Pao Pao Help Me!

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the windows of the of his home, Kazel sought out his father with a determined look in his eyes. He found Noel sitting outside, sipping tea, his expression calm and unreadable. But Kazel had no time for morning pleasantries—he had questions, and he wanted answers.

"Father," Kazel started, standing in front of him. "Do you have any tips on finding rarer Spirit Beasts?"

Noel paused, lowering his cup. He looked up at his son, his brow slightly raised in curiosity. This boy… he wasn't slowing down. He was relentless. A small, amused chuckle escaped him. Was this drive to become stronger because of what happened with Salma? It wouldn't be surprising.

Noel exhaled deeply, placing his cup on the table. "You do realize that the rarer a Spirit Beast is, the more dangerous it becomes, right?"

"I know," Kazel replied without hesitation.

Noel rubbed his chin, sighing. "Then sadly, the answer is no. Your cultivation realm simply isn't ready for that level of risk."

"But I have a strong innate soul," Kazel pressed. "Shouldn't that mean I can handle it?"

Noel narrowed his eyes slightly before shaking his head. "Yes, you might have a strong soul, but let's not forget—no one in recorded history has ever absorbed a hundred Spirit Stones and remained at the first level of the Body Tempering realm. That alone is concerning."

"Maybe I just have a talent beyond those records," Kazel smirked.

"Or maybe," Noel countered, his tone firm, "you're still recovering from the Soul Rot."

Kazel's expression stiffened for a second. Soul Rot. That damn illness that had kept him bedridden for years. He had already put it behind him, but now his father was saying it could still be affecting him?

Noel sighed again. "Look, I know you're eager. I understand that hunger for power, but sometimes, patience is just as valuable as strength. Give your body time to adjust." He stood up, stretching his arms before turning to leave. "And don't forget to take your medicine. Otherwise, Old Fu's next visit might not be pleasant."

Kazel scoffed under his breath, watching his father disappear into the distance. "Old Fu's next visit? He'll be in tears."

Shrugging off the thought, Kazel turned toward his mother, who had been listening quietly while preparing breakfast. "Mother, I'm heading to the market."

Lana, who had been slicing vegetables, paused mid-cut. She gave him a knowing look but didn't object. "Don't stay out too long," she finally said with a sigh.

Kazel gave a quick nod before making his way out.

The streets of the market were already alive with activity, merchants shouting their deals, people moving in and out of stalls, the scent of fresh-baked bread mingling with the aroma of roasted meat. But Kazel wasn't here for food or shopping.

This time, he had a destination in mind.

A sly smile played on his lips as he weaved through the crowd, making his way toward a certain shop tucked away in a less crowded part of the market.

Pao Pao's store.

If there was anyone who could help him get his hands on information about rare Spirit Beasts, it was that old merchant.

The moment Kazel stepped forward, moving between the bustling crowd and the stationed guards, his eyes were drawn downward—a single foot, stepping just outside the shadows of a nearby stall.

A pair of black boots, polished and well-crafted, touched the ground with deliberate grace.

Before he could process anything else, a brisk figure brushed past him in a blur.

The faintest whisper of movement.

A presence so quick, so fleeting, it left only the lingering trace of a fragrance—one unlike anything he had ever smelled before. Not the heavy perfumes worn by noblewomen, nor the faint floral scents carried by spring air. It was different. Refined. Sharp. A scent that demanded attention without asking for it.

Kazel turned swiftly, scanning the market. Nothing.

The figure was gone.

For a split second, his heartbeat quickened—not from fear, but from curiosity.

( Who? )

He hadn't even caught a proper glimpse, yet his instincts whispered something strange. That wasn't an ordinary passerby.

( Not bad )

A smirk tugged at his lips as he clicked his tongue, deciding not to dwell on it. If fate willed it, they would cross paths again.

Pushing aside his intrigue, he stepped into the familiar scent of spices and aged wood. The market's noise softened as he entered a small shop nestled between larger establishments. A place filled with all manner of curiosities, trinkets, and—most importantly—information.

Kazel's voice rang out in a casual drawl.

"Old Pao."

Pao Pao leaned forward with an amused glint in his eyes, his fingers drumming against the wooden counter.

"Ah, Kazel," he greeted with familiarity. "I hope the Mustang Black Rabbit serves you well?"

Kazel crossed his arms, his expression firm. "It did, but it's not enough."

Pao Pao raised a brow. "Not enough?"

"I need to grow stronger," Kazel stated, his voice unwavering. "I need to win the Scale Dalgona."

Pao Pao paused, his fingers stopping mid-tap. His curiosity piqued. "Scale Dalgona? Are you entering that tournament?"

"Indeed," Kazel nodded, his gaze unwavering.

Pao Pao leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. Then, a question formed on his lips. "Are you… representing the Immortal Sect?"

Kazel grinned and spread his arms as if the answer was obvious. "The one and only!"

For a moment, Pao Pao just stared. Then, he blinked once.

And then—

"Pfft! Hahahaha!"

A burst of laughter erupted from him, shaking his whole body. He slapped the counter, gasping for air between chuckles. Pao Pao wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "Boy, you really are something else!"

Kazel rolled his eyes, waiting for the old merchant to get it out of his system.

Pao Pao interlocked his fingers and leaned forward with a knowing smile. "Now then, you came here alone, so can I assume that you don't have any Spirit Stones to buy my commodities?"

Kazel shook his head. "My father told me to rest, that's why I'm here."

Pao Pao chuckled. "If you want to compete against the best in your realm, perhaps an Uncommon Spirit Beast might suffice."

Kazel crossed his arms. "I want at least a Rare one. Salma from the Rising Stone Sect has the Snow Fox—I need more."

Pao Pao leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose. "A Rare one, eh? Are you sure you're up for the task? Only competent Body Tempering cultivators can host such a monstrosity. That Salma girl is talented indeed… the Rising Stone Sect's most precious student at the moment."

Kazel nodded, his eyes sharp.

Pao Pao studied him for a moment before tilting his head slightly. "Well, you have no money. All I can give you is information."

"Anything will do." Kazel cupped his hands in gratitude.

Pao Pao smirked. "The hunters have been gathering information about a rumored dangerous beast in Heir Forest. They plan to begin their expedition tomorrow morning." His smirk widened. "In fact, you just missed one of them."

Kazel raised a brow. ( It must be her… )

"Tell me the details, Old Pao."

"Sure," Pao Pao said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "But remember, risk and reward are brothers. You'd have a very slim chance… of living."

Kazel's lips curled into a smirk. "Of course."