The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Mr. Marlow, do you not like to drive or sit in cars?" Felix asked with curiosity while he and Dickson ran.

"I don't like that stuff. It's too high-profile. I prefer traveling by foot, unless I'm traveling in a group. And you should call me Dicky or Dickson instead. 'Mr. Marlow' sounds a little odd."

Felix replied, "Sure. How about just 'Marlow' then?"

Dickson gave Felix a funny look. "Interesting. Usually, those who are close to me call me Dicky or Dickson. But you're going for Marlow. Anyway, it doesn't matter to me."

In reality, Felix felt rather awkward calling someone Dicky, due to its association with the modern slang.

"By the way, Marlow, where's the headquarters of Harmony Clinic?"

"It's at the top of Sumera Mountain-rich in herbs. We've gotten the green light from the royalty to build our clinic on that mountain. In fact, we have the right to the entire mountain!"

Felix was surprised to learn that Harmony Clinic's headquarters was not set in Martial City. Still, if Harmony Clinic had the ambition to dominate the industry, it would become a formidable force.

Fortunately, it was still a loosely organized company. But then again, such a structure had its pros and cons.

In the evening, the two men came to a stop in a forest.

"I'll hunt for game."

In no time, Dickson returned with a huge python. He said, "The python meat from

this forest is fresh and tasty. You'll know when you try it."

He skinned and cut the python. Then, he started a fire with such ease. He probably lived alone in the wild very often.

"Come! Have a taste!"

After Dickson grilled the python meat, Felix took one of the cuts. He looked astonished after taking a bite. Even without seasoning, the meat was juicy and delicious.noveldrama

Dickson wasn't joking about the taste of the python meat.

"Felix, as a veteran, I have a few words for you."

Felix immediately put on a serious face. "Go on, Marlow."

Smiling, Dickson continued, "I don't have any credibility in Martial City. I think it will take me at least one to two years to establish trust in the city. But there are exceptions. Sometimes, the lack of trust will not only hurt oneself, but also the others."

Felix had expected to get some insights from Dickson, only to hear such an ambiguous speech. Thankfully, he was smart enough to figure out the subtext.

"Marlow, thanks for answering my questions."

Felix was unable to tell Delilah the truth about Dragonspine due to the complexity of the situation. After listening to Dickson's advice, Felix refrained from sharing too many details as well.

Fortunately, Dickson did not ask more questions. They devoured the python meat in silence.

"Marlow, is there no realm higher than the Transcendent Realm? Is that truly the peak for all martial artists?" After eating, Felix finally blurted out his burning questions.

"There is! And that'll be the

Grandmaster The Grandmaster

reigns above all the martial artists,

Sadly, no one after Yusri Maximus

has ever achieved the status of a Grandmaster. Currently, the highest realm ever achieved in Martial City is the Transcendent Realm

Dickson pointed at himself with a wry smile. "Take myself, for example. I have reached the late stage of Transcendent Realm, but I haven't been able to break through over these years.

"If mastering the Transcendent Realm proves to be this difficult, it's no wonder no one dares dream of becoming a Grandmaster. It's not easy to advance to the Grandmaster Realm from the Transcendent Realm."

Felix felt puzzled. "Well, I haven't

achieved that realm, but even I know that the alchemists can't help the Transcendent Realm martial artists advance into the Grandmaster Realm. But surely they'll be able to help those seeking to level up within the Transcendent Realm?