Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 311: Final Phase

That night, Kyrian and his companions fell into a profound sleep.

Once the initial phase concluded, the deep weariness built up from weeks of fierce hunting, brutal combats, and unending strain at last overwhelmed them. The group made their way back to the Green Sword Tree in hushed silence, each slipping into their own quarters with scarcely a word. Both their bodies and spirits craved restoration.

Kyrian roused himself before dawn the following morning, prior to the sun cresting the floating city's horizon. In the room's faint light, he opened his eyes, sensing the surrounding pure Qi invigorating his form. No cultivation or refinement was required today. The decision had been made to dedicate this day fully to recuperation; the Domain Gathering's concluding phase loomed tomorrow, demanding they reach utmost readiness.

Mo Tianhai and the rest lingered in their chambers nearly all day. Some engaged in meditation, while others cultivated serenely, adjusting their Qi circulation and easing strained meridians. Long Xue remained seated in the lotus pose for hours, replaying her past battles in her mind. Mo Xia pored over ancient scrolls on sword arts, sharpening her insights. Shen Yu and Wu Jian switched between profound meditation and gentle breathing practices.

True to form, Kyrian chose a straightforward approach. He devoted the morning to mentally revisiting his studied formations and pill concoctions, then settled on the balcony to watch the vibrant pulse of the floating city. Physical exertion held no appeal. His physique had already attained perfect equilibrium.

As evening fell, Mo Tianhai entered the central hall, his face alight with enthusiasm.

"Shall we go out to eat? After so much fighting, we deserve to taste the delicacies of this city."

The group concurred. Kyrian joined them too; with no pressing matters, his curiosity about the region's spiritual cuisine piqued his interest.

They traversed the hanging bridges down to the city's renowned Hall of Nine Essences restaurant, brimming with Gathering participants and native cultivators. Upon the group's entrance alongside Kyrian, the ambiance shifted noticeably. Numerous youths from various domains, at scattered tables, swiveled their gazes and offered deferential waves.

Even prior to the final phase, Kyrian's fame had spread. Word of his solitary conquest of the Pocket Realm's core zone, wiping out almost every formidable beast, had ignited like a blaze. It now explained the scarcity of mighty foes they had faced. Admiring whispers rippled through the venue.

"It’s him... Kyrian of the Verdant Sword."

"Thanks to him, their sect shone so brightly."

"They are strong... They deserve respect."

By the time they departed the restaurant, sect elders had informed their disciples of Kyrian's near-solo purge of the central region. This elevated the Verdant Sword Sect's status immensely. Once viewed as middling, it now commanded fresh esteem. Kyrian and his allies received wary veneration from all.

Sated on roasted spiritual meats, crystalline root broths, and glowing fruits, they ascended back to the Green Sword Tree and retired early.

The following day dawned swiftly.

All rose ahead of first light. Anticipation hung heavy in the air. Donning the sect's pristine black robes, they headed for the Central Plateau. Myriads of others ascended the vast living-wood staircases, packing the airborne viewing platforms. The climactic spectacle captivated every gaze.

Disciples of the Ancient Forest Sect escorted Kyrian and his group to assigned seats. Feng Yuan and Mei Ran were ushered to a VIP section for sect heads. Kyrian, Mo Tianhai, Mo Xia, Long Xue, Shen Yu, and Wu Jian proceeded straight to the central arena, joining the century of contenders under the colossal ancestral tree.

After thirty minutes, the elite hundred youths assembled at the arena's heart, overshadowed by the mighty tree. Tension crackled thickly, laced with resolve.

Then came the Ancient Forest Sect's Leader.

With a soaring leap, he landed atop the grand tree at the stage's core, first hailing the delegates from premier fourth-level sects. All eyes turned to the supreme floating platform, a colossal living trunk thrusting skyward, where roughly ten figures exuded daunting authority.

Kyrian gazed there as well. Despite the distance, he discerned the emblems on their robes. Surprise flickered as he identified several powers from the Cloud Empire encounters: Earth Forge, Deep Roots Sect, Southern Wind Dynasty, White Crane Sect, Gray Blade Sect, Scarlet Rock Sect, and Celestial River Alliance. The remaining trio hailed from adjacent fourth-level entities, unfamiliar to him.

Having greeted the envoys, the leader addressed the vast assembly and proclaimed:

"The final phase of the Domain Gathering begins now!"

Abruptly, a hundred leaves burst forth from the massive tree anew, soaring towards every participant. Kyrian seized his own and spotted the golden-engraved number "1". Every leaf carried a number revealing the disciples’ rankings.

With a strong and steady voice, the Ancient Forest Sect leader laid out the rules.

"First place will fight last place, second place will fight second to last, and so on. The rules are simple. No use of external treasures or pills to increase strength. Only your own power, your own sword, and your own talent."

An expectant hush swept across the arena.

The climactic stage of fierce one-on-one duels stood ready to commence.

Clutching his leaf bearing the number 1, Kyrian kept his serene eyes trained on the arena’s core. He sensed the intense stares from all the fourth-level envoys locked onto him. His standout displays up to now had garnered far too much notice.

Yet he remained unfazed. He had already aligned with a mighty faction, the Blood Court.