Cooperation Planned in the Hall of Reincarnation, Prelude to Calamity Begins in the Netherworld

Deep in the Blood Sea, Tongtian slowly opened his eyes. Chaos Color swirled in his gaze, and Space Runes flickered faintly in and out of existence. With the spatial inheritance left behind by Old Ancestor Yang Mei and this hidden Blood Sea sanctuary provided by Minghe, his understanding of the Space Law had grown increasingly profound, reaching an entirely new level.

Yet at that moment, he could not fully immerse himself in cultivation. The news that an incarnation of Sage Jieyin had slipped into the Underworld to speak privately with Empress Pingxin hung over him like a sword, making it difficult to feel at ease. The Western Teachings' designs were surely vast, perhaps even connected to the very foundations of reincarnation. He had to learn the truth as soon as possible and get back in touch with Empress Pingxin.

There was no way he could force his way into Fengdu Hall. It was Empress Pingxin's domain, and the Reincarnation Disk suppressed it. Even with his greatly improved Space Law, he could not be sure he would go unnoticed. That might instead cause a misunderstanding and even push Empress Pingxin toward the Western Teachings.

He would have to find another way. Tongtian once more focused his mind on the System Mall. The dazzling array of items available for exchange flashed past, until his gaze settled on a special item.

[Reincarnation Ferrying Talisman (special one-time item): When the Law of Reincarnation is fluctuating violently, it can draw upon a trace of the Power of Reincarnation to briefly project a wisp of mental intent into a core area of reincarnation (such as Fengdu Hall), making it extremely difficult to detect. Conditions for use: You must know the target's precise location and possess a medium related to reincarnation (such as Reincarnation Purple Qi). Exchange price: 800 Contribution Points.]

The price was steep, and the restrictions were numerous, but it was exactly what he needed! He carried the Reincarnation Purple Qi gifted to him by Empress Pingxin—the perfect medium!

"Exchange!"

[Command received. 800 Contribution Points deducted. Exchange successful.]

A dull-gray talisman, seemingly condensed from the dust of reincarnation, appeared in his hand. It felt cold to the touch and contained a peculiar fluctuation of reincarnation.

Tongtian calmed his mind and adjusted his state, slowly injecting a wisp of divine sense into the talisman while stirring the trace of Reincarnation Purple Qi within him.

"With Purple Qi as my guide, I cross the rift of reincarnation and enter Fengdu Hall."

Buzz! The talisman ignited without flame, turning into a wisp of smoke so faint it barely seemed to exist in reality. It silently blended into the surrounding Blood Sea space, as if drawn away by an invisible Power of Reincarnation, and vanished in an instant.

Deep within the Netherworld Underworld, inside Fengdu Hall.

Empress Pingxin's incarnation sat beneath the projection of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. Her face remained compassionate and solemn, but between her brows lay a weight and... weariness that were harder to dispel than before.

Her recent meeting with Sage Jieyin's incarnation had seemed peaceful, but it had been fraught with danger. Under the pretext of "countering the Otherworld Great Tribulation and uniting the forces of the Primordial World," the Western Teachings had actually proposed sending more Buddhist disciples into the Underworld to "assist" in managing reincarnation. They had even vaguely suggested a "Buddhist Hell for Deliverance, Six Paths of Buddhist Realms" scheme! Their ambition was staggering. They wanted to bring reincarnation under the Western Teachings' system!

She had refused in no uncertain terms, but Sage Jieyin's seemingly compassionate yet forceful attitude, along with the "understanding" among the Saints hinted at in his words, had put her under unprecedented pressure.

Just as her mind was troubled, the Power of Reincarnation in the hall suddenly fluctuated in an extremely faint and unusual way. A wisp of intent, so subtle it was nearly imperceptible yet containing a familiar Chaos Aura and a fluctuation of Reincarnation Purple Qi, crossed countless barriers and quietly descended into the hall, taking the form of an exceedingly indistinct apparition.

It was a wisp of mental intent projected by Tongtian with the Reincarnation Ferrying Talisman!

"Fellow Daoist Tongtian?" Empress Pingxin was slightly startled. She recognized him at once, and was even more surprised that he had managed to pierce the Reincarnation Barrier so discreetly and make contact with her. His methods had improved immensely since their last meeting!

"Forgive me for disturbing you, Empress, but the situation is urgent." Tongtian sent his voice through his intent, getting straight to the point. "Why did Sage Jieyin come to visit? Was it related to the Western Teachings' designs on reincarnation?"

Empress Pingxin fell silent for a moment, then sighed softly. "You truly are well informed, Fellow Daoist. Sage Jieyin does intend to encroach upon reincarnation, using the Great Tribulation as an excuse to swallow it up."

She did not conceal anything, briefly explaining the Western Teachings' intentions, her voice heavy with worry. Apart from her, Tongtian was the only one who knew for certain about the Otherworld Great Tribulation and had an alliance with her. At that moment, he was someone she could trust.

"So it is as I thought!" Tongtian sneered inwardly. The Western Teachings' appetite was greater than he had imagined. "How did you respond, Empress?"

"Reincarnation is fundamental to the Primordial World. How could I allow others to meddle in it? I firmly refused." Empress Pingxin's voice was resolute, but a trace of helplessness soon crept in. "Yet the Two Saints of the West are powerful, and the other Saints seem to tacitly approve... I fear they will not give up easily."

Tongtian's intent rippled as he quickly analyzed the situation. The Western Teachings' move was no isolated action. It must be connected to the approaching Otherworld Great Tribulation! They wanted to seize control of reincarnation first, so they could take the initiative during the Great Tribulation—or even use the opportunity to convert vast numbers of living beings and expand the power of the West!

"Empress, there is no need to worry too much," Tongtian said gravely. "Reincarnation is far too important for the Western Teachings alone to swallow. The Heavenly Court, the demon race, the remnants of the Witch Clan, and even that one in the Blood Sea will not stand idly by."

When he mentioned "that one in the Blood Sea," he deliberately stressed the words.

Empress Pingxin's gaze shifted slightly. "Minghe? You and he..."

"We have a little cooperation," Tongtian said frankly. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. At least when it comes to stopping the Western Teachings from monopolizing reincarnation, his interests align with ours."

Empress Pingxin slowly nodded. That was an unexpected ally. Old Ancestor Minghe might be unruly, but he was immensely powerful and rooted in the Blood Sea. He was indeed an important force for restraining the Western Teachings' Ksitigarbha faction.

"You must have a plan in mind, or you wouldn't have contacted me," Empress Pingxin said.

"I do. It may temporarily stall the Western Teachings' scheme and even make them pay for their own trick." A cold edge entered Tongtian's intent. "The Western Teachings want to invoke 'countering the Great Tribulation' as their excuse. Then we should go along with them and make this matter 'bigger'!"

"Oh? How?"

"Empress, immediately issue an announcement in your capacity as the Lord of Reincarnation to all the forces of the Primordial World. Declare that the Otherworld Great Tribulation is approaching, and that the Land of Reincarnation is the last barrier protecting all living beings and is vital to the survival of the Primordial World. Invite representatives from the Heavenly Court, the Chan Teachings, the Human Teachings, the Western Teachings, the demon race, the Witch Clan, the Netherworld Blood Sea, and every other faction to form a 'Reincarnation Protection Association' and discuss how to defend reincarnation and counter the Great Tribulation! Stir the waters until everything is in chaos!"

A brilliant light suddenly burst from Empress Pingxin's eyes!

Brilliant! This plan struck at the root of the problem! The Western Teachings wanted to enter under the banner of "countering the Great Tribulation and protecting reincarnation"? Fine! Then bring every faction into the picture! Everyone could "protect" it together! Let's see who could still monopolize it. The factions would restrain one another, forming a fragile balance that could preserve reincarnation's independence!

What's more, under this pretext, even if the Heavenly Court and the demon race knew it was a scheme, they could not refuse to take part. Otherwise, they would be disregarding the safety of the Primordial World and surrendering the moral high ground!

"Fellow Daoist, this is a marvelous plan!" Empress Pingxin could not help praising him. "The Western Teachings will be caught in their own trap!"

"And that's not all," Tongtian said, a hint of calculation in his intent. "Hold the assembly in the Netherworld Underworld. You can use this opportunity to reorganize the Underworld's forces and perhaps even reconnect with the remnants of the Witch Clan. After all, protecting reincarnation will require the strength of the Witches, who know the Underworld well."

He was reminding Empress Pingxin that she could use this opportunity to reclaim some of the Underworld authority the Western Teachings had been chipping away at, and to reunite the Witch Clan's forces. Though the Witch Clan had declined, it remained a considerable force in the Underworld, and shared the same roots as Empress Pingxin.

Empress Pingxin gazed deeply at Tongtian's indistinct apparition, moved by the meticulousness of his thinking and the ruthlessness of his methods. If this succeeded, the Western Teachings would not only fail to monopolize reincarnation; she could use the opportunity to strengthen herself and solidify her position.

"Good! We'll do as you say!" Empress Pingxin made her decision at once. "I'll draft the announcement and send it to every corner of the Primordial World!"

"Excellent." Tongtian's intent rippled faintly. "I may also take part in this gathering by some means. Take care, Empress. I'll take my leave."

With that, the wisp of intent slowly faded away, as if it had never appeared.

Empress Pingxin sat alone in the hall, her gaze flickering. After a moment, she raised her hand and drew upon the power of the Reincarnation Disk, beginning to write an announcement certain to shake the Primordial World.

Deep within the Blood Sea, Tongtian's mind returned to his body, and his face turned slightly pale. Activating the Reincarnation Ferrying Talisman had cost him dearly, but the gains were immense.

"Fellow Daoist Minghe." He contacted Minghe again.

"What is it?" Old Ancestor Minghe's voice came through.

"Empress Pingxin will soon issue an announcement inviting the factions of the Primordial World to form a 'Reincarnation Protection Association.' You can send a representative as well, and extend your influence into the Underworld openly."

Old Ancestor Minghe was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter. "Brilliant! Brilliant! Hahaha, Tongtian, you really are devious! Good! I'll send the most troublesome fellow I can find!"

After ending the conversation, Tongtian's lips curved into a smile. The board was set, and the pieces were moving.

Over the next few days, the Primordial World was shaken!

The announcement issued by Empress Pingxin in her capacity as the Lord of Reincarnation struck the world like a boulder dropped into a lake, sending up a thousand layers of waves!

The Otherworld Great Tribulation! The Reincarnation Protection Association! The two revelations were so shocking that they spread throughout the highest echelons of the Primordial World in an instant! The lower-level beings still knew nothing, but the great factions were already in an uproar!

In the Heavenly Court, Haotian Shangdi's expression darkened. He immediately summoned his ministers to discuss the matter. He had long wanted a hand in the Land of Reincarnation. Now the opportunity had been delivered to him, but he would have to share it with everyone. He was unwilling, yet could not refuse without forfeiting the moral high ground.

At Kunlun Mountain, Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning coolly instructed Guangchengzi, "Take some people with you when the time comes. Act according to the situation. The Chan Teachings must claim a share of the Authority of Reincarnation."

At Western Spirit Mountain, Zhunti and Jieyin looked grim. They had never expected Empress Pingxin to pull a move like this! She had made their scheme public and dragged everyone else into the matter!

"Pingxin, Tongtian—how dare they!" Zhunti gritted his teeth, but there was nothing he could do. The announcement invoked the Great Tribulation as its justification. If they opposed it, they would be contradicting their own claims.

The demon race, the remnants of the Witch Clan, the various Rogue Great Powers... all were stirred into action by the announcement, their attention turning toward the Netherworld Underworld.

Meanwhile, in the Underworld, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva looked at the announcement, his face livid. He had spent years building his influence and was on the verge of making another breakthrough, only for this sudden move to throw everything into disarray!

In the Netherworld, winds rose and clouds gathered.

Countless eyes and countless schemes began to converge on the Underworld.

At that moment, however, Tongtian was in a secluded valley in the Blood Sea, a Blood Soul Pearl resting in his palm. It had come from Old Ancestor Minghe and contained pure Blood Sea Origin and fragments of souls.

His gaze was deep as he looked toward the Underworld.

"The Reincarnation Protection Association won't be lively enough."

"Perhaps it's time to wake a few 'old acquaintances' ahead of schedule."

A wisp of Chaos Fire kindled at his fingertip, and he began to burn the Blood Soul Pearl, muttering an incantation. With boundless magical power, he traced the faint karmic ties within the soul fragments, attempting the defiance of Heaven itself—summoning souls back to life!

The curtain had already risen on the Netherworld's drama, and Tongtian was about to add another blaze—one fierce enough to burn through the deepest reaches of the Nine Hells!