Two days had passed since Kyrian arrived at the Verdant Sword Sect.

Now, he was in his courtyard, resting after a training session with the sect leader.

The two had sparred for several hours, and Kyrian finally understood what it meant to fight with a sword.

Kyrian had always excelled in technique and precision in his strikes. But against the leader, none of his attacks worked. Kyrian felt as if he had become Yanyu, no matter what he did, the sect leader had a way to defend.

Not only to defend, but also to counterattack. No matter how well Kyrian saw the attacks and defended, the deadlock was broken multiple times, with the leader teaching things he had never thought of before.

Moreover, he learned better how to utilize the sword's intent, which the leader also comprehended. Even if not completely like him, the fight was extremely revealing for both of them.

By the end of the day, both had gained greatly.

The leader was excited again, assuming that soon, as he sparred with Kyrian, his incomplete sword intent would become complete, it was only a matter of time.

It was the next morning when five shadows cut across the sect's skies.

Flying in perfect formation atop imposing winged beasts.

The creatures flapped their broad wings, creating gusts of wind that spread across the inner grounds, forcing the disciples to brace their feet and look up at them.

Everyone looked up immediately.

"They're the core disciples…!" exclaimed a young man, his eyes shining with respect.

"So they've returned from the mission… Right now…" murmured another, his voice slightly low.

The five figures were not unknown to anyone. Becoming a core disciple was a nearly unattainable status for all internal disciples, ranking just below the five central elders and the sect leader himself.

They were the pillars of the sect's new generation, those who would command it in the future.

Leading them was Mo Tianhai, with a stern and somber face, known for his relentless sword technique and never accepting second place.

Beside him was his sister, Mo Xia, equally cold, with eyes that revealed something akin to boredom.

Behind them came the other three.

Long Xue, a girl with purple hair, possessing a striking, intimidating beauty. Wu Jian, tall and broad-shouldered, with a two-handed sword hanging on his back that looked extremely heavy.

And finally, Shen Yu, with serene and tranquil features, far too calm for a warrior, but with a deep gaze.

The beasts descended in sync, the impact of their claws on the ground echoing like muffled thunder. The wind spread across the landing area, lifting leaves and dust.

The five dismounted their mounts lightly and immediately noticed the strange gazes around them.

These were not the usual looks of respect and even fear, but a strange curiosity and expectation. Something more.

Mo Tianhai frowned.

"Why the hell are they whispering so much?" he muttered, looking around.

Indeed, the voices grew louder and louder.

Mo Tianhai's expression darkened as he heard something suddenly. He took a sudden step, grabbing the shoulder of a passing internal disciple.

"You."

"Tell me, what happened in the sect while we were gone?" Mo Tianhai's voice descended upon the disciple sharply.

The young man shrank, swallowing hard.

"T-the sect leader… accepted a direct disciple. Among the… new disciples this year."

Silence fell for a moment. Mo Tianhai's grip tightened, eliciting a groan of pain from the internal disciple.

"Repeat that." he demanded.

"It's true! A newcomer was chosen as a direct disciple," the desperate internal disciple quickly replied.

Mo Tianhai then released him with a certain brutality, pushing the young man aside. The young man stumbled and ran off without looking back.

"This is ridiculous. How can someone who just entered be chosen?" Long Xue said, crossing her arms.

"Who knows, maybe it's just a rumor." Shen Yu commented, his voice calm as if he didn't truly care.

"Heh! I'll only believe it when I see it," Wu Jian added, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword on his back.

Mo Tianhai walked ahead with heavy steps.

"Let's go. If it's true, I'll see it with my own eyes," he said firmly.

Without hesitation, the five quickened their pace toward the top of the sect, the central area, where only the core disciples, elders, and the leader could reside.

The stairway opened before them, flanked by ancient trees with massive trunks. The cold wind carried the cutting, invisible pressure of the protective formation, growing stronger as they neared the summit.

It signified they were approaching the heart of the sect, but all were already accustomed to it.

As they were about to reach the main hall, a figure appeared in their path.

It was Elder Mei Ran. Her eyes scanned each of them for a moment.

"The sect leader awaits you. Enter."

Without arguing, they proceeded inside the hall.

The place was vast, supported by green pillars. The walls were engraved with paintings and markings of ancient swords. At the central throne, seated in a serene posture, was Feng Yuan, the sect leader.

The five core disciples bowed in unison.

"We pay our respects to the sect leader."

Feng Yuan observed them for a moment.

"So. About the mission." he said simply.

Mo Tianhai stepped forward. Without a word, he took a leather bag from his spatial ring, opened it, and tossed it onto the stone table.

A head rolled out from within, its eyes frozen in terror.

"The target and their entire organization have been exterminated," Mo Tianhai declared firmly.

The leader cast only a glance.

"Good work. The rewards will be distributed later."

Silence returned, until Feng Yuan raised his voice again.

"But I called you here for another reason."

"To present a new disciple. And also, my direct disciple whom I have chosen."

The impact was immediate.

Wu Jian furrowed his brows.

Long Xue let out a short, incredulous laugh. Shen Yu remained motionless, but his eyes narrowed with curiosity.

Mo Xia raised her eyebrows in surprise, a curious smile appearing on her lips.

Mo Tianhai, for his part, clenched his fists, veins bulging in his hands.

It was at that moment that Mei Ran returned, bringing with her a figure.

Kyrian, the one the leader had spoken of, entered the hall with firm steps.

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