Myth Beyond Heaven

Chapter 2310: Set Oneself Free (2)



Que Zang's heart pounded against his ribs. He had anticipated resistance, even outright hostility, but not this gentle acquiescence. Master Tianxin, ever the serene beacon amidst the storms of their lives, seemed to understand the turmoil raging within Que Zang's soul.

He rose, his movements betraying none of his inner conflict, and followed his master deeper into the temple's labyrinthine corridors.

The air grew heavy with the weight of unspoken words, the silence punctuated only by the rhythmic echo of their footsteps.

Finally, they arrived at Mu Zang's abode, a secluded sanctuary nestled amidst a bamboo grove. The air here hummed with a tranquil energy, a stark contrast to the turbulent emotions swirling within Que Zang.

Master Tianxin paused at the entrance, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. "Mu Zang spent countless hours here, cultivating his mind and spirit after your departure," he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of sorrow.

Que Zang's throat tightened. The image of his senior brother, always so calm and composed, filled his mind.

"He also spent great efforts to visit the God of Order and plead for your release," Master Tianxin continued, his words piercing Que Zang's heart like a thousand needles.

"Senior Brother, he..." Que Zang whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"He believed in your inherent goodness, even when you strayed from the righteous path. He saw the potential for redemption within you, even when you were consumed by vengeance." Master Tianxin spoke calmly.

Tears welled up in Que Zang's eyes, blurring his vision. The weight of his senior brother's sacrifice pressed down on him, a heavy burden of guilt and gratitude.

"I let him down," Que Zang choked.

"He never gave up on you, Que Zang," Master Tianxin said gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Even in his final moments, he spoke of you with love and concern."

Que Zang's shoulders slumped, his resolve crumbling under the weight of his master's words. The image of Mu Zang, his kind smile and gentle eyes, flashed before him, a painful reminder of all that he had lost.

"I... I don't deserve his kindness," Que Zang choked out, his voice raw with emotion.

If anyone saw this scene, they wouldn't believe their eyes that the Mad Monk, who had reaped countless souls, could be so fragile and emotional.

Master Tianxin shook his head. "Mu Zang believed otherwise. He saw the light within you, even when you were shrouded in darkness. He knew that one day, you would find your way back."

Que Zang closed his eyes, the tears finally spilling over.

"Thank you, Master," Que Zang said, his voice steadier now. "But I cannot let go the vengeance. I must avenge Senior Brother."

Master Tianxin had no opinion on Que Zang's decision. He stepped aside and said. "Now, go. Pay your respects to your brother. And then, continue on your path. May the Buddha's light guide you."

Que Zang bowed deeply, his heart filled with a bittersweet mix of grief and determination. He stepped into Mu Zang's abode, the scent of sandalwood and incense filling his senses. The room was simple yet elegant, a reflection of his senior brother's unassuming nature.

A single scroll hung on the wall, bearing a calligraphy inscription in Mu Zang's graceful hand. Que Zang approached it, his eyes tracing the familiar characters.

"Let go of attachments, embrace compassion. In forgiveness, find true freedom."

The words resonated within him; it was a clear message from his Senior Brother. Que Zang closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, Senior Brother. It seems I cannot set myself free until I've finally avenged you," Que Zang whispered softly.

He looked around the room briefly. His eyes fell upon a small wooden chest, tucked away in a corner. It was unassuming, almost overlooked amidst the spartan furnishings, yet something about it drew him closer.

With a hesitant hand, Que Zang lifted the lid. Inside, nestled amongst a few personal trinkets, he found a worn leather-bound diary. Recognizing his senior brother's meticulous handwriting, he felt strange. As far as he knew, his senior brother had no habit of writing a diary.

He opened the diary, his eyes scanning the pages filled with Mu Zang's careful script. As he delved deeper, a growing sense of bewilderment and unease washed over him.

The entries chronicled Mu Zang's numerous visits to the God of Order, each one marked by a peculiar and unsettling pattern.

"The God of Order was absent once again," one entry read, the ink faded but the words clear. "Tantai Lanling received me in his stead. I inquired about the God of Order's whereabouts, but she offered only vague assurances. A gnawing unease lingers."

Que Zang frowned, flipping through the pages. The pattern repeated, visit after visit. The God of Order, a pillar of unwavering presence, seemed to have become elusive, his duties delegated to his enigmatic assistant.

Mu Zang's entries grew increasingly concerned. He described subtle shifts in the celestial energy surrounding the God of Order's domain, a faint discordance in the usually harmonious aura. He even recounted discreet attempts to test the God of Order's presence, sensing a familiar yet strangely muted response.

Que Zang's breath hitched as he read the final entry, dated mere weeks before Mu Zang's fateful journey.

"I fear something is amiss," Mu Zang had written, his usually steady hand trembling slightly. "The God of Order's aura, though present, feels...distant. And today, as I journeyed back from his domain, I sensed a disturbance near the Primal Chaos Wall. A darkness, subtle yet insidious, lurking at the edges of our reality."

A cold dread gripped Que Zang's heart. Mu Zang's words, his concerns, now echoed ominously in the wake of his sacrifice. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, revealing a picture far more sinister than Que Zang had ever imagined.

The God of Order's absence, the unsettling shifts in celestial energy, the shadowy presence near the Primal Chaos Wall - it all pointed to a deeply disturbing truth. There was someone, or something, orchestrating all of this.

Que Zang thought of the projection Yun Lintian showed him. Clearly, the Primal Chaos would be ravaged by the Shadow Demons in the near future. Mu Zang's doubt regarding the absence of the God of Order was certainly justified.

He flipped through the page and continued to read.

"I sought an audience with the God of Order again today, but Tantai Lanling didn't show up. Instead, it was Tantai Sun. I then discovered a trace of shadow demon energy hiding deep within his body... I'm afraid the God of Order didn't leave, but something happened to him. The Primal Chaos is in danger."