Immortal's Paradox

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the dense forest as Lei trudged onward. His mind was abuzz with questions, but one gnawed at him more persistently than the others. Mao, perched lazily on his shoulder, seemed as unbothered as ever, its tail flicking rhythmically.

"Hey," Lei began, glancing sideways at the cat. "Why can you hear the Nanospirit's voice when others can't?"

Mao yawned, its golden eyes narrowing as it stretched. "Why do you care? You're lucky to have my company at all."

"That's not an answer," Lei said, frowning.

"You're too weak to deserve answers," Mao replied, hopping off his shoulder and landing gracefully on the ground. "Focus on surviving the moment, mortal. The rest doesn't matter until you're strong enough to protect yourself."

Lei sighed, realizing he wouldn't get anything useful from the feline. Mao was as cryptic as it was arrogant, and pushing for answers would only lead to more riddles.

Turning his focus inward, Lei called out to the Nanospirit. "Nano, what can I do to improve my body? I need to get stronger if I'm going to survive this."

The mechanical voice echoed in his mind. Options available. Scanning environment for opportunities. Recommend targeting local fauna to analyze genetic advantages and integrate enhancements.

"Wait, are you saying I can scan monsters and use their traits to improve myself?" Lei asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

Correct. Genetic and qi-enhanced traits can be assimilated. Energy reserves required for modifications. Risk of complications mitigated by purification protocols.

Lei's mind raced. If he could enhance his body by using the creatures around him, he'd gain a significant edge. "What about my techniques? Can you simulate and improve the ones I know?"

Simulations possible. Optimization of Mortal Grade techniques achievable within current host limitations.

A small spark of hope lit within Lei. He wasn't just stuck with the knowledge of a low-grade servant anymore—he had the potential to forge his own path.

"Alright," Lei said, determination hardening his voice. "Let's get started. First, I need energy. You mentioned I could get it by eating more, especially monsters?"

Confirmed. Consuming qi-rich materials, including monster flesh, will replenish energy reserves and enable enhancements.

Mao's ears twitched at the conversation, but the cat remained silent, its expression unreadable.

The forest came alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant growls as Lei tracked his first target: a massive boar with crimson-tipped tusks and a faint aura of qi surrounding its body.

"That thing looks like it could kill me in one hit," Lei muttered, tightening his grip on the makeshift spear he had fashioned from a sturdy branch.

"Only if you let it," Mao said, watching from a safe distance. "Try not to embarrass yourself too much."

Lei rolled his eyes but didn't respond. Instead, he activated his movement technique, darting toward the boar with surprising speed. The beast charged at him, its tusks gleaming in the fading sunlight.

At the last second, Lei sidestepped and drove his spear into the boar's flank. The creature let out a furious roar, thrashing violently, but Lei held firm. With a final surge of effort, he plunged the spear deeper, striking its heart.

The boar collapsed, its qi dissipating into the air. Panting, Lei crouched beside the carcass.

"Alright, Nano. Do your thing."

Initiating scan. Compatible traits detected: dermal density enhancement. Initiating assimilation.

As Lei ate the boar's flesh, he felt a strange warmth spread through his body. His skin tingled, and his muscles ached briefly before settling into a new, sturdier state.

Lei's next target was a massive bison, its hide as tough as iron and its horns sharp enough to pierce stone. The battle was brutal, but Lei's newfound durability gave him the edge he needed. He struck with precision and ferocity, finally bringing the beast down after a grueling fight.

"Another victory," Mao said with mock applause. "You're almost starting to look competent."

Ignoring the cat, Lei focused on the bison's qi-rich flesh.

Assimilating traits: muscular density and strength enhancement. Integrating qi from monster core. Warning: nearing critical energy threshold for breakthrough.

As the Nanospirit purified the bison's core energy, Lei felt his dantian swell. The qi within it surged violently, pressing against its limits.

"Something's happening," Lei said, clutching his abdomen.

Mao's ears twitched. "You're hitting the peak of Qi Gathering. Brace yourself. If you can't control it, the qi will tear you apart."

Gritting his teeth, Lei focused inward. The purified qi within him broke through the final barrier, flooding his dantian with power. His body trembled as his cultivation surged into the High Qi Gathering Realm.

When the process finally subsided, Lei fell to his knees, gasping for breath.

"You didn't die," Mao remarked, hopping onto his shoulder. "Impressive."

Lei wiped the sweat from his brow and stood shakily. "One step closer," he muttered.

"Don't get cocky," Mao said. "You're stronger, but you're still a long way from being safe."

Lei nodded, determination burning in his eyes. There was still much to do, and the next step was clear: he needed agility to complement his newfound strength and defense. The hunt wasn't over yet.