' he thought, his mind drifting to the image of nine figures. Their faces, filled with trust and hope, lingered in his memory.

    "No, I wasn''t thinking about her. I told you all¡ªI''m over it. Even if I wasn''t¡ª"

    "Keep lying to yourself, little man. Weren''t you just¡ª"

    Their teasing voices and laughter carried on as they continued toward their destination.

    The building they approached was known as the Tower of Reconnaissance, or as Most preferred to call it, the Elemental Hall.

    Within the Holy Guard, soldiers could attempt to awaken their affinities here, provided they had earned enough merit.

    An affinity was an innate attunement to a specific force of existence. The stronger the affinity, the more potent one''s control over that force.

    Someone with even a minor affinity for fire, for instance, could summon flames effortlessly, regardless of their cultivation stage. But affinities extended far beyond elements.

    As Caine had witnessed, affinities could encompass forces like time, space, gravity¡ªor even emotions.

    Soran, one of the nobles of the timeless alliance, for example, possessed an affinity called Elemental Rage, which allowed his emotions to dictate his elemental powers. When angry, he commanded flames. When sorrowful, he controlled water. When joyous, he wielded the wind.

    Affinities formed the foundation of a cultivator''s prowess, a direct reflection of their potential.

    As Caine approached the tower with his companions, his thoughts shifted to the path ahead. For him, awakening an affinity wasn''t about power, well, not entirely.

    This awakening was what he needed to fully complete his bones.

 Chapter 29 - 29: Totality

    The group soon reached the Elemental Hall.

    Within the sprawling landscape of the city, the tower itself appeared unimpressive. Apart from its height, there was nothing remarkable about it. Its walls were constructed of plain grey stone, its doors fashioned from old, weathered wood. At its apex, smoke drifted lazily into the sky, carried away by the cold winds that swept through the capital.

    Above the tower, a sign hung with the words "Tower of Reconnaissance" deeply etched into its surface. The text was invisible to ordinary eyes, only perceptible to those who could wield qi.

    It was a tower like any other, and yet, as Caine and his fellow soldiers gazed up at its imposing form, they couldn''t help but swallow hard, a sense of foreboding settling over them.

    With a step forward, Caine took the initiative. Without hesitation, he reached out to touch the entry door, his hand pressing firmly against its surface¡ª

    "NO! WAIT¡ª"

    He vanished.

    ***

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself standing in a strange, grey void. Below him stretched an endless expanse of black water that, despite its appearance, bore his weight and would not let him sink.

    In the distance, a metallic sphere hovered mid-air, radiating a dim, silvery glow. It resembled a miniature sun, with flares of silver qi dancing across its surface, emitting an aura that drew Caine''s attention irresistibly.

    [Are you ready for your awakening?]

    Before he could respond, Caine was abruptly transported, now standing mere steps away from the sphere.

    [Failure to awaken your elements may result in a loss of life force.]

    Caine exhaled deeply, his expression calm. Lowering himself into a cross-legged position, he closed his eyes and softly spoke, "Let us begin."

    [Good luck.]

    The metallic sphere exploded, shattering into four distinct fragments that hovered around him at the cardinal points. Energy barriers formed between them, enclosing Caine within a glowing geometric cage.

    The black waters below churned violently, their surface twisting into towering waves that crashed against the barrier with deafening force.

    Caine felt a stirring deep within him, something ancient and primal awakening from eons of slumber. His body trembled as his eyes snapped open, widening in shock.

    A violent cough wracked his body, forcing him to vomit a mouthful of foul, black blood¡ªimpurities. Simultaneously, his pores opened, expelling a thick, oily substance that coated him in the remnants of years of hidden imperfections.

    While this awakening was necessary to complete his bones, Caine intended to use it as a platform to advance further¡ªto step into the second stage of the Blood Realm: the Flesh Destruction Stage.

    ''Let''s start with the awakening.''

    BOOOOOM!

    A mantle of white energy enveloped Caine, its pristine glow stained by countless silver runes. Streams of golden and black energy swirled chaotically around him, sending ripples of force across the black waters below.

    Arcs of lightning, tongues of flame, harsh winds, and droplets of water coalesced around him. They flared briefly, elements vying for dominance, but were quickly devoured by the stained mantle of energy that now cloaked him.

    His eyes burned like twin torches, purging the remaining impurities from his body in a searing wave of heat.

    [Affinity awakened¡ªUnknown.]

    The monument couldn''t recognize his affinity, but Caine knew exactly what it was. That knowledge, however, wasn''t important at this moment. What mattered now was that the perfect conditions had been created to complete his bones.

    With a roar, Caine unleashed his power. His Celestial Taiyi Bones glowed brilliantly beneath his flesh, the runes etched upon them flaring so brightly they illuminated the entire expanse of the void.

    The surrounding elements¡ªthe flashes of lightning, fire, wind, and water¡ªshattered into countless runes. These runes flowed like rivers of light, etching themselves into his bones.

    Caine wasn''t simply anchoring his affinity into his bones. No, what he was doing was far more profound¡ªand heretical. He was stealing a fragment of the universal force his affinity resonated with, fusing it into his very being.

    By doing so, his bones would no longer rely on the world for resonance. Instead, they would devour the essence of that universal force, becoming their own center of power, unbound by the limitations of the world.

    It was an act of defiance, a rejection of the natural order.

    Caine knew the risk he was taking. Such an action would be impossible in a stronger world, but this one was weak. He could feel it in the very air. It was the same weakness that had allowed him to survive his innate circle tribulation, the same weakness that made his plans feasible.

    It was suicidal. But if he didn''t dare to seize this opportunity, how could he ever hope to reach the heights he sought to surpass?

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The runes etched themselves into his bones all at once. What had once been pristine white now turned a dark, burnished gold, streaked with swirling silver runes.

    The power emanating from his bones tore through his flesh, incinerating it until his body resembled the skeletal form of a Reaper of Samsara.

    ''Second step.''

    The second stage of the Blood Realm, the Flesh Destruction Stage, was a logical progression from the Bone Forging Stage.

    Having forged his bones with blood qi, Caine now needed to address his flesh. The task was to drain his flesh of its blood qi entirely, redirecting it into his bones to create a perpetual stream of qi flowing through them. This process would cause his flesh to wither and fall away, preparing it for reconstruction.

    By weaving his blood qi into intricate filaments, he would remake his flesh and muscles, using these qi threads as the foundation.

    The transformation would render his flesh unimaginably powerful. Moreover, his cells would gain the ability to naturally produce blood qi independent of his physical blood.

    This would resolve the issue of quantity and quality he would have faced relying solely on blood qi.

    As with the Bone Forging Stage, this step also had a secret technique: inscribing runes onto the flesh. These runes would resonate with those on the bones, completing a cycle that bridged the realms of qi and matter. The resulting synergy would transform the body into an unstoppable machine.

    But for Caine, the challenge wasn''t simply completing this stage¡ªit was in the type of Blood Qi Flesh he intended to forge. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''It''s definitely doable,'' he thought, his gaze steely.

 Chapter 30 - 30: Dong!

    If one followed Caine''s actions, his next steps would seem obvious.

    If his bones were to act as absolute and undeniable pillars that controlled all things, then his flesh would be forged of all things¡ªleashed by the tyranny of his bones.

    What Caine was attempting wasn''t simple. He sought to form 3,800 Blood Qi Flesh Structures, simultaneously, on a single body, in a single attempt.

    Of course, forging an infinite number of Blood Qi Flesh Structures was impossible. Instead, Caine settled on 3,800, aligning with the 3,800 avenues of origin¡ªthe first and most primordial paths and elements.

    He would call this creation the Chaos Wu Ji Blood Qi Flesh Structure.

    But like his bones, for each structure, he planned to steal a fragment of universal force and fuse it into his flesh, making his body truly and fully independent.

    SKREECH!

    A grating sound echoed as Caine''s bony jaw shifted, forming a grotesque grin. Flames of pure, unbridled madness ignited within his empty eye sockets, blazing with intensity.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Countless portals erupted around his cube, swirling with various colors and elements. Yet, Caine paid them no mind. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.

    Blood Qi flowed from his bones in relentless waves, pulling at the portals and forming thin qi filaments that began to gather around him. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Runes of every imaginable type flashed in the air as Caine clenched his jaw and summoned his rings, stabilizing his spiraling thoughts. He couldn''t afford failure¡ªnot now.

    A brilliant flash lit the space as his crown manifested atop his head, radiating power. With untamed conviction, he roared:

    "COME TO ME!"

    The portals fused with the blood qi filaments, their edges expanding outward, glowing like molten metal.

    RUMBLE!

    Countless filaments of qi surrounded Caine''s glowing bones, overlapping and intertwining in chaotic precision. They formed thick layers of flesh around his skeletal frame, growing and expanding until his body surpassed the size of a giant, nearing the grotesque stature of a flesh abomination.

    The filaments continued flooding him, cascading in endless waves until the portals blinked out of existence. Through the towering layers of flesh, a pair of burning silver pupils pierced through, glowing with terrifying brilliance.

    "CONDENSE!"

    SNAP!

    A deafening crack echoed as the countless layers of flesh compressed inward, clinging tightly to his bones. Runes blazed to life, searing themselves onto his new flesh, interlinked by swirling silver marks that completed Caine''s audacious design.

    DONG!

    A resonant chime reverberated through the void.

    "Celestial Taiyi."

    Incredibly pure neutral qi surged around him, wrapping his naked flesh and reforming it into flawless, jade-white skin. From his skull, a river of darkness spilled, draping over his shoulders as his hair reformed. It swayed gently, imbued with the intangibility of the void yet as durable as steel.

    His muscles rippled beneath his new flesh, striated like cords of tempered metal. Slowly, Caine''s heart began to beat once more, sending a renewed flow of blood through his veins.

    DONG!

    A second chime rang out.

    "Chaos Wu Ji."

    At that moment, his cells seemed to awaken, releasing an endless wave of tyrannical Blood Qi. His bones and flesh bridged, forming an unbreakable link.

    It all happened in an instant.

    DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG! DONG!

    "[SOLIDIFY]!"

    The chimes echoed endlessly as chaotic waves of power radiated outward, shaking the cube''s energy barriers.

    Meanwhile, Caine writhed in agony, clutching his head as the backlash assaulted his mind like a relentless storm.

    ''Success¡­''

    The thought barely formed in his mind, fragmented and weak. The mental toll was beyond fierce, but at least he had succeeded. Somehow, there had been no tribulation for his actions¡ªyet.

    ''I''ve done it¡­ though I''m sure it''ll catch up to me soon¡­''

    His vision blurred, the world spinning out of focus. Darkness consumed him as he fell unconscious.

    [Congratulations, you have completed your awakening.]

    **

    What woke Caine was the same excruciating headache that had sent him to sleep.

    "Fuck!" he muttered, rolling onto his side as pain wracked his skull. He cursed under his breath, gripping his temples as the pounding intensified.

    Suddenly, his rings flickered to life, their light shining faintly in the depths of his closed eyes. In a strained whisper, he chanted:

    "[Heal]¡­ [Calm]¡­ [Mend]¡­"

    Dozens of healing spells activated at once, gradually dulling the pain until it finally ebbed away.

    With a relieved sigh, he let himself fall flat against the bed, his body drenched in sweat and his breathing labored.

    ''The last time I overworked my mind like this was when I first forged my rings¡­ That was something else entirely.''

    After a deep inhale and a steadying exhale, Caine opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings.

    ''As expected.''

    He was back in his room¡ªnaked, for some reason¡ªand night had fallen. By his bedside, a few handwritten notes lay neatly arranged.

    His fellow soldiers had left them, congratulating him on his awakening and reminding him of their next mission''s departure time.

    ''Another mission? So soon?'' His gaze narrowed. ''I suppose it doesn''t matter. With my current power, I should be able to defend myself.''

    He clenched his fist experimentally. Immediately, arcs of blood qi crackled around it, vibrant and powerful.

    ''Even if I wanted to break past the peak of Flesh Destruction, it wouldn''t be possible here. I''ll have to wait until I return home.''

    Though he sighed at the thought, he didn''t truly mind. There was already much on his plate.

    Beyond fully mastering his new bones, flesh, and affinity, he still had to delve deeper into his Gifts. Breaking through without fully understanding these aspects of his power would be foolish.

    And even then, there was another pressing matter¡ªthe mysterious other half he had to find. Unlocking its secrets remained one of his greatest priorities.

    But amidst all these challenges, Caine had made a startling discovery during his breakthrough process:

    ''I finally know where I am¡­ I''m in a fractured reality.''

    The thought weighed heavily on him. His gaze darkened, reflecting a swirl of worry and seriousness.

    To say this complicated matters would be a vast understatement.

 Chapter 31 - 31: Fractured

    This realization had settled over Caine as he committed one heretical act after another and somehow¡­ lived.

    Someone like him, with an inner circle standing at the very peak of all that existed, shouldn''t have survived his awakening¡ªnot fully.

    He should have been pushed to the brink of death, left crippled, or at least gravely weakened. Yet, against all odds, he had not only kept his body whole but even overcome one of the many bolts that had fallen upon him.

    Even more mind-boggling was the fact that he had been able to steal shard after shard of universal forces. Such a feat should have been impossible. It defied reason and the natural laws of existence.

    That''s when he realized: all his theories had been both wrong and right at the same time. He hadn''t merely been displaced through space or time. No, he had been displaced through both, and yet somehow¡­ neither.

    He was in a fractured reality.

    Something so outlandish and absurd that he hadn''t even considered it as a possibility.

    All worlds resided within an endless expanse of clashing positive and negative forces¡ªa primordial battleground known as Primordial Chaos.

    In this chaos, negative and positive forces clashed endlessly, their collisions producing fluctuations in energy. Occasionally, these fluctuations would resonate, causing the essence of the 3,800 Primordial Paths to bloom simultaneously. This phenomenon would bind portions of the negative and positive energy together, forming a seed¡ªa World Seed.

    By consuming these opposing forces, also known as Yin and Yang, the seed would grow.

    Stabilized by the 3,800 paths, it would eventually bloom into a fully realized world. A cosmic barrier would then form around this new reality, shielding it from the unending chaos of the primordial expanse.

    This was the simplified, widely accepted explanation of how worlds came into existence.

    However, like all things, not every attempt was successful. Some seeds failed. When the balance of Yin and Yang forces was off, the seed would become corrupted, resulting in a fractured point of warped space and time¡ªa Ruined Seed.

    These failures mattered because all worlds were intrinsically connected. When one seed failed, the ripple effect would echo across the interconnected tapestry of existence.

    The ruined seed would latch onto a nearby world, warping a point in its space and time. This would create an entirely separate, self-contained reality¡ªa warped reflection anchored by the ruined seed''s fractured will.

    These fractured realities were often tied to specific time periods and were notoriously difficult to escape. Those who fell into these twisted realms would be trapped until they completed a set of tasks dictated by the ruined seed''s will.

    This was the nature of a fractured reality, or as many called it: a Dungeon.

    With this knowledge, Caine''s predicament became glaringly obvious.

    First and foremost, he hadn''t been given any tasks. Without the seed''s guidance, he had no idea what he needed to do to clear this fractured reality and return to his own. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But more pressing was the issue of time.

    In fractured realities, the flow of time rarely aligned with that of the outside world. While he had spent only a few days here, centuries could have passed in the outside world¡ªor, conversely, only seconds.

    Even worse, fractured realities often took years to complete, and Caine couldn''t afford to waste that much time.

    ''If I were strong enough, I could simply read the runes of this world and decipher the clear conditions myself. Hell, I could have just torn a hole into the void and escaped.'' He sighed, but his focus quickly sharpened as he assessed the situation.

    ''Let''s think this through. Those old bastards tampered with my trial on purpose. Their goal is either my death, the wasting of my time, or both.''

    ''That means two things. First, this fractured reality likely contains a threat capable of killing me¡ªmost likely this so-called Pope. Second, even if I knew the clear conditions, they would have been designed to take years to complete. I can''t rely on conventional methods.''

    ''If I assume the worst, they''ve likely manipulated the world will itself to hide the conditions from me. They may have even restructured this entire place as a trap tailored specifically for me. That means I have to act quickly, decisively, and unpredictably.''

    His hand brushed against his chin as he fell into deep thought.

    ''The biggest trap is most likely where my other half is. I''ll need to plan around that carefully. I also need to devise a way to leave this place whenever I want.''

    Caine''s eyes widened suddenly as a thought struck him. A soft smile spread across his face.

    ''That could work.''

    ***

    High above the horizon, as the first light of dawn painted the skies, a squad of ten soldiers soared through the air on the backs of flying beasts. They wore golden armor that gleamed in the morning sun, their leader unmistakable¡ªReiner.

    "The mission is straightforward," Reiner said, his voice cold and commanding. "We''re to search the cave we previously sealed¡ªthe one infested with mud golems. The Pope has entrusted me with a talisman that should clear them out."

    He glanced at the soldiers under his command, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

    "His Holiness wants us to locate the summoning formation responsible for spawning those creatures and bring it back to him. Once he has it, he''ll reverse-engineer the formation to create a portal to the suspect."

    Reiner''s voice dropped, his tone laced with gravity. "Since our enemy is intelligent, it''s likely he anticipated this and left traps within the cave. Stay vigilant."

    He paused briefly before continuing.

    "Additionally, we need to secure the surrounding villages before we move on the cave. We can''t afford another hostage situation¡ªnot with tensions this high."

    Reiner''s cold gaze swept over the squad.

    "Based on the intelligence we''ve gathered, our current forces should be sufficient to take him down if it comes to that. But remember, he''s a master of the arcane arts. If combat becomes necessary, assume the Burning Crane Formation immediately and link your qi streams. I want no mistakes."

    As Reiner continued to issue orders, his soldiers couldn''t help but feel the weight of his words. The air around them seemed heavier as the squad soared through the skies, their leader''s cold, authoritative voice a constant reminder of the danger ahead.

 Chapter 32 - 32: Reiner

    Reiner and his men moved swiftly, focused and meticulous as they navigated to all the villages near the cave. Yet, for some reason, the task had proven far more tedious than anticipated.

    The suspect they were after had somehow planted his army of mud golems within a cave that was neither close to any village nor far from any¡ªa maddeningly inconvenient location.

    What had initially been expected to be a quick evacuation of five to ten villages turned into a grueling week-long operation involving hundreds of villages. Each new development only served to frustrate Reiner further.

    The tediousness was exacerbated by the countless trap formations laid throughout the villages. These traps were not just dangerous but so intricate that none of the men dared to approach them.

    Yet, the traps themselves weren''t the biggest issue.

    They had been strategically placed to force Reiner and his men into taking longer, more perilous routes, as though they were cattle being herded by an unseen master.

    Still, despite these challenges, Reiner and his men eventually managed to evacuate all the mortals. That''s when things took a turn for the worse.

    Beasts.

    No matter where they were or what precautions they took, the beasts always found them. It was as though the enemy knew their exact location at all times.

    This constant harassment forced yet another shift in their plans. Instead of conserving their energy for the cave, they were now compelled to remain in a perpetual state of battle, always on guard as they pushed forward.

    Reiner, overwhelmed by the unrelenting chaos, found himself at a loss for words.

    ***

    Covered in wounds, his armor shattered, and his figure disheveled, Reiner finally arrived at the cave''s entrance.

    He had learned from past failures and immediately contacted the Pope, transmitting the location to ensure the path ahead would be cleared.

    Once they received the green light, they breached the cave walls and descended into its depths, weapons drawn and jaws set, bracing for horrors beyond imagination.

    But what awaited them was¡­ nothing.

    "WHAT?!" Reiner''s roar echoed through the cave as he rushed down its winding paths, unable to believe the once-endless army of mud golems had vanished without a trace.

    Frantically, he turned around to address his soldiers, only to have his heart drop.

    Behind him wasn''t his team¡ªit was a solid wall.

    Spinning back around, he found another wall blocking his way. When he glanced behind him again, a previously unseen path had appeared.

    ''¡­A¡­maze¡­ of illu¡­illusions¡­''

    Reiner''s blood ran cold. He had lost his men, and now he was lost himself, trapped within an ever-shifting maze of illusions.

    ***

    Days blurred into what felt like weeks, then years¡­ decades¡­ centuries¡­

    He was alone.

    There was no one else.

    The maze stretched endlessly, a cruel prison of deceit and madness. His men were gone. His sense of self began to crumble.

    ''¡­No¡­''

    Reiner''s mind slipped further into the abyss, his steps aimless as he wandered through this endless falsehood. His senses dulled, ground to numbness by the overwhelming barrage of deceit surrounding him.

    After what felt like billions of years, he found himself kneeling, his gaze hollow and his mind void.

    The illusory world around him faded, and he returned to the main clearing of the cave¡ªthe same one he had entered before venturing into its depths.

    There, sitting atop a pile of corpses near the entrance, was a young man of almost otherworldly beauty.

    Long, flowing black hair as dark as the void of space cascaded over his shoulders. His skin was white as jade, unmarred and pure. His eyes, cold and apathetic, swirled with currents of silver and faint gold.

    The man wore pristine white robes¡ªCaine.

    "That was easy enough, hm?" Caine''s calm voice cut through the silence as he wiped blood from his blade with a cloth.

    Reiner''s eyes widened, his gaze shifting to the pile of corpses beneath Caine. They were his soldiers¡ªthe men he had trained and raised like sons. His flesh and blood.

    "The Pope''s plan was rather elaborate," Caine continued, his voice steady, unbothered by the storm of rage bubbling within Reiner. "He knew one of you was compromised, so he orchestrated this mission to reveal the ''traitor'' and lure him back to the capital."

    Caine''s lips curled into a faint smile. "If I had to guess, this so-called traitor would be summoned to the Pope''s hall under the guise of a reward. Then, in front of the congregation, the Pope would unveil the betrayal and deliver swift punishment. Perhaps he''d even sacrifice the traitor to his mighty god."

    Reiner''s body trembled with rage, his golden qi flaring uncontrollably as Caine tilted his head, still smiling.

    "Was I close?"

    A pillar of golden qi erupted from Reiner, burning away the tears streaming down his face and healing the wounds scattered across his body. With a snarl, he pulled a talisman from thin air and slapped it onto his forehead.

    "But of course," Caine mused, "the mighty Pope anticipated that someone might figure out his plan. That''s why he granted you partial access to his power through that talisman. If I had to guess again, your earlier contact to ''clear the path'' was just your way of signaling to him that the operation had begun. Am I wrong?"

    Shaking his head, Caine rose from the pile of corpses.

    CLANK!

    A suit of pure white armor materialized over Reiner, its radiant glow stark against the darkness of the cave. A massive bastard sword appeared in his hand, its edge gleaming with destructive power.

    Reiner''s eyes turned white, a core of crimson burning fiercely at their center. His hair transformed into a mane of searing flames, flickering with intensity.

    Tears streamed down his face, glowing gold, only to evaporate in the heat of his qi. His expression twisted into a demonic scowl, his fury etched into every line of his face.

    "I''ll kill you," Reiner growled, his voice low and menacing. "As painfully as possible."

    Caine rested his spear on his shoulder, his smile broadening into a grin. With a casual wave of his hand, he beckoned Reiner forward.

    "Come."

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 33 - 33: Francis

    In a flash, Reiner appeared in front of Caine, roaring as he swung his sword down with untamed fury. Yet, just as swiftly, a shield of qi materialized between them, halting the strike.

    His blade rebounded off the shield, sending a jarring shock through his arm that nearly tore it from its socket. Before Reiner could recover,

    Caine''s palm was already upon his chest, a chaotic mass of Blood Qi swirling violently in his hand.

    The energy erupted in an instant, sending Reiner crashing into the cave wall.

    BANG!

    The cavern trembled from the impact, but Reiner was undeterred. He surged forward once more, his qi burning with even greater ferocity. His blade descended in a powerful arc, yet none of it seemed to matter.

    Caine swatted the blade aside as though it were a mere twig, his other hand sweeping his spear through the air. The strike cleaved effortlessly, sundering all in its path. Blood spattered, and bones cracked audibly.

    Reiner staggered back, coughing up a mouthful of blood, his lung torn. His widened eyes betrayed equal parts shock and rage.

    "BASTARD!" he bellowed, his voice raw with fury.

    Caine paid no heed. In a single step, he closed the gap, driving his spear deep into Reiner''s chest.

    As the life faded from Reiner''s eyes, Caine showed no surprise. Long before reaching this point in his cultivation, he had faced seasoned half-step sages of considerable talent. Why would this lowly soldier be any different?

    Judging by the strength Reiner displayed, Caine estimated his power to be that of a peak Blood Realm cultivator with a mortal-grade innate circle¡ªin other words, weak.

    As Caine dismissed his qi spear, Reiner''s lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

    ''Hm, this Pope is something.''

    While Caine had predicted much of the Pope''s strategy, he now realized he had underestimated him. Now that he stood near Reiner''s body, the talisman affixed to the man''s forehead was within reach of his analysis.

    The talisman had indeed granted Reiner a fragment of the Pope''s power. However, it had also served another purpose: as a sensory bridge. Everything Reiner saw, heard, and felt had been transmitted directly to the Pope.

    Even though Caine had deliberately revealed little of his true strength, he knew that someone as cunning as the Pope could infer a great deal from even the smallest display.

    In one calculated move, the Pope had stripped Caine of the element of surprise and rendered the weeks he''d spent toying with the soldiers a waste.

    ''Ingenuity often lies in simplicity. I should''ve considered that he''d use his men to gather intel on me.''

    Despite the setback, Caine shook his head, his expression indifferent as he strode toward the cave''s exit.

    ''Unfortunately, it does not matter.''

    ***

    [In the Holy Capital]

    Moments after Caine left the cave, the earth beneath the Holy Capital began to rumble.

    WHOOOSH!

    The city''s inhabitants froze in fear, their gazes drawn upward. High above the skyline, a colossal formation materialized, its complexity so overwhelming that it induced splitting headaches in the non-cultivators below.

    Qi surged madly toward the formation, whipping the air into furious tempests. The ground fissured, buildings crumbled, and panic spread like wildfire. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    DOOM! DOOM! DOOM! DOOM! DOOM!

    Thunderous stomps echoed across the capital, drawing the citizens'' attention to the horizon. There, at the distant edges of the city, a terrifying sight unfolded: waves of enraged beasts pouring in from every direction.

    This wasn''t a single beast tide¡ªit was a convergence of tides, a deluge so vast it seemed endless.

    As the people''s despair reached its peak, the formation in the skies trembled. The raging qi that had been feeding into it suddenly reversed its flow, tearing through nature''s laws.

    The consequences were immediate.

    BANG!

    The skies split open, revealing countless eyes¡ªunfeeling and apathetic¡ªstaring down at the chaos. Within their depths, storms of crimson lightning churned ominously.

    The heavens had been fractured.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Chaos erupted across the city.

    ***

    [Within the Church]

    Inside the holy sanctuary of the church, Pope Francis sat motionless upon his throne, his expression unreadable as the city outside descended into ruin.

    The radiance that usually surrounded him was conspicuously absent, revealing the man beneath the light.

    Seated there was a young man with long, golden hair as smooth and radiant as sunlight, perfectly complementing his rosy, life-filled complexion. His eyes, brilliant blue and filled with swirling silver stars, contrasted sharply with his unnervingly serene face.

    Clad in flowing white priest robes, his fingers adorned with golden rings encrusted with multicolored jewels, he exuded an otherworldly aura.

    He looked entirely human, and yet his presence betrayed something far more sinister¡ªa beauty so unnatural it evoked the dread of gazing upon an abomination encased in perfection.

    As though some entity beyond comprehension had tried to mimic humanity but had fallen just short, leaving behind an air of alien apathy.

    The Pope shook his head, unfazed by the screams of horror echoing from the crumbling capital. The chaos outside seemed incapable of touching the church, its pristine interior a stark contrast to the devastation beyond.

    "For this to happen now, of all times, when we are so close to the awakening of the divinities¡­" He sighed, shaking his head again.

    With a groan of frustration, he rose to his feet. The sound of clinking metal followed, revealing golden chains binding his body beneath his robes.

    The chains tightened as he moved, eliciting another annoyed grunt. Yet, he didn''t linger. With a single step, he vanished.

    ***

    [Behind the Throne]

    From the shadows behind Pope Francis''s throne, a point of warped space formed. Emerging from it was Caine, unscathed and composed.

    "Truly, what a terrifying man," he remarked quietly, his tone betraying no fear.

    Of course, after retrieving Reiner''s talisman, Caine hadn''t discarded it. Instead, he had reverse-engineered its functionality, altering it to create a bridge that allowed him to peer into the Pope''s hall.

    Using this link, he had devised two simultaneous distractions: one to plunge the city into chaos and another to mimic his presence, forcing the Pope to leave the church.

    Once the Pope was gone, all Caine had to do was wait. Then, with the aid of his Gifts, he teleported directly into the heart of the Pope''s sanctuary.

 Chapter 34 - 34: Egg

    Caine knew he didn''t have much time. It was likely the Pope had left knowing the distraction was just that¡ªa ploy. Caine had to act quickly before the man returned.

    It wasn''t that he was directly afraid of the Pope. No, Caine knew he could fight him. But he also knew that if he engaged in battle, he''d have to go all out. And in doing so, he wouldn''t have the time or focus to search for his other half''s egg. A full-scale fight would demand his complete attention, leaving no room for anything else.

    ''Let''s see.''

    Caine quickly scanned the hall, his sharp eyes noting its emptiness. Yet, his focus wasn''t on the lack of objects or furnishings¡ªit was the unsettling absence of qi.

    The hall was utterly void of it. Even more concerning, Caine could feel his own blood qi flowing slower than usual, as though the space was suppressing it.

    Without hesitation, he crouched down and ran his hand along the white marble floors. His eyes glowed faintly, reflecting his rings.

    Activating them in conjunction with his blood qi, he pressed against the floor.

    WHOOOSH!

    A silver mist spread across the marble, revealing a deeply etched formation hidden beneath its pristine surface.

    Suddenly, a sense of unease prickled at the back of Caine''s mind. His heart began to race, a cold sweat forming as he looked up at the Pope''s throne.

    But it was too late.

    The throne erupted, shattering into pieces as the formation beneath him activated in full force. The room, once void of qi, was suddenly filled with an overwhelming surge of energy.

    Caine staggered, temporarily blinded by the sheer magnitude of qi flooding the space. The ground trembled violently, and then¡ª

    ''Son of a bitch. He got me.''

    ¡ªhe was forcefully teleported.

    WHOOOSH!

    ***

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself¡­ back in the same room.

    He scanned his surroundings, his sharp gaze falling on the place where the throne once stood. Now, in its stead, hovered three eggs, each surrounded by layers of intricate formations far beyond anything Caine could hope to craft.

    The formations were unlike anything he had ever seen, their complexity and craftsmanship transcending all his knowledge. For the first time in his life, Caine felt a tinge of awe.

    The first egg was golden, adorned with flowing black runes. These runes merged seamlessly into one another, forming a tapestry of ancient, primal wisdom. Halos of silver and white light rotated peacefully around it, radiating an aura of serene knowledge.

    The second egg was pitch black, covered in jagged red runes that exuded a primal, savage energy. Yet, despite their rawness, they were intricately woven together, creating a tapestry that seemed to recount the beginning and end of all things. Around this egg, rings of white and silver fire burned, so intense that Caine felt sweat drip down his back just from looking at it¡ªeven from a distance.

    The third and final egg was ethereal, a convergence of all colors yet none at the same time¡ªa shifting, indescribable phenomenon. Unlike the others, this egg bore no runes. Instead, within its translucent depths, an entire world seemed to exist.

    Storms raged, volcanoes erupted, and tsunamis clashed in an endless, chaotic symphony. Surrounding it were rings of grey and golden clouds, rotating with a tranquil rhythm.

    The sight was overwhelming. These eggs radiated an aura that transcended mortality.

    They didn''t just embody power¡ªthey felt like the embryonic forms of true gods.

    It was maddening.

    ''Why¡­ why are there three eggs¡­?''

    The thought barely formed in his mind when the eggs trembled. In an instant, they shattered the formations around them and appeared directly in front of him.

    Caine sucked in a sharp breath, shelving his confusion for later as he lowered himself into a cross-legged position.

    These eggs¡ªhis other halves¡ªwere not merely objects. They were innate bonds, deeply intertwined with his existence. They were Caine, and yet, they were also independent entities. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Separated from them at birth, Caine now had to follow specific steps to reunite with them.

    The first step was to open his Bond Space.

    The Bond Space was a unique ability of the Velios lineage, granted at birth. It was a private dimension contained entirely within one''s mind, accessible only to the Velios and their bonds.

    Normally, a few days after birth, a Velios''s eggs would be placed within this space, where they would incubate and eventually hatch. Without access to this dimension, the eggs would remain dormant forever, unable to awaken.

    Opening the Bond Space was the simplest part of the process. In fact, Caine could have done it long before arriving in this fractured reality.

    The real challenge was the Bond Forging process.

    In the Velios lineage, royals were always born with their eggs. Both the child and the eggs shared the same womb, the same mother, and their talents were inherently mirrored.

    Traditionally, for ten days after birth, the child and their eggs would be left alone in a specialized room. During this time, the eggs would attune themselves to the child''s body, granting them unparalleled physical strength and latent abilities even before hatching.

    Caine, however, had been denied this process.

    Because of this separation, he now faced an excruciating alternative: he would have to pour every drop of blood from his body onto the eggs, allowing them to draw him back from the brink of death. Only at that point, where he danced on the edge of life and death, could the bond take root within the very kernel of his existence.

    It was an incredibly dangerous procedure. No Velios was ever meant to be separated from their bonds in the first place.

    But Caine had prepared for this moment.

    His Celestial Taiyi Bones¡ªhis greatest creation¡ªwould ensure his survival.

    ''Let''s begin.''

    Caine exhaled deeply, his gaze unwavering. Unlike other meditative processes, this time he didn''t close his eyes. Instead, he opened them wide, focusing his mind.

    Opening the Bond Space was, in theory, simple. He only needed to imagine it, shape it in his mind, and bring it to life with a single command.

    His voice was steady, filled with authority:

    "I, Caine Lerouge Velios, first and only heir of this generation''s royal line, demand my sovereignty."

    "[Open¡­]"

 Chapter 35 - 35: Bond

    The silver expanse within Caine''s eyes suddenly trembled and expanded, gaining a life of its own, twisting and shifting in ways that defied explanation.

    The silver landscape widened and stretched endlessly, transforming into an infinite dimension. Against this backdrop of shimmering silver skies, dark lands of pure black emerged in stark contrast, while an ocean of gold formed below.

    High above, nine radiant rings materialized in the silver sky, shining so brightly they anchored this dimension, acting as its suns.

    Caine exhaled slowly, and the vivid world within his eyes blurred and receded. His pupils returned to their usual form.

    Surprisingly, opening his Bond Space had turned out to be far easier than he had anticipated.

    Though the process required only a single command, he had expected complications¡ªsomething to go wrong. Yet, everything had proceeded without issue. Shaking his head, he prepared to continue.

    But before he could take another step, something extraordinary occurred. Beside the three eggs that hovered in the air, two more suddenly appeared out of thin air.

    Caine barely had a moment to examine them before all five eggs vanished, reappearing deep within his Bond Space.

    He froze.

    "Five eggs¡­?"

    His pupils trembled as the realization struck.

    ''Normally, a Velios can only have a single bond. It''s an absolute law¡ªunshakable and unquestionable. Only rare, mutated bloodlines produce exceptions. But¡­''

    Caine wasn''t just any Velios. He was a royal¡ªa direct descendant of the main line, the bloodline that had ruled since time immemorial.

    His bloodline simply couldn''t mutate. It was an absolute impossibility.

    Which meant¡­

    ''This has to be related to my past life. In one life, I can only have a single half¡ªotherwise, it would create a paradox.''

    His pupils trembled even more. ''Does that mean¡­?''

    Caine immediately shook his head, forcing the thought from his mind. Now wasn''t the time to lose focus. He would have to wait until he returned and sought Zao''s counsel to examine his condition. Assuming the worst now served no purpose.

    Taking a shaky breath, he steadied his mind. As calm settled over him, he exhaled once more, his worries dissipating as his thoughts fell into alignment.

    Closing his eyes, he embraced the darkness behind his eyelids.

    His bones began to glow, their radiance seeping through his flesh. The intricate runes etched onto them pulsed, resonating with the dense qi coursing through his blood. A low hum reverberated through the space, and within his Bond Space, the five eggs began to tremble.

    Runes and streams of qi gathered in the air. At that moment, grand shadows began to materialize within his Bond Space. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine tried to discern their shapes, but each attempt brought a splitting headache so intense it nearly forced him to collapse.

    Despite the pain, he pressed forward.

    ''Let''s begin.''

    The five shadows suddenly vanished from his Bond Space and reappeared around him in the physical realm. Just as swiftly as they had appeared, they shattered into countless runes that burrowed into his body.

    Caine''s robes disintegrated, revealing his bare skin as five distinct rune patterns began to form.

    Upon his left arm, a crimson tattoo of fiery clouds appeared, completely covering his hand, forearm, and shoulder. Pure, maddening vitality erupted from the tattoo, flooding his body and saturating his blood qi in an instant.

    On his right arm, black-scaled tattoos outlined in deep amethyst materialized, stretching from his fingers to his shoulder. The overwhelming vitality coursing through his body was rapidly devoured by these scales, condensed and contained within his frame, amplifying his power.

    The tattoos from both arms converged on his chest, forming a majestic fresco: golden flames engulfing a scaled dragon.

    On Caine''s legs, silver feathers appeared, etched like the remnants of an angel''s descent from the heavens.

    His back bore the image of white mountains clashing against stormy black clouds, arcs of grey lightning raining down in a depiction of the eternal struggle between earth and sky.

    Caine''s eyes snapped open, glowing with intensity as a complex arcane sigil seared itself into his retinas, burning deep into his very soul.

    The tattoos on his body shimmered with auspicious light before sinking into his skin, embedding themselves permanently within his flesh.

    Runes bloomed from these tattoos, linking seamlessly with those on his bones, their intricate arrays expanding his internal structure.

    Deep within his Bond Space, Caine could now feel an unbreakable connection to the eggs. The bond was primal, raw, and profound¡ªhe felt almost paternal, as though looking upon his own children in the safety of a womb.

    It was a strange sensation, yet it felt natural, as though it had always been meant to be this way.

    WHOOOSH!

    A cold wind swept through the hall as Caine exhaled and rose to his feet. From thin air, white robes transmuted from qi wrapped around him, draping over his frame.

    ''What a strange feeling,'' he thought, a soft smile gracing his lips. He felt whole, like a shattered vase finally restored.

    ''I wonder what Uncle''s bonds look like. He never talked about them.''

    Pushing the thought aside, Caine turned his attention to the task at hand¡ªescaping this strange place.

    The presence of the eggs and the formation they were kept in revealed something crucial: this wasn''t the original hall he had entered. It was clear the Pope had hidden these eggs in a separate location, accessible only through the teleportation formation within his hall.

    Yet, as Caine examined his surroundings, he couldn''t shake the unease creeping into his thoughts.

    ''I have no idea where I am.''

    This wasn''t just a different location¡ªit felt like an entirely separate dimension, a pocket space. It was eerily reminiscent of the place where his trials should have originally taken place.

    And if this truly was a pocket space, one created by the Pope¡­

    Caine''s thoughts darkened.

    ''If the Pope is capable of forming pocket spaces while existing as an entity within a fractured reality¡­''

    Caine was under no delusions. He knew he''d inevitably have to face this Pope if he wanted to leave and if before he was confident in coming out unscathed, he wasn''t so sure now.

    Caine sat down on the floor cross legged and closed his eyes, circulating his qi as he waited.

 Chapter 36 - 36: The Pope

    A while later, Caine opened his eyes, feeling his body being teleported away once more.

    He exhaled a steady breath as it happened, rising to his feet with calm precision.

    Straightening his robes and slicking back his long hair out of habit, he maintained his even composure.

    His gaze did not waver.

    WHOOOSH!

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself back in the previous hall, standing directly before the Pope''s throne. Seated atop it, the Pope''s cold, calculating eyes met his.

    For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Sparks of invisible lightning bridged their gazes, the tension growing so thick it made the ground tremble beneath them.

    The Pope chuckled softly, reclining lazily in his throne. He rested his chin on his closed fist, his elbow propped against the armrest.

    Amusement flickered in his brilliant blue eyes as he spoke.

    "Who would''ve thought," he mused, his tone almost playful. "To think the one wreaking havoc in my lands would be a little Velios."

    Caine''s expression didn''t shift, but inwardly, his thoughts churned.

    "You seem young. Incredibly young," the Pope continued, his gaze narrowing slightly as if appraising a rare artifact. "Barely twenty years old. And yet¡­" He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Your mind¡­ it''s older. Barely reaching the ten-thousand-year mark. Still, a little baby. How cute."

    "You know a great deal," Caine replied slowly, his voice calm and steady. "And yet, you allowed me to move freely under your nose. To what end?" His tone was casual, as though it was only natural to expect an answer from a potential enemy.

    The Pope''s amusement deepened, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes.

    ''So young, yet so unyielding. Truly fascinating,'' the Pope thought, suppressing a smirk.

    "To what end?" the Pope repeated, feigning surprise. "There was no end to it. I didn''t know who you were until I laid eyes on you."

    With a slight shift, he opened his robes, revealing purple, bruised flesh tightly bound by golden chains.

    "You see these?" he asked, gesturing to the chains. "They greatly limit me. They''re called God''s Chains." He smiled faintly, closing his robes. "I imagine you''ll get to know them well in a few years. After all, you''re the one who gave them to me."

    Caine''s stoic mask cracked, uncertainty flashing across his features for the first time.

    "What?" he muttered, his voice tinged with confusion.

    The Pope shook his head and stood. "It doesn''t matter. Just like with that Reaper, there are certain things I can''t say to someone still tethered to mortality."

    Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    The Pope''s grin widened in turn. "I can''t explain it all, but know this: time is far flatter than you might expect. Unless you surpass it, everything is bound to happen again. And again. And again."

    His voice dropped, a hint of mocking pity seeping into his tone.

    "No matter how many wishes you make."

    The Pope''s words were followed by uproarious laughter, his voice echoing through the hall like a madman''s hymn.

    Caine, stunned, had no time to react. In an instant, the Pope appeared before him, his fist sinking deep into Caine''s gut.

    The air in Caine''s lungs was forcibly expelled, leaving him gasping as the Pope''s palm struck his torso, rupturing the flow of qi within his body.

    Caine''s eyes turned bloodshot as he gritted his teeth, suppressing the blood threatening to spill from his mouth.

    Deep within his gaze, his rings began to glow, their light intensifying as they prepared to activate.

    But then¡ª

    "Oh, no, you don''t," the Pope sneered. "[Interrupt.]"

    The glow of Caine''s rings dimmed instantly, receding into the depths of his eyes. The activation was halted¡ªa feat no one in the Three Realms had ever achieved. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Without hesitation, the Pope unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike connecting with devastating precision. Caine''s body was hurled into the wall of the hall, the impact barely stirring the indomitable structure of the church.

    "There''s much you lack," the Pope said, his voice cold yet matter-of-fact. "Far too much. And time¡­" He tapped the golden chains binding his body. "Time is not on your side. Nor is it on mine."

    He sighed, almost wistfully. "I can''t help you. I can''t train you¡ªnot yet. But what I can do¡­ is prime you."

    Ignoring the man''s words, Caine burst from the rubble, a spear of blood qi forming in his hand. With unmatched grace, he swung the blade down, aiming for the Pope''s neck.

    The Pope batted the spear aside as though it were a child''s toy. His counterpunch tore into Caine''s chest, shattering bones and bruising flesh. Caine''s body flew through the air like a broken doll.

    Raising a hand, the Pope gathered chaotic particles of qi in his palm, forming a concentrated beam of energy.

    ZIM!

    The beam shot out in an instant, colliding with Caine midair.

    BOOOOM!

    The impact reverberated through the hall as the Pope clapped his hands together. Runes of every shape and size materialized, interlinking to form dozens of spell circles.

    With a low chant, he unleashed a barrage of elemental attacks, a storm of destruction converging on Caine.

    In that moment, time seemed to freeze for Caine.

    In mere seconds, everything he relied on had been sealed.

    His blood qi had been reversed, leaving him unable to use it until his internal organs healed.

    His rings, the cornerstone of his power, had been locked away, indirectly sealing his crown as well.

    Even his bones and flesh, his most prized creations, had been battered to the brink of collapse under the Pope''s relentless blows.

    He was tossed about like a mere child.

    Caine had always marched forward without fear, fully aware of the possibility of death at any turn. He had always acted without regret, placing one foot in front of the other, relentlessly pursuing his goals.

    But now, beaten and broken, a tinge of fear crept into his heart.

    Was this the end? Was he to die so early, at the hands of a Pope in a fractured reality?

    Had it all been for nothing?

    As doubt seeped into his thoughts, a strange warmth enveloped his mind, whispering acceptance.

    ''Perhaps it isn''t so bad,'' he thought. He had achieved much. He had given his all. Perhaps his death would be graceful.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s roar shattered the silence, a sound so primal it seemed to tear the world apart. Rage and fury erupted within him, obliterating all doubt, fear, and resignation.

    ''When did I fall so low?''

 Chapter 37 - 37: Bye

    <If you''re scared, do it scared. Embrace the fear and use it as fuel to propel your courage.>

    [I hate that expression. It churns my guts. Why fear when all that lies ahead of you is victory? Only bottom feeders wake each day content with the idea of second place. If you lack conviction, give up. Don''t do it scared¡ªjust don''t do it.]

    [If you do it, do it knowing death is but a step away, and never look back. Fear is the mind killer, not a tonic. I''d rather die reaching for the throne than wait for its king to fall and relinquish it.]

    [I don''t care if I''m delusional. At least it''s honest. Most of the people going against me are just coping anyway. Nobody likes fear.]

    [What I''m saying is¡­ go for it. Shine as brightly as possible. Then die, if you must. But you''ll die knowing you were the brightest star in the cold, endless void of existence. Isn''t that more memorable than all the other bullshit? Haha!]

    These words echoed in Caine''s mind, accompanied by the foolish, confident smile of a certain person¡ªa smile brimming with unshakable hope.

    Something deep within Caine stirred, sparked by the resonance of those words and that unforgettable smile. The memory ignited a flicker of light in the dormant rings hidden within the depths of his pupils.

    At once, his nine rings activated, and his crown flickered into existence atop his head, its brilliance so intense that the world around him seemed to bathe in silver.

    WHOOOSH!

    The wall of destructive elemental attacks converging on Caine disintegrated, dispelled as he dropped back onto solid ground.

    For a moment, he stood still, his mind racing. Though he hated to admit it, the years he''d spent amidst the comfort and opulence of the Velios had softened him.

    It had dulled the edge of the person he used to be.

    But unlike most, Caine wasn''t about to reject who he''d become under this new life. Nor would he forsake the person he had once been.

    He was as much Caine Lerouge Velios as he was the Nameless Caine, the First Blight.

    It was a simple realization, yet it unleashed a cascade of revelations in his mind. The internal struggle between his two identities, once clashing like opposing tides, fused into a singular, harmonious whole.

    The transformation extended to his rings, which solidified into perfection, their complexity evolving as runes of unseen intricacy etched themselves across their surface.

    Exhaling slowly, Caine steadied himself and looked upward¡ªonly to frown.

    The Pope was gone.

    In the time it had taken him to land, the man had vanished, leaving no trace behind.

    ''I suppose this isn''t the end. Or perhaps it is. I''m not sure.''

    The entire encounter had been chaotic, a whirlwind of confusion and revelations. Yet, despite the turmoil, it had left an indelible mark on Caine.

    He sighed, casting a few healing spells on himself, mending his battered body.

    ''If nothing else, this fight has highlighted my flaws. I need to take training more seriously. And beyond that, I need to master techniques that truly capitalize on my talents.''

    His gaze sharpened. ''I''ve been underutilizing my innate circle. Everything¡ªmy bones and flesh, my gifts, my qi, my rings, my techniques¡ªit all needs refinement. It will take time, but that time will be well invested.''

    Caine flexed his fingers, robes materializing around him with a flick of his hand.

    With the same hand, he performed a clawing motion. His Gift¡ªWarp¡ªactivated, rippling through the fabric of space.

    Space tore, and a portal opened before him. Without hesitation, Caine stepped through, leaving the fractured reality behind without a backward glance.

    He had finally completed his coming-of-age ceremony.

    ***

    [Above the Holy Capital¡ªFar into the great holy stars.]

    In the skies above, Pope Francis hovered, gazing down at the hall where Caine had been. A faint smile graced his lips.

    A voice, disembodied yet clear, broke the silence. "You know this will bring you trouble, right?"

    The Pope chuckled. "I know. But it is what it is. If we want to bring about change, chaos is necessary. And you can''t get anything more chaotic than that little grumpy man."

    The voice, though invisible, seemed exasperated. "And what if he kills you?"

    The Pope shrugged, his grin widening.

    "Wouldn''t be the first time. He''ll kill me a few more times, then get over it."

    The voice faltered, defeated. There was no arguing with the Pope''s madness.

    ***

    [Outside the Trials¡ªNorthen Continent]

    Caine emerged from the portal, stepping into the heart of a dense forest near the grand gate he had used to begin his trials.

    ''I see.'' He nodded to himself, analyzing his surroundings. ''My Gift provides me with spatial awareness. When I warped space, I simply willed myself to return here, and it brought me to the perfect location.''

    If anyone had been privy to his thoughts, their shock would have been indescribable. The ability to tear portals from one place to another as a mere mortal was already groundbreaking.

    But opening a portal to an unknown destination without coordinates or direction?

    Such a feat should have been a death sentence. And yet, here he stood, unharmed.

    The potential of his awakened Gifts was terrifying. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hm?"

    Caine''s thoughts were interrupted as his senses flared. A spike in atmospheric qi rippled around him. In the next instant, twelve veiled figures clad in blood-red robes materialized, surrounding him.

    Each figure wielded a scarlet blade etched with black runes. Talismans on their backs interlinked, forming a network that amplified their collective strength¡ªa unit far greater than the sum of its parts.

    Caine regarded them coolly, his gaze devoid of concern. He had expected opposition. What intrigued him, however, was the fear and confusion in their eyes.

    His aura was perfectly restrained, so much so that even Zao would believe he was still a mortal. Yet, their gazes betrayed doubt and apprehension.

    Seconds passed before the realization struck him.

    ''They''re shocked I came out alive.''

 Chapter 38 - 38: Tribulation

    ''Which means the Pope was a variable within their plans they didn''t account for.'' Caine frowned, his thoughts racing. ''I''ve already concluded that they wanted to stall me in that fractured reality¡ªand kill me.''

    ''There''s no way that Monkey King was supposed to stop me¡­?'' His eyes widened as another realization struck him.

    Nobody truly knew just how powerful or talented he was.

    Caine had assumed his abilities were well-known, a fact established during his countless spars. But now, he wasn''t so certain.

    It made sense if Zao had intentionally wiped everyone''s memories after their battles¡ªexcluding the elders of the respective clans, of course.

    To the world, he was an enigma.

    ''So maybe that fractured reality wasn''t entirely their doing. They tried to kill me during the first trial using that woman by attacking my mind. When that failed, they had a failsafe¡ªthe second trial. They were hoping I''d die to her or the Monkey King.''

    His frown deepened, his mood souring. ''If that''s the case, then what was that fractured reality? And why were my bond eggs there?''

    The questions mounted, his frustration building.

    ''If I go deeper into this¡­ how did they even get my bond eggs in the first place? Whether it''s the Pope or those old bastards, someone gained access to them. By logic, they should''ve been left with Zao. But if that''s the case, it would mean he''s the one behind all this, and that''s impossible.''

    Rage sparked in his silver pupils.

    ''At my birth, my parents kept my eggs with them. Whoever''s behind this must''ve taken them from my parents.''

    Caine''s fists clenched tightly as chaotic thoughts swirled.

    ''I was told something happened moments after my birth¡­ surely this isn''t¡­''

    Without him realizing, clouds of chaotic qi had begun to whip around him, slaughtering the assassins who had come to kill him. Their bodies crumbled, shredded by the sheer force of his untamed energy.

    The skies darkened further, thunderclaps booming loud enough to quake the air.

    ''It''s not as simple as I imagined. We have enemies within the alliance¡ªbut we also have major ones outside of it. If I had to guess, they''re working together.''

    His thoughts sharpened.

    ''But for what purpose? The Velios hold no treasures¡ªat least, none we don''t share through the Alliance Treasury. What could we have done to provoke this much hate and envy? What could my parents and I have possibly done?''

    BANG!

    His musings were interrupted by another deafening clap of thunder, shaking the ground and echoing across the skies.

    Caine''s gaze snapped upward, rapidly narrowing as he took in the strange sight above.

    The skies had darkened beyond the natural night, the zone above him veiled in an unnatural shade of black emptiness.

    Golden arcs of crackling lightning danced within the thick gray clouds, swirling in tandem with harsh winds. Chaotic waves of qi formed a dome around him, stretching for thirty kilometers.

    ''A tribulation.''

    Yet even this revelation did little to faze him. What concerned Caine more was what the tribulation revealed.

    This was a punishment for his heretical actions in the fractured reality. At first, Caine had been unconcerned, believing the fractured reality to belong to some faraway world.

    But now, it was clear that wasn''t the case.

    The fractured reality he had just left wasn''t a fragment of some distant realm¡ªit was a warped period of time from his own world, The Five Brilliant Sky World.

    Whether it was a distorted piece of the past or the future, he couldn''t yet tell.

    Instead of providing clarity, this realization only left him with more unanswered questions.

    RUMBLE!

    As if offended by Caine''s indifference, the clouds above shifted. The first streak of lightning fell.

    Caine''s gaze met the bolt of golden lightning descending from the heavens, its fury laced with divine retribution.

    Raising his hand, he clenched his fingers into a fist.

    CRACK!

    The lightning shattered into countless particles of chaotic qi, scattering into the turbulent winds surrounding him.

    For a moment, the world fell silent, as if the skies themselves were stunned by his audacity.

    But before the clouds could retaliate, Caine raised his other hand. Pressing his palms together high above his head, he began to part them slowly.

    As he moved, the swirling storm clouds above began to sunder. The more he parted his hands, the more the skies above dissipated, light spilling through the cracks.

    Unfortunately, Caine''s inexperience betrayed him. Born a cripple in his previous life, he lacked the knowledge most experts gained about tribulations.

    What he had just done was the single worst thing he could have attempted.

    RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

    The earth trembled violently as the skies themselves tore apart. From the depths of the void beyond, a single, grand, and majestic eye emerged.

    This was no fractured reality.

    The pressure emanating from the eye was indescribable. Mere moments after it appeared, Caine collapsed to his knees, blood erupting from his mouth.

    The eye, known as the World Will Eye, was the manifestation of his world''s consciousness.

    The difference between the fractured reality''s will and that of a full-fledged world was staggering.

    BANG!

    Blood qi burst forth from Caine''s body, countering the suppression. His back straightened as he wiped the blood from his mouth, his heart steady despite the unimaginable pressure bearing down on him.

    His gaze met the colossal eye, a fierce smile spreading across his face.

    It felt as though he was staring into the core of a smoldering universe¡ªchaotic, destructive, and utterly beyond his reach.

    An ant facing a God¡ªno, an ant facing the Heavens themselves.

    Yet, despite this, Caine made no move to summon his rings, crown, or spear. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    RUMBLE!

    More eyes began to form in the void beyond the torn skies. From one, they became a dozen, then a hundred, until their number was beyond count.

    The pressure intensified, accumulating with every new eye. Despite their apathetic gaze, hints of rage flickered within their depths.

    Caine''s grin only widened.

    With unshakable confidence, he uttered a single word:

    "Come."

 Chapter 39 - 39: Tribulation(II)

    With his arms folded, Caine looked up, unmoving, as from the countless eyes within the distant void, pillars of lightning as thick as mountains began their descent.

    They tore through the air with vicious momentum, their heat supercharging the air and destabilising the natural flow of atmospheric qi.

    The first slammed down with the force of a god''s hammer delivering divine judgment.

    BOOOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    The earth quaked violently, splitting apart as waves of molten magma surged into the air, akin to deep ocean tsunamis.

    Caine coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body sinking into the scorching rivers of liquid fire.

    Had it not been for his mysterious affinity, this strike alone would have ended him.

    Caine''s affinity, Totality, was exceedingly rare, an ability beyond the comprehension of most cultivators. Its nature was exactly as its name suggested¡ªeverything, everywhere, all at once.

    Unlike the Chaos Affinity, which was an amalgamation of all things, Totality stood above as a supreme force.

    It granted control over every element and aspect, encompassing all affinities in their entirety. At its core, Totality could be defined by one word: Control.

    And because it stood at the Immeasurable Grade, just like the rest of Caine''s talents, it granted him unparalleled immunity to all other affinities. This was why the rivers of magma that surrounded him caused no harm¡ªhe was immune to its essence.

    But even this mighty affinity seemed to falter before the overwhelming power of the lightning pillars.

    As the second pillar descended, its chaotic arcs of energy flooded Caine''s body, tearing through his internal structure, seeking to annihilate him from within.

    ZIM!

    Despite the onslaught, Caine remained indifferent.

    A third pillar fell.

    BOOOOM!

    Just before it struck, Caine soared out of the magma, his expression serene. His glowing bones radiated power as they absorbed the lightning pillar entirely.

    The mighty energy was subdued and shattered by his bones, which then passed it to his flesh for assimilation.

    It was the perfect cycle Caine had envisioned.

    His bones would subdue and shatter all things, while his flesh would devour and assimilate them. A balance of Totality and Orderly Chaos.

    WHOOOSH!

    Veins bulged across Caine''s body as his blood qi surged, breaking past a hidden threshold and growing even stronger.

    He looked to the skies, spreading his arms wide. Though absorbing the lightning had bolstered his strength, it had also worsened his injuries. Yet, Caine ignored the pain entirely.

    BOOOOOOOM! BOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    Pillar after pillar rained down from the void, driving Caine deeper into the molten sea that had replaced the earth.

    Each strike pushed him closer to death, but each time, his bones and flesh refined the energy, feeding his growth.

    The eyes in the void above seemed to grow angrier with every passing second. The once-white lightning pillars turned crimson, then golden, then obsidian, and finally became multicolored blasts of incomprehensible power.

    By now, everything within the sealed dome had been reduced to magma, its heat so intense that the surrounding qi had vaporized into a dense mist.

    A thousand and eighty pillars had fallen, each more potent than the last. And yet, though Caine''s body was battered and his wounds severe, he still lived.

    The countless eyes in the void trembled, their rage palpable. Slowly, they began to merge into a single entity. From this union, a small eye of golden mist appeared.

    The golden mist-eye began to multiply, then fuse, repeating the process over and over.

    Each cycle increased its intensity, a terrifying display of power.

    Had Caine understood the true nature of World Will Eyes and tribulations, he would have fled immediately.

    Tribulations were often misunderstood as punishments from the world, but they were, in truth, tests. A tribulation evaluated the worthiness of a person''s actions, their talents, and their defiance of natural law. The more their existence broke the world''s rules, the harsher the test.

    Caine''s actions¡ªhis talents, his heretical creations¡ªhad pushed the boundaries far beyond what the world could tolerate.

    But why was this tribulation so severe? Surely it wasn''t just for his bones, flesh, and affinity? Or was there something more?

    The answer lay in the World Will Eyes.

    These eyes, the physical manifestation of a world''s consciousness, were divided into grades.

    The colorless eyes Caine first encountered were the most common, appearing in ordinary tribulations.

    The gray eyes represented the next level, reserved for talents like Caine whose very existence demanded a test.

    Above these were levels so unfathomable that no one had ever survived to recount them.

    The power of such tribulations was unimaginable.

    And Caine had unknowingly ascended to one of these higher levels.

    RUMBLE!

    After dozens of fusion cycles, the countless eyes became one.

    This final eye was made of a color that defied mortal comprehension, its depth infinite and unknowable. Surrounding it were clouds of pure white qi, crackling with blue lightning.

    The eye trembled, and shockingly, it parted in two, acting as a gateway.

    WHOOOOOOSH!

    The mere opening of the gate sent devastating waves of chaotic wind cascading across the land. The molten sea below cooled instantly, solidifying into an endless expanse of blackened stone.

    A storm of chaotic qi erupted, swirling violently as an entity emerged from the gate.

    The being''s body was composed entirely of pure white qi. Its long, majestic hair burned like golden flames, while its armor, made of chaotic qi tendrils, radiated an aura of unmatched power.

    From its back spread a pair of massive, feathered gray wings, the only part of it resembling flesh.

    Though it had no discernible facial features, its gaze seemed to pierce through the layers of hardened magma, locking onto Caine.

    BOOOOOM! S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The magma bed exploded, forming a massive crater. At its center, a battered and bloodied Caine sat atop a jagged rock, staring up at the celestial figure.

    Though his body was weak, his spirit remained unbroken.

    He smirked, his voice a faint whisper as he stared at the divine being.

    "Just what have I gotten myself into¡­"

 Chapter 40 - 40: Tribulation(III)

    In the depths of Caine''s eyes, his Arcane Ring glowed faintly, seizing control of his blood qi and forming thin filaments around him. The filaments moved swiftly, suturing his open wounds.

    Though far from fully healed, the bleeding finally stopped.

    Caine rose to his feet, rolling his shoulders as the light of his Arcane Ring dimmed. In its place, his Martial Ring began to glow.

    When Caine had resolved to refocus on the mastery of his talents, he hadn''t been joking.

    WHOOSH!

    His blood qi twisted and warped under the control of his Martial Ring, transforming into a sleek, black spear.

    The weapon was a masterpiece. Its pole was jet black, etched with intricate golden runes, and near its blade, a metallic golden dragon coiled upward, wrapping around the long, single-edged blade.

    The metallic tang of blood qi filled the air as Caine grasped the spear. Around his wrists and ankles, halos of dense silver light pulsed rhythmically.

    He looked up, smiling faintly.

    ''I might die.''

    The entity looming in the skies above radiated power so immense that merely gazing at it made Caine''s vision blur and his thoughts waver. His stomach churned, his heart raced, and goosebumps rippled across his skin.

    And yet, he smiled.

    His body may have trembled under the entity''s overwhelming presence, but his gaze remained steady, his resolve unbroken.

    The celestial being paused for a moment. Its faceless visage twisted, and from its blank surface, a pair of white eyes formed, along with a mouth.

    "My¡­ child¡­"

    Caine didn''t frown at the words. Instead, he raised a brow in mild surprise and remained silent.

    The entity took a single step forward, then descended from the void above, landing within the dome.

    It now stood no more than ten meters away from Caine.

    Their gazes locked.

    "My child, do you know why you have angered me?" the entity asked, its voice a symphony of nature''s raw forces¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the roar of volcanoes, the crash of waves, and the howl of storms.

    It was as if the world itself spoke.

    "No." Caine shook his head calmly. Though he had an idea, he wasn''t entirely sure.

    Beyond that, he had no clue who¡ªor what¡ªhe was truly speaking to.

    As far as he knew, tribulations weren''t supposed to have¡­ this. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Good," the entity nodded. "Because you have not angered me at all."

    Before Caine could respond, it continued.

    "I am the World Avatar, the incarnation of this world. Well, at least a fragment of my incarnation, but the point stands."

    The Avatar''s gaze shifted to the horizon as it spoke.

    "I am not here to punish you, nor am I here to judge you. I am here to test you."

    "These bones you''ve forged, this flesh you''ve crafted¡­ they are unique. Very unique." The Avatar''s voice carried a subtle weight, its tone reverent and ominous. "What you''ve created is not normal. It is too special."

    Its eyes gleamed faintly.

    "If you survive what is to come, perhaps you''ll one day understand the significance of this moment. Perhaps you''ll ascend to heights so great that you''ll grasp the heresy of what you''ve made."

    "And perhaps, on that day, you''ll realize how merciful I''ve been."

    The Avatar sighed, its ethereal presence momentarily flickering.

    "I allowed you to devour my heavenly lightning to solidify the foundation of your creations, but it was not without purpose. Now that you have this power¡­"

    It waved its hand, and a blade materialized within its grasp. The weapon was simple¡ªso plain it almost felt like an insult to the Avatar''s divine aura.

    "¡­ battle me for your right to live and for the integrity of what you''ve created. Win, and you''ll live to see what lies ahead. Lose, and death will claim you. Simple, no?"

    Caine smirked, his tone light. "Who would''ve thought a world would be so¡­ human? Peculiar, isn''t it?"

    For a fleeting moment, the Avatar''s blank face twisted into what could only be described as a smile.

    "I suppose that makes the both of us anomalies, Caine."

    The words echoed as its features faded away, returning to a faceless void.

    CLANK!

    Caine was violently flung backward, a powerful leg crashing into his chest and sending waves of chaotic qi spiraling through him.

    As he tumbled and rolled across the ground, he couldn''t help but admire the Avatar''s mastery of qi.

    But then again, if this truly was the incarnation of his world¡ªor even a fragment of it¡ªsuch skill was to be expected.

    He scrambled to his feet, only to be forced onto the defensive again. The Avatar was upon him, its blade slicing through the air toward his neck.

    The halo on Caine''s right arm spun rapidly, and above his head, a spell circle materialized in an instant.

    [Buffer]

    The atmospheric qi wrapped around the Avatar, significantly slowing its movements for a few precious moments before it broke free.

    But those moments were all Caine needed.

    WHOOSH!

    The blade struck empty air as Caine weaved beneath it, darting into close range. His spear pole shortened until it resembled a sword, and with a flash, he swung upward, aiming for the Avatar''s chest.

    Qi gathered around the Avatar at blinding speed, forming layers of protective shields.

    Caine''s blade struck the first barrier but barely scratched its surface before rebounding. The force of the impact wrenched his arm backward, nearly tearing it from its socket.

    He stumbled, wincing in pain.

    In a blur, the Avatar struck him dozens of times, its palms coated with chaotic qi.

    Caine spat out a mouthful of blood as he crumpled to his knees. Before he could recover, the Avatar''s rising knee slammed into his chin, sending his body flying upward.

    Suspended in midair, Caine became a perfect target for the Avatar''s next move.

    With a wave of its hand, it summoned countless beams of chaotic qi, which shot toward him with unrelenting precision.

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    The beams crashed into Caine, consuming him in a blinding explosion of light and energy.

 Chapter 41 - 41: Tribulation(IV)

    The volatile clouds of qi dissipated, revealing Caine hovering in the skies, encased within a fragile bubble of red qi.

    At the last moment, he had managed to activate his rings, converting atmospheric qi into blood qi to form a protective shield.

    It was the first time Caine had ever converted one type of qi into another. Frankly, he hadn''t even known it was possible. Yet, the pressure of life and death had borne unexpected results.

    Below, the Incarnation swung its sword, and atmospheric qi coalesced into razor-sharp arcs. With a flick of its wrist, it sent the first wave slicing through the air toward him.

    The sword moved again¡ªand again¡ªa dozen more times in less than a second. More arcs of condensed qi followed, cascading toward Caine with relentless precision.

    BOOM!

    The shield surrounding Caine shattered under the barrage. Deep gashes tore across his body as he plummeted from the skies, blood trailing in his wake.

    But this time, he was ready. Twisting mid-air, he flipped to land on his feet, his silver gaze locking firmly onto his foe.

    He extended a hand, and his spear snapped back into his grip as if summoned by instinct.

    The Martial Ring in the depths of his eyes ignited with a furious light. With a single step, qi exploded beneath his feet, launching him toward the Incarnation like a bolt of lightning.

    Sidestepping a falling blade of qi, Caine spun, his spear dancing fluidly across his body before arcing upward in a cleaving strike.

    The Incarnation moved with effortless grace, slapping the rising blade aside before seizing Caine''s wrist. With a vice-like grip, it twisted, bones cracking under the pressure.

    Yet Caine didn''t flinch. Without hesitation, he tossed his spear into his other hand and swung again.

    Caught in an awkward position, the Incarnation released his wrist and retreated.

    Caine''s blade sliced through empty air, but he used the momentum to spin forward, closing the gap. He followed with a falling cleave that mirrored his previous rising strike.

    BANG!

    The blade collided with a shimmering shield of qi, sending vibrations coursing up his arms.

    This time, however, Caine was prepared.

    Using the rebounding force, he spun once more, transitioning into a horizontal slice aimed at the Incarnation''s lower half.

    The Incarnation responded with the same cold indifference, slapping the blade downward and disrupting Caine''s balance.

    Off-kilter, Caine stumbled forward, his body vulnerable to a devastating counterattack.

    CRACK!

    A powerful, qi-laden punch slammed into his jaw, the sickening sound of bone snapping reverberating through the air.

    Caine''s vision blurred, his brain rattled, and his consciousness teetered on the edge. A sharp, searing pain ripped through his chest as the Incarnation''s blade thrust in and out of his torso.

    Mere seconds later, the blade swept across his shoulders with unnerving precision, severing key nerves. His arms fell limp, useless.

    The shift was abrupt, unsettling, and devastating. Stripped of control over his own body, Caine found himself forced deeper into the Incarnation''s calculated rhythm¡ªa chaotic dance that tore him apart piece by piece.

    The Incarnation relied solely on its mastery of qi manipulation and unparalleled blade skills, yet that seemed more than enough.

    Methodically, it dismantled Caine, forcing him to adapt to its tempo and rules.

    Its blade worked on two planes¡ªthe physical and the metaphysical. Every gash it carved into his flesh was accompanied by an echo of chaotic qi, burrowing into his body and wreaking havoc on his nerves.

    With surgical precision and qi control beyond anything Caine had witnessed, the Incarnation systematically stripped him of all bodily functions. The wounds accumulated, the blood loss mounting as Caine''s body betrayed him.

    Worse still, the Incarnation seemed acutely aware of the danger posed by Caine''s mind. It pressed the attack relentlessly, allowing no time for him to formulate a counterstrategy.

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion of raw energy erupted, forcing the Incarnation back.

    Slowly, Caine staggered to his feet, his arms hanging limply at his sides. His body was a canvas of blood and gore, stripped of its former vitality and strength.

    Yet he stood tall, his silver gaze steady as it bore into the Incarnation.

    By now, Caine was certain. This being was truly the Incarnation of his world¡ªa fragment of its consciousness made manifest.

    It wielded only the power of a peak Flesh Destruction cultivator, yet it had utterly dominated him.

    For someone of Caine''s talent, this should have been impossible. Only an opponent of a higher cultivation realm should have been capable of such a feat, and even then, he doubted they could have overwhelmed him so thoroughly.

    Below the Sage Realm, Caine knew he should have been untouchable.

    Only a World''s consciousness could wield qi with such monstrous precision and mastery.

    Yet Caine wasn''t impressed.

    He knew he held the cards to change the tide. His monstrous gifts, the abilities of his bonds, the full extent of his innate circle, his affinity for Totality¡ªall of it could turn the battle in his favor.

    But he refused to use them.

    Just as when he had faced the tribulation during his Innate Circle awakening, S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    something deep within told him that taking a single step back would cost him something irreparable.

    Something far more valuable than his life.

    If the Incarnation limited itself to the Flesh Destruction stage, relying only on qi and a blade, then so would he.

    He would defeat the World itself¡ªon its terms.

    As these thoughts solidified in his mind, Caine exhaled a shaky breath. His body swayed under the weight of his injuries, barely able to stand, yet his resolve burned brightly.

    Behind him, the faint outline of something vast and grand began to materialize¡ªa form so subtle it was barely perceptible, even to the Incarnation.

    The rings within Caine''s eyes dimmed, and his spear dissolved into motes of red light.

    Seeing this, the Incarnation discarded its blade as well.

    WHOOSH!

    Thin filaments of blood qi coiled around Caine, weaving into his flesh and binding his broken body.

    If his nerves were fried, he would puppeteer himself with qi. He would not surrender.

    If death awaited him, he would meet it with honor¡ªon his own terms.

    BOOOOM!

    The battle resumed.

 Chapter 42 - 42: Tribulation(V)

    The field of black stone on which they battled was desolate. The world around them was eerily silent, broken only by the echoes of their strikes and their labored grunts.

    They fought on a primal level¡ªfists, kicks, bites, headbutts, and more. Caine used every part of his body with savage intent and the incarnation returned everything with primal precision.

    Their qi manipulation was on full display. Though Caine lagged behind the Incarnation at first, with every brutal exchange, he inched closer to matching its prowess.

    He seemed indifferent to the state of his body or the severity of his injuries. All he cared about was equivalence.

    For every blow the Incarnation landed on him, he forced himself to retaliate. Even if his counter lacked power, even if it left him open to further attacks¡ªeven if it worsened his wounds¡ªhe struck back.

    All he cared about was balance.

    A fist suddenly crashed across Caine''s face, tearing several teeth from his jaw. But he ignored the pain. Blood qi surged through his arm as he retaliated with a punch. His fist barely grazed the Incarnation''s face, leaving a faint bruise.

    The creature lashed out with a savage kick, but Caine dodged. He swept its leg out from under it, seized its arm, and spun. With a thunderous BANG, he hurled the Incarnation onto the cold stone ground.

    Still gripping its arm, Caine tightened his hold and twisted. With a sickening CRUNCH, he tore the limb from its socket.

    "EEEEEEEKKKK!"

    A banshee-like scream tore from the Incarnation as golden blood spurted from the gaping wound, the pain surging through its form.

    BANG!

    Caine''s fist, cloaked in chaotic blood qi, slammed into the creature''s chest, shattering its bones. He grabbed its leg and flung it into the air like a rag doll.

    A savage glint flickered in Caine''s eyes. His will bloomed like an inferno, and he seized control of the surrounding atmospheric qi.

    Countless platforms of qi formed in the air, creating a path that Caine sprinted across in the blink of an eye. He reached the airborne Incarnation in mere moments. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    WHOOSH!

    The Incarnation twisted midair, landing on a qi platform behind it. But no sooner had it done so than the surrounding platforms converged, forming a solid cube of atmospheric qi around it.

    Caine waved his hand, and the cube plummeted toward the ground. With another wave, the remaining platforms transformed into sharp spears of qi, hurtling toward the falling prison.

    Panic overtook the Incarnation. The battle had turned too quickly. Before it could react, the cube imploded just as it hit the ground, sending a shockwave through the air.

    In the next instant, a storm of qi spears descended upon it.

    It all happened too fast.

    BOOOM!

    Caine dove into the chaotic cloud of energy, unaffected by the unstable arcs of qi that tore at his flesh. His hand shot forward, grabbing hold of the Incarnation within the storm.

    With a brutal pull, he tore its remaining arm from its body. Golden blood drenched his face as he drove his forehead into the creature''s, shattering its features.

    Caine''s bones erupted with power, radiating a force that oppressed the Incarnation''s qi flow. Its inner energy reversed violently, and it spat out a mouthful of blood.

    Its veins ruptured, flesh tore and bones quaked as its own qi seemed to act as poison to its being, something inconceivable.

    Staggering backward, it impaled itself further on one of the many qi spears embedded in its body.

    Caine''s flesh resonated with the atmospheric qi around him as his crown bloomed majestically over his head. He concentrated the surrounding qi into his fist¡ªa singularity of pure, liquid energy.

    He aimed for the Incarnation''s head.

    With a roar that shredded his vocal cords, he summoned his nine rings. His will erupted in cascading waves, silver qi flooding his eyes.

    He gathered all his remaining strength.

    "DIE."

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The earth trembled and splintered beneath the impact. Air churned into violent tornadoes, and the natural flow of qi was thrown into chaos.

    "Huff¡­ huff¡­ huff¡­"

    Caine''s arm was gone, vaporized by the immense strain of his final attack. His body was riddled with strained veins, his internal organs gravely damaged. His heart struggled to pump blood through his depleted frame, and his reserves of blood qi were utterly exhausted.

    Yet none of it seemed to matter.

    "Ha¡­ haha¡­ haha¡­"

    The Incarnation''s head was obliterated, reduced to nothing by the force of his strike.

    Caine collapsed onto his back, gasping for air as his lungs filled with blood. His vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges.

    A ferocious headache pounded in his skull, and his entire body screamed in agony. He felt as though he had been plunged into an abyss of unrelenting pain.

    The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was the blurred figure of a middle-aged man, rushing toward him with impossible speed, leaving afterimages in his wake.

    The man had black hair, piercing blue eyes, and¡ª

    Caine passed out.

    ***

    In a grand and luxurious room, a figure lay in a bed, swathed in bandages and connected to countless machines and formations. The person appeared to be teetering on the edge of life and death.

    Beside the bed sat another figure. With slicked-back black hair, radiant blue eyes hidden behind thick glasses, and a tightly fitted changpao, it could only be Zao.

    It had been days since he had found Caine''s body. To say the young man had been on the brink of death was an understatement. Had Zao been a minute later, Caine would have succumbed to his injuries.

    But thankfully, Zao had arrived in time. With the help of the Timeless Alliance''s finest specialists, they had managed to regrow Caine''s arm and restore his body to perfection.

    Now, all that remained was to wait.

    ''Hm?''

    Zao looked up as Caine''s eyelids fluttered.

    His pupils twitched and moved until, at last, they opened slowly.

    He didn''t move much, simply staring at the ceiling, his gaze even and his heartbeat steady. His head slowly turned and he looked at his uncle.

    "I survived."

 Chapter 43 - 43: Ring

    Zao shook his head, almost annoyed by the grin spreading across Caine''s face.

    "You''re unbelievable," he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose before letting out a deep sigh.

    "Not only did you survive, but you somehow beat your tribulation," Zao continued, his lips quirking into a reluctant smile. "Congrats, brat."

    Caine chuckled, ignoring the sharp pain that coursed through his body as he did so. "Oh? No more ''young master''?"

    Zao flicked his finger, and a thin thread of qi zapped Caine in response. "No, not anymore. You''ve become far too reckless for that title."

    Caine smirked as he sat up in bed, his movements sluggish but deliberate. He reached down and began removing the countless tubes and wires plugged into his body.

    Almost instantly, his blood qi surged to life, flowing freely through him like a raging river.

    The soreness and fatigue that had riddled his body vanished in an instant, replaced by an overwhelming sensation of vitality and strength.

    During the battle with the Incarnation, Caine had been too consumed to notice, but now he could feel it¡ªhis blood qi was far more potent than before.

    Even Zao''s eyes widened in shock. When he''d found Caine, the young man had been on the brink of death, his body drained of all qi and mangled almost beyond recognition. Zao hadn''t been able to properly assess the state of his qi back then.

    But now? Now, the sight before him was nothing short of extraordinary.

    ''How pure¡­'' Zao thought, his gaze fixed on Caine.

    Caine''s muscles bulged momentarily before compressing, their definition sharpening beneath the oppressive force of his qi. His flesh and bones seemed to hum in perfect harmony, and any lingering injuries were healed in an instant.

    A rush of vitality flooded his body, so intense it felt almost unnatural.

    At that moment, Caine ascended fully to the peak of the Flesh Destruction Stage, his flesh and bones aligned in flawless equilibrium.

    He turned his inquisitive gaze to his uncle, who appeared uncharacteristically contemplative.

    "Your qi was refined by the tribulation pillars of lightning," Zao said, answering the question lingering in Caine''s eyes. "Though not many people know this, like most things in cultivation, qi can be ranked and graded."

    Zao''s tone shifted, adopting the cadence of a teacher.

    "Having grades and divisions allows cultivators to better understand their progress. It provides clarity on each step forward and offers insight into what the next steps might be. It''s a map for the road ahead, so to speak."

    Caine nodded, absorbing Zao''s words as he continued.

    "Currently, I can see that your blood qi is teetering on the edge of the Immeasurable grade''s peak. That''s quite impressive. It reflects the danger of the tribulation you faced."

    Zao gestured at Caine. "Before breaking into the next stage, you''ll need to spend several days meditating on your blood qi. This will help you understand it fully. Once you reach that level of comprehension, your blood qi will truly bloom, and you''ll ascend to the absolute peak of the Immeasurable grade."

    Caine arched a brow, intrigued. "Comprehend blood qi? I thought comprehension only became a necessity in the Spark Realm."

    Zao shook his head. "Yes and no. In the Spark Realm, comprehension is mandatory for manipulating higher forms of qi. To form stable cores of this advanced qi, you need an innate understanding of it, as well as the corresponding runes to anchor the cores. But you already know this¡ªyou''ve read the records."

    Zao adjusted his glasses, his tone becoming sharper.

    "With blood qi, however, the reason for comprehension is simpler: control. Never forget, blood qi is an extension of your blood, and your blood is the essence of your body. The stronger your body¡ªyour flesh, bones, and organs¡ªthe more potent your blood becomes. In turn, the stronger your blood qi will be."

    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.

    "By comprehending your blood qi, you gain control over the very essence of your body. You learn its intricacies, which allows you to better wield your strength. This creates a cycle¡ªstronger control over your blood qi makes your body stronger, which enhances your blood qi further."

    "It''s crucial for someone like you, with blood qi of such a high grade. Right now, it''s comparable to the lower levels of True Qi, which is remarkable for someone at your stage."

    Caine rubbed his chin thoughtfully, intrigued by the explanation. "But why wasn''t this information in the cultivation records I''ve read?"

    Zao shrugged as he stood, stretching lazily.

    "It''s not that important to most people. Talented cultivators eventually figure it out on their own. You would have as well, given time. I''m just saving you the trouble." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He pointed at Caine''s chest, his expression more serious.

    "You think wielding blood qi in its manifested form is normal? You think controlling it as though it were atmospheric qi or True Qi is ordinary? It''s not. Far from it."

    "When you sparred against other Blood Realm cultivators, did any of them wield qi in this way? Or did they rely solely on their physical abilities?"

    Caine''s eyes widened as the realization dawned on him.

    "You see?" Zao said, smirking. "You were already ahead of the curve. With or without my guidance, you would''ve reached comprehension eventually. I''m just speeding things along."

    Ruffling Caine''s hair, Zao turned toward the door, yawning as he stretched again.

    "All right, kid. I''ve got tasks to complete. I''ll come back for you in a few days. We''ve got a trip to the elemental fields for the legacy grounds I told you about."

    As he stepped through the doorway, he glanced back with a smirk. "In the meantime, try not to die."

    Caine chuckled as his uncle left, shaking his head. He lay back for a moment, staring at the ceiling, but before he could fully relax, a ring materialized in the air before him.

    Zao''s voice echoed through the room.

    "Here''s a spatial ring for you. You needed one. It has everything you''ll want for whatever endeavors you have. Don''t tell the elders I gave it to you."

    Caine picked up the ring, inspecting it closely.

    Made of dark blue steel and etched with coiling eastern dragons, its surface glittered with embedded crystals.

    Spatial rings, crafted from void stones, were marvels of cultivation. They housed extra-dimensional spaces, allowing the storage of items.

    Lower-grade rings could only store inanimate objects, but higher-grade ones, forged by master artisans, could contain living beings¡ªor even entire worlds.

    ''Amazing,'' Caine thought, marveling at the craftsmanship.

    To most members of the alliance, such rings were common commodities, but to Caine, they were incredible. The concept of compressing entire spaces into a tiny piece of metal felt incomprehensible¡ªjust like his own bond space, hidden within his mind.

    ''I''ll reach a realm high enough to understand it one day,'' he resolved silently, slipping the ring onto his finger as a determined glint flickered in his eyes.

 Chapter 44 - 44: Completion

    Caine sat on a floating platform deep within the forest, far removed from the main quarters of the Timeless Alliance.

    This was his private cultivation platform, a construct designed to ease his mind as he meditated, while simultaneously providing him with the purest qi to aid his cultivation.

    The soft hum of energy surrounding the platform created an atmosphere of perfect stillness.

    ''Let''s start with my bones.''

    Though Caine had fully forged and refined his bones during the tribulation, he was determined to complete the process entirely using the wealth of resources Zao had provided.

    And so, he began.

    Ores, pills, elixirs, elemental treasures, and all manner of rare materials were consumed by Caine in rapid succession. With every passing second, his power not only surged but solidified, becoming an unshakable foundation.

    If his body had once been akin to a wide but empty container, now it was a refined and reinforced vessel, filled to the brim with vitality and power.

    This was the advantage of wealth. The privilege of a powerful background. The unfairness of it all.

    It didn''t take more than an hour for Caine to saturate both his flesh and bones with nutrients. His body brimmed with tightly contained energy, the very air around him crackling with the suppressed force radiating from his frame.

    But Caine didn''t linger on this transformation. The boost in power was impressive, but it was something he had grown accustomed to.

    ''Now, the runes.''

    During his awakening, Caine had used his bones to devour fragments of the universal forces that governed the world, fusing their essence into himself. This process had forged his bones into the root of their own reality, allowing them to resonate with his flesh and grant him access to his affinity.

    This affinity had also shaped his body, forging his flesh into the ideal vessel¡ªa perfect childe of any and all affinities.

    But the work was far from complete.

    With the resources at his disposal, Caine planned to light up every rune etched onto his bones and flesh. This process would unlock the full potential of his body, allowing the might of his forged creations to truly shine. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Activating every rune would trigger a mutation within his body, a transformation with countless effects. But the one Caine desired most was Unity.

    Unity would allow the 3,800 affinities fused within his body to exist in perfect harmony, creating a multiplicative effect. This would not only enhance his physical power and refine the purity of his blood qi but also elevate the overall grade of his original affinity.

    His affinity to Totality already stood at the peak of the Immeasurable grade. What would happen when it was pushed beyond?

    Caine intended to find out.

    ***

    While Caine delved deeper into the intricacies of the heretic foundation he sought to build, the world outside continued to turn, with or without him.

    The Southern Continent was a peculiar place.

    Like the other continents of the world, it was governed by one of the major powers¡ªthe Red Sky Heavenly Temple.

    This temple was unlike any other force. It allowed no outsiders to exist on its lands, a stark contrast to the open nature of the Timeless Alliance or even the hierarchical Heavenly Clans beneath Caine''s own Velios Royal Clan.

    The Red Sky Heavenly Temple was entirely composed of a single lineage¡ªthe Sharkhyn Lineage.

    This lineage was shrouded in mystery. What little was known of them was enough to place them among the most powerful forces in existence, rivaling even the Velios Clan.

    The only widely known fact about the Sharkhyn Lineage in recent years was the existence of its Scion.

    It was said that her birth had shaken the earth, overturned the seas, and splintered the skies.

    By the age of two, she had reached the peak of the Blood Realm without cultivating. By ten, she had ascended to the middle ranks of the Spark Realm.

    Now, no one knew her true power.

    ***

    [Red Sky Heavenly Temple, Main Lineage House]

    Above an endless desert of golden dunes, fierce winds swept through the land, carrying waves of sand that obscured the horizon. The chaotic scene was illuminated only faintly by the sun''s rays, which struggled to pierce the raging sandstorms.

    In the eye of this storm, a floating platform hovered serenely amidst the chaos.

    Seated upon it was a young woman. Her robes, a pristine blend of white and gold, shimmered in the dim light. Her face seemed sculpted by the gods themselves, devoid of any blemish, with rosy pink lips and a delicately arched nose.

    Her skin was a healthy beige, contrasting beautifully with her swirling amethyst and rose-colored eyes. Long, silky silver hair draped over her slender yet powerful shoulders, framing her otherworldly visage.

    This was Lilith Sharkhyn, the sole heir of the Red Sky Heavenly Temple.

    She sat in meditation, her eyes closed as if in deep thought. Her serene expression hid the waves of power coursing through her being.

    "Your Highness."

    Lilith''s eyes opened slowly at the sound of the voice. As she did, the storm around her stilled. The chaotic winds ceased, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.

    A wave of suffocating power erupted from Lilith''s form as she exhaled, her aura settling only after a moment.

    "Yes?" she asked, her voice calm yet commanding.

    A veiled woman clad in black robes appeared beside Lilith, bowing deeply. "The young master of the Velios Lineage has returned. It seems he has passed his coming-of-age ceremony."

    "Oh?"

    "Yes, Your Highness. However, something unusual occurred upon his return. A sudden force blocked all surveillance systems we had in place. When our systems came back online, the young master was found severely injured, on the brink of death."

    Lilith''s aura erupted once more, her eyes widening in shock. The previously serene and regal demeanor she maintained was momentarily shattered.

    The veiled woman shivered under the weight of the pressure and quickly added, "B-but¡­ the young master''s uncle, Sir Zao, came to his rescue. According to our sources, he is now safe and recovering."

    Lilith''s aura receded, her expression returning to one of calm elegance as though the sudden burst of emotion had never happened.

    "Good. You did well to inform me." She closed her eyes again, her voice softer now. "When he departs for the Elemental Fields, inform me immediately."

    The veiled woman nodded and vanished as silently as she had appeared.

    Lilith exhaled slowly, suppressing the bubbling rage within her.

    ''If this wasn''t the work of a tribulation, then the Renala must be involved¡­ if only I could¡­''

    She pushed the thoughts aside before they consumed her, forcing herself back into meditation.

    The world around her erupted once more into a chaotic storm, the winds howling as though reflecting the turmoil within her heart.

 Chapter 45 - 45: Blood

    Caine sat cross-legged on his platform in silence, his body completely still. No waves of energy emanated from him, no visible aura surrounded him. He was like a statue, perfectly at one with his surroundings.

    The sounds of nature enveloped him¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, the rhythmic ebb and flow of nearby rivers, the cool caress of the breeze, the warm embrace of sunlight, and the faint tremors that pulsed through the earth. Each sensation blended seamlessly into the next, creating an intricate symphony of life.

    Caine''s mind drifted on this harmony, his entire being so relaxed it felt as though he were riding the crest of an eternal wave of bliss, achieved simply by the act of breathing and exhaling.

    He inhaled deeply, and as he did, his nine rings began to take root within his body, anchoring themselves using the indomitable bond between his bones and flesh as a bridge.

    The process was smooth, effortless, requiring no conscious thought. Riding the wave of peace that carried him, Caine allowed his mind to wander, pondering the mysteries of Blood Qi.

    What was Blood Qi? No, beyond that, what was Qi itself?

    Qi was the essence of all things, the fuel that enabled existence and function. It acted as both the defining factor and the core essence of everything in the universe.

    Fire was mirrored by fire qi, water by water qi, and the world itself by neutral qi.

    This realization struck Caine like lightning.

    ''To manipulate Qi is to manipulate the essence of things. When I manipulate atmospheric qi, I manipulate the world''s very essence and defining factor.''

    ''When I manipulate my blood qi, I influence the core essence of my own body.''

    He sank deeper into his meditative state.

    But even this understanding felt incomplete.

    Qi was indeed the essence and fuel of all things, but it did not define them. It was a vessel for something else, something more fundamental.

    ''Qi is the fuel, but the essence is¡­ intent.''

    His thoughts sharpened as clarity bloomed.

    ''Qi fuels all things, and intent defines all things. Intent resides within qi as its core.''

    ''They work in tandem¡ªone cannot exist without the other. Without intent, qi is blank and purposeless. Without qi, intent remains abstract, confined to imagination.''

    He exhaled slowly, the insight settling into his mind like a key into a lock.

    ''Qi is the bridge that connects the mind to the world. By infusing my intent¡ªmy will¡ªinto my qi, I can¡­''

    A burst of blood qi erupted from Caine''s body, coiling and morphing into the shape of a blood-red dragon. The creature spiraled around him, its scales glistening with life, its form so intricate and lifelike it seemed like a masterpiece forged by a divine artisan.

    ''¡­make my will tangible. I can make my intent real.''

    Something within Caine shifted. His bond space trembled, expanding outward. At the center of his nine rings, a faint silver star began to take shape, its outline fragile yet unmistakable. Made of thin, wispy currents of fog, it seemed as though it could shatter with the slightest touch.

    But it was there. It was real.

    ''If intent defines all things, then all things can be understood through qi. By grasping the qi of something, I can grasp its intent.''

    His thoughts turned sharper, more curious.

    ''But what are the limits of intent?''

    Even with his eyes closed, a vivid image appeared in the darkness of his mind¡ªa world born of his contemplation.

    In this endless expanse, countless strings of qi appeared, each glowing with a unique hue, connecting the fabric of existence. Runes of every kind bloomed within this imaginary world, each one pulsating with meaning.

    And then, he saw it.

    The intent that wove the world together.

    It was¡­

    ''Everything has intent. Intent has no limits.''

    ¡­beautiful.

    WHOOSH!

    The blood dragon circling Caine suddenly became more real. Its form ascended in complexity, and its roar echoed across the skies, carrying with it the essence of its master''s will.

    A swirling mist of white qi emerged around Caine, enveloping him as he remained perfectly still, his eyes still closed.

    ''It extends to my affinities.'' His bones vibrated in resonance with his thoughts. ''By understanding the intent behind the runes etched into my bones and flesh, I can perfect my comprehension of all my affinities.''

    The thought alone set his mind into motion.

    Insights flooded in, as if a dam had been broken.

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    The elements themselves seemed to respond. Flames, water, wind, earth, lightning, and countless other manifestations materialized around Caine, each one shimmering with raw, unbridled power.

    Yet just as quickly, they shattered and fused, coalescing into a thick silver mist that joined the white qi already swirling around him.

    The complexity of the insights pouring into his mind should have been overwhelming, but for Caine, it felt natural, effortless¡ªas though he had always been destined to wield this understanding.

    The dragon soaring through the skies vanished, reappearing within Caine''s bond space. It coiled tightly around the fragile silver star at the center, its presence stabilizing the fledgling celestial object.

    BANG!

    The star grew more tangible, more solid. It trembled momentarily before falling into perfect harmony with the dragon that now encased it. The entire bond space seemed to hum with newfound unity.

    ''So, this is what it means.''

    Caine''s mind moved with an eerie fluidity, his thoughts crystal clear as he focused inward on his blood qi.

    ''I''ve been using my blood qi incorrectly. My blood is the lifeblood of my body. Just as qi serves as the vessel for intent, my blood is the vessel for my vitality.''

    ''The intent of blood qi is vitality and life. It must remain within this context. My blood qi is not meant to be used like atmospheric qi. To do so is to waste its potential¡ªa perversion of its essence, like wielding a shield as a sword.''

    Caine nodded to himself, the realization settling deep within his core.

    His blood and blood qi fused seamlessly, becoming one unified entity. His blood flowed with the unstoppable force of a mighty river, and his heart beat with the power of an exploding star.

    Unlike before, no energy oozed from his body¡ªnot because he suppressed it, but because he had allowed his blood qi to fulfill its true purpose. It was no longer a force to be controlled but the natural essence of his being.

    Caine slowly opened his eyes.

 Chapter 46 - 46: Theobald

    Caine exhaled a steady breath, his gaze serene and peaceful, as if it blended seamlessly into the natural rhythm of the world around him.

    His mind slowly stirred from its deep state of meditation, and he shook his head lightly, a faint smile gracing his lips.

    In one effortless session, he had checked off two of his main training tasks: mastering his affinities and perfecting the synergy between his bones and flesh. But not only had he completed these to perfection, he had also mastered his Blood Qi and made a monumental discovery.

    To say he was pleased would be an understatement.

    He raised his palm, inspecting it with an almost childlike wonder.

    ''To think the world held such beauty, hidden away from me all this time.''

    He looked around, his eyes perceiving the countless threads of intent that connected and defined everything in existence. These threads wove an intricate tapestry, a reflection of the world''s infinite complexities. With but a thought, he felt he could reach out and uncover any secret they held¡ªand the truth was, he could.

    ''To think there is so much to uncover, so much to understand. To think it could be so fulfilling. How strange.''

    A melancholic smile touched his lips as the memory of a familiar face flickered briefly in his mind. But he quickly shook his head, banishing the thought before it could take root. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    There was no need to dampen his good mood.

    He rose from his seated position and took a single step forward. In an instant, he vanished without a trace, as if he had never been there at all.

    ***

    [Kael City¡ªNorthern Continent Border]

    Kael City was a marvel of culture and history.

    Its architecture was a harmonious blend of ancient stone buildings and wooden houses carved into colossal trees. These towering giants stretched skyward, their tops piercing through the thick grey clouds that hung perpetually above the city.

    Snow drifted lazily from the heavens, carried by a crisp breeze that added a chill to the bustling streets below. Residents bundled themselves in heavy coats as they moved about, their breath visible in the cold air.

    The city was alive with activity. Vendors called out from stalls, offering all manner of delicacies unique to Kael''s vibrant culture.

    Merchants loudly proclaimed the superiority of their wares, hoping to attract customers during this period of heightened commerce.

    For this was the season of the Forger''s Trials, an event that brought unprecedented excitement and opportunity to Kael City.

    Known for its dedication to auxiliary cultivation paths, Kael City had become a hub for practitioners of alchemy, formation mastery, rune-smithing, forging, and other such disciplines. These auxiliary paths, often seen as support roles in the world of cultivation, were here elevated to an art form.

    The Forger''s Trials, an annual competition, gathered the brightest talents from these professions and pitted them against one another in a series of challenges. The event drew spectators and participants alike from across the continent. The victor would earn the coveted chance to join the ranks of the Timeless Alliance, the continent''s supreme ruling force.

    Excitement buzzed in the air, an almost tangible force that seemed to energize the city.

    It was within this vibrant city, in a modest home carved into a smaller tree, that a lone man could be found.

    The workshop was dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of molten metal and the dancing flames of a forge. The rhythmic sound of a hammer striking steel echoed through the space.

    The man stood tall, nearly seven feet in height, with a frame that exuded raw power. His muscular build, thick with both muscle and fat, gave him the presence of an ancient titan god.

    Runic blue tattoos adorned his bare chest, their intricate patterns covering half his torso. His bald head gleamed under the firelight, and his thick ginger beard framed a face marked by stoic focus.

    His eyes, swirling currents of gold and blue, reflected a depth of thought that was almost hypnotic.

    CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

    The hammer in his hand moved with precision and purpose, shaping the metal beneath it. His expression remained unchanging, his concentration absolute.

    Suddenly, he paused mid-strike, his gaze shifting as he sensed another presence in the room. Without turning, his deep, primal voice broke the silence.

    "Who are you?"

    "Caine," came the reply. "Caine Velios."

    The man slowly turned to face him. Despite his imposing height, Caine met him nearly eye-to-eye, his own presence radiating quiet strength.

    Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment, the older man seemed lost in the younger''s unyielding eyes. He quickly recovered, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

    "It''s rare to meet someone with such a firm¡­ will," the man said, inclining his head slightly.

    "I apologize for my lack of respect." He bowed. "I am Theobald Archwinter, Duke of Kael City."

    "To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Your Majesty?"

    Caine didn''t respond immediately. His eyes swept across the forge, taking in its details.

    The setup was decidedly traditional¡ªa single forge burning with powerful flames, a well-organized workbench lined with tools, and walls adorned with an assortment of weapons.

    Despite their humble display, Caine could sense that each weapon on those walls was a masterpiece, their value immeasurable.

    Turning back to Theobald, Caine''s gaze was steady. "Sir Theobald Archwinter, Duke of the famed Kael City," he began. "And the light bearer of auxiliary cultivation paths. A true legend."

    He extended a hand with a warm smile. "It''s a pleasure to finally meet you."

    Theobald''s rigid demeanor softened slightly, and he shook Caine''s hand.

    "I hear from my uncle that you craft the finest works on the Northern Continent. Is that true?"

    A chuckle rumbled in Theobald''s chest, his golden-blue eyes glinting with a mix of pride and amusement.

    "What would His Majesty require?" he asked, his tone humble yet confident.

    "I''d like a symbiotic spear and suit armor. If both can be symbiotic crafts, that would be ideal. But I leave the specifics to your expertise¡ªI trust you to give me what you deem fit."

    Theobald fell silent, his hand moving to stroke his beard as he considered the request. His eyes narrowed slightly, his mind clearly at work.

    Finally, he spoke. "Your Majesty, I have a proposition."

 Chapter 47 - 47: Theobald(II)

    "I''m all ears."

    Theobald nodded, then flipped his palm over, revealing a slab of floating black stone. It hovered in the air, exuding an air of unyielding solidity.

    He met Caine''s gaze. "From where you are, try to fissure this without using qi or your physical body."

    The instruction was deceptively simple, but it immediately narrowed Caine''s eyes. ''He''s asking me to use intent¡­''

    Caine was certain that Theobald didn''t know for sure that he possessed intent. If he did, this would hardly be a test¡ªit would be a confrontation. Still, the fact that intent might be a known concept left Caine intrigued. Was it something others had begun to grasp, or was Theobald just exploring a possibility?

    Pushing the thought aside, Caine nodded and extended a single finger. Without any visible effort, he drew a line across the air in front of him.

    There was no fluctuation of energy, no ripple to disturb the space around him. Yet, the slab of black stone split cleanly in half.

    Before Theobald could speak, the slab was severed again¡ªdiagonally, then horizontally, then into countless smaller fragments. The precision was surgical, each cut sharper than the last, until all that remained was a fine black powder that drifted lazily into the air. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine lowered his hand, meeting Theobald''s shaken gaze with calm confidence. "Is that good enough?"

    Theobald exhaled slowly, then chuckled, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "Yes, Your Highness. That will do."

    "So," Caine said, folding his arms, "what is your proposition?"

    Theobald cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "How confident are you in becoming the Alliance''s Scion?"

    Caine raised a brow, the question catching him off guard. He wasn''t fond of being questioned, but curiosity about Theobald''s intent won out. "The position is mine," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

    Theobald nodded, as though expecting that answer. "Alright. Are you familiar with the grading of crafts?"

    "Refresh my memory."

    Theobald began, his voice steady and instructive. "Crafts are typically graded using the Chrome scheme of tiering. At the bottom, you have Obsidian-grade crafts, corresponding to the Blood Realm. At the top, you have Golden-grade crafts, the pinnacle of known craftsmanship, corresponding to¡­ well, the appropriate realm."

    He hesitated to name the realm associated with Golden crafts, a gesture that didn''t escape Caine. Within cultivation circles, it was often considered taboo to openly discuss realms beyond a certain threshold, especially with those yet to reach them.

    "But what most don''t know," Theobald continued, "is that beyond Golden-grade crafts lies an entirely different world¡ªthe realm of God Crafts."

    Caine''s interest deepened, though he maintained his composed exterior.

    "The realm of God Crafts isn''t just an extension of the grading system; it''s an entirely new paradigm," Theobald said, his voice growing more intense. "It begins at Obsidian God Crafts and ascends to Golden God Crafts, mirroring the lower-tier grades."

    "A God Artifact is no longer inanimate. It becomes alive¡ªa parasitic existence that bonds with its wielder, growing alongside them. Their power is vast, unpredictable, and terrifying. Even I cannot claim to fully understand their depths."

    Theobald''s expression grew uncharacteristically serious, his gaze locking onto Caine''s.

    "If you pass all the trials of the Alliance and become our Scion, I¡­"

    He paused, as though summoning the resolve for what he was about to say. His eyes ignited, burning with the brilliance of a star.

    "¡­I swear to give you the Nine Greatest God Crafts ever created¡ªacross time and space immemorial."

    Caine''s composure faltered, shock rippling through his mind. The weight of Theobald''s words pressed against his thoughts, demanding analysis.

    How had it come to this? He had merely requested a spear and armor. Now, he was being promised the greatest creations to ever exist?

    The implications were staggering. Why would Theobald make such a grand offer, seemingly unprompted? And how could he even promise such things? Were these artifacts truly in his possession? If so, why had he not used them himself?

    A strange unease stirred within Caine. The moment felt orchestrated¡ªcontrived, almost as if this interaction were an inevitable point in time, something he had been destined to experience.

    The thought left him unsettled.

    ''Fate.''

    The word echoed in his mind, unbidden, before fading into silence.

    "Alright," Caine finally said, his voice steady but deeper than before. "I''ll accept your proposition. Not that I see much to lose in doing so." He tilted his head slightly. "In the meantime, could you give me a weapon? It''ll take some time before I officially become Scion."

    Theobald''s gaze lingered on him, curious.

    Was Caine truly not going to ask any questions? Though he wouldn''t have answered even if pressed, the young man''s restraint spoke volumes.

    With a wave of his hand, Theobald summoned a spear and pendant from the wall behind him. Both floated toward Caine with an almost regal grace.

    The spear was nearly three meters long, its pole forged from dark gold and inscribed with intricate white runes. Its double-edged blade glowed faintly with magenta runes, exuding an aura of blood and destruction.

    "This is End''s Oath," Theobald said, his tone reverent.

    The pendant, by contrast, was simple¡ªa silver chain holding an amethyst jewel. It emitted faint waves of emerald qi, radiating a soothing, healing energy.

    "And this is Emerald Embrace."

    Caine accepted both items without hesitation. The pendant went around his neck, and the spear vanished into his storage.

    "They''re both Golden God Crafts," Theobald explained. "The pinnacle of what can currently be made. The spear is versatile, suited to all elemental affinities, though it thrives best with opposing elements like fire and ice. Its design harnesses the push and pull of clashing elements, channeling chaotic qi through the runes on its pole and unleashing it through its blade."

    He gestured toward the pendant. "The pendant is your suit-armor. Inject qi into it, and it will deploy a full-body battle suit capable of regenerating and blocking most full-powered attacks from peak sages. However, its core weakness is the pendant itself. If destroyed, the armor will collapse, and you may suffer a backlash."

    He paused, then added, "But given enough time, the pendant will heal itself."

    Caine nodded, satisfied. "Thank you," he said, extending a hand.

    Theobald shook it firmly, his expression unreadable.

    As Caine turned to leave, Theobald''s voice stopped him.

    "Don''t let anyone know you''ve touched upon Intent," he said, his back now to Caine as he gazed into his forge. "Not even those you trust the most. I''ve sworn allegiance to your father, but not all of us have. Be careful."

    Caine didn''t respond, merely nodding before teleporting away.

    As he vanished, his mind churned with thoughts, a storm of unanswered questions and lingering unease.

 Chapter 48 - 48: Talk

    Caine, covered from head to toe in thick white robes, calmly walked across a snowy plain, alone.

    The cold winds brushed against the robes draped over his face, while his silver pupils reflected the snowflakes drifting down from the skies.

    Vapors escaped his lips with every exhale as he basked in the peaceful sounds of nature.

    The soft crunch of snow beneath his boots provided the only interruption to the quiet serenity.

    ''So my parents must have known something would happen to them. In preparation, they left certain things with people they trusted.''

    ''But I''ve never heard of Theobald¡ªat least not as someone important to us. From that, I can only assume my parents had a private task force, separate and parallel to the Velios.''

    ''Zao is most likely the head of this private force, the one overseeing all its affairs. After all, he''s the one who told me Theobald is a great crafter.''

    ''But why hasn''t he just told me outright? Why all these mental games?''

    Caine shook his head. The answer was obvious.

    ''He has to be careful¡ªhe''s being watched. But how deep does this surveillance run? I don''t know what realm Zao has reached, but it must be near the peak. For him to tread so cautiously means our enemies are just as powerful¡ªor perhaps weaker, but far more cunning.''

    As he reached the top of a small hill, Caine stopped, gazing out at the vast, snow-covered plains stretching before him. The endless expanse of white felt suffocating yet freeing¡ªa reflection of his inner turmoil.

    His gaze, lifeless yet burning with a deep, savage killing intent, seemed to pierce the horizon. The intensity of his intent was palpable, flickers of crimson dancing in the depths of his eyes. Now that he''d grasped intent, his killing intent had truly become tangible, a force that could be felt by anyone standing too close.

    ''In the end, all that matters is the size of my fist and the depth of my gaze. A fist strong enough to hold the earth, tear the skies, and face the heavens. Eyes sharp enough to read the tides of fate and calm enough to bear the karma of my actions.''

    ''A balance of strength and wisdom,'' he thought quietly, the words echoing in his mind like a mantra.

    Suddenly, his attention snapped upward. A figure stood high in the skies, gazing down at him with a faint smile.

    Zao took a deliberate step forward, and beneath his feet, a grand black eagle appeared, its presence commanding. The creature emitted powerful waves of qi, its feathers glinting like polished obsidian in the pale light of the snowy landscape.

    Caine remained motionless on the hill, his robes fluttering in the biting wind. Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward into thin air and vanished, reappearing beside his uncle atop the mighty eagle.

    With a single flap of its massive wings, the eagle gathered qi and shot forward, slicing through the air at incredible speed. The icy wind howled around them, but neither Zao nor Caine seemed affected.

    "You seem annoyed," Zao remarked, his voice calm but probing.

    Caine shook his head and sat cross-legged, unfazed by the immense pressure of their rapid movement. "Annoyed? No. Just disappointed."

    "Disappointed?"

    "Mhm. In myself. Recent events have exposed many of my shortcomings." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You can''t be perfect¡ª"

    "But I must." Caine cut Zao off. "I can''t, but I must. If I''m to bear the weight of the crown, the foundation I stand upon must be flawless."

    "Even if it''s vain, I have to chase it¡ªperfection." His voice was calm, his gaze even.

    Zao turned away from the horizon to look at Caine. A flicker of worry crossed his face, but he quickly suppressed it. Such was the nature of their world.

    Caine had witnessed the world''s ruthlessness all his life, but only now, as he truly experienced it for himself, was he beginning to grow¡ªbeginning to understand what he was always meant to grasp.

    This was the weight of royal blood that coursed through his veins.

    "Tell me more about where we''re going," Caine said, breaking the silence.

    Zao leaned back slightly, his posture as relaxed as it was commanding. "We''re heading to the edge of the northern continent, to a region called the Elemental Fields. It''s a hazard zone where chaotic elemental qi is at an all-time high."

    "Deep within this zone, we discovered the legacy realm of the Five Elemental Lords. Their history is complex, but in essence, they were among the earliest cultivators in our world."

    "We don''t know if they''re still alive, but they left their legacy behind. It''s vital to your foundation. I''ve ensured it''s been reserved for you."

    Caine nodded, though his expression remained indifferent. "I see. Hopefully, it''s worth the trouble. You were also telling me about bloodlines¡ªwhat''s that about? Did the Elemental Lords leave theirs?"

    Zao shook his head. "No. The chaotic elemental qi in the zone has mutated the beasts there, flooding the legacy realm with their influence. In response, the realm''s defense mechanisms activated, slaughtering the beasts. But it''s no ordinary defense system."

    "Instead of simply eliminating them, it created a second legacy realm¡ªthis one containing countless purified bloodlines."

    "These bloodlines are among the most potent you''ll find."

    "And why do I need them?" Caine asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. "I don''t feel like I''m lacking."

    Zao looked at him, wide-eyed, as if Caine had just spoken complete nonsense.

    "Do¡­you even realize how important bloodlines are to your foundation? Or how much of an advantage they provide?"

    Of course, Caine knew. He just didn''t feel it was a necessity. Still, refusing such a gift would be foolish.

    "Bloodlines, like innate circles, are graded¡ªfrom Mortal Grade to Immeasurable Grade," Zao explained. "They represent concentrated, inherited power. For instance, if you never broke past the Blood Realm but refined your blood to its peak, your descendants would inherit that refined bloodline."

    "Through it, they''d innately wield the power of a peak Blood Realm expert, possess exceptionally pure Blood Qi, and gain access to Bloodline Abilities. But that''s only if you fully refined your blood and imprinted abilities into it."

    "Even such a bloodline wouldn''t qualify as Mortal Grade. Now imagine the power of an Immeasurable Grade bloodline."

    "But beast bloodlines¡ª" Zao''s gaze sharpened. "Beast bloodlines are on a completely different level. The difference between a beast bloodline and a humanoid bloodline is like comparing a Golden Craft to a Golden God Craft."

    "The gap is vast. Unbridgeable."

 Chapter 49 - 49: Lilith

    "So, are you saying my dormant Velios Bloodline is weaker than what I''ll find there?"

    Zao let out a hearty laugh at the question, his mirth echoing in the wind.

    "Oh no, that''s not what I''m saying at all. I''ve told you already, we aren''t humans¡ªor at least not the regular kind. Explaining it is¡­complicated. But suffice it to say, our race is among the most feared."

    Zao adjusted his glasses, the reflective lenses catching the light as his tone turned more serious. "But even if that weren''t true, the principle remains the same. Any family with enough experts refining their bloodlines over generations can bridge the gap. Not completely, but enough to compete."

    Caine nodded thoughtfully at the explanation.

    ''There''s an element of time to bloodlines, isn''t there?'' he mused, his mind racing. ''The ability to draw on the strength of your ancestors without limit, reaping the rewards of their efforts¡­ how fascinating.''

    His silver eyes gleamed as a new thought struck him. ''It might also be a method of control¡ªcontrol through blood. If I''m right, the one who first starts the bloodline must hold a unique position, like a Progenitor, granting them influence over all descendants.''

    ''And if it works that way, could the reverse also be true? Could a Progenitor pull strength from their future descendants as well? That would be¡­ terrifying.''

    The implications deepened, and his gaze sharpened. ''If that''s the case, then the Progenitors of ancient bloodlines must be among the most horrifying existences alive. They''d hold sway over both the past and the future.''

    He smirked, a mix of intrigue and unease curling in his chest. ''Or maybe I''m wrong. Still, the potential¡­''

    Caine sighed and shrugged, dismissing the spiraling thoughts for now. He closed his eyes, seeking the solace of meditation.

    But the peace didn''t last.

    Opening his eyes, he noticed a cluster of figures in the distance, standing atop a crow nearly as large as the eagle carrying him and Zao. From their posture, it was clear they''d been waiting¡ªand intended to block their path.

    Caine turned toward Zao, noting the older man''s deep frown.

    "Red Sky Heavenly Temple," Zao murmured, his voice barely audible. His gaze locked onto the group as he added, "The lady at their helm must be their famous heiress, Lilith Styxia Sharkhyn."

    "Is that so?" Caine''s gaze narrowed, piercing through the distance to study the group more closely.

    There were about a dozen of them, all women dressed in dark robes that concealed their forms¡ªexcept one. At the center of the group stood a young woman clad in jade-white robes.

    Her long silver hair glinted like moonlight, and her eyes swirled with mesmerizing currents of pink and purple. An aura of raw, unbridled power radiated from her, a match to the rumors Caine had heard. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Despite the apparent threat, Caine remained calm, his expression unreadable.

    Zao, however, quickly recovered from his initial frown. He adjusted his glasses and stood behind Caine, his gaze turning cold and calculating. Though he said nothing, Caine understood the unspoken message.

    They''d been followed¡ªand for quite some time. Somehow, Zao hadn''t noticed.

    It didn''t surprise Caine. After all, if Zao hadn''t detected the assassins from days ago, it wasn''t shocking that these figures had evaded him too. What did surprise him, however, was their boldness.

    The Red Sky Heavenly Temple had made no attempt to hide their presence. Instead, they''d openly confronted him as if daring him to act.

    Caine smiled faintly. "I suppose I''ll oblige."

    With a smooth motion, his palm extended from beneath the folds of his robe, and he lightly tapped the air.

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    The surrounding qi surged, twisting and condensing into a storm of icy spears that tore through the sky toward the temple members.

    In the blink of an eye, the spears reached their targets. But just before they could strike, they shattered into countless fragments, transforming into runes that arranged themselves into a complex formation¡ªa sealing array.

    The group was trapped.

    By the time the formation solidified, Caine and Zao had already closed the distance, standing just outside the array''s bounds.

    "Quite the impressive affinity you have there," Lilith remarked, her tone steady and regal. Her confidence was palpable, unshaken even in the face of their predicament.

    Caine smiled faintly, his expression calm. "I was born on the coldest day ever recorded in our world. I suppose it''s only fitting."

    Lilith raised a delicate hand, and golden flames flickered to life around her fingers. With a single gesture, the sealing formation shattered, its intricate runes dissolving into the air.

    Her gaze locked with Caine''s, and a faint smile graced her lips. But Caine only sighed, shaking his head.

    "You shouldn''t have done that."

    Lilith glanced to her left, her expression tightening as she noticed the shards of the broken formation morphing into smaller arrays.

    These new formations latched onto her companions, their complexity significantly reduced but their lethality far greater. She realized with grim certainty that a single thought from Caine could spell death for them all.

    Lilith exhaled deeply, forcing herself to remain composed. "We come here in peace."

    Caine tilted his head slightly, his interest piqued. "Oh?"

    Lilith nodded. "I simply wanted to meet you¡ªto ask a favor."

    Caine remained silent, his gaze steady.

    "I''d like you to allow me access to the Legacies you''ve found," Lilith continued. "In exchange, I''ll help you clear the area."

    "Clear the area?" Caine asked, his tone laced with confusion.

    Lilith nodded again. "Yes. News of the legacy you''ve uncovered has already spread. Worse, people are waiting there for you. They''re curious, excited¡ªand many are looking for trouble. When I say ''many,'' I mean it."

    Caine stroked his chin thoughtfully. He wasn''t particularly concerned about others knowing his destination. What intrigued him was how this revelation benefited his enemies.

    ''Leaking my plans doesn''t make sense,'' he thought. ''They must know Zao is always with me. Even without him, I''m not easy prey.''

    The cold smile that curled his lips hinted at brewing schemes in his mind.

    "Sure," he said at last. "You can come."

    Lilith''s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly masked it, her confident demeanor returning.

    "Thank you," she replied, her tone measured.

    Caine didn''t respond, turning his gaze toward the horizon.

 Chapter 50 - 50: Lilith(II)

    "I''d heard you long surpassed the realm of Blood. I''m surprised to find it untrue," Caine said suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled over the last hour.

    Lilith, perched on her massive crow flying alongside their eagle, tilted her head. With a flicker of movement, she teleported to their side, landing lightly on the eagle''s back. She regarded Caine for a long moment before he smiled and patted the fur beside him.

    "Sit," he invited.

    To Zao''s surprise, she returned the smile and did as told, settling gracefully beside Caine. Watching this unfold, Zao''s frown deepened.

    Unlike Caine, Zao knew a great deal about Lilith Styxia Sharkhyn. Known as the Blood Expanse Heiress, her title was a testament to her violent dominance in securing her position as a Scion within the Red Sky Heavenly Temple. Yet here she was, casual and composed, acting far more human than her reputation suggested.

    Zao''s unease only grew. He sent a mental transmission to Caine: <Stay Careful, kiddo.>

    "Well," Lilith began, her tone calm yet confident, "I did surpass the realm of Blood long ago, but I decided to forcefully suppress my cultivation so I could forge a foundation I was truly satisfied with."

    Caine''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Suppress your cultivation? Isn''t that risky? From what I understand, it''s not exactly a safe method."

    Lilith shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It is dangerous, but what isn''t? If I want to break limits, I must take risks, don''t you think? What about you? Why are you still in the Blood Realm?"

    Caine leaned back, his expression unbothered. "I only just turned sixteen. Since I''m following the conventional path of progression, it means I''ve only been cultivating for about a month." He yawned, slicking back his hair. "I''m not in a rush to break through, so I''m taking my time, carefully laying each step. But I am interested in your method of suppression."

    Lilith chuckled softly, covering her mouth with the sleeve of her robe. "Oh my, what would you offer in exchange? It''s quite a valuable technique."

    Caine considered this for a moment. "What are your main affinities?"

    "Fire and poison," she answered immediately, her curiosity evident.

    Caine nodded and closed his eyes. Deep within his Bond Space, the glow of his nine rings intensified as they harmonized with his mind. His perfect understanding of all elements and affinities swirled and coalesced into runes, combining seamlessly with his intent.

    When Caine opened his eyes again, he extended his palm. Slowly, a thick tome began to materialize, golden runes dancing across its surface.

    The title etched itself into the cover:

    [Scarlet Arts of Rot]

    WHOOOSH!

    The tome solidified, and Caine exhaled, his hand steady as he handed it to the stunned Lilith.

    She accepted the tome absentmindedly, her fingers trembling slightly as she began flipping through its pages. But as she delved deeper, her shock only grew.

    The tome contained a treasure trove of arts and techniques that perfectly fused fire and poison, each one intricate yet shockingly intuitive. Even with her years of expertise, Lilith found her understanding deepening with every page.

    Caine remained composed, though inwardly he noted her reaction. ''Spontaneously creating arts could be a viable path for expanding my arsenal, but mastering them all immediately might prove difficult,'' he thought.

    His gaze flickered as a new idea surfaced. ''Perhaps my Gifts can aid in this. I''ll be focusing on them soon enough¡­''

    He pushed the thought aside, returning his attention to Lilith, who now stared at him with an intensity that felt almost tangible. Her piercing gaze seemed to bore holes into his very being.

    Even Zao, observing from behind, couldn''t mask his surprise. With a sweep of his senses, he had gleaned the tome''s contents¡ªand they were astonishing.

    Lilith finally broke the silence. "Do you have any idea how valuable this is?"

    Caine smiled, his expression radiant yet unreadable. "Hopefully valuable enough to trade for your suppression method."

    Lilith exhaled deeply, shaking her head in exasperation. With a flick of her palm, she summoned her own tome. The crimson-bound book radiated a potent, oppressive aura, its cover etched with runes dripping in symbolic blood.

    She handed it to Caine without hesitation.

    Caine nodded in acknowledgment and opened it immediately, diving into its contents with quiet focus. Seeing this, Lilith mirrored his actions, returning to the tome he had given her.

    Zao and the other temple members could only watch in silence, utterly baffled by the scene unfolding before them.

    Inside the tome, Caine''s mind quickly unraveled the intricacies of Lilith''s method.

    ''I see. This technique uses runes to partially absorb foreign qi and concentrate it within the blood. It temporarily regresses one''s life state, allowing for adjustments to the foundation before releasing the accumulated pressure, facilitating evolution.''

    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ''The forced pressure enhances the quality of one''s qi, and there doesn''t seem to be a limit to its use¡­''

    His silver eyes flicked toward Lilith. ''How many times has she used this? Just how powerful has she become?''

    Though the method was incredibly interesting, Caine wasn''t planning to use it on himself, even in the future. After all, with the foundation he was forging, what need would he have for such a method?

    Though this was the case, he did have a certain idea on how to use this technique to his advantage.

    ***

    The group continued their journey north, venturing deeper into the chaotic, untamed regions of the continent. Elemental phenomena grew increasingly violent, painting the landscapes with raw power that could annihilate even peak Blood Realm cultivators.

    Fields of crackling lightning stretched as far as the eye could see. Storms of emerald flames raged without end. Rivers of caustic poison coiled through valleys, while mountainous ranges were swallowed by swirling tempests.

    Each step forward was a gamble with death.

    But eventually, they emerged from the chaos, reaching a wide clearing of vibrant green grass. The contrast was stark, almost unnerving. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The clearing was crowded with people, all gathered before a massive red portal that swirled ominously at its center.

    As Caine''s eagle came into view, every head turned toward him. The weight of countless gazes fell upon the group.

    Caine smirked, his confidence unshaken.

    ''As expected.''

 Chapter 51 - 51: Soran

    There, standing in the skies above the crowd of countless humans, stood Soran, his aura imposing and unyielding.

    His hair was still just as blonde and curly, his eyes just as golden, and his face just as arrogant as ever. His gaze, however, burned with unrelenting hatred as he stared at Caine.

    Though he remained a Half-Step Sage, Caine could easily discern that Soran had grown far stronger since their last encounter.

    But that didn''t concern him. In fact, if Soran was about to do what Caine suspected, it would serve as the perfect opportunity for him to test something he''d been working on.

    "Unseen Prince of the North," Soran''s voice carried as his gaze shifted to Lilith. "Blood Expanse Heiress."

    Hearing these titles, the gathered crowd erupted into an uproar, countless whispers filling the air. Caine watched the chaos unfold with a faint, amused smile.

    Soran, ignoring the commotion, fixed his eyes on Lilith. "I hold no grievances against your people, Heiress. Please step aside from the prince. I have no wish to harm you."

    Lilith blinked in surprise at his words. She glanced at Caine''s profile, observing his expression carefully before letting out a soft chuckle. She stayed rooted in place, making no move to comply.

    Soran took note of her refusal but said nothing. Nodding to himself, he extended a palm. In an instant, a sword of light materialized in his grasp. His blonde hair ignited into a golden, flame-like mane, and his pupils deepened into swirling abysses of magenta.

    His aura surged, casting a suffocating net of power over the crowd below as glowing runes flickered and bloomed around him.

    He pointed his sword at Caine. "Fight for your¡ª"

    Soran''s words abruptly cut off, a wet, choking sound replacing them as blood filled his throat. His face paled, and his eyes widened in horror as he looked up at Caine, whose expression remained utterly devoid of emotion.

    With a flick of Caine''s hand, Soran''s blood qi began to writhe and churn violently. His skin reddened, and his muscles spasmed uncontrollably as his body betrayed him.

    Caine slowly clenched his extended hand into a fist. At that moment, under the stunned gaze of everyone present, Soran''s cultivation plummeted, falling from the Half-Step Sage realm to the Bone Forging Stage in mere seconds.

    But Caine wasn''t finished. Another wave of his hand, and runes crawled across Soran''s skin, pulsing with potent blood qi. They began refining his body, tearing and remolding it on a fundamental level.

    Soran roared in agony as his very essence was split and reshaped. The pain was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

    Watching the scene unfold, Lilith tilted her head and murmured, "Puppetry?"

    "Mhm," Caine replied, his tone casual. "I''ve always been curious about the arts of necromancy and puppetry."

    "A matter of trust?" Lilith probed.

    "Perhaps," Caine admitted with a faint nod. "It''s still rudimentary, but I see potential in the technique."

    Lilith''s lips curved slightly. "Necromantic arts are among my specialties. If you wish, I can assist you in refining this."

    "That would be ideal," Caine said, his expression softening as he accepted her offer.

    Soran''s screams gradually faded until they ceased altogether. His body vanished, sealed away within the depths of Caine''s Bond Space for further experimentation. There were still things Caine wanted to test.

    Zao''s eyes widened in shock as he witnessed this. Had Caine just¡­ placed a living being into his Bond Space? Even he, with all his power, couldn''t accomplish such a feat.

    He cast a deep, searching look at Caine, knowing full well the younger man could sense it. But neither spoke.

    Caine shifted his gaze to the crowd of rogue cultivators and fanatics below. They stared back, equal parts horrified and reverent.

    "Return to where you came from," Caine said calmly. "I have no desire for a massacre. Killing my people will yield you nothing but despair. Do not force my hand."

    Before anyone could respond, Caine''s massive eagle flared its wings and soared into the portal, which had turned a vivid green.

    WHOOOSH!

    The portal closed behind them, leaving the crowd stunned and speechless.

    Zao, now among the temple members, could only shake his head at the turn of events. He knew Caine better than most and understood that everything he did was deliberate and served a purpose.

    But this time, even he was left baffled. Beyond the odd dynamic forming between Caine and Lilith, Zao couldn''t fathom why Caine had abducted Soran so publicly. Not only had he done so in front of countless witnesses, but he had also left them alive to ensure the news would spread far and wide. And then there was his overt distrust of the alliance¡ªwhy make that so clear?

    It didn''t make sense, but Zao trusted his nephew more than anyone. If there was anyone worth believing in, it was him.

    ''Let''s see how this plays out,'' he thought.

    ***

    The portal carried Caine and Lilith into a vast, ethereal tunnel. The walls shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors, made from an otherworldly matter neither could identify.

    At the tunnel''s end, a radiant light beckoned, likely the entrance to the Legacy Realm.

    The air was calm and serene as they drifted toward the light. Caine''s gaze wandered, his mind awash with countless threads of intent he instinctively absorbed and analyzed.

    These were fragments of comprehension he''d already grasped, yet they now deepened, pushing toward¡ª

    ''Perfection.''

    Caine''s eyes glazed over for a moment before clarity returned. He blinked as his thoughts refocused.

    "You know," Lilith remarked, "it''s dangerous to leave yourself so vulnerable in the presence of a stranger."

    "I''m alive, aren''t I?" Caine replied without missing a beat. "I''m a decent judge of character."

    Lilith shook her head, amused but resigned.

    From the little time she''d spent with him, she''d learned much about the enigmatic prince¡ªand one thing was clear: Caine was as unyielding in his trust of himself as he was in his power.

    Sighing, she rested her head lightly on his shoulder as they continued forward. Meanwhile, Caine''s thoughts swirled, fixated on a single concept.

    ''Intent¡­ Intent¡­ Intent¡­''

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 Chapter 52 - 52: Bloodlines

    The duo rapidly reached the end of the tunnel, arriving before a grand, oscillating wall of white, almost translucent qi.

    Immediately, a screen materialized before them.

    [You have been deemed worthy to enter the Legacy Realm of the Five Elemental Lords.]

    Caine raised a brow, surprised by the message. ''There was a test leading up to here? Could the tunnel have been the test? But¡­I didn''t feel anything¡­''

    He decided to shelve the thought for now and waited. Moments later, something unexpected happened.

    From the grand wall of qi, a figure emerged. It was a tiny humanoid entity with butterfly-like wings, a body wrapped in flowing emerald robes, and long hair made of intertwining black vines.

    The entity resembled a fairy, its presence radiating an aura of peace and harmony.

    The fairy''s striking blue eyes scanned the pair before focusing entirely on Caine.

    "Hello," he greeted suddenly, breaking the silence. Lilith followed shortly, offering her own polite, "Hello."

    The tiny fairy smiled, her dainty hands folding over one another. "Greetings, little mortals."

    Her voice was an extraordinary contrast to her size¡ªdeep, regal, and velvety, with a richness that seemed to resonate through the qi and the world around her.

    "I am Elura, the Grand Faery of Harmony, tasked by the Five Elementals with guarding their realm and legacy," she declared. "As you progressed through the tunnel, your affinities to the elements were tested, and you both passed with flying colors. Thus, you have been deemed worthy to enter this realm."

    Her eyes sparkled as she added, "Even better, you are two individuals of opposing genders. This will make it significantly easier for you to obtain the final legacy here."

    Caine frowned at her words, disliking their implication. But, as if sensing his thoughts, Elura quickly clarified.

    "No vulgar acts are required," she reassured him with a light chuckle. "The necessity for opposing genders lies in the Yin and Yang phenomenon of harmony that must occur to reap the maximum benefits. Physical contact is not necessary."

    As soon as she finished speaking, Elura waved her hands. Without warning, Caine and Lilith vanished. Alone now, the fairy''s serene smile morphed into a wild grin, one filled with¡­ambition.

    ''Let''s see if this works.''

    ***

    Caine fell from the sky, landing gently onto what appeared to be a river. Yet, instead of sinking, he stood upon its surface, the liquid barely rippling beneath his feet. A thin layer of qi coated his soles, allowing the seamless transition.

    He looked around, taking in his surroundings. The place he had entered was strange, to say the least.

    Above him stretched a black sky peppered with red stars, while the horizon extended infinitely. The air was thick with the unmistakable stench of blood. The "river" he stood upon was no river at all¡ªit was a boundless sea of blood. The liquid was so viscous that he doubted he would sink even if he withdrew his qi coating.

    Looking down, Caine narrowed his eyes. This wasn''t ordinary blood. It was purified beast blood.

    ''Straightforward at first glance,'' he thought. ''No enemies, no apparent trials, and the reward is right here.''

    ''But the insidiousness of it all lies in the details. How does one obtain a bloodline from this? If Zao was correct, this isn''t a single, unified bloodline. It''s a chaotic mixture of countless others.''

    ''So while it''s technically pure, it''s paradoxically impure. A contradiction¡ªbut not really.''

    Caine sat cross-legged atop the sea of blood, closing his eyes. Though he already had a solution in mind, he recognized this as a rare opportunity to deepen his understanding of blood qi and bloodlines.

    A low hum echoed as he began harmonizing the intent of his own blood with the blood around him, delving into its endless mysteries.

    The world suddenly rippled, and Caine found himself pulled into the depths of his own mind¡ªa realm of infinite darkness.

    From this void, countless colossal figures emerged, each more majestic than the last.

    True Phoenixes, Red Dragons, Golden Crows, Azure Whales, Purple Qilins, White Tigers, Emerald Turtles, Storm Gryphons, Chaos Serpents¡ªlegendary beasts thought to be long extinct materialized around him.

    Each entity was so vast and magnificent that Caine appeared like a grain of sand before a cosmos of immortal stars.

    They surged endlessly until the figures numbered precisely 3,800.

    Three thousand eight hundred legendary entities loomed in the void, their beady, primal eyes filled with hatred and hunger as they bore down on him.

    Despite the overwhelming pressure, Caine remained calm, his eyes closed as he meditated, using his intent to unravel the mysteries of the bloodlines before him.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    He nodded to himself, piecing together the intricate truths.

    ''There are two paths to forming a bloodline: the natural and the artificial. This is where the divide between humanoid and beast bloodlines lies.''

    ''Humanoid bloodlines must be forged¡ªthey cannot arise spontaneously. We, humanoids, must labor over countless generations, continuously refining our bloodlines, strengthening them, and passing them down to the next. Each generation adds to the foundation laid by the last, perfecting their inheritance.''

    ''Beasts, however, are entirely different.''

    He slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of understanding flashing through them.

    ''Beasts don''t forge their bloodlines¡ªthey embody them. Their bloodlines are crafted by the world itself, vessels of essence and intent that reflect the natural order. It is the world that grants beasts their strength, creating a direct link to the primordial forces they represent.''

    ''This is why the gap between humanoid and beast bloodlines is so vast¡ªour starting points are fundamentally unfair. Yet, beasts can also refine their bloodlines, enhancing them further, passing even greater strength to their descendants.''

    ''In other words, Beast Progenitors¡­are terrifying.''

    A grin spread across Caine''s face as his gaze lifted to the countless towering figures surrounding him. A wild, ambitious idea began to take shape in his mind. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He had already survived the tribulations of the world for performing heretical acts once.

    Surely, he could do so a second time.

    ''Let''s find out.''

    The void trembled as an earth-shaking rumble echoed across the expanse.

 Chapter 53 - 53: Bloodlines(II)

    Just as Caine prepared to move forward with his plan, a sudden thought struck him, halting him in place. Waves of enlightenment washed over him, submerging his entire being.

    From the presence of the first God, light came. From the fury of the first Dragon, fire burned. From the breath of the first Gryphon, storms raged. From the hiss of the first Serpent, sin proliferated. And from the cry of the first Phoenix, life and death bloomed.

    Beast Progenitors were not merely embodiments of the elements or affinities, at least not in the way most beings comprehended them. No, Beast Progenitors were the creators¡ªthe originators¡ªof these elements themselves.

    Dragons were not born from fire; they birthed it. Dragons existed long before fire. Beast Progenitors were progenitors in the most literal sense.

    Caine''s already heretical idea suddenly evolved into something even more audacious. His smile deepened as the madness of his plan unfolded in his mind. If he could succeed, this would surpass the creation of his bones and flesh¡ªa feat that had already defied reason.

    He exhaled slowly, his breath measured and deliberate. Then he inhaled sharply, holding it for a moment before releasing it again, his focus sharpening with each controlled cycle. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His intent flared to life, manifesting within the dark expanse of his mind. It took form as golden chains that lashed out, binding the 3,800 majestic entities that loomed around him. The chains constricted, subduing the powerful beasts and reducing them into tiny orbs of translucent white qi.

    With a low growl, Caine made a single, decisive motion, and the orbs were transported into his Bond Space.

    His mind hummed with razor-sharp clarity as his intent bloomed. What he was attempting to do was unprecedented¡ªand dangerously complex.

    Using his perfect comprehension of the 3,800 intents, Caine planned to condense an equal number of stars. Each star would be a flawless, physical manifestation of his comprehension¡ªa construct akin to the rings he had previously forged.

    But that was just the beginning.

    These stars would act as anchors, allowing him to forcefully comprehend the higher root intent tied to each one. Once the higher intent was mastered, he would refine the star further, linking it to its corresponding bubble.

    For instance, Caine would condense a fire star based on his perfect comprehension of fire intent. Using the star as an anchor, he would delve deeper into the root of that intent¡ªDragon Intent. By fully comprehending Dragon Intent, his mastery of fire would deepen, surpassing even the perfection he had achieved. This would create a harmonious connection between Dragon and Fire Intents, stabilizing the star and amplifying its power to unimaginable levels.

    Finally, he would tether the dragon-contained bubble to the star, completing the cycle.

    The dragons within the bubbles were formed from the countless dragon bloodlines distilled within the sea of blood he sat upon, representing the purest essence of their respective intents. Through this method, Caine would not simply wield these powers¡ªhe would birth a true dragon egg, created entirely from pure will and intent.

    This was akin to forging a human child from the beating heart of a god¡ªan act both miraculous and terrifying. And yet, even this was only the first step in Caine''s grand plan.

    The potential benefits were staggering.

    Beyond achieving a depth of comprehension in fire and Dragon Intent that even dragons themselves might never have attained, Caine would gain a new Bond Egg of unparalleled caliber. Most crucially, his Blood Qi would mutate, eliminating the need to consume the blood of lesser beasts.

    Indeed, Caine was attempting to force 3,800 simultaneous mutations in his Blood Qi.

    RUMBLE!

    The dark expanse he had been trapped in was now empty, its vastness devoid of the once-menacing entities. Only Caine remained, seated in absolute stillness.

    For a fleeting moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, cloaked in an unnatural silence. Then it shattered.

    Caine''s eyes snapped open, and with a roar of raw power, he shattered the illusion of the void and returned to reality.

    "[CONDENSE.]"

    His voice reverberated like the command of a god, carrying the unshakable might of a titan and the authority of an emperor. The effects were immediate.

    WHOOOOOOOSH!

    Within his Bond Space, countless stars of every color and type ignited into existence.

    They condensed rapidly before expanding and soaring upward, arranging themselves into a vast, intricate constellation.

    The insights flooding into Caine''s mind were overwhelming, almost unbearable in their intensity. His jaw tightened, his gaze sharpened, and he held himself steady, refusing to falter.

    He needed this. If he was to seize the throne of the alliance, he required strength that was undeniable, divine, and absolute. This was his path¡ªto become Perfect. Unrivaled. Absolute.

    BOOOOOOOOM! BOOM! BOOOM!

    The sea of blood beneath him surged upward, funneled directly into his Bond Space. The torrent flowed into the five eggs nestled within, each of which had been growing steadily but far too slowly for his liking.

    The eggs trembled violently, greedily absorbing the blood as though they had been waiting for this exact moment. Like the stars above, they expanded, their growth accelerating until they began to approach the size of their destined forms.

    Caine allowed himself a shaky exhale, releasing the tension in his mind and letting the flood of insights flow more freely. The depth of comprehension he was gaining was dizzying. Each affinity he had mastered deepened even further, reaching realms beyond perfection.

    Simultaneously, he monitored the changes within his body. His Blood Qi, already potent, was undergoing a profound transformation.

    The influence of the stars in his Bond Space took root within him, granting him unimaginable power.

    But just as he began to revel in his newfound strength, he froze.

    His body¡ªcompletely still. Not by his own will, but by the will of another.

    A mischievous chuckle echoed through the air, breaking the stillness. From the distance, a stream of darkness surged forward, piercing through Caine''s chest with ruthless precision.

    "Perfect," the voice murmured.

 Chapter 54 - 54: Bloodlines(III)

    Caine barely had time to react.

    The stars within his Bond Space suddenly dove into the depths of its sky, expanding at an incomprehensible speed as their radiant light washed over the entire space, casting everything in a blinding brilliance.

    The bubbles tethered to them morphed seamlessly, transforming into magnificent eggs, each as radiant and regal as his five original Innate Bond Eggs.

    For a moment, the chaos in his Bond Space seemed to stabilize, giving him the faintest hope that everything was under control. But then¡ª

    "NO!" Caine roared within his mind, the shock rippling through his consciousness with devastating force.

    Elura, the so-called Grand Faery of Harmony, had somehow appeared in the deepest recesses of his Bond Space. She stood silently before his precious eggs, her presence both alien and unsettling.

    "Be quiet. We''ll both emerge victorious from this. You just have to endure," she said softly, her voice calm yet filled with an eerie finality.

    Before he could react, her delicate hand moved. With a single motion, the five Innate Bond Eggs collided violently, shattering into a grotesque amalgamation of viscous blood and energy.

    "ARGHHHHHH!"

    Caine''s scream of agony tore through the void, reverberating within his Bond Space as he writhed in mental and physical torment.

    Yet, Elura paid no attention. Her unwavering gaze remained fixed on the pulsating mass of destruction before her. She whispered, almost to herself, "For freedom."

    Without hesitation, she plunged into the amalgam of the eggs. Her banshee-like wails melded with Caine''s, their combined screams echoing in a cacophony of unbearable pain.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, tattoos erupted across Caine''s body, intricate and alive. The markings depicted every beast contained within his Bond Space, their forms etched with stunning detail across his flesh. These tattoos seared into his skin, a vivid reminder of the immense power at play.

    Simultaneously, glowing runes flickered into existence, fusing with his very bones in a chaotic yet harmonious rhythm.

    The transformation was swift, brutal, and unrelenting.

    Qi poured out of him in massive torrents, devoured alongside the endless sea of blood that continued to funnel into his Bond Space.

    His body convulsed violently, his mind and flesh caught in a relentless cycle of destruction and renewal. The very fabric of his existence was being torn apart and reshaped into something entirely new.

    The pain was constant, all-encompassing, and infernal. Trapped within this storm of agony, Caine could do nothing but endure.

    ***

    Far away, Lilith sat cross-legged atop her own expansive sea of blood. Unlike Caine''s, hers shimmered with a golden luster, radiating a brilliance that illuminated the surrounding void. The blood beneath her seemed alive, pulsing with vitality and purpose, a stark contrast to the ominous crimson hue of ordinary blood.

    Her eyes remained closed, her focus entirely consumed by the monumental task at hand.

    Though part of her reason for entering the Legacy Realm was undeniably tied to Caine, she had not lied about her desire to forge a foundation she could deem worthy.

    Like Caine, Lilith sought to construct a heretical foundation¡ªone that defied the laws of cultivation itself. But her methods were entirely her own.

    Unlike him, Lilith had spent years mastering her gifts, elevating them to a level that bordered on the divine. She had awakened three Heavenly-tier Gifts at the Immeasurable Grade¡ªa feat so rare it was almost mythical.

    Her gifts surpassed even Caine''s by half a step, an accomplishment that few could comprehend.

    Two of these gifts, [Regress] and [Ascend], had been the catalysts for her meteoric rise. [Ascend] allowed her cultivation to progress autonomously, advancing without effort or input, while [Regress] enabled her to reverse and refine her advancements with flawless precision, correcting even the smallest imperfections.

    While these gifts had countless applications beyond cultivation, they were the keys to her current endeavor.

    For years, Lilith had cycled her Blood Qi through endless loops of ascension and regression, tempering it to an unparalleled level of purity and strength. Now, her Blood Qi had reached the threshold required to construct the foundation she envisioned.

    Her Bone Structure, the [Myriad Beast Progeny Pillar Bone Structure], would serve as the cornerstone of her power. Through precise manipulation of her Blood Qi, she would extract the golden blood beneath her, separating it into distinct bloodline essences.

    Then, using [Ascend], she would purify and evolve these essences, restoring them to their primordial, progenitor forms.

    These perfected bloodlines would then be refined into pure Blood Qi, which she would use to forge her bones.

    This alone would make her a terrifying force to rival Caine. But Lilith''s ambitions did not end there.

    Once her Bone Structure was complete, she planned to construct her Flesh Structure: the [Inverted Samsara Flesh Structure].

    Caine had deduced that Blood Qi was the vessel of vitality, a higher reflection of qi itself.

    But his understanding had not yet pierced the deepest truths. Blood Qi was indeed a vessel¡ªbut within it lay the essence of Life Qi, the purest form of vitality. This unique energy, unlike all others, could only exist when contained within Blood Qi.

    Lilith, however, had long surpassed this level of comprehension. Her mastery of Blood Qi had refined it to a state beyond perfection.

    This insight had given rise to her audacious plan.

    By tempering her Blood Qi to unprecedented levels, she would make it capable of containing not only Life Qi but also its antithesis¡ªDeath Qi.

    This union of opposites would create a paradoxical state within her Blood Qi, one of chaos and harmony existing simultaneously.

    The harmonious interplay between Life Qi and Death Qi would grant her regenerative abilities so profound they bordered on immortality.

    At the same time, the chaotic clash of these forces would flood her body with boundless energy, enabling ceaseless refinement and growth under the strength of her bones. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And yet, these were merely the foundational benefits of her plan.

    Lilith exhaled slowly, steadying her mind and calming her blood. Then, her eyes snapped open, blazing with unshakable resolve.

    She began.

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!

    ***

    Far from the Legacy Realm, in the depths of the oceans that separated the continents, a small bubble of air floated in the pitch-black abyss. The crushing pressure of the deep seemed to have no effect on this strange anomaly.

    Within the bubble lay a massive, coiled beast. Its body twisted upon itself dozens of times to fit into the confined space. Scales shimmering with a resplendent azure light contrasted with countless white runes etched into them.

    The creature bore the regal head of a tiger, the sinuous body of a dragon, the fierce eyes of a nascent phoenix, and the resplendent wings of a gryphon. It was a paradoxical entity, an abomination that seemed to embody the essence of an entire world.

    Slowly, it stirred, its presence sending faint ripples of terrifying qi through the ocean, shaking the waters with ominous force.

    "It seems little Elura has become free," a voice murmured from nowhere, not belonging to the beast.

    The abomination closed its eyes once more and returned to slumber. But before it did, it spoke, its voice low and reverberating with ancient power.

    "Hopefully she''s happy this time."

 Chapter 55 - 55: Elura

    Caine''s body had stopped convulsing and now lay eerily still, submerged in the depths of the clear ocean where he had been sitting moments before. The once turbulent waters had calmed, their reflective surface undisturbed, mirroring the tranquility that had finally settled within him.

    His Bond Space, once a chaotic maelstrom, had transformed. The stars within it now stretched so wide they seemed infinite, their radiance illuminating the expanse like celestial beacons. His newly formed eggs shone with a majesty and brilliance that surpassed even the wildest of imaginations.

    At the very center of his Bond Space, below his intricate rings and the original dragon-coiled silver star, sat a single egg. It was entirely black, its presence radiating an ominous yet profound energy.

    Caine''s bloodline had mutated far beyond his expectations, his body undergoing countless changes. Yet, he remained unconscious, his mind adrift elsewhere, unable to assess the monumental transformations that had taken place.

    ***

    Elura couldn''t help but shiver as she stared at him.

    They were back in the dark expanse that Caine had been drawn into earlier by the Beast Progenitor Intents. Yet, this time, something was different. Something terrifying.

    Caine stood before her, his appearance unchanged¡ªhis long black hair flowed freely, his cold silver eyes gleamed with their usual sharpness, and his tall, lean frame exuded its familiar strength. But now, there was something else.

    Atop his head rested a resplendent crown, shimmering with an ethereal light. Around his shoulders hung a mantle of silver mist, flowing like a living entity, wrapping around him with the grace and authority of an emperor.

    He did nothing, yet the sheer pressure he exuded was overwhelming¡ªan invisible weight that pressed down on everything around him. It was a power Elura had never encountered before, a presence that defied understanding.

    This was no ordinary power. This was the unrestrained soul force of a god. Somehow, this space had managed to pull his Soul Form into it.

    "Elura, Faery of Harmony," Caine spoke softly, his voice carrying an unshakable calm. He sighed, and in that moment, the crown atop his head faded into nothingness, the mantle dissipating into thin air. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and the suffocating pressure vanished.

    "The fear in your eyes tells me that even you didn''t fully understand what you were involving yourself in," he said. "You saw an opportunity and seized it."

    Caine''s voice was measured, devoid of rage yet brimming with authority. "I cannot and will not kill you," he continued, his tone unwavering. "Somehow, you have managed to become my Innate Bond. I don''t know how you achieved this, but you''ve tied your existence to mine."

    Elura''s body trembled under his scrutiny, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. A faint flicker of confidence shone in her eyes, though her shivering betrayed her inner turmoil.

    "While I cannot kill you without endangering myself," Caine continued, "I can make your existence a nightmare. I am more than capable of tearing you apart, piece by piece, leaving you suspended on the edge of life and death for eternity."

    His voice hardened. "You desecrated my body. You killed my five Bonds. That alone is an offense worthy of death. I will give you one chance¡ªexplain yourself."

    Caine''s silver eyes glinted with cold light as he added, "And do not lie. I will know."

    Elura felt the raw, primal rage simmering within Caine. It was a force so violent, so overwhelming, that it shook her to her very core. The fabric of her soul trembled beneath the weight of it.

    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. Then, with a shaky exhale, she began to speak.

    "My name is Elura Sanctus, Queen of the Faery Race," she said. Her voice wavered at first but grew steadier with each word.

    "To explain my actions, I must first tell you about the Five Elemental Lords. They are not of your world," she said, her tone grave.

    Caine''s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable.

    "They are not truly lords in the conventional sense," Elura explained. "They are envoys¡ªrepresentatives of the Elemental God Race, a branch of the mighty Spirit Race."

    She hesitated for a moment, gauging Caine''s reaction, but his face remained impassive.

    "The Spirit Race sent them to this world eons ago when the Velios decided to settle here," she continued. "You may or may not know this, but the Velios and the Timeless Alliance are not the same. They are two separate entities."

    Elura paused, her gaze flickering. "I mean, it''s in the name¡ªan alliance. But the details of their relationship are not matters I dare speak of."

    "The Elementals came here to scout, to establish a foothold. Their ultimate goal was to launch an assault on the Velios. The two factions have always been at odds. In truth, the Elementals are on bad terms with nearly every force I know, but their conflict with the Velios is particularly violent."

    As Elura spoke, Caine''s expression softened slightly, though it soon settled into an unnervingly apathetic mask. Her words seemed to align with truths he had long suspected. ''Did Zao send me here with this outcome in mind?'' he wondered.

    "The way I relate to all this is simple¡ªI am collateral damage," Elura continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "I am part of a branch of the Faery Race, one of the most powerful races to exist. My world was destroyed, my people enslaved, and I was trapped here, used as bait."

    Her gaze met his, steady and unflinching. "I was a lure for the elders of your alliance. They knew my worth. They knew what I represented."

    "I''ve been trapped here for eons, bound by chains I could not break. And then I saw you." Her voice grew softer. "A Spirit Human. A royal Velios. My chance at freedom."

    She took a shaky breath. "So I reached out. I took it. I tore it from the hands that had stolen it from me."

    Her tone hardened. "By mutating your existence and forcefully becoming your Bond, I freed myself from this accursed realm. I broke my chains."

    "This is why I did it," she finished. "For freedom."

    For a long moment, silence reigned. Elura''s gaze remained locked with Caine''s. Her eyes reflected a mixture of defiance and vulnerability, while his face was an unreadable mask.

    As he processed her words, understanding dawned on him. He saw her actions for what they were. How could he not? Was her desperation not a mirror of his own?

    Had he not done the same¡ªabandoned everything, risked it all, and crossed forbidden lines¡ªfor freedom?

    The flame that burned within her heart was the same as the one that burned in his.

    Elura, overwhelmed by the depth of emotions pouring through their bond, froze. She was unprepared for the intensity of their connection, her soul trembling under the weight of it.

    Caine exhaled slowly, breaking the silence. "I see," he said at last. "And the envoys? You didn''t explain their fates."

    Elura blinked, startled out of her stupor. She took a moment to compose herself before her gaze sharpened.

    "They''re still here," she said. "And their presence is tied to the very foundation of this realm."

    Her voice lowered, heavy with foreboding. "This legacy was never meant to be a mere inheritance. It was the first step in a war¡ªa settlement meant for conquest." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 56 - 56: Elura(II)-Childish

    "Their plan was rather simple. Attract a member of the alliance here to gain their so-called legacy, then, at the last moment, pull them into this place."

    "This place where we''re currently in is called a Soul Prison. By trapping the member here, they planned to overtake their body and slowly infiltrate the alliance."

    "But things changed. The day they settled and created the realm, they were ruthlessly suppressed by the World Will Eye, which recognized them as foreigners."

    "Then, the various factions of the world attacked and annihilated them, destroying their physical forms and leaving them on the brink of extinction. But such possibilities were the reason I was required in the first place."

    "Using my abilities, I salvaged parts of their souls and conserved them, storing them here, ready to attack and take over anyone who was compatible enough."

    "This prison, which had once been intended to create a double agent, became their last hope¡ªa final chance to revive and find vessels before the fragments of their souls inevitably collapsed and they truly ceased to exist."

    The implications were clear¡ªCaine would have to battle these so-called Elemental Lords if he ever wanted to leave this place alive.

    Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, Caine remained unshaken. His mind felt startlingly calm, free of the complexities that might normally weigh him down in such a moment.

    He didn''t know why, but he felt incredibly liberated. Unrestrained.

    His thoughts flowed like a gentle stream, smooth and unbroken, while his heart seemed immune to fear or hesitation. It was as if he could process everything clearly, act decisively, and remain untouched by doubt.

    Perhaps it was the mutations that had occurred during his fusion with Elura. Or perhaps it was because his Soul Form, unbound by the limitations of his body, now stood at the forefront. Whatever the reason, he felt good.

    Elura fluttered her wings lightly and flew over to perch on his shoulder. The tension she had once felt in his presence was gone, replaced by an inexplicable comfort. It was strange¡ªa sharp contrast to the fear she''d been consumed by earlier.

    But unlike the delicate, almost chaotic dynamic Caine shared with Lilith, this bond was different. It felt natural, clear. Elura was now undeniably a part of Caine, as though she were his kin, his blood.

    The suddenness of the transformation might have alienated her, yet she found herself at ease with it. What had felt unnatural moments ago now seemed like it had always been.

    Caine, too, was at peace with her presence, though for entirely different reasons. He understood that, as his Bond, Elura was incapable of harming him. Though he had no desire to do so, he could read her memories at will or even take control of her actions if he wanted.

    But he wouldn''t. The advantage of having a Bond like Elura, with her unique origins and vast knowledge, was far more valuable than any power play. She was a treasure trove of insight¡ªa living, walking encyclopedia.

    And though he mourned the loss of his five baby Bonds, he couldn''t deny the trade-off had been worth it.

    "Une de perdue, cinq de retrouv¨¦es," he mused wryly. Though, in this case, the reverse seems to hold true."

    "When will these Lords show themselves?" he asked, rising to his feet.

    Elura froze mid-flutter, clearly shaken by the question. "You plan to confront them? That''s¡­ suicidal!" she exclaimed, darting around his head like a panicked moth. "Let''s find another way to leave! There must be an escape¡ª"

    "No." Caine''s tone was firm. "I already have ideas for what I want to do with them. I''ll face them."

    "They are far beyond the Realm of Blood!" Elura cried, her wings flapping frantically as she hovered in front of him. "Not only are they FAR beyond the Realm of Blood, but they also have millennia of experience! You have no idea what you''re up against!"

    "Did you not say this would be a battle of the soul?" Caine asked. His crown flared into existence atop his head, casting an oppressive aura that washed over the space.

    "When you look at me¡­" He gestured to himself. "¡­does it seem like I''m lacking in that department?"

    "Yes!" Elura retorted without hesitation. She was no longer affected by the pressure he exuded, now fully adjusted to their bond. "I didn''t say it would be a battle of the soul! I said nothing about the type of battle you''ll face!"

    She flew closer, jabbing a tiny finger toward him. "This will be a battle of the mind¡ªa challenge you are not prepared to face."

    Caine raised a brow. "There''s a difference between the mind and the soul? That''s news to me."

    Elura froze, staring at him with wide eyes. In an instant, she remembered how little Caine knew about the broader workings of the universe. No, it wasn''t ignorance, she realized¡ªit was isolation. His world had kept him confined, cut off from the greater truths of existence.

    Caine noticed the revelation dawning on her but chose not to comment. He could guess what she was thinking.

    It all came back to the nature of his world. The fact that his world had a name¡ªThe Five Brilliant Sky World¡ªimplied the existence of others. After all, if there were no others, why not simply call it existence?

    Caine knew other worlds existed. He even understood how they formed, at least conceptually. But he had never seen, heard, or encountered anything beyond his own world and the Three Realms. The isolation of The Brilliant Five Sky World was absolute.

    Why this isolation existed, he didn''t know. But it was clear Elura understood more than she was letting on.

    She exhaled deeply, visibly composing herself. "The details are¡­ complicated," she began cautiously. "But the crux of it is this: the battle ahead will test your mind. And the mind can only be tempered by time."

    "No matter how talented you are, this is a gap you cannot bridge¡ªconventionally. Even unconventional methods would take years to achieve the level of preparation needed to face them." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Battling them would be suicidal," she concluded, her tone resolute. "No matter how powerful your soul may be."

    Caine nodded, and for a brief moment, Elura relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips. But then he crossed his arms and grinned¡ªa mischievous, almost childish expression that sent a chill down her spine.

    Her heart sank.

    At that moment, Caine looked like a stubborn toddler, his shit-eating grin broadcasting one unmistakable message: My stance won''t change.

 Chapter 57 - 57: Spark

    Elura was left speechless.

    Through her Bond with Caine, she could sense he was far more intelligent than his actions suggested. His nature didn''t align with impulsive or immature behavior. Yet, as she pondered this contradiction, a realization struck her.

    "Dao Sparks¡­"

    Her eyes narrowed as she studied him intently, her opinion of him rising yet another level. What was happening to Caine was a phenomenon she recognized all too well. A phenomenon that, depending on how it was handled, could either elevate him to unimaginable heights or utterly destroy his future.

    The weight of this realization made her shoulders falter, her heart trembling with unease. But with a deep breath, she steadied herself. This was her task now. As his Bond, it was her role to guide him, to help him grow and accompany him on his path.

    Caine, noticing the swirling emotions in her gaze, chuckled softly. He could easily peer into her mind to uncover her thoughts, but where was the fun in that? Ever since awakening in this realm, he had found himself listening to his heart more than he ever had in his past life. And, surprisingly, it felt¡­ freeing.

    Perhaps this newfound freedom of thought was what allowed his mind to flow with such clarity and fluidity. Maybe it wasn''t the mutations or even the power of his Soul Form that granted him this state of calm¡ªit was his heart. His free heart. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But then again, why draw a line between the mind and the heart? Only fools believed logic and emotion were opposing forces. In truth, the two were meant to be intertwined, forming a stage upon which one could endlessly dance between them.

    His mind would be his heart, and his heart would be his mind.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    Elura had barely begun to formulate a plan when Caine''s body erupted with a blinding radiance, shimmering like an imploding star.

    Within his chest, the outline of a golden heart appeared, pulsing with an intensity that eclipsed even his own light.

    The heart sank into him, vanishing into his body before reappearing within his Bond Space. It fused with the dragon-coiled silver star at its center, merging seamlessly.

    Caine''s gaze refocused, and a faint frown crossed his face. He could feel the changes within him, the power that had surged forward as a result of his brief moment of enlightenment.

    But something gnawed at him. These days, enlightenment seemed to find him far too easily. Whether he sought it or not, the phenomenon occurred with increasing frequency. His strength soared relentlessly, bottlenecks became a thing of the past, and growth felt¡­ effortless.

    "Why is this happening?" he mused, his thoughts narrowing in on the one aspect of himself he had yet to fully master.

    "It''s the Gifts," he realized. "They''re the source of all these uncontrolled changes. As soon as I leave this realm, I''ll need to focus entirely on understanding and mastering them."

    His gaze fell on the exasperated Elura, whose wings fluttered anxiously. He reached out, plucking her gently from the air and placing her on his shoulder.

    "You''ll explain what just happened later," he said with a faint smile. "For now, summon the Five Lords. I''m confident."

    Elura sighed deeply, as though she had been holding her breath for an eternity. She hesitated but eventually obliged, waving her hand and causing the void around them to ripple.

    The air quaked, and countless streams of intent and qi coalesced in the darkness.

    RUMBLE!

    Five massive doors emerged from the void, their presence commanding and foreboding.

    ***

    Meanwhile, far away, Lilith sat cross-legged atop her golden sea of blood. Her body trembled violently, drenched in sweat, as countless veins erupted across her skin.

    Every fiber of her being screamed in protest against the strain she endured.

    Yet, despite the agony, her lips curled into a demonic smile¡ªproud, defiant, and triumphant. She had done it. She had finally forged her Bone and Flesh Structures.

    The air quivered around her as her cultivation surged. Her power oscillated violently, tearing through the stages of the Blood Realm, rising to its peak before plunging to its nadir. Each cycle compressed and concentrated her energy further, refining it to perfection.

    The process repeated itself countless times within a single instant until her cultivation stabilized at the peak of the Flesh Destruction Stage. Her power now radiated an aura that was truly earth-shattering.

    But just as she prepared to test her newfound strength, her body gave out, collapsing into the depths of the ocean beneath her. Her consciousness flickered, the world fading in and out, before she finally succumbed to the pull of unconsciousness.

    ***

    Lilith''s eyes snapped open what felt like mere moments later. Instinctively, she bolted upright, her gaze darting around in search of danger.

    The world around her was an endless expanse of darkness. Even the ground beneath her feet felt intangible, as though it were made of shadow itself. Yet, amidst the void, one thing stood out.

    She turned sharply, her breath catching. Standing mere inches behind her was Caine, a calm smile on his face. Elura perched on his shoulder, her presence strangely serene.

    Lilith''s gaze shifted past him, drawn to the five massive gates that had begun to take shape in the distance. Their aura was oppressive, their presence suffocating.

    She hissed through clenched teeth, her instincts warning her of the immense danger they posed. Her eyes darted back to Caine, meeting his steady gaze.

    "Do you know what''s happening here?" she asked sharply. Her attention then turned to Elura, suspicion lacing her tone. "And what''s her deal? What''s going on?"

    Caine turned to glance at the gates before answering casually. "It''s a long story, but here''s the gist," he said, gesturing toward the ominous doors. "We''re about to be thrown into a battle of life and death. High chances I die here."

    Before Lilith could respond, he added with a faint grin, "But that''s just a statistic. I don''t plan on dying¡ªnot now."

    He crossed his arms. "The battle ahead will be one of the mind. I''m not entirely sure what that entails. Maybe illusions. Maybe torture. Maybe something entirely new. But that''s the situation."

    He turned back to her, his expression resolute. "If we win, we regain control of our bodies and move on to the final part of this realm. If we lose¡­" He trailed off, his meaning clear. "Our bodies become theirs."

    Lilith took a moment to absorb his words, her sharp mind piecing together the implications.

    She nodded curtly, her apprehension giving way to grim determination. Though this form was merely her soul, she summoned a blade out of thin air, its shimmering edge reflecting her readiness.

    Caine raised a brow at the sight, mildly surprised. Even he hadn''t figured out how to control qi in this form. But there was no time to dwell on it.

    The gates flung open.

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!

    A violent gust of air tore through the void, whipping their hair and robes with an almost feral intensity. The oppressive force of qi that erupted from the gates was suffocating, pressing down on them like a tangible weight.

    From the shadows of the gates, five resplendent figures emerged, their presence shaking the very fabric of the void.

 Chapter 58 - 58: Mind

    Fire, Water, Air, Darkness, and Light¡ªthese were the elements embodied by the five entities.

    With humanoid forms composed entirely of their respective elements, chaotic qi swirled and crackled around them, so dense and pure it caused the air itself to tremble.

    The Fire Elemental''s body glowed with an intense red, akin to a living star. A mane of golden flames blazed from its head, and behind it floated a wheel of fiery orbs, slowly rotating as their heat and intensity steadily grew.

    The Water Elemental''s form consisted of jagged ice shards, linked by thin filaments of flowing water. This gave it the appearance of an intricate, almost robotic monstrosity. Atop its head spun a halo of ice and water, scattering dazzling snowflakes that shimmered as they fell.

    The Air Elemental''s body was a whirlwind of coiling streams, so thick and furious they resembled fine threads of silk, woven into the shape of a towering figure. Within its form, arcs of lightning danced in the crevices, cracking with unmatched ferocity.

    The Darkness and Light Elementals seemed simultaneously inseparable and independent.

    Their forms were deceptively simple, yet they emanated the most oppressive aura. The Darkness Elemental stood like a shadow to the Light Elemental, while the latter radiated a brilliance so blinding that no specific features could be discerned.

    Caine gave them a brief glance before turning to Lilith. "Which one do you want?"

    "My affinity makes dealing with the Fire and¡ª"

    "Alright," Caine interrupted. "I''ll take the other four."

    Lilith didn''t seem surprised. She nodded calmly, her gaze locking onto the Fire Elemental as the entities fully emerged from the gate.

    For a moment, their forms trembled, almost unstable, before settling into solidity. From their blank faces, eyes and mouths materialized, radiating waves of killing intent so overwhelming it sent shudders through the air.

    The Light Elemental''s glowing eyes focused on Caine¡ªmore specifically, on Elura. "Of course," it rumbled, its voice deep and resonant. "Of course, you''d degrade yourself by siding with the enemy."

    Elura''s expression remained neutral, unfazed by the words. The Light Elemental continued, disdain dripping from every word. "These children will suffice. Their bodies will make fine vessels, flesh puppets we can inhabit. They won''t sustain us for long, but they''ll address our immediate needs."

    "Any objections?" it asked, its gaze sweeping over the others.

    None of the other Elementals responded.

    They simply shook their heads.

    The Light Elemental stepped forward, but its advance was abruptly halted. Its eyes narrowed as a towering wall of silver fog rose between it and the Fire Elemental, separating the latter from the rest of the group.

    Lilith glanced at Caine, offering him a faint smile as she stepped through the wall of fog toward the isolated Fire Elemental. "Don''t die," she said lightly.

    Caine nodded, turning his attention to the remaining four elementals. He raised a hand, gesturing for them to come forward. "Come."

    The Light Elemental''s eyes widened in shock, rage building in its ancient heart. For an entity of its stature to be treated with such casual disregard¡ªit was intolerable.

    Its form blurred, vanishing only to reappear before Caine in an instant, a blade of light materializing in its hand as it slashed downward.

    Simultaneously, the other elementals launched their attacks. The Air Elemental raised its arms, conjuring violent storms of chaotic qi that surrounded Caine, trapping him in a vortex that made movement nearly impossible.

    The Darkness Elemental surged silently from Caine''s shadow, its malevolent eyes gleaming as it thrust a blade of pure darkness toward his spine.

    Above, the Water Elemental loomed, summoning an array of constructs¡ªdragons, spears, tigers, and humanoid soldiers, all encased in armor of ice. They descended upon Caine with relentless force, each attack aiming to annihilate him.

    The onslaught converged.

    WHOOOSH!

    Blades of light and darkness pierced Caine''s chest, meeting at his heart. The storm shredded his flesh, spilling blood, while the water constructs slammed into him, compounding the destruction.

    The Elementals sneered, assured of their victory.

    But Caine remained unmoved.

    In an instant, his wounds vanished, his body knitting itself back together as though untouched. His hand shot out, seizing the Light Elemental by the throat with an iron grip.

    With a single motion, he spun and slammed the Light Elemental into the Darkness Elemental, sending both crashing into the distance with a thunderous BANG!

    Caine''s gaze shifted upward to the Water Elemental. The constructs it had summoned froze in mid-air before disintegrating into shimmering runes of water. These runes swirled together, forming a grand formation that wrapped tightly around the Water Elemental, imprisoning it.

    With a flick of his wrist, Caine clenched his fist.

    BOOM!

    The formation imploded, reducing the Water Elemental to vapor. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He turned his eyes to the Air Elemental, which now trembled before him. "This won''t be a drawn-out battle," he said, his voice calm and absolute. "There will be no back-and-forth."

    He raised his arm and struck. A single punch tore a gaping hole through the Air Elemental''s silken body. It staggered, horrified, but before it could react, a second strike obliterated its head, scattering its form into chaotic winds.

    The Light Elemental reappeared, lunging at Caine in a final, desperate attack. He sidestepped effortlessly, driving his knee into its chest. His hand reached for its head, tearing out a pulsing core¡ªa glowing, brain-like mass.

    With a flick of his fingers, he incinerated it.

    As its body dissolved into motes of light, the Darkness Elemental surged from the remnants, wielding twin blades of light and shadow. Both weapons streaked toward Caine with blinding speed.

    Time slowed. Caine''s intent flared like an erupting star. The twin blades shattered mid-air, their fragments fusing into a single weapon¡ªa blade forged of both light and darkness.

    Caine snatched the weapon and turned it on its creator. With one precise motion, he beheaded the Darkness Elemental, its body dissolving into nothingness.

    The battlefield fell silent.

    Caine''s expression remained serene as he turned and stepped through the wall of silver fog. His movements were measured, unhurried.

    What had they expected? A battle of minds?

    Against him?

    Had it been a battle of souls, perhaps he would have struggled. Even he had yet to master the full power of his Soul Form. But a battle of minds¡ªa test of mental fortitude?

    The outcome had been decided the moment it began.

 Chapter 59 - 59: Mind(II)

    The wall of silver fog dissolved just as Caine stepped through, and immediately, he was greeted by a suffocating wave of heat.

    Lilith and the Fire Elemental were still locked in combat, their focus entirely consumed by the battle. Neither seemed to notice his arrival. Deciding not to interfere, Caine sat down, closed his eyes, and waited.

    "How¡­ how did you do that?" Elura finally asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

    What she had witnessed made no sense. A battle of the mind was exactly that¡ªa clash of wills, pitting two minds against one another.

    Within the confines of the Soul Prison, victory was determined by the maturity, tenacity, and resilience of one''s mind, forged through years of hardships.

    She had told Caine his decision was reckless, almost suicidal. Even with his talent, the gap between them and the Elementals seemed insurmountable.

    The Elementals were ancient beings, their minds tempered by thousands¡ªor even hundreds of thousands¡ªof years. They had endured countless peaks and valleys, sharpening their resolve over lifetimes. How could someone like Caine, comparatively young, possibly overcome them?

    And yet, he had.

    Even though Elura had sensed that Caine carried more memories than someone his age should, it was still insignificant compared to the ocean of time the Elementals had experienced.

    It defied all logic.

    "Quality versus quantity," Caine said at last, his voice calm and steady. "They''ve lived long, meaningless lives. I''ve lived a short, meaningful one. My heart is firm; theirs isn''t. My back seeks to stand straight; theirs bows to serve."

    He paused before continuing, his tone still devoid of arrogance. "I look up to meet those above. They look down to praise them. It''s simple¡ªwe live very different lives. Mine affirms my character. Theirs comforts theirs."

    "Neither is fundamentally right or wrong," he added, "but it makes me more mentally adept."

    Elura remained silent, absorbing his words.

    "But that doesn''t make me perfect," Caine continued. "Not yet, at least. I still have Achilles'' heels¡ªweaknesses that could kill me if touched. A few Pandora''s boxes, if you will." He smiled faintly, opening his eyes.

    Seated on his shoulder, Elura let out a shaky breath. But before she could fully collect herself, Caine spoke again.

    "When we leave, you can go through my memories if you wish. It''ll make things easier for you."

    Elura gasped, freezing in place. Her gaze shifted toward his face, her heart pounding in disbelief.

    "¡­Thank you," she whispered.

    Caine didn''t respond, but his smile deepened. His time with his ten generals had taught him many lessons, and the most important one was trust.

    As the one holding the reins of power in their bond, Caine knew that building trust was essential for long-term harmony. To ease the partnership, he had to trust Elura.

    And truthfully, he didn''t mind. Elura, quite literally, couldn''t harm him even if she wanted to. If she ever developed such intentions, he would know instantly, even without searching her mind. He was losing nothing by trusting her.

    Besides, he had grand plans for Elura¡ªplans that required her trust and loyalty.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s attention snapped back to the battlefield. He watched as the Fire Elemental''s form began to disintegrate, its blazing body flickering and fading. Lilith stood victorious, though her head turned sharply toward him as his body suddenly went limp.

    Before she could react further, her body also went slack, and both figures began to dissolve into the dark expanse, vanishing completely.

    ***

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. He sat up quickly, scanning his surroundings. He was now in the depths of a vast ocean, the water pressing heavily around him.

    But his location wasn''t what caught his attention. It was the changes in his body.

    The stars in his Bond Space, the eggs, the bloodlines, his blood qi, his mind, his flesh¡ªeverything felt renewed, transformed.

    "Elura, what has happened to my body?" he asked.

    Elura''s form had changed as well. In the center of his Bond Space, beneath the dragon-coiled silver star, a black egg now rested¡ªElura''s egg. The countless mutations they had undergone had affected her too.

    Though still unborn, her mind had manifested outside the egg, a rare and extraordinary phenomenon.

    Appearing before him, Elura explained, her voice resonant in the ocean''s depths. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "The mutations you sought for your Blood Qi were successful. You''ve acquired a corresponding set of bloodlines, each rooted in the stars of your Bond Space."

    "But," she continued, "due to my interference, an additional mutation occurred. It created a unique bloodline¡ªa Chimeric Bloodline, forged from the remnants of the others and rooted in both of us."

    Caine stood slowly. With a tap of his foot, he surged upward, breaking through the water and reaching the surface in an instant. He inhaled deeply, letting his qi flow freely as his body recalibrated itself.

    Despite the monumental changes, Caine felt completely in control. The new power within him didn''t destabilize his foundation; it only made him stronger.

    "I see now why he was so insistent on me acquiring a bloodline," he murmured. "This power¡­ it feels like the missing piece, the final link between my bones and flesh."

    Caine raised his palm, and red scales erupted across his skin, glowing with golden runes etched deeply into their surface. His fingers lengthened into black, razor-sharp claws. Massive, bony wings unfolded from his back, their edges rippling with power.

    A pair of curved horns emerged from his forehead, standing tall and majestic. Around him, the air shimmered with heat as crimson runes flickered to life. His eyes shifted, their silver depths giving way to a reptilian, regal gold.

    He studied his transformed body for a moment before canceling the form. The strength he now possessed would surely be enough to face the challenges ahead¡ªespecially the fight for the Scion position.

    But Caine wasn''t satisfied. This level of power wasn''t nearly enough to reach his true goal. When the time came for the clan gathering, his display of strength needed to be absolute and uncontested.

    For that, he needed more. Much more.

    Caine exhaled slowly, suppressing the emotions surging within him. His gaze sharpened, and his mind steadied. "Alright, let''s proceed," he said.

    Elura nodded silently. With a wave of her hand, she opened a portal to the final piece of the legacy realm.

    Normally, this path would have been barred, but with the Elemental Lords now dead, nothing could stop her.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine stepped into the portal and vanished.

 Chapter 60 - 60: Elements

    Caine reappeared in the middle of a vast, colorful hall supported by thick pillars of white stone.

    At the room''s dead center, countless tiny cores swirled around a blob of liquid energy, fluorescent and reflecting all imaginable colors. From this central mass, tendrils extended outward, latching onto the swirling cores like insects ensnared in a spider''s web.

    WHOOSH!

    A portal opened beside Caine, and Lilith stepped through. The moment he laid eyes on her, his gaze narrowed. She''d grown stronger¡ªmuch stronger.

    Elura floated off Caine''s shoulder and drifted to a position between the two of them. Her voice carried an almost ethereal weight as she began to explain.

    "The final piece of this legacy revolves around Elemental God Cores and Heavenly Elements."

    "These concepts are simple to grasp. Elemental God Cores are crystallizations of elemental power containing an infinite essence¡ªtrue infinity. They''re treasures used in constructing advanced machines and refining the bodies of high-level cultivators. Their value is beyond measure."

    "As for Heavenly Elements," Elura continued, "they''re mutated forms of the original elements. These elements play fundamental roles in the fabric of existence itself. For example, you''ve heard of the Twelve Divine Flames, yes?"

    Both Caine and Lilith nodded.

    "These flames are Heavenly Elements, each incredibly powerful. Beyond being mere sources of elemental energy, they grant unique abilities. For instance, the Chaos Flame can emulate all elements, enabling the wielder to do something as extraordinary as creating a ''water flame.'' And even that is just the beginning."

    She gestured to the pulsating blob behind her.

    "This is how it relates to you. Surrounding the room are countless neutral Elemental God Cores¡ªcores you can define with your intent. At the center is the Source Sphere, a wellspring capable of forming as many Heavenly Elements as you can comprehend."

    She paused to let the gravity of her words settle. "Given that both of you are at the peak of the Flesh Destruction Stage, preparing to advance, this is your perfect opportunity."

    Elura''s gaze sharpened. "The Heavenly Elements and Cores function in tandem. First, you comprehend a Heavenly Element using the Source Sphere. Then, you manifest it through a neutral Elemental God Core."

    The cultivation system flowed naturally toward this moment.

    The Bone Forging Stage reshaped the bones, reshaping them with Blood Qi to provide an unshakable foundation.

    The Flesh Destruction Stage, as its name suggested, destroyed and rebuilt one''s flesh entirely from fine threads of silky Blood Qi.

    This not only heightened one''s affinity to Blood Qi but also mutated their cells to produce it autonomously.

    Next came the Organ Vessel Stage. This stage addressed the body''s internal systems, focusing on the organs. Each of the six major organs required an elemental core and refinement by the corresponding origin element: Fire for the heart, Wind for the lungs, Earth for the spleen, Water for the kidneys, Wood for the liver, and Lightning for the brain.

    But there was a secret¡ªone known to only a few.

    The power of the Organ Vessel Stage wasn''t limited to these base elements. If a cultivator refined their organs using Heavenly Elements instead, the resulting power was incomparable. For instance, a Chaos Flame Core forged in the heart and refined by Chaos Fire was vastly superior to a simple fire element refinement.

    The challenge, however, lay in the almost insurmountable requirements.

    Comprehending even a Mortal-grade Heavenly Element was incredibly difficult. Elemental God Cores were rare beyond imagining, and containing them within a Blood Cultivator''s body was nearly impossible.

    Most cultivators settled for less, using mortal-level elements and solidified elemental qi to form cores.

    But neither Caine nor Lilith would settle.

    Without hesitation, the two walked toward the Source Sphere and sat beneath it. They performed entirely different tasks¡ªLilith dove into the mysteries of the blob, while Caine focused on the Elemental God Cores.

    Caine sat motionless, his senses focused entirely on the swirling cores. His mind sought to unravel their structures, to understand their inner workings.

    "Hm. My understanding was flawed. No, incomplete."

    "Qi is a vessel, and intent defines its contents. That much is true. But I overlooked something. What drives intent into existence? To call it the ''mind'' feels insufficient¡ªit''s more than that. The mind is the body but not the hand."

    The answer came to him like a revelation.

    "Will births intent. Intent shapes Qi. And Qi resonates with the world. That''s why my intent grew stronger when I severed the false connections between my mind and heart. In affirming my will, I made it more potent."

    His thoughts turned inward, to the dragon-coiled silver star in his Bond Space.

    "This star is the seed of my will¡­"

    Then his gaze shifted to the countless smaller stars surrounding it.

    "¡­and these are seeds of Elemental Wills. Will seeds."

    He didn''t know how to make these seeds bloom, but he understood the process now.

    Neutral Elemental God Cores began disappearing from the blob''s web, reappearing within Caine''s Bond Space. They fused with his stars, stabilizing and compressing them to the brink of explosion.

    A surge of power coursed through him, though he barely noticed.

    "They won''t bloom until my will matures."

    Will was the product of a sublimated mind. Intent emerged from a mature will, and Qi took form from potent intent.

    The cycle became clear.

    His silver star trembled, and the dragon coiled around it let out a low growl, the sound reverberating through his Bond Space. The stars above shuddered, resisting the oppressive force of Caine''s embryonic will.

    But resistance was futile.

    One by one, the stars succumbed, branded by silver runes that seared into their cores.

    The marks reflected upon their eggs, embedding themselves deeply.

    Caine''s eyes opened slowly, and within their silver depths, countless stars formed, converging into a single white cross that burned across his pupils. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The essence of the elements infused itself into his blood, merging with the essence of the Beast Progenitors. Two halves, always meant to be one, finally joined.

    His will solidified, and for the first time, Caine felt utterly¡­ in control.

 Chapter 61 - 61: Elements(II)

    These days, Caine found himself reflecting on a singular realization more often than not: every new improvement in his cultivation granted him a deeper sense of control over himself, making his previous mastery feel like a pale imitation. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Still, he pushed these thoughts aside. There would be time to explore the mysteries of Will later. For now, his focus shifted entirely to the Source Sphere.

    Unlike Lilith, Caine already knew which Heavenly Elements he wanted to bind to each of his organs. Thanks to his seemingly boundless affinity for every element, comprehension came to him effortlessly. It took mere moments to grasp the elements he sought.

    For a brief second, he pondered whether he should try to comprehend all Heavenly Elements within the Source Sphere. The idea seemed audacious¡ªbut then a grin spread across his face.

    "Why not?" he thought.

    Setting aside his immediate breakthrough process, Caine redirected his focus. Neutral Elemental Cores began to flood his Bond Space, rotating around the Embryonic Will stars. The process unfolded seamlessly.

    In an instant, thirteen smaller cores materialized around each star, resembling multicolored satellites orbiting a brilliant sun.

    These new cores trembled briefly before blooming with intricate, luminous runes. Each rune pulsed with the unique aura of its Heavenly Element.

    The Intent Stars evolved, leaping to the next stage¡ªthey became Embryonic Will Stars, suppressed in power but primed to mature once Caine''s central star bloomed.

    The transformation was as breathtaking as it was terrifying: the process unfolded with absurd ease, shocking speed, and an unshakable smoothness. To any observer, Caine might have appeared as though he were simply sitting idly, betraying none of the monumental achievement he''d just completed.

    Technically, comprehending so many Heavenly Elements at once should have caused a tremendous phenomenon¡ªa cosmic event akin to when he reforged his bones. But his control over his body and Bond Space had advanced to such a level that not even the faintest ripple escaped.

    "Fascinating," Caine mused. "Each elemental affinity branches into thirteen derivative Heavenly Elements. Now I have 3,800 main Embryonic Will Stars, not counting my own, and 49,400 derivative Heavenly Element Will Stars, all born from the main stars."

    "That''s 53,201 stars. All linked. All mine."

    Satisfied, he wasted no time. Having completed this monumental task, he no longer needed the Source Sphere. His attention shifted to the stars in his Bond Space, pulling upon their collective Intent.

    From the Source Sphere, six Neutral Elemental Cores launched toward his body, drilling into the corresponding origin organs to fulfill their purpose.

    Caine began with his Heart.

    The neutral core embedded itself into the heart''s walls, fusing into its center. The core transmuted into a crystalline construct, perfectly integrated with his flesh. Almost immediately, power surged through his heart, and it hardened into a gleaming crystalline organ, pulsing with overwhelming energy. His veins transformed as well, becoming unyielding conduits of crystal-like blood, capable of withstanding the immense power coursing through them.

    For his heart, Caine had chosen the [Primordial Chaos Flame] as the element.

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    As the element solidified, fiery golden runes ignited across his heart and veins, radiating an intense brilliance. The core within his heart resembled a miniature golden star, brimming with energy so potent that his very blood quaked under its might. Flames flickered around him, the raw heat reshaping the air, but Caine paid it no mind.

    Next, the second core split into two and lodged itself within his Lungs, anchoring itself into the hollow interiors of both organs like a web of silken threads.

    For his lungs, Caine had chosen the [Grandmist Tempest Winds].

    WHOOOOOOOOOSH!

    The transformation began. His lungs turned faint and almost ethereal, their structures covered in radiant white runes. Wisps of dense white fog filled the once-empty space within, expanding his breath capacity to an otherworldly degree. With every inhale, the air around him seemed to bend, attuned to his will.

    The third core descended toward his Kidneys, splitting into two once more. Unlike the other cores, it fused directly with the flesh, bypassing the formation of a distinct crystalline construct.

    For his kidneys, Caine chose the [Void Ocean Droplet].

    The transformation brought about an ethereal beauty. His kidneys became polished, gem-like structures of deep blue, refracting light in scintillating patterns. Neon green runes appeared across their surfaces, radiating a soft glow. Almost immediately, Caine felt an internal lightness, as if every impurity within his body had been purged. The Void Ocean Droplet Heavenly Element harmonized with his Qi, granting a fluidity that seemed to resonate with the ebb and flow of life itself.

    The fourth core merged with his Liver, forming a structure that combined flesh, bark, and leaves. Vines twisted through the organ, anchoring its transformed state.

    For his liver, Caine had chosen the [Evergreen True Wood].

    TOH!

    The liver tightened, its bark-like surface glowing with a deep emerald light. Runes of brown and blue bloomed across its exterior, emanating an aura of vitality. A flood of life force surged through Caine''s blood, elevating his Blood Qi to unparalleled levels. His body brimmed with vigor, as though reborn with limitless energy.

    The fifth core dissolved into liquid and merged seamlessly with his Spleen, integrating fully with the mound of flesh.

    For his spleen, Caine selected [Gaia''s Mighty Sands].

    Light toffee-colored runes spread across the organ, shimmering like grains of desert sand.

    Around each of his bones, translucent trails of fortified sand coiled, reinforcing their structure and eradicating lingering impurities. This enhancement fortified his body''s core strength, grounding him with unparalleled stability and balance.

    Finally, the sixth and last core shot into his Brain, bypassing the folds and settling directly into his brain stem.

    For his brain, Caine chose [Immemorial Tribulation Lightning].

    BANG!

    For a moment, all neural activity ceased. His consciousness faded briefly, but before any harm could manifest, an explosion of lightning coursed through his brain stem. His neurons were destroyed and immediately reformed, their connections sharper and more efficient than ever before. Mental clarity struck him like a thunderclap, his thoughts firing with unmatched speed and precision.

    The transformations happened simultaneously, solidifying in perfect harmony.

    Caine''s body shattered, reduced to blackened fragments, only to rebuild itself in an instant.

    Waves of impurities expelled from his pores were incinerated in a flash, leaving behind nothing but pristine flesh and muscle. His frame grew denser, his muscles tightening and striating under the force of his renewed Blood Qi.

    Caine''s hair fell out completely, only to regrow moments later as a flowing mane of shimmering black, each strand carrying an otherworldly sheen.

    His organs settled into place, their enhanced functions radiating a steady hum of energy. Slowly, Caine opened his eyes, revealing silver irises streaked with radiant gold.

    The changes ran deep. His Blood Qi, infused with the essence of six Heavenly Elements, pulsed with a power that seemed to echo through existence itself. The link between his flesh, bones, and Qi felt complete¡ªan unbroken cycle of strength and harmony.

    In that moment, Caine felt it: absolute control.

 Chapter 62 - 62: Elemental(III)

    His six organs shimmered like imploding stars. In an instant, they were refined to perfection by their respective elements, reaching a level that matched the transformative power of his bones and flesh.

    What Caine had just accomplished¡ªfusing Elemental God Cores into his organs¡ªwas beyond rare. It was akin to creating Elemental Organ Structures, something almost mythical in its rarity.

    Who could claim to have fused an Elemental God Core into their heart? And not just any core, but one imbued with the Primordial Chaos Flame, standing at the immeasurable grade?

    If anyone else had achieved such a feat, they were likely long forgotten in the annals of time.

    Yet Caine did not linger on his success. He didn''t stop for even a moment. Without hesitation, he moved on to the next stage of the Blood Realm: the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage.

    This stage marked a shift from the radical transformations of the body to its refinement and tempering. By harmonizing the six organs and one''s Blood Qi, a cultivator purified the blood flowing through their veins, eliminating impurities while massively strengthening their Blood Qi.

    The process revolved around a technique called the True Blood Cycle. Blood Qi would be cycled through the six organs and then used to temper the blood. The bare minimum required to advance to the next stage was three True Blood Cycles. However, this was considered a weak foundation¡ªone that would cripple everything built in prior stages.

    On the other hand, the upper limit was eighty-one cycles, resulting in a perfect purification cycle.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s body began radiating terrifying heat. His skin reddened, and his blood surged through his veins with untamed ferocity, creating a sound akin to roaring rivers breaking free from a dam.

    Impurities seeped out of his pores in droves, dark and vile. With a single thump of his heart, they were incinerated to ash. One after another, True Blood Cycles began to form and flow.

    Yet Caine knew there was more to this stage than merely purifying his blood. He sensed it¡ªa deeper purpose hiding in plain sight.

    To him, the extra step was obvious: comprehension. He needed to grasp the essence of Blood Qi in its purest form.

    "Blood Qi is the vessel of vitality," he thought, his focus sharpening. "Its essence is life¡ªa preserver of life, to be precise. But what does vitality truly mean in this context?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The answer became clear: Life Qi.

    "Life Qi. Within a mother''s womb, her Blood Qi merges with the Yin and Yang forces of father and mother, forming the embryo."

    "From there, an additional process unfolds¡ªone I don''t fully understand yet. It involves the world itself granting the embryo its own unique Blood Qi signature, separate from the mother''s yet originating from it."

    "But even in the womb, the child''s Blood Qi lacks vitality and still relies on its mother''s. This means the life force within their Blood Qi is borrowed. Normally, the presence of another''s Qi would create a dissonance, but the embryonic state makes it malleable."

    "At what point, then, does the child gain its own Life Qi? And why does Life Qi exist within Blood Qi in such perfect harmony? Why is there even a distinction between the two?"

    Questions bloomed in Caine''s mind, but instead of confusion, he felt clarity. The pieces fell into place.

    The Spark of Life¡ªthe Soul.

    Once the child''s Blood Qi signature was established, their soul began to form. It was at this moment that Life Qi emerged.

    Blood Qi and Life Qi mirrored the relationship between the body and soul. Life Qi gave Blood Qi essence and purpose, just as the soul gave life and sentience to flesh.

    The Soul was the Spark of Life, and the Body was the Vessel of Life, just as Blood Qi was the Vessel of Vitality, and Life Qi was its Essence.

    "Elura once said there''s a divide between the Soul and the Mind. That means they''re distinct aspects of my existence."

    "If that''s true, then my mind must act as the core of my soul, allowing me to control it. Through my soul, I control my body."

    "By this logic, my Will¡ªan extension of my mind¡ªmust govern my Life Qi, which in turn controls my Blood Qi."

    "The perfect method of mastering Blood Qi lies in the unity of Will and Life Qi."

    Caine''s thoughts deepened as he pieced it all together.

    "I am the Body. I am the Soul. I am the Mind. I am all of them at once, and none is greater than the other. Without one, I am incomplete."

    But even this realization felt like the penultimate step. There was something more¡ªa final layer waiting to be unraveled.

    No aura leaked from Caine as he sat still, his eyes closed in meditation. Yet the air around him grew heavy with an unspoken pressure.

    Silver flames flickered around him, their tongues etched with golden runes.

    "The essence of the Blood Realm lies in the aspects of existence itself. Perfect comprehension of Blood Qi is merely a doorway to the Blood Realm''s true purpose."

    "Through this realm, I must fully understand what makes me who I am¡ªwhat makes me exist."

    "I am the Body. I am the Soul. I am the Mind. I am the Qi. I am the World."

    The revelation crystallized in his mind: there were Five Aspects of Existence, accessible only through Blood Qi''s perfect comprehension.

    Qi¡ªBody¡ªMind¡ªSoul¡ªWorld.

    This was the secret step of the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage: to discover these Five Aspects through the lens of Blood Qi.

    Caine exhaled deeply, his skin returning to its smooth, jade-like sheen. The searing heat radiating from his body dissipated as he completed his eighty-first and final True Blood Cycle.

    His Blood Qi now surged through his veins with unparalleled purity and might. The impurities that had once weighed him down were eradicated, leaving his body flawless.

    As his enlightenment concluded, he slowly opened his eyes. Their silver depths sparkled with newfound understanding, tinged faintly with golden light.

    One word escaped his lips: "Done."

    In a single session, Caine had ascended to the true and perfect peak of the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage.

 Chapter 63 - 63: Dangerous

    ''There''s much to look forward to.''

    This simple understanding¡ªor rather, discovery¡ªof the Five Aspects had illuminated countless shadows in Caine''s mind.

    But it had also revealed just how little he truly knew about the world and the infinite length of the path ahead. He was only a Blood Realm cultivator, standing at the very beginning of a journey that seemed endlessly distant from Godhood.

    And yet, instead of feeling discouraged, the realization invigorated him. For the first time in a long while, Caine felt something unfamiliar stirring in his hollow heart¡ªhope.

    He smiled and rose silently, careful not to disturb Lilith, who still sat in deep meditation. As he stood, Elura appeared, settling onto his shoulder with her usual quiet grace.

    "From now on, I suggest slowing things down until you''ve mastered your abilities," she said lightly. "It won''t help to move forward with so many loose ends. Besides, it won''t take you long to catch up. You won''t lose much time."

    Caine nodded, dark robes materializing over his form. "Mhm. This much power should be enough for the events ahead¡­ though I do wish I had more," he said, sighing softly.

    "But I can''t ask for too much. Fate has its way with things."

    He tilted his head back, his gaze meeting the crystal ceiling of the hall. A faint smile touched his lips. "Speaking of fate, it seems a tribulation awaits me outside."

    Thanks to the many advancements he had made¡ªand primarily the Immemorial Tribulation Lightning Heavenly Element fused into his brain¡ªCaine could now sense incoming tribulations with startling clarity.

    "While we''re on the topic of elements," he said, "correct me if I''m wrong, but my body shouldn''t be so adaptable to so many paths, should it?"

    Caine''s mind drifted toward the mysteries of Blood Qi, and he began to realize that his affinity for elements was only part of the story.

    While it was true that he could comprehend elements with terrifying efficiency and possessed an unmatched affinity for them all, that alone didn''t explain the lack of conflict between them. It didn''t explain why they harmonized so perfectly within him¡ªor why they hadn''t harmed him in the slightest.

    At first, he had assumed it was due to his bones, which certainly played a role. But that raised another question: how had his body endured the formation of such bones in the first place?

    His Innate Circle being at the Immeasurable grade might have explained some of it. Yet Caine knew that his Bodily Pillar had no direct connection to adaptation. Its abilities¡ªwhile terrifying¡ªwere useless in the Blood Realm and only activated in the higher realms.

    This left one possibility: his Race.

    But even this didn''t add up. His Racial Pillar, like the others, only began to manifest in realms beyond the Blood Realm.

    So what, then, was the true source of his anomaly?

    "Indeed, it shouldn''t be possible," Elura said, her voice tinged with agreement. "Even surviving the mutation I caused is an anomaly."

    "It''s a miracle neither of us ended up as abominations of flesh. But beyond that, your body shouldn''t be able to sustain as many Bond Eggs as it does. You have thousands."

    Caine hummed thoughtfully, his fingers stroking his chin. "Even before I formed my new Bond Eggs from the Beast Progenitor Wills, I already had five. That means something was off from the start." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "This is something we''ll need to investigate further, Elura. Keep monitoring my body and its vitals at all times. If there are clues, I want to find them."

    Elura nodded, and her form dissolved into motes of golden light, retreating to his Bond Space. At the same time, Lilith began to stir, her meditation coming to an end as her eyes opened.

    A faint pressure rippled outward from Lilith as her gaze met Caine''s. The wave passed through him before he could react.

    ''This is the benefit of being able to use your Pillars from the start,'' he mused with a faint smile.

    It was clear that Lilith had been constructing all her stages in the Blood Realm around her Pillars, likely aiming for an unparalleled synergy. But Caine didn''t feel envious¡ªhe knew that when his own Pillars activated later in his cultivation journey, they would make him¡­ special.

    ''I wonder what grade her Innate Circle is at,'' he thought.

    Lilith stood gracefully, stretching and dusting off her robes. Her gaze locked onto his as she spoke, answering the unspoken question.

    "Immeasurable. Same as yours."

    Caine froze, genuine surprise flashing across his face.

    "You can¡­ read minds? And how do you know I¡ª"

    He cut himself off, shaking his head to regain his composure. Lilith''s enigmatic smile told him he''d get no answers.

    Despite his casual demeanor, his thoughts churned. The possibility of her reading his mind was unsettling enough. But the fact that her Innate Circle matched his own made her something else entirely.

    ''¡­Dangerous.''

    Exhaling a slow breath, Caine pushed the thoughts aside. "Alright, let''s get out of here," he said, his voice steady.

    ***

    Zao sat cross-legged on a floating mat, his eyes closed. The slight slouch in his normally upright posture betrayed his drowsiness.

    It had been several hours since Caine and Lilith entered the legacy realm. Most of those Caine had warned had already left, leaving Zao to wait in solitude.

    He had resigned himself to waiting for days if necessary. But suddenly, his eyes snapped open.

    Ahead of him, the portal¡ªonce sealed¡ªflickered back into existence. It shimmered briefly before vanishing again. This time, however, two figures stepped out.

    ''Well, that was quick. I can only assume things went well,'' Zao thought, his expression calm but thoughtful.

    From the aura Caine attempted¡ªand failed¡ªto suppress, Zao''s assumption was confirmed. Few would have been able to perceive the changes in Caine, but Zao was no ordinary cultivator.

    With deliberate movements, Zao stood and summoned his eagle mount. The massive bird appeared in a flash, its sharp eyes reflecting Zao''s steady presence. At the same time, Lilith''s servants materialized beside him, perched atop their shadowy crow.

    The atmosphere grew tense, anticipation hanging in the air as dark clouds gathered in the skies above.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 64 - 64: Zap

    Caine slowly looked up, meeting the World Will Eye''s gaze without hesitation. Their stares clashed for a few long moments, as if testing each other''s resolve, before the skies above rumbled once more.

    The clouds swirled and condensed, forming a dense sphere. This sphere hardened, glowing faintly before it cracked apart, revealing a swirling black portal that radiated chaotic arcs of lightning.

    The portal spun faster and faster, pulling neutral qi from the world around it, supercharging itself until it seemed to reach a state of saturation.

    In the blink of an eye, the once tiny portal expanded, covering the entire sky and casting a dark shadow over what appeared to be the entire world. And with another blink, a colossal pillar of lightning, as thick as a giant''s finger, descended toward Caine and the land below.

    Everyone except Caine found themselves encased in crystal-like domes of qi, protected by the world from the wrath of the tribulation. The pillar''s destructive power was meant solely for him.

    Yet Caine seemed unconcerned. His gaze remained locked on the World Will Eye, something peculiar stirring deep within him.

    What did it mean to meet the consciousness of the world itself eye-to-eye? The feeling was surreal, almost ineffable, especially now that his affinity for all things had grown so profound.

    Caine sighed softly, finally breaking their locked gazes. Time seemed to slow for him as he observed the pillar, which had yet to touch him.

    Within his Bond Space, the Lightning star rotated once, awakening all the Beast Progenitor eggs related to lightning. At the same time, dark blue runes bloomed along Caine''s arm, and his bones shimmered with resplendent light.

    He raised a palm toward the sky, extending his fingers before clenching them into a fist. The air itself seemed to fold and tear like fragile silk under the force of his grip.

    The descending lightning pillar shattered into countless fragments that rained down slowly, glowing like falling stars. Just as they began to dissipate, Caine''s Lightning star rotated again, and all the shards were pulled into his body, devoured by the star''s insatiable energy.

    The World Will Eye narrowed slightly, its gaze lingering on Caine for a few moments longer before finally dissipating. The storm clouds above cleared, revealing a radiant blue sky illuminated by a warm, golden sun.

    The glowing runes on Caine''s skin dimmed, fading into nothingness as he exhaled heavily.

    Exhaustion weighed on his expression. "It''s quite tiring to use these abilities without any Qi supply," he mused.

    "I should probably start using neutral qi again. It''s better than nothing." A faint smile crossed his lips. "Things have come full circle, haven''t they?"

    He turned to Lilith, who stood some distance away. "Alright then, it''s time for me to go. Hopefully, we''ll meet again in the future."

    Lilith chuckled softly, her response laced with amusement. Without another word, she turned and walked toward her people.

    Caine didn''t mind the lack of farewell. With a slight movement, he teleported to Zao, where Lilith and her group soon departed.

    "See you soon, little prince," Lilith''s voice carried faintly on the wind as her crow mount soared into the horizon.

    Zao leaned lazily against his eagle mount, side-eyeing the foolishly grinning Caine. "Of all the people in this world, you just had to get tangled up with the craziest of them all. You and your father are specimens I''ll never understand."

    "Entangled?" Caine asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

    Zao chuckled but didn''t respond. With a light tap of his foot, the eagle unfolded its massive wings. In one powerful flap, it soared into the sky, heading toward the Timeless Alliance.

    ***

    The Clan Gathering.

    The Timeless Alliance was composed of five Heavenly Clans, all under the authority of the Royal Velios Clan. Together, these six clans formed the foundation of the Alliance''s power. Each clan had its heir, and Caine was one of them.

    Once an heir completed their coming-of-age ceremony, they were required to prepare for the Clan Gathering, a grand event that determined the Alliance''s Holy Scion.

    The Holy Scion represented the Alliance''s hope for the future¡ªa leader who would receive the faction''s most precious resources and unwavering support.

    Caine, by virtue of his bloodline, was already considered the de facto Scion. Yet the Clan Gathering posed a unique challenge. Even his exceptional lineage couldn''t guarantee his position.

    The competition would be fierce. Beyond facing the heirs of the Heavenly Clans¡ªmany of whom had years of cultivation advantage¡ªCaine would also contend with the heirs of the minor clans under the Alliance''s domain. It would be a brutal fight for supremacy.

    ***

    Above the Clouds.

    On a platform floating high above the clouds, five veiled figures sat upon golden thrones.

    Though their youthful vitality was palpable, their auras radiated terrifying power. Each of them appeared only a step away from ascending to the Sage Realm.

    "Any news?" asked a voice, its tone twisted and warped, making it impossible to discern its gender. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "No," another replied. "As I''ve told you before, it''s impossible to gather any intel on him. Ever since the stunt the Renala pulled, he''s been under heavy protection. Not even the ancestors dare to investigate him."

    "It''s this bad?" The question was laced with surprise.

    The veiled figures, heirs to the Heavenly Clans, were rarely involved in worldly matters.

    They had spent most of their lives in deep seclusion, emerging only when necessary to interact with the Alliance for resources.

    "Mhm. It''s terrible. The number of ancestors we''ve lost since that incident keeps rising."

    A heavy silence filled the air as the heirs contemplated the situation. None of them feared Caine. To them, he was just a sixteen-year-old at the start of his cultivation journey.

    What threat could he pose to those who had spent decades honing their strength?

    What intrigued them more was Zao. The man''s ability to routinely eliminate their ancestors while remaining untouchable was frightening. Even more concerning was the lack of backlash¡ªhis reputation remained unsullied despite his actions.

    "It doesn''t matter," one of them finally said, their voice calm yet resolute. "As long as we crush the boy, he won''t be able to act against us. He''s only been able to cause such chaos because he has leverage."

    "Once the boy is gone, we can execute our plan and divide power as the ancestors originally envisioned."

    The others nodded in agreement, their expressions hidden beneath their veils.

    Their resolve was clear. The Clan Gathering would be the end of Caine.

 Chapter 65 - 65: Summon

    Caine sat cross-legged on his usual cultivation platform. This time, however, he wasn''t in a deep state of meditation.

    Before him lay a body wrapped in rune-covered cloth, emanating a thick, pungent metallic scent that hung heavily in the air. With a casual wave of his hand, Caine made the body float toward him, gently lowering it to the platform''s surface as he began to ponder.

    This was Soran.

    ''How should I go about this?''

    Caine''s expression turned thoughtful. As he had once told Lilith, he couldn''t afford to trust anyone. Enemies lurked everywhere, and no one could safeguard his back better than himself. It was a truth that had shaped a decision he''d made years ago¡ªeven before his reincarnation.

    He would become a Necromancer.

    If he couldn''t rely on others, he would rely on necro-summons bound by his will. And Soran would be the first of many.

    ''Now that I''ve uncovered the Five Aspects, the path forward is clearer, but also infinitely more complex. I''ll have to create a True Necromancer Sigil Technique of my own¡ªand refine it over time.''

    Sigil Techniques¡ªA Foundation of Mastery

    Sigil Techniques were not particularly difficult to understand. They were the condensed essence of a master''s knowledge, creating a structured, perfected path for an art or discipline. Once formed, the technique became an extension of its creator, serving as a proxy to further refine their craft and ascend to new heights, almost like Caine''s rings.

    However, Sigil Techniques paled in comparison to the majesty of Caine''s rings.

    Though he had ceased using his rings for now, they remained a masterpiece¡ªsomething unparalleled across the ages. Even the thought of comparing the two felt like an insult.

    ''Thankfully, I already have the perfect idea,'' Caine mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. ''But first, let''s delve deeper into this.''

    With a wave of his hand, the cloth covering Soran''s body vanished, revealing a withered, hairless, eyeless figure. Despite its grotesque appearance, Soran''s body radiated terrifying waves of power, with red runes pulsing faintly across his wrinkled skin.

    This was no accident. Caine had modified the technique Lilith had given him, using it to dissolve Soran''s cultivation into raw power to refine his body.

    Although Soran was now without cultivation, his physique alone rivaled that of peak sages who had spent their lives tempering their bodies.

    ''From what I can tell, my actions seem to have blended all his aspects into one strange, chimeric whole. But this¡­ doesn''t make sense.'' sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine frowned. He was far from being at a level where he could sense the Five Aspects, let alone manipulate or fuse them. Such a feat seemed fundamentally impossible. There had to be another explanation.

    ''I see¡­ lowering his cultivation must have thrown his body''s harmony into complete disarray. That chaos created a window for my influence to pull all parts of him¡ªhis very essence¡ªtogether through his Life Qi.''

    Caine''s eyes gleamed as realization struck.

    ''His body isn''t this strong because of mere refinement. It''s powerful because the boundaries between his aspects have blurred and fused, transforming him into a seed of raw, untapped potential.''

    A slow smile spread across Caine''s face.

    What he had inadvertently created was the perfect foundation for his Necromancer Sigil Technique. If he merged his newfound understanding of the Five Aspects with the sigil framework he envisioned¡­

    Caine''s gaze sharpened, and the atmospheric qi around him began to stir. It thickened and flowed toward him, resembling silky threads weaving through his fingers like a puppeteer controlling his strings.

    He entered a state of intense focus.

    Soran''s body rose into the air, levitating as his Blood Qi trembled violently. The energy fused with his flesh, deconstructing it into thin filaments. Like a doll woven from wool, Soran''s body unraveled into a mass of delicate threads.

    Caine''s eyes glowed, and the cross within his pupils began to spin slowly.

    The neutral qi threads tethered to Caine''s fingers snaked along the filaments of flesh, intertwining them with precision. Suddenly, the cross in Caine''s eyes spun faster, and deep within his Bond Space, his nine rings shone brilliantly.

    BANG!

    The flesh filaments and qi threads fused into a single form before compressing into a tiny sphere, etched with intricate golden runes.

    The sphere pulsed with radiant light but quickly began to darken under the oppressive force of Caine''s Embryonic Will, the golden hue shifting into a gleaming silver.

    As the transformation completed, the sphere disappeared, and within Caine''s Bond Space, an egg of flesh and viscous yellow fluid began to form.

    Caine chuckled softly. ''Success.''

    From that moment, the process became automatic.

    BOOM!

    The stars within Caine''s Bond Space spun wildly, releasing waves of light and elemental qi that flowed into the egg. The Beast Progenitor Eggs trembled in unison, and primal runes began to etch themselves onto the egg''s surface.

    Finally, Caine''s Dragon-Coiled Silver Star quivered, releasing a pillar of silver light that enveloped the egg. The egg responded instantly, drawing neutral qi from the outside world in a ravenous torrent.

    The runes on its surface glowed brighter as it absorbed the energy, and once it had taken in enough, the process slowed to a halt.

    Caine extended his hand, and with a gesture, the egg materialized before him. It hovered in the air, pulsating like a living heart. To call it "hand-sized" would have been wrong¡ªit stood as tall as Caine himself.

    He studied the egg for a moment before a deeper smile tugged at his lips.

    "Hatch," he commanded.

    The egg shuddered violently, peeling apart layer by layer like a blooming flower. As the layers fell away, a terrifying aura erupted from within, rising into the sky like a storm. Dark flames flickered and swirled around the egg, radiating menacing heat.

    Caine raised an eyebrow. ''Oh? He managed to resonate deeply with one of my Heavenly Elements¡ªto the point of forming a core in his heart. Interesting.''

    WHOOOOSH!

    A gust of harsh wind swept past Caine as the egg revealed its contents. Standing before him was a new figure, towering and imposing. Its body pulsed with power, every inch of its flesh etched with runes that glowed faintly in the dim light. Dark flames curled around its form, licking the air with a primal fury.

    The figure had a long mane of curly white hair, primal scarlet pupils that burned with intensity, and skin as pale as freshly fallen snow. It exuded an aura of pure violence¡ªraw, unrestrained, and unrelenting.

    Soran was no longer human. He had been remade¡ªtransformed into something greater.

    Caine''s smile widened, his voice calm yet laced with satisfaction. "My first Necro-Summon."

 Chapter 66 - 66: [Nameless Call]

    Soran immediately kneeled, placing a hand over his chest in a gesture reminiscent of a knight pledging fealty. His voice was soft yet resolute as he spoke. "I greet His Highness."

    Caine raised an eyebrow, surprised by the greeting. "You''ve kept your memories? How much of them?"

    "All of them, Master. But I perceive them through a third perspective. I am Soran, but I am also not Soran. I am¡­ new."

    Caine nodded thoughtfully and closed his eyes for a moment, sinking into his Bond Space. His attention turned toward his arcane ring.

    ''Hm¡­ I suppose I''ll call this technique [Nameless Call].''

    As soon as he decided on the name, countless runes materialized, arranging themselves into a complex formation. The formation slowly shrank, folding into a singular three-dimensional rune.

    The rune floated toward the arcane ring, shrinking further until it branded itself onto an empty section of the ring. With this step complete, Caine could now replicate the process he had just performed with Soran using nothing more than a thought.

    It would be automatic, seamless, and instantaneous. Such was the terrifying efficiency of his arcane ring¡ªcapable of automating tasks to perfection. And this was only one of its many passive abilities.

    Opening his eyes, Caine waved a hand, and pristine white robes draped over Soran''s form.

    ''Let''s run a few tests.''

    With a tap of the air, Soran''s body abruptly disintegrated into ashes. The arcane ring trembled, and within the lands of Caine''s Bond Space, a new egg materialized.

    Moments later, the egg hatched, and Soran reappeared outside, once again kneeling as if nothing had happened.

    ''Perfect,'' Caine mused, a smile forming on his lips. ''My summons will be immortal as long as I live. But more importantly¡­'' A realization dawned upon him, and his smile deepened.

    ''¡­My Bond Space contains Qi¡ªa flood of neutral Qi that it independently produces. Beyond that, it''s filled with elemental Qi formed by my stars. How did I not notice this before? This changes everything.''

    Now that Caine had decided to use atmospheric Qi once again, he''d been mildly concerned about the upcoming Clan Gathering. He knew most of his opponents would be Sages or half-step Sages, meaning they could block his access to atmospheric Qi while using True Qi stored within their bodies.

    But now, he had a solution. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Not only could he tap into the neutral Qi produced by his Bond Space, but he also had access to the True Qi of his stars. The difference between Neutral Qi and True Qi was monumental¡ªakin to comparing earth to sky.

    ''Yet another mutation in my favor,'' he thought, though his expression turned more serious.

    ''I''ll need to have a conversation with Zao about this. Not all mutations are beneficial. This needs careful consideration.''

    Turning his focus back to Soran, Caine spoke calmly. "Sorry, I just wanted to test something. I won''t do that again."

    Soran''s voice was steady, his tone unwavering. "Do not apologize, Your Highness. I am the hilt of your blade, the arrow of your bow¡ªuse me as you see fit. My immortality serves you, Your Highness."

    Caine nodded, unsurprised by Soran''s newfound loyalty. "Tell me, do you still have access to your Innate Circle? Can you cultivate?"

    Soran raised his head, meeting Caine''s gaze directly. "Master, my Innate Circle has been reshaped and remodeled. It now aligns entirely with the Heavenly Element I resonated with during my transformation."

    "Oh? Elaborate."

    "My previous Innate Circle stood at the cusp of the Boundless Grade, making it one of the finest Origin Grade circles in existence. But now¡­" Soran hesitated briefly. "Now, it feels¡­ gradeless. It''s as if its grade no longer depends on me but rather¡­ you."

    Caine fell silent, his thoughts churning as he processed this revelation. His gaze sharpened, and he clenched his jaw, though his expression remained calm.

    The implications were staggering.

    If Soran''s Innate Circle was now tied to Caine, it meant he could potentially create an army of summons, each equipped with Innate Circles built around the strongest Heavenly Elements¡ªand all at the Immeasurable Grade. The prospect was exhilarating, a dream come true for any cultivator.

    But alongside this power came immense risk.

    The world operated on balance and equivalence. If Caine was permitted to perform such heretical acts, the tribulations he faced in the future would surely scale to match.

    ''If I attempt to ascend to the Sage Realm,'' Caine thought, ''I''ll face a tribulation designed for two Sages with Immeasurable Innate Circles. And that''s only if Soran remains my sole summon. If I create more¡­''

    He could already see the path before him: an army of summons, but at the cost of tribulations that would border on the impossible.

    For a fleeting moment, doubt and fear tried to take root in his heart. But then, his Dragon-Coiled Star trembled, his Will surging forth like an unyielding flame, snuffing out all hesitation.

    ''I''ll be ready to face it all when the time comes.''

    Elura appeared suddenly, perched atop Caine''s head, her expression tinged with concern. "That confidence of yours will be your downfall one day," she said, her tone laced with worry. "It''s okay to step back sometimes¡ªto make concessions."

    Caine''s eyes narrowed, his resolve unwavering. ''I''ve given up far too much in the past. I''ve endured too much and seen too much.''

    ''In this life, I''ll take it all¡ªor die trying. I''m not leaving anything behind.''

    His Embryonic Will Star trembled fiercely, resonating with his determination.

    ''I''ll either reach the sun and conquer the stars, or fall from the Heavens with my wings torn. I''ll be content with both.''

    Elura sighed, sensing the intensity of his Will. "Then I''ll support you through it all," she murmured.

    Caine''s aura calmed, and a faint smile crossed his lips. He turned his attention back to Soran, who was drenched in sweat, trembling as the pressure of Caine''s Will dissipated.

    With a gentle pat on Soran''s shoulder, Caine eased the tension. The fear that had gripped Soran melted away.

    "Alright," Caine said, his tone steady yet commanding. "Recultivate to the Sage Realm as quickly as you can."

 Chapter 67 - 67: Relaxed

    Caine lay on his back atop a grand eagle mount that soared effortlessly through the skies.

    He wasn''t cultivating, nor was he planning or scheming. For once, he simply let himself relax, something he''d rarely had the chance to do in his past lives.

    The world around him seemed to hum with serenity. He admired the sights of the lands below, the beautiful shapes of the clouds above, the soft caress of the wind against his skin, and the warm embrace of the sun''s rays.

    The silence of existence itself felt like a balm to his bruised, chaotic mind.

    His heart beat slowly, its steady rhythm echoing in his consciousness and calming his ever-busy thoughts. The peace he allowed himself in this rare moment seemed to push his Embryonic Will Star just a step closer to blooming.

    But for now, he didn''t care about cultivation. He simply lived in the moment. Yet even while relaxing, a few thoughts couldn''t help but slip through.

    ''Now that I think about it,'' Caine mused, ''from the very beginning, the Five Aspects have been deeply active in the cultivation path. To sense your Blood Qi through your blood¡­''

    For him, it had been an easy process. With his rings and incredibly sharp senses, most steps in cultivation seemed intuitive. But realistically, how did others manage it?

    ''You have to use your soul to harmonize with your body and sense the essence of your blood. When I think about it, that''s an incredibly complicated process.''

    His mind wandered further.

    ''And beyond that, when I shattered my bones in the Bone Forging stage, how did my flesh hold up? I personally used Qi threads to stabilize myself, but how do others manage it?''

    Turning Qi into threads was an advanced technique, nearly impossible for most people.

    ''So, they must have done it subconsciously. That''s where the Qi Aspect comes in. A portion of the Blood Qi used to forge bones must be diverted to maintain the body''s structure.''

    He yawned, shifting slightly on the eagle''s back.

    ''Then there''s the Flesh Destruction stage,'' he continued. ''The Mind Aspect must take over here. Your flesh is destroyed, leaving only your bones. If I had to guess, the soul is somewhere in the brain, so during that stage, the soul either goes dormant or is temporarily destroyed.''

    This thought lingered as he considered it further.

    ''If the soul goes dormant, then only the mind keeps you alive during that stage. There''s probably some involvement from the Qi Aspect too.''

    He thought about the Organ Vessel stage.

    ''Here, it''s obvious. The World Aspect intervenes, forcefully bridging your organs to elements. Elements are¡­conceptual in nature. Yet they interact with the tangible through the World Aspect.''

    Taking a step back, he reflected on all the stages of cultivation.

    ''Each stage uses the Bodily Aspect as a foundation to be refined and expanded upon. You forge Qi bones and flesh to gain control over your Qi Aspect. If you''re talented, you touch upon Will and Intent to gain control over your Soul and Mind Aspects. With high enough affinity, you can even begin to manipulate the World Aspect.''

    He yawned again, his body feeling weightless atop the eagle''s back. ''I''m still not entirely sure of the exact specifics of each aspect, but just understanding this much is endlessly fascinating.''

    A sigh escaped his lips. ''To think I''ve been missing out on such fun.''

    Caine rolled over onto his belly, gazing at the clouds trailing behind them. ''I wonder where they are now¡­''

    His eyelids grew heavy, and his body felt even lighter. ''Let me close my eyes for a bit.''

    He drifted into sleep.

    The eagle mount, sensing its master''s exhaustion, slowed its flight, ascending above the clouds where the air was silent and still. Hours passed as Caine''s soft snores echoed gently in the vast expanse of sky.

    When Caine''s eyes fluttered open, the moon hung high above him, its soft glow casting silver light across the eagle''s outstretched wings. The night sky, dotted with countless stars, resembled flowing rivers of silk that stretched endlessly in every direction.

    He smiled as the fog of sleep cleared from his mind. "I like you," he murmured, reaching out to stroke the eagle''s feathers.

    The bird screeched softly in appreciation, its keen eyes fixed on the horizon. Suddenly, Zao appeared beside him, sitting cross-legged as if the wind and motion of the eagle didn''t exist.

    "How have you been?" Zao asked casually, pulling a bottle of wine and a glass from thin air. He poured himself a drink with practiced ease.

    "Good," Caine replied, his voice warm yet tinged with a quiet longing. "A bit lonely, but that''s like any other day. I''m mainly excited for¡­ I don''t know. I''m just excited."

    Zao took a slow sip of his wine, nodding thoughtfully. "If you''re happy, that''s what matters. We can all die at any moment¡ªit''s important to enjoy every second like it''s the last."

    Caine nodded in agreement, appreciating the sentiment.

    "That''s how my father raised me and your father," Zao continued. "He taught us to live with a smile, to chase after what our hearts desired, and to use our brains to navigate through the chaos." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "A roundabout way of telling us to be troublemakers."

    Caine chuckled softly as well, though he didn''t ask about this mysterious grandfather. The history of the Velios family was shrouded in shadow, and some things were better left unspoken.

    "Hey, Zao," Caine began after a moment of silence, "I had a few questions."

    "Go ahead."

    "I''ve noticed some strange mutations and occurrences within my body lately. They seem to center around my Bond Space and the adaptability of my frame. Any idea what''s going on?"

    Zao nodded knowingly. "It''s most likely your mother''s bloodline. Her family is¡­ strange, to say the least. When your father married her, even his bloodline began to mutate just by being close to hers. So I can only imagine what''s happening inside your body."

    He took another sip of his wine before continuing. "But it shouldn''t be anything to worry about. All the mutations we''ve seen so far have been beneficial. In fact, one of them saved your life during your birth tribulation."

    Caine tilted his head, intrigued. "What happened?"

    "It was one of the most violent birth tribulations I''ve ever witnessed," Zao said, his gaze distant as if recalling a long-buried memory. "And then¡­ poof. It was gone, just like that."

    He sighed. "My memories of that event are blurry, though. Something¡­ interfered. But yeah, don''t worry. If anything concerning comes up, let me know."

    Caine nodded, closing his eyes briefly as he let out a deep breath. "That''s good to know. Thanks."

    The two fell silent after that, comfortable in each other''s presence. High above the world, carried by their loyal eagle mount, uncle and nephew shared a rare moment of peace under the starry sky.

    The eagle let out a soft screech, as if basking in the shared serenity of its passengers. In this moment, with the wind and stars surrounding them, the chaos of their lives seemed far away.

 Chapter 68 - 68: The Gathering

    Today was an important day. Today was the Clan Gathering.

    In the middle of a snow-filled desert, a grand arena of white marble stood proudly, its imposing structure stark against the chaotic snowstorms swirling and roaring around it.

    The marble shimmered faintly under the filtered sunlight, a beacon of civilization amidst the untamed elements.

    Within the arena''s vast stands, countless groups gathered, numbering in the millions.

    This was no ordinary gathering¡ªit was the culmination of years of preparation and ambition. Subordinate clans of the Timeless Alliance huddled together, their gazes filled with hope and desperation.

    For them, the stakes were immense. If their Heirs were chosen as Scion, the fates of their lowly clans would transform overnight. Power, influence, and resources awaited those who ascended through their heirs.

    Above the arena, five floating structures hovered ominously, their tinted windows obscuring any view of the occupants inside.

    These structures housed the members of the five Heavenly Clans, their auras palpable even through the distance. The sheer pressure emanating from them cast an oppressive net over the world, blending seamlessly with the howling snowstorms to create an atmosphere tense beyond belief.

    Suddenly, in the arena''s center, a woman appeared.

    Her presence was magnetic. She wore long, layered purple robes, her figure adorned with glittering jewels and artifacts that clinked softly with her movements.

    Her black lipstick curled into a sultry smile, her dark blue hair cascading in scintillating waves down her back. Her amethyst eyes sparkled mischievously, while her devilish figure radiated confidence and allure, enough to sway even the purest of saints.

    With a theatrical flourish, she spread her arms wide, her jewelry chiming melodiously. Her voice boomed across the arena, rich and sultry, carrying effortlessly despite the roaring winds.

    "Welcome! I am Tasha Renala, and I will be your guide for this generation''s Clan Gathering!"

    Her words were poised to continue when, suddenly, the world darkened.

    The sun disappeared, obscured by an enormous entity that cast a shadow over the arena. A suffocating aura descended like a tidal wave, slamming into all present¡ªeven those within the floating structures of the Heavenly Clans.

    Tasha froze, looking skyward, her amethyst eyes widening in shock. Hovering above was a colossal eagle, its wings spanning so wide they seemed to blot out the heavens. Atop its back stood Zao, his figure imposing, his gaze cold and indifferent as it swept across the arena.

    ''Where is¡ª?''

    Before Tasha could finish her thought, she felt it. Behind her. Slowly, she turned, her breath catching in her throat.

    Caine stood there.

    He wore a loose, grey changpao that billowed slightly in the wind. His long hair, tied into a single braid, swayed gently behind him. His expression was calm, his silver eyes sharp yet serene, as if he were already in control of everything around him.

    Tasha, known for her towering presence, was rendered diminutive before him. At nearly six feet six, she was accustomed to looking down on most men. But in front of Caine''s towering six-foot-eleven frame, she felt utterly small. His shadow eclipsed her entirely, swallowing her in its dominance.

    Caine glanced upward toward the floating structures, where the ancestors of the Heavenly Clans resided, and offered a faint smile. His gaze then returned to Tasha.

    "I don''t have time to waste," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

    "Summon all your Heirs."

    Tasha''s first instinct was to object, to assert control over the proceedings, but as her eyes met Caine''s, a sharp, invisible dagger seemed to pierce her very soul. Her resolve shattered instantly, leaving her like a lifeless puppet.

    Without a word, she waved her hand, and a moment later, all the Heirs appeared in the arena.

    The young heirs, now standing in a confused crowd, looked around in shock. This was not how the Clan Gathering was supposed to unfold. Traditionally, they would remain in a pocket realm, summoned one by one for their matches. Why were they all here together?

    Among them stood the Heirs of the Five Heavenly Clans, their gazes burning with determination. Mental transmissions immediately flooded their minds, explaining the situation.

    Caine''s gaze shifted from Tasha, who collapsed in a faint, her mental state too fragile to endure further. With a flick of his hand, Caine sent her body soaring gently upward into the floating structure occupied by the Renala Clan.

    His focus turned to the crowd of young heirs.

    Their average strength was astonishing; most of them were half-step Sages. This level of power wasn''t normal. These heirs were the pride of their clans, nurtured and refined with every resource imaginable. They represented their clans'' last hopes, their sacred champions.

    But to Caine, they were potential.

    More specifically, they were perfect candidates for his army.

    While his army would primarily consist of non-humanoid summons, if he were to acquire humanoid ones, why not start here? These heirs, with their exceptional potential and training, were ideal.

    Caine raised his hand. A swirl of thick neutral Qi, bolstered by earth intent, surged forward and encased the five Heavenly Clan Heirs, separating them from the rest of the group.

    He fixed his gaze on them. "I value fairness," he began, his tone calm yet laced with an edge of menace. "But I also don''t care for any of you. So I''ll give you a chance¡ªan unfair one, but a chance nonetheless."

    His voice carried across the arena, silencing even the snowstorm.

    "If any of you can touch my skin, even once, I will forfeit my life," he declared. "I swear on the honor of the ancestors above. If I lie, they''ll kill me personally."

    Gasps erupted from the stands, disbelief rippling through the spectators.

    "I won''t move. I won''t use Qi. I won''t attack," Caine continued. "You have thirty seconds. Use whatever you want, whatever you need. But if the thirty seconds pass, and I remain untouched¡­" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He didn''t need to finish the sentence. His arms crossed over his chest, his towering figure exuding unshakable confidence.

    The Heirs looked toward the floating structures, seeking approval.

    "I''ll allow it," a deep, wizened voice echoed from above.

    That was all they needed.

    Weapons and artifacts appeared in their hands, their auras igniting with overwhelming force. In an instant, the arena''s center became a chaotic swirl of energy as attacks flooded toward Caine from every direction.

    Caine smiled faintly, the scene nostalgic. It almost reminded him of the Samsara Trials, where he had faced hordes of fallen gods.

    Almost.

    BANG!

    A deafening explosion of pressure erupted from Caine, shattering every attack in an instant. The heirs fell to their knees, their weapons slipping from their trembling hands.

    The oppressive force rippled outward, reaching the stands. The spectators collapsed one by one, driven to their knees by the overwhelming weight. Even the occupants of the floating structures faltered, though the ancestors remained upright, their gazes sharp.

    Caine stood tall, his silver eyes burning like imploding stars. Reflected within them was the image of his Dragon-Coiled Star, flickering with wrath and absolute dominion.

    Today was a day of reckoning¡ªa day of untamed, absolute dominance. And Caine would ensure it was unforgettable.

    The ground trembled beneath him, the air thick with the sound of a coming storm.

    RUMBLE.

 Chapter 69 - 69: The Gathering(II)â€”Son of Hate

    Rage and frustration¡ªaccumulated not just from sixteen years of this life, but from the thousands of years lived before¡ªerupted from Caine all at once, tainting his eyes with a vicious scarlet glow.

    Around his body, the illusory image of a blood-red dragon coiled tightly, its presence magnifying Caine''s aura, amplifying his oppressive tyranny.

    A killing intent, the likes of which the world had never seen, bloomed violently. It was so potent, destructive, and hateful that even Zao instinctively took a step back, his usually calm heart pounding in his chest.

    Caine''s face twisted into a demonic scowl, his aura swelling ever higher, his Will taking step after step toward an inevitable blooming. The dark clouds above rumbled, gathering ominously. Thick pillars of crimson lightning fell, charring everything they touched, the air sizzling with malevolent energy.

    The hatred bubbling deep within Caine''s soul thickened, spreading like a poison. As it did, the pressure radiating from him grew even more suffocating, a storm of wrath that threatened to devour the world.

    Zao, watching from the skies, felt his breath hitch. It wasn''t Caine''s intent that affected him¡ªit was the image he saw reflected in Caine''s aura.

    It was an unmistakable echo of Heaven''s Fallen Divinity, The Great Mother of Hate, The Herald of The End¡ªCaine''s mother.

    The resemblance was uncanny, so much so that even Zao''s tempered heart trembled. Pride surged within him, mingled with threads of worry that coiled tightly around his thoughts.

    Then, as suddenly as it began, it ended.

    The waves of suffocating emotion flowed back into the depths of Caine''s heart, sealed away with iron will. His killing intent faded, the reflection of his star dimmed, and the blood dragon coiling around him vanished like mist in the morning sun.

    A calm smile graced Caine''s beautiful face.

    His voice, soft yet filled with finality, uttered, "[Nameless Call]."

    Thirty seconds had passed. It was time to reap his reward. Before anyone could react, all the heirs¡ªexcept the Heavenly Heirs¡ªvanished. Their very existence was erased as if they had never been there.

    Even Zao, even the ancestors observing from above, couldn''t comprehend what had just happened.

    Caine turned to the five Heavenly Heirs and waved his hand, dissolving the cage of Qi that had trapped them.

    "Unfortunately," he sighed, sadness rolling off him in waves, "I cannot kill you. So come at me. I''ll only use one hand."

    He folded his left hand behind his back and beckoned with his right. The five heirs, their pride wounded beyond repair, stood paralyzed. They glanced up, eyes pleading for intervention from their ancestors.

    "They won''t act," Caine said, his voice cold. "Even if they wanted to, they couldn''t stop me. So either come to me¡­"

    He took a single step forward.

    Suddenly, his body shattered like a mirror, splitting into five identical reflections. The heirs barely had time to process the sight before each reflection appeared before them, a palm pressed firmly against their chests.

    "¡­or I come to you."

    A mere tinge of pressure from Caine''s palms caused fountains of blood to erupt, the metallic scent thickening the air. The heirs stumbled backward, their faces contorted in shock and pain.

    Caine''s reflections dissolved, merging back into his original body. It was as if time itself had rewound, leaving the spectators frozen in disbelief. None could fathom the complexity of the technique Caine had just executed, nor could they comprehend where he had learned such mastery.

    The gap between the Heavenly Heirs and ordinary heirs was already wider than the chasm between heaven and earth. But the gap between Caine and the Heavenly Heirs? It was a void beyond measure. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As the stunned silence grew unbearable, the five heirs roared with fury. Their wounds sealed, their pride igniting into desperate rage. In perfect coordination, they launched a unified assault. Their dignity was already shattered; there was no point in restraint.

    They would attack together, shame be damned.

    Caine laughed softly, stepping forward once more. He had promised to only use his right hand. But were his bones not part of his hand? And by extension, were the elements not infused into his very flesh of this same hand?

    If they wished to abandon shame, he would gladly oblige.

    WHOOOSH!

    Flames erupted around him, fused with harsh emerald winds. The inferno spread rapidly, engulfing the entire arena. Blinded by the searing heat and swirling winds,the heirs were forced to divert most of their Qi into defense.

    Reiner Renala, the heir of the Renala Clan, screamed as a blade of fire pierced his leg, immobilizing him.

    Caine appeared behind him like a wraith, his hand a blur as it struck the young man unconscious. Reiner crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering uselessly beside him.

    Without pause, Caine moved to the next targets.

    Athena Thyrn, the heiress of the Thyrn Clan, and Cassandra Azanthiel, the heiress of the Azanthiel Clan, stood back-to-back. Athena''s long green hair whipped in the wind, her blue eyes darting around desperately.

    Cassandra''s short black hair stuck to her sweat-drenched forehead, her orange eyes glowing with defiance.

    Together, they spun in unison, covering each other''s blind spots amidst the blazing chaos.

    Caine appeared in front of Cassandra, his silver eyes glinting with amusement. Her eyes widened in horror, but she reacted with the precision of a trained warrior. Her rapier pierced through the air, aiming for his throat.

    Caine didn''t flinch. His hand shot out, parrying the blade with casual ease.

    BOOM!

    The air exploded as his fist drove into her abdomen. Cassandra''s body folded, her breath stolen. Before she could recover, his knuckles grazed her jaw, and darkness claimed her.

    Athena spun, chanting desperately, a spell forming on her lips.

    Caine''s eyes flashed with a silver rune.

    Her spell shattered into harmless motes of light. Before the backlash could hit her, Caine''s fist swept across her face with such speed and grace that she barely felt the impact before her consciousness faded.

    ''Two left.''

    Caine''s eyes gleamed with malevolent anticipation.

 Chapter 70 - 70: The Gathering(III)â€”Son of Hate(II)

    From behind, the two remaining Heirs attacked Caine with everything they had left.

    Dorothy Celestis, Heiress of the Celestis Clan, with her long golden hair and pulsating blue eyes, and Elijah Stormborne, Heir of the Stormborne Clan, with his slicked-back white hair and radiant emerald pupils, burst forward, their blades gleaming with fiendish momentum as they tore through the air toward Caine, their restraint abandoned.

    Suddenly, time itself slowed¡ªnot metaphorically, but literally. Caine''s time affinity roared to life, and a shimmering domain of time spread around him. Within this domain, the world froze, each moment stretched like a single frame in a painting.

    ''What a terrifying affinity,'' Caine thought idly, his eyes reflecting the crystalline stillness.

    He lifted his hand and tapped the air in front of him. Though his fingers barely brushed empty space, a ripple of Qi surged behind him toward the two Heirs.

    The time domain dissolved.

    BOOOM!

    Reality snapped back, and before anyone could comprehend what had happened, Dorothy and Elijah coughed up mouthfuls of blood, their Qi in disarray. They stumbled backward, eyes wide with shock and pain.

    Caine turned slowly to face them, his expression calm, almost indifferent.

    His gaze, full of pity, rested on their trembling figures. They were reflections of something he never wanted to become.

    They had been born with everything¡ªwealth, status, talent¡ªand yet they were still so pitifully weak. If even a crippled version of himself could carve something out of his curses, how could they squander their blessings?

    Their very existence reminded him of his past vulnerabilities, a period of weakness he loathed with every fiber of his being. Just looking at them filled his heart with disgust.

    His gut twisted, and his lips curled in contempt.

    Dorothy and Elijah met his gaze, and their hearts quivered. The disgust in his eyes was so potent, so raw, that it seeped into their minds, shaking their very souls.

    Caine clicked his teeth and waved his hand.

    Their veins ruptured, and they crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The battle was over.

    The performance¡ªa clown show¡ªhad ended.

    The inferno that had raged around them flickered out, revealing a grim tableau to the spectators: five Heavenly Heirs, all defeated, while one man remained untouched.

    ''It should be about now.''

    BANG!

    From the Renala Clan''s floating structure, a door burst open. A figure emerged, his presence radiating malice.

    The man appeared ancient, his wrinkled skin marred with dark spots. His bald head bore intricate white tribal tattoos that glowed faintly.

    His eyes, two bloody-red orbs, burned with the killing intent of countless battles fought and lives extinguished.

    Dark robes fluttered around him as he descended, the northern winds whispering through the fabric. His gaze locked onto Caine, who returned the look with an infuriating smile. The old man''s fury spiked.

    In a heartbeat, he vanished from the floating structure and appeared on the arena floor, his hand already slicing through the air toward Caine''s throat. His nails, curved and razor-sharp, glistened with murderous intent.

    This was no ordinary Sage. He was a Paragon, a being two realms beyond the Sage Realm. If he wanted Caine dead, no one could stop him.

    BANG!

    From above, Zao''s eyes went wide in panic.

    His heart thundered in his chest as his aura surged, a desperate wave of power meant to tear through the heavens. He lunged forward, knowing it was too late.

    He''d made a mistake. He should have stayed by Caine''s side. He should have¡ª

    "Oh?"

    Caine''s voice, calm and detached, broke through the chaos.

    He stood there, eyes locked with the Paragon''s, his fingers wrapped tightly around the old man''s wrist. The deadly hand, poised to shred his throat, was caught mere inches away.

    The Paragon, Ancestor Bloody Eye, frowned in confusion. His instincts screamed, but before he could react, his body betrayed him.

    His heart stopped.

    Not from shock, but because Caine held it in his hand¡ªa pulsing, bloody organ torn free from his chest.

    Caine''s crown appeared above his head, shimmering with undeniable authority. He looked down at the heart, his silver eyes cold.

    "Bunch of idiots."

    He clenched his fist.

    The heart exploded in a burst of blood and gore. Ancestor Bloody Eye stumbled backward, his face draining of color. For a being of his caliber, losing a heart shouldn''t have been fatal.

    And yet, weakness seeped through his limbs. The world dimmed; the sun''s warmth faded. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His arms felt like lead.

    He collapsed, his body striking the cold marble floor. His eyes, locked on the sky, dimmed to darkness. His last thoughts were of utter, bewildered confusion.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    A shockwave of terrifying Qi erupted from his corpse, threatening to annihilate everything nearby.

    Caine tapped the air, and the explosion compressed, contained effortlessly.

    The entire sequence had happened in less than a second. By the time Zao reached the arena, panting, a second and a half had passed¡ªand everything was over.

    Zao stared at Caine, eyes wide, heart pounding. Sweat slicked his back.

    Caine turned to him, a serene smile on his face. "Did I not tell you I could hold up the skies on my own?"

    That smile curled into a grin.

    Around them, more ancestors descended, their auras flaring violently. The oppressive pressure slammed into Caine from every direction, darkening the skies and cracking the earth.

    Yet Caine stood firm, unbothered. Blood still stained his hands, the evidence of Ancestor Bloody Eye''s demise. His grin widened, an expression of pure arrogance and defiance.

    The crowd watched, paralyzed by confusion and fear. Why were the ancestors attacking their own royal heir? And more importantly¡ªhow had Caine killed an ancestor?

    BOOOOOOM!

    The pressure continued to build, a storm of power that threatened to crush everything in its path.

    But Caine simply waited, daring them to act, his silver eyes glinting with challenge.

    Just as the tension reached a breaking point, a voice rang out, powerful and unwavering.

    "Enough."

    It was the same voice that had sanctioned the battle between Caine and the Heirs.

 Chapter 71 - 71: Dare?

    From the skies above, a young man descended, draped in layered white robes that flowed like cascading waves of silk.

    His long, thick, curly white hair spilled over his broad shoulders, trailing behind him like a cloud of ethereal mist. The sheer weight of his presence bent the air around him, pressing down on the arena below.

    His eyes glowed with a serene, milky-white light, reminiscent of a blind man''s gaze. Yet, within their depths, faint bloody-red runes pulsed ominously, exuding an aura of ancient, terrifying power.

    Caine had never seen this man before. As he gauged the stranger''s presence, his eyes narrowed slightly, a ripple of caution coursing through him.

    "Hello," the man said, his voice soft yet carrying a resonance that seemed to vibrate within the bones of those who heard it. "I am the Timeless Guardian, but feel free to call me Ancestor Tallow."

    He landed gently on the cold marble of the arena, his movements so graceful it was as if the world itself welcomed him.

    A faint, unrestrained smile tugged at his lips¡ªa smile so pure it seemed to melt the tension in the air, dissolving the weight of anticipation that hung over the crowd.

    Ancestor Tallow''s gaze rested on Caine, his expression warm and disarmingly gentle. "Ah, young man. You have clearly bested all the Heirs of the Alliance and, by rights, deserve the title of Scion. That would be true under normal circumstances."

    His smile deepened, the warmth in his eyes hardening into something colder, sharper.

    "But these are anything but normal circumstances, aren''t they?" His voice remained light, but there was a subtle edge to it.

    "You''ve shattered every rule we have. Perhaps you didn''t realize, but killing the other Heirs is strictly forbidden. You''ve left many of them dead, and that poses¡­ a bit of an issue."

    He heaved a theatrical sigh, as though burdened by an insurmountable problem.

    "Yet we can''t simply strip you of the title. It''s painfully clear that no one in this generation can rival you," he continued, his eyes flicking toward the ancestors encircling the arena.

    As if on cue, the ancestors exchanged glances. Faint smiles curled their lips, and their oppressive auras withdrew, softening to appear less threatening. But Caine, with his razor-sharp perception, detected the malevolence and contempt lurking beneath their controlled exteriors.

    "So, how do we resolve this, lad?" Ancestor Tallow asked, his finger pointing skyward.

    "The answer is simple. If we are unworthy to judge you, then let the world itself decide."

    "There exists a place known as the Ancestral Trial Grounds. We''ve never used it because it has never been necessary. But surely, with your strength, you wouldn''t mind partaking in it?"

    Tallow''s chuckle was low and smooth as he stepped closer, placing a hand on Caine''s shoulder with the casual intimacy of an old friend. "If you pass, you''ll be our Scion. No one will dare contest it. Think of it as a political¡­ detour to secure your position without any trouble, alright?"

    He leaned in, his arm draping around Caine''s neck. His voice dropped to a whisper, laced with mockery. "So, what do you say? Do you dare?"

    A thick silence blanketed the arena. The spectators, unsure of who this man was or what the Ancestral Trial Grounds entailed, watched with wide eyes and pounding hearts.

    The air felt heavy, like a net tightening around them, suffocating any sense of ease.

    It felt like witnessing a devil offering a child a forbidden fruit¡ªan offer that could lead only to ruin.

    Caine''s head turned slowly to face Ancestor Tallow. Their eyes locked, and for a heartbeat, Tallow''s smile faltered.

    The look Caine gave him was one of searing contempt¡ªthe gaze of a god looking down on a sinner begging for undeserved mercy. It stripped Tallow of his facade, exposing his hollow motives to the world.

    Tallow''s smile barely wavered, but a bitter thought clawed at the edges of his mind: "I see why these old fools despise him."

    "What do these trials entail exactly?" Caine asked, his voice cold and even. He brushed Tallow''s arm aside with deliberate ease.

    Without missing a beat, Caine dusted his robes, his expression unchanged. Tallow''s smile stayed fixed as he explained, "It''s simple."

    "The Ancestral Trial Grounds are trials devised by the World Will Eye itself. They test worthiness in all its facets. Long ago, these trials determined the ruler of all clans¡ªthe one who proved themselves through the world''s judgment." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "We abandoned that tradition, but the option remains. If you succeed, no one can doubt your right to lead."

    "It''s the perfect compromise."

    Caine nodded slowly. He expected omissions and half-truths from these cunning old foxes.

    Their schemes were as transparent as glass.

    He glanced at Zao, noting his calm composure. Then he turned back to Tallow.

    "Sure, I''ll go."

    Ancestor Tallow''s smile widened, brilliant and triumphant. He waved his hand, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.

    The sky churned violently, clouds twisting and tearing apart to reveal the yawning void beyond. From that endless abyss, the colossal figure of the World Will Eye manifested, its gaze cold and ancient, a silent judge of mortals.

    Tallow lifted his hand once more, conjuring a whirl of intricate runes. The symbols twisted and merged, forming a complex array that soared into the sky. The formation embedded itself into the World Will Eye, shattering and reforming it into a glowing, white void¡ªlike a tear in the fabric of reality itself.

    From that tear, a brilliant pillar of light descended, connecting heaven and earth.

    Tallow gestured toward the light. "Step into the pillar when you''re ready."

    Caine didn''t hesitate. His expression was serene, his heart steady, his back straight. He walked forward, his gaze sharp and unyielding. He passed through the gathering of ancestors without a glance of respect, their presence beneath his notice.

    As he reached the pillar, he turned back. His voice, low and cold, echoed across the arena, a blade cutting through the tension.

    "Time will expose your ignorance, you rotting corpses of saturated sin."

    With that, he stepped into the pillar of light¡ªand vanished.

    Just as Caine vanished, from the skies above, silver, white and black feathers began to fall and from the heavens above, a figure appeared.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 72 - 72: Ancestral

    When Caine''s vision cleared, he found himself in an endless expanse of white fog, standing on floors of smooth white stone.

    Above him, a colossal sun hung high in the sky, its brilliant rays seeping through the dense fog, casting ethereal beams of light that created a divine and unforgettable scene. The air shimmered with a surreal tranquility, an illusion of peace that felt almost mocking.

    But Caine''s gaze didn''t linger on this spectacle. His necklace, Emerald Embrace, flared with light, and in an instant, tight-fitting white armor enveloped his frame, its surface shimmering with protective runes.

    In his hand, End''s Oath materialized, the weapon radiating terrifying waves of power.

    Caine''s gaze was calm, yet behind that calmness lay a seriousness he had never shown before¡ªa readiness to face the impossible.

    Suddenly, high above in the depths of the blinding fog, a faint outline formed. The colossal, all-seeing World Will Eye opened, its presence washing over the arena like a tidal wave.

    "My child." The voice of the World Will Eye was a fusion of thunder, wind, and the rustling of ancient forests. It rattled Caine''s bones and vibrated through his core. "It seems you are surrounded by snakes."

    Caine didn''t respond, but he understood immediately. The message was clear: he was too weak for these trials, not by ordinary standards, but by the standards set by those who sought his failure. Yet, this did not faze him. He welcomed the challenge.

    "These grounds are not trials," the World Will Eye continued, its voice layered with a subtle hint of emotion. "They are great cullers. Designed to strip away the false kings and forge the True Emperors from the flames of endless carnage."

    "Whether you perish, emerge broken, or rise to conquer these challenges is up to you, child of spirits."

    "Grasp the stars if you dare, and do not shrink from their light."

    As the words faded, the World Will Eye dissolved into the sun, leaving behind a heavy silence.

    In front of Caine, a figure began to take shape.

    It was an entity of pure white qi, its mane ablaze with radiant fire, its form clad in chaotic dark gold qi armor, and long, feathered wings unfurled from its back¡ªthe embodiment of power and purity. This was a World Avatar.

    But unlike the one he had faced before, this one pulsed with overwhelming strength. And it wasn''t alone.

    As Caine readied himself, his eyes widened. Around him, more figures materialized¡ªfirst a dozen, then a hundred, then thousands, then hundreds of thousands. He stopped counting.

    The arena was filled with a sea of World Avatars, their combined auras forming an oppressive storm that sought to crush him.

    Caine inhaled deeply. Calm settled over him.

    He didn''t fear death; he feared how he would die. Would he fall with his back straight, eyes glaring defiantly at the heavens? Or would he crumble, bowed and trembling beneath divine judgment?

    Would he swing his weapon to claim victory or to merely defend himself? Would his heart beat with fear or hope?

    In the face of annihilation, all he saw was the path ahead¡ªa path paved with torn bodies, shattered souls, and victory.

    A feral light ignited in his eyes, a defiance that countered the pressure radiating from the Avatars. For a moment, the battlefield froze.

    And then¡ª

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    Neutral qi surged around Caine, threading itself like silver silk through the air. His silver crown shimmered above his head, and with a surge of power, he leaped into the heart of the enemy swarm.

    His eyes flickered, and with a single thought, thousands of summons erupted into existence around him. They wielded blades of condensed qi, their movements precise and deadly, all tethered to his Will through shimmering threads of energy. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    They were extensions of him, guided by his mind. They fought with reckless abandon, using their immortality as a weapon. Each time an Avatar fell, Caine whispered, [Nameless Call], and a new summon was born¡ªstronger, fiercer.

    Caine himself moved like lightning, his spear a blur of fury and precision. He darted into a cluster of Avatars, his eyes scanning rapidly, reading their every movement.

    They responded immediately, surrounding him, weapons drawn. Caine crouched, a blade whistling above his head, then rolled aside to evade a beam of chaotic qi. He danced through the onslaught, his movements fluid and unnaturally precise, as if he could predict each attack before it came.

    Suddenly, Fire and Water qi flowed from his Bond Space, surging through his veins and into his spear. The runes along its shaft blazed with emerald light as he swung upward.

    A radiant arc of energy erupted from his spear, slicing through a wave of Avatars and buying him a momentary reprieve.

    PURCHI!

    A flash of white¡ªthe searing pain of a blade slicing his back. Blood sprayed, and Caine staggered forward. Another Avatar struck, its blade piercing his elbow, nearly severing his arm.

    Caine gritted his teeth, his face pale but his resolve unshaken. He tore himself free from the blade and channeled his Blood Qi, his wounds sealing shut. But as his flesh mended, he coughed violently, black blood splattering the ground.

    ''Qi poison¡­ sneaky bastards.''

    His veins burned, his muscles trembled. Qi poison corroded his Blood Qi, turning it against him. The more powerful his Blood Qi, the more devastating the poison.

    SPLAT!

    A savage kick slammed into his chin, snapping his head back. He soared upward, his body caught by another Avatar that slammed him down like a rag doll.

    BANG!

    He hit the ground hard, choking on his own blood. The pain was excruciating, his body screaming in protest. But his mind remained focused, his Will unbroken.

    The World Avatars closed in, their eyes glowing with merciless intent.

    Yet, through the agony, Caine smiled¡ªa grim, defiant smile.

    ''Pain means nothing. Failure is not an option.''

    His silver crown blazed brighter, the threads connecting his summons shimmering with renewed intensity. His summons surged forward, blades flashing, tearing through the ranks of Avatars.

    Caine pushed himself to his feet, his eyes burning with fury and determination. His grip on End''s Oath tightened.

    The battle was far from over. And he would not fall here.

    He would fight.

    He would conquer.

    Or he would die with his back straight and his gaze fixed on the heavens.

    ''Again. Again. Again.''

 Chapter 73 - 73: Ancestral(II)

    Caine and his summons moved like a single, complex chimeric entity¡ªone mind and a thousand bodies. His rings hovered behind him, rapidly spinning and gliding across the battlefield like extensions of his body, weaving through the chaos with a precision that seemed almost preordained.

    Caine unleashed everything¡ªspells, martial arts, wills, intents, qi¡ªand as he did so, the world suddenly became eerily quiet. The cacophony of war faded into the background, replaced by a stillness that pressed against his consciousness, as though reality itself held its breath. In this unnatural quiet, every movement, every breath, and every heartbeat felt amplified, more significant than it had ever been.

    He slipped into a trance, his mind embracing the void of thought, leaving only pure instinct.

    All he perceived was the now. His vision fractured, each moment crystallized into a series of still frames.

    Scene after scene unfolded before him.

    An enemy lunged. A blade swung. Flesh split. A scream silenced. A body fell.

    Then another.

    And another.

    Again. And again. And again. And again. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Wounds blossomed across his body, staining his clothes crimson, yet they felt inconsequential.

    Instead of slowing down, he became faster, sharper. Pain was an afterthought, an irrelevant whisper in the storm of his will. His movements grew fluid, a dance choreographed by death itself.

    His summons mirrored his every motion, extensions of his mind and soul, fighting alongside him in perfect synchrony. His control over them reached an entirely new level, an apex he hadn''t known was possible.

    It was within this abyss of silence and carnage that his mind bloomed once more.

    ''My Gifts.''

    He had awakened five gifts: Analyse, Master, Sense, Control, and Warp. They had been with him, latent and untested, waiting for the moment he was ready to wield them fully.

    Even now, he hadn''t truly tapped into their depths.

    It wasn''t carelessness that held him back. The gifts were profound, intricate, and demanding.

    To focus on them would have slowed his progress to a crawl. Had he tried to master them earlier, he would still be trapped in the early stages of Bone Forging, his potential shackled by his own ambitions.

    But what were these gifts, truly? Each one, like all gifts, possessed passive and active aspects that mirrored each other. Caine''s gifts were no exception.

    Control was the simplest and most straightforward of his gifts. Its passive ability, Inner Control, allowed him near-perfect mastery over his body and his aspects. His muscles, his nerves, his very essence¡ªeverything obeyed his will with flawless precision. He could feel every fiber of his being, every flicker of energy that surged within him. They were not just parts of him; they were him.

    The active counterpart, Outer Control, allowed him to extend that mastery beyond himself. He had only used it once, during his coming-of-age ceremony before his battle with Toseh. With it, he could bend atmospheric qi to his will, turning the very air into an extension of his power. Even dormant, this ability had allowed him to steal shards of universal forces effortlessly, his subconscious mind persuading reality to yield to his influence.

    Warp was more intricate, a gift entwined with the fabric of space and time. Its passive ability, Continuum Glide, granted him an uncanny awareness of spatial and temporal shifts. He could feel the subtle warps in the fabric of reality, the ripples and currents that others were blind to. The full depth of this ability was beyond his current comprehension, a puzzle whose pieces would only fit together in the distant future.

    Its active ability, Distort, was a tool he wielded often, especially in combat. With it, he could twist distances, collapsing vast spaces into a single step. But that was merely the surface of its potential. He could distort perceptions, clouding his enemies'' minds. He could twist his qi, making it more volatile, more dangerous. He could warp flesh and matter, inflicting wounds with a gesture. The versatility of Distort was terrifying, a reminder that space itself was pliable in his hands.

    Analyse was the gift he used the most, often without realizing it. Its passive ability, Comprehend, stood at the zenith of the Quasi Immeasurable Heavenly Tier, like all his others. It allowed him to understand anything effortlessly, no matter how complex or arcane.

    The only limitation was the fragility of his mind, unable to handle the sheer weight of comprehension. Even at a fraction of its potential, Comprehend had propelled him forward, an unyielding force that pushed him beyond his limits.

    The active ability, Compute, processed and filtered the information Comprehend gathered. It smoothed the flood of knowledge, making it manageable, digestible. Without it, his mind would have shattered when he mastered multiple elements at once. This gift had saved him from his own ambitions.

    Master was the perfect partner to Analyse, a gift of mastery and perfection. Its passive ability, Absolute Savant, allowed him to achieve Savant-level proficiency in any skill he chose. Mastery levels ascended from mortal grades to the Immeasurable Grade, but above that lay realms few could fathom: True Primordial, True Transcendent, and True Divine. And then, beyond even those, was the Savant Grade¡ªa level so rare it defied record.

    Achieving it was rarer than being born with an Immeasurable Circle.

    The active ability, True Virtuoso, elevated Savant-level mastery to a higher state: the Virtuoso state. This mastery was exclusive to those with his gift, a realm where perfection transcended itself. Together with Analyse, Master formed a cycle of limitless growth. But this was why he couldn''t use them fully. His body was too weak to endure the strain of such limitless potential.

    Sense, his fifth gift, was deceptively simple. Its passive ability, Sensory Prime, sharpened his senses to their utmost limits, with no backlash. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell¡ªall heightened, all perfect.

    Its active ability, Sensory Domain, created a field where his senses fused with the natural world. Within this domain, nothing escaped him. He could see the unseen, hear the unheard, touch the intangible. Every detail, every whisper of reality, became part of him.

    These gifts, simple in concept yet boundless in execution, formed a synergy so potent that his potential had to be sealed. His body could not withstand the full force of what he was.

    But today, that seal would break.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 74 - 74: Ancestral(III)â€”True Will

    Caine''s rings were what allowed him to break all limits¡ªhis bones, his flesh, his stars, his organs, his bloodlines¡ªand today, they''d allow him to break yet another limit.

    But it wasn''t going to be just any limit.

    RUMBLE!

    The world shook, and suddenly, Caine stood still. His summons gathered around him, forming a protective wall of flesh to shield him from the Avatars rushing toward him.

    The world shook once more.

    RUMBLE!

    Caine knew he would never truly harness the full potential of his gifts. Not unless he ascended to a realm so high that he became immortal.

    That was unacceptable.

    He also knew his Will would take thousands of years to fully bloom and solidify.

    That was unacceptable.

    And he knew that, with time, his rings would gradually lose their purpose, becoming useless relics.

    That was unacceptable.

    RUMBLE!

    The solution was simple, really.

    His bond space trembled as his rings began to spin violently, drawing in all the neutral qi within his bond space. The air crackled with energy, thick with impending transformation.

    "[Manifest]¡­" Caine whispered, his voice barely audible.

    WHOOOSH!

    He collapsed to one knee, blood gushing from his mouth as his body cracked and shattered under the strain. His veins ruptured and exploded into a mess of blood and gore. But his expression remained serene, eyes burning with a manic light.

    Around his rings, five bundles of runes, qi, and flesh materialized, his gifts made manifest. He had pulled them from the very core of his existence, wrenching them into the physical world. It was a move that spelled certain death, and his body was already disintegrating, but Caine didn''t care. His determination eclipsed all reason.

    <I either take it all, or die trying. I either take it all or die trying.>

    The rings spun faster, an unstoppable force, and then his Silver Embryonic Will Star shattered.

    BANG!

    Every bone in his body broke simultaneously. His flesh turned a deathly shade of purple, shriveling as his body withered. He was a husk of himself, but still, his rings spun.

    And then they shattered.

    BOOOOOM!

    A violent explosion erupted within him. His body convulsed uncontrollably, black blood bubbling up and seeping from his pores. His muscles tore, his organs liquefied, his nerves screamed. Yet through it all, his silver eyes remained unfazed, as though he were blind to the destruction of his very being.

    His life force ebbed, fading like a dying ember. His lips parted, cracked and bloodied, his hoarse voice clawing its way out.

    "¡­[Con¡­den¡­se¡­]¡­"

    This time, time itself stopped. The world froze, locked in place. Nothing moved¡ªnothing except Caine.

    The shattered remnants of his gifts, his rings, and his star gathered together. His Blood Dragon, usually coiled around his silver star, was the only thing left unbroken. It stirred, its golden eyes blazing with ancient fury.

    It swooped down, devouring the fragments of his power. The instant it did, it roared¡ªa primal, world-shaking sound that sent new waves of agony through Caine''s already broken form.

    The dragon''s scales turned golden, white patterns of runes etching themselves into its flesh. Each scale shimmered, reflecting endless possibilities.

    A new star formed¡ªmassive, brilliant, a solid core of pure silver that dwarfed anything Caine had ever imagined.

    The golden dragon split into five: a crimson dragon dripping with bloodlust, a dragon armored in radiant gold, a swirling wraith of black and white mist, a sleek, ivory-scaled beast, and finally, a dragon woven from a kaleidoscope of elemental energy.

    They rose together, roaring in unison, their cries shaking the very foundation of his bond space. They spiraled upward, binding themselves to the new silver star, coiling around it like living chains.

    Slowly, nine black rings, each etched with vibrant multicolored runes, materialized around the star. They locked into place, orbiting with a serene finality.

    For a moment, all was still.

    "I¡­ said¡­ [CONDENSE]!"

    Caine''s scream was no longer human, a guttural roar that tore his throat and lungs apart. Blood sprayed from his mouth, but he didn''t falter.

    The world trembled and the new star construct solidified. Dark silver runes burst across its surface, the dragons and rings woven into an intricate, terrifying design.

    "[CONDENSE]! [CONDENSE]! [CONDENSE]!"

    His screams rang out like commands from the heavens. From his Elemental Stars, bridges of neutral qi formed, linking to his new star and reshaping his constellation. His gifts, his rings, and his Will were now one. A unified force, inseparable, indomitable.

    This was no longer potential sealed away. This was his essence, unbound and unleashed.

    "¡­[Bloom]."

    His voice, though soft, resonated like the final strike of a hammer on an anvil.

    In that instant, his Will bloomed completely. Everything clicked into place.

    A tidal wave of neutral and elemental qi surged through his broken body, reforging him. His form lifted off the ground, suspended by sheer force of Will.

    His muscle fibers knitted together, intertwining, compressing, striating under the tremendous pressure of his Blood Qi.

    His jade-white skin gleamed, transmuted from pure neutral qi, wrapping tightly around his muscles.

    Darkness draped his shoulders like a cloak. Runes seared into his skin, branding his frame with symbols of power, only to dissolve and reform as his cultivation ascended.

    His bones hardened, his flesh strengthened, his organs purified. His blood flowed, vibrant and untainted. He had returned to the absolute peak of the Blood and Marrow Purification Stage, but now he was something far greater.

    He had forged a True Will.

    Throughout the agony, his eyes had never closed. He felt every shred of pain, every moment of transformation, yet his gaze remained unwavering. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    RUMBLE!

    His heart thundered, and his blood surged with renewed vitality.

    White robes materialized around him, and a low chuckle escaped his lips. The laughter grew, echoing through the frozen Ancestral Trial grounds. Above him, a new World Will Eye formed, colossal and watching. It didn''t press down on him; it simply observed, acknowledging his transformation.

    He laughed again, a sound both victorious and defiant.

    "Do you know what you''ve done?"

 Chapter 75 - 75: Ancestral(IV)â€”True Will(II)

    Caine continued to laugh, his voice echoing across the frozen landscape, raw and uncontainable. His strength soared without end, an endless torrent surging within him, even though his cultivation remained strangely stagnant. The laughter spilled from him, a defiant, unhinged sound that mocked the constraints of reality itself.

    He could guess why the World Will Eye had appeared in this desolate, time-frozen expanse.

    There was a fundamental difference between allowing a Will to bloom and forging a True Will.

    One was a relatively natural progression, the other an act of defiance¡ªa rebellion against the very order of existence. And rebellion required a tribulation. A test imposed by the world itself.

    But this wasn''t just any test.

    When one comprehended intent and shaped it into their own, no tribulation was necessary.

    The struggle of discovering intent, of crystallizing that understanding into a personal force, was a trial in itself. The process forged resolve and clarity.

    Will, however, was an entirely different force¡ªa behemoth that demanded more. To wield a True Will was to tap into a power so profound that the mere act of comprehending and forging it wasn''t sufficient. The world demanded more. It demanded proof.

    "Who are you?" the World Will Eye asked, its voice resonating through the stillness.

    This was the test. A deceptively simple question. Yet simplicity here was a cruel illusion. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Who truly knew themselves? Who could claim, without hesitation or doubt, that they were a complete, unbroken individual? The concept of the self was a labyrinth, obscured by fear, doubt, and the endless layers of experience. To know oneself required facing the abyss, standing on the edge of oblivion, and not flinching. To gaze into the void and see the reflection of one''s essence, stripped of all illusions.

    True self-awareness demanded doubt and fear. No one truly understood themselves until they met death head-on. No one achieved clarity until they questioned the very core of their existence.

    To know the self didn''t mean defining it with words or titles. No, the truth was simpler¡ªand infinitely harder.

    It was about acceptance.

    To know oneself was to stand before the mirror and not turn away. To peer into the eyes staring back and acknowledge the truths reflected there. The flaws. The weaknesses.

    The strengths. The contradictions.

    Everything.

    Acceptance was the key.

    Caine''s laughter grew louder, sharper. The absurdity of the test was almost insulting.

    From the moment he had clawed his way out of his dead mother''s womb, life had tempered him with an unrelenting hammer. He had been forced to look into the mirror of his soul and had never been allowed to look away.

    He accepted that he was selfish, greedy, vindictive, petty, violent, and superficial.

    These were not sins or regrets¡ªthey were truths, embraced without shame or inner conflict.

    He also accepted that he was patient, considerate, stubborn, and caring¡ªwith the right people.

    His entire path up to this moment had been a relentless confrontation with his reflection, an unending awareness of who he was and who he would never be.

    From his first breath, when his newborn cries echoed in confusion against his mother''s cold, lifeless body, he had understood his identity and his purpose.

    He was Caine. And he would always be.

    BANG!

    The World Will Eye shattered, unable to withstand the terrifying purity of Caine''s Will¡ªhis True Will.

    Torrents of neutral qi erupted from the eye''s remains, flooding into Caine''s bond space.

    His star devoured the energy greedily, swelling with newfound power. His True Will advanced, relentless, taking step after step, refusing to rest.

    In a single bound, his True Will reached its peak. Simultaneously, his Embryonic Elemental Will Stars quaked, bottlenecks disintegrating as they ascended to the apex of the True Will stage.

    Caine drifted downward, his feet touching the ground. The flow of time resumed, and his summons exploded in a burst of energy and light.

    He barely noticed. With a casual wave of his hand, the avatars froze. He clenched his fist, and they shattered into dust.

    Not a heartbeat passed before he whispered into the wind, "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    In the charred expanse of his bond space, countless eggs of flesh appeared, writhing and twisting as they underwent grotesque transformations under the influence of his new constellation.

    But Caine''s attention remained elsewhere.

    He looked at his hands, turning them over slowly. The world around him was silent, unnaturally still. It had all ended too quickly, too abruptly.

    ''Qi comprehension. Intent grasping. True Will forging. I don''t know what path I''m walking¡­'' His silver eyes glowed, and the cross etched over his pupils spun slowly. ''¡­but I''ll see it to its end.''

    As this thought settled in his mind, the fog around him stirred once more.

    Though the World Will Eye didn''t reform, its voice echoed through the stillness. "You have passed the first of four trials. Under the weight of my hammer, you forged your Will¡ªyour True Will. Congratulations."

    A pause. Then the voice continued, "Now face my children, and under their flames, may you be reborn."

    The white landscape trembled, then darkened. The light bled away, swallowed by an abyssal blackness.

    Figures began to emerge from the foggy shadows, their forms towering and majestic.

    Dragons with scales like molten gold, Phoenixes wreathed in flames, Qilins surrounded by crackling arcs of lightning,

    Great Turtles hugged by chaotic world ending storms, White Tigers riding upon waves and tsunamis of blood¡ªall the mythological titans of old took shape. Their auras were oppressive, stretching into the infinite black sky.

    Caine''s eyes narrowed as he scanned them.

    A strange stirring pulled at his chest. He loosened his robes, glancing down at his right pectoral. A glowing formation was etched into his skin.

    In an instant, he understood its purpose¡ªWill Suppression. The formation would bind his Will, forcing him to rely solely on his physical strength.

    Caine didn''t flinch. With a thought, the formation shattered. He closed his robes, his expression unchanged.

    ''If you want me to face this with my flesh alone, then so be it.''

    By now, he was no fool. The world was tempering him, shaping him for a purpose he couldn''t yet fathom. Whatever the reason, he wouldn''t refuse this gift.

    If the path to greater strength required him to fight with his body alone, then he would do it willingly.

    The previous trial had given him the most significant breakthrough of his life. He could only wonder what this trial would offer.

    RUMBLE!

    The darkness surged. The titans roared.

    And Caine stepped forward, ready to meet them.

 Chapter 76 - 76: Ancestral(V)â€”Progenitor

    Though this was the case, he still wanted to do a few things first.

    Caine exhaled slowly, his breath curling into frost as he closed his eyes. The beasts continued to take shape around him, their towering forms cloaked in the swirling mists of this void-like battlefield. He ignored them for the moment, turning his attention inward.

    Within his Bond Space, the progenitor beast eggs trembled, pulsing with an ancient rhythm. Then, in a burst of light, they transformed into stars. They bloomed effortlessly, their radiance brightening the vast expanse. Around each primary star, thirteen smaller stars formed, just like the heavenly elements of his Elemental Stars.

    A single beast progenitor star, surrounded by thirteen branching progenitor stars.

    In a mere instant, these stars reached the True Will stage. They interlinked with one another, forming a second constellation that gleamed brilliantly in the sky of Caine''s Bond Space. The two constellations¡ªElemental and Beast¡ªbridged, creating a seamless tapestry of celestial power, all under the dominion of his main star.

    Originally, Caine had intended for each progenitor egg to hatch a beast progenitor, forging powerful bonds with them. But with the path of necromancy he now followed, a new and ambitious idea had taken root in his mind.

    He couldn''t implement it now, but in time, if he succeeded, this temporary setback¡ªif it could even be called that¡ªwould be worth it.

    For now, the transformation of these eggs into stars completed the constellations supporting his main star.

    The Elemental and Beast stars harmonized, their energies blending seamlessly. They grew together, expanding until, finally, they settled into a state of docile subservience.

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. ''Now that this has been taken care of, let''s deal with this.''

    WHOOOSH!

    The thought barely finished forming when a massive claw swiped at his face, its surface etched with burning red runes that radiated waves of searing heat. Caine''s gaze followed the claw''s path, tracing it back to a colossal red-scaled dragon whose eyes glimmered with boundless killing intent.

    Behind him, a fire phoenix spread its blazing wings, readying a beam of concentrated flames that pulsed with the very essence of life and death.

    Above, a grand black serpent descended, its venom-laden fangs poised to strike. The air crackled with chaotic elemental qi as more mythical beasts converged on him, each one launching devastating attacks.

    He watched it all unfold, his time affinity stretching each second into minutes. The attacks were inevitable, unstoppable¡ªat least, if he relied solely on his body. His other abilities could save him; he could deflect, evade, or counter. But that wasn''t the point.

    He wouldn''t break his own promise.

    Where was the fun in taking the easy way out?

    His journey had been defined by hardship, not for the sake of suffering, but because the hard path often revealed his flaws, his weaknesses.

    In this case, the difficulty lay in his ignorance.

    He knew next to nothing about the countless bloodlines flowing through his veins. He had acquired them in the Blood Sea, his blood mutated and fused with the essence of countless beasts. Yet, like his Gifts, he had neglected them¡ªnot out of carelessness, but perhaps, in this instance, it was carelessness.

    The idea of acquiring bloodlines hadn''t been his own. It had been Zao''s, his uncle. Caine didn''t blame him; Zao always acted with his best interests in mind. If his uncle had insisted on obtaining these bloodlines, there had to be a spark of potential, a path worth exploring.

    But then again why did he always need to innovate, to create something new? Some things were fine as they were. Perhaps his heresy lay not in possessing these bloodlines, but in failing to embrace them fully.

    After all, who else could claim to possess the bloodlines of all beast progenitors, coexisting without conflict in a single body? Most humans couldn''t bear the strain of even a single beast bloodline without their bodies tearing apart.

    Yet, despite the power within him, it still wasn''t enough. The bloodlines were already woven into the very fabric of his Blood Qi, part of his essence. But what more could he do with them?

    Caine allowed these thoughts to swirl in his mind, undisturbed by the imminent threat of death.

    ''The advantage of bloodlines lies in their potential as reservoirs of power, kernels of raw strength I can draw upon. For a human like me, beast bloodlines are even more valuable, offering racial abilities and traits I''d otherwise lack.''

    He had demonstrated this before, summoning scales to armor his body or transforming his nails into claws capable of rending steel. But he rarely used these abilities. Why summon scales when a qi shield was more efficient?

    Why use claws when he wielded a spear with deadly precision? His human instincts, his habits, always overruled the need for these traits.

    ''And maybe that''s the problem.''

    Thanks to Elura''s interference, his bloodlines had fused further, giving rise to a Chimeric Bloodline¡ªa blend of all progenitor essences, Elura''s influence, and his own. This bloodline held untapped potential, a sleeping giant he had set aside.

    But now, clarity struck him, and a smile curled his lips. Innovation was inevitable, after all.

    WHOOOSH!

    His Blood Qi trembled, vibrating with anticipation. Around him, the illusory forms of three thousand and eight hundred beast progenitors emerged, each manifestation shimmering with power. They hovered for a breathless moment before shattering into countless runes.

    The runes swirled around him, a storm of symbols and energy. His Blood Qi surged again, and behind him, a colossal avatar materialized¡ªa featureless entity of pure white, its form draped in an aura of ominous power. Thirty-six feathered wings unfurled, black, white, and silver, their tips glowing with latent energy. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    This was Caine''s Chimera Bloodline.

    The runes converged on the avatar, embedding themselves into its structure. It grew larger, wings multiplying as eyes, eerily similar to the World Will Eyes, appeared across its body. Power flooded the avatar, a torrent drawn from the depths of each progenitor bloodline. It consumed the energy, devouring without end.

    WHOOOSH!

    The avatar vanished, reappearing in his Bond Space. It floated above his dragon-coiled star, wings outstretched. Slowly, it settled, connecting with the star, falling seamlessly under Caine''s absolute control.

    RUMBLE!

    A deep, resonant sound echoed through his Bond Space.

 Chapter 77 - 77: Ancestral(VI)

    Caine felt the difference immediately.

    There was no explosion, no ripple of qi¡ªnothing. And yet, everything felt different.

    The kernels of endless power within each progenitor bloodline had been forcefully drawn and fused into his own, creating a new baseline¡ªthe sum of all three thousand and eight hundred kernels. But this time, Caine wasn''t wielding another race''s bloodline. This was a human bloodline¡ªone of his own creation, a bloodline that harmonized perfectly with the intricate workings of his Bond Space.

    A Human Bloodline born from the greatest Beast Progenitor Bloodlines in existence, forged by a spirit human, the pinnacle of human potential¡ªit was flawless.

    The changes to his body were seamless and instantaneous. His form shuddered briefly, rippling a dozen times before settling into a tranquil, unnerving stillness.

    The world continued to crawl at an unbelievably slow pace around Caine.

    He pondered the revelation. ''Who would''ve thought these beast bloodlines were actually disturbing the balance of my body? But in the end, it makes sense. Beasts are beasts. Their essence is too different from ours to be compatible.''

    ''I suppose the only reason I didn''t explode wasn''t my bone or flesh structure¡ªit was most likely my racial traits. The fact that us Velios are born with bonds must have helped. In a sense, we Velios probably share more with beasts than we realize. Perhaps our roots are intertwined with theirs.''

    WHOOOSH!

    A pair of dark grey wings unfurled from his back, radiant and immense, stretching hundreds of meters. Each feather shimmered with silver runes, etched like ancient secrets, emanating waves of formidable strength.

    Caine''s blood transformed, turning silver threaded with hints of gold. It surged through his veins with unstoppable force, an unending river of power. The avatar within his Bond Space settled above his star, folding its wings as it sat cross-legged, its presence a silent guardian.

    His abilities fused effortlessly into this new bloodline. His crown, his bones, his flesh, his rings, his stars, his elements¡ªall were woven into a seamless, harmonious whole. It was as if every breakthrough had led to this moment, each step culminating in a tapestry spun by Caine''s will.

    A dragon''s breath of fire consumed no stamina. A phoenix''s rebirth required no reserves. Now, Caine stood on that same threshold. Most of his abilities would become effortless, automatic¡ªas natural as drawing breath, as instinctive as a passing thought.

    But this was just the beginning.

    As he processed these changes, his mind surged with countless ideas and possibilities.

    The current grade of his bloodline, by conventional standards, was mortal. Yet, it held a potency that rivaled Immeasurable bloodlines. Caine didn''t care about such classifications. The fact that his bloodline remained mortal opened a thousand doors.

    Like his summons, he couldn''t implement his grand plans now. But in the future¡­

    He exhaled a slow breath, the changes settling deep within his core. Time resumed its flow.

    BOOOOOM!

    A barrage of attacks crashed down on the spot where he''d stood, tearing through the air with cataclysmic force. But they struck nothing. With a single flap of his new wings, Caine had vanished, reappearing far from the swarm of mythic beasts.

    He glanced back at the wings, their immense span folding behind him. "Quite cumbersome to use," he muttered. He closed his eyes briefly, and the wings dissolved into silver runes that sank into his back.

    He smiled with satisfaction. "Alright. I doubt this trial can offer me much more."

    Extending his hand toward the horde of beasts, he narrowed his eyes. "But you''ll still be useful."

    A gleam flashed from the crown on his head. His voice dropped to a whisper. "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    BIM!

    A surge of resistance snapped through the air. Caine''s frown deepened. ''Oh? The Progenitor intents within their blood are resisting my call?''

    He chuckled darkly. ''Futile.''

    His True Will surged, an overwhelming force that shredded their defiance. He spoke again, his voice a command of inevitability.

    "[Nameless Call.]"

    The beasts roared in fury and anguish, struggling against the inevitable. Their forms disintegrated into ash, the remnants coalescing into fleshy eggs that sank into the depths of Caine''s Bond Space.

    ''With these beasts, the avatars, and the geniuses I''ve slain, my backlog of summons should last until I can execute my plan.''

    Elura''s voice chimed in, a note of amusement tinged with exasperation. ''They''ll last you forever¡ªthey''re immortal, remember?''

    Caine shook his head. ''I know. But that''s not the point. I meant their quantity. By now, I should have tens of thousands of summons. For now, that''s enough to handle whatever threats come my way. But it won''t always be. Things escalate quickly.''

    He paused, his silver eyes glinting. ''It''s been mere weeks, and I''ve gone from having just Soran to commanding a full-fledged horde.''

    Elura''s tone softened. ''With the environment of your Bond Space¡ªif we can even still call it that¡ªthey''ll grow rapidly. Your Beast Progenitor stars will accelerate the growth of your beast summons. The same goes for your humanoid summons under the elemental stars.''

    ''We don''t have to rush. With the summons you have, the resources at your disposal, and my guidance, we can craft an elite force. Focusing on quantity will dilute quality.''

    The black fog surrounding Caine began to thin, fading back into a serene white luster.

    He shook his head again. ''You''re missing the bigger picture. Quality will never be an issue. Soran has already proven that my summons will always possess the highest talent. And as I grow stronger, you will too, making it easier to manage them.''

    ''The real problem lies elsewhere. My tribulations. The scale of my future battles.''

    A fiendish light flared in his eyes. ''What I have now is just the beginning¡ªa first step on a long, unforgiving road.''

    ''It won''t be enough. And because balance must always be maintained, my tribulations will only become more brutal.''

    He exhaled slowly, a sense of resolve anchoring him. ''I wouldn''t be surprised if I needed a tribulation just to break past the Blood Realm.'' S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The air around him quivered, as if acknowledging his words.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 78 - 78: Toseh

    Elura frowned.

    ''What does that have to do with anything? Using your own logic, shouldn''t keeping a low number of summons be the smartest path?''

    ''No. Using my logic, it means that, just like the world, I need to find a balance between quality and quantity. Right now, the scale skews heavily toward quality, and that''s not good.''

    ''It still doesn''t make sense,'' Elura argued, her form appearing above Caine''s head, a wisp of ethereal light and shadow. ''Why would quality matter to an army of immortal summons?''

    ''Not only are they immortal, but they can draw power from your stars and your Will. Why the need to go overboard? You''re complicating your life for no reason, Caine.''

    ''What kind of enemies could you possibly face that require such overwhelming power? You''re rushing to the end of a race that hasn''t even begun. I can feel the unrest in your heart.''

    ''Who are you afraid of?''

    Silence followed, heavy and suffocating. The world seemed to hold its breath, afraid to move under Caine''s gaze. Elura''s form trembled, only now realizing the weight of her words.

    "Fear?" Caine repeated aloud, his voice unnervingly calm. "Fear?" he asked again, the single word slicing through the stillness like a blade.

    Elura shivered as an oppressive Will descended upon her, a force so overwhelming that it felt like the sky itself was bearing down on her. It wasn''t Caine who acted; his Will moved of its own accord, lashing out as if her words had insulted its very essence.

    But with a thought, Caine quelled the storm within him, suppressing his own Will star.

    "I do not act out of fear," he said. "You simply cannot see what I see."

    A powerful rush of qi swirled before him, and slowly, a figure began to take shape.

    Simultaneously, high above, the World Will Eye began to manifest once more, its gaze cold and indifferent.

    Elura stopped trembling. The tears brimming in her eyes dried instantly, evaporating under an unseen force. "I¡­ I''m sor¡ª"

    "There''s no need to apologize," Caine interrupted, his tone even. "Perhaps my actions did contain traces of fear I hadn''t noticed. It is what it is."

    Elura''s form faded, retreating deep into his Bond Space, silent and withdrawn. In that fleeting moment, she had glimpsed the boundless wrath and hate simmering deep within Caine''s heart. It wasn''t directed at her, nor the world, but at himself. A self-loathing so potent it had taken form, breaking into the True Will stage long before his reincarnation.

    Perhaps it had ascended even beyond that.

    ''What could have happened in his past¡­?''

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    Caine''s attention returned to the figure now fully formed in front of him.

    A tall humanoid entity stood there, its body covered in dark brown fur that shimmered with radiant golden runes. Ape-like features dominated its visage, and its scarlet, bestial eyes gleamed with vicious intent.

    Atop its head, a swirling crown of fire blazed, and rings of golden flames encircled its wrists and ankles, radiating waves of oppressive heat. In its grasp, a long wooden staff gleamed with ancient power.

    Toseh, the Ape King¡ªthe very entity Caine had faced during his coming-of-age ceremony, during the second phase of the trial.

    The World Will Eye''s voice resonated above, cold and final.

    [More trials were intended, but they have proven unnecessary. The ruthlessness of your own hands and the infernal fire within your heart are trials enough to forge you, child. So be it.]

    [Face my warrior and emerge triumphant, or fall.]

    The World Will Eye faded, its decree echoing into the void.

    Caine and Toseh locked eyes. The Ape King shifted uncomfortably under Caine''s unwavering gaze, an unsettling sensation gnawing at his confidence.

    The last time they had faced each other, Toseh had been stripped of everything¡ªhis cultivation, his dignity and his hands, mangled beyond recognition. Chains had bound him, forcing him to fight under crippling restraint.

    Now, his strength had returned, almost to its full extent. Yet, he still felt¡­ inadequate.

    The feeling festered within him, feeding his bitter rage.

    "Little Velios boy," Toseh growled, his voice a deep, primal rumble. "You''ve grown quite a bit, haven''t you? I see that the world¡ª"

    "You''re afraid too, aren''t you?" Caine cut him off, his voice quiet yet sharp.

    Caine slowly removed his upper robe, revealing a black battle shirt that hugged his muscular frame. He flicked his wrist, and the robe vanished into his storage ring. His hair, dark and silken, moved like threads of living shadow, weaving itself into a long, tight braid.

    Toseh''s laughter erupted, a deep, earth-shaking roar. "Me? Afraid?" he mocked, his voice rumbling through the air, shaking the ground beneath them.

    Caine paid no attention to the display. His voice was soft, reflective. "Scared and embarrassed. Is this what I looked like to them?" he mused aloud.

    He flexed his fingers, his knuckles cracking.

    "Regardless, I''ll be using you to test a few things."

    Caine exhaled slowly.

    Toseh''s laughter choked off abruptly. His pupils shrank to pinpricks, a primal terror surging through him. His breath grew ragged, and his heart pounded erratically.

    "¡­[Star Ring Circle: Fire.]¡­"

    Behind Caine, his arcane and martial rings manifested, their forms overlapping in a mesmerizing dance of power. At their center, his Elemental Fire Will Star blazed, a radiant beacon of destructive energy.

    Toseh''s chest tightened, his instincts screaming in panic. He snarled, furious at his own fear. His crown of fire spun faster, and his aura flared, roaring to life. But it was futile.

    Caine wasn''t finished.

    "¡­[Dragon Foundation.]¡­"

    In the depths of his Fire Star, an ethereal dragon appeared, its eyes glinting with primordial might.

    Toseh''s vision blurred.

    A heartbeat later, he found himself airborne, flames searing his body, blood spilling from his lips. Agony radiated from his chest, a clear indentation of a fist burned into his flesh.

    Far in the distance, Caine''s voice drifted toward him, calm and cold.

    "I hope you can stay alive until I''m done testing. After that, I''ll let you rest¡­ for eternity." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 79 - 79: Toseh(II)â€”Demon

    Toseh thrashed across the cold white stone of the trial grounds, his body twisting in agony.

    Caine stood motionless in the distance, his gaze fixed on the Ape King as he fumbled and struggled.

    Chaotic waves of fire qi coursed through Toseh''s body, shattering the momentum of his blood qi and plunging him into an abyss of infernal pain. His roars of anguish echoed through the empty air.

    Caine''s eyes remained calm, but a vicious and malevolent edge flickered within them¡ªa glimmer of inhuman rage and deep-seated anger, reminiscent of a certain pope long forgotten.

    With a wild, defiant roar, Toseh extinguished the invasive qi burning through his veins. He rolled across the stone and landed on his feet, his knees bent, his breath ragged. His blood qi surged, and his wounds healed instantly.

    "I see. I see."

    The golden rings around his wrists and ankles spun violently, igniting into an inferno of white and gold flames. His crown of fire darkened, turning into black flames that crackled ominously.

    He took a step forward, and a ball of fire exploded beneath his foot, propelling him with blinding speed. In an instant, he was in front of Caine, his wooden staff swinging, flames swirling around it.

    BOOOM!

    Caine sidestepped effortlessly. His knee shot upward, driving into Toseh''s abdomen and knocking the wind from his lungs. Before Toseh could react, Caine''s fist zipped through the air and crashed into his face with brutal precision.

    Toseh staggered back, only for Caine''s raised foot to stomp down, summoning a pillar of flames that erupted and engulfed him.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine struck again, his palm slamming into Toseh''s collarbone, shattering it with a sickening crack and sending him flying backward. The pillar of fire splintered into countless swirling orbs of flame, each one humming with deadly intent.

    With a wave of his hand, Caine unleashed the orbs.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    Explosion after explosion tore into Toseh''s flesh, charring his skin repeatedly. But his blood qi was relentless, knitting his wounds closed before the pain fully registered. He burst out of the cloud of fire, his body smoking, and punched the air from a distance.

    BANG!

    A massive fist of golden qi materialized, hurtling toward Caine with unstoppable force.

    But Caine didn''t flinch. His palm rose, and dark red runes flickered into existence, arranging themselves into a flawless formation that glowed with fiery intensity.

    He infused the formation with a thread of fire qi from his star, and a towering wall of flames surged upward.

    BOOM!

    The golden fist crashed into the wall, but instead of dissipating, a whisper echoed through the air: "¡­[Reflect]¡­"

    Toseh''s eyes widened in shock as the wall of flames coiled like a spring, rebounding his own attack back at him with terrifying speed.

    He barely managed to dodge, veering to the side, but Caine was already there, his palm streaking forward like a viper.

    Toseh twisted away, closing the distance with a flaming punch aimed at Caine''s chest.

    Caine''s hand snapped out, deflecting the blow with a casual slap. He leaned in close, their faces mere inches apart.

    Caine''s mouth opened, his throat expanding grotesquely, a fierce crimson light building within. In the next heartbeat, he roared, unleashing a beam of concentrated plasma.

    WHOOOOSH!

    Toseh jerked aside, but his arm was caught in the searing beam. Flesh sizzled and burned away. He howled in pain, his eyes wide with panic. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine seized the opportunity. His hand shot forward, fingers digging into the exposed wound, and he tore out a chunk of flesh.

    Toseh''s scream pierced the air, raw and desperate.

    "ARGHH!"

    Caine''s other hand plunged into Toseh''s abdomen, fingers curling around his intestines before he yanked them out in a splatter of blood and gore.

    SPLAT!

    Toseh''s entrails spilled onto the cold white stone, steaming in the frigid air. A feral light burned in Caine''s eyes as his fire star spun faster. Two concentrated beams of fire qi shot from his pupils, drilling into Toseh''s skull.

    Toseh''s scream was cut short as Caine''s blood-soaked hand reached for his eyes, intent on gouging them out. Desperation surged through Toseh, and he twisted away¡ªonly to slam into a brutal uppercut that snapped his head back.

    Caine''s hand closed around Toseh''s throat. With a ruthless jerk, he tore out his trachea, a spray of crimson misting the air.

    Blood splattered across Caine''s face, painting him in a grotesque mask of fury and sin. A darkness, long restrained, now roared to the surface, Elura''s words having cracked open a well of violence he''d been struggling to suppress.

    Both of Caine''s hands seized Toseh''s head. With a savage motion, he drove it down onto his rising knee.

    CRACK!

    The sound of Toseh''s skull fracturing echoed through the grounds. Brain matter oozed from the fissures, a grotesque cascade of gore and pulp.

    Caine''s left fist tightened, then descended in a bone-shattering axe punch to the back of Toseh''s head. The Ape King crumpled, his body spasming weakly as his blood qi fought in vain to heal him. But it was too slow. By the time one wound closed, another had been torn open.

    Caine''s ferocity knew no bounds. He dismantled Toseh piece by piece, his fists and feet a relentless storm of destruction.

    SHURP!

    With a sickening tear, Caine ripped Toseh''s left arm from its socket. He infused the severed limb with fire qi, turning it into a burning blade of flesh and bone. Without hesitation, he drove it into Toseh''s chest.

    BANG!

    Toseh fell to his knees, shattered, broken, and utterly defeated. His body refused to move, his will crushed beneath the weight of Caine''s wrath.

    Silence descended, thick and oppressive.

    "Huff¡­ huff¡­ huff¡­"

    Caine''s labored breaths filled the void, his chest rising and falling as if each breath were an effort. His eyes blazed with lingering hate and wrath.

    He looked down at Toseh''s ruined form, his expression twisting into a frown. Slowly, he exhaled, closing his eyes. His bloodstained hands rose to his temples, massaging them as he fought to regain control.

    ''I can''t lose control like that ever again.''

 Chapter 80 - 80: Blessing

    ''It''s a flaw in my technique.''

    The technique Caine had used in this battle was called [Star Ring Circle]. In essence, it allowed him to summon and fully utilize the power of his stars through his rings, which served as specialized conduits.

    The technique drew upon his stars and amplified his abilities in ways that defied the ordinary limits of qi manipulation.

    Though Caine hadn''t relied on many overt fire abilities during the fight, the mere presence of his Fire Star had suppressed most of Toseh''s powers. The star enhanced his physical abilities, granting him superior strength and speed.

    Most importantly, it allowed him to wield True Fire Qi with unparalleled ease, a feat that was otherwise beyond the reach of most cultivators.

    The second step of the [Star Ring Circle] technique let him tap into the Wills of the Beast Progenitors associated with the element he desired. This infusion of primal power not only strengthened his body but also made his control over the element absolute, bending it to his whims as though he were a force of nature itself.

    It was a technique he had created only moments ago, yet it was already terrifying in its potential.

    But it had a flaw. The second step of the technique connected him too deeply with the primal instincts of the Beast Progenitors. It stirred something ancient and wild within his heart, dragging suppressed emotions to the surface and making it difficult to maintain his rationality. The raw, unfiltered essence of the beasts clawed at his mind, pushing him toward a frenzy of violence.

    The fact that Elura''s words had shaken him only exacerbated the issue. Her questions had struck a chord, unearthing feelings he had tried to bury. His emotions, already volatile, had surged uncontrollably, feeding into the primal power of the technique.

    ''I''ll fix it later.''

    Caine exhaled a slow, measured breath, then reopened his eyes. The [Star Ring Circle] technique faded, his rings withdrawing, and his aura gradually settled. The raging storm within him ebbed, replaced by a hollow stillness. His gaze fell on Toseh''s lifeless body, the once-mighty warrior reduced to a broken husk.

    Such a proud, formidable foe¡ªreduced to ashes of his former glory. Caine sighed deeply. He raised a hand and summoned a gentle wave of fire that enveloped Toseh''s corpse. The flames consumed the body, leaving nothing but ash. Caine couldn''t bring himself to turn Toseh into a summon. It felt wrong, a final insult to a warrior who had fought with everything he had.

    The least he could do was grant Toseh the dignity of rest. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The soft wind of the trial grounds caught the ashes, carrying them away into the vast sky.

    They drifted and swirled, disappearing into the distance.

    Suddenly, a pillar of milky white qi descended from the heavens, wrapping itself around Caine in a warm embrace. The sensation was strange, familiar in a way that tugged at the edges of his memory. He felt as though he were back in his mother''s womb, nurtured by her blood qi, safe and secure.

    Elura''s voice echoed in his mind, urgent and calm. "You''re being blessed by the World Will Eye. Quick, sit cross-legged. I''ll guide you."

    Without hesitation, Caine folded his legs and closed his eyes. His breath slowed, his mind opening to the flood of energy washing over him.

    "The path you''re walking is called the True Defiant Forgery," Elura explained. Her voice was steady, each word clear and precise. "It begins with the Qi Comprehension stage, where you understand qi''s fundamental function¡ªbeing a vessel. Once you grasp this, you gain the ability to manipulate any and all qis. That''s how you were able to wield True Fire Qi in your previous form."

    Caine listened, absorbing the information like a parched man drinking water. The knowledge filled the gaps in his understanding, clarifying concepts that had always felt just out of reach.

    "After that comes the Intent Grasping stage," Elura continued. "This stage extends the Qi Comprehension stage to its limits. Once you understand that qi is a vessel, you learn to comprehend what it contains¡ªintent. In this stage, you can tap into the true force and power of any qi by accessing its intent. You can forge and read intents, and you can also see the true shape of the world through the strings of intent that bind everything together."

    As Elura spoke, Caine felt his stars tremble, the connections between them strengthening and expanding. The web of energy within him grew more intricate, more refined.

    "Then comes a stage that diverges into two paths," Elura said. "The Will Blossoming stage or the True Will Forging stage. The Will Blossoming stage can only be reached through countless years of experience and near-godlike understanding. It allows you to impose your Will on the world and disturb the natural flow of intents."

    She paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "The True Will Forging stage, however, is a different beast entirely. In this stage, you don''t merely disturb the flow of nature¡ªyou mold and shape it to your whim. A Will Blossoming practitioner can influence nature. But you? The world listens to you. You don''t force it; it obeys, like a loyal vassal to its king."

    Caine''s mind buzzed with clarity. He could feel his understanding deepening, the pieces of his power fitting together with a satisfying click.

    "And then there are the fourth and fifth stages," Elura said. "The Essence Creation stage, where you forge an Essence True Will, and the Quintessence Reckoning stage, where you give birth to a Quintessential True Will."

    She paused again, her voice growing softer.

    "The final stage of this path is the Dao Heart Bloom stage. But for now, we''ll leave that aside. Now that you know what lies ahead, let''s backtrack."

    "To solidify yourself in the first two stages, no test was required. But from the True Will Forging stage onward, a test is necessary. You must face and accept yourself. These trials will be essential for entering the higher stages."

    Elura''s tone grew somber. "Due to the nature of the True Defiant Forgery path, this is as much as I can tell you. You must light the path ahead yourself. But if you''ve made it this far without guidance, I trust you''ll figure it out."

    She hesitated before speaking again. "I apologize for the long explanation, but it leads to this¡ªthe Blessing. The blessing you''re receiving now is plunging your mind into the perfect state to grasp the secrets of your path and ascend. This is your chance."

    "Don''t miss it. This path may one day determine your life and death."

    Elura''s presence faded, leaving Caine alone in the quiet embrace of the blessing. He didn''t notice her absence. The moment she stopped speaking, his mind exploded with ideas, revelations blooming like a thousand stars.

    The force of his thoughts was almost overwhelming, a torrent of insight and clarity.

    ''True Defiant Forgery path¡­ I see. I see. I see.''

    He repeated the words, each repetition deepening his understanding. If he had reached this point with no guidance, no direction¡ªthen what heights could he achieve now, with his gifts unsealed and his path illuminated?

    He smiled faintly, a sense of boundless potential swelling within him.

    The answer was clear.

    He had no limit.

 Chapter 81 - 81: Blessing(II)

    Caine had previously lacked direction with his stars. They had been born from a series of luck and coincidences, which meant their structure and potential were likely impeded.

    Anything Caine did without deliberate thought was inherently flawed.

    But now, this would change.

    WHOOOSH!

    All his stars dissipated, breaking apart into streams of chaotic intent. What remained were the countless Elemental God cores that had been fused into them. These crystalline cores pulsed with raw, dormant power, suspended in the void of his Bond Space.

    The cores began to move, drawn toward one another by a force of will. They fused and compressed, forming 106,402 singularities¡ª53,201 for the Elements and 53,201 for the Beast Progenitors. Each singularity was a seed of potential, dense and waiting to be refined.

    Caine moved according to the stages Elura had explained to him, her words etched into his mind.

    Qi Comprehension.

    Neutral qi from his Bond Space gathered and swirled around each core. The energy flowed like rivers of starlight, seeping into the depths of the singularities. The cores absorbed the qi eagerly, expanding and becoming denser, growing larger and more potent with each pulse.

    Intent Grasping.

    The singularities quivered, their surfaces trembling as runes began to snake across them. Each rune was a crystallization of purpose, a symbol of refined intent. A powerful intent bloomed within each singularity, and with a thunderous BOOM!, they ignited into stars. These stars spun in place, their light infused with raw, undeniable meaning.

    True Will Forging.

    The stars spun faster, their energies intertwining in a celestial dance. They connected, forming a radiant constellation of power. The runes etched upon each star flared brilliantly, mirrored by a new set of runes that flickered within their blazing flares.

    BOOOOM!

    A tyrannical Will surged from each star, their energies feeding into one another, weaving together to form a singular, overwhelming force. This force concentrated on Caine''s central silver True Will star, which blazed brightly at the heart of the constellation.

    Without hesitation, the collective force shattered his silver star.

    In that instant, all his stars moved in unison, reshaping his central star and pushing it through the same three stages¡ªQi Comprehension, Intent Grasping, and True Will Forging.

    They refined it to absolute perfection, purging any flaws or weaknesses.

    Five dragons materialized, their massive forms coiling protectively around the silver star. His nine rings manifested, their radiant forms encircling his winged avatar. Everything connected seamlessly, the power flowing like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. His Bond Space trembled under the weight of his breakthrough.

    RUMBLE!

    Caine exhaled slowly, as if this monumental feat were as natural as breathing. But he didn''t stop.

    RUMBLE!

    Essence Creation.

    The truths of this stage unfolded effortlessly in his mind. It felt so natural, so obvious, that he barely needed to think as his stars breached the barrier of the Essence Creation stage. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    They evolved into Essence True Will stars, radiating a deeper and more fundamental power.

    After mastering Will, it was time to grasp the very essence of things. Fire qi burned because its fire intent willed it, and that intent was birthed by its Dragon Will.

    But why did the Dragon Will exist? Why did the dragon exist at all? Who had created this primal force?

    The Heavens.

    The Heavens¡ªthe world itself¡ªhad created dragons to spark the first flame. The Heavens had determined their purpose, their task, their essence.

    The Essence Creation stage was about understanding the essence of an element within the context of the world. To know the fire''s purpose, its role, and how it fit into the grand design. This comprehension allowed one to guide and manipulate that essence.

    Through this understanding, fire could quench thirst, water could burn the sky, and earth could rise above the stars. The lines between all things blurred, unified into a singular mosaic of existence.

    It was the ability to tap into the core of an existence itself.

    But Caine didn''t stop. Why would he stop now?

    His stars, fresh from their evolution, trembled violently. They exploded into colossal black holes, devouring all light and logic. Yet within those voids, something wondrous occurred¡ªnew stars began to bloom in the darkness, defying all reason.

    Quintessence Reckoning Stage.

    This stage came to Caine with such ease it felt inevitable. A deep resonance stirred within him, as though he were truly touching his soul for the first time. All complexities fell away, leaving only simplicity¡ªthe Self. The raw truth of existence, stripped to its purest form.

    The Quintessence Reckoning stage was about embodying defiance and breaking limits.

    A flame so intense it could burn the Heavens. Waters so deep they could drown the void. Winds so fierce they could tear the cosmos apart.

    A Will so pure it could ascend to godhood.

    BOOOOOOM!

    The black holes flared with color, transmuting into sheets of white fabric that wrapped around the stars hidden within. These multicolored bubbles compressed, their brilliance intensifying until they blazed like new stars.

    The new constructs settled into a tranquil constellation, their energies harmonizing. The constellation trembled and linked, focusing on Caine''s silver star.

    His silver star imploded into a black hole, from which dragon-coiled silver stars and nine radiant rings emerged. The black hole turned white, transmuting into silvery fabric that wrapped around the stars.

    The silver fabric compressed as five enormous dragons reappeared, coiling around it protectively. Nine majestic rings spun into existence, gleaming with a divine light.

    WHOOOSH!

    The winds of his Bond Space whispered softly, a gentle lullaby after the storm. His winged avatar descended gracefully, taking its place above the final star, a serene guardian watching over the cosmos.

    It was calm. How could it be otherwise? Under Caine''s absolute [Outer] and [Inner] control, nothing in his body could go wrong.

    ''This is interesting.'' He exhaled slowly, the changes settling within him.

    All his stars now stood at the perfect peak of the Quintessence Reckoning stage¡ªexcept for his own silver star.

    It was far more potent than all the others combined, yet it lingered at the Half-Step Quintessential Reckoning stage. He could feel the barrier, elusive yet undeniable.

    ''If I had to guess, it''s related to the Dao Heart Blossoming stage. For the Dao Heart to blossom, it must first exist. To break through, I''ll need to forge a Dao Heart, making my two breakthroughs occur simultaneously.''

    Caine''s mind raced, analyzing the situation at blinding speed. But just as the thought solidified, the skies above stirred and rumbled.

    Time froze.

    The World Will Eye took shape.

 Chapter 82 - 82: Blessing(III)â€”The Throne

    Caine looked up, meeting the World Will Eye''s gaze with calm, unwavering resolve.

    He could sense the turmoil within its gaze¡ªuncertainty, hesitation. He had broken into the Essence Creation stage, meaning he should face the tests required of that level. But he had also ascended to the Quintessence Reckoning stage while his main star hovered at the half-step. The boundaries were blurred, making the situation ambiguous even for the world itself.

    To see the world hesitate was fascinating to Caine. Was there truly a difference between mortals and the world? This thought danced through his mind. The ability to interact with the world''s consciousness was astonishing enough, but to witness it display emotions and hesitation¡ªthis was something truly unique, something profound.

    "What are you?"

    The voice of the World Will Eye resonated, a question that was simple yet carried infinite weight.

    The test of the Essence stage was an extension of the Will stage. After being able to look into the mirror of one''s soul and accept oneself, the next step was to shatter that mirror and recreate the image, forging a reflection that embodied one''s essence¡ªto change oneself and truly bloom.

    To define yourself.

    But for Caine, just as with the previous test, this was laughably easy. Not because he had a clear answer, but because he found the question absurd.

    To define himself? To define was to limit. No title could encompass his entirety. No word could capture all that he was, all that he had been, all that he would become, and all that he aspired to be.

    His silence was his answer. It was that simple.

    The World Will Eye trembled, its form flickering. Then, without suspense or hesitation, it shattered into countless motes of light. The fragments descended, sinking into Caine, instantly devoured by his stars.

    A soothing ripple of energy radiated from his stars. They settled, stabilizing fully, their power firmly rooted.

    Time resumed its flow. In front of him, a swirling blue portal appeared¡ªhis exit.

    It seemed his trials were complete. In truth, they had felt more like an intensive training sequence than anything else. But Caine wouldn''t complain. He had gained invaluable insights, unlocked new power, and refined his understanding.

    He sighed and tilted his head up, staring at the sky. A weight pressed onto his chest, subtle but insistent. ''Why am I so scared? What am I afraid of?''

    An uneasy feeling gnawed at him. Something was coming. He didn''t know what, but the sensation was familiar¡ªlike the moment when Theobald had offered him the supposed greatest god-crafts in existence.

    It felt as though the invisible grip of fate was tightening around his neck, a silent noose slowly closing in. The suffocating dread of inevitability. He felt like an ant marching toward a trap, helpless to resist, his instincts screaming but his mind unable to comprehend the danger.

    It was as if someone were controlling his hands, forcing them to strangle him. As if the world itself were closing in, crushing him under its weight.

    ''Fate.''

    The word echoed in his mind.

    ''Fate. Fate. Fate.''

    The word repeated, louder each time, until it was a cacophony tearing at his thoughts. Panic threatened to overwhelm him. His breath quickened, his heart pounded, but then¡ªhis Will flared, a beacon of light cutting through the storm. His mind settled, the chaos subsiding.

    Caine''s fingers dug into the flesh of his chest, his face contorted into a frown, his pupils trembling. He didn''t understand what was happening.

    He sighed once more and rose to his feet. Pulling his upper robes on, he approached the portal. His gaze, a swirl of chaotic and unreadable emotions, fixed ahead.

    The Ancestral Trial Grounds had been conquered.

    ***

    It had only been moments since Caine vanished through the portal, and Ancestor Tallow smiled, the other ancestors chuckling in relief and triumph.

    WHOOSH!

    Ancestor Tallow''s gaze sharpened as he looked up. Black, white, and silver feathers began drifting from the sky, and from the depths of the clouds, a figure appeared.

    Caine descended, his wings outstretched, blotting out the sky. His gaze, though calm, held an elusive essence. A flicker of melancholic warmth glimmered within his eyes, stirring the hearts of all who looked upon him. A deep, inexplicable sadness bloomed in their souls, leaving them breathless.

    Even Ancestor Tallow felt his composure waver. The sight of Caine''s angelic form, his ethereal presence, was almost overwhelming. An urge to reach out to the sky¡ªto touch that fleeting radiance¡ªgripped him.

    Ancestor Tallow frowned and shook his head, snapping out of the trance. ''What a terrifyingly potent aura¡­ or is it intent?''

    Caine descended slowly, his aura soft yet commanding. When his feet touched the ground, his wings dissolved into the wind.

    Zao rushed forward immediately, his eyes scanning Caine for any injuries, unconcerned about appearances. Caine chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on his uncle''s shoulder.

    "I''m alright. Aren''t I here?"

    Zao, still taller than his nephew, looked down with a steady, knowing gaze. He could see the storm raging behind Caine''s eyes, a stark contrast to his serene exterior.

    "We''ll talk later."

    Zao sighed, patting Caine''s shoulder before stepping behind him. He straightened his changpao, adjusted his glasses, and slicked his hair back, adopting the stance of a vigilant guard.

    Caine''s expression softened. His gaze shifted to Ancestor Tallow, who still wore a deep frown. The man''s eyes reflected disbelief. He clearly hadn''t expected Caine to survive. And yet, here he stood.

    Ancestor Tallow remained silent for a moment before waving his hand. The arena stands opened, and the spectators flooded in, forming a circle around Caine and Zao.

    Another wave of his hand, and a golden crown materialized.

    BANG!

    The spectators dropped to their knees, arms crossed over their chests, their voices ringing out in unison.

    "We greet His Royal Highness, Scion Lerouge!"

    The ancestors knelt as well, their voices solemn. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "We, the Pillars of the Alliance, recognize His Royal Highness, Scion Lerouge."

    Ancestor Tallow floated toward Caine, their eyes locking. He nodded, a gesture of acknowledgment, before placing the crown gently on Caine''s head.

    Then he stepped back and knelt. Zao followed suit.

    The weight of the crown pressed down on Caine''s brow. He tilted his head up, his eyes catching the light of the sun. For a fleeting moment, his gaze glazed over, moisture glimmering before vanishing¡ªburnt away by the intensity of his heart.

    "We acknowledge and greet His Highness, Scion Lerouge!"

    Their voices echoed like a hymn. Caine closed his eyes, letting the moment wash over him.

    The throne was his.

 Chapter 83 - 83: Message

    In front of Caine, a golden door appeared¡ªsimple and unadorned, yet endlessly elegant.

    It radiated an aura of royalty and power, as though it embodied the very concept of dominion.

    Without hesitation, Caine pushed the door open and stepped through.

    ***

    Caine reappeared in what seemed to be a vast hall constructed entirely of dark purple marble. The marble gleamed under an unseen light, its surface polished to a mirror sheen. Ahead of him, a throne loomed¡ªan imposing structure forged from pure black void stone. Suspended above the throne, a silver ring floated gently, shimmering with an ethereal glow.

    Caine walked forward slowly, his steps echoing in the silent hall. He paused just before the throne, his gaze fixed on the ring. It seemed to pulse with latent power, as though it were alive. He extended his hand and grasped the ring carefully.

    Instantly, a screen materialized before him.

    [Would you like to appraise this object?]

    He nodded.

    ***

    [Name: Ring of Timeless Reign¡ªVelios Heirloom]

    [Type: Irregular Defiant God Craft¡ªNatal Treasure]

    ?Previous Owner: Roman Carnis Velios

    >A heirloom passed down through the Velios line since its inception. The mighty seek the crown, and the divine are bound by it¡ªthe ring yields only to boundless life.

    ?Effect (I): Upon first wear, the ring becomes an innate artifact that mutates the wearer''s Bond Space, evolving it into a fully-fledged Personal Space.

    ?Effect (II): Creates a passive qi shield generated by the flowing neutral qi of the Personal Space.

    ?Effect (III): Gain 90% of the strength of each loyal subordinate. Injuries can be transferred to subordinates, who may be sacrificed to heal or revive the wearer if they have achieved immortality.

    ?Effect (IV): 300% boost to power for every loyal subordinate. Loyalty must be absolute and unquestionable.

    ?Effect (V): Upon reaching the Spark realm, unlock an artificial database containing eons of information gathered by Velios Overlords and Scholars. Innate Bonds also gain access to this database to assist the ring-bearer.

    Note: Say your name to the wind.

    ***

    Elura''s whistle of astonishment rang in his mind as he absorbed the ring''s details. To call this a reward was a gross understatement.

    ''Fascinating. Our lineage must have had quite a few Necromancers among its leaders.''

    Without delay, he slipped the ring onto his finger. The moment the band touched his skin, a surge of energy coursed through him, and a profound connection took root. He knew, instinctively, that even if he tried, he wouldn''t be able to remove the ring now.

    A thin layer of white qi erupted from his body, shimmering briefly before fading into an intangible glow. Apart from that, nothing else happened. The ring''s other effects, he realized, would require time and effort to activate.

    ''Say your name to the wind¡­?''

    Puzzled, he decided to follow the instruction. He spoke his name aloud, his voice steady.

    "Caine Lerouge Velios."

    The air trembled, and Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    A voice, deep and familiar, filled the hall.

    "If you see this, it means you''ve managed to become the Scion."

    Before him, seated on the black void stone throne, a figure materialized. The man''s long black hair flowed like the fabric of space itself, his jade-white skin luminous against the shadows. His azure eyes sparkled with countless stars, galaxies reflected within their depths.

    The resemblance was uncanny¡ªa vision of Caine himself, older, tempered by time and experience.

    The man''s face was flawless, beyond mortal standards of beauty, his bearing one of quiet strength and majesty. A proud, joyous smile stretched across his lips as he regarded Caine.

    "Congratulations, son."

    Caine''s heart shook. He could scarcely believe what he was seeing. Resting on the man''s lap was a baby boy with short black hair and radiant silver eyes. The child giggled, his laughter like the chiming of heavenly bells.

    ''Is that¡­ me?''

    The first few years of Caine''s life were hazy, shrouded in an inexplicable fog. Though born with a mature mind, those early years had slipped into confusion, rendering him no different from an ordinary infant. He retained only fragmented flashes of the past¡ªand one clear memory: the faces of his parents. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    This man was his father.

    "It''s unfortunate that I won''t be able to see the man you''ll become," his father said, his smile tinged with sadness. "But life has its way with things." He paused. "I''m sure we''ll see each other soon."

    Roman Carnis Velios drew a deep breath. "I don''t have much time, so I''ll be brief. If my calculations are correct, the world is on the brink of unprecedented chaos. It will be a snowball effect of crisis upon crisis¡ªso relentless that one disaster will arise before you can resolve the last. Life-and-death struggles will stack endlessly."

    He sighed, the weight of inevitability in his voice. "We won''t be able to stop it. My absence here proves that."

    "But you must survive. You must claw your way through. Too much has been taken from you¡ªthings that you must reclaim."

    He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Focus on Fractured Realities. They will be seeds of hope. They''ll provide the time and resources you need to advance quickly. More importantly, they''ll help you uncover the history of our lineage."

    Roman''s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Zao might have already hinted at this, but there are things I can''t say aloud. Some ears are always listening."

    A towering Will radiated from Roman, a regal force that, while harmless, overwhelmed Caine''s senses. His own Will trembled in response.

    "Build a strong foundation. Power alone won''t save you¡ªit must be tempered, refined. Forge bonds with allies you can trust. You can''t survive this alone."

    He hesitated, his eyes softening. "And no matter how much you want to, don''t come looking for us. You won''t find us. That doesn''t mean we''re dead¡ªat least, I hope not. But for now, you''re too weak. Focus on surviving."

    Roman''s jaw clenched slightly. "And be wary of the Renala Clan. Trust them at your peril."

    He glanced down at the baby on his lap, a tender smile spreading across his face. He ruffled baby Caine''s hair, then looked up. His gaze pierced the recording, as though seeing Caine directly.

    "I really wish I could see the man you''ll become, little one." His laughter was warm, full of hope. "Your mother and I love you. Always."

    The figure faded. The recording ended.

    Caine stood there, frozen in place, his heart a tumult of emotions. The silent hall stretched around him, but in his mind, his father''s words echoed endlessly.

 Chapter 84 - 84: Heal

    Caine sat in a warm, steamy lake, naked under the vast expanse of the night sky. The moon hung high, its silver glow intensified by the myriad of stars scattered across the heavens. Their light shimmered on the surface of the emerald waters, casting a calming, ethereal glow over everything.

    His wet hair clung to his broad, tempered back as he let the soothing waters work their magic.

    The lake seemed almost alive, its scintillating surface healing his hidden injuries with every passing second. As impurities were burned away, his muscles relaxed, the tension melting under the heavenly touch of the waters. It was as though the cosmos themselves were massaging his weary body.

    He leaned back against a smooth, moss-covered rock and exhaled slowly. His gaze lifted to the sky, eyes locking onto the luminous moon.

    "Usually, it''s the other way around, isn''t it?" he murmured. "Women don''t typically peep on their male counterparts."

    From the thin air above, a figure emerged, descending gracefully. She wore layered robes of silver and black, each fold of fabric flowing as if woven from moonlight itself. Her long white hair glistened like freshly fallen snow, and her rose-colored eyes held deep crimson depths, secrets swirling within. Her face, flawless and ethereal, seemed sculpted by the gods.

    Lilith looked down, meeting Caine''s eyes with a knowing gaze.

    Few knew the truth, but their meeting during Caine''s journey to the Elemental Legacy Grounds had not been their first. In fact, Caine had known Lilith for years. Just weeks before his fifth birthday, she had appeared out of nowhere, unseen by anyone else, and befriended him.

    Back then, she had been only eleven years old and yet had already firmly planted herself in the depths of the Spark Realm.

    "You seem sad," Lilith said softly as she descended. Her feet brushed the surface of the water, and she settled beside him, weightless. "You always look sad, but today, you seem¡­ worse."

    Caine shook his head and offered a bitter smile. "I''m happy to see you too, Lilith."

    "Answer me," she insisted.

    "You didn''t ask a question," he countered. Her brow furrowed, but before she could reply, he continued. "I''m fine. Just winding down after everything that''s happened recently."

    She nodded but didn''t seem entirely convinced. Her gaze sharpened. "You''ve broken into the Quintessential Threshold, haven''t you?"

    He nodded again. "Yeah. That explains how you read my mind back then. It finally makes sense. How long have you been at that stage?"

    Lilith grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

    "Me? I''ve been at the peak of the Dao Heart Blooming Stage for years now. What''s it been, ten years?"

    Caine sneered. "Must be nice to have such an overpowered set of gifts." His voice was a mutter, edged with mock annoyance. He stood and stretched, his muscles rippling under the moonlight.

    He drifted upward, floating out of the water, and with a thought, his body dried instantly. A loose white changpao materialized around him, flowing down to his ankles, while his hair braided itself neatly.

    "Still haven''t cut it?" Lilith teased, standing up beside him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''ll cut it after I''m done with my Scion training. Until then¡­" He trailed off, his eyes gleaming with an auspicious light.

    A piercing screech echoed through the night.

    High above, Caine''s eagle mount swooped down, its wings a blur of black and silver. The two of them soared up to meet it, settling onto its broad back with practiced ease.

    "There''s someone I need to see in Kael City," Caine said. "Care to join me?"

    Lilith nodded, her smile widening. The eagle''s wings beat powerfully, and they surged forward into the cold night air.

    ***

    [Kael City ¡ª Northern Continent Border]

    Kael City was perpetually blanketed in snow, like most of the northern continent. A quiet stillness had settled over the city since the excitement of the Forger''s Trials had faded.

    The streets were mostly empty, the residents huddled indoors, seeking warmth.

    Carriages clattered by occasionally, leaving muddy tracks mixed with slush. Merchants, knowing sales were unlikely in such frigid conditions, clustered in open plazas under makeshift shelters, their stalls open for the rare passerby.

    The atmosphere was serene, peaceful even. Sunlight filtered through thick clouds, casting a muted glow on the snow-draped rooftops. It was in this tranquil setting that Caine and Lilith arrived. They wandered through the stalls, sampling delicacies and listening to snippets of conversation.

    "Have you heard about the chaos in the central continent?" a merchant asked a guard, who was clad in thick steel armor, clearly off duty.

    The guard shook his head, his breath fogging the cold air. "No, I''ve been swamped dealing with idiots who think they can take over the city. What''s happening? It''s not another war, is it?"

    The merchant sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head, irritated. "You won''t believe it. It might be another war."

    The guard''s brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

    "The Merchant Alliance from the central continent has been recalling everyone. We''ve been ordered to return with all our goods and dismantle any stations outside the main continent."

    "That''s probably because of the Millennium Auction," the guard suggested. "If it only happens once every ten generations, they need to be careful."

    The merchant rubbed his hands together for warmth. "Nah, it''s more than that." He blew his nose before continuing. "It''s happening alongside that cult''s activities."

    "A cult?" the guard repeated, frowning.

    "Yeah. Haven''t you heard? They''ve been blowing up trade houses of all the major powers. Just last week, they looted a treasury in the eastern continent."

    The guard let out a low whistle. "Hell. What makes them a cult? Sacrifices and rituals?"

    "Not exactly. They brand their victims'' faces with these weird eye symbols. They look like World Will Eyes, but¡­ off somehow."

    The guard strapped on his belt of swords, his expression grim. "Can we ever have one normal generation?"

    The merchant sighed. "We can only hope the new Scion will keep us safe."

    The guard nodded, his eyes shadowed with worry. "You''re right. Let''s hope."

    "See you around, Skelly."

    "Stay safe, big guy."

    They parted ways, their footsteps crunching through the snow.

 Chapter 85 - 85: Nine

    Caine and Lilith sat on a rooftop, overlooking the serene city below. The night air was crisp, the snow-covered streets bathed in the silvery glow of the moon.

    "Hm, that''s interesting," Lilith said aloud, watching the guard and merchant part ways. Her rose-colored eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Have you heard of this?"

    Caine shook his head slowly, his dark hair rustling with the motion. "No, not at all. I''ve been too focused on the Clan gathering." He yawned, stretching his long limbs. "Zao did mention a few things brewing in the central continent, but nothing urgent enough to need my attention."

    Lilith shrugged, acknowledging his words.

    "Yeah, I guess. Still, it''s good to keep track of stuff like this," she said, scooping another spoonful of ice cream from the wooden bowl in her hands. The dessert was infused with wood elemental crystals, an experiment by an ambitious chef from one of the stalls below.

    While the ice cream hadn''t impressed Caine, Lilith seemed to savor every bite.

    "So, when are we meeting this guy?" she asked between mouthfuls.

    "He should be here any moment."

    WHOOSH!

    A rush of wind heralded the arrival of a figure behind them. Soft winds rustled as Theobald''s imposing frame cast a shadow over the duo. His deep blue and gold eyes glowed with respect and reverence. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee.

    "Greetings, Your Highness," Theobald intoned, his voice low and measured. He turned to Lilith and inclined his head. "I greet the Heiress."

    Caine rose slowly, his eyes warm as he looked at Theobald. He placed a firm hand on the older man''s shoulder, helping him up. "There''s no need for that, Sir Theobald. Please, stand."

    Theobald complied, straightening to his full height¡ªan inch taller than Caine''s already impressive six-foot-eleven frame. His eyes softened at Caine''s genuine smile, a smile that reminded him of a man he had once sworn to serve through life and death.

    A sigh escaped his lips, and his stern expression melted away. "I''ve been well, Your Highness. Congratulations on your recent victory. I apologize for ever doubting you. My sincerest apologies."

    Caine chuckled, patting Theobald''s arm lightly. "Oh, come on. I told you there''s no need for that. It''s fine." He nodded toward the distance. "Shall we get going?"

    Theobald nodded and waved his hand. A swirling portal appeared before them, its edges shimmering with a silvery glow.

    As Caine and Theobald began to walk toward the portal, Caine glanced back. "You coming?"

    Lilith grinned, stood up, and followed without hesitation.

    **

    They emerged in a dimly lit room, the air damp and heavy. The lack of windows suggested they were underground. Fire-lit lamps lined the rough, mudstone walls, casting flickering shadows across the expansive chamber.

    The room was enormous¡ªfar larger than one might expect from such a hidden place. At its center, nine silver orbs floated in mid-air, radiating a soft, otherworldly glow. They illuminated the room like miniature stars, their light pulsing gently.

    Theobald stepped aside, and Lilith followed suit, standing back to let Caine approach the orbs alone. He didn''t hesitate, his eyes locked on the floating spheres. But as he took his first step forward, his body stiffened. The moment was fleeting; he soon resumed his stride, continuing toward the orbs.

    Behind him, Theobald and Lilith exchanged stunned glances, though for different reasons.

    Theobald''s brow furrowed in disbelief. He hadn''t designed this room, but he knew well the test it held. Each step toward the orbs applied crushing pressure on the mind, pushing it to the very brink. He had witnessed countless warriors crumble under that weight; some had even perished after a single step.

    Lilith, on the other hand, could feel the pressure emanating from the trial. Her Will allowed her to sense the layered oppression, and it was terrifying. She was confident she could pass the test, but not with such ease. It didn''t add up. She was two Will stages ahead of Caine, and after having forged her Bone and Flesh Structures she reached the peak of the Blood Realm. She should be stronger.

    ''Now that I think about it, I can''t see through his cultivation or thoughts anymore¡­ strange,'' she thought, her frown deepening.

    ''Does it have to do with that red thing attached to his Will?''

    WHOOSH!

    Caine reached the orbs, their silent call resonating within him. He could feel the boundless power they held, the majesty and authority that oozed from them. But that call remained unanswered¡ªfor now. With a firm tug of his Will, he drew the orbs into his Bond Space, storing them away for later.

    Now wasn''t the time to bind with such potent treasures. If Theobald was to be believed, these were some of the strongest artifacts to ever exist. He couldn''t take this lightly.

    And of course, as always, Caine had a plan.

    "That was a bit anticlimactic, wasn''t it?" Caine chuckled, turning back to them. Their inquisitive stares didn''t faze him.

    "It truly was, Your Highness," Theobald admitted with a sigh. His expression grew serious. "About my allegiance to your parents¡­ it''s complicated. I¡­"

    The air thickened with unspoken words.

    Theobald struggled to continue, his face a mask of conflicted thoughts.

    Caine''s smile never wavered. "It''s alright. I understand."

    He didn''t press further, walking past the older man. His eyes met Lilith''s. "You want to head back home, or¡­" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Or?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

    "There''s a city nearby with an ancient beast exhibition. Interested?"

    Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Will there be good food?"

    "Mhm." He smirked. "The duke there is a master of the culinary arts. The exhibition is about the beasts they use to create their dishes."

    Lilith''s eyes widened. "Oh?"

    They stepped through the portal, their figures vanishing into the swirling light.

    Theobald remained behind, his gaze lingering on the spot where they disappeared. His shoulders slumped slightly, and a weary sigh escaped him.

    ''Fate has its way with things.''

    He took a step forward and teleported away, leaving the room empty. The silence that followed was profound, the faint flicker of the lamps the only sign of life.

 Chapter 86 - 86: Invent

    Caine sat cross-legged on his usual cultivation platform, nestled deep within a snow-covered forest. The air was crisp, the world blanketed in a serene hush.

    His eyes were closed, his breathing rhythmic and steady as he allowed his mind to settle into perfect stillness. Snowflakes drifted lazily around him, some landing on his broad shoulders, only to melt instantly from the heat of his focused qi.

    Normally, after one ascended to Scionhood, they were required to undergo the Scion Training Regime within specialized underground facilities. These facilities contained everything a Scion needed to advance swiftly and securely.

    But Caine wasn''t interested in the formalities just yet. He preferred the quiet solitude of his platform, surrounded by the ancient trees and the whisper of falling snow. Here, his thoughts flowed freely, and his connection to the world felt unbreakable.

    ''Let''s begin.''

    Caine centered himself, preparing to enter the Perfected Folds stage. This stage followed the foundational processes of Blood and Marrow Washing stage and was designed to take a cultivator''s physical refinement to its utmost limits.

    After constructing the foundational structures of his body and purifying his blood qi, the next step was to empower and refine his body to the pinnacle using that purified blood qi.

    The stages of refinement were sequential: Bone Fortification, Flesh Empowerment, Five Elements Union, Blood Purification, Vein Channel Widening, and finally, Marrow Washing. Each step mirrored the earlier stages of the Blood Realm, and together, they formed what was known as a refined fold.

    But there was a secret to this stage.

    Once the first refined fold was completed with blood qi, a cultivator could continue refining their body with different types of qi. Most cultivators could handle only thirteen folds due to the conflicting nature of various qis.

    But Caine had no intention of stopping there.

    After his initial refinement with blood qi, he planned to refine his body thirteen times for each of his stars and their corresponding qis.

    Given that he had 106,402 stars, this meant a total of 1,383,226 refined folds.

    One million, three hundred and eighty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty-six folds.

    It was an absurd, seemingly impossible number. Yet, Caine''s resolve didn''t waver. He was determined to draw out the full potential of his Bone, Flesh, and Organ structures.

    And even that wasn''t enough.

    He planned to refine his body not only with the true qis of his stars but to push further still.

    Beyond qi refinement, he intended to incorporate Intent, then Essence, and finally Quintessence into the process.

    In essence, he was pioneering a new path of refinement: Qi Fold Refinement, Intent Fold Refinement, Essence Fold Refinement, and Quintessence Fold Refinement.

    Only when he had completed all these steps would he be satisfied.

    ''It''s definitely doable. Definitely.''

    Caine''s aura surged, his usually calm presence transforming into something sharp and unyielding. A terrifying edge lurked beneath the surface¡ªa sharpness capable of sundering even the strongest Wills.

    He exhaled slowly. Nature seemed to respond to his intent, wrapping around him like a comforting blanket and pulling him into a state of profound focus.

    The refinement began. His robes fluttered under the immense pressure of his raging qi.

    Yet, his mind was split in two¡ªone half dedicated to the refinement process, the other occupied by a lingering thought.

    Thanks to his rings, Caine had always been able to split his mind into multiple streams.

    Now, it was as natural as breathing.

    ''I need a deeper understanding of the gaps between each Will stage to complete my foundation.''

    ''It''s complicated, especially when factoring in qi.''

    Caine reflected on his grasp of Intent and its later stages. He had only truly used it a couple of times¡ªonce during the Clan Gathering when he fused Earth Intent with his neutral qi to imprison the Heavenly Heirs. The second time was in his battle with Toseh, when he used [Star Ring Circle], though he dismissed that example.

    The truth was, he hadn''t yet taken the time to fully analyze and internalize his understanding of Intent and Will. To wield it effectively, he needed to peel back its layers, dissecting it to its core.

    ''Qi comprehension is straightforward for me. My affinity with qi is uncanny, even without my talents. As a mere Blood Realm cultivator, I can use True Qi and manipulate it effortlessly.''

    But Intent was more nuanced.

    ''Grasping Intent offers the ability to read and create intent. More importantly, I can tap into the intent behind qi to unlock its true potential.''

    By reading the intent of an object or energy, Caine could understand it perfectly. This gave him an undeniable advantage, one he had yet to fully exploit.

    ''I need to use this more. I can even do what Lilith does¡ªread others'' intentions and build predictive models based on their actions.''

    The ability to create intent was another area where he was falling short. His mind automatically associated intent with qi, which limited his creativity.

    ''What''s stopping me from creating Fist Intent when I throw a punch? Or Spear Intent when I wield a weapon? I could even use Mental Intent to sharpen my thoughts.''

    He considered the reverse application: using neutral qi as a vessel for intent.

    ''I could mold neutral qi into anything I desire through intent.''

    This realization extended to the True Will Forging stage as well.

    ''What''s stopping me from channeling my Will into neutral qi¡ªor even into my own body?'' Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His True Will was the core of everything. From True Will to True Essence Will and, ultimately, to True Quintessential Will, everything branched from that core.

    ''Instead of viewing this as an evolution, I should see it as branches of the same tree. Intent isn''t above qi, just as Essence isn''t above Quintessence.''

    ''They all originate from Will itself. If I wanted, I could''ve forged a Quintessential True Will first and worked my way back.''

    As enlightenment blossomed within him, his stars trembled. Around each star, four smaller stars manifested¡ªQi Star, Intent Star, Essence Star, and Quintessence Star.

    A spark ignited within Caine, illuminating his path forward.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    His eyes slowly opened, their depths shimmering with newfound clarity.

    ''I almost stepped onto the wrong path.''

 Chapter 87 - 87: Dâ€¦

    Caine''s eyes snapped open, sharp as a blade.

    A flicker of something ancient and elusive stirred deep within his mind, like the fluttering of wings against a locked door. His gifts surged to life, working relentlessly to grasp that fleeting insight.

    It felt tantalizingly close yet maddeningly distant.

    ''D¡­d¡­'' His gaze narrowed, a frown etching itself onto his face. It felt as though an unseen force was deliberately shrouding his thoughts, blocking his path to complete enlightenment.

    BANG!

    A shockwave of chaotic qi exploded around him as he completed the final fold of his refinements. His body thrummed with terrifying power, the atmospheric qi warping and contorting under his sheer presence. The sky above darkened, clouds roiling and crackling with suppressed fury, while the earth trembled beneath his feet as if afraid of what he had become.

    But with a flicker from his silver star, [Inner Control] activated. The wild, chaotic energy that had surged outward like an uncontrollable tempest immediately stilled, tamed by his indomitable Will. The overwhelming power was leashed, falling completely under his command.

    He exhaled slowly, his breath steady and measured. The Perfected Folds stage was now behind him. What lay ahead was the True Rebirth stage¡ªthe penultimate stage of the Blood Realm, a stage that would take his body beyond its current limits.

    At this point in cultivation, a practitioner''s body would have reached a state of completion. No more enhancements could be made; no more impurities remained to be purged. Instead, their blood would be suffused with Potential¡ªthe raw, untapped energy that lay dormant within.

    This Potential was the essence of the True Rebirth stage. By igniting their Blood Qi, a cultivator could unleash this potential and fuse it into their body, undergoing a transformative rebirth. Each ignition equaled one rebirth, and the maximum number achievable was 81 rebirths.

    The more rebirths one completed, the more formidable they would become. The quality of these rebirths was determined by the foundation laid in the earlier stages. The stronger the foundation, the more profound and powerful each rebirth would be.

    Caine had no intention of overcomplicating things. He would complete 81 rebirths for each of his stars, just as he had achieved 13 folds per star in his previous refinements.

    With his recent breakthroughs, his star count had risen to a staggering 425,608 stars. This meant he was aiming for an astronomical total of 34,474,248 ignitions and rebirths.

    Thirty-four million, four hundred and seventy-four thousand, two hundred and forty-eight rebirths.

    The sheer scale of the task would have driven others to despair. But to Caine, it was just another step on his path. He didn''t hesitate.

    The process began immediately, his mind splitting effortlessly into multiple streams of thought. One part of his consciousness focused on the ignitions and rebirths, while another continued to probe the depths of his Will.

    His frown remained, the weight of his incomplete understanding gnawing at the edges of his mind.

    ''I can''t let this slip away. I need to backtrack and pin it down. I''m too close to let it fade.''

    He exhaled again, his Will washing over his body, sinking him into a state of hyper-focused clarity.

    ''I now understand that True Will is the core, the very heart of the path. Qi, Intent, Essence, and Quintessence are not stages above it¡ªthey are branches extending from it.''

    ''If I peel back even further, everything circles back to my first enlightenment¡ªBlood Qi.''

    Blood Qi was where it had all begun. The foundation of his journey.

    ''Through Blood Qi, I first comprehended Intent. By deepening my understanding of Intent, I realized that this path serves as a bridge.''

    A bridge connecting his mind to reality. A means to transform abstract thought into concrete action. A path to achieving absolute control.

    A ripple of energy surged through his body, and the air shimmered with auspicious signs¡ªa celestial affirmation of his insight.

    ''Creation and Control¡ªthe essence of True Will. The ability to make my thoughts reality. The power to command myself and the world around me.''

    The realization crystallized further. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Each stage I''ve traversed represents a form of control and creation: Qi Control and Creation. Intent Control and Creation. Essence Control and Creation. Quintessence Control and Creation.''

    But now, he needed to unify these elements.

    Not through fusion¡ªthat would be clumsy and crude. No, he needed to link them, to create a seamless whole where each part flowed into the next.

    He dove deeper, his mind stretching into the depths of the True Defiant Forgery Path. He didn''t realize it, but what he was attempting was revolutionary. Law-breaking.

    True Wills were deeply personal. Every cultivator''s path to True Will was unique. One could forge a True Will by mastering the elements, while another might forge theirs through profound emotional experiences.

    But not all True Wills were equal. Some paths led to simple, ordinary Wills. Others birthed monstrous, terrifying Wills capable of reshaping reality itself.

    ''Before I attempt to unify everything, I need to examine the foundation I''m building on.''

    ''Creation and Control may form the outer structure, but the core consists of my elements and beast progenitors. They are the roots of everything.''

    His body shuddered as a new thought burst into his mind.

    ''The dragons¡­''

    His focus turned inward to the five dragons coiling protectively around his silver star.

    ''¡­I see it now¡­''

    The answer had been there all along. The path he sought was the same path he had used to manifest his gifts. Those gifts, now represented by the five dragons, were formed by a blend of Intent, Essence, and Quintessence, all bound together by Qi.

    Hadn''t those dragons always been the key to his perfect control?

    Before their evolution, hadn''t the Bloody Dragon granted him flawless mastery over his body and Blood Qi?

    The realization struck like lightning. The path had been in front of him the entire time.

    Deep within his mind, the outline of a new technique began to form. It was faint, still embryonic, but filled with limitless potential.

    His body quivered as his mind rewired itself.

    His Arcane Ring activated, dissecting his brain, rearranging his understandings, organizing every insight into a perfect, cohesive whole.

    All the knowledge he had gained¡ªacross lifetimes¡ªclicked together.

    ''Creation and Control.''

    BOOOOOOOM!

    A deafening explosion erupted. The earth shook violently. Snow vaporized into mist. The sky cracked open with blinding arcs of chaotic qi.

    Caine sat in the eye of the storm, his eyes blazing with clarity and purpose. The tempest of power around him stilled, bowing to his Will.

    The path was clear.

 Chapter 88 - 88: Scions

    The path had been there all along.

    His rings. His bones. His flesh. His stars. His summons.

    Everything led to that path.

    WHOOOOOOOSH!

    The last of Caine''s rebirths concluded just as his brain finished its restructuring. Around him, a cocoon of flesh had formed, pulsing rhythmically like a nascent heart, brimming with life and power.

    PAH!

    A hand tore through the cocoon''s surface, and in moments, the entire structure dissolved, disintegrating into dust. A figure emerged, standing tall and unyielding.

    Caine looked the same, yet somehow entirely different.

    His towering frame was sculpted with tempered, refined muscles that flexed subtly under each slight movement. His jade-white skin blended seamlessly with the falling snow, ethereal runes flashing intermittently across it, pulsing with life and power.

    Qis of every type danced across his skin''s surface, radiating waves of immense energy.

    His long, dark hair flowed freely with the wind, crowning his face, which had been refined to a level that defied mortal standards.

    But his eyes¡ªthose were different.

    An inhuman sheen glinted in their depths, vast and unfathomable. It was as if a World Will Eye had fused with his own, evolving into something greater, something beyond comprehension. Silver, white, and golden-red currents swirled within, cold and mesmerizing, filled with a melancholic apathy that created a strange, fitting contrast.

    Caine''s finger twitched, and qi materialized into dark robes that majestically draped over him, the fabric whispering with restrained power.

    He raised his hand, extending a single finger, and drew a line through the air. SHING! With a sharp sound, his hair was cut, the strands falling gently, now brushing just past his shoulders.

    ''Finally.''

    Caine knew he couldn''t step into the final stage of the Blood Realm just yet. Even if he could, he wouldn''t. There was too much left to do.

    One of his priorities was training in the Scion facilities. He planned to spend a few months there, perhaps a year at most. During that time, he aimed to elevate all his knowledge to the Savant and Virtuoso stages, study his bloodlines thoroughly, and deepen his understanding of his aspects. He also intended to create a multitude of new techniques.

    He had reached the stage of Scionhood, and his opponents would no longer be weak or predictable. Many would be as smart and cunning as he was, with talents that rivaled his own. They would wield countless treasures and techniques, and he needed to be ready.

    And there was the looming threat of the chaos his father had foreseen¡ªa turbulent age on the horizon. Preparation was essential.

    ''Cutting your hair now is a bit silly, isn''t it?''

    Elura''s voice echoed through his mind, tinged with a playful giggle. ''By the time you''re done training, it''ll grow back.''

    Caine sighed, a resigned smile crossing his lips. He knew she was right. "I think I''ll just stop cutting it. It''s whatever."

    With that, he took a step forward and teleported away, leaving his snow-covered training field empty and silent.

    ***

    Months passed.

    Lilith stood on the deck of a sleek, pill-shaped ship zipping through the air at a terrifying speed. The wind whipped around her, but she remained poised, her deep rose-colored eyes locked on the horizon.

    After the Scions of the world''s major factions were chosen, an event known as the Worldly Scion Meeting took place. This prestigious gathering was held in the Heart Star, a massive construct that hovered above the clouds. Only the world''s most powerful and privileged were allowed to enter.

    The meeting had one primary purpose: the allocation of resources. The major powers controlled the world''s resources, and this event served as a competition to determine how they would be divided. The higher a Scion ranked, the more resources their faction received.

    However, the Scions themselves weren''t particularly invested in the competition. Most would attend briefly out of obligation before leaving. For now, the real battles were fought between their respective forces, not between the Scions themselves.

    BOOM!

    Lilith''s ship pierced through the final layer of clouds and entered the star-filled void above.

    In the distance, the Heart Star loomed¡ªa majestic platform constructed of gleaming metal, streaked with veins of amethyst qi that pulsed like lifeblood through the structure.

    Floating above the platform were countless cubes, each of a different color and material, hovering protectively around a grand palace made of gold and silver. These cubes served as defensive hubs, constantly in motion, their surfaces shimmering with protective enchantments.

    Lilith''s ship descended, landing gracefully on the platform. The vessel''s hull peeled away, revealing the legion within.

    Behind Lilith stood millions of her servants, all clad in immaculate white robes. Their faces were hidden behind rose-colored veils, men and women alike. At their sides, they carried elegant rapiers and long swords, their demeanor calm and composed.

    They formed perfect lines behind their mistress, silent and still, an unbreakable wall of loyalty.

    BANG!

    A crimson-scaled dragon burst through the clouds, roaring as it ascended into the starry void. On its back rode countless warriors clad in red robes, each radiating a suffocating killing intent.

    The Chaos Heaven Pagoda had arrived¡ªthe overlords of the western continent.

    WHOOOSH!

    A ripple of energy heralded the appearance of another group. They teleported directly onto the platform, dressed in flowing light green robes. Arcane artifacts floated around them, analyzing their surroundings with meticulous precision.

    This was the Alchemy Haven Hall¡ªmasters of the eastern continent.

    SHURRR!

    Space itself groaned and tore apart as the third faction made their entrance. Cloaked in pitch-black robes and wearing dark amethyst masks, their terrifying auras bled into the surroundings.

    The Void Trading Alliance¡ªrulers of the central continent¡ªhad arrived.

    All four factions stood on the platform, their combined auras towering with unspoken hostility and latent killing intent.

    At the forefront of the Chaos Heaven Pagoda''s forces stood a young man. Bald, with a face marred by deep, gruesome scars, his presence exuded brutality. His black robes clung tightly to his muscular frame, and a massive axe was strapped across his back.

    Taharis the Great, Scion of the Chaos Heaven Pagoda.

    Beside Lilith''s forces and in front of the Alchemy Haven Hall stood a radiant young woman. Her long golden hair flowed like a river of sunlight, and her emerald eyes gleamed with intelligence. Her beauty was otherworldly, enhanced by a pair of thin, scholarly glasses.

    Serena, Heiress of the Arcane, Scioness of the Alchemy Hall.

    Facing the Void Trading Alliance was a shadowy figure, identical to the rest of the faction''s forces. Shrouded in dark robes, an amethyst mask concealed their features.

    Tathamet, Scion of the Void Trading Alliance.

    WHOOOSH!

    The air crackled with tension as the Scions locked eyes, their auras surging upward, threatening to shatter the skies.

    Suddenly, the temperature dropped. A chill seeped into the very bones of those present.

    Snowflakes began to fall, mingling with white, silver, and black feathers drifting from above.

    The stars dimmed, cloaked in darkness.

    All eyes turned skyward, their gazes narrowing.

    BOOOOM!

    A presence descended, and the world trembled.

    sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 89 - 89: Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda

    Above, eclipsing the stars, a fleet of avian beasts of all kinds soared, their wings stretched across the heavens. Upon their backs, countless entities clad in pristine, pitch-white robes could be seen, radiating power and majesty that seemed to warp the air around them.

    At the forefront flew a simple yet magnificent eagle, far larger than any other beast in the fleet behind it. On its massive back, three figures were present.

    Two of them stood¡ªZao and the Timeless Guardian¡ªwhile a single figure sat cross-legged in front of them: Caine.

    Caine''s gaze fell to the Scions below, his eyes steady, unblinking, and undisturbed. The longer their gazes remained locked, the colder the world became. Gradually, it felt as though a blue filter had been overlaid onto reality itself.

    Lilith looked around, her eyes sharp, seemingly unaffected by Caine''s icy gaze. The platform was now covered in snow¡ªsnow so cold that even cultivators of their level found it biting, harmful, and relentless.

    ''His ice affinity¡­ has somehow become even more potent?''

    Without hesitation, the members of the Timeless Alliance descended in unison. Only Caine remained behind, his eyes reflecting a quiet storm. He glanced at Zao, who nodded silently and leapt off alongside the Timeless Guardian.

    WHOOOSH!

    The air split as Lilith suddenly appeared beside Caine, standing on his eagle''s back.

    Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her curiosity. "Where are we going?"

    "Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda," he replied, his tone as resolute as steel.

    Lilith''s eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "You want to go now? I thought you wanted us to go after the¡ª" Her words faltered as realization dawned. Her gaze sharpened, her thoughts racing.

    If Caine was suggesting they head to the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda now, it meant something was on the horizon. Something big. It meant he needed even more power than he already wielded.

    She could feel his current strength¡ªan overwhelming force that had seemingly caught up to her own. If even he believed he needed more power, then whatever was coming was beyond anything they had faced before.

    "Let''s go," she whispered, her resolve hardening as she sat beside him.

    Caine nodded, a faint smirk touching his lips as he patted the eagle''s sleek feathers. The beast chirped in response, and they shot forward, a blur of motion and wind, leaving the other Scions behind to battle for resources.

    But what was the point? If Caine''s instincts were correct, soon, none of those resources would matter. He had what he needed from the alliance treasury. There was no need to compete.

    Though that didn''t mean he doubted his people''s abilities. No, he knew they would likely win, as they had done for countless years before.

    ***

    The Central Continent.

    The Central Continent was the heart of the world, the epicenter of power and influence.

    Everything of consequence happened there.

    The continent was home to the major figures of all the dominant forces, overseen by the formidable Void Trading Alliance, arguably the most powerful organization in existence.

    Blessed with an overwhelming abundance of resources, the Central Continent was a paradise for geniuses. Ancient houses, temples, and facilities dedicated to cultivating talent dotted its landscapes, each designed to forge the greatest, most divine minds of their generation.

    Among these legendary structures, none was more prestigious or sacred than the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda. So revered was this pagoda that even figures like Caine and Lilith couldn''t just arrive unannounced.

    ***

    [Central Continent ¡ª Plains of Ishva''al]

    The Plains of Ishva''al were a vision of natural beauty. Gigantic trees, taller and wider than mountains, housed intricately carved dwellings within their colossal trunks. White and scarlet leaves adorned their vast branches, drifting gently through the air like soft, colorful snow.

    A potent flow of life qi infused the plains, saturating the atmosphere with vitality. At the heart of this vibrant expanse stood a grand obsidian tower¡ªa structure that loomed over the plains with a commanding, ancient presence.

    The tower appeared to be carved from dark marble, veins of purple and red threading across its surface. White runes pulsed along its exterior, shifting and glowing as if the tower itself were alive. Its rectangular form pierced the sky, disappearing into the clouds, exuding a menacing, primordial aura.

    At the tower''s base, a congregation of entities clad in priestly attire stood in neat formation. Their gazes were fixed on the horizon, awaiting something¡ªor someone¡ªwith bated breath.

    A piercing screech shattered the silence.

    SKREEEEEEEEE!

    The wind whipped violently as an eagle appeared in the distance, speeding past the towering trees and arriving before the gathered priests with breathtaking swiftness.

    WHOOOSH!

    The figure leading the priests, an aged man known as Priest Conan, stepped forward. His oily white hair framed a face creased with wisdom, his deep blue eyes sparkling with reverence. A smile spread across his face as Caine and Lilith dismounted from the eagle.

    "Greetings, Your Highness!" Priest Conan bowed deeply, his voice warm with respect.

    "Greetings, Priest Conan," Caine replied with a light smile, his demeanor calm and measured.

    Priest Conan straightened. "I do not wish to waste your time, Your Highness. Let us proceed."

    Caine nodded and began to follow the procession toward the tower. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A younger priest glanced back. "Your Highness, may I remind you of the pagoda''s settings?"

    "Go ahead."

    The priest took a deep breath. "The Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda was constructed countless eons ago to transform potential into greatness¡ªto forge geniuses. We, the Priests of the Bloody Sun, are dedicated to protecting and maintaining it with our very souls."

    "The pagoda has multiple modes, but only two matter: Void Meditation Mode and Endless Samsara Mode."

    "The Endless Samsara Mode immerses the user''s mind in a dreamscape where they live countless lives, each unique. This mode allows them to gain millennia of experience within mere months, accelerating their growth and maturity. It refines the mind and forges true divinities. However, only those with a firm sense of self can withstand this mode; otherwise, they risk losing their identity and falling into eternal madness."

    "On the other hand, the Void Meditation Mode doesn''t transport the mind. Instead, it creates a formation that suspends time for the user. Within this suspended zone, they can train or meditate under perfect conditions for as long as they need."

    "But this mode carries risks, too. During suspended time, the user is vulnerable to Heart Demons. If they succumb, there''s little we can do once time resumes. Additionally, those without time affinity will suffer backlash once the suspension ends. Though we have healers who specialize in treating this, accidents can still occur."

    "Typically, the backlash incapacitates a user for up to a year. But for the potential of millions of years of training, it is often worth the risk¡ªif their minds can endure it."

    Caine nodded, absorbing the information as they reached the pagoda''s entrance. His eyes glimmered with determination as he stepped inside.

 Chapter 90 - 90: The Heart

    Caine and Lilith entered the wide entry hall of the pagoda, their steps steady and deliberate.

    The marble-white floors gleamed under the dim light, stretching out toward a ceiling that seemed to pierce into the very heavens. The grand architecture conveyed an ancient majesty, whispering of secrets and power cultivated over countless eons.

    Delicate butterflies fluttered around the empty space, their wings shimmering with an iridescent glow that illuminated the hall''s darkness. Their soft, ethereal light lent the scene an otherworldly tranquility, masking the intensity of what lay ahead.

    Priest Conan turned to the two Scions, a warm smile softening his aged features. With a wave of his hand, two ethereal screens appeared before them, each glowing with ancient runes.

    [Endless Samsara Mode / Void Meditation Mode / Auxiliary]

    Caine''s finger moved with the same calm confidence as Lilith''s. She selected the Endless Samsara Mode at the exact moment Caine chose the Void Meditation Mode.

    Their eyes met briefly, each reflecting the same unspoken understanding. There was no surprise in their choices¡ªthey had long accepted each other''s paths.

    "Good luck," they said in unison.

    Two portals materialized before them, shimmering with swirling energy. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, vanishing into the unknown. Their unwavering resolve left Priest Conan momentarily stunned. He shook his head, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips.

    "Good luck, Your Highness," he whispered.

    **

    Caine stepped into a realm that mirrored the Blood Sea where he had once formed his Progenitor bloodlines. But this was different.

    Instead of a crimson sea, he now stood on an expanse of thick, black goo that stretched endlessly in all directions. The viscous surface held his weight, refusing to let him sink.

    Above him, the sky was an abyss¡ªpitch black and starless. No qi stirred. No breeze whispered. This was a void in the truest sense: a place where all things ceased to exist.

    For most, this emptiness would be suffocating. But for Caine, it was perfect. Over the last year spent in relentless training and introspection, the path forward had become crystalline in its clarity.

    This was the setting he needed. Time to focus. Time to forge.

    He exhaled slowly, lowering himself into a cross-legged position. The instant his breath left his lips, the waters below stirred violently.

    Thick tendrils of goo surged upward, writhing and coiling until they coalesced into a humanoid figure. It sat before him, mirroring his posture.

    Caine chuckled, a wry smile touching his lips.

    "So soon?"

    The figure trembled, its form solidifying further. Crimson eyes flickered open, and a cruel mouth twisted into a smirk. "Why act surprised if you expected me? I don''t even know why you came here."

    The entity''s voice was cold, yet it dripped with disdain and mockery.

    Heart Demons¡ªthe embodiment of one''s deepest fears, hatred, jealousy, and pain¡ªmanifested through the metaphysical pressures of cultivation. They were the shadows of the heart, brought to life by unresolved darkness.

    Hate that festered until it became sentient.

    Jealousy that twisted into a venomous presence.

    Fear that coiled like a serpent in the mind.

    Without overcoming these demons, the path of cultivation was closed. They were barriers, merciless and unyielding.

    Most cultivators faced their Heart Demons only in the later stages of their journey. For Caine to confront his now¡ªas a mere Blood Realm cultivator¡ªwas a testament to the shadows that lurked within his soul.

    The Heart Demon sneered. "You''re like a child afraid of the dark. So terrified you mistake your madness for bravery as you charge head first into the abyss."

    Caine''s eyes remained calm, steady. He had always carried this burden. He had been born with a Heart Demon nestled within his soul, nurtured by the hatred and sin that fueled his very existence.

    Even as a fetus, trapped in the lifeless womb of his mother, it was that demon''s presence that gave him the strength to claw his way into the world.

    That voice had been his constant companion, whispering venom into his thoughts since his first breath. It had vanished only after his reincarnation as a Velios. Even then, it took the birth of his True Will to suppress and control it.

    This demon was why he avoided the Trial of False Limerence during the Samsara Festival.

    He knew he''d lose himself to it. He knew the demon would win.

    But that was the past. The Caine of today was no longer the frightened child of yesterday.

    "Yes," Caine admitted, his voice a soft murmur. "Yes, I''m afraid. Why wouldn''t I be?"

    A smile curled his lips, a fragile yet defiant expression.

    "I have everything I ever wanted. All the dreams I clung to as a child are now within my grasp. Why wouldn''t I fear losing it all?"

    His gaze met the Heart Demon''s, unflinching.

    For the first time in his life, he looked into those crimson eyes without trembling.

    "I''m scared. Terrified, even. But that doesn''t mean I''ll stop."

    The Heart Demon''s sneer widened. "So now you move in fear? You''re just prey under a predator''s gaze. The old you would be disgusted."

    "You were once something to admire. Now you''re just a boy with too much power. A boy too afraid to live. A boy who can''t let go of the past."

    The demon''s gooey face twisted into a cruel mirror of Caine''s smile. "Even I pity you."

    But Caine didn''t falter. He sighed, the weight of his words grounding him.

    "That''s what cultivation is, isn''t it? Surpassing limits. Evolving. Facing fears. All that nonsense, you know?"

    He leaned forward slightly, eyes glimmering with traces of insanity. "I''m scared today, but I won''t be tomorrow. And that''s enough." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The void trembled. A crushing pressure descended from the black sky, suffocating in its intensity. The Heart Demon''s eyes flickered with uncertainty.

    A spark of madness danced in Caine''s eyes as he began to close them. Laughter bubbled up from his chest, a sound so raw and unhinged that even the Heart Demon recoiled.

    He laughed louder, the sound reverberating through the void, shaking its very foundation.

    "Today is a great day!"

    Today, he would forge his Dao Heart.

 Chapter 91 - 91: The Heart(II)

    What Exactly Is the Dao Heart?

    To many, the Dao Heart simply represented the drive to succeed or the result of countless years of trials and tribulations. It was almost akin to a Blooming Will, a reflection or mirror of a True Will.

    To others, the Dao Heart was far deeper, perhaps representing the very essence of defying the natural order¡ªa crystallization of rebellion against fate.

    It carried many meanings and interpretations.

    During his long period of training, Caine had pondered this concept endlessly. He had dissected the layers of his mind, rearranged his thoughts, and reflected repeatedly in search of a true and comprehensive understanding of the Dao Heart.

    At its core, Dao meant Path.

    Heart could be interpreted as the core, the essence of all things.

    The connection between the two became clear: First, discover one''s path¡ªthe Dao; then, create its core¡ªthe Dao Heart.

    The Dao Heart was the heart¡ªthe core¡ªof one''s path. And without a path, there was no ascension. It was a symbiotic relationship.

    One''s Dao Heart solidified the path, and the path defined the Dao Heart.

    This naturally led back to the concept of True Will. How did True Will factor into this dynamic? Was True Will the heart or the path? What distinguished one from the other?

    As Caine delved deeper, the distinction grew clearer. It wasn''t just about his path and heart; it was about his Will.

    What did he want? What path did that desire dictate? And what core would define that path? What essence would shape him?

    When framed this way, everything crystallized for Caine.

    He had known his desire for the longest time: Perfection.

    To be flawless. To be absolute. To be the Prime.

    From that unwavering desire for perfection, everything else unfolded naturally. If he desired perfection, his path would be one of unfettered supremacy. The core of that path was himself and his own desires, completing a perfect loop.

    His Will craved perfection; therefore, his path was one of supremacy, defined by the core of his own essence and ambition.

    He was the path, the core, and the Will¡ªall at once.

    It would be a path without fear. A path where fear had no place, where it wasn''t even imaginable. It would be a path without hope. A path where hope was unnecessary.

    This was the essence of the Hopeless Dao Heart¡ªthe absolute logical extreme of a fearless existence.

    A Dao Heart that embraced everything he was, driving him to heights beyond imagination.

    It would be his greatest and most personal creation. Greater even than the rings he had forged through his mastery and willpower.

    He had planted the seed of this Dao Heart during his time in the Soul Prison, where the boundaries between his mind and heart blurred. Now, it was time to complete that seed and watch it bloom.

    The Hopeless Dao Heart.

    [No fear. No hope. My Will shall be absolute and almighty.]

    WHOOOOOOOSHH!

    Caine''s chest ignited with a glow that resembled an imploding star. The outline of his heart shone through his flesh and bones, pulsing with raw energy. His heart twisted and rippled, its crystalline outer layer suddenly morphing into a radiant gold, blazing like a miniature sun. Moments later, the gold cooled and hardened into a cold, lifeless silver¡ªa silver imbued with otherworldly majesty.

    Intricate runes, a blend of white, black, and gold, unfurled across its surface. The symbols pulsed, alive with esoteric power. Caine''s entire body shook under the transformation.

    In his Bond Space, his stars trembled. Around each star, a fifth minor star materialized and solidified¡ªDao Stars.

    The Bond Space quivered, a deep resonance echoing through it. Something had reached a state of completion. The brilliance of his stars flared, their radiance filling the skies of his Bond Space with boundless power.

    Caine''s newly-formed Dao Heart absorbed the energy eagerly. His stars connected directly to his heart, channeling their immense strength into his body and aspects. Strength that had been capped by the absence of a proper vessel now flowed freely, erupting across his form like a tidal wave. His body, like a parched riverbed, drank it in without hesitation.

    His aspects surged with newfound power, and his mind and True Will evolved in response, shaped by the influence of his freshly forged Dao Heart.

    Above, the black sky tore open, revealing an even darker void within its depths. From that abyss, countless World Will Eyes stared down at him. Pillars of thick, milky-white qi descended, enveloping Caine¡ªBlessings.

    The formation of his Dao Heart had drawn not just one, but multiple blessings from the World Will Eyes. This was a phenomenon that neither his Bone Structure, his Flesh Structure, nor even the creation of his stars had achieved.

    His Heart Demon observed the spectacle quietly, its form fading like a shadow at dusk. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I see what you''re trying to do. Bold. Very bold. But you''re just making it easier for me when the time comes."

    It paused, its voice tinged with a rare, melancholic note. "But I suppose that''s part of your plan, too¡­"

    Then it vanished entirely.

    Caine paid it no mind. His focus was absolute.

    One of his grandest plans¡ªone that had taken root long before his reincarnation¡ªwas finally about to bear fruit.

    To grasp the magnitude of his intent, one had to understand the final stage of the Blood Realm: the Blood Ascendancy Stage.

    On the surface, this stage seemed simple. It was about sublimation¡ªof the body, the blood, the Blood Qi¡ªeverything. But it grew complex once one realized that there was no set method for this sublimation.

    The sub-stages provided only reference points, from the Ascendant Blood Prince stage to the pinnacle, the Ascendant Blood Venerable stage.

    The method used to ascend these stages was unique to each cultivator. This individuality made the differences in power starkly clear.

    A superior method led to a powerful Blood Ascendant. A weaker method resulted in a feeble path forward into the Spark Realm.

    For someone like Caine, this stage was a divine gift. It was like giving wings to a lion.

    What he was about to attempt would change everything.

    If his Dao Heart was his greatest creation, then what he was about to do would rank a close second¡ªperhaps even equal.

 Chapter 92 - 92: Curses and Blessings

    In Caine''s past life, before he ascended to the seat of Council Lord, he bore two titles: The Cursed Child and The Blessed Child.

    But these titles weren''t simply a result of his actions or achievements.

    In the cultivation world, anything could happen. Miracles and misfortunes intertwined, and as a result, strange phenomena unfolded. One such occurrence was the existence of blessings and curses.

    In rare cases, children could be born crippled, just like Caine had been. But in even rarer cases, this crippling wasn''t an accident¡ªit was a trade-off. In exchange for a curse, these children received godly and divine abilities.

    For example, a child born blind might develop senses sharper than those of the gods themselves.

    Caine was often speculated to be one of these cursed children. His curse was his crippled body, but the trade-off was a mind of terrifying brilliance, teeming with outlandish ideas and schemes. Though Caine wasn''t a cursed child, most people thought it to be the case.

    Opposing the Cursed Children were the Blessed Children.

    These children were born without curses or afflictions. At the moment of their birth, the heavens themselves would part, showering them with blessings tied to their aspects¡ªbe it their body, mind, soul, or affinity.

    Blessed Children grew to become gods among gods, rivaled only by Cursed Children who had shattered their curses and fully cultivated their potential.

    These two classes of entities were rare beyond imagination. Even rarer than those like Caine¡ªthose born with immeasurable grade innate circles.

    And that was just considering mortal-grade Cursed and Blessed Children. When one began to encounter immeasurable Cursed and Blessed Children, the sheer power and potential became truly terrifying.

    Now that one understood the essence of the Blood Ascendancy Stage and the horrors of Cursed and Blessed Children, the final pieces of Caine''s plan could fall into place.

    Where had Caine gone after Augustus cast him into reincarnation? What force had intercepted his soul? And what had happened as a result?

    The answer was simple: The Sinner.

    It was The Sinner who had intercepted Caine''s soul. And not only did he intercept it, but he also bestowed two gifts upon him.

    The first gift was the ability to ask three questions of his choosing. The second was far darker.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s body rippled violently. His robes tore apart, exposing intricate black, white, and silver curse marks that he had kept hidden since the night before his final duel with Soran.

    These were his curses.

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

    The pillars of milky white qi pouring down on him thickened exponentially, as if trying to suppress and counteract the curse marks.

    Caine''s plan was deceptively simple yet deeply layered. He had set three goals.

    The first was to transform his aspects into Blessed and Cursed Immeasurable Aspects¡ªsimultaneously.

    The second was to harness the clash between the curses and blessings within his body, using the resulting pressure and refinement to advance through the Blood Ascendancy Stages.

    And the third¡­

    CRACK! BANG!

    Caine''s heart shattered. In that same instant, his stars exploded. His body shriveled, reduced to a skeletal husk, barely clinging to life.

    ¡­was to shatter his Dao Heart and stars over and over again until he attained absolute perfection.

    This was why he had chosen the Void Meditation Mode. The process would require an immense amount of time, far beyond what any normal mode could allow.

    The agony would be hellish. But Caine knew it would all be worth it in the end.

    And he wasn''t going to stop there.

    "ARGHHH!"

    A roar of pain tore from Caine''s cracked and bloody lips. He forcefully split his mind into hundreds of fragments, each working independently.

    Why waste time enduring pain passively? As his body underwent torment, he would push his mind into overdrive. He would deepen his comprehension of techniques, analyze his abilities, and strategize endlessly.

    He had reached this point in his life by being relentlessly ruthless with himself. By holding himself to an impossible standard.

    He would never stop.

    This was how he had become the First Blight.

    The Great Betrayer.

    One of the few mortals in existence who had outsmarted and slaughtered gods like they were mere cattle in his eyes.

    Excellence paved his path, and he walked it without hesitation.

    BANG!

    Caine''s stars and Dao Heart entered a cycle of destruction and rebirth. They shattered and reformed repeatedly. With each shattering, a strange aura fed into his curses. With each reformation, another aura nourished his blessings.

    BOOOM!

    His body crumbled, fractures spreading like spiderwebs across his flesh. Half his form glowed with radiant, beautiful marks of gold, white, and emerald. The other half was marred with sinister marks of black, silver, and scarlet.

    His veins ruptured, one after another, yet his body endured. His aspects¡ªSoul, Body, Mind, World, and Qi¡ªtwisted and morphed in real time, evolving under the pressure of transformation. Each aspect split into three natures: one neutral, one cursed, and one blessed.

    The process began.

    ***

    Above Caine, in the void where the World Will Eyes rained blessings upon him, two figures stood. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    They were humanoid yet featureless. One figure was composed entirely of pure white qi.

    The other, a swirling mass of pitch-black qi.

    "We should investigate this," said the white figure, Yin. "His affinity to Fate might be trying to warn him."

    The black figure, Yang, shook its head. "You imply his affinity to Fate rivals or surpasses ours. That''s quite the claim, Yin."

    "But it''s plausible," Yin replied softly.

    Yang sighed. "We''ve already done as much as we can without disrupting the balance of the world. What will happen will happen. There''s nothing more we can do."

    "Whether the world falls into ruin or ascends to glory¡­ who can say?"

    Yin''s form shimmered. "I long for an era of peace. I''m tired of so much conflict."

    "It would be nice," Yang agreed. "It truly would."

    Suddenly, a third figure materialized beside them, its form composed of shimmering silver qi.

    "But that''s impossible," the silver figure said.

    "Not unless we achieve power far beyond our current limits."

    "The boy''s audacity and drive for power should serve as an example to us."

    "An example?" Yin questioned. "It will consume him. You saw how potent his Heart Demon was."

    "Precisely why we should take note. We can learn from his inevitable failure."

    The three figures fell into silence, their forms dissolving into motes of qi, leaving the void to its endless, silent watch.

 Chapter 93 - 93: Curses and Blessings(II)

    Caine sat atop the thick, black waters of the void sea, silent and unmoving.

    His body had withered, his muscles vanished, and his skin clung tightly to his bones. The intricate outlines of his skeletal frame were exposed, a stark testament to his ordeal.

    Dried blood coated his body, intersected by countless scars and wounds, from which radiant silver blood still seeped, each drop a flicker of vitality. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The beating of his heart was slow and faint, a whisper of life echoing the weakness of the blood qi that struggled through his ruptured veins.

    SHIIIIH!

    Caine''s form began to dissolve into ashes.

    These ashes, silver in hue, drifted down to the waters below, but they refused to sink, hovering on the surface like stubborn remnants of his will.

    From the void above, blessings continued to fall, each flake of light akin to a divine acknowledgment of his struggle.

    The silver ashes trembled under their touch, coalescing and condensing into a mound of silver flesh¡ªa heart. Across the surface of this heart, gold, white, and emerald runes flared to life, only to be immediately mirrored by black, dark amethyst, and scarlet runes.

    WHOOOOOOSH!

    The heart thumped once, and a shockwave rippled through the sea, shattering the stillness. In an instant, mighty black bones erupted, adorned with intricate runes of every conceivable color and shape.

    His Bone Structure solidified in an instant, followed closely by his Flesh Structure.

    The heart thumped a second time, and thin filaments of blood qi manifested, weaving into flesh that filled out the skeletal frame. Runes mirrored those on his bones, dancing across the surface of his flesh. The muscles tightened and vibrated under the influx of power.

    BOOOOM!

    His veins and organs reformed in a cascade of elemental explosions, lighting the void with bursts of color. The void sea glowed briefly, painted by hues of power and Will.

    From pure neutral qi, jade-white skin formed, wrapping tightly around his muscles with the grace of a divine sculptor. His body was no longer the frail husk it had been; it now radiated an unspoken strength.

    SHURR!

    On the left side of his body, black, crimson, and dark amethyst curse marks spread like veins of corruption, countered by emerald, gold, and white blessed marks on the right side.

    His five aspects¡ªSoul, Body, Mind, World, and Qi¡ªcompleted their transformation. The three natures¡ªneutral, cursed, and blessed¡ªsettled in perfect balance.

    Rivers of dark hair burst from his scalp, cascading down past his shoulders like a river of dark starlight.

    Caine''s cultivation soared.

    His heart pulsed once more, and his power surged. From the Ascendant Blood Prince Stage, he tore through the boundaries, advancing to the Blood Lord, Blood King, and Blood Emperor Stages in rapid succession.

    In his Bond Space, his stars reformed. The summons reawakened, their natures twisting and evolving, infused with neutral, cursed, and blessed attunements. The power of his stars flowed into his heart, and in that moment, everything clicked¡ªthe bones, flesh, stars, rings, Dao Heart, bloodline, summons, and aspects. They unified into one grand, harmonious whole.

    Caine''s blood qi turned into a radiant silver, its brilliance a reflection of his perfected self. His power continued to surge, and from the Blood Emperor Stage, he ascended to the Blood Sovereign Stage.

    His body lifted from the void sea, weightless as the blessings flooded him. His empty eye sockets turned toward the World Will Eyes above.

    Slowly, qi and flesh fused in the sockets, reforming his eyes. With a deafening BANG!, his deep silver eyes reappeared, just as he transcended the Blood Sovereign Stage and entered the Blood Monarch Stage.

    The void above began to close. The World Will Eyes faded, their task complete. The torrent of blessings slowed to a halt as Caine''s transformation reached its culmination.

    All the fragmented pieces of his mind fused back together.

    For a moment, the world was utterly still.

    Then¡ª

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

    Like detonations of raw power, his heart thundered within his chest, sending radiant silver blood surging through his rejuvenated form. In that instant, he breached the final substage of the Blood Realm, becoming a Blood Venerable.

    Caine had reached the pinnacle of the Blood Realm.

    WHOOOOSH!

    His aura settled, retreating within him as his body began to drift downward, falling slowly from the black skies of the void sea. His descent was so gentle, he seemed no heavier than a feather.

    Suddenly, Elura appeared from the shadows, her form no longer the petite, fairy-like figure she usually embodied. Instead, she was as tall as a human adult, her ethereal beauty undiminished.

    She caught Caine in her arms, her gaze softening as she looked at his sleeping face. He had pushed himself beyond mortal limits.

    His body, aspects, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªhis mind had borne unimaginable strain. The backlash from the Void Meditation Mode was severe, even with his incredibly potent time affinity.

    And that didn''t even account for the exhaustion from his year in the Scion Training Facilities. To say he had pushed himself to the brink was a gross understatement.

    ''How did he manage this?'' she wondered, her thoughts a mixture of awe and concern.

    ''An Immeasurable-grade Innate Circle, Immeasurable-grade Cursed Aspects, and Immeasurable-grade Blessed Aspects¡­ all in a single person.''

    Her eyes narrowed slightly. ''His tribulation into the Spark Realm will be monstrous. And if his summons are also close to becoming Sages again¡­''

    She sighed, glancing up at the now-empty void.

    ''Will he survive such a tribulation?'' The thought lingered for a moment before she dismissed it with a scowl. Doubt was a hindrance she could no longer afford. She was not separate from Caine; they were one in the truest sense.

    He had proven time and time again that nothing was beyond his reach.

    ''It''s time I act like the Faery Queen I am and truly help him. I''ve been holding back.''

    Her self-criticism was not entirely fair, though.

    The mutations in Caine''s bonds had placed her in an embryonic state. Her powers were sealed, being refined and sublimated by his royal Velios bloodline.

    She could feel her abilities evolving, twisting into something greater. But until she hatched, all that potential remained locked away.

    When that day came¡­

    ''Everything will change.''

 Chapter 94 - 94: Years

    A year and a half. That was how long had passed since his sixteenth birthday¡ªsince he began his path.

    He had spent three months cultivating from the Bone Forging Stage all the way up to the True Rebirth Stage¡ªan astounding feat considering the depth and complexity of his foundation.

    Then, he had devoted a year to the Scion Training Facilities, honing his skills under intense conditions. Afterward, he spent another three months in Void Meditation Mode within the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda.

    Unknowingly, he had turned seventeen.

    ''Time passes fast,'' he thought.

    Caine sat cross-legged on the back of his eagle mount, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp. Bandages wrapped his body from head to toe, hidden beneath layers of thick, white robes. Each movement, though slight, reminded him of the toll his body had endured.

    Since leaving the Pagoda, six months had passed. His eighteenth birthday was mere hours away.

    ''Two years. Two years since I began exploring the world.''

    The backlash from his cultivation had been severe. After exiting the Pagoda, he had slept for two entire months, unable to do anything but drift in an exhausted void. Even after waking, his body refused to cooperate. It had taken another four months of wandering the world before he felt anything close to recovery.

    But those months were not wasted. Beyond mastering his new abilities and acclimating to his strength, Caine had finally been able to live.

    He traveled from city to city, town to town, continent to continent, experiencing the vast cultures and untamed beauty of the world. It was a luxury he had never known before.

    In the Three Realms, even after becoming Council Lord, his life had been consumed by war. Endless, brutal war.

    He had no one he loved, and no one loved him. He was the First Blight¡ªa figure of fear and hatred. His existence had been an inhumane stretch of brutality lasting thousands of years.

    The fact that Caine had not become twisted by such a life was a testament to the strength of his Will, even before its formal manifestation.

    ''It''s a good life. A beautiful life,'' he thought, '' I suppose it''s something worth protecting.''

    Beside him sat Lilith, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, a radiant smile softening her features. Unlike him, she had spent six months in Endless Samsara Mode. Yet, the moment she emerged, she had sought him out, and they had spent the past three months together.

    Even Caine couldn''t unravel the mystery of her strength. She had emerged from the Samsara trial unscathed, her power somehow matching his own. The symmetry between them was strange, but not unwelcome.

    "You get sadder by the day. What''s wrong with you?" Lilith asked suddenly, pinching his cheek with a teasing glare.

    Caine winced but didn''t remove her hand. He sighed. "I don''t know. It''s like the feeling mortals have on the last days of their vacations. The moment is beautiful, but knowing the dread that lies ahead casts a shadow on the heart."

    Lilith fell silent, studying his serene profile with a thoughtful expression. "You say this, but I don''t see any fear in your eyes."

    Caine smiled at her words, his elusive silver pupils glimmering with excitement. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You''re right."

    Lilith didn''t question his smile or his shifting emotions. Instead, she sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. Together, they drifted through the sky in peaceful silence.

    ***

    "YOU BASTARD! WHERE IS MY SON?!"

    Caine sat on his father''s obsidian throne, his chin resting on his fist. His silver eyes regarded the man before him with cold detachment.

    The man was short for a member of the Heavenly Clans, his bald head covered in rose-shaped tattoos identical to those that had once adorned Soran''s face. He wore heavy, dark-brown robes, and his light-brown eyes shimmered with rage. Particles of sand hovered around him, vibrating with his turbulent aura.

    His nose was red, a reflection of his fury and anguish.

    This was Onoku Celestis, Soran''s father and an elder of the Heavenly Celestis Clan.

    Behind Onoku, a crowd of elders filled the throne room, their auras thick with hostility, all directed at Caine.

    Caine had known this moment would come.

    When he publicly "killed" Soran, he had anticipated retribution. But not like this.

    ''Why did they take so long?'' he wondered.

    ''Did they wait for me to become a Scion? This makes no sense. Or are they just genuinely enraged?''

    His gaze swept over the elders, noting that most were from the Celestis Clan, with a few from the Renala Clan. The Renala elders radiated the strongest killing intent, which didn''t surprise him.

    Caine sighed. "Your son is alive."

    Onoku''s rage faltered, his eyes widening. His aura wavered, and tears filled his eyes.

    "WHERE?! Where is he?! Please! Please!"

    The old man collapsed to his knees, clutching Caine''s robes, tears streaming down his weathered face.

    A pang of regret shot through Caine. Not just for Onoku, but for all the clans whose heirs he had taken. In another timeline, this could very well have been Zao, begging for his own life.

    Caine waved his hand. A shimmer appeared to his right, and Soran stepped forth, clad in resplendent golden armor. His aura pulsed with the strength of a Sage.

    Soran looked at Caine, his eyes steady. "Your Highness?"

    Onoku''s breath hitched. He rose unsteadily and approached his son. Tears streamed freely down his face as he looked up at Soran''s face. Smiling through the tears, he floated upward to embrace him.

    For a moment, Soran was stiff, uncertain. But Caine nodded, and Soran returned the hug.

    The elders stood frozen, their shock palpable.

    Caine''s voice cut through the silence. "Who instigated this?"

    The elders turned, their fingers pointing at a member of the Renala Clan. Caine nodded and pushed himself up from the throne.

    "Follow me to my personal courtyard," he commanded.

    He walked from the hall, the sound of Onoku and Soran''s sobs echoing in the vast chamber behind him.

 Chapter 95 - 95: Serenity

    Caine exited a winding path that stretched from the hall of his throne room, weaving through forests and snaking around mountains. The path led all the way up to an elevated courtyard¡ªa wide, airy space teeming with life.

    Vibrant flowers bloomed in wild profusion, their colors a striking contrast to the pale sky. At the center stood a grand, majestic tree.

    The tree''s bark shimmered with radiant gold, its thick leaves a pristine white. Behind the tree, a resplendent pond of thick, emerald-green waters glimmered, reflecting an otherworldly light that seemed to pulse with life.

    Caine walked slowly through the courtyard, his steps light and deliberate. His hand grazed the ancient, cool bark of the tree, fingers tracing the subtle patterns etched by time.

    A smile tugged at his lips, unbidden. He looked up, watching the sun''s rays filter through the dense canopy of white leaves, dappling the ground with shifting patterns of light and shadow. The smile deepened, a quiet peace settling over him.

    Ever since forging his Dao Heart, he felt an inexplicable closeness to nature and the world around him. Everything seemed more vivid, more harmonious. He felt grounded, as if the universe itself invited him to exist in a state of constant serenity.

    It was fitting, considering this courtyard was home to one of the Timeless Alliance''s most treasured sites¡ªthe Pond of Serenity.

    WHOOOSH

    A gust of wind signaled the arrival of Elder Golden Bark.

    His steps were measured, his presence commanding. He was tall, his body brimming with vitality, resembling a man in his early forties. A thick, greying black beard framed his face, highlighted by slicked-back hair. Like all members of the Renala Clan, his eyes glowed with a deep, bloody scarlet. But unlike his kin, whose eyes typically burned with hatred, his eyes sparkled with a mischievous arrogance.

    Elder Golden Bark''s black-and-red robes fluttered gently in the breeze as he surveyed the courtyard, a faint smile gracing his lips. He knew the significance of this place.

    Even for an elder of his stature, entering this sacred space was an extraordinary privilege.

    Only the Scion, the Alliance Overlord, and the Alliance Knights were permitted to tread here.

    His gaze settled on Caine, who stood with his back to him. Caine turned slowly, his silver pupils glimmering with such intense light that Elder Golden Bark''s Will shivered and faltered.

    ''I¡­ lost? A battle of Wills?'' The elder''s frown flickered briefly before morphing into a grin.

    Caine raised a hand, beckoning him forward.

    "Go ahead. Attack me. I''ll kill you either way, so you might as well defend yourself."

    Elder Golden Bark barely had time to register the command before a palm of dense qi slammed into his chest. He collapsed to one knee, his organs rupturing, blood bubbling up and spilling from his mouth.

    From a distance, Caine sighed, shaking his head. ''I guess I''ll have to restrict myself even more.''

    He took a step forward, the space around him warping and collapsing, depositing him in front of the elder in an instant. His foot shot upward, connecting with Elder Golden Bark''s chin. The sickening crunch of shattering bone echoed through the air as the elder was hurled skyward, blood spraying in crimson arcs.

    ''Good,'' Caine thought. ''With the foundation I''ve built, no one except Gods ¡ªor those at my level¡ªshould be able to threaten me, regardless of their cultivation realm. Even without my crown.''

    He chuckled softly. ''Or maybe not. Who knows.''

    He lifted his hand and clenched it into a fist. A spectral force seized Elder Golden Bark''s broken body, holding him suspended in the air.

    The elder''s breath caught. Time seemed to freeze, the chill of death closing around him. It had all happened so fast. His heart pounded, a surge of desperate energy pushing him beyond reason.

    A roar burst from his throat as ancient runes flared to life across his body, shattering the spectral grip. He landed hard, his injuries healing instantaneously. His eyes blazed with renewed fury, his gaze fixed on Caine.

    Clapping his hands together, the runes around him twisted and spun, forming intricate formation circles around his wrists and forearms. Crimson lightning crackled, surging in and out of the circles, pulsing with raw power.

    In a blink, he vanished, reappearing before Caine, his hands slashing forward in a deadly clawing motion.

    ''Bloody Sky Lightning?'' Caine mused.

    ''Interesting.''

    He leaned back effortlessly, dodging the strike, then stepped forward, driving his knee into the elder''s stomach.

    Elder Golden Bark gasped, his mind reeling.

    How was this happening? The power dynamic between them should have been the reverse. He had believed Caine''s defeat of Ancestor Bloody Eye was due to a one-time artifact.

    The strength of a Paragon was supposed to be beyond mortal comprehension.

    But now, with Caine''s oppressive strength pressing down on him, his objective shifted.

    Survival was all that mattered. He had to escape. He had to warn his clan.

    Caine could not be allowed to grow any stronger.

    "Oh?"

    Elder Golden Bark''s aura flared. His body dissolved into a mist of runes, reforming several meters away.

    Caine smiled, his time affinity sparking to life. A light emerald rune flickered in his pupils, and time rewound by half a second.

    His hand shot forward, wrapping around the elder''s throat. Caine''s True Will clamped down, preventing any escape. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The formation circles spun faster, and Caine felt an invisible force prying at his fingers, trying to force his grip open.

    He sneered, his True Will drawing on the power of his stars. The pressure shattered with a resounding crack.

    CRACK!

    The formation circles splintered but immediately reformed. Crimson lightning surged through them, bolstering the elder''s qi.

    BANG!

    Elder Golden Bark''s body contorted violently, tearing away from Caine''s grip. His head exploded into a cloud of runes, only to reassemble moments later on his headless torso.

    Caine''s eyes widened.

    The elder''s body transmuted, morphing into a swirling mass of bark, flesh, blood, and crimson lightning. He moved around Caine in a blur, his speed leaving afterimages that rippled through the air.

    But that wasn''t what shocked Caine.

    ''He''s¡­ controlling the world.''

    A sharp pressure built in Caine''s mind, a sensation he hadn''t felt in a long time.

    ''Laws?''

    The realization struck him like a thunderclap, his thoughts reeling.

 Chapter 96 - 96: Serenity(II)

    Thick scarlet vines tore out of the earth and snaked through the air, aiming for Caine.

    The latter, still in a daze, didn''t pay much attention to this.

    ''Runes¡­ Laws..? What''s the link?''

    From Caine''s understanding, built in his past life, runes were proxies of communication that allowed one to, in a sense, make an exchange with the world. By providing refined energy to the world, one had the right to use the world to invoke a spell.

    The way Caine understood it, it was all just a language used to communicate and trade with the world.

    But what he was seeing now was changing everything he knew.

    "Show me more."

    Caine vanished, dodging the countless vines that tore the space where he once stood apart. He reappeared behind Elder Golden Bark, his gaze blazing as he immediately analyzed him.

    ''This is strange. Even this new strange form he has isn''t a sort of transmutation from flesh to the elemental. It''s as if this is his true form while at the same time not being it.''

    Elder Golden Bark frantically turned around, his beady eyes narrowing as his legs extended into long vines that propelled him away from Caine.

    His right hand moved to face the grand tree standing in the middle of the courtyard. With a slight tug, he pulled rivers of thick and ancient emerald qi from it¡ªNature Qi.

    The older a type of qi was, the stronger it became, and considering this mighty tree had existed since the dawn of the Timeless Alliance¡ªmillions of years ago¡ªthe qi Elder Golden Bark drew wasn''t anything to laugh at.

    The ancient natural qi flowed into his body as his bark-like frame tightened, and the fleshy aspects of this new form vanished, compressed under the pressure of his now fully bark-like exterior. The arcs of crimson lightning dancing around him deepened to a rich emerald as the beating of his heart became loud and steady. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Steam hissed from the Elder''s mouth as he hunched over and assumed an ancient and primal pose. Claws of intertwining vines sprouted from his hands and feet, and atop his head, a set of resplendent white horns grew.

    With a single step, he was upon Caine, his fist cutting through the air, trailed by countless vines that followed every movement.

    Caine didn''t panic. With a slight push of his palm, he deviated the punch, redirecting the momentum as he spun, allowing Elder Golden Bark''s face to crash into his spinning elbow.

    A loud CRACK! echoed through the courtyard, but the fissures on the Elder''s face healed immediately, vines wrapping around him to stabilize his form.

    Emerald runes flared across the Elder''s body, fusing into his bark-like skin, and at that moment, the world itself seemed to become part of his Will.

    Caine observed it all with widened eyes.

    He could sense all the different qis in the courtyard flowing through the earth and into Elder Golden Bark''s legs, then surging toward his heart, fueling him with terrifying power.

    He could feel the atmospheric qi around them tightening, akin to invisible chains meant to slow him down. He could even feel a presence similar to the World Will Eye pressing down on him, attempting to suppress the flow of qi within his own body.

    ''It''s as if the world itself is trying to help him.''

    "I see. I see."

    Caine nodded as he dodged a lance of crimson lightning. He then spun and backflipped, evading a series of vines brimming with chaotic emerald qi.

    Landing lightly on his feet, he exhaled slowly, his mind calming. ''I understand now. Well, not entirely, but I''ve learned all I needed from this Elder. Now¡­''

    "¡­you can die. You''ve done your job."

    Caine''s True Will surged, towering over Elder Golden Bark, and all the runes flashing across the Elder''s body shattered into a fine mist of qi.

    Elder Golden Bark coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips as his body was forcefully reverted to its original state.

    Caine''s arm bulged as he punched the air in front of him.

    A deafening BOOOM! resounded, and in an instant, Elder Golden Bark was gone¡ªvaporized. A meaningless death, devoid of suspense or struggle.

    "Good."

    Caine yawned and stretched, his demeanor calm and nonchalant. With a flicker of his True Will, all the destroyed vegetation regrew, restoring the courtyard to its previous, immaculate state. He turned and walked toward the Pond of Serenity, the emerald waters glimmering softly under the dappled light of the tree''s white leaves.

    Caine stepped lightly onto the surface of the pond, his feet gliding across the water as he reached its center. Lowering himself into a seated position, he closed his eyes and let the pond''s effects wash over him.

    Immediately, he felt his mind flow with divine clarity, his thoughts aligning seamlessly, and his heart settling into a docile calm, like a heavenly dove.

    It was as though his already profound connection with the world was pushed one step further.

    While such effects might seem subtle, any cultivator would understand the terrifying significance of this. Almost no one could enter states of enlightenment as easily as Caine did. In fact, moments of enlightenment were almost as rare as individuals with his level of talent.

    ''I see. My comprehension of Will is complete. I''ve understood Qi, Intent, Essence, Quintessence, and Dao. Together, they encase and interlink to form the foundation of my True Will, which itself stands upon the foundation of all my other stars.''

    ''I can sense that beyond the Dao Heart stage, there is something more, but it''s too far from me because of my current cultivation realm.''

    He paused, his thoughts narrowing in on a revelation.

    ''Something I almost missed though, is runes. Or perhaps it''s not that I''ve missed it, but that I''ve noticed it too early.''

    ''My comprehension of runes was too surface level. Runes are indeed a language, but not just that. Runes are the language of all things.''

    ''Runes are the origin of all Laws. From the Heaven''s commands, runes are born, and from runes, Laws are manifested. And from Laws, all things bloom.''

    The countless runes across Caine''s body began to glow faintly.

    ''It''s not complex at all. To control them, all I need to do is¡­''

    The runes trembled, responding to the infusion of his True Will.

    BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM!

    A terrifying wave of power erupted from him as the runes settled into place.

    ''¡­infuse my True Will into them.''

    The power coursing through him felt limitless, each pulse of his runes resonating with the very fabric of existence.

    Caine''s journey, short yet long in its intensity, had been a sequence of trials and triumphs, each building upon the last.

    He began with his bones, stealing shards of universal force to forge them.

    He then followed with his flesh, crafting it with the essence of those same forces.

    He touched upon Intent and rapidly advanced through the stages of the True Defiant Forgery Path.

    He forged stars from all 3,800 primordial paths, comprehended the Beasts Progenitors, and mastered the Heavenly Elements.

    His path underwent countless changes, tribulations, and tests, leading him to form his Dao Heart and evolve his aspects.

    Everything about his journey had been heretical, defying the natural order, and the fact that he still stood here was a testament to his indomitable Will. Perhaps it was the result of one of his wishes¡ªor perhaps it wasn''t.

    But none of that mattered now.

    Because only now, as Caine grasped the absolute truth of runes, did it all come together.

    Only now, with his understanding crystallized, would the results of all his heretical actions bloom.

    BOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    Caine''s heart trembled as the very fabric of reality tore apart.

 Chapter 97 - 97: The Weave

    The world was wide, but existence was immeasurable.

    Beyond the endless expanse of countless worlds suspended in the chaotic tides of primordial chaos, there lay realms far removed from what mortals could ever comprehend as reality.

    Hell, Heaven, The True Void, Samsara¡ªthese were but whispers of places that defied the boundaries of existence.

    And yet, among these realms, some were more elusive, more mythical than others.

    There was a place where all things met and unraveled. A place where the chains of fate and the currents of destiny could be seen as threads in an infinite loom.

    A place where causality intertwined and diverged in endless streams.

    A place where only the divine, known as True Angels, could tread.

    This was The Weave.

    ***

    "ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Caine''s scream pierced the heavens, raw and primal, as if the very essence of his soul was being unraveled.

    ''Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate.''

    Silver tears of blood streaked his face, his anguish carved into his very being as the word echoed endlessly in his mind. The mantra was a curse, pulling him into the abyss of madness.

    He writhed on the waters of the Pond of Serenity, its tranquil surface disrupted by his convulsing body. His mind dangled over the precipice of insanity, held together only by the unyielding might of his Dao Heart.

    WHOOOSH!

    The fabric of reality above Caine shattered, splitting apart like an old wound reopening.

    From the tear emerged a void so deep and black that the world itself seemed to pale, its light dimmed by the presence of absolute nothingness.

    Time froze. The wind stilled. The world held its breath.

    And then¡ª

    CRACK! BOOOM!

    The black void fractured, its edges splintering like fragile glass. Shards of its dark essence tumbled downward, rupturing the fabric of the world further.

    From within the abyss, a multicolored expanse emerged¡ªa kaleidoscope of shifting hues that defied mortal understanding.

    At its center, a figure began to materialize.

    Enshrouded in golden light, its movements were incomprehensibly swift, transcending the limitations of perception.

    In one moment, the world teetered on the brink of annihilation, with Caine spiraling into madness.

    In the next¡ª

    WHOOOSH!

    Nothing.

    Time resumed.

    The skies were once again serene and blue, unmarred by the chaos that had unfolded mere moments before. The wind whispered softly, carrying with it the illusion of calm. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Everything was as it had been.

    Except for one glaring truth: Caine was gone.

    ***

    The realm he found himself in was infinite and incomprehensible.

    The world was white, yet it refracted an infinite spectrum of colors, shifting and intertwining like a living tapestry.

    The sea below mirrored the luminous white above but was translucent, revealing an endless web of strings and runes in countless hues and shapes. These threads stretched outward into eternity, their presence both calming and overwhelming.

    In the vastness of this expanse, two figures sat.

    One was a young man. His lifeless eyes stared vacantly ahead, his slack mouth dripping with saliva. He was a shadow of his former self, devoid of consciousness or will.

    The other figure was no mere mortal¡ªor even divine¡ªit was an entity.

    Its towering frame, standing nine feet tall, radiated an aura of absolute majesty. Its skin, a soft yet resplendent gold, shimmered like liquid sunlight. Its flowing hair, a cascade of molten gold, fell in undulating waves.

    Its face was perfection incarnate, a beauty so pure it transcended mortal comprehension, capable of unraveling minds with its mere presence.

    From its back, seventy-two white feathered wings spread wide, their brilliance illuminating the infinite realm.

    Above its head, a halo of divine light rotated slowly, its radiance both calming and oppressive.

    But behind this divine visage loomed a far greater horror: A pulsating, cancerous mass of flesh hovered ominously, riddled with countless wings that burst forth from its grotesque form. At its center sat a single, massive World Will Eye, its gaze omnipotent and unyielding.

    Together, these two forms embodied the full and terrifying might of the word Angel.

    Between Caine and the angel was a small marble table. They sat cross-legged, their gazes locked in silence.

    Caine was broken, incapacitated, his body shattered and lifeless, while the angel exuded an unshakable divinity, its presence overwhelming the very fabric of the realm.

    Within Caine''s Bond Space, chaos reigned.

    His stars exploded and reformed in an endless cycle, each rebirth more defiant than the last. They resisted the angel''s oppressive presence with every reformation, their light refusing to dim.

    His stars refused to die.

    And neither did his Dao Heart, which shattered and reformed in a relentless cycle of destruction and renewal.

    Time passed.

    "Should be about time," the angel said softly.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s True Will surged to life, roaring back with unrelenting force. His body convulsed violently, thrashing on the waters beneath him.

    ''Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate. Fate.''

    The mantra echoed endlessly, driving him to madness and beyond. His stars and Dao Heart shattered once more, the momentum of their destruction reaching terrifying heights.

    Time passed.

    BOOOM!

    Suddenly, Caine went still.

    Time seemed to halt.

    Memories of his life flashed through his mind, each moment illuminated with perfect clarity.

    And then¡ª

    "I AM ALIVE."

    The words erupted from his lips as he gasped for air, his chest heaving. Black blood poured from his mouth as he keeled over, trembling.

    His stars and Dao Heart stabilized, their light now blindingly powerful.

    His True Will washed over him, its presence calming and steadying his fractured mind.

    Slowly, he sat upright, his breaths even and deliberate.

    As strength returned to his form, his crown materialized atop his head, surging power through his veins. Only once he felt the overwhelming might coursing through him did he truly calm.

    The crown faded, and Caine''s silver eyes opened, locking onto the entity before him.

    "Good. Barely took an eon to adapt. Very good seed. Very good," the angel said. Its voice was a symphony of countless androgynous tones, each word laced with unfathomable authority.

    Caine''s Will trembled under the weight of its words, despite his newfound strength.

    ''¡­Terrifying¡­''

    "Before we begin, I''ll hand you this. You''ll know what to do with it in time."

    The angel reached up, grasping its spinning halo. With a flick of its wrist, it sent the golden ring hurtling toward Caine.

    The halo landed on his head, fitting perfectly before vanishing¡ªjust as his crown did.

    Caine neither reacted nor protested. Deep down, he knew he couldn''t.

    "Now, little Lerouge, I must congratulate you. You are the second to ever open The Weave as a mortal."

    "Congratulations, truly. Even though it will take time for you to understand the depth of your actions, you deserve this much."

 Chapter 98 - 98: The Weave(II)

    "Now, I''ll explain a few things. In the meantime, please, remain quiet. I''m not fond of speaking in¡­ a mortal tongue."

    "It is nothing against you, child, so do not feel offended, yes?"

    Caine slowly nodded.

    "Good." The angel waved its hand and summoned two cups and a teapot. "Soul Tear Bov¨ª. You''re familiar with it, no?"

    Caine''s eyes widened for a moment before he calmed down and nodded.

    "Not my favorite. Seems a bit twisted to drink the soul quintessence of fallen gods, but what can you do? Not only is it twisted, but it''s also dirty. I see it as drinking piss." It said.

    The angel sighed and served Caine.

    "I digress." It put the teapot down before extending a palm and signaling him to drink. Caine obliged.

    Feeling the divine liquid grace his throat, he nearly fainted in euphoria, his strength soaring into terrifying stratas. His mind clouded over, flickering in and out of consciousness.

    "I am Laplace, also known as The Last True Angel and the False Son of the Weave."

    "Describing this place would be too long and complex for you to comprehend, but in simple terms, this place is akin to Samsara. As for the rest, you''ll discover more as you ascend."

    It looked into the distance with a soft gaze, almost as if peeling the layers of space and time to gaze at a distant future or perhaps past.

    "You are here because The Weave itself has recognized and accepted you. Not only has The Weave called upon you, but the River of Fate has as well."

    It looked back at Caine with a gaze full of¡­ respect.

    "You are to claim the Throne."

    Under this entity''s intense gaze, Caine felt like a squirming ant. The sensation left him more enraged than afraid, but he ruthlessly suppressed this emotion and suppressed the pride of his True Will.

    He didn''t feel like an ant. He was an ant in front of such an entity.

    "To say this is impressive is an understatement, but alas, I digress once more."

    "My role here is rather simple. I am to help and warn you."

    Laplace waved its hand, and Caine suddenly heard a click echo within his bond space. He focused on it and immediately noticed the oddity.

    "Now, I have unsealed your affinities to Fate, Karma, Totality, and The Weave."

    Laplace''s eyes narrowed as it said the following words.

    "Listen, little Lerouge. The path you will have to walk upon from now on will be a¡­ strange one. Believe me when I say this: death will be far from the worst of outcomes."

    "Eternity twists us all, and gods will be nothing but ants to those that will be coming. You must live, do you understand?"

    Caine was taken aback by the intensity of Laplace''s words. His heart began to thump in anxious fear, a fear he didn''t even understand.

    "You must live. You must claw your way to the top." Laplace sighed. "These four affinities you have, never underestimate them. They are your greatest gift but your most potent curses."

    Caine began to shiver. The more the angel spoke, the more a sense of fear began to invade his heart. He didn''t understand what was happening.

    Tears brimmed in his eyes, but as soon as this happened, rage bloomed in his heart.

    What was going on?

    "There is always a price to pay, and you, my friend, have¡­" A smile graced the angel''s lips.

    "¡­already paid the greatest price there ever was, is, and will be."

    "Reclaim what you have lost."

    A tear fell from Caine''s eyes as emotions not belonging to him surged and erupted within his heart. For some reason, his Dao Heart refused to shatter these emotions. It instead accepted them.

    Laplace slowly began to vanish, its smile still as radiant.

    "Before I vanish, I''ll give you this one additional gift."

    Two strings manifested around Caine, tightly bound to his right arm. Looking at them, for a moment, he stood confused.

    But in the next instant, his eyes widened as his newly unsealed affinity to the Weave stirred, and he understood. His heart stopped.

    "I''ll be seeing you soon, brother."

    ***

    Caine blinked, and he found himself in the Brilliant Five Sky World once more, sitting atop the Pond of Serenity.

    More and more tears began to flood his face. He clutched his chest, gasping for air, barely able to compute what had and was happening.

    The skies above darkened, and countless World Will Eyes began to manifest.

    Something had triggered his breakthrough into the Spark Realm.

    "No¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ n¡­ no¡­"

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOM! S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lightning loudly crackled around the World Will Eyes in the skies. A dome, akin to the one Caine faced in his second tribulation, after exiting his coming-of-age ceremony, formed, trapping him in the vastness of his tribulation.

    "Please¡­ no¡­"

    The strings that had been attached to Caine''s arm were simple to understand. They were called Harmonic Descendance Strings.

    They were divided into Yin and Yang Strings.

    One for the father, one for the mother.

    Caine, as a reincarnated individual, was supposed to have four¡ªtwo from his previous life and two from this one.

    But he only had two. The truth was obvious.

    Caine''s parents in his past life were the same as the ones in this one.

    But if that was true¡­

    WHOOOSH!

    The World Will Eyes in the skies fused into one another, becoming a grand and majestic eye, covering the skies of the whole world.

    This eye parted, acting as a gate, and from it, countless World Avatars descended, all radiating terrifying strength.

    ''¡­how¡­''

    But this wasn''t all. Caine could feel that beyond the matters of his parents, there was something much deeper.

    Something much more sinister. He didn''t know why, but the words Laplace had uttered about a price kept echoing endlessly in his mind.

    But he couldn''t remember. It was on the tip of his tongue, refusing to be uttered.

    ''Why can''t I remember¡­ what did I do¡­ what did I say¡­ what happened¡­''

    It was all so overwhelming.

    BANG!

    The first of the World Avatars landed in his courtyard, closely followed by countless others.

    BANG! BANG! BANG!

    Caine slowly stood up, his tears burning, only for their mist to be carried by the wind.

    His gaze was exceptionally apathetic, and his stance incredibly relaxed.

    "¡­[Star Ring Form: Caine]¡­ [Velios Foundation]¡­"

 Chapter 99 - 99: The Weave(III)â€”Pointless

    Caine''s nine rings took shape behind him, and at their center, his radiant, coiled silver star dragon manifested.

    His wings erupted from his back, tearing his robes apart as a calm ripple of strength echoed outward.

    By habit, he slicked his long hair back and exhaled slowly. His eyes panned over the avatars assembled in front of him, observing them all.

    He analyzed each one, his gaze effortlessly piercing through their strengths and weaknesses without much struggle.

    He sighed. ''It''s pointless.''

    His rings began to vanish as his wings retracted and the star faded. Light and airy white robes draped over him as he turned around and began walking toward the grand tree that stood before the Pond of Serenity.

    His steps echoed, accompanied by the faint flutter of his robes. The world seemed to hold its breath, frozen in place, as if observing each and every one of his movements.

    Caine slowly sat down, leaning his back against the tree.

    "Your Highness?" Soran suddenly appeared beside him, closely followed by Caine''s army of summons.

    "Take care of them for me. When on the verge of death, tell Elura so she converts them. Take it as training if you want."

    Soran noticed the weary air swirling in his master''s gaze but dared not argue. He nodded, then turned toward the swarm of avatars in front of him.

    Without hesitation, he charged forward, followed closely by the rest of Caine''s army.

    Avatars, beasts, and soldiers collided in a violent and brutal clash. Explosions of chaotic qi echoed through the battlefield as roars, screams, and cries filled the air. The clash of blades, the cracking of bones, the spilling of blood, and the pounding of hearts merged into a symphony of carnage.

    Caine watched it all, his gaze serene and his heartbeat steady.

    While he could spend time trying to process what he had just discovered, a part of him knew it was pointless.

    Perhaps it was the effect of his unlocked main affinities, or perhaps his Dao Heart was trying to shield him. Either way, he didn''t dwell on it.

    Since he was trapped here until his tribulation ended, he would simply wait.

    ''Caine,'' Elura called out, her voice echoing in his mind.

    ''Yes?''

    ''If¡­ if it helps, the fact that their strings are still intact means they''re still alive¡ªtechnically.''

    Caine slowly nodded, bearing this in mind. ''I see.'' He looked toward the horizon. ''That''s good to know. Thank you.''

    He remained silent after that, embracing the still emptiness surrounding him.

    The World Avatars fell one after the other, their golden blood splattering across the grass from which new summons arose under Caine''s control.

    Not even an hour passed before the courtyard was empty.

    Caine looked up, expecting yet another tribulation, most likely as punishment for the lack of respect he''d shown. But surprisingly, nothing happened.

    The dome enclosing the tribulation area faded, and strength surged through his body. From the Peak of the Blood Realm, he naturally tore through the bottleneck and entered the earliest stages of the Spark Realm.

    ''I suppose it makes sense. I wasn''t even supposed to undergo a tribulation for breaking past the Blood Realm.''

    ''The World Will Eye can''t break too many of its own laws, or the balance of the world will be thrown off.''

    Caine pushed himself to his feet and walked out of the courtyard. As he did, he waved his hand, healing all the destroyed vegetation of this peaceful haven.

    Following the winding path that led to his throne room, Caine passed through mountains, rivers, forests, and flatlands. He allowed his mind to bask in the serenity of nature.

    The skies were dim and the air cold, carrying a biting edge that could be considered harsh even by the standards of the northern continent¡ªjust the way he liked it.

    He re-entered his throne room but exited it almost immediately.

    ***

    [Frodolth¡ªEastern District¡ªCapital of the Timeless Alliance.]

    The streets of the Eastern District were paved with countless pavilions, each grander than the last. Their towering spires and intricate carvings reflected a blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. These structures stood tall and proud, adorned with hanging lanterns that radiated a warm, golden glow even during the dimmest hours.

    The streets were bustling, as they always were. Esteemed merchants peddled their goods under elaborate awnings embroidered with their family crests. Nobles from the Timeless Alliance carried out their duties, and officials from other factions wandered the district''s beautiful roads, admiring the fusion of art, commerce, and culture.

    Though Frodolth as a whole was known as the Alliance''s capital, the Eastern District held its own distinct name¡ªFalse World.

    It was said that one could find and do anything in this district. All cultures converged and diverged here, creating an atmosphere of peace and vibrancy beyond words. A harmonious cacophony filled the air: the hum of conversations, the jingling of coins, and the occasional song of a street performer.

    At the far end of a quieter street stood a small yet inviting restaurant. Its modest exterior was unassuming, but the colorful flower arrangements lining the windowsills gave it a welcoming charm. A simple sign hung above the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze.

    "Ah! My son!"

    An older lady smiled warmly as a man entered her restaurant. She wore an apron, her long brown hair tied in a tight bun. Her aged face radiated waves of love and tender affection, embodying the word mother in its truest sense.

    Though she stood no taller than five feet, the intensity of her golden gaze made her seem as large as a giant.

    Her smile lit up the mostly empty restaurant as she walked forward and wrapped her arms tightly around the young man¡ªCaine.

    "Hello, Aunty Tania."

    This pavilion was one of many places Caine had visited during his travels, particularly when he was injured. Without a doubt, it was his favorite.

    "Oh, look at my beautiful boy!" She floated up slightly to cup Caine''s face. "Look at how this cultivation nonsense has hardened your gaze in just a few weeks."

    She sighed. "Where''s my little princess?"

    Caine smiled faintly. "She had to return to the Pagoda to train some more. Last time, she only completed half of what she set out to do."

    Aunty Tania raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    "Oh? Alright then. Come, sit. I''ll serve you the usual."

    She floated back into the kitchen as Caine chose a table and sat down. The interior was cozy, with polished wooden floors and shelves filled with jars of spices and herbs. A faint aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread lingered in the air, comforting and familiar.

    Moments later, Zao appeared across from him. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Oh, for fuck''s sake," Caine muttered under his breath.

    Zao chuckled, shaking his head. "Tania, can you serve me up as well?" he called toward the kitchen.

    "No problem! Tanurian beef or Zavian? I also have¡ª"

    "I''ll take a simple Zavian steak, the old-fashioned recipe."

    "Coming right up!"

    "Thanks, love."

    Zao turned his attention back to Caine. "We have a few things to talk about, you and I."

 Chapter 100 - 100: Millenium

    "What''s the highest realm there is?" Caine suddenly asked.

    For a moment, Zao was taken aback. But he answered nonetheless.

    "Godhood. To be a God."

    "Have you ever met one?"

    Zao caressed his chin, considering the question.

    "Your father and I once went into this legacy realm that apparently belonged to an entity calling itself a God. I think it referred to itself as the White Scaled True God."

    "Anyway, we went in, and it truly was one of the most dangerous outings we''ve ever partaken in. We were mere Ascendants at the time, facing beast summons with Quasi-God prowess. It was terrifying."

    Caine''s eyes widened. "You could fight Quasi-Gods as Ascendants? What?! How?" he asked, genuine disbelief coursing through him.

    Even he, with his terrifying foundation and abilities, knew he''d be vaporized by even the slightest intention from such entities.

    Zao laughed. "Yes, we could, but for different reasons. You aren''t the only one who managed to form a terrifying foundation while young."

    "Your father was an extremely crafty person. I don''t know how, but he somehow managed to devour an entire World Will Eye and fuse its essence into his heart. After that, since he was also a summoner, he created summons based around World Will Eyes."

    "Using them, he set a sort of trap to devour more and more of those eyes. It made him extremely powerful in no time, and the worst part? That was only his first attempt at breaking limits. The things he went on to do later were truly special."

    He sighed as he continued. "As for me, it was all because of the sword. My swordsmanship blurred the lines so much that cultivation stopped mattering. God or not, my blade could sever all things."

    Caine was in shock hearing this. To think this humble man before him was capable of such things.

    ''If he has such power, then why doesn''t he¡­'' Caine''s eyes narrowed. ''He''s either injured or¡­ crippled.''

    "Anyway, when we cleared the legacy ground, the big prize was actually the corpse of that so-called God¡ªwhich, as it turned out, really was a God. I used its bones to make a set of sword and armor, while your father used its flesh to create his first God summon."

    Caine whistled in amazement. "Gods can die?"

    "It''s a bit complicated, but yes, they can. Just not in the way mortals understand it."

    "But even then, that entity wasn''t really a God born through cultivation. It was a beast from a strange race that ascended naturally as they aged, without any effort on their part. A terrifying race, to say the least."

    "It probably killed itself in its own sleep or something of the sort. Or perhaps it was the mount of an even stronger entity and died from the strain. I''m not sure."

    Aunt Tania exited her kitchen, her hands full of plates and glasses she skillfully placed in front of the two.

    Delicacies of all kinds and types littered their table, drawing warm smiles from the two.

    From thin air, Tania pulled out a bottle of wine, which she used to serve Zao. She then served Caine a simple glass of cold water.

    She smiled. "Alright, boys, have a good meal and don''t hesitate to let me know if you need anything, yes?"

    The two nodded. "Thank you, Aunt Tania."

    With a smile, she returned to her kitchen, and the two began to eat.

    "But enough about me," Zao said as he served himself three slabs of meat. "How close to recovery are you?" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine passed the mashed potatoes over to him as he took the greens and began serving himself. "Mostly healed. Just a few of my veins are still a bit swollen, but that''s nothing serious."

    "My eyes do hurt a lot, though. Not sure why. My vision has been becoming a bit blurry. But again, I''m not worried."

    Zao nodded. "Alright. If you''re not worried, then I won''t worry either."

    Using a small container, he drizzled thick mushroom gravy onto his steaks and mashed potatoes. A smile bloomed across his face as he shook his head in anticipation.

    Caine chuckled, seeing this. They sat across from one another, eating in silence and peace.

    The air suddenly became colder as rain began to pour outside, but instead of ruining the mood, it elevated it, setting a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

    The faint ripple of raindrops splattering across the streets and the clatter of rushing carriages filled the silence.

    "Hm, I almost forgot." Zao wiped his mouth.

    "It''s your eighteenth birthday, is it not?"

    From thin air, Zao pulled out a thick tome.

    "Oh, you don''t have to¡ª"

    "Here. A gift. Adulthood is something to celebrate, you know? Plus, I missed your last birthday, so I ought to make up for it."

    Caine smiled and reluctantly accepted the tome. He glanced at its title for a moment before his smile deepened, and he stored it away.

    "Thanks."

    Just as Caine was about to continue eating, Zao spoke once more.

    "Alright, let''s address the elephant in the room¡ªThe Millennium Auction."

    Caine grimaced at this, a deep and weary sigh escaping his lips.

    "I really don''t wanna go, Zao. I really don''t."

    Zao shrugged and continued eating. "You''re obligated to go. It''s one of the only outings you''re forced to attend as a Scion."

    "It''d also be badly seen if you didn''t go after spending the last few months traveling around the world."

    ''Fuuuuuckk,'' Caine lamented in his mind. He really didn''t want to go.

    "Why don''t you want to go, anyway? It''ll be a fun outing, no? You may even find something you''re looking for¡ªwhatever nonsense you do these days."

    Caine sighed again. "I''m so tired. Barely had any time to rest. A year isn''t enough for me to fully recover mentally. I think I cultivated too fast, especially after learning about the paths of Will."

    Zao nodded, unsurprised that Caine had touched upon the True Defiant Forgery Path.

    He could feel it, so Caine knew he knew.

    "Oh, then that makes sense. Your Will most likely hasn''t fully settled down. My advice is to take a bit of a break from cultivating until you feel you''ve passed that mental bottleneck."

    "Does that mean I can¡ª"

    "Nope. You still have to go."

 Chapter 101 - 101: Millenium(II)

    Caine sat on the back of his eagle mount, soaring through the skies toward the central continent where the Void Trading Alliance would be holding its famous Millennium Auction.

    An auction that occurred only once every generation. It was the event to attend, where treasures of immeasurable rarity were showcased and displayed for all to bid on.

    Caine grumbled in annoyance as he inched closer and closer to the location, counting the seconds until he could return home.

    ''Hopefully, things go fast.''

    ***

    Caine jumped off his eagle, free-falling from the skies, and landed softly on the ground.

    Looking around, he raised a brow in confusion.

    He had arrived in a vast, empty plain¡ªwide and airy, covered in lush green grass. At its center stood a tall and grand floating palace, its architecture dazzling and otherworldly.

    Intricate carvings ran along its hovering walls, and the base shimmered faintly as though supported by an invisible force.

    But the palace wasn''t what confused him. He had expected grandeur. What perplexed him were the layers of formations that covered the area.

    ''Why is this place covered in such complex formations?''

    Security was normal for such events, but the sheer scale of what Caine was witnessing was almost maddening. Formation upon formation wove through the air and the grass, each pulsing faintly with energy. It felt excessive¡ªmore akin to preparation for a war than an auction.

    His suspicions were nearly confirmed when he spotted countless pocket spaces in the distance, brimming with armed soldiers. Their terrifying auras oozed forward, heavy and oppressive.

    ''Whatever. Not my business.''

    Caine shrugged and took a step forward, beginning his journey toward the palace. But just as he moved, a man appeared in front of him, blocking his path.

    Caine didn''t bother to look at him and casually stepped forward, teleporting past him, assuming the man had mistakenly crossed his path.

    However, his gaze narrowed when an arm reached out, grabbing his shoulder.

    "Excuse me."

    A pulse of qi instantly repelled the hand from Caine. He slowly turned around.

    "Hm?"

    The man before him looked simple¡ªblack hair, red eyes, dark robes¡ª

    ''¡ªIs this a Renala?''

    "I am Sire Elderson, missionary of the Chaos Heaven Pagoda, Lords of the Western Continent. Please, come with me. Our Lord wishes an audience with you."

    "What''s my name?"

    Sire was taken aback by the question but answered nonetheless. "Caine Lerouge Velios, Scion of the Northern Forces."

    "Knowing this, you still ''require'' anything of me?"

    The man smiled, a rumbling chuckle echoing from his throat. "Please, young man, do not make this harder than it needs to be."

    "Be a good boy and follow me, or else."

    "Or else?" Caine blinked, his disbelief turning into amusement. He almost burst out laughing.

    Was he being threatened?

    Caine shook his head, chuckling to himself, and continued walking toward the auction palace.

    Sire sighed as his qi exploded outward. His hand tore through the air, aiming directly for Caine.

    BOOM!

    In an instant, a formation above activated, reducing Sire to ashes. The defense mechanisms of the plain had been triggered.

    Caine barely spared the incident a glance.

    Using his Will, he activated one of the many formations scattered around the area, ensuring a smooth journey to the palace.

    As he walked, a thought struck him. ''Since when were we on bad terms with them?''

    ''Also, why the hell do they look like Renalas so much? Even his blood had their scent.''

    He shook his head and sighed. ''This is why I didn''t want to come.''

    ***

    The auction hall was a marvel of craftsmanship, a vast, towering structure built to accommodate thousands of attendants. Its floors were carpeted in a rich, red velvet that absorbed every footstep, and the walls gleamed with a polished golden sheen, adorned with intricate engravings of past auctions and historical events.

    The stage, where all bidding would take place, was constructed from dark, ancient wood that radiated a faint spiritual aura. Heavy, long curtains of crimson velvet hid its surface, embroidered with gold-threaded runes that glimmered faintly in the light.

    Directly before the stage were rows upon rows of neatly arranged seats, designed to provide comfort while maintaining elegance. Above, elevated private rooms lined the walls, hidden behind tinted one-way glass. These rooms catered to the nobles and Scions from the five major powers, offering privacy and luxury.

    Caine lounged alone in one such boxes, sprawled on a wide sofa, even spacious enough for his tall frame. He lay there comfortably, his eyes half-closed, utterly indifferent to the grandeur of the event.

    WHOOSH!

    Slowly, the thick curtains parted, revealing a woman standing at the center of the stage.

    Her face was obscured by a dark amethyst mask, as was customary for members of the Void Trading Alliance. Her layered black robes, embroidered with silver, flowed elegantly, accentuating her commanding presence.

    "Welcome to the¡­"

    Caine''s eyes grew heavier as he leaned back and crossed his arms.

    "¡­we are honored to¡­"

    His eyelids drooped further, and he struggled to stay awake. ''Alright, I''ll close them, but I''ll keep listening. Definitely.''

    "¡­for our first item placed up for¡­"

    He fell asleep.

    ***

    On stage, the presenter stood beside a floating bubble, within which a dozen thick tomes were suspended, each covered in intricate, glowing runes.

    "For our nineteenth treasure, I present to you the Arcane Tomes of Liberation!"

    "Created by the late arcane cultivator Lord Sermond, considered one of the youngest pioneers of the art, these tomes contain the culmination of his life''s greatest project¡ªthe Liberation Spell Sets. But that''s not all."

    "A guide is also included¡ªa guide that takes cultivators step-by-step through a process that allows them to recreate their veins, inextricably linking them to their bones and, indirectly, their flesh."

    "This refinement allows for the formation of a completely new body structure¡ªthe Liberation Structure Set! A titled structure set standing at the very peaks of the Chaos Grade!"

    Gasps of shock and excitement rippled through the audience. The attendees stirred in anticipation, unable to hide their hunger for such a priceless opportunity.

    But just as the bidding was about to begin¡ª

    Clap! Clap! Clap!

    A man strode onto the stage, clapping his hands mockingly. His face was obscured by a stark white mask, and his layered white robes were a sharp contrast to the Void Trading Alliance''s black.

    Without a word, he waved his hand, and golden qi chains snaked through the air, wrapping around the presenter. She fell limply to the ground, unconscious before she could react.

    "Hello," the man''s deep voice echoed, sending chills through the room.

    Many attendees prepared to retaliate, but before they could act, the man waved his hand again. Most of the crowd was immediately bound by golden chains, leaving only a handful untouched.

    "Hello, I am Magnus Carlier, from the White Sea Cult."

    Masked figures in white robes suddenly appeared behind him, their presence oppressive.

    "It''s been a long time, hasn''t it?" Magnus said with a chuckle, his gaze directed at one of the private boxes above.

    For a moment, the room was silent, the air thick with tension.

    BOOM!

    All the private rooms exploded simultaneously as countless ancestors and elders from the major factions soared into the air. Their auras clashed violently against those of Magnus and his followers.

    Chaos erupted.

    ***

    Caine woke up what felt like hours later, yawning and stretching as he stood from his sofa.

    ''Should be done.''

    He looked around and froze.

    Everything was destroyed. His private room floated in the air, the only intact structure amidst the carnage.

    Below, countless battles raged. Bodies littered the grassy plains where the auction palace had once stood.

    ''What the hell happened¡­?''

    Screams, roars, and cries overwhelmed his senses as shockwaves rippled through the air, filling it with chaotic qi.

    Just as the chaos and his confusion reached their peak, the formations surrounding the area suddenly activated.

    Caine''s [Warp] gift blared warning signs, but it was too late. Before he could react, he and everyone present were sucked into a chaotic spatial storm.

    As his sense of direction was torn apart and the world around him began to warp he sighed.

    ''Of course, things had to go wrong.''

    [End of Volume One: Timeless Genesis]

    [Volume Two: Blinding Heavenly Light] S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 102 - 102: Blind

    Up, down, left, right¡ªit all stopped having meaning.

    Caine found himself spiraling through a void of endless colors, his body battered and torn by countless chaotic streams of qi.

    The wounds accumulated on his body faster than he could heal, forcing his Blood Qi to go into overdrive.

    ''Where the hell am I¡­?''

    All he could see was a blurry fresque of colors reflected by streams of qi that intertwined in chaotic yet beautiful dances.

    His body sped through this blurry space with terrifying speed, accelerating over time as if pulled by an invisible spectral force.

    ''¡­Blurry? My senses are¡ª''

    Before he could complete his thought, his already blurry vision began to darken as he felt his very Blood Qi twist and churn, mutating into something grotesque.

    His normally sharp senses began to shut down, one by one.

    His sight left first, plunging him into an eternal abyss of darkness. Then his sense of touch tore away, leaving him a motionless, numb puppet of flesh. His sense of smell overloaded his brain with countless otherworldly odors before vanishing entirely.

    A loud ringing echoed in his mind just as his tongue began to ripple and darken.

    His entire body trembled, rippling violently as dark runes surfaced across his skin. His mind flickered between consciousness and unconsciousness.

    ''What the¡­?''

    The thought barely formed before it all went blank. His body continued to be pulled further into the grand and strange abyss of colors.

    ***

    In an endless white room, a body suddenly appeared, crashing heavily onto the ground.

    Caine''s body convulsed violently, his lungs expanding as he gasped for air. His blind eyes widened as he regained consciousness.

    Though stripped of his senses, his mind remained intact, allowing him to adapt almost instantly.

    From his Bond Space, countless strings of Neural Qi shot out, binding his body and turning it into a puppet controlled by his Will.

    His affinity to qi flared, and he began to survey his surroundings through the intent and Will contained in the air.

    His mind sharpened, and his blood cooled as he primed himself for the worst.

    WHOOOOSH!

    ''Good.''

    He released a breath of relief. Though he didn''t know where he was, at least he was alone.

    But his relief was short-lived. ''What the hell has happened to me?'' His face twisted into a frown.

    He cycled his Blood Qi through his body, targeting his nerves, but nothing changed. His body wasn''t healing.

    However, this wasn''t what worried him most. In his past life, he''d spent his first twelve years blind and stripped of his senses. It was why his eyes had once been silver¡ªhe used to be blind.

    Through arcane arts, he had partially healed his body and regained his senses. Later, after forming his rings, he had fully recovered.

    But this felt entirely different. His body felt fine, yet he was blind. Something was deeply wrong.

    ''Something passed through my Blood Qi to corrupt my Life Qi. It wounded all my aspects and caused this state I''m in.''

    His thoughts grew sharper. ''And because of my recent breakthroughs and their effects on my body, this change runs even deeper.''

    In other words, while his situation wasn''t hopeless, it was dire. His wounded aspects had stripped him of his senses, the bodily fatigue he''d spent a year recovering from had returned, and, worst of all, he didn''t yet know how to heal himself.

    Having only just entered the Spark Realm, he had never interacted with his aspects. For now, there was nothing he could do except rely on his affinity to qi and his True Will. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He exhaled, calming himself as his Dao Heart plunged him into a state of serenity. But just as this happened, the white space around him began to tremble. Through the darkness that blinded his vision, a set of runes assembled, forming a screen directly projected into his mind.

    ~~~

    [Fractured Reality: City of God.]

    ? Description: The Gods have fallen, their bones used to forge the pillars of humanity and their blood to nurture the lands from which ascendants shall rise. But amidst this coming golden age, a dark shadow grows, casting a net of sin over the world.

    ? Clear Conditions (Individual): Kill The Man Bathed in Golden Blood. Save The Ten Sovereign Stars. Join the [?]. Discover the [?].

    ? Clear Conditions (Collective): Survive the Last Calamity of Man.

    >Time Ribbon: For every day passed in the True World, ten years will pass in the Fractured World.

    >Time Frame: 30 Days (300 Fractured Years).

    ? Difficulty: Origin Grade (Lower Grade).

    ~~~

    The moment the screen imprinted itself into his mind, the white space began to twist and shift once more. Before Caine could react, he was thrown and teleported away.

    ***

    Fractured realities were strange and complex, both in their structure and essence. There were many types, and even among them, variations existed.

    Some fractured realities could be conquered and used as training grounds for the youth. Others could be exploited for resources. Still, others could hide treasures and knowledge¡ªlost in the mazes of time and space.

    But some were traps.

    Unfortunately for Caine, his luck had run out.

    This fractured reality was the very same one where he''d taken his coming-of-age ceremony.

    And that wasn''t all.

    Everyone who had attended the auction was also sucked into the fractured reality, but their screens were¡­ different.

    ~~~

    [Fractured Reality: City of God.]

    ? Description: The Gods have fallen, their bones used to forge the pillars of humanity and their blood to nurture the lands from which ascendants shall rise. But amidst this coming golden age, a dark shadow grows, casting a net of sin over the world.

    ? Clear Conditions (Individual): Kill Caine Lerouge Velios. Kill the Ten Sovereign Stars. Follow the Orders of the Man Bathed in Golden Blood.

    ? Clear Conditions (Collective): Kill Caine Lerouge Velios.

    >Time Ribbon: For every day passed in the True World, ten years will pass in the Fractured World.

    >Time Frame: 30 Days (300 Fractured Years).

    ? Difficulty: Origin Grade (Lower Grade).

    ~~~

    Caine''s enemies had underestimated him once, but they wouldn''t make the same mistake twice.

 Chapter 103 - 103: Death Qi

    Caine fell from the stars and into the skies, his bloodied body catching fire as he hurtled downward, twisting and rolling in the air as he desperately tried to regain balance.

    The void above seemed endless, a dark canvas punctuated only by faint glimmers of distant light, but his descent was unrelenting.

    Below stretched a vast forest, ominous in its design. The soil of this land was ashen grey, devoid of life''s vibrancy.

    The countless trees were pitch black, their towering trunks splintered and gnarled, crowned with sharp and deadly branches.

    These branches bore emerald flames instead of leaves, flickering ominously, casting eerie shadows that danced across the forest floor.

    Roaming through the vast expanse of this deathly land were skeletal creatures, their gaunt forms radiating an aura of death and carnage.

    Though Caine couldn''t see any of this, he didn''t need to. His intent allowed him to read the nature of his surroundings instantly, the very air whispering its truths to him.

    BOOOOM!

    A crater formed in the heart of the forest as his body crashed into the ground with the force of a meteor. Dirt and debris exploded outward, mingling with emerald sparks from the fiery foliage above.

    The world around him shuddered. A wave of emerald qi surged through the air, thick and oppressive. It spread outward like an ocean, consuming everything in its path.

    The once-visible forest became an endless expanse of emerald mist, suffused with a single unmistakable energy.

    Death Qi.

    Caine''s Blood Qi stirred violently, sensing the danger. Warning signs blared through his being, but he was already too late to react.

    WHOOOSH!

    The thick waves of death qi condensed, spiraling toward him and flooding his body with their eerie, malevolent essence. It moved with precision, as if alive, targeting every fiber of his being.

    His body began to expand unnaturally, and the strain caused it to crack apart in places.

    Glowing emerald veins spread across these cracks, pulsing with energy. His skin turned entirely black, and his pupils transformed into voids of pure darkness, swallowing all light.

    Caine''s already mutated Blood Qi began to shatter, throwing his body into complete disarray. Black and emerald runes snaked along his form, their luminous glow marking the areas where corrosion was deepest. The death qi was relentless, slowly corroding him from the inside out. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Yet Caine remained calm. The immense pain wracking his body wasn''t enough to break his focus.

    BOOOM!

    His hair ignited, transforming into a mane of burning white flames. A chitinous armor formed over his bare body, glistening in the emerald light. Waves of chaotic power oozed from him, and within, life and death qi clashed violently, threatening to tear him apart.

    Caine slowly sat up, crossing his legs in a meditative posture. His Dao Heart radiated serenity, shining brilliantly amidst the chaos brewing within him.

    The situation was dire. If he didn''t act, the death qi would completely corrode his life qi.

    Once that happened, his Blood Qi would mutate into something grotesque and corrosive, a force that would kill him in seconds.

    But Caine remained unshaken.

    If he had truly wanted to stop this, he could have done so already.

    His True Will alone was enough to command all qi to obey him. Beyond that, he was protected by the countless safeguards he had painstakingly cultivated. His body, refined through the power of his Death Star, was resistant to such assaults.

    His rings could control atmospheric qi and offset the effects of even potent death qi. And above all, his Qi Pillar stood as his foundation.

    Though Caine hadn''t used it up to now, it still stood at the immeasurable grade. Its mere existence shielded him from such attacks.

    The reason he had allowed his body to endure this torment was twofold. The first reason lay in his Blood Qi.

    ''I see. The additional cursed and blessed natures of my Blood Qi are the root causes of all this.''

    His thoughts were calm and methodical.

    ''My five fundamental senses reflect my five aspects. An evolution in one is mirrored by a change in the other.''

    ''The World Will Eye of the real world had been suppressing the completion of my aspects. Entering this fractured reality allowed them to fully complete, which in turn mutated my senses.''

    ''They weren''t just mutated¡ªthey were turned into templates for me to use. I can''t see, hear, smell, feel, or taste because I now need to reforge these senses.''

    Caine nodded to himself as clarity washed over him, unbothered by the flames of death qi burning his body.

    ''This completion made my Blood Qi malleable, causing my senses to vanish. Conversely, it is through my Blood Qi that I can regain them.''

    For most cultivators, reforging their senses entirely would be an impossible task¡ªespecially when those senses reflected Immeasurable Cursed and Blessed aspects.

    But for Caine, this task was almost trivial. His gift, [Sense], was the perfect tool for such a task. As an extension of his True Will, all he needed to do was allow it to function.

    The second reason for enduring this agony was simple yet profound¡ªBalance.

    He sought to strike equilibrium between his Life Qi and the invading Death Qi, allowing them to mutate and harmonize. By doing so, his Life Qi would ascend to match the potency of Lilith''s, granting him regeneration abilities that bordered on godlike. The resulting balance would also synchronize perfectly with the functions of his flesh and bones.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s True Will Star glowed as one of the five dragons coiled around it opened its eyes. As it stirred, the manifestation of a dragon materialized, coiling tightly around him.

    BOOOM!

    His Will surged, and his Life Qi erupted with terrifying momentum. It countered the Death Qi with equal force, initiating a violent dance within his body that pushed him closer to destruction.

    Two shades of emerald¡ªlight and dark¡ªclashed around him, filling the air with chaotic energy. Flowers sprouted amidst the dead forest, their fragile blooms flickering with vitality, only to wither and rot moments later under the relentless clash of qi.

    Caine''s body peeled away layer by layer, alternating between a state of perfect regeneration and grotesque decay. It was a brutal cycle, but it created the ideal environment for his senses to reforge.

    RUMBLE!

    With a faint roar from the dragon coiled around him, complex runes began to materialize in the air. They shimmered as they slowly reconstructed each of his senses, restoring balance to his fragmented being.

    ''I suppose I''ll take a deep dive into the complexities of Death Qi as well.''

    As this thought formed, the skies above darkened. Ominous clouds gathered, thick with the promise of lightning. They crackled with volatile energy, the sound reverberating like a harbinger of judgment.

    Caine sighed, shaking his head as his blind eyes met the brewing storm above.

    "What have I done this time? I''m only healing my body."

    A deafening clap of thunder drowned his words as the first bolt of lightning struck, searing his body.

    The pain was immense, but Caine remained indifferent. He sighed once more, his tone one of mild exasperation.

    "I suppose I should be happy it''s just a simple tribulation this time."

    The second bolt of lightning fell.

 Chapter 104 - 104: Wraith

    ''Decent.''

    Caine''s body sat naked in the middle of a charred no man''s land, his chest rising and falling steadily. Above him, the stormy clouds cleared, signaling the end of the tribulation.

    WHOOSH!

    Despite the destruction surrounding him, his body stood in perfect condition, with only one oddity¡ªhis face, now a shade paler than usual. The tribulation had prevented him from fully healing, leaving him at about sixty percent of his total strength. For now, however, it would have to suffice.

    He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes, immediately frowning. His regained senses were sharper than ever, exceeding the limits of ordinary mortals, but something was off with his sight. Everything he saw was distorted, blurry, and cloaked in darkness.

    Swirling colors and fragmented runes danced erratically in his vision.

    ''If my sight reflects my soul, does that mean something is wrong with it?''

    The thought lingered in his mind, and his expression hardened as realization dawned.

    PURHCI!

    A blade tore into his back, the cold steel erupting through his chest. Silver blood sprayed violently, covering his naked body as potent dark qi invaded his flesh, surging through his veins like a poison.

    BOOM!

    Caine''s body disassembled into a cloud of fiery runes, reappearing several meters away.

    His narrowed gaze locked onto his attacker.

    Standing where he''d been moments ago was a tall, skeletal entity draped in thick, metallic dark armor. Like Caine, when poisoned by death qi, it bore a mane of flaming emerald hair. Its hollow eye sockets burned with scarlet orbs of fire, emanating dense waves of killing intent.

    Behind it, an army of summons stood in ominous silence, each more powerful than the last. Skeletal dragons, armoured skeletal titans, skeletal foot soldiers¡ªthey varied.

    Caine''s gaze sharpened. For some reason, an unfamiliar sensation crawled through him¡ªthreat.

    WHOOOSH!

    The air around him stirred violently, and in the next instant, all of Caine''s summons materialized, overwhelming the skeletal summoner''s forces in sheer numbers.

    The entity let out a soul-piercing screech, its bony jaw rattling as it laughed. "Still quite young, hm?" Its voice grated like the scraping of chalk on a board, undercut by the gurgling rasp of a dying man''s breath.

    "So young, yet so powerful. You''re wasting the potential of such beautiful and mighty summons. I''ll be taking them off your hands."

    A black hilt appeared in its bony grip, and as it tightened its hold, a blade of amethyst qi formed, completing the weapon. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine remained unmoved. With a flicker of his Will, dark robes draped over his body as his summons charged forward.

    "Remember my name¡ªAdari. I shall take you as one of my sons."

    Adari charged. The ground beneath him exploded into a rain of debris as his blade tore through the air, aimed directly at Caine.

    Caine squatted, dodging effortlessly, but his eyes narrowed as Adari''s stance shifted instantly. A rising leg shot upward, perfectly timed to meet Caine''s descending face.

    ''How is he reacting to my movements?''

    Caine jolted back, using the momentum to backflip away from the kick. He landed on his feet, summoning a spear into his grip without hesitation. Shooting forward, their weapons clashed.

    Caine expected a brief stalemate, but instead, Adari''s qi blade phased through his spear, its intangible edge continuing toward his neck.

    Without panicking, Caine spun the pole of his spear, striking Adari''s hand and deflecting the attack by mere centimeters.

    Adari missed, his blade slicing through empty air. Caine capitalized on the opening, stepping forward and swinging his spear upward, its blade shimmering with chaotic neutral qi.

    Adari grinned as dense death qi gathered around him, forming a robust shield.

    BANG!

    Caine''s spear struck the shield, but the force sent his arm flying back, leaving him vulnerable. The shield shattered into countless deadly shards of solid death qi, which shot forward, embedding themselves into Caine''s body.

    Silver blood stained his robes as the shards tore through him. Before he could retreat, the embedded shards exploded into emerald runes, which quickly assembled into layered formations.

    Caine sneered. His Blood Qi surged through his veins, devouring the death qi that sought to erode him, instantly healing his wounds.

    His True Will towered, shattering the formation in front of him. But the runes reassembled into an even more complex array, surging with destructive intent.

    Adari''s rasping voice echoed. "Foolish child. Attempting to poison a Death Wraith¡­ with Death Qi?"

    Caine ignored the taunt. His martial ring glinted in his eyes, and his muscle fibers tightened as he regained his footing. Blood Qi flowed smoothly through his veins, unperturbed.

    With a step, he was upon Adari, his spear aimed for the wraith''s neck.

    Spear intent exploded from the weapon, suppressing Adari''s movements. Before the wraith could adapt, the intent ascended into Spear True Will.

    SHANG!

    Adari blocked once more, summoning a shield of death qi.

    ''Let''s switch methods.''

    Caine''s heart thumped, and his Primordial Chaos Flame roared to life. A mantle of golden fire enveloped his body as the surrounding heat ascended to an unbearable level.

    Adari''s gaze narrowed, but it was too late.

    A flame-covered hand struck his metallic armor, melting it instantly. The flames shifted, turning emerald as they became infused with pure life qi.

    Caine''s other hand moved with precision, grabbing one of Adari''s ribs and violently tearing it out. The melted steel from the armor gathered upon the rib, forming a short sword.

    Channeling his flames into the weapon, Caine drove it into Adari''s skull, shattering it.

    BOOOOM!

    Before the wraith could reform, Caine spread his arms wide, summoning his arcane ring behind him. Neutral qi flooded his veins as he began reciting incantations, his body levitating into the air.

    Above, a grand spell circle formed in the skies, its energy building to a crescendo.

    "Gotcha," Caine muttered.

    But just as the words left his lips, another blade tore into his back.

    Then a second, a third, a fourth.

    Dozens of identical figures emerged from the shadows, all bearing Adari''s visage. Each held a weapon soaked with Caine''s silver blood.

 Chapter 105 - 105: Wraith(II)

    Caine remained unfazed, his palms converging toward one another with an almost serene swiftness as his spell activated.

    [Blight Art: Incineration]

    From the heavens above, a grand and majestic pillar of flames descended, engulfing the earth, sky, and all that lay between in its infernal heat. The blinding light of the flames consumed everything, and in an instant, Adari and his summons were reduced to nothing but ashes.

    Caine, drained and battered, fell from the skies, landing heavily on the charred ground below. On his knees, his breath came in ragged gasps, his face scrunched into a deep frown.

    ''Why can''t I heal?''

    His silver blood pooled beneath him, seeping from the myriad wounds that marred his frame. Though his Blood Qi desperately worked to repair the damage, its efforts proved futile, leaving him in a dire state.

    His mind churned with ideas on how to resolve the situation when suddenly, a shadow loomed above him. Adari appeared once more, his body completely intact as if nothing had happened.

    Behind him, a magnificent formation circle of black and golden runes rapidly materialized.

    Death Qi surged into it, condensing into a spell that activated before Caine could react.

    [Wraith Command: Deathly Karma.]

    Caine''s eyes widened, and a roar of pain tore from his lips as the effects of the spell struck him with devastating force. Every wound he''d ever sustained since the beginning of this life reopened simultaneously, throwing him into a state of unimaginable agony.

    But Adari wasn''t done.

    The formation circle behind him shattered and split into two parts. One half shot into the skies, fusing with the storm clouds above, while the other merged with Adari himself. His summons reappeared, only to instantly fuse into his body, further amplifying his already terrifying strength.

    "¡­We summoners stand atop the world. None can stand above or across from us." Adari''s voice echoed with malevolent pride as his bony jaw twisted into a menacing grin. "¡­As I said, you will become one of my sons."

    In a blur, Adari vanished, leaving countless afterimages in his wake, only to reappear directly in front of Caine. His fist plunged into Caine''s gut, expelling all air from his lungs and propelling him high into the air.

    Golden runes flashed around Adari as chains materialized from thin air, wrapping around Caine''s ascending body. Bound tightly, Caine could only watch as Adari''s blade, brimming with chaotic Death Qi, swung upward with devastating force.

    SHURR!

    The sickening sound of breaking bones and tearing flesh echoed as Caine''s left arm was gruesomely severed, the silver blood staining the already blackened earth below.

    The golden chains binding him glowed ominously before exploding into a violent blast of pure destructive energy.

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Amidst the swirling cloud of chaos, Adari''s laughter thundered across the charred lands, blanketing the scene in untamed malevolence.

    As the dust began to settle, Caine emerged, standing amidst the destruction. His body was littered with countless wounds, his silver blood dripping from his broken frame. Yet his gaze was calm, almost apathetic.

    He looked to the heavens where the storm clouds churned, fused with Adari''s formation circle. Within them, arcs of thick tribulation lightning rolled, crackling with ominous energy, ready to strike at a moment''s notice.

    ''A death, karma, and tribulation affinity. Interesting.''

    Lowering his gaze, he examined his own broken body.

    ''So that''s why my wounds won''t close.''

    Without hesitation, he sutured every single wound using the qi from his stars, solidifying the sutures with his True Will. Flames surged over the gaping wound on his left shoulder, halting the bleeding. Though it wouldn''t completely stop the damage, it would keep things from worsening for now.

    As for his severed arm, he''d deal with it later.

    A spear materialized in Caine''s hand, and the chaotic qi swirling around him instantly dispersed. His calm gaze met Adari''s mocking one.

    "Do you submit?" Adari taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. "If you do, I might be inclined to let your mind survive the transition. It would be a waste to ruin such a potent Dao Heart."

    Caine swung his spear at the air, prompting Adari to laugh as he summoned a shield of qi in front of him. But his laughter stopped abruptly, his heart clenching in shock as a shadow appeared behind him.

    Reacting instinctively, Adari turned, his blade already moving in a vicious lateral arc. Yet Caine weaved under the strike, closing the distance with uncanny speed. His spear tore upward in a deceptively simple yet deathly arc.

    Just as Adari prepared to adjust his stance, a sharp pulse of pain shot through his back.

    Turning, he realized with alarm that Caine''s initial figure had not moved¡ªit had landed its strike.

    ''¡­Clones? But¡ª''

    Before the thought could finish, Caine''s blade cleaved through Adari''s armor. Seizing the opportunity, Caine''s hand shot forward, grabbing the wraith''s spine and violently tearing it out.

    CRACK!

    Flames erupted from Caine''s hand, incinerating Adari''s body to ash. He gazed at the remnants with narrowed eyes. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''So, he can''t die through physical attacks. I have to destroy his soul.''

    He frowned. ''Tricky. Tricky. Tricky.''

    The two bodies of Caine exploded into mists of silver runes and reassembled meters away, narrowly avoiding an attack from Adari, who had already reformed his body.

    ''Or I could shatter his Will. But his Will seems more¡­mature than mine. Though fundamentally weaker, it feels superficially stronger. The issue remains the same.''

    ''I can''t win.''

    Adari felt a shiver run down his spine as Caine''s lips curved into a mad grin. His aura shifted, soaring toward the heavens.

    "¡­[Star Ring Circle: Totality]¡­"

    Caine''s wings erupted from his back, brilliant runes of every color blooming across his body in a stunning tapestry of complexity. Tendrils of thick qi condensed and extended from his left shoulder, forming an energy arm to temporarily replace his severed limb.

    His hair ignited into a mane of multicolored flames, and his muscles bulged before tightening under the strain of his qi.

    Nine rings appeared behind him, their overlapping forms housing countless stars.

    The power of these stars surged into his rings and then into his Dao Heart, forming a seamless, perfect loop.

    "¡­[Nameless Foundation]¡­"

    The strength of all his summons flowed through his Sovereign Ring, merging with him.

    BOOOOM!

    Caine''s aura towered into the skies, shattering the tribulation clouds above and casting an oppressive force over the battlefield.

    He smiled, his voice calm. "Let''s see if this is enough."

    With a twitch of his wings, Caine vanished, leaving the ground where he''d stood exploding into a rain of dust and debris.

    BOOOM!

 Chapter 106 - 106: Wraith(III)â€”Potential

    During the Samsara Trials, after upgrading his soul form and restructuring all his knowledge of the nine arts, Caine had taken the time to compare himself to the fallen gods he had competed against.

    The conclusion he reached was humbling yet extraordinary: using his rings alone, he stood just steps away from true godhood.

    But what did this truly mean?

    What did it signify for a mortal to master the arts to such a degree that they were mere inches away from absolute godhood, the highest realm of existence?

    And what did it mean now that Caine had not only grown more powerful than ever but had pushed all his knowledge to the Virtuoso and Savant grades?

    The question lingered¡ªjust how much potential was Caine wasting by not relying on his rings more?

    *** S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Adari was overwhelmed.

    As a Wraith, Adari''s race was among the rarest and most sought-after across the myriad worlds of existence, and for a very specific reason: potential. The Wraith race brimmed with untamed, unbridled potential.

    Wraiths were unique beings. They could only be born from the fusion of corpses and shattered souls, forming a construct that was neither spiritual nor physical¡ªa perfect balance between the two. Their power depended on the quality of the corpses and souls used in their creation, and they often bore affinities so strange and potent that they rivaled those like Caine.

    A Wraith''s sheer affinity alone allowed them to contend with beings like Caine, provided they were at least one or two realms higher. That was the nature of their terrifying potential.

    Adari, in particular, was no ordinary Wraith. He had been forged from the corpses of countless powerful figures and bore two of the most fearsome affinities known: Karma and Tribulation.

    By all logic, with these affinities and his immense power, Adari should have overwhelmed Caine effortlessly¡ªespecially after fusing with his meticulously cultivated army of summons. An army he had painstakingly nurtured over millennia.

    And yet, facing Caine now, even Adari felt apprehensive. Something about this mortal had transcended explanation.

    But unlike most, fear did not deter Adari. It fueled him. He was, in many ways, the perfect opposite of Caine. While Caine maintained an unshakable calm, Adari burned with unrelenting madness. Every emotion he felt became fuel for his Dao Heart, filling him with even greater power.

    "GOOD!" Adari''s loud, ear-shattering voice boomed across the battlefield as he shot forward. His crazed laughter echoed through the air like thunder.

    His armor exploded off his frame as Death Qi transmuted into thick, layered muscles that rapidly grew to fill his skeletal form. Strange, dark-gold Qi condensed into pale grey skin that tightly wrapped around him. His armor reformed, majestic and menacing, draping his form like a conqueror''s mantle.

    Tendrils of Tribulation Lightning erupted from his bald head, reforming into strands of wild, fiery hair. His eyes blazed crimson, their blood-red pupils overflowing with madness.

    He swung his blade at Caine''s speeding figure, laughing as he did.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s wings fluttered, and his momentum seemed to vanish momentarily before redirecting entirely. In the blink of an eye, he maneuvered around Adari, his movements so precise they defied logic.

    With a flick of his left wing, its feathers shining resplendent and milky white, Caine tore across the Wraith''s back, leaving rivers of black blood in his wake. His right wing followed, slamming into Adari and sending him hurtling through the air.

    Without pause, Caine extended a hand, gathering the terrifying essence of all his stars into a single concentrated beam of power.

    With a thought, he launched it.

    Adari tumbled across the ground but landed on his feet, his mad laughter undeterred. He stared at the incoming attack with a resolute heart.

    [Wraith Art: Karmic Mirror]

    BOOM!

    A golden mirror materialized in front of him, freezing the world around it for a fleeting moment. Then, in an instant, Caine and Adari switched places.

    From where Caine had once stood, Adari extended his hand, casting another spell.

    [Wraith Art: Death Amplification]

    The orb of chaotic Qi heading toward Caine tripled in size. A thin film of Death Qi coated its surface, elevating its lethality to unimaginable levels.

    [Wraith Art: Tribulation Cage]

    The skies darkened as five pillars of Tribulation Lightning descended, encasing Caine. Azure barriers formed around the pillars, sealing off every possible escape.

    It all happened in less than a second, barely giving Caine time to register what had occurred.

    ''He''s a terrifying spellcaster,'' Caine noted, his expression unchanging.

    His massive wings folded tightly around his body just as the amplified orb crashed into him, erupting in a kaleidoscopic explosion.

    The cage itself detonated next, and from above, countless lightning pillars descended simultaneously, stacking upon one another in a relentless barrage.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    "COME ON! MORE!" Adari roared to the heavens, his laughter growing even more manic. He knew Caine wasn''t dead¡ªnot even close. His madness only fueled his desire to strike again.

    But Caine, fully aware of his plight, refused to give Adari the upper hand.

    The earth beneath them cracked and shattered, giving way to a surging tide of magma that erupted into the skies.

    [Blight Art: Magma Chain]

    WHOOSH!

    From the magma, countless thick chains formed, each heading toward Adari. He frowned, his instincts immediately on high alert.

    ''This attack is too weak and simple. It must be a trap.''

    Using the remaining fragments of intact ground as platforms, he began to evade the chains, his body a blur of motion.

    Seconds passed, and realization struck.

    These chains weren''t coming for him.

    Adari turned, his eyes widening in horror as he analyzed the pattern of the runes forming around him.

    ''A formation!''

    But it was too late.

    [Blight Art: Abyss]

    The battlefield vanished, replaced by a domain of pure, unbridled darkness. Adari stood frozen, his cognitive functions slowed to a crawl as his body, soul, aspects, and even his True Will refused to respond.

    Veins bulged across his frame as he strained to regain control, but nothing worked.

    Suddenly, a voice echoed through the abyss.

    [Blight Art: Blade of Damocles]

    Across the dark expanse, all of Caine''s stars manifested, their radiance horrifying as the pressure upon Adari multiplied tenfold. The stars began to fuse, their brilliance converging into a single, grand blade held by a towering, winged angelic figure.

    Caine''s calm gaze met Adari''s fiery one, and for a brief moment, the world fell silent.

    "You are a warrior worthy of respect," Caine said softly, "but I cannot grant you eternal rest."

    Though frozen, Adari somehow managed a grin, his madness undeterred. "Do what you must. Such is the way of summoners."

    The blade descended, tearing through the domain like paper. As it struck Adari, Caine whispered one final incantation.

    [Nameless Call]

    The blade detonated, consuming Adari in an explosion of cataclysmic proportions.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 107 - 107: Merchants

    Caine''s wings faded, dissolving alongside his star form as he exhaled a labored breath. His body trembled with exhaustion, and his hands shook uncontrollably. He gazed at them with a sigh, frustration flickering behind his calm demeanor.

    Adari had truly been a formidable opponent.

    But beyond that, he was the perfect subject for study.

    His abilities almost perfectly mirrored the bodily pillar Caine had been born with but not only that, analyzing him further could bring breakthroughs for the evolution of his Sigil Technique.

    Capturing Adari as a summon was an invaluable gain, both for his future plans and his path toward true mastery.

    ''Unfortunate,'' Caine mused, the faint thought brushing against his consciousness before fading.

    But this time, he had pushed himself far beyond his limits. The world around him blurred, and his vision darkened as his body fell from the skies, his consciousness slipping into the void.

    ***

    Through a dense forest, along a muddy road flanked by ancient, towering trees, a massive carriage slowly made its way. Unlike conventional carriages, it had no wheels; instead, glowing formations etched into its aged wooden frame allowed it to float gracefully above the uneven terrain.

    At its helm were two strange creatures, massive and imposing, resembling a cross between ancient qilins and horned horses.

    Their dark purple fur shimmered faintly under the forest''s dim light, while manes of blue fire cascaded down their long necks, flickering and swaying in the gentle breeze.

    Steering the carriage was an elderly woman wrapped in thick, dark emerald robes. Only her wrinkled hands and aged, piercing blue eyes were visible beneath her hood.

    The forest was eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of the carriage''s formations and the rhythmic clinking of the creatures'' ornate harnesses. But this quiet was abruptly shattered when the creatures froze, their bodies trembling as if gripped by an unseen terror.

    The woman''s frown deepened. Qi flowed into her eyes, sharpening her vision as she peered ahead. Her gaze pierced through the misty horizon and landed on a scene of utter devastation.

    "What in the world am I looking at¡­" she whispered. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Ahead lay a field of destruction so vast and chaotic it defied explanation. Rivers of molten magma crisscrossed the landscape, weaving between jagged black rocks that pierced the sky. Clouds of chaotic Qi churned above the wasteland, heavy and oppressive.

    But these features weren''t what caused her mounts to tremble. At the edge of this hellish expanse stood a knight clad in radiant golden armor, his presence so imposing that the air itself seemed to twist and bend around him.

    In his arms, he carried a figure draped in tattered robes, their aura far more terrifying than even his own.

    The woman, Elder Anna, felt her heart seize as the knight''s gaze met hers. She immediately averted her eyes, understanding the unspoken command. With a nod, she directed the trembling mounts forward.

    "Anna, what''s going on?" came a voice from within the carriage.

    "Sir, it seems there is a¡­" Elder Anna hesitated, glancing back at the golden knight before continuing. "¡­ a figure of great importance ahead."

    ***

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. In an instant, his True Will flared, creating a domain that expanded outward, scanning his surroundings with precision.

    "Your highness, you are safe."

    Caine turned to his right, finding Soran kneeling beside him. Taking note of the gesture, he shifted his gaze to the unfamiliar environment.

    He was inside a spacious wooden carriage, its interior so wide and ornate it resembled a luxurious living room. Soft cushions lined the seats, and intricate carvings adorned the walls, their designs glowing faintly with protective runes.

    Across from him sat a group of nobles, their faces pale and drenched in sweat. All except for one.

    "You are blind. How fascinating," the lone noble remarked, his tone casual yet intrigued.

    The man appeared to be in his late fifties, though his thick black beard and long, curly hair defied his age. His azure and golden eyes swirled with a strange brilliance, and his attire, a simple gray noble''s robe, was unassuming yet refined.

    Caine ignored the comment, his attention shifting to his own body. His condition was far worse than he''d hoped. Though he was no longer bleeding, his wounds remained unhealed, leaving him in the same critical state he''d been in during his battle with Adari.

    Bandages covered in faintly glowing runes wrapped around his torso, applied with great care¡ªlikely Soran''s handiwork. He wore only a pair of black pants, his upper body bare save for the bindings.

    Caine adjusted his position, pivoting to sit upright as his legs swung to face the older nobleman.

    "How long?" he asked, his voice calm.

    "A week," Soran replied immediately.

    Caine nodded, his expression unreadable.

    "You did well. You can sit; no need to kneel."

    Soran hesitated for a moment before complying, taking a seat beside him.

    "Sir Jamie Osbatt," Caine spoke, his gaze shifting to the nobleman. "Youngest son of City Lord Theodore Osbatt. It is an honor to be in your presence."

    Jamie seemed taken aback by the unexpected politeness but quickly recovered, smiling warmly. "Oh, please, young man. There''s no need for formalities. A more pressing matter would be your condition." He gestured toward Caine. "You appear to be in a state far beyond critical. I happen to have a camp nearby, staffed with skilled holy healers trained in the capital."

    He leaned forward slightly. "If you accompany me, they will gladly tend to your injuries."

    Caine chuckled softly. "Smart and straight to the point, hm?"

    Jamie nodded. "Of course. I would not waste the time of a figure such as yourself. All I ask in return is that your knight protects me and my people for a few days, until we reach the capital."

    Caine raised a brow, intrigued. "Protect? What makes you think you''re in danger?"

    Jamie''s expression darkened. "We are in the midlands of death. Such a place is inherently perilous. It is only by a miracle of fate that I stand before you untouched."

    Caine considered the words, nodding after a moment. "That''s reasonable." He turned to Soran. "Is that acceptable to you?"

    Though briefly puzzled by the question, Soran quickly understood Caine''s intentions and nodded. "Of course, your highness."

    Caine leaned back against the plush cushions, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Then it''s settled."

    Jamie''s smile widened, and the tension among the other nobles visibly eased.

    Though they still trembled in awe of Caine, they began to relax, realizing his civility outweighed his intimidating presence.

    "So, Jamie," Caine began, his tone light. "What is a noble like you doing in such dangerous lands? And without any guards, no less."

 Chapter 108 - 108: Merchants(II)

    Jamie chuckled at the question. "Oh? You know my name, but you do not know what I do? How strange. I must admit, I don''t know your name or occupation either, young man."

    He folded one leg over the other, resting his interlocked hands on his thigh. "But I digress. What do I do? I am a merchant."

    "I travel the countless plateaus and lands of our marvelous world, seeking to sell the treasures entrusted to me by the Merchant Association."

    He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with passion. "I came here specifically to these Lands of Death to search for the corpses of the ancient gods."

    Caine''s serene expression did not falter. "The ancient gods?" he asked.

    Jamie grinned, his excitement brimming as he spoke. "Yes! The gods who once walked upon the very earth we live on! The ones who held the skies aloft and ruled the heavens with divine authority!"

    His voice rose as his fervor took over. "It is said these very gods, slain by the first Great Pope, were buried here in these accursed lands. This is why this place is so ominous! It is stained by the presence of weeping, fallen gods!"

    Caine''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Men of your age are rarely swayed by word of mouth, no? Unless, of course, the source is credible. It''s fascinating that you''re so confident you''ll find the corpse of a god here."

    Jamie scoffed, gesturing grandly. "Credible? Lad, my heart tells me the truth is right before us! Can you not feel it? The lingering divinity in the air? The fragments of godhood fused into the land? The divine blood falling as rain?"

    His laughter filled the carriage, his passion so powerful that imperceptible waves of Will radiated from him.

    Caine''s brows furrowed ever so slightly. ''It''s almost like the opposite of a heart demon. His love for his craft is so potent it''s birthed a near-Will of its own. Strange.''

    Jamie cleared his throat, regaining some composure. "But on a more serious note, I wasn''t sent here on a whim. The Merchant Association tasked me with several objectives."

    "Beyond searching for the remains of the gods, we were told strange happenings have been reported here recently. Strange, even for the Lands of Death."

    Caine tilted his head slightly. "So they sent you, a merchant, to investigate? You must be quite strong, then. The creatures here aren''t weak."

    Jamie laughed, his confidence unwavering.

    "Me? Strong? No, no, lad. I am not powerful. But I am lucky." He pointed directly at Caine, his grin widening. "And now that I''ve met you, am I not safe?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine shook his head as Jamie and the nobles burst into uproarious laughter.

    ***

    The carriage continued its journey through the foggy forest, its ethereal glow cutting through the oppressive gloom. Soon, it arrived at a clearing surrounded by tall, ancient trees¡ªa small sanctuary amidst the hellish wilderness.

    The camp was alive with activity. Small tents dotted the wide expanse, and at the center burned a grand bonfire, radiating waves of soothing heat. Men and women clad in armor moved with purpose¡ªsome sparring, others sharpening their blades, while a few queued before tents marked with holy symbols, awaiting healing from the capital''s holy healers.

    Despite the bustling atmosphere, the arrival of Caine and Jamie drew little attention. The camp seemed accustomed to strange occurrences.

    Jamie stepped down from the carriage first, followed by his retinue, then Caine and Soran.

    Caine took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to fill his lungs. For a moment, the calm of the camp was almost disorienting compared to the chaos he had just endured.

    "That tent there will be yours," Jamie said, gesturing to a spacious tent a few meters away. "If you need anything, let me know, and it''ll be handled immediately."

    Jamie paused, glancing at the busy healers.

    "Unfortunately, they''re a bit occupied at the moment. It might take an hour or two before they can tend to you. Is that acceptable?"

    Caine nodded silently.

    "Excellent." Jamie waved as he made his way toward the bonfire. "Take your rest. You look like you could use it."

    Caine chuckled softly as he turned toward his tent.

    The tent was simple yet impressive, its frame held up by sturdy metallic bars and wrapped in strange, leathery fabric marked with intricate protective formations. Inside, the space was wide and accommodating, with a soft white fur carpet covering the floor.

    A bed, a dining table, and a small heated bathtub occupied the corners, arranged around a cultivation mat engraved with complex runes.

    ''Decent,'' Caine thought.

    He turned to Soran. "Scout the surroundings. If possible, get close to their soldiers and gather any useful information."

    Soran nodded, vanishing without a word.

    Caine closed the tent''s flaps and moved to the edge of the bed, sitting down with a groan as the ache from his wounds flared once more.

    ''If I can''t heal myself, I doubt they''ll be able to, but I suppose it doesn''t hurt to try.'' He groaned again, pushing himself off the bed and walking toward the cultivation mat at the tent''s center.

    Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes.

    ''Aside from healing, there are other things I wish to try.''

    Ever since mastering runes, Caine had felt as though he''d completed the True Defiant Forgery Path, though he suspected there was more to uncover. His instincts told him further progress would require advancing his cultivation realm. Until then, he could only wait.

    What intrigued him more was the lingering thought that had been with him ever since Laplace had unlocked his affinities¡ªa thought tied to the Dao.

    After forming the Dao Stars for each of his elements, Caine had fully grasped their individual paths. Yet something whispered in the back of his mind, urging him forward.

    There was another step, one he hadn''t yet taken.

    ''What am I missing?'' he pondered, frustration bubbling beneath his calm.

    His thoughts drifted to the first time he had touched upon intent, a moment when the world had transformed before his eyes. It had appeared as a vast tapestry of lines, runes, and shapes, each holding a fragment of universal truth.

    That vision had been pivotal in comprehending his elements and building his path. But since then, it had never returned.

    ''Why didn''t it return?'' he wondered, his mind replaying the purity and beauty of that strange lens through which he had once seen the world.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, his vision darkened. Even the blurred colors and broken runes he had grown accustomed to seeing vanished.

    Everything plunged into a pitch-black abyss.

    And then¡­

    BOOOOM!

    An explosion of colors erupted, brighter and more vivid than anything he had ever seen before.

 Chapter 109 - 109: Tapestry

    The colors in Caine''s vision rapidly faded, their brilliance absorbed into the dark fabric of his perception. Yet, before the void could fully take hold, strings of every imaginable hue began to appear, weaving themselves into existence and casting faint light upon the endless darkness.

    Caine observed with a fascinated heart.

    Runes materialized in intricate rows and complex formations, their shapes etching themselves into the fabric of the void. Then, with a resounding BOOM!, the world around him shifted. Colors and shapes returned to his vision, but the change was profound. The darkness remained, yet now he could see energy bundles coursing through everything around him.

    He could see his tent, the air, and the very essence of the world itself, not through ordinary sight but through the ebb and flow of Qi.

    The endless lines that had emerged began to intertwine, wrapping around one another as the runes carved themselves into the threads, creating an intricate tapestry of light and form.

    The void itself morphed into a twisted yet stunning fresco of all imaginable colors, blending and clashing in chaotic harmony.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s senses trembled. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though every fiber of his being had shifted. Then, his perception evolved further.

    Now, he could hear the runes and lines around him, feel their textures as though they were tangible, comprehend their truths as if they whispered secrets directly into his soul. He could even smell their essence¡ªeach rune and thread possessing a unique nature that spoke of creation, destruction, and everything in between.

    His stars blazed brighter, their light burning with newfound intensity. It felt as though he could only now truly wield them, as if this new perception had unlocked their full potential.

    Time, space, the elements, life, death¡ªall the paths he had painstakingly cultivated came alive before him, their truths laid bare.

    Caine''s True Will bloomed and settled, a rare sense of comfort washing over him.

    ''I haven''t regained my full vision, but I''m one step closer now.''

    As formidable as this transformation was, Caine instinctively understood it was far from complete. Whatever changes his eyes were undergoing still required time¡ªor perhaps countless more moments of enlightenment.

    ''How strange,'' he mused, his mind rapidly adapting to the change. ''I can see the world for what it is¡ªQi, Intent, Essence, Quintessence, and Dao. Yet even stranger is¡­''

    He glanced at his hand. In this new vision, he appeared to be the only thing still made of flesh.

    ''¡­it feels like I can finally use my main affinities properly. As if this was the foundation I always needed to truly grasp them.''

    As the thought crystallized in his mind, another surged forward, making his eyes widen.

    With a flip of his palm, he summoned the thick tome Zao had given him on his birthday. Its title glowed faintly in the dim light of his tent:

    [The Heavenly Pupil¡ªAn Ocular Truth]

    And at the bottom, etched with delicate precision:

    [Written by Julia Herales Velios]

    His mother.

    ''¡­how could Zao have known I would¡­'' Caine''s gaze narrowed. ''¡­can he read the future?''

    Under normal circumstances, this thought might have seemed ridiculous, but now Caine wasn''t so sure. Zao''s actions over the years had consistently guided him toward moments of tremendous growth.

    His stars, his bloodline, even the God-craft tools he possessed¡ªeach had been a direct result of Zao''s interventions.

    In a sense, even Caine walking upon the True Defiant Forgery path was a result of Zao''s actions.

    ''He''s been guiding me from the shadows. If that''s true, then this is a huge opportunity.''

    Without hesitation, Caine opened the tome and began to read.

    ***

    Hours passed.

    Outside Caine''s tent stood a young woman, her slender frame cloaked in the layered robes of a priestess. Her eyes radiated a pure and joyful blue, her long blonde hair partially obscuring her face as it swayed gently in the breeze.

    "Sir?" she called softly, her voice carrying both authority and warmth.

    The flaps of the tent opened, revealing Caine seated cross-legged on a cultivation mat, his attention absorbed by the tome in his hands.

    "Come in," he said, his tone distant, almost distracted.

    The priestess stepped inside, her movements light and deliberate. She hesitated for a moment, watching him intently. Caine seemed completely unaware of her presence, his gaze locked on the book, his mind clearly elsewhere.

    Finally, at a loss for how to proceed, she crouched and tapped his shoulder. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Startled, Caine blinked, raising his head to meet her gaze.

    "Hello," he said, closing the book and rising to his full height. He towered over her, his presence almost overwhelming in the confined space. "My apologies. I didn''t notice you."

    The priestess smiled warmly. "There''s no need to apologize, sir."

    "How do we proceed?" he asked, his voice calm but direct.

    She gestured toward the mat. "Please, sit back down on the mat. It will assist with the procedure. I''ll position myself behind you to begin the work."

    "You can continue your reading, if you wish. Judging by your injuries, this will take several hours."

    Caine raised an eyebrow. "You''re confident you can heal me?"

    She chuckled, pride flickering in her eyes. "Of course, sir. From a glance, I can see your body is riddled with Demonic Dao Will, an extremely potent form of it at that."

    Her tone shifted, becoming clinical. "There''s also a significant amount of Karmic Qi intertwined with your Blood Qi, reversing its function and forcing it into a catatonic state."

    Her gaze fell to his left shoulder. "As for your arm¡­ well, that''s another matter entirely. It''s healable, but not by me."

    She sighed. "It seems someone proficient in Karmic Laws severed the limb. That alone makes healing it nearly impossible. But beyond that, there are additional laws layered onto the wound. Nasty ones."

    She straightened, her tone regaining its confidence. "I can restore your body to perfect health, but your arm will have to wait."

    "You''re fortunate to have survived such a powerful Ascendant."

    Caine''s eyes widened slightly as he processed her analysis, but before he could respond, the priestess smiled brightly, laughing at his expression. "Shall we begin?"

    Caine nodded and sat back down on the mat.

    "Are all healers as capable as you?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

    The priestess harrumphed as she knelt behind him. With a flip of her palm, she summoned a small marble table covered in a dazzling array of tools.

    "Me?" she said with a grin. "In this world, apart from the Pope himself, I doubt anyone could rival me¡ªlet alone surpass me."

 Chapter 110 - 110: Enya

    Caine smiled, unfazed by Priestess Enya''s confidence. It was refreshing to see such confidence and pride.

    Enya began her work, her holy qi flowing with precision into Caine''s battered body. The energy moved steadily, carefully untangling the chaos within him. Meanwhile, Caine reopened the tome in his hands, his eyes scanning its intricate script.

    As silence settled in, Caine spoke, his tone calm. "Laws, Dao Wills¡ªthose topics are typically reserved for Sages, no? If I may ask, Lady Enya, are you one?"

    She nodded, her hands not faltering in their work. "Yes, I am a Sage specializing in Healing and the Holy Arts."

    "Specializing?" Caine raised a brow slightly.

    "Yes," she replied with a soft smile. "The Pope has refined the cultivation realms, tailoring them to suit individuals'' strengths. Warriors, Healers, Strategists¡ªthere are many paths suited to all kinds."

    "I see," Caine murmured, turning another page in the tome.

    Enya continued, her tone growing clinical as her gaze moved over his body. "But beyond the injuries I''ve already mentioned, there''s more."

    Her qi expanded, probing deeper into his body. "Your system is saturated with tribulation lightning. It''s too chaotic for you to digest yet too deeply intertwined to remove."

    She paused, her expression growing more focused. "Your life qi, in turn, is stuck in a state of semi-evolution. It''s likely being impeded by the tribulation qi."

    Her fingers traced invisible patterns in the air as she worked. "And there''s another issue: your body is under immense stress. You''ve been pushing it beyond its limits recently, haven''t you? While you''re healing naturally, it''s clear that you lack the proper methods to fully recover."

    Caine stayed silent, allowing her to continue. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It''s as if you''ve cultivated without considering how your body would adapt to such rapid growth," she remarked. "Your death and life qi are steps in the right direction, but they''re not enough. Healing is essential for growth. A torn muscle must heal to grow stronger; otherwise, it''s just a wound."

    She exhaled softly, her hands still moving with steady precision. "I can fix you for now, but unless you address this, the same problem will return."

    Caine nodded, offering a faint smile. "Thank you, Lady Enya. I understand. I''ll make sure to look into it."

    Enya nodded in return, her focus returning fully to her work.

    ***

    It took three full days for Priestess Enya to heal Caine. The complexity of his injuries, combined with her perfectionist tendencies, drove her to push her abilities to their limits.

    Fortunately, her stamina as a Sage allowed her to work tirelessly until every detail was addressed.

    Caine sat on the edge of his bed, testing his restored strength. His body felt lighter, stronger¡ªmore in tune with itself. Though his missing arm remained, he was otherwise in perfect condition.

    Enya''s work had not only healed him but had also allowed his life qi to fully evolve, solidifying his cultivation at the early Spark Realm. Though some mental fatigue lingered, the rest of his body was functioning better than ever.

    Despite this progress, Caine knew his cultivation journey would only grow more complex from here. The Spark Realm and beyond required an Ascension Manual to proceed.

    These manuals dictated the specialization paths cultivators could take, which were divided into five main paths: The Earth Path focusing of the Body Aspect, the Spirit Path focusing on the Soul Aspect, the Sky Path focusing on the Qi aspect, the Astral Path focusing on the mind aspect and the World Path, simply focusing on the World Aspect.

    But above these stood the elusive Sixth Path, a secretive and supreme route only the highest elites could follow. It was the path Caine aimed to pursue, yet the manuals he currently possessed were subpar. Without one that met his standards, his cultivation had reached a temporary standstill.

    ''If no manual exists that''s worthy of my foundation, I''ll just have to create one myself,'' he thought. But creating an Ascension Manual would be no simple task¡ªit could take decades, if not longer. For now, his focus shifted to refining the many other aspects of his power.

    Thankfully, if there was one benefit about being trapped in a fractured reality, it was time.

    "Hello?" Jamie''s voice broke through Caine''s thoughts.

    "Come in," Caine said without looking up, still testing his restored strength.

    Jamie stepped inside, his aged features lit with a broad smile. Caine rose from the bed to greet him.

    "Ah, I see Lady Enya''s done wonders for you," Jamie said, his voice brimming with warmth.

    "You''re looking much better now. Though it''s a shame about your arm¡ªtake it as a badge of honor, eh?" He chuckled lightly.

    Caine smiled faintly. "I''ll find a way to restore it eventually."

    Jamie''s expression grew more curious. "If you don''t mind me asking, what happened to you? Your knight seems powerful enough to rival most Sages, so what kind of threat left you in this state?"

    With a flick of his wrist, Jamie summoned a marble table and two chairs from one of his storage rings. He gestured for Caine to sit and produced a teapot along with two cups.

    Caine took his seat, his expression calm.

    "What happened? I stumbled upon an unusual concentration of death qi. A creature emerged from it and caught me off guard."

    Jamie froze mid-pour, his hands trembling. "¡­A death swirl? And you survived?!"

    Caine raised an eyebrow. "A death swirl?"

    Jamie''s chest heaved as he leaned back, his expression shifting into awe. "Death swirls are said to mark the burial sites of ancient gods. Their corpses radiate death qi, saturating the land around them for eternity!"

    Caine shook his head. "I don''t believe it was that. The death qi seemed to originate from the creature itself. But if it helps, I can provide you with the coordinates. You can investigate the area if you''d like."

    Jamie''s eyes gleamed with excitement, his earlier shock replaced by fervor. "That would be incredible!" he exclaimed, pouring tea into their cups with renewed enthusiasm.

    As Caine reached for his cup, the distant sound of screams pierced the air, followed by a wave of chaotic qi that rippled through the camp.

    Caine paused, his hand hovering over the cup. His gaze narrowed, and he rose to his feet in one fluid motion.

    The sounds of chaos grew louder, closer.

    "They''re under attack," he muttered coldly, already moving toward the tent''s entrance.

 Chapter 111 - 111: Abomination

    What met Caine was a field of destruction. The once peaceful and warm camp had become a chaotic battlefield where Jamie''s people clashed against strange, grotesque humanoid creatures of flesh and bone.

    Caine''s gaze immediately narrowed.

    ''Abominations.''

    In his past life, the Three Realms had been in a constant state of war, battling countless forces and races, with some of the strongest being these same entities¡ªabominations.

    Nova, the entity who had once enslaved Caine as a child, had been from this race.

    ''So they exist here as well. Interesting.'' He began to walk toward the chaos. ''They always have a pack leader¡­ let''s see.''

    His sharp gaze scanned the battlefield, quickly analyzing each abomination. His attention locked on one that appeared indistinguishable from a regular human.

    It was a tall young woman with long, curly, vibrant green hair, her piercing emerald pupils glowing with an unnatural intensity. She wore tight-fitting leather that hugged her curves, the black lipstick on her plump lips accentuating her fiendish grin.

    Her gaze locked with Caine''s, and her grin widened. She flicked her reptilian tongue across her lips, her body radiating predatory glee as she shot forward in a blur.

    "Not here," Caine muttered, taking a single step forward and vanishing.

    When they reappeared, they were in a vast and empty plain, far from the previous battlefield.

    The abomination leader, Lady Emerys, stumbled slightly, her eyes narrowing in confusion. She didn''t understand how Caine had managed to teleport them so far without her being able to react.

    Her gaze hardened, and she immediately shot backward, her wand swirling in her hand as she summoned countless runes. The air vibrated as these runes formed layered formations in front of her.

    The world quaked as clones of her began to appear, circling Caine. Within moments, a torrent of chaotic qi gathered around him, slowing the flow of his own qi and clouding his qi perception.

    ''I see.''

    Such tactics might have worked on someone else, but Caine''s evolved senses rendered them meaningless. How could an entity like her, even an abomination, hope to muddle his perception?

    ''She''s tainting the qi around her with her blood, converting it into atmospheric abomination qi. With this, she hopes to slow me down and use these clones as a distraction for¡­''

    His gaze shifted upward, piercing through the clouds to locate her true body. ''¡­that.''

    Caine shook his head. His arcane ring manifested behind him, its oppressive force causing his robes to flutter lightly.

    Extending a palm, he tapped the air. The fabric of the tainted qi around him shattered instantly, dissolving into waves of broken energy. With a flick of his wrist, the chaotic qi condensed into intricate runes. But instead of forming a formation, the runes seeped into the fabric of space itself.

    Caine''s hand clenched into a fist. A deafening BOOM! echoed as all of Emerys'' clones exploded simultaneously, crushed under the weight of the distorted space.

    But Emerys had anticipated this. The remnants of her clones broke down into swirling emerald currents, forming a portal from which hordes of abominations began to surge forth.

    Caine smiled faintly. "Sure."

    He waved a hand, and his own army of summons appeared, surging to meet the onslaught.

    As his summons battled the abominations below, Caine stomped the ground, leaving a crater in his wake as he ascended into the skies. His wings erupted from his back, spreading wide as he faced Emerys high above.

    With one arm clasped behind his back, he looked at her with calm detachment, his gaze serene yet mocking.

    "You huma¡ª"

    Caine shook his head, cutting her off. "No talking. Attack or die."

    To punctuate his words, his leg blurred, sending a compressed projectile of qi rocketing toward Emerys. The impact sent her careening through the air, her body crashing into the ground below.

    "I guess I''ll have to be a little violent."

    Caine''s wings flapped, and he shot down toward her, grabbing her by the hair. With a sharp twist, he slammed her into the earth, creating a crater beneath them. Lifting her from the rubble, he drove his head into hers, fracturing her skull.

    His eyes glowed, and beams of searing plasma erupted from them, burning into her chest and charring her flesh. He hurled her into the air, summoning an array of ice spears that tore into her body before detonating, encasing her in a crystalline prison of frost.

    Runes erupted across the surface of the ice, triggering a chain reaction of explosions.

    Each detonation transformed the chaotic qi into broken runes, which further exploded in a relentless cascade.

    BOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOM!

    Emerys screamed, her form disintegrating before reconstructing into her true self¡ªa massive, grotesque amalgamation of flesh, bone, and countless inhuman eyes.

    Caine remained unimpressed. His True Will condensed into a spear, its sharpness palpable even to Emerys.

    With a single slash of his spear, the world seemed to freeze. For a moment, there was silence.

    Then¡­

    SHURRRRRRRRRR!

    The skies split apart as the world itself was cleaved in half.

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s True Will blanketed the battlefield, silencing all resistance. He descended gracefully, his summons retreating in unison.

    Standing before the remains of Emerys'' shattered form, he murmured softly:

    "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    Her mangled body reformed into a summon, now bound to Caine''s will. With an air of indifference, he turned and began his journey back to the camp. His expression remained calm, though his mind processed everything with sharp clarity.

    To say Priestess Enya''s healing had been miraculous was an understatement. Thanks to her efforts, Caine could now fully wield his cursed and blessed power.

    ''Decent,'' he mused, nodding to himself. ''Still more to refine, though. On another note, it would be unfortunate if anyone died while I was gone.''

    His leg muscles tightened as he suddenly exploded with speed, tearing through the air to return to the camp.

    ***

    Caine''s heart sank as he arrived. The battlefield was empty. Blood stained the soil, and shattered weapons littered the ground, but not a single body remained.

    ''How did they¡­?''

    His gaze shifted, catching movement in the distance. Slowly, he turned, locking eyes with Emerys. Her form had reappeared, her grin stretched wide with a malevolent glee. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Oh, Lord, you people have a thing for backstabbing, hm?"

    Before he could react, sharp pain tore through his chest. Blood began to pool from the fresh wound, soaking his robes. Yet, unlike before, this time, Caine was prepared.

    BOOM!

 Chapter 112 - 112: Abomination(II)

    Emerys'' body fell back, her head exploding into a cloud of green mist. But before Caine could even attempt to heal, another blade tore into him, cutting from his ribs to his chest.

    His gaze snapped to his right, meeting the abomination''s gaze just as yet another blade sliced through him, this time from his left flank.

    SHURR!

    A third figure appeared behind him, Emerys'' clone, and her blade ripped into his back, spilling warm silver blood onto the scorched ground below.

    ''¡­What kind of nonsense is this?''

    Caine''s silver blood dripped as the clones around him moved in unison, their synchronization eerie and unnatural. But this time, he had learned. As the clones rushed to strike, Caine exploded into motion, dodging with fluid grace while rapidly assessing the situation.

    ''Illusions? Immortality? Or perhaps an extremely complex Summoner''s Sigil Technique? Maybe all of them¡­''

    He remained calm. Emerys'' true form reappeared in front of him, her palm streaking forward, radiating potent death qi.

    Caine''s eyes sparkled. The countless lines and runes of his enhanced vision whispered to him, revealing the truth behind the world.

    Guided by this newfound clarity, he dove toward her palm, deftly deflecting it before seizing her wrist. With one brutal motion, he tore it from her body.

    Green ichor sprayed in every direction but failed to touch his skin, repelled by the qi shield radiating from his sovereign ring.

    ''The world¡­ so predictable.''

    Before the clone could detonate, Caine dodged and ducked beneath it. His leg swept behind him in a powerful kick, followed by a backflip. He grabbed Emerys'' falling form mid-air and used the momentum to hurl her into another clone, sending both spiraling into the ground.

    With a smooth motion, his hand followed through with a swipe, releasing a beam of chaotic qi that obliterated yet another of her clones.

    Caine almost laughed.

    The first step in forming his Dao Heart had been merging his mind and heart¡ªunifying them into one. Now, seeing the world through the lens of his strange eyes, everything had clicked.

    The world was no longer chaotic; it was a code, a pattern he could predict, stir, and manipulate. Every element whispered to him, listening as though awaiting his command.

    Caine''s figure blurred as he vanished, reappearing meters away. His fist shot forward, slamming into an invisible force.

    BANG!

    The air rippled as the impact revealed a reflective shield cleverly hidden within the tapestry of the forest.

    CRACK!

    The shield fractured, exposing yet another of Emerys'' figures, but Caine wasn''t fooled.

    ''It''s all connected.''

    Through his vision, Emerys'' bundle of qi shifted and morphed, revealing threads that linked her clones to the intricate web above.

    His gaze sparkled with understanding as he traced these lines.

    ''I see.''

    Caine''s hand shot forward, clamping down on her throat with unyielding force. Her struggling ceased as he squeezed tighter.

    "You''re able to create an endless number of bodies using your summons, transferring your soul between them." His tone was cold, devoid of emotion. "An excellent technique."

    Her clone exploded in his grip, but this time, Caine was ready.

    In the darkness of his vision, he saw the fading bundle of qi detach itself. A small illusory figure shot out of the remnants, fleeing desperately.

    Emerys'' soul.

    Caine''s True Will surged, infusing his hand as he reached out and grasped the air before him.

    BANG!

    Emerys'' soul was violently pulled into his palm.

    "How¡­ how are you able to touch the spiritual with your flesh? How¡­" she stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

    Caine grinned. "I am a Spiritual."

    Slowly, he began piecing together the secrets of his eyes. While he didn''t yet fully understand them, he had begun to unravel their essence.

    The lines in his vision represented the gears of the world, connecting primordial paths. The runes? They were the laws that governed these paths, visible to him now.

    The threads linked to bundles of qi¡ªrepresenting people¡ªrevealed their aspects: life, death, karma, fate, and even their connections to the world itself. At the center of it all was Intent and Will.

    With this newfound understanding, Caine realized his body was in the process of mutating, granting him a pair of Heavenly Pupils. And now, with the help of his mother''s book, a dangerous plan began to form in his mind.

    BANG!

    Emerys'' soul shattered into fragments of golden light. The echoes of her screams lingered faintly in the air, but Caine paid them no mind. He immediately sat cross-legged on the ground.

    His Dao Heart glowed brilliantly, pulling him into a state of enlightenment.

    ''The base ability of my eyes is [Reading]. They allow me to read the threads that weave the aspects of existence.''

    He delved deeper, his thoughts sharpening.

    ''Each person has four main threads¡ªLife, Fate, Karma, and Death. Through Life, I can understand their past; through Fate, I see the infinite possibilities of their future; through Karma, I observe their connections and actions; but Death¡­ I still don''t fully comprehend its function.''

    The pounding headache at the edge of his mind intensified as he pushed further. He could tell his understanding was still shallow, his vision only scratching the surface of the threads'' true potential.

    With his eyes still closed, Caine lifted a finger.

    From thin air, a dark blue thread appeared, drawn taut by his touch. His True Will manifested around it, smooth as silk but heavy as a mountain. Slowly, the thread began to dim.

    As it did, blue runes formed and shattered around him, each broken piece resonating with chaotic energy. Emerys'' screams returned, louder and sharper than before.

    The fragments of her shattered soul coalesced, reforming her soul once more.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine keeled forward, coughing a mouthful of blood as veins bulged across his body. His Dao Heart trembled under the immense pressure, not from fear but from the weight of the world itself.

    Above, the sky tore open. Heaven''s fury descended, so potent that even the air carried traces of a Demonic Will that seemed to seep into reality itself.

    In the depths of the fractured heavens, something began to take shape.

    But before the entity could fully manifest, the ground beneath Caine''s feet split apart. The earth swallowed him whole, dragging him into darkness.

    It all happened in an instant. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 113 - 113: The Mother

    Caine landed heavily on wooden floors, the impact reverberating through the chamber.

    Immediately, his body convulsed, and he vomited a thick stream of blood mixed with black goo that seeped from his pores.

    Sweat drenched his frame as he shivered, his breath ragged. His body felt foreign, as if it were on the verge of collapse.

    ''What¡­ What just happened to me?''

    He understood, of course, that his actions had angered the world enough to summon a tribulation. But this¡­ this was unlike anything he had faced before. The skies opening alone had almost killed him. He didn''t even dare to think about what kind of monstrosity had been forming in the heavens.

    Within him, his life and death qi surged, clashing chaotically, the echoes of their conflict rumbling through his body as they worked to shatter the Demonic Will raging within him.

    Slowly, the two qis separated, each taking its role¡ªlife qi rushed to heal his injuries, while death qi began purifying his body of the invasive substance.

    His organ elements shimmered faintly, pumping their essence through him to aid the process.

    Caine exhaled deeply, his breath shaky but steadying as calm returned to his mind. He collapsed onto his back, utterly spent, his body drenched in sweat and covered in foul black impurities.

    ''The number of times I''ve almost died since coming here is getting ridiculous.''

    "Hello."

    Caine''s eyes shot open, his body snapping upright despite the ache in his muscles. He frantically scanned the surroundings, trying to sense the origin of the voice. But in the void of his vision, he saw nothing.

    ''Am I hallucinating¡­?''

    "No, you''re not," the voice replied, a melodious chuckle accompanying the words.

    "Your eyes simply aren''t powerful enough to see me."

    Then, beside him, a figure began to take shape.

    A tall, breathtakingly beautiful woman emerged. Her skin resembled radiant bark adorned with leaves, veins of emerald qi coursing through her frame. Her hair flowed like a bouquet of vibrant flowers and petals, and her eyes shone with a warm, motherly light, their emerald hue radiating a profound serenity.

    Her frame was imposing, her mature figure reflecting the vitality of someone in their prime. Robes of intertwining vines draped over her, and atop her head, nine stacked halos of thorny vines hovered, their quiet presence exuding an aura of majesty.

    Yet, it was her aura that truly overwhelmed him. Majestic, pure, and boundless, it pressed against him like the weight of a celestial realm.

    His body shivered uncontrollably, reacting in primal fear, even as his heart inexplicably warmed in her presence.

    It was as if he stood before a higher existence¡ªsomething beyond comprehension. And judging from the fact that he saw her as she was, rather than a bundle of qi, perhaps she truly was.

    "That''s good," she said softly, her smile radiant. "Your True Will is at least solid enough to gaze upon my mortal projection without dying. You''ve made good progress."

    As her words washed over him, the fear dissipated, shattered by the sheer purity of her presence. Her warmth healed not only his spirit but his body, which rippled under her influence. In an instant, he was whole again, fully healed without so much as a single lingering ache.

    "Stand up."

    Caine exhaled and pushed himself to his feet.

    Even at his full height, he barely reached her chest, standing a dozen heads shorter than her. He tilted his gaze upward to meet hers, careful to remain composed. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Though her presence demanded respect, her words were gentle, even comforting. Clearly, this was not an entity he could afford to act rowdy with. The same way Laplace had commanded his submission, so too did she demand it¡ªbut not through force.

    "You don''t have to worry, child," she said, turning and walking toward a distant table. "If I''d wanted to kill you, you would''ve never been born."

    As she moved, Caine took the opportunity to observe his surroundings.

    They were in a vast cavern made entirely of wood, its surfaces emanating a faint golden light as ancient runes danced across them.

    From the smooth floor to the arched ceiling that stretched toward unseen heights, the chamber radiated an air of sacredness.

    High above, intertwined vines formed an intricate canopy, their surfaces alive with tiny fairies that danced and played, their laughter echoing softly. These fairies shed sparkles of white qi, which fell like starlight, illuminating the cavern in a serene glow.

    In the distance stood a colossal palace formed from a spiraling tree. Its leaves shimmered with every imaginable color, and veins of qi pulsed from the ground, snaking their way into its trunk.

    The air was cool and soothing, the atmosphere peaceful in a way that felt almost surreal.

    The woman walked to a wooden table in front of the majestic palace and sat, gesturing for Caine to join her. He approached and took a seat across from her, feeling the weight of her gaze.

    "Do you know who I am?" she asked, her tone calm yet carrying an underlying power. She crossed her arms and folded one leg over the other, waiting.

    Caine froze. Normally, such a question would precede a grand introduction, but this felt different. It felt like a test.

    For reasons he couldn''t explain, his heart thudded with anxiousness, like a child being scolded by a mother. His mind scrambled to respond, but nothing came.

    He hated the feeling. And yet, somehow, it felt¡­ natural.

    Caine took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His eyes shifted, attempting to read the world around her for clues.

    BANG!

    The attempt rebounded sharply, his senses overwhelmed by the force protecting her.

    ''If I can''t read the world or her, then my last option is¡­ myself.''

    He closed his eyes, his True Will sinking deep into his core. He tapped into his instincts, letting them guide him. Slowly, his lips moved on their own, as if the answer had been lying dormant within him all along.

    "The Mother."

 Chapter 114 - 114: The Mother(II)

    Hearing this, she slowly nodded and clapped her hands. "Close enough."

    "I am the Great Mother World Tree¡ªGaia. In simple words, I am the world''s mother, and you are children of the world. Thus, you are my grandson."

    Space rippled, and the world shook as her words reverberated, carrying the weight of a universal truth. The air itself seemed to acknowledge her declaration.

    Caine felt something stir within him, something deep and unexplainable. But his Will remained steady in the face of her overwhelming presence.

    "I am the Great Mother of the world," she continued, "meaning time holds little meaning to me. This fractured reality may be a warped domain of our world''s past, but I remain one."

    "As long as it relates to this world," she said, her voice resonating with authority, "present, future, and past blur into one. But I digress."

    Caine''s gaze narrowed slightly, immediately sensing there was more to her words.

    Lady Gaia smiled. "Tell me, child, why do you think you''re here?"

    "You saved me," Caine replied without hesitation. Yet, aware she wanted more, he added, "As for why, I''m not sure, Lady Gaia. Perhaps because I could be of use to you?"

    "Go ahead," she said, gesturing for him to elaborate.

    Caine exhaled, his tone calm but resolute.

    "Part of me believes something strange has happened to our world. And another part believes we are under attack."

    "Attacked by what? I do not know. What has happened to the world? I do not know either. These are just hunches I have," he continued, his eyes locking with hers. "But I believe the answers to my questions lie here, in this fractured reality, where the secrets of the past are exposed."

    Caine''s words weren''t idle speculation. From the very beginning of his life in this world, he had sensed that something was amiss. Zao''s cryptic warnings, the isolation of their world from the myriad others, and the revelations from Elura had only deepened his suspicions.

    [Some people may be listening.]

    Those words from Zao echoed in his mind, cementing his unease. And then there was his father''s message, one that had all but confirmed his fears. The fractured reality, he believed, held the key to everything.

    "You are correct," Lady Gaia said softly, "but you are also mistaken. The answers you seek are tied to this fractured reality, yes, but they are not mine to give."

    Her voice grew heavier. "That is not why I saved you."

    Her gaze shifted, and she looked toward the distant palace behind him. "Do you know what laws you have broken, child? And why such a tribulation was triggered in the first place?"

    Caine shook his head, his expression even and calm.

    "You have broken three primordial laws¡ªTime, Death, and Spirit," she said, her tone carrying the weight of her authority.

    "You reversed an event that was set in stone, disturbing the very workings of time. You resurrected a being, creating a karmic imbalance that disrupted the flow of the world."

    "And above all¡­" Her voice turned colder, her emerald gaze piercing. "¡­you sullied and shattered a soul as a mere mortal. That, child, is among the greatest offenses a mortal or god could commit."

    "When such an offence is committed, the punishment is absolute," she continued. "It is my duty to deliver that punishment. I am meant to erase you from existence. And that was my intent."

    Caine''s gaze didn''t falter, though his mind churned with questions.

    "My belief," she said, her tone softening for a moment, "was that you would find a way to survive, as you have with all my previous punishments. But this time¡­" Her emerald eyes darkened, faint traces of chaos flickering within them. "¡­this time, something overrode my authority and seized control of your tribulation."

    "Something beyond me and beyond all things," she added.

    Caine''s lips parted slightly, the answer forming before he could think. "The River of Fate."

    Lady Gaia nodded slowly. "It has been calling you since the moment of your birth. I have tried to shield you, for you are still just a child, though you are destined for greatness. Too young to bear such a burden."

    Her voice grew heavy with sorrow. "I sealed your affinities at great cost, trying to protect you. But Fate surpasses me and all others. Its call cannot be ignored."

    Her gaze turned distant, her tone almost bitter. "Unbeknownst to me, I was made to set a trap for you. Fate is terrifying, child. And I fear you can no longer ignore its pull."

    Caine''s mind raced, his thoughts like a storm.

    Pieces of a vast, incomprehensible puzzle began to fall into place.

    The Coming of Age Ceremony. Elura''s warnings. His Aspects. His Bloodline. His True Will. His Dao Heart. The Pagoda. His mutated senses. His eyes¡ªit had all been orchestrated. A slow, unrelenting game that had led him here.

    "It was a setup," Gaia said, her voice low but unwavering. "A grand and elaborate trap. The tribulation you faced was far beyond what even I could stop. Nowhere in the real world or the fractured reality would have kept you safe. You would have perished."

    "So I brought you here, to my domain¡ªThe World Core," she continued. "A place separate from all things. But even here, the trap awaited."

    Her voice grew softer. "This place exists beyond the world''s reach. And that distance amplifies Fate''s influence, allowing it to manifest fully."

    She gestured toward the grand palace in the distance. "That palace is an exit back to the world. But if you take it, the tribulation will strike you down."

    Her tone grew grim. "The tribulation is powerful enough to destroy not just you, but the entire world. If you return, all will be reduced to ashes."

    She waved her hand, and a golden portal appeared beside the palace, radiating an otherworldly brilliance. "This," she said, gesturing toward it, "is the only path you can take."

    "It is forged entirely of Fate Laws. It was here the moment I brought you to this place. I cannot interfere with it, nor can I explain it. But it has revealed its name¡­" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    [The Road of Inevitable Sovereignty.]

    The portal shimmered, its golden light pulsating faintly.

    Lady Gaia then remained silent, looking toward Caine with a sorrowful gaze.

    He had no choice but to take the road.

 Chapter 115 - 115: The Mother(III)

    Caine remained silent, staring at the swirling portal with a calm gaze.

    His heart thumped softly, his back straight as his mind settled into a serene state. Without hesitation, he turned toward Lady Gaia, stood, and bowed deeply. "Thank you."

    For a moment, she appeared stunned by the gesture, her radiant emerald eyes widening.

    Then, her lips curved into a warm smile as she helped him rise. "There''s no need for this. All my children deserve a fair attempt at life."

    She extended a hand, and four orbs, encased in golden vines, materialized in the air between them. Before Caine could analyze them, they vanished, stored neatly within his sovereign ring.

    "Only open them when you vanquish what lies ahead," she said sternly, her tone brooking no argument, as if his success was an inevitability rather than a possibility.

    Caine nodded, his expression steady.

    "Now," she continued, her gaze narrowing slightly, "while I cannot interfere too much, I can help you a little more."

    Her palm hovered over his chest, and a gentle glow of radiant gold and emerald qi began to gather at her fingertips. Swiftly, she inscribed a complex rune over his chest.

    "When the time is right, use this to unseal your True Will," she said softly. "But be warned¡ªyour body may shatter. Use it only as a last resort."

    Caine nodded once more, his calm demeanor unwavering. He didn''t bother to question when, why, or how his Will had been sealed, nor by whom. By now, he understood he was part of a game much larger than himself. Until he grew strong enough, answers would remain elusive.

    Lady Gaia cupped his face in her hands, her gaze softening. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, a motherly gesture that caught him off guard.

    Caine met her gaze, his silver eyes unblinking.

    "This doesn''t feel like a goodbye. Are you dying, Mother Gaia?"

    She chuckled, the sound both warm and melancholic. Her hands dropped to his shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze as her body began to dissolve into countless golden and emerald runes.

    Watching her fade, Caine couldn''t help but feel something deep within him crumble, as though an unseen thread tethering him to her was being severed.

    "Change the future," her voice echoed, the last remnants of her form dissipating into the air.

    And then she was gone.

    For a long while, Caine stood alone, the silence punctuated only by the steady thump of his heart and the quiet hum of his blood flowing through his veins.

    Eventually, he turned toward the swirling portal.

    ''¡­Fate. Fate. Fate¡­''

    The word echoed endlessly in his mind, reverberating like a bell tolling through his thoughts. He sighed softly, his expression resolute as he stepped forward. Without hesitation, he entered the portal.

    A low, resonant hum filled the air, a hymn that seemed to oscillate between melancholy and triumph. It was as though the universe itself sang of an uncertain destiny¡ªone balanced precariously between glory and despair.

    A hymn for a future yet to be written.

    ***

    Above the fractured reality, in the skies where Caine''s tribulation had been summoned, the entity meant to enforce judgment finally manifested. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The figure that emerged was otherworldly¡ªa young woman with cascading white hair that gleamed like silver in the starlight.

    Her radiant eyes glowed with icy silver depths, flecked with cold golden light. Her robes were pristine and layered, embroidered with intricate patterns of dark grey clouds.

    Black rings adorned each of her fingers, their surfaces shimmering with faint, shifting runes.

    Behind her, nine pairs of grey-feathered wings stretched wide, their presence imposing and majestic.

    Atop her head hovered twelve overlapping halos of thorny silver vines, just beneath a towering obsidian crown fitted with six multicolored jewels.

    Her beauty was unearthly, a perfection so profound it almost defied comprehension. But it was her aura that truly demanded attention.

    The air around her warped and twisted as if reality itself bent beneath the weight of her existence.

    Her gaze swept across the fractured reality, scanning with an intensity that froze the very air.

    Suddenly, a figure appeared before her, stepping into her line of sight.

    It was a man with long golden hair, deep blue eyes, and a refined, otherworldly aura. He wore flowing black priest robes, their edges faintly glowing with golden runes.

    He smiled. "Hello, little lady."

    The angelic woman''s frown deepened. Her gaze pierced through his robes, her eyes narrowing as they landed on the golden chains binding his bruised and battered body.

    Her lips parted, her voice a blend of countless male and female tones, regal and commanding. "You¡­ how are you still¡­?"

    The man chuckled softly, interrupting her. He clapped his hands together, and instantly, a dome of golden light encased the two of them, isolating them from the world outside.

    "It''s unfortunate," he said with a sigh. "You angels are always too curious for your own good. But then again, can I really blame you? It is your duty, after all."

    Her eyes blazed with fury. "Are you responsible for the appearance of the child?" she demanded.

    The man tilted his head, a blade materializing in his hand as he regarded her with a faint smile. "Does it matter?" he asked casually.

    His grip tightened around the blade, his demeanor shifting slightly. "Like I said, it''s unfortunate. Had you arrived a year later, I might have let you face him. He might even have spared you. But now¡­"

    The angel''s frown deepened, her expression hardening at his words. "You speak as though I require mercy. Insolent."

    Her form flared with power, the air trembling under the pressure of her Will. "You shall face judgment."

    ''¡­We need to accelerate things¡­ What could that little fool have done to attract a True Angel this early?¡­''

    What neither Caine nor most others understood was that tribulations didn''t have to follow a linear timeline.

    An offense committed today might result in a tribulation years¡ªor even lifetimes¡ªlater.

    Conversely, the repercussions of present actions could ripple backward through time, rewriting the past.

    ''¡­This is trouble¡­ If it''s something Caine has yet to do¡­''

    The angel surged forward, her silver blade drawn as the two clashed with earth-shattering force.

    BOOOOM!

    Their battle ignited the fractured skies, each blow tearing through the fabric of reality itself.

    But amidst the chaos, one thing became abundantly clear: Whatever had drawn the angel to Caine was no ordinary offense.

    It was the herald of something far greater.

 Chapter 116 - 116: Carnage

    Blood. Blood. Blood.

    The smell of blood instantly flooded Caine''s nostrils as he stepped into a world of carnage and death.

    The skies were a dark and ominous shade of grey, the land black, charred even and soaked in dried blood as through the cracks of the land below, rivers of rotten blood flowed with untamed wilderness.

    Mountains of corpses loomed over the horizon, their forms twisted in eternal agony.

    But before Caine could analyze what lay ahead, five runes suddenly materialized in front of him.

    [Rune of Bshemethoth¡ªTrue Will is Inverted]

    [Rune of Submission¡ªBodily Control is reduced by 80%]

    [Rune of At''hlely¡ªElemental Rejection]

    [Rune of Origin¡ªMental clarity reduced by 50%]

    [Rune of Earthen Might¡ªRuptured Qi flow]

    He barely had time to read their effects before they shot forward and branded themselves on his forehead. Searing heat radiated from the markings, the pain immediate and overwhelming.

    Caine dropped to one knee as the effects took hold.

    Chains wrapped tightly around each of his stars, cutting off their energy as the qi within his body turned chaotic, barely responding to his Will. His senses dimmed; the world around him spun, disorienting him as his thoughts fractured into fragments of incoherence.

    Terrible pain coursed through his body. His chest heaved with labored breaths as sweat pooled down his back. His head throbbed, each beat pounding like a war drum.

    It was overwhelming¡ªbut he remained calm.

    He would persist.

    His Dao Heart shone faintly, casting a holy light over his being, allowing him to ignore the worst of the rune''s effects.

    Slowly, he stood, his legs trembling under the strain. Closing his eyes, he focused on measured breaths, forcing the chaotic palpitations of his heart to slow just enough to regain control.

    He would persist.

    As his breathing stabilized, his spear appeared in his hand. The cold weight of its hilt steadied him further.

    [Defeat all enemies.]

    The instruction burned itself into his mind.

    There was no elaboration, no details¡ªjust a single task.

    Before he could search for his foes, one came to him.

    From the horizon, a figure veiled in dark robes surged forward, moving faster than the eye could track. The figure wielded a long spear crackling with golden lightning, each step bridging kilometers in an instant.

    As it closed in, it swung its spear in a vicious arc, releasing a crescent of chaotic lightning qi.

    Caine''s jaw tightened. He forced his unsteady body to the side, narrowly evading the attack.

    The edge of the lightning nicked his torso, tearing through flesh and drawing blood.

    DANG!

    Planting his spear into the ground, he steadied himself, his cold gaze locking onto the figure. Before he could retaliate, his opponent was upon him.

    The figure''s spear flashed forward, its blade aimed for Caine''s neck.

    Threads of neutral qi formed around him, binding his unstable body. His weakened True Will surged just enough to take hold of them, granting him fleeting control.

    Caine ducked, his head narrowly avoiding the blade. He pivoted, using the momentum to deliver a rising kick. The force of the strike created space between him and his assailant.

    The figure retreated momentarily, spinning their spear in a defensive motion before stepping back into the offensive. Their leg swept low, shattering Caine''s balance.

    Caine spun midair, using his spear as leverage to backflip onto his feet. But before he could regain his footing, a beam of chaotic lightning qi surged toward him.

    Rolling to the side, he avoided the beam, but his breathing was heavy, and his body protested every movement.

    Gritting his teeth, Caine cast a shield of qi in front of him. The figure''s spear shattered it instantly, but the fragments of the shield reassembled into intricate runes, forming a three-dimensional formation that encased his opponent.

    The robed figure sneered. Their True Will flared, shattering the formation with ease. The backlash slammed into Caine, blood spilling from his lips as pain rippled through his body.

    Before he could recover, the figure lunged again, their spear supercharged with lightning qi. It moved faster than thought, its tip aimed straight for Caine''s exposed chest.

    His mind blanked for a moment, overwhelmed by a powerful Will attack. When his thoughts returned, pain consumed him.

    Blood poured from his left side, a chunk of flesh missing from his torso. His organs were exposed, barely held together as agony radiated from the wound.

    But the attacker gave no respite.

    They spun, their spear rising in a deadly arc that slammed into Caine''s chin, sending him flying upward.

    The skies darkened, and from above, a pillar of lightning descended, slamming into his falling body.

    BOOOOM!

    A massive crater formed upon impact. The figure landed at its edge, peering down to assess Caine''s condition.

    Suddenly, their gaze widened as a suffocating sense of danger overwhelmed them.

    Caine appeared behind the figure, his body shrouded in silver runes, his eyes cold and lifeless.

    SHUR!

    His spear moved with blinding speed, severing the tendons in the figure''s leg. As they faltered, off balance, Caine surged forward, speed runes glowing beneath his feet.

    He swung his spear again, cutting down in a cross-shaped motion that tore through the figure''s robes, exposing their true form.

    A middle-aged man stood before him, bald with scarlet eyes and runic tattoos carved into his body.

    "NO¡ª"

    Caine''s spear cut down once more, the strike imbued with a ferocious True Spear Will.

    The air trembled, the skies split, and blood rained as the man''s head fell from his neck.

    Caine stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as the body collapsed into the crater below. The severed head rolled to his feet, the remnants of fear and disbelief frozen in its lifeless gaze.

    [Nameless Call.]

    But he did not dwell on it.

    Threads of neutral qi wove through his body, suturing his wounds as he bent down, retrieving the man''s robes. Draping them over himself, he turned without a word and began to walk forward.

    The battlefield behind him fell silent.

    The only sound that remained was the steady rhythm of his breathing as he moved into the distance.

    sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 117 - 117: Carnage(II)

    Immediately, Caine stumbled upon another enemy.

    This time, they weren''t veiled.

    It was a male humanoid entity, with a body covered in rune-etched white chitin scales, the gaps filled with veins of chaotic earth qi.

    Long, sharp claws extended from its fingers, and atop its head, dozens of unblinking eyes were neatly arranged above a grotesque mouth filled with countless blade-like teeth.

    Potent killing intent radiated off the creature.

    Its gaze locked onto Caine, and immediately, he frowned.

    ''¡­how¡­''

    This entity''s killing intent was so overwhelming that it nearly made him pass out. He had never experienced anything like it before.

    But again, he remained calm. There was no escape¡ªno salvation beyond what he could carve for himself. It was either victory or death.

    There was no running from the all-encompassing hand of Fate. He would either soar or fall.

    BANG!

    Caine weaved under a swipe of qi-coated claws, his hips twisting and his chest torquing as his blade tore upward. A low shout escaped his lips as neutral qi erupted along the blade''s edge, enhancing its potency.

    The creature seemed to grin in amusement.

    The earth qi flowing through its body solidified, forming a thin yet impenetrable layer over its scales that effortlessly deflected Caine''s attack.

    Before Caine could counter or retreat, his gaze sharpened as he felt his movements slow unnaturally, his body sluggish even as the monstrous entity became impossibly fast. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''¡­Time affinity.''

    He concluded this without hesitation, his thoughts cutting through the haze.

    The entity''s punch hurtled toward him, moving with the speed of lightning, but just as it was about to crush his face, Caine''s figure rippled like water and distorted. He vanished entirely, reappearing meters away.

    Slowly, he began walking in a circle around the creature.

    As he moved, afterimages trailed in his wake, so vivid and sharp that they seemed like real clones. Within seconds, the creature found itself surrounded, its senses heightened and primed for an ambush as a guttural growl rumbled from deep within its chest, a sound dripping with primal savagery.

    Caine walked leisurely, his sharp gaze dissecting the countless layers of the creature''s battle style, analyzing its every motion with clinical precision.

    ''¡­Time affinity compensates for its reaction speed, slowed by its bulk¡­''

    ''¡­Earth qi veins heighten its defenses to account for the innate fragility of its flesh¡­''

    ''¡­Scales reflect most physical attacks while absorbing qi-based ones to heal¡­''

    ''¡­Those eyes¡ªthey''re all Heavenly Pupils. Though it doesn''t know how to wield them, they make it formidable nonetheless.''

    Heavenly Pupils were blessings of the heavens, bestowed at birth upon the rarest of individuals. Spiritual wonders passed down through untold generations, they were tools of unfathomable potential.

    BANG!

    The creature, unsettled by Caine''s cold and calculating gaze, lost patience. With an ear-splitting shriek, it lashed out, its voice so deafening that the atmospheric qi imploded into chaotic currents. A cloud of turbulent qi enveloped the battlefield, concealing its lunge toward one of Caine''s flickering afterimages.

    BANG!

    The figure it struck dissolved into smoke, and the creature visibly calmed, reassured that the clones were nothing more than a diversion.

    But it was wrong.

    [Blight Art: Clones of Thought]

    Caine''s weakened True Will manifested through the flickering clones, which immediately attacked, each one thrusting with blades forged of pure Will and intent. The blades struck true before erupting into a grand explosion of neutral qi.

    For a moment, the creature seemed shaken.

    Then it grinned madly, its dozens of eyes glowing ominously as its lips moved, murmuring in an ancient runic tongue.

    [Reflect.]

    Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    BOOOOOOM!

    He was blasted backward by his own attack. Blood poured from countless wounds, and his True Will trembled, nearly fracturing under the psychic weight of his reflected intent.

    But even as his mind reeled, the earth beneath him shifted, transforming into a pit of writhing sand.

    Caine was pulled under, dragged into the suffocating depths by an unseen force. His qi spiraled out of control, frantically pulled in countless directions.

    Within the pit, spears of sand solidified into jagged glass, each shard igniting with chaotic energy before tearing into his flesh. They struck so fast and relentlessly that his body became a canvas of blood and agony.

    ''¡­too fast¡­''

    His thoughts began to blur as the scent of death grew thick in his nostrils. Desperation clawed at his heart.

    [Blight Art: Time Point.]

    Caine vanished in an instant, reappearing high in the sky. His body fell from above and crashed onto solid ground, just meters from his original position.

    He landed hard but forced himself back to his feet, his stance widening as he leveled his blade in preparation for what was to come.

    ''¡­This is absurd. This thing barely said a word, and I''m already half dead¡­''

    Silver runes flickered around his battered frame, suturing his wounds as best they could. Summoning every ounce of strength, Caine charged forward, refusing to let the monster set the tempo.

    The creature''s grin widened, its eyes gleaming with twisted glee as it unleashed a pulse of energy that expanded outward, forming a domain that engulfed them both.

    Suddenly, Caine''s movements faltered. His legs buckled, and his breath came in short, panicked bursts. A primal fear sank into his bones, so deep and visceral that even his Dao Heart struggled to resist.

    ''¡­Bloodline suppression¡­''

    Caine''s Chimera bloodline, though powerful, was still in its mortal grade. The creature''s bloodline, by contrast, was like an unyielding mountain, pressing down with the weight of the heavens.

    WHOOSH!

    The creature appeared above him in a flash, its clawed leg crashing into his stomach with enough force to send him hurtling into a nearby mountain of corpses.

    SHUR!

    Arcs of chaotic death qi rained down upon him, slicing through the air with deadly precision.

    BOOM!

    The explosion obliterated the pile of corpses, and Caine was thrown deeper into the battlefield. Blood streamed down his face as he staggered to his feet, every movement a Herculean effort.

    But as his gaze locked onto the creature, he noticed something unsettling.

    The mountain of corpses he''d crashed into began to stir.

    Dead hands reached out, clawing at him with an insatiable hunger.

    Before he could react, the entire mountain detonated in a cataclysmic burst of energy.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    The creature cackled maniacally, diving into the explosion to pluck Caine''s battered body from the wreckage.

    Grabbing him by the neck, it hurled him skyward, his silver blood raining down like liquid starlight.

    Caine''s consciousness flickered, the edges of his vision blurring. His thoughts grew chaotic, but instinct took over, forcing his body into action.

    WHOOSH!

    A platform of ice materialized in the sky, catching him mid-flight. His nine rings emerged behind him, their brilliance cutting through the oppressive aura of the battlefield.

    Lifeless silver eyes stared down at the creature as it conjured a massive beam of chaotic earth qi.

    Caine''s platform propelled him downward like a comet. His spear snapped into his hand, its edge glowing with intent.

    The creature launched its beam, but Caine''s blade severed it with a single strike. The fragments of energy were drawn into a complex formation that encased them both.

    The creature''s True Will surged, attempting to shatter the formation, but it was too late.

    The moment its mind touched the formation, Caine''s True Will invaded, tearing through the creature''s defenses with unrelenting force.

    Its mind shattered under the assault, leaving it helpless as Caine''s killing intent erupted.

    SPLAT!

    His spear cleaved the creature in half, its warm green blood pooling on the ground.

    Caine landed harshly, his knees buckling as his breaths came in ragged gasps.

    But he didn''t celebrate.

    "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    He whispered softly, then turned and sprinted toward the next fight.

    There was no rest for the wicked.

 Chapter 118 - 118: Carnage(III)

    One arm and one spear¡ªthat was all Caine could truly rely on.

    Dozens, hundreds, thousands, millions, billions¡ªthe amount of enemies he faced seemed endless.

    Each of them was just as powerful and law-breaking as he was, and all seemed to have abilities that specifically countered his assets and aimed for his weaknesses.

    Each battle was a life-and-death one that pushed him deeper and deeper into a state of empty focus.

    A single mistake meant death.

    But he persisted.

    Every battle ended with him getting more and more injured, but he persisted.

    Every enemy he encountered was more powerful than the last, forcing him to pull at the very depths of his core¡ªbut he persisted.

    Every battle was a direct challenge to everything he stood for. Everything he''d worked for. Everything he''d once asked for.

    But he persisted.

    Every encounter was a spit on the Will he''d forged across two lifetimes. The countless sacrifices he''d made. All the people he''d once had and then lost.

    The world was utterly silent to him, the only sound reaching his ears being the fluttering of his torn robes and the whistle of air as he swung.

    The pressure of death slowly became unimportant, an impenetrable force he routinely faced and climbed over. His heart steadied, beating with unstoppable force, and his mind calmed, facing it all one step at a time.

    The more he swung his blade, the more he felt his emotions stir and clash against the walls of his heart. The more he killed and triumphed, the more he felt his blood flow.

    The more injured he became, the more alive he felt. And the more he advanced, the more wrathful he became.

    Every step forward he took was filled with just as much unshakable conviction as it was endless wrath.

    His bones broke countless times, his flesh was torn relentlessly, and his blood had become paint to a canvas that followed and trailed behind him, immortalizing each and every one of his steps.

    Fate. Karma. Destiny. Totality.

    The more he danced with death, the more he understood.

    And the more he understood, the colder his gaze became and the smoother his steps were.

    Life, death, the future, the past¡ªnone of it mattered more than the present.

    He had decided to live. So he would live. He had decided to fight and challenge Fate, so he would win.

    Step after step, he''d walk ahead until infinity was conquered.

    [Either die as a star, your radiance blinding the cosmos for the faintest of moments, or look ahead and climb mountain after mountain, allowing your heart to weather the storm and brutality of existence.]

    ***

    In the middle of these lands of life and death, a grand, gigantic, and majestic gate stood, made out of pitch-black obsidian metal and outlined by gold.

    Runes of white and dark gold hues danced across its surface, its aura imposing and mighty, so much so that the space around it seemed to warp and bend in subservience.

    Sat at the foot of this grand gate, a man could be seen sitting cross-legged, still and unmoving.

    His skin was bronze, tanned and healthy, wrapped around refined and thick muscles, draped over by simple white robes.

    He looked normal, and yet, looking at him, none would be able to take their eyes off him, as if he incarnated the very essence of the world.

    As if a god made flesh¡ªa mortal god.

    Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing their brilliant golden depths.

    Ahead, a tall man covered in hundreds of different torn robes slowly walked over, his steps slow and his features obscured.

    But from the little shown from his feet and the slight dangle of his only arm, countless scars could be seen.

    The man noted all this in an instant and nodded to himself.

    "It seems it''s time."

    He pushed himself up.

    "To reach the gate in such a short amount of years is something even I must recognize," the man slowly spoke, his voice deep and primal.

    From thin air and into his palms, bandages appeared. With refined skill, he began to wrap them around his palms and forearms, black runes reflected across the bandages as he did so.

    "But it is unfortunate. You are too young. But who am I to question the Supreme Mother Fate? If you were deemed worthy enough to compete against us, then I must oblige."

    "The opponents you faced all were royalty of Fate, chosen across time and space to compete for the crown, yet only the both of us remain now."

    "The first candidate and the last, quite poetic, no?" The man chuckled, finishing the work he was performing on his hands.

    He gripped his fists, testing the tightness of his work before nodding in satisfaction.

    Slowly, a long sword formed out of thin threads of qi, weaving and landing in his palms.

    A faint golden cloak of aura erupted from the man, soft and soothing as his qi began to flow with an unhurried motion.

    He swung his blade in the air a few times, unbothered as the veiled man slowly made his way over to him.

    "My name is Autumn Ignis, from the Lands Wreathed in Gold. Who may you be?"

    The man''s steps halted a few dozen meters away from Autumn, a silver pair of pupils suddenly gleaming from the darkness of the man''s hood.

    Autumn was taken aback for a moment but then smiled.

    "It''s fine. Not everyone is as talkative as¡ª"

    "You''re quite old." Caine slowly uttered, his voice hoarse and strained, as if he hadn''t spoken in decades.

    His gaze turned to the horizon.

    "Have you been here for long?"

    Autumn nodded.

    "As I told you, I was the first chosen. I''ve been waiting here for quite a few¡­millions? Billions? I''m not sure. I stopped counting time ago."

    "Billions of years." Caine slowly whispered, his voice devoid of any awe or emotion.

    Normally, such a thing¡ªan entity that had lived for millions of years¡ªwould''ve amazed him. But now, he couldn''t find it in him.

    All he felt was indifference as he stared at Autumn.

    And inversely, Autumn could feel the dehumanizing gaze Caine landed on him.

    It made his skin crawl, his soul shudder, and his qi tremble, but instead of frowning, he smiled¡ªa pure and joyous smile at the prospect of this battle. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    At the possibility of having a battle between equals.

 Chapter 119 - 119: Carnage(IV)â€”Autumn

    Caine''s gaze was locked on the horizon, his mind unreadable.

    An interesting thing he''d discovered was that, after killing another chosen of fate, he''d receive their runes, which would stack atop his and have a multiplicative effect rather than an additive effect.

    But beyond that, if the person Caine killed had also killed other Chosen of Fate, he''d gain the amount of runes they had, multiplied by the number of people they had defeated.

    So, for example, if someone killed two people, they''d have fifteen runes¡ªfive of their own and five from each of the people they killed.

    But the issue was that, when Caine killed them, not only would he get fifteen additional runes, but he''d get forty-five runes added, to make a total of fifty runes added to his own for a single kill.

    And considering Caine had killed everyone except Autumn, the amount of strain and pressure he was under was hard to fathom by any.

    But he remained calm and indifferent. From the horizon, his gaze panned over to Autumn once more.

    With a glance, he could tell the man still only had five runes, the original amount all received upon arrival.

    It was obvious he''d been waiting here, without killing anyone, just not to accumulate any runes.

    Before, Caine would''ve perhaps been disgusted or found it funny, but he truly didn''t have any thoughts about it.

    Things were as they were. There was no point in complaining.

    He was massively weakened, his opponent wasn''t¡ªend of the story.

    WHOOSH!

    The winds howled as the two stood, unmoving and silent. Their gazes met, yet no clash of Wills occurred, something that deeply rattled Autumn.

    In Caine''s hand, a battered and broken spear appeared, the edge of its long blade now dull and the pole covered in cracks, a reflection of the countless battles he''d waged.

    Autumn didn''t wait for Caine to engage and immediately swung at the air, his body vanishing and reappearing in front of Caine.

    The latter calmly parried the attacks, sparks igniting from the clash of their blades. But this wasn''t all.

    From their connected blades, a ripple of neutral qi snaked from Caine''s blade and into Autumn''s, immediately invading his body and turning chaotic, tearing apart the balance of qi inside his flesh.

    He stumbled backwards, blood leaking from his mouth, but Caine didn''t pursue. He stood where he''d been, unmoving and calm.

    He merely stared at Autumn, waiting for him to attack once more. Autumn laughed seeing this, unable to believe he was being looked down upon.

    At no point in his life had anyone ever looked down upon him. In fact, none of his battles had ever lasted more than one exchange.

    And that was before he came here.

    Now, with the countless years of quiet cultivation he''d undergone, none should''ve been able to even gaze upon him and yet¡­here he was.

    He found it just as funny as it was exciting.

    BANG!

    Veins erupted across his body as his aura grew and towered, his aged and refined qi shaking the air as his blade became supercharged with qi.

    His golden aura gathered and coalesced into tongues of flames that flickered around him, swirling like a mantle and burning with such intensity that the world seemed to tremble and boil over.

    Noticing this, Caine took a step forward and ran toward Autumn, his speed normal and almost unhurried.

    Suddenly, each of his steps seemed to leave a ripple on the solid ground below, runes of silver flickering around him as he closed in.

    The ripples overlapped and spread across the lands of carnage they fought in, seemingly reaching its limits before it all suddenly pulled back, dragging all qi in its path as it did so and flowing into Caine''s leg.

    The massive torrent of energy flowed from Caine''s leg and into his blood qi, his blood qi then exploding with power and fueling his arm as he swung upward, his speed so high his afterimages overlapped and clashed into a fresque of frozen frames, akin to capsules of sealed time.

    But unlike what Autumn believed, this wasn''t all.

    All of Caine''s afterimages began to glow with a soft emerald light, the power from his blood qi diverting and flowing into them as if they were real bodies.

    And that, they were.

    Countless blades fell upon Autumn, each seemingly full of endless power.

    His gaze narrowed, and his qi rapidly twisted into runes he used to continuously teleport backwards, his hands simultaneously moving to cast formations that summoned shields of all types.

    But it was all futile. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s True Will merely flickered and the distance between them collapsed, bringing Autumn''s neck right back upon the edges of his blades as the countless shields he''d casted were rendered useless, Caine effortlessly moving through them.

    [Blight Art: Remembrance of the Blade]

    Time slowed to a crawl.

    The first of Caine''s blade tore through Autumn, but before any blood could be spilled, another blade fell, followed by another, and another and another and another and another.

    The blades fell so fast that their impacts lagged and layered, unable to keep up with the speed of all the countless after images hacking down.

    BANG!

    Suddenly, all the afterimages snapped back into Caine''s body and his gaze narrowed, his Will slowly wrapping around his crumbling blade as he swung again once more.

    [Blight Art: Blade of Concession]

    SHURRRRR!

    Time retook its course and at once, all attacks impacted, layering into one grand explosion, so potent and violent the world around seemed to black out for a bit.

    Autumn''s body was vaporized, each part of his flesh torn and split into such small bits that when Caine''s qi followed to burn and shatter him, nothing was left.

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOSSHHHHH!

    Countless waves of compressed air wound into one another, exploding at once and shaking all that was around.

    Caine''s robes widely fluttered under the chaotic storm his swings had caused and yet, his body remained firmly rooted and his gaze just as indifferent.

    He waited for a few moments, then, without any word, began to walk toward the gate.

 Chapter 120 - 120: Carnage(V)â€”Autumn(II)

    Caine didn''t take more than a dozen steps forward before he stopped.

    There, in front of him, at the foot of the grand gate, Autumn''s body began to reform, threads falling from the dark grey skies above and intertwining to revive him.

    PAH!

    Naked, his body reappeared, lungs instantly expanding, gasping for air as he screamed in horror, writhing like a wounded child.

    Caine watched it all without moving.

    A few moments passed, and Autumn''s True Will seemed to recover, washing over his body and instantly allowing his sanity to return.

    Covered in sweat, with his chest heaving, he lay on his back, dried tears staining his face.

    But suddenly remembering he was still in the midst of battle, he rapidly stood up, white robes draping over him as he immediately assumed a battle stance.

    For the first time, Caine smiled, a soft and incredibly pure smile. ''Life and Fate affinities bound together by a deep study of Temporal arts. How ingenious.''

    Though Caine thought of it lightly, what Autumn had created was essentially a technique that gave one a form of pseudo-immortality.

    If he refined his True Will more, he could truly become immortal solely by using the technique he''d been crafting.

    But then again, to Caine, if after millions of years spent peacefully cultivating, this was the most the man could create, perhaps he wasn''t so impressive.

    He''d created his rings when he was nothing but an idiotic teenager. If he could, anyone could.

    Of course, Caine''s thoughts were ludicrous and reflected the ridiculous standards he set for himself, but he didn''t care.

    ''He also has a Heavenly Body. I''m not sure if it''s natural or not.''

    Heavenly Organs were simply parts of the body blessed by the Heavens with incredibly potent power and abilities, ranging from Heavenly Eyes¡ªthe rarest of them all¡ªto Heavenly Musculatures, a relatively common blessing that gave one divine strength. It was almost like an organ in itself had its own separate Innate Circle.

    In rare cases, one could be born with all of their body parts being Heavenly Organs, thus creating a Heavenly Body, one of the many wonders of existence.

    And it seemed like Autumn had inherited one.

    In fact, Caine was almost certain that the technique the man had created had come from him attempting to understand the hidden abilities of his organs and body.

    But Caine wasn''t envious, not in the least.

    The body constitution his bodily pillar gave him was¡­ special. Now that he was in the Spark Realm, the might of his Innate Circle would slowly begin to take root and show its effects.

    ''Anyway.''

    Caine''s thoughts refocused, and he swept his spear across the rough ground as he walked toward the trembling Autumn.

    What Caine found strange was that he wasn''t trembling in fear but rather excitement. Well, actually, he didn''t know. Flickers of excitement and fear intermingled to form a strange emotion suffusing through his being.

    Autumn exhaled a breath, his sword rapidly reforming in his hand. Slowly, atop his head, a beautiful golden crown appeared, along with a horrifyingly potent wave of power.

    Caine''s gaze narrowed. This wasn''t the first time he''d seen someone else with a crown in this place, but the issue was that he''d realized he couldn''t use his own, the same way he, for some reason, couldn''t talk to Elura as she seemed to be in a deep state of slumber.

    The crowned chosen of fate, as he called them, were some of the toughest enemies he''d faced here.

    Caine''s gaze relaxed, as did his posture. His breathing began to follow rhythmic cycles that attuned him to the world, just as the faint reflection of his rings appeared in the depths of his blind eyes.

    The world''s qi embraced him, wrapping around him, its tendrils softly dancing around his cracked blade and holding it together.

    The two stared at one another for the faintest of moments before they vanished, the impact of their departure only exploding moments after their blades clashed, as if the world was struggling to keep up.

    CLANK!

    Autumn''s True Will was terrifying, seemingly creating a domain that enveloped the both of them¡ªa domain where all was within his grasp.

    Space was akin to a field he could move across with the most insignificant of thoughts, and time became a wheel he could steer to his liking.

    He teleported around Caine so fast that countless iterations of himself attacked at once, moving at different speeds, as if each from different timelines.

    But Caine remained indifferent. His mind was supreme.

    With a methodical approach, he analyzed all that was in front of him and his blade followed.

    His blade swam through the air like a fish in water, smooth and unfettered, as he parried strike after strike and danced around Autumn like a dove soaring through the heavens. His footwork was so complex he seemed to truly be dancing.

    His fluttering robes harmonized into a lullaby that echoed through the battlefield, as quiet as it was. Their rapid and powerful steps became akin to drums, as their rhythmic breaths played off one another¡ªa balanced tempo that highlighted the hymn their battle created.

    Fists whistled through the air, forearms clashed, blades rebounded against one another, qi exploded, and Wills erupted.

    Amidst the raging battle, Caine''s gaze suddenly lost all emotion as he released all the air from within his lungs.

    His aura entirely died down, and he became a shadow.

    [Blight Art: Enhance]

    Autumn barely reacted before he saw his left arm flying through the air, his own blood showering him. His gaze panned to the right, meeting Caine''s rapidly streaking qi-covered blade.

    [Blight Art: Lag]

    His body froze, and the blade tore through his head as if it were a mere cloud, instantly shredding it to pieces.

    But aware the man was immortal, Caine''s movements didn''t stop¡ªnot in the least. He spun, his blade rising from the humble earth and toward the mighty heavens as he tore upwards, his muscles bulging and his countless Wills manifesting.

    SHURRR!

    Autumn''s body was cleanly split in two, but before both sides could separate, Caine''s figure blurred and an afterimage of himself layered atop his body, cleaving the enemy before him laterally.

    Another afterimage layered atop of him, then another, and another, and another.

    Autumn''s body was shredded and dissected, but unlike before, threads of fine silk immediately fell from the skies, rapidly stitching him together and bringing him back from the brink of death. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine immediately retreated, closely dodging an exploding wave of Autumn''s strange golden qi. But taking advantage of his sudden retreat, Autumn charged forward.

    As he did so, his hand swiped forward, and countless beams of qi shot at Caine, forcing him to zip through them as he retreated.

    But this was what Autumn wanted. Having pinned Caine at his desired location, his hand moved, shooting forward and violently tightening into a tight fist.

    SHAH!

    Countless threads appeared from thin air, binding Caine and chaining him down as he was forced to stop dead in his tracks.

    The many beams Autumn had thrown and crashed into the ground had exploded and etched runes into the ground. These runes glowed, linking into a grand formation.

    Planting his foot forward, Autumn glided forward and toward Caine, his blade drawn back, almost as if sheathed, and his back curled backward.

    A low and primal roar escaped his lips as his hips pivoted and his chest torqued toward Caine, his blade unsheathing and harmonizing with the formation around him.

    [Ancestral Season: Worldly Summer]

    A blade split heaven and earth in half.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 121 - 121: Carnage(VI)â€”Autumn(III)

    A wave of fire, so large and grand it could only be called a world-sized tsunami of flames, erupted from Autumn just as Caine''s body was split in half at the waist.

    But Caine''s True Will remained firm. A vast amount of qi burned from his bond space, surging into his time star. Instantly, his injuries rewound, leaving only scars to mark where his body had once been torn asunder.

    His robes, already tattered, were shredded further, revealing the countless and endless scars covering his compressed, vascular, and refined frame.

    Caine focused. A flame seemed to ignite within his gaze as he roared out, slamming his only palm onto his chest. Countless formation circles manifested around him, linking together to form the outline of a gigantic humanoid avatar.

    Atmospheric qi gathered, condensing into a grand spear that the avatar gripped. Just as Caine swung, the avatar mirrored his movement, countering the tsunami of flames rushing toward them.

    SHING!

    The wave of flames was severed, then blown to pieces, but Caine immediately fell to one knee, coughing out blood as the immense strain on his body closed in on him.

    Tightening his jaw, he steeled his mind and forced himself up. Looking ahead, he saw that Autumn wasn''t in a much better state.

    The two stared at one another for a few moments before they seemed to come to an unspoken agreement. Caine planted his blade in the ground beside him, and Autumn did the same.

    Autumn tore off his already shredded robes, his gaze so focused it seemed as if Caine was the only thing in existence at that moment.

    Autumn laughed loudly, the distance between them collapsing as if by will alone. In an instant, they were upon one another, and their battle resumed with renewed intensity.

    BANG!

    Both were true masters of martial combat, and their clash ascended into an entirely new strata of blood and violence.

    Caine was cold, vicious, and calculating.

    Each of his moves carried the essence of the roar of a dragon, the fury of a qilin, the cry of a phoenix, and the might of a white tiger.

    He clawed forward, tearing mounds of flesh from his opponent. His palms came in rapid waves, aiming for Autumn''s inner organs, while his elbows and knees flowed seamlessly into one another, breaking bone after bone.

    Autumn, on the other hand, truly embodied his name. He moved as smooth as a breeze, almost uncatchable, his movements carrying the fluidity of water and the solidness of earth.

    His punches aimed for Caine''s vital points, each strike stacking upon the last to rapidly tear him apart. Exploiting Caine''s missing arm, he constantly pushed him off balance, pivoting around him with unrelenting precision.

    He was adaptable, reading and reacting to Caine''s movements with terrifying speed. Yet, despite his skill, he couldn''t fully end Caine with any single strike.

    It was a battle between immortal regeneration and timeless skill.

    BANG!

    Caine weaved under a punch, spinning to grab Autumn''s arm and hurling him over his shoulder, slamming him violently onto the ground.

    BANG!

    Autumn rolled away, narrowly dodging a crater-creating punch, then backflipped to avoid a kick that left the air sizzling.

    Landing on his feet, he stepped forward, closing the gap between them. His palms layered strikes in rapid succession, hitting Caine from skewed angles and at speeds too fast to counter.

    WHOOSH!

    Flames erupted across Caine''s body, blasting Autumn backward, but the flames were quickly extinguished and replaced by cold, frigid shards of ice that danced around Caine.

    He thrust his palm forward, sending waves of compressed air toward Autumn, the waves followed closely by sharp shards of ice.

    Autumn laughed, stomping the ground as gravity suddenly multiplied hundreds of times.

    The shards of ice shattered under the immense weight, and he punched the air, sending a massive wave of compressed energy to meet Caine''s.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine teleported past the wave, his frown deepening. This battle was going nowhere.

    They were evenly matched.

    He had no choice but to take things to the next level.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s nine rings fully manifested behind him, his wings unfurling and taking space, shadowing the skies above. He took a step forward.

    Autumn''s smile froze. A deep, primal sense of danger overwhelmed him, but it was too late.

    [Blight Art: Chain of The-Lo''ku]

    From the ground, rune-covered chains seemingly made of vines appeared, wrapping around Autumn''s hands and legs, forcing him to his knees.

    Caine took another step forward.

    [Blight Art: Seal of Anak''ym]

    Countless runes manifested around Autumn, linking into a searing sealing formation that branded his skin and flesh.

    Autumn screamed in agony, feeling his own qi tearing his body apart. It was futile.

    Caine took another step forward.

    [Blight Art: Lances of Jude]

    From thin air, dozens of black spears, darker than the void itself, materialized and pierced Autumn, sundering his flesh and spilling his mighty blood.

    [Blight Art: Blood of the Forsaken]

    Autumn''s leaking blood ignited, his aspects shuddering and cracking as his very existence began to erode.

    Caine stood a mere step away.

    Feeling death approaching, Autumn roared to the heavens, all his power erupting in a golden supernova that swallowed the world.

    His binds shattered, and he stood, ancient and dark lightning crackling around his palms.

    He charged forward, his gaze filled with demonic killing intent.

    His palm pierced into Caine, grabbing his heart. With narrowed eyes, he roared, "SHATTER!"

    His lightning-covered hand clenched, burning Caine''s heart to ashes.

    Silver blood splattered across Autumn, his chest heaving, bones creaking, and sweat pouring from his battered frame. Slowly, he looked up, meeting the gaze of the man he had killed.

    What he saw shook him to his core.

    Caine looked back at him, his gaze empty and apathetic.

    "I cannot fall. Not here." Caine''s voice was almost infernal, carrying a conviction that seemed to surpass anything True Will could ever birth. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    These words were not born of mere thought.

    They were the purest essence of his soul¡ªhis existence.

    Autumn''s heart palpitated. He trembled, tears streaming down his face as his life flashed before his eyes. Endless regret gnawed at his True Will.

    Looking toward the skies above, he cried.

    [Blight Art: Final Fantasy]

    What happened next was beyond words, beyond comprehension, beyond perception.

    BOOM!

 Chapter 122 - 122: True Self

    It all went black. Then it all returned.

    Reality blinked.

    Caine stood over Autumn''s dead body. The wound in his chest slowly faded, leaving behind only a scar.

    The world was absolutely silent. He was the only one left.

    Caine looked up to the skies, his lips parting, and his chest heaving as he let out a roar that shook everything around him.

    RUMBLE!

    His True Will towered and split everything in its path. Veins erupted across his body as his vocal cords tore, and blood filled his throat.

    The emotions he had sealed and contained in his heart for years erupted all at once, fueling his Will and forming a mantle of manifested aura around him.

    His roar was so primal, it seemed akin to a primordial dragon''s final cry, like the lament of a god.

    He had fought. He had conquered.

    He had battled. He had dominated.

    He had decided to live. And he had lived.

    His roar was one of victory¡ªuncontested victory.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s mind blanked, and he fell onto his back, unconscious, as his roar echoed and shook the air.

    [You have conquered the Field of Carnage.]

    The skies above split open, and a gigantic pillar of golden light, as wide as the sky itself, descended upon Caine, granting him blessings upon blessings.

    Simultaneously, all the cursed runes etched onto his forehead sunk into his body, devoured by his Cursed nature.

    Impurities burned from his body as his muscles began to restructure themselves, along with his veins, organs, and flesh.

    Countless years of prolonged stress and hidden injuries melted away, and his true power began to soar.

    His body rippled, slowly beginning to change.

    ***

    Hours passed, and Caine''s pupils fluttered open. For a moment, he lay confused, but his memories rushed back in full force.

    He remained lying on his back, ignoring the newfound power flowing through him and simply basking in the comfort of his own existence.

    It had been too long¡ªso long that he had almost forgotten what it felt like to exist without the cursed runes, without constantly feeling his body teetering on the brink of death, without being suffocated by the terrifying killing intent of the countless enemies that swam around him.

    He took a deep breath and exhaled.

    ''I am alive.''

    He stood up. Looking around, the world wasn''t much different. He glanced at Autumn''s corpse, still intact.

    "¡­[Nameless Call]¡­"

    Without paying further attention to the body, he picked up his torn robes, spending a few moments stitching them back together before draping them over himself.

    These robes, bathed in the blood of so many powerful entities, had essentially become a Godcraft of their own¡ªjust like his fractured spear.

    With an unhurried pace, he walked toward the gate. Reaching its foot, he spent a few moments admiring its beauty before touching its surface and vanishing.

    The Fields of Carnage were left empty.

    ***

    He reappeared in a garden full of bloody roses. Above, the skies were dark, directly reflecting the cold lifelessness of the void.

    Beyond the garden, an all-encompassing, endless ocean of gold stretched far and wide.

    Caine felt the soft winds of this place brushing against his face. Moments later, a set of runes appeared in his mind.

    [Conquer the Heart.]

    Caine nodded and sat down cross-legged, storing his spear away. Across from him, tendrils of darkness gathered and coalesced into a shadowy figure with piercing scarlet pupils full of hate.

    Caine''s Heart Demon.

    But behind it, thousands of other shadow figures, just as full of hate as the first, appeared. They stood silently, calmly staring at Caine.

    Caine didn''t flinch. He was mildly surprised to see so many Heart Demons but, upon reflection, found it unsurprising.

    His gaze locked onto the shadowy figure seated across from him¡ªthe Heart Demon he knew the most.

    "I told you, did I not?" it hissed, its voice serpentine, dripping with malice. "That heart of yours would allow me to eventually take over." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine sighed and shook his head, directly ignoring the Heart Demon before him.

    This trial would be too easy for him, for the simple reason that he had already devised a plan for his Heart Demons.

    He had been waiting for an opportunity to confront them again, and now, this was perfect.

    His plan was simple: not only would he evolve his current Dao Heart, allowing it to reach its true and absolute state, but he would also forge a second one.

    This second Dao Heart would be forged from his Heart Demons, allowing him to birth a Demonic True Will¡ªone that perfectly mirrored his original True Will.

    These two hearts, together, would encapsulate and strengthen one another, enabling him to take the final step forward.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine''s chest slowly split and opened, revealing his radiant silver Dao Heart.

    The Heart Demons screeched in horror at its light. Beams of strange, chaotic energy erupted from them, crashing into his heart.

    But Caine remained indifferent.

    His Dao Heart, the Hopeless Dao Heart, was unquestionably powerful and true to who he was. But it wasn''t enough.

    In the Fields of Carnage, he had encountered countless enemies, each wielding True Wills as strong, if not stronger, than his own.

    Through these battles, he encountered countless types of Dao Hearts, each teaching him what a Dao Heart truly meant.

    His Hopeless Dao Heart was built to sunder fear and abandon needless hope.

    But what did this truly mean?

    It meant defiance. It meant control. It meant ascension.

    It was a path where all ahead was beneath him and nothing could stop his steps.

    But, indirectly, wasn''t it also a Heart that challenged the very essence of Fate?

    Caine had spent a long time studying his stars of Fate, Karma, Destiny, and Totality.

    Fate was inevitability¡ªthe hand that moved the pieces across the board.

    He had experienced it firsthand. Without fully understanding how, Fate had wound him in its countless strings and trapped him here.

    Fate was supreme, inevitable, and absolute.

    It was said that at the highest extremes, opposites converged. If Caine took defiance to its ultimate extreme, would it not circle back to Fate?

    To defy all things was to allow none to defy oneself. To control all things was to allow none to control anything.

    But this highlighted a glaring flaw in his Dao Heart.

    His heart was one of absolute results. It was a heart without fear or hope.

    But what if Fate chose a path where fear was all that existed? Or one where there was nothing but false hope to grasp at?

    Could he truly claim he would resist Fate? No. He couldn''t.

 Chapter 123 - 123: True Self(II)

    He''d been afraid countless times within his time in the Fields of Carnage.

    Though over time, he repeatedly affirmed himself and overcame all challenges, the flaw in his heart remained.

    So he would change it. He would evolve it.

    He would forge a Dao Heart forged out of the very essence of fate, a Heart where everything in his sight was a matter of Will.

    A Heart that steered the workings of Fate in his direction, a Heart that controlled and dominated fate.

    A Heart that would be above fear or hope¡ªfor the future, past, and present were within the palm of his hands, the absolute being a mere possibility.

    The Dao Heart of Hopeless Fate.

    And there came the horror of Fate.

    Because, was this not what it wanted? Was this very moment not what Fate desired?

    Fate called upon him, and unbeknownst to him, he''d answered its call.

    It was a trap he couldn''t help but walk into. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Fate desired to crown him, and he had no choice but to bow his head and accept control over it.

    Fate itself had controlled the world around him, forcing him to walk upon this path¡ªa path which he had no choice but to walk upon, a path that led to this very moment.

    A path where all possibilities led him to this moment. A path where he either accepted the crown or died.

    It was inevitable.

    It was horrifying. Just as much as it was exciting. It was only now that it all became clear to Caine¡ªbut he''d already accepted it.

    He would answer its call.

    WHOOOSH!

    His silver heart slowly faded and unwound into threads of silver. Simultaneously, from thin air, threads of gold and white appeared.

    These threads weaved into one another and overlapped to form flesh that shaped into a radiant and majestic heart of shades of silver, gold, and white.

    Upon the Heart''s surface, complex runes of gold and silver formed, bound by runes of pure white.

    PAH!

    The heart pulsed and installed itself into his chest, connecting to his veins. His body rippled and deconstructed itself into fine threads that instantly restructured his body.

    Simultaneously, Caine closed his eyes just as his perception of time slowed to a crawl. Time essentially froze for him.

    This was the perfect moment to form his second Heart.

    Heart Demons.

    Manifestations of one''s emotions through the wonders of existence.

    Fear, hate, loss, jealousy, envy, melancholy¡ªand many more. These are all emotions that could birth Heart Demons.

    And Caine had experienced it all, countless times. These were emotions that had never left him; they always danced around in his mind, pushing him closer and closer to the edge¡ªtoward madness.

    Unlike what most believed, he wasn''t particularly tenacious¡ªor so he believed. He wasn''t as emotionally mature as most, nor as emotionally resistant as most.

    He was more fragile than most. More wounded than most. And had a softer heart than most.

    His heart was so soft in the face of such cruelty, he still managed to smile. He still managed to view the world with relative objectivity and appreciate its beauty.

    He still managed to trust and advance without lingering on the horrible past he had.

    Staring at the countless demons ahead, he could see he wouldn''t last long. Soon, he''d fall into madness and be twisted into a demonic entity full of hate.

    So, instead of letting it happen, instead of letting these demons slowly devour him from the inside, he''d simply accept it.

    He''d accept it all. He''d allow himself to fall into madness. He''d allow his endless emotions to bloom and explode into the world.

    He''d never hold anything back; it would all always flow out¡ªwild and unfettered. He''d well and truly bathe in his worldly and futile aspect.

    He''d become his True Self.

    His emotions would become a fuel, they''d become an extension of himself, as would the emotions of any and all people.

    He''d forge his second Heart¡ªthe Serene Madness Dao Heart.

    WHOOOOOSH!

    The Heart Demons, frozen in time, slowly began to collapse into motes of dark light and threads of crimson blood. They wove into one another, just like his previous heart, and layered into flesh that formed a majestic yet malevolent heart, highlighted by shades of black, crimson, and amethyst.

    Dark emerald runes erupted across its surface as the heart settled beside Caine''s first Dao Heart. New veins formed in his body, connecting to the new heart as the two tightly pressed against one another.

    Caine''s chest closed, and his two hearts thumped at once, releasing a wave of terrifying power as they reached completion and immediately reached a state of harmony.

    Caine''s body rippled, changing more and more, his body rewiring itself anew. Atop his head, his crown suddenly appeared, along with the halo Laplace had given him.

    The Halo trembled, then shattered, but in between the cracks, links of red and purple energy formed, holding the halo together as beautiful golden runes erupted across its surface.

    The Halo shook as twelve other halos, identical to the original, appeared and layered atop it. Atop Caine''s head, they slowly spun, connecting to his Dao Hearts and allowing more changes and mutations to occur in his body.

    On the other hand, his crown didn''t change but rather, its thirteen fitted jewels shone, lighting up one after the other.

    The crown linked to his halo, then to his Dao Hearts, forming and completing a perfect loop.

    The divine strength of his soul-form, contained in his crown, rapidly began to fade, sacrificed to allow a great and grand change to occur.

    An exchange of strength for endless potential.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOOM!

    His hearts thumped again and again, their strength flooding him and changing everything.

    All the stars in his bond space imploded, only to reform and erupt with horrifying power, almost as if their nature had split and completed, gaining a demonic nature.

    His own silver star split in half, one remaining silver while the other became a swirl of amethyst and dark silver, perfectly balancing out his other star.

    Caine''s two True Wills towered.

 Chapter 124 - 124: True Self(III)

    His True Will evolved into a Holy True Will just as his Demonic True Will took shape.

    His aspects shook, his body shook, and everything else in between followed suit.

    It all clicked into one beautiful machine.

    His crown and halos faded from above his head and settled atop his Demonic and Holy True Will stars.

    The rune etched onto his chest by the Great Mother shone, and the potency of his Wills diminished, sealed by illusory emerald vines.

    At a glance, anyone could see it was a protective measure she had put in place, knowing this moment would come and that Caine''s body wouldn''t be powerful enough to handle the eruption of his True Wills.

    But even while sealed, the power and sense of oneness Caine felt was beyond words.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s own True Will had been stuck at the Quasi-Quintessential step for a long time, for reasons he couldn''t understand. But now, the barrier holding him back shattered into pieces. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He reached the perfect peak of the Quintessential Reckoning stage in a single bound. His power grew, solidified, and surged once more, prompting the Great Mother''s rune to act again.

    BANG!

    The trial for the Quintessence Reckoning stage was usually a question revolving around the solidity of one''s Dao Heart, but this time, there was no need for a trial from the World Will Eyes.

    His entire existence seemed to hum and sing with delight, his control over his body extending into the depths of all his aspects.

    His qi, his soul, his body, his mind¡ªthe world¡ªhe felt it all with utmost clarity, and it all fell under his dominion.

    WHOOOSH!

    A thin mantle of dark silver-gold aura wrapped around him, harmonized by a red-purple mantle that danced along in perfect rhythm.

    Caine sat in silent meditation for hours after his transformation ended, his aura settling into a state of calm grandeur. His two Dao Hearts thumped rhythmically¡ªa sound that soothed his mind and nurtured his spirit.

    [You have conquered the Heart. You have conquered the Broken Visages of Life.]

    Blessings fell from the skies, flooding into Caine, but he remained indifferent, his eyes closed and his body as still and unmovable as a mountain.

    More hours passed, and the blessings gradually died down, leaving him alone amidst the fields of blood roses.

    Slowly, Caine opened his eyes, their sharpness concealed behind countless layers of unreadable emotions.

    As soon as his gaze met the sky, a new set of runes materialized before him, plunging him into yet another trial with a fiendish cadence.

    [Conquer the fractures of life and death.]

    Even with his heightened power, Caine couldn''t react in time.

    His mind instantly shattered into countless fragments, each one plunged into an illusory world created by Fate itself.

    The task was simple yet impossibly cruel, almost identical to the Endless Samsara mode of the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda.

    The shards of his mind would each experience lives of all types, unable to remember who he truly was. He would live and die, endlessly.

    His goal? To awaken his memories before death. If even a single shard of his mind failed to do so, he would perish, and the trial would be lost.

    It was a trial designed to kill, even for someone with a True Will as powerful as Caine''s.

    But Caine had one advantage¡ªan edge that flipped the trial entirely in his favor.

    The seed and foundation that had allowed his Dao Heart to bloom was the link between his mind and his heart: the blurring of the lines between emotion and logic.

    It was this step that had led him here and granted him a chance.

    Though his mind had been taken off guard, pulling him into the trial unprepared, his heart and instincts remained active¡ªand so did the core of his True Will.

    WHOOOSH!

    The shards of Caine''s mind were drawn into the countless roses surrounding him, each representing a set of illusory worlds to conquer.

    His Dao Heart and True Will stood watch, silently observing each life. They learned, absorbed, and deepened the countless comprehensions that Caine had accumulated over his lifetime.

    While he could have forcibly awakened each shard through his active Dao Heart and True Will, that would have been wasteful.

    Not only would each world serve as a capsule of time, allowing him to make significant advancements, but it would also be the perfect opportunity to deepen his understanding of Fate, Karma, Destiny, and Totality.

    By observing the lives of countless entities from a detached vantage point and subtly stirring events in one direction or another, was this not the ideal training ground for a Chosen of Fate?

    Was it not a gift tailored for someone like Caine, who would face entities countless millions of years older and more experienced than he?

    This trial, terrifying to others, was an unprecedented boon to him. And he would take full advantage of it.

    PAH!

    His body sat frozen, his empty eyes slowly closing as his aura deepened and gained a vast richness and ancientness with every passing moment.

    His long, dark hair swayed gently in the wind, and his serene expression was free of worry or fear.

    His chest heaved slowly, his breaths calm and rhythmic as his blood coursed with unmatched force through his veins.

    He was a picture of unshakable serenity.

    ***

    In the middle of a dark, infinite void, an entity sat cross-legged in the emptiness of space.

    This being''s body was made entirely of golden qi and runes, its hair a mane of flowing, burning dark flames. Simple gray robes embroidered with ancient lotuses draped loosely over its frame.

    Dark lightning¡ªeerily similar to Autumn''s¡ªcrackled and swirled around the entity, dancing like a serpent in the air.

    The figure slowly opened its eyes, revealing deep, dark golden depths.

    "The youngest has faded, but his Life Jade remains intact," a feminine voice echoed.

    "Is that so?" the golden entity responded, its voice deep and apathetic, resonating through the void.

    "Who?"

    "A Spiritual. A prince."

    The entity froze. In the depths of its cold golden eyes, a flicker of rage ignited.

    If its son had fallen to anything else, it wouldn''t have mattered. But this? This was personal.

    "Revive him ahead of time," the entity ordered, its voice heavy with quiet menace.

    "Send him to me."

    The voice hesitated but obeyed. "As you command."

    The golden figure stood, its presence suffocating, as arcs of dark lightning intensified and illuminated the void around it.

    "I will train him myself."

 Chapter 125 - 125: Tapestry of Life

    As his mind fractured and split into the countless illusory avenues of life created by Fate, Caine''s entire being fell under the control of his subconscious¡ªthe primal and instinctive part of his True Will that bridged toward his mind.

    It perfectly mirrored his conscious self, his active True Will, possessing an ancient and primal cognitive ability. This primal Will processed and reacted to the world on instinct alone, with a sharpness that neared premonition, almost as if it sensed the tides of the world and Fate itself.

    It was almost as though it were in tune with the world to such a deep level that it whispered its most intimate secrets to it without resistance.

    This primal part of Caine''s Will perfectly matched his conscious self, and now, its might would truly shine.

    A primal and ancient aura erupted from Caine, only to rapidly settle into a calm wave of power¡ªakin to the aura of a slumbering titan, a beast waiting patiently for its moment.

    WHOOOSH!

    The fractured pieces of his mind each fell into illusory worlds, worlds that could almost be called fractured realities of their own, hand-crafted by Fate itself.

    In each life, he was born as a regular child, without any memory of who Caine Lerouge Velios was.

    He appeared as all genders, living all kinds of lives, from all kinds of backgrounds, experiencing everything from unparalleled success to the most crushing of defeats.

    From an emperor leading an empire on the brink of collapse, to a humble farmer tending to his fields, to a homeless woman shattered by the world, and even to the myriad possibilities of non-human existence¡ªa demon bathing in sin, a violent beast, a tree, a spirit, a rock, or even an ant. The diversity of lives he lived through was endless, and each was filled with unspeakable peaks and lows.

    Each life was one worth remembering.

    From above, his Primal True Will observed it all, keenly studying the intricacies of life and subtly steering these lives with a soft and undetectable hand.

    Caine experienced what it was like to be Fate itself.

    He studied the painful predictability of life, its seemingly infinite possibilities, the sways of all hearts, the rise and fall of countless empires, the betrayals of the great, and the rise of false ones.

    It all followed patterns¡ªpatterns one could read, patterns one could replicate, patterns one could recognize. Rarely, if ever, did anything stray from the chains of life and Fate.

    They were all cogs in a wheel, tools used to shape a world controlled by forces beyond their comprehension.

    His True Will observed it all. But it did not stop there. Beyond observation and experience, it acted.

    As noted before, this trial was the perfect training opportunity for someone like Caine.

    The countless lives and experiences of his shards all blurred into one grand tapestry of existence¡ªboth beautiful and terrifying.

    Through these lives, Caine''s knowledge and skills were refined, twisted, and evolved through endless perspectives. Everything he learned was picked apart and rebuilt billions of times before being passed from shard to shard, tempered and sublimated.

    His True Will conducted an innumerable number of experiments, testing ideas Caine had never before had the chance to explore. It observed the failures and successes, and then tried again and again, iterating endlessly.

    Each life brought countless enlightenments Caine had never had before. These insights were extracted, refined, and passed throughout the interconnected tapestry of his lives, deepening his understanding of himself, his abilities, and his aspects.

    Finally, he had the opportunity to meticulously study everything he had built over the past few years with a sharp and focused eye.

    All of it was neatly arranged and sorted, only to be dissected, peeled apart, and analyzed¡ªlayer by layer, inch by inch.

    The countless millions, billions, and trillions of years of life his shards experienced were extracted and fed into his Hearts, leaving his youthful mind intact.

    His Demonic Dao Heart feasted on an endless flood of Heart Demons, allowing its Demonic nature to ascend step by step, growing endlessly.

    Simultaneously, his Holy Will steadily grew and surpassed its previous limits, entering a deeper and more profound state of serenity.

    The two Wills danced endlessly, feeding off one another''s growth and blooming toward infinity.

    His Stars and Hearts cycled through creation and destruction, mirroring the way his shards experienced life and death. They destroyed and rebuilt themselves relentlessly, each cycle enhancing Caine''s understanding and pushing him toward perfection.

    The more he cycled through life and death, the more his comprehension deepened, and the more his enlightenments stacked and overflowed within him.

    His Stars and True Will aged, gaining a mature and ancient flare that only the most eternal of existences could acquire. This maturity began to carry weight, take up space, and command dominance. It gained a royal nature that grew more imposing with each passing moment.

    Caine''s bond space, intrinsically linked to his mind, aged in tandem. Its qi production matured along with his stars, taking on a primordial and ancient hue that deepened as time stretched on.

    The older the qi, the more powerful it became.

    But that was far from the only change. The effects extended to his physical body.

    Through the countless experiments and observations his True Will conducted, it began to subtly modify his body''s structure, refining it step by step toward a desired state of perfection¡ªor at least, as close to perfection as the current Caine could achieve.

    His muscles rippled and shifted beneath his skin, like worms in a bag, as they were torn apart and rebuilt with surgical precision. His bones, organs, and brain followed suit, adapting to align with the countless possibilities he observed and studied.

    Each life was a step toward perfection. Each death was a leap toward endless growth.

    Together, they formed a progression that would have otherwise taken billions of years to accomplish.

    Caine was akin to an ever-changing canvas.

    Every stroke of Fate''s brush refined him, every hue of its palette added depth to his existence, and every detail sharpened his understanding of the world, life, and himself.

    sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 126 - 126: Tapestry of Life(II)

    Aura.

    It was a reflection of one''s presence, one''s Will, one''s cultivation, and one''s Dao Heart. It highlighted the chasms between those above and those below.

    But it wasn''t as intangible as most thought. In fact, it was deeply linked to one''s True Will.

    Once it reached a certain threshold, Will could birth True Aura. And when one''s True Aura reached a certain apex, it became a True Royal Aura, ascending through tiers of noble royalty.

    The higher one''s Aura state, the greater their power and presence, with countless passive abilities inherently tied to their True Wills.

    WHOOOSH!

    The aura around Caine thickened, evolving into a mantle. The faint royal traits within his True Will fully bloomed, pushing his Will into the True Royal Will state.

    Subsequently, his aura ascended as well, reaching royalty. A swirling haze of purple-red and silver-gold enveloped him, obscuring his features and casting a net of oppressive force. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His True Will settled at the earliest stage of royalty, but his aura surged forward.

    From the Prince stage, it climbed higher, shattering past the Lord, King, and Emperor stages.

    The line between Caine''s Demonic and Holy auras blurred further, becoming an ethereal, multicolored mantle as it surged past the Emperor, Sovereign, Monarch, and Venerable stages.

    An ancient hum resonated through his body. His True Aura flowed seamlessly through his existence, leaving its noble mark. In a single bound, it shattered the final barrier.

    It reached the True Royal God Aura stage.

    The evolution was smooth, seamless, and natural. There was no explosive display of power. Instead, Caine''s aura became subtler, an abyss of empty calm that none could penetrate.

    WHOOOOOOOSH!

    One transformation flowed into the next.

    At once, the fractured shards of his mind awakened and answered his call, returning to him and reassembling into a whole. His mind, now vast and expansive, seemed to have multiplied its already immense capacity several times over.

    BANG!

    Caine''s conscious and subconscious selves bridged once more, and his body stirred as he slowly began to awaken.

    His aura receded, along with his roaring True Wills, simmered by the Great Mother''s rune, a protective measure to preserve his flesh.

    [You have conquered the avenues of life.]

    Even as the message rang through his mind and blessings rained down from the skies, Caine remained quiet, caught in a half-slumber.

    It was hours before his mind fully mended and he was whole again. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

    WHOOOSH!

    A soft breeze brushed against his skin, sending a pleasant tingle down his spine. The sweet scent of the garden''s flowers filled his senses. His long hair flowed gently in the wind, and his crystalline skin reflected faint traces of the void above.

    Caine raised his hand and gazed at his palm.

    ''Good.''

    It felt like a mere instant¡ªlike the blink of an eye. Yet, it also felt like an eternity. An eternity of growth and change he could not fully comprehend but knew had occurred.

    His mind felt reborn, alive, and unshackled.

    But there was an unfamiliar fatigue, not like the exhaustion he''d felt after forging his cursed and blessed aspect natures. It was a different kind of weariness¡ªa heaviness akin to a child overwhelmed by too much energy, so much so that it tired rather than invigorated him.

    It felt natural.

    Without a care, he let his body fall backward, using his arm as a makeshift pillow. The soothing waves of the endless golden ocean surrounding the garden served as a lullaby, pulling him into a deep and restorative sleep.

    For the first time in what felt like eons, a sense of profound peace enveloped him, as though the very hands of Fate cradled him in their care.

    And perhaps, they did.

    ***

    Caine''s dream was strange. It was a replay of an old memory.

    He saw nothing, only heard voices.

    "I wish we could all simply die and start anew, with knowledge of the past. That''d be nice."

    "Of the past? Wouldn''t you rather know the future? Seems much more practical."

    "I don''t know. The past feels like a database of assured information I can use to navigate forward. The future just feels fledging, like a bundle of countless possibilities, like a bag of needles."

    "Each needle is just as different as the other, but they still remain needles, you know? I don''t know if I''m making sense."

    "I see what you''re trying to say. Knowing the future nulls it, yes?"

    "Mhm." The voice sighed. "It''s like that prophecy. I feel like it holds more truth than any knowledge of the future."

    "Prophecy?"

    "Yeah, the prophecy told by the Oldest Sister before she perished at the hands of the Imperials. Haven''t you heard?"

    "No."

    Suddenly, Caine''s vision cleared. His dream shifted into a vivid depiction of the past.

    He sat at a table in a lively bar filled with chatter and laughter. Two veiled figures conversed¡ªthe voices he had been hearing.

    One was a woman with long purple hair and scarred features. The other was an older man, bulky and rugged, with a bald head, wise eyes, and a thick beard.

    The woman snacked on biscuits while the man drank from a jug of beer.

    The man spoke. "Her prophecy was strange. It spoke of a dead child. A child bound by the chains of hell and forged from the flames of Heaven, bound by the void''s fury. It was weird."

    He took a swig of his drink and let out a satisfied sigh before continuing. "If I remember correctly, the exact prophecy was¡­"

    [On the first night of the last winter, the Eyes of Fate shall flood the skies and scour for the Son born of mist and soil.]

    [On the second night of the first summer, the Son''s heart shall be torn from his carcass and used as a relic of melancholy.]

    [On the third night of the forgotten autumn, the winds shall howl in fury, the seas in fear, and the heavens shall weep in regret.]

    [On the fourth night of the forsaken spring, the Son shall be reborn, his fate stripped and his heart unfettered.]

    [On the final day, all shall look to the darkened veil of the heavens.]

    [And on the final night, he shall appear like a thief in the night, to steal the Lost Throne.]

    [The echoes of his name shall be: The Usurper, The Stolen of Fate, The Bastard, The Fallen!]

    The man fell silent, staring into his drink as though the weight of the prophecy pressed against him.

 Chapter 127 - 127: An Ugly Dream

    The world then blurred, leaving Caine in a dark expanse, standing upon blackened soil covered in dark purple flowers, reeking of blood.

    Without hesitation, he clasped his hands behind his back and began to walk across this shadowed expanse, his mind focused and clear.

    This was obviously a sort of hidden trial¡ªor perhaps even the second half of the previous one.

    Caine''s gaze sharpened as blurry runes appeared around him. One by one, he analyzed their intricate structures, peering into the deepest layers of this trial.

    ''A message. I see.'' His gaze softened, and his aura loosened. ''Four Dreams, each containing a shard of a message.''

    ''To go from one dream to another, I must uncover a part of the message, otherwise, I''ll be stuck here. The final step is to bring it all together and grasp this message.''

    Caine nodded to himself.

    ''Time.''

    Immediately, he understood that the core of this first dream vision revolved around time¡ªlayered in a manner that intertwined its three aspects: the future, the present, and the past.

    ''A desire to backtrack and take back all that was given and erase all that happened. A desire to collectively return to a point in the past.''

    ''A hatred for the future for its fickle nature, a fear of the present for its absoluteness, and a love for the past for its stability.''

    ''An understanding of the curse future truths grant, thus splitting the future into an infinite tapestry of possibilities.''

    ''An ancient prophecy told by a titled martyr, an oppressor afraid of the contagiousness of truth¡ªa prophecy that speaks of a child.''

    His thoughts flowed like water as his steps echoed through the vast space, deduction after deduction blooming in his mind.

    ''The answers lie in the past. The present is filled with threats that desire such answers, and the fate of the future is broken.''

    ''A game must be played¡ªa delicate game where one dances around the events of a distant future to salvage a path of survival.''

    His gaze narrowed further.

    ''The tides of such times are held by oppressors who fear change, and the spark of revolution is held by seers of fate.''

    ''A child¡­a messiah shall rise, sundering all shackles.''

    Having expanded upon the dream, Caine began to dissect each of his vague conclusions, overlaying them onto a context that applied to the circumstances of his world.

    ''Some people in our world are dancing across time and changing events set in stone. These people hold power, and few know of them.''

    ''Those that know have been silenced, but their findings have been left in the past¡ªin this Fractured Reality.''

    ''The oppressors control and observe all, so all things must be done in secret¡­'' His gaze began to glow. ''¡­like through a cult veiled in secrecy, for example.''

    ''Amidst all this, an individual, most likely to change this situation, has been chosen.''

    His gaze glazed over as he sank into a deep state of focus.

    ''But it''s not me. No, it isn''t an individual. It''s an¡­event?''

    Caine paused in his steps. His mind halted.

    From its static immobility, his thoughts exploded with action, and it all clicked.

    ''No, this isn''t about time. It isn''t about the world. It isn''t about any grander force.''

    His gaze became brilliant, akin to imploding stars as he reached a final conclusion.

    ''I must prepare for an event that''ll force me to either save or kill someone of great importance.''

    The world of darkness around Caine rippled and suddenly changed, another dream immediately taking shape and being put into action.

    ***

    Upon a dragon that soared through star-filled emerald skies, two figures stood, unbothered by the chaotic and violent winds that buffeted against their bodies and refined robes.

    The two were women, almost identical, both with long white hair and deep silver eyes.

    Their backs bore nine pairs of grand, majestic feathered grey wings.

    Ethereal white robes that reflected all colors draped over them and hugged their alluring curves as the winds blew past. Their faces mirrored the essence of perfection, flawless and unblemished, like wonders of existence incarnate.

    The only distinction between the two was their crowns¡ªone made of bloody thorns, the other of cut-off hands dripping with blood of gold and white hues.

    For a long while, they stood in silence, not uttering a word. But a transmission soon reached them, carrying a message.

    <Reach coded World N98777-XH0. Capture all targets of interest nearing divinity and wipe out all life.>

    <Mission file has been added to codex.>

    In unison, they raised their arms, activating bands around their wrists. With a tap, holographic screens were projected, showering them with information.

    Their gazes narrowed in sync.

    "What are your thoughts?" said the woman crowned in bloody thorns, her voice a blend of slithering malice and angelic melody¡ªa balance of melodious purity and vile echoes of hatred.

    Her companion took a moment to consider before answering. "While it is surprising, it was to be expected." Her voice was androgynous, devoid of emotion.

    "Those of the Five Skies have acted foolishly in recent years, believing their alliances with the Spirits and ones of the Void would shield them forever."

    She sighed, releasing a low and spine-tingling chuckle filled with dark intent, a stark contrast to her previous detachment.

    "When we were sent to shackle their world and kill the whore and her offspring, I had an inkling this would happen. I feared they''d set us up in such a manner."

    The woman crowned in bloody thorns grinned wickedly.

    "It remains a victory. Whether this suicide mission kills us or not doesn''t matter. The woman has died by his hands. There is no greater solace than that."

    The two burst into uproarious laughter, their voices mad and twisted, filled with jealousy, hatred, and regret¡ªa swirl of chaotic, volatile emotions. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m sure we can find her corpse before those of the Five Skies eliminate us. If we could find it in time¡ªor even find the embryo of that child, then turn it into an artifact¡ªI''d have no qualms with embracing death!"

    The previously emotionless woman keeled over, her laughter consuming her entirely as her wings trembled with twisted glee.

    "Could you imagine it? The slut born out of chaos and her bastard child, hanging as dried mementos upon my neck, clear for all to see? The echoes of their burning souls would act as a hymn I''d carry through the heavens and beyond!"

    Her head swung back as her wings turned entirely black, dark emerald flames consuming her body. Her laughter pierced the skies, and her Will tainted the world.

    "¡­would it not be¡­beautiful?!

 Chapter 128 - 128: An Ugly Dream(II)

    The dream vision faded, and Caine was left alone in the dark expanse once more.

    He slowly closed his eyes, exhaling a shaky breath, his body trembling and his heart thundering.

    THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

    His Dao Heart beat with incredible force, nearing collapse as his Holy and Demonic Wills flooded his body, wrapping around his mind in an effort to calm the flood of emotions threatening to erupt.

    Caine''s trembling hands slowly moved to clasp behind his back. Without uttering a word and with his eyes still closed, he began to take measured steps forward.

    And yet, with each step, the emotions burning in his Hearts only seemed to thicken and darken, nearly gaining sentience as a mantle of bloody scarlet aura erupted across his body, blooming along with a wave of potent and malevolent killing intent that blanketed over the expanse.

    But his steps didn''t falter, uncaring for his raging emotions and his crumbling Hearts.

    WHOOOSH!

    His emotions reached an unknown peak, seemingly ready to explode, but suddenly, all cracks on his Hearts vanished entirely. By the second, these same chaotic emotions were leashed and contained, flowing through him and falling under his perfect control.

    Still, his steps did not falter, even as he regained control and his aura stabilized once more.

    The essence of his path was perfection, but its foundation remained control. Fate, Totality, Karma, Destiny¡ªthey all stemmed from control.

    To conquer them was to conquer himself. To control them was to control himself.

    If he couldn''t manage even this, would he truly be worthy of the crown waiting ahead?

    He would remain in control.

    He had killed himself in the Three Realms because he abhorred the idea of another manipulating him, of being reduced to a mere lab rat.

    He had forged his bones and flesh by stealing from the world itself, drawing its wrath because he refused to rely on anything that wasn''t himself¡ªanything he couldn''t control.

    He had chosen to be a Summoner and Necromancer because, unless he was in control, he would never be at ease.

    Control, in all its forms and shapes, was primordial. It was a part of him.

    He would remain in control.

    WHOOOSH!

    His Dao Hearts shone with brilliant splendor, solidifying into even greater strength as Caine repeated this mantra endlessly in his mind.

    Again, and again, and again, and again.

    He slowly opened his eyes, and immediately, the world around him blurred and yet another dream began to take shape.

    There was no need to waste time analyzing and dissecting the vision¡ªhe already understood.

    While he had believed that he needed to prepare for a future event, this dream recontextualized everything.

    He didn''t need to prepare for anything. The event¡ªthe one meant to steer the direction of the world''s future¡ªhad already occurred.

    What he needed to do was not to save or kill anyone. He had to understand the circumstances of it all.

    Only then would this entire puzzle truly make sense.

    Caine''s mind sharpened, and he began to pay attention. But as the dream began, his gaze widened.

    ***

    In a grand and vast hall, five thrones of gold were arranged around a floating, spinning sphere of silver. The sphere was etched with black and white runes that danced and intertwined, forming an otherworldly formation of inhuman complexity.

    Upon the first throne sat a tall man with slicked-back, short black hair and deep blue eyes full of wisdom, veiled by thick rectangular glasses. Thick black armor draped over him, and nine floating swords hovered behind him.

    Sitting upright on his throne, this could only be one man¡ªZao Lequin Velios.

    On the second throne sat an almost eight-foot-tall man with a large, bulky frame. His titan-like muscles were so thick and powerful that the air shook with the slightest twitch.

    He wore only pants, his hairy chest exposed, revealing blue tunic tattoos on one half and deep, complex dark amethyst runes on the other.

    His bald head gleamed under the dim light of the hall, and his thick ginger beard covered his aged face. His blazing gold and azure eyes radiated stoic focus and tempered tenacity.

    This could only be one man¡ªTheobald Archwinter.

    Upon the third throne sat a very short woman.

    Her long brown hair flowed behind her like a cape, complementing her deep, unreadable golden eyes.

    Her aura carried the essence of a slumbering titan and a raging dragon¡ªa stark contrast to her tiny frame, yet strangely fitting.

    This was Tanariaham Cercis, or as Caine knew her, Aunty Tania.

    The two remaining thrones were empty.

    The three sat in silence, indifferent to the sounds of war echoing from beyond the hall.

    The thick smell of blood filled the air, accompanied by violent roars, cries of pleading mercy, and the clanking of blades¡ªall merging into a symphony of merciless carnage.

    "Lady Gaia has died," Zao softly spoke, his voice deep and measured.

    Tania''s head rose, her gaze meeting his.

    "¡­what?"

    Zao sighed. "She has died. It appears to be a sacrifice of some sort. I only just noticed it through a concealed ripple in the world and a message she left behind."

    Theobald''s gaze narrowed. "A message?"

    Zao nodded and elaborated. "She left a rather cryptic word puzzle¡ªor perhaps it''s a prophecy. But it''s quite short¡­"

    [Life and Death sundered by a Star.]

    Tania frowned. "What do we do now? With the Great Mother gone, our forces restrained, and the world invaded, there isn''t much I see that can be done."

    "We either charge one final time in a suicide attack, or we leave now before it''s too late." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her voice was grim, yet filled with untamable conviction.

    She was ready to die without regrets.

    "None of that will be needed," Zao said, pushing himself up from his throne. He groaned in pain, the wounds concealed beneath his armor evidently numerous.

    "I''ll simply have to call upon the¡ª"

    His words blurred into an unintelligible screech as the dream vision faded, and Caine returned to the dark expanse once more.

 Chapter 129 - 129: An Ugly Dream(III)

    Caine caressed his chin, remaining still in deep thought. He stood motionless for a moment before he began to walk in circles, his state of focus unprecedented.

    This revelation answered many questions but left countless more inquiries.

    ''The event was a war. A war between us and invaders. A war we nearly lost.''

    His gaze narrowed. ''So, my suspicions that the world has been invaded were indeed correct.''

    The fact that Elura and the Elementals were so blatantly installed in their world had been an obvious indicator to Caine, but he had always remained on the fence.

    ''Zao, Theobald, and Tania all came out of this war injured and are most likely the only individuals I can trust.''

    ''Since they were separate from the other great forces, I must assume that none of the others are worthy of trust, not even the Timeless Alliance.''

    His gaze widened slightly as another thought struck him. ''But if that''s the case, why are we staying there willingly?''

    The answer struck him like lightning. ''Are Zao and I being kept¡­ captive?''

    His steps faltered for a moment as the pieces of the puzzle began falling into place. ''He''s trying to give me the tools necessary to free myself from these binds, but he''s doing it at the expense of his own freedom and life.''

    Caine''s thoughts split into two streams, something that had become endlessly easy after his previous trial.

    ''Last Gaia sacrificed herself for something. She was aware of her coming death generations before it occurred, but what could the reason be¡­?''

    His thoughts split further.

    ''They nearly lost the war but invoked something that turned the tides, though not enough to end it completely. We are essentially in a state of cold war at the moment.''

    ''We are most likely at a standstill, but with a disadvantage.''

    His qi flowed into his brain, the Immemorial Lightning fused within its structure pushing his thinking speed to its limits.

    ''Those sisters were sent down to attack and eradicate our world, but they knew they would die. So, I must assume they are a third party.''

    ''But they also noted that they were once sent to shackle our world, which is most likely the reason why we are sealed off from contact with any outside forces.''

    ''There''s also the mention of an alliance with the "Spirits" and the "Ones from the Void," most likely referring to us Velios and¡­ the Void Trading Alliance?''

    ''Are they to be trusted, or did they betray us in some way?''

    Caine''s thoughts jumped from moment to moment, suddenly returning to a conversation he had overheard while traveling with Lilith, just before he met Theobald and gained the crafts he had once promised him.

    ''The Void Trading Alliance was recalling all its forces, as if preparing for a catastrophe, and at the same time, the cult''s actions became more rowdy and bold, as if they were preparing for their return.''

    ''The two happened in tandem, as if an unspoken agreement had been reached between them.''

    ''But the Void Trading Alliance¡­ their Auction House was so loaded with formations¡­''

    His eyes narrowed as he recalled a specific moment. ''They knew the cult would attack during the auction. They also knew the fractured reality would open on their grounds. If anything, I''m sure they must have triggered it.''

    Caine suddenly froze, remembering the moment he reached Jamie''s camp and spoke with his people. He recalled the countless echoes of conversations he had heard back then and slowly began to piece everything together.

    [¡­The Pope¡­The Villages were¡­Our Gods¡­The Fallen Gods¡­A Great Danger¡­Death Swirls¡­Jamie¡­The Merchant Association¡­]

    His gaze widened. ''Is¡­ this the fractured reality from my coming-of-age ceremony¡­?''

    Caine''s mind split into so many diverging streams of thought that his qi nearly ran dry, unable to keep up with the consumption of his brain.

    A brilliant light burned in his gaze as the pieces of the puzzle became opaque and arranged themselves into a complex tapestry that bridged the past, present, and future.

    But Caine didn''t stop there. This was a Trial from Fate itself; there had to be more. He had to contextualize everything according to the workings of Fate and his current circumstances.

    ''Invaders. A war. Deaths. A cult. Betrayals.''

    Caine''s face scrunched into a demonic scowl, fury rising within him. Just like the last time, when he had felt a hand obscuring his thoughts and stopping him from reaching the peaks of his enlightenment, he felt a force blurring his thoughts, stopping him from reaching the final conclusion.

    It was at the tip of his tongue, ready to be uttered, but shackled by a force beyond his comprehension.

    It felt like his mind was trapped in a box, desperately trying to wiggle free but failing again and again.

    The deeper he sank into these thoughts, the more he analyzed his own life, and the more he felt the effect of this restraining force.

    He felt like he had never even had control.

    Suddenly, the words Pope Francis had spoken to him rang like a bell in his mind.

    .

    .

    .

    .

    <"Who would''ve thought," he mused, his tone almost playful. "To think the one wreaking havoc in my lands would be a little Velios."

    Caine''s expression didn''t shift, but inwardly, his thoughts churned.

    "You seem young. Incredibly young," the Pope continued, his gaze narrowing slightly as if appraising a rare artifact.

    "Barely twenty years old. And yet¡­" He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Your mind¡­ it''s older. Barely reaching the ten-thousand-year mark. Still, a little baby. How cute."

    "You know a great deal," Caine replied slowly, his voice calm and steady. "And yet, you allowed me to move freely under your nose. To what end?" His tone was casual, as though it was only natural to expect an answer from a potential enemy.

    The Pope''s amusement deepened, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes.

    ''So young, yet so unyielding. Truly fascinating,'' the Pope thought, suppressing a smirk.

    "To what end?" the Pope repeated, feigning surprise.

    "There was no end to it. I didn''t know who you were until I laid eyes on you."

    With a slight shift, he opened his robes, revealing purple, bruised flesh tightly bound by golden chains.

    "You see these?" he asked, gesturing to the chains. "They greatly limit me. They''re called God''s Chains." He smiled faintly, closing his robes. "I imagine you''ll get to know them well in a few years. After all, you''re the one who gave them to me."

    Caine''s stoic mask cracked, uncertainty flashing across his features for the first time.

    "What?" he muttered, his voice tinged with confusion.

    The Pope shook his head and stood. "It doesn''t matter. Just like with that Reaper, there are certain things I can''t say to someone still tethered to mortality."

    Caine''s eyes widened in shock.

    The Pope''s grin widened in turn. "I can''t explain it all, but know this: time is far flatter than you might expect. Unless you surpass it, everything is bound to happen again. And again. And again."

    His voice dropped, a hint of mocking pity seeping into his tone.

    "No matter how many wishes you make." >

    .

    .

    .

    .

    < "There''s much you lack," the Pope said, his voice cold yet matter-of-fact. "Far too much. And time¡­" He tapped the golden chains binding his body. "Time is not on your side. Nor is it on mine."

    He sighed, almost wistfully. "I can''t help you. I can''t train you¡ªnot yet. But what I can do¡­ is prime you.">

    .

    .

    .

    .

    ***

    Caine stood frozen in place, his mind short-circuiting.

    He couldn''t understand. He didn''t understand.

    What did any of it mean?

    S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 130 - 130: An Ugly Dream(IV)

    "What am I even supposed to understand here?" Caine sighed, releasing the tension that had coiled tightly in his body.

    "Having Elura here right now would''ve been perfect¡­"

    The thought lingered for a moment, but he shook it away. Most of it was still maddeningly blurry, but countless deductions had already taken shape in his mind. None of them were positive.

    WHOOOOSH!

    The expanse around him blurred as the final dream vision began. This time, however, there was something different. Instead of being a detached observer, watching from a safe distance, Caine was pulled into the scene itself.

    *** S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Fate moved in ways beyond comprehension.

    Caine was forced to witness it, every detail etched into his mind, his heart an unsteady mixture of awe, confusion, and dread.

    He had never felt this way before.

    Now, he stood inside Jamie''s carriage¡ªthe one Soran had brought him to after that brutal battle with Adari. His past self''s battered body lay slumped on one of the carriage''s sofas, swathed in bandages. Soran sat beside him, ever the vigilant protector.

    The scene was frozen, every detail still and unchanging. Everything, that is, except Jamie.

    Jamie turned to look directly at Caine, his gaze piercing through the illusion. It shouldn''t have been possible¡ªCaine was supposed to be a mere observer here. Their eyes met, and Caine couldn''t help but laugh, a dry, humorless sound.

    Walking over to one of the sofas, he sat down, facing Jamie. He shook his head, muttering, "You bastards truly are something else. I must applaud."

    Jamie smiled, though the aura surrounding him was completely transformed. He still looked the same¡ªlong, curly black hair, thick beard¡ªbut his presence was far from the jovial and cunning old man Caine had once known.

    His eyes, swirling with gold and azure currents, carried a profound, almost otherworldly weight. This was a man tempered by the trials of countless years, his soul baptized in blood and his resolve hardened by an unrelenting world. Jamie now radiated the presence of an ancient general, weathered but unyielding.

    Jamie''s gaze swept over Caine, appraising him. "I wasn''t convinced when I first saw you, but it seems the future has tempered you enough. Enough to be worthy."

    "I see potential¡ªa blade sharpened by the world. Not sharp enough yet, but a blade is still a blade."

    Each word Jamie spoke was imbued with potent True Will¡ªRoyal True Will. The air itself trembled under its weight, and even the frozen qi in the dreamscape cracked and shattered, unable to withstand the force of his presence.

    But Caine was unshaken. Jamie''s True Will, though mighty and regal, had not reached the Holy stage. It could not affect him. Still, Caine acknowledged its depth. Had this encounter happened before his last trial, he would have been crushed beneath it.

    This man¡­ He was powerful. Incredibly powerful.

    But not powerful enough.

    Jamie''s aura faltered, shredded to pieces as a wave of dread washed over him. His True Will wavered, his composure cracking under the weight of an unseen force. His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he saw the reaper''s blade glinting in the air, pressing cold steel against his neck.

    Jamie couldn''t feel anything from Caine¡ªno aura, no palpable power¡ªbut there was no doubt in his mind. This oppressive presence came from him. Taking a deliberate breath, Jamie steadied his racing heart.

    "So¡­ speak," Caine said softly. His tone was calm, almost gentle, yet it carried an unshakable authority.

    Hearing it, Jamie frowned, his unease only growing. He felt like a child standing before an adult whose gaze held the weight of eons.

    It was like standing at the edge of an abyss, staring into the unfathomable void and realizing his insignificance. Like drowning in an endless ocean, his cries swallowed by the vast, uncaring depths. Like a mortal man confronting the infinite darkness of the universe, realizing the cold, lonely truth of his existence.

    ''I need to calm down.'' Jamie clenched his eyes shut, forcing his turbulent thoughts to still. His attempt to intimidate Caine had not just failed¡ªit had backfired in spectacular fashion.

    Taking rhythmic, measured breaths, he allowed his True Will to envelop him, grounding himself in its embrace. Minutes passed in heavy silence. Finally, Jamie opened his eyes, his composure restored.

    Rising to his feet, he offered a formal bow.

    "I apologize. That was indecent of me."

    Caine nodded, waving a hand dismissively.

    "There''s no need. Now, please¡ªget to it. I doubt I have much time here."

    Jamie sat back down, his movements measured. Without hesitation, he began to speak.

    "When the time is right, come to the capital. Join the Pope''s cavalry of Holy Knights. Through this, I will find you and lead you to the entrance of the Cult''s remains. Be cautious, though. Many are wary of those like us, so conceal your appearance and identity if possible."

    The dream began to blur at the edges, the vivid details dissolving into mist. Jamie''s voice, however, carried on, growing fainter.

    "If you can find Enya before reaching the capital, do so. If not, she will find you. Good luck."

    The final dream vision ended.

    Caine''s body began to fade from the dark expanse as his true body stirred, waking from its slumber.

    His mind, however, raced. Countless thoughts collided like stormy waves, crashing against the veil that obscured his deductions.

    [You have vanquished the Deathly Echoes of the Past.]

    Though he hadn''t managed to piece everything together, reaching this point seemed to be enough to move forward.

    But Caine wasn''t satisfied. Not even close.

    As the expanse shattered and his consciousness returned to his body, an idea formed in his mind. A dangerous idea.

    BANG!

    ***

    Caine''s eyes snapped open. He was back in the rose-filled garden.

    For a few moments, he remained still, adjusting to his body. The familiar weight of his missing arm tugged at his awareness, but he dismissed it quickly. It didn''t take long to regain his composure.

    Caine surveyed his surroundings, his mind still spinning with fragments of Jamie''s words and the haunting echoes of the expanse.

    "Let''s see," he murmured to himself.

 Chapter 131 - 131: In between

    Caine felt a rumbling in the depths of his heart, coming from the primal side of his Will, the side deeply in tune with the world.

    He could feel that what lay ahead, the final stretch of this road, would be dangerous beyond belief.

    He could feel death''s blade pressing upon his neck, the phantom sensation of his own blood slowly trickling down his chest.

    So he would prepare.

    WHOOSH!

    Caine took off the tattered robes he had on just as neutral qi gathered and transmuted into simple white battle robes that draped over him.

    His hand moved with incredible speed, turning and twisting the tattered robes in countless ways, dissecting and analyzing them to fully understand if his idea was feasible.

    After a while, he nodded.

    While he still couldn''t regrow his arm, he could replace it and place a seed that would later bear fruit.

    These tattered robes, turned into an incredibly powerful defense god craft by the blood of the countless Chosens Caine had killed, would turn into a prosthetic arm.

    But it wouldn''t be just any prosthetic arm.

    It''d be one linked and wired through his body that would be able to passively form threads of time qi to constantly heal him in the midst of battle.

    This was merely the first layer of what Caine had planned for these robes, but for now, that was all he could do and was the most direct path to the improvement in strength he direly needed.

    WHOOOSH!

    Opening his new robes, Caine revealed his scar-covered, toned, and refined body. His left side sat empty, lacking an arm from the shoulder down.

    The tattered robes tore and shredded into countless threads of silk just as all the qis in Caine''s bond space were pulled upon, infusing into the threads of silk.

    As the threads began to dig into his flesh and overlap and intertwine to reform his arm, Caine''s other hand moved, his qi-covered fingers rapidly drawing runes in the air that etched and seared into the many layers that formed and lapped.

    The threads dug further into his flesh, wiring into his nervous system and wrapping their filaments around each of his organs, more threads moving to snake across the surface of his inner flesh.

    Even thinner filaments formed, wrapping around his cells and harmonizing with his entire body.

    PAH!

    Like rubber snapping back, all of Caine''s body tightened, his muscles rippling with strength, his body bursting with vitality, and his arm finally returned to him.

    Looking at the arm, of all shades of overlapping colors, that now replaced his left arm, Caine smiled. Tightening a palm into a fist, he felt a terrifying force ripple through him.

    Nodding to himself, he put his robes back on, then moved to his next task. He most likely didn''t have much time, so he had to hurry.

    Through the many experiments Caine had run during the trial that fractured his mind, he''d made countless discoveries, conclusions, and deductions.

    One of the most important, though, was the lack of specialization Caine displayed during battles. It extended beyond battle and into other aspects of his cultivation, but at this current moment, Caine only cared about his prowess. Nothing else mattered.

    Without a specialized element, Caine could barely use the true might of his more complex and powerful stars like the chaos, time, and fate stars, and this was a very pressing issue.

    So, among the fundamental nine elements, he had to choose one to focus on, and through it, he''d use all his other elements.

    This would bring his efficiency and skill to otherworldly levels.

    But, in truth, he didn''t need to choose.

    After forming his first Dao Heart, the primordial chaos flame fused into his heart had mutated and heightened his affinity to untold levels.

    Mirroring that, after forming his second Dao Heart, all the lingering tribulation lightning Enya had discovered had been devoured into his heart, making it its organ element and bringing his lightning affinity to levels that matched that of his fire affinity.

    The only issue, though, was that, within the nine fundamental elements¡­ Caine''s highest affinities were nowhere near fire and lightning.

    His highest affinities were Ice and Darkness.

    The day of his birth had been said to be the coldest day ever recorded in the Brilliant Five Skies world, and the first night he slept was said to be the only day in existence where the world had seen no light for an entire night, and the stars had been obscured by a veil darker than darkness and more sinister than the void itself.

    So there came the dilemma. On one hand, Caine could use the affinities he was born with, while on the other, he could use the natural affinities his Dao Hearts had provided him.

    Each side was just as powerful as the other, and giving up one over the other would inevitably end up being a waste.

    So¡­ he wouldn''t. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He''d specialize in two Heavenly Elements that bridged the two sides of the coin.

    And he knew the perfect set.

    ''Fire and Darkness, birthing the True Primordial Bane Flame, a flame born at the end of all worlds, meant to eradicate all things and wash existence anew. A herald of creation through destruction.''

    Caine''s body shook, and from within his bond space, his True Primordial Bane star trembled before splitting in half, the original immediately recovering and settling within the constellation of stars while the other rushed and fused into his first Dao Heart.

    White flames burst off his body, emitting no heat yet destroying and corroding everything in their path.

    The flames danced with an ominous cadence, black and silver runes contrasting their white shades, akin to a demon wearing the flesh of an angel¡ªan evil shrouded in purity.

    His Dao Heart thumped with terrific force, harmonizing and truly fusing with the flame as its power shot through his flesh.

    His True Will trembled, then bloomed further, as if finally having gained a vessel powerful enough to stabilize it.

 Chapter 132 - 132: In between(II)

    But it was only the beginning.

    ''Lightning and Ice, one falling upon the other to birth arctic sparks, the Everfrost Lightning, the bridge from the frozen lands to the unfathomable void above. A pillar fallen from emptiness, connecting life to death.''

    Arcs of crackling dark lightning emerged around Caine, swimming and coiling around him like fish in water, the air around suddenly slowing down, as if time itself had been lagged.

    The dark lightning reflected runes of blue and gold that moved in straight yet sharp lines vertically and horizontally, like code on a screen.

    Atmospheric qi fell and rained around Caine in frozen shards of starlight as he himself released a steamy breath that created vapor, carried by a gentle breeze. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Just like with his True Primordial Bane flame, an Everfrost Lightning star fused into his second Dao Heart, infusing terrifying power into its fabric.

    The two elements harmonized, and his Dao Hearts settled down into a calm lullaby, powerful and stable.

    Caine exhaled a breath, the arcs of lightning and tongues of fire flickering around him slowly fading away. Standing up, his gaze immediately sharpened, ready to go.

    There was no time to waste.

    [Find the Island of Split Time.]

    These were the only directions he received, and immediately, his attention turned to the garden.

    Specifically, he turned to the bloody roses filling this garden, the same roses that had contained the illusory dream worlds his mind shards had fallen into.

    His True Will seeped into them, digging into their fabric and unravelling runes deeply hidden in their depths.

    These runes shot out and into the air, madly swirling into a tempest that swallowed Caine whole, but he remained calm.

    His mind split in hundreds of ways, each analyzing segments of the storm of runes and using his Will to pull them in one way or another, dissecting them layer by layer.

    The storm rapidly subsided, each rune encasing into the other and assembling into a spherical three-dimensional formation.

    The sphere landed on Caine''s palm, and with a tug of his qi, all its runes lit up, activating the formation.

    The sphere exploded into a mist of broken runes, and immediately, he felt a rush of information flooding his mind.

    ''Coordinates.''

    Nodding to himself, he swept the garden one more time. Not noticing anything else worth spending time on, he shot off and toward the expansive and endless ocean of gold surrounding the garden, his steps rapid as he sped across it as if it were solid ground.

    ***

    Caine ended up being wound into the sort of game he hated the most¡ªmaze puzzles.

    He was forced to jump from one end of the golden sea to another, repeatedly returning to the bloody rose garden and having to run countless calculations to deduce more coordinates and uncover more puzzles.

    The entire space seemed to be a maze, a maze based on spatial coordinates where one could only reach the exit by following a specific route.

    Essentially, via his steps, Caine had to draw a rune in space itself, which would trigger the opening of whatever place he was supposed to go to.

    But it was also a puzzle. The layers of space in the golden sea seemed to constantly shift and move, something that made absolutely no sense.

    The fabric of space remaining in constant movement was akin to having an endless amount of blades, the sharpest blades of all existence, constantly flying and swimming around oneself.

    It was a death sentence and should''ve made this world look like a chaotic mess of broken space, chaotic void storms, and twisted qi streams.

    And yet, it all looked normal and stable.

    ''Tricky.''

    Due to the endlessly moving layers of space around, Caine was forced to constantly recalculate all his previously made progress, then once again retrace his steps, rearrange the drawn rune, then start it all over again and again.

    While each time, having to go against complex timed challenges to get more and more coordinates.

    For someone like Caine, it wasn''t necessarily hard, but it was painfully tricky and bothersome. But most importantly, it was frustrating.

    It felt like he was being played with, and he hated it. This entire ordeal had a mocking undertone that left his guts churning and his True Will simmering with wrath.

    He felt like a mindless beast running after a piece of meat hung on a branch, being swayed by the hand of its master, made to run circles as the master laughed at the creature''s idiocy.

    He felt like a jester, endlessly whipped and forced to dance in front of his king and entertain him.

    He felt like a whore being stripped naked in public, shamed for circumstances out of her reach.

    It was humiliating beyond belief and only served to feed the bubbling hatred that''d been festering and brewing in the depths of his heart for the past few years.

    ***

    In the end, it took Caine an entire three months to complete the maze puzzle.

    It had taken three entire months for perhaps one of the world''s greatest minds to complete this maze puzzle.

    Three entire months. Three entire months backed by a gift that gave one an unmatched affinity to space and time.

    Three months.

    Fate just had its way with things, a way that constantly managed to slowly but surely crush all that Caine was, in the most inconspicuous and perverted of ways.

    Each second felt like a spit on his face, each day like a slap to his face, each week like a stain on his pride, and each month like a dagger pressed against the fabric of his oh-so-mighty Dao Heart.

    Pure and utter humiliation.

    ***

    Caine stood on the green grass of the bloody rose garden, his steps having led him back here.

    Of course it would. A stupid game that''d end up where it started, like the final slap to an already purple and bruised cheek.

    Caine chuckled, his gaze almost empty as he pressed a palm against the grass, and he completed the spatial rune.

    RUMBLE!

    The ground shook.

 Chapter 133 - 133: In between(III)â€”Leviathan

    The ocean of outstretched golden waters rippled, then surged into the air, as if gravity had been inverted and a spectral force pulled upon it.

    The garden of bloody roses trembled, then crumbled, drawn upward into the levitating body of water.

    All that remained below was a field of wet white soil.

    BANG!

    The remains of the island and the waters of the ocean collided violently, crashing and converging into a compact, pressurized sphere that expanded and blotted out the skies.

    Runes erupted across the surface of the sphere, shimmering with unstable energy as it compressed further, trembling under the immense strain.

    From below, with his arms clasped behind his back, Caine watched it all unfold, his gaze void of interest and his heart free of anticipation.

    BOOOOM!

    The compressed sphere exploded, then rapidly expanded into a swirling portal of golden currents¡ªmajestic, regal, and imposing as it filled the skies.

    From the portal, a creature as wide as the heavens descended.

    It was a long, serpentine beast, its scales a dark purple that shimmered with worlds of emerald runes. Arcs of dark lightning danced across the gem-like surfaces of its scales, reflecting an eerie brilliance.

    Its colossal body stretched endlessly, its spine adorned with towering ridges of spikes connected by thin, membrane-like structures etched with archaic and complex formations.

    The creature''s eyes, burning like infernos of white flame, radiated ancient power. Its maw, containing four long, mountain-sized dagger-like fangs, dripped with dark venomous liquid potent enough to corrupt the very fabric of existence.

    Fumes of toxic qi wafted off it in waves, shrouding the serpent in a mantle of corrosive aura that spread throughout the world, dissolving everything in its path.

    An ancient, bestial Will filled the air, suffocating and oppressive, blanketing the space in savage ferocity. A mythical killing intent permeated the atmosphere, dyeing the world with the weight of pure and unbridled force.

    The aura of the creature spoke of a weathered predator, its scarred body reflecting countless eras of relentless slaughter. Experience tempered and refined over millennia was etched into its very being.

    The Leviathan''s massive form fully exited the portal, its movements causing the air to implode into chaotic storms of ruptured qi flows. It soared and coiled through the skies, its power steadily and endlessly rising.

    Dark azure qi gathered in the air, coalescing as its dance grew more intense. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But this was not all.

    From the portal still dominating the skies, waves of creatures poured out, each one subservient to the Leviathan''s Will. The wet white soil below was overrun by the monstrous horde, their ferocious intent spreading like a plague.

    A True Leviathan, with an army of summons.

    Caine observed it all with an unshaken gaze, waiting for something more. Yet, when the portal began to close, his eyes narrowed.

    ''¡­That''s it?''

    He had been humiliated, degraded, and toyed with for this? A Leviathan? A glorified flying water snake? A lesser beast that had not even evolved into its humanoid form?

    For this?

    Caine''s gaze trembled violently before settling into its usual calm indifference.

    Below, reflecting the closing portal of gold, a grand and heavy dark portal opened. From its depths, swirls of terrifying creatures emerged, immediately engaging the Leviathan''s army in a gruesome battle.

    Ignoring the carnage below, Caine kept his gaze fixed on the Leviathan, its aura seemingly having reached its peak.

    Though in this life, he had faced few non-humanoid opponents, his past was filled with countless such battles. The fact that he still stood here was testament enough to his ability to overcome them.

    WHOOOSH!

    The Leviathan let out a deafening roar, its breath releasing waves of poisonous dark qi that surged toward Caine.

    Simultaneously, the air twisted and shattered, lances of chaotic energy and broken space tearing through the void in his direction.

    Caine''s palm moved slowly, tapping the air before him. The space folded upon itself like soft fabric. A thunderous BOOM! echoed as a wall of neutral qi formed, absorbing the attacks completely.

    The wall shattered as Caine sped through it, his figure reaching the Leviathan in an instant.

    Against the massive serpent, his frame was no more significant than a grain of sand before a star, yet their auras told a different story.

    Caine''s True Royal Demonic Will thundered and towered, shrouding him in a mantle of dark silver qi. His fist, insignificant in size but immense in force, cocked back before unleashing a devastating punch.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The sound reverberated across the world, and the Leviathan''s massive head tilted downward under the weight of the strike.

    Shards of the neutral qi wall reformed, transforming into blade-like fragments that pierced the Leviathan''s scales, drawing emerald blood that dripped from its colossal form.

    Above, the once-empty skies tumbled and churned. White clouds materialized, crackling with arcs of dark lightning¡ªEverfrost Lightning.

    Caine''s fist struck again, and the heavens responded to their emperor''s call, a massive pillar of lightning hammering down upon the Leviathan''s skull.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The beast''s head crashed into the ground with colossal force, its weight causing the soil to rupture and white mist to rise into the air.

    But Caine''s fury only grew, and the skies mirrored his wrath. Arcs of lightning filled the heavens, descending to encircle him, joining the mantle of his silver aura.

    Pressing his foot against the air, he shot downward, his fists forming a hammer strike.

    A concentrated pillar of lightning followed, crashing into the Leviathan with unparalleled intensity.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The Leviathan lay battered, its scales shattered, bones broken, and blood spilled across the ground.

    How had such a massive, ancient being been reduced to this state by a mortal as small as a grain of sand?

    Primal, ancient fury erupted from the beast, and it rose from the crater, its wounds rapidly closing as its True Will surged and manifested.

    "¡­[Star Ring Circle: Everfrost Lightning]¡­[Foundation: Demonic Quilin]¡­"

    In the beast world, Quilins were the revered emperors of lightning, darlings of the heavens. Demonic Quilins, their fallen counterparts, ruled as tyrants, feared and revered.

    Today, Caine would show this Leviathan the might of such power.

    BOOOM!

    Caine''s hair erupted into a mane of lightning tendrils as black scales spread across his body. His already large frame elongated and expanded, forming a slender yet powerful eight-foot build.

    His fingers sharpened into claws of white, while his feet transformed into talons etched with runes. Scarlet markings erupted across his scales, glowing faintly as his teeth elongated.

    From his back, metallic dark wings tore free, and above him, the Everfrost Star shimmered, its power surging into his Dao Heart and flowing through his veins.

    Caine''s Demonic Will eclipsed all else¡ªa malevolent, majestic force that suffocated the Leviathan and its army.

    His gaze, now blazing with fire and lightning, held untamed wrath. His chest expanded, and with a mighty roar, the world itself seemed to shake.

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 134 - 134: In between(IV)â€”Leviathan(II)

    Leviathans were Lords of the Skies, Gods of the Seas, and Darlings of Storms, their bodies being Great Progenitors of all poison and corrosion.

    They were true legends.

    Their Will held the fathomless depths of the seas, their flesh the unapproachable might of the heavens, and their minds the chaotic width of a storm.

    As the Leviathan rushed toward Caine, its body moving with terrifying force, these truths became evident. Its poison spread through the air, creating an all-encompassing domain that corroded every form of qi it touched.

    Waves of storms collided and exploded upon Caine like the clashing hands of divine titans, while lightning of the Leviathan''s own creation tore through the skies, aiming to pierce through his body.

    Its scales, shimmering with ethereal brilliance, reflected damage away while simultaneously casting countless spells that ripped through the battlefield. Despite its massive size, its movements were swift and precise, each strike aimed to claim Caine''s life.

    Its Will twisted and dyed the very fabric of space, an unstoppable tide of supremacy that echoed through every corner of the battlefield.

    But Caine was Caine.

    While Leviathans may be legends, Quilins were Gods. And in the hands of a man such as Caine, their power became something far greater. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

    Demonic Quilins ruled through the wrath of the Heavens, the chaos of the oceans, and the emptiness of the skies. Their blood burned with hatred, their flesh radiated fury, and they embodied destruction in its purest form.

    Caine moved with blinding speed, his claws tearing into the serpent''s flesh while his talons ripped off its supposedly indestructible scales. He wielded these scales as weapons, slicing through the Leviathan''s body with its own armor.

    His onslaught was relentless. Pillars of inescapable lightning rained down from the heavens, each strike accompanied by waves of frost that accumulated around the Leviathan, slowing its monstrous speed.

    Caine had no care for his body. Wounds accumulated across his frame, yet they healed as quickly as they formed. His blood qi surged through his veins with unfathomable might, while his death and life qi intertwined to render him a quasi-immortal being.

    His True Royal Demonic Will was unstoppable. Every wound he inflicted on the Leviathan refused to close, his Will dictating a law that overpowered the creature''s natural regenerative capabilities. His Will hammered into the Leviathan''s mind, driving it into a maddened frenzy.

    And as the battle raged on, Caine''s mastery over his Demonic Will only grew, its royal trait advancing with every moment.

    This was a battle between an immortal beastial man and a primordial predator of old.

    Neither was willing to take a step back.

    They clashed.

    BOOOOOM!

    Soran looked upward, his gaze fixed on the battle his master was waging. He couldn''t comprehend how Caine had reached such a level of power.

    The movements were too fast to follow, the skies filled with phantom impacts that overlapped and lagged atop one another. The air was thick with the terror of two ancient Wills colliding.

    Frost and poison battled for dominance.

    White and black lightning clashed violently, while formations and spells intertwined in the skies.

    Silver and emerald blood fell like ominous rain, the heavens themselves trembling under the weight of their struggle.

    Furious storms filled the skies as man and beast waged a battle for supremacy in a deadly dance of violence and chaos.

    It was terrifying.

    ''All hail his majesty,'' Soran thought with a grin as he dove back into the heat of his own battle.

    BANG!

    [Blight Art: Frozen Lands of Omertha]

    Around the wounded Leviathan, countless formations manifested, linking together and slowing its body and perception to a crawl.

    Caine''s wings flapped violently, propelling him through the air. His fist collided with the serpent''s mouth, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Before the Leviathan could recoil, Caine dove straight into its maw.

    [Blight Art: Simple Palm] S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A massive, radiant silver hand materialized within the Leviathan''s mouth. With a single motion, Caine directed it to grab one of the creature''s colossal fangs and rip it out.

    SKREEEE!

    The Leviathan let out an ear-splitting roar of pain as emerald blood gushed from its wound.

    Unfazed, Caine summoned three more palms, each tearing out another fang in quick succession.

    [Blight Art: Lance of Gar''halla]

    The torn fangs hovered in the air, trembling under the influence of countless runes. They transformed into gigantic emerald blades, their edges glowing with ominous energy.

    Caine shot out of the Leviathan''s mouth, stabilizing himself high in the skies. With a series of shadowboxing movements, the blades responded to his Will, slicing through the air and embedding themselves into the Leviathan''s body before it could react.

    HISSSS!

    The Leviathan roared in anger and humiliation, its massive form coiling through the skies. Though the blades were crafted from its own fangs, Caine had altered their poison, turning it against the creature.

    The combination of its own venom and the speed of the blades created wounds faster than the Leviathan could hope to heal, leaving it in a dire state.

    "MORTAL!" the Leviathan bellowed in a runic tongue, its voice filled with desperation and fury. "CEASE THIS CHARADE NOW AND¡ª"

    Caine''s fist crashed into its face, his muscles bulging as all his qi burned in one decisive blow.

    The Leviathan plummeted to the ground with such force that the resulting crater seemed bottomless.

    Caine followed, directing the emerald blades downward. They pierced into the still-sinking serpent, pinning it into the earth.

    Standing alone in the skies, his body drenched in blood that was not his own, his aura radiating with vicious and sinful intent, Caine truly embodied the word demon.

    And he wasn''t finished.

    The Blight Art series of spells he wielded was only one of five he had forged in his life.

    There were others.

    "¡­[I call upon the blood of those forgotten in the beyond, those chained in limbo, those forsaken by the skies, those lost in the great darkness, and those shattered by the old will.]¡­"

    Caine''s voice echoed in the runic tongue, his nine rings appearing behind him as the skies above darkened further.

    "¡­[Fall under my Will and grant me power. Allow me to restore balance.]¡­"

    Lightning from the heavens coalesced, spiraling around him before forming a massive wheel that encircled his rings.

    Dark blue runes shimmered across the wheel as it began to spin, gathering power with every revolution.

    Blood leaked from Caine''s mouth, his body trembling under the immense strain, but his gaze burned with unrelenting fury.

    He was making a statement. A statement that Fate would never forget.

    The wheel spun faster, supercharging the gathered lightning as it poured into his rings.

    Caine raised his hands to the skies with excruciating slowness, as though chains were holding him down. And they were¡ªlaws of the world itself tried to halt his spell, but it was futile.

    His brain ruptured, his flesh tore apart, but all that adorned his face was a maddened, triumphant smile.

    His palm faced the heavens.

    RUMBLE!

    From the crater below, the Leviathan trembled, sensing what was to come.

    It had seen this spell before. But how could a mortal¡­

    "¡­[Come to me¡­]¡­"

    [Tarnished Art: Fall of¡ª]

    "¡­[Longinus.]¡­"

    BANG!

    Caine''s palm slowly closed as a blurry spear formed within his grasp.

    SHING!

    Everything was severed.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

 Chapter 135 - 135: In between(V)

    Caine was a true spellcaster and, in turn, had created dedicated spells that only he would ever be able to use.

    There were five tiers.

    The first, the Blight Art series of spells, was a complex arrangement of time, space, and worldly runes layered atop countless others.

    When Caine used a Blight Art, he wasn''t merely commanding the world around him¡ªhe was using the world itself to emulate and encapsulate the essence of a moment in time and space.

    For instance, the spell [Blight Art: Simple Hand] wasn''t just Caine gathering runes and qi to create a gigantic hand. No, it was the emulation of a real and true titan''s hand¡ªa titan that had once existed.

    Along with it came the innate power of that titan, its Will, and all its abilities. And therein lay the ingenuity and horror of these spells.

    They offloaded the weight of creation from Caine''s shoulders, prompting him only to control the process and direction.

    But such spells, evidently, had limits. For many reasons, not least being the impossibility of emulating certain things.

    Could Caine emulate an attack from someone like Zao, whose Will was so powerful it transcended time and space? No, he couldn''t.

    Zao''s presence alone was enough to protect itself against such replication.

    Could Caine emulate the tribulation that had nearly killed him¡ªthe one Lady Gaia had saved him from? No, for reasons that were equally clear.

    Having recognized this flaw, Caine created his second tier of spells: the Tarnished Art spell series.

    In truth, he had never used this tier of spells¡ªor any from the third, fourth, or fifth tiers.

    Though he had countless spells in each, his body had only ever been strong enough to handle the first tier.

    The strain was unimaginable.

    If the first tier used the world to emulate events or actions that occurred in time and space, then the second tier¡­

    Truly summoned them.

    ***

    What happened next was a blur, even to Caine himself.

    One moment, he stood in the skies, ready to cleave down toward the Leviathan. The next, he awoke to searing pain tearing through his battered frame.

    Caine''s eyes snapped wide open, his body instinctively shooting upright before standing to his feet. A tidal wave of agony coursed through him, ripping through the countless open wounds across his body.

    His flesh was bruised and purple, layers of gaping wounds stacked upon one another.

    His bones protruded at awkward angles, blood and shards cascading down his torn frame to mingle with the Leviathan''s blood splattered across him.

    But it didn''t remain so for long.

    His prosthetic arm trembled, and from it, tendrils of qi and silk shot out alongside waves of time qi. The three forces worked in perfect harmony, snaking through his body alongside his life and death qi, mending his injuries at breakneck speed.

    Unbothered, Caine swept his gaze over the scene before him.

    Everything was in ruins. The earth was riddled with craters, each filled with the Leviathan''s blood. Bits and pieces of its flesh were skewered across the battlefield like remnants of a shattered god.

    In the distance, he saw its head. Nearly intact, it dangled precariously off a tall, jagged rock.

    With a single step, Caine reached it.

    He stared into the blazing white serpentine eyes of the now-dead creature. Without hesitation, he placed his palm upon its head.

    Slowly, the massive structure dissolved into a cloud of runes.

    [The Island Guardian has been defeated. The Island of Split Time shall reveal itself.]

    The Leviathan''s blood rose into the skies, transmuting and solidifying into a platform that loomed ominously above.

    Caine felt a soft yet undeniable spectral hand take hold of his body, pulling him toward the platform. As he ascended, his gaze lingered on the dissolving runes from the Leviathan''s head. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Then, faintly, he heard a whisper.

    "¡­I''ll kill you¡­"

    ***

    Caine landed on the platform and was immediately greeted by a tiny, featureless humanoid figure.

    "GREAT!" the tiny creature screamed, its voice both childish and authoritative. "You''ve finally made it! The end!"

    "You ought to be proud! Haha!"

    The child-like entity danced around the platform, circling Caine with bell-like laughter that echoed like a chime in the silence.

    Caine paid it no mind. His attention shifted to two mats positioned opposite one another, separated by a small marble table. Without a word, he walked over, sat on one of the mats, and waited.

    The child rushed to him, standing before the empty mat yet making no move to sit.

    "What''s your name?" the child asked, kneeling with curious energy.

    "Caine," he replied calmly. "You?"

    "Uriel!" the child giggled, pride radiating from its tiny form.

    Caine chuckled. "Like the angel?"

    "Angel?" Uriel tilted its head, confused. "What angel?"

    "I think he was the angel of wisdom."

    Uriel''s body rippled. Threads of gold, smooth and silky, shifted atop its featureless head as its skin of gold faded into a healthy beige-white.

    Human features began to take shape. A robe of gold and white draped over its body, and before Caine stood a young boy with rich red and gold eyes. He looked entirely perplexed.

    Uriel stared at himself, then back at Caine.

    "¡­Huh? Is this me?"

    Caine hesitated, unsure of what to say. His affinity for fate and time stirred, and once again, he felt the presence of that strange hand manipulating the moment.

    It was the same hand he had sensed when he first met Theobald.

    Too strange. Yet, Caine remained calm.

    "I suppose it is, Uriel," he responded with a soft smile. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

    Suddenly, upon the empty mat across from Caine, a figure began to take shape.

    Uriel''s newfound courage shattered, and he rushed behind Caine, trembling in fear.

    ''¡­How is he this fast¡­?''

    But Caine''s surprise did not end there.

    The figure forming in front of him was familiar.

    Short, slicked-back dark hair. A tight black and gold changpao draped over a large, tempered body. Framed glasses veiled a pair of mysterious silver pupils. And an androgynous face of divine beauty stared back at him.

    It was him.

    Him before his reincarnation.

    Caine''s gaze widened as he met his own eyes.

 Chapter 136 - 136: The Past, Present and Future

    With the level Caine''s Will had reached, it was nearly impossible to create a clone of him without his consent. Even if an entity like Fate attempted it, Caine would immediately sense when a replica of himself had been made.

    His existence was his own domain to control.

    But this¡­ the figure standing before him¡­ he could tell it wasn''t a clone. It was him. Truly and actually him, pulled from the past and brought to this moment in time. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As realization dawned on Caine, his past self came to a similar conclusion. Unlike Caine, who struggled to comprehend why such a moment had come to pass, the past version of himself seemed entirely indifferent. He accepted the situation in a heartbeat.

    "I suppose my plans have borne fruit," he said calmly, his gaze shifting to the distant horizon.

    His eyes were cold, calculating, and distant¡ªa predator''s gaze. It was as if he were always on guard, always devising countermeasures, always analyzing the world for flaws to exploit.

    A true predator. A true monster.

    Slowly, his gaze returned to Caine. Their eyes locked, and his past self gave him a once-over before shaking his head.

    "Strange," Past Caine remarked, his tone dripping with disdain. "You seem¡­ dull. I would have expected my edge to be sharpened by the wonders of freedom, but¡­"

    His gaze narrowed.

    "I suppose this artificial period of teenage development will eventually forge a form of myself¡ªor should I say, ourselves¡ªgreater than anything I envisioned before."

    He sighed, his disappointment palpable. "Still, it''s disheartening that such emotional instability and idiocy would affect even me."

    Caine, having long since recovered from his initial shock, chuckled at his past self''s words.

    He understood them, of course. How could he not? But instead of being offended, he found them amusing.

    How could this version of himself possibly understand what he had become? What he had endured?

    "The echo of my voice truly is a gnawing parasite that eats at the mind, isn''t it?" Caine mused. "Perhaps Nova''s dislike of us wasn''t entirely unwarranted after all."

    Past Caine raised an unimpressed brow. "Not only have I become an emotional sack of conceited waste, but I''ve also turned into a talkative little fox?"

    He sighed dramatically. "Oh, Lord, what have I done to deserve such a bleak future?"

    Genuine sadness rippled through his tone, outwardly exaggerated yet undeniably real.

    Caine smiled, his amusement clear. "Says the curious little bastard. Instead of trying to rattle answers out of me, just ask. Why on earth would I hide anything from myself?"

    Caine knew himself too well. If their positions were reversed, he would have done exactly what his past self was doing: fishing for information by baiting his future self into an argument. What better way to coax the truth out of someone than to insult their character and provoke a defensive response?

    But at the end of the day, Caine wasn''t just himself. He was an older, far more experienced version of this Caine¡ªa version with depth his past self couldn''t fathom.

    "Don''t play games with me," Past Caine snapped, shaking his head. "You''d purposefully lead me astray, you little venomous snake."

    "Judging by the surprise on your face, you didn''t know this moment would occur. That means my memories of this instant will most likely vanish."

    Caine laughed openly at this. "And yet you still tried to bait me for information. A superior form of what you are, and you still dared to call me the snake? You stupid, arrogant brat."

    Uriel, who had been standing behind Caine all this time, watched the exchange with wide eyes. The two versions of Caine bickered and insulted one another with increasing intensity, their sharp words striking like sparring blows.

    What was going on? Why did the air between them feel so charged?

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (0/6)]

    The message flashed in Caine''s mind.

    The platform beneath their feet trembled and shifted. Caine and his past self were separated, moved to opposite ends of the platform. In the middle, a massive stone tablet rose from the ground.

    Uriel appeared in the air above them, his aura heavier and more imposing than before.

    "Fate has ordained a ripple through time, and thus it will occur," Uriel declared, his voice booming with the authority of a sovereign.

    "Present and Past shall vie for truth."

    "This will be an Artes Ignition."

    An Artes Ignition¡ªa battle centered around the Nine Great Arts, where only one could emerge victorious. A trial that tested the very essence of one''s artistic path.

    WHOOOSH!

    Nine rings appeared behind both versions of Caine as they began to circle each other, moving in deliberate, measured steps along the edge of the platform.

    "The Artes Ignition will be lawless, encompassing all nine disciplines," Uriel announced. "Begin."

    Uriel vanished, leaving the two Caines alone on the platform.

    Caine¡ªPresent Caine¡ªwatched his past self closely, analyzing every movement. He had no intention of underestimating himself, especially not this version of him.

    Past Caine, or Oldest as he''d decided to call him, observed him with equal scrutiny. His gaze betrayed no reaction, even as he studied Present Caine''s nine rings.

    The tension was palpable.

    Oldest waved a hand, and in an instant, twelve massive white formations materialized in the skies above. Each formation was etched with complex jagged runes, their layers interlocking to form a web-like pillar.

    Oldest''s extended palm closed into a fist, and the pillar exploded into a brilliant tapestry of colors that dyed the world.

    From the swirling colors, butterflies began to bloom, their delicate wings fluttering through the air in a hauntingly beautiful display. The skies echoed with their presence, a symphony of visual and auditory art.

    Caine remained silent, observing. With a wave of his own hand, he began to work.

    What did an Artes Ignition mean? How could one win? It surely wasn''t a simple matter of combat.

    The answer was obvious ¡ª victory would go to the one who created the most complex, beautiful, and authentic piece of art using the Nine Arts.

    This was not a battle of brute strength. It was a clash of pure artistic vision and Will.

 Chapter 137 - 137: The Past, Present and Future(II)

    But Caine knew he would lose immediately if he relied on the advantages of all the abilities he had gained and the advancements he had made after his reincarnation.

    To win, he had to limit himself entirely to the scope of knowledge and skill he had acquired before his own death.

    It would be a challenge¡ªa dance with death¡ªbut it was a dance he welcomed, and a challenge he met with a faint smile.

    The arts were one of his heart''s deepest passions.

    ''Focus.''

    The Nine Arts: The Arcane Arts, The Martial Arts, The Sacred Arts, The Artisan Arts, The God Arts, The Primal Arts, The Primeval Arts, The Primordial Arts, and finally, The Archaic Arts.

    The Arcane Arts and Martial Arts, in a sense, mirrored one another. The Arcane Arts were a study of the world and the supernatural, the harnessing and control of its forces. They were the arts of comprehension and manipulation¡ªunderstanding the esoteric to shape and command the world''s hidden currents.

    The Martial Arts, on the other hand, focused on the mastery of the body, blood, and flesh.

    They studied the innate, seeking to emulate runes through natural movement, intertwining veins and muscle to create something greater.

    Where the Arcane Arts sought to conquer the supernatural forces of the world, the Martial Arts sought to conquer the self. Together, they moved in perfect harmony¡ªa reflective dance of internal and external mastery.

    The Sacred Arts, though, were simpler in their origins. During the longest time of his life, Caine had been unable to wield energy, crippled in his ability to interact with qi. The Sacred Arts were born out of necessity¡ªa study of all energies and essences, providing ways to fuel his spells even in the absence of innate power.

    These arts became the foundation of his terrifying control over qi, a skill that later defined him.

    Then came the Artisan Arts, even simpler than the Sacred Arts. They embodied the mundane: painting, singing, poetry, philosophy, botany, and so much more.

    But under Caine''s mastery, these humble practices became a profound and unified profession, bridging creativity and understanding into something grander.

    These were the arts Caine had started with, and they remained among the most vital tools in his arsenal.

    The Primeval Arts followed¡ªarts tied to professions and practices involving tools and weapons.

    The Primal and Primordial Arts, however, were entirely different.

    The Primal Arts mimicked and schematized the ways of beasts, turning their instincts and movements into replicable techniques. The Primordial Arts applied a similar philosophy, but on the scale of the natural world.

    For example, the Primal Arts could allow Caine to mimic the stealth of a shadow leopard, while the Primordial Arts could allow him to move like the shadows themselves.

    When paired, these two disciplines became terrifying. Together, they formed the foundation of Caine''s Martial Arts¡ªa union of the beastial and the worldly.

    The God Arts, however, were something altogether unique. Caine had discovered them purely by coincidence, while exploring a strange ruin during a long-forgotten mission.

    These arts allowed him to call upon the power of higher entities said to exist beyond the material plane. Most of Caine''s Tarnished Spells were rooted in this discipline.

    Finally, there were the Archaic Arts. In simple terms, they represented the foundation of all other arts. They were Caine''s purest understanding of runes and their artistry, the culmination of his research and mastery.

    These nine arts, brought to their highest level, had allowed Caine to defy death time and time again. And now, they would serve him once more.

    This time, they would be the tools with which he created his greatest Artes to date.

    ***

    Ignoring what Oldest was doing, Caine closed his eyes and sank into a deep state of focus.

    He made certain not to call upon his Dao Heart.

    But he didn''t stop there. His True Wills moved, forming chains that snaked through his bond space and aspects, locking them all down.

    His mind shut itself off, falling into a state of slumber, as did all his abilities. The only things left active were his Primal Will and his nine rings.

    Caine lowered his stance, his eyes remaining closed, a steaming breath escaping his lips.

    The flow of his blood slowed, his heartbeat falling into a sluggish, steady rhythm.

    Everything within him calmed into an eerie, deliberate stillness.

    Then, in an instant, his fist shot forward. It hadn''t even fully extended before his legs skidded across the platform, forcing his body backward. His other arm moved downward in a sharp strike, only for the opposite arm to sweep backward in tandem. His legs moved in sync, reversing and sweeping forward.

    His blood rumbled and began to pick up speed, the sound of rushing rivers echoing faintly across the platform.

    Caine''s movements remained erratic and seemingly senseless, his body falling into a rhythm it could neither stop nor comprehend.

    The fluttering sound of his robes filled the air, accompanied by the impact of his fists, the rushing of his blood, and the creaking of his bones.

    The atmosphere bent and twisted under the force of his movements, unable to resist the pull of his Will.

    Qi flowed into him of its own accord, fueling his flesh and quickening his movements. His speed increased to the point where his strikes left overlapping afterimages in their wake, colliding and blending into one another. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The afterimages trembled, then began to form intricate formations, each one dancing in tune with Caine''s rhythm. These formations grew more complex with every passing moment.

    The qi surrounding Caine split into 3,800 distinct streams, each coiling and weaving around him in perfect harmony.

    Caine''s speed surged once more.

    The impact of his fists echoed like falling meteors. His blood coursed through his veins with the intensity of a cosmic river. His hair swayed with a fiendish cadence, as though caught in an otherworldly storm.

    Before anyone could comprehend it, a spear had materialized in his hands.

    His speed became absurd, his movements a blur of light and brilliance. The spear tore through the air, shredding it apart with every strike. His steps echoed like primordial drums, shaking the platform with each beat.

    Caine spun upon himself and his spear, the weapon swimming and weaving around him as if alive.

    Runes bloomed across his body in rapid succession, their patterns aligning into formations that built upon one another endlessly.

    RUMBLE!

    From the shadows beneath him, creatures began to emerge.

    Dragons coiled around his arms, their movements following the impact of his fists.

    Phoenixes spiraled around his legs, leaving blazing trails in their wake. The phantom of a great ancient turtle loomed behind him, anchoring his growing presence like an unmovable mountain.

    The spear in his hand flowed with the fluidity of koi fish, reflecting the natural grace of water.

    His muscles rippled like vines under pale, reflective skin.

    The more his movements intensified, the more his rhythm transformed.

    What began as a violent, primal dance of jagged patterns evolved into something majestic¡ªsmooth, calculated, and attuned to the very frequency of the heavens.

    His steps aligned with the qi streams of the world. His heartbeat resonated with the earth''s core. His breath harmonized with the cadence of the winds.

    As his movements slowed, Caine''s eyes opened.

    For a moment, his dance returned to chaos.

    But only for a moment.

 Chapter 138 - 138: The Past, Present and Future(III)

    Caine alternated between chaos and order, the blinking of his eyes dictating the cadence of his movements.

    But his body couldn''t handle the strain. He had decided to limit himself, and he had done it properly. Even his body wasn''t spared¡ªit had been brought back to the state it was in his previous life.

    His flesh tore, silver blood cascading down in an endless torrent. His bones fractured and impaled his organs, yet none of it seemed to matter.

    The world itself moved to heal him, refusing to let him fall, allowing him to push past all limits.

    His spilled blood didn''t disperse¡ªit gathered and swirled around him like a celestial tide, mimicking his movements as if it were the moon to his star.

    Veins bloomed across his frame as the strain on his body and aspects continued to mount, but he didn''t stop. He kept pushing.

    What Caine was attempting wasn''t simple. In fact, it was suicide.

    [A drunken Titan once wandered through the vast emptiness of nothingness. His steps echoed through the void, his breath infecting the nothing, for there was nothing.]

    [In a drunken fit of madness, he imagined the earth, and from his Will, the earth was.]

    [His drunk steps overlapped and snaked across the soil as a dance of unbalanced bliss began, each of his steps clashing against the humble earth below.]

    [He looked to the skies, laughing, and his breath filled them, forming clouds. He spoke to an invisible man, and his spit painted stars across the heavens.]

    [The invisible man took shape and became the skies themselves.]

    [The Titan''s bottle, loosely hanging from his ancient hands, spilled its drink onto the lifeless soil below, sparking the impetus of life.]

    [His laughter echoed, and the invisible man began to dance as well, their intertwining steps harmonizing to create the ominous tapestry of existence.]

    [The drunken man and his friend, the invisible man.]

    This was a story told to all children across the Three Realms, and it was one of Caine''s favorite tales.

    Now, it would serve as the inspiration for his greatest creation.

    What he sought to create was a world.

    Like the Drunken Titan, Caine''s body would act as the foundation, stirring the ebbs and flows of heaven.

    These flows would twist and break down into the primordial qis of heaven and earth, harmonizing with Caine and folding into runes that birthed formations.

    Under the roars of beast progenitors, these formations would spark creation, forming the framework of a world.

    His spear would etch the laws of this world, while his heart and blood balanced order and chaos.

    He would paint the endless intricacies of this realm into existence, sing its life into being, and draw its vividness into reality.

    The world around him would serve as a foundation and model, but he would be the funnel.

    What greater creation could there be than the world itself?

    BANG!

    The Nine Arts blended and harmonized, birthing a world¡ªan illusory world, but a world nonetheless, entirely crafted by one mortal man.

    Caine''s skin peeled away, disintegrating into ashy starlight. His muscles lost their vitality, their fibers unraveling and drifting into the soft winds.

    His organs spilled out, his blood splattering across the platform in a torrential downpour.

    And yet, his bones kept moving.

    The ominous creaking of his skeleton echoed through the silence, even as fractures appeared and splinters began to fall away. But Caine''s movements did not stop.

    The atmospheric qi around him responded, unable to bear the sight. It wove itself into threads, suturing his broken body together even as it fell apart.

    His World Aspect shone brightly, pulling him into an even deeper state of focus. He harmonized completely with the world around him.

    The surroundings were deathly silent.

    Oldest had stopped moving entirely, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed Caine with a placid, unmoved gaze.

    Uriel stood far above, his young eyes wide with shock.

    Though he appeared like a child, his senses were sharp, and his intelligence far exceeded his appearance. Watching Caine break down so completely, Uriel didn''t know what to think.

    Caine hadn''t even reached the stage where he could throw his body away so casually. By all rights, he should have died.

    If not for his World Aspect, which had suddenly become incredibly active, forcefully communing with the world to keep him alive, he would have been gone long ago.

    Beyond that, Uriel could feel the waves of pain ripping through Caine''s soul. They were so potent that an ominous aura had formed around him¡ªan echo of death itself, as though the gates of the underworld were slowly opening to claim him.

    To say he was dancing with death was an understatement.

    Yet, for some reason, as Caine faced death so openly¡ªwith his Will sealed and his abilities shut down¡ªhis Primal Will exuded exhilaration.

    It was as though the essence of his existence had been set ablaze, shining so brightly that none could bear to look directly at him.

    As though he had been dormant all his life until this moment.

    With the final strike of his fist, so slow it seemed held back by an unseen force, a mad grin spread across his face.

    His eyes snapped wide open.

    [¡ªArt: Flickering World]

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    The moment the spell was finalized, the seal Caine had placed on himself shattered. His body rippled, then began to heal at an extraordinary rate.

    But Caine paid no attention to that.

    There, resting upon his palm, a small sphere began to take shape. It flickered in and out of existence, its form unstable yet mesmerizing.

    It was as heavy as infinity itself, yet as light as a feather. As colorful as the tapestry of life, yet as transparent as the void. It was as full of potential as a child, yet as weary as an elder. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It was as complex as a world, yet as simple as¡­ a dream.

    Caine stared at the sphere, his heart thundering with emotion.

    Then, a voice rang out.

    "Disappointing."

    Oldest''s voice echoed across the platform, shattering the moment.

    Caine''s gaze reluctantly left the sphere, turning toward him¡ªand immediately, his eyes widened.

    In Oldest''s hands hovered a glass cube.

    With a single point of his finger, a perfect replica of Caine''s sphere materialized within the cube.

    A shiver ran down Caine''s spine. The sphere inside the cube wasn''t just a copy¡ªit was perfect.

    And Oldest didn''t stop there.

    The cube trembled as runes erupted across its surface. The flickering sphere stabilized, gaining depth, richness, life, and laws. It became something far beyond what Caine had created.

    It became a true and complete world.

    WHOOOSH!

    All of it, contained within a single glass cube.

    Oldest''s gaze remained unimpressed as always. A grin spread across his face as a blade appeared in his hand.

    Without hesitation, he slit his own throat, his eyes never leaving Caine.

    "I am unrivaled."

    These last words echoed as Oldest collapsed to the ground, dead.

 Chapter 139 - 139: The Past, Present and Future(IV)

    What Oldest had done was the oldest trick in the book for Artes Ignitions.

    He had simply created an enhancer. Whatever Caine created, his enhancer would take, copy, and elevate by one level.

    Caine had crafted an illusory world? Oldest''s enhancer had transformed it into a real one.

    From the very beginning, Oldest had understood that whether Caine held himself back or not was irrelevant. He knew himself, and by extension, he knew Caine.

    No matter how much Caine restricted himself, the advancements he had made in his current life would shine through in some way or another.

    A master wielding a mere branch as a sword was still a master.

    So Oldest had chosen the simpler, most effective path.

    Oldest knew he would win the moment he understood a challenge would take place.

    There had not been a single flicker of doubt or fear in his heart.

    His final act¡ªslitting his throat¡ªhad not been a display of despair or defeat. He had done it because he understood that if Caine failed to overcome this trial, it would indirectly sever his own future path.

    [I am unrivaled.]

    Those words echoed endlessly in Caine''s mind as Uriel slowly descended from the skies.

    Caine''s body was fully healed. Despite the dried silver blood streaking his skin, the torn robes clinging to him, his heaving chest, and his sweat-drenched frame, he was intact.

    And yet, he couldn''t stop trembling.

    [I am unrivaled.]

    Caine laughed. What else could he do?

    The sound of his laughter reverberated through the platform, pure and unrestrained.

    Rather than crumbling under the weight of his loss, his True Wills bloomed even further.

    Joy surged through his veins, igniting his heart, which thumped so loudly it sounded like explosions echoing in his chest. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (?)]

    Now, Caine understood¡ªat least partially.

    These trials were battles against himself.

    He had just faced his past self and, in a way, emerged victorious. Logically, his next opponent would be himself in the present.

    Uriel landed beside him, his wide eyes fixed on Caine''s still-laughing form, brimming with curiosity.

    "What''s so funny? I want to laugh too," Uriel said, tilting his head.

    Caine''s laughter slowly subsided. Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes, he sighed.

    "No, it''s nothing," he replied. "The situation is just¡­ ridiculous, you know?"

    Uriel tilted his head again, his expression one of confusion.

    "You''ll understand when you''re older¡ªif you even age, that is," Caine added with a faint smile.

    With a thought, his tattered robes vanished, replaced by pristine white garments. The dried blood faded from his skin, leaving him looking fresh and composed.

    "When''s the next opponent coming?" he asked, his tone calm yet tinged with anticipation.

    As if in response, the platform began to shift and move. The stone tablet disappeared, replaced by the mats and marble table Caine had previously sat at.

    A spectral force tugged at Caine, guiding him back to his seat.

    Motes of silver and golden light began to assemble, while dark threads descended from the heavens. They intertwined, weaving together to form a figure seated opposite Caine.

    Watching the figure take shape, Caine couldn''t suppress his grin. Despite the life-or-death nature of the situation, all he felt was a bubbling excitement.

    He seemed to have forgotten that this battle was for the fate of his world.

    All he could feel was an uncontainable exhilaration seething in his heart, invigorating his True Wills.

    ***

    [Central Continent ¡ª Plains of Ishva''al]

    The Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda loomed tall in the middle of the plains, surrounded by towering trees that reached the heavens and circled by avian creatures whose wings eclipsed the skies.

    The pagoda itself was unchanged¡ªa monumental tower of dark amethyst marble, its surface reflecting veins of purple and red.

    Its presence was commanding and majestic, grounding all those around it.

    At the foot of this immense structure, atop a moss-covered stone platform, stood a woman.

    She was of exceptional beauty, her long silver-white hair cascading down her back, highlighted by her rose-colored eyes. White robes adorned her frame, fluttering gently in the breeze.

    Her aura was muted yet all-encompassing, an ethereal force that seemed to embrace the world itself¡ªa presence that defied perception yet suffocated all within its range.

    Lilith stepped away from the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda with light, deliberate steps.

    Her progress had been the inverse of Caine''s.

    Unlike him, she had already formed her Dao Heart when she first entered the pagoda.

    Using the Endless Samsara Mode, she refined her Dao Heart again and again, mirroring the process Caine had undergone with his Primal Will.

    But there was a difference: she had spent six months in Endless Samsara. Six months of endless reincarnation, where each fleeting moment represented millions upon millions of lifetimes.

    The strength of her Dao Heart¡ªand by extension, her True Will¡ªwas terrifying.

    But she hadn''t stopped there.

    A short time before Caine had attended the Millennium Auction of the Void Trading Alliance, Lilith returned to the pagoda. This time, she entered the Void Meditation Mode, spending another six months refining herself.

    This time had allowed her to perfect and solidify her foundation, granting her the strength to flawlessly ascend into the Spark Realm.

    WHOOOSH!

    Suddenly, a veiled woman in black robes appeared beside Lilith, bowing deeply.

    "Your Highness," the woman said, her tone deferential. "I trust you have been well."

    Lilith nodded, a small smile gracing her lips.

    "Yes, everything went smoothly. I was able to complete all I sought to accomplish. My tribulation was troublesome, but manageable."

    Her gaze shifted, scanning her surroundings.

    Noticing a certain absence, her smile faded slightly.

    "Hm? Is he not here?" she asked, her voice calm yet expectant.

    The servant hesitated before bowing again.

    "Ah, yes¡­ about that¡­"

    Taking a steadying breath, the servant began to explain. She recounted everything¡ªthe strange occurrences in the Central Continent, the cult, the Millennium Auction, and the fractured reality that had swallowed all those who attended.

    The more Lilith listened, the narrower her gaze became, her calm demeanor slowly hardening.

    "¡ªafter they reached the main plains of the¡ª"

    SKREEE! BANG!

    The servant''s words were interrupted by a deafening roar.

    A grotesque creature landed heavily on the platform. Its form was a writhing mound of cancerous flesh, covered in countless golden eyes. Black bones jutted out of its body, forming a crude, jagged armor.

    Its aura was vile. The atmospheric qi twisted and shattered around it, corrupted into chaotic, impure energy. The skies darkened, and the earth trembled, as if enraged by the creature''s existence.

    Lilith cast a glance at the monstrosity, her expression serene and unbothered.

    With a flick of her hand, a wave of silvery-rose qi flowed forth, carried by the wind like smoke.

    In an instant, the creature was torn to pieces, its body compressed into a grotesque flower of flesh, blood, and bone.

    Lilith examined the flower for a moment, her gaze impassive. Then, she turned and began to walk away.

    "Analyze it," she instructed calmly.

    Her servant, still trembling, nodded hastily and rushed toward the grotesque flower.

    Lilith stepped into the sky, silvery wings erupting from her back.

    As she soared higher, her gaze sharpened, her thoughts focused.

    ''It will happen soon.''

 Chapter 140 - 140: The Past, Present and Future(V)

    What Caine met was nothing like what he''d expected.

    What formed in front of him, unlike before, was a copy of the present him, but not just any copy.

    WHOOOSH!

    The figure finished forming, and at the same time, upon the marble table separating them, a chessboard appeared.

    Long black hair, elusive silver eyes, a tall, tempered frame draped in white robes¡ªit was him.

    Caine met his clone''s gaze, and the clone met his. It was strange. While he could tell this was a perfect replica of him, he also knew something was off.

    There was something uncanny about this clone¡­ something eerie and inhuman.

    Uriel walked over to the marble table''s side, intently looking at them both before speaking.

    He pointed at the chessboard. "A Summoner''s Gambit, or in simple words, Chess Necro-Games."

    "A simple game of chess played on four dimensions that involves one''s summons."

    He paused, allowing the announcement to settle before continuing.

    "Past and Present have blurred into one. Now, the Present must be reflected through clear and muddy waters to determine truth from falsehood."

    Slowly, he soared into the skies just as chess pieces began to appear on the board.

    "You may begin."

    ***

    Unlike Caine''s previous clash with Oldest, one filled with tension, insults, and adrenaline, this encounter was extremely tame.

    Quiet, silent, and unmoving¡ªthe two sat, their gazes locked on the board before them as their fingers, bound by strings, moved at speeds too fast for most to follow.

    Mirror, as Caine had decided to call this copy of himself, didn''t utter a word. Its presence was imposing in its silence, oppressive in its absence of sound.

    Caine didn''t speak either, but for entirely different reasons.

    He was losing.

    Badly.

    A Summoner''s Gambit had relatively simple rules, rules that mirrored those of classical chess, at their foundation and core at least.

    The goal was the same: to trap the King, which, in this case, would be the summoner¡ªthe players themselves.

    The minds of the summoners were projected into the board, into an illusory battlefield where their summons would wage war. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Their armies were divided into sixteen specific smaller segments, reflecting the sixteen distinct pieces of the board.

    Each segment of their army was restrained and locked by a set of complicated and dynamic laws.

    Dynamic in the sense that these laws changed and adapted based on the circumstances and environment of a clash.

    These laws could shift based on which segment clashed against an opposing segment and what ally segment stood near an ally or enemy during a specific clash.

    The laws could change to favor one side or another depending on how skillfully a player danced and tiptoed around their limits and definitions.

    Via these dynamic laws, countless offensive, defensive, and passive combinations could be made, along with even more complex tactics and layered approaches, all with the single purpose of bypassing all enemy segments to trap their King.

    Each summoner, or King, had thirty-three lives per round, with each round netting one a point and the game ending when one reached three points.

    Every time a King was trapped, a life was lost, and once all of one''s lives ran out, they lost the round.

    Caine had already lost the first round in less than an hour and was already down to his sixth life in this second round, in barely half an hour.

    Meanwhile, Mirror hadn''t lost a single life.

    ***

    It was only now that Caine fully understood what was so off and uncanny about this clone of his.

    It was him, the present him, but¡­ at full potential.

    It was a version of himself with almost no flaws, a version of himself who''d taken the time to fully and properly master all of Caine''s abilities and enlightenment.

    A version of him that had every single facet of his power mastered and understood.

    And while it was true that Caine had undergone massive change through the trial that fractured his mind, he''d barely had the time to let it all settle in.

    By the time he finished one battle to the death, he was plunged into another, and then another, and another. It was a relentless and exhausting tempo that left no room to breathe or think.

    But it didn''t stop there. Caine could feel that this version of himself was actively relying on its affinity to Fate. Or, more accurately, it had mastered this affinity to such a high degree that Fate itself moved to help and light the path ahead.

    It was as if he was facing a part of Fate itself.

    His segmented armies of summons were routinely dissected and torn to shreds, the many layers of his offensive tactics read like an open book and countered before he could react.

    His defensive tactics were peeled away with absurd ease, Mirror somehow always finding flaws to exploit and using them to steal a life from him.

    Mirror''s army moved with coordination and calculated precision that overwhelmed Caine.

    Akin to a hive mind, they moved as one entity, attacked as one blade, retreated as a singular shadow, and defended as one grand, impenetrable shield.

    Caine''s oh-so-sharp mind was ridiculed and read like an open book as Mirror performed pre-moves and counterattacks dozens of plays before Caine even thought of them and put them into action.

    Caine felt like a defenseless sheep being shepherded one way or another, to the sharp whims of a herd dog loyally following the will of its master.

    Nothing seemed to work.

    As the seconds passed and he lost life after life, a pressure began to build in his mind.

    Caine exhaled a breath and focused.

    ''Let''s take this step by step.''

    He had tried the most obvious solution¡ªusing Mirror as a template to absorb all his perfect advancements and even out the playing field. And, in truth, it worked.

    Just not fast enough. As Caine studied Mirror and slowly devoured his skills, he was still losing. Mirror was actively adapting and growing just as he was, making it a never-ending loop where he''d eventually run out of time and lives.

    So this path wasn''t viable.

 Chapter 141 - 141: The Past, Present and Future(VI)

    Caine stood frozen in the chaotic expanse his mind had become, filled with broken and shattered ideas.

    He parsed through countless solutions, discarding them before they solidified, knowing none were worth wasting time on.

    His heart was free of fear and despair, yet full of frustration and annoyance¡ªnot at the world or his circumstances, but at himself.

    He''d gotten too used to these so-called life-and-death situations working in his favor, always providing a path for him to improve his power.

    Now faced with a real challenge, where there was nothing to grasp, he was at a loss.

    The simple truth was that Caine had never truly faced the unfairness of circumstances or the blade of death during any of these trials.

    Taking a step back, he saw it as clear as day.

    When he recontextualized everything that had happened, it was almost¡­ pathetic.

    From the beginning, he''d been receiving help.

    It had all been a result of luck and circumstances.

    For the Fields of Carnage, Caine had to face opponents of equal talent to him but far older.

    If not for the mutations his Will underwent when he met Laplace, would he have had any right to face them?

    If not for completing his Blessed and Cursed aspect natures, could he have survived against entities of similar talent but far beyond his realm?

    If not for the lenience of the World Will Eyes, would he have managed to form those aspect natures while keeping both his life and sanity?

    If not for his eyes, could he have bridged the gap created by countless years of experience between him and Autumn?

    If not for his myriad heretic abilities, would he have withstood the cursed runes that sought to break his mind?

    This pattern¡ªof random events bearing fruit years later to help him¡ªwas repeated across every trial.

    For the Trial of the Heart, if he hadn''t begun forging his Dao Heart by blurring the lines between his mind and heart, would he have overcome it?

    If not for his affinity to Fate, could he have formed such a terrifying Dao Heart?

    For the Trial of Fractured Minds, if not for his Primal Will¡ªa result of the link between his mind and heart, strengthened by his True Will during the prior trial¡ªwould he have succeeded? Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    In the Dream Trial, if not for the expansion of his cognitive abilities born out of the Trial of Fractured Minds, would he have made the countless deductions needed to escape?

    For the Maze Puzzle, if not for his tempered mind, widened and refined by previous trials, would he have solved it so easily?

    In his battle against the Leviathan, if not for his Demonic Will pulling upon his emotions to madly empower him, could he have won?

    And when he faced Oldest¡ªif not for the fact that he had no choice but to let himself lose¡ªwould Caine still be standing here?

    It was all luck. A small part was effort and dedication, but most of it was the result of circumstances too specific to be called random.

    From the very start, Fate, while trapping him on this path, had also handed him the cards he needed to flawlessly overcome every trial.

    His luck was as much a part of his power as anything else.

    As Caine realized this, the pressure building in his mind vanished, and he sighed.

    For men like him, understanding that most of their achievements were the result of fabricated luck would have been devastating.

    But Caine remained calm.

    Things were as they were.

    There was no point in crying or rejecting the hand of Fate. By now, he understood it was inevitable.

    And as he accepted this lesson, imparted by Fate itself¡ªthat Luck was as important as any of his abilities¡ªhe found a solution.

    The simplest solution.

    Caine was a Chosen of Fate, yes, but not just that.

    He was a Chosen of Fate, Destiny, Karma, and Totality.

    If his enemy overwhelmed him, why not rely on these innate affinities, the ones he''d been born with? If Mirror''s mastery of Fate was overpowering, then he''d simply counter it with Destiny, Karma, and Totality.

    He''d let these affinities take the reins and guide him.

    They were a part of him, after all.

    He stopped resisting and chose to accept them fully.

    His stars blazed with brilliant light as his Dao Hearts eased and suddenly entered an even deeper state of resonance.

    ***

    The result was unsurprising.

    From the moment Caine allowed his affinities to take control, it was over.

    The tempo of the battle slowed to a crawl, the tides entirely under Caine''s control. With an unhurried hand, he dismantled everything Mirror had been building on the board.

    Its offense was undone, its defense shattered, and its passive tactics turned against it.

    Slowly, Mirror was pushed into an inescapable corner. Then, just as slowly, it was farmed.

    Mirror lost life after life. The closer it edged toward defeat, the more deliberate and elusive Caine''s actions became.

    The relationship between Caine and his affinities shifted. After giving them control, he reclaimed his agency, harmonizing with them.

    Instead of weakening him, this synergy solidified his power even further.

    Yet, despite his decisive victory, Caine couldn''t help but feel disappointed.

    It saddened him to see how easily he had defeated himself.

    There was something particularly dark about the concept of luck. Something profoundly unsettling about how little mattered when the odds were fixed.

    If your luck dictated that you would die, what could you do?

    If Fate wove a future of inevitable ruin, how could you escape?

    If Destiny promised only suffering, how could you resist?

    If Karma bound you in eternal servitude, how could you break free?

    As Caine tapped into the truest potential of his affinities and realized how much they had shielded and protected him, the weight of their implications pressed down on him.

    It was only now, understanding how much of his survival had relied on their influence, that the unfairness of it all became clear.

    It was only now that the reality of his mortality truly sank in.

    He was just a mortal, standing in a world ruled by gods and immortals.

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (2/6)]

 Chapter 142 - 142: Luck

    Caine''s and Mirror''s gazes remained locked, their shared indifference reflecting off one another, amplifying the silence that filled the platform.

    Suddenly, Mirror''s body exploded in a rain of golden threads and ashes as his last life was stripped away, marking his humiliating defeat.

    Throughout their entire exchange, neither had spoken a word, as if silently agreeing to let the game play out in silence. Even as Mirror faded away, his expression remained stoic, quiet, and indifferent.

    Caine paid it no mind, his thoughts drifting elsewhere. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''It''s quite sad, but I suppose this, in a sense, crystallizes all I''ve lived for. All I''ve ever worked for.''

    Caine had reached this point because he despised his lack of control. He hated being reduced to a pawn, moved at the whim of another.

    His disdain was so profound that even as he killed himself, the possibility of it all being for nothing hadn''t fazed him.

    To him, death was a better fate than remaining in the Three Realms as a slave to some higher entity, a pawn used only for observation and manipulation.

    Even thinking about it made his guts churn and his True Will recoil in disgust.

    Yet, here he was once again, confronted by the undeniable truth: the reality of the Three Realms hadn''t changed.

    The weak remained nothing more than cogs in a machine, endlessly controlled by the powerful, and the world itself remained a tool, loyal and subservient to those who held dominion over it.

    A perverted world, governed by inhumane entities.

    It was still the same hell he thought he''d escaped¡ªa world where all were born chained and controlled, forced to follow the whims of those who viewed them as nothing more than cattle.

    ''Fate, Destiny, Karma, Totality, and now, Luck,'' he thought as his gaze turned to the chessboard before him.

    ''It''s all so cruel. So cruel and heartless.''

    He sighed, his hands moving idly across the board, rearranging the pieces.

    ''Fate dictates the world''s flow, its circumstances and paths. Destiny chooses who walks those paths. Karma defines the weight and direction of one''s steps, while Totality sits above and below it all, looming like the immutable will of the heavens.''

    ''And Luck¡­ Luck dictates the odds. The likelihood of the pendulum swinging left or right.''

    ''And then there are those above, playing across the board. The ones beyond.''

    ''Gods, Immortals, Demons, Emperors¡­ the powerful.''

    These thoughts flowed through his mind like water through a river, smooth and unfettered.

    The sharpness of his gaze dulled, softening into a void of abyssal depths¡ªdistant, unreadable.

    His eyes, once an inferno of passion, now seemed like an endless well of¡­ pity.

    ''And then, there''s us. Mortals. To be born so chained, so encased, truly makes you wonder what the point of it all is. What purpose it serves.''

    ''Are so-called Defiers merely favored sons? Or is there truly a path to salvation¡­ to freedom¡­ to control?''

    His gaze wandered upward, fixing on the dark, starless skies above. A faint, bitter smile curved his lips.

    ''The message is threefold¡ªLuck, Pride, and Possibility.''

    ''My luck allowed me to overcome these trials because Fate willed it so. I am not worthy. I am lucky.''

    ''But the essence of it all was the destruction of my pride and sense of self. To make me understand my insignificance, my weakness, my stupidity, my¡­ mortality.''

    ''Almost as if it were a sick, twisted attempt to see whether I''d crumble or fall under the weight of such comprehension.''

    Caine understood how Fate worked, and that understanding could be summarized in one simple truth: Fate cannot be understood.

    He had been placed in circumstances designed to crush and destroy him, yet given the tools to overcome those challenges.

    It was nonsensical, heartless, and cruel. But wasn''t that the very essence of Fate?

    ''Above it all, it''s a reminder. A reminder that, had I not been chosen, this path of freedom and control I walk upon now could have been stripped away. I could have been on the receiving end of it all.''

    ''Without this crown handed to me, I have no control. And without control, I am just another cog, another tool like the rest.''

    He chuckled softly, shaking his head in slight disbelief.

    ''It''s almost like it''s asking me to be grateful for being given a chance.''

    None of this fazed Caine in the least. To him, it was nothing more than a rowdy child pouting and throwing a tantrum.

    Regardless, the throne would be his. Just as Fate worked, his rise to its throne and crown was inevitable.

    When its reins were his to control, and his hands dictated the sways of the almighty river of Fate, would any of it matter?

    It was only a matter of time.

    WHOOOSH!

    Across from him, where Mirror had once sat, yet another figure began to take shape. But unlike before, this figure materialized instantly, and with it came a terrifying wave of power.

    A sweep of ancient and tempered True Will followed, so potent the air twisted and tore into chaotic storms that ravaged the space around them.

    The man sat across from Caine was shrouded in an ethereal golden aura, but from what little Caine could see, he was the picture of angelic perfection.

    Long, curly white hair framed a flawless face, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly golden and white light that overflowed like mist into the world.

    Wide, airy black robes draped over his tall yet relatively frail frame, enhancing the pure, holy aura of his existence, as if he were an angel fallen from the heavens.

    Ancient runic tattoos of gold and black danced across his healthy beige-white skin, moving like a living script.

    Despite his unassuming appearance, the man exuded terrifying power, his presence all-encompassing and unshakable.

    A wave of golden aura spread outward, filling the space with his dominance as his True Will thundered and loomed like a colossal shadow.

    Above his head hovered a bloody halo and a cracked, shattered crown. The former spun slowly, while the latter flickered in and out of existence.

    Future Caine''s gaze roamed curiously, tinged with slight confusion, before he nodded to himself as if piecing things together.

    He turned to Caine, his amusement clear in the way his lips curved into a faint smile.

    "How strange. I''d forgotten this moment would occur."

    His voice was light, warm, almost angelic, yet carried an inhuman weight¡ªlike the distorted echo of a god''s voice confined to mortal flesh.

    Caine remained silent, his gaze narrowed.

    Oldest had been him, pulled from the past.

    Mirror had been a perfect, mastered version of him.

    But this¡­ Caine immediately saw through it.

    Like Oldest, this was truly him. But it was only a possibility.

    It was one among many paths he could take.

    A version of himself who had given up¡ªor perhaps lost¡ªeverything, choosing to walk a path wholly reliant on Fate.

    A path where, instead of wearing Fate''s crown, he became its apostle.

    A path of subservience.

 Chapter 143 - 143: Luck(II)

    Noticing the overwhelming waves of disgust and pity swirling in Caine''s gaze, Future Caine couldn''t help but chuckle, his expression serene and unbothered.

    "Oh? Am I not living up to your dream, dear youngest?"

    The scene mirrored Caine''s earlier meeting with Oldest¡ªone side amused by the ignorance of the other, the other repulsed by what the other had become.

    A reflection across time, truly.

    "I don''t know. I really don''t know." Caine''s voice dropped to a near whisper, his tone heavy as he shook his head.

    He could feel his Will trembling, teetering on the edge of collapse as he stared at the man before him. It wasn''t just the man''s terrifying power that shook him but what he represented.

    He represented failure. A version of Caine that had failed so catastrophically that his entire existence had become warped, perverted by regret and compromise.

    And yet, what did Caine truly know about the horrors that awaited him in the future? Had Oldest not likely thought the same about Caine during their encounter? Had Oldest been wrong? Or was he right?

    Caine didn''t know. Perhaps no one did.

    Meeting Failure''s eyes¡ªthe name he had given this future version of himself¡ªCaine saw something beyond the layers of amusement, pride, and arrogance.

    Behind the fa?ade, there lay an endless pit of melancholic regret, sadness, and¡­ hopelessness.

    But beneath that, Caine also saw a foundation that remained unbroken.

    Reflection. Acceptance. Confidence. Power.

    The two stared at one another, animosity beginning to dissolve into something quieter, something more introspective.

    One looked at the other with nostalgic, reminiscing eyes. The other looked back with pity and regret.

    Silence settled between them, deep and profound.

    "I promise I won''t let it happen," Caine finally said, breaking the stillness.

    Failure chuckled softly, nodding. A genuine smile graced his lips, free of mockery or sarcasm. "All that matters is that you try, you know?"

    "Your path remains your own."

    Uriel, who had been hovering uncertainly in the skies above, finally decided to descend.

    "Can we¡­ begin¡­?"

    Both Caine and Failure nodded, and Uriel sighed in visible relief.

    Though he was supposed to have supreme authority in this realm, Uriel couldn''t help but feel like a younger sibling caught between two imposing older brothers.

    It was strange, unsettling even.

    "Alright. The Past and Present have blurred, the reflections of the Present have merged, and now, the Present must peel the layers of itself, unveiling the core of truth."

    Uriel''s voice echoed with finality as he prepared to continue, but suddenly, from Caine''s chest, an emerald rune appeared.

    Along with it, countless vines spread across his skin like living veins.

    The phantom image of Lady Gaia materialized behind him, her presence both commanding and gentle. At that moment, time froze for everyone except Caine, Failure, and Lady Gaia herself.

    Her gaze shifted from Caine to Failure, the two exchanging a brief nod of understanding.

    For a fleeting moment, Lady Gaia''s expression softened, her eyes glistening as if on the verge of tears. But no tears fell.

    Her stance remained resolute, powerful. She nodded once more, then waved her hand.

    Her phantom vanished, and the emerald rune, along with the vines, sank back into Caine''s body.

    Uriel frowned, his senses picking up the faint ripple of something monumental, but before he could question it, his gaze widened in shock.

    Failure''s body began to fade.

    "What¡­ what is going on¡­?"

    Uriel''s gaze darted to Caine, but seeing the confusion on his face, he realized Caine was just as clueless as he was.

    [Conquer The Fracture of Time and Fate (3/6)]

    The platform beneath them trembled violently, rapidly expanding until it covered the entirety of the skies, completely eclipsing the ruined lands below.

    Above them, the dark, starless void transformed. One by one, stars appeared, painting the heavens in breathtaking patterns.

    The void turned into a radiant emerald tapestry, upon which celestial wonders danced.

    The qi density in the air surged, becoming so concentrated that it rivaled the Timeless Alliance''s most treasured qi training rooms¡ªbut on a scale that spanned the world itself.

    Uriel and Caine watched the transformation unfold, the shock in their hearts slowly subsiding.

    ''Lady Gaia¡­ So, she did foresee all of this.'' Caine thought, his mind racing. ''Was she truly trapped and manipulated into leading me here, or did she know and allow it to happen?''

    ''Or perhaps¡­ she has restrictions regarding future events? But if that''s the case, why intervene now? Did she see a future where I couldn''t win against Failure no matter what?''

    A faint smile tugged at his lips. Slowly, he was beginning to grasp the intricacies of the game being played around him.

    Once, such a realization would have filled him with fear¡ªa game played across time itself, involving the fates of countless beings.

    But now¡­ now he couldn''t help but smile.

    At the same time, however, the fury that had been smoldering in his heart since his encounter with Laplace only grew stronger, more unrelenting.

    Whether the chuckle that escaped his lips was one of amusement or suppressed, twisted madness, only he could say.

    Standing off to the side, Uriel frowned, sensing the change in Caine''s aura.

    When Uriel had first encountered Caine during the Fields of Carnage, his aura had been like a starry sky¡ªbrilliant, majestic, overflowing with a radiance impossible to ignore.

    Akin to a living sun.

    But now¡­ now it had become something else entirely.

    Primal. Unreadable. Distant.

    Caine''s presence was no longer that of a sun but that of a serpent in human flesh, his gaze filled with mockery and¡­ pride.

    The change was unsettling, but Uriel found it strangely natural. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Well," Uriel said, clearing his throat, "I suppose¡­ you''ve conquered this."

    He gestured around him. "So, let''s move on."

    The platform trembled again. From its marble surface, countless figures surged upward, rising like ghosts from the depths of the earth.

    Humanoids, beasts, spirits, and creatures that defied classification¡ªthe diversity was staggering.

    Uriel swept his gaze across the seemingly endless crowd, their sheer numbers suffocating the space around them.

    He waved a hand, and a glowing rune appeared on his palm.

    Caine''s eyes immediately locked onto it, analyzing its intricate patterns.

    Explanations flowed into his mind unbidden, and suddenly, he burst out laughing¡ªa deep, thunderous laugh that shook the skies and reverberated across the platform.

    Uriel shook his head, already understanding the reason for Caine''s laughter.

    It was absurd. Truly absurd.

    How lucky could one man be?

 Chapter 144 - 144: Luck(III)

    The rune Uriel had cast was one that fully explained the intricacies, details, and rules of this coming challenge.

    After facing the echoes of the past, a reflection of the present, and a vision of the future, he now had to face the consequences of his actions across the three axes of time.

    The entities around him were none other than the souls of all those he''d ever killed across his lives¡ªbut not only him.

    They represented all whom he''d personally killed but included Oldest, Mirror, and Failure''s kills as well, all brought here together, regardless of the fact that there would surely be overlapping and repeating souls.

    Every single person and entity he had ever killed.

    Every single one.

    Regardless of gender, age, race, or type¡ªthey were all here.

    And Caine would have to slay them all once more. But in doing so, he''d have to pay the price and face the consequences of such actions.

    Every single sentient life form had a Heart Demon, but inversely, they also had a Holy Incarnation, the true incarnation of their hopes, dreams, virtues, and all that was good about a being.

    For every person that Caine would have to kill here once again, he''d have to bear the weight of not only their Heart Demons¡ªwhich had grown and thickened over the times of their deaths¡ªbut also the weight of their Pure Incarnations.

    He''d have to bear the weight of their sins, their regrets, their losses, their hopes, their dreams, their ever-so-distant aspirations, their resentment, and so much more that had been brewing in the core of their hearts.

    But beyond that, Caine would also have to bear the weight of their very souls. He''d have to carry them with him, forever.

    It was all a perfect path to simply break one''s heart and will. A recipe for failure and disaster. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And there came the twisted comedy of it all.

    Caine''s Dao Hearts were so perfectly suited for such a test, as if made for this moment, that Caine himself couldn''t help but laugh out loud.

    Not because he was glad the moment was occurring, but because of how ridiculous it all was.

    While many, if not all, would see this as yet another gift and blessing from Fate and Luck, a blessing from the Heavens above, Caine saw through the layers of it all. Caine saw it as yet another attempt to crush him, to crush his pride, and a pathetic attempt to strip him of all he''d ever done.

    A sort of emasculation on the scale of his existence and its core.

    To show him a failed and broken version of himself, a version that had become a slave of Fate itself, yet still a version he couldn''t hope to compare to without the aid of a great entity like Lady Gaia¡ªbut to then also give Caine the perfect trial to temper his mind, as if telling him his mind was still lacking, so much so that he still needed help to temper it¡ªwhat was it, if not a slap in the face?

    What was it, if not a blatant attempt to put him in his place?

    He''d been shown a past version of himself, to whom he''d pathetically lost, then been confronted with a perfect version of himself he could only hope to defeat by relying on his gifts and affinities, but then also shown a future him he could only look in the eye and defeat via the help of Lady Gaia.

    Defeat, after defeat, after defeat.

    Lucky moment after lucky moment, endlessly stacked.

    It was hilarious, truly.

    These were the sorts of inconspicuous and hidden schemes and attacks that only those as sharp as Caine would notice and pick up on. But they also were attacks only those as prideful and unstable as Caine would fall to.

    He didn''t understand what Fate''s purpose and goal was, why it sought to stoke his bubbling and stirring wrath so much, or why it so greedily desired to test his bottom line.

    But, evidently enough, it was working. The more Caine laughed, the more he felt his heart tremble, the more he felt the fabric of his True Will fissure and crack.

    He laughed.

    He would accept it. He had no choice, once again. It was a poison he had no choice but to swallow.

    He would use all these entities to temper his True Will and endlessly refine his Dao Hearts.

    He''d devour all their Heart Demons and Pure Incarnations.

    He''d collect their souls.

    He''d play along with Fate''s twisted game.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s laugh died down, and an exhale escaped his lips. Closing his eyes, he sat cross-legged in a meditative position.

    Without uttering a word to Uriel, he began.

    ***

    Far, far away from Caine, the world kept moving, and its endlessly intertwining threads began to bear fruit.

    The Brilliant Five Sky World indeed had five continents.

    The central continent, led by the Void Trading Alliance.

    The northern continent, led by the Timeless Alliance.

    The southern continent, led by the Red Sky Heavenly Temple.

    The eastern continent, led by the Alchemy Haven Hall.

    And finally, the western continent, led by the Chaos Heaven''s Pagoda.

    But, unbeknownst to most, the world had a sixth hidden continent.

    The Forbidden Continent.

    ***

    [Forbidden Continent¡ªBloody Rivers of Hate]

    The skies were dark and filled with chaotic arcs of tribulation lightning that slammed onto the black and charred lands below with demonic wrath and scowl.

    Towering trees soared into the air, blood covering their trunks and their branches adorned with rotten mounds of flesh that oozed toxic fumes carried by the harsh winds.

    Snaking through this ominous forest was a grand, long, and wide river of resplendent crimson blood, glowing faintly under the brilliant light of the lightning above.

    This river snaked through the entire forest, and from it, a conglomeration of extremely potent killing intents jetted out, casting a net of demonic force over the surrounding space.

    Somewhere along the river, a man could be seen sitting at the foot of a tree, calmly looking at the flowing waters before him.

    He had long flaming red hair, perfectly complementing his golden eyes, which contained a primal and reptilian slit. Upon his tan skin, illusory red scales could be seen as his fingers stretched into sharp metal claws and his feet into long rune-covered talons.

    He wore bloodstained black robes, contrasted by the golden jewels adorning his muscular and lean frame.

    As he smirked, his long fangs poked out of his mouth, dripping with terrifying poison.

    Suddenly, his gaze panned upwards toward the skies, and his grin widened.

    "¡­finally."

    With a groan, he pushed himself up and began to stretch.

    WHOOOOOOOOSH!

    The skies above tore apart as a gigantic dragon of rotten flesh and black bones appeared, its entire body covered in countless eyes of gold and black.

    It roared out, and the air shook, the atmospheric qi twisting and breaking down into¡­ atmospheric abomination qi.

    The skies darkened even more as more and more dragons appeared, akin to a fleet of them.

    They stared down at the man below with unbridled hate and fury.

    "¡­Scarlet Venom Dragon¡­" the first abomination dragon whispered in a runic tongue, its voice strained and hoarse. "¡­hand your heart over¡­"

    The man below didn''t bother answering and immediately shot into the skies, fiery wings erupting from his back as his mad laughter echoed.

 Chapter 145 - 145: Luck(IV)

    Viryon, the so-called Scarlet Venom Dragon, sat atop a mountain of dragon corpses, his body drenched in blood that was not his own.

    A frown marred his face as he bit into a mound of flesh. "These sacks of shit always look so strong, only to end up being¡­ so pathetic."

    He spat out the flesh, his frown deepening.

    "And they taste like actual fucking shit. I hate them."

    Throwing the meat in his hands into the distance, he spat again and hopped off the mountain of corpses.

    Dusting his bloody robes, he methodically cleaned off the blood caking his body. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Suddenly, a man appeared before him, one nearly identical to himself. The only difference between them was the man''s burning black hair and his immaculate appearance.

    Viryon met his brother''s sharp gaze¡ªTeryon.

    "Mother has already told you multiple times to stop eating strangers'' flesh," Teryon said sternly.

    He stepped forward, producing a cloth in his hand. Like a doting older brother, he began to clean Viryon''s face, wiping the blood and bits of flesh from his features.

    Viryon''s face flushed red with embarrassment, but he didn''t dare move away. Despite Teryon''s cold and composed exterior, he was deeply caring¡ªeven for a dragon, a race renowned for their strong familial bonds.

    "So, what''d you find?" Teryon asked after finishing his task.

    Waving a hand, the cloth disappeared. In its place, a clean set of robes appeared, which he handed to his younger brother.

    As Viryon donned the fresh robes, he sighed before answering. "Nothing interesting, to be honest."

    "I tried to bait those of the Trading Alliance, but the bastards are firm. No matter how many of their hideouts I destroy, they refuse to come out."

    Teryon frowned, tapping his claws against his palm. "Have you tried a softer approach?"

    Viryon nodded. "Yeah, I rebuilt all the hideouts I destroyed and sent them a message, making it clear I just wanted to talk. Even then, I''ve been met with nothing but silence."

    Teryon began stroking his elegant face with his long metallic claws. They glided over his skin like silver across marble, sparks flying in the air as he fell deep into thought.

    "The elders won''t be happy about this," he muttered, glancing at the pile of corpses behind Viryon. "Hm. If they refuse to talk or investigate, it can only mean one thing¡ªthey know our rise is near."

    "But why let us expand freely and prepare like this¡­" he whispered, his pupils narrowing in suspicion. His gaze returned to his brother.

    "Odds of it being a trap?"

    "100%," Viryon answered bluntly. "But I think they''re preoccupied with internal conflicts."

    He leaned closer. "Not sure if you''ve heard, but recently, that infamous cult came back."

    Teryon''s eyes widened violently, his aura erupting into chaotic turbulence.

    "¡­what?"

    Viryon''s expression grew grave as he nodded.

    "Not only that, but someone orchestrated a scheme that pulled everyone attending the Millennium Auction into a Fractured Reality."

    "I''m almost certain the cult and the Trading Alliance are working together. It would explain why they''re letting us prepare so freely."

    "Elaborate," Teryon demanded, his voice sharp.

    The two brothers sat down, facing one another as the discussion grew more intense.

    "My thought is that they want another war between us and the human forces of the world. Then, at the peak of the conflict, they''ll swoop in and wipe us both out."

    Viryon''s eyes narrowed further as he continued. "If I go deeper, I''d say the only reason the cult let us survive and ally with those of the eastern continent is so they could fully and properly identify all their true enemies."

    "Think about it, Ty. I''m sure His Majesty is aware of this, and¡­"

    Teryon, now calmer, nodded. He grasped the outline of the plan his brother was describing.

    "His Majesty wants to use the abominations as a chaos factor to ruin their schemes. The cult must have noticed this and acted sooner than planned. This Fractured Reality¡­ it''s their only chance."

    Suddenly, both brothers grinned, their expressions wicked and sharp.

    "War is coming soon, and that means¡­"

    WHOOOOOSH!

    "¡­opportunity."

    The greed of the two dragons surged, their auras rising like roaring flames. Yet just as quickly, they cooled, their fiery ambitions tempered by calculated patience.

    "There''s still too much we don''t understand," Teryon said. "Why would they want a war between us and the humans? Surely they know it''s inevitable."

    Hearing his brother''s words, Teryon paused for a moment.

    "True. His Majesty is most likely playing an intricate game involving both the humans and the cult, but to what end?"

    He continued, his tone thoughtful. "Let''s take a step back."

    "The cult and the Trading Alliance are working together. They want us and the humans to wage war, even though that war is inevitable."

    "On the other hand, His Majesty knows this and is using the abominations as a chaos factor to disrupt their plans."

    Viryon''s gaze sharpened. "Additionally, the humans are vulnerable right now, thanks to their inner conflicts."

    "Beyond that, there''s also the eastern continent, which has sided with us¡­"

    "But there''s also the fact that¡­ and also¡­ but maybe¡­"

    "I''m not sure if¡­ maybe if we¡­ we could¡­"

    As the two mischievous dragons analyzed and schemed, imagining a future of endless riches and power, a pair of majestic eyes silently watched them from the skies above.

    ''¡­interesting¡­''

    ***

    [Northern Continent¡ªUnknown Location]

    Blood and carnage.

    At the bottom of a dark cave lit by golden flames that gnawed at the walls and soil, a man crawled forward.

    His body was ruined, everything from the waist down gone, replaced by a grotesque tangle of guts, organs, and blood.

    He dragged himself across the ground, leaving a river of crimson in his wake.

    His face was a mask of blood and despair, yet within his eyes burned a flickering flame of hope and determination.

    As he neared the cave''s exit, his trembling hands clawed at the ground, pulling him toward the surface.

    ''The world is going to end¡­ the end of the world¡­ the end of existence¡­''

    Tears streamed down his face as the weight of his thoughts threatened to overwhelm him.

    ''Demons¡­ monsters¡­ gods¡­ heresy¡­''

    His sobs echoed through the cave, filling the air with his anguish and fear.

    Finally, as he reached the surface, he cried out, his voice hoarse and broken.

    "I MUST WARN THE WORLD!"

 Chapter 146 - 146: Me, Myself and I

    [Conquer the Fracture of Time and Fate (4/6)]

    The platform was empty. Caine sat cross-legged at its center, alone.

    He was utterly still, his presence blending seamlessly with the vast emptiness around him. The only signs of life were the slow, rhythmic heaving of his chest and the faint, steady echo of his heartbeat, a quiet cadence that resonated with the serenity of the world.

    His long black hair swayed gently in the breeze, each strand flowing like ink spilled into the air. His pristine white robes fluttered softly, catching the light of the stars above. That starlight painted his pale skin with a celestial glow, as though the heavens themselves had chosen him as their canvas, weaving an unspoken tapestry of beauty and grace.

    On his thighs rested his spear, humming faintly, vibrating as if alive. The low sound reverberated through the space around him, like a heartbeat in harmony with his own.

    The world was calm, steeped in serenity.

    Caine surrendered himself to this peace, letting it wash over him. He became one with the flow of nature¡ªa leaf swaying gently on a tree branch, a stone resting unyieldingly at the bottom of a river, a star nestled among countless others in the infinite expanse above.

    WHOOOSH!

    The tranquility was broken as the winds intensified, stirring the stillness into motion.

    In the distance, three figures emerged from the void, their forms gradually sharpening until their features became clear.

    Short, slicked-back black hair, cold silver eyes, and a tight-fitting black changpao¡ªOldest. His aura radiated quiet authority, his expression as sharp and unyielding as tempered steel.

    Long black hair, unreadable silver eyes, and loose grey robes¡ªMirror. A silent enigma, his presence seemed to distort the very space around him, as if reality itself struggled to comprehend him.

    Long curly white hair, an angelic face, and eyes of endless gold¡ªFailure. His beauty was almost otherworldly, yet the weight of his presence carried an oppressive force, a contradiction that made him all the more unnerving.

    The three stood side by side, their gazes meeting briefly before turning to Caine. No words were exchanged, yet an unspoken understanding passed between them, an acknowledgment of what was to come.

    Failure glanced at his hands, which were bound by strange, writhing vines. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, a sound laced with both amusement and frustration. Oldest and Mirror noticed the vines but said nothing, recognizing that Failure would not explain.

    They simply observed in silence, their focus returning to the man seated on the platform.

    High above, Uriel hovered in the skies, his arms crossed and his expression neutral. His face betrayed no emotion, but within his chest, his heart raced with anticipation. Even as he maintained his stoic fa?ade, he could not help but feel a thrill coursing through him.

    Moments stretched into eternity, the tension thickening like a coiled spring.

    Caine opened his eyes. Their dark depths were calm yet carried a weight that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of the world.

    Without a word, he stood, his movements fluid and deliberate. Using his spear as a crutch, he rose to his full height and looked ahead. His gaze met Oldest''s, then Mirror''s, then Failure''s. He regarded each of them in turn, his faint smile never wavering.

    Raising his hand, he beckoned them forward.

    His voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority.

    "Come."

    The word had barely left his lips when a blade flashed toward his neck, so fast it seemed to materialize out of thin air. Simultaneously, a dozen formation circles appeared behind him, their intricate patterns glowing ominously.

    Above, another blade descended, poised to strike him down.

    "Repulse."

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    A shockwave erupted from Caine, violently repelling everything around him. The formation circles shattered into nothingness, and the descending blade disintegrated mid-air.

    Failure''s formations crumbled under the force, while Oldest and Mirror were hurled backward, tumbling toward Failure. Yet they rose swiftly, their expressions as calm and composed as before.

    Caine took a step forward, then another, and another. Each step was deliberate, unhurried, yet carried an undeniable momentum, like the steady march of time itself. The faint smile remained on his lips, unshaken by the assault.

    Failure spoke, his tone measured but firm.

    "My body is heavily restricted. I''ll remain here and cover your bases. Mirror, go and engage him head-on. Oldest, stay in the mid-section. Support Mirror''s attacks and cover his retreats."

    Without hesitation, they moved.

    Mirror appeared in front of Caine, his blade splitting into nine shimmering arcs that descended simultaneously.

    Caine''s body blurred, his movements almost imperceptible as he parried each strike with precision.

    Mirror''s expression remained unchanged.

    Flames erupted across his body as he slid his foot forward, swinging his blade upward in a fiery arc.

    Caine''s hand ignited with white flames, and with a single, brutal motion, he slapped the blade downward, slamming it into the platform and shattering Mirror''s balance.

    BANG!

    Taking advantage of the opening, Caine''s fists blurred, unleashing a torrent of strikes upon Mirror. The sheer force of the assault sent Mirror spinning, his blade arcing upward in a desperate attempt to counter.

    CLANK!

    The blade struck nothing but air. Mirror had been pulled away by a massive hand of qi, summoned by Oldest.

    Switching places seamlessly, Oldest stepped forward. His nine rings began to spin, their radiant light illuminating the skies.

    Coiling his fist with the phantom of a black dragon, Oldest launched a strike aimed directly at Caine''s liver.

    Caine dodged, sidestepping gracefully, but Mirror emerged from Oldest''s shadow, his blade tearing upward in a perfectly timed strike.

    Caine clicked his tongue in annoyance, tilting his neck awkwardly to avoid the blade.

    Seizing the opening, Oldest''s fist slammed into Caine''s side.

    Yet, instead of breaking through, his fist shattered against the sheer durability of Caine''s body.

    Oldest had anticipated this. All he needed was contact.

    The formation etched into his fist burned into Caine''s body, spreading across him like wildfire.

    The formation activated, freezing Caine in place for the briefest moment. It was enough for Mirror to capitalize, his blade cleaving downward.

    "Not bad."

    From above, a bolt of black lightning descended, striking Mirror and charring his body. The surrounding air froze under the following waves of frost.

    White flames erupted across Caine''s skin, incinerating the sealing formation in an instant.

    Caine''s leg shot out like a bullet, slamming into Oldest''s gut with devastating force. The blow sent Oldest flying toward Failure, his stomach nearly torn apart.

    Just as Caine turned to counter Mirror''s strike, Failure''s voice rang out:

    "[Blight Art: Frames of Latency]." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine froze mid-motion, and Mirror''s speed doubled. Gashes appeared across Caine''s chest, blood spilling freely and soaking his robes.

    "[Blight Art: False Immortal]."

    Mirror and Oldest''s bodies rippled, crimson halos forming above their heads. Their strength surged, and Oldest, who had been near death, healed instantly. Mirror''s speed increased further, his blade a blur as it nearly severed half of Caine''s neck.

    Caine remained calm, his mind accelerating as time seemed to slow.

    His blood qi surged into his left arm, exploding outward. His fist struck Mirror with overwhelming force, launching him skyward.

    Taking advantage of the brief reprieve, Caine healed himself, threads of neutral and time qi weaving his wounds together and leaving only a faint scar on his neck.

    With a single step, he soared into the skies, aiming to finish Mirror.

    "[Blight Art: Swapped Origin]."

    Before Caine''s blade could reach him, Mirror vanished, replaced by a concentrated beam of chaotic qi.

    The beam struck Caine''s blade.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The explosion rippled through the heavens.

 Chapter 147 - 147: Me, Myself, and I(II)

    Potent flames engulfed Caine as a storm of chaotic qi swirled around the platform, a spectacle of destruction and power. Yet, mere moments later, the inferno dissipated, revealing an intact and unyielding Caine.

    His upper robes had been reduced to ash, exposing his refined, scarred physique to all who dared to gaze upon him.

    Caine''s eyes narrowed, his thoughts sharp and calculating. ''Mirror and Oldest are weak, little more than fodder. But with Failure aiding them, they become chaotic factors that could kill me at any moment.''

    He assessed the battlefield with clarity, his mind dissecting every possibility. ''Without dealing with Failure, I can do nothing. He knows this. He''s using those two as bait to draw me in.''

    A grin spread across Caine''s face, dark and eager. ''How fun.''

    "¡­ [Star Ring Circle: Primordial Bane Flame] ¡­ [Foundation: Eternal Night Dragon] ¡­"

    Dark, hexagonal scales etched with white runes erupted across Caine''s skin. Twin horns, sharp and tall like infernal spires, tore free from his forehead and reached skyward.

    His fingers elongated into claws of darkness, gleaming with a deadly edge, as his legs thickened, their muscles rippling with immense power. Black, demonic wings burst from his back, and his gaze burned crimson.

    His hair became a flowing mane of eternally burning black flames.

    Behind him, a white star materialized, radiating terrifying power. Its essence surged into Caine''s hearts, flowing through his veins and fusing with his very being.

    Though his True Wills remained dormant, the air itself trembled beneath the weight of his demonic presence. The suppressed rage in his soul boiled over, manifesting as an infernal mantle of crimson aura that surrounded him.

    [Star Ring Art: Demonic Upheaval]

    Failure''s eyes narrowed as flesh-and-bone vines surged from the platform below, twisting through the air like serpents toward him, Mirror, and Oldest.

    The vines moved with staggering speed. In mere moments, Mirror and Oldest were riddled with holes, their bodies pierced through. They would have perished instantly if not for the quasi-immortality bestowed upon them by Failure''s prior spell.

    Caine seized the opportunity.

    An explosion of qi marked his disappearance, a crimson blur streaking toward Oldest. In a flash, his blade found its mark, tearing into Oldest''s heart. As the latter began to regenerate, Caine''s hand shot forward, seizing Oldest''s head. With a vicious twist, he tore it from his neck, sending a geyser of blood spraying into the air.

    [Star Ring Art: Flame of the Scowled]

    Chaotic black-and-white flames erupted, consuming Oldest''s body entirely, reducing it to ash in an instant.

    Without hesitation, Caine shifted his focus to Mirror. His movement was seamless, each step calculated and precise.

    Failure''s hands moved swiftly, weaving through the air as he cast a spell.

    [Blight Art: Weave of Return]

    Oldest''s body reformed from the ashes, as if nothing had occurred. Rising to his feet, he lunged at Caine, a blade materializing in his hand mid-thrust.

    Caine sidestepped the attack effortlessly, pivoting away from Oldest''s blade before dodging a beam of chaotic qi hurled by Mirror.

    With fluidity, he spun behind Oldest, driving his hand into his chest and ripping out his heart once more. His blade dissected Oldest''s body into countless pieces, rendering him into a shredded mess.

    But Oldest regenerated almost instantaneously, his body stitching itself back together. The sight prompted a groan of frustration from Caine. ''Tricky.''

    Thinking quickly, Caine grabbed Oldest and hurled him toward the speeding Mirror. The two collided, a tangle of limbs and confusion.

    Without pause, Caine waved his hand, summoning chains of neutral qi that bound the pair together. With a ferocious kick, he sent them hurtling into the distance before redirecting his attention to Failure.

    Failure smirked faintly, meeting Caine head-on. Despite the vines restricting his body, his speed was almost nonsensical, leaving even Caine momentarily stunned.

    Caine thrust forward, but Failure sidestepped with uncanny precision. His hand grazed Caine''s spear, ripping it away in one fluid motion. Failure''s leg shot forward, sweeping Caine''s balance from under him, and with a powerful overhead slam, he drove Caine into the ground.

    BANG!

    Pain surged through Caine as his bones cracked and his veins ruptured. Yet he had no time to linger. Rolling away from Failure''s follow-up stomp, he was caught off guard when Failure grabbed his leg and hurled him into the air.

    For a fleeting moment, time seemed to slow for Failure. He exhaled, gripping Caine''s spear tightly, before unleashing a devastating attack.

    [¡ªArt: Cleave]

    SHRRRRRRR!

    The sound of tearing flesh and rending fabric echoed across the battlefield. Caine''s body was bisected, his lower half severed from his upper. His silver blood painted the platform in brutal streaks of carnage.

    [Blight Art: Lifeless Echo]

    Caine''s two halves shot toward one another, fusing rapidly. His body healed almost instantly, the process driven by time qi and supported by the interplay of life and death qi coursing through him. Rising to his feet, he faced Failure''s relentless assault once more.

    This time, chains surged from the platform, binding Caine in place. Behind him, Mirror and Oldest reappeared, their blades aimed for lethal strikes¡ªone toward his heart, the other for his head. At the same time, Failure''s blade descended toward his throat.

    Caine''s smile deepened, a glint of madness flaring in his crimson gaze.

    The blood he had spilled moments earlier began to writhe and shift. It formed a glowing formation that encapsulated the four combatants.

    Failure''s eyes widened, analyzing the formation''s structure, but realization came too late.

    [Blight Art: Kaiser Infinity]

    Azure time runes erupted across Caine''s skin, and an overwhelming surge of time qi flowed into him.

    In an instant, Caine''s speed escalated to incomprehensible levels, rendering the world around him frozen. He turned, his movements a blur as his fists slammed into Mirror and Oldest repeatedly. Each punch was delivered with such velocity that the afterimages of his strikes overlapped, seemingly attacking from past, present, and future all at once.

    [Blight Art: Bulwark End]

    Time resumed its normal flow, and Mirror and Oldest were sent hurtling away, their bodies reduced to mangled heaps of flesh and bone.

    Caine''s spear returned to his grasp, ripped away from Failure''s hand in a blur of movement. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    [Blight Art: Timeless Cleave]

    With a final, devastating strike, Failure was split in two.

 Chapter 148 - 148: Me, Myself, and I(III)â€”Grim

    Failure felt every fiber of his body tear in half, felt every shard of his bones tear into his flesh, and felt the eerie cold flow of his golden blood soaking his robes.

    He was torn in half, from the waist to the shoulder, but even as life faded from his eyes, for the faintest of moments, his True Will gathered. With the last embers of power burning in his heart, his arm moved and cut the air.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine didn''t even know what had happened, but all he could feel was pain. Looking down at his chest, he saw a gash torn across his frame, so deep his heart pulsed visibly through the wound.

    The wound ached; his blood fell in rivers, and Caine could feel Failure''s True Will deeply entrenched in the wound, preventing it from healing and slowly spreading through him.

    Like a plague, it gnawed at his flesh and spread through his blood, invading all aspects of his body.

    Caine fell to his knees just as both halves of Failure''s body hit the ground, lifeless.

    But Caine didn''t stay down for long. His gaze burned with an unquenchable fire as he used his spear for support, forcing himself to stand.

    He gazed at Failure''s body, his lifeless eyes still looking up at him.

    He was dead. Truly.

    Caine''s gaze turned to the distance, where Mirror and Oldest stood, already healed thanks to Failure''s spell, which still lingered despite his death.

    ''It won''t heal¡­''

    The wound on his chest continued to bleed.

    No matter what he tried, it wouldn''t close, and though his vitality was terrifying, he wasn''t immortal yet.

    If he lost enough blood, he would die.

    So, his hands moved.

    Threads of time qi wove through the injury, forcefully pulling it together, while Caine''s nails dug into his own chest, using his own blood as ink to draw a formation upon himself.

    [Blight Art: Bloody Cycle]

    The wound on his chest didn''t heal in the slightest, but it now remained closed, tightly bound by the endless threads of forming qi, which continued to suture his flesh.

    The blood that still managed to seep out flowed into the formation on Caine''s chest and back into his bloodstream, effectively solving the problem for now.

    The pain pulsed through Caine incessantly, his hands trembling and his heart chaotically pounding under the strain. Even for someone as accustomed to suffering as him, Failure''s True Will was far too much.

    But he stood, his gaze unwavering as it landed on Mirror and Oldest, full of malice.

    Like a predator gazing upon prey, like a god gazing down upon mortals.

    Throughout this entire battle, he hadn''t used his True Will at all to prove a point, and it would remain that way.

    BANG!

    Before Oldest and Mirror could react, Caine was upon them, but this time, his blade wasn''t in his hands. It swam around him like a fish in water, harmonizing with his every movement.

    A deathly dance began.

    Oldest and Mirror were entirely outmatched, but through their quasi-immortality, they managed to survive.

    Caine''s fists flowed with the smoothness of a river, his legs struck with the ferocity of a roaring dragon, and he moved with the agility of a soaring phoenix.

    Like a loyal companion, his spear swam around him, complementing each of his strikes. A punch was followed by a cleave, a kick by a thrust, and a roundhouse by a slice¡ªa harmony of man and weapon.

    Oldest and Mirror''s blood covered Caine entirely, yet he seemed indifferent. The light of wrathful madness in his gaze only grew, exploding forward and clashing against the walls of his hearts. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Even as the wounds on his frame accumulated and the pain from Failure''s attack intensified, he advanced, using the pain as a reminder, as fuel.

    His claws tore their flesh, his hands shattered their bones, and his fangs ripped veins away from them in a display of primal, brutal dominance.

    An inhuman roar escaped Caine''s lips, shaking the platform below and echoing like the bellow of a primordial terror.

    RUMBLE!

    Oldest and Mirror stood side by side, broken and trembling, suppressed and shattered, but they stood.

    Their gazes, nearly empty and teetering on the edge of life and death, landed on the demonic figure before them.

    If they were to die, they would do it with pride.

    Oldest stood upright, the trembling of his body ceasing entirely. His nine rings appeared behind him, rapidly spinning to devour atmospheric qi that then flowed into the halo above his head to heal him.

    Mirror did the same. Feathery white wings tore out of his back, spreading wide across the air.

    Their power soared, reaching unseen heights, their auras blending into a wave of silver and gold that clashed against the crimson sea of aura surrounding Caine.

    And yet, it was pointless.

    Caine looked at them. They rushed toward him, roaring and unleashing their power in one final, desperate attempt.

    Seeing them rush toward assured death left Caine bitter, his gaze full of pity.

    Being forced to kill himself three times over, in the most brutal of ways, was twisted¡ªand yet, so fitting for Fate''s sense of humor.

    It was pointless. Oh-so pointless.

    WHOOOOOSH!

    Caine took a step forward, and all the qi in the surroundings dissipated, leaving a void of energy on the battlefield.

    His hand reached out, his metallic claws tapping the air.

    The halos above Mirror and Oldest shattered in a scintillating rain of glowing stars. Yet, they continued to charge forward, uncaring of the assured death that lay before them.

    Caine''s outstretched palm swung across the air.

    There was no ripple, no fluctuation, yet the two fell to their knees, clutching their throats as blood gushed from wounds that tore across them.

    Caine looked down, meeting their widened gazes.

    "How pathetically weak we all are, hm?"

    Their heads exploded in a mangled mess of brain matter, flesh, bone, and blood. Their bodies fell flat, lifeless.

    Silence. That was all there was¡ªsilence.

    From the skies above, rain began to fall, pouring torrentially.

    Caine looked skyward, the rain flowing down his face and mingling with the blood coating his body, forming rivers of what looked like bloody tears.

    [Conquer The Fracture of Time and Fate (?)]

    "Fate, come."

    The world shook, and the rain intensified.

    [Conquer The¡ªError! Error!]

    Caine grabbed his spear, which had been floating around him.

    His gaze landed on Uriel, still hidden in the dark clouds above.

    [The End Has Come¡ªSubmit to the Eye Above All (?/?)]

    RUMBLE!

 Chapter 149 - 149: Fateâ€”Uriel

    The remains of Failure, Oldest, and Mirror''s dead bodies shot into the skies and toward Uriel, fusing into one grand entity.

    Caine remained unfazed, even as a divine aura erupted across the heavens and slammed onto the earth below with tyrannical might.

    WHOOOOSH!

    The skies parted.

    There, amidst the starry expanse beyond, a figure emerged, majestic and divine.

    With long hair of radiant gold cascading over a tall, broad, and muscle-bound frame, the man in the skies bore nine pairs of angelic white wings that reflected worlds of silver runes.

    His face was a masterpiece of perfection, each feature flawless, and his eyes burned with a cold yet welcoming golden light.

    Upon his forehead, a vertical slit could be seen, faintly glowing.

    Ethereal, misty white robes draped over Uriel''s newly formed body, radiating an aura of absolute and undeniable power.

    Slowly, he descended upon the platform.

    He smiled. "I am Uriel, Ninth and Last True Angel of Fate, or, as many would call me, the Mortal Avatar of Fate."

    The rain continued to pour, and for a long moment, the only sound was the pitter-patter of raindrops upon the marble platform where the two men stood.

    "¡­An Angel of Fate, you say¡­" Caine whispered to himself, his gaze letting go of Uriel and panning back toward the sky. "Your purpose is¡­ my submission?"

    Uriel nodded and chuckled lightly. "Yes, it is. The crown cannot be given; it must be taken. As much as the Great Mother loves and favors you¡­ I cannot allow a weak man to sit upon her throne."

    "So, either submit and join us, the True Angels of Fate, or simply die and be forgotten, like the eight princes who fell before you to my predecessor''s hands."

    "What was the saying again¡­?" Caine spoke softly. "One is unity, two is duality, three is the trinity, four is chaos¡­"

    "¡­Five is balance, six is imperfection¡­" Uriel added.

    "¡­Seven is heresy, eight is true balance, and nine¡­" Caine''s gaze returned to Uriel. "¡­is the limit."

    Uriel nodded solemnly. "Your path was fated to end here from the moment you were born. No one deserves to sit upon the throne, and it is unfortunate that someone with your talent has been chosen."

    "You could have gone on to achieve greatness¡ªand you still can, but only if you subm¡ª"

    Caine raised a hand, signaling Uriel to stop.

    Though taken aback at first, Uriel obliged.

    Caine glanced at the cracked blade of his spear and smiled. "To bathe in the blood of Fate''s Avatar¡­ that would be glorious, wouldn''t it?"

    His spear hummed and trembled, as if alive, resonating with his words.

    Caine nodded to himself, his grip tightening on the spear. He looked up, meeting Uriel''s gaze once more.

    His decision was clear.

    Uriel shook his head and sighed, a simple sword appearing in his hand as he spoke again. "It''s unfortunate. Truly." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Before I kill you, I suppose I''ll allow you to witness what lies above it all."

    Uriel took a single step forward, and as his foot touched the marble floor, dozens of gashes were torn across Caine''s body instantly, without rhyme or reason.

    Caine stumbled backward, pain flooding his senses. By the time he remembered Uriel''s presence, the angel was already upon him, his blade piercing Caine''s throat.

    "Potential¡­ so much of it¡­" Uriel watched blood pool and seep from Caine''s wounds with a sorrowful gaze. "¡­And yet so¡­ so stupid."

    A flash of light blinded Caine, and when his vision returned, the world felt colder. The ground spun beneath him, and in the distance, he saw his own headless body.

    His eyes widened in shock.

    SHAH!

    Uriel waved a hand, and Caine''s head shot back into his palm. Raising it to eye level, Uriel stared into Caine''s shocked expression.

    Without care, he placed Caine''s head back onto his body. Seamlessly, it healed and fused back into place.

    "Go on. Fight for your life." Uriel smiled.

    "You''re a warrior, are you not? Show me¡ªdefy fate itself and win."

    Another flash of light blinded Caine, and when his vision cleared, he found himself armless.

    "Oh, my apologies. You''re armless. That''s quite ugly, isn''t it? Let''s even it out."

    Uriel''s blade moved with incomprehensible speed. In a single motion, Caine was legless as well, his limbless torso collapsing to the ground like discarded trash.

    "Dear Mother of Fate Almighty, what have I done?!" Uriel exclaimed, squatting down to stare into Caine''s eyes.

    With a wave of his hand, Uriel restored Caine''s arms and legs, seamlessly attaching them back to his body.

    Uriel smiled. "See, I can¡ª"

    SPAT!

    Caine spat a dollop of blood onto Uriel''s face.

    Then another, and another.

    Uriel''s face froze, covered in spit and blood.

    The angel stood motionless for a moment before shaking his head and summoning a cloth from thin air to wipe his face clean.

    A dry, lifeless chuckle escaped his lips. "I expected more from you."

    "But, since we are stooping so low, I must oblige, no?"

    Caine stood to his feet. "You talk a lot."

    ZHIM!

    Uriel''s hand tore into Caine''s chest, ripping his ribs out with vicious momentum.

    "I suppose I do. Aren''t I lovely?"

    Uriel''s figure blurred as his blade multiplied a thousandfold, swimming toward Caine with incomprehensible fluidity and force.

    Yet Caine was not cut down.

    Uriel''s blades moved methodically, peeling off layers of Caine''s skin with precision, leaving him as nothing more than a mannequin of flesh.

    Uriel tapped the air, sending a ripple of qi through Caine, frying his nerves. As Uriel reached out to grab Caine, the latter moved, dodging clumsily.

    Caine stumbled backward, his control over his body reduced to a pathetic state. Uriel, however, stared at his own hand in disbelief.

    He had¡­ missed?

    "Good."

    Uriel''s wings extended and curved, lancing forward like spears to pierce Caine''s body.

    Blood spilled freely, carried down by the rain that continued to fall.

    Uriel smiled¡ªa toothy, demonic smile.

    "We''re going to have a lot of fun, you and I."

 Chapter 150 - 150: Fate(II)â€”Uriel(II)

    Caine lay impaled on a grand lance of bronze, covered in black runes. His arms and legs were outstretched by long golden chains that soared out of the void, wrapped around and into him with vicious intent.

    His skin, flesh, and bones constantly fell away in waves of rotten matter, only to regenerate in the next instant.

    Floating in the air in front of him, Uriel stood.

    "You know, the heavens were once filled with those like me, angels of untold beauty."

    "We once lived in harmony with all there was and acted as the arbiters of good. We stood for all that bathed in light."

    Uriel''s smile faded. His hands reached out and¡­

    "ARGHHH!"

    ¡­dug into Caine''s face, gouging out his eyes.

    Uriel played with the eyeballs in his palms, looking at them with a strange mix of emotions¡ªfear, hate, reverence, and¡­ jealousy.

    "Those eyes. The bastard had the same eyes. Eyes of silver, a mane of white, skin kissed by the sun, and¡­ a heart from the dreamless lands."

    "Alone, he tore the heavens apart and chased my kind like dogs. From the greatest of our kin to the lowest, we were all hunted and¡­"

    Uriel''s words trailed into an eternity of silence.

    His palm clamped shut, and the eyeballs in his hands shattered, breaking into a rain of starry debris.

    WHOOSH!

    The lance impaling Caine vanished along with the chains that bound him. He fell from the skies and crashed onto the platform below like a discarded rag.

    Uriel floated down.

    "It''s dark, isn''t it?" He smiled. "To not see the light we angels once guarded¡ªhow horrifying must that be?"

    Caine slowly stood up, his body still a monstrosity of falling flesh and bone, endlessly regenerating.

    Uriel threw a punch forward, and Caine''s head exploded, his body collapsing backward, limp.

    Uriel waved his hand, and Caine''s head reformed instantly.

    "How helpless do you feel, hm?"

    Uriel''s hands extended and grabbed the air as if it were a cloth. Then, with vicious force, he tore the empty space apart.

    Following the motion, pulled by a terrifying spectral force, Caine''s body was torn in half, from head to toe. Blood spilled, and his organs splattered everywhere.

    Uriel brought his hands back together, and the two torn halves of Caine''s body fused again.

    "I stand upon these waves of holy light because I have known the depths of the dark abyss I fight against."

    Uriel clapped his hands together, and from the platform below, a grotesque creature soared out. It began devouring and tearing Caine apart with violence that defied comprehension.

    "But do you? Do you know how dark it can all truly be? Hm?" Rage simmered in Uriel''s tone, like a slumbering volcano slowly awakening, ready to erupt.

    From the skies above, countless blades, spears, and weapons of all kinds began to form, along with beams of qi in every type and hue. With merciless intent, they rained down upon Caine.

    "DO YOU NOT KNOW?!" Uriel''s voice boomed across the world, powerful enough to clear the cloud of chaotic qi that had engulfed Caine. It annihilated the creatures that had been tearing him apart.

    Uriel''s chest heaved, his hands trembled, and his golden gaze slowly turned crimson. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine, still lying on the floor, began to move.

    With excruciating slowness, he stood up.

    He raised his guard and looked ahead.

    "Ha¡­ haha! Hahahaha!" Uriel laughed. "Let me show you something."

    Uriel tapped the air, and a loud crack echoed.

    Caine''s True Wills shattered.

    Uriel tapped the air again, and another loud crack echoed.

    Caine''s Dao Hearts shattered.

    "How fickle is it all, really? Hm? How insignificant are you to the likes of me?"

    Uriel tapped the air again, and Caine''s True Will immediately¡­ healed, along with his Dao Hearts.

    Every time Uriel tapped the air, the cycle repeated.

    A cycle that drove Caine deeper and deeper into a state of madness no mortal should ever face.

    His Dao Heart crumbled and was erased countless times, while his True Will regressed, destroyed, and twisted over and over again.

    His senses were stripped away one by one, and his cultivation faded by the second.

    Through it all, all Caine could do was roar out in pain. His mind, too weak to comprehend what was happening, could only drown in the agony.

    He was helpless.

    "Come!"

    As if compelled by an irresistible command, Caine charged forward. To him, the world had become an endless expanse of darkness and pain.

    Mindlessly, he swung forward.

    Uriel sneered. His blade tore through the air, severing Caine''s arms once more.

    Uriel pivoted around him and swung his blade toward Caine''s neck. Yet, somehow¡ªinstinctively¡ªCaine moved and dodged.

    Uriel laughed. His leg shot out, crashing into Caine''s back, sending him flying across the platform. Bones shattered, and flesh unraveled under the friction as Caine skidded across the surface.

    Even so, he managed to stop himself and stand up again. He raised his guard, his hollow eye sockets staring ahead.

    In the distance, Uriel frowned, sensing something unusual.

    At his level, intuition was a form of precognition. Trusting his instincts, he decided to end it.

    "I suppose I''ve vented enough," he said, his wings flaring and stretching wide. "I''ll execute you with the little respect you deserve."

    [Heavenly Truth: Chains of Erebus]

    The same golden chains that had previously bound Caine reappeared, wrapping around his entire frame and forcing him to his knees.

    The chains dug into his flesh, twisted around his bones, and pierced into his organs.

    Terrifying golden qi seeped from them, flooding and corroding his body.

    [Heavenly Truth: Fallen Lance]

    From the platform below, two lances shot up, impaling Caine''s arms and stretching them outward. Golden veins of qi erupted across his skin, cracking and fissuring his body.

    Two more lances fell from the skies, piercing his legs, locking him in place, and shattering his bones.

    Uriel took step after step toward him, his blade elongating into a majestic, qi-covered sword.

    His wings, previously simple, now bore countless amethyst pupils, radiating an overwhelming and terrifying power.

    "May Samsara have mercy on your soul."

    [Heavenly Truth: True Death]

    There was no explosion, no flashiness, no fluctuation¡ªUriel swung, and Caine''s head was severed from his body.

    Caine''s head fell to the ground and rolled across the platform. All signs of life were gone.

    Death was ordinary¡ªsomething even someone like Caine could work around.

    But True Death?

    Not even Gods, not even True Gods, could return from such an end.

    It was absolute¡ªan absolute and final death.

 Chapter 151 - 151: Fate(III)â€”Luck, Luck, Luck

    ''Death.''

    Caine found himself standing in an endless expanse of outstretched ethereal glowing golden waters. Above, in the skies, countless majestic eyes of gold, amethyst, and purple gazed down upon him¡ªdivine and otherworldly.

    The place felt strangely familiar, as though he had returned to his mother''s womb. Its warmth was almost nostalgic.

    But Caine didn''t seem to react much to this.

    ''I have died.''

    He looked around and found himself utterly alone.

    PAH! S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine sat down on the waters beneath him, his expression empty, his gaze locked on the endlessly stretching horizon beyond.

    There was no trick.

    No complex plan. No grand heretical idea. No sealed and hidden power. No sudden awakening or enlightenment¡ªthere was nothing.

    No one was there but him.

    Nothing would save him. He had died, truly and simply because he was too weak, because he wasn''t worthy.

    The realization sank into Caine without resistance.

    He accepted it for what it was. What else could he do?

    He didn''t know why he was here instead of Samsara, nor did he know where "here" even was, but he truly didn''t care.

    At the end of the day, none of it mattered.

    RUMBLE!

    The sea of eyes flooding the skies above parted, allowing a figure to descend.

    The figure was a featureless, feminine humanoid entity of gold, with a burning mane of white hair and majestic purple eyes that glowed with piercing light.

    Black robes draped over her figure, fluttering slightly as she descended. She landed upon the endless waters of gold and walked toward Caine.

    Then, she sat beside him.

    For a long while, they both remained silent.

    "I¡­ am sorry," the lady spoke, her voice a melodious, androgynous echo that soothed both the soul and spirit.

    "But some things must be burned, for the flames of defiance require sacrifice. These flames can either consume the world¡­ or the self."

    "If the self is consumed, rebirth is the only path. If the world is consumed, death is the only path."

    Caine''s heart trembled at her words, but his face remained serene.

    "Things are just the way they are, aren''t they?" the lady asked with a soft smile.

    Caine''s gaze shifted toward her, and he smiled faintly in return. "They are."

    The lady nodded, her smile deepening.

    "Well, then, I am happy, my child."

    Slowly, Caine''s silver crown began to manifest atop his head. His gaze left the lady and returned to the horizon.

    The lady''s body began to dissolve into motes of golden light, which fused into Caine''s crown.

    "Live as you wish, yes?"

    The lady vanished entirely, her essence now part of the crown.

    The crown disappeared as well, leaving Caine alone once more. The world around him was utterly silent.

    "Yes, I will."

    Caine, across all his lives, had only cried three times.

    The first was the day of his birth in the three realms.

    The second was the day he met Nova, cradling the lifeless body of the love of his life.

    The third was the day of his birth as a Velios.

    And today, he cried for the fourth time.

    Caine''s gaze remained locked on the horizon, his face apathetic, as a tear rolled down his cheek and fell onto the pristine robes he wore.

    WHOOSH!

    The countless eyes flooding the skies trembled and began to shed tears. These tears fell as a rain of gold upon Caine.

    The waters he sat upon stirred and moved, forming wave after wave.

    Yet Caine remained unmoved, even as more and more tears streamed down his face.

    His hand moved to his chest, gripping the flesh over his heart tightly. He bent slightly forward, the echo of his heartbeat reverberating in his ears.

    It was happening again¡ªthat feeling. The same one he''d felt when he met Laplace.

    Endless fear, sadness, and melancholy.

    But this time, Caine didn''t fight it.

    He basked in its overwhelming tides. The harder he cried, the heavier the golden rain poured, and the larger the waves became.

    ''¡­''

    At that moment, Caine made a promise to himself.

    A promise he would never betray.

    ***

    Uriel stood over Caine''s lifeless body. Mere seconds had passed since his death.

    And yet¡­ nothing happened.

    Uriel frowned, his gaze shifting upward to the skies that continued to pour torrents of rain.

    WHOOSH!

    His gaze narrowed.

    Caine''s head faded into motes of light, along with his body. Even the blood and shattered bits of flesh scattered across the platform disappeared.

    ''¡­What is going¡­ on?''

    Uriel''s heart began to race¡ªa sensation that should have been impossible for him. Sweat gathered on his back, and goosebumps erupted across his flawless skin.

    His chest heaved, his golden eyes narrowing.

    Frantically, he spun around, his gaze locking onto a figure standing miles away.

    "¡­HOW?!"

    Uriel''s voice, meant to be grand and commanding, barely echoed, drowned by the endless patter of rain upon the platform.

    Caine, flawless and unharmed, stood in the distance. Yet, his eyes remained gouged out, concealed by rune-covered white bandages.

    "I am¡­" Caine''s words trailed into silence.

    Deciding not to finish, he waved his hand.

    Uriel was pulled forward, brought directly before him by the sheer weight of Caine''s Will.

    Uriel, trembling, fell to his knees. A blade appeared in his hand, and he pressed it against his own neck.

    "Sh¡­ sh-what¡­ please¡­" His words were incoherent, broken into a jumbled mess.

    "Do it," Caine commanded with a nod.

    Uriel pressed the blade into his throat and tore, decapitating himself.

    [??? (6/6)]

    As Uriel''s headless body crumpled at Caine''s feet, dozens of orbs of gold appeared before him¡ªrewards.

    Without sparing them a second glance, Caine stored the orbs in his ring.

    He looked upward.

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    Caine had never seen spatial tears form with such ferocity.

    The fabric of reality folded and tore, raining void debris. From within the void''s depths, an eye emerged.

    The eye was impossibly complex and divine, yet all Caine could perceive was a blurry mess of broken runes.

    But he understood.

    He knew what was coming.

    His crown reappeared above his head.

    WHOOSH!

 Chapter 152 - 152: Promised of Fate

    It was said that after one''s Will reached a certain stage, one''s actions gained weight and became tangible, in a way that directly and drastically enhanced their power.

    At this stage, one''s actions could birth Titled Runes, symbols that would brand themselves into one''s Will. These runes were called Titles. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    However, only after reaching this threshold of Will could one access these Titles. Otherwise, they would merely accumulate in the ether, never taking form.

    And today, Caine''s True Will had reached that stage. The eye in the skies rewarded him.

    It rewarded him not only with the Titled Runes he had accumulated across his many lives but also with the Titled Runes of his fallen summons along with Oldest, Mirror, and Failure''s Titled Runes.

    All of them were etched into his crown, and all his future achievements would join them automatically.

    A sea of runes majestically cascaded down from the heavens, each one sinking into his crown. The silver fabric of the crown gained rune after rune, each one blazing with power.

    Endless power coursed through Caine''s body, flooding him to the point where it felt as though it would shatter him. Yet, the mark of Lady Gaia shone through, sealing and methodically putting this terrifying power to sleep.

    < [God Slayer], [Defiant], [Promised of Fate], [Mad Savant], [Progenitor], [Samsara Overlord]¡­ >

    The runes continued to accumulate upon his crown.

    From the skies above, threads of gold descended, fusing into his hands and arms. A complex series of tattoos began etching themselves onto his back, but Caine paid it no mind, allowing the process to proceed undisturbed.

    Caine glanced down at Uriel''s lifeless body.

    He stood still and unmoving, as if nothing of importance were happening¡ªas if this moment was utterly worthless.

    What was supposed to be a moment of incredible joy and pride felt like nothing but a lull of silence and heavy indifference.

    It was bitter. So bitter that Caine couldn''t help but chuckle amidst it all.

    ''It''s finally over.''

    ***

    Though Caine himself was indifferent to the moment, the wider world was not.

    Far, far away, in the void of all things, a floating platform stood. Made of emerald rocks and entwined vines, it served as the base for a grand and looming tree at its center.

    The tree''s leaves were colorless, reflecting infinity and unity at once¡ªa duality of all things and nothingness.

    Its trunk was a swirl of every color, with veins of black twisting into beautiful, intricate runes that snaked across it.

    The vines of the tree intertwined around the rocks, holding the platform together as its core.

    At the foot of this majestic tree stood an old man before a stone tablet embedded in the trunk.

    The man was ancient, his back hunched, his bronze skin wrinkled and sagging. Layers of flesh covered his face, leaving only his brilliant brown eyes visible.

    He was nothing but skin and bones. The large orange robes he wore hung loosely over his frail frame, exaggerating his thinness.

    Yet, despite his appearance, the man''s hands moved faster than any youth''s, writing countless words onto a parchment in his hands.

    Suddenly, he froze.

    His gaze lifted to the stone tablet before him.

    WHOOSH!

    An overwhelming aura erupted from him, enough to flatten a world. In an instant, the man regained his youth, transforming into a beautiful, bald figure with bronze skin kissed by the sun and eyes as bright as the stars over a desert night.

    His gaze widened, and his hands trembled.

    ~~

    {Noble Ladder of Origin¡ªYouth Ladder}

    [1. Herald of Chaos, Lord Tyrr]

    [2. Scion of Heaven, Lord Sarahadah]

    [3. Darling of Samsara, Lord Styxia]

    [4. Void Childe, Lord Void]

    [5. Architect of Perfection, Lord Enumah]

    .

    .

    .

    These were the previous rankings of the top five.

    But now¡­

    ~~~

    {Noble Ladder of Origin¡ªYouth Ladder}

    [1. Herald of Chaos, Lord Tyrr]

    [2. Scion of Heaven, Lord Sarahadah]

    [3. Darling of Samsara, Lord Styxia]

    [4. Promised of Fate, Lord Lerouge]

    [5. Void Childe, Lord Void]

    .

    .

    .

    In fifty years, the list had already changed ten times. Yet this shift was monumental.

    For longer than the man could remember, the top five had remained unchanged¡ªuntil ten years ago, when Lord Styxia entered the ranks.

    But now, another had ascended into the top five.

    This was monumental.

    The man fell to his knees, trembling.

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    Across existence, this scene repeated countless times.

    Over and over again, Caine''s name was sung to the heavens:

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    "All praise to Lord Lerouge, Promised of Fate!"

    Yet, far from the celebrations, the news reached the ears of¡­ a certain young Lord.

    ***

    [???¡ªAbode of the Flawless]

    In an impossibly vast open hall, seemingly suspended in the skies, a throne of crackling lightning and fire stood.

    Upon it sat a figure cloaked in a mantle of thick white aura, unaffected by the throne''s chaotic elements.

    Lord Enumah.

    "¡­Hm¡­" He tapped the armrest of his throne rhythmically, his demeanor a reflection of deep-seated indifference.

    And yet, anyone who understood the significance of the Noble Origin Ladder would know: he was furious.

    But his anger ran deeper.

    The fact that he knew nothing of this so-called "Lord Lerouge" could only mean one thing:

    The newcomer was from a lesser realm. A much, much lesser realm.

    And yet, he had been dethroned.

    First, Enumah had been knocked down by Lord Void¡ªa humiliation he had grudgingly accepted.

    Then came Lord Styxia, an unknown figure who had similarly surpassed him.

    And now¡­ this.

    Enumah had fallen from second to sixth, cast out of the top five entirely.

    With his fall, he had lost an opportunity of incalculable importance.

    "Interesting. Interesting. Interesting," he muttered, his tapping fingers quickening. The lightning around him grew more chaotic, and the flames surrounding his throne burned with terrifying intensity.

    As the Chosen of Perfection, Enumah had long hated not being number one. He had tempered this frustration under his father''s instructions, but now¡­

    "I apologize, father."

    Lord Enumah rose from his throne.

    He took a single step forward¡ª

    And vanished.

 Chapter 153 - 153: Return

    Jamie''s camp, already a field of carnage and destruction, now resembled an extract of hell itself.

    The land was scorched emerald, covered in eternally burning white flames. The soil curved inward, forming deep trenches and craters that littered the area.

    These craters brimmed with blood, flesh, bones, and corpses, strewn about in grotesque piles that seemed to stretch endlessly.

    A thick, lingering killing intent saturated the air, mingling with the clashing intents and wills of countless entities. These forces tore at the natural flow of qi, creating volatile and chaotic storms that raged across the battlefield.

    At the edge of this chaotic field of destruction, a lone woman stood.

    She wore layered black and white priestess robes, her long, curly blonde hair framing her face and cascading over her shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes radiated waves of slumbering power, their depths hinting at untold strength.

    Priestess Enya surveyed the scene, her gaze scanning for something¡ªor someone¡ªwhile her thoughts churned with confusion.

    After the abominations invaded the camp, she had fled for no more than an hour, yet in that short time, the camp had transformed into this hellscape.

    The corpses of soldiers and abominations alike piled upon one another, further deepening the mystery of what might have occurred in her absence.

    Her thoughts were interrupted when she sensed a ripple in space.

    Her aura flared as her gaze narrowed, but before she could locate the source of the disturbance, a sudden and overwhelming pressure engulfed the world.

    Her body trembled, and her heart pounded as she fell to her knees.

    A tall figure stood before her, shrouded in a mantle of thick silver aura. He was mere inches away¡ªso close she should have seen him arrive. But she hadn''t.

    She couldn''t.

    The world had become a blurry and broken fresco of runes and colors, making it impossible for her to focus.

    "Enya, I see you''ve survived. I''m glad," the figure spoke, his voice resonant and melodic yet terrifying in its lifeless echo.

    The figure gazed down at Enya''s trembling form and seemed to understand.

    The oppressive pressure vanished instantly, and the mantle of aura surrounding Caine dissipated, revealing his figure. Squatting down, he extended a hand and helped Enya to her feet.

    "I apologize. I hadn''t noticed my aura leaking."

    Enya stood, her body still trembling, though she quickly regained her composure. As she gazed at Caine''s face, she found herself momentarily enthralled before snapping back to reality.

    "Sir¡­ your eyes¡­?"

    Caine chuckled. "They''re fine. I''ll get them back in due time. The world has never been clearer to me, so there''s no need to worry."

    Enya opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself. Instead, she dropped to one knee, crossing her palm over her chest in solemn reverence.

    "Sir, I, Enya Sanglier, swear dearly to the Daos of Heaven that I shall serve his lordship Lerouge to death and beyond."

    The skies parted, and a golden chain descended from their depths. The chain phased into Enya''s chest, wrapping tightly around her heart.

    "Let my blood be a testament to this oath."

    A blade appeared in her hand, and without hesitation, she slit her throat.

    Blood gushed forth, spraying into the air and intertwining into runes that linked together to form another chain.

    The chain moved with terrifying speed, suturing the wound on her neck and stabilizing her condition.

    Enya rose, her gaze resolute as she looked toward Caine.

    "Well, that was something. A Dao Oath, hm?" Caine mused aloud.

    Dao Oaths were promises made with the world itself as a witness¡ªunbreakable vows.

    The punishment for breaking one was worse than death: an eternity of unimaginable suffering.

    With this, Enya had essentially bound herself as a vassal to Caine, no less loyal than any of his summons. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Though Caine considered it a slight waste¡ªhe could have turned her into a summon and granted her unique talents¡ªit didn''t bother him much.

    "Alright, dear Enya. I accept your oath."

    The chain around her heart glowed brightly, dissolving into a cloud of runes that fused into her flesh.

    Waves of strength coursed through her body as the oath was finalized.

    "But you''ll have quite a bit to explain," Caine remarked.

    ***

    Caine sat naked in a grand hot spring, its glowing crimson waters as red as blood yet as soothing as a mother''s warm embrace.

    Impurities slowly burned away from his body, cleansing him.

    Most of the scars he had accumulated over years of battle faded, though a few remained¡ªmost notably the ones on his neck, chest, and ribs.

    Upon his back, a complex golden tattoo of intertwining dragons and silver clouds flickered on and off in rhythm with his heartbeat.

    Reclining against the edge of the spring, Caine listened as Enya stood behind him, recounting her report.

    "Jamie himself is quite restricted by figures I am not very informed on, but he has considerable influence over all merchant deals involving the Church''s Knighthood. In turn, he controls a network of corrupted pawns within their ranks. That''s why he wanted you to join the Royal Knight Guard¡ªso he could locate you."

    "It would have been simpler for him to meet you here, but the issue is twofold. The ruins you must see are in the capital, and after the incident here¡ªwith your terrifying tribulation¡ªhe''s drawn far too much attention. Leaving discreetly would be nearly impossible."

    Caine nodded, absently stroking his chin as he sank deeper into thought.

    "As for me, your highness," Enya continued, "I was sent by Pope Francis to aid you¡­ forever. Though you may not trust him fully yet, I believe this will change once you meet him. He, too, awaits your arrival at the Royal Knight Guard."

    Caine raised a brow in mild surprise. "I see. How are you and Jamie''s people connected? From what I know, these are two paths that should never have crossed."

    Enya nodded, clearly anticipating the question. "Pope Francis said you would ask this."

    "The answer, in his words, is this¡ªand I quote: ''I was simply using them to make things easier for you.'' That was all he told me."

    Caine chuckled softly at the response, leaning back against the warm edge of the spring.

 Chapter 154 - 154: Strings of Fate

    "Hm, I see. Well, thank you, Enya. You can go and rest. We have a lot of traveling to do tomorrow, no?"

    Enya nodded, then politely excused herself, heading back to a tent she had set up not far from the hot spring.

    Caine was left alone with his thoughts.

    There were quite a few things he needed to do¡ªperhaps "quite a few" didn''t even do justice to the sheer enormity of what lay ahead. The list of tasks he had planned was endless, overwhelming, even.

    But all of it would begin once he reached the capital. For now, all he could do was rest and¡­

    ''Interesting.''

    Caine raised his hand to eye level. Despite his lack of eyes, he could still see¡ªstrangely, more clearly than ever.

    He could no longer perceive the strings, runes, and tapestry of existence as he once did. But none of that mattered now. What captured his attention were his hands.

    During the final moments of the Trial of Fate, threads of golden strings had descended from the skies and fused into his hands, just as the strange tattoo had taken form on his back.

    Before, he might have been clueless as to what these phenomena were. But now, he knew¡ªinstinctively and with absolute clarity.

    ''Divine Royal Mark of Fate¡­ and Strings of Fate.''

    The former was shrouded in mystery; all he knew was its name. But the latter was different¡ªhe understood it completely.

    The Strings of Fate, now fused into his hands, allowed his affinity to fate to take a tangible, physical form.

    He could sense the tides of the river of fate, albeit only on a small scale. To some extent, he felt he could steer it, altering its flow to suit his needs.

    It felt as if he could almost glimpse the future, decipher its possibilities, and manipulate what was beneficial while discarding what wasn''t.

    But beyond even that, his dexterity had reached unprecedented levels.

    Caine already understood that one of Fate''s core essences was Control, a concept deeply tied to his own True Will. So, what did it mean for the Strings of Fate to be woven directly into his flesh and hands?

    And finally¡­

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine pressed a finger forward. Instantly, a tapestry of golden strings materialized before him, bending and warping under the weight of his touch.

    Though he could no longer "see" the strings in the way he once could, he could now truly touch them¡ªsomething he had never been able to do before.

    ''It''ll most likely take time for these abilities to show their true might.''

    Caine was well aware that the true potential of his new powers would only reveal itself when he ascended to higher cultivation realms. For now, as a mere Quasi-Spark realm entity, he had no right to wield the full scope of these gifts from Fate.

    But he was in no rush. He had plans, and if¡ªor rather, when¡ªthey bore fruit, every sacrifice and effort would be worth it.

    He would exploit this fractured reality in ways no one had ever dared to before.

    ***

    [Holy Capital¡ªKnight Haven]

    In a grand office with polished wooden floors, high ceilings, and a marble desk facing massive tinted windows that overlooked the ancient beauty of the capital, a woman worked tirelessly.

    Her appearance was deceptively simple¡ªmid-length brown hair, sharp black eyes, and a slightly aged face. She wore a military uniform, and the skin visible beneath it was marred by countless scars. The fierce light in her eyes told stories of battles long past.

    Quietly, she read through a towering stack of documents, her focus unwavering. Hours passed as she meticulously examined each page.

    Suddenly, across from her, a man clad in dark robes appeared.

    Unlike her, he was inhuman. His body was a flawless machine of refined, tempered muscle, covered in white scales inscribed with runes of gold and scarlet.

    His face resembled that of a tiger, yet his eyes were unsettlingly human, glowing with the light of aged wisdom and experience.

    Power rippled from his being, suffocating and immense.

    Yet the woman remained indifferent, not even sparing him a glance. She continued flipping through her documents, her demeanor unbothered.

    Minutes passed in tense silence. The creature seemed to grow impatient and finally broke it.

    "Little human¡­ if you do not¡ª"

    The woman''s gaze left her papers for the first time, locking onto the creature.

    Instantly, the tiger-like entity froze.

    It lost the ability to speak, think, or even move.

    A terrifying Will seeped into every fiber of its existence, constricting like a massive boa suffocating its prey.

    Had Caine been present, he would have been astounded. Not only did this woman possess a True Will, but it also bore a Royal trait.

    More than that, her Will seemed alive, as if it had its own character, its own unique nature.

    It exuded the all-encompassing reach of darkness and the slow, methodical force of a serpent.

    The level of mastery she had achieved over her Will was unfathomable.

    WHOOOSH!

    The tiger-like creature gasped for breath as the woman''s aura retreated entirely.

    Without a word, she returned to her documents.

    The creature remained unsettled for several moments, but it eventually regained its composure.

    When it spoke again, its tone was measured, filled with respect and caution.

    "Esteemed Elder Larisse, the leaders of the clans have sent me with a message."

    The man summoned a box from his storage ring and placed it carefully on the desk. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Soon, the Pope will become active once more. This will force him to leave the capital, just as he was forced to leave not long ago to deal with the strange tribulation that occurred."

    "When that happens¡­ please deal with this target."

    He stood and bowed deeply.

    "All the information is contained within the box, along with the payment."

    Without another word, the man vanished into thin air.

    The box on Elder Larisse''s desk was swallowed by a wave of darkness, leaving no trace of its existence.

    Elder Larisse herself remained indifferent, flipping through her documents with the same unwavering focus.

    Yet those who knew her well would have noticed the faint smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

    ''Interesting.''

    She was¡­ excited.

 Chapter 155 - 155: Ease and Simplicity

    Elder Larisse stood high in the skies, gazing down at a crowd of countless youths¡ªmen and women alike¡ªeach exuding fierce and valiant auras.

    The crowd gathered in a vast, beautiful plain of green grass, where a soft and refreshing breeze carried the scent of life and hope. The sun poured its golden light upon them like rivers of silk, illuminating their eager faces.

    The world seemed serene, and the youth below reflected its endless potential, their hearts brimming with anticipation and resolve.

    Today was the day: the Knight Selection Exams.

    This was their chance¡ªtheir only chance¡ªto join the Church''s revered squad of Knights. It was their opportunity to grasp power, prestige, and purpose.

    Every youth present had trained tirelessly for most of their lives, facing countless challenges and tempering their bodies and minds on the edge of life and death.

    They were ready.

    Only one hundred would be chosen for the Knighthood, and none among them were prepared to give up.

    Elder Larisse''s cold gaze swept over the crowd, meeting the burning eyes of those gathered.

    None of it impressed her. But alas, the job was the job.

    "Welcome to the Knight Selection Examinations," her voice rang out, cold and sharp, carrying a savage undertone that silenced all murmurs.

    "Die, live¡ªnone of that matters to me. Pass the three exams, and you join our ranks. As you all know, only a hundred of you will be accepted."

    She raised a hand, her expression unchanging.

    "So, it is a race just as much as it is an examination."

    With a simple wave, a road of shimmering blue crystals materialized before the crowd.

    The crystalline path stretched into the horizon, disappearing far into the distance.

    "First examination¡ªthe body. This road will test your physical limits. Each step will become harder to take than the last."

    "The next two examinations are self-explanatory, so you won''t see me again until the finish line¡ªif you make it that far."

    The crowd''s auras flared, their determination igniting into a towering wave of intent.

    "Go."

    And with that single word, they exploded into motion, surging forward like a tidal wave of ambition and resolve.

    ***

    Caine reached the end of the road mere moments after the examination began.

    His appearance was as unassuming as ever.

    Though he had initially planned to hide his identity and power, he decided against it at the last second.

    An idea had taken root in his mind, and he was curious to see how it would play out.

    WHOOSH!

    As soon as Caine stepped off the road, he was teleported to another plain, this one covered in red grass.

    He looked around, but before he could make sense of his surroundings, a stone tablet materialized before him.

    With a single glance, he read its inscription.

    "A test of the heart? Okay."

    Without warning, the tablet shattered into a rain of ash, and Caine was teleported away once more.

    ***

    The world beyond the examination grounds was eerily quiet as the Knight Selection Trials unfolded.

    Across cities and villages, people gathered to watch the trials, broadcasted to all corners of the world.

    As always, the trials were a spectacle.

    The hopeful knights struggled through the infamous Road of Pulled Waters, where each step subjected their bodies to unbearable pressure, a weight that doubled with every step taken.

    Bones broke, flesh tore, and minds faltered.

    Yet they pressed on, fueled by dreams of glory and a burning passion for their future.

    Next came the Heart Render Tablet, a test of conviction and willpower. The tablet delved into the depths of their hearts, exposing them to unimaginable torment. Their beliefs and dreams were scrutinized and shattered, forcing them to confront their very essence.

    Souls were torn, men wept, women fainted, and all suffered as the foundations of their resolve were tested.

    Finally, there was the Cloud Tether Step, a test of determination and skill. The youths had to ascend into the skies, bypassing the chaotic storms and fierce avian beasts that guarded the fabled Cloud Castles.

    These castles, home to the divine and mighty Holy Knights, radiated terrifying auras that served as an additional barrier. The Holy Knights, trained personally by the Pope, stood as figures of power second only to the Pope himself.

    Together, these trials made for a captivating spectacle¡ªa tempest of excitement, triumph, and despair. Underdogs rose, geniuses faltered, and every moment was a feast for the eyes.

    So why was the world so quiet?

    In the capital, a merchant stood among a crowd gathered in the streets, staring at one of the massive projection screens displaying the trials.

    "What¡­ am I¡­ seeing?"

    His voice trembled as he struggled to comprehend the scene before him.

    To traverse the Road of Pulled Waters without stopping was already a feat that bordered on impossible. Doing so in less than a minute was unthinkable.

    But to shatter the Heart Render Tablet entirely?

    And to ascend into the clouds and reach the Cloud Castles without encountering any obstacles?

    "Who¡­ who the hell is that blind bastard?!"

    Gasps and whispers filled the streets as people began to wonder if the Church was about to birth its tenth Holy Knight.

    ***

    Caine landed softly on one of the Cloud Castles, his wings fading into nothingness as his feet touched the ground.

    The castle''s architecture was ancient and gothic, its stained-glass windows reflecting sunlight in dazzling hues that contrasted starkly with the dark, black bricks of its structure.

    It sat atop a bed of clouds, defying logic with its weightless elegance.

    Caine found it odd but unworthy of investigation¡ªany low-tier formation could accomplish such a feat. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Where is the supposed hidden trial?''

    Enya had informed him that if he reached this castle in record time, a special trial would occur. Yet, so far¡­

    BANG!

    A man crashed onto the platform in front of Caine, the impact shaking the clouds and the castle behind them.

    The man was clad in heavy silver armor, his bald head gleaming in the sunlight. His burning orange eyes radiated power and authority.

    Dozens of swords hovered behind him, arranged in a perfect spherical formation, each blade glimmering with lethal intent.

    The man''s gaze locked onto Caine, narrowing slightly.

    "Greetings," he said, his voice deep and resonant.

 Chapter 156 - 156: Ease and Simplicity(II)

    Caine observed the man before him, his eyes¡ªor rather, his gaze¡ªsweeping up and down in quiet assessment. Before he could act, a sudden mental transmission from Pope Francis interrupted his thoughts.

    <Don''t kill or cripple him; he''s a good kid. Also, be wary of the old lady.>

    Caine didn''t respond, offering only the faintest nod of acknowledgment. His attention returned to the towering man standing before him.

    "Hello," Caine greeted, his voice calm and neutral.

    The armored man''s tense stance relaxed for a moment before he straightened and spoke. "I am Bertrand Sims, Holy Knight of the Rising Sword."

    "Who might you be?"

    Caine remained silent for a beat, as though considering his response.

    "Lerouge. Caine Lerouge."

    Bertrand nodded, his expression unchanging.

    "Good, Lerouge. Your performance in the trials was impressive enough to trigger the Holy Protocol."

    His feet left the clouds as he began to hover, qi wafting off his body in rippling waves. The energy coated his hovering swords, and his aura steadily built, climbing to oppressive heights.

    "Now, you have a chance to join us, the Knights of the Holy Creed. All you must do is defeat me."

    Caine chuckled softly. "A mere trainee must defeat a fully-fledged Holy Knight to join? Quite demanding, don''t you think?"

    Bertrand did not respond, his aura now fully unleashed. A sword of orange light materialized in his hand, blazing with searing energy.

    "Let us begin."

    Bertrand shot forward, the air folding and exploding under the strain of his acceleration.

    In moments, he was upon Caine, his blades moving to impale him from all sides while his own sword arced upward with terrifying momentum.

    "Apologies," Caine murmured, his voice calm despite the ferocity of the attack. "But I''m still quite tired, so I won''t drag this out."

    Caine''s palm shot forward, moving so quickly it seemed to transcend the natural laws of existence.

    His hand lightly tapped Bertrand''s armored chest, and a pulse of qi rippled outward from the contact, surging through every fiber of Bertrand''s body.

    Bertrand froze mid-motion. His swords clattered to the ground, his qi dissipated into nothingness, and he fell to one knee, blood pouring from his nose.

    But Bertrand wasn''t finished. His blood qi surged violently, repairing the damage to his body in an instant. With a roar that echoed across the sky, his aura reignited, his blades springing back to life.

    Caine sighed, exasperation flickering across his face.

    He moved forward with deliberate steps, dodging Bertrand''s attacks with uncanny precision. Each of Caine''s retaliatory strikes was a simple palm, delivered too quickly for Bertrand to counter or evade.

    Though the attacks seemed harmless, Bertrand''s body slowly began to fail. His veins ruptured, his organs faltered, and his strength ebbed away. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It made no sense.

    How could a palm coated in neutral qi cause such devastation?

    "Please, give up," Caine said, his tone almost pleading. "As I said, I''m very tired."

    Bertrand''s orange eyes burned crimson, black runes erupting around him as a new, sinister power awakened within.

    Caine''s gaze narrowed slightly, and he immediately moved.

    In a single step, he closed the distance between them. In the blink of an eye, dozens of palms crashed into Bertrand''s body, each one delivering precise, devastating force.

    Bertrand didn''t even have time to scream before a fist slammed his jaw shut, snapping his head back.

    PAH!

    Caine''s fist buried itself in Bertrand''s gut, driving all the air from his lungs. A wave of death qi coursed through Bertrand''s body, corroding his blood qi and ravaging his system.

    To Bertrand, Caine was a blur¡ªa mess of overlapping motions he couldn''t comprehend, let alone counter.

    PURCHI!

    Bertrand collapsed to his knees, his body bloodied and broken. His swords hovered precariously at his sides, their tips pressed against his own throat.

    Caine stood over him, his expression as serene as ever.

    "This could''ve been avoided had you listened. Now look¡ªyou won''t be able to move for days."

    Bertrand sighed in resignation. Seeing this, Caine smiled faintly and dispelled the death qi coursing through Bertrand''s body.

    Bertrand''s eyes widened as the once-lethal energy transformed into a restorative tonic, amplifying his blood qi''s healing properties.

    His recovery, which should have taken weeks, was reduced to mere moments.

    Rising shakily to his feet, Bertrand accepted Caine''s outstretched hand.

    "I tried my best not to crack your armor," Caine said with a smirk. "You can thank me for that."

    Bertrand''s lip twitched in annoyance, but he couldn''t help the grudging smile that followed.

    "Welcome to our ranks, Holy Knight Lerouge."

    ***

    Before the Church''s grand glass doors, the people of the capital had gathered, their eyes fixed on two figures.

    The first was a young man kneeling on the ground, his eyes concealed by rune-covered bandages. He wore thick golden knight armor, the light of the sun glinting off its surface.

    The second was Elder Larisse, standing tall and imposing, her expression cold and unyielding.

    In her hand, she held a ceremonial blade.

    She began the knighting ceremony, her voice echoing through the hushed crowd.

    "Holy Knight Lerouge, son of the stars, we of the Holiest Church welcome you into the Timeless Pantheon of Honor."

    She touched the blade to his right shoulder.

    "May your blood bleed gold, and your heart echo with the pulsing drums of heaven and earth."

    The blade moved to his left shoulder.

    "May your soul burn with the flare of a billion suns."

    Finally, the blade rested gently atop his head, pressing into his long black hair.

    "May your body stand against the evils beyond and protect the world from the darkest of lights and the brightest of shadows."

    Suddenly, a terrifying pressure erupted from Elder Larisse. Above Caine''s head, a golden star materialized, blazing with celestial light.

    "Holy Knight Lerouge of the Endless Stars, please¡­"

    Her voice grew thunderous, reverberating across the capital.

    "¡­RISE AND CLAIM YOUR TITLE!"

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The golden star exploded, its fragments fusing into Caine''s armor.

    The armor, once golden, turned jet-black, etched with countless shimmering silver stars. It tightened around his body, accentuating the tempered strength of his refined physique.

    From his shoulders, a cape as dark as the void erupted, cascading majestically down his back.

    Caine rose to his full height, locking eyes with Elder Larisse.

    They nodded at one another before crossing their hands over their chests in solemn salute.

    Together, the crowd, the Holy Knights, and Elder Larisse spoke in unison, their voices rising like a chorus to the heavens.

    "All hail the Holiest of Popes, Francis!"

 Chapter 157 - 157: Existence

    After Caine was knighted, officially becoming the Church''s tenth and youngest Holy Knight, a whirlwind of events unfolded.

    Countless parades celebrated his ascension, and he was required to attend numerous official meetings where he was forced to network with influential figures¡ªofficials, leaders, and workers from all across the world.

    Though tedious, Caine didn''t mind much. When he told Bertrand he was tired, it wasn''t a lie. He truly was.

    These formalities, trivial as they were, gave him a rare chance to relax, to wind down after everything he had endured. But such moments of respite wouldn''t last for long.

    At the end of it all, Caine was awarded his own Cloud Castle¡ªan estate in the skies filled with every amenity he could desire.

    ***

    [Cloud Castle of Endless Stars]

    Caine stood in a spacious room with polished wooden floors. The high ceilings were supported by thick white pillars, and tall, wide glass windows allowed streams of sunlight to filter in. The clouds brushed gently against the glass, adding an ethereal beauty to the scene.

    Dressed in simple white robes, Caine stood by a cold metallic table.

    On the table lay Adari''s lifeless body, naked and motionless.

    In one hand, Caine held a scalpel, using it with meticulous precision to dissect Adari''s form.

    Beside him was an array of tools, neatly arranged for his use.

    Originally, Caine had planned to kill Adari and move on without another thought. But during their battle, Caine realized Adari''s value was far too significant to discard.

    It wasn''t Adari''s strength that intrigued him¡ªit was the man''s nature. Adari was a perfect research subject.

    For his plans to succeed, Caine needed a thorough and complete understanding of the aspects. Adari, as though sent by fate, was the ideal tool for such an investigation.

    Caine''s thoughts deepened as he worked, his scalpel gliding across Adari''s flesh with surgical precision.

    ''The aspects seem to be directly tied to the conceptions of their paths in the Spark Realm,'' he mused.

    ''The body, tied to the Earth Path, is far more than just one of many aspects. It feels foundational¡ªperhaps the most fundamental of all.''

    ''Like the Earth itself, the body serves as the foundation upon which all else flourishes.''

    Caine switched tools, slipping on a pair of gloves as his analysis grew more intricate. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''The soul, tied to the Spirit Path, is more complex. One would assume that the Earth reflects Heaven, but instead, it reflects the Spirit. Curious.''

    ''Perhaps my understanding is still too superficial.''

    He adjusted his stance, leaning closer to inspect the intricate structures within Adari''s body.

    ''Spirits are born from the clashing or harmonizing phenomena of nature. Nature is a product of the Earth''s capacity for endless potential and life. In that sense, the body is the foundation that allows the soul¡ªthe spark of life¡ªto ignite.''

    ''The body creates the fertile ground necessary for the soul to spark into existence. Once birthed, the soul stabilizes and burns eternally, much like how the elements of nature clash and harmonize to create spirits.''

    Caine''s hands moved faster now, his thoughts accelerating with clarity.

    ''Then we have the World Aspect. For the body to exist, an embryonic form must adhere to the world''s laws. Similarly, for the soul''s spark to ignite, the world must shield and cultivate it.''

    ''To exist is to be in harmony with the world. That is the essence of the World Aspect: one''s resonance and alignment with the world itself.''

    As his understanding deepened, Caine recalled a key moment from his confrontation with Oldest.

    During their battle, Caine''s illusory world had taken shape, and in that instant, he understood something profound.

    ''My current World Aspect is merely a seed¡ªa precursor to something greater. The maturing of this aspect will allow me to birth an actual world within my body.''

    ''The World Aspect then transitions naturally into the Qi Aspect, tied to the Sky Path. This represents a level of harmony so profound that one gains the ability to manipulate the world''s energies and aspects.''

    ''At this stage, one becomes the bridge between the mortal and the divine, controlling the skies themselves.''

    Caine''s aura shifted subtly, gaining a richness it had not possessed before. His comprehension of the aspects was evolving at a rapid pace.

    He paused for a moment, considering the final piece of the puzzle.

    ''And finally, the Mind Aspect, tied to the Astral Path.''

    Caine set down his tools, clasping his hands behind his back as he began pacing the room, deep in thought.

    ''The mind¡­ the self¡­ the origin. How does it connect to all of this?''

    His brow furrowed, and his steps slowed.

    ''Among all the aspects, the mind is the anomaly. It is unnatural, yet it is a fundamental component of life. It shouldn''t exist, but it does¡ªand its presence is essential.''

    He paused, gazing out the tall glass windows as clouds drifted by.

    ''If the body is the foundation, the soul the spark of life, the world the incubator, and qi the glue that binds it all together, then the mind is the spark of defiance.''

    ''The mind is what allows us to defy, to cultivate, to ascend beyond our natural limitations. Its origins lie in the separation of the self from the world.''

    Caine''s pacing resumed, his thoughts flowing like a torrential river.

    ''When the four aspects¡ªbody, soul, world, and qi¡ªare at their weakest, they form a microcosm, one that is separate yet dependent on the world.''

    ''At their peak, these aspects create a macrocosm, one that is independent of the world entirely. It is within this separation that the mind is born.''

    His thoughts crystallized, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips.

    ''So that is why consciousness forms last.''

    Caine returned to Adari''s body, his movements now confident and precise. His mind was racing with newfound understanding.

    ''The body is the foundation of existence. The soul is the spark that animates life. The world is the nurturing incubator. Qi is the force that binds and bridges all things. The mind is the defiant flame that separates the individual from the world.''

    ''And together, when harmonized, these five aspects birth the hidden sixth aspect¡­ existence itself.''

    A silent explosion seemed to erupt in Caine''s mind, clarity washing over him like a tidal wave.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    Caine''s smile deepened as his thoughts shifted once more. His hands began to move faster, his focus unwavering.

    ''If existence is the hidden sixth aspect, then¡­''

 Chapter 158 - 158: Existence(II)

    Caine''s thoughts slowed, and he retraced his reasoning, carefully reviewing the insights he had gained.

    Realizing his understanding was still too abstract, he delved deeper into his enlightenment, attempting to ground it in tangible application.

    ''In a more concrete and practical sense, what does all this mean¡ªespecially within the context of cultivation?''

    Caine''s True Will seeped and dug into Adari''s flesh as he continued his meticulous dissection.

    ''The body,'' he thought, ''can be seen as the upper limit of all things¡ªthe anchor and the source of all power.''

    ''As a vessel, its upper limits dictate how much the other aspects can grow and evolve. Moreover, the body acts as a central force; as long as it remains intact, the other aspects can be restored.''

    He paused, turning Adari''s arm slightly to better observe its structure.

    ''In a more nuanced sense, the body is also a well of power, a reservoir from which all other aspects draw.''

    A soft hum escaped his lips as understanding blossomed further.

    ''Ah, I see. I see. I see.''

    He adjusted his tools, his focus sharpening.

    ''Then the soul¡­ The soul can be understood similarly. Born upon the Earth from the clash and harmony of nature, it can be seen as a tool of control and, perhaps more importantly, a bridge for communication.''

    ''The soul allows me to control my physical form, but its primary function is to commune with forces beyond the physical¡ªthe energies and phenomena that gave birth to it.''

    ''In essence, the soul acts as a second body, but one that operates within the ethereal and spiritual realms.''

    Caine''s scalpel danced across Adari''s flesh, his movements precise and deliberate.

    ''Then there is the World Aspect and qi.''

    ''The World Aspect supports all others, acting as a gateway to qi control. It also serves as a template, one that gradually mutates my body into something capable of hosting a world.''

    His thoughts flickered to his Bond Space, the internal world tied to his Velios bloodline.

    ''I was born with the ability to hold a world within me because of my lineage. My flesh was mutated from the start to accommodate such potential.''

    He switched tools again, his hands moving almost instinctively.

    ''Then there''s the mind. In the simplest sense, it governs both the self and the world. It works in tandem with the soul, which initiates control in the spiritual realm, while the mind fully applies that control.''

    ''The same applies to the body: I interact with the physical world, but it''s the mind that wills those interactions into tangible, active reality.''

    The air around Caine shimmered, his aura becoming blinding, like a star igniting in the darkness.

    ''Finally, we arrive at the child of the five fundamental aspects¡ªthe Aspect of Existence.'' Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His lips curled into a grin as his thoughts crystallized.

    ''Existence¡­ It''s the most complex yet the most fundamental. Its primary function appears to be¡­ reverse engineering.''

    The grin widened.

    ''I see. I see. I see.''

    ''Once one masters and perfects the five fundamental aspects¡ªbody, soul, world, qi, and mind¡ªthe Aspect of Existence unveils itself. Through it, one can modify, tweak, and reverse the effects of the other aspects.''

    ''That''s how some cultivators manage to burn their souls into their flesh, discard their physical bodies entirely, or forgo qi control. It''s through mastery of Existence.''

    A chuckle bubbled from Caine''s lips, light and full of glee. It was the laugh of someone discovering a profound truth¡ªa child enthralled with a new toy.

    ''Now I understand.''

    He removed his gloves, tossing them into a nearby bin. His understanding of the aspects had reached a level that made him confident enough to attempt healing his arm.

    But he wasn''t planning to simply heal. He had greater ambitions.

    ''From Enya''s words, Adari''s attack injured me across three distinct planes.''

    He clasped his hands behind his back, pacing slowly as his thoughts flowed.

    ''First, his Karmic Qi altered the foundational structure of my blood qi, forcing parts of it into dormancy. This prevents certain aspects of my body from healing naturally.''

    ''Second, he infused Demonic Dao Will into my flesh, disrupting its integrity.''

    ''Third, he applied the world''s laws to sever my arm¡ªnot just physically, but fundamentally. He erased its connection to my existence, as if the arm had never been mine.''

    Caine''s fingers brushed his chin, his expression pensive.

    ''Adari used karmic laws to sever my arm across time, erasing it from the continuity of my existence. Uriel''s actions piggybacked off this, gouging my eyes in a way that permanently blinded me.''

    He paused, his gaze distant.

    ''Then there''s the issue of my body itself. Enya wasn''t wrong¡ªmy body is both too weak and too strong.''

    ''My bone structure constantly pushes my strength to greater heights, but my healing factor can''t keep pace with the endless refinement. What should have been an advantage has become a crippling flaw.''

    He exhaled deeply.

    ''This vicious cycle made me vulnerable to their attacks and exacerbated the injuries I sustained.''

    Caine''s aura shifted, a subtle ripple of determination washing over him.

    ''To heal my arm, I must first fix the foundation of my body. Then, I must repair my existence, stabilize my aspects, and purge all external disruptions. Only after these steps will true healing be possible.''

    His lips curved into a faint smile.

    ''But why stop there? I can do more.''

    With a wave of his hand, Adari''s body and the metallic table vanished, replaced by a pristine cultivation mat.

    Caine walked over, his steps deliberate, and sat cross-legged on the mat.

    Flipping his palm, he revealed three orbs entwined with glowing vines.

    These were among the many gifts he had received¡ªsome from Fate after his Trials, and others from Lady Gaia beforehand.

    He had spent considerable time analyzing these gifts since moving into his Cloud Castle, and their potential was nothing short of extraordinary.

    They would be key to the ambitious plans he had laid out for the future.

    Today, three of those gifts would play their part.

 Chapter 159 - 159: Existence(III)

    The orbs rippled, and the vines opened up, revealing the treasures inside.

    The first was a bundle of golden and silver strings, covered in glowing white runes. The second was a beating heart, covered in vines and runes of all colors, and finally, the third was a wiggling mass of flesh and tendrils, like a living cancerous mound. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''True Strings of Fate¡­ Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart¡­ Ancestral Vine Symbiote¡­''

    Without wasting any more time, Caine took off his robes just as he applied multiple sealing formations all over the room.

    With a deep inhale and an even deeper exhale, he began.

    The Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart floated toward him and viciously exploded into a bundle of emerald runes that were etched into his chest, right above his hearts.

    BOOM!

    An explosion seemed to go off in Caine''s body as an overflow of Boundless Life and Death Qi flooded his body and tore him apart.

    His skin fell off in dried flakes, followed by his flesh that withered into crimson dust, leaving behind his mighty black bones.

    The Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart was a rather simple treasure. It contained a true and endless amount of Boundless Life Qi and Boundless Death Qi, the highest forms of life and death qi that existed.

    It constantly saturated its wielder''s body and Blood Qi, essentially making them¡­ quasi-immortal.

    Any limb cut off could be regenerated in an instant, any injury could be healed in a minute, and if its wielder''s head was cut off¡­ it could be regrown.

    It was a terrifying treasure and, normally, would be impossible for anyone to wield. After all, who had a body capable of holding such an amount of qi?

    As Caine had understood, the body represented the upper limit of all other aspects. If his body broke down, then everything else fell.

    But Caine had the perfect bone and flesh structure for this heart. With the ability of his bones that endlessly and constantly refined his body at all times, would it not be perfect?

    And with the ability of his flesh to truly and perfectly assimilate all things, would it not be perfect?

    By now, Caine was a hundred percent sure both Zao and Lady Gaia could see the future and help him navigate through it.

    If not, then why was each and every single one of their gifts so pertinent?

    From Zao''s birthday gift that would soon help him regain his eyes to Lady Gaia''s current gifts and the rune she''d given him, which restrained his True Will so as not to shatter his flesh.

    But though Caine was truly grateful for this, he saw the issue beyond.

    No one but himself knew just how horrifying his Innate Circle was. In truth, if he''d wanted to solve all these issues, he could''ve simply awakened his constitution, though that would''ve ruined a few plans he had.

    So, if even with all his talents and his unmatched mind, he still needed help from the future¡­ just what was he supposed to face?

    At first, Caine had thought his father''s warning was about his Trial of Fate, but now, he wasn''t so sure.

    BOOOOOM!

    A terrifying rush of thick Boundless Life and Death Qi soared into the air, flowing through Caine''s bones and rapidly lighting up the countless runes etched upon their surfaces.

    At that moment, Caine''s True Will erupted, burning through all aspects of his existence like an eternal flame and burning all foreign influences.

    Though normally, this wouldn''t have worked due to both the complexity of Adari and Uriel''s attacks and the complexity of his own body, now it was different.

    He''d discarded all aspects of his flesh and only kept his bones for the moment, lowering the load needed to be managed and through the endless life and death qi fueling him, it was much easier to shatter their influence.

    BANG!

    The bones of Caine''s severed arms formed in an instant, the sensation of wholeness washing over Caine and momentarily overwhelming him.

    But he didn''t lose focus for long.

    "Celestial Taiyi Bones. Form."

    BANG!

    His bones, previously on the verge of crumbling, solidified as his Bone Structure reformed and horrifying power coursed through them.

    "Chaos Wuji, come."

    Filaments of multicolored flesh appeared in the air, weaving and overlapping to rapidly fill his frame with thick, tempered, and rippling muscles.

    His muscles compressed under the force of his skin, having gone from jade white to a slightly tanned and exotic hue, enchanting beyond words.

    Rivers of darkness fell from his bald skull, his hair having become curly and undulated as it majestically fell and draped over his broad and powerful shoulders.

    His Elemental Organs reformed one after the other just as his Blood Qi began to pump through his veins.

    Over his chest, the emerald tattoo began to grow and cover its entirety, joining with the tattoos of gold and silver on his back, the two harmonizing seamlessly.

    The tattoos faded from sight, and power shot through Caine.

    Now, with the appropriate fuel of his Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart, Caine felt the terror of his foundation. Akin to an empty cup finally filled, his strength began to tower.

    Having done this, Caine pulled upon a second treasure as well as the tattered robes that he''d once used to form his prosthetic arm.

    With a steady heart, he pressed the robes against the Ancestral Vine Symbiote.

    The two fused seamlessly, becoming a strange, wiggling mound of flesh and silk.

    Caine took it and pressed it onto his back.

    He steeled his jaw. "Go."

    The symbiote dug into his spine, fusing into it.

    Caine had already repurposed the torn robes, fusing them into his nervous system and using them as an agent in his body that''d immediately pull upon his Time Qi to heal any of his injuries¡ªbeyond becoming his new arm, that is.

    But now that he''d regained his arm and fixed his foundation, most would likely think it had become useless.

    Caine had other plans, though.

    The Ancestral Vine Symbiote, similarly, was supposed to be fused into the body to almost become a second self that''d protect oneself at all times while also deepening one''s connection with the world.

    When the Ancestral Vine Symbiote was fused with the torn robes, though, a new treasure formed, with an entirely different set of abilities.

 Chapter 160 - 160: Existence(IV)â€”Star Fusion

    The Chimera Tendril, as Caine had decided to name this new treasure, would fuse into his spine and completely rewire his nervous system.

    Not only would this finalize the countless changes he had made to his body during the Trial of Fate, but it would also allow the Chimera Tendril''s abilities to manifest fully.

    Its first and most fundamental ability was control¡ªabsolute control. Not only over his body and qi but also over all his aspects.

    Through the Chimera Tendril, he would gain the ability to manipulate every part of himself as though they were extensions of his mind.

    Consequently, the effects of the Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart would extend to his aspects.

    This meant he could heal his soul, mind, existence, or any other part of himself if they were ever damaged.

    On top of that, the Chimera Tendril would become the vessel of his Primal Will, which could now move independently through him, monitoring his body at all times. It would heal him or address any issues automatically, as needed.

    But the most significant ability, the one that had inspired the idea of the Chimera Tendril in the first place, was Star Fusion. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Star Fusion was a process Caine had first begun to conceptualize during the Perfected Folds stage of the Blood Realm. At that time, he had decided to refine his body further using Intents, Essences, and Quintessences.

    However, the idea had solidified in his mind only after forming his Dao Heart, when he realized the only way to fully harness his stars'' powers was to use his Dao Heart as a vessel.

    Star Fusion would allow Caine to infuse his stars and True Wills into all his aspects.

    It wasn''t just a matter of tempering or refining his aspects. No, he planned to integrate the influence of his stars into the very foundation of his existence.

    This process wouldn''t merely mutate his aspects. It would transform his entire being into a vessel capable of wielding the immense power of his stars.

    The Chimera Tendril was the ideal tool to achieve this transformation, not only because of the unparalleled control it granted him but also because of the malleability it temporarily bestowed upon his body during the fusion process.

    WHOOOOSH! SHAH!

    Caine''s body, which had just begun to stabilize, suddenly roared back to life. The Chimera Tendril pulled upon the power of his stars, meticulously reshaping all his aspects from the ground up.

    It was during this process that Caine would finally utilize the last treasure he had prepared for this transformation: the True Strings of Fate.

    As his body was reshaped and reformed, the bundle of golden and silver strings dove into his Dao Heart, fusing with its structure.

    Moments later, from his two Dao Hearts, new strings of fate shot out, connecting to the Chimera Tendril and further mutating his aspects, weaving themselves into the very fabric of his being.

    The Ninefold Boundless Lifeheart had completely repaired Caine''s foundation, granting him a quasi-immortal body strong enough to withstand fusion with the Chimera Tendril.

    The Chimera Tendril, seizing the opportunity presented by his chaotic, restructuring body, initiated the Star Fusion process. Amid this transformation, with his aspects temporarily broken down, the strings of fate rooted in his Dao Hearts began to fuse into every part of him.

    The purpose was singular: control, control, and more control.

    The True Strings of Fate had virtually limitless potential, but for now, Caine focused on a single use.

    By embedding the strings into his Dao Hearts, he enabled them to generate their own threads. These threads, once fused into his aspects, allowed him to control every facet of his being through his Dao Heart and, indirectly, his True Will.

    This intricate series of procedures, each step carefully calculated and planned, was designed to transform Caine entirely, addressing and resolving countless issues within him.

    RUMBLE!

    Caine''s body trembled as his existence rippled, reshaped by the infusion of his stars'' essence and True Wills.

    His aspects, one by one, morphed and evolved as the Chimera Tendril burrowed deeper into him, becoming an integral part of his being.

    As this transformation unfolded, his True Will expanded in both width and depth. Through the strings of fate now embedded within him, his control over himself grew sharper with every passing second.

    The sensation was intoxicating. For a brief moment, Caine''s mind blanked, overwhelmed by the bliss of absolute oneness over his own existence.

    And yet, the changes continued.

    ***

    Elder Larisse reclined in her chair, her expression thoughtful as she absentmindedly caressed her chin.

    She now wore her Holy Knight armor, a pristine white adorned with blood-red runes that radiated a palpable killing intent.

    "What do you think?" a masculine voice echoed from the shadows.

    Elder Larisse''s chair pivoted slowly, turning her to face the expansive windows behind her. From this vantage point, she gazed out over the capital and its bustling streets.

    "About?" she asked, her voice as cold and unyielding as ever.

    "The kid."

    Larisse shrugged, her tone indifferent.

    "Decent at best, mediocre at worst. I see no depth in his character, no spark to his Will."

    A low chuckle resonated from the darkness.

    "But isn''t that exactly what you''d expect from a snake? What good would its stealth and slow slithering be if its light was visible to all?"

    Her frown deepened. "Am I supposed to praise a noble brat for falling from the skies, forced to crawl pitifully on the earth while we climbed higher?"

    "Why should I honor the mighty for their fall? If the light is too bright for him, then he''s worthless."

    The voice chuckled again, softer this time.

    "Oh, my dear Larisse¡­ a man without pride, a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain¡­"

    "¡­is a god wreathed in scales," she finished, the words leaving her lips in a whisper.

    Elder Larisse rose from her seat, her expression unreadable. "We''ll see."

    With deliberate steps, she exited the room, her armor glinting faintly in the dim light.

 Chapter 161 - 161: Sir

    The streets of the capital were rather empty, most preferring to stay inside and keep warm against the rain that had suddenly begun to fall a few days prior. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Yet, the children still played and danced in the rain, stepping and jumping into puddles, splashing one another as their laughter echoed alongside the smoke from the lit chimneys.

    A few merchants lingered in the streets, smoking under the cover of plazas, shielded from the rain. Some hoped to make a few sales, while others joined in the children''s games. Meanwhile, the capital''s knight guards stood watch, their presence providing a sense of peace and security.

    Caine and Enya walked through the capital amidst it all, unseen and unfelt by those around them.

    Enya wore simple rose-colored robes, her hair neatly tied into a bun, while Caine, as always, was clad in robes of black and white.

    His long curly hair flowed freely with the soft breeze, his robes fluttering as they moved.

    Despite his eyeless state, his face still wrapped in bandages, Caine''s head turned slowly, as though he could see and appreciate the beauty of the scene before him.

    With unhurried steps, they strolled through the quiet streets of the capital.

    Suddenly, Enya broke the silence.

    "May I ask you a question?" she asked.

    "Go ahead."

    Enya hesitated for a few moments, their footsteps echoing faintly in the stillness before she finally spoke. "Sir, do you dream?"

    "What a strange question," Caine replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "Do I dream? I suppose not anymore. I haven''t slept in quite some time. Even when I do, I don''t think I dream."

    "It''s interesting you ask that. I truly don''t remember ever dreaming," he continued with a soft chuckle. "I suppose my mind finds comfort in the silence and stillness of sleep, foregoing the need for dreams."

    "Why do you ask?"

    Enya laughed at his response, her hands moving to cover her mouth as her giggles echoed through the rain-drenched streets.

    "Oh? Have I said something funny?" Caine inquired, his voice light.

    Shaking her head, Enya allowed her laughter to fade. "Sir, I didn''t mean it literally. I meant to ask if you had any dreams¡ªfor the future? Or if you had any at some point?"

    "You seem strangely driven," she added. "As if you chase after a star you must grasp at all costs. Such passion is embedded in your flesh and radiates off of you in blinding waves."

    "I can only wonder what could make a man such as yourself chase so hard, you know?"

    "Such as myself?" he asked in return.

    "Sir, what do you not have? Is there anything not in the palm of your hand?"

    Caine paused, momentarily stunned by her words. Shaking his head, he smiled¡ªa soft, ethereal smile.

    "What do I not have¡­ how interesting." His smile deepened. "Dreams? I don''t know. I truly don''t."

    Enya was taken aback by his response, her gaze widening slightly.

    "I try not to think about myself if I can. My mind usually remains apathetic to anything related to my own being."

    Before Enya could respond, a voice echoed from the distance.

    "Oh? Do you not even dream of happiness?"

    Elder Larisse materialized from thin air, her steps deliberate as she approached the duo.

    Like them, her presence was hidden from the average populace.

    "Happiness? Maybe." Caine smiled faintly.

    "Such a thing is rather illusory, is it not? Wishing for it seems¡­ harmful."

    "Harmful?" Larisse''s usually emotionless face shifted slightly, the faintest curve of her lips hinting at a smile.

    "Dreaming of happiness is harmful, you say. You are afraid, hm? Deathly afraid."

    The slight curl of her lips sharpened.

    "You''re scared of losing it, so you run away from it, hm? How cowardly. But what else can I expect from a slithering bastard?"

    Caine''s expression remained calm, his smile unbroken.

    "Oh, it seems you already have quite the strong opinion of me. How unfortunate."

    He resumed walking, but just as he moved to pass her, Larisse''s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder and rooting him in place.

    Her piercing black eyes bore into his face, unrelenting in their intensity. Her True Will erupted like a tidal wave, crashing into Caine with violent force, seeking to overwhelm and destroy him.

    A suffocating pressure descended on the area, silencing even the distant sounds of laughter and rain.

    Just as Larisse opened her mouth to speak, the oppressive aura dissipated, vanishing like a wisp of smoke in the wind. Her True Will recoiled, forcibly pushed back into her own body against her will.

    She blinked, momentarily disoriented, only to find herself staring at empty air. Turning quickly, she spotted Caine and Enya''s slowly retreating figures, their backs fading into the distance.

    Her gaze narrowed, and she reached up to touch her throat. Pulling her hand away, she saw blood.

    Though the wound was already closing, the fact that it hadn''t healed instantly spoke volumes¡ªand beyond that, she hadn''t even seen him move.

    Her eyes remained fixed on their fading silhouettes, and just as they disappeared from view, a whisper reached her ears.

    "It was a pleasure, Lady Larisse."

    ***

    "What¡­ what was that?!" Enya exclaimed once they were safely out of Larisse''s range of perception.

    The sheer pressure the woman had emitted was unlike anything Enya had experienced before.

    "Hm? Nothing too important. She was simply testing my bottom line and failed miserably. She''s quite the wounded animal," Caine replied calmly.

    "Anyway, what were we talking about again? Was it¡­ dreams?"

    "Sir, are we truly going to let this slide?!" Enya demanded, her voice trembling with frustration.

    Caine chuckled softly. "What would you have me do? She''s a Holy Knight. No one but the Pope himself can hold her accountable."

    "And fighting her? That would be far too troublesome."

    Enya''s gaze faltered, disbelief evident in her expression.

    "Sir¡­ are you saying¡­ you''d lose?"

    Caine shook his head, his smile one of quiet amusement.

    "No, I doubt I''d lose. It would simply be bothersome because of the Pope. He doesn''t want me to kill anyone."

    He paused, then redirected the conversation with effortless ease.

    "Now, back to dreams. What''s yours?"

    Enya sighed, reluctant but resigned to let the matter drop.

    "My dream¡­?"

 Chapter 162 - 162: Sir(II)â€”Facets

    "My dream¡­ my dream?" Enya spoke aloud, her gaze drifting upward toward the gray skies that loomed over the capital.

    "I suppose my dream would be to become a goddess." Her eyes pierced through the clouds, landing on the brilliant and ever-stable sun. "A goddess of light and hope."

    She smiled softly, her features brightening as she continued. "If there is no heaven for us poor mortals, why not create one?"

    "The brutal finality of death is¡­ horrifying. It scares me. To one day exist, and in the next blink, to not. It terrifies me that nothing of me may linger, that I''ll never be able to look back on my years as a living being."

    "The endless void of it all¡­ it frightens me."

    She sighed deeply. "So, my dream is to transcend such a fate and create a paradise where all can find comfort."

    "A paradise of eternal life, eternal bliss, eternal joy¡ªwhere no regret or sorrow can ever take root."

    "My mother¡­ I wish to hold her in my arms once more, and my father¡­ I wish to feel the warmth of his smile again. I want them to be at peace."

    "As hopeless as my dream may seem, I¡­ believe. I believe in this paradise. I can almost see it."

    Caine listened intently, his usual indifferent smile fading into something warmer, almost empathetic.

    "You fear death and wish not only to save yourself but to save the world from such a fate," he said, his gaze glowing faintly with an unreadable hue. "Their deaths¡­ or perhaps death itself¡ªit has impacted you deeply, hasn''t it?"

    "I wonder, is it loss or death that we truly fear? Or is it our lack of understanding of what lies beyond?"

    Enya remained silent for several moments, her breaths quickening as her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

    "Grief breaks us all," Caine continued, his tone measured. "It''s as inevitable as death itself¡ªlike a burden cultivated and passed from person to person."

    "Your dream¡­ I can''t say I''d be able to pursue it. I don''t think my heart would weather that storm."

    He chuckled lightly.

    "You''re quite the tenacious lady, Enya."

    ***

    The duo wandered through the capital''s streets, alternating between conversation and stretches of tranquil silence.

    As they walked, Caine''s mind began to drift back toward the intricacies of the aspects, his thoughts circling their complexities yet again.

    By now, he was almost entirely certain he had mastered the basic layers of their mysteries to perfection.

    In fact, he guessed that in the Spark Realm, his comprehension of the aspects was likely unmatched.

    And yet, his mind continued to return to their intricacies, as though drawn by some elusive final piece of the puzzle. As he pondered, his Dao Heart pulled him into a trance-like state.

    ''Five aspects, birthing an umbrella greater than the sum of their parts¡ªthe sixth aspect.''

    ''All interlinked, wound together, and reflected by¡­ the light of the world.''

    Caine hummed softly in understanding, nodding to himself.

    ''It comes back to Fate, Karma, Destiny, and Luck¡ªthe created facets of one''s existence as a result of interactions with the world.''

    Suddenly, a ripple coursed through Caine''s body, and his perception of the world began to change in real time.

    Above every person''s head, illusory stars of various sizes and colors appeared. Some were adorned with runes, while others were reflected by towering, ancient creatures and entities.

    ''Luck¡ªOrigin Luck Star.''

    From their spines, golden threads filled with endless, rune-covered patterns shot out, connecting to a tapestry that stretched into the heavens above.

    ''Fate¡ªTrue Fate Thread.''

    Beneath the golden threads, shimmering brands glowed faintly, emitting dark gray fumes of essence.

    ''Karma¡ªKarmic Brand.''

    And finally, black strings emerged from their spines, intertwining with the golden threads and joining the vast tapestry above.

    ''Destiny¡ªDestiny Line.''

    Caine remained calm despite the enormity of his breakthrough, his thoughts immediately multiplying.

    ''The Luck Star directly dictates how lucky someone is¡ªor will be. It skews the odds toward or away from them. But¡­ it can also be influenced.''

    He focused on the Luck Star of a passerby.

    Unlike most people, whose illusory white stars were no larger than a bean, this man had a golden star the size of a melon, shimmering with the reflected image of countless blades. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''His luck is steering him toward a specific path. It''s directly influencing the outcomes of his actions, guiding him toward a predetermined direction.''

    Caine''s gaze shifted to the man''s True Fate Thread.

    ''I see,'' he thought, realization dawning. ''The True Fate Thread assigns inevitable tasks¡ªconditions of life. In turn, his luck bends and twists to accommodate his fate.''

    ''This man''s thread has marked him to become a grand swordsman, someone destined to revolutionize the world. His luck is simply steering him toward that outcome¡­''

    Next, his gaze settled on the man''s Destiny Line.

    ''The Destiny Line is a conduit. It represents the myriad possibilities branching from his assigned fate. But it also harmonizes with his Will, tweaking the direction of his luck and the exact shape of his fate.''

    ''It aligns with his desires, giving him a path to take control of his luck¡ªor even defy his fate entirely¡­''

    Finally, Caine examined the man''s Karmic Brand.

    ''The Karmic Brand¡­ what is it exactly?''

    His thoughts paused, his brow furrowing as his Dao Heart erupted with power. It forcefully pulled him into the deepest state of enlightenment his mind could withstand.

    Though Caine often regarded this as a trivial ability of his Dao Heart, he would soon learn otherwise.

    ''The Karmic Brand serves as a bridge¡ªlinking the external and internal. The better one''s karma, the more favorable the tides of the world become, almost like luck¡­ but entirely dependent on one''s actions.''

    ''But beyond that, it represents connection. Connection to the world, to family, to one''s body and aspects. Good and bad karma with others can be exploited and utilized, shaping the world''s response to you.''

    As the realization struck, his aura manifested on its own, wrapping around him like a protective shroud.

    WHOOOSH!

 Chapter 163 - 163: Francis

    ''But though these facets come from one''s interactions with the world itself, they are entirely ours¡­ The world communes with these facets to indirectly control and stir us¡­ but it''s only because most, if not all, have no idea these facets exist¡­''

    ''¡­and can be controlled. These facets are fundamental and inseparable parts of the very fabric of our existences.''

    An exhale left his lips, carrying a foggy heaviness.

    ''So this is how Adari did it. He used his understanding and control over Laws to attack me through my Karmic Brand and isolate my arm, as if it were an existence on its own yet still linked to me.''

    ''Then, he severed the karma between this false existence and myself, essentially rewriting my entire¡­ existence. To make it as if I''d never even had an arm in the first place.''

    ''Not only is it a deep application of karma, life, death, and time laws¡­ he also added chaos laws to disturb the harmony of my existence itself.''

    ''What a monster. What a monstrous genius¡ªthe bastard essentially created a technique that¡­ rewrites your opponent''s existence.''

    These thoughts tore through Caine''s mind with inexplicable ease, his Dao Heart bouncing off the endless vitality of his life heart to forcefully overload his brain, pushing him deeper and deeper into his enlightenment.

    And in turn, the scope of his mind widened while retaining its elasticity, allowing for¡­ much more.

    Much, much more.

    ''The Five Aspects. The sixth aspect. The four facets.''

    Caine''s gaze turned upward, his eyeless face staring at the skies above.

    Above his head, he had no star. No thread. No line. No brand.

    Observing this, Caine couldn''t help but grin madly. At that moment, two terrifying techniques were birthed in his mind.

    ***

    A few days passed.

    After spending time sparring and familiarizing himself with the other Holy Knights, Caine was finally summoned by the Pope.

    [Holy Capital¡ªSacred Hall]

    In a wide and empty hall, its towering ceilings adorned with ancient paintings, thick golden pillars radiated qi, holding the structure aloft.

    The floors of black obsidian reflected the faint light of the room, giving the space a somber, ethereal quality.

    Caine and Pope Francis faced each other.

    Pope Francis sat lazily reclined on a throne, his chin resting on his closed fist. His gaze, full of amusement, calmly observed Caine.

    On the other hand, Caine stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back, his demeanor entirely serene. He didn''t move, speak, or act.

    He simply waited.

    The Pope smiled and finally broke the silence.

    "You''ve changed quite a bit, little Velios."

    "How many years have passed since we last met, from your perspective?" he asked, leaning forward and interlocking his fingers.

    "Five years in a few hours," Caine replied directly.

    "Interesting," the Pope muttered. "Well, I''m sure you have quite a few questions. Go ahead and ask them."

    Caine remained silent for a few moments, his thoughts drifting back to their first encounter.

    More specifically, to a set of words the Pope had spoken back then:

    <¡­some things can''t be said due to your mortality¡­>

    Immediately, Caine understood that what he could ask¡ªor rather, be told¡ªwas limited. It was very likely that everything he truly wanted to know was locked behind those restrictions.

    So he had to take another approach.

    "Who are you to me?" Caine asked. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Immediately, Francis grinned. "You clever little snake," he said, chuckling aloud. "I am Francis Voinery Void, also known as The Artisan, Lord of the Artisan Guild."

    He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You could also call me uncle, considering I''m your mother''s youngest brother. Or, you could call me master, since you''re my disciple."

    If Caine had eyes, they would have widened beyond belief. He had expected a shocking answer, but this¡­ this he hadn''t anticipated.

    Not at all.

    In fact, he didn''t even know how to react. Now that he could see Karmic Brands, it was clear that his blood was indeed tied to Francis''s, just as it was tied to Zao''s.

    Caine sighed, raising a hand to massage his forehead in frustration as his mind buzzed with countless thoughts.

    "I see," he whispered. "I suppose I can''t know more on that front?"

    "You suppose correctly," Francis replied.

    "How did you get here? Or have you always been here? Where are you in the real world?"

    Francis''s gaze narrowed for a moment in confusion. "Hm? What is the basis of these questions?"

    "Our world is sealed off from the outside, is it not?"

    Francis froze, his previously casual expression hardening. His gaze, once confused, sharpened dangerously. "How¡­ do you even know that?"

    Before Caine could respond, Francis raised a hand to stop him. "No, don''t tell me. It''d be troublesome, and I can guess."

    "As for how I got here? Your world may be sealed off, but this isn''t your world, is it? This is a fractured reality encroaching on a point in your world''s space and time."

    "It''s a small world linked to yours, but not truly part of it. It acts as both an entry point and an exit point."

    "All I had to do was sense your location via our blood connection and send one of my avatars near here, waiting for the day this fractured point opened up."

    "So this isn''t your real body¡­" Caine sighed as a new realization dawned on him.

    If this was merely one of Francis''s avatars, then that meant this fractured reality would likely¡­

    Caine shook his head, brushing those thoughts aside.

    "I see. So¡­ what is your goal? What is the point of all this? What is going on? And¡­ do you know where they are? Or what happened? What can you tell me?"

    Francis leaned back on his throne, his typically smug smile fading as his features grew serious.

    "It''s complicated. Very complicated," Francis admitted, his gaze flickering with a brief flash of fury. "Too complicated. I could have told you much more if your other uncle were here, but he''s too injured to take the risk."

    "So I can''t talk about them for now."

    "As for my goal?" Francis''s smile returned, sharp and mischievous. "Didn''t I say you were my disciple?"

 Chapter 164 - 164: Francis(II)

    Caine remained silent, hearing these words, waiting to see where Francis was going.

    "Here," Francis materialized a hexagonal token and threw it toward Caine. Before he could grab it, though, the token immediately stored itself in his spatial ring.

    "You''ve decided to walk the Heaven path of the Spark Realm, yes?"

    Caine nodded.

    "Have you found a manual yet?"

    Caine nodded again.

    One of the many gifts he had received from Fate was an Ascension Manual of the Heaven Spark path, perfectly tailored to him.

    "Good," Francis said as dozens manuals appeared from thin air, immediately vanishing into Caine''s ring again. "Make sure you complete these techniques before you reach the Fifth Heaven stage, yes?"

    Caine''s lip twitched in slight annoyance at Francis'' behavior, but in the end, he nodded.

    As shameless as the man seemed to be, Caine could tell he was relatively trustworthy.

    "Alright, follow me. We don''t have much time."

    Francis stood up from his throne and exited the hall without further delay.

    ***

    The room they entered was almost identical to the previous one, with the only difference being two mats placed where Francis'' throne had been.

    Without halting their steps, they moved to the mats and sat down cross-legged.

    Immediately, Francis began.

    "Talent, Foundation, and True Will¡ªthese are the factors that separate the elite from the rest. I don''t have much time, so I''ll focus on True Will."

    "True Will, the most important of them, is also the most complex due to its endless possibilities. As you''ve seen, your True Will has evolved to become a True Royal Will, which has allowed you to gain an aura."

    "Though your aura is of the God standard of royalty, your True Will is still at the lowest stages of royalty. Obviously, that''s fine, but I bring this up to show you how different each person''s Will can be configured."

    "For example, your Holy and Demonic Wills are rare beyond belief, even among those with innate circles like you or those who come from lineages like ours."

    Francis paused for a moment.

    "On that front, I won''t need to help you since I suppose you have your own plans regarding your royalty, demonic, and holy Wills. What I''m going to focus on is your Will Core and Will Nature."

    Caine''s attention reached an unprecedented state.

    "I''ll be brief," Francis continued. "The goal of the forgery path is to create a True Will and then use that True Will to form a Dao Heart."

    "You may or may not know this, but eventually, all cultivators are led to create a Dao Heart. It is what will eventually house their souls."

    "When that happens, regardless of talent and effort, all will gain something known as a Dao Will. That little death wraith that injured you, for example, used his Dao Will to empower his attack."

    "Now, as I was saying, the true forgery path allows you not only to form a True Will, but it also allows you to form a Dao Heart much earlier than anyone else."

    "Why is that important? Apart from the simple abilities you''ve gained before¡ªyour royalty, demonic, and holy Wills¡ªit mainly allows you to structure your Will in itself."

    "It allows you to forge and create a True Will Core, in which your royalty, demonic, and holy traits and other abilities can take eternal root. But it also allows you to awaken something known as your Will Nature."

    "You''ve met Elder Larisse, yes?" Francis asked.

    Caine nodded.

    "How did her Will feel to you?"

    Hearing the question, Caine remained quiet in contemplation for a few moments.

    "She has a True Will, of royal trait, though it seemed a bit weak. The most interesting thing is her Will felt¡­ alive. It almost felt like¡­ I don''t know¡­ an element?"

    Francis grinned, nodding in affirmation.

    "That was her Will Nature. Her Will Nature is gravity, and her Will Core was directly forged by the very kernel of her darkness affinity. Together, they birthed the oddities you saw, along with an almost endless array of abilities¡­ terrifying abilities."

    Francis laughed, practically able to see the gears in Caine''s mind spinning at breakneck speed.

    "Once you''ve completed this and practiced the techniques I''ve given you, you''ll be set and ready. From there on, your True Will progression will be directly linked to your cultivation base."

    Francis stood up just as Caine closed his eyes and fell into a deep state of meditation.

    "Good luck."

    He vanished.

    ***

    Caine immediately knew what to do, and the process unfolded with such speed, smoothness, and ease that, had Francis been present, even he would have been shocked.

    With Caine''s Star Fusion, his egregiously tempered Will, and his horrifying mastery of True Will, along with the many theories he had previously formulated¡ªit was as if his entire existence had been primed for this moment.

    In turn, it seemed as though his Velios bloodline had been waiting for this exact moment.

    WHOOOOSH!

    At that moment, his Bond Space shook and duplicated¡ªonce, then twice.

    The two perfect copies of his Bond Space shot through his body, burrowing into his Dao Hearts as two loud BANGS! echoed within him, like a pair of primordial explosions.

    The dimensions within his two hearts solidified and stabilized in an instant. They contained the exact same things¡ªhis stars, his Crown and Halos, his Bloodline Avatar¡ªeverything, twice over. The only exception was his summons, which remained in his Bond Space.

    ''Interesting¡­''

    Now, due to some strange mutation caused by his Velios bloodline, he had two Demonic Wills, two Holy Wills, twice as many stars, two crowns, twice as many halos, and¡­ two Gaia Runes, each containing the terrifying power Lady Gaia had sealed to protect him.

    WHOOOSH! sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His Bond Space trembled as his bloodline whirred to life once more, burning everything within¡ªexcept his summons¡ªinto a cloud of pure essence.

    This was the perfect spark needed for what he sought to accomplish.

    If it had been before, perhaps Caine would have cared to ponder how his bloodline could perform such feats, but now, he truly didn''t care.

    Zao had already confirmed to him that its mutations were positive, so he had no intention of wasting any time doubting him.

 Chapter 165 - 165: Francis(III)â€”Will Core

    The process Caine had wanted to follow was rather simple.

    He would forge his Will core, stabilize it, then he''d root his royal traits within it along with his demonic and holy True Wills.

    After that, he''d simply awaken his Will nature, and at that moment, he''d have completed his path of True Will.

    A path that began almost six years ago.

    But with the sudden changes his Velios Bloodline had birthed, he''d decided to change the process.

    He would still, indeed, begin by forging his Will core, but now, he''d do it differently.

    Caine, previously, had already harmonized his True Will and Gifts via the comprehension of the control and creation essences of Will, which had allowed him to solidify the five dragons around his Star.

    Now, using these same dragons¡ªthe very essence and fabric of his Gifts¡ªhe would form his Will core. His Gifts would become the very core of his True Will.

    But not only that, he would fuse Lady Gaia''s rune into the fusion process, which would not only integrate the rune itself into the fabric of his core but also compress and infuse the horrifying power Lady Gaia had sealed within it.

    It was to be remembered that Caine''s Will, during his meeting with Laplace, had been tempered for so many countless years and eons that it had almost ruptured under its own weight, and that was before the countless advances he''d made during his Trial of Fate. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His Will was too potent, and by condensing this power into his very core, he''d be fixing part of the issue.

    His Gifts, Lady Gaia''s rune, and this sealed power would fuse to become one¡ªhis Will core.

    And once this happened, using the clouds of pure essence his Velios Bloodline had created by burning everything in his Bond Space, he''d¡­ make these cores grow and mature.

    WHOOOOSH!

    Across his two mirrored Dao Hearts, a smooth process unfolded, unhurried and natural.

    His dragons slowly swam and coiled through the skies of his Dao Hearts'' inner space, fading into streams of flesh and runes that converged and gathered.

    As this happened, emerald runes joined, fusing into the forming cores.

    It all fused and compressed without any fluctuation, explosion, or resistance.

    In both his Dao Hearts, two Will cores formed¡ªDemonic and Holy.

    The former was dark, akin to a spherical void, etched with ancient cursive amethyst marks, while the latter was a bundle of silver radiance, carved with beautiful runes of gold.

    In both his Dao Hearts, the two cores spun around one another, harmonizing, and as this happened, white and emerald runes erupted across their surfaces.

    The power of Lady Gaia''s rune fused into the fabric of his cores as the sealed force it contained rapidly compressed and infused into them.

    Simultaneously, Caine''s royal traits firmly took root as his True Demonic and Holy Wills nestled themselves into the cores.

    His aura rose like a burning, all-consuming flame, silent yet all-encompassing, filling the space of the hall he sat in with his mere presence.

    The clouds of pure essence in his Bond Space shook and flowed down into his two hearts, seeping into his four cores as they rapidly began to enter an endless cycle of expansion and compression.

    The process began and ended just as fast.

    Caine felt all these changes occur, one by one, and allowed the strange novelty of it all to wash over him.

    His Will cores floated down, finding a place between his Twin Stars and linking to the entire ecosystem of his existence.

    The feeling was strange.

    Due to his bloodline, everything had doubled, mirrored across his two Dao Hearts, yet the effects felt both multiplicative and additive.

    The power should have absolutely overwhelmed and ruptured his flesh, yet due to the structure of his cores, it all lay dormant, compressed¡ªcontrolled and harnessed.

    But above all, now that Caine truly had his stars, Wills, and everything else rooted in his Dao Heart¡­ he realized just how much power had been kept away from him and just how beneficial the star fusion process had been.

    ''My bloodline was able to entirely duplicate my Bond Space two times and fuse it into my Dao Heart¡­ essentially granting me two additional inner spaces¡­''

    ''All of this¡­ without me being drained of energy or having to pay any price. How strange.''

    Zao had once told Caine that, until he matured, his Velios bloodline would remain dormant, which was one of the main reasons he''d decided to go get beast bloodlines at the elemental fields, which later trickled into him forming his Chimera Bloodline.

    If his Velios bloodline could do this now¡ªgrant him a Bond Space, an Innate Bond, but also perfectly replicate things free of cost¡ªwhat would it be able to do when awakened?

    ''It seems to have a heavy reliance on¡ª'' Caine''s thoughts suddenly paused. ''Why am I assuming this is an effect of my father''s clan blood¡­?''

    ''What clan is she even from¡­?''

    Just as this thought formed and solidified in his mind, Caine''s Will cores stabilized and finished their establishment.

    A ripple shot through his True Wills, his aspects trembling as a torrential wave of power flowed through him. His Dao Heart shone with a brilliant light, overflowing into his aura and thickening the echo of his presence.

    His Gifts now suddenly felt like something much deeper than just a part of him. Though he couldn''t find the words to describe it, he could definitely feel it.

    If his Gifts before were stuck at the quasi-immeasurable grade, now, they would no doubt have broken past this barrier and reached beyond, firmly rooted at the peak immeasurable grade.

    Warp, Control, Sense, Master, and Comprehend¡ªthese were the Gifts Caine had been born with. And now, they had become part of the very fabric of something much more fundamental than his existence itself¡ªhis Will.

    Caine''s Will expanded outward like a domain, and suddenly, everything within this domain seemed to fall under his perfect and unbreakable control.

    He could observe and sense the hidden intricacies and details of all things around him, comprehending and peeling them apart with a mere probe of his Will.

    Space and time, usually beyond the reach of mortals, fell under his Will''s whims as the slightest shifts in their fabrics became evident to him.

    And beyond all that¡­ Caine somehow felt like his Will had gained a sort of sealing essence¡ªjust like Lady Gaia''s rune.

 Chapter 166 - 166: Will Natureâ€”Failure

    But it still remained foggy, unclear, sloppy, and directionless¡ªuntrained.

    The countless advancements he repeatedly made stacked atop one another and constantly pushed back his mastery and skill.

    While most lacked power but overflowed with skill, he overflowed with power and heavily lacked skill.

    Apart from pressuring others and imbuing his Will into attacks¡­what could Caine truly do with his Will? What complex technique could he perform with it?

    And now, now that his gifts had joined the fray along with Lady Gaia''s runes, things would only grow more complicated.

    But Caine wasn''t very worried. Once all his current plans were completed, he''d have ample time to focus on mastery and skill¡ªsomething that had always been his forte.

    For now, raw and overwhelming power would suffice.

    ''¡­awaken¡­''

    Caine''s thoughts suddenly quieted, his mind an empty void as his aura faded, retreating into his body.

    Unlike Elder Larisse, who''d forcefully forged her Will Nature, Caine would allow his own to awaken.

    He''d let it form on its own and flourish in accordance with his most favored path.

    WHOOOSH!

    Just as Caine felt a stir in his body, his mind blanked, pulled elsewhere.

    Before he could react, his body limply fell back.

    ***

    In a void of endless darkness, illuminated by countless stars, wrapped around by cosmic storms of divine proportions, a battle unfolded.

    On one side, a gigantic creature, entirely made out of emerald flames, with the grand body of a phoenix, majestically floated.

    Atop the creature''s head, a crown of blazing crimson flames stood, emitting such heat that even the fabric of the void itself seemed to ripple and melt under its might.

    On the other side, a man stood, much smaller than the creature of emerald fire, akin to an ant facing a world.

    The man had long white hair, his eyes a radiant gold, and his body rather frail for his towering frame. Black robes draped over him as his fair hands remained clasped behind his back, his apathetic gaze locked on the distance.

    ''Failure.'' Caine, standing as an observer far from the battle, immediately recognized the man.

    But this wasn''t the only oddity. To his left and right, two other entities stood as bystanders¡ªMirror and Oldest.

    Both seemed just as confused as him but remained silent, aware they were most likely observing a sort of vision or projection.

    "Usurper of Light and Hope¡­" The creature of emerald flames spoke in a runic tongue, its voice filled with vicious hatred and contempt.

    "¡­Slut of Fate, Son of Hatred, Slave of Origin¡­"

    Failure chuckled. "Phoenix Bane, Flame Bearer, Lamp Storm, Beast Defiler¡­" Failure''s voice trailed into silence as he grinned. "I have quite a few titles, hm?"

    "BASTARD!" The Emerald Phoenix shrieked, a sea of flames erupting from its body to flood the void.

    An overflowing domain of emerald flames formed around them, the Phoenix''s crown suddenly erupting with power that slammed into Caine.

    Or rather, attempted to slam into him.

    "Come to daddy." Failure laughed and beckoned the Phoenix forward.

    BANG!

    The fabric of the void itself compressed and shattered as the Phoenix''s wings flapped and it shot toward Failure.

    From the fractured part of the void, countless more phoenixes soared out, rushing toward Failure with gazes full of fury.

    But Failure remained rather indifferent to it all, his gaze focused on the humanoid figure that slowly walked out of the hole torn into the void.

    But suddenly, just as the figure became visible, time seemed to halt and the vision faded into an expanse of endless white, leaving only Failure behind.

    His head panned, his gaze locking on Caine.

    "Up to now, I still don''t remember." He chuckled. "How funny is that?"

    In a step, he appeared in front of the three. Still looking at Caine, he asked, "Do you remember?"

    Caine frowned slightly. "Remember wha¡ª"

    "Your wishes." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine froze.

    His first wish had been to keep his memories as well as the power of his soul form.

    His second wish had been to be granted the highest level of talent and background possible and compatible with him.

    And the third was¡­the third was¡­

    ''¡­I don''t remember¡­?''

    Failure smiled, seeing Caine''s trembling hands. "What about the Sinner? Do you remember, hm?"

    After Augustine granted Caine his three wishes and sent him into reincarnation, his soul had been intercepted by the Sinner himself.

    There, he''d been given the original curses that allowed him to birth his blessed and cursed aspect nature. But beyond that, and most importantly, the Sinner had offered him a gift.

    He''d be allowed to ask any three questions of his choice, regardless of their scope, and the Sinner would have to answer.

    ''¡­''

    Caine didn''t remember either.

    "What about her name? Do you remember her name? The shape of her face? The color of her eyes?"

    Caine didn''t remember.

    Failure''s smile faded. "I''m sacrificing quite a lot to tell you this."

    "Whether you make good use of it is up to you."

    WHOOOSH!

    Immediately, Failure''s body exploded into a cloud of white gold runes that shot into Caine''s body.

    Following along, Oldest and Mirror''s bodies also exploded, turning into clouds of runes that shot into his mind.

    In an instant, Caine''s mind was pulled back as his Natures rapidly awakened.

    ***

    Caine''s body shook as his Will cores trembled and etchings began to erupt across their surfaces.

    Caine''s body suddenly morphed, changing and awakening under the effect of his Natures.

    His first Nature awakened.

    ''The Ouroboros.''

    Crimson etchings settled on the surface of his cores.

    His second Nature awakened.

    ''The Chimera.''

    Multicolored runes overlapped atop the crimson etchings, settling and falling into harmony with the cores.

    His final Nature awakened.

    ''Mother Gaia.''

    Vines suddenly appeared, wound around his cores, tightly gripping and infusing them with vitality and protection.

    His three Natures awakened rapidly, then immediately settled down, falling obediently into the ecosystem of his body.

    Caine''s Will path was finally and truly completed.

    And yet, he remained seated, his mind void of any thoughts and his heart as serene as an untouched river.

    Yet the slight shifts of his chest betrayed the true emotions bubbling deep within.

 Chapter 167 - 167: Divine Cloud

    ''Augustine¡­Nova¡­The Sinner¡­''

    By now, Caine would be a fool not to understand something nefarious was happening around him.

    This game, which he''d originally thought only involved the complicated matters of his family, had suddenly expanded to include much more.

    And in turn, it had become much more dangerous.

    ''I see.'' Caine smiled.

    Standing up, he dusted his robes.

    Whether it was Nova, an outer entity seeking godhood, Augustine, a noble higher existence from Samsara itself, or even the Sinner, the man that allowed him to be here¡ªnone of it mattered.

    The worst anyone could do was give him time.

    ***

    "What is going on around here?" Caine asked Enya as they walked through crowds of people that filled the streets, under the warm and brilliant rays of the sun.

    Many wore what seemed to be traditional attire made of hay, their heads adorned with large masks painted white and blue with the faces of strange primordial entities.

    The sound of drums and foot stomping overlapped and echoed to form an old and primal chant that all those in the streets partook in.

    Merchants walked through the crowded streets with mobile stands attached to their bodies, selling delicacies and trinkets to anyone who might be interested.

    The atmosphere was one of joy, reunion, and remembrance.

    "This is the Divine Cloud Festival, sir," Enya explained as she then pointed to the clouds above and continued. "You see, one of the oldest tales of the world lies in them."

    "It is said that, from the depths of the void, the first gods arose, their sovereignty shattering the earth into countless pieces they''d each rule. And from the cracks in the land, from the abyss itself, the greatest god arose." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It is said that his cry twisted the clouds, tore the heavens, and sundered the skies to birth the first pope."

    "And as such, the Day of the Divine Cloud represents the day of union between the first pope and the greatest god¡ªthe day they began their crusade against the ancient, primal gods that tore the earth above the abyss."

    Caine nodded and hummed in understanding upon hearing this, though his mind couldn''t help but inwardly frown. ''So many pieces of history present here¡­yet I''ve never heard of any of this in the real world.''

    ''Has someone wiped out history?'' His gaze narrowed slightly. ''Where even would the church be in the real world..?''

    "So, the people take this day to celebrate, remember what they should be grateful for, and, in general, simply have fun. It''s an amazing tradition, if you ask me!" Enya joyously said as she, too, put on a traditional mask, immersing herself with the crowd.

    Caine chuckled, looking ahead with a smile.

    But suddenly, he felt a pull at his robes.

    Looking down, he saw a tiny, truly tiny figure, perhaps shorter than even a toddler, tugging at his robes.

    The man''s body was extremely disproportionate, his head as large as his torso and his legs chubby mounds of flesh covered in hair.

    From his long, dirty gray hair, the stench that oozed from him, and the bottle in his hand that trailed the ground, he seemed homeless.

    But Caine didn''t focus on that. What he noticed first were his eyes¡ªor rather, his lack of them.

    It wasn''t that the man simply didn''t have eyes.

    With his newfound mastery and understanding of the aspects, Caine could tell the man was blind because of an injury much more severe than even his own, which was maddening considering he''d been injured by an Angel of Fate.

    The man''s aspects had been mutated and turned into chains that tightly wrapped around his existence, warping him into the small, strange creature he was. But most importantly, Caine could see that the aspect facets of this man were¡­stolen.

    They''d been stolen.

    It was a miracle the man was still alive and a testament to the sheer power of his Will, now holding up his entire existence.

    The reason Caine hadn''t seen him come wasn''t because he was too short but rather because the man simply hadn''t allowed him to.

    His gaze narrowed.

    "You''re a strange kid, you know?" The man''s voice was rather soothing, almost angelic.

    "What''s your name?"

    The question was simple and held no hidden intention, yet Caine felt his own True Will tremble as if something was pulling at it, forcing it to answer.

    But he could tell the man wasn''t doing it on purpose. The same way Caine''s natural aura had suppressed Enya when they first met was the same way this man''s Will demanded truth¡­it was natural.

    "Caine." He slowly answered, his presence softening as his calm returned. "You?"

    The man laughed. "Decent Will you have on you, though you''ll have to remake it soon. It''s not bad, but I suppose you already have plans for that, hm?"

    Caine didn''t react to these words, but his evaluation of the man rose just one more level.

    "As for me? You can call me Old Kronos. I forgot what my full name was, not that it matters."

    The man took a swig of his bottle, his mouth too small for the bottle itself as he spilled waves of liquor on his face, but he didn''t seem to care.

    "The more solid a thing is, the easier it ironically is to break. How solid you are doesn''t matter; how elastic and malleable you are is all that matters."

    "The mountains beyond are endless, forging yourself to conquer one is futile."

    Caine deeply looked at the man, his emotions unreadable.

    "But again, I suppose you know this, hm?" He took another swig of his bottle. "I loathe little baby snakes like you."

    The man let go of Caine''s robes and began to walk away, his presence fading into a fog of emerald light.

    "Be careful. I''ll be seeing you soon, Lerouge."

    Caine didn''t react to these words, his gaze returning to the horizon as he clasped his hands behind his back.

    "Where did you go, sir?" Enya asked.

    "Hm? What do you mean?"

    Enya tilted her head. "You disappeared for a few minutes. I couldn''t find you."

    Before Caine could respond, screams began to echo from the distance as a tide of chaotic qi swept over the capital.

 Chapter 168 - 168: Larisse

    Caine''s senses spread out like a tidal wave, engulfing the capital, searching for any anomaly.

    ''Interesting.''

    The crowd immediately dispersed, screams echoing as the countless buildings of the capital crumbled and the earth itself fractured.

    Rivers of lava rose from the cracks, filling the air with suffocating heat and blinding smoke.

    The skies darkened, clouds gathering to rain down horrifying lightning as soul-rending echoes of thunder filled the ears of all present.

    Torrential rain began to pour as harsh winds swept through the capital.

    Caine took a step forward, vanishing to reappear high in the skies alongside the other Holy Knights. All their gazes remained locked on the horizon.

    "Divine Beast Tide."

    There, on the horizon, upon an empty wasteland, countless entities shrouded in incredibly thick qi rushed toward the capital.

    Fleets of avian beasts filled the skies as the earth rumbled under the rushing tide of beasts tearing through the land. They surged forward toward the capital like a force of nature.

    Dragons and phoenixes soared through the skies, tigers and turtles littered the ground, and the roars of qilins and leviathans reverberated through the air.

    Each entity, at the very least, stood at the peak of the Ascendant Realm, their very Wills pulsating with kernels of killing intent.

    Together, these Wills blended and blared out through the world like a deafening call for slaughter.

    The ten Holy Knights calmly observed this.

    "Have beasts been an enemy of the church for long, or is this new?" Caine asked calmly.

    Chauvin, the Holy Knight of Indestructible Earth, a man covered in vines from head to toe, answered without hesitation. "The beasts are the envoys of the ancient gods. Once upon a time, when we were mere slaves, before the awakening of the greatest god and the rise of the first pope, they ruled the world."

    "Since their fall, they have been trying to reclaim their throne in vain."

    Caine nodded in understanding. "Alright, let''s deploy. I''ll stay back and act as support for everyone. If needed, I''ll jump in. Good?"

    "Good," everyone said in unison before shooting off into the distance, leaving Caine alone.

    The nine Holy Knights dove into the heat of battle, closely followed by their Knight armies.

    Caine''s hands moved rapidly, weaving through the air, casting formation after formation and spell after spell in quick succession.

    As he worked, his mind spun with thoughts.

    ''Beasts are the common enemy here and seem to be a force the world endlessly clashes with, but I''ve never heard of this in the real world¡­''

    ''Such a recurring war cannot have been isolated, nor could the existence of the church itself¡­''

    ''So this is either before the Timeless Alliance arrived in our world or¡­has happened in a place within our world that no one knows of.'' sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Toseh¡­'' Caine''s thoughts quickened. ''He was part of their scheme to originally kill me during my coming-of-age ceremony, and he''s beast nobility¡­''

    ''Which then led me to this fractured reality, most likely under Francis'' influence.''

    ''Should I assume the beasts we face here have become subordinates to the force trying to kill me and Zao, or should I assume they''re cooperating?''

    His thoughts spun once more.

    ''But then again, could I link these beasts to the war Zao and the others fought years ago?''

    ''They appeared to be losing, but none of that shows in the current world¡­so we won somehow¡­''

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine suddenly vanished from his position, reappearing a few meters behind as a blade tore through his original spot.

    Looking at the attacker, he chuckled. "Oh my, who would''ve thought an esteemed elder such as yourself would be so shameless, hm?"

    Elder Larisse slowly turned to face him. "I am not an Elder. My name is Elder."

    Caine was stunned for a few moments before bursting into laughter. Elder shook her head, already used to such scenes.

    As Caine laughed, she moved once more.

    The blade in her hand ignited with burning qi as she swung, her muscles bulking and filling out the frame of her armor as she did so.

    Caine''s hand, though, was faster. Slapping her blade away, he opened her defense, his palm then moving like a streaking meteor to crash into her chest.

    Elder choked on her own blood as she stumbled backward in the air. Her qi suddenly faded from her body as death qi began to erode her flesh.

    BANG!

    A rising kick from Caine connected with her jaw, sending her flying toward the stars above.

    "ENOUGH!"

    Her True Will suddenly erupted from her body, a domain of darkness surging from her that engulfed both her and Caine.

    Looking around, Caine couldn''t help but be surprised. Somehow, Elder had managed to spontaneously create a pocket world and twist this world in the image of her True Will.

    For all intents and purposes, within this world, she was now a god.

    ''¡­Interesting. So Ascendants can create pocket worlds so easily? I''ll have to study my manual soon.''

    Most of the time, cultivators weren''t allowed to know the details of future realms due to complications that could arise either from qi deviation or heart severance.

    But Caine, after his Trial of Fate, had no such limitations. And thanks to the manual gifted to him by Fate itself, he''d have absolutely all the details he could ask for about the realms, from the Blood Realm all the way up to Godhood.

    All he had to do was spend the time.

    "Now, what is the point of all this?" Caine slowly uttered, his fingers holding the tip of a blade that stood mere inches away from his throat.

    Suddenly, the fabric of space around him began to tremble as the world itself seemed to tighten and compress around Caine, applying countless tons of force to him.

    "Well, I suppose you won''t talk."

    With a press of his fingers, the blade shattered and immediately, Elder''s figure faded back into the endless darkness of the world.

    WHOOOOSH!

    His wings manifested, flaring out as dark lightning began to coil around his body and his hair turned into a mane of burning obsidian flames.

    A spear appeared in his hand, its long blade cracked yet held by spider-like threads of golden qi silk. White runes snaked along the spear''s golden pole, and as Caine lightly spun and swung it through the air, the ambient fabric of qi bent and twisted.

    "This won''t be long," Elder slowly uttered, her voice coming from everywhere and nowhere at once.

    Silence reigned for a moment before they vanished.

    BANG!

 Chapter 169 - 169: Larisse(II)

    Elder Larisse, impaled by Caine''s spear, limply hung in the air, her world of darkness fading away.

    Her body, drenched in blood, was now armless, her stomach torn open, allowing her organs to spill out in waves, mixing with the warmth of her own lifeblood.

    Slowly, her bloodied and bruised hands moved to grasp the pole of the spear that impaled her. Her eyes, wide with disbelief, stared into the amused face of the man before her.

    "Well, you did say this would be quick, hm?"

    There had never been any suspense.

    Only anomalies like Adari and Emerys could hope to ever injure him while being relatively close to his own realm. Apart from that, and excluding those with talent equal to his, realms truly didn''t matter.

    Anything that wasn''t a God was cattle to him now.

    WHOOOSH!

    White flames engulfed Larisse, burning her to ashes, her last moments spent in a vat of endless shock and regret.

    Caine stored his spear away as he canceled his form. At the same time, his hand reached out into the pile of ashes that had begun to drift along the wind.

    RUMBLE!

    When he pulled his arm back, within his palm stood an orb of light¡ªElder''s soul.

    ''This looks strangely appetizing.'' His gaze narrowed. ''Hm. I''ll have to spend some time studying why the destruction of souls is taboo.''

    Slotting these thoughts to the back of his mind, he refocused as his True Will seeped into the fabric of Elder''s soul.

    The orb of golden light wiggled and almost became solid as the echoes of a voice began to escape it.

    "Speak." Caine commanded.

    The orb suddenly stabilized, and immediately, words came out of Elder''s soul.

    "I am Elder Larisse, real name Elderis Larissia, demihuman and daughter of the long-gone Void Boa King."

    "As a Perfect Demihuman, after my birth, I was sent to the human side to reach the Holy Knight position and gather as much intelligence as possible on the humans'' defenses."

    "I eventually defected and separated from the beasts of the world before they recontacted me. From there, a new deal was struck between us. I essentially became a hitman."

    "They come, they give me the target information along with the payment, and I kill the target¡ªsimple."

    "You were simply the latest target they asked me to eliminate."

    Elder Larisse then fell silent, awaiting further orders.

    On the other hand, Caine found himself lost in his own thoughts.

    "What''s a Perfect Demihuman?"

    "A Perfect Demihuman is a child born from the union of beast and human. More specifically, it is a child born without defects and possessing the best of both worlds."

    "For example, I have the body of a human but the innate power of a Void Boa. I have the sharp mind of a human and the terrifying affinity of a beast¡ªa perfect union."

    Caine''s thoughts intensified as a certain conclusion began to form in his mind.

    "What''s the purpose of this ongoing attack?"

    "Rumors in the higher spheres of the world say a certain cult is having a meeting of utmost importance in the capital today, in secret."

    "This cult¡ªthat''s what the beasts are after. They seek to destroy them."

    "Why?" Caine asked.

    "Because when the Pope eventually dies, they will be the only hope of the world."

    These words didn''t come from Elder Larisse.

    Panning his head, Caine found the entity who''d spoken.

    There, a few meters away, Jamie stood, hands clasped behind his back.

    He bowed to Caine. "Greetings. I apologize for my lack of manners, but we must go. Now is the perfect time to reach our destination."

    "The chaos will act as cover."

    Caine softly smiled as he stored Larisse''s soul away, then nodded.

    "Let''s go then."

    ***

    As the two rushed through the ruined landscape of the city, they began to talk.

    "So those you were wary of¡­they''re beasts?" Caine asked.

    Jamie nodded. "Yes, they are. But calling them beasts doesn''t do them justice. Their descendants are what we call beasts. The ones we face are called the Heavenly Creatures."

    "You''ll learn more about them soon, but¡­ what I can tell you is that they''re horrifying. They''re everywhere." As Jamie spoke these words, his voice shook, panic and fear evident in his tone.

    But strangely enough, a defiant sort of rage and hope sparked in his gaze, contrasting his tone and painting him in a light of ambiguity.

    "The Pope and the Greatest God are our only shields. The former will soon leave our world, and the latter has long since fallen into slumber."

    "That leaves the cult as our only chance." sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine remained silent for a moment upon hearing this. "Are us humanoids so weak?"

    Jamie chuckled. "When is it ever that simple? The fact that they are trying so desperately to dismantle the cult should tell you things are complicated."

    "In all honesty, even I don''t fully understand the details of what is happening."

    "Betrayals, resources, benefits, other factions, hidden actors, the world, the mortals¡ªhumanity. It''s all so complicated and convoluted that no line can truly be drawn and no finger can be pointed. Especially in our case, where this has been happening since the dawn of the first living being of our world."

    Caine smiled. "You think that even in such a situation, things are still so blurry? In the face of eradication, would humanity not band together, even if only momentarily?"

    Jamie laughed at these words, shaking his head as he exhaled a breath of amusement.

    He didn''t answer, but Caine took his silence as one.

    In fact, it reminded Caine of a saying the Sinner often uttered.

    [Stabbed by my father, chained by my mother, and betrayed by my brother¡ªI understood. Only then did I realize that the core of humanity is conflict.]

    [Our souls reflect the flames of strife, and so, I embraced it.]

    Caine sighed. ''The essence of our existence is chaos. How bleak of an opinion that is.''

    ''But then again¡­perhaps I am the best example of this.''

    When Caine sacrificed the Three Realms to cast his final spell, just how many lives had he taken? How many families had he broken, all for his selfish desires?

    The lives of billions¡ªtrillions¡ªall for one man''s foolish dream.

    "We''re here."

    The two finally slowed down, stopping right before a strange gate embedded within the floors of a destroyed tower situated at the capital''s core.

 Chapter 170 - 170: Old Sky

    The gate was made of old stone painted gold, the insignia of seven stars orbiting a singular bleeding eye etched at its center, as complex runes and formations glowed across its structure.

    Jamie looked at Caine, his gaze steadying.

    "Are you ready?"

    Caine smiled and nodded. Jamie nodded back.

    Forming a blade of qi, Jamie cut his hand open, allowing the blood to flow from his palm and down onto the gate. Slowly, his blood filled each and every single rune and symbol etched into it.

    With a pale face, Jamie withdrew his hand and began to bandage it.

    RUMBLE!

    The gate slowly began to open.

    "I''ll see you soon if the gods will it."

    Jamie faded into a cloud of smoke that drifted and dispersed along the harsh winds that swept through the city.

    Caine didn''t mind this. The gate opened, revealing a swirling portal of gold and red.

    Without hesitation, he jumped in.

    Immediately, the gate closed and entirely vanished, leaving no trace of its existence behind.

    ***

    [Five planes of infinite wealth and joy, bridged by a singular star that once transcended space and time. That, once, was my view of my beautiful five skies¡ªmy beloved home.]

    [But all things follow a cycle, dictated by the rising and falling tides of yin and yang. My world, once a haven of peace and potential, was soon sundered by¡­monsters.]

    [The five planes were broken, the true star sealed, and my people¡­ slaughtered. Like cattle.]

    [Only I remained.]

    Caine drifted through darkness as these words echoed all around him. He couldn''t move, but he could feel his body traveling through space, being teleported somewhere.

    [So I mirrored the skies. Unable to pierce what lay above, I took refuge in what lay below, in what guards the hells¡ªthe seas.]

    [To counter the monsters of the skies, I tamed the abominations of the seas.]

    [My White Sea Cult is a spark of hope.] S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    BOOOM!

    Caine''s vision cleared as he reached his destination, and immediately, he found himself overwhelmed by the purity of the qi around him.

    He stood on the edge of a cliff that plunged toward a grand and expansive forest, filled with trees of white bark and bloody leaves.

    But this wasn''t the only oddity. Instead of being rooted in soil, the entire world seemed to sit on a vast expanse of golden waters that glowed, reflecting the eerie dark rays of light emanating from the black star that loomed in the emerald skies above.

    In the middle of this forest, a floating citadel of pure white stood, its spires piercing into the dark purple clouds that drifted unfettered across the heavens.

    ''What a strange place.''

    The qi in the air was shockingly pure¡ªalmost a percent of the purity of Caine''s own qi. While this might have sounded underwhelming, it had to be remembered that Caine had aged his qi by countless trillions of eras during his many trials.

    To even be remotely comparable was shocking beyond words. Caine''s qi nowadays was so pure that he mostly couldn''t use it, forced to revert to his old ways of manipulating atmospheric qi.

    Though this would change very soon, it remained impressive nonetheless.

    Just as Caine was about to move and head toward the citadel in the distance, a small tablet appeared in front of him.

    [Analysing¡ªProcessing: Cleared.]

    The tablet glowed gold.

    [Humanoid species detected¡ªaccess cleared. Ally bloodline detected¡ªclearance level elevated.]

    <Would you like to teleport to the White Sea Citadel?>

    Caine was taken aback for a moment before he accepted, and in an instant, he was directly transported into the distance, arriving at the entrance of the citadel.

    He stood before a grand metallic set of doors so massive they stretched across the entire length of the citadel''s spires.

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOSH!

    The doors opened, a wild rush of wind blowing Caine''s hair back as his robes violently fluttered under the intensity. Yet, uncaring for this, he directly walked in.

    The inside of the citadel, contrary to what he expected, was rather simple.

    A single throne stood in the middle of the room, and all around, countless piles of spatial rings could be seen, filled to the brim with rare resources of all types.

    There was so much of it that, for a moment, even Caine was stunned.

    Focusing his attention back on the throne, he took a step toward it, but as soon as he did so, a change occurred.

    The doors behind him slammed shut, and suddenly, from above, motes of silver light began to fall, illuminating the room.

    Upon the throne, the figure of a man began to take shape.

    Short white hair, a thick white beard, and ancient, wizened brown eyes¡ªthe man looked unassuming, yet the potency of his aura was staggering.

    He stood as one man yet carried the weight of an endless ocean, the radiance of infinite stars, and the stability of the greatest mountains of existence.

    His back was strong, his shoulders unmoving, and his heart powerful as he gazed ahead, his eyes locking onto Caine, his chin resting on his closed fist.

    He radiated the aura of a leader¡ªone who bore the weight of the world itself, with his back straight and his lips sealed shut.

    A king. A true king.

    He began to speak.

    "This is a recording for the future. I had hoped to never have to throw this burden onto the shoulders of another, but I suppose I am just as much of a failure as they once said I was."

    The man''s voice was deep yet soothing to the ear, brimming with warmth.

    "This is a message for the future, for any whose heart may remain unwavering in the face of the truth. Whoever you may be, before I begin, I''d like to tell you¡ªI''m sorry."

    "Your ancestors and I have failed you. We''ve failed all of you, and now, we require¡­ your help. I am sorry. Truly."

    The man smiled, a sad and melancholic smile, as he lazily reclined in his throne, his strong bearings slowly faltering to reflect the image of a¡­ defeated man.

    "I am known as God Old Sky."

 Chapter 171 - 171: Old Sky(II)

    "Or rather, was." He bitterly chuckled. "By the time you see this, my Dao Heart will have most likely crumbled. You may find my remains somewhere in the world."

    He remained silent for a few moments, as if internalizing the truth of his own words.

    "This place is perfectly sealed away from the world, so I''ll be able to speak freely."

    Immediately, Caine''s ears perked up, but he remained silent.

    "Our world, the Brilliant Five Sky World, is chained and sealed off, but this, I suppose, you already know."

    "The why is rather simple to explain¡ªimportance. Our world is our [¡ª¡ª]''s nexus¡ª" God Old Sky suddenly paused, sensing something strange had occurred.

    "Hm, it seems you are forbidden from learning about matters beyond our world¡­ strange."

    He began to caress his beard in deep thought.

    "Is this, perhaps, the dead child of heresy standing before me?"

    Caine frowned.

    "How would you even survive for so long¡­? I saw you getting¡­" He sighed. "Whatever. I suppose I''ll have to change my approach."

    "If you are indeed the dead child of heresy, be careful. They killed you once, and they will try to do so again."

    Caine''s frown had deepened into something more¡ªa scowl so dark and filled with barely restrained rage that it could only be described as demonic. His Dao Hearts pounded against his chest with such force that explosions seemed to go off inside his body.

    His True Will had naturally evolved to a point where it could directly link Will and actions to facets of existence. And as the man spoke, Caine could see the karma of the words [Dead Child of Heresy] directly binding itself to him, wrapping around his existence like an undeniable truth.

    In fact, it was likely the man had known it was him because of that. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Anyways," God Old Sky shook his head, refocusing. "The conflict between humanoid and beast races in our world is evident."

    "This is the source of all the chaos and the core of this entire ordeal. But it is manufactured. We are not fated to clash but rather to harmonize; we are two sides of the same coin."

    "But a hand is involved in all of this, and long ago, we realized this. Both us humanoids and the beasts realized this¡ªwe understood that someone was using us. And so, we decided to rebel and break the shackles of our fates."

    "But¡­" rage sparked in his gaze, "¡­that led to complications. Complications so catastrophic that humanity was wiped out¡­ all humanoid species, as many as we once were, were all slaughtered, paving the way for the hegemony of the beasts."

    Caine rapidly regained his calm, his mind absorbing the information with widened metaphorical eyes.

    "After our eradication, forces from beyond the world¡ªour once allies¡ªstormed our lands, hoping to change the tides of the war¡­ or rather, the genocide. But it was too late."

    "The humans of the world you most likely know¡ªyourself included¡ªare most likely not true natives of our world. While you may have been born here, your ancestors were not."

    God Old Sky sighed.

    "This is who I am. A God born from the remains of humanity, the final cry of the world, the final cry of freedom."

    "I am a hopeful vision, the vision of a world too far away from us." He smiled. "I don''t know what happened after our eradication, but I awoke years later, after countless wars and changes¡ªI was greeted with this current world."

    "I awoke in what your people call the Forbidden Continent."

    Caine''s mind finally exploded with thoughts, countless unanswered questions and theories finally receiving answers and conclusions.

    ''I see.''

    God Old Sky''s body began to fade.

    "In the northern continent, you''ll find a cave. There, answers even I do not have, reside."

    From the recording, the sounds of war began to echo as God Old Sky''s gaze locked onto the distance.

    "As I stand here today, this is merely the first day of this cult, its first dawn. But where you stand, we''ve existed for longer than you could possibly imagine."

    "Head to the Forbidden Continent as soon as you can. There, more practical solutions can be¡­ discussed."

    Explosions began to go off in the distance as the projection started to distort, crumble, and fade.

    "Inheritor of the Old Sky''s Will, I trust you''ll be able to do what I wasn''t."

    The recording ended.

    Caine was left alone in the room, deep in his own thoughts, stewing in the depths of the world''s silence.

    To Caine, what the supposed God had said was mostly empty. He''d hoped for clear answers, a well-outlined timeline, as well as secrets that could help him, but this was¡­ disappointing.

    It was disappointing, but not useless. Not in his hands.

    ''It''s as I suspected. The humanoid and beast wars were manufactured by a third party. I suppose this much isn''t surprising.''

    ''From the information I now have, I can safely assume that the beasts betrayed the rest of the world after realizing the third party¡ªor one of them, considering there are most likely many¡ªwas their ancestors, the so-called Heavenly Creatures.''

    ''Together, they wiped out the world. Then something happened, and we came, waged a war against the beasts, and took back the lands.''

    His brows furrowed.

    ''But the question remains the same every single time¡­ how did we win?''

    ''Why did the Timeless Alliance even come here? What is the purpose of all this? And what does it even mean to be a nexus?''

    ''Also, what role do the Elemental Gods play in this nonsensical game¡­? Why did Gaia sacrifice herself? Who was even able to injure Zao?''

    ''And why is our world sealed off? For what purpose?''

    Caine sighed in frustration. Every revelation led to a dozen more questions and mysteries that only made these matters more and more convoluted.

    ''But I suppose now I have one of my questions answered, as well as a possible lead.''

    He looked around.

    ''The world around the church and this place are most likely the ancient forms of the current-day Forbidden Continent.''

    ''This entire fractured reality is one happening on the Forbidden Continent, and this¡­ is its history.''

    Caine nodded to himself, pushing these thoughts to the back of his mind.

    With a sweep of his hand, he stored all the countless spatial rings away and began to prepare.

    While it was true he had gotten all the information he could from this place, it didn''t mean his time here was over.

 Chapter 172 - 172: The Ceremony

    ''It''s time.''

    When Caine heard God Old Sky mention that this space was entirely separated from the real world and its laws, he knew this would be the perfect place for what he wanted to do.

    It was finally time for Caine to free himself.

    His deep study of the aspects, beyond being necessary for his healing, had all led to this moment.

    Many times before, Caine had noticed that his mind¡ªhis very existence¡ªwas restrained in the most perverse of ways.

    The number of enlightenments he had that were forcefully snuffed out due to these restrictions was countless. But beyond that, he had noticed too many other oddities.

    After the Fractured Mind Trial, through the many lives he had lived, Caine had realized that as he grew more powerful, the elasticity of his mind vanished, and the spark of his imagination slowly faded.

    He could feel his thoughts being shackled, constrained within an invisible box, forcing his mind along a dictated path.

    His mind was, is, and would always be his greatest weapon. Yet, he could feel it slowly withering, crumbling under the weight of whatever shackle all mortals seemed to possess.

    So today, he would change this. Not only would he free his mind, but he would elevate it to heights none had ever reached.

    He would take the greatest risk of his life.

    WHOOSH! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine took off his robes, storing them away.

    With a wave of his hand, he applied countless formations and seals all over the citadel''s main hall.

    He spent dozens of hours inscribing seal after seal, his focus unwavering as he worked.

    Once satisfied, he nodded to himself. With a thought, he destroyed the throne in the middle of the room and got to work.

    Biting into one of his fingers, he let his radiant silver-gold blood drip onto the ground. With slow, deliberate strokes, he began to draw an immense, layered formation across the floor, his blood flowing in intricate waves.

    Runes and symbols of all known runic disciplines were etched into the formation, merging seamlessly. His rings manifested behind him, whirling in perfect synchronization, aiding him as his Dao Heart plunged him into an unwavering state of focus.

    The countless resources within the rings he had collected began to flow out, dissolving into the formation, infusing it with power.

    Sweat pooled at his back as his breaths grew labored, his muscles aching under the sheer intensity of the task. But Caine remained undeterred, his mind drowning in an endless sea of calculations and intricate deductions.

    After what felt like an eternity, he stopped. His face was pale from the loss of blood, yet his expression remained calm as he stood at the center of the complex formation.

    ''Decent.''

    Caine brought his bloodied hands together and roared, his True Wills suddenly towering into the skies as his royalty flared.

    The natural flow of qi in the world was violently disrupted, torn from its paths, and forcibly rewoven into the fabric of his formation.

    But he didn''t stop there.

    RUMBLE!

    The world shook as its very laws fractured, their broken cords flowing toward Caine''s formation, drawn to its overwhelming gravitational force.

    But still, he did not stop.

    Blood trickled from his ears as his roar intensified, his presence bending the stream of time itself.

    The strings of fate woven into his hands glowed violently, searing his palms like molten brands as he reached out with both hands and¡ªpulled.

    "[COME!]"

    His voice thundered, shattering the silence of the void.

    The great tapestry of fate he had once glimpsed buckled under his grasp, its endless threads bending and twisting, converging into the core of his formation.

    The sky above trembled, storms raging as time itself fluctuated in defiance of his will.

    BANG!

    Caine fell to his knees, heaving for breath, his body trembling from exertion.

    ''Focus.''

    Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to stand.

    Without hesitation, he plunged his hand into his own chest and, with a violent tug, ripped out his first Dao Heart.

    RUMBLE!

    The fabric of his existence trembled, threatening to collapse. But his True Will surged forward, wrapping around him, forcing him to stay alive.

    Caine dropped his Dao Heart onto the formation below.

    His hand moved again, this time grasping his second Dao Heart.

    With a merciless pull, he tore it out.

    His body shuddered violently, the void of existence yawning open before him, beckoning.

    He dropped the second heart onto the formation below.

    His senses flickered, consciousness waning, yet he steeled his will and refocused.

    ''Focus.''

    One by one, Caine ripped out his own organs, dropping them onto the formation.

    His body convulsed under the strain, but he ignored the searing pain, continuing with methodical precision.

    Even as he peeled his skin off, even as he stripped the flesh from his bones, he did not waver.

    By the end of it, he was nothing but a skeleton.

    With slow, excruciating precision, he brought his bony hands together.

    "¡­[RUPTURE!]¡­"

    His voice rang out, deep and guttural, a demonic resonance echoing through the citadel.

    And then¡ªsomething horrifying occurred.

    SHURRRRRRR!

    The sound of cloth being torn reverberated through the space.

    Caine''s aspects, forcibly severed from one another, crumbled into countless glowing runes, sinking into the formation below.

    "AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Caine''s roar of agony tore through the heavens, shaking the citadel as he felt everything about himself begin to unravel.

    Within his empty eye sockets, amethyst flames erupted, burning with madness, with defiance.

    His True Will flared once more, holding him alive even as it, too, began to fracture.

    "[STABILISE!]¡­ [STABILISE!]¡­ [STABILISE!]¡­ [STABILISE!]¡­"

    In the ancient runic tongue, he roared again and again, desperately commanding the world to obey.

    But silence was all he received.

    Yet the flames in his eye sockets burned brighter, stronger with each passing second.

    His nine rings whirled at a furious speed, revolving with such force that even they began to crack.

    Everything was falling apart.

    The pain was all-consuming, far beyond what mortals could conceive.

    His soul and body had been reduced to dust, his connection to the world severed, his control over qi stripped, his mind crippled.

    All that remained was his cracked, crumbling True Will.

    All he could sense within this endless void was death. Pure, absolute, undeniable death.

    The sensation was the same as his encounter with Uriel.

    True Death. Absolute Death.

    And yet, at the peak¡ªat the very zenith of his destruction¡ªhis voice breached the heavens.

    A voice that tore through fate, that defied reality, that screamed into the very core of existence itself.

    "[NAMELESS TRUTH: ORIGIN CEREMONY!]"

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    A cataclysmic explosion erupted, tearing through the citadel as the fabric of existence itself trembled under the weight of his words.

 Chapter 173 - 173: The Ceremony(II)â€”Defiant

    Caine''s roar echoed through the void, and as his spell finalized, in less than an instant, his hand blurred¡ªmoving at speeds too fast to comprehend¡ªas it etched a set of runes into the very fabric of space itself.

    The spell was complete.

    Caine''s True Will crumbled into motes of light and golden runes that sank into the formation below.

    The world was silent.

    The world was empty.

    The world was frozen.

    Caine had died. Again.

    WHOOOOOOSH!

    But as if it didn''t matter, the formation below¡ªsensing his death¡ªfinally activated, glowing with silver light.

    Amethyst flames surged from the intricate formation, consuming Caine''s skeletal remains.

    His skeleton hovered in the air, suspended within a sea of flames and black and white runes that swirled around him in mesmerizing chaos.

    The purpose of the formation was pitifully simple¡ªcreation.

    What Caine had etched into the ground was the entirety of his knowledge of the aspects.

    So after he had ground his aspects and very existence into dust, all the formation had to do was recreate them under his very specific set of orders.

    He would forge and create his aspects himself¡ªwithout any shackles, without any limits imposed by the heavens.

    He would be his own god.

    WHOOOSH!

    His Bodily Aspect was first.

    His skeleton dissolved into the flames, and for a moment, nothing happened. But then, the amethyst fire concentrated and¡ªunder the effect of the formation¡ªtransmuted into solid matter.

    The matter moved, reforming his black skeleton.

    Runes erupted across the surface of his bones as his flesh and organs rapidly filled out his frame.

    His Soul, Qi, and World Aspects were reforged in an instant.

    Immediately, a rush of qi flooded his body, accelerating the process at an overwhelming speed. His soul nestled itself back into his body as countless changes unfolded within him.

    Qi and flesh intertwined, wrapping around his bones and forging his muscles under the lingering force of his True Will.

    Runes seared into his flesh as his bones, organs, and flesh structures reformed and harmonized in an instant.

    Neutral qi permeated his being, transmuting into skin of jade-white, wrapping around the refined and tempered frame of his newly reconstructed body.

    His long, curly black hair erupted from his once-bald skull, cascading over his shoulders like a flowing river of darkness.

    All of his aspects had been restored.

    Everything¡ªexcept his Mind and Dao Hearts.

    WHOOOSH!

    Caine''s naked, lifeless, hollow body knelt at the formation''s center.

    The world fell into a silent lull once more.

    And for a while, it remained so.

    A dead man, in an empty world.

    What good was any of it if his mind could not be reformed? What would it all mean if he had lost his rings and his True Wills?

    But of course, Caine was no fool.

    In his deep study of the aspects, he had already deduced that the Mind was the spark of defiance, the very force that allowed one to cultivate, to think, to be an individual.

    Beyond that, he had come to understand that the Will was a measure of maturity¡ªan ability granted through growth.

    The Mind was the spark of defiance.

    WHOOOSH!

    The words Caine had etched into space itself before dying suddenly burned into his flesh.

    The words were simple yet shocking.

    <I am Unrivalled.>

    What greater defiance was there than to defy the heavens themselves?

    To defy death? To defy life, time, and Samsara?

    To defy the entirety of existence itself?

    What greater defiance was there than to etch into the very fabric of reality that one surpassed all that was¡ªheaven and earth included?

    Who but Caine would dare burn the very essence of their True Will and mind to humiliate the heavens and existence itself?

    It would be this.

    It would be from this act of heretical defiance¡ªthe highest heresy ever committed¡ªthat his mind would be born.

    It would be from the affirmation of his supremacy, from his disregard of existence and the heavens, that his spark would form.

    It would be from this spark of defiance that his mind would be reborn.

    And in turn, it would be from the heavens'' fury that his True Will would awaken.

    For a fleeting moment, everything was quiet.

    Not just within the fractured reality¡ªbut across all worlds, across primordial chaos and beyond.

    Countless higher existences and unfathomable entities felt the shift, their towering auras stirring as they found themselves unable to speak or move.

    Gods and mortals alike were frozen.

    Bound.

    Shackled.

    They witnessed the birth of yet another True Defiant.

    At the peak of this silence¡ªthis oppressive, suffocating silence¡ªa voice echoed.

    <I am Unrivalled.>

    A whisper, yet a command.

    A declaration, yet a law.

    It burrowed into the minds of every living being.

    From the depths of Hell, to the highest Heavens, to the endless Void, to Primordial Chaos¡ªit echoed.

    <I am Unrivalled.>

    RUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMBLE! S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Heavens¡­ roared.

    The Heavens were angry.

    ***

    Far away from the chaos caused by this event¡ªunbeknownst to him¡ªCaine experienced something entirely different.

    In front of his dead body, sparks gathered¡ªsilver and amethyst sparks.

    Alongside them, silver and amethyst flames manifested.

    The sparks and flames dug into his chest, condensing to reform his Dao Hearts.

    The twin flames burned fiercely within his Dao Hearts, their intensity escalating with each passing second as auspicious white lightning coiled around them.

    DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM!

    Primordial drums echoed across the void, reverberating through reality itself as the very laws of the world began to sing a hymn of glory.

    After his death at the hands of Uriel, Caine had been cast into the River of Fate, where he had been saved by the Great Mother of Fate herself.

    That moment was a humiliation, a scar on his heart he would never forget.

    That day, he had made a promise.

    A promise he would never break.

    If to uphold this promise, he had to defy death and the heavens themselves¡ªhe would.

    Without hesitation.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Caine''s Dao Hearts thumped and thundered in unison.

    In an instant, his Mind Aspect was reborn.

    His existence harmonized.

    His entire being was reshaped, free of all shackles.

    Caine''s lungs expanded, his body trembling as he gasped for air¡ªand at long last¡ª

    He defied death.

    His blood surged through his veins, his aspects stabilizing as his presence returned.

    But it wasn''t over.

    It was far from over.

    Just as Caine''s breathing stabilized, the formation below him glowed red¡ªand directly, he fainted.

 Chapter 174 - 174: Visions of Horrorâ€”The First

    [Unknown Location]

    The void in this place was a blend of all colors, arcs of chaotic scarlet lightning tearing in and out of its fabric, drawing geysers of white liquid, as if the void itself were bleeding.

    Storms of divine proportions clashed and overlapped, creating an endless cycle of destruction and rebirth. Chaos reigned.

    Amidst this chaotic landscape, two figures sat around a small table, each resting on floating mats.

    Both were veiled by their auras, but the sheer weight of their presence was enough to drive any mortal to insanity.

    "A Mortal True Defiant, oh my." One of the figures chuckled aloud.

    The figure summoned a pot and two small cups, beginning to pour tea for both of them.

    "The Heavens won''t like this, hm? It''s been a while since I''ve heard its voice."

    The other figure shook its head. "I''ve heard no one has been able to uncover the identity of this entity. All we know is that he''s young and possibly related to¡­ him."

    A pause followed. As those words left the figure''s mouth, the entire world around them froze.

    They locked gazes, their eyes narrowing.

    "¡­how do you know he''s young?" the first figure finally asked.

    "A kid recently entered the top five of the Youth Origin Ladder. He went from being unranked to directly securing a spot in the top five."

    "Well, there have been two of them in the last few years, so there are two possible suspects. Either way, the kid is young¡ªstupidly so."

    The first figure grinned, revealing a toothy, sinister smile, full of aged malice.

    "On another note¡­ I smelled a bit of sin in the boy''s voice¡­" The androgynous voice suddenly dropped, deepening into a masculine, low rumble. "I might''ve found my inheritor already¡­"

    "A kid so attuned to the sins that even I can feel it¡­ oh my¡­ I might''ve found something great¡­"

    The other figure shook its head and sighed as the first continued to cackle, a chorus of amusement and malevolence.

    Time retook its course around them as they sipped their tea in silence, but internally, the second figure couldn''t help but think.

    ''¡­I could swear I''ve heard that voice somewhere¡­ was I dreaming¡­?''

    ***

    Caine''s body was flung through time and space, moving at speeds so fast that the structure of his body constantly unraveled into filaments of flesh and runes, only to be compressed back together into one whole.

    Parts of his body aged, while others rejuvenated in an endless cycle that tore him apart. Yet, strangely enough, there was no pain. He could tell that he was entirely fine, as if a spectral force had wrapped around his body, ensuring nothing would truly harm him.

    He continued falling through an abyss of all colors, an eternity passing in an instant.

    And then, he stopped.

    Mid-air.

    His momentum vanished.

    Looking around, Caine saw something indescribable.

    At its core, it was nothing but darkness. And yet, part of him felt as though he were surrounded by countless eyes, each containing power that transcended the word ''God'' countless times over.

    Though the void was dark, in its crevices, he saw an endless expanse of colorful worlds¡ªeach full of life and death, peace and war, chaos and order.

    The pressure should have been suffocating, gnawing at the fabric of his mind''s sanity and forcing his Will to crumble beneath its weight.

    And yet¡­

    He felt fine.

    No¡ªhe felt better than he ever had in his life.

    ''¡­this is all so strange yet¡­ normal? I definitely shouldn''t be able to sense any of this¡­''

    Suddenly, amidst the darkness, in the distance, Caine saw a man.

    The man walked forward, a lit torch in hand.

    WHOOOOSH!

    The darkness twisted and changed.

    Snow-covered soil appeared beneath Caine''s feet. The abyss above shifted into a vast, dark blue sky, ravaged by abyssal snowstorms.

    Caine remained unaffected, an intangible observer amidst it all, but he paid no attention to his surroundings.

    His gaze remained locked onto the man trudging through the storm.

    The man was tall, nearly seven feet in height, his toned, primal body riddled with scars, hidden beneath the beast pelts that covered him.

    His long, oily black hair and thick beard obscured his features, but his burning emerald pupils pierced through the storm, illuminating the path ahead.

    Step by step, he advanced.

    Silent. Unrelenting. Driven.

    His gaze burned endlessly, its flames flickering like an eternal beacon, above any possible failure.

    Caine''s heart began to palpitate as he watched the man traverse the landscape.

    Even as the seasons changed, and the snowy expanse became a scorching, unforgiving desert, filled with otherworldly creatures, the man remained unphased.

    Even as he swam through boundless oceans and seas, he remained unphased.

    Even as he walked through a dense tropical jungle, his steps pressing into the damp earth, surrounded by apex predators, he remained unphased.

    There was something terrifying about the cadence of his steps, about the sheer consistency of all that he did, and most importantly, about the stoic silence in which he did it all.

    His gaze continued to burn, the flames growing brighter and brighter with every step.

    The man was dirty, covered in dried blood, and riddled with injuries.

    He had not uttered a single word.

    And yet¡­ Caine felt as though he were looking at the highest of royalties.

    He couldn''t put it into words, but something about the man impressed him just as much as it frightened him.

    This fear rapidly vanished¡ªbut the fact that it had even been born was a testament to the sheer weight of the man''s presence.

    The man was strong.

    Undeniably.

    Unfathomably.

    No doubt, he was the strongest man Caine had ever seen.

    "Watch."

    Caine''s heart skipped a beat as the man suddenly paused and looked directly at him.

    "Watch well." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The countless beast pelts that covered the man''s body faded away, revealing a toned, vascular frame, carved from pure will and experience.

    A spear appeared in his hand.

    The weapon was simple and crude¡ªa wooden shaft with the tooth of a beast he had slain affixed to its tip.

    And yet¡ª

    The killing intent that surrounded it was¡ª

    RUMBLE!

    The skies roared.

    The heavens trembled.

 Chapter 175 - 175: Visions of Horror(II)â€”Field of Madness

    They didn''t just rumble.

    The fabric of space above sundered and tore apart, revealing the void¡ªbut even that wasn''t enough. The void itself fractured, giving way to a white expanse of endless majesty¡ªThe Heavens.

    BANG!

    The man''s aura suddenly erupted with such force that the surrounding space was blasted into cosmic debris. A mantle of majestic dark emerald energy coated his figure.

    The flame in his gaze ignited and roared to life as the laws of existence crumbled and faded into oblivion.

    Silence reigned for a moment. And then¡­

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The man''s Dao Heart thumped once, and an explosion of divine proportions shook the fabric of the world. The reverberations of that explosion shattered existence itself.

    Caine, not even truly present, felt his knees buckle under the sheer pressure the man exuded. His Will commanded deference, spanning across space and time, regardless of who laid eyes upon its master.

    Caine felt his very Dao Heart be challenged and disrespected¡ªmerely by looking at him.

    But the man himself paid him no mind.

    A crown of gold appeared above his head.

    Seven halos followed, overlapping atop his crown. Finally, atop his halos, a strange insignia materialized¡ªa single emerald star.

    The man''s power soared further.

    The Heavens above roared, and from the gap in the skies, countless angels began to descend, each one radiating power beyond comprehension, even to Gods.

    The man grinned. His gaze panned to Caine once more, full of madness.

    "Fun, no?"

    Caine barely had time to register these words before a set of runes seared into his mind.

    <The First.>

    And then¡ªthe world crumbled.

    ***

    Caine returned to the endless black abyss he''d previously been in, his breaths labored and his body covered in sweat.

    A smile tugged at his lips as he replayed the scene in his mind over and over again, as if attempting to sear it into his psyche.

    Caine was rarely, truly impressed by anything or anyone.

    In fact, he''d never truly had someone he looked up to¡ªsomeone he sought to surpass.

    Nova, The Sinner, Augustine, The Four Lords, Zao, Francis, Laplace, Uriel¡ªnone had ever truly awed him in a way that lit his heart ablaze, making him seek the mountain top.

    But this man¡­He was different.

    He was powerful in a way Caine had never seen before.

    Caine could feel his heart tremble¡ªin excitement and confusion, as he replayed the scene again and again.

    But before he could calm down, the abyss around him trembled and changed once more.

    BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

    All around him, crosses began to emerge, the void beneath him morphing into an endless ocean of thick, scarlet blood.

    The countless crosses were deeply entrenched in the waters below, and upon them, strange creatures writhed and screamed in horror and pain, desperately fighting to free themselves.

    These creatures had wrinkled, grey skin, covered in black and putrid yellow runes, which glowed with a malevolent scarlet light.

    Their heads were long and pill-shaped, bearing curved horns of glass, which contained worlds¡ª worlds of all kinds and sizes.

    Their arms were humanoid, stained black, but their feet were white talons.

    From the blood that trickled down their backs, it was evident they had once possessed wings¡ªwings that had been ripped out.

    Their arms and talons were bound to the crosses behind them by silver nails, which drew golden blood, the liquid slowly dripping into the endless ocean of blood below. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The skies above were a strange and dark shade of orange, with a pink star looming unnaturally close to the lands.

    A distorted, nauseating killing intent wafted through the air, intermingling with corrupted qi, making this realm a pure extract of Hell itself.

    Caine looked around in shock, unable to comprehend where he was.

    And then¡ªhe realized something horrifying.

    He too was bound to a cross.

    He too was within the body of one of these creatures. He felt no pain, and yet, his senses screamed¡ªa deafening alarm blaring in his very soul.

    Suddenly¡ªAll these strange creatures began to roar out in pain. Their screams were like chalk scraping on a board¡ªgrating, unbearable.

    But then¡ªTheir screams morphed into youthful giggles, the innocent laughter of children, as if a group of young girls ran through a field of flowers, chasing butterflies, playing without a care.

    And then¡ªTheir giggles twisted into mournful cries.

    Then¡ªa harmonious hymn.

    And then¡ªSilence.

    ''¡­what the hell is happening¡­''

    The atmosphere was ominous beyond words, so much so that Caine''s heart refused to stop warning him.

    His affinity to Fate roared, imploring him to be wary, warning him of an incoming danger.

    And yet¡ªno matter where he looked, he could find nothing.

    ''¡­Am I supposed to¡ª''

    "Hello, you."

    Caine realized something horrifying. Mere inches away from his face, an entity stood.

    No, it hadn''t just appeared¡ªit had been there since the beginning. Yet, somehow¡ªhe had not noticed.

    Caine couldn''t see anything of its body.

    All he could see was a Jester''s mask. The eye sockets were hollow, a portal of endless darkness and malice.

    The darkness within the mask''s eyes was terrifying.

    It was a void¡ªa gateway to all that was wrong, sinful, malevolent, and evil.

    A portal to Hell itself.

    A gateway to madness.

    And yet¡ªCaine remained calm. In fact, he smiled.

    The mask tilted its head, as if confused.

    "You''re strange, hm?"

    The voice behind the mask was¡ªwrong.

    It was the voice of a crying child, blended with the voice of a screaming, drunken man. An unsettling harmony of despair and delirium.

    "How ironic."

    Caine spoke in the language of the strange creature he inhabited.

    "Ah!"

    The mask chuckled and wept at the same time.

    "You''ve been here before, yes?"

    Caine did not answer.

    He turned his attention away from¡ª

    "No, focus."

    The mask''s voice deepened.

    "Answer me."

    Caine ignored it again.

    ''What am I supposed to understand here¡­? A talking mask¡­A strange, hellish world... A field of endless suffering¡­'' He shook his head.

    ''Perhaps I''m not supposed to do anything but observe.''

    He turned back to the mask. It had fallen entirely silent.

    And then, in a soft, empty voice, it spoke again.

    "You are bad. You are not nice."

 Chapter 176 - 176: Visions of Horror(III)â€”Inverted Lands of Oom

    Tears of blood began to stream down the mask''s face as it laughed and cried out loud, its distorted wails echoing like the chorus of a fractured mind. Caine watched it all unfold, silently. The more he calmed himself, the more his mind cooled, and the clearer the creature''s true form became. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It wasn''t just a mask.

    It was a gigantic mass of putrid grey flesh, covered in countless masks, faces, and limbs.

    Most of the faces were those of children, either crying or laughing, frozen in grotesque expressions of eternal torment. Atop the creature, a young man could be seen, his presence eerily out of place amidst the chaos.

    The young man wore airy and light white robes that draped over his slender and frail frame. His long white hair cascaded over his shoulders, while his eyes burned with a mesmerizing scarlet light. Thirteen pairs of white feathery wings stretched from his back, each covered in golden, unblinking eyes.

    Above his head, a single halo spun, a ring of circulating blood, glistening under an unseen light.

    Looking down at Caine, the young man grinned, his gaze piercing through the illusion of the creature''s form, locking onto Caine himself. Their gazes met, and in that instant, Caine understood. When he had met Laplace, behind him had been a strange spherical creature, not too different from the one before him now. This could only mean one thing.

    This young man was an angel. Or something close to it.

    ''A Fallen.''

    The words came to him like natural enlightenment, as though they were a fundamental truth whispering itself into his soul.

    "Would you look at that?" The young man smiled. His voice was soothing, enchanting, reminiscent of Uriel''s, yet it held a weight and force that far surpassed anything the latter had ever displayed. It was the voice of something truly divine, yet wholly defiled.

    "A mortal able to withstand the light of Divinity? How novel." His grin widened, sharp and unsettling. "You also¡­ smell like him." He chuckled, but there was something insidious beneath the amusement.

    Suddenly, the young man''s grin twisted into something demonic. His cheeks split apart, tearing into gory ribbons as his mouth widened into an unnatural, bloodied smile.

    His chest split open, revealing an endless world of carnage¡ªa realm of screaming, writhing beasts, so horrific that Caine was forced to immediately shut off his senses for fear of losing them forever.

    The young man''s wings grew mouths, and from them, they began to vomit mouthfuls of heads. Countless tiny, crying and laughing heads, each rotten, accompanied by waves of white blood.

    The scene was delirious¡ªmaddening.

    The young man reached out, attempting to grab Caine, but in an instant, the world faded to nothingness.

    ***

    Caine returned to the abyss, trembling, the sweat on his body endlessly accumulating.

    His heart was steady, unmoved, and yet his body refused to stop trembling. He exhaled a breath, trying to calm himself. ''¡­Was that a demon?''

    He barely had time to process what had just occurred before he noticed the abyss had changed once more, this time in an instant.

    The ground beneath his feet was covered in luminescent green grass, swaying softly beneath the pull of gentle winds that traversed the endless plains. The skies were a light shade of blue, grey clouds drifting lazily, as a soft drizzle fell from above.

    The landscape was one of rolling hills, rising and falling endlessly, blanketed in emerald green. White petals floated through the air, carrying a lavender scent that seemed to soothe the soul itself. The world was a haven of peace, calm, and relaxation.

    It was beautiful.

    Caine looked around, scanning the serene environment, but found nothing out of the ordinary. With no immediate signs of significance, he began to walk across the land.

    In his path, he encountered lakes of glowing emerald waters, zones where gravity seemed inverted, and fields brimming with qi types he had never encountered before.

    Graves, statues, ancient remains, ruins¡ªthe world was full of mysteries.

    As he wandered, he noticed something peculiar.

    There was a strange resonance between this place and his Dao Heart. His Dao Heart had always been a tool of focus, an anchor that could plunge him into deep states of enlightenment, sharpening his perception and comprehension beyond his usual limits.

    And yet, this place seemed to have the same effect on him, as if it were designed to nurture thought, to breed understanding. The serenity it exuded wrapped around him like a gentle embrace, and he gladly sank into its calming depths.

    After a while, Caine stumbled upon a stone tablet, weathered and standing tall amidst a small clearing. The moment his gaze landed upon it, the tablet pulsed with a faint light, and a voice began to echo.

    [I have been following the footsteps of the so-called True Professor for quite some time now. All trails lead to this place.]

    The voice was sultry, enchanting, dripping with unrestrained charm, yet laced with an undercurrent of curiosity and unease.

    [They call this place the Inverted Lands of Oom.]

    [To get here, I had to traverse the Astral Plane, reaching a place called the Sea of Forgotten Heirs. From there, a portal to the Abyss was given to me.]

    [I had to kill quite a few of their sovereigns and negotiate with their demigods, but in the end, they allowed me to continue.]

    [It''s strange¡ªhaving to traverse so many unrelated locations just to¡­ reach here. I expected a world of riches, of endless possibilities, but in the end, it''s¡­ much more and much less¡ªall at once.]

    [It''s weird, very weird, but truly a place the Professor would obsess over.]

    [I haven''t found him, but I have found his notes.]

    [These lands contain the secrets to¡­ something. I just don''t know what. But I can feel it.]

    [Something great. Something beyond anything I''ve ever been part of.]

    [If only I could rescue the Professor and¡­ aid him, I feel like the stars would merely be a starting point. This may be a pivotal nexus to our path to [¡ª-]

    [On another note, I have also found traces of the Alchemy Haven here. Quite strange.]

    [But I digress.]

    [To any who may find this recording in the future, don''t hesitate to reach out to me or the Professor. Numbers make strength.]

    [Signing out.]

    The recording ended.

    Seconds passed. Caine remained in front of the stone tablet, his hands clasped behind his back, his mind spinning. He was confused.

    Relatively interested. But mostly¡ªshocked.

    ''The Alchemy Haven extended beyond the Five Skies¡­?''

    This complicated things. This complicated things far more than he had ever imagined.

 Chapter 177 - 177: Visions of Horror(IV)â€”Defiance

    Caine caressed his chin, deep in thought.

    While this revelation was surprising, it wasn''t entirely outlandish. He had already established that the forces of the Five Skies weren''t natives but rather remnants of old allies, ancient warriors who had settled in these lands after the fall of the original humans. Given that, the presence of an external force like the Alchemy Hall made sense.

    Yet, despite the logical conclusion, a frown settled on his face. Something about this felt strange. A sinister undercurrent ran through it all, something hidden beneath the surface, something crucial that tied everything together.

    His instincts screamed at him, an almost primal whisper in his soul warning that the missing piece was linked to the beasts. And given that Caine''s instincts were deeply tethered to his Primal Will, he was inclined to trust them.

    ''The Alchemy Hall is linked to external forces of incredible power¡­ The Void Trading Alliance is deeply intertwined with the Cult and the ancient humans while also being an ally of the Velios¡­ The Timeless Alliance is fractured and most likely corrupted¡­ The Chaos Heaven Pagoda wants to abduct me¡­ and the Red Sky Heavenly Temple is the strangest of them all¡­'' His mind spun, unraveling one thread after another, yet never reaching the center of the web.

    ''And then there''s the cult itself, the beasts, the heavenly creatures, the possible existence of demihumans, Lady Gaia, my parents¡­'' His thoughts continued. ''But beyond all that, there''s also Nova, Augustine, The Sinner¡­''

    Caine sighed. ''What is going on? There''s a key truth I''m missing¡­ I''m so close¡­''

    But belief alone wouldn''t yield results, and he knew better than to get lost in aimless speculation. He slotted these thoughts to the back of his mind, placing them alongside the countless other pieces of the puzzle he had been uncovering bit by bit.

    Exhaling, he ran a hand through his long, mane-like black curls, slicking them back. He cast one final glance at the tablet before moving away.

    As he walked through the plains, lost in thought, something caught his attention. Or rather, he finally noticed something that had been there all along. Behind him, a tiny winged spirit hovered, its luminous eyes filled with curiosity. He glanced to his left¡ªanother.

    To his right¡ªmore. A horde of them, all watching, all following in silent fascination.

    ''Have they been following me all this time?''

    The moment the thought formed in his mind, all the spirits around him nodded in unison, as if they had plucked the question straight from his thoughts.

    Caine was stunned.

    "Hello," the spirits spoke, their voices overlapping in a chorus of warmth. "Hello, hello, hello."

    Their voices were unlike anything he had ever heard, a sweet and soothing melody that seeped into the very fabric of his aspects, massaging them, easing them into a state of euphoric calm.

    "Hello," Caine finally answered.

    The mere echo of his voice sent waves of visible shudders through the spirits. They trembled in joy, then burst into movement, twirling and spiraling around him in a chaotic dance, their giggles like the chimes of celestial bells.

    "You are a Spiritual," they said, their voices a song of innocence. "But you live like a Human."

    "Why?"

    Caine froze. At that moment, a deafening BOOM! went off in his mind. It was as if something had ruptured inside him, something fundamental. His thoughts scattered, his consciousness blanking for an instant before snapping back.

    He exhaled sharply, steadying himself. The spirits continued to giggle, as if their task had been completed.

    ''I see.''

    One of the reasons he had undergone the ceremony was this¡ªan inconsistency.

    In what world would someone as meticulous as him have ignored his own race for so long?

    In what world would he not have studied his bloodline in depth? In what world would he have so easily accepted his bond with Elura without question?

    The feeling that had gnawed at the back of his mind for so long had finally become clear¡ªthere had always been something wrong, something forcing him into a box that wasn''t of his own making.

    And just now, he had almost fallen back into it.

    What was even happening? What were these visions? Where was he? Was he dead?

    ''How vicious.''

    The moment of clarity made it obvious. Part of what was happening here was an attempt to undo the ceremony, to drag him back into the shackles he had fought to break free from. If not for the spirits, he would have been bound once more.

    But now that he had fully awakened, now that he had regained clarity, it was over.

    He was free¡ªpartially. After all, this was only the first of three ceremonies he intended to complete.

    WHOOOOOSH!

    The spirits scattered, flying away in all directions as the world around him dissolved.

    Once again, Caine returned to the abyss.

    ***

    ''I wonder, what does it mean to have a mind unchained by the Heavens?''

    He felt amazing, and yet, in some ways, he felt exactly the same. It was strange. He could tell something profound had changed, something that defied all known laws, but he couldn''t yet grasp the full extent of it.

    ''If I go back to my understanding of the aspects, this is most likely due to two things¡ªmy body and comprehension. I need to strengthen my body further and study myself in depth before I can fully tap into whatever this is.''

    But even with that limitation, he could feel it¡ªthis overwhelming, indescribable sense of clarity, of power.

    Suddenly, a ripple spread through the abyss. Caine instinctively knew that this would be the last vision.

    The darkness beneath his feet transformed into cold silver metal, etched with intricate golden runes. Around him, massive tribunals began to materialize¡ªcolossal structures housing unfathomable entities, each cloaked in overwhelming auras.

    Caine''s gaze swept beyond, taking in the impossible sight. The metal floors stretched endlessly, forming the foundation of a floating asteroid drifting through a vibrant, star-filled void. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    At the center of the tribunals stood three figures.

    One was a young woman, clad in a dark blue military uniform. Her long, wavy blonde hair framed her face, contrasting her piercing azure eyes that burned with unfiltered hatred and contempt.

    In front of her, two figures were bound to crosses, their arms outstretched and nailed in place, their bodies naked and covered in blood. The white chains that shackled their ankles burned with black flames, endlessly consuming their flesh.

    One was a young man, his long white hair stained red from the wounds carved across his body. The other was a young woman, her jet-black hair cascading down her back, her crimson eyes staring ahead with unshakable confidence.

    Caine''s heart shook.

    ''Is¡­ this¡­''

 Chapter 178 - 178: Oath of Defiance

    Caine looked like a perfect mirror of the woman bound next to the man, and the man himself bore an uncanny resemblance to Zao.

    He didn''t utter a word. Hands clasped behind his back, he remained still, watching the scene unfold with unwavering focus.

    BANG!

    The military woman wielded a whip formed of condensed qi, its energy rippling through the air as it crashed against the chained figures.

    The sound of tearing flesh, splattering blood, and cracking bones filled the tribunal, echoing like a brutal symphony.

    Laughter erupted from the countless figures seated in the towering galleries above, their cheers growing louder with every lash of the whip. And the harder they laughed, the more vicious the strikes became.

    Yet, despite the sheer agony they endured, neither of the two victims uttered a sound. The woman curled inward as much as she could, shielding her belly with what little strength she had left. Meanwhile, the man shifted subtly, trying to redirect the military woman''s fury onto himself, drawing her attention away from his companion.

    But it didn''t matter. No matter how he positioned himself, no matter how much pain he invited, the woman in uniform continued her assault, her strikes unwavering as she aimed directly for the bloodied woman''s stomach.

    Again, and again, and again.

    BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

    The violence was merciless. The cruelty, relentless.

    Above the tribunals, high upon the thrones that hovered above the common crowd, sat dozens of figures. Some watched in apathy, others in amusement. Yet amidst them, one entity stood out.

    A woman reclined lazily in her seat, a glass of shimmering ambrosia resting in her delicate fingers. Her flowing black hair resembled a river of endless stars, glistening with the radiance of entire universes, while her translucent skin, like reflective glass, allowed glimpses of an inferno of golden flames burning beneath its surface.

    Her eyes, a mesmerizing emerald, shimmered with mischief. She wore revealing white robes, each fold seeming to shift and change like liquid light, complementing the majestic crown of white fire hovering above her head.

    Her lips curved into a smile as she observed the unfolding brutality, swirling the contents of her glass in idle amusement. But then, suddenly, she frowned.

    ***

    Caine had undergone countless trials to forge his Dao Hearts. To him, they were the culmination of a lifetime of work, of pain, of mastery. But even now, he didn''t fully understand their depths.

    Individually, no other Dao Heart could surpass his. At best, they could be matched.

    But together?

    Together, they stood in a league above all else.

    And for the first time, as he burned the sight before him into the very fabric of his existence, the true power of his Dao Hearts was revealed.

    It lasted for nothing more than an instant, and yet, all present heard it¡ªthe soft, synchronized thump of his hearts.

    Caine took a step forward.

    CRACK!

    Every single being in the tribunals froze.

    The fabric of time itself trembled.

    Above them, in the void beyond, the sky split apart. Jagged arcs of tribulation lightning gathered, crackling with such potency that even these unfathomable entities felt their hearts shudder in fear.

    But the lightning went unnoticed, for down below, amidst the blood and agony of the pit, something far more terrifying had occurred.

    A fourth figure had appeared. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A young man, drenched in blood, his body trembling, his breaths labored. And yet, despite his pitiful state, there was something¡­ wrong about him.

    An eerie serenity clung to him, an unnatural stillness that defied all reason.

    Suddenly, chains appeared in his hands¡ªlong, golden metallic chains, etched with scarlet runes, glowing with an ominous light.

    Caine had received many gifts from Fate after his Trial. These chains were one of them¡ª

    The Chains of Damnation.

    His gaze panned across the tribunals, sweeping over each and every entity present.

    Then, his face slowly lifted, locking onto the woman seated high above, the one who had frowned.

    The Chains of Damnation slithered like living things, wrapping around his forearms, burning and fusing into the very fabric of his existence.

    His aspects trembled, reshaping, reforging.

    And as the chains melted into him, transforming into black runic tattoos seared upon his skin, he lifted a single finger¡ªpointing straight at the woman above.

    "With the Heavens as my witness," his voice rang out, steady and absolute.

    "With the Hells as my Nemesis," he continued, his tone unshaken.

    "And with Fate as my vessel¡­"

    The woman bound in chains stirred. Her weary, beaten body shuddered as unease bloomed within her, an inexplicable dread gnawing at her soul.

    She pulled at her restraints, heedless of the fresh wounds opening on her wrists. Tears, unbidden and unexplained, spilled from her crimson eyes.

    The man beside her reacted the same, struggling against his bindings, feeling something coming, something they couldn''t name.

    But before either could free themselves¡ª

    Their chains shattered.

    The bindings vanished in an instant, their bodies whisked away into the void through a spatial tear.

    And as they disappeared, Caine turned his gaze forward and uttered the final words of his oath.

    "¡­I solemnly swear to the Daos of Heaven and Earth, the Laws of Existence, and the Greater Gods¡­"

    "¡­to [¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª]¡­"

    His last words did not echo.

    His lips moved, but the air refused to carry his voice, as if existence itself rejected what he had spoken.

    But none needed to hear it.

    They already knew.

    The woman above knew.

    Caine grinned.

    And suddenly, the vision, instead of fading, fractured.

    Cracks split through reality like shattered glass, light bleeding through the broken edges of the world.

    His grin widened.

    Blood poured from his wounds in waves, staining the ground beneath him.

    "I''m coming."

    And the vision shattered.

    ***

    Caine''s body, broken and battered, slammed across the ground of an endless white expanse. He skidded violently, blood trailing behind him, staining the purity of what could only be described as a holy land.

    His momentum only halted when he crashed into what felt like a metal wall.

    Immediately, he keeled over, vomiting mouthfuls of blood.

    He didn''t understand what had happened.

    He felt like he was dying, yet his hearts thumped with indescribable joy.

    A stark contrast.

    A contradiction he couldn''t comprehend.

    He had felt something deep within himself take the reins¡ªsomething ancient, something monstrous, something inevitable.

    A while later, he rolled onto his back, his chest heaving, his body drenched in sweat.

    He needed rest, even if only for a moment.

    But before he could even close his eyes, a voice pierced through the silence.

    "You managed to remember all the Visions. How impressive."

 Chapter 179 - 179: All-Origin Gate of Truth

    Above Caine, seated cross-legged and gazing down at him, was a humanoid entity composed entirely of dark matter.

    The entity had no discernible features¡ªno eyes, no mouth, no defining characteristics¡ªjust an abyssal silhouette, its form swallowing all surrounding light, distorting the space around it like a singularity.

    Caine looked up, unmoving. He lacked the energy to be shocked, confused, or even doubtful. And the entity, in its silent, looming presence, seemed to know it too.

    With a mere wave of its hand, a burning pain tore through him. The sensation was beyond agony, beyond mortal comprehension, as something unseen seared itself onto each of his Dao Hearts.

    "ARGHHHGG!"

    The agony was so overwhelming that his entire body spasmed against the endless white expanse beneath him. His screams echoed into the void, yet the entity showed no reaction, no sympathy.

    It waved its hand once more, and suddenly, a strange insignia appeared above Caine before splitting into two identical copies. Without hesitation, they descended, fusing into the very core of his Dao Hearts, intertwining seamlessly with his Crowns and Halos.

    A strange, ineffable sense of completion settled over his existence as the three elements reached a state of oneness, their essences stabilizing and falling into a dormant state.

    But even with the process seemingly complete, Caine''s pain did not subside. He writhed in agony, his fingers clawing into the smooth, endless ground beneath him, his breath ragged as every nerve in his body screamed for release.

    "I''ll be seeing you soon, Lerouge."

    The entity''s voice was soft, yet it carried an absolute weight, a whisper laced with something far more ominous than mere words. And then, just as suddenly as it had arrived, it vanished, leaving Caine alone, trapped in the suffocating embrace of his suffering.

    Through clenched teeth, his voice tore through the pain. "Laplace, I know you''re here¡­Mind helping me a bit?"

    A chuckle resonated through the void, smooth and amused. A moment later, golden light flickered beside him, and Laplace''s figure materialized with his usual air of effortless grace. Without hesitation, he raised his hand, his palm radiating with a warm, tranquil glow before directing it toward Caine.

    The relief was instant.

    Caine froze as an overwhelming wave of euphoria surged through him, obliterating the pain in a mere instant. His wounds closed at an unnatural pace, and the burning brands seared onto his Dao Hearts cooled as though they had never existed in the first place.

    "GODS."

    Gasping for breath, his chest heaved as he struggled to regain his composure. His hands still trembled, his body shuddering as the aftershocks of the torment clung stubbornly to his nerves. Never before¡ªnot even during the Ceremony, not even during his first tribulation¡ªhad he felt anything as excruciating as that.

    Laplace crouched beside him, patting his shoulder with an easy smile. "Are you alright?"

    Caine took several more breaths before managing a weak nod. "I am. Thank you. I would''ve most likely gone mad if not for your help."

    "That''s great." Laplace''s golden eyes glowed with curiosity. "But tell me, how did you know I was here?"

    Caine blinked at the question, momentarily confused, but he answered nonetheless. "I can feel the weight of your presence."

    "I can''t see air, but I know it''s absent when I can''t breathe. Same concept."

    Laplace tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the response, before nodding in approval.

    Accepting his help, Caine pulled himself to his feet, wincing slightly as his body still protested the ordeal. Dusting off his bloodstained robes, he finally took a moment to survey his surroundings.

    The world around them was vast and empty, an endless expanse of white nothingness stretching infinitely in every direction. Yet, at its center, something loomed.

    A gate.

    It was colossal¡ªso massive that even attempting to grasp its full height made his mind reel. Ancient and foreboding, the gate was carved from dark stone, its surface adorned with countless runes and sigils, each pulsating with an indescribable power.

    As Caine''s gaze locked onto it, something deep within him stirred. A whisper in his soul, a resonance beyond instinct. This gate was not just a structure¡ªit embodied something.

    Everything. Everywhere¡ªat once.

    A congregation of all truths.

    A threshold to existence''s most fundamental mysteries.

    It felt like¡­origin.

    "Don''t get lost in its majesty," Laplace warned, his voice pulling Caine from the daze. "Even I wouldn''t be able to pull you back."

    Caine exhaled, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Laplace''s golden eyes gleamed as he gestured toward the monument. "This is the All-Origin Gate of Truth."

    His voice lowered slightly. "And the entity you met upon arriving here¡ªThat was its Overseer, simply known as Truth."

    Caine''s mind raced. He turned to Laplace, carefully replaying the words over and over, ensuring he had heard correctly.

    "¡­Truth?"

    Laplace nodded.

    Caine sighed, already anticipating the answer to his next question. "I suppose my mortality prevents me from knowing more?"

    Laplace''s smile deepened. "Naturally."

    Caine shook his head, exhaling in mild frustration.

    Laplace flicked his fingers, and suddenly, two stone thrones materialized behind them.

    Caine collapsed into his seat, a quiet grunt escaping him as his body continued to recover.

    For a long moment, he simply sat there, staring into the endless white expanse, allowing everything to sink in.

    What had his life become?

    He, a mere mortal, now sat across from an angel, having just encountered Truth itself, standing before a monument that transcended all existence. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And this was after battling Angels of Fate, facing past and future versions of himself, meeting outer entities, surviving samsara, and evading countless assassination attempts.

    Yet despite all he had endured, despite all he had uncovered, he knew deep down¡ªthis was only the beginning.

    The realization was as terrifying as it was exhilarating.

    Slotting these reflections to the back of his mind, he refocused, his gaze steady as he turned to Laplace. "Do you have any idea why I''m here, Sir Laplace? Or what has happened to me?"

    Laplace''s grin widened. "Oh? You''re being formal now?"

    Caine didn''t react, looking ahead as if he hadn''t heard anything. Laplace chuckled at his shamelessness before leaning forward, his expression turning serious.

    "A lot has happened, Lerouge."

    His voice dropped, carrying a weight that sent ripples through the space around them.

    "The Ceremony you performed has made you what the world calls a True Defiant." He met Caine''s gaze evenly.

    "As you can imagine, this has angered the Heavens but has also granted you rewards beyond measure."

    Laplace''s golden eyes glowed as he continued. "Many of these rewards¡­ I cannot speak on, for even I am not privy to matters concerning beings like you."

    "What I can tell you," he said, his voice laden with meaning, "is that the Visions you saw were linked to the Gate. And indirectly, to Truth."

    "The way you achieved defiance was so¡­ unprecedented that you drew the Gate''s attention. And in turn, it offered you a gift."

    "The Visions."

    "They hold meaning," Laplace murmured, his voice almost reverent. "But what that meaning is? Only you can know."

    His gaze sharpened as he gestured toward Caine''s chest. "The mark Truth seared onto your Dao Hearts?" His voice dropped to a whisper, as though the knowledge itself was sacred.

    "That is called a Brand of Defiance."

    Laplace''s expression darkened, unreadable.

    "And that mark¡­ has allowed you to form something equal to your Crowns and Halos."

    He exhaled, his next words nearly a whisper.

    "It has granted you an Eternal Creed of Defiance."

 Chapter 180 - 180: Laplace

    Caine''s lips parted to speak, but before any words could be uttered, Laplace shook his head.

    "Lerouge, please understand that some things are yours to unveil. I cannot light the path ahead. It is for your own good."

    "You will have to uncover these mysteries yourself."

    Caine didn''t seem too surprised by these words. He nodded, allowing Laplace to continue.

    "What I can tell you, though¡­ is that you must pray you do not meet any True Defiants soon¡­ you are not ready yet¡­ not anywhere near¡­"

    "And do not, under any circumstances, talk about the marks on your heart to anyone."

    Caine raised a brow of interest upon hearing these words but didn''t protest.

    "I see," he nodded. "But how does any of this bring me here, to you? Or rather, how has all this brought you to me since¡­" Caine looked around. "¡­I don''t suppose this is a part of the Weave, yes?"

    Laplace leaned back in his throne as he nodded. "This indeed is not the Weave. I was sent to give you a few things."

    Suddenly, Laplace''s gaze lost all warmth, and he seemed to become an entity larger than life, his aura absent yet his presence pressing onto the world like a falling meteor of endless weight.

    Caine immediately felt the change, his hairs standing on end as it occurred, his heart pounding in alertness.

    "By becoming a True Defiant," Laplace''s voice was cold and distant, its tone low and androgynous, just like when he had first met Caine. "The Weave has decided you are worthy of more."

    "The first time we met, by solidifying your understanding of runes and reaching Quasi-Quintessence of Will, I unsealed your affinity to Fate and allowed your affinity to Totality to bloom further."

    "But today, you''ve been allowed to receive all that was ever yours. Like all Heirs, you''ve inherited the affinities of all the previous fallen princes."

    Laplace clenched his fist, and suddenly, a CLINK! echoed within Caine''s Dao Hearts as his stars began to shake.

    His Fate star suddenly ballooned to monstrous heights as, around it, thirteen stars, much larger than all his other stars, suddenly appeared.

    ''Fate¡ªYin-Yang, Karma, Destiny, Destruction, Creation, Samsara, Luck, Truth, Chaos, Void, Star, Time, and¡­''

    The last and thirteenth star, the star of Totality, suddenly shook as its true form was unveiled.

    The true and real form of Totality.

    ''¡­Heaven.''

    The thirteen stars began to spin and revolve around Caine''s Fate star, their might sinking into him and melding into the Fate star, becoming its branches.

    A Fate affinity, branching out into thirteen mighty affinities.

    Caine felt his body stir, but more specifically, he felt his Bone Structure tremble and evolve as his Heaven affinity sank into him, shredding apart the false and weak reign of Totality.

    "These affinities are yours and now entirely unbound. And here¡­" Upon Laplace''s palm, thirteen tokens appeared, all majestic beyond belief. "¡­are their Trial Tokens. When you are ready, undergo their trials, but be aware, these will be just as hard, if not harder, than that of Fate."

    Caine took a few moments to adjust to the changes. "Thirteen affinities¡­ was I not the ninth prince?" he asked.

    Laplace tilted his head, his emotionless eyes slightly narrowed. "No, you are the thirteenth and last prince."

    For a moment, the two of them remained silent. Caine didn''t bother asking why Uriel would possibly lie to him about such a thing, already knowing what the answer would be.

    ''It''s unfortunate. Had I had my affinities unsealed earlier, I could''ve forged an entirely different set of bodily structures. Should I let it be or entirely remake them¡­?''

    Caine shook his head, sighing as he stood up from the throne of stone he sat upon. "I suppose our meeting is over then. Do you happen to know how I can go back?"

    Laplace shook his head, and Caine''s mood suddenly soured. Just as he was about to begin drawing a formation, Laplace spoke again.

    "Our meeting is not over," Laplace stood up as well. "As I said, the Weave has decided you are worthy of more."

    "Today, I''ll be helping you."

    Caine remained silent, confused.

    "The resources Fate has given you¡ªtake them out. I''ll be helping you birth your Innate Bond."

    "We''ll use the tribulation awaiting you outside as fuel for it. This will both help you complete something that would''ve taken you decades and will also save you."

    "Surely you didn''t think the Heavens would allow you to defy so easily?"

    "I see." Caine muttered. He then waved a hand. "Let us begin then."

    Upon the floor, countless resources began to appear along with two peculiar things¡ªElura''s egg and Uriel''s soul.

    Laplace assessed the resources before him, his eyes darting across the board to truly take everything in.

    He then looked at Caine.

    "Do you already know how you''ll proceed?"

    Caine nodded, and no more words were exchanged.

    Laplace slapped his palms together, and suddenly, the skies of this endless expanse of white didn''t simply split open¡ªthey tore apart, shredded by a force of endless majesty.

    From the fathomless void above, a gigantic crimson eye appeared, full of rage and hate as it directly locked onto Caine.

    A horrifying wave of pressure slammed downward, forcing Caine to his knees as, from above, countless tendrils of darkness began to rapidly descend while a flood of angels fell from the skies.

    Chaotic storms of cosmic debris began to form all around as tribulation lightning, as thick as worlds, began to rage and crackle through the space.

    SKRREEEEEEEE!

    A demonic screech echoed as the fury of the eye above ascended and soared.

    Caine forced himself up, his bones cracking as he did so, but he paid no mind to it.

    "READY?" Laplace roared out amidst the chaos that had been unleashed.

    Caine couldn''t speak for fear of losing his mouth entirely, so he merely nodded, the grin on his face telling all that needed to be told.

    Laplace''s wings flared and stretched out, the Halos of gold above his head suddenly spinning as his palms separated and time seemed to slow.

    Caine could finally move and speak. Biting his finger, he used his spilling blood to immediately draw a gigantic formation that used the gate as a core.

    He roared out as his palms slammed against the white endlessness below, arcs of lightning flying as he did so. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "[NAMELESS CALL: EMBRYONIC SPARK!]"

    BANG!

 Chapter 181 - 181: Hatch

    The countless resources below exploded into a golden cloud of runes, merging with Uriel''s soul as everything fused into Elura''s egg. The egg began to shift, its shell rippling like liquid metal, its shape warping and morphing with every passing second, but Caine paid it no mind.

    The brand on his heart burned fiercely, illuminating his chest with golden light, while above his head, the faint outline of his crown flickered into existence.

    The threads of fate, seared into his hands, began to pulse and glow madly, as though they were molten iron branding his flesh.

    He reached forward, gripping the fabric of space as if it were mere cloth, his fingers clamping down with unnatural force. As he pulled and twisted, the world itself groaned in protest. The countless storms raging above quivered and then shattered, their fragmented energy swirling toward the egg in luminous streams of condensed power.

    Meanwhile, Laplace erupted into motion, his figure blurring as he carved through the descending angels with a grace that bordered on inhuman. He was a specter of death, his every motion precise and absolute. Each fallen angel left behind divine remnants¡ªshattered wings, flickering halos, fractured sigils¡ªall of which were swiftly devoured by the egg, absorbed into its growing power.

    Caine exhaled a trembling breath, his vision blurring at the edges, but he forced himself to remain steady. Long golden chains materialized in his hands, coiling like living serpents. He lifted his gaze toward the eye above, and it glared back, pulsating with unfathomable rage. It loathed him¡ªhated his very existence, his defiance, his audacity to stand before it without bowing.

    The sheer force of its animosity was suffocating, pressing down upon him like the weight of countless universes. He could feel the depth of its fury, the indignation rippling through its very essence.

    And yet, despite the oppressive malice bearing down upon him, Caine smiled. Just as he had when facing a World Will Eye for the first time, he grinned. But unlike back then, this was something far beyond what those eyes could ever be.

    Slowly, he began to swing the chains in his hands, their momentum building with every rotation. With each cycle, scarlet runes burned across their surface, followed by wisps of golden qi, each ripple compounding the force behind them. Then, without hesitation¡ª

    BANG!

    The chains shot upward, piercing through the air like divine spears, their velocity shattering the surrounding space.

    CRACK!

    They struck deep into the eye above, embedding themselves into its colossal form.

    From the wounds, multicolored blood began to spill, each droplet as vast as a world.

    BOOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOOM!

    The impact of the falling blood sent tremors through the endless white expanse, each drop crashing like a primordial explosion, birthing tsunamis of celestial ichor that surged and spread across the battlefield.

    A thunderous roar filled the air as the heavens trembled. The eye pulsed violently, its rage only intensifying¡ªbut something had changed.

    The brand on Caine''s heart flared impossibly bright, its radiance scorching through his flesh, and as it did, something within the heavens themselves seemed to crack.

    Caine gritted his teeth, wrapping the chains further around his forearms, securing his hold.

    He took a deep breath, steadying himself.

    Behind him, his shattered rings flickered to life, their broken fragments aligning to mirror the constellations of his stars. The power of those stars surged through him, weaving into the cracks of his rings, before flowing directly into his Dao Hearts.

    Like an engine igniting, his hearts roared to life. Their beats grew louder, deeper, reverberating through every fiber of his being.

    Then, with a single guttural roar¡ª

    "ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    ¡ªhe pulled.

    The world convulsed. The heavens themselves buckled.

    A battle of sheer will erupted¡ªCaine against the skies.

    At the same time, the formation beneath him erupted into blinding light, countless runes and symbols interlocking in an intricate dance, their collective might binding themselves to the gate.

    The egg floated higher, positioning itself directly above the monument, while silver and amethyst fumes spiraled upward, staining the purity of the expanse.

    The celestial waves of blood flooding the battlefield were rapidly drawn into the formation, absorbed as fuel, while Caine continued his impossible struggle.

    His muscles distended grotesquely, veins bulging and splitting open across his arms and shoulders. His skin turned crimson as sheer force threatened to tear him apart, yet he did not waver.

    And still, the eye did not move.

    Laplace, high above, paused mid-slaughter. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He had trusted Caine''s plan, had refrained from interfering¡ªbut now, watching this insignificant mortal strain against the firmament itself, doubt flickered through his normally unwavering mind.

    His gaze sharpened, mind racing for alternatives, for solutions¡ªuntil, suddenly, he stopped.

    Caine''s Will erupted.

    A blanket of heretic defiance spread over the battlefield, thick and absolute, drowning the land in an oppressive force unlike any before.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The sound of blood pumping through his veins merged with his booming laughter, wild and untamed. His Will expanded, cracked, and expanded further still, refusing to be contained.

    Laplace''s eyes widened slightly.

    His arms flexed, his grip tightening.

    Then¡ª

    The skies shook.

    Caine took a step back, and the heavens lurched.

    He pulled again, another monstrous roar escaping him as, for the first time, the eye above wavered.

    Another step. Another pull.

    Again.

    Again.

    Again.

    Each motion carved another inch, dragging the heavens closer to the earth. With every pull, the brand on his heart glowed ever brighter, searing into his chest, leaving marks upon his very soul.

    The formation beneath him had become a miniature sun, its radiance outshining the celestial bodies above. The surrounding air was thick with silver and white mist, a tangible manifestation of the boundless energy being poured into the ritual.

    By now, the eye consumed the entire sky. Caine could no longer see anything beyond it¡ªonly darkness.

    Yet, despite its incomprehensible vastness, despite its seemingly endless power¡ª

    It was afraid.

    And Caine knew it.

    His smile widened, blood trailing from the corners of his lips as his back bent further, his body nearing the point of collapse.

    Then¡ª

    A shift.

    The egg moved.

    Hovering just above his chest, it positioned itself directly between him and the eye.

    Laplace, upon seeing this, understood immediately. His form blurred, and in the next moment, every remaining angel was torn asunder, their divine remnants swallowed whole by the egg.

    The shell trembled, cracks forming along its surface.

    A low, weak, juvenile growl rumbled from within.

    Caine gave one final, monstrous pull.

    The eye made contact with the egg¡ª

    And in an instant¡ªIt vanished.

    Devoured.

    Gone.

    Caine collapsed backward, his entire body failing him as the chains around his forearms receded, dissolving back into his skin. His Will flickered, then dispersed. His vision darkened.

    His consciousness wavered¡ªBut just before oblivion claimed him, a sound reached his ears.

    A roar.

    [Nameless Call: Sparked Birth.]

    The egg hatched.

 Chapter 182 - 182: Hatch(II)â€”Metatron and Ultia

    The gate itself¡­ shook. The world trembled.

    The surrounding streams of qi twisted and shattered as time slowed to a crawl. Two roars, overlapping in perfect harmony, merged into a deafening symphony of primal dominance, shaking the very foundation of the surrounding space itself.

    The egg''s shell fractured and shattered into countless fragments, its pieces dissolving into radiant motes of energy before surging into Caine''s body. A blinding light engulfed the space, a pure and incandescent brilliance that pulsed with boundless power¡ªbefore suddenly splitting into two.

    On one side, the light condensed, thickening into tangible matter, coalescing into the form of a grand beast. Its body stretched through the air like an endless river of fate itself, covered in shimmering golden scales that reflected entire rune-bound worlds within their pristine luster.

    Atop its regal, serpentine head, long curved horns of dark blue crystal stood proud, crackling with arcs of terrifying white lightning.

    Its draconic silver pupils gleamed, carrying the wisdom of eons yet radiating the untamed ferocity of a primordial storm.

    The sheer weight of its presence fractured the layers of space around it, leaving behind a thick fog of royal gold, spreading its majesty throughout the white expanse.

    [Ultia¡ªOuroboros of Sin]

    On the other side, the second form materialized, but unlike the first, the light did not gather.

    Instead, it dispersed, revealing a creature woven from shadows, its darkness so absolute that it seemed to devour all surrounding light.

    Its obsidian-black scales were lined with cracks of glowing amethyst, pulsing with a power too profound to name.

    Down the length of its serpentine body, tall ridges stood, connected by translucent crystalline membranes inscribed with intricate runes that shimmered in a constant flux.

    Twin horns of dark flame crowned its head, wreathed in an abyssal glow, while its amethyst pupils burned with a primordial force that froze the very fabric of the world.

    [Metatron¡ªOuroboros of Virtue]

    As Metatron soared, it left a trail of amethyst fire in its wake, a violet blaze that refused to fade. The two Ouroboros coiled through the air, weaving around each other in an ethereal dance, their auras surging and swelling, saturating the realm with a pressure so immense it pressed against the very essence of the world itself.

    Caine''s body, as if responding to an unseen force, began to slowly levitate, drawn toward the twin Ouroboros by a spectral pull. His Timeless Ring of Sovereignty flared to life, its silver glow extending outward, forming a bridge between him and the creatures above.

    .

    .

    .

    .

    ? Effect (V): Upon reaching the Spark realm, unlock an artificial database containing eons of information gathered by Velios Overlords and Scholars. Innate Bonds also gain access to this database to assist the ring-bearer.

    .

    .

    .

    One of the ring''s effects had finally activated.

    The two Ouroboros lowered their gazes upon Caine, their ancient eyes locked onto him with something beyond mere recognition¡ªsomething deeper, something innate. A strange emotion stirred within them, one so primal yet foreign that they hesitated.

    A desire to¡­protect.

    RUMBLE! S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Caine''s blood ignited, surging through his veins like molten gold. His body convulsed as an invisible force tore through him, forcing the two nascent Ouroboros to move. Without hesitation, they dove toward him, their enormous world-like bodies shrinking as they spiraled inward. Metatron coiled tightly around his first Dao Heart while Ultia wrapped around his second.

    At that moment, the countless intricate tattoos etched across Caine''s body suddenly shattered, peeling from his skin in ephemeral wisps of fading energy. The markings dissolved into the serpents, devoured without resistance.

    And then¡ªnew ones formed.

    Amethyst-black markings of ancient serpents and runes etched themselves onto his left arm, stretching down his leg and coiling around his neck, pulsating with abyssal energy.

    Mirroring them, silver-gold markings adorned his right arm, trailing down his leg and neck in perfect symmetry, their celestial radiance harmonizing with their darker counterparts.

    RUMBLE!

    As a Velios, how could Caine have ever been whole without his Innate Bond? How could his potential have fully bloomed when he had been missing half of his very foundation? It was only now¡ªnow that this final piece had been placed¡ªthat his existence truly ignited.

    His body, already towering, lengthened further, surpassing six foot seven and settling at six foot eleven.

    His muscles, thick with coiled power, compressed into something beyond mere flesh¡ªa construct of both qi and raw physical dominance. His blood surged through his veins with the force of a thousand dragons, each heartbeat a roar of cosmic magnitude, each flex of his bones akin to the collision of stars.

    His wings, once formidable, now tore free from his back, their size doubled as they unfurled, blotting out the endless white sky above.

    The marks seared into his skin, his flesh, and his bones dug deeper, burning themselves into his very aspects. His Dao Hearts, no longer struggling, pulsed with newfound vigor, relishing the serpentine embrace of the Ouroboros as his Will blazed, expanding once more¡ªgreater, stronger, without limit.

    Then¡­ silence.

    For a fleeting moment, the world stood still.

    Caine awoke.

    His consciousness snapped back into focus just as he was violently flung through space, ripped away from the endless white expanse.

    ***

    Caine''s back collided with the cold, unforgiving stone of the citadel''s floors, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. Yet despite the force of his landing, his body adjusted instantly, rebounding with precision and ease.

    He sat up without hesitation, his bearings immediately intact, his mind sharp.

    Resting his forearms upon his knees, he exhaled, long and deep.

    So much had happened.

    The Visions, his reforged mind, the mark upon his hearts, his encounter with Truth, his meeting with Laplace, the regression and rebirth of his Will, the gate, the shattering of his rings, his defiance, his Innate Bonds, his Tribulation, the tokens, his awakened affinities, the chains¡ªit was too much, and yet, it was only the beginning.

    It all continued to pile atop the countless other enigmas and trials before him¡ªmysteries demanding to be solved, enemies lurking in the shadows waiting to be eliminated, allies yet to be found or saved. A web of destinies intertwined, tangled into an ever-growing storm.

    And yet, Caine remained unfazed.

    Even without the calming effect of his Dao Heart, he accepted it all at once. He embraced it.

    His plans for this fractured reality were nearly complete. There was only one task left: to reclaim his eyes.

    But that would be¡­ difficult.

    The process would be complex, and he would need time¡ªtime to gather strength, time to learn, time to prepare.

    Now was the moment to begin.

    It was time to finally study the vast resources he had acquired. Time to fully comprehend the manuals bestowed upon him by Fate and Francis.

    Without a word, Caine retrieved dozens of ancient tomes and manuals, stacking them neatly before him. Slipping on a pair of glasses, he reached for the first book and, without hesitation, turned the page.

    He would not leave until he was done.

 Chapter 183 - 183: Dragon

    Caine reappeared in the skies above the capital, his presence unnoticed by all. His dark robes fluttered ever so slightly under the pull of the harsh winds swirling around him.

    His gaze swept across the battlefield below.

    ''Five minutes.''

    He had spent five weeks within the Citadel, immersing himself in study and contemplation, yet in the outside world, a mere five minutes had passed.

    ''Peculiar.''

    The horizon stretched endlessly before him, marred by the brutal chaos of war. The Holy Knights and their vast armies clashed ceaselessly against the relentless tide of divine beasts. The battlefield was an ever-churning sea of death¡ªbeastial roars intermingled with cries of valor, blood of both human and beast pooling into rivers that soaked the war-ravaged earth.

    Caine took his time, carefully observing each segment of the battlefield. His hand slowly extended outward, his palm facing the carnage in the distance. Then, he closed his fingers into a fist.

    He tightened his grip.

    BOOOM!

    A suffocating Will descended upon the battlefield, locking it in place for but a fleeting moment before vanishing without a trace. The eight remaining Holy Knights, who had been locked in combat below, stiffened in alarm, their senses immediately heightened.

    They barely had time to register what had happened before they realized something uncanny¡ªthe battlefield was empty.

    Every beast had been annihilated.

    What had once been a seething tide of monstrous entities was now nothing but scattered remnants¡ªshredded flesh, splintered bones, and fading echoes of past struggles.

    As if drawn by an unspoken force, all eyes turned skyward. Their gazes fixed upon the lone figure standing above them. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Tenth Holy Knight.

    He stood there, his arm still outstretched, his fist clenched, his expression unreadable, serene yet distant.

    Then, before him, something vast and menacing began to take shape.

    ***

    Caine retracted his hand and silently observed as the entity solidified in front of him.

    The rain that steadily cascaded from the heavens filled his ears, a rhythmic lull that seemed to soothe his otherwise unreadable heart. The harsh winds brushing against his face felt strangely gentle¡ªlike the whispered embrace of Mother Nature herself.

    As he stood there, motionless, something stirred within him. A resonance¡ªsubtle yet undeniable. It was an unspoken connection, a harmony with the world itself.

    He understood it now.

    This was an effect born from the fusion between his Dao Heart and Lady Gaia''s rune, which had seeped into the very essence of his Will.

    At this moment, it would not be an exaggeration to call him the son of the world itself.

    BANG!

    The form before him finally solidified.

    It was a flood dragon of massive proportions, its crystal-white scales gleaming with ethereal brilliance as waves of white flames coiled around its powerful, sinuous body. Its gaze, menacing and primal, locked onto Caine, exuding a presence of immense hostility.

    A low and guttural growl rumbled from its throat, but then, just as it prepared to speak, its pupils narrowed in confusion.

    "You¡­ you''re a traitor¡­ you low-born bastard¡­"

    Caine chuckled. The dragon had sensed the slumbering presence of his bonds¡ªmistaking their latent aura for his own. It assumed him to be kin¡­ and yet, a betrayer.

    How amusing.

    And how¡­ disappointing.

    "Come." Caine beckoned with a lazy wave of his hand.

    RUMBLE!

    The dragon roared, its massive body coiling like a tightly wound spring before launching itself at Caine with terrifying speed. Pockets of air burst around it, imploding under the sheer force of its movement.

    But then, not even a moment later¡ª

    It died.

    The skies rained blood as the flood dragon''s body collapsed into hundreds of cubic chunks¡ªflesh, bone, and pristine scales scattered into nothingness. Even in death, its gaze remained frozen in bewilderment.

    Caine shook his head. "Why would you actually come at me?"

    "What a stupid little lizard."

    All he had done was condense the surrounding neutral atmospheric qi into razor-thin strings around himself. The dragon had sealed its own fate¡ªsoaring straight into its demise at full speed.

    The strings weren''t even fortified. It had simply been foolish enough to charge headlong into them.

    ''Truly stupid.''

    WHOOOOSH!

    The other Holy Knights appeared around him, their forms battered, their bodies smeared with the blood of their foes.

    In stark contrast, Caine stood in pristine flawlessness.

    They remained silent, their collective auras converging as an unspoken tension filled the air. They pressed their presence upon him¡ªmeasuring, questioning, challenging.

    Caine remained utterly unmoved.

    Moments passed before Chauvin, The Holy Knight of Indestructible Earth, finally spoke.

    "¡­Where is Elder Larisse?"

    Caine''s head turned slowly. Though his eyes were absent, Chauvin felt the weight of his gaze upon him¡ªtwo burning primordial stars threatening to pierce through his very soul.

    His heart quivered. For a fleeting moment, he felt the urge to apologize before snapping himself out of it.

    "What are you implying?"

    Chauvin frowned. "You were last seen with¡ª"

    "If I wanted you dead, could you resist? Could you react?"

    A pressure unlike anything before descended upon them. The very auras they had been using to suppress Caine shattered like fragile glass.

    "GUH¡ª!"

    Each of the knights coughed out mouthfuls of blood as the sheer flicker of Caine''s Will swept through them, a slow-burning flame growing into an inferno.

    A tinge of fury ignited within Caine''s heart.

    "If I wished to rebel and ruin the Church, would I have saved you?"

    "You stupid sacks of useless waste, if I were truly an enemy, would surrounding me like this work? Do you really believe¡ªany of you, alone or together, could stop me?"

    Annoyance flared in his tone.

    "With a mere flick of my wrist, I slew those you have struggled against as an army¡ªdo you not see the utter idiocy of your actions?"

    Chauvin was left speechless. His hands trembled at his sides, his heart hammering violently against his ribs.

    "Why is everyone being so needlessly stupid today?" Caine grumbled, turning away from them as he began flying toward the church.

    Then, after a moment, he glanced back.

    "Remember this¡ª" His voice was calm, yet it carried an undercurrent of danger. "The only reason I didn''t kill you today is because you still hold some value to him."

    The knights remained frozen in place, unable to retort, unable to even meet his gaze.

    Caine continued toward the church, but then, mid-flight, he abruptly stopped.

    A vein throbbed on his temple.

    He turned back, a look of visible irritation settling over his features.

    "¡­I don''t suppose I''ll be reporting to the Pope alone, yes..?"

    The eightHoly Knights, still reeling from the moment prior, suddenly remembered their rank, their status¡ªwho they were.

    Their faces flushed with shame, embarrassment washing over them as they hastily followed behind Caine, resuming their flight toward the church.

    Caine exhaled slowly, shaking his head.

    ''¡­Lord¡­'' He took deep, calming breaths.