Everyone that experienced a breakthrough or was close to one was given a thorough lesson by Ki about the truth of the world but also their own powerlessness.
The odds of meeting one of those thousand or more people stronger than them were not that high but that does not necessarily mean that they will never encounter a family member or a friend of one of those people and offend them in some way.
Just because they can defend themselves against that person or many other people does not mean that they will not call for help.
Even Ki had to use caution against her opponents at all times, when dealing with an Unrestrained Realm martial artists she had to take away the use of their qi but if she encountered one without any preparations in place she would find it very difficult to protect those around her.
So she turned to everyone in the training grounds and said. "Do not use my name to announce her connections or become arrogant enough to offend others who may possibly have a strong connection to other powerful people. We cannot afford being noticed but also my name will have little sway over others actions. If anything does go wrong without your own fault then try to protect yourself and diffuse the situation by also mentioning the Bombyx family and that we can settle any of the issues. This will give us time to assess the enemy and their connections but also find a way to settle the problem whether it means through money or simply coming up with a way to defeat them all in one move. I just hope that all of you are more aware of your strength and influence that you hold but also bear its responsibilities in a way that does not being harm to those around you by acting on your emotions or growing in arrogance so much that you offend too many others. I hate cleaning up after others messes the most."
Although she did not consider herself to be like the Martial Alliance and the noble families connected to them, they were very arrogant people who had little care for those beneath them but they were only that way because they were powerful enough to be arrogant.
She feared turning into them one day or those close to her becoming just as arrogant without caring about the consequences of their actions.
How many innocents have died because of a noble young masters or ladies tantrum, she could not count..
Many people had to lower their heads and accept their cruel fate as the rest of the crowd watches on helplessly because even the laws of the capital cannot touch them.
Within her own land, she is like a godlike existence as she controls both the light and darkness in the form of the law and the underworld forces but if asked if the law would punish her for her sins… she would say no.
The only people that could punish her if they found out about what she had done would be those of the capital.
Even if she was above the law in her own land, outside of that she can still be pressured by those of the capital with their laws and authority because she could not afford to go against them.
So if her own people become arrogant after a little success and begin to act out of line, she will have a hard time covering up their acts and dealing with the aftermath.
At least if they had done nothing wrong and the other party is in the wrong then she could afford to use her families power to put pressure on them to back off.
Not everyone has a strong enough of a tie with a powerful martial artist or army that would willingly attack and slaughter many just for a little disagreement but if they did then they must not be part of the Martial Alliances factions and would probably have some sort of bounty on their heads for how they have constantly acted.
One of the biggest annoyances that she encountered was people who were after her bounty after collecting her head whether it was mercenaries or members of the affiliated sects connected to the Martial Alliance.
Ki continued. "We will try to settle some problems with politics but if we still have no choice but to fight back then do your best to protect yourselves. Many of you will become the faces of your respective positions or organisations so I need to know that you can act in everyone's best interests."
After saying this she left them to ponder on her words as she sheathed her sword.
Her figure slowly disappeared from their vision so they began to talk among themselves.
Rayleigh snorted and then said. "Of course I would not do such a thing.. that would run the risk of me being exposed to the outside world and suffering her wrath."
Lumi looked at Ki's disappearing figure in silence and pondered over her words but Marilyn smiled and said. "She isn't just saying these words for her own selfishness but also for everyone's safety. Although she does not say it, she has begun to care for each and everyone of you but that also comes at a cost. How many times can she spill blood for you until she feels that you are all safe? Before she was just protecting herself and her family but her inner circle has become bigger. I think she is scared that if it continued to grow even further and we or allies become complacent then she may have to resort to unnecessary bloodshed because of our foolishness or failures."
Meanwhile Leon listened quietly with a complicated look in his eyes as he looked towards the direction where she had disappeared.
As if sensing his unease, Evie lightly placed her hand on his shoulder to comfort him in silence.
Marilyn noticed their movements and spoke. "You do not need to worry too much though because your sister is strong. Just grow up safely under her protection and maybe later you may be able to help her so just take your time and do not be in too much of a hurry. You both have a good teacher.. I wish I had known her sooner but anyways… what was she like in the past?"
Leon seemed to be recalling a distant memory before the time that Ki had turned seven and said. "She was very gentle and caring towards everyone in the family. My sister always studied with grandmother so she has always been very skilled in use of etiquette and learning many things from a young age but… after she turned seven she became more distant… and she speaks less. The most she talks is when she is explaining something or wishes to get something done without mistakes. Back then she seemed so carefree but now she seems to be hard to understand at times."
Marilyn looked at him for a moment and then agreed. "Mm.. she may seem distant but whenever she walks with you and walks ahead.. notice that she will also carefully look back to make sure you are not falling too far behind. She is your eldest sister and nothing can change that. If she has changed then there must have been a big reason for it. After meeting her, many things have changed for me and went into a direction that I would have never dreamed of but after knowing her for so many years, I still have no regrets in following her. She is someone who keeps her word after she has promised something and will go out of her way to ensure everyone's survival if trouble breaks out. Our job is to just grow stronger and be able to support her when she needs us."
Rayleigh sighed as she said. "My first meeting with her couldn't be said to be the best of circumstances but even now I find her to be a mysterious person. However you are right that she is a person who keeps her promises, in fact I feel as if I am receiving too much from her every time."
Lumi looked over at Rayleigh and then said. "Yes, back then you did have a sword pointed at my throat."
Rayleigh coughed and retorted. "I had my own circumstances to worry about back then so had to act that way… have you learned to joke now?"
Lumi tilted her head in confusion. "Joke?"
Rayleigh looked back at her and realised that she was being serious and simply stated a fact about that time without any hidden meaning and sighed. "Well.. sorry about back then even if you do not wish to accept it… Hmph!"
Leon looked at his sisters allies and realised that perhaps his sister was not truly aware of how well they thought of her. "Mm.. I will try to work a little harder too so that I do not become a burden."
Evie raised her hand and softly said. "Me too… master has been very good to me and my mother. She has taught me patiently over the years while helping me overcome my weak body so if I can one day have the chance then I will be happy to repay her."
Marilyn smiled as she thought. 'It looks like she doesn't even have to worry.'