For a brief moment, no one moved after the sect leader vanished.

The wind blowing through the open doors of the hall only made everyone's hair sway, along with the banners bearing the symbol of the Verdant Sword Sect.

Feng Yuan had disappeared like a breath, leaving no trace behind.

The silence that followed was heavy, no one spoke first.

Kyrian kept his eyes fixed on the space where the sect leader had been just moments ago, thinking about the green shadow that had passed near him so quickly he couldn't even react.

For several seconds, the sound of the wind entering was the only noise in the hall.

Until Mei Ran suddenly spoke, turning to the elders.

"He really left… How long do you think he'll take to settle his matters?"

"I have no idea. But, a few weeks, or maybe even months. Still, I believe he'll return before the Gathering of Domains." one elder replied.

Mei Ran nodded, then took a step forward, looking at the others.

"The leader's words were clear. While he is away, we will take care of the sect. Continue your duties and do not allow the balance to break."

Her firm voice made everyone nod as they straightened their posture.

The other elders also nodded in agreement.

Soon after, the hall began to empty. The sound of footsteps echoed across the stone floor as, one by one, disciples and elders left the place.

Kyrian left with Yanyu not long after everyone else. The light of dusk began to descend upon the mountaintop, filtering through the trees. The two soon disappeared, returning to Kyrian's courtyard.

Kyrian remained silent for a long time. It seemed as though everything had returned to normal. But he had many thoughts after witnessing such a display of power, eager for the day he could reach that realm.

No, he wanted even more.

Suddenly, a voice broke through Kyrian's thoughts.

"Do you think he'll take long to return? He really seemed in a hurry," Yanyu asked, breaking the silence that had formed along the path.

Kyrian turned his gaze to the horizon, where the sun was beginning to set.

"The leader is someone who has lived many years. Much older than us. He must have unfinished matters and enemies in many places."

"He left right after breaking through, so I'm sure it's something truly important to him. But whatever it is, it's not something we should worry about."

"We need to focus on our own matters and on becoming stronger." Kyrian replied without turning his face.

…

Outside the central area, the entire sect was beginning to stir.

Rumors spread like fire through dry straw. Everyone had felt that terrible pressure, and now speculation ran rampant throughout the sect.

Some said a powerful intruder had been defeated. Others that the leader had successfully cultivated a supreme technique.

Some guessed correctly about the leader's breakthrough, but few truly knew the truth.

…

Kyrian and Yanyu were already in the courtyard. Once again, Yanyu made dinner for the two of them, while Luz received the spirit stones Kyrian had promised.

There were still several days left before Kyrian could cultivate again, so he was in no rush. Yanyu, on the other hand, was more eager than ever to cultivate.

Her progress seemed smooth and terrifyingly fast. Especially due to the lingering effects of the spiritual herb still in her body.

And so, several days passed after the leader had left the sect.

Kyrian and Yanyu remained in the courtyard, training and sparring every day, improving their strength, while Kyrian learned more about how to control his new ability.

Five days had passed since the sect leader's departure.

Time ran quickly, days filled with training and silence in Kyrian's courtyard.

The mornings were filled with the sounds of swords cutting through the air, and the afternoons with discussions about Qi and Yanyu's technique control.

The two fought every day, their bodies and minds adapting to the rhythm.

That late afternoon, after a long exchange of blows, the metallic sound of swords finally ceased.

The courtyard floor was marked with cuts, and the air still vibrated with traces of sword intent.

Yanyu was breathing heavily, drops of sweat running down her face.

Then, she lowered her sword and smiled.

"I finally did it."

Kyrian raised an eyebrow but understood what she meant.

"The Seven-Leaf Sword Technique. I've finally grasped it completely, all seven layers," she said firmly and confidently.

"Now, I need another technique…"

Kyrian sheathed his sword, which was already showing signs of wear, and nodded slightly.

"You want to go to the Technique Pavilion, then?"

"Yes. And you're coming with me, since you don't seem to have much to do lately," she said curtly.

Kyrian nodded.

"You're right. There isn't much to do while the barrier hasn't disappeared yet. So I can go with you."

The two then left the courtyard together. On the way, Kyrian noticed that none of the core disciples were around. They had likely gone on another mission.

They seemed truly close now.

Especially with Long Xue needing help, they had gathered around her to help recover her memories, though, so far, nothing had returned.

Kyrian also remembered Di Fei. He had heard from Mei Ran that Di Fei became an inner disciple of the sect after everyone learned it wasn't his fault that Long Xue had been hurt.

They couldn't let him leave the sect either, so they made him a disciple, which he gladly accepted after seeing how the Verdant Sword Sect operated.

They descended the long stairways leading to the inner area of the sect.

The mountain wind blew cold, carrying dry leaves along the path.

It didn't take long before they reached the inner area, and immediately, Kyrian noticed something different in the air.

Not in the Qi or anything specific, but in the general mood of the disciples.

Everyone seemed lighter, more confident. Now that they knew the leader had truly broken through to the Spiritual Awakening Realm, a greater sense of security flowed throughout the sect.

After all, among nearby domains, not everyone could boast of having someone at that level defending them.

The two continued in silence for a while until, suddenly, a loud noise echoed ahead.

Shouts, applause, and hurried footsteps.

Yanyu frowned.

"There seems to be a commotion ahead."

Kyrian turned his gaze and saw a large number of inner disciples gathered near one of the arenas.

A circle had formed, and at its center, two figures argued heatedly.

"Let's see," said Yanyu, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Kyrian sighed but nodded, following along.

As they approached, they clearly heard a voice shout.

"Two weeks! Two weeks from now, in the central arena, I'll make you swallow those words!"

Murmurs spread instantly.

"He really challenged him?!"

"He's insane! He's only at the first stage of the Qi Liberation Realm!"

"He'll be crushed!"

Kyrian observed the scene, and soon his gaze settled on the young man who had shouted.

A familiar face.

It was the crown prince, the one who had taken the sect entrance test alongside Kyrian, Yanyu, and the others.

The other young man before him had a look of pure disdain.

He was tall, with short spiked hair, narrow eyes, and a mocking smile.

His strength was evident, clearly he was someone at the 3° stage of the Qi Liberation Realm.

The crown prince, on the other hand, was only at the first stage.

The difference was staggering.

The spiky-haired young man merely scoffed, turning his back.

"See you in two weeks, then. I hope you survive long enough to step onto the arena. Don't even think about running."

He left with a small group of followers, laughing.

Kyrian watched everything silently until he noticed something curious.

As soon as the show ended and the disciples noticed his presence, many fell silent and immediately bowed.

Their expressions shifted, instant respect.

After all, before them stood one of the two direct disciples of the sect leader.

Kyrian ignored the reverence, walking straight toward the crown prince.

The prince stood in the center of the circle, breathing heavily with clenched fists.

"What happened?" Kyrian asked suddenly, his tone neutral but curious.

The crown prince looked at him and let out a long sigh.

"That bastard… he humiliated a friend in front of several disciples and even mocked my lineage. I couldn't stay quiet."

Kyrian raised an eyebrow upon hearing that.

"Even if it puts you against someone two stages above you?"

The prince closed his eyes for a moment, his voice laced with controlled anger.

"It doesn't matter. If I stay silent, he'll keep going. If I lose, at least I won't lose quietly."

Kyrian watched him for a moment in silence, then crossed his arms.

"So, what are you going to do about it?"

The prince looked down for a moment, thoughtful and hesitant.

Then he raised his gaze, determined.

"I'll train harder. And for that… I wanted to ask you a favor."

Kyrian looked up slightly.

"A favor?"

"Train me," the prince said directly, his expression firm.

"I saw your fight with Tianhai. If I have your guidance, maybe I'll have a chance."

Silence settled between them for a moment. Yanyu glanced sideways at Kyrian, waiting for his answer.

Kyrian fell into thought.

But finally, he replied.

"Alright."

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