Lin Guangzhen composed himself quickly, masking the ripple of tension Arlecchino's revelation had caused. Still, he stole one more glance at her crimson rose before turning back to the children.
"Very well. Spirit Hall will honor your guardianship over them," he said. "But your presence… will not go unnoticed."
"What do you mean?" Arlecchino asked, her tone calm but firm.
Lin Guangzhen sighed lightly. "I can't just bring an unknown Titled Douluo into Spirit Hall's capital without proper vetting. I hope you understand."
"So, you want to just take the children?" she asked, eyes narrowing.
Lin Guangzhen shook his head. "No. These children are under your care, and I will acknowledge that. You simply just have to give us where you will live from now on, it is to ensure these children are not mistreated."
Arlecchino glanced at Max subtly, and he gave a tiny nod.
"Fine," she said at last. "I will take them with me. Thank you… for understanding."
The journey to Soto City was swift, especially under the protection of a Titled Douluo. Flying on Lin Guangzhen's Spirit Light Crane, the group soared through the skies, the landscape below rushing past in vivid greens and blues. For most of the children, it was their first time seeing the world from so high up—and though they kept their act as six-year-olds, the wonder in their eyes was genuine.
Upon arrival, Soto City welcomed them with the usual bustle of an active Spirit Arena hub. Merchants shouted from stalls, spirit masters trained in open courtyards, and the streets buzzed with activity. The towering arena in the center of the city was a clear sign of how central spirit battles were here.
Lin Guangzhen didn't waste time.
He led them to a quieter district on the edge of the city, where affluent spirit masters lived. With his Spirit Hall credentials, purchasing a large, secure house was done in moments—gold coins changed hands, papers were stamped, and a grand two-story residence with a garden and internal training area was theirs.
"You'll be safe here," Lin said, turning to Arlecchino and the disguised children. "The Spirit Hall seal will mark this place as watched over."
Max, now playing the role of a small, teary-eyed boy, clung to Arlecchino's hand and nodded. "T-Thank you, Uncle Lin."
Lin Guangzhen allowed a rare smile. "Be well, little one."
He turned to Arlecchino. "Remember what I said. As long as you keep things quiet and don't stir trouble, Spirit Hall won't interfere. But don't give us reason to doubt."
"I won't," she said coolly, nodding in understanding.
With that, the Flowing Light Douluo summoned his Spirit Crane once more, golden feathers glowing under the sun. Without further words, he ascended into the sky, becoming a shimmering dot before vanishing entirely.
The street quieted.
The moment he was gone, Max's expression shifted—eyes gleaming, posture relaxing.
He turned toward the others. "Alright… now the real game begins."
Peter finally relaxed and asked, "So… what should we do now?"
Max cracked a small grin. "First, let's get our Martial Spirits awakened. That's step one."
The others nodded in agreement.
With that, the group—still disguised as six-year-old orphans—began making their way toward the Soto City Spirit Hall, following the main road lined with buildings carved in the iconic golden-white architecture of the Spirit Hall's influence.
Upon reaching the grand doors of the local Spirit Hall branch, they were stopped by a uniformed Spirit Master standing guard.
"No randoms allowed past this point," the man said bluntly. "Only those with valid documentation or sponsorship may enter."
Before Max could speak, Arlecchino stepped forward with cool confidence. "We are here under the directive of Flowing Light Douluo, Lin Guangzhen," she said. Her tone carried authority, and she handed over a sealed Spirit Hall crest bearing Lin's mark.
It was given by him so that they can easily awaken their Martial Spirit.
The guard blinked, quickly bowing as he examined the seal. "Ah… apologies, honored guest. Please, this way!"
He stepped aside and led them through the wide hallways of Spirit Hall, eventually reaching a chamber where Martial Spirit awakenings were performed. Crystal arrays lined the floor, humming softly with spiritual energy. Inside, a senior Spirit Master in ceremonial robes waited.
"So… these are the children to be awakened?" the old master asked, eyes sweeping over them.
"Yes," Arlecchino said. "They are ready."
The old man nodded and motioned for the first child to step forward.
"Come now, little one. Place your hand on the crystal."
The first to step forward was Lumia—known here as Liu Yan. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as she approached the altar in the grand awakening chamber.
The old Spirit Master watched intently as Liu Yan placed her small hand on the glowing crystal. A sudden surge of energy radiated outward, and before them, a massive phantasmal figure began to materialize.
It was a six-armed golden skeleton, clad in ornate priestly robes that shimmered with a holy light. The skeletal figure's posture was solemn, hands pressed together in a gesture of prayer, as if locked in eternal devotion.
"What is this?" the old man asked softly, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Child, what is the name of your Martial Spirit?"
Liu Yan's eyes widened, and a name echoed clearly in her mind. "Golden Saint Skeleton Lord," she whispered.
The old man nodded slowly, then turned to her with a gentle smile. "Okay now lest tets your soul power" he said as he inwardly thought, it must be high given how the Martial Spirit is releasing a good pressure for her age.
" innate full" Old Man exclaimed as he said excitedly " Child would you like to join the Spirit hall, if you join it your cultivation will be smoth form now on" He said.
Liu Yan shook her head gently. "Maybe later, but not now. For now, I want to live with my friends."
The old master nodded knowingly. "Very well. But remember, if you change your mind, Spirit Hall's doors will always be open to you."
***
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