Qian Gu Dong Feng wanted to step down
Of course, while they unconditionally obeyed their ancestors' orders, Qian Gu Dong Feng and Qian Gu Die Ting did not lose their minds and learned more about the situation of the Dou Ling Continent and the Holy Spirit Cult.
They had wanted to ask these questions before, and now they finally had the opportunity.
Yu Guanzhi and Wang Hongchen, having recovered from the shock of Huo Yuhao's plan to lead the experts of the Spirit Pagoda to attack the Dou Ling Continent, answered their questions one by one.
After hearing the various intelligence reports from the Devil Emperor, especially regarding the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array, Qian Gu Dong Feng couldn't help but gasp in astonishment, "I never imagined that those Evil Spirit Master would actually complete such an array."
Upon hearing this, Yu Guanzhi immediately turned his gaze to him, and the former frowned and said, "Qian Gu Majesty, you knew about this kind of formation before?"
"Yes, that's right, I know." Qian Gu Dong Feng nodded frankly, without hiding anything. "When the Execution Department was clearing out the strongholds of Evil Spirit Master in the early years, they seized some ancient book fragments, which contained part of the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array. However, the information on those books was incomplete, and I thought it was just the fantasy of those madmen before they were Destruction by the Federation. I didn't expect that the Holy Spirit Cult actually designed such an array and is still implementing it."
He paused, his tone tinged with complexity. "To tread upon the corpses of millions, to slaughter one and become a god—that's truly audacious."
Huo Yuhao glanced at Qian Gu Dong Feng with a slightly strange look in his eyes.
Lost in thought, Qian Gu Dong Feng suddenly snapped back to reality, looked at his ancestor, and said solemnly, "My elder brother has studied some materials on the Evil Martial Soul and the Holy Spirit Cult, and seems to have something he wants to do, so I have also been paying attention to this matter."
He assumed that Huo Yuhao was looking at him because he doubted Huo Yuhao's motives for looking at the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array information. After all, why would a Tower Master look at the information left behind by Evil Spirit Master? Obviously, he had some purpose.
Surely they can't just be bored?
If his ancestors believed he had considered such a method of becoming a god, he would be in deep trouble. So he could only use his elder brother as a scapegoat, since it was the truth anyway.
However, Qian Gu Dong Feng was overthinking things. The reason Huo Yuhao looked at him was actually quite simple: he was able to see and memorize such obscure information in ancient books in advance, and he could recall it immediately at the crucial moment, which showed that he had some of the qualities of a "Douluo passerby".
However, he still can't compare to the Passionate Douluo in the original novel, who is truly the Great Emperor of the Douluo Continent. In the original novel, upon first hearing the name of the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array, he immediately explained its principles and functions without a single hesitation. That's what's truly impressive.
Thinking of this, Huo Yuhao smiled inwardly and looked away.
As for the strange actions of Qian Gu Dong Feng mentioned by Qian Gu Qingfeng —he knew about this beforehand, or rather, he was the one who orchestrated it.
Douluo 4's experience has proven that Qian Gu Qingfeng is not just a martial arts practitioner, but also a top-notch technology researcher.
Such qualities should not be wasted. Allowing him to unleash his potential in brain development early on is far more valuable than having a Limit combatant.
So, he spoke with Qian Gu Qingfeng, and it seems he successfully piqued the latter's interest in research.
While the group discussed the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array, Wang Hongchen pondered for a moment, and only asked after they had fallen silent, "Your Spirit Ice Crown, do we need the Federation's assistance in attacking Dou Ling?"
Even now, he couldn't help but be shocked by Huo Yuhao's plan. But he had to admit that Spirit Pagoda's forces was indeed a good choice. With the Spirit Pagoda's foundation and strength, it was entirely possible to eradicate the Holy Spirit Cult's branch on the Dou Ling Continent and drive the Holy Spirit Cult's influence out of Dou Ling.
Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao said, "The Dark Department is in charge of the Dou Ling Battle; we may need their assistance in destroying the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array."
The group then discussed the details of the operation in detail. Once everything was settled, Yu Guanzhi and Wang Hongchen got up to take their leave. They could tell that Qian Gu Dong Feng and Qian Gu Die Ting clearly still had matters to discuss with Huo Yuhao regarding the interior of the Spirit Pagoda, so they decided not to join in.
Seeing the two leave, Qian Gu Die Ting stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Spirit Ice Ancestor, now that you have recovered to the True God realm, it is time for you to return to the Spirit Pagoda and assume the position of Tower Master. Everyone in the Spirit Pagoda eagerly awaits your return."
The Qian Gu Dong Feng also chimed in from the sidelines.
Spirit Ice Ancestor has already recovered his True God cultivation. If he does not take over the position of Tower Master soon, who knows what outrageous rumors will emerge once the world learns of his identity, such as that he, Qian Gu Dong Feng, is greedy for power and is occupying his ancestors' legacy and refusing to let go.
He can't bear that charge.
Huo Yuhao picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
"Since you have concerns, you can announce them at the meeting regarding the attack on Dou Ling."
Qian Gu Dong Feng and Qian Gu Die Ting were taken aback at first, then their faces lit up with joy, "Yes!"
Huo Yuhao waved his hand and said, "From now on, the daily affairs of the Spirit Pagoda will still be handled by you and the other high-ranking members of the Spirit Pagoda. Except for major events, there is no need to report to me on every little detail."
He is not far from merging his two lives. After absorbing the essence left by several Quasi-God, he will absorb the Dao fruit of his previous life.
Afterwards, I still need to digest the power fed back from the Undead Plane, the Demon Plane, the Plane Core of the Fiery Emperor, and other resources, so I don't have time to manage the Spirit Pagoda for the time being.
Upon hearing this, Qian Gu Dong Feng and the other person were slightly taken aback, but then they understood that Huo Yuhao intended to temporarily step aside and act as a hands-off manager. They tactfully replied, "Ancestor, rest assured, everyone in the Spirit Pagoda will live up to your trust."
Then, Qian Gu Dong Feng asked one last question.
"Ancestor, will you still need to conceal your identity from the higher-ups of the Spirit Pagoda at that time?"
Although judging from the previous Federation meeting, the ancestor did not intend to continue hiding his identity, the people in the meeting were all under a spell, which prevented the relevant information from being leaked. Therefore, he was still unsure about the ancestor's attitude.
We can't keep it a secret from the higher-ups of the Spirit Pagoda and assume the position of Tower Master as the Spirit Pagoda Douluo, can we? That's not a good idea either.
Huo Yuhao: "It can't be hidden, and there's no need to hide it."
This statement left Qian Gu father and son somewhat puzzled.
Although Qian Gu Dong Feng abdicated so readily and supported Huo Yuhao Huo Yuhao, coupled with the support from Di Tian and Snow Empress, some people will inevitably suspect Huo Yuhao's identity, but surely it shouldn't be impossible to keep it a secret?
"You'll understand when the time comes." Huo Yuhao glanced in the direction of the Extreme North.
The father and Qian Gu exchanged a glance, and although they had doubts, they did not press the matter further.
If our ancestors are willing to reveal their identities, then many things will be much easier.
"Yes, then we two will take our leave first." Qian Gu Die Ting cupped his hands and left the hall with Qian Gu Dong Feng.
The courtyard gate closed, and the sound of their footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Seeing the two leave, Snow Empress approached Huo Yuhao and said meaningfully, "Do you want to awaken them all and have them participate in the battle of the Dou Ling?"
The person she was referring to was naturally a member of the first generation of the Spirit Pagoda.
She had seen Huo Yuhao looking towards the Extreme North just now.
If a former member of the Spirit Pagoda were to appear before the higher-ups, Huo Yuhao's identity would naturally be exposed.
"Not all of it, and not just for the sake of Dou Ling." Huo Yuhao smiled. "The Holy Spirit Cult is not weak, but not strong enough to warrant our full strength."
Even if we say that all the strongest experts have been dispatched, it's impossible to actually transfer all the experts from the Spirit Pagoda. There's no need for that, and it's not realistic. Putting aside other things, someone still needs to stay behind on the Douluo Continent.
Huo Yuhao continued, "I just want to awaken those few who have the potential to become gods on their own, so they can adapt to their bodies and this era, and prepare for their ascension to God Rank. As for the others, let's wait until the Divine Realm is fully established."
Having been Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Years, even God Rank powerhouse like Tang Wulin in the original novel lost his memory. Although Huo Yuhao made many preparations and the seal was secure, after being sealed for Ten Thousand Years, a person who has just awakened will not be in good condition and will need time to adapt. It will take several months for him to recover.
In this state, he is not suitable to participate in the upcoming war with the Dou Ling Continent; at most, he can participate in the final battle with the Abyss.
However, Huo Yuhao awakened their inner selves not so that they would fight.
If all goes well, the Douluo Plane will be upgraded to the Demigod Realm within the next few years. This will allow those who aspire to become gods to awaken now, adapt to their bodies and the times, and further improve themselves. In the future, they will be able to seize the opportunity of the continent's upgrade and reach God Rank on their own.
If he succeeds, he will have fulfilled part of his promise to them.
However, this only applies to those capable of becoming gods on their own. Not everyone who was sealed away possesses the Peak Talent. For those old friends who lack the potential to become gods, unsealing them now would only be a waste of their lifespan. It's better to wait until he has a way to completely change their aptitude, or until he becomes the God King.
The Snow Empress understood his thoughts, smiled gently, and looked at Huo Yuhao: "Then you're going to the Extreme North next, right? I'll go with you."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena's lips twitched slightly, as if she wanted to say something. But then she thought again— Huo Yuhao's trip was to see those old friends who had been Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Years, most of whom had deep connections with the Snow Empress. If she went along, it would seem superfluous and would disturb Huo Yuhao and his old friends from catching up.
Let's leave the time to them.
So she gently suppressed that thought and simply said softly, "You go ahead, I'll take care of things here."
Huo Yuhao stroked her hair, his fingertips brushing against her forehead, and whispered, "Then I'll leave things here in your care for now. We'll be back before the Spirit Pagoda meeting."
Gu Yuena nodded without saying anything more.
Huo Yuhao and Snow Empress exchanged a glance, then disappeared from the spot and headed towards the Extreme North.
Even as they left Mingdu, Huo Yuhao's "reclaiming of his Divine Position" was still gaining momentum.
After Yu Guanzhi and the others left, they encountered familiar Federation officials who questioned them. They did not deliberately conceal anything and truthfully revealed that the person who had regained his Divine Position was Huo Yuhao. The news spread like wildfire among the Titled Douluo and the circles below.
Upon learning of this, Muyue in Heaven Dou City was overjoyed.
As Titled Douluo, he had previously sensed Huo Yuhao's "god-like" power, but he was not certain before; now he was finally certain.
"Our Body Sect has produced a True God!" Muyue paced back and forth in the hall, unable to suppress the smile on his face.
Looking at his expression, Zhen Hua was speechless. "He is a reincarnation of a god, and he will return to his Divine Position sooner or later. Why are you so agitated?"
"I understand." Muyue stopped, his smile undiminished. "But I'm just happy."
Of course he knew that Huo Yuhao was a reincarnation of a god, and he had never doubted that he would eventually recover to the God Rank.
Therefore, he dared not take credit, much less say anything like "I taught a god".
But Huo Yuhao's willingness to acknowledge the Body Sect and accept the identity of the Body Sect disciple was enough to make him happy.
"Alright, alright, whatever makes you happy." Zhen Hua waved his hand, too lazy to argue with him anymore.
He understood Muyue's feelings. When he learned that Gu Yuena was a deity and was willing to acknowledge him as her teacher, his feelings were similar to hers.
However, after realizing that Gu Yuena's divine status would make her difficult to approach, he sadly discovered that although this disciple was good, it seemed that she could not be his successor.
Just as Zhen Hua was feeling melancholy, a message from Gu Yuena completely dispelled his worries, but also raised new concerns.
"Are you sure you want to choose to supply Heaven Forging Metal to Titled Douluo through sales?"
Zhen Hua asked, "But wouldn't this make Heaven Forging Metal exclusive to certain families, or cause it to flow out to the Star Luo Empire and Dou Ling Continent?"
"Teacher, don't forget the price of God-Rank Metal." Gu Yuena, somewhat amused, "A piece of ordinary Heaven Forging Metal is worth at least hundreds of millions of Federal Coin."
The price of God-Rank Metal in the Federation is astronomical. Only a handful of major powers can afford billions of Federal Coin in cash flow, let alone those Titled Douluo. Super Douluo might not be able to afford the God-Rank Metal needed for a complete set of Battle Armor.
This thing cannot possibly be monopolized by any one force; otherwise, it would inevitably go bankrupt.
Regarding the issue of outflow----
"It's hard to say for the Star Luo Empire yet, but Dou Ling won't last much longer," Gu Yuena said calmly.
When she sold the God-Rank Metal, both enemy nations were probably on their last legs. The Holy Spirit Cult still had Old Yi watching over things, so there was no need to worry about it leaking out.
Gu Yuena's words startled Zhen Hua, and various guesses flashed through his mind, but he suppressed them for the time being after hearing Gu Yuena's next words.
"Furthermore, the Spirit Pagoda is a commercial organization, and you've seen how it manages Soul Spirit. Even though Possession Demon infiltrated the Spirit Pagoda before, there hasn't been any leakage of high-level Soul Spirit. I will put God-Rank Metal for sale in the Spirit Pagoda, and their importance level will be raised to the same level as high-level Soul Spirit. The purchase and sale will be strictly controlled, so you don't need to worry."
"I've been worrying too much."
Zhen Hua chuckled with a sigh, "It seems like it won't be long before I can retire."
He paused, recalling a topic Muyue had brought up earlier, "I heard that Huo Yuhao has already returned to his divine form?"
Because they were familiar with each other, he addressed Huo Yuhao without any formality. No pathetic, thick barrier had formed between them.
"----That's how it is." Gu Yuena said hesitantly, thinking of Huo Yuhao's condition.
Becoming a god?
No, that was the enhancement from the Battle Armor, but the Battle Armor provides a normal boost, so it does indeed qualify as godhood.
Zhen Hua laughed and said, "Then it seems I'll have to offer my congratulations later."
Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena smiled slightly, as if remembering something, "Yuhao is about to become the Tower Master, a double celebration."
Zhen Hua was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "This—it truly is a double celebration."
He never imagined that in just over a decade, Huo Yuhao would be about to sit in that position.
Hua Yichen hadn't expected this either.
He was still happy for Huo Yuhao's "recovery" of the God Realm and for his own discerning eye, but unexpectedly he heard from headquarters that Qian Gu Dong Feng was planning to step down and that Huo Yuhao was about to become the Tower Master.
However, aside from his initial surprise, he didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
By now, news of the Blood God Legion's actions had already spread among the upper echelons of the Federation: Huo Yuhao's capture of the Holy Spirit Cult's high-ranking Devil Emperor, his rescue of the Heaven Blessed Douluo, his killing of the Fiery Emperor, and his head-on confrontation with the Abyssal Sage King —each and every one of these feats was enough to leave any Limit Douluo in the dust.
Even disregarding Huo Yuhao's identity, his undeniable achievements—such as exposing the Possession Demon a few years ago, killing the Fiery Emperor, and dealing with the Devil Emperor —are enough to justify his position.
Moreover, he was originally a god, and now he has regained his True God. With such a great god by his side, the Qian Gu Pagoda Master would probably feel uncomfortable sitting in that position.
"This time, the Spirit Pagoda is about to undergo a complete upheaval."