The next day arrived.
Huo Yuhao finished his cultivation session within the Spirit Ascension Platform and rose from the metal capsule. He suddenly frowned slightly, a subtle sharpness flashing deep within his eyes. After pondering the sensation for a moment, he stopped hesitating. He left the Spirit Ascension Platform area and took the direct Soul Guidance Elevator back to the 121st Floor of the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
He easily arrived outside Leng Yaozhu's spacious and bright office. He sensed briefly to confirm Aunt Leng was inside, knocked on the door, and entered after receiving permission.
Aunt Leng.
Huo Yuhao walked up to the large desk. Without beating around the bush, his voice was calm but carried a trace of seriousness. Lately, someone has been constantly watching me. After several days of observation and counter-detection, I can basically confirm that these people belong to the Tower Master's lineage.
Huo Yuhao hadn't noticed the surveillance before his recent breakthrough. However, after becoming a Spirit Elder, his Spiritual Detection reached a new level of precision. While using the skill, he had inadvertently discovered he was being targeted by unseen eyes.
Leng Yaozhu had been reviewing a file at her desk. Hearing this, she didn't immediately look up, but the pen in her hand paused slightly. She pointed to the sofa nearby. Don't stand, sit down and talk.
After Huo Yuhao sat down as instructed, she finished reading the file. She slowly put down her pen, leaned back into the large chair, and crossed her arms in front of her chest. The warm smile that had been on her beautiful face receded like a tide, replaced by a chilling coldness.
Hmph.
She let out a soft snort, her voice seemingly devoid of surprise. That's exactly what they would do. These underhanded tactics are consistent with the style of the Qian Gu Family.
Her gaze sharpened, but when she looked at Huo Yuhao, it softened involuntarily. It seems your growth during this period has truly put significant pressure on them. They likely feel threatened by your potential, which is why they couldn't sit still any longer.
Aunt Leng, how should we respond next?
Huo Yuhao sat upright on the sofa, his clear eyes looking at Leng Yaozhu. He knew that since he was her Personal Disciple, he was naturally categorized into the Phoenix Faction's camp. Although he was young, his mind was sharp, and he wasn't entirely ignorant of the factional struggles within the Spirit Pagoda.
Leng Yaozhu pondered briefly, tapping her fingertips lightly on the smooth desktop. She had already made up her mind. She looked up at Huo Yuhao. In a couple of days, I will be inspecting several Spirit Pagoda branch towers in the eastern part of the continent. You will accompany me this time. The final destination of this trip is Donghai City. I recently accepted a new Personal Disciple there.
A new Disciple?
A hint of surprise flashed in Huo Yuhao's eyes. He hadn't heard anything about this before.
Yes, Leng Yaozhu nodded affirmatively. It's a good opportunity for you two, Senior Brother and Junior Sister, to formally meet and get to know each other. Afterward, you will temporarily stay in Donghai City with her.
Stay in Donghai City?
Huo Yuhao repeated the name softly. Information about this important coastal city in the eastern continent quickly surfaced in his mind.
Correct, Leng Yaozhu nodded. Qian Gu Dongfeng is consumed by power and willing to resort to any means, but given his identity and status, he won't personally attack you yet. As long as you leave his direct line of sight, he shouldn't keep monitoring you so closely.
I understand, Aunt Leng.
Huo Yuhao nodded solemnly, signifying his agreement to the arrangement. Then, a trace of curiosity arose in his heart. Aunt Leng, when did you take on another Disciple? I didn't know about it.
Hearing this, Leng Yaozhu smiled meaningfully, clearly quite satisfied with this new student. Her name is Gu Yue, and she is also an absolute Genius. You'll know exactly what I mean when you meet her.
The couple of days Leng Yaozhu mentioned was literally two days. The Spirit Pagoda Headquarters conducts routine inspections of major branch towers every six months. This is a crucial system for understanding local conditions and coordinating resource allocation across the land. When Leng Yaozhu first found Huo Yuhao at the Old Star Luo City branch, it was during one such inspection tour. This time, the person in charge of the eastern branch towers was still Leng Yaozhu.
Early in the morning, the team participating in the inspection assembled in the magnificent main hall on the first floor. Huo Yuhao wore ordinary clothes and waited quietly in the assembly area. He was thinking about the mysterious Junior Sister named Gu Yue he was about to meet, wondering what life in Donghai City might be like.
His peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a familiar, tall figure slowly approaching from a side passage. The person was tall and straight, wearing a silver robe. His silver hair was meticulously combed, his face was stern, and he radiated an aura that warned people to keep their distance. It was none other than Huo Yuhao's Teacher, Han Tianyi.
A trace of surprise flashed in Huo Yuhao's eyes. In his understanding, this teacher acted on impulse and rarely participated in any administrative affairs or collective activities, let alone a routine inspection. He immediately hurried forward with curiosity. Teacher? Why are you here? Are you going on the inspection with us?
Han Tianyi stopped and glanced sideways at Huo Yuhao. He let out an ambiguous snort from his nose and said irritably, Isn't it because of you, kid?
Because of me? Huo Yuhao pointed at himself, looking confused. What did this have to do with him?
Seeing his bewildered expression, Han Tianyi seemed to get even angrier and explained with an even more impatient tone. Hmph, how could that girl Leng Yaozhu feel at ease sending you off to a place like Donghai City? As the Vice Tower Master, she has too many duties to leave the Headquarters for long. She certainly can't stay in Donghai City guarding you forever.
He lifted his chin, wearing an expression that implied he was being forced into this. So, didn't she decide to put the idea on this old man's head? She's sending me to Donghai City with you. The name is 'accompanying consultant,' but in reality, isn't it just to be your free bodyguard for a while?
Although his words sounded disdainful and his tone was stiff, Huo Yuhao heard the genuine concern within the complaints. A warm current surged through Huo Yuhao's heart. He looked at Han Tianyi's reluctant profile and bowed deeply. Thank you, Teacher!
Han Tianyi seemed awkward because of the solemn thanks. He quickly waved his hand, turned his face away, and maintained his stiff tone. Alright, alright, stop with that. This old man isn't doing it entirely for you. I just got tired of staying at the Headquarters. Changing the scenery, seeing the sea, and having some peace and quiet isn't a bad idea.
After speaking, he ignored Huo Yuhao and walked straight toward Leng Yaozhu, who was finishing the assembly. Huo Yuhao watched his teacher's retreating figure, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. With Elder Han protecting him, this trip felt exceptionally reassuring. He looked forward even more to the coastal city and the Junior Sister he was about to meet.
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