Exiting the airport and arriving at the Spirit Pagoda Square, Xie Xie listened to the opening speech and, seeing the bustling crowd cheering all around, couldn't help but click his tongue.
"Even though it's only been a day since I left, this place has become so lively."
Although he had seen some signs before, the current situation still surprised him. The atmosphere was fervent and high-spirited, with the clamor of the crowd rising and falling like surging waves.
The shops in the distance had opened their doors early, aiming to make a fortune today.
Xie Xie could see the enthusiastic faces around him, and with every breath, he could feel the excitement in the air.
How many humans and spirits were there around?
It was impossible to count.
Leng Yaozhu smiled and said, "This is just the beginning. The celebration lasts for three days, and from now on, people and spirits from Mingdu City and all directions will come to join the lantern. It will only get livelier."
"After establishing relations with the Federation, the square in front of the headquarters and the surrounding streets, as well as the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, have been arranged as the main venues for the celebration. Many activities will take place in these areas, and you can enjoy yourselves."
"No need to be too nervous or serious, at least not now. Apart from the worship ceremony, just participate in the other activities with a normal mindset."
"Yes, you kids can just enjoy the celebration now."
Xiong Jun nodded with a smile, "The worship ceremony will be held every evening. On the first day, representatives from the Spirit Pagoda and other factions will attend the grand ceremony together. We will take you to the Spirit Pagoda to worship the Spirit Ice Douluo."
They were currently within Huo Yuhao's domain, otherwise, with the statuses of Snow Empress, Leng Yaozhu, and him, their group would surely attract a crowd.
"Eh? The worship location is inside the Spirit Pagoda?" Xu Xiaoyan was somewhat surprised. "I thought it was outside."
"Yes, the worship location is inside the Spirit Pagoda headquarters. It's a rule left by the second tower master, but we are not very clear about the reason."
Xiong Jun glanced in Huo Yuhao's direction, hinting at something.
He felt that Huo Yuhao might know the answer to this matter.
On the other hand, Leng Yaozhu continued, "As for the daytime, there are various celebration activities related to spirits, soul beasts, and the Spirit Ice Douluo, as well as exhibitions…"
While Leng Yaozhu patiently explained to the younger generation, Lan Fuzi, who had also participated in the opening ceremony, looked at the soul beasts and spirits around her and couldn't help but feel some emotions.
Although she had heard about the situation within the Federation before and had seen scenes of soul beasts, spirits, and humans coexisting, nothing had been as impressive as today.
This was a magical place. As long as one could accept the order and strive to integrate, even soul beasts could walk on the streets, and a bear could live like a human.
On the other two continents, such a harmonious scene could not be seen. In a sense, time on those two continents had stopped in the past.
"Speaking of which, what did the first tower master look like?"
Lan Fuzi felt that she had been a member of the Spirit Pagoda for a while, but she still didn't know what the first tower master, the Spirit Ice Douluo, looked like.
The portraits recorded inside the Spirit Pagoda were also very vague, as if there were several different versions, making it difficult to determine, so they were eventually blurred.
Logically, it shouldn't be like this.
After all, humans might lose their heritage due to generational changes, but those spirits and soul beasts that had survived ten thousand years ago and had seen the Spirit Ice Douluo couldn't possibly forget the appearance of the first tower master.
However, the secrets involved were not something someone who had only joined the Spirit Pagoda for a few years could know. After a moment of thought, Lan Fuzi put her thoughts aside.
Since the portraits were blurred, she would just imagine it herself.
The first tower master…should be gentler than the two adults. After all, he was the one who brought peace between soul beasts and humans, so he must be more approachable than the deities. Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena were just too…
Thinking this subconsciously, Lan Fuzi quickly stopped herself.
No, how could I be disrespectful to the adults!
After all, powerful deities have the ability to hear others' bad words and even have the authority to punish offenders without lifting a finger.
What was it called? Divine Retribution?
Was it punished just by thinking, or did one have to say it out loud? I can't remember…
Lan Fuzi's expression turned serious, and she began to pray, "Praise Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena, may you live long… and be eternal!"
"I am your loyal believer, the first tower master is at most worthy of admiration in my heart…"
In any case, she will first offer her loyalty and faith to the two deities.
As for the first tower master, may he rest in peace…
Separating from the main group and planning to take Snow Empress and Gu Yuena with him, Huo Yuhao saw Lan Fuzi, who stood out in the crowd, and his expression became strange.
"What is she doing? Praying?"
"Maybe she's praying to you?" Snow Empress changed over and smiled.
"…I don't think so." Huo Yuhao's eyes twitched.
If, at the beginning of the celebration, a newly joined sea soul beast inexplicably started praying to him, he would really need to consider finding a reason to leave.
Otherwise, who knew what kind of scene he would encounter next.
…
Guang Long and Guang Biao were strolling along the food street near the square.
For the two big eaters, the food street was quite attractive. After all, they had come to the celebration without even having lunch…
Just as they were being tempted by the enticing aromas, Guang Long suddenly heard a passerby beside him mutter softly:
"With so many low-level soul beasts, wouldn't there be safety issues? It would be better to restrict their movements…"
Guang Long frowned and turned to look at the speaker. "If you think it's dangerous, then don't participate in the ceremony."
His voice was loud enough to draw the attention of several passersby.
The passerby's face turned red, and he was about to return, but Guang Biao had already grabbed Guang Long and said first, "Today, the Spirit Pagoda and the Federation's security team will be responsible for safety, and the soul beasts participating in the ceremony have been approved, with guardians or guardian beasts present, so there's no need to worry."
"Then… that's good."
The passerby nodded awkwardly and took a few steps back, blending into the crowd.
Guang Long pouted. "Brother, why didn't you let me talk to him?"
"What do you want to say?" Guang Biao let go of his hand. "His concern isn't unfounded. Conflicts can arise between people, and if someone isn't used to being around soul beasts, seeing powerful and majestic soul beasts entering the city will naturally make them uneasy. It's the same as how ordinary people are inherently in awe of powerful soul masters."
Apart from the areas around the Star Dou Great Forest and the Extreme North, coexistence between humans and soul beasts is more frequent. In other cities, it's more common to see humans and spirits coexisting, while soul beasts are less frequently seen.
Of course, this mainly refers to those soul beasts without higher intelligence. It is indeed difficult to reassure ordinary people about them. It's like a child with great destructive power, without a guardian nearby, no one can feel at ease.
Spirits, being under the responsibility of soul masters, don't have this problem. After all, if a spirit attacks you, it usually means the soul master has some thoughts about you…
Hearing this, Guang Long's frown eased slightly, but he still looked at the situation not far away and said defiantly, "Hmph, but his tone was really annoying. This is a celebration jointly held by the Federation and the Spirit Pagoda, what could go wrong?"
A few meters away, a pure white ice crystal deer was gracefully passing through the crowd, with a girl in a Spirit Pagoda uniform riding on its back.
The girl smiled and handed out small gifts to passersby, while the ice crystal deer obediently lowered its head, allowing curious children to touch its antlers.
"He just needs time to adjust. Not everyone is like us, who, because of the Spirit Pagoda and spirits, naturally has some trust in these soul beasts…"
Hearing this, Guang Long's expression became complicated.
For those from ordinary families who lost their parents at a young age, what the Spirit Pagoda and spirits meant was something many could not understand.
After losing their parents, although they received help from neighbors and the local community, they still lived aimlessly.
It wasn't until they awakened their martial souls at the Spirit Pagoda at the age of six and obtained their first spirit that they truly found direction in life.
It was also at that time that a special feeling was born in his heart.
Guang Long couldn't accurately describe that feeling back then, nor could he pinpoint its source, but he could clearly sense its existence, like a faint light suddenly appearing in a dark abyss.
Later, he came to understand that it was… hope.
Those days of confusion and helplessness finally took a turn for the better when he stepped into the Spirit Pagoda.
The awakening of his martial soul and soul power made him feel for the first time that he was nothing, talent, power, and the future were all ignited here.
And the joy of being chosen by a spirit was something he couldn't forget even now.
Therefore, Guang Long was very grateful to the Spirit Pagoda and the Spirit Ice Douluo, for they had given him this opportunity.
The purpose of coming to the celebration today was also to secretly offer his blessings during the worship ceremony—
Spirit Ice Douluo, may you rest in peace…
"Alright, don't think too much. Let's eat something; I'm starving." Seeing Guang Long's expression, Guang Biao knew what he was thinking and interrupted his thoughts.
"Don't get emotional now and end up forgetting your words during the worship ceremony, like you did during the speech when joining the mecha team."
Guang Long's face turned red. "How could that be? There are priorities, and the two things are different…"
Dozens of meters away, Tang Wulin watched Guang Long and Guang Biao walk away.
He glanced at Xiong Da and Xiong Er, who were asking for honey, and Xie Xie, who was watching them.
After some thought, he decided not to greet the two and instead walked over with the things he had bought.
Teacher Xiong Jun and Tower Master Leng Yaozhu probably left because they were worried that their presence would make the others feel restrained.
Tower Master Snow Empress calmly left with Yuhao and the others, and Yuhao and Gu Yuena didn't seem uncomfortable either, they really had strong hearts.
However, before leaving, Master Xiong Jun had entrusted Xiong Da and Xiong Er to him, asking him to act as their guardian and take them around the celebration.
If he leaves them now and let Xie Xie watch them alone, he will feel bad. He will greet Guang Long and the others later.
"Wulin, our teacher asked the two of us to watch over Xiong Da and Xiong Er. What exactly are we supposed to do? Just take them around to eat?" Xie Xie asked, seeing him return and looking at the bears picking honey.
Although their skillful selection of food was reassuring, the appetite of two thousand-year Dark Golden Claw Bears would probably take a long time to satisfy…
"This is the best way. As fellow foodies, I know how to keep them in check!"
Tang Wulin shared his opinion and also released his spirit.
This was a rare celebration, and one where spirits, soul beasts, and humans participated together. Of course, he will release his spirit to join in.
Seeing his action, Xie Xie released his spirit as well and said, "But I still want to check out other activities. We can't just keep eating."
"Then shouldn't you have gone with Xiaoyan and the others? Their plan was to go through the events one by one, right?"
Tang Wulin said.
They had already planned to split into three groups, each going to their preferred places first, and then gathering before evening to attend the worship ceremony together.
They had to participate deliciously in the celebration activities, but the food couldn't be missed either.
There were three days of celebration… it's never too late to go anytime.
"…"
What's the reason?
Xie Xie rolled his eyes. "If you want me to leave, then I'll really go."
"Just kidding." Tang Wulin smiled and handed him a steaming skewer of roasted meat. "Here, freshly roasted. Try it?"
Xie Xie took the skewer, took a bite, and his eyes immediately lit up. "Not bad."
Tang Wulin points to a stall not far away. "I can tell the quality of the meat. This one is tender and has a bit of soul power nourishment, so the taste is naturally good."
'Going with Wulin isn't bad, after all, he not only eats a lot but also knows how to eat.'
Thinking this, Xie Xie quickly finished the skewer and licked his lips. "Let's go, let's get a few more!"
Meanwhile, in the central hall on the second floor of the Spirit Pagoda, a giant holographic projection was playing a video about the Spirit Pagoda—
From the initial hostility between humans and soul beasts, to the establishment of the Spirit Pagoda by the Spirit Ice Douluo, and the contracts with the Extreme North and Star Dou… The final scene shows a soul master completely coexisting with several soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest.
After watching this video, Xu Xiaoyan's expression was somewhat strange, and she couldn't help but laugh. "Wulin and the others should have come to us."
Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi nodded in agreement, looking at Xiong Da and Xiong Er, who appeared in the final scene, with strange expressions.
Who would have thought that those two Dark Golden Claw Bears had acting skills? That's something new.
After watching the entire video, Xu Xiaoyan shared her thoughts. "It's well-made, but some details don't match historical records, right?"
"This is a promotional video, so there will naturally be some artistic embellishments."
A familiar voice came from the side.
Xu Xiaoyan and the other two instinctively looked over and immediately showed happy expressions. "Yuan En, Shen Xing, you're here too?"
"Yes, I came with my elders." Shen Xing smiled and nodded in response. "I didn't expect to run into Yuan En."
"I came on my own. After all, this is a celebration to commemorate the Spirit Ice Douluo… I feel I should come."
Yuan En Yehui said this, but her gaze was fixed on the video, which was now replaying the part about the establishment of the Spirit Pagoda.
If not for the Spirit Pagoda and the first tower master, as a person with an evil martial soul, she probably wouldn't be living so comfortably.
May the deceased Spirit Ice Douluo rest in peace, and thank you for everything you've done.