Primordial Era: I really don't want to be the Heavenly Emperor!

Chapter 290 Division of Interests, Emperor of Fengdu

Time flies, and a thousand years have passed since the last Chaos War.

This thousand-year period was the most peaceful time in the primordial world. All forces and powerful beings stayed in their own dojos. Even the struggle for humanity seemed to have been put on hold. Everyone stopped and waited for the changes in the primordial world.

The main reason is that the impact of the Chaos War was too great. The Primordial War made everyone realize that the landscape of the prehistoric world had completely changed.

The one who rules the primordial world is the Primordial Saint, the Heavenly Court, and Donghua!

The Chaos War made everyone realize that Donghua's strength was unparalleled in the primordial world. Putting aside the tactics in the Chaos War, Donghua's strength alone was enough to make people tremble.

After all, even the best tactics require strength to execute; without sufficient strength, everything is just nonsense.

Donghua first defeated Taishang, then sealed Taishang, and finally fought Tongtian Yuanshi alone, breaking the Zhuxian Sword Formation and sealing Yuanshi.

Even completing just one of these tasks would be astonishing, but Donghua accomplished them all.

It can be said that Donghua fought against the Three Pure Ones single-handedly and won this battle.

In the Netherworld, Donghua, Nuwa, and Houtu sat quietly in a grand hall. Houtu's shoulder injury had healed, but upon closer inspection, one could still detect the karmic power left behind by Zhunti.

But it makes sense. The injuries left by a sage cannot be healed in a mere thousand years. It would be quite remarkable if they could be healed at all, considering that this was a Hunyuan who wielded the Dao alone.

In the primordial world, Zhunti was the authority on the Great Dao of Cause and Effect, unmatched by anyone!

"Fellow Daoists, now that the matter of reincarnation has come to an end, what are your plans?"

In the main hall, Donghua spoke first, and his words went straight to the point: it's time to divide the spoils. Tell us your demands, and we'll discuss and make arrangements.

Both of them were intelligent and immediately understood Donghua's implication.

Houtu seemed to be deep in thought and did not speak. Among the three, she was the weakest and had contributed the least. She was only in charge of the cycle of reincarnation.

Now it all depends on how big Donghua and Nuwa's appetites are—whether they'll completely seize the fruits of victory or leave some for themselves.

Nuwa pondered for a moment, and after a long while, she said, "Tell me your thoughts first. You are the greatest contributor to this battle. If your conditions are not too unreasonable, I can accept them."

Nuwa made concessions, after all, the core figure of their alliance was Donghua, and now was not the time for internal conflicts to break out. It was better for her to take a step back and see how Donghua would arrange things.

Seeing the two of them like this, Donghua was quite pleased. As long as their eating manners weren't too unsightly, everything would be fine.

Donghua then expressed his thoughts: "Alright, since you two fellow Daoists trust me, then my idea is to let fellow Daoist Houtu take charge of the reincarnation authority so that she can break through to the third heaven as soon as possible."

Nuwa asked doubtfully, "How much?"

"Fifty percent!"

"Too many!" Nuwa blurted out without even thinking.

"It's not that I'm stingy, but if the power of reincarnation is divided among the Three Pure Ones with 20%, we're left with only 80%. If 50% goes to Houtu, what's the point of all our hard work in this battle?"

Donghua began to explain, "Senior Sister, don't be anxious, let me finish. During the Chaos Battle, I discovered that Yuanshi and Tongtian are about to break through to the Third Heaven."

"However, this is quite normal. Reaching the third level means perfecting one's cultivation of the Great Dao. The Three Pure Ones enjoy the blessings of Pangu, and the first three levels cannot stop their progress. Only advancing from the third to the fourth level is the most crucial step, since they need to pave their own way!"

"But what follows is the most crucial battle of humanity. If all three of the Three Pure Ones break through to the third level of heaven, and the three of them work together, our chances of winning are very slim."

"Therefore, the only way to make up for our shortcomings is to let Houtu concentrate a large amount of reincarnation authority, absorb merit and fortune, and break through to the third heaven as soon as possible."

As Donghua finished speaking, Nuwa's expression softened slightly, but a hint of resentment was still clearly visible.

"How about this, Senior Sister? Since Houtu has already given 50% of the power of reincarnation, there's still 30% left. I'll only take 10%, and you'll still get 20%. What do you say?"

Hearing Donghua say this, Nuwa glanced at Houtu and then carefully examined Donghua. She felt that there was something wrong with the two of them. Otherwise, would Donghua really be so selfless?

Don't underestimate this one percent of the power of reincarnation; the fortune it brings is immense, mainly because it allows you to control reincarnation.

Without the power of reincarnation, they are destined to have less say in the primordial world.

Faced with Nuwa's questioning gaze, Donghua accepted it calmly.

On the contrary, Houtu on the opposite side stared intently at Donghua with her bright eyes.

At that moment, a warm current flowed through Houtu's heart; it was a long-lost feeling of tenderness.

Regardless of Donghua's motives, he was genuinely good to her.

He then said, "Since that's the case, I will accept this 50% of the reincarnation authority with shame. After I break through to the third heaven, I will return 10% to Donghua."

"As for the power over the underworld, I will only take one-tenth, and the rest can be divided among you. How about that?"

As Houtu finished speaking, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. This outcome was perhaps something no one had anticipated.

Donghua was certain that at this moment, the two Western Saints, the Three Pure Ones, and some other powerful beings from the primordial world were all waiting for the three of them to fight over the unequal distribution of benefits.

But to everyone's disappointment, the three of them backed down and became humble and yielding to each other.

Donghua thought for a moment and then said, "Senior Sister Nuwa, what are your thoughts on the power structure of the Underworld?"

Nuwa said thoughtfully, "The Underworld is the visible institution that operates the underground passages and reincarnation. I believe in the Great Dao and don't place much importance on the authority of the Underworld. I'll take 20% and leave 50% for you, my junior brother!"

The authority of the underworld has already been granted to the Three Pure Ones by two-tenths, so when it comes to Donghua, it is half, or fifty percent of the authority.

Donghua bowed to Nuwa and said, "Very well, I am grateful for your kindness, Senior Sister. It is you who have been wronged this time."

"However, the power of the Underworld is crucial to the Heavenly Court's rule over the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man, and it is also crucial to my imperial path. Therefore, Donghua will not shirk his duty. In the future, if Senior Sister ever asks for my help, Donghua will certainly lend a hand!"

Of the three, Nuwa received the least, making her the one who suffered the most. However, compared to the original trajectory, it was already much better.

The matter is now completely over. What remains is the specific structure of the underworld and how it should operate.

However, Donghua didn't even consider this aspect; he would definitely follow the underworld structure from his previous life's trajectory.

That underworld structure was very sophisticated. The Emperor of Fengdu, who was in charge of everything, was the god who ruled the underworld and the highest-ranking deity in the underworld.

He is in charge of the underworld and is the ancestor of all ghosts in the world. All living beings enter hell after death, and their souls are all under the jurisdiction of the Great Emperor of Fengdu.

Below them are the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak and the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, as well as the Heavenly Venerable of the Ten Directions who save from suffering, and below that are the Five Ghost Emperors, which is the highest level of the underworld.

Next are the Ten Kings of Hell who run the daily affairs of the underworld: King Qin Guang of the First Court, King Chu Jiang of the Second Court, King Song Di of the Third Court, King Wu Guan of the Fourth Court, King Yan Luo of the Fifth Court, King Bian Cheng of the Sixth Court, King Tai Shan of the Seventh Court, King Du Shi of the Eighth Court, King Ping Deng of the Ninth Court, and King Zhuan Lun of the Tenth Court.

The Ten Kings of Hell are primarily responsible for managing the judgment of people after death and arranging their fate in reincarnation. Specifically, they control the Book of Life and Death, recording the good and evil deeds each person performed in their lifetime, imposing appropriate punishments or rewards based on the severity and urgency of their actions, and deciding where the soul goes.

Of course, the Book of Life and Death controlled by the Ten Kings of Hell is just a copy, which is a derivative of the Book of Humanity in Houtu's possession. The real Book of Life and Death is Houtu's most precious treasure, and she would never give it to the Ten Kings of Hell.

Moreover, the Book of Humans can erase the lives of beings below the Golden Immortal level at will, without any karmic consequences. This is the true and authentic treasure.

The Ten Kings of Hell can probably only erase those below the Immortal Realm, and even then, they can't just kill them indiscriminately.

Following the Ten Kings of Hell are the Six Officials of the Underworld, which can be divided into the Three Departments: the Department of Reincarnation, the Department of Judges, and the Department of the Underworld.

The Department of Reincarnation is the department overseen by Meng Po. In the original timeline, Meng Po was an incarnation of Hou Tu, holding an extraordinary position.

The judges are divided into four departments: the Department of Good, the Department of Evil, the Department of Investigation, and the Department of Law, which are also the busiest places in the underworld.

The Underworld Office, also known as the City God Office, is in charge of various regions.

After the Six Chief Clerks are the Ten Underworld Marshals, one of whom is the Ghost King, who assists Yama in managing the eighteen levels of hell, responsible for punishments and escorts, and also assists the Five Ghost Emperors in managing different areas of the underworld.

Secondly, there are the Day-Roaming Gods and the Night-Roaming Gods, who capture the wandering ghosts and spirits lingering in the human world. The Day-Roaming Gods patrol the human world during the day, while the Night-Roaming Gods patrol the human world at night.

The third are Black and White Impermanence, high-ranking deities under the Ten Kings of Hell. They not only share a position but also have a title: Soul Collectors. This name originates from their work; they are responsible for bringing the souls of the deceased back to the underworld, and are the most familiar to people.

Fourthly, there are the Ox-Head and Horse-Face guardians of the Gates of Hell.

Fifthly, there are four Yin Generals: Bird Beak, Fish Gills, Wasp, and Leopard Tail. These four are responsible for managing the souls of animals, that is, unenlightened beings.

Therefore, Donghua University has no need to change anything; it can simply follow the established procedures step by step.

The only thing that needs to be changed is the strength of the underworld!

Now that the Witch Clan and the Heavenly Court have a large number of people, they can fill the Underworld and instantly get the entire Underworld running.

Let the world see what it means for the King of Hell to kill you at midnight, and not let you live until dawn.

What does it mean for a vengeful ghost to snatch a soul, or for the unpredictable force of death to claim a life?

After the group settled the important matters, the atmosphere inside the main hall improved considerably and became much more relaxed.

Just then, Nuwa spoke up, saying, "In order to study the way of creation and life, I once subdued the Minotaur and the Horse-Face tribes, which were the two acquired races created by the Ancestor of Creation."

"Later I found it had no effect on me, but since I've already subdued them, I should give them a place to go. I wonder if you could arrange for them to be placed in the underworld, so they can earn some merit and good fortune?"

Donghua did not refuse Nuwa's suggestion, because she had 20% of the power in the underworld, and he had no reason to refuse her, both in terms of public duty and personal feelings.

"Very well, then let these two clans guard the Gates of Hell and protect the entrances and exits of the Underworld. I can appoint their ancestors as Underworld Marshals, is that acceptable?"

Nuwa said softly, "Then thank you very much, junior brother. I will not get involved in anything in the underworld unless there is something important."

After finishing their conversation, the group began to discuss Taoist principles and chat, enjoying spiritual tea, wine, and fruit.

……

At the summit of Mount Tai, Houtu and Donghua stood silently, gazing into the distance.

Now that the underground passage is complete, Mount Tai, the Netherworld, and the Blood Sea have been connected, forming a unique great world, namely the Primordial Wilderness.

"You really gave birth to my child?" Donghua broke the silence and couldn't help but ask.

After he was pinned against the wall that day, Houtu revealed that she had given birth to his child, which was a fact and not the threat Xingtian had made.

Houtu chuckled and said softly, "What, are you scared already?"

Donghua shook his head. There was nothing to be afraid of in this matter. The main thing was that he had calculated for a long time and had not found any offspring in the prehistoric world, except for Xuanming and Xuanqiong.

So he found it hard to believe, but he also felt that Houtu had no reason to lie to him, nor could she lie to him!

Seeing that Donghua remained silent, Houtu also dropped her playful expression and calmly said, "At the time, I was also hesitant about whether to let him be born. In the end, I chose to give up and did not let him be born."

"But when I understood my mission, I ultimately chose to give birth to him. I didn't want to die like this; I wanted to leave something behind for this primordial world. I wanted him to inherit my path and continue it!"

Donghua paused for a moment, then asked, "Where is he now? Boy or girl? Why can't I sense his existence?"

Houtu said, "It's a boy. He's not in the prehistoric world. I know you would know about this if you were in the prehistoric world, but I'm not ready for you to recognize each other."

"So I created a small world in the chaos, and then gave birth to him, and never brought him to the primordial world."

Donghua fell silent upon hearing this. He didn't know what to say. He wanted to beat Houtu up, but then felt it was unnecessary.

But he must acknowledge this child!

How could he not acknowledge Donghua's son?

And to be honest, he also needed this child, because he had no one in mind for the position of Emperor of Fengdu, and he would raise this child to be a qualified emperor and become the ruler of the underworld.

"Take me to him!"

The two leaped into the air and instantly arrived in the primordial chaos beyond the heavens.

Before long, a world appeared in front of Donghua. The world was red and yellow, and its outer perimeter was surrounded by a large array.

Upon closer inspection, Donghua realized that the formation was a weakened version of the Twelve Heavenly Capitals, powered by twelve blood-red banners absorbing chaotic energy, which also isolated all other forces—something even Donghua hadn't anticipated.

"Did you set up this formation?"

Houtu said, "Yes, according to the arrangement of the Twelve Heavenly Capitals, after my brothers perished, they left me the twelve great banners."

When Dijiang and the others were mentioned, Donghua didn't say anything, but instead stepped into the small world.

……

(End of this chapter)