A Gift Across Time and Space

"How could the humans of this world possibly know about the Seven-Colored Lotus?"

Fire Wolf was filled with doubt and surprise.

Their leader, Lord Tianhuo Fire Host Clan, is a member of the royal family and the heir to the clan chieftainship. He possesses the Seven-Colored Lotus. If he hadn't been affected by the spatial rift, he would likely have become the next clan chief of the Fire Host Clan.

But as far as it knew, Lord Tianhuo had rarely displayed this kind of flame in public. Even the higher-ups of the War God Temple were unaware of it. The only person who might have known was probably deceased. How did this young man know?

Could there be other members of the Fire Clan in this world? Or did a member of the royal family suffer an unknown fate, transforming into Soul Beast in the Douluo Continent and forced to become human?

Fire Wolf stared in Huo Yuhao's direction, lost in thought.

"I am Huo Yuhao from the Spirit Pagoda. I've heard that you come from another plane and that your Soul Beast are slightly different from ours, which is helpful for Soul Spirit research. Could you lend me a hand?"

Upon hearing Huo Yuhao's words, Fire Wolf snapped out of his reverie, gave Huo Yuhao a deep look, and nodded slightly.

Having lived in this world for so many years, although they have established some relationship with humans, their relationship with humans is not deep due to factors such as lifespan and living environment.

After all, they're all "stay-at-home fire"—the kind that stays in the lava and doesn't come out.

Even the God of War of the War God Temple doesn't communicate with them much. When faced with the current unusual situation, its first thought is to have a good talk with Huo Yuhao, rather than do anything unnecessary.

The Ming De Hall researcher was somewhat surprised, but also relieved, to see that the two sides had reached an agreement so quickly.

If the Fire Host Clan is unwilling, they can't force them, since this clan now belongs to the War God Temple. The clan leader is also a powerhouse close to the Limit Douluo level, so they can't be forced.

Huo Yuhao smiled slightly until they moved to the laboratory that Ming De Hall had arranged for them.

The laboratory was clearly meticulously prepared by the Ming De Hall —on the left was Elemental Stabilization Chamber specially designed for the Fire Host Clan, while on the right were various cutting-edge soul-guided analysis instruments.

"The conditions are good. It seems Ming De Hall attaches great importance to this exchange and learning opportunity."

Gu Yuena glanced around at the surroundings, then focused her gaze on Huo Yuhao and the Fire Wolf.

The two had been communicating through Divine Power for a long time. Although she didn't know the specifics of what they had said, she could guess some of the content.

Huo Yuhao quickly ended the conversation.

"Then, I'll leave it to you."

"I will convey your words to Lord Tianhuo."

Seeing that Fire Wolf agreed, Huo Yuhao began his research.

Contacting the Fire Host Clan is one aspect, while research is another. The Fire Host Clan not only did not change in essence when they came to the Douluo Continent, but even their aura was unrelated to Soul Beast. They are a true Extraterrestrial Race, the kind that was not turned into Soul Beast, and they are elemental Life similar to the Snow Empress. This is a research sample that is unique on the continent.

In the original story, the War God Temple War God Temple assigned them to guard the Seventeenth Level of Hell, which was a huge waste.

Huo Yuhao, relying on his Spirit Eyes Martial Soul and profound research expertise, served as the main attacker; Gu Yuena assisted from the sidelines using her unique understanding of Elemental Power; Lan Fozi, who was initially a little reserved, gradually got into the zone after mastering the rhythm, and was responsible for recording data and maintaining the stability of the experimental environment.

The three of them used their respective strengths and cooperated seamlessly, quickly launching a systematic study on the Life essence of the Fire Host Clan.

However, because the Fire Host Clan must live in lava and cannot live in the Ming De Hall for a long time, after several hours of cooperative research, Fire Wolf was sent back to the Eighteenth Level of Hell of the War God Hall Headquarters by the Ming De Hall.

Oh, by the way, the War God Hall Headquarters is in Mingdu, and the entrance is on the top of the highest peak of the West Mountain Mingdu. The entire War God Temple is located inside this peak.

The headquarters of the Dark Department is unknown, but it is undoubtedly located in Mingdu.

In other words, the headquarters of the Dark Department, the War God Temple, the Ming De Hall Virtue, and the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters are all located in Mingdu.

So, who are the forces whose headquarters aren't located here?

It's a bit obvious...

On top of these forces, if we also consider the Federation's Central Army stationed in Mingdu and other family forces, the number of resident powerhouses is too great. Just the Limit Douluo, there are at least six from all sides now. No wonder Zhen Hua wants to stay away from Mingdu.

Watching the Fire Host Clan members being taken away, Huo Yuhao looked at Lan Fozi, who had just diligently assisted him, and said, "Your skill level is better than I expected. Keep up the good work."

Lan Fozi's skill level is definitely there. He has probably been learning Soul Tool Technology for a long time, not just after entering Douluo Continent.

Lan Fozi was taken aback, and hurriedly nodded, "Yes, sir!"

She still cannot fathom the true intentions behind the arrangement that brought her into the Ming De Hall, but one thing she is absolutely certain of is that only by continuing to gain the favor of these two deities can she preserve her life in this "perilous" situation.

As for their purpose... the deity must have a deeper meaning in doing this. Just obediently carry out the orders and don't overthink it and scare yourself.

Keep going! Survival is victory!

Huo Yuhao glanced at her inexplicably, then turned to look at Gu Yuena. Just as he was about to say something, a knock on the door interrupted them.

"The Hongchen Hall Master is currently in the lounge and wishes to meet with you."

"Na Nali, is there anything else you want to say?"

"Old man, you're too stingy. It wouldn't be a problem to lend me that Soul Tool for a few more days, would it? You don't even go out usually."

"You wouldn't know how to use it either, and this isn't how you ask for a favor."

Before even entering the lounge, Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena heard a familiar voice, and their eyes flickered slightly.

Is Miss Dark Bell here too?

Huo Yuhao pushed open the door and saw Na Nali standing with her hands on her hips, glaring angrily at the old man opposite her. The old man, on the other hand, had a habitual expression on his face, tightly gripping a delicate Soul Tool in his hand.

As soon as Na Nali saw them come in, her eyes lit up and she quickly walked over.

"It's Yuhao and Gu Yuena. Come and judge this for me. He has Level 10 Soul Tool but doesn't use it. What's wrong with me borrowing it? You saw how I showed off my skills before, right? That thing is obviously better in my hands... Oh, it's the Soul Tool that helped me disguise myself as Yuanen Yehui."

Before Huo Yuhao and the others could speak, Wang Hongchen spoke up calmly.

"I seem to remember you came here today to deliver thank-you gifts to these people? If I'm not mistaken, the capture of that Evil Spirit Master is inextricably linked to these young friends from the Spirit Pagoda. You didn't just get away with it, did you?"

Having said that, he nodded to Huo Yuhao and the other two, "Please take your seats, young friends."

"Uh--" Upon hearing this, Na Nali blushed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, stammering, "Who, who got the better deal! I was clearly the one who put in the most effort..."

Her gaze shifted to Huo Yuhao, and she suddenly couldn't continue speaking.

Yes, she contributed the most in the battle, but in the end she was tricked by the Evil Spirit Master. If it weren't for the help of the Spirit Pagoda, she probably wouldn't have even been able to capture him and would have had to go home looking ashen-faced.

She, Na Nali, won by default this time... Ugh, she still can't hold her head up in front of her elders.

Seeing Miss "Dark Bell" instantly deflate, Huo Yuhao had a strange sense of déjà vu.

This situation is somewhat similar to Na'er being suppressed by Miss Rachel.

What is the relationship between the Ming De Hall and this person?

The question was answered in the next moment.

"You old geezer, you're always undermining your apprentices! What kind of teacher are you?"

Na Nali was disappointed for a moment, then stomped her foot angrily. Thinking of the three "juniors" still there, she became even more embarrassed and annoyed, and simply left the meeting room.

Fortunately, she didn't forget her purpose and added a sentence before leaving the room.

"Yuhao, Na'er, come out in a bit, I have something for you."

After saying that, he slammed the door and left.

Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena looked at each other in bewilderment.

Wang Hongchen sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

Na Nali had studied under him before, and although she eventually became a Soul Master, their bond as master and disciple remained unchanged. He was worried about her when she was quietly carrying out a secret mission, so he secretly lent her Level 10 Soul Tool he had made, just in case.

In the eyes of these older generations, Na Nali always seemed like a child who never grew up—unconventional in personality, unorthodox in actions, and completely lacking the composure expected of a top-tier powerhouse. Yet, even so, no one could deny that she was destined to be a pillar of the Federation's future.

Four-Word Battle Armor Master in his thirties, a level 98 Super Douluo —such achievements are rare even in the history of the Federation.

As for a prodigy like the Heaven Supporting Douluo who broke through his Limit at the age of thirty-one? Such people are few and far between in the history of the Douluo Continent, so they are not relevant to our understanding at all.

He had even considered having Na Nali take over his job, but she chose a different path, leaving him with no choice but to give up.

Looking back now, I wonder if the person who temporarily gave her the position of Dark Department Head did so for a similar reason?

If this girl doesn't get some experience, she won't be able to take over from the older generation; she always needs to grow up.

After a moment of reflection, Wang Hongchen looked at Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena and smiled.

"You flatter me. I've already heard about your affairs, young friends. To become a level six or level five professional at such a young age is something rarely seen even in historical records."

At this point, Wang Hongchen didn't forget Lan Fozi, who was standing to the side. Even though he had never met her, he thought about it and gave her a very high evaluation.

"..."

Lan Fozi knew he was just being polite, and while somewhat speechless, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Very well, as expected, even the Limit Douluo couldn't see through her. It's just that Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena are beyond the realm of common sense.

Encountering a deity on the street... that's just too incredible.

"You've probably already seen the research labs I've arranged for you. The resources and equipment there are the same as those for a first-level researcher at the Ming De Hall. Besides that..."

With a flick of his sleeve, Wang Hongchen released a gentle wave of Soul Power. "You may examine the soul guidance research data and finished products in the room behind me at any time."

Before the words were finished, the sound of metal mechanisms turning came from afar, and several Soul Guidance Lamp lit up, illuminating a deep passage.

Inside the transparent display cases on both sides of the passageway, various Soul Tool are on display, each with a nameplate floating beneath it that glows with a faint blue light. Even more eye-catching are the dozens of rows of obsidian bookshelves that stretch to the dome at the end of the passageway, with soul tool crystals embedded in the spines of the books emitting a faint elemental fluctuation.

Huo Yuhao's Divine Power keenly detected that those seemingly ordinary bookshelves had actually been treated with spatial folding technology—each drawer could potentially connect to an independent storage space.

Sky Dream Ice Silkworm marveled in his Spiritual Sea: "Good heavens, the collection of books in the Ming De Hall is thicker than the ice layer in the Extreme North! It's simply incomparable to the Mecha Master Association!"

Outside the room, hearing the sounds of machinery operating inside, Na Nali was equally surprised, "Teacher is actually willing to open the Ming De Hall's treasures to Huo Yuhao and the others?"

You should know that Wang Hongchen used to never let her touch anything.

The key that could unlock the secret room had been passed down only to the successive heads of the Ming De Hall since its founding.

The dark room did not contain those earth-shattering, top-tier Soul Tool or related information.

However, every Soul Tool and every book there bears witness to the rise and fall of the Ming De Hall since its founding—from the earliest crude Soul Power guiding devices to the sophisticated and complex level nine soul cores of today. They are quietly displayed here, like a silent epic, recording how this power rose from humble beginnings to stand at the pinnacle.

The finished Soul Tool there may no longer have practical value in combat, but they represent the roots of the Ming De Hall. Many Soul Engineer have gained inspiration there and gone further.

Wang Hongchen's gaze lingered briefly on Huo Yuhao, a profound meaning flashing in his eyes.

"This place was established by Silver Moon Douluo before his death. It contains many of his notes, which were continuously filled in by later Soul Engineer. He once said that if anyone in the Ming De Hall were to embark on the traditional path of Soul Engineer again, this place could be opened to them as a foundation."

"Young friend Huo, you have embarked on a difficult path, but your talent is truly astonishing. You have even pioneered a new method for utilizing Divine Power, and there is a high probability that you will succeed."

"Furthermore, since your goal is to research your Natal Soul Tool, I think opening this place to you is the best option. Perhaps... you can find more inspiration here."

Huo Yuhao was not a member of the Ming De Hall, but Wang Hongchen was absolutely certain in his heart that this young man in front of him was perhaps the most compatible person with this place in Ten Thousand Years.

Missing out would be a regret.

This is one of the reasons why he took the initiative to invite Huo Yuhao to the Ming De Hall after Yi Hongchen recommended him.

Huo Yuhao looked in the direction of the dark room, and in a daze, he seemed to see the figure of the Silver Moon Douluo from Ten Thousand Years Ago, engrossed in his studies, with the ink still fresh on those notebooks that shone with a dark blue luster.

This is a gift that transcends time and space...

When Huo Yuhao raised his head, his eyes seemed to hold the movement of stars, as if a strange artistic conception was gradually brewing, but it vanished in an instant.

Huo Yuhao smiled knowingly, stood up, and bowed deeply. "Junior thanks Senior for your kindness."

This bow is not merely a gesture towards the Wang Hongchen before me.

Gu Yuena stood quietly to one side, while the beings within her Spiritual Sea also watched silently.

They all understood—

At this moment, Huo Yuhao was also paying his deepest respects to that deceased predecessor from Ten Thousand Years Ago.