After sweeping away the residual divine arts left by the Dao Lord and the World-Honored One, Quinn Shepherd finally devised a way to continue treating Emperor Evan. He calculated, "Without those lingering powers, his soul can stabilize. Although the emperor's divine treasuries are shattered, if I can find enough spiritual herbs, I might be able to use Phantom Shadow Devil Art and the Law of the Mustard Seed to enter the treasuries, refine pills inside, and possibly heal the damage. But..."
He had never treated such wounds before and had no confidence at all that he could succeed.
If it were only cracks in the divine treasuries, he could handle it, but Emperor Evan's treasuries were destroyed. Apothecary taught him many medicines, but none could heal this kind of injury.
There were some herbs that could treat injuries to the treasuries, and the Grand Fostering Heavenly Demon Sutra contained techniques that might strengthen them. Quinn thought he could try both approaches at once.
The two of them left Emperor Evan's divine treasuries. Dawn broke; Granny Sue awoke, while Tyson Li fell into deep sleep.
Quinn lifted the Heaven-Forging Demon Art seal from Emperor Evan and said, "Your Majesty, I'm going out to buy medicine. It may take three to five days. During this time, do not leave this room. Someone will bring you meals and leave them at your door. At night, no matter what sounds you hear, do not step outside. If someone tells you to look out, do not look."
Emperor Evan replied weakly, "Quinn, where exactly have you brought me? Why so mysterious?"
Quinn's face grew solemn. "Your Majesty, this is where Granny Sue and Cult Master Li live. All you need to know is that anyone who comes for you at night will be Cult Master Li. If you look outside, you'll die. And it won't just be you—Everpeace will fall as well! Also, if you step out that door, you will die for certain!"
Seeing how serious Quinn was, Emperor Evan laughed, "Don't worry, I understand. I'm not that curious."
Quinn left the door slightly ajar, picked up a brush and dipped it in ink. His body shimmered, transforming into the Earth Star Lord form—a human head atop a serpent's body. Channeling his power, he painted a mystical gate on the door, inscribing 'Gate of Bearing Heaven' in the Netherworld Tongue.
Then, restoring his body, he wrote a line on the floor: "This is a gate manifested from the Earth Marquis True Art within the Grand Fostering Heavenly Demon Sutra. If you can read it, you may enter; if not, you must stay outside."
Quinn put away the brush and ink, and told Granny Sue, "Granny, do not touch this gate. When you bring food to the emperor, use a bamboo pole to pass it to him—never enter the room yourself."
Granny Sue studied the writing on the door and blinked. "This gate?"
Quinn blinked back, saying nothing.
Granny Sue understood. "I absolutely won't go in."
Quinn left the courtyard, jumped onto his Dragon-Qilin, and glanced back at the room where Emperor Evan stayed. He thought, "If Tyson Li knows the Netherworld Tongue, that's fine. But if she doesn't and tries to force her way in, the gate will drag her into the Netherworld and her soul will belong to Tu Bo! Granny Sue would finally be free."
Emperor Evan's body had recovered enough to walk with difficulty, but he strictly followed Quinn's instructions and never left the room. At noon, Granny Sue used a bamboo pole to deliver a basket to the door. The emperor crouched down, opened the door a crack, pulled the basket inside, ate his fill, then put the basket back at the door—never stepping outside himself.
Since becoming emperor, this was the first time he had ever felt so stifled.
After dinner, a sudden burst of melodious laughter rang out, sweet and enchanting, burrowing into his mind. Emperor Evan was entranced, feeling that even among three thousand beauties, none could match such a captivating voice.
"Since Cult Master Qin isn't here, I'll come play with the emperor. If I have enough fun, maybe I'll peel off his skin and make myself a dress, then go to the Imperial Capital as empress."