The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

If not for Xena's serious expression, Felix would have thought he had misheard. He asked in disbelief, "An enemy invasion? How is that possible when our nation is so powerful?"

Xena gave a bitter smile and explained, "I wish I knew the answer too, but as a warlord, my rank isn't high enough. I can only follow orders and tell you what's relevant to the mission. As a proper Dragon Knight, your duty is simply to obey."

Since even Xena did not know the details, Felix knew pursuing that line of questioning would be pointless. He said, "Tell me about 'that side' then.'

Xena sighed with relief, grateful that Felix had not pressed further. "That place is where a large portion of our most powerful martial artists migrated from the capital years ago. They've thrived there, building families and communities, and their combat abilities far surpass what we have here."

Felix had to agree with this assessment. He thought of Cynthia, his supposed fiancée's sister, and her incredible strength. Then, there was the descendant of Yusri Maximus, the first practitioner of Dragons Destroyer.

Felix still remembered the despair he felt then, knowing he would have died if Karina had not appeared suddenly.

Xena continued, "That side' is actually a secret realm, a hidden paradise created by a long-lost array of ancient formations."

She paused before adding, "We only call it 'that side' because that's the simplified term the headquarters uses. The capital has strict rules prohibiting anyone from disclosing details about it.

"Back in the day, a major rebellion among martial artists broke out, and those who learned about that place often became obsessed with it, desperate to live there instead. To avoid further unrest, the headquarters issued a blanket rule to keep it all under wraps."

That explained a lot. Felix had often asked Nala or his senior apprentices about that place, only to be met with silence.

They had always told him he would learn about it when he reached a certain level. Now, it was clear this was all because of the rebellion. It must have been a massive event to warrant such strict regulations. "The place enclosed by these formations is called Martial City," Xena revealed.

After pondering this, Felix stroked his chin and asked, "Do people in Martial City live like they did in ancient times?"

Xena actually laughed at this. "Of course not! Did you think Martial City has no contact with the capital? Apart from cutting-edge technology, they have most of what we have here. The differences are minor at

best.

"After all, Martial City isn't some sprawling utopia where everyone gets their own mansion. Space is still a limitation."

Felix frowned, still puzzled. "If there's communication between Martial City and the headquarters, why doesn't the headquarters just ask them for help directly? Why send me to complete this mission instead? Isn't that just overcomplicating things?"

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Xena walked to the window and gazed outside thoughtfully. She said, "Martial City is ruled absolutely by one person. In the past, direct communication might have worked. However, our chances are slim with the new leader."

"Then why do you think I can accomplish this seemingly impossible task?" Felix asked, confused.

Turning to face him, Xena clenchednoveldrama

her fist. "Because of the Martial Arts

Competition. Lone Paragon was

being used as bait, and whoeveret

wins the championship will prove themselves to be a super-genius with unmatched potential.

"No one can predict how strong someone like that will become. Martial City's name reflects its nature strength rules all. When you become the strongest in Martial City, all its martial artists will follow your command."