Houtu

Houtu

Following Xing Tian, Shen Gui returned to the Ancestor Witch Hall. However, this time they did not go to one of the side halls, but to the main hall of the Ancestor Witch Hall.

The hall carried on the Wu Clan's usual rugged style. Several stone pillars supported the entire structure, and aside from that, there were no decorations within.

When Xing Tian led Shen Gui into the hall, a woman dressed in a pale yellow palace gown was seated in the hall's only seat, watching them.

Although the woman was merely sitting there, Shen Gui felt that her aura was as vast as an abyssal sea, unfathomable and immeasurable.

Yet, despite the unfathomable aura surrounding her, Shen Gui felt no pressure from her. Instead, he felt a sense of warmth and familiarity.

This was probably Ancestor Witch Houtu, wasn't it?

Xing Tian's actions undoubtedly confirmed Shen Gui's guess.

After entering the hall, Xing Tian immediately saluted the woman in the seat. "Greetings, Ancestor Witch Houtu."

Seeing this, Shen Gui also bowed slightly. "Vast Desolation Wanderer Shen Gui greets Ancestor Witch Houtu."

"No need for such formalities." Houtu nodded faintly.

Her tone was gentle, without the majesty of one in a high position, just like her aura.

"Xing Tian, withdraw for now. I have something to discuss with little friend Shen Gui."

"Yes, Ancestor Witch Houtu. Xing Tian takes his leave."

Xing Tian left.

Thus, only Shen Gui and Houtu remained in the Ancestor Witch Hall.

Houtu glanced at Shen Gui, who stood in the middle of the hall, with interest. "Do you know why I wished to see you?"

Shen Gui honestly shook his head. "I don't know."

Seeing this, Houtu could not help but smile softly. "You are quite frank."

Shen Gui curled his lip. "To know is to know; not to know is not to know. That is wisdom."

"Oh?" A flicker of surprise passed through Houtu's eyes. "What a 'to know is to know; not to know is not to know.' Since that is the case, I will not beat around the bush. When you fought Kuafu earlier, I sensed the aura of Mysterious Yellow Qi from you."

"Mysterious Yellow Qi is a wondrous qi born only when merit has condensed to its utmost limit. It is said to be impervious to all laws and indestructible through all tribulations. Yet the amount of merit needed to condense Mysterious Yellow Qi is simply immeasurable. At least, as far as I know, since the creation of heaven and earth, apart from the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Pagoda formed from thirty percent of Father God's Heaven Opening Merit when he created heaven and earth, Mysterious Yellow Qi has never appeared again in this world. Therefore, I am very curious as to where the Mysterious Yellow Qi on you came from."

As she spoke, Houtu looked at Shen Gui with an amused expression.

After hearing Houtu's words, Shen Gui's face fell.

A man was innocent, but a jade ring brought guilt.

Don't tell me I'm going to die today?

Seeing his expression, Houtu smiled softly. "All right, I was only teasing you."

Shen Gui froze and looked at Houtu, unsure of what she meant. Yet Houtu's smile faded as she said seriously, "I hope you remember what I am about to say."

"The Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Pagoda is a supreme treasure comparable to an innate supreme treasure, and in certain respects, it is even superior. Once such a treasure appears in the world, it will inevitably provoke countless great powers to fight over it."

"I do not know whether you once gained some benefit from the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Pagoda, or whether the pagoda is in your possession. I do not care about either. Since you have received the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Pagoda's recognition, it is equivalent to having received Father God's inheritance. As Father God's descendant, I naturally will not seize your opportunity by force. However, just because I will not do so does not mean others will not. Do you understand? Your current cultivation is not bad, but it is not enough for you to openly possess such an opportunity. Therefore, when you travel the Primordial Wilderness in the future, remember this well: do not lightly expose the Mysterious Yellow Qi on your body."

Looking at Houtu's serious expression, Shen Gui felt fortunate, but also lingering fear.

That was right. He had still been too careless.

His earlier battle with Xing Tian was one thing, but this time, when fighting Kuafu, he had known Houtu was in the tribe and had still used the Mysterious Yellow Body. That had truly been courting death.

Others might not recognize Mysterious Yellow Qi, but how could a great power like Houtu fail to recognize it?

He could only say it was fortunate that he had encountered Houtu this time. Had it been another great power, he might already have died and vanished from the world.

Thinking this, Shen Gui solemnly bowed to Houtu. "Thank you for the reminder, Empress."

"There is no need for this. Since you bear Father God's inheritance, I will naturally help wherever I am able," Houtu said.

"However, as you travel the Primordial Wilderness, fighting others is unavoidable. I summoned you here today not only to tell you this and make you more cautious, but also for another matter."

"Please speak, Empress."

"From watching your fight with Kuafu, I could see that if you do not use Mysterious Yellow Qi, you likely cannot bring out all your strength. Therefore, I wish to place a restriction upon you to conceal the aura of Mysterious Yellow Qi on your body. This way, when you use Mysterious Yellow Qi, outsiders will only think you are using the Law of Earth. Under normal circumstances, as long as one's cultivation does not surpass mine, they will not see anything amiss. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Gui's face lit up with delight.

"Thank you, Empress!"