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Beggar Cultivation System-Chapter 297 : Encouraging the Bird
"Why don't we go rest at our school first? You must be tired from your journey," Headmaster Axton suggested, attempting to change the topic and lighten the mood.
"Tired? No," Uncle Li chuckled. "The Empire welcomed us a few days ago. The others decided to stay there while we, unfortunately, are here to handle the investigation."
"Others?" Axton repeated. Observing the faces of the two visitors, who seemed uninterested in being there, he realized they were taking the matter lightly. He felt offended, but there was nothing he could do except suppress his feelings.
"They're still enjoying themselves there. Unfair, very unfair," Kuo muttered from the side, his expression annoyed. Then, glancing at the curious onlookers, he sighed. "Might as well enjoy myself in this backward place."
"We won't be staying here long, but we wouldn't mind a little sightseeing first," Master Li said.
"Alright, I'll be your personal guide," Axton said with a polite smile, though he hoped they would find something to satisfy them. Then, he glanced at the Mayor. "Uncle, this is Mathias Helflick, the new Mayor."
"You're on the verge of breaking through to the 2nd-Step Core Creation Stage. Not bad for this place," Uncle Li remarked, scrutinizing the Mayor from head to toe. However, there was no hint of praise or amazement in his voice.
"Thank you, but compared to the Middle Continent, I am nothing but a child," Mathias said humbly, cupping his fist and bowing slightly.
"Good thing you know," Kuo whispered, glancing at the Mayor with disdain.
Master Li made no comment on his disciple's remark, simply smiling at the Mayor.
"Let's go now, Uncle and Disciple Kuo," Headmaster Axton interjected before the situation became more pretentious.
"Haha, let's see what this city has to offer us," Master Li said, stroking his goatee in amusement.
"Can I look around on my own?" Disciple Kuo asked his master as they began walking.
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"Sure, just find me before sunset," Master Li replied with a nod, prompting Axton and Mathias to exchange worried glances.
They knew that letting this arrogant disciple wander the city alone would likely lead to trouble. With his attitude, it was almost guaranteed.
They wouldn't be surprised if something went wrong. However, there was nothing they could do but let them act as they pleased. Offending them was out of the question—unless absolutely necessary.
"They won't mind me challenging their cultivators, right?" Kuo-Pal asked, floating in the air as he glanced at the Headmasters and the Mayor.
"Don't worry about such trivial things," Uncle Li replied.
"Hahaha, thank you, Master!" Disciple Kuo laughed, and with a burst of wind, he disappeared.
"He's just a kid; let him have his fun," Master Li said as he noticed the frown on Headmaster Axton's face.
"Haha, of course, Uncle," Axton replied with a bitter laugh, while the Mayor remained silent, worry brewing in his heart.
Apollo stood in front of his disciple, Don, when he noticed a whistling sound coming from the sky. Following its direction, he saw something landing on the north side of the city.
"They're here," the beggar muttered. He leapt and landed on the rooftop of the Filly Restaurant.
Staring intently at the north side, he soon spotted a massive shape approaching the city.
"What the hell is that?" Apollo whispered in surprise. It didn't take him long to realize the giant mass was actually a falcon. Its blue feathers shimmered, and its wingspan covered the entire north side of the city.
Its beak and sharp claws glinted under the sun. Its body was cloaked in light blue particles that radiated a calmness akin to still water, enveloping the entire city of Belthias.
"A Water-Attributed Falcon?" Apollo stared at the giant creature in awe. "To think such a creature exists."
The largest beast he had seen before was the Alphadusk Shadowtail, but compared to this falcon, it was like comparing heaven and earth.
Despite the calm aura it exuded, Apollo could sense a dangerous intensity lurking within. His instincts screamed that this peace was deceptive, and he shouldn't cross it.
"Water Qi…" Apollo observed the light blue Qi emanating from distant fountains and flowing toward the giant falcon. Strangely, the creature wasn't actively absorbing the Qi; instead, it seemed the Qi was willingly gravitating toward it.
This extraordinary sight left Apollo even more astonished, though his wonder was short-lived. In mere moments, the humongous falcon was enveloped in a bright light and vanished.
No… Apollo squinted and realized the falcon had transformed into a small blue bird. The bird flew after two individuals who had descended from the sky.
He remained on the rooftop for a while longer before leaping back to the ground.
By then, Don was awake and startled to see his master descending from the sky.
"Master," Don greeted, standing up quickly. "I've gathered a few coins."
"Good," Apollo nodded, taking the coins from the boy. "How's your cultivation?"
"After reaching the 1st-Step Foundation Building Stage, I feel a strength I've never felt before. I think I can shatter a tree with just one punch!"
"You probably can, though it might take you a few hits to snap one in half," Apollo replied. As he spoke, a thought crossed his mind—Don hadn't yet experienced the extent of his new strength. "We'll test your strength after we've had lunch."
"Really?!" Don's eyes widened with excitement.
"Yes. Familiarizing yourself with your current strength is essential before breaking through to another stage. You must understand each cultivation stage. Got it?" Apollo said with a serious expression.
"I got it, Master!" Don nodded vigorously.
"Good," Apollo said, smiling as he patted his disciple's shoulder. "Give me my food once Ned brings it out."
"I will, Master!"
With that, Apollo walked past his disciple and entered their usual beggar spot.
Once inside, Apollo looked for his bird, which he found playing with the monkey. The small falcon was trying to dodge the monkey's nimble hands, but despite its agility in midair, the monkey's speed allowed it to catch the falcon easily.
"Bluetooth, come here," Apollo commanded. The falcon let out a shriek before flying to perch on his shoulder.
The beggar held the bird in his hands and frowned. "Hmm, why aren't you cultivating?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He could sense that the Water-Attributed Falcon's cultivation hadn't advanced, still on the verge of breaking through to the 1st-Step Foundation Building Stage.
The small falcon chirped, seemingly offering an explanation in its bird language while flapping its wings dramatically.
"Your excuses are lame," Apollo said coldly, despite not understanding the falcon's chirps. "I think you're just being a lazy bird. Look at your friend Bubba! He's already at the 1st-Step Foundation Building Stage, and it won't be long before he reaches the 2nd-Step. You should be ashamed of yourself!"
Bluetooth lowered his head in apparent shame.
Bubba approached with a proud expression, his chest puffed out. He began gesturing with his hands, as if saying he was talented and smart, which was why he was ahead in cultivation.
Seeing how proud the monkey was, Apollo couldn't help but feel annoyed. "Why be so proud when you can't even handle a not-so-spicy chili?"
At the mention of "chili," Bubba visibly shuddered. He tactfully shut his mouth and took a few steps back.
Apollo shook his head at the scene and turned his attention back to the small bird in his hands, which had its head lowered and was cowering under its blue wings.
"You know, I just saw another one of your kind," Apollo said, recalling the giant Water-Attributed Falcon he had seen earlier on the north side of Belthias. "It was so big it covered the entire north side of the city! Each feather was as tall as two humans, and its presence was so powerful it blanketed the whole city. I want you to reach that stage and show them that you are the mightiest!" Apollo encouraged with shining eyes.
He wasn't saying this out of envy for the owner of that giant falcon—well, maybe a little. He genuinely wanted Bluetooth to reach such a stage and, perhaps, surpass the investigative team that had just arrived.
The small falcon let out a weak shriek, still hiding beneath its wings.
"Don't worry. I know you can reach that height someday, but you have to train hard every day. I'll give you rewards—something you'll never forget," Apollo said with a smile as he gently caressed the bird's head.
Bluetooth looked up, his beady eyes shimmering with excitement and anticipation.
Seeing this, Apollo knew he had successfully motivated the bird. "Go and cultivate now. You must surpass that d*mn monkey, alright?"
The bird nodded vigorously, his resolve ignited. With determination, Bluetooth flew to a corner and closed his eyes to focus on cultivation.
"Good," Apollo said, satisfied.
Bubba, feeling threatened, found his own corner to cultivate. He lay on the floor and promptly began snoring.
Apollo didn't bother the monkey, knowing this was his companion's unique way of cultivating.
"Your lunch is here, Master," Don said as he entered the beggar spot with two baskets in hand.
"Thanks. Eat up; we're heading to the training ground after this," Apollo said, taking one of the baskets.
"I will, Master," Don replied.
Soon, the two began eating their lunch.