Lin Mo knew, of course, that Vermilion Bird was kneeling not to him, but to Black Tortoise within his Sea of Consciousness.
Faced with this female Immortal Venerable whose commanding presence radiated outward, he was momentarily at a loss.
Fortunately, Black Tortoise emerged directly from his Sea of Consciousness and helped Vermilion Bird to her feet, sparing him the awkwardness.
"Vermilion Bird, my dear sister, there is no need for such ceremony."
Black Tortoise smiled faintly. "To think that after ten thousand years of slumber, your pure-turbid heavenly flame remains so formidable. It truly rivals its power in years past."
Vermilion Bird replied with some embarrassment, "You praise me too highly, Brother."
"It was entirely thanks to your valor that Hundred-Eyed Evil Lord was driven into a corner, forcing that vile beast to absorb the Flame Demon Soul-Boiling Formation himself. Only then could I escape."
Black Tortoise waved a hand. "This remnant soul of mine is of little use. I merely offered a word or two of guidance from behind the scenes."
"Rescuing you from the Flame Demon Soul-Boiling Formation this time was entirely thanks to young friend Lin's prowess."
Only then did Vermilion Bird turn toward Lin Mo. She looked him up and down, approval appearing on her face.
"To possess such courage at so young an age-the younger generation is truly to be reckoned with."
"But as an outsider, what exactly brought you to our Nine Netherworlds Continent?"
Lin Mo was secretly astonished. Senior Vermilion Bird truly had eyes as keen as blazing torches.
Naturally, he concealed nothing. His expression grew solemn as he said, "Senior Vermilion Bird, my name is Lin Mo, and I originally came from the Divine Land."
"Countless lower planes, including our Divine Land, are now suffering invasion by the Netherworld."
"The Nine Netherworlds