Xu Qing’s eyes were bloodshot as he turned and looked at the Captain.

“Life is a unique thing, little Ah Qing. It’s full of both bitter grief and sweet happiness. It never has just one or the other. In fact, it can’t. Not even the god above us in the sky can change that. We’re people, not animals, and therefore... I understand your sorrow, and I understand your rage. I guess what I’m trying to say is, do what you have to do. Follow your heart, and live life the way you want to live it.”

The Captain smiled, and it seemed as bright as the sun.

That light entered Xu Qing’s eyes and illuminated the killing intent within him, provoking an unusual sensation. He didn’t say anything in response. He didn’t hear things like that very often. Only two people had ever talked to him about the principles of life, and they were Sergeant Thunder and Grandmaster Bai. A moment passed, and then Xu Qing looked at the Captain and nodded solemnly. Then he turned back and waited for Master Sixth to finish the soulsearch.

Xu Qing had handed over the Seastar princess, but not the Gruegloom. He had not yet inflicted enough torment on the Gruegloom,...