Chapter 659: Last days on the Caravan (20)

The sky was already darkening when Kyrian finally left the plaza, the twilight painting the horizon in shades of orange and purple that slowly dissolved into the deep blue of night.

The last people were still walking through the streets of Sky Caravan, their voices creating a constant murmur that filled the air, discussing the treasures acquired during the great auction, the fortunes spent, and the opportunities lost.

Some families were already beginning to return to their residences, while merchants gathered some of the goods displayed during the past few days, their stalls being dismantled one by one.

The Heavenly Descent Festival had ended. And, for Kyrian, his stay in Sky Caravan was also coming to an end.

He walked alongside Sun Luguo and Lio Han for several minutes in silence, the three of them immersed in their own thoughts.

The three did not have much more to say. During those days, they had spent some time together, sharing knowledge and experiences.

Sun Luguo had taught him how to forge, imparting not only techniques but also a philosophy of work that Kyrian would carry with him forever.

Lio Han had given him an opportunity to demonstrate his ability as an alchemist and, indirectly, helped him obtain a considerable amount of resources, pills sold, connections established, and a reputation that was beginning to form within the association.

Both had also witnessed part of Kyrian’s growth, observing his evolution with experienced eyes.

Now, however, the farewell had arrived.

When they reached a fork in the road, where their paths would separate, Sun Luguo stopped. The old blacksmith looked at Kyrian for several seconds, his ancient eyes traveling over the young man’s face with an expression that mixed pride with something else, perhaps a touch of anticipated longing.

Then he smiled.

"This is it."

Kyrian nodded, his voice calm.

"Yes."

Sun Luguo raised his hand and squeezed Kyrian’s shoulder, a firm gesture that carried years of camaraderie.

"Take care during the journey." His voice was simple, but there was sincerity in it.

"The road to the Central Territory will not be peaceful. There are dangers you do not know about yet, and I’m not talking only about spirit beasts or hostile cultivators."

Kyrian looked at the old man.

"I know."

Sun Luguo let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

"You always seem to know."

Then he squeezed his shoulder one last time before releasing him.

"But knowing and being prepared are different things. Experience is a cruel teacher, and its mistakes come at a high price. Don’t rely too much on your own abilities and become arrogant. No matter how talented you are, there will always be someone stronger, more experienced, and more prepared."

Kyrian smiled faintly.

"I’ll remember that."

Lio Han approached next, his imposing figure silhouetted against the dark sky. The old alchemist also placed a hand on Kyrian’s shoulder.

"Don’t take unnecessary risks. You possess enough talent to reach great heights, both as a cultivator and as an alchemist, so don’t waste your life trying to prove something to other people. The journey is long, and the path is more important than speed."

Kyrian remained silent for a moment, absorbing the words.

Then he nodded, his expression becoming slightly more serious.

"Thank you."

He looked first at Sun Luguo, his violet eyes meeting those of the old blacksmith.

"Thank you for teaching me how to forge."

Then he looked at Lio Han.

"And thank you for your help during these days. For the auction, for the pills sold, for everything."

The two old men exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

Sun Luguo laughed, the hoarse sound echoing through the street.

"You don’t need to thank us so much. You earned it."

Lio Han also smiled, his expression warm.

"Exactly. Just remember us when you become famous in the Central Territory."

Kyrian raised an eyebrow, a touch of amusement in his eyes.

"That sounds like a rather high expectation."

"Then make sure you fulfill it." Sun Luguo roared with laughter.

"I don’t want to find out later that my disciple got lost in some small city, forgotten by everyone."

Kyrian also smiled faintly.

"I’ll try."

The three remained silent for a few seconds, the moment stretching like a thread about to be cut.

Then Kyrian took a step back.

"Until someday."

Sun Luguo raised his hand, a gesture of farewell.

"Until someday."

Lio Han nodded, his voice gentle.

"Have a safe journey."

Kyrian turned and began walking, his footsteps firm against the stone.

After a few steps, he heard Sun Luguo shout, his hoarse voice crossing the distance.

"And don’t forget what you learned about forging! Study well, I’ll test you when we meet again!"

Kyrian raised one hand without looking back, a smile on his lips.

"I won’t forget!"

The old blacksmith’s voice echoed through the street, filled with affection and anticipation.

Kyrian continued walking. For some time, he did not look back, not because he did not want to, but because he knew farewells became more difficult when someone kept looking. He took a deep breath, feeling the night air fill his lungs.

’I hope to meet them again someday.’

Then his thoughts shifted, turning toward practical matters. There was still one thing he needed to resolve before returning to his courtyard, the formation plates.

During the past few days, Kyrian had placed some of his formation plates in the other auction of Sky Caravan. With everything that had happened during the Festival, he had almost forgotten about them. Almost.

Kyrian changed direction and walked through the busy streets, his steps quick and determined. It did not take long for him to arrive at the location. The activity there was considerably lower than during the first days of the festival, but some people still remained inside the building, waiting to receive the resources from the sales.

Kyrian presented his identification, and he did not have to wait long. An employee quickly checked the records and handed Kyrian a spatial ring.

"Your formation plates have been sold."

Kyrian received the ring, his perception penetrating the ring to sense the energy of the spirit stones stored inside.

"How much?"