Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

The Heavenly Dao roared, and the Earthly Dao manifested. At the very moment when the Asura Path vortex was fully illuminated and its holy radiance cleansed the Netherworld, the entire primordial world trembled.

First, from the depths of the Netherworld, boundless primordial power surged forth, like a sleeping dragon awakening, roaring with joy. The dim, deep Netherworld sky suddenly lit up with countless shades of profound yellow—not the merit of Heaven, but the even more profound merit of Earth, which bore witness to the birth and death of all things!

Merit flows down like a waterfall, but just before it hits the ground, it splits into several streams, flowing precisely to those who deserve it.

The largest stream, accounting for about forty percent of the total merit, surged directly into Xuanbao's body. This was a tremendous reward for his creation of the Holy Spirit Clan, completion of reincarnation, and perfection of the Earthly Dao system. Xuanbao felt a vast, profound power, distinct in nature from the Heavenly Dao merit yet equally powerful, flooding his primordial spirit and cleansing his limbs and bones. This power did not increase his cultivation, but its compatibility with the Netherworld, reincarnation, and the Earthly Dao increased dramatically. Xuanbao's comprehension of the laws of reincarnation instantly broke through several bottlenecks, and his understanding of the laws of life and death, judgment, purification, and order also rose accordingly. The Fengdu Emperor Seal shone brightly, its connection with him becoming several times stronger. At this moment, he felt as if he had truly become an extension of the will of this Netherworld, his word wielding the power of the Netherworld!

The second portion of merit, approximately thirty percent, split into two streams, one flowing to Houtu and the other to Nuwa. Houtu, as the ruler of reincarnation and a sage of the earthly path, naturally benefited greatly from Xuanbao's completion of reincarnation and perfection of the earthly path, significantly consolidating and enhancing her Dao fruition. The Dao aura of reincarnation around her became even more solid, and the light in her Pingxin Palace shone brightly, almost indistinguishable from the entire Netherworld. Nuwa, on the other hand, received a share of merit for assisting Xuanbao in providing crucial support for the creation of the Holy Spirit Clan.

The third stream of merit, approximately 20%, was evenly distributed among the 3,018 Holy Spirit Clan members. As the merit entered their bodies, their auras steadily increased. The eighteen Holy Spirit Envoys, already possessing the foundation of Great Luo Golden Immortals, now had their cultivation stabilized, their control over the Netherworld's authority and their application of the purifying power of holy light becoming even more adept, subtly touching the threshold of a higher realm. As for the 3,000 Holy Spirit Clan members, those with Golden Immortal cultivation broke through to Taiyi Golden Immortal, and those already at the Taiyi level further solidified their foundations, promising a bright future. A faint golden light of merit enveloped the bodies of all the Holy Spirit Clan members; this was a sign of the Dao's recognition, making their actions in the Netherworld even smoother.

The final merit transformed into a fine, golden rain, showering upon the newly established underworld system. The Ten Kings of Hell, the judges of various departments, the ghost messengers and soldiers, and even the buildings themselves, all received genuine nourishment and blessings. The underworld functioned more smoothly, and the structures became more stable.

With the merits settled, the Netherworld was renewed. The Six Paths of Reincarnation operated perfectly, radiating a magnificent aura of harmony, order, and all-encompassing power. The radiance of the Holy Spirits intertwined with the twilight of the Netherworld, not jarringly, but rather forming a wondrous balance—the holiness purified the negative resentment accumulated in the Netherworld, while the weight of the Netherworld prevented the holiness from becoming frivolous; the two complemented each other perfectly.

"Congratulations, Brother Xuanbao! The Creation Clan has completed the cycle of reincarnation. Your merit is immeasurable." Houtu's voice carried a hint of relief and satisfaction. With the cycle of reincarnation complete, her pressure has lessened considerably, and her control over the earthly passages has become much more effortless.

In the Netherworld, at the moment when the Six Paths of Reincarnation were in perfect operation, that grand and harmonious aura not only resonated within the Netherworld realm, but also, in a mysterious and profound way, penetrated the barriers of time, space, and dimensions, reaching the pinnacle of the primordial world and the deepest depths of the netherworld.

Thirty-three heavens away, Zixiao Palace.

Daozu Hongjun.

He slowly opened his eyes.

In those eyes, there was no distinction between the whites of the eyes and the pupils; only endless laws of the Dao were born, evolved, and recombined within them, as if reflecting all causes and effects, all variables, and all possibilities since the beginning of time. His gaze calmly "looked" down into the Nine Netherworlds, at that newly born, violently transforming, and joyfully "humming" world.

His gaze passed over the twilight sky, through the majestic Fengdu Imperial Palace, and landed on the three thousand and eighteen Holy Spirit Clan members who had just been born and were bathed in the golden light of the Earthly Dao Merit. Finally, it settled on Xuanbao, who was sitting on the imperial throne, his aura closely connected with the entire Netherworld, holding the Fengdu Emperor Seal, and whose Earthly Dao Merit had not yet been fully contained.

Hongjun's gaze lingered on Xuanbao for a few moments.

There were no emotional fluctuations, no leakage of Daoist principles, only the purest "observation" and "deduction".

"The Holy Spirit Clan..." The silent Daoist voice, perhaps merely a flow of thoughts, echoed in the absolutely tranquil core of the Purple Cloud Palace, "Using creation to mend reincarnation, using purity to replace slaughter, using order to replace chaos..."

Hongjun's "gaze" seemed to pierce through Xuanbao's form and spirit at this moment, tracing countless causal lines related to him. The adventure at the foot of Buzhou Mountain, the master-disciple relationship on Kunlun Mountain, the possession of the human race's supreme treasure, the entanglement with the Wu race, the attack on the River Styx, and even earlier, those subtle, seemingly prescient arrangements and choices... each causal line was clear yet blurry. Some faintly aligned with the predetermined trajectory of the Heavenly Dao, while others deviated blatantly, even beginning to distort and cover the original patterns.

Especially this time.

Houtu's transformation into reincarnation was predetermined, an indispensable part of the awakening of the Earthly Dao and the completion of the primordial world. However, in the original Heavenly Dao's calculations, Houtu's transformation into reincarnation meant that the body of the Ancestral Witch should merge into reincarnation. Although her will remained, she would be bound to the Pingxin Palace, subject to the dual constraints of the Heavenly Dao and the Earthly Dao, making it difficult to be expelled from the Netherworld. This was to balance the power of the Earthly Dao and leave room for certain arrangements later. Of the six paths of reincarnation, the Asura path should belong to the Asura race created by the Styx River. This was compensation for occupying the Blood Sea Land and also a step to balance the karma of killing and perfect the cycle of cause and effect. In its subsequent evolution, the power of the Netherworld should have involved many forces, playing a game of strategy and checks and balances, ultimately forming a relatively stable yet internally tense structure.

But now, everything has changed, and more than once, the entire prehistoric situation has changed accordingly.

Houtu not only did not dissipate, but with her complete will and the origin of the ancestral witch, she merged more deeply into the earth, becoming a reincarnated saint, whose autonomy and potential far exceeded expectations.

Each step was precisely timed to a critical juncture. Each step drastically altered the original possible course of events. In particular, the characteristics of the "Holy Spirit Clan," namely "purification," "order," and "protection," were highly compatible with the operation of the Netherworld, almost as if they were designed to perfect the cycle of reincarnation.

"Variable..." The word resurfaced in Hongjun's mind once more. This word had appeared only a handful of times in the countless years of deduction. Each appearance meant that the predetermined trajectory of the Heavenly Dao had deviated from the plan, requiring recalculation, and perhaps even "adjustment."

He saw the thick aura surrounding Xuanbao, aura of humanity, remnants of goodwill from the witch clan, and the protection and connection of the saintly aura from the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa. Now, it was further enriched by the immense earthly aura and the favor of merit. These auras intertwined, forming a resilient and complex net, making Xuanbao, this "point," increasingly prominent and "unshakeable" in the long river of fate.

This aligns with the general trend of Heaven in some aspects, but also contradicts it in others.

Although the perfection of reincarnation and the stability of the earthly path have indeed completed the primordial world and strengthened its foundation, which is beneficial to the Heavenly Dao in the long run, they are of no benefit to me at present...

Hongjun's gaze swept once more over the Six Paths of Reincarnation, which operated in perfect harmony, where holiness and the power of the underworld coexisted in perfect balance; over the orderly structure of the underworld, where each element performed its function; over Houtu, whose aura grew increasingly profound and whose connection with the earth was becoming increasingly close; and finally, it returned to Xuanbao.

Hongjun's "gaze" carried no malice, nor any praise; it was only an absolutely objective, calm observation, like the way of Heaven observing the workings of all things. He was assessing, calculating, and deducing all the chain reactions that the Xuanbao might trigger.

"The protection of the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa..."

"Deeply bonded underground..."

"The convergence of human destiny..."

"Their own foundation is so strong..."

"The meticulousness of their methods..."

Countless pieces of information flowed, collided, and were calculated within Hongjun's mind, which was comparable to the core of the Heavenly Dao. He saw several possible development trajectories for Xuanbao's future. Some trajectories would eventually merge with the general trend of the Heavenly Dao and become part of the new "destiny"; some trajectories might lead to fierce confrontation and conflict; and some trajectories were full of more unknowns and uncertainties.

A moment later, Hongjun's eyes, which contained endless Dao principles, slowly closed.

It seems I will have to meet you eventually. Although I have long known that you are extraordinary, the situation in the prehistoric world has changed drastically, and my current state is very unstable. I am afraid that my only chance of survival rests on you.

The Purple Cloud Palace returned to absolute silence, as if the gaze that had pierced through layers of time and space had never happened.

……

Deep within the Netherworld, the golden light of merit gradually faded, leaving only the faint glow of the Holy Spirit Clan intertwined with the harmonious rhythm of the Wheel of Reincarnation. Xuanbao sat regally on his imperial throne, experiencing the myriad profound changes brought about by the accumulation of earthly merit. His control over the Netherworld's authority and his comprehension of the laws of reincarnation had both reached a new level. The Great Emperor Seal of Fengdu warmed slightly in his palm, resonating with the very essence of the entire Netherworld. At this moment, wherever his thoughts led, the laws of the Netherworld flowed accordingly, truly as if they were his own limbs.

Houtu's figure faded away, returning to the depths of the Pingxin Palace. Houtu still needed time to digest the Dao realm enhancement brought about by this perfect reincarnation. Nuwa's wisp of creation essence also quietly dissipated after completing her mission, leaving only a gentle thought that left a ripple of approval in Xuanbao's heart. The three thousand and eighteen Holy Spirit Clan members stood solemnly, their wings lightly folded, their holy faces full of obedience and determination, awaiting further instructions from their Father God.

Xuanbao rose from his throne, his gaze sweeping over the newly born Holy Spirit Clan below. Their harmonious integration with the Netherworld environment completely dispelled the last vestige of uncertainty in his heart. This move had been executed flawlessly.

"Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel..." Xuanbao communicated with his divine sense, naming the eighteen Holy Spirit Messengers. These names were not spur-of-the-moment decisions by Xuanbao, but rather were inscribed into their very essence along with concepts such as "protection," "purification," "judgment," and "order" when their true spirits were being shaped. They had nothing to do with Western mythology; they were purely manifestations of the true names of the Great Dao. The named Holy Spirit Messengers stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and listened to the pronouncement.

"You eighteen Holy Spirit Envoys, as leaders of the Holy Spirit Clan, were born of my creation and are favored by the Earthly Dao. You should diligently fulfill your duties and live up to the trust placed in you by the cycle of reincarnation." Xuanbao's voice echoed in the Fengdu Imperial Palace, carrying the majesty of a newly enthroned emperor and the expectations of the creator. "The Holy Spirit Clan is born with the qualities of purification, order, and protection, and is in harmony with the original intention of the Netherworld's operation. From this day forward, you must each lead your respective divisions to various parts of the Netherworld to coordinate Yin and Yang, cleanse evil spirits, and maintain the order of reincarnation."

"Michael, you are in charge of the Holy Spirit Clan's war, command the Holy Light Guard, patrol the four corners of the netherworld, suppress fierce souls and evil spirits, eliminate disobedient ones, and protect the sacred land of reincarnation, which cannot be lost."

"Gabriel, you are in charge of the praise and guidance of the dead, responsible for purifying sorrow, clearing away obsessions, and guiding lost souls to peacefully enter the cycle of reincarnation. You shall arrange for the Holy Spirit to guard the places of guidance, such as the Bridge of Helplessness, the Terrace of Longing for Home, and the Stone of Three Lives, to comfort the departed souls with holy light and help them cleanse their past lives."

"Raphael, you are in charge of the order and judgment of the underworld. You assist the Ten Kings of Hell in distinguishing good from evil, reviewing case files, and supervising the operation of various departments. You have the right to report any injustices, wrong judgments, or negligence and injustice by underworld officials."

"Uriel, you are in charge of overseeing the punishments of the underworld. Inspect the eighteen levels of hell, monitor the actions of the hell lords and demon soldiers, and ensure that punishments are carried out in accordance with the law, without abuse or injustice. All personal grudges, cruel punishments, and corruption may be reported to me."

"Raguel, Sariel, Remir, Raziel..." Xuanbao assigned them one by one, placing the Holy Spirits under different responsibilities according to their characteristics, such as patrolling, guiding, judging and supervising, punishing and monitoring, recording, educating, healing (purifying deep soul wounds), and guarding the core of reincarnation. Each of the eighteen Holy Spirit Envoys had their own duties, and the three thousand Holy Spirits under their command were also divided and placed under the command of different Holy Spirit Envoys.

"Your duty is not to replace the existing deities of the underworld, but to supervise, assist, and supplement their deficiencies. The underworld is newly established, with everything needing rebuilding and numerous affairs to be handled. It is precisely because of your upright character, pure intellect, and the approval of the underworld that we need people like you—people of upright character, pure in spirit, and recognized by the underworld—to identify and fill gaps, cleanse accumulated abuses, and ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the cycle of reincarnation." Xuanbao concluded, his voice steady and imposing with imperial authority. "I hope you will work diligently, living up to the expectations of creation, the cycle of reincarnation, and the trust placed in you by the underworld. If you achieve merit, you will be rewarded; if you fail, the law will be merciless."

Actually, whether or not to bring anything is nonsense. Nowadays, everyone in the underworld belongs to Xuanbao, even a dog does. Whether to take it or not is just a matter of the left hand guiding the right.

"We will obey the Father God's will! We will not fail in our mission!" The eighteen Holy Spirit messengers and the three thousand Holy Spirit people responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the Fengdu Imperial Palace. The holy radiance and the dim, dark yellow of the underworld intertwined, creating a strange sense of solemnity and harmony.

Xuanbao nodded, his mind stirring slightly as he communicated with the Great Emperor's Seal of Fengdu. The seal flashed, and the laws of the Netherworld responded. Each of the eighteen Holy Spirit Envoys displayed a Netherworld divine seal corresponding to their duties, their auras connected to the entire Underworld system. Simultaneously, information about the current structure of the Netherworld, the locations of each palace, their responsibilities, and basic operational procedures were directly transmitted into the consciousness of each Holy Spirit Clan member through the authority of the seal.

"Go, each of you perform your duties, familiarize yourselves with the Netherworld as soon as possible, and integrate into the Underworld system." Xuanbao waved his hand.

"Yes, sir!"

The eighteen Holy Spirits bowed again, and then led their respective subordinates, transforming into streaks of holy light, flying out of the Fengdu Imperial Palace in an orderly fashion, heading to various parts of the Netherworld according to the information given by Xuanbao and their own duties.

Just then, a mysterious message suddenly entered his mind: "Xuanbao, come to Zixiao Palace." This familiar and majestic voice belonged to Hongjun. Xuanbao's heart skipped a beat; he understood that the Dao Ancestor wanted to see him.

Xuanbao took a deep breath. No matter what, he was Hongjun's grand-disciple; surely he wouldn't be driven to extermination? But now he had no choice. Xuanbao could only quickly arrange the affairs of the Holy Spirit Clan before hastily embarking on his journey to Zixiao Palace. Along the way, he constantly pondered the purpose of Hongjun's summons. Was it because he had altered the predetermined trajectory of reincarnation, or was there another hidden reason?