The Martial Unity

Chapter 1621 Challenge

Chapter 1621  Challenge

Rui's eyes widened with shock. "What?!"

He was unable to comprehend the story that Sage Arrancar alleged. Fear?

A Martial Transcendent? Beings that were an entire Realm of power above Martial Sages?

How could such beings even experience fear? What force in this world, aside from their peers, could evoke such an emotion from them?

He didn't know.

He was out of his depth to have any chance of remotely uncovering the truth.

"I don't understand…" Rui murmured. "Nobody does," Master Krakule heaved a sigh. "There are only thirteen Martial Transcendents across human civilization, and each of them possesses absolute power. The things that they have accomplished the scarce instances that these godly beings exercise their power…it's truly unbelievable that a single being is allowed to possess such absurd power. Their very existences are miracles."

He turned towards Rui. "And yet, they religiously detach from human civilization. Why do you think powerhouse Sage-level nations are not placed leagues below a Transcendent-level nation?"

His eyes narrowed. "It is precisely because they do not intervene in human affairs. Nobody knows why. Not even those most intimately familiar with Martial Transcendents know why. However, Martial Transcendents have gone far as to watch nations that they themselves built before they became Martial Transcendents crumble before their eyes, not lifting a finger to stop it. That is the stubbornness, if you can call it that, with which they abstain from intervening in human civilization."

Rui's eyes swum around at this revelation as he began considering this precious confidential knowledge regarding the absolute pinnacles of humanity and Martial Art alike.

"I have chosen to divulge knowledge that only Martial Artists of the Upper Realms are authorized to know to you because I believe that you are worthy of knowing. You may be young, but you possess a luster about you that is unique to Martial Artists of the Upper Realms. On top of that, your value to this nation is easily on par with a Master like myself, as hard as that is to admit, with the sheer contributions that you have made," The Martial Master gracefully told Rui. "However, this is too far down one point. The main point was the fact that Martial Transcendents are universally unwilling to intervene. Perhaps it is because they know that if they intervene, their power will overcome everything else, moulding the world in their shape."

Rui's eyes flew about as he grew immersed in his thought. It appeared that the Randal Faction had confidence that the Transcendent Emperor would not resist any war even if went highly unfavorable for the Britannian Emperor.

"He isn't even the day-to-day ruler of the nation," Master Krakule. "He is the head of state, and it is the prime minister that he appoints that actually runs the government and the nation while the aristocracy and nobility runs the territories of the nation."

"I…see," Rui murmured, raising his eyes to meet the man's gaze. "Still, even if the Transcendent Emperor won't intervene, it's still an absurd idea. If the Kandrian Empire ever reaches a stage where it can defeat any one powerhouse in war, then there will come a day where the three other powerhouses will join forces."

"There are many possible outcomes that are undesirable, however, there are even more that are desirable," Master Krakule remarked. "As long as we go about it with prudence and cleverness, we will be able to avoid any undesirable outcomes."

Rui narrowed his eyes. There was probably nothing he could say to convince the old Martial Master's mind. It appeared that the Randal Faction was driven to turn the Kandrian Empire into warmongering nation of conquest.

He shook his head. "There are only two possible outcomes. Pyrrhic bloody victory after endless war, or the more likely one; catastrophic defeat. Even in the best case scenario where His Highness makes the optimal choices every single time, by the time he's won, this nation will be in shambles. You cannot pick a fight with…well, everybody, and hope to get out unscathed. There are only losers in war."

"It is rather intriguing to hear that from a Martial Artist that got out unscathed and victorious after picking a fight with everybody in the Final Battle of the Serevian Dungeon," Master Krakule remarked. "His Highness hoped that you of all people would understand this given you contributions to the war efforts of Kandria."

"I'm afraid not," Rui shook his head. "…Is that your final response?"

"It is," Rui replied. "Nonetheless, I wish the Randal Faction the best of luck."

"Hmmm, it is a shame that you are unwilling to join our faction. Many have speculated that you have much more to offer, that the Hungry Pain technique is just the tip of the surface," Master Krakule remarked with a knowing glance. "Perhaps it is because your family is holding you back. Perhaps if they were out of the way, you would be more inclined towards war."

Rui narrowed his eyes as an intense ferocity entered them. A faint pressure with endless peril buried within radiated from him. Deep force of mind washed over the skies that beheld them, wringing them taut.

"You should watch what you say." His words were chilling.

His eyes were piercing. An endless void emerged deep within them, threatening to consume everything he beheld.

The Martial Master's eyebrows rose as he felt profound power emerging from deep within Rui. He moved out of his militaristic stance as he brought his hands forward, straightening them into palms.

"You wish to challenge me, boy?" His deep voice reverberated through the skies. "You, a Martial Senior, will challenge a Martial Master?"

Rui didn't respond, staring the man down intensely.

"Let us dispense with waiting for a Martial Senior to be dispatched," He pulled a communication device typing and fiddling with it. "I shall personally register myself as your combat opponent. I solemnly swear on the great name of Kandria to not actively use my Martial Mind. I shall restrict myself to the power of the Lower Realms to make this a fair fight."

He stared at the Martial Master wordlessly.

"What's the matter, boy? Are you afraid you will lose?" The Martial Master taunted Rui with a ferocious grin.

Rui's eyes narrowed. He took a neutral stance, distributing his weight evenly across centered legs as his arms came before him, his hands balling into fists.

"Nah, I'd win."