As for that guy, Lin Guanmeng — it was obvious he had some kind of admiration, or maybe even attraction, toward Arlecchino. He hovered nearby, probably trying to strike up some conversation, or at least get her attention.
But Max didn't care. He wasn't worried.
He wasn't interested in Arlecchino romantically, either — not in that way. She was flat as an airport, while his own tastes leaned more toward curves, and everyone around them could see that. Arlecchino, in his eyes, wasn't that kind of woman for him — and he was more hot body then flat one like her.
So, Max let it be.
Let Lin try his luck. It wouldn't go anywhere.
After all, Arlecchino wasn't the type to be won over by soft smiles or carefree energy. She was a blade in human form, and Lin Guanmeng — well, he was more of a breeze. No matter how hard he tried, wind would never cut steel.
Taking everyone into the room, Max stood at the center and, one by one, began taking out the Spirit Bones — each of them over 100,000 years old.
"These are all over 100,000 years," he said, placing them gently on the ground. "Absorbing them will greatly boost your capabilities. With the right Martial Spirit, you'll even be able to start with a 1,000-year Spirit Ring directly after absorbing them."
He explained the process. Unlike normal Spirit Rings, Spirit Bones don't have any requirements one can absorb any age at any time, of course not mnay at same time, its like one at a time and then after a period of gap anothe one.
As they examined the bones, Peter asked curiously, "Did you take Arlecchino to hunt ofr these 100,000-year Spirit Bones?"
Max just gave a small smirk, "yes."
He then guided each person through their choices.
Peter chose the Void Sting Mantis's Right Arm Spirit Bone. This bone was over 200,000 years old, and Peter took it as it had strong attack skill. It granted two major abilities:
Void Slash: A spatial-fast energy-based slash.
Speed Surge: Doubles Peter's speed and agility when activated.
Malaika chose the Frost Howl Kirin Torso Bone, which aligned with her own Ice-element Martial Spirit. This 200,000+ year Spirit Bone granted:
Phantom Strike: Creates an icy phantom and attack dealing devastating damage.
Cryo Armor: Increases her overall resistance and reduces elemental damage by 50%.
Rize selected the Ember-Clad Titan Torso Bone, a powerful fire-aligned Spirit Bone. Also over 200,000 years old, it granted:
Incineration Lancer: Fires a searing line of flame capable of piercing through spirit defenses.
Blazing Core: Greatly boosts fire-type abilities and grants fire immunity during its duration.
Gwen picked the Lunar Sky Roc's Right Leg Spirit Bone, a Light/Ice elemental beast. It gave her:
Light speed : Enhanced movement speed and agility.
Flight : She can now fly.
Lumia chose the Ebony Seraphim Wolf's Left Arm Spirit Bone, a rare dual-element (Shadow and Light) Spirit Bone. It granted her:
Shadow-Light Blast: A unique beam that combines both elements for devastating power.
Six Seraph Wings: Summons six wings of light and shadow for high-speed flight and aerial combat.
Max looked around at his team — each of them now stronger, more capable, and far more dangerous than before.
"Alright," he began, "now that you've absorbed your Spirit Bones, let's discuss the path forward."
Lumia was the first to speak. "Peter and I will go with that lazy guy over there," she said with a smirk, referring to Lin Guangmeng. "That's why we accepted him as our master. It's best we train under him for now. You and your little harem can do your own thing."
Max nodded casually. "Alright. He may be lazy, but he is still an titled Douluo"
"Then you two can go with him," Max said, gesturing with a small wave of his hand. "But before that, take these."
He brought out five cultivation tomes, each glowing faintly with a mysterious aura.
"These are special," he explained.
Traceless Ghost Step — A movement technique focused on silent, unpredictable steps. Ideal for both offense and evasion.
Mesmerizing Mist Sect Manual — A cultivation manual that enhances internal harmony and spirit power flow.
Sword Intent Manual — A sword art that builds deadly precision and pressure with each strike.
Heaven-Crushing Fist — A boxing technique designed for overwhelming strength and explosive power.
Sky-Piercing Palm — A palm-based art focused on destructive bursts of internal force, strong enough to rupture internal defenses.
"Take all of these and learn them," Max said firmly. "With these, you won't need any other techniques."
Both Peter and Lumia nodded without hesitation, understanding the weight behind Max's words.
He had already explained to them how cruel this world could be — especially for rising talents. Other sects or clans might not hesitate to eliminate potential threats for their own benefit. Assassination attempts, poisonings, sabotage… it was all part of the ugly reality.
Max crossed his arms, gaze calm but firm. "With these techniques, you'll be more than strong enough to join the Spirit Hall Academy. From there, you can participate in the upcoming competition."
Peter blinked, then asked, "Competition?"
Max nodded. "Every five years, the Spirit Master Tournament is held among the top academies across the continent. It's a big deal — a chance to show your power, win prestige, and prove your worth."
Peter and Lumia's eyes lit up. The idea of real combat, of competing against other powerful Spirit Masters, was thrilling.
"Will you participate too?" Lumia asked, tilting her head curiously.
Max gave a dismissive chuckle. "Fight in a tournament with kids? I'm not interested. I'm only here for one thing — to find the strongest women, have long nights in bed, and torture Tang San."
The bluntness of his statement caused Lumia to cough awkwardly while Peter scratched the back of his head in confusion.
"…That's it?" Lumia muttered under her breath.
Max didn't elaborate. He simply turned, waving lazily. "You two focus on the competition. I have other plans."
Lumia glanced toward Max's harem group — Gwen was trying her skills, and the others casually chatting. None of them reacted to Max's bold declaration. Not a raised eyebrow. Not a word.
It was like they'd heard it all before.
Lumia blinked, then sighed and shook her head. So that's normal now? she thought.
She turned toward Peter — who was staring off with a complicated look on his face — and suddenly pinched his side hard.
"Don't even think about having the same thoughts as my perverted brother," she said sharply, glaring at him.
"Ow! I wasn't! I swear!" Peter said, rubbing his side with a wronged look.
But deep down, a troubled sigh escaped his thoughts.
Can I even be like Brother Max? he wondered, glancing at Max's confident figure, who was now casually stretching, clearly unconcerned with the world around him. He walks through everything like it's already in the palm of his hand…
Peter looked down at his own hands, gripping them faintly.
I've still got a long way to go.
***
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