Chapter 04

The sound of clashing steel reverberated through the courtyard, two figures could be seen moving at high speed, barely followed by the untrained eye.

clashing and disengaging, then colliding once again in a symphony of steel and sparks. they were moving all over the courtyard in a rhythm that flowed like leaves carried by the wind.

The spectacle moved all over the place from the ground to the roof even the tree wasn't spared from their movement but strangely nothing seemed to break from their impact. The bout continued and rose in intensity until the flow of battle changed. one of the figures doubled in speed and collided with the incoming opposition in a cry of steel, sending it crashing to the ground.

dust billowed up and a Faint coughing could be heard until the smoke cleared; revealing two figures, the one in black was a tall young boy, who was standing in front of a dirt-smeared girl.

Qingue looked, without a doubt, miserable.

Tree leaves stuck to her hair, dirt smeared on her knees, and her clothes were stained all over. She looked at her brother in annoyance and said huffing 

''Congratulations Yuanba, this is the fourth set of clothing ruined in one week, another record to make you feel proud ''

Radhan looked amused by her antics but replied in a tone that was far from that '' Dear sister, when a sword pierces through you it won't cut just a piece of fabric ''

His sister looked stupified by his grim words but then sighed and shook her head. She knew her brother well enough to know what he meant, and the reason why he never went easy on her.

'But it's not fair at all, since we began sparing all I remember is my face down the dirt, I can't recall a single time where I landed a solid blow on him ' 

She planted her sword on the ground and rose rather forcibly then sauntered off saying '' Go wash up, Xiao family elder alongside his daughter and grandson are coming to visit, after you finish meet me at my courtyard so that we can go together '' then she was off.

' Right, I forgot about it. they sent a servant to inform us beforehand. I have to make myself presentable in front of my father.'

' but the good thing is Qingyue is improving very well, she can handle a sword properly and even reach a standstill against Li Niu when he limits his cultivation base, but she is far from being able to handle me Haha ' Radhan laughed at his own, and went to his quarter.

It had been two years since that emotional day with their father. and since then; he started training every day with his sister, he was the one in charge of teaching her how to fight and wield a weapon, and Master Li was the one imparting his Cultivation knowledge to both siblings.

Their everyday life consisted of training at dawn, followed by meditation, Master Li lessons, and More training in the afternoon, with a few days of rest through the months. Due to their busy program and dedication, Qingyue managed to sense profound energy after a few days of training, a year later with Radhan's help, nourishing her body with his vitality, Her profound veins matured, and then he guided her into her first breakthrough.

Now he is nine years old and his sister reached ten, while their cultivation reached the peak of the True profound realm and the 8 level of the nascent profound realm.

the guests were supposed to have arrived and they were running late, Radhan quickly took a shower and made haste to his sister's place, he had to wait a bit impatiently for her to prepare, the dilemma of women's baths taking forever seemed to be universal, and men had to suffer no matter the place.

After an unknown amount of time, Qingyue finished preparing herself and went out to find her brother staring impassively at her, she lowered her head to avoid his gaze 

'' Sorry, the maids chose different dresses for me and I couldn't make a quick choice '' Then skirted around him as if getting around him was akin to walking into a danger zone, Radhan felt that he better save his breath. And fell in line with her 

'' I heard that Elder Xiao Lie's son, Xiao Ying was our father's Sworn brother. 

he saved you when you fell ill when you were young, at the risk of exhausting his profound veins '' Radhan said as they walked. 

Qingyue replied '' Yes, he must've been a great man, unfortunately, he passed away or else I would've loved to pay my respect to him… at least we'll get to meet his son and sister '' 

On the mention of his sister's old illness, Radhan wondered how his life would've been if his sister hadn't survived that day, and didn't know the answer. he still would be Radhan the Great General, but something definitely would change.

he quite liked it like this, he always had a sense of duty toward ideals and his people, but the time he had to fight other people's war already ended with him paying a heavy price...

he enjoyed sheltering his sister under his wings, and this duty towards his family is what's helping him strive not to look back, at when he used to roar at the stars in rage.

He mindlessly reached with his hand and patted her head, Qingyue looked at him strangely but didn't react as she loved her brother's care.

Soon they reached the guest hall, beside their father there was a man of forty-something age to his side sat two small figures, a boy and a girl both of them had black hair and dark eyes, and were good-looking for little kids.

They came closer and greeted '' Good afternoon Father and dear guests ''

Xia Hongyi smiled at their presence and waved his hand in their direction ushering them closer '' Elder Xiao, these are my children Xia Yuanba and Xia Qingyue, Kids This is Elder Xiao Lie, and next to him are his daughter and grandson Xiao Lingxi and Xiao Che ''

Both children greeted the guests and sat next to their father 

Xiao Lie looked at the pair of siblings, the girl was stunningly beautiful, and had a calm and ethereal air around her, while the boy looked tall and imposing his gaze was steady and had a sharp edge to it, which made them even more interesting to his discerning eyes.

Xiao Lie smiled '' Lord Xia, You are indeed blessed with such polite and beautiful children, You both can call me Grandpa Xiao, Xiao Che, and Ling'er are similar to your age why don't you play together from time to time ''

Qingyue saw that her brother had no intention of replying so she said '' We'll be both happy to make new friends Grandpa Xiao''

Xiao Lie's eyes shone brightly at Qingyue's reply, he stole a look at his grandson then smiled and said meaningfully '' Good, Good, You are a good child to have ''

Xia Hongyi seemed to notice that and before the man could say anything else, he looked at Radhan and said '' Why don't you go and give them a tour around the mansion and leave me and your Grandpa Xiao, have a grown-up conversation ''

Radhan understood his father's intention, so stood up and bowed toward his father '' Father, if you permit, Qingyue didn't relax much lately. I want to take her for a stroll around the city. we can go with Elder Xiao's children. ''

Hongyi nodded and said '' Yes, you two have been working hard lately. you may go but let's see Elder Xiao's opinion first, Elder would you allow your children to go out with mine to take a stroll? ''

Xiao Lie thought for a moment and didn't see a problem with this arrangement '' it's fine as long as there's someone to trail them '' 

Hongyi smiled '' I'll arrange someone reliable for the job '' 

Then he called for a guard outside the room '' Hong, the kids are going out to the city, take another guard with you and follow them '' 

Then he turned to the kids and said '' okay you may go now, take this small allowance for you to entertain yourself and your guests '' 

Xia Hongyi gave everyone some pieces of silver and watched them as they exited the hall 'What a headache I hope that he won't bring up the subject of marriage '

While the grown-ups were having their kind of conversation the children weren't idle either, they exited the mansion into the bustling street of floating cloud city. The city, although small in size, was beaming with life, as vendors and hawkers occupied the long street facing the gate of their mansion. All kinds of people seemed to be mixing in a cacophony of voices, the city felt chaotic, but a controllable type of chaos that gave it an identity, which made it truly feel alive.

Xiao Che looked at Radhan and felt quite intimidated by his build and his eyes he nervously said '' hello my name is Xiao Che what's yours ''

Radhan squinted his eye at the kid and replied '' Yuanba, my name is Xia Yuanba '' then he returned to his usual silent self 

Qingyue felt quite helpless at her brother's unapproachable nature, and it seemed only she and her father could pass through his erected walls 

So she began to lead small conversations with The Xiao children to get to know them, they strolled through the city, went to various stalls, and tried street food they wouldn't have had the chance to taste in their home.

Radhan followed them from behind as he couldn't tolerate or integrate with these little brats. In the case of his little sister, she was family which was why he could spend every day with her without feeling bothered, He watched his sister laughing and playing with the other Xiao children and he felt gratified inside ' Due to spending every day with me, the girl matured quickly beyond the age of her peers, seeing her smile is also comforting, she closed on herself since our mother left, and after not leaving my side for many years, she began taking steps toward having a regular childhood, well not so normal due to my influence but still an improvement nonetheless '

He smiled as she came scuttling to him a with candy stick which he accepted and took a bite, and so they continued their walk with Radhan's ever-watchful eye on them. 

It had been a month since The Xiao family came to visit, and since then there would be occasions when the two children came and chatted with Qingyue, but today was different, today he was bringing his sister to hunt for beasts in the forest outside the city, it shouldn't be dangerous with him protecting her, but to appease his father Master Li Niu went with them, and as for why this man is still staying in floating cloud city, it's because Radhan invited him to join his family as a guest and to help protect the mansion's, Master Li accepted the offer considering the good treatment he received from the Xia family and the increase to his cultivation base.

Now they were on a carriage that would take them to the outskirts of the forest about half an hour's ride from the city, where they would continue on foot from there.

Radhan looked at his sister who was fidgeting with the hemp of her clothes beside him in the carriage and said '' Are you feeling nervous? ''

Qingyue said '' a little, we are going to hunt spirit beasts, and I have no experience doing that ''

Master Li Niu who was sitting in front of them interjected with a small laugh '' It's alright little girl, it would be strange if you didn't feel nervous facing them for your first time '' With those words he shot a glance at her brother who was sitting there nonchalant 

'' You'll do fine, you know how to wield your sword, pay attention to the beast's characteristics and their attack pattern don't hesitate strike first and think later, as long as you remember these aspects, you'll fare pretty well ''

Xia Qingue felt a little bit comforted by their words and eased into her seat and she said '' Okay I trust that you'll guide me when we reach there '' 

And closed her eyes to enjoy the ride