Chapter 217: Cloud Empire (37)

The Duke laughed, a low, genuine laugh.

“Good… very good.”

He no longer retreated. Instead, he planted his feet on the ground and spun the dagger in a complete circular motion. A wave of his own intent exploded from the blade. Thin and silver, like a crescent of cutting light that expanded in all directions.

The dagger technique manifested.

Two blades of pure energy shot out from the Duke’s dagger, flying toward Kyrian’s swords.

The four blades collided in midair.

A sharp sound, like metal being torn in slow motion, echoed across the field.

Kyrian’s intent swords were pushed back, but they did not dissipate. With a mental gesture, he made them return, spinning around his body.

The Duke narrowed his eyes.

Kyrian said nothing. He simply stepped forward, maintaining a safe distance. The flying swords shot out again, this time in crossing patterns, one coming from above on the right, the other from below on the left, trying to trap the Duke in a blind angle.

The Duke twisted his body, the dagger tracing a defensive arc. He blocked one sword with the blade and deflected the other with his forearm. Sparks of Qi exploded again. But now there was a different gleam in his eyes, not just amusement, but genuine surprise.

Kyrian pushed harder.

He controlled the blades to spiral, creating an offensive barrier that closed around the Duke like a cage of cuts.

Each time the Duke tried to advance, one of the flying swords intercepted him, forcing him to retreat or block.

The Duke laughed louder.

“You’re forcing me to truly exert myself.”

He changed his stance. The dagger stopped spinning and remained still for an instant. Then, with a sudden motion, he thrust it forward. Not as a throw, but as an extension of his own arm.

The dagger multiplied.

Three identical blades appeared in the air. All made of Qi and condensed intent, all flying in distant trajectories. One straight, one curving to the right, and one curving to the left.

Kyrian reacted at the same instant.

His two flying swords intercepted two of the Duke’s blades. The third passed, grazing his shoulder, cutting through his robe, and leaving a thin line of blood.

Kyrian did not waver. He made his swords return and launched them again, now in a more aggressive pattern. One spinning like a propeller to block, the other attacking directly at the Duke’s chest.

The Duke blocked with the real dagger, but the impact made him step back two paces.

For the first time, his smile turned into something more serious, deep approval.

“Battle experience… you have more than I imagined for someone your age.”

Kyrian did not stop. He forced the Duke to use the technique again. Two more blades of intent shot from the dagger, this time faster and heavier. Kyrian intercepted one with each flying sword. The four blades collided at the center of the field, creating an explosion of Qi that cracked the stone in a perfect ten-meter circle.

The Duke stopped.

He slowly lowered the dagger.

“Enough.”

His voice was calm but filled with respect.

Kyrian dissipated the intent swords. They broke apart into green particles that evaporated into the air.

In another instant as well, his eyes returned to crimson. Kyrian was breathing a little heavily, a drop of sweat running down his forehead. But his body was still steady and well. He had only used a large amount of Qi.

The Duke walked toward him, stopping a few steps away.

“You surprised me, boy. Especially with the experience you demonstrated.”

The Duke smiled again. This time, without provocation, only satisfaction.

“In that case, I am no longer worried about your participation in the Coliseum. You are not only talented. You are dangerous. I will bet on you when the fights begin. Do not disappoint me.”

Kyrian inclined his head.

“Thank you for the training. And for the trust.”

Before the Duke could respond, a small head appeared from behind one of the columns surrounding the field.

Xue Yin.

She had been hiding there the entire time, eyes wide, cheeks red, hands clutching the hem of her dress. When discovered, she let out a small squeak and tried to hide again.

The Duke laughed. A deep and genuine laugh.

“Yin’er. Come here.”

The girl came out slowly, head lowered, embarrassed. The Duke picked her up with one arm.

“You shouldn’t be watching this. It can be dangerous.”

Xue Yin murmured something inaudible, but her eyes never left Kyrian. The Duke shook his head, amused.

“Go to your mother. Tell her the training is over.”

Xue Yin nodded quickly and ran off, casting one last look at Kyrian before disappearing into the corridor.

Kyrian watched the scene in silence. A brief smile, almost imperceptible, appeared on his face. It was rare for him to truly laugh or smile, but the situation was… amusing.

The Duke noticed.

“She likes you. Be careful. Kids are more dangerous than they seem.”

Kyrian did not respond, but the slight curve of his lips remained for another second.

The Duke placed a hand on his shoulder, a firm gesture, but not aggressive.

“Come. The Duchess insisted that you stay for dinner. It is not a request. It is an order.”

Kyrian nodded.

They walked together to the main hall of the mansion.

Duchess Rong was waiting for them at the entrance, Xue Yin already by her side, now calmer but still red. Mei Li was there as well, speaking with the Duchess as if they were old friends.

Dinner was served at a long, dark wooden table, with refined dishes. Roasted spiritual beast meat with mountain herbs, soups with sautéed crystalline vegetables, and high-quality medicinal wine. The conversation was light.

The Duchess asked about the Blood Court, the Duke commented on the coliseum and the auction, and Xue Yin remained quiet but cast constant glances at Kyrian.

Kyrian answered with few words, but politely. Mei Li conducted most of the conversation, keeping the tone diplomatic and pleasant.

Dinner ended late. Kyrian and Mei Li said their farewells with formal bows. Xue Yin murmured a nearly inaudible “come back soon” before being led away by her mother.

The carriage was waiting for them at the gate. Ready to take them back to the Crimson Lotus residence.

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