"Su Mu, you'll need to make another trip to Ancestor Minghe's place and discuss the relevant matters with him." Houtu addressed Su Mu with a solemn expression.
Su Mu nodded slightly to show he understood. "All right. I know how important this is, and I'll go speak with Ancestor Minghe right away."
As soon as he finished speaking, Su Mu vanished in a flash, speeding toward Ancestor Minghe's domain.
Before long, Su Mu arrived at the area around Ancestor Minghe's Training Ground. Looking up, he saw the place teeming with members of the Asura Clan, all created by Ancestor Minghe.
The Asura men were hideously ugly, with fierce, fearsome faces, while every woman was beautiful and alluring. The contrast between them was striking.
Su Mu stopped and turned his gaze to an Asura woman. She was exceptionally beautiful, even more striking than the others. He spoke to her: "The Underworld's Eastern Ghost Emperor has come to see Ancestor Minghe. Please inform him for me, young lady."
Hearing his voice, the Asura woman turned toward him. When she saw Su Mu, she froze for a moment, clearly surprised to encounter him there.
But she quickly collected herself and replied respectfully, "Of course. Please wait a moment, sir. I'll go inform the Ancestor right away."
At that moment, the many Asuras around them also turned curious gazes toward Su Mu.
They knew the man before them was no ordinary figure. He was not only the Underworld's Eastern Ghost Emperor, but also the Human Sect's Senior Disciple Brother and the renowned Martial Ancestor of the Human Race! His fame had spread far and wide, and his strength was unfathomable.
Ancestor Minghe was sitting in the hall, staring blankly into the distance, bored out of his mind.
He no longer had the slightest desire to cultivate.
There were two reasons for this. First, he had followed Empress Nuwa's example and created the Asura Clan through great effort.
Although the Heavenly Dao had bestowed merit upon him for it, the merit had been nowhere near enough to let him become a Saint.
Whenever he thought of it, a deep sense of frustration and disappointment welled up inside him.
The second reason was Houtu's founding of the Underworld. The Underworld had taken over a large part of his Netherworld Blood Sea!
What made it even more infuriating was that Houtu had become a Saint simply by establishing the Underworld.
If only he had learned of this opportunity sooner, then he, Ancestor Minghe, would be the one who had achieved sainthood today!
At the thought, regret overwhelmed him. He felt he had missed an opportunity of a lifetime.
Just as Ancestor Minghe was lost in endless regret, he suddenly heard footsteps outside the hall.
A moment later, an Asura woman hurried inside. She respectfully bowed to Ancestor Minghe before speaking. "Ancestor, the Underworld's Eastern Ghost Emperor has come to visit you."
"Oh? So it was you, Rakshasa Woman. Who did you say had come?" Ancestor Minghe asked casually, fiddling with the Magic Treasure in his hands.
Rakshasa Woman respectfully bowed again and softly repeated, "Ancestor, the Eastern Ghost Emperor has arrived."
At this, Ancestor Minghe frowned slightly, still lost in his thoughts and not quite fully present.
He asked in confusion, "Hmm? The Eastern Ghost Emperor? Who's that? Why can't I remember?"
The Asura woman standing beside him quickly answered again. "Ancestor, this Eastern Ghost Emperor is no ordinary person. He's the renowned Martial Ancestor of the Human Race, Lord Su Mu!"
"What? It's him?" Ancestor Minghe was taken aback. His languid expression instantly turned serious.
"Why didn't you tell me that sooner? He's someone capable of slaying Saints! Invite him in at once. Don't show the slightest disrespect!"
With that, Ancestor Minghe hurried to his feet and straightened his robes. Then he instructed Rakshasa Woman, "Never mind. I'll go greet him myself. That's the only way to show our respect for Lord Su Mu."
Ancestor Minghe hurried toward the door, wondering how best to speak with Lord Su Mu when they met.
As soon as Su Mu came into view, Ancestor Minghe's face broke into a broad grin.
He hurriedly said, "Well, well! I had no idea the Human Martial Ancestor himself had graced us with his presence. I'm afraid I've been remiss in welcoming you, and I hope you won't take offense, Martial Ancestor!" He bowed slightly in apology.
"Haha, no need to apologize, Senior Minghe!" Su Mu laughed heartily and waved a hand to show that it was all right.
"Come, come! Please join me inside, and we can talk." Ancestor Minghe warmly ushered him in, leading the way as Su Mu followed.
Before long, the two of them entered the grand and solemn hall. As soon as they stepped inside, Ancestor Minghe called out, "Servants! Bring our honored guest the finest tea at once!"
Several attendants soon arrived, carrying exquisite tea sets. They respectfully set a cup before Su Mu and poured him some steaming, fragrant tea.
Once Su Mu had taken his seat, Ancestor Minghe looked at him with keen interest and asked, "What brings the Martial Ancestor here today? If there's anything you need my help with, just say the word."
Su Mu smiled faintly and replied, "Senior Minghe, to be honest, I've come at the Underworld's request to pay you a visit."
At the mention of the Underworld, Ancestor Minghe frowned slightly, looking puzzled. "The Underworld? That's unusual. What could they want with me?"
Su Mu took a sip of tea, then answered unhurriedly, "There's something you may not know, Senior. I've come to offer you an immense opportunity."
At that, Ancestor Minghe paused with his hand mid-motion and regarded Su Mu with interest. "Oh? What sort of opportunity would bring the Martial Ancestor all this way in person?"
Though he was somewhat curious, he remained outwardly calm. Given his current cultivation and status, ordinary matters could hardly stir him.
"Senior Minghe, are you familiar with the Six Paths of Reincarnation?" Su Mu asked softly, gazing intently at the mysterious and powerful figure before him.
"Of course. The Six Paths of Reincarnation are divided into the upper three paths—the Heavenly Dao, the Human Dao, and the Asura Path—and the lower three paths: the Animal Path, the Hungry Ghost Path, and the Hell Path. Why bring this up all of a sudden, young friend?"
Ancestor Minghe answered calmly, though a trace of curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"What do you think of the Asura Path, Senior?" Su Mu asked, not answering Ancestor Minghe's question directly.
Hearing Su Mu mention the Asura Path again, Ancestor Minghe fell into thought and murmured to himself, "The Asura Path... The Asura Path... The Asura Path..."
As he repeated the words, his calm expression gradually gave way to delight.
"Martial Ancestor! Could the Asura Path be my opportunity to achieve the Dao?" Ancestor Minghe suddenly raised his head and called out to Su Mu, his voice full of excitement.
"That's right. But whether you can seize this opportunity depends on what you choose to do, Senior Minghe." Su Mu nodded with a smile and answered unhurriedly.
At once, Ancestor Minghe understood what Su Mu meant. Surely, if he wanted to truly embark on this path to the Dao, he would have to join the Underworld.
He no longer hesitated. Looking at Su Mu with determination, he declared, "I'm willing to join the Underworld!"
Su Mu continued watching Ancestor Minghe with a smile, looking so composed that it seemed he had known all along how things would turn out.
"Senior, would you come with me to the Underworld to meet Empress Houtu?" Su Mu asked respectfully.
"Gladly!" Ancestor Minghe agreed readily.
The two rose to their feet and set out for the Underworld with firm strides.
When they arrived at Pingxin Hall, Empress Houtu smiled at Su Mu and gave him a thumbs-up, clearly praising his ability.
But Ancestor Minghe was focused on paying his respects to Empress Houtu and didn't notice.
He clasped his hands and bowed solemnly. "Minghe pays his respects to Empress Houtu."
Empress Houtu smiled and replied, "Please rise, fellow Daoist Minghe. Su Mu has already told you all the relevant details, hasn't he?"
Ancestor Minghe nodded slightly and answered sincerely, "Indeed, Empress Houtu. After careful consideration, I'm willing to join the Underworld and serve it."
Hearing this, Empress Houtu looked pleased and announced, "Excellent! Today, I hereby appoint Ancestor Minghe as the Path Lord of the Asura Path."
Then she waved her hand. A mysterious light appeared, opening a passage to the Path Lord's place of cultivation. She spoke gently: "Fellow Daoist Minghe, please enter at once. This place will help you better comprehend the truths of the Great Dao."
"Thank you, Empress Houtu!" Ancestor Minghe thanked her joyfully, then stepped without hesitation through the mysterious entrance.
Watching Ancestor Minghe disappear from sight, Empress Houtu turned to Su Mu.
She said earnestly, "Su Mu, if Zhenyuanzi and Ancestor Minghe can successfully comprehend the Dao this time, they'll become Earth Dao Saints. That will greatly strengthen the Earth Dao."
"Indeed, Empress!" Su Mu said with confidence, his eyes bright as if he could already see victory within reach.
"When the time is right, the Human Dao and the Earth Dao will join forces. United, they'll surely be able to stand against the mighty Heavenly Dao."
"Empress, as far as I know, achieving sainthood in the Earth Dao also requires Primordial Violet Qi, doesn't it? I wonder whether the Earth Dao has produced any Primordial Violet Qi yet." Su Mu asked curiously.
At his words, Houtu's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Come with me."
Su Mu promptly followed Houtu deeper inside until they reached the innermost part of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.
A dense, mysterious aura permeated the place, inspiring awe.
Su Mu looked ahead and saw an enormous yellow lotus not far away, towering like a small mountain.
The lotus was surrounded by the Mysterious Yellow power of the Earthly Dao, like a hazy mist, dreamlike and unreal.
Just then, Su Mu noticed two streams of purple light floating above the lotus.
Overjoyed, he couldn't help exclaiming, "Primordial Violet Qi! There are already two strands!"
Seeing Su Mu's excitement, Houtu's eyes held a trace of satisfaction. She nodded slowly. "That's right. It is Primordial Violet Qi. This shows that the Earthly Dao is gradually growing stronger."
Unable to contain his excitement, Su Mu cupped his hands toward Houtu. "Empress, in that case, I'll await your good news." After saying this, he bowed to Houtu once more, turned, and left.
"All right," Houtu replied softly. Su Mu's figure gradually receded into the distance, but Houtu remained where she stood, her gaze fixed on the lotus that carried the hopes of the Earthly Dao. For a long while, she did not look away.
Before you continue