Prologue 1

At this moment, Huo Yuhao had defeated Di Tian, and the Soul Spirits in his Sea of Consciousness were cheering. They had defeated the strongest person on Douluo Continent. Tian Meng was especially excited, shouting, "He kept me imprisoned for so long and sucked away my essence every day. He acted so high and mighty every day, but now wasn't he still defeated by me? Maybe he's crying in the Star Dou Forest right now! Hahaha, Tian Meng is the strongest!"

Ice Empress heard him and immediately pinched Tian Meng with one of her claws. "Did you do it all by yourself? Don't boast so shamelessly."

Tian Meng didn't cry out even after being pinched. Instead, he said with a fawning smile, "Yes, yes, Bingbing is right. Bingbing is the strongest. I can only rank second."

Ice Empress pinched him again. Watching the two of them fool around made everyone very happy. Now, there was no one on Douluo Continent who could stop them.

Huo Yuhao smiled faintly as he watched everyone in his Sea of Consciousness. He was even happier than Tian Meng and the others. He would soon become a god, and he could finally fulfill the promise he had once made to Brother Sky Dream. His hope of seeing his mother again had grown a little stronger. Huo Yuhao thought that if he could see his mother again, he would have to introduce her to Brother Sky Dream and the others. He thought of his Spirit Eyes Martial Soul and Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion Martial Soul; his mother would surely be astonished when she saw them. Huo Yuhao was very happy now, but as he thought about showing his two Martial Souls to his mother in the future, the Gray Figure who had long since disappeared seemed to appear before his eyes again. Huo Yuhao murmured, "Teacher." He thought, There's still Teacher. I also have to revive Teacher and Mom.

The Soul Spirits sensed a disturbance in the Sea of Consciousness and hurriedly asked what had happened. Huo Yuhao merely smiled and replied that nothing was wrong; he was just happy.

Afterward, Rong Nianbing appeared and told Huo Yuhao about the ranks of godhood in the Divine Realm, that his own godhood was First-Level God, and about the God of Emotion. He also told Huo Yuhao who the Divine Realm's main administrators were. When Huo Yuhao heard that Tang Wutong was the daughter of Tang San, one of the Five Great God Kings and the Divine Realm Enforcer who was both Sea God and Asura God, he was somewhat dazed. Rong Nianbing then openly admitted that he had taken advantage of a loophole with Tang San when he chose Huo Yuhao. Tang San had always kept an eye on him in the Divine Realm and had also been testing him all along. Rong Nianbing had contacted Huo Yuhao while Tang San wasn't paying attention. After saying this, Rong Nianbing asked Huo Yuhao, "Are you still willing to accept my Godhood Inheritance?"

Although Huo Yuhao felt that something was off when Rong Nianbing said Tang Wutong was Tang San's daughter, he thought that becoming a god would give him a chance to revive his mother and teacher, so he agreed to Rong Nianbing's offer. After that, Huo Yuhao received the Divine Power of the God of Emotion, while the Soul Spirits received the power of the Seven Emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, love, dislike, and hatred. Then Huo Yuhao ascended to the Divine Realm with Rong Nianbing. As soon as they arrived, a Welcomer was waiting for them. They followed the Welcomer to a blue-haired man. Huo Yuhao recognized him as Sea God Tang San, whose name was often spoken of at Shrek Academy, and stepped forward to bow. "Greetings, Lord Sea God."

Tang San heard him and said expressionlessly, "Newly appointed God of Emotion, once you arrive in the Divine Realm, you must diligently fulfill your divine duties and must not casually interfere with the lower realm. All right, take him away."

Huo Yuhao had just started to say, "Lord Sea God, about Wutong, I..." when Tang San's expression immediately changed, and he said coldly, "You did something so unforgivable to Wutong, and you still have the nerve to mention her in front of me? If you appear before me again, don't blame me for taking action."

Huo Yuhao had just opened his mouth when a powerful force struck him. He felt as if a giant hand were pressing his body toward the ground, and he was unable to speak.

Seeing this, Rong Nianbing hurried forward to stop him. "Tang San, that's enough." Tang San merely smiled and replied, "My daughter was wronged. What's wrong with me, as her father, demanding justice?" Then Tang San withdrew the force pressing down on Huo Yuhao and said to Rong Nianbing with a smile, "All right, take him away."

Huo Yuhao had no choice but to leave. Afterward, Rong Nianbing took him to meet the other four God Kings and the other gods. On the way, Huo Yuhao eagerly asked Rong Nianbing if there was any way to revive the dead. Rong Nianbing replied without hesitation that First-Level Gods had two places for bringing relatives with them; as long as they could find the soul, they could bring it to the Divine Realm. Huo Yuhao was overjoyed when he heard this. His mother and teacher could be revived. Huo Yuhao then asked how to bring souls to the Divine Realm. Rong Nianbing only said there was no need to rush; for now, he should focus on getting familiar with the Divine Realm. Huo Yuhao could only follow him in silence.

Before long, they arrived at the entrance to a Small Courtyard. Huo Yuhao only wanted to finish meeting the gods quickly, then bring his mother and teacher to the Divine Realm. After entering the courtyard, Huo Yuhao saw a couple talking. He had seen their statues in the lower realm; they were God of War Dai Mubai and God of Speed Zhu Zhuqing.

Seeing them, Huo Yuhao hurried forward to bow. "This junior, Huo Yuhao, pays his respects to the God of War and the God of Speed."

Dai Mubai frowned slightly. "Huo Yuhao, you should have been surnamed Dai. Why do you still use the surname Huo?"

Huo Yuhao didn't want to argue about it. He only said, "My mother gave birth to me and raised me. My mother's surname is Huo, so I have the surname Huo. As for the surname Dai, it has nothing to do with me." Huo Yuhao straightened up and met Dai Mubai's gaze. Dai Mubai was furious now. A newly appointed god didn't even show him any respect and was even disassociating himself from the Dai surname. This was far too outrageous. Dai Mubai looked at Huo Yuhao with an amused expression. "Let's see how long you can keep acting tough." Huo Yuhao sensed that something was wrong, but before he could think about what might happen, a voice came from behind him.

"Yuhao?" Huo Yuhao turned at the sound of the voice and saw a woman standing not far away. Her face overlapped with the one in his memories. Huo Yuhao watched as the woman slowly walked toward him, her eyes fixed on him as she spoke with a voice full of excitement and uncertainty. "Yuhao?" Huo Yuhao had imagined many scenes of reuniting with his mother, but none were like this.

Huo Yuhao had thought he would cry when he saw his mother, but now he only wanted to smile at her. He didn't want her to see him crying again. "Mom," Huo Yuhao said to Huo Yun'er with a smile. At that moment, Huo Yuhao no longer wanted to stay in this courtyard. He only wanted to be alone with his mother and spend time together.

Dai Mubai felt that the time had come, so he said to Huo Yuhao, "I know about what happened between you and the Sea God's daughter. If you still want to go alone now, the Sea God absolutely won't agree. Besides, the Sea God is also the Divine Realm Enforcer. You'll have a hard time in the Divine Realm if you offend him. So, think carefully about whether you'll be surnamed Huo or Dai."

Huo Yuhao understood what Dai Mubai meant. He was saying that Huo Yuhao had just arrived in the Divine Realm and had already offended the Sea God. If he still wanted to see Tang Wutong, he would certainly face difficulties from the Sea God. Dai Mubai wanted him to seek his help over this matter and use his relationship with the Sea God to resolve it; in return, Huo Yuhao would have to change his surname and join Dai Mubai's side. Although Huo Yuhao understood that this was a good opportunity to see Tang Wutong again, at that moment a cool sensation arose at the spot on his forehead where his Eye of Destiny was, making him realize a more obvious problem: how had his mother arrived in the Divine Realm?

Huo Yuhao had many questions in his heart, but he still asked Dai Mubai how his mother had come to the Divine Realm. Dai Mubai didn't directly explain the reason. He only said that they would bring his father to the Divine Realm later, so the whole family could reunite. After all, as a First-Level God, Huo Yuhao had two places, which were more than enough.

Huo Yuhao felt his heart sink when he heard this, but he still said, "Thank you, God of War and God of Speed. It's just that I haven't seen my mother in many years and miss her dearly. Please forgive this junior for not being able to stay with you longer. I'd like to talk with my mother."

Dai Mubai's brows drew together deeply when he heard this. He had said so much, and even Huo Yuhao's mother had appeared before him, yet Huo Yuhao still hadn't changed back to the Dai surname and acknowledged his roots as he had expected. Dai Mubai was truly furious now. Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing could only hurriedly smooth things over. "After such a long separation, there are bound to be things they need to say. You should go ahead."

Huo Yuhao heard her and bowed in farewell before leaving with his mother. After Huo Yuhao left, Dai Mubai glared at Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Why did you let him leave so easily? This doesn't fit the Sea God's plan." Zhu Zhuqing could only gently comfort him. "Look at him. How could things go as the Sea God expected? At least he'll have to face the Sea God eventually. He can't keep avoiding Wutong forever. Once he hits a wall with the Sea God, he'll naturally think of what we said today." After hearing this, Dai Mubai could only remain silent.

After leaving, Huo Yuhao hurriedly brought his mother to Rong Nianbing. "Teacher, this is my mother. Can I use one of those two places now?" Rong Nianbing heard him and looked at Huo Yun'er, then at Huo Yuhao. "The Divine Realm Enforcer has the authority to pass judgment. The fact that your mother can appear in the Divine Realm means the Sea God has allowed it. The place has naturally been used. You don't need to tell me anything about it. But if you bring more than two people, someone will come to judge you."

Afterward, Rong Nianbing took Huo Yuhao to the residence the Divine Realm had given him. Then Huo Yuhao invited Rong Nianbing to stay for a meal and try his cooking. Rong Nianbing looked at Huo Yun'er and Huo Yuhao and teased him, "Haven't you been apart from your mother for a long time? On the way here, you must have had a lot to talk about. It wouldn't be very convenient with me here, so I won't disturb you." After saying this, Huo Yuhao escorted Rong Nianbing out of the courtyard.

When Huo Yuhao returned, he sat down with Huo Yun'er. Huo Yun'er looked at Huo Yuhao, still unable to hide her excitement, and her hand unconsciously reached up to touch his head. He, in turn, enjoyed the warmth he hadn't felt for a long time. "Yuhao, you've grown up. You must have suffered a lot to get here. Mom has never been able to do anything for you." "No, Mom, you've done more than enough. Besides, I wasn't alone. I also have my companions. Oh, Mom, let me introduce them to you." As he spoke, Huo Yuhao called the Soul Spirits out and introduced them to Huo Yun'er. "This is Brother Sky Dream, this is Ice Empress, this is Snow Empress, this is Xiao Bai, and these are Octagonal and Li Ya. And this is Evil Lord. Everyone, this is my mother, Huo Yun'er." Huo Yuhao said proudly.

After everyone introduced themselves, Huo Yuhao said, "Mom, I'll go cook. Everyone can try my cooking in a little while." "That's wonderful! Before, I could only watch from inside your Sea of Consciousness and couldn't eat any of it. It made me crave it so much. Now that I've come to the Divine Realm, I can finally taste it too." As Tian Meng spoke, he complained about not being able to eat Huo Yuhao's delicious food before, then told Huo Yun'er that Huo Yuhao's cooking had been praised by everyone on Douluo Continent. Today, he'd finally be able to feast. The other Soul Spirits were also looking forward to it.

Huo Yun'er listened to Tian Meng and looked toward Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, let me help you cook." "No need, Mom. Just have a good chat with Brother Sky Dream and the others. I can handle this little thing by myself." After saying this, Huo Yuhao headed toward the kitchen.

Before long, a sumptuous meal appeared before everyone. Seeing the lavish spread, everyone couldn't help salivating. And for Huo Yun'er, this meal had a special meaning: it was the first time Huo Yuhao had cooked for her. As his mother, Huo Yun'er couldn't help feeling moved. Looking at the son before her, she couldn't help thinking of how she had died when he was young and how many hardships he must have endured along the way. Although she had chatted with Tian Meng earlier, and Tian Meng had said that with their help Huo Yuhao had become a god at the young age of twenty-six, had defeated Di Tian, and was so strong, and that they were all so powerful, Huo Yun'er had still heard how many difficulties Huo Yuhao had faced along the way. Tears welled in her eyes. "Yuhao, Mom is sorry. I couldn't help you at all. You must have suffered so much along the way."

Huo Yuhao only put food into Huo Yun'er's bowl and comforted her. "Mom, don't think that way. How could I have been born into this world without you? When I was young, who else would have protected me and helped me survive in the Duke's Mansion if not you? It was all worth it. You'll always be the best mom." Huo Yuhao used a handkerchief to wipe the tears from his mother's face. "I won't let anyone bully you again." Seeing this, everyone comforted Huo Yun'er as well. Huo Yun'er smiled through her tears. "All right, everyone, hurry up and eat."

After eating and drinking their fill, the Soul Spirits all tacitly returned, leaving Huo Yun'er and her son alone together. "Yuhao, let Mom have a good look at you again." Huo Yun'er caressed Huo Yuhao's face, her reddened eyes carefully studying his features. "Mom, don't be sad. I won't leave you again."

"No, I'm not sad. I'm just... I'm just happy to see you grown up." Although Huo Yun'er had a smile on her face, her voice was still choked with emotion.

"Mom, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. My godhood lets me bring two people to the Divine Realm. You've used one place, but I don't want to use the other for him. I want to save it for my teacher, Elder Yi." Huo Yuhao asked with a nervous heart. He knew how Huo Yun'er felt about Dai Hao, and he was afraid she wouldn't accept it.

"Don't consider my feelings. You have your own decision to make. I also heard about Elder Yi from Tian Meng, and I know you didn't hurt your father down below. That's enough."

"Thank you, Mom. I was afraid you'd still want to be with him and wouldn't agree."

"Silly child, I love him, but I love you more. Yuhao, back at the Duke's Mansion, I waited for him to return. I hoped he could give you a better life, the kind I couldn't give you. I watched your small, thin body, and there was nothing I could do. I wasn't a Soul Master. I had no Soul Power. I was only a servant; even if I left the Duke's Mansion, I wouldn't have been able to support you. There was no safety in the outside world without Soul Power, so all I could do was wait for him to return. But I didn't live to see that day. I could only tell you that I loved him and ask you not to hate him, because he was your father. I was afraid something would happen to you. You were so frail then, and I couldn't teach you anything. I was a servant and had no one I could entrust you to, so all I could hope for was that he would acknowledge you. No matter how much the Duchess tormented me, I was willing to endure it. I only hoped he would come back and acknowledge you. Mom couldn't give you the White Tiger Martial Soul, couldn't give you good talent, and couldn't give you a good life. You had to suffer from childhood. I... I'm sorry, Yuhao." As Huo Yun'er spoke, she began to cry, as if everything had been her fault and she had made Yuhao suffer so much.

Huo Yuhao hurriedly wiped away Huo Yun'er's tears. "Mom, none of this is your fault. You've done more than enough for me. The Duchess is already dead, so don't be sad and cry anymore. I'll always be by your side from now on."

Huo Yun'er listened to Huo Yuhao's comforting words and stopped being sad. "My Yuhao has grown up. He knows how to comfort people now."

Huo Yuhao smiled at Huo Yun'er. "Everything will be all right, Mom."