Just as Max finished speaking, a sudden gust of cold wind swept through the hall — and then the doors swung open.
Arlecchino stepped in, her tall form casting a long shadow behind her. Her sharp eyes scanned the room as her black and crimson cloak billowed gently, and behind her followed Gwen, Rize, and Malaika, all looking refreshed and stronger than before.
"We're back," Arlecchino said, tossing a small pouch to Max, who caught it lazily.
"Spirit rings done?" Max asked.
Arlecchino nodded. "All three of them have successfully absorbed their first Spirit Rings. Their foundations are solid."
Rize stepped forward, her blood-red eyes shimmering. "I got an good skill, its called Blood Moon Sword and it can even release a flying Slash."
Gwen gave a thumbs-up. "Mine is Solar blade and it can also release a Slach."
Malaika simply smiled. "Night blade and it can also release a Slash."
Max grinned and turned back to the new kids. "See? That's what you'll be like. Not just Spirit Masters — monsters."
Lulu, Yang Ming, Li Tian, and Lan Hui all stared, half-intimidated, half-in awe.
Arlecchino walked over and crouched in front of the children, her expression softer than usual — though still sharp. "I don't care about your backgrounds. I don't care what kind of Spirit you awakened. From now on, you're mine. And I don't raise trash."
She stood again and added, "Training begins tomorrow. We'll test your physical condition, then start building your cultivation base. You'll get stronger — fast. But only if you don't break first."
Max clapped his hands. "That's the spirit. Now, go rest. You'll need it."
The parents also left, while Max introduced the four new children to Gwen and the others, explaining that they would be their future teammates.
After that, Max led the four kids to a room Arlecchino had prepared in advance — a space specially set up for initiation.
"Okay, now listen carefully," Max said as they entered the room. "What happens in this room, you're not to speak of to anyone else. Understood?"
The children nodded silently, sensing the seriousness in his tone.
Max then snapped his fingers, and four floating silk cases appeared mid-air and hovered in front of them. Inside each was a golden, glowing pill radiating faint energy.
"Take these and eat them. They'll help purify your bodies and may even awaken hidden potential in your Martial Spirits. There's even a chance your spirits might evolve," Max explained.
He handed them the pills — specially made with essence extracted from the remains of a powerful thrown weapon-type Martial Spirit.
"Now sit cross-legged and focus your breathing. Let the energy settle naturally," he instructed.
One by one, the kids consumed the pills and sat down as directed, unaware that this moment marked the beginning of their transformation from ordinary Spirit Children… into monsters in the making.
As the golden pills dissolved into their bodies, an almost divine radiance enveloped each child. The room grew still, the air thick with spiritual energy. Max folded his arms and watched silently, his gaze sharp — this was the moment of truth.
Yang Ming — Handkerchief Martial Spirit
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then — snap — a crackling sound broke the silence. Yang Ming's plain cloth Martial Spirit shimmered, then began to unravel and reform. Threads flew around him, wrapping and reweaving themselves.
What emerged was a Heavenly Silk Ribbon, laced with soft golden embroidery. It flowed like water and sparkled like moonlight.
"It evolved into a control-type spirit… unique thread manipulation, perhaps restraining or sensory enhancement," Max said thoughtfully.
Yang Ming blinked, his hands glowing slightly. "I… feel like I can bind anything with this."
Li Tian — Angel Wings Martial Spirit
Li Tian clenched his jaw as pain wracked his back. Feathers burst into radiant light, and his wings expanded, growing larger, purer, their tips glowing with faint silver arcs. A second pair of wings shimmered faintly on his back before fading into his aura.
His original spirit had evolved into Celestial Guardian Wings — a rare mutation variant offering speed, protection, and purification abilities.
"With training, he'll be able to form energy shields and maybe even dispel curses," Max noted.
Li Tian stood silently, but his eyes glowed with newfound confidence.
Lan Hui — Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit
A quiet hum filled the room.
Lan Hui trembled as his spirit trembled too. The humble Blue Silver Grass glowed faintly, then began to shift color — its blades darkening to a deep azure with silvery streaks running through the edges. The veins in the leaves pulsed like veins of energy.
It had become Blue Silver Emperor Grass — not unlike Tang San's later evolution — but with slight differences. His had a devouring trait, able to absorb nutrients and energy from the surrounding plants or battlefield.
Xu Lulu — Bun Martial Spirit
Lulu's small frame glowed as warm golden light surrounded her. Her Martial Spirit — a simple steamed bun — floated beside her as usual, plain and unremarkable. But then, it began to pulse, throb, and grow brighter.
The steamed bun glowed red, then split apart — not in a messy tear, but in a blossoming motion. It unfolded like petals, revealing something within.
What emerged was a Divine Nourishment Lotus Bun — a delicately shaped golden-white bun with lotus-like layers, each layer emanating calming energy. A faint aroma of vitality and healing filled the room.
Max's eyes gleamed with understanding.
"Not just a support-type anymore. This is an elite food system evolution. She'll be able to heal injuries, restore spiritual energy, maybe even grant temporary buffs."
"It looks tasty," Xu Lulu said, a little drool leaking from the corner of her mouth.
Max's lips twitched at the sight. Well, she's definitely a foodie, he thought silently.
He stepped forward, addressing all four kids with a serious tone. "Now, each of you has a powerful Martial Spirit. On top of that, your innate talent has also risen to level 10. But—listen closely—you must never tell anyone about this."
They all straightened up, nodding earnestly.
"Just say you awakened at level one and trained hard. If anyone asks how you got your spirit rings, tell them we found a cave filled with ancient herbs, and after using them, your Martial Spirits evolved."
"Of course, nothing like that will actually happen—no one will harm you or force you to reveal your secrets. But I'm telling you this just in case such a situation ever arises," he added.
The kids nodded again, their expressions serious.
***
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