The Martial Unity

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.

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."