Bereft of his father, the son was overwhelmed with sorrow. When approached and questioned, he recounted everything that had transpired, leaving nothing out. Determined, he made a solemn vow to destroy his enemies. Sent forth on his mission, he set out accompanied by the very sage who had guided him. Filled with affection, he approached Vasiṣṭha, his family preceptor. He laid before him the entire tale, and Vasiṣṭha, endowed with the vision of knowledge, understood all. From this sage, the son received a sword as hard as a thunderbolt and a bow. Honored with blessings, he bowed respectfully and immediately set out. With resolute purpose, he sent his enemies, along with their sons, grandsons, and followers, to heaven. Some were destroyed, terrified; others fled in panic. Some, desperate, resorted to eating grass, while others entered the city of the people. Eager to save their lives, many quickly sought refuge with Vasiṣṭha. Learning of this through his spies, the son went to his preceptor’s presence. In a moment, he forbade both the act of protection and the words spoken by the disciples. Among those who sought refuge were the blind, bearded, shaven-headed, and those excluded from the Vedas. Sagara laughed and addressed his teacher, the repository of austerity, saying, “In every way, I will kill those who have usurped my father’s domain. He alone is the cause of total destruction—there is no doubt. If those same ones, being weak, display extreme virtue, they act only as long as their strength is not overpowered. One seeking what is best should never trust the goodness of serpents. They quickly reveal their true nature when their own power is reversed. Those who are weak always speak exceedingly pitiful words. One should never trust the virtue or impartiality of the wicked. A man who trusts an evil wife is as good as dead—there is no doubt. Having slain all these wicked ones, by your grace I shall enjoy the earth.” Vasiṣṭha touched Sagara’s body with both hands and spoke gently: “Even so, by hearing my words, you will attain supreme peace. Tell me, what fame arises from killing those who are already defeated? Why do you kill them again, though they have already been destroyed by their own sins? The self is indeed invulnerable because it is complete—this is the conclusion of the scriptures. All actions have their root in destiny; this world is under the control of the gods. Then, tell me, what can be accomplished by men who are not their own masters? Knowing this to be the root of evil, how could one set out to destroy it? Therefore, O king, this body is indeed the root of evil—there is no doubt. Having determined what will come to pass, do not harm these, O son, thereafter.” Then, the sages, together with Kṛta, touched Sagara and Nandana. The royal consecration was performed by the sages of excellent vows. For the son of Kāśyapa and Vidarbha, coming from the forest, he spoke with the king and then returned to his own hermitage.