Ling Zichen's parents frowned when they saw their daughter bringing an outsider, and were about to say something, but the sudden eruption of the source interrupted their thoughts.
"Get back! Activate the protective barrier!" Ling Chentao, Ling Zichen's father, shouted sharply, at the same time dashing toward the control panel behind him.
But it was already too late. Before he could even finish speaking, the dark red liquid metal had already expanded. Spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the container's surface. Amidst the blinding white light, a violent energy storm instantly swept outward.
Ling Zichen watched her parents, who were within the explosion range, frozen. Her thoughts stalled, turning blank.
Just at this critical moment, Huo Yuhao teleported in front of the energy storm. A golden light surged in his eyes.
A curtain of starlight instantly rose.
The brilliant starry barrier, like a poured-out galaxy, completely blocked the violent energy storm. As specks of starlight flowed, it held the terrifying energy, enough to destroy the entire laboratory, at bay in a corner.
A sense of relief washed over all the researchers' hearts. Taking advantage of this time, they hurriedly activated the defensive soul tool array.
With the harsh sound of machinery, dozens of silver light pillars rose around the laboratory, weaving into a huge energy network that completely blocked the runaway energy in a corner. The others took the opportunity to quickly retreat. Only Huo Yuhao remained inside the energy barrier to block it and did not withdraw in time.
Ling Chentao, his forehead covered in cold sweat, rushed to the control panel and said in a deep voice, "Activate the energy stabilizer. Begin absorbing the overflow energy!"
Energy stabilizers appeared on the floor and ceiling within the energy barrier, beginning to process the burst of energy.
Huo Yuhao's starlight curtain perfectly complemented the soul tool array, managing to control this disaster, which could have destroyed the entire research institute, within a controllable range.
However, just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief,
Crack!
A sharp sound came. The people were shocked to find that the center of the locked energy mass began to contract violently, then suddenly expanded.
"Oh no! It's going to a second burst!" Ling Zichen snapped back to the present and cried out, "Huo Yuhao, get back here!"
The laboratory's emergency lighting instantly turned crimson. Alarms blared. 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 her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. Only after confirming he was safe did her tight shoulders relax slightly.
She instinctively glanced toward her parents. Her father was quickly adjusting parameters on the control panel. Her mother was commanding the researchers to assist. Both of their white coats were stained with charred black marks, metal residue splattered during the explosion.
Her heart suddenly thumped heavily. If not for Huo Yuhao's timely action, those scorch marks would probably not have been stopped on their clothes.
Ling Zichen opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found her throat too dry to make a sound. The flashing red alarm light on the control panel reflected on Huo Yuhao's profile, outlining a certain sharpness into his usually gentle features. This guy, always so calm and nonchalant, had literally stood at the forefront of that devastating and devastating energy storm.
"You are mostly ordinary people. You need to be more careful with safety measures when conducting research." Huo Yuhao looked at the gradually calming Metal Source inside the energy barrier and spoke first. "I should have reminded you of something similar before."
Ling Zichen's parents had originally died in an experimental accident during the research on the first-generation Monomer Forward Circulation Source Core. Tang Sect had given them sixty percent of their resources. They surely had not arranged arrangements safety measures. But no measures were foolproof. This research was inherently dangerous. They had to be even more cautious.
Huo Yuhao thought for a moment, then continued, "You'd better apply for a Three-Word Battle Armor Master-level powerful individual to participate in this research as a safety measure."
Battle Armor Masters held a very high status in the Federation. A Two-Word Battle Armor Master could even become a Archon in a first-tier city like Eastsea. One could imagine their status, let alone a Three-Word Battle Armor Master. To have them participate in such research required the higher-ups to speak.
However, this research was already a money pit. Qiangku Dongfeng had certainly invested a lot. He would probably agree to this proposal.
"..."
Seeing Ling Zichen silently, Huo Yuhao turned his gaze to her and heard her say softly, "...Thank you. We will apply for a Battle Armor Master as a safety measure."
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow, looked her up and down, and nodded slightly.
Just then, Ling Zichen's parents, having finished making arrangements, also walked over and thanked Huo Yuhao.
Ling Chentao's face showed slight fatigue. He reached out and solemnly shook Huo Yuhao's hand. "We owe this to you. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable. On behalf of the researchers here, I thank you."
Ling Zichen's mother, Luo Yao, stood to the side, looking at Huo Yuhao with complicated eyes, wanting to say something but hesitating. Finally, she also said softly, "Thank you."
They all knew Huo Yuhao's identity. He did not belong to this project. He should not have been here. But he had just saved them. Now was not the time for such words.
Huo Yuhao shook his head slightly. "It was nothing."
The laboratory fell silent for a moment, only the hum of the energy stabilizer echoing. Ling Zichen watched the subtle atmosphere between her parents and Huo Yuhao and couldn't help interjecting, "Dad, Mom, Huo Yuhao just suggested that we apply for a Three-Word Battle Armor Master to participate in the research to ensure safety."
Ling Chentao frowned. "This..."
"I think it's very necessary." Ling Zichen's tone was firm. "Today's accident has already proven that relying solely on protective equipment is far from enough."
"...I will apply." Ling Chentao finally nodded.
He actually did not want people who did not understand this research to participate. But today's accident was there for all to see. He himself was willing to devote himself to scientific research. But what if it was his wife and daughter facing the explosion?
Better to be safe.
After a few more exchanges, Ling Zichen suggested that Huo Yuhao observe the experiments. In light of what had just happened, her parents agreed.
After a long while, having observed the experiments, Huo Yuhao took his leave.
Watching him leave, Ling Zichen turned her head and saw her parents looking at her with questioning eyes. She frowned. "What is it?"
"Nothing. It's good that you have contact with him. He is, after all, the next Tower Master."
Ling Chentao did not say much more.
Outside the laboratory, Huo Yuhao stopped and looked back at the closed metal door. He raised his hand. A wisp of lingering energy lingered at his fingertips. He looked thoughtful.
The second secondary burst just now seemed to have been caused by a source that had accidentally completed a cycle. Through this, he had found some ideas. The progress of the source core research could advance further.
Just as Huo Yuhao was thinking about this, Snow Empress's voice sounded in the Sea of Spirit.
"Yuhao, my Ontology has arrived."
Huo Yuhao was slightly taken aback.
The agreed time with Shrek was approaching. Snow Empress had mentioned in advance that she would come, but not today.
Nevertheless, since Snow Empress had come, he was naturally happy.
"Where are you now?"
"Almost at the front door."
Huo Yuhao: "..."
Which front door?
Huo Yuhao left the Spirit Transmission Tower and arrived at the green belt outside his home.
A breeze rustled through the treetops.
Snow Empress stood quietly under a tree, her figure slender and tall, dressed in white as white as snow. She looked quietly at Huo Yuhao, her ice-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, his arms encircling her slender form.
Snow Empress's figure was slender and light, yet carried a resilience like ice and snow. Through the thin fabric of her clothes, he could feel the slightly cool touch of her skin, like snow not yet melted in early spring. Cool, not cold, but instead making one feel fond. Her silver hair was like silk, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance that brushed across his cheek, incredibly soft.
"This time, we'll be troubling you again."
Snow Empress's body stiffened slightly at this sudden action, but upon hearing the words, she quickly relaxed. She leaned gently against him and raised her arms to embrace him back.
Huo Yuhao could feel the slight rise and fall of her chest, and her faint breathing, as light as falling snow in winter.
The night breeze blew. Tree shadows swayed. Moonlight fell on the embracing couple, quiet and tender.
After a long moment, Snow Empress shifted slightly and said softly, "How much longer are you going to hold me?"
Huo Yuhao gently stroked Snow Empress's waterfall-like silver hair, feeling its silky texture, and smiled. "As long as you're willing, I could hold you like this forever."
A tremor passed through Snow Empress's blue eyes. A strange emotion welled up in her heart. She turned her face away, the tips of her ears quietly turning a shade of red. "In the past two years, you've become better and better at sweet-talking. Where did you learn that? My divine consciousness didn't see anything."
Huo Yuhao said softly, "When I'm with you, it just comes out naturally. Because you're always quietly waiting. But it's also time for me to take the initiative."
Hearing this, a ripple appeared in Snow Empress's ice-blue eyes. Following her heart's desire, she lingered with Huo Yuhao for a moment longer before the two separated.
Huo Yuhao released his embrace and took Snow Empress's slightly cool hand. "Since you're here, let me take you to meet Na'er and the others."
"Yes." Snow Empress nodded slightly.
Huo Yuhao led her toward the small building ahead. When they reached the door, he knocked.
Inside, Gu Yuena sensed the presences outside. She was somewhat puzzled.
Yuhao had a key. Why was he knocking?
Thinking this, she glanced at Gu Ruiqiu, who was lounging on the sofa, got up, and opened the door. She peeked her small head out to see what was happening outside.
"Yuhao, your key..."
The moment she saw Snow Empress, Gu Yuena's voice stopped. She instinctively shrank her head back.
What was going on? Why was Snow Empress's body here?
With no preparation at all, had she come knocking on her door?
Gu Yuena's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She took a deep breath and made a decision.
In their first two meetings, she had been suppressed. This time... she would win!
This concerns their status.
She was stronger than Snow Empress. The Star Dou Great Forest was also stronger than the Extreme North. And here, she had home field advantage.
Gu Ruiqiu noticed Gu Yuena's strange behavior. She also stood up and walked over. Seeing Snow Empress outside the door, her eyes lit up. "Snow Empress?! We haven't seen each other since you re-cultivated..."
Gu Ruiqiu and Snow Empress had known each other for a long time. They had a good relationship.
The origin of this friendship was quite interesting.
When Huo Yuhao was lecturing her, Snow Empress would sometimes appear at the right moment, like a considerate big sister, and take her away. To Gu Ruiqiu, this was no different at a rescue. Naturally, she felt deeply grateful to Snow Empress.
"Come in and chat." Gu Ruiqiu invited Snow Empress in, then turned her head and saw Gu Yuena looking at her with a subtle expression. "What is it, little sister Na'er?"
Gu Yuena pressed her lips tightly, looking at her with a deep gaze.
Were you a spy sent by Snow Empress? With you here, what advantage did she have?
With a single "little sister," any coercion and status she had was gone.
Sighing softly, Gu Yuena quickly reignited her fighting spirit.
She could only rely on herself.
"Na'er, sorry to bother you." An ethereal voice sounded in Gu Yuena's ear. Its calm, elegant tone temporarily dispersed her thoughts. She looked up.
Snow Empress, facing her, wore her usual gentle smile. This time, she had even changed her address cordially.
Gu Yuena was slightly taken aback. Snow Empress's "Na'er" sounded flick so natural that she did not know how to respond for a moment. She pressed her lips together. A complex emotion passed through her purple eyes.
"It's nothing."
She said softly, her voice a few degrees gentler than usual. "Please come in."
She had a premonition that any petty behavior would be humiliating to herself. Only by being magnanimous could she gain an advantage.
And this Empress of the Extreme North, with the natural bearing in every move she made, seemed to be the very dignity she longed for?
Snow Empress nodded and walked into the living room with Huo Yuhao.
Gu Ruiqiu, behind them, watched the three, finally sensing that the atmosphere was a bit different. She followed thoughtfully.
She had thought that with the three of them sitting together, some kind of argument might break out. But upon reaching the living room, she found it unexpectedly harmonious.
Gu Yuena and Snow Empress sat on either side of Huo Yuhao, discussing serious matters.
"Did you come for the upcoming trip to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well?"
"Yes." Snow Empress nodded gently. "Who is going from Star Dou?"
"Bear Lord. Originally, the most suitable people were you, him, and Teacher Tianfeng."
Gu Yuena paused at this, then continued, "Have you arranged a place to stay yet?"
A flicker passed through Snow Empress's eyes. She smiled. "Not yet."
"Then stay here. There are still empty rooms." Gu Yuena took a deep breath and said with a calm expression. "We can discuss the follow-up plans in more detail."
Upon hearing this, Snow Empress was slightly surprised, then smiled and nodded. "Alright."
Seeing that the two had reached an agreement, Huo Yuhao spoke up. "Na'er, can you set up a spacetime formation now?"
Gu Yuena actually knew many things. Light and Dark Divine Thunder, spacetime formations, and so on. As a deity, her foundation was definitely qualified. At least, more qualified than most deities.
It was merely that, due to her cultivation level, certain abilities were difficult for her to use.
The spacetime formation she mastered could fine-tune the time flow rate between two independent spaces.
For example, if a spacetime formation could be maintained for three hours in the passage to the Undead Half-Plane, corresponding to seven days inside, then even if one stayed in the Undead Half-Plane for seven days, only three hours would have passed outside.
This was already a Senior Advanced application of the laws of time. In the original, it was used 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 a spacetime formation."
If the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well could not be stripped from the Douluo Star, temporarily made into an independent space, she could not create a difference in time flow between the two sides.
"Leave the spatial isolation to Xue'er and me. Xue'er will isolate the space on the outside. I will temporarily peel off the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's space from the Douluo Star. We can cooperate and experiment over the next few days."
Huo Yuhao paused at this, then added, "Speaking of which, Na'er, do you currently have any comprehension of time?"
Strangely enough, having mastered abilities like the spacetime formation, the original Silver Dragon King herself had no comprehension of time. The one who represented time was the Golden Dragon King. Was that right?
She could utilize a great formation involving time, yet couldn't invoke the corresponding laws? She knew the how but not the why? She had never thought to learn?
Somewhat hard to evaluate...
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