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..."

fighter today." She smiled. "He goes by

had decided to go with while his

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

curtsied as Charles DiViliers

circle of women, each of them accompanied by

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

hands on someone even better. Meet Apprentice Falken." She introduced

He seems quite young too." She said, blatantly eying

women bantered until a booming voice gathered

across the hall. "Allow me to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you for joining me as I host our customary Martial games. I'm pleased to inform you that our guest count has peaked

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

seemed accustomed to the phenomenon. They distributed across the ring viewing platform, indulging in the luxurious seating arrangements as butlers

scheduled; the first match is between Mr Hoerken's defending champion; Apprentice

men walked into the

stances!" The arbiter

took a stance that prioritized static defense. He planted his legs firmly to the ground away from his center

instead, adopted a strange stance, his fingers curled as he brandished

Yet they were.

length. what were originally nails morphed into claws

mused, surprised. Rui couldn't even imagine what Havier

may begin."

remarkable swiftness, crossing the distance between them in the

launching his claws at

And yet.