Heaven Dou City is an ancient giant city that has stood on the Douluo Continent, weathering tens of thousands of years of storms and changes. It was once the capital of the glorious Heaven Dou Empire, witnessing the rise and fall of the Empire and the changing of eras. Even today, twenty thousand years later, it remains a premier first-tier city on the continent, with a prosperous economy and deep cultural roots.
The speed of the Red-grade mecha, Phantom, was terrifying, far exceeding the fastest spirit tool trains. From Shrek City to the distant Heaven Dou City, it took less than half a day. Compared to the bustling Shrek City, Heaven Dou City's first impression was one of accumulation and ancient charm.
On both sides of the wide streets, the rows of buildings mostly retained the architectural style from 10,000 years ago. The entire city seemed like a massive living museum, with a distant and elegant atmosphere permeating the air. Because of this, Heaven Dou City had also become one of the continent's famous tourist hotspots, with a constant stream of visitors from all over.
Walking along the simple and ancient streets, Huo Yuhao curiously observed everything around him. However, his mind was still focused on the main purpose of this trip, and he couldn't help but look up at Han Tianyi beside him.
"Master, are we going directly to find that forging teacher?"
Hearing this, Han Tianyi showed a meaningful smile and shook his head. "No rush. I need to take you to see someone else first."
"Someone else?" Huo Yuhao was somewhat puzzled, but he didn't ask further and just followed obediently.
Han Tianyi led Huo Yuhao through streets and alleys, eventually stopping at a corner in the city's central area. Before them was a two-story detached building with an ancient style. The outer walls were made of mottled gray-white stone, covered with lush ivy, looking quite old but very neatly maintained.
Han Tianyi walked to the building's closed black wooden door, took out an exquisite communication spirit tool, and dialed a number. Then he shouted unceremoniously, "I'm here! Open the door quickly!"
After a short while, a soft click came from inside the door, and the heavy black wooden door slowly opened inward. Behind the door appeared a tall, middle-aged man. He wore a simple dark gray suit, with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing firm muscles.
His gaze lingered on Han Tianyi's face for a moment before falling on Huo Yuhao beside him, looking him up and down. He stepped aside to clear the path and uttered three brief words: "Come on in."
Huo Yuhao followed Han Tianyi into the simple two-story building. The interior layout followed the same low-profile style as the exterior, or was perhaps even simpler. Looking around, there were almost no traces of modern spirit tools; it was as if time had stopped here, remaining in the lifestyle of 10,000 years ago.
Huo Yuhao sat obediently beside Han Tianyi, but his gaze couldn't help but scan back and forth between Han Tianyi and Mu Ye. He felt that the atmosphere between these two... was a bit strange.
Then Han Tianyi spoke, pointing to Mu Ye opposite them and introducing him formally: "Yuhao, this is the current Sect Master of the Body Sect, Mu Ye."
Sect Master of the Body Sect?! Huo Yuhao's heart jolted!
Han Tianyi looked at Mu Ye, but his words were directed at Huo Yuhao. "The body-tempering methods I taught you before, although originating from the Body Sect, were ultimately just scraps. Whether you can learn the true secret techniques of the Body Sect now depends on whether this Senior Brother of yours agrees."
Huo Yuhao snapped his gaze toward Mu Ye, a strong longing instantly erupting in his eyes. Under Han Tianyi's teaching, his physical fitness far exceeded that of Spirit Masters his age. If he could obtain the true core secret techniques of the Body Sect, his Physique would surely improve again. Methods to become stronger were Huo Yuhao's greatest pursuit right now!
Feeling Huo Yuhao's burning and pure gaze, the expression on Mu Ye's face became more complex. Logically, Han Tianyi had long since left the Body Sect and joined the Spirit Pagoda. According to the Sect's rules, he could even be considered a traitor.
However, back then, Han Tianyi's departure from the Sect had been approved by his Master, who was also the previous Sect Master of the Body Sect. Furthermore, over the years, Mu Ye had often used Han Tianyi's status and connections in the Spirit Pagoda to facilitate obtaining spirit souls. Therefore, he didn't directly refuse Han Tianyi's request, but said he would make a decision after seeing Huo Yuhao!
Mu Ye stood up, his tall figure bringing an invisible sense of pressure. He walked to Huo Yuhao's side, looked down at him, and said flatly, "Stand up."
Huo Yuhao complied and immediately stood up from the sofa. Mu Ye didn't say much, directly extending his large hands to begin kneading and pressing various parts of Huo Yuhao's body.
His movements seemed casual, but in fact, they precisely landed on Huo Yuhao's shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, back, legs, and other key areas. Huo Yuhao only felt a surge of burning spirit power instantly penetrate his skin, flesh, and bones following Mu Ye's fingers! This spirit power moved rapidly through his body, as if trying to uncover every single secret of his physical form.
After a moment, Mu Ye withdrew his hands and walked back to his seat to sit down again, his expression still showing no ripples. However, Huo Yuhao caught a fleeting flash of disappointment deep in Mu Ye's eyes.
His heart tightened suddenly! Could it be that his physical condition didn't satisfy this Sect Master of the Body Sect? Huo Yuhao's heart immediately became apprehensive.
He didn't know that Mu Ye's momentary disappointment wasn't because his body wasn't good enough. On the contrary, Mu Ye's disappointment was more of a regret. He regretted that such a good talent had a mental-type Spirit Eye for an Original Body Martial Soul.
If Huo Yuhao had awakened a physical-type Original Body Martial Soul, Mu Ye would have absolutely taken him as a Disciple personally without hesitation and taught him everything. As for the cultivation and development of a mental-type Original Body Martial Soul, who on the entire continent could compare to his Junior Martial Uncle Han Tianyi?
Just as Huo Yuhao's heart was in turmoil, thinking his hopes were dashed, Mu Ye spoke. "Junior Martial Uncle has nurtured him very well; his blood and Qi are abundant, muscles strong, and meridians clear. The foundation is laid very solidly."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Huo Yuhao's small face filled with tension, and a barely perceptible trace of gentleness flashed in his eyes. "Henceforth, let the secret techniques of the Body Sect be taught to him by you, Junior Martial Uncle."
As soon as these words were spoken, Huo Yuhao was first stunned, and then a massive wave of joy flooded his heart! He hurriedly bowed solemnly to Mu Ye, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Thank you, Senior Brother!"
Mu Ye nodded slightly, formally accepting the identity of Senior Brother. From now on, besides being Leng Yaozhu's Disciple from the Spirit Pagoda, Huo Yuhao was also considered one of the Body Sect's people!
A smile appeared on Han Tianyi's face; he knew his martial nephew wouldn't refuse after understanding Huo Yuhao's talent. With that matter settled, Han Tianyi followed up: "There's one more thing I need to trouble you with."
Mu Ye turned his gaze over, questioning.
"This Disciple of mine." Han Tianyi patted Huo Yuhao's shoulder. "Has chosen forging as his secondary profession."
Speaking to this point, Mu Ye already understood. His friendship with the Divine Craftsman Zhen Hua was no secret to his Junior Martial Uncle Han Tianyi. He scanned Huo Yuhao again, his scrutinizing gaze now carrying a different meaning: "An Original Body Martial Soul does indeed have a natural advantage in the path of forging, especially a mental-type Spirit Eye. It has an edge over others in perceiving metal textures and controlling changes in heat."
Without further nonsense, Mu Ye stood up, his tall frame stirring a gust of wind. "Let's go. At this hour, he's likely giving a lecture at the Blacksmith Association."
Han Tianyi nodded and signaled for Huo Yuhao to follow. The three filed out, leaving the simple building and stepping once more onto the history-steeped streets of Heaven Dou City.
Following behind his two elders, Huo Yuhao couldn't help but lean in slightly and ask Han Tianyi in a low voice: "Master, that... Senior Zhen Hua, just who is he?"
He had only just started forging and didn't know much about the people in the forging world.
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