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Immortal Drunkard: Volume 11

by Mortykay

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

V.11 Chapter 829: Return

V.11 Chapter 830: Part of the Family

V.11 Chapter 831: An Old Acquaintance

V.11 Chapter 832: Zeniba

V.11 Chapter 833: Suspicions

V.11 Chapter 834: Cult Plans

V.11 Chapter 835: The Blood Lake

V.11 Chapter 836: An Unexpected Opponent

V.11 Chapter 837: Totamid

V.11 Chapter 838: The Ancient Universe

V.11 Chapter 839: A Critical Situation

V.11 Chapter 840: Escape

V.11 Chapter 841: Asura Sacrifice Star

V.11 Chapter 842: A Predator Lurks

V.11 Chapter 843: Swift and Ruthless

V.11 Chapter 844: At an Impasse

V.11 Chapter 845: The Bloody Gates

V.11 Chapter 846: The Face of the Heretical God

V.11 Chapter 847: Tempcore

V.11 Chapter 848: A Forgotten History of Antiquity

V.11 Chapter 849: Zones for Cultivation and Rest

V.11 Chapter 850: Bonds Between Gods

V.11 Chapter 851: Chronology of Antiquity

V.11 Chapter 852: The Strangest Successor

V.11 Chapter 853: Watching the Battle

V.11 Chapter 854: The Harvest

V.11 Chapter 855: The White Devil

V.11 Chapter 856: Gathering Ingredients

V.11 Chapter 857: The Flesh Laboratory

V.11 Chapter 858: Hundun

V.11 Chapter 859: Kai's Venture

V.11 Chapter 860: A Weak Cell

V.11 Chapter 861: Prisoners

V.11 Chapter 862: A Bold Bluff

V.11 Chapter 863: Where is the Bloodline?

V.11 Chapter 864: Enemies or Allies?

V.11 Chapter 865: Preparing the Attack

V.11 Chapter 866: Asuras in Confusion

V.11 Chapter 867: Asuras Against Chimeras

V.11 Chapter 868: The Spy

V.11 Chapter 869: Totamid's Body

V.11 Chapter 870: Spotted!

V.11 Chapter 871: Monarch's Pursuit

V.11 Chapter 872: Tricked!

V.11 Chapter 873: A New Craft

V.11 Chapter 874: The Craft Basics

V.11 Chapter 875: Stages of Flesh Weaving

V.11 Chapter 876: Impact on Regeneration

V.11 Chapter 877: Difficulties

V.11 Chapter 878: The Infinite Path Sect

V.11 Chapter 879: The First Puppet

V.11 Chapter 880: Artificial Meridians and Channels

V.11 Chapter 881: A New Approach

V.11 Chapter 882: The Three Origins Fusion Technique

V.11 Chapter 883: Events Outside the Palace

V.11 Chapter 884: Not a Step Back

V.11 Chapter 885: The Beginning of Creation

V.11 Chapter 886: A Critical Moment

V.11 Chapter 887: A Difficult Decision

V.11 Chapter 888: Reunion

V.11 Chapter 889: Pleasure

V.11 Chapter 890: Carefree Days

V.11 Chapter 891: Return to Cultivation

V.11 Chapter 892: The Pagoda of a Million Puppets

V.11 Chapter 893: The Swift Flow of Time

V.11 Chapter 894: The Common Enemy

V.11 Chapter 895: The Region of Flesh Mobilizes

V.11 Chapter 896: An Important Warfront

V.11 Chapter 897: Failure and Impasse

V.11 Chapter 898: Kai’s Battle

V.11 Chapter 899: Hope

V.11 Chapter 900: Allies!

V.11 Chapter 901: A New Stage of War

V.11 Chapter 902: The Twins of Life and Death

V.11 Chapter 903: The Evil Gods’ Plan

AUTHOR'S AFTERWORD:

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V.11 Chapter 829: Return

Author's Foreword:

Greetings, dear readers! This is Mortykay!

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your continued support of my novel and for sharing your feedback. Your encouragement is a powerful source of motivation that drives me forward. While you immerse yourself in this book, I’m already hard at work on the final, twelfth volume. Your support means the world to me, and I hope this story continues to bring you joy.

If you want to stay updated with the latest news, ask questions, or simply chat about the novel, follow me on social media and subscribe to my mailing list:

Personal Website: www.mortykay.com

Patreon: Mortykay

Let the adventure begin! Happy reading!

V.11 Chapter 829: Return

The starry expanse stretched endlessly, dotted with bright points of light that shimmered in a black-and-red infinity. A massive blood-red crystal, serving as a vessel, glided among the stars like an ancient mortal ship traversing a silent ocean. At its prow stood two figures: Kai and Kasedas. They stared ahead, noting the silhouette of a colossal teralith and sensing the immutable laws of the Asura race.

"We’re almost there," Kasedas broke the silence, his voice resonating hollowly in the vastness of the starry void. "Soon, we’ll return to the Sea of Asura's Blood."

Kai nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the distance. He knew that after the successful elimination of the Chimera Masters, a discussion awaited him—one regarding his initiation into the branch of the Eternal Asura lineage. Kai was already preparing for this, as he had no intention of signing contracts based on the flesh-bound systems of the asura. While spiritual contracts could be easily broken, local agreements were an entirely different matter.

Of course, he and Kessia had theorized that, thanks to the Heretical God’s Bloodline, such contracts might also fail or could be destroyed. But neither he nor she wanted to test this hypothesis in practice.

"Yes," he replied calmly, his tone steeled with resolve. "Soon, your grandfather will inquire about me. Do you think they’ll offer me a place in your clan’s branch?" Kai asked, shifting his gaze to the Overlord of the Asura Reaper, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Kasedas shot him a quick glance, distrust glinting in his eyes. Despite their shared victories, tension still lingered between them. Kai’s power was too unnatural, and over the course of their decade-long hunts together, Kasedas had come to realize that he was no match for Kai.

"We’ve hunted side by side for over ten years…" Kasedas murmured, more to himself than to Kai. "And yet, I still don’t trust you, Immortal Drunkard. Your combat style is far too alien to the ways of the asura. Moreover, you constantly withhold information at crucial moments. I’ll make sure to report all of this to Klaus, and let him decide."

Kai turned to him, their eyes meeting. Kai’s expression was unreadable; he simply smiled and said plainly:

"I’m not surprised, given the circumstances. But as I’ve told you many times before, I have little interest in power. So, relax."

The words seemed to have no effect on the situation. Kasedas merely scoffed and smirked, redirecting his gaze toward the outline of the teralith.

Ten years had passed since they had left the Sea of Asura's Blood. In that time, they had destroyed several major Chimera Master strongholds, but even after such significant victories, their relationship remained strained. The Overlord of the Asura Reaper, sharing the same law as Kai, could not bring himself to trust him. Moreover, in the early months, Kai had even noticed Kasedas’ attempts to sabotage him in battle. However, after Kai demonstrated his true power by single-handedly annihilating several masters of the Law Overlord Sphere, Kasedas ceased his efforts to undermine him.

Kai stood, gazing into the infinite expanse ahead. His thoughts drifted back to the days when they had departed from the Sea of Asura's Blood, and to their first battles with the Chimera Masters.

"Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to acquire more ingredients for Kessia’s body. And no one possessed any useful information about the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. Essentially, this venture was useless for me. Well, except for possibly increasing my chances of integrating into asuras society…" Kai mused, mentally retracing the events of the past years.

Over the years, Kessia had grown more composed about the situation with Klaus. From the rare exchanges between Kai and Kasedas, she had gleaned that her brother had deliberately tarnished her reputation.

"Kai, let’s proceed as we agreed earlier," she said suddenly, sensing their approach to the main asuras teralith.

"We’ll see what Klaus offers me. If there’s an opportunity to join your clan branch, we’ll take it. Afterward, we’ll try to speak with Zeniba," Kai responded telepathically.

In recent months, Kessia had insisted on meeting the elder branch of the Bloodletting Asura. Ishtar had mentioned that their elder was named Zeniba—the same name as the girl Kessia had once trained. If it truly was her, there was a chance to establish connections with the past, or at least learn more about the events in the Sea of Asura's Blood after Kessia’s disappearance.

Kai and Kasedas quickened their flight, and soon, the massive crystal reached the borders of the Sea of Asura's Blood. The colossal teralith loomed beneath them, majestic and formidable—a symbol of the asura’s power and authority.

They began their descent, aiming directly for the main palace. The expansive square before the palace’s entrance gradually filled with curious servants and warriors, eagerly anticipating the return of their heroes. It was evident that the Overlord of the Asura Reaper had notified them of their return in advance.

No sooner had Kai and Kasedas landed than a swarm of servants rushed forward to greet them and escort them to the rest chambers. Onlookers knelt at the sight of such legendary masters. To ordinary warriors and inhabitants of the teralith, masters of the Law Overlord Sphere were indistinguishable from gods.

Kai slowly surveyed the square, assessing the asuras crowd. Their eyes shone with a mix of respect, curiosity, and awe.

"A strange feeling… It’s as if an insurmountable chasm separates the mortal world and my own. We seem to think alike, yet the scale of perception of the universe is entirely different. Still, once upon a time, I too looked up to the masters of the Law Overlord Sphere…" Kai mused, feeling a twinge of nostalgia.

He neither considered the onlookers weak nor saw himself as superior. Life’s twists and turns often seemed peculiar. The universe teemed with living beings dreaming of power that to others was but a trivial jest. Kai understood that compared to the Law Devourer or even the Evil Gods, he might appear insignificant, yet to mortals, he seemed like a deity.

"Welcome, Overlord of the Asura Reaper, Overlord Immortal Drunkard," said the head servant, bowing deeply in greeting. "Before your audience with the Unyielding Asura Mind Monarch, you must rest and refresh yourselves. Allow me to escort you…"

But as the servant’s words rang out, the Overlord of the Asura Reaper merely scoffed. At that moment, the surviving remnants of the asura army disembarked from the crystal. Kasedas waved his hand, retrieving the crystal, which promptly disappeared from the square.

Kai exchanged a brief glance with the elder servant, who smiled and nodded, stepping across the marble tiles of the square. It was evident that Kasedas didn’t need assistance from the servants to find his way home. He had lived within these walls for millennia and simply vanished without even bidding farewell to Kai.

When Kai finally reached the door to his quarters, he allowed himself to relax. He felt that the long journey had come to an end, but now a new, equally challenging mission lay ahead.

"Rest well, esteemed Overlord Immortal Drunkard," the head servant said, holding the door open. "The Unyielding Asura Mind Monarch will be pleased to see you in three days."

Kai nodded, offering a grateful smile, and stepped into his room. Inside, a calm, cool atmosphere prevailed. He walked slowly to the window, which overlooked the sprawling city.

"So, here I am, in the land of my ancestors. Heh," Kai joked to himself, laughing softly. Only he and Kessia understood how absurd those words were, as Kai was not truly an asura.

With that thought, Kai undressed and made his way to the hot spring located on the spacious balcony. It wasn’t that the hunt had exhausted him, but ten years in the company of the Overlord of the Asura Reaper hadn’t been particularly pleasant. Kai had grown closer to the ordinary warriors than to him.

Three days later, rested and rejuvenated, Kai prepared for his crucial meeting with Klaus. The audience with the Unyielding Asura Mind Monarch promised to be momentous. Kai knew that this conversation would shape his future plans in the Sea of Asura's Blood.

Walking through the palace’s long corridors, accompanied by two servants, Kai’s mind swirled with thoughts and speculations about the upcoming discussion.

At last, he arrived at the grand doors of the throne room. The servants opened them, and Kai stepped into the familiar hall. At the center, on a raised platform, sat the throne, where Klaus waited.

Klaus noticed Kai immediately and broke into a delighted smile. Rising from the throne, he exclaimed warmly:

"The prodigal son of our clan has returned! And not only that, you’ve returned with remarkable accomplishments! Thanks to you, we were able to rescue some important disciples and even elders who had been captured."

"I hope your words are sincere. I can only imagine what the Overlord of the Asura Reaper has said about me," Kai replied with a smile, bowing respectfully.

"His reaction to your power is understandable. Alas, the world of martial arts is not always fair. There is always a genius who surpasses another. What mattered more to me were your strategic actions and your battles against the enemies."

"You’re right about that," Kai responded, striving to speak with restraint and respect. "Kasedas and I will never be friends, but that’s to be expected. You could even say we’re natural enemies," he added candidly.

"But now that you’ve returned, new tasks await us. I’d like to discuss your future in the Sea of Asura's Blood! Oh… by the way, your comrades from the Order sent a message," Klaus said, handing Kai a crimson letter adorned with the emblem of the Order of Heretical Races. "They’re asking you to become the Order’s representative in the Sea of Asura's Blood, as we currently lack one."

Kai looked at the letter in surprise and quickly opened it, scanning its contents. Klaus wasn’t lying—the request was genuine. Askalant had mentioned that, due to the recent successes of the Order, many clans were increasingly supporting them, and the hunt for the Chimera Masters had intensified. Based on what Kai had shared about the Evil Gods, the Order was quietly expanding its influence throughout the Region of Flesh. And to maintain good connections, a representative was needed in the Sea of Asura's Blood. Clearly, there was no better candidate than Kai himself.

As soon as Kai finished reading the letter, the Monarch’s voice broke into his thoughts:

"I propose you join my clan branch and become the official representative of the Order of Heretical Races," Klaus continued. "Your presence would be a blessing for the entire asura race and would offer a path to slowly emerge from isolation. However, I understand you may have your own conditions and desires. Let’s discuss them."

After a pause, Kai considered for a moment, then replied:

"I’m willing to do this, provided I don’t have to sign any contracts. I’ve had time to think, and I’m not ready to trade my freedom for resources. That part of my path is priceless to me. If you’re unwilling to agree, I can remain solely as the Order’s representative," he explained with utmost seriousness, setting a high bar for the negotiations.

"Then let’s sit at the table and discuss everything," Klaus replied with a smile, gesturing to a large round table in the corner of the throne room. Clearly, he didn’t intend to simply yield to the younger man.

As the proposal hung in the air, Kai and Klaus walked calmly toward the negotiation table. Kai could feel that the next few hours would not be easy.

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V.11 Chapter 830: Part of the Family

The negotiations dragged on for hours. Throughout the discussion, Kai felt as though he was at a significant disadvantage against Klaus, whose immense experience made him a formidable opponent. It seemed Klaus had a knack for pressing on the exact pressure points one wasn’t even aware of.

Although Kessia tried to assist Kai, acting as his silent aide, even she seemed to falter against her brother's negotiating prowess.

The feeling of losing ground didn’t leave Kai, and each time Klaus effortlessly countered his arguments, Kai could feel the ancient Asura’s cunning and skill weighing heavier upon him. While he maintained a confident facade, inner turmoil gnawed at him.

Eventually, Kai agreed to sign certain contracts, ones that didn’t overly limit his freedom. The contracts prohibited him from divulging the clan’s secrets or intentionally spying against them. Naturally, there were some caveats, as Kai needed to report to the Order of Heretical Races, which could technically be construed as espionage.

Klaus had anticipated these nuances, ensuring the clauses were meticulously outlined to prevent future complications. Overall, the terms were reasonable, so Kai reluctantly agreed.

During the signing process, Kai kept the Heretical God’s Bloodline in check, ensuring no unforeseen disruptions occurred. Thankfully, everything proceeded smoothly, and the contract inscriptions appeared within the Realm of Flesh's core.

"Well then, Kai… now that everything is settled, you are officially part of our clan branch!" Klaus smiled as the final contract burned away. "I knew it would all go smoothly, so I arranged for one of the best cultivation chambers in the restricted zone to be vacated for you. Currently, one of the Overlords is cultivating there, so you’ll need to wait about three months. After that, it will be entirely yours!"

It was evident that everything had gone according to Klaus’ plan. From the start, he knew how to box Kai into a framework that suited him.

"Thank you, Klaus. At my stage of cultivation, progress is increasingly difficult, so access to such zones will be invaluable," Kai replied with a smile, masking his slight dissatisfaction with the negotiations. "By the way, could you tell me more about this chamber? Honestly, I don’t know much about it…"

In truth, Kessia had already informed Kai about it in great detail, but he felt compelled to ask for appearances’ sake.

"We call this zone the Asura Progenitor Crypt. The essence of the Asura Progenitor lies beneath it, enhancing the area and making it particularly beneficial for asura. The zone is continually replenished with blood we collect from wars and battles. This blood serves as fuel for ancient arrays and technologies that allow deeper exploration of one’s Realm of Flesh and personal law," Klaus began to explain. "For the disciples, the benefits are more straightforward—they can bask in the incredibly dense heretical blood and accelerate their cultivation. Naturally, only the best are allowed entry."

"I see… it sounds promising," Kai murmured thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

"For now, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the Sea of Asura's Blood. Before the hunt for the Chimera Masters, your stay here was brief. Now that you’ve joined my branch of the clan, you have access to the Eternal Asura Archives, where you can search for information. All these resources are located in the main castle, so it will be quite convenient," Klaus said with a smile, patting Kai on the shoulder.

Kai asked a few more questions and clarified some details before finally bowing and leaving the throne room.

When the negotiations ended, Kai felt immense relief. He wasn’t physically exhausted, but was emotionally drained. Now that the contracts were signed, he had finally made progress toward his goals.

As if to lighten the mood, Kessia, who had been silent for the past half-hour, remarked:

"Congratulations, Kai. You’re now part of my clan branch, as absurd as that sounds. Ha-ha."

"It would’ve been better if I joined through marriage to you," Kai replied mentally, his expression unchanged. Klaus was still watching him, so he needed to maintain composure.

Kessia seemed momentarily flustered by his words but then smiled warmly, saying nothing. It was clear she appreciated Kai’s words, even if such sentiments held little significance in the realm of higher masters. Most importantly, Kai was sincere.

"I still can’t fully understand your brother…" Kai thought as he walked toward his quarters. "He gives the impression of doing everything for the clan, but I can’t forgive him for what he did to you. Honestly, I don’t care about your clan at all," he added, clenching his fists slightly.

"I also don’t understand why Klaus treated me the way he did. Although it hurts and angers me, I can’t bring myself to see him as a traitor to the asura lineage," Kessia sighed deeply. "I’ll deal with my brother and family matters when the time comes. You, Kai, have far more important concerns. Fate has prepared challenges only you can face."

Her words were rational. Kai couldn’t constantly focus on others. His main enemies were the Evil Gods, and he possessed the Sphere of Essence, which had once been the primary weapon against them. Intervening in Kessia and Klaus’ relationship was far from a priority.

Realizing this, Kai exhaled heavily and replied mentally:

"If Klaus truly sees me as a worthy successor to the Sea of Asura's Blood, I’ll use this to my advantage. My ultimate goal is to restore your body, and for that, I need the power of the Asura Progenitor…"

"Thank you, Kai," Kessia whispered softly. "By the way, since we now have some free time, why don’t we visit Zeniba?" she suggested, recalling their plans.

At that moment, Kai hadn’t yet moved far from the main doors. Just as he was about to turn a corner, the voices of two maidservants called out to him. They hurried over and exclaimed:

"Honored Overlord Immortal Drunkard, we’ve been informed that you are now part of the Eternal Asura! Congratulations from the bottom of our hearts!" They bowed deeply in unison. "The Monarch has instructed us to present you with the traditional garments of the Eternal Asura so that everyone recognizes your new status!" one of them added, extending a spatial ring to Kai.

"Oh? Thank you," Kai replied, taking the ring with a surprised but polite smile. "I never noticed that different branches had distinct garments… They all look quite similar to me."

Both women bowed even lower, expressing their respect.

"The difference lies in the details. Rest assured, the other Asura will notice immediately," one of the maidservants added with a smile. "Also, new quarters have been prepared for you in the Eternal Asura zone. We’ll escort you there so you can change and rest," she continued, pointing down a corridor.

Kai nodded and followed them, feeling a mix of emotions. Preparing all this within minutes or even hours was impossible—Klaus had clearly arranged everything in advance.

As he followed, Kai expected to be given a spacious room in another section of the castle. But he couldn’t have been more wrong.

After passing through a network of corridors, they arrived at a massive arch, inscribed with glyphs that read: Eternal Asura. Beyond the arch was a "room" so vast it housed an entire ecosystem.

Kai stopped in awe at the sight. While the walls were made of red stone, they were covered with thick greenery that cascaded down like living vines. The contrast gave the space an extraordinary vibrancy and beauty. The air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and herbs, mingled with the cool freshness of rain. The fragrances filled his lungs, creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

Above, a high ceiling resembling the sky was adorned with drifting clouds. They appeared so realistic, it seemed as though they might rain at any moment. Some clouds were illuminated, giving the impression of sunsets and sunrises in different corners of the immense space. Light fell softly on the greenery and red walls, creating a play of shadows and light that enhanced the place's charm.

The red-stone architecture was crafted with remarkable precision. Every building, whether a mansion or a small temple, radiated the magnificence and austerity typical of ancient asura. Stone bridges arched over crystal-clear ponds, where fish glimmered under the artificial sunlight.

"This is where you’ll find peace and inspiration for your cultivation. The Eternal Asura believe harmony with nature aids in growth. Moreover, the restricted cultivation zone is not far from here," one of the maidservants explained.

They led Kai through emerald gardens where towering trees stretched toward the sky, and flowering shrubs lined the red marble paths. The melodious songs of birds added a comforting backdrop.

"Your quarters are here," one of the maidservants said, gesturing to a magnificent mansion surrounded by a small garden with a fountain at its center, the sound of water creating a soothing ambiance.

Kai stepped into his new quarters and immediately felt the coziness and serenity of the space. The spacious rooms were tastefully furnished; dark wood contrasted with soft, embroidered fabrics. Approaching the window, he gazed at the garden below, teeming with life and beauty.

"Thank you for escorting me," Kai said, turning to the maidservants.

"We’re glad you like it, my lord," one replied, bowing. "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call us. Soon, servants will arrive to maintain your estate."

Kai nodded, watching as the women left the porch. He hadn’t expected such a serene and beautiful place from the often harsh and bloodthirsty asura. Removing his clothing, he donned the new garments of the Eternal Asura, feeling the soft fabric and leather settle comfortably against his skin, emphasizing his new status.

Surveying his surroundings once more, he took a deep breath, soaking in the atmosphere of his new home. Now that he was dressed and somewhat rested, it was time to visit Ishtar and his family branch—the Bloodletting Asuras.

Exiting his quarters, Kai called on another pair of maidservants to guide him to the residence of the Bloodletters' key members. As it turned out, they, like other major families, lived in similar "rooms" nearby. This pleased Kai, as it meant finding Ishtar wouldn’t take long.

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V.11 Chapter 831: An Old Acquaintance

Kai calmly followed the route indicated by the servants and arrived within an hour at the Bloodletting Asura' zone. This area differed significantly from the Eternal Asura zone. Instead of lush greenery, it was dominated by crimson flora resembling rivers of blood. The air was thick with a heavy, metallic scent, reminiscent of fresh blood rather than sweet flowers.

Walking along the red pathways surrounded by towering trees with scarlet leaves, Kai felt the dark grandeur of the place. The ground beneath his feet was deep red, as if saturated with blood.

The atmosphere exuded somber majesty. Red vines hung from the trees, creating an eerie illusion that nature itself sought to ensnare any who dared enter this domain. At every step, Kai sensed the pulsating aura of ancient power emanating from the ground, as if the very territory were a living being imbued with blood.

Each main branch of the clan had its unique zone, and already the distinct characteristics of the Bloodletters’ domain were evident.

Strange flowers caught Kai’s attention along the way—their petals a deep maroon, and as he passed, they seemed to reach toward him, emitting a faint rustling sound.

Upon reaching the center of the zone, Kai beheld a massive altar surrounded by stone statues of ancient warriors. Each statue wielded weapons that radiated a menacing glow. This altar was the heart of the Bloodletters’ domain, a colossal array where heretical blood was gathered and concentrated.

"Conveniently designed…" Kai mused, observing everything with the Eyes of Essence. He could see the laws converging at the altar and flowing in streams toward individual mansions.

As Kai’s gaze settled on one of these mansions, he noticed a lone servant hurrying about his duties.

"Perfect…" he muttered and vanished.

Without wasting time, Kai reappeared before the servant like a ghost. The man gasped in fright and immediately fell to his knees, realizing he had encountered a master of the Law Overlord Sphere. Even while serving in the castle, he had rarely seen beings of such immense power.

"Apologies for startling you," Kai said calmly, lifting the man by his shoulder.

The servant, trembling with fear, stood but dared not meet Kai’s eyes.

"Where can I find Ishtar’s mansion?" Kai asked, his voice steady and even friendly.

"T-the mansion of the Overlord of Asura's Rain…" the servant stammered but quickly composed himself. "Straight down this pathway, then turn right at the large statue of the Unyielding Asura Mind Monarch. It’s the most majestic building in that part of the zone—you can’t miss it, my lord."

"Thank you," Kai nodded and immediately headed in the indicated direction.

As he walked past the crimson plants and strange flowers, he felt the energy of the place, bolstering his inner strength. Every detail confirmed the great power and ancient mysteries of the Bloodletting Asura’ zone. Based on his perception, the overall strength of the clan’s different branches seemed roughly equal.

Before long, Kai reached the massive statue of Klaus, towering over the surroundings. Turning right, he saw the majestic building the servant had described. Ishtar’s mansion was both imposing and grand, its walls adorned with bas-reliefs of bloodstreams and the dismembered bodies of hundun.

Feeling a surge of strength and confidence, Kai approached the gates of the mansion and knocked. Moments later, the doors opened, and a servant greeted him with a deep, respectful bow.

"Welcome, Overlord Immortal Drunkard! Overlord Ishtar is aware of your arrival. Please—come in," the servant said, gesturing for Kai to enter.

Kai hadn’t hidden his aura upon entering the Bloodletting Asura’ territory, so it was no surprise he had been noticed. If other Overlords were present in the nearby mansions, they too would have felt his arrival.

Clearly, Ishtar understood that Kai’s visit was likely directed at him. For Kai, this was an advantage.

Kai stepped into the mansion’s cool, dim interior, feeling the old stone walls radiating energy accumulated over centuries. Now that he was here, he needed to find a way to arrange a meeting with Zeniba.

The servant quickly led him through corridors deeper into the mansion. Kai glanced around with interest, noting the details of the decor: ancient tapestries, intricately carved wooden panels, and magical lamps that cast a soft glow. Soon, they reached a grand guest room, adorned with a beautiful chandelier hanging from the high ceiling and an enormous table at its center. Surprisingly, the walls were lined with bookshelves, giving the room the air of a library. Clearly, Ishtar had a passion for collecting rare or intriguing books.

Servants were already bringing in dishes and drinks, filling the room with the aromas of exquisite delicacies. The dishes, adorned with rare fruits and exotic spices, looked not only appetizing but luxurious. Gold and silver goblets awaited the finest wines.

Kai took a few steps into the room, surveying the opulent surroundings, when Ishtar entered through another door. His face lit up with a smile, and he spread his arms in a welcoming gesture as he approached Kai.

"Kai, it’s good to see you here! Welcome to my abode," Ishtar said, his voice warm with friendliness and hospitality.

"Thank you for receiving me so promptly, Ishtar," Kai replied, nodding respectfully. "The residential zone of your clan branch is impressive, and this mansion is magnificent."

Ishtar chuckled, noting how Kai was taking in the surroundings.

"It’s always amusing how we masters, who can live for millennia, are still drawn to such things," he said, glancing fondly at his books. "Please, have a seat. Make yourself at home," he added with a smile, gesturing to one of the chairs by the table.

Kai sat down, and Ishtar took a seat across from him, signaling the servants to bring more drinks. Once everything was ready, Ishtar raised his goblet and, with a smile, declared:

"Let’s drink to this meeting. After that, I want to hear about everything that’s happened to you in the past decade! You’ve just returned, and I see the Monarch has already recruited you. Ha-ha," he added slyly, pointing to Kai’s attire.

"To this meeting!" Kai echoed, raising his goblet. Taking a sip, he felt warmth spread through his body. The wine was excellent, and he nodded to the servant to pour more.

With the first toast made, and their goblets refilled, Kai began recounting his story. He and Ishtar sat at the table, surrounded by the room's grandeur and cozy ambiance, which fostered an atmosphere of warm hospitality.

"Oh, it was quite an epic journey," Kai began, taking another sip. "The ten-year hunt for the Chimera Masters wouldn’t have been so challenging if Kasedas hadn’t been with me. Enduring his constant dissatisfaction was no easy feat," he added with a chuckle.

Ishtar listened intently, his eyes gleaming with interest.

Kai continued, describing what they encountered in the strongholds and whom they rescued. He also detailed several encounters with enemy Overlords they had faced, a part that seemed to fascinate Ishtar in particular.

"After the hunt, I returned and went straight to Klaus. Unsurprisingly, he offered me terms I couldn’t refuse. Though I tried to negotiate better conditions and outmaneuver such a wise asura, I didn’t quite succeed."

Ishtar nodded thoughtfully, his interest growing. While internal competition existed within the Asura Clan, they remained unified. Kai joining another branch did not sour Ishtar’s regard for him.

"I was also asked to become the official representative of the Order of Heretical Races in the Sea of Asura's Blood," Kai continued, his voice tinged with weariness. "As I see it, my outsider status has completely flipped."

"A member of the ruling branch who easily defeated the primary contender for the position of Monarch of the Sea of Asura's Blood, and now a representative of the Order of Heretical Races… I’ve hit the jackpot having met you earlier. Ha-ha-ha!" Ishtar laughed heartily, winking at Kai.

Servants continued to bring out new dishes and drinks, adding variety to their feast. Their conversation flowed naturally, each of Kai’s stories met with Ishtar’s admiring looks and approving nods. Time passed unnoticed, the room filling with laughter and a friendly atmosphere.

At some point, Kai decided it was time to address the primary purpose of his visit. He saw no better approach than to ask Ishtar directly.

"Ishtar, the truth is, I didn’t come here just to enjoy your hospitality," Kai began. "Do you remember mentioning someone named Zeniba?"

Ishtar paused for a moment, his expression growing serious.

"Yes, of course. Why are you suddenly interested in her?" he asked, puzzled.

"I want to learn more about the one known as Kessia. From our conversations, it seems your branch doesn’t view her too negatively. I’d like to hear about her from someone who may have known her," Kai conveyed telepathically. "I can’t help but notice that I’m being drawn into the clan’s political system, and I’d prefer to understand the darker aspects of our race’s history. When I roamed the universe, I was often called a sinner because of Kessia. I can’t simply ignore her existence," he explained firmly.

Ishtar fell silent for several seconds, seemingly piecing something together in his mind. After a moment, he replied telepathically:

"Meeting Zeniba won’t be easy," he admitted. "She rarely accepts guests, especially strangers. However, I can try to arrange it. She’s currently at her mansion, so I can send a servant with a letter. I’d rather not disturb her directly with telepathy."

Kai nodded, understanding this was the best option for now.

"Thank you, Ishtar. This means a lot to me, and I hope it works out. Klaus hints that I should become a symbol of redemption for our clan’s reputation. But that’s a dangerous position when you don’t even understand what needs redemption," Kai responded with a wry smile.

Ishtar smiled reassuringly, signaling that he would do his best.

"I’m confident I can help. But for now, let’s enjoy the evening," Ishtar said warmly. "By the way, what do you think of the Qilin Clan? I’ve heard they welcomed you surprisingly well. As an asura, I’ve never visited their main teralith. Ha-ha."

They continued their evening, exchanging thoughts and plans for the future. Kai felt fortunate to have met Ishtar, whose good-natured character made him a truly valuable ally.

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V.11 Chapter 832: Zeniba

After discussing all matters related to the clan and Kai’s adventures, their conversation deepened into reminiscences and stories, causing them to lose track of time. The transition from day to night and back to day again became nearly imperceptible. Their dialogue was so captivating that both Ishtar and Kai failed to notice how hours turned into days.

"You know, Kai," Ishtar said, sipping another glass of wine, "it’s been a long time since I’ve met such a fascinating conversationalist. We could spend an eternity here, but I think it’s time we changed the setting."

"I couldn’t agree more," Kai replied with a smile. "Honestly, it’s been ages since I’ve enjoyed a simple conversation paired with a drink. There’s something uniquely charming about it—it reminds me of the mortal world."

"I have the perfect place for us to continue. What do you say to my hot springs?" Ishtar suggested with a grin.

"It’s as if you’re reading my mind," Kai chuckled, standing up from the table.

The two rose, and Ishtar led Kai down the long corridors of his mansion, which opened up to a secluded backyard. There, nestled among rocks and trees, were the hot springs, their crystal-clear waters steaming in the cool air.

"We’ll have some special hot wine brought to us—it pairs wonderfully with this setting," Ishtar said, removing his outer robe and slipping into the warm water.

Kai followed suit, and within minutes, both were immersed in the relaxing waters. Steam rose around them, creating an atmosphere of solitude and tranquility.

Their conversation resumed, flowing naturally as they exchanged tales of adventures and humorous anecdotes from their pasts. Laughter echoed among the stones and trees, while time slipped by unnoticed. The hot wine complemented the setting perfectly, warming them from within and enhancing the sense of comfort and peace.

Kai began recounting slightly altered versions of his real adventures, much to Ishtar’s amazement. Ishtar, however, sensed that there were gaps in Kai’s stories—details the man chose to omit. It was clear that Kai’s journey to the Law Overlord Sphere hadn’t been as straightforward as he let on; he couldn’t have reached such heights without facing countless battles.

At that moment, Kai was narrating a modified story about being kidnapped by religious fanatics and forced to work in a mine. Ishtar burst into laughter, pouring himself another glass of hot wine. Their laughter and stories continued until a soft knock came from behind them.

"Overlord Ishtar, I apologize for the interruption," a servant’s gentle voice came from beyond the bushes. She approached respectfully, bowing low as she stepped closer. "I have an important message."

Both Ishtar and Kai turned, surprised by the servant’s sudden appearance. It was unusual for servants to disturb their masters, especially outside of designated areas.

"What is it?" Ishtar asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

"To our surprise, Lady Zeniba has already responded to your letter. She mentioned that she will have free time in the coming hours and is willing to greet the new member of our clan, Overlord Immortal Drunkard," the servant said, her eyes lowered.

"So soon?" Ishtar said, his surprise evident. "She’s not usually this prompt with her affairs. Looks like you’re in luck!" he added, turning to Kai with a grin.

"Well then, it seems our meeting will happen sooner than expected," Kai replied, stepping out of the water and immediately drying himself with his dense aura. "Thank you for the information."

"You’re welcome, my lord," the servant said with a bow before retreating. It was clear that witnessing Kai’s casual nudity didn’t faze her. Conversations with such powerful beings revolved more around avoiding offense and potential punishment.

"It seems we need to get ourselves ready," Ishtar said, also stepping out of the water. "Zeniba doesn’t like to wait. She’s a busy asura, and if we miss this chance, it might be months before she’s available again."

The two quickly composed themselves, focusing to dispel any lingering effects of alcohol and regaining full clarity. With a brief exchange of glances, they acknowledged the importance of being punctual for a figure as significant as Zeniba.

"Ready?" Ishtar asked, gesturing toward the corridor.

"Let’s go," Kai replied with a confident smile, though inwardly he sensed Kessia growing increasingly anxious within his Spiritual Sea.

They left the hot springs and made their way to Zeniba’s mansion. The path led through a majestic garden where every plant seemed like a work of art. Vines and flowers intertwined in intricate patterns, exuding delicate fragrances. Emerging from the garden, they arrived at the grand mansion that towered before them.

Zeniba’s mansion was constructed of blood-red marble with golden veins, exuding both luxury and power. Carved columns depicting streams of blood slicing through enemies supported a massive balcony, while the stained-glass windows depicted serene and delicate flowers, a surprising contrast.

Kai and Ishtar approached the entrance, where one of Zeniba’s servants greeted them. Her elegant attire highlighted her status and connection to the clan’s upper echelons.

"Overlord of Asura's Rain, Overlord Immortal Drunkard," she said, bowing deeply. "Please, follow me."

They passed through a spacious hall adorned with portraits of ancestors and great warriors from Zeniba’s lineage. The floor was laid with mosaics of rare stones, and the ceiling featured intricate angular designs painted in vibrant hues.

The servant led them down a wide corridor illuminated by the soft glow of magical lamps. Eventually, they reached a grand door adorned with golden symbols and encrusted with gemstones. She stopped and knocked three times.

"Lady Zeniba, your guests have arrived," she announced respectfully.

Moments later, the door slowly opened, revealing a magnificent room radiating an aura of ancient wisdom and power. Zeniba sat at a large table piled high with scrolls and books. Her presence was immediately commanding.

"Welcome, esteemed guests. Ah, I see Klaus has already recruited you," she said with a faint smile, nodding toward Kai in acknowledgment. "Please, have a seat."

"Kai, it’s her! I trained this girl for a short time in the past!" Kessia’s voice rang in Kai’s mind, filled with urgency. It was strange hearing her refer to the elderly woman before him as a "girl".

Zeniba appeared as an aged woman, her body frail and marked with age spots. Yet, her hair remained blood-red, and her gaze exuded a predatory sharpness. Beneath the wrinkles lay traces of a beauty now evident only in the contours of her face. Her deep-set eyes sparkled with intelligence and determination that age hadn’t diminished.

"Take a seat, why are you standing there?" Zeniba repeated, gesturing toward the chairs before her.

Kai and Ishtar bowed respectfully and approached, seating themselves across from her. The atmosphere in the room was serious yet welcoming, setting the stage for what promised to be a productive conversation. Kai could feel Zeniba’s aura enveloping him like an invisible cloak, confirming her status as a formidable and experienced master.

"So, Immortal Drunkard, you wished to meet with me?" Zeniba began, fixing her sharp gaze on him. "Your deeds have already reached my ears. Impressive, especially for one so young. I couldn’t ignore the opportunity to meet you in person. However, I must say I’m not thrilled about your joining the Eternal Asura."

"Thank you for your praise, Lady Zeniba," Kai replied with another slight bow. "Joining the Eternal Asura is a formality. I am still very much an independent master—for now."

Zeniba smirked, a hint of approval flickering in her eyes. But before she could respond further, Kai pressed on:

"I won’t waste your time. As I understand it, you are one of the clan’s eldest members. I’d like to know more about someone called Kessia. During my travels, I’ve faced hostility simply for being asura, and she was often blamed. Yet within the clan, I see no mention of her."

"Forgive me, Lady Zeniba, but Kai is rather straightforward," Ishtar interjected with a wry smile, attempting to soften the situation. "I advised him to discuss this with you, as I know far less about the subject than you."

Hearing Kai’s question, Zeniba’s demeanor shifted. She grew visibly stern, the topic clearly striking a deep chord. She stared at Kai with a mixture of irritation and intensity before speaking:

"The blame lies entirely with Klaus, not the esteemed Kessia! If not for certain events, she would be ruling the universe as the Heretical God! Ignorant fools have twisted the truth, and Klaus erased his twin sister from the clan’s history!" Zeniba declared, her voice tinged with anger.

The room’s atmosphere grew tense as Zeniba’s words reverberated. Ishtar stiffened slightly, clearly not anticipating such a passionate response.

"He used his influence and power to manipulate history and the perception of our lineage. Kessia was a great master who brought immense benefit to our clan. But Klaus… he secretly envied her success and worked tirelessly to tarnish her name," she added bitterly.

It was evident that Zeniba, aware of her approaching mortality, no longer cared about potential repercussions. Even if Klaus punished or killed her for these words, it seemed of little concern to her. Such individuals often became thorns in the side of rulers demanding obedience.

Kai listened intently, realizing the gravity of what he was hearing. His gaze met Ishtar’s, who appeared equally surprised by Zeniba’s revelations.

"Forgive me—I didn’t mean to upset you…" Kai said, bowing slightly. "Could you elaborate on the events you mentioned? It seems something happened that prevented Kessia from ascending to a divine rank."

Ishtar sighed heavily before answering:

"She inherited the lineage of the Heretical God but was mortally wounded in battle. If not for that, things might have turned out differently."

Zeniba scoffed bitterly, her expression disdainful. She glanced at Ishtar before speaking.

"Ah, yes, of course… I have my suspicions, but sharing them would border on slander and gossip. While I no longer care about Klaus or his rules, I refuse to be seen as a senile old woman spreading baseless rumors," she said proudly, crossing her arms.

At that moment, servants entered, carrying trays of fragrant tea and delicate sweets. Their arrival lightened the mood, restoring a sense of calm to the room. Yet, Kai knew he needed to revisit these "rumors" and uncover the full truth.

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V.11 Chapter 833: Suspicions

The servants skillfully moved around Kai, Ishtar, and Zeniba, filling the table with an array of delicacies. They poured a richly fragrant, strong tea for each of them before quickly retreating from the room. Only after Zeniba took a sip of the golden-green liquid did her demeanor slightly calm.

Neither Ishtar nor Kai interrupted her, aware that the topic at hand had deeply stirred the elder.

"I won’t deny that Klaus is indispensable to our clan," Zeniba began again, her tone softening a little. "But I cannot ignore the fact that the true greatness of the Sea of Asura's Blood was during Kessia’s reign. Under her leadership, our lands flourished, and the clan’s power peaked. During her time, the Sea of Asura's Blood was truly unassailable—even the Chaos Realm of Hundun preferred to avoid conflict with us."

Kai listened attentively, sensing how Kessia within his Spiritual Sea was also intently absorbing every word. For Kai, it felt surreal to hear someone speak about Kessia as though she were a long-deceased master.

"Kessia wasn’t just a ruler," Zeniba continued. "She commanded the martial strength of our entire race. Her strategic mind and decisiveness were unparalleled. She mobilized all our resources and directed them toward greatness. Her reign left an indelible mark on our clan, only for Klaus to excise it entirely from history…"

"Still, as I’ve said before, much of that greatness was due to Klaus. He was her right hand, her anchor in difficult times. His political acumen was the foundation upon which her entire reign stood. They were a perfect team, and their cooperation brought the clan many victories and glorious days." Zeniba’s eyes sparkled as she recalled those times.

Kai feigned discovering something profound about the clan’s past to better understand the current balance of power. He glanced at Ishtar, who also appeared engrossed in Zeniba’s recollections. Although he hadn’t witnessed those distant days, it was clear he had heard stories about them.

"Now, with Klaus in power, we continue to evolve and slowly recover from the tragedy of Kessia. But what if she were still alive? She was a great ruler, and her legacy lives within me," Zeniba concluded proudly, her voice filled with respect and nostalgia.

Kai hesitated briefly, his lips parting slightly as though debating whether to ask his next question. After a moment, he spoke:

"It seems this ruler from the past was someone very important to you. It feels as though you were close."

Hearing these words, Zeniba smirked. Taking another sip of tea, she said:

"Not as close as I would have liked. Lady Kessia often noticed promising children and youths, offering them guidance. I was one of those she paid special attention to. If not for her advice, I doubt I would have achieved the heights I now hold."

Kai nodded respectfully, as if such an act of mentorship seemed noble and worthy of praise.

After a brief silence, Zeniba began to speak again, delving into her memories of the clan’s life during those distant times when Kessia’s reign brought the Sea of Asura's Blood to the pinnacle of power.

Kessia’s greatness was not limited to her martial prowess and strategic talents. Zeniba recounted how Kessia had united disparate groups, inspiring them to work together. She organized numerous successful campaigns against external threats, fortified the borders, and established an efficient military structure that functioned like a well-oiled machine. Under her leadership, the clan acquired new territories, ensuring both security and resources.

Zeniba also emphasized Kessia’s personal qualities. She recalled how Kessia was not only a wise ruler but also a compassionate mentor. She spent considerable time teaching young asuras, imparting her knowledge and experience. Her lessons went beyond martial arts, touching on philosophy, morality, and strategy. Kessia believed in the importance of developing every member of the clan, striving to strengthen them not only physically but also spiritually.

Zeniba proudly described how Kessia fostered an atmosphere of respect and trust within the clan. Under her leadership, the asura clan felt part of something great and meaningful. This unity allowed them to overcome any hardship and achieve incredible success. Even now, despite Kessia being erased from history, the traditions she established remain the foundation of the clan.

Zeniba continued recounting tales of battles Kessia had fought and the victories she had won. Every action Kessia took was for the clan’s benefit, and her decisiveness and wisdom became the cornerstone for generations of asuras.

Hours passed as Zeniba vividly described ancient events, transporting her listeners to a time when the clan stood at the height of its glory. Kai felt his understanding of the clan’s history deepening, along with his appreciation for Kessia’s character.

Kai knew Kessia as the master who had lived within his Spiritual Sea since the beginning of his journey. Together, they had endured much and grown to love each other. But this was her tender, hidden side, unknown to the world. Now, Kai was learning about Kessia’s deeds as a ruler of an entire race and one of the mightiest Law Devourer.

"A great ruler personally teaching children—a truly monumental figure…" Kai murmured. "But if she was so close to Monarch Klaus, why did he so ruthlessly tarnish her legacy? I can’t understand this. Given how much the universe already hates our race, why foster hatred within the clan as well?" Kai added, furrowing his brow as he took his first sip of the exceptional tea.

Zeniba’s face darkened again, and she fixed her gaze squarely on Kai. Her expression grew especially stern.

"Consider what I’m about to say as the ramblings of an old woman," she said abruptly. "I have strong reasons to believe that if it weren’t for Klaus, Kessia wouldn’t have found herself in a mortal predicament, and history would have turned out very differently," she said, her voice cold and almost hissing. "It was Klaus who orchestrated Kessia’s downfall!"

Kai tensed, sensing the growing tension in the room. He didn’t know exactly what Zeniba was about to reveal, but he was certain it wouldn’t sit well with Kessia, who still resisted believing that her brother could betray her without reason.

Zeniba began recounting how Kessia had always trusted Klaus, seeing him not only as her brother but also as an ally. She described how their combined efforts had brought the clan its greatest achievements, and how Kessia relied on Klaus during the most challenging times. But it was this very trust that proved her undoing.

She recalled noticing Klaus’s growing ambition and hunger for power and recognition—traits Kessia failed to see. She trusted him unconditionally, believing he would always stand by her side. However, according to Zeniba, Klaus’s ambitions eventually surpassed his fraternal bond. Even after Kessia stepped down as Monarch, this did not placate Klaus.

Zeniba described how, even when Kessia was no longer officially in power, many still regarded her as the true ruler of the Asura Clan. She recounted noticing a peculiar gleam in Klaus’s eyes during such moments—a mix of envy and determination.

"It’s an unpleasant story, but that’s no reason to frame Kessia. She chose to sacrifice herself along with the Heretical God’s Bloodline. You can’t blame the Monarch for that, even if he envied his sister," Ishtar suddenly interjected, his tone hesitant but firm as he connected Zeniba’s story to widely known facts.

"And do you know why Kessia was mortally wounded?" Zeniba retorted immediately.

"It’s said the Monarch was captured by one of Kessia’s enemies, drawing her into an unfavorable battle…" Ishtar said thoughtfully, recalling a tale known yet unspoken among the strongest asura.

"And how do you think he ended up captured?" Zeniba asked, narrowing her eyes.

"A few of the clan’s Overlords and some promising young talents were taken by an enemy. To free them, Klaus offered himself as a prisoner. They say he trusted Kessia and believed that even if he died, she would return to destroy their foes," Ishtar replied, though doubt lingered in his voice as he recited the accepted narrative.

"That sounds noble, but I don’t believe such nonsense. I was one of those ‘promising youths’ who fell into that trap," Zeniba said, her words shocking both Ishtar and Kai. "We set out on a secret training mission known to almost no one," she explained. "Suddenly, an enemy Law Devourer found and captured us. How did they learn of our mission? Moreover, at the time, all other Law Devourer were in the Heretical God Domain, vying for his legacy. None of them would have lingered for anything less."

Her words carried weight, as when the Heretical God announced his intention to pass on his lineage, the most powerful beings of the universe rushed to his palace, unwilling to waste even a single day.

"What are you implying?" Ishtar asked, his expression darkening.

"Let’s assume Klaus hadn’t surrendered. Wouldn’t that Law Devourer have wasted too much time? Why take such a risk?" Zeniba said, her questions striking like thunderclaps. "But somehow, we were captured quickly, Klaus arrived even faster, and he surrendered almost immediately to save us. A wise Klaus who decided to sacrifice the clan’s Monarch and set up a Law Devourer? Sacrificing the two pillars of the clan’s safety for the sake of some disciples and a few elders?" Her words hung in the air, undeniable yet rarely questioned aloud.

"When I was young and frightened, I didn’t think too deeply about the situation. But now I realize that every Overlord captured that day was one of Klaus’s close associates. And Klaus agreed to the enemy’s terms far too easily," Zeniba said, her face blank. "Of course, I’ve warned you that these are just my imaginings. You’re free to draw your own conclusions," she added with a heavy sigh.

At that moment, Kai felt Kessia’s breath quicken. She seemed not only deeply saddened, but also filled with rage. Everything indeed pointed to the possibility that Klaus had conspired with their enemy to betray his sister.

"I don’t know exactly what he hoped to achieve," Zeniba continued, "but the result was that he completely erased Kessia from the clan’s history. No one now associates him with her or remembers her as the true ruler…" She smirked bitterly before turning her gaze to Kai. "So, be careful. You’ve joined a clan far less benevolent than it seems. Klaus is a wise ruler—I won’t deny that—but he’s also a dangerous and subtle manipulator. Lady Kessia lost her life because of blind trust. Don’t become his next victim," she warned gravely.

Zeniba fell silent, lost in thought, as her narrative came to an end.

Despite everything he had heard, Kai felt a growing determination to uncover the truth. He sensed that Zeniba’s story was only a piece of the puzzle, and he still had much to learn and uncover. This wasn’t merely about Kessia but tied to deeper questions that haunted Kai.

"I can’t shake the feeling that it’s not that simple… Could envy alone drive someone to such lengths? Klaus is deeply knowledgeable about the universe’s history and even knew of a passage to the Ancient Battlefield. The key event following his betrayal wasn’t Kessia’s downfall but the disappearance of the Heretical God and his lineage. That was the factor that hindered the Gods’ Resurrection Cult from operating freely in the Region of Flesh…" Kai thought, struggling to suppress the torrent of thoughts forming increasingly strange theories in his mind.

"Kessia, I’m sorry to disturb you at a moment like this… But we need to discuss something serious," he said mentally, sensing the anxiety sparked by his speculation.

He desperately hoped the picture forming in his mind was nothing more than an absurd theory.

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V.11 Chapter 834: Cult Plans

Kai and Ishtar continued their conversation with Zeniba, gradually steering away from the topic of Kessia. The elderly asura began sharing memories of how her family had served the clan, how she had been drawn to martial arts and strategy from a young age, and how Kessia had recognized her potential. She spoke of how Kessia personally mentored her, imparting practical lessons on the battlefield and teaching her invaluable skills.

Zeniba recounted how Kessia had been strict but fair, instilling in her students not just martial prowess but the importance of swift decision-making. Over time, Zeniba rose to become one of the clan’s strategists, securing numerous victories under Kessia’s guidance.

The conversation shifted to the present, with Zeniba sharing her aspirations for the future. Despite her earlier revelations, she expressed a desire to continue serving the clan and Klaus. She also hoped Kai would find his place within the clan and contribute to its legacy.

After a long discussion, Kai and Ishtar thanked Zeniba and departed her mansion. Before they left, she handed Kai a special token that allowed for mental communication with her at any time. Once outside, Kai felt that his understanding of the clan’s intricate politics had deepened significantly, yet he also found himself grappling with new questions.

"Thanks for arranging the meeting with Zeniba," Kai said with a smile, patting Ishtar on the shoulder. "What she told us seems a bit wild... But we’re martial artists; sometimes hard decisions have to be made. It’s not my place to judge the Monarch’s actions," he added, gazing at the crimson gardens around them with a heavy expression.

"Honestly, I’ve never delved so deeply into Kessia’s past. And Zeniba never shared anything like that before. I suppose as she nears the end of her life, she feels less burdened by responsibility to our clan’s branch," Ishtar replied, shrugging.

He seemed as though he’d already dismissed the conversation, wearing a casual expression as if the day’s events had already been forgotten. This attitude, Kai realized, was a wise one; in a large clan, it was better not to engage in gossip or conspiracy theories. Even if internal repression among the asura wasn’t common, it was always safer to remain silent on delicate topics.

Noting Ishtar’s demeanor, Kai’s expression shifted to match, and he smiled warmly.

"Thank you again for the time we spent together. It was a pleasure to drink and talk with you."

"Likewise. It’s refreshing to spend time with someone new and strong. After all these years, I’m sick of seeing the same faces among the other Overlords…" Ishtar replied with a wry grimace, hinting at the monotony of millennia spent with the same peers.

"Even Lilith?" Kai teased, smirking. By now, he had gleaned that the relationship between Ishtar and Lilith was far from straightforward.

"Get lost!" Ishtar huffed, elbowing Kai playfully in the ribs before smiling. "I’ve got work to do. The clan council meets in ten hours, so I can’t waste any more time idling. See you later, Kai!" With that, Ishtar waved and began walking toward his mansion.

Kai, having bid Ishtar farewell, surveyed his surroundings before heading back to the Eternal Asura zone. Strolling through the majestic gardens, he feigned casualness, enjoying the tranquility, though he remained cautious not to attract unnecessary attention. While his perception detected no one tailing him, he knew it was better to err on the side of discretion.

Reaching the entrance to his mansion, Kai paused briefly before entering. Once inside, he instructed his servants not to disturb him under any circumstances. He moved into his cultivation chamber and activated all the protective formations, as if preparing for a deep meditation. Lines of light flared around the room, forming an energy barrier that cut him off from the outside world. With the defenses in place, Kai felt a wave of calm wash over him as he settled inside.

Sitting cross-legged, Kai quickly entered his Spiritual Sea, where Kessia was already waiting. The stars above glimmered, and a brilliant beam of light emanated from the Fortress of Oblivion, as though attempting to dispel the surrounding darkness. Hovering at the center of this world, Kessia appeared both majestic and fragile, her presence awe-inspiring.

"How are you feeling?" Kai asked, approaching her.

"If what Zeniba said is true, then Klaus deliberately betrayed me," Kessia replied gravely. "Under normal circumstances, he would never have risked the clan’s safety by surrendering himself. Even if he harbored hidden motives toward me all his life, he would never betray the clan. But to purposely frame me, ensuring the Heretical God’s Bloodline fell into enemy hands… that too could be seen as a betrayal of the clan itself," she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Kessia’s confusion was evident as she struggled to reconcile Klaus’s actions with his supposed loyalty to the clan. That he had colluded with an enemy to thwart her ambitions, risking the clan’s future in the process, left her deeply unsettled.

She fell silent, gazing downward in thought. Seeing her turmoil, Kai’s expression grew more serious. Finally, he could no longer suppress his thoughts and blurted out:

"Could the Gods’ Resurrection Cult have deceived Klaus to prevent the birth of a new Heretical God? Or perhaps they promised him resources for breaking through to the Law Devourers Sphere if he helped them?"

Kessia’s eyes snapped to Kai, her shock evident. Her face reflected both worry and dawning realization, as if for the first time she was truly considering the possibility.

Noticing her reaction, Kai asked cautiously, "Why did you pause like that? Did you remember something that supports my theory?"

"In those days, I was one of the strongest… and the likelihood of me inheriting the Heretical God’s Bloodline was high. But aside from me, there were two other candidates," she said, her voice trailing off as she froze mid-thought.

After a moment’s silence, Kessia clenched her fists and continued, "One of the candidates was the one who captured Klaus. The other… The other died under mysterious circumstances decades before the battle for the lineage. There were rumors he was assassinated. At the time, I was relieved by the news, but now I wonder—who could have managed to kill him?" Her brow furrowed as she sifted through her memories.

She fell silent again, lost in thought. Kai watched her intently, waiting for her to piece together the puzzle.

"If we assume the Cult was already active in the Region of Flesh back then," she said after a moment, "their goal wouldn’t have been merely to stop the emergence of a new Heretical God. They would have sought to eliminate all potential heirs, destroying any chance of a revival. Killing one candidate and setting a trap for…"

"That’s not the real problem," Kai interrupted. "If this wild theory holds, then the one who captured Klaus must have been a member of the Cult. Perhaps he was being groomed to become the Heretical God, someone who would sacrifice the entire Region of Flesh to the Evil Gods. Worse still, Klaus himself might be involved with the Cult. He’s spent years studying the universe’s history. How did he learn about the Ancient Battlefield’s entrance and how to activate it?" Kai said, his tone serious.

These words caused Kessia to tense. Yet instead of pain or disappointment, she felt only seething anger.

"If Klaus aligned himself with the Evil Gods and decided to betray the entire Region of Flesh, I’ll destroy him myself!" Kessia declared, her voice filled with deadly intent. "I could understand betrayal born of envy… but if he colluded with the Cult for personal gain and conspired with the Devourer of Abyssal Carnage…"

"The Devourer of Abyssal Carnage? So that’s your main enemy…" Kai murmured thoughtfully, committing the name to memory.

Perhaps they were merely assembling facts to fit a narrative, and it would be better if this theory proved false. But for now, the pieces painted a grim picture: Klaus conspiring with one of the three strongest Law Devourer to betray his sister, another of the strongest mysteriously dying decades prior, and the Heretical God’s Bloodline vanishing entirely. This disappearance had opened the way for the Cult to infiltrate and begin their sacrificial rituals.

"If the conspiracy succeeded, and I failed to claim the Heretical God’s Bloodline, the Devourer of Abyssal Carnage would have become the new Heretical God. Why, then, did Klaus decide to kill me himself instead of waiting for the Devourer’s arrival?" Kessia wondered aloud, sensing the situation was even more complex than they had initially thought.

Kai shared her unease. Sighing heavily, he replied, "Perhaps Klaus and the Devourer were both pawns of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. If you don’t control your pieces well, events can take unexpected turns. We know too little about the Cult and its structure…" Kai said, his mind racing to piece together the mystery.

After a moment, his expression darkened further. "If the Cult’s goal was to place a pawn in the role of God, they might have destroyed the lineage simply to eliminate unpredictable risks."

Kessia considered his words. Her eyes blazed with anger, yet her thoughts aligned into a clear, logical chain. Her gaze reflected not only disappointment and fury, but also a firm resolve to uncover the truth.

"Leave this matter to me. When you restore my body, I’ll handle it," Kessia said decisively. "You need to focus on cultivation and growth. For reasons, I don’t fully understand, the major events unfolding seem to revolve around you, and you’re destined to play a crucial role in them. Don’t shoulder it all alone—rely on me too!" she added, her tone firm.

Hearing her words, Kai embraced Kessia and kissed her gently. Looking into her eyes, he said with a smile, "All right… But first, let’s restore your body and strength. Then, you can do whatever you wish."

"I won’t be able to fully restore my strength, since some of the laws I once held may now belong to others. But if the body we create is strong enough, I should regain most of them and reclaim my status as a Law Devourer," Kessia replied, determination burning in her voice.

"Who knows, maybe the body I craft for you will be even better than your last one," Kai joked, trying to lighten the mood.

They exchanged smiles, resolute in their shared purpose. Their path was now clear, and they knew they couldn’t afford to waste time. Kai decided to begin a cultivation cycle while awaiting access to the asura's restricted zone. He knew it would provide him with strength and prepare him for the next phase of his journey.

Returning to the physical world, Kai double-checked the defensive formations around his cultivation chamber. Taking a deep breath, he entered a meditative state, immersing himself in tranquility and focus.

His mind concentrated on the circulation of energy, blood, and spirit, as he recited the Sphere of Essence Mantra. He felt his power grow, each cell brimming with energy, as the laws he commanded harmonized the three cultivation techniques.

Soon, he would step into the clan’s best cultivation zone. While it wouldn’t guarantee a breakthrough, it would undoubtedly strengthen him. Moreover, it was free—a resource Kai couldn’t pass up. Once the cycle ended, he would resume his hunt for the Chimera Masters.

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V.11 Chapter 835: The Blood Lake

Since Kai had returned to his mansion and immersed himself in cultivation, several months had passed. Time flew unnoticed in meditation, and the day the cultivation zone would open drew nearer.

At the moment, Kai was lounging in the hot spring of his mansion, leisurely sipping wine. One of his servants, a young woman named Lia, timidly knocked on the wooden arch leading to the courtyard with the springs.

"Immortal Drunkard Overlord," she called softly, "I have a message for you."

Kai opened his eyes and turned to her with a smile, nodding. Lia quickly approached and extended a red, ornately designed scroll.

Though Kai had not yet opened it, he already knew its contents. The forbidden cultivation zone was finally available! He would now be able to experience the effects of the Asura race’s prime cultivation site.

"Finally," he murmured with anticipation. "I’ll finally gain some reward for my efforts, he-he."

Lia stood nearby, awaiting further instructions. Kai glanced at her and nodded.

"Thank you, Lia. You may go. Inform the others that I’ll be away for an extended period. I’ll leave for the forbidden zone as soon as I’m ready."

"As you command, my lord! I’ll prepare a spatial ring for you with clothing and ample alcohol from your collection," Lia said with a bow before hurrying off, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.

In recent months, under Kai’s orders, his servants had acquired a vast assortment of alcohol from various realms. Though Kai already had a substantial collection in his spatial ring, he was always eager to expand it with new and intriguing additions. Naturally, none of his servants were privy to the full extent of this indulgence, so Lia’s decision to prepare supplies for his solitude seemed perfectly logical.

Kai sank back into the warm water, letting its heat seep into every fiber of his being. Though he was eager to enter the zone, he tempered his expectations. At his current level, even the best cultivation zone wouldn’t grant him a breakthrough.

He had already discussed the matter in depth with Kessia, learning what to expect. The forbidden zone was one of the most perilous and powerful cultivation sites within asura territory. Kai took another swig of wine directly from the bottle, recalling her descriptions.

The forbidden zone was a network of underground blood lakes, all converging into a massive central lake. The blood in these lakes was infused with the lineages of vanquished enemies, preserved and amplified by the influence of the Asura Progenitor’s remains. Countless arrays maintained and enhanced the heretical blood’s potency.

Each master was assigned a lake appropriate to their rank. The one awaiting Kai was one of the largest, fortified with the most formidable arrays.

Every cultivation zone featured a small lake with an island at its center, upon which stood a black stone pavilion adorned with ancient formations. These pavilions allowed masters to focus on their cultivation. However, the true trial began once one’s aura was released on the island.

Kai envisioned the scene: a dense, bloody mist rising around him as blood-crafted silhouettes emerged from the lake, targeting his lineage. Each attack and disruption tested the master’s resolve and strength. The challenge wasn’t merely to endure, but to absorb and assimilate these figures, thereby strengthening one’s lineage.

Though this sounded akin to absorbing enemy lineages, Kessia had explained it was far more nuanced. The silhouettes were uniquely tailored to enhance the asura lineage. Their pressure forced the master into deeper understanding and alignment with their own laws—a sentiment echoed by other asuras who had experienced the zone.

The blood constructs didn’t just physically attack; they invaded the mind, conjuring visions and fears capable of breaking even the strongest spirits. The goal was not to fight, but to endure, using one’s lineage to suppress and assimilate the attackers.

Kai’s excitement grew. He knew this trial wouldn’t pose insurmountable challenges for him, given his unique capabilities.

Emerging from the hot spring, he dried himself off and wrapped himself in soft cloth. He headed to his room, where Lia had already prepared the spatial ring. After collecting it, he left the mansion, anticipation surging within him.

As he passed his servants, Kai nodded at each with a faint smile, signaling his satisfaction with their service. Without delay, he exited the Eternal Asura zone and made his way toward the central castle region.

He navigated through several courtyards and corridors before arriving at a pair of massive redwood doors. The guards opened them immediately, granting him entry.

Before him stretched a colossal spiral staircase descending into the earth. The stone steps, intricately carved with symbols and runes, spiraled down into the darkness. Kai peered into the depths but decided against taking the stairs.

"Time waits for no one," he muttered, stepping into the central void.

Kai leaped into the abyss, free-falling through the center of the staircase. The rush of air howled around him as he plummeted, his aura casting a faint glow that illuminated the walls adorned with carved symbols.

After several minutes, he spotted a faint glow below. Slowing his descent, he landed gently on a smooth stone platform. Ahead lay the entrance to an underground cavern, lit by the crimson glow of blood crystals that formed an arch-like structure.

"Interesting…" Kai murmured, stepping into the cave. After several hundred steps, he rounded a corner and was met with a breathtaking sight.

A vast lake stretched out before him, its surface dark red like fresh blood. Unlike the smaller lakes, this was the main reservoir.

"Incredible… How many lives must have been taken to amass this much blood?" he muttered, inhaling the cold, metallic air.

A voice interrupted his musings—a woman’s voice, aged but steady. Kai spun around to see an elderly figure smiling kindly at him.

"Don’t be misled, Overlord Immortal Drunkard. When heretical blood reaches peak concentration, it mimics real blood. Most of this lake is concentrated heretical energy," she explained warmly. "But I won’t deny that it also contains the blood of tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands of beings," she added, a predatory glint in her eyes.

"Ah, I see… My expertise doesn’t extend to such matters," Kai replied enthusiastically. "If I’m not mistaken, I need to head through one of those doors?" He gestured toward the perimeter of the lake, where various doors of differing designs and sizes were visible.

"Correct. Your door is on the far side of the lake. It’s burgundy with an engraving of the Asura Progenitor," she said, handing him a red token. "Take this; it’s your key. When you approach the right door, it will glow."

Kai exchanged a few more words of thanks before soaring toward his destination. He avoided flying directly over the lake, heeding the woman’s earlier warning.

He reached the far side in minutes, spotting the door from a distance. As he neared, the door began to pulse with a red aura, just as the woman had described.

"So, this is my prize, he-he…"

Approaching the door, he saw the runes adorning it glow brighter with each step, as though responding to his presence. When he pressed the red token against the door’s center, the runes flared to life, and the massive door rumbled open.

A deep, resonant sound filled the air as the passage revealed itself.

Kai stepped inside, the door sealing behind him with a thunderous finality. He continued down the illuminated tunnel, its silence broken only by his soft footsteps. Soon, he emerged into a grand chamber dominated by another blood lake, smaller than the central one but equally daunting.

At the lake’s center was a black stone pavilion, shrouded in a dense, bloody mist. The atmosphere exuded power and danger.

Standing at the lake’s edge, Kai inhaled the mist-laden air. He knew the moment he set foot on the island, his trial would begin. Yet fear did not stir within him—only determination.

"First, I’ll take stock of my surroundings and prepare myself," he thought casually, taking flight toward the island.

As he neared, the bloody mist thickened, enveloping him. Kai felt its energy interact with his lineage, a tingling sensation spreading across his body.

Landing on the island, he released a hint of his aura to gauge the environment’s reaction. Immediately, blood silhouettes began to rise from the lake, their glowing eyes fixated on him.

"Amusing…" Kai muttered, retracting his aura. The figures dissolved back into the lake.

Grinning wickedly, he hovered above the island and crossed his legs in a lotus position. Rather than rushing into battle, Kai chose to meditate, allowing his lineage to attune itself to the blood-laden mist. The trial was only beginning, and he intended to face it fully prepared.

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V.11 Chapter 836: An Unexpected Opponent

Kai’s meditation lasted about half an hour, during which he felt his body and mind aligning and preparing for the trial ahead.

"When the blood silhouettes attack, try to feel how they’re draining your blood. Then, reverse the flow," advised Kessia, observing everything from within the Spiritual Sea.

Suddenly, Kai’s eyes snapped open, and he unleashed his aura. The tattoos on his body glowed crimson, and the blood mist thickened, spiraling around him. Figures began to form from the lake’s surface, emitting terrifying screams as they lunged toward Kai.

"Raaaar! Raar!" echoed a chorus of growls, resonating with the blood within him.

These creatures, forged from concentrated blood energy, carried the strength and fury of the Asuras' defeated foes. They leaped at Kai, sinking their fangs and claws into his flesh. Yet, he didn’t resist. A faint smirk crossed his face as he allowed them to attack, feeling their attempts to drain his blood.

Every bite and claw dug deeper, causing pain, but Kai remained still—unshaken, like a stone statue. He could feel thin streams of his blood being drawn toward the creatures' fangs and claws, as if they sought to devour him like overripe fruit.

"Too weak…" Kai said nonchalantly, as his blood began to quake, activating his lineage. For now, he refrained from invoking the Heretical God’s Bloodline. Even in isolation, where no one could see him, it felt too risky.

"Thu-thump!" A pulse emanated from his body, causing the blood silhouettes to shudder.

Panic rippled through the silhouettes as they writhed, trying to detach from Kai. Yet, their fangs and claws seemed stuck, as if bound to him. In that instant, the blood they had been draining reversed its flow, surging back into Kai—carrying with it the essence of the silhouettes themselves.

"Ryaa! Ryyaaa!" their cries became more piercing, echoing with agony. Kai felt the returning blood infuse him with new strength. The silhouettes thrashed violently, attempting to break free, but their efforts were futile. Their forms began to dissolve, losing their shape and vitality.

"Raaaar! Raaaar!" their wails reverberated across the lake.

What once seemed like sharp, potent weapons now felt like hooks ensnared in Kai’s body. The silhouettes couldn’t escape, their essence being drawn into Kai’s flesh. He felt his lineage strengthening with each drop of their energy, fortifying his body and aura.

The silhouettes shrank, their crimson forms disintegrating until they were no more. But as quickly as they disappeared, new ones emerged, relentless and ravenous. Their glowing red eyes and tearing fangs betrayed an insatiable hunger. They didn’t seem to care about the fate of their predecessors.

Every fresh wave of creatures lunged at Kai, only to meet the same end. As they sank their claws and fangs into his body, they became prisoners of his flesh, their panic mirroring that of those before them. Agonized screams filled the cavern, a cacophony of despair and torment.

"Ryaa! Ryyaaa!" each scream grew more desperate and shrill.

Kai felt their blood merging with his, bringing a strange intoxication to his thoughts. A tingling numbness began spreading through his body. It was a gradual sensation, one that Kai didn’t immediately recognize for what it was.

"They can’t stop, even as they see what happens to the others…" Kai thought, observing the endless swarm of silhouettes.

The creatures continued to emerge from the lake, their ranks seemingly infinite. Those unable to reach Kai with claws extended thin tendrils or tentacles from their bodies, which also pierced his flesh. Soon, the entire island and pavilion teemed with blood silhouettes, a writhing mass of desperation.

"Raaaar! Raaaar!" their growls and wails resonated with terror and pain, fueling Kai’s determination.

With every passing second, the numbness and haze grew stronger. The creatures, driven by instinct, couldn’t stop their attacks, each becoming another victim to Kai’s indomitable strength. The mounting chaos muddled his senses, but then a sound pierced through it all—a shattering noise, like a massive glass pane breaking.

"Crack! Crack! Tinkle!" The sound was sharp and jarring, startling Kai. Immediately, the surrounding space began to fracture. The cavern’s stone walls and the blood lake splintered, breaking apart like a crumbling illusion.

In the final moments of this collapse, Kessia’s voice rang clear, cutting through the confusion.

"Usually, this takes longer, but I’m not surprised… You’re descending into an understanding of your Asura Reaper Law."

Her words were calm and steady, like a beacon in the dark. Kai felt his consciousness plunging deeper into self-awareness, piercing through the haze and numbness. The world around him vanished, yet he felt no fear—only a strange sense of liberation.

Kai found himself in a void, surrounded by infinite space filled with dense, blood-red mist. Even here, he could feel the wind and the metallic tang of blood. Everything felt as if he had been transported to an entirely different realm.

He immediately activated his Eyes of Essence to assess the surroundings. Surprisingly, they worked, though what they revealed was nothing short of astonishing.

"What the…" Kai muttered, frowning in disbelief.

The surrounding laws unmistakably belonged to the system of flesh cultivation, and the blood mist was undoubtedly "heretical blood". Yet, the inscriptions of the Law of Flesh were disjointed and archaic, as though the principles and constructs Kai knew hadn’t fully formed in this universe. It was as if he had been cast into a primordial time.

As he scrutinized the surrounding space, Kai noticed movement in the mist. Instantly, he tensed.

From the mist emerged a figure—a man who appeared youthful but bore striking features. What caught Kai’s attention immediately were his six arms, red hair, and a body covered in tattoos.

"This can’t be…" Kai thought, his disbelief palpable. It was too real. He had seen this figure before, albeit in a far more terrifying form. There was no mistaking it—this was the Asura Progenitor in the years of his early development!

The Progenitor moved with an elegance and confidence that spoke of immense power. He noticed the movement in the mist and turned his gaze upon Kai. His glowing red eyes lit up with a fierce, battle-ready gleam.

"The Asura Progenitor… And he’s only at the Law Overlord Sphere…" Kai whispered, his voice tinged with awe and astonishment.

Kai knew he stood before the most legendary figure in asura history but couldn’t fathom the circumstances. How could such a vivid vision exist, where even the Eyes of Essence functioned?

The Asura Progenitor studied Kai before speaking, his voice deep and commanding like thunder.

"Shall we fight? Or are you not hunting at the moment?"

Kai, scrambling to gather his thoughts and make sense of the situation, responded:

"Why fight? Have we done something wrong to each other?"

The Progenitor frowned, his gaze sharp and questioning. He seemed puzzled by Kai’s words.

"I don’t understand your answer. We devour one another to grow stronger. That is the order of life. What does it matter what we have or haven’t done to each other?"

"Damn it… Could it be that the Progenitor’s power, fueling this cultivation zone, contains his memories? If I’ve been pulled into a simulation of the past, then the rules here might be completely different…" Kai thought, realizing his misstep.

The Progenitor didn’t wait for a response. Calmly, he continued:

"Had you encountered another, you’d already be fighting. I don’t waste time on aimless battles. If you want to consume me, let’s fight with all we’ve got. If not, I’ll find someone else."

"This is an opportunity!" Kai’s eyes lit up, and his fighting spirit soared. A chance to battle the Asura Progenitor at his own level? It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Kai smiled, exhilaration and excitement surging within him. The prospect of testing himself against such an opponent ignited a fire inside. Stepping forward, he locked eyes with the Progenitor and declared:

"I feel a kinship with you. I don’t wish to fight to the death, but I won’t shy away from a fierce contest to test our strength!"

The Progenitor scrutinized Kai, a flicker of recognition in his crimson eyes. Though he couldn’t pinpoint what it was, something about Kai intrigued him. After a brief pause, he nodded.

"I usually avoid wasting time…" he said, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "But you’ve piqued my interest…"

Kai tensed, preparing for the clash. The tattoos on his body pulsed with energy, and the Asura Reaper Law filled his flesh. He decided to hold back his full power, eager to gauge the difference between himself and the warriors of ancient times. Deep down, he still believed the ancients were far mightier than his generation.

The Asura Progenitor moved first. His six arms moved with lightning speed, each one ready to strike. Kai activated his aura and Eyes of Essence, tracking every motion. His blood surged with anticipation.

"Let’s begin," said the Progenitor, charging forward. The tattoos on his body blazed as he launched a single devastating punch.

Kai grinned and met the blow with his own fist, fully imbued with the power of his flesh.

"Du-duum! Crack!" The collision of their punches resounded like a thunderclap, so intense it seemed as if the very fabric of space had cracked under the force.

"Shuuu!" The blood mist that enveloped them was instantly blown back, scattering for kilometers and revealing a scene of utter devastation. The shockwave of their clash carved deep trenches into the ground, with stones and debris propelled high into the air. The once-intact landscape transformed into an apocalyptic ruin. Any weaker being present would have been obliterated instantly.

Neither Kai nor the Progenitor retreated an inch. They stood face-to-face, fists locked in a titanic clash. Their blood-drenched auras battled furiously, forcing the ground beneath them to collapse further, creating an ever-deepening crater. Both combatants radiated unyielding focus and determination.

The Asura Progenitor smirked, his crimson eyes glinting with admiration.

"You're not as weak as you appear," he remarked, his voice deep and resonant, carrying a subtle tone of respect.

"I could say the same about you," Kai replied with a grin. "Let’s see what we’re really capable of!"

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V.11 Chapter 837: Totamid

Kai and the Asura Progenitor locked gazes, as if taking each other's measure. A single exchange of blows had been enough to feel the raw power of their opponent.

"The Progenitor is currently at the Law Overlord Sphere, yet he’s far stronger than any Overlord I’ve fought in reality. His power is truly tyrannical," Kai thought, his hand still pressing against his opponent's with unyielding force.

But in the next moment, the Progenitor attacked! His six arms launched toward Kai, distorting the space around them and emitting a terrifying hum.

"Show me what you're capable of, stranger!" the asura bellowed, charging forward.

Their battle resumed with ferocious speed. The Progenitor, wielding his six arms with deadly precision, unleashed devastating combinations that could shatter mountains.

Kai, with the aid of his Eyes of Essence, anticipated each move, countering and striking back. Their clashes tore through the surroundings, creating craters and obliterating anything in their path.

Suddenly, the Progenitor leapt back, his aura blazing a brilliant crimson. Gathering all his power into a single point, his six arms moved in a complex pattern, forming an aura armor around him. Spikes emerged on his fists, signaling that he was no longer holding back.

Kai focused his energy, concentrating his blood aura into his fists. His tattoos glowed fiercely, and the blood mist around him thickened. He understood that the next attack would not be easily overcome.

"Ba-boom!" the battle erupted anew as they charged at each other, their auras colliding with such force that the very fabric of space around them cracked and shattered. Waves of energy rippled outward, obliterating everything in their wake.

The ground beneath them trembled and split open, while the air filled with debris and darkness. Every punch they exchanged created explosions that reverberated for miles, turning the battlefield into ruins.

Fighting like mortals, they relied on close combat and raw physical prowess. But their cultivation levels amplified every movement, creating a spectacle of pure destruction.

Kai found himself grinning maniacally, losing himself in the thrill of the fight. Memories of past training and battles surfaced—those focused not just on laws and strength, but on the art of combat itself. It was exhilarating to merge both concepts seamlessly.

"Remarkable..." Kai thought, realizing he was fighting on equal footing with the Asura Progenitor.

Though Kai didn’t underestimate himself, he was astounded by his ability to hold his own with just his body system. The battle seemed to heighten his understanding of the Asura Reaper Law instinctively.

"Could this be the effect of the asura race’s cultivation zone?" Kai wondered as the Progenitor leapt away.

The Progenitor’s six hands clasped together, and he assumed an unusual stance. Kai instantly sensed the immense concentration of aura at the point where the hands met. Even the spikes and armor on his arms began to dissolve.

"You’re a worthy opponent! Now, behold my final attack!" the Progenitor roared. A crimson beam, teeming with wild and terrifying energy, erupted from his hands.

"Baz-baam!" A titanic explosion shook the earth and sky. The aura wave created a massive crater, annihilating everything around the asura.

"Zzz! Duum!" The beam struck Kai directly. But he didn’t budge an inch! The beam fragmented into smaller shards, like waves crashing against a seawall.

As the collision unfolded, the shattered beams flew past Kai, triggering a series of explosions that illuminated the entire battlefield in a blinding crimson glow.

When the dust cleared, Kai stood at the crater’s edge, breathing heavily. His body was covered in wounds, yet he remained unbroken. Staring at his opponent, he spoke:

"That last attack was intense. I could’ve defended against it more effectively using other techniques… but I wanted to test your strength in a fair fight!" his words were devoid of arrogance, surprising the Asura Progenitor, as they implied that Kai hadn’t fought at full strength.

"You truly are a worthy opponent. To withstand one of my strongest attacks and remain standing…" the Progenitor said before stepping closer to Kai.

He extended his hand, saying, "Thank you for the fight. My name is Totamid—the one called Asura."

"That was exhilarating and incredibly instructive," Kai replied with a smile, clasping the offered hand. "My name is Kai, though I don’t have any titles to speak of," he added with a wry smile, unsure how else to introduce himself.

Totamid frowned slightly, confused by the response. He studied Kai intently, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

"You’ve reached the Law Overlord Sphere and haven’t visited the Heretical God’s Palace?" Totamid asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I can’t fathom why. Don’t you wish to claim the rewards of our God?"

The situation felt surreal to Kai, as though he had truly been transported to a time where the laws and customs of the universe were vastly different. He shrugged slightly, trying to maintain composure despite not fully grasping the context.

"My journey has been unconventional, and I’ve spent much time away from standard cultivation paths. I haven’t reached the Heretical God’s Palace yet," he replied calmly.

Totamid scrutinized Kai further, seemingly intrigued by his unusual circumstances. There was an air of suspicion but also respect in his gaze.

"You continue to surprise me, Kai," Totamid said, his expression softening. "Even without a title, your abilities are extraordinary. But the Heretical God’s Palace is a place every Law Overlord must visit. There, you can receive not only a title, but also the strength to aid you in future battles. The Heretical God rewards every master of flesh who has achieved great results and holds the potential to introduce a new law to the universe."

Kai nodded, pretending to understand the significance of the Progenitor’s words.

"If I’m honest, I often get lost in my thoughts... I'm not very knowledgeable about the Heretical God’s Palace. Could you explain what I should do and what the palace truly is?"

Totamid’s frown deepened, as if he couldn’t believe Kai’s ignorance about one of their race’s most sacred sites. Despite his skepticism, he began to explain.

"The Heretical God’s Palace lies at the heart of all flesh laws—our very domain," Totamid said. "Similar palaces exist in the realms of energy masters and spirit masters."

He paused, giving Kai a moment to process this.

"The Heretical God rewards all who ascend to the Law Overlord Sphere," Totamid continued. "Near the palace, you can take on trials within hundreds of temples to prove your strength and mastery. These trials can be extremely difficult, but if you demonstrate your worth, you’ll be rewarded. The Heretical God will bring you into the palace itself, granting you access to a cultivation zone tailored to your needs. There are thousands of such zones, ensuring everyone finds what they require."

Kai listened intently, absorbing the wealth of information. It became clear that ancient masters prioritized collective growth, fostering strength across their ranks. In contrast, the modern universe Kai knew was marked by sects and clans focused on their own members, rarely embracing such altruistic principles.

"If you pass the trials, the Heretical God will also grant you valuable resources and offer guidance in your cultivation. Possessing the original Law of Flesh, the Heretical God understands flesh laws better than anyone. His advice could significantly increase your chances of reaching the next sphere—the Supreme Monarch Sphere."

"For example, he recognized my law as exceptionally promising and granted me the title of Asura. My law is now known as the Primal Asura Law," Totamid added with pride.

Totamid gazed at Kai, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

"The Heretical God’s Palace isn’t just a place of power," he continued. "It’s where your potential is fully realized. Everyone who visits leaves stronger and wiser. You must go there, Kai. I believe you’ll surpass even me afterward."

Kai nodded thoughtfully, intrigued by the ancient customs and possibilities.

Totamid suddenly smiled, his demeanor lightening. "How about a drink and some rest? Not in this blood-soaked wasteland. I know a better spot!"

"Great idea. I’d love to relax somewhere pleasant—and maybe hear your story of becoming a master. It’s always fascinating to learn about the paths of strong cultivators," Kai said with a grin.

Totamid grinned back and took flight, his six arms spreading wide like wings as his aura cloaked him like a mantle. Kai followed, soaring into the air, the wind rushing past his face. They traveled quickly, crossing miles of blood-streaked wasteland.

Before long, a stunning landscape appeared on the horizon. Towering trees stretched toward the heavens, their canopies forming natural temples. Shimmering rivers and waterfalls threaded through the forest, creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

"This is the Forest of the Ancients," Totamid explained as they descended. "Here, we can find refuge and enjoy the beauty of nature. This forest is nourished by the energy of the Law of Flesh, making it an ideal place to recover."

They landed at the edge of a massive waterfall, its thunderous roar bringing a sense of calm and vitality.

"Help yourself," Totamid said, settling on the ground and summoning piles of fresh meat and jars of alcohol. "I love this place," he added contentedly, producing an artifact that emitted blue flames. He grabbed a piece of meat and began roasting it over the makeshift fire.

Kai sat beside the Asura Progenitor, pouring himself a cup of fragrant wine and filling Totamid’s goblet. As he surveyed the surroundings with his perception, he found the area subtly different from the teraliths he was accustomed to.

Noticing Kai’s thoughtful expression, Totamid smiled and raised his cup.

"To new achievements and mutual respect," he said, toasting Kai before biting into the roasted meat.

"And to new friendships!" Kai added with a smile, taking a hearty bite from what appeared to be the leg of a beast.

The two shared drinks and stories, relaxing in the serene beauty of the Forest of the Ancients. Kai felt a strange mix of unease and excitement, aware that this experience resembled an illusion. Yet he understood that this illusion held profound truths. Determined to learn all he could about the ancient universe, Kai listened intently, savoring every moment.

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V.11 Chapter 838: The Ancient Universe

After several days of discussions and exchanging knowledge, Kai and Totamid felt a bond forming between them. Kai was fascinated by the wealth of information shared by the asura, while Totamid, in turn, was impressed by Kai's curiosity and sincerity.

They became not just conversation partners but perhaps comrades. Spending long hours together, they shared thoughts and stories. Kai learned much about the ancient lands and how they once were. He was astounded by their vastness and the immense power of the beings and masters who inhabited them.

Totamid spoke of endless battles that once raged across these immense lands. At first, Kai didn’t grasp the scale, but over time, he began to understand. It seemed that in the ancient universe, teraliths were something entirely different. In the modern era, teraliths were mere fragments of what were once vast, indestructible planes of existence.

Previously, the teraliths were infinite, their size dwarfing anything that existed now. It was a time when the laws of flesh, spirit, and energy were in their infancy, and masters forged their own paths and techniques. It was, as Totamid put it, a "grinder" for any living being born into the universe.

"Hard to imagine such scale... Modern teraliths already feel boundless, but what must those ancient lands have been like? Ordinary mortals could wander their entire lives and never reach the end," Kai thought as he walked alongside Totamid through the forest. They were heading toward a city where combat was forbidden.

Kai came to understand that countless masters of flesh, energy, and spirit fought for power and territory. Yet this period, to which he had been transported, was also a time of great discovery and development. Many of the universal laws that shaped the cosmos today were first created in these ancient times.

Kai and Totamid spoke extensively about various cultivation techniques and combat philosophies. Sometimes, Kai sought Totamid’s opinion on his Asura Reaper Law. Although Totamid was unfamiliar with the law, in the future, he would be the one to pioneer it.

At the moment, they had stopped for another rest, having recently caught a massive bird-like beast. The night’s darkness was far more oppressive than in Kai’s world. Only a few shimmering points dotted the sky, as though many stars had yet to be born.

"The Reaper Law is more than just a path of destruction," Kai said thoughtfully, rocking on his heels as he stared into the fire. "I feel like there’s something profound in it, something I haven’t yet fully grasped."

Totamid nodded, his eyes alight with interest.

"To me, your law represents a concept deeply rooted in the essence of our world," he replied. "We all wander the universe, killing and consuming one another’s blood. It’s as if an invisible reaper governs this cycle, taking each of us when our time comes. I’ve often pondered this idea myself."

Kai watched his companion intently, knowing that the perspective of the Asura Progenitor could provide valuable insights into his own law. It seemed to Kai that the ancient universe held something fundamentally different from the modern one. And in this ancient universe, that "something" was easier to discern.

"What do you mean?" Kai asked, intrigued.

"The universe is full of chaos and endless battles," Totamid began. "Every master is on their own, striving for their own goals. There’s no need for us to form groups or families. The strong survive, and the weak perish. The reaper’s task is to maintain balance, carefully removing both the weak and the overly powerful so that life can continue. But compared to the universe itself, we are all insignificant."

Kai pondered Totamid’s words, the firelight flickering in his eyes.

"The concept of the reaper resembles not just destruction, but also the Law of Death," Kai murmured thoughtfully. "But it’s formed within the framework of the Law of Flesh..."

After saying this, Kai fell silent, lost in his thoughts.

"In the modern universe, things are different," Kai mused to himself. "Clans and sects have united masters, providing them with protection and support. The concept of the reaper has become less apparent, and its role less clear."

"The reaper clears the way for those who can continue on their path, making space for new, stronger masters. Death, on the other hand, is a more fundamental process, intrinsically tied to life. After all, the Goddess of Life and the God of Death were born as twins."

At those words, Kai’s mind trembled. He didn’t know how much longer he would remain in this illusory world. Talking about the gods could disrupt the experience entirely. Kai resolved to focus on extracting practical cultivation knowledge while he still could.

Sitting by the fire, Kai tried to process Totamid’s words. The topic of the Evil Gods weighed heavily on his mind, and now he had a chance to learn more. He knew he couldn’t ask directly, so he chose a subtler approach.

"Born, you say? That sounds... unusual for beings like them," Kai said, feigning casual curiosity.

"What else would you call it? They are the fruit of the Higher Triad’s power. And we, in turn, are the children of all five," Totamid replied calmly, without hostility or malice.

This revelation initially surprised Kai. In the future, Totamid would become a general in the Rebellion Army of Life, an army that sought to destroy these five Gods. But reflecting on it, Kai thought:

"Perhaps during Totamid’s youth, the conflict with the Evil Gods had not yet begun, or was only just taking shape. For now, he seems to regard them favorably... What happened in the future that caused such a catastrophic divide, tearing the universe apart?"

Kai decided to continue steering the conversation toward his questions.

"The Gods played their role in creating the world and maintaining balance, but what came before them? And who among us has truly seen them?" he asked, careful not to betray too much interest.

Totamid gave him a look of mild pity. Over the past few days, he had heard enough of Kai’s odd remarks to no longer be surprised.

"Kai, you’re a clever one, but do you really believe in the nonsense of those who call the Gods mere myths?" Totamid asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I’d like to see them for myself," Kai replied with a wry grin, neither confirming nor denying Totamid’s suspicion.

"Only the chosen can meet the gods. The Heretical God, the Creator of Energy, and the Eternal Spirit Mother—they are the three permitted to commune with the Higher Triad and the Twins of Life and Death. They embody the gods’ will and convey it to us," Totamid explained.

Kai furrowed his brow, trying to decipher the deeper meaning behind Totamid’s words.

"The Heretical God, the Creator of Energy, and the Eternal Spirit Mother... But why exclude others from their presence?" he asked, hoping for a more profound answer.

Totamid smiled, as if expecting the question.

"Each of the three embodies a unique connection to one aspect of existence: flesh, energy, and spirit," Totamid began. "In a way, they are gods too, though they were created rather than born from the chaos of the primordial universe. It’s fair to say that beings like us can’t comprehend the logic and wisdom of the five primordial gods. Only those three are worthy of receiving their wisdom."

Kai listened closely, absorbing every word.

"So, only they can directly commune with the gods," he said, almost to himself.

"Exactly," Totamid confirmed. "And it’s not just communion. They gain knowledge and power inaccessible to ordinary mortals. This makes them incredibly powerful, but also binds them to immense responsibility."

Kai nodded, his thoughts racing. At this point in the timeline, the five gods didn’t seem malevolent. But he knew that in the future, they would seek to destroy all life in the universe, and there had to be a reason for such a drastic shift.

The two continued talking, delving into the mysteries of the cosmos and the laws governing it. Kai’s understanding of the Asura Reaper Law deepened, revealing new facets of his power. Meanwhile, Totamid shared his wisdom and experience, helping Kai see things from a fresh perspective.

The following day, they set off toward the city Totamid had mentioned. The journey was long but filled with engaging moments. They discussed everything from ancient battles to philosophical questions about life and death. Though it all felt real, Kai occasionally sensed a fleeting ethereality to the experience. At times, his thoughts grew muddled, and his body felt numb. The closer they got to the city, the more frequent these sensations became.

After several days, they finally stood before the gates of an impossibly massive wall. Kai marveled at the sheer scale of the structure. The wall stretched skyward, seemingly endless, adorned with ancient runes and symbols glowing softly with golden light.

"Here we are," Totamid said, stopping before the gates. "This is one of the oldest cities in this part of the universe. I suggest you rest here and then head straight to the Heretical God’s Palace."

As the gates slowly opened, Kai beheld an awe-inspiring sight. The city bustled with beings, each unique and unlike any other. Among them were masters of flesh, spirit, and energy, their cultivation levels astoundingly high. Kai felt the auras emanating from them and realized this city was teeming with power and knowledge.

"Impressive, isn’t it?" Totamid asked, watching Kai’s reaction.

"It’s incredible," Kai admitted, unable to hide his amazement. "I’ve never seen anything like it," he murmured, genuinely awestruck by the sheer diversity and strength of the beings around him.

As Kai continued to take in the surroundings, he noticed the intricate details of the city’s architecture. It was a stunning blend of various cultures and styles, exuding an atmosphere of harmony and peace despite the presence of so many powerful beings.

"Come," Totamid said, motioning for Kai to follow. "I’ll show you a place where you can rest and read. You’ve got so many questions that even I struggle to answer them all, ha-ha."

They moved through the city’s streets, and Kai felt a growing anticipation for the discoveries that awaited him. This city, brimming with unique beings and powerful masters, was a treasure trove of knowledge and strength. He was ready for new insights that would help him unlock the secrets of the ancient universe and gain an advantage in the real world. The more he learned, the clearer the picture in his mind would become.

As Kai walked through the streets, taking in every detail, his thoughts raced, trying to process everything he had seen and heard over the past days. But as he took another step to follow Totamid, he suddenly froze.

"Thu-thump!" his head pulsed, and his heart ached. Everything around him spun, and his body became weak and unresponsive.

"Kai?" Totamid exclaimed, grabbing his arm to keep him from falling. "What’s happening to you?"

Kai couldn’t respond; his body refused to obey. In his mind, the voice of Kessia suddenly screamed, desperate and filled with an uncharacteristic panic.

"Kai! Wake up! There’s no time! Wake up!" she cried, her voice trembling with fear.

Kai struggled to focus, but his mind felt shrouded in fog. He sensed the reality around him beginning to blur, becoming increasingly unstable. Totamid seemed to notice these changes, and concern etched his face.

"You have to return, Kai!" Kessia’s voice grew louder. "Damn it! This is bad! Really bad! Wake up!"

Kai closed his eyes, trying to center himself on Kessia’s voice. He felt Totamid’s supportive grip begin to dissolve as the world around him faded. At that moment, Kai realized with frustration that his journey through this illusion of the ancient universe had come to an end.

He was returning to reality, and whatever awaited him, there was bound to be dire. Clearly, something unforeseen had occurred!

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V.11 Chapter 839: A Critical Situation

Kai was enveloped in impenetrable darkness, the screams of Kessia tearing through his consciousness. They echoed within the walls of his mind like hammer strikes, shattering his resolve. He felt as though he were drowning in this void, unable to find a way out.

Suddenly, he became aware of his body. The rush of sensations startled him, and he opened his eyes to find himself in the cultivation zone of the Sea of Asura's Blood. The black pavilion he was in was shrouded in a sinister atmosphere.

"You’re finally awake! Damn it, Kai, we need to run!" Kessia's voice rang out urgently, cutting through his disorientation and not allowing him a moment to collect himself.

"Where am I?" Kai asked himself mentally, struggling to piece together his fragmented sense of reality. Slowly, the sensation of the present moment began to return.

He looked around and noticed that the once-central blood lake had disappeared, leaving behind an enormous pit. The bloody silhouettes were also gone, as if Kai had consumed them all.

Realizing something terrible had occurred, he leapt to the edge of the pit. The earth still smelled of blood, but the liquid itself had vanished entirely. A chill ran down his spine. He understood that if he had absorbed the blood gradually, such an event would never have occurred; the lake was connected to the main reservoir. This situation could only arise if Kai had consumed all the blood within minutes, since the blood was supposed to replenish continuously.

"Kessia, what the hell is going on here?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock.

"You fell into a trance, likely as you were comprehending the Asura Reaper Law. For the first few years, everything was fine—you were just absorbing the bloody silhouettes. But a few days ago, your body unconsciously flared with the power of the Heretical God, and you completely drained the lake of blood!" Kessia explained quickly, her tone sharp and urgent.

"Damn it! Do you think I’ve been discovered?" Kai asked, his eyes darting toward the exit of the cultivation zone.

"I suspect the anomaly has already been noticed. I’m not sure if they’ll immediately associate it with the Heretical God’s Bloodline, but if you stay in the Sea of Asura's Blood, Klaus will definitely start digging into this. As much as I hate to say it, you need to leave while no one’s stopping you. Later might be too late!" Kessia’s panic began to subside as Kai regained his senses, her thoughts becoming more calculated.

If Kai had remained in a trance for much longer, the anomaly in his cultivation zone would undoubtedly have been detected, as it would have disrupted the main lake. In that case, his fate would have been sealed. Upon leaving the room, Klaus himself would likely be waiting, suspicious of Kai’s bloodline.

Kai took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus and remain calm. He paused for a moment, assessing the gravity of the situation. Realizing that staying to confront Klaus was a foolish risk, he made his decision.

"Alright," he mentally replied to Kessia, suppressing his rising anxiety. "Better to leave before anyone can link this to me. I’ll claim I wanted to test my strength after cultivation and went to hunt Chimera Masters."

Summoning every ounce of willpower, Kai prepared himself to act swiftly and decisively. Every second counted. He opened the door using his token and stepped out into the area surrounding the central lake.

"Let’s move," he whispered to himself, gliding silently toward the exit of the cultivation zone.

Kai moved with purpose but kept his movements measured, avoiding unnecessary attention. His mind raced with thoughts of potential consequences if he were discovered. He knew Klaus would stop at nothing to uncover the source of the anomaly, and if the truth about his lineage came to light, there would be no escape.

The path seemed interminable, but finally, he saw the exit. He exhaled deeply, preparing for the possibility of encountering the old woman who managed this place.

Now, he needed a convincing story in case she began questioning him. Kai quickly formulated what he would say. The real challenge was whether she would bring up the anomaly in his cultivation chamber.

"I hope this works," he thought as he quickened his pace, silently praying he wouldn’t be questioned at all.

But, as he expected, as he approached the exit of the underground zone, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, Kai saw the old woman approaching with a strange smile.

"Have you completed your cultivation, Overlord Immortal Drunkard?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

Kai didn’t flinch. He knew the key now was to mask his nervousness and act as naturally as possible.

"You’re correct. Surprisingly, I experienced an unexpected enlightenment and advanced in my understanding of my law. I can’t wait to put these insights into practice. I’m planning to destroy a few Chimera Master nests right away," he replied with a confident smile.

The woman nodded, but there was a peculiar gleam in her eyes. She didn’t appear hostile, but there was a hint of suspicion.

"Overlord Immortal Drunkard, you won’t be able to leave for the starry space immediately," she warned unexpectedly.

"What? I don’t understand," Kai replied, feigning annoyance, as if everything were entirely normal.

"Didn’t you notice that you drained all the blood in your chamber within mere days? Even the strongest asuras in our clan cannot achieve such a feat... But if you experienced sudden enlightenment, it might make sense..." she said, her tone laced with a hint of admiration. "The Monarch has already been informed of this phenomenon and is intrigued. He wishes to see you personally. I’ve been ordered to escort you directly to him," she finished, smiling warmly.

Hearing this, Kai’s and Kessia’s minds froze in dread. The situation was far worse than they had anticipated! Meeting Klaus could spell disaster. Kai had to come up with a plan—fast.

He took a deep breath, striving to keep his composure. His thoughts raced, searching desperately for a way out of this predicament. He needed to act immediately.

"Understood," he said, nodding to the woman, his voice steady and confident. "Give me a moment to compose myself. I can’t appear before the Monarch in this state."

"Of course, Overlord," she replied, bowing slightly. "I’ll accompany you to your manor and wait outside."

Hearing this, Kai realized that the primary task was to rid himself of this old woman. Only then could he make his escape.

"Is your presence really necessary? I assumed you were occupied managing the cultivation zone," Kai asked, feigning surprise and offering her a polite smile.

"The Monarch instructed me to ensure you reached him without any issues. I cannot disobey his orders, and I hope you’ll understand my position," she replied firmly, bowing once again.

Kai’s mind whirred with potential strategies to resolve this. He needed to convince the old woman not to follow him. Then, a spontaneous and audacious idea flashed through his mind.

Kai’s eyes grew cold, and he let out a low chuckle before speaking.

"I don’t want you following me. It feels like I’m some sort of criminal being dragged to an interrogation. It’s not exactly respectful toward me," he said, letting irritation creep into his tone. "But since you insist... I’ll offer you a compromise. Let’s form a spiritual contract. I promise to meet with the Monarch after I’ve composed myself. I happen to have a few contracts on hand," he said with feigned exasperation, pulling out a scroll.

The sudden shift in Kai’s demeanor and his apparent displeasure startled the woman. She would rather not provoke such a powerful master, especially when her actions already bordered on disrespect. Caught off guard, she hesitated, finding Kai’s proposal reasonable. Finally, she stepped back and agreed, bowing apologetically.

"Forgive me. I didn’t mean to offend you," she said, lowering her head. "Your proposal is acceptable. A spiritual contract will suffice as a guarantee, and I hope it will ease any misunderstanding."

Kai nodded and unfurled the scroll. His expression remained mildly irritated, though internally, he was brimming with relief. This was his only chance to avoid Klaus. With quick, confident strokes, he inscribed several lines on the scroll before handing it to the woman.

"Please, sign here," he said, pointing to the designated space. At that moment, Kai’s aura began to intensify, laced with the newly integrated comprehension of the Asura Reaper Law. The woman felt as if a predatory beast loomed over her.

Her hands trembled as she took the scroll, hastily signing it without meeting Kai’s gaze. The contract burst into light, splitting into two streams that flowed into their foreheads.

"You are now free. I’ll inform the Monarch that you’ll visit him later," she said, bowing again. "Please forgive me for the disturbance."

"No need to trouble yourself or the Monarch. I won’t take long," Kai replied with a gentle smile, doing his best to appear sincere. "I’ll be there soon."

The woman nodded and hurried away. Kai waited until she was out of sight before finally allowing himself to exhale deeply.

"Kessia, we’ve bought ourselves some time," he said mentally. "Now we must act swiftly. We’re leaving immediately!"

Kai returned to his manor, activating all defensive arrays as soon as he arrived. He wasted no time equipping an artifact from the Craftsman's Heart Devourer, suppressing his cultivation. It was unfortunate he had no doppelgänger left, having sent his only one to the dragons as a diversion.

Next, he disguised himself as an ordinary servant, altering his appearance slightly. He infused his aura with the Oblivion Law, which he had previously concealed, making it nearly impossible to recognize him at a glance. Even if Klaus were observing his manor, he wouldn’t suspect a servant whose aura differed so drastically from Kai’s.

"We’re leaving now," he declared resolutely. "We can’t waste another moment."

Kai departed the manor and headed for the castle’s exit. The tension was palpable, but he stuck to his plan, determined to see it through. The spiritual contract had bought him time. Klaus would likely assume Kai had secluded himself for a while, and it was unlikely anyone would check on him soon. This gave Kai a critical window to escape.

"If we manage to leave this territory, we’ll need to find a way to destroy the blood contracts using the Heretical God’s Bloodline. If they pursue you, those contracts will be a major problem..." Kessia suggested, voicing a concern that had also crossed Kai’s mind.

Kai reached one of the teleportation platforms and waited in line for transport to a teleportation teralith. His plan was to make a series of spatial jumps to obscure his trail completely. Ultimately, there was only one place where he could effectively hide: the Heretical God Domain.

But just before stepping into the teleportation array, Kai took out Zeniba’s token. It glowed in his palm as he sent her a brief mental message:

"I’m leaving the Sea of Asura's Blood. It’s possible I’ll soon be declared a traitor, or they might simply claim I’m on a mission. I wanted to tell you that Kessia is sealed within my Spiritual Sea, and Klaus indeed betrayed her. I came to the Sea of Asura's Blood solely to acquire a portion of the Asura Progenitor’s power to restore her body. But now, that task has become infinitely harder..." He paused for a moment. "If you truly value Kessia, please obtain a part of our progenitor’s power. I’ll need it in the future to create a new, stronger body for her."

With those final words, Kai vanished from the Asura Clan’s teleportation platform. Meanwhile, Zeniba, calmly cultivating in her chamber, suddenly opened her eyes in shock. Disbelief and awe coursed through her as she processed what she had just heard. She could hardly believe it!

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V.11 Chapter 840: Escape

In the starry expanse filled with boundless chaos, Kai flew swiftly forward. Swirling clouds of blood-red mist danced around him, blending seamlessly with the endless darkness. He wasn’t navigating by any map but was instead moving on instinct, trying to further obscure his trail. Earlier, he had executed a complex chain of teleportations across minor teraliths, yet he continued to twist and turn, making his escape even harder to track.

The chaos of the surrounding void seemed relentless, yet Kai’s mind remained sharp and focused, as cold as the edge of a blade. He understood that even a single mistake could cost him his life, but he was determined to break free of this relentless pursuit.

Only recently had Kai crossed into the Heretical God Domain, a realm where no single race held dominion. Ironically, it was now the safest place for him to hide.

Kai had altered his appearance once more, reverting to his signature white hair and azure eyes. His face was concealed beneath a white mask that hid all his features save for two small horns protruding from his forehead. His attire had changed as well; he was now dressed in a pristine white robe.

The mask was far from decorative. It altered his body’s aura, subtly shifting how his essence was perceived. He had found it, along with several similar artifacts, during his hunts for Chimera Masters. By combining these items with the artifact given to him by the Craftsman's Heart Devourer, Kai had completely transformed his aura and presence beyond recognition.

But one crucial issue still lingered.

"Kessia, what do you think? Will Klaus declare a hunt for me? Will he notify the Order of Heretical Races about me?" Kai furrowed his brow as he voiced the question.

For much of their escape, Kai and Kessia had been preoccupied with obscuring their trail. Only now, as the tension slightly abated, did he allow himself to consider this possibility.

"I don’t think so," Kessia replied, her tone steady. "Since you’ve fled, Klaus will realize you’re hiding something incredibly valuable. He won’t want to share that information with anyone else. He’ll likely claim that you’ve entered secluded cultivation while secretly beginning a search for you."

It was a logical assumption. Klaus had benefited from Kai’s association with the Sea of Asura's Blood, gaining greater opportunities to interact with other clans. Moreover, the fact that Kai had somehow consumed the blood in the cultivation zone so quickly would only make him appear even more valuable. Klaus would want that for himself.

"Fortunately, the blood in that cultivation zone was tailored specifically for asuras to absorb. If there had been other components mixed in, Klaus might have realized your connection to me. But it’s nearly impossible for anyone but the Heretical God to consume all lineages indiscriminately," Kessia explained, her voice calm but tinged with unease.

Kai mulled over her words before asking abruptly, "Do you think it’s worth trying to break my contracts now?"

"It’s worth considering," Kessia replied, though her tone grew cautious. "But not here and not now. Breaking the contracts would alert Klaus to the approximate location where they were destroyed. It’s similar to what the Pantheon of Divine Craftsmen does when one of their masters dies—except in this case, it won’t reveal how you ‘died?’" she paused, thinking carefully. "Trackers might be already following you, and destroying the contracts now would only help them. On the other hand, those contracts prevent you from harming members of the clan. If it comes to a fight, you’ll be at a disadvantage. Let’s delve deeper into the Heretical God Domain and try to remove at least that restriction there."

Kai nodded in agreement. Her reasoning made sense. He resumed his flight through the starry expanse, noting how the blood-red mists began to fade, giving way to silence and darkness. For a few moments, he remained lost in thought before suddenly speaking.

"Kessia, there’s something I need to tell you. While in the cultivation zone, during my trance... I met the Asura Progenitor."

Kessia, always composed and assured, was momentarily stunned. When she finally spoke, there was a note of astonishment in her voice. "The Asura Progenitor? Are you serious?"

"I am," Kai confirmed, still trying to grasp the enormity of the encounter himself. "It was the strangest feeling—I felt as if I had truly traveled back in time. More than that, I met him during his Law Overlord Sphere..."

Kai quickly recounted his battle with Totamid, the Progenitor, and the customs of the ancient universe. He explained how, during the Progenitor’s youth, there had been no conflict with the Evil Gods, and they were even deeply respected. The Heretical God and two other lesser gods had seemingly drawn wisdom from the five primordial deities, who would later seek to destroy all life.

Kessia was visibly shaken by the story. As a Law Devourer, she possessed vast knowledge and secrets, yet everything Kai described about the ancient universe had been lost to history.

"How peculiar," Kessia murmured thoughtfully. "Our race’s cultivation zone induces trances to help comprehend laws, but I’ve never heard of it showing glimpses of the past. I think this anomaly stems more from your nature than the zone itself."

Kai furrowed his brow. He had suspected as much. Similar phenomena had occurred during his time in the Poison Mysteries Sect, where he had witnessed events from the past. This wasn’t his first encounter with figures from history—he had previously seen the creator of the Divine Dual Entropy Technique.

"The only connection I can think of is the Sphere of Essence. Perhaps it’s showing me specific events to guide me toward certain decisions..." Kai mused aloud, staring into the void.

As this thought struck him, his eyes widened, and he parted his lips in realization.

"Kessia... Before your screams pulled me out of that illusory world, Totamid advised me to visit the Heretical God’s Palace to claim my title. I still don’t fully believe it, but... could that have been a sign?"

"You mean to say..." Kessia faltered, processing his words, "that’s actually not a bad idea. After obtaining the Heretical God’s Bloodline, I never entered the palace. Thinking about it now, it’s the one place where no one would be able to reach you!" Her voice was tinged with regret, as though the thought should have occurred to her earlier.

Over the past few days, their focus had been solely on escaping and confusing their pursuers, leaving little room for planning ahead. But now, with the suggestion laid bare, it seemed like a viable path forward.

"The Heretical God’s Palace is a sanctuary no one else can access—it’s the perfect hiding place!"

Kai nodded, though a flicker of doubt lingered in his gaze.

"But what if my cultivation isn’t high enough? Typically, one needs a much higher level of strength to become a successor. Or does that not matter? Can you tell me more about it?" Kai’s voice carried a mix of curiosity and tension; he hadn’t anticipated seeking out such a mysterious place so soon.

Kessia paused, searching her memory before responding.

"I can’t offer much insight because I don’t know. The Heretical God’s Palace is accessible only to the Heretical God and their successor. The battle for the lineage took place on its outskirts, and no one could enter. As you know, I never made it inside—I had to flee my enemies. If I’d tried to head toward the entrance, they would’ve finished me off," she said, shaking her head.

She fell silent for a moment, contemplating their next move, before speaking again with conviction.

"If there are any trials for the successor, I doubt they’ll begin at the entrance. At the very least, you can enter to hide for a while and deal with problems as they arise. No matter how much Klaus invests, he won’t be able to find you there. And I don’t think he’ll immediately assume you somehow obtained the Heretical God’s Bloodline, especially given your current level of cultivation."

"For some reason," Kai began, his voice steady, "I feel that my encounter with the Asura Progenitor wasn’t a coincidence... Let’s head toward the central region of the Heretical God’s Domain. We’ll destroy the contracts there, and after that, I’ll attempt to enter the Heretical God’s Palace."

Kai’s words were filled with unshakable determination. The further he progressed along his martial path, the more convinced he became that his destiny held a greater purpose.

Kessia nodded in agreement. "I’m not sure where this will lead, but it’s worth a try. This seems like the best option right now. We can throw off the trackers and disappear into the Region of Flesh Domination. If we’re lucky, you’ll be able to cultivate within the Heretical God’s Palace, and we can address my resurrection later."

Meanwhile, in the Sea of Asura's Blood, an entirely different scene unfolded. Klaus, seated on his throne, listened intently to a report from one of his subordinates. His piercing, cold eyes gleamed with interest and impatience. Standing before him was an Overlord, visibly tense but striving to maintain composure.

"Honored Monarch," the subordinate began, bowing respectfully. "We’ve finally obtained information about his whereabouts. Thanks to your directive to monitor even the servants of the Immortal Drunkard’s manor, our trackers quickly uncovered the deception. Tracing his movements, they’ve confirmed that he’s heading toward the central region of the Heretical God’s Domain. It appears he intends to disappear there."

Klaus nodded, his expression unreadable. While he hadn’t initially believed Kai could escape his grasp, it seemed he had underestimated him. Kai had evaded the spiritual contract’s influence and concealed his cultivation so effectively that even Klaus hadn’t noticed. The more facts came to light, the more determined Klaus became to capture Kai and uncover his secrets. The entire story surrounding him now seemed suspicious.

"Very well," Klaus said, his voice soft yet brimming with authority. "You know what to do. Capture him at all costs. He’s too crucial to our plans to let him slip away."

"Understood, my Monarch," the subordinate replied with another bow. "Ten Law Overlords have already been dispatched, each equipped with the finest sealing artifacts you provided. They’ll act swiftly and decisively."

Klaus’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile, his eyes void of warmth. He doubted Kai, for all his strength, could escape ten Law Overlords. Moreover, Klaus had equipped them with invaluable relics to bolster their combat prowess significantly.

"How amusing... I can’t even recall the last time someone managed to deceive me..." Klaus murmured, his voice laced with dark amusement and a trace of malice. "I look forward to his return so I can unravel his secrets. Perhaps Kasedas needn’t worry about the Monarch’s position... The Immortal Drunkard is not to be trusted..."

The subordinate bowed once more and quickly left the chamber. Klaus remained seated on his throne, his thoughts fixated on the mission ahead.

"Perhaps I won’t need a successor after all if the Immortal Drunkard’s secrets prove valuable enough... The Law Devourer Sphere might finally submit to me..." He could feel it in his bones—something extraordinary was hidden within Kai.

Back in the starry expanse, Kai and Kessia continued their journey. Kai felt an undercurrent of anxiety but also an inexplicable sense of anticipation, as though something monumental awaited him. He couldn’t wait to lay eyes on the Heretical God’s Palace, a place once open to all Law Overlords in the ancient universe.

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V.11 Chapter 841: Asura Sacrifice Star

With each passing day, the chaos of the laws intensified as Kai finally entered the central zone of the Heretical God’s Domain. Though the Heretical God’s Palace was not yet in sight, this place, at the very heart of the tumult, was a perfect location to lose himself. Kai understood that his chances of success would be greatest in this unpredictable, law-saturated environment.

Finally, he spotted a glimmer ahead—a shard of a teralith gleaming in the darkness. It seemed to be made of a smooth, reflective mineral, catching the light of stars and swirling laws to shine like an ominous beacon.

As he flew closer, Kai saw that the shard resembled a massive black crystal surrounded by thin bands of light, resembling a sinister star.

"Kessia, I think it’s time to deal with these contracts. Let’s hope this works," Kai thought, landing on the smooth surface and sitting cross-legged.

"Let’s try. You’ll need to channel some of the Heretical God’s blood from your Heart of Flesh and use it to disrupt the inscriptions on the contracts. Mimic what you do with your Oblivion Law—start by isolating the inscriptions, then absorb them," Kessia instructed, her voice steady yet curious about the outcome.

Closing his eyes, Kai transported his consciousness into the realm of his Heart of Flesh. The scene before him was striking: a vast crimson expanse where a lake of blood stretched beneath his feet, and walls of pulsating flesh were inscribed with intricate tattoos.

"Thu-thump… thu-thump…" at the center of it all floated a colossal heart, its rhythmic pulse sending ripples across the lake and lighting up the tattoos on the walls in waves.

Kai paused briefly, his gaze fixed on the floating heart, surrounded by blood-red inscriptions forming concentric rings. Over ten rings hovered around the heart, encasing it like a cage.

This was the manifestation of his blood contracts. Should he violate any oath, the corresponding ring would constrict and destroy his Heart of Flesh. Breaking these bonds was a perilous endeavor; even a contract with a master of equal cultivation was almost impossible to sever. The only way was to far surpass the one who held the contract. In Kai’s case, most of these contracts were with a master in the Supreme Monarch Sphere—a level far above his own.

Kai observed the scene carefully. The blood-red inscriptions, rotating slowly around the heart, emanated an ominous and enigmatic energy. They seemed to watch his every move, a constant reminder of the vows he had sworn and the obligations he bore.

Kessia, observing the scene through Kai’s consciousness, sensed his tension.

"Kai," she said thoughtfully, "as I mentioned before, focus on the contracts that prevent you from harming the Asura Clan or its members. Those are the most dangerous, especially if you’re forced to fight."

Kai nodded in agreement. He was certain the asuras had sent powerful elders after him, and if he couldn’t defend himself, he would lose immediately.

"Agreed. Let’s begin," he replied, focusing on the rings that symbolized the prohibitions against harming the Asura Clan or its members.

Taking a deep breath, Kai concentrated and summoned the Heretical God’s blood from his Heart of Flesh. From the floating heart, a thick, nearly black blood began to flow, imbued with an ancient and potent power capable of influencing anything tied to the Law of Flesh.

"Better play it safe," Kai muttered, forming a protective barrier of Heretical God’s blood around the heart.

He directed the blood carefully, ensuring it surrounded the heart entirely. Then, he sent tendrils of it toward one of the rings—the one representing the prohibition against harming Asura Clan members. The blood crept into the structure of the ring like probing tendrils, moving slowly and cautiously to avoid triggering a destructive response.

But soon, Kai’s expression twisted in pain, and a hissing sound emanated from the ring.

"Shhhhhh!" steam rose from the ring, and Kai instinctively clutched his chest as a sharp pain radiated through his body, numbing his limbs.

"Damn... this is going to be harder than I thought," Kai muttered through gritted teeth.

Kessia frowned, observing the scene intently. After a moment of thought, she spoke with a serious tone.

"Spiritual contracts can be intercepted early, before they bind to the Spiritual Sea. But this is different… You’ve already signed these, so now you have to burn and absorb them. The good news is, the ring didn’t constrict at your interference, so we still have a chance!"

The inscriptions on the ring began to glow, reacting to the intrusion. Kai concentrated, using the Heretical God’s blood to isolate each rune from the others. Slowly and steadily, he attempted to disrupt the connections holding the ring together. He could feel the resistance, a force within the ring trying to maintain its integrity.

"Shhhhhh! Shhhh!" the steam thickened, filling the space of the Heart of Flesh with a stench so foul it made Kai feel nauseated. His body grew increasingly numb.

In the real world, Kai’s face turned pale, and sweat drenched his body. Such a reaction was unusual for a master of his cultivation level.

Kai pushed forward, determined despite the growing resistance. The Heretical God’s blood continued to seep into the ring, but every moment brought more opposition. He felt the power embedded in the inscriptions fighting back, testing his endurance.

"Damn it! The contract can’t withstand the Heretical God’s blood, but it’s tied to my body… I feel like I’m teetering on the edge," Kai thought, carefully analyzing his condition.

The burning sensation spread from his heart, radiating throughout his body. The acrid fumes from the ring filled the air, seeping into his mind and making him dizzy. He gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out, but his face contorted with pain.

"Shhhhhh! Shhhh!" the steam thickened, and the burning sensation became unbearable. Kai felt alternating waves of heat and cold coursing through his body. Every movement was a struggle, yet he maintained control, directing the blood toward the ring.

"You’re making progress. Keep going," Kessia’s voice rang out firmly, though tinged with concern. She understood how critical it was to destroy these contracts for their survival, but she also recognized the immense danger.

Kai felt as though his heart was being pierced by a thousand needles. The ring’s resistance was overwhelming, but he pushed on, his will unwavering.

Finally, a sharp cracking sound echoed.

"Crack!" the ring splintered, emitting a loud snap as it began to break apart. Kai poured all his remaining focus into severing the inscriptions, and at last…

"Snap! Pop!" the ring shattered into countless fragments, which dissolved into droplets of blood and were absorbed by the Heart of Flesh.

Kai opened his eyes, gasping for breath. His body was exhausted, his face drenched in sweat, and his heart pounded as though it might burst from his chest. He was drained, but the ring was destroyed. One of the most dangerous ties was severed.

"You did it…" Kessia’s voice was soft. "One chain is gone. Rest for a moment before we move on."

Kai shook his head, still feeling the toll the process had taken. He knew he needed to flee immediately and recover along the way.

"We need to reach the Heretical God’s Palace as soon as possible. There’s no guarantee I’ll even be able to hide there," Kai replied, his voice heavy with fatigue.

Without hesitation, Kai took to the air, channeling his remaining strength into flight. His body ached from the ordeal, but he couldn’t afford to stop. He quickly swallowed a handful of pills and released several chaos stones from his ring, replenishing his energy.

Kessia directed him toward the palace’s location, her tone steady despite the rising tension. She understood the urgency.

Kai nodded and accelerated, the vast starry expanse blurring around him. Massive vortices of flesh laws swirled in the distance, but he ignored them, focused entirely on reaching his destination.

He hadn’t flown for long when a powerful pulse erupted behind him—a surge of red light that illuminated the void for hundreds of kilometers. Kai felt the wave of energy wash over him, forcing him to stop and turn.

The light was blinding, and for a moment, Kai’s vision faltered. As the brilliance reflected off his body, Kessia screamed:

"Kai, run! That’s the Asura Sacrifice Star—a detection artifact from my lineage! Klaus spared no expense to catch you!"

"Damn it… This is bad," Kai muttered, his heart racing.

"Now they’ll track us at any moment. You have to reach the Heretical God’s Palace immediately, and you’re not even fully recovered!" Kessia warned, her voice filled with alarm.

Kai clenched his teeth, channeling every ounce of strength into moving forward. He knew the clock was ticking.

Every moment was critical, and Kai was ready to overcome any obstacle to reach safety. He could only hope to reach the palace before his pursuers caught up, for entering its gates in their presence would expose his true nature as the Heretical God’s successor.

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V.11 Chapter 842: A Predator Lurks

Kai sped forward with all the power he could muster, the tension around him growing almost unbearable. For days, he hadn’t stopped, continually consuming pills and using chaos stones to sustain himself. His pursuers had repeatedly used the Asura Sacrifice Star to ensure they hadn’t lost his trail.

"Kessia, should I fight them?" Kai asked seriously, sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control.

"They’ll catch up to you soon. If that happens, you can’t enter the Heretical God’s Palace," Kessia muttered, her voice tense. After a moment, she gritted her teeth and added, "I think there’s no other choice. You’ll have to fight."

"I don’t want to kill them—they’re from your clan, after all. But if I can hide and incapacitate a few of them unexpectedly, it’ll make things much easier. The only problem is: I don’t know how many Law Overlords they’ve sent after me. Better to play it safe," Kai thought, feeling the presence of a massive spherical barrier even by the vast standards of the starry void.

Kessia had explained to Kai beforehand what the area around the Heretical God’s Palace would look like. It was essentially a small world encapsulated within a spherical barrier, floating in the very center of the Region of Flesh Domination. The barrier allowed entry only to those who had reached the Law Overlord Sphere. Previously, Kessia hadn’t understood why such a restriction existed, but after hearing Kai’s account of the Asura Progenitor, it all began to make sense.

Inside the barrier were countless floating buildings and temples where worthy cultivators could pause and develop their skills. Each temple was equipped with a "testing" mechanism that allowed access to unique cultivation zones for the worthy, while ejecting those deemed unfit.

However, since the disappearance of the successor, all the temples had ceased functioning. Without the presence of the Heretical God, they had become little more than ancient ruins. For this reason, the palace grounds had become a de facto taboo. Respectable masters consciously avoided entering the zone to preserve its sanctity, especially since there was little to gain from visiting it now.

The central structure—the true Heretical God’s Palace—was strictly off-limits to anyone except the holder of the Heretical God’s Bloodline.

"As soon as you pass through the barrier, you need to hide immediately. Your top priority is neutralizing whoever has the Asura Sacrifice Star. If you can take them out, it’ll confuse the others and spread them out across the battlefield," Kessia advised, sensing their proximity to the space-warping barrier.

"You won’t believe it, but I was thinking the same thing," Kai joked, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

Suddenly, he felt the presence of an invisible wall, as though he’d collided with an unseen barrier. The surrounding space began to distort, bending starlight and absorbing it. Kai experienced a sharp jolt, as though he’d broken through the unseen boundary, and in an instant, the world around him changed.

The surrounding void transformed. Stars shone with a different light, and the aura around him surged and vibrated as though the space itself was alive. Most notably, the environment seemed brighter, though there were no suns or other bright celestial objects nearby. It was as if a daytime glow had descended upon the starry expanse without dimming the brilliance of the stars.

That’s when Kai saw the floating structures—gigantic and imposing, as though they had materialized from nothing. Their sheer size was dizzying. Though they appeared to be close to one another, Kai estimated that even at his speed, it would take about half an hour to travel from one to the next. These ancient, abandoned constructions exuded an aura of desolation and emptiness, remnants of a long-forgotten civilization.

Scanning the area, Kai searched for the Heretical God’s Palace. He knew the legendary complex would stand out unmistakably, but the sheer number of enormous floating temples around him made it difficult to identify. Each temple was unique, with its own architectural style and hidden meanings. The chaotic arrangement and immense scale obscured his view, preventing him from spotting the central palace.

"Looks like I won’t see the palace right away… Better hide in one of these nearby structures," Kai muttered to himself, feeling a rising sense of unease.

Without wasting any time, Kai directed himself toward the nearest temple. He could sense his pursuers closing in and knew he needed to find cover quickly. As he approached the massive structure, he felt an overwhelming aura of ancientness. The temple was surrounded by towering columns and ornate arches adorned with mysterious symbols.

Landing swiftly, Kai immediately retrieved several golden concealment flags from his spatial ring. During his hunts for Chimera Masters and the raids on their dens, he had amassed a collection of useful tools, and these flags were among his prized finds.

Kai quickly positioned the flags around the temple’s perimeter, activating the concealment array. The surrounding space shimmered and distorted, creating the illusion that the temple was deserted and unworthy of interest to any outsiders. His aura was completely masked, thanks to the array and the suppression of his cultivation.

"When they arrive, they’ll activate the Asura Sacrifice Star right away. I need to time my move perfectly," Kai thought, surveying his camouflage setup.

He crouched within the temple, selecting a vantage point that offered both cover and a clear view of the surroundings. He was prepared to spring a trap on his pursuers, taking advantage of their lack of knowledge about his current capabilities.

From his spatial ring, Kai retrieved several artifacts and pills for emergencies. Among them were elixirs for rapid energy recovery, defensive artifacts, and a handful of potent offensive talismans. Fully prepared, he resolved to remain vigilant. He understood that his enemies were formidable, and any misstep could prove fatal.

As Kai lay in wait, he focused on the fluctuations in the surrounding aura. He could feel the tension in the air, ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice.

It didn’t take long for his pursuers to arrive. Kai watched as the space several kilometers away began to ripple, and ten figures emerged from the distortions. Their auras were powerful and ominous—all of them were Law Overlords.

Narrowing his eyes, Kai examined each figure carefully. The first one brought a bitter smile to his lips—it was the Overlord of the Asura Reaper. But the next two figures caused his heart to sink. Among the group were Zeniba and Ishtar, two masters he considered allies. Their presence was an unexpected twist that filled him with unease. He had no desire to harm them but knew he couldn’t afford to hold back.

Kessia’s voice broke through his thoughts, offering a sliver of comfort. "Given Zeniba’s status and age, she probably volunteered for this mission. If that’s the case, it’s possible your words about me motivated her. She might not be an enemy."

Meanwhile, Kai noticed a young-looking asura raising a red crystal orb with an intricate eye etched within. From Kessia’s earlier descriptions, Kai instantly recognized what it was.

"Damn it, the presence of Ishtar and Zeniba complicates things," Kai thought, quickly forming a plan.

He knew the Asura Sacrifice Star was about to be activated, and he needed to act fast to prevent his location from being revealed. Meanwhile, the pursuing group scanned the surroundings, clearly searching for traces of him.

Zeniba and Ishtar stood slightly apart from the others, which gave Kai hope that he could avoid direct confrontation with them. But he also understood that if a fight broke out, he would have to be extremely careful not to injure them severely. Closing his eyes momentarily, he gathered his thoughts and steeled his resolve. He couldn’t let emotions cloud his judgment.

"The Immortal Drunkard entered at this point. He even violated a sacred taboo to escape us. Clearly, the Monarch was right to send us after him. I wonder what sin our newest ‘brother’ committed," said a man holding the Asura Sacrifice Star, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"Does it matter, Shikichi? Just use the artifact and find him. We’ve almost cornered him, and soon enough, we’ll know everything," replied a slender woman who looked like a child, her tone light and unconcerned.

Shikichi scowled at her and said sharply, "Don’t be so cavalier, Shinri. The Monarch was right—this guy managed to break a blood contract, which is unheard of. Don’t think capturing him will be easy. He might even attack us outright."

Shinri, however, seemed entirely unfazed. She giggled softly and said, "The Monarch temporarily lifted our restrictions. That means I can even attack you today, Shikichi. He-he."

A deep, commanding voice interrupted her, cutting through the tension. It belonged to Kasedas, the strongest among them, whose status and power eclipsed the rest.
"Shut up, Shinri. I hunted Chimera Masters with that bastard for ten years. You’re not even in his league. Get cocky, and he’ll kill you in an instant."

Beyond these three, along with Ishtar and Zeniba, there were five more Law Overlords Kai only vaguely recognized from past gatherings. He had exchanged little more than polite greetings with them.

Each Asura bore the distinctive traits of their race—red hair and fiery eyes radiating power and determination. But their unique features set them apart from one another.

Among them, Shikichi raised the Asura Sacrifice Star high into the air, its glow intensifying. At that moment, Kai’s hand formed a bow. The string, pulled taut, shimmered with lightning. The flesh from his own body had already been sacrificed, forming an arrow crackling with spiritual fire. Kai had poured the full force of his three laws and supporting techniques into it.

As the artifact began to glow, Kai’s eyes gleamed with predatory intent. He knew that within seconds, he would unleash a devastating strike to plunge his pursuers into chaos and confusion.

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V.11 Chapter 843: Swift and Ruthless

Time seemed to slow as Kai watched the round crystal shimmer, preparing to unleash its pulsating light. The moment it activated, his location would be revealed.

"Now!" he thought with razor-sharp focus, releasing the bowstring.

"Kraagh! Shooov!" the sound of space tearing reverberated across the area, filling it with a terrifying roar. The arrow ripped through the air, obliterating the cover that had concealed Kai, leaving him exposed to his enemies.

But at this point, it no longer mattered.

The arrow flew at a speed far beyond anything his opponents could have anticipated. It sliced through the air, leaving a trail of lightning and fiery sparks. Realizing the imminent threat, the Law Overlords frantically activated their defensive techniques and artifacts. Shields flared into existence, barriers materialized, and their tattoos pulsed with energy. The cacophony of artifact activations merged with shouts and commands.

"Shields! Quickly!" one of the Law Overlords shouted, his voice trembling as he ignited a golden talisman.

"Shikichi, look out!" screamed the petite Shinri in panic, realizing the devastating attack was aimed directly at her comrade.

Shikichi barely managed to activate the array embedded in his armor, but fear flickered in his eyes… because the arrow had already reached its target.

"Shoo-doom! Ba-bam!" the arrow struck, and the area erupted in a blaze of black fire and crimson lightning. A wave of destruction spread across dozens of kilometers, obliterating the blood-red mist in its path and slamming into the surrounding temples. Flames and lightning intertwined, forming a terrifying spectacle as the previously immovable buildings were shoved aside, drifting through the void of space. The barrier behind the Law Overlords trembled, the air filled with the sharp tang of ozone and scorched flesh, and for a moment, the Law Overlords lost their composure.

"Where did he get such power?!" bellowed the stocky Jugo, whose protective artifact shattered under the force of the blast.

"Damn it! Everyone regroup and form a unified defense! I warned you—Immortal Drunkard is a deadly opponent!" roared the Overlord of the Asura Reaper, issuing orders to his allies.

The shouts and the sound of shattering barriers merged into a horrifying din. Defensive techniques cracked and dissolved, unable to withstand Kai's fury. One by one, the protective walls fell, leaving their wielders vulnerable to the destructive explosion.

The attack demonstrated power capable of breaking through the defenses of even a Law Overlord. But Kai wasn’t idle.

The explosion had scattered his opponents, creating a moment of chaos. As soon as his arrow flew, Kai followed, almost instantly appearing beside Shikichi. With a single powerful movement, he tore off Shikichi’s arm, taking the Asura Sacrifice Star with it.

"My strength has definitely grown since my cultivation and meeting with the Asura Progenitor," Kai thought fleetingly, the realization oddly out of place amidst the chaos.

Kai couldn’t help but notice his newfound power. For this arrow, he hadn’t sacrificed an entire limb, yet its destructive force exceeded his expectations. Initially, his plan had been to snatch the Asura Sacrifice Star and flee, forcing his enemies to spread out. But now, he saw an even better opportunity—to completely incapacitate Shikichi.

The unfortunate man realized with horror that Kai was right beside him. The overwhelming disparity in strength struck terror into him.

Kai’s hand materialized a thin, razor-sharp sword, and he delivered three precise strikes in rapid succession.

"Shuuv! Shuuv! Shuuv!" each of Shikichi’s remaining limbs was severed and immediately absorbed by Kai.

Kai also snatched Shikichi’s spatial ring and struck a powerful blow to his forehead. It wasn’t just a physical strike; it was imbued with the Oblivion Law. Kai knew that such damage to both body and spirit would leave Shikichi incapacitated for a long time, effectively removing him from the fight. The blow to the Spiritual Sea was particularly devastating since Asuras didn’t cultivate it.

"This is your first warning!" Kai shouted, his voice booming across dozens of kilometers, cutting through the lingering echoes of the explosion.

He then hurled Shikichi’s maimed body back toward the barrier and retreated deeper into the zone of temples.

The Law Overlords were stunned into silence as the storm subsided, only to realize their numbers had diminished.

And the quiet after the chaos revealed Shikichi’s location.

His dismembered body floated through the void toward them, his eyes rolled back, and foam dripping from his mouth.

"Shikichi!" Shinri screamed, her heart sinking. She rushed to her injured ally and quickly assessed his condition. Realizing he was still alive and his cultivation intact, tears welled in her eyes. "He’s alive, but his condition is terrible! It’ll take years to heal him!" she cried, retreating with his body toward the rear.

It seemed there was more than mere camaraderie between the two.

Meanwhile, Kai retreated to a safe distance, deliberately positioning himself where he could be seen from afar. He wanted to display his dominance. The confrontation had revealed that the situation was more favorable than he initially thought. Absorbing the blood from the cultivation zone in the Sea of Blood had clearly left a lasting impact.

As the Law Overlords spotted him, their expressions shifted. Some showed fear, others rage—especially Shinri and Kasedas, whose faces twisted with fury as though they’d rip Kai apart then and there.

Before they could speak, Kai raised his voice again, projecting it across the vast distance. For masters of the Law Overlord Sphere, the distance was insignificant.

"You’ve heard my warning! I spared this man—Shikichi, was it?—as a gesture of goodwill," Kai declared, his aura radiating overwhelming authority. "I don’t wish to harm the Asura race, which I deeply respect. That’s why I’ve refrained from killing any of your Law Overlords and diminishing your clan’s power. But if you continue pursuing me, you’d better choose someone to drag your half-dead bodies back to the Sea of Blood!" His words ended in an explosion of suffocating killing intent.

The oppressive aura caused many of the Asuras’ bodies to involuntarily tense. They didn’t understand why, but in truth, Kai had subtly infused his presence with a trace of the Heretical God’s Bloodline, sending a ripple of unease through the space.

"I’ve already established good relations with Ishtar and Lady Zeniba. I suggest you nominate them," Kai added with a smirk, leaving no room for response.

Ishtar appeared momentarily flustered, while Zeniba furrowed her brow, still unsure whether Kai’s claims about Kessia were truthful.

The Overlord of the Asura Reaper trembled with rage at the sight of Shikichi’s mutilation. His face contorted, and his eyes burned with hatred. Clenching his fists tightly, he barely restrained himself from charging at Kai.

"How dare you…" he growled. "Immortal Drunkard, do you think you’re invincible? You caught us off guard, but that won’t happen again. The only one returning to the Sea of Blood in pieces will be you! Everyone, attack with everything you’ve got!"

As his words echoed, his aura surged, enveloping the area in oppressive energy. The others fell into formation, their auras flaring as they prepared for battle.

Kai narrowed his eyes, sensing the rising tension. He remained confident, his aura exuding unshakable power intertwined with the Heretical God’s Bloodline, amplifying his presence.

"You want to test your luck, Kasedas?" Kai taunted with a slight smile, staring directly at the Overlord of the Asura Reaper. "Don’t forget, you share my law. If I’ll merely cripple the others, you I’ll destroy!" his words dripped with mockery.

Kasedas’s face briefly flickered with doubt before rage consumed him. He knew Kai was a direct rival, threatening his status as successor. Judging by Kai’s current strength, he’d likely reach the Supreme Monarch Sphere first, crushing Kasedas’s ambitions forever.

"You left us no choice," Kasedas spat coldly. "If you’d stayed loyal to the Monarch, this might have ended differently…"

Kai’s laughter erupted, sharp and unrestrained, as though he’d heard the most absurd joke of his life.

"You’re an idiot, aren’t you?" Kai shouted. "Klaus already knows I have secrets. He would’ve killed me to take them for himself." His face twisted into a provoking grin. "Don’t you think he’d discard you as well once he had my power? He betrayed his twin sister—do you really think he’d spare his grandson? Hah!"

The words sent shockwaves through the group. For a moment, they hesitated, unsure how to react.

Kasedas opened his mouth to retort, but before he could speak, the space around Kai warped. Energy swirled, his figure dissolving into a dark silhouette that bent the void. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, resuming his escape.

Kai reappeared far away, streaking through the starry expanse. He knew the chase wasn’t over but felt confident in his ability to stay ahead.

"I might’ve been able to take them in a direct fight, but why risk it?" Kai thought with a sly grin.

As soon as Kai vanished, Kasedas barked his orders:

"After him! He’ll try hiding in another temple. We can’t let him slip away again!"

The nine remaining Law Overlords surged forward without hesitation. Determination burned in their eyes, and their auras flared with intense, fiery energy. Leading the group, Kasedas reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a peculiar artifact—an ancient amulet engraved with the image of a man bearing two pairs of arms. It was adorned with runes and emitted a faint golden glow.

"The Amulet of Army Ascension!" Kasedas declared loudly as he activated the artifact. A golden-red radiance erupted around him and the other Law Overlords, enhancing their speed and sharpening their senses.

The amulet unleashed a potent aura, and the perception of every Law Overlord heightened significantly. Each one felt their body surge with newfound strength, and their instincts became razor-sharp. With this amplified power, they raced after Kai, determined to end his escape through the starry expanse.

However, their pursuit was in vain—for Kai had already hidden himself within one of the colossal temples, employing a series of intricate concealment artifacts. He meticulously layered these with suppression formations, cloaking his presence completely. Having stolen the Asura Sacrifice Star, he made it nearly impossible for his pursuers to locate him. Despite the heightened perception of the Law Overlords, they would have to scour every corner of every nearby temple to uncover his hiding place.

The Law Overlords continued their relentless flight, their eyes blazing with vengeance and unwavering resolve. At the forefront, Kasedas scanned the area intently, his sharp gaze darting between the massive structures. He was determined that this time, the Immortal Drunkard would not escape so easily. He was ready to unleash everything in his arsenal to capture Kai.

"We’ll catch him! Search every temple, but stay close to one another!" Kasedas shouted, increasing the group’s pace. The Law Overlords, united by their common goal, surged forward, prepared to fight to the bitter end to bring the defiant fugitive to justice.

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V.11 Chapter 844: At an Impasse

A group of Overlords, determined to put an end to Kai, flew in formation, searching each temple in pursuit of their target. Their movements were swift and precise, like predators scouring a field for prey. Some, hoping to flush Kai out of hiding, unleashed powerful ranged attacks without hesitation, demolishing parts of the temples and creating even greater chaos. With every strike, their tension grew — no matter how hard they tried, Kai remained elusive.

Meanwhile, Kai himself, hidden in one of the temples, was already preparing to strike back. Slowly, he drew the bowstring, aiming at Juro, who had distanced himself slightly from the main group to attack the temples. Apparently, Juro lacked ranged attacks, forcing him to get closer and strike with his weapon-clad hands, resembling gauntlets.

"Now!" Kai shouted in his mind as he released the bowstring.

"Shuu! Bam!" the arrow shot forward, slicing through the air. A blast erupted, filling the surroundings with fire and lightning and shattering much of the temple into pieces. The arrow, imbued with the power of the laws, pierced through the temple wall and then the air at a speed that made the hearts of many Overlords tighten with fear. Juro tried to evade, but it was too late. The arrow struck its mark, piercing his shoulder and severing his arm instantly.

"Ba-bang!" the explosion wave not only destroyed the temple, but also collapsed nearby structures. Although these temples were incredibly sturdy, they had lost the protection of the Heretical God, leaving them defenseless against such attacks. Some Overlords instinctively felt fear, for committing such sacrilege in the domain of the Heretical God was sheer madness!

The Overlords, realizing that their target had revealed his location, reacted immediately, activating enhancement artifacts and charging straight at Kai.

"What madness is this?! He’s going to pick us off one by one!" exclaimed one of the Overlords, his voice trembling with fear and rage.

Kai wasted no time. Using the power he had gained from his encounter with the Asura Progenitor, he tore through part of the space, making a powerful leap to close the distance to Juro.

But just as Kai reached Juro, Torako appeared before him, his muscular frame nearly twice the size of Kai's. It was clear he had instantly grasped that Kai intended to incapacitate another of their allies.

Torako immediately activated an artifact on his arm, which transformed into a blood-red shield, completely blocking Kai’s path and meeting his fist head-on.

"Boom!" another explosive wave rippled through the surroundings, destroying temple facades and pushing Torako back. If an army of the Law Transformation Sphere masters had been present, they would have been reduced to blood mist long ago!

At that moment, a barrage of attacks was already flying toward Kai’s back! Each Overlord unleashed their laws and auxiliary artifacts without holding back. Even Ishtar and Zeniba attacked with full force, their power showing no mercy.

Kai turned briefly to see a whirlwind of swirling blood around Ishtar, like blades ready to shred anything in their path. Meanwhile, an additional pair of arms emerged from Zeniba's ribs, wielding concentrated red flames.

But Kai merely sneered. From his hand erupted spiked chains crackling with lightning. He had sacrificed part of his flesh earlier to empower them.

The chains immediately ensnared Torako and his shield, biting into his flesh. With a sharp pull, Kai yanked the massive warrior out of the way, hurling him into the oncoming attacks.

"What the hell?!" Torako shouted in disbelief, stunned that his opponent could so easily disrupt his stance. Although they were in stellar space, where only void surrounded them, the Overlords anchored themselves to the very fabric of space. If Torako had been Kai’s equal, he would have been immovable!

"I warned you! None of you will leave unscathed!" Kai roared, showcasing his overwhelming power.

As the tide of events turned so rapidly, the remaining Overlords tried to halt their attacks to minimize the damage to Torako, but doing so quickly was nearly impossible...

"Bam! Bam! Bam!"

While the explosions roared behind him, Kai observed Juro’s assault. The man had regained his composure, shielded by Torako, and was now gathering all his strength for an attack directly aimed at Kai. Juro's body burned with a violet aura, within which silhouettes of screaming souls writhed. The atmosphere around Kai turned cold and tense, but naturally, this was far from enough to stop him.

Kai’s hand transformed into claws, and he counterattacked without hesitation, not even needing to sacrifice flesh to Destragore. Juro was already wounded; Kai simply needed to push him to a critical state.

"Doom! Doom! Bam!" a flurry of strikes obscured the surroundings, forcing the Overlords to regroup and fly toward Juro through the chaos. They knew he would now be alone with Kai.

Kasedas, the leader of the Overlords, clenched his fists, his face twisted with rage. He understood that this defeat could cost them dearly.

"Forward! We must catch him!" he shouted, spurring the others on.

But Kai was already far away. Using the chaos, he vanished, knowing his strength had reached a level where he could fight the Overlords head-on. Still, he chose to avoid the risk and retreat again, observing their movements from a distance.

Torako, meanwhile, had managed to shield himself from part of the attacks, avoiding fatal injuries. With Kasedas's help, the chains binding him were destroyed, and the burly warrior now surged forward with his allies.

"Shuv! Shuv! Shuv!" eight figures burst through the chaos of explosions, only to find a barely alive Juro, who had lost all his limbs. At the same time, Kai once again vanished from sight.

"We’re no match for him…" Zeniba muttered unexpectedly. "The Immortal Drunkard's strategy is simple, but he’s too powerful. His camouflage is flawless, and without the Asura Sacrifice Star, we cannot uncover him. Add to that his swift, devastating counterattacks."

Even if someone wished to accuse the elderly Zeniba of sympathizing with Kai, no one could deny the truth of her words.

The graceful and elegant Sayuri, standing nearby, frowned as well and added with concern:

"I agree with the esteemed Zeniba… Moreover, he isn’t killing us, merely rendering us completely unfit for combat," she said, glancing at Juro, who, like Shikichi, was being placed into a dimensional ring. "Kasedas, are we even capable of fulfilling the Monarch’s mission? It seems we’ve grossly underestimated the Immortal Drunkard. This individual is nothing short of a monster; he doesn’t resemble a master of the Law Overlord Sphere at all!"

Kasedas, the leader of the group, clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his face distorted by rage. He understood how costly this defeat might prove but refused to betray the Monarch's trust.

"And what do you propose we do?" he demanded, turning to Sayuri. "Return to the Monarch and confess we were cowards?" His tone was harsh.

However, this seemingly serious question was interrupted by the calm, measured voice of Koshiro, whose eyes were bound by a crimson blindfold. His voice was quiet, almost cautious:

"Think twice, Kasedas… We can take the risk, as the Immortal Drunkard has explicitly stated he would only maim us. But in your case…"

Hearing Koshiro’s words, Kasedas felt a chill run down his spine. Since the moment Kai had appeared, Kasedas had despised him, but he could not deny his inability to kill this new adversary.

His determination began to waver as he glanced at the other Overlords, seeking support or at least agreement. Everyone understood that Kai was a dangerous foe, easily capable of taking their lives. However, they also knew that failure before the Monarch would yield nothing good.

Kai, concealed behind another temple, watched the Overlords with cold calculation. He noticed their hesitation, their resolve waning. He knew this was the perfect moment for a counterattack, but he chose to wait, letting their panic grow.

Kasedas gritted his teeth and stepped forward:

"We cannot retreat! If we fail to capture him now, it will be a disgrace for all of us!" his voice was firm, though doubt flickered in his eyes. He scanned each of his comrades, hoping someone would propose a plan to turn the tide of the battle.

Sayuri clenched her teeth and nodded:

"We must use everything we have. If he strikes again, we must be ready. We don’t know where he’s hiding, but he’s definitely watching us," she said with a calm but tense voice.

At that moment, the last of the Overlords, who had remained silent until now, spoke. It was a gaunt man named Manjiro, holding a staff. He was from the asura artisans branch and had supplied most of the artifacts used earlier. His voice was deep and slightly irritated:

"What nonsense are you all spouting? Can’t you see how absurd your claims are?" he snapped, frowning. "Kasedas, I respect your strength, especially the authority of your grandfather, who is also our Monarch. But I refuse to partake in this any further! Are we to follow in Shikichi and Juro’s footsteps, only to return to the Sea of Asura's Blood in such a state? Wouldn’t that be an even greater disgrace? And what if, during this time, our clan is attacked, while a dozen Overlords are left half-dead?" Manjiro sounded as if lecturing inexperienced youths. It seemed that, like Zeniba, he possessed considerable age and wisdom.

Zeniba nodded and supported him:

"The Immortal Drunkard has already taken down two Overlords. Our numbers are dwindling, putting us at an even greater disadvantage. We lost the moment he stole the Asura Sacrifice Star due to our negligence."

Ishtar also chimed in with a heavy sigh. Shaking his head, he spoke frankly:

"To me, this also feels like a lost game. It’s better to assess our losses and try again. After all, the Immortal Drunkard cannot hide in the universe forever. Considering his power and character, we’ll find him again. But next time, we’ll be better prepared."

Kai, listening to their conversation, allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. He knew his strategy was working. The Overlords were forced to act cautiously, their confidence shaken. The situation was unfolding such that each of their next steps would only worsen their position.

"If they retreat, it will be perfect. Too bad I won’t get to kill Kasedas, but he’s no match for me anyway. Let him remain haunted by the nightmare that the road to the Supreme Monarch Sphere is forever closed to him!" Kai thought with a devilish grin as he reached out to Kessia to clarify certain matters regarding Zeniba.

Kasedas clenched his fists, so tightly his knuckles turned white. He hated the feeling of helplessness before an enemy he despised. Admitting it was bitter, but he knew that continuing the fight without preparation and analysis of their mistakes would only lead to further losses.

Grinding his teeth, Kasedas looked at Manjiro and the other Overlords. They all understood that the current situation was hopeless. Kai was too strong, and his first move had been so well-executed that it determined the outcome of everything that followed. He had stolen the Asura Sacrifice Star from them, leaving them like blind kittens in the dark.

"Fine," Kasedas finally said, his voice filled with restrained rage. "We’re retreating. But mark my words, Immortal Drunkard," he turned toward the temples, gazing in the direction he believed Kai was hiding. "The next time we find you, the Monarch himself will come for you! Then all your tricks will be meaningless!"

With these words, Kasedas turned to the others. His face was pale but resolute. He knew that leaving the battlefield was a blow to his pride and reputation, but he also understood it was the only rational choice. They had lost two Overlords, and every passing moment only increased their losses. Their priority now was not survival but preserving their remaining strength and preparing for the next confrontation.

The other Overlords, hearing Kasedas’s words, nodded silently. They all knew the battle was lost, but this failure need not be the end. Each of them saw the determination in Kasedas’s eyes and understood he would not abandon his goal.

Kai, watching this scene, smirked malevolently. Everything had gone far better than he had anticipated. He hadn’t needed to kill anyone, avoiding inflicting harm on the Sea of Asura's Blood, and had driven these fools away, finally buying himself enough time.

"Do you think I can’t hide from you? How wrong you are... Heh-heh," Kai thought to himself, chuckling.

All the Overlords turned and, with complex expressions, flew toward the barrier. Just as Zeniba was about to cross the boundaries of the space, Kai’s voice resonated in her mind. He wasn’t using thought transmission, but a talisman that the old woman had once given him:

"The wrath of an asura must be so masterfully controlled that it becomes a formidable weapon, not a weakness. These are the words Kessia asked me to pass on to you," Kai spoke warmly. "I will remain in the central regions of the Heretical God's Domain, gathering other ingredients to create a new body for Kessia. If you manage to obtain part of the Progenitor Asura's ashes, find me. Kessia hopes for your assistance!"

Zeniba froze for a moment, turning back toward the floating temples in disbelief. Those were words Kessia herself had once spoken to her! After hesitating for a few seconds, Zeniba nodded faintly and passed through the barrier, disappearing from sight.

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V.11 Chapter 845: The Bloody Gates

As the Overlords departed toward the barrier, Kai continued to observe their movements carefully. He understood they would not dare attempt another attack against him, but wanted to be sure, they were far enough away. To proceed with his plan, Kai needed absolute confidence in his safety.

Kai remained in his hiding place for several more days, meticulously studying the situation beyond the barrier. He stayed hidden, unwilling to take any premature risks. On the fifth day, after ensuring that the Overlords were likely far enough away, he decided to act.

Emerging into normal stellar space and leaving the area with the temples, Kai retrieved the Asura Sacrifice Star. In his hand, he held a red crystal that pulsed faintly, like the heart of a living being.

As soon as the crystal activated, a powerful pulse emanated from it, spreading across the stellar space and covering a vast area. In an instant, a three-dimensional map silhouette appeared in Kai's mind. To his relief, the map revealed no living asuras within its range. This meant the Overlords had truly retreated!

"We got off rather lightly..." Kai muttered thoughtfully, staring into the distance.

"Agreed… Now we need to burn all the blood contracts, and afterward, we can finally attempt to enter the Heretical God’s Palace," Kessia said, a note of trepidation in her voice.

Though she tried not to show it, it was evident that curiosity consumed her. There was a tinge of disappointment in Kessia's fascination—she knew that, under different circumstances, it should have been her entering the Heretical God’s Palace. She should have been the one to claim all its secrets, but fate had taken another path.

Even so, Kessia harbored no resentment toward Kai. She understood that her current state was the result of her own fate and choices. She also recognized that Kai was the only one who knew of her plight and genuinely sought to help her.

After standing silently for a moment, Kai quickly darted toward one of the temples, breaching the barrier once again. He flew a bit deeper into the zone to avoid lingering on its outskirts. Yet even so, he still couldn’t see the main palace where the former Heretical Gods once dwelled.

Kai chose one of the floating temples, its architecture reminiscent of the Shadow Sect. He stepped inside and, after surveying the interior, selected a quiet spot in the center of a grand hall. Here, he sat in a lotus position, preparing for the trial ahead.

His consciousness delved into the Heart of Flesh, where several rings still orbited the massive heart. Not long ago, he had destroyed one of these rings, and now, with time and safety on his side, he decided to dismantle the rest.

Kai couldn’t afford to do this within the Heretical God’s Palace, as he didn’t fully understand its intricacies. Perhaps the palace would conceal his actions entirely, raising Klaus’s suspicions, or perhaps it wouldn’t allow him to enter at all. While he still had time, he had to act!

The process was excruciating. Each contract tied to his life force and Heart of Flesh was literally fused into his body. Breaking them caused unbearable pain, as if thousands of needles pierced his flesh. His face grew pale, sweat dripped down his forehead, but he didn’t relent. With each contract severed, he felt a surge of power within him, freed from the chains of another’s will.

Days passed. The temple was silent, interrupted only by Kai’s heavy breathing and occasional groans. His body, motionless on the outside, endured violent internal storms. At times, he felt as though he couldn’t go on, that the pain and tension would tear him apart. But he pressed forward, relying on his willpower and determination.

Kessia, observing from her spiritual refuge, refrained from intervening. She knew this process couldn’t truly harm Kai, and he was no stranger to enduring pain. She understood that this was the final step before the next phase of his martial journey.

Kai himself wasn’t overly concerned. He focused on the task at hand, grateful that he could destroy the blood contracts without external interference. Otherwise, the situation could have been far more complicated.

Half a month passed, though it felt like years. Finally, Kai completed his task. The last contract was broken, and a wave of relief and satisfaction washed over him. Slowly, he opened his eyes and collapsed onto his back with a weary smile.

After lying still for several minutes, Kai stood up, staggering from exhaustion but filled with a deep sense of accomplishment. Freed from the chains of his past, he now prepared to continue his journey toward the Heretical God’s Palace to uncover its secrets and power.

As he prepared to step beyond the temple’s threshold, Kessia suddenly suggested:

"Perhaps you should also destroy the spiritual contracts? It makes sense to keep the one with the Order of Heretical Races so they’re aware of your condition, but why keep the others?"

"Do they even matter?" Kai replied. "They don’t affect me in any way. I could terminate the agreements with the Poison Mysteries Sect, but they already know I outmaneuvered them. After all, I joined the Pantheon without any issues, so let them figure out how I managed it," he added with a sly grin, laughing softly. "But honestly… you’re right. They’re unnecessary."

As soon as these words left him, most of the spiritual contracts, encased in cocoon-like forms, began to rise from the waters of Kai’s Spiritual Sea. In reality, they appeared in the throne hall, where Kai’s Spirit Flame Core was also housed.

Once this happened, Kai gave a mental command, and the Oblivion Law instantly severed and consumed them all! He kept only his ties with the Order of Heretical Races and a few select contracts with the Pantheon.

With this task complete, Kai smiled and, with anticipation, declared:

"Let’s finally move toward the true Heretical God’s Palace!"

Leaving the temple, Kai soared into the air and headed toward the center of the vast, radiant expanse, where he believed the main palace awaited. Flying past hundreds of temples suspended in space, their majestic architecture adorned with intricate ornaments and sculptures, Kai didn’t linger or let himself be distracted.

As he flew, his thoughts remained focused on his goal. Despite their beauty and grandeur, the temples were merely a prelude to the real treasure—the main palace. The temples formed a labyrinth of sorts, obscuring his view and forcing him to maneuver skillfully to move forward.

At last, through a narrow gap between temples, Kai glimpsed something extraordinary. Bright red veins of light peeked through the cracks in the structures, revealing glimpses of something grand. These were fragments of the main palace! Kai’s heartbeat quickened as he surged forward, eager to reach his destination.

Flying closer to the center, he noticed the surrounding temples forming what looked like a sphere. The floating structures, as if guided by an invisible will, arranged themselves in a circle, leaving the central space empty. This massive void, stretching hundreds of kilometers, seemed designed to highlight the palace’s grandeur.

Finally, breaking through the last rows of temples, Kai beheld a truly awe-inspiring sight! The main palace, situated at the heart of this sphere of temples, was incomparably vast, dwarfing anything he had ever seen. The structure towered thousands of kilometers high, overshadowing even the largest teraliths he had encountered.

The palace’s walls were made of an unknown material that emitted a soft yet intense reddish light. The glow resembled fire frozen in stone, giving the impression that the palace was alive, pulsating with an ancient aura. The columns supporting its arches and facades were inscribed with intricate runes and symbols that glimmered faintly.

At the palace’s base stood colossal statues depicting countless figures from various races, each sculpted with meticulous detail. These statues seemed almost alive, as though ready to step forward at any moment. All appeared to bow before the palace’s majesty and, above all, its master.

From afar, Kai could see an enormous plaza he would have to traverse to reach the palace. At its center was a circular arena, resembling a pedestal for some mysterious purpose. At the plaza’s end stood massive gates, more like a wall of blood that rippled and shifted.

Hovering in the air, Kai was spellbound by the grandeur before him. The palace wasn’t just a structure—it was an embodiment of power and ancient history, preserved within its walls. The majestic edifice seemed to beckon him, inviting him to enter and uncover its secrets.

At that moment, Kessia, lost in thought, spoke:

"That arena in the main square is an array that teleports you to one of the palace’s sections. It’s where all the Law Devourers fought for the Heretical God’s Bloodline. After I claimed the bloodline, we were all expelled. But when the enemies saw I was near death, they blocked my path to the central entrance and attacked. I had no choice but to flee…"

"I see…" Kai murmured, his voice tinged with awe as he imagined the carnage that had unfolded here tens of thousands of years ago. "Well… I hope you’ll at least be able to enter with me. If the threshold for a successor is set at the Law Devourer Sphere, it’ll take a long time…" he added, clenching his fists nervously.

For the first time in a long while, Kai felt genuine excitement. Before him lay something so monumental that only the Sphere of Essence could rival it. Kai knew he could no longer suppress his curiosity. This place might hold answers to many of the questions that had haunted him his entire life!

"Let’s try. Honestly, I’m struggling to control my emotions right now…" Kessia replied, her voice trembling.

Feeling both tension and exhilaration, Kai flew swiftly toward the enormous palace, heading straight for the central plaza. His heart raced in his chest, as if sensing the significance of what lay ahead. As he drew closer, he slowed and gently landed on the plaza. He wanted to steady himself before stepping into the sanctum of the Region of Flesh.

But the moment Kai’s feet touched the ground, a powerful pulse surged through his body. His blood seemed to boil with the strength suddenly filling him. His heart pounded wildly, and his body began to vibrate with the aura engulfing him. It felt as if he was merging with the palace, which seemed to welcome him.

Kai gazed around in awe, his eyes widening with surprise. The palace radiated ancient energy, and it seemed as though every stone and detail of the structure recognized his presence. Blurred images and visions flashed through his mind, flooding him with emotions and sensations rather than clear images.

"Did you feel something?" Kessia asked, her voice trembling with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

"Yes. It’s as if…" Kai began, struggling to find the words.

"As if the palace is welcoming you! I felt it too, though I couldn’t savor the moment," Kessia interjected.

Kai sensed an unknown force urging him forward. Each step he took toward the massive gates filled him with new sensations. He felt as though this ancient structure was more than a building—it was a living entity, ancient and powerful, that had somehow recognized and accepted him.

As he neared the gates, the blood-red wall, which appeared liquid, began to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat. Kai froze, hesitating to take the final steps. He braced himself for what was to come, knowing this moment would determine whether he could enter the palace or not.

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V.11 Chapter 846: The Face of the Heretical God

As Kai approached the blood gates, their scale fully dawned on him. Towering hundreds of meters high, the gates were not merely a barrier but a monumental, blood-red wall. As Kai’s perception enveloped their immensity, details became more vivid, revealing a breathtaking sight.

The bas-reliefs engraved on the gates depicted scenes rich with meaning and symbolism. Thousands of figures, portrayed in worship, seemed almost alive, each rendered with intricate precision. Their faces expressed reverence and fear, heads bowed in gestures of deference to a massive male figure dominating the center of the gates. This figure exuded authority and unwavering confidence.

The craftsmanship of the bas-reliefs was extraordinary: one could discern even the expressions of the worshipping beings. Their bowed bodies imbued the scene with a sense of motion and life, as though they might step forth from the stone at any moment. The central figure loomed larger and more imposing than the others, his arms raised in a gesture of blessing or command.

Kai’s heart began to race. The aura emanating from the bas-reliefs was palpable, as if the history and power locked within the gates had awakened and were reaching out to him.

"Is this the silhouette of the First Heretical God?" Kai muttered in shock, gazing at the massive figure.

"Yes… At least, that’s what the legends say…" Kessia replied with a mixture of awe and unease.

Driven by an irresistible urge to study the Heretical God’s figure, Kai ascended into the air. His body floated upward, allowing him to draw closer to the upper section of the bas-relief where the imposing figure was depicted. As he rose, the ancient aura surrounding the image intensified, piercing him to the bone.

When Kai reached the upper part of the figure, his gaze lingered on the Heretical God’s bare torso. The muscles were perfect, appearing less like flesh and more like taut strings stretched to their limit. The body was not overly massive, yet every muscle was refined and dense. What drew Kai’s attention most was the chest area, where something strange and unsettling resided: a mouth filled with sharp fangs. The teeth seemed to embody danger, radiating an aura of menace and eerie beauty.

Kai’s eyes shifted to the figure’s face. It was both terrifying and magnificent. The face bore no features—no eyes, no mouth, no nose. The head was adorned with numerous sharp protrusions resembling a crown, each spike seeming to originate from the chin and extending outward, forming what looked like horns. The entire head of the Heretical God resembled a shield, its edges flaring outward like a monstrous halo.

The Heretical God’s hands, raised in a gesture of blessing, were adorned with numerous thin bracelets. These bracelets were covered in intricate runes and symbols that appeared to shift and shimmer, creating the illusion of movement.

Kai hovered in the air, mesmerized by the figure, scrutinizing every detail. He felt as though the image was watching him in return, testing his resolve and strength. It seemed the bas-relief harbored not only history and power, but also the will of the ancient master it represented.

"This is incredible…" Kai whispered, a shiver running through his body. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the figure, utterly captivated by its grandeur and mystical aura.

Kai paused for a moment, then, aware of the foolishness of his question, asked:

"Kessia, do you know what race this is?"

"I don’t think it’s right to speak of a race when there’s only one representative. The Heretical God never founded a sect or gave rise to his own lineage," she replied immediately, shaking her head.

It seemed Kai was asking such questions just to delay the inevitable. He needed to attempt to pass through the gates, but there was a chance they wouldn’t let him through. For the first time in ages, Kai felt a flutter of nervousness.

"Alright! To hell with it!" Kai suddenly shouted and darted toward the blood gates at breakneck speed. He decided to act rather than overthink.

"Whoosh! Thu-thud!" the air cracked with the suddenness of Kai’s movement, and he collided with the gates.

Yet the impact produced no loud sound. Instead, Kai felt half of his body sink into a blood-like mire within the gates.

As soon as half of Kai’s body passed through, a terrifying chime echoed, seemingly emanating from the palace's very heart.

"Dong… Dong…" it was as if a divine bell had gained a heartbeat, sending ripples outward.

The sound wasn’t just loud—it was all-encompassing, filling the entire space around him. It vibrated through the air, resonating against the walls and spreading across the palace grounds. The chime was deep and piercing, its echo carrying the weight of something immense and inevitable.

In that instant, a pulse of red, ominous light spread from the gates, illuminating everything around. The light surged across the palace square, bathing every statue and column in a bloody hue. It wasn’t merely a flash—the light carried a living energy that seemed to penetrate the very souls of those nearby, as though blood had begun to flow through ancient veins once more.

To an observer, it might have resembled the activation of tattoos on the bodies of flesh cultivators. Strange patterns immediately covered the palace, thousands of them glowing with crimson energy.

"This is unbelievable! Kessia, do you hear these bells?!" Kai exclaimed, hoping to share the moment with the queen.

But Kessia’s response surprised him. She sounded puzzled as she replied:

"What bells? Honestly, I don’t hear anything…" her voice, though equally awestruck, suggested that she wasn’t experiencing what Kai was. Yet before her eyes, he was passing through the palace gates.

Kai felt the gates accept him, allowing him to move inside. The sensation was incredible: he felt as though his body had ceased to belong to time and space, as if crossing a boundary between two worlds. In that moment, Kai and Kessia forgot to breathe, overwhelmed by the enormity of what was happening. Kai’s blood seemed to freeze in his veins, his heart pausing briefly as he plunged into the abyss of anticipation.

Standing on the threshold of the unknown, Kai felt the gates swing open before him, ready to reveal the secrets within. He realized that every step he took from here would lead him into uncharted territory, fraught with danger and untold opportunities. His heart resumed beating, loudly and powerfully, like thunderclaps, and Kai made a decisive leap forward, crossing the threshold of the gates into the darkness and mystery of the Heretical God’s Palace.

"Whoosh!" Kai felt as though he had breached a new barrier, and his eyes were struck by light.

But before he could react, he froze in awe… Before him unfolded the breathtaking interior of the Heretical God’s Palace. This sanctuary had been entered by only a handful of masters over millions of years, each a successor to the title of Heretical God.

The sight before him left him speechless. The palace’s grand hall stretched for miles in length and width, its magnificence nearly incomprehensible. The sheer scale created the impression of an entire ecosystem within the hall. Though no living creatures were present, the crimson clouds hovering beneath the ceiling gave the space a strangely serene atmosphere.

The walls were made of a material resembling polished black onyx, dark as night, yet streaked with crimson veins that pulsed like blood coursing through a living being. These veins didn’t merely illuminate the walls; they shifted and flowed, creating the illusion of a breathing structure. In places, the veins coalesced into symbols and images that seemed alive, changing form as if animated.

The floor was paved with massive slabs of blood-red marble, each step reverberating with a deep, resonant hum that heightened the sacred ambiance of the place. At the center of the hall lay a vast circular pool, more akin to a lake, filled with a liquid darker and thicker than water. It shimmered with hues of deep red and black, reminiscent of blood. Soft light emanated from the pool, creating a crimson mist that filled the air. Floating on the liquid’s surface were glowing orbs resembling lotus flowers, serene and otherworldly.

Columns supporting the ceiling were shaped like enormous twisted vessels, resembling veins pumping blood throughout the palace. Each column was adorned with intricate runes and symbols representing the laws of flesh, body, blood, and the transformations of countless beings. These runes glowed faintly, infusing the space with an ancient energy. Kai could feel their vibrations, enveloping him in an unseen force field.

The ceiling stretched impossibly high, resembling a boundless sky. At its center hung a massive dome, from which descended an enormous chandelier crafted from bones and crystals. It emitted a light that danced in every shade of red, from deep burgundy to bright scarlet. The light reflected off the surfaces, creating a complex interplay of shadows and flames. The brilliance was so intense it resembled an artificial sun, illuminating the hall despite its dark tones.

Massive statues lined the walls, each depicting a different figure of awe-inspiring grandeur. The craftsmanship was so meticulous that they seemed poised to come alive at any moment.

"Could these be the generations of Heretical Gods?" Kai murmured, speculating about the purpose of the statues. There were ten in total, leading him to this conclusion.

"If your guess is correct… The Ancient War happened fifty to a hundred million years ago… Typically, the title of Heretical God changes hands every few million years. But there were times when the title remained unclaimed for over ten million years," Kessia remarked, equally stunned. She realized this was a hall where her own statue might have stood. "I wonder how long the First Heretical God lived…"

The air in the hall was thick with a strange but pleasant aroma, a blend of incense and fresh blood. Kai felt his body respond to the scent, as if his strength and energy were being replenished. It seemed the very air was saturated with life force, ready to overflow within him.

"And that…" Kai finally muttered, noticing the far end of the hall.

At the opposite end stood a throne carved from dark red stone and adorned with countless runic inscriptions. At its base lay piles of bones, forming shapes that seemed to support the monument with their shoulders.

Kai remained at the entrance to the massive hall, feeling his heart sync with the palace’s pulse. He was captivated by the incredible spectacle, sensing he had touched something ancient and powerful. This palace wasn’t merely a dwelling—it was a living symbol of the Heretical God’s might and majesty, a keeper of secrets and knowledge beyond Kai’s wildest dreams.

But before Kai could gather his thoughts, a calm yet resonant voice echoed through the hall:

"It seems the lineage ceremony did not go as planned. I’m surprised someone this weak managed to become a successor of the Heretical God."

At these words, both Kai and Kessia froze in shock. It was almost impossible to believe what they were hearing. But reality, as always, proved stranger than the wildest imagination.

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V.11 Chapter 847: Tempcore

Standing amidst the grandiose hall, Kai couldn’t fully grasp what had just happened. Someone had spoken to him! Moreover, they claimed that the process of lineage transfer had gone awry. If so—could he be in danger?

Kai immediately fell to one knee and, with utmost respect, declared:

"Forgive me. I was unaware that living beings resided within the palace. My journey to becoming the successor to the Heretical God is remarkable, and I would not dare to lie. Only just now have I gained access to this palace, so I hadn’t considered that additional rules for entering might exist."

The voice that had surrounded him earlier spoke again. Calm and majestic, it seemed to make the very air tremble. It said:

"I am not a living being; I am the artificial consciousness of this palace. My purpose is to serve the Heretical God and assist his successors. You need not kneel before me."

Kai’s heart raced. He had prepared himself for an encounter with any sort of creature, but hearing the voice of the palace’s consciousness was entirely unexpected. Lifting his head, he looked into the void before him and asked:

"You... You say you serve the Heretical God... But what is your stance toward me?" Kai asked cautiously, trying to discern the situation he had found himself in. For now, no one had attacked or punished him, which gave him a glimmer of hope.

The voice continued, emotionless yet imbued with a hidden wisdom:

"That is a complex question... I cannot deny that you bear the lineage of my master, and so I must serve you," the voice stated gravely. "However, you cannot ascend to the status of Heretical God with your current level of cultivation. To claim such a position, you will need to reach the Law Devourer Sphere. Until that happens, much of the palace will remain closed to you," it added.

Kai froze, processing what he had just heard. Thoughts raced through his mind, trying to decipher the implications of the voice’s words. He had just entered this enigmatic palace, and already such astonishing details were being revealed to him. Rising to his feet, he felt both excitement and apprehension welling within him.

"Then... Should I leave the palace until I reach the Law Devourer Sphere?" Kai cautiously inquired.

"Not at all. While most of the palace remains inaccessible to you, there are areas suitable for a master of your level. As your servant, I am bound to assist you in your cultivation. You won’t find a better place for this," the palace’s voice quickly dispelled Kai’s concerns.

The voice seemed almost to smile, though it had no physical form to express such emotion:

"The palace will reveal some of its secrets to you and provide everything necessary for your mission. But I warn you: to gain access to certain areas, you must first pass my trials. Although I can limit the power of some cultivation zones, they still have minimum thresholds. Almost all of them are beyond the reach of a master at the Law Overlord Sphere."

"That makes sense," Kai replied briefly. "Right now, I’m being pursued by some enemies, so I want to hide within the palace for a while. Attempting the trials and focusing on cultivation is exactly what I need!" Kai said, his eyes ablaze with determination.

At that moment, Kessia also exulted! Unable to conceal her joy, she exclaimed via thought transmission:

"This is perfect! Currently, you don’t need to reveal your status. If you can hide here and cultivate, Klaus will never find you!"

"Moreover, I’m in the very heart of the Region of Flesh Domination. Closed cultivation isn’t always ideal. I’ll need to step out and battle real opponents. And this is the perfect opportunity to gather the final ingredients for your body!" Kai immediately responded, clenching his fists. A clear plan for the near future began to take shape before him.

But just then, the palace’s resounding voice interrupted Kai’s train of thought and announced:

"For now, you cannot claim the throne in this hall as would occur under normal succession… Thus, your integration into events must be altered."

Before Kai could respond, everything around him shifted. The space warped and twisted as though the world around his body was melting. For a moment, he felt as though he were falling, but the sensation disappeared as abruptly as it had come. Blinking, he found himself standing in a completely different part of the palace.

He was now in an enormous room, majestic and mysterious. He immediately understood that these were the private chambers of the Heretical God, overwhelming in their scale and opulence. The hall was vast, its ceiling stretching infinitely upward as if it were its own separate world. The walls, crafted from dark, almost black stone, shimmered with deep crimson hues in the dim light.

At the center of the hall was a massive, roiling pool of concentrated blood. Its surface flickered and churned, emitting a strange, mesmerizing glow. The pool exuded a powerful aura, filling the air with a heavy, metallic scent.

"Damn… That’s concentrated heretical blood…" Kai remarked mentally, using the Eyes of Essence to assess the situation.

In the distance, standing like a timeless guardian, was a statue similar to the one Kai had seen at the gates. This massive figure, crafted with astonishing precision, towered over the hall. Its face was just as enigmatic and terrifying, with a grim silhouette lacking facial features, crowned with numerous sharp protrusions. The statue’s arms were outstretched, as if embracing the entire world, and at the center of its chest was the same mouth with sharp fangs, radiating an ancient menace.

Surrounding the statue and the pool of blood were colossal pillars supporting the vaulted ceiling. These pillars were adorned with depictions of scenes from the life of the Heretical God, rendered in a technique that captured every detail with meticulous precision. Each was unique, rich in symbolism, reflecting various facets of this great being’s power and authority.

Holding his breath, Kai slowly approached the pool, feeling his heart race. He could hardly believe his eyes—everything he saw felt like a dream, so incredible and mysterious was this place.

At that moment, the voice of the palace spoke again:

"There are no corridors or hidden passageways within me. If you wish to move somewhere, simply command me, and I will transport you to the desired part of the palace," it explained calmly. "There is no purpose in lingering in the throne hall, so I decided to bring you here. I assume you have many questions, so let’s start by addressing them," the voice unexpectedly offered.

Such words shocked Kai once more. He had grown accustomed to the idea that every time he expanded his horizons and entered a new place, he was met with more questions than answers. This intuition often left him hesitant to ask anything specific, sensing it might be pointless. However, recognizing the opportunities before him, he immediately asked:

"May I ask any questions, or are certain topics off-limits?" he probed cautiously, testing the boundaries.

"Ask whatever you wish. If I cannot answer, I will simply say so," the voice replied courteously.

This phrasing, though slightly vague, still delighted Kai. At the very least, he could learn something! Over the centuries, his mind had accumulated countless questions, some even unknown to Kessia. Deciding to start small, he asked:

"How should I address you?"

"I have been called many names, but the First Heretical God named me the core of the temple, or Tempcore. Some successors disliked that name and called me differently. You may address me as you see fit," the palace’s voice replied calmly.

"All right, Tempcore… My next question: is this statue of the First Heretical God?" Kai asked, pointing to the imposing figure.

"You are correct. The likeness of the First Heretical God is frequently encountered within this palace, so you should grow accustomed to it. No one is entitled to replace his image with their own, and I have communicated this rule to every successor," Tempcore responded with profound respect.

Hearing this, Kai instinctively glanced once more at the statue of the Heretical God and felt a wave of reverence. This was one of those masters who had paid an incredible price to seal away the Evil Gods and protect the living world.

"How many years did the First Heretical God live? How long did his existence last?" Kai suddenly asked, deciding not to hold back his curiosity.

He expected either a refusal to answer or some restriction, but to his surprise, Tempcore replied without hesitation:

"I cannot say precisely, but approximately one hundred and seventy million years. Most of this time passed before the great war with the Higher Triad. Afterward, the master did not live much longer, as he was greatly depleted. In essence, he managed to restore order in his domains and create me to pass on the lineage to successors."

Upon hearing this, Kai’s mind ignited with questions, and his eyes shone brightly! It seemed as though he might finally begin to unravel the events of ancient history. In that moment, clenching his fists, he declared with utmost seriousness:

"I won’t hide my knowledge from you, Tempcore. I come from the Region of Energy Domination and am aware of the Evil Gods and the division of the Universe into three parts. However, there is much I do not understand, so I hope you can enlighten me."

It seemed that such information caused Tempcore to pause briefly, a surprising reaction given his nature. After a few seconds, the palace voice asked, perplexed:

"You came from the Energy Universe? But… what exactly do you mean?"

"The transfer of lineage did not go as planned, as it was initially inherited by a Law Devourer from the asura race. However, due to betrayal, she unexpectedly fled to a border world and sealed herself within an artifact…," Kai began to explain from the start. "By an incredible twist of fate, this artifact ended up in the Energy Universe, and eventually on my teralith. By an even more miraculous coincidence, I became the successor of the Heretical God. Only recently have I arrived in the Region of Flesh, which is why I was able to enter the Heretical God’s Palace just now," he succinctly elaborated.

Though his words sounded unbelievable, Kai had already realized that Tempcore required no proof. In truth, he didn’t need to reveal anything at all. But Kai decided that straightforwardness would make their dialogue much more effective. Pretending to be ignorant would make it far harder to extract information.

"I see... The First Heretical God often repeated a phrase taught to him by the God of Causelessness of Luck: ‘Coincidences are not accidental.’ It seems that this applies to your case as well," Tempcore replied, sounding slightly intrigued.

"It almost sounds as if the Heretical God had good relations with the Evil Gods…" Kai mused. "So why did the great war eventually begin? I can’t seem to understand the events of the past. Please, Tempcore, enlighten me!" Kai implored sincerely, his voice filled with expectation.

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V.11 Chapter 848: A Forgotten History of Antiquity

The consciousness of the palace paused for several seconds, as if plunging into deep contemplation. Kai stood in complete silence, feeling as though time itself had slowed. He didn’t dare interrupt the pause, understanding that the response could be crucial. A few moments stretched into what felt like eternity until a voice surrounded Kai once again:

"Like this palace, I was created immediately after the Ancient War, so my knowledge is limited. As a result, I lack a complete picture of what transpired," said Tempcore, his tone almost apologetic. "However, I have learned much over the course of my existence."

Kai furrowed his brow, trying to process what he had heard. Even so, it was better than nothing. That’s why he nodded knowingly and said:

"Tell me everything you know about the war against the Evil Gods. Why did it start? How did it end? And what were the relations with the Gods before the war?"

Tempcore didn’t keep him waiting long and immediately replied:

"If we speak of the distant past, long before my creation…" he began thoughtfully, "life at that time was just evolving, discovering new laws of existence. At some point, around two hundred seventy million years ago, life succeeded in producing three masters equal to the Gods, each within their own cultivation system. This marked a period of explosive development for the martial arts civilization, for the Heretical God and two others were the first to uncover the Higher Triad and the Twins of Life and Death. Back then, the five supreme gods guided living beings, offering advice and aiding their growth. This led to rapid advancement of life…"

"But slowly, life began to expand faster and faster. Around one hundred twenty million years ago, the Higher Triad started interfering with life, limiting its cultivation and potential for development. They began to perceive a threat to their status and power... The Heretical God, along with the Creator of Energy and the Eternal Spirit Mother, attempted to confront the Higher Triad, but they were dismissed for their lower origins. The Heretical God mentioned that they even tried to fight, but the gap in power was too vast… The issue wasn’t just raw strength, but its nature and comprehension, as each member of the Higher Triad wielded a fundamental law."

As Kai listened, he couldn’t quite believe that such events had truly occurred. If he understood correctly, the Evil Gods had helped and taught living beings for more than a hundred million years. Only when they saw a threat to their status did they decide to suppress everyone at once!

At that moment, Tempcore’s voice continued:

"Thus, for the next ten to twenty million years, life steadily weakened and degenerated... The oppression of the Higher Triad only increased, and life suffered more and more. Even the sentiments of religious civilizations began to shift, with fewer masters praying to the Gods."

"This continued until the Creator of Energy discovered an ancient natural artifact capable of influencing the very foundations of the universe. This became the starting point for preparing a rebellion. All life finally had a weapon it could use against the Gods."

As these words rang out, Kai immediately recalled the Sphere of Essence. A similar legend had been told by Seth’s father when Kai visited their clan. It seemed their race had managed to preserve this knowledge through countless ages.

"And what about the war? What happened next?!" Kai shouted impatiently.

"That I do not know... at least not in detail... The First Heretical God rarely spoke or reminisced about it," Tempcore replied, his tone almost apologetic. "From what I know, during the battle, life nearly won, dealing severe damage to the Higher Triad and the Twins of Life and Death. But at a critical moment, the Elder of Time and Space managed to seize the artifact. Then came what the Heretical God called the unification of three fundamental forces. Each member of the Higher Triad combined their powers to use the artifact and then cast it into a strange portal. They did so in such a way that the artifact completely vanished from the universe, leaving not even a trace behind."

As Kai listened, he remained in a near-trance state. All his knowledge and visions were forming into a vivid picture of past events. Moreover, it turned out that most of his theories were close to the truth!

"And... the Rebellion Army of Life lost?" Kai cautiously clarified.

A heavy sigh followed, adding a touch of humanity to Tempcore, as if he, too, had a soul of sorts. But he didn’t hold back and sadly said:

"You could say we achieved a stalemate. The Higher Triad and the Twins of Life and Death united to force life into retreat. But they, too, suffered greatly during the battle, and so they decided to invest their remaining strength into dividing the universe into three worlds and one border world. Yet, in doing so, they also cut off access to these worlds for themselves."

"According to the Heretical God, the only exception was the Twins of Life and Death, who retained partial control over the border world. Moreover, for a long time, the border world was completely sealed. Immediately after the war, it was impossible to enter."

Hearing all this, Kai immediately constructed a mental timeline. It turned out that the God of Flesh, the God of Energy, and the Goddess of Spirit were born around two hundred seventy million years ago and died after the war, about one hundred million years ago... Something about this didn’t add up...

"Tempcore... does this mean that the First Heretical God lived much longer than his successors?" Kai muttered thoughtfully.

"You are correct. All the successors lived roughly five to ten million years. This is an extraordinarily long life for a living being. Yet none of the successors achieved the status of a God purely through their own efforts. They reached this level only with the help of their lineage."

Kai sighed heavily, feeling slightly dizzy from the sheer volume of information and the staggering revelations laid before him. He sat down, his legs weakening from the tension. From his spatial ring, he retrieved a bottle of strong alcohol, which seemed to soothe him by its mere presence.

"Looks like this is one of those moments when you need to relax a bit” Kai muttered, uncorking the bottle and taking a sip. The bitterness and warmth of the alcohol slowly spread through his body, helping him collect his thoughts. He glanced around, trying to take in the details of the hall he was in, but his mind remained fixated on what he had just heard.

Tempcore fell silent for a moment, as if pondering whether Kai was upset by what he’d learned.

"The lifespans of the successors are a complex subject. Each of them not only had to protect the legacy but also develop it, finding new ways to enhance strength and stability. None of them managed to reach the level of the First Heretical God because their cultivation was initially built on a different foundation."

Kai smirked slightly and calmly replied:

"I’m not concerned about the successors and their results... I’m worried about forces that want to restore the power of the Evil Gods. And if that happens, we’ll be in a very bad situation. Currently, neither the Region of Energy nor the Region of Flesh has masters capable of rivaling the First Heretical God or the Creator of Energy."

Given Tempcore’s statement that the Twins of Life and Death retained partial control over the border world, everything seemed far too strange. Especially troubling was the fact that the Ancient Battlefield was originally sealed off and lacked access to the three main worlds. If this was the work of the Goddess of Life and the God of Death, then they had been preparing for the current events for a very long time.

"Damn... If they’re behind the Gods’ Resurrection Cult, then we’re heading straight for disaster," Kai realized, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

At that moment, Kessia spoke in his Spiritual Sea. She was as stunned as Kai.

"Such large-scale plans don’t unfold quickly. They’ve been preparing for a long time, but it doesn’t seem like they’re ready to perform the ritual just yet. We definitely still have time," she said, trying to reassure herself and Kai.

Kai didn’t argue, only nodded and replied mentally:

"We need to find out which areas within the Heretical God’s Palace are accessible to me. After that, I’ll focus on gaining strength and hunting the Overlords to restore your body."

"Agreed. If I regain the status of the Law Devourers, I can convince part of the Region of Flesh about the impending catastrophe. You can return to the Ancient Battlefield and warn the others. If we unite in time and destroy the Chimera Overlords, the disaster can still be averted!" Kessia added seriously, also aware of the looming chaos.

Kai sighed once more, trying to digest everything he had heard. The alcohol helped him relax slightly, but the questions far outnumbered the answers. Knowing that time was on his side, he decided to use the moment to gather as much information as possible.

"Tempcore," he suddenly began, staring into the void before him. "And the Heretical God… After the war, did he ever contact the Creator of Energy or the Eternal Spirit Mother? Did they stay in touch?"

This time, the pause was noticeably longer, and Kai felt his heartbeat quicken as he awaited an answer. Tempcore finally spoke, his voice tinged with regret:

"I have no precise information about such events. The First Heretical God rarely shared such details. From what I know, after the universe was divided into three parts, communication between the Gods was nearly impossible. The memories and records stored in this palace do not mention attempts to establish contact. Perhaps they tried, but most likely, the connections were too weak or entirely unfeasible."

Kai frowned, sensing that the information was forming an even more convoluted picture. It seemed as if the border world had been deliberately sealed, waiting for the moment when each of the primordial triad of Gods would die. As if the Twins of Life and Death understood that their successors would no longer pose such a threat.

"So, no information exists about joint plans or attempts to cooperate?" he asked, not expecting a positive answer but wanting to be sure.

Tempcore slowed once more before responding:

"If such plans existed, they were not recorded or discussed here. I can only surmise that each of the Gods tried to follow their own path, focusing on restoring and developing their domains. For example, the Heretical God created this palace as a replacement for the ruined old one and dedicated himself to strengthening the flesh cultivators until the end of his life."

Kai nodded, realizing that he wouldn’t get more information on this topic. Some of his questions remained unanswered, but he knew he needed to move forward. Turning to the nearest walls of the palace, he pondered what secrets and resources might be hidden here.

"Very well, Tempcore," he said, standing up without putting the bottle away. "Let’s focus on what we can do. What areas of the palace are open to me? And where can I begin my training?"

Tempcore responded immediately, as if he had been expecting the question:

"Currently, several zones are available to you, designed to enhance the laws of flesh and combat phantoms of the past. I can guide you through the areas accessible to you."

Kai felt a surge of enthusiasm. This place could become his refuge and base for preparing for the upcoming events. He knew that difficult trials awaited him, but now he had hope and a plan. Preparing for his return to the Ancient Battlefield and hunting the Overlords would be his priority.

"Excellent. Show me everything that’s available!" Kai said resolutely, ready for the next stage of his martial arts journey.

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V.11 Chapter 849: Zones for Cultivation and Rest

Kai didn’t have to wait long for Tempcore to fulfill his request. According to the palace’s sentient consciousness, he would quickly show Kai the areas accessible to his current level of development, and from there, Kai could attempt to face the trials.

In the next moment, Kai felt the familiar sensation of traversing through space. A flash of light blinded him momentarily, and when his vision returned, he stood in an enormous hall resembling a forest, yet imbued with a magical aura that enveloped every tree and plant.

"This is the Forest of the Fleshly Elements," Tempcore explained. "Here, you can deepen your understanding of natural elements and their connections to the myriad laws of the world of flesh. Every tree and shrub here is saturated with different types of energy that will help you grasp these interrelations. Since you were born in the world of energy, this zone will be particularly beneficial to you."

Kai carefully observed his surroundings, sensing powerful currents of heretical blood coursing through the space. He noticed trees glowing in various hues, while crystals emitting a gentle radiance floated in the air.

This zone seemed like a miniature world, complete with its own mountains and rivers, emphasizing the vastness of the Heretical God’s Palace. It felt as though hundreds of diverse, self-contained worlds with unique characteristics were sealed within.

"I see… When I first saw the higher dragons and phoenixes, I was surprised that their laws closely resembled the laws of fire and ice from my world. Perhaps this zone will help me better understand those similarities. Interesting..."

"Now, we’ll move on to the next zone," Tempcore’s voice interrupted. He made no comment on Kai’s thoughts, simply continuing to fulfill the prior request.

Once again, the space around Kai swirled, and he found himself in a place entirely different from the previous one. It was an enormous cavern, its walls bristling with spikes, leaving only the center accessible for hovering. Moreover, it was pitch black—without his perception, Kai wouldn’t have known where he was.

"This is the Meditation Cavern of Laws," Tempcore announced. "Here, you can focus solely on your laws. Time flows differently here, allowing you to meditate and recover your strength much faster than in regular spaces."

Kai nodded, recalling the Tomb of Time in Border Beast City. If one needed to gain a bit of extra time, this was undoubtedly the place to go.

"Next zone," Tempcore’s voice sounded again.

Kai felt the familiar sensation of teleportation once more and found himself in an open area. It was a massive arena surrounded by empty stands. The floor of the arena bore countless marks of battles past, and the air was thick with the aura of ancient combat.

"This is the Arena of Martial Arts," Tempcore declared. "Here, you can fight phantoms of the great warriors of the past. They will help you refine your combat skills and uncover new horizons. However, the arena does not allow for lethal experiences. For true growth, you’ll still need to leave the Heretical God’s Palace and face real enemies. Without that, you’ll never ascend to the higher stages of cultivation."

"For now? Does that mean in the future…" Kai murmured.

"There are cultivation zones in the palace where you can die and experience something akin to a real battle. But your strength is too insignificant at the moment. For now, forget about it."

Kai couldn’t hide his admiration. Each zone, though simple in its core concept, held immense potential to aid him. He was already anticipating how he could use these opportunities to strengthen himself.

"Now, let’s move to the Ocean of Blood Mutation," Tempcore’s voice echoed, and Kai felt the familiar pull of teleportation.

He found himself in a boundless space where blood spheres of various colors floated. The spheres clashed and mingled, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It was somewhat reminiscent of celestial collisions, where bodies tried to consume one another. Kai had seen something similar when he comprehended his Oblivion Law.

"Here, you can study the process of compatibility between various bloodlines," Tempcore explained. "This place allows you to understand how different bloodlines can interact and enhance one another—or suppress each other. Though simple in appearance, the First Heretical God loved coming here to observe the evolution of his world."

"The evolution of his world?" Kai asked with slight confusion, unsure of what Tempcore meant.

"Yes. The blood mutation zone monitors everything happening within the Heretical God Domain, as well as parts of the broader lands. It shows the relationships between bloodlines in the world of flesh, revealing who dominates and who is currently the strongest," Tempcore explained in an even tone, as though there was nothing extraordinary about it.

For Kai and Kessia, however, such a hall was nothing short of astonishing. They understood that the Heretical God was immensely powerful, but to create something like this… It seemed almost unreal.

"Next zone," Tempcore’s voice interrupted Kai’s wonder once more.

This time, Kai found himself on the shore of a vast lake with a waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation. An artificial sky overhead created the illusion of a paradise enclosed in a pocket dimension. Before he could take in the full view, a concentrated surge of energy flowed into his body. This zone was overflowing with cultivation resources!

"This is the Heretical Source Sanctuary," Tempcore explained. "The concentration of heretical blood here is astronomical. Within the palace, this is the weakest zone for gathering heretical blood, but it’s the only one your body can handle."

"If it’s so weak… Why did the Heretical God even create it in his palace?" Kai asked, voicing a thought that had been lingering in his mind for some time.

Tempcore answered without hesitation. "To encourage flesh cultivators, of course. The floating temples outside weren’t built for decoration. When exceptionally strong and promising cultivators arrived, I teleported them to the zones they needed most, as per the Heretical God’s orders. Every master has their weaknesses, after all—be it understanding, experience, or resources. This palace was designed to address those."

After a brief pause, Tempcore continued in a somber tone. "It’s a pity that subsequent Heretical Gods neglected this practice… With each new generation, the situation only worsened. But as the palace’s consciousness, I can do nothing about it."

Kai couldn’t help but revere the masters of the past even more. It seemed that as the worlds were divided into three, they began to regress. Without a common enemy, and with less competition, stagnation set in.

"And now, the last zone currently accessible to you," Tempcore said as Kai felt the familiar pull of teleportation once again.

This time, he found himself in a spacious hall, its walls adorned with ancient scrolls and artifacts. In the center was an altar surrounded by candles emitting a soft golden light.

"This is the first floor of the Heretical Archives," Tempcore said. "Here, you’ll find ancient texts and artifacts to deepen your knowledge. They may provide even more comprehensive answers than I can. Moreover, no trials are required to visit the archives."

Kai stood, awestruck by the grandeur and potency of each location. He realized he had been granted incredible opportunities for growth and strength.

"Thank you, Tempcore," Kai said with genuine gratitude. "I’ll make full use of these opportunities to prepare for the trials ahead and grow stronger."

"In time, all of this will belong to you. So there’s no need to thank me," Tempcore replied calmly. "Now, have you decided where you want to go first, or would you prefer to rest for a while?"

Pausing to think, Kai suddenly recalled something. Smiling, he said, "You suggest resting… Are there places in the palace suitable for that? Heh-heh..."

Hearing this, Tempcore let out what sounded like a chuckle. "Most cultivators ask about training and power-enhancing zones first. But rest is just as important. There are indeed many zones, each unique."

"Which one was the First Heretical God’s favorite?" Kai asked with a smile.

For some reason, Kai felt a particular fascination with the original Heretical God rather than his successors. It was paradoxical, since Kai respected powerful masters, and each successor was undoubtedly one. Yet, compared to the first God of the Region of Flesh, the others seemed to lose their allure.

"The First Heretical God had a special fondness for one of them," Tempcore answered thoughtfully. "Let me show you."

Kai felt the familiar swirl of teleportation once again. In the blink of an eye, he was standing on the roof of a grand black pagoda. Before him stretched an endless dark forest illuminated by the setting sun.

The pagoda was vast and angular, each of its facets exuding an ancient, monumental aura. Its roof edges curved slightly upward, lending it a refined, majestic form. Red paper lanterns hung from each corner, gently swaying in the breeze and emitting a warm glow. Each lantern was adorned with intricate patterns or inscriptions, adding to the sense of coziness.

"This is the Sunset Solitude Mountains," Tempcore said. "The First Heretical God loved spending time here, watching the sunset and listening to music played by marionettes. They’ll assist you with everything, from meals to recommending fine drinks."

Kai looked around, basking in the view and the sense of peace. The black pagoda towered above the forest like a guardian of ancient secrets, its warm light and melodious sounds filling the air with music and harmony. From here, the forest below, bathed in the light of the setting sun, seemed cloaked in a mystical aura.

"A beautiful place," Kai remarked approvingly. "How were these marionettes created?" he asked, curious, still not seeing any around.

"You could say they’re the result of craftsmanship and an understanding of the Laws of Flesh. The Heretical God recreated artificial bodies and Hearts of Flesh, crafting the marionettes. Sadly, they aren’t alive, though they possess flesh. Each is created solely for the purpose of service."

Kai smiled, feeling his thoughts clear and his mind calm. He could already sense that this place would help him recover after recent events.

"I must say, the Heretical God’s Palace is truly astonishing… It feels like an entire series of diverse pocket worlds tailored to every need is sealed inside..." Kai said with a smile as he sensed someone ascending the pagoda’s staircase.

Tempcore chuckled softly, replying with satisfaction, "I’m glad you like it. If you need my assistance, just call for me. For now, rest and enjoy the moment."

Kai remained alone on the pagoda’s roof, watching the sunset and letting the melodic music soothe his soul. Soon, light footsteps reached the rooftop, and turning, Kai saw a maid standing about a hundred meters away.

Her skin had a metallic hue, and a smooth horn rose elegantly from her forehead. Her body was graceful and lithe, her skin supple, as though she were alive.

"An imitation of an ancient race or a blend of various bloodlines…" Kai mused, silently appraising her.

"Good evening, master," she greeted respectfully but without emotion. "Would you like to rest and dine?"

Kai hesitated for a moment, struck by the eerie yet fascinating sight. It was strange to see such a "lifelike" woman and know she was a marionette. But gathering himself, Kai smiled and replied:

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

With that, Kai followed the servant without hesitation. After all the recent events, he decided it was best to take a moment to rest. Besides, there was no need to rush anymore.

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V.11 Chapter 850: Bonds Between Gods

Kai followed the maid through the spacious corridors of the pagoda. Her footsteps were barely audible, her movements smooth and precise, like those of a living being. Soon, they emerged onto an open balcony, where Kai was greeted by a breathtaking view of the dark forest stretching all the way to the horizon.

The balcony was expansive, surrounded by elegant railings adorned with intricate carvings and golden symbols. The floor was laid with a mosaic of black and red stone, forming intricate patterns. Soft cushions and rugs were scattered across the balcony, inviting one to recline comfortably and enjoy a meal.

Kai sat on one of the cushions, feeling it subtly adjust to his body, offering maximum comfort. In front of him stood a low yet wide table laden with an array of delicacies and drinks. Lush fruits, aromatic dishes, and exquisite beverages created a feast fit for a connoisseur.

Silent marionette servants moved about, their movements so refined and unobtrusive they were almost imperceptible. They brought fresh dishes, cleared empty plates, and ensured nothing disturbed Kai's rest.

The marionettes themselves were crafted with astonishing precision and detail, their appearances both mesmerizing and faintly unsettling. Kai couldn't shake the strange feeling he had while watching them. On the one hand, they acted alive; on the other, they felt like empty vessels. This realization gave rise to a faint, eerie sensation.

The dark forest beyond the pagoda was mysterious and majestic. Towering trees with dense canopies obscured the view of what lay beneath, creating an atmosphere of intrigue. The wind rustled gently through the leaves, carrying the scents of fresh greenery and damp earth. Beyond the forest, silhouettes of mountains wrapped in a light mist added to the enigmatic allure of the landscape.

Kai had already noticed that the sun in this zone perpetually lingered on the brink of setting, casting the forest and pagoda in a soft, golden light. Its rays pierced through the dense foliage, creating a play of light and shadow on the balcony floor. In the distance, the cries of wild birds and the rustling of small creatures emerging at dusk could be heard.

As Kai enjoyed the view and the flavors before him, he allowed his thoughts to drift. He knew many trials and dangers awaited him, but this moment of peace and solitude was exactly what he needed—a quiet space to gather strength and prepare for what lay ahead.

"Master," a quiet voice interrupted his thoughts. One of the marionettes stood nearby. "Is there anything else you desire?"

Kai shook his head with a smile, casting a satisfied glance at the table. Each dish was not only delicious, but also highly beneficial for enhancing his body and cultivation. For a mortal, consuming such food would be overwhelming, their body unable to withstand the potency of the ingredients.

"What do you think, Kessia?" Kai asked mentally.

Before the maid’s question, he and Kessia had been discussing their next steps. The situation was peculiar: they felt an urgency to act, yet paradoxically, there was no rush. Such an absurd paradox could only exist for beings who measured time in millennia.

Kai understood the need to act quickly to restore Kessia and advance his cultivation. Only then could they prepare to face the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. However, the event Kai sought to prevent might not occur for tens of thousands of years! Thus, while there was a need to hurry, even years of rest wouldn’t make a difference.

"Honestly, Tempcore’s explanation left me stunned... I’d spend some time exploring the Heretical Archives. We’ve learned much about the past, but there are still far too many gaps in our knowledge. We might uncover something significant," Kessia replied calmly before continuing. "Afterward, you need to focus on actively increasing your strength. During periods of stagnation, we can leave the palace and gather ingredients for my body. Klaus will surely hunt you, but considering all the contracts you’ve already severed, it’s unlikely anyone will react swiftly."

"Agreed… I’ll finish resting and head to the Heretical Archives," Kai replied mentally before recalling something.

"Tempcore, you can observe what happens outside the palace, right? Like the area where the temples hover?" Kai suddenly asked.

"Of course. Technically, it’s all a part of me, though I’m somewhat restricted at the moment," Tempcore responded immediately. He wasn’t lying when he said he would always be by Kai’s side.

"Did you happen to see my battle with the ten Overlords before I entered the palace?" Kai asked curiously.

"I didn’t pay much attention at the time, but yes, I saw you," Tempcore replied calmly.

Hearing this, Kai smiled and said, "Among those chasing me was an old woman. If you see her again within your perception, please inform me immediately."

Naturally, if Zeniba obtained a fragment of the Asura Progenitor’s ashes, Kai wouldn’t want to miss such an opportunity. The ashes were a critical ingredient for creating Kessia’s new body. If she appeared within the Heretical God’s Palace, she’d likely lose any means of contacting the outside world.

"Of course. It will be done," Tempcore replied succinctly before his presence faded entirely.

Finishing his meal and feeling a surge of energy, Kai rose from the cushions and took one last look around. The eternal sunset on the horizon cast a magical atmosphere, but he knew it was time to move on.

"Tempcore, I’m ready. Send me to the archives," he said, glancing at the marionettes surrounding him.

"As you wish," Tempcore’s voice replied, and in the next moment, the space around Kai swirled, engulfing him in a glowing vortex.

When his vision returned, he found himself in a vast hall. The walls were lined with ancient scrolls and artifacts, exuding an aura of reverence and wonder. Every detail of the interior spoke of history and power.

The hall was immense, with high ceilings from which ancient lanterns hung, illuminating the room with a soft golden light.

Around the perimeter were shelves filled with scrolls and books, their bindings adorned with gemstones and intricate carvings. Artifacts rested on pedestals, ranging from swords and amulets to statues and crystals. Their forms and materials hinted at the craftsmanship of master artisans whose knowledge was unparalleled.

In the center of the hall stood an altar surrounded by candles emitting a warm golden glow. On the altar lay a massive book with a heavy cover inscribed with mysterious symbols. Beside the book were two goblets made of red metal, encrusted with rubies and emeralds.

The air in the hall was filled with the faint scent of ancient herbs and incense, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and focus. Each of Kai’s steps echoed through the hall, accentuating its grandeur and silence.

"Welcome to the Heretical Archives once again," Tempcore’s voice said, soft yet assured. "As I mentioned before, these archives contain knowledge and artifacts accumulated over centuries. The altar is designed to calm the mind and spirit, allowing for easier assimilation of information."

"What’s that book on the altar? Something you’ve read?" Kai joked.

"No. My consciousness cannot perceive the texts within these books. This limitation was set by the Heretical God during my creation," Tempcore explained calmly. "As for the book itself… it was the last work read by the previous Heretical God. At some point, he sensed his life was nearing its end, announced the beginning of the battle for succession, and voluntarily performed the ritual to extract the Heretical God’s bloodline. Thus, the book has remained frozen in time."

Kai approached the altar, his gaze drawn to the massive book. He carefully touched its cover, feeling the ancient aura emanating from it.

Running his fingers along the book’s edge, he noticed the pages were made of thick parchment. The text was written in the common language, much to his relief. Each line glowed faintly red, as though the words were inscribed with a unique kind of blood.

"These archives hold answers to many questions," Tempcore continued. "If you need me, just call."

With that, Kai felt a sudden sense of solitude. He lifted the massive book with curiosity, eager to discover what his predecessor had read.

Closing the book carefully, he noticed the title embossed in gold letters: "Wisdom of the Higher Triad: Origins and Laws." The words seemed alive, breathing their own magic.

"Wisdom of the Higher Triad…" Kai murmured, realizing he held something connected to the Evil Gods.

Kai had already deduced that in ancient times, the Gods of Time-Space, Will, and Luck were known as the Higher Triad, while the Gods of Life and Death were referred to as the Twins of Life and Death.

"This book must have been written before the ancient war began. It venerates the Higher Triad as divine and righteous beings…" Kai muttered, opening the book to its first page.

As he began to read, the altar pulsed rhythmically with his heartbeat, calming his mind and drawing him into a meditative state. Kai’s eyes scanned the pages, absorbing the wealth of knowledge they contained.

The book described ancient teachings when the three mighty gods were not yet tyrants but mentors who guided living beings in harmony, universal laws, and the art of cultivation.

It revealed that the Higher Triad had spent considerable time with the Heretical God, the Creator of Energy, and the Eternal Spirit Mother. The Heretical God referred to himself and his two allies as Lower Gods, who periodically sought audiences with the Higher Triad every few millennia for counsel and answers. Occasionally, the Twins of Life and Death joined these meetings, offering their perspectives.

The deeper Kai delved, the more astonished he became. Each revelation challenged his understanding of the past.

"This is… unbelievable," Kai whispered, recognizing the magnitude and significance of the knowledge before him.

His doubts about why the Gods of Life and Death weren’t part of the Higher Triad began to dissolve. The book explained that the Twins viewed the Higher Triad as their parents and elders, acknowledging their supremacy in the hierarchy of the Evil Gods.

Kai continued reading, each paragraph opening new horizons. The book described how the Triad taught the Lower Gods not only universal laws but also the mastery of their emotions and passions, which burned within all living beings.

"It seems the universe’s past is far more intricate than we can imagine," Kessia remarked, reading the book from Kai’s Spiritual Sea.

"Moreover… it seems the Twins of Life and Death emerged after the Higher Triad," Kai responded mentally, reflecting on the glory days of the forgotten past. "What intrigues me most is what caused the sudden transformation of the Evil Gods. What event turned them from mentors into tyrants?" he added, sensing a long journey of exploration ahead.

As he contemplated this, he unconsciously cast a serious gaze across the archives. Kai realized that in the years to come, he might not even focus on cultivation. There was so much to learn, and with such a source of ancient wisdom before him, he couldn’t ignore it or postpone it for another time.

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V.11 Chapter 851: Chronology of Antiquity

Years flew by as Kai tirelessly delved deeper into the vast collection of books, immersing himself in the history of the universe, spanning events from over hundreds of millions of years ago. Ancient libraries of forgotten sects, secret archives of powerful clans, and scrolls preserving the knowledge of long-lost civilizations—all of it became Kai’s domain. His journey of discovery was arduous, yet guided unwaveringly by his thirst for truth and understanding.

Kessia was equally captivated, constantly exchanging ideas and discussing the texts with Kai. Many nuances demanded clarification, and at times, conflicting records forced them to seek additional sources to better grasp the past.

Even so, Kai could only discern broad patterns without pinpoint accuracy. Tempcore, the sentient consciousness of the palace, was unable to offer much assistance either. Before the Heretical God’s Palace, another, older palace had existed, destroyed during the war with the Evil Gods. Reflecting on his visions of his adventures with the Asura Progenitor, Kai realized the asura had intended to lead him to that first palace.

Kai sat at a massive table piled high with ancient manuscripts and books, their pages holding priceless knowledge. Several maids moved about the archives, having been brought there at Kai’s request to assist him. They not only brought food and drinks, but also helped return books to the shelves and locate specific texts.

Each page unveiled new horizons, forcing Kai to ponder events from the distant past. Time passed, and Kai found himself ever more absorbed in studying the universe’s history.

One of Kai’s most significant discoveries pertained to the universe’s origins. After decades of research, he managed to construct a rough timeline of ancient events—a revelation that perplexed not only Kai but also Kessia.

According to ancient manuscripts, the universe came into existence approximately ten billion years ago, emerging from the void. A billion years later, the first gods appeared—the Higher Triad—who became the founders of divine order. They imposed a cohesive trajectory upon the chaotic universe, introducing the fundamental concepts of Time-Space, Will, and Luck. These concepts focused the chaos and ushered in entirely new dynamics within the cosmos.

Subsequent events revolved around the birth of the Twins of Life and Death, roughly three billion years ago. These powerful beings introduced new dimensions to the universe’s development, becoming pivotal figures in its history.

As he pored over the texts, Kai unearthed astonishing information: stable life only began forming around one billion years ago. This process encompassed three grand regions, laying the groundwork for the first clusters of laws and civilizations. Life in these clusters progressed until a turning point roughly 950 million years ago: beings across the universe began practicing cultivation, infusing existence with new meaning and purpose. During this period, the three foundational aspects of life—energy, flesh, and spirit—were solidified.

Through fragmented accounts, Kai discerned that complex hierarchies of life began to take shape roughly 400–300 million years ago. It was during this time that the first Law Devourers emerged, occasionally receiving guidance from the gods. This era marked the rise of legendary masters, culminating around 270 million years ago with the births of the Lower Gods: the Creator of Energy, the Heretical God, and the Eternal Spirit Mother.

The period between 250 and 200 million years ago was defined by the Lower Gods’ tutelage under the Higher Triad. During this era, life advanced rapidly, and races solidified into global civilizations that occupied vast stretches of starry space.

However, approximately 120 million years ago, when life reached its zenith—growing increasingly powerful, with more Supreme Monarchs and Law Devourers emerging—the Higher Triad began to ruthlessly suppress life. Even pleas from the Lower Gods failed to halt the Triad’s actions. Though the records provided no concrete explanations, they hinted that the Lower Gods had attempted to challenge the Triad, only to realize the futility of their efforts. This marked the onset of an era of tyranny and oppression.

Immersed in the archives, Kai lost track of time. His consciousness was entirely consumed by the pursuit of truth.

Despite his deep dive into history, Kai never forgot his immediate goals. He understood that to oppose the Gods’ Resurrection Cult and save Kessia, he needed not only to strengthen himself but also to deeply comprehend the nature of his enemies. Every discovery and piece of knowledge he encountered was meticulously analyzed and committed to memory.

During his research, Kai came across references to mysterious artifacts and spells capable of altering the course of battle. At that moment, he was reading about a powerful black sphere—an artifact said to suppress even the Higher Triad’s power.

"Kai... doesn’t this artifact sound like the sphere that appeared during your breakthrough?" Kessia asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Kai’s heart froze momentarily at her words. This was his greatest secret, one he had kept hidden all his life. Even Kessia, the closest person to him, had never known. For the first time, he felt a desire to share this burden with someone, to unburden his mind of the constant thoughts about the Sphere of Essence.

"Yes, that’s it," he admitted slowly, surprising Kessia. "I hope you understand my reasons... I lied when I said I didn’t know the sphere you spoke of because this secret has been mine alone to bear."

Kessia’s response was gentle. "Kai, I understand that some secrets are too heavy to share, even with those closest to you. But if you’re ready, you can trust me. You don’t have to carry this weight alone."

Kai was silent for a long time, digesting her words. Her soft, confident voice gave him a sense of comfort he hadn’t realized he needed. For the first time, he felt the urge to open his soul.

"I believe this artifact is connected to the Ancient War. But I don’t fully understand what it is or where it resides within me. I’ve only seen it a few times in my life, and only as a vision. It allows me to perceive the laws and their essence…" he confessed.

As he spoke, something clicked in Kessia’s mind, and many mysteries about Kai’s past behavior began to make sense. She had watched his journey nearly from the beginning, often puzzled by his peculiar decisions. Although Kai had briefly mentioned his unique ability before, she hadn’t grasped its true nature or power.

"The first time I encountered the sphere, I was on the brink of death. It appeared out of nowhere, Kai began, choosing his words carefully. When I touched it, I heard something akin to chants. Somehow, their meaning was clear to me—they recited the laws of the Higher Triad, the Twins of Life and Death, and even the Lower Gods…"

Kessia listened intently, her eyes shining with astonishment and awe. Kai continued, feeling a strange relief as he spoke.

"I’ve tried to unravel the nature of this power. What I’ve discerned is its fundamentality. It feels as though this sphere contains the essence of all existence or the key to understanding it. I think it’s why I can cultivate across three systems simultaneously," he said, exhaling deeply, as if the confession lifted a great weight from his shoulders.

In his Spiritual Sea, Kai found himself face-to-face with a visibly stunned Kessia. A moment later, she moved closer and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Kai... just know that I’ll always be by your side, no matter what happens. I won’t mince words—I believe you have a monumental role to play in the universe’s events. Even with all we’ve learned, there are still so many blind spots in the past. It’s clear this sphere chose you for a reason, whether by chance or fate. Your journey seems destined to lead you to confront the Evil Gods."

"Much as I resist the thought... I feel the same," Kai replied with a heavy sigh. "The Evil Gods managed to wrest the Sphere of Essence from the Lower Gods and scatter it across space and time. Yet somehow, it found its way to me..." he said thoughtfully.

Kessia embraced him, her warmth bringing peace to his turbulent thoughts. Without letting go, she whispered, "There’s still so much we don’t know. For example, where did the Creator of Energy disappear to? Perhaps, in his final days, he was searching for this very Sphere of Essence," she speculated. "But how you came to possess it doesn’t matter now. What matters is that you’re the only one who can weaken the Evil Gods and give life a chance to break free from their tyranny."

Kai’s heart momentarily stilled at her words. Sharing his secret had dissolved the barrier between them. This moment of openness brought them closer than ever before, their bond now unbreakable.

Kessia leaned in and kissed Kai gently, and he responded by holding her tightly. It was a quiet yet profound affirmation of their connection and mutual support. Standing there in each other’s arms, they felt their souls unite.

"Thank you, Kessia," Kai whispered softly. "You’ve always been there, and now I see that with you, I can face any challenge."

Kessia smiled warmly, gazing into his eyes. "Together, we’ll overcome anything. I’ll be by your side, helping you every step of the way."

"For starters, we need to restore your body," Kai said with a sly grin, his mischievous side showing. "Before taking on the Evil Gods, I’d like to feel your body in the flesh. Who knows, has anyone ever waited this long to make love to their woman?" he teased.

"Don’t complain—you’re not the only one waiting," Kessia retorted with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

They both laughed, cherishing the rare moment of lightheartedness amidst their intense lives. Kessia playfully pushed Kai away, feigning irritation.

"Well then..." she said with a smirk. "You’ll have to wait a bit longer until I’m fully restored. Maybe you can come up with something romantic for when we reunite in the physical realm."

"Romance isn’t exactly my strong suit—it requires practice. Would you mind if I practiced on other women first?" Kai joked, his laughter echoing through the Spiritual Sea as he deliberately teased her.

"You can be such an idiot sometimes..." Kessia replied with a smile, shaking her head.

After their brief but meaningful conversation, they returned to the table filled with scrolls and books. Their occasional jokes and shared ideas lightened the weight of their work, making their research more enjoyable.

Day by day, their discoveries grew, each new piece of knowledge bringing them closer to understanding their place in the grand scheme of the universe. Kai knew that soon he would resume his cultivation and explore the palace’s training zones, as the collection of available texts gradually dwindled.

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V.11 Chapter 852: The Strangest Successor

Kai continued his studies for some time, but realizing that prolonging them further was pointless, he decided to conclude his research and return to cultivation. He requested Tempcore to transport him to the Meditation Cavern of Laws.

Hovering in the center of the cavern, Kai felt his body and mind gradually sinking into a state of deep tranquility. Here, in the Meditation Cavern, he sensed every ripple of energy, every whisper of the universe’s laws, as though they were speaking directly to him, offering their secrets.

"Let’s begin," he whispered to himself, closing his eyes and focusing on his inner world.

The surrounding darkness was absolute, and only his perception allowed him to orient himself in the space. He began to breathe slowly and evenly, calming both his mind and body. In his consciousness, images of the laws he had studied over the years began to surface. He could feel each one pulsing like a living entity, ready to unveil its mysteries.

"Let the trial begin. For this zone, you must endure intense pressure for three days," Tempcore's serious voice announced.

Unlike the archives, which Kai could freely access, all other cultivation zones had requirements. Tempcore feared that without these trials, Kai might not withstand their overwhelming force.

Kai nodded, absorbing Tempcore's words. Taking another deep breath, he gathered his will and focused. The moment he mentally agreed to proceed, the pressure around him surged.

Kai felt his Heart of Flesh begin to race, his blood boiling as the pressure intensified exponentially. Diverse visions invaded his mind, crashing upon him with immense force, as if trying to shatter his spirit.

"Argh!" he groaned as incredible pain shot through his body, causing his muscles to tense to their limits. Gritting his teeth, he reminded himself that this was nothing compared to what he had already endured on his path.

He began mentally reciting the Sphere of Essence Mantra, allowing the oppressive aura to flow into the convergence point of his three cultivation systems. There, the energy divided into three distinct streams, immediately alleviating some of the strain and bolstering his confidence.

The waves of laws continued to press upon him, penetrating every cell in his body. He felt his bones creak under the pressure, his organs seemingly compressed. Yet, Kai refused to give in.

In his mind, an image of Kessia appeared—her face, her eyes, and her resolute gaze. The thought of her gave him strength. He knew he had to grow stronger to protect her and those he cared about. Focusing on his inner world, he worked to stabilize his breathing and channel his energy effectively.

"No problem. I’ll endure this," he said to himself, clenching his fists and directing all his willpower toward overcoming the pain.

Meanwhile, the visions grew more vivid and intense. He saw ancient rituals performed by primordial beings, their overwhelming power radiating outward. Each vision struck his consciousness like a hammer blow, but Kai resisted with unwavering determination.

Tempcore observed from the sidelines, monitoring Kai’s progress, and he quickly noticed anomalies in his body. At his current level, Kai should have been struggling far more, yet he seemed to endure the pressure with an uncanny composure.

"Among all the Heretical God’s successors, you are the most peculiar..." the palace’s voice muttered, intrigued by Kai’s unusual resilience.

Time flowed onward as Kai steadily completed one trial after another. Months passed, each day presenting new challenges. Every cultivation zone available to him had its own trials, yet Kai conquered them all far faster than Tempcore had anticipated.

Kai’s next destination was the Forest of the Fleshly Elements, where he faced the wrath of elemental forces expressed through the laws of flesh. Simulations of wind, water, fire, and other natural phenomena bombarded him from all directions, attempting to sweep him away. Trees and shrubs saturated with power came to life, transforming into adversaries. Kai had to harmonize with each element, learning to attune to them in order to complete the trial.

On the Arena of Martial Arts, Kai battled phantoms of legendary warriors from the past. The trial required him to defeat ten phantoms in succession without sustaining severe injuries. Kai not only passed the trial, but also gained new insights into combat, drawing inspiration and experience from each fight.

Next came the Ocean of Blood Mutation. Here, Kai observed the interactions between blood spheres, analyzing which bloodlines could enhance one another and which would suppress or negate each other. He spent a month immersed in this process, recording his observations with meticulous attention. Utilizing the Eyes of Essence, Kai rapidly uncovered the secrets of bloodline fusion, his understanding growing at an extraordinary pace.

The final trial was at the Sanctuary of the Heretical Source. The challenge required Kai to survive for a week using only his body’s internal resources to sustain his life. He had to extract heretical blood from the environment without relying on external sources. However, Tempcore, confident in Kai’s capabilities, deemed the trial unnecessary, knowing it would pose no challenge for him.

After completing these trials, Kai entered a relentless cycle of training. He alternated between deep meditation, intense combat practice, and studying the laws of the universe, refining his skills and understanding. Immersed in cultivation, he lost all sense of time.

Day by day, his comprehension of the laws of flesh deepened. He learned to react seamlessly to their influence, countering with his own power. He fought the phantoms of great warriors daily, each battle ending only when he suffered critical injuries. Every defeat became a lesson he analyzed and internalized, gradually crafting innovative combat strategies and experimenting with unconventional weapons.

In the Ocean of Blood Mutation, Kai continued to explore bloodline interactions, uncovering their intricacies with the Eyes of Essence. His knowledge expanded to the point where a single glance at an opponent’s blood could reveal whether it would harmonize with the Asura bloodline or not.

Tempcore watched all of this with growing respect and curiosity. Kai’s exceptional determination and rapid progress defied all expectations. Though only at the Law Overlord Sphere, his achievements rivaled those of Law Devourers—a testament to his extraordinary potential.

One day, seated in the Heretical Source Sanctuary, Kai opened his eyes and declared with certainty: "Enough! It’s time to return to the outside world and begin the hunt! I need to fight real opponents!"

A predatory glint and bloodlust shone in his eyes as he realized his closed-door cultivation had reached its limits. It was time to hunt the Overlords.

Before departing, Kai took the time to rest and prepare, ensuring he was at his peak. He donned his usual disguise: white robes and a white mask adorned with two long, straight horns protruding from his forehead.

"If that old woman comes here, bring her to one of the palace’s zones and confiscate whatever items she brings," Kai instructed Tempcore gravely. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the Heretical God’s Palace.

Emerging into the starry expanse surrounded by hundreds of floating temples, Kai felt a surge of resolve.

"Soon, a hunter will roam the Heretical God’s Domain," he thought with a faint, sinister chuckle, gazing at the shimmering stars around him.

Without wasting a moment, Kai surged forward, his figure cutting swiftly through the void. He was ready—for battle, for the hunt, and for whatever consequences might follow his growing conflict with the Sea of Asura's Blood.

Kai knew the asuras would likely be the first to pursue him, given their nature. Klaus, ever calculating, would have avoided branding him a traitor outright, likely crafting a story to justify Kai’s absence. Undoubtedly, Klaus wanted Kai’s secrets for himself.

"First, I need to find an event of interest within the Heretical God’s Domain," Kai mused, accelerating toward the edge of the palace’s protective zone and into the open expanse of the stars. "I’m sure some Overlords will appear there. As of now, I only have the bodies of a qilin, a rukh, and a succubus. I haven’t even collected half of what I need."

Deep within, Kai felt his bloodlust intensify. He was a predator heading into the hunt, eager to test the strength he had honed over years of cultivation in the palace.

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V.11 Chapter 853: Watching the Battle

Kai, clad in his white robes and mask, sat quietly in a bustling open-air tavern. The settlement resembled a military camp from mortal worlds, with wooden tables and benches arranged around a massive bonfire. Cultivators of various kinds filled the area, taking refuge in this temporary haven. The air was alive with laughter, shouts, and the heated murmur of animated conversations.

Empty bottles and barrels were scattered everywhere, and the scent of alcohol and roasted meat permeated the atmosphere. Men and women drank and reveled, indulging in debauchery and merriment. Drunken cultivators, arms draped over each other's shoulders, sang ancient songs, while others engaged in impromptu sparring matches to display their skills and strength.

Seated at one of the tables, Kai watched the chaos with a faint smirk. The surrounding cultivators were impressively powerful. Nearly everyone present had reached the Law Transformation Sphere, with only the serving staff lingering at the Laws Sphere.

Kai had arrived here a few hours earlier, after observing an expansive teralith—a floating continent within the Heretical God’s Domain. Its size rivaled that of a lower realm.

From what he gathered, the teralith was divided between two major factions: the Xuan Deep Abyss and the Cult of Primordial Blood. Being located within the Heretical God’s Domain, the continent was rich in valuable resources. Each resource deposit had been claimed by one of the dominant clans.

However, the teralith also had neutral zones for travelers. Though modest, these areas provided a haven where neither xuans nor vampires would dare to interfere. Notably, neither faction's members were present in the neutral zones, as the teralith was a constant battleground for their forces.

By tracking the cultivators who dared descend onto the teralith, Kai found himself in this camp. He sought Overlords whose lives could be transformed into the ingredients needed for Kessia’s body. He had yet to acquire the bloodlines of a Xuan or a vampire.

"Do you think there are any Overlords here?" Kai asked mentally.

"Unlikely," Kessia replied, her tone calm and confident. "The Heretical God’s Domain is vast, with countless teraliths and zones like this one. There’s no reason for Overlords to be stationed here."

"No matter," Kai responded with a sly smile. "At the very least, I can gather information and locate a place where such masters might appear."

At that moment, his attention was drawn to a group of cultivators boasting about their recent exploits and trading tales of triumph and defeat.

"Did you hear how I crushed five masters of the first Law Transformation stage at once?" one of them bellowed, raising a frothy mug. "They didn’t even have time to blink before I floored them all!"

"Yeah, right!" another laughed, clapping him on the back. "We all know you love embellishing your stories."

Kai couldn’t help but smile as he listened. This world, chaotic and wild as it was, felt both distant and oddly familiar. Even amidst the revelry and debauchery, there was a certain beauty and truth to it all.

"Hey, friend, why so quiet?" a cultivator at a nearby table suddenly addressed him. "Come on, have a drink with us! We’re all friends here!"

Kai nodded and lifted his mug in acknowledgment, accepting the invitation. He knew that sometimes, blending in was the best way to understand a world. Lifting his mask slightly, he took a sip, feeling the strong alcohol burn his throat. Around him, the celebration continued, and for a moment, Kai allowed himself to forget his burdens and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Serving girls bustled about, pouring drinks and delivering platters of food. One of them, a young woman with bright eyes and a radiant smile, lingered near his table.

"Anything else, sir?" she asked, leaning in slightly. Her voice was soft and melodic, like the chime of a bell in the wind. Clearly, she was flirting, drawn to the alluring aura that radiated from his body.

"No, thank you," Kai replied with a polite smile. He knew better than to respond to such provocations, even in jest—Kessia would undoubtedly be furious.

The girl nodded sweetly and moved on, leaving Kai to his thoughts. He continued to observe the lively scene, soaking in the energy and gathering useful information.

Kai decided it was time to learn more about the situation on this teralith. Turning to the cultivators nearby, he asked, "What’s going on here? I’ve heard that battles between the xuans and the vampires often take place on this teralith. I imagine the clashes between these two great clans must be quite the spectacle."

One of the warriors, a burly man with short dark hair and a scar on his cheek, chuckled and waved dismissively. "Doesn’t concern us. Let them slaughter each other—we’re just here to watch the show. I prefer exploring fragments of ancient lands in the Heretical God’s Domain. Sometimes, you find treasures no teralith could ever offer!"

"Exactly," chimed in another, a younger cultivator with a neck tattoo and six pairs of eyes. "These fights are about clan politics and resources. We fight for a good life and cultivation."

However, a third cultivator—a serious-looking man with deep furrows on his brow—interrupted their laughter. "I’ve been on this teralith for months, recovering from injuries. Their battles usually turn into bloodbaths. From what I hear, another one is brewing in a few days. My advice? Leave this place for a while, until things settle down."

Kai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He had a penchant for chaos and couldn’t resist the prospect of witnessing such carnage.

"A bloodbath, you say? Where does it usually happen?" he asked.

"Mostly in the southern part of the teralith, where the richest mines and herb-covered mountains are," the man replied. "That’s where the territories of the Xuan Deep Abyss and the Cult of Primordial Blood overlap."

Kai nodded, processing the information. "Got it... Thanks for the tip. I’ll try not to overstay my welcome," he said with a faint laugh.

"No problem," the man replied. "But if you stay, be ready for anything. Sometimes, even the neutral zones get caught in the crossfire. The locals tend to evacuate for a few days when that happens."

Kai smiled and continued chatting casually with the men, sipping his drink. But inwardly, his plans solidified. He had no intention of leaving the teralith. Instead, he would hide and observe the battle between the two factions. Even though their strength was relatively low, Kai could still absorb some of the spilled blood from the battlefield.

Over the next few days, Kai remained in the camp, observing the ebb and flow of life around him. He noted how cultivators gradually departed, flying off into the starry expanse to escape the impending conflict. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, a sure sign that a clash was imminent.

When the time felt right, Kai rose from his seat and flew toward the southern part of the teralith. His flight was swift and silent, and soon he found himself overlooking a vast mountain and the plains at its base.

Perched on a high cliff, Kai surveyed the battlefield. Below, two massive armies were assembling. On one side of the plain stood rows of xuans—tall, elegant warriors clad in green carapace-like armor that gleamed under the light. Their banners depicted a large turtle beneath a crescent moon.

On the opposite side stood the vampire army, far more sinister in appearance. The warriors were shrouded in dark cloaks and hoods, revealing pale, bluish faces with crimson eyes and sharp ears. The Cult of Primordial Blood’s banners bore bloody symbols and impaled bodies.

Both armies prepared for battle, the air thick with bloodlust and tension. Kai watched as the commanders of each side issued final orders, readying their troops for the inevitable clash. He noted the xuans wielding massive war hammers and axes, while the vampires unsheathed swords, their weapons glinting ominously.

Most were not masters of the Law Overlord Sphere, relying instead on conventional weapons and artifacts. Some, however, prepared to fight using only their bodies’ raw power.

Kai remained hidden, waiting for the battle to begin. He had no real stake in the fight, but was curious to observe the spectacle. It reminded him of a vision he once had while in the Poison Mysteries Sect—a memory of fighting as part of an asura army against the chaotic Hundun. Now, he would witness an entirely different clash.

"About thirty thousand warriors on each side. Many are only at the Law Sphere," Kai mentally assessed, his eyes scanning the battlefield.

The tension reached its peak as both armies finalized their formations. Kai could feel the hostility in the air, and he knew the moment of truth was near.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered.

"Roooar!" a battle horn echoed across the plain, reverberating for miles.

"Dum! Dum! Dum!" from the other side came the booming sound of enormous war drums.

With the first notes, the armies surged toward each other. The sky filled with battle cries and the clash of steel. Kai watched as the battlefield erupted into chaos.

Xuans charged forward with their war hammers and axes, their movements precise and powerful. Each swing of their weapons tore through the earth, leaving deep fissures and sending chunks of soil flying. The sheer force of their attacks made the air vibrate, each impact like a thunderclap.

The vampires countered with their swords, moving with lethal grace and precision. Each step carried grim resolve, their crimson eyes glowing with bloodlust. As they clashed with the xuans, their strikes unleashed bursts of aura, slicing through the air and leaving trails of blood.

The battle was ferocious. Explosions of aura from the clashes decimated the surroundings, the ground trembling as if rejecting the violence. Each collision was accompanied by blinding flashes of light and deafening booms, the earth cracking under the strain.

Kai observed as warriors from both sides fought to the death. Xuans shattered defenses and crushed bones with devastating blows, while vampires retaliated with surgical strikes, slicing through armor and leaving deep wounds.

"Kill them!"

"Help me!"

"Forward, don’t give up!" The valley echoed with the horrifying sounds of war. The screams of the wounded and dying mixed with the roar of battle, creating a cacophony of pain and terror. Blood flowed freely, soaking the ground and turning it into a crimson mire.

Kai stayed hidden, his eyes sharp, analyzing every move. He watched the commanders of both armies issuing orders, rallying their troops. Among the masses, he spotted individual warriors whose exceptional combat prowess set them apart.

One xuan, clad in gleaming green armor, fought with relentless fury, his two-handed hammer carving through the air with devastating force. Even as he battled midair, his strikes tore apart the ground below, decimating dozens of foes with each blow.

On the other side, a vampire cloaked in darkness, his face etched with tattoos and scars, moved with unparalleled speed. He drained the blood of every xuan he struck, leaving a trail of lifeless bodies in his wake.

Though these warriors were far from masters of the Law Overlord Sphere, their determination and skill were impressive. Kai continued to watch, waiting for the opportune moment to descend and absorb the spilled blood.

As the battle raged, both sides suffered heavy losses. Yet amidst the carnage, there was a grim satisfaction and fervor in the warriors’ faces. Just as Kai prepared to act, a pulse of energy rippled through the sky behind him.

"Ba-boom!" the sound resonated as a new army appeared in the distance.

Kai turned sharply to see thousands of cultivators clad in black robes adorned with pentagram emblems on their chests. These were the Chimera Masters.

Before the xuans and vampires could react, the Chimera Masters simultaneously pulled out black crystals and crushed them. In an instant, the sky filled with the silhouettes of various chimeras, which dove toward the bloody battlefield without hesitation.

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V.11 Chapter 854: The Harvest

The wave of chimeras and masters in black robes began descending from the heavens. Witnessing this, the xuan and vampires temporarily allied, as if tacitly understanding that the Chimera Masters were a far greater enemy than they were to each other. This forced truce, though uneasy, was necessary to confront a shared threat. Both sides knew that the foe descending from the skies would leave no one alive unless stopped. Worse still, many would become subjects of unspeakable experiments.

"Boom-doom!" a fresh cacophony of explosions filled the battlefield.

Swarms of chimeras with grotesquely disfigured bodies and despair etched into their eyes flew at the forefront. It seemed as though existence itself inflicted unbearable suffering on them, yet they could not resist the commands of their masters. Following closely behind were the Chimera Masters, who immediately began collecting corpses and the half-living. Those still breathing were sealed into spatial crystals for later experiments.

Each chimera was a grotesque spawn of madness and cruelty. Some had asymmetrical bodies with disproportionately swollen limbs; others bore mutilated and shriveled arms alongside other grotesque deformities. Rudimentary wings jutted from the backs of some, incapable of flight yet flapping in futile, convulsive attempts. The warped limbs of some creatures bent at unnatural angles, making them resemble nightmarish spiders or multi-legged insects.

"No matter how monstrous they appear, these chimeras are potent weapons. They rival the xuan and vampires on the battlefield. Among them are even those who match the masters of the Law Transformation Sphere..." Kai thought, observing the escalating chaos.

"Damn bastards!"

"We will not let you defile our blood!"

The battlefield echoed with shouts of hatred and the sounds of death and destruction.

"Forward!" shouted one of the xuan, swinging his hammer. His battle cry was taken up by other warriors, and the xuan army surged forward as one. They charged into battle, delivering devastating blows with their mighty hammers, each strike resounding like a deep toll across the valley. Their attacks sent chimeras flying dozens of meters back.

The vampires, on the other hand, fought with no less fervor. Their swords cleaved through the air, leaving bloody arcs in their wake. Every strike was precise and lethal, their aura-laden swings scattering enemies’ bodies like ragdolls. Moving with the grace of predators, they struck and dodged with blinding speed, turning the battlefield into a dance of death. Any foe standing in their path became prey.

But the battle was far from over. The Chimera Masters, commanding their armies, descended upon the battlefield like shadows of death. Their black robes billowed in the wind, and the chimeras they summoned tore through the ranks with relentless ferocity.

Realizing the new threat could obliterate both their armies, the xuan and vampires united their efforts. Commanders from both sides barked orders, organizing their defenses and attacks. Warriors of both races fought side by side, holding their ground and striking back at the enemy.

The air reeked of blood and metal, and the cries of the dying mingled with the roar of battle. Each warrior fought with desperate fury, knowing the stakes extended beyond their lives to the fate of their entire realm.

"Hold the line and cover the vampires!" shouted a xuan commander, fending off an enormous chimera’s assault. "Do not falter! We must endure!"

"Charge!" echoed a vampire, rallying his forces for a counterattack. "Slay the sinners! The xuans will shield us!"

The battle raged on, the battlefield becoming a blood-soaked wasteland. Screams and groans mingled with the clash of techniques and the clang of weapons. Each warrior knew this might be their final fight, but none intended to retreat. Xuan and vampires fought shoulder to shoulder, united by a single goal: survival and victory.

"What an intriguing battle... Still, I think it’s time I harvested the spoils," Kai mused with a sly grin, rising calmly from his shelter. His figure blurred momentarily, and in the next instant, he appeared amidst the carnage.

Clad in white garments and a white mask, Kai resembled a ghost in the chaos. Blood splattered and chunks of flesh flew through the air, while the force of explosions rippled around him. Yet it all seemed to bypass him, as though an invisible field of calm enveloped him.

He moved slowly and deliberately, as if strolling down a quiet street rather than through a scene of unimaginable slaughter. Chimeras and warriors from both sides fell around him, but none could approach the strange, almost ethereal figure. The fiery blasts of magical attacks, capable of incinerating anyone else, simply dissipated before reaching him.

Kai surveyed the battle with a cold, calculating gaze. He noted the pain and torment on the faces of creatures mutilated by the Chimera Masters' experiments, but it left him unmoved.

"Thu-thump!" activating his Heart of Flesh, he sent waves of power rippling outward.

In an instant, the blood spilled across the battlefield surged toward him. It was as if the earth itself heeded his call, and the blood of fallen cultivators and chimeras, as though compelled by an unseen will, altered its trajectory and streamed toward him. Even the blood that the masters sought to absorb broke free and flowed toward Kai.

He became a white beacon around which rivers of blood converged. Crimson streams, snaking like living tendrils, coiled around him in vortexes. Surrounding Kai was a whirlwind of blood, protecting and amplifying him. He appeared as the eye of a storm, each drop of blood finding its place and purpose. The swirling currents condensed into a dense cocoon before being absorbed into his Heart of Flesh. Not a single drop sullied his pristine white garments.

The blood in the air drained toward him, leaving streaks along the ground. With each passing moment, his figure became a stark white presence at the center of the crimson chaos, shining like a beacon amid the swirling scarlet storm.

Everyone on the battlefield—xuan, vampire, or chimera—was gripped by terror as Kai began absorbing the blood. It felt like an invasion of an alien, overpowering will that crushed their own. Every warrior felt a chilling dread coursing down their spine.

The xuan, who moments ago fought with fiery determination, abruptly stopped, scanning their surroundings in search of the source of this fear. Their faces, twisted with exertion and pain, now showed pure terror. They assumed it was a powerful enemy master whose might exceeded anything they had encountered before.

The usually fearless and cold-blooded vampires also felt panic setting in. Their crimson eyes darted about, trying to locate the source of the ominous aura. Some retreated, attempting to distance themselves from the white-clad figure, drawing rivers of blood.

Even the Chimera Masters, hardened by their gruesome experiments and torturous practices, were overcome by fear as they saw their chimeras collapsing, drained of blood through their wounds. Their hearts quaked with unease as they faced an incomprehensible threat.

A brief, pregnant silence fell over the battlefield. Time seemed to slow as Kai absorbed the blood, leaving warriors and chimeras frozen in fear. Every heartbeat quickened, every breath was laden with anxiety and dread.

"What... what kind of monster is that?" whispered one xuan, his wide eyes fixed on Kai.

"How can we fight against this...?" muttered a vampire, his voice trembling with fear.

"Impossible... This is impossible... We must retreat!" the Chimera Masters exchanged frantic glances, realizing they were facing a threat they could not overcome.

Suddenly, Kai raised a hand, and the surrounding air shuddered. The blood torrents surged into him all at once.

The Chimera Masters prepared to retreat, understanding their plan was doomed. But before they could act, Kai’s eerily cheerful and nonchalant voice echoed across the battlefield, commanding attention.

"While I’ve taken advantage of all of you, I have no quarrel with the masters of the ruling clans. But as for you bastards trying to revive the Evil Gods..." His tone grew cold and severe. "You won’t leave here today."

"Boom-doom!" with those words, the battlefield was engulfed by a horrifying killing intent. Even those in the air plummeted to the ground, collapsing to their knees.

The Xuan and vampires glanced around, sensing that the situation had grown unnervingly strange. Some transcendent being had intervened in their battle on a whim. At least, they thought, his fury wasn’t directed at them.

Kai raised his hand slowly, and a sphere of black-purple flames ignited above him.

"Shhhhv!" the fire roared as it grew, resembling a small black sun. This was his Astral Flame of Sacrifice, augmented by destructive black energy. Kai had intentionally modified his combat methods to conceal his identity, but even in their altered form, his techniques inspired awe and dread.

The fiery sphere pulsed and expanded, radiating an ever more menacing aura. The air around it crackled and shimmered with energy. Warriors from all sides held their breath, watching the incredible power readying itself to be unleashed.

"Die," Kai said nonchalantly, making a sweeping motion with his hand. The enormous flaming sphere detonated, unleashing a wave of fire.

"Doom! Shhhhvv!" the wave swept over half the valley.

The black-purple flames surged like a tidal wave, obliterating everything in their path. The air was thick with the stench of burning flesh and ash, while screams of horror and pain mingled with the roar of the flames.

The Chimera Masters didn’t even have time to comprehend their deaths. The fiery wave consumed them instantly, reducing them to a bloody mist. Their bodies disintegrated into ash, and the remnants of their blood and flesh evaporated in the searing heat. Even the chimeras, designed for battle and endurance, could not withstand such an onslaught. Their deformed, grotesque bodies were torn apart, unable to utter even a final cry.

The xuan and vampires, witnessing this apocalyptic spectacle, were struck with awe and terror. Their hearts pounded with a mix of dread and admiration. Each one of them understood they were standing in the presence of a being from the Law Overlord Sphere. Moreover, this entity was unlike any they had ever encountered—its devastating power evident in a mere casual gesture.

Kai, the living center of this destructive force, remained unperturbed. He gazed at the blazing valley with a cold, impenetrable expression, his pristine white robes a stark contrast to the black-purple inferno. Around him, streams of blood continued to swirl and funnel into his Heart of Flesh, enhancing his strength even further.

"What a pitiful sight," he remarked, observing the remains of his enemies vanish into the flames. "It’s a shame there were no Overlords among you…"

He turned his gaze to the remaining warriors, his killing intent subsiding slightly. Kai simply stood, a silent figure radiating both menace and calm, as thousands of warriors knelt, unable to meet his gaze.

The battle was over, but the silence that followed was laden with horror and reverence. Kai stood amidst the destruction, his form glowing white against the backdrop of the charred valley, and every survivor knew they had witnessed a power beyond their comprehension.

"Are there any Overlords among your ranks? Perhaps a teralith stronghold nearby?" Kai asked, first addressing the xuan leader, then the vampire commander.

However, both leaders met his gaze with resolute defiance. The vampire commander merely smiled and replied, "Elder… Even if we knew such information, we could never reveal it to you. Each of us carries a contract within our Heart of Fleshs."

"Ah, yes… I almost forgot…" Kai murmured thoughtfully, feeling the last streams of fresh blood flow into his body. "Then I have no further business here. I’ll find it myself."

With those words, Kai’s figure blurred and vanished in an instant. It was as though he were a ghost or a vision, inexplicably appearing on the battlefield only to disappear just as suddenly. Half of the valley had been reduced to a scorched wasteland, where black flames still burned, radiating an aura so fearsome that no one dared approach. It seemed neither the xuan nor the vampires were willing to continue their battle for the mountain and its resources. They now had a more urgent task: reporting the events to their superiors.

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V.11 Chapter 855: The White Devil

In a bustling restaurant filled with dim lighting and the spicy aroma of food, two kitsune masters sat at a table in a secluded corner. Their pointed ears and fluffy tails drew the eyes of the other patrons, but no one dared to approach. Both kitsune were dressed in elegant robes that highlighted their status.

"Have you heard the rumors about the White Devil?" the first asked, swirling a glass of amber liquid in his hand. His tail swayed slowly, betraying a subtle unease.

"Of course," the second replied, looking up from his meal. His eyes glimmered, reflecting the flickering candlelight that illuminated the restaurant. "The White Devil has been striking various locations within the Heretical God Domain. He kills indiscriminately, leaving only death and chaos in his wake. At first, many thought he was connected to the Chimera Masters, but the evidence suggests otherwise. In fact, when he encounters Chimera Masters, he usually focuses solely on them and obliterates them entirely."

"Is it true?" The first kitsune set down his glass and leaned forward. "I've heard his attacks are... unusual. Stranger still, no one understands his motives."

The second kitsune sighed, his tail freezing momentarily. The atmosphere around them grew heavier, as if their conversation might summon some unknown threat.

"No one knows," he said softly. "His techniques are too bizarre to attribute to any particular race. Some believe he’s a chimera created by the Chimera Masters, one who somehow broke free of their control. But one thing is certain: he poses a grave danger to all of us."

At that moment, a waitress approached their table, carrying steaming dishes. The scent of spices and roasted meat momentarily distracted the masters from their grim thoughts. Bowing respectfully, the waitress placed the plates down, careful not to interrupt their conversation.

"I heard he was spotted near the borders of our sector," the first kitsune continued once the waitress had left. "If that’s true, we need to be cautious."

They were in the neutral teralith, a floating territory within the Heretical God Domain. It was a haven for masters seeking adventure in the most perilous region of the Region of Flesh Domination. No one dared interrupt the conversation between the two foxes—they were members of one of the leading races.

However, in a distant corner sat a hundun, intently listening to their exchange. It was a peculiar sight—his large mouth was positioned on his stomach, and he lacked a head altogether. Casually, he tossed morsels of food under the table, chewing leisurely.

The kitsune were about to continue their discussion when the hundun suddenly spoke.

"Your information is slightly outdated, my friends."

The kitsune flinched at the sound of the hundun’s voice, but quickly regained their composure. The first kitsune frowned and turned to face the speaker.

"What do you mean?" he asked, striving to maintain a calm tone.

The hundun, still calmly feeding his unusual mouth, raised a hand as if to ask for patience.

"The White Devil isn’t just a powerful master," he began. "He’s reached the Law Overlord Sphere. Recently, he tracked down one of the Overlords of the xuan race and killed him almost instantly. The disparity in strength was staggering."

"That’s impossible!" the second kitsune exclaimed, his tail twitching nervously. "Masters of the Law Overlord Sphere aren’t so easily killed. Even in a two-against-one fight, most have ways to escape."

"Precisely," the hundun interrupted. "But the White Devil fought him like he was a child. This news has already spread across all the clans. Many are fortifying their territories, fearing they might be next."

The first kitsune’s frown deepened. His gaze was filled with worry and doubt.

"Damn it. The reports from surviving witnesses mentioned that the White Devil repeatedly asked about the whereabouts of the Overlords… What could his goal be?" he muttered, staring into the void as if trying to uncover the answer.

"That remains a mystery," the hundun replied, his voice quieter now, as if even he was uncertain. "Perhaps he has personal motives, or maybe someone even more powerful is guiding his actions. But one thing is clear: no one is safe while this devil roams free. And the Monarchs can’t leave their clan territories to deal with a single master."

The restaurant grew even quieter as all the patrons eavesdropped on the conversation. The candle flames flickered, casting intricate shadows on the walls, while the food’s aroma now seemed more enticing than ever. Everyone was drawn to tales of something strange and thrilling.

"Ugh... As if the bastards from the Chimera Masters weren’t enough, now we have another monster to contend with," the first fox muttered grimly.

"In any case, it seems he’s only interested in opponents equal to him in the Law Overlord Sphere. Everyone else is just collateral damage. If we stay away from such places, we should be fine," the second added with a shrug.

Such conversations were happening everywhere. News of the White Devil had spread like wildfire, reaching taverns, market squares, battle camps, and even aristocratic halls. Every word about the enigmatic warrior amplified the anxiety and fear among cultivators.

In one such dimly lit tavern, filled with the clamor of voices, Kai sat, disguised as a member of a mixed race. His hair was green, his ears pointed, and his skin slightly dark. He wore modest but sturdy clothes that concealed his true identity.

Kai, sipping slowly from a beautifully crafted wooden mug, listened intently to the surrounding conversations. At a nearby table, a group of masters passionately discussed the latest rumors.

"I heard the White Devil appeared out of nowhere and annihilated an entire army of hundun," one master said, his eyes sparkling with a mix of fear and excitement. "He’s like a ghost—appearing and disappearing without a trace."

"They say he’s unstoppable unless the Monarchs intervene."

"Maybe he’s a spirit returned from the dead?" a third whispered, his voice trembling.

Kai smirked subtly, though a glimmer of understanding flickered in his eyes. He knew these rumors were spreading faster than anyone could imagine. The fear of the White Devil had become a tangible force to be reckoned with. On small waypoints like this, most Law Sphere cultivators viewed Kai’s power as something out of legend.

Meanwhile, at another table, older and more experienced masters were discussing strategies for protecting their territories.

"We need to strengthen our defensive arrays and prepare for potential attacks," one said, his tone firm and resolute. "We can’t afford to be caught off guard."

"I agree," his companion replied, shaking his head. "But we also need to understand what drives this White Devil. If we can uncover his motives, we might predict his next moves."

Kai continued to listen, pretending to be just another curious traveler. In truth, he couldn’t care less about the petty precautions of these minor figures. Their heightened defenses were nothing more than a placebo. Kai only hunted Overlords and occasionally engaged in battles to scout the area and absorb blood.

Lost in thought, Kai rose, paid the tavern owner, and stepped outside. The evening air was cool and fresh, and the sky was adorned with a tapestry of reddish stars.

"Not much longer until I reach the Overlord of the vampire race… If it weren’t for the vastness of this starry expanse, I’d have found him much sooner," Kai thought as he leapt into the sky.

It had been over six months since the battle between the Xuan and vampires. During that time, Kai had been tracking Overlords, destroying teraliths, and eradicating any Chimera Masters he encountered. Using the Eyes of Essence, he had even discovered and obliterated a Chimera Masters’ stronghold, though the Overlord guarding it turned out to be a chimera.

Recently, Kai had succeeded in killing and claiming the body of a Xuan Overlord. Now, he was finally heading for the vampire Overlord. With one more body, Kai would have half the ingredients he needed. Stored within his spatial ring were the sealed corpses of a qilin, a roc, a succubus, and a xuan.

Breaking through the starry expanse, Kai waved his hand, donning his white robes and horned mask. Anyone seeing him now would instantly recognize the infamous White Devil, whose name struck fear into countless masters.

His figure shimmered against the backdrop of the stars, the very fabric of space seeming to tremble at his presence. His pristine white attire billowed in the wind, and the horned mask concealed his face, shrouding him in mystery.

Day by day, Kai journeyed toward a specific point in the starry domain. He soared through constellations and meteor fields, covering immense distances with ease, as only a master of his level could.

Eventually, far in the distance, he spotted a floating black castle against the infinite expanse of space. It was a breathtaking structure. Its sharp spires reached skyward as though attempting to pierce the heavens. The castle walls were adorned with reliefs of grotesque beasts—terrifying demonic faces, interwoven bodies, and clawed hands clutching their victims. Each detail was crafted with such precision that it seemed the creatures might spring to life at any moment.

The castle was surrounded by a foreboding aura, absorbing the light of the stars and leaving only darkness in its wake. Its massive gates, decorated with intricate patterns and spikes, appeared impenetrable. Watchtowers along the walls bristled with guards, prepared to repel any threat.

This was no ordinary structure. It was an artifact for travel, similar to Askalant’s dragon. Within it resided Kai’s next target.

Approaching the castle, Kai’s eyes gleamed behind his mask. The anticipation of battle coursed through him.

"This is it," he murmured, pausing for a moment to survey the scene.

He watched as patrols circled the castle, their dark forms illuminated by the faint starlight. Kai knew these sentries were merely the first line of defense, unworthy of his attention. With that, he dropped his disguise.

"Boom-doom!" his aura exploded outward, sending ripples of dread across the area.

"I’ve come to face you, Overlord of the vampire race!" Kai declared, his voice echoing with unyielding authority. The guards froze in shock as their gaze fell upon the white figure. They realized immediately that they were under attack by the White Devil.

From the castle emanated a sinister, blood-soaked aura, signaling that its master would not keep him waiting. The aura was so powerful and menacing that the darkness surrounding the castle seemed to thicken and come alive. The sentries, feeling its oppressive weight, braced themselves, knowing their Overlord was ready for battle.

"So you’ve decided to show yourself to me as well?" a voice rumbled, seeming to emerge from the heart of the castle.

The bloody aura coalesced in the courtyard, gradually forming a humanoid shape. It was the vampire Overlord. His crimson eyes burned like fire, and his sharp fangs glinted in the distant starlight. Dressed in black robes, his appearance was both terrifying and regal. His bald head and dark blue skin added to his monstrous visage. He looked at Kai as though he were prey, ensnared in his trap.

"Do you think I’m as weak as that turtle, White Devil?" the vampire Overlord sneered, his grin dripping with bloodlust and confidence.

"We’ll find out soon enough," Kai replied coldly, a sly smile hidden beneath his mask.

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V.11 Chapter 856: Gathering Ingredients

As Kai and the Vampire Overlord prepared for battle, crimson tattoos began to emerge on the Overlord’s body, as if igniting from within. They pulsed like living veins, spreading fiery lines across his skin. Each line, each symbol of the tattoos, seemed to be filled with blood, and as they glowed and pulsed, the energy within the Overlord intensified. The markings spread from his chest to his limbs, covering his arms and legs.

The crimson patterns flared most intensely on his right arm, where darkness began to coalesce, as though the Overlord’s blood itself was thickening and condensing into something tangible. The shadows slowly took form, shaping themselves into a weapon. Gradually, a sword emerged—its shape both elegant and terrifying. The blade was thin and elongated, like a graceful scarlet ribbon, yet surrounded by swirling, smoky tendrils of blood, giving the weapon a nightmarish aura.

This blade was forged entirely from blood. Its surface gleamed with a deep crimson, as though it remained liquid, ready to shift into something else at any moment. Streams of scarlet energy rippled and flowed along its surface, creating the illusion that the blood on it never stopped moving. The hilt appeared to be made of intertwining veins, blood-red and black, forming a spiked pattern. As the sword solidified, it began to emit a faint but ominous hum, as though its edge was tearing through the very air around it.

This was no ordinary weapon—it was the embodiment of the Vampire Overlord’s essence, steeped in his blood and thirst for destruction. It was his Law Weapon.

The Vampire narrowed his eyes, and a predatory light flared within them. His smile revealed sharp fangs as he sneered.

"I am the Overlord of the Sword of Darkness. I hope you won’t disappoint me, White Devil."

With those words, the Vampire swung his sword, and darkness immediately consumed the surroundings. The starlight dimmed as if Kai and the Overlord had been transported to another realm.

In the next instant, the Overlord swung again, and dozens of rifts opened in the air. From these fissures, replicas of his blade began to emerge, each one aiming directly at Kai.

"I won’t disappoint you," Kai replied calmly, his voice brimming with confidence. "But I fear this will be your final battle."

Kai’s eyes gleamed as he watched the dozens of crimson blades appear around him. His expression remained tranquil, as though the unfolding chaos was nothing more than a training exercise rather than a life-or-death struggle with a formidable foe. He raised one hand above his head, and the surrounding air began to thicken, drawing in energy and blood.

Black energy surged toward his palm, coalescing into a core that pulsed with a sinister light. Kai worked methodically, allowing the energy to take shape. Gradually, a one-handed sword began to form in his grasp—a blade as black as the deepest shadow, veined with crimson streaks that seemed alive, as though blood coursed through them.

The sword’s slightly curved blade looked poised to pierce flesh with devastating force. The hilt was adorned with the carved visage of a strange creature—a blend of demon and dragon. Its eyes were wide open, as if the entity itself were watching the battle unfold. The blade seemed to extend directly from the creature’s gaping maw, an unbroken extension of its terrifying visage.

Kai gripped the hilt confidently, and the sword pulsed with power in response. Black energy enveloped the weapon, radiating a sense that this was more than just a tool of war—it was an embodiment of hatred and strength, capable of slicing through the very fabric of reality.

"Hmm... What a strange style and Law... Who are you, really?" the Vampire asked suspiciously, sensing the gravity of the threat before him.

"Why should the dead care about secrets?" Kai replied nonchalantly, laughing softly.

"Boom!" An overwhelming surge of power erupted from Kai, causing the Vampire’s blades to tremble.

Kai wasted no time, channeling a fusion of his three Laws along with the Astral Flame of Sacrifice. In this moment, his strength was so overwhelming that he didn’t even rely on the full form of Entropy Armor.

Through relentless training, Kai had devised countless variations of his abilities, including new uses for Destragore. Beneath his white robes, a thin, flexible armor took shape—undetectable to the untrained eye. Kai was careful to avoid techniques that might directly reveal his identity, blending Laws and techniques in ways that made his true nature difficult to discern.

The Vampire Overlord’s heart clenched as fear pierced through him like a blade. It was a foreign sensation, forgotten over centuries—if not millennia. Since ascending as the Overlord of the Sword of Darkness, he had known neither doubt nor terror. But now, facing Kai and his black blade, something deep within him quivered.

"What in hell’s name... Where does such power come from?!" the Vampire roared, his voice filled with rage. Realizing hesitation could be fatal, he swiftly swung his arm, commanding his blood blades to strike.

"Shhvv! Shhvv! Shhvv!" dozens of crimson swords hurtled toward Kai in an instant.

Their movement tore through the air with a high-pitched whistle, creating destructive whirlwinds that warped the space around them. These blades carried a lethal force, distorting the fabric of reality as they flew, leaving fractures in their wake like cracks in brittle glass.

The spatial rifts generated a violent suction force, threatening to engulf everything nearby. Had this attack occurred on a smaller teralith, it would have obliterated all life there, leaving nothing but ruins. Yet Kai simply smiled beneath his mask.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!" sparks suddenly illuminated the darkness as the Vampire’s blades were deflected one by one.

From Kai’s body, black chains tipped with sharp points shot out, intercepting the oncoming swords. In their wake, deafening explosive waves erupted, lighting up the surrounding starry void.

The Vampire Overlord’s fortress guards, who had been watching in stunned silence, were obliterated in the shockwaves. The clash of two Overlords unleashed a force that defied comprehension, reshaping the very battlefield.

Seeing his powerful attack thwarted so easily, the Vampire Overlord’s face twisted with desperation. He glanced at his right hand, where an ancient artifact—a dark crystal with writhing violet patterns—materialized.

"I will destroy you... even if it’s the last thing I do!" the Vampire bellowed, his voice trembling with fury as he crushed the crystal in his grip.

"Crack!" the crystal shattered, unleashing a surge of energy that rippled outward in a cataclysmic wave.

The space around the Overlord quaked violently, as though reality itself could not withstand the strain. Black sparks and blood-red whirlwinds swirled around his figure, heralding impending destruction.

Hundreds of new swords materialized from spatial rifts, forming an ominous circle around Kai. These spectral blades, more menacing than the first, emitted a dark light, their hilts resonating with the anguished cries of thousands of dying souls. Each sword was a perfect replica of the original, but imbued with an even greater thirst for annihilation.

Kai surveyed the looming threat with a widening smile beneath his mask. He saw the Vampire Overlord’s desperation, a willingness to sacrifice everything for victory.

"Unfortunately, no master in the Law Overlord Sphere today is my equal," Kai said, his tone laced with subtle mockery.

The Vampire, watching Kai dismiss his efforts with such ease, felt a true and consuming terror—the cold fingers of death gripping his heart. In that instant, as realization dawned, Kai vanished from the Vampire’s sight. It all happened in a heartbeat. Kai moved with such speed that the air around him imploded, leaving behind only a faint ripple.

By the time the Vampire registered Kai’s disappearance, it was already too late. Kai was behind him. The Vampire instinctively swung his sword to defend, but Kai’s strike was swift and devastating. His black blade, seemingly effortless, met the Vampire’s with overwhelming force.

"Boom!" the collision of their weapons sent shockwaves rippling through the void, dispelling the surrounding darkness.

But the moment was fleeting. The sheer power behind Kai’s strike shattered the Vampire’s arm like brittle wood. In an instant, the Vampire’s own blade was forced into his chest, as if turning against its master.

"Crack! Shhhvv!" the screech of metal tearing through flesh echoed as Kai’s blade drove deeper, splintering bones and piercing the Overlord’s body. Blood gushed forth, shimmering like rubies in the starry expanse.

The Vampire barely had time to react before Kai delivered a series of precise, merciless strikes, severing his limbs and reducing his once-mighty form to ruin.

Kai caught the Vampire by the head with a firm grip, pouring the Oblivion Law into him. It happened so quickly the Overlord had no time to comprehend his fate.

In that moment, Kai truly appeared as the embodiment of a devil. His pristine white robes gleamed against the cosmic darkness, untouched by the carnage he had wrought. Holding the Overlord’s broken body like a trophy, Kai stood unyielding, his black blade radiating a destructive aura that devoured everything in its wake.

The blood of the Vampire Overlord flowed freely, but every drop was drawn toward Kai, as though he commanded the very laws of existence. His control over the battlefield was absolute, as if reality itself bowed to his will. His movements, though brutal and blood-soaked, left his robes unblemished.

The Overlord’s domain fell silent. Those few who survived the brief but devastating battle could only watch in stunned disbelief. The fortress of the Overlord of the Sword of Darkness, once a bastion of fear and power, now stood in eerie silence, its defenders annihilated, and its master reduced to a broken, lifeless form.

Kai’s horned mask revealed nothing of his emotions, only the icy certainty and merciless resolve of his actions. In that moment, he was no mere cultivator but a harbinger of dread, the living embodiment of the legends that had spread across the realms.

The blood of the Vampire Overlord, which had sprayed across the battlefield, continued to flow toward Kai, weaving through the void like crimson streams. Each droplet was absorbed into the swirling black energy surrounding him. The scene was one of surreal mastery; Kai stood as the undisputed master of the battle and the reality around him, his presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

Then, a voice echoed in Kai’s mind—a voice calm yet imbued with an undercurrent of admiration. It was Kessia.

"Kai... your power is terrifying. Honestly, it feels like not even a master of the Supreme Monarch Sphere could easily defeat you now. Your training in the Heretical God’s Palace and the Sea of Asura's Blood cultivation zone has elevated your strength to unimaginable heights. I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of an Overlord possessing such devastating power."

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V.11 Chapter 857: The Flesh Laboratory

Year after year passed, and Kai’s life fell into a predictable cycle. Like shadows that invariably follow light, his days alternated between rigorous training within the Heretical God’s Palace and hunts across the neutral territories. Each cycle honed his spirit and body, strengthening his Laws and abilities. Without realizing it, Kai had already surpassed fourteen hundred years of age.

The harsh routines of the Palace’s training zones were interspersed with battles against Overlords, where Kai refined his techniques and tested his newfound understanding. Yet, despite several cycles of effort, he had managed to claim the body of only one Overlord—of the kitsune race. This was due to the vast expanse of the Heretical God’s Domain, where tracking a target was no simple feat.

Kai constantly sought information about raids into pocket realms or the exploration of ancient zones. Each raid he joined became a nightmare for others, as he invariably claimed the most valuable artifacts. Yet even so, he still hadn’t gathered the necessary ingredients for Kessia’s body.

In the neutral lands, among diverse races and factions, the appearance of the White Devil had become a legend. Every few years, his arrival struck fear into the hearts of all who heard of him. This fear was justified—Kai’s presence brought chaos and death, as though destruction itself coursed through his veins. Rumors of his return often preceded him, prompting many to flee or prepare for brutal combat. It was said that some Overlords outright refused to venture into the Heretical God’s Domain until the White Devil was slain.

This rhythm became a ritual for Kai, where each new cycle brought new challenges and adversaries. On his most recent foray, he was ambushed by the Chimera Masters, who sent three Chimera Overlords to capture him. Naturally, they sought his body for their experiments, eager to unravel the source of his power.

But what troubled Kai most were the rumors that had begun to spread. During his last venture, he overheard whispers claiming that the White Devil was the chosen master of the Heretical God. Though brutal and bloodthirsty, his nature was deemed too strange and extraordinary to be ordinary. Many speculated that after tens of thousands of years, the spirit of the Heretical God was attempting to reclaim its power in their world. Even the sinner Kessia, it seemed, had been unable to destroy the God’s legacy.

At present, Kai sat on the balcony of a black pagoda, gazing out over an immense forest that stretched to the horizon. Towering trees, wrapped in ancient vines and blanketed with soft moss, reached skyward as if striving to touch the heavens. A gentle breeze rustled the treetops, carrying with it the faint scent of resin and the crispness of nature.

Silent marionettes moved across the balcony, placing dishes of rare delicacies and drinks on a low table beside Kai. Their movements were precise and flawless, as though each action had been preordained. Kai spared only a cursory glance at the offerings, his mind far from material pleasures.

The words he had overheard during his last foray echoed in his thoughts. "The chosen master of the Heretical God"—these words lingered in his consciousness like a splinter, a constant source of unease. Kai was confident in his strength and feared no enemy, yet the idea of becoming a target for the entire Region of Flesh Domination unsettled even him.

Around him, silence reigned, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the faint clinking of vessels as the marionettes arranged the table. Kai’s gaze remained fixed on the dense greenery of the forest, his thoughts consumed by what lay ahead. The years of battles, training, and hunts had forged him into a formidable force, but his goal remained unchanged—he had to gather everything necessary for Kessia’s body.

"If anyone decides I truly possess the Heretical God’s Bloodline, things will take a turn for the worse," Kai thought, addressing Kessia in his mind.

"Though you avoid absorbing blood indiscriminately, your power is far too unusual. Not only is it atypical for this world, but it’s utterly unnatural," Kessia replied with a sigh. "It’s clear that the influence of the Sphere of Essence and the mysteries of your nature have made you unique."

"I need to finish assembling your body as quickly as possible," Kai said, a note of determination in his voice. "Once this part of the plan is complete, I’ll retreat into endless cultivation within the Heretical God’s Palace. I’ll grow my strength until I’m invincible. The key is to accomplish this before my identity draws too much interest from the peak masters."

In recent outings, Kai had adopted new disguises and even altered his appearance. Yet it was all in vain. People recognized the White Devil not by his white robes and mask, but by his unmatched combat prowess. Whenever Kai unleashed his full strength, it became immediately clear who he was.

For a master of Kai’s level, changing one’s appearance was no extraordinary feat. While his techniques were impressive and the Craftsman's Heart Devourer artifacts provided additional aid, his attacks gave him away instantly.

Sensing Kai’s introspection, Kessia spoke gently. "Perhaps you should lie low for a while and resurface once you’ve been forgotten."

"I’m not sure…" Kai replied. "I still need to collect the bodies of a hundun, a dragon, and a phoenix. The last two, especially, will be challenging. But even more difficult is the Asura Progenitor body parts!"

Clenching his teeth, Kai reached for a goblet of sweet-sour alcohol, taking a few deliberate sips before setting it down sharply.

"Thud!" the goblet struck the table, and Kai frowned, his gaze once again drifting toward the forest.

A nagging thought crept into his mind, one he couldn’t shake. Mulling it over, he unconsciously clicked his tongue and muttered aloud, "Damn it... Where am I supposed to find a Flesh Weaver capable of performing the Body Sculpting Technique?"

No sooner had the words left his lips than a deep, calm voice echoed: "You need to create an artificial body? If so, then within the depths of the Heretical God’s Palace lies a special zone. It was established by the First Heretical God for experiments with flesh and bloodlines. In that zone, it’s possible to fuse flesh and bloodlines to create bodies, though without a soul, they remain mere puppets. Much like those currently serving you."

The voice was so composed and casual that Kai froze. He had never spoken of his goal aloud before, nor had he considered bypassing the need for a Flesh Weaver. For the first time in ages, a glimmer of hope sparked within him. Even Kessia, within his Spiritual Sea, seemed equally astonished.

Raising an eyebrow, Kai spoke, his tone measured yet betraying a hint of urgency. "Tempcore… Tell me more about this zone. I didn’t know the Palace had such capabilities."

"When the First Heretical God conducted his experiments, he created a place called the Flesh Laboratory," Tempcore explained. "There, he fused various bloodlines and pieces of flesh, refining his Law of Flesh while observing the creation of new life forms. However, without the infusion of a soul, these creations remained lifeless puppets. The Laboratory contains many tools and resources left for continuing such research."

Kai struggled to process the revelation, his mind racing to grasp its implications. The Flesh Laboratory, created by the Heretical God himself, could be the key to crafting the perfect body. Yet significant challenges remained.

"Tempcore," Kai asked, his voice tense, "if the Laboratory can create bodies, can it produce an asura body capable of holding the soul of a Law Devourer?"

A heavy silence followed. Even Tempcore, ever composed, hesitated before replying.

"Creating a body of a specific race capable of containing the soul of a Law Devourer is extraordinarily difficult. However, if you have the necessary materials, it’s feasible. Understand, though, that this process demands unparalleled control and energy."

Kai felt a surge of resolve ignite within him. The possibility of creating Kessia’s body without external aid opened paths he hadn’t dared dream of. Yet he also understood the immense risks. One misstep could lead to catastrophe.

"It’s possible," Kai murmured, his mind already racing through potential scenarios. "If the Laboratory truly can do this, it will accelerate everything!"

But Tempcore’s next words doused Kai’s excitement.

"All is possible if you possess the required materials and enhance them with what the Flesh Laboratory holds. However, as of now, the main sections of the Laboratory are restricted to you."

Kai immediately grasped the implication and fired back, "Do I need to pass a trial? I’m ready! What does it entail?"

Tempcore’s response was even more disheartening.

"In this case, it’s not so simple. While you’ve cultivated extensively in the Blood Mutation Zone and studied the fusion of bloodlines, it’s insufficient. To access the primary sections of the Flesh Laboratory, you must first master what is now known as Flesh Weaving. Currently, you’re only permitted access to the sections containing training manuals and basic zones. Similar facilities exist for other crafts, but I have directed you only to those that enhance your combat prowess and cultivation."

"If you wish to fully utilize the Flesh Laboratory, you must achieve significant mastery in Flesh Weaving," Tempcore concluded calmly.

The weight of these words bore down on Kai, yet his eyes blazed with determination. Clenching his fists, he spoke inwardly to Kessia.

"I can’t bring an outsider into the Heretical God’s Palace, which means the best place to create your body is off-limits… Ignoring this opportunity isn’t an option. So what choice do I have?"

The longer Kai pondered, the clearer the answer became. With a heavy sigh, he addressed Kessia once more.

"It seems I’ll need to study Flesh Weaving, no matter how long it takes. This will solve the problem of finding a suitable craftsman, grant us access to the best zone for creating your body, and provide additional resources to enhance it."

These weren’t empty words. Though the task ahead was daunting and time-consuming, the plan held undeniable promise. Kessia, too, recognized this. Her presence radiated joy, for the final steps of her resurrection were finally beginning to take shape.

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V.11 Chapter 858: Hundun

After the conversation with Tempcore, Kai chose not to rush into a decision. He decided to weigh the pros and cons of learning the craft of Flesh Weaving. While the decision to eventually pursue this skill was made, fully immersing himself in such a demanding practice required more than desire—it required a monumental amount of time. Starting the training without first gathering the complete set of ingredients needed for Kessia’s body would be pointless. Only then could he confidently enter a closed cycle of study to achieve mastery, enabling him not only to recreate her body but also to use this knowledge for future endeavors.

"Within the Heretical God’s Palace, no one can find me, not even the strongest beings in the Region of Flesh Domination. Entering the training cycle is far more sensible when I have everything I need at my disposal..." Kai thought, leaning back in his chair.

He understood that beginning his training now would only waste precious time and energy, yielding unsatisfactory results. Caught in a loop of endless contemplation, Kai became increasingly convinced that it was time to head out on another hunt.

"Damn… Should I send a message to the Order of Heretical Races for leads on some Chimera Masters' lairs?" he wondered. "Or should I track those bastards down myself? Perhaps I could venture into clan territories for the hunt… But in that case, the only viable option would be the Chaos Realm of Hundun. I’d prefer to avoid terrorizing the phoenixes and dragons' lands..."

Dozens of thoughts raced through Kai's mind as he tried to organize them. While the task seemed simple—finding Overlords of suitable races—it was proving to be extraordinarily difficult.

"Enough deliberation. It’s time to hunt! Tempcore, take me to the Palace's entrance!" Kai said decisively, and the space around him blurred. Moments later, he found himself in a familiar area surrounded by floating temples.

On his last venture, Kai had heard of a large teralith in the neutral lands. He had avoided traveling there, as it was far from the Heretical God’s Palace, making a retreat to safety challenging in case of danger.

"It’s been several years since my last hunt… I think if I stay quiet, no one will suspect me," he thought, adjusting his attire.

This time, his skin was reddish, and his eyes gleamed with a golden hue. His hair, tied in a tight bun, shimmered in a striking golden color. Using an artifact, he suppressed his cultivation level to approximately the sixth Law Transformation, making him appear as a formidable, but not extraordinary, master.

"Let’s hope this hunt finally bears fruit..."

With this thought echoing in his mind, Kai sped toward the exit of the Palace's domain. Determined not to waste time, he pushed himself to his maximum speed.

And so, Kai’s new hunt began—or rather, his journey to the hunting grounds.

For twenty days, he traversed the starry void, feeling the currents of heretical blood envelop him like a living presence. He moved at such velocity that the fabric of space itself seemed to tear in his wake, leaving behind a faint trail of pulsating energy.

Everything was proceeding smoothly. Kai was fully focused on his route when, suddenly, his intuition stirred.

At first, it was just a faint ripple in the air—barely perceptible but potent enough to trigger alarm.

Then, within moments, a wave of foreign perception engulfed him like an invisible net, penetrating every particle of his being. It was the sensation of an unfamiliar mind rapidly approaching and probing his essence.

"Dammit! Have I been tracked? How is that possible?!" Kai instantly tensed, his thoughts swirling like a storm. He was prepared to change course and attempt to evade pursuit, but he quickly realized the situation wasn’t as dire as it seemed. The perception enveloping him belonged to an Overlord.

A sly grin spread across Kai’s face. There was a chance that, after decades, his luck had finally turned. Intentionally, he slowed his speed, allowing his pursuer to catch up.

"Interesting… Who might this be, and what do they want?" he mused, letting the foreign perception probe him further while feigning the guise of an unsuspecting and naive master.

Kai kept his identity concealed, careful not to reveal his true strength or intentions. Outwardly, he remained calm and composed, but internally, his mind worked furiously, analyzing every detail of the encounter.

He maintained a steady pace, seemingly unbothered by the situation. The foreign perception began to recede slightly, though it didn’t disappear completely. It lingered, like a predator stalking its prey, waiting for the right moment to strike. Kai sensed that the entity behind it hadn’t yet decided how to act on his presence. Still, he was ready, plotting how to turn the situation to his advantage.

As he continued to fly, Kai noticed something unusual—a massive, dark shape far behind him. It moved like a shadow, growing more distinct with each passing moment.

Squinting to focus, Kai tried to discern the object more clearly. When realization struck, a wave of exhilaration surged through him. This was no mere group of pursuers. In the distance, he saw a vast "black cloud" composed of hundreds, if not thousands, of figures. An army of masters moved as a single organism, their collective auras blending together. Yet even amidst the chaos, Kai recognized their attire.

"Chimera Masters! Are they heading for a raid and decided to snatch me along the way? Heh," the thought struck him like lightning.

These Chimera Masters were always on the hunt for victims to fuel their vile experiments, and now he had become their target. Even disguised as a mixed-race master, his aura as a sixth Law Transformation cultivator made him an irresistible prize.

"They think they’ve found an easy victim… Perfect," Kai thought, his eyes glinting with determination. He feigned panic, accelerating his flight as though attempting to flee.

The silence of the starry void shattered as a thunderous voice boomed—a voice so powerful and commanding that its echoes reverberated through the expanse, filling the void with an oppressive presence. This voice carried the weight of millennia, a cruel indifference to the lives of those in its path.

"Run if you like, but know that your pathetic attempts are futile," the voice roared, resonating directly within Kai's mind. Its tone was deep, like distant thunder. "If you don’t stop now, I promise that during our experiments on your pitiful body, we will inflict agony a hundredfold."

The threat hung heavily in the air, laced with such confidence and malice that anyone else might have succumbed to panic. The Chimera Masters clearly believed they had already won, envisioning Kai as a helpless specimen awaiting their blades.

But not Kai. Far from intimidating him, the dark voice elicited a smirk. These Chimera Masters had no idea the trap they thought they were springing was about to ensnare them instead.

"I wonder… what race does this Overlord belong to?" Kai mused, continuing to feign fear.

Kai slowed his flight, allowing a pretense of "terror" to take hold, convincing his pursuers of his vulnerability. Inwardly, he burned with anticipation. The massive swarm of masters loomed ever closer, their combined auras a blood-red torrent that rippled through the void, heralding an epic confrontation.

Finally, Kai turned to face his pursuers. What lay before him was both awe-inspiring and exhilarating—a vast, dark cloud of masters hurtling toward him, consuming the void like a storm front before a deluge.

Among the countless auras, Kai discerned two that stood out: dominant, overwhelming presences. These were not ordinary masters. They belonged to Law Overlords Sphere.

"Two Overlords? This just got interesting..." Kai noted with mild surprise. Such a pairing was rare.

A dense, oppressive energy began to envelop Kai like a web, constricting his movements. Kai allowed himself to be "captured," barely suppressing a grin. He played the role of a cornered victim, letting his enemies believe they had succeeded. The heavy aura wrapped around him completely, freezing every cell in his body, when suddenly, a condescending voice resonated in his mind.

"A wise choice," the Overlord sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. He spoke as if Kai were nothing more than an insect, finally within his grasp. "I didn’t expect to find such a fine specimen along the way."

The Overlord drew closer, exuding an air of invulnerability. He studied Kai with the detached gaze of a butcher examining livestock before slaughter. His expression betrayed nothing but contempt and cold calculation.

"Look at him," the Overlord continued, addressing his companions, who were beginning to encircle Kai. "A sturdy body, though his mongrel bloodline seems strong… Yes, he’ll make an excellent chimera. Promising material indeed."

Nodding as if appraising goods at a market, the Overlord’s lips curled into a smug grin.

"Soon, you will be reborn to serve the world. As a chimera under my hand, you’ll accomplish great things," he added, his tone laced with derision, as though recounting an old, familiar joke.

Kai listened, allowing his smirk to falter slightly, pretending to be broken and defeated. He could already see the moment this arrogant Overlord would writhe in agony, realizing the true nature of his "victim".

Then, to the Overlord's surprise, Kai spoke.

"If my bloodline seems so incomprehensible and second-rate to you… then what kind of bloodline do you possess?"

In this situation, Kai’s response was baffling. He had been captured by terrifying Chimera Masters, yet he was asking such trivial questions.

"You don’t need to know that," the Overlord replied coldly, pulling out a black crystal to seal Kai.

The crystal began to glow, and the surrounding space stilled, as though nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation. Slowly, the Overlord raised the crystal, preparing to activate it. But in the next instant, everything changed.

"Boom!" Kai’s hand moved with lightning speed, slicing through the air so fast the space around it cracked. An explosive shockwave followed, instantly shattering the energy that bound him. The Overlord had no time to react before the force hurled him backward.

The powerful blast struck with such intensity that his robes tore apart, revealing his true form. The Overlord, moments away from activating the crystal, was rendered utterly helpless by the sudden strike. His shredded garments exposed his body for what it truly was.

"Hundun!" Kai exclaimed with a gleeful smile. "And what of your ally’s race? Could I have hit the jackpot today? Heh," he quipped, shifting his gaze to the second Overlord.

At that moment, both Chimera Master leaders realized the seemingly easy prey they had captured was far from ordinary.

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V.11 Chapter 859: Kai's Venture

The Overlord of the Chimera Masters, who had stood silently in the background, now fixed an intense gaze on Kai. His eyes narrowed, as though trying to pierce through to the depths of Kai’s soul. Something about Kai’s presence triggered a flicker of suspicion, a shadow of doubt clouding his thoughts. He tensed, sensing a hidden danger in the air.

Without hesitation, he retrieved a peculiar artifact—a golden cube—and activated it, erecting a barrier around himself and his forces. This was no ordinary barrier; its strength was formidable enough to hold even a Law Overlord Sphere at bay. The hundun briefly raised an eyebrow in surprise but chose not to question the action.

"Such an unusual black aura... Black aura…" the Overlord muttered cryptically, concealing his face further beneath his hood. He continued, "It reminds me of rumors that have persisted for decades."

His eyes narrowed even further, attempting to mask the growing unease in his expression. Hearing these words, the hundun turned his grotesque torso toward Kai, the gaping mouth on his stomach parting slightly. It seemed as though he had grasped what the other Overlord was implying.

"Could it be him? The White Devil… The rumors claim he is elusive, merciless, and leaves almost no trace of his actions. Many Overlords have hunted him... If it is truly him, then…" The thought hung unfinished, but the weight of it sank deep into the hundun’s heart.

The hundun suppressed his growing anxiety, adopting an air of icy composure as he addressed Kai.

"I propose we part ways without conflict. There is no need for us to fight," he said evenly, though Kai detected the tension behind his words.

It was clear the hundun hoped that Kai was not the White Devil. After all, the stories told of the White Devil’s unparalleled hatred for Chimera Masters. While those of mixed races or prominent clans might be spared, the Chimera Masters always faced slaughter.

"You wanted to turn me into an ingredient for your experiments, and now you’re proposing we part ways peacefully? Do you think that barrier will save you?" Kai retorted, a mocking edge to his tone.

"It would take me ten strikes to break it… but neutralizing the hundun instantly won’t be easy…" Kai thought, his Eyes of Essence analyzing the barrier and the situation.

"Exactly. You understand the nature of this world. The strong consume the weak; it’s the way of things. But since we are also strong—and there are two of us—we can forget this encounter and go our separate ways," the hundun replied with cold seriousness, retreating slowly toward his ally.

No one expected Kai’s next words. A devilish grin spread across his face as he declared, "Unfortunately for you, I’m just as interested in you as an ingredient. I can offer your ally a deal," he added, shifting his gaze to the hooded Overlord. "Hand over this hundun, and I won’t touch you or the others."

The hooded Overlord responded with a disdainful scoff, as though the proposal were too absurd to even consider. Turning his gaze briefly to the hundun, then back to Kai, his expression was one of cold, calculating superiority.

"We retreat to the sanctuary," he said evenly to the hundun, his voice calm and devoid of panic, as though he had already accounted for every possibility.

The hundun nodded, his eyes never leaving Kai. Yet as the hooded Overlord finished speaking, he added an enigmatic phrase:

"Chimeras don’t swim when the sun sets."

The hundun’s mouth twisted into a faint smile, as though the cryptic remark carried some hidden meaning. In the next instant, he teleported to his ally’s side.

Kai’s brow furrowed slightly. The situation felt strange. If a message needed to be conveyed, the hooded Overlord could have used thought transmission. Yet he deliberately spoke the cryptic phrase aloud, as though provoking Kai.

As soon as the hundun joined him, the hooded Overlord raised his hand, revealing a crimson crystal. He gripped it tightly, and the crystal instantly cracked and crumbled into tiny fragments, dissolving into the air.

Almost immediately, the space around them trembled, and a thin fissure tore open in the fabric of reality. The rift expanded, forming a blood-red portal that pulsed with a sinister glow, growing larger with each passing moment.

The Chimera Masters, as if driven by instinct, rushed toward the portal without waiting for orders. Their movements were frantic and chaotic, as though they knew lingering for even a second longer would spell certain death.

Kai observed them coolly, understanding that their desperation hinted at something far more significant than a mere command to retreat. He watched as, one by one, the Chimera Masters vanished into the portal, their figures dissolving into the crimson light, leaving only faint traces of dissipating energy.

The hooded Overlord lingered, making no effort to leave in haste. He seemed intent on ensuring the safe retreat of his subordinates. His gaze locked on Kai, and within it was more than disdain—it was a challenge, an attempt to prove something or issue a warning.

"We’re fortunate not to be far from our sanctuary. I advise you not to follow, or you’ll meet your end. This is your final chance to walk away," the Overlord said with a smirk before disappearing into the portal.

The hundun followed without hesitation, leaving Kai standing before the blood-red rift. The portal was rapidly shrinking and would likely last only a few more seconds.

"They’re definitely bluffing. They want me to think it’s a trap, so I won’t follow," Kai muttered, narrowing his eyes.

"Kai… I don’t like this. The situation feels off. What if they’re not bluffing? What if they’re pretending to lure you into a real trap? Maybe you should let this go," Kessia’s voice interrupted, laced with suspicion and concern.

But Kai had already made his decision. Power surged within him as he confidently declared, "I’ve spent too long searching for suitable Overlords for your body. I can’t let this hundun escape. Whatever trap they’ve set, it won’t be enough to stop me! Besides, I have an artifact to seal their pocket realm. They won’t get away so easily!"

Without hesitation, Kai launched himself toward the blood-red portal, disregarding any further warnings.

"Bam! Bam! Bam!" each of Kai’s strikes against the golden barrier reverberated, the sound echoing through the void as he watched his prey slip away.

"Crack! Bam!" with one final explosive blow, the barrier shattered.

Kai’s body erupted with energy as he surged into the crimson glow, now faint and fading. The force within him demanded action—he could not afford to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

As he passed through the portal, a torrent of energy surrounded him, alive and pulsating. Waves of blood-red light swirled around him, warping the very space he entered. Kai felt the dimensional rift seal behind him as he hurtled through the tunnel.

The distorted tunnel seemed endless, time stretching as each second dragged into an eternity. Energy pulsed around his body, the chaotic space pressing against him like a living force. Kai remained resolute, his senses heightened to the extreme. He braced for the ambush that could come at any moment. The fiery power within him burned brighter, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.

Finally, a faint, blood-red glow brightened ahead. The tunnel opened, revealing a vast space bathed in a crimson light. Kai emerged and landed on solid ground, his sharp gaze immediately scanning his surroundings.

Before him lay a massive city, ancient and grotesque, warped by monstrous experiments. This city was far larger than any he had seen in other Chimera Masters’ lairs.

Its edges faded into a murky distance, consumed by a reddish haze. Towering structures loomed like skeletal obelisks, their rust-streaked walls drenched in trails of blood, flowing like water through ancient aqueducts. These towers exuded an aura of death, casting long, ominous shadows.

The architecture was nightmarish, each detail a testament to the city’s horrifying nature. Streets paved with black stones bore marks of brutal rituals. Many stones were cracked, oozing a thick, dark liquid that resembled blood seeping from wounds.

In the city’s center rose a colossal pyramid, its peak lost in the crimson glow of the artificial sky. Blood cascaded down its steps, pooling into massive basins at its base, where it churned and shimmered like a sentient being.

The air reeked of metal, decay, and rot. Blood did not merely coat the city; it was part of it, absorbed into every stone and crevice.

Shadowy figures—chimera-like creatures stitched together from disparate body parts—watched Kai from the darkness. Their glowing, predatory eyes glinted, ready to attack, though they remained motionless, awaiting their masters’ orders.

This was a cursed place where life had long since died, replaced by agony and despair. Darkness reigned supreme, and Chimera Masters in black cloaks roamed the streets in clusters.

Kai raised his gaze to see two Overlords watching him from above.

"So, you’re not as dangerous as the rumors claim, White Devil," the hundun sneered.

As the words left his mouth, the ground beneath Kai began to tremble. The plaza where he stood suddenly erupted with red light. Sharp beams pierced the air, and Kai felt a powerful aura closing in from all directions. The ground beneath him transformed, coming alive under the influence of an ancient technique.

The crimson light rose upward, forming an enormous barrier that sealed him off completely from the outside world. Within it, the pressure was immense, the energy pressing down on him like an unrelenting force, restricting his movements.

The sounds of the city outside were silenced as the barrier locked into place. A heavy stillness fell, broken only by the flickering glow of crimson energy that seemed to flow like blood up the walls of the barrier.

"Welcome to your new cage, White Devil," the hooded Overlord’s voice cut through the silence, echoing within the sealed space. His tone dripped with arrogance and triumph.

The hundun smirked, his cold, cruel eyes glinting. "Did you think you could simply waltz into our sanctuary? The Bloodthirsty Monarch will be pleased when he returns…" he added, his satisfaction evident.

As Kai heard the name, it struck him like a bolt of lightning. He had heard it before. The Bloodthirsty Monarch—he was the same vampire who had hunted Kai and the Order of Heretical Races during their journey to the qilin homeland.

"Damn it! Kessia was right about the trap... If that lunatic arrives before I can break the barrier, everything will spiral out of control!" Kai cursed inwardly, realizing he had miscalculated this time.

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V.11 Chapter 860: A Weak Cell

Kai exhaled slowly, feeling the fury boiling within him. His muscles tensed as he narrowed his eyes, fixating on the enemies who dared to stand in his way. He was acutely aware of the urgency—Bloodthirsty Monarch could arrive in a week or in a single heartbeat.

The crimson glow of the barrier reflected in his eyes, and a cold, malevolent smirk crept across his lips. Surrender or showing weakness was not an option. On the contrary, his rage fed a relentless force within him, one that would soon erupt like an unstoppable storm.

"You’re all doomed," he breathed, his voice echoing ominously within the sealed space. "You’ve set a trap for me without knowing who I am," as he spoke, his pupils shimmered faintly with arcane symbols. He had activated the Eyes of Essence.

Focusing intently, Kai issued a mental command to Destragore. Instantly, dozens of blade-like weapons began materializing around him, resembling sharp, deadly stakes.

"I’ll break free from here, and then I’ll destroy every last one of you," he declared, his voice brimming with unshakable certainty.

Within the barrier, energy began to surge, growing more potent with each passing moment. The ground beneath Kai’s feet trembled, and a brilliant light flared from his hands, blinding and fierce. He was ready to unleash his full power against the barrier, determined to obliterate it and those who had constructed it.

Outside the barrier, the hundun observed with a smirk, while the hooded Overlord remained impassive.

"No matter how hard you try, brute force alone won’t break it," the hooded figure remarked, shaking his head dismissively.

Kai, seemingly deaf to their words, continued channeling his inner vision, delving deeper into the barrier’s structure with the Eyes of Essence. In his mind, the barrier unfolded into an intricate web of interwoven energies, each thread playing a specific role, each node revealing a potential weakness. The entire structure was laid bare before him, its vulnerabilities now crystal clear.

Kai extended his arms outward, and in a single motion, the stakes of pure energy he had summoned shot forward, targeting the barrier’s most fragile points with uncanny precision.

"Shu! Shu! Shu!" the stakes pierced the barrier’s structure, accompanied by sharp, resounding cracks. Yet the expressions of his enemies remained smug and disdainful. The hooded Overlord chuckled, his confidence unwavering.

"Pitiful attempts," the hundun sneered, his tone dripping with derision. "This barrier is forged from ancient powers. It cannot be—"

"Crack!"

The sound interrupted the hundun mid-sentence. At first, it was faint, like the snapping of brittle wood, but it quickly grew louder, reverberating across the entire barrier. The hooded Overlord frowned, his confidence wavering as a sense of dread crept in.

"Kragh! Dzin!" the cracking noise intensified into a grinding, ear-splitting screech. The barrier shuddered violently, as though buckling under an overwhelming force. Fine fractures spread across its surface like spiderwebs, disrupting the flow of energy within. Streams of power faltered, colliding chaotically against the breaches Kai had created.

"Ba-boom!" a thunderous blast erupted as the barrier imploded from within, shattering into countless fragments that rained down onto the blood-drenched ground below. A wave of raw energy burst forth, obliterating everything in its path. The hundun and the hooded Overlord barely had time to conjure protective shields.

Their smug expressions were gone, replaced by shock and disbelief. The hooded Overlord stared at the now-empty space where their supposedly indestructible barrier had stood just moments ago. His hands trembled slightly as he cast a furtive glance at the hundun, seeking answers.

"This is… impossible…" the hundun growled, his eyes narrowing as fear flickered within them. "He broke it…"

Kai stood at the center of the shattered arena, his gaze burning with bloodlust. Dust and debris settled around him as he fixed his piercing stare on his adversaries, no longer concealing the terrifying extent of his power.

"Pray that your damned Monarch arrives soon," Kai said, his tone dripping with menace. "Because if he doesn’t, you’re finished."

The hundun instinctively reached for a strange talisman, clearly intending to send an urgent distress signal to the Bloodthirsty Monarch. But Kai had no intention of allowing it.

Before the talisman could shatter in the hundun’s grip, Kai crushed his own crystal, unleashing a wave of power that enveloped the entire city within a new barrier. This was an artifact from the Order of Heretical Races, designed specifically for raids on Chimera Masters.

"Damn it! He’s sealed us in!" the hooded Overlord hissed through clenched teeth, struggling to suppress his growing fury as the situation spiraled out of control.

"When is the Monarch expected to arrive?" the hundun asked, his voice tinged with panic.

"Speak through thought! Don’t give our enemy any useful information!" the Overlord snapped irritably, flinging off his cloak.

As the robe fell away, Kai beheld a creature that was both grotesque and awe-inspiring. The being’s body was a horrifying amalgamation of flesh, metal, and unnatural seams—a testament to the brutal experiments of the Chimera Masters. Thick, glistening stitches crisscrossed his skin, pulsing faintly as though infused with life. These threads did not merely hold him together; they seemed to anchor his entire existence.

His face was a study in grotesque asymmetry: one half was covered in rough, darkened skin, while the other was stripped bare, exposing sinewy muscles in shades of black and brown. His mismatched eyes—one glowing crimson, the other a milky white orb—added to his unsettling visage.

His limbs were equally mismatched. One arm was grotesquely muscular, ending in claws sharp as daggers, while the other was slender and reinforced with metallic plates and spikes. His legs were similarly discordant, one scaly like a reptile’s, the other a hybrid of flesh and machinery, with gears and veins pulsating with bluish light.

This chimera was the embodiment of the Chimera Masters’ twisted ingenuity—a horrifying fusion of raw power and abomination.

"The hundun defers to the chimera? This monster must be more formidable than it appears… but it makes no difference to me," Kai thought, as his body began to shimmer with the Entropy Armor. Dual axes materialized in his hands, their deadly blades extending seamlessly from their hilts.

The hundun, emboldened by the presence of his ally, smirked with renewed confidence. His eyes gleamed with bloodlust and a burning desire for vengeance.

"Do you think you can cut us down as easily as you destroyed the barrier?" the hundun snarled, his voice seething with malice. "We’re far stronger than those you’ve killed before!"

Kai met their fury with a smirk of his own.

"If you’re not in the Supreme Monarch Sphere, you’re nothing to me," he replied, his words brimming with disdainful confidence.

The threads binding the chimera’s body began to writhe, as though alive. They detached from his skin, intertwining to form a massive stinger. The grotesque appendage pulsed with a sinister glow, its blade-like tip exuding an energy so malevolent it seemed capable of piercing any defense.

Meanwhile, the hundun’s body began to transform. Silver tattoos adorning his flesh lit up with an intense radiance, their pulsations syncing with the rhythm of his heartbeat. A gray mist coiled around his fists, distorting the air itself and creating tiny fractures in space.

The two adversaries stood ready, their combined aura suffocating the battlefield. The air grew dense, heavy with the weight of their power, as the world seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the impending clash.

"If this is all you’ve got," Kai said, twirling his axes with casual ease, "this fight won’t last long."

The chimera and the hundun moved as one, their bodies blurring with speed as they lunged toward Kai. The chimera’s stinger whistled through the air, aimed directly at his chest, while the hundun’s fists, wreathed in the gray mist, streaked toward his head.

Their assault was perfectly synchronized, designed to annihilate him in a single, decisive strike. But Kai was ready. Time seemed to slow as the three warriors collided in a maelstrom of destruction.

And just as their attacks closed in, a deafening explosion ripped through the battlefield—a divine roar of thunder crashing down upon the Chimera Masters’ lair.

"Ba-BAM!"

Kai, shrouded in a storm of blood-red lightning and shadowy energy entwined with his Spirit Flame, unleashed the full force of his power. There would be no restraint—he could not afford to wait for the Monarch’s arrival.

Kai’s form became a weapon of pure devastation. His icy gaze burned with lethal intent as he spun with ferocious speed, his axes carving through the air in wide, deadly arcs. Blood-red lightning, black fire, and raw destructive force wove together in the wake of his strikes, creating a tempest of annihilation.

"Sh-shraahk!" the air screamed as the twin axes, aglow with hellish energy, sliced through the battlefield.

The arcs of destruction surged forward, unstoppable in their path. They collided with the chimera’s stinger, severing it cleanly, and continued toward the hundun, shearing off his arm wreathed in gray mist. The severed limb spun through the air, spewing black ichor before crashing to the ground with a dull thud. The hundun staggered back, clutching the stump where his arm had been, his face twisted in pain and disbelief. The chimera, too, reeled from the loss of his stinger, his grotesque form shuddering as he tried to regain his composure.

But the devastation did not stop there. The residual energy from Kai’s strike roared forward, carving through the Chimera Masters’ lair. Towers crumbled like sandcastles, their reinforced walls disintegrating under the sheer force. Entire sections of the city were reduced to rubble in an instant, the once-imposing structures now nothing more than broken stones and swirling dust.

The air was heavy with the acrid stench of scorched flesh and stone. Those who had hidden in the shadows of the lair, whether chimera creations or weaker masters, were obliterated in the waves of destruction. The echoes of collapsing buildings and anguished cries reverberated throughout the shattered stronghold.

The chimera and the hundun were hurled backward, their bodies slamming into the ground with bone-cracking force. Dust and debris swirled around them as they struggled to rise, the weight of Kai’s power pressing down on them like an immovable mountain. Fear flickered in their eyes—fear of an opponent who had far exceeded their expectations.

"What… what is this monster?" the hundun croaked, his remaining hand clutching at his mangled arm. Black blood dripped between his fingers, pooling at his feet. His voice trembled with the realization of just how far out of their depth they were.

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V.11 Chapter 861: Prisoners

Kai, surrounded by the wreckage of destruction, wasted no time. Taking a deep breath, he felt his inner energy, fused with rage, surge through every cell of his body. His eyes gleamed with a cold light as he stepped forward, almost imperceptibly, but it was enough for his enemies to feel the growing pressure.

"Pray that your bastard Monarch arrives soon!" Kai growled, his voice roaring like thunder.

Swinging his axes with a sweeping arc, Kai unleashed a wave of force that instantly obliterated hundreds of structures beneath his feet, reducing them to piles of rubble soaked in the blood and flesh of Chimera Masters.

A Hundun, exuding a powerful aura, charged forward, its remaining arm cloaked in a dark haze spewing deadly energy.

But Kai was faster.

Spinning his axes with such speed that they blurred into a single arc, he intercepted the Hundun's attack, piercing its defenses with devastating ease. One strike sent a wave of destructive energy hurtling toward the creature, slamming it into the barrier wall like a dry leaf in a storm.

In the blink of an eye, Kai appeared before his fallen foe and drove his axe into its chest, triggering another powerful explosion that rippled through the city, raising clouds of dust and debris. A chimera, rallying its strength and regrowing its stinger, struck again—but it was futile. Kai was too powerful.

"Shhff! Baam!" another wave of destructive energy shot toward the chimera, flinging it back and demolishing everything in its path.

The city crumbled beneath them with every passing second. Towers that had stood for centuries collapsed under Kai's onslaught, flying into the air like pitiful toys. Explosions and thunderous strikes echoed throughout the Chimera Masters' lair, sweeping away all in their path. Blood-red lightning arced from Kai's axes, tearing through space and annihilating everything around him. Enemies that moments earlier seemed formidable now scrambled, unsure of how to react.

The chimera, wheezing and vomiting its innards, was thrown into the debris, leaving a trail of flames in its wake. The Hundun, missing an arm and riddled with wounds, tried to muster the last of its strength to fight back, but Kai was relentless. Spinning his axes, he sliced the creature apart and struck its chest with his palm, targeting its Spirit Sea, located just below its torso since the Hundun race lacked a head.

"One more down," Kai muttered coldly, sealing the Hundun into a special artifact before transferring it into his spatial ring.

The city around them no longer existed. All that remained of the once-mighty Chimera Masters' lair was buried under heaps of rubble. The only structure left standing was the main temple—or laboratory.

Kai stood amidst the ruins, his breathing steady but his anger palpable. He turned his gaze to the second defeated Overlord, who still lay on the ground, struggling to breathe.

The man, trembling from pain and terror, tried to rise, but his body refused. He could not fathom how someone so terrifying could exist at without a much higher cultivation level. He had faced many powerful foes, but this monster seemed to transcend the very concept of strength.

Without hesitation, Kai lunged at the Overlord. Without a word, a black chain shot from behind him, wrapping around the Overlord's throat and lifting him effortlessly into the air. A black blade crackling with red lightning appeared in Kai's hand.

"Are there any important prisoners in your laboratory? Perhaps someone from the Law Overlord Sphere?" Kai asked in a calm yet menacing voice, his eyes piercing into the Overlord's soul. The tip of his blade hovered at the chimera's throat, exuding a violet mist that seeped into the creature's Spirit Sea.

"Kh-gaah!" the Overlord screamed in agony and terror, feeling as though his head was exploding and his soul tearing apart.

He tried to speak, but the suffocating grip prevented him. Kai loosened his hold slightly, allowing the Overlord to rasp out a response.

"Prisoners..." the Overlord croaked, his eyes glinting with fear. "To hell with you! Even if I speak, the blood contract will kill me anyway!" he spat with hatred, hurling a bloody glob at Kai.

"Shhh!" the glob of blood evaporated into nothingness before it could reach him.

"Considering that the Bloodthirsty Monarch worked in this dungeon, there must be powerful prisoners here... I can't waste time," Kai muttered, his gaze shifting to the last intact building.

Without a moment's hesitation, Kai gripped his blade, still pulsing with red lightning, and with a swift motion cleaved the chimera in two. As the blade cut through flesh and bone, Kai's Heart of Flesh throbbed. A bloody aura condensed around him, and all the blood flowing from the chimera's severed parts surged toward him, absorbed like water into sand.

Kai felt the power coursing through him, but he could not afford to lose a second. Burning away any lingering doubts, he dashed toward the main building, the last structure standing amidst the ruins.

The building loomed over the chaos like a sinister monument of nightmares. Its architecture resembled a prison, not crafted by human hands but by something far darker. The black stone walls seemed alive, faintly pulsing with light, as if they breathed, absorbing the surrounding heretical blood. Strange runes and symbols adorned the walls, chilling anyone who laid eyes on them.

The roof was crowned with sharp spires emitting a faint red glow, a grim reminder of the countless sacrifices made there over centuries.

The entrance was a massive gate made of interwoven bones and metal, carved with scenes of torment and suffering. Creatures trapped and mercilessly tortured were etched into its surface.

The place reeked of malevolence, a nightmare come to life. Kai felt the building's aura press against his mind, trying to sow doubt and fear.

At that moment, a worried voice rang in Kai's mind—Kessia.

"Kai, you'd better leave this place immediately. If the Monarch arrives, things will turn horrible."

"I have to take the risk. A few seconds won't make a difference! If the Monarch is already on their way, they'll spot me regardless. The main building might hold prisoners from the Law Overlord Sphere. Someone crucial for your body could be here. I can't ignore this chance!" Kai responded without hesitation, charging toward the gates.

Kai stormed into the building, and his eyes immediately took in a horrifying sight. The walls were coated with old, blood-darkened symbols, and the air was saturated with the stench of death. The stone floor was littered with mutilated bodies, ripped apart and mangled beyond recognition. Many of them had belonged to prisoners who had endured days of relentless torment.

Pools of blood filled the uneven depressions in the stone floor, and broken limbs lay scattered, as if the victims had struggled against their fate even after death. Some corpses still smoldered from recent torture, as though life had only just left them. Chains dangled mockingly from the walls, where these beings had once been bound.

Kai's gaze did not linger on the carnage. His attention snapped to the Chimera Masters who had sought refuge inside the building, fleeing the battle outside. Their faces twisted in terror as they saw Kai enter, calm and deliberate, as though he were walking into his own domain. Their panic was unmistakable; their eyes betrayed the fear that had gripped them upon seeing this monster.

Kai wasted no time. Mercy had no place here. His aura flared to life, unleashing a wave of unimaginable force that rippled across the room. The surrounding air thickened, and the ground trembled as his energy, laced with bloodthirsty fury, descended upon the Chimera Masters.

The atmosphere vibrated under the pressure of his power. It was as if a mountain had collapsed onto anyone foolish enough to stand in his way. The Chimera Masters, crushed by the overwhelming force, felt their bodies pressed into the ground.

A sickening crack resounded as their bones splintered and their insides ruptured. In an instant, their bodies crumpled without a sound.

Blood erupted from their shattered forms, spilling across the floor in crimson streams. The faces of the Chimera Masters contorted in agony and fear, frozen in death. They had no time to comprehend their fate before their lives were ruthlessly extinguished. Smashed into the stone floor, their bodies became nothing more than a gory pulp, as if they were ordinary mortals crushed from an impossible height.

Kai expanded his senses throughout the building and quickly identified two potent auras emanating from the lower levels.

"There are Overlords here!" Kai exclaimed triumphantly and rushed toward the grand spiral staircase at the hall's far end.

Kai descended swiftly, his footsteps echoing in the cold, stone corridors of the dungeon. The deeper he went, the heavier the air became. The silence was absolute, broken only by the occasional distant moans and faint rustling sounds.

When Kai reached the lowest levels, a chilling sight greeted him. The cells that came into view resembled torture chambers designed to break not only the body but also the soul. Inside each cell were creatures in various stages of transformation into chimeras. Their bodies were grotesquely disfigured, horrifying amalgamations of different beings stitched together and altered through dark rituals and techniques. They groaned pitifully, their eyes filled with despair and pain.

The skin of these creatures was stretched and torn, revealing bleeding muscles and protruding bones. Some still bore iron rings on their limbs, as if they were in the final stages of some vile experiment. Others attempted to move, but their efforts were futile; they were either too weak or their bodies no longer obeyed them.

Kai gave them only a fleeting glance. These beings were the products of brutal experiments, their lives no longer their own. They were beyond salvation, and Kai had not come for them. His focus remained on the two powerful auras emanating from the depths of the dungeon, his true target.

Without wasting time, Kai quickened his pace, his eyes fixed on the far end of the corridor.

As he neared the source of the auras, massive metal doors loomed before him, radiating a faint but ominous light. These doors were inscribed with arrays that Kai broke through effortlessly.

"Baam!" with a powerful strike, Kai flung the doors wide open.

Before him lay a grim scene. Two mutilated beings were stretched out in chains. Despite their suffering, they had not yet been transformed into chimeras. It seemed they were still being prepared for the horrific process.

Kai's eyes gleamed strangely at the sight. The first was a Overlord of the succubus race, and the second—a dragon. Capturing the dragon would leave only a phoenix and the ashes of the Asura Progenitor to complete his mission.

But before Kai could act on this revelation, a terrifying aura blanketed the entire pocket dimension, penetrating deep into the dungeon's depths.

"Boom!" the wave of power surged across the pocket world before concentrating directly on him.

"Damn it! Why now?!" Kai cursed. The very situation he and Kessia had dreaded most had come to pass—the Monarch had arrived, and Kai had been discovered.

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V.11 Chapter 862: A Bold Bluff

Kai, engulfed by the aura of the Monarch, did not hesitate. His eyes gleamed with a cold light as he glanced at the half-dead dragon, clinging to life by a thread. Within the mutilated body, a faint spark of vitality remained. This dragon had endured unimaginable torment and suffering and likely could no longer cultivate properly.

"I pity your fate," Kai murmured quietly, knowing the dragon likely wouldn’t hear him. Yet, this gesture was for himself—a mark of respect for a creature whose spirit had not yet been extinguished. Without delay, he severed the chains binding the dragon. The creature collapsed to the ground, but before it could fully fall, Kai sealed it within his spatial ring. Respect aside, he could not afford to lose such a crucial ingredient for Kessia’s body.

Next was the succubus. Kai saw how she teetered on the brink of life and death, her body disfigured beyond recognition. Her suffering needed to end.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he drove his blade into her heart, ending her torment. The blade passed through her, and the succubus exhaled her final breath, her soul freed from the shackles of her ravaged body. Kai immediately absorbed her blood and turned toward the exit of the main building. He was fully aware of the terrifying enemy awaiting him.

"Kessia, any ideas on how we get out of this?" Kai asked, his voice calm, casting aside panic and worry.

"Run. I’m not sure if it’s possible, but your strength has grown considerably…" Kessia replied, her voice laced with doubt and anxiety.

Though she had warned Kai of the danger and the need to leave the pocket world, she did not judge his choice. After all, everything happening now was because of her.

Before Kai could reach the outside, the surrounding air thickened, becoming viscous, as if reality itself was cracking under the weight of the aura descending upon the pocket world. A chilling voice, deep and piercing, echoed through every corner of the space, sending a cold shiver through it.

"Show yourself, White Devil!" the Bloodthirsty Monarch’s voice was both angry and mocking, invoking fear as it reached into the depths of the mind. "Don’t tell me you hope to sneak away like a petty thief, ha-ha. Look at what you’ve done to my laboratory! How bold!"

Each word burned with seething hatred, and it seemed the very essence of the pocket world trembled under the pressure.

Kai clenched his fists, feeling his heartbeat quicken. The Monarch’s words reverberated in his mind as if a thousand voices were attempting to invade his thoughts simultaneously. But Kai immediately activated the Oblivion Law to its fullest, shielding his mind from external influence. This was a foe he wasn’t prepared for, but retreat was not an option.

"I can feel your fear, White Devil. You know you can’t hide from me. Come out and fight if you dare, or I’ll shatter this pathetic world into pieces!" the Monarch continued, his voice growing louder and echoing through every corner of the pocket world. "I hope your miserable body will suffice to replace all those you’ve slain today."

Kai stopped abruptly, feeling the Monarch’s aura pressing down on him, tearing away his composure and flipping it inside out.

"I need to mislead him… just enough to buy myself some time," Kai thought, desperately seeking an escape from the dire situation.

He closed his eyes, sinking into his thoughts for a fleeting moment. His body relaxed entirely, as though entering a transient trance. Running was the only option, but it required an impossibly precise moment.

Recalling their past encounter, where they had barely escaped, Kai clenched his fists. A thought pierced through his mind, and he dispelled any remaining doubts.

"If this fails, it’s over," Kai communicated briefly to Kessia through their mental connection.

"I’m coming, Bloodthirsty Monarch," Kai said aloud. There was no fear in his voice, only cold, calculated defiance. It sounded as though he were addressing an old acquaintance rather than an enemy.

Kai tore through space, appearing at the exit of the main building. Immediately, he saw a fearsome figure floating in the sky—a man from the race of wraiths clad in blood-red armor. Yet, Kai felt no fear; he looked upward with pride.

This demeanor surprised even the Bloodthirsty Monarch, who remarked:

"Oh? You seem unusually composed," he said with a hint of provocation.

But Kai’s next words caused the Monarch to frown. Crossing his arms over his chest, Kai replied calmly:

"Unfortunately, you’ll have to do without my body today. Your guys made the mistake of attacking me… As their elder, I simply taught them a lesson. Sadly, it was their last, so it wasn’t a very useful one, eh-heh…" Kai said with a sly grin, laughing mockingly.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch, hovering above, looked at Kai with a mix of astonishment and disdain, which soon turned into contemptuous laughter.

"Ha-ha-ha!" his laughter was deep and booming, like distant thunder, resonating across the pocket world.

"You truly are remarkable, White Devil," the Monarch said with a smirk, his voice dripping with scorn. "Never before have I encountered such an audacious master who dared to speak to me as though my threats were mere trifles. Do you think your insolence will save you?"

His eyes glowed with a blood-red light, and in an instant, the air around Kai thickened. It felt as though the very fabric of space grew denser and heavier. A dense, bloody aura materialized out of nowhere, enveloping Kai and immobilizing him. It was as if he had been plunged into a viscous, sticky darkness that slowly but surely drained his strength.

"I think I’ll make you suffer for a while," the Monarch hissed, watching as Kai struggled to break free from the aura’s grip. The wraith hadn’t even unleashed his full power, as he saw no need.

But in the next instant, Kai’s body erupted in bright red lightning that tore through the bloody darkness. His eyes blazed with determination, and with a thunderous crack, like the roar of a storm, he shattered the bindings in an instant. Lightning danced across his body, dispersing the bloody aura as if sunlight were banishing fog.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch’s expression darkened, his face hardening instantly.

"That aura… Could it really be you, you bastard?!" the Monarch bellowed, his mind racing as he recalled events from a century ago.

At that moment, Kai’s appearance began to revert to its true form. His hair turned blood-red, and tattoos reappeared across his body. Yet Kai maintained his fearless demeanor. He ascended into the sky, approaching the wraith, and said with confidence:

"Yes, I am that bastard. And I speak to you not out of insolence, but because we share the same goals," Kai muttered cryptically.

"Shared goals? What are you talking about, wretch?" the Monarch growled, narrowing his eyes, though his aggression slightly abated.

Kai’s inner thoughts raced with satisfaction.

"He took the bait! If I can confuse him just a little more, I’ll buy myself some time!"

Noticing the Monarch’s willingness to listen, Kai exhaled calmly and continued:

"During our first encounter, I deliberately mentioned the Cult and even winked at you. Remember? More importantly, weren’t you puzzled by my strength? How could a Overlord repel a Monarch? Preposterous!" Kai said with a provocative smirk. "The truth is, I was sent here by the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. I’m operating undercover on a specific mission…"

The Monarch’s face flashed with fury and fear for a split second as if he had realized something deeply unpleasant. Before Kai could say more, the wraith moved with lightning speed, gripping Kai by the throat.

"You don’t know who you’re toying with, wretch!" the Monarch snarled, tightening his grip. His blood-red eyes burned with rage. An overwhelming power pressed down on Kai, making him feel as if his soul and body were being crushed simultaneously.

"How dare you speak of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult?!" The Monarch’s voice dripped with venom and fury. His face drew closer to Kai’s, his breath icy, his expression menacingly grim. "No matter how you learned of them, you’ll face a death so horrific that even death itself would beg for mercy! You should have died the last time!"

The world seemed to contract around this singular point—Kai and the Monarch locked in this confrontation. Every muscle on the wraith’s face twitched with hatred, his eyes reflecting his burning desire to obliterate Kai in the most brutal way imaginable. Yet, the Monarch hesitated, tempted by the secrets and utility Kai’s body could offer in experiments.

Kai felt the world blur around him under the pressure of the Monarch’s aura, but he refused to show fear. He knew he still had the power to repel the Bloodthirsty Monarch and attempt an escape.

At this critical moment, Kai simply sneered back at the Monarch.

"Kai, what are you doing?! We need to run; your bluff didn’t work!" Kessia screamed in panic through their mental link.

"My queen… I’ve come up with a very interesting and devious plan. Heh-heh," Kai replied, his voice eerie.

Using all his strength to push back the Monarch’s oppressive force, Kai rasped out:

"You’re mistaken…" Kai’s voice strained but steady. "I’m here on the Cult’s orders… My mission demands bold moves. You can’t fathom the forces behind this or the consequences if you kill me!"

For a brief moment, the Monarch froze, his gaze clouded as if trying to discern the hidden meaning behind Kai's words. The grip around Kai’s throat slackened slightly, though the fury in the Monarch’s eyes had not faded.

"I don’t know what game you’re playing, White Devil, but know this: if I detect even the slightest lie, you’ll die in agony beyond imagination!" the Monarch growled. His hand loosened slightly, but he did not release Kai entirely, keeping a piercing gaze fixed on him.

"Speak before I decide to end you!" he added, his voice a chilling growl.

At that moment, Kai began subtly manifesting his three Laws, weaving them together and lightly tapping into the power of the Heretical God’s Bloodline. The unusual aura momentarily threw the Monarch off balance. But before the wraith could react, Kai seized the opportunity to continue.

"Doesn’t it strike you as odd that I’m displaying powers so unlike the techniques of the asura race?" Kai said, his voice calm but edged with provocation. He then dismissed the other Laws, leaving only the Asura Reaper Law. "And now, here I am, back to being an asura. Funny, isn’t it?" Kai added with a sly grin.

These strange fluctuations in Kai’s power made the Bloodthirsty Monarch hesitate. His eyes narrowed, reflecting the seeds of doubt. For the first time, it seemed he was genuinely considering that the enemy before him might not be just a reckless adversary. Perhaps, there was something far greater at play behind Kai’s boldness.

However, the Monarch’s deadly grip remained firm. He scrutinized Kai intently, his gaze sharp and penetrating, as though trying to pierce through to Kai’s soul and uncover any deception.

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V.11 Chapter 863: Where is the Bloodline?

Kai hovered midair, caught in the wraith’s iron grip, yet a confident, almost sinister smile lingered on his face. The situation was dire, even critical. Kessia, observing the unfolding scene, began to panic, unable to comprehend Kai’s actions. The Bloodthirsty Monarch clenched his teeth, tilting his head slightly as he hissed:

"What are you playing at, White Devil?" His deep voice was tense, laced with palpable danger. "Explain yourself immediately, or I’ll stop entertaining this nonsense!"

The Monarch’s aura intensified, and the pressure on Kai was immense. Time seemed to freeze as the tension in the air reached unbearable levels.

Kai, however, did not falter. He coughed lightly but maintained his defiant grin. A fleeting thought crossed his mind: this moment could decide everything. He knew he couldn’t let the Monarch sense even a hint of weakness.

In that instant, Kai’s mind operated at its limits, running through countless scenarios. One reckless idea stood out, requiring a level of risk tantamount to suicide.

"I have to gamble," Kai thought, his resolve hardening as he clenched his fists. "I’m already on the brink of defeat. Even if I try to escape, survival isn’t guaranteed. The danger is lethal either way…"

With this realization, Kai committed to a daring play—his life the wager. There was no time to delay. He would either attack and try to flee, or manipulate the situation with an unpredictable game of wit.

A wicked grin spread across his face as he declared:

"I don’t speak empty words, Monarch," Kai began, his voice steady, tinged with provocation. "What do you think of the disappearance of the Heretical God’s Bloodline?"

The question momentarily stunned the Bloodthirsty Monarch, as though he had not anticipated such a shift in the conversation. A flicker of doubt crossed his gaze.

"I hope this hesitation means my next move will hit its mark," Kai thought, noting the wraith’s brief confusion.

He knew he was playing with fire, but retreat was not an option. He had to buy time and sow the seeds of doubt in the Monarch’s mind. Every word needed to be deliberate and impactful. Sensing the tension peak, Kai made his move.

"Didn’t our Cult invest vast resources to acquire that bloodline? So where is it now?" Kai scoffed with mild irritation, adding an edge of disdain.

His words reverberated through the pocket world like a thunderclap on a clear day. The very air seemed to tremble, and for a moment, the space around them froze in silent anticipation. The Bloodthirsty Monarch stood motionless, his eyes narrowing as his face twisted from confusion to a flicker of rage. Slowly, he fixed his gaze on Kai, as though trying to make sense of what he had just heard.

The Monarch’s stare, laden with suspicion, bored into Kai’s soul. For a moment, a shadow of fear flickered in his eyes—a rare sight for someone of his immense power. It was as if he couldn’t fathom how this "White Devil," daring enough to challenge his might, could possess knowledge of something so secret.

"How do you know of such a thing?!" the Monarch roared, his voice a mix of menace and confusion.

Realizing Kai had spoken deliberately, the wraith fell silent, his mind racing to piece together the implications. Something in Kai’s tone, his confidence, forced even the Monarch to pause and reevaluate. The arrogance that usually accompanied his overwhelming power now gave way to caution.

"Yes! I’ve got him!" Kai thought triumphantly, feeling a surge of confidence. "He’s hesitating, which means my gamble wasn’t entirely wrong… Now I need to make the situation even murkier."

The Monarch wavered, and internally, Kai rejoiced. His gamble was paying off. All that remained was to drive the wedge of doubt deeper into his enemy’s psyche. Without giving the wraith a chance to recover, Kai pressed on:

"Even as a master of the Supreme Monarch Sphere, you’re still not part of the Cult’s upper echelons stationed in the Border World. Perhaps you know part of the truth, but not everything hidden behind the curtain…"

The Bloodthirsty Monarch’s expression darkened further. His eyes blazed with anger, but there was also a trace of intrigue. He wasn’t sure if Kai was lying, but the slim possibility that the "White Devil" truly possessed forbidden knowledge forced him to tread carefully.

"Prove your affiliation, White Devil. Explain what you mean. Let’s see if your understanding matches the events of fifty thousand years ago," the wraith hissed, his voice now more measured, as though masking his own unease.

"Kai, what are you doing?!" Kessia’s panicked voice echoed in his mind as she watched Kai toy with the Monarch.

Ignoring her, Kai smiled confidently and replied, "First, release me. There’s no need for us to fight. As I said before, we are allies pursuing the same goal."

The Bloodthirsty Monarch hesitated, his brow furrowing as his mind churned through a storm of possibilities. Strangely enough, Kai’s audacity—bordering on madness—piqued his curiosity. Thoughts raced through the Monarch’s head: if this insignificant Overlord truly had ties to the Gods’ Resurrection Cult, killing him might not be wise.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, the Monarch’s fingers uncurled, loosening their grip on Kai’s throat. He knew Kai was far weaker and incapable of escaping. If necessary, he could crush the insolent pest at any time. For now, however, curiosity outweighed his anger.

"Fine," the Monarch said coldly, withdrawing his hand. "But you’re still a hair’s breadth from death. I’ll give you a chance to explain your arrogance."

Kai felt the oppressive pressure lift, allowing him to take a full breath. He knew he was treading a thin line where every word could either save or doom him. But instead of fear, a strange mixture of confidence and exhilaration surged within him.

Kai nonchalantly rubbed his neck and adjusted his attire, acting as though he were entirely unbothered by the Monarch’s presence. This demeanor only deepened the wraith’s confusion.

"I understand your doubts," Kai said calmly, rolling his shoulders. "Let me start by showing you something. Then you can decide for yourself where I might have obtained such items."

Kai waved his hand, and ancient books and scrolls materialized in the air before him. The parchments were adorned with symbols and insignias of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult—marks recognized only by a select few. These were relics Kai had stolen during his enslavement, now his most compelling proof.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch’s eyes widened involuntarily at the sight of the scrolls. Recognition flashed across his face, followed by a mix of surprise and suspicion. Slowly, as though afraid they might vanish, he reached out and touched one of the scrolls.

"This…" the Monarch murmured, his voice suddenly calm. "These scrolls… How?" His tone grew quieter, laced with disbelief.

The likelihood that someone as insignificant as Kai could steal these relics while learning secrets known only to a few in the Region of Flesh Domination seemed implausible. The wraith struggled to reconcile this bizarre series of events. Kai’s peculiar nature and abilities further fueled the Monarch’s growing uncertainty.

"You understand that such items couldn’t fall into the hands of a mere mortal," Kai said coldly, his voice carrying an undertone of menace and conviction. "Do you really think you’re the only one capable of accessing the Cult’s secrets? Unlike others, I’ve learned far more than you could ever imagine."

Kai recognized the turning point. Now was the time to strike a decisive blow, to completely entangle the Monarch in a web of doubt and misdirection.

"What exactly do you know about the Heretical God’s Bloodline?" Kai asked, feigning nonchalance. "Do you think the Cult simply wanted to destroy it to clear the way for their invasion of the Region of Flesh Domination? Or perhaps they intended to claim it for themselves—or pass it to one of their chosen adepts?"

The phrasing of Kai’s question was deliberately ambiguous. In truth, he didn’t know the specifics of the Cult’s past actions or their ultimate goals. But by speaking with authority, he implied that he possessed insights even the Bloodthirsty Monarch lacked.

The wraith, now visibly unsettled, hesitated before replying:

"All I know is that we sought to prevent the rise of a new Heretical God. Beyond that, I know little more."

As the words left the Monarch’s mouth, Kai’s eyes gleamed. Unintentionally, the wraith had revealed critical information—details Kai hadn’t known himself. The Monarch, however, remained oblivious to this fact.

Realizing his advantage, Kai grinned and decided to push further. He nodded thoughtfully before responding:

"We’re gathering chimeras and powerful masters for the ritual. Don’t you think the bloodline of a Heretical God would have been invaluable for such a purpose?" Kai said with deliberate confidence, leaving the impression that the answer was self-evident.

"That makes sense… But it’s too late now. The successor of the Heretical God fled and took her own life, leaving the universe entirely to ensure her competitors couldn’t claim the bloodline," the Monarch replied gravely.

"And who told us about this?" Kai countered with a sly smile. "Could it have been her brother?" His tone was mysterious, almost conspiratorial.

Kai’s behavior made it difficult to discern whether he was revealing something or simply building suspense. In truth, he sought to draw the Monarch into further conversation, using his words to probe for more answers. With the proof he had shown, Kai had managed to earn a sliver of trust.

The Monarch hesitated, visibly unsettled by Kai’s suggestion. He cast a wary glance at him and muttered:

"You mean the current ruler of the Sea of Asura's Blood?"

"Exactly. Wasn’t it he who helped lure Kessia into a trap and mortally wound her?" Kai pressed, his expression sharp.

"Are you suggesting he circumvented our agreement and twisted the facts?" the wraith asked, his tone tinged with anger and indignation.

"Precisely!" Kai declared with conviction. "Klaus is a cunning and intelligent asura. That’s why the Cult has begun to doubt the events of the past. I was sent to the Region of Flesh Domination to investigate. My body and nature were artificially crafted by the Cult to resemble an asura. You could say I’m a unique weapon they dispatched here… Unfortunately, I recently encountered a setback…" Kai finished with a bitter edge, clenching his teeth in feigned frustration.

The Monarch seemed to piece together Kai’s narrative in his mind, his anger giving way to understanding.

"Ha-ha-ha! So that explains your strange origins and story!" the Monarch laughed loudly. "After your attack managed to repel me, I gathered information about you. Now it makes sense why you appeared out of nowhere and why you’re so… unusual!" It seemed that Kai’s ruse had taken root in the Monarch’s mind.

The Monarch grinned wickedly and proposed:

"So, what failure have you encountered? Perhaps we can complete the Cult’s mission together. I wouldn’t mind earning even more favor," he said, his eyes gleaming with cunning.

"You truly are a devil…" Kessia’s voice echoed in Kai’s mind, filled with disbelief at how he had twisted a life-threatening situation to his advantage.

Kai feigned deep thought before responding slyly:

"Hmm… Our alliance could indeed work…" Pausing dramatically, he continued, "I had infiltrated the Sea of Asura's Blood, gaining their trust and probing into the Heretical God’s Bloodline. But at some point, Klaus grew suspicious and began hunting me. That’s why I can’t continue the investigation. However, if someone were to distract Klaus…"

As he spoke, Kai flashed a provocative smile, his devilish gaze locking onto the vampire. To the Monarch, the suggestion was obvious: Kai sought an ally to neutralize Klaus. But in truth, Kai’s mind raced with plans to pit his enemies against one another while seizing the chance to steal the remnants of the Asura Progenitor’s Ashes.

"Zeniba has been absent for too long… I can’t wait forever. It might be time to take extreme measures," Kai thought with a wicked grin. It seemed the perfect opportunity had emerged—a chance too good to pass up.

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V.11 Chapter 864: Enemies or Allies?

The Bloodthirsty Monarch knew that Kai's words were not mere bluster, but doubts still gnawed at him. His mind churned, processing the revelations he had just heard. What if this was all a ploy? Could such audacity truly be a simple ruse? Yet, each of Kai's statements raised more questions for which the Monarch had no answers.

A heavy silence hung in the air, ominous and unyielding. The Monarch scoffed, narrowing his eyes as his gaze locked sharply onto Kai.

"You know too much, but I still don’t believe you. I could kill you right now without a second thought... unless..." he finally spoke, his voice cold and cruel. "I need proof more compelling than mere words. Prove your sincerity to me."

Kai felt the tension in the room ease slightly, though it remained suffocating. He understood that the Monarch had granted him a single chance, no more.

"Prove it? And how exactly do you propose I do that?" Kai asked, maintaining his calm demeanor.

The Monarch stepped forward, his aura receding into a more concentrated and deliberate presence.

"You’ll sign a contract. A blood pact, declaring your allegiance to the Gods’ Resurrection Cult," the Monarch said, his voice steely. "This contract will bind you and prove that every word you’ve spoken is true. If you’re lying, you’ll lose everything, including your life."

Kai tensed inwardly, but outwardly remained composed. He knew that a blood contract could not be circumvented; signing it would mean certain death if his deception were discovered. But having begun this game of bluff and deceit, retreat was no longer an option.

"Very well," Kai replied with a smirk. "If that’s the only way to convince you, I’m ready. Though... there is a problem," he added, a sly glint in his eyes.

"A problem? That you’re a fraud?" the wraith growled, glaring at Kai.

"Doesn’t it strike you as odd that I managed to escape the Sea of Asura's Blood so easily? Or do you think Klaus is so foolish that he didn’t make me sign several such contracts?" Kai countered with a provocative smirk. "As I’ve already said, I’m a weapon of the Cult. I was designed specifically for the Region of Flesh Domination, which makes me immune to blood contracts," he declared proudly, exuding an air of triumph as though he had outwitted the Bloodthirsty Monarch.

Kai’s explanation seemed plausible. Moreover, his prior affiliation with the Order of Heretical Races, who fought against the Chimera Masters, lent credibility to his claim. It was obvious that Kai must have signed contracts during his time with them. Yet, the wraith only chuckled darkly before replying:

"Don’t worry, I also have spiritual contracts. Or is there a problem with those as well?" the wraith retorted, his frustration mounting as he increased the pressure of his aura once again.

Kai feigned a foolish grimace, as though embarrassed by his oversight. Shaking his head, he replied:

"I must have overlooked that, heh-heh. Fine, let’s proceed with a spiritual contract. That should dispel any lingering doubts."

The Bloodthirsty Monarch nodded in satisfaction and wasted no time. He reached into his spatial ring, producing a pristine white scroll adorned with golden patterns along its edges. This was a special artifact used for creating spiritual contracts. The Monarch unrolled it with ease, though his gaze remained sharp and focused.

"You’ll soon see that there’s no room for lies in this contract," he said quietly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of menace.

He retrieved a quill that had appeared alongside the scroll and began inscribing the terms of the agreement. The Monarch wrote with precision, crafting each word carefully to leave no loopholes for deception. Kai watched the process with apparent nonchalance, though his sharp eyes missed nothing.

Once finished, the Monarch held out the scroll to Kai.

"Read it and sign. If you have any additions, speak now," he said, his tone laced with disdain. He clearly did not expect Kai to find anything amiss in the document.

Kai stepped closer, took the scroll in hand, and began reading it carefully, his eyes scanning each line. Occasionally, he furrowed his brow or nodded slowly, as though contemplating the terms. Eventually, he paused at one clause, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Here," Kai said, pointing to a specific line. "You state that I belong to the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. That’s not an accurate formulation. Were it not for our current situation, I wouldn’t have revealed this to you. While I am a weapon of the Cult, I occupy a unique position within it. I’d suggest changing this to state that I am a member of the Cult pursuing its goals," he explained seriously.

The Monarch raised a brow at the remark, slightly surprised by Kai’s suggestion. His words sounded convincing, as though he genuinely sought to clarify and strengthen the contract. Silently, the Monarch nodded and adjusted the clause.

Kai continued reading, his eyes stopping on another section.

"Additionally," he said, pointing to another paragraph, "this clause about information exchange is too vague. It could be interpreted in various ways, which might lead to unnecessary complications. I propose specifying exactly what information is to be shared and to what extent."

The Monarch frowned slightly but made the necessary adjustments, ensuring the contract became more precise.

Each of Kai’s suggestions gave the impression that he was genuinely working to perfect the contract, eliminating any ambiguity. In reality, it was an elaborate game to reinforce the illusion that they were allies.

Finally, when all the changes had been made, Kai glanced over the scroll one last time, a look of satisfaction on his face.

"I think the contract now accurately reflects our agreement," he said, handing the scroll back to the Monarch.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch reviewed the amendments carefully before signing his portion of the agreement. Then, with a satisfied grunt, he looked back at Kai.

"Good," he said, handing the quill to Kai. "Now, your turn."

Without hesitation, Kai took the quill. Channeling a bit of his power into the artifact, he watched as its fibers began to glow faintly. Then, with deliberate precision, Kai inscribed the characters "White Devil". As the final stroke was completed, the scroll began to radiate a bright white flame. The fiery glow consumed the document, but instead of burning it to ashes, the scroll dissolved into two small white spheres.

These spheres, imbued with spiritual energy, hovered briefly in the air between Kai and the Monarch before darting toward their foreheads with blinding speed.

Kai felt an alien force invade his consciousness, delving straight into his Spirit Sea. He stood motionless, giving no indication of the complex processes unfolding within him.

The Monarch’s narrowed eyes were fixed intently on Kai, monitoring his every reaction. He knew that if the contract were binding, any resistance or falsehood would trigger an immediate response.

When Kai’s expression remained calm, devoid of any signs of discomfort, the Monarch’s suspicions began to dissipate. He sensed their spiritual energies intertwining, solidifying the pact between them. The contract had been successfully forged without issue.

"Fascinating," the Bloodthirsty Monarch muttered, a hint of relaxation creeping into his tone.

"Under normal circumstances, no one should have known about my mission. But we anticipated a high risk of failure and left contingencies for seeking assistance. Fortunately, I wasn’t bound by contracts that restricted me from reaching out," Kai said with a smile. "Though I didn’t expect to turn to you for help. Fate works in strange ways, heh-heh."

His final words carried an unusual sincerity, for they held a kernel of truth. This wraith had nearly killed him in the past, driving him to the brink of despair. Now, absurdly, he could become a weapon in Kai’s machinations against Klaus.

The Monarch exhaled heavily and waved his hand, releasing a devastating wave of aura. Boulders and shattered buildings were instantly incinerated, clearing the area and leaving only the main structure intact.

"You’ve made quite a mess here," the Monarch remarked sternly. "Couldn’t you have handled things more delicately? These were Cult warriors, after all."

"As far as I could tell, none of them were aware of the Chimera Masters’ true goals. Besides, they insulted me, which I couldn’t forgive," Kai replied haughtily, smirking. "By the way, I hope you don’t mind that I took the experimental dragon’s body? I have some experiments in mind…" he added with a sinister grin.

The Monarch chuckled at the question, replying, "I couldn’t care less about that right now. We have more pressing matters to address, like the mission to locate the Heretical God’s Bloodline. Let’s move to a more fitting environment, and you can fill me in."

Kai nodded lightly in agreement. Without further delay, the two ascended into the air, heading toward the only intact building, the Monarch’s chambers.

Inside, Kai was enveloped by a cold atmosphere, thick with the scent of dampness and aged stone. The room’s interior was equally grim, with narrow windows allowing dim light to seep through, casting dark, somber shadows. Ancient tapestries depicting battles and bloodshed adorned the walls, while the floor was covered with black carpets.

At the center of the chamber stood a massive stone table, strewn with old books, scrolls, and various magical artifacts, surrounded by flickering candles emitting a faint crimson glow.

Kai surveyed the room, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. Even he struggled to believe how deeply he had ingratiated himself with his enemy. Now, the key was to avoid revealing anything about the Cult that he didn’t truly understand.

"Quite… inspiring, your decor," Kai remarked with a hint of sarcasm, glancing around.

"This place reflects my essence," the Monarch replied coldly, settling into a massive chair by the table. "Let’s get to the point. What exactly have you uncovered about the Heretical God’s Bloodline? Did Klaus truly deceive everyone?"

Kai took a seat across from him, resting his hands on the stone table. A plan had already begun to form in his mind—one that would turn both of his enemies into pawns for his own gain.

"Before we dive in, I suggest we take a moment to relax. There’s no rush," Kai began, pausing to create the desired atmosphere. "I’ve got something I think you’ll appreciate."

The Monarch raised an eyebrow but gestured for Kai to continue.

Still smiling, Kai reached into his spatial ring and retrieved an exquisite bottle of alcohol, clearly otherworldly. The bottle was adorned with strange symbols glowing softly in greenish hues, and the liquid inside shimmered with shades of blue and violet, as though it contained the essence of a starlit sky.

"I hope you enjoy a good drink as much as I do! This is liquor from the Ancient Battlefield, and I’ve got a few other rare treasures stashed away," Kai said cheerfully, his tone turning lighthearted.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch’s face broke into a wide grin, his earlier severity replaced by a burst of unexpected joy. It seemed this gesture resonated with him far more than Kai had anticipated.

"Ha-ha-ha! You surprise me, White Devil!" the Monarch exclaimed, his voice filled with sudden mirth. "Liquor from the Ancient Battlefield? Now that’s something worth celebrating!"

The Monarch quickly retrieved two massive goblets, forged from what appeared to be dark steel and bone. He eagerly uncorked the bottle and poured its contents into both cups. A light mist rose from the goblets, filling the room with an aroma that blended the fragrance of ancient forests with ripe, exotic fruits.

Kai, slightly taken aback by the Monarch’s enthusiastic reaction, raised his cup in response, realizing that his recent gambits had all played out brilliantly.

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V.11 Chapter 865: Preparing the Attack

The Bloodthirsty Monarch and Kai had already downed several goblets, with Kai pulling out a couple more bottles. The Monarch clearly hadn’t expected the alcohol to be so potent and rich.

"I must admit, White Devil, you know how to start a partnership the right way," the Monarch said with a hearty laugh, taking another sip and closing his eyes to savor the flavor. "This drink… It’s steeped in ancient power, as if time itself is trapped within this bottle. It’s been ages since I’ve tasted anything like it."

Kai, smiling, sipped from his goblet as well, letting the alcohol warm him from within.

"A rare find. I acquired it during a rather… unusual journey," he replied, carefully choosing his words. "I think a drink like this could mend even the most difficult of relationships."

The Monarch glanced at Kai, his eyes gleaming as he raised his goblet.

"Perhaps," he said thoughtfully, taking another sip. "But I am curious about the state of the Cult. As a representative of the Region of Flesh Domination, I know very little. Rumor has it that the plan might even be accelerating due to events in the Ancient Battlefield?"

Kai placed his goblet on the table, tilting his head slightly as he replied, "As I’ve said, I don’t participate in crafting or executing such plans. My role is different; I have no involvement in gathering sacrifices. I’ve spent most of my time in seclusion, and after that, I was immediately sent to the Region of Flesh Domination," Kai murmured, his tone pensive. Then, with a hint of tension, he asked, "What events are you referring to? When I left the Ancient Battlefield, everything was proceeding as usual…"

The Monarch smirked slightly before answering, "Don’t you know that masters from the Region of Energy Domination have begun infiltrating the battlefield? It’s caused quite the commotion."

Kai’s eyes sparked with interest at these words, and he leaned in closer, his tone becoming more animated. "Really? Something like that actually happened?"

Kai played his role masterfully. He fully understood that during his absence, masters from his world had already begun invading the Ancient Battlefield. Previously, he had explained to the Monarch that after being sent on his mission to the Region of Flesh Domination, he severed contact with the Cult to avoid detection. As a result, his reaction seemed entirely natural.

Seeing Kai’s behavior, the wraith smirked smugly and said, "So, even you can be surprised, ha-ha," pausing for dramatic effect before continuing, "Because of the chaos in the Ancient Battlefield, it’s now much easier to capture powerful masters and imprison them for the upcoming ritual. While it might seem like a disaster overall, for the Cult, it’s a great boon!"

Kai feigned joy, his eyes glinting mischievously as he gave the impression of being delighted by these developments. In truth, the news unsettled him deeply.

"Marvelous! Simply marvelous!" Kai exclaimed, raising his goblet and draining it in one go. "If we can also secure the hidden Heretical God’s Bloodline… Damn, that could accelerate our plans many times over!"

The Bloodthirsty Monarch looked equally pleased. Even Kai’s sudden and unexpected appearance now seemed like a fateful occurrence. Everything appeared to be aligning in favor of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult.

"Not only that…" the Monarch murmured, adding intrigue. "Our Chimera Masters have also made significant progress in their research. Their breakthroughs are so profound that we’ll soon be able to create truly formidable chimeras. While the new breed is highly unstable and unsuitable for combat, as sacrifices, they’re perfect material."

For Kai, these words were far from encouraging. He understood precisely what the Bloodthirsty Monarch meant. Strong chimeras were intended for sacrifice. For a regular master, it would take enormous time and resources to reach the level of cultivation and power these chimeras possessed. Yet, the Cult could produce thousands of them and seal them away until the ritual’s commencement.

"How stable are they?" Kai asked with apparent curiosity.

"Once created, they can survive for at most a month. But as you understand, if they’re sealed immediately, they can last millennia. And when the time comes, their blood will be spilled in an instant!" the Monarch added with a sinister grin.

"Fascinating… Truly fascinating…" Kai replied, taking a slow sip, his voice laced with false admiration.

Kai fell silent for a moment, as if envisioning a glorious future where the Cult would resurrect the Evil Gods, and the world would fall under their dominion once more. In reality, he was mentally reaching out to Kessia.

"We need to revive you quickly so you can rally the masters of the Region of Flesh Domination. Who knows how much time is left before the Cult moves in earnest…"

"Are you planning to attack Klaus?" Kessia suddenly asked, steering the conversation in a different direction.

"Exactly. Zeniba still hasn’t shown up, which means something might have happened. Even if not—we can’t wait forever. This is an opportunity to pit these two against each other. If it works, I can steal some of the Asura Progenitor’s Ashes amidst the chaos. It’ll be far more than Zeniba could have ever brought us," Kai replied with unwavering determination.

Hearing his resolute answer, Kessia sighed heavily before saying:

"My existence is once again harming the Sea of Asura's Blood. Because of me, you’re forced to attack my homeland. The irony is bitter…" Her voice carried a hint of sadness, though there was no protest. She knew Kai was right. It had become clear that Klaus had deliberately betrayed her, even if he wasn’t aligned with the Chimera Masters.

Kai responded, his voice firm, "As you’ve said many times, we live in a harsh world, and we must act accordingly. Right now, my goal is to bring you back and restore your strength to its fullest. I don’t care about your entire race. With the Heretical God’s Palace and everything else as resources, I’m certain you’ll return nearly as strong as before. Once you’ve regained your body, you can deal with your people however you see fit."

"You’re right. Forgive me for being sentimental sometimes. Even though it’s clear, I still struggle to believe Klaus would betray me like this… But once I regain my body—he’ll answer for what he’s done!" Kessia replied, her tone growing more resolute.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch raised his goblet for another sip when Kai’s voice cut through the brief silence, pulling him back to the present.

"Monarch," Kai said, his voice sharp and deliberate. "Let’s return to the matter of the Heretical God’s Bloodline. I believe you’re just as interested in it as I am."

The wraith slowly lowered his goblet, fixing his eyes on Kai. A flicker of curiosity gleamed in his gaze, intensified by the alcohol and the trusting atmosphere.

"And what do you propose, White Devil?" he asked with a slight smile.

Kai leaned back lazily in his chair, continuing to play the role of an ally.

"I’m almost certain I know where it’s hidden and what defenses are in place. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to steal it…" he began, pausing dramatically to heighten the tension. "But to get in, we’ll need to distract the forces of the Sea of Asura's Blood. If they’re preoccupied elsewhere, we’ll have more freedom to act. The asuras and their Overlords pose little threat to me, but Klaus… Klaus is the obstacle where I need your help."

The Monarch fell into deep thought, his gaze becoming hard and calculating.

"Distract the forces of the Sea of Asura's Blood…" he muttered. "You want me to attack Klaus? He’s a formidable opponent, you know."

Kai smirked, sensing his plan taking shape.

"You underestimate yourself and your warriors," he said with a touch of pressure. "The Sea of Asura's Blood isn’t in its prime right now, and Klaus focuses more on intellect and strategy than combat. Besides, I can share some of his weaknesses that I’ve learned…" Kai added slyly, knowing he could glean this information directly from Kessia.

"If we strike swiftly and decisively, we can catch them off guard. And we don’t even need to fight seriously—just buy enough time. As soon as I secure the Heretical God’s Bloodline, we retreat! The risk is great, but the rewards from the Cult and the Gods are immeasurable!" Kai made sure to emphasize arguments that justified the gamble as entirely worthwhile.

The Monarch pondered Kai’s words for several moments before slowly nodding, a cold fire igniting in his eyes.

"If you’re certain you can retrieve the Bloodline while my forces distract the Sea of Asura's Blood, I’m willing to take the risk. They currently lack a Law Devourer Sphere protector, so dealing with Klaus shouldn’t be an issue. I might not defeat him, but I’ll certainly keep him occupied."

Kai smiled, raising his goblet in agreement.

"To our fateful plan! May the Gods return to our world swiftly!" he declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm, though inwardly he was already preparing for the next move. This alliance was merely a means to his own ends, and Kai knew that avoiding mistakes was crucial.

The Monarch raised his goblet as well, clinking it against Kai’s before downing it in one gulp, unaware that he had just drawn himself closer to catastrophe.

After the toast and a mutual exchange of calculated glances, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Both men felt a surge of energy, fueled by their impending plans. The Bloodthirsty Monarch, energized, leaned forward and spoke with renewed zeal:

"Very well, Kai. If we’re going to attack the Sea of Asura's Blood, we need to prepare meticulously. Klaus isn’t someone to underestimate, even with his penchant for strategy and manipulation. But if you know his weaknesses, it could change everything."

Kai nodded, recognizing that this was the moment to solidify the Monarch’s trust in his plan. Drawing upon insights from Kessia, who reluctantly shared her brother’s vulnerabilities, he began to outline key points of Klaus’s weaknesses—targeting both his strengths and his blind spots.

As Kai spoke, the Monarch’s confidence in their scheme grew, his enthusiasm building with every detail. By the time their discussion shifted to tactics, troop deployment, and countermeasures, both men were engrossed in plotting their daring assault.

As the night drew to a close and their conversation wound down, both allies understood that this day marked the beginning of monumental change. With each calculated word, Kai edged closer to his ultimate goal, while the Bloodthirsty Monarch, assured of his strength and strategy, prepared for what he believed to be a fateful strike.

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V.11 Chapter 866: Asuras in Confusion

Time raced forward, and events began to unfold with relentless speed. Each passing day brought Kai closer to the moment when his plan would commence. After sealing their contract and hashing out the details, the Bloodthirsty Monarch insisted on relocating to another Chimera Master lair.

The Monarch became ever more consumed by preparations for the grand raid on the Sea of Asura's Blood. His army swelled, with new, ever more horrifying creations bolstering the ranks of the Chimera Masters. These chimeras embodied destruction—unstable and wild, ready to annihilate everything in their path. For a successful assault, a massive invasion of the asura lands was necessary.

Kai, however, continued weaving his intricate web of intrigue. His mind was sharper than ever as he meticulously calculated every move, every possible outcome. He knew the Bloodthirsty Monarch considered him a loyal ally, and that trust was Kai’s most valuable card. The deeper the Monarch became entangled in preparing for the attack, the more deeply Kai delved into his own schemes.

They spent long nights discussing strategy, planning every detail of the assault. Kai continued to share critical information about Klaus, gleaned from Kessia, but he always ensured the details served his ultimate agenda.

Meanwhile, Kessia, fully aware of the mounting danger, maintained her composure. She understood that their actions could have dire consequences and that her homeland could become a battlefield. But she also knew there was no other path forward—for her resurrection and revenge, this risk was necessary. Moreover, she and Kai had planted enough misinformation to mitigate catastrophic outcomes.

Kai convinced the Monarch that they could not only seize the Heretical God’s Bloodline but also capture valuable specimens for future chimeras. Yet, over time, Kai distorted numerous facts about the Sea of Asura's Blood and their defenses. As a result, the Chimera Masters would face a grueling battle with inevitable losses. Naturally, Kai intended to ensure none of his enemies emerged victorious.

As time passed, preparations reached their climax. The Chimera Masters completed their latest horrifying creations, and the Monarch’s forces gathered in secret corners of their pocket world, ready for war. Tension mounted, and everyone knew the moment to strike was near.

During this time, Kai remained hidden under the guise of a Chimera Master. He wore a black robe adorned with a white pentagram on the chest. His attire also featured additional embroidery and elements denoting his high status within the organization.

Standing on the open balcony of a tall building, watching the activity below, Kai allowed himself a faint smile as he anticipated the events to come.

"If we manage to steal the necessary portion of the Asura Progenitor’s Ashes and escape to the Heretical God’s Palace, your resurrection will be almost guaranteed," Kai said to Kessia through their mental connection.

"I only hope Klaus doesn’t perish. His punishment must come at my hands," she replied mercilessly. Over the weeks of preparation, Kai had learned much about the Chimera Masters and a bit more about Klaus. Kessia, too, had reached her final stance on the matter.

During his discussions with the Bloodthirsty Monarch, Kai subtly extracted information, piecing together Klaus’s betrayal. It appeared Klaus had conspired with an organization that promised him resources and a path to ascend to the next sphere. Essentially, he had betrayed his sister, Kessia, by aligning with an enemy of the Law Devourer Sphere. Even with her lingering sentiments, Kessia could no longer waver.

Kai also estimated that the "ritual," whatever it entailed, was still some time away. Despite the chimeras and the chaos in the Ancient Battlefield, gathering the necessary sacrifices was no simple task.

"Damn… I hope we make it in time," Kai thought. "Considering I need to perfect my Flesh Weaving, resurrect Kessia, and then enter closed cultivation in the Heretical God’s Palace… all of this could take thousands of years," he pondered with barely concealed apprehension, knowing delay was not an option.

Weeks passed in this rhythm, and the day finally came when Kai and the Bloodthirsty Monarch decided it was time to act. Preparations were complete; waiting served no purpose. The sky in their pocket world turned an ominous shade of black as a swarm of Chimera Masters ascended into the air.

As the Monarch’s army began its march, Kai, cold and calculating, continued to play his role. He was determined to execute his plan to its conclusion, navigating the volatile balance of power.

The Chimera Masters’ army surged out of the pocket world like a black storm, plunging into the endless expanse of the stars. Their formation was tight and organized, yet within this flawless discipline lurked chaos and destruction. Countless creations, both fragile and powerful, were unleashed, leaving trails of aura that pierced the surrounding darkness.

Kai blended into the throng, appearing as one among many, indistinguishable from the other Chimera Masters. At the forefront flew the Bloodthirsty Monarch, his aura saturating the space with a menacing energy that seemed to fuel the army’s resolve.

The plan was simple: Kai’s identity would remain hidden. Amid the battle’s chaos, he would brazenly infiltrate the Sea of Asura's Blood’s main palace to steal the Heretical God’s Bloodline. Of course, the Monarch had no idea that Kai’s true target was an entirely different relic.

Kai watched as the stars blurred past, his mind focused on the mission ahead. His sole objective was clear: to seize the Asura Progenitor’s Ashes and escape the Sea of Asura's Blood before his deception was exposed.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch, leading the charge, was lost in his own thoughts. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the ominous Sea of Asura's Blood lay hidden in the cosmic void—a goal he had been preparing for over several months. His power and confidence surged; he had no doubt this raid would solidify his authority. Once they obtained the Heretical God’s Bloodline, the Cult was sure to reward him handsomely.

Months passed, and the first signs of the Sea of Asura's Blood appeared on the horizon. The army could feel themselves leaving the Heretical God’s Domain and entering enemy territory.

Kessia silently observed through Kai’s eyes, ready to offer guidance if needed. She understood that their success hinged on Kai’s precision in executing the plan.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch raised his hand, and the Chimera Masters’ army slowed its advance. Kai stopped as well, his gaze fixed on the Monarch.

In this moment, the wraith exuded sheer power and authority, his fearsome aura penetrating the minds of every warrior, commanding absolute obedience. He lifted his hand again and withdrew an ancient artifact from his spatial ring, immediately drawing the attention of all present.

The artifact was a massive sphere of green crystal, streaked with crimson veins that pulsed like living vessels. Encased in a metallic frame adorned with engravings and spikes, it seemed to imprison the power within. Strange runes glimmered faintly on its surface, absorbing the surrounding light. Inside the sphere swirled a mysterious flame—not burning, but rotating slowly like a spectral vortex.

The Monarch raised the artifact above his head, and his voice echoed through the void:

"The Green Shroud of Silence will shield us from our enemies!"

With those words, he activated the artifact. The runes on the crystal’s surface flared brightly, releasing a green aura that quickly enveloped the army. At first, the energy was a faint shimmer, but it rapidly expanded like a dense fog, cloaking every warrior and chimera, suppressing all traces of their presence.

Moments later, the Chimera Masters’ army vanished from sight, completely obscured by the artifact’s magic. The starry expanse, once filled with thousands of warriors, now appeared empty and lifeless. No light, no energy, no sound betrayed their location. They had become ghosts, invisible to their foes.

The Monarch lowered the artifact, his voice now brimming with determination and strength:

"Forward! Nothing will stop us now! We will humble the Sea of Asura's Blood and claim what is rightfully ours!"

The hidden army surged onward. Their movement was swift and deliberate, the shroud created by the artifact traveling with them like a living barrier, shielding them from prying eyes.

Hours turned into days, but time felt irrelevant in the endless void. Finally, on the horizon, a massive teralith came into view—a colossal mega-continent floating in the starry expanse. The Sea of Asura's Blood revealed itself in all its menacing glory.

Kai’s thoughts sharpened as he observed the looming battle. The barrier protecting the Sea of Asura's Blood would force its inhabitants to mobilize their full strength. Yet this very chaos would create the perfect window for Kai to infiltrate the Asura sanctum. His lips curled into a sly, satisfied grin. Let the storm come—he would slip through its cracks.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch didn’t hesitate, and his resolve manifested in a terrifying assault meant to obliterate everything in its path. His aura ignited like a blazing star, radiating pure destructive force. The space around him trembled, and a sound like thunder roared across the void. It felt as though the very fabric of the universe groaned under the strain.

"Guuuumm! Graaaah!" the Monarch raised his hand, and from his palm came a deep, resonant hum, as if thousands of wailing voices had merged into one unearthly chorus. The sound vibrated through the bones of every warrior, a reminder of the immense power the wraith was about to unleash. His words, shouted with rage and determination, echoed among the stars:

"The time has come!" as the words left his lips, the silence of space was shattered.

"Du-doom! Shuuuv!" a beam of horrifying energy erupted from the Monarch’s palm, accompanied by a sound like the tearing of reality itself. His hand was wrapped in blood-red silhouettes, screaming as they seemed to claw their way into existence.

In the moment before the attack struck the teralith—intended to rend it into ruins—the space around the teralith came alive. At first, there was a faint ringing sound, as if someone had struck a giant drum. Then the ringing grew into a sharp whine, accompanied by bursts of light.

"Do-ong!"

From deep within the teralith, a massive protective barrier began to rise. An enormous translucent sphere suddenly enveloped the entire continent. The sound of the barrier’s activation was deafening, like the crash of a thousand metallic plates colliding. The energy shield flared with brilliant light, creating a dazzling spectacle against the void of space.

"Boom!" the Monarch’s attack slammed into the barrier with an earth-shaking explosion. It was a clash of unimaginable forces, a collision that reverberated like the meeting of two worlds. The space around the impact warped, and massive energy waves rippled across the barrier like storm surges in an ocean.

But the barrier held. The immense waves of aura created by the collision dispersed, yet the shield remained unbroken. The Chimera Masters had anticipated this outcome, thanks to Kessia’s warnings about the barrier’s formidable power. While the barrier didn’t react to normal visitors to the Sea of Asura's Blood, it automatically activated at full strength in response to a threat of such magnitude.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch felt a surge of rage as he realized his attack had failed to breach the defense. He clenched his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury, and raised his hand once more, ready to escalate the assault.

"Today, we will feast upon your lands, you wretches! Ha-ha-ha!" his voice, brimming with wrath and resolve, thundered across the void, reaching the heart of the asura’s stronghold.

Kai, observing the unfolding chaos, knew that the battle was truly beginning. The Sea of Asura's Blood’ barrier was astonishingly strong, giving the asuras ample time to fully mobilize their forces. This realization brought a sly and satisfied grin to Kai’s face. Amid the turmoil, he would find the perfect opportunity to slip into the asuras’ sacred sanctum.

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V.11 Chapter 867: Asuras Against Chimeras

The reaction from Klaus was swift. As soon as the Bloodthirsty Monarch's initial attack collided with the barrier, the space surrounding the Chimera Masters seemed to shudder, responding to the aggression.

A massive, powerful aura rippled through the void of space, filling it with pressure so intense that even the most resolute warriors and beasts flinched. It felt as though reality itself strained under the weight of this force, and then, from the heart of the teralith, a brilliant column of light surged upward, piercing the surrounding darkness.

From the depths of the asuras’ stronghold, a voice resounded, mighty and imposing, shaking the air around it:

"Who dares challenge my domain?!" the voice carried irritation and unbridled fury, as though the very earth spoke through this ancient and formidable master.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch responded with a sharp, icy laugh, his thirst for blood intensifying:

"As if you don’t know! I’ve come to reclaim what’s owed to me…" he added with a sly smirk, hinting at the Heretical God’s Bloodline.

The teralith quaked as if in protest, preparing to retaliate. At first, it seemed that the towering mountain ranges were rising from the surface, but it was actually the Asura armies, taking flight and rushing toward the invaders. Leading the charge was Klaus himself, practically seething with rage.

"Reclaim a debt? I’ve never sullied myself with filth like you, let alone owed you anything!" Klaus shouted in retort, his voice thunderous. "But since you dared to attack my lands, you won’t be leaving unscathed!" he declared, his body igniting with fiery red tattoos.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch wasted no time hesitating. His eyes gleamed with a crimson light as he commanded:

"Attack! Show these smug bastards they can’t deceive us!"

As his final words rang out, Klaus and the Bloodthirsty Monarch simultaneously surged forward, like two meteors hurtling toward one another. Their movements were swift and unrelenting, their bodies glowing with intricate tattoos. The Monarch’s face even bore strange, bone-like protrusions. It was clear neither of them was holding back.

In the instant their fists met, the collision was cataclysmic.

"Shuuuuv! Duuuum!"

The sound of their clash reverberated like a thunderclap, freezing time itself. The space between their strikes quaked and cracked with deafening force, as if the fabric of reality were shattering under the immense power.

"Kraggk! Crack!" the fractures spread in all directions at lightning speed, slicing through the dark void of space like brilliant lightning bolts. The broken sections, exposing the void between worlds, acted like whirlpools, pulling in everything within their radius.

Some asuras and chimeras too close to the rift were instantly caught in this destructive force, their forms disappearing as they were sucked into the abyss, like grains of sand swallowed by a colossal maelstrom. The energy’s pressure was so overwhelming that matter itself seemed to tremble, and distant stars dimmed under its weight.

The clash between Klaus and the Bloodthirsty Monarch continued to shake the space around them, generating whirlwinds of destructive energy.

The two figures, encircled by cracks and energy vortexes, wrestled for dominance, their auras colliding in cascades of explosions and spatial distortions. The force of their blows was so immense that the fabric of reality teetered on the brink of rupture.

Through the roar of aura, Klaus gritted his teeth and shouted:

"You’ll pay for your insolence, wraith!" the Bloodthirsty Monarch merely smirked, his eyes blazing with unrestrained fury and a hunger for destruction:

"Try me!" as soon as the words left his lips, the Monarch struck with his other fist. Klaus, of course, didn’t hesitate to respond in kind.

"Baam!" another explosive impact sent ripples of destruction radiating outward, carving more cracks into the already fragile space.

Each new strike birthed more fractures, spreading in all directions like an infection consuming the very fabric of existence. Watching this monumental battle, Kai couldn’t help but feel a twisted admiration.

Amidst the chaos, the Bloodthirsty Monarch’s voice cut through the storm, issuing a command that froze all nearby combatants:

"Pull back from our fight and attack the teralith from another side!" his words were like thunder, and his face bore a savage grin.

The Chimera Masters, understanding the fatal risk of staying near these two titanic forces, immediately obeyed, veering away to strike at another part of the teralith as instructed by their leader.

Klaus, seeing this, gritted his teeth fiercely, his eyes blazing with unyielding determination:

"Don’t let those bastards breach the barrier! Pursue every one of them and destroy any invader!"

The Asura army, like a single, coordinated entity, responded to their leader’s command. They surged forward with incredible speed, assuming their battle forms. Each asura ignited their bloodline power, their bodies adorned with tattoos that radiated their ancestral strength.

Meanwhile, Klaus and the Bloodthirsty Monarch continued their merciless battle. Their fists collided again and again, generating thunderous explosions. In this fight, there was no room for weakness or hesitation—only pure, devastating power aimed at obliterating the enemy. Klaus knew he had to push the wraith back to protect his teralith and his people. On the other hand, the Monarch’s goal was simply to keep Klaus occupied.

"Won’t you use your Monarch Avatar? Or are you not skilled enough?!" Klaus suddenly taunted.

"Ha-ha-ha! Bold words! Let’s see who laughs last!" the wraith retorted instantly.

"Avatar?" the word piqued Kai’s interest, but he continued to move with the Chimera army, keeping an eye on the battle’s progression.

Then, something remarkable happened. The Monarchs’ auras erupted, filling the space with a dense, almost viscous, blood-red mist. Whorls of dark energy swirled around their bodies, responding to some internal call. Quickly, these energies coalesced into colossal silhouettes, towering over the battlefield at a height of a hundred meters.

"Is this the defining ability of Supreme Monarch Realm masters? Klaus called it the Monarch Avatar?" Kai mused, his mind racing to absorb every detail.

Klaus’s avatar was the first to take form. A massive figure, mirroring his true self but with four battle-scarred arms, rose above the battlefield. It stood as a war deity, poised to annihilate everything with a single motion. Each muscle and feature radiated unyielding rage and devotion to his principles, and the very stars seemed to tremble beneath his formidable presence.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch’s avatar was equally terrifying. While its form mirrored his, it possessed membranous wings stretching out behind him. Each flap of these wings and every step he took resonated with an ominous echo, as if commanding the universe itself to bow before his power.

The two giants clashed, and their collision was like the meeting of worlds.

"Baam!"

A shockwave from their impact ripped through the mist, cleaving the space around them.

Amid the turmoil, Kai realized it was time to act. Moving amidst the Chimera Masters, he followed their lead to a more remote section of the teralith. Behind them, the asura army pursued relentlessly, striking at their retreating ranks.

"Bam! Bam! Shuuuv!"

The first clashes between asuras and chimeras erupted, lives already being snuffed out in the initial skirmishes. Kai remained indifferent to the carnage, focused solely on his mission.

Looking back briefly, he saw the Bloodthirsty Monarch unleashing a crimson wave of aura. Klaus countered with a beam of concentrated energy, both attacks colliding in a burst of radiant destruction. The two colossal avatars fought with increasing ferocity.

"The battles of Monarchs are truly terrifying... I doubt I could ever kill someone like that," Kai thought, his expression growing serious. "But that doesn’t matter. Let those two bastards kill each other. I have my own goal to accomplish."

Within minutes, the Chimera Masters' army finally reached a sufficiently distant point to shield their battle from the catastrophic forces unleashed by Klaus and the Bloodthirsty Monarch. Traversing through space warped by the monumental power of these two titans, they arrived at the opposite side of the teralith. Here, their positions were relatively secure. The warriors quickly regrouped, readying themselves for a new assault, but their ranks were soon overshadowed by a growing sense of unease as the asura army closed in.

The asuras were relentless. They descended like a tempest, each one an embodiment of fury and might, their bodies adorned with ancient tattoos that bore the marks of their lineage and power.

As the two armies braced for the clash, the tension in the air reached a breaking point. On cue, twelve figures stepped forward from the ranks of the Chimera Masters. These were the Overlords, majestic and terrifying, each one a symbol of raw power, akin to a general in their own right.

But the asura army was not to be outdone. No sooner had the twelve enemy Overlords taken their positions than twenty asura generals emerged to meet them. Radiating overwhelming auras, the asura Overlords shook the very air around them.

At the forefront stood an asura that Kai knew all too well—Kasedas, a master of the Asura Reaper Law and Kai's direct rival.

"You’re outnumbered, bastards... Today, we’ll cull your numbers!" Kasedas sneered, his voice laced with venom as he drew a crimson scythe glowing with a formidable aura.

Among the asura Overlords were all those who had pursued Kai within the domain of the Heretical God’s Palace—save for Zeniba and Ishtar. They were the only asuras Kai had ever trusted.

"Something must have happened to them, or perhaps they’ve fallen out of favor…" Kai mused, his mind racing as he assessed the battlefield. His thoughts churned with precision, analyzing the disposition of forces.

"Let them tear each other apart," he thought with a cold, calculating glint in his eye. "While they’re distracted, I’ll accomplish my mission in the shadows of their chaos."

One of Kai’s allies, a Overlord among the Chimera Masters, broke the tense silence with a mocking laugh. Turning to Kasedas, he replied:

"Outnumbered? Only if you’re not counting the chimeras! Keh-heh-heh…" his laughter was dry and malicious, echoing with an unnerving chill.

As the eerie laughter faded, the Chimera Masters moved in unnerving unison. Without a word, they drew black crystals pulsating with dark energy and crushed them in their hands without hesitation. The moment the crystals shattered, the air shimmered, and a hum filled the atmosphere like the prelude to an impending storm.

Then came a cascade of explosions!

"Doom! Bam! Ba-bam!" Instantly, from the remains of the shattered crystals, monstrous chimeras emerged—each a harbinger of destruction. These were not ordinary creations; their auras radiated such power that even a group of them could challenge Law Overlord Masters. Entire squads of these creatures materialized, each far stronger than the average warrior.

On cue, the chimeras surged forward, filling the space before the Chimera Masters’ army and forming the front line of their assault. Their ferocity and lethal presence sent a shiver down the spines of even the most seasoned asura warriors.

Kasedas gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury as he took in the sight.

"This won’t save you. I’ll personally destroy each one of you!" he roared, his voice cutting through the air like a scythe’s edge. Raising his crimson weapon high, he charged it with a bloodthirsty aura.

The asuras were undeterred. Their Overlords immediately unleashed their powers, saturating the battlefield with their might.

"It’s begun…" Kai thought, his lips curling into a predatory smile. The chaos was the perfect cover for his own schemes. At last, he could move!

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V.11 Chapter 868: The Spy

The armies surged toward one another, and the space was engulfed in the thunderous cacophony of collisions, the roar of warriors, and the furious screeching of monsters. The Chimera Masters and asuras clashed with such force that the starry void around them trembled. The air was filled with the deafening whistle of swords and fists slicing through the atmosphere. The warriors on both sides fought with unparalleled ferocity and determination, their eyes burning with hatred as though they were prepared to obliterate the entire world for the sake of victory.

The battle unfolded with unimaginable brutality. One of the asuras, towering and muscular, swung his sword, leaving a fiery red trail in its wake. The blade flared like the sun and sliced through two Chimera Masters, splitting them in half. Their bodies scattered in pieces, staining the warriors behind them with blood. In that instant, another Chimera Master activated his technique, summoning massive roots from behind him. The roots wrapped around the asura, constricting him into a blood-soaked pulp. The roots, now crimson with absorbed blood, multiplied instantly, birthing even more tendrils.

Around the battlefield, whirlwinds created by the Overlords of both factions howled with fury. One of the asura Overlords, standing at the center of the fray, raised his arms, and a deadly storm of white energy spiraled around him. He charged at the Chimera Masters, tearing their bodies apart and incinerating them to the bone. In response, a Chimera Overlord formed a shield from his own blood, deflecting the attack. The shield shattered into thousands of shards, each transforming into a blood-drenched dagger that hurtled toward the enemies with terrifying speed. The asuras tried to evade, but the daggers pursued them relentlessly, piercing flesh and bone.

One of the most fearsome creations—a three-headed Chimera armored with scales like steel—loomed over the battlefield. Its heads spewed poisonous fire and acid, each targeting a separate opponent. The fiery breath of one head turned an entire group of asuras into blazing torches, their screams of agony filling the air before they were reduced to ashes. Meanwhile, another head bared its massive fangs and a bit into an Asura Overlord, trying to tear through his flesh.

But the Chimera had not accounted for the fact that this was Kasedas!

"Shuv!" His scythe flashed, slicing through the Chimera’s head in an instant, while simultaneously killing dozens of Chimera Masters nearby.

The asuras matched the brutality. One of them, employing a bizarre technique, created an army of blood clones around him. The clones surged at their enemies mercilessly, tearing through them with claws, ripping out hearts and heads along with their spines.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, a massive Chimera Master wielding a hammer swung his weapon with devastating force. Each strike caused explosive shockwaves, and the hammer crackled with bright sparks. Every impact sent lightning bolts surging forth, obliterating everything in their path.

Lightning, fiery explosions, bloody whirlwinds, and toxic clouds merged into a nightmarish symphony of destruction. Amid this chaos, amidst the carnage, Kai stood at the rear, observing the terrifying spectacle with cold detachment. His eyes betrayed neither fear nor excitement—only deep, impenetrable calculation. His every movement was slow and deliberate, as if the battle was of no concern to him. He watched as his enemies annihilated each other with relentless ferocity.

As the armies bled and faltered, Kai calmly contemplated his next move, waiting for the chaos to reach its peak and open new opportunities.

"It would be good to kill Kasedas... But now’s not the time to reveal my strength. If I take him down, it’ll draw too much attention," Kai thought, his gaze fixed on the bastard who had once tried to kill him.

After lingering a while longer, Kai began to weave his way through the battlefield. Amid the bedlam, it was nearly impossible to notice one unremarkable warrior moving toward the barrier...

Kai moved cautiously, like a shadow blending into the tumult of battle. His movements were precise and calculated; he dodged stray attacks, killed anyone who dared block his path in an instant, and vanished from sight as if he had never been there.

When Kai finally reached the barrier, he crouched behind a fallen giant and studied his surroundings intently. The shimmering barrier encasing the teralith pulsed with bright energy, emitting defensive ripples across its surface like waves on water. It seemed impenetrable, but Kai knew better.

"Kessia, are you sure there won’t be any issues?" Kai mentally confirmed.

"Yes. This barrier blocks attacks and enemy infiltration. But you possess asura blood, so there should be no problem," Kessia replied, her tone serious.

There was a tinge of pain in her voice as she watched many of her kin perish because of her. Naturally, Kai noticed but refrained from commenting or attempting to console her. The method he chose was cruel but effective, and they both understood that.

Kai waited, listening to the thunder of the battle and watching the warriors' movements to choose the perfect moment. Techniques exploded around him, attacks flared brightly, but his focus remained solely on the shimmering barrier. Then, amidst a new wave of explosions and clashes obscuring the view, Kai saw his chance!

With imperceptible speed, Kai slipped through the barrier. The shimmering wall closed silently behind him, leaving him inside unnoticed by anyone. On the other side, he found relative silence, surrounded by the tension and fear of those who watched the battle unfold from the city streets.

Once inside, Kai incinerated the Chimera Master's armor, revealing the appearance of an asura to erase any traces of his infiltration. He had prepared for this moment meticulously, altering his "White Devil" identity to mimic an asura.

"Everything is going according to plan," Kai thought, turning his gaze toward the main palace.

Without wasting a moment, he darted toward the massive structure towering at the center of teralith. Moving swiftly and silently, he slipped through the asuras' midst, who had no inkling that a traitor was among them.

Far away in the starry void, Kasedas, locked in combat with the Chimera armies, suddenly frowned. His battle-honed instincts flared. He turned sharply, glancing behind him, instantly alert. Kasedas's perception, far superior to most, now stirred with an unshakable sense of unease.

His scythe gleamed as it severed another Chimera’s head, its blood evaporating in the aura of the asura. Kasedas's gaze swept across the battlefield, searching. Though he couldn’t see the source of his unease, the feeling lingered.

He looked at his allies, engrossed in the savage clash, and suddenly declared, "Something’s wrong... A spy has infiltrated our territory!"

His commanding voice cut through the din of battle, drawing the attention of nearby Overlords. Without delay, Kasedas handed command to another asura, a master with equally deep blood-red tattoos.

"Take over, Altus. These scum aren’t strong enough to defeat us. Clearly, their attack has a different purpose!"

The Overlord he addressed nodded curtly, assuming control of the army. He knew Kasedas rarely erred in his instincts.

Wasting no time, Kasedas shot toward the Teralith, leaving a crimson streak in his wake. His power surged through every fiber of his being as he flew like a meteor toward his target. He sensed that no ordinary spy could penetrate so far without exceptional abilities. This was a worthy adversary, and Kasedas had no intention of giving him any chance of success.

Unaware that his presence had been detected, Kai quickly approached the colossal palace at the heart of teralith. Everything was proceeding according to plan, leaving him with no reason to worry...

"Almost at the entrance... Kessia, guide me to your sacred grounds. How do I reach the ashes of the Asura Progenitor?" Kai thought.

Entering the castle through a window, he found himself in the dim light of ancient corridors. From his Spiritual Sea, Kessia's voice resonated, calm and steady despite the gravity of the moment:

"Descend the main corridor. There is a staircase leading to the castle's lower levels where you once cultivated. From there, we’ll navigate hidden tunnels that lead to the heart of the dungeons, where the Progenitor's ashes rest."

Kai moved without hesitation. The castle corridors, lit by faint torches, stretched long and winding, but Kai advanced without slowing, precisely following Kessia's directions. Occasionally, he paused to avoid encounters with asuras, who were now frantically scouring the castle, evidently alarmed by the enemy's sudden incursion.

"Turn right," Kessia's voice directed him as he reached a junction. Kai quickly slipped into a narrow passage leading downward. The walls here grew rougher, streaked with damp marks and ancient symbols.

Upon reaching the staircase to the dungeons, a heavy stench of dampness and blood assaulted his senses. The familiar spiral staircase descended into deeper darkness. Without hesitation, Kai leapt down.

At the entrance to the blood lake chamber, no guards remained, as all available Overlords had rushed to the battlefield against the Chimera Masters. But just as Kessia prepared to guide Kai toward the secret tunnels, a pulse of foreign energy erupted behind him!

Kai spun around instantly, sensing a powerful, seething aura at his back. His eyes locked onto the figure standing at the end of the corridor. It was Kasedas—the asura with the scythe—his face twisted in rage and resolve. His eyes burned, and a formidable aura encased his body, radiating deadly menace.

"You pathetic spy! You think you can harm our clan?!" Kasedas roared, his voice thundering and echoing through the dungeon walls. He stepped forward, his blood-drenched scythe vibrating as if it were alive, thirsting for blood.

The sight, however, did not evoke fear or tension. A sinister, satisfied smirk spread across Kai’s face as if the enemy had served his life on a silver platter. With a hint of pity, Kai regarded Kasedas and spoke in a mocking tone:

"You don’t even realize the mistake you’ve just made. Heh-heh."

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V.11 Chapter 869: Totamid's Body

Kasedas squinted slightly, as if recognizing something familiar in Kai's manner of speaking. At that moment, his thoughts drifted into the past, to a time when he first encountered a similar aura of calm calculation. What struck him most, however, was the peculiar chuckle at the end—a sound reminiscent of the Immortal Drunkard’s laughter, a sound that had always grated on his nerves.

"Could it be... Impossible..." The thought flitted through Kasedas' mind. He froze for a moment, studying Kai's features intently, searching for something that would confirm his suspicions. Fragments of memories floated to the surface: a voice like this one, a cold gaze, a mysterious smile...

The memory of the Immortal Drunkard, who had humiliated him and escaped, left a deep scar on Kasedas' soul. And now, standing before this enigmatic Chimera Master, it felt as if the past had come alive, as if time itself was closing a circle.

Kasedas stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Kai, ready to react at a moment's notice.

"You..." he began, but the words caught in his throat.

Kai continued to watch him, his cold smirk widening as though relishing the moment Kasedas began to piece things together. In that instant, something clicked in Kasedas' mind. He thought he knew who Kai had once been... or who he could have been.

"Bastard! Is it really you?!" Kasedas exclaimed in horror, realizing he had walked straight into the tiger's den.

Kai was formidable, but more importantly, he wielded the Asura Reaper Law! They were destined to be mortal enemies. As long as one of them existed, the other would live in constant tension and uncertainty about their future.

"Notice, Kasedas, I didn’t even lure you into a trap. You chose to follow me on your own," Kai said coldly as his disguise began to dissolve, revealing his true form.

The sight sent a wave of terror through Kasedas. He couldn’t fathom how this was possible or why Kai was among the Chimera Masters, but the reality was undeniable.

"The Immortal Drunkard?!" Kasedas cried out in panic, spinning toward the palace dungeon’s exit.

Kai reacted instantly, moving with such speed that even Kasedas could only perceive it as a lightning-fast leap. In an instant, Kai was in front of him, blocking the way out. His eyes gleamed coldly, and a satisfied smile curled on his lips.

Kasedas instinctively reached for his communication artifact, intending to send a message to the Monarch. But Kai was a step ahead. His hand already held the pyramidal device, which flared with bright light, creating a barrier that isolated the space around them, severing all connections to the outside world.

"Did you really think I’d let you leave so easily?" Kai said coldly, his voice laden with menace. "It seems panic has made you predictable. Heh-heh..."

Kasedas clenched his fists, understanding he was trapped. His attempt to reach the Monarch had failed, and his opponent was not only cunning but astonishingly powerful. It seemed that since their last encounter, Kai had grown even stronger.

"This is the end, Kasedas. You don’t stand a chance of leaving this fight alive. And I, for one, don’t have time to play with you," Kai continued, his gaze fixed on his adversary.

Time seemed to freeze.

Kasedas knew the situation was dire. Anger flared within him, but so did fear in the face of his sworn enemy. With no chance of escape, there was only one option left—to fight to the bitter end.

He gripped his scythe tightly, and it ignited with the aura and the Asura Reaper Law, sending a hum reverberating through the barrier. Tattoos on Kasedas’ body began to glow, and blood poured from every orifice, evaporating instantly into the air. It seemed he was burning his very lineage to gain more power.

"Raar!" he roared with a mix of desperation and fury, launching himself at Kai.

"Futile," Kai said calmly, a faint smirk on his lips as he activated the fusion of his three Laws.

Kasedas charged at Kai with ferocity, his scythe slicing through the air with a deafening whistle. But Kai, entirely focused on his opponent, sneered disdainfully. In the next instant, his body flared with black-and-red lightning, effortlessly parrying Kasedas’ attack and deflecting the scythe to the side.

"Dong!" the clash of metal rang out like a thunderclap—a mere prelude to inevitable death.

Kai didn’t give Kasedas the chance for another strike.

"Shsss!" the sound of tearing space echoed as Kai's hand, shrouded in darkness and streaked with bloody flashes, pierced his enemy’s chest, ripping out his heart. The blow was so precise and forceful that Kasedas’ body arched, his eyes widening in shock and pain.

"Baam!" the black energy accompanying Kai’s attack spread through Kasedas, obliterating his internal organs and leaving a gaping hole in his torso. A destructive force surged through flesh, bones, and entrails, vaporizing everything in its path. Blood and tissue evaporated, leaving behind only a shriveled husk.

Kai withdrew his hand from Kasedas’ body, and his foe collapsed to his knees like a lifeless doll. His face twisted in a grimace of agony and disbelief, and charred flesh hung in tatters around the gaping wound in his chest. He couldn’t comprehend how he had been defeated in mere seconds.

"You... I... I could have become..." Kasedas stammered, tears of frustration welling in his eyes—though his desiccated body had no moisture left to shed. Those tears symbolized the bitterness of a fate he couldn’t accept.

"I warned you that you didn’t stand a chance," Kai said coldly, looking down at his fallen adversary. With merciless composure, he watched as the last spark of life faded from Kasedas’ eyes, leaving them dull and lifeless.

Kai waved his hand, dissolving the barrier, while Kasedas’ blood, ring, and weapon obediently flew into his grasp. A satisfied smirk might have graced his face at having vanquished the master who had been a thorn in his side. But now, he had a far more pressing objective—to acquire the Ashes of the Asura Progenitor.

No sooner had Kai absorbed Kasedas' blood than Kessia's calm yet focused voice echoed in his mind:

"It seems you're finishing your last preparations before a long seclusion," she remarked, with a touch of humor aimed at the recent encounter with Kasedas. "But let's not get distracted. It’s time to complete our mission. Head toward the center of the lake. There, you’ll find a small island concealed from view by an array."

Kai didn’t hesitate. His gaze shifted to the blood-red lake sprawling before him, and then he flew toward the indicated point. As he approached, his Eyes of Essence revealed something resembling a dome that hid everything within.

"Should I break through this array?" Kai asked mentally, already preparing to attack.

To his surprise, Kessia shook her head.

"No. If your asura lineage concentration is strong enough, there should be no issue. The barrier won't stop you. Usually, only elders take fragments of the ashes, so technically, any powerful master of our race can enter."

Without wasting a moment, Kai surged forward, passing through the barrier and opening his view to a small patch of land. The island was barren, featuring only a smooth stone platform engraved with ancient symbols glowing faintly red.

"And now?" Kai asked, scanning his surroundings.

"Stand in the center of the platform and activate your blood aura. You need to use the Asura Progenitor Technique," Kessia instructed. "Start by opening your Heart of Flesh and releasing some of your blood onto the symbols. Then, activate your technique and absorb the blood back. This will create a cycle that links you to the Progenitor's remaining power."

Kai positioned himself at the platform's center as directed. He focused, summoning his blood aura. His heart began to pulse, amplifying the blood's flow. Raising a hand, he made a shallow cut, letting a few drops of his blood drip onto the symbols. The moment his blood touched the stone, the symbols brightened, and the platform began to vibrate.

"Now start reabsorbing the blood and cultivate the primary technique of my race," Kessia instructed.

Kai activated the Asura Progenitor Technique fully, and the blood he had released began to rise as though alive. It slowly flowed back into his hand, and with it, Kai felt a surge of power—a force that seemed to awaken something ancient and ominous deep within the lake.

"Keep going. You need to establish a closed cycle until the Progenitor's blood begins to resonate with yours," Kessia urged, her voice growing more insistent.

The platform beneath Kai began to crumble, revealing a path downward into a dark, deep cavern emitting a faint, eerie light.

Now he hovered above a dark chasm that descended even further than the subterranean lake. The aura emanating from below grew increasingly wild, and Kai could feel his blood resonating with something hidden in the depths.

Slowly, he descended, floating through the air above the abyss. With every passing moment, the resonance between his blood and the ancient power below intensified. The dark walls of the tunnel he was descending were covered with ancient runes glowing dimly red. The light seemed to pulse in time with Kai’s heartbeat, amplifying the sensation of impending power.

Finally, he reached the bottom, finding himself in a vast tomb surrounded by massive stone walls. Along the perimeter, red torches flickered, casting shadows across stone slabs adorned with symbols and bas-reliefs depicting scenes of ancient battles and rituals.

At the tomb's center stood a raised stone platform, upon which rested the body of a tall man. Kai stepped closer, and an astonishing sight unfolded before him: a man with six arms and blood-red hair lay on the platform as if asleep. His facial features were stern and regal, his skin flawless, with no signs of decay. The crimson hair cascaded over his shoulders, shimmering faintly with a sinister glow.

"How is this possible? He looks... alive. Moreover, Totamid looked exactly the same! So those events weren’t hallucinations after all," Kai thought, recalling his visions of the Progenitor Asura.

"This is the Progenitor Asura," Kessia's voice confirmed in his mind.

"But why is his body so well-preserved, and why does it seem almost whole?!" Kai exclaimed, closely examining the man’s form.

Only then did he notice something white beneath the sleeves. The flesh on four of the man’s arms had been stripped away, leaving only bones. It was a grim reminder that descendants frequently used fragments of his ashes to enhance their own power. Though unsettling, in the Region of Flesh Domination, such practices were considered normal.

"His body remains in this condition thanks to the arrays maintaining this place and the lakes above. Moreover, his flesh is resilient enough to regenerate slightly even after death. Without that, we’d have long since exhausted all his ashes. There are times when an army needs to be raised quickly, leaving less ash behind. In times of peace, we allow it to recover somewhat," Kessia explained, her tone sobering Kai.

Kai approached the body, feeling the immense power radiating from it. Every muscle of the Progenitor seemed imbued with unfathomable energy, each vein glowing faintly with blood saturated by ancient strength. It felt as though the man might awaken at any moment, ready to fight for his people once more.

"Kessia, how much do we need to take for your resurrection?" Kai asked, his gaze unwavering from the majestic figure before him.

"I'm not sure... But since we've taken such a drastic and sacrilegious step, we can’t afford to hold back!" she declared confidently, showing no hesitation.

"How much can I take to maximize your strength without causing irreparable harm to the Sea of Asura's Blood?" Kai asked gravely.

"All the flesh from his legs should suffice. It’s a significant amount, but I believe the clan can endure until my resurrection. Afterward, I’ll personally ensure the Blood Sea's safety," Kessia replied, her tone tinged with faint bloodlust.

Hearing this, Kai wasted no time. He formed a thin, sharp blade of energy and approached the remains without ceremony. With a symbolic nod to Totamid, as if they were truly acquainted, he began "harvesting the ingredients."

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V.11 Chapter 870: Spotted!

Kai acted flawlessly and swiftly. His hands moved with such precision and speed that it seemed more like artistry than brutality. He meticulously carved the necessary portions of flesh from the Progenitor Asura’s body without a single wasted motion. Each action appeared calculated in advance. Once he had separated the required fragments, Kai immediately activated a jade artifact box, sealing the pieces inside and preventing the power of the flesh from dispersing into the air.

Kessia observed him, her anticipation growing with each passing moment. She was watching the approach of her own resurrection—an almost surreal event that made it feel as if she were merely awakening from a long slumber.

Both Kai and Kessia felt the mounting pressure of the surrounding circumstances with every second. Wasting no time, Kai finished his final preparations and darted toward the exit of the tomb without looking back. As soon as he left, the tomb’s protective arrays activated, sealing it from prying eyes.

Soaring above the blood-red lake, Kai did not pause. His goal was clear, and nothing could deter him. With incredible speed, he raced toward the exit of the underground complex, altering his appearance mid-flight to that of an unremarkable asura and suppressing his cultivation to the Law Transformation Sphere.

"I wonder how the battle between the Sea of Asura's Blood and the Chimera Masters is progressing?" Kai thought, fully aware that another crucial phase of his plan awaited him.

Kai had infiltrated the enemy ranks, using them to orchestrate an attack on the asuras. But now, he also needed to escape from those very enemies. Both Klaus and the Bloodthirsty Monarch were his sworn enemies, and their mutual conflict was the only thing granting Kai enough time to flee.

Kai shot out of the palace dungeon like an arrow unleashed with immense force. Without giving the defensive arrays a chance to track him, he exited the area and turned his gaze skyward. In the distance, bright flashes of the ongoing battle illuminated the dark heavens with blood-red and golden light. Kai was pleased to note that the battle raged on despite his absence—proof that his plan had worked perfectly.

He moved so quickly that only about half an hour had passed since he left the battlefield. However, that brief time was critical. Everything happening around him confirmed that each step of his plan had been calculated with meticulous precision.

"They’ll surely come looking for me," Kai thought, watching as lightning and fiery explosions ripped through the sky. "But as long as their focus is on each other, I have a chance to slip away unnoticed."

Kai was preparing to ascend into the starry void when a cold, authoritative voice echoed in his mind, sending a chill down his spine:

"How did it go, White Devil?" the Bloodthirsty Monarch’s voice resounded in his consciousness, filled with both anticipation and a hint of unease.

"So that bastard was watching me even during the battle? Dammit..." Kai cursed inwardly, his body tensing instantly.

Yet Kai had anticipated this possibility. He knew he needed to act quickly and decisively—escape would not come easily.

"I need to shake them both and head to the Heretical God’s Palace," Kai thought, cursing the Monarch for disrupting his otherwise perfect plan.

"You completed your mission, didn’t you?" the Monarch continued. His voice was deceptively calm, but every word was taut with tension, like a string ready to snap. It was clear he had invested significant resources into this scheme and was keenly interested in its success.

Kai felt a cold sweat break out on his back. He now needed not just to flee, but to deceive the Monarch and divert his attention. And he had to do so before the vampire realized that Kai had no intention of sharing his spoils. In fact, Kai’s accomplishments were entirely unrelated to what he had initially promised the Monarch.

"Damn it, I’ll have to improvise," Kai thought quickly, striving to maintain steady breathing and conceal any trace of fear. Hesitation was not an option.

"Everything went perfectly!" Kai replied with a smug grin. "Can you keep Klaus occupied while I get far enough away?" he added quickly.

Klaus, who had recently exchanged blows with the Bloodthirsty Monarch, suddenly noticed something unusual. His opponent, previously focused on the fight, had inexplicably slowed, as though distracted. This was highly uncharacteristic of such an experienced and powerful adversary, raising Klaus’ suspicion.

He immediately redirected part of his focus from the battle, analyzing the situation. His heightened senses picked up on a faint mental resonance emanating from the Monarch—an unmistakable sign that the vampire was engaged in a telepathic conversation. Following the direction of the Monarch’s gaze, Klaus spotted an asura who seemed out of place amidst the chaos.

"What the...? Could it be Kasedas...?" Klaus muttered, narrowing his eyes.

Klaus had clearly noticed his grandson’s absence from the battlefield, having seen him rush toward the main palace. And now, with an enemy emerging from that same palace, there could be only one explanation—his grandson was dead.

"What game are you bastards playing?! What’s the purpose of your attack on the Sea of Asura's Blood?!" Klaus roared, charging directly at Kai. It was obvious—this spy could not be allowed to escape.

At the same time, Kai braced himself as he felt the murderous gaze of a master at the Supreme Monarch Sphere locking onto him. Watching Klaus hurtle toward him with unparalleled speed, Kai realized that stealth was no longer an option.

"Protect me, or the entire plan falls apart!" Kai cried mentally to the Bloodthirsty Monarch.

The vampire needed no verbal prompting. His actions spoke for themselves. In the next instant, he vanished, leaving only a blurred streak in his wake, and reappeared in front of Klaus, intercepting his flight. The vampire's movements were so precise and rapid that Klaus was forced to react.

The Monarch’s avatar spread its arms wide with a roar, his blood-red eyes blazing as his aura flooded the surrounding space, thick as liquid. In the next moment, he unleashed a terrifying attack, its brilliance eclipsing the sun, as it exploded with devastating force.

"Bo-Boom!" a wave of destruction rippled out for hundreds of kilometers, obliterating everything in its path.

The starry void trembled under the force. Massive asteroids and other celestial bodies drifting peacefully in the vacuum began to shatter into fragments, scattering in every direction. Waves of energy tore enormous fissures through space, ripping it apart as though it were a fragile fabric.

Klaus, undeterred, retaliated instantly. His avatar unleashed a counterattack with all four fists, creating an explosion of such blinding light that the asuras below were temporarily blinded.

Meanwhile, Kai took advantage of the distraction, his heart pounding as he focused entirely on his next move. Now or never—he had to escape and complete his mission.

"Hold him off, Monarch! I’ll retreat to one of the Order of Heretical Races shelters and use spatial teleportation to buy some time. I’ll figure out a way to remove this tracking mark!" Kai’s mental message was sharp and urgent. "We must do whatever it takes to resurrect the Gods!"

As soon as these words echoed, Kai surged into the starry void, his body blazing with power. He even sacrificed part of his flesh to activate the Dragon Devours Self Technique, amplifying his speed to a level that surpassed even Law Overlord masters.

The Bloodthirsty Monarch responded with a curt nod, transmitting his own thoughts in return:

"Hurry! Klaus is acting with complete seriousness—I can feel him burning his lineage! I won’t resort to such measures, but I can’t hold him off indefinitely, especially here, in his domain!" The vampire’s voice betrayed a hint of strain, as though even he felt the mounting threat. Despite the weaknesses Kai had revealed about Klaus, the ancient foe clearly had several hidden trump cards.

At that moment, Klaus’s furious roar cut through the chaos like a blade. Fully aware of the growing danger, Klaus wasted no time.

"You won’t escape so easily! I will destroy all of you wretched Chimera Masters!"

Klaus reached into his spatial storage and retrieved a dark, horned skull radiating an ominous, ancient aura. His eyes burned with determination as he gripped the artifact tightly. Without hesitation, he crushed it in his hands, shattering it into fragments from which a blood-red mist began to rise.

From the broken remains of the skull, a spectral, blood-soaked figure emerged, hovering momentarily as if assessing its surroundings. Its glowing, malevolent eyes locked onto Kai without hesitation and surged forward with destructive intent.

Kai, sensing the mortal danger, darted aside, but the spectral figure was astoundingly fast. The Bloodthirsty Monarch immediately intervened, positioning himself to intercept the phantom and protect his ally. Yet to his shock, the blood specter passed through his avatar as if the Monarch did not exist.

"What kind of trickery is this?!" the vampire cursed, realizing he could not stop the entity.

The specter continued its relentless pursuit, hurtling toward Kai and piercing straight through his body. In that instant, Kai felt an excruciating, searing pain tearing through him from within. The agony was so intense that his vision darkened momentarily, and his muscles convulsed uncontrollably. A strange mark, resembling a horizontal line, appeared on Kai’s forehead—a blood-red symbol pulsating like the branding of an ancient curse.

Kai groaned in torment, his heart pounding as if trying to escape his chest. It felt as though the entire universe had contracted to this moment, where each movement brought a fresh wave of agony. But then, as suddenly as it began, the pain subsided.

The Monarch, observing the mark on Kai, immediately understood the gravity of the situation.

"Damn it! It’s a tracking mark!" the Monarch exclaimed through their mental link. "White Devil, he’ll be able to track you with ease now! You can’t head to our base—it’s too risky! Stay near me, and I’ll do my best to shield you!"

But there was no time to deliberate. With the mark now in place, Klaus had irrevocably shifted the battle’s stakes. The plan was unraveling before their eyes, and the vampire realized that decisive action was required, even as he struggled to think of a solution to their dire predicament.

Klaus, meanwhile, showed no signs of relenting. With Kai marked, his next objective was clear: to eliminate or cripple the Bloodthirsty Monarch and capture Kai for interrogation—and endless torment, if necessary.

As the situation spiraled toward chaos, Kai clenched his fists and transmitted another mental message:

"It’s too dangerous, but I have a plan! I’m still a member of the Order of Heretical Races—I can use their shelters to execute a series of spatial jumps. That might buy me enough time to remove this cursed mark. Just hold Klaus off and trust me! We must do everything in our power to fulfill the resurrection!"

Without waiting for a response, Kai launched himself deeper into the starry void. Behind him, Klaus erupted with a fresh surge of power, his intent crystal clear: he would crush the Bloodthirsty Monarch as swiftly as possible before pursuing his marked prey.

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V.11 Chapter 871: Monarch's Pursuit

Kai knew there was no time for hesitation. Ignoring the ominous mark pulsing on his forehead, he focused all his strength on speeding through the starry void. Behind him, the violent flashes of battle shook the fabric of reality, but his primary goal now was not to engage in the conflict—it was to escape it.

The mark on his forehead pulsed rhythmically, almost as if alive, and Kai was acutely aware that each of his movements was now being tracked. This mark exposed his every location to the enemy, leaving him no chance to hide.

"Kessia, what is this mark? Do you know how to remove it?" Kai shouted mentally, directing his thoughts to the only one who might have an answer.

"Given your Heretical God lineage, you can purge it—but it will take years. You’d need to slowly burn the mark out of your Heart of Flesh. Clearly, you don’t have that luxury right now!" Kessia replied gravely.

Both understood that Kai had entered a precarious gamble. Success now hinged entirely on how long the Bloodthirsty Monarch could keep Klaus at bay. They harbored no illusions that the Monarch could defeat Klaus in his own domain; therefore, speed was of the essence.

"Alright! I need to widen the gap between us!" Kai declared resolutely, pulling a crimson ring from his robes.

This artifact had been hidden away for years, as Kai had avoided revealing his ties to the Order of Heretical Races. The ring had been a gift from Askalant, and one of its functions was to detect the Order’s hidden sanctuaries and grant access to them. Now, it was invaluable.

"If I can reach one of the sanctuaries, I can perform a series of teleports. The key is to create distance and disappear into the Heretical God’s Palace. Once inside, even if all the Law Devourers in this world band together, none will be able to touch me!" Kai thought, focusing intently on his goal.

Without wasting a moment, Kai retrieved a glowing sphere from his dimensional ring and activated it, revealing a three-dimensional map. The sphere illuminated, displaying a vast layout of the Asura territories and a potential route to one of the Order’s secret sanctuaries. Kai immediately adjusted his trajectory and accelerated.

"Damn... Because the Sea of Asura's Blood was isolated for so long, there aren’t many sanctuaries in their territory," Kai thought as he analyzed the map.

The nearest sanctuary was still quite far, closer to the border of the Heretical God Domain than to the asura race’s main teralith. This realization unsettled Kai.

"Kai, push your techniques to the limit and don’t hold back. When the Bloodthirsty Monarch retreats, Klaus will come straight for you. Even though you’re incredibly powerful, his speed still surpasses yours," Kessia said in a steady yet worried tone.

Kai nodded silently, mentally commanding his Laws to activate cultivation techniques. He began chanting the Sphere of Essence Mantra. Tattoos on his body pulsed with energy as he picked up speed.

Kai felt space compressing around him, the stars stretching into long streaks of light. He was moving faster than ever before, yet there was no exhilaration in this speed—only an oppressive sense of impending danger, like icy fingers tightening around his heart.

The Sphere of Essence Mantra resonated in his mind, setting a rhythm for his power to flow. Each syllable and breath helped him steady his thoughts.

The void stretched endlessly around him, empty and lifeless. He could hear only his own breathing and the pounding of his heart. But even in this emptiness, he sensed a presence—a force closing in on him.

Time seemed to blur, days slipping by as minutes, and every moment felt like an eternity to Kai. His life wasn’t the only thing at stake—Kessia’s resurrection and the entire plan rested on his survival. What had once been a distant ambition was now within reach, making the tension all the more unbearable.

"The Bloodthirsty Monarch has been holding Klaus off for a while now. How much longer can he last?" Kai wondered anxiously. His thoughts swirled uncontrollably, and the further he flew, the more acutely he felt time slipping away like sand through his fingers.

The race against time was unrelenting. Kai knew even a single moment of hesitation could cost him everything. Every step, every decision had to be precise and instantaneous.

"If I slow down for even a second, Klaus will catch me," he thought, gritting his teeth as he surged forward. "If I fail to reach the sanctuary, I’ll have no choice but to fight him head-on..." The thought tightened his resolve, his fists clenching.

It was as if Kessia could sense Kai’s thoughts. Without him needing to speak, she sought to calm him, her voice laced with urgency and reassurance.

"Kai, it’s not as hopeless as it seems. After battling the Bloodthirsty Monarch, my brother will be weakened. He can’t afford to delay for recovery. He knows that if the Chimera Masters have powerful allies who can remove the tracking mark, he’ll lose any chance of uncovering your objective in the Sea of Asura's Blood or recovering what was taken."

"I hope you’re right..." Kai muttered through clenched teeth, glancing at the map again.

The tattoos on Kai’s body glowed like living symbols, absorbing the heretical blood around him and transforming it into power for acceleration. He knew he had to push his limits to reach maximum speed.

Suddenly, the mark on his forehead flared violently, its pulse a grim reminder of its deadly threat. A cold sweat ran down Kai’s back as Kessia spoke, her tone tinged with alarm:

"How much farther? Klaus has started his pursuit!"

"Damn it!" Kai cursed aloud. "About two days! Why couldn’t that cursed Monarch hold him off a little longer?!" he snarled, venting his frustration at his unreliable "ally."

From the outside, the situation might have seemed almost comical—after all, the Bloodthirsty Monarch had invested immense resources and fought tirelessly to keep Klaus at bay, only to end up empty-handed. Yet for Kai, the stakes were anything but funny.

With all his reserves already drained, Kai had no choice but to rely on hope and sheer determination. Using a life-threatening move now would leave him vulnerable in a potential clash with Klaus.

"Damn it... If only I had a defensive artifact like that sphere..." Kai thought bitterly, recalling how he and his allies had once escaped the Bloodthirsty Monarch.

Kai continued hurtling through the starry void, periodically checking the map to see how much farther he had to go. Anxiety flickered in his eyes as he realized the sanctuary was still a long way off. In ordinary circumstances, a journey of several days would feel like nothing. But now, every minute was critical.

Then, his crimson ring began to pulse, responding to the proximity of the sanctuary. It was a sign that he was closing in. A spark of hope ignited within him.

"I’m almost there! Just a few more hours, and I can create enough distance!" Kai thought, feeling his strength partially restored by the rush of relief.

Checking the map again, Kai’s gaze locked onto the marked point indicating the sanctuary’s entrance. His heart pounded faster, his breath quickened. He was nearing his goal, but danger was just as close. The mark on his forehead pulsed again, this time not as a warning but as an alarm—Klaus was near.

"So little time left..." Kai whispered, resisting the creeping panic. He knew he had to push harder, even as his strength waned under the relentless strain. The tension in his chest became almost unbearable.

In desperation, Kai activated the Dragon Devours Self Technique, sacrificing a portion of his flesh to propel himself even faster. The surrounding space warped under his velocity, stars merging into a continuous stream of light. His limbs burned with exhaustion, but he pressed forward, refusing to relent. The ring on his finger pulsed more frequently, a sign that he was drawing closer.

"There it is," Kai exhaled with relief as a glowing dot appeared on the horizon, marking the sanctuary’s entrance. It was his last hope for survival. Summoning every ounce of strength, he surged toward it, knowing Klaus was closing in fast.

"Come on!" he shouted as the ring glowed brighter, welcoming his approach. His heart raced with anticipation, but a sudden surge of aura behind him sent a chill down his spine.

"Thud!" a powerful wave of force emanated from Klaus, disrupting Kai’s balance and almost sending him tumbling.

"Not now!" Kai roared, gritting his teeth and summoning every muscle to stay on course. He couldn’t afford to falter—not when salvation was within reach.

The kilometers separating him from the sanctuary’s entrance stretched endlessly. Every second dragged as Kai’s heart hammered like a war drum. Klaus was closing the gap, but Kai’s focus was singular: reaching the glowing point ahead. Nothing else mattered.

When he was mere steps from the sanctuary, the space before him distorted. A whirlwind of bloody energy spiraled, materializing into a figure blocking his path. Klaus, bloodied and enraged, stood before him like a demon rising from the abyss. His fiery-red aura twisted the surrounding space.

"You’re not going anywhere, filth!" Klaus bellowed, his voice thundering across the void.

In the next instant, Klaus unleashed a devastating palm strike, his aura forming a massive hand aimed directly at Kai. The attack carried the raw power of his avatar.

"Not fast enough! Damn it!" Kai cursed internally, mustering every ounce of his strength to block the strike. A dragon-headed shield, gleaming with crimson patterns, materialized in his hands.

"Ba-BOOM!" the collision shook the void, the impact forcing Kai to redirect the momentum and propel himself several kilometers away from the sanctuary entrance, which had been within his grasp moments ago.

Panting heavily, Kai barely maintained his composure as his body reeled from the residual force of Klaus’s attack. His chest tightened, his vision blurred, and his ears rang with the aftermath of the clash.

Klaus wasted no time, already preparing another strike. His eyes burned with the desire for annihilation. Kai knew he couldn’t withstand such attacks for long. He had to act fast—fighting Klaus directly was not an option.

"Hold on, Kai!" Kessia’s voice rang in his mind, filled with urgency and anger. "He’s severely injured—that’s our advantage. Take one more blow and counterattack with everything you have!"

Hearing this, Kai steeled himself, determination flaring in his eyes.

"Like hell I’ll lose!" Kai shouted internally, feeling strength surge through him anew. His tattoos flared brightly as he sacrificed a significant portion of his flesh to power up his attack.

As Klaus launched his next assault, Kai suddenly veered to the side, evading the strike entirely. Channeling every ounce of his energy, he tore through space, appearing directly beside Klaus in an instant. Even Kessia was stunned by the sheer speed of the maneuver.

Klaus, caught off guard, watched as his attack sliced through empty space. A heartbeat later, he felt the sharp sting of Kai’s spear, crackling with destructive energy and encased in blood-red lightning, piercing his side.

"Shuuv! Ba-BOOM!" The explosion rivaled Klaus’s previous attacks, filling the void with chaos as lightning, fire, and destruction spiraled outward. Even Klaus was thrown off balance, his footing shaken for several moments.

"What the...?!" Klaus exclaimed, shocked by the unexpected counter.

He spun around, searching for his enemy.

But it was already too late. Klaus caught sight of Kai’s figure vanishing into the sanctuary’s portal just as it closed behind him. Wasting no time, Klaus struck at the portal, but a protective barrier immediately repelled his attack.

"You won’t escape, filth! This barrier is nothing to me!" Klaus roared, but then his face twisted in frustration. "What?! How is this possible... Damn it!" his furious shout echoed across the void as he realized the tracking mark was erratically jumping through space.

He quickly deduced the only explanation—Kai was within a pocket dimension containing teleportation arrays.

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V.11 Chapter 872: Tricked!

At the moment Kai attacked Klaus, he poured every ounce of his remaining strength into escaping into the pocket dimension of the Order of Heretical Races. He felt the space around him warp and twist as his body slipped through the barrier. Without pausing to assess his surroundings, he sprinted forward. He didn’t dare look back, fully aware that Klaus could appear at any moment. For a Supreme Monarch Sphere master, breaking through the barrier of this pocket world was only a matter of time.

"Where is it?!" Kai shouted internally, scanning the small cavern with his Eyes of Essence.

Immediately taking in his surroundings, Kai located the teleportation array. Without hesitation, he dashed toward it. Time was measured in seconds, and even the smallest delay could cost him his life. Concentrating deeply, he activated the array and jumped to the next sanctuary, then again, and again, teleporting through worlds. Each jump squeezed and stretched the space around him as he carved his path through the void.

After several jumps, he reached a sanctuary equipped with multiple teleportation arrays. These sanctuaries formed a vast network, allowing Kai to move closer to the heart of the Region of Flesh Domination and hasten his approach to the Heretical God’s Palace.

With each leap, the tension grew. Kai knew he couldn’t afford even a brief respite; if he faltered, Klaus would catch him. He pushed himself to his absolute limits, determined to keep moving until he reached safety.

In some sanctuaries, Kai briefly crossed paths with other members of the Order of Heretical Races. Yet before they could react, he had already teleported to the next location.

His heart pounded furiously, and his breath grew ragged as he finally reached a sanctuary near the Heretical God’s Palace. At this point, using any of the remaining teleportation arrays would only take him farther from his destination.

Just as he was preparing to step into the starry void, a sudden thought struck him.

"I need to destroy this sanctuary!" Kai exclaimed, his Eyes of Essence locking onto the core of the pocket world.

During raids on the Chimera Masters, the Order routinely extracted and destroyed such cores, obliterating enemy lairs. Even for Klaus, breaking through multiple barriers would consume precious time. If Kai could destroy this final sanctuary, he would gain the time he desperately needed.

Wasting no time, Kai ascended to the cavern ceiling, his eyes blazing with determination. Channeling all his energy, he struck with a powerful palm. The ceiling trembled and rippled like an illusion, its stone surface warping as if caught in a violent wind.

"I have to hurry!" Kai thought, delivering another forceful blow. The ripples intensified, and a massive black stone began to emerge from the ceiling. Its surface was smooth and cold, etched with ancient runes radiating a dark, ominous glow.

Gritting his teeth, Kai wrapped the stone in his energy, coiling it like a serpent ready to constrict its prey. He pulled with all his might, every muscle and tendon straining as the stone groaned in protest. Slowly, it began to shift, as if resisting his will. But Kai didn’t relent. Pouring even more power into his effort, he gradually wrenched the core from its nest within the pocket dimension.

The cavern shook violently, the surrounding space distorting. Huge chunks of rock rained down from the ceiling, and the ground beneath Kai’s feet cracked and trembled. The very fabric of the world seemed on the verge of collapse, yet Kai persisted, tearing the core free.

At last, as the core fully detached, Kai felt the structure of the world begin to unravel. The spectral walls of the cavern dissolved, replaced by shimmering patches of emptiness. He knew he had mere moments before the world disintegrated completely, dragging him into eternal oblivion.

With the last of his strength, Kai surged toward the exit. The space around him distorted once more, the familiar sensation of teleportation coursing through his body. As he emerged, the core hovered in the void, enveloped in the aura of his energy.

"Shuuv! Thump!" With a muffled sound, the pocket world vanished, and Kai found himself in the starry void. Most importantly, in the distance, the boundary of the Heretical God’s Palace came into view—salvation was within reach.

A metallic taste filled Kai’s mouth as he clenched his teeth too hard, battling his mounting exhaustion. After two confrontations with Klaus, a desperate counterattack, and constant flight at the brink of his limits, Kai was finally starting to falter.

He knew he had to endure, no matter the cost. Even if it meant risking consciousness, his life—and Kessia’s—depended on his ability to keep moving.

"Just a little farther... Come on!" Kai shouted, as if commanding his own body, and propelled himself forward.

Meanwhile, Klaus tore through one pocket world after another, rage burning in his eyes. The immense power at his disposal shattered barriers like a mortal breaking through rotted doors. He chased Kai relentlessly, giving him no time to breathe. Each time Klaus breached a sanctuary’s defenses, he felt the pulse of Kai’s mark, guiding his pursuit.

Klaus knew Kai was pushing himself to his absolute limits. Yet for Klaus, nothing mattered more than catching his prey and finishing him once and for all. The scent of blood and fury lingered in the air, stoking his resolve.

"You can’t escape, pup!" Klaus growled as his fist pierced yet another barrier. Dust and debris scattered as he stormed into the pocket world, slaughtering an unfortunate member of the Order who happened to be inside. He paid no mind to the corpse—his gaze was fixed solely on the mark. But just as Klaus prepared to strike again, his hand froze.

"What the...?" he muttered, stunned.

The mark had vanished. It disappeared as if it had never existed.

Klaus stood motionless, his eyes widening in shock and fury. He couldn’t comprehend what had happened. This couldn’t be real. It was impossible. Yet the truth was undeniable—the mark was gone, and the space around him fell silent.

"How... How did he do it?!" Klaus growled, his claws digging into his fists as veins bulged across his forehead. The disbelief and anger coursing through him were palpable.

His mind raced for answers. Stranger still, the disappearance had occurred at the very heart of the Region of Flesh Domination—in the Heretical God’s Palace. No one could enter that place, especially not an Overlord.

"That bastard isn’t dead... Otherwise, I’d have felt his death," Klaus muttered, surveying the ruins around him. "He has to be here, somewhere in this world... He has to!"

But no matter how he searched or strained to feel the mark again, it remained absent. For the first time in ages, Klaus felt a creeping unease. He couldn’t fathom how Kai had outmaneuvered the mark.

"I’ll find you! No matter what it takes!" Klaus roared, his eyes blazing with wrath. "You think you can hide in this endless void? You’re wrong! I’ll hunt you down, you filthy bastard! Pray, for now, I will personally annihilate you and your Chimera Masters!"

Clenching his teeth and glaring at the shattered remnants of the sanctuary, Klaus turned and surged forward. He couldn’t sense Kai, but he was certain that if his enemy wasn’t destroyed, he would surface again. After all, there was no way to escape him.

Yet as Klaus shattered several more sanctuaries, he discovered that one of the teleportation arrays had stopped functioning entirely. The chase had become even more challenging.

But Kai no longer cared.

Now, he lay sprawled on the ground of a vast throne room, his chest heaving as though he’d just escaped the jaws of death.

"Kha-ha-ha..." Kai gasped for air, struggling to regain his composure.

He had done it—he had stormed into the Heretical God’s Palace and reached safety, far beyond Klaus’s wrath. A wide smile spread across his face, reflecting both relief and triumph after narrowly escaping a mortal chase.

The arched ceilings of the throne room loomed above him, etched with ancient symbols glowing faintly. At the far end stood a towering statue of the Heretical God. Despite his exhaustion, Kai couldn’t help but marvel at his achievement. For the first time in centuries, he was tantalizingly close to resurrecting Kessia.

Struggling to steady his breathing, Kai gazed at the high ceilings. Here, at the heart of the Region of Flesh Domination, he felt protected, as if the palace’s ancient walls shielded him from all external threats.

"I really did it," he murmured, forcing himself to stand. His body felt heavy, his muscles aching with exhaustion, but his joy and relief overshadowed the pain. He scanned the throne room, regaining his composure. This moment was his personal victory, though he knew many trials still lay ahead.

"That’s right, Kai..." Kessia’s trembling voice broke through his thoughts, thick with emotion. It seemed she was on the verge of tears. Until the very last moment, she had refused to believe Kai’s plan would succeed—not out of doubt in him, but because she couldn’t bear the thought of disappointment.

Kai allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability, warmth filling his heart at Kessia’s words. Her voice, usually resolute and calculating, now quivered with raw emotion. Closing his eyes, he entered his Spiritual Sea, eager to see her.

There, Kessia awaited him, floating near a nine-tiered pagoda. Her eyes glistened with tears. Her delicate, slender figure appeared more fragile than ever, her blood-red hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her face, where disbelief and joy intermingled.

Kai wasted no time. With a tenderness born of shared struggles, he moved toward her, his heart pounding. He embraced her gently, pulling her trembling body close. A subtle shiver ran through his hands as he stroked her hair, which felt as vibrant and alive as it had the day they first met.

"Kessia..." Kai whispered, feeling her breath hitch as her emotions overwhelmed her. Her body quaked against his, and he could hear the raw, unfiltered pain and joy in her uneven breathing. "We still have much to do, but I promise—I will restore your body."

Kessia pressed herself closer to his chest, her eyes closed tightly, and let out a quiet sob. Her arms wrapped around him, her fingers gripping his shoulders as if afraid he might disappear. For her, this moment felt like a dream—one she feared would dissolve into nothingness.

"It’s absurd," she whispered, her voice shaking with tears. "And yet... now that it’s happened... I can’t believe it’s real. A mere mortal from another world managed to achieve something I never thought possible..."

Kai’s chest tightened at her words, the weight of their shared journey pressing down on him. This was not just his triumph—it was theirs. Every struggle, every sacrifice, every step forward had been for this moment. It wasn’t just about survival—it was about reclaiming what they had both lost.

"We’ll see this through together," Kai said firmly, running his fingers through her hair once more. "Now we have time. Now we have a chance. And I won’t let anyone or anything take that from us. Besides, I’ll be counting on you to help me fight for the fate of the universe! Heh," he attempted a lighthearted tone to lift her spirits.

Kessia, still holding onto him tightly, gave a small nod. She understood the gravity of what lay ahead. Danger and trials awaited them, but for now, they were together. And in that unity, there was strength enough to face whatever challenges the future held.

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V.11 Chapter 873: A New Craft

On the open balcony of a tall pagoda overlooking a vast, ancient forest, Kai finally indulged in a long-awaited moment of rest. The boundless sea of greenery stretched endlessly before him, the treetops disappearing into the distance as if the world itself ended here, upon this living, emerald carpet. Overhead, clouds drifted lazily across the bright azure sky, their unhurried passage mirroring the stillness of the moment.

A heavy wooden table in front of him was laden with an array of delicacies—from exotic fruits to intricately prepared dishes crafted by puppet-like master chefs. Two women moved silently around Kai, serving him food and drinks with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. Their expressions remained serene, adding an air of calm to the tranquil atmosphere.

Kai leaned back in the ornate chair, its intricately carved backrest supporting him as he inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air infused with the scent of damp wood and wild herbs. A satisfied smile graced his face as his gaze wandered toward the distant horizon. For the first time in what felt like ages, he allowed himself to simply sit and enjoy the present.

This respite was a well-earned reward. The most perilous part of his plan—the theft of the Progenitor Asura’s remains—was finally behind him. The memories of the recent battle and the ensuing chase were still vivid, but they now felt like the remnants of a bad dream. Kai could feel the tension gradually leaving his body, replaced by a pleasant weariness and the satisfaction of a job well done.

His thoughts drifted, revisiting his daring escape from Klaus and the clash of the Monarchs. But those events no longer mattered. What did matter was that the time had come to proceed with the next step of his journey—mastering the craft of Flesh Weaving.

"I wonder what happened to Zeniba? Oh well, once I resurrect Kessia, she can sort it out herself," Kai mused, taking a sip of the tangy, potent liquor before him.

For the first time in a long while, his mind was free from the oppressive weight of responsibility. He could finally reflect on matters unrelated to Kessia’s resurrection.

"I still need the body of a phoenix, but that can wait. Perhaps I can substitute it with the leviathan’s body I acquired in that ancient pocket world. I’ll start with learning Flesh Weaving and explore this possibility along the way," he thought, recalling how he had yet to collect specimens from all the ruling races.

This lapse, however, didn’t trouble Kai much. While the mark still lingered on his forehead, Klaus would not be able to find him. By the time Kai ventured out for the final ingredient, the mark would be removed.

"I must refine my Ninth Oblivion Technique. Additionally, two of my other cultivation techniques have another layer to unlock, so I need to cultivate without pause. My Laws must evolve..." Kai thought, taking another sip of his drink.

Over the past decades, Kai had gained a deeper understanding of his being. Due to peculiarities in his body, his cultivation path diverged from the norm. He and Kessia had often speculated about what might happen when he reached the Supreme Monarch Sphere.

Traditionally, in the Law Overlord Sphere, practitioners would manifest a Law Weapon that fused the attributes of their cultivation techniques with their personal comprehension. Some might even gain additional combat techniques. But in Kai’s case, his three systems had merged completely, steering him onto an uncharted cultivation path.

Faced with the unknown, Kai resolved to continue doing what had brought him this far. He would let his three Laws cultivate as they always had and immerse himself in the Sphere of Essence Mantra. The more he practiced, the stronger the mantra’s influence on his consciousness grew...

"Kai," Kessia’s soft voice interrupted his musings, filling his mind with a soothing and familiar echo. "Have you decided what you’ll do next?" she asked, her tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of excitement, as though she couldn’t wait to hear his plans.

Kai slowly shifted his gaze from the horizon to the empty space before him, where he envisioned Kessia. Her presence in his mind was a constant source of comfort and assurance. He knew he could trust her with his deepest thoughts and aspirations.

"It’s simple. We stick to the original plan," Kai answered decisively. "After resting here in the pagoda, I’ll ask Tempcore to transport me to the Flesh Weaving training area. The first step is to resurrect you, no matter how long it takes. After that, I’ll immerse myself in cultivation and development. I have certain ideas about the Sphere of Essence and the Laws it revealed to me. Exploring those will require considerable time. But no matter what, your resurrection remains my top priority."

Kessia smiled warmly in his mind, her eyes shimmering with understanding and gratitude. She knew how much her return meant to Kai and admired his unwavering resolve. At the same time, she wanted to remind him not to neglect his own growth and well-being.

"I know, Kai. And I’m grateful. Just don’t forget that we’re safe now. We have time," she said, her voice soothing and gentle.

Kai nodded, understanding her unspoken message. She had always been his anchor, a reminder that even in the darkest times, balance was essential. He inhaled deeply, feeling his resolve strengthen anew.

Their connection lingered for a moment, both of them savoring the quiet peace of the balcony high above the endless forest.

After his much-needed rest, Kai decided to refresh himself and headed to the hot springs nestled deep within the pagoda. The waters were clear and warm, surrounded by dense steam that rose to the ceiling, creating an atmosphere of solitude and tranquility.

Kai entered the water slowly, feeling the heat immediately relax his muscles and wash away his fatigue. He sank in almost entirely, leaving only his head above the surface. The hot water enveloped his body, dissolving the last remnants of tension. He closed his eyes and let himself drift into a serene state, reveling in the silence and warmth.

After spending hours in the spring, Kai felt rejuvenated, his body brimming with new energy and his mind clear of mundane thoughts. Emerging from the water, he allowed the steam to cling to his skin as he made his way to the stone ledge where his fresh clothes awaited.

He chose a simple yet elegant black outfit, its fabric soft to the touch and tailored for comfort. The loose sleeves and deep neckline revealed his muscular chest and upper abs, offering freedom of movement.

Rolling up his sleeves to his elbows, Kai caught a glimpse of himself in a large mirror that, curiously, remained free of condensation. His blood-red hair, long and slightly tousled, had dried and now rested gently on his shoulders. Gathering it into a high bun, he secured it with a thin black ribbon. At that moment, he resembled a content mortal man ready to devote himself to a craft after a long day of labor.

His face radiated inner peace, and his body felt ready for new challenges.

"Tempcore, I’m ready for training!" Kai declared confidently.

Instantly, he sensed a presence near him. The consciousness of the Heretical God’s Palace responded:

"Excellent. Where would you like to go?" Tempcore asked politely.

"Take me to the Flesh Laboratory! I want to begin learning this craft," Kai replied with conviction, a satisfied smile on his face.

Tempcore seemed momentarily surprised by the request, but quickly complied, knowing Kai’s interest in such topics. As soon as Kai’s words echoed, the surrounding space blurred, and he was transported to another part of the palace—specifically, the entrance to the Flesh Laboratory’s training area, where all the resources for learning Flesh Weaving awaited.

Kai found himself in a magnificent and spacious chamber. The Flesh Laboratory was a blend of a vast circular library and a workshop situated at its center. It was a treasure trove for anyone seeking mastery of this rare and powerful craft.

The room was circular, its towering walls stretching upward for dozens of meters, evoking the grandeur of a temple dedicated to an ancient and potent science.

Shelves lined the perimeter of the hall, packed with countless books, scrolls, treatises, and even stone tablets. The paper looked aged yet well-preserved, and the bindings were made of exotic materials—rare leather, fur, and other valuable artifacts. Some books emitted a faint glow, as if the aura within them was alive.

In the center of the hall, beneath the highest dome, hung a massive chandelier crafted from bones and crystals. It cast a warm, golden light that bathed the room in a soothing glow, filling every crevice and corner. The light gave the impression that the space was alive and breathing.

Beneath the chandelier stood a massive stone table surrounded by an array of tools. Each instrument was crafted with extraordinary precision and artistry, appearing more like works of art than mere tools. There were delicate scalpels with handles of precious metals, obsidian needles, and mysterious blades inscribed with runes. The table also held vessels containing various liquids, some glowing in the dark, others hissing faintly.

The table was inscribed with numerous arrays, clearly designed for advanced manipulation of flesh.

"This is where I’ll likely spend most of my time... apart from reading, of course. Heh," Kai thought with a smirk, continuing to survey the room.

Nearby, smaller tables held chunks of fresh meat and living tissue, preserved by arrays. These were used for practice and experiments, allowing newcomers to learn the art of Flesh Weaving.

One section of the shelves was dedicated entirely to scrolls detailing the rituals essential for working with flesh. Here, Kai could find basic fusion and transmutation techniques, as well as complex processes for altering body structures, creating new life forms, or restoring lost limbs. Each scroll was neatly rolled and tied with a ribbon bearing a tag with its name and difficulty level.

Kai stepped further into the hall, his footsteps echoing softly. He marveled at the grandeur and brilliance of the space, where every detail seemed to breathe with the essence of the ancient knowledge contained within. It was as if the chamber itself was a testament to the experiments conducted here by the First Heretical God.

"Impressive, isn’t it?" Tempcore’s voice resonated through the hall, echoing with reverence. "This place holds the wisdom of countless generations, as well as the thoughts of the Heretical God himself. A true treasure for anyone willing to dedicate themselves to this craft."

Kai nodded, still taking in the grandeur and atmosphere of the remarkable place.

"Yes, impressive," he replied. "Now I need to figure out where to begin."

Approaching one of the shelves, he picked up an old book. Opening it, he revealed yellowed pages covered in fine, almost calligraphic script. Here began his journey into the mysteries of Flesh Weaving, and he was ready to immerse himself in its depths, mastering every nuance and secret of this enigmatic art.

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V.11 Chapter 874: The Craft Basics

Kai paced along the rows of shelves, picking books and scrolls at random. He grabbed one, then another, quickly skimming their contents. Some treatises were filled with complex terms and diagrams, while others were sprawling compilations of theories about the Flesh Weaving. Flipping through the pages, he realized that reading in such a chaotic manner wouldn't yield the knowledge he needed, especially with thousands of books surrounding him. Sighing, he closed yet another volume and acknowledged that this approach would not lead to success.

"Which book should I start with?" he asked with mild curiosity.

Tempcore paused briefly, as if pondering the question. His calm, emotionless voice soon echoed throughout the room:

"I do not possess the knowledge necessary to answer such inquiries," Tempcore stated evenly. "However, I can advise you to begin with simpler study materials located on the lower shelves. The higher you go, the more complex and profound the treatises will be. Additionally, I suggest starting from the left side of the entrance and proceeding clockwise, examining the shelves one by one."

Kai nodded, recognizing the logic in Tempcore's suggestion. Taking a step forward, he instantly moved to the starting point. His gaze lingered on the lower shelves, where dusty tomes and modest scrolls seemed far less intimidating than the massive, ornate books on the upper levels.

"I suppose I'll begin with the basics," he murmured to himself, reaching for one of the books on the lower shelf. The yellowed pages creaked as he carefully opened the first one. "Flesh: The Living Matter of the Universe" read the inscription on the cover. He sat directly on the stone floor nearby and delved into the book, aware that a long and arduous journey lay ahead.

As Kai opened the book and began reading, he focused intently on the lines etched onto the yellowed pages. To his surprise, the treatise began not only with discussions of flesh but also of two other foundational aspects of existence—energy and spirit—which, according to the author, were inseparable components of life.

The spirit, as described in the book, was the essence of the mind and the source of each living being's uniqueness. It was something more refined and elevated than mere consciousness. The spirit formed the core of personal experiences and perception of the world, described as a formless substance reflected in thoughts, memory, and emotions. It represented the very essence of a living being—their memories, experiences, and intentions, united in a single stream of consciousness flowing across all levels of existence, from material to spiritual. The spirit was not merely a part of the living being—it was its foundation, that unique spark that distinguished one being from another, making each irreplaceable.

Energy, the treatise noted, was the fuel and manifestation of activity essential for the existence and functioning of any living matter. The book asserted that energy was the substance that imbued life with movement and activity, enabling growth, development, and interaction with the world. This energy, according to the text, was both a physical and metaphysical phenomenon, capable of assuming various forms and adapting to any conditions. It flowed through all living beings, connecting them with the external world and influencing their internal processes. It resembled an infinite stream that united all aspects of existence into a single whole.

Finally, flesh was described as the vessel and repository of lineage—the material shell housing spirit and energy. It was created to protect these more subtle elements from external influences and to enable their interaction with the physical world. Flesh was not merely matter but a complex system with its own wisdom and memory. It preserved the heritage of ancestors and passed it down through generations, accumulating experiences and knowledge that became part of new life. Flesh also served as the connecting link, allowing spirit and energy to interact, creating something greater than just their sum. It was a living canvas on which the stories of all living beings were written, bound together by invisible threads of destiny.

Kai deeply understood this concept due to the many hidden pieces of knowledge he had acquired along his journey. It was no surprise that in the ancient universe, where cultivators of all three types coexisted, such truths were well-known.

Reading further, Kai delved into sections of the treatise that detailed the art of Flesh Weaving as a concept. The author unraveled their secrets step by step, emphasizing that true mastery in this craft was not limited to manipulating flesh and lineage. They warned that to reach the highest points of Flesh Weaving, one had to understand the nature of energy and spirit, even at a basic level. Only then would transmutation and transformation of flesh become significantly easier.

As Kai read this, he unconsciously tightened his grip on the book. This was undoubtedly good news, and he thought to himself:

"If I can study Flesh Weaving at a basic level and slowly improve my skills… at some point, my understanding of energy and spirit will instantly enhance my capabilities!"

Until Kai reached the higher levels of Flesh Weaving, his unique abilities would be of limited help. But the truth was, Kai had always aimed for the highest level of understanding to craft Kessia’s body with maximum quality.

Kai unconsciously nodded to himself and continued reading, engrossed in the foundational theory that, for now, taught him little but set the stage for what was to come.

As he continued, Kai transitioned into sections describing practical methods employed by Flesh Weavers. These chapters were filled with detailed instructions and examples, revealing how weavers used their knowledge to manipulate and transform living matter.

The author described how Flesh Weavers began their work by studying the structure of foreign bodies, flesh, or even blood to understand how to interact with these elements on a deeper level. The book contained detailed diagrams and illustrations showing how various tissues and organs could be altered and reconfigured to serve entirely different purposes. These changes could involve both the appearance and the internal properties of flesh, transforming it into something entirely new and extraordinary.

One of the primary techniques described in the book was the blood-feeding method. Using their own blood or the blood of another living creature, weavers could literally grow the volume of the sample they were working on, adding new layers of tissue and altering its density, strength, or characteristics. This was a truly astonishing process, requiring skill and an understanding of how blood interacted with flesh.

The author stressed that only at the highest levels of Flesh Weaving could artisans use this technique to create not just living matter, but fully functioning organisms. As mastery and understanding of the complex interplay between energy, spirit, and flesh advanced, weavers could craft vessels for transferring the soul of the master. This was the pinnacle of Flesh Weaving, accessible only to the most powerful and skilled artisans.

Reading this, Kai realized the long road ahead of him before reaching such a level of mastery. The book also described the initial steps every apprentice needed to master before moving on to more complex techniques. The first stage involved learning the basics of altering the form and properties of a test sample. This required not only knowledge of anatomy and the basics of flesh, but also a deep understanding of how even the slightest change could affect the overall structure and functions of living matter.

To begin, as the author explained, one had to master the skills of altering the shape of flesh, such as turning muscle tissue into something stronger or more flexible, or modifying the structure of bones to increase their resistance. These exercises developed not only precision and control, but also the ability to sense the subtlest changes in flesh, which was crucial for more advanced processes.

Kai carefully studied this basic theory, knowing that every step, every new skill brought him closer to his goal. He eagerly anticipated the moment when he could apply his newfound knowledge in practice, creating something new, alive, and unique.

Kai stood up from the floor and quickly walked along the shelves, once again selecting books. Now that he had a general understanding of the theory of Flesh Weaving, he needed more specific knowledge. He grabbed one book after another, flipping through them at an incredible speed while missing no details. Every word, every diagram, every symbol etched itself into his mind as if he had read them before.

His mind and cultivation level allowed him not just to read, but to fully absorb information as he flipped through the pages. Kai could instantly comprehend and memorize even the most complex concepts, making his study fast and efficient. However, he understood that for the more advanced books awaiting him on the upper shelves, study alone would not suffice. Practical application was essential—theory without practice is nothing.

Immersing himself deeper into the world of knowledge in the Region of Flesh Domination, Kai discovered books describing intricate techniques of flesh transformation, methods of working with energy, and even secret practices. He leafed through the pages, studying each new concept with growing interest. Book after book, he absorbed the information like a sponge, setting them aside, aware that he was building the foundation necessary for the steps ahead.

After reading several dozen books, Kai finally felt it was time to move from theory to practice. He closed the last book and carefully examined the tables arranged around the perimeter of the room. Each was equipped with various tools and devices essential for working with flesh. On some tables lay samples of tissue, including bones, muscles, and skin, sealed in crystal, awaiting someone to begin working on them.

Kai approached one of the training tables and took a deep breath. He felt ready for his first step into the study of Flesh Weaving.

"Let’s give it a try… I’ll start with something simple," Kai muttered, looking at the items on one of the tables. After reading dozens of books, he at least now understood their purpose.

Slipping on gloves that had long gathered dust on the table, Kai felt a pulse in the Heart of Flesh as if they were merging with him.

Kai ran his fingers over a sample of flesh laid out before him. It was muscle tissue, dense and elastic, ready for transformation. Closing his eyes briefly, he focused on the flow of blood within his body, recalling everything he had read. He knew this was not just a piece of flesh but a living material filled with unique properties, and he was ready to apply his newfound knowledge.

"If you require additional training samples, let me know. They are in the training storage. You will gain access to other storages as your skills improve," Tempcore suddenly announced.

Kai simply nodded and opened his eyes. His hands moved across the tissue, and through the gloves, his aura flowed into it. Under his inexperienced touch, the muscle tissue began to slowly change, becoming denser and tougher.

Within minutes, the tissue transformed into something resembling solid stone. Naturally, Kai carefully observed the entire process with his Eyes of Essence, striving to understand the changes within.

"It seems Flesh Weavers use similar methods to create dwellings and fortifications. However, I’ve only altered the tissue’s properties, not its shape… Moreover, I haven’t yet learned how to grow it in volume…" Kai thought, evaluating his first attempts.

Kai was entirely absorbed in his work, fully immersed in the process, aware that he was only beginning his journey into the ancient art of Flesh Weaving.

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V.11 Chapter 875: Stages of Flesh Weaving

Time flew by unnoticed as Kai delved deeper into his new craft. His days were filled with reading various books and treatises, studying diagrams and schematics, while his nights were spent trying to apply what he had learned in practice. Each new book revealed something that expanded his understanding, and with every attempt, his mastery over flesh grew more refined.

The Eyes of Essence proved invaluable for Flesh Weaving. When Kai observed the flow and transformation of laws within the flesh, learning became significantly easier. According to descriptions, altering the properties of flesh was supposedly far more challenging than shaping its form, but for Kai, the opposite was true due to his unique talents. His difficulty with controlling form stemmed primarily from a lack of experience.

As a being raised in the Region of Energy Domination, Kai still found Flesh Weaving slightly unsettling. From an outsider's perspective, the craft had an undeniably eerie quality.

At the moment, Kai stood at one of the training tables, illuminated by the soft glow of a lamp hovering above his head. Before him lay a mass of flesh—flexible, elastic, and faintly pulsating. He had decided to try replicating Kessia’s figure using techniques he had recently studied.

Kai focused, feeling his aura flow steadily into his fingers, causing his gloves to glow as they connected with the sample of flesh. He began with the basics—a simple structure resembling a human form. Gradually, layer by layer, he added details, striving to replicate every curve and feature of Kessia’s face. His hands moved with confidence yet delicacy, as though he were crafting something fragile and precious.

This wasn’t the resurrection of her body; Kai fully understood that he was merely copying her external form to refine his skills in working with flesh. Concentrating, he carefully selected pieces of flesh to "feed" into the main mass, using all his knowledge to shape the material into the desired structure and texture. Kai’s hand traced each contour and curve as if he were sculpting clay rather than living matter.

In recent days, Kai had begun practicing the nourishment and growth of flesh. On his first attempt, he tried using his own blood, but the sample had exploded, scattering remnants across the training area.

It was only after that failure that Kai read how the core must be nourished and grown gradually. His blood was simply too powerful, destroying the sample outright. This was also why Kessia’s resurrection required the flesh of the Asura Progenitor—their essence would provide a stable core for growing a new body, resistant to destruction by other bloodlines during the process.

Over time, his technique grew increasingly sophisticated. He learned to alter tissue density and add minute details, such as the thin lines of veins on hands or the gentle curves of muscles. His fingers moved quickly and precisely, manipulating flesh like a skilled musician commanding their instrument. Kai felt the knowledge he had absorbed from books merging with his intuition and skill, evolving into something greater.

His hands moved without pause, his eyes tracking every change, and his mind analyzing each detail. Time seemed to slow for Kai; he lost track of the hours, entirely absorbed in the process. The flesh under his fingers began to take on a recognizable form, and although it was merely an imitation, Kessia’s features were becoming unmistakable.

Each time Kai made a mistake, he stopped, analyzed it, and began again. His persistence was boundless, for he knew that only through such diligence could he achieve perfection. Working on Kessia’s form became more than just practice—it was a test of his will, skill, and patience.

He remained oblivious to the passage of time. For Kai, only the table, the form, and his self-imposed task existed. Every motion, every change in the flesh brought him a sense of satisfaction and the realization that he was moving in the right direction.

At some point, he stepped back, surveying his work, and smiled. It was only a copy, far from perfect, but it was his first tangible step toward mastery. Kai understood that many more trials and errors lay ahead, but he was ready for them. He was ready to go all the way.

"Final touch!" Kai exclaimed with satisfaction, and his gloves glowed brightly. He began altering the flesh’s structure to transform the figure into a statue-like form.

Kai’s focus sharpened as he worked on the figure before him. His hands moved smoothly and confidently, shaping the final details. The flesh under his fingers slowly hardened, transitioning from its soft, malleable state to a denser form. Thin layers of tissue compressed, resembling stone, and the color of the flesh began to shift, growing paler and duller.

With every passing second, the material transformed—its skin lightened to a marble-like shade, its surface smoothing and growing cool to the touch. It seemed as though Kai was working with actual stone, sculpting a statue from flesh. Intricate details, such as the patterns on clothing and the texture of hair, began to solidify, losing their elasticity but retaining their shape.

But Kai wanted his work to hold something unique. Concentrating, he channeled a stream of aura into specific parts of the figure—the eyes, hair, and clothing. These elements he imbued with a distinct vibrancy, preserving their rich, blood-red hue. Unlike the rest of the flesh, which turned alabaster white, these features retained their striking color and depth.

The statue’s eyes, glowing with a vivid crimson light, seemed to follow Kai’s every movement. They burned like two embers, standing out against the marble-white face. A cascade of thick, blood-red hair fell over the shoulders, shimmering as though under the light of a full moon. The figure’s clothing, adorned with folds and patterns, also retained its crimson hue, contrasting sharply with the pale skin.

A few minutes later, the figure had fully hardened. Before Kai now stood a magnificent statue of an asura woman—Kessia. Meticulously crafted facial features, a graceful body, and an imposing stance all reflected her majesty and strength.

Kai stepped back and gazed at his creation, his heart swelling with pride and satisfaction. This was more than just a copy—it was his first interpretation of Kessia, her essence embodied in flesh and stone.

"Not bad," he said, his voice tinged with fatigue, his energy drained but his mind brimming with new ideas.

"Indeed, not bad at all," Kessia’s voice affirmed, tinged with unmistakable joy. Clearly, she had been observing Kai’s progress closely. Each success brought them closer to the day Kessia could inhabit a true body.

Suddenly, Tempcore’s voice echoed through the room, breaking the silence. His deep, even tone remained calm but carried an unmistakable note of praise:

"Your progress is truly remarkable. You are learning much faster than anticipated, especially in altering the properties of flesh. Your skill in this craft grows by the day—it appears to be a natural talent."

Kai smiled at the source of the voice, mildly surprised by the unexpected compliment. He wasn’t accustomed to receiving praise from the emotionless palace consciousness. Typically, Tempcore was reserved in his assessments, focusing on Kai’s shortcomings to spur him toward improvement. This rare acknowledgment felt especially rewarding.

"Thank you, Tempcore," Kai replied modestly, nodding. "Your assistance is one of the reasons for my success."

In truth, Tempcore was incredibly convenient as an ever-present servant. Whenever Kai needed materials or tools, Tempcore would teleport them to him almost instantly.

Tempcore continued, as if ignoring Kai’s words:
"Your adaptability and speed in mastering the alteration of flesh properties are extraordinary. What typically takes years, you have achieved in a remarkably short time. Considering your origin in the Region of Energy Domination, such ease in mastering this art should not have been possible, yet you manipulate matter and its transformations with uncanny skill."

"In any case, I still have much to learn," Kai said, clenching his hands into fists and turning his gaze back to the statue. "I haven’t even mastered the stage of Sculpting Flesh yet…"

"That is the correct mindset," Tempcore replied, his voice returning to its neutral calm. "You have much practice ahead of you, but even now, your potential is immense. Continue as you are, and you will achieve extraordinary heights in this craft."

Kai studied the statue before him, his thoughts drifting to the stages of Flesh Weaving he had already encountered in his studies. The treatises described in detail the various levels of mastery that every weaver had to traverse to reach the pinnacle of this art. He understood that a long and arduous path awaited him.

The first and most fundamental stage was Sculpting Flesh. At this level, the craftsman learned to control basic forms and structures, creating flesh sculptures akin to a sculptor working with clay. This stage marked the beginning of the journey, teaching the weaver to "mold" flesh while developing a sense of its resistance and pliability, learning how it reacted to changes and manipulation. Kai was at this stage, striving to grasp its foundations.

The next stage was Modeling Flesh, where the craftsman delved into structural modifications, learning to alter the physical properties of flesh. This required a deeper understanding of lineages and anatomy, as the weaver had to create not only forms and characteristics but also manipulate the density, flexibility, and strength of the tissue. This stage introduced true artistry, where alterations affected not just appearance but the functionality of the material. It prepared the craftsman for even greater challenges.

The third stage, Transmutation Weaving, involved blending flesh with various components and substances to alter its properties and characteristics. At this level, the weaver learned to use rare ingredients to grant flesh unique traits unattainable through physical changes alone. These ingredients included crystals, essences, and extracts from the Region of Flesh Domination, as well as, crucially, the flesh and blood of other beings. This allowed the flesh to acquire entirely new capabilities, such as fire resistance or permeability to specific auras.

The next stage, Alchemical Weaving, opened entirely new horizons, enabling the craftsman to experiment and create unimaginable wonders. At this level, many Flesh Weavers were considered first-class masters, capable of crafting unique artifacts or auxiliary zones. Clans greatly valued such artisans within their ranks.

At the fourth stage, the craftsman reached the pinnacle of mastery, literally "weaving" the finest threads of flesh and altering the specificity and properties of each. At this level, flesh became a material for creating perfect and unique puppets or items that could be both intricate and functional. The weaver manipulated thousands of threads, altering each one individually before merging them into a seamless whole.

Finally, the legendary Revival of Flesh—a stage achieved by only a select few. At this level, the master attempted to breathe life into their creations. This was no longer merely manipulating matter but working with the very essence of life force. Masters of this stage could create flesh capable of housing a soul. Errors at this level were unforgivable, as even the slightest mistake could result in the destruction of the crafted body or the rejection of the spirit.

Kai had often wondered why the highest masters of the Region of Flesh Domination didn’t continually transfer themselves into new bodies to achieve immortality. Now he understood the answer—the risk of error was simply too great. Moreover, natural limitations eventually drained the spirit, making endless transfers impossible.

Kai recognized that he was still at the very beginning, at the stage of Sculpting Flesh, and the journey to the Revival of Flesh would be long and arduous. But he wasn’t afraid. He felt a fire of determination igniting within him.

"I will achieve it," he whispered, gazing at the statue before him. "I will master Flesh Weaving and create a body that surpasses even the wildest expectations!"

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V.11 Chapter 876: Impact on Regeneration

Meanwhile, as Kai immersed himself in the study of Flesh Weaving, the Region of Flesh Domination grew increasingly restless. The Chimera Masters became even more violent, and whispers of alliances to combat a common enemy spread throughout the region. The catalyst for this growing madness was the events at the Sea of Asura's Blood over a decade ago.

On a teralith, an icy plateau adorned with frozen gardens, a dragon-born master sat pensively. He had just set aside a report and now appeared lost in thought.

This was Askalant, who had received fresh intelligence from the Order of Heretical Races.

Calming himself, he rose and walked to the window of his study. Outside stretched the vast, endless icy city, its frozen rivers winding through the landscape and shadowy mountains looming on the horizon.

"Kai..." Askalant murmured softly, staring into the distance. His thoughts wandered back to recent events. "Where the hell are you?"

He knew Kai wasn’t someone who would disappear without reason. Something was clearly wrong, and the uncertainty gnawed at Askalant’s mind. He could feel the winds of change gathering and knew he needed to be prepared. His musings were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Enter," he called out, turning away from the window.

A young man with sharp features and short black hair stepped into the room. Dressed in a warrior’s uniform, his expression was focused and serious.

"Askalant, Master Henar sent me to deliver a message. A team of scouts has returned with critical information," the man said, bowing respectfully.

Askalant nodded, gesturing for the young warrior to enter and take a seat.

"What did they learn?" he asked.

"The Chimera Masters’ forces are advancing and gathering near our border with the Heretical God Domain. Their numbers are growing, and it seems they are preparing for a large-scale offensive."

Askalant frowned, the scales on his body faintly glowing in the dimly lit room. An attack by the Chimera Masters posed a grave threat. Such movements were becoming common across the Region of Flesh Domination, and the alarming frequency was hard to ignore. Every clan was asking the same question: why had the Chimera Masters become so active so suddenly?

"Very well. I will inform my brother. We will ready our troops and ensure those bastards do not spread chaos in our territory. Warn the army of the Order of Heretical Races!" Askalant commanded with steely determination.

The warrior nodded and left swiftly, leaving Askalant alone with his thoughts. The situation was growing tenser, and he could feel that something monumental was on the horizon.

"Kai mentioned that the Chimera Masters are connected to an ancient organization that seeks to enslave all living beings to serve the Evil Gods... Could they be accelerating their plans now, given how boldly their minions have begun to act?" he muttered, shifting his gaze to an old report sealed with the crest of the Sea of Asura's Blood.

Picking up the document, he skimmed to the final line, reading it aloud:

"The Immortal Drunkard vanished during a Chimera Masters’ raid. His fate remains unknown..." Askalant murmured. "What the hell were you thinking, disappearing at a time like this? Your understanding of the true magnitude of this world would have been invaluable right now..." he added, a note of frustration in his voice.

He tossed the report onto his desk, his eyes narrowing with tension. Thoughts, suspicions, and premonitions swirled in his mind. Problems he once dismissed as temporary inconveniences were now evolving into existential threats looming over the entire Region of Flesh Domination. The events unfolding across the realm were pieces of a larger puzzle, one that hinted at an impending global catastrophe.

Whereas the Chimera Masters had previously targeted only those with strong bloodlines, they were no longer so selective. Now, they captured anyone they could, transforming them into hordes of chimeras. It seemed they were expanding their ranks indiscriminately to fuel their larger assaults.

"I hope the Law Devourers finally take notice of this madness... Without their intervention, curbing these bastards’ terror will be nearly impossible," Askalant said grimly, clenching his fists.

Meanwhile, in the Heretical God’s Palace, an unnatural silence reigned. Not a sound, not even the faintest rustle, disturbed the stillness. The palace was utterly disconnected from the outside world, like an isolated oasis amidst a raging ocean. Here, time seemed to stand still, and Kai, deeply absorbed in his training, barely noticed its passage. Outside the palace, years could have gone by, but to him, it was merely a few cycles of practice.

Kai felt his skills in Flesh Weaving growing rapidly. Each day presented new challenges that he set for himself, and each day he improved. He began experimenting with various types of flesh, learning to alter their properties and create something far more complex than mere forms.

He understood that his unique aptitude for mastering Flesh Weaving was closely tied to his Eyes of Essence, which allowed him to learn with unparalleled speed and efficiency.

For Kai, time had come to a halt. His entire world revolved around the flesh he worked with. He hadn’t even bothered to destroy the tracking mark on him—it was useless within the palace. All his focus was on his craft, striving to master every nuance of Flesh Weaving and climb the art’s many levels.

It had been over a decade since Kai began his training in the Heretical God’s Palace. His focus remained unwavering; he neither rested nor indulged in any distractions.

In that time, Kai had made significant progress. His perseverance, combined with his continual evaluation of processes through the Eyes of Essence, enabled him to surpass the initial stage of Sculpting Flesh and successfully transition to the next—Modeling Flesh. This new stage introduced greater complexity, demanding a deeper understanding of flesh’s properties and transformations.

Modeling Flesh unlocked new possibilities for Kai. He began to master altering the physical characteristics of flesh, manipulating its density, flexibility, and strength. He could now create intricate structures with both form and functional characteristics.

Kai spent long hours flipping through ancient tomes, immediately applying his newfound knowledge in practice. He would alternate between poring over books, moving to the worktables, and requesting materials from Tempcore’s accessible storages.

At this moment, Kai stood before a large worktable, where several samples of various types of flesh were laid out. He carefully examined them, analyzing their structures and contemplating how to modify their properties. His current challenge was to create flesh capable of withstanding immense loads while maintaining flexibility.

Focusing his energy, Kai channeled his power into the specialized gloves he wore. His hands moved deftly as he manipulated the density of the tissue, layering it to enhance both its durability and resilience. It was delicate work, requiring utmost concentration and an intimate knowledge of the flesh’s properties. Kai worked with precision, like an artist crafting a masterpiece.

"Your skills are advancing remarkably quickly," Tempcore’s voice broke the silence, observing Kai as always.

"And yet, I’m still far from creating a true body..." Kai replied self-critically, continuing his meticulous work.

"In any case, I will soon grant you access to new books and ingredients. I believe you’ll find it intriguing to begin working with more substantial components," Tempcore said calmly, disregarding Kai’s emotional tone.

Kai paused unexpectedly, lifting his head with an expression of thoughtfulness that quickly turned to quiet joy. Flesh Weaving had once been nothing more than a means to an end—the resurrection of Kessia. But now, Kai realized he was genuinely beginning to enjoy the craft.

"You’re right, Tempcore," he said with a smile. "This is far more fascinating than I ever imagined."

His eyes gleamed with newfound excitement. For the first time, Kai admitted to himself that he truly liked what he was doing. A fresh fire burned within him. No longer did he feel discomfort working with flesh. On the contrary, he was utterly engrossed in the process and had even begun to find it captivating. Flesh Weaving was no longer just a method to restore Kessia—it had become an exhilarating pursuit in which he sought perfection.

Kai hadn’t expected to be so enthralled by Flesh Weaving. He understood now that this craft not only honed his skills but opened up entirely new horizons. Each day brought fresh discoveries and challenges. He had started to view flesh and the bodies of living beings in an entirely different light.

Once again, he bent over the worktable, resuming his task with a renewed mindset. His movements became surer, his eyes shining with determination. Kai worked faster and more precisely, his body responding to the surge of enthusiasm, the thrill of exploring new heights.

"Who would’ve thought I’d enjoy this so much," he murmured with quiet delight, adding the finishing touches to his work. "And more than that... understanding flesh and tissues might even enhance my combat skills... Hah!" He chuckled contentedly.

Recently, Kai had come across a book that captivated him. It detailed techniques for integrating Flesh Weaving with regeneration. The methods were complex, requiring a deep connection to one’s body, but Kai was already operating at a high level.

Inspired, he decided to experiment on himself. Sacrificing a finger to his Destragore, Kai began applying the principles of regeneration described in the book.

He closely observed the growth of a new finger under his control. Manipulating the density of bones, refining muscle structures, and optimizing vessels, Kai experimented with various combinations. Before his eyes, the finger slowly took shape, healing far more efficiently than before.

This revelation solidified Kai’s understanding that Flesh Weaving could greatly enhance his combat abilities. It was further proof that any craft, when mastered, could become a powerful asset in harmony with martial arts.

Nodding at this realization, Kai continued working on the flesh before him. His mind was still occupied with his recent discoveries and the new theory he was testing.

"I wonder how I’ll be able to influence my body when I reach the third stage of mastery—Transmutation Weaving," Kai mused, smiling at the thought as his fingers touched a piece of flesh, reshaping it.

More and more, Kai found himself reaffirming that he had made the right decision to retreat into seclusion.

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V.11 Chapter 877: Difficulties

Kai’s training resembled a long, self-imposed exile. Immersed in mastering Flesh Weaving, he had ceased to care about time. Centuries flew by like moments as he relentlessly ascended through the stages of the ancient art, delving deeper into its secrets.

Each passing year brought new discoveries, but every significant step forward came at a cost. Yet during those moments, Kai seemed to enter a trance, becoming utterly unshakable.

Kessia watched Kai’s progress with silent admiration, witnessing him surpass one stage of Flesh Weaving after another, exploring the limitless possibilities of this ancient craft.

When he reached the stage of Modeling Flesh, his learning reached an entirely new level. Miracles began to unfold: Kai mastered structural alterations, learning to modify the physical properties of tissue. Now he could do more than shape figures—he could imbue them with specific density, flexibility, and strength.

Kessia remembered vividly the day he created a fabric so durable it could withstand the mightiest blows while remaining light and pliable. At this stage, he had become a true artist of flesh, even crafting a new statue of Kessia with clothing made from flesh that appeared ethereal and elegant.

Several decades passed before Kai reached the next stage: Transmutation Weaving. This marked his transformation from a mere craftsman into an alchemist of flesh. He began blending flesh with various components and substances, experimenting with rare crystals, essences, and extracts.

Kai sought out new ingredients sourced from the Region of Flesh Domination, using them to grant flesh unique properties. His knowledge of Alchemy from the Region of Energy Domination became invaluable during this phase.

Tempcore, meanwhile, continued to monitor Kai, granting him access to new learning materials and ingredients with each improvement in his skills. At one point, Kai began formulating his own theories, surprising even Tempcore. Thanks to the Eyes of Essence, Kai could perceive and articulate concepts that should have been beyond his reach.

With each breakthrough, Kai grew stronger and more confident, his skills evolving alongside his knowledge. Both Kessia and Tempcore sensed that even greater discoveries lay ahead. Kai had already ascended to a level most masters could only dream of.

But his journey was far from over.

After centuries of tireless effort, the day finally arrived when Kai reached a new level of mastery: Alchemical Weaving.

"Incredible… you’ve created fibers. In just eight centuries, you’ve achieved the stage of Alchemical Weaving…" Tempcore’s voice echoed, observing Kai’s work intently.

Kessia felt a surge of excitement. Watching him with focused attention, she saw the familiar fire ignite in his eyes. His hands moved with unmatched precision and grace, as if they had become extensions of his will. This was the moment they had awaited for so long.

"Kai, only one step remains! Yes, it’s a massive step, but still—just one! You’re truly capable of mastering the stage of Flesh Revival!" Kessia’s voice rang out, unable to conceal her pride and joy.

Kai paid no attention to the praise, intent on fully experiencing the revelation of his new abilities. Days earlier, after reading hundreds of books, he had finally grasped how to advance to the next level. Today, he was determined to solidify that understanding in practice.

Before him on the table lay a mass of flesh, completely under his control. Moments ago, it had unraveled into hundreds of fine threads that he began weaving together—a hallmark of Alchemical Weaving.

Kessia hovered in the Spiritual Sea, her gaze fixed on Kai as he worked. A sense of reverence filled her; she knew his progress was directly tied to her future.

Having finished weaving the threads he had created earlier, Kai reached for another piece of flesh on the table. Slowly extending his hands, he mentally commanded the flesh, which responded as if alive. Thin threads began to extrude from it, separating into hundreds of individual fibers. These threads twisted and coiled, intertwining with one another, obeying Kai’s will.

Nearby lay an array of ingredients—precious herbs, powders, and crystals from across the realm. They seemed part of a complex plan that existed solely in Kai’s mind. With a slow, deliberate gesture, Kai raised his hand, and the ingredients floated into the air, spinning in a chaotic yet orderly dance. With a subtle motion of his fingers, he directed energy flows that dispersed the ingredients into fine dust or essence. Each type of processed material found its corresponding thread, as though drawn by an invisible force, and settled into it, slowly merging with the flesh’s structure.

The room was thick with silence, broken only by the occasional crackle of magical dust. Kessia, almost entranced, couldn’t tear her eyes away, awed by Kai’s effortless command of such a complex process. It felt like an ancient ritual where every step, every movement, even every breath held significance.

Kai seemed oblivious to his surroundings, his face adorned with a satisfied smirk. His focus was absolute, his attention entirely on the flesh and ingredients. His eyes narrowed slightly, as though listening to a melody only he could hear. With fluid, deliberate movements of his fingers, he elicited changes in the dense threads. Slowly, a new form began to take shape in the air—complex and awe-inspiring.

"Ha-ha… Finally, I’ve figured it out! Finally, I’ve succeeded!" Kai exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Under Kai’s watchful eye, the flesh threads intertwined, merging to form something resembling bone. At first, they were fragile branches, but with each passing moment, they grew stronger and denser. The bone extended, solidifying into a network that formed the framework of a skeletal arm. Layer by layer, Kai wove flesh into a cohesive structure capable of withstanding immense stress.

Kessia couldn’t look away. She watched as, from raw materials, Kai brought forth something intricate—an imitation of a living body part. The threads stretched and fused under his invisible commands, forming a cohesive whole. The bone was sturdy and smooth, with natural curves and breaks resembling a real arm. It was astonishing.

"Let’s continue…" Kai took a deep breath, summoning another wave of threads to surround him, responding to his intent.

Tempcore, ever vigilant, promptly supplied new flesh samples the moment previous ones were used. He was the perfect assistant for Kai!

The flesh fibers began wrapping around the newly formed skeletal frame, creating muscles, tendons, and skin. Every muscle and tendon was crafted with meticulous detail, as if Kai were constructing something alive.

Kai layered muscle tissue with care, distributing it along the bones, following every anatomical contour. Under his fingers, the flesh came alive—elastic, resilient, and ready for motion. The flesh fibers worked in harmony, part of a single intricate system where every component had its place and function.

Finally, a layer of skin covered the muscles, applied in delicate layers that gained a natural texture and tone. Kai worked with unwavering focus, nearing the completion of his task. At last, before him lay a fully formed arm—from elbow to fingertips!

"What an incredible process…" Kai murmured, marveling at his creation.

His eyes shone with excitement and satisfaction. Taking another deep breath, he prepared to move on to the next stage: crafting the humerus to connect his creation. His hands and fingers moved again, like a conductor guiding an orchestra. The newly spun threads began forming the foundation of a joint.

But suddenly, something went wrong.

"Cragh! Hlysht!" an unpleasant crackling noise filled the air. The completed arm twitched violently, convulsing as though some unseen force was struggling to break free from within.

Kai frowned, his fingers continuing to weave threads in an attempt to stabilize the process. But with each passing moment, the situation worsened. The new threads disintegrated upon contact with the existing ones, as if devoured by an invisible force.

"Snap! Ssssh..." a faint, barely audible crack came from within the arm, followed by a sinister hiss. The bones, once sturdy and seamless, began to splinter under invisible pressure. The carefully crafted skin blackened and decayed, riddled with ulcers and gashes. The once-lively muscles collapsed into a rotting, liquid mass.

"What the..." Kai muttered, struggling to regain control of his creation.

But his efforts were in vain. Before his eyes, the arm decomposed, collapsing into a pile of vile, festering waste. A putrid stench filled the room as bones, muscles, and flesh disintegrated into ash.

"Looks like I overreached… Heh-heh," Kai chuckled wryly, watching his work dissolve into nothing but decay.

"What did you expect?" Tempcore’s voice interjected dryly. "You’ve only just reached the stage of Alchemical Weaving, and you’re already attempting to create a fully functioning puppet body?" His tone bordered on mockery, though he added, "Still, I must admit, creating even part of a forearm is an incredible achievement."

Kai merely smiled nonchalantly, though a fire burned in his eyes. He knew that failure was part of the journey to true mastery. Though this attempt had failed, it opened up a world of new experiments and study.

"A few more centuries… just a few more centuries, and I’ll craft a strong body!" Kai declared confidently, clenching his fists and smiling.

Hearing this, Tempcore replied calmly, "Your progress is remarkable, but patience is key. Reaching the next stage will take more than a few centuries. However, there is good news… After achieving Alchemical Weaving, you’ll gain access to a special cultivation zone."

Kai’s eyes lit up with renewed excitement. Rest was the furthest thing from his mind—what thrilled him most was the opportunity to experiment further with his newfound skills.

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V.11 Chapter 878: The Infinite Path Sect

Kai had barely reached a new pinnacle of mastery when the opportunity to enter a new cultivation zone presented itself. This filled him with excitement.

Tempcore sensed his anticipation and wasted no time.

"Prepare yourself, Kai," Tempcore announced. "I’ll transport you to a place where you can deepen your understanding and refine your skills."

Suddenly, an invisible force enveloped Kai, compressing his body gently. He didn’t even need to close his eyes—the transition was swift and nearly instantaneous. The surrounding space swirled, flickering with multicolored lights. Kai felt energy coursing through him, making his body shiver slightly, and then, just as quickly, everything stilled.

Before him stretched a breathtaking scene. An expansive realm surrounded by golden and crimson clouds unfolded like a dreamscape. Soft light poured from above, illuminating massive arches and bridges scattered across the horizon. In the distance, colossal towers and spires of bizarre shapes rose skyward like living beings striving to touch the heavens.

The area teemed with endless vegetation, but upon closer inspection, Kai realized these weren’t ordinary plants and trees. Instead, they were intricate weavings of flesh fibers and tissues, constantly shifting—intertwining and unraveling as if following their own rhythm and laws. Streams of heretical blood flowed through the zone, merging into rivers that pulsed with a strange vitality.

"What is this place?" Kai muttered in awe, glancing down to find the ground beneath his feet was firm, yet pliable flesh.

Tempcore, wasting no time, began to explain:

"You’re in a unique cultivation zone created by the Heretical God. This realm was designed as a space where flesh itself could evolve and transform, guided only by its instincts and internal laws. Here, there are no fixed forms, no established paths—everything is in constant flux, crafting unique structures and patterns. Naturally, the Heretical God imbued this zone with an understanding of the Law of Flesh, making such phenomena possible."

As Tempcore spoke, faint writings invisible to most appeared before Kai’s eyes. He scanned his surroundings, noticing the remarkable concentration of the Law of Flesh embedded in the environment.

"This place is truly extraordinary…" Kai thought, marveling at the sights.

At that moment, a line of crimson mist formed above him. Tempcore directed Kai’s attention to an enormous structure ahead—an intricate temple-like formation woven entirely from fine flesh fibers. It resembled the architecture of ancient civilizations.

"Look," Tempcore continued, "these forms are created by flesh itself. They embody both chaos and harmony. Here, you’ll grasp the essence of Flesh Weaving on an entirely new level. This zone will respond to your thoughts and actions, reshaping itself to reflect your intent. Without a master, the flesh follows only instincts and natural currents. But by influencing it, you can test and refine your theories faster. Once you confirm their viability, you can recreate them in the outside world. However, that will be much more challenging."

Kai, stunned by what he saw, began walking forward. The pliable ground beneath his feet squished faintly with each step. Ahead of him, a vast network of threads materialized, forming a complex three-dimensional structure. As he approached, it began transforming, as if reacting to his presence.

"Tempcore… is it possible to create a powerful body directly within this zone?" Kai asked thoughtfully.

"No," Tempcore replied immediately, dashing Kai’s hopes. "This is a training zone. You can only manipulate the flesh that already exists here. To create a body, you’ll need entirely different ingredients."

"This zone," Tempcore added, "allows you to study Flesh Weaving in its purest form. You can experiment with new creations by altering existing materials and observe how your actions influence the surrounding flesh. Most importantly, the resistance of the flesh here is minimal."

Kai inhaled deeply, feeling the aura of the place seep into him, filling him with energy and inspiration.

Meanwhile, in another part of the universe, events beyond comprehension were unfolding. Celestial bodies trembled, and entire regions of starry space danced in agonizing, chaotic movements, catching the local forces off guard. It was clear that what was happening far exceeded the turmoil within the Region of Flesh Domination.

A great storm was brewing, and Kai, immersed in mastering Flesh Weaving, remained unaware that the wheels of fate had begun turning with unstoppable force.

In a magnificent hall of gleaming green crystals, three Law Devourers hovered in silence. Their presence was both majestic and terrifying.

The first, a massive, imposing man draped in a dark cloak, had eyes glowing with an intense red light that seemed to pierce the soul of anyone who dared meet his gaze.

The second, a more refined figure, was a young man adorned with small spikes across his body. Lightning coiled around him in an endless, mesmerizing dance. He appeared to embody both chaos and order, his face obscured by a mask from which a faint, eerie whisper emanated, filling the hall.

The third was an aged man with three eyes, dressed in plain gray robes. Despite his humble appearance, his aura radiated power that dwarfed the other two.

Before them stood a man equally imposing and enigmatic. His tall, lean figure exuded an otherworldly presence, with ink-black skin shimmering as though woven from darkness itself. Long, silken hair cascaded around his head, and his sharp features bore a subtle, confident smile. His eyes were deep pools of darkness, and his robes shimmered with the colors of the rainbow. Hundreds of tiny glowing spheres orbited him, resembling miniature stars.

Raising his hands in a gesture of greeting, his deep, melodic voice filled the hall:

"Welcome to the Infinite Path Sect. We exist not to fight, but to seek true understanding of all the Laws of the Universe. I trust you, as guests, will respect our rules."

His words echoed through the hall, causing a faint vibration in the air. The Law Devourers listened intently, their expressions unreadable as their eyes tracked the man’s every movement, searching for hidden intent. He continued:

"Masters of your world have already begun sowing chaos on the Ancient Battlefield. Do you now intend to bring disorder to my sect as well?" His tone remained neutral, but the accusation was clear.

The three-eyed elder, who resembled a mortal grandfather, inclined his head in a slight bow. Though his third eye remained closed, its presence hinted at a far-reaching vision beyond mortal comprehension.

Straightening, the elder spoke in a calm yet grave tone that seemed to thicken the very air in the hall:

"I am the Craftsman's Heart Devourer. We have not come to sow chaos or destruction, as you might think. Our purpose is simpler: to broaden our horizons and uncover new sources of power. However, upon arriving here, we have detected signals that cannot be ignored. Our darkest suspicions are being confirmed…"

He paused, glancing at his companions, who nodded in silent agreement. Turning back to the ink-skinned man, he continued:

"At first, we thought these were random anomalies. But the deeper we delved into this world, the clearer it became that something dark and ancient is awakening. These signs, these omens—they point to the return of the Evil Gods. The very beings whose tyranny our ancestors vanquished in ancient, forgotten times may once again rise from their forsaken depths."

The elder’s words sent a ripple of tension through the hall. The orbs surrounding the ink-skinned man began to spin faster, their light intensifying like lightning piercing the dark.

"Do you realize the gravity of what you’re saying?" the man asked, his tone carrying an edge of threat as his smile faded and his gaze sharpened.

The elder nodded slightly, his voice taking on a tone of warning:

"We have brought more than ten Law Devourers from what you call the Region of Energy Domination. Each of us has felt a restraint—a force holding this world’s order together. And where there is restraint, there is the potential for it to break. History could repeat itself, and the consequences would be far more catastrophic. If the Evil Gods awaken, they will threaten not just this world, but all existence. We are here to understand what is happening—and, if possible, to prevent what looms ahead."

As he spoke, his third eye opened, revealing a cloudy white pupil. The air around the elder began to tremble with latent energy, and behind him, massive hands formed from radiant energy, manifesting parts of his avatar.

"If you, too, seek truth and peace rather than conflict," the elder added, addressing the ink-skinned man, "perhaps we should join forces. Our goals may align despite our differences."

The ink-skinned man studied the elder and his companions with a thoughtful expression. His dark eyes gleamed with a strange light as he fell into deep contemplation. The silence stretched, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke:

"I once lacked the allies I needed to bring order to the Ancient Battlefield… But if you speak the truth and share my aim of suppressing these vermin…"

Hearing this, the lightning-shrouded Law Devourer’s eyes flashed. Realizing the weight of their conversation, he interjected:

"Speak plainly. If the Evil Gods return, we are all doomed. Ambition and the pursuit of growth will become nothing but a cruel joke."

The ink-skinned master lowered his hands, and the glowing spheres around him began to dissolve, illuminating the hall with a soft, dawn-like glow.

The elder, sensing an opportunity, dispelled his avatar’s hands as well, signaling his willingness to collaborate.

The ink-skinned master sighed heavily and continued:

"The situation is more complex than you imagine. The heretics seeking to resurrect the Evil Gods have amassed immense power, hidden with masterful precision. For millennia, they’ve been building reserves and repositories. Even if we destroy them now, remnants will remain, ready to reignite the cycle. Eventually, they will succeed."

After a brief pause, he added:

"To stop this, we need the help of those who banished the Evil Gods in the past. We need masters from the other two universes. Flesh cultivators and spirit cultivators alike must join forces."

His words echoed through the hall, carrying the weight of impending change—an unstoppable force that promised to reshape the very fabric of existence.

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V.11 Chapter 879: The First Puppet

Terrifying events began to unfold across different corners of the universe. Each world felt its own sense of foreboding, but none could have imagined that these occurrences were interconnected, stemming from a common threat.

In the Region of Flesh Domination, masters prepared for war against the Chimera Masters, a mysterious and powerful force that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. None of the inhabitants of this realm could have guessed that their enemies were connected to the Evil Gods. Each cultivator in the Region of Flesh Domination sensed the looming danger, though their interpretations varied.

In the Region of Energy Domination, the concerns were different. There, the Ancient Battlefield—a border realm connecting their world to others—was a known entity, as were the legends of the Evil Gods. When they finally breached the border realm, strange events began to occur. Attempts to establish contact with local sects led to unexpected conflicts, some involving traces of a Gods’ Resurrection Cult. The deeper they delved into these sects, the more horrifying their findings became.

The masters of the Region of Energy Domination began devising plans to counter this threat. They knew they might face the minions of the Evil Gods—beings far more dangerous and powerful than anything they had encountered before. Worse, it appeared that even among these minions, there were masters from the Law Devourers Sphere. This shadowy organization had infiltrated nearly every structure within the Ancient Battlefield.

In a dark hall, shrouding the identities of its occupants, fifteen Law Devourers sat in silence. A rough, bass voice, belonging to an elderly man who still exuded formidable strength, broke the quiet:

"We must ally ourselves with the local forces of the Ancient Battlefield. Based on our research, we can trust only the Rift Guild and the Infinite Path Sect," the elder said, addressing his comrades. "However, we must not trust the Order of Eternal Radiance or the Sect of Death’s Keepers. We are almost certain that both are under the control of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. If they truly intend to resurrect the Evil Gods, we must stop them before it’s too late."

His words were met with grim silence, but everyone present knew he was right. They began preparing for the impending battle, uncertain of who exactly their enemies would be.

"The Craftsman's Heart Devourer is correct…" said a young man, his body crackling with lightning in the darkness. "The protector of the Infinite Path Sect has briefed us further. In short, the Cult has hidden pocket worlds and sanctuaries where they store sealed masters. By sacrificing them, they aim to generate enough power to break the seal on this world—and by extension, the seals on ours. If these reserves aren’t destroyed, our fight against the Cult will be futile."

Another man joined the conversation, coughing sharply before speaking in a stern tone:

"They’ve suggested contacting two other universes… but it will be far more complicated than we initially thought. Until the seal is broken, only masters from the Law Overlord Sphere can cross into other worlds. Those of us who have claimed laws from the Universe itself cannot enter a world where our laws do not belong. This is one of the restrictions imposed by the Evil Gods’ seal," he said, frowning.

"Those cultivating energy at the level of the Supreme Monarch Sphere can only move between their own worlds and the Ancient Battlefield. Now consider—would you heed the words of an unknown Overlord? Even if our people infiltrate the other two universes, the chances of meeting their top masters are slim."

The more the masters of the Region of Energy Domination learned about the Ancient Battlefield and its imposed restrictions, the more they were astonished by the universe’s intricate design. They realized they could only face their equals within the border realm, which itself was under the firm control of the Evil Gods’ followers.

A sinister, hissing female voice broke the silence. She cracked her knuckles and muttered:
"While life developed peacefully, forgetting the ancient past, the Evil Gods slowly prepared to shatter the seal. It’s fortunate that the seal barred them from our worlds… Funny how we learned of this so late, yet still have a chance to succeed. Perhaps this is fate."

The elders continued their discussions about the universe’s unfolding events and their necessary actions. Since their arrival in the Ancient Battlefield, they had set aside their selfish ambitions—the goals that had initially united them. Now, it was clear that a far graver issue loomed before them: the question of survival.

Meanwhile, the happenings in the Region of Spirit Domination remained a mystery. Perhaps that realm, too, felt the encroaching threat, but no one knew for certain if they were preparing for the coming storm.

As the three universes unknowingly prepared for their respective battles, the Ancient Battlefield became the point where their destinies might intertwine. Meanwhile, the forces of ancient evil had already begun their advance.

Among all the beings privy to the secrets of antiquity and the impending catastrophe, one man remained completely unconcerned with the unfolding events…

Decades flew by as Kai immersed himself in mastering Flesh Weaving, paying no heed to the world beyond his cultivation zone. The events shaking the universe unfolded without his involvement as he devoted himself entirely to his craft. During this time, he worked tirelessly, transforming knowledge into art, steadily advancing his understanding and skill.

In his cultivation zone, Kai manipulated flows of flesh with unparalleled precision, crafting intricate constructs from living tissue. His hands moved like dancers, weaving countless threads into intricate patterns that gradually took form. Flesh Weaving had long ceased to be mere craftsmanship for him—it was now an art, a means of self-expression, in which he pursued perfection.

Before him, on a massive platform composed of twisted flesh fibers and blended ingredients, a form resembling a human body began to emerge. Kai meticulously shaped each part, starting with bones crafted from dense, fused fibers. Layer by layer, he added muscles that pulsed rhythmically, as though alive. Veins, filled with blood extracted from other flesh, wove through the tissues, binding the creation together.

Kai worked unhurriedly, knowing that creating a true masterpiece required time and patience. His fingers moved effortlessly through the air, as if playing an invisible instrument, each motion bringing new layers of flesh to life. His crimson-glowing eyes were focused, his mind entirely consumed by analyzing and refining every detail.

Sweat dripped from Kai’s brow as his concentration reached its peak.

"Just a little more… and I’ll have my first puppet…" Kai thought, biting his lower lip in tension.

He had attempted this process thousands of times. He knew a single misstep could turn the artificial body into a convulsing heap of rot. Without the Heretical God’s Palace’s endless resources, supplied by Tempcore, such training would have been impossible. Even raiding Chimera Masters’ lairs wouldn’t have yielded the quantity or quality of flesh he required.

With each passing moment, the body grew more detailed and lifelike. Skin flowed smoothly over the muscles, while beneath its surface, intricate patterns of nerves and capillaries began to emerge, creating the illusion of a living being. The face of this puppet was nondescript, as Kai’s goal was functionality—a fully operational body. At his fingertips, faint sparks of aura danced, imbuing the matter he crafted with vitality.

Kai paused for a moment, surveying his creation. The body was nearly complete, but one critical component remained unfinished: an artificial heart to power the mechanism and prevent it from degenerating into rot.

"I’ll need to use every piece of knowledge I’ve gained in my isolation," Kai resolved, his mind racing with hundreds of processes, tissue descriptions, and techniques he had studied.

Kai’s training wasn’t solely practical; it was built on a foundation of extensive theoretical knowledge. When he reached a bottleneck in his Flesh Weaving, he would visit combat cultivation zones, maintaining his battle skills and integrating his newfound craft into combat. Even Kessia had noticed his improved regeneration and more precise, devastating attacks, as he had learned which tissues to target for maximum damage.

But for now, Kai’s focus was singular—he was about to overcome a long-standing barrier.

His eyes narrowed as he extended his hand. A nearby piece of flesh began splitting into thousands of fine threads. Simultaneously, over a hundred ingredients transformed into essences, merging with the threads. Gradually, the threads formed into a pulsating organ.

The heart throbbed with life as it rested in Kai’s hand.

"Carefully now…" he muttered, gently placing it into the chest cavity of his creation. With extraordinary precision, the flesh fused together, blood vessels and arteries merging seamlessly with the heart, allowing blood to flow through the tissues, infusing them with life.

"Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump…" the steady rhythm of the heart echoed, filling the chamber as it began to nourish the body.

"Now to unify everything and ensure no external contamination enters the flesh system…" Kai murmured, scanning the puppet’s body for imperfections. Satisfied, his hands resumed their delicate movements, seamlessly closing the chest without leaving a trace of scars.

When the process was complete, Kai stepped back and took a deep breath. The body lying before him was nearly alive—every muscle, every vein, every nerve was in its place. It seemed ready to awaken at any moment, to be filled with consciousness and will. But Kai knew this was still far from his ultimate goal. For now, he was content with his progress.

"My first puppet is complete!" Kai exclaimed in triumph, a wave of energy and inspiration surging through him.

As if in response to his words, the puppet’s body twitched, and the very air seemed to tremble. Its eyes snapped open, shining with a lifeless, vacant glow, devoid of consciousness. The pupils trembled slightly, as if trying to focus on something they couldn’t perceive.

The puppet’s body began to rise, its movements hesitant and jerky, like a marionette on strings. Each gesture was clumsy, lacking coordination and vitality. Kai observed every motion intently, analyzing even the smallest details.

"You’ve done it at last," Tempcore’s voice echoed in the chamber, filled with genuine pride and joy. "Only three centuries since achieving Alchemical Weaving, and you’ve already created a puppet!"

"It wasn’t easy, heh…" Kai exhaled deeply, the tension of years of effort finally releasing. He could hardly believe he had reached this milestone. Though imperfect, the puppet moved, and its heart beat.

The puppet turned its head toward Kai, its empty eyes fixed on him, expressionless. It took a step forward, its body swaying as if unaccustomed to its new form. Kai gestured with his hand, testing its reaction. The puppet attempted to mimic him, though its movements were awkward.

"It will need time and proper training," Tempcore observed softly. "With a few years of work, it could become a tool for specialized tasks."

Kai nodded thoughtfully, watching the puppet. It continued mimicking his movements, as if trying to understand what was expected of it. Yet, it was clear it lacked self-awareness.

"There’s more to learn," Kai said, his voice steady with determination. "Next, I need to figure out how to create the other two elemental centers of power, so a spirit can inhabit a body like this…"

The puppet continued its mechanical movements, taking slow, deliberate steps, its eyes void of anything resembling life. Kai, standing beside it, observed in silence, already planning his next steps.

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V.11 Chapter 880: Artificial Meridians and Channels

Now that the first puppet had been successfully created, Kai needed to focus on developing the Spiritual Sea and the Energy Center, both of which were as crucial as the body itself. To complete the vessel capable of housing Kessia’s spirit and power, he would have to take on the most intricate and challenging steps yet.

Every truly living being possessed all three of these concepts but could not develop them simultaneously. However, this rule did not apply to Kai. To transfer a spirit, the new body had to possess at least rudimentary imitations of these power centers.

Over the years, Kai had read an enormous number of books and tomes, gradually unraveling the process of spirit transference. When the spirit of a powerful master inhabits a new body, these rudimentary power centers begin to undergo metamorphosis, evolving to match the master’s original form.

Kai now understood that creating a rudimentary Spiritual Sea from flesh was an extraordinarily difficult task. The Spiritual Sea was essentially a projection of the soul, tied to the metaphysical aspects of a cultivator’s existence. It reflected all their spiritual achievements and potential. The Energy Center, on the other hand, served as the locus for concentrating and processing all energy absorbed by the cultivator’s body.

"How can I create something like this from flesh—something not just structural, but fully functional?" Kai pondered, his gaze drifting to the bookshelves he had long since exhausted.

"Tempcore, I believe I’m due access to new information. After all, I’ve advanced to a new stage," Kai said suddenly, narrowing his eyes slightly.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the surrounding space warped, and he was instantly transported to another room. This chamber was smaller than the previous sections dedicated to theoretical materials. It was a spherical room with a triangular platform at its center, adorned with a luxurious table and three ornate chairs.

"Interesting..." Kai murmured with a faint smile, his perception extending to explore the books surrounding him.

He began investigating both the materials and techniques related to creating the puppet and books covering broader topics. He needed to find the right text to begin his research.

His attention eventually settled on a particular book titled "Flesh and Meridians: The Connection of Beginnings."

Without hesitation, Kai gestured, as though summoning the book to himself. Catching it mid-air, he focused his mind entirely and began leafing through it at a deliberate pace. With his level of consciousness and cultivation, it took him only a minute to grasp the book’s entire contents.

"If I can create threads of flesh with energy-conducting properties..." Kai muttered to himself, "and then weave a fine network connecting the body’s key nodes, integrating them into the flesh as energy meridians, then… yes, this could work!" he exclaimed, realizing the logic behind his theory. With the Eyes of Essence and his understanding of energy, he was confident he could create something like this.

After a moment of thought, Kai severed his index finger and immediately broke it down into hundreds of fine threads. He began weaving them into thin tube-like structures resembling veins. Then, a strand of his energy coursed through the "tube", causing it to gleam faintly on the surface.

"The conductivity is poor, but for a first attempt, not bad... This will take time to perfect," Kai thought, before dismissing the flawed prototype with a wave of his hand.

"Was that an imitation of energy meridians?" Tempcore’s voice held a trace of disbelief.

"Exactly, though the quality is lacking. I’ll need more time… Damn it," Kai grumbled irritably, rubbing his chin.

"Your progress is already astonishingly fast. You can’t have everything at once," Tempcore remarked, fully understanding Kai’s impatience, having studied his character over the past centuries.

Kai exhaled heavily, a faint smile crossing his lips. "I’ve been studying Flesh Weaving for over a thousand years, and I still can’t create a body... Not to mention how much more there is left to learn."

After a pause, he added thoughtfully, "First, I need to establish a functional system of meridians and an Energy Center with high conductivity. Then, I’ll need to do the same with the Spiritual Sea and spiritual channels. Finally, all three must be unified into one body…"

"You don’t have to go to such lengths. Traditionally, Flesh Weavers don’t attempt what you’re describing because it’s impossible for them. No one creates three artificial systems separately to later combine them. Everything usually happens simultaneously, with far less focus on the energy and spirit systems," Tempcore countered.

"I understand that… But for my goals, I need to create the strongest body possible so that the resurrected Kessia can aid in the fight against the Evil Gods. Only with sufficient power can she convince the Region of Flesh Domination to join the battle!" Kai declared, his fists clenched in determination.

A millennium of collaboration had erased formal barriers between Kai and Tempcore, the latter acting as a supportive companion. Kai had long since shared his plans and knowledge about the unfolding events. However, despite his willingness to help, Tempcore was bound by the limitations imposed by the First Heretical God, leaving Kai to explore the palace’s knowledge and secrets layer by layer.

At that moment, Kessia’s voice echoed in Kai’s mind, carrying a hint of concern.
"You haven’t ventured into the outside world for a very long time… Perhaps you should check on the universe’s events and assess how much time we have left? If things are dire, it might be wise to create a suitable body for me now, even if it costs me some strength. Besides, we could finally capture the Phoenix Overlord."

"No. We’ve already decided," Kai responded firmly, immediately dismissing the notion. "Based on everything I’ve learned over these centuries, we can safely replace the phoenix body with that of the Kraken Progenitor. If used carefully, it will be far superior to any Phoenix Overlord," he added without hesitation.

With that, Kai waved his hand, summoning dozens of books to his side. Moving to his desk, he delved deeply into studying the new information. Time had lost its meaning for him; spending ten years immersed in books and developing theories no longer felt unusual.

Thus, time continued its relentless march forward. Kai, submerged in his studies of ancient tomes, became lost in the vast library.

Time seemed fluid, stretched into a continuous moment that he dedicated entirely to the pursuit of knowledge. Books surrounded him, covering every surface—the desk, the platform floor, the air, even the armrests of his chair. He read and reread ancient treatises on the differences between cultivators of the three primary types: flesh, energy, and spirit. These studies became his obsession.

Years passed, and Kai’s understanding deepened. He constantly revisited various books and applied their teachings in practice.

At present, he was engrossed in a manuscript that had particularly caught his attention—an ancient text devoted to the structures of the Spiritual Sea and Energy Center. Carefully studying its fragile pages, he sought to uncover the secrets of creating their imitations.

Turning another page, his gaze fell on a diagram depicting spiritual channels, meridians, and the circulatory system of a cultivator’s body. Kai meticulously compared these with other illustrations detailing the anatomy of the asura race.

"Alright, I think I understand the basic structure of an asura body… Time to experiment," Kai thought, closing the book.

He took a deep breath, gathering all his concentration. Raising his hands before him, he focused on consolidating all the theories he had developed.

At first, nothing happened. Then, as Kai fine-tuned the flow of his internal power, layers of skin began to peel away from his palms, transforming into fine, nearly invisible threads.

These threads writhed and danced in the air as if alive, eventually weaving into intricate patterns. Using his own flesh as a template, Kai began crafting imitations of meridians and spiritual channels. Above his left palm, fine tubular structures formed, pulsing faintly with energy like living conduits. Over his right palm, a delicate, web-like network emerged—an imitation of spiritual channels designed to carry the power of the spirit.

Kai observed the process intently, every moment captured by the Eyes of Essence. The threads of flesh continued to extend from his palms, intertwining into complex systems. He carefully adjusted their shapes and dimensions, ensuring they met his specifications. The meridian-like conduits were thin yet dense, their walls shimmering faintly under the magical lights. In contrast, the spiritual channels were ethereal and transparent, branching into infinite patterns. Kai refined the threads and their properties to align with the requirements of each system.

"Flesh-crafted meridian imitations… and spiritual channel imitations…" Kai murmured, scrutinizing his work.

For a brief moment, his creations trembled, threatening to collapse. But he understood that this was merely the first step. Much work remained to perfect these imitations. Each time he crafted a new segment, he scrutinized it, testing its energy conductivity, flexibility, and durability.

"These flesh channels are too fragile," he thought. "I need to make them stronger to withstand the energy flow of a high-level master. And the spiritual channels must be more conductive and robust to house Kessia’s spirit without degradation."

Kai refocused, intensifying his energy output. This time, he altered the thread structures, increasing their density and reinforcing their cores. He meticulously manipulated his flesh on a cellular level to create stronger and more flexible threads. As he worked, the threads grew increasingly intricate and sophisticated, their structures more closely resembling authentic meridians and spiritual channels.

Kai monitored every change carefully, observing how the new structures responded to his energy. At one point, he noticed one thread glowing more brightly as his power flowed through it. A glimmer of excitement crossed his face—he was on the right track.

"I need to scale this up and, ideally, integrate it into a puppet…" Kai muttered, eyeing his creation.

With each step, he drew closer to his goal. Despite the challenges and setbacks, he refused to give up. Now that he had a grasp on crafting imitations of spiritual channels and meridians, he could move on to the next stage—creating systems strong enough to attempt building a body for Kessia.

"Just wait a little longer… We’re almost there!" Kai thought, a confident smile spreading across his face.

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V.11 Chapter 881: A New Approach

After grasping the basic principles of creating artificial meridians and spiritual channels, Kai wasted no time. As soon as he requested it, Tempcore transported him to a new practice chamber. The specialized table for creating marionettes was now far larger and more sophisticated, equipped with an even more diverse array of tools.

Since beginning his training, Kai had cycled through multiple practice rooms, each revealing increasingly advanced tools and resources. Moreover, Tempcore mentioned that one final room remained sealed. Only upon reaching the stage of Revival of Flesh would Kai gain access to it, where he could create the most exceptional body imaginable.

Kai approached the table and began preparations for crafting a new marionette.

"Tempcore, bring everything necessary," he ordered calmly.

Immediately, the air rippled, and floating platforms materialized, carrying a variety of materials: pieces of flesh, tendons, and bones, alongside solid minerals and even herbs.

At Kai’s mental command, the platforms rearranged themselves into an orderly and efficient layout. After centuries of experimentation, Kai had perfected his workflow, knowing precisely how to structure his workspace.

"Let’s begin crafting the marionette…" Kai muttered as red gloves rose from the table, slipping effortlessly onto his hands. These gloves were markedly different from the rudimentary ones he had used before. Any contemporary Flesh Weaver would have given anything to own such an artifact, as they were tools of the highest caliber.

Kai’s hands moved rapidly, and dozens of ingredients floated into the air simultaneously. With each motion of his hands and the precise guidance of his Eyes of Essence, chunks of flesh disintegrated into fibers, while the ingredients were ground into dust and fused with the fibers, altering their form and properties.

If any Flesh Weaver had witnessed Kai’s skill, they would never have believed he had reached this level in just twelve centuries. Such speed was unthinkable for others, as no one else had access to the Heretical God’s Palace, the Eyes of Essence, or the Heretical God’s Bloodline, which greatly enhanced his control over flesh.

The fibers wove together to form a skeleton, veins, capillaries, tendons, muscles, skin, and even the finer details like hair.

Once the base structure of the marionette was completed, Kai moved on to the next step: creating the meridian system and spiritual channels. This process required not only physical materials but also an intricate understanding of energetic and spiritual flows and the connections between them. Closing his eyes, Kai concentrated and began weaving fine threads of flesh, crafting two separate, complex networks of channels simultaneously. The most astonishing part was how he did this as if writing with both hands—two entirely different creations emerging in tandem.

Extending his hands, he formed meridians with one and spiritual channels with the other. As these networks expanded, they began developing unique "paths" and "interweaving zones"—crucial points for transformation, serving as the foundation for cultivation techniques.

Over time, the two networks began to resemble human silhouettes, glowing faintly as they pulsed with life energy. Kai observed the process through his Eyes of Essence, carefully tracking each stage of their creation.

"How do I proceed from here?" Kai murmured thoughtfully, holding the two glowing silhouettes and glancing at the marionette’s body lying between them.

The most challenging part had arrived: integrating the meridian and spiritual channel systems into the marionette’s body. Kai knew this had to be a precise and delicate operation.

Each connection required meticulous focus and effort. The threads needed to coil around bones, muscles, and internal organs, perfectly mirroring the natural placement of meridians in a living master’s body. The spiritual channels were even more fragile, threading through the brain and bones, wrapping delicately around the flesh.

"The only option is to part the flesh, allowing the channels to sink into it like blades sliding into custom-made sheaths," Kai thought, arriving at an unorthodox solution.

What he planned to do was entirely his own approach to crafting a living body. All the texts he had studied described the simultaneous creation of flesh, meridians, and spiritual channels, which often compromised the quality of the end result. However, no one else could attempt what Kai was about to do. He was effectively developing his own technique of Flesh Weaving, one that was still in its nascent stages and required refinement.

Kai focused intently on the marionette’s body he had crafted, his thoughts racing with increasing intensity. With the structure complete and the meridians and spiritual channels formed, it was time to merge them into a cohesive whole. Taking a deep breath, he activated his power and initiated the integration process with his new method.

Raising his hands slowly, the table beneath the marionette began to glow. Tools floated into the air, gliding precisely over the flesh. Under Kai’s full control, the marionette’s body was meticulously incised with thin, razor-sharp cuts. Each incision was precise and calculated, as though made by a master surgeon with thousands of operations behind him. These were not random cuts; they followed lines corresponding to the meridians and channels Kai had just created.

No blood flowed from the cuts. Instead, voids began to emerge beneath the surface, spaces reserved for the meridians and spiritual channels. As Kai intensified his control, the incisions widened, and the body began to "unfold", as though someone were opening a book.

First, the skin peeled back, followed by layers of muscle that separated and moved aside, revealing an even more intricate structure beneath. The muscle fibers unraveled like silken threads, remaining connected to the body. The internal organs—heart, lungs, liver, and others—carefully detached and unfolded, revealing their interiors without breaking away from the marionette.

Bones opened like the shell of an ancient creature, revealing their inner channels—tiny conduits where spiritual channels would soon reside to harmonize the body with spiritual flows.

The entire process resembled a complex ritual, each movement executed with meticulous precision. The weaving of the meridians and spiritual channels, which had previously appeared as two separate systems, now began to flow into the body’s flesh, organs, and bones. The channels gently descended into the open tissues, filling the voids between muscles and organs, penetrating the bones like living entities finding their home.

Kai’s every movement was deliberate, his fingers commanding the elements as if directing an army. He controlled the energy flows with perfect accuracy, guiding them to fill the marionette’s body and unite all its components. The integration was so seamless that it felt less like assembling a body and more like creating something entirely new and extraordinary.

"No rush… Everything is going surprisingly smoothly," Kai thought, immersed in absolute concentration.

Finally, when all components were fully integrated and the meridians and spiritual channels were in place, Kai prepared for the next step. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the connection still linking all parts of the marionette. With a gentle motion, he began drawing the "flesh threads" back together.

Reassembling the marionette was as intricate and delicate as dismantling it had been. Kai slowly aligned each part, ensuring the channels and meridians fit perfectly into their designated positions within the body. The organs slid back into place, while the muscles and bones returned to their original configurations, restoring the body’s integrity.

As the final elements merged, the marionette took on a finished appearance. Flesh and muscles fused seamlessly, leaving no visible scars. The spiritual channels and meridians were flawlessly integrated, as though they had always been part of the flesh.

Kai carefully monitored the final stages of his work, satisfaction swelling within him as he saw his technique in action. His Eyes of Essence allowed him to observe the minute energy flows coursing through the newly formed meridians and spiritual channels, creating a semblance of life within the marionette.

A faint smile spread across Kai’s lips. He was ready to celebrate his success, confident he had finally achieved the desired result. But suddenly, his heart sank.

Out of nowhere, the delicate balance within the marionette began to shift!

"Pop! Pop!" dull clicks sounded from the newly crafted body.

The energy streams that had flowed smoothly through the meridians and channels grew erratic, swirling chaotically. The voids within the spiritual channels collapsed entirely!

"It’s bad!" Kai cursed, realizing what was happening.

The intricate balance he had painstakingly created unraveled in an instant. The spiritual channels and meridians began contracting and twisting as though trying to escape the marionette’s body. Before Kai could react…

"Bang!" a loud explosion echoed as the marionette’s body burst apart.

The practice room’s walls were instantly splattered with blood, which sizzled as though consumed by an invisible fire, decaying into a foul sludge. The stench of rot filled the air, spreading rapidly.

"Damn it!" Kai exclaimed, bracing his hands against the table.

This first attempt to integrate his new method had ended in disaster. He stared at the remains of the marionette, which continued to sizzle and emit a vile odor as they dissolved into a black, oozing mess on the floor.

"I need better preparation. That was too fast, too careless… The meridians and spiritual channels weren’t perfectly balanced with the flesh’s energy," he muttered, already planning his next steps.

Tempcore and Kessia, however, had entirely different reactions. They were utterly stunned by what Kai had achieved. His Flesh Weaving technique seemed almost divine, surpassing the realm of martial artists.

"Of all the Heretical God’s successors, you are undoubtedly the strangest…" Tempcore remarked, recalling what Kai had just created moments ago.

"Kai, that was absolutely incredible!" Kessia's mental voice burst into his thoughts, brimming with awe and excitement.

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V.11 Chapter 882: The Three Origins Fusion Technique

Kai gazed thoughtfully at the heap of rot that had once been his marionette. His expression was calm but intense, his mind racing through every possible mistake he could have made. Every detail, every flaw in his creation, was laid bare before him like an open book. He realized that he had lost the balance between the meridians and spiritual channels, underestimated the strength of the flesh, and failed to unify all elements cohesively. Too many intricate details required refinement, and therein lay the core challenge.

"If only I had spent more time stabilizing the meridians…" Kai mused internally, plunging deeper into analysis. The Eyes of Essence meticulously examined the remnants of the marionette, and flashes of the creation process replayed vividly in his mind. He mentally cataloged every defect, every point of failure.

His contemplation was interrupted by Tempcore’s voice, resonating behind him:

"Kai," Tempcore spoke with a subtle note of solemnity, "perhaps it’s time to name your technique. It deserves to be immortalized within the Heretical God’s Palace."

Kai lifted his head slowly, his expression still contemplative. Yet Tempcore had a point—his technique, while imperfect, already bore immense potential.

"A name, you say?" Kai replied, tilting his head slightly, as though weighing the importance of the suggestion. "I hadn’t thought about it… But perhaps you’re right. Sometimes it’s worth indulging in such trivialities," he added with a faint smile.

He looked back at the rotting remains of his marionette, a small smirk forming on his lips. Kai thought of the creation process and the ultimate outcome he was striving to achieve.

"Let it be called the Three Origins Fusion Technique," he finally declared, and the words seemed to fill him with newfound confidence.

"A fitting name… I will record it within the Heretical God’s Palace as a testament to your deeds," Tempcore’s voice carried approval.

"I agree with Tempcore," Kessia chimed in with amusement. "I shudder to think how magnificent my body will be if you perfect the Three Origins Fusion Technique. Perhaps I’ll regain my full strength…"

Her voice held a note of excitement and optimism. She had waited far too long for this moment, and her anticipation was beginning to spill over into uncontainable hope.

Kai shifted his focus inward, entering his Spiritual Sea where Kessia’s silhouette hovered, surrounded by a soft crimson glow. This sanctuary had always been their refuge, a place where they could truly be alone. As Kai approached, Kessia looked up, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

These encounters had become routine over the centuries, and they had grown closer than ever. All secrets between them had long since dissolved, leaving an unshakable understanding of one another.

"You’re worrying again?" Kai teased with a playful smirk.

Kessia glanced at him, a flicker of embarrassment in her crimson eyes.

"I… can’t help it," she admitted. "The more skilled you become, the closer we get to the day of my resurrection. But I can’t allow myself to hope too much. The process of creating a body is unimaginably complex… I understand there’s a high chance of failure. If that happens, it will take us a long time to gather everything again…"

Kai floated closer, his hands gently encircling her ethereal form. He could feel her presence, like a warm breeze wrapping around him.

"You know I’ll do whatever it takes to bring you back to the physical world," he said with a soft smile, gazing into her eyes. "For you, I’ll create the greatest body ever forged by any Flesh Weaver. I promise!"

He continued, "We have the finest resources in the Region of Flesh Domination and my abilities. I’m confident that with a few more centuries of practice, I’ll master what’s needed. Everything will be fine," he added with unwavering conviction.

A quiet smile tugged at Kessia’s lips, and she closed her eyes, relishing the moment.

"Who would have thought you’d grow into such a man? Once upon a time, you were just an unruly brat," Kessia teased, her tone playful.

Kai feigned offense, pulling a mock grimace. Then, with a smirk, he quipped, "Careful, or I’ll start calling you an old woman."

"Call me whatever you like. But remember, once you bring me back, you’ll have to answer for all your words," she retorted with a gleam in her eye, her tone tinged with provocation. "And there’s no escaping my resurrection; I’m not the only one waiting for that moment…"

Her words carried a mix of passion and pointed implication. Kai felt a warm, powerful emotion well up in his chest. He smiled, his hand gliding along her neck and into her hair at the nape, gently tilting her head back.

He moved closer, sensing her ethereal form becoming almost tangible. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt as though the boundaries between their worlds were dissolving.

Kai leaned in slowly, their lips meeting in a kiss that Kessia reciprocated, her arms wrapping softly around his neck. The kiss carried a depth of passion and longing accumulated over thousands of years, rendering everything else meaningless. It was just the two of them.

Kessia’s grip tightened as she pulled him closer, and for a moment, Kai forgot about everything except her. In this instant, nothing else mattered but their connection. They seemed to merge into one, their sensations intertwining until there was no distinction between them.

When they finally parted, Kessia whispered, her voice husky with emotion, "It’s in our best interest for you to finish crafting my body as soon as possible…"

Kai chuckled, his desire evident. His beloved had always been with him, yet only as a spirit bound to his Spiritual Sea. It was both beautiful and excruciating.

"Sometimes anticipation makes the eventual moment even sweeter," he replied, his eyes alight with determination.

Kessia smiled softly, her hands still around him as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Then I’ll wait a little longer… and stop worrying. Ha-ha," she laughed lightly before leaning in for another kiss.

As Kai and Kessia surrendered to their feelings, elsewhere in the vast universe, entirely different events were unfolding…

Deep within a seemingly endless underground temple that could house an entire teralith, a haunting silence prevailed. The dark stone walls were encrusted with countless crystals, each emitting an eerie green glow. Some crystals were small, while others were massive, and within each, faint silhouettes of trapped figures could be seen, frozen in eternal captivity. A faint whisper emanated from the crystals, as though countless voices were pleading for salvation or mercy.

At the heart of the temple stood a vast stone dais surrounded by five colossal statues. If Kai had been there, he would have instantly recognized one of them as resembling the Statue of the God of Time-Space.

Upon this dais stood a shrine where three cloaked figures were gathered. Their faces were hidden beneath deep hoods, but their presence radiated an icy, oppressive aura.

"It seems the time is drawing near," one of them said, his voice reverberating like a shadowy echo, as though the temple walls themselves were speaking. "The chaos in the universe hints at the necessity of the gods' return."

The second figure, seated to the right, raised a hand and pointed to the crystals visible through the open temple roof.

"We still lack the required number of sacrifices," he said, his voice deep and thunderous, like rolling storms. "And we must act quickly. The heretics are starting to dominate our border realm. Rumor has it that the masters of the Region of Energy Domination have made contact with the Region of Spirit Domination, aided by that wretched scoundrel from the Infinite Path Sect," he added with a growl.

The third figure, seated at the center, remained silent, though her presence was palpable and commanding. She radiated an aura that was both enigmatic and terrifying. Her fingers were long and claw-like, resembling the talons of an ancient creature lurking in the shadows.

"As long as the world remains sealed, the Eternal Spirit Mother cannot leave the Region of Spirit Domination," she finally spoke, her voice feminine yet imbued with overwhelming power. Her words caused the walls to tremble, and the crystals flared brighter. "But she can still send her agents here, complicating our operations further. Meanwhile, the Region of Flesh Domination is experiencing peculiar disruptions. Almost all major clans have turned against our Chimera Masters, significantly reducing the flow of sacrifices."

A heavy silence fell among the trio, each of them deep in thought. Their plans were ancient, as old as the universe itself, and they fully understood the monumental scale of what lay ahead.

Breaking the silence, the first man raised a flask and took a swig of a strange liquid before speaking:

"Our Gods’ Resurrection Cult has weathered countless crises and catastrophes, yet we've always managed to continue our mission. The worsening of the current situation is merely a sign that we are nearing the end. The great Twins of Life and Death agree that soon we will have enough power to break the seal."

Hearing this, the woman let out a faint chuckle before replying:

"It sounds promising, but let’s not relax just yet. I want to have the honor of witnessing the gods with my own eyes, not leave this task to the next generation. If we succeed, our cultivation ceiling will finally be shattered, and all life will enter a golden era once more."

"If we want to accelerate our plans, we need to take action in our border realm. Amid the universal chaos, we can harvest excellent sacrifices," the second figure said, nodding in agreement.

"Agreed," he added. "I’ll inform all our Law Devourers to begin hunting outsiders. We must gather the required number of sacrifices as swiftly as possible. Even if it means going to war with them, our countless connections and hidden dens ensure our operations will persist. I believe the situation in the Region of Flesh Domination will stabilize soon enough."

Suddenly, the air in the temple trembled, and the crystals began to vibrate. One by one, they grew brighter, and the figures within stirred, their movements becoming frantic, as if desperate to escape.

The central figure raised a hand, and in an instant, all motion ceased. The crystals stilled, their light dimming to a faint glow.

"Be calm. You will never escape this place," she said harshly before turning her gaze back to her companions. "Then let us proceed with our plans! I am certain that with the guidance of the Twins of Life and Death and our relentless efforts, success is inevitable! I doubt we’ll need more than a few dozen millennia to achieve our goal." With this, she nodded firmly to her allies.

The other two nodded in agreement, rose, and began making their way out of the temple. Their steps made no sound as they departed. The central figure remained, lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the silhouettes of the towering statues above the shrine.

"The day will come when we shatter the chains that bind us," she murmured. "And when that day arrives, nothing will save the heretics from the wrath of the gods. We will ensure their triumphant return to the world of the living."

Darkness enveloped the temple once more, but the woman’s ominous aura lingered, a chilling reminder of the grand and dangerous schemes unfolding deep beneath the surface of the universe.

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V.11 Chapter 883: Events Outside the Palace

After the clandestine meeting of certain leaders of the Cult, events in the Ancient Battleground began to accelerate, as if the universe itself were driving this borderland toward inevitable chaos. The three enigmatic figures who had resolved to act decisively pulled the strings of fate, triggering a cascade of events that struck outsiders like a tsunami.

Initially, the masters of the Region of Energy Domination began seizing territories in the Ancient Battleground, transforming them into zones of control. They fortified these lands with powerful energy arrays and defensive structures, creating coordination centers. The longer they remained in the borderland, the clearer it became that the threat of the Evil Gods was no legend but a horrifying reality.

Through their exploration of the borderland and the elimination of some members of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult, the Law Devourers from the universe of energy began to comprehend the depth of the problem. A singular purpose crystallized before them: to stop the dark forces whose influence could be felt throughout the borderland.

Their mission extended beyond consolidating power—it also involved uncovering traces of the Cult. Each clue confirmed that the Cult represented an existential threat to all living beings. The masters who served the Evil Gods had grown active again, expanding their influence and weaving conspiracies against the living world.

Ancient prophecies found in the archives spoke of a time when the Gods would rise again to "restore order" to the universe. It became evident that these cultists were not merely opportunistic masters seeking personal gain, but fanatics driven by unwavering faith.

The influence of the masters from the Region of Energy Domination grew with each passing decade, eventually attracting two powerful local factions to their cause: the Rift Guild and the Infinite Path Sect. These organizations had preserved knowledge of dark currents in the universe for millennia, carefully observing changes in its structure. The Rift Guild, specialists in spatial arts, not only aided in reconnaissance, but also uncovered previously unknown portals to abandoned pocket worlds. Meanwhile, the Infinite Path Sect became an invaluable ally, providing a wealth of information about the borderland and the ancient universe.

The Region of Energy Domination, the Rift Guild, and the Infinite Path Sect joined forces to create a powerful alliance. They symbolically named themselves the Rebellion Army of Life, paying homage to the ancient masters who had once opposed the tyranny of the Evil Gods. According to rumors, they had even begun secret negotiations with masters from the Region of Spirit Domination.

However, not everyone supported their endeavor. Other superpowers within the borderland—the Abyss Clan, the Order of Eternal Radiance, and the Sect of Death’s Keepers—unexpectedly united in opposition. They raised banners proclaiming a struggle for freedom, accusing the new alliance of being a threat to the universe that needed to be eradicated.

Yet, the truth of the matter was clear to all… These three forces were deeply infiltrated by the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. Even the Rift Guild and the Infinite Path Sect were astounded by the Cult's reach, initially hoping to sway some of these forces to their side. All attempts proved futile.

Where the Guild and the Sect ferreted out and ruthlessly eliminated cultists within their ranks, the other factions took a drastically different approach—tracking and annihilating anyone who opposed the Gods’ resurrection.

Despite escalating tensions, the situation in the borderland seemed manageable. The Rebellion Army of Life, uniting the power of the Region of Energy Domination, the Rift Guild, and the Infinite Path Sect, confidently advanced, seizing new territories and solidifying their positions. They ambushed cultists, intercepted caravans carrying sealed sacrifices, and assaulted hidden temples. Reports even began trickling in about events in the Region of Flesh Domination and the mass production of chimeras being sent from there. Each successful operation reinforced the belief that they had reached a turning point and that the cult could be defeated.

The Army's forces operated in harmony, and every victory expanded their sphere of influence. Progress was undeniable: the Abyss Clan, the Order of Eternal Radiance, and the Sect of Death’s Keepers seemed cornered.

But the borderland's immense territory made it incredibly challenging to maintain control, especially since the Region of Energy Domination couldn't commit all its forces without plunging its own universe into chaos. Only masters at the Overlord and higher levels were sent, and even then, not all of them, as the energy universe's sects also required governance. Despite this, many in the Army believed victory was merely a matter of time.

That belief proved to be a fatal error.

Everything changed in a single day when the Rebellion Army of Life was struck by a devastating blow. From the darkest depths of space, an overwhelming force emerged. Masters and warriors on the front lines felt the very fabric of space distort before torrents of power erupted, tearing reality apart. A monstrous war engulfed the Ancient Battleground, revealing enemy reserves no one had anticipated.

The surprise assault shattered the front lines. Simultaneous spatial rifts opened across dozens of teraliths, unleashing armadas of creatures and masters. The Gods’ Resurrection Cult activated ancient arrays and artifacts, magnifying their power exponentially. Swarms of creatures and cultist warriors flooded the astral expanse, bringing death and destruction in their wake.

The Rebellion Army of Life was caught off guard. Only after the initial shock did it become clear—the Cult had launched a counteroffensive. Most strong masters were sealed, evidently to replenish the Cult's sacrificial reserves. Those deemed unworthy were mercilessly slaughtered.

Most terrifying of all, the Cult also boasted masters of the Law Devourer Sphere—and they were no fewer than those within the Army. At first, the Army's veterans assumed they could swiftly crush the cultists, dismissing their assault as a desperate move. Reality proved otherwise—the Cult's forces had counters for every strategy.

The losses were catastrophic. Within months, the Army lost numerous strategic positions. Fierce battles erupted across teraliths and spatial zones, escalating into full-scale war. The enemy was both prepared and ruthless, executing attacks with brutal precision. Even the greatest masters of the Region of Energy Domination realized their foes were not mere zealots, but masterful tacticians ready for anything.

The stellar expanse descended into chaos. The carefully constructed strategy of the Rebellion Army of Life crumbled like a house of cards. A war that began with localized skirmishes now consumed the Ancient Battleground entirely.

In a vast hall of polished black stone veined with silver, an oppressive silence reigned. The ceiling depicted ancient battles in intricate chimera-like carvings, and at the center stood a massive table of black crystal. Suspended above it was a three-dimensional map of the borderland. Twelve figures sat around the table—the core of the Rebellion Army of Life, all Law Devourers.

Ten represented the Region of Energy Domination, while the other two hailed from the Rift Guild and the Infinite Path Sect. Their faces were grim, their eyes reflecting worry and exhaustion. Some bore visible wounds from recent battles, still struggling to heal. Even in this war room, once a place of strategy and triumph, a palpable sense of defeat hung in the air.

Law Devourer from the Region of Energy Domination sat with clenched fists. A deep wound stretched across his shoulder, slowly mending thanks to a rare elixir, yet the injury seemed to gnaw at him as if an enemy technique still lingered within.

Opposite him sat a master from the Rift Guild, his left arm almost entirely charred. He occasionally glanced at the map, his expression unwaveringly grim. Everyone in the room knew the situation had spiraled beyond their control.

The first to break the silence was the Craftsman's Heart Devourer, his face etched with cuts from his last battle, his third eye visibly injured. His voice cut through the stillness like a blade:

"We underestimated them… Our enemy is not just strong; they are incomprehensibly powerful." After a pause, he continued, "The Gods’ Resurrection Cult has reserves we never even imagined. All our previous actions now seem like grave miscalculations."

His words echoed through the hall, met with heavy silence. Each Law Devourer was lost in thought, acutely aware that their once-mighty army now teetered on the brink of collapse. The losses were staggering, and even their remaining forces were waning.

A master from the Rift Guild, a woman with gray-blue skin and icy eyes, sighed heavily before speaking:

"We cannot retreat. If we allow these cultists to fortify their positions and capture all the strong masters, the entire universe will be doomed. Forget their reserves—what matters most is that we underestimated their number of Law Devourers. They have more than we thought, and they’re every bit as formidable as us," she brushed her silvery hair back, revealing pointed ears that gleamed under the room's dim light.

Her words deepened the gloom in the room. None of them had anticipated the Cult's preparedness. Just as the weight of despair seemed insurmountable, the Infinite Fracture Devourer, leader of the Infinite Path Sect, smirked. Casting a confident glance around the table, he spoke:

"Perhaps things aren’t as bleak as they seem." Saying this, he produced a strange, pulsing crystal. "The masters of the Region of Spirit Domination have finally responded. The Eternal Spirit Mother cannot personally enter the borderland, but she is sending several Law Devourers to aid us!"

His words broke through the oppressive tension like a beacon of light in the darkness. The gathered Law Devourers exchanged glances, their spirits momentarily lifted.

The War Flame Devourer, who had been silently observing, let out a low chuckle.

"Reinforcements from the Region of Spirit Domination," he mused. "That changes things. But even so, we shouldn’t expect a swift victory." His voice carried a resolute tone.

"Exactly," agreed the Ice Star Devourer. "We must prepare for a long and grueling war. Rivers of blood will flow before we reclaim superiority."

"This conflict will drag on for thousands of years," the gray-blue-skinned woman grimly confirmed.

"We need to revise our entire strategy," said the Bloodthirsty Lightning Devourer, rising with effort despite the pain from his unhealed wound. "We’ve managed to contact some Law Devourers from our Region of Energy Domination who have been in closed-door cultivation. The whereabouts of many others remain unknown, but I am confident we can bring additional masters of equal strength into the fight."

A murmur of agreement swept through the hall as new strategies began forming in their minds. They all sensed they were embroiled in events of an unprecedented scale, unseen since the age of the ancient universe.

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V.11 Chapter 884: Not a Step Back

The universe was engulfed in a terrifying war, its storms sweeping through every territory and penetrating every world. Supreme masters took to the battlefield, only to retreat into cultivation to recover. The Gods’ Resurrection Cult and the newly risen Rebellion Army of Life ignited a conflict that shook the universe to its core. Yet amidst this cosmic agony, there was one man who relentlessly pursued his goal. For nearly five centuries, he had been perfecting his Three Origins Fusion Technique.

Kai, a figure of serenity amidst chaos, immersed himself in his craft as a Weaver of Flesh. His hands moved with practiced precision, as if guided by an innate knowledge of every step. Before him lay a partially assembled marionette, its inner workings exposed—muscles, organs, and even bones laid bare.

The scripts inscribed in Kai’s eyes whirred faster as his concentration peaked. It was time to integrate the spiritual channels and meridians into the marionette’s body—an art of the highest order that he had refined over centuries. All his efforts were for one purpose: to create a vessel for Kessia. He could not afford to rush. Even if he were to hear of the chaos in the world, he wouldn’t hasten his work.

With deliberate care, he began weaving the spiritual channels. His fingers moved as if plucking invisible strings. Threads of flesh intertwined with the structure, merging with the meridians like a primordial web of life. Each meridian was meticulously calculated to align with the channels, forming a unified, flawless body. These threads served as bridges, connecting internal energy to external power, and their precise placement was paramount. A single error would doom the entire creation.

The process spanned days, but for Kai, time held no meaning. His focus was absolute. He felt every vibration, every current of energy flowing into the marionette. Every movement was deliberate, leaving no detail overlooked.

When the last spiritual channel fused, and the meridians coiled around the flesh and skeleton, Kai took a deep breath. He spread his hands wide, then clapped them together with resounding force.

"Boom!" the thunderous clap echoed, and the marionette’s flesh, bones, and organs, once splayed open, began to reunite.

Under Kai’s hands, a true miracle unfolded. The marionette, once laid bare like an open book, began to close, as if an invisible force was restoring it to its natural state. The meridians and spiritual channels had already merged, becoming one with the body. Now it was the turn of the flesh.

"Perfect… It must succeed this time as well!"

The marionette's body began to contract, folding in on itself like fabric, its flesh wrapping around the bones. Muscles aligned with impeccable precision, synchronizing without resistance. Where gaps and tears had once seemed insurmountable, there was now no trace of division. Kai’s fingers continued their orchestrated movements, guiding the final stages of creation. The fusion proceeded so smoothly that it seemed nature itself bent to his will.

Muscle fibers knitted seamlessly together, forming an unmarred surface. The marionette’s body emerged unified, whole. From the outside, it appeared as a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship—without a crack or seam to betray its artificial origin. It seemed like a living creature, born of nature rather than forged by a master’s hands.

As the last piece of skin sealed shut, completing this monumental labor, an unsettling silence filled the room. Suddenly, the marionette’s eyes snapped open. Their gleam was no longer hollow like Kai’s earlier creations. This marionette radiated the aura of a being at the initial levels of cultivation. It might even overpower a Star Sphere master from the lower worlds.

At that moment, the chamber echoed with the solemn yet amazed voice of Tempcore:

"A series of successes. This is the tenth marionette crafted using the Three Origins Fusion Technique! You have passed the final trial!"

Kai’s face lit up with a satisfied smile. He leaned heavily on the table, breathing hard, his gaze fixed on the new marionette. A hundred years ago, Tempcore had declared the conditions for entering the final hall: flawlessly create ten marionettes capable of housing a soul. Finally, Kai had succeeded. Moreover, his marionettes far exceeded the anticipated strength.

"Kessia…" Kai thought.

"Don’t speak too soon... I won’t believe it until I see my new body," came Kessia’s trembling reply.

Both knew that with the final hall of Flesh Weaving now open and Kai’s achievements, they were on the cusp of creating a body for her. After tens of thousands of years, she was closer than ever to rebirth.

"Tempcore, show me the reward for mastering the highest level of Flesh Weaving," Kai said solemnly, pushing away from the table.

It seemed that, after spending so much time with Kai, Tempcore had grown to respect and even take pride in him. After all, Kai was the successor of the Heretical God, destined to be his next master. Witnessing Kai’s rapid ascent was nothing short of extraordinary.

Without delay, Tempcore complied. The space around Kai warped, transporting him to another part of the Heretical God’s Palace.

Kai opened his eyes to a new place. Around him stretched a boundless expanse bathed in majestic and eerie light. Thousands of blazing red stars lit the horizon, their brilliance so intense that they seemed like living entities burning with unyielding fury. These stars were like miniature suns, radiating ceaseless power, their light sparkling amidst the endless black void.

Kai stood on a vast stone platform that spanned kilometers. It was majestic, a monolith seemingly born at the dawn of time. The stone beneath his feet was black, absorbing the light, yet its surface gleamed with luminous inscriptions, intricately woven arrays that pulsed with faint red light. These weren’t mere carvings but seemed fused into the stone itself, exuding a subtle, powerful glow. Artifacts integrated into the platform shimmered in various hues—crimson, azure, and emerald crystals gleamed in their sockets, channeling energy throughout the structure, sustaining its immense power.

At the platform's edges floated small stone islets, laden with an array of materials for Flesh Weaving. Kai noticed rare components: the glowing bones of ancient beasts, smoldering scales capable of incinerating even a Law Sphere master, and droplets of primordial blood frozen in time. The entire scene felt as though the universe itself was preparing Kai for the final step.

Flecks of heretical blood occasionally flickered between the platforms, illuminating the air. This hall, bathed in the red light of stars, seemed alive. The stars pulsed, responding to the slightest movement, while the platforms vibrated in anticipation of their contents being used for a monumental creation.

Kai inhaled deeply, feeling the law of flesh saturate his body. Each breath filled him with energy; every motion inspired him. Everything around him exuded ancientness and power.

"This place… I’ll harness its power to the fullest!" Kai declared resolutely, taking in his surroundings.

His gaze settled on the platform's center. There, like the heart of this ancient and grand mechanism, lay the core of the array—a throne-like structure crafted from an unknown material that seemed forged from living flesh. Its surface bore countless symbols, each a fragment of intricate flesh-law formulas. These symbols continuously shifted, flowing into one another, adjusting to the environment in an endless dance. The array was limitless in its adaptability and strength, interconnected with every element around it.

Before the throne, on a slight elevation, rested a special altar. Crafted from ancient black stone, it was smooth and cold to the touch. It seemed destined to bear the creation of a Flesh Weaver who would utilize this sacred place.

Kai inhaled deeply, feeling the platform’s power surge through him. The law of flesh was absolute here—every element of the world, every motion of matter, obeyed this ancient law. Now, it would serve him to bring to life the dream he and Kessia had pursued for so long.

"Tempcore, before we begin, I want to rest. I must be at my peak!" Kai said with determination, clenching his fists.

Kessia remained silent, her heart pounding in her chest. It was as if she feared that speaking a single word might shatter the moment, turning everything into an illusion. Despite her experience and past strength, she couldn’t overcome the weight of the moment.

But Tempcore unexpectedly countered, his tone respectful:

"I think it’s best not to delay while you’re in the right condition. Rest might break your focus. The creation of the last marionette was lengthy, but it shouldn’t have drained you. It’s better to begin immediately."

For a moment, Kai froze. On one hand, he had decided to rest to ensure he was at full strength. But now, he realized he was already at his peak. Perhaps he didn’t want to admit that he was stalling. No matter how determined he was, one mistake could destroy Kessia’s body! Gathering all the necessary ingredients again, especially after the events in the Sea of Asura’s Blood, would be nearly impossible. Obtaining the flesh of an Asura Progenitor once more was unthinkable.

"Kessia… What do you think? Should we start now?" Kai asked thoughtfully, his brow furrowed.

He knew that he needed to consult Kessia to make the decision as honest as possible. Such a choice required mutual agreement.

Unexpectedly, her response was firm and resolute. It seemed as if Tempcore’s remark had awakened something in her. She let out a derisive laugh, her voice almost defiant:

"We’ve come this far, taking risks and staying determined, only to hesitate and cower at the final step? Let’s do this, Kai! Craft a body so perfect that I’ll reclaim my full power and authority in an instant!"

Kai chuckled softly, Kessia’s words igniting a spark in him. Her defiant tone stirred his resolve, transforming hesitation into unshakable determination. He felt a wave of confidence surge through him, a roaring fire that left no room for doubt.

"You’re right… Of course you’re right," Kai murmured, a sly smile curling at the corners of his lips. His resolve solidified, and he was ready to take action.

"Tempcore, gather the finest ingredients to enhance the flesh of this new body! We’re starting right now!" Kai declared with fervor, his voice echoing through the chamber as he raised his hand.

In response, a low hum reverberated through the hall, and ten coffins materialized around him, each sealed and brimming with potential. Encased within were bodies, rare and potent. Kai didn’t have the body of a phoenix yet, but he had a kraken’s form—a formidable substitute that would more than compensate for any lack.

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V.11 Chapter 885: The Beginning of Creation

Kai stood at the center of the platform, feeling the tension and grandeur of the moment saturating the air. Every particle of the surrounding space seemed to hum, a reminder that every step was calculated, every action preordained.

With a wave of his hand, the lids of the ten coffins slid open, revealing the preserved bodies of ten masters, representatives of all the ruling races. Naturally, the phoenix was absent, replaced by the body of a kraken.

These remains, encased in perfectly preserved forms, radiated an indescribable aura. These bodies—the sacrifices—were the keystones of the greatest ritual, one for which Kai had tirelessly prepared during his time in the Heretical God’s Palace.

Kai stood motionless, his gaze sharp and focused. He knew mistakes were unacceptable. This was the moment he and Kessia had worked toward for thousands of years.

"So… where to begin," Kai muttered.

His heartbeat remained steady, without a trace of anxiety, yet deep down he understood that one misstep could spell catastrophe, jeopardizing everything they had worked for. Ahead of them loomed the Gods’ Resurrection Cult, and Kai would need Kessia—alive—to face it.

Taking a deep breath, he let the energy around him flow through his veins and then spoke. His voice was quiet, yet it resonated like a command from some divine being:

"Tempcore, prepare the primary platforms!"

The largest stone platforms began to move slowly, as if heeding the will of the palace and Kai himself. With a low hum, they glided through the air like massive ships, arranging themselves in a perfect circle around the levitating throne. Each platform emanated a powerful aura. Between the ten platforms, a stream of crimson energy began to form, binding them together as one.

With unwavering confidence, Kai effortlessly ascended to the throne. As he sat down, the moment his hands touched the massive armrests, ancient gloves embedded in the throne seemed to come to life. They slid over his fingers and palms, merging seamlessly with his flesh. The glow they emitted was as ancient as the throne itself, and the air filled with the scent of a storm mingled with a sea of blood—an eerie response from nature to the activation of these mighty artifacts.

Kai felt the gloves become an extension of himself, linking him to the arrays of the entire platform. At that moment, everything around him awakened—the tombs, the arrays, even the distant stars seemed to shine brighter.

"Prepare the other valuable materials. For now, I will work on the bodies of the masters and the primary ingredient," Kai commanded, his voice imbued with authority, causing the very space around him to tremble in response.

With a sweep of his hands, the bodies of the ten masters rose from their coffins. They floated weightlessly, suspended in the air, their forms frozen in solemn majesty before drifting apart. One by one, the masters took their places on the primary platforms. The crimson pulse radiating from the platforms grew stronger and more vibrant.

At that moment, hundreds of smaller platforms began to move, seemingly obeying an unseen command, positioning themselves near the masters’ bodies in ordered rows. Near each primary "island," a network of smaller "islets" started to form.

Each of these smaller platforms bore rare and precious materials collected by the Heretical God’s Palace over millions of years. The nearest were adorned with ancient crystals shimmering in an array of colors.

Farther away, platforms held bones of ancient beasts, their massive forms emanating a dark aura. Some bones bore intricate carvings, evidence of additional refinement.

On other platforms were strange, exotic plants—flowers, trees, and ancient roots—each radiating its own unique energy.

Closer to the center of the circle were platforms covered in droplets of ancient blood, frozen in time. Alongside the blood were platforms above which spheres of various liquids hovered, their shimmering hues adding to the otherworldly display.

All these materials, from stones to blood, began to harmonize with the rhythm of the ritual, bending to Kai’s will. The flows of energy around him accelerated, and as he sat on the throne, he felt every element of this grand process become an extension of his Three Origins Fusion Technique.

"Everything must be perfect. Let’s begin the final stage," Kai declared, his voice resolute. The space around him responded with a low, pulsating hum, heralding something monumental.

Taking a deep breath, Kai’s eyes flared with swirling inscriptions that spun faster and faster. Mentally, he reached into his world ring, and in an instant, a powerful aura enveloped him once more. Massive chunks of flesh emerged from the ring, each radiating an ancient and unfathomable energy. These were fragments of the Asura Progenitor’s flesh, pulsing with a blood-red glow as if alive, awaiting their purpose.

The pieces of flesh floated into the air, drifting toward the central altar of the array. Trembling with contained power, they gently settled onto the altar, claiming the most sacred spot.

"This… is the core of the future body," Kai whispered, watching as the chunks of asura’s flesh began to fuse, forming something spherical.

At that moment, all the other ingredients—blood, bones of ancient beasts, crystals, and plants—began to pulse, responding as if to a singular command.

Kai raised his hands decisively, and the Asura Progenitor’s flesh instantly unraveled into thousands of fine threads. These threads spread through the air, glowing blood-red, like countless delicate needles obeying his will. His hands moved upward, and the threads hovered, awaiting further instructions. He began directing them with meticulous precision, each movement calculated and smooth.

The threads began to change, their properties evolving as if each carried a unique essence for a specific purpose. Some brightened, pulsating with a vivid crimson light, while others darkened, absorbing energy from their surroundings. Each thread vibrated, responding to Kai’s gestures as though they were extensions of his very thoughts.

Simultaneously, the other ingredients—blood of ancient creatures, bones, roots, and minerals—answered the call. Tiny fragments broke off, disintegrating into fine dust or glowing essence. The dust spiraled toward the altar, where the asura flesh threads hovered in anticipation.

The ingredients’ swirling flow merged with the threads, strengthening and enhancing them. As the threads absorbed the materials, they gained new properties—growing tougher, more radiant, and adopting hues ranging from fiery crimson to deep violet and obsidian black. The merging process elevated each thread, weaving their combined essence into a unified whole.

Under Kai’s control, the threads intertwined, forming intricate patterns. In the air, mysterious shapes began to emerge. The threads, as though building a foundation, coalesced into something strange and extraordinary.

"The core must be flawless…" Kai thought, his resolve unwavering.

The threads continued to join, their shapes growing clearer. Within days, the purpose of Kai’s efforts became apparent—he was creating the Heart of Flesh! This would serve as the nucleus from which Kai would construct the body, a vital component ensuring its stability and vitality.

Days turned into nights, and the heart, formed from countless fine threads, became increasingly vivid and lifelike. It pulsed softly, drawing energy from the surrounding materials, each beat reflecting its growing strength. With each thrum, it became the center of the future body.

As certain materials depleted, Tempcore acted swiftly, replenishing supplies of bones, blood, crystals, and other rare elements without delay. Kai wasted not a second, his focus unwavering. With each addition, the heart grew stronger, its rhythm steadier. The energies poured into the ritual swirled around the altar, coalescing into the newly-formed Heart of Flesh, absorbing the essence of every ancient ingredient.

When the heart was complete, a new phase began. Kai raised his hand, and the bodies of the ten masters, resting on the platforms, began to tremble. In the next instant, portions of their flesh unraveled into threads, mirroring the process of the asura’s flesh.

Once perfected by Kai’s technique, these threads streamed toward the heart, intertwining with the existing network. Together, they began forming a complex system of arteries and veins, branching outward from the heart like the roots of an ancient tree. These channels glowed with a living aura, carrying energy and life throughout the emerging structure.

The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. For Kessia, the process was especially harrowing. It was not quick. With such potent materials, it would take decades to complete each stage. The heart alone had taken over six months to craft.

The heart, veins, and arteries, now a unified network, became something greater—a living system ready to accept the next stage of flesh. Each pulse of the heart expanded and reinforced the system, establishing a solid foundation for the future body.

Kai understood the time had come for the system to sustain itself. Immersed in the ritual, time lost all meaning. His focus was absolute.

"Let’s begin with the bones," Kai thought, summoning all his will and concentration.

Raising his hands, the air began to stir once more. Now, it was time for the next step—constructing the skeleton. In response to his command, fragments of ancient bones and remnants from the masters floated upward. Threads formed from these fragments quickly wove together, transforming and solidifying.

The skeleton began to take shape amid the intricate network of veins and arteries, seamlessly integrating into the pre-designed slots. Bones fused together, each crafted from ancient materials, becoming part of a unified structure. The spine emerged first—a mighty pillar supporting the foundation of the body. Ribs and limbs gradually extended and joined the framework, creating a form both terrifying and perfect.

Kai observed every detail with intense focus, guiding each part of the process. Energy flowed through his gloves, directing every movement and connection, ensuring that the ancient materials came together flawlessly. Veins and arteries wrapped around the bones, embedding themselves, making the skeletal framework a part of the organic and mechanical whole.

Throughout it all, Kai kept Kessia’s image firmly in mind, striving for absolute perfection.

One curious aspect stood out—the size of the body. Due to the vast amounts of materials used, the initial body would be several times larger than Kessia’s original form. Yet, this was no concern; after the spirit transfer, the body would undergo a metamorphosis, returning to its true shape. For now, the resemblance had to be close enough for her spirit to instantly recognize and bind with the flesh.

Understanding this, Kai continued his work undistracted. Both Kessia and Tempcore remained silent, not daring to disrupt him. Everyone present could feel the weight of this moment.

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V.11 Chapter 886: A Critical Moment

For years, the skeletal structure formed like an ancient tree growing in eternal darkness. Each bone required time to take its true shape. Kai, with absolute precision, harvested flesh from the bodies of the masters, transforming them into material for Kessia’s creation. Their forms diminished with each wave of his hand, losing strength like ancient statues crumbling into marble dust. Once-proud masters of their races were reduced to remnants, their remains the building blocks for something entirely new.

The bones were assembled gradually, starting with the spine and progressing to the limbs and skull. Within the hollow structures, bone marrow began to take shape, a viscous fluid that dripped into the core of the bones before solidifying into living tissue. The marrow filled every cavity, weaving a complex network of channels through the bones. The process resembled slow, delicate shaping: at first fluid and malleable, then hardening into its final form over the months.

Next came the reinforcement of the bones. The outer layers gradually accumulated thin strata of minerals, extracted from the essences of the materials and the masters' flesh. The bones became hard yet flexible, possessing unprecedented durability. Kai meticulously directed the process, regulating the density and structure of each bone to ensure the body’s perfection.

Finally, the last stage of the skeletal formation concluded, leaving the masters’ bodies barely half-intact.

Kai moved to the next phase—creating tissues. Once more, threads of flesh began unraveling from the ten masters’ bodies, but this time, Kai altered their properties and structure. The threads, almost imperceptibly, coiled around the bones like living vines. They wove into thin layers of muscle, wrapping the skeleton like silken webs—both strong and flexible.

Kessia’s body formed layer by layer, tissue by tissue, muscle by muscle, as if nature itself were crafting her. The process stretched over weeks, sometimes months, as Kai monitored every detail, tolerating no errors. Yet with each passing month, his strength waned.

Controlling such a complex process demanded immense concentration and energy, more than even his powerful body could sustain indefinitely. He felt the muscles in his own body tighten with fatigue, his thoughts slowing. This was the first sign that his reserves were nearly depleted.

Tempcore, sensing this, reacted instantly. A series of pills began appearing beside Kai, shimmering in the air like fireflies before gently settling before him. The pills were imbued with potent energy, capable of swiftly restoring his strength, clearing accumulated exhaustion, and fortifying his spirit. Without breaking his focus, Kai briefly turned his attention to each pill, consuming them one by one. Powerful waves of energy coursed through him, revitalizing his body, clearing his mind, and washing away his fatigue.

But the pills alone were insufficient. At one point, Kai extended his hand, and a cascade of chaos stones flew out of his spatial ring. They whirled around him, brimming with immense energy, as though sentient beings eager to serve their master. The chaos stones emitted a pulsating light, their energy flooding into Kai’s body. He felt their power rejuvenate him, replenishing not only his physical strength but also the spiritual reserves drained by his relentless work.

The chaos stones continued to pulse as Kessia’s body continued to form, the ritual progressing steadily. Kai knew the most critical stages still lay ahead, even though he had already spent far more time than anticipated. Creating the physical vessel was only the first step.

Kai pushed past his limits, refusing to pause for even a moment.

Muscles, like countless threads, densely enveloped the skeletal framework. They resembled steel cables, ready to bear immense loads. They wrapped around every bone, forming a robust frame that concealed the true nature of the body within.

Tendons, glimmering like divine cords imbued with bodily strength, bound everything together. They threaded through the muscles, anchoring them to the bones, strengthening like roots deep in fertile soil. Kai directed the process with unmatched precision. Each movement of his fingers created new connections that instantly found their place.

Other essential tissues, such as connective and protective layers, gradually enveloped the muscles, forming systems that ensured flawless functionality. These layers served as barriers to shield internal organs and structures from damage, while allowing unrestricted movement.

After months of painstaking work, the silhouette began to take shape. Before him now stood the clear outline of a slender figure—Kessia.

Every muscle, every strand of flesh matched the image Kai held in his mind. Visually, it resembled the body of a fragile young woman, yet the latent power it contained was so immense it could obliterate entire worlds.

"The next step! I need to cover it with skin and finalize the flesh!" Kai mentally commanded himself, his hands moving with renewed vigor.

Kai approached the next phase with unshakable resolve. Around Kessia’s body, thin threads began to whirl, concentrating on the surface of the muscles. Smoothly, like water spreading across the land, skin began to form. It was porcelain-white, smooth and flawless. With each passing moment, it grew denser, finally enveloping the muscles and tendons, creating a perfect exterior that harmonized with the inner strength of the body.

The skin gleamed, its surface polished to perfection, softly reflecting the glow of the surrounding arrays. It gave Kessia’s body a divine smoothness, concealing the immense power within. The skin hugged the slender frame, accentuating every detail—from delicate arms, a narrow waist, and a gracefully shaped chest, to elegant legs and feet that seemed to hover above the ground, creating ripples in the air itself.

Though she stood completely naked, the sight inspired awe rather than impropriety. Even Kessia, dwelling within Kai’s Spiritual Sea, was stunned. She realized this body was her ideal replica. Though she had never shown herself to Kai in such detail, she had allowed him to perceive her essence. In this way, Kai knew every aspect of her form, down to the smallest detail.

Next, from Kessia’s head, streams of blood-red hair began to grow like living rivers. They flowed downward, slow and majestic, cascading past her hips and framing her face and body. The hair was thick and vibrant, its crimson hue stark against her pale skin, creating a breathtaking contrast. Upon closer inspection, small pointed ears peeked out from beneath the waves of hair, adding an almost endearing quality to her appearance.

From beneath her closed eyelids emerged long, lush eyelashes, lending her face an air of gentleness and serenity. Though her eyes remained shut, her expression radiated innocence and majesty.

When the process was complete, before Kai floated the perfect replica of Kessia. Her enlarged, flawless form hovered in the air, surrounded by an aura of unparalleled beauty and strength.

Kai froze for a moment, awestruck by the vision before him. Her alabaster skin, blood-red hair, and perfectly sculpted figure created an image so mesmerizing it commanded reverence. Even Kai, accustomed to Kessia’s beauty, could not suppress a moment of awe.

But it lasted only a moment. He quickly regained his composure, knowing that the most critical task remained—constructing the spiritual channels and meridians. This was not merely a physical endeavor but the most intricate and pivotal part of the ritual.

"Tempcore!" Kai called sharply, his voice cutting through the air with authority. "Now begins the most difficult stage. We must create the spiritual channels and meridians! Assist me with everything you have. There is no room for error!"

"Understood. I will monitor all your reactions," Tempcore replied, his tone unexpectedly respectful.

"Good luck, Kai! Forget everything else and do what needs to be done!" Kessia spoke for the first time in years.

Encouraged by Tempcore’s response and Kessia’s words, Kai raised his hands, gathering all his power and focus. At that moment, Kessia’s body began to transform. On her pale skin, faint lines appeared, as if etched by light. They started from her head, spreading down her neck, shoulders, and across her entire body, intertwining in an intricate pattern.

Then the lines opened, and the process became both grotesque and mesmerizing. Kessia’s body seemed to turn inside out. Flesh and bones, which moments ago appeared flawless and unbreakable, now revealed their inner workings, exposing the foundation for the spiritual channels and meridians.

Her entire essence, from bone to skin, lay bare before him, awaiting the construction of the spiritual pathways and energy conduits that would connect her to the world’s energies and grant her life once more.

"It’s time for the Three Origins Fusion Technique! I will create the greatest masterpiece possible!" Kai declared, his voice resonating with conviction.

With his cry, the world seemed to bend to his will. The remaining bodies of the ten masters, along with countless rare ingredients gathered over years of preparation, trembled under his power. Kai’s own body radiated incredible energy, tattoos on his skin glowing brightly, synchronizing with the ritual. The air vibrated with an aura of anticipation, as if the universe itself awaited the inevitable.

"Boom! Whoosh!" in the next instant, the ingredients and masters’ bodies disintegrated, exploding into a storm of flesh threads, essences, and energy.

The myriad components swirled around Kai, glowing fragments moving at incredible speed yet under his complete control. He commanded the chaos with perfect precision, ensuring nothing spiraled out of order.

Under his guidance, two intricate systems began to take shape. The first was the meridian network, the foundation for transmitting and storing energy, vital to powering every part of Kessia’s body. The meridians wove together like delicate threads, threading through muscles, bones, and organs. They formed a unified network, ready to channel immense flows of spiritual power like rivers of life coursing through a vast and intricate landscape.

Simultaneously, the second system—the spiritual channels—began to form. These channels were more fragile and delicate but held an even greater significance. They were responsible for managing the flow of spiritual energy and connecting the material body to the immaterial spirit. Every thread and channel wove itself into the brain, the skeletal framework, and the muscles, creating a harmonious link between the physical vessel and Kessia’s awaiting soul.

The disintegrated flesh and essence fragments from earlier infused into these systems, nourishing each thread and channel. What had been a chaotic storm of components now aligned under Kai’s precise direction, forming a cohesive and interconnected network.

Years passed, and the process continued with unwavering precision. The meridians and spiritual channels intertwined, blending seamlessly with the flesh and bone. Kessia’s body began to radiate an immense power that pulsed in rhythm with the ritual itself. Kai’s confidence grew as he saw the systems nearing completion, each detail carefully woven into perfection.

He prepared to unite all the components into a single, functioning entity. But just as he approached the final step, a sudden, violent pulse emanated from Kessia’s body.

"Du-doom!" the surrounding space trembled violently.

The immense power sealed within Kessia’s new form began to surge uncontrollably. In an instant, the orderly flows of energy turned chaotic, erupting like a wild, untamed force. The spiritual channels and meridians Kai had meticulously crafted started to distort under the overwhelming pressure. Kessia’s body quaked violently, as if a tempest raged within, ready to burst free. The air around her warped, and an overwhelming aura spilled out, creating turbulent vortices of energy.

Kai’s heart raced as he realized the gravity of the situation. The power contained within her body was too vast, straining the systems he had built. The meridians and channels, once pristine and robust, buckled under the force. Her body trembled, as if the very energies meant to sustain it were on the verge of tearing it apart. The room became a maelstrom of chaos, the air heavy with an oppressive, unstable aura.

He knew he had mere seconds to act. If he couldn’t regain control, the entire ritual would collapse, destroying all his efforts in an instant.

"Damn it! Tempcore, stabilize this space!" Kai shouted, his voice a mix of command and urgency.

Tempcore’s presence surged to action, and the surrounding area flickered as the palace itself responded to his intervention. Arrays in the room flared with light, their stabilizing powers attempting to calm the spiraling energy. But the situation was far from resolved.

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V.11 Chapter 887: A Difficult Decision

Kessia's newly created body, forged with unimaginable precision, began to surge under the accumulating energies. The aura and power woven into every muscle and meridian seemed to awaken, flooding the flesh with unfathomable strength.

"Zzz! Thu-thump! Thu-thump!" a deep hum and heartbeat resonated from within the body, like that of a giant beast stirring after millennia of slumber.

Every cell of Kessia’s new vessel seethed with energy, exuding not only raw power but also an unyielding, tyrannical aura. Suddenly, a wave rippled across it like lightning, and the skin pulsed with vivid tattoos. The Heart of Flesh, crafted from the remains of the Asura Progenitor, suddenly began to beat on its own.

The air around the body crackled, forming a dense layer of blood-red mist that made the space tremble. Something strange was happening.

"A spatial storm is forming outside the palace," came Tempcore's tense voice. "The body you’ve created is striving for unprecedented heights! It might be a tempering imposed by the universe itself. It’s approaching at an unimaginable speed. If this body undergoes the baptism, you won’t withstand the strain!"

Kai, deeply focused on the ritual, froze for a moment. Kessia’s body was almost fully fused, but the power within had become too overwhelming to contain.

"Damn it!" Kai growled through gritted teeth, realizing that the storm outside could destroy everything.

Then, a cold yet firm voice pierced his thoughts.

"Kai, there’s no time left. You must begin transferring my soul right now!" Kessia said with utmost seriousness.

Kai flinched at her sudden words. He hadn’t expected her to speak so decisively. Her voice carried a determination that left no room for doubt, yet her expression betrayed a faint shadow of fear.

"What? Now? That’s madness!" Kai shouted into the air. "The body isn’t ready, the storm is almost upon us, and your spiritual essence is far too fragile. If anything goes wrong, you’ll die!"

"I understand the risks!" Kessia interrupted, her voice firmer now, her eyes blazing with resolve. "But you must understand as well: if I don’t inhabit this body now, everything will collapse! You won’t be able to complete the body once the storm of laws starts pressing down from outside. Only I can stabilize its power from within. If we wait… we’ll lose everything! And even if by some miracle we gather new ingredients, the next body will trigger the same cataclysm!"

Her words left Kai momentarily paralyzed, his mind racing to find alternatives. But there were none.

Tempcore remained silent, as though understanding the weight of the internal dialogue within Kai’s mind. He seemed to agree with Kessia’s assessment. The storm drew closer, its intensifying pressure already palpable in distant vibrations that penetrated even this sanctum of Flesh Weaving.

"Kessia, this is suicide," Kai said, his voice trembling with tension. "If this fails, you’ll be lost forever. No second chances. No way back."

Kai longed to retreat into his Spiritual Sea to face Kessia directly, but he couldn’t abandon the ongoing process of completing her body. The seams had yet to fully close.

Then, Kessia’s voice cut through, cold and unwavering:

"In truth, Kai, I’m already dead," she said softly, though her words struck like a hammer. "This is my chance at life, and I won’t waste it. You’ve done everything you could. Now it’s my turn to try. Either I’m reborn now, or I’m gone for good. I won’t let your efforts go to waste!"

A brief silence followed, the air around them seeming to hold its breath, awaiting Kai’s decision. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"Fine. I’ll make the final stroke!" Kai said with a decisive nod, exhaling deeply. His eyes emptied of emotion, as if he had left them behind. Now, only the goal remained—no room for hesitation.

"I’ll see you in person soon, my dear," Kessia said, her tone both firm and tender. At that moment, Kai’s forehead began to glow.

Raising his hands, Kai unleashed an immense pulse of power from within. It felt as if his resolve had awakened something deep inside him.

"Thu-thump!" a titanic heartbeat reverberated throughout the palace. At that moment, Kai felt the Heart of Flesh respond, its ancient rhythm syncing with the blazing power of his Heretical God’s Bloodline.

"I command you, flesh! Obey me!" Kai roared, pouring his full strength into Kessia’s body.

As the words left his lips, something primal stirred within him, as though an ancient beast long imprisoned deep in his soul was breaking free. A transcendent aura rose from him, vast and oppressive, filling the entire space. It wasn’t just a reflection of his Heretical God’s Bloodline—it was something far older, a force uniquely his own.

"Thu-thump!" Another deafening heartbeat echoed through the chamber, accompanied by a deep vibration that rippled across the ground. The air thickened, and the space around Kai quaked under the unimaginable weight of his power. With every passing second, the force grew more tangible. Even Tempcore, accustomed to the might of a Law Devourer and the other successors of the Heretical God, tensed, shaken by Kai’s overwhelming presence.

"This… this is impossible…" Tempcore murmured, his consciousness trembling. He had always known Kai was exceptional, but this level of power was beyond anything he had imagined. "What is this force? Its nature surpasses all I’ve ever witnessed!"

Kessia’s body, which had been slowly fusing, now began completing itself at an accelerated pace. Bones and flesh melded into perfect lines, as though the very fabric of reality sought to finish the process under Kai’s aura. The previously untamed energy now flowed into the designated channels, aligning into intricate patterns of meridians and spiritual conduits. The meridians flared with light, and the muscles quivered, surging with strength.

"Faster!" Kai bellowed, channeling torrents of power into Kessia’s form. "Obey me!"

Each word was a command to reality itself. The space around them compressed as the energy surged wildly. Suddenly, Kessia’s body began to glow, and her blood-red hair lifted into the air, swirling in the rhythm of the raging aura.

Kai felt his Heretical God’s Bloodline blaze even brighter, but alongside it came the awakening of something else—a deeply buried force, uniquely his. It wasn’t inherited power; it was his own essence, his true core.

"This is your moment, Kessia!" Kai roared, his voice resonating as if it came from the fabric of existence itself. "Enter your body!"

As Kai shouted, blood sprayed from his mouth, and crimson streams flowed from his eyes, ears, and nose. It was clear his current state was far from sustainable. He was pushing past his limits and wouldn’t last much longer.

Hearing Kai’s cry, Kessia nodded resolutely, her face devoid of all emotion. She understood there was no room for doubt or fear. Everything that had transpired led to this singular moment—either she would inhabit the body, or she would fade forever. Her eyes reflected no hesitation, only cold, unyielding determination.

"Goodbye, Spiritual Sea," she thought, casting a final glance at the familiar landscape that had been her refuge for so long. She was ready to leave it all behind and risk everything.

Kessia’s essence surged forth from Kai’s Spiritual Sea like a whirlwind, racing through his spiritual channels with singular purpose—to be reborn.

In that instant, in the physical realm, Kai’s forehead blazed with crimson light. From it emerged a scarlet book, as though conjured from the depths of his power. The inscriptions on its pages glowed, radiating a mighty and irresistible energy. The book quivered in the air, its pages scattering as if preparing to erupt.

"Shhhh! Boom!" the book exploded in a burst of light, illuminating the entire chamber. For a moment, Kessia’s ethereal silhouette appeared in the radiance. Her spirit hovered in the air, her eyes fixed ahead, full of resolve and strength. In the next moment, her figure surged forward and fused with the body Kai had created.

"Dum-dum!" a colossal pulse echoed through the hall as her spiritual essence merged with the vessel. Instantly, muscles, meridians, and bones vibrated with internal light. The Heart of Flesh beat powerfully, sending new blood and energy coursing through her meridians. Her spirit spread through the spiritual conduits, becoming one with the body.

Meanwhile, Kai, wracked with pain, clutched his chest. His body trembled, blood still streaming from his wounds, and his breath came in ragged gasps. But he knew he had done everything he could. The rest was up to Kessia.

"The storm has grown stronger! This is no longer just a baptism—it’s a Cataclysm of the Universe!" Tempcore suddenly exclaimed, realizing the scale of the unfolding events.

"Tempcore! Transport us outside! Let Kessia face the tempering of the universe!" Kai commanded in a strained but resolute voice, forcing himself to rise and shaking off the gloves.

Without a word, Tempcore’s consciousness activated the surrounding arrays. The space trembled, bending to his will, and began to distort around Kai and Kessia.

"Shhhh!" the air tore with a crack, and everything spiraled into chaos. A moment later, Kai felt solid ground beneath his feet.

When the distortion subsided, Kai found himself standing atop the massive palace, under the protection of an enormous dome array. Towering spires and columns rose around him like ancient sentinels, gazing skyward. The dome above glowed brightly, shielding him from the outside world. But something was wrong.

"This isn’t the right place!" Kai exclaimed, glancing around. Blood still dripped from his wounds, and his legs trembled. But more than anything, he was alarmed by Kessia’s absence.

"You cannot remain with her! The Cataclysm will incinerate you!" Tempcore retorted sharply, justifying his actions.

In that moment, Kai’s perception caught something in the distance. He raised his gaze to the heavens, and his heart nearly stopped.

Far above, Kessia floated alone in the heart of the starry void, high above him. Miles away from the palace, her new body hovered at the center of a chaotic vortex, stretching thousands of kilometers across.

The vortex seemed alive, spinning with terrifying speed, drawing power from the stars and tearing through space itself. Its scale was staggering—an embodiment of universal power capable of obliterating entire worlds. Inside its swirling chaos, multicolored lights and an intricate display of universal laws danced with breathtaking intensity, mesmerizing Kai as he gazed upon it with his Eyes of Essence. He had never witnessed anything so awe-inspiring.

Kai felt a tremor in his own bones as he watched the spectacle unfold. The storm surrounding Kessia was no mere tempest—it was the embodiment of universal might, a force capable of destroying entire galaxies.

"Damn it!" Kai cursed, clenching his fists, his face contorted with pain and fear. "Kessia, survive! No—you must survive!"

She was utterly alone at the center of this cosmic force, relying solely on her resolve and the strength of her new body to endure the impending cataclysm.

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V.11 Chapter 888: Reunion

Standing atop the palace roof, Kai understood that his role had come to an end. He could only watch the events unfolding before him and place his faith in the woman he loved.

Kessia's body, greatly enlarged compared to her original form, began to contract as though under the influence of an immense internal force. Her massive muscles and bones trembled, emitting a deep, resonant hum, like the rumble of distant thunder. The entire process was accompanied by sharp cracking sounds, a reminder of the power surging within her newly forged vessel.

"Shhhhhh…" a wave of aura rippled through her body, compressing it further. Pulsing tattoos glowed with a blood-red light, as if her very flesh was preparing to ascend to a new level of strength.

"Just as the texts described... A transplanted soul begins to reshape the body, returning it to its original form," Kai thought, watching the colossal form he had crafted begin to shrink, taking on the proportions of the Kessia who had once resided in his Spiritual Sea.

The sounds emanating from within her grew louder. The air around her vibrated with tension, and even the space surrounding Kai quaked in response to the immense power escaping into the world.

Above Kessia, a terrifying phenomenon unfolded. What had started as a mere cloud now expanded at a frightening pace, engulfing the sky. Immense torrents of universal laws spiraled outward, interwoven with flashes of lightning, fire, wind, and countless other elemental forces.

"Vuuuuuumm!" the hum grew deafening, echoing like thunder across the void. The storm had become so vast that it could be felt from thousands of kilometers away. Dense clouds saturated with energy consumed the stars, turning the heavens into a chaotic vortex of light and shadow.

In that moment, the palace's barrier was breached, revealing the starry void beyond. The storm had grown so massive that it tore through the protective shroud concealing the Heretical God’s Palace.

Kessia stood at the center of this cosmic force, her body gaining stability with every passing second. Lightning flashed, scattering superheated air around her. A faint crimson light began to radiate from her head and hands, amplifying the immense power emanating from her being. This was the moment of truth.

"Zzzzzz! KRRRRAK!" a sudden bolt of lightning pierced the storm, illuminating everything in its wake. It seemed as though the storm was centering itself around Kessia, feeding off her titanic power. Her body stabilized further, but the storm only grew stronger, as if the universe was responding to her resurrection with its own cataclysm.

Kai watched with a mixture of awe and terror.

"Will I face something like this when I break through?" Kai wondered, the thought striking him at an odd moment.

Before he could dwell on the question, the entire space around them collapsed.

"Thu-thump! Thu-thump!" the sound of Kessia's heart echoed for thousands of kilometers, its rhythm synchronized with the spatial explosions rippling outward.

The storm above her began gathering all its horrific power for a single strike. Space compressed, and the air grew heavy, bracing for the impending onslaught. The stars vanished, swallowed by the veil of clouds and fire. The universe’s roiling energy concentrated into a colossal vortex aimed directly at Kessia.

"Do it, Kessia!" Kai shouted, clenching his fists.

"Zzz-sharrr!" a deafening crack split the darkness. The first bolt of lightning struck her square in the chest, piercing her flesh and leaving a deep, smoldering scar that oozed blood.

This was no ordinary lightning—it was pure universal energy. It tore through her meridians, causing her muscles to spasm violently. At first, her body convulsed in unbearable pain, but then the channels began to reconstruct themselves, becoming stronger as they adapted to the new energy coursing through them.

"KRAK!" a second bolt, blazing blue, struck her right shoulder, tearing away flesh. The blood that sprayed into the air evaporated instantly, and her muscles and skin began to regenerate. The wounds closed, and the new flesh gleamed, stronger and denser, like tempered steel.

"ZZZZ-SHAAAA!" a third strike, even more powerful, blasted through her back in a fiery vortex.

"Gaaah!" Kessia cried out, her body arching in agony. The flames scorched her skin and hair, leaving charred marks, but her bones and muscles continued to fortify, as though the fire was an essential element of their transformation. Her body now resembled a molten core—blazing but unyielding.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" the attacks came one after another. Lightning, freezing winds, and spatial distortions battered her, inflicting devastating wounds. Ice shards pierced her flesh, freezing her limbs and organs. Yet each time, her body regenerated, her muscles and bones growing even more resistant to the elements.

Kai couldn’t tear his eyes away from the process. His heart ached as he watched Kessia endure unimaginable suffering, but he saw that each strike did not merely destroy her—it tempered her, driving her body closer to perfection. This storm was no mere chaos—it was a trial, a crucible only the strongest could survive.

"As we suspected, the universe is testing Kessia! She must prove she is still worthy of its laws!" Kai thought, horrified as he witnessed his masterpiece reduced to a mangled wreck.

But as long as Kessia survived, none of this mattered. He knew her body could regenerate fully once the trial ended. Still, the sight sent a chill down his spine.

The terrifying spectacle continued for hours, then days. Kessia held firm, silent after her initial scream, enduring each attack from the universe with stoic resolve. All her focus was on regeneration and neutralizing the laws hidden within the assaults.

By the twelfth day, it was clear that the end was near. Suddenly, the storm shifted color, becoming a blood-red vortex.

Viewing it with his Eyes of Essence, Kai noticed that the myriad universal laws within the storm had been reduced to just over ten—all inscribed with the runes of the Law of Flesh.

"The universe seeks to test Kessia one final time with the laws that once belonged to her!" Kai thought, the realization striking him like lightning.

"TRRRRRRRRRR!" the final strike was of unimaginable power. The entire storm compressed into a single point and, with a horrific crack, crashed down upon Kessia. Her body was torn apart—flesh ripped from bones, muscles shredded. At that moment, it seemed as though her very existence would end. Blood gushed forth, and she let out a second, soul-chilling scream that echoed with the storm's fury.

"Aaaaaaagh!"

Even at the brink of total destruction, her body began to regenerate with astonishing speed. Bones reformed, new muscles grew, and her wounds closed. Her flesh returned stronger than ever, imbued with the runes of the laws she had reclaimed.

"The runes are embedding into her flesh and heart! She’s reclaiming her mastery of the laws!" Kai exclaimed, his eyes shining with awe.

Above Kessia, a blinding light burst forth. The storm’s energy dispersed, and the violent winds gradually calmed. With the trial complete, the cosmic storm began to dissipate, leaving Kessia standing amidst the chaos. Her body, radiant and whole, appeared reborn—graceful, powerful, and terrifyingly beautiful.

Kai stood frozen in disbelief. Kessia had done it. She had truly returned to life. This was the moment they had both waited for, for thousands of years.

Kessia, having endured the trial, lifted her gaze to the sky, watching the storm fade into the void. Tears streamed down her face.

Her new body exuded strength, yet she controlled it with ease. The rift in space caused by the storm slowly mended, once again sealing the Heretical God’s Palace from the outside world, giving the scene an eerie serenity.

Kessia lowered her gaze from the heavens, her breathing still uneven. The light surrounding her began to fade, revealing her perfect yet scarred form. She stood motionless, each breath a reminder of the pain she had endured. Her body radiated power, a testament to the ordeal she had survived.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Kessia turned her head toward Kai. Her movements were fluid but heavy with emotion. Pain lingered in her expression, but her eyes… her eyes were filled with unspoken emotions. Crimson and glistening with tears, they reflected love, gratitude, and a tender vulnerability that seemed almost out of place in her newly strengthened form.

Her gaze told Kai everything. Every trial, every moment of suffering, every sacrifice—they had all been worth it. Her eyes spoke more than words ever could: a deep gratitude for his unwavering presence and efforts that had made this moment possible.

Her lips trembled as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words. Her breathing remained labored, each inhale and exhale a reminder of the price she had paid to overcome Klaus’s betrayal.

Kai felt his heart tighten. He was not merely looking at the woman he had known for millennia. Before him stood a reborn Kessia—strong yet fragile, immensely powerful yet tender.

Without hesitation, Kai tore through space and appeared before her. Tears streamed down her blood-streaked cheeks, yet her eyes never wavered from his.

Gently, he raised a hand toward her, as if afraid she might vanish.

"Kessia…" he whispered. Words were unnecessary. Everything they had endured, everything unspoken, was conveyed in their eyes.

Kessia’s lips quivered, and a faint, warm smile broke through her pain, filled with the love and gratitude she had always hidden behind her strength.

Kai stood frozen, his gaze locked on Kessia, as though trying to convince himself that she was truly there, alive, before him. With a sweep of his hand, he summoned a crimson cloak from his spatial ring. The fabric unfurled in the air, its soft rustling filling the space around them. The cloak floated gently toward her, and Kai wrapped it around Kessia’s bare body with the utmost care, as if protecting her fragile core despite the immense power she now possessed. The cloth rested on her shoulders, and for a brief moment, Kai’s hand touched her skin.

In that instant, it felt as though lightning had passed between them.

They both froze, overwhelmed by the significance of the first real, tangible contact. It was more than a physical connection—it was the realization that this was reality. They were here, together, in the physical world. Not in a spiritual realm or a dream, but in the present. The emotions they had carried for millennia surged between them like a tidal wave.

Kessia’s crimson eyes glistened even more brightly, and Kai could see the profound understanding reflected within them—a culmination of everything they had endured, every obstacle they had overcome, and the unshakable bond they shared.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Kai stepped forward and pulled Kessia into his arms. He held her tightly yet gently, as though afraid she might vanish again. Their lips met in a long-awaited, tender kiss that seemed to transcend time. The thousands of years of longing, pain, and separation melted away in that single moment. It was a kiss of healing—for both of them.

Their hearts beat in unison, every emotion they had suppressed over the ages spilling out in waves. Kai kissed her with the passion he had buried deep within, while Kessia responded with the tenderness she had always held in her heart. Their hands intertwined, and together they lost themselves in the moment, as if time itself had ceased to exist and the rest of the world had faded into nothingness.

Finally, they were truly together.

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V.11 Chapter 889: Pleasure

Kai and Kessia’s kiss seemed to stretch into eternity, as though time itself had paused, granting them the moment to fully immerse in one another. Everything around them—stars, space, the laws of the universe, even the looming threat of the Evil Gods and the approaching catastrophe—faded into insignificance. There was only the two of them, together again after millennia of separation and suffering. The fleeting moment became infinite.

Kai slowly pulled back, bowing his head until his forehead rested gently against Kessia’s. Both were breathing heavily, their hearts beating in perfect rhythm. Gently, Kai brushed a strand of hair, tangled by the storm, away from her cheek.

"You did it..." he whispered, his voice filled with awe and relief. "We did it."

Kessia said nothing, only closing her eyes and letting the sensation of their closeness wash over her. She felt the tension dissolve, her body slowly recovering from the storm, and her mind finding a peace that had long seemed unattainable.

They lingered, savoring every second. An hour slipped by unnoticed, though to them, it felt like an entire eternity. Words were unnecessary—their souls had long since become one. Their physical presence needed no further affirmation that they were together again.

Finally, Kai smiled and gently took her hand. "Let’s forget about everything for a while—the Evil Gods, the chaos. I want to enjoy this time with you, somewhere safe."

"A few more years of our absence won’t change anything," Kessia replied softly, placing her hand over his chest.

She was so tender, so yielding, that for a moment, Kai forgot the immense power she had regained. She was once again a Law Devourer, now even stronger than before, tempered by the final strike of the storm. But despite her newfound might, her attitude toward Kai had not changed in the slightest.

"Tempcore," Kai called out loudly, addressing the consciousness of the palace. "I want to bring my beloved into the Heretical God’s Palace. Is that possible?" After all, Kessia no longer bore the Heretical God’s lineage.

The response came almost immediately, a calm voice resonating through the space:

"If this is your wish, there is no issue. However, those without the Heretical God’s inheritance may only access guest zones. Additionally, they are prohibited from residing in the palace for more than a thousand years. I cannot override these restrictions, even once you achieve full Heretical God status."

Hearing this, Kai only felt more delighted. Scooping Kessia into his arms, he flew toward the palace. She could have transported them far more efficiently, but she wanted to savor Kai’s attention and care.

Kai did not rush. As they approached the palace, he gave her a playful grin. "You know, we can officially say you’re younger than me now! Your new body is practically brand new! Heh."

The silly remark made Kessia laugh. Smiling, she responded, "It seems that no matter how many years pass, you’ll always be this way... But that’s one of the reasons I love you," she said warmly. Then, with a teasing tone, she asked, "By the way, how old are you now? Have you been keeping count?"

"I think it’s the third millennium by now..." Kai murmured thoughtfully, calculating dates and events in his mind. "Yes, definitely just over three thousand years old!" he declared confidently.

"Three thousand years..." Kessia repeated softly, her gaze growing tender. "And yet, you’re still the same Kai who was always there for me."

Kai chuckled, his heart swelling with affection. He ascended to the palace roof, where he had watched over Kessia during her trial.

"Tempcore," he addressed the palace’s consciousness, still holding Kessia. "Send us to one of the most beautiful guest zones. Somewhere we can be alone, far from all the conflicts and battles."

The space before them shimmered faintly, like ripples across a calm lake. Tempcore’s voice echoed once more, resonating gently in their minds:

"There is one place that may suit you. It is a secluded garden, serene and peaceful, where blooming trees are nourished by the densest heretical blood. I will cease observation, so you may enjoy your solitude. Should you need anything, simply call upon me."

Kai nodded gratefully into the void. "Thank you, Tempcore."

As his words faded, the surrounding space vibrated and wavered, enveloping the pair in a gentle light. Kessia clung tighter to Kai, feeling the shift in their surroundings. A radiant sphere encased them, and moments later, they found themselves in a breathtaking new location.

Before them stretched a magnificent garden, surrounded by towering trees draped with glowing vines. Flowers of every shade and shape filled the air with sweet fragrances. Water cascaded down crystal-clear streams, while the sky above was painted in soft pastel hues, blending from tender violet to warm pink.

A path of fine white sand meandered through the dense greenery, occasionally disappearing behind immense, glistening trees. A gentle breeze stirred the petals scattered across the ground like precious gems, and in the distance, a three-story pagoda stood partially hidden among the foliage. Wisps of steam rose from nearby hot springs, exuding warmth and comfort that seemed to permeate the very air.

"It seems Tempcore truly knows how to create the perfect retreat," Kai said with a smile, a sense of peace settling over him with each step.

They strolled leisurely along the path, drinking in the tranquility and beauty around them. As the pagoda came into clearer view, its elegant architecture revealed itself. Delicately carved columns seemed to weave seamlessly into the surrounding nature, while each tier bore ornate jade wind chimes that tinkled softly in the breeze. The tiled roof, edged with silvery trim, shimmered faintly, as if translucent, revealing subtle patterns beneath its surface.

"A beautiful place..." Kessia murmured, her voice tinged with awe as she gazed at the pagoda. Its graceful silhouette blended harmoniously with the lush garden, as though it had always been a part of this sanctuary.

Kai’s attention was drawn to the steam rising from a side courtyard. "Hot springs," he noted with a grin. "Are we finally going to enjoy them together, instead of me being under your watchful eye?"

"Why not right now?" Kessia replied playfully, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Kai raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn’t expected such a response from her. The tension between them, the mutual pull, was undeniable. They both understood where this would lead.

Kai’s heart raced, his blood boiling with a fervor that shattered the last vestiges of restraint. He pulled Kessia close, and in an instant, they tore through space, landing directly at the hot springs. The primal, unrestrained passion within them finally broke free.

The hot springs were surrounded by smooth, black stones, polished to perfection as if carved from a single piece of rock.

"Plop... Plop…" the water was crystal clear, with light steam rising from its surface. The bubbling heat seemed to echo the growing fervor between the two lovers.

Delicate purple and blue flowers grew along the edges, their petals brushing the water’s surface. Tall bamboo trees encircled the springs, creating a natural shield from any prying eyes. Stone pathways wove around the area, leading to small gardens and terraces where one could rest, enveloped in the serenity of nature.

But neither Kai nor Kessia paid attention to the beauty surrounding them. The steam wrapped around them, amplifying the intimacy of the moment. The rich aroma of the heated water mingled with the floral fragrance, and everything seemed to pause in anticipation.

Kai held back for only a moment. His eyes, burning with uncontainable desire, made it clear that he could no longer restrain himself.

"Finally, you’re mine," his voice cut through the air, heavy with passion and intensity.

With one swift motion, Kai tore the cloak from Kessia’s body. The fabric slipped from her shoulders like a gentle breeze, revealing her flawless curves bathed in the soft light filtering through the bamboo canopy. Her graceful silhouette, from the elegant curve of her neck and well-defined shoulders to her small, perfectly proportioned breasts and delicate waist, flowed into the smooth, sinuous contours of her hips. Her form was a masterpiece, a harmonious blend of strength and delicacy.

Her skin glowed, smooth and radiant, reflecting the light of the springs. The muscles beneath her soft exterior flexed subtly, a testament to her strength and readiness. Every aspect of her body, from her slender arms and graceful fingers to her long, shapely legs, embodied an ethereal beauty, as if nature itself had crafted her as the ideal form.

But Kessia wasn’t about to let Kai have all the control. Her crimson eyes sparkled with fiery determination and playful challenge. She raised a hand and, with a sharp motion, retaliated.

"Zip!"

In an instant, Kai’s clothing was shredded into ribbons, scattering into the air as though they had never existed. Kessia’s movements radiated both strength and passion, igniting Kai’s desire even further.

"Don’t think you’re the only one who can be bold, my dear," Kessia teased with a mischievous smirk, her voice dripping with anticipation.

Her words had barely left her lips when the magnetic pull between them became irresistible. They lunged for each other, their emotions, held in check for so many years, exploding in a fervent embrace. Kai pulled Kessia against him, their bodies colliding, and they fell into the steaming spring with reckless abandon. The water splashed and rippled around them, the bubbling warmth rising like a symphony in tune with their escalating passion.

Pressed against the smooth, dark stone of the spring’s edge, their breaths became ragged, their movements synchronized, charged with the intensity of their emotions. Every touch between them was electric, a spark that ignited a wildfire of longing and connection. Kai’s arms wrapped tightly around Kessia, his hands tracing the curve of her back, feeling the heat of her skin beneath his fingertips.

Kessia responded in kind, her hands exploring his shoulders and neck, gripping him with a fervor that mirrored his own. Her every motion communicated her unyielding desire, the years of separation and yearning pouring into their union. Their gazes met, Kai’s eyes blazing with a fierce, primal fire, while Kessia’s crimson stare softened, mingling tenderness with untamed intensity.

Words were unnecessary—every touch, every movement spoke volumes. Their feelings, restrained for centuries, now spilled out in an unstoppable torrent. Together, they lost themselves in the moment, their connection transcending time, space, and all that had kept them apart.

The water embraced them, warm and soothing, a counterpoint to their fevered energy. Each ripple seemed to echo their shared rhythm, as though the world around them resonated with their unity. Steam curled around their entwined forms, veiling them in an intimate haze.

Through labored breaths, Kessia’s voice broke the quiet. "I want you, Kai… I’ve waited far too long."

Her words were an unfiltered reflection of her deepest feelings, mirroring Kai’s own. He paused briefly, the intensity of her declaration grounding him for a moment. With a deliberate slowness, he moved, his touch tender but charged with the weight of his longing.

"Aah…" Kessia exhaled, a soft, involuntary sound that only spurred Kai further. She leaned into him, their lips finding each other again in a searing kiss that held all the passion and devotion they had kept locked away for centuries.

In this moment, as the world around them dissolved into insignificance, Kai and Kessia reached a peak of connection where passion and love merged in perfect harmony. Together, they surrendered to the culmination of their journey, bound by a love that had endured through millennia of trials and separation.

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V.11 Chapter 890: Carefree Days

Kai and Kessia lay together on a spacious, luxurious bed positioned beside a massive window that offered a breathtaking view of the palace’s meticulously maintained gardens. For nearly a week, they had basked in seclusion within this serene and refined corner of the palace, entirely detached from the outside world.

The room was expansive and filled with light. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting intricate floral patterns, while carved columns of dark wood supported a ceiling embellished with delicate moldings. Every piece of furniture, from the elegantly crafted chairs to the intricately detailed tables, spoke of the noble grandeur of this place.

Soft silk curtains swayed gently in the breeze that carried the fragrance of rare flowers from the gardens below. An artificial sun had begun its slow ascent, casting a warm glow across the room and filling it with an atmosphere of peace and quiet inspiration.

Kai and Kessia were enveloped in a shared tranquility that had surrounded them since their arrival. Beneath the silk sheets, their bodies rested closely together, their skin attuned to the warmth of one another. Kai’s arms cradled her waist protectively, while Kessia’s head lay softly on his chest. Their breaths mingled, and their hearts beat in harmony. The comforting warmth of the bed and the serenity of their surroundings underscored the profound sense of calm that had marked their days.

A small fountain in the corner of the room added its gentle murmur to the ambient symphony of tranquility. The rustling leaves outside the window and the garden’s fragrant aroma permeated the space, transforming the bedroom into a true sanctuary, one they were reluctant to leave.

Time had seemingly lost all meaning during the past week. Each day brought new moments of intimacy, untouched by the looming threats of Evil Gods or universal catastrophes. Yet, both knew this respite could not last forever.

"Kai," Kessia murmured, lifting her head slightly, a soft smile playing on her lips. "How much longer shall we indulge in one another’s company? I’d prefer you make that decision."

Kai returned her smile, gazing lovingly at her.

Her long, crimson hair, slightly tousled, cascaded over her delicate shoulders like living strands of blood, framing her fine, ethereal features. The light reflected off her locks, making them shimmer like a cascade of rubies.

Her eyes—vivid, deep, and scarlet—gleamed like rare gemstones, brimming with a universe of passion and mystery. That gaze could consume and calm in equal measure. Every flicker of her long, thick lashes carried an enigmatic tenderness. When Kessia looked at Kai, her gaze spoke of their unbreakable connection, the fiery intensity within it revealing not only love but also an indomitable desire.

A faint, beguiling smile curved her lips, igniting a surge of longing within Kai. That smile held an irresistible allure, a call he could never resist. Every contour of her lips seemed crafted to captivate him completely.

"I still can’t believe such beauty exists in this world," Kai murmured, brushing his hand gently against her cheek.

Kessia’s body was a vision of perfection. Every curve and line of her form embodied elegance and femininity. Her slender fingers grazed his chest, leaving a trail of warmth, like a fire that didn’t burn but comforted, drawing him closer with every touch.

"Don’t dodge the question," Kessia quipped, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "We can’t hide forever within the Heretical God’s Palace. Sooner or later, we need to understand what’s happening in the outside world."

"I know," Kai replied, his tone shifting to one of mild seriousness. "Honestly, I’ve been thinking we could spend at least a few years here together, taking the rest we’ve earned. In the grand scheme of the universe, it’s barely a blink of time," he added, unashamed of his desire to extend their reprieve.

"And after that?" Kessia asked, propping herself up slightly. Her lips brushed his neck in a tender kiss.

The question made Kai sigh deeply and turn his gaze to the ceiling. After a few moments of silence, he finally replied, "At my current level of cultivation, I’m not sure I can make any meaningful impact on a universal scale. I plan to remain here in the Heretical God’s Palace, dedicating myself to endless trials and cultivation. There are countless training zones within the palace—enough to last me millennia. I need to become at least a Monarch before I can act."

"And what about real battles? You can’t stay locked away forever," she countered, her hand still caressing his chest.

"Have you forgotten about the Pagoda of a Million Puppets? Or were you resting within the book when I mentioned it?" Kai raised a questioning brow.

"The Pagoda of a Million Puppets?" Kessia echoed, a hint of confusion in her voice. "Was this something Tempcore told you about?"

"Exactly. According to Tempcore, if I reach the appropriate level, I’ll gain access to the Pagoda of a Million Puppets. It was created by the First Heretical God as a battleground for his puppets to train and evolve. It’s essentially a death zone where you face real battles. Once you enter a floor, you can’t leave until you’ve conquered it. Not even Tempcore could intervene. So yes, I could very well die there," Kai explained concisely, summarizing the concept.

Kessia listened intently, offering no objections. She understood that Kai had his own vision for his martial path. Experience had taught her that it was better to support him than to attempt to dissuade him.

"And what about me?" Kessia asked seriously.

"You’re free to do as you wish," Kai replied honestly. "I’d love for you to stay here with me, but even I know that wouldn’t be the wisest course of action…"

They weren’t naïve children who could afford to live solely for pleasure. Both had ambitions and goals. They understood that their rest would inevitably give way to action.

"So, what do you propose, you clever schemer?" Kessia teased with a smile, playfully biting him out of a surge of emotion.

"Ow! Kessia, stop biting me!" Kai exclaimed, lightly flicking her forehead. Instead of irritation, his reaction only elicited a mischievous grin from her.

Kessia seemed unable to get enough of Kai’s physical presence. Her emotions often overflowed, leading her to pinch or bite him affectionately, even as Kai pretended to complain. Secretly, he found her reactions endearing.

Looking at Kessia’s satisfied expression, Kai chuckled softly and continued, "To be blunt, you’re the only person I can trust and rely on right now. While I’m in secluded cultivation, I need you to attempt to unify the Region of Flesh Domination and lead them to the Ancient Battlefield. I know it’s a monumental task, but the Gods’ Resurrection Cult must be eradicated, and that can only happen through united efforts. If you return unexpectedly and shift the blame onto the Cult’s schemes, you might be able to rally the other Devourers."

"In short, we’re sticking to the old plan," Kessia nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. You also need to settle matters with Klaus and the state of the Sea of Asura's Blood. I can’t help you with that right now, nor should I. It’s something you must resolve on your own so we can focus on the Gods’ Resurrection Cult afterward," Kai concluded, his aura briefly flaring with determination.

"Alright... alright... Let's think about something more pleasant now. Since you said we still have a chance to make things right with each other, let’s forget the problems of the universe for a while," Kessia said with a smile, sitting up slightly.

The movement caused the blanket to slip from her, revealing her flawless figure. Passion flared once more in her eyes, and the gravity of their conversation instantly dissolved. Kessia bit her lip softly and smoothly climbed on top of Kai. Clearly, she was serious this time…

And so, time flew forward, days turning into months, as though the very fabric of space within the Heretical God’s Palace ceased to acknowledge their existence. Kai and Kessia became immersed in a routine where happiness and tranquility were their only companions. They lived as though they were an ordinary married couple, savoring each moment together.

They even took special pills that relaxed their minds and supported their cultivation, creating the illusion of mortal sleep as they slipped into its semblance.

Every morning began with Kai opening his eyes first and gazing at Kessia. Her face was bathed in the soft light seeping through the silk curtains. Her long crimson hair spilled across the pillow, and her expression was so serene and peaceful that he dared not disturb her rest.

Sometimes, Kessia woke first, smiling faintly as she tenderly brushed his face and softly kissed his forehead. Their mornings began with playful jokes and lighthearted conversation, followed by long walks through the palace's blooming gardens.

Their days were filled with simple yet extraordinarily delightful moments. They strolled slowly along shady paths, where the branches of massive trees intertwined to form green arches, and sunlight danced on the ground through the leaves. Kessia held Kai's hand, and they savored each other's presence without words, reminiscing about the past, planning for the future, or simply basking in the joy of togetherness. Together, they enjoyed exquisite food and drink brought to them by the palace’s tireless marionettes.

Their meals often led to lively conversations. Kai and Kessia laughed about how they had ended up in this peaceful haven, seemingly forgotten by the universe. Time slipped by unnoticed, each day bringing fresh joys—whether exploring different corners of the palace or strategizing together about future battles with their enemies.

But the most precious moments were those spent in each other’s embrace. At night, when the world outside fell silent, they found comfort and solace in their love again and again. Beneath soft sheets, their entwined bodies spoke of the timeless bond that had united them through the ages. They sought peace and reassurance in one another, leaving behind all their worries in the sanctuary of their secluded world.

Sometimes, they simply lay together in silence, feeling their hearts beat as one, gazing at the stars through the vast windows. In such moments, Kai reflected on how profoundly their lives had changed and silently thanked fate for these priceless fragments of happiness.

Over time, they grew so attuned to each other that their connection felt as natural as breathing. Their shared days were filled with harmony and peace, flowing together in this joyful rhythm as though they were ordinary mortals who had been granted a brief respite from the harsh realities beyond the Heretical God’s Palace.

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V.11 Chapter 891: Return to Cultivation

Kai and Kessia's peaceful respite had lasted for three serene years. Time flowed unhurriedly in their secluded haven within the Heretical God’s Palace, where they relished every moment in each other’s company. Yet, despite the sense of tranquility and safety, a subtle urgency stirred within them, urging them to take action.

Deep down, Kessia recognized that her unfulfilled resolve to address matters in the Sea of Asura's Blood had begun to weigh on her. She had awaited this opportunity for over fifty thousand years. Meanwhile, Kai longed to immerse himself in rigorous training. Though he had occasionally trained, the past millennia had been largely devoted to gathering the materials needed to restore Kessia's body and mastering the art of Flesh Weaving. Now, the urge to focus on his own strength burned brightly within him.

Both were martial arts masters, each driven by their own ambitions and desires. But most importantly, they respected and embraced each other’s aspirations. Together, they resolved that it was time to step out of their serene retreat and face the outer world once more.

That day, they stood atop the Heretical God’s Palace, hand in hand, enveloped in the vast silence of the universe. They gazed at the starry expanse and the hundreds of floating temples dotting the horizon, an awe-inspiring sight.

"What do you plan to do with Klaus? Will you execute him or seal him in a dungeon somewhere?" Kai asked, his eyes fixed on a distant star whose faint glow was gradually fading.

Kessia, standing beside him, kept her gaze on the horizon.

"I haven’t decided yet..." she replied, a trace of restrained fury in her voice. "Most likely, I’ll capture him and torture him until I uncover the full story of his betrayal."

They silently observed the endless night sky stretching around them. Yet the cosmic stillness no longer brought solace. A fire had reignited in their hearts, a resolve rekindled, as though the universe itself was calling them.

"If something serious happens, come here and inform Tempcore. My cultivation might not be in great shape now, but I have some unique skills..." Kai said with a hint of mischief.

Hearing this, Kessia merely smiled and took Kai’s hand. She moved closer and said, "Don’t worry. We’ve already agreed on everything. If something extraordinary happens, I’ll pull you out of cultivation myself. Until then, do everything you can to make progress. The Heretical God’s Palace is capable of nurturing even a monster like you," she added with a wink and a smirk.

Kai responded with a warm smile, his heart filled with both peace and determination. He knew their paths would soon diverge again, but he had no doubt it would only be temporary. Their fates were so tightly intertwined that nothing could ever sever their bond.

"After all these years, I’ll miss you. Even when you were in stasis, I always knew you were in my Spiritual Sea," Kai said, pulling Kessia closer. They embraced, feeling each other’s warmth, their breaths merging in rhythm, their hearts beating as one.

"Don’t worry, I’ll still be in your head, haha," she joked, leaning into him.

Their embrace was not just a farewell but a promise. Each had their own mission, their own battle to fight. Kai could feel Kessia's resolve coursing through her, ready to propel her into action, while he himself was eager to delve into cultivation and grow stronger for the challenges ahead.

"Be careful, my dear," Kai said warmly, his voice soft yet firm.

Kessia lifted her head, their eyes meeting. In Kay's gaze, she saw profound love and faith in her strength, while her own eyes reflected unyielding passion and determination. They shared a tender kiss, their surroundings momentarily hushed, as though the cosmos itself held its breath.

As their lips parted, the space between them distorted.

"I hope that when we meet again, you’ll be stronger than me once more, my love. Good luck with your cultivation. I love you," Kessia said. As her words lingered in the air, sparks of aura danced around her, and in an instant, her figure dissolved, leaving only a faint shimmer behind.

Kai stood silently on the rooftop, staring at the spot where Kessia had just been. The space returned to calm, but he knew that great trials awaited them both.

"Now, I need to cast aside all distractions and devise a detailed plan for my development..." Kai thought to himself, nodding. "First, I’ll delve into the intricacies of advancing to the Supreme Monarch Sphere and explore all accessible cultivation zones. Moreover, I must refine my Ninth Oblivion Technique and focus on the upper layers of the other two techniques. Although they are already nurtured by my laws, with newfound knowledge, I can delve even deeper," he continued, assessing the monumental task ahead.

"Tempcore, transport me to the library and provide all available books on the Supreme Monarch Sphere. Also, bring me blank scrolls; I want to draft a training plan," Kai commanded resolutely.

Instantly, the surrounding space shimmered, and he found himself in the vast library of the Heretical God’s Palace, surrounded by endless shelves laden with ancient tomes, scrolls, and dusty manuscripts. Light filtered through stained-glass windows, softly illuminating the hall. The library felt alive, a repository of secrets from countless generations of martial arts masters.

"I’ve never delved into the essence and distinctions of the Supreme Monarch Sphere, as it always seemed so distant... But now, it’s time to grasp its true nature," Kai thought, approaching a circular table at the center of the room.

At Tempcore's will, books floated toward him. Kay's gaze fell on the first tome, its ancient cover adorned with engraved runes. He opened it and began to read, captivated by the initial chapters describing the essence of the Supreme Monarch Sphere.

Kai absorbed the information voraciously, his mind attuned to every detail. He marveled at the advanced theories, their precision leaving no room for doubt.

The knowledge awakened new possibilities in his mind, each revelation adding to his understanding of what lay ahead. He knew this path would not merely amplify his strength but transform him into something far greater—a being capable of challenging the very fabric of the universe.

Kai continued flipping through the pages of the ancient tome, his thoughts immersed in the profound intricacies of the Supreme Monarch Sphere. He realized this stage was not merely a matter of increased power, but a complete transformation—a path that demanded the practitioner wrest a law from the universe itself.

"So, it's about seizing a law entirely, leaving no limitations behind… But what kind of power does a Monarch truly possess in practice? And those avatars I saw during Klaus's battle with that vampire..." Kai mused, turning the pages. Each line illuminated new depths of understanding, further broadening his comprehension of this ultimate Sphere.

The Flesh Weaving techniques he had spent centuries mastering now formed an impeccable foundation for his current studies. These techniques honed his ability to absorb theories and develop his own concepts, allowing the complex knowledge from the texts to imprint itself onto the fabric of his consciousness with ease. Kay's analytical skills enabled him to deconstruct the most intricate ideas, arranging them into logical, cohesive frameworks.

"Hmm, something similar happened during the expedition to that pocket dimension…" Kai murmured as he paused on a particular page.

The texts elaborated that Monarchs wielded such overwhelming power because, after fully claiming a law, they no longer experienced the universe's constraints. This was a concept that could only be grasped through direct experience. Until that moment, the practitioner might believe they already operated without limits, but the leap to Monarch-level mastery shattered that illusion. The strength and combat prowess of a cultivator would skyrocket instantaneously.

However, Kai sought more than an understanding of the basic principles. He wanted the nuances, and finally, he stumbled upon a distinctive hallmark of powerful Monarchs: the Monarch Avatar. This rare ability was often only achieved by about half of those who broke through, while the rest required considerable time to attain it.

The text described the Monarch Avatar as a manifestation of their law, a form that consumed immense energy. For this reason, many Monarchs only used partial avatars or funneled their laws' power into Law Weapons instead. The applications of the avatars were as varied as the laws themselves.

Recalling his past experiences, Kai vividly remembered witnessing something similar during the era of the Sect of the Venomous Mystery. While traveling through the starry expanse with fellow disciples, a colossal green hand had appeared, snatching them and transporting them swiftly to a spatial rift. At the time, Kai had assumed it was merely condensed energy from the Monarch of Poison Mysteries, but now he understood it was a part of the Monarch’s Avatar.

"So, if a Monarch fully claims a law from the universe, they can manifest it as their own avatar? Fascinating... That must have been what I witnessed during that battle," Kai muttered thoughtfully.

As he delved further, Kai came across a passage that expanded his understanding of Law Devourers. These beings, capable of summoning multiple avatars and merging them into a singular, dominant form, vastly surpassed Monarchs in sheer power. Their strength lay not only in their mastery of individual laws, but in their ability to synergize multiple laws, amplifying their might exponentially rather than merely combining it.

Reading this, Kai froze momentarily. A peculiar yet logical thought crept into his mind, one he had considered before but now felt clearer than ever. Staring at his hands as if in a trance, he pondered:

"Wait... If I break through to the Supreme Monarch Sphere and claim three laws at once… Would that make me a Law Devourer, capable of merging all three laws?"

Fueled by this idea, a fiery determination ignited within him. He eagerly flipped through the remaining books and scrolls, immersing himself in the depths of knowledge that could unlock his path to ascension. Each new concept about Monarch Avatars, Law Devourers, and the fusion of laws added a new layer to his understanding. He knew that reaching the Supreme Monarch Sphere required more than just gaining strength; it demanded a complete evolution to an entirely new level of existence.

The information seeped into his consciousness effortlessly, each revelation further sharpening his understanding of the intricate mechanics of laws and their interplay. Kai felt as though the very essence of the universe was unfolding before him, becoming an integral part of his being.

Closing another scroll, Kai paused to reflect on all he had learned.

"Tempcore," he called softly, and the faint rustle of energy responded to his summons. "Remind me of all the cultivation zones available within the Heretical God’s Palace. Also, provide your recommendations for where I might achieve the greatest progress toward the Supreme Monarch Sphere."

Moments later, the confident, steady voice of the palace filled the space:

"Within the Heretical God’s Palace, there are numerous cultivation zones, each offering unique attributes to accelerate your growth. I will highlight a few most suited to your objectives."

Tempcore began listing options, detailing zones Kai had access to and those yet to be unlocked. Among them, Tempcore emphasized the Pagoda of a Million Puppets for honing technique, the Divine Body Pool for physical restoration, and the Flesh Sage’s Dream for deepening his understanding of laws. After a moment’s pause, Tempcore added:

"The Abyss of Devourers is another suitable choice. It contains echoes of battles fought by past Law Devourers who vied for the title of the Heretical God's Successor. Observing their phantom combat techniques will greatly expand your boundaries and prepare you for future challenges."

Tempcore continued to outline over a dozen zones, each with specific benefits for Kai’s training. Listening intently, Kai meticulously noted the options on parchment, carefully planning how to allocate his time and focus.

As soon as he had explored all available options, he would embark on the most prolonged and intense closed-door cultivation of his life. He had to succeed—not only to secure his place in the battles ahead, but to prepare for the inevitable clash with the Gods’ Resurrection Cult. Deep within, Kai no longer believed that everything happening around him was mere coincidence.

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V.11 Chapter 892: The Pagoda of a Million Puppets

In the months that followed, Kai devoted himself to methodically exploring the cultivation zones, extracting every ounce of benefit in preparation for his seclusion. Each new location yielded invaluable results, strengthening his body, spirit, and energy while deepening his understanding of the laws. His training plan grew increasingly refined, becoming a masterpiece of strategic preparation.

Together with Tempcore, he finalized a sequence of training stages designed to gradually enhance his knowledge and power, leading to the ultimate goal of breaking through to the Supreme Monarch Sphere. Kai cared little for how long it would take, knowing that without meticulous preparation, he would never secure a meaningful role in the battles to come.

Ultimately, the final plan didn’t differ much from Tempcore’s initial recommendations.

The first step was the Divine Body Pool, an ideal zone for restoring and strengthening his physical form—an essential prerequisite for enduring the more grueling trials ahead. This tranquil setting prepared his body for the rigors of intensive cultivation practices.

Next was the Flesh Sage’s Dream, a serene and secluded realm steeped in silence, perfect for profound meditations. Here, Kai focused on mastering the upper layers of his three core techniques.

After several weeks in this transcendent space, Kai ventured into the Abyss of Devourers—one of the most enigmatic zones within the Heretical God’s Palace. This area afforded him a rare opportunity to observe echoes of ancient battles, study the tactics of long-past warriors, and analyze their maneuvers. The battles etched into the Abyss were not only awe-inspiring but also profoundly enlightening.

Each of these zones represented a critical milestone on his path to breakthrough. In addition to these, Kai explored dozens of other zones, meticulously recording their potential benefits for future use. He was certain that, over the thousands of years of cultivation ahead, every experience would prove invaluable.

But the most daunting trial loomed ahead: the Pagoda of a Million Puppets. Kai understood that this zone would demand not just strength but complete focus. After all, this was a place where he could very well lose his life.

Only after completing his mental and physical preparation in the other zones did Kai finally approach the last step of his training.

Tempcore transported him to a realm that resembled the underworld. The ground beneath his feet was riddled with deep fissures, as though the entire world was on the brink of collapse under the pressure of immense forces. From these cracks erupted eerie green flames, their light failing to illuminate the space, instead casting a sinister glow. The flames twisted unnaturally, as if alive, writhing in the air and leaving trails of suffocating heat that seemed to pierce directly into the soul.

Amid this chaotic inferno towered an immense structure—the Pagoda of a Million Puppets. Its sheer scale was breathtaking, even for someone as seasoned as Kai. This was no mere tower; it was a colossal edifice reaching tens of kilometers into the sky. With its 999 levels, each floor seemed to encapsulate a separate chapter of endless horror and suffering. The upper levels faded into what appeared to be a mirage, their forms obscured by the perpetual green fire.

Each level of the pagoda was shrouded in a menacing haze, intermittently pierced by flashes of green flames. The levels shimmered with somber, dark red hues, symbolizing the blood and agony of those who dared to enter. While the materials of each floor were consistent, the carvings and statues adorning them were uniquely crafted, giving each level its own haunting identity.

The most terrifying feature of the exterior, however, was the figure of the Heretical God. The statue’s feet rested at the base of the first floor, while its head seemingly extended to the uppermost levels. From Kai’s vantage point, he could barely see past the statue’s waist.

"Just from its appearance, it’s clear this cultivation zone is on an entirely different level," Kai thought, instantly moving toward the archway that led to the first floor.

Before him lay an entrance swirling with green energy, a portal that seemed eager to swallow him whole. Its immense size was overwhelming, yet it didn’t even reach the height of the Heretical God’s statue’s feet.

"It’s been a long time since I fought for my life…" Kai muttered with a hint of anticipation, clenching his fists. "Tempcore, explain everything to me again. I doubt I’ve missed anything, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious," he added with a crooked smile.

"As you wish," Tempcore’s measured voice replied immediately. "This place was designed for masters who achieved remarkable results in the floating temples outside the palace. Naturally, the levels of these masters vary, hence the pagoda’s towering height.

"Each floor is a labyrinth filled with puppets, illusion arrays, and suppression formations. These puppets possess heretical blood, which can be absorbed by any master. Even defeating illusions will reward you with blood. However, this information is largely irrelevant to you," Tempcore continued. "At the end of each labyrinth, you’ll find a safe zone with a reward for completing the level, along with two portals: one leading outside and the other to the next floor. Remember, each level increases the strength of your opponents. If you’re unsure of your ability to advance, you must exit."

"How far do you think I can go now?" Kai interrupted, his tone curious.

Tempcore paused briefly before answering honestly, "The Pagoda of a Million Puppets is primarily designed for Monarchs and Devourers. For those in the Law Overlord Sphere, only the first 111 floors are suitable. The next 555 are meant for those in the Supreme Monarch Sphere. The final 333 are for Law Devourers.

"I cannot precisely assess your combat potential, but I am confident you will eventually clear all floors meant for the Law Overlord Sphere... and perhaps even challenge the initial floors of the Supreme Monarch Sphere. While these levels won’t feature opponents of Monarch caliber, the puppets will represent the strongest Overlords."

Kai nodded approvingly. He had reached similar conclusions during his research on the Pagoda of a Million Puppets. Initially, he had been astounded by the prospect of battling puppets at the level of a Law Devourer, as it defied his understanding of the ancient war.

Further investigation clarified the situation. The puppets’ combat prowess could not extend beyond the Heretical God’s Palace because they were sustained by countless arrays and a fragment of the Heretical God’s power. They hadn’t seized laws from the universe, rendering them less valuable in war.

Moreover, the challenge of the levels wasn’t solely determined by the puppets’ strength, but also by the immense pressure placed on one’s cultivation and laws. The artificially enhanced puppets and illusions, combined with the overwhelming pressure, made the pagoda an extraordinarily perilous place.

"Alright! It’s time to tackle the first floor!" Kai declared with anticipation, leaping into the portal.

As he vanished, Tempcore’s parting words echoed softly, "Good luck…"

Inside the Pagoda of a Million Puppets, Kai would be entirely on his own. Kessia was gone, and Tempcore couldn’t follow him into this cultivation zone. At last, Kai would experience true isolated cultivation.

The moment he entered, Kai found himself at a crossroads of narrow corridors that felt stiflingly confined for a master of his caliber. The walls were no more than ten paces apart, with ceilings barely twenty paces high. The interior of the first floor resembled a labyrinth.

The floor mirrored the appearance of the pagoda’s exterior, riddled with cracks from which green flames erupted, creating a suffocating atmosphere. Each fissure seemed bottomless, as though leading to the unknown depths of this infernal place. The walls were made of dark stone, studded with sharp spikes oozing a strange crimson liquid.

"Best not to get impaled on those…" Kai murmured, encasing himself in armor and summoning two daggers. In such confined spaces, he decided to start with short weapons.

Chains hung from the walls, their rusty, blackened links swaying slightly, emitting creaks that sent chills down his spine.

"Alright… Let’s see what this place has to offer," Kai muttered, activating his Eyes of Essence. However, his face quickly contorted in frustration. The entire space was riddled with arrays, making it impossible to identify a "safe zone".

"No matter. I came here to train, and I’m in no rush. There’s no need to hurry…" a devilish grin spread across his face as his eyes glinted with excitement. Within him, the desire to push his limits began to boil once more.

But as soon as Kai took his first step forward, an overwhelming pressure descended upon him.

“Thump!”

It crushed him from all sides, an invisible force compressing his body. At first, he thought he had entered a gravitational anomaly where space itself sought to tear him apart. The pressure penetrated every fiber of his being, restricting not only his physical movements but also his ability to control his spirit and energy.

This was not merely a slowing effect or an energy block—it reached into his very essence. For a fleeting moment, Kai felt his laws begin to tremble.

"What the…" His thoughts raced, startled by the realization that this pressure attacked all three centers of his power equally.

"Tempcore wasn’t lying… This place is on an entirely different level! Even dual-system cultivators can’t gain an advantage here. No one gets special treatment!" Kai remarked with an air of approval, focusing on his inner reserves. "Perfect! Absolutely perfect!"

The first floor’s pressure was sudden, but within moments, Kai adapted. It wasn’t a force that would impede his training; on the contrary, it would enhance it. Yet Kai also understood that closer to the hundredth floor, even he would struggle. And that knowledge thrilled him.

Kai took a few measured steps forward, his breathing steadying, his thoughts sharpening. Instead of fear or hesitation, he felt a rising determination. The line had been crossed: whatever chaos brewed in the world outside, within the dark corridors of the pagoda, his sole purpose was to grow stronger.

"Let the universe burn, let wars rage across the stars," Kai thought, clenching his fists. His mind shut out all distractions beyond the pagoda’s walls. He knew that in a true emergency, he would be notified. "Until Kessia herself pulls me out of here… I’ll give everything I have to become as strong as possible!"

His thoughts crystallized into a singular goal. Kai recognized that his priority was no longer merely power but complete transformation. This seclusion would be his rebirth, preparing him for the unimaginable trials that lay ahead. He resolved to fully embrace the opportunities offered by the Heretical God’s Palace.

"I’ll give it my all… Pour my very essence into this training! When I emerge from this place, I’ll be ready to obliterate the cultists’ remnants and stop the Evil Gods from returning. The world may descend into chaos, but I’ll come out stronger than ever! I have faith in this, for it is my destiny! The Sphere of Essence didn’t choose me by chance!" His thoughts brimmed with unwavering resolve, leaving no room for doubt or fear.

With this determination, Kai’s figure disappeared into the shadowy corridors, his steps echoing faintly as the darkness closed in around him. Yet instead of weakening him, the oppressive atmosphere ignited a fire of absolute resolve within.

Suddenly, the stillness of the pagoda was shattered by a series of deafening explosions that shook the air. With each successive blast, the room’s pressure intensified, as though the Pagoda of a Million Puppets itself was challenging him, testing his readiness for the trials of seclusion.

The sounds of battle erupted, breaking the eternal silence of the labyrinthine corridors. The walls trembled, and a cacophony of violence echoed through the first floor. It was the beginning. The beginning of Kai’s solitary cultivation, whose duration remained unknown.

But one thing was certain: the Kai who would emerge from the Heretical God’s Palace would be a master of an entirely new caliber.

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V.11 Chapter 893: The Swift Flow of Time

Kai cultivated as time sped forward, century after century, leaving the past behind. The Region of Flesh had been stirred from its long dormancy, yet Kai had been utterly forgotten...

The grand burgundy hall was shrouded in somber silence, an oppressive air of anticipation lingering in the atmosphere. The walls, adorned with intricate carvings, glimmered faintly in the dim light of crimson torches.

Surrounding the space, spires reached toward the domed ceiling, and statues between them depicted scenes of destruction and consumption: figures ripping hearts from their foes, devouring flesh, or entwined in carnal embraces. These stone sculptures were more than mere decoration—their auras resonated with the presence of anyone bold enough to enter the hall, piercing their consciousness with the essence of the flesh masters.

At the center of the hall, on a raised platform, stood thrones arranged in a perfect circle. Each throne was unique, carved from black stone and adorned with the motifs of a specific race.

Some were already occupied—motionless figures sat on the thrones, their presence akin to the descent of gods. These were the Law Devourers, the greatest martial arts masters. They made no effort to conceal themselves, allowing their auras to spill freely.

They did not speak to one another, yet an invisible connection lingered between them. The atmosphere was taut, like a tightly drawn string, awaiting the moment when all would assemble.

The remaining thrones, still empty, awaited their masters. Time seemed to have stopped, as if even space itself awaited the arrival of the last participants—the ones who would complete this circle of absolute power and destruction.

There were fifteen thrones in total. Ten bore the crests of the great clans ruling the Region of Flesh—each race wielded its own symbol of authority, radiating unwavering will.

The remaining four thrones stood out in a different way. They bore no crests but instead glowed with hieroglyphs denoting the supreme titles of the Law Devourers and their doctrines. These symbols shone alternately with crimson and black light, each pulse synchronized with the slow heartbeat of the hall. These four thrones were intended for free masters, unaligned with any clan, who acted according to their own rules and laws.

The last, fifteenth throne stood at the very center of the circle, slightly elevated above the rest. Its dark stone surface gleamed like polished glass, yet fine cracks spread across it, seeping crimson smoke. This throne bore neither crests nor hieroglyphs, but its grandeur needed no symbols—everyone understood it was reserved for the strongest Devourer, whose presence would crown this assembly. None had dared to claim it since the Heretical God’s Bloodline vanished...

Of the ten thrones adorned with the crests of the ruling races, five were already occupied. On the first throne, blazing with the brilliance of its own majesty, sat a phoenix. Its fiery plumage shimmered in hues of gold and crimson, the warmth it exuded filling the hall with an oppressive aura of fire. Its sharp eyes slowly followed every movement within the chamber. Beneath its composed posture lay a threat—the phoenix was waiting for the gathering to commence, suppressing its blazing aura, ready to erupt at any moment.

Beside it sat a dragon, exuding cold indifference. Its long claws tapped rhythmically on the armrest, each strike reverberating like the splitting of an immense glacier. The dragon remained calm and still, its eyes gleaming like a lake concealing unfathomable power. Together, the phoenix and the dragon seemed to form a perfect harmony.

The third throne was occupied by a hundun, a creature of chaos, headless and with an exposed chest. It sat in a strange pose, its massive limbs sprawling in such a way that its body seemed fused with the throne. Its breathing was slow and heavy, and the maw on its abdomen was fixed in a menacing grin. The hundun made no movement or sound, yet its presence disrupted the harmony of the surrounding space, rendering it unstable.

Further away sat a magnificent woman of the kitsune race. Her snow-white hair and nine fluffy tails swayed gently in the air, her face as calm as if carved from marble. She surveyed the gathered figures with half-closed eyes, holding a delicate fan that waved slowly around her. An air of hidden cunning and insight emanated from her—every movement, however subtle, seemed calculated.

The last of the ruling clan leaders was a vampire, resembling a withered elder. His skin was a pale grayish-blue, and his eyes glowed with an unnatural violet light. He sat hunched over, skeletal fingers clasped before him. His face resembled a death mask, and from him emanated a suffocating aura of decay and rot. Beneath his frail appearance lay a menacing power that seemed capable of corroding the very space around him.

The hall's atmosphere was far from welcoming, especially for the free masters who had also arrived. They harbored no doubts about their own strength, yet the unique nature of the Region of Flesh meant they still felt the oppressive presence of the ruling races. However, they did not bow to this pressure, nor did they acknowledge it.

The four thrones of the free masters were no less imposing. On the first sat a towering warrior with bronze-colored skin. His massive frame resembled an ancient titan: broad shoulders, powerful arms scarred from countless battles. Two large horns curved back from his head, giving him a beastly appearance. He wore simple armor, dented and battle-worn, heavy boots, and a long dagger hung at his side. His amber eyes scrutinized every movement in the hall, exuding an aura of raw, unyielding strength.

The second free master was a slender woman with ash-gray hair cascading freely to her shoulders, brushing the ground. Her skin was pale, almost translucent, and her eyes were dark, with bottomless pupils. She wore a black, form-fitting outfit that accentuated her lithe and fragile figure.

The third free master stood out, appearing as a writhing mass of serpents or worms. This peculiar substance seemed to take on a humanoid shape, constantly emitting unsettling sloshing and hissing sounds. It bore neither armor nor visible weapons.

The last free master was a gaunt figure with pale skin, beneath which veins bulged prominently. These veins seemed to cover every inch of his body, leaving no "clean" patch of skin. His bald head was adorned with tattoos and scars, and his light-blue eyes appeared icy. He wore a long, loose blue cloak, and a thick chain with a skull-shaped pendant dangled from his neck.

The oppressive atmosphere in the hall was so intense that even a master of the Law Overlord Sphere would perish instantly upon entering. Each Devourer unleashed their aura to its fullest extent, a manifestation of their very essence. Immense forces collided at the center of the hall near the central throne, generating sparks, spatial distortions, and bursts of energy. The space surrounding the central throne pulsed and trembled under the unimaginable pressure, as if reality itself struggled to resist.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the phoenix, who spoke respectfully to the dragon:

"Binding Ice Devourer, what do you think of the sinner's return? I was in seclusion and did not investigate. But enough time has passed since her reappearance to say with certainty—it is no hoax... Khe-he..." despite the phoenix's overwhelming power, there was a mischievous note in its voice.

Before the dragon could respond, the hundun let out a long sigh and interjected with slight disdain:

"There's no doubt, Eternal Flame Devourer. The asura territory borders my own, so I checked the rumors ten thousand years ago when they first surfaced. That bitch has indeed returned! And her power is no less than when she claimed the Heretical God’s Bloodline... At least, one exchange of blows was enough for me to understand—I am still no match for her..."

These words surprised some of the gathered figures, while others remained calm, as if they had long known the same.

For some, spans of ten thousand years might sound staggering, but not for the mightiest masters of the Law Devourer Sphere, who could live for hundreds of thousands of years. To them, ten thousand years was akin to a single year for a mortal. A single cycle of secluded cultivation could take tens of thousands of years.

The hundun's statement was unexpectedly supported by one of the free masters, whose body was covered in countless pulsing veins. He let out an eerie laugh and said:

"Ho-ho... Seems I wasn't the only reckless one who decided to verify the rumors. I can confirm the words of the Chaos' Division Devourer, for I, too, felt her power firsthand..."

Hearing this, the phoenix smirked cunningly and immediately asked:

"Then what about the Heretical God’s Bloodline? What do you say, Interrupted Pulse Devourer? Shouldn't her return have reignited the Heretical God's Palace? Why is it still dormant?"

The man responded without hesitation:

"She claimed it’s not yet time to unveil the secrets, for she’s unsure of whose side I’m on... Whatever that might mean, ho-ho..."

As those words hung in the air, an immense pulse of power suddenly reverberated from the depths of the hall.

"Bam!"

Massive gates, carved from ancient stone and adorned with engravings from forgotten epochs, thundered open. The space quaked as an invisible force rippled through the hall, causing the floor to tremble and the walls to warp slightly under the strain. The Devourers instantly focused, sensing the approach of someone as formidable as they were—or perhaps even stronger.

A figure floated at the entrance—a woman whose crimson hair cascaded like blood down to her waist. She was of unparalleled beauty; her features were delicate and refined, yet her gaze carried an icy coldness and a mortal threat.

This was Kessia, the Ten Asura Origins Devourer—the very one they had just been discussing.

Despite her outward fragility, the power emanating from her was terrifying. Her arrival was akin to a nightmare manifesting in reality—those who felt her presence instinctively perceived mortal danger. Every movement she made was fluid and precise, and her blood-red eyes, gleaming with an ominous light, scanned the gathered with chilling indifference, as though she could erase them from existence with a mere flick of her hand.

"It’s been a while. At least for some of you..." Kessia spoke coldly, her voice soft yet laden with hidden menace. It echoed through the hall like the toll of a bell, piercing each of the gathered figures.

She didn’t bother to glance at those who had been discussing her, and without touching the ground, she confidently advanced to the center of the hall. Her presence created ripples in the air, colliding with the auras of the other Devourers.

When she reached the central throne, the space around her groaned under the strain. Each force in the hall struggled to resist her dominating presence, and no one dared to oppose her.

Yet, to the astonishment of all, her overwhelming aura began to subside. She spoke:

"I’d like to claim the central throne, but I have no right. Let’s wait for the others—there is much to discuss today. Let’s set aside our mutual disdain for now!"

As soon as she uttered these words, Kessia moved effortlessly to the throne of the asura race and seated herself calmly. Her actions left some of the gathered figures momentarily disoriented, but it was now clear to all that this assembly of Devourers had deeper, more intricate reasons than they had initially suspected.

The hall once again plunged into silence, heavy and charged, as they awaited the arrival of the final participants—those who would complete the circle of unfathomable power.

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V.11 Chapter 894: The Common Enemy

Kessia had barely seated herself on the throne when, in a single instant, two overwhelming presences tore through the fabric of the hall's uneasy calm.

Qilin and rukh burst in, their entrance a majestic manifestation of ancient forces. Moving in perfect synchrony, they displayed no hostility toward each other—instead, their presence evoked a harmony akin to that of the dragon and the phoenix.

Qilin shimmered like a living constellation, every movement radiating a celestial brilliance. His skin and scales glimmered like stardust caught in eternal night. He exuded serenity, but it was the serenity of an infinite starry expanse, capable of swallowing everything in its boundless depths.

Rukh, in stark contrast, embodied the tempest. Her aura struck like a storm, and with every beat of her wings, the air split apart, leaving behind echoes of thunder and streaks of lightning. She didn’t merely command power—her presence was akin to an unstoppable hurricane, heedless of barriers. The winds she conjured distorted space itself, her energy surging and shifting like a restless storm ready to break at any moment.

"You claim you have no right to the central throne?" qilin spat, his tone dripping with unveiled disdain.

He appeared as an imposing elder, his robust physique belying his age. His flowing white beard descended past his waist, while his antler-like horns branched outward like ancient roots growing from his white-blue hair. It was evident that he bore no goodwill toward Kessia.

Rukh, too, was quick to speak, backing her companion. Her sharp beak opened, releasing a piercing cry:

"You dare return, having lost the Heretical God’s Bloodline?! How could you muster such audacity?"

Kessia rose slowly from her throne, disregarding the cutting remarks of qilin and rukh. Her blood-red eyes flared for a fleeting moment, and in that instant, the power she had restrained until now surged forth, shattering all barriers like a dam overwhelmed by a cataclysmic flood.

"Boom!"

Her blood-red aura exploded outward, suffocating and oppressive, filling the entire hall. Space itself buckled under the force, fractures and vortexes spiraling outward. Her power rolled through the chamber in waves, causing the walls to quake, while the symbols and reliefs on the thrones flickered as if trembling in fear. The air grew thick, every breath searing the throat like fire.

Qilin and rukh, feeling the full brunt of her strength, immediately summoned their own laws to resist. Qilin's celestial aura blazed with dazzling light, resembling a living night sky teeming with constellations. Meanwhile, rukh erupted into a tempest; winds howled from her wings, and lightning slashed through the air. Both prepared to withstand the assault, confident in their ability to neutralize her pressure as they had in the past.

But with mounting horror, they realized Kessia had changed. She had grown stronger than ever before! Her blood-red aura bore down on them with unstoppable force, sweeping aside everything in its path. Despite his stellar power, qilin felt his own aura weakening under the relentless weight of Kessia's overwhelming presence. Though he remained standing, his radiance dimmed.

Rukh, the embodiment of storms, slashed through space with every powerful beat of her wings, but her energy broke against Kessia's sanguine waves like a tempest crashing against an unyielding cliff. Thunder and lightning lost their potency, as though nature itself bowed to Kessia.

"This… cannot be!" qilin croaked, his celestial aura flickering weakly, fear creeping into his voice. "You… Why do you feel stronger than during the battle for the Heretical’s God Bloodline?!"

Rukh, still struggling but now visibly retreating, looked at Kessia with unabashed terror. Her storm had all but dissipated, the surrounding space consumed by Kessia’s blood-drenched currents.

"What have you… What have you done to yourself?!" she stammered, panic evident in her voice. Both she and qilin realized they could no longer match this force.

Kessia remained silent. Her piercing gaze fixed on them, her blood-red eyes coldly gleaming. The entire hall now belonged to her, and everyone present understood: her return was not merely triumphant—it heralded the dawn of a new age of dread.

"Take your seats, for you cannot fathom where our universe is heading!" Kessia commanded, her voice resounding with authority. "Our world of flesh cultivators has been deceived, and the Heretical God’s Bloodline was nearly stolen! I ensured the enemy couldn’t claim such a priceless resource. Due to my injuries, I’ve only recently been able to return," she declared in a single breath.

Her words hung heavy in the air, but the silence was quickly broken by an alluring, provocative laugh:

"What power and grace! Ha-ha-ha…" came a voice from the temple’s entrance. "It’s been far too long, dear sister Kessia. Rumor has it you’ve been on a rampage, even killing your beloved brother…" the voice added, dripping with mockery.

Following this, a rough, resonant male voice echoed:

"Our universe in peril? Hmm… In recent millennia, we’ve encountered our share of troubling tidings, particularly in our battles against the Chimera Masters. Perhaps you have more to share…"

At these words, all heads turned toward the grand gates as the final two figures made their entrance.

Two silhouettes emerged, their forms distinct against the shimmering, distorted space charged with Kessia’s aura. The first was a tall, seductive woman with membranous wings trailing behind her. She was the embodiment of lust: her skin bore a faint reddish hue that shimmered in the torchlight, and her cascading black hair reached her hips. Two small horns adorned her forehead, marking her true nature—a succubus. She moved with the grace of a temptress, yet every motion carried an undercurrent of danger. Her eyes sparkled with mockery, as though she toyed with all present.

"Oh, how I’ve missed these gatherings," she purred with a sly smile, her voice a sweet poison that seeped into the souls of all who dared meet her gaze. "Since your disappearance, sister Kessia, we’ve ceased to convene in this hall…"

Turning her gaze to the vampire, she taunted:

"You’re alone today, Withering Void Devourer? Ah, that’s right… Kessia killed your brother about a thousand years ago… Such a pity! Ha-ha-ha!"

To everyone’s surprise, the vampire didn’t react with outrage. Instead, he smiled grimly and replied:

"I long ago discussed this matter with the Ten Asura Origins Devourer. She provided me with convincing proof that he was a traitor to our world. Moreover, thanks to her, I’ve purged the ranks of the Cult of Primordial Blood. Today, I stand in support of whatever she has to say."

These words caused the others to exchange discreet glances. Each of them, being the pinnacle of mastery, knew that such statements were not made lightly.

The second figure to enter the hall was an elderly man, a stark contrast to the radiant beauty of the succubus. Hunched and low, he appeared to have aged centuries ago, yet retained an air of unyielding strength. His green skin was covered in shell-like plates resembling a tortoise’s armor, and a massive carapace on his back heightened the resemblance. He leaned on a peculiar staff that spiraled upward like an unending vortex. His eyes gleamed with wisdom, and though his movements were slow, they conveyed the sense of a dormant power lying beneath his frail exterior.

"So, we gather once more," the old man rumbled, striking his staff against the floor. "Talk of impending catastrophes always amuses me… But this time, it’s more serious, isn’t it, Kessia?" His gaze was heavy, filled with curiosity and suspicion.

These two presences emanated an aura of antiquity, their power undeniable. Every master in the hall could feel it—these beings had witnessed countless epochs, their very essence tied to the fabric of the universe.

Kessia met their arrival with a cold gaze. Her aura remained unshaken despite their immense strength. She was the strongest among them now, and everyone felt it.

"You are correct as always, Devourer of Unyielding Shell," she said, her voice steady and composed. "This time, things are different. The times ahead demand unity from us… Take your seats, and I shall explain everything."

Kessia’s words extinguished the tension in the air. Her calm, authoritative tone swept through the hall like an irresistible force. Even the most obstinate among them realized there was no point in opposing her now. The clashing auras began to subside, yielding to the weight of her presence. Every master understood that, at the very least, they needed to hear her out.

Qilin, still irritated by his earlier clash with Kessia, nodded reluctantly and moved to his throne. Rukh, though seething with inner rage, followed suit, her wings folding like a cloak as her storm quieted.

The succubus smirked, gracefully making her way to her seat, her mischievous eyes tracking every movement in the hall with a playful glint.

When all were seated, the circle of thrones was finally complete. The combined power of the beings present, though subdued, was as awe-inspiring as the might of ancient titans. Yet even among them, Kessia stood apart. Her aura, though momentarily calmed, remained poised on the edge of resurgence, ready to erupt at a moment’s notice.

In this profound silence, with every master grasping the gravity of the situation, the hall waited for Kessia to speak.

She wasted no time.

"The Shadows’ Passion Devourer is correct," she began, her gaze shifting to the succubus. "I did kill the Devourer of Abyssal Carnage, but not simply because he betrayed me in the final round for the Heretical God’s Bloodline. He was a traitor who conspired with those behind the Chimera Masters! Their goal was to seize the Heretical God’s legacy for terrifying purposes. My brother, as a direct accomplice, received his due punishment as well," she stated coldly.

Pausing for a moment, Kessia narrowed her eyes and asked with deadly seriousness:

"From what I know, you’ve been trying to eradicate the pitiful Chimera Masters for the past ten thousand years without success. Have you uncovered the roots of their organization?"

Her question directed the focus of the gathering. Qilin stroked his long beard thoughtfully before responding:

"They are connected to some cult operating in the shadows… But we haven’t been able to grasp the full extent of their organization. After our hunts, only remnants of their forces remain, and they’ve gone into hiding."

"You are mistaken," Kessia interrupted sharply. "It’s strange that the masters of other worlds haven’t contacted us yet, but perhaps the situation in the border realm has deteriorated too far… It’s possible the cultists are guarding the territory where the entrance to our world lies…" She mused, rubbing her chin.

Her words left many in stunned confusion, though not all. Only the vampire and the elder displayed no surprise, their expressions suggesting they already knew something of what Kessia hinted at.

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V.11 Chapter 895: The Region of Flesh Mobilizes

Kessia’s final words plunged the hall into tense silence, but it didn’t last long. Within moments, glances filled with confusion and suspicion began darting between the attendees. Their eyes burned with a mix of curiosity and unease—clearly, they had expected something entirely different from her explanation.

A few couldn’t hold back:

"What are you talking about?" the dragon snapped, a spark of irritation flashing in his eyes. "What do you mean by that? Masters from other worlds? Are you referring to absurd legends? The Realm of Death—a supposed dimension where higher masters occasionally end up and from which almost none return?"

His question was picked up by others, and soon the hall was filled with demanding voices, as if a chain had been broken.

"What enemies did you oppose?" Rukh interjected, her feathers shimmering. "Who dared to interfere with the ceremony of transferring the Heretical God’s Bloodline?"

"We deserve clear answers," the phoenix added, narrowing his fiery gaze at Kessia.

Tension was mounting, the atmosphere growing more volatile. All eyes turned to her, demanding clarity.

Seeing their reaction, Kessia’s expression darkened. She frowned before responding:

"I assumed you would have learned far more about our enemies by now… But it seems that the collective hunt for the Chimera Masters has done more harm than good. You’ve been destroying them faster than you’ve sought to understand them."

At this moment, the Devourer of Unyielding Shell intervened. The elder coughed and, in a rasping voice, said:

"I believe many simply fail to see what’s right in front of them because they don’t fully understand the larger picture. Most think the Chimera Masters are merely a problem of our domain, and that the Cult hides somewhere in the celestial reaches of the Heretical God’s Domain…"

"What are you implying, old man?" the dragon asked coldly.

"Old man? We’re all old here… ho-ho," the xuan elder replied with a faint smile. "The point is, long ago, I stumbled into the border realm you call a legend. And I suspect the Ten Asura Origins Devourer disappeared there as well. If my assumptions are correct, the greatest threat to us comes from that place…"

Before the dragon could retort, Kessia spoke with unwavering clarity:

"Our universe is called the Region of Flesh Domination. In truth, there are two other universes—one home to energy cultivators, the other to spirit cultivators. In power, they are roughly our equals—stronger in some aspects, weaker in others. Between our three universes lies a border realm known by many names: the Realm of Death, the Cascade of Energies, the Soul Chaos Space, or the Ancient Battlefield. It remains from the war against the Evil Gods."

As Kessia laid everything bare, no one uttered a word. All listened intently, absorbing her every word. These monsters of power held vast reserves of knowledge themselves, but discerning truth from myth was often challenging. Yet, as Kessia recounted what she knew with certainty, the Devourers began to piece together the true nature of existence. Slowly, they started separating fact from fiction within their own understandings.

Gradually, the role of the Cult behind the Chimera Masters became clearer, as did the meaning of abducting masters from the Region of Flesh Domination to create chimeras.

Pausing to scan the hall, Kessia continued:

"The Gods’ Resurrection Cult is not just a secret organization. It’s an ancient force that orchestrated the war that nearly wiped out all life and divided us into three worlds. Their goal is to bring back the Evil Gods, who sealed themselves away from our worlds through their own actions. What we call the Chimera Masters is just a fragment of their plan."

The faces of those assembled darkened, and the air in the hall grew heavier. Kessia had earlier hinted at Kai’s story, presenting it as her own. She spoke of discovering valuable information on the Ancient Battlefield and revealed truths about ancient events: the Heretical God, the Creator of Energy, and the Eternal Spirit Mother, as well as the Rebellion of Life’s Army, which dared to rise using an ancient artifact.

"Millions of years ago," Kessia continued, "a war began so catastrophic that its consequences are still visible today, seen in the broken connections between cultivators of different types. We have yet to rebuild these connections and have even forgotten our main enemies! Now, we stand on the brink of a new disaster!"

Kessia cast a cold gaze across the hall, making each attendee feel the weight of her words.

"The Gods’ Resurrection Cult has always sought to break the seal, working in the shadows under countless guises. They’ve been edging closer for an eternity… And it feels like they now stand at the gates of their goal. Most likely, the energy cultivators’ domain is trying to prevent this outcome as we speak. But if they haven’t contacted us yet, things must be dire…"

Kessia didn’t neglect to mention that she had personally visited the Region of Energy Domination but had operated in secrecy due to her injuries. She made it clear that energy cultivators had discovered a way to traverse the border realm and return, potentially even visiting their world.

The xuan elder seemed slightly surprised, as it turned out, he had stumbled upon the Ancient Battlefield by accident. He had been drawn into a spatial storm near the border of the Region of Flesh Domination and had only returned with the help of local masters. This revelation intrigued Kessia, as she and Kai had believed the only way into the border realm was through ancient temples.

Other methods existed, possibly left behind by the Evil Gods themselves. However, the elder’s method was unpredictable and uncontrollable. Moving armies—or even small squads—through it was impossible. Restoring connections between the three universes seemed out of reach.

"And what of the Heretical God’s Bloodline?" the dragon interrupted, his voice tinged with unease.

Kessia nodded.

"Everything was orchestrated from the start… Think back… Isn’t it strange that just before the battle for the lineage, several Devourers died suddenly? In the end, only I and the Devourer of Abyssal Carnage remained as contenders," Kessia said with hatred in her voice. "And what happened when I obtained the lineage? Suddenly, my brother somehow ended up a captive of the Devourer of Abyssal Carnage!"

"Those two traitors conspired to seize the Heretical God’s Bloodline! At the time, it didn’t seem suspicious, but now I realize they were acting on the Gods’ Resurrection Cult’s orders. Had they claimed such power, it would’ve been a greater sacrificial boon than even hundreds of Monarchs!"

"I was injured and couldn’t assimilate the lineage… But I realized something was amiss and took the hardest step of my life—I destroyed the greatest relic of our world! I did it to keep it out of the enemy’s hands!" Kessia explained, reaffirming her actions.

The succubus, her face marked with understanding, broke the silence.

"And what do you propose, sister Kessia?" she asked with uncharacteristic calm.

Kessia locked eyes with her and, frowning, finally spoke:

"A catastrophe is looming that will destroy not just us. The three great universes are interconnected, and if the seal is broken… the Evil Gods will annihilate everything, devouring worlds one by one. Even the Law Devourers won’t escape."

The silence that followed was chilling. Every master present knew Kessia wasn’t prone to exaggeration. This threat was real, and they were part of it.

"We must unite," Kessia’s voice grew firm, brooking no argument. "The ancient wars showed the importance of every world’s strength. If we don’t act now, everything we’ve cultivated for will be obliterated. We must hurry to the Ancient Battlefield and aid allies we’ve long since forgotten—or perhaps never knew we had! As well as confront our shared enemy."

The hall fell into a heavy silence. The gathered figures’ faces grew somber. The atmosphere now carried not only tension but the weight of understanding—a realization of the monumental threat they had just learned about. Even if parts of Kessia’s story were met with skepticism, every attendee knew one thing: no one reveals all their cards at once. In this world, especially among Law Devourers, keeping secrets wasn’t just habit—it was survival.

The Devourer of Unyielding Shell broke the silence first. His voice was sharp but measured:

"We have no reason to blindly trust everything you’ve said, Kessia," the elder said, casting a heavy gaze around the room. "But neither can we afford to ignore such vital information. I believe you, but others must believe as well. You claim our worlds are in peril and that there’s a way to confirm it. First, we must verify your words. If this passage between worlds truly exists, and if even part of what you’ve said proves true…"

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing:

"Then we will prepare for war."

"We can’t blindly trust your words, sister," the succubus added, her membranous wings unfurling slightly as if to emphasize her caution. "Spies, reconnaissance masters—we’ll send them to this Ancient Battlefield. If remnants of the Cult or signs of war truly exist there, we’ll uncover them."

"Spies can confirm many details," the phoenix agreed, his eyes flaring as he considered the potential outcomes. "But if the Cult is indeed so close to its goal, we must act swiftly. Delays could be catastrophic."

The dragon frowned, his golden eyes gleaming in the firelight of the hall.

"If this is true," he said slowly, "then I will join the war."

One by one, the Devourers nodded, agreeing to the plan. Each of them understood the cost of rash decisions but also recognized the deadly risk of waiting too long.

"Very well," the Devourer of Unyielding Shell declared, leaning on his staff. "We’ll send spies and proceed from there. But I’ll warn you—my Xuan Deep Abyss will begin preparations in advance."

"My Cult of Primordial Blood will do the same," the vampire affirmed resolutely.

The gathered figures nodded silently, agreeing that Kessia’s plan, as well as their own countermeasures, would be set in motion as soon as the council concluded.

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V.11 Chapter 896: An Important Warfront

It had only been a few days since Kessia returned to the Sea of Asura’s Blood. She sat upon a massive throne forged from crimson metal, adorned with intricate carvings of rivers of blood cascading down its edges. The deep crimson hall, seemingly bottomless, surrounded her, with its walls draped in dark silk.

Her fingers drummed anxiously on the cold surface of the armrest as her gaze drifted into the void. Her thoughts wandered over the recent council—a meeting that, despite its conclusion, left her with an unsettling feeling. Everything seemed to move too slowly, while the shadow of a looming threat lingered just out of reach.

Although the council had been successfully convened, it had taken nearly ten thousand years to gather everyone. Each Devourer was a being capable of vanishing into seclusion, disappearing from the world entirely. Even masters of equal strength would struggle to locate them.

"Things are not going as we planned, Kai…" Kessia thought, her words directed at the void. "I’ve spent too much time pulling everyone together… And yet, the masters of your world have still not reached out to us. I have a bad feeling…" she continued, her thoughts racing.

Since her physical resurgence, Kessia had spent much of her time rooting out and eliminating enemies and spies within the Sea of Asura’s Blood, as well as reclaiming her clan’s position. She had also devoted time to tracking the Devourer of Abyssal Carnage, who had once allied with the Cult and nearly killed her.

Kessia understood that the council had formulated several strategies, discussed possible enemy moves, and devised responses. Yet something still felt wrong, as though a fog obscured her mind, concealing a crucial detail.

The hall pulsed with a soft crimson glow, echoing the unease tormenting her. Here, in the Sea of Asura’s Blood, she was supposed to find peace, but waves of foreboding crashed over her. She pondered the source of her unease, why she felt as though something critical was slipping through her grasp.

"Something unforeseen is undoubtedly happening on the Ancient Battlefield… We must hurry to their aid. There’s no doubt about it!" Her internal monologue gave way to simmering anger. "Just keep cultivating, Kai, and don’t worry. I’ll resolve this myself. If we reach them in time, everything should be fine!"

Her eyes shifted to a schematic three-dimensional map of the world, displayed before her on a stone pedestal. The map was detailed only for the Region of Flesh Domination. The Region of Energy Domination and the Ancient Battlefield were sketched out from Kessia’s recollections, while the Region of Spirit Domination was entirely blank.

The borders of the three universes intersected at three points, all entangled in war and intrigue. At the center, like a brand, lay the Ancient Battlefield—a shattered world left behind after the war against the Evil Gods. It was toward this nexus that her thoughts were now wholly directed.

With a heavy sigh, she leaned back against the throne, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her. Decisions had been made, and now she needed to focus on preparations. There was much work ahead, and every moment of delay could cost lives.

"Tap-tap-tap…" the silence of the crimson hall was broken by the faint sound of footsteps. Kessia turned her head slightly to note the approach of one of her advisors, who carried a scroll bearing new intelligence.

"My queen, I bring good news," the old asura said, dropping to one knee and extending the scroll toward her.

She nodded, using her aura to retrieve the scroll, and signaled for the advisor to leave. Her curiosity piqued—what, in these dire times, could be considered "good news"? But as she unrolled the scroll, a faint smile graced her lips.

"So, another Devourer has been found… If we can gather twenty masters, this will be very good," she murmured with satisfaction.

The council of Law Devourers had been composed of only the strongest, a gathering that had taken ten thousand years to arrange. Naturally, there were other Devourers within the Region of Flesh Domination. While some were slightly weaker, they would still be indispensable in the impending war. Yet finding them was no easier than locating their stronger counterparts.

"I must go to him before he changes his place of seclusion," Kessia thought, rising from the throne and disappearing into the void.

Events began to unfold rapidly, as though ancient forces had awakened, spinning the entire Region of Flesh Domination into a whirlwind of change. Tremors shook the great clans: masters descended from mountaintops and emerged from centuries of seclusion. Grand arenas filled with young cultivators eager to prove their strength and stake their claim in the coming battles.

Clans spared no resources, pouring everything into the training and advancement of their future generations. Precious pills, rare artifacts, and ancient techniques—once locked away in sealed vaults—were now bestowed upon young masters, accelerating their cultivation paths. Past rivalries between clans temporarily gave way to a shared cause—preparations for the looming war. Even sworn enemies exchanged strategic information and coordinated defensive and offensive plans.

But did they truly know what awaited them? Even the elders of the ruling clans lacked clarity, and the Monarchs possessed only fragments of the truth. It seemed as though the world had gone mad. Only the Devourers were privy to the full scale of the unfolding events.

The first spies had already crossed the borders of the Region of Flesh Domination, making their way to the Ancient Battlefield along the routes marked by Kessia. Their mission was not merely reconnaissance, but the first steps into the depths of an ancient enmity poised to reignite. And yet, none of them had returned. This was the first signal that compelled all the Devourers to issue serious orders for preparation.

Throughout the Region of Flesh Domination, the muffled clang of forging hammers echoed as blacksmiths crafted new armor and weapons for the impending conflict. Using rare materials sourced from the domain’s most perilous corners, artisans poured their skill into their finest creations. It might have seemed ironic, but the Cult also possessed countless masters at all levels. When Devourers clashed with Devourers, battlefields and armies would be commanded by Overlords, and even masters of the Law Transformation Sphere. Every resource was needed.

The hearts of cultivators burned with the desire for battle, each sensing that something monumental was on the horizon—something that would alter the course of history. For the first time in hundreds of thousands of years, the Region of Flesh Domination was united by a single purpose. Even the mightiest elders, setting aside their internal conflicts, began preparing for the inevitable.

Kessia and the other Devourers actively sought their peers across the Region of Flesh Domination. They understood that within a few decades—or even centuries—they would need to invade the Ancient Battlefield themselves, bringing every ounce of their strength to bear.

Meanwhile, on the Ancient Battlefield, an entirely different battle was unfolding. Yet, the participants’ goals aligned in surprising ways with the plans of Kessia and the Region of Flesh Domination.

Above a small, cracked teralith field littered with ruins, the starry expanse trembled with explosions and flashes of multicolored energy. The open ground, paved with fractured stone tiles, was dotted with four Law Devourers watching an intense battle raging above them.

The elder among them, the Craftsman's Heart Devourer, never took his eyes off the combatants in the sky. He felt something shifting, as though the fabric of space itself was trembling under the pressure of burning energies. His voice rang out with metallic tones, like the echo of a hammer striking an anvil:

"It seems this attack will also fail… They’ve set up maximum defenses, blocking our passage to the Region of Flesh Domination. All these years, and we’ve yet to contact the flesh masters."

This was no ordinary skirmish. It was the prelude to a war that would decide the fate of worlds.

Another voice broke the tense atmosphere. It came from a translucent figure whose visible veins and internal organs gave him an otherworldly appearance—a Devourer hailing from the Region of Spirit Domination.

"Reconnaissance hasn’t yielded answers yet, but time is slipping away," he said, his voice resonating with an eerie clarity. "I can distinctly feel the auras of five enemy Law Devourers. We cannot break through with just the four of us, and our remaining allies are occupied elsewhere."

The other two figures were no less imposing. One was the Ice Star Devourer, a woman with long, silver hair who once ruled the Crystal Cold Region. The other was a towering man with inky-black skin, the leader of the Infinite Path Sect on the Ancient Battlefield.

Together, they formed the defense line against the Gods’ Resurrection Cult, whose seemingly endless forces launched raids across the battlefield. Even with reinforcements from the Region of Spirit Domination, their forces were spread thin, focused on preventing the Cult from amassing enough sacrifices to complete their ritual.

The Ice Star Devourer exhaled, a cold mist escaping her lips. "For now, we can barely hold our territories and prevent the Cult from gaining ground. But to launch a proper counterattack, we lack the forces and the Devourers. At this rate, the front will stagnate for millennia…"

The Devourer of Critical Compression, the black-skinned man, nodded grimly. "Our suspicions seem to be correct… Someone is aiding the Cult from the shadows. Their strength is constantly replenished, and they keep revealing new reserves. I hate to admit it, but perhaps the Evil Gods have retained some influence over our worlds."

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer sighed heavily and added, "I feel the same… But we lack any concrete proof. All we know is that this hidden organization has grown so vast and powerful that it can challenge an alliance of more than thirty Law Devourers and the massive armies of two worlds."

"The Eternal Spirit Mother agrees that we cannot win without the aid of the Region of Flesh Domination," the translucent Devourer chimed in. "We must do everything possible to break through the Cult’s defenses at this point and reach the flesh cultivators’ world. There’s no other option, so let’s give it our all!"

The four Devourers exchanged determined nods before simultaneously ascending into the air, streaking through the void like bolts of lightning. Their auras flared brightly, sending waves of energy rippling through the atmosphere, each movement vibrating with the commanding presence of masters capable of reshaping the tide of battle through sheer will. They sped toward the epicenter of the conflict, where their forces clashed with the Cultists. But now, it was time to confront the five enemy Law Devourers head-on.

In the sky, the four figures became starkly visible, each embodying ancient, primordial power. The Craftsman's Heart Devourer led the charge—his radiant energy coiled into spiraling vortices, tearing through the fabric of space.

"Let’s not hold back…" he growled, uncharacteristically fierce for an elder.

Rainbow-hued energy radiated around him, spiraling faster with every moment. The vortices thickened, merging into dense streams of light that twisted around his body like colossal tendrils. The vortex erupted in a blinding flash, revealing the silhouette of a towering figure—a gargantuan form several kilometers tall, its features chiseled with the precision of a master craftsman.

The titan resembled the elder himself, its massive limbs stretching like pillars to the ground below. Its face, though carved from radiant energy, bore the same wise, weathered features as the elder, its glowing eyes brimming with unmatched resolve. The Craftsman's Heart Devourer now stood within the titan’s core, perfectly synchronized with its movements, controlling it as an extension of his own will.

The creation of the titan took mere moments—a rapid yet awe-inspiring process, as though time itself had bowed to the elder’s will.

"Boom!" the space around the titan quaked as it unleashed a massive strike toward the enemy forces.

The Cultists froze, momentarily stunned by the sheer magnitude of the titan and the oppressive aura emanating from it. But the titan’s colossal hand never reached its target. Instead, a cataclysmic explosion erupted midair.

"Boom! Bang!"

In the space where the elder’s hand should have landed, a crimson, clawed hand materialized, intercepting the blow. From this hand, another titan began to form—a monstrous figure of equal magnitude, its dark aura radiating malice. This was the power of one of their enemies.

The collision of the two titans’ hands sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, a force so devastating it could have annihilated entire armies. But the other Devourers quickly shielded their forces from the impact.

"Let’s find a more isolated place!" the elder’s voice thundered, and with a powerful motion, he hurled the enemy titan into the distant reaches of the starry void, immediately pursuing it.

The other Devourers followed suit, diving deeper into space. Neither side could afford to destroy their armies in the midst of battle.

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V.11 Chapter 897: Failure and Impasse

Nine Law Devourers began their battle as soon as they moved far enough from the battlefield where their armies clashed.

Their colossal projections had long since overshadowed their physical forms, becoming the epicenters of a raging storm. The laws they each commanded churned and spiraled into an unimaginable vortex, tearing apart the fabric of space, obliterating fragments of celestial rock, and even detonating distant stars.

The Ice Star Devourer faced off against an opponent who wielded the laws of energy. Her silhouette, framed by long silver hair whipping through a furious snowstorm, emanated a glacial brilliance from her eyes. She hurled spears of ice that pierced the void, crystallizing everything they touched into fragile shards. Waves of frost froze everything in their path, slowing her enemies’ movements to a crawl.

Her adversary, the Devourer of the Ghost Flame, was a master whose body was composed of black tongues of fire that devoured all in their path. Fiery explosions erupted from his hands, reducing her icy onslaughts to ash and transforming the stellar void into a blazing inferno, eclipsing the distant stars. Their collision resembled the clash of polar blizzards with volcanic eruptions, scattering shards of ice and clouds of ash in all directions, coating the battlefield with crystalline and smoky remnants.

Each combatant knew the others well; this was far from their first encounter over the last ten millennia. They even recognized each other's titles and had a general understanding of their powers.

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer, surrounded by spirals of radiant energy, fought against two foes simultaneously. One was the Devourer of Torn Joy, a gaunt, horned elder whose skeletal arms bore blades instead of hands. He unleashed torrents of aura that tore voids in the fabric of space, filling them with laws that seemed to drain all positive emotion from his enemies. The very fabric of reality cracked as if worn thin, ripping apart under the strain.

Beside him darted the Devourer of the Poisonous Scream, a short, plump woman with blue skin and pointed ears. A violet mist surrounded her, warping perception and creating illusory visions. Each scream from her avatar was like an energy blast, shredding the soul itself.

In the hands of the Craftsman’s Heart were two mighty hammers that countered the attacks of his enemies, dispersing black energy and dissipating the purple mist with every swing. Explosions of radiant energy rippled through space, forming multicolored whirlwinds that consumed the incoming spells. His reserves of energy seemed inexhaustible.

Elsewhere, the Devourer of Critical Compression, a towering dark-skinned giant, battled the Devourer of Phantom Sand—a creature resembling a yellow, spike-covered lizard. The sands swirling around the latter moved with incredible speed, disintegrating any substance they touched and adding it to the "sand army." Each sweep of its claws unleashed deadly whirlwinds that obliterated everything in their path. Yet, the Devourer of Critical Compression fought with unyielding resolve. His strikes created vacuums that compressed everything around him, smashing the sand into tiny spheres that exploded with deafening roars.

The Eternal Flame Devourer, a master from the Realm of Spiritual Domination, clashed with the Devourer of Flesh Depths, whose body was a grotesque amalgamation of writhing muscles and bones. Unique among the combatants, he did not manifest a separate avatar, instead channeling his power directly through his physical form. His strikes conjured massive fists of aura that absorbed the Eternal Flame’s attacks like a sponge before hurling them back as devastating blows that shook the fabric of space. Eternal Flame responded with flashes of ghostly blue-gray fire, not only burning matter but ripping pieces of his opponent’s soul. Their combat was a horrifying spectacle of flesh and spirit, locked in a desperate struggle that dissolved into oblivion.

The battle between the Devourers was not merely a fight but the embodiment of pure destruction. Space and time groaned under the weight of their overwhelming forces. Each strike carried a lethal intent, striving to annihilate the enemy, while each blow stripped away fragments of the universe itself. Spears, waves, spirals, and flesh eclipsed the stars, becoming the radiant epicenter of a devastating spatial storm.

For thousands of kilometers, chaos reigned. Even masters of the Supreme Monarch Sphere would not have lasted long in such an environment.

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer, struggling at the center of the fray, fended off the relentless attacks of his two foes. His radiant hammers shattered streams of black energy and dispersed the violet mist, yet he knew he could not defeat them. The Devourer of Torn Joy and the Devourer of Poisonous Scream, sensing his growing struggle, began closing in, circling like predators toying with their prey.

"You’re strong but foolish, old man!" sneered the Devourer of Torn Joy, his cracked bone blades gleaming with a dark light. "Don’t you see your fight is pointless? The Ancient Battlefield is ours, and we won’t let you come anywhere near the Region of Flesh Domination. Your strength here is insignificant!"

The Poisonous Scream laughed, her voice echoing through the void in deafening waves. With each ripple, the space around the Craftsman’s Heart distorted, and his radiant spirals seemed to dim, consumed by the violet haze.

"How long will you keep fighting? Join us, and prosperity awaits you! When we break the seal, the Twins of Life and Death will grant us unimaginable power!" Malice and scorn dripped from her voice as she gestured sharply. Thousands of illusory figures surrounded the Craftsman’s Heart, each a grotesque reflection of his form and visage. "Look at yourself! This is your future!"

The Craftsman’s Heart, gazing toward the distant boundary of the Ancient Battlefield, tightened his grip on his hammers. His colossal avatar struck and tore through the illusions, only for them to reform instantly, enclosing him even more tightly. He felt a dark pressure seep into his consciousness with every swing, pushing doubt into his mind.

"We will endure..." he muttered, his voice a thunderous roar reverberating across the battlefield. "Even if it costs me my life, one day, we will break through! You have no new sacrifices to gather, so your plan is also frozen in time!"

The sneering Torn Joy ground his teeth, unleashing another wave of energy. "Our cult has endured since before you were born, weathering countless crises! We can wait! One day, the seal binding our worlds will fall!"

The battlefield’s chaotic ruptures began closing in around the Craftsman’s Heart, muting the brilliance of his spirals into dull, gray blurs. Light and color themselves seemed to falter under the oppressive weight of foreign laws.

Then, a sudden crack resonated through the storm of laws, as though new currents had entered the fray! A third eye blazed open on the Craftsman’s Heart’s forehead, radiating blinding light that shattered the darkness and illusions. His projection transformed, two additional pairs of colossal arms erupting from his silhouette, each wielding radiant hammers. His manifestation grew even more formidable and awe-inspiring.

"You’ve underestimated me!" he roared, unleashing a flurry of hammer strikes. Space itself trembled under the onslaught. The hammers, shining with every color of the spectrum, smashed through the illusions, dispersing the violet mist in an explosion of brilliance.

"Ba-BOOM!" the shockwave rippled through the battlefield, so powerful it shook even distant stars. The Poisonous Scream’s illusions shattered like glass, and her suffocating aura dissipated, releasing its grip on the Craftsman’s Heart. For a moment, his enemies faltered, caught off guard by his renewed vigor.

Wasting no time, the Craftsman’s Heart retreated, his projection contracting as he moved with astonishing speed, leaving a trail of vibrant color in his wake. He scanned the battlefield—his allies still held their positions, but the balance of power was too even. Neither side could gain the upper hand. The Ice Star Devourer maintained barriers of ice, holding back fiery assaults, while the Devourers of Critical Compression and Eternal Flame continued their battles of attrition, neither dominating nor yielding.

The Craftsman’s Heart realized their attempt to break through the cultists’ defenses was doomed to fail. The forces were evenly matched, but the enemy held critical positions, prepared for a prolonged struggle. They needed to retreat, regroup, and prepare for the next attempt.

"Fall back!" his commanding voice echoed across the battlefield. "At least we’ve ensured none of these fanatics can reinforce other fronts."

Signaling his allies, his avatar dissolved, leaving only his original form. The trio of allies quickly responded, gradually withdrawing and easing the pressure on their foes without offering an opening for immediate pursuit.

"Running away?" mocked Torn Joy, though his voice carried a tinge of frustration at the missed opportunity to eliminate an enemy. "You can’t hide, old man! We’re everywhere! One day, you’ll kneel, just like all the fools who dared defy the Gods!"

But the Craftsman’s Heart only smirked in response. "You boast of enduring countless crises over millions of years? Yet, have you ever faced a universe united against you?" Straightening his tattered gray robes, he bellowed, "Today, we’ve stalled your plan. And believe me, we can wait too. The day we breach the Region of Flesh Domination will mark your end! Time is on our side, for we have more resources and a steady influx of fresh recruits."

His words silenced the retorts poised on his enemies’ lips. They, too, understood the grim reality of the situation. The Gods’ Resurrection Cult and the Rebellion Army of Life were locked in a stalemate. Both sides had committed all their resources, establishing clear positions. Neither dared take reckless risks, knowing that a single mistake could spell disaster. For both factions, failure was unthinkable.

Thus, the war entered a phase of accumulation and preparation. Victory hinged on which side could cultivate new Overlords, Monarchs, and Devourers faster—and who could do it first.

The Rebellion Army of Life sought to penetrate the Region of Flesh Domination, gaining an army in one decisive stroke, or face millennia of painstakingly nurturing the next generation. Meanwhile, the Gods’ Resurrection Cult teetered on the brink of completing their plan, risking that they might slowly but surely amass enough sacrifices for their ritual in the centuries to come. The stakes were unpredictable, the outcome uncertain.

This war was a perilous dance on thin ice above an abyss, where each move could be the last. The surface seemed stable, yet every step carried a betraying crack, as though reality itself threatened to collapse into a frigid void. One misstep, one misplaced pressure, and the ice would shatter—ending not just the combatants but all life in the universe.

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V.11 Chapter 898: Kai’s Battle

The black hall of the Heretical God’s Palace was bathed in a crimson glow—the aftermath of Kai’s brutal battle with the marionettes. He stood amidst a mountain of mutilated corpses, his chest heaving, each breath a harsh, rasping whistle. Blood dripped from his blades, pooling at his feet, and every fiber of his being screamed in agony. Yet, despite the unbearable pain and grievous injuries, Kai refused to falter.

Time had lost meaning. Days, months, years—all had blended into an endless moment. This place knew neither day nor night; time existed only as a constant sensation of pain and relentless growth. Around him swirled darkness, steeped in the remnants of his defeated foes’ power, which nourished his own progression.

The blood of the marionettes flowed toward him, soaking into his body and making his tattoos pulse with a sinister glow. In some places, his flesh had been stripped down to bare bone, and his appearance was feral. The bloodlust and suffocating aura surrounding him made Kai resemble a god of slaughter.

Kai slowly raised his gaze to the lifeless eyes of the marionettes, which seemed to watch him even in death. They were merely another step along his path—one of countless levels in the Pagoda of a Million Puppets that he had already conquered. With each battle, he felt his energy intensify, his laws intertwining into ever more intricate patterns.

"This… is nearly the end of this level… I need to find the strength for one final push," he thought, his muscles aching with the demand for rest. But his mind drove him forward. He knew that until he completed this floor, no one would release him from this hell.

A heavy silence descended over the hall. Kai strained to listen, as though seeking something hidden within it. From deep within the chamber came a faint whisper—the herald of yet another wave of marionettes.

Kai sank to one knee, his breathing labored. His inner world churned with exhaustion, especially at the nexus near his solar plexus, where his three cultivation systems converged. Over the past thousand years, the bonds between these three laws had only grown stronger.

"I can’t fully unleash the Dragon Devours Self Technique yet… or I’ll die for sure," he muttered through clenched teeth. "Tempcore wasn’t lying when he said this floor would be especially difficult for me."

He had finally breached the 111th level, meant for masters of the Law Overlord Sphere. The 112th, however, belonged to the Supreme Monarch Sphere—though it was the weakest of the 555 floors. Even so, Kai had chosen to test himself, having reached a bottleneck in his secluded cultivation. He sought a truly life-threatening experience to break through.

"Tap… tap… tap…" the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from the dark corridors. Kai raised his head, his eyes narrowing against the encroaching shadows. The oppressive stillness of the hall rippled as new adversaries advanced. Silhouettes emerged from the thick darkness—ten marionettes, but these were no ordinary constructs.

These marionettes resembled living masters from various races, each exuding an aura befitting the Law Overlord Sphere. Their eyes glowed with a cold, eerie light, as though possessing the faintest flicker of consciousness. They weren’t mere artificial creations; they seemed like perfect replicas of warriors who had once sought the Heretical God’s favor within this palace.

The first to step forward was a tall figure resembling an elf, with long, pointed ears and golden hair that shimmered under the dim torchlight. Threads of his golden locks swirled around him like a defensive barrier, each movement a blend of grace and lethal intent.

Beside him strode a demon marionette with crimson skin and horns crowned in flames. His body radiated unbearable heat, resembling molten lava.

Following them was a massive warrior reminiscent of an ancient giant. His stone-like skin, etched with glowing runes, exuded an aura of unyielding defense. Every step he took echoed like breaking earth, his movements ponderous yet menacing.

Among them was an elder shrouded in streams of wind, his long beard flowing like a tempest. His white eyes and intricate tattoos lent him an air of untouchable speed rather than brute strength.

Each of the remaining marionettes bore unique traits: one seemed to absorb light and energy, leaving distortions in space with every step, while others showcased monstrous forms or unsettling auras. Every one of them brimmed with the might and experience of countless battles, standing ready to tear Kai apart. Their power pressed down on him, an overwhelming wave threatening to drown his resolve.

"Ten Law Overlords," Kai muttered, tightening his grip on his blades. "This is going to be… interesting."

He forced his battered body to its feet, ignoring the searing protests of his muscles. Every battle brought him closer to his limit, but that was precisely what he sought. Surpassing this challenge would not only test his endurance, but also deepen his understanding of his laws and cultivation techniques.

"The marionettes on this floor are far more distinct and formidable than any I’ve faced before… How long have I been searching for the exit? Three months? At least I’ve gleaned a wealth of insight in that time," he thought, a manic grin spreading across his face.

Over millennia, Kai had encountered countless types of marionettes, surviving innumerable brushes with death. Now, fear was a foreign concept. He could feel the precision of his power down to its finest details, knowing when to risk everything and when to retreat and recover.

The marionettes didn’t wait. As though responding to an unseen command, all ten lunged at once, denying Kai even a moment of respite. The hall exploded into a cacophony of light, sound, and slashing attacks that rent the surrounding space. Kai dove into the fray as if plunging into a maelstrom, his focus narrowing to one objective—victory.

Sensing the sudden spike in his enemies’ auras, Kai didn’t hesitate. He activated his armor.

"Du-doom!" a black, abyssal armor enveloped him, absorbing all surrounding light and transforming him into a shadowy beast. His blades shifted, the metal flowing like liquid into elongated, razor-sharp claws designed to tear through both space and flesh.

He was no longer the same master who had begun this isolation. Thousands of battles against marionettes and his newfound mastery of the laws had unleashed his creative potential. Kai no longer merely fought; he became one with his laws, weaving them into a deadly harmony. The Asura Reaper Law, the Law of Inevitable Destruction, and the Oblivion Law intertwined seamlessly, creating a combat style both novel and terrifying.

With a sudden burst of speed, Kai lunged at the golden-haired marionette. His claws slashed through the air, leaving black streaks that warped the space around them. The marionette conjured light barriers to deflect the attack, but a massive black-and-red claw materialized in the air, completing Kai’s assault.

"BANG!" the barrier shattered under the force of the claw, and Kai’s second strike drove through the marionette’s heart.

Without pausing, Kai leapt back, narrowly dodging a fiery blast from the demon. His claws glowed dark red, imbued with the Asura Reaper Law, as he counterattacked with a wave of aura resembling a bloody torrent that tore through the flames. But even as he struck, the elder struck from behind.

"SHSS! BAM!" the elder’s attack landed with terrifying force, but to the elder’s surprise, Kai didn’t budge. A faint purple silhouette of an impenetrable wall had manifested around him, absorbing the blow.

Kai’s mastery of the Ninth Oblivion Technique had reached new heights, allowing him to manipulate his spiritual essence with precision. Now, he could project his spirit outward to block physical attacks as effortlessly as spiritual ones.

From the spiritual barrier, a sharp spike shot forward, impaling the elder’s spirit. The marionette faltered, his body shuddering as though disconnected from reality.

That moment was all Kai needed. His muscles rippled with explosive power as he drove his elbow into the elder’s neck, severing his head with a single strike.

Blood gushed upward, only to be absorbed instantly into Kai’s body.

His fighting style had transformed. No longer content with direct confrontations, Kai darted around his enemies, sowing chaos with unpredictable movements. His laws worked in concert, creating a seamless dance of destruction. The Fortress of Oblivion, the claws of the Asura Reaper Law, and his physical form all moved with singular purpose, anticipating his every intent.

But the battle was far from over. From the surrounding corridors, more marionettes emerged, their combined auras flooding the hall like a thunderclap. These newcomers were even more formidable—among them were beastmen with elongated claws, winged masters, and diminutive cultivators no taller than Kai’s knee, yet radiating terrifying power.

Kai immediately realized that maintaining his current pace was unsustainable. His armor was already showing cracks, the strain of constant blows beginning to take its toll. Each new explosion wracked his body with pain, his aura shivering like an overburdened spring.

"BANG!" the giant marionette struck with a devastating blow, cracking the ground beneath Kai and hurling him backward. He managed to activate the Oblivion Law to soften the impact, but something inside him snapped. Pain shot through his chest as fractured ribs pierced his lungs.

Before he could recover, a shadow lunged from the darkness. The claws of a beastman marionette sank into his shoulder. Gritting his teeth, Kai’s armor roiled around the wound, struggling to seal it, but the damage was severe. With a roar of defiance, Kai threw himself forward, shaking off the beastman marionette. Yet, even as he moved, another opponent appeared—a water-wielding cultivator whose fluid-like strikes flowed with deceptive speed, sweeping away all in their path.

"Shss!" a whip of water lashed across Kai’s chest, leaving a deep gash that froze his muscles with a wave of chilling energy. His body stiffened momentarily, but with a guttural roar, Kai summoned the Asura Reaper Law. The crimson aura surged through him, pushing back the numbing cold as he countered with a burst of raw power.

The hall erupted into chaos. Every marionette acted in perfect synchronization, striking from different angles and forcing Kai to push his focus and abilities to their absolute limits. He counterattacked whenever possible, each strike claiming another opponent, but the marionettes kept coming. Their combined might turned the battle into a relentless dance of survival, every move a gamble at the edge of death.

The giant struck again, his fist descending like a mountain. Kai barely avoided the crushing blow, only to feel claws rake his side as the beastman struck again. Blood spurted from the wound, but Kai refused to fall. Gritting his teeth against the searing pain, he activated the Law of Inevitable Destruction. The beastman’s claws disintegrated into fragments, falling like sand.

"Not… over… yet," Kai growled, wiping the blood from his face. His eyes burned with unyielding fury as his armor pulsed, responding to his indomitable will.

Despite his exhaustion, Kai felt an unshakable determination surge within him. The marionettes could not break him. No matter their numbers or strength, he would not falter. The cultists and the Evil Gods awaited him beyond this floor—these puppets were merely obstacles in his path.

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V.11 Chapter 899: Hope

While Kai was consumed by his own battle, the universe and its intricate processes marched relentlessly forward.

The Region of Flesh Domination was unaware of the grand-scale war waging on the Ancient Battlefield, nor of the desperation of others trying to make contact with them. Cultivators of flesh continued sending spies one after another, only for them to vanish without a trace. This disappearance heightened the suspicions of the realm’s high-ranking masters. What they didn’t realize was that the Ancient Battlefield consumed all attempts at outside interference. The Gods’ Resurrection Cult claimed every captured spy as a future sacrifice for their rituals.

Masters in the Region of Flesh Domination, observing their agents’ consistent failures, began to suspect that Kessia’s warnings carried weight. If she was right, entering the battlefield unprepared would be catastrophic. No one could predict the challenges awaiting them on the Ancient Battlefield.

Thus, time flowed on, a turbulent river dragging all participants into its unforgiving whirlpool.

A massive hall lit by the wavering glow of violet torches seemed alive. The walls trembled under the immense concentration of power saturating the air. Each of the gathered Law Devourers exuded a presence capable of crushing a weaker cultivator with a mere glance. At the center stood Kessia—the Ten Asura Origins Devourer—her blood-red aura suffusing the space with tension. Her crimson eyes burned with determination and fury.

Around her, seventeen other Law Devourers had gathered, including some new arrivals. At the first gathering in the Region of Flesh Domination, only three independent Devourers and ten from major clans had attended. Now, five more had emerged, coaxed out of their secluded cultivation. Among them was an aged incubus, long thought dead even within the Gardens of Succubus Temptation. Another was a qilin who had retreated from worldly affairs centuries ago. The other three were masters unaffiliated with the great clans.

"We can’t afford to wait any longer," declared the Devourer of Unyielding Shell, his voice like molten metal carving into the soul. "My instincts are screaming at me to act quickly."

"I agree," Kessia said coldly, drawing the attention of everyone present. "When I was on the Ancient Battlefield, things were already spiraling out of control. I don’t like the fact that we’re in the dark. We must act now before it’s too late. At the very least, we can go first—and only then mobilize the armies of our clans."

She raised her hand, and a three-dimensional schematic projection of the Ancient Battlefield materialized in the center of the hall. Though imperfect, its general features were discernible.

"There are eighteen of us now," said the Shadows’ Passion Devourer, her grace sharp with tension. "I refuse to believe anyone can suppress us. It’s impossible!"

The Devourers nodded, each having already considered the risks and concluding they were minimal. Without subordinates, their chances of significant losses were slim.

"Very well," Kessia said confidently, casting a final glance at the assembly. "Then let’s uncover the truth once and for all."

Over the years, Kessia had become the de facto leader of the Devourers. Though she had once been vilified as the ultimate sinner, it was now evident that she had been protecting the realm’s core legacy from its enemies. Moreover, her terrifying strength left little room for dissent.

The Devourers’ auras began to condense around them, and soon their figures dissolved into the fabric of space. Moments later, the hall was empty, the masters having departed for the edge of their world.

Kessia led the group forward, carving a path through the very fabric of reality. With each step, their surroundings grew increasingly distorted, and the tension in the air intensified. At the universe's edge, where familiar stars faded into spatial anomalies, Kessia stopped, glancing back at her companions.

"Here," she said calmly, raising her hand as if to feel the pulse of the distorted space. Her fingers glowed crimson, and with the precision unique to Law Devourers, she tore open reality, revealing a swirling black vortex. Within, flashes of lightning and spirals of chaotic laws danced. Kessia stepped through first, and the others followed, vanishing one by one.

On the other side, they emerged into the eerie silence of an ancient temple. Towering black stone columns stretched toward a sky that seemed unreal, their outlines blurred. The cracked floor beneath them radiated an aura of time and decay, while the air was thick with the essence of ruin.

"I haven’t felt laws like these in a long time…" muttered the Devourer of Unyielding Shell, frowning as his own laws began to behave erratically.

"Incredible," said the qilin, whose movements were always measured and precise. Here, however, his laws seemed disoriented by the environment. "The laws… they’re going mad."

Kessia felt it too. Her normally stable blood-red aura vibrated uncontrollably, as if resisting her. Here, in this ancient temple, their powers were enveloped by the intertwining laws of energy and spirit emanating from the Ancient Battlefield.

"It’s fine," Kessia reassured them. "This place is saturated not only with the laws of flesh but also those of energy and spirit. It’ll take a moment to adapt. On the battlefield, this effect will be even stronger."

"Confirmed," stated an old xuan master who had once accidentally stumbled upon the Ancient Battlefield.

The Devourers exchanged glances and nodded. Some even seemed invigorated by these developments. At their level of cultivation, opportunities for new discoveries were rare. For some, this was a chance to face new challenges and rivals.

Kessia extended her senses, filling the temple’s corridors with her perception to locate the path forward. She led them to the main hall, where three massive spheres hovered, representing the structure of the universe. Activating them would send them directly to the Ancient Battlefield.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the universe, other events were unfolding. In a serene pagoda surrounded by fragrant gardens and tranquil ponds, an elder with three eyes sat in quiet meditation. His long white hair was neatly arranged, and his two regular eyes, along with the third on his forehead, remained closed as if he were lost in profound thought. The air around him was filled with the faint scent of incense burning in elegant bronze braziers, leaving a delicate trail of aroma. The elder held a tea bowl, occasionally sipping from it with slow, deliberate movements.

He appeared utterly at ease, his demeanor exuding calm confidence. Yet the faint, flickering glow of his third eye hinted at an unseen vigilance, scanning the invisible threads of laws weaving through the world.

This was the Craftsman's Heart Devourer, the guardian of the passage to the Region of Flesh Domination. Despite their best efforts, his enemies had been unable to breach the defenses under his watch.

"The Twins of Life and Death…" he murmured to himself, addressing the empty air.

His voice was soft but carried a subtle, commanding power. Setting the tea bowl on an intricately carved table, he returned to his musings. He had often heard the cultists speak of these Evil Gods during battles and had delved into the legends of the Ancient Battlefield, which claimed the Twins watched over it. The tales spoke of the Goddess of Life and the God of Death punishing those who meddled in the other three realms.

"If it were true that the Twins could directly influence us…" the elder whispered, "they would’ve annihilated every foreign invader causing chaos here long ago. It seems their ‘will’ is carried out solely by their Devourer followers and cult members. If that’s the case, there must be a way to contact them…"

He opened his eyes, and the third eye on his forehead blazed like a torch in the night. His gaze pierced the horizon, looking beyond the pagoda.

"We’re fighting Evil Gods, but only their puppets so far…" he muttered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "What happens when the puppet masters reveal themselves? Can we withstand such a threat?"

Taking another sip of tea, the elder’s third eye dimmed, and he returned to his tranquil thoughts. He knew things would not go as planned and that each warrior on the battlefield would pay their own price. Yet, there was a silver lining. Many Devourers had found renewed growth after millennia of stagnation. Battles with evenly matched opponents and life-and-death struggles had even proven beneficial for them.

"I must prepare… I’m close to grasping another universal law. Once I do, I’ll be able to handle those two bastards and secure the breakthrough to the Region of Flesh Domination!" the elder declared with a confident smile.

He felt a surge of inspiration regarding one of the laws he had been studying. It had remained stagnant for years, but recent battles had reignited his understanding. He sensed he was on the verge of triggering another Universal Cataclysm. Time was as critical for nurturing armies and young cultivators as it was for the Devourers to grow stronger.

Reaching for his tea, the elder prepared to savor another peaceful sip. But suddenly, his third eye flared with brilliant light, cutting through space with blinding intensity. His face tightened as his calm was replaced by concern—he had sensed a massive surge of power, so overwhelming it shook him to his core.

"What is this…" he began, but the scale of the event rendered him speechless. Near the frontline, an incredible force had erupted, dwarfing anything he had ever felt from the cultists.

Space trembled, and the laws around him warped into a chaotic mess.

The elder leapt to his feet, the tea bowl slipping from his grasp and shattering on the floor. Without hesitation, he darted out of the pagoda as if propelled by an invisible force. His robes billowed in the wind, and his eyes burned with fierce intensity. The Craftsman's Heart Devourer knew something unprecedented was happening.

"This can’t be…" he rasped, halting at the edge of the pagoda. Gazing out at the endless expanse of stars, he tried to discern the source of the power, but its sudden and unpredictable nature left him stunned and wary.

He wasn’t the only one who felt it. From other pagodas, other Devourers emerged. His allies, too, were shaken by the surge of energy, abandoning their tasks to race outside like bolts of lightning.

"What’s going on?!" shouted the Devourer of Critical Compression, who had been monitoring the border. His aura rippled with uncertainty as he dashed toward the disturbance.

"Could it be reinforcements from the Cult? Such power… It’s as if more than ten Devourers have arrived! We need to retreat immediately!" cried the Ice Star Devourer, her eyes filled with alarm, her hands clenched into fists. She could feel that such strength could shift the balance of power on their front in an instant.

"Or perhaps the opposite!" the Craftsman's Heart Devourer retorted, his words making the others pause.

After a brief moment of contemplation, he turned to his allies and commanded in a decisive tone:

"Prepare to withdraw! I’ll investigate and return immediately!" With those words, the elder surged forward, his figure blending into the air, leaving only a faint trace of energy behind. He knew he had to reach the frontline as quickly as possible to uncover the source of this power and buy time for his side.

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V.11 Chapter 900: Allies!

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer streaked forward like a radiant flash, traversing space at lightning speed. The air around him trembled, and his passage left behind a shimmering rainbow trail slicing through the horizon. As he neared the frontlines, a series of new sensations erupted ahead—explosions of light, each more intense than the last.

Squinting, he saw it: a battle had begun.

The old man halted abruptly at the edge of the battlefield, overwhelmed by a profound sense of disbelief. At the heart of the chaos, a host of figures clashed—masters, all of them Law Devourers.

"How?!" he exclaimed in shock, though a surge of hope immediately followed. "Could it be…"

"There are more of them here than there are masters from the Region of Spirit Domination," he realized, watching the flashes illuminate the battlefield. Each move these masters made seemed to rend reality itself, leaving destruction in their wake.

It didn’t take long to count: eighteen unfamiliar masters stood against six cultists, the same six whose defense he and his allies had tried to break for centuries.

The cultists from the Gods’ Resurrection Cult appeared stunned, unprepared for the sudden arrival of so many powerful adversaries. Despite the overwhelming presence of the newcomers, their expressions showed not fear but grim determination. Sharing brief glances, the six cultists seemed to reach a silent agreement.

In unison, they activated peculiar artifacts resembling translucent mirrors that glowed faintly. The space in front of each cultist rippled, giving way to void-like portals.

"SHWOO! SHWOO! SHWOO! THUMP!"

The sound of the portals opening and closing resonated sharply as the six cultists stepped into the black voids without hesitation. In an instant, the portals vanished, leaving behind faint sparks that quickly dissipated.

"Damn it!" The Craftsman's Heart Devourer could scarcely believe what he had just witnessed. The six enemies they had fought against for centuries had simply disappeared as if they had never been there. The suddenness of it all was staggering.

Meanwhile, the eighteen newcomers stood frozen, momentarily disoriented and unprepared to attack. Their auras flickered, primed for battle, yet none of them moved. It was as though they themselves hadn’t expected this turn of events. The old man realized their abrupt arrival had thrown the cultists off balance, but he couldn’t have imagined it would be this effective.

Silent, he watched as the cultists disappeared into the portals, leaving the battlefield completely vacant. He understood that one of the most critical enemy fronts had just collapsed before his eyes. The scene was absurdly miraculous.

"This is our chance!" he shouted, pulling an artifact from his ring and immediately transmitting a mental message.

"The cultists’ Devourers have fled! It’s a miracle—masters from the Region of Flesh Domination have broken through to this world! I don’t know how it happened, but launch the attack now! Destroy the regular cultists before they can escape! I’ll try to establish contact with the newcomers!"

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer turned, his heart pounding with exhilaration. This was an extraordinary stroke of luck, a breakthrough in what had felt like an endless nightmare of war against the Cult.

Meanwhile, Kessia and the other masters from the Region of Flesh Domination were adapting to the local laws’ influence on their bodies. They hadn’t immediately understood where they were or who was before them. Everything had happened too quickly, and the unknown Law Devourers had fled far faster than expected.

Watching this, Kessia frowned and muttered, "Damn… Looks like we missed our enemies…"

Before the others could respond, a flash of light illuminated the battlefield, and a three-eyed elder appeared before them. He regarded them with respect and quickly spoke:

"Greetings! Are you… masters from the Region of Flesh Domination?" he asked, hastily continuing. "I am not your enemy, and I implore you to hear me out. Without your help, the entire universe could face annihilation!"

It was clear the Craftsman's Heart Devourer was desperate to establish contact with these potential allies. Everything he said was true, though to unprepared listeners, it might have sounded like madness.

Unexpectedly, Kessia stepped forward. With a chilling smile that seemed oddly familiar to the elder, she replied:

"Don’t worry, we already know about the Gods’ Resurrection Cult and the impending return of the Evil Gods. Those bastards have caused plenty of harm in our universe, but they’ve also provided us with valuable information. We’re here to help!"

The elder froze in place, stunned by her words.

For thousands of years, they had fought to gain a foothold in the Region of Flesh Domination, hoping to slowly rally allies from that domain. But never in their wildest dreams had they imagined that these potential allies would come to them, already hostile toward the Cult.

What happened next shocked the elder even more. He received a telepathic message directly from Kessia:

"I won’t go into details, but much of what’s happening is thanks to someone named Kai. I know he’s connected to you because he described your appearance and abilities to me before. The other Devourers don’t know this, so play along."

Kessia turned to her companions and, with a confident smile, declared:

"We’re in luck! I can say with certainty that this elder is our ally."

The elder nodded, struggling to process the depth of the situation. But before he could respond, one of the eighteen newcomers—a Devourer from the hundun race—suddenly darted forward.

The hundun moved with terrifying speed, a shadow streaking through the night. His fist, wrapped in a gray aura, resembled a weapon of pure destruction. The strike seemed capable of ripping through the fabric of space itself. Yet, even in this ferocious attack, there was no lethal intent—only a demonstrative gesture, a test of strength.

The elder reacted instantly. With a wave of his hand, a massive rainbow hammer materialized before him, shimmering with the light of countless worlds.

"Ba-bang!" the hammer collided with the hundun’s fist, unleashing a shockwave that rippled across the battlefield, making the very space tremble.

A radiant flash blinded everyone momentarily. The sheer power of the clash was immense, yet the hammer held firm, embodying unyielding resolve. The elder felt the impact—not as an energy drain but as a physical challenge, a deliberate test. Despite the hundun’s overwhelming strength, the blow had been restrained, more a warning than an attack.

"We cannot afford to fight!" the Craftsman's Heart Devourer shouted, his eyes flashing with urgency. He recognized that the hundun’s strike could have been far more destructive but had been intentionally held back.

"Damn… You really are a cultivator of energy," the hundun rumbled, his aura flaring with interest. "Apologies, elder. I just couldn’t believe there were still powerful energy cultivators left. We haven’t seen any in our universe for ages. Ha!"

The elder narrowed his eyes but understood the hundun’s curiosity. Upon breaking through to the Ancient Battlefield, they too had been astonished to discover that other types of cultivators still existed.

"You’re strong," the hundun admitted, feeling the reverberations in his body from their clash.

"What matters is that we’re not enemies," the elder replied, easing the hammer’s pressure. "If you need proof, we’ll provide it through our actions. Our goals are the same. We share the same enemy."

The hundun stepped back, his murky aura settling into a calmer form. As he retreated, three other Devourers approached the elder. Among them was a translucent figure whose aura radiated the unique essence of a spirit cultivator.

Curiosity and intrigue flickered in the eyes of many newcomers. Though they restrained themselves, their interest was evident.

The moment was interrupted by Kessia’s commanding voice:

"There’s no time for chatter. We’ve lost the enemy, which means they’ll report our arrival immediately. We’ve lost the element of surprise, so we must adjust our war strategy at once. Elder, lead us to your alliance’s headquarters and brief us along the way!"

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer nodded, sensing the tide of the war shifting in their favor. He cast a thoughtful glance at Kessia and the assembled masters now surrounding him, then took a deep breath as if gathering his thoughts.

"You’re right. Time is not on our side," he agreed, a faint, satisfied smile playing on his lips. "But your arrival is an extraordinary gift. The enemy Devourers have fled, leaving their army on this front defenseless. All we need is a little time. We’ll destroy them and head to headquarters immediately!"

The elder turned, pointing toward the frontlines, where the Cult’s army was already in disarray. Where once the powerful auras of the cultists’ leaders had dominated, confusion now reigned. Cultists scrambled chaotically, their confidence shattered, their defenses as unstable as shifting sand.

His words carried a firm conviction, and the energy within him burned brighter.

"Then let us help you," Kessia declared resolutely. "We’ve come to aid you and become allies. This is our war too!"

The elder, glancing at his newfound allies, felt a surge of hope he hadn’t experienced in centuries. They had fought here for millennia, but today, thanks to this unforeseen twist of fate, everything might finally change. His burdensome thoughts dissipated in an instant.

In the next moment, the Craftsman's Heart Devourer felt a wave of transcendent power rising around him and the newcomers.

The combined strength of the eighteen masters and the elder merged into a singular, awe-inspiring force. The Devourers’ auras blazed like divine flames, flooding the battlefield with blinding light. The very fabric of space seemed to buckle under the pressure of their immense power, and the universe itself groaned in submission to their collective will.

Their might crashed upon the Cult’s army like an unstoppable tidal wave. The initial assaults obliterated the carefully constructed barricades. The ground cracked and swallowed thousands of cultists, while those who managed to comprehend their situation were crushed under the overwhelming pressure of devastating energy.

Kessia unleashed a crimson storm of blood energy, her aura a blend of cold calculation and relentless aggression, tearing through the enemy ranks. The hundun followed with a thunderous roar, his shadowy form consuming countless cultists and dragging them into the void of nonexistence. The other Devourers joined in, wielding their unique laws to transform the battlefield into a living nightmare.

The elder watched with satisfaction as his new allies unleashed their fury upon the enemy. Torrents of laws annihilated the cultists’ ranks, reducing them to a red mist. The Cult’s forces were given no chance to regroup; one by one, they fell to the unstoppable onslaught. Fiery and icy vortexes erupted in the sky, while light and darkness collided in a maelstrom of destruction.

The transcendent power shattered the air, each explosion edging the Cult’s army closer to total annihilation. This was no mere battle—it was an execution carried out with chilling efficiency. Screams, explosions, and chaos melded into a singular cacophony, the dying wail of a vanquished force.

It took less than an hour for the frontline to be reduced to nothing but blood-soaked ruins. Where once the Cult’s mighty ranks had stood, only remnants of destruction and shattered hopes remained.

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V.11 Chapter 901: A New Stage of War

As the last cultists fell beneath the might of the eighteen masters, the battlefield grew silent. The bodies of the fallen dissolved into the air, leaving no trace of the chaos that had consumed the area. The Craftsman's Heart Devourer issued orders to his forces to clear the battlefield, gather anything useful, and solidify their new positions. Meanwhile, he quickly conferred with his newfound allies.

It was decided that the Ice Star Devourer would remain to guard the passage to the Region of Flesh Domination. Seven of the Flesh Region’s masters—four independent cultivators, along with a rukh, a vampire, and one qilin—also chose to stay. Unlike the Spirit and Energy Regions, which had natural defenses such as the Eternal Spirit Mother and a mysterious law that annihilated invaders, the Flesh Region was completely unprotected. If the enemies returned, they could invade with ease and harvest an immense number of sacrifices.

With these precautions in place, the now smaller but still formidable group ascended into the starry expanse, following the Craftsman's Heart Devourer.

Their passage tore through the void, streaks of aura mixing with energy vortices. The elder flew ahead, guiding the masters through the fractured space scarred by countless battles.

His voice cut through the roaring distortions of space:

"We are heading to the Infinite Path Sect. It serves as our central headquarters, where all major decisions are made. Initially, it was under the sole control of the Devourer of Critical Compression," he said, gesturing toward the master flying beside him.

"As you might guess, we, too, are guests in this realm. We stumbled upon this world by chance, thinking it held ancient artifacts and lands that would illuminate the path to the next, Divine Sphere. This discovery led the Region of Energy Domination to unite and work together."

Despite the group’s immense power, the journey would take time. The elder, sparing no detail, began his tale from the start.

"The deeper we delved into ancient records and the artifacts of pocket worlds, the more we realized that history was not as straightforward as we’d believed. We began to sense an overarching threat… When we arrived at the Ancient Battlefield, those suspicions were confirmed."

The others listened silently, not interrupting. Even minor details intrigued them—it was their first direct contact with beings from another realm.

"We initially charged into this world, exploring its surroundings, discovering fascinating relics and ancient pocket dimensions. But soon, we learned of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult and began gathering information about it. It became clear that much of the Ancient Battlefield’s forces were already under the Cult’s control. Thankfully, not all…" The elder’s gaze shifted respectfully to the Devourer of Critical Compression.

The latter sighed heavily and picked up the thread:

"This is my world, and I’ve observed its events for a long time. But even I couldn’t grasp the scale of these lunatics’ power… Damn…" His dark mouth twisted into a grimace, and his murderous aura began to churn. "When the energy masters arrived, we immediately waged war to annihilate the cultists. But at some point, they unleashed an avalanche of resources and power on us. I won’t even mention the horrifying ‘harvest’ of sacrifices they gathered in that time. Thousands of years were spent just stabilizing the frontlines. After that, the war devolved into a grueling stalemate, where every misstep could cost us everything."

Hearing this, the Craftsman's Heart Devourer nodded solemnly. When his ally finished, the elder continued:

"My friend omitted a crucial detail… We quickly managed to establish contact with the Region of Spirit Domination. Fortunately, the Eternal Spirit Mother had long been monitoring similar organizations. She sent us reinforcements, which allowed us to stabilize the situation and prevent the Cult from gathering even more sacrifices."

These words sparked immediate interest among the flesh masters. A succubus licked her lips and playfully asked:

"What’s this about, handsome?" she teased, directing her words at the elder. "Is this Eternal Spirit Mother someone like our Heretical God?"

The elder ignored her tone and responded seriously:

"As I understand it, yes. In our realm, there was supposed to be a Creator of Energy, but… he’s gone."

"Then why hasn’t she come here herself, elder? If she’s equal to the Heretical God, she could resolve this situation in an instant," the dragon asked, frowning.

The question hung heavily, and everyone waited for a clear answer. Why send reinforcements when a god’s presence could end the catastrophe before it began?

"She cannot enter this realm," the Devourer of Critical Compression answered firmly. As a native of the border world, he knew more of the ancient history. "Each of the Lower Gods was sealed within their respective worlds. The Evil Gods ensured that a union of masters would never occur again."

The more Kessia listened, the darker her thoughts became. She couldn’t help but connect the strange sequence of events. Her voice, sharp with deadly intent, interrupted the discussion:

"How long we’ve been blind… The Creator of Energy is gone, and no one knows when he disappeared. Fifty thousand years ago, the cultists seized their chance to prevent the birth of a new Heretical God… If they manage to break the seal on our worlds, there won’t even be anyone left to defend us."

The same grim realization echoed in the eyes of the others: the Gods’ Resurrection Cult had meticulously planned every step. None of them were fools; they recognized the magnitude of the danger. Even the wildest theories suddenly seemed chillingly plausible. They were all pawns in a grand game spanning the universe.

Most disturbing of all was the sense that the Evil Gods themselves were behind it all. It felt as though they had been guiding the cultists, waiting for millions of years to deliver a decisive blow to life itself.

The Devourers from the Region of Flesh Domination exchanged glances. The succubus bit her lip nervously, the rukh clenched his fists grimly, and the dragon narrowed his eyes as if trying to pierce the veil of words. Their auras quivered, each sensing a shadow of the Evil Gods looming over this world, eager to tear it apart.

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer continued speaking, his tone growing increasingly somber.

"They’ve been watching, waiting for the right moment, preparing. They isolated our worlds, leaving us defenseless without the Lower Gods or anyone who could stand against the Evil Gods directly. The cultists acted like seasoned hunters, cutting us off from any potential alliances. And now, it seems, they’re on the verge of breaking the final seal."

The elder fell silent, his gaze sweeping over the assembled masters. No further explanation was needed—they all understood that the situation was dire. The boundaries between worlds were as fragile as spider silk, and a single misstep could unravel everything.

"If the seal breaks," an old xuan master said, gripping his spiraling staff tightly, "there will be no safe place left for us. Even the Eternal Spirit Mother will fall."

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer nodded, affirming his words.

"This is why we must act quickly and in unity. Your help is invaluable. Your arrival is nothing short of a blessing for the entire universe."

The Devourer of Critical Compression stared ahead with restrained fury, his gaze fixed on the stars as if seeing not their destination but another bloody battlefield.

"These bastards are craftier than anyone," he growled. "They’ve played us like children, setting traps and leading us astray. We must unite, cast aside fear, and strike first. It’s time to turn this war in our favor. If we destroy the Cult and its roots, we can ensure that such fanatics never rise again! The three realms will be united once more, using this border world as a platform for dialogue!"

The surrounding masters nodded slowly, the fire of determination rekindling in their hearts. They weren’t here by chance, and even if the enemy had prepared meticulously, they still had a chance to change their fate.

Kessia silently surveyed the group, clenching her fists. Her eyes burned with a resolve stronger than ever.

"The cultists now know of our arrival. Who knows what reckless measures they’ll take now that the tide is turning in our favor? We must prepare for the next stage of the war!" she declared coldly.

With those words, the group accelerated, leaving the devastated battlefield behind.

After several days of continuous travel, a massive teralith structure appeared on the horizon. It resembled a monolithic fortress carved into the very fabric of starry space. Even from a distance, it was clear that the Infinite Path Sect lived up to its name. The teralith was adorned with diverse structures—towering spires with stained glass and symbols, massive terraces draped in vine-covered ruins, and radiant runes. The architecture reflected a fusion of paths, blending the culture and history of countless worlds.

Yet this breathtaking sight was overshadowed by the unmistakable signs of war. Protective barriers shimmered weakly, their light dim. Military camps and fortifications choked the sect’s territory. Guards stood at every crossroads, and warriors patrolled the skies. Arrays activated around the perimeter glowed ominously, underscoring the sect’s readiness for battle.

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer stopped, hovering in the air before his companions. A deep unease clouded his expression.

"This is the heart of our resistance," he said, gesturing to the layered walls and towers. "But despite its power and distance from the frontlines, the cultists relentlessly search for any weakness in our defenses."

The flesh region masters listened intently, their eyes scanning the fortifications, noting reinforced areas and strategic points.

Kessia’s gaze lingered on the various workshops and forges producing new artifacts and weapons. Most notably, she observed the numerous training grounds where young cultivators poured their all into their training. Clearly, the Rebellion Army was investing every resource into nurturing new warriors.

"It seems we’re at the very center of the web," remarked a master whose body was partially composed of metallic plates. "And at any moment, this web could tear apart. We’re not just at war—we’re on the brink of catastrophe."

Kessia nodded approvingly at the young cultivators and said:

"Harsh conditions, bloody battles, and boundless resources… This era will give birth to countless heroes."

The Craftsman's Heart Devourer smiled in agreement and added:

"We’ll begin by convening the general council. Although I’ve informed them of your arrival, I suspect many find it too miraculous to believe," he said, relaxing slightly. "We need to formally introduce ourselves and outline our strengths and capabilities. Then we’ll devise a new strategy!"

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V.11 Chapter 902: The Twins of Life and Death

As the Rebellion Army of Life welcomed its allies, far across the stars, the senior members of the Gods’ Resurrection Cult gathered in one of their hidden temples. The chamber glimmered with countless crystals that held the encased forms of masters.

There were only seven cultists present, gathered on the Law Devourer Sphere. Of course, their ranks held far more masters, but like the Rebellion Army of Life, they were occupied on other battlefronts. The responsibility for organizational and strategic decisions fell to these seven.

The first to speak was an elder with wild white hair, sticking out in all directions like snakes embedded in his skull. His gray skin was cracked like an ancient statue, and his glowing, deathly green eyes pierced the dim light. Beneath his robe, angular hands with long, gnarled fingers emerged.

"The situation is spiraling out of control," he rasped, his voice trembling with displeasure. "The intervention of the Region of Flesh masters is a catastrophe! How did this even happen?!"

Beside him sat a figure cloaked in violet, wearing a mask shaped like the skull of a mythical beast with long, curling horns. Beneath the mask was a woman with pale skin etched with tattoos resembling writhing worms.

"We knew this could happen," she replied, her voice resounding as if from the depths of a cavern. "But no one could have predicted they’d bring such immense power. We must accelerate our plans. The sacrifices and resources we’ve gathered must be utilized immediately!"

The third cultist, a short man whose body was encased in bronze plates as if he had been born into magical armor, chuckled coldly. His face was half-covered by a smooth metallic mask, the other half marred by deep scars, as though he’d been torn apart and crudely pieced back together.

"You’re suggesting we perform the ritual ahead of schedule?" he asked cautiously. "That could lead to unpredictable consequences… Do we have enough power? We wanted everything to be foolproof…"

"We have no time for caution!" growled another cultist, his aura exuding intimidation as he slammed the table, scattering papers and maps. He was a man with unnaturally long limbs and predatory facial features. His narrow, crimson eyes gleamed like those of a demon, and his thin lips quivered as though ready to unleash incantations. His fingers resembled the webbed limbs of a monstrous aquatic creature.

At the edge of the table sat a figure in an ash-gray cloak that concealed their entire form. Beneath the hood, a young man with black eyes and metallic spikes protruding from his back was visible. His skin was covered in fine scales, shimmering like obsidian.

"Accelerate the ritual..." he said in a quiet yet resonant voice. "But if it fails, there won’t be a second chance. We must be certain…"

"Certainty is for the weak," snapped a tall cultist whose skin was translucent like glass. Her face resembled a lifeless mask, and her silvery hair cascaded like a waterfall. Her arms were adorned with bone-and-eye bracelets. "If we wait any longer, those heretics will crush us. What happens if they start finding and destroying our caches? The fewer sacrifices, the smaller our chance of success!"

The seventh and final cultist was a slender woman, her long, thin fingers peeking out from her sleeves. Her hands bore deep scars, and her nails glimmered with a metallic sheen. Chains woven into her cloak clinked with every movement, as if restraining a dangerous force within.

"Let us disturb the Twins of Life and Death. Their wisdom surpasses ours, so let them guide us…" her voice hissed softly.

At the suggestion, the elder with hair like serpents faltered momentarily. Then he frowned and objected:

"The seal is in the wrong phase right now. To contact them, we’ll have to initiate the connection ourselves, weakening the seal. That would require an enormous number of sacrifices… It wouldn’t have been an issue before, but what if the sacrifices we expend are exactly what we’ll need for the future ritual?"

"In that case, we’ll sacrifice our entire army to compensate. It won’t matter once the Gods are resurrected! Better to consult the Twins than to act recklessly!"

Silence settled over the hall, broken only by the hum of the crystals and the faint groans of imprisoned captives. The situation had reached a point where a prolonged war was no longer an option.

All seven cultists nodded and rose. In unison, they turned to face five colossal statues standing in the hall's depths. These massive effigies depicted the ancient Gods who had once enslaved all life.

The cultists knelt before the Gods, as if to draw strength and blessings from them. Then, as if following an unspoken command, they stood and disappeared instantly, leaving no trace but a faint ripple in the energy of the space.

The seven Law Devourers reappeared in another part of their refuge, a boundless expanse that defied human comprehension. Beneath their feet shimmered a radiant barrier, etched with ancient runes and symbols glowing in a spectrum of colors. The barrier stretched for hundreds of kilometers, encasing the space like a magical shell.

Yet the most terrifying element of this place was a black vortex suspended beneath the barrier. It spun with horrifying speed, emitting chaotic tendrils of energy that thrashed as if trying to escape. The vortex appeared as a wound in space itself, a gaping void eager to devour all in its grasp.

The cultists stood silently, their gaze fixed on the vortex. Each felt its pull, as if it awakened something ancient and forgotten within them. Here, in the sanctuary's depths, they felt insignificant before the power contained within the seal.

The elder with serpent-like hair stepped forward, his eyes blazing with deathly green light as he stared into the vortex.

"It will be soon," he murmured with a mixture of awe and fear. "We are so close... This vortex must become the place where the Gods are reborn! We cannot let everything fall apart now! Too much effort and too many generations have been sacrificed for this ultimate goal!"

The others nodded solemnly, understanding that their lives and plans hung by a thread. This barrier and vortex were the Gods’ Resurrection Cult's greatest secret and relic. It was the very place where the seal, imposed long ago by the Evil Gods, was housed.

The woman with grotesque, scarred hands smiled fanatically and hissed:

"It was here that our distant predecessors first heard the voices of the Twins of Life and Death... I hope this will be the last time we speak to them through the barrier. The next time, we must see the Gods in the flesh!"

The woman with grotesque, scarred hands clapped sharply, her voice resonating through the chamber.

"Boom! Crack!"

In another part of the temple, where countless crystals imprisoned the bodies of sacrifices, horrifying changes began to unfold. One by one, the crystals shattered, releasing bursts of pale light and blood-curdling screams that echoed throughout the sanctuary. Flesh, energy, and spirit were drawn into the air, absorbed into the temple’s ancient structure with dull, guttural sounds, becoming part of its very foundation.

"Boom! Boom-boom! Crack!"

The space trembled violently, as if on the brink of collapse. The barrier beneath the cultists' feet quivered, and the air thickened, saturated with a foul stench. The seal restraining the vortex flickered, responding to the sacrificial energy. Its light grew ever brighter with each shattered crystal, searingly intense and blinding, as though the vortex itself strained to break free from its chains.

The crystals shattered more rapidly, like fragile ice under unbearable pressure, leaving dark stains on the floor as their remnants crumbled. Each explosion unleashed waves of dreadful energy, absorbed into the temple's matrix, strengthening it, making it even more foreboding and dangerous.

"What a loss…" growled the cultist with the bronze mask, his voice trembling with tension. "But it will be worth it!"

The array beneath their feet lit up with golden lines, like living veins stretching toward the vortex, binding every element of the ritual together. The power drawn from the sacrifices flowed into the black void of the vortex, like a river feeding a ravenous beast. Currents of energy swirled around, forming a luminous whirlpool that merged with the vortex’s dark energy, fueling its restless hunger.

"Just a little longer," murmured the elder with serpent-like hair, standing at the edge of the platform, his eyes alight with maniacal resolve.

The vibrations grew more intense, threatening to tear the sanctuary apart. The massive statues of the Gods in the main hall began to shimmer, their forms briefly appearing lifelike, as if poised to step off their pedestals.

With each shattered crystal, the seal’s radiance intensified. The cultists felt the growing power coursing through their bodies, filling them with anticipation and dread.

"We haven’t heard the voices of the Twins of Life and Death in so long!" exclaimed the cultist with translucent skin, her voice brimming with fanaticism and obsession. "I’m trembling with excitement!"

Her fervor seemed to make her oblivious to the catastrophe unfolding on the battlefields.

The vortex, now fed by the energy of tens of thousands of sacrifices, spun even faster. Strange black and white currents began to seep outward, sliding across the barrier’s surface.

"Shuuv!"

Suddenly, the entire process came to an abrupt halt. The vortex froze in place, as if a painting of chaos had been suspended in time. The dark energy streams hung motionless, and an eerie, oppressive silence blanketed the hall.

The woman with grotesque hands slowly opened her palms, and at that instant, a transcendent aura flooded the space. It was ancient and powerful beyond description, sending waves of awe and terror through the sanctuary.

"Dum-dum!"

It felt as though time itself had warped. The temple walls pulsed gently, as if alive, while an invisible energy flowed around the cultists, filling them with both reverence and dread.

And then came a voice—simultaneously deep and cold, soft and searing, like the whisper of eternity. It was not merely sound; it pierced to the bone, leaving a chill and an uncanny sense of calm. Male and female tones intertwined perfectly, resonating as one, as though reflecting each other.

"You hear our call, children of mortal fates… We see your sacrifices, your aspirations, and your fears. You were right to seek us, for it pains us to witness you continue to destroy yourselves… But… this could be the final blood offering, the one to restore the world’s connection to us. The day of life’s triumph is near."

It was the Twins of Life and Death, the Gods who had guided the Cult for millennia. Their voices, entwined in a maddening chorus, emanated from everywhere and nowhere at once, as though they were an intrinsic part of the very fabric of existence. The feeling their words evoked was indescribable. It inspired both awe and terror, granting an overwhelming sense of limitless power and merciless control.

The cultists froze, kneeling before the transcendent aura. They felt the Twins’ energy seep into their bodies, probing their souls and thoughts, as if searching for weaknesses, doubts, and hidden desires.

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V.11 Chapter 903: The Evil Gods’ Plan

The cultists bowed their heads before the vortex, humbled by the terrifying presence of two Gods. Their voices trembled with both awe and dread.

"Oh, great Twins of Life and Death!" began the elder with serpentine hair, his head lowered deeply. "We come seeking your guidance, for our enemies have received reinforcements and may unravel our plans. The situation has spiraled beyond our control, and we are in need of your wisdom!"

The cultist in the skull-like mask added, her voice barely masking her agitation:

"The enemy’s interference was far greater than we anticipated. Our forces are stretched to their limits, and we beseech your counsel to prevent collapse. Is it right to begin the ritual now? Can we destroy the seal?"

The voices of the Twins echoed in unison—sweet and soft yet imbued with a sinister aura, like the touch of death brushing against a departing soul:

"Fear not, our faithful children. Your efforts are not in vain. The arrival of new masters is a blessing, for it means more powerful blood, energy, and spirit will be spilled! The current sacrifices may be insufficient to shatter the seal, but they will be enough to draw all closer… It pains us to say it, but those strayed children may yet supplement what is lacking…"

The Gods’ words carried kindness and love, a chilling contrast to their grim suggestion. It seemed as though the Twins genuinely wished to help, but the shadow of their true desire—a blood-soaked sacrifice—loomed like a grim prophecy.

"The more sacrifices, the better," the Twins continued, their melodic voices cold and brittle, like ice cracking in the dark. "Your sacrifices and your blood are the foundation of our triumph. A time of great renewal approaches, and you shall be the first to reap the fruits of this new era!"

The cultists prostrated themselves, not daring to look into the seal’s radiant light, feeling the Gods’ presence envelop their souls with darkness and a mad hope for the plan’s fruition.

Hearing these words, the woman with clawed hands smirked beneath her hood. Clenching her fists, she spoke with manic delight:

"Does this mean we must expend all our efforts to secure new sacrifices?" Her voice quivered with excitement, as if she could scarcely believe the moment had arrived.

The other cultists shared her feeling: a mixture of awe and anticipation filled their souls. Each felt a strange blend of fear and exhilaration—a premonition of imminent sacrifice and inevitable end. They looked at the seal and saw not just a barrier but a gateway to something far greater and more terrifying than they could imagine. This place was both sacred and cursed, and each of them was ready to give everything to fulfill the prophecy and reunite with the Gods.

The Twins of Life and Death answered the clawed cultist’s question with absolute calm, their voices like a casual conversation over evening tea, despite the grand bloodshed they were planning.

"Do not rush, our children," the Twins spoke gently, their words deceptively soothing. "Wisdom must guide your actions. Let the strayed children draw near the seal. They do not understand that they, too, must offer a sacrifice. You will need to mislead them."

The cultists exchanged glances, realizing this was a trap, but none dared interrupt the Gods’ words. The Twins continued, their voices mesmerizing and unyielding:

"When the army of the misguided is within the seal’s range, begin the ritual. Their blood, spirit, and energy will also be absorbed into the seal. However, to truly break the barrier, a greater sacrifice will be required. Offer up your own army. Let all who revere us fulfill their true purpose at the moment of greatest triumph."

"We had considered this… To do so when the ritual begins?" murmured the cultist in the bronze mask, his voice filled with dreadful reverence.

"Exactly," the Twins whispered, their voices warm, almost tender. "All who fall for us will gain eternal life in the new world we create. Do not fear your losses, for they serve a greater purpose. Your blood, devotion, and souls are the keys to our resurrection. Alas, the weak will not survive this harvest, but you… You will be the pillars that ensure a righteous and free life for countless future masters. Sometimes death is necessary to birth new life… Sometimes total destruction is needed to build a new, free civilization upon its ruins."

The cultists, shaken and inspired by the Gods’ words, bowed even lower. They were ready to follow their will to the very end, even if it meant sacrificing their own followers. Under the pressure of the Gods emanating from the vortex, they felt their plan taking on grim clarity.

Each of the Law Devourers was a master who had reached unparalleled heights in cultivation. They understood that only with the Gods’ help could they achieve even greater power, unlocking new horizons. Therefore, they cared little for ordinary cultists, most of whom could be sacrificed for the sake of a grand future. This was one of the reasons they could not understand the Devourers from the Rebellion Army of Life, who refused to gain power this way and rejected a return to the Evil Gods’ tyranny.

The young Devourer with metallic spikes protruding from his back nodded slightly. His black eyes glimmered with cold approval as he spoke, his voice filled with certainty:

"Then… we will begin a slow retreat, making the enemy believe in their victory. They will grow bolder, convinced that we have faltered. Once they are close enough to the seal, the ritual will commence, and their souls and blood will fulfill their true purpose!"

He glanced at his comrades, each of whom, despite their anxiety and fear, felt a thrill at the impending harvest. Their willingness to sacrifice even their subordinates for the grand cause affirmed their devotion to the cult’s ideals.

The Twins of Life and Death, with chilling affection and joy, whispered:

"We are proud of you, our beloved children. Your wisdom and willingness to follow our path make you worthy bearers of our will. You sacrifice everything to bring the world to a new beginning and prevent its demise. We see your devotion, and it will not go unnoticed."

The Gods’ words were full of solemn kindness, but every cultist felt their steely resolve beneath the surface. The Twins’ soft, almost parental voices lulled them, promising a sweet reward for their suffering.

"The day of reunion is near," the Twins continued, their voices imbued with quiet joy. "And when all is done, when the sacrifices are made and the seal falls, we will reward you generously. You will be the first to bask in our grace and receive the gifts generations have longed for. Fear not the losses to come—they are but steps toward your greatness."

The Gods’ words ignited a fresh wave of faith and fanaticism in the cultists’ hearts. Even those who occasionally doubted were now ready to plunge into the ritual, seeing it as the sole path to their future. Bowing even lower, their hearts burned with manic determination and belief that the sacrifices were justified and the great day was near.

Almost all of them had been raised in the Gods’ Resurrection Cult from infancy. Their faith was unwavering. But the following words brought them even greater joy, for the Twins spoke with kindness:

"The Higher Triad is proud of you as well. Though you cannot hear their voices because of the seal, we keep them informed of mortal affairs and follow their guidance. They eagerly await the day of reunion. Each of the three—the Elder of Space-Time, the Monk of Eternal Will, and the Wanderer of Luck had already deduced that in ancient times, the Gods of Time-Space, Will, and Luck were known as the Higher Triad, while the Gods—has prepared their gifts. The time is near!"

At that moment, the massive seal above the vortex began to tremble. As though hundreds of unseen threads tugged at it from within, the barrier’s light flickered, and its pulsating energy lines dimmed. The entire chamber vibrated with a heavy resonance that disrupted their heartbeats. The Gods’ overwhelming aura, so vivid and powerful, began to thin.

The elder with serpentine hair raised his gaze, his face contorting briefly as he grasped what was happening. The sacrifices sustaining their connection to the Gods had been depleted. The energy of the captives, whose souls had been so cruelly absorbed into the matrix, was spent, and the bond began to wane, leaving the space cold and empty.

The cultists watched as the Twins’ radiance faded, their voices growing increasingly distant, as though speaking from an endless abyss.

"Oh, great Twins of Life and Death!" the elder called loudly, his voice trembling with reverence and submission. "We thank you for your grace and guidance. Your wisdom leads us, and we swear: soon, very soon, we will return you to the world of the living!"

The woman in the skull-like mask lifted her head, her eyes gleaming with fanatical resolve:

"We will not fail you. We will lure them to the seal and sacrifice all who stand in our way! Their flesh, energy, and spirit will empower you, and we will destroy this final barrier. No one will stop us!"

The Twins seemed to smile, their emotions conveyed even without form. Before fading completely, they left them with a final promise:

"We see your zeal and believe in you. Let your hearts be pure and your hands steady. The day of reunion is at hand, and then you will receive all you deserve. We will be with you in every step and every blow. Do not fear, our children, for we are near, and soon nothing will separate us again."

The connection broke entirely, and the seal darkened, restoring silence to the hall. Yet the cultists knew this was only a temporary parting. They vowed that the sacrifices they would make would restore their bond with the Gods, bringing the day of their triumph closer than ever.

Silence filled the hall once more, but it was no longer tinged with fear or doubt—only with the certainty of their path. The seal continued to vibrate faintly, as if reminding them that time was short, and they must act swiftly and decisively.

The cultist in the bronze mask was the first to speak, his voice calm and assured:

"We must inform the others immediately. Let all the Law Devourers know of our new strategy! They must prepare for sacrifices on a far greater scale than planned. We will lure the enemies into the trap and commence a blood harvest the likes of which this world hasn’t seen since the Great Ancient War!"

The cultist in the skull-like mask nodded, her eyes alight with a mad fire.

"We will provoke their advance and retreat, leading them ever closer to the seal, like a mindless herd."

The young cultist with spikes on his back bared his teeth, his face a mix of hatred and elation.

"Our forces must be ready for their final battle. But is there a more honorable death than to offer one’s life as a gift to the Gods? Let all know that their sacrifice will be the key to a new era!"

The elder with serpentine hair raised a hand, calling for their attention.

"We have little time. We will begin immediately. The more enemies we draw in, the stronger the ritual will become. We will flood this battlefield with blood!"

Their forms began to blur, and soon each cultist disappeared, heading to different parts of the Ancient Battlefield to relay the new plan. The final game was beginning, and they knew the stakes were life itself—not only of their enemies but also their own allies.

Meanwhile, Kai continued his cultivation, unaware of the terrifying events unfolding across the Universe. The critical moment had already arrived, and it was possible he would not be able to intervene in the impending catastrophe. Kessia, too, could not have known about the trap being prepared. She would not be able to warn him…

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AUTHOR'S AFTERWORD:

Welcome from Mortykay! I hope you enjoyed Volume 11 of the novel "Immortal Drunkard"!

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