Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 371 - 372

"You."

A cold command, imbued with natural authority, was spoken.

"What are you doing here?"

This was no ordinary question.

Instantly, Kyrian felt the spiritual senses of the four leaders latch onto him, a simultaneous and invasive examination that swept through his entire being, far from a subtle probe.

Concurrently, a faint spiritual pressure bore down on him.

It was an unspoken declaration of dominance, a tactic of intimidation.

The message was unmistakable: We are superior. Do not attempt deception.

Yet, Kyrian showed no reaction.

The pressure was virtually ineffective, his eyes seemingly possessing intrinsic defenses against such coercive forces.

He simply disregarded the spiritual senses scrutinizing his body, having no secrets to conceal.

After a few silent moments, Kyrian responded with practiced calm, his expression as neutral as his tone.

"I was part of one of the expeditions into the Intermediate Area."

"Hm?" A leader’s eyes narrowed, clearly displeased with the ambiguous reply.

"Which group?"

"And why are you alone?"

Kyrian did not falter.

"We were ambushed by a Five-Horned Lava Lizard." The words flowed effortlessly, as if recounting a mundane event.

"During the chaos of our escape, I became separated from the others. I spent the subsequent days recuperating within this cave."

Before the leaders could press further, Pan Zheng stepped forward with haste.

"Esteemed leaders," he stated, offering a respectful bow.

"He was indeed with our contingent. I personally engaged his services in Red Smoke City to aid our exploration."

A subtle inclination of the leaders' heads acknowledged this.

His presence was thus explained: a hired cultivator, an outsider not affiliated with any major powers.

One of them then directed another question, their gaze sharp and penetrating.

"Did you witness the battle with the lizard?"

"Did you observe what transpired in this region?"

Kyrian’s reply was immediate, his expression unwavering.

"No."

"However, I detected the sounds of battle from a distance."

He gestured subtly towards the cave behind him.

"I was caught in the periphery of the battle’s energy, likely a residual effect of draconic breath, forcing me to seek refuge here to survive. I only emerged moments ago, sensing the immediate danger had subsided."

His fabricated account was delivered flawlessly, without a hint of hesitation or alteration in his speech rhythm.

The leaders observed Kyrian in silence for a span of seconds, their gazes fixed upon his face, seeking any trace of deceit.

They found none.

In their estimation, Kyrian was merely an exceptionally fortunate young man. A cultivator of modest abilities, hired for assistance, who had narrowly survived a stray attack by sheer luck.

A survivor, nothing more.

"Very well." One leader declared, averting his gaze.

"You may rejoin your group."

Kyrian offered a placid nod.

The four leaders then retreated several meters, engaging in a private conversation via spiritual transmission, a clandestine method of communication exclusive to cultivators of the Spiritual Awakening Realm.

Naturally, the disciples could not ascertain the subject of their discussion.

Yet, the topic was implicitly understood by all:

The Five-Horned Lava Lizard.

Its slayer had vanished, taking the beast's remains.

Following several minutes of silent deliberation, marked by gestures, furrowed brows, and significant exchanges of glances, the leaders reached a consensus.

Persisting in the hunt for the beast was futile.

It had likely already been vanquished and its body claimed by an unknown cultivator—perhaps a formidable traveling expert or a reclusive elder from a distant power.

Frustration simmered. Intense frustration.

However, their hands were tied.

The priority must now shift back to the primary objective:

Ming Hai’s inheritance.

Subsequently, one of the leaders turned towards the assembled groups, his voice amplified by Qi, resonating across the area.

"All of you shall return to Red Smoke City."

A collective sigh of relief rippled through many disciples; some even mustered smiles.

"You would not endure the conditions within the Inner Area of the Great Volcano."

No one voiced dissent.

Even the most formidable elders, positioned at the pinnacle of the Core Formation Realm and mere steps from Spiritual Awakening, remained silent, acknowledging the truth of his statement.

For they understood the inherent danger.

The Inner Area, the volcano’s core, was a lethal domain. Its scorching heat could incinerate meridians, its beasts possessed the might to fell elders, and the environment itself was a perpetual hazard, rife with unpredictable flames, natural traps, and spiritual instability.

Only those who had attained the Spiritual Awakening Realm were deemed adequately equipped for its exploration.

Without delay, the various groups commenced preparations for their departure.

For a few more moments, the four leaders remained, deliberating amongst themselves on the order of entry, the rear guard positions, and protective strategies.

Kyrian, for the time being, rejoined Pan Zheng’s contingent.

Upon observing the young man’s battered appearance – his clothes scorched and ripped – hushed whispers circulated amongst them.

"He actually survived?"

"What luck."

"Had he taken a direct hit... there would have been no chance for him."

Pan Zheng quickly approached, his face still pale, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"You're alive..." he began, his voice barely more than a whisper, sounding utterly incredulous.

"How? Kyrian, how did you manage to pull through?"

Kyrian simply offered a slight nod.

"I survived."

No further explanation was offered; none was deemed necessary.

Pan Zheng paused, clearly desiring to probe further – how he evaded the lizard, where he sought refuge, what he encountered. Yet, something in Kyrian’s gaze halted his inquiry.

It was a silent, unspoken warning.

He nodded, deferring his questions for a later time.

Meanwhile, the four leaders commenced their advance further up the mountain. None dared to venture into the Inner Area unaccompanied, as even for them, such a place was fraught with extreme peril.

Kyrian observed quietly.

His gaze tracked the four figures until they were completely obscured from view amidst the plumes of volcanic smoke.

He waited a little longer.

Until he was certain their spiritual senses could no longer pierce that region.

Until the faint sound of their retreating footsteps had entirely vanished.

Until nothing remained but the oppressive heat, the wind, and the audible roar of the lava.

Then, at last, Kyrian ceased his forward movement.

"Kyrian?" Pan Zheng inquired, looking at him with evident confusion. The others in the group also halted, turning back to face him.

Kyrian calmly turned around.

His gaze met Pan Zheng’s blue eyes for a brief moment.

"I still have some unfinished business in the Great Volcano."

Pan Zheng’s eyes widened further.

"You intend to remain here alone?" His voice elevated slightly, a clear blend of surprise and concern.

"Kyrian, the Intermediate Area is exceedingly perilous, even for a substantial group..."

However, Kyrian had already begun walking.

His path led not towards the descent, but in the opposite direction – upwards.

His back was turned to the group.

"Worry not so much," he stated, without glancing back.

And without awaiting any reply...

He vanished amidst the volcanic peaks.

Alone.

Ascending the Great Volcano along a trajectory entirely separate from the one taken by the four leaders.

Pan Zheng stood immobile for a considerable duration, his gaze fixed on the spot where Kyrian had disappeared.

"He barely survived, and now he courts death again... But who am I to intervene," Pan Zheng mused aloud.

"Let us depart," the elder of the group commanded, his tone weary.

"He is not our concern. If he wishes to perish, so be it."

The group resumed their descent.

High on the mountainside, Kyrian pressed onward.

With every step, the heat intensified, the falling ash grew thicker, and the smoke became more dense.

His blue eyes emanated a faint glow in the encroaching darkness.

'The Inner Area,' he thought. 'If Ming Hai's tomb exists anywhere, it must be there.'

He continued his climb, driven by the anticipation of discovering the rumored Fire Spirit that might reside within the tomb.