--- Chapter 172 ---
"Yuhao-sama, please eat this~!"
"What about this~?"
"Oh, this meat is coming from the best breed this year. It has nice marbling and melts in your mouth. Here, aah~!"
Grayfia Lucifuge was "extremely." ecstatic when finding out about Huo Yuhao's return. As she spread this news through Giana's network, Grayfia pulled Huo Yuhao to her quarter and cooked warm food for him.
It's been exactly nine months since the last time Grayfia and others saw Huo Yuhao, waiting for him patiently. Dragon Nest's coalition is fighting against the Persian, Buddhist, and Hindu Gods' union.
Meanwhile, the Greek and Norse Faction chose to join the Dragon Nest's coalition. And Even though the situation hasn't changed much, some Hindu Gods seem to try to release Trihexa from its seals.
All this is because of Huo Yuhao's dominating presence last time when he dragged "The God of the Death: Hades." to Mount Olympus, killing the skeleton deity mercilessly.
Well, that's for another day.
Huo Yuhao smiled helplessly and ate everything that Grayfia fed him happily. It's maybe his feeling increased by homesickness, but the silver-haired devil maid before him somehow becomes more beautiful after three years.
Technically only nine months passed here, but whatever.
"Eat this too, Yuhao-sama?" Grayfia noticed Huo Yuhao's smile.
"Um, is there something wrong?"
Huo Yuhao shook his head casually and replied, "No, nothing wrong."
"It's just... Is it me, or have you become more beautiful lately, Fia?"
"W-What!" Grayfia reacted bashfully, blushing hard. She rubbed her cheeks adorably, which made Huo Yuhao laugh.
After finishing the hearty meal, Grayfia told Huo Yuhao to rest on her lap and explained everything that happened when he was gone. Huo Yuhao listened to her story attentively for a good few minutes, getting distracted by her floral scent.
'Aih... I get addicted to dual cultivation.' Huo Yuhao sighed in defeat.
He closed his eyes and said, "Fia, since the situation isn't very demanding, let's go on a date after I meet with everyone."
Grayfia's expression softened as she replied, "Yes, Yuhao-sama."
"Let me take a nap for thirty minutes." Huo Yuhao rolled his head to face Grayfia's soft stomach. "I have to manage my new abilities first."
"Mm." Grayfia nodded, brushing his hair gently.
[Ding! Fusing the Temporary Status to the Main One]
[Processing...]
[...]
[...]
Huo Yuhao's body entered a passive mode, and he took this chance to visit the Spiritual World. He arrived at the boundless golden sea and saw four figures near his Spiritual Tree(Core).
"Yuhao, welcome back." Eluxia went for a hug, to which Huo Yuhao responded by hugging her back.
"See, I won the bet." Tian Meng lifted her little nose proudly. "This guy is a living damn paradox. He finished his emergency mission faster than conquering this world."
"Anyway, where is my reward?"
"Tch." Bing Di clicked her tongue in annoyance.
She leaned toward Tian Meng, pecking her cheek lightly.
"Done. I shouldn't have made any bet around Huo Yuhao with you."
"HEHEHE~!" Tian Meng squirmed happily, causing Bing Di and others to look at her disdainfully. Oh well, The Ice Emperor is more disgusted.
"MUST BE PUNISHED! GO AWAY, PERVERT!" A childish shout echoed in Huo Yuhao's Spiritual World.
BAM!
A pink flash traveled through the air and slammed into Tian Meng's stomach, sending her flying into the Spiritual Tree.
"Kuugh-!" Tian Meng choked on air, drowning in the golden sea with some bubbles.
Huo Yuhao's eyes widened when he saw an adorable-looking child with sparkly pink hair. This little girl has a small white nose, a small fang poking out of her mouth, a black dragon horn, and bright blue eyes that resemble Huo Yuhao's. She wore an open-back white dress to her knee, which functioned like a frame for her young dragon wings.
"V!" The girl threw a victory sign at Bing Di.
"Is she...?" Huo Yuhao glanced at Eluxia.
Eluxia nodded and replied, "She's Helena. The Dragon Egg we spiritually condensed from Ddraig and Albion's Soul Pieces, resulting in new living Spirits with their abilities accumulated in her soul."
"She cracked out of her egg six months ago and developed rapidly to a Soul Beast with roughly 100.000 years old's level of Spiritual Energy. We are actually surprised, but knowing her source of power, which were "Ddraig." and "Albion." her growth is understandable."
"As for Helena's level of intellect... I could say she inherited a lot from you and me." Eluxia let out an exhausted sigh, which left Huo Yuhao speechless.
"Why do you mean by A lot?" Huo Yuhao's expression becomes stuffy when hearing the Calamity Necromancer's statements. He could see something more than weariness from Eluxia's eyes.
The young dragon girl's nose twitched a little, smelling a familiar scent not far from her. She turned around and saw a handsome young man with dazzling blue hair.
Realizing who he was with simple mental guessing, Helena jumped cheerfully and flashed to Huo Yuhao. She hugged him like a sticky substance and shouted, "PAPA~!"
"I FINAlLY MET YOU~!!" Her raspy yet sweet invaded Huo Yuhao's ears.
'Ah, no wonder...' Huo Yuhao finally realized what Eluxia meant.
Playful and Quick-witted.
After getting examined by Helena, Huo Yuhao sat under the Spiritual Tree with the young dragon on his lap. The little girl was humming familiar-sounding sounds and rubbing the back of her head on him.
"Back again on Spiritual Geographic, here we have a dragon with his young spawn." Tian Meng commented while pushing classy glasses onto her face. "Nothing shady happened yet, but Don't worry... It is definitely illegal to film."
"Don't make it weird, Sister Daydream." Huo Yuhao shook his head.
"Also, Helena."
"Yes, Papa~?" The little girl tilted her head.
Huo Yuhao pulled her cheeks and warned solemnly, "Promise you won't do anything dangerous toward others and yourself without a proper reason."
He said this because his younger self is somewhat unstable, and White Room helped him to become more disciplined. Behind his playful side, there was always chaos waiting to get released.
Even though Huo Yuhao could control Helena with his Absolute Control over her soul, doing so would damage Helena's growth in the future. An irregular being like Helena must have freedom but also some limitations.
Still, Huo Yuhao knew better that a child needed "Love & Guidance." than forced authority and coldness.
'Love and Guidance, huh? Never thought of these words for years now.' A nostalgic memory sparked in Huo Yuhao's mind.
And then something snaps again.
Huo Yuhao hissed in pain, clutching his head.
"Papa/Yuhao!" Worried shouts come from Huo Yuhao's contracted souls.
Huo Yuhao bit his lips and replied, "I'm fine. Just a slight headache."
It was a lie.
His soul felt like it was about to explode.
Something or maybe someone is prohibiting Huo Yuhao from accessing any memory related to that person. At first, he thought Evo influenced this but scratched the suspicion quickly because he could remember everything well before going to the Everlith Universe.
Huo Yuhao circulated Spiritual Energy and lessened the headache, calming his contracted soul about his situation. "Anyway, let's talk about our stories. I'm curious about Helena's growth." He changed the topic, knowing damn well they could spot his trick.
Playing along, Helena opened her mouth and responded, "Hehe~! Then, let me tell you about my newest ability."
Eluxia rubbed her forehead helplessly and said, "You two do alike."
Huo Yuhao and Helena glanced at each other, laughing their ass off because the link between them was thicker than blood.
Thirty minutes passed in the Spiritual World, and Huo Yuhao suddenly felt a click in his mind. He smiled and told Helena to stop the rest of her story for later.
"It's about time. My mother and others should be here at this point." He said while patting Helena's head.
"Be a good girl, okay?"
"Mm." Helena nodded obediently.
However, a slight yet devious smirk appeared on Helena's innocent young face. "What about Sister Daydream, though?" She returned while placing her little finger on her cheek.
"Prank her as much as you want." Huo Yuhao winked his eyes at Helena, making her throw a thumb up.
"OY!" Tian Meng reacted, twitching her lips in disbelief.
...
...
[Ding! The Ashborn's Spirit Ring has upgraded to True Eternal Shadow]
[Adding 269.802+ Shadow Warriors into the Eternal Shadow Realm]
[Death Manipulation upgraded to "Death Authority."]
[Darkness Manipulation Upgraded to "Darkness Authority."]
[Ding! The Chaotic Purgatory Flame has absorbed Ogre King's Flame]
[Ding! The War Beast's Sub Race has absorbed Beast King's Power]
[Adding Moonlight's Law to War Beast's compound blood]
[Ding! You have failed to add the "Steel-like Body." because of its lower quality]
[Ding! Spatial Manipulation fused with the Chain of Heavens' 1st Skill]
[Evolving Spatial Manipulation to "Spatial Authority."]
[Ding! Ancient Devil's Regeneration(SSS) added to Host's Natural Healing Ability]
[Ding! Poison Immunity(SSS) failed to become one with Heavenly Poison Body because of the lacking quality]
[Ding! Perfect Body and Perfect Control couldn't fuse with the Main Status because of lower grades than Host's Base Stats]
[Ding! Cold-Blooded(SS) becomes one with Boundless Emperor]
[Ding! Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist upgraded to "Water Stream World Smashing Fist."]
[Ding! Devil Force: Forced Plundering upgraded to "Concept of Small Plundering."]
[Ding! Creating new Sub-Race: True Kroman with Ancient Ink Devil and Ancient Godlight Devil's Bloodlines]
[All Skills related to True Kroman added to True Kroman's Additional Status Page]
[Ancient Ink Devil's Abilities have become one with True Kroman's Sub-Race]
[Ding! Fairy Queen's Innate Spirit absorbed into the "Throne of Beginning and the End."]
[Condensing the 5th Spirit Ring]
[Ding! You have achieved a new title: Oberon, The Fairy King of Titania Bolos and Absent Ruler of the Everlith Universe]
[The Host went through qualitative changes...]
[Condensing a Godhood unique to the Host]
[Current Progress: 0.1%]
[Opening the updated Status...]
[Name: Huo Yuhao]
[Age: 18]
[Race: Demi-Primordial Human]
[Sub-Races: Divine Dragon(+), War Beast(+), True Daemon(+), Genesis Seraph(+), True Kroman(+)]
[Class: Dawn Bringer, Dark Avenger, Dragonborn Crusader, Silver Ranger, Techno Master, Pagma's Incarnation]
[Cultivation Realm: Level 99/Limit Douluo]
[Martial Soul: Chaotic Dragon Emperor(7+), True Ancestor Eyes of the Lords(2+), Chains of Heaven(9+), Divine Throne of Beginning and End(5+)]
[Contracted Souls: Tian Meng, Bing Di, Eluxia, Helena, Titania(Innate Spirit)]
[Profession Skills: Craftsman, Chef, Alchemist, Blacksmith, Rune Master]
[Extra Skill: Overclock, Dice, Uriel]
[Extra Passive Skill: High Roll(SSS), Supreme King's Presence, Lesser Divine Sense, Voice of All Things, True Lord of Dragons, Limit Breaker, Boundless Emperor, Heavenly Poison Body]
[Concepts: Destruction(10), Nullification(4), Tear(11), Stars(7), Dark Light(2), Concept of Small Plundering(9]
[Techniques: Haki(+), Penetrating Fist(SS), Extreme Lightning Mirage, Four Season Saber Technique, Weapon Mastery, White Room's Martial Art Mastery, Gentle Love Tap(S), Water Stream World Smashing Fist(SSS)]
[Cultivation Art: Universal Breathing Technique, Gathering of Ten Thousand Waves, Endless Primordial Sea Art]
[Azure Emperor's Vault: Eas(103), Frost(SS), Great Apostle Creation(SSS), White Ogre Mask(S), Yeoui(SSS+), Sky Poison Pearl(Ex), Clark Kent's Glasses(SS), Stella(SSS+) Guardian Shield(SS+), Leviathan Axe(SS+), Switch Axe(SSS), Ex-Caliburn(SSS), The Darkest Star's Halberd: Dosa(Ex), Fairy King's Canvas(Ex), Grand Duchess Ink Devil's Quill(SS/Damaged), Onyx Brush(EX+), Heavenly Soap]
[Upgrading Tickets: Silver(29), Gold(17), Black Gold(2), Platinum(2)]
Huo Yuhao gradually opened his eyes, seeing some familiar faces cornering him.
"Oh, he woke up~!" Huo Yun'er giggled in happiness.
"About a damn time, of course, he would wake up," Scathach said with a smile.
Qianye Ying'er nodded and added, "I missed you so much, Yuhao."
Huo Yuhao smiled awkwardly because four beautiful women and ladies were using their laps for his pillow. He could smell the jealousy from millions of men if they witnessed this.
Their scents invaded Huo Yuhao's nostrils, which is dangerous for many reasons.
'Calm down there, buddy.' Huo Yuhao looked down at his pants wryly.
He blinked a few times and said, "I'm back."
"Welcome back, Hao'er." Huo Yun'er gently pulled him closer, reaching for a kiss. Huo Yuhao didn't fight back and felt her soft lips wrapping around his tongue. It was a sloppy french kiss, which awakened a dangerous mood between the frustrated ladies in the room.
"Next." Scathach hugged Huo Yuhao from behind, kissing him wildly. From her flushed face alone, Huo Yuhao could see his beloved Shishou was sexually frustrated.
And lastly, Qianye Ying'er, who kissed Huo Yuhao with the softest tongue play. Well, not very peaceful down there.
'Bad girl.' Huo Yuhao slapped Qianye Ying'er ass and made her squirm a little, but she didn't say anything to deny his comment.
"Um, Yuhao-sama... About the date." Grayfia Lucifuge suddenly opened her mouth. She fumbled with her fingers, causing the three frustrated women to snap back to reality.
Cough!
Huo Yun'er faked a cough and said, "W-Well, we can wait for that."
Even though Huo Yun'er is thirsty for something, she doesn't want to bother Huo Yuhao's date with Grayfia Lucifuge. It's rare to see a woman as dedicated as this silver-haired maid.
Of course, Huo Yun'er would prefer dragging Huo Yuhao to the bedroom immediately, but Grayfia deserved her part.
Scathach and Qianye Ying'er could only shake their heads, smiling at Grayfia.
"Go, you two. Or I'll pounce on my beloved student." Scathach pushed Huo Yuhao to Grayfia.
Qianye Ying'er slipped something into Grayfia's sleeve and continued, "Yeah... Don't go for too long, though. At least return within one or two days."
Grayfia peeked into her sleeve and blushed hard after seeing the content of Qianye Ying'er gift. 'C-Con...' She gulped nervously.
'This size... Is Huo Yuhao-sama that big??"
Qianye Ying'er chuckled playfully, expecting a great reaction from Grayfia Lucifuge.
"Thanks for understanding, Mom, Shishou, Ying'er."
Huo Yuhao gave them a thankful look and grabbed Grayfia's hand.
"Then, I'll be back after the date and spend more quality time with you all."
"Just a moment..." He hugged them tightly, whispering something to the ladies' ears. Their eyes widened as a happy smile formed on their faces.
"See you soon."
"Let's go, Grayfia." He pulled Grayfia into a wormhole.
Grayfia nodded and responded excitedly, "Mm."
Watching the two left, Huo Yun'er shook her head and commented, "Marriage, huh?"
"Well, I'm never against it."
"What do you think? Scathach, Ying'er?"
Scathach swayed her head away and replied indifferently, "Who cares about marriage? As long as I could be with my beloved disciple."
"Teacher, you're cute sometimes, you know?" Qianye Ying'er commented while hugging the god-slayer.
"That's true." Huo Yun'er grinned a little.
"Stop Teasing Me!" Scathach complained, which made the two ladies laugh in amusement.
"This is just a payback for your bullying, teacher." Qianye Ying'er winked at her.
Scathach pouted and muttered, "Hmph... I hope Yuhao returns fast."