U might be taking the words too literal maybe? I thought they said a new demon lord bc he reached the demonic ascension realm. That realm is where u transcend human limits, that means he’s at a level where a young demon lord should be. It said that it’s almost impossible to reach that level. Like, all eyes would be on him bc of rn, I think he’s the strongest of all the successors?
I don't think so because they also said he was one of the 10 strongest martial artists, and the 10th and 1st in the strongest scale can be very different for example. So I wouldn't say he was as strong as him, also time has passed since he died so even if he was as strong as the demon lord at the time, arriving at that level of strength doesn't mean he will be as strong as the demon lord, because in the time that has passed the demon lord has become even stronger anyway
I don't know if he's the strongest but he might me considering his age? So maybe there are some stronger than him, but they are also much older than him? And what matters is how much stronger he can get in less time, so the fact that he is this strong at his age means he will eventually surpass the other successors if he isn't already the strongest of them
wait was he as strong as the demon lord in his past life? cause didn't they say that a new demon lord is born and then he proceeds to say(MC) that WHEN he opens the third gate he will be as strong as he was in his past life which implies he is not yet as strong as his past life l=