Max stood by the window of his office, watching the evening sun sink below the horizon, casting Ghidorah Academy's sprawling grounds in a warm orange glow. The laughter of students, the clash of sparring, the hum of cultivation—it all felt… settled.
"Time to leave them in capable hands," Max muttered to himself.
With that, he turned and made his way to the central courtyard. Waiting for him was Arlecchino, her cold expression unreadable as always, her black and red uniform crisp and sharp.
"You're in charge while I'm gone," Max said simply.
Arlecchino folded her arms. "Naturally. I already run half this place as it is."
Max smirked. "Then running all of it for a while won't be a problem."
She tilted her head slightly. "Where to? Or is that above my clearance level?"
"To Spirit Hall City," Max replied, his gaze distant now. "It's been six years. Time to see how my little sister's doing… and Peter, too."
Arlecchino didn't react immediately, but there was a faint glint of curiosity in her eyes. "You sure you'll recognize them? Six years is a long time."
Max chuckled. "They've changed, no doubt. But I'll recognize them. Besides, I'm curious what they've made of themselves under Spirit Hall's… care."
Arlecchino nodded. "The academy's safe with me. Go."
Without another word, Max turned and left, his figure blending into the shadows of the setting sun as he began his journey toward Spirit Hall City.
Three days later—Spirit Hall City.
The towering capital of the Spirit Master world came into view, its massive walls gleaming in the morning sun, the grand spires of the Spirit Temple piercing the sky like lances of gold and marble.
The common folk and merchants bustled about, Spirit Masters in fine robes walked with pride, and strict guards manned every checkpoint along the entrance gates.
Max approached calmly, a simple cloak covering his form, but his steps steady with unshakable confidence. As he neared the guarded checkpoint, the soldiers stiffened, immediately sensing the hidden depth of his cultivation.
"Name and purpose?" one of them asked sharply, their hands lingering near their weapons.
Max didn't speak. Instead, he reached into his cloak and produced a silver-black token, the mark of authority glinting in the sunlight—the crest of the Spirit Hall Elder Council, adorned with a crimson lining.
An Honorary Elder Token.
The guards' eyes widened instantly. Their postures straightened as they exchanged uneasy glances.
"My apologies, Elder. Please, pass through," the lead guard said hurriedly, stepping aside with practiced efficiency.
Max tucked the token away and walked through the gates without another word. The bustling crowd parted instinctively, some recognizing the token, others sensing the quiet pressure of someone far beyond ordinary.
"Six years," Max thought as he passed through the familiar streets. "Let's see what my little sister and Peter have become under the so-called best system in the world."
Max took a slow breath, letting the familiar Spirit Hall City air fill his lungs as he strolled down the wide, immaculate streets.
"No need to rush," he mused, his eyes drifting over the towering white marble buildings, the countless shops and vendor stalls, and the countless Spirit Masters weaving through the crowd. "Six years… a few more hours won't hurt."
It wasn't every day he found himself with the freedom to simply wander.
The first place that caught his eye was a small food street tucked between two grand Spirit Master training halls. The scent of roasted meat, sizzling spices, and sweet pastries wafted through the air.
Max casually made his way over, ignoring the curious stares aimed at him. His face wasn't known, but the quiet, dangerous aura he carried still set him apart.
He ordered a plate of grilled skewers from an elderly vendor, biting into the juicy meat as he watched the people go by.
Children with budding Martial Spirits trained under their parents' watchful eyes. Merchant stalls advertised spirit tool replicas, training manuals, and flashy accessories meant to "boost" cultivation. Spirit Hall patrols moved efficiently, their crisp uniforms gleaming, their expressions cold.
"A city built on talent and pride," Max thought, licking sauce from his thumb. "But beneath it… fear. Fear of failure, fear of mediocrity."
Just as he finished that thought, a soft voice interrupted him.
"Excuse me, can I sit here?"
Max glanced up casually, only to freeze momentarily in amusement. Standing in front of him was a tall, blonde-haired girl with striking emerald eyes, her posture confident yet polite.
Hu Liena.
Max recognized her instantly—the so-called "Holy Maiden" of Spirit Hall. Praised as a genius, worshipped by many, feared by others. Yet, right now, she stood in front of him with two male companions, completely unaware of who he was.
Max's eyes flicked across the food court. Every other seat was filled—except for the three empty chairs around his table.
With a faint, careless smirk, he shrugged. "Sure."
Hu Liena smiled faintly, a little surprised by his lack of reaction. She and her two companions sat down, casually beginning to eat. But her eyes, sharp and observant, kept drifting back to him.
"You're not from around here," she said, tilting her head slightly, her tone laced with curiosity. "Or you'd know who I am."
Max didn't even bother to look up from his food this time. His expression was indifferent—no hint of admiration, no nervousness, no recognition in his demeanor at all. It was like she was just… another random woman in the city.
Hu Liena's brow arched ever so slightly. Her companions, both Spirit Masters, exchanged awkward glances. In Spirit Hall City, people either avoided her out of fear or approached with excessive reverence. This was the first time someone simply ignored her.
It intrigued her.
Max wiped his fingers with a napkin, leaned back in his chair, and gave her the faintest smile.
"I could say the same," he replied lazily. "You're clearly not from my world either."
That caught her off guard for half a second—the casual arrogance in his tone, as if his world was above hers entirely.
"Interesting..." Hu Liena thought, her gaze narrowing with curiosity, the corner of her lips curling ever so slightly.
***
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