In Marvel with Ultimate Gacha

As Zhu Zhuqing climbed out of the water again, panting slightly, she heard footsteps behind her — light, graceful, and unmistakably familiar.

Qian Renxue approached, already dressed immaculately in pale golden robes that shimmered faintly in the morning light. Her long hair was neatly tied up, and there was a natural radiance to her, like sunlight personified.

"What are you two doing so early?" she asked casually — though her eyes clearly flicked between Michael and the soaked Zhuqing.

Michael, still standing atop the water, turned with a relaxed smile and stepped lightly back to the shore.

"Training," he said simply, then reached out and placed a hand around Renxue's waist, pulling her gently closer.

Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her forehead — a soft, intimate morning kiss that made her expression soften into something warm and possessive all at once.

Zhu Zhuqing, who was just wringing her hair out, happened to glance up at that exact moment.

Her face went blank.

Then a slow twitch hit her left eye.

Plop.

She slipped right back into the water without a word.

Michael blinked. "...She really fell."

Renxue raised a perfectly arched brow, lips curling in amusement. "Should I be jealous or concerned?"

Michael chuckled under his breath. "Probably neither."

Zhu Zhuqing muttered, "Shameful couple," as she climbed back up, water dripping from her dark hair. But there was no real malice in her tone — just the deadpan exhaustion of someone who'd witnessed too many early-morning kisses before breakfast.

Renxue gave her a serene, knowing smile, arms still loosely around Michael's waist. "You'll get used to it."

The small morning drama dispersed, and soon the whole team had gathered around a large table in the inn's dining hall. Dishes of steamed buns, grilled beast meat, fruit slices, and fragrant rice porridge filled the table. Even Qinghe, still nursing a few aches from yesterday, sat among them, quietly eating and listening.

Michael finished off a meat skewer, wiped his mouth, then leaned back slightly.

"Well," he said, looking around, "I'm heading out today. Master Mo contacted me. He said he's finished identifying a suitable seventh member for our team."

Everyone paused slightly at that.

Felicia raised a brow. "So he finally found someone crazy enough to join us?"

Though, through mental transmission she asked 'Who is it?'

Zhu Zhuqing calmly sipped her soup.

Michael shrugged. "Didn't say. Just that they're strong… and with good potential. I'm going to meet them and bring them back."

'So, you haven't found anyone, just going out to get someone' Felicia nodded as Zhuqing and Xiao Tian nodded too.

After all they know Master Mo is actually him, no one else.

Renxue's brows furrowed slightly. "You're going alone?"

"I'll be fine," he said with a small smile. "You all have your training to continue. I won't be long."

Felicia clicked her tongue. "Just don't bring back another pampered noble. One is enough." She jabbed a thumb toward Qinghe, who was quietly chewing a bun.

"I heard that," Qinghe muttered.

Xiao Tian raised a hand. "Can I place a bet? I think the new member's gonna be some battle maniac who tries to kill Michael during the first handshake."

"I'll take that bet," Felicia smirked. "Except I think she'll fall for him on the spot instead. That seems to be the trend."

Michael sighed as Renxue rested her hand on his.

"Be careful," she said quietly, a bit of concern in her voice.

Michael nodded. "I'll bring them back. Whatever kind of person they are… if they're chosen by Master Mo, they're ours."

'you mean chosen by you' Felicia said mentally as he just nodded.

Then Felicia broke the mood by tossing a bun at Xiao Tian's head. "Eat faster. We're sparring after this."

"Ow—! I'm still digesting!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Even Zhu Zhuqing's usual icy demeanor cracked as she let out a small, genuine chuckle. Qinghe blinked in mild confusion at the sudden change of atmosphere, while Renxue gently covered her mouth with a soft smile, eyes glinting with amusement.

Xiao Tian rubbed his head and grumbled, "yeah, yeah use me as tension relieving toy"

Michael leaned forward with a crooked grin. "Consider it motivation to finish breakfast before Felicia finishes you."

Felicia just smirked as she leaned back in her chair, arms crossed behind her head like a queen surveying her court. "Exactly. It's survival training. I'm helping you evolve."

"Oh great," Xiao Tian deadpanned. "Maybe next time throw a plate."

Zhu Zhuqing raised a brow. "She did that once. It missed. Barely."

Xiao Tian went pale. "That wasn't a joke!?"

The group's laughter finally died down, though echoes of chuckles still lingered as they finished breakfast. Even Qinghe had laughed for real this time — a genuine moment of belonging warming his chest.

Michael rose from his seat and stretched with an easy smile.

"Alright, time for me to head out. Let's see what kind of lunatic fate's lined up to be our seventh."

"Bring back someone interesting," Felicia called after him.

"Or at least good-looking," Xiao Tian added with a grin — only to get a flick to the forehead from Zhu Zhuqing.

Michael waved them off and stepped into the morning streets, his stride relaxed as ever, hands in his pockets and cloak fluttering behind him.

"Let's be honest," he muttered to himself, eyes lazily watching the faint ripple of spirit energy in the sky, "I could comb the sects, challenge some geniuses, or… I could just buy a little luck."

His gaze drifted up to the towering building ahead — the Cloudrose Auction House.

Lavish banners fluttered at its gates. Golden tiles gleamed in the sunlight. Spirit masters and nobles alike gathered in lines, adorned in luxurious robes. And above them all, floating lightly in the air, were illusionary displays of the highlight items: rare spirit bones, ancient herbs, and weapons glowing with sealed power.

Michael stepped past the front steps casually.

"Buying destiny might be cheaper than chasing it."

A curvy hostess in revealing sky-silk robes approached the moment she sensed his aura, bowing deeply. Her smile was sharp but practiced.

"Honored guest, your presence is most welcome. Do you seek a private viewing chamber or entry into our upcoming auction? Seats are limited today, but we can certainly—"

Michael raised one brow slightly, then handed her a gold-inscribed token. "VIP. Set me up somewhere quiet and high. I'm just here to observe… for now."

The girl blinked, then her expression lit up. "Of course, sir! Right this way."

*******

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