"Ding!"
As they spoke, the elevator chimed and came to a stop.
The elevator doors opened.
What appeared before them was no ordinary corridor, but an incredibly thick, airtight silver-gray metal door.
As Leng Yaozhu led the two of them out of the elevator, she explained, "This is the Spirit Pagoda's most central Soul Spirit Research Laboratory. Security is extremely strict."
"Usually, only Qian Gu Dongfeng and I have the clearance to bring people inside. All other researchers need to use the access privileges registered to them personally."
As she spoke, she extended her jade-white hand and lightly brushed it over the sensor beside the alloy door.
A beam of light swiftly scanned her palm. Then, the heavy metal doors silently slid apart.
Beyond them lay an enormous space filled with futuristic technology.
The most eye-catching feature was a gigantic golden hexagonal altar in the center of the hall, connected to countless complex Soul Guidance conduits and energy lines.
Hundreds of people dressed in white research uniforms were scattered throughout the various sections, working intently at precision instrument screens and control consoles.
A researcher who appeared to be an administrator noticed Leng Yaozhu and hurried over, asking respectfully, "Pagoda Master, what brings you here? Do you have any instructions?"
Leng Yaozhu waved her hand, signaling that she needn't be nervous.
"It's nothing. Keep working. I brought my students here to look around and familiarize themselves with the place."
"Yes, Pagoda Master."
The administrator bowed and withdrew, returning to her post.
Leng Yaozhu led Xu Yue and Gu Yue slowly along the observation walkway at the edge, speaking to them in a low voice.
"The laboratory's primary research focus right now is achieving a breakthrough in the technology for creating artificial Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Spirits."
"Your studies will begin with the most