Chapter Ninety-One: Affairs of the Underworld

Above the Blood Sea of the Netherworld.

As Li Tian and Nuwa descended, a dense pressure of sagehood instantly enveloped the area.

Minghe, sensing this powerful aura, grew tense, for he realized that under its weight, he could not even muster a single thought of resistance.

Turning toward the source of the pressure, Minghe’s heart tightened. He cautiously stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute, and said, “Minghe was unaware of the arrival of two sages and failed to greet you from afar. Please forgive my negligence…”

Houtu’s primordial spirit also stepped forward and bowed. “Greetings, Heavenly Emperor and Empress.”

“Mm.” Li Tian descended with Nuwa, nodding slightly.

Nuwa approached Houtu, gazing at her, now only in a state of primordial spirit, and asked, “Houtu, what has happened to you?”

But then, glancing at the Six Paths of Reincarnation suspended above the Blood Sea, she understood at once. Her gaze toward Houtu was tinged with admiration.

To transform oneself into the cycle of reincarnation—such is the highest virtue!

Houtu smiled and nodded at Nuwa, then turned to Li Tian and softly said, “Heavenly Emperor, may Emperor Xi reincarnate through this?”

“Of course.” Li Tian smiled as he nodded.

He immediately produced the River Diagram and Luo Book, and with a surge of magic summoned Fuxi’s primordial spirit.

“Houtu.”

Fuxi’s spirit appeared, and after sensing his surroundings, he looked directly at Houtu and called gently.

“Emperor Xi.”

Houtu’s spirit gazed back at Fuxi. The two slowly drew closer, locking eyes with deep affection, momentarily oblivious to all else around them.

“Enough now; time is of the essence. You two should hurry and reincarnate,” Li Tian finally interrupted, unable to bear the scene any longer.

Fuxi and Houtu came back to themselves and smiled apologetically. Houtu then waved her hand, and a quaint ancient book flew from the Six Paths of Reincarnation, landing directly in Li Tian’s grasp.

“Heavenly Emperor, this book is the Ledger of Life and Death. It determines the fate of all living beings in reincarnation. All who pass through the cycle are recorded within. I hope you will appoint a just and prudent guardian.”

“Mm.” Li Tian nodded. The moment he accepted the Ledger, he understood its purpose.

Simply put, this Ledger serves as the central control for the Six Paths of Reincarnation. It decides the destination of all beings’ rebirths, and everything that passes through the cycle—such as lifespan—is automatically recorded within, with the possibility of magical modification.

Of course, it must not be abused; otherwise, the Way of Heaven will impose karmic retribution that few could withstand.

“Rest assured, I know the weight of this responsibility.” Li Tian nodded gravely. The Six Paths of Reincarnation were no small matter; any error would have dire consequences.

Seeing this, Houtu nodded. She had no worries concerning Li Tian.

She exchanged a glance with Fuxi, both smiling, and then hand in hand, walked toward the Six Paths.

They did not choose the Heavenly Path, but the Human Path.

They understood the potential of the human race.

For ordinary folk, the Heavenly Path is preferable. Entering it, one becomes a naturally born spirit, possessing the strength of an earth immortal at birth and endless lifespan!

Though lacking the human race’s vast potential, not all humans ascend to immortality. Among humans, ninety percent remain below earth immortal; without special fortune, they may remain so their entire lives.

...

Li Tian watched them enter the Human Path and felt relieved. Had they chosen wrongly and headed for the Heavenly Path, he might have had to intervene.

“Minghe, the Blood Sea is vast enough for you and the Ashura clan, isn’t it?”

He then turned to Minghe, hinting at something.

“…Heavenly Emperor.”

Minghe glanced at the now diminished Blood Sea, much of it gone, and the space left behind after its evaporation. He instantly understood Li Tian’s implication.

But before a sage, he dared not refuse. Weighing his options, Minghe respectfully cupped his hands, replying insincerely, “It is enough…”

“Good, that’s just right.” Li Tian nodded, pleased with Minghe’s timely submission. “I intend to build the Netherworld Palace here in the Netherworld, to maintain the order of the Six Paths. You have no objection, I trust?”

“Rest assured, the Blood Sea will remain for you and the Ashura clan,” Li Tian smiled, patting Minghe’s shoulder.

“Yes, yes. The Heavenly Emperor is most benevolent; Minghe is unworthy.” Minghe’s mouth twitched, but he dared not protest and could only flatter Li Tian, careful and reserved.

“Mm.” Satisfied with Minghe’s attitude, Li Tian did not press further, and left with Nuwa.

Minghe remained, feelings mixed, and ultimately shook his head and plunged into the Blood Sea.

Fortunately, the Blood Sea was still vast. Even with only a fraction left, it was boundless, more than enough for himself and the Ashura clan.

...

Lingxiao Hall.

As the bells rang, the denizens of the Heavenly Court quickly assembled. Upon learning that the Heavenly Emperor would select some among them to oversee reincarnation, many were secretly excited.

After all, managing the cycle of all living beings is an immense authority!

...

Immediately, everyone began to put themselves forward.

Yet Li Tian and Nuwa did not plan to select too many. After much deliberation, they settled on four: Jiuying, Dijang, Guiche, and Shangyang.

Jiuying, Dijang, and Guiche were among those who volunteered. Upon being chosen, they rejoiced, bowed in thanks, and accepted the post.

But Shangyang was less pleased.

By nature indifferent, she disliked trivialities. Overseeing reincarnation meant dwelling in the dark Netherworld for ages… The thought of millennia spent there unsettled her.

“Heavenly Emperor, might I… not go?”

After some hesitation, Shangyang stepped forward, cupping her hands in slight anxiety.

Li Tian’s authority was formidable, after all.

Unwilling to go?

Li Tian stared at Shangyang, momentarily surprised, but recalling her aloof temperament, he understood.

He had chosen Shangyang largely out of special favor for her beauty; since she was unwilling, he would not force her.

“If you do not wish to go, then I shall choose another. Is there anyone else willing?”

Relieved, Shangyang bowed in thanks and withdrew; she had feared angering the Heavenly Emperor.

The others wondered at Li Tian’s leniency, but had no time to dwell on it, and promptly stepped forward to apply.

In the end, Li Tian selected the Eastern Duke. He had considered Xuanming, since reincarnation was Houtu’s creation and it made sense for the Wu clan to be involved. But Nuwa pointed out that the other three were lords, while Xuanming was only a prince; if he went, he would likely lack influence. Thus Li Tian abandoned the idea, having no particular preference.

“Thank you, Heavenly Emperor.”

Delighted to be chosen, the Eastern Duke stepped forward, bowed in thanks, and joined Jiuying, Dijang, and Guiche.

“Mm.” Li Tian nodded. He then offered some suggestions for constructing the Netherworld Palace, drawing on legends from his previous life, and left it at that.

He would only inspect the finished palace; if dissatisfied, he would have it rebuilt. It was not his concern.

After all, as the Heavenly Emperor, to worry over such trivial matters would be beneath him.

...