Read Novel Full Chapter 214: Cloud Empire (34)
Chapter 214: Cloud Empire (34)
The carriage slowed smoothly as it entered a narrower street in the Fifth District.
Red lanterns hung from dark wooden beams, swaying with the gentle breeze that descended from the eternal clouds.
The smell arrived even before they stopped. Grilled spiritual beast meat mixed with spicy herbs, wild garlic, and a sweet touch of mountain honey.
The restaurant was called.
"Peak Flame."
It had a discreet façade, but with a presence that drew the eye. It was not ostentatious. But of quality.
The coachman stopped exactly in front of the main entrance. Kyrian and Mei Li got down.
The air was cool but heavy with the heat of the internal grills.
An attendant in a gray robe received them with a polite bow and guided them to the inner courtyard, separated by tall screens of spiritual bamboo that blocked sound and sight.
As soon as they crossed the threshold of the courtyard, Kyrian stopped for a moment.
Seated at a large table near a low fountain of running water were the other four from the Court.
Bai Zhu occupied almost half of the bench, devouring a pile of grilled iron-horned beast ribs, sauce dripping down his chin. He laughed loudly at something he had said.
Yan Ling was at his side, an open scroll in front of her, analyzing notes with a concentrated expression.
Kai cleaned a short dagger with an oiled cloth, his gaze distant.
Li Fen, as always, was a silent shadow at the corner of the table, simply observing.
Mei Li smiled when she saw them.
"Looks like everyone had the same idea."
Bai Zhu lifted his head, his mouth full.
"Leader! Mei Li! Sit here! The meat here is absurd. I’ll order another round for you!"
Kyrian walked to the table without hurry and took a seat. Mei Li sat beside him.
A servant appeared almost immediately, bringing two steaming trays. Juicy ribs, thick cuts of beast loin, vegetables sautéed in flower oil, and a jug of medicinal wine that exuded a warm, comforting aroma.
Yan Ling folded the scroll and looked at the two of them.
"How was the alchemy competition?"
Mei Li began to tell it with precise and elegant details. She spoke of Sun Hao’s absurd mastery, of the Rank 5 pill in a poor cauldron, of the explosions, and of the dramatic eliminations.
When she reached the part about the Rank 5 in forty-five minutes, Bai Zhu stopped chewing.
"A Rank 5 pill? With cultivation only at the Core Formation stage? That guy is really a genius!"
Yan Ling tilted her head, thoughtful.
"An initial Rank 5 pill is worth at least a few thousand spirit stones by itself on the market. And he made it with a cauldron that any experienced alchemist would reject. Impressive."
Kai grunted, without taking his eyes off the dagger.
"Well, other professions are interesting. But I still prefer punches and breaking faces. Strength still matters more."
Li Fen only nodded once, as if that confirmed something he already knew.
Kyrian listened in silence, eating slowly. The meat was excellent. Juicy, with a deep flavor that for others nourished not only the body but also the Qi, even though it was useless to him. He chewed and thought.
Bai Zhu wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and leaned forward.
"And you, Leader? Mei Li? What did you really think?"
Mei Li looked at Kyrian, letting him answer first.
Kyrian set the rib down on the tray and wiped his fingers with a linen napkin.
"It was different and interesting." He said, in a low voice.
"More than I expected."
The entire group fell silent for a second. It was rare for Kyrian to admit that something had truly surprised or interested him. In fact, at times they even doubted whether Kyrian had any other emotions.
He continued.
"Alchemists like Sun Hao do not rely only on brute force. Because of their value, they are well regarded everywhere. They create resources. A Rank 5 pill can be worth more than a victory in the Coliseum. It can accelerate years of training. It can save lives. It can turn a battle."
"That makes them, in a way, more independent. Even though strength still means everything in this world."
Bai Zhu blinked, thinking of something.
"So... you’re thinking about learning alchemy?"
Kyrian shrugged, almost imperceptibly.
"In the future. Maybe. For now, the Coliseum is what I’m most focused on. But seeing that... changed my view a little."
Yan Ling raised an eyebrow.
"Auxiliary professions are what separate large forces from small ones. Alchemy, formations, forging, talismans... those who master this do not need to beg for resources. They create their own."
Mei Li nodded.
"Exactly. And the Circle of Clouds is the pinnacle of alchemy here in the capital. Sun Hao will probably inherit everything. But what impressed me the most was the mental control he demonstrated. He didn’t even blink when the cauldron started to crack in the final phase."
The conversation flowed naturally from there. Bai Zhu said he had spent the day training with some minor nobles he had met at Tao’s party.
"Strong guys, but brainless." Words spoken by Bai Zhu.
He had also heard rumors that the Coliseum would open in a few days for open challenges. Bai Zhu also said he would participate.
Yan Ling showed the map she had been studying. On it were several routes to escape the city.
Kai said he had spent the day "walking and listening." While Li Fen preferred not to comment on his day.
Kyrian ate in silence but participated with nods and short questions. The group seemed... harmonious. Not just subordinates and leader. More, in certain ways, companions, even with such different personalities.
When the trays were almost empty, Bai Zhu raised the jug of wine.
"Alright, the auction is approaching. I can hardly wait to see what they have to offer!"
Everyone raised their cups, even Li Fen, who rarely drank. The wine went down warm, with a sweet and invigorating touch.
Kyrian took a sip and looked up at the cloudy sky above.
’Alchemy, formations, forging... maybe I need to master more than just fighting to be truly independent.’
He put the thought aside.
The night was pleasant. The group talked for some more time. When the moon began to stand out among the clouds, they decided to return.
The walk back to the Crimson Lotus Residence was silent but comfortable. The cool night air cleared the mind. Upon arriving, each went to their room without much fuss.
Kyrian closed the door to his chamber and stood still for a moment, staring at nothing.
Today he had seen something new. He lay down but did not fall asleep immediately, finding himself thinking about what he would do after the auction, when he returned to the Court.