Free Web NovelChapter 148: Chapter 142: Through the Suffering
Zeke stood calmly before them, his presence alone enough to still the whispers and murmurs. His eyes swept across the crowd of newly transformed Neo-Nephilims—men and women who had once been some of the strongest warriors of Murim, now stripped of everything they once knew and thrust into a new world where their very foundations had crumbled.
He spoke, voice calm and commanding, "You all must have a lot of questions for me. So go ahead."
There was a pause before Woong stepped forward. Despite the shift in reality, he still retained his towering physique, the aura of strength clinging to him like an old cloak. He scratched the back of his head, uncertain, then asked, "So... what do we even call you now? Heavenly Demon? Asuran Neo-Nephilim Primogenitor? Ryeong...?"
A small smile tugged at the corner of Zeke’s lips, one of rare warmth. "You can call me Zeke," he replied. "It’s my real name. The name I was born with, not one earned through titles or bloodshed."
The words hung in the air for a moment before another familiar voice cut through the silence.
It was Ma Seok-Jin—the former Heavenly Demon—whose expression was unreadable. He took a step forward, fists clenched. "Murim... What happened to it?" he asked, voice quiet but heavy with emotion.
Zeke’s expression turned solemn. "The Murim that you once knew exists no more. During the ritual, most of it was sacrificed. That loss was the price we paid to bring all of us here. What remains is only the core—the origin of Murim. It was fused into Aurevion through Yggy."
Ma Seok-Jin frowned. "Yggy?"
Zeke nodded once. "The tree," he explained. "The source of life and anchor of your transition. It is the bridge between what was and what now is." freeweɓnovel.cøm
Another voice rose from the crowd—this time, it was Woo. His face was pale with concern. "Why can’t we access Qi? I can’t even feel my meridians anymore. It’s like they’ve... disappeared."
Zeke folded his arms across his chest. "It’s because of the rules of this world. This world functions differently than Murim. Everything—from cultivation to bloodlines—follows different laws here. But I’ll explain everything soon."
Yonggi, ever perceptive, added, "I’m guessing the same reason applies to our Divine Beast bloodlines? I can’t feel mine at all."
Zeke nodded again. "Yes. Everything will become clear to you soon. Come. Follow me."
The group followed Zeke out of the Throne Room and back to where the rest of the Neo-Nephilim were.
Zeke turned to face them again, and as he raised his hand, his voice was amplified—not through technology or Qi, but by sheer Faith. His words echoed in the air, resounding through their very souls.
"In a few moments, my brother, the Devic Neo-nephilim Primogenitor will guide all of you to different regions where your Awakening will begin," he announced. "This trial is necessary. In this world, no one is simply given power. It must be earned. It must be suffered for."
A hush fell over the crowd. Zeke continued, each word weightier than the last.
"This will be the first step on your path to supremacy. Remember this—due to our divine grace, each of you has the potential to rise to the very top. But how much of that potential you can harness is entirely up to you. No one will walk the path for you."
He took a breath, and his tone darkened slightly.
"The trial will be painful. It will push you to the edge. You will wish to die. But you must not give in. If your will falters, if your spirit wavers—think of those who kept you down. Think of the oppressors who crushed your dreams. Think of those who died with their fists clenched and teeth gritted, hoping for one last chance at justice."
His eyes burned with something primal—something divine.
"Remember them," Zeke said. "Remember them as your bodies are torn apart by this world’s natural Qi. As your muscles rupture and your bones crack. If you can endure until the end, you will be reborn—not as the warriors of the past, but as something far greater. As true warriors of Aurevion. Your legacies shall be forged through a path of suffering and be resound through stars."
The Neo-Nephilims stood in silent awe. Some trembled. Others wept openly. And then, like a dam breaking, a roar erupted from them—unified, passionate, and deafening.
"THROUGH THE SUFFERING, TO THE STARS!!!"
Their chant shook the ground.
But Zeke wasn’t finished.
He raised a hand again and shouted, "After the Awakening, I will personally inspect your results. Every single one of you must achieve a Transcendent Awakening. Anything less will not be tolerated. If you fail... I will kill you myself."
Gasps rang through the crowd.
He continued coldly, "But those who succeed—those who transcend—will be welcomed as proud citizens of the Aurevion Empire. You will receive resources, training, and power beyond anything you ever imagined in Murim. And in return, you will serve. You will become soldiers. Glorious warriors in a war greater than anything you have ever known. You will slay our enemies. You will burn your legacy into the stars."
The crowd went wild once more, now fully ignited. The fever in their voices was palpable, their chants louder than ever. Faith, fear, and fury mingled in their souls.
Cass and Damon, who had remained silent throughout, exchanged uneasy glances. Neither of them could fully process what had just happened. Zeke had effectively told them that they had two options: ascend to godlike status or die by his hand. And even if they succeeded, they would be conscripted into a war they didn’t understand—one they hadn’t agreed to.
And yet... no one questioned him.
No one ran.
They looked at Zeke with reverence, even love. Like he was not just their leader, but their savior. Their god.
Damon whispered, "What the hell did he do to them?"
Cass shook his head, watching Zeke with wide eyes. "I don’t know. But whatever it is... it worked."
