After their grueling training at the magic array, Ling Li gathered the weary but determined group. Mushu and Pharsa, together with the Camp Commander, handed them the essential gear for the next day's expedition: space rings, belts, and bags.

"Be familiar with all the items you are bringing," Mushu instructed, his voice carrying the weight of their upcoming journey. "Check your bags and see if they are complete. This is the checklist of what you are bringing."

The soldiers unfurled their lists, eyes scanning over the essential tools for survival: weapons, a fire starter kit, a survival knife, a first aid kit, an emergency whistle, cordage, water, water filtration, and water treatment tablets. Flashlights and headlamps, scalpels and blades, safety pins, a Swiss knife, electrolyte tablets, thermal blankets, solar blankets, tarps, ponchos, and tents. Bivy sleeping bags, cookware, and utensils. Folding shovels and axes. Can openers, 5x power magnifying glasses, waterproof notepads, ink pens, and broad-spectrum antibiotic ointments.

The list seemed endless and included portable oxygens and hydration fluids, which made the soldiers speechless.

"All you need to add are your preferred extra clothes. We've provided you with waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, wool jackets, basic top and bottom layers, durable underwear, everyday warm socks, shoes, bandanas, bug head nets, hand warmers, and hats," Mushu explained, ticking off each item on their fingers.

"There is no mystical mountain map because its form changes regularly. A compass doesn't work, and the flares are useless as well." Mushu added.

One soldier raised a hand, hesitant. "What about our food?" He asked.

Mushu chuckled, "I thought no one would ask. All your ready-to-eat food is stored in your space ring."

The group glanced at their space rings, curiosity piqued.

"How do we open it?" another soldier inquired.

"Good question. First, you need to use a drop of your blood so that the space ring, belt, and sack can recognize you as the owner. Then, use your vital internal energy and tap it to open," Mushu instructed.

Soldiers hesitated, then pricked their fingers and tapped their rings first. Some managed on the first try, while others took several attempts, concentrating harder with each failure.

Finally, the rings opened, revealing their contents. Then, everyone did the same for their space belt and sack.

"The food in your rings will only last you a month. We expect you to be productive and survive in the mystical mountain on your own. These foods we gave you are actually a treat," Mushu concluded, casting a serious glance over the group.

They nodded in understanding, bracing themselves for the trials to come.

"Can we eat the demonic beast?" one of the soldiers inquired hesitantly, eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"Yes," Mushu responded with a nod. "Devouring its meat because of its blood essences is very good for your body. It can strengthen your energy and increase your cultivation level. If you have cooked and have leftover meat, you can put them in your ring. The ring would store food and keep them fresh."

The soldiers murmured among themselves, processing this new information. The prospect of gaining strength from the beasts they defeated seemed to energize them.

"There will be plants and fruits that you can eat inside the mystical mountain," Mushu continued. "Everyone, if you have no further questions, rest early. We'll see you all tomorrow."

As the soldiers dispersed, the air buzzed with a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation. The trials ahead loomed large, but armed with new knowledge and bolstered spirits, they felt a renewed determination to face whatever challenges the mystical mountain would throw at them.

After dinner, Shi Min called Shun to follow him into his Mom's study. The room was illuminated by soft, amber lighting, casting intricate shadows on the ancient scrolls and artifacts that adorned the shelves. Shi Min's demeanor was serious, almost solemn, as he began to speak.

"Shun, while in the mystical mountain, you can use your firepower at the Critical Moment," Shi Min said, his voice steady. "However, using them would call the attention of beasts in the surrounding area. But then again, your safety will always be your priority at every moment, getting the attention of other beasts or not; you have to save yourself first."

"I understand," Shun replied, feeling a surge of determination. The responsibility felt weighty, but he was glad to have this knowledge.

Shi Min's expression softened slightly. "Also, I would like to let you know that Paps has black magic. Though he still has limited knowledge of it, he can use it. Using it too often isn't good for him, especially when it comes to killing demonic beasts. Black Magic comes with evil spirits and builds around the possessor the more he uses the skill in the killing. Unless he is already profound in containing these evil spirits in him."

Shun's eyes widened in realization. "This afternoon, it was him who slammed the demonic wolf?"

"Yes," Shi Min confirmed with a nod. "Doing this is actually alright for him."

"Then, it would be a lot of help." Shun felt a strange mix of relief and concern for Paps.

"Yes, and lastly," Shi Min continued, reaching into his space ring and retrieving a sword that gleamed with an otherworldly light. "This is for you; this is a top-grade mysterious sword. Weapons are classified as mysterious, spiritual, fairy, sacred, and divine weapons, each having three levels: low grade, mid-grade, and top grade. This sword is almost a thousand times stronger than a regular sword. Take it."

Shun was mesmerized by the sight of the sword, its blade reflecting the dim light in mesmerizing patterns. He reached out with trembling hands, his fingers brushing against the cool, smooth metal.

"Shi Min, isn't this too much?" Shun asked, his voice barely a whisper, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the gift.

"No," Shi Min replied firmly. "This is what you should have. If you get stronger and your cultivation breaks through, you will be able to maximize the use of this sword to its highest level. The more you use it, the more you will familiarize yourself with it. Remember, every strike should have full energy from your 'qi.'"

"Shi Min, I'm very thankful for this sword. I will learn how to use it well," Shun vowed, his heart swelling with gratitude.

"I know you will," Shi Min said with a reassuring smile. "You have to protect yourself, Shun; we will take care of Ren, and don't let her keep you worried. You focus on your task."

"Thank you, Shi Min; I'm extremely grateful knowing Ren is in good hands."

"Alright," Shi Min nodded, his tone softer now. "Spend time with Ren tonight. We have to leave very early tomorrow."

"Thank you again, Shi Min," Shun said, his voice filled with sincere gratitude.

"Don't keep thanking me. Go," Shi Min chuckled, shaking his head as he shooed Shun away, his laughter a rare and welcome sound in the serious atmosphere.

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