News of Sol Mirek's clash with Master Hiro at White Dragon Temple spread like wildfire. Later that night, every monk at the temple talked endlessly about how a young man had defeated the revered master with a single punch.
The next morning, before sunrise, the bells of White Dragon Temple chimed across the training grounds. Monks gathered early, still buzzing about Sol's display.
"Did you see him yesterday? The young man nearly knocked Master out with just one strike!" a young monk exclaimed, eyes shining as he mimicked the motion.
"Quiet, lower your voice," an older monk grumbled, "Master hates hearing people talk behind his back."
"That was excessive," another scoffed, "Master can split rocks with his bare hands!"
Just then, Zhao Tieshan walked past carrying bundles of herbs. Hearing their chatter, his voice turned stern.
"Master Hiro will be out soon," he warned. "Stop this nonsense or you'll earn another punishment."
The monks instantly pretended to train, though their shocked expressions betrayed their curiosity.
In a corner, a few novices reenacted yesterday's fight with exaggerated gestures.
"I heard Sol didn't even assume a stance, he just stood there and took the full‑power strike!"
"Impossible," another replied, "there are few fighters in the world who can withstand Master's punch."
"I saw it myself," a third chimed in. "Master's fist was still three inches away when an invisible force stopped it. That young man is clearly a reincarnation of the God of Martial Arts!"
"Stop saying nonsense," another scoffed, "he's more like an immortal descended from heaven!"
Their argument grew louder just as Master Hiro, arm in a sling, stepped out of the main hall accompanied by Sol.
The lively chatter stopped abruptly.
"What are you all gossiping about!" Master Hiro's voice boomed like striking a bell. "Since you have time to talk, add three more hours of horse‑stance practice today!"
The monks groaned but obeyed instantly. As they took stances, many stole quick glances at Sol.
After all, being punished without looking at the man who caused it would feel like a waste.
Could this seemingly ordinary young man really possess such terrifying strength? Was he some reincarnated legend? An immortal?
"Master Sol, it's time to depart," Master Hiro said, turning to Sol. "We've contacted Kaioh Kaku. He's expecting you."
"Thank you, Master Hiro," Sol said with a respectful nod.
"Don't call me that," Hiro replied with a small grin, "just call me Master."
Sol followed him out of the temple, feeling dozens of gazes burning into his back. The attention made him slightly uncomfortable.
"Don't mind them," Master Hiro said as if reading his thoughts. "The path of a martial artist is inherently solitary. When you meet Kaioh Kaku, you will understand what true mastery looks like."
"You should spar with him many times," Hiro continued with genuine enthusiasm, "Experiences like these are rare."
Outside the temple a helicopter waited, its blades already spinning slowly. After boarding, it lifted off toward the mountain forest where Kaioh Kaku remained in solitude.
Inside the helicopter, Hiro gazed at the passing landscape, chuckling.
"Sol, old Kaioh Kaku lives deep in these mountains, a place seldom visited. It's perfect for his kind of training."
He glanced at Sol thoughtfully. "Even a tiger would be like a kitten against someone with your skill."
The helicopter set down on a flat clearing at the foot of the mountain. From there the two walked upward on a rugged trail that felt almost flat under their feet.
"Kaioh Kaku is 146 years old now," Hiro said as they walked, "a legend in the martial world."
"His Energy Dissipation method completely neutralizes power."
"But it's extremely difficult to master. As far as I know, only Retsu Kaioh has truly learned it." Hiro's tone carried quiet pride, though as he looked at Sol, that pride wavered under new excitement.
Sol simply nodded, remembering that he himself had learned a version of that technique from Retsu Kaioh.
About two hours later they reached a small clearing in a bamboo grove. In front of a humble hut, an elderly man with white hair moved through slow, fluid forms of Tai Chi, each motion calm and peaceful.
This was Kaioh Kaku—yet his relaxed movements gave no hint of the legendary strength he possessed.
When Kaku finished, his cloudy eyes fell on Sol and a small welcoming smile appeared.
"You're here," he said in a gentle, hoarse voice.
"Old Guo!" Master Hiro greeted with reverence.
Sol stepped forward and bowed respectfully, offering a traditional salute.
"Sol Mirek pays respects."
"Retsu said you are quite strong," Kaioh Kaku said with a knowing tilt of his head, motioning Sol to begin.
"Show me."
Master Hiro wisely stepped aside, anticipation shining in his eyes.
Sol exhaled, his muscles tensing, adrenaline surging. His heart quickened, his body heating, a light mist forming around him.
"Guide me," he said once, then vanished in an instant, leaving only cracked earth where his force had exploded outward.
Kaioh Kaku stood still, unmoving. When Sol's strike reached him, he didn't dodge. Instead he took it head‑on.
The impact sent him flying like a leaf on wind, but he landed gracefully, completely unharmed.
"What formidable strength," Kaku said, brushing dust from his robes, a spark of admiration in his eyes.
Sol narrowed his gaze. This level of defensive mastery was beyond anything he had seen—even Retsu's version was less refined. Here, true Energy Dissipation didn't just weaken force—it nullified it entirely.
"Again," Kaku said softly.
Sol inhaled deeply and struck with full force, unleashing a devastating barrage he had learned from Spike. Each hit generated a sharp crack through the air, a storm of power.
But Kaku remained as light as a feather, every strike dissolving into nothingness.
Sol frowned. Without the walls of a fortress or enclosed space, his opponent could evade and neutralize with ease. This was truly an entirely different level of mastery.
Bang! Bang! Bang! The two figures moved rapidly across the open terrain, the ground fracturing beneath their speed and force.
Master Hiro watched in awe.
Could this be… the true pinnacle of martial arts?