Murim Recurve

The Pakou distanced itself from the Burkurel Ju Clan's western settlement by a large extent, going around the Burkurel Ju Clan's northern settlement, followed by the western and northern settlement of Burkurel Ka Clan.

All the settlements were abandoned now, with the residents taking refugee within Burkurel City. As it was a large city, it had enough capacity to house them all in. Moreover, it was constructed for that purpose from the start, for the settlements didn't have enough Harmonisers to defend against any disasters.

When it was far away from the northern settlement of Burkurel Ka Clan, the Pakou landed on a stretch of meadow that spanned after that. The moment it landed, Re'Kha jumped down and stretched her legs, having relaxed a little. In the short rest, she recovered a little bit of her stamina, at least enough to stand for some time.

The Pakou used the toe on its right foreleg to write on the water collecting above ground, conversing with Re'Kha.

[What do you plan to do next?]

"Burkurel City would currently be swarmed by the beasts and even the Kalhas. So, it is not a wise choice to head there for the time being. Besides, I don't know the extent of the schemes the people that plotted against me span. Unless I investigated them, stepping foot there will be suicide."

[What about your…mother?]

"She'll…" Re'Kha sighed, saddened by the fact, "She'll only think my death was a loss. By now, she might even be planning to have a fifth child. Father should still be in Bura Fort. He'll be saddened by the news; I'll secretly try to send him a message."

[That's…just like her.]

"What's the situation in your place?"

[Burmat City is in a chaotic state at the moment. All the five Clans are gearing up for war while internally, the successors are competing against one another.]

"Wait…successors?" Re'Kha stared in shock, "Aren't you the sole successor to the Burmat Re Clan? Where did these…successors come from?"

[10 days before you lost my eyes, I suffered an injury to my legs. I can no longer move them, and my talent as a Harmoniser is on the decline. So, the four heads in my Clan, apart from father, are slowly plotting to rise to power.]

"What?" Re'Kha was shocked, shivering in anger, "How dare they do that to you?"

[It's fine.]

The Pakou's tail patted her back as its neck rubbed against her cheek. The Pakou continued to write in the water, maintaining a level-headed response.

[I have a…Spirit Artifact. It has been with me all along, but I only realised its existence after my injury. And, my talent as a Harmoniser hasn't decreased, but rather has increased. I am manually limiting the amount my Tikka Jewellery shows to put their guards down. Also, I should be able to heal myself by Peak Fire Month. Once I do that, I'll come for you.]

"So, that means…" Re'Kha stammered in joy, "You have attained the legendary qualifications as a Harmoniser? Is that how your Pranic Avatar is this strong now?"

[No, It's a long story. I was tracking the clues to a Gold Pranic Essence for the past two years. After many difficulties, I finally obtained it and elevated my bloodline to Quadruple Foundation. In my joy, I let my guard down and was injured.]

"Who injured you?"

[Who else but Re'Kya. She had schemed meticulously for that occasion, so much so that her conspiracy was perfect. Even the scouts the Clan secretly nurtured were unable to find any traces. She's a patient schemer.]

Re'Kha turned silent, her brows scrunched. She was in thought, trying to link up the details underlying the schemes the two of them had been pulled into when the Pakou's tail patted her head.

[What do you plan to do now? I'm monitored from all sides and cannot leave my Clan for the time being. Meeting you openly would paint you as the target once again. It would take a lot of time before I can use some excuse to leave Burmat City. Even if I try to fight my way out, I would be trapped easily.]

"Your Clan is too powerful. Even if you become a Martial Master, fighting your way through the Burmat Re Clan is not possible." Re'Kha shook her head, sighing, "Don't worry about me. My master taught me some things, so even in my current state, I'm not entirely helpless."

She patted the Pakou's head, gazing into its eyes through the water flowing over it, "I'll live in Burfuna City for the time being. It would be the safest place for me now."

She patted the bag on the Pakou's bag, "There is more than enough money in it to last a couple of years. I'll live in hiding until then."

[But…your growth would stagnate in the meantime. In two years, you could increase your Qi reserves by 6 units.]

"I'll be comprehending my element until then. When I return to my Clan, I'll use the opportunity to head to Earth and farm as many Prana Stones as I can."

[That will depend on the type of Quest you obtain. It's not easy to find a high-rewarding Quest.]

The Pakou closed its eyes, sensing something as it craned its head, gazing at Re'Kha, "Grrr!"

[I won't pry into your secrets, but I hope whatever your master taught you can help you in this situation. When we meet in person, tell me more about him. I'm curious to know the person you acknowledged as your master.]

"About that…" Re'Kha hesitated for a moment, thinking if it would be a good idea to pull him into the mess. Finally, she shook her head, concluding that it would be better for the two of them to think and plan together instead of her butting heads alone.

"He was the one who saved me from the Blinded Ghost," Re'Kha felt sadness and anger wash over her as she thought of her master, "He saved me and healed me back to health. But, he was already on the verge of dying by then."

"The chaos around Burkurel City is the result of his death."