His jaw nearly dropped to the floor, his mind going entirely blank as he witnessed the scene.He remembered the extreme, bone-breaking agony he had to endure yesterday just to shatter his own first gate under Tiger's guidance.He remembered the blood pouring from his nose and the feeling of boiling lava inside his veins.Yet, right in front of his eyes, The master had just single-handedly guided three people into the path of cultivation.He didn't use any painful methods, he didn't use any medicine, and he didn't even touch them.He just spoke a few gentle words about breathing exercises, and by using his own peerless control over the world's energy, he smoothly escorted them past the dangerous threshold of awakening as if it were nothing but a casual game.Allen’s body trembled slightly with a mix of deep fear and absolute worship.He finally understood the reality. Tiger was a terrifyingly strong commander, but Max...He was an absolute god walking among mortals. He was the true mas

174: TrainingMax narrowed his brows, his gaze landing on Allen, who was still kneeling on the floor."Follow me outside," Max said, turning around and walking toward the door leading to the garden.Allen didn't hesitate for a single second. He scrambled to his feet, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and followed right behind Max.His heart thumped heavily against his ribs, but he forced his legs to remain steady.The night air was cold, and everywhere was dark, everyone else was fast asleep.Max stopped right in the middle of the garden and turned around. He looked at Allen for a brief moment, then waved his right hand.A faint, ripple expanded from Max’s hands, instantly forming a barrier that covered the entire backyard.The space inside the barrier became completely quiet, and the wind outside seemed to freeze."I have set up a barrier," Max started, his eyes locking onto Allen."No matter how hard you scream or how loud your bones break tonight, no one inside the villa or outsid

176: They Tried To Recruit Us "Tiger?" Max muttered, picking up the call."Master," Tiger's voice came through, sounding rather urgent."What's wrong?" Max asked, his eyes narrowing."The higher ups just called me," Tiger said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement,"They called all of a sudden, asking if I would like to join them."Max's eyes flashed hearing this. So this was their next move. They couldn't get to him directly, so they decided to try pulling his men away from him instead."I see," Max said slowly, his voice calm, "And what did you say?"There was a brief pause, then Tiger burst out laughing, his voice booming through the phone."I rejected them of course! Did the master think I would betray you for those old men?" Tiger laughed heartily, clearly finding the whole thing ridiculous.Max smiled hearing this, a wave of satisfaction washing over him. Tiger had always been loyal, but it still felt good to hear him say it out loud."Good," Max said, nodding even though Tige

178: Precautions Back in the destroyed office, the four old men slowly pulled themselves up from the wreckage, groaning in pain.Maximus was the first to stand, leaning heavily against a broken pillar of wood that used to be part of his desk. His ribs throbbed with every breath he took."That brat," Maximus muttered through gritted teeth, his hand pressed against his side, "How dare he..."The stout man with the mustache, whose name was General Holt, struggled to sit up, glass crunching beneath him. His wrist, the one Max had twisted earlier, hung limply by his side."This is humiliating," Holt hissed, his face red with both pain and rage, "Absolutely humiliating."The third old man, a thin, sharp faced general named Vance, dragged himself toward the others, his clothes torn and covered in dust."In all these years," Vance said, his voice shaking slightly, "Max has never acted this boldly before. He used to come in, argue with us, maybe slam a table, but this..."He gestured weakly a

180: Get Ready The next morning, the family gathered around the dining table just like every other day.Fiona was busy setting down the last plate of food when Max cleared his throat, his expression turning slightly serious."There's something I need to tell you all," Max said, glancing around at his family.Fiona paused, looking up at him, "What is it?""We might have to leave the country soon," Max said calmly, picking up his chopsticks as if he had just announced something as simple as the weather.Fiona's hand froze midair, her eyes widening in shock."Leave the country? Why?" Fiona asked, her voice carrying a hint of worry, "Max, what's going on? Did something happen?"Max gave her a gentle smile, shaking his head slightly."I can't explain it right now," Max said, his tone soft but firm, "But I promise, when the time is right, I'll tell you everything."Fiona stared at him for a long moment, her brows furrowing slightly. She wanted to press further, to demand an explanation rig