Chapter 2655: Back to the Red King (II)

Just as those thoughts were crossing Cain’s mind, his eyes sharpened for a moment as he glanced toward his left.

However, the vigilance lasted only an instant before a smile appeared on his face.

"Long time no see."

The next second, the figure of a fit old man materialized inside the chamber.

The Demon King looked at Cain for a moment before nodding with approval and respect.

"Your perception is truly astounding. I did my best to conceal myself, yet you found me in less than a heartbeat."

Cain simply shrugged.

"Unless you can hide from the Flow itself, it is impossible to hide from me."

As he spoke, Cain’s crimson eyes focused on the Demon King, and a flash of surprise appeared on his face.

"You’ve grown stronger."

Cain had never underestimated the Demon King. He knew better than anyone how terrifying the ruler of the True Depravitas truly was. However, the older a cultivator became, the harder it was to continue advancing. The Demon King had already lived for billions of years. By all logic, he should have long ago reached the limits of his path.

The fact that he had managed to become stronger since their time on Origin Island was genuinely surprising.

The Demon King smiled faintly.

"Most people believe that battle and life-and-death struggles are the greatest catalysts for growth, and they are not wrong. Yet there are some of us who grow in peace. It is only when our hearts are free of dread, conflict, and urgency that we can fully digest our experiences and transform them into progress."

He paused before continuing.

"That said, I should not praise myself too much. Compared to you, my growth is painfully slow. It has been less than five hundred years since we first met in that tomb, and now you have become so powerful that you might very well be stronger than me."

Cain simply smiled.

He was never one to boast about his strength, especially in front of a friend.

Still, the smile soon faded as seriousness returned to his expression.

The sudden shift surprised the Demon King, though it immediately made sense when Cain spoke.

"I know about Paradise."

The words struck the Demon King like a bolt of lightning.

"How?!"

His eyes widened.

"Have they already moved against the Nine Empyrean Suns Universe?"

For the first time since arriving, genuine concern appeared on his face.

Seeing that reaction, Cain immediately understood something important.

The Demon King truly knew nothing about the current state of the pyramid universe.

He released a slow breath before beginning to recount everything.

He spoke of Paradise.

He spoke of the Blutlinie Race.

He spoke of the Ancestor.

He spoke of the countless secrets hidden within that distant universe.

The more the Demon King listened, the more shocked he became.

His reaction became especially intense when he learned what had happened to the original inhabitants of Paradise.

The Depravitas.

The race from which he originated.

They had not merely been defeated.

They had been sacrificed.

Their existence had been harvested and repurposed as fuel to create something greater—the Blutlinie Race.

Even though the Demon King had severed all ties with Paradise long ago, learning that his entire race had effectively been exterminated was not easy news to hear.

Silence lingered between them for several moments.

Finally, Cain spoke again.

"I still have many questions regarding Paradise, especially concerning the Ancestor. I was hoping you could help me answer some of them."

He knew there was a seal within the Demon King’s soul, one that prevented him from sharing certain information. However, Cain had hoped that now that he already knew the truth, perhaps the restrictions would be weaker.

Unfortunately, the Demon King immediately shook his head.

"The seal is still active. It doesn’t matter how much you already know. If I attempt to reveal forbidden information, my soul will shatter."

A sigh escaped his lips.

Yet moments later, a different light appeared in his eyes.

"How is Meylin?"

Cain stared at him briefly before smiling.

"She’s doing very well. During our latest battle against the Curse Eaters of the Tenth Empyrean World, she underwent a major evolution and awakened the Flame of Hope."

The Demon King’s eyes widened.

Then a smile filled with pride appeared on his face.

"Good. Very good."

His voice carried genuine joy.

"I always knew that child possessed extraordinary talent, but to think she has already begun walking the road toward the Fourth Realm..."

For a moment, he simply shook his head in amazement.

"That is truly remarkable."

The mood immediately became lighter.

The conversation gradually shifted away from war and secrets as Cain asked about the state of the Crimson World.

The Demon King described the reconstruction efforts, the recovery of the various realms, and the gradual return to stability.

What Cain heard reassured him greatly.

Even if the Crimson World was not his true home, it remained a place where he had forged deep friendships and powerful alliances. Knowing that those people were thriving brought him genuine satisfaction.

Eventually, the Demon King narrowed his eyes.

A curious smile appeared on his face as he glanced at Cain.

"I have to admit, I am wondering about something."

Cain raised an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

The Demon King chuckled softly.

"I know you, Scarlet King. You never do anything without a purpose. There is no great war here anymore. There is no immediate threat demanding your attention, nor is there some legendary treasure waiting to be claimed."

His eyes grew more inquisitive.

"So tell me... what exactly brought you back to the Crimson World this time?"

Cain saw no reason to hide it.

A meaningful smile appeared on his face.

"I came to meet the Red King."

Shock and surprise assailed the Demon King when he heard those words. The Red King was a unique figure in the Crimson World. He was considered one of the few, if not the only, entity that had stepped into the Fourth Realm.