The heavy silence after the impact of the last strike lasted for long seconds.

And then the sound of Feng Yuan's laughter echoed like a joyful thunder throughout the arena.

"The heavens have truly blessed my sect today!"

His black robe fluttered, and the gleam in his eyes seemed more alive than ever.

"Two disciples, two young men who have comprehended the Sword Intent… the Verdant Sword Sect can finally flourish again!"

The disciples in the stands couldn't hide their admiration. Some still stood with their mouths open, while others whispered in excited awe.

"So this is what sword battles can be like…"

"That wasn't a battle, that was a sword lesson."

Among the core disciples, who had been watching and wondering about the outcome, surprise filled their faces. Their expressions varied.

Long Xue had her arms crossed and a faint smile on her face that soon vanished as she grumbled and walked away.

"Hmph. At least the handsome boy wasn't just a pretty face."

Wu Jian watched in silence, his expression stern, but his eyes now carried newfound respect.

Shen Yu maintained a calm demeanor, but his fingers brushed the hilt of his sword several times while watching the fight, almost eager to be up there himself.

Mo Xia, on the other hand, even after seeing her brother completely cut down, had her eyes focused solely on Kyrian.

She smiled openly, her violet eyes shining as she found a new interest.

Meanwhile, Yanyu watched everything from the lower stands.

Her chest was still heaving. Since the start of the battle, she hadn't breathed properly, not out of worry, but because she had been entirely focused on every sword strike.

Now, seeing Kyrian standing in the center of the arena completely unscathed, she finally relaxed. The outcome was exactly as she had predicted.

'In a battle without relying on Qi, perhaps Kyrian could even compare to monsters and those who've lived for centuries…' she thought.

Feng Yuan then approached Mo Tianhai, who was still kneeling in the arena, his body covered in healing wounds after using the pills the sect leader had given him.

Tianhai was breathing heavily, but in his eyes there was a newfound clarity.

Feng Yuan looked at him for a few seconds before speaking.

"The way you fought was magnificent, Tianhai. But also… reckless."

The leader's voice started calm but ended firm and sharp.

"You could have died. If Kyrian hadn't noticed or if he had decided to strike you down, you would be dead."

"No, to be exact, you would have died if I hadn't given you those pills."

"Your willpower was admirable, but you must not ignore your body's limits. Next time, you might die for real."

Tianhai lowered his head slightly.

"This disciple understands. I thank you for saving my life, Sect Leader. I was reckless."

Feng Yuan observed him in silence for a moment, then shook his head.

"No. You don't need to apologize. You did well."

Tianhai lifted his eyes, confused.

Feng Yuan then stepped forward, looking down at him.

"Mo Tianhai, will you accept me as your master?" Feng Yuan said, his voice echoing across the arena.

The words fell like thunder.

Instantly, a wave of murmurs swept through the stands.

The sect leader had just accepted a disciple recently, and now he wanted to take another direct disciple.

Many were unsure. In the sect's history, the leader had always had only one direct disciple, on whom he focused all his efforts to train as the next leader.

Mo Tianhai froze.

He looked at the leader in disbelief, his lips parted, frozen, unable to respond immediately.

Then, by instinct, he turned his head.

His eyes found Kyrian, who was still standing in the arena, sheathing his sword at his waist. His black hair danced in the wind.

Tianhai swallowed hard.

"And him…?"

Feng Yuan smiled then, amusement gleaming in his eyes.

"He will remain my first direct disciple. And you will be the second. There is no rule that says I cannot have more than one."

The realization hit like a spark. Tianhai and the others understood.

It was true. There was no such rule.

Then… why had he fought?

What was all this for?

He took a deep breath. Despite everything, there was no regret. The battle had only brought him good things.

Tianhai breathed, his legs trembling with exhaustion, but slowly he stood up.

The pain was still there, throbbing, but now there was something greater.

He walked, step by step, until he stood before Kyrian.

The sound of his boots echoed in the silent arena until he stopped before the young man with the uncommon green eyes.

"I truly thank you… for guiding me," Tianhai said, bowing his head slightly.

The silence that followed was heavy.

Even the elders seemed surprised. No one expected the proud Mo Tianhai, who only truly respected the sect leader, to bow to someone younger than him.

Kyrian looked at him for a few seconds, his expression calm. He could feel that Tianhai's words were sincere.

He let out a soft sigh and then replied.

"There's no need. After all, now we are fellow disciples under the same master. There's no need for formality."

Tianhai then raised his head, a sincere smile forming on his lips.

Kyrian turned, walking calmly down the arena steps.

The murmurs quickly spread among the disciples.

"No one announced the winner…"

"What does it matter? Everyone saw it. Kyrian controlled everything from the start."

"Even so, Mo Tianhai also comprehended his intent, something no one has done in countless years. Maybe next time…"

"I don't think it would change anything. If they were in the same realm, Tianhai wouldn't stand a chance," another young man said, already having found a new clear idol after the fight.

Kyrian walked calmly toward the lower stands, where Yanyu was seated.

As he approached, dozens of eyes followed him.

Some disciples began whispering among themselves.

"Who's that girl?"

"Is she from the inner sect? Must've joined recently."

"Could she be… his woman?"

"His woman!? I don't believe that."

Yanyu clearly heard the last comments, her face immediately turning red.

Kyrian stopped before her, his eyes as calm as always.

"Come with me."

"Where?" Yanyu blinked, surprised.

Kyrian then replied naturally, as if it were something simple.

"I'll take you to my courtyard. The sect leader has allowed it."

For a moment, Yanyu froze. The words took time to sink in.

'He… he didn't forget me, after all…'

The thought surfaced inevitably, warming her chest.

She quickly stood up, a smile blooming on her face.

"Alright, let's go!"

She said, as the fox sitting beside her stood up as well, giving a light leap.

It looked at Kyrian with a greedy expression.

Kyrian sighed and nodded.

The three then left the arena, while most still focused on Tianhai, who was accepting his place as the second direct disciple.

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