Capítulo 3: Chapter 03
The next day before dawn.
Radhan stirred awake feeling energetic after a good night's sleep, he rubbed his eyes to shake off his drowsiness. then stood up, and headed for his wardrobe, he chose a simple fitting black training outfit that wouldn't hinder his movements during exercise.
After putting his clothes on he made his way to the courtyard in front of the tree where he stood waiting, after a few minutes, Xia Qingue came into view sneaking around through the night's silence until she stood in front of her brother and greeted him.
'' Good morning Yuanba ''
''Good morning sister I hope that you had a good amount of sleep last night ''
'' Yes, I'm feeling good today. So what shall we do ''
Radhan stood there, arms folded around his chest. and contemplated how should he train Qingyue ' What she lacks the most right now is physical fitness and endurance, so let's start with these two first 'Thinking that he should make her sweat a bit he started walking and said
'' Yes, now follow me, we shall start warming up. by running around the mansion's inner courtyard, and you won't stop until I tell you. Is that clear? ''
'' Yes, Sir '' Qingue said bemused by his strict tone
Radhan ignored her low chuckling and started to jog at a medium pace. This brought back long-forgotten memories of his time in the army as a soldier. His lieutenant at that time used to run them to the ground and unless someone fainted, no one was allowed to stop or they'll be expelled from the army.
For a few minutes he was lost in thoughts which happened quite often, he lived too many years and saw many faces, he was a mortal first then a general, and a demigod. his fall wasn't quick, as he had to endure what would kill mortals in seconds, but he stood there for hundreds of years, albeit as a monster, a monster with a final duty to hold up the stars…
He shook off his reminiscing and thought. ' Qingyue gave me quite a surprise when I examined her body last year. I didn't imagine she would have a small world inside her. It must be The Nine Profound Exquisite Body in the legends… Wait, where's Qinyue, can't she continue? '
He slowed down and fell in line with his sister who was breathing roughly and barely keeping up and said in a firm tone
'' you should know sister. that every drop of sweat you shed in training is a drop of blood you'll save on the battlefield. and unless your body drops you must keep those feet moving '' Then he increased his pace a bit, and a bit later she started matching his pace again.
Radhan didn't want to break his sister on her first day but he had to train her will for that what will help her the most. so they continued for about forty minutes and returned to the courtyard.
Radhan gave her a few minutes of rest the said '' Now we have to build our body strength we'll begin with push-ups and move into other exercises''
Qingyue struggled with the forms, she hadn't performed any type of exercise before nor any techniques to mention, Radhan had to correct her again and again till it was passable. it didn't take long before Radhan announced the end of the training.
Qingue laid immediately on the ground gasping for breath. She thought to herself: 'My brother is a slave driver, he doesn't leave any room for slacking not that I will do that, but, he demands only the best. better not disappoint him. Mother is out there amidst the stars, an unmeasurable distance to even fathom.. is she doing well? Does she remember us and our father?'
Radhan had been contemplating and planning a training regime for his sister, what they had been doing was very basic training. and some would call it just a warm-up. He looked at her forlorn expression and could sense the gloomy feeling his sister was giving off.
' She's Just a kid who lost her mother not long ago, she isn't me. who have experienced all kinds of things. you have me here little sister, you don't have to worry about anything. We'll climb up the stars and go beyond that, but for that to happen we gotta work hard. '
''You must be experiencing a lot of happiness right now, sister,' Radhan said with amusement in his voice, trying to distract her thoughts from wherever they were taking her.
Qingyue glared at him which made him chuckle a little then said
''Don't worry this is just the beginning, for some time your main focus will be on training and strengthening your body then we'll increase the intensity little by little. "
Qingyue's face twitched a little but she nodded her head and remained silent.
" You did well today. I hope that you'll keep this spirit.''
He offered her his hand, which she took and stood up. then they walked to stand in front of the willow tree
''Now onto meditation sit beside me on the mat. close your eyes, and adjust your breathing by taking deep breaths, inhaling, and exhaling slowly''
Once her breathing had calmed down, he started explaining the concept of cultivation and its realms, profound veins, and profound entrances then answered her questions patiently.
''I want you to focus on your body, imagine a stream passing through every vein in your body from your head to toes in a branch-like network, I want you to rely on your senses to find it, just look for it and don't do anything else ''
He let her try it first, and focused inwardly on his profound veins they had matured pretty quickly compared to what had been said about them maturing at 12 years of age.
He thought that it may have been the case for the general populace but again there had always been people who deviated from the norm, he didn't know if it was the specialty of his profound veins or the pressure exerted by his demigod soul but now that they matured he can start his cultivation journey.
He spread out his sense to the profound energy in the air and tried to draw it closer to his body by the sheer pressure of his soul. he began feeling a cold, refreshing feeling washing over him, and entering through his profound entrances, he took control of the flow and guided it to complete a rotation around his veins.
Time quickly passed and the sun rays shone through willow leaves painting a calm magical atmosphere, as both siblings continued on their tasks, suddenly Radhan exhaled a turbid air.
And when he opened his eyes they shone briefly with a violet light.
'First stage of the elementary profound realm, I can feel a significant increase in my body strength, my five sense seems to have improved beyond the limit of regular humans,'
It was an addicting feeling and he found himself enjoying the familiar sense of little improvements once again.
Radhan stood up to experience his increase in strength, he felt his step lighter than before, and the world looked more vivid to him, observing the sun as it rose and shone on the land in a picturesque scene, he stood in silence, behind his sister until he felt his sister stir and open her eyes
'' How was it ? '' he asked
'' it certainly was a novel feeling for me, I loved the serenity that it had brought me '' she replied
He smiled knowingly '' I'm glad to hear that, but did you manage to sense the profound energy inside your body? ''
She shook her head quite resigned and said '' No, not yet. But I'll keep trying until I succeed ''
'' Don't worry, from what I have managed to observe, your constitution is quite special, the potential your body has is enormous beyond belief, you'll succeed eventually ''
She looked happy at his praise but then inquired '' but your talent must be higher than mine as you have already managed to sense it ''
He squatted in front of her and said'' Qingyue don't underestimate yourself, your talent is something people heard about only in legends. But I have advantages over you in certain areas which pushed me forward, besides, If I want to protect our family and find mother I gotta be stronger than everybody, work hard to catch up sister'' he smirked at her and stood up
'' This concludes your first day at training, go and wash up and we'll meet at breakfast ''
''Okay, let's meet there'' Under her brother's watchful eyes, Qingyue got up and struggled to keep herself on her feet as she exited the courtyard
'I'm sure that one day you'll be proud of your efforts sister ' Radhan thought to himself as he went back inside his chamber.
After washing up, the whole family gathered for a sumptuous breakfast, they exchanged small talk and ate, after finishing their meal Qingyue went to her room to rest her sore body, and Hongyi led his son to the training courtyard, when they entered they found a man waiting inside.
He was a tall broad-shouldered man with long dark hair and an unkempt beard he had an angular face with a few scars marring his chin, and he held in his hands a 90 cm saber, the man in question saw the duo step in, went forward and cupped his hands.
'' Greetings Lord Xia ''
Xia Hingyi Cupped his hand in return and said '' Welcome Master Li, I hope that you found your accommodation up to your taste ''
'' You didn't have to prepare a house for me, a room would've sufficed'' Li Niu replied in a calm tone
'' No that wouldn't do it, I'll try my best to fulfill any request you have during your stay in Floating Cloud City, and I trust that you'll take care of my child and teach him how to wield a saber properly ''
Xia Hongyi pushed Radhan forward and said '' For one year, Master Li will teach you how to wield your saber, listen to your teacher, and treat him with respect''
Radhan felt quite helpless inside, he was a weapon master himself, but it was his father's idea to bring someone to teach him how to wield his weapon. the man insisted and wouldn't budge on this matter, so he felt like he had no other choice but to comply for now.
Moreover, it wouldn't hurt to explore this world's saber techniques.
He stepped forward and said '' Good morning to you Master Li, I'm Xia Yuanba and I'll be in your care ''
Xia Hongyi looked quite satisfied with his child's words, so he clasped his hands and said '' now I must leave you two, there's still work to be done ''
Once he saw that his father had left, Radhan relaxed his posture and gave an impassive look to the man, thinking god knows what.
Master Li Niu observed the child in front of him, He noticed that he was quite tall compared to children of his age, The lack of body fat and his well-cut muscles were obvious signs of working out, but what made him feel quite shocked but didn't let it show on his face was the cultivation base he was sensing from the child.
'He is in the Elementary profound realm!! Isn't he supposed to be 7 years old? How did he do it!! I'm in my thirties and still stuck at the doorsteps of the True profound realm'
he had a hard time calming himself down but remembered that he had a duty to teach this child and now he must treat it more seriously for the risk of leading the child astray, He threw the wooden saber to Radhan and picked a new one from the rack and said
''Now that introductions are over, we'll have a short spar to understand where you stand, I'll limit my strength to the Elementary profound realm '' He smirked when he saw the the look of surprise on the boy's face
'You gotta learn to hide your aura kid'
Radhan nodded his head and didn't ponder much on the issue of his cultivation base being found out
He assumed a middle guard stance where he brought his right foot forward, lowered his hip, angled the saber a bit, and withdrew it to the side of his midsection.
Li Niu showed appreciation for the stance and assumed a stance that mirrored him. They stood silent for a moment but in a split second Master Li was the first one to strike with a downward vertical cut.
Radhan quickly followed and raised his saber to Guard, the clash of sabers sounded as Radhan managed to block it, and advanced, he pushed the man a bit backward, and in a fluid motion, he followed with a diagonal cut, that connected with the man's saber and was parried.
Master Niu quickly recovered his stance and thrust toward Radhan's middle section but he was a step behind as Radhan took a step back and avoided the thrust then changed into a lower stance to deliver a heavy upward strike.
seamlessly connecting every movement with no gaps to be exploited he beat the man's saber out of his guard position, The moment he tried to recover his stance, he found a saber positioned at his neck and the boy's eyes looking coldly at him
'' I believe this is my victory, Master Li ''
Li Niu looked stupidly at the saber on his neck then at the boy and thought to his mind
'He's a monster!!'
He experienced it himself when trading blows with the boy and knew that he wouldn't be able to teach him anything.
He gently lowered the saber at his neck and said feeling quite exhausted for some reason.
'' I'm ashamed to admit it, but there's nothing I can teach you, Young Master Xia, you already know where you stand... Sigh I should immediately go talk to your father ''
Radhan interjected immediately '' My father doesn't know that I can already wield a saber, look you may not be able to teach me what you've promised but I'm sure you can teach me other things ''
'' Like what? '' Master Li inquired, feeling puzzled.
Radhan looked him evenly in the eye and said '' like how you managed to hide your cultivation, although you are hiding it, I can sense it. You are at the peak of the nascent profound. ''
Master Li sighed once again feeling more exhausted and said '' yes, these are some tricks and techniques I picked up over the years, from facing dangerous situations and learning from other practitioners''
'' I'm quite interested in learning your knowledge, if you have no problem with imparting them, in addition to your original payment I'll spar with you and teach you what I know about wielding a saber. Do you agree? ''
The man hesitated for a few seconds but the temptation to get stronger past his limits won in the end, and he agreed to the conditions.
Radhan offered to continue the sparring session the man gladly agreed, so they went on for two hours before concluding today's session.
Radhan watched the man exit the courtyard ' Now at least I won't waste my time and learn something new. And if he tries anything funny I'll crush him '' Radhan's eyes flashed in violet light before returning to normal once again ' I have to talk to Father about Qingyue '
He headed to the study, knocked on the door, and entered when he was called in.
Once he stood in front of Xia Hongyi he was bombarded with questions about today's training, he tried answering all of them but in the end, he had to interrupt him '' Father, I heard that you won't let Sister come to train with me ''
Xia Hongyi paused and said slowly '' She must have told you about it.. Look, son, I don't want any of you to fall into harm's way, and if there's é lesson everyone learned about Martial arts and cultivation is that it leads most men to their peril, I don't want to bury my children, I have to keep you both safe for your mother ''
''Then why did you let me learn the saber '' Radhan asked
'' you're supposed to inherit my position, son, the goal of letting you learn is merely for you to have a means of protection on yourself and broaden your mind ''
Radhan exhaled slowly and ran a hand through his head '' Father I'm much stronger than you think, no one in this city poses a slight threat to me just like that Nascent realm cultivator behind the false door behind your desk, and please come in, no need to hide for now '' the wall opened immediately and a middle-aged man came into view
Hongyi looked so shocked that he stood up immediately '' How? How did you know ''
Radhan smiled apologetically at the man and said '' I'm sorry to do this but you have to sleep for a while '' Then he exerted his soul pressure on the man, and he fell immediately fortunately he moved quickly to hold him and placed him on the ground unconscious.
Xia Hongyi looked at his son and felt like he didn't know his son at all, what happened in the room developed quickly for him to give a reaction, and was left with no words to say
Radhan continued '' What you have seen, is something I was born with, from a young age I had this in me, it made me smarter, made me read faster, mature quickly and it'll only continue to grow stronger with time, and the same thing goes for Qingyue… she's so special that, someone like her won't be born for tens of thousands of years, and if anyone discovers her potential her fate will be grim ''
Xia Hongyi looked more frightened at the mention of his daughter he wanted to say something but was interrupted by Radhan '' I assure you that, I'll protect her no matter the cost but she needs to learn how to defend herself and how to cultivate. She needs to learn how to protect herself, and I'm sure that she'll grow strong as long as she doesn't waste her enormous potential ''
Xia Hongyi seemed quite lost, he walked feebly to the front of the window and said '' it has been four years since Your mother left, but she still lives with us through you two, before I married her she had no memory of her past self, until one day two years ago when she remembered everything about who she was.''
He turned his head to Radhan and said in a weak voice ''Do you know why she left? She left because she was afraid that her enemies would sense her location, and bring harm to us so she left to protect us... Cultivation only managed to take away the people dear to me, and now you two will most likely enter this cycle of killing, greed, debts, and grudges but how long can you two escape from it?…. ''
And he kept talking seemingly to no one but to appease himself.
once he was done, he closed his eyes and stood silent for a few moments, then he took a deep breath and straightened his back, he looked more dignified, more worthy of a man, he turned to face Radhan and said '' I won't let you go unprepared, then so be it, let it be you that will break this cycle and bend this fate, do you promise me that son? ''
Radhan looked at his father and felt the power and determination behind his words.
He bowed and said '' I swear on my name that I'll never disappoint you ''
Xia Hingyi looked a bit relieved at his son's words then he went to his desk and pulled a string beneath the desk. a few moments later a maid came in.
''Go and bring Yue'er here ''
The maid complied and exited the study, the pair father and son stood in silence as they waited for Qingyue, a few minutes later she came to stand in front of her father and addressed him
'' Father ''
'' Qingyue from now you'll join your brother in training I'm sorry that I refused the first time but your brother's words brought some sense into me, but you have to promise me that you'll keep yourself safe and stick to your brother ''
Qingyue became happier the more he spoke so she quickly spoke in excitement '' I promise you, father, I'll become very strong I'll protect little brother, and one day I'll bring Mother back ''
Xia Hongyi smiled amused when she said that she'll protect her brother, but didn't say anything on the matter.
then he said '' now both of you go, I need some time alone now, go and do your thing.''
The brother and sister bowed to their father and walked out of the study, Radhan was so lost in thought that he didn't notice his sister jumping up and hugging him, as she said softly '' Thank you for looking after me brother, I know it was hard to convince father, and now thanks to you I can finally see a ray of light ''
Radhan patted her '' It's okay sister, now let's go, tomorrow you'll be training with me and I've managed to swindle a master into teaching me a few of his tricks haha '' Qingue laughed happily with him as they walked through the corridors
'' It's time to officially begin our training camp ''
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