Huo Yuhao Was Very Likely the Spirit Ice Douluo

With permission from Wang Hongchen, the three entered the secret chamber and began to examine the soul guidance books and Soul Tool.

Lan Fozi stood beside Huo Yuhao, her gaze involuntarily drawn to the intricate Soul Tool.

She had previously glimpsed only the tip of the iceberg of the Spirit Pagoda's power, and even met two deities, but the power that Ming De Hall was now revealing was truly astonishing to her.

The Federation has four such forces. This doesn't even include the Dark Department and the various legions. Does the Holy Spirit Cult really have a chance of winning?

She wasn't very concerned about the fate of the Holy Spirit Cult, but her mother was different.

"The key is their true stance."

Lan Fozi secretly observed Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena.

Two deities are enough to disrupt the entire situation; what will happen to her mother if they turn against her?

All other issues can be ignored, but this one is unacceptable.

Unlike Lan Fozi, who was distracted by his thoughts, Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena were both immersed in their books.

If Lan Fozi was arranged to come, then Gu Yuena decided to come on her own.

In Ice Empress's words: This Co-Lord of Soul Beasts has become influenced by Huo Yuhao, and many of her habits are starting to resemble his. She really came here to learn.

After looking around the perimeter, Huo Yuhao ventured deeper into the area, quietly using his Divine Power to search for the books he needed.

"The Principles and Advanced Applications of Soul-Guiding Core Arrays"

The Theory and Practice of Spatial Folding Soul Tool

Soul-Guided Mecha and Human Neural Connection Technology

After briefly browsing the book titles, Huo Yuhao thought of Na Nali, who was still waiting outside, and borrowed some books, also reminding Gu Yuena and the other person.

"Master, I would like to borrow these books."

"Can."

Wang Hongchen looked at the books Huo Yuhao and the other two had placed on the table, nodded, and took out three access cards.

"Here you go. I've entered the access permissions for this place and the route to the Ming De Hall. If you want to teleport to the Ming De Hall or come here to find books, just use this."

Huo Yuhao took the access card that was shimmering with a faint light, feeling a warm touch on his fingertips. Its surface was covered with complex soul-guiding patterns, and he could vaguely sense the fluctuations of Power of Space.

"Thank you, Master."

Huo Yuhao thanked him and took his leave.

Just as he was about to step out of the room, Wang Hongchen said out of the blue, "Yi said that seeing you reminded him of Spirit Ice Douluo, and I have the same feeling now."

Huo Yuhao paused almost imperceptibly. He turned his head and caught a glimpse of Wang Hongchen tidying up books, the cold light reflected from his glasses obscuring his eyes.

"You flatter me, senior."

He replied softly, and Huo Yuhao led the way out of the room.

The door closed, and seeing that the three had left the room, Wang Hongchen began to communicate with a consciousness.

He did not deny his relationship with Spirit Ice Douluo.

"Perhaps he's just used to being judged like that, and he didn't argue back."

"Does the old ancestor think I'm overthinking things?"

Silence spread throughout the room. The lamplight cast dappled shadows on the floor. Suddenly, those shadows began to twist and distort eerily, as if stirred by some Formless force.

"..."

After a long silence, a huge shadow slowly emerged from behind Wang Hongchen.

At first, the shadow was just a blurry mass, like mist blown away by the wind, twisting and shifting in the dim light. But soon, the shadow began to solidify, and the outline gradually became clearer—

It was a colossal creature, its five-meter-tall body exuding an imposing aura like a mountain. Its carapace shimmered with a dark golden metallic luster, as if cast from molten gold, and its serrated jaws made a metallic scraping sound as they opened and closed.

It is the foundation of the Hongchen Family, the Hundred Thousand Years Inherited Soul Spirit — the Gold Devouring Ant Emperor!

"His talent with Soul Tool is truly incredible."

The Gold Devouring Ant Emperor said in a low voice, "In the past Ten Thousand Years, apart from that one, I have never seen anyone who can rival him in this regard."

"I knew it, you think so too."

Wang Hongchen smiled and said, "There are rumors that the Snow Empress has taken Huo Yuhao as her disciple and treats him quite specially. However, the Snow Empress has never taken any disciples from the Spirit Pagoda in the past Ten Thousand Years, which is also puzzling."

"Among the humans who have a close personal relationship with the Snow Empress, only Spirit Ice Douluo and the Second Generation Pagoda Master Su Tong are worthy of your suspicions."

The Gold Devouring Ant Emperor pondered, "But besides that, what truly makes you suspicious is his Martial Soul and Soul Skill, isn't it?"

"Spiritual Eye and Spiritual Detection..."

Wang Hongchen's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded slightly. "After Yi told me about his Martial Soul and Soul Skill, I connected the Titled Douluo of Spiritual Eye and Ling Bing. After all, you also told me the story of Ancestor Xiao Hongchen."

Most people believe that the "spirit" in Spirit Ice Douluo's name comes from the "spirit" in the Spirit Pagoda, and is a symbolic meaning. However, some people still have doubts.

The Ultimate Ice Martial Soul offers no advantage in learning Soul Tool. Su Tong, the Second Generation Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda, did not inherit the essence of the Spirit Ice Douluo in the research of Soul Tool.

So how did the Spirit Ice Douluo, who specialized in the Ultimate Ice Martial Soul, achieve such success in both the cultivation of a soul master and Soul Engineer? Was it simply due to exceptional talent, or was there another secret?

For example, the Spirit Ice Douluo actually possesses Twin Martial Souls.

Yes, this question originally came from our ancestor Xiao Hongchen.

Ling Bing, a mere ice wielder, has achieved such mastery over Soul Tool —barely comparable to me. He must have a secret! -- Xiao Hongchen

However, while Xiao Hongchen's suspicions had some merit, they were ultimately tinged with "personal sentiment" and remained unverified speculation. (Xiao Hongchen:...)

But recently, Wang Hongchen saw a person with extraordinary talent in Soul Tool, who was accepted as a disciple by the Snow Empress and possessed the Martial Soul Spiritual Eye, and couldn't help but think in that direction.

It can be said that all three pieces of information are guiding Wang Hongchen to think in the direction of Huo Yuhao and Spirit Ice Douluo.

"If I'm not mistaken, the Spirit of the Spirit Ice Douluo is indeed derived from another Martial Soul, then Huo Yuhao is very likely the Spirit Ice Douluo..."

Both the Gold Devouring Ant Emperor and the Wang Hongchen reached the same conclusion. "... the descendants of..."

At most, they're descendants. As for whether the other party is the Spirit Ice Douluo himself?

How could that be!

As Inherited Soul Spirit that has been passed down for Ten Thousand Years, the Gold Devouring Ant Emperor has seen the Spirit Ice Douluo before. The other party did not look like this, and his temperament was also very cold. He exuded an aura of otherworldliness, which was very different from Huo Yuhao.

Furthermore, after the battle two years ago, some information about Huo Yuhao was revealed: his Power of Space originated from his Second Martial Soul. In other words, his Second Martial Soul is Space Attribute. If he is the Spirit Ice Douluo, then where did his Ultimate Ice go?

Did he possess a Three Lives Martial Soul? Or did his Ultimate Ice evolve into Space Attribute?

Impossible, absolutely impossible.

In either case, it clashes with the common sense of Douluo.

Even if someone can explain these questions, there are still other problems.

If Huo Yuhao is the Spirit Ice Douluo, and can live for ten thousand years, it means he successfully became a god Ten Thousand Years Ago. Then how do you explain the commotion caused by his failure to become a god back then?

Is becoming a god a bad thing? Why pretend to have failed?

Pretending to fail in his ascension to godhood for the sake of the Douluo Continent will only sadden those who are grateful to him and delight those who hate him. Besides that, what other effect will it have?

As for the possibility that Spirit Ice Douluo truly failed to become a god but didn't die... then why not just return to the Spirit Pagoda to heal his injuries and then plan his ascension to godhood again? Why wait until Ten Thousand Years to return?

And how he lived to be Ten Thousand Years later is also a question.

In short, if Huo Yuhao really is the Spirit Ice Douluo, there are too many questions, and neither he nor his Soul Spirit can figure it out.

"However, if Huo Yuhao is indeed a descendant of Spirit Ice Douluo, then there's a question that bothers me a lot—who did that person end up with back then? After all, there's no clear record of his marriage."

The Gold Devouring Ant Emperor expressed great interest in the gossip surrounding Spirit Ice Douluo, saying, "Who do you think it is? I think those original members are very likely."

Having lived this long, this is all I have to enjoy: gossip. After all, Tenten the younger generation fiddling with Soul Tool every day is really boring.

Upon hearing this, Wang Hongchen's eyelids twitched, and he shook his head. "It's best not to speak carelessly. After all, it's just our speculation, and we can't confirm it."

The Gold Devouring Ant Emperor, however, was in high spirits, its antennae trembling slightly.

"What's so strange about that? You humans are far more adept at gossip than we Soul Beast. Back then, people inside the Spirit Pagoda and in the Ming De Hall would gossip about all sorts of things in their spare time, and even fabricated quite a bit of related history. It's all in the Ming De Hall's collection..."

Halfway through his speech, seemingly realizing he had let something slip, the Gold Devouring Ant Emperor simply returned to Wang Hongchen's body and said no more.

"..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hongchen's lips twitched. "Ancestor, what did you mean by what you just said?"

He seemed to have heard some bad news.

What are you saying, Ancestor? What books are you saying are stored in the secret room?

The old man quickly replied, "This is very important!"

Wang Hongchen asked several times and finally got the answer from the Soul Spirit.

"There are very few records about Spirit Ice Douluo, so someone specifically sought out people and Soul Spirit who knew Spirit Ice Douluo to compile and supplement some of the records and history. However, based on accounts relayed by others... you should understand the outcome."

Wang Hongchen frowned slightly. "You mean, those records... were embellished?"

Gold Devouring Ant Emperor: "It's more than just embellishment. Some stories are so outrageous that even Spirit Ice Douluo himself would be stunned for three seconds upon hearing them. For example, some people say that he had a relationship with that person in the Extreme North, and there are even more exaggerated claims that he actually had a relationship with that person in the Star Dou Great Forest... cough, you know."

After all, the fact that Spirit Ice Douluo had reached a cooperation agreement with the two major Ferocious Beast gathering places was too incredible. Therefore, in order to reasonably explain the various achievements of Spirit Ice Douluo, many arguments were found. As a result, many outrageous speculations arose. Some were confirmed by relevant people and recorded, while others were not.

"..."

Wang Hongchen remained silent for a moment, then sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Ancestor, you just said that Ming De Hall also has these in its collection of books? Could it be that Ming De Hall has secretly collected Unofficial History about the Spirit Ice Douluo?"

This is going too far. If the Spirit Pagoda finds out, who knows what might happen.

The Gold Devouring Ant Emperor explained, "You're too attached to appearances. In the absence of official history, Unofficial History naturally becomes official history. Besides, even the story of the Death God's Emissary is official history, so what Unofficial History seems outrageous in comparison?"

If even official histories are this outrageous, who can be sure that the less outlandish unofficial Unofficial History are false?

Maybe that's the truth?

Wang Hongchen: "..."

He was speechless.

Two generations of the Shrek Academy's Shrek Seven Monsters were single-handedly defeated by a Soul King- level Evil Spirit Master Evil Spirit Master, who even escaped from Super Douluo... If this is all true, what else is impossible?

"Furthermore, the reason Ming De Hall collected these materials is precisely because they are closely related to the history of Soul Tool development. As a key figure in the history of Soul Tool development, the relevant records of Spirit Ice Douluo are naturally indispensable."

"Although some of the content contains the subjective interpretations of the recorders and relayers, it is mostly presented in a subtle way. Some of the past hall masters have discovered these contents, but after consideration, they all ultimately chose to retain them rather than delete them."

"Furthermore, the compilation of the history of Spirit Ice Douluo was led by the then-master of the Spirit Pagoda, so you don't need to worry so much."

As far as it knew, the Spirit Pagoda had also done it, led by Su Tong, a disciple of Spirit Ice Douluo, so there was nothing to worry about.

Stepping out of the room, Gu Yuena glanced back at the lounge and whispered, "Yuhao, he..."

"It's nothing, just some speculation, but nothing certain."

Huo Yuhao responded telepathically, then looked at Na Nali waiting at the door.

The latter smiled at them and said, "Thank you for your help last time. I brought the promised gift and apology."

At this point, she glanced at Lan Fozi, seemingly considering whether to take out something in front of him.

"Lan Fozi is our companion, Your Majesty need not worry," Huo Yuhao said with a smile.

Lan Fozi looked at Huo Yuhao with a moment of confusion.

The deity said she was a companion... scary.

Na Nali nodded readily, a fleeting look of pain crossing her face. She took out two boxes from her Storage Ring and handed them to Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena.

"These two portions of the Ten Thousand Year Tranquil Sea Spirit Mushroom, rare and precious Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that can enhance Divine Power, are a token of our apology."

If she hadn't already broken through to the Spirit Domain Realm and no longer needed such a spiritual item, she really wouldn't have been willing to take it out.

Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that can enhance Divine Power are extremely rare.

"Next is the thank-you gift; I went to great lengths to get it."

Na Nali then took out a long, narrow sandalwood box and solemnly handed it to Huo Yuhao, "This is a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone."

Huo Yuhao paused for a moment, but did not refuse and accepted the gift.

Lan Fozi: "..."

Sending away the Soul Bone... I feel it would be better if she weren't here.

Gu Yuena frowned, and asked doubtfully, "Isn't this too expensive?"

The value of Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone is self-evident. Even if their Spirit Pagoda helped the other party capture the Evil Spirit Master, surely they wouldn't offer Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone as a reward?

Na Nali shook her head. "It's not heavy. The Super Douluo you and the Snow Empress Pagoda Master helped me capture had Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone. Moreover, that Evil Spirit Master told us some important information."

Otherwise, she wouldn't have used Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone as a thank-you gift.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena looked at Huo Yuhao with some surprise.

Would Evil Spirit Master reveal secrets to the Dark Department? Didn't Yuhao say she was under the influence of a curse and unable to divulge important information?

Thinking that Huo Yuhao was the only person who had contact with the Evil Spirit Master at that time, Gu Yuena thoughtfully looked away.

Unless... the information Na Nali mentioned was leaked to the Dark Department by Yuhao through the Evil Spirit Master!