Hu Liena's curiosity sharpened at his words. Most men either flattered her or stumbled over themselves trying to impress her. This one? He spoke like he was the one granting her time.
"You speak boldly," Hu Liena remarked, taking a small bite of her food, her emerald eyes never leaving his. "Most people wouldn't dare speak like that to me in Spirit Hall City."
Max finally met her gaze properly, his golden eyes calm, amused, yet carrying a weight that made the space between them feel heavier.
"Bold? No. Honest? Maybe. I just don't care much for reputations built on fear." He tapped the table lightly with his knuckles. "Besides… I'm just here to eat. You sat at my table, remember?"
One of Hu Liena's companions frowned, clearly irritated. "Watch your tone. You're speaking to the Holy Maiden of—"
A glance from Hu Liena shut him up instantly.
Max noticed the interaction and chuckled softly. "See? Even your dogs bark on command."
Hu Liena should've been offended, yet instead, she found herself smirking. This wasn't some street thug. His posture, his confidence, the subtle control of the atmosphere—he wasn't just strong, he knew he was strong.
"…Who exactly are you?" she asked softly, her voice carrying an edge of genuine curiosity now.
Max wiped his mouth, stood up casually, and with a faint smile, pulled out a simple black-gold token from his pocket, tossing it lightly onto the table. The intricate symbol of Spirit Hall's Honorary Elder Token gleamed under the light.
Hu Liena's expression finally cracked—the momentary widening of her eyes betrayed her surprise.
"I'm just a visitor," Max said, turning to leave. "Here to check on family."
As Max walked off, the token vanished back into his pocket with a casual flick of his wrist, leaving Hu Liena and her companions frozen, staring after him in shock.
"Impossible… how can he be an Elder? He's clearly younger than us," Yan snapped, visibly irritated and skeptical. Even Hu Liena's brother, Xie Yue, watched Max with narrowed eyes, confusion evident on his face. He knew the Honorary Elder token was real—but how?
Hu Liena stood up, curiosity burning brighter than her irritation now. "May I ask… which Elder are you? I've never heard of someone so young holding that title."
Max paused, glancing at her over his shoulder, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his lips.
"Ever heard of Ghidorah Academy?" he asked simply.
Hu Liena blinked. "Of course. Who hasn't? That place… the academy that turned the entire continent upside down in the last few years." Her expression shifted, realization dawning. "Don't tell me… you're the Dean?"
Max's smirk deepened as he turned away again, walking off. "I see my reputation is slipping. I expected you to recognize me sooner."
Hu Liena remained still, her thoughts racing. So young… but capable of killing a Sea Dragon Douluo from the Xingluo Empire at King-level cultivation? She had heard the rumors. Ghidorah Academy was no longer a hidden force in the Star Luo Empire—it was rapidly gaining fame across the entire continent.
As Max disappeared into the crowd, Hu Liena whispered under her breath, "The so-called most dangerous Dean… in the flesh."
Hu Liena's mind raced as she and her group rushed back toward the Pope's Hall, their footsteps echoing in the grand streets of Spirit Hall City. The moment they returned, they headed straight inside, pushing past guards and clerics alike.
Inside the majestic Pope's Hall, the air was thick with spiritual energy and authority. On the throne, Bibi Dong sat elegantly, her piercing eyes instantly locking onto her approaching disciples.
"Why the rush?" Bibi Dong's voice was calm, but carried the weight of command.
"Teacher, we just saw someone… someone unexpected," Hu Liena said, breathing lightly from the fast pace. "A young man… he had a real Honorary Elder token. But that's not all—he claimed to be the Dean of Ghidorah Academy."
Bibi Dong's eyes sharpened instantly, her composed mask cracking for a moment as she straightened in her seat. "Dean of Ghidorah Academy…? Mo Tian?"
Hu Liena and Xie Yue exchanged glances. "So, the rumors are true?" Hu Liena asked cautiously.
Before Bibi Dong could respond, she raised her hand, summoning two individuals from the side chambers. A tall, lean young man with dark brown hair and calm eyes, and beside him, a beautiful girl with silver-white hair and sharp, intelligent features.
Peter and Lumia.
The moment they entered, Bibi Dong's gaze turned toward Lumia, her voice softening just slightly. "It seems your brother is here in Spirit Hall City."
Lumia's silver eyes widened for a brief moment, before a small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Took him long enough."
Peter exhaled slowly, clearly having expected this encounter for some time.
"Go bring your brother," Bibi Dong instructed calmly, her gaze steady as she looked at Lumia.
Lumia smiled faintly, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Of course… though I should warn you, my brother is… well, him. What if he hits on you, Teacher?"
The entire hall fell silent for a moment as the audacity of her words sank in. Even Hu Liena and Xie Yue nearly choked.
But Lumia wasn't done. She folded her arms, smirking. "And let me remind you… he already have three girls in his bed."
Bibi Dong, for once, visibly faltered. A faint flush crept across her flawless face, but her expression remained cold and regal… almost.
"I'll spank him if he dares," Bibi Dong muttered under her breath, regaining her composure.
Lumia chuckled, her silver eyes shining with amusement. "He might like that," she teased playfully, already turning to leave. "But alright, I'll go fetch him. Let's see if the mighty Dean of Ghidorah Academy dares talk back to his dear little sister."
Bibi Dong shook her head faintly, but even she couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
At first, Lumia's blunt, cheeky way of speaking had irritated her. After all, few people in Spirit Hall—very few—dared to talk to her so casually, let alone tease her to her face. But over time… she had come to appreciate it. Maybe even like it.
Lumia wasn't just anyone. Her confidence wasn't rooted in arrogance, but in quiet strength. She carried herself with ease, and though she showed respect, she never cowered. It was… refreshing.
And besides, she was her student. Almost like her own little sister at this point.
"I wonder what her brother is really like…" Bibi Dong mused to herself, resting her chin on her hand as she thought.
She had, of course, heard the name Max—or Mo Tian—as Lumia occasionally mentioned him. The Dean of Ghidorah Academy, the one making waves across the continent, the man rumored to have slain a Titled Douluo despite being only a Spirit king.
Intriguing, to say the least.
A small smirk played on her lips. "Let's see if the infamous Dean lives up to the stories… or if he's all talk."
***
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