Chapter 487: Succession and Conditions
Faced with the Grand Zeno's persistent questioning, Uchiha Dali finally revealed the truth.
At that moment, he clearly saw the Grand Zeno's expression grow serious.
He looked like a student listening intently to a teacher's lesson.
Uchiha Dali continued, "Because of your mood, you can casually decide the fate of an entire universe—sometimes even an entire dimension."
"You destroyed universes that once existed on equal footing with this one, reducing them to 'lower dimensions.' And because of that, gods who originate from there are treated like bumpkins."
"Tell me—if that isn't your mistake, then whose is it?"
Upon hearing that, the Grand Zeno's gaze dimmed slightly.
After a moment, he asked, hesitating, "So… this is why you're angry? You want to represent the lower dimensions and ask me to restore their status?"
"Is that what I said?"
Uchiha Dali felt like the Grand Zeno was deliberately playing dumb.
The conversation was becoming exhausting.
"It isn't?" the Grand Zeno asked again, still looking innocent and confused.
"Enough."
Uchiha Dali no longer wanted to waste time.
"I'll put it plainly: I'm here to take your place, Grand Zeno."
"Since we've already reached this point, only one of us walks away alive today."
"And I will be the one standing."
"I will become the supreme god of all universes."
As he spoke, his aura surged explosively.
In an instant, the power radiating from him surpassed even that of the Grand Zeno's two attendants.
But instead of reacting with anger or alarm, the Grand Zeno simply responded with a casual:
"Oh."
"So you want to become the master of all universes…"
"What? Are you planning to just hand over your throne?"
Uchiha Dali couldn't help asking.
Judging from the Grand Zeno's calm tone, it was as if such a thing was insignificant.
To his surprise, the Grand Zeno nodded seriously.
"I can."
"If you want the title, I can give it to you."
"Uchiha Dali, we don't need to fight."
For a moment, Uchiha Dali froze.
Was this guy insane?
He was openly declaring intent to overthrow and replace him—yet the Grand Zeno showed no resistance, and was even willing to step aside voluntarily?
Logically, it made no sense.
His instincts screamed that the Grand Zeno was hiding something.
But his ability to sense thoughts couldn't pierce through the Grand Zeno's mind.
So for now, he couldn't tell whether this was truth—or bait.
Seeing his doubt, the Grand Zeno added:
"But you must agree to one condition."
"Oh? So there is a condition."
"That makes more sense. Go ahead—I'll see if it's acceptable."
Arms folded, Uchiha Dali waited.
There was no chance the Grand Zeno would yield without a demand.
The question was: how steep would that demand be?
Instead of answering, the Grand Zeno asked:
"Uchiha Dali, have you heard of the Demon Realm?"
"I've heard a little."
Uchiha Dali thought back—he vaguely remembered the Primordial Dragon or Dragon God Zalama mentioning it once.
"It's supposed to be the counterpart to this universe—the opposite world. So what about it?"
The Grand Zeno nodded.
"Yes. It is the opposing dimension. And within it exist five Demon Realm Archfiends."
"Long ago, they attempted to destroy all universes and seize every dimension. I could not kill them, so I sealed them away."
"But recently… I've sensed the seal weakening. They will soon break free."
"So, Uchiha Dali—this will be your trial."
"If you can re-seal the five Archfiends, I will hand my position to you."
"Because that would prove that you possess strength equal to—or greater than—mine."
"That you are capable of governing and protecting all universes."
His tone was earnest—serious enough that Uchiha Dali could tell he wasn't joking.
Hearing the request, Uchiha Dali finally understood.
"Even you couldn't kill them. You only sealed them."
"That means they won't be simple opponents…"
He muttered thoughtfully.
The Grand Zeno could erase entire universes with a mere thought.
Aside from a few beings close to his level or possessing special abilities, everything—gods, creations, dimensions—would vanish instantly.
So anything he couldn't destroy…
…was terrifying.
The Grand Zeno nodded.
"These five are not ordinary beings. Each of them possesses power equal to the Grand Priest."
"Oh?"
That surprised Uchiha Dali.
Just one Archfiend was comparable to the Grand Priest.
All five combined…
He inwardly rolled his eyes.
That wasn't a request—that was borderline impossible.
Sending only him to seal all five sounded like a deliberate attempt to make him fail.
And yet—if the Grand Zeno had sealed them once…
Did that mean he was implying:
"I am stronger than you—and this is the proof."
Before Uchiha Dali could speak, the Grand Zeno continued:
"One of the five Archfiends is my own manifested will."
"…What?"
This time Uchiha Dali was genuinely shaken.
"Your manifested will?"
"Yes. But an evil one."
"This is a long story—one from a very, very distant past."
As the Grand Zeno spoke, he turned his gaze toward where the Grand Priest was still fighting Uchiha Dali's entity clone.
Uchiha Dali followed his line of sight.
Then the Grand Zeno added quietly:
"Do you know the Grand Priest's true identity?"
"He… is actually the previous Grand Zeno."
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