Houtu's "all-out effort," fraught with immense confusion and struggle, seemed so heavy and powerless amid the Chaos Gas Flow.
Lu Jun looked deeply at her. Complex emotions surged within those sharp Golden Eyes before finally settling into profound calm.
He neither pressed her further nor applied any more pressure.
He had already laid the question clearly before Houtu, before the entire Witch Race.
In the end, Houtu and the Witch Race themselves would have to turn this heavy millstone.
For now, Lu Jun could only be a calm observer and a possible guide.
And after Houtu successfully persuaded the Witch Race?
Lu Jun's thoughts raced.
Perfecting the Earthly Dao was far from something Houtu could accomplish simply by becoming Incarnation Reincarnation.
There was that crucial item—the Book of the Earth!
Zhen Yuanzi's Companion Supreme Treasure, transformed from the Earthly Fetal Membrane, an unparalleled treasure that bore the Earthly Dao Fortune.
Only by obtaining it and combining it with Houtu's mighty power as Incarnation Reincarnation could the Earthly Dao truly gain the foundation to stand against the Heavenly Dao!
This idea had already taken shape in his mind, and he had even conceived of a bold, immensely tempting bargaining chip.
Offer Zhen Yuanzi the position of Earthly Dao Saint!
The Nascent Star at Lu Jun's fingertips flickered faintly, as if confirming the feasibility of the idea.
Given Zhen Yuanzi's understanding of the Earthly Dao and attachment to the Great Desolation's land, the chance that he would refuse such a saintly position—one that pointed directly toward Hunyuan and perfectly matched his own Great Dao—was minuscule!
This might be the key to prying loose the Book of the Earth.
Yet just as the thought began to sprout, an invisible chill, seemingly descending from Nine Heavens Above, enveloped his mind and spirit.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun!
How could he conceal this from one Merged with Heavenly Dao?
How could he complete his plan to strengthen the Earthly Dao despite this being's possible interference?
It was like a Chaos Barrier stretched before him—heavy, icy, and unfathomably deep.
Even with Lu Jun's current knowledge and Power of Deduction, he felt utterly lost.
This was no longer a problem that strategy and wisdom could solve. It involved the highest, most fundamental contest of rules in the Great Desolation World.
"We can only wait... wait for Houtu's results, then act according to the circumstances."
Lu Jun sighed inwardly and temporarily suppressed this enormous hidden danger.
There was no use thinking too much now. The beginning of everything still lay with Houtu, with the Witch Race's attitude.
"Senior Houtu," Lu Jun said, his voice returning to its previous calm, though now carrying a trace of solemnity.
"Your resolve is a blessing for all living beings. You and I both know the dangers of this matter. Whatever the outcome, I hope you will take care of yourself."
A trace of gratitude flashed through Houtu's enormous eyes.
Lu Jun had not mocked her confusion, nor had he forced her to immediately give an impossible answer.
This understanding, along with his far-reaching perspective for the sake of the Prehistoric World, warmed her heart slightly.
"Thank you, Sixth Prince, for clearing my doubts and trusting me. No matter what lies ahead, Houtu will not betray this conviction or fail Heaven and Earth!"
Houtu's massive body dipped slightly, the movement carrying a grave solemnity.
Once she finished speaking, Houtu did not linger.
Her enormous body slowly turned, stirring the Chaos Gas Flow. With one step, she vanished into the boundless Chaos, setting out on her return journey to the Prehistoric World.
After passing through Chaos, the sight of the Prehistoric World entered her eyes once more.
Without Chaos to obscure it, the resentment, deathly aura, and Calamity Qi permeating Heaven and Earth became even more horrifying!
The once-thriving mountains, rivers, and land were now littered with scorched earth, ravines, and exposed bones.
Countless shattered souls drifted mindlessly through Heaven and Earth, wailing as they gathered into Resentment Clouds that blotted out the sky and sun.
The sporadic conflicts between the Witch Race and Demon Race were like poisonous sores constantly erupting across the land. Every clash came with the withering of life and the birth of fresh resentment.
This apocalyptic scene was like the sharpest carving knife, plunging viciously into Houtu's heart and instantly shattering the wavering born from her confusion!
"Do you see? This is the price! This is the consequence of endless conflict and the absence of Reincarnation!"
A voice cried out from the depths of her soul.
Overwhelming grief and an even stronger sense of responsibility surged through her.
The confusion in her eyes was replaced by an almost tragic resolve.
"So what if I cannot persuade them? So what if the will of the clan cannot be changed?"
"Incarnation Reincarnation is the only path to survival! Even if it is incomplete, even if hidden dangers remain, even if I must bear my clansmen's incomprehension and even resentment, I must do it!"
"Even if it can only temporarily ease this boundless resentment, even if it can only win a brief chance to catch its breath for this Great Desolation Heaven and Earth, it is still better than standing by and watching it sink completely!"
This resolve carried the desolation of staking everything on one throw, as well as the unquestionable responsibility of the Ancestral Witch of Earth.
Her steps quickened, her destination set directly upon the Witch Race Ancestral Land at Buzhou Mountain!
Buzhou Mountain, Pangu Hall.
The moment Houtu landed, a fervent, expectant aura rushed toward her.
The Ancestral Witches left behind—Di Jiang, Zhu Rong, Gong Gong, Qiang Liang, Xuanming, and the others—immediately came forward, their faces brimming with excitement and curiosity.
They had clearly been waiting for news from Houtu.
As Big Brother, Di Jiang spoke first. His voice was booming and carried the confidence of one in control of the entire situation.
"Houtu, Sister, you're finally back! Well? What did Zhen Yuanzi say? Did he agree to cooperate with our Witch Race and plot great things together?"
What they had been thinking about all along was the aid that Zhen Yuanzi, the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, might provide, and whether the Karma with Hong Yun could be exploited.
Zhu Rong was even more impatient, flames dancing around his body. "Yes, Sister, tell us quickly! Did you persuade that old Zhen Yuanzi? His Book of the Earth is good stuff!"
The other Ancestral Witches chimed in as well, their burning gazes fixed on Houtu as though they could already see the Witch Race growing vastly stronger and overwhelming the Demon Race.
Immersed in the excitement of their clan gaining a powerful ally, they completely overlooked the lingering heaviness and exhaustion between Houtu's brows.
As she looked at the excited faces of her Elder Brother and siblings, sensing their pure, blazing "fighting spirit,"
the resolve Houtu had only just forged during her journey home was instantly drowned beneath immense powerlessness and deep helplessness.
She opened her mouth, only to find her throat somewhat dry.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her surging emotions, and slowly spoke in a low yet clear voice:
"During my meeting with Zhen Yuanzi, I did indeed... gain something."
"Hahaha! I knew it! When Houtu, Sister, takes action, she's worth two of anyone else! That old fellow definitely agreed!"
Zhu Rong was the first to burst into laughter. He slapped Gong Gong beside him hard, making the great hall hum and shake.
"Quick, tell us. What benefits did he agree to give? Will he lend us the Book of the Earth?" Gong Gong grinned as he pressed for answers.
"With Zhen Yuanzi's help, dealing with those feathered beasts of the Demon Race will be even more certain!" Ferocity flickered in Qiang Liang's eyes.
Though Di Jiang was steadier, he could not hide the smile at the corner of his lips. He urged, "Sister, tell us the details."
Watching them grow excited, expectant, and even begin to calculate how to use Zhen Yuanzi's power against the Demon Race, the helplessness in Houtu's heart nearly turned into tangible bitterness.
She closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, her gaze held an almost pitying calm as she spoke each word distinctly:
"Zhen Yuanzi said... our Witch Race has reached a dead end."
"What?!"
"Bullshit!"
"Nonsense!"
"That old fool is courting death!"
Before you continue