Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 338: New Teachers (2)

Bai Zhu guided the assembled group through the inner pathways of the military branch. Kyrian observed the surroundings with keen interest; the architecture here differed from the main fortress, appearing more utilitarian and optimized for training and combat. The walls possessed greater thickness, and the corridors were notably wider. Training rooms were abundant, each equipped with wooden dummies and wall targets.

They were escorted to a chamber situated on the upper level of the central edifice. The immense doors, crafted from dark wood, were adorned with fittings of red metal.

A man awaited them within.

He held the position of leader for the military branch. Clad in light, black plate armor, his gaze was piercing, like sharpened blades.

Upon the group's entrance, he rose from his seat.

"Bai Zhu." His voice was gruff.

"It has been some time."

"Leader." Bai Zhu responded, offering a respectful bow.

"Indeed, it has been quite a while."

The leader's gaze swept across the newcomers, his eyes recognizing Li Fen, Kai, Yan Ling, and Mei Li.

"Welcome to the military branch," the leader stated.

"I understand you are here to instruct the new disciples."

"That is correct," Kyrian replied simply.

The leader gave a nod and retrieved six badges from a desk drawer. These were small, red metal emblems, etched with specific symbols.

"These are temporary elder badges," he explained, presenting one to each of them. "Within the military branch, every disciple possesses a badge indicating their rank. The elder badge signifies one of the highest positions, second only to the branch leader."

He directed his attention to each individual.

"With this badge, all new disciples are obligated to show you the utmost respect. Any disobedience will be subject to punishment."

Kyrian accepted the badge, securing it to his robe. The metal felt cool against his chest.

Bai Zhu pocketed his badge and turned his attention back to the others.

"Let us commence our duties."

...

Departing from Leader Zhao’s chamber, they proceeded to the primary arena of the military branch.

The space was colossal, vastly exceeding the scale of the arena at the Meeting of the Domains. Stone platforms ascended at various elevations, each designated for different training objectives. Designated zones were present for unarmed combat, practicing martial techniques, meditation, and even archery.

Bai Zhu issued an instruction to a passing servant.

"Assemble all the new disciples in the main arena. Immediately."

The servant departed swiftly to carry out the order.

Approximately thirty minutes elapsed. Gradually, the new disciples began to emerge, youths spanning various ages, from fifteen to twenty years old. They were attired in the gray robes characteristic of the military branch, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment.

They converged at the heart of the main arena, forming a gathering of about one hundred and twenty adolescents.

Kyrian observed them quietly. The majority were in the initial stages of the Qi Liberation realm.

Murmurs rippled through the assembled disciples.

"Who might they be?"

"They're wearing elder badges!"

"Look, it's Bai Zhu! I've heard of him!"

"Bai Zhu? The direct disciple of Leader Dong Zhen?"

"And the others? They must be direct disciples as well..."

"What is their purpose here?"

Bai Zhu stepped forward, raising his hand. An immediate silence descended.

"My name is Bai Zhu," he announced, his voice resonant and clear, echoing throughout the vast arena. "I am a direct disciple of Leader Dong Zhen, and I hail originally from this military branch. Several months ago, I was selected to train at the main fortress."

He gestured towards the others.

"These are my associates: Li Fen, from the Shadow branch; Yan Ling, from the resource branch; Kai, from the external missions branch; and Mei Li, from the diplomacy branch."

He paused, his gaze settling on Kyrian.

"And this is Kyrian. A direct disciple of Leader Dong Zhen and... the leader of the direct disciples."

The murmuring commenced anew, this time with increased intensity.

"Leader of the direct disciples? I've never encountered such a title..."

"He appears so young... younger than myself."

"However, observe his eyes..."

Mei Li and the rest of the group displayed no astonishment at Bai Zhu's declaration. In truth, Kyrian had consistently functioned as the de facto leader among them. During missions, he was the one who made the decisive calls. In training, he was the primary instructor. Despite lacking a formal title, Kyrian was undeniably the focal point of their group.

Bai Zhu continued.

"The existing elders of this branch are currently engaged in a mission and are not expected to return for another three weeks. Until their return, we shall serve as your instructors."

Expressions of surprise surfaced across the crowd.

"For the upcoming three weeks," Bai Zhu clarified. "Each of us will be responsible for instructing a small contingent of new disciples. You will be divided into six distinct groups, with each group falling under the tutelage of one of us."

He raised his hand once more, quieting the rising tide of whispers.

"I understand some of you may harbor skepticism. We are young, and we lack the extensive experience of the established elders. However, I can assure you that each of us possesses sufficient strength to impart our knowledge. Furthermore, you can undoubtedly sense that our cultivation levels far surpass your own."

The newly admitted disciples exchanged glances, their agreement palpable. Indeed, they could sense that those six instructors possessed a significantly greater level of strength than they did.

Bai Zhu’s face broke into a wide, enthusiastic grin.

"However, it won't be solely focused on training," he announced.

"I’ve conceived an idea. What if, after these three weeks conclude, we hold a competition amongst the groups? It would be an excellent way to gauge who among us has imparted the most effective instruction to the new disciples."

Kai’s eyes immediately sparked with interest.

"Are you serious?" he exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly.

"That sounds like a fantastic idea! I’m all in."

Yan Ling paused, her lower lip caught between her teeth as she considered the proposal. Finally, she gave a slight nod.

"Why not? It promises to be quite entertaining."

Li Fen offered a simple nod, his expression as unreadable as ever.

Mei Li tilted her chin upwards, a confident smirk playing on her lips.

"You can start preparing for your inevitable defeat now."

All gazes then shifted towards Kyrian.

"Naturally," he responded, his tone steady and calm.

"Let us proceed with that plan."

Bai Zhu brought his hands together with a clap.

"Then it is decided! Three weeks of rigorous training, followed by the competition. Brace yourselves, new disciples; you are in for some hard work."

He then proceeded to organize the assembled crowd.

Each of the six instructors was assigned twenty disciples. Kyrian surveyed the young individuals allocated to his care – faces brimming with curiosity, others etched with determination; a mix of boys and girls, varying in height, build, and evident strength.

"Follow me," Kyrian instructed, turning and making his way towards one of the training platforms situated further away.

"Let us commence."

Twenty disciples trailed behind him in an unnerving silence, none daring to utter a word.

Kyrian halted in the platform's center, facing his new charges.

"You have three weeks to absorb as much knowledge as possible. My focus will not be on teaching specific techniques, but rather on the art of combat."

He raised a hand.

"Demonstrate your fighting stances. Every one of you."

The disciples exchanged bewildered glances, yet they complied. They adopted various stances, some exhibiting proficiency, others appearing completely inept. Kyrian’s crimson eyes meticulously scanned each individual, cataloging every flaw, every misalignment, and every vulnerability.

Three weeks, he mused. It was ample time to forge them into something capable.

He began to move among them, adjusting postures, refining limb positions, and correcting stances. His corrections were delivered without shouts or threats, purely through guidance.

"Your right side is overly exposed. A seasoned opponent would exploit that opening immediately."

"Your breathing is incorrect, causing irregular Qi flow. Take a deep breath and try again."

"Your gaze is fixed on the ground. An enemy is not found below, but directly before you."

A dawning understanding spread among the disciples. This young man with the crimson eyes was not merely powerful; he possessed an exceptional attention to detail. Each piece of advice served a distinct purpose, and every word resonated with logic.

Gradually, their improvement became evident.

As the three weeks loomed, Kyrian acknowledged that the upcoming competition would serve as a valuable benchmark for their progress.

And, perhaps, it would also mark a moment of farewell.