Snow Empress Had Arrived (4,000)

When Ling Zichen's parents saw that their daughter had brought a stranger, they frowned and were about to say something, but Yuanquan's sudden outburst interrupted their thoughts.

"Get back! Activate the protective shield!" Ling Zichen's father, Ling Chen Tao, shouted sharply, rushing towards the control panel behind him.

But it was too late—before he could even finish speaking, the dark red liquid metal had already expanded, and spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the surface of the container. In a blinding white light, a violent energy storm instantly swept out.

Ling Zichen stared at his parents, who were within the blast radius, stunned. His mind went blank.

At this critical moment, Huo Yuhao teleported to the front of the energy storm without anyone noticing, and golden light surged in his eyes.

A Starry Curtain rose up instantly.

The dazzling starlight barrier, like a cascading galaxy, completely blocked the raging energy storm. As the starlight swirled, it even managed to keep the terrifying energy, enough to Destruction the entire laboratory, at bay.

A sense of relief washed over all the researchers, and they quickly activated their Defensive Soul Guidance Matrix.

With a piercing mechanical hum, dozens of silver beams rose from around the laboratory, weaving into a massive energy network that completely sealed off the rampaging energy in a corner. The others seized the opportunity to retreat, but Huo Yuhao remained inside the energy shield to block it, failing to escape in time.

Ling Chen Tao arrived at the control panel in the early hours of the morning, his forehead covered in cold sweat, and said in a deep voice:

"Energy Stabilizer activated, beginning to absorb overflowing energy!"

Energy Stabilizer appeared on the ground and ceiling inside the energy shield, and began to process the bursts of energy.

Huo Yuhao's Starry Curtain and Soul Guidance Matrix worked together perfectly, managing to bring this disaster, which could have Destruction the entire research institute, under control.

However, just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief—

"Snap!"

A crisp sound rang out, and everyone was astonished to find that the sealed energy center had begun to contract violently, and then suddenly expanded.

"Oh no! It's about to erupt a second time!" Ling Zichen snapped back to reality and cried out, "Huo Yuhao, retreat quickly!"

The laboratory's emergency lights instantly turned scarlet, and alarms blared incessantly. Huo Yuhao's figure blurred for a moment in the energy turbulence, and the next second he landed steadily beside Ling Zichen.

Ling Zichen unconsciously clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms. Only after confirming that he was safe and sound did his tense shoulders relax slightly.

She glanced instinctively in her parents' direction—her father was rapidly adjusting the control panel parameters, while her mother directed the researchers to assist. Both of their white lab coats were stained with charred marks, remnants of metal that had been ejected during the explosion.

My heart skipped a beat. If Huo Yuhao hadn't intervened in time, those scorch marks would probably have been more than just on my clothes...

Ling Zichen opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat too dry to make a sound. The flashing red alarm light from the control panel reflected on Huo Yuhao's profile, outlining a sharp edge in his usually gentle features. This guy, who always seemed so calm and collected, had just stood firmly at the forefront of the Destruction energy storm.

"Most of you are ordinary people, so you need to be extra careful with protective measures when conducting research." Huo Yuhao glanced at the gradually calming Metal essence within the energy shield and spoke first, "I think I reminded you of something similar before."

Ling Zichen's parents died in an experimental accident during the research on the first-generation Single Positive Circulation Source Core. The Tang Sect gave them 60% of the resources, so it's impossible that they didn't arrange safety measures. However, no measure is foolproof. This research was inherently dangerous, so they had to be even more careful.

Huo Yuhao thought for a moment, then continued:

"It would be best to have a powerful expert at the Three-Word Battle Armor Master level participate in this research as insurance."

Battle Armor Master hold a very high status in the Federation. Two-Word Battle Armor Master can become governors in first-tier cities like Eastsea City, which shows their status. Not to mention Three-Word Battle Armor Master, getting them involved in such research requires approval from higher-ups.

However, this research is a bottomless pit, and Qian Gu Dong Feng must have invested a lot in it, so he should agree to this proposal.

"..."

Seeing Ling Zichen remain silent, Huo Yuhao turned his gaze to her and heard her whisper:

"... Thank you, we will apply for Battle Armor Master as insurance."

Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow, looked her up and down, and nodded slightly.

At this moment, Ling Zichen's parents, who had arranged everything, also came over and thanked Huo Yuhao.

Ling Chen Tao looked slightly tired. He reached out and solemnly shook Huo Yuhao's hand. "Thanks to you this time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable. On behalf of the researchers here, I thank you."

Ling Zichen's mother, Luo Yao, stood to the side, looking at Huo Yuhao with a complicated expression, hesitant to speak. Finally, she also said softly:

"Thanks."

They all knew Huo Yuhao's identity; he didn't belong to this project and shouldn't have been here, but he had just saved them, so now wasn't the time to say such things.

Huo Yuhao shook his head slightly. "It was nothing."

A moment of silence fell over the laboratory, broken only by the hum of the Energy Stabilizer. Ling Zichen, observing the subtle tension between his parents and Huo Yuhao, couldn't help but interject, "Dad, Mom, Huo Yuhao just suggested we apply to become Three-Word Battle Armor Master to participate in the research for safety."

Ling Chen Tao frowned. "This..."

"I think it's absolutely necessary," Ling Zichen said firmly. "Today's accident has proven that protective equipment alone is far from enough."

"... I will apply." Ling Chen Tao finally nodded.

He didn't actually want people who didn't understand this kind of research to get involved, but today's accident was a stark reality. He was willing to sacrifice himself for scientific research, but what if his wife and daughter were the ones to be killed in the explosion?

Let's play it safe.

After chatting for a while, Ling Zichen suggested that Huo Yuhao tour the experiment. Given what had just happened, the two agreed.

After a long while, Huo Yuhao, having observed the experiment, took his leave.

Watching him leave, Ling Zichen turned around and saw his parents casting inquiring glances at him. He couldn't help but frown. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing... It's a good thing that you're in contact with him; he'll eventually be the next Tower Master."

Ling Chen Tao didn't say much.

Outside the laboratory, Huo Yuhao stopped and glanced back at the tightly closed metal door. He raised his hand, a wisp of lingering energy swirling around his fingertips, lost in thought.

The recent second outbreak seemed to be caused by the source unexpectedly completing a cycle, which gave him some insights, allowing him to further advance the research progress on the Source Core.

Just as Huo Yuhao was pondering, Snow Empress's voice rang out in his Spiritual Sea.

"Yuhao, my true form has arrived."

Huo Yuhao was slightly taken aback.

The appointed time with Shrek is drawing near. Snow Empress had said in advance that she would come, but not today.

However, since the Snow Empress had come, he was naturally happy.

Where are you now?

"Almost home."

Huo Yuhao: "..."

Which house is it near?

Huo Yuhao left the Spirit Pagoda and came to the green belt outside his home.

A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops.

Snow Empress stood quietly under a tree, her figure slender and tall, dressed in white, whiter than snow. She gazed silently at Huo Yuhao, her icy blue eyes seeming to hold a myriad of emotions.

Seeing Huo Yuhao approach, she was about to say something, but Huo Yuhao had already strode forward and pulled her into his arms, wrapping his arms around her slender body.

Snow Empress's body was slender and light, yet possessed an icy resilience. Through the thin fabric, he could feel the cool touch of her skin, like the lingering snow of early spring—cool but not cold, instead evoking a sense of longing. Her silver hair, like silk, carried a faint fragrance as it brushed against his cheek, incredibly soft.

"You'll have to work hard again this time."

Snow Empress's body stiffened slightly at the sudden scene, but she quickly relaxed upon hearing this, gently leaning against him and raising her hand to hug him back.

Huo Yuhao could feel the slight rise and fall of her chest, and her barely audible breathing, as light and shallow as snowflakes falling in winter.

A night breeze rustled through the trees, casting swaying shadows, and moonlight bathed the two embracing figures, a scene of tranquil tenderness.

After a long while, Snow Empress gently shifted her body and whispered, "How much longer do I want to hold you?"

Huo Yuhao gently stroked Snow Empress's cascading silver hair, feeling its silky texture, and smiled:

"As long as you're willing, I can hold you like this forever."

Snow Empress's blue eyes trembled slightly, a strange emotion welling up in her heart. She turned her face away, a blush creeping onto the tips of her ears. "In the last two years, you've become quite the charmer. Where did you learn that? I haven't even sensed it with my Divine Consciousness."

Huo Yuhao said softly, "Facing you, I blurted it out without realizing it, since you always wait quietly... But it should have been my turn to take the initiative."

Upon hearing this, Snow Empress's icy blue eyes flickered with emotion. Following her heart, she lingered with Huo Yuhao for a few more moments before they parted ways.

Huo Yuhao released her hand and took Snow Empress's slightly cool, soft hand in his. "Since you're here, I'll take you to say hello to Na'er and the others."

"Hmm." Snow Empress nodded slightly.

Huo Yuhao led her to the small building ahead, and knocked on the door when they arrived at the entrance.

Gu Yuena, inside the house, sensed the presence outside and felt somewhat puzzled.

Yuhao has a key, so why is he knocking?

Thinking this, she glanced at Gu Ruiqiu, who was lounging on the sofa like Ge You, got up to open the door, and peeked out to check the situation outside.

"Yuhao, your key..."

Upon seeing Snow Empress, Gu Yuena stopped speaking abruptly and instinctively withdrew her head.

What's going on? Why is the Snow Empress's true form here?

She was completely unprepared when they came to her door.

Gu Yuena frowned slightly, took a deep breath, and made up her mind.

She was dominated in their first two meetings, but this time... she's going to win!

This concerns their status.

She is stronger than the Snow Empress, and the Star Dou Great Forest is stronger than the Extreme North. Moreover, she has the home-field advantage here...

Gu Ruiqiu noticed Gu Yuena's strange behavior and got up to come over. Seeing Snow Empress outside the door, her eyes lit up. "Snow Empress?! We haven't seen you since you Re-Cultivation..."

Gu Ruiqiu and Snow Empress have known each other for a long time and have a good relationship.

The origin of this friendship is quite interesting--

When Huo Yuhao lectured her, Snow Empress would occasionally appear at the right time, like a kind older sister taking her away. For Gu Ruiqiu, this was nothing short of a rescue, and she naturally felt grateful to Snow Empress.

"Come in and let's chat." Gu Ruiqiu invited Snow Empress in, then turned to see Gu Yuena looking at her subtly. "What's wrong, little sister Na'er?"

Gu Yuena pursed her lips and stared at her Youyou.

Are you Undercover Agent sent by the Snow Empress? With you around, what advantage do I have left?

One word, "sister"... and all her authority and status vanished.

With a soft sigh, Gu Yuena quickly rekindled her fighting spirit.

I can only rely on myself...

"Na'er, excuse me." A clear, ethereal voice rang in Gu Yuena's ears. The calm and elegant voice made her temporarily forget her thoughts, and she looked up.

The Snow Empress faced her with his usual gentle smile, and this time he even addressed her in a more affectionate way.

Gu Yuena was slightly taken aback. Snow Empress's natural way of calling her "Na'er" left her momentarily at a loss for how to respond. She pursed her lips, a complex emotion flashing in her purple eyes.

"Nothing."

She said softly, her voice gentler than usual, "Come in and sit down."

She had a premonition that any petty behavior would only bring shame upon herself, and that only by being more magnanimous could she regain her composure.

Moreover, the inherent air of authority that this empress of the Extreme North exudes seems to be the very majesty she craves?

Snow Empress nodded and walked into the living room with Huo Yuhao.

Gu Ruiqiu glanced at the three of them from behind, then noticed that the atmosphere was a little different, and thoughtfully followed them.

She had expected an argument to break out when the three of them sat together, but upon entering the living room, she found an unexpected harmony.

Gu Yuena and Snow Empress sat on either side of Huo Yuhao and started talking about serious business.

"You came here this time for the upcoming trip to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"

"Hmm." Snow Empress nodded gently. "Who from your Star Dou is going?"

"Xiong Jun, you, him, and Tianfeng were originally the most suitable."

Gu Yuena paused here, then continued, "Have you settled into your accommodation?"

Snow Empress blinked and smiled, "Not yet."

"Then let's stay here. There are still some vacant rooms." Gu Yuena took a deep breath and said calmly, "We can discuss the plans in more detail later."

Upon hearing this, Snow Empress paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded, "Okay."

Seeing that the two had reached an agreement, Huo Yuhao spoke up:

"Na'er, can you set up Time-Space Array now?"

Gu Yuena actually knows a lot of things, such as Light and Dark Divine Thunder and Time-Space Array. As a deity, her foundation is definitely qualified... at least more qualified than most deities.

It's just that due to his cultivation level, some of his abilities are currently difficult to use.

The Time-Space Array she controls can fine-tune the flow of time between two independent spaces.

For example, if Time-Space Array can be set up in the passage of the Undead Plane that can last for three hours, corresponding to seven days, then even if you stay in the Undead Plane for seven days, only three hours will have passed in the outside world.

This is already an advanced application of the Law of Time; I used it back in Dragon Valley.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena thought for a moment and said, "The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is not an independent space. In my current state, I'm afraid I cannot set up Time-Space Array."

If she cannot separate the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well from Douluo Star and temporarily make it an independent space, she also cannot make the time flow rate on the two sides different.

"Leave the spatial isolation to me and Xue'er. Xue'er will isolate the space from the outside, while I will temporarily separate the space of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well from Douluo Star. We can conduct some joint experiments in the near future."

Huo Yuhao paused here, then continued, "Speaking of which, Na'er, have you grasped the concept of time yet...?"

Strangely enough, despite possessing the ability to create Time-Space Array, the Silver Dragon King in the original story didn't seem to have any understanding of time... The Golden Dragon King was the one who represented time, isn't that right?

Can you use a grand array of time manipulation, yet be unable to invoke the corresponding Laws? Know the method but not the reasoning? Haven't even considered learning it?

It's hard to say...