“It seems this technique requires a high degree of ki control that even limbo realms don’t possess. On top of that, the amount of ki needed for that serendipitous opportunity doesn’t sound small in the slightest,” says Empros Kint.

Martial Master adds, “At first you don’t think much of the opportunity until you realize. His body is arguably as close to the limbo realm as one can get without actually being a limbo realm. His body could be considered a pseudo limbo realm or even a half-step limbo realm.” Martial Master looks at Raja Kint with intrigue and continues.

“Your situation also makes sense when looking at how body cultivators cultivate in general. There’s usually a combination of nourishment and tempering of the body. For you, you only went through a nourishment. Your brute force was probably an incredible influx of ki, right?”

Raja Kint nods his head.

Master A says, “An influx can’t just nourish a body like the way he did. The body of a non limbo realm isn’t ready to take in and acclimate ki like a limbo realm’s.”

Empros Kint says, “That’s where his earlier preparations of integrating small amounts of ki into his body came in handy. It’s like prying the door just slightly. Then when a large amount of ki comes the door or body in this case. Is pried open just enough to receive a baptisement.”

Martial Master says, “Come here and let me check your body.”

Raja Kint frowns. “I’d rather not.”

The four men narrowed their eyes.

King Kint says, “Is it safe to say your body is special?”

Everyone looks at Raja Kint in curiosity.

“Hmm. I do have a special… attribute but it’s not my body.”

“A special attribute that’s not his body. But you also don’t want us to check which means we’ll be able to tell immediately,” mumbles Martial Master.

“So be it. All cultivators hold at least one secret,” says King Kint. “We know that he nourished his body and today was the tempering his body needed but never got. So how do we push him further from here?”

Empros Kint says, “If it wasn’t for that opportunity. It’s likely you still wouldn’t have your body completed to this day right?”

“Yeah, when I first started I realized how long it would take. It wasn’t until the opportunity that I understood how much I underestimated the amount of ki needed.”

“What did your body feel like after the nourishment and tempering,” asks Empros Kint.

“After the nourishment I felt like my body was new. My body was stronger, skin more flexible, durable and clear. I felt completely reborn. After the tempering it felt like my body.” Raja Kint furrowed his brows. “It was like my body was as it should’ve been.”

Martial Master chimes in, “I know what you mean. It’s like having a giant hammer but not realizing that you weren’t using it to its full capacity. Then when you chance upon a moment of using the hammer at its best. You feel as if you never even really knew the hammer to begin with.”

“That’s exactly it. My body seemed to be awakening. Not like new but like how it should’ve been awakened.”

“Indeed. A sword needs tempering to hone its form. As did your body need tempering to realize its true ability,” explains Martial Master. “What’s next would be maybe a full body ki technique.” His eyes widen. “If we had more time you could potentially develop a law body. Although, that would be notoriously difficult.”

“Seems we can’t help much in two days,” says King Kint. He looks at Raja Kint. “How strong are you right now?”

Raja Kint frowns. “I’m not too sure myself. I was already strong and thought I was near invincible underneath limbo realm. Now I’m not too sure where I stand.”

King Kint holds out his left palm. “Punch with all your might. I’ll make sure nothing gets destroyed.”

Raja Kint nods his head and clenches his right hand. Focusing on his fist he feels the newfound strength of his body. Quietly standing as everyone waits. He opens his eyes, takes a step forward and punches with all he’s got. “Boom!”

King Kint opens and closes his hand with a smile. “I’ve never experienced an outer ki realm with a body this strong.”

Empros Kint says, “That punch wasn’t just a simple outer ki realm punch. From what I’ve seen from you. The strength of your body isn’t its main aspect. It’s the defense that’s truly incredible.” He lifts his left hand and presses toward Raja Kint.

Raja Kint doesn’t evade as the palm lands. He grimaces under the force as blood drips from his lips. The four men look at Raja Kint with shock.

Master A says, “He’s not even at the ninth stage still. Yet he can take a limbo realm’s blow that would kill any below. He can truly be considered a pseudo limbo realm.”

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King Kint says, “In any other circumstance I would say he’s the strongest of his generation. Yet, I don’t think that Josho Fenix is simple either. Before he inherited his ancestral heritage. Which nobody had ever done before. I heard he was already a supreme talent who simply focused on cultivation. But when the war started he showed incredible prowess.

“Only once he showed such ability. And amidst a war did his people permit him to attempt inheriting the ancestral heritage. Since then he’s been the greatest young star within the entire empire. Rumors circulating that he’s dominating the younger generation of the higher powers.”

“You think the boy is another pseudo limbo realm?” says Empros Kint.

“I’ve fought my fair share from the higher powers. Most of them aren’t anything amazing. In fact, you could say that the ones who really give the difference between our sects and clans. And the higher powers are usually only a single supreme talent from each power that’s nurtured with their full backing. If it’s any other, then the strongest from this competition usually at least match or sometimes outmatch them. Heck, I plan on going back soon for the next part of my plan,” explains King Kint.

Raja Kint asks, “Have any of them shown strength comparable to me?”

King Kint smiles. “You’re a rare breed that I doubt has ever existed. I would go as far as to say you and Josho Fenix are some of the strongest talents to ever exist within the Bisuke Empire.”

Empros Kint says, “Maybe those with this talent were snatched by the Kunlun Continent.”

King Kint narrows his eyes. “Indeed. That could very well be the case.”

Raja Kint thinks for a moment and says, “I believe it. I was approached by a young talent from Kunlun Continent. He tried to bring me there immediately. Although I expressed wanting time for myself he told me his name and faction and that the invitation would always be open to me.”

Master A’s jaw dropped while the other three bellowed in laughter. The other kids listening were confused.

Exochos Kint asks, “What is this Kunlun Continent?”

King Kint responds, “It’s where the strongest within this world gather. To know much beyond that would require going there yourself.”

Exochos Kint asks, “How strong to get there?”

Seeing the light in his son’s eyes King Kint smiles. “I’m not sure myself. What I do know is that we can only work hard. It’s nigh impossible to be invited like Raja.”

Martial Master smiles. “It was considered impossible for one to forego an invitation too.”

King Kint looks at Raja Kint. “The least I can do is offer some more aid for these next couple of days. After that I’m not sure if we ever will meet again. The cultivation world is a cruel place.”

Martial Master nods his head. “Truly a prodigy for the ages. A bummer you didn’t take the young man’s offer. With your talent you could’ve peacefully cultivated to immortality.”

Master A smiles. “He’s not the type to peacefully do anything. I think this is exactly the route he should’ve gone.”

King Kint asks, “I’ve been wondering this for some time. The fighting technique you use is not like anything I’ve ever seen. What is it?”

Raja Kint sighs. “I think it’s best to consider it another secret.”

King Kint nods his head and disperses the meeting. Raja Kint enters his room before the training session and stores all his things. Empros Kint had told him that some cultivators might ask him to depart straight away. Raja Kint didn’t have much at all. He simply stood still at the window. I’ve somewhat reached a marker that Father talked about. I’ll soon experience in its entirety why people consider limbo realm the true start of cultivation. And I can compare the two personally. Although, I don’t get how one isn’t considered a cultivator until after limbo realm or even reaching the immortal step.

Raja Kint looks toward the sky. People of this world consider immortals as the greatest act of achievement in cultivation. Yet, for me it’s just another step. He sighs as he turns around and leaves his room.

Downstairs he meets Empros Kint, King Kint and Exochos Kint. The four head out toward the boulder they previously trained at. On arrival King Kint says.

“We thought for a moment about how to train you. We ended up coming to the conclusion that it’s best to focus on your body for now. For these couple of days you will use no ki.”

Raja Kint raises his eyebrows.

Empros Kint smiles. “You do have many abilities. Your ki techniques, law, array but for now we’ll focus on your body. For short timespans it’s best to focus solely on one aspect to cultivate. So you’ll be training using just your body. You’ll acclimate to your new body. And strengthen the hand-to-hand skills you already have.”

Raja Kint nods his head in defeat. Damn, I was planning on focusing on everything. I guess he has a point.

They trained vigorously for the next couple of days. Both of the boys making gains.

Raja Kint opens his eyes and looks toward the sky.

“We’ve gotta head back soon. The sun is already rising,” says Empros Kint. “Remember to change your clothes Raja.”

Raja Kint pulls out some new clothes and puts them on. With only guys present he didn’t think twice. They soon left for the house to meet with everyone else and took off for the arena. They arrive and Raja Kint is directed to his array. He finds his opponent hasn’t shown up yet. More time for me to cultivate.

After about ten minutes his opponent arrives and sits in his array.

Seeing the time has arrived the announcer walks up. “Alright everyone. I hope you’ve placed your bets as we enter the finale of this Bisuke Competition.” He looks downward toward the boys. “These two have fought magnificently to this point. Let’s see to it that we don’t douse their will to fight and start the battle. Walk on up you two!”

Whistles and cheers sound out from the crowd. The man who rings the bell walks over with his mallet.

Raja Kint walks onto the stage, looking at his opponent. A boy with black hair and dark brown eyes. “Ding!” Raja Kint stretches his body, the boy does the same. “Ding!” I wonder if I could take a limbo realm while still in the second realm. “Ding!” They instantly charge forward for the final match.