Joining Forces with Houtu (1)

However, Houtu's path to sainthood was ill-timed.

This was because it coincided with the time when the Witch-Demon tribes were vying for dominance. When Houtu achieved her saintly position, the balance was disrupted.

Thus, for the sake of many, Hongjun, along with several other Saints, concocted a reason and unreasonably imprisoned Houtu within the Underworld.

To this day, Houtu has been unable to escape.

"Ding! Congratulations on successfully triggering a hidden option."

"Option One: Continue in seclusion, and you will receive the Cloud-Piercing Shuttle (Top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure) and the Nine Yang Flower (Innate Spiritual Root)."

"Option Two: Go to the Underworld to rescue Houtu, and you will directly learn the Divine Ability: Earthly Path Sublimation."

Looking at the two options presented by the system, Tongtian found himself somewhat conflicted.

Compared to the two options, the rewards for the first were clearly better, while the second option only offered a single Divine Ability.

Although only one Divine Ability was given, this particular one was incredibly potent.

Earthly Path Sublimation, as its name suggested, could enhance the cultivator's Heaven and Earth Karma Position within the Underworld!

If the Heaven and Earth Karma Position were elevated, wouldn't it be simple to help Houtu escape the Underworld?

"With the Earthly Path Sublimation Divine Ability, could I perhaps form a partnership with Houtu?"

A spark of inspiration flashed in Tongtian's eyes as he began to ponder his next move.

The Great Tribulation was fast approaching, but the Underworld, this land of Reincarnation, could serve as a refuge.

As a Saint, Houtu could control the Reincarnation of Heaven and Earth within the Underworld. Although she was later constrained by the Heavenly Dao, it was only because the Heavenly Dao was more powerful than the Underworld.

If the Heaven and Earth Karma Position could be elevated, Houtu could be freed from the Heavenly Dao's constraints!

In that case, wouldn't Tongtian also have the assistance of a Saint?

With all of Tongtian's magical treasures combined, dealing with Yuanshi, Jieyin, and Zhunti would be a trivial matter!

However, adding Hongjun and Nuwa into the mix would make things considerably more difficult.

If Hongjun were to truly make a move against his Intercepting Sect, it would be beneficial just to be able to use the Underworld to resist him.

Especially Taishang, who had not yet acted, it was simply because the Great Tribulation had not yet arrived.

Once the Investiture of the Gods Great Tribulation arrived, it was impossible for him not to act against the Intercepting Sect.

Therefore, no matter what, he had to plan ahead.

"Option Two!"

Tongtian declared with a firm tone.

With that, Tongtian's Primordial Spirit was enveloped by a ball of light.

Before long, Tongtian directly comprehended the Divine Ability technique of Earthly Path Sublimation.

After fully grasping this Divine Ability, Tongtian's jaw dropped.

He had originally thought that even if Earthly Path Sublimation were used, the elevated Earthly Path would still not compare to the Heavenly Dao.

After all, the Heavenly Dao had dominated the Primordial World for countless eons.

However, Tongtian was utterly shocked by this technique.

Although this Divine Ability could only be used once.

That single use left him feeling incredibly awestruck and impressed!

This was because it could, in one go, directly elevate the Heaven and Earth Karma Position within the Underworld, and furthermore, it was an elevation that was not controlled by the Heavenly Dao, thus breaking free from its control!

This was an operation to establish a separate Earthly Path outside of the Heavenly Dao!

If the Earthly Path were to become its own entity, then it would no longer fear the suppression of the Heavenly Dao!

From this day forward, the Heavenly Dao would only control the rules of the heavens, while the Earthly Path would share dominion over the rules of the earth!

Tongtian firmly believed that with the effect of Earthly Path Sublimation, Houtu would undoubtedly unite with him and help him!

Tongtian waved his sleeve, and a spatial gate appeared.

Without hesitation, he stepped through it, heading towards the Underworld.

At this moment, in the Underworld, where black winds occasionally raged.

The Underworld had been operating normally since Houtu's ascension to sainthood.

However, due to the control of the Heavenly Dao!

Houtu was not free at all after becoming a Saint; she could only move within the Underworld and nowhere else.

Swish!

A spatial gate materialized, and Tongtian stepped out.

Without pausing, Tongtian walked directly into the depths of the Underworld, arriving before the Palace of Pingxin.

Boom!

Sensing Tongtian's arrival, Houtu directly opened the palace doors, and Tongtian walked in, meeting Houtu.

"Brother Tongtian, what brings you here to see me today?"

Houtu said with a smile.

She had been confined to the Underworld for many years, and generally, no one ever came here.

Upon hearing this, Tongtian also replied with a smile, "I truly envy your leisure and freedom, unburdened by the impending Great Tribulation."

Hearing this, Houtu also said with some helplessness, "No matter how powerful this Great Tribulation is, it won't descend upon my Underworld!"

"I can only idly pass my days in leisure."

Tongtian chuckled at her words, sensing her yearning for freedom within her statement.

It was only natural; anyone confined to a dark, sunless place for so long would find it unbearable.

Houtu had achieved sainthood, but her freedom had been instantly stripped away.

"Brother Tongtian, this visit shouldn't be just a simple meeting, should it?"

Houtu looked meaningfully at Tongtian, as she didn't have any particular affection for him and thus concluded he must have a purpose for coming.

"The Great Tribulation is approaching!"

"I've come to propose an alliance."

Tongtian stated his intention directly, without any preamble.

Houtu frowned slightly upon hearing this. "This Great Tribulation poses no threat to my Underworld."

"An alliance, it seems, cannot be reached."

There was no friendship between Houtu and Tongtian.

Even if they were friends, why should she get involved in something that wouldn't affect the Underworld at all?

Tongtian was not surprised by Houtu's immediate refusal.

"Don't be so quick to refuse. I wouldn't propose an alliance lightly. Listen to what I have to say first."

Tongtian spoke.

Houtu frowned slightly at his words and waited for him to continue.

Tongtian didn't keep her waiting. He got straight to the point. "I can help you leave this accursed place and escape the oppression of the Heavenly Dao!"

"Thus, you can regain your freedom!"

Houtu was utterly shocked into silence by Tongtian's words.

"Regain freedom?"

"Leave this accursed place?"

Could this be true?

There were only six Saints in the Primordial World, and every single one of them was controlled by the Heavenly Dao.

How could Tongtian possibly have the ability to help her resolve the Heavenly Dao's suppression and regain her freedom?

"How can you do it? Show me a demonstration?"

Houtu looked at Tongtian, her voice filled with hope.

Tongtian smiled slightly, formed hand seals, and unleashed his supreme aura.

He directly enveloped the Palace of Pingxin with his aura, isolating it from the heavenly secrets to prevent other Saints from deducing what was happening.

"Watch how I do it!"