The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order - Chapter 1749

Chapter 1749: The next evolution of The Flow
Cain displayed a fierce smile as he sensed the escalating battle fervor within the ranks of the Scarlet Crusade. Without wasting another breath, he surged forward, becoming the blazing spearhead of the massive army. The dragons and saintesses immediately followed him, their divine auras unleashed in full, soaring upward and engulfing the sky in an immense storm of energy.

Cain’s gaze sharpened, his eyes burning with unquenchable hunger. The closer he drew to the enemy, the more intense the anticipation became—until, finally, the opposing force came into clear view.

Yet instead of encountering fearsome warriors prepared for an earth-shaking confrontation that would leave the continent scarred, what Cain and the entirety of the Scarlet Crusade saw stunned them.

Monks.

Millions upon millions of monks.

Each of these individuals wore simple robes, had shaved heads reflecting the gentle rays of sunlight, and held strange rosaries in their palms. An incredible aura of tranquility and harmony radiated from them, so pure and profound that the dragons and saintesses, seasoned warriors hardened by countless battles, paused involuntarily.

It felt as if these monks were not just cultivators meditating quietly but rather fundamental aspects of existence itself—integrated seamlessly into the universe’s boundless flow.

Among all the Scarlet Crusade warriors, Cain’s expression was the most complex. A deep frown etched itself onto his brow, and for once, his eyes reflected genuine uncertainty.

Cain was no saint. He had slain countless individuals, and not all of them had been villains. As long as they stood in his way and pursued cultivation, he had no qualms about shedding blood. But these monks troubled him in a different, profound manner—because, through the golden light flowing within his eyes, he could see something remarkable.

Through his mastery of The Flow, Cain perceived the subtle frequencies that constituted reality itself—the vibrations that connected all living things. And right now, these monks were aligned with this universal resonance.

Their thoughts, emotions, and very souls were intertwined with the rhythm of existence, as if they were mere extensions of the eternal stream of causality.

It was beyond impressive—it was something Cain deeply coveted.

“The next evolution of The Flow,” Cain whispered under his breath, his fists clenching tightly as ambition burned fiercely within him.

For a fleeting moment, a primal and ruthless hunger surged within Cain, a raw desire urging him to devour the souls of every monk present. The key to unlocking the next level of his power seemed within arm’s reach, and the temptation was nearly overwhelming.

But Cain was no mere beast driven by instincts. His willpower was absolute, honed by countless trials and tempered through battles against even higher existences. With deliberate effort, he suppressed the potent emotions, forcing them beneath the surface through the unyielding Power of Order. His eyes regained clarity, cold and calculating.

Stepping forward, Cain hovered calmly in the sky above the monks and spoke with a voice that resonated like divine thunder across the horizon.

“Who among you is the leader?”

His words echoed powerfully, reaching every monk below. Against such intimidating presence, normal cultivators would tremble and shatter in fear, yet these monks remained utterly unperturbed. They sat still, eyes gently closed, immersed in serene meditation, as if the Scarlet King’s threat was merely the passing breeze of a tranquil morning.

But their peacefulness did not mean they ignored Cain’s command.

From within the multitude, a single monk slowly rose. Outwardly, he appeared no different than his peers—a simple robe, unassuming features, humble bearing. Yet the moment he stood, an awe-inspiring aura erupted, spreading outward with irresistible force.

Instantly, Bahamut, Lady Alume, and even Meylin widened their eyes, astonished. They felt a power emanating from this seemingly ordinary figure that matched and perhaps surpassed their own.

Cain sensed it too, and rather than fear, excitement illuminated his expression. He recognized immediately the source of this extraordinary aura—it was the harmony between the monk’s very being and the universal frequencies that surrounded him. His flesh and blood acted as conduits for an infinite flow of cosmic vibrations.

The monk wore a calm expression, a serene smile gracing his lips as he ascended until he stood face-to-face with Cain. Pressing his palms together respectfully, he performed a gentle bow before addressing Cain in a voice as soft and tranquil as the gentle movements of the wind.

“I am Buddha Shaky, Leader of the First Realm Buddhist Monastery, under the guidance of the Enlightened One.”

After introducing himself, Buddha Shaky straightened, his smile growing warmer and more natural as he looked directly into Cain’s eyes.

“The Enlightened One has informed us of your arrival, Dreamwalker. We are here to serve you.”

Cain’s eyes widened slightly, genuine surprise momentarily overcoming him. Very few beings knew his true identity as a Dreamwalker. It was not shocking that a higher entity from superior realms could discern it, but the willingness of such a powerful patron to voluntarily place his followers under Cain’s authority was profoundly unexpected.

Cain’s golden eyes sharpened even further, scrutinizing Buddha Shaky intensely. He activated the full force of The Flow, attempting to perceive the monk’s hidden intentions and thoughts. But after several moments of concentrated effort, he sighed and shook his head slightly, muttering softly:

“It’s like trying to discern the intentions of ocean waves—they hide nothing, they simply move with the flow.”

Cain quickly regained his composure, his curiosity undiminished. Instead of continuing his futile analysis, he chose to directly voice his question.

“Why would the Enlightened One offer your allegiance to me?”

Buddha Shaky answered immediately, without hesitation or doubt:

“The frequencies of the First Realm have converged upon you, Dreamwalker. We Buddhas align ourselves with the universal flow, and thus, we naturally follow you.”

Cain’s brow furrowed lightly as he absorbed those enigmatic words. While they resonated spiritually, the answer remained intangible and somewhat abstract. Still, this explanation was something he could reflect upon more deeply at a later time.

Nodding decisively, Cain spoke with firm authority.

“Very well. Since you acknowledge my command, you will not oppose the planting of the Dark Root.”