In his past life, Huo Yuhao had been a scientific researcher, always regretting that his short human lifespan meant he wouldn't live to witness the next great leap of human civilization beyond the information age.
But now, in the world of Douluo, with power that could potentially allow him to chase immortality, Huo Yuhao naturally wanted to witness—no, lead—the advancement of this world's civilization with his own eyes.
This was the best of times, and the worst of times. Social stratification was severe, and war was constant. But it was also the dawn of a technological revolution, with soul tools evolving rapidly. It was exactly the kind of era where Huo Yuhao could shine.
He had always thought it absurd that, even after ten thousand years, the Douluo world in the original story had barely advanced. It was too slow. He wanted to speed it up. Faster. Even faster.
In a world with supernatural powers, there was no need for an ideal or fair political system. What it needed was a single omnipotent and supremely powerful leader—someone who could take full control and guide civilization down the right path.
As for who that ultimate leader should be... Huo Yuhao simply smiled and chose not to linger on such lofty thoughts.
At the moment, he and Juzi were silently walking toward the lower districts. Juzi trailed behind him, lost in thought, her mind still echoing with Huo Yuhao's long and passionate words.
The advancement of civilization...
Ever since war had destroyed her warm, loving home, Juzi had harbored a deep hatred toward the Star Luo Empire. All her cultivation, her decision to save Xu Tiannan and build a relationship with him, her strategic studies in warfare—everything had been for one goal: to lead an army and conquer the Star Luo Empire, and personally kill Duke Dai Hao, her greatest enemy.
But after listening to what Huo Yuhao said about civilization, Juzi suddenly felt as if something within her had shifted.
Was revenge truly the only purpose of her life? Maybe not.
She was no longer the powerless little girl from before. Once Xu Tiannan took the throne, she would become the Empress of the Sun Moon Empire. With his trust, she could even hold command over armies.
Perhaps, aside from vengeance... she could also do something more. Something within her power. She didn't fully understand what Huo Yuhao meant by civilization, but she did want to improve the lives of children like her—those born to commoner families, whether in the Sun Moon Empire or the Star Luo Empire.
As they walked, the change in scenery made it clear they had left behind the prosperous upper district of the empire.
In the upper district, high-rises and grand buildings filled the skyline—modern and vibrant, not unlike a 21st-century metropolis on Earth.
But once they entered the lower district, the atmosphere felt more like old Shanghai—gritty, historic, and clearly divided from the urban glamor of Mingdu's core.
Compared to the outer slums of Star Luo City, it was far better—but still far from good.
"Living conditions are average. But the security seems decent. It's relatively stable and not too filthy. Sanitation is quite good."
Compared to the Douluo Federation's three kingdoms, Mingdu had a relatively advanced sewage system. Especially compared to the outer parts of Star Luo City, which were notorious for their chaos and filth.
What amused Huo Yuhao most was how, during the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, all the vagrants from Star Luo City's outer zone had seemingly vanished. Most likely, the authorities had "cleaned" them away one way or another. Can't have the Star Luo Empire losing face in front of the continent's elite soul masters, after all.
Mingdu, at least, had fewer displaced people wandering around. Regardless of housing quality, few had been driven from their homes.
After several hours of surveying, the sun was beginning to set. Huo Yuhao and Juzi had uncovered quite a few soul tool applications that could benefit the general public.
"That's enough for today. You can go find your classmates and regroup. Just submit your report to Xuan Ziwen when it's ready. I've got something else to do."
Juzi blinked, wanting to call him back—but she didn't. She only stood there silently, watching his back as he walked away.
She had wanted to ask him to share dinner. In truth, she had developed a quiet admiration for him and hoped for a conversation over food. But then she remembered—she couldn't show any interest in another man, not while Xu Tiannan was watching. So she buried the thought.
Juzi's expression slowly returned to normal as she turned and walked in the opposite direction. To her, Huo Yuhao had shown the kind of ruthless, commanding aura that even Xu Tiannan couldn't match. And with that, the future paths of the two began to diverge. Unlike in the original story, they would remain parallel, never truly crossing again.
Huo Yuhao arrived at his favorite barbecue restaurant in Mingdu, ordered a large mixed platter of grilled meat, and sat back comfortably. He pulled out a detailed map of the city and a black pen, tapping one dark dot after another onto the parchment.
"Quite a few. Twenty-three already. And that's not even including the eastern district."
He stared at the map, sighing.
Aside from soul tool research, he had spent his day doing something else—something far more critical. Using Electrolux's sensitivity to the dark aura of evil soul masters, Huo Yuhao had pinpointed every hidden Holy Spirit Sect branch in the western lower district of Mingdu.
Although the sect's main base was deep in the Demonic Forest, its alliance with the Sun Moon Empire had allowed them to discreetly establish a number of covert strongholds in the city.
Naturally, they didn't dare operate in the upper districts.
And what did Huo Yuhao plan to do with this information? He intended to purge these parasites from Mingdu. Morally, the Holy Spirit Sect's evil soul masters who preyed on innocent people deserved death. Strategically, they were a barrier to his future plans for Mingdu's reconstruction.
Of course, he didn't plan to handle them personally. Once Grand Worshipper Kong Deming came out of seclusion, Huo Yuhao would hand him the fully marked map.
Meanwhile, Electrolux's power was gradually recovering. Before long, Huo Yuhao would be able to inherit his necromantic abilities. And with those powers, Huo Yuhao had a bold plan—assuming a new identity, even a new body, and infiltrating the Holy Spirit Sect from within.
These hidden branches would serve as stepping stones for his infiltration.
Since Ma Xiaotao hadn't lost control due to evil fire in this timeline, she likely hadn't fallen into the sect's hands. But Tang Ya… she was probably already corrupted and brainwashed into becoming an evil soul master.
And for someone like Tang Ya, the future Holy Spirit Saintess with enormous potential, Huo Yuhao had no intention of letting her stay with them.
If she were to become another powerful pawn for the sect, he would rather make her his own. If she couldn't be controlled, then crippling her and freeing her from the sect's influence would also be acceptable. Without her evil soul master powers, she'd be powerless—harmless. But if left in the sect's hands, she'd be incredibly dangerous.
And if all else failed… maybe she'd have to die.
He'd adapt as needed.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, Go Check It Out.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.