Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 340: New Teachers (4)

"I will truly miss you." Mei Li finally voiced, her gaze not meeting his.

Kyrian remained silent for a moment.

"Hm." He responded after a considerable pause, uncertain of what to utter next.

A rare, subtle smile graced Mei Li's lips, a fleeting expression.

"You won't forget about us, will you? In the Central Territory. With all those influential and powerful figures."

Kyrian turned his attention to her.

"No."

Mei Li offered a nod, as if that single word sufficed. And indeed, it did.

...

Beyond his conversations with Mei Li, Kyrian also shared meals with Bai Zhu and the others on multiple evenings.

They convened in a private dining chamber within the military branch, gathered around a table fashioned from dark timber, with bowls of steaming spiritual cuisine laid out. Lively discussions, bursts of laughter, and spirited debates filled the air.

Bai Zhu regaled them with tales from his youth in the military branch, recounting the pranks he and fellow disciples had pulled, the elders who disciplined them, and the victories and defeats in their competitions.

Kai spoke of past missions, detailing encounters with formidable beasts and near-fatal injuries he had sustained. Yan Ling listened intently, interjecting with occasional inquiries. Li Fen, true to his nature, offered few words, but when he did speak, his pronouncements commanded everyone's attention.

On one of these evenings, the topic of future aspirations arose.

"I intend to remain within the Court," Bai Zhu declared, pouring himself a measure of spiritual wine.

"It is my home, and always has been. I cannot envision myself anywhere else."

"As for me, too," Kai concurred.

"The Court has bestowed everything upon me: my strength, my armaments, my comrades. I refuse to forsake that."

Yan Ling gave his assent.

"The resource branch still requires my presence. There remains much for me to grasp. I am not yet prepared to depart."

Li Fen simply stated.

"I shall stay."

All eyes turned to Mei Li.

She took a moment before replying.

"One day... once I have attained sufficient strength... I shall journey to the Central Territory," she avowed.

The others exchanged knowing glances.

Bai Zhu chuckled, shattering the quiet.

"By the time you venture forth, Kyrian will undoubtedly be a renowned figure there. A veritable legend. He will likely lead a powerful sect, with legions of disciples bowing at his feet."

Kyrian offered no verbal reply, yet a faint smile played on his lips.

"Without a doubt," Mei Li affirmed, her gaze steadily fixed on him.

"His fame will be widespread. I am entirely convinced of it."

...

The final day of the three-week period had dawned.

Bai Zhu was present in the central arena before sunrise, diligently arranging the combat platforms and designating the areas for the impending competition. His palpable enthusiasm was infectious.

Kyrian arrived shortly thereafter, accompanied by his contingent of twenty disciples. They marched in disciplined formation, their silence unbroken, their gazes fixed forward. In the span of three weeks, they had acquired more knowledge than during years of prior instruction.

Li Fen, Kai, Yan Ling, and Mei Li followed soon after, each leading their respective cadres.

A total of one hundred and twenty disciples congregated at the heart of the main arena. Six distinct groups. Six instructors. One singular competition.

Bai Zhu ascended an elevated dais, ensuring he was visible to all present.

"Today," he proclaimed, his voice resonating throughout the expansive arena,

"we shall witness the fruits of three weeks of dedicated training. Each of you has received tutelage from a direct disciple of Leader Dong Zhen. Every one of you has had the privilege of learning from the finest."

He cast a glance at Kyrian, then at the other instructors.

"Now, you shall demonstrate your acquired skills. The competition format is straightforward: each group will nominate five representatives. These individuals will engage in a series of one-on-one duels. The group accumulating the highest number of victories shall emerge triumphant."

A wave of hushed discussion swept through the assembled disciples. Five representatives per group – this meant selecting the most accomplished individuals.

"You have thirty minutes to designate your combatants and prepare them," Bai Zhu announced.

"Following this period, the tournament shall commence."

The groups dispersed, each seeking their instructor for a private conference.

Kyrian surveyed his twenty disciples.

"You are aware of who among you possesses the greatest prowess," he stated.

"There is no room for false modesty now. The five chosen to compete must be those with the highest probability of securing victory."

The disciples exchanged meaningful looks.

Lian, the young man who once struggled to wield his sword, now held it with unwavering resolve. Yu, the young woman who harbored a fear of physical contact, now clenched her fists with determination. Feng, known for his arrogance, was uncharacteristically quiet, awaiting the decision.

"I shall participate," Lian declared, stepping forward.

"As will I," Yu affirmed.

"Count me in," Feng added.

Two more individuals volunteered their participation. Kyrian observed them for a brief moment before giving his assent.

"These five shall be our group's representatives."

The remaining disciples raised no objections, acknowledging that these five were indeed the most capable.

The allotted half-hour elapsed with remarkable speed.

Bai Zhu once again ascended the raised platform.

"The competition commences forthwith."

The ensuing battles were nothing short of electrifying.

Each encounter unfolded as a genuine trial of skill. The disciples had clearly absorbed the teachings of their mentors; each group exhibited a distinct fighting style, mirroring the character and methodologies of their respective instructors.

Bai Zhu's disciples adopted an aggressive stance, charging forward without hesitation, relentlessly pressuring their adversaries from the opening moments.

Li Fen’s disciples moved like phantoms, striking when least expected.

Yan Ling’s disciples employed strategy, utilizing the surroundings for cover and setting Qi traps.

Kai’s disciples were remarkably tough, absorbing direct hits before unleashing powerful counterattacks.

Mei Li’s disciples displayed a perfect fusion of offense and defense, moving with remarkable grace.

And Kyrian’s disciples… they were nothing short of surgical.

Every movement held a specific objective. Each point of attack was efficiently executed. They conserved their Qi, never unnecessarily exposing themselves. They emulated Kyrian’s own fighting style: calm, effective, and possessing a controlled deadliness.

Lian secured his initial victory with a swift strike to his opponent’s leg, causing him to lose balance before the sword was placed at his throat.

Yu claimed the second win through a series of evasive maneuvers that left her challenger utterly depleted, paving the way for a single, precise counterattack.

Feng’s approach involved relentless pressure, skillfully forcing his opponent into making critical errors.

The remaining two disciples also achieved victories in their respective matches.

Ultimately, Kyrian's contingent emerged with the highest tally of wins.

Bai Zhu ascended the platform, a broad smile gracing his features.

"The champions of this competition are… Kyrian’s group!"

An explosion of jubilation erupted from Kyrian’s disciples. They embraced Lian, Yu, and Feng, cheering and leaping for joy. Kyrian observed the scene with a placid expression, yet a profound sense of quiet contentment bloomed within him.

Bai Zhu approached Kyrian.

"You see? You’re a more capable mentor than you give yourself credit for, though we’ve always known that."

"They are excellent students," Kyrian responded with characteristic brevity.

Kyrian’s gaze drifted towards his disciples, still caught up in their celebrations.

Mei Li offered a gentle smile.

"They will miss us, I think."

As dusk settled, the competition drew to a close. The disciples, weary but elated, began to disperse. The six mentors remained in the central arena, their eyes fixed on the darkening sky.

"This was a fitting way to bid farewell," Bai Zhu remarked, shattering the peaceful silence.

Kyrian offered a simple nod in agreement.