In this world, there are three kinds of beasts, the wild beast, demon beast and astral beast. Wild beast have no cultivation base. They were normal, when a wild beast becomes capable of sensing cosmic energy (which was very common) it becomes a demon beast with physical abilities overpowering that of a cultivator of the same realm.

However, when a wild beast activates astral sense, it becomes capable of using astral energy which only strengthens the mind and weakens the body as a consequence. It does not matter how weak their astral sense is, as long as they have it they can think and eventually speak like humans should they decide to learn. As an exchange for power their body grows weaker the more they use astral energy until they are left with astral bodies. Physically they are weak but when an astral beast attains astral body, it can no longer be affected by the cosmic energy of a certain level. Which meant that there was noone cultivating cosmic energy in this city strong enough to defeat the salmon

'A beast that can harness astral energy. Fuck me, and here I was starting to feel special" Hal was astounded

'Live and learn. There are too many beings in this world that can squash you like a bug, but if we play our cards right this one won't be one of them' grimoire said

'But I am far from strong enough to defeat it'

'With cosmic energy, yes you are not, however you have astral sense and the weakness of astral beasts is astral sense'

'If that is the case, why hasn't any rune master gone after it'

'Well, even if they did, an astral beast is sensitive to astral energy, the instant they use it and their Astral sense proves superior, the salmon knows they are close and escapes, hence why it is illusive

'Astral beast are filled with astral energy, the ones that have attained an astral body are completely composed of astral energy of such purity that if it is absorbed, it can help a person further refine their astral sense. This is of course an obscure way to refine astral sense and as such it is not widely known'

When Amelia saw the gleam in Hal's eyes she rolled hers

"It is most likely just a tale, I doubt the 'Salmon' truly exists. I asked my master and she told me it's more likely a fable to justify picking a stupid name for the city. The dispute might have been real though"

Hal mused for a while before his eyes widened

'She asked about the Salmon in her sect, I am willing to bet that someone knows it's actually an astral beast. If so then they might know of it's true value, if I don't act fast, I could lose this golden opportunity'

A waiter came by with their meal and once again, Hal noticed the respectful look, and he decided to put his planning with grimiore on hold to ask her why and she told him it belonged to her family, thus confirming his suspicions.

"Does that intimidate you?" Amelia asked in a seemingly casual voice

"Why should it? I might not look like it but I am very wealthy and have a powerful status to boot" Hal smiled

"As a Payne? Or as Lady Melinda's boy toy" Amelia said folding her hands below the chest

"Choose your pick. Are you jealous?"

"You are not going to deny it?"

Hal shook his head as he took a bite of his meal "why should I?"

"Master was right, men have no shame. You have a relationship with her and y-y-you are here d-d-d-doing whatever this is" Amelia's face was pink with annoyance, so agitated she began to wave her hands around

Hal chuckled "would you rather I lie to you?"

"No, I want you to be honest and commit to me. That is i-if you are serious about pursuing me"

"I can't do that"

"Why not?, if it's the money I will pay her back. Eventually"

"It has nothing to do with the money. I like Melinda." Hal shrugged

"And you're still going to try and woo me" Amelia asked and hal nodded

"No woman can tie me down, I want to eat all my cakes and have them"

"And what makes you so sure I will fall for you?"

"I am just that good" Hal whispered as a sweet scent spread out from his body, the instant she inhaled the scent Amelia became flushed

"Rogue!!" She was understandably indignant.