Avatar: Fire Emperor Chapter 44 44 What is a Grandmaster?

According to Iroh, the fundantal difference between a firebending master and an ordinary firebender lies not in combat strength, but in their understanding of firebending, of flas, of their own body, spirit, and mind, and of all things in nature.

There is an indescribable realm separating the two.

However, many people in the Fire Nation today scoff at this view.

They regard the power and combat strength of firebending as absolute truth, and dismiss the so-called understanding of flas as a deceptive trick.

Ozai, the current Fire Lord, is a pri example.

Kahn remained noncommittal about this idea.

In a chaotic world where the great war had lasted for a hundred years, on the battlefield, it was indeed as they said: the stronger, the better.

After all, the enemy would not spare you just because you had a deeper understanding of bending.

The saying that might makes right clearly applies everywhere.

But wouldn't understanding firebending indirectly improve one's strength?

He believed it would.

However, the improvent might not be imdiate or obvious, which was why most people dismissed it.

Not everyone had the talent, nor did everyone have the ti to devote themselves to such pursuit.

He could only say he was truly fortunate to live in a relatively peaceful environnt, to have a powerful teacher at the level of a firebending master, and to possess exceptional talent himself.

This gave him both the ability and the opportunity to pursue a higher realm.

In the courtyard, Iroh was teaching him the first lesson on the path of a firebending master.

His gradually thickening figure, combined with his gray hair, long beard, and kind expression, had replaced his forr imposing aura.

He now looked more like a wise and benevolent teacher.

Even now, Iroh still frequently visited the council chamber.

But unlike before, his deanor had beco calm, completely resembling a leisurely old man watching a play unfold.

In Ozai's view, Iroh's behavior seed like the numbness born of despair and powerlessness, which filled him with pride.

Under his sches, Iroh's influence among the people and the army had beco nearly nonexistent.

During this period, Iroh had even willingly lowered himself, becoming a plump and easygoing old man, seemingly having lost much of his forr strength.

In the past, Ozai kept Iroh around to restrain him.

Now, it was rely to show off in front of him.

After all, without an observer, how could one display their greatness?

Returning to the main topic.

Looking at Kahn in front of him, Iroh stroked his beard and said,

"At this point, there is actually nothing more I can teach you."

After saying this, he deliberately paused and secretly observed Kahn's reaction.

To his disappointnt, Kahn continued to look at him calmly, without the surprise or confusion he had expected.

He even gave Iroh a faintly disdainful look.

"Ah, Zuko is still more lovable.

You should learn from him in that regard."

Iroh found it rather dull.

After a brief tease, he continued cheerfully,

"...Although there is little left to teach, as soone who has walked this path before, I do have so experience to share.

Just listen casually."

I knew it.

Kahn muttered inwardly.

Iroh could be described as a mischievous old man who enjoyed teasing others, often speaking in this dramatic fashion.

Kahn had already grown accustod to his habits and could ignore them.

Only soone as earnest as Zuko would be completely led along by Iroh without resistance.

Iroh explained,

"Although you are very talented and intelligent, and you love to read, so things cannot be gained simply through imagination or books."

"The broadened perspective gained from traveling across countless lands, the firm resolve forged through hardship, the depth of experience from life's many changes, the lessons learned from countless battles, and the ability to keep thinking in the face of everything in the world... these are all indispensable elents on the path to becoming a master."

"Most importantly, do not limit yourself to firebending alone."

"Of course, a deep enough understanding of bending itself can still make one a bending master, but I believe that these seemingly unrelated aspects, beyond bending, better reflect the true essence of mastery."

"With these, even without bending, a master is still a master."

Hearing Iroh's final words, Kahn murmured thoughtfully,

"Even without bending, a master is still a master."

If one could truly reach that level, it would be like the legendary grandmasters spoken of in old tales.

Kahn gained a deeper understanding of the path to becoming a bending master.

At this stage, it was no longer just about training, but more like cultivation.

Cultivating the body and cultivating the mind.

No wonder Iroh said that firebending masters cannot simply be taught.

Becoming one requires personal realization.

Even if the principle is the sa, hearing it from others and understanding it yourself are entirely different experiences.

It was like the difference between traveling in person and rely hearing stories about distant lands.

However, after saying all this, Iroh suddenly changed the subject and laughed,

"The above is just my personal opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.

For now, your main goal is still to focus on firebending itself and deepen your understanding of bending and flas."

"But if you can hold yourself to a higher standard, that would naturally be even better."

...There it is again.

Hearing this, Kahn finally rolled his eyes at Iroh.

From beginning to end, Iroh liked to paint grand visions to inspire him and boost his motivation.

He truly was a master of grand encouragent.

Still, it had to be said that Iroh's words were effective.

At the very least, Kahn's ambitions had indeed risen another level.

A true grandmaster.

Well, that sounded a bit over the top.

However, as Iroh's words lingered in his mind, Kahn suddenly rembered sothing and said,

"Speaking of which, didn't you say before that once I mastered firebending, you would teach more powerful techniques?"

Hearing this, Iroh paused and recalled that such a promise had indeed been made.

"Of course I rember.

But it is not ti yet."

"You're not trying to back out, are you?!"

"How could I?

Although it is not ti yet, I suppose it will be soon.

After all, that little girl Azula has already begun making her move."

Iroh slipped into his cryptic tone again, making Kahn grit his teeth in frustration, yet leaving him helpless.

There was no helping it.

He truly could not defeat this man.

However, judging from Iroh's words, he seed to know what Azula's new technique referred to.

The technique Iroh had promised to teach him also seed related to it.

Could it be so royal secret art?

Considering their identities and relationship, Kahn made a bold guess.

Giving up on speculation and returning to the previous topic, Kahn asked,

"Then have you reached the realm you spoke of?"

"?"

Iroh rubbed his round belly and laughed.

"Who knows?

I haven't trained in a long ti, but life has been quite pleasant, haha!"

Indeed, after spending so much ti with Iroh, Kahn had rarely seen him train.

Instead, he had watched his belly grow rounder day by day.

However, Kahn felt that Iroh was simply toying with him.

In his view, Iroh's state was more like a return to simplicity, as described in old stories.

In any case, defeating him was still an impossible task.

This man was definitely hiding sothing up his sleeve.