He put away his thoughts and looked at Yi Hongchen in front of him.
Yi Hongchen and Wang Hongchen, one a Level 10 designer and the other a Level 10 maker, were clearly being groomed intentionally.
Moreover, the former was the president of the Mecha Association, and the latter was the head of the Illustrious Virtue Hall, indicating that the Hongchen family's strength and status in the Federation were not to be underestimated.
Huo Yuhao wasn't surprised.
After all, ten thousand years ago, when Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen grew up, they both became Super Douluo.
The latter even took on the responsibilities of Jing Hongchen, becoming the head of the Illustrious Virtue Hall and a pillar of the Federation during that era.
That their descendants had developed to this extent was something that could have been foreseen back then.
'Come to think of it, were there Level 10 makers and designers in this era originally? The only Level 10 soul tools I can recall are the three Godslayer-class soul tool shells and a few Level 10 soul tool shells from the Tang Sect...'
At this thought, Huo Yuhao's mind paused.
He suddenly remembered something hard to bear, one of those Level 10 soul tool shells seemed to have been sold by the Tang Sect to the Star Luo Empire, used to bomb the Federation's fleet... Fortunately, the Tang Sect hadn't developed much this time.
At this moment, Yi Hongchen spoke up: "However, I can introduce you. With your talents, you might pique his interest."
"Thank you, President," Huo Yuhao smiled.
Although Elder Kong had handed over all his research on life-linked soul tools to him, the accumulated knowledge of the Illustrious Virtue Hall over ten thousand years was also quite enticing.
He didn't want too much, just researched materials that could truly enhance his foundation, like the soul power amplifier.
"It's nothing. The circle in Mingdu isn't that big. I have a good relationship with your Spirit Pagoda. The head of your headquarters' soul tool research department and I are on good terms. We keep in touch regularly, it's a kind of fate, I suppose."
Yi Hongchen shook his head with a smile and stood up, looking at the workbench. "Speaking of which, I brought you to the workshop to see your skills. Are you planning to show off?"
Huo Yuhao smiled faintly and didn't decline. Instead, he first looked at Gu Yuena.
Seeing this, Gu Yuena nodded and walked straight to the workbench. She began to draw a temporary soul tool blueprint, which she first handed to Huo Yuhao for review. After he improved it, it was then shown to Yi Hongchen.
'A Level 6 blueprint? No, it had some flaws originally, but after Huo Yuhao's improvements, it reached Level 6. But she's not far from Level 6 herself.' Yi Hongchen looked at Gu Yuena with some surprise, secretly marveling.
If it wasn't for the dazzling brilliance of the person beside her, this girl would likely be a figure who could dominate an era.
Just as he was thinking this, Gu Yuena designed three more blueprints in a row, all of which she handed over to Huo Yuhao.
Yi Hongchen was stunned.
What does this mean?
Yi Hongchen had only mentioned it casually. After all, in his eyes, although Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena were indeed exceptionally talented, they were still young.
Currently, the former was at Level 6 in both secondary professions, while the latter was a Level 5 designer. The surprises they could show him were limited.
However, when Huo Yuhao actually started working, his expression instantly froze.
Huo Yuhao walked to the workbench and slowly closed his eyes. The air in the workshop suddenly became still.
His breathing became long and even, each breath seemed resonating with the heavens and earth. A soft, glowing aura of soul power gradually enveloped him. The light wasn't dazzling or ostentatious, but it gave off a sense of unfathomable depth.
Then, with a wave of his hand, three engraving knives and three pieces of rare metal flew out of his storage ring. The three knives traced three completely different trajectories in the air, beginning to inscribe soul tool arrays on the metal.
"Buzz—"
The three engraving knives seem to have a life of their own, each inscribing entirely different core arrays on separate pieces of metal. Every stroke, every angle, was executed with terrifying precision, as if three top-tier soul tool masters were working simultaneously.
"This is impossible..."
Yi Hongchen's beard trembled. As a seasoned Level 10 designer, he knew better than anyone what this situation meant, it completely overturned the fundamental principles of the soul tool world!
In the world of soul tool masters, Huo Yuhao's current state was known as "unity of mind and body." It wasn't something one could achieve through deliberate effort.
Only when a person's essence, energy, and spirit were at their peak, and their cultivation and spiritual power had reached a corresponding level, could they possibly enter this state.
To create a Level 9 soul tool, one had to achieve this unity of mind and body.
But what shocked him wasn't this, Li Yucheng had already mentioned Huo Yuhao's ability to achieve this state.
What astounded him was that Huo Yuhao, in this state, could simultaneously craft three different Level 6 soul tools!
Creating a single soul tool that matched one's secondary profession level with full focus was already extremely difficult, let alone crafting three simultaneously while in the state of unity of mind and body?
How were unity of mind and body and multitasking connected?
Just as Yi Hongchen was lost in shock, the alloy door of the workshop emitted a soft "beep," snapping him out of his daze. He frowned.
At this time, no one should be coming to disturb them... except for that hot-tempered girl.
Was she here for that research material, having come from the Spirit Pagoda?
...
Outside the door, a girl around fifteen years old touched at the staff who were looking at her with strange expressions and furrowed her brows slightly.
She wore a black uniform that accentuated her slender, sexy figure. Her black hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, complementing her wheat-colored skin. Behind her black-framed glasses, her bright eyes sparkled.
"He didn't report to the headquarters first but came to the Mecha Association instead? It seems the next Pagoda Master isn't too concerned about the prodigies at the headquarters. He's leaving us hanging."
Hearing the name "Huo Yuhao" faintly, the girl pursed her lips.
Well, she didn't care much either. No matter how strong his mecha design and manufacturing abilities were, at most, he could be her assistant. He couldn't help with her and her parents' research.
After all, their research directions were different.
"Come in."
A voice transmitted from the workshop. The girl wasn't surprised and directly opened the door to enter.
Gu Yuena noticed the commotion at the door and temporarily shifted her gaze from Huo Yuhao, who was intentionally crafting soul tools, to the girl who had entered. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"Ling Zichen?"
"It's you, Na'er? You've grown even more beautiful over the years."
Ling Zichen greeted her easily, about to follow her father's instructions and ask President Yi Hongchen for the research material, but her attention was drawn to Huo Yuhao's actions.
Crafting three soul tools simultaneously in the state of unity of mind and body?
She adjusted her glasses, her eyes showed keen interest. She wasn't in a hurry to speak with Yi Hongchen anymore but instead quietly observed.
Huo Yuhao's movements were smooth and fluid, without the slightest hesitation. The three Level 6 soul tools took shape rapidly under his hands, each one reaching a level of perfection...
Three crisp chimes roasted out almost simultaneously. As the final array was completed, the three soul tools simultaneously emitted a dazzling light.
Their energy fluctuations intertwined in the air, forming a brilliant soul power screen.
The three Level 6 soul tools were completed almost at the same time. From start to finish, the entire process took less than five minutes.
On the side, Yi Hongchen shifted his gaze from Ling Zichen to Huo Yuhao, nearly pulling out his beard in shock.
He felt like he had encountered someone even more terrifying than the Spirit Ice Douluo. If it wasn't for the times being different, this person might turn the entire soul tool world upside down, right?
While Yi Hongchen was still in shock, Huo Yuhao walked over with the three soul tools, "Please take a look, President."
Yi Hongchen snapped out of his daze and looked at him with a wry smile.
He suddenly regretted what he had said earlier... He'd have to have a good talk with his cousin later.
"No need to look. From now on, you can borrow and study any soul tool blueprints and high-level soul tools in the Mecha Association. I'll also teach you all kinds of secondary profession knowledge... No, both you and Gu Yuena."
"That's an excellent offer. I don't think I've ever received such treatment from you," Ling Zichen stepped forward, smiling.
Yi Hongchen said with a hint of annoyance, "If you're willing to join the Mecha Association and let me teach you, I'll give you the same treatment."
In terms of talent, this girl was, in his eyes, no less than Huo Yuhao. The research talents of this generation of the Spirit Pagoda were indeed enviable.
"Then forget it. Your expertise in design doesn't align much with mine. I don't want to spend all day drawing lines on blueprints."
Ling Zichen pursed her lips, her slender fingers idly twirling a strand of her hair. "I prefer the process of turning theory into practical results."
At this, her gaze fell on Huo Yuhao, her tone is casual.
"So, you're the next Pagoda Master. It seems the old folks' judgment isn't bad. I'm Ling Zichen, from the Spirit Pagoda's soul tool research department."
A ripple stir in his spiritual sea.
Tianmeng's eyes broadened, "Damn, are all the young people these days so arrogant? Is she talking about the Snow Empress?"
Bingdi glared at him, "No one will think you're mute if you don't speak."
Snow Empress herself didn't seem to mind much.
Huo Yuhao, upon hearing her self-introduction, quickly recalled information about her.
Throughout the history of the Douluo plane, few can compare to the person before him.
Ling Zichen, an ordinary person, not a soul master, but the chief scientist of the Tang Sect in the original work, second only to the two Limit Douluo, Heartless Douluo and Amorous Douluo!
The individual source core circulation array she invented was the core energy source for human interstellar ships and battleships.
This groundbreaking invention opened the door to human interstellar expansion. In a sense, she was the first to propel humanity into the interstellar age and lead its development.
Moreover, she was the first in Douluo to achieve mechanical advancement. Using divine-level metal to create an individual source core, she became a special existence, neither human nor god, yet ageless and undying. She was one of the few to live from this era to ten thousand years later.
Her two major achievements were also glorious. The first was using herself as the launch platform for a Godslayer-class soul tool shell, enhancing the power of "Eternal Paradise," which injured the Abyss Sage, who was at the second-level god tier at the time.
The second was ten thousand years later, filling the main cannon of the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King's cosmic battleship with Yi Zichen, transforming her accumulated knowledge over millennia into a cannon shot that injured the Crimson Mother, who had become a god-king level powerhouse.
Oh, by the way, the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King's battleship was made from Di Tian's corpse...
With this in mind, Huo Yuhao nodded indifferently at Ling Zichen, "Pleasure to meet you."
Di Tian, I've done my best. Seize the opportunity, this time, you probably won't be turned into a cosmic battleship.
"If you go to the headquarters, you'll probably join the soul tool research department, right?"
Ling Zichen nodded, asking with interest, "Would you like to be my assistant? Your research skills are good, and with your status as the Spirit Pagoda's heir, it could save a lot of trouble with experimental approvals."
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow, giving her a calm look, "As you are now, you're not qualified."
His utterly calm tone stunned Gu Yuena and the spirits in his spiritual sea, but Snow Empress's lips curled into a smile.
This was the first time since Huo Yuhao's return that he had faced someone with such an attitude.
Clearly, Huo Yuhao wasn't planning to use a gentle approach to navigate the situation. Instead, he intended to reestablish his position at the Spirit Pagoda headquarters with absolute strength and authority!
Gu Yuena snapped out of her daze, staring at Huo Yuhao, her purple eyes shimmering with a strange light.
This was the first time she had seen him like this...
"..."
Ling Zichen's brows furrowed deeply.
This guy, not even officially in his position yet, was already treating her like a subordinate?
Huo Yuhao ignored Ling Zichen and turned to Yi Hongchen, "President Hongchen, I'd like to visit the headquarters' blueprint storage room."
"Of course," Yi Hongchen handed him the access pass, watching as Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena turned to leave. He changed at Ling Zichen beside him.
Finally, there's someone of the same generation who can keep her in check.
"How does it feel?"
Hearing Yi Hongchen's teasing tone, Ling Zichen came back to her senses, her voice cool.
"Nothing much, President. I'm here today to..."
Planning to conquer them with absolute strength and ability, huh?
Then I'll see if you can actually do it.
...
While Huo Yuhao was heading to the Mecha Association, Di Tian's figure stepped through the void, his black robe billowing as he landed on the metal platform outside the Illustrious Virtue Hall. He stood with his hands behind his back, his dark golden vertical pupils exuding authority.
Moments later, the space rippled like water. A white-haired old man stepped through the air, his snow-white hair loosely tied, a few silver strands falling over his wrinkled forehead.
He wore a gray robe with dark golden soul tool patterns embroidered at the hem, seemingly plain but hiding profound mysteries. Most striking were his eyes, the left pupil had a mechanical, deep blue hue, while the right was a murky amber.
The old man's withered fingers played with a bronze compass, its needle spinning on its own without wind, emitting faint clicks. When he landed, the metal platform didn't make a sound, as if he had merged with the space itself.
"Pagoda Master Di Tian, I wasn't aware of your visit. My apologies for the lack of welcome."
The old man's expression was calm, "May I ask the purpose of your visit today?"
"You're too courteous, Hall Master."
Di Tian nodded slightly and asked:
"I've come to inquire about a few matters."
"Please, go ahead."
"The rumors two years ago, were they mainly spread by the Illustrious Virtue Hall?"
Wang Hongchen paused, "Two years have passed, yet Pagoda Master Di Tian still remembers this. There's no harm in discussing it, yes, it was the Illustrious Virtue Hall. Our feud with Shrek Academy is long-standing, as everyone knows. Kicking someone when they're down doesn't sound good, but it's not surprising, is it?"
"Besides, they've been too ostentatious in recent years. It's time to give them a warning."
Hearing this, Di Tian looked at Wang Hongchen's calm expression and thought of the final message Huo Yuhao had sent him last night. He narrowed his eyes.
If it was just a warning, why did the Federation agree so quickly two years ago when Xiong Jun and the others reached an agreement with Shrek Academy and approached the Federation...
Thinking this, Di Tian didn't delve further into the matter and changed the topic, "As far as I know, the extraplanetary race in the 17th level of the War God Shrine's Hell is cooperating with the Illustrious Virtue Hall on research?"
Wang Hongchen's expression became serious. Considering Di Tian's first question, he pondered for a moment before nodding slightly, "Indeed, their abilities are unique and very helpful for certain soul tool research. We've made some agreements with them in exchange for helping them sustain their population. Does the Spirit Pagoda also need their assistance in research?"
"These extraplanetary beings aren't human, yet when they die, they don't produce soul rings. They're very helpful for various Spirit Pagoda research projects."
Di Tian asked, "Moreover, in ten thousand years, I'm afraid I won't be able to suppress my heavenly tribulation anymore. I naturally hope the research on the beast tribulation progresses faster."
Hearing this, Wang Hongchen didn't refuse, "The relevant research will commence in a while. I'll communicate with them then."
Although they had acted as the Spirit Pagoda's blade two years ago, they had ultimately been used. And now Di Tian was bringing up his heavenly tribulation, making it hard to refuse.
It was just a matter of doing a favor.
After conversing for a while, Di Tian left.
At this moment, Wang Hongchen's soul communication device rang.
"Oh? Spirit Pagoda, Huo Yuhao?"
Hearing the words from the soul communication device, Wang Hongchen's eyes flickered. The more he listened, the more his interest grew, and he couldn't help but felt a sense of awe.
Unity of mind and body, yet capable of multitasking?
A unique application of spiritual power?
If he had created this technique himself, it was truly remarkable…