After resolving the issue of who would stay behind, Lin Yi began distributing the resources.
He took out two Source Energy Crystals and handed them to Zhou Yuxuan. "One is needed to activate the Mechanical Dog, and the other is a spare. Familiarize yourself with its capabilities, especially its alert range and tracking function."
Zhou Yuxuan accepted them solemnly and nodded firmly. "I'll master it as soon as possible."
Next, Lin Yi took out three gray crystals containing the Basic Source Energy Guidance Technique.
His gaze swept across the group, first settling on his uncle, Lin Ruiheng, and Zhang Haotian.
"Uncle, Haotian." He handed each of them a crystal. "I hope you can master the Guidance Technique as soon as possible. We'll need you to help with a lot of things from here on."
Lin Ruiheng accepted the crystal, his hands trembling slightly.
He was getting on in years, and memorizing the lengthy Basic Source Energy Guidance Technique was a struggle. Though he was doing his best to learn it, his progress had been very slow.
Lin Ruiheng looked down at the crystal in his hand, his expression complicated. He let out a heavy sigh and clenched it tightly. "Xiaoyi, don't worry. I... I'll do my best."
Zhang Haotian, meanwhile, was practically beaming with excitement. Though he was young, he was a sports student, and he hadn't been learning the Basic Source Energy Guidance Technique much faster than Lin Ruiheng. He and Li Jie had been the two laggards among the younger people.
But things were different now. With all that time spent memorizing saved, he could at least keep pace with the others, perhaps even get a little ahead.
Zhang Haotian looked at the seemingly ordinary crystal in his hand, then up at Lin Yi. In the end, all he managed to say was, "Brother Yi! I... I absolutely won't let you down... I'll train as hard as I can!"
"'Let you down'... That's an odd choice of words..."
Lin Yi's mouth twitched, but he didn't say anything. He just patted Zhang Haotian on the shoulder. "Keep it up... and master it as soon as you can."
Their exchange felt like a needle prick to Li Jie, who was sitting alone in a corner.
He kept his head bowed, not daring to look at anyone. His hands clutched the hem of his shirt, and he didn't say a word.
Regret, shame, resentment... The emotions gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes.
If... if I'd stepped forward back then, would I be one of the people who got a crystal? And... none of that danger would have happened in the first place...
But there were no what-ifs.
Li Jie could only curl up tighter, as if he wanted to hide in the shadows and disappear completely.
Lin Yi held the last Guidance Technique Crystal and addressed the group. "I'm not handing this one out yet. Everyone copied down the introductory chapter of the Guidance Technique that the authorities released. Whoever truly understands it first will get priority for this crystal."
At once, many eyes lit with determination, especially those who were confident in their ability to learn. They silently resolved to work harder.
Once everything had been explained, Lin Yi turned to Ren Yinuo. "Captain Ren, I'm going to the rooftop to recover and practice. If you need to record it, you can come along."
"I do need to film you, but..." Ren Yinuo nodded at once. "I also need to contact the General Staff..."
"Film me first. While I'm practicing and recovering my Source Energy later, you can set the camera down somewhere, then go back and contact the General Staff..." Lin Yi smiled. "You can also mention that I understand and am willing to support and cooperate with the General Staff's work."
"Uh... Huh?"
Ren Yinuo paused, then quickly understood.
She didn't say anything more, only nodding. "All right, I'll pass that along."
They headed up to the rooftop, one after the other.
It was already broad daylight. Dawn had completely driven away the darkness, but the city remained deathly silent. In the distance, the purple-black Nest Vortex turned slowly, emanating an ominous aura.
Lin Yi walked to the center of the rooftop, took out two Source Energy Crystals, then sat cross-legged and closed his eyes. He began absorbing the energy within them, rapidly replenishing his nearly depleted Source Energy.
Ren Yinuo found a good angle, set up the camera, and carefully began recording.
Time passed slowly.
Once he had fully recovered, Lin Yi stood and looked toward Ren Yinuo, who had returned to the rooftop.
Ren Yinuo nodded and gave him a thumbs-up. Then she picked up the camera, ready to record his demonstration of the techniques.
Lin Yi began practicing the Flowing Star Step, the Star Splitting Spear Art, and his other techniques.
He incorporated what he'd learned from the morning's battle, making his footwork more nimble and unpredictable and his spear strikes sharper and more precise. Though he kept his Source Energy expenditure to a minimum, the concentrated killing intent he exuded still made Ren Yinuo uneasy as she watched.
Ren Yinuo faithfully recorded everything, especially Lin Yi's precise control over his Source Energy.
About an hour later.
Suddenly...
"ROOOAR!!"
A deep, thunderous roar, thick with savagery, erupted from the direction of the Nest, instantly shattering the silence.
"Looks like another Abyss Bear..."
Lin Yi abruptly stopped, lowered his spear, and stood still. He understood what was happening, but deliberately let his face turn grave as he hurried to the edge of the rooftop and looked toward the Nest.
Soon, a rush of hurried, chaotic footsteps sounded behind him. Zhou Jianjun, Chen Yu, Zhou Yuxuan, and the others came rushing up to the rooftop again, panting, their faces tense.
"Xiaoyi! Another one's appeared."
"Brother Yi! Is it coming for us?"
Everyone's hearts leaped into their throats. Their nerves, which had just begun to relax, tightened all over again.
Lin Yi didn't answer right away. He only furrowed his brow and "carefully observed" the scene.
In the direction of the Nest, the enormous figure of a new Giant Rock Abyss Bear slowly took shape. It threw back its head and roared, then scanned the surroundings with its blood-red eyes. Finally... after pausing briefly in the direction of Hongfu Tower, it turned without hesitation and trudged away, heading in the opposite direction. It soon disappeared beyond the ruined street.
"...It left?" Zhou Jianjun froze, unable to believe it.
"It... just left?" Chen Yu was dumbfounded, too.
Only then did Lin Yi slowly let out a breath. He deliberately wore an expression of relief mixed with a hint of uncertainty, turned to the group, and said, "It seems the Nest lost an Abyss Bear and a large number of Abyssal Wolves, so it's temporarily given up... Or maybe it's found another target that's more worthwhile."
He paused, then gave his assessment. "This place should be safe for the time being. That works out perfectly—I can head to the Helu City Gathering Point without worrying."
After hearing Lin Yi's analysis and seeing that the Abyss Bear had indeed left, everyone was still shaken, but their anxiety gradually eased.
"Thank goodness..." Zhou Jianjun let out a long breath. He'd felt cold sweat soaking his back just moments earlier. "So when are you leaving?"
"Now."
Lin Yi answered decisively. "My Source Energy has recovered. The Nest doesn't seem inclined to attack for the moment, so I may as well go and come back quickly."
He didn't waste any more time. He nodded to the group. "I'm leaving this place in your hands."
With that, Lin Yi turned and strode toward the rooftop exit without hesitation.
Before you continue