Planning, Lotus of the Earth Dao

"Su Mu, you need to make a trip to Old Ancestor Minghe's place and discuss the relevant matters." Houtu said to Su Mu with a grave expression.

Su Mu nodded slightly, indicating his understanding. He replied, "Alright, I know the importance of this matter. I will go swiftly and communicate with Old Ancestor Minghe."

As his words fell, Su Mu's form flickered, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished from the spot, speeding toward where Old Ancestor Minghe resided.

Before long, Su Mu arrived at the bounds of Old Ancestor Minghe's Training Ground. Lifting his gaze, he saw a dense throng of the Asura Clan created by Old Ancestor Minghe.

These Asura Clan members—the males were hideously ugly, their faces ferocious and daunting; while the females were all stunningly beautiful, a stark contrast.

Su Mu halted, his eyes landing on an Asura woman. Her features were more radiant and striking than the others. Su Mu addressed her, "The Underworld's Eastern Ghost Emperor seeks an audience with Old Ancestor Minghe. Please, miss, announce my arrival."

The Asura woman heard the voice and looked over. When she saw Su Mu's face, she paused briefly, clearly not expecting to see him here.

But she quickly recovered and replied respectfully, "Yes, sir. Please wait a moment, I will go report to the Old Ancestor at once."

At that moment, the surrounding Asuras also cast curious glances at Su Mu.

They knew well that this was no ordinary figure—not only was he the Underworld's Eastern Ghost Emperor, but also the Senior Disciple Brother of the Human Sect, and the famed Human Martial Ancestor of the human race! His reputation was vast, his strength unfathomable.

Old Ancestor Minghe was currently sitting idly in the hall, staring blankly ahead, utterly bored.

He had no heart left for cultivation.

There were two reasons for this. First, he had imitated Empress Nuwa's method of creating humans and painstakingly brought forth the Asura Clan.

Though the Heavenly Dao had granted him merit for this, it was far from enough to elevate him to the rank of Saint.

Every time he thought of this, a deep sense of frustration and loss welled up in his heart.

Second, it was because of Houtu's establishment of the Underworld. That Underworld had taken over a vast swath of his Netherworld Blood Sea!

And what was more infuriating—Houtu had achieved Sainthood through founding the Underworld.

If he had known of such an opportunity earlier, the one to become a Saint today would surely have been him, Old Ancestor Minghe!

At that thought, he was consumed by regret, feeling he had missed a colossal chance.

Just as Old Ancestor Minghe was wallowing in endless remorse, he heard footsteps outside the hall.

Then, an Asura woman hurried in. She bowed respectfully to Old Ancestor Minghe before speaking, "Old Ancestor, the Underworld's Eastern Ghost Emperor has come to visit you."

"Oh? It's you, Rakshasa Woman. Who did you say came?" Old Ancestor Minghe asked casually, fiddling absently with a Magic Treasure in his hand.

Rakshasa Woman bowed again and said softly, "Old Ancestor, it's the Eastern Ghost Emperor."

Hearing this, Old Ancestor Minghe frowned slightly, still lost in his own thoughts.

He asked blankly, "Hmm? Eastern Ghost Emperor? Who's that? I can't seem to recall right now."

The Asura woman beside him quickly answered again, "Old Ancestor, this Eastern Ghost Emperor is no ordinary figure—he is the renowned Human Martial Ancestor of the human race, Su Mu!"

"What? It's him?" Old Ancestor Minghe was taken aback, his previously languid expression turning serious.

"Why didn't you tell me clearly sooner? This is someone capable of slaying a Saint! Quickly, invite him in—no negligence whatsoever!"

With that, Old Ancestor Minghe stood up, straightened his robes, and then instructed Rakshasa Woman, "Never mind, I'll go greet him myself. That will show proper respect for Su Mu."

So Old Ancestor Minghe hurried out the door, pondering how to converse with Su Mu when they met.

When Su Mu's figure came into view, Old Ancestor Minghe's face instantly broke into a beaming smile.

He promptly said, "Ah! I had no idea the Human Martial Ancestor was gracing me with his presence. This Old Ancestor has failed to welcome you from afar—I beg your forgiveness!" He bowed slightly in apology.

"Haha, Old Ancestor Minghe, no trouble at all!" Su Mu laughed heartily, waving his hand to dismiss the concern.

"Come, come, follow me into the hall for a chat." Old Ancestor Minghe warmly gestured, then turned to lead the way, with Su Mu following close behind.

Soon, they entered the grand and solemn hall. As soon as they stepped inside, Old Ancestor Minghe eagerly ordered, "Someone! Bring the finest tea for our honored guest!"

Quickly, several attendants carried exquisite tea sets, approached Su Mu respectfully, set down the cups, and filled them with steaming, fragrant tea.

After Su Mu sat down gracefully, Old Ancestor Minghe looked at him intently and asked curiously, "May I ask what brings the Martial Ancestor here today? If there's anything this Old Ancestor can help with, speak freely."

Su Mu smiled faintly and said slowly, "Old Ancestor Minghe, to be honest, I come on behalf of the Underworld, specifically to visit you."

At the word "Underworld," Old Ancestor Minghe's brow furrowed slightly, a puzzled look on his face. "The Underworld? That's odd. What business could they have with me?"

Su Mu took a sip of tea, then replied unhurriedly, "Old Ancestor, you may not know this, but I've come to offer you a tremendous opportunity."

Hearing this, Old Ancestor Minghe paused in his movements, looking at Su Mu with interest. "Oh? What kind of opportunity would warrant the Martial Ancestor making a personal trip?"

Still, despite his mild curiosity, he kept his expression calm. After all, given his cultivation and status, few things could stir him deeply.

"Old Ancestor Minghe, are you familiar with the Six Paths of Reincarnation?" Su Mu fixed his gaze on the mysterious and powerful figure before him, asking softly.

"Naturally, I know them. The Six Paths are divided into the Three Upper Paths: the Heavenly Path, the Human Dao, and the Asura Path; and the Three Lower Paths: the Animal Path, the Hungry Ghost Path, and the Hell Path. Why does the young friend suddenly bring this up?"

Old Ancestor Minghe answered Su Mu's question calmly, but a flicker of curiosity shone in his eyes.

"What do you think of the Asura Path?" Su Mu didn't directly answer, but pressed further.

Hearing Su Mu mention the Asura Path again, Old Ancestor Minghe fell into thought, muttering to himself, "Asura Path... Asura Path... Asura Path..."

As the murmuring grew more frequent, his previously composed face gradually lit up with surprise.

"Martial Ancestor! Could it be that the Asura Path is the key to my enlightenment?" Old Ancestor Minghe suddenly looked up, exclaiming excitedly to Su Mu.

"Not bad, but whether you ultimately seize this opportunity depends on how you, Senior Minghe, choose." Su Mu nodded with a faint smile, replying unhurriedly.

Old Ancestor Minghe's heart instantly grasped the deeper meaning in Su Mu's words—if he truly wished to walk this path to enlightenment, he would surely need to join the Underworld.

With that thought, Old Ancestor Minghe hesitated no longer. His gaze firm on Su Mu, he declared in a clear voice, "I am willing to join the Underworld!"

At this, Su Mu merely kept smiling at Old Ancestor Minghe, his calm and composed demeanor suggesting he had foreseen all of this long ago.

"Senior, how about accompanying me to the Underworld to meet Empress Houtu?" Su Mu said with respectful courtesy.

"Excellent!" the other replied readily.

Thus, the two rose and strode with determined steps toward the Underworld.

Upon arriving at Pingxin Hall, Empress Houtu first gave Su Mu a gentle smile, then raised a thumb—a clear and high affirmation of his capabilities.

However, Old Ancestor Minghe, focused on paying his respects to Empress Houtu, did not notice this detail.

He clasped his hands in a formal bow and said solemnly, "Minghe pays respects to Empress Houtu."

Empress Houtu promptly responded with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Minghe, please rise. I trust Su Mu has already informed you of the relevant matters, Fellow Daoist?"

Old Ancestor Minghe nodded slightly and replied earnestly, "Reporting to Empress Houtu, indeed he has. After careful deliberation, Minghe is willing to devote himself to the Underworld and serve its cause."

Hearing this, Empress Houtu's face showed satisfaction, and she announced in a clear voice, "Excellent! Today, I hereby appoint Old Ancestor Minghe as the Lord of the Asura Path."

With a light wave of her hand, a mysterious light flashed, instantly opening the entrance to the cultivation grounds of the Asura Path Lord. She spoke slowly, "Fellow Daoist Minghe, please enter at once. This place will aid you in better comprehending the true essence of the Great Dao."

"Many thanks, Empress Houtu!" Old Ancestor Minghe expressed his joy and gratitude before stepping without hesitation into the entrance brimming with mystery.

Watching Old Ancestor Minghe's figure vanish from sight, Empress Houtu turned to Su Mu.

She spoke with earnest gravity, "Su Mu, if Zhenyuanzi and Old Ancestor Minghe can successfully comprehend the Dao this time, they will attain the position of Earth Dao Saints. That will greatly strengthen our Earthly Dao power."

"Indeed, Empress!" Su Mu said with unwavering certainty, his eyes bright as if he could already see the dawn of victory.

"When the time is ripe, the Human Dao and the Earthly Dao will unite with one heart and one will, and surely stand against the lofty Heavenly Dao."

"Empress, as I understand it, attaining the position of Earth Dao Saint also requires the aid of Primordial Violet Qi, does it not? I wonder if the Earthly Dao has already nurtured such Primordial Violet Qi?" Su Mu asked with evident curiosity.

Hearing Su Mu's words, Houtu's lips curled into a gentle smile, and she said softly, "Follow me."

Su Mu dared not delay and quickly followed behind Houtu, venturing deep until they reached the innermost part of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.

Here, a dense and mysterious aura filled the air, inspiring a sense of awe.

Su Mu focused his gaze and saw not far ahead a colossal yellow lotus, standing like a small mountain.

The lotus was enveloped by Mysterious Yellow Earthly Dao Power, like a hazy mist, dreamlike and illusory.

Just then, Su Mu suddenly noticed two purple lights drifting leisurely atop the lotus.

His heart surged with ecstasy, and he couldn't help exclaiming, "It's Primordial Violet Qi! There are already two strands!"

Houtu looked at the overjoyed Su Mu, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, and nodded slowly, "Indeed, it is Primordial Violet Qi. This shows that the Earthly Dao is gradually growing and strengthening."

Su Mu, barely containing his excitement, cupped his hands to Houtu and said, "Empress, in that case, I shall await your good news." With that, he bowed once more and turned to leave.

"Very well," Houtu replied softly. As Su Mu's figure faded into the distance, Houtu remained standing there, her gaze fixed on the lotus that bore the hope of the Earthly Dao, lingering long without shifting.

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