Return, Distribution

The First Floor Hall of Hongfu Tower.

Zhou Jianjun, Chen Yu, Zhang Haotian, and over a dozen others holding Simple Weapons were nervously guarding the Rope Ladder Entrance, their gazes fixed intently on the door.

When they saw that silver-gray figure pass through the ruins and walk steadily toward them, the taut nerves of everyone finally relaxed, and they all let out a sigh of relief in unison.

Zhou Jianjun was the first to rush up to him. His eyes scanned Lin Yi up and down quickly, and after confirming that he had no injuries, his lips moved as if he had a thousand words he wanted to say, yet he didn't know where to begin.

Reprimand him for his recklessness?

Praise his bravery?

Or warn him not to do such a thing again?

In the end, all the words were swallowed back, turning into an incredibly complex sigh.

He simply patted Lin Yi on the shoulder again and again; everything was understood without a word.

"Holy crap! Brother Yi, you are absolutely legendary!!"

Chen Yu didn't have such reservations and jumped right over.

"You didn't see it earlier, Uncle Jianjun's face turned white with fear! Haha! 'I'll be right back'! Damn, channeling Guan Er Ye! That was too cool!"

He gestured wildly, his face flushed with excitement, "Ye Qingyu had only just boiled the water, the dumplings weren't even cooked through yet! This move of yours was absolutely perfect!"

According to the food storage shelf life, the first items to be consumed were those originally placed in the freezers.

Lin Yi let him shout and holler while his gaze swept over the crowd.

He saw the expressions of excitement and awe intertwined on the faces of Zhang Haotian and the others, and he also saw the fear that had not yet fully faded from the eyes of several young people.

Finally, his gaze landed on Zhou Yuxuan.

At this moment, Zhou Yuxuan looked somewhat comical.

He had put on that set of Qitian Battle Armor, but only halfway... the chest plate and shoulder armor were barely on, the straps were tied crookedly, he was wearing only one Arm Armor while holding the other in his hand, and he had no idea where the greaves had gone.

His face was expressionless, but he was panting slightly, his forehead covered in sweat, though it was unclear if it was from exhaustion or the earlier tension.

Seeing Lin Yi look over, Zhou Yuxuan pushed up his glasses, his expression complex. He seemed to want to say something, but in the end, he just pursed his lips and lowered his head to continue struggling with the Arm Armor.

Lin Yi scanned the group again and realized someone was missing.

Li Jie.

He remembered that when they rushed downstairs earlier, Li Jie had been following behind, but now he was nowhere to be seen.

Recalling his pale, cowering face on the Rooftop, Lin Yi understood, but he didn't point it out, merely giving Zhou Yuxuan another thoughtful look.

This guy, who in his past life managed to achieve some success in Source Energy and dared to step up at a critical moment, truly had something different in his bones.

Thinking of this, he already had a plan for the crystal from the Sentinel mechanical dog.

"Yuxuan."

Lin Yi walked up to Zhou Yuxuan; this time, he didn't use the title "Squad Leader."

Zhou Yuxuan was struggling with the armor straps and looked up in surprise when he saw Lin Yi approach.

"This, for you."

Lin Yi took out the high-grade Gray Crystal and handed it over.

Zhou Yuxuan was stunned and took it subconsciously. The moment his fingertips touched the crystal, information regarding the Sentinel mechanical dog flowed into his consciousness.

"This... this is too valuable!"

Zhou Yuxuan acted as if he had been burned, almost trying to shove the crystal back to Lin Yi immediately.

"Brother Yi, I can't. You risked your life for this, and I haven't even mastered the Guidance Technique from the last crystal yet... I... I can't take it!"

He didn't know what grade this Spirit Shine Crystal, with its white clouds mixed into the gray, actually was, but it clearly wasn't the common loot dropped by Abyssal Wolves; it was highly likely obtained by Lin Yi killing that Giant Bear.

This was something earned by risking his life!

But Lin Yi didn't pull his hand back, simply looking at him calmly with a rather firm tone.

"Take it. Uncle needs help, and the stronghold needs more reliable early-warning power... You are the most suitable person to use this."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the half-worn, slightly comical armor on Zhou Yuxuan, and added meaningfully.

"Besides, this isn't just a benefit."

He raised his hand and patted Zhou Yuxuan on the shoulder.

"When trouble comes, you have to be the one to stand at the front."

Having said that, Lin Yi didn't give Zhou Yuxuan another chance to refuse, turning toward the rope ladder and calling out to the others, "Alright, it's over. Let's go, let's head back up first."

It was as if he had only done a trivial thing.

Zhou Yuxuan stood frozen in place, looking down at the crooked armor on his body and then at the crystal in his palm.

He remained silent for a moment, then gripped the crystal tightly in his hand. Without saying anything more, he quickly followed the others.

Soon, the group returned to the second floor via the rope ladder.

Just then, Ren Yinuo also came down from the Rooftop.

Her expression was calm, but deep within the eyes she turned toward Lin Yi, there was a hidden trace of astonishment.

"Major Lin."

Ren Yinuo stepped forward, her tone formal.

"I have a situation I need to explain to you, and I would like to seek your opinion on it."

Lin Yi stopped in his tracks. "Please go ahead, Captain Ren."

"For this mission, aside from establishing and maintaining communications, another important directive I received was to record footage of your cultivation, combat, and teaching, provided that I do not interfere with you or endanger your safety."

Ren Yinuo's gaze was clear as she spoke candidly, "These recordings are of extremely high value for the General Staff to research the practical application of source energy, analyze the behavioral patterns of Abyssal Beasts, and for subsequent training and promotion..."

"I recorded the entire battle that just took place."

She paused, then added, "If you feel uncomfortable with this, or if you think it is inappropriate, I can delete all relevant video data right here and now. Please rest assured, before I came, the General Staff made it clear that your personal wishes are the top priority."

Lin Yi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then he smiled.

"So that's what it is. It's fine, go ahead and record..."

"If my combat methods can truly help more people and allow the soldiers to shed less blood, I have no reason to mind... If you need to, you can continue recording in the future."

Ren Yinuo was not surprised. She simply stood tall, chest out, and gave Lin Yi a Military Salute: "Thank you for your understanding and support. On behalf of all the soldiers on the Frontline who may benefit from this, I thank you!"

Lin Yi waved his hand: "No need for formalities, it's just within my power."

After this small interlude, the group finally returned to the second floor via the rope ladder.

As soon as they walked into Fujin Hall, the people who had been waiting anxiously immediately crowded around them.

"Xiao Yi!"

"Major Lin!"

"The hero has returned."

A cacophony of greetings instantly engulfed them.

At the same time, Ye Qingyu, who had noticed Lin Yi's return, walked up to him carrying a tray.

On it sat a large bowl filled with dumplings, accompanied by a pair of chopsticks and a spoon.

Immediately, good-natured laughter and teasing broke out:

"Oh my! Look, look! Our classmate Ye is so thoughtful, she even cooked breakfast!"

"Hahaha, and it's still hot. You arrived just in time!"

"Major Lin, your timing is truly impeccable! You go out and slaughter such a massive bear, and come back just as breakfast is ready!"

"Exactly, exactly. Hurry up and eat something to refuel, you must be exhausted!"

Ye Qingyu's ears turned bright red from everyone's comments. She stood there holding the tray, feeling a bit flustered, yet she couldn't help but steal a glance at Lin Yi.

Lin Yi was also amused by the sudden teasing. He took the tray from Ye Qingyu's hands and said in a low voice, "Thank you, I really am hungry."

He then smiled at the crowd, "Alright, everyone, don't just stand there watching. I'm sure you're hungry too. Eat your meals, and those who need to study, continue studying... those of you lagging behind in your Guidance Technique progress, you'd better hurry up..."

After saying this, Lin Yi carried the tray to a nearby table, sat down, and popped a dumpling into his mouth.

The simple taste of the food seemed exceptionally delicious at this moment, warming his somewhat weary body and overtaxed mind.

He knew that after this brief rest, there were still many things that needed to be done.

But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy this fleeting moment of peace, scented with the aroma of breakfast.