The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Let's go," Xena said.

After getting off the plane, Felix got into a car with Xena behind the wheel. She was driving herself, with no one else accompanying them.

"In the backpack, you'll find everything you need for Martial City. I'll explain each item as you take them out," she said.

Felix grabbed the backpack from the back seat and opened it, finding only a few items inside.

Xena explained, "This phone only works in Martial City. Due to the barriers, it can't connect to satellites, but it works perfectly within the city. It's unregistered too, so you don't need to worry about being tracked." The device was more of a chunky block than a modern phone. It had an archaic feel and a tiny screen that did not support video calls or other advanced features.

"What's this card?" Felix asked as he pulled out another item-a card that looked like an emerald-green bank card. The only difference was that it appeared to be made of emerald, with elegant swirls of pale green throughout.

"That's an emerald card! In Martial City, the currency isn't money-it's emerald. The city's treasury issues these cards. Whatever amount of emerald you deposit shows up as your balance," Xena replied. She continued, "When martial artists reach the Innate Realm, they can absorb energy from emerald to enhance their training. That's why it became the city's currency. Also, like the phone, the card isn't tied to your identity."

The lack of traceability made Felix uneasy, as it suggested the dangerous nature of Martial City-anyone could steal without consequences.

"How much is on here?" he asked.

"Ten thousand emeralds," Xena replied.

Felix thought that seemed stingy, but Xena seemed to read his mind. "Once you're in Martial City, you'll realize just how substantial that amount is."

After putting those items away, Felix found what looked like a small, golden sheet about the size of his palm. He asked, "And what's this?"

"Your medical license. This has to be registered, and it's extremely difficult to obtain normally. We got it arranged for you in advance. The good thing is, you can practice under a code name instead of your real one it's quite common in Martial City."

Headquarters had thought ahead, giving Felix a legitimate occupation to avoid suspicion. He was familiar

with medical code names, like those used by Silas, Wesley, and others instead of their real identities.

"Felix, be careful there," Xena said as the car stopped, her expression complex. "If things get too dangerous, don't push yourself-just come back."

The car came to a stop, and Xena turned to him, her expression unreadable.

"I will," Felix promised.

Xena seemed like she wanted to say more, but she held back, her inner conflict evident. As soon as they exited the car, Felix felt a presence behind him. Turning around, he saw six figures rapidly approaching.

He thought it would be people from the headquarters, but he quickly recognized one of the figures from the Elders' Council.

"Gage?" Felix's brow furrowed in surprise. Their recent silence suddenly made sense they had been planning this moment.

The group landed in front of them in an instant, their movements precise and threatening. Xena

immediately stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Who are you, and how dare you trespass in a restricted zone?"

One of the men smirked. "Phoenix Warlord? What's next? Are you going to mention the Protector? Don't worry-he's been kept busy by our Grand Elder."

As he spoke, Gage turned his

attention to Felix. "Now that you've reached the Boneforging Realm and are about to enter Martial City, it's time to put an end to this. You should be honored that six Eldersnoveldrama

from the Council come for you."