Michael's return was unannounced — as usual.

The Radiant Bloom Hotel stood tall and immaculate in the heart of Heaven Dou City. It wasn't a hidden fortress, but a well-known establishment favored by wealthy nobles and powerful cultivators passing through the city. Elegant in design and flawless in service, it was a place where discretion was paid for with coin and reputation.

With Mei quietly following behind, Michael stepped up the polished marble stairs and walked through the gold-rimmed glass doors.

Inside, the lobby was calm and luxurious — decorated with rich mahogany furniture, cascading indoor waterfalls, and a faint floral fragrance carried on the temperature-controlled air. Warm lighting glowed from crystal sconces, casting soft reflections across the glossy tiled floor.

Mei glanced around, her eyes wide with quiet awe. Her robes were still dusty from travel and training, and the refinement of the place made her feel slightly out of place. She wasn't used to velvet seats or marble counters.

Michael didn't slow. He walked past the front desk and flashed his guest token, already linked to the upper-floor suites. The staff bowed silently, recognizing the symbol. No words were needed. That alone said enough.

As they stepped into the private elevator, Mei remained silent, still taking it all in — her first spirit ring, the strange pill that had awakened her martial spirit, and above all, the man walking before her, who had changed her entire life with a glance and a command.

Finally, Michael spoke, his tone calm but edged with quiet authority.

"You remember what we talked about last night?"

Mei nodded immediately, her posture straight. "Yes, Mo Luochen. I'll tell them I was found by Master Mo, that he saw potential in my martial spirit and sent me to join you. I won't mention the auction house."

Michael glanced toward her, a flicker of approval in his golden eyes.

"Good."

"Then," he said as the elevator doors slid open, "let's go meet the team."

At the far end of the hallway, the door to the main suite stood open.

Felicia's voice floated out with her usual mix of sarcasm and elegance. "Took you long enough."

Inside, the team was already gathered. Felicia lounged across a velvet divan, dressed in black lace with silver heels, one leg crossed over the other. Zhu Zhuqing sat nearby, alongside Xiao Tian, Qian Renxue, and Xue Qinghe. They were all in the middle of a board game, half-playing, half-bickering.

Hearing Felicia's voice, the others turned. Xiao Tian raised his hand casually. "Yo, what's up?"

Michael raised a brow and asked, "What did I miss?"

Renxue looked up and replied with a half-smile, "You're back earlier than I expected."

Michael shrugged. "Master Mo said she was nearby. It didn't take long."

As he stepped aside, the others finally noticed Mei, who stood slightly stiff, clearly nervous under their combined gazes. But when she glanced at Michael and saw the steel in his expression, she steadied herself.

She bowed formally and introduced herself. "Greetings. My name is Mei. I've been selected as the seventh member of Master Mo's team."

"What's her martial spirit?" Renxue asked with narrowed eyes. "And why is she only at level 13?"

The others took a moment to size her up. It was hard to ignore that while they all had at least two spirit rings now, Mei had just one.

Only Xue Qinghe remained quiet, thoughtful. He understood Master Mo's way of picking people — sometimes it wasn't about current power, but potential.

Michael nodded and answered plainly. "She'll be training with the rest of you. Her martial spirit is the Glacial Vein Lotus. It's ice-based, with a secondary attribute tied to vitality. Primarily supportive, but with combat potential."

Zhu Zhuqing tilted her head. "A dual-nature spirit?"

"She has talent," Michael said, his voice calm. "What she needs is direction."

Felicia rose and walked over slowly, heels tapping softly across the polished floor. She circled Mei once, inspecting her like a panther eyeing a kitten.

Mei didn't flinch. Her eyes stayed forward, her body still.

"…She's cute," Felicia said with a smirk. "Let's hope she doesn't melt under pressure."

Michael gave a slight nod. "She won't."

Then he turned to Mei, his voice lowering slightly — firm, but not unkind. "Rest today. Starting tomorrow, you'll join the others for team drills. You've caught up in rank. Now catch up in synergy."

Mei bowed again. "Understood."

She was shown to her room — quiet, simpler than the others', but with a clear view of the Spirit Arena down below. The moment the door closed, she finally exhaled. Her chest rose and fell, tension easing.

So much had changed in just a few days.

And yet, for the first time in her life… everything felt right.

As the city lights sparkled outside her window, Mei whispered softly to herself:

"Mo Luochen… I won't let you down."

The next morning arrived quietly, the early sunlight spilling through the high windows of the Radiant Bloom Hotel. Spirit energy in the air stirred gently — clean, crisp, and full of potential.

Mei rose early.

Despite the luxurious bed and soft linens, she had barely slept. Her mind had been racing — going over her meeting with the team, the weight of their auras, their strength… and the subtle glances exchanged when she'd entered. They weren't cruel, but they weren't welcoming either. She had to prove herself.

She tied her hair back, changed into fresh robes, and stepped out into the hallway.

Downstairs, a private training hall had been reserved for the group — thickly warded, soundproofed, and designed to handle even high-tier spirit battles. When she entered, the others were already there.

Felicia stood in the center, arms folded, her black training outfit far more combat-functional than her usual dramatic attire. She wore thin gloves, her feet wrapped in light boots. Zhu Zhuqing stretched in silence near the far wall, dark energy flickering faintly around her form. Xiao Tian had his back turned as he practiced sharp jabs mid-air, streaks of green wind twisting around each strike. Qian Renxue and Xue Qinghe stood side-by-side, calmly meditating.

Only Michael was absent — for now.

Mei stepped in carefully and bowed.

"I'm ready."

Felicia glanced over, then smirked. "Let's see if that's true."

*******

Like it?

Read More at :- patreon.com/be_king