Yeah, there’s still a couple terms that I could probably name better&h.e.l.lip; I’m also too lazy to really edit, so yeah. Anyways, this is turning out to be some sci-fi crossed with xianxia type of thing. I don’t mind reading it, but to be honest, this has gotten pretty annoying to translate. I’ll see how this goes. I think the thing that attracts me the most is the family bonds between the MC and his family. Well, in any case, if anyone is reading this, then enjoy!
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Chapter 2: Brain Region Depth
On the tree-lined path with flowers blooming all around, one could see guards patrolling everywhere.
In comparison to the simple Commoner District, the housing environment, conditions and security in the Halcyon Neighbourhood were pretty good.
“Di~~” Pressing down his fingerprint, the door made a thud noise and opened.
“Brother.” As soon as Lin Feng entered inside, he was met with a cute and lovely figure.
Big eyes, dainty nose, and lightly pursed cherry lips. A hint of worry could be clearly seen from her eyes—his little sister, “Lin Yuer”.
“You saw?” Lin Feng laughed as he brushed his sister’s nose, “Meddlesome.”
Lin Yuer pouted her lips, “I’m not a child.”
Lin Feng brightly laughed, took off his shoes and entered the living room. The house wasn’t too big, 150 square feet in plain view. It was simply decorated three bedroom home, with an additional closed-off training room. This was pretty much the standard set-up.
“Mm, smells good~” Lin Feng closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“That’s right! Mom’s in a particularly good mood today,” Lin Yuer was unable to contain her joy, her eyes lit up, “It’s been so long since I’ve eaten a hot meal. Every day has been those cold, compressed energy meals, no taste at all.” Lin Yuer couldn’t help but pout her lips, looking very cute.
Lin Feng laughed involuntarily, “You’re just a glutton. As long as it provides sufficient calories and nutrients, isn’t it all the same? Besides&h.e.l.lip;fresh vegetables aren’t cheap.” Lin Feng directed his gaze to the kitchen. Despite his words, he heart was filled with warmth. He knew why his mother’s mood was especially good today.
“How could it possibly be the same, the dishes mom makes taste the best~” Lin Yuer said with an intoxicated look, “Don’t worry brother, the money big brother left behind is still plenty&h.e.l.lip;” but before her words finished, Lin Fuer suddenly thought of something and nervously covered her mouth and snuck a peek at Lin Feng like a startled bunny.
A hint of yearning flashed in his eyes. Lin Feng laughed shallowly and said, “I’m fine.”
If this was the him from past, there was no way he’d be this calm. But, after stepping out from the haze and nightmare that shrouded his heart, he felt that he has finally put everything down; or rather&h.e.l.lip;
I have&h.e.l.lip;already accepted reality.
“Brother, you&h.e.l.lip;?” Lin Yuer looked over with confusion and curiosity.
“Sorry, Yuer.” Lin Feng gently embraced his sister, lovingly stroked her small head, and softly said, “This past year, I have worried you.” Feeling the frail figure in his embrace slightly tremble, Lin Feng softly sighed in his mind. His sister was young, but ever since she was little she was clever and quick-witted; she was aware of quite a bit.
Really, I’ve been an incompetent brother.
He had been muddleheaded for a whole year, just training like a madman; like a tiny boat that tried to brave the waters and refused to be toppled in a tsunami. But really, was it worth it? A tsunami’s rage would eventually subside, he could have completely just patiently waited it out and set sail afterwards.
“Brother.” Lin Yuer muttered.
“Hm?” Lin Feng replied.
“From now on, I’m going to ignore big sister[1] Qian.” Lin Yuer said softly, but with determination.
Lin Feng was slightly startled, “Why? Didn’t you like her the most?”
“But she isn’t good to my brother,” Lin Yuer said, “Anything that treats my brother bad, I don’t like.”
Lin Feng felt his chest tighten as he heard those words, as if the deepest recess of his heart was touched. His eyes became slightly moist, he was completely moved. The feelings his sister had for him were just like the feelings he had for his older brother, it was a deep affection; one of reliance and adoration. Although they weren’t related biologically related, their bond surpa.s.sed those of real blood-related siblings.
“Silly girl.” Lin Feng softly mumbled.
&h.e.l.lip;
“Brother, why are fresh vegetable so expensive?”
“That’s because there’s no place to grow them. There’s only so much room in the urban area, with so many people living here, where’s the room to grow vegetables?”
“Oh, then are the big monsters in the Wilderness especially powerful?”
“Of course they’re really powerful. But, the Wilderness is full of treasures. There’s elemental crystals, spiritual fruits, medicinal herbs, and metal ores. Even the bodies of elemental[2] beasts are full of treasure.”
&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
Lin Feng patiently answered all the questions that puzzled his sister.
With regards to this world, his nearly 12 year old sister had a thirst for knowledge. In another three months his sister will partic.i.p.ate in the genetic testing to see if she possesses “Innate Genetics”. One’s brain region depth naturally reaches 5%, so it is necessary to absorb genetic energy into order to become a “genetic warrior”.
“Brother, in fact&h.e.l.lip;what is brain region depth?” Lin Yuer rested her cheeks in her hands and asked inquisitively.
“It’s here,” Lin Feng laughed and pointed at his head, “In the Quaternary Period of the previous era, many humans from birth till death could only use 3%-5% of their brain. This is a huge waste, the human brain has limitless potential to be unearthed. As the brain region depth increases, mankind can become smarter; become stronger.”
“I once read a book that recorded some scientists that made major contributions to mankind, like Newton and Einsten. Their brain region depth was way above 5%. Not to mention some of the athletes preserved in the records, like Muhammad Ali, their brain region depth neared the limit of 10%.”
“Even more astonishing was that during the Three Kingdoms Period, many advisers and generals at the time had brain region depth not only exceeding 10%, but even reaching 20%, 30%.”
“What happened afterwards?” Lin Yuer suddenly became interested.
Lin Feng’s eyes were flickering as he slowly said, “Slowly, mankind began to pay more attention to their bodies, pay more attention to their brain. They began to think of all the ways to unearth their own potential, but in the end, they were unable to find the correct method to increase their brain region depth. Until&h.e.l.lip;one day, they finally discovered, the existence of ancient martial arts and its profound mysteries.”
“With the mind as the source, communicating with Heaven and Earth, cultivate one’s inner strength and mind, absorb the energies from Heaven and Earth, and strengthen one’s body.”
“Then, one gathers qi in the dantian and once one has reached their limit, they may attempt to open access to either the Governing Vessel or Conception Vessel, or as we now call it ‘soul breakthrough’. Each time we make a soul breakthrough, our brain region depth will then be able to continue to increase. If both the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel are opened, along with the ‘Power Soul’ and ‘Central Soul’, then our brain region depth will reach 30%.”[3]
“Mankind’s wisdom and body strength received a great boost, with their potential unlocked, they left the Quaternary Period and stepped into the Ancient Warring Era.”
Looking at his sister’s sparkling big eyes, Lin Feng couldn’t help but laugh.
He still remembers when he once asked his big brother these questions. With regards to history, his big brother always attached great importance to it, because history is just like a thick book, recording everything that has happened. And, the reason why humans were able to open up their potential and step into the Ancient Warring Era was all because of history.
“What are you two getting so happy talking about?” A gentle and tender voice was heard. Lin Feng raised his head and say a picturesque face—exactly like his mother’s name “Ji Yuhua”[4]. Seemingly like a peerless beauty that just stepped out of a painting. No vestige of time could be found on his mother’s face, rather, it gave her the feel of a mature and intellectual beauty.
Looking at his mother’s face, endless yearning and warmth rushed forth from Lin Feng’s heart, as if it’s been a whole year since he’s seen his mother.
“Mom,” Lin Feng opened his mouth, his voice soft and hoa.r.s.e, yet carried certainty, “I’m back.”
With a magnificent smile, Ji Yuhua looked towards Lin Feng and said gently, “Welcome back.”
※※※
Simple dishes, yet because of a change in heart, they’ve become the world’s most delicious delicacies.
A family of three, joyous and harmonious. Seeing his mother and sister finally smiling again after so long, Lin Feng’s heart was filled with warmth.
This is my home. These are the people I would risk my life to protect. Brother isn’t here, so now I’m the only man of the house—it’s my duty to support this family. This was the oath I made with brother; more than that, this is my responsibility as a man.
“Mom, I plan to enroll in Blazing Sun’s Dojo.” Lin Feng said, as he looked towards his mother.
Ji Yuhua didn’t seem surprised, “For Yuer?”
Lin Feng knew he couldn’t hide it from his mother, nodding his head, he said, “Back then, brother worked hard to earn money in order to cultivate me. Yet&h.e.l.lip;I failed to live up to his expectations. Yuer is clever and can bear hardships, if there is enough money to buy genetic fluid, I firmly believe that before 18 she’ll breakthrough the limit and become a genetic warrior.”
Ji Yuhua lightly smiled, “Are you sure that Yuer definitely has Innate Genetics?”
Lin Feng’s eyebrows tensed, “Brother and I both had Innate Genetics, Yuer&h.e.l.lip;she should&h.e.l.lip;” Uncertainty could be seen, Lin Feng hesitated. He forgot that his mother didn’t give birth to Yuer.
“Yuer does in fact possess Innate Genetics.” Ji Yuhua replied.
“Huh?” Lin Feng was slightly startled. As far as he knew, his sister hasn’t undergone genetic testing yet. Looking at his mother, Lin Feng suddenly smiled. Since his mother said it, then she must be absolutely certain. Ever since he was little, his mother seemed like she knew everything; nothing could be hidden from her.
It’s important to know that the chances of possessing Innate Genetics is barely 1 in a 1000.
Yet, his sister is able to become one of the possessors, it had to be said that this is heartening good news.
“Are you certain that you want to start over from the beginning?” Ji Yuhua suddenly asked. Her beautiful, wisdom-filled eyes seemed as if they could see through everything.
“Yes, mother.” With his eyes shining, Lin Feng replied, without any hesitation.
From the moment I took that step, my heart already had an answer.
Making this decision was difficult because the path to become a genetic warrior or an ancient martial artist were two very different paths. Everything, from the way you train, to the way you fight, to energy inside your body, and even the equipment you use are vastly different. Moreover, the path to become an ancient martial artist is ten times, a hundred times more difficult than becoming a genetic warrior.
Lin Feng and his mother stared at one another, eye-to-eye. The belief in his heart did not waver a single bit.
Perhaps, I don’t have my brother’s talents; but, I definitely will not give up. No matter what knocks me down, or setbacks I receive, I will move forward with steadfast courage.
“Very good.” Ji Yuhua lightly smiled, her eyes displayed a hint of approval and satisfaction. Suddenly, a thin brown book appeared in her hand. Lin Feng’s gaze turned towards the book, he stretched out his hand and received the book his mother handed over to him. Puzzled, he asked, “Mom, this is?”
“Mental cultivation technique, or in other words&h.e.l.lip;the skill to train one’s mind.” Ji Yuhua replied without emotion, her eyes revealing a kind of unusual blurriness.
“Hah?” Lin Feng felt bewildered.
Ancient mind cultivation skill?
Why would his mom have an ancient martial mind cultivation skill?
“Remember, Feng-er [5], unless by absolute necessity, never reveal it.” warned Ji Yuhua, with a serious face.
Lin Feng felt his heart tighten when he heard those words.
Those words, a lot of details were contained in them.
Ancient mind cultivation skills, with regards to ancient martial artists, is considerably important. Just like Elemental Cores to genetic warriors. Through ancient mind cultivation skills, ancient martial artists are able to absorb the energy of Heaven and Earth—strengthening their bodies. Then, along with martial skills, they get a powerful burst in their combat power. It can be said that for ancient martial artists, no matter if they are cultivating or fighting, they could not be separated from ancient mind cultivation skills.
In accordance to their grade, ancient mind cultivation skills can be divided into those are not up to par; 9th tier to 1st tier; Huang level, Xuan level, and Di level from rank 1 to 9. There’s even the legendary Tian level.
Most importantly, starting from Huang level and up, ancient mind cultivation skills cannot be privately pa.s.sed on and sold. Those that break this rule will be wanted by the Ancient Martial Artist Alliance. Therefore, in order to first become an ancient martial artist, one must first become a member of a dojo or sect in order to receive a good ancient mind cultivation skill
Clearly, the skill book he had in his hands wasn’t ordinary.
“Don’t worry,” Ji Yuhua seemingly read Lin Feng’s mind and softly said, “As long as you don’t make a move, no one would know what mind skill you’re cultivating.”
“Ah, right.” Lin Feng answered thoughtlessly, then suddenly realized.
That’s right, if it’s just cultivating and he didn’t say anything, then who would know?
“There’s no need to sacrifice yourself for others, silly child, because&h.e.l.lip;they love you all the same, “Ji Yuhua said with a gentle voice, “Go on, cultivate to your heart’s content.”
Their gazes met, the br.i.m.m.i.n.g and warm motherly love was all expressed without the need for words.
“Mom, thank you.” Lin Feng lightly nodded his head, grasping onto the thin book in his hand, he could feel the warm currents in his heart. The main reason he wanted to join the Blazing Sun Dojo was for an “ancient mind cultivation skill”. But now, with this skill book, his future has suddenly become wider; the choices he can make have increased so much more.
Blazing Sun Dojo is under the Sunset Dojo, and inside Sunset City, besides Sunset Dojo&h.e.l.lip;there’s also the existence of a “sect”.
“I will definitely become an ancient martial artist!” Lin Feng clenched his fists.
I’m almost 18&h.e.l.lip; I must support this entire family!
&h.e.l.lip;
Watching as Lin Feng entered the training room, there was a faint flicker in Ji Yuhua’s beautiful eyes.
“Silly child, your older brother’s talents were undoubtedly peerless beyond compare, but&h.e.l.lip; you aren’t inferior to him one bit.”
“Zhan-er’s personality is like his father’s, too rigid and easy to break; Yet, Feng-er, your personality is tenacious, unyielding and dauntless. To you, setbacks are the best grinding stones to improve yourself. Devoid of all superficial baggage, one day, your light will shine through. Believe in your mother&h.e.l.lip;”
“Ancient martial artist, that is your true path.”
[1] Not sure if I want to translate 姐姐 as big sister or leave it as -jiejie, like a suffix. Similar to the j.a.panese or Korean ones.
[2] Uh, elemental as in chemical elements still, I think?
[3] Okay, here we go. The two Vessels are essentially meridians, energy channels if you will. Did some research and it seems they refer to them as Vessels in English TCM, so I will use that. Not sure if it’s important, but the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel control the Yang and Yin channels of the body, respectively. Now then, they confused me a bit here because they used “冲魄” to describe breaking through, but at the same time, 冲魄 is also one of the 7 mortal souls in Daoism, along with the Power Soul, 力魄, and Central Soul, 中枢魄 mentioned afterwards. In the beginning, I thought he was referring to the specific soul, but it seems that he was using it to describe the action of opening up/gaining access to the souls? The two souls mentioned here reside in the heart chakra and solar plexus chakra respectively. Again, I am not sure if that will be important.
[4] Yu hua means picturesque, literally translate to, “like a picture/painting”.
[5] -er, suffix added to name to show affection/intimacy.