Di Jiang and the others stared wide-eyed, their breathing coming to a halt.
This was a Sage bowing in obeisance. Within the strict hierarchy of the Primordial World, all beneath the Sages were mere ants.
The exalted Sages represented the will of heaven and earth.
Apart from Dao Ancestor Hongjun, who in the Primordial Wilderness was qualified to receive a Sage's kneeling bow?
Yet Houtu knelt so naturally.
Watching Houtu kneel before him, a gentle smile flickered in Ye Xuan's eyes.
He did not step aside, but calmly accepted her bow. This was respect he had earned through earth-shaking schemes and supreme means.
Ye Xuan bent slightly and extended both hands, supporting Houtu's arms with the utmost gentleness as he slowly helped the Earthly Saint rise in the void.
"You are too kind, Fellow Daoist Houtu. We are allies, and we share a great aspiration. Naturally, I could not stand by and watch the Heavenly Dao plot against you." Ye Xuan's voice was warm and smooth as jade, carrying a reassuring strength.
"Now that you have attained the Dao of Primordial Unity and become the master of the Earthly Dao, that is what truly deserves celebration."
Feeling the warmth of Ye Xuan's fingertips, a faint, almost imperceptible blush rose on Houtu's fair cheeks.
She rose with his support. Beyond gratitude, her gaze held the faintest trace of a profoundly deep bond and tenderness.
"You are right, fellow Daoist. Now that Reincarnation has been established, the next step is to bring the Netherworld Underworld fully into existence." Houtu steadied her emotions, and her expression regained the majesty of the ruler of the netherworld.
She turned to face the vast reaches of the Nine Nether Lands, and the world-destroying power of an Earthly Saint erupted from her.
Houtu's hands rapidly formed seals