Indeed.
Qing Huan affirmed.
"You established the Asura Sect, based on the Blood Sea, and created the Asura Race. You have indeed gathered the Luck the Blood Sea and generated supreme Merit."
However, this action only 'developed' the potential of the Blood Sea, but did not 'fulfill' the role the Blood Sea should have played in the cycle of heaven and earth! You only utilized its 'power,' but did not fulfill its 'duty'!"
"Your path, your Merit, are therefore incomplete! Heaven and earth have bestowed Merit, acknowledging your achievements in 'developing' the Blood Sea and giving birth to life, but because you have not fulfilled that crucial 'duty,' because the 'Karma and effect' concerning the reincarnation of all living beings in the Primordial Wilderness has not been resolved, these Merit cannot be perfected and cannot become the final stepping stone for you to ascend to Saint Position!"
Qing Huan's words were like thunderclaps, splitting the fog that had shrouded Minghe's heart for millions of years!
I see! I see!
It was not that Heavenly Dao was unjust, nor that the Sage were suppressing him, but rather that he himself, unknowingly, embarked on a path that seemed perfect but actually had major flaws!
His path to sainthood was not absent, but rather closely connected to this Blood Sea and the still imperfect "order of death" in the world!
"Then... Eldest Brother, how should I fill this 'Dao Deficiency' in my path? And where does that 'responsibility' lie?"
Minghe asked urgently, a glimmer of hope rekindling in his eyes—a clear yearning for the future.
Qing Huan shook his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the depths of the netherworld, carrying a knowing yet indescribable meaning.
The time is not yet right.
He slowly uttered four words.
"This matter is of great importance, involving endless Karma, and is even closely related to another great supernatural being who is destined by Heavenly Mandate."
Before the opportune moment arrives and Heavenly Mandate is revealed, you cannot force it, nor can you accomplish it alone.
What you need to do now is not to question violently, nor to forcefully break through those invisible shackles, but to calmly wait, settle yourself, and thoroughly digest and absorb the Merit Luck gained from Establishing a Religion, thus consolidating your cultivation at the peak of the Quasi-Sage level."
"At the same time."
Qing Huan's tone turned serious.
"You need to start 'thinking,' to think about what the deeper meaning of this Blood Sea is, beyond its role as a breeding ground for slaughter and Asura."
How exactly should it connect with the 'death' of all living beings in this Primordial Wilderness world? Only when that 'opportunity' arrives can you seize it, and only then can you use your path of slaughter to uphold protection and order, truly completing the foundation of your sacred path!
Minghe listened to Qing Huan's earnest teachings, the turmoil and resentment in his heart were completely calmed down, replaced by a clarity and tranquility that came with sudden enlightenment.
Although he still didn't know when the specific "opportunity" would arrive, in what form it would appear, or which powerful being it would be related to, at least he knew the direction and that his path was not a dead end; he just needed to wait for a crucial moment.
"Thank you so much for your guidance, Eldest Brother!"
Minghe took a deep breath, completely subduing the turbulent aura around him, and bowed deeply to Qing Huan, saying, "It was Minghe's impetuousness that almost led me astray."
Qing Huan nodded slightly, a hint of relief in his eyes:
"It is good that you understand. The path to sainthood is difficult. It cannot be achieved solely through Magic Power Merit. It also depends on one's character, opportunities, and insight into the grand scheme of things."
Be patient and wait, observe the situation calmly, and when the time comes, you will surely rise to prominence.
After saying that, Qing Huan's figure began to fade slowly, like a wisp of smoke merging into the void.
"Eldest Brother, wait a minute!"
Suddenly remembering something, Minghe asked, "Just now, the reactions of the Three Pure Ones, especially Yuanshi Tianzun..."
Qing Huan's figure had become almost transparent, leaving only a final, ethereal message echoing in the heart of the Minghe:
"The Sage observes the way of Heaven, acts in accordance with Heaven, and his thoughts are in harmony with part of Will of Heaven."
The words of the Yuanshi, though carrying personal likes and dislikes, also reflect part of the Heavenly Dao's judgment on the 'current state' of your Way.
Laozi's words go straight to the heart of the matter.
There's no need for resentment. When you mend your Dao Deficiency today will be nothing but fleeting smoke.
As soon as he finished speaking, the figure of the Qing Huan Dao Master had completely disappeared from the Blood Sea, as if he had never existed.
But within the Blood God Palace, the suffocating rage and despair had dissipated.
Minghe atop the Blood Waves, Styx gazed at the Golden Light of Merit that still bound him but no longer agitated him, his eyes becoming incredibly deep and serene.
He sat cross-legged and began to calm his mind and digest what he had learned, following Qing Huan's instructions. At the same time, he slowly sank his Spiritual Sense into the source of the Blood Sea to comprehend the deeper mystery of "death" that was related to all living beings in the Primordial Wilderness world.
Meanwhile, in the Primordial Wilderness world, the Innate Deities who had been closely monitoring the changes in the Netherworld Sea of Blood with their Spiritual Sense were still deeply shaken and pondering.
The Heavenly Court, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.
Di Jun sat regally on the Heavenly Emperor's Throne, with the Solar True Fire flickering around him, exuding a majestic and awe-inspiring imperial aura.
Through the endless void, one could clearly "see" the magnificent atmosphere of Minghe Establishing a Religion, and even more so, the vast Merit that could drive any Quasi-Sage mad, yet ultimately failed to help Minghe take that step!
Eastern Emperor Taiyi stood beside him, the illusory image of the Chaos Bell floating above his head, his expression solemn.
"Brother, Ancestor Minghe, who gathered the Blood Sea's Luck and Establishing a Religion such a vast Merit, failed..."
Tai Yi's voice was filled with disbelief.
"Is becoming a saint truly so difficult? Could it be as some ancient legends say, that without boundless Luck and the power to unify heaven and earth, one cannot attain enlightenment?"
Di Jun's gaze was deep, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest of the throne, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Minghe's failure was like a bucket of cold water, waking him from some of the overly optimistic ideas that had arisen from his efforts to establish Heavenly Court and gather the Luck of the All the Stars in the Heavens.
"The Minghe's Luck and Merit are indeed vast, but its foundation is limited to a corner of the Blood Sea. Although it has established a race, it has failed to truly extend the Great Dao to the entire cycle of the Primordial Wilderness world."
Di Jun spoke slowly, as if he were analyzing the Minghe, or perhaps reflecting on himself.
"Perhaps... Tai Yi, you are right. To achieve Hunyuan, it is probably not possible to Luck of one sect or one clan."
To truly rule the primordial Primordial Wilderness, to gather the Luck of all races into one's own body, to establish the order of heaven and earth in one's own hands, and to make all laws resonate because of one's own power... perhaps, that is the true foundation for becoming a saint!
In his eyes, a more intense and resolute flame of ambition reignited.
Minghe's defeat did not discourage him; on the contrary, it strengthened his belief in unifying the Primordial Wilderness and establishing an unparalleled Heavenly Court order!
Only in this way can we gather the boundless Luck and Merit that transcends the Blood Sea and any single race or sect!
At the foot of Buzhou Mountain stands the Pangu Hall of the Witch Clan.
The ten Ancestral Witch gathered, their malevolent aura soaring to the heavens, their blood and qi surging like dragons. They also sensed the dramatic changes in the Sea of the Blood Sea.
"Hmph! That old demon Minghe made quite a show of himself, but he's still a piece of trash!"
Zhurong's voice boomed like thunder, tinged with disdain.
"That Golden Light of Merit is truly frightening."
Gonggong said in a low voice, "If he becomes a saint, my Witch Clan will likely have another formidable enemy."
As the Ancestral Witch of spatial speed, Di Jiang's gaze pierced through layers of space as he said in a deep voice:
"The fact that Minghe failed to become a saint is a good thing for our Witch Clan. However... there's something strange about this matter. Establishing a Religion, founding a clan, gathering Luck, accumulating Merit... this path doesn't seem to be easy."
Xuan Ming suddenly spoke:
"Where is Houtu? She seemed to have sensed something and went out alone."
The Ancestral Witch scanned the area with their Spiritual Sense and discovered that Houtu was indeed not in the hall.
On the edge of the Netherworld Sea of Blood, on a desolate and lifeless land.
Ancestral Witch Houtu, stood alone here. Unlike other powerful beings who observed from afar with their Spiritual Sense, she personally came to the vicinity of the Blood Sea.