Volume One: The Lich Cataclysm Chapter 135: Minghe Bestows a Name, Houtu Enters the Blood Sea

Minghe addressed the four who had emerged first among the new beings, those who had gained the most merit and whose strength had reached the level of Grand Golden Immortals.

The first among them, the fiercest and most brutal, with a menacing aura and a rugged appearance, was named the King of Asuras.

“As the founder of the Asura race, I appoint you as the leader of the Asura people, bestowing upon you the noble title of Asura Demon King. I grant you the name Mara.”

“Mara thanks the Father God for his grace!”

Minghe then turned to the remaining three.

“You three shall serve as the three great Demon Kings of the Asura race, subordinate to King Mara. I grant you the names Burning Heaven, Desire Heaven, and Shiva.”

He continued, his tone both stern and commanding.

“At the same time, you shall also be part of the Asura Sect and assist me in managing both the Asura race and the sect.”

“To you four, I bestow the names Indra, Vishnu, Rudra, and Mother of Ghosts, appointing you as Demon Generals of the Asura race, to assist the Demon Kings in governing the people.”

Minghe proceeded to assign titles and duties to the next four individuals in turn.

With this, Minghe directed Mara to lead all the Asura people to settle within the Sea of Blood.

As the only living beings currently inhabiting the Sea of Blood, these Asuras, created by Minghe himself, adapted remarkably well to their new home. Unlike other creatures of the primordial world, who could not survive or move within the Sea of Blood, the Asuras seemed perfectly at ease.

Just as Minghe finished these arrangements, he suddenly sensed an immensely powerful presence descending upon the Sea of Blood.

He realized, to his surprise, that this visitor was far stronger than himself.

Minghe thus began to ponder how to respond to this newcomer, uncertain whether they came as friend or foe.

Seeing his concern, Qingxuan quickly spoke.

“Don’t worry, the visitor bears no malice!”

Reassured by Qingxuan’s words, Minghe relaxed a little, yet did not dare to let his guard down in the slightest.

Though Qingxuan seemed acquainted with the visitor, Minghe could not be sure whether the newcomer would show him the same favor.

With this thought, he tightened his grip upon the Yuan Tu and Abi swords.

Qingxuan noticed this, but chose not to interfere.

Meanwhile, his divine consciousness focused intently on the one who had just arrived in the Sea of Blood.

It was none other than Houtu, whom Qingxuan had previously instructed to wander the primordial world and experience its ways. As the ancestral goddess of earth, Houtu was able to traverse the land as she pleased.

During this period, Houtu had journeyed across many lands and witnessed much.

She saw countless races locked in deadly conflict, fighting to the death for the smallest scraps of resources or territory.

Yet she also encountered many tribes and peoples who cherished peace.

Through her travels, she observed all manner of suffering and strife, and gained an understanding of both good and evil, light and darkness.

No matter how much she experienced, however, she always felt that something was missing.

No matter how hard she tried, she could not grasp it—until Minghe proclaimed his intentions to the world. In that moment, Houtu suddenly realized what it was she lacked.

With newfound clarity, Houtu used her connection to the earth to travel directly to the Sea of Blood.

“Daoist Minghe, I am Houtu, the ancestral goddess of the Wu tribe. I have come to discuss something with you. Please show yourself.”

Houtu did not notice Qingxuan’s presence within the Sea of Blood, but even if she had, it would not have concerned her—her purpose here was Minghe alone.

Upon hearing her voice, Minghe glanced at Qingxuan. Seeing no response, he emerged from the Sea of Blood to meet Houtu.

At that moment, Houtu gazed compassionately at the Sea of Blood, her eyes lingering on the countless tormented souls within.

The more she saw and felt, the more her expression softened and her resolve deepened.

Within the Sea of Blood, Qingxuan also watched Houtu, curious to see what she would do.

He wondered whether his own intervention would change the fate of the primordial world, whether it might alter Houtu’s destiny, or even that of the Wu tribe itself.

He had once thought that, having attained enlightenment, he would have the power to do as he wished.

Yet only after his enlightenment did Qingxuan realize how limited his knowledge truly was. Now he found himself beset by even greater doubts and facing more daunting challenges.

Struggling, always struggling! Only now did Qingxuan truly understand that he was still in the midst of his own struggle—he had simply not reached the deeper questions before.

“Ancestral Goddess Houtu, may I ask what matter you wish to discuss with me?” Minghe appeared and questioned her warily.

He would not underestimate Houtu just because she was a woman.

The might of the ancestral gods of the Wu tribe was well known throughout the world after the events in Heaven. Their powerful physical bodies could scarcely be harmed by any treasure.

Not to mention their tremendous strength, which countless mighty beings envied.

“I wish to borrow the Sea of Blood from you, Daoist Minghe.”

At these words, Minghe’s heart tightened.

After a long pause, he finally managed to ask,

“May I inquire how you intend to borrow my Sea of Blood? You must know, the creatures of the primordial world cannot survive within it. Even the Wu tribe, though blessed with strong bodies, are not all as powerful as you, Ancestral Goddess.”

Minghe did not refuse outright, but sought to understand her intent.

Yet Houtu merely shook her head, unwilling to reveal her true purposes—her quest for enlightenment was not something she would share so freely.

Seeing her reluctance, Minghe pressed her again.

“Then, Ancestral Goddess Houtu, how exactly do you wish to borrow my Sea of Blood?”

Her next words nearly drove Minghe to blows with her.

“A territory roughly half the size of the Sea of Blood,” Houtu replied bluntly, making no attempt to conceal her purpose.

“What? Do you take me for a fool? To ask for half my Sea of Blood with a single sentence—impossible!

If that is your request, Ancestral Goddess Houtu, then I advise you not to speak further, lest I find myself unable to converse with you so peacefully.”

Minghe’s face changed dramatically as he rejected her without hesitation.

Houtu showed no surprise; she had anticipated this reaction to her request and did not take offense.

“Daoist Minghe, I can promise you an opportunity of great fortune. You will not lose out. If, after all this, you still refuse, then we will have no choice but to settle this by force!”

With a cold, expressionless gaze, Houtu fixed her eyes on him, clearly ready to fight if he would not agree.

Minghe was at a loss for how to proceed.

He knew full well the close bond between Qingxuan and the Wu tribe, yet the thought of surrendering half the Sea of Blood filled him with resentment.

Just as Minghe and Houtu reached an impasse, Qingxuan, within the Sea of Blood, sighed.

He could only send a secret message to Minghe. Upon receiving it, Minghe’s expression shifted, but after a moment’s contemplation, he seemed to accept it.

“Ancestral Goddess Houtu, you must swear to me that your previous words are true. Only then will I grant your request. Otherwise, we shall have to settle this by force!”

At length, Minghe spoke to Houtu.