Beggar Cultivation System

Don Blanc felt another sensation entering his body. It was peaceful yet forceful at the same time, altering his insides and strengthening them. Qi circulated through his body, following the pattern of the Simple Breathing Technique. But this time, as changes occurred within him, the circulating energy also began to transform.

He didn't know how long it took, but soon enough, the Unrefined Qi settled below his navel. Don couldn't understand what was happening, but the feeling of getting stronger put a smile on his face.

Opening his eyes, strength glinted within.

"This is amazing," Don muttered in amazement. He stood up, and his small body made a cracking sound.

Raising his right hand, he clenched it tightly. He could feel his newfound strength surging, and he just wanted to let it all out.

"So this is the 2nd-Step Foundation Building Stage," Don said, punching the air as hard as he could. The air exploded, warping the space around his fist. "Holy sh*t!"

"Don't get excited yet," Apollo, who had been observing his disciple, said from behind.

Hearing this, Don could only look at his master awkwardly. "S-sorry, Master."

"Let's go. We've had plenty of rest already. Besides, I have plans for you," Apollo said, smiling mysteriously at Don.

"Plans for me? What do you mean by that?" Don asked with a gulp. Seeing the smile on his Master's face, a foreboding feeling rose in his heart.

"You're still not used to your current strength, right?" Apollo asked.

"Yes," Don nodded. "It feels amazing—this new strength coursing through my veins. And I feel light, like I could fly. But when I move…"

Don jumped, and his body shot through the sky, reaching at least dozens of feet high. The moment he landed, he lost his balance and fell onto the sand.

"I don't know how to control my strength," Don admitted as he stood up.

"Exactly. That's why I have a little plan for you—a little challenge," the beggar smirked.

"Oh… alright then…"

Soon, they began moving toward their destination. They didn't fly but traveled on foot instead. Though using the Simple Movement Technique, Apollo walked, yet his speed was comparable to top athletes running at full speed. And the beggar wasn't even 'running'—just casually walking.

Don had to keep up using his small feet. Fortunately, with his new strength, he could easily match the pace, though he had to really run, unlike his Master, who was using a technique to conserve strength and effectively utilize his whole body.

Bluetooth, on the other hand, used the Shrinking Technique, reducing his size. Then he flew alongside them.

As they ran, Apollo spread his senses, carefully assessing the desert, specifically what lay beneath the sands. At the same time, he ensured that their journey wouldn't disturb the sleeping beasts or alert those spying on them.

The beggar wanted to find a monster strong enough to force his disciple to exert his full power—an unforgettable battle experience that would push the kid harder. Although he admitted Don already had a strong mind and will, he still lacked experience. And fighting against a monster, especially an unpredictable one, would make the kid stronger.

Experiences either arrive at the right time or, at worst, too late for someone to overcome. If Don gains enough experience fighting strong foes, once he reaches greater heights, he will have a foundation to help him forge his path.

But first, Don has to become the True Beggar, and a real beggar knows how to survive in any situation.

Apollo suddenly stopped running. His abrupt halt caused Don to skid past him, kicking up a cloud of sand in his wake.

Don rolled across the sand for a few meters before managing to push off the ground, somersaulting into the air and landing squarely on the soft sand. "Oh, that was fast! Why did we stop?" he asked, exclaiming in surprise.

"You will stay here," Apollo said as his eyes wandered around.

"Is this the plan you were talking about?" Don asked as he also scanned his surroundings. They had stopped, surrounded by a few dunes. The terrain was both flat and uneven at the same time, like a miniature mountain range. "But we still need to get to the settlement and save them. I can't just stay here."

"Don't worry about it," Apollo smirked. "I'm the Master. I will take care of the settlement, and you will stay here to get used to your strength."

"But…" Don Blanc trailed off before his eyes glinted dangerously. "I want to kill them."

"I will spare some of them, and you can take your revenge on them," Apollo said. He was not a saint to begin with, and he would not lecture his disciple on what was right or wrong. Don had a good personality and was mature enough to decide for himself. If the kid believed killing those silver-armored guards was the right choice, Apollo would let him be. "But right now, stabilizing your strength is more important."

"Is that so," Don sighed. "Then I will stay here, Master. But I don't see anything besides sand."

"That will change in a moment," Apollo said mysteriously. He turned his back to Don, then clapped his hands, sending a loud, high-pitched sound reverberating through the air.

Suddenly, the sand beneath them began to vibrate.

"What's happening?" Don muttered.

"I should get going," Apollo said. "Stay here, and no matter what happens, don't leave. I will come back for you."

"W-wait, Master, are you sa—" Before Don could finish his sentence, the sand dunes around them burst into the sky as something emerged from below. His eyes widened as he watched the creatures rising.

They were black all over, their bodies covered in hard shells that glinted under the intense sunlight. Razor-sharp claws and pointy tails oozing black liquid completed their menacing appearance. These monsters stood at least a meter tall, towering over the two small humans.

"This… Ivory Scorpions?" Don whispered with a gulp. His eyes trembled as he finally realized what was happening.

"You will stay here and fight them," Apollo smirked. "They are only at the 1st-Step Foundation Building Stage. Some are at the 2nd-Step, but I think you can handle them."

"One, two, three… Five!" Don shouted before glancing at his Master. "There are five of them! You want me to fight them?!"

"You can do it, kid," Apollo said with a smile. With a wave of his hand, he turned and started running toward the settlement, leaving a stunned Don Blanc staring after him.

Bluetooth followed after Apollo, but as he flew by the beggar's side, Apollo shot him a glance.

"What are you doing here?" Apollo asked, raising an eyebrow, causing the Water-Attributed Falcon to stare at him in confusion. "Go help Don, you idiot!"

Before Bluetooth knew what was happening, the beggar grabbed him and threw him straight into the middle of the scorpions!

"Ahhhhh!" Bluetooth shrieked as his world spin.