Chapter Seventy-Seven: Return to the Sacred Domain

Zilong asked in confusion, "If the future is uncertain, what meaning does it hold for us to witness it? Isn't it nothing but a source of needless worry?"

The sight of what seemed to be the fall of a Golden Saint was enough to unsettle anyone.

"No!"

Yin Seventeen waved his hand, speaking earnestly, "It isn't entirely without meaning."

"We may be powerless to change the future, but we can prepare ourselves for it."

"That way, when confronted by such a future, we won't be caught off guard, making things even worse!"

Warning—this was how he defined the abilities of the Crater constellation in his heart.

"Well said!" Tonghu looked at him approvingly, then addressed the others, "The ability of the Crater constellation is to help us prepare for what comes, not to deliberately alter it."

"Remember this: the future is undetermined, created by ourselves."

"A future that has not yet come into being cannot be decided by mere prophecy—it can only be forged by us!"

Seeing the elder’s solemn expression, the group bowed together.

"Understood, Master Tonghu!"

The old man then turned to Yin Seventeen, solemnly instructing, "When you return, do not forget to report everything you have just witnessed to His Holiness the Pope!"

"Make sure he is fully prepared, for the sake of caution!"

Though he privately disagreed with the current Pope, now was not the time for rivalry; the focus should be united against external threats.

Their differences could be addressed in the future.

"Yes!" Yin Seventeen nodded earnestly.

"All right, you may descend the mountain now," Tonghu waved them off, dismissing the pair.

Ruolan said casually, "Master Tonghu, since the battle is imminent, why not return with us?"

Though aged, Tonghu was still a Golden Saint, his formidable cosmos undeniable.

His return to Sanctuary would be a tremendous boost.

The old man shook his head gently, replying seriously, "There are evil gods lurking in the East as well, and I cannot leave so easily. I must remain here, ever vigilant."

"Moreover, the Sea Emperor has awakened, and his Mariners are stirring. I must also keep watch on the Pacific’s movements."

"Returning to Sanctuary is not yet the right time!"

Of course, there was another crucial reason left unspoken.

He was at odds with the Pope; returning now would destabilize Sanctuary.

He must wait until the time was right—then, he would return.

"Very well..." Ruolan replied, somewhat disappointed.

"Let’s go!" Yin Seventeen called to the young woman, and together they began descending the mountain.

After only a few steps, he seemed to recall something and turned back to the elder, asking, "Master Tonghu, since the future is uncertain, what is the river of fate reflected by the Crater constellation?"

"That question," Tonghu shook his head helplessly, "perhaps only the three goddesses by the banks of the River of Fate can answer for you."

Aside from those who preside over fate, few could explain its mysteries.

Even Athena, goddess of wisdom, could not.

"Is that so? What a pity," Yin Seventeen sighed, following the stone steps down the mountain.

The three goddesses of fate were far beyond his reach—so far he did not even know how to seek them out.

Even if he knew their abode, he lacked the courage to go.

Gods are gods, after all—especially those who claim dominion over fate.

If those three could see through his origins at a glance, he would not be in the least surprised.

It was safer to steer clear of such perilous deities.

"Senior Seventeen, Senior Ruolan, farewell!"

"Farewell!"

...

Soon, with farewells from Zilong and Chunli, Yin Seventeen and his companion reached the foot of Mount Lu.

Then, they ignited their cosmos, becoming twin arcs of light heading northwest.

On the Jamir Plateau, a boy with two red marks on his brow pointed excitedly at the sky where the arcs swept past, "Mr. Mu, look! Two more Saints just flew by!"

Beside him, another man with matching red marks flicked the boy's head, expressionless, "Kiki, focus on your training. Stop gawking."

"Oh," the boy replied, unwillingly, then opened his right hand toward a small stone at his feet.

"Rise!"

He called softly, and the stone wobbled and floated off the ground.

Meanwhile, Yin Seventeen and his companion sped across Eurasia, reaching the Sanctuary on the Aegean shore in mere minutes.

Just as Tonghu had said, the Sanctuary was on the verge of war; the whole domain was shrouded in a somber, martial mood.

Gazing at the towering sacred mountain, Ruolan said nervously, "I won't go up with you. You should see the Pope alone."

Normally, after returning from leave, they would not be required to meet the Pope, but because of the vision shown by the Crater constellation, they had to make a report.

"What? Last time, when you returned the Cloth, I personally went with you to the Pope’s Hall! Now it’s your turn to accompany me, and you’re abandoning me?" Yin Seventeen stared at the girl.

If he could, he would avoid further contact with the current Pope, for that man was a ticking time bomb—no one knew when he might suddenly explode.

Most importantly, Yin Seventeen was no match for him.

But if Ruolan could come along, her luck would bring him comfort.

The girl fiddled with her fingers, cautiously saying, "It's not that I lack loyalty, but Deathmask is simply intolerable!"

"What if he tries to scare us again?"

Yin Seventeen tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Relax, he’s frightened you once already—he shouldn’t do it again!"

He silently added in his heart: unless Deathmask wishes to choke to death while drinking water.

"Well... all right then..."

Considering she might need to ask Yin Seventeen for the Moon Dew in the future, Ruolan reluctantly agreed.

Yet she did not know that after playing tricks on her last time, Deathmask had suffered a full week of misfortune.

Even sitting peacefully in the Cancer Palace, he ended up covered in dust when the roof suddenly collapsed.

Since then, Deathmask had completely abandoned the idea of teasing her.

Her worries were all for naught.

Before long, the pair passed smoothly through the Twelve Temples and arrived at the Pope’s Hall.

"Greetings, Your Holiness!"

"Greetings, Your Holiness!"

They bowed to the man on the throne, clad in golden helmet and white robes.

"What brings you two here?" The Pope reclined on his throne, asking indifferently.

"Your Holiness, on our departure from Mount Lu, the Crater Cloth revealed to us a vision of the River of Fate," Yin Seventeen replied with his head lowered.

"The River of Fate?"

At these words, the Pope’s interest was piqued, and he continued, "I recall the Crater Cloth can reflect the River of Fate, showing people scenes of the past or future."

"Did you see the past, or the future?"

As Pope, he had a passing familiarity with all the Cloths.