Host’s note: Host not author \o/

To discern Profound Veins, there are two things to look for: aura and appearance. An Ordinary Profound Vein would show no sign of any phenomenon, while a Rare Profound Vein would have a light color of any sort, contrast to the usual deep blue colored veins; a faint special aura may even be felt at times.

And further down, an Ancient Profound Vein would show a darker color of any sort, along with a much more clear aura coming from one’s body. As for Godly Profound Veins, they would give off a bright glowing color and an oppressive aura.

While these color changes may sound obvious, it has to be said that the Profound Veins would look absolutely normal on the outside. Only when observed with special artifacts, eyes, or methods, would one discover these differences! Even the aura would be not be easily discovered, blending in naturally with one’s own cultivation Qi aura; thus it’s hard to find out if a person has a special vein with the naked eye.

It is said that sometimes, even the cultivator themselves do not know what Profound Veins they have, much less if they have a special one!

Although Jin Xia indeed had a way to bestow upon his mortal body a Profound Vein, he did not wish to do so while his cultivation was still weak. He wanted to wait until he was at least Emperor realm before attempting to integrate a set of special Profound Vein into his body.

Since, the special Profound Vein that he wanted integrate with was filled with tyrannical aura and hard to subdue. Otherwise, at that time when he had first reconstructed his mortal body, he would’ve long integrated with a special Profound Vein!

The ancient aura that Jin Xia felt and the glowing red branch-like veins on Hu Feng’s face, showed that Hu Feng indeed possessed a Godly Profound Vein!

But before, even though Jin Xia could not see through Hu Feng’s soul, he had still been able to observed Hu Feng’s inner physique. At that time, there was no signs of any special Profound Veins.

So how could one suddenly appear on Hu Feng’s body out of nowhere?

Then, remembering the strange red light in Hu Feng’s soul, Jin Xia’s eyes lit up.

“Could it actually be that?”

The aura that was being emitted from Hu Feng’s body was very similar to the faint feeling Jin Xia had felt from the tiny red light locked in Hu Feng’s soul.

“Wait…but there was those reincarnation seals binding his soul…” Jin Xia thought. “If that red light is truly the Godly Profound Vein, and it could escape the chains…then, that would mean the seals were not binding it all along…it was merely restricted some other way.”

After living for so long, Jin Xia understood that the reincarnation chains that were sealing Hu Feng’s soul could not be undone by anyone or anything.

It was an absolute imprisonment, set by Destiny and Fate themselves.

Only time and certain events could release the binding, otherwise forcefully breaking it or escaping is impossible. After all, the seal was meant to keep a certain “balance of power in the world.”

If Jin Xia had not forcefully escape the Reincarnation Cycle and was rebirthed instead, then perhaps, he would have been placed under such restriction for quite some time. Even if it was him, he would not be able to resist.

Therefore, Jin Xia conjectured that the red light must have never been marked as a target to be sealed. It must have always been in Hu Feng’s soul, waiting to be released after something is triggered.

“Then…that would mean the chains were meant to seal that purple light inside Hu Feng’s soul?” Jin Xia thought as he slightly furrowed his brows. If that is so, then just how abnormal is that thing locked away in Hu Feng’s soul?

Was that strange violet light so powerful that even Fate itself had deemed it dangerous enough to be temporarily sealed?

And to top it off, Hu Feng was definitely not a deity in his previous life.

After having a short glimpse at Hu Feng’s soul, Jin Xia can definitely at least determine that much. But that just makes it all the more strange and bizarre.

This was actually the first time Jin Xia had seen something as interesting as this! His martial heart and desire for knowledge were once again ignited.

“Good fatty, you’re very interesting!” Jin Xia faintly smiled as he continued to observe Hu Feng, who was beginning to awaken. The aura had long dissipated along with the glowing red light. It seemed the Godly Profound Veins had completed its awakening.

Slowly, Hu Feng opened his eyes, a clear light shone from within..

“I’m…back?” Hu Feng muttered, wide-eyed, as he looked around him.

“Seems like it was a success?” Jin Xia asked, with a faint smile. Judging by Hu Feng’s initial reaction, it could be said that the latter most likely didn’t even know about the Godly Profound Veins, or even what had happened.

Lifting his hand and looking at it, Hu Feng felt a surge of power coursing throughout each corner of his body.

“Ha..,haha! Haha! Amazing! The pill really worked! I feel so clear-headed right now, and this feeling…?!” Hu Feng’s eyes widened even more when he noticed the change in his body. “I broke through to the sixth stage of Wudan?!”

“Oh my god, I love you, Brother Jin Xia!!” Hu Feng screeched with joy as he abruptly got up and threw himself at Jin Xia.

But in one swift motion, Jin Xia backhanded Hu Feng across the face as he said coldly: “Sorry, I’m not interested in hugs from men.”

“Eh? Ah…haha, sorry Brother Jin Xia, I got a bit too excited..” Hu Feng laughed as he rubbed his plump right cheek. “But it was really all thanks to you, Brother Jin XIa! I cannot express how grateful I am…”

A strange, sentimental light flashed briefly in Hu Feng’s eyes before instantly being masked over by his cheeky smile.

“You really don’t know what happened?” Jin Xia asked suspiciously.

“Huh? Did something happen while I was in meditation?” Hu Feng asked innocently.

Then, looking around the room, Hu Feng’s eyes widened as he exclaimed: “Wait, why is this room so messy? Did someone try to rob us?!”

During the time he was in meditation, Hu Feng was truly disconnected with the outside world, so he did not know what was happening outside. He only knew the world inside his mind sank into darkness as he was coming to his ‘conclusion’…

Jin Xia sighed as he slowly narrated the event that transpired just a moment ago. As he filled Hu Feng in on the detail, the latter’s eyes became wider and wider until it as large as the round moon.

“Brother Jin Xia, you’re saying…that I have this so called ‘Godly Profound Vein’, and it was awakened when I was still meditating?!” Hu Feng asked dumbfoundedly. “How could that even possible?”

“I do not know. But perhaps you were graced by a peerless expert in your previous life and that person decided to grant you a special Profound Vein?” Jin Xia replied as he sat down and poured himself a cup of chrysanthemum tea.

“Previous life…” Hu Feng murmured as he thought back to the memories he had saw in his mind. The mysterious ruby armored person had indeed said something about granting him a Profound Vein…so this special strength was given by that bastard?

“At least he wasn’t cheap and had given me such a high grade Profound Vein..” Hu Feng grumbled in his head. But he still could not bring himself to forgive that person for taking away his life and depriving him of a ‘normal existence’ back on Earth…

Taking a sip from his chrysanthemum tea, Jin Xia then said: “Since you and I do not know how those Godly Profound Veins came to be, we will leave it as it is. It is not a bad thing after all, and there are many things we do not know of, nor will be able to solve on our own, in this universe.

But remember, this will be a secret between you and I. Do not let other know, otherwise…you may enjoy great misfortune in the future.”

“En. Thank you for the warning, Brother Jin Xia!” Hu Feng said as he cupped his dumpling-like fist towards Jin Xia.

Jin Xia nodded as he continued to sip his tea. Although the strange phenomenons around Hu Feng had indeed given Jin Xia quite a shock and sparked his curiosity, he was never the type to be nosy. He had already asked one of his questions already, and had told Hu Feng of what happened.

If there were truly secrets in his body, and Hu Feng had wished to tell him on his own accord, then Jin Xia would naturally hear them from him in the future. There was no need to rush and make things too complicated right now.

In this world, nothing is impossible; as such, why try to make sense of everything? The headaches would simply be endless.

“Alright, since we have spent quite sometime here, shall we move somewhere else?” Jin Xia finally said as he placed his cup down. “Make sure to pack anything you need before we leave.”

He had been waiting for Hu Feng for nearly six hours, and was getting bored.

By now, the sun had long set, and a peaceful, yet lively night had taken control of the city.

Seeing that it was this late, Hu Feng embarrassedly scratched his head as he nodded. In his heart, he was grateful for Jin Xia staying with him for so long. His impression of Jin Xia was growing better and better the longer he stayed with him. Hu Feng almost wished that Jin Xia was the same “kind” of person as him…

(TL: By same “kind”, I assume like being reincarnated from Earth, etc)

“Where do you want to eat tonight, Brother Jin Xia?” Hu Feng asked as he followed Jin Xia out of inn.

“We can eat later. Let’s go to the mountains and hunt some savage beasts.” Jin Xia said as he headed towards the city gate.

“What? Now?” Hu Feng asked in surprise. “But it’s night now and there’s many dangers lurking about…”

“Why are you worrying? With me here, you are still scared of some savage beasts?” Jin Xia teased.

Hu Feng could only sigh as he followed Jin Xia. His eyes glowed with a strange light as he recalled the memories he had seen in his mind. A determined fire was already lit in his once, calm heart.

As the two youths walked further and further away north from the city, shadowy trees and animalistic cries could be heard more distinctly.

Walking right besides Jin Xia, Hu Feng visibly gulped as he fearfully looked around him. ‘H-hey Brother Jin Xia…we are already so far from Red Sun City. If we go any deeper into this Sun Forest, we might not make it back for the night.”

“Hm? That’s fine. We are going to be staying in this mountain for the next several days.” Jin Xia nonchalantly replied as he continued to walk deeper into the forest.

At the speed of light, Hu Feng whipped his head around towards Jin Xia.

“What the f– I mean, wait a minute, Brother Jin Xia, what do you mean we’re going to stay here for the next several days? Didn’t you say you’ll be resting in city instead?”

“I decided to change my mind.” Jin Xia said. “Anyhow, I’m doing this for you as well.”

“Me?” Hu Feng asked, pointing to himself.

“En. To be honest with you, Brother Hu Feng, I have already acknowledged you as a fellow brother of mine, since the time you accepted to guide me around this city. Therefore, seeing that you are struggling with your cultivation, as your older brother, I am more than willing to help you.” Jin Xia said as he stopped and turned to face Hu Feng. “I want you.”

“Eh?” Hu Feng’s eyes widened as he stared back at Jin Xia. Then, lowering his head, a blushed surfaced on his chubby cheeks as he swayed his body sideways in a coy manner. “But..But..Brother Jin Xia, you cannot get a piece of this…I’m not interested in you like that…”

Jin Xia stared at Hu Feng with a deadpan expression before a bloodthirsty aura exploded forth from his body. The animals that were near quickly scampered away in fright.

“Ah…hahaha! I-I was just kidding, Brother Jin Xia! Just a small joke…a small joke…haha…” Hu Feng took a few steps back as he frantically waved his two hands in front of him. Having spent a day with Jin Xia had made Hu Feng feel much more close around him than he had anticipated…perhaps maybe a bit too close…

Jin Xia retracted his aura as he sighed. Then, looking at Hu Feng once again, Jin Xia asked:

“Brother Hu Feng, I only have one question that I want to ask you: Do you desire more power?”

“Power…” Hu Feng murmured as his eyes slightly narrowed in seriousness. Remembering his time in inside that blank white world, Hu Feng felt a fire was lit in his heart the moment he heard Jin Xia’s words. He indeed want power! And the more the better!

Looking straight into Jin Xia’s eyes, Hu Feng said in an iron voice: “Yes!”

Jin Xia nodded in approval, seeing the glint of stubbornness in Hu Feng’s eyes. Turning away, Jin Xia continued to walk on as he said:

“For now, we’ll train in the mountains for a while. Then, later on I’ll help open all your meridians in one go. That way, with your new Profound Vein and fully opened meridians, your cultivation speed should experience a huge boost!”

Hu Feng’s eyes widened in disbelief when he heard Jin Xia’s words. Even he had already about the difficulty of meridians opening. So to open all meridians at once…

“If this guy is actually able to do it…then he’s either a true monster or a reincarnated person.” Hu Feng mused in his mind. A task that even aged old hermits were unable to complete, should not have been a feasible feat for a sixteen or seventeen years old youth!

Even if others could explain Jin Xia’s prowess with the simple word of “prodigy”, based on Hu Feng’s experience back on Earth, he could not call those skills “normal” in the least –even with how bizarre this world already is!

*Rustle* *Rustle*

Jin Xia stopped in his track as he lifted his left hand to stop Hu Feng. A black shadow suddenly leaped out of the bushes in front of the two youths. A bloodthirsty aura was currently being emitted from the opposite party.

“Oh? That looks like a Silver Striped Tiger King?” Jin Xia casually commented as he saw the silver furred body that was being illuminated by the passing moon.

Seeing the tiger, Hu Feng almost spat out blood as he cursed in his mind. “My god! That’s a Spiritual 4th stage beast! It should be the king of this forest area, but it rarely shows itself. Why the hell would it appear now?!”

The Silver Striped Tiger King was a powerful, mid-staged Spiritual Dan beast of the tiger species that ruled over the entire Sun Forest. Its body was a brown colored underneath, with silver stripes of fur protecting its massive exterior. The beast was standing at least nine feet tall, with large fangs protruding its jaw and its yellow colored eyes that glared disdainfully at the two weak-looking humans in front of it.

Because the Sun Forest was near Greater and Noble ranked Cities, there were stronger beasts around as well. Encountering a few low leveled Spiritual Dan savage or elemental beasts were not unusual at all.

“Wait, I read in a book before that this kind of tiger beast tend not to show itself unless it’s challenged by someone…” Hu Feng recalled in his head. “Then…did the burst of bloodlust from Brother Jin Xia attract it over here?! It was actually close by?”

To have called over a Silver Striped Tiger King just because the two had played around a bit, was quite the exaggerated consequence. At least, that was what Hu Feng thought.

The Silver Striped Tiger King growled impatiently before it suddenly rushed towards the two youths.

“Crap! It’s coming!” Hu Feng panicked as he took several steps back and hid behind Jin Xia.

This was not the first time Hu Feng had seen large savage beasts; in fact he had even battled against such beasts before as a part of his training regime in the Hu Clan.

However, this was the first time that Hu Feng had seen a beast that was as strong as the one before him! It was quite rare to see beast kings in the forest.

And with his lacking inexperience in the wild, Hu Feng was easily startled by the strong bloodlust the Silver Striped Tiger King emanated. It was much stronger than any of the beasts he had encountered in the past!

Seeing the Silver Striped Tiger King rushing towards him, Jin Xia had on a calm expression and remained motionless. Just as the Silver Striped Tiger King was about to collide with them, Jin Xia’s right hand suddenly struck out at a lightning pace and immediately grabbed onto the tiger’s head.

The king beast was abruptly halted in his rush, unable to tear away from the iron clutch no matter how much it struggled. Panic and anger began to well up in the tiger’s eyes as it roared with indignation.

Then, with a faint smile, Jin Xia murmured: “Guess it’ll be tiger stew tonight.”

In the next moment, Jin Xia forcefully tightened his grip as a dark red light glowed from his hand, crushing the Silver Striped Tiger King’s head into pieces. Blood and brain matters splattered across the ground, with a few drops of blood tainting the corner of Jin Xia’s white clothes.

A light smile was wore on the corner of Jin Xia’s face the entire time.

With Jin Xia’s ability to match up to even a 9th staged Spiritual Dan practitioner, a mere 4th staged Spiritual Dan beast was…utterly a joke.

Hu Feng, who was standing behind Jin Xia, had a look of eagerness and resolve when he witnessed Jin Xia’s brief battle.

He could feel his blood boiling with excitement, as he wiped off a few streaks of tiger blood from his cheek.

“Just when…will I be able to possess such power…” Hu Feng thought in his mind, as he imprinted the scene before him into memory.

A strange sense of urgency and bloodlust began to churn in his blood…