“But if even people like the celestials in the Celestial Basilica are rotten…” She lifted her head and looked at him. “Then what is the righteous path, really? What is light supposed to be?”

Jared studied her for a long moment before finally speaking.

“The righteous path isn’t something you claim with words. It’s what you prove with your actions. And light isn’t something others give you—it’s something you carry within yourself.”

He rose, walked to the window, and stood there with his hands clasped behind his back.

“People who loudly call themselves righteous aren’t always good. And the demonic cultivators everyone despises aren’t always evil. Righteousness and wickedness aren’t defined by identity—they’re defined by the heart.”

Evelyn nodded, only half understanding.

Jared said nothing more.