Jiang Yun did not dare delay. He stepped forward and bowed. "This humble Daoist Jiang Yun pays his respects to Lady Houtu!"
Lady Houtu smiled faintly and raised a hand. "No need for such formalities. Other than Eleventh Sister, I do not know how long it has been since anyone last called me Houtu."
Her gaze fell upon Nine Silence, who was opening up the hells, her eyes filled with approval. She then looked at Jiang Yun and sighed. "Earlier, Fellow Daoist had Sister Xuanming pass along a message saying that you had a way to help my Witch Race repay its karmic debts."
"Originally, I had my doubts. After all, the karmic burden of Heaven and Earth is so immense that even Sages find it troublesome."
"But after seeing what your disciple has done, I believe it now!"
"What happened today is a great merit for my Reincarnation, a great virtue for all living beings of the Primordial World, and it has given my Witch Race a path to survival!"
Lady Houtu's expression turned solemn. "Whatever assistance Fellow Daoist requires from me today, please speak freely!"
Jiang Yun cupped his hands. "Your Ladyship overstates it. It is merely mutual benefit."
"For today's undertaking, I will need to borrow the power of Reincarnation from Your Ladyship and have you, in your capacity as lord of the Underworld, confer divine offices upon my disciple!"
Lady Houtu nodded. "That is only proper! If anyone ought to give thanks, it should be me!"
At that moment, a streak of light rapidly flew in from the horizon. It was Yunxiao, who had come on Tongtian's decree.
"Disciple Yunxiao greets Lady Serenity! Greetings, Martial Nephew Jiang!"
At the sight, Jiang Yun's heart settled completely. Smiling, he said, "Greetings, Martial Aunt! You arrived at just the