The Martial Unity

Rui was shocked that such a bigshot had reached out to him, even if indirectly. Still, he did not regret his decision, the mission itself gave him absolutely nothing of value that could enrich his experience and help his Martial Art and his Martial Path at all. He would only be fattening his ego while being reduced him to a trophy for display. Such vanity might even regress his Martial Path.

The Flowing Void Style was more than a trophy for display. It was the crystallization of decades of research, decades of relentless, maddening blood, sweat and tears, decades of searching. Searching for the pinnacle of martial arts and, now, Martial Art.

Just the thought of it being treated as one of many trophies made Rui bristle, though he wisely hid his indignant range.

The carriage paused as it reached the main entrance of the hall, and the doors opened as butlers of the DiViliers family helped Nartha out, Rui sooned followed suit.

The scene he saw helped him understand what he was in for. Each of the invited guests were accompanied Martial Apprentices.

There were even a few Martial Squires!

They had a sharp and heavy feel them, yet they restricted their emotion, dampening their aura. They did do a good job, none of the ordinary humans seemed to notice them. Yet, all the Martial Apprentices could clear feel power in a higher Realm.

Rui could do much more, he could even gauge which among them was the greatest threat.

"Mr DiViliers, it's been far too long." Nartha's pleasant voice drew him out of his reverie.

Rui sharply turned as his eyes fell on an old man with an extremely groomed appearance. His clothes and skin were practically glowing with a lustre of their own.

He long flowing white hair that extended to his neck. A thick white beard garnished his neck, beginning where his hair ended. He gave one the impression of a majestic lion, with a presence that demanded attention.

"Mrs Freier." A deep melodic voice escaped his mouth, as he smiled. "I'm so happy you could be here."

He turned to Rui. "And this is..."

She smiled.

alias he had decided to go

to Nartha. "Enjoy your time here today, if you need anything, I'm

your hospitality." Nartha curtsied as Charles DiViliers

of women, each of them accompanied

miss Freier." One of them greeted. "Glad you make

Gregory go. I got my hands on someone

young too." She

until a booming voice gathered all

host our customary Martial games. I'm pleased to inform you that our guest count has peaked in light of the Martial Festival. I hope all of you have a

the end of the hall opened as they exposed a wide circular viewing platform with a large arena

viewing platform, indulging in the luxurious seating arrangements

A different voice took over. He immediately began hosting the event. "As scheduled; the first match is between Mr Hoerken's defending champion; Apprentice Frillix Hafbor versus Mrs Fellington's challenger Apprentice Havier. Betting officiants are present at every location of the viewing platform, please place you

walked into

stances!" The arbiter told

his legs firmly to the ground away from his

curled as he brandished his hands at Havier, as

Yet they were.

in length. what were originally nails morphed into claws as he brandished his centimetre long

taken an enormous amount of conditioning.') Rui mused, surprised. Rui couldn't even imagine what Havier put himself

begin."

towards Hafbor with remarkable swiftness, crossing the distance between them in the briefest

swung heavily, launching his claws

And yet.