Chapter 1449: Split

"Alright, now that we've eaten lightly, we can get started," The Martial Master began after a while.

"This time, we're definitely going much further than we did last time," Rui mused, earning Ieyasu's silent agreement.

"Now now, relax for a second. That's not what's going to be happening today," Master Zeamer informed them. "You came here to train mental techniques, not get sparring training."

"I already have mastered the foundations in all sub-fields of mental techniques," Ieyasu remarked.

"And yet you returned nonetheless," The Martial Master smirked. "You don't need mental techniques, you need mind, don't you?"

Ieyasu didn't reply, not denying the Master's words. Rui knew he was referring to the Martial Mind. Ieyasu had told him more than two years ago that he was returning to his Master's side to learn more about the breakthrough to the Master Realm.

It seemed that he did not have his work cut out for him the way Rui did. Although Rui certainly did not have an easy time ahead due to the vastness of his mind that not even the VOID algorithm as it was was enough to fill, he was confident of treading the path forward.

He knew what he had to do, and how he had to do it. He knew that he was very much capable of doing it.

This was not the case with other Martial Seniors, they didn't possess the comfort and familiarity, not to mention the sheer capability, of creating systems of thought.

"That is why we're going to split up," The Master announced. "Ieyasu, go back to what you were doing. Rui, my boy, we will embark on your training."

"Why does he get the first pick?" Ieyasu narrowed his eyes.

"He didn't. You've been here for two years. He hasn't even been here for two days," The man snorted. "Besides, we've already gone over the challenges and impediments in your way, and what you can do to overcome them. You were fully invested in those until this one came along."

Ieyasu considered those words before nodding, giving the Master a short bow, before leaving.

"Honestly, he's more needy than you'd ever imagine by looking at him despite all the talent and power he has at his disposal." The Master snorted. "In comparison, self-sufficient students like you are more to my speed. In fact, the rate at which you develop your Martial Art individualistically without any aid is rather unnerving. It's not something that talent for Martial Art can yield."

He threw Rui a curious glance. "In fact, talent usually gets in the way. The ease of mastering pre-existing techniques usually makes it more difficult to create their own techniques that actually fit their Body and Martial Art. So..."

The light-heartedness dropped from his tone. "...why is it that you're able to create techniques that harness reality so well, hm?"

He stared at Rui as if trying to pry the truth with his eyes alone.

As a Master of hypnosis, Rui had no doubt that he could forcefully do so if he really wanted. He was glad that the Master did not cross any lines.

"I have an understanding of reality that far exceeds the contemporary scientific insights of human civilization as it is. I frequently apply them to create unprecedented techniques." Rui explained. "I cannot divulge why and how I came to possess that knowledge, nor do I think I can get away with lying to you, so I'll have to request you to be satisfied with that much."

"Hoho...that's quite direct," The man's eyes glinted with amusement. "Very well then. I'll just have to wait until you're a Master and strong enough to protect yourself. By then you'll gain the power and the confidence worthy of the heavy truths you hide."

Actually, Rui wasn't even sure if being a Martial Master was enough to divulge that he was from another world out there. The Virodhabhasa had Martial Sages, and he was certain that no matter how he started in the Master Realm thanks to his powerful mind, it would not be enough to fend off Martial Sages.

"Regardless, let us begin, it is the whole reason you're here, after all," The Master stated. "Now then, what is the reason you're here again?"

Rui stared at him, heaving a sigh of resignation. "Mental techniques."

"Ah, yes, of course. I was already aware, I was just making sure you knew," The Master coughed. "Now then, what do you want to learn field of mental techniques? It isn't a monolithic field, contrary to people's expectations. It is actually just as diverse as any of the foundational fields. After all, the mind is diverse. So why wouldn't techniques that use or affect the mind also be diverse?"

For all of his affinity for mental techniques, he didn't nearly as much about the field as he'd liked.

"Hmm..." Rui considered the question. "You're right. Could you help me by giving me an insight into the field of mental techniques? I think I could benefit from a broader overview."

"Hmmm," The man scratched his head. "Well, there's techniques that that affect the some parts of the mind and some techniques affect other parts of the mind, and others affect other parts of the mind, if you get what I mean."

Rui stared at him with an expression of what was almost disgust.

"What's with that expression?"

"That is the most incompetent explanation I have ever heard in my entire life," Rui spat. "Are you actually a master of hypnosis?"

"Guh!" The Master lurched over, grasping his chest as if Rui had just struck him very hard. "T-That is a powerful offensive mental technique."

"I did not use an offensive mental technique," Rui insisted, glaring at him. "I just insulted your embarrassingly pathetic framework of mental techniques that could only have been uttered by an imbecile."

"Argh!" The man staggered, gripping his chest. "F-Formidable."

Rui heaved a sigh as he shook his head. "Why do you not sound like an expert?"

"Ouch..."

"Enough of that."