Chapter 218: Cloud Empire (38)

Kyrian woke up even before the first gray ray crossed the eternal clouds of the capital. The room was still immersed in penumbra, illuminated only by the soft and diffuse light that filtered through the tall windows of the Crimson Lotus Residence.

He had not slept deeply.

Since the training with Duke Rong, his mind had not stopped replaying every movement as a form of training. The spin of the dagger, the intent blades cutting through the air, the crushing weight of the difference in cultivation. Every detail was analyzed and stored.

He sat up in bed, stretched his body out of habit, and began dressing in the crimson robe of the Main Branch.

The heavy fabric settled perfectly over his shoulders, like a second skin. He tied his black hair back simply and was about to leave the room when a light knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

Mei Li opened the door with her usual care. She wore a lighter robe, suitable for a day of observation, her hair tied in a functional and practical bun.

In her right hand, she carried a small rolled parchment. It was not a formal invitation, just a quick note she herself had written the previous night.

“Good morning, Leader.” She gave a small bow and entered, closing the door behind her.

“This time it’s not an invitation from anyone. I’m going to the Jade Palace Formation Tournament. I wanted to know if you’re going as well.”

Kyrian finished adjusting his robe and turned to her.

He thought for a long second.

After the Alchemy Competition, something had changed within him. It was not a dramatic shift. Kyrian was not one for abrupt changes but for clear and cold perception.

Auxiliary professions were not distractions. They were multipliers. Alchemists created pills worth fortunes, accelerated cultivation, and healed impossible injuries.

While formations… controlled an entire environment. Impenetrable barriers, lethal traps, Qi accelerations, containment seals, illusions, and teleports. They were a type of power over space.

He instinctively touched the mark on his hand. The one left by the natural formations. The mark pulsed faintly, as if responding to the thought. A living reminder of nearby natural formations, though still distant.

“Yes. I was thinking of going. After yesterday… I realized that professions like these can make me rich quickly.” He replied, his voice calm and resolute.

’And rich means independent. I don’t need to stay bound to the Court forever because of resources.’

Mei Li raised an eyebrow, surprised by the frankness.

“So you’re considering learning formations as well?”

“I’ll just observe for now.”

Mei Li smiled faintly, approving the logic.

“Then let’s go together. The others already left early. Bai Zhu said he was going to train with Tao again, Yan Ling is researching something, and Kai and Li Fen… well, you know how they are. Each in their own corner.”

With everything in order, Kyrian followed Mei Li out of the room.

The rented carriage was already waiting at the main gate. The same impassive coachman as always stood there, reins in hand, as if he had never left his place. They climbed in, the door closed with a soft click, and the vehicle departed with that same almost supernatural smoothness.

The journey lasted a little over an hour. The streets of the capital were busy, but the carriage followed side paths that Mei Li had mapped the previous night, avoiding congestion and curious eyes.

Kyrian spent the time looking through the narrow window, analyzing the flow of people.

They arrived at the Jade Palace an hour later.

The place was immense. A colossal circular structure of pure white jade, with towers that seemed to grow directly from the lowest clouds. Hundreds of cultivators were already converging at the main entrances.

The murmur was loud but organized. Lines of participants carrying matrix scrolls, energy crystals, and inscription tools. There were also nobles and merchants occupying VIP areas, with guards in jade-green uniforms maintaining order.

Kyrian took Duke Rong’s pendant from his spatial ring and showed it to the guard at the VIP entrance. The man bowed immediately, almost touching the ground with his forehead.

“Young Master! This way, please.”

They were guided through an exclusive corridor of polished jade, completely avoiding the common lines. They ascended internal stairways that seemed to float until they reached the Celestial Plaza.

A gigantic circular arena, surrounded by 108 pillars of white jade inscribed with ancient matrices that glowed softly with internal light. At the center, a suspended disk of black stone served as the main stage, with pulsating runes engraved on its surface. Around the disk, stands rose in concentric steps, each level connected by floating bridges. At the top of each pillar were smaller platforms with privileged seats.

Kyrian and Mei Li were led to one of the highest platforms. With a perfect view of the entire arena, far from the noise of the common crowd. They sat in jade seats cushioned with spiritual silk pillows.

In a short time, the stands were completely filled. Thousands of voices mingled, nobles commenting on bets, independent cultivators analyzing the participants, and young talents from various forces preparing mentally.

The central disk also filled quickly, with hundreds of participants, young and old, carrying some materials. The air was heavy with expectation and residual Qi.

Then, silence fell like a blade.

A figure jumped from one of the highest pillars.

She descended in a straight line, landing softly at the center of the disk as if the air supported her. Bright green hair waved around her. The hair was long, vivid, and almost luminous under the diffuse light of the clouds.

She wore white robes with emerald jade details, a perfect face, and eyes cold like a frozen lake. Her presence was magnetic, almost oppressive.

Many held their breath.

A noble beside Kyrian whispered, his voice trembling with admiration.

“There she is… Miss Qing Lanyue. One of the three great beauties of the cloud capital. I’m sure half the crowd came just for the chance to see her, even from afar.”

And he was right.

Shouts and exclamations rose from the crowd. Young cultivators stretched themselves, trying to draw attention. Some shouted her name. Others simply stared, hypnotized.

Qing Lanyue ignored everything.

She raised her right arm. A wave of pure Qi exploded from her. Cold, cutting, and silent. It swept across the entire arena like an invisible blade, silencing every voice within seconds.

The silence was absolute.

She looked at the participants on the disk, then at the stands. Her voice came out clear, cold, and filled with natural authority.

“The Jade Palace Formation Tournament begins now!”

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