Spirit Ice Grand Ceremony Opens (4,000)
Huo Yuhao connected the Soul Tool Communicator, and Lan Fozi's voice came from the other end.
"Sir, as you requested, I have relayed your message back to the Holy Spirit Cult."
Have you made your decision?
"... Yes."
"Mingdu Spirit Pagoda, "Lan Fozi took a deep breath and said with a determined air, "I've made up my mind."
"The Holy Spirit Cult just assigned me a mission: within a year, Star Luo Empire will send an exchange team here, and the Federation is also supposed to form an exchange team to visit Star Luo Empire. They want me to find a way to get you involved..."
She had to take the first step eventually. After all, it was just selling information about the Holy Spirit Cult, and as long as it didn't involve her mother, Lan Fozi didn't care.
If I can gain the trust of these two adults in this way, perhaps one day I can ask them to help my mother return to normal...
After a brief conversation, Huo Yuhao hung up the call while deep in thought.
"Are you planning to go to the Star Luo Empire?"
Huo Yuhao answered the Soul Tool Communicator without avoiding the three of them. Xiong Jun also listened to the entire conversation and frowned, saying, "That place isn't within the Spirit Pagoda's territory, and we don't know the specifics inside either."
"But in any case, Star Luo Continent is a place with even fewer resources than Douluo Continent. What use would you be going there?"
Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao looked at Gu Yuena, pondered for a moment, and said directly, "There should be something left behind by the Dragon God there."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena couldn't help but stand up and walk to Huo Yuhao, her purple eyes gleaming with excitement:
"Yuhao, is this true?"
If she could obtain the artifacts left behind by the Dragon God, her chances of recovering to her peak condition, or even advancing further, would greatly increase.
Huo Yuhao said, "You should know more about things than I do. You're on Douluo Star, and the Golden Dragon King's core is also here. Naturally, some things will come looking for you... but it might not be a good thing."
Since we've already come this far, let's just be frank and have a proper talk with her.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena paused, her expression becoming somewhat complicated.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Xiong Jun wanted to change the subject, but Snow Empress smiled slightly and left first.
Xiong Jun scratched his head, thought for a moment, and then simply went to find his disciple.
The things that followed seemed to be outside his purview.
After the two left, Gu Yuena asked in a low voice, "Yuhao, don't you want me to obtain the Dragon God's inheritance?"
The Dragon God left behind many things, but the only thing that might cause her trouble is the test for the Dragon God's Divine Position.
The Super Divine Tool left behind by the Dragon God wouldn't be difficult for her to obtain given her status, but the divine trial would inevitably involve tests set by the Dragon God, and she didn't know exactly what kind of tests he would set. However, she was now the only true deity among the Dragon Clan, as the Golden Dragon King was only a remnant soul, and it was her mission to inherit the Dragon God's Divine Position.
Huo Yuhao smiled slightly, not wanting the atmosphere to become serious, and said in a relaxed tone:
"I've heard about the Dragon God's power. If you become the Dragon God, wouldn't you be able to feed me all the way to God King? You can't just live off a woman like that."
Gu Yuena was taken aback, then couldn't help but chuckle, her previously serious expression softening.
"Let's be serious for once."
Before she finished speaking, she sat down next to Huo Yuhao, her long silver hair flowing down to Huo Yuhao shoulders like water, carrying a faint fragrance.
"Yuhao, believe me, I can do it. I am half of the Dragon God, so inheriting the Dragon God's position is only natural."
"Sorry, I don't believe you."
Huo Yuhao's straightforward answer froze Gu Yuena instantly, and she couldn't help but puff out her cheeks in annoyance:
"Why?"
If even a Soul Master like the Sea God can inherit the throne of the God King, why can't I? Even if the Dragon God is stronger than the Asura God, I am still First Rank God!
Yuhao, do you not believe in my power, or do you not believe in my wisdom?
Huo Yuhao turned around, his icy blue eyes staring directly at her. After a moment's thought, he didn't answer her question directly, but instead asked in return, "You and the Golden Dragon King represent two sides of the Dragon God. The Golden Dragon King represents the part that symbolizes madness. Was the Divine Position Trial set up when the Dragon God was lucid, or when he was mad? Or perhaps, was it a mixture of reason and madness?"
Gu Yuena opened her mouth, wanting to say that it was left behind when she was sober, but faced with Huo Yuhao's serious gaze, she ultimately couldn't say it.
She lowered her eyes, her long, silver eyelashes trembling slightly. "I'm not sure."
Do you know the specific assessment criteria?
"... have no idea."
"Do you know the Dragon God's intention in leaving the Dragon God's position? Did he hope that Dragon Clan would inherit the Divine Position as soon as possible and thus make the assessment easier, or did he hope that the successor would surpass him in some aspect and increase the difficulty of the assessment?"
Seeing that Gu Yuena was about to answer, Huo Yuhao added, "I once had contact with a deity. The gods in the Divine Realm felt deeply bored with their lives and had thoughts of abandoning their Divine Position and running away. They might go easy on us during the assessment. But, the Dragon God couldn't possibly have such thoughts, could he?"
Rong Nianbing wanted to run away, but even the Dragon God was killed. How could they possibly have the same idea?
Gu Yuena: "..."
Please stop talking, okay?
I feel like Yuhao, you're targeting me; your questions are getting increasingly difficult.
Gu Yuena pursed her lips, a hint of helplessness flashing in her purple eyes. "Regardless, this is what I must face. The Dragon Clan needs the Dragon God, and I am the only choice."
Looking at her resolute expression, Huo Yuhao suddenly reached out and gently patted her head. "That's why I said I didn't believe you could pass. If you want me to feel at ease, you should tell me now that you plan to postpone your plan to become the Dragon God, focus on improving your strength, and gradually explore the assessment criteria for the Dragon God's position. Instead of telling me about responsibilities and obligations... If you were 98% certain, I naturally wouldn't say anything."
"Furthermore, don't forget that we have Equal Contract. If something happens to you, I will also suffer the consequences."
While Gu Yuena remained silent, Huo Yuhao nonchalantly delivered the decisive blow.
Gu Yuena, who had been sullen, suddenly frowned, grabbed Huo Yuhao's arm with surprising force, and said, "Yuhao, didn't you say that contract wouldn't affect you? You can cancel it anytime, right?"
Huo Yuhao shrugged and laughed, "I'm not a god, how can you be sure it won't affect me?"
Gu Yuena stared at Huo Yuhao for a moment, then revealed a helpless and defeated expression and released her grip.
"I understand. I will think it over carefully and won't take any risks lightly."
If she continues to insist on her own way after even uttering such a "threat," Yuhao will get angry.
Seeing that Gu Yuena had taken his words to heart, Huo Yuhao smiled slightly, "Then let's talk about our future trip to the Star Luo Empire."
The following day, before leaving Heaven Dou City, Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena visited Zhen Hua at the Blacksmith Association.
Gu Yuena came to visit her teacher, who had been struck by Tribulation Lightning, as a disciple. Huo Yuhao came to see Muyue and, incidentally, to ask Zhen Hua for his thoughts on being struck by elemental Tribulation Lightning... cough, insights.
After all, the Four Element Lightning Tribulation is also a way of integrating the four elements of Earth Wind Water Fire.
Having been struck by elemental Tribulation Lightning Tribulation Lightning for so many years, Zhen Hua had a profound understanding of them. After consulting with him, Huo Yuhao felt he had benefited greatly.
Zhen Hua himself didn't look too happy when he talked about it...
When the two returned to the Heaven Dou Spirit Pagoda Branch from the Blacksmith Association, the Soul Tool Airplane bound for headquarters was already ready.
There were nine people when they came, and nine people when they left, plus... three Soul Beast.
One of the Soul Beast was naturally Xiong Jun, and the other two...
What's going on?
Xie Xie stared blankly at the two Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear reflected in the airport.
Two Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear were obediently squatting at the edge of the tarmac, their golden fur shimmering in the sunlight, their round, big eyes curiously observing the crowd.
They are not large among the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear, and are probably around Thousand Years old, but their sharp claws and the faintly ferocious aura emanating from their bodies still make them a force to be reckoned with.
"These are my bear cubs and grandchildren. I plan to take them to see the world at this grand ceremony and have them worship the Spirit Ice Douluo together." Xiong Jun stepped forward, grinning, "Big Bear, Second Bear, say hello to everyone."
Upon hearing this, the two Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear immediately stood up on their hind legs, clumsily waved their paws, and let out a low "roar" sound, which actually sounded somewhat like a greeting.
Xie Xie's lips twitched. "Bear Big and Bear Two? Aren't these names... too simple?"
He wanted to say whatever, but considering Pagoda Master Xiong Jun, he didn't dare to do anything reckless.
Xiong Jun scoffed dismissively, "We Soul Beast always name our creatures simply and directly, unlike you humans who insist on using all that fancy language..."
Xiong Jun's gaze suddenly fell on Gu Yuena, he coughed lightly, and stopped.
I almost included the Master conversation.
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore, let's get on the plane quickly." Xiong Jun waved his hand and took the lead towards the Soul Tool Airplane.
Hearing this, everyone followed. Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi whispered to each other, "We'd heard that Soul Beast have great respect for Spirit Ice Douluo, not only for the Spirit Ice Grand Ceremony but also for their own sacrificial ceremonies. Now it seems that's true. Pagoda Master Xiong Jun brings his whole family when he worships Spirit Ice Douluo..."
Xiong Jun was walking ahead, seemed to have heard this and laughed heartily, "You don't understand. My respect for Ling Bing is like a surging river, wave after wave. I could lead people to worship him Tenten!"
Huo Yuhao: "..."
Haha, you worship Tenten, huh?
I've got that in mind. You just wait.
Mingdu, the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
As noon approached, the entire city seemed to be infused with a boiling vitality. The streets surrounding the Spirit Pagoda Square had already been meticulously decorated, with colorful ribbons and soul-guided light curtains intertwining to create a magnificent picture. Under the joint arrangement of the Federation and the Spirit Pagoda, this towering tower and its surrounding area had been transformed into the core stage of the celebration.
The residents of Mingdu flocked to the streets early in the morning. Among them were ordinary people who had lived there for generations, and soul masters who had come from afar.
Although the Spirit Ice Grand Ceremony was originally established by the Spirit Pagoda to commemorate its First Generation Tower Master, over the long years, this grand event has long transcended its simple commemorative significance. Those Soul Masters who once benefited from the Spirit Pagoda's support are now attending the event with grateful hearts.
Among the people gathered in front of the Spirit Pagoda Square were even people Xie Xie and the others knew from the Eastsea, such as senior "Blue Silver King", brothers Guang Long Guang Biao, Luo Yanglu, and so on.
Many Soul Spirit that had formed contracts with other spirit master families have also temporarily returned to the Spirit Pagoda today.
They either transformed into streaks of light, weaving through the crowds, or drifted in as spirits. From above, the entire city seemed to flow like a galaxy of Soul Power —the crowds on the streets and the flying Soul Spirit hovering in the sky complemented each other, and the metallic luster of the Flying Soul Tool and the primal energy of the Soul Beast shimmered in the sunlight.
The spire of the Spirit Pagoda casts a solemn shadow under the midday sun, while the various Soul Beast and Soul Spirit hovering above it add a lively rhythm to the scene.
"Every time the Spirit Ice Grand Ceremony, I can feel the powerful influence and profound foundation of the Spirit Pagoda."
Wang Hongchen stepped out of the Soul-Guided Flying Vehicle and looked around at the bustling scene, letting out a sigh.
Yi Hongchen followed him out of the flying carriage and, upon hearing this, laughed, "What, are you wary?"
"How could that be? That's ancient history!"
Wang Hongchen rolled her eyes. "I still remember the joke from Thousand Years —various forces, worried that the Spirit Pagoda would become the next Spirit Hall, sent people to investigate Spirit Pagoda secrets, only to find a plan to help ordinary soul masters."
"The Spirit Pagoda used an open strategy; by now, they are an inseparable part of the Federation. Otherwise, the Federation wouldn't have gone to such lengths to provide them with convenience during the Spirit Ice Grand Ceremony."
Yi Hongchen smiled slightly, about to say something more, but suddenly saw a figure in her line of sight and stopped in her tracks.
Before anyone knew it, the commotion in the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters plaza gradually subsided. All eyes were now focused on the high platform erected in the center.
As the current master of the Spirit Pagoda, Qian Gu Dong Feng naturally had to give an opening speech for this celebration. Dressed in a white robe, he slowly walked up to the high platform in the square, each step seemingly resonating with the soul power between heaven and earth, causing the surrounding space to tremble slightly.
"Distinguished guests," the voice of Qian Gu Dong Feng resounded throughout the plaza through his Soul Power, "Today we gather here to commemorate the creator of the Spirit Pagoda — Spirit Ice Douluo."
"Ten Thousand Years Ago, the Spirit Ice Ancestor created the Soul Spirit System, resolving the Ten Thousand Years- long blood feud between humans and Soul Beast."
His gaze swept across the crowd below, lingering a moment longer on the Soul Spirit standing shoulder to shoulder with humanity. "The peaceful and prosperous world we see today is a testament to his life's work..."
The opening remarks of "The Qian Gu Dong Feng" didn't take too long, only about ten minutes. First, it talked about the history of the Spirit Pagoda and its First Generation Tower Master; second, it talked about its current prosperity; and finally, it looked forward to the future.
"... Now, as we stand here, we are witnessing not only the inheritance of history, but also the continuation of the future."
His voice paused slightly, then he said loudly:
"Now, I declare— the Spirit Ice Grand Ceremony officially begins!"
As soon as the words fell, the entire Spirit Pagoda suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, swirling and dancing in the sky. Brilliant bands of Soul Power intertwined into a net, and soul-guided fireworks around the square rose into the air, exploding in brilliant colors. Cheers swept across the entire area like a tidal wave.
(End of this chapter)