As she traveled onward, the earth lay ravaged, and Vengeful Ghosts filled every corner of the sky.
The War of the Liches, the collapse of Mount Buzhou, the waters of the Heavenly River pouring down-far, far too many beings of the Primordial World had perished in these disasters.
The entire Netherworld Sea of Blood was already filled with endless Vengeful Ghosts.
Piercing screams mingled with wails, spreading throughout the Primordial World.
She continued onward, unsure how long she had walked.
Ahead, a vast celestial palace appeared before Houtu. Its towering heavenly gate, gleaming armor, and orderly patrols of heavenly soldiers shared the same heaven and earth as the Primordial World, yet seemed to belong to another world entirely.
"Houtu, Ancestral Shaman of the lower realm, requests an audience with the Demon Emperor. Please announce my arrival."
Houtu stood quietly outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, her mind still filled with the sight of endless wronged souls crowding the sky.
All beings suffered, heaven and earth suffered, and all things suffered.
Such was the present state of the Primordial World.
Before the soldier guarding the heavenly gate could leave to report her arrival, a figure in golden robes appeared before Houtu.
"You've come."
"Greetings, Demon Emperor."
As Daochen's figure slowly appeared, the tightly furrowed brows on Houtu's peerlessly beautiful face eased slightly. She raised one hand in greeting and spoke calmly.
"There's no need for such ceremony. How are your brothers?"
Daochen waved a hand gently, and a streak of light flew from his sleeve, lifting Houtu from her half-bow.
"My brothers have yet to awaken, but their auras have almost returned to their peak. Thank you for your concern, Demon Emperor."
Houtu still cupped her hands slightly and answered composedly. Yet whenever her gaze swept across the omnipresent Vengeful Ghosts in