Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 337: New Teachers

Dong Zhen approached the heart of the Blood Core hall, the faint pulse of the great crimson core behind him casting moving shadows upon the somber stone walls. An absolute silence fell over the assembled disciples, their gazes locked onto the leader of the Court.

"This assignment is less complex than the preceding one you completed together," Dong Zhen began, his resonant voice filling the hall.

"However, it is no less vital."

He paused, his eyes scanning the faces of the disciples before him.

"Within the military wing of the Blood Court, a number of esteemed Elders have embarked on a critical mission to neutralize a specific hostile entity menacing our frontiers. They have taken with them the majority of the branch's seasoned instructors."

"The consequence is that the military branch, at this precise moment, has dozens of newly recruited disciples left without adequate guidance. They are presently undertaking their training in isolation, devoid of direction and without corrective oversight."

Dong Zhen folded his arms.

"Your task is to proceed to the military branch and assume the role of instructors for these new disciples for a duration of three weeks. This period will suffice until the Elders return from their expedition."

Kyrian remained noncommittal. The mission was, in truth, less demanding than the previous extermination operation they had undertaken. It would merely be extended in duration; three weeks was a relatively short span.

He perceived no inherent difficulty in the assignment. These moments would represent his final opportunities to connect with Bai Zhu, Mei Li, Li Fen, Kai, and Yan Ling before his departure for the Central Territory. A gradual parting, perhaps even a peaceful one.

As Kyrian maintained his silence, the other disciples exchanged meaningful glances.

Bai Zhu's countenance displayed unmistakable surprise. Typically, their role was to receive instruction. Now, they were to transition into the position of mentors.

Kyrian, however, had already adapted to such shifts. He had previously imparted knowledge to Yanyu within the Verdant Sword Sect. He had also guided Bai Zhu and the others during their training within the Court. The prospect of instructing new disciples seemed no different.

"Make your preparations and commence your departure at your earliest convenience," Dong Zhen concluded, before turning and exiting the Core hall. The sound of his footsteps reverberated through the corridors until they faded into nothingness.

Bai Zhu was the first to shatter the quietude.

"At last!" he exclaimed, his eyes alight with excitement.

"I am returning home!"

He hailed originally from the military branch. Each of Dong Zhen's direct disciples originated from a different subdivision of the Blood Court, with the exception of Kyrian, who had been directly integrated into the main citadel.

For Bai Zhu, this mission presented a cherished opportunity to reunite with old comrades and traverse familiar pathways from his youth.

"It has been many years since I last visited the military branch," Kai remarked, his voice subdued and placid. A distinct flicker of anticipation was visible in his eyes.

"I have never set foot in the military branch before," Yan Ling commented, inclining her head slightly.

"I have heard it is exceptionally vast. Significantly larger than the main citadel."

"Indeed, it is," Bai Zhu affirmed, a note of pride in his tone.

"You are in for a considerable surprise."

Kai crossed his arms, a relaxed smile gracing his features.

"Three weeks as instructors... that will be a welcome change of pace. I confess, I grow weary of merely dispatching individuals or beasts."

Mei Li offered no verbal response, yet her gaze lingered on Kyrian for a fleeting moment before shifting away.

"It is decided then," Bai Zhu declared, clapping his hands together decisively.

"We depart tomorrow morning. Ensure all necessary arrangements are made."

The disciples then separated, proceeding individually to their respective quarters.

...

The subsequent day commenced under the cover of lingering darkness across the vast plain.

Kyrian had already completed his preparations before the first hint of dawn. Donning his crimson Blood Court robes and securing his spatial ring onto his finger, he exited the dormitory.

At the stables, Arcon was already in attendance. The magnificent black winged horse restlessly flexed its wings, as if sensing the impending journey. Kyrian mounted its broad back and awaited his companions.

The others arrived not long thereafter.

Bai Zhu mounted a Crimson War Crow. Li Fen and Kai selected similar mounts, as did Yan Ling and Mei Li. The imposing birds positioned themselves alongside Arcon, forming a small, cohesive squadron.

Bai Zhu assumed the lead position, charting the course.

"Follow me!" he commanded, urging his mount forward with a flick of the reins.

The group ascended into the sky.

The biting wind whipped across the disciples' faces as they gained altitude. The imposing structure of the Blood Court fortress receded below, diminishing into a mere dark speck against the desolate backdrop. Dark clouds churned overhead, but the group maintained their flight beneath them, navigating along the rugged contours of the terrain.

Bai Zhu possessed an intimate familiarity with the route, surpassing all others. He had spent his formative years within the military branch, undergoing rigorous training there for many years before being selected by Dong Zhen as a personal disciple.

"The military branch is approximately two days' flight at maximum speed," he explained as they flew in close proximity.

"It is situated as the closest branch to the main citadel."

"Why such proximity?" Yan Ling inquired.

"To provide immediate defense for the citadel in the event of any emergent threat," Bai Zhu responded.

"The military branch serves as the Court's ultimate weapon. Should the citadel come under attack, they are the very first to arrive in its defense."

Kyrian listened, his mind miles away, utterly unconvinced that the main fortress faced any real threat with Dong Zhen's presence.

The leader of the Blood Court was an immensely powerful cultivator. Kyrian hadn't yet gauged his exact combat prowess, but he could sense that Dong Zhen could annihilate him without breaking a sweat.

The journey that followed was long and uneventful.

For the entirety of the first day, they soared through the skies, making only brief stops at night to allow the spirit beasts to rest and refuel. Kyrian provided Arcon with spirit stones and spent a few hours in meditation before they resumed their passage.

The second day mirrored the first.

Below them, the landscape underwent a gradual transformation. The barren plains yielded to rolling hills, which then gave way to a dense forest of gnarled, dark trees. The sky remained perpetually overcast, though the cloud cover seemed less suffocating than what they had endured above the fortress.

At the close of the second day, Bai Zhu finally raised his hand.

"We have arrived," he announced.

Kyrian's eyes narrowed. Before them lay nothing but a hill shrouded in dark foliage. Yet, his crimson eyes perceived a reality hidden beneath the facade.

An intricate illusionary barrier enveloped the entire vicinity, projecting a deceptive image of the surrounding terrain. Concealed behind this veil, a colossal structure loomed, dwarfing the Blood Court's main fortress in sheer scale.

Indeed, this military branch was a fortress unto itself.

Impenetrable walls of black stone stretched for hundreds of meters in every direction. Watchtowers stood sentinel at regular intervals along the ramparts, and at the heart of it all, a main building ascended several stories, its roofs elegantly curved, adorned with vibrant red flags that danced in the wind.

Kyrian could observe disciples engaged in training within the inner courtyards, servants diligently transporting supplies, and other disciples traversing the various corridors. It was a place teeming with life, vibrant and active, a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of the Court's fortress.

The entourage passed through the illusionary barrier with effortless grace. The moment they crossed its threshold, the true magnificence of the military branch was unveiled to their eyes.

"Amazing..." Yan Ling whispered, her voice filled with awe, her eyes wide with wonder.

"It really is massive," Kai concurred, exhaling a low whistle of disbelief.

Bai Zhu offered a proud smile.

"Welcome to the military branch of the Blood Court," he declared.

They landed within a sprawling stone courtyard at the fortress's core. The disciples nearby ceased their activities, their gazes fixed on the newcomers. A ripple of hushed whispers quickly spread amongst them.

"Who might they be?"

"Look at their robes... they hail from the main fortress!"

"Bai Zhu is accompanying them!"

"And that one... I've never seen him. He possesses an unusual aura."

Kyrian dismounted from Arcon and surveyed his surroundings. The disciples of the military branch regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and respect. They understood that those arriving from the main fortress represented the pinnacle of the Blood Court, the direct disciples of Dong Zhen himself.

Bai Zhu took the initiative.

"Escort our spirit beasts to the stables," he commanded a group of servants who rushed forward at his word.

"Furthermore, inform the branch leader of the main fortress's envoys' arrival."

The servants scrambled to fulfill their duties.