Thanks to Heavenly_Pearl and VenusUnchained for helping me with names. Thanks to Heavenly_Pearl and Starling_Sinclair for detail help. Also, minor trigger warning that might go under cannibalism although it didn't really occur, that detail can be read at The Thunder God's Revenge on Wikipedia and it starts at the line "He committed blasphemy by…"
The group swam back, first they headed to the Temple of the Azure Dragon where Mei and Yìngyù resided then the remaining merpeople headed towards the palace. They ate dinner in the Royal Kitchen. Then, they were told to report to the Mermaid Queen. Kǎi had left at sunset. The Queen thanked them and told them to rest except for Ruǎn yù and Zhihao who had guard duty shifts to perform until they were allowed periods of rest.
Ai headed towards the court ladies' chambers, found her clamshell bed, and went to sleep and dreamt of the Kun-Peng as she power swam vertically at great heights and spun around it.
~In the Heavenly Realm~
Kǎi had left Yue Lao's Palace in the realm of the Moon and began heading back towards his family estate. Normally, his mother would say her farewells but today, she said that she would see him at home later which meant that she was expecting him.
What did she need to speak to him about?
He entered the open gate and headed towards his parents' home on the estate. His mother was waiting right by the door as she sat on a chair then stood up the moment, she saw him enter.
"You're home."
"What is the matter?"
Yu looked down before answering "I understand that you are grieved by the loss of your mortal charge and that you wish to save others from sharing his fate. But an imperial messenger has come to our home." She held a scroll for him to take which he began opening to read. "The Heavenly Emperor wishes to speak to you."
Kǎi looked back at his mother "He…He already knows."
"One cannot hide from Heaven's Eyes." Yu closed her silver eyes. "But, for now we must get some rest."
Kǎi nodded. "Yes."
~The Next Morning~
Kǎi was walking towards the Heavenly Palace when he was approached by the son of the Heavenly Emperor, Prince Rìzhào. The man had wavy silver hair and eyes that were orange like the son.
He bowed with his hands held. "Greetings Prince Rìzhào."
The younger man ruled over the realm of the Sun as his mother, Noble Consort Yáng, had been the goddess that once reigned over the Sun. He and Kǎi had met on the occasions that Kǎi had been summoned to court as his parents were guardian angels of noble descent.
"Please Kǎi, the formalities aren't necessary. I have heard why you are called here today. Some of the Gods were furious that you freed the souls of the deceased mortals." He closed his eyes and turned his eyes as he resumed speaking "I understand what that human did to Lei Gong was terrible. He committed blasphemy by injuring him and even had the intention to pickle him as if he was some vegetable. But, by continuing this flood as an example to humanity, the loss of all these human lives seems meaningless. Who would be left for us to protect? Who would revere us?" Prince Rìzhào's expression turned somber.
From what he knew of Prince Rìzhào, the man had compassion towards all beings, immortal and mortal alike.
Kǎi frowned "You're right. It doesn't make sense, does it? Without human prayer and belief, a fraction of the power would wane. Are they planning to destroy all humans within these lands and create new ones to replace the old? Or are they planning to leave only a chosen few?"
Prince Rìzhào closed his eyes and shook his head. "I hope it is the latter rather than the former. Even if Nüwa creates new humans to repopulate and worship us, they could easily destroy them all together again."
Kǎi nodded solemnly. He would prefer not to see another disaster overtake the human lands again.
"But, anyways, enough of that. Regardless of what the Gods or even my father says, I will take your side. Even if Yan Wang and his staff get overworked, it is not fair to leave their bodies and souls adrift in the sea. Too much death aura. Don't they care about the other beings in the sea?"
Kǎi nodded. He remembered the merpeople who helped him the other day along with Ai. If they didn't continue to reduce the death aura each day, eventually the aura would overtake the beings of the sea and leave them languid, left to weaken each day. He could not, would not, subject them to such a fate.
He looked at the prince, "We cannot keep them waiting."
The god nodded and both silver haired men began walking into the Heavenly Palace. Kǎi stood in front of the Heavenly Emperor and Empress in attendance while Prince Rìzhào sat next to the other members of the royal family.
The Heavenly Emperor spoke "Guardian angel Kǎi, yesterday many Gods witnessed you dissolving corpses and releasing human souls, what was the meaning of your deed?"
Kǎi bowed with his hands held out in front of him. "Heavenly Emperor. It was not my intention to offend."
"I understand that your charge lost his life yesterday."
"That is correct, Your Majesty."
"I also understand that as a guardian angel, your duty is to guide your human charge and protect him."
"Yes."
"You should not feel bad, he was merely a casualty in divine retribution."
Kǎi closed his eyes and hoped his expression was not one of defiance because if he was not able to make his case. It would be the end for him… As well as the beings of the sea.
"Father." Prince Rìzhào spoke with a disapproving tone. "Please have more sympathy, a guardian angel watches over their charge for a long time."
The Heavenly Emperor gave his son a look which made the prince go quiet. Kǎi was relieved that the prince was also in attendance.
"I understand that without your charge, you feel lacking in purpose. Do you wish to make all dead humans your charge now?" The words were spoken with disdain towards the end.
"No, I simply feel sorry for those who have met their end much like my charge, unable to move on, left to rot, while what remains of them continues to pollute the sea."
The Gods in attendance began to murmur.
Prince Rìzhào spoke up. "He has a point Father. Think of all the beings in the sea. The Dragon Kings, merpeople, the sea animals. All of them will eventually succumb to the death aura if it is not reduced gradually."
The Heavenly Emperor began to muse over his son's words. He had to admit, his son had a point. He nodded "Alright then, you have my permission to continue this task you have taken upon yourself."
Some Gods began to gasp while Kǎi inwardly sighed.
"However, there is one condition for you to continue with this task."
"What is it?"
"You are not, under any circumstances, allowed to seek help from anyone of the Heavenly Clan, is that understood?"
Kǎi knew what that meant. This decision would placate the Gods who lacked any sympathy towards humans as well as make his task difficult. A God or another angel could make the duty of gathering the corpses go more efficiently.
Still, Kǎi bowed his head and said, "I understand."
The Heavenly Emperor said "Good. This meeting is now adjourned."
As Gods and immortals began leaving the palace, Prince Rìzhào approached Kǎi "I am glad the meeting ended well. My father gave you a difficult condition given the circumstances but still, I am glad."
Kǎi gave a slight smile "I doubt it would've ended well without your support Prince Rìzhào and with that, I thank you."
Prince Rìzhào smiled "You're welcome. Besides, you made a good point."
"I wouldn't have mentioned the polluting of the waters if you didn't speak to me earlier."
"Well, glad I could be of service."
"I shall go now to do my task now. Good day Prince Rìzhào." Kǎi nodded.
Prince Rìzhào nodded. "Good day Kǎi and good luck."
Kǎi took a deep breath, flapped his wings, and began diving down to the Sea.
~The Mermaid Queen's Palace~
After breakfast, Ai's group was preparing to move out. The Mermaid Queen asked, "Heading out?"
Ai bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Queen smiled "Thank you all for your service. It is much appreciated, this task is arduous, but I have hope that your efforts will yield good results."
They spoke in unison as they bowed "You're welcome Your Majesty and thank you."
"Alright, go now."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The group straightened their backs as they began exiting the palace and headed towards the Temple of the Azure Dragon. After regrouping with Mei and Yìngyù, the group arrived at the spot where they began earlier and to their disappointment, it looked like their efforts were moot and they had to start all over again.
Kǎi appeared before them, using his wings to propel himself forward. He gritted his teeth. With the Heavenly Emperor's condition, this task would be no different than Wu Gang attempting to chop down the osmanthus tree in the realm of the Moon.*
Ai swam towards the angel, "Kǎi, you're here." She stopped before him. "What's wrong?"
He realized that it would be better to talk about the ordeal he went through this morning and once he divulged about the Heavenly Emperor's condition, the merpeople began to make upset remarks. It clearly wasn't fair for Kǎi to be the only one to free the trapped souls and dissolve the corpses and with their numbers, they could only carry so many.
Qing looked thoughtful then looked up and announced. "I have an idea."
Note: Wu Gang is an immortal who is tasked with trying to cut down an osmanthus tree on the moon. He is basically the Chinese Sisyphus.