"That's the key point," Xu Fang said, seeing Hou Tu's agreement. He immediately began to explain to her.
"The Earthly Way represents the cycle of the world, and naturally, it includes the reincarnation of all beings. Since the Primordial Era began, the Great Desolation has suffered calamities, and countless beings have perished. Except for those who were fortunate enough to cultivate into ghost immortals, all others dissipated into the Great Desolation. You, my fellow cultivator, possess compassion, and the Earthly Way has sensed it. This is the perfect opportunity to join forces and evolve the Way of Life and Death, giving the souls of all beings a destination after death."
Xu Fang spoke so plainly that he couldn't believe Hou Tu wouldn't understand.
Hou Tu, of course, understood perfectly. The more she understood, the more bewildered and disbelieving she became. "It's that simple?"
"That's how simple it is!" Xu Fang replied, spreading his hands. What other questions could there be? He had explained it so clearly.
However, Xu Fang also knew that he was currently within the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda, which shielded all heavenly secrets, preventing even the Heavenly Way from intruding. How could the Earthly Way, suppressed by the Heavenly Way, possibly enter? Therefore, it was understandable that Hou Tu couldn't contact the Earthly Way and couldn't achieve enlightenment on the spot. He continued, "Fellow cultivator, there's no need to say more. You will understand everything once you return to the Great Desolation."
As Xu Fang spoke, he opened the door, shooed away the curious treasures, and made a gesture of invitation at the doorway, signaling Hou Tu to rise.
Hou Tu chuckled wryly and could only agree. "Very well, I shall see if what fellow cultivator Xu Fang says proves true."
Hou Tu rose and walked out, heading forward to leave the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda and verify Xu Fang's claims.
"One more thing!" Xu Fang called out to Hou Tu at this moment. Hou Tu turned back, looking at Xu Fang, her eyes questioning.
"Fellow cultivator Hou Tu, if you are truly able to merge with the Earthly Way, remember not to rely on the merits of the Heavenly Way to become a saint." Xu Fang urged, his tone extremely solemn.
If Hou Tu were to truly manifest the Six Paths of Reincarnation during this event and successfully attract the Earthly Way, she would naturally complete the Great Desolation. The Heavenly Way, being the will of heaven and earth, would then bestow merits. However, while merits could be accepted, they absolutely could not be used to achieve sainthood. After all, no matter how the Heavenly Way suppressed the Earthly Way and the Human Way, their statuses were equal. If Hou Tu, as the embodiment of the Earthly Way, were to become a saint by accepting the merits of the Heavenly Way, it would, in effect, lower the status of the Earthly Way. It was precisely for this reason that, according to the predetermined trajectory, even when the Earthly Way appeared, it was suppressed by the Heavenly Way, and Hou Tu could only remain in the Underworld, unable to appear in the mortal realm.
How could Xu Fang bear to see this tragedy repeat itself? Wasn't his enthusiastic explanation to Hou Tu this time aimed at securing an incredibly powerful ally? Furthermore, given Hou Tu's future relationship with Xu Fang, Xu Fang naturally didn't want to see Hou Tu, the spokesperson for the Earthly Way, still be restrained by the Heavenly Way and utterly stifled by Hongjun, living a life of immense frustration.
Hou Tu didn't understand these intricacies at the moment, but seeing Xu Fang's solemn demeanor, she nodded in agreement. "Fellow cultivator Xu Fang, I have noted it."
After confirming that Xu Fang had nothing more to say, Hou Tu hesitated no longer and walked resolutely out of the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda.
Ao Xue and the Golden-Winged Great Peng were waiting outside the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda. Seeing Hou Tu emerge, they quickly approached. "Hey! Sister Hou Tu, you're finally out! Where's the senior?"
"Yes, we've already reached the Sea of Blood. That fellow Patriarch Styx is waving at us from below. Shall we go down and visit him?"
Hou Tu looked at them and was about to speak when suddenly, countless thoughts surged into her mind, information flooding in, overwhelming her. At this moment, Hou Tu felt a sense of understanding and finally grasped everything Xu Fang had said. Without further words, she turned and silently bowed towards the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda before flying down, descending to the edge of the Sea of Blood.
"Ancestral Witch Hou Tu?" Patriarch Styx stared enviously at the Treasure Distribution Rock. Discovering that it wasn't Xu Fang who had descended, but Ancestral Witch Hou Tu, he was greatly surprised. However, since she had come from the Treasure Distribution Rock, she must have been brought by fellow cultivator Xu Fang. Patriarch Styx waved to stop Wu Tian and the others, not daring to disturb Hou Tu, and let her go.
Hou Tu looked up at the Sea of Blood. The edge of the sea was filthy and corrupted. Countless residual souls were trapped within, wailing and screaming incessantly. The sight was unbearable, and the sounds were horrifying. They struggled, unable to escape, their resentment soaring to the heavens. Dark clouds gathered above the Sea of Blood, filled with endless resentment, chilling the heart.
"Such misery truly evokes sorrow!" Hou Tu exclaimed, only to be met with Patriarch Styx's mockery.
"Fellow cultivator Hou Tu, this Sea of Blood is where the filth of the Great Desolation collects. Isn't this normal? Don't be surprised by it. Where is fellow cultivator Xu Fang?" Patriarch Styx was still concerned about Xu Fang and thought Hou Tu was being overly sentimental. He didn't want to waste words with her and inquired about Xu Fang's whereabouts.
"Styx, Styx, it's no wonder you cannot achieve sainthood. Such a great opportunity is right at your doorstep, and you can't grasp it." Xu Fang's voice rang out as he descended with the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Ao Xue. He looked at Patriarch Styx and sighed with disappointment, like a teacher frustrated by a stubborn student.
"Fellow cultivator Xu Fang, I know why you brought me here, and I know what to do. Thank you." Hou Tu bowed to Xu Fang and then left without hesitation.
"You're being cryptic. Fellow cultivator Xu Fang, how did you get involved with her?" Patriarch Styx muttered quietly, looking at Xu Fang with indignation.
"Fellow cultivator Xu Fang, what do you mean by that? You brought Hou Tu to the Sea of Blood, thinking that the residual souls of the Sea of Blood can help Hou Tu become a saint? That's ridiculous!"
Xu Fang smiled faintly and said nothing. More words were useless; the facts would speak for themselves.
At this moment, Hou Tu walked to the edge of the Sea of Blood and spoke loudly. "I, Hou Tu, Ancestral Witch of the Wu Clan, born from the refined blood of the Great God Pangu. I empathize with the hardships of the beings in the Great Desolation and contemplate the deficiencies in the cycle of heaven and earth. Today, here, with my very being, I shall manifest the Six Paths of Reincarnation, aid in the reincarnation of beings, and complete the Great Desolation. From this day forth, beings in the Great Desolation shall have a destination after death, continuing to flourish endlessly. The cycle of heaven and earth shall be without end, the Six Paths of Reincarnation shall emerge, and the Earthly Way shall appear!"
As Hou Tu finished speaking, her voice echoed throughout the Great Desolation. Hou Tu continued, proclaiming to the world.
Patriarch Styx watched this spectacle and thought, Isn't this the same heavenly declaration as when Nuwa achieved sainthood? He was speechless. So, this fellow Xu Fang really brought Hou Tu to his doorstep to achieve sainthood, didn't he?
"Fellow cultivator Xu Fang, if she's crazy, fine, but why are you indulging her nonsense! If Hou Tu can achieve sainthood through this, I'll give her half of the Sea of Blood, okay?" Patriarch Styx said mockingly, his words flowing smoothly. Xu Fang didn't even have time to shut him up and could only shake his head helplessly.
"Styx, oh Styx, you truly bring it upon yourself. Alas!" Xu Fang sighed for Patriarch Styx. With that mouth, he's already offered half his Sea of Blood. You're so generous! You'll have nowhere to cry when the time comes!
Patriarch Styx remained unfazed and waved his hand. "Heh heh! I'm just saying. Anyway, Hou Tu can't possibly..." Patriarch Styx stopped mid-sentence because as Hou Tu's voice completely faded, a sudden tremor shook the entire Great Desolation!