The Martial Unity

Of course, Rui didn't mind. Frankly, he would have been skeptical in their shoes as well. It was unrealistic to expect much from a presentation from a Martial Senior.

His attention turned back to Master Ceeran. He was still having trouble parsing the fact that Master Ceeran had broken through to the Master Realm, becoming Martial Master.

"I do look forward to speaking with you later, Master Ceeran," Rui reiterated, breaking out of his reverie.

"Indeed, we will have the opportunity to do just that later." Ceeran smiled warmly at Rui's words. "But for now, it would do you good to not get distracted, Rui. We will be taking our seats for now. I'm sure there are others who would like to have a word with you."

He was right.

Another Martial Master had just entered the lecture hall, one that Rui didn't recognize. She too was accompanied by two scholars, walking over to Rui.

The first thing about her that drew his attention was that she didn't generate any sound. Neither her footsteps nor the shuffling of her clothes generated even the slightest hint of sound or seismic radiation.

'Stealth?' He narrowed his eyes. 'No…'

"Senior Quarrier," She called out to him with a blank tone. "I am Milan of the Tree Sect. It is a pleasure to meet the youngest Martial Senior in history. I have heard much about your exploits even from your Apprentice days. I am particularly looking forward to the topic of your presentation today. It raised a bit of an uproar in our sect when we learned about its effects."

Rui smiled, bowing his head lightly. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Master Milan. I hope my presentation will be of satisfaction to you."

She nodded before leaving and taking her seat.

By then, groups had gathered. Each consisted of a Martial Master as well as two additional scholars. The latter was there to ensure that the Martial Masters didn't need to worry about not understanding any technical parts of the discussion.

It was quite surreal for Rui to see so many Martial Masters in one room. It showed not only how much his technique was valued, but also the number of Martial Masters within the Kandrian Empire.

"It's an honor to meet you Senior Quarrier," Another man approached him with a smile, bowing his head lightly. "I am Doctor Garnen, one of the head scholars over at the evolution breakthrough division in the R&D department. I've heard many a tale about you, Senior. It truly is wonder that you were able to break through to the Senior at such a young age."

Rui considered the man for a moment. The fact that he was from the evolution breakthrough division meant that Rui's work probably affect the man's work more than anybody else in the room. They were probably dying to know how a Martial Senior like Rui could produce such a breakthrough in the development of powerful Martial Bodies while they struggled to make steady incremental gains that were quite slow.

"You flatter me, doctor," Rui smiled perfunctorily.

"I'm not, actually," The doctor grew more serious. "It is rather shocking, even to this day, to know that a Martial Senior greater contribution to the research agenda that I lead, but also did it in a manner that I am unable to decipher."

Rui knew that he must have been leading the group that tried to understand the underlying biochemical mechanics of the Hungry Pain technique.

"Well, I'm sure you're pleased that this day has finally arrived then," Rui lightly replied. "The presentation will begin soon."

After that, he was approached by several more groups from different sects and factions.

"I have heard much about you boy!" One Martial Master from the Fire Sect grinned, slapping his shoulder over and over. "The Fire Sect will welcome a prodigious Martial Senior like you and your many boons with open arms!"

"It is a pleasure to finally meet the Voider," One Martial Master stated. "The Poison Sect has benefited from the surplus of certain esoteric substances that we require for some poisons. We also look forward to your presentation. We hope you will assuage some of our concerns."

"We of the Flickering Sect would love to have a man of your talents," Another Martial Master told him. "As a Martial Artist with a dynamic all-rounder Martial Art, you would be a better fit for our sect than any of the others."

"Hah!" Another Martial Master chirped in. "That's a load of bullshit! Have you gone blind? He is clearly best suited for our Mind Sect with that extraordinarily bright mind of his!"

Friction between the groups that tried to approach Rui inevitably ensued as Director Saren helplessly tried intervening.

"Your Masteries, the presentation is soon to begin, please take your seats!" He cried.

Thankfully, the Martial Masters were not too stubborn, doing as he said as they took their seats.

Soon enough, most of the seats were filled.

The door opened as two more Martial Masters entered the lecture hall. The hall grew quiet as the two radiated a pressure that reminded him of Master Reina and Master Zeamer.

The air was wrung under the silent pressure they exerted upon everybody.

The Surgeon and the Truth Seeker.

"Senior Quarrier," The Surgeon addressed him. "I apologize for the delayed introduction. I am Zentra. A team assigned to me and myself will be overseeing the final evaluation of the value of your contribution."

In other words, Rui needed to hope that he didn't say anything that displeased this man.

"I am Carly Fiera, of the Eye Sect," The Truth Seeker informed him calmly. "I have personally overseen the vetting of every member in this hall with my mental sensory techniques. Rest assured that everybody in this room is verified to not have any duplicitous or malicious intent."

These were the measures that the Martial Union was taking to ensure that the other four powerhouses of East Panama and other intelligence organizations would not learn about what was to unfold today.

Rui glanced around the lecture hall. Everybody was seated and ready for him to begin.

"Very well then," Rui nodded. "Let us begin without any further ado."