Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 341: Map of the North

Beneath the oppressive, dark clouds of the Northern Territory, the sun had already climbed high into the sky when Kyrian, alongside Bai Zhu and the others, mutually agreed to prolong their stay at the military branch for an additional day.

There was no compulsion to hasten their return journey; the mission had reached its conclusion, the new disciples had received their training, and the competition had concluded successfully. An extra day would scarcely impact their schedule.

Kyrian dedicated his morning to perambulating the corridors of the military branch, observing the disciples as they honed their skills. Acknowledging his presence, some offered respectful bows, while others, with a touch of shyness, simply offered a wave. His personal feelings on the matter were indifferent.

As the afternoon commenced, the disciples from his own cohort approached him.

Lian, a young man who had struggled to wield a sword effectively mere weeks prior, now stood at the forefront. His grip on the blade was firm, his eyes radiating a newfound self-assurance that had been absent before.

"Professor Kyrian," he addressed him, executing a bow. The other disciples followed suit in their imitation.

Kyrian regarded them with a quiet intensity.

"Your progress is evident," he stated eventually.

"However, do not falter in your efforts now. The foundational techniques you have acquired represent merely the initial step. Persist in your training. Diligently refine your errors. In time, you shall attain considerable strength."

A silent exchange of glances occurred among the disciples. Some faces broke into smiles, while others bore eyes filled with firm resolve.

"We shall not forget the lessons you have imparted," declared Yu, the young woman who had conquered her apprehension of physical contact.

"We give you our word."

Kyrian acknowledged their promise with a nod.

...

Towards the conclusion of the afternoon, the esteemed elders of the military branch made their return.

Kyrian was situated within the central arena when the avian mounts, a vanguard of crimson crows and formidable war eagles, materialized on the distant horizon, each bearing elders clad in crimson robes, their expressions etched with fatigue. The arduous elimination mission had evidently been long and taxing, yet its successful completion seemed assured.

The commanding officer proceeded to meet them. Greetings were exchanged, concise reports were rendered, and a rapid Q&A session ensued. The elders took note of the direct disciples' presence within the fortress, and a few approached to engage in conversation.

Kyrian maintained his position at a respectful distance, observing the proceedings.

"Will you not extend your greetings to them?" Mei Li inquired, appearing unexpectedly at his side.

"I have no particular reason to converse with them, nor are they personally known to me," Kyrian responded.

Mei Li did not press the matter further.

...

At the break of dawn on the subsequent day, the contingent commenced their departure.

The flying mounts ascended from the central platform of the military branch, swiftly gaining altitude. Below, the newly trained disciples had assembled to witness their departure. Some offered farewell waves, while others remained in silent observation.

Kyrian did not cast a backward glance.

The return voyage to the Blood Court fortress was projected to span two days, mirroring the outward journey. Yet, a palpable difference permeated the atmosphere; the air felt more oppressive, and the silence shared amongst them deepened.

They proceeded in a structured formation, with Arcon leading the advance, followed by the crimson crows. The wind whipped past their faces as dark clouds churned overhead.

Bai Zhu made an initial attempt to initiate a dialogue.

"That Feng, from Kyrian's contingent... his improvement has been remarkable. Do you recall his initial struggles to strike a training dummy accurately?"

"I observed that as well," Kai concurred.

"Kyrian's group was initially among the least proficient; was this a deliberate strategy, Bai Zhu? Yet, ultimately, they emerged as the most formidable."

"This is attributable to Kyrian's efficiency, avoiding superfluous endeavors, and his exceptional teaching capabilities," Yan Ling offered.

"He possesses the acuity to identify myriad flaws even within our ranks, so one can only imagine his perception regarding those disciples."

Li Fen remained reticent, his gaze fixed intently upon Kyrian.

Mei Li, too, maintained her silence.

As they neared the fortress, the atmosphere within the group became increasingly strained.

Each individual was lost in their own contemplations, reluctant to be the first to articulate the unspoken certainty that weighed upon them all.

Kyrian was going to depart.

Throughout their three-week sojourn at the military branch, discussions had touched upon this very subject – their future, the Central Territory, and the inevitable reality that Kyrian could not remain within the Court indefinitely. However, contemplating a departure in abstract terms was one matter entirely.

Another reality was the palpable approach of the moment itself, with each beat of their mounts' wings drawing the conclusion nearer.

When the Blood Court fortress eventually materialized on the horizon, veiled by the illusionary barrier and discernible only to their attuned senses, the group increased their speed.

They breached the barrier.

Their mounts landed within the central courtyard of the fortress.

Attendants promptly emerged to attend to the flying beasts. The disciples dismounted in subdued silence.

Dong Zhen was already present, awaiting their arrival within the Blood Core hall. He stood centered in the chamber, his hands clasped behind his back, a characteristic posture.

Bai Zhu took a step forward.

"Leader Dong Zhen," he announced, executing a bow.

"The mission undertaken at the military branch has been successfully executed. The new disciples have undergone their training. The elders have returned and reassumed their command. No untoward incidents occurred."

Dong Zhen offered a nod of acknowledgment.

"Well done."

His gaze swept across the assembled group, lingering briefly on each individual. Upon reaching Kyrian, his eyes paused.

"Kyrian," he addressed him.

"Remain."

The remaining individuals understood the unspoken directive. Bai Zhu, Kai, Yan Ling, Li Fen, and Mei Li bowed their heads in deference and departed, leaving Kyrian and Dong Zhen in solitary conversation within the hall.

An encompassing silence descended.

"Have you reached your final decision?" Dong Zhen inquired.

Kyrian responded with a nod.

"I am departing."

"When will that be?"

"Tomorrow, at dawn."

Dong Zhen became quiet for a spell. His gaze swept over Kyrian from the top of his head to the soles of his feet, as if attempting to engrave every feature into his memory.

"I had anticipated you would remain for a few more months," he finally uttered.

"However, your assessment is accurate. Remaining here will not enhance your power. Greater challenges and more expansive locales await you."

Kyrian offered no reply, as none was required.

A sigh escaped Dong Zhen.

"You have contributed more to this Court than many disciples who have resided here for years. You imparted knowledge to the others, shared your experiences, significantly aiding their improvement. You stood shoulder to shoulder with them in battle. These deeds shall not be forgotten."

He lifted his hand and made contact with his spatial ring.

A substantial scroll materialized in his grasp, so vast that Kyrian had to employ both hands to support its weight.

"What is this?" Kyrian inquired.

"Unfurl it."

Kyrian proceeded to unroll the scroll.

It depicted a map.

This was no commonplace chart; it was intricately detailed, meticulously rendered, with annotations penned in a firm hand along its borders. Kyrian recognized the distinctive script. It belonged to Dong Zhen.

"This is a cartographical representation of the Northern Territory," Dong Zhen announced.

"At least half of its expanse. I acquired it during my travels through the Northern Territory, prior to assuming leadership of the Blood Court."

He advanced and indicated various points upon the map with his finger.

"These locations denote pertinent cities you might traverse should you require specific provisions during your expedition."

Dong Zhen’s finger continued its journey across the map, highlighting other regions.