According to Rick Suleiman’s words, Howard had already identified the two individuals.

The one with the icy demeanor must be Ice Ghost, and the other who initiated the conversation, with his chubby, rotund figure and a face flushed with health, was unmistakably Glutton.

Glutton, after giving Howard a once-over, chuckled lightly, “This young lad, merely in his teens, has cultivated to around level 33. His physical strength could even rival that of a level 50 close-combat, physical-type awakened. Quite intriguing.”

“No wonder you, a warrior, are taking a magus as your apprentice. What’s the plan, to have the young one follow the path of both magic and physical prowess?”

Rick Suleiman, having witnessed some of Howard’s capabilities, also mistook him for having a lineage similar to that of a melee magus. Naturally, he would encourage the path of dual cultivation in magic and physical strength. He nodded, “You’re right. I indeed want Howard to follow this path. Although the leveling up is slow, once a certain level is reached, as long as one can perfectly integrate their skills, ordinary single awakened ones, or even those who have advanced to hidden classes, will be no match for him!”

“It seems you hold great expectations for him!” Glutton pondered for a moment, then, with a sudden movement of his lips, a silver-white blade materialized in his hand.

Bathed in the moonlight, the blade shone like a pearl, its dazzling light flickering.

“This sword is named Moonlight. Although it’s merely Legendary-grade equipment, it possesses the potential to advance. If it continuously absorbs moonlight, it can even evolve into a Supreme Artifact.”

With a smile, Glutton said, “Don’t look down on its current grade. I usually don’t have much low-level equipment. This piece, originally intended for my granddaughter, became redundant when she chose to be an archer. So, this sword became useless to her. But it just so happens to be suitable for your use.”

“Thank you, Uncle Glutton!”

Joy lit up Howard’s face as he eagerly received Moonlight. Then, his expectant eyes turned towards Ice Ghost.

Noticing Howard’s expectant gaze, Ice Ghost couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

Upon glancing at Rick Suleiman, Ice Ghost also produced a book, his voice particularly cold: “An S-level skill, Death Six-Step Throw, a close-combat technique!”

“Thank you, Uncle Ice Ghost.”

Despite Ice Ghost’s understatement, it was still an S-level skill book. Howard felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. What gifts would the other two, who had yet to arrive, bring for their first meeting?

It must be said, becoming an apprentice had its perks!

Every time Howard met one of Rick Suleiman’s acquaintances for the first time, they were obliged to present a gift.

Moreover, given Rick Suleiman’s formidable strength, his acquaintances were also of high caliber, ensuring that their gifts were nothing short of impressive.

“How are the preparations going?” Seeing Howard accept the gifts, Rick Suleiman, sitting with Howard by the campfire, shifted the conversation to more pressing matters.

Ice Ghost nodded, “We have located the site where the treasure will appear. If nothing unexpected occurs, it should be within the next two days. As for the location of the duel, we have chosen that as well. Those who manage to come along will certainly not be weak. Obtaining the Starry River Map will also contribute to our human race.”

Hearing this, Howard was assured of Rick Suleiman’s words that the Alliance had no intention of monopolizing the Starry River Map.

“Is there still so much time?” Rick Suleiman frowned, “No wonder Old Smokey and Sickly Sprout haven’t arrived.”

Glutton spoke up, “It seems Sickly Sprout encountered some issues, but the Alliance has spoken. Once he’s done, he’ll come immediately.”

“If there’s still so much time left, it’s not practical for you, Howard, to just stay here,” Rick Suleiman said, his eyes narrowing slightly. He abruptly asked, “How many awakened have arrived nearby?”

“About a thousand, most from various major families or some forces lurking in the shadows. From the East, aside from Crimson Dragon City, people from Black Tortoise City, White Tiger City, and Solaris City have all arrived!” Before Glutton could finish, an odd scent suddenly wafted in from outside, causing Howard to involuntarily start coughing violently.

Then, a figure appeared in the hall as if a ghost, materializing beside the campfire.

“People from Black Tortoise City too? Are they from the Li family?”

The shadowy figure sat down next to Howard, sending a chill through his heart.

Without any warning, this person had appeared before him. Had it been an enemy, Howard couldn’t begin to imagine what the outcome might have been!

Would his equipment’s special effects even keep him safe for long?

Turning swiftly, Howard saw an old, haggard face, lined with wrinkles. Yet the eyes were clear, not at all matching the visage of an elderly person.

As Howard scrutinized the newcomer, the man was also observing Howard, expressing surprise, “This young man’s physique… doesn’t seem like a magus! How come it feels similar to those from the Chan family?”

Hearing this, Howard couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine.

Another powerful figure!

It wasn’t particularly surprising that he could discern Howard’s attributes, but to notice similarities with the Chan family required exceptional observational skills.

But why did such a powerful being appear so haggard and worn?

In Howard’s perception, those top-tier warriors, even if they were in their seventies or eighties, appeared to be of middle age. Even the old ancestor of the Chan family seemed younger than this Old Smokey!

Yet in reality, Howard was sure that Old Smokey, being a friend of Rick Suleiman and his peers, couldn’t be much different in age.

“This is my newly accepted apprentice,” Rick Suleiman said with a smile. “As an elder, shouldn’t you give a meeting gift?”

Ice Ghost and Glutton both looked at Old Smokey with smiling eyes. They had already given their gifts, and certainly hoped Old Smokey would too, lest they felt shortchanged.

“You’ve taken an apprentice?” Old Smokey expressed his surprise.

“The person is right in front of you,” Rick Suleiman gestured dismissively.

Howard respectfully greeted, “It’s an honor to meet you, Uncle Old Smokey.”

“Uncle Old Smokey? It seems they’ve already introduced me!” Old Smokey hesitated, then pulled out a pocket watch from his robe, speaking softly, “This is an Epic-grade treasure. It has the ability to slow down the flow of time, but activating it will greatly consume your MP. Make sure to use it only in dangerous situations or at specific times.”

“Slowing down the flow of time?”

Upon hearing this, Howard’s pupils dilated in shock.

This was a top-tier treasure!

Time and space, those were abilities touching upon the laws of nature, accessible only to warriors above level 95. It was said that only those who break through to level 100 could stably control the powers of time and space.

A treasure capable of influencing time could fetch tens of thousands of gold coins at auction.

Even Ice Ghost and Glutton showed expressions of surprise.

Truth be told, the gift from Old Smokey exceeded the value of what they had given.

Ice Ghost kept his calm, but Glutton exclaimed, “Old Smokey, by doing this, you’ve really made us look bad!”

“Heh, how is your embarrassment my concern?” Old Smokey replied disdainfully. He quickly changed the subject, “Enough about that, you mentioned people from Black Tortoise City arrived? Who are they?”

“All you care about is Black Tortoise City. You should be more concerned about when you’ll break through,” Glutton retorted.

“If you don’t advance soon, the life essence in your body will be completely depleted, won’t it?”

“Really, you’ve turned yourself into this ghostly state all for that girl from Black Tortoise City, and what did you get in return?”

Glutton couldn’t help but criticize, and even Ice Ghost nodded in agreement.

Old Smokey remained silent.

After a while, Glutton sighed, “Fine, you win! The person from Black Tortoise City is indeed that guy’s granddaughter.”

“It’s Yvette then.” 𝘪.𝑐ℴ𝘮

A smile appeared on Old Smokey’s face. Howard blinked, his interest piqued by the stories hidden among these old timers.

“Sickly Sprout probably won’t arrive until tomorrow, so no need to wait for him today!”

“This is a Flame Tiger I caught on my way here. Its meat is exceptionally tender and delicious. Perfect for Glutton to cook us a delicious meal.”

As he spoke, Old Smokey casually threw a dead tiger with unextinguished flames on its body, its majesty still apparent, to the ground.

As soon as the topic of food came up, Glutton’s eyes lit up. He clapped his hands enthusiastically and, while dragging the Flame Tiger to the side, confidently declared, “Leave it to me!”

With Glutton handling the cooking, Howard simply sat and listened to Rick Suleiman and the others chatting.

Ice Ghost was notably aloof, speaking very little even to old friends, only interjecting with a noncommittal “hm” now and then. .

Old Smokey, on the other hand, took out a smoking pipe, puffing away without pause, his conversation lively and continuous.

Howard, somewhat unable to tolerate the smoke, involuntarily shifted his position backwards.

Their conversation, apart from the upcoming scramble for the Starry River Map, mostly revolved around personal matters.

It was only because Howard had become Rick’s apprentice that he wasn’t asked to leave.

As their dialogue seemed endless, Howard’s thoughts drifted, and he quietly began to inspect the properties of the gifts he had just received.

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