Quinn Shepherd was deeply ashamed, feeling that he had become depraved and could no longer resist temptation.
"If Fat Dragon were here, he’d surely tell me a few fables to snap me out of it, so I wouldn’t get lost in beauty and temptation."
God-Queen Langwo, for her part, had no other thoughts. She simply visualized a mirror to examine the Golden Willow Leaf Talisman between her brows, checking if Quinn had placed it correctly.
The willow leaf was indeed beautiful, and it made her quite happy.
After all, this Golden Willow Leaf was crafted by the elders of Oldridge Village working together. While they might not match her as a God-Queen, in forging, painting, and other crafts, they were true masters—so of course the willow leaf was exquisitely made.
What’s more, the willow leaf had been consecrated by Tu Bo and Heaven Duke, making it truly extraordinary.
Wearing it at her brow gave her a unique and captivating charm.
Quinn glanced at the resplendent crown on her head, hesitating a bit. The crown was dazzling—an emblem of her God-Queen status, inlaid with treasures of immense value. Wearing such a crown would surely draw attention.
"But honestly, a woman this beautiful would stand out no matter where she went."
He gave up the idea of asking God-Queen Langwo to remove her crown. "It looks good on you anyway. As long as you don’t look like a Creator, it’s fine. There’s deep enmity between Creators and the ancient gods—I need to be careful, since many powerful ancient gods secretly support me. If Langwo’s identity is exposed, it could bring unnecessary trouble."
God-Queen Langwo summoned the chieftains of each clan and gave them instructions. Quinn then sought out God-King Shu Jun and said, "God-King, I’m planning to return to Heavenly Court. Will you come with me?"
Shu Jun hesitated for a moment and said, "Going back is fine."
Quinn was a bit annoyed. "Didn’t you say you wanted to find your people? Now that you’ve found them, why go back to Heavenly Court? It’s dangerous there. You could stay here, or go to Carefree Haven and study the Kaihuang Reform—work hard and open your Divine Treasury and Heaven Palace as soon as possible."
"You’re impossible—you ask if I want to go, but then you want me to stay. Two-faced!"
Shu Jun snapped, "There’s nothing to learn in Carefree Haven, and your cultivation method is better anyway. All I’d get there is a few divine arts and Dao techniques—I’m not staying. Don’t forget, you still owe me a Creator hidden in Heavenly Court!"
Quinn mumbled, "I’m just looking out for you. When I entered the Grand Void Expanse, I brought many people—but you weren’t among them. If you come back with me, anyone who sees your big head will surely guess your origins…"
Shu Jun was so angry he laughed. "And what about God-Queen Langwo? You’re bringing her along—won’t people ask questions about her too? Our deal isn’t finished yet, so don’t think you can ditch me!"
Quinn was speechless, suddenly realizing: "Deep down, I want Shu Jun to come with us so I won’t be tempted by God-Queen Langwo, which is why I asked him. But another part of me doesn’t want him to come, so I tried to get him to stay. I’m doomed—I need Fat Dragon!"
They set out immediately.
A few days later, they arrived at the continent where the Three-Rooms Gate was located, climbed to the mountaintop, and stood before the three houses.
I wonder if Flame-Venerable and Venerable Void managed to escape from these three houses, Quinn thought.
God-Queen Langwo opened the middle door. "Open this door and you skip all the outside steps—just walk in and you’ll reach the Void Bridge directly."
Quinn and Shu Jun stepped inside. Instead of a room, they found themselves at the end of the Void Bridge!
They were standing right in front of the middle door!
The Void Bridge was fragmented, its light swirling. Quinn frowned slightly; crossing it wouldn’t be easy. Last time, he’d only made it safely by teaming up with Venerable Void and Flame-Venerable, plus the Other Shore Ark.
If they tried to cross the Void Bridge now, even with God-Queen Langwo, they probably wouldn’t have the strength.
Just then, a terrifying wave rippled out from the central room—Flame-Venerable and Venerable Void burst forth from the paintings on the wall!
These two Heavenly Venerables had actually escaped the cycle of life and death in the painting world!
Without hesitation, Quinn slammed the door shut before the two Venerables could land, then reopened it. This time, instead of Flame-Venerable and Venerable Void, there was a vast palace beyond the door.
In the rush, Quinn couldn’t tell what world lay beyond the door, but shouted, "Let’s go, quickly!"