Houtu Becomes a Saint, Escaping Control

Purple Cloud Palace.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's eyes widened in fury at this moment. How could this be?

Houtu should have sworn the Heavenly Dao oath and vanished into the world by transforming her body into the cycle of reincarnation. That way, the Heavenly Dao would have suppressed the Earthly Dao, and the Witch Race would have lost a vital source of support.

A variable, another variable? The Great Dao has already granted its permission; even if I wanted to stop it, I could no longer do so.

No, I must still find a way to remedy this. I cannot allow Houtu to leave the Netherworld in her true form.

Netherworld Blood Sea.

Houtu has become a Great Dao Saint, the reincarnation has successfully evolved, and the Underworld is currently taking shape.

The Six Paths of Reincarnation evolved from a portion of the Netherworld Blood Sea into the Underworld. First came the Ghost Gate Pass, followed by the eight-hundred-li Yellow Springs Road. Further ahead flowed the River of Oblivion, spanned by the Naihe Bridge, and beyond that stood the Terrace of Looking Home.

On the Terrace of Looking Home, one can see all the events of their past life.

As time passed and with the efforts of many, a series of essential areas such as the Judgment Department and the Yama Hall began to gradually form and perfect themselves.

The Judgment Department is a solemn and mysterious place; its architectural style is unique, filled with majesty and a sense of power.

Here, the Judges preside over various crimes to ensure that fairness and justice are upheld.

The Yama Hall, meanwhile, is an awe-inspiring existence that represents the cycle of life and death and the retribution of karma.

Those who enter here must face the sins they committed in their past and present lives, receiving corresponding punishments or rewards.

The emergence of these areas not only adds a layer of mystery to the entire Underworld but also allows the concept of retribution for good and evil to take deeper root in people's hearts.

They serve as a warning, reminding people to always remain kind and upright to avoid falling into endless suffering.

The Underworld gradually became complete.

The Underworld's Yin officials were established in a gloomy and terrifying place, surrounded by thick Yin energy and resentment. There stands a magnificent palace named Emperor Fengdu Palace, the core of the Underworld. The interior of the palace is arranged with solemnity, and the surrounding walls are carved with various mysterious runes and patterns, exuding a powerful sense of pressure.

Deep within the Underworld, there is also a massive Reincarnation Disk. It rotates incessantly, as if narrating the mysteries of the cycle of life and death. At the center of the Reincarnation Disk, a mysterious light flickers, seemingly connecting to another world.

The officials of the Underworld perform their respective duties to maintain order. Ox-Head and Horse-Face are responsible for escorting ghosts to the Judgment Hall, while Black and White Impermanence are responsible for reaping souls. The Judges sit within the Judgment Hall, deciding the destination of ghosts based on their deeds in life.

In addition to these basic facilities, the Underworld has also established some special areas. For instance, Hell is a place for punishing evil ghosts, filled with all manner of cruel tortures.

As time passed, the scale of the Underworld gradually neared perfection.

Just then, Dao Ancestor Hongjun suddenly appeared above the Underworld: "Ancestral Witch Houtu has rendered meritorious service by establishing the reincarnation and building the Underworld.

Heavenly Dao Edict: I appoint Houtu as Empress Pingxin, to govern the Underworld. Henceforth, her true form shall not leave the Underworld, that she may suppress the Underworld's fortune."

After speaking, Dao Ancestor Hongjun immediately mobilized the power and authority of the Heavenly Dao to seal off the Underworld.

Although Houtu had become an Earth Dao Saint of the Ninth Heaven, equal in status to the Dao Ancestor, Dao Ancestor Hongjun was a cultivator in the Dao Integration Realm. The Earth Dao was newly born and not yet strong enough to contend with the Heavenly Dao. Despite her fury, she had no choice but to submit.

Hongjun looked at Houtu. Although he had suppressed her within the Underworld, he knew that once all the inhabitants of the Underworld were in their rightful positions, the power of the Heavenly Dao would likely diminish until it eventually vanished, causing the realm to slip from his control.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun sent a telepathic message to the Six Saints of the Primordial World, ordering them to seize authority over the Underworld and divide its fortune. With that, his figure slowly faded and disappeared.

After Dao Ancestor Hongjun vanished, the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti appeared.

First, they offered their congratulations to Houtu. Taiqing Laozi said, "Congratulations to Fellow Daoist Pingxin for attaining the Dao and becoming a Saint. Fellow Daoist Pingxin is truly compassionate; from now on, the souls of the Primordial World will be able to reincarnate after death instead of becoming wandering ghosts."

The Primordial Lord also spoke up, "Fellow Daoist Pingxin, this is an act of great righteousness."

Hearing this, Sect Master Tongtian could not help but chime in, "Indeed. Fellow Daoist, your heart is tied to the Primordial World. You are a model for us all, worthy of emulation by all living beings." His face was filled with admiration.

Jieyin added, "Fellow Daoist Pingxin is truly worthy of being called merciful and compassionate."

Zhunti hurriedly echoed, "Indeed, Fellow Daoist is truly selfless."

Nuwa smiled at Houtu and said, "Congratulations to Sister Houtu for attaining the Dao. Sister Houtu is so kind-hearted; it is only fitting that you have become the Supreme of the Earth Dao."

"Many thanks, fellow daoists." Houtu was already furious at being suppressed by Hongjun, but she could not strike a smiling face. She spoke to the Three Pure Ones, Zhunti, and Jieyin.

Then, she said to Nuwa, "Many thanks, Sister Nuwa."

Houtu wanted to say more to Nuwa, but she heard Zhunti say, "Fellow Daoist Pingxin, the Underworld has just been established and must surely be in need of manpower. My Western Sect is most eager to help others; we are willing to assist you in managing the Underworld. Why don't you grant us two of the positions of the Five Ghost Emperors?"

Upon hearing Daoist Zhunti's words, the Primordial Lord frowned slightly and said, "Zhunti, the positions of the Five Ghost Emperors are of great importance. How can you ask for two right off the bat?" His voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction and skepticism, his sharp gaze fixed on Daoist Zhunti.

Daoist Zhunti smiled slightly and explained, "Primordial Lord, although our Western Sect is located in a remote area, we have always been striving in our cultivation for the sake of all living beings. Requesting these two Ghost Emperor positions is also out of a desire to better manage the Underworld and maintain the order of reincarnation."

The Primordial Lord was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "The affairs of the Underworld concern the reincarnation of all living beings and cannot be handled rashly. The positions of the Five Ghost Emperors require careful consideration; they cannot be promised lightly."

Hearing the Primordial Lord's words, Daoist Zhunti felt a bit displeased, but he tried his best to remain calm. "Primordial Lord, our Western Sect and the Eastern Daoist Religion have always had exchanges and cooperation. This request is also out of respect for our relationship. I hope you can understand our sincerity and offer your support."

The Primordial Lord thought for a while and said, "Let us discuss this matter further."

Taiqing Laozi also added, "Jieyin, Zhunti, do not be too greedy. One at most."

"Fine then, one is one. We will just ask for a few more positions as Yanluo," Jieyin hurriedly agreed.

Houtu frowned. She had just been placed under house arrest by Ancestor Hongjun, and now these Heavenly Dao Saints were coming to demand fruit positions in the Underworld. They were dreaming.

Houtu spoke, "Fellow daoists, my Underworld is not lacking in manpower. If you all desire positions, I can grant five Yanluo fruit positions."

The Primordial Lord said with dissatisfaction, "Fellow Daoist, you are being too arbitrary. Although you established the Underworld, this is the Underworld of the Primordial World, not your personal Underworld. The Teacher only asked you to manage it."

No sooner had the Primordial Lord finished speaking than he felt a powerful force suppressing him. He found himself completely unable to resist.

He exclaimed in horror, "Pingxin, how dare you! You..." Faced with this suppressive force, the Primordial Lord could not even finish his sentence.

Just then, a voice rang out: "Fellow Daoist Houtu, my second brother acted on impulse and spoke without thinking. I ask that you show mercy and release him."

The owner of this voice was none other than Taiqing Laozi. Seeing Primordial Lord suppressed by Houtu, he was deeply anxious but dared not intervene rashly.

He knew that Houtu's current strength was immense; acting impulsively could trigger an even greater conflict.

Therefore, he could only step forward and offer conciliatory words, hoping to persuade Houtu to let Primordial Lord go.

Taiqing Laozi no longer possessed his previous arrogance; he had even changed how he addressed Houtu.

He no longer called her Fellow Daoist Pingxin, but instead addressed her as "Fellow Daoist Houtu." He knew he was no match for her and was forced to lower his head and admit fault.

Upon hearing Taiqing Laozi's words, Houtu did not respond immediately.

She gazed at Taiqing Laozi coldly, a chilling light flickering in her eyes.

It seemed she had no intention of letting Primordial Lord off easily, as his behavior just moments ago had been truly excessive.

Seeing that Houtu remained silent, Taiqing Laozi grew even more anxious.

He hurriedly explained, "Fellow Daoist Houtu, my second brother was merely acting on impulse when he uttered those offensive words. He did not mean them. I beg you to be the bigger person and not hold it against him."

As he spoke, Taiqing Laozi observed Houtu's reaction.

He noticed that her expression remained cold, seemingly unmoved by his words.

He cursed his luck inwardly, at a loss for what to do.

After a moment, Houtu said, "The two of you may leave. There are no Fruit Positions in the Underworld for you."

Helpless, Taiqing Laozi had no choice but to take Primordial Lord and depart.

Seeing that Sect Master Tongtian had not left, Primordial Lord asked, "Third brother, why are you not leaving?"

Primordial Lord was extremely concerned with his reputation. He had been ruthlessly suppressed by Houtu, and all the great powers of the Primordial World must have witnessed it.

Not only had he failed to obtain a Fruit Position in the Underworld, but he had also lost face. Seeing his third brother remaining here instead of leaving with him and their eldest brother, he was deeply displeased.

Tongtian replied, "Second brother, you and our eldest brother should head back first. I still wish to secure a Fruit Position for my disciples."

"Third brother, you..." Primordial Lord was fuming. Taiqing Laozi was also dissatisfied with Tongtian, but in the end, he said nothing and pulled Primordial Lord away.

After Taiqing Laozi and Primordial Lord had left, Daoist Zhunti hurriedly wailed, "Fellow Daoist Houtu, our Western lands are suffering. I beg you to grant our West a chance."

"This palace can agree to allow one person from the West to serve in the Underworld, but they cannot occupy the original Fruit Positions. A new one must be added."

"This..." Jieyin was about to speak, but was interrupted by Zhunti. "That is acceptable, acceptable! Fellow Daoist, we shall follow your word."

Zhunti sent a telepathic message to Jieyin: "Senior Brother, say less. Primordial Lord has already been beaten away; it's good enough that we managed to get one."

Zhunti said to the person behind him: "Ksitigarbha, you shall remain in the Underworld and assist Fellow Daoist Houtu well."

After saying this, he led Jieyin away.

Sect Master Tongtian said to Houtu: "Fellow Daoist, may I request a position as one of the Five Ghost Emperors?"

"Very well, the position of the Northern Ghost Emperor can be given to you," Houtu said.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist." Tongtian then said to the person behind him: "Gongming, this position of Northern Ghost Emperor shall be yours."

Zhao Gongming was overjoyed. This heaven-shattering fortune has finally come to me! He hurriedly bowed and said: "Many thanks, Teacher. I will certainly fulfill my duties with the utmost diligence."

"Fellow Daoist, I shall take my leave now."

"Very good."

After Tongtian departed, only Nuwa remained.

Houtu said: "The position of the Eastern Ghost Emperor shall be given to you, Sister."

Nuwa smiled and said: "Many thanks, Sister." She then said to Su Mu: "Su Mu, the position of the Eastern Ghost Emperor shall be yours."

Su Mu cupped his hands: "Many thanks, Teacher."

"Sister Houtu, you handle the affairs of the Underworld first; I shall be leaving now." After saying this, she took Su Mu and returned to Shouyang Mountain.

After Houtu watched the various Sages depart, she bestowed the positions of the Ten Palace Yama Kings and Meng Po upon her own brothers and sisters.

The Southern Ghost Emperor position was given to Xing Tian, the Western Ghost Emperor to Xiangliu, and the Central Ghost Emperor to Jiu Feng.

Shouyang Mountain.

Su Mu returned to Shouyang Mountain and hurried back to his Cave Dwelling, for his system rewards had already arrived.

He took out three Yellow Middle Plums and three Ginseng Fruits, placing them on the stone table.

He first ate one Yellow Middle Plum and silently circulated the Nine Revolutions Divine Art. His cultivation began to rise steadily: Mystic Immortal mid-stage, Mystic Immortal late-stage, Mystic Immortal peak-stage. He ate another Yellow Middle Plum, but it still wasn't enough. He consumed the final Yellow Middle Plum and successfully broke through to the Golden Immortal Realm.

Three hundred years later, after Su Mu had consumed the three Ginseng Fruits, his cultivation finally broke through to the Primordial Unity Golden Immortal Realm.

The Nine Revolutions Divine Art had also reached the sixth revolution. It was time to leave seclusion.

He turned and exited the Cave Dwelling, arriving before the gates of Shouyang Palace. Just as he was about to speak, the palace gates opened, and a stunningly beautiful woman appeared.

"Oh, it's Sister Jinfeng. Where are you going, Sister?" Su Mu asked.

Jinfeng was originally of the Phoenix Race. In order to eliminate the karma of the Phoenix Race, she had searched everywhere for a solution. When Nuwa became a Sage, she had wanted to follow Nuwa and serve as her mount.

However, Nuwa did not make her a mount, but instead took her in as a handmaiden.

"Su Mu, the Lady knows you have arrived and sent me to welcome you," Jinfeng said with a smile.

Originally, Su Mu was Nuwa's eldest disciple, and Jinfeng had wanted to call him Senior Disciple Brother. However, because Nuwa had taken Jinfeng in first and Jinfeng was older than Su Mu, Su Mu had always called her Sister Jinfeng, and Jinfeng had allowed him to address her that way.