Rui spent a lot of time answering a lot of technical questions from the scholars. They certainly did not make it easy. While their knowledge of biochemistry was lacking, Rui was not an expert either. He had learned much about it in the later years of his career as his research into combat sports grew more sophisticated and required a deeper understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, but that was it.
Still, it was enough to quell the doubts of the various scholars who had much skepticism about his questions. They didn't directly question the basis of the knowledge that he displayed since he had already clarified many times that he wouldn't be getting into that topic at all.
Still, they could still test the rigor of the biochemical framework of the autophagy process as he provided it to them.
And test they did.
"The so-called lysosome-assimilation mechanism that you espoused, would the framework not imply that the net nutritional extraction limit is a function of cell volume and cell count?"
"Based on the information you presented, it can be said that the body is essentially self-harming itself to a certain degree to produce more stamina, is that safe?"
"Is it not plausible that the Martial Squire can be put in danger if this phenomenon were ever suppressed using a poison technique?"
While some of these were well-intended questions, the others were a little barbed.
Nonetheless, Rui navigated them unerringly.
Yet that only seemed to egg them on. As senior and even master scholars, it was rather humiliating to be rhetorically outdone by a Martial Senior in a topic within their field of expertise. Even if said Senior was an extraordinarily bright journeyman scholar.
"Enough," Rui declared after a while. "These questions have already strayed well away from the core topic of the Hungry Pain technique. I believe that is an indication that the core purpose of this presentation has been fulfilled. With that, I bring this presentation to an end. I hope you found this informative."
Master Ceeran began clapping with a smile, sparking a boisterous applause that culminated the entire event.
Rui heaved a sigh, drinking some water, hoping to catch a break. Yet he didn't get the chance.
"I didn't think I would ever run into a nerd Martial Senior HAHAHA!" Master Iskan of the Fire Sect laughed boisterously, slapping Rui on the shoulder.
The man had a gargantuan body, overflowing with muscles. He had a crude edge to his appearance, one that revealed he didn't care for social norms.
His pats hurt, though.
"I'm glad- that you- like it-" Rui squeezed out in between the heavy hits from the Martial Master.
"Still, a technique where the body eats itself eh…?" The man scratched his scruffy beard. "Interesting, to say the least. Not my cup of tea personally. But who knows, perhaps I'll give it a try. On another note…"
He faced Rui head-on. "Join the Fire Sect, Rui Quarrier."
"I'll have to decline," Rui straightforwardly refused.
"…Decisive. I like that!" The Master nodded approvingly. "Then, young man, accept my friendship. May we be friends from this day forth!"
Rui stared at him, mentally noting that the diversity of character and personality amongst Martial Masters was not low. "…I would be honored to be your friend."
"Then so be it!" He laughed, slapping Rui on the shoulder over and over again. "My friend, Senior Quarrier!"
A wave of pressure washed over him. He sharply turned around, eying the source. "You picking a fight, Revona?"
She didn't back down. Despite being of a much more diminutive stature than Master Iskan, Master Revona calmly stared him down with sharp eyes. With a long singular garb covering her entire body and a pointy hat on her head, she gave him the impression of a witch rather than a Martial Artist.
"Unhand the young man, oaf," She icily ordered him. "A mind as bright as him is most fit for the Mind Sect. A mindless caveman like yourself having him is like a street mongrel playing with a gem, unaware of its true value."
"What use is a bright mind when even the dumbest beast can tear you apart?" Master Iskan smirked condescendingly. "Maybe I should take this opportunity to remind everybody why the Fire Sect is one of the strongest."
Master Devona snorted. "You think you can best me?"
"Why don't we find out?"
"Why don't we?"
The air grew taut as the two Masters faced off against each other. The other Martial Masters watched with vague intrigue and amusement while the humans in the room shivered with fear. If not for the protective influence of their own Martial Masters, they would have long collapsed.
Rui on the other hand, heaved a sigh, trying to interject.
Yet Master Ceeran did so in his stead.
"Tear each other apart all you like, Iskan, Devona. But I already have an engagement with Senior Quarrier there. It's first come, first served," Master Ceeran as he smirked.
He had come early precisely for this. He knew that a lot of Martial Masters would be interested in speaking with Rui, and he certainly needed to get there first.
Yet things didn't unfold the way he hoped
"I'm afraid that I'm going to have to disappoint all of you," A strong voice resounded through the lecture hall. "Senior Rui Quarrier will need to come with me on official business with the Martial Union."
The Surgeon cut through the tension in a manner that lived up to his name. No one retorted to him, he was easily the strongest Martial Master there.
"Senior Quarrier," The tall man addressed Rui with a composed tone. "My team and I have completed our evaluations. You may indulge in personal engagements at a later time, it is vital that we complete this matter."
Rui grew serious nodding. This was the whole reason that he had gone through the trouble of this whole matter.
"Esteemed Masters of the Martial Union," Rui bowed to all of them, taking a few steps back. "I am honored and flattered by your invitations and appreciation. I look forward to speaking with you on an individual basis at a later occasion. While I'm not inclined to join any Martial Sect due to a lack of fit with my Martial Art, I am willing to indulge your offer."
"Haha! No need to be so polite to us old foggies! If no Martial Sect does you justice, then you can just create your own!" Master Iskan laughed.
