Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 348: A Visit (2)

Kyrian surveyed the group of five youths positioned before his chamber’s entrance, his expression utterly impassive. His snowflake-shaped eyes cast a faint glow in the dimly lit hallway, and the chill emanating from his form caused the surrounding air to noticeably condense. He assessed each of them in mere moments. Based on his perception, all five were positioned in the final stages of the Qi Liberation Realm, specifically the eighth stage or the peak of the realm. Their auras felt stable and robust, yet undeniably inferior to his own. No hostility or murderous intent was detected from any of them. Instead, Kyrian sensed a blend of anticipation, cautious respect, and a trace of apprehension. This was clearly not an ambush, but a purposeful visit.

"Help?" Kyrian echoed, a slight furrow appearing on his brow. The word felt peculiar on his tongue. He had only been in the City of Red Smoke for two days, knowing no one within its confines. He possessed no allies, nor had he made any enemies. It was indeed unusual for someone to seek him out specifically.

"For what purpose? And why me?"

The lanky youth clad in a crimson robe stepped forward, executing a respectful bow. Kyrian recognized him; this was the same individual he had observed at a distant table in the restaurant the previous evening. He had incidentally noted the youth’s presence peripherally while dining but hadn't given it much thought. Now, this person stood directly before him.

The young man lifted his head and spoke, his voice steady despite the deference conveyed by his posture. "I presume you are aware that today, various factions will be departing from the city towards the outskirts of the ancient Great Volcano in pursuit of Ming Hai’s tomb."

Kyrian offered no verbal reply, merely a single nod. He had been present in the main square the day before, witnessing the four elders upon the black stone platform, and had overheard the announcements regarding the joint expedition. It was, without a doubt, the dominant topic of conversation throughout the city.

"We are part of one of those expeditions," the young man continued, indicating his companions with a gesture. "We have come to inquire if you would be willing to lend us your assistance in the exploration."

"Why me?" Kyrian reiterated the query, this time with greater directness.

A swift exchange of glances passed between the five youths. Their leader paused for a fleeting second before responding, his gaze locked onto Kyrian’s. "I observed you last night at the restaurant. We all did. The pure ice Qi you manifest… it is exceptionally rare in this region. Here, nearly everyone cultivates the Path of Fire. It is what we possess in abundance – volcanoes, lava, and heat. Consequently, all our techniques are centered around fire."

He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts. "As we draw nearer to the Great Volcano, the ambient temperature and the inherent dangers escalate dramatically. The intense heat is not merely uncomfortable; it compromises defenses and attracts the fire beasts that inhabit the slopes. Even with our protective techniques rooted in the Path of Fire, enduring the deeper progression into the intermediate zones, or even closer to the volcano itself, will prove exceedingly difficult."

Kyrian listened in silence, his snowflake eyes absorbing every word.

"However, with an individual such as yourself, capable of commanding the cold and exuding ice Qi… our efforts in surveying the surroundings would be significantly eased. You could potentially mitigate a portion of the extreme heat, establish pockets of breathable air for the group, and perhaps even diminish the effectiveness of some of the fire beasts we will encounter, given that ice is inherently their weakness."

The young man met Kyrian’s gaze directly. "That is why we have approached you. This will not be without compensation. We are prepared to offer a fair sum in mid-grade spirit stones, five hundred stones per day of exploration, with an additional bonus should we be the first to uncover anything of significance. Furthermore, the amount could be increased if your contribution proves more valuable than initially anticipated."

Kyrian remained silent for several lengthy seconds. Five hundred mid-grade spirit stones per day represented a substantial sum for many. However, the financial aspect was not the primary factor influencing his decision. His plan had been to conclude his exploration of the city today and depart either tomorrow or the day after. Dong Zhen’s map indicated several other cities, and the Central Territory remained a considerable distance away.

Yet… the prospect of merely traversing the same streets again seemed notably less enticing. The City of Red Smoke held some interest, but he had already taken in its essentials: the markets, the various districts, the lava fissure. Another day here would be monotonous. Conversely, witnessing the Great Volcano up close presented a different scenario. It wasn't a mere detour; it was an experience. An opportunity to observe an extreme environment, potentially to glean new knowledge. And all of this would be funded.

Moreover, there was the matter of the inheritance.

"If we locate Ming Hai’s tomb," Kyrian inquired, his voice even. "How will the inheritance be distributed?"

The young man in the scarlet robe replied swiftly, as if he had anticipated the question.

"You will certainly get your share. The four great powers of the City of Red Smoke always keep their word; they have a reputation to uphold. The inheritance shall be divided fairly, given proportionally based on the contributions of each faction and individual. Those who aid in discovering the tomb and its treasures will be rewarded generously. They can expect techniques, artifacts, spirit stones, and even high-ranking positions within the sects, should they wish for them."

Kyrian pondered for another moment, his stern expression unwavering.

The offer seemed fair. The young cultivators appeared genuine. Their words lacked any trace of poison, nor were any hidden intentions apparent. They were simply a group of cultivators seeking to enhance their success rate by recruiting someone with a complementary skill set.

Kyrian had no need for the wealth. However, the prospect of exploring an active volcano piqued his interest.

Ultimately, he made his decision.

"Very well. I accept your proposal."

The five young cultivators visibly relaxed, their smiles appearing almost instantly. The heavy burden on their shoulders appeared to vanish. Their leader offered another bow, this one even deeper than before.

"Thank you sincerely. You shall not regret this decision."

One by one, they introduced themselves, sharing their names and the factions they represented. While Kyrian paid little attention to most, figures he likely wouldn't encounter again, he took note of those who seemed particularly significant.

The leader, a tall young man clad in a crimson robe, was identified as Pan Zheng, a disciple from the Mountain Flame Sect, one of the four major powers spearheading this expedition. The other four were his associates, hailing from his own sect or allied forces.

"You may call me Kyrian," Kyrian responded concisely after their introductions.

The name struck the five as peculiar, distinct from the common appellations they were used to; it was shorter, sharper.

Some blinked in surprise, others exchanged knowing glances, but no one voiced their thoughts. It could perhaps be a title or a unique cultivation name he had adopted. Regardless, it was not their concern.

"Excellent. Follow me, Kyrian," Pan Zheng stated, turning towards the corridor.

"I will introduce you to the remainder of our party. Following that, we shall depart without delay for the Great Volcano. We have already squandered too much valuable time."

Kyrian gave a slight nod and followed the group of five out of the Golden Ash Pavilion.