CHAPTER 404: THE EXPLORATION TEAM

A bitter smile crossed Elder Yun’s lips. "Trust? No. But for now, they too wish to avoid a large-scale conflict. Still, do not mistake this arrangement for peace. If an opportunity arises, they may break their word. That is why you must remain vigilant."

The mood among the disciples sobered instantly. Excitement remained, but it was tempered with the weight of caution.

Han Yu stood quietly, hands clasped behind his back. His mind lingered not only on the warnings of the elders but also on the words of Meng Jueyan from the night before. She had spoken of factions, sabotage, and treasures hidden in the tomb.

And now, hearing the elders speak of Spatial Planes and vast dangers, Han Yu realized just how treacherous this expedition would be.

Still, there was opportunity here, immense opportunity. If he played his cards well, he could seize benefits that others would overlook.

His gaze flickered briefly to the southern horizon, beyond the barrier, where the camps of the unorthodox sects lay hidden in the dark. Meng Jueyan’s figure lingered in his thoughts like a shadow. Whether ally or foe, he knew their paths would cross again within the tomb.

And when they did, he had to be ready.

The outer complexes loomed in the distance, their weathered stone structures half-shrouded in faint mists that clung to the ruins like veils. Dozens of disciples were already moving toward them in groups, the colors of their sect robes forming a spectrum of motion against the gray backdrop of the tomb.

Some laughed lightly as though it were an outing, others walked in grim silence, and a few bore nervous expressions as if already imagining what kinds of traps and dangers awaited them inside.

The elders had not issued specific team assignments, only broad instructions: each group needed at least one Inner Court disciple to ensure a balance of strength and guidance, and no group should consist of fewer than three people. Beyond that, the disciples were left to sort themselves out.

They weren’t kids and needed to learn how to figure things out on their own. The Elders would only guide them so much.

For Han Yu, this meant teaming up with Wu Shuan and Fatty Kui. The three of them naturally gravitated toward one another, having already weathered several dangers together. But as soon as the rules were clarified, Fatty Kui was the first to voice the obvious problem.

"So... who do we add?" Fatty Kui asked, rubbing his plump cheeks with an awkward smile. "I don’t know any Inner Court disciples well enough to ask them to join. Not unless we somehow trick one into joining us by offering him all the snacks in my storage pouch."

Wu Shuan chuckled at that, adjusting his sword at his waist. "Don’t worry, I know plenty of them. I can probably—"

"Hold on," Han Yu interrupted, lifting a hand. "Let me try asking someone first. If it works out, she’ll be the perfect addition."

The two looked at him curiously, but Han Yu didn’t explain further.

He already had someone in mind: Senior Sister Xuan Qing. She was not only an Inner Court disciple but also someone he trusted enough to rely on. With her joining, their group would be strong and stable.

He quickly moved through the gathering crowd, searching among the clusters of disciples.

It didn’t take long to find her. Xuan Qing stood tall and composed, her robe sleeves flowing elegantly, surrounded by a handful of Inner Court disciples who carried themselves with the confidence of strength. Their weapons gleamed faintly with spiritual inscriptions, their auras steady and sharp.

Han Yu stepped forward and cupped his fists respectfully. "Senior Sister Xuan Qing. Would you be willing to join with me and my companions?"

She gave him a polite but apologetic smile. "I already have a group ready, Junior Brother. We’ve made arrangements to head deeper into the complexes."

Han Yu pressed, "In that case, could my companions and I join your group instead? The rules don’t set an upper limit, and we would benefit greatly from your presence."

Before Xuan Qing could respond, one of the Inner Court disciples at her side gave a dismissive chuckle. "We’re going into the deeper regions. If you tag along, it will only slow us down. Better not to risk it."

The others nodded in agreement, not out of cruelty but from practical concern. Their goal clearly wasn’t to carry those they considered weaker.

Xuan Qing herself looked slightly regretful but nodded. "They’re right. We’re aiming to push ahead, and it wouldn’t be safe for you. Forgive me, Junior Brother."

Han Yu forced a small smile, bowed again, and stepped back. He understood her reasoning, but that did not make the rejection any less disappointing. With no other option, he returned to Wu Shuan and Fatty Kui alone.

Wu Shuan raised a brow the moment he saw him. "No luck, huh?"

Han Yu shook his head. "She already has a group. They’re going deeper in."

"Don’t worry about it," Wu Shuan said, patting his shoulder. "I’ll ask some seniors I know. Might take a few minutes, but we’ll find someone."

Han Yu gave a short nod. He trusted Wu Shuan’s connections, who had already been in the sect for a decade longer than him.

True to his word, Wu Shuan left and returned not long after with a tall man in his early thirties. His sharp features were framed by short, dark hair, and his robe carried the insignia of the Spear Peak. A long spear rested across his back, its polished shaft gleaming faintly under the sunlight.

"Senior Brother Duan," Wu Shuan introduced with a smile. "He agreed to join us."

Han Yu and Fatty Kui immediately cupped their fists respectfully. "Greetings, Senior Brother Duan."

The Inner Court disciple returned the gesture with a faint smile. "No need to be so formal. If we’re going to be in the same group, then we’ll have to look out for one another."