Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 342: True Departure

"Here lie exceedingly perilous regions. Lethal natural formations abound. Territories inhabited by ancient beasts. Areas that even I, Dong Zhen, would tread with extreme caution."

Dong Zhen gestured emphatically again.

"Within this zone are the territories of other fourth-level forces and even stronger ones. Crucially, the White Tower resides in this general vicinity. You would be wise to steer clear unless you actively seek conflict with them."

Kyrian took a step back, absorbing the information.

"This map, while detailed, will not directly lead you to the Central Territory. The Northern Territory is immense, far too vast for any single map to encompass fully. However, it will certainly guide you to the very heart of the Northern Territory. From that central point, you will inevitably discover additional maps, alternative routes, and fellow travelers."

With meticulous care, Kyrian rolled up the scroll and secured it within his spatial ring.

"My sincere gratitude," he expressed.

Dong Zhen inclined his head in acknowledgment.

"It is the least I can offer. Honestly, you deserve even more than this."

A profound silence settled between them for a considerable duration. Then, Dong Zhen extended a hand, placing it gently on Kyrian’s shoulder—a rare display of camaraderie.

"Exercise extreme caution on your journey, Kyrian. The Northern Territory, and particularly the Central Territory, possesses no tolerance for weakness or stubborn inflexibility."

"I am aware of the dangers," Kyrian responded.

Dong Zhen withdrew his hand.

"Now, you should rest. Tomorrow promises to be a day of considerable length and undertaking."

Kyrian offered a single, decisive nod before departing from the grand hall.

...

Outside the hall's confines, the others awaited his emergence.

Bai Zhu, Kai, Yan Ling, Li Fen, and Mei Li were spaced along the corridor, engaged in hushed conversations. Upon Kyrian's appearance, they all straightened, turning their attention to him.

"So, what is the decision?" Bai Zhu inquired, his tone direct.

"I shall depart at dawn tomorrow," Kyrian stated clearly.

No one feigned surprise; the expectation was palpable.

"We had already surmised as much," Kai commented, leaning back casually.

"We were merely awaiting your official confirmation."

They proceeded to walk together through the sprawling corridors, their steps unhurried. There was no specific destination in mind, simply the act of walking, of being in each other's company, making the most of these final shared hours.

"You will be greatly missed here," Yan Ling remarked, her voice softer than usual.

"Hmm. I will most certainly miss battling alongside all of you," Kyrian replied, a hint of regret in his tone.

Bai Zhu let out a hearty laugh.

"Kyrian admitting he’ll miss someone? Surely the heavens are about to crack!"

A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile touched Kyrian’s lips. It was as close to a smile as he could manage.

Later that evening, they shared a meal together. It wasn't a celebratory feast, merely the standard fare provided by the Court, served in the communal dining area. Yet, no one voiced any complaints.

Conversations flowed easily, touching upon trivial matters. Shared memories. Past missions undertaken. Grueling training sessions endured.

Mei Li remained close to Kyrian’s side throughout the entire duration of the meal. She didn't engage in much conversation, but her steady presence was a comfort. Kyrian perceived her silent companionship as a gentle, unobtrusive warmth.

As the night drew to a close, they bid each other farewells.

"We'll see you in the morning," Bai Zhu declared.

"See you tomorrow," the others echoed in unison.

Kyrian offered a final nod and proceeded towards his personal dormitory.

...

The subsequent morning arrived with alarming swiftness.

Kyrian awoke before the first hint of dawn, a habit ingrained from his rigorous training. He donned his customary red robe, the distinctive attire of the Blood Court. He carefully placed his spatial ring onto his finger, ensuring it was secure. One last, lingering look was cast around the spartan room, noting its simple stone walls and sparse furnishings.

There was truly nothing of significant value that he needed to take with him.

He then departed.

The corridor appeared deserted. The ambient spiritual torches flickered with subdued intensity, casting elongated, dancing shadows that played across the walls. Kyrian's footsteps were steady as he made his way towards the Blood Core hall.

They were already present, awaiting his arrival.

Each and every one of them.

Dong Zhen stood positioned in the central area of the hall, his hands clasped serenely behind his back. Bai Zhu stood near him, arms folded resolutely. Kai was observed leaning casually against a nearby column. Yan Ling occupied a spot close to the entrance. Li Fen maintained his usual quiet stance in a corner, utterly silent.

And then there was Mei Li.

Mei Li stood directly in front of the assembled group, her gaze locked intently on Kyrian as he approached.

Kyrian halted his advance directly before them.

"Your presence here is not strictly necessary," he stated, his voice calm.

"But of course, it was essential," Bai Zhu retorted immediately. "It was the least we could do."

"You are not departing as though this were just another unremarkable day."

Kyrian did not engage in further debate, recognizing the truth in Bai Zhu's words.

Dong Zhen stepped forward, his expression grave.

"Kyrian," he began, his voice resonant.

"Despite the relatively brief period you have spent within our ranks, and the unfortunate reality that I was unable to impart significant practical knowledge—largely because you possessed an inherent understanding that rendered my tutelage unnecessary."

"Even so, you stand out as one of the most exceptional disciples I have ever had the privilege to guide. The Blood Court will perpetually remain your sanctuary. Should you ever find yourself in need of refuge, allies, or indeed anything at all... you are always welcome to return."

Kyrian executed a respectful bow.

"Thank you kindly, Leader Dong Zhen," he replied.

He then turned his attention to Bai Zhu.

"Look after everyone here," Kyrian requested, his tone earnest.

"You know I will, without question," Bai Zhu assured him confidently.

Kyrian shifted his gaze to Kai.

"Try not to perish on some foolishly undertaken mission," he advised.

Kai responded with a chuckle.

"I shall make an effort."

Kyrian then addressed Yan Ling.

"Continue your studies diligently. You possess a remarkable aptitude for them," he encouraged.

Yan Ling nodded in agreement, a glimmer of determination shining in her eyes.

Kyrian looked towards Li Fen.

"You maintain a quiet demeanor. However, I am certain you absorb everything said. It is a valuable skill; continue to hone it," he advised.

Li Fen offered a slight, almost imperceptible nod.

Finally, Kyrian's gaze settled upon Mei Li.

The two individuals held each other's gaze for a prolonged moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

"Are you not going to utter a single word?" Mei Li inquired, her voice soft.

"You are already fully aware of everything I would wish to convey," Kyrian responded, his tone equally gentle.

Mei Li's lips curved into a smile, that small, almost bashful expression that seldom graced her features.

"Yes," she affirmed softly.

"I do know."

She took a step forward, and before Kyrian could properly react, she embraced him briefly.

The hug was fleeting, lasting no more than a second or two. She then carefully stepped back.

"Please return someday," she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet hope.

"Once your name resounds throughout the Central Territory,"

"I shall make my return," Kyrian vowed.

He then turned, his steps carrying him towards the hall's exit.

No one chose to accompany him.

...

Within the stables, Arcon was already in attendance. The magnificent black winged horse restlessly flapped its appendages, a clear sign of its eagerness to be underway.

Kyrian took his seat upon the creature.

"Let us depart," were his words.

Arcon ascended into the sky, taking flight.

The imposing fortress of the Blood Court receded into the distance – its somber walls, its sharp spires, and the very corridors where Kyrian had spent countless months. He glimpsed the figures of Dong Zhen and the others gathered in the central courtyard, observing his departure.

Kyrian lifted a hand in a farewell gesture.

Bai Zhu reciprocated the motion.

Soon after, the fortress vanished entirely beyond the veil of the illusionary barrier.

Kyrian directed his gaze towards the distant horizon.

Stretching endlessly before him lay the Northern Territory. Foreboding clouds loomed overhead, magnificent mountains pierced the sky in the distance, and uncharted lands awaited.

The illustrious Central Territory beckoned.

Kyrian set his course towards the southern reaches of the Northern Territory.

Beneath him, the vast, barren plains of the Blood Court unfurled like an ocean of parched earth and contorted flora. A mournful wind whistled through the deep fissures scarring the land, stirring up swirling columns of dust that capered like specters under the dim, filtered light cast by the heavy clouds.

He journeyed for many hours, meticulously following the directions inscribed on Dong Zhen’s map. The ancient scroll lay open in his grasp, the confident strokes of the Court Leader's handwriting dictating his every navigational shift.

As per the map's notations, Kyrian's initial objective was a city known as Red Smoke City.

The journey was estimated to span roughly fifteen days at Arcon's sustained pace. Fifteen days traversing the entirety of the Northern Territory, passing by minor settlements, the outposts of fourth-level powers, perilous beast territories, and diverse biomes that transformed with every hundred kilometers traversed.

Kyrian carefully put away the map, his focus now entirely dedicated to the unwavering continuity of his flight.