Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 324: Goodbye
Previously on Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation...
Swiftly, the night slipped away above the floating city nestled within the forest.
Outdoors, the festivities dragged on into the late hours. Spiritual fireworks exploded across the sky at regular intervals, while tunes and merry laughter reverberated through the massive trees. However, inside the Verdant Sword Tree, all had gone to bed early. A heavy serenity filled the air. They understood that farewells awaited the following day.
Kyrian didn't drift off right away. He lingered on the balcony under the night sky, gazing at the floating city gleaming beneath the stars. His mind drifted between past events and future prospects. The Gathering of Domains had concluded. Mo Tianhai and his companions were bound for the Gray Blade Sect. He himself would head back to the Verdant Sword, then onward to the Blood Court.
His future path lay clear before him.
As dawn's initial light pierced the horizon, he rose. Stretching his shoulders, he stepped back indoors.
Gradually, the rest stirred awake.
Mo Tianhai emerged first from his chamber, clad in his black robe. His expression was grave, yet his eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Shen Yu followed soon after, bandages still wrapping his arms, though his stance remained resolute. Scars from his clash with Huo Ling lingered on his neck, but pain seemed absent from him.
Mo Xia and Long Xue exited together, murmuring softly. Excitement lit their faces, tinged with sorrow in their gazes. Joy filled them at joining a 4° level sect, yet they were parting from their sole known home.
Wu Jian trailed last, favoring one leg slightly but grinning broadly. "You’re all ready already? I haven’t even had my morning tea."
Mo Xia rolled her eyes.
"There’s no time for tea. The envoy won’t wait."
Feng Yuan and Mei Ran waited in the central hall, arrayed in their finest robes. The Verdant Sword's leader appeared more austere than ever.
"Let’s go," Feng Yuan declared, tone resolute.
"We’ll accompany you to the meeting point."
The group departed the Verdant Sword Tree wordlessly. Even at this early time, the floating city buzzed with life. Cultivators traversed the hanging bridges, vendors unveiled their booths, and aromas of herbs and spiritual cuisine wafted everywhere.
The route to the Central Plateau proved brief, yet dragged endlessly for them all. Each footfall underscored the nearing end of their shared time.
Upon arrival, the Central Plateau had transformed utterly from yesterday.
Floating platforms, once thronged with onlookers, now hosted clusters of disciples, envoys, and Ancient Forest Sect members. Order reigned visibly, with each 4° level faction claiming a designated zone for their new recruits.
A subdued, structured hum prevailed. Gone was the battle fervor; now stirred whispers of goodbyes, separations, and fresh starts.
Kyrian scanned the vista intently.
To the plateau's left, Southern Wind Dynasty recruits clustered. The Wind Sect girl stood among them, her silver locks drifting gently sans breeze. Nearby, two fellow wind domain youths buzzed with chatter.
Nearer the core, Earth Forge recruits formed neat rows. The War Hammer follower towered prominently, his bulky frame commanding eyes.
By the mighty ancestral tree, Deep Roots Sect recruits stood mutely. Mu Qing and Mo Sun joined them, faces serene. Yin Xue of Shadow Valley lingered off to the side, his pallid form nearly merging with the tree's shade.
The White Crane Sect claimed a zone draped in white cloths, where the Thorn Flower healer and peers assembled.
Scarlet Rock Sect and Celestial River Alliance held their allotted spots too.
And to the right, beside a suspended bridge exiting the floating city, lay the Gray Blade Sect zone.
Kyrian spotted envoy Yun Che at once. The dark gray-robed figure stood arms folded, piercing gaze sweeping the assembly. Several recruits encircled him already—youths from sundry sects chosen yesterday.
"Let’s go," Feng Yuan commanded, guiding them to the Gray Blade spot.
As they neared, Yun Che noticed. His stare lingered on Kyrian briefly, then shifted to Mo Tianhai and company.
"The disciples of the Verdant Sword," he stated evenly.
"Punctual. That’s good."
Mo Tianhai advanced.
"We are here to fulfill the commitment."
Yun Che inclined his head.
"Join the others. We depart in an hour."
The Verdant Sword's five disciples shared glances. The instant had arrived.
Mo Tianhai faced Feng Yuan and bowed low.
"Master, Elder Mei Ran... thank you for everything."
Feng Yuan rested a hand on his shoulder.
"To me, you were like a son. Look after yourself well. And no matter what, you can always come back to our sect anytime you want."
Tears were already welling up in Mei Ran's eyes. She embraced Mo Tianhai, then Mo Xia, and the rest of them.
"Stay happy," she murmured softly.
"And remain strong."
Tears streamed down Mo Xia's face without restraint now. Long Xue clenched her lip tightly to hold back her own.
Wu Jian, usually full of jokes, stayed quiet for once.
Shen Yu merely nodded, though a touch of sorrow stirred within him at the parting.
Kyrian lingered a short distance away, observing. Farewells never suited him. Particularly since he knew he'd soon venture even farther than any of them.
Mo Tianhai walked up to him.
"Aren't you going to say something?" he inquired, a faint smile on his lips.
Kyrian paused briefly to consider.
"Protect them well."
"Always will."
They shared a firm handshake. Stronger this time than the previous night's.
Before Kyrian could respond, Mo Xia dashed over and wrapped him in a swift hug.
Long Xue followed suit, albeit more restrained, as she uttered,
"Thank you. For everything."
Wu Jian merely clapped Kyrian on the shoulder and remarked,
"See you around."
Shen Yu came last, offering only a nod.
The five merged with the other recruits from the Gray Blade Sect. Yun Che glanced around quickly, counted, and gave a nod.
"We're all set."
He spun around and started heading for the hanging bridge that stretched from the floating city. The disciples trailed behind him wordlessly.
Kyrian, Feng Yuan, and Mei Ran remained motionless, eyes fixed on the departing group.
Mo Tianhai glanced back one time. His gaze locked with Kyrian's for an instant. He lifted his hand in farewell.
Kyrian lifted his own in reply.
Soon, the group vanished beyond the bridge's bend, engulfed by the throng.
Kyrian stayed rooted there, quiet, gazing at the distant horizon.
Around him, the floating city throbbed with vibrant energy.
"Time to head out," Feng Yuan urged after some moments.
"We should return too."
The Gathering of Domains was over. Fresh journeys awaited each of them. And Kyrian, as before, would press on solo once more.