Quinn Shepherd and Old Ox stared wide-eyed, while Kai Keane also showed a look of disbelief. The three of them were speechless for a long moment.
Scarlett Vermilion saw their expressions and was quite satisfied. She said, "After that, the whole affair blew up. The Empress was very displeased and made a scene, so the Heavenly Emperor abandoned his mortal body and returned to the Heavenly Court, and the Empress threw another fit. Many in the Heavenly Court know about this, though no one ever says it outright. Later, Venerable Vast-Sky rose to power—he really is remarkable—but the Empress treats Heaven-Guide Venerable very well. Can you guess why that is?"
Old Ox immediately said, "The Empress wanted to get back at the Heavenly Emperor, so she slept with Heaven-Guide Venerable!"
Kai Keane and Quinn Shepherd both coughed in embarrassment, their faces turning bright red from holding it in.
"It's not quite that," Scarlett Vermilion replied. "She wanted to support Heaven-Guide Venerable and suppress her younger sister and the Heavenly Emperor's son."
Scarlett Vermilion pondered, her curiosity suddenly piqued. She lowered her voice, "But do you think the Empress might've actually wanted that? Maybe she really did sleep with Heaven-Guide Venerable... Wait, so why did Venerable Vast-Sky want to kill Heaven-Guide Venerable? Could it be the Heavenly Emperor realized what happened, so he ordered Vast-Sky to do it?"
Quinn Shepherd couldn't help but interrupt her, "Elder sister, it was the Empress's younger sister who used her magic to seal Serpentine Palace, so Heaven-Guide Venerable couldn't escape or call for help."
Scarlett Vermilion's eyes lit up. "Sisterly strife? Competing for favor? Killing the chicken to scare the monkeys? Now that's a drama!"
Quinn Shepherd blinked, thinking to himself, "This elder sister's logic really isn't like mine. I actually think Vast-Sky wanted to get rid of Heaven-Guide Venerable because his reputation was too high. If he took him out, he could become the leader of the demi-gods and postnatal races. Once those groups grew strong, he'd have a shot at the throne."
Scarlett Vermilion clearly hadn't considered that angle; she was still excited by the palace intrigue, completely on a different wavelength from Quinn and the others.
Kai Keane’s expression turned somber. "Heaven-Guide Venerable was a giant of his age. It’s a tragedy that he fell to such treachery. Whether the Heavenly Emperor was involved or not... who can say?"
Scarlett Vermilion, excitement fading, said coolly, "If the Heavenly Emperor’s son can’t outshine a human child, isn’t that just admitting the ancient god bloodline is inferior to mere mortals?"
Quinn and Kai Keane were both stunned, momentarily speechless.
Scarlett’s seriousness vanished as quickly as it came. She grinned. "All right, little brothers, you can stay here with your big sister for now. I’m off to see the chaos outside—bet that little tramp is making a real scene!"
Quinn’s eyes widened. Clearly, Scarlett Vermilion was the type who thrived on chaos—she dashed out without a second thought.
She’s more excited than I am—and I’m the one at the center of all this...
Quinn shook his head and turned to Kai Keane. "Was what Scarlett Vermilion just said true? Did the Heavenly Emperor really order Venerable Vast-Sky to act?"
Kai Keane shook his head. "I’ve never met the Heavenly Emperor, so I can’t judge his character or guess his motives. Still, it’s possible. If the Southern Emperor’s words are true, then the Heavenly Emperor is playing with fire. Venerable Vast-Sky’s ambition is boundless—once the postnatal races and demigods grow strong, his throne may not be so secure!"
Quinn frowned.
Old Ox jumped in alarm. "The Heavenly Emperor’s power is unmatched—and he’s Venerable Vast-Sky’s father. Would Vast-Sky really dare harbor such ambition?"