Setting Out for the Helu City Gathering Point

After settling the matter of the escort, Lin Yi began distributing 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 over the group before 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 contribute in many ways from here on."

Lin Ruiheng took the crystal, his hands trembling slightly.

He was getting on in years, and memorizing the long, involved Basic Source Energy Guidance Technique was a struggle. Though he was working hard to learn it, his progress was very slow.

Lin Ruiheng looked at the crystal in his hand, his expression complicated. He let out a heavy sigh and gripped it tightly. "Xiaoyi, don't worry. Your uncle will do his best."

Zhang Haotian, on the other hand, was visibly excited. Though he was young, his progress in learning the Basic Source Energy Guidance Technique as an athlete had been barely faster than Lin Ruiheng's. He and Li Jie had been the two struggling students among the younger generation.

But things were different now. With all the time he'd save on memorizing, he could at least keep pace with everyone else—and might even get a little ahead.

Zhang Haotian stared at the seemingly ordinary crystal in his hand, then looked 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 me down? That's an interesting way to put it."

Lin Yi's mouth twitched, but he didn't say anything more. He simply patted Zhang Haotian on the shoulder. "Keep at it. Master it as soon as you can."

Their exchange was like a needle in Li Jie's eye as he sat alone in the corner.

He kept his head bowed, not daring to look at anyone. His hands clenched the hem of his clothes, and he didn't say a word.

Regret, shame, resentment—one after another, the emotions gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes.

If... if I'd stepped forward back then, would I be one of the people getting a crystal now? And none of that danger would have happened in the first place.

But there were no "what ifs."

Li Jie could only curl in on himself, as if he could hide in the shadows and disappear completely.

Lin Yi held the last Guidance Technique crystal and addressed the group. "I'm not assigning this one yet. Everyone's copied down the introductory section of the Guidance Technique that the authorities released earlier. Whoever is first to truly understand it will get priority for this crystal."

The words immediately sparked determination in many eyes, especially among those who were confident in their ability to learn. One after another, they resolved to do their best.

With everything settled, Lin Yi turned to Ren Yinuo. "Captain Ren, I'm going up to the rooftop to recover and practice. If you need to record it, you can come along."

"We do need to film it, but..." Ren Yinuo nodded at once. "I also need to contact the General Staff."

"Let's film first. When I'm training and restoring my Source Energy later, you can leave the camera somewhere and go back to 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."

"Huh?"

Ren Yinuo froze for a moment, then understood.

She didn't say anything more, only nodded. "All right. I'll pass that along."

The two headed up to the rooftop, one after the other.

It was already broad daylight. The morning light had completely driven away the darkness, but the city remained lifeless. In the distance, the purple-black Nest Vortex turned slowly, radiating an ominous aura.

Lin Yi walked to the center of the rooftop, took out two Source Energy Crystals, and sat down cross-legged. Closing his eyes, he began absorbing the energy within the crystals to quickly restore his nearly depleted Source Energy.

Ren Yinuo found a good angle, set up the camera, and began recording carefully.

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 to confirm she was ready, then picked up the camera, preparing to record Lin Yi demonstrating the techniques.

Lin Yi began practicing the Wandering Star Steps, the Star-Splitting Spear Art, and the other techniques.

He incorporated what he'd learned in the morning's battle. His footwork became more fluid and unpredictable, and his spear strikes sharper and more precise. Though he kept his Source Energy consumption to a minimum, the concentrated aura of slaughter still made Ren Yinuo, watching nearby, quietly uneasy.

Ren Yinuo faithfully recorded everything, especially Lin Yi's precise control over his Source Energy.

About an hour later—

Suddenly—

"ROAR!"

A deep, thunderous bellow, thick with savagery, erupted from the direction of the Nest, instantly shattering the quiet.

"Looks like another Abyss Bear," Lin Yi said.

His movements abruptly stopped. He lowered his spear and stood still, understanding what was going on, though he deliberately let a grave expression cross his face. He hurried to the edge of the rooftop and looked toward the Nest.

Soon, hurried, disordered footsteps sounded behind him. Zhou Jianjun, Chen Yu, Zhou Yuxuan, and the others charged onto the rooftop again, panting heavily, their faces full of concern.

"Xiaoyi! Another one's appeared."

"Brother Yi! Is it coming for us?"

Everyone's hearts were in their throats. Their nerves, which had just relaxed, were taut again.

Lin Yi didn't answer immediately. He only furrowed his brow and "carefully observed" the area.

In the direction of the Nest, the huge shape of a new Giant Rock Abyss Bear slowly took form. After roaring at the sky, it swept its scarlet eyes over the surroundings. Finally, it paused briefly in the direction of Hongfu Restaurant... then turned without hesitation and strode off in the opposite direction. Before long, it disappeared at the end of the ruined street.

"...It left?" Zhou Jianjun was stunned, unable to believe it.

"It's just leaving?" Chen Yu was dumbfounded too.

Only then did Lin Yi slowly breathe out. He turned to the group, deliberately wearing an expression of relief mixed with speculation. "It seems the Nest has lost an Abyss Bear and a large number of Abyss Wolves, so it's given up for now—or maybe it's found another target that's a better deal."

He paused before making his assessment. "This place should be safe in the short term. That works out well. Now I can head to the Helu City Gathering Point without worrying."

After hearing Lin Yi's analysis and seeing that the Abyss Bear really had left, everyone's lingering fear gradually eased, and their tense hearts began to settle.

"Thank goodness." Zhou Jianjun let out a long breath. He'd felt as if cold sweat had soaked his back. "When are you leaving?"

"Now."

Lin Yi replied decisively. "My Source Energy has recovered. Since the Nest doesn't seem ready to attack for now, I should go and come back quickly."

He didn't waste any more time. He nodded to the group. "I'm leaving things here to you."

With that, Lin Yi didn't hesitate. He turned and strode toward the rooftop exit.