Applause echoed through the hall, mixed with laughter and animated comments.
The servants began to circulate efficiently, offering final drinks and guiding the guests toward the exit.
Groups formed naturally, exchanging last words and promises of future meetings. The energy of the night still lingered in the air, charged with the memory of the battles, but fatigue was beginning to show on flushed faces and relaxed postures.
Tao remained at the center for a moment, exchanging handshakes and quick words with several group leaders.
He seemed satisfied, his broad smile reflecting the success of his celebration.
"Thank you once again. Come back whenever you like." He said to a group of local nobles before turning to others.
Kyrian rose calmly, his carmine eyes sweeping across the hall one last time.
The Blood Court group gathered around him without the need for orders. Bai Zhu was still animated, commenting on something about his victory, while Mei Li adjusted her tunic with elegance.
Yan Ling, Kai, and Li Fen maintained neutral expressions, but all of them seemed satisfied with the night.
Before they could head for the exit, a small crowd formed around Kyrian.
Young people from various forces approached, drawn by the fight that had marked the night.
The first was Han Mu, from the Earth Forge, who inclined his head in respect.
"Your defense was impeccable, Kyrian. That manipulation of ice... I would like to exchange ideas someday, if you allow it."
Kyrian nodded briefly, responding in a flat voice.
"Sure."
Han Mu smiled and stepped away, satisfied with the short response.
Next came Lin Qiao, from the Deep Roots Sect, with her serene expression.
"Your eyes... they seem to be a rare bloodline inheritance or a special physique. Respect for the way you forced Yun Hao to fully reveal himself."
She did not wait for more, merely inclined her head and returned to her table.
Others approached in sequence.
A young man from the Celestial River Alliance asked about the Blood Court, praising the strength of each member.
A disciple from the Radiant Sky Sect commented on Kyrian’s potential in the coliseum.
Even the smaller local nobles, more timid, murmured praise about how he had elevated the level of the night.
Kyrian responded with nods or minimal words, showing no emotions beyond his habitual indifference, but also without seeming arrogant.
Luo Feng passed nearby, exchanging only a neutral glance with Kyrian. A silent tension, but without words. The girl, Lian, at his side, turned her face away with a sour expression, clearly still irritated by the incident in the city of the Iron Bell.
Finally, Yun Hao approached alone, distancing himself from his Cloud Academy disciples.
His eyes met Kyrian’s directly, carrying a genuine respect that had not existed before the fight.
"It was an honor to fight with you. Your physique is... unique. If we meet in the Coliseum, may it be a good competition." His voice was firm, without arrogance, only recognition.
Kyrian held his gaze for a moment and nodded.
"Likewise. You are strong."
Yun Hao smiled lightly and stepped away, leaving a sense of balance in the air.
With the farewells concluded, the Blood Court group headed for the exit.
Tao intercepted them quickly, vigorously shaking Bai Zhu’s hand.
"You were the highlight of the night! Come back whenever you like."
Bai Zhu laughed, responding with a friendly slap on the host’s shoulder.
The group waved collectively and left the mansion, boarding the same carriage that was already waiting for them outside.
The vehicle departed smoothly, heading back to the Crimson Lotus Residence beneath the capital’s cloudy sky.
Inside the carriage, the silence was broken by Mei Li, who leaned slightly forward, guiding the conversation with her habitual grace.
"So then? What did you think of the birthday? It was a productive night, wasn’t it?" Her tone was light, inviting the others to speak.
Bai Zhu was the first to respond, still full of energy.
"Amazing! Tao is quite a guy. The fights were good, and I had a lot of fun fighting. Those smaller nobles were weak, but the leaders of the other forces... you can see they have potential there."
He flexed his arm, laughing.
"My victory against Mo Qian was great. I felt like I stood out a bit."
Yan Ling nodded, thoughtful.
"I agree. It was useful to observe their techniques. The 4° level forces are varied but predictable. I found the Earth Forge’s style interesting. Heavy, but without flexibility. Overall, it was a good experience. But nothing special. Many seemed to be holding back."
Kai grunted, crossing his arms.
"A lot of talk, and few real actions. I lost to that Luo Feng, but I learned from it. And he hides more than he shows. But the party... it was acceptable."
Li Fen, as always economical with words, merely murmured.
"It was good."
Kyrian then finished.
"The food was good."
Mei Li smiled, taking control again.
"Exactly. It was a small gathering, useful for getting to know the others who will compete with us while we’re in the capital. But the real competition begins tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Yan Ling asked, doubtful.
Mei Li continued, fluidly.
"Tomorrow the Cloud Circle Alchemy Competition begins. It’s one of the best ways to earn spirit stones quickly in the capital before the auction."
"The prizes are high for the winners. Fifty thousand medium-grade spirit stones for first place, plus access to the Imperial herbarium. Some of the youths from today will participate. It’s an open event, but it requires real skill."
Kyrian thought for a moment and spoke.
"Does anyone here have experience with alchemy?"
The group exchanged looks.
Bai Zhu laughed.
"Me? I can’t even tell the difference between a common herb and a spiritual one."
Yan Ling shook her head.
"I’ve read about it but never practiced."
Kai grunted negatively. Li Fen merely blinked, which was equivalent to a no.
Mei Li smiled.
"Unfortunately, I also don’t have experience, besides the fact that it’s necessary to have control over some type of fire Qi to achieve greater success."
Kyrian nodded. He had read about alchemy in the Blood Library, basic concepts of refinement, extraction of essences, and so on. But he had never touched a cauldron.
Participating in a competition was out of the question, it would be a waste of time.
"Then we’ll stay out of it." Kyrian concluded.
’I’ll push myself in the coliseum to obtain as many stones as possible. I don’t intend to lose the two items I desire at the auction.’ His tone was firm, a cold determination echoing in his mind.
Mei Li nodded, continuing the conversation.
"And you, Leader? Will you watch the alchemy competition tomorrow?"
Kyrian thought for a moment, looking out the carriage window at the illuminated streets of the capital.
He had nothing planned for the following day. The coliseum would only open in a few days. Observing might be useful in some way.
"Yes. I’ll watch."
"Then we’ll go together." Mei Li replied with a smile.
The conversation flowed naturally from there, with Mei Li guiding it toward light topics about the fights and impressions. They continued like that, the sway of the carriage rocking the words, until the lights of the Crimson Lotus Residence appeared on the horizon.
The group disembarked in satisfied silence, the night leaving a mark of progress in their minds.