The Martial Unity

"More than ten thousand test subjects have perished after torturous outcomes with endless trial and error," Master Vericita smile grew melancholic. "That should inform you with how difficult it was to develop this potion. It also tells you the value of the power that lays within"

Rui's eyes widened. "That's an absurdly high count!"

Master Vericita's eyes grew pensive. "It is indeed unpleasant, but this is the cost of harnessing powers and forces that we do not understand."

Rui's eyes narrowed.

This was the flaw of human progress on the Panama Continent. Because they did not understand the underlying principles of the esoteric nature that they were harnessing, they had to rely on an absurd amount of trial and error.

A more refined and deeper understanding would have allowed them to make more progress with less trial and error since their understanding would allow them to avoid errors rather than needing endless trials to spot them.

"It is good to understand the weight behind these miracles of man," Master Vericita explained. "Upon consuming the potion, your breath will grow more powerful. It will feel as though even the slightest bit of effort will cause you to inhale so much. You will need to dedicate some amount of time to remastering your breathing and ensuring that you have regained control over it. In addition…"

She proceeded to give Rui a good description of the experiences that she had undergone when she consumed the potion, giving him several pointers and notes.

"…And while it wasn't easy, the power that I gained was certainly worth it," She explained.

Rui narrowed his eyes. "I see…this has been quite insightful. The Roaring Blood Potion is certainly one hell of a resource for Martial Artists to make up for dated Martial Bodies."

"It is not enough, I'm afraid," Master Vericita sighed, throwing Rui a knowing look. "Especially since the technique that you have bestowed upon the Martial Union has greatly empowered the Squire evolution breakthrough process. While most Martial Artists are pleased by the contribution to Martial Art, their sects, and the Martial Union, there are some Seniors and Masters who are pressured by it."

Rui raised an eyebrow. "Pressured?"

"Yes, you have accelerated the growth of the future generation of Martial Art significantly. The geniuses of the next generations in particular will be able to close the gap between themselves and their seniors much quicker. Thus there are some who are uncomfortable and feel threatened by the superior physical foundation of their juniors." She turned towards him. "You are at the top of their list."

Rui narrowed his eyes.

"Think about it, Senior Quarrier," She mentioned. "There are Martial Squires and even Seniors who are many decades and even centuries old. They have worked hard to reach the power that they have currently obtained. Countless years have gone into painstakingly drawing out their individuality. Even more have gone into refining it in battle. Every iota of power they possess is a testament to their drive, a source of their pride. How do you think these senior Martial Artists feel when they witness you zipping through your Martial Path like a jog in the park? Reaching the Senior Realm at the age of twenty-four and then reaching the higher grades four years later is just so absurd that it's not even funny."

She heaved a sigh. "That's not even taking into account the various other feats that you have accomplished. And now you have made their seniority even less of an advantage with the Hungry Pain technique. That is why already rare potions like these are not longer adequate. I foresee a rise in the demand for body-augmentation treatments amongst elder Martial Artists. Most likely, in the coming fiscal budget allocation meeting that you aim to be a part of, a much greater annual budget will be allocated to body augmentation resources in order to ensure that it can successfully close the gap between generations."

"I see…" Rui murmured. "That does make sense. Considering that these potions are based on rare and esoteric resources, we will also most likely see a substantial increment in the hunter commissions both externally and internally. It appears that I have caused a variety of chain reactions."

In fact, now that Rui gave it deeper thought, his mind was able to calculate many possible chain reactions from this one technique alone.

Master Vericita gave him a gentle smile as she reached out, placing her hand on Rui's head.

PAT PAT

"My child, do not let the inevitable ripples from your deeds affect you," Her tone was gentle yet affectionate. "Great deeds always earn the ire of those who benefit from their absence. Rest assured that they will not be allowed to harm you out of perverse self-interest. I shall personally intervene should any Martial Master employ their power to pressure you. You have my word as the head of the Nepomniachtchi Family."

Rui smiled wryly as she continued pat his head lightly, it was a strangely intimate gesture. It appeared that the elderly Martial Master was too old to care for social distance. Not that Rui minded, the maternal gesture even made him feel like was in his mother's embrace making him feel secure and safe, embarrassingly enough.

"Martial Art requires bright stars like you," She smiled affectionately, still patting his head. "You are of the future. Martial Artists like myself are powerful, yet we are of the past. I am of an era where Martial Art was more primitive and limited. It is only the freshness of youth that can qualitatively improve Martial Art, especially since your mind and body are going to retain their youth for a long time since your aging slowed down even further before you hit your physical prime."

"Your words are flattering, Master," Rui bowed his head even as she patted it.

"You're such a good boy, would you like to reconsider joining my family? You'll get to call me 'grandma' and have head pats like this every day, especially since Ian is too proud to allow me to pat his head."

"I'll have to respectfully decline, Master."

"Then call me 'grandma' anyway."

"That…"