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Chapter 4: The Three Young Masters of the Bloodstripe Clan

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Kyu Cao sat with closed eyes on the bed inside his room.

He was circulating the Qi according to the first stage of the Seven Deep Hells Frozen Record.

The air surrounding him suffered no changes, but his internal temperature was a bit lower.

Three days had passed since his slightly dangerous first meeting with Cultivation.

After that day, Kyu Cao had shut himself inside his courtyard, no coming out at all. He obsessively cultivated day and night, only stopping to eat and sleep.

After three days of intensive and continuous cultivation, Kyu Cao had concluded that it was safe for him to use the Frozen Record cultivation method.

Despite being an ice method which by nature should be incompatible with his fire body, he had no problems cultivating it, and had yet to suffer any repercussion.

Even more strange was, the Qi at his disposal remained seemingly fire in nature, hot and burning. There was only the slightest trace of coldness to it that only Kyu Cao could perceive because it was a Qi that belonged to him. It couldn't be glanced at all from the surface that the cultivation method he practiced was ice attuned, and not a fire one.

This only made Kyu Cao more assured of that his decision of keeping this matter a secret was the correct one.

This cultivation method was definitely no ordinary. It preciousness was maybe something he couldn't even fathom.

He knew little of the Cultivation World, only that it was a ruthless one. The strong devoured and profited from the weak. Actually, even the ordinary world was not much different.

If any expert were to know of this, the possibility of him ending dead or worse was fur-risingly high. Of course, that was only if his clan hadn't already taken it from him.

There was still no guarantee that he would not suffer consequences later in the future though. Yet, the benefits greatly surpassed the risks, so he had no intention of stopping. Plus, after experiencing the Frozen Record himself and gaining some familiarity with it, Kyu Cao had grown some confidence in that such scenario was unlikely.

It also had to be said, he had gotten hooked.

The feeling of refreshing coldness that coursed through his body each time he cultivated was like diving into the cold river in a hot summer day. And the relaxing warmth that invaded him afterwards was the opposite, a nice hot bath during a winter night.

Finished refining all the Qi, he inhaled deeply and then let out a breath of cloudy mist which quickly dissipated. He joyously stretched his relaxed muscles and rose to his feet.

His expression remained calm and impassive, but the gentle sway of his tail revealed his good mood.

His strength had increased once more, filling his body with unbound vitality.

This definitely was the best feeling of all.

Looking outside, the sky was dyed with the gentle colors of sunrise. The room faced the north, so the shapes of the distant peaks bathed in the light of the rising sun, when looked through the circular window, was like a picturesque painting.

According to his estimations, if he were to continue training ceaselessly like this for another two days, he would have the qualifications to raise his Cultivation by one level. However, most of Kyu Cao's initial excitement had disappeared by now.

He was also already bored of his room. He was not someone to stay inside for long periods of time to begin with, preferring to take a long stroll outside and discover new curiosities.

Changing his robes, he proceeded to go down to the first floor. He would first have breakfast before going out.

The morning air in the state felt clean and crisp, making just the simple act of breathing a pleasure.

This was a mountainous region at the border with the Immortal Forest. As such, the supply of fresh air was not lacking.

Kyu Cao also knew it had something to do with the dragon vein the mountain rested on, and the various formations laid through the state.

Both ancestral home to the Bloodstripe Clan, and stronghold of the Bloody Army, the Bloodstripe State's entire territory encompassed the whole of Tiger Back Mountain. This was a location extremely close to the junction between the two countries and the Immortal Forest.

The reason why the Bloody Army occupied such brazen position was because the main army had to be available to defend both the border with the Immortal Forest and the Heaven Cleaving Kingdom.

Although the Immortal Forest had never acted against the Empire, that was only in regards to the great powers. The comparatively weaker lords at the outer regions would actually attack and loot the border settlements from time to time. Attacks from common martial beasts were commonplace too.

These attacks, however, were mainly dealt by the local lords and garrisoned troops. Compared to the defense at the border with the Heaven Cleaving Kingdom, duty at the border with the Immortal Forest was quite relaxed.

Kyu Cao strolled without true aim, simply relieving the stress from being locked in for so many days.

He felt the breeze brush his fur, and the fresh smell of grass tickling his nose, the hubbub of the soldiers and servants played in his ears.

There was nothing different about his stroll from any other, but Kyu Cao had the sensation that he was experiencing this part of the state as if for the first time.

His senses didn't seem to be more powerful, but rather more refined, clearer. It was as if before he had been experiencing the world from the other side of a dusty wall of glass, but now that glass had been cleaned, becoming transparent and revealing the true colors of the world.

He could only marvel endlessly at the benefits of Cultivation.

His level had yet to rise, yet there were already such astonishing changes occurring.

Kyu Cao finally had opened his eyes to the differences in quality between the strength obtained by mundane ways, and one achieved through Cultivation.

It was as if the common people were building sand castles, marveling at each other's works because they didn't know better. Meanwhile, Cultivators were building lofty palaces with sturdy stone and precious materials.

Truly shameful to even compare.

This made Kyu Cao look forward to his breakthrough.

While continuing to simply enjoy his reborn senses, a peculiar ruckus reached Kyu Cao's ears.

Different from the occasional and restrained voices of the servants, or the heavy and vigorous sound of the soldiers. It was loud and unrestrained, which was really out of place. Just from this it was obvious that these people held extremely high status, as nobody would have guts so big as to act this arrogant inside the Blood General's territory.

Following the source, Kyu Cao laid eyes on a group far away.

Although they wore red, signaling their allegiance to the Bloody Army, they didn't look like soldiers. Instead, they were wearing robes, so mostly likely they weren't on duty.

There was a limited number of people who could act this way inside the Bloodstripe Clan's Main State, and all were highly valued members of the clan, or high ranking officials of the army.

Either way, both were people Kyu Cao would be better-off not crossing.

But luck had it be, their direction suggested that their path would cross unless he changed directions.

Thanks to his finer sight, Kyu Cao was able to tell some details despite the distance.

This group was comprised of not only tigers, but other races as well. Though the figure leading the group was still a tiger.

While the army did not exclude the other twelve races of theriopes, because both the Blood General, the Supreme General of the Imperial Army, and the Bloodstripe Clan, the clan which had leaded the empire's troops for hundreds of years, were of tiger bloodline, naturally, the majority of the Bloody Army were tigers.

He could see that this tiger was not overly tall as most other soldiers, his complexion fitting of the word average.

Yet, Kyu Cao knew only this was ordinary about this tiger, as a name for him immediately appeared in his mind.

Dai Dao.

First son of the Blood General. Successor-in-line for Head of the Bloodstripe Clan. A General of the Bloody Army.

He was also Kyu Cao oldest half-brother.

Reluctance and uneasiness appeared in Kyu Cao's eyes.

It could be said, from the whole of members of the main house, or all the family for that matter, he disliked meeting with Dai Dao the most.

That was because Dai Dao truly disdained him, which was not any secret.

As for why did Dai Dao looked at him with such disdain... What reason there was to not to? Kyu Cao would think wryly.

He really would have liked to not meet with this tiger. But if he, with his meager sight had noticed him, how could the other party, who had already entered the ranks of experts, not too?

Indeed, Kyu Cao discerned Dai Dao glancing at his direction. He also had become aware of his presence.

While no indication was given, Kyu Cao knew that if he were to take another path now, it would be evident that he'd tried to avoid him.

He could only sourly continue.

As they grew closer, more of his brother's retinue noticed him. Some seemed to recognize him, raising questioningly a brow, while some looked a bit confused. The later were obviously those who didn't know about him. This was not strange, since Kyu Cao barely interacted with others in the state.

Dai Dao didn't turn in his direction, continuing to chat with the dog next to him.

It was at an extremely common and nondescript crossing that they met.

Dai Dao turned in his direction at last, and Kyu Cao received his smiling face with his usual impassive expression.

"Greetings, Eldest Brother, Second Brother," Kyu Cao gave a bow and spoke softly. "It is good that you have come back safely."

Dai Dao only regarded him with an inscrutable stare, while from a little at the back of the group came a hulking tiger who easily surpassed everyone's height.

This giant was Kyu Cao's second half-brother, Min Lao.

Kyu Cao of course had noticed him before. It was hard not to. It was just that his attention had focused mostly on Dai Dao.

"Little Brother Cao, you finally let yourself be seen?" Min Lao joked amiably. It was clear that he was honestly happy to see this little brother of his.

Different from his relationship with Dai Dao, Kyi Cao felt more well-disposed to his second brother, though they still didn't interact much.

Min Lao was a rising figure in the army, having a natural talent in martial arts that surpassed even his older brother, while Kyu Cao was the layabout of the family. It was normal for them to not meet often.

"How have you been? Have you done something new?" Dai Dao finally spoke, his smile polite, but a strange gleam flashed in his golden eyes.

Kyu Cao ear flicked.

This movement was extremely natural, anyone would think that it was a reflex to the tickling of the breeze. But only Kyu Cao knew that his ear had actually flicked because of a burst of annoyance.

This particular question was one which his eldest brother would ask every time they meet.

Because of their positions, they did not meet often. But exactly because of that, this recurrent question was only the more memorable.

What annoyed Kyu Cao, though, was not that he thought he was mocking him.

Kyu Cao believed he knew his eldest brother personality well enough. Dai Dao would never lower himself to mock others beneath him. He was an upright, if uptight, tiger who carried himself with extreme dignity and impartiality. Humiliating someone weaker, Dai Dao would actually punish someone who abused authority like that.

This question was definitely not a mockery, but Kyu Cao knew not what it was then.

Like a bizarre puzzle, it was extremely irritating.

"I have actually found something interesting, but I believe Eldest Brother would not be interested at all." There were no changes in Kyu Cao's expression or tone, but his words were clearly dismissive.

That something was of course Cultivation, but Kyu Cao would definitely not speak about it. At least, not for now.

Cultivation was a pretty big deal in the big families, lest talk about a military one like the Bloodstripe.

If this matter was to be known, it might get blow out of proportions. And Kyu Cao believed this was his most important time, so it would be the most inconvenient.

Surprise flashed through Dai Dao's eyes, though it was immediately concealed. The response of this youngest brother, though not unusual, seemed to be more aggressive, which was a first.

"Is that so? Then no need to speak about it. It also seems like you have somewhere to go, so you can go. No need to keep us company."

"I thank Eldest Brother for his comprehension. Forgive this little brother for being impolite."

"No need, no need. You may go."

"Thanks. Second Brother, I bid my farewell." Glancing to his second brother, Kyu Cao once again bowed graciously.

"Ah, wait, Little Brother Cao!" Min Lao, who until now had only silently stood at the side, hurriedly called out to Kyu Cao. "Older Brother Dai Dao, please go ahead first. I just want to have a few words with Little Brother Cao. I will catch with you quickly."

"Of course. We will go ahead then. Farewell." With an understanding nod which was directed toward the two, Dai Dao signaled his group and continued forward without another word.

The pair of tiger and cat observed them walk away in the quiet, and only when some distance was created did Min Lao face his younger brother.

"What is that you want to talk about, Second Brother?" It was actually Kyu Cao who spoke first, regarding the mountain-like tiger in front of him with some curiosity.

"Nothing much, really. Just, how have you been?" Said the tiger with a tinge of embarrassment.

Unlike their eldest brother who had been born from the main wife years ago, creating a sizeable difference in age between them, Min Lao was only five years older. His age was much closer to Kyu Cao's.

This made interaction between the two smoother. Though the current level had only been achieved after Min Lao's mother's death.

"I have been healthy, thank you. Is Second Brother well? Did Second Brother fare well during the last campaign?"

"Just some cuts and bruises, nothing serious. I even managed to get promoted!" Sticking out his broad chest with pride, he boasted unreservedly.

"Truly? Then congratulations, Second Brother," with a quiet, faint smile, Kyu Cao gave a congratulating bow.

"Hahaha, then I will accept your good intentions," laughed Min Lao, suddenly looking a bit embarrassed once more. Then he shook off the feeling, and told Kyu Cao more sobered. "But the impressive one is Big Brother Dai Dao. He achieved great merits this time, and was also promoted."

"Is that so?"

Dai Dao previous position was not small, so to obtain a promotion at his level was obviously much more difficult.

It was truly something worthy of Kyu Cao's admiration. But he honestly couldn't bring himself to feel happy.

Seeing the lukewarm response of Kyu Cao, Min Dao smile stiffened slightly. He knew that his two brothers didn't get well, but couldn't think of a way to solve it.

Powerless, he decided to change the topic.

"Well, it looks like I should get going; otherwise, they will get too far. Ah, right, if I don't remember incorrectly, your birthday should be soon, right? We should get together and have a drink then. See you later!"

Even as he trotted away, Min Lao's maw kept moving, and before Kyu Cao could even respond he had already disappeared. His powerful body obtained from Cultivation carried him fast like a gale. Of course, not waiting for the answer was deliberate, in case that Kyu Cao might object.

Kyu Cao stared at the direction his brother had disappeared to. A forlorn edge had emerged on his eyes.

While he knew his second brother most likely was honest in wanting to be closer with him, he simply could not fully trust him.

That was because, from Kyu Cao's perspective, there existed a wall which separated them.

This wall was not the clan or their positions though. It actually seemed to be taller.

"You forgot that I don't really like alcohol, Second Brother. And my birthday... is today."

Like petals, his words were scattered and carried away by the wind.