Ling Zichen's parents frowned when they saw their daughter bring an outsider, about to say something, but the sudden eruption of the Origin interrupted their thoughts.
"Quickly retreat, activate the protective shield!" Ling Zichen's father, Ling Chentao, suddenly darted towards the control panel behind him.
But it was already too late, before he could finish speaking, the dark red liquid metal expanded, and spider web-like cracks appeared on the container's surface. In the blinding white light, a violent energy storm instantly swept out.
Ling Zichen, looking at her parents within the explosion range, frozen, her thoughts coming to a halt, her mind blank.
At this critical moment, Huo Yuhao, who had somehow teleported in front of the energy storm, his eyes blazing with golden light.
A curtain of stars instantly rose.
The dazzling starlight barrier, like a galaxy pouring down, completely blocked the violent energy storm. As the starlight flowed, it actually contained the terrifying energy that could destroy the entire laboratory in a corner.
All the researchers felt a sense of relief after the disaster, and taking advantage of this time, they hurriedly activated the defensive soul guide matrix.
With the screeching sound of mechanical operation, dozens of silver light pillars rose around the laboratory, weaving into a huge energy network, completely sealing the runaway energy in the corner.
Others took this opportunity to quickly retreat, only Huo Yuhao remained inside the energy shield to block, not retreating in time.
Ling Chentao, sweating profusely, rushed to the control panel and said in a deep voice:
"Energy stabilizer activated, start absorbing the overflowing energy!"
Energy stabilizers appear on the ground and ceiling inside the energy shield, beginning to process the erupting energy.
Huo Yuhao's star curtain and the soul guide matrix perfectly cooperated, forcibly controlling this disaster that could destroy the entire research institute within a reasonable range.
However, just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief—
"Crack!"
A crisp sound came, and everyone was shocked to find that the center of the sealed energy began to contract violently, then suddenly expanded.
"Not good! It's going to erupt again!" Ling Zichen, regaining her senses, shouted, "Huo Yuhao, quickly retreat!"
The laboratory's emergency lighting instantly turned crimson, and alarms sounded one after another.
Huo Yuhao's figure blurted for a moment in the energy turbulence, and the next second he steadily landed beside Ling Zichen.
Ling Zichen unconsciously clenched her fists, her nails deeply embedded in her palms. Only after confirming he was safe did her tense shoulders relax slightly.
She subconsciously ignored her parents, her father was quickly adjusting the control panel parameters, while her mother was directing the researchers to assist. Both their white lab coats were stained with scorch marks, remnants of the metal debris from the explosion.
Her heart suddenly skipped a beat. If Huo Yuhao hadn't intervened in time, those scorch marks might not have just been 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 from the control panel reflected on Huo Yuhao's profile, outlining his usually gentle features with a hint of sharpness. This guy, who always seemed so calm and composed, had just stood at the forefront of a destructive energy storm.
"Most of you are ordinary people, you need to pay more attention to safety measures during research." Huo Yuhao changed at the gradually calming metal Origin inside the energy shield, speaking first, "I should have reminded you of something similar before."
Ling Zichen's parents had originally died in an experimental accident during the research of the first-generation single positive cycle Origin core.
The Tang Sect had provided them with sixty percent of the resources, so safety measures must have been arranged, but nothing is foolproof. This research is inherently dangerous, so extra caution is needed.
Huo Yuhao thought for a moment, then added:
"Best to apply for a three-word Battle Armor Master-level expert to participate in this research as insurance."
Battle Armor Masters hold a high status in the Federation. A two-word Battle Armor Master can become a Pagoda Master in a first-tier city like Eastsea City, let alone a three-word Battle Armor Master. To have them participate in such research requires high-level approval.
However, this research is already a bottomless pit, and Qiangu Dongfeng must have invested a lot, so he should agree to this proposal.
"..."
Seeing Ling Zichen silent, Huo Yuhao turned his gaze to her, only to hear her whisper:
"...Thank you, we will apply for a Battle Armor Master as insurance."
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow, looked her up and down, and slightly nodded.
At this time, Ling Zichen's parents, having arranged everything, also came over to thank Huo Yuhao.
Ling Chentao looked slightly tired, he extended his hand and solemnly shook Huo Yuhao: "Thanks to you this time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable. On behalf of the researchers here, I thank you."
Ling Zichen's mother, Luo Yao, stood aside, looking at Huo Yuhao with a complex gaze, hesitating to speak. Finally, she also softly said:
Thank you.
They all knew Huo Yuhao's identity, he didn't belong to this project and shouldn't have been here, but he had just saved them, now was not the time to say these things.
Huo Yuhao slightly shook his head: "It was just a small effort."
The laboratory fell into silence for a moment, only the hum of the energy stabilizer echoed. Ling Zichen, seeing the subtle atmosphere between her parents and Huo Yuhao, couldn't help but interject, "Dad, Mom, Huo Yuhao just suggested we apply for a three-word Battle Armor Master to participate in the research for safety."
Ling Chentao frowned: "This..."
"I think it's very necessary." Ling Zichen said firmly, "Today's accident has proven that relying solely on protective equipment is far from enough."
"...I will apply." Ling Chentao finally nodded.
He actually didn't want people who didn't understand this research to get involved, but today's accident was right there.
He himself was willing to sacrifice for scientific research, but what if the ones facing the explosion were his wife and daughter?
Better to be safe.
After chatting for a while, Ling Zichen suggested Huo Yuhao visit the experiment. Given what just happened, the two agreed.
After a long time, Huo Yuhao, having watched the experiment, bid farewell and left.
Watching him leave, Ling Zichen turned back to see her parents' probing gazes, couldn't help but frown, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing... It's good that you have interactions with him, he is after all the next tower master."
Ling Chentao didn't say much.
...
Outside the laboratory, Huo Yuhao stopped, turned back to look at the closed metal door. He raised his hand, a wisp of lingering energy fluctuation swirling at his fingertips, lost in thought.
The second eruption just now seemed to have accidentally completed a cycle of the Origin, giving him some ideas. The research progress of the Origin core could be further advanced.
Just as Huo Yuhao was pondering, Snow Empress's voice sounded in his spiritual sea.
"Yuhao, my true body has arrived."
Huo Yuhao was slightly stunned.
The time agreed with Shrek was approaching, Snow Empress had mentioned she would come, but not today.
However, since Snow Empress was here, he was naturally happy.
"Where are you now?"
"Almost at the doorstep."
Huo Yuhao: "…"
Which doorstep?
...
Huo Yuhao left the Spirit Pagoda and arrived at the green belt outside his home.
A breeze brushed through the treetops, rustling softly.
Snow Empress stood quietly under a tree, her figure slender and tall, dressed in pure white. She gazed at Huo Yuhao, her ice-blue eyes seemed filled with myriad emotions.
Seeing Huo Yuhao approach, she was about to say something, but Huo Yuhao had already stepped forward, embracing her tightly, his arms encircling her slender figure.
Snow Empress's body was slender and light, yet carried a toughness like ice and snow.
Through the thin fabric, he could feel the slightly cool touch of her skin, like the lingering snow of early spring, cool but not cold, instead evoking a sense of attachment. Her silver hair, like silk, carries a faint fragrance brush against his cheek, incredibly soft.
"This time, I'll have to trouble you again."
Snow Empress, stiffening slightly at the sudden embrace, quickly relaxed upon hearing his words, gently leaning into his arms, raising her hand to hug him back.
Huo Yuhao could feel the slight rise and fall of her chest, and the faint sound of her breathing, as light as snowflakes falling in winter.
The night breeze brushed past, the tree shadows swayed, and the moonlight fell on the embracing pair, serene yet tender.
After a long while, Snow Empress gently moved and softly said, "How long are you going to hold me?"
Huo Yuhao's fingers lightly brushed through Snow Empress's waterfall-like silver hair, feeling the silky texture, and smiled:
"As long as you're willing, I can hold you like this forever."
Snow Empress's blue eyes slightly trembled, a strange emotion welling up in her heart. She turned her face away, the tips of her ears quietly tinged with a blush, "In the past two years, you've become more and more smooth-talking, where did you learn it? I didn't see it in your divine sense."
Huo Yuhao softly said: "Facing you, I unconsciously say these things, after all, you always wait so quietly... but I should take the initiative too."
Hearing this, a ripple appeared in Snow Empress's ice-blue eyes, and following her heart's desire, she lingered with Huo Yuhao for a while longer before the two separated.
Huo Yuhao let go of her hand, naturally taking Snow Empress's slightly cool hand, "Since you're here, I'll take you to greet Na'er and the others."
"Mmm." Snow Empress nodded slightly.
Huo Yuhao led her towards the small building ahead, arriving at the door and knocking.
Inside, Gu Yuena felt the aura outside, somewhat puzzled.
Yuhao has a key, why is he knocking?
Thinking this, she interrupted Gu Ruiqiu, who was lounging on the sofa, and got up to open the door, peeking her head out to check the situation.
"Yuhao, your key..."
Seeing Snow Empress, Gu Yuena's words suddenly stopped, and she instinctively pulled her head back.
What's going on, why is Snow Empress's true body here?
Without any preparation, she was caught off guard?
Gu Yuena's delicate brows furrowed, she took a deep breath, and made up her mind.
The previous two meetings, she was suppressed, this time... she's going to win back!
This concerns their status.
She's stronger than Snow Empress, the Star Dou Forest is stronger than the Extreme North, and here, she has home ground advantage...
Gu Ruiqiu noticed Gu Yuena's strange behavior and also came over, seeing Snow Empress outside, her eyes lit up, "Snow Empress?! We haven't met since you transformed..."
Gu Ruiqiu and Snow Empress had known each other for a long time, and there was a good friendship between them.
The origin of this friendship was interesting—
When Huo Yuhao starts lecturing her, Snow Empress will occasionally appear at the right time, like an understanding big sister, taking her away. For Gu Ruiqiu, this was nothing short of a rescue, and she naturally felt grateful towards Snow Empress.
"Come in and chat." Gu Ruiqiu invited Snow Empress in, turning her head to see Gu Yuena looking at her revised, "What's wrong, sister Na'er?"
Gu Yuena pursed her lips, looking at her with a deep gaze.
Are you Snow Empress's spy? With you here, what advantage do I have left?
A single 'sister'... all the prestige and status are gone.
With a light sigh, Gu Yuena quickly reignited her fighting spirit.
I can only rely on myself...
"Na'er, sorry to disturb." The ethereal voice sounded in Gu Yuena's ears, the calm and elegant tone made her thoughts temporarily disappear, she looked up.
Snow Empress was facing her, with the same gentle smile as always, even this time delightfully changing her address.
Gu Yuena was slightly stunned, Snow Empress's 'Na'er' was called so naturally, making her momentarily uncertain how to respond. She pursed her lips, a complex emotion flashing in her purple eyes.
"It's nothing."
She softly said, her voice gentler than usual, "Come in and sit."
She had a premonition, any petty behavior would be self-defeating, being magnanimous was the way to turn the tables.
Moreover, the grace and dignity that this queen of the Extreme North naturally exuded seemed to be the kind of authority she aspired to?
Snow Empress nodded, and together with Huo Yuhao, entered the living room.
Gu Ruiqiu, following behind, looked at the three, only then realizing the atmosphere was somewhat different, and thoughtfully followed.
She thought the three sitting together might lead to some arguments, but upon entering the living room, she found it unexpectedly harmonious.
Gu Yuena and Snow Empress sat on either side of Huo Yuhao, discussing serious matters.
"You came this time for the upcoming trip to the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye?"
"Mmm." Snow Empress nodded, "Who is going from the Star Dou?"
"Bear Lord, originally the most suitable are you, him, and Teacher Tianfeng."
Gu Yuena paused here, then continued: "Have you settled your accommodation?"
Snow Empress blinked, smiling, "Not yet."
"Then stay here, there are still empty rooms." Gu Yuena took a deep breath, her expression calm as she said: "We can discuss the following plans in more detail."
Hearing this, Snow Empress was slightly surprised, then smiled and nodded, "Alright."
Seeing the two reach an agreement, Huo Yuhao spoke:
"Na'er, can you set up a space-time array now?"
Gu Yuena actually knew a lot, Light and Dark Divine Thunder, Space-Time Array, etc. As a deity, her foundation was definitely qualified... at least more qualified than most deities.
It's just that due to her cultivation level, some abilities are currently difficult to use.
The Space-Time Array she mastered could slightly adjust the time flow between two independent spaces.
For example, set up a Space-Time Array that can last three hours at the passage to the Undead Plane, corresponding to seven days, then even if staying in the Undead Plane for seven days, only three hours would pass in the outside world.
It was already an advanced application of the time law, originally used in the Dragon Valley.
Hearing this, Gu Yuena thought for a moment, "The Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye is not an independent space, in my current state, I'm afraid I can't set up a Space-Time Array."
If the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye can't be temporarily separated from the Douluo Planet and become an independent space, she can't make the time flow between the two sides different.
"Space isolation, leave it to me and Xue'er. Xue'er will isolate the space outside, and I'll temporarily separate the space of the Ice Fire Yin Yang Eye from the Douluo Planet. We can experiment with this in the near future."
Huo Yuhao paused here, then added: "Speaking of which, Na'er, have you gained any insights at this time now?"
It's strange, mastering a Space-Time Array, but the original Silver Dragon King herself didn't have any insights at time... the one representing time was actually the Golden Dragon King, is that right?
Knowing how to use a time array, but unable to mobilize the corresponding laws? Knowing the how but not the why? And didn't even think of learning?
Hard to comment…