Empress Nuwa nodded lightly, and the phoenix curtain fell like smoke. The two bowed again before withdrawing from the palace with steady steps.
They had just reached the bottom of the stairs when the child ran after them and shouted, "Hey! Next time you come, don't even think about entering unless you bring something decent!"
When had the mighty Heavenly Emperor of the Demon Race ever been bossed around by a child? Di Jun was both amused and helpless. He hurriedly replied, "All right, all right! We'll definitely prepare a generous gift next time. We absolutely won't forget!"
The child immediately beamed. "You promised that yourselves! If you go back on your word, don't even think about seeing Empress Nuwa—you won't even get close enough to touch the shadow of the mountain gate!"
Di Jun could only shake his head and sigh softly. Together with Tai Yi, he transformed into two blazing golden streaks and headed straight for Grand Pure Laozi's Daoist grounds on Yangshan.
The Three-legged Golden Crows beat their wings and urged the flames onward. A rainbow of Li Fire tore through the sky, crossing the Primordial World from Deep Chaos. In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they landed steadily at the Foot of the Mountain.
After briefly identifying their direction, the two withdrew their flames, set foot on the stone steps, and began their slow ascent.
The rules of the Primordial World had always been strict. Anyone coming to call, regardless of their cultivation, had to restrain their clouds of magic, put away their imposing aura, and climb the steps to show sincerity and respect. Flying straight in from the air would be an outright provocation.
After climbing the 9,999 stone steps, each concealing the mysteries of the Three Thousand