Chapter 2029: Bigger Than Him

Although it was true that he had absolutely no exposure to other Martial Minds to possibly arrive at the conclusion himself, it made sense when he thought about it. Still, he had qualms about the grandeur that Sage Sayfeel subscribed to him.

Although it was flattering, it also vaguely felt like Sage Sayfeel was giving him a bit too much credit.

"...Your statement regarding Martial Minds embodying Adaptive Evolution is only true if we define Adaptive Evolution extremely broadly." Rui realized. "It works only if you broadly define Adaptive Evolution, in the context of Martial Minds, as any thought processes that change one's decision-making based on information about one's opponent to maximize the probability of victory against said opponent."

"That is indeed true." Sage Sayfeel confirmed.

"...If that's the case, then such a broad conceptualization of 'Adaptive Evolution' applies to many, many things far beyond me," Rui insisted. "It encompasses all Martial Minds and perhaps even all Martial Art to a minor degree by such a broad definition. My Martial Mind and Martial Art are just a minute iota of everything that would fall under such a broad definition."

"That is also true." Sage Sayfeel calmly concurred.

"...Then it means that Martial Minds do not embody my Martial Path, specifically. My Martial Mind is merely one of many that also embody Adaptive Evolution."

It was a bit of a humbling realization.

Approval flashed in Sage Sayfeel's eyes. "You possess wisdom beyond your years. I had expected my revelation to inflate your ego and sense of self-importance, but you correctly understood that your Martial Art does not encompass Adaptive Evolution, but Adaptive Evolution encompasses your Martial Art. It encompasses your Martial Mind among all others. It is bigger than you."

Rui nodded. "...I don't come across Adaptive Evolution all that much on a day-to-day basis. Though there have been instances where I have been truly blown out of the water by entities that embodied elements of it far better than I could ever hope to."

Rui recalled the incredible abyssfeeder that had once nearly broken him through to the Senior Realm. As far as physical adaptive evolution went, there was most likely nothing that could ever even hold a candle to it.

Another reason he didn't let it get to his head was learning the truth about his 'past life.' The fact that he had inherited rather than been made him feel more grateful for what he had.

Sage Sayfeel gazed at him knowingly. "However, do not sell yourself short. While it is true that Adaptive Evolution is far larger than you, that can be said for all Martial Paths. Physicality Evolution as a concept is also similarly far larger than the Gatekeeper, but that doesn't change the fact that he is far and away the single greatest embodiment of that concept in his Martial Path."

Rui could not deny that. Countless Martial Artists elevated their physicality, but that didn't take away the fact that nobody could hold even a candle to the shocking physical prowess of the Gatekeeper.

"Sir Armstrong has, over his long life, made countless contributions to the evolution of the Martial Body," Sage Sayfeel informed Rui with a composed tone. "Without him, Martial Bodies would be noticeably weaker. There is great reason to believe that you can be an even greater force for the evolution of the Martial Mind. That is the reason that your affinity for thought and your Martial Path being Adaptive Evolution has made the Martial Union and, frankly, all Martial Artists of the Upper Realms of the Empire enthusiastic for your breakthrough to the Master Realm even more."

Rui huffed indignantly. "That's flattering but also pressuring. High expectations are annoying to deal with, so I pursue my Martial path for myself."

"I, too, was concerned about the excessive expectations of the Martial Union for your breakthrough to the Master Realm, however..." Sage Sayfeel's eyes twinkled. "...After witnessing the sheer weight of your Martial Mind, I suspect that their expectations weren't high enough."

Rui shrugged. "That works in my favor for the appeasement, I suppose."

He didn't mind using their expectations against them to cancel out any disapproval or resentment they had.

"...Anyways, I have gotten a grasp of the intel leak crisis. It won't be easy, but I can handle it," Rui remarked. "Once my father wakes up, there won't be any conversation to be had about me ascending the throne. Speaking of that, where is the man responsible for this?"

Rui had certainly not failed to notice that the Divine Doctor was not in the room.

"He said he had fulfilled his part of the agreement in healing His Majesty and would return after dealing with matters of vital importance to fulfill the agreements that the two of you had forged," Sage Sayfeel calmly remarked, not betraying any curiosity in his voice. "He also said, 'Don't open it till I return.'"

The latter meant nothing to Sage Sayfeel, but Rui was hardly surprised.

"...About as much as I'd expect." Rui's eyes turned to the small little containment that contained the alien lifeform specimen.

Over their travels, the Divine Doctor had very meticulously periodically kept the thing alive in the contracted space. Because it was outside of the Gaian Tree of Life, Rui was unable to treat it accordingly.

The Divine Doctor most certainly knew this.

The fact that he had left meant that it was in no danger of dying, for whatever reasons, so long as Rui did not do something stupid with it.

CLICK

Rui handed over the marble-sized container to Sage Sayfeel.

"...Your Highness?"

"It's compensation for consuming the Topaz of Time," Rui calmly informed him. "It's an even more valuable treasure if I had to hazard a guess."

Sage Sayfeel's eyebrow rose. "That is...hard to conceive."

"As the doctor said," Rui turned, walking away from the medical room. "Don't open it till he returns. Kandria has gained a new super treasure that may very well change its fate."

Sage Sayfeel found it difficult to believe that Rui had somehow stumbled upon a Transcendent treasure in the Beast Domain, yet, as a Martial Master and an extraordinarily intelligent person, his word held deep credibility.

The Martial Sage's gaze returned to Rui's retreating figure.

He made a decision.

"Your Highness."

STEP

Rui paused at the door, turning around to face the Martial Sage impassively.