The Asura Realm is poignant: it is not Hell, not pure suffering, but a middle ground. Its beings are strong, passionate, fierce, yet never content. They cannot stop measuring themselves against the shining Devas. Even in victory, their eyes burn with jealousy. Even in defeat, their fists clench with rage.

So what did Heaven do? It barred the way. It placed a flaming sword before the Tree of Life, not only to punish, but to preserve the balance of the Dao. For if beings that divide also live forever, then division itself becomes eternal. The wound would never close.