The Martial Unity

Kane nodded, activating a breathing technique. His Martial Heart bloomed into full blaze, empowering his entire body.

"Woah…" Kane murmured as he glanced at his entire body with amazement. "This is incredible!"

Rui smiled at his excited reaction. "Ah, just some heads up, there's some things that you should know."

Rui proceeded to tell him everything that Senior Sarak told him when he first broke through to the Senior Realm. These were important cautions and warnings that every Martial Senior needed to know.

"Wait, I die faster when I use the Martial Heart?" Kane gaped.

"Yep," Rui nodded. "Theoretically if you used the Martial Heart all the time, you'd live a fraction of what you would otherwise live; which is to say a normal human lifespan. But pretty much no Martial Senior needs to."

"No one told me this!" Kane complained.

"If you don't like it, don't use it," Rui shrugged. "Martial Squires live a long time, not to mention there are longevity potions that you could get your hands on. If this were disclosed to Martial Squires, far fewer Martial Squires would break through to the Senior Realm, which is why the upper echelons of Martial Art do not disclose this information. The Panamic Martial Federation gets really pissed, apparently. Remember that."

Kane heaved a sigh. "Fair enough. It isn't that big a deal, even if it is a bummer. By the way, any clued about what it takes to get to the Master Realm?"

Rui considered the question for a moment. He recalled what Master Reina had told him about the disclosure of the Master Realm, there weren't any strict norms, and each Martial Master was to use their judgment for whether a Martial Senior was ready.

Rui had no idea on whether Kane was 'ready' or not. Maybe they judged it based on how close to their limits Martial Seniors were without relying on the Martial Senior.

Perhaps telling them too early would lead them to neglect their Martial Body and Heart, resulting in weaker Martial Artists in the long run.

He wasn't entirely sure.

"I can tell you, but I don't know if it's the right thing to do," Rui informed him. "If you still want me to, then I don't mind telling you right here and now. I'll leave the choice to you. But the Martial Union will undoubtedly inform you if you are ready and you do request for it."

The Martial Union had a highly vested interest in seeing one of its native prodigies and youngest Martial Seniors reach the Upper Realms, so they would almost certainly tell him if it was optimal.

Kane considered his words for a moment, before making a choice. "…If that's the case, then it's fine. I've just ascended into the Senior Realm, I know if you tell me now, I'd probably fixate on that too much. I'd rather acclimatize myself for some time and get used to this powerfully. It'll probably take me weeks before I feel fully comfortable fighting with it. Care to be a sparring partner during that time?"

"I'd love, but I'm quite busy," Rui heaved a sigh. "Several important matters have come up."

"No worries," Kane was unperturbed. "I'll just commission someone from the Martial Union."

"I'm afraid not so soon," Rui shook his head. "You're not going anywhere near the Kandrian Empire any time soon."

"Why not…?" Kane frowned.

"Because the risk factor is too high. If people tie your breakthrough to me, I'm screwed. I took a risk just telling you and helping you break through, but returning a Martial Senior while you left a Martial Squire just some time prior? With me walking by your side? Hell no."

The Kandrian Border Patrol Force definitely had at least one Martial Master at each transit port. They would definitely pick up on Squire Kane returning as Senior Kane. Given how prolific intelligence networks from various organizations were, that news would spread.

Instantly, Rui would be hounded by everybody and their mother.

"Right," Kane realized the gravity of the situation.

"I foresaw this, and I have made some preparations," Rui activated his Martial Heart leaping a great distance to where they had buried their bags, Kane followed suit.

"Here," Rui pushed a little notebook and a map to Kane. "This is where you're going."

"…The Laniakea Caves?" Kane frowned, reading the title.

"It's one of the most dangerous Squire-level danger zones on the outskirts of the Beast Domain. It was part of the information I got from Bradt before we left," Rui informed him. "There is a pocket town in that part of the Beast Domain, protected by a powerful Martial Senior. There are no Martial Masters, so your status as a Martial Senior won't be found out. Go there, spend some time training, at least a month, pretend to break through to the Senior Realm, and come back after."

Kane skimmed through the notebook nodding slowly. "…

Gotcha."

"Appreciate it," Rui smiled, relieved.

"It's the bare minimum," Kane shook his head. "I would be pretty pissed at myself if I ruined your life carelessly after you took such a big risk."

Rui smiled, handing him some of the food pills, potions, and money that he had on him. "Don't sweat it. Have fun. I hear there are some pretty exotic sights."

Kane nodded, turning to Rui. "Thanks again. You're truly the best thing that ever happened to me."

Rui smiled back. "Seems like I'm doing a fine job as a best friend then."

The two bid farewell, heading their own ways. Rui returned to the Kandrian Empire while Kane went his own way, heading towards the Beast Domain.

Although Rui didn't like the idea of splitting up with Kane after returning home so quickly, it was a necessary precaution, he would sleep well knowing no one trace his breakthrough back to Rui.

After witnessing the ramifications of it in the Virodhabhasa Theocracy having severely underestimated the insight of Martial Masters, he was keen to ensure that it wouldn't happen again.

With this matter out of the way, his thoughts quickly returned to some of the important matters that he needed to focus on.

The upcoming presentation on the Hungry Pain technique.

The reception was held by the Raemina Foundation.

In addition to his own ventures regarding the Kandrian Throne War and the general outreach that he would receive from those interested in him.