Kai Keane said in a low voice, "There is no justice in what has already happened. Justice only exists in the future. Right now, we are inside history itself—these are events that have already occurred. No matter what you do, it's not true redress! Only in the future can justice be served! You should understand what I'm saying!"
Quinn Shepherd nodded, his expression numb. "I understand."
Kai Keane slowly let go of his hand and said, "Even inside history, every choice you make could bring disaster upon yourself. Even a figure as exceptional as Heaven-Guide Venerable has died. If you get involved, you could die too."
Quinn Shepherd nodded. "I understand."
Kai Keane let out a breath and said, "I don’t know what grudges might exist between us, but I think you’re a good person. You shouldn’t die here."
Quinn Shepherd’s blank face seemed to slowly thaw, revealing a faint smile. "Thank you. Honestly, just meeting you this time is enough for me. I have no regrets."
Kai Keane said, "To meet the Seven Heavenly Venerables and someone like you—I feel this trip has been worthwhile. According to what you said, we should have another month or two here, right? During this time, let’s quietly witness this stretch of history. Even though Heaven-Guide Venerable has died, his method for becoming a god will still be passed down. Isn’t that why we came here?"
Quinn Shepherd nodded, still numb. "That’s best."
Kai Keane was still uneasy. He turned to Old Ox and said, "You’re his senior brother. You’re steadier than he is, and you should know what to do. This is the ancient Heavenly Court—even you can’t act recklessly here. If you make trouble, it’ll bring tremendous danger."
Old Ox hesitated, then nodded. "Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him."
Venerable Vast-Sky’s grief-stricken voice echoed throughout the Jade Pool Little Lodge: “Heaven-Guide Venerable is dead. The murderer remains at large, but they are hidden among us! Everyone, I will memorialize the Heavenly Emperor and beseech His Majesty to investigate this villain. The culprit must be brought to justice, to restore fairness to Heaven-Guide Venerable and to all practitioners of divine arts!”
A heavy silence fell over the Jade Pool Little Lodge. Suddenly, the muffled sound of crying rose in the quiet, unbearably oppressive in the stillness.
Venerable Vast-Sky’s anger flared, his voice booming: “I will never let that villain escape! I will have him torn limb from limb! Heaven-Guide’s blood will not be shed in vain! Rest assured, everyone—trust in the Heavenly Court, trust in His Majesty!”
His voice grew somber, but every word rang clear: “Though Heaven-Guide Venerable has died, his Dao-lineage will never perish. He and I were closest friends; he has already passed the god-making method to me. He must have foreseen disaster and taught me his creation in advance, lest regret remain. For now, let us mourn Heaven-Guide, and lay him to rest.”
His voice sank even lower: “He was like an elder brother, like a father. But Heaven envies the brilliant... During the ten-day mourning, I will personally keep vigil for my father-brother. After ten days, I will teach the god-making method.”
His words faded, and then the sound of crying arose: “Father—Brother—”
Quinn Shepherd glanced toward the winding corridor, where Venerable Vast-Sky lay draped over Heaven-Guide Venerable’s corpse, wailing in agony.
Quinn withdrew his gaze and looked to Jasper Yin. Prince Umbral was still staring at his own hand.
Quinn closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them again, his gaze sharp and clear.
Kai Keane saw Quinn’s expression and a look of worry crossed his face.
In the Heavenly Court’s grand council, ancient gods conferred. The Heavenly Emperor’s vast form radiated layer upon layer of divine light, sending ten thousand rays bursting forth. Only the most exalted ancient gods could attend; even the Great Sun Star Lord and the Five Luminaries Star Lords were unqualified to join.
Suddenly, an ancient god hurried in to report, “Your Majesty, Heaven-Guide Venerable of the human race has been murdered in the Jade Pool Little Lodge. Venerable Vast-Sky has memorialized the throne to inform you.”
"Heaven-Guide Venerable is dead?"
The Heavenly Emperor was startled. “Bring it here.”
The ancient god stepped forward and presented Vast-Sky’s memorial. The Heavenly Emperor read it, closed the document, and sighed, “Heaven-Guide Venerable has been brought down by a traitor—how pitiful, how tragic. I had great hopes for him; his talent was peerless, his judgment impeccable. I wished to see him build a glorious age for me, but he fell to treachery. Tu Bo.”
From the darkness, Tu Bo bowed slightly. “Your Majesty.”
The Heavenly Emperor said, “Heaven-Guide Venerable cannot simply die like this. His soul should have entered Youdu, yes? Retrieve his soul and question him.”
Tu Bo’s form sank into the shadows. After a moment, he reappeared, shaking his head. “Heaven-Guide Venerable is not in Youdu.”
The Heavenly Emperor frowned slightly, turning to Lady Umbral. “Lady Umbral, perhaps Heaven-Guide Venerable’s remnant soul has fallen into your domain?”
Lady Umbral sat in Heaven Duke’s shadow. After a pause, she replied, “Your Majesty, no remnant soul from Heaven-Guide Venerable has entered the Umbral World.”
The Heavenly Emperor sighed. “His soul must have been utterly annihilated. Heaven Duke, did you witness the circumstances of Heaven-Guide Venerable’s death?”
Heaven Duke shook his head. “Profound Capital oversees all heavens and worlds, but Jade Pool is the Empress’s residence—I cannot see into that place.”
The Heavenly Emperor was silent for a moment. “Send word: Heaven-Hearing and Earth-Seeing, investigate this matter thoroughly. The true culprit behind Heaven-Guide Venerable’s death must be found!”
“As you command.”
Heaven-Guide Venerable’s spirit hall was erected; Venerable Vast-Sky personally kept vigil. Practitioners from all realms came one by one to bid farewell to the young founder of the Divine Treasury cultivation system.
Quinn Shepherd, Kai Keane, and Old Ox also came to pay their respects. Kai watched Quinn carefully—seeing him remain quiet, he finally relaxed. “He must have listened. That’s best; I was truly afraid he’d cause a disaster.”
Quinn glanced at Venerable Vast-Sky; in these days, Vast-Sky seemed much thinner.
The ten-day vigil passed quickly. The two ancient gods of the Heavenly Court, along with several demigods, searched far and wide, but found nothing.
Heaven-Guide Venerable was buried beside the Celestial River.
The Celestial River surged, its waters flowing endlessly.