Huo Yuhao sat upright in the main seat, waiting for the wave of voices to subside before raising his hand in a gentle press.
The hall fell silent instantly, even breathing deliberately hushed.
He surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping across each face—complex, excited, reverent, fervent—
Noticing Li Mengjie's fervent gaze, Huo Yuhao was slightly puzzled, not understanding why this unfamiliar Heavenly Maiden Douluo had such an expression.
But with no time to dwell on it, he withdrew his gaze and addressed the assembly, his tone solemn.
"With the Abyss threat looming and an era of change upon us, now that I have returned, I will lead the Spirit Transmission Tower toward a new future. From this day forward, I shall once again take up the reins of the Tower!"
His voice was not loud, but it rang clearly in everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable authority.
As his words fell, a unified chorus rose from the hall: "We shall follow the Spirit-Ice Ancestor's command!"
No one hesitated—to hesitate for even a second at this moment would be disrespectful to the Ancestor.
Huo Yuhao nodded slightly, raising his hand to signal everyone to be seated, giving them ample time to compose themselves without speaking further.
The scraping of chairs rose and fell, but everyone's gaze remained fixed on the figure at the head seat, their eyes still carrying the shock and excitement that had yet to fade.
As Li Mengjie sat down, her heart was still pounding. She felt grateful she hadn't said anything disrespectful in front of Huo Yuhao.
Leng Yaozhu pressed her lips together, her gaze complex as she glanced at Huo Yuhao.
Just thinking that she'd once treated this Spirit-Ice Ancestor as an ignorant child made her want to find a hole to crawl into.
Those "concerns," those "reminders," that elder-like tone,now recalling them, every single moment was a massive social death scene!
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to look away expressionlessly, though inside she was in turmoil.
And if anyone was the most panicked among them, it was Soul-Calming Douluo.
Just moments ago, stunned that Huo Yuhao was the Spirit-Ice Ancestor, his mind had been completely occupied by that revelation, leaving no room for anything else. But now that he'd barely calmed down, a far more serious matter rushed to the forefront—his daughter Zhao Yao, who loved to... spread rumors, had apparently,seemingly—probably—spread rumors about the Spirit-Ice Ancestor?
If those words reached the Ancestor's ears...
In that instant, Soul-Calming Douluo felt his vision go dark, his future bleak.
He probably wouldn't be able to continue in the Spirit Transmission Tower.
He'd better think of a way to "depart" with dignity.
Su Tong watched the various reactions after Huo Yuhao's identity was revealed, the corners of her lips lifting with a hint of mischief.
This was far more entertaining than when they'd been the center of attention.
Unlike Hua Yichen, Leng Yaozhu, Li Mengjie, and Soul-Calming Douluo, most of the Tower's higher-ups didn't have the worry of social death.
Because most of them had only formally interacted with Huo Yuhao after his divine identity was exposed, when his status had already risen significantly.
So they'd always treated him with respect. With that invisible barrier between them, there was no deep relationship, and thus no embarrassing past to confront.
At most, they couldn't help thinking about how they'd once paid respects to the Spirit-Ice Ancestor's spirit tablet—which was a bit hard to stomach—but that was manageable.
They'd only done what any descendant should do without knowing the truth. Nothing to be embarrassed about.
Of course, everything had two sides.
Qianku Dongfeng glanced at Hua Yichen and the others, who seemed troubled, and felt considerable emotion.
Indeed, they had no troublesome past to worry about. But in exchange, they'd lost something else—they hadn't formed a bond with the Ancestor before his identity was revealed, so naturally, they couldn't gain his recognition and trust as easily.
It was foreseeable that those who were currently sitting on pins and needles might, because of these unforgettable memories, see their status and strength rise along with the Ancestor in the future.
Oh, Soul-Calming Douluo might be an exception.
As expected, gains and losses went hand in hand,every cause had its effect.
Huo Yuhao observed everyone's reactions. Seeing that they'd calmed down and many gazes had turned to the nine Spirit Souls behind him, he took the opportunity to introduce them: "These are my Spirit Souls—and my companions who've supported me along the way. Several of them are also founders of the Spirit Transmission Tower. Without them, the Spirit Soul system could not have been perfected and promoted. At an occasion like this, they deserve to be present."
His gaze swept across his companions, his tone steady and solemn: "Skydream Iceworm—the first million-year spirit beast in continental history, my first Spirit Soul. Ice Empress—one of the Extreme North's Three Heavenly Kings, my Ice-Jade Emperor Scorpion martial soul originates from her and Skydream. Evil Emperor—Liya—Octagonal—"
As Huo Yuhao finished speaking, everyone respectfully greeted the Spirit Souls: "Greetings, Ancestor Skydream! Greetings, Ancestor Ice Empress—"
Because many families had Spirit Soul ancestors and the Tower had spirit beast higher-ups, no one objected to bowing to Spirit Souls.
Moreover, since the Spirit-Ice Ancestor had spoken, and Skydream and the others were first-generation members who had greatly helped him, if the Ancestor could respect them, they naturally deserved the title of "Ancestor."
Hearing himself called "Ancestor" and feeling unprecedented respect, Skydream suddenly felt that all the grievances he'd suffered in the Extreme North were nothing.
He had no standing in the Extreme North,but in the Spirit Transmission Tower, with Yuhao around, his prestige was maxed out!
With that thought, Skydream looked at Huo Yuhao with emotion—Yuhao really was good to him! Just listen to how he introduced him: Yuhao's first Spirit Soul, the first million-year spirit beast in continental history, even Yuhao's second martial soul was connected to him—
He asked, who else could compare?!
But despite feeling like he was floating on cloud nine, Skydream didn't bounce around like he had in the Extreme North. He was now an ancestor of the Spirit Transmission Tower—he had to maintain his dignity and not embarrass himself or Yuhao.
Ice Empress had witnessed such scenes many times and showed little emotion, merely glancing at Huo Yuhao with a hint of helpless amusement and satisfaction.
But the Tower members paid considerable attention to Ice Empress—no less than to Skydream, the unprecedented million-year spirit beast.
After all, unofficial histories had claimed Huo Yuhao was Ice Empress reincarnated. Though that had now been disproven, those who remembered couldn't help studying her.
Especially Hua Yichen, looking at Ice Empress, suddenly recalled his first meeting with the Spirit-Ice Ancestor—hadn't he discussed the theory of "the Spirit-Ice Douluo being Ice Empress reincarnated" with him back then?
Oh no, dead memories were attacking him again!
Among the Spirit Souls, the Evil Emperor felt the strangest.
After all, among the continent's three major spirit beast gathering places, the rulers of two now sat at the Tower's table, holding high positions. Only he had become a Spirit Soul.
He couldn't help feeling a sense of wistfulness, a touch of regret for his past choices.
Still, now that Huo Yuhao had formally acknowledged him as a Tower elder, and he would achieve immortality alongside Huo Yuhao's apotheosis, the outcome wasn't so bad.
After letting everyone digest this for a moment, Huo Yuhao spoke again: "There is also an elder—my teacher. He was the true founder of the Spirit Soul system. The system could not have been developed without his guidance."
"But for certain reasons, he never stepped into the public eye back then. Over these years, I've unfairly received all the credit. However, my teacher is currently handling important matters and couldn't be here today. I will introduce him to you when the opportunity arises."
These words stirred another wave in the hall.
The Spirit-Ice Ancestor's teacher? The true founder of the Spirit Soul system?
Who could be so respected by the Spirit-Ice Ancestor?
Everyone exchanged glances, questions churning in their minds, but since Huo Yuhao hadn't elaborated, no one dared to ask.
And Huo Yuhao revealing that the Spirit Soul system wasn't solely his achievement didn't diminish his prestige in the Tower members' eyes.
After all, he was the Tower's founder, the one who'd connected with the two major spirit beast gathering places and promoted the Spirit Soul system.
Was establishing the Spirit Soul system his only achievement?
Over ten thousand years, the Spirit-Ice Douluo's name had become fused with every cornerstone of the Tower. Whether or not he had credit for the Spirit Soul system, he was the unshakable foundation of this colossal institution.
By taking the initiative to acknowledge his teacher, Huo Yuhao not only failed to diminish his prestige but actually earned greater respect from many.
As this topic ended, Huo Yuhao noticed Qianku Qingfeng's hesitant expression and gave him an inquiring look.
"I know you have many questions. Speak freely."
Qianku Qingfeng was startled, then looked at the smiling Su Tong, then at Ye Guyi and Ji Juechen. After a moment's silence, he finally asked: "Earlier, Ancestor Su Tong said we'd understand how they survived to the present. Now that we know you are the Spirit-Ice Ancestor, I understand a bit—you clearly became a deity, so the news that you hadn't ten thousand years ago must have been false."
"I imagine the ancestors' survival through ten thousand years is also connected to you. But I still have some questions."
"When you disappeared back then, you didn't take Ancestor Su Tong and the others with you. How did they survive the millennia? Did you have a method for immortality?"
At this, many ears perked up.
This was the question that had arisen upon seeing Su Tong and the others—only by becoming a deity could one achieve immortality, a principle that had held for tens of thousands of years on the continent. In their eyes, Huo Yuhao had clearly become a deity ten thousand years ago, evidenced by the commotion of his "return" to the divine level. After all, without the foundation of a deity, how could one break through the plane's suppression?
But Su Tong, Ye Guyi, and Ji Juechen shouldn't have become deities, yet they'd also lived through ten thousand years—this defied all logic.
Qianku Qingfeng looked steadily at Huo Yuhao. He was the most concerned about this matter, since his current research on brain domain development was also related to longevity.
"Immortality methods—"
Huo Yuhao glanced toward Emperor Tian and shook his head slightly. "I did develop something resembling an immortality method, but it's not practical. And Su Tong and the others surviving to the present has nothing to do with it. They were simply sealed by my arrangements, their vitality preserved, until I returned to awaken them."
Hearing this, everyone felt somewhat surprised.
Not immortality, but sealing?
But such a method couldn't actually extend lifespan—its only purpose seemed to be bringing the ancestors to a future era.
What was the point?
Han Tianyi fell into thought.
Was it to have future generations awaken the ancestors during times of weakness, allowing them to emerge as the Tower's foundation and create new glory?
Or to wait for the right moment—for the ancestors to await an opportunity for godhood in the future?
Thinking of the second possibility, Han Tianyi's breath caught, and his eyes glinted as he looked at Huo Yuhao.
This wasn't just idle speculation.
After all, from everything he'd heard, one could see what kind of person the Spirit-Ice Ancestor was.
Their Ancestor was undoubtedly someone who valued relationships deeply.
And for someone who had already become a deity, enjoying immortality and valuing relationships—what would they most want to do?
Naturally, to help their loved ones become deities as well!
But throughout history, records showed that one person becoming a deity could only bring a limited number to the Divine Realm.
Perhaps that was why the Ancestor had made this decision.
But—if that were truly the case, why was the Ancestor unsealing Su Tong and the others now? Was there an opportunity for godhood in this era?
At this thought, Han Tianyi's breathing grew heavier.
If so, perhaps they too could glimpse the divine level through this opportunity.
Hearing Huo Yuhao's words, Qianku Qingfeng didn't think that far. His attention fell on the phrase "something resembling an immortality method." "Ancestor, might I discuss your immortality method with you?"
"My research and yours aren't on the same path." Huo Yuhao first shook his head, then added, "But if you truly want to discuss it, there will be an opportunity in the future."
Qianku Qingfeng nodded and said no more.
The scene fell silent for a moment. Huo Yuhao looked at the quiet assembly. "If there are no other questions or thoughts, let's move on to the main topic."
At this point, Leng Yaozhu, her gaze complex as she looked at Huo Yuhao, took a deep breath and rose: "Ancestor, I wish to pass my position as Deputy Tower Master to Gu Yuena!"
This had been her thought for a long time. With just this one disciple, even if her identity was special, she wanted to entrust the Deputy Tower Master position to her—not to please Huo Yuhao, but out of a teacher's genuine care and trust for her student.
At Leng Yaozhu's words, many turned their attention to Gu Yuena, thoughts flickering in their eyes.
Given Gu Yuena's status, abilities, and strength, inheriting the Deputy Tower Master position was unquestionably appropriate. That wasn't what they were pondering.
What they were thinking was—the Spirit-Ice Ancestor and Lady Gu Yuena were very close. And since Huo Yuhao was their Tower's Ancestor, who was Gu Yuena?
Previously, overwhelmed by various revelations, they'd overlooked this. But now, this "reincarnated deity" who shared the Ancestor's status was also worth investigating.
And some who'd noticed the seating arrangement, like Ji Xuanqiu, felt their eyelids twitching as a terrifying conjecture formed.
Huo Yuhao was the Spirit-Ice Ancestor, and today's seating arrangement, restored to the ten-thousand-year-old custom, showed that.
And Gu Yuena, seated ahead of Tower Master Emperor Tian within the Star Dou faction—could it be that she was the true ruler of the Star Dou Great Forest? The true Beast God?