Fatty Kui's eyes widened hearing Han Yu's words, and he gave a low whistle. "So it's like that, huh? First Wu Shuan, now you. Both of you planning to break through right here and now. I guess I'll just sit back and watch while my friends turn into monsters."

Wu Shuan actually gave a rare smile at that, though it was fleeting. "If we succeed, we will need you too, Kui. A body cultivator's strength is something neither pills nor techniques can replace. You will still be the wall we rely on."

The round-faced disciple puffed out his chest, his pride momentarily restored. "Of course. Just remember that when you two are off meditating, I'll be the one standing guard and keeping you safe. Don't come crying if something sneaks up on you."

Han Yu could not help but laugh at the image, his earlier gloom dissolving.

For the first time since returning from the elder's assessment, the tension in his chest lightened. Perhaps this was how things were meant to be. They had been handed opportunities that most disciples would kill for. Now it was time to seize them and make them real.

"HUUU..."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

In his mind, he could already see the path ahead, glowing faintly in the darkness. A path paved by the pills and rewards they had been given, but one that could only be walked with courage.

If his companions were ready to step forward, then so was he.

Han Yu stepped out of the tent with resolve firm in his chest.

The air in the camp was still humming with energy from the previous day's discoveries. Disciples moved in groups, some hauling materials, others whispering eagerly about the treasures that had been unearthed. But Han Yu paid them little mind.

His steps carried him directly toward the Logistics Division's warehouse.

The large structure was bustling with activity, as disciples queued to hand over reports, receive assignments, or claim resources. Han Yu approached the counter, where a pair of inner court disciples were managing requests.

They looked up, recognized him immediately, and one of them gave a respectful nod.

"You're here to claim your reward pills?" the disciple asked having already been informed of it.

Han Yu inclined his head. "Yes. I am preparing for a breakthrough."

The disciple did not waste words.

He pulled out a record slip, checked the allocations, and quickly began preparing several small jade bottles.

He handed them across with both hands, treating the matter with seriousness. "These contain the refined Qi Accumulation pills and the Spirit Essence pills allotted to you. Together, they will be more than enough to assist you in your advancement.

Please handle them with care."

Han Yu accepted the bottles, holding them as though they were priceless treasures. In truth, they were.

"Also if you wish for a Core Forming Pill, you can procure one from here once you are at the Peak of the Qi Refining realm. We cannot hand one to you right away due to protocol." They added.

"I understand." Han Yu nodded.

These pills were not the common goods that could be bought in the market, but ones directly salvaged from the repository, their quality exceptional. "Thank you," Han Yu said, and then he turned away, determination growing firmer.

His next destination was the large pavilion where High Elder Qing had established his command.

The elder was in the middle of discussing something with a group of disciples, his presence calm but overwhelming, like a mountain that had stood for centuries. When Han Yu approached, the elder's sharp eyes glanced toward him, and the conversation halted.

"You have something to report, Han Yu?" High Elder Qing's voice was deep, steady, and full of quiet authority.

Han Yu bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder. I have come to inform you that I wish to make use of the pills I was granted and attempt to break through to the Core Condensation realm. I know we are still in the midst of an official mission, so I wished to follow proper protocol before beginning."

For a moment, silence hung in the air.

Then the elder's stern features softened into the faintest of approving smiles. "Good. That you remember protocol shows discipline. And that you wish to advance now shows courage. You are correct to inform me first."

He raised a hand slightly, as though weighing Han Yu's spirit. "Your foundation is solid, and your progress has been remarkable. You may proceed. But remember this, Han Yu—do not allow haste to blind you. The Core Condensation realm is not merely about gathering qi, it is about condensing one's will into form. If your spirit wavers, your core will be flawed. Enter with calmness, not with excitement alone."

Han Yu bowed again, his heart steady. "I will remember your words, Elder."

The elder gestured toward one of the inner court disciples standing nearby. "Take him to the cultivation section. Have him select a private tent. He must not be disturbed until his breakthrough is complete."

"Yes, Elder," the disciple said with a bow, before gesturing for Han Yu to follow.

They made their way across the camp, moving through the outer circles of common tents until they reached the inner ring. Here, the atmosphere was different. The area was quieter, and each tent seemed carefully arranged. The disciple explained as they walked.

"Many others have chosen to cultivate here as well. With the gains from the repository and other complexes, breakthroughs are inevitable. The elders had this section prepared specifically for that.

Each tent has isolating formations inscribed on them, so there is no risk of distraction or outside interference. Even sound and spiritual fluctuations are contained."

Han Yu nodded, appreciating the foresight of the elders. "That will be useful. Thank you for bringing me here."

The disciple smiled faintly. "Choose any of the empty tents, and may your breakthrough be smooth." With that, he excused himself and left Han Yu to his decision.

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