Remembering days gone by

On the Extreme North, Snow Empress City.

Pedestrians strolled along the streets forged from ice and snow, and occasionally, Soul Beast could be seen hurrying by. Mixed with the calls of vendors from distant shops, a lively yet peaceful scene of everyday life unfolded.

Huo Yuhao and Snow Empress walked side by side on the snow-covered street, the snow crunching under their feet.

"You haven't been here in a long time," Snow Empress suddenly said.

"Yes, it's been a long time since I've been back," Huo Yuhao replied softly, looking at the unfamiliar city before him with a face full of emotion.

Ten thousand years ago, he lived here for a long time. Back then, Snow Empress City was not as big as it is now, and there weren't as many people. It wasn't even called Snow Empress City back then.

This is the original headquarters of the Spirit Pagoda.

He and the first generation of members of the Spirit Pagoda established themselves here, and after spreading the reputation of the Spirit Pagoda, the place gradually gained popularity and became a settlement where humans and Soul Beast lived together. Later, the relationship between humans and Soul Beast became more and more harmonious, and more and more residents moved here. The city was expanded several times and was eventually named Snow Empress City by the Federation to express respect for the Lord of the Extreme North.

Huo Yuhao still remembers that he studied Soul Guidance Array here, received training from the Soul Beast of the Extreme North, and talked all night with the first generation of members of the Spirit Pagoda.

For him, the Extreme North was never just "the Extreme North." It was his former home.

"What are you thinking about?" Snow Empress's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Thinking about the past." Huo Yuhao pulled himself out of his thoughts, a smile appearing on his lips. "I still remember how those guys were when they were first brought here, all of them unwilling, but forced to behave themselves because of your intimidation."

Upon hearing this, Snow Empress also revealed a slight smile.

She vividly remembered the scene Huo Yuhao described.

The initial team of the Spirit Pagoda was mostly assembled by them through underhanded tactics in Mingdu.

While some people did indeed receive favors from her and Huo Yuhao and were willing to do so afterward, the situation was quite different for many others.

Walking down the street, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of my head, then everything went black. When I opened my eyes again, there stood the ruler of the Extreme North, a Limit Douluo- level being, staring at me. What kind of psychological trauma is this?

Having had such an experience, it's no wonder they're not willing to do it.

but----

"They were ultimately won over." Snow Empress looked at Huo Yuhao and smiled.

"It's about catering to their interests. If they yearn to advance further in Soul Tool research, I can provide ideas. If they crave breakthroughs in soul master strength, your guidance will always be effective."

Huo Yuhao smiled slightly.

Although his cultivation level was still low at the time and his expertise in Soul Tool was insufficient, he had various Soul Tool ideas from later generations and also had soul tool talent, which always gave the Soul Engineer who were "invited" some surprises. Over time, he won people's hearts.

As for Soul Masters, there's not much to say. The Snow Empress was one of the few Limit powerhouses Ten Thousand Years Ago, a legend that many people never had the chance to see in their entire lives.

Regardless of whether she is human or not, who wouldn't want to receive a word of guidance from her? Even a casual remark from her could save someone years of detours. This temptation is something virtually no Soul Master can resist.

Of course, another important point is that the people he initially sought out were all people he was familiar with.

He knew their personalities well, so it was even easier for him to cater to their preferences.

"Oh, so you were just trying to please me back then?" Snow Empress suddenly moved closer to Huo Yuhao and asked with a smile.

"Um—" Huo Yuhao smiled helplessly, "I guess so."

Snow Empress's eyes flickered. "Actually, I was quite wary of you at first."

Huo Yuhao's eyes flickered slightly.

"A human who knows everything about my personality, my background, and even the secrets of the Extreme North I didn't know about." The Snow Empress looked at him, a smile playing on her lips. "If you were in his shoes, wouldn't you be wary? But you proved with your actions that you were harmless to the Extreme North, and then—"

At this point, Snow Empress paused, then smiled slightly and said no more.

She looked around the city, then changed the subject.

"Actually, it might be better to name this place of origin after your Titled Douluo."

"That wouldn't be ideal. You've guarded this place for Ten Thousand Years, and as the largest city in the Extreme North, naming it after you better reflects the Spirit Pagoda's philosophy."

The Snow Empress didn't reply, but simply said softly, "Let's go to the Spirit Pagoda."

Huo Yuhao snapped out of his daze and nodded.

The two walked through the main street toward the city center. Many pedestrians along the way recognized Snow Empress, and some also recognized Huo Yuhao, and they all stopped to pay their respects.

Faced with those gazes, some excited and some admiring, they did not stop, but simply nodded slightly in response.

The two arrived at the Extreme North Spirit Pagoda and entered. Xiao Bai, having received the news earlier, was already waiting in the hall.

"Yuhao, you've finally arrived in the Extreme North." Xiao Bai looked at Huo Yuhao happily.

Huo Yuhao smiled and nodded.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Snow Empress spoke up, "Xiao Bai, we're going to a secret chamber on the first basement level. You stay here and guard it. No one is allowed to approach us until we come out."

Xiao Bai's expression turned serious. "I understand."

The secret chamber on the first basement level has been a forbidden area since the first member was "buried" there, and only the Snow Empress and a very few others know its secrets. As Soul Beast who often temporarily takes over the role of Tower Master for the Snow Empress, Xiao Bai naturally knows about these secrets of the Extreme North Spirit Pagoda.

He didn't ask any more questions, stepped aside, and watched Huo Yuhao and Snow Empress walk through the hall and head towards the underground corridor.

The corridor was deep and secluded, with protective Magic Array carved on the ice walls on both sides, as well as many defensive and offensive Soul Tool. However, upon sensing the Snow Empress, those Magic Array and Soul Tool fell silent, like sleeping guards who had concealed their sharpness before their monarch.

Huo Yuhao's footsteps and Snow Empress's footsteps echoed each other in the silence, one heavy and one light, yet they surprisingly matched perfectly.

The stairs descend, and the further down you go, the colder the air and the dimmer the light.

Upon reaching the final set of steps, the only light came from the faint array patterns on the ice wall. Huo Yuhao's Spiritual Eye brightened slightly; the darkness was as clear as day to him. The door to a secret chamber lay ahead, its heavy ice crystal doors engraved with the emblem of the Spirit Pagoda, exuding solemnity and reverence.

The Snow Empress raised her hand and lightly touched the emblem with her fingertip. The ice crystal door slid open silently, and a silence that had been dormant for Ten Thousand Years rushed out.

Inside the sealed chamber, dozens of ice crystal coffins were neatly arranged. In each coffin lay a person, their face serene, as if they were merely asleep, rather than having been Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Years.

On the ground, countless magical patterns spread like vines, connecting each ice crystal coffin together, with a soft, ethereal blue light flowing within the patterns.

This was set up by Huo Yuhao and Electrolux together to preserve the life of the person in the coffin, nourish their soul and body, and truly stop their Life at the moment they were Ice Seal.

It doesn't extend lifespan; it's similar to divine sources, allowing those with remaining lifespan to peacefully fall into a deep sleep without depleting too much of their Life essence.

Huo Yuhao stood at the door, his gaze sweeping over the sleeping faces one by one.

"Whom do you plan to awaken?" Snow Empress asked.

"It's naturally the three of them."

Huo Yuhao's gaze was fixed on the figures in the three ice coffins. He waved his hand, and the ice coffins cracked, quickly turning into ice shards and disappearing into the air.

Then, Huo Yuhao raised his hand and gestured, continuously injecting rich Life energy into the three of them.

Ten Thousand Years Ago, in the Extreme North, on an ice plain where wind and snow howled.

Huo Yuhao released the Emperor Sword from his hand, his breathing slightly rapid, but his condition was still quite good. Ji Juechen, on the other hand, knelt on one knee, his chest heaving violently, and his hand holding the sword trembling slightly.

"You lost." Huo Yuhao calmed his breathing. "Now, are you willing to stay?"

Ji Juechen raised his head, his expression still cold and expressionless. He didn't answer immediately, but stared at Huo Yuhao for a long time before looking down at the sword in his hand, as if he was thinking about something.

"What will we gain if we stay?" The question wasn't posed by Ji Juechen, but by a figure who had rushed to Ji Juechen's side through the wind and snow.

Jing Ziyan, dressed in purple with her long hair flowing in the wind, helped Ji Juechen up and looked at Huo Yuhao with a cold gaze.

"Become stronger, and I can promise you Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring."

"You promised us Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring in the Soul Beast's habitat? Would Senior Snow Empress agree? Or did you get her permission?" Jing Ziyan's expression was somewhat strange, as if to say, "I know you're a kept man, but I didn't expect you to be a kept man to this extent."

"The Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring I'm talking about doesn't require the Soul Beast to pay with its Life."

95

Huo Yuhao shook his head, then had Ice Empress reveal herself, showcasing her so-called Soul Spirit and Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring. (This was during the Mingdu Tournament; research on Soul Spirit had already yielded some results.)

Seeing Jing Ziyan's surprised expression, Huo Yuhao said softly, "With the development of soul guidance technology and the increase in the number of soul masters, the living space for Soul Beast will become smaller and smaller. Perhaps one day, Soul Beast will disappear from the Douluo Continent. This would be a catastrophic disaster for Soul Beast, and the same goes for soul masters who need Soul Ring."

"Therefore, I plan to establish an organization called the Spirit Pagoda, and cooperate with the leaders of various Soul Beast settlements to promote Soul Spirit. This will benefit both Soul Beast and spirit masters. And if you are willing to join, as elders of the Spirit Pagoda, you will naturally be the first to obtain the opportunity to Soul Spirit Contract."

"This----"

Jing Ziyan hadn't expected Huo Yuhao's motives to be so noble. "Aren't you from the Extreme North? Senior Snow Empress and the other Ferocious Beast are also very strong. How can you be so pessimistic about the fact that Soul Beast will become extinct sooner or later? Moreover, becoming Soul Spirit means losing freedom to some extent. Would Snow Empress agree to let the Soul Beast of the Extreme North become Soul Spirit?"

"Since ancient times, it has been difficult for Soul Beast to become gods; it is mostly humans who have achieved godhood. If Soul Beast wants to become a god, it must transform into a human. With human deities watching over the Divine Realm, if humans and Soul Beast clash, the Soul Beast will always be the first to Destruction."

Huo Yuhao's tone was somber, "If the two sides don't clash, what awaits the Soul Beast is a slow death. Soul Beast only have talent, not civilization. As soul guidance technology becomes more and more advanced, the Ten Great Fierce Beasts will one day be unable to truly threaten humanity."

"This is a future that anyone with a bit of foresight can see. Promoting Soul Spirit is a path that will allow Soul Beast to continue to thrive in the Extreme North. The Snow Empress understands this, which is why she has agreed."

At this point, Huo Yuhao looked at Jing Ziyan and smiled slightly, "So, putting everything else aside, you will have the opportunity to obtain powerful Soul Spirit in the Extreme North in the future. So, what is your choice?"

hiss----

Jing Ziyan gasped inwardly, feeling her heart skip a beat.

It has to be said that she was indeed tempted after hearing all this.

The main reason is that Huo Yuhao does indeed possess Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and has the backing of a Limit Douluo, making his words highly credible.

Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring! That's something that even Rank Nine Soul Engineer in the Sun Moon Empire rarely have. She never imagined she would have such an opportunity.

If she were to obtain Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, a soul master of her caliber would have the qualifications to challenge for the Super Douluo.

Who could easily resist such a temptation?

However, she resisted the temptation and did not answer, turning her gaze to Ji Juechen.

Ji Juechen then looked up at Huo Yuhao, his eyes burning with fervor, "What was that sword strike called just now?"

Huo Yuhao: "The Emperor Sword — Ice Ultimate Supremacy —was taught to me by the Snow Empress."

"In other words, that sword strike could be even stronger?"

Ji Juechen's eyes lit up. "Then I'll stay, but you have to spar with me."

Jing Ziyan sighed and rubbed her forehead, but said nothing more.

Although Huo Yuhao had a bit of a headache, he still nodded. "Okay, sure, but you don't have to keep an eye on me. When the opportunity arises, I'll take you to see even stronger Sword Dao."

"Whose Sword Dao?"

"Beast God, Di Tian."

Several years later, Ji Juechen did indeed see Di Tian's Sword Dao as he wished, and his own Sword Dao also became stronger with the passage of time, but he always felt that something was missing.

Just then, Huo Yuhao appeared before him and asked, "Jue Chen, do you want to become a god and comprehend a stronger Sword Dao?"

"I want to, but I can't." Ji Juechen shook his head honestly.

"Since you want to, I have a way, but you'll need to take your family to a very far place."

"Where?"

"Future!"

"The Spirit Pagoda?"

The blonde, blue-eyed, and stunningly beautiful girl looked up at Huo Yuhao, a hint of hesitation flashing in her azure eyes.

She recalled everything that had happened a few days ago—it was Huo Yuhao who told her the truth about the collusion between the Holy Spirit Cult and the Sun Moon Empire; it was Huo Yuhao who stood before her with the victimized girl named Nana, using bloody facts to prove the rampant presence of Evil Spirit Master in Mingdu.

It was Huo Yuhao who brought her out of the den of dragons and tigers in Mingdu, allowing her to escape with her life in the deadly trap set by the Holy Spirit Cult Sect during the Mingdu Tournament.

A life-saving grace is as heavy as Qian Jun.

Ye Guyi hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay, I'm willing to join. But—could I just register my name first? Evil Spirit Master are so rampant, I want to go—"

"You still want to take action and eliminate them?" Huo Yuhao's eyes were strange. "I remember you already revealed your Martial Soul during the Mingdu Tournament, right?"

"So what?" Ye Guyi was taken aback and looked at him in confusion.

Huo Yuhao looked at her with pity.

"I'm sorry, it was my mistake to have high expectations of the angels' intelligence."

Knowing full well that he was facing Evil Spirit Master, and that there were also powerful Evil Spirit Master behind the opponent, Ye Guyi still dared to reveal her Angel Martial Soul to provoke hatred, clearly completely ignoring the special nature of the Angel Martial Soul.

In a sense, the Angel Martial Soul is the greatest nemesis and the most conspicuous target for Evil Spirit Master.

Her rushing forward wasn't to vanquish evil or uphold justice; it was like sending a lamb to the slaughter.

Huo Yuhao's gaze and words deeply stung Ye Guyi.

What does this sentence mean? Is she stupid? Are people from the angelic lineage stupid?

Ye Guyi was immediately enraged and attacked.

Huo Yuhao also felt that his "truth" was too hurtful. After suppressing the girl, he changed his words, which made her temporarily give up the idea of leaving the world and completely join the Spirit Pagoda, becoming the Sword God of Shili Slope.

After all, a living Angel Martial Soul is the nemesis of Evil Spirit Master; a dead one is nothing.

In conclusion, despite their unpleasant experiences, Ye Guyi was among the most enthusiastic to join the Spirit Pagoda.

When Huo Yuhao brought up the topic of gods, her answer was also very simple.

"I want to restore the glory of the Angel God and eliminate Evil Spirit Master from this world. If you have a way to do that, I'm willing."

"Then go find Snow Empress after I leave."

Su Tong felt that when she met her teacher while hunting Soul Beast, she should have realized that she had been tricked.

Unfortunately, it was too late to realize this. By the time they came to their senses, they had already become disciples of a teacher younger than themselves and boarded the pirate ship of the Spirit Pagoda.

Not only did he have to handle the funeral arrangements for his teacher who faked his death Ten Thousand Years Ago, but Ten Thousand Years later he also has to face the teacher he himself had slandered. What kind of torture is this?

Looking at the figure before her, Su Tong, the Frost Douluo who had prepared before falling asleep, couldn't help but sigh, but a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips, and her eyes were glistening.

"Teacher, it's been a long time."

For her, it had been a really long time since she had seen Huo Yuhao.

Even though she had a vague suspicion back then that Huo Yuhao hadn't really died, she couldn't be sure until she saw it with her own eyes.

Ah, it's been Ten Thousand Years!

Huo Yuhao looked at the three figures who had just awakened and smiled gently.