Back then, however, the Reincarnation Dao Flame the Black Bird had condensed was as faint as candlelight, and she had condensed it only a handful of times.
Thus, the Dao Marks left within her were as light as mist.
Though the two had felt a similar closeness, it was nowhere near as strong or immediate as what she felt facing Jiang Yun now.
Dao Ancestor Hou Ming had expected something when she met Jiang Yun, but the powerful sense of closeness that washed over her still struck her mind like a thunderclap, leaving her genuinely astonished.
"You needn't worry so much, having only just arrived in the Underworld."
"When fellow Daoist Xuan Emperor first arrived, she spent two long Sacrificial Eras in secluded cultivation before gradually involving herself in the Underworld's affairs."
Dao Ancestor Hou Ming spoke slowly, her voice echoing through the icy Dao ground with a hint of reminiscence.
In the mysterious world of the Underworld, they were all supreme beings and had little regard for cumbersome rules and formalities.
"Only when the Grand Sacrifice begins and the Heavens Grand Sacrifice opens in full must we all go to the Ancestor Sacrificial Altar. Under the presiding officiant's guidance, we perform the ritual of sacrificing All Heavens in blood."
Dao Ancestor Hou Ming's gaze deepened, as though she could see through layers of mist to that grand and mysterious ceremony. "For us, it will be an immense opportunity."
"The closer we are to the Altar, the more Sacrificial Patterns containing the deepest truths of heaven and earth we can perceive and comprehend. We may even find exquisite Sacrificial Talismans."
"If cultivation is all you seek, you need only wait patiently for this Grand Sacrifice to begin."
Dao Ancestor Hou Ming paused, then continued, "But if you want to secure