At this time, within the territory of the Wu Race.
Originally, the domain of the Wu Race was vast and boundless, filled with great cities scattered across the primordial lands. However, after the brutal war with the Monster Race, followed by the calamity brought by the Evil Gods and the rampage of wild beasts, most of it was reduced to ruins.
As a result, only Pangu City remained standing within the heavenly realm of the Wu Tribe. Of course, many Wu Race tribes were still scattered across the heavens.
"Elder Brother, the Prehistoric World has now been divided into Six Paths, and everything has changed. What should we — and the Wu Race — do now?" asked Zhurong, one of the Twelve Ancestors of Wu, in a solemn voice.
The Lich War had caused severe losses to the Wu Race, even greater than those suffered by the Monster Race. Because the Wu Race occupied vast lands, they were the first to be overwhelmed by the beast tide that poured out from the secret realms. Countless cities were destroyed, and untold numbers of tribesmen were slain. Now, the Wu Race had reached its weakest state.
Moreover, the Twelve Ancestors of Wu were all gravely wounded and could not recover quickly. It was the most vulnerable moment for their race. To survive, they had decided to consolidate their forces in Pangu City.
"Our Wu Race has always strived for self-improvement," said Di Jiang, the Space Ancestor of Wu, with resolve. "Even in the face of this catastrophe, we will not bow our heads. The most important thing now is to recuperate, allow our strength to return gradually, and avoid drawing the attention of other races. With time, based on our potential, we still have a chance to rise again as a peak race."
Even in defeat, he had not lost confidence in the Wu Race.
"Elder Brother, we cannot continue like this. We must take the initiative and seek out a new path for our survival," said Houtu, the Soil Ancestor of Wu.
"What do you mean?" asked Di Jiang, looking at her.
"The Prehistoric World has transformed into the Six Paths of Reincarnation. This is an unprecedented change. If we fail to adapt, we will be abandoned by the era and drowned in the current of history," said Houtu.
"What do you want to do?" Di Jiang asked, sensing her intention.
"The Six Paths are: the Human Path, Heavenly Path, Beast Path, Hell Path, Hungry Ghost Path, and the Asura Path," explained Houtu. "Though there are six on the surface, if you examine carefully, there are really just two: the World of the Living and the World of the Dead. The cycle of life and death is eternal, and its power will only grow with time."
"Go on," said Di Jiang, listening intently.
"It will be difficult for us to dominate the world of the living. Too many powers have their eyes on it — from races in the Prehistoric World to the many gods and beings from beyond the heavens. The heavens and myriad races are constantly in conflict. Even if we joined the fray, we are no match for the Chaos Demon Gods, unless Father God Pangu is resurrected."
A flicker of light shone in Houtu's eyes. "But the Underworld is different. It is a place filled with the power of Death, where no life can survive. Even the Chaos Gods dare not tread too deeply."
"You intend to enter the Underworld?" asked Di Jiang, as the rest of the Ancestors of Wu looked on with widened eyes.
"That's right," Houtu nodded. "We, the Wu Race, are born of Pangu's Body, forged from boundless killing intent and heaven-and-earth power. Our physical bodies are unmatched. The power of Death is not especially harmful to us — it may even strengthen us over time."
"The Underworld could become a place where our race reaches a new peak. And it is newly established — there is a severe shortage of officials and structure. If we act now, we may obtain key positions and establish influence. Once we gain a foothold, even the Chaos Demon Gods will think twice before confronting us."
"I see," murmured Di Jiang, as understanding dawned on the Ancestor Wu. It was a risky move — essentially placing the roots of the Wu Race within the Underworld. But if it succeeded, the survival of the Wu Race would be secured.
"Still, the risk is enormous. If you fail, you may never return," said Di Jiang, staring at her. "Who knows what the Chaos Demon Gods in the Underworld intend? Whether they accept you or destroy you remains uncertain."
"Elder Brother, if I don't enter the Underworld, then who will?" said Houtu, her gaze unwavering. She had made up her mind.
"…Very well. I understand. Then, go," said Di Jiang, taking a deep breath. He knew his younger sister well. Once she decided something, she would not change her mind.
"Don't worry, Elder Brother," Houtu nodded. Without another word, she turned and departed swiftly.
Meanwhile, in the uppermost region of the Prehistoric World — within the Eight Scenery Palace (Bajing Palace), where Daode Tianzun, the leader of Renjiao (Human Sect), resided.
He sat in lotus position, immersed in cultivation, but at that moment, he opened his eyes and smiled.
"Haha, the Prehistoric World has transformed into the Six Paths and evolved into the Realm of Reincarnation. From now on, the weak have a place to live. The time has come for the rise of the Human Race."
Daode Tianzun laughed heartily, thrilled by what he had foreseen. He had deduced the future of time and space and saw that the most favorable time for the rise of the human race had arrived.
With the five great ancient races withdrawing and the Lich Races fading into seclusion, and the Chaos Demon Gods unable to interfere temporarily, no race could obstruct the Human Race during this crucial period.
And under his guidance, they could now grow in the Human Path.
"Xuandu," he called.
At once, his disciple — a young man in white Daoist robes — approached and cupped his hands. "Master."
"The time has come. Go forth and preach," said Daode Tianzun with a smile.
After countless years of deduction, he had finally created a unique cultivation method for the Human Race, along with their literature and civilization.
He was a Saint, and had spent aeons devising a path suitable for the weakest race. No other race had received such care.
But this was an investment — he saw the potential of the Human Race.
"Yes, Master," said Xuandu, his eyes shining with anticipation. The moment he had waited for had finally arrived — the rise of the Human Race. This opportunity must not be missed.