The Netherworld Underworld.
Yin energy surged and churned. Beneath the dim, dark sky, an extremely intense fluctuation of laws rippled out from the depths of the Netherworld.
That fluctuation was incomparably thick and heavy, carrying an exceptionally pure blood Baleful Intent, yet it was also rapidly drawing inward, being refined, transforming toward a realm of perfect, flawless harmony.
Pingxin sat upright in the main seat and turned to look toward the Netherworld Sea of Blood.
That was where Minghe was in seclusion.
Outside the palace doors, a streak of escaping light descended, and Zhen Yuanzi strode into the hall.
He flicked his sleeves and bowed with cupped hands toward Pingxin in the main seat.
"Greetings, Empress."
Pingxin raised a hand in indication. "Fellow Daoist, no need for such courtesy."
Zhen Yuanzi straightened and turned to look in the direction where Minghe was in seclusion.
"Congratulations, Empress. Felicitations, Empress."
"This fluctuation is growing steadier and steadier. From that final step, only a thin sheet of window paper remains."
"The Underworld will soon gain another Hunyuan."
"Fellow Daoist Minghe has endured through countless Kalpas. This can be considered the bitterness ending and sweetness arriving at last."
Pingxin looked toward the Sea of Blood.
"He has great perseverance."
Pingxin thought of Minghe's previous fawning, servile manner. Able to bend and able to stretch—he is a figure in his own right. For the sake of proving his Dao, he can bear to give up anything.
"Indeed."
"Back then in Zixiao Palace, he and I were both among the three thousand guests of Zixiao."
"At that time, he was proud and arrogant, placing no one in his eyes."
"Later, for the sake of becoming a Saint, he created the Asura, established a teaching—which path did he not try?" Zhen Yuanzi sighed somewhat ruefully.
Pingxin waved