Chapter 1564 Split
Kane nodded, activating a breathing technique. His Martial Heart bloomed into full blaze, empowering his entire body.
"Woah..." Kane murmured as he glanced at his entire body with amazement. "This is incredible!"
Rui smiled at his excited reaction. "Ah, just some heads up, there's some things that you should know."
Rui proceeded to tell him everything that Senior Sarak told him when he first broke through to the Senior Realm. These were important cautions and warnings that every Martial Senior needed to know.
"Wait, I die faster when I use the Martial Heart?" Kane gaped.
"Yep," Rui nodded. "Theoretically if you used the Martial Heart all the time, you'd live a fraction of what you would otherwise live; which is to say a normal human lifespan. But pretty much no Martial Senior needs to."
"No one told me this!" Kane complained.
"If you don't like it, don't use it," Rui shrugged. "Martial Squires live a long time, not to mention there are longevity potions that you could get your hands on. If this were disclosed to Martial Squires, far fewer Martial Squires would break through to the Senior Realm, which is why the upper echelons of Martial Art do not disclose this information. The Panamic Martial Federation gets really pissed, apparently. Remember that."
Kane heaved a sigh. "Fair enough. It isn't that big a deal, even if it is a bummer. By the way, any clued about what it takes to get to the Master Realm?"
Rui considered the question for a moment. He recalled what Master Reina had told him about the disclosure of the Master Realm, there weren't any strict norms, and each Martial Master was to use their judgment for whether a Martial Senior was ready.
Rui had no idea on whether Kane was 'ready' or not. Maybe they judged it based on how close to their limits Martial Seniors were without relying on the Martial Senior.
Perhaps telling them too early would lead them to neglect their Martial Body and Heart, resulting in weaker Martial Artists in the long run.
He wasn't entirely sure.
"It's one of the most dangerous Squire-level danger zones on the outskirts of the Beast Domain. It was part of the information I got from Bradt before we left," Rui informed him. "There is a pocket town in that part of the Beast Domain, protected by a powerful Martial Senior. There are no Martial Masters, so your status as a Martial Senior won't be found out. Go there, spend some time training, at least a month, pretend to break through to the Senior Realm, and come back after."
Kane skimmed through the notebook nodding slowly. "...Gotcha."
"Appreciate it," Rui smiled, relieved.
"It's the bare minimum," Kane shook his head. "I would be pretty pissed at myself if I ruined your life carelessly after you took such a big risk."
Rui smiled, handing him some of the food pills, potions, and money that he had on him. "Don't sweat it. Have fun. I hear there are some pretty exotic sights."
Kane nodded, turning to Rui. "Thanks again. You're truly the best thing that ever happened to me."
Rui smiled back. "Seems like I'm doing a fine job as a best friend then."
The two bid farewell, heading their own ways. Rui returned to the Kandrian Empire while Kane went his own way, heading towards the Beast Domain.
Although Rui didn't like the idea of splitting up with Kane after returning home so quickly, it was a necessary precaution, he would sleep well knowing no one trace his breakthrough back to Rui.
After witnessing the ramifications of it in the Virodhabhasa Theocracy having severely underestimated the insight of Martial Masters, he was keen to ensure that it wouldn't happen again.
With this matter out of the way, his thoughts quickly returned to some of the important matters that he needed to focus on.
The upcoming presentation on the Hungry Pain technique.
The reception was held by the Raemina Foundation.
In addition to his own ventures regarding the Kandrian Throne War and the general outreach that he would receive from those interested in him.