Just as the Three Pure Ones reached a consensus and decided to take over from Gungun and personally oversee the Investiture of the Gods, elsewhere, in the Netherworld's Earth Emperor Hall...
Houtu sat cross-legged in the seat of honor. Below her, Gungun cradled a large chilled watermelon, scooping out its flesh with a bamboo spoon. As the fruit passed between its lips and teeth, the icy sweetness brought a radiant smile to its great, chubby face.
This feels so good~
Although Quasi-Saints were immune to heat and cold, being unable to enjoy a cool breeze on such a hot day still felt rather unpleasant. Now, with a bite of chilled watermelon, that discomfort vanished like smoke and scattered clouds, and the whole world seemed to become wonderful.
"Wooow~" Gungun promptly let out a delighted bear cry, scooped another spoonful of watermelon into its mouth, and began chewing with rhythmic smacks.
Watching the carefree bear below her, which knew nothing but stuffing its face, Houtu gave a weary sigh. "Hah~"
Then she raised her hand and released a suction force, drawing the Chaos Bell over from Gungun.
Looking at the little bell gleaming in her hand, Houtu thought for a moment, then raised her arm and tossed it upward. At once, the airborne Chaos Bell blazed with light and grew enormous, enveloping Houtu and the entire Earth Emperor's seat of honor.
"Uh..." Gungun froze mid-snack at the sight and asked Houtu, "Ancestral Witch, what are you doing?"
"I'm using the Chaos Bell to study the mysteries of divine abilities and see whether I can find a way to deal with Hongjun," Houtu answered, looking up at the enormous Chaos Bell overhead.
"Huh?" Gungun looked utterly bewildered. Could the Chaos Bell alone really deal with Hongjun?
From that sound, Houtu knew Gungun