Chapter 566: with translation of chapter title

An astonishing turn of events unfolds from here.

At this moment, the entire Honghuang world is extraordinarily sacred, as if washing away the influence and atmosphere of the ages, lacking that unparalleled killing calamity aura; only an eternal, transcendent Dao rhythm permeates.

Nüwa unlocked the guard of reincarnation, entered the correct verification code, opened the door of the dust-sealed treasure, and did not flee across Honghuang while being chased by an axe that flew from nowhere.

Thus, there came——

Shining through the ages, shining through the Myriad Heavens.

That is the radiance of the nature-spirit, the foundation of the true-spirit, having received the heartfelt blessings of the most ancient and powerful beings, transcending the bonds of time, allowing every living being infinite possibilities—either to follow the rules or to overturn heaven and earth… only the unimaginable exists, nothing is impossible.

Even if some 'possibilities' have a chance of realization less than one in a trillion trillion, they still exist.

However, this outward light is merely trivialities, far from the reincarnation core formed by Pangu's creation and Honghuang's condensation, let alone the whole picture.

Only by reaching the depths of the Sea of Blood, passing through a dim boundary, does there lie another wondrous spacetime realm transcending all worlds, which is the foundation of reincarnation, the grandest repository of true-spirit data for the boundless beings of the human Dao.

In some respects, the Nether River Demon Ancestor again 'guards the gate', bearing a heavy responsibility.

Regarding this, the Nether River said it's trivial—even the task of imprisoning Luo Hou falls on him; what's wrong with adding another reincarnation?

After so many years, haven't we still managed?

Just today, Nüwa entered grandly…… the Nether River did not stop her, but instead opened wide the door of convenience.

No way.

Whether it's Nüwa or the Lord of Fortune's Dao—'Fuxi'—they have given too much!

The transformation of reincarnation, the establishment of the Netherworld, has indeed moved too many hearts.

Some see it as a strategic breakthrough turning point, some see it as the key to change in the human Dao…… those who fan the flames are many; listing them would leave countless human Dao beings stunned.

In the annals of history, this scene will surely be recorded…… because, this is a crucial turning point!

In the Heavenly Court, the Historian Báizé, recognized by all gods, is now beginning to write with a blank expression, objectively and fairly, without omitting any detail.

Around him, the top-tier and first-rate figures of the Demon Race have already filled the seats——these are all gathered here at the moment Nüwa makes her big move.

Heavenly Emperor, Eastern Emperor, Xihuang—the three sovereigns gather together.

Báizé, Qinyuan, Shangyang, Citie, Jimeng…… the ten Yao Marshals take their seats.

Also present are the Kunpeng demon master, Heavenly Empress Xihe, Heavenly Consort Changxi, and other major shareholders of the Heavenly Court, pursing their lips, frowning, their gazes wandering, as if lost in life's confusion.

Further down, there are relatively ordinary great demon gods—for example, the Kui Ox Great Sage—who, compared to those demon kings and Yao Marshals, appear quite ordinary; if they dare to cause trouble without reason or pick fights arbitrarily, they will be killed on the spot, yet bullying ordinary Great Luo beings is still easy for them, thus they have the qualifications to step into the highest hall of the Demon Race.

Even though most of the time they can listen and watch, they hardly get a chance to speak.

"Nüwa, she has moved against reincarnation……" Heavenly Emperor Di Jun said leisurely, "Indeed, it is somewhat beyond my expectation…… I originally thought she would act later."

Di Jun said, giving Xihuang a slight glance to let him speak a couple of sentences.

Being both Xihuang and the Green Emperor, Fuxi, whose left-right lateral jumping skills are maxed out, speaks without disappointing, perfectly fitting the character, his ability to bluff through things need not be too strong.

"Cough cough…… what are you looking at me for? This is clearly Houtu's doing, what does it have to do with my sister Nüwa?"

"Pay attention when you speak!"

Fuxi gave a light cough, letting everyone present pay attention—do not randomly accuse, wronging the innocent.

Although, his sister these years has no proper form, no longer behaving as a proper young lady, she is actively acting, rebelling against her brother……

But besides family scandals, common interests still need to be maintained!

Nüwa, she is merely a Demon King, merely a Human Ancestor, having no relation whatsoever to the Ancestral Wu of the Wu Clan currently acting on reincarnation—Houtu!

One of the rebel leaders—the Green Emperor—said as such.

The Heavenly Emperor was at a loss for words; after a brief silence, he continued, "Imperial Elder Brother Fuxi, you have misunderstood."

"Even though Nüwa and Houtu's divine forms are both human bodies with snake tails, I would not doubt they are the same person…… yes, that's it."

Speaking these insincere words he himself didn't believe, Di Jun's mouth twitched, "I merely wish to borrow Imperial Elder Brother's peerless heavenly secrets calculations to deduce for us the hidden details of Houtu's venture, as well as the prospects of success or failure, and whether we can intervene a bit."

"The realm of reincarnation is a vital ground of the human Dao, must not be neglected……" Heavenly Emperor said with a face of sacred purity, "Especially my Demon Race, which is too deeply linked to it, must not be strangled by outsiders—that would be too fatal!"

"Whenever I think that the birth and demise of all demons under heaven might be observed throughout by a cold-eyed outsider…… my heart trembles."

Following Di Jun's words, the mighty ones of the Heavenly Court all showed expressions of agreement.

Yes, this is too dangerous.

To give others a handle, this is absolutely unacceptable for a mature camp polity, let alone for reincarnation such a vital foundation, a lifeline!

"Heavenly Emperor, do not worry." Fuxi pondered a moment, his face slightly flushed, then returned to normal and calmly replied, "I have long heard that the Ancestral Wu Houtu is benevolent, gentle and kind, dignified and virtuous, of high moral character…… she would surely not do anything outrageous."

"Take note."

"Not long ago, the human side also issued the 'Human Dao Peace Award', awarded by the current Human Emperor Fengxi, and the Ancestral Wu Houtu received this honor!"

Fuxi spoke with conviction, shocking his comrades as his divine form trembled—once, twice, thrice.

——Benevolent-hearted? Gentle and kind? Dignified and virtuous? Of high moral character?

——Fuxi, are you serious?

——Is the target of this description definitely the reigning goddess of Honghuang, the top fighter and leader among the contemporary goddesses, Majesty Nüwa?

——Furthermore, the Human Dao Peace Award…… what the heck is this thing?

——When can the Human Emperor of the human race represent the will of the Human Dao? And yet they issued such an absurd award?

——Speaking frankly…… does the Human Dao even recognize this thing?!

The mighty ones present collectively fell into a state of speechlessness.

Even Di Jun, who could forge the Slay-Wu Sword to abstractly gather the evil of the Human Dao, now seems somewhat unable to accept it, needing a buffer.

After a while, he finally let out a soft sigh, "Alright, I know, Houtu is benevolent-hearted, gentle…… cough!"

Di Jun couldn't finish saying all these flowery words, so he forced himself to gloss over and skip, "Too bad, an individual is an individual, a camp is a camp."

"We cannot place the survival of the entire Demon Race and the interests of the Heavenly Court upon the personal virtue of the opposing leader, for between us there is much affection."

The Heavenly Emperor slowly said, "In the grand strategic game, everyone must be cold-blooded, calculating everything calculable, seizing each high ground."

"Now, I only care……

Can this change in reincarnation be used for our Heavenly Court?

If it can, how should we operate?

If it cannot, how should we destroy it?

Di Jun displayed the conduct befitting a qualified sovereign.

Heartless and ruthless, everything is calculation, only calculation, using any means to strengthen our side, not sparing any dirty tricks.

Making others' children cry is always better than making our own children cry!

Fellow daoists may die, but I, a poor daoist, cannot die!

If the change in reincarnation can be seized, seize it!

If it cannot be seized, then think of ways to destroy it!

Whatever Houtu seeks to accomplish are targets the Heavenly Court must destroy!

Likewise, for Houtu, it is the same.

Whatever the enemy wants to destroy proves she is on the right path; the more so, she must persevere!

The shifting balance between witches and demons unfolds in this game; only when one side gains a slight edge can the fruits of victory be reaped.

"These problems..." Xihuang frowned, seeming to ponder what could be said and what could not.

After a moment, he pondered and replied: "I think trying to make reincarnation serve the Heavenly Court is somewhat reliable, but now going to destroy Houtu's plan to remake reincarnation is too hard—one could say it's practically unthinkable."

"Oh? How so?" Di Jun was slightly moved.

"The foundation of reincarnation is not a benevolent place." Fuxi lowered his gaze, watching "Houtu" step over the boundary of the Sea of Blood, entering another realm, transcending all worlds, and answered calmly: "As everyone knows, Pangu created heaven and earth; after his accomplishments he fell, his body transformed into all things, forming the myriad phenomena and all vital matter."

"The bodies of all beings actually come from this fallen Pangu."

"But... is that all?"

"Not at all!"

Fuxi smiled and said, "There is also something often overlooked: when Pangu died back then, it was not just his physical body that perished, but also his soul!"

"Pangu's physical body disintegrated, becoming the source of the bodies of all beings."

"So what do you all guess..."

"If Pangu's soul were shattered and purified by the 'Honghuang,' what would it become?"

Obviously Fuxi was saying this with a smile.

Yet the gods present felt a chill run through their entire bodies.

What did Pangu's soul become?

It is a question, yet also not a question.

By referencing Pangu's bodily transformation, we know it shaped the attribute of matter...

Then this soul is naturally—the attribute of the true spirit!

At this moment, the gods looked upon the radiant true spirit light filling heaven and earth, their eyes twitching, mouths twitching, for a moment not knowing what to say.

"The source of the true spirit of all beings, the birthplace of souls... is precisely the land of reincarnation!" Fuxi gave the answer: "This is the burial place of that fallen Pangu's soul."

"The fragmented spirituality differentiated and evolved, becoming the true spirit of all beings... rolling in the mortal world, being shaped by the ages, gradually diverging, until finally they are all different."

"And this boundless, differing spirituality continually rearranges, communicating and resonating in the unseen, ultimately creating a miraculous existence—the Human Dao!"

The Human Dao originates from Pangu, yet is vastly different from him, no longer the same entity; it is independent and self-governing.

Of course, due to their extraordinary origins, the myriad beings of the Human Dao and the land of reincarnation share many mysterious traits.

For example—unlimited proliferation.

Fuxi casually spoke of the mysteries of reincarnation: "Because the origin lies with Pangu, in this consummate master of the Great Simplicity level of creation from nothing, it naturally inherits part of that level's special qualities."

First, it is a nobility of essence, which can be called an innate blessing from Pangu—being kind to oneself is perfectly normal.

Second, the spirituality of the land of reincarnation arises spontaneously from nothing, so there is no need to worry about a shortage when reincarnating or enlightening true spirits.

Third, it is a cleansing of redundancy, for the original source is one; after passing, it will naturally attract, wherever it may be, returning to the unseen, merging into the vastest sea, and all acquired memories and emotions will be washed clean, returning to the primordial, pure and spotless, just like my pure heart.

Fuxi sighed, "Then, after a series of complex steps, a drop of spirituality trickling down from the sea naturally and randomly matches with newly born life, opening a rich and colorful life—this is actually an instinct."

An instinct of the feigned corpse of the departed—spirituality joins the body, source as one, to live another life.

"Alas, the departed are gone." Fuxi sighed, "The Human Dao currently no longer acknowledges the previous lineage; it is equivalent to overthrowing the former dynasty and taking charge itself."

"Feigning death is impossible to feign death..."

Xihuang casually remarked something seemingly unrelated.

The gods laughed awkwardly, not knowing how to respond, so they simply kept silent.

"Above, this is the inner workings of the land of reincarnation..." Fuxi smacked his lips, "So I said that place is not benevolent; I imagine you can understand that."

"Pangu obliterated the remnants of consciousness, reformatting who knows how many times the base camp of the Human Dao... Is this a place one can recklessly intrude upon?"

Unless like Houtu, a direct descendant of Pangu's bloodline, a good daughter..." When saying the three words "good daughter," Fuxi's smile was too teasing: "Her aura can avoid touching the warning line, allowing her to make small moves."

If it were someone else... daring to act upon reincarnation would likely instantly stir something, causing residual thoughts to revive, then quickly retrieve the past, then ignite blood and explode, in minutes returning to peak form, with a Pangu standing before you...

So, everyone..." Fuxi said with a smiling gaze, "Do you want to go in and try to see if you can interrupt Houtu's process of remaking reincarnation?"

Well... better not." Di Jun waved his hands repeatedly, "The burial place of the residual consciousness of the Great God Pangu—we shall not defile it with weapons and blood."

Indeed." Xihuang nodded, "When Houtu suddenly acted and entered that land of reincarnation, we could no longer change anything about this process."

The matter of remaking reincarnation is already settled.

Destruction is too unrealistic.

Still, let's think about how to profit from it." Fuxi's smile grew playful, "Houtu's remaking of reincarnation merely gave her a first-move advantage."

If we act properly, unleashing all our underhanded tactics, we might not be unable to turn it to the Heavenly Court's use.

After all, no matter how you say it, Houtu is also tampering with the ancients' methods... even if she shouts a slogan, it is to seek welfare for the myriad beings of the Human Dao.

But once a slogan is raised, it can only succeed, not fail!

Once a problem arises, don't think you can make a second revision.

By then, reincarnation will not only not aid her, but will instead drag her in, becoming a 'Netherworld Gate' incident.

Xihuang said it clearly.

Heard by the myriad gods, a shift in interpretation makes it clear and obvious.

——Don't worry, even when cheating, you still have to follow the basic rules!

——As for Houtu, she shouts that she's petitioning for the people, recklessly altering my brother's orders, openly rebelling—I've endured it.

——But she must deliver results.

——If the results are unsatisfactory, the human realm won't accept it, then I'll have no choice but to deduct her investment here, letting Houtu suffer a loss, so she won't get another chance to meddle with reincarnation.

——Indeed, I hope Nüwa and Pangu are genuine, but opening a back door to this extent, she's still hopeless—I also feel embarrassed.

——Just lock her up at home, let her reflect on the past few eras, and stop thinking about vying for Pangu's position.

«Many thanks, Xihuang, for your frankness. » Di Jun said with a smile, «Having Fuxi Imperial Elder Brother say this, we can rest easy. »

«Altering reincarnation is no easy matter…… Houtu acting so recklessly will surely bring disaster upon herself, the outcome unknown. »

«Exactly! Exactly! »

The mighty ones present all said, «Such behavior rashly moves the foundations of Honghuang, the human realm's reincarnation—if something goes wrong, what then? »

«Furthermore! »

«The crucial grounds of reincarnation are the precious wealth belonging to all beings of the human realm—how could it be monopolized by one person? »

«For the sake of all beings under heaven, the justice of the Myriad Heavens…… break the monopoly, starting with me. »

These ancient gods and sages, each filled with righteous indignation.

Hearing their words, the uninformed even thought this lot were embodiments of justice, wanting to break the myriad evil monopolies!

The phrase 'all beings under heaven, the justice of the Myriad Heavens' is lightly tossed about.

«United we stand, evil will ultimately be defeated by us! » Di Jun expressed gratification, drawing the Slayer-Witch sword with one hand and brushing it with the other, «Houtu's reform of reincarnation is proclaimed to be for the blessing of all ages. »

«We'll temporarily observe and look for flaws…… if there's even a hint of falseness, the truth will be revealed under the Slayer-Witch sword. »

«Exactly! » Báizé temporarily set down his brush, took out a copy of the History of Pangu, «Those truly capable of securing blessings have already withdrawn, weary; can Houtu's meager talent achieve what she claims? I doubt it. »

«Nowadays, the reincarnation system may be a bit outdated and a bit shoddy, but at least basic fairness and justice can still be guaranteed. »

«If we act recklessly, it may appear more brilliant on the surface than before, gaining one breakthrough after another, but behind the scenes, have we added countless silent pioneers' suffering and sorrow? The human realm has spirit, watching everything! »

«To sever ties with the human realm will inevitably bring reckoning! »

«From the standpoint of the Heavenly Court, I naturally hope Houtu meets a miserable end. »

«But from the perspective of all beings, I still hope Houtu doesn't overreach, lest she injure her hip, strain her tendons, and the misfortune not only be hers but also that of countless families and billions of mortals! »

Báizé wore a solemn expression.

Compared to his usual slightly frivolous demeanor, today he is overly serious.

«All this depends on Houtu's own ability and wisdom. » Di Jun chuckled, then issued the order: «Taiyi, go mobilize, prepare for war to the greatest extent, stand ready to launch full-scale war at any moment. »

«No matter what, war is always a decent means. » Di Jun's eyes deepened, «If Houtu's reincarnation overhaul is highly successful, enough to bring us great internal pressure, then we'll turn internal contradictions into external ones to resolve them. »

«If her overhaul fails and she digs herself a pit…… then we can opportunistically profit from the situation. »

«Good! »

Donghuang received the order.

The gods fell silent for a moment, all lowering their gazes to the Sea of Blood.

They were waiting, waiting for a result.

Houtu's reincarnation procession is destined to have far-reaching impact, thereby opening the climax of the Lich Great Tribulation!

……

«No matter how many times I see such a scene, I always feel it remains that splendid. »

Nüwa strode in, head high and chest out, into the foundation of reincarnation.

It is a sea, a boundless, endless sea, a true spirit sea formed from countless condensed spiritual essences!

The ocean of light covered all her vision.

Besides light, there is only light; this place's sole theme is light, with nothing else.

The most dazzling radiance shines, a most spiritually rich brilliance surging and permeating, covering up, down, left, right, enveloping past, present, and future.

It is everywhere, it reaches all; the river of time flows through, yet is also tinted by it, becoming the same hue.

At the farthest reaches of the firmament, light points constantly scatter and fall, drifting slowly and gently, descending into this sea of light and becoming part of it.

This scene is like rain or snow, vast and continuous, magnificent and splendid.

Each point of light falling from the firmament is a flawless true spirit radiance, representing the fundamental existence of a living being.

The points of light vary bright and dim; generally they are very faint, but occasionally they shine like stars, tracing dazzling trajectories.

That reflects the strength or weakness of one's cultivation realm, granting the true spirit an essential enhancement.

However, no matter what, after they trace their most wondrous trajectories and ultimately merge into this sea, they lose all meaning, becoming a single whole, no longer distinct.

Here, one can say it is the final burial ground of all beings in the Honghuang world, earth, and human realm!

Each point of true spirit light represents the end of a life…… perhaps origins differ, but the destination is the same.

Having crossed endless vast distances, sunk through immeasurably long ages, they finally converge here, forming this boundless ocean of light.

Upon knowing all, gazing again at this brilliant, dazzling sea always evokes an extreme oppression, a sorrow belonging to death.

However, death is not the end.

And there is——rebirth!

This vast ocean transcends all worlds, also envelops the river of time, shines upon the eight directions of the universe; besides drawing in, it also bestows and returns.

Under a supreme grand mechanism, light within this ocean sometimes differentiates and escapes, traversing endless spacetime, becoming true spirit imprints within the bodies of newly born lives, laying the foundation of the soul!

Here, it is not only the final destination of the true spirit, but also the original starting point of rebirth!

But rebirth belongs to rebirth; the departed cannot return—for all memories and emotions once possessed have been completely cut off, all experiences turned to nothing, leaving only a trace of true spirit.

Moreover, all these true spirits must return to the whole sea of true spirit, merging into one… Under this great family, any lingering obsession is thoroughly washed away and worn down.

All that has passed, gone like smoke and clouds!

Whatever karma, whatever obsession, all must become empty!

It is utterly ruthless, extremely cruel; reincarnation is too thorough—past lives cannot be called past lives, and future lives are not truly future lives.

Dead is dead.

Reincarnation?

That is merely the reincarnation of the materials that once composed the true spirit; even the deepest memories and feelings have become nothing!

Whatever lovers, whatever continuation of affinity in the next life… sorry, heaven and earth do not allow it!

"Alas!"

Nüwa wandered here, feeling a sorrow that spanned endless ages, and suddenly sighed.

"Perhaps I now understand somewhat why, back then, the Human Dao turned against its elder brother……"

"It is not entirely due to coveting certain benefits, dreaming of eternal supremacy……"

"There are also some accumulated heartaches, a hint of sympathetic resonance."

"How can one advise others to be good without having experienced their suffering?"

"Such a reincarnation rule is too fair, yet also too ruthless… letting all beings understand, yet hard to fully accept, there is a slight objection."

"Older brother… you don't understand human hearts!"

"Even the law is nothing but human sentiment… you are the Heavenly Emperor, not heaven and earth!"

"You must balance between humanity and heaven and earth, rather than become a symbol of absolute fairness!"

Nüwa's stern criticism refuted August Emperor's governing philosophy.

Her words had just fallen.

"Whoosh!"

The sea of true spirit rippled with spray; the front wave had just fallen, the back wave surged forward, playfully landing before Nüwa, as if wanting to tell her something.

Nüwa bent over, scooped up a handful of seawater, as if listening to the back wave's call, to learn what they truly wanted.

After a moment, she set it down, as if she had understood something.

"Reincarnation must change."

Nüwa's face was calm; she murmured to herself, "Let it be my attempt, and also a step onto a brand‑new path for the Human Dao."

"I know this is dangerous; the chance of capsizing is not small."

"Especially now, at the critical juncture of my Pangu, with enemies surrounding outside, the likelihood of failure is even greater."

"But this is also the moment that can best prove my ability."

"If, amidst countless storms, I can still press forward and reach the end, that would be all the more meaningful."

"But if enlightenment comes without wind or waves… even as Pangu, what flavor would it have? Let alone competing with that person for superiority."

Nüwa, she has her own pride.

(End of chapter)