Douluo: Dragon King Huo Yuhao Lives Ten Thousand Years Later

Chapter 179 The Snow Empress Arrives (4,000 words)
When Ling Zichen's parents saw that their daughter had brought a stranger, they frowned and were about to say something, but Yuanquan's sudden outburst interrupted their thoughts.

"Get back quickly and activate the protective shield!" Ling Zichen's father, Ling Chentao, shouted sharply, rushing towards the control panel behind him.

But it was too late—before he could even finish speaking, the dark red liquid metal had already expanded, and spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the surface of the container. In a blinding white light, a violent energy storm instantly swept out.

Ling Zichen stared at his parents, who were within the blast radius, and froze, his mind going blank.

At this critical moment, Huo Yuhao teleported to the front of the energy storm without anyone noticing, and golden light surged in his eyes.

A curtain of stars rose up instantly.

The dazzling starlight barrier, like a cascading galaxy, completely blocked the raging energy storm. The shimmering starlight even managed to deflect the terrifying energy, enough to destroy the entire laboratory, into a corner.

All the researchers felt a sense of relief at surviving the ordeal, and took advantage of this moment to quickly activate the defensive soul guidance matrix.

With a piercing mechanical whirring, dozens of silver beams of light rose around the laboratory, weaving together to form a massive energy network that completely sealed off the rampaging energy in a corner. The others took this opportunity to retreat quickly, but Huo Yuhao remained inside the energy shield to block it, failing to leave in time.

Ling Chentao arrived at the control panel in a cold sweat and said in a deep voice:
"Energy stabilizer activated, beginning to absorb overflowing energy!"

Energy stabilizers appeared on the ground and ceiling inside the energy shield, and began to process the bursts of energy.

Huo Yuhao's Starry Sky Curtain and Soul Guidance Matrix worked together perfectly, managing to keep this disaster, which could have destroyed the entire research institute, under control.

However, just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief—

"Crack!"

A crisp sound rang out, and everyone was astonished to find that the sealed energy center had begun to contract violently, and then suddenly expanded.

"Oh no! It's about to erupt a second time!" Ling Zichen snapped out of his daze and cried out, "Huo Yuhao, retreat quickly!"

The laboratory's emergency lights instantly turned crimson, and alarms blared incessantly. Huo Yuhao's figure blurred for a moment in the energy turbulence, then landed steadily beside Ling Zichen the next second.

Ling Zichen unconsciously clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms. Only after confirming that he was unharmed did his tense shoulders relax slightly.

She glanced instinctively in her parents' direction—her father was rapidly adjusting the control panel parameters, while her mother directed researchers to assist him. Both of their white lab coats were stained with charred marks, remnants of metal that had been ejected during the explosion.

My heart skipped a beat. If Huo Yuhao hadn't intervened in time, those scorch marks would probably have been more than just on my clothes…

Ling Zichen opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat too dry to make a sound. The flashing red alarm light from the control panel reflected on Huo Yuhao's profile, highlighting a sharp edge to his usually gentle features. This guy, who always seemed so calm and collected, had just stood firmly at the forefront of the destructive energy storm.

“Most of you are ordinary people, so you need to be extra careful with protective measures when conducting research.” Huo Yuhao glanced at the gradually calming metal source inside the energy shield and spoke first: “I think I reminded you of something similar before.”

Ling Zichen's parents died in an experimental accident during the research on the first-generation single-unit positive cycle source core. The Tang Sect provided them with 60% of the resources, so it's impossible that they didn't take safety precautions. However, no measure is foolproof, and this research was inherently dangerous, so they had to be even more careful.

Huo Yuhao thought for a moment, then continued:
"It would be best to apply for a three-word Battle Armor Master level expert to participate in this research as insurance."

Battle Armor Masters hold a very high status in the Federation. Two-word Battle Armor Masters can become governors in first-tier cities like East Sea City, which shows their status. Not to mention three-word Battle Armor Masters, getting them involved in such research requires approval from higher-ups.

However, this research is a bottomless pit, and Qian Gu Dong Feng must have invested a lot in it, so he should agree to this proposal.

"..."

Seeing Ling Zichen remain silent, Huo Yuhao turned his gaze to her and heard 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 nodded slightly.

At this moment, Ling Zichen's parents, who had arranged everything, also came over and thanked Huo Yuhao.

Ling Chentao looked slightly tired. He reached out and solemnly shook hands with 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 to the side, looking at Huo Yuhao with a complex expression, hesitant to speak. Finally, she also said softly:
"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, so now wasn't the time to say such things.

Huo Yuhao shook his head slightly: "It was nothing."

Silence fell over the laboratory, broken only by the hum of the energy stabilizer. Seeing the subtle tension between his parents and Huo Yuhao, Ling Zichen couldn't help but interject, "Dad, Mom, Huo Yuhao just suggested we apply to become a Three-Word Battle Armor Master to participate in the research for safety."

Ling Chentao frowned: "This..."

“I think it’s absolutely necessary,” Ling Zichen said firmly. “Today’s accident has proven that protective equipment alone is far from enough.”

"...I will apply." Ling Chentao finally nodded.

He didn't actually want people who didn't understand this kind of research to get involved, but today's accident was there. He was willing to sacrifice himself for scientific research, but what if his wife and daughter were the ones to be hit by the explosion?
Let's play it safe.

After chatting for a while, Ling Zichen suggested that Huo Yuhao tour the experiment. Given what had just happened, the two agreed.

After a long while, Huo Yuhao, having witnessed the experiment, took his leave.

Watching him leave, Ling Zichen turned around and saw his parents casting inquiring glances at him. He couldn't help but frown. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing... It's a good thing that you have dealings with him; he'll eventually be the next tower master."

Ling Chentao didn't say much.

……

Outside the laboratory, Huo Yuhao stopped and glanced back at the tightly closed metal door. He raised his hand, a wisp of lingering energy swirling around his fingertips, lost in thought.

The recent second outbreak seemed to be caused by the source unexpectedly completing a cycle. He found some ideas from this and the research progress on the core of the source can be further advanced.

Just as Huo Yuhao was pondering, Xue Di's voice rang out in his spiritual sea.

"Yuhao, my true form has arrived."

Huo Yuhao was slightly taken aback.

The appointment with Shrek Academy is drawing near. Xue Di had said in advance that she would come, but not today.

However, since the Snow Empress had come, he was naturally happy.

"Where are you now?"

"We're almost home."

Huo Yuhao: "..."

Which house is it near?
……

Huo Yuhao left the Spirit Pagoda and came to the green belt outside his home.

A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops.

Xue Di stood quietly under a tree, her figure slender and graceful, dressed in white, her clothes even more pristine than snow. She gazed silently at Huo Yuhao, her icy 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, wrapping his arms around her slender body.

Xue Di's body was slender and graceful, yet possessed an icy resilience. Through the thin fabric, he could feel the cool touch of her skin, like the lingering snow of early spring—cool but not cold, instead evoking a sense of longing. Her silver hair, like silk, carried a faint, delicate fragrance as it brushed against his cheek, incredibly soft.

"You'll have to work hard again this time."

Xue Di's body stiffened slightly at the sudden scene, but she quickly relaxed upon hearing this, gently leaning against him and raising her hand to hug him back.

Huo Yuhao could feel the slight rise and fall of her chest, and her barely audible breathing, as light and gentle as snowflakes falling in winter. The night breeze rustled the trees, the moonlight shone on the two embracing figures, a scene of tranquility and tenderness.

After a long while, Xue Di gently shifted her body and whispered, "How much longer do I need to hold you?"

Huo Yuhao gently stroked Xue Di's cascading silver hair, feeling its silky texture, and smiled:

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

Xue Di's blue eyes trembled slightly, a strange emotion welling up in her heart. She turned her face away, a blush creeping onto the tips of her ears. "In the last two years, you've become quite adept at coaxing people. Where did you learn that? I haven't even seen it with my divine sense."

Huo Yuhao said softly, "When I'm with you, I just blurted it out without realizing it, since you always wait quietly... But it's my turn to take the initiative."

Upon hearing this, Xue Di's icy blue eyes rippled slightly. Following her heart, she lingered with Huo Yuhao for a few more moments before they parted ways.

Huo Yuhao released her hand and took Xue Di's slightly cool, soft hand in his. "Since you're here, I'll take you to say hello to Na'er and the others."

"Hmm." Xue Di nodded slightly.

Huo Yuhao led her to the small building ahead, and knocked on the door when they arrived at the entrance.

Gu Yuena, inside the house, sensed the presence outside and felt somewhat puzzled.

Yuhao has a key, so why is he knocking?
Thinking this, she glanced at Rachel, who was lounging on the sofa like Ge You, got up to open the door, and peeked out to check the situation outside.

"Yuhao, your key..."

Upon seeing Xue Di, Gu Yuena stopped speaking abruptly and instinctively withdrew her head.

What's going on? Why is the Snow Empress's true form here?

She was completely unprepared when they came knocking on her door?

Gu Yuena frowned slightly, took a deep breath, and made up her mind.

She was suppressed in the first two meetings, but this time... she's going to win!

This concerns their status.

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

Gu Ruiqiu noticed Gu Yuena's strange behavior and got up to come over. When she saw Xue Di outside the door, her eyes lit up. "Xue Di?! We haven't seen you since you started your cultivation again..."

Gu Ruiqiu and Xue Di have known each other for a long time and have a good relationship.

The origin of this friendship is quite interesting—

When Huo Yuhao lectured her, Xue Di would occasionally appear at the right time, like a kind and understanding older sister taking her away. For Gu Ruiqiu, this was nothing short of a rescue, and she naturally felt grateful to Xue Di.

"Come in and let's talk." Gu Ruiqiu invited Xue Di in, then turned to see Gu Yuena looking at her subtly. "What's wrong, little sister Na'er?"

Gu Yuena pursed her lips and looked at her with a deep gaze.

Are you an undercover agent sent by the Snow Emperor? With you around, what advantage do I have left?

One word, "sister"... and all the pressure and status vanished.

With a soft sigh, Gu Yuena quickly rekindled her fighting spirit.

I can only rely on myself...

"Na'er, excuse me." A clear, ethereal voice rang in Gu Yuena's ears. The calm and elegant voice made her temporarily forget her thoughts, and she looked up.

The Snow Emperor faced her with his usual gentle smile, and this time he even addressed her in a more affectionate way.

Gu Yuena was slightly taken aback. Xue Di's natural way of calling her "Na'er" left her momentarily at a loss for how to respond. She pursed her lips, a complex emotion flashing in her purple eyes.

"nothing."

She said softly, her voice gentler than usual, "Come in and sit down."

She had a premonition that any petty behavior would only bring shame upon herself, and that only by being more magnanimous could she regain the upper hand.

Moreover, the demeanor of this empress in the far north seemed to be the majesty she craved.

Xue Di nodded and walked into the living room with Huo Yuhao.

Rachel glanced at the three of them from behind and then noticed that the atmosphere was a little different. She followed them thoughtfully.

She had expected an argument to break out when the three of them sat together, but upon entering the living room, she found an unexpected harmony.

Gu Yuena and Xue Di sat on either side of Huo Yuhao and started talking about serious business.

"You came here this time for the upcoming trip to the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire?"

"Hmm." Xue Di nodded gently. "Who from your Xingdou group is going?"

“Mr. Xiong, the most suitable people are you, him, and Teacher Tianfeng.”

Gu Yuena paused here, then continued, "Have you settled into your accommodation?"

Xue Di blinked and smiled, "Not yet."

“Then let’s stay here. There are still some vacant rooms.” Gu Yuena took a deep breath and said calmly, “We can discuss the plans in more detail later.”

Upon hearing this, Xue Di was slightly taken aback, then smiled and nodded, "Okay."

Seeing that the two had reached an agreement, Huo Yuhao spoke up:

"Na'er, can you set up a spacetime magic array now?"

Gu Yuena actually knows a lot of things, such as light and dark divine lightning and spacetime magic arrays. As a deity, her foundation is definitely qualified... at least more qualified than most deities.

It's just that due to his cultivation level, some of his abilities are currently difficult to use.

The spacetime array she controls can fine-tune the flow of time between two independent spaces.

For example, if a spacetime array can be set up in the passage of the Netherworld that can last for three hours, corresponding to seven days, then even if you stay in the Netherworld for seven days, only three hours will have passed in the outside world.

This is already an advanced application of the laws of time; I used it back in Dragon Valley.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuena thought for a moment and said, "The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye is not an independent space. In my current state, I'm afraid I can't set up a spacetime array."

If she cannot separate the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye from Douluo Star and temporarily make it an independent space, she also cannot make the time flow rate on both sides different.

“Leave the spatial isolation to me and Xue’er. Xue’er will isolate the space from the outside, while I will temporarily separate the space of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well from Douluo Star. We can conduct some experiments together in the near future.”

Huo Yuhao paused here, then said, "Speaking of which, Na'er, have you gained any understanding of time yet?"

Strangely enough, despite possessing the ability to create a spacetime magic array, the Silver Dragon King in the original story did not have any understanding of time... The one who represents time is actually the Golden Dragon King, is that right?

Can use a grand array of time manipulation, yet unable to invoke the corresponding laws? Knows how but not why? Hasn't even considered learning it?
It's hard to say...

(End of this chapter)