Chaos Purple Cloud Palace.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun glared furiously. How could this have happened?
Houtu should have sworn an oath to the Heavenly Dao, then transformed herself into the cycle of reincarnation and vanished from the world. That would have allowed the Heavenly Dao to suppress the Earth Dao and deprived the Witch Race of one of its allies.
Another variable? Yet another variable? The Great Dao had already permitted it. Even if I wanted to stop her, I couldn't.
No, there was still something I could do. I still couldn't let Houtu's true body leave the Netherworld.
Netherworld Blood Sea.
Houtu had become a Great Dao Saint, the cycle of reincarnation had successfully taken shape, and the Underworld was now forming.
The Six Paths of Reincarnation evolved from part of the Netherworld Blood Sea into the Underworld. First came Ghost Gate Pass, followed by the eight-hundred-mile Yellow Spring Road. Further ahead lay the River of Oblivion, with Naihe Bridge spanning it. Beyond that stood the Terrace of Looking Home.
From the Terrace of Looking Home, one could see everything from one's life before death.
As time passed and everyone worked together, a series of important areas, including the Judgment Department and Yama Hall, gradually took shape and were completed.
The Judgment Department was a solemn and mysterious place. Its unique architecture brimmed with dignity and power.
Here, the Judges would pass judgment on all manner of crimes, ensuring that justice was served.
Yama Hall, meanwhile, was an awe-inspiring place, representing the cycle of life and death and the consequences of one's actions.
Anyone who entered would face the sins they had committed in their past and present lives, then receive the appropriate punishment or reward.
The appearance of these areas not only lent the Underworld an air of mystery, but also helped impress upon people the idea that good and evil would be repaid in kind.
They served as a warning, reminding people to remain kind and upright at all times lest they fall into endless suffering.
The Underworld, too, gradually took shape.
The Underworld's judicial offices were established in a gloomy, terrifying place, where dense yin energy and resentment hung in the air. A magnificent palace stood there, known as Emperor Fengdu Palace, the heart of the Underworld. Its interior was solemn and stately, and mysterious runes and designs covered the surrounding walls, radiating an oppressive aura.
Deep within the Underworld stood a massive Reincarnation Disk. It spun without pause, as if telling the mysteries of life and death. A mysterious light flickered at its center, seemingly connected to another world.
The Underworld's officials each had their own duties, maintaining order throughout the realm. Ox-Head and Horse-Face escorted souls to the Judgment Hall, while Black and White Impermanence were responsible for claiming the dead. The Judges sat in the Judgment Hall and determined where each soul would go based on the good and evil deeds it had committed in life.
In addition to these basic facilities, the Underworld established several special areas. Hell, for example, was where evil spirits were punished, and it was filled with all kinds of torture.
With the passage of time, the Underworld gradually became more complete.
Just then, Dao Ancestor Hongjun suddenly appeared above the Underworld. "Ancestral Witch Houtu established reincarnation and rendered an immeasurable service by founding the Underworld.
"Heavenly Dao Edict: Houtu is hereby bestowed the title of Empress Pingxin and shall govern the Underworld. From this day forward, her true body may not leave the Underworld, where she shall suppress the Underworld Fortune."
As soon as he finished speaking, Dao Ancestor Hongjun immediately drew upon the Heavenly Dao's power and authority to seal off the Underworld.
Although Houtu had become an Earth Dao Saint of the ninth heaven, on par with the Dao Ancestor, Dao Ancestor Hongjun was a cultivator in the Dao Integration Realm. The Earth Dao had only just been born and was not yet strong enough to contend with the Heavenly Dao. Though furious, Houtu could only comply.
Hongjun watched Houtu. Though he had confined her to the Underworld, once everyone there took their positions, the Heavenly Dao's power would likely dwindle until it disappeared entirely. The Underworld would still slip beyond his control.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun sent a voice transmission to the Six Saints of the Primordial World, telling them to seize authority over the Underworld and divide its fortune. Then his figure slowly vanished.
After Dao Ancestor Hongjun disappeared, the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti appeared in turn.
They first congratulated Houtu. Taiqing Laozi said, "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Pingxin, on achieving sainthood. Your compassion will allow the living beings of the Primordial World to be reincarnated after death, rather than becoming wandering ghosts."
Primordial Lord spoke up as well. "Fellow Daoist Pingxin, this was a truly righteous deed."
Hearing this, Sect Master Tongtian couldn't help but agree. "Indeed. You care deeply for the Primordial World. You are a role model for all of us, and all the living beings of the Primordial World should learn from you." His face was full of admiration.
Jieyin also said, "Fellow Daoist Pingxin is truly a figure of great compassion."
Zhunti hurriedly chimed in. "Indeed. You are truly selfless."
Nuwa smiled at Houtu. "Congratulations on achieving the Dao, little sister Houtu. With such a kind heart, you truly deserve to become the Earth Dao's supreme ruler."
"Thank you, fellow Daoists." Houtu was already furious at Hongjun for confining her to the Underworld, but she couldn't rebuff those who came with smiles. She spoke to the Three Pure Ones, Zhunti, and Jieyin.
Then she turned to Nuwa. "Thank you, elder sister Nuwa."
Houtu was about to say something more to Nuwa when Zhunti spoke up. "Fellow Daoist Pingxin, the Underworld has only just been established, so you must need people, right? Our Western Sect is always glad to help others. We're willing to help you manage the Underworld. Give us two of the Five Ghost Emperors' positions."
Primordial Lord frowned at Daoist Zhunti's words. "Zhunti, the positions of the Five Ghost Emperors are of great importance. How can you ask for two right off the bat?" His voice held a note of dissatisfaction and skepticism as he fixed Zhunti with a sharp gaze.
Daoist Zhunti smiled faintly and explained, "Primordial Lord, although our Western Sect is far from the center of the world, we have always devoted ourselves to cultivating for the sake of all living beings. We're asking for two Ghost Emperor positions so that we can better manage the Underworld and maintain the order of reincarnation."
Primordial Lord fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The Underworld concerns the reincarnation of all living beings. We must not act rashly. The positions of the Five Ghost Emperors require careful consideration. We can't grant them lightly."
Daoist Zhunti was displeased by Primordial Lord's response, but he did his best to remain calm. "Primordial Lord, our Western Sect has always maintained ties and cooperated with the Eastern Daoist Religion. We're making this request because we value our relationship. I hope you'll understand our sincerity and support us."
Primordial Lord considered it for a while, then said, "Let's discuss this further."
Taiqing Laozi added, "Jieyin, Zhunti, don't be too greedy. At most, you can have one."
"Very well. One it is, but we'll ask for a few more Yama positions." Jieyin hurriedly chimed in.
Houtu furrowed her brows. She had just been confined by Dao Ancestor Hongjun, and now these Heavenly Dao Saints had come to demand positions in the Underworld. As if!
Houtu spoke up. "Fellow Daoists, the Underworld is not short of people. If you want positions, I can give you five Yama Fruit Positions."
Primordial Lord said unhappily, "You're being far too arbitrary, Fellow Daoist. You may have founded the Underworld, but it belongs to the Primordial World, not to you, Pingxin. Our teacher told you to govern it."
The moment Primordial Lord finished speaking, a powerful force pressed him down. He couldn't resist it at all.
He exclaimed in shock, "Pingxin, how dare you? You..." Under the force pinning him down, Primordial Lord couldn't even finish speaking.
Just then, a voice rang out. "Fellow Daoist Houtu, my second brother acted rashly and spoke without thinking. Please forgive him and let him go."
The one who had spoken was Taiqing Laozi. Seeing Primordial Lord pinned down by Houtu, he was extremely anxious, but he didn't dare intervene rashly.
He knew Houtu was now immensely powerful. If he acted without thinking, it might spark an even greater conflict.
So he could only step forward and try to smooth things over, hoping Houtu would spare Primordial Lord.
Taiqing Laozi had lost all his earlier arrogance. He had even changed the way he addressed Houtu.
He no longer called her Fellow Daoist Pingxin, but instead called her "Fellow Daoist Houtu." He knew he was no match for her and had no choice but to bow his head and apologize.
Houtu didn't reply immediately.
She looked at Taiqing Laozi coldly, a chill glinting in her eyes.
She didn't seem inclined to let Primordial Lord off easily. His behavior just now had been utterly outrageous.
Seeing that Houtu said nothing, Taiqing Laozi grew even more anxious.
He hurriedly explained, "Fellow Daoist Houtu, my second brother was simply impulsive when he said those disrespectful things. He didn't mean any harm. Please be the bigger person and don't hold it against him."
As he spoke, Taiqing Laozi watched Houtu's reaction.
He saw that her expression remained cold, as though his words hadn't moved her at all.
He silently groaned, at a loss for what to do.
After a moment, Houtu said, "You two may leave. Neither of you will get a Fruit Position in the Underworld."
Taiqing Laozi had no choice but to leave with Primordial Lord.
Seeing that Sect Master Tongtian hadn't left, Primordial Lord asked, "Third Brother, why aren't you leaving?"
Primordial Lord cared deeply about his dignity. Houtu had pinned him down without mercy, and all the Primordial Great Powers had surely seen it.
He hadn't obtained a Fruit Position in the Underworld and had lost face as well. He was especially displeased that his third brother was still there instead of leaving with him and their eldest brother.
Tongtian replied, "Second Brother, go back with Eldest Brother first. I still want to secure a position for one of my disciples."
"Third Brother, you..." Primordial Lord was furious. Taiqing Laozi was also displeased with Tongtian, but in the end, he said nothing and led Primordial Lord away.
After Taiqing Laozi and Primordial Lord left, Daoist Zhunti hurriedly pleaded, "Fellow Daoist Houtu, the West is suffering. Please give us a chance."
"I can agree to letting someone from the West serve in the Underworld, but they can't take one of the original positions. We'll have to add a new one."
"This..." Jieyin was just about to speak when Zhunti interrupted him. "That's fine, that's fine. We'll do as you say."
Zhunti sent Jieyin a voice transmission. "Senior Brother, say no more. Even Primordial Lord got driven off. Getting one position is already good enough."
Zhunti turned to the person behind him. "Ksitigarbha, you'll stay in the Underworld and help Fellow Daoist Houtu."
Then he left with Jieyin.
Sect Master Tongtian said to Houtu, "Fellow Daoist, may I have one of the Five Ghost Emperors' positions?"
"Yes. I can give you the Northern Ghost Emperor position," Houtu replied.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist." Tongtian turned to the person behind him. "Gongming, the Northern Ghost Emperor position is yours."
Zhao Gongming was overjoyed. At last, this incredible fortune had fallen to him too. He hurriedly bowed. "Thank you, Master. I'll be sure to carry out my duties faithfully."
"Fellow Daoist, I'll be heading back, then."
"Very well."
After Tongtian left, only Nuwa remained.
Houtu said, "I'll give Elder Sister the Eastern Ghost Emperor position."
Nuwa smiled. "Thank you, little sister." Then she turned to Su Mu. "Su Mu, the Eastern Ghost Emperor position is yours."
Su Mu cupped his hands. "Thank you, Master."
"Little sister Houtu, take care of the Underworld's affairs first. I'll be leaving." With that, she took Su Mu back to Shouyang Mountain.
After all the Saints had left, Houtu gave the Ten Palace Yama Kings' and Meng Po's positions to her elder brothers and sisters.
She gave the Southern Ghost Emperor position to Xing Tian, the Western Ghost Emperor position to Xiangliu, and the Central Ghost Emperor position to Jiu Feng.
Shouyang Mountain.
Su Mu returned to Shouyang Mountain and hurried back to his cave. The system rewards had already arrived.
He took out three Yellow Middle Plums and three Ginseng Fruits and set them on the stone table.
He ate one Yellow Middle Plum, then silently circulated the Nine Revolutions Divine Art. His cultivation steadily advanced: the mid-stage of the Mystic Immortal realm, the late stage, then the peak. He ate another Yellow Middle Plum, but it still wasn't enough. He ate the last one and successfully broke through to the Golden Immortal realm.
Three hundred years later, after Su Mu had eaten all three Ginseng Fruits, his cultivation finally broke through to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.
He had also cultivated the Nine Revolutions Divine Art to the sixth revolution. It was time to leave seclusion.
He turned and left his cave. When he reached the entrance to Shouyang Palace, he was just about to speak when the doors opened, revealing an exquisite woman.
"So it's you, Sister Jin Feng. Where are you going?" Su Mu asked.
Jin Feng was originally of the Phoenix Race. To dispel the Phoenix Race's karma, she searched everywhere for a way. When Nuwa achieved sainthood, Jin Feng had wanted to follow her and serve as her mount.
But Nuwa hadn't made her a mount. Instead, she had taken her in as a maid.
"Su Mu, Her Ladyship knew you were here and sent me to welcome you," Jin Feng said with a smile.
Su Mu was Nuwa's eldest disciple, so Jin Feng had wanted to call him Senior Disciple Brother. But Nuwa had taken Jin Feng in first, and Jin Feng was older than Su Mu. So Su Mu had always called her Sister Jin Feng, and Jin Feng had let him.
Before you continue