Chapter 1888: The end of Aether
"For the Scarlet King!"
The warriors’ eyes glowed intensely with scarlet flames as their roars echoed across the sky. Without hesitation, they surged through the massive portal, pure killing intent and absolute purpose burning fiercely in their hearts. It took no more than a minute before the five Prima Deities and thousands of Divine Cultivators passed through the vortex, leaving Cain standing completely alone in the vast emptiness of the sky.
Only now, in this solitary moment, did Cain release a deep, weary sigh, allowing himself to feel the crushing weight resting upon his shoulders. He had successfully brought his people into the Everstrife Empyrean World. However, this act carried profound consequences: if he were defeated now, there would be no chance of retreat, no place to regroup or hide. The billions who believed in him would undoubtedly perish.
This realization was enough to make even his iron-like heart skip a beat. The responsibility was monumental, a weight capable of crushing anyone beneath it. Yet soon, determination reclaimed its rightful place, blazing fiercely within his scarlet eyes. There was no turning back; hesitation was impossible. He had accepted this burden, and he would face it head-on, no matter the difficulty.
Taking a deep breath to steady his spirit, Cain used his Ego Wave to forge a tiny clone, no bigger than a finger. Immediately, this clone flashed across the sky, swiftly disappearing into the distance. Its destination was Divine Calamity Heaven, and the message it carried was simple yet essential: Cain was demanding a ransom for Andrew and the other two Peak Prima Deities he had captured.
He had promised to grant them this chance, and it was crucial for everyone in the Everstrife Empyrean World to see that the Scarlet King was true to his word, even when dealing with enemies. Of course, the price for such high-ranking cultivators would be astronomical—far greater than what he would gain by merely consuming their essence. Whether or not Divine Calamity would pay this hefty ransom remained to be seen, but Cain had fulfilled his promise.
After sending off the clone, Cain turned his gaze once more toward the billions of people moving steadily toward the Gu Sect. He carefully confirmed everything was proceeding smoothly, and, assured of their safety, Cain’s figure flashed across the sky, swiftly reaching the void.
It wasn’t long before he approached the dimensional gateway to Aether. Yet, instead of entering it, Cain waved his hand decisively, causing the World Veil that concealed Aether to instantly shatter like fragile glass. The colossal planet, vast and beautiful, once more emerged openly in the boundless void.
Cain’s gaze sharpened as his immense psychic power flooded the entire world, sweeping through every mountain, river, and ocean, carefully ensuring no sentient life remained. Only then did his consciousness pierce deep into the world’s core, reaching the World Consciousness Realm.
Within that secluded realm, the World Will of Aether had been silently meditating. Feeling Cain’s presence, Ao slowly opened his eyes. No words were exchanged between the two, yet Ao clearly understood Cain’s intentions. With calm determination, the World Will gave Cain a solemn nod, silently communicating that he was ready and willing to proceed.
Returning the gesture respectfully, Cain adopted a meditative posture in the vast emptiness of the void before the massive world. Gradually, he began circulating his inner energy, absorbing the chaotic waves of cosmic power that surged through the void to replenish himself completely.