Chapter 02

2 years had passed since I recovered my memories and began this new life, now I'm seven years old. and I have to admit that dealing with childhood once again is very exhausting. during this period my father noticed my strange behavior and I had to act in a certain way that fitted a young child. It was tiring to keep up with the act all the time so I purposely let some signs slip so that he'll get used to it.

I spent most of my time getting tutored by teachers my father invited, reading about the history of the world, and studying different topics such as literature and mathematics which were quite easy with the kind of experience I have under my belt. 

The word got to my father that I was some kind of genius, which wasn't far from the truth, I didn't become one of the strongest demigods merely by sheer will, talent and bloodline also played an important role in my upbringing.

My favorite time was when I headed to our mansion's library. Father collected quite many books on various topics. when I asked him about his reason for collecting such a large amount of books, he said that if I wanted to be a great man I must treat every day as a chance for growth, and to grow my mind, reading books is where to start, it's a type of growth that will only cease at death.

And so I began learning about the world. right now I'm located in Floating Cloud City, known as the smallest city in the territory of the Blue Wind Empire and situated at the remote far-east corner of the empire.

There are 7 Empires on the profound sky continent, and each one is massive compared to my old world, the sheer size of the land, made me marvel at the size of the planet.

Similar to the Land Between martial might dominate this world, although there is no magic, something similar and equally wondrous called Profound energy permeates every inch of this vast world, and Martial artists pursuing the profound way are named Cultivators. 

To start cultivating, one must have Mature Profound veins, which is a structure of branches spread through the human body, that acts as a container for the spiritual energy absorbed from the world.

At the end of each branch lays a profound entrance totaling 54 entrances, Determining the talent of a cultivator can be done by measuring how many profound entrances are open in his body, and the more the better. 

I closed the book I was reading and stretched my back.

''Let's go and see Father, Hopefully, there's some good news today ''

I quickly moved through the walkways connecting different courtyards of the mansion, a series of columns carved with reliefs of dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures covered under an overhanging Gable Roof with sweeping outward edges. This world's architecture never ceases to amaze me.

I reached Father's study. knocked gently on the door, and waited for his permission to enter.

'' Come In ''

I entered the study and found Father sitting on his desk, head down busy scribbling on papers 

''Are you busy right now father? '' 

Xia Hongyi looked at his son that has grown so much in the last two years, he used to be quite the shy boy, but now all of that had disappeared, replaced by a calm demeanor and self-assertiveness hidden beneath the veil of his boyish face.

' the boy has grown. although I feel confident in him due to his change, I'm still quite worried about his quick maturing and his wish to learn martial arts. sigh, let's hope for the best ' 

'' No, Yuanba it's fine I was about to finish anyway, how are you doing son? ''

'' Quite fine Father, I'm having a good time reading in the library these days ''

'' Haha that's my child, keep growing at this pace and I might have to retire early and leave our business to you''

At the mention of the family business, Radhan looked quite thoughtful but he quickly shook his head and laughed.

'' You haven't reached your prime yet father, you still have a lot to give, and you know that I want to go and explore the world, so until that time please hold that seat for me'' 

I can't help but smile at the intelligence of my little boy, and his glib tongue.

'' Haha alright that settles it, now you must have come for your request ''

''Yes, I was wondering if you managed to bring me what I told you'' 

Xia Hongyi sighed then got up and walked to a chest beside his desk and fetched a long object covered in clothes. He uncovered the layers to reveal a 90 cm long saber and 4 cm wide. The handle was made with ironwood, fashioned in a rotational pattern that allows for a strong grip, the sheath was completely black apart from a few engravings in gold in the middle.

He unsheathed the saber to reveal a grey-tainted black blade 

''I had quite the trouble finding a weapon with your requirements in the city, so I had to send people to the capital where one of my acquaintances, a master blacksmith lives, he managed to craft this beautiful saber, with the meteorite ore we provided, I hope that you'll treat it well and most importantly to slowly train how to wield it'' 

Radhan received the blade with both hands and was quite fascinated by the craftsmanship that went into producing this saber, 

'This saber is quite heavy, forged with meteorite ore, it's highly durable beyond the league of its kind, quite well balanced, and the handle allows for a better grip, this Saber will accompany me quite long through my journey ''

Radhan bowed to his father and said.

'' Thank you, Father, this saber must have cost a fortune for it to be forged, I have troubled you'' 

Xia Hongyi smiled and ruffled his hair 

'' No, feel free to come to your father whenever you need help with something''

Xia Yuanba smiled at his Father's affectionate gesture and words, in his old world he didn't experience such feelings, for when you have Gods for parents and demigods for siblings there's no room for such emotions as everyone is scheming for something or some kind of interest.

'' I'll treat it well, I promise you ''

'' Good, Someone will come to teach you how to wield your blade and you must treat him with respect, your training equipment had been handed to the servants, they went to arrange a suitable courtyard for you to practice, go and find them, and sleep well today because tomorrow you'll wake up early ''

"Will do Father, I'll take my leave, thank you once again. ''

Radhan carried his bundled saber exited the study and closed the door gently behind him. He found a servant waiting outside of the room and asked to guide him to the designated courtyard.

when he reached there he found the servants arranging different training equipment such as wooden swords, sabers, and training dummies and were quite struggling to arrange the weight training equipment in place. Yuanba thanked them for their efforts and went to his courtyard. he sat on a mat arranged in front of a willow tree and started to meditate.

During the last two years, when he began meditating he realized that his profound veins had distinctive qualities compared to what he learned from the books and illustrations. they were more robust and larger than regular veins. 

And it seemed as if a mysterious power was dormant inside of them waiting to be simulated.

Radhan managed to observe all of this thanks to his soul and mental power

'The only thing that's managed to come to this land with me is the strength of my mind and soul, which is quite fair, the time spent mastering my magic was not wasted. And… My days as a mindless beast, holding up the stars, have strengthened my soul.'

However, from time to time, when he delves deeper into his soul sea, fragmented memories arise, of the wailing dunes, and his endless trek through the sands in the form of a raging beast, to witness and remember what he once became.

Due to his discipline, he knew that those memories were a reminder, of his failure, and he was determined to set things right. So he focused inwardly, on honing his soul sea and trying different methods to protect his soul. to ensure that he won't experience the scarlet rot's tragedy again.

Time passed quickly and it was the afternoon, Radhan immersed himself in his training and forgot about the outside world. but suddenly he felt a presence approaching him with quiet steps. He opened his eyes and smiled 

''Good to see you, Sister ''

Xia Qingue pouted and said '' I told you to call me Big sister ''

Radhan laughed at her expression '' when you grow taller than me, I'll call you that '' 

Xia Qingue walked to his side and sat '' Are you still doing your meditation exercise? What's the benefit when you sit here all day? ''

Radhan looked at her and wondered how beautiful she had become 

'' What I'm doing right now. will save me a lot of trouble later on, besides that, honing your mind can help you in many ways, Such as having better control over your emotions and mind, and you'll find that your thought process becomes faster and better organized the more you meditate, not to mention the unity of the body and mind'' Radhan calmly tried his best explaining meditation to his sister.

'' Why don't you join me when I'm meditating and experience it for yourself?''

Qingyue smiled at her brother's care 

''Okay, I'll come tomorrow and try it '' 

Then she inquired quietly '' I heard that Father has brought a mentor to start teaching you Martial arts...''

She went silent for a second then continued '' I pleaded to him, to have me join you in training, but he strongly refused....''

Qingyue took a deep breath and looked at the stars '' I want to bring Mother back to us, that's why I need to become strong, to find her wherever she's ''

Radhan followed her gaze to the stars, to where he sealed his enemies in the past. Since Yuanba and Radhan were the same person, he wanted to protect his sister. and if this was her deepest wish, then he'd make her wish come true

He put his hand on her head and patted her '' We'll bring Mother back, but you won't be doing it alone. We'll go together and seek our mother, but for now, we'll have to train hard. We are weak. Too weak to do anything, I'll begin my training tomorrow morning, and from now on, I'll be training you on what I've learned in this courtyard, we won't tell Father until the time is right '' 

Qingyue smiled happily and hugged her brother 

'' Thank you Yuanba '' 

He smiled and said.

'' Now go and rest because tomorrow morning we'll begin training before dawn breaks '' 

Radhan looked at his Sister's departing figure and thought back on his old family, his demigod siblings killing and tearing each other, and Malenia dooming him to a fate worse than death. and felt a strong urge to protect this family that brought warmth to his old heart.

End of Chapter02