After a short journey back to the Scarlet Crown, Cain reviewed the state of his realm. The ArchDeities had advanced quickly, their mastery over the new cultivation method already evident in the subtle rhythm of their auras. He watched them for a while, measuring not only their power but their confidence and harmony.
"Excellent," he murmured. "Everything is in order. They should be able to handle any problem that arises in my absence."
Satisfied, the Scarlet King turned his gaze toward the void. His kingdom was stable. His people were strong. Now it was time for him to take the next step.
A single flash of crimson light split the air, and Cain vanished.
Far beyond the physical planes, the Primordial of the Void stood at the edge of the realm. The dark expanse around him shimmered like an endless sea of liquid night. Before him loomed the vast Empyrean Wall that encased the Everstrife Empyrean World, pulsing faintly with divine energy.
