Tony smirked as he stepped forward. "Let's break the counter."
With a flick of his hand, a sleek fox-headed catalyst rod appeared in shimmering violet energy — lightly crackling with electric pulses.
He placed his hand on the crystal.
[ Spirit Power: Level 10 ]
Mo Chen's lips parted, stunned speechless for a moment.
Bruce moved forward silently, and with a breath, his Martial Spirit exploded outward — a massive, ember-forged greatsword, brimming with fire aura.
He placed his palm on the crystal.
[ Spirit Power: Level 10 ]
Mo Chen could only stare. "This… this doesn't make sense."
Hawkeye casually walked up, giving a lopsided grin. His Martial Spirit emerged as a glowing storm-crossbow, lightning arcing around it.
When he placed his hand to the crystal—
[ Spirit Power: Level 10 ]
Another set of villagers gasped.
Natasha stepped up without a word. From her hand formed a gorgeous gem-carved golden rapier, its edge elegant and shimmering.
She placed her hand on the crystal.
[ Spirit Power: Level 10 ]
Mo Chen was clearly rattled now.
Shuri stepped forward with her usual cool air. A delicate fan-blade formed from pure blue light, laced with intricate etchings.
She calmly pressed her hand to the crystal.
[ Spirit Power: Level 10 ]
Mo Chen's hands trembled slightly. "What… in the name of the heavens…"
And lastly, Dave stepped forward. The circle seemed to pulse before he even activated it.
The moment he raised his palm, a radiant blue-hilted katana formed — water droplets flowing around it in synchronized rhythm. Though it looked like a simple blade, an ancient aura surrounded it.
Dave placed his hand on the crystal.
[ Spirit Power: Level 10 ]
Mo Chen took a shaky breath. "All of you… all eight… Level 10 Spirit Power. This... this isn't luck."
"Well, big brother," Dave began, flashing an innocent smile, "we're all from hidden families. So we were told to keep this matter a secret. We sort of… ran away from home to roam the world."
He casually tossed out the excuse, fully confident that Mo Chen would buy it.
Mo Chen stared at him for a moment, then slowly nodded. "So you kids are from hidden families… that actually makes sense."
He straightened up, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "There are many such clans—powerful families who don't involve themselves in worldly affairs. They live in seclusion, often in mountain sects or hidden valleys. No wonder your spirit powers are so… extraordinary."
Dave smiled again, hiding a smirk behind his calm eyes.
Tony: "Hey, what's this sudden family drama?"
Dave: "Idiot. What normal village kid has power like us? That's why I said we're from a hidden family. This way, no one will doubt our identity."
Steve: "Tony, I think Dave is right. You saw those village kids—none of them even had spirit power over level 3. What do you think they'd do if they realized we're freakishly talented?"
Hearing that, the group grew silent and nodded in agreement.
Bucky: "By the way… is it just me, or does my Martial Spirit feel like it has another form?"
Dave: "That's normal. It's our unique Martial Spirit—dual form. We have both a weapon form and a beast form. Just keep your mouth shut and don't show it in front of others. For now, we stick to the weapon form only."
Everyone else: "Got it."
"Would you kids like to join our Spirit Hall?" Mo Chen asked with a smile, already imagining the benefits of bringing in all eight of them. Eight geniuses like this... I might be promoted for life.
Dave raised a hand calmly, feigning innocence. "Well, big brother, we kinda ran away from home... and now you want us to join a place?"
Mo Chen chuckled. "Of course, you can keep your freedom. You'll only need to report to Spirit Hall when the time comes to make some contributions—like participating in the Continental Spirit Master Competition under Spirit Hall's banner. Until then, you're free to roam as you please. Spirit Hall might even assign some protection for safe travels."
Dave tilted his head, then smiled slyly. "Alright then, we'll consider it. But we'll need… say, 20,000 gold coins per month—for each of us."
Mo Chen blinked. Then stared. Then actually laughed. "Haha! You kids drive a hard bargain... but fine. I'll report 20,000 gold coins per person per month. With talents like yours, Spirit Hall will definitely approve."
"Deal," Dave said, and the others nodded, keeping their expressions composed.
"From now on, you are all officially Spirit Hall disciples," Mo Chen said with a grin. "Let's go. I'll escort you to a nearby major branch city so you can begin your journey."
"Wait—" Dave raised a finger. "Not just any city. Take us somewhere quiet and big… but not too flashy."
Mo Chen nodded in agreement. "Hmm… the Soto City of Barak Kingdom should do. It's large, but peaceful, and they have a Spirit Battle Arena there."
"Perfect," Steve said, arms folded.
As they prepared to leave, the old man who had helped them earlier waved them off with a wrinkled smile. "What about the village kids?" he asked Mo Chen quietly.
Mo Chen, understanding the unspoken concern, whispered back, "I'll just say their Spirit Power was only level 5 or 6. That'll keep them safe from attention."
"You know the deal, just keep your mouth shut"
The old man stroked his beard and said meaningfully. "So my guess was right. They're the fallen nobles' children."
Hearing this Mo Chen nodded " you know how it works old man" he said grining as these two laughed like two scheming villains.
"Old man," Dave said with a grin, "remember that little girl with the White Shore Lily? Let her follow us. Even with a low-grade spirit, she has potential. With our guidance, she could become a Spirit Emperor—or even a Spirit Saint someday."
The old man's eyes welled with tears. "Thank you, young master. I'll speak to her parents and make sure she gets the chance."
Dave nodded. He genuinely wanted to repay the old man for giving them accommodation, even if it was just for two days.
What's best other than giving this small village a Spirit Emperor protection.
Mo Chen gave a final nod and added, "Alright, we move out in half an hour. Make it quick, old man."
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