Powerstones had reset. Thank you for powerstones, it motivates me a lot seeing that number go up
Now let's do it again, of course there will still be bonus chapters.
.....
"This…!"
Salas stumbled back in shock at Paimon's words.
As the Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Hall, and the head of its Heaven Dou City branch, he'd weathered countless storms. Yet even with his composure, hearing she was the one awakening her spirit was too much.
The person alwayss seen by that lord's side—Paimon—was going to awaken her spirit?
Even Dugu Bo had confirmed that that lord and the one beside him, Paimon, hadn't cultivated spirit power. Spirit Hall had scoured every piece of intel on them, down to the most obscure details.
They knew everything others knew—and even two layers beyond what others didn't.
That's why Salas had long formed the assumption: anyone might awaken a spirit—but not that lord, and certainly not Paimon. Their strength was already overwhelming. Why would they even need to awaken a spirit?
"Uwah! Traveler, say something already!"
That old man looked like he was about to faint just hearing she was awakening her spirit. What the heck?
"Ahem…"
Aether barely held back a laugh, coughing twice before speaking.
"Bishop Salas, is there a problem with her awakening a spirit?"
"N-No, of course not!" Salas waved his hands frantically, quickly explaining, "I was just… overly excited to hear Miss Paimon was about to awaken her spirit."
He then Immediately looked toward Xue Qinghe, eyes pleading for help.
"Ahem, what Bishop Salas means is—he hasn't helped someone awaken their spirit in a long time, so he got a little too worked up."
Even Xue Qinghe found his excuse a bit ridiculous. But truthfully, Salas hadn't helped anyone awaken their spirit in ages.
As both bishop and head of the Heaven Dou Spirit Hall division—even Emperor Xue Ye would have to show him some respect. Who could possibly ask him to perform spirit awakenings?
"Y-Yes, exactly!"
Salas jumped on the excuse, nodding fervently.
"Then I'll trouble you, Bishop Salas," Aether said, nodding politely.
But inside, he was suspicious. Given 'Xue Qinghe's' relationship with the Spirit Hall… what kind of show were they putting on?
"No trouble at all! It's an honor to help Miss Paimon awaken her spirit. This way, please."
With a respectful gesture, Salas led the group inside.
Inside the Awakening Chamber, Salas began explaining the history of the Heaven Dou branch of Spirit Hall.
Aether glanced around the grand chamber. Calling this an "awakening room" felt like an understatement—it was more like a palace.
As the main branch of Spirit Hall in the capital, its design pulled out all the stops.
Everything from the building's exterior to its interior layout radiated the dignity and might of the Spirit Hall.
"Miss Paimon, this is the awakening array set up by our branch. In a moment, you'll stand inside it and use your perception to sense your inner spirit as I guide you with spirit power."
Salas gestured to a complex formation etched into the floor, studded with spirit stones.
"Can I float instead?"
Hovering beside Aether, Paimon stroked her chin curiously.
"That… should be fine."
Salas paused, thinking it over. The array's energy channeled from bottom to top, but theoretically, she could still awaken her spirit while flying. No one had ever asked to awaken while floating before…
"Alright, just stand here, right?"
Paimon drifted into the center of the array and looked around. It didn't feel much different from outside.
"Yes. Once I channel my spirit power into the array, close your eyes and feel for your inner spirit. Follow the pull—it will help you awaken it."
Salas spoke with utmost seriousness.
After all, this was that lord's companion. He had to be extremely careful—one misstep could cost him dearly.
"Okay~ I'm ready!"
Paimon nodded eagerly, then suddenly shouted, "Wait!"
"Cough! Yes, Miss Paimon?"
Salas jerked mid-cast, nearly causing a backlash from the interrupted flow of spirit power.
"Um, does awakening hurt?"
Paimon asked sheepishly.
She'd been so excited she forgot to ask if it might be painful.
"No, not at all! When I awakened mine, it actually felt pretty comfortable. Though…"
Yu Keke jumped in to reassure her, then subconsciously rubbed her ears with a slightly gloomy expression.
"Eh? Do you think I'll get fluffy ears and a tail like Keke after I awaken?"
Paimon looked intrigued. She figured some fox ears and a tail might make her even cuter.
"Hmm, who knows? Maybe you'll awaken as a Hilichurl."
Aether offered his totally serious opinion.
"Waaah! I don't wanna be a Hilichurl!"
Paimon shook her little head fiercely.
The Traveler was just trying to scare her so she wouldn't awaken. Yeah, that had to be it!
"Old man, I'm ready!"
Paimon declared firmly.
"Alright then—"
"Wait!"
"…"
Salas forcefully retracted his spirit power again. A trickle of blood slipped from the corner of his mouth.
Honestly, he had never controlled his spirit power so delicately in his entire life.
"M-Miss Paimon?"
Salas swallowed the blood back, voice trembling.
"I'm a little scared…"
Paimon fidgeted with her hands, then looked at Aether.
"Traveler… if I turn into a Hilichurl, will you still want me?"
"Hmm~ of course…"
"Hehe, I knew you'd—"
"I'll beat you to death."
"Humph! You jerk! I'm never talking to you again!"
Paimon had just been about to call him the best partner, but the Traveler's reply made her stomp her feet in rage, her cheeks puffed with anger.
"Old man, I'm ready for real this time! I will awaken my spirit!"
Paimon's eyes lit up with renewed determination.
Just you wait, Traveler—after I awaken, I'm going to teach you a lesson!
"Miss Paimon… are you really ready this time?"
Salas forced a smile through his fatigue.
But inside, he was screaming: Oh heavens, please let her be serious this time! If I screw up here, I—Salas—may go down in history as the first Spirit Master to cripple himself while helping someone else awaken…
"Yup! I'm really ready now. Sorry for the trouble~"
Paimon blushed a little when she saw his pale face. The poor old man looked like he'd turned purple.
He was helping her in good faith—she couldn't hesitate any longer.
"Then… shall I begin channeling spirit power?"
Even now, Salas's voice had a cautious, questioning tone. He was genuinely terrified.
_
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