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

Deep within the Sea of Blood, Tongtian slowly opened his eyes. The color of Chaos swirled within them, with spatial runes faintly appearing and disappearing. With the spatial inheritance left by Old Ancestor Yangmei and this secret land of the Sea of Blood provided by Minghe, his comprehension of the Law of Space deepened, reaching an entirely new realm.

However, his mind could not fully immerse itself in cultivation at this moment. Sage Jieyin's avatar had infiltrated the Underworld and was having a secret conversation with Empress Pingxin. This matter hung over him like a sword, making it difficult to feel at ease. The Western Teachings' scheme must be enormous, possibly even affecting the very foundation of Reincarnation. He had to uncover the truth as quickly as possible and re-establish contact with Empress Pingxin.

Directly forcing his way into Fengdu Hall was impossible. That was Empress Pingxin's domain, further suppressed by the Reincarnation Disk. Even with his greatly advanced Law of Space, he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't be detected. Doing so might instead lead to misunderstandings and even push Empress Pingxin towards the Western Teachings.

He needed to find another way. Tongtian once again submerged his consciousness into the System Mall. The dazzling array of exchange items flashed by rapidly, and his gaze finally settled on a special item.

[Reincarnation Ferrying Talisman (Special One-time Item): Can, during intense fluctuations of the Law of Reincarnation, draw upon a trace of Reincarnation Power to briefly project a wisp of consciousness and intent into the core area of Reincarnation (such as Fengdu Hall). Extremely difficult to detect. Usage conditions: Must know the target's specific location and possess a Reincarnation-related medium (e.g., Reincarnation Purple Qi). Exchange Price: 800 Contribution Points.]

The price was exorbitant, and the restrictions were numerous, but it perfectly suited his current needs! He possessed the Reincarnation Purple Qi gifted by Empress Pingxin, which was the perfect medium!

"Exchange!"

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

A plain-looking talisman, as if condensed from the dust of Reincarnation, appeared in his hand. It felt cool to the touch and contained peculiar Reincarnation fluctuations.

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

"Using Purple Qi as a guide, cross the gap of Reincarnation, enter the Hall of Fengdu."

Buzz! The talisman ignited without fire, transforming into an extremely fine wisp of smoke, almost non-existent in reality. It silently merged into the surrounding Sea of Blood space, as if guided by an invisible Reincarnation Power, and vanished instantly.

In the Netherworld's Underworld, deep within Fengdu Hall.

Empress Pingxin's (Houtu's) avatar sat beneath the projection of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. Her face remained compassionate and majestic, but a hint of unshakeable solemnity and... exhaustion lingered between her brows, more so than usual.

The recent meeting with Sage Jieyin's avatar, though seemingly peaceful, was fraught with danger. The Western Teachings, under the guise of "responding to the great calamity from another world and consolidating the forces of the Great Desolation," proposed sending more Buddhist disciples to reside in the Underworld to "assist" in managing Reincarnation, even hinting at concepts like "Buddhist Purgatory for Salvation" and "Six Paths Buddhist Kingdoms"! Their ambition was so great, they aimed to absorb Reincarnation into the system of the Western Teachings!

Although she had sternly refused, Sage Jieyin's seemingly compassionate yet unyielding attitude, and the "tacit understanding" among the Saints regarding this matter that he hinted at, made her feel unprecedented pressure.

Just as her mind was unsettled, the Reincarnation Power within the hall suddenly produced an extremely faint, abnormal fluctuation. A minuscule point, yet containing a familiar Chaos aura and the fluctuation of Reincarnation Purple Qi, seemed to pierce through infinite barriers and quietly descended into the hall, manifesting as an extremely blurry phantom.

It was Tongtian's wisp of consciousness and intent, projected using the Reincarnation Ferrying Talisman!

"Fellow Daoist Tongtian?" Empress Pingxin was slightly startled. She recognized him instantly and was even more surprised that he could so stealthily penetrate the Reincarnation barrier to contact her. This method was far more advanced than when they last met!

"I apologize for the intrusion, Your Majesty, but the situation is urgent." Tongtian's intent transmitted directly, cutting to the chase, "Sage Jieyin visited just now. What was the matter? Is it related to the Western Teachings' scheme concerning Reincarnation?"

Empress Pingxin was silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "Your news is indeed swift. Sage Jieyin does indeed wish to meddle with Reincarnation, using the excuse of 'responding to the great calamity' to achieve annexation."

She did not hide anything, briefly explaining the intentions of the Western Teachings with deep worry in her tone. Tongtian was the only one besides herself who clearly knew about the great calamity from another world and had an alliance with her. At this moment, he was someone she could trust.

"As expected!" Tongtian sneered inwardly. The Western Teachings' appetite was even larger than he had imagined! "How did Your Majesty respond?"

"Reincarnation is the foundation of the Great Desolation; how can it be allowed to be encroached upon by others? I have already sternly refused." Empress Pingxin's tone was firm, but a hint of powerlessness followed, "However, the Two Saints of the West are powerful, and there is a tacit approval from the Saints... I fear they will not give up easily."

Tongtian's intent fluctuated as he rapidly analyzed the situation. The Western Teachings' actions were definitely not isolated. They must be related to the approaching great calamity from another world! They wanted to seize control of Reincarnation first to gain the upper hand in the calamity, or even... use this opportunity to indiscriminately save beings and expand the Western Teachings' strength!

"Your Majesty need not worry too much," Tongtian said gravely. "Reincarnation is of great importance; it is not something the Western Teachings alone can devour. The Heavenly Court, the Demon Race, the remnants of the Wu Clan, and even that one in the Sea of Blood will not stand idly by."

He deliberately emphasized his tone when mentioning "that one in the Sea of Blood."

Empress Pingxin's eyes flickered, "Minghe? You and he..."

"We have a slight cooperation," Tongtian stated frankly. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. At the very least, on the matter of preventing the Western Teachings from monopolizing Reincarnation, our interests align."

Empress Pingxin slowly nodded. This was an unexpected source of help. Although Old Ancestor Minghe was cantankerous, he was powerful and rooted in the Sea of Blood, making him a significant force to counter Ksitigarbha of the West.

"Fellow Daoist, your contact this time must mean you have a plan?" Empress Pingxin asked.

"Indeed, I have a plan that might temporarily halt the Western Teachings' scheme, and even make them bite off more than they can chew." A hint of coldness appeared in Tongtian's intent. "The Western Teachings want to use the excuse of 'responding to the great calamity'; let us go with the flow and 'magnify' this matter!"

"Oh? How do we magnify it?"

"I request Your Majesty to immediately issue a notice to all forces in the Great Desolation in the name of the Lord of Reincarnation. State that the great calamity from another world is imminent, and the Land of Reincarnation is the last barrier for all living beings, vital to the survival of the Great Desolation. You will specially invite the Heavenly Court, Chan Teachings, Human Teachings, Western Teachings, the Demon Race, the Wu Clan, and even the Netherworld and the Sea of Blood to each send representatives to form a 'Reincarnation Protection Association' to jointly discuss the protection of Reincarnation and the response to the great calamity! Let's stir things up completely!"

Upon hearing this, Empress Pingxin's eyes suddenly erupted with brilliant divine light!

A brilliant plan! This plan was like pulling the rug out from under them! You, Western Teachings, are using the banner of "responding to the great calamity and protecting Reincarnation" to get involved? Very well! Let's pull all the forces in! Everyone will "protect" together! Let's see who can monopolize it then? At that time, the various forces will restrain each other, forming a fragile balance and preserving the independence of Reincarnation!

Moreover, with this pretext, even if the Heavenly Court, the Demon Race, and other forces knew it was a ploy, they could not refuse to participate. Otherwise, they would be seen as disregarding the safety of the Great Desolation and lose the moral high ground!

"Fellow Daoist, this plan is excellent!" Empress Pingxin couldn't help but praise. "In this way, the Western Teachings will be outmaneuvered!"

"Not only that," Tongtian's intent carried a hint of calculation. "This meeting will be held in the Netherworld's Underworld. Your Majesty can use this opportunity to reorganize the forces of the Underworld, and even... contact the old Wu Clan subordinates. After all, protecting Reincarnation cannot be done without the Wu Clan who are familiar with the Underworld."

He was reminding Empress Pingxin that she could use this opportunity to reclaim some of the authority in the Underworld that had been encroached upon by the Western Teachings and re-gather the Wu Clan's strength. Although the Wu Clan was in decline, they were still a force to be reckoned with within the Underworld, and they shared the same origin as Empress Pingxin.

Empress Pingxin gave the blurry phantom of Tongtian's intent a deep look, marveling at the meticulousness of his thoughts and the shrewdness of his methods. If this plan succeeded, not only would the Western Teachings be unable to monopolize Reincarnation, but she could also use it to strengthen herself and solidify her position.

"Good! We shall proceed according to Fellow Daoist's words!" Empress Pingxin decided immediately. "I will draft the notice now and send it to all realms of the Great Desolation!"

"That is excellent." Tongtian's intent fluctuated slightly. "At that time, I may also participate in this grand event in some form. Your Majesty, take care. Tongtian shall take his leave first."

With that, the phantom of the wisp of intent slowly dissipated, as if it had never appeared.

Empress Pingxin sat alone in the hall, her eyes flickering. After a moment, she raised her hand and invoked the power of the Reincarnation Disk, beginning to write the notice that would surely shake the Great Desolation.

Deep within the Sea of Blood, Tongtian's consciousness returned, his face slightly pale. Activating the Reincarnation Ferrying Talisman had consumed a considerable amount, 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 a notice inviting all forces of the Great Desolation to jointly form a 'Reincarnation Protection Association.' At that time, you may also send a representative to participate, and openly extend your influence into the Underworld."

Old Ancestor Minghe was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Excellent! Excellent! Haha, Tongtian, you truly are insidious! Good! This old ancestor will definitely send the most troublesome one!"

After ending the communication, Tongtian's lips curved into a smile. The chessboard was set, and the pieces were falling.

In the following days, the Great Desolation was shaken!

Empress Pingxin's announcement, made in the name of the Lord of Reincarnation, was like a giant stone thrown into a lake, stirring up massive waves!

The Great Tribulation of Another Realm and the Reincarnation Protection Association! These two pieces of news were too shocking, instantly spreading throughout the high echelons of the Great Desolation! Though the beings at the lower levels were still unaware, the major powers were in an uproar!

In the Heavenly Court, Haotian Shangdi's expression was grim, and he immediately summoned his ministers to discuss. He had long wanted to interfere with the Land of Reincarnation, and now that the opportunity had presented itself, he had to share it with everyone. He was unwilling, yet unable to refuse this righteous cause.

On Kunlun Mountain, Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning indifferently instructed Guangchengzi, "At that time, you will lead people there and act according to the situation. The Chan Teachings must have a share of the authority over Reincarnation."

On Spirit Mountain in the West, Zhunti and Jieyin's faces were extremely unsightly. They never expected Empress Pingxin to pull off such a move! She had directly exposed their plans to everyone and dragged all of them into it!

"Well played, Pingxin! Well played, Tongtian!" Zhunti gritted his teeth, but he was helpless. The announcement was made under the guise of dealing with the great tribulation, and if they opposed it, they would be contradicting themselves.

The Demon Race, the remnants of the Witch Race, and powerful reclusive cultivators from all sides... all were stirred by the announcement, their gazes turning towards the Netherworld and the Underworld.

Meanwhile, in the Underworld, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva looked at the announcement with a livid expression. His years of effort were on the verge of a breakthrough, only to be completely disrupted by this sudden move!

The Netherworld was in turmoil.

Countless gazes and schemes began to converge on the Underworld.

At this moment, however, Tongtian was in a secret valley within the Sea of Blood, holding a Blood Soul Pearl in his palm, obtained from Old Ancestor Minghe. It contained pure essence of the Sea of Blood and fragments of souls.

His gaze was deep as he looked in the direction of the Underworld.

"The Reincarnation Protection Association isn't lively enough."

"Perhaps it's time to let some 'old acquaintances' wake up early."

A wisp of Chaos Fire ignited at his fingertips, beginning to burn the Blood Soul Pearl. He muttered incantations, using his supreme magical power to trace the faint karma within the soul fragments, attempting the heaven-defying act of summoning souls!

The prelude to the Netherworld had already begun, and Tongtian was about to add a fire fierce enough to burn through the nine nether realms to this grand play!