The northern reaches of the world, where the Wu Clan gathered.
A hundred years had passed since Empress Houtu had transformed into the cycle of reincarnation, yet an atmosphere of grief and sorrow over parting still hung over the northern lands.
Di Jiang and the others stood waiting amid the wind and snow. Given the Twelve Ancestor Witches' power and status, there were few they would wait for in person.
Just then, a figure swept through the blizzard, trailing a vast chill and a faint trace of Blood Qi.
Di Jiang and the others bowed to the figure. "Greetings, Ancestor Minghe."
Minghe dared not presume upon them either and returned the Ancestor Witches' greeting. "Minghe greets you, fellow Daoists." He knew that though he had helped the Wu Clan flourish, he had merely gone with the flow. If the Demon Race ruled this world alone, where would his Asura Clan find room to grow? He simply hadn't expected the Wu Clan to develop so rapidly.
Di Jiang said, "Our Wu Clan will never forget the Ancestor's kindness."
Minghe replied, "The spiritual energy of this world is thin, which will greatly hinder cultivation in generations to come. I also don't want to see the Wu Clan bullied by the Demon Race."
Fire God Zhu Rong said, "Ancestor, even without Empress Houtu, our Wu Clan still has nothing to fear from the Demon Race."
Minghe said, "I'm only angry at the Demon Race for its lack of honor. Empress Houtu transformed into the cycle of reincarnation, an act that benefits Heaven and Earth. All under Heaven mourned her, yet Di Jun and Taiyi were delighted by it. What contemptible, petty men!"
Fire God Zhu Rong said, "They're utterly shameless! I'll go to the Heavenly Court and vent my rage on them!"
Di