The Demon Ape Who Defied the World

The body of Houtu, Ancestor of the Wu, begins to glow with a gentle light. It grows brighter and brighter, gradually enveloping her. Her form blurs within the radiance, as if she is about to merge with the world itself.

“I offer my body to create the Six Paths of Reincarnation and establish the Underworld for the Wu and Yao people. May they have a new beginning after death, forget this war, let go of their obsessions, and be reborn as humans.” Houtu’s voice echoes through the air, filled with holiness and solemnity.

As Houtu’s body gradually fades away, the power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation begins to manifest in the world. A mysterious realm slowly opens: the entrance to the Underworld. Countless souls are drawn inside, where they will begin a new cycle of reincarnation.

Houtu’s divine consciousness becomes Meng Po at the Bridge of Helplessness. She stands quietly on the bridge, holding bowls of Meng Po’s soup. When souls come before her, she offers each one a bowl, letting them forget the war and all their pain and obsessions.