Chapter 176

Ling Zichen's parents saw their daughter bring an outsider, frowned slightly, and were about to say something, but the Source Core's sudden eruption interrupted their train of thought.

"Back away quickly, activate the protective barrier!" Ling Zichen's father — Ling Chentao — shouted sternly, simultaneously lunging toward the control console behind him in a single stride.

But it was already too late — before he could even finish speaking, the dark red liquid metal had already expanded, spiderweb-like cracks appearing on the container's surface. Amidst piercing white light, a violent energy storm instantly swept out.

Ling Zichen watched her parents right in the explosion's range, froze, her mind's thoughts stagnating, turning into a blank.

At this critical moment, Huo Yuhao appeared before the energy storm via teleportation at some unknown time, golden light surging in his eyes.

A Star Curtain instantly rose.

That brilliant starlight barrier, like the Milky Way pouring down, completely blocked the violent energy storm outside. Amidst the flowing points of star radiance, it actually held back that terrifying energy capable of destroying the entire laboratory in the corner.

A sense of survival after calamity rose in all researchers' hearts; seizing this time, the research personnel hurriedly activated the Defensive Soul Guidance Matrix.

Along with the piercing sound of mechanical operation, dozens of silver light pillars rose around the laboratory, weaving into a giant energy network that completely sealed that mass of rampaging energy in the corner; others seized the chance to hurriedly retreat, only Huo Yuhao remained inside the energy barrier blocking, not retreating in time.

Ling Chentao arrived at the control console covered in cold sweat, saying in a deep voice:

"Energy Stabilizer activate, begin absorbing overflowing energy!"

Energy Stabilizers appeared on the floor and ceiling inside the energy barrier, beginning to process these erupted energies.

Huo Yuhao's Star Curtain and the Soul Guidance Matrix coordinated perfectly, forcibly controlling this disaster capable of destroying the entire research institute within a controllable range.

However, just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief —

"Crack!"

A crisp sound rang out; everyone discovered in shock that the center of that sealed energy had actually begun to violently contract, then suddenly expand.

"Bad! It's going to erupt a second time!" Ling Zichen regained her senses, cried out in alarm: "Huo Yuhao, you quickly retreat back!"

The laboratory's emergency lighting instantly turned blood-red, alarm sounds rising and falling. Huo Yuhao's figure blurred for an instant in the energy turbulence, the next second already landing steadily at Ling Zichen's side.

Ling Zichen unconsciously clenched her fists, nails digging deep into her palm. Only after confirming he was safe and sound did her tense shoulders relax slightly.

She subconsciously glanced toward her parents' direction — her father was rapidly adjusting control console parameters, her mother directing researchers to assist. Both their white lab coats were stained with charred black traces, metal debris splashed during the explosion just now.

Her heart suddenly gave a heavy thump. If not for Huo Yuhao's timely action, those scorch marks would probably not have just landed on clothes...

Ling Zichen opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but discovered her throat was dry and hoarse, unable to make a sound. The control console's flashing alarm red light reflected on Huo Yuhao's profile, outlining his usually gentle brows and eyes with a few degrees of severity. This guy who always had a carefree appearance had just genuinely stood at the very forefront of the destructive energy storm.

"You're mostly ordinary people, when researching protective measures must be paid more attention to." Huo Yuhao glanced at the gradually calming Metal Source inside the energy barrier, spoke first: "I should have reminded you of similar words before."

Ling Zichen's parents originally died in an experimental accident during research on the first-generation single-unit positive circulation Source Core. The Tang Sect gave them sixty percent of the resources, impossible not to have arranged safety measures, but no measure is foolproof; this research is inherently dangerous, must be even more careful.

Huo Yuhao thought for a moment, then continued:

"Best to apply for a Three-Word Battle Armor Master level powerhouse to participate in this research as insurance."

Battle Armor Masters have very high status in the Federation; a Two-Word Battle Armor Master in a first-tier city like Donghai City can become a Chief Executive, one can imagine their status, let alone a Three-Word Battle Armor Master; to have them participate in such research requires high-ranking officials to speak.

However this research is itself a bottomless pit; Qian Gu Dong Feng certainly invested a lot; this proposal he should agree to.

"..."

Seeing Ling Zichen silent, Huo Yuhao's gaze turned toward her, just heard her say softly:

"... Thank you, we will apply for Battle Armor Masters as insurance."

Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow, looked her up and down, nodded slightly.

At this time, Ling Zichen's parents, having arranged everything, also walked over, and thanked Huo Yuhao.

Ling Chentao's face showed slight fatigue; he extended his hand, solemnly grasping Huo Yuhao's: "This time thanks to you, otherwise the consequences would be 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 a complex gaze, wanting to speak but stopping. In the end, she also said softly:

"Thank you."

Huo Yuhao's identity they all knew; the other party did not belong to this project, originally should not have been here, but the other party had just saved them; now was not the time to say these words.

Huo Yuhao shook his head slightly: "Merely a trivial effort."

The laboratory fell into silence for a time, only the Energy Stabilizers' operating hum reverberating. Ling Zichen watched the subtle atmosphere between her parents and Huo Yuhao, couldn't help interjecting: "Dad, Mom, Huo Yuhao just proposed we apply for Three-Word Battle Armor Masters to participate in research to guarantee safety."

Ling Chentao's brows furrowed: "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 ultimately still nodded.

He actually didn't want people who don't understand this research to participate, but today's accident lay there; he himself was willing to devote himself to scientific research, but what if the ones facing the explosion were his wife and daughter?

Better to be safe.

A few people chatted a few sentences; Ling Zichen proposed letting Huo Yuhao observe the experiment. In light of the matter just now, the two agreed.

After a long while, Huo Yuhao, having observed the experiment, bid farewell and left.

Seeing him off, Ling Zichen turned back, and saw her parents casting probing gazes, couldn't help furrowing her brows: "What is it?"

"Nothing... you having dealings with him is a good thing; he is ultimately the Next Tower Master."

Ling Chentao didn't say much more.

Outside the laboratory, Huo Yuhao stopped his steps, turned back to look at the tightly shut metal door. He raised his hand, fingertips winding with a wisp of lingering energy fluctuation, thoughtful.

The second eruption just now seemed to be caused by a Source Core accidentally completing a cycle; he thereby found some ideas; the Source Core research progress can advance a step further.

Just as Huo Yuhao was pondering, the Snow Empress's voice rang out in the Spiritual Sea.

"Yuhao, my Body God has arrived."

Huo Yuhao was slightly startled.

The agreed time with Shrek gradually approaching; the Snow Empress had said before she would come, but not today ah.

However, since the Snow Empress has come, he naturally is happy.

"Where are you now?"

"Almost at the doorway."

Huo Yuhao: "..."

Which family's doorway?

……

Huo Yuhao left the Spirit Pagoda and arrived at the green belt outside his home.

A gentle breeze brushed past the treetops, rustling softly.

The Snow Empress stood quietly beneath a tree, her figure slender and tall, a white robe whiter than snow. She gazed quietly at Huo Yuhao, her ice-blue eyes seeming to hold myriad swirling emotions.

Seeing Huo Yuhao approach, she was about to say something, but Huo Yuhao had already strode forward and pulled her into his embrace, his arms encircling her slender frame.

The Snow Empress's frame was slender and light, yet carried the resilience of ice and snow. Through the thin fabric, he could feel the faintly cool touch of her skin, like early spring snow yet to melt, cool but not cold, instead stirring a lingering attachment. Silver hair like silk, carrying a faint secluded fragrance, brushed across his cheek, impossibly soft.

"This time, it will trouble you again."

Because of this sudden action, the Snow Empress's body stiffened slightly at first, but hearing those words she quickly relaxed, leaning gently against his chest, raising her hand to return the embrace.

Huo Yuhao could feel the slight rise and fall of her chest, and that faint, barely-there sound of breathing, as light as snowflakes drifting down in winter.

The night wind brushed past, tree shadows swaying, moonlight sprinkling onto the two embracing figures, the tranquility carrying a gentleness.

After a long while, the Snow Empress shifted her body slightly and said softly: "How much longer are you going to hold me?"

Huo Yuhao's fingers gently stroked the Snow Empress's cascading silver hair, feeling the satin-like texture, and smiled:

"As long as you are willing, I can hold you like this forever."

The Snow Empress's blue eyes trembled slightly, a strange emotion surging in her heart. She turned her face away, the tips of her ears quietly staining with a touch of crimson, "These past two years, you've become increasingly good at coaxing people. Where did you learn it? I didn't see it with Divine Sense."

Huo Yuhao said softly: "Facing you, I unconsciously blurted it out. After all, you always wait quietly... but it should be me taking the initiative too."

Hearing this, a ripple stirred in the Snow Empress's ice-blue eyes. Following her heart's thoughts, she and Huo Yuhao shared another moment of tenderness before the two parted.

Huo Yuhao released his hand, and naturally took hold of the Snow Empress's cool, soft hand, "Since you've come, I'll take you to say hello to Sister Na and the others."

"Mm." The Snow Empress nodded slightly.

Huo Yuhao led her toward the small building ahead, arrived at the doorway, and knocked on the door.

Gu Yue Na inside the house sensed the aura outside, somewhat puzzled.

Yuhao has a key, why would he knock?

Thinking this, she glanced at Gu Rachel sprawled on the sofa, got up to open the door, and poked her little head out to check the situation outside.

"Yuhao, your key..."

The moment she saw the Snow Empress, Gu Yue Na's voice came to an abrupt halt, and she subconsciously shrank her head back.

What situation is this? Why is the Snow Empress's main body here?

With zero preparation, she just got knocked on the door?

Gu Yue Na's delicate brows furrowed slightly, she took a deep breath, and made up her mind.

The first two meetings were both her being suppressed; this time... she has to win it back!

This concerns their status issue.

She is stronger than the Snow Empress, the Star Dou Great Forest is also stronger than the Extreme North, and moreover here, she has the home-field advantage...

Gu Rachel noticed Gu Yue Na's strange behavior, also got up and walked over. Seeing the Snow Empress outside the door, her eyes lit up, "Snow Empress?! Since you cultivated anew, we haven't met..."

Gu Rachel and the Snow Empress have known each other for a long time, and share a good friendship.

The origin of this friendship is interesting to tell—

When Huo Yuhao lectured her, the Snow Empress would occasionally appear at just the right time, like an understanding big sister taking her away. For Gu Rachel, this was nothing short of a salvation, so naturally her heart was filled with gratitude toward the Snow Empress.

"Come in quickly, let's chat." Gu Rachel invited the Snow Empress in, turned her head and saw Gu Yue Na looking at her subtly, "What's wrong, Sister Na?"

Gu Yue Na pressed her lips tightly, looking at her with a secluded gaze.

You're a spy sent by the Snow Empress, right? With you here, what advantage do I have left?

One word 'little sister'... all pressure and status gone.

Lightly sighing, Gu Yue Na quickly rekindled her fighting spirit.

Can only rely on herself...

"Sister Na, excuse the intrusion." An ethereal voice rang by Gu Yue Na's ear, its calm and elegant tone making the thoughts in her heart temporarily disappear. She raised her head to look.

She saw the Snow Empress facing her, wearing a gentle smile as always, even changing her form of address to an intimate one this time.

Gu Yue Na was slightly stunned. The Snow Empress calling her 'Sister Na' so naturally left her momentarily unsure how to respond. She pursed her lips, a trace of complex emotion flashing in her purple eyes.

"Nothing."

She said softly, her voice a few degrees gentler than usual, "Come in and sit."

She had a premonition that any petty behavior would only bring humiliation upon herself; being magnanimous was the only way to win back a round.

Moreover, this Extreme North Empress's every gesture carried a bearing that seemed to be the majesty she yearned for?

The Snow Empress nodded, and walked into the living room together with Huo Yuhao.

Gu Rachel watched the three from behind, only then noticing the atmosphere was somewhat different, and followed along thoughtfully.

She originally thought the three sitting together would lead to some quarrel, but upon reaching the living room, she discovered an unexpected harmony.

Gu Yue Na and the Snow Empress sat on Huo Yuhao's left and right, and began discussing serious matters.

"You coming this time, is it for the upcoming trip to the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well?"

"Mm." The Snow Empress nodded lightly, "Who is going from your Star Dou?"

"Xiong Jun. Originally the most suitable would be you, him, and Teacher Feng Huang."

Gu Yue Na spoke to here, paused, then continued: "Have you settled your lodging?"

The Snow Empress blinked, smiling: "Not yet."

"Then stay here. There are still vacant rooms." Gu Yue Na took a deep breath and said with a calm expression: "We can discuss the subsequent plans in more detail."

Hearing this, the Snow Empress was slightly startled, then smiled and nodded, "Good."

Seeing the two reach an agreement, Huo Yuhao spoke up:

"Sister Na, can you set up a Time-Space Array right now?"

Gu Yue Na actually knows many things — Lightning God Thunder, Time-Space Arrays, and so on; as a deity, her Foundation is absolutely qualified... at least more qualified than most deities.

It's just that because of cultivation realm issues, certain capabilities are difficult to use right now.

The Time-Space Array she has mastered can finely adjust the time flow rates of two independent spaces.

For instance, setting up a Time-Space Array in the Undead Plane's Passage that can be maintained for three hours, corresponding to seven days — then even if one stays in the Undead Plane for seven days, the Outside World has only passed three hours.

This is already an advanced application of the Time Law; it was originally used back when in Dragon Valley.

Hearing this, Gu Yue Na thought for a moment and said: "The Ice Fire Yin Yang Well is not an independent space; in my current state, I'm afraid I cannot set up a Time-Space Array."

If the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well cannot be separated from Douluo Star to temporarily become an independent space, she also cannot make the time flow rates of the two sides show a difference.

"Space isolation, leave it to me and Xue Er. Xue Er will isolate space at the Outer Perimeter, and I will make the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well's space temporarily peel off from Douluo Star. For the near future, we can cooperate and experiment a bit."

Huo Yuhao spoke to here, paused, then said: "Speaking of which, Sister Na, your current comprehension of time... have you gained any?"

It's strange to say; she possesses the ability to use a Time-Space Array like this, yet in the Original Work the Silver Dragon King herself had no comprehension of time... the one representing time was actually the Golden Dragon King, is that right?

She can use a grand array of time, yet cannot mobilize the corresponding law? Knowing the 'that it is' but not the 'why it is'? Never thought to go learn it?

Hard to comment...

(End of Chapter)