"I'm off. I hope I get to take on this role for a while someday."
The phantom vanished, and the corpse melted into the world and the Netherworld, making both more stable.
At the same time, deep within the Netherworld, a Great Emperor's position appeared. It descended above Houtu and merged into her body.
Ten more positions appeared as well: positions of the Kings of Hell. The Saints' expressions changed. Whoever controlled those positions would hold an advantage in future struggles over fortune...
"Fellow Daoist Houtu, those positions..."
Houtu knew what Zhunti was about to say. "You are free to try.
But let me offer a word of warning: I cannot control these positions either.
They were born of the Netherworld. You would have to relinquish your positions as Saints to hold them.
Otherwise, these Dao Fruits can only be held by those who pass their trials in the future.
If you seek only your own gain and do nothing for the people, these positions will become a source of endless karmic debt. And if you cannot act fairly and impartially while holding them, they will poison your path of cultivation."
"Is that so? A Saint's will is Heaven's will!"
Zhunti immediately reached for a Dao Fruit.
The other Saints refused to believe it too and made their moves. The Ancestral Witches wanted to stop them, but a look from Houtu held them back.
"Rest assured, fellow Daoist. We will send people to take up these posts."
With that, the Saints left, thoroughly pleased with themselves.
"Little sister, they..." Zhu Jiuyin said, unwilling to let it go.
Houtu said, "Don't worry, brother. I told them the truth. Only after opening Samsara did I learn that I hadn't created it from my own body. Father God had opened it long ago.