The Dawn of the New World Chapter 1493

And that one sentence was enough to tell Hao Xuan everything he needed to know. This man was on the run from his creditors and was out here at the very edge where no one would find him.

Unfortunately, that's exactly how one runs into even more unsavory characters- those who might be running away after committing far worse crimes than just borrowing money.

Hao Xuan looked around but couldn't find traces of anyone else, but then again he couldn't even sense this guy just a few moments ago. Deciding this was the best place to take refuge from the billowing onslaught of Yin energy, he did not stand on ceremony.

Hao Xuan placed Nae Shin down and moved some rubble to block the exit, finally putting a stop to the incessant howling of the ice-cold wind.

Then he turned his attention towards the debtor who was scared shitless by now. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties at most, a pretty frail-looking guy with a story to tell.

His clothing said he came from money but his condition said all that money was long gone by now. Not only did he not have any spiritual energy about him but his presence was almost non-existent.

It wasn't that he was hiding it, but that it simply did not exist.

Hao Xuan sat down across from him to get a better look. He had soft hands that hadn't seen any hard work. Pale, sensitive skin with androgynous features that made it a challenge to pinpoint his gender at first glance.

Long black hair wrapped in a neat bun on the top with a fine-looking hairpin going through it.

Hao Xuan extended a hand towards the flint, which startled him.

"PLEASE DON'T!" he tried to squirm further back into the corner but there was no more space.

Hao Xuan sighed inwardly, "Give me the flint," he weakly muttered, "I will light the fire."

"Huh?" he peeked through the fingers before throwing the flint in Hao Xuan's direction.

Sparks flew like fireworks with a shake of his hand, lighting the pyre ablaze.

From the side Nae Shin tried to stand up but Hao Xuan pushed him back, "Sit and recover. Close your eyes and focus on merging the blade's energies with yours. We'll go back once you're stable enough to walk."

Nae Shin wanted to rebuke but it was true, he couldn't even stand on his own let alone walk or run. With a few curse words to voice his displeasure, the young master of the Shin clan began meditating against all odds.

Meanwhile, Hao Xuan placed his hands over the flames, letting them lick at his palms since it didn't feel that hot.

"My name is Jin," he introduced himself.

The man across from him was keeping a close eye on the situation and got a pretty good grasp of it. Still, he had to ask-

"You're really not here...for the money...?"

"Why, you got some?" Hao Xuan nonchalantly responded, making him snort like a pig.

"Ha, I wish."

"Then it's all good. We just need a place to stay for a little while."

"Liet, my name is Liet. Nice to meet you 'Jin' brother," he said with a wink.

Hao Xuan frowned, "What? You got a problem with my name?"

"No, of course not," Liet quickly waved his hands, "It will serve you well, for better or for worse. It's just that- it is quite 'new' for you, no? Feels a little awkward still..."

'???'

"What does that mean?"

"Nothing...hehe, nothing at all!" Liet flashed a toothy smile and retreated into his blanket and got comfortable.

Hao Xuan let out a breath of relief, leaned back, and closed his eyes thinking he could finally have some peace and quiet but Liet had other plans.

He made an O shape with his forefinger and thumb of the right hand and looked at Hao Xuan through it up and down, mumbling and giggling to himself as he did so.

He tried to ignore it as much as he could until something caught his attention.

"Hmm yes yes, this is fate! What a powerful presence with two...three...nine shadows? Hmm, nine shadows and three heads....very strong!"

Hao Xuan opened one eye and immediately met his foolish smile.

He was pointing at the left wall where the flickering flames were projecting both of their shadows.

"We are connected you see, you and me! This is no chance encounter!"

Hao Xuan gritted his teeth, "Is that right?"

"It is! See, look for yourself!" he gestured towards the wall again where both of their shadows intersected every now and then.

But Hao Xuan had no idea what that meant so he was a little taken aback.

'???'

"You don't get it?"

"Should I?"

"Yes! Or...maybe not? All I know is that we were meant to find each other!" he exclaimed.

"We were?"

"Mhm! Our paths were meant to cross, if not now then soon. You will understand when the trade needs to happen."

'Oh for fuck's sake, he's a lunatic!' Hao Xuan thought inwardly.

Liet's brow shot up in anger, "I'm not crazy! Only gifted...yes...gifted!"