The celestial chamber was quieter than it had ever been.
Moments earlier the Supreme One had issued a command that would shake the balance of the heavens.
The Old One would descend to the mortal world.
And begin again.
Min Ling stood beside him, still struggling to process what had just been decided.
"You're really going through with this?" he asked quietly.
The Old One smiled faintly.
"When the Supreme One gives an order, it isn't really a question."
Min Ling looked down at the glowing floor of the chamber.
"But you'll lose your memories… everything we've done… everything you know."
"For a time," the Old One corrected gently.
"Ten years is not very long for someone who has existed this long."
Min Ling tried to laugh but failed.
The council around them began murmuring again.
One of the elder gods spoke.
"If the Old One descends, someone must maintain the celestial observation system."
Another added,
"The Watcher Seat cannot remain empty."
The God of Vision folded his arms.
"Then we must appoint a temporary successor."
Min Ling glanced toward the Old One.
"Do you have someone in mind?"
The Old One looked across the chamber.
His gaze stopped on a quiet figure standing near the edge of the council.
An archangel.
Her wings shimmered with silver light, and her expression remained calm even under the pressure of divine authority.
She had said nothing during the entire meeting.
But her eyes had been watching him.
The Old One chuckled softly.
"So you're here too."
The archangel gave a slight smile.
"Of course."
Several council members noticed the exchange.
The God of Vision raised an eyebrow.
"You two know each other?"
Min Ling blinked in surprise.
"…Wait. You do?"
The archangel stepped forward gracefully.
"We have worked together before."
The Old One nodded.
"She has assisted me during several cosmic observations."
The council exchanged looks.
An elder god spoke again.
"Then perhaps she could replace him temporarily."
Another god shook his head.
"An archangel cannot take the seat of the Old One."
But before the argument could grow—
The voice of the Supreme One returned.
"Silence."
The chamber immediately fell still.
The Supreme One continued.
"The Watcher Seat will remain vacant."
The council was stunned.
"Vacant?"
"That has never happened before!"
But the voice continued calmly.
"This is not a normal situation."
Then the Supreme One addressed the archangel.
"You."
The archangel stepped forward and bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
"You will accompany the Old One."
Min Ling's eyes widened.
"…What?"
The council erupted.
"An archangel descending to the mortal realm?"
"That is unprecedented!"
The Supreme One ignored the noise.
"You will reincarnate on Planet Lu-Men."
The archangel showed no hesitation.
"As you command."
Min Ling looked back and forth between them.
"Wait… both of you are going?"
The Old One laughed softly.
"It seems I won't be alone after all."
The archangel finally turned toward him.
Her voice lowered slightly.
"I couldn't let you wander around a dangerous world without supervision."
Min Ling stared at them.
"…You two planned this?"
The Old One shrugged.
"Let's call it… convenient."
The Supreme One spoke again.
"Your memories will also be sealed."
The archangel nodded calmly.
"I understand."
"Both of you will awaken your memories gradually."
The Old One stretched his shoulders as if preparing for a long journey.
"Well then."
He looked toward Min Ling.
"Looks like this is where we part ways."
Min Ling's expression hardened.
"You better come back."
The Old One smiled.
"I always do."
Above them, a massive vortex of light slowly opened in the center of the chamber.
The reincarnation gate.
Pure cosmic energy spiraled through it like a galaxy collapsing inward.
Min Ling clenched his fists.
"…Master."
The Old One placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Take care of things while I'm gone."
Then he stepped toward the light.
The archangel walked beside him.
For a moment, they both looked back at the celestial chamber they had known for ages.
Min Ling raised a hand in farewell.
The Old One gave one last smile.
"See you in ten years."
Then both of them stepped forward.
Their bodies dissolved into glowing particles.
Two brilliant souls rose into the vortex.
And were pulled into the endless light void.
Far away…
On Planet Lu-Men…
Two new lives were about to begin.