Chapter 200 - Keeping Up Their End Of The Deal
\'I will probably be able to understand the burden you face soon enough.\' Ki\'Nua thought, noticing the sleeping figure of Re\'Kha. Even if she had been pretending to sleep, she wouldn\'t notice anything amiss.
For, the effect of the First Celestial Emperor\'s arrangement was still active on her. So, even if Re\'Kha managed to sense something through her Wind Qi perception, she wouldn\'t think of it as odd.
Using the opportunity, Ki\'Nua directed her palm towards Re\'Kha, focusing on her eyes. Then, the jet-black energy given to her by the First Celestial Emperor gushed out and entered her eyes. They didn\'t seem to bear any hostility to Re\'Kha, rather, they seemed to be doing something that would help her later.
Two masters had schemed to better the advantages of their disciples, all to finish their agendas. If seen from one perspective, it might seem manipulative. But in another perspective, it would show the careful care and planning used to nurture their disciples.
It was just a difference in perspective.
The jet-black energy completely disappeared in the eyes of Re\'Kha as Ki\'Nua retreated from the room, passing through the wall as she returned to sleep. Before taking a step on her bed, she returned to her original form. There wasn\'t even any fluctuation in her gait as she swapped places with her Pranic Avatar.
It was smooth, without any time delay. It was instantaneous.
Ki\'Nua then slept peacefully, waking up in the morning as she was woken up by Ki\'Nha.
"Ki\'Nua, you have to attend the auction. Hurry up!" Ki\'Nha patted her a couple of times before Ki\'Nua groggily woke up, looking around as her hair was a mess. Even though she hadn\'t slept for long, she was feeling fresh now.
The changes in her physique helped her. Ki\'Nua noticed how the effect of the Ghost Qi wasn\'t like the other Elemental Qi. All the other Elemental Wi were emission-based. But, it was because they were a product of nature that formed naturally.
As for Fear Qi and Ghost Qi, they were produced artificially, through the people. So, their effects were different. As the Ghost Qi circulated through her meridians, it did subtle changes to her body. For one, her body had become a tad lighter. And secondly, her physique was improving.
The limitations of a flesh body were reducing in her. After all, as long as there was a source of fear in any place, she could accumulate Fear Qi using it, and then convert it into Ghost Qi. She could easily heal her wounds through that.
Moreover, even if she was running out of Ghost Qi to use, the same could be done. And, it was not to mention she could use the Ghost Qi to replenish her strength and stamina.
And, the amount of Ghost Qi she possessed was the extent of her recoverability. Even though she didn\'t have any ranged attacks like other Harmonisers, her ability to phase through things, the improvement in her physique, and the tremendously powerful Pranic Avatar form she could switch to at any instant, all made her a powerful close combat figure.
Moreover, as long as she protected herself by a veil of Ghost Qi, she could even phase through the ground and avoid being severely damaged by the Earth Qi in the ground. And, just that one advantage could save her life in terms of need.
\'So, with a greater reserve of Ghost Qi, I can survive, fight, and escape for longer durations. And, I can exercise stealth to the greatest extent. I can now understand why the First Celestial Emperor chose such methods for me to use.\' Ki\'Nua thought as she smiled, "I\'ll get ready soon, mother."
"Alright, don\'t delay. I\'ll wake up Lady Re\'Luk now." Ki\'Nha said and exited the room.
\'Though, as to how I\'ll sniff out our enemies, I have zero clues. It seems sister Re\'Kha has some clues already. Shall I just ask her?\' Ki\'Nua shook her head immediately, \'No, I can\'t do that. Since the First Celestial Emperor has warned against disclosing my identity to her, I should abide by it.\'
She then sighed, watching the formless energy protecting her vanish. It was the reason her actions remained unsuspicious all along, \'It won\'t be possible to remain undetected any longer. Sister Re\'Kha would be able to see me trailing her easily. I guess I can only try to accompany her and learn from any clues I can probe from her. Though, when she returns to the Burkurel Re Clan, it would be hard for me to contact her openly.\'
As she pondered about the choices available for her, Ki\'Nua began to get refreshed. She peered out of the window, noticing how the outside was just beginning to brighten up. Smiling, she began to get dressed, muttering, "Now, I am excited to see the treasures presented in the auction."
After waking up Re\'Kha, Ki\'Nha had just arrived when she overheard her, chuckling as she said, "We have prepared countless treasures this time. From what I heard, the other families too managed to give out countless precious goods. Even the City Lord has parted with one of his collections. And…"
Ki\'Nha whispered in a hushed voice, "We also have items arriving straight from the capital this time. It seems they wish to support our state a bit because we have suffered a lot from the Kalhas and have to prepare for another disaster immediately."
"There would be another disaster?" Ki\'Nua was shocked.
"Yeah, it has been kept in wraps for now. I\'ll tell you once I obtain permission from the City Lord to do so." Ki\'Nha patted her head, "This auction\'s prime objective is to empower our state further. And, since we are located in the centre of the state, and closer to Burkurel City that suffered the worst from the disaster, all items to auction are sent here. So, this is the largest auction held in the last decade in our state."
"Wow, really?" Ki\'Nua was getting excited as she spoke.
"Yes," Ki\'Nha nodded, "We even had to expand the seating area to facilitate a large crowd. And, preparing for everything was a daunting task. Since you hadn\'t been a Harmoniser when we were doing all the preparations, I couldn\'t show you."
She then patted Ki\'Nua, "Well, you\'ll be surprised by it. I\'ll assure you of that."