Thus, Wude stepped down and took two years off to recover.
For two years, he had not entered a single Class T Competition, only occasionally taking part in exhibition-style regular races. How cruel that was for a fighter who loved challenging his limits.
Xinyan could sense that Wude, once as resolute as a rock, had even shown signs of breaking down and falling into despair. Fortunately, he had pulled through, becoming the man he was now.
He held the title of Honorary Gym Leader and taught students here and there without forming close teacher-student relationships. He could not participate in overly intense matches, either, or he would aggravate his old injuries and suffer a further decline in strength.
"Three years ago?"
Three years ago was when Native Shen Qi had entered Ruins Valley to train, gone missing, and died.
"Yes, three years ago." Xinyan's gaze suddenly grew deeper and much heavier. "Guess where Wude was operating when he suffered those serious injuries."
Did that even need guessing?
With Xinyan staring so intently at Shen Qi, the answer was obvious.
"Master Wude was injured in Ruins Valley..."
"Yes."
Native Shen Qi had disappeared, and Wude had entered Ruins Valley shortly afterward. It took no thought to realize he had gone there to search for someone, not to train.
Xinyan sighed. "He felt responsible, because he was the one who gave you a chance on Kumquat Island to take the Fighting Dojo's entrance challenge. He was also the one who said your strength at the time made passing the assessment uncertain."
It was Wude's words that had made Shen Qi want to undergo ascetic training, leading to his disappearance.
That was why Wude felt guilty.
There was really no need for that guilt. Wude had done nothing wrong. Native Shen Qi's death