Of course, while they unconditionally followed the Ancestor's command, Qianku Dongfeng and Qianku Dicing hadn't lost their senses. They asked for detailed information about the Douling Continent and the Holy Spirit Cult's situation.
They'd wanted to ask these questions earlier, 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 Spirit Transmission Tower's experts in attacking the Douling Continent, answered their questions one by one.
After hearing the intelligence from the Demon Emperor—especially about the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array—Qianku Dongfeng couldn't help clicking his tongue. "I didn't expect those evil soul masters to have actually completed such a formation."
At this, Yu Guanzhi turned his gaze to him. "Lord Qianku, you knew about this formation before?"
"Yes, I did." Qianku Dongfeng nodded openly. "When the Execution Department cleared out evil soul master strongholds in the past, they seized some ancient fragmentary texts. The Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array was mentioned in them. But the information was incomplete, and I thought it was just the delusion of those madmen before their destruction by the Federation. I never expected the Holy Spirit Cult to have actually designed it and be putting it into practice."
He paused, his tone complex: "Trampling over millions of corpses to kill and become a deity—they really dare to dream."
Huo Yuhao gave Qianku Dongfeng a somewhat peculiar look.
Snapping back from his reverie, Qianku Dongfeng noticed the Ancestor's gaze and straightened, saying seriously, "My elder brother has studied evil martial souls and some Holy Spirit Cult materials—he seemed to have some purpose in mind—so I've also paid attention to this area."
He assumed Huo Yuhao was questioning his motives for researching the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array. After all, why would a Tower Master bother studying texts left by evil soul masters? Clearly, he had some purpose.
It couldn't be just boredom, could it?
If the Ancestor thought he'd considered this path to godhood, he'd be in serious trouble, so he could only use his elder brother as a shield—which was, in fact, the truth.
But Qianku Dongfeng was overthinking. Huo Yuhao's reason for looking at him was simple: this obscure information, he had not only seen in ancient texts and remembered, but could recall at a critical moment—showing a certain "Douluo bystander" quality.
Though he still couldn't compare to the Romantic Douluo from the original story—that was the true Douluo Bystander Emperor. When first hearing the name of the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array, Romantic Douluo had casually explained its principles and effects without a hitch—that was truly impressive.
Huo Yuhao chuckled inwardly and looked away.
As for Qianku Dongfeng mentioning Qianku Qingfeng's peculiar activities—he already knew about that. In fact, he had been the one to set it in motion.
Soul Land IV's experience had proven that Qianku Qingfeng wasn't just a combatant—he was also a top-tier technical researcher.
Such talent shouldn't be wasted. Having him develop his potential in brain domain research early on was far more valuable than having another Limit-level combatant.
So he'd sent someone to talk with Qianku Qingfeng, and it seemed he'd successfully sparked the other's research interest.
While they were discussing the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Array, Wang Hongchen pondered for a moment, then asked, "Lord Spirit-Ice, does the Federation need to assist in the attack on Douling?"
Even now, he was still shaken by Huo Yuhao's plan. But he had to admit, the Spirit Transmission Tower deploying all its forces was indeed a good choice. With its foundation and strength, it could completely eliminate the Holy Spirit Cult's Douling branch and drive the Cult's forces out of the Douling Continent.
Huo Yuhao said, "The Dark Department is handling operations on Douling. They may need to assist in destroying the Blood River God-Slaying Grand Arrays when the time comes."
They discussed the operational details thoroughly. Once everything was settled, Yu Guanzhi and Wang Hongchen rose to take their leave. They could see that Qianku Dongfeng and Qianku Dicing still had internal Spirit Transmission Tower matters to discuss with Huo Yuhao, so they wouldn't intrude.
After they left, Qianku Dicing stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Spirit-Ice Ancestor, now that you've recovered to the true deity level, it's time for you to return to the Spirit Transmission Tower and assume the Tower Master position. The entire Tower longs for your return."
Qianku Dongfeng echoed his support.
If the Spirit-Ice Ancestor had already recovered his true deity cultivation and still didn't take the Tower Master position, once the world learned his identity, all sorts of absurd rumors would surface—like Qianku Dongfeng being greedy for power, clinging to the Ancestor's legacy and refusing to let go.
That was a burden he couldn't bear.
Huo Yuhao took a sip of tea.
"Since you're concerned, we can announce it at the meeting before the Douling attack."
Qianku Dongfeng and Qianku Dicing were momentarily stunned, then beamed. "Yes!"
Huo Yuhao waved his hand. "After that, the Tower's day-to-day affairs will still be handled by you and the other higher-ups. Except for major matters, there's no need to report every detail to me."
He was not far from merging his two lifetimes' cultivation. After absorbing the origins of the several quasi-divines, he would absorb his past life's attainment.
After that, he would need to digest the feedback from the Undead Plane, the Demon Plane, the Blazing Emperor's Plane Core, and other resources—he wouldn't have time to manage the Spirit Transmission Tower for a while.
Understanding that Huo Yuhao planned to be an absentee leader for a time, Qianku Dongfeng and the others said tactfully, "Rest assured, Ancestor. The Spirit Transmission Tower will prove worthy of your trust."
Then Qianku Dongfeng asked one final question.
"Ancestor, should we continue to conceal your identity from the Tower's higher-ups?"
Though from the previous Federation meeting it seemed the Ancestor had no intention of continuing to hide his identity, everyone present had been placed under restrictions, so the news hadn't spread. He still wasn't sure of the Ancestor's stance.
They couldn't very well keep hiding it from the Tower's higher-ups and assume the Tower Master position as the Spirit Transmission Douluo, could they? That wasn't a good idea either.
Huo Yuhao: "It can't be hidden, and there's no need to hide it."
This puzzled the father and son.
Though Qianku Dongfeng's eager resignation and support for Huo Yuhao, combined with the backing of Emperor Tian and Snow Empress, would certainly make people suspect Huo Yuhao's identity—it shouldn't be impossible to hide, right?
"You'll understand when the time comes." Huo Yuhao glanced toward the Extreme North.
The father and son exchanged a look. Though confused, they didn't press further.
As long as the Ancestor was willing to reveal his identity, many things would become easier.
"Yes, then we'll take our leave." Qianku Dicing cupped his hands and withdrew with his son.
The courtyard gate closed, and their footsteps faded into the distance.
Watching them go, Snow Empress came to Huo Yuhao's side and said meaningfully, "You want to awaken them all and have them join the Douling battle?"
She was referring to the Spirit Transmission Tower's first-generation members.
She'd seen his glance toward the Extreme North.
If those original members appeared before the Tower's higher-ups, Huo Yuhao's identity would naturally be impossible to conceal.
"Not all of them, and not for Douling." Huo Yuhao smiled. "The Holy Spirit Cult isn't weak, but it's not enough to require our full strength."
Saying "all experts deployed" didn't mean he'd actually mobilize every Tower expert. That was unnecessary and unrealistic. Someone had to stay behind on the Douluo Continent, after all.
Huo Yuhao continued, "I just want to awaken those few who have the potential to become deities on their own, let them adapt to their bodies and this era, and prepare to challenge the divine level. As for the others, we'll wait until the Divine Realm is fully established."
After being frozen for ten thousand years, even a divine-level expert like Tang Wulin in the original story had lost his memories. Though Huo Yuhao had made extensive preparations and the seals were secure, those just awakened from ten thousand years of slumber would still be in poor condition—they needed time to adjust, and wouldn't recover for months.
In that state, they weren't suited for the upcoming Douling battle—at most, they could participate in the final battle against the Abyss.
But that wasn't why Huo Yuhao was awakening them.
If everything went smoothly, the Douluo Plane would be elevated to a semi-divine realm within the next few years. Having those who could become deities awaken now, adapt to their bodies and the era, and improve a bit more would allow them to seize the opportunity of the plane's elevation and step into the divine level on their own.
If successful, he would have fulfilled part of his promise to them.
But this only applied to those capable of becoming deities on their own. Not all the frozen ones had Limit-level potential. Those without godhood potential would gain nothing from awakening now except wasted lifespan. Better to wait until he had a way to fundamentally change their aptitudes—or until he became a God King.
Snow Empress understood his intentions. Her smile gentle, her gaze resting on him, she said, "Then you'll be going to the Extreme North next, won't you? I'll come with you."
Gu Yuena's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something. But then she reconsidered—Huo Yuhao was going to see old friends frozen for ten thousand years, most of whom had deep ties to Snow Empress. Her presence would be redundant and would interrupt their reunion.
Better to leave them the time.
So she set that thought aside and said softly, "Go ahead. I'll handle things here."
Huo Yuhao stroked her hair, his fingers brushing her temple. "Then I'll leave things here to you for now. We'll be back before the Tower meeting."
Gu Yuena nodded without another word.
Huo Yuhao exchanged a look with Snow Empress, then they vanished, heading for the Extreme North.
While they were away from Mingdu, the impact of Huo Yuhao's "return to the divine seat" continued to spread.
After Yu Guanzhi and the others left, they encountered Federation officials they knew and didn't deliberately hide the news—they truthfully revealed that the one who had returned to the divine seat was Huo Yuhao. The news spread like wildfire through Title Douluo and lower circles.
In Tiandou City, when Mu Ye learned of this, he beamed with joy.
As a Title Douluo, he had also sensed Huo Yuhao's "godhood" presence earlier, but hadn't been certain. Now he finally had confirmation.
"Our Body Sect has produced a true deity!" Mu Ye paced excitedly in the hall, unable to suppress his smile.
Watching him, Zhen Hua was speechless. "He was always a reincarnated deity—he was bound to return to the divine seat eventually. Why are you so excited?"
"I know." Mu Ye stopped, his smile undiminished. "But I'm still happy."
Of course he knew Huo Yuhao was a reincarnated deity and would eventually recover his divine level—he'd never doubted that.
So he wouldn't claim credit or say he'd "taught" a deity.
But the fact that Huo Yuhao acknowledged the Body Sect and was willing to carry its disciple identity was enough to make him rejoice.
"Alright, alright, as long as you're happy." Zhen Hua waved his hand, unwilling to continue the argument.
He understood Mu Ye's feelings—when he'd learned that Gu Yuena was a deity and she was willing to acknowledge him as her teacher, he'd felt much the same.
But after realizing that her divine status would make others hesitant to approach her, he'd discovered to his dismay that while this disciple was excellent, she couldn't succeed him.
Just as Zhen Hua was feeling melancholy, a message from Gu Yuena dispelled his worries—but also raised new ones.
"You're sure you want to sell Heaven-Forged metals directly to Title Douluo?"
Zhen Hua asked, "But won't that make them exclusive to certain families, or allow them to flow out to Xingluo and Douling?"
"Teacher, have you forgotten the price of divine-level metals?" Gu Yuena was somewhat amused. "An ordinary piece of Heaven-Forged metal is worth at least a hundred million Federation coins."
Divine-level metals were astronomically priced in the Federation. Few major powers could afford to spend billions in liquid cash, let alone individual Title Douluo. Even Super Douluo couldn't necessarily afford a full set of Battle Armor made from divine-level metals.
Such things simply couldn't be monopolized by any single power—they'd go bankrupt trying.
As for the risk of outflow...
"Xingluo is uncertain, but Douling won't last much longer." Gu Yuena said calmly.
By the time she started selling divine-level metals, the two enemy nations would likely be on their last legs. And with Elder Electrolux watching the Holy Spirit Cult, outflow wasn't a real concern.
This remark startled Zhen Hua, various guesses flashing through his mind, but Gu Yuena's next words put him at ease.
"Besides, the Spirit Transmission Tower is a commercial institution. You've seen how they manage Spirit Souls. Even when Possession Demons infiltrated, high-level Spirit Souls never leaked out. I'll have the divine-level metals sold through the Tower, with the same level of strict control as high-level Spirit Souls. Purchases and sales will be tightly regulated—don't worry."
"I was being too cautious."
Zhen Hua smiled with emotion. "It seems I'll be able to retire soon."
He paused, recalling a topic Mu Ye had mentioned. "I heard that Huo Yuhao has returned to the divine seat?"
Because they were familiar, he addressed Huo Yuhao without formality. No lamentable thick barrier had risen between them.
"That's... correct." Gu Yuena hesitated, thinking of Huo Yuhao's current state.
Become a deity? No—that was the Battle Armor's enhancement. But the Battle Armor provided a constant amplification, so it could be considered a form of godhood.
Zhen Hua smiled. "Then I'll have to congratulate him later."
At this, Gu Yuena thought of something and smiled slightly. "Yuhao is about to become Tower Master—two happy occasions at once."
Zhen Hua was surprised, then laughed. "That truly is two happy occasions."
He hadn't expected that in just over a decade, Huo Yuhao would be about to take that seat.
Hua Yichen hadn't expected it either.
He was still celebrating Huo Yuhao's "recovery" of the divine realm and his own keen judgment, when news came from headquarters that Qianku Dongfeng planned to step down and Huo Yuhao would become the new Tower Master.
But after the initial surprise, he felt it was only natural.
Now, the Blood God Legion affair had spread through the Federation's upper echelons: Huo Yuhao had captured the Holy Spirit Cult higher-up Demon Emperor alive, rescued the Heaven Favored Douluo, killed the Blazing Emperor, and clashed head-on with the Abyss Saint Lord. Each feat alone would leave any Limit Douluo in the dust.
Even setting aside Huo Yuhao's identity, his solid achievements—uncovering the Possession Demons a few years ago, killing the Blazing Emperor, capturing the Demon Emperor—were more than enough for him to take that position.
Moreover, he was a deity, now fully recovered. With such a powerful presence beside him, Tower Master Qianku would likely feel uncomfortable remaining in that seat himself.
"The Spirit Transmission Tower is about to undergo a complete transformation."
***
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