Chapter 513: Contention (4k)

They had just come out of the ice sculpture when they simultaneously shuddered violently, their gazes at the Snow Emperor filled with apprehension.

Huo Yutong smiled and said:

"How are you two? Do you still want to fight?"

Long Ye Yue and Qian Gu Dong Feng both shook their heads.

They were proud, but not stupid; in their recent clash they had deeply felt the Snow Emperor's strength.

They were certain that the Snow Emperor had definitely entered the quasi-divine realm; normally a quasi-deity equals three half-deities, so theoretically even the two of them together with Zang Xin would not be a match for the Snow Emperor.

And Shuangling Bian was even far stronger than the Snow Emperor, plus there were several other soul spirits assisting, making it utterly impossible for them to have any chance of victory.

Huo Yutong's strength far exceeded their expectations; as the founder of soul spirit technology and the first tower master of the Spirit Pagoda, even just her soul spirits are immensely powerful, making it hard to imagine how strong she herself truly is.

Moreover, she had Tang Wulin by her side, who could outright defeat all the fierce beasts of the Star Dou Great Forest; with the two of them present, the world's landscape would undergo a massive change.

We must seize this opportunity!

Among the crowd, Qian Gu Dong Feng reacted the fastest, bending over to bow deeply to Huo Yutong.

"We have offended you before, and we are truly sorry. The Spirit Pagoda respectfully welcomes your arrival, Spirit Ice Douluo. May we ask you to take the position of envoy here? If you wish, we could even grant you the status of honorary tower master."

He was confident that the Spirit Pagoda had a great advantage in winning over the Spirit Ice Douluo, for according to historical records, Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao was merely a member of the Sea God Pavilion at Shilake Academy and not even the sect leader of the Tang Sect, whereas the Spirit Pagoda was genuinely founded by the Spirit Ice Douluo herself, who was also its inaugural honorary tower master, a position of utmost exaltation.

Compared to Shilake Academy and the Tang Sect, it stands to reason that the Spirit Pagoda's relationship with Huo Yutong should be even closer.

And if they could successfully bring Huo Yutong to their side, the Spirit Pagoda would no longer need to fear Shilake Academy or the Tang Sect.

After all, compared to those two forces, what the Spirit Pagoda truly lacks is a powerhouse capable of deciding everything; Yun Ming's deterrent power is truly terrifying—even if the three of them father and son went up together, they would certainly not be his match.

Therefore, Huo Yutong, who surpasses Yun Ming in both combat prowess and fame, has become a must-win target for Qian Gu Dong Feng at this moment; to that end, even granting her the honorary tower master position would be no problem.

Upon hearing his words, Guan Yue and Long Ye Yue's expressions instantly turned ugly.

Qian Gu Dong Feng this guy really reacts quickly, his resolve is firm, and more importantly, he is the tower master of the Spirit Pagoda, wielding the highest decision-making authority, making things far more convenient for him than for them.

Compared to them, Zang Xin's attitude was much more relaxed; only he had spent the most time interacting with Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong, giving him a sufficient understanding of their personalities.

As expected, just as he had anticipated, Huo Yutong slowly shook her head.

"No, thank you for your kindness, but I am not the Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao you know; perhaps it's because Tang Wulin's time travel caused a butterfly effect, or perhaps the time simply hasn't come yet—either way, I have not yet founded the Spirit Pagoda, so the honorary tower master position is unnecessary."

"This..." Qian Gu Dong Feng stared for a moment, then exclaimed urgently, "That's fine; your taking the honorary tower master position of the Spirit Pagoda is what everyone hopes for, and I believe no one would object."

Although he had already learned while Huo Yutong recounted her story with Tang Wulin that she had not yet had time to be involved with the Spirit Pagoda, he never imagined that someone in this world could actually refuse the temptation of the Spirit Pagoda's honorary tower master position.

Yet Huo Yutong still shook her head and asked, "Compared to that, I would rather have your two subordinates."

"Who?"

Qian Gu Dong Feng immediately asked eagerly.

That Huo Yutong would personally ask for people surprised him—was she eyeing some Honored Douluo? To his further surprise, she earnestly said, "Please send Tang Ziran and Lang Yue, the couple, to us."

"... Who?"

Qian Gu Dong Feng momentarily felt bewildered.

For someone of his high rank and authority, the names of two newly hired junior researchers were truly not within his memory.

Huo Yutong said solemnly:

"They are my boyfriend's parents; due to some special reasons they went to the Spirit Pagoda for research earlier, but as you can see, now that Tang Wulin and I have returned, they naturally no longer need to do research, and I hope to see them soon."

"Okay, I understand."

Qian Gu Dong Feng suddenly understood, and without hesitation nodded his agreement.

They were merely two junior researchers whose names he could not even recall, insignificant compared to the Spirit Ice Douluo couple.

If he could leave a good impression on them through this assistance, making them lean more toward the Spirit Pagoda in the future, he would be smiling in his dreams.

To show his resolve, he immediately took out his soul tool communicator and dialed a number.

"Xiao Du? Do you know Tang Ziran and Lang Yue?"

"Exactly, those two newcomers who recently joined our institute; we'll send someone to bring them to Tian Dou City in the next couple days."

"No excuses; I'm telling you, the guard must be of Honored Douluo level—if anything happens to those two, you can forget about keeping your head!"

"Alright, just do that—hurry up and get it done!"

Having said that, he hung up the communicator and gave Huo Yutong a somewhat appeasing smile, saying:

"How does that look?"

Huo Yutong nodded lightly.

"Thank you."

"Well..."

Seeing Qian Gu Dong Feng about to persuade Huo Yutong again, Long Ye Yue coldly interjected:

"Enough, Qian Gu Dong Feng; the Spirit Ice Douluo has already said she doesn't want to go to your place—don't be shameless."

Zang Xin also said with a smiling gaze:

"Yeah, you're only thinking of yourself; if you make them dislike you, it'll be a loss not worth the gain."

"You..."

Qian Gu Dong Feng's eyes instantly turned cold.

Guan Yue, the strongest of the four representatives present at this meeting, remained silent, chuckling with arms crossed as he watched the other three trade barbs.

Seeing the situation about to descend into chaos, Huo Yutong hurriedly called for a halt, saying:

"Hold on; my beloved and I currently have no plans to formally join any faction. For now, we just want to learn more knowledge and skills in this era, so there's no need for you to argue."

Yet her remark only heated up the contention among them further. Long Ye Yue let out a cold snort.

"If you want to learn, where could be better than our Shilake Academy? Our duty is to nurture students and cultivate powerhouses, and we have the current world's strongest seated here—you can learn the most only with us."

Qian Gu Dong Feng sneered, "Long Ye Yue, that makes no sense—there's never been a reason that only Shilake Academy excels at teaching and nurturing. Our Spirit Pagoda also masters the current core soul spirit technology; are those techniques not worth more than your meager holdings?"

Zang Xin, meanwhile, kept his smiling expression, but dropped the biggest bombshell.

It's fine, Spirit Ice Douluo is already an external researcher of our Tang Sect, and I've also invited the divine artisan Zhenhua to teach her lover forging techniques; you never had the qualifications to compete with us from the start.

?

As soon as he said that, the entire venue fell silent for half a second.

When did he do all these things?

Then, immediately after, Qian Gu Dongfeng's expression became even more solemn.

In this talent scramble, seizing the initiative is extremely important; often, being the first to secure someone means that talent's destination is already decided.

The Tang Sect had somehow already managed to connect with Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong, granting them many benefits, and the situation of the Spirit Pagoda instantly turned dangerous.

Qian Gu Dongfeng had actually already privately discussed with that force how to eliminate the Tang Sect and Shilake Academy, but if those two were present in those two forces, many problems would become much more complicated.

To execute the plan when they are at the Tang Sect headquarters and Shilake City, in an attempt to eliminate them both? It's difficult; judging by the strength these two have shown so far, even compared to Yun Ming, they are only stronger, not weaker. In that plan, the chance of successfully eliminating Yun Ming isn't even 100%, let alone adding these two. Moreover, if we include them as well, then if the matter is later exposed, how will the media view our Spirit Pagoda? At the very least, an accusation of betraying teacher and destroying ancestors is unavoidable.

What about launching a surprise attack when they are not at the Tang Sect headquarters or Shilake City, to increase the operation's success rate? That's even worse; perhaps the success rate would rise, but later we would face retaliation from the two strongest beings in the world, which the Spirit Pagoda could not easily bear.

So in the end, we still need to find a way to get them to join the Spirit Pagoda now.

The Tang Sect has already shown its sincerity; the Spirit Pagoda seems to need to increase the conditions it offers.

Qian Gu Dongfeng's gaze grew stern.

As the contest among the three Limit Douluo intensified, Guan Yue coughed once, drawing everyone's attention.

He smiled and said:

"Continuing to compete like this is pointless; how about this: over the next five years, the Spirit Ice Douluo and her boyfriend will each study here, and after five years, we'll decide whether to join one of your factions."

Before sending him to attend this meeting, Chen Xinjie specifically instructed him, telling him that the purpose of his coming here was to maintain balance.

Unlike the other three forces, the War God Hall representing the Sun Moon Federation can be said to be the only one that was once hostile to the Spirit Ice Douluo; in this situation, her not being hostile to the War God Hall is already a relief, let alone joining them.

Thus, Guan Yue's burden is actually the lightest.

Upon hearing his proposal, the representatives of the major forces exchanged glances, then nodded.

Indeed, compared to arguing here, Guan Yue's method is clearly the most reasonable.

Five years is something they can wait for; as for where Huo Yutong and Tang Wulin will go after five years… they have absolute confidence in their respective organizations.

They had no objections, so the direct beneficiaries, Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong, naturally had none either.

These forces, in their bid to win them over, will surely devise every possible method to transmit resources and knowledge; no matter whom they ultimately choose, they will gain tremendous benefits from the other forces—an absolute windfall.

Actually, this proposal was originally supposed to be made by Zang Xin according to the plan.

Having the Tang Sect representative, who has brought the two the greatest benefits, suggest postponing the decision, I believe the others would not refuse.

I just didn't expect that Zang Xin hadn't yet had a chance to voice this proposal before Guan Yue preempted him.

That's fine anyway; the result ends up the same.

There's just one form of address for Tang Wulin that needs correcting.

He said seriously:

"Senior Guan Yue, you got one thing wrong: I am now Huo Yutong's fiancé."

!

Before the others could react, Huo Yutong took Tang Wulin's hand and instantly gripped it tighter.

She kept a smile on her face, but inside she felt a little panicked as she asked: "W-Wulin? What do you mean?"

"Literally, I said we would get married after the war ended, didn't I?"

"But I haven't even met your parents yet…"

"It's fine; we'll see them soon, and they'll surely like you."

"But we're not in our original era."

"That's no problem; worst case, we'll just do it again after we go back."

"But…"

"All right, leave it to me."

Tang Wulin gently squeezed Huo Yutong's little hand, then continued addressing everyone: "Our wedding is booked for six months from now; I hope you'll all be able to attend."

Zang Xin asked curiously: "Why half a year later?"

"Six months isn't a short time just to prepare a wedding; do we really need that long?" Tang Wulin answered seriously: "Because I still need to find my family."

"That family isn't just his parents, Tang Ziran and Lan Yue, but also a very important family member who must arrive as well."

"That family member is his missing sister, Na'er."

"Ten years ago, when faced with Na'er's disappearance, he had no ability, but now he is different."

"As long as he spreads the news of his impending marriage to Huo Yutong across the Douluo Continent, he believes Na'er will surely learn of it, and then he trusts she will come looking for him."

"Even if she truly refuses to see him for some unknown reason, he still has a final resort: with his and Huo Yutong's current strength, searching the entire continent would not take long."

"Even if we have to dig three feet deep, we must find Na'er, because a family ought to be whole."

(End of chapter)