The hall fell silent for a moment.
A short while later, Dan Jing spoke, his smile unchanged. "Since the Netherworld was ordained by the Heavenly Dao, Sect Master Du You's request is naturally reasonable. However..."
"However, what?"
"You must agree to one condition from our Heaven's Will Sect."
Chu Mo's gaze sharpened slightly. "Let's hear it."
Dan Jing exchanged a look with Heavenly Pivot, who nodded slightly. Only then did Dan Jing turn back to Chu Mo and slowly speak:
"Our sect is willing to recognize the Netherworld Great Dao and permit it to extend throughout the territories and worlds under our jurisdiction. But in exchange, the Heaven's Will Sect must station [Talisman-Wielding] practitioners permanently in the Netherworld Court to help guard it."
Chu Mo frowned. "You want to plant your people in the Netherworld Court?"
"No, no."
Dan Jing shook his head and corrected him. "Our sect has no intention of meddling in the Netherworld. We merely wish to ensure that, after our disciples die and enter the Underworld Bureaucracy, they will not be harmed by petty villains, and can return to our sect in their next lives."
"Heh." Chu Mo chuckled and teased, "You don't trust This Venerable? You think This Venerable would harm the souls of Heaven's Will Disciples?"
"Of course." Dan Jing nodded without the slightest hesitation. By "petty villains," he meant the Four Lineages of Tribulation Deliverance. Who could blame him when their reputation preceded them and everyone knew what they were like?
After a moment's thought, he added, "If Sect Master Du You agrees, our sect can also help you secure the remaining fortune of the Outer Sea and Great Evolution."
At those words, Chu Mo narrowed his eyes.
In truth, he had little objection to the Heaven's Will Sect's demand. Even if they