The Martial Unity

While Prince Raijun had earned the political support of a solid chunk of the Martial Union, he did not own that power. That power had more of an ownership over him than he did over it.

'Your status as a prince does not hold nearly as much weight amongst Martial Artists of the Martial Union as it does elsewhere.' Rui mused. 'The only reason they're supporting you is because only those with Royal blood can ascend the throne.'

In other words, Prince Raijun was not a leader so much as a front. While he had undoubtedly displayed political acumen qualities in lobbying for as many Martial Artists to join his faction. What he was essentially doing was selling himself as an opportunity for the Martial Union to gain the throne.

In other words, for all matters not relating to the throne, the Martial Union did not care about Prince Raijun.

This included his personal ambition as a Martial Apprentice to reach the Squire Realm. The Martial Supremacist faction in particular would never choose that personal ambition over Rui.

Rui knew that.

He knew that the Martial Supremacists were extremely favorable to him. Commissioner Derun of the faction, who sent him to Vilun Island, was extremely pleased with his performance back then. On top of that, the Martial Supremacist Faction undoubtedly fell in love with the Hungry Pain technique that he supplied them.

Furthermore, they were undoubtedly strong supporters of Rui spreading his Martial Art and creating his own sect. Something that the prince himself, Headmaster Aronian, the various Martial Sects, and the Minister of Martial Art had all personally requested or suggested Rui do.

In comparison, Prince Raijun's personal ambitions as a Martial Artist did not matter nearly as much to them compared to the most prodigious Martial Senior in history. He had already earned their support as an Apprentice, they themselves didn't gain much by him becoming a Squire. The prince himself was the one who gained the most by becoming a Squire.

The final reason Rui was confident was that Martial Artists believed in Martial power. Martial power had become an integral part of their identity, after all. It was almost impossible for Martial Artists to respect and value a Martial Apprentice more than a Martial Senior, especially one like Rui.

had keenly understood all these factors and had

Raijun couldn't command them

the Martial Prince, but Rui was the Martial Golden Boy of the Kandrian

his personal bodyguards were those supplied by the state, and not by the Martial Union. It was subtle,

highest amount of Martial capital, he had the least amount of control

a reality that even the prince was very well aware of and had been trying to hide,

Prince Raijun wanted Rui's help, he was going to have to use the carrot, since the stick

The Prince's voice had gained an edge of steel. "Name your

Rui smiled.

plan. No other Martial

the amount of funds I'm getting," Rui calmly

enormous sum. I'm

sheer amount of wealth that you undoubtedly have to spare as a member of the

that?" The prince furrowed his

with individuality. It shows that you have worked tirelessly on your Martial Art, imbuing it with your

lighting up

Proud. You are

effort that he put