The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order

Chapter 1945: A Core Member?

Cain tilted his head slightly, his expression carrying a trace of confusion as he heard the words of Amos.

”More in common than I thought?” Of course, Cain had researched Amon extensively before coming here, yet nothing in those investigations suggested any significant connection between them or between the Archdiety and the Scarlet Path—nothing to explain the words Amon had just spoken.

”Before we delve into that topic,” Amos said evenly, his voice calm but firm, ”we should talk business. I am already aware that you have established certain agreements with Divine Sea. Now, I would like to hear what type of deal you seek to form with me.”

Amon paused at that, a faint glimmer—sharp and calculating—appearing in his eyes before he spoke again.

”Especially considering recent events.”

A flicker of light crossed Cain’s gaze. He had made no particular effort to conceal his arrival in Divine Sea Heaven, so it was no surprise that Amon knew of it. But there was something else in the Archdeity’s tone—a subtle implication that he was aware Cain now had a powerful enemy. That knowledge meant he would also understand Cain’s need for allies.

Cain, however, did not allow his composure to falter. His eyes remained calm, his focus unwavering.

”What I propose,” Cain began, ”is first and foremost a business relationship. I want access to your domain so that my forces may hunt and destroy wicked and corrupt cultivators at will. Equally important, I want them to spread the might of the Scarlet Path among the people under your rule.”

Amon’s lips curved into a smile, and he gave an approving nod.

”I have no objection to either of those—provided the price is right.”

The ease of his agreement surprised Cain. Still, he was not the type to complicate matters unnecessarily. When the iron was hot, one struck.

”I will establish permanent trade routes between our domains,” Cain said. ”For the first decade, you will purchase everything the Scarlet Kingdom has to offer—whether runes, bloodlines, or armaments—at production cost. After that, you will receive a permanent thirty percent discount. In addition, I will provide you with one random Archdeity Treasure every two years for the next decade, with the first to arrive within the year. After that, you will receive one every five years.”

This time it was Amon’s turn to be caught off guard. The offer was... generous—far more generous than he had expected. With such a deal, he could train a vast number of warriors, strengthen his forces significantly, and gain access to powerful treasures that might even aid his own cultivation.

But the calculating gleam returned to his eyes, and a small, knowing smile formed on his face.

”That is a very good deal,” Amon admitted. ”However, I hope you remember that you owe me one—after all the people you killed during your time in Crimsonsky Continent. I had... complications with several Lord-tier organizations after you left.”

Cain’s smile was faint but noticeable. He had no doubt that those Lord-tier groups were indeed furious over his actions since he took the life of many of their powerhouses, but he sincerely doubted Amon had been truly troubled by their complaints. More likely, the Archdeity had ignored them entirely. Still, Cain had come here in the spirit of diplomacy, and he knew such a point would inevitably be raised.

”As a gesture of goodwill,” Cain said, ”I will provide you with two Archdeity Treasures in the first year.”

Amon’s smile widened instantly. In his mind, one Archdeity Treasure was already a fair exchange for the deaths of so many Prima Deities.

Yet even as satisfaction flickered in his expression, he could see that Cain wasn’t finished. There was something else—something far more important—hidden behind the golden light and crimson flames in the Scarlet King’s eyes.

”Now that our business relationship is secured,” Cain said, his voice deepening, ”I wish to move on to the next matter—the Scarlet Alliance.”

The weight in his tone made Amon’s smile fade into attentive focus.

”You could join as an Honorary Partner,” Cain explained. ”This would mean signing a treaty of mutual protection. If you were attacked, I would come to your aid. If I were in danger, you would stand by my side.

”Or...” Cain’s gaze sharpened, ”...you could become a Core Member—embracing the Scarlet Path in your heart, and accepting me as your leader. In that case, I would use everything I have to help you grow... including guiding you to Resurrecion.”

Amon could not completely hide the flicker of awe—and desire—that entered his eyes. Like every other Archdeity, the possibility of unlocking Resurrecion was a dream that burned deep within him. The power it promised was exactly the kind he craved to fulfill his ambitions.

But reason and caution soon followed. Standing openly at the Scarlet King’s side, in this moment, carried undeniable risk.

”How strong was the enemy you faced in the ocean?” Amon asked, cutting directly to the point.

Cain stared at him for a moment, then answered with unflinching honesty.

”He was as powerful as I am. I won our first encounter—he retreated—but he was still able to continue fighting. If the battle had gone on, I cannot say which of us would have survived.”

The Archdeity’s eyes narrowed slightly, surprised. He had expected some degree of embellishment, perhaps even outright boasting, but Cain’s straightforward admission was... refreshing. It told him that the Scarlet King was confident enough to acknowledge danger without fear of appearing weak.

Silence settled between them for several long seconds as Amon weighed his options. His mind raced, calculating risk against reward, until finally, determination and resolve lit his eyes.

”I will join the Scarlet Alliance,” he said at last. ”Not as an Honorary Partner, but as a Core Member, fighting by your side.”

Cain’s eyes widened slightly. He had come here expecting, at best, to form a loose alliance. Now, it seemed he was on the brink of securing something far greater.

But Amon had not finished speaking.