Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 316: Final Phase (6)

A pristine, cloudless sky heralded the dawn of the fourth day.

As was his habit, Kyrian awoke before the sun rose. He lingered briefly on the Green Sword Tree's balcony, the pure Qi of the floating city draping over his body like an unseen cloak.

Mo Tianhai materialized at his side, propped against the wooden railing.

"Nervous?" Kyrian asked.

"Excited," Mo Tianhai replied, flashing a half-smile.

"Finally, I’m going to fight for real."

Together, they descended. In the central hall, Mo Xia, Long Xue, Wu Jian, and Shen Yu awaited them. Feng Yuan and Mei Ran bore grave looks.

"Today is the decisive day," Feng Yuan declared.

"Only seven will advance to the next phase. Fight with everything you have."

The group headed toward the Central Plateau.

Upon arrival, the vibe had shifted. Floating stands brimmed with spectators like never before, no seats vacant. Cultivators who couldn't snag official spots even perched on the surrounding giant trees' branches.

The thirteen survivors had assembled at the arena's heart.

Each contender received Kyrian's keen scrutiny. Most faces rang familiar from the initial phase, top scorers who crushed the Pocket Realm.

Huo Ling and Huo Jiao of the Blazing Sword Sect. Feared by everyone, these brothers stood out. Huo Ling ranked second overall, Huo Jiao close on his heels.

Mu Qing and Mo Sun from the Ancient Forest Sect. Disciples of the host sect always earned reverence, especially these two with their stunning wood techniques.

Yin Xue from Shadow Valley, Luo Hei's sect. Unlike others, Yin Xue stayed quieter, deadlier. His dark eyes resembled bottomless abysses.

A sturdy, towering figure from the Silver Moon Sect gripped a spear gleaming like moonlight.

A bearded colossus from the War Hammer Sect hefted a hammer matching his torso's size.

A lithe woman with windswept hair from the Wind Sect, her feet scarcely brushing the earth.

A soft-faced girl with piercing gaze from the Thorn Flower Sect, actual thorns sprouting along her arms from her technique.

A brawny fellow with roughened palms from the Mortal Fist Sect, weaponless.

Last but not least, a mute cultivator from the Purple Rock Sect, his skin emitting a subtle purple sheen.

Thirteen fighters. Thirteen spots up for grabs.

The Ancient Forest Sect Leader materialized in the arena's midst.

"Today’s rules are the same as yesterday. The fights will be decided by a draw. Whoever advances without fighting will be decided by fate."

Golden leaves once more fluttered from the mighty ancestral tree.

Kyrian snatched his: Number 3. A battle awaited him.

Mo Tianhai gripped his leaf, brow furrowing once more. Number 5. Combat loomed for him too—no fortune this round.

Mo Sun from the host Ancient Forest Sect drew the bye this time. The green-haired youth dipped his head in thanks, yet kept a stern visage. He understood luck alone wouldn't suffice without matching power.

The matchup list materialized overhead.

Third fight. Kyrian (Verdant Sword) vs. Huo Jiao (Blazing Sword)

An eyebrow arched on Kyrian's face. Huo Jiao, younger sibling to Huo Ling. Less renowned than his kin, yet his prowess demanded respect.

The opening two bouts wrapped up swiftly.

First pitted the Silver Moon Sect spear-wielder against the Thorn Flower Sect girl. Silver lance clashed with venomous barbs. Patience and accuracy defined the duel. Ultimately, the Thorn Flower maiden triumphed, her strike tainting her foe's arm with poison, compelling surrender.

Second matched the War Hammer behemoth versus the Mortal Fist cultivator. Raw power slammed raw power. The hammer shattered two fingers on the fist fighter, but one punch from the man caved the giant's chest. Mortal Fist claimed victory, though medics hauled both off on litters.

Silence gripped the plateau as the third match was called.

"Kyrian of Verdant Sword against Huo Jiao of Blazing Sword!"

They advanced into the arena.

Huo Jiao, reddish-haired youth with ember-filled eyes. Heat waves from his form made his crimson robe billow. In hand, a deep crimson sword trailed wisps of smoke.

"Finally, I will face you," Huo Jiao declared, smirking confidently.

Kyrian regarded him with due admiration. A sword sect peer, another blade master, faced him now.

The judge lifted his hand.

"You may begin!"

Huo Jiao wasted no time.

"Supreme Blazing Sword Technique. Fire Bird!"

Huo Jiao meant every word. Starting from the initial instant, he deployed his ultimate technique. A colossal fiery phoenix burst forth from his blade, swelling to dominate half the arena. Such fierce heat warped the air nearby. With a piercing screech, the phoenix hurtled towards Kyrian.

Kyrian remained still. His sword eyes blinked.

The initial slash struck straight, precise, and focused. An unseen edge of raw sword intent and piercing Qi cleaved the air towards the phoenix.

At the arena's center, the assaults clashed.

A thunderous blast rang out. Fire and hidden blades obliterated each other, unleashing shockwaves that set the arena’s protective runes blazing brightly. Spectators shrank back on instinct.

Smoke cleared to reveal Huo Jiao upright. His phoenix had vanished, and so had Kyrian’s first glance.

"I did it!" Huo Jiao yelled, eyes gleaming.

"Your gaze is not invincible!"

Yet Kyrian readied the second.

Before Huo Jiao could muster Qi for another peak strike, the second slash arrived. Swifter than the first. Keener. More deadly.

No time remained for Huo Jiao to summon another phoenix. He conjured a shield of flame Qi around himself, a last-ditch guard.

The unseen blade slammed into the shield.

Fissures raced through the flames, yet the shield endured. For one second. Nothing more.

Huo Jiao got flung backwards, staying inside the arena. He dropped to his knees, hacking up blood, bounds unbroken.

The crowd exploded in cries.

"He withstood two!"

"Kyrian’s gaze is not invincible!"

Huo Jiao struggled to rise, his sword quivering in his grip.

"I can still... continue..."

Kyrian gazed a third time.

The third slash came gentler than before. Kyrian reined it in with precision, dialing back its force to spare his foe’s life. Still, it packed ample might.

The blow landed on Huo Jiao’s chest. Like a charred leaf, he sailed out of the arena, smashing onto the plateau. Blood trickled from his mouth, his sword spinning free from his grasp.

"Kyrian wins!"

Silence gripped the plateau briefly, then it burst into cheers and whispers.

"Three glances! He needed three glances!"

"Huo Jiao is strong... very strong!"

"If he had endured one more..."

Kyrian descended from the arena, gaze forward. His expression turned contemplative. Huo Jiao had lasted longer than nearly all.

The fourth match pitted Yin Xue of Shadow Valley against Purple Rock Sect’s disciple. Yin Xue triumphed swiftly, her shadowy arts leaving the foe frozen in terror.

Next came Mo Tianhai’s turn.