Ryu began to absorb energy.
Bai Chen charged at him, and this time, unlike yesterday, even while absorbing energy, Ryu was able to throw punches and fight Bai Chen at the same time.
He guided the energy into his eyes.
This time, he managed to form the threads, but he still couldn't connect them to his opponent's energy, nor could he read his movements.
Bai Chen noticed what was happening, so he deliberately spread his energy, allowing Ryu to connect to it.
Finally, after several hours, Ryu managed to attach the threads to the energy.
But even then, he still couldn't see Bai Chen's movements.
Hours passed, and Ryu couldn't even guess what was wrong.
An entire day passed for Ryu, yet he still couldn't understand how to predict his opponent's movements.
Bai Chen gave him guidance so he could better understand the technique, but even then, it still didn't work.
Techniques can be learned, yes, but using them requires training, effort, and experience.
You can't execute a technique just by seeing it once.
That was why Ryu had learned the technique, yet he was still unable to fully understand or use it.
The only solution was continuous training.
There were still two days left until the tournament, and Ryu had time to train.
Night fell, and Ryu still hadn't been able to fully execute the technique.
But in the end, he managed to predict some simple movements, and his training finally paid off.
Bai Chen laughed and said,
"Heh heh, well done, Kai. You did well, just as I expected."
Although Ryu was extremely tired, he replied happily,
"Thanks. Techniques really need practice before you can master them."
They finished training earlier than usual that day, and Ryu headed toward the hotel, since he had questions he wanted to ask his master.
He walked toward the hotel, but this time he didn't feel anyone following him, so he went on without worry.
Finally, he entered the hotel, and as always, the innkeeper was at the counter.
After greeting him, Ryu headed toward his room, his mind full of questions.
He entered the room and saw his master sitting there idly, doing nothing, as if he had fallen asleep in the same position.
Ryu walked up to him and said,
"Master, I have a few questions."
The master looked at him and replied,
"No problem. Ask."
Ryu began,
"As you know, when I went to that temple and used the new technique you taught me, the Grand Master there immediately came over and asked how I learned it."
The master said curiously,
"And what did you tell him?"
"I told him I found it in an old scroll, and I think that's why he accepted me as an honorary disciple."
Ryu stayed silent for about three seconds, then continued,
"He said this technique belonged to the Primal and his martial son, and that aside from those two, no one else had ever been able to execute it.
He also said the technique itself had disappeared a long time ago.
How do you know about this technique?"
The master stayed silent for a moment, placed his hand on the table, and sighed.
"As you know, I'm a wanderer. I've traveled many places and found many things. This technique was one of them."
Ryu knew his master was telling the truth, so he said nothing and continued listening.
"After realizing how special this technique was, I gave it to Roger.
After examining it, Roger realized it couldn't be executed unless you had mastered Reverse Energy Absorption.
That's why I taught it to you—because you were able to perform Reverse Energy Absorption."
Ryu felt a surge of happiness. He had managed to learn such an extraordinary technique.
He then asked,
"Master, were you able to perform it yourself?"
The master smirked and replied,
"Haha, I'm strong enough that I don't need a technique like that."
Ryu thought to himself curiously,
'He's so strong that he doesn't need this technique?
Just how strong does he have to be to not need a Primal technique—the very origin of power?'
He had no choice but to accept it.
Ryu wanted to talk more with his master.
He felt that his master's words were cool, firm, and incredibly motivating.
He thought for a moment, then something came to mind.
"Master, how did you become acquainted with Roger, the current Sun?"
Ryu asked excitedly.
The master, who had been idle all day, seemed refreshed by finally talking to his disciple, so he decided to tell him.
"Well, Roger and I are like brothers.
We met back when we were students, and we've been friends ever since.
Roger had extraordinary talent, and since he came from a noble family, his chances of becoming the next Sun were high.
And finally, after a battle and defeating the previous Sun, he became the victor."
Ryu was shocked.
Did the next Sun really have to defeat the previous one?
Curiously, he asked,
"He defeated the previous Sun?
Isn't it like a king passing the crown to his son?"
The master chuckled and explained,
"When someone becomes a candidate for the next Sun, they must defeat and kill the current Sun."
"Kill?"
"Yes. That's the foundation of power.
First, the next Sun must be stronger than the previous one.
Second, after becoming the Sun, they must be ready to kill—even their own leader.
That way, the previous Sun dies knowing their legacy is in capable hands,
and that after them, the Sun won't become weak.
Of course, the Sun grows old and weaker, but even then, they're still strong enough to eliminate threats."
Ryu was shocked by this power system.
Becoming a leader by killing someone was horrifying, yet it was exactly what kept the Suns at the top.
If they were weak, order would collapse, and wars would break out.
Not knowing what else to say, Ryu finally spoke,
"It's really strange—to gain power by killing someone.
But when I think about it, it's necessary to maintain order on the continent."
The master knew Ryu adapted quickly to such realities, so he had no issue telling him the truth.
"But let me tell you an interesting story."
Ryu, who had been lost in thought, regained his excitement.
"What is it, Master?"
The master replied,
"There was only one Sun who died without being defeated by anyone."
Ryu immediately realized how monstrously powerful that person must have been.
The idea of someone holding the highest position on the continent and never being defeated even until death thrilled him.
The master continued,
"That person was the Seventh Sun.
They say his power rivaled that of two Children of the Sun.
Some even say he surpassed them.
He was the only individual whose power came close to that of the Primal."
Ryu immediately became curious about the Seventh Sun and decided to research him in the library the next day.
A few minutes passed, and Ryu suddenly remembered that someone had been following him.
He said to his master,
"Master, I think someone is following me, and I don't think they're friendly."
"Well, it might be that noble mage whose son you defeated.
He's probably seeking revenge."
The master said calmly, without any shock.
From the way he spoke, Ryu understood that his master had no intention of intervening.
This was something Ryu had to handle himself, so he said nothing.
(A few hours later)
Ryu and his master ate.
The master returned to his room, while Ryu sat downstairs on a chair.
As usual, the innkeeper was behind the counter.
"Excuse me, may I ask you a question?"
Ryu raised his voice and asked.
The innkeeper, who had nothing to do, replied,
"Of course. I'd be happy to answer."
"Can you tell me about the Stone noble family?"
"Well, the Stone family is a mage noble family known for their extreme pride.
They usually ignore commoners or treat them badly.
It's even said they've killed people.
I recommend staying away from them.
And the head of the family seems determined to kill—or do something worse—to whoever defeated his son.
Poor child..."
Cold sweat formed on Ryu's back.
He smirked and thought,
"Heh heh, the one who defeated his son was me."
The innkeeper continued,
"They're supported by the city's mayor, so even if they commit crimes, no one can pursue them seriously."
Ryu realized that if the one following him truly belonged to that family, he had to be extremely careful.
If he got caught, it would be over.
The only solution was to become strong enough to defeat them.
"Thank you very much."
Ryu thanked the innkeeper and went to his room.
He entered and saw that, as always, his master had fallen asleep early.
Ryu lay down on his bed.
With his eyes open, he muttered,
"Training for the tournament and learning techniques wasn't enough.
Now I also have to make sure the Stone family doesn't kill me."
End of Chapter 35