Return, Distribution

The lobby on the first floor of Hongfu Restaurant.

Zhou Jianjun, Chen Yu, Zhang Haotian, and a dozen others clutching makeshift weapons were guarding the rope ladder entrance nervously, their eyes fixed intently on the door outside.

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

Zhou Jianjun was the first to step forward. He scanned Lin Yi quickly from head to toe, and after confirming he had no injuries, his lips moved as if he had a thousand words to say, yet he didn't know where to begin.

Should he scold him for his recklessness?

Praise his bravery?

Or warn him never 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's 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 Yu! Too cool!"

He gestured wildly, his face flushed with excitement. "Ye Qingyu only just got the water boiling; the dumplings haven't even finished cooking yet! That move of yours was absolutely perfect!"

According to the food storage expiration dates, the items kept in the freezer were the first to be consumed.

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

He saw the mix of excitement and awe on the faces of Zhang Haotian and the others, and he also saw the lingering terror in the eyes of several young people that had not yet fully faded.

Finally, his gaze landed on Zhou Yuxuan.

At this moment, Zhou Yuxuan looked somewhat comical.

He had put on the "Heaven-Equaling Battle Armor," but only halfway. The breastplate and shoulder guards were barely on, the straps were tied crookedly, he wore only one arm guard while holding the other in his hand, and he had no idea where the greaves had gone.

His face was expressionless, though he was panting slightly, his forehead covered in sweat—whether from exhaustion or the earlier tension, it was hard to tell.

Seeing Lin Yi look his way, Zhou Yuxuan pushed up his glasses, his expression complex. He seemed to want to say something, but ultimately just pursed his lips and lowered his head to continue struggling with the arm guard.

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

Li Jie.

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

Recalling his pale, cowering face on the rooftop, Lin Yi understood the situation but didn't point it out, merely casting another thoughtful look at Zhou Yuxuan.

This guy, who in his past life had achieved some success with 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 "Sentry" 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.

"Here, this is for you."

Lin Yi took out the high-grade gray crystal and handed it over.

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

"This... this is too valuable!"

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

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

He knew that even if he didn't know the exact grade of this Spirit Radiance Crystal—which was gray with streaks of white cloud-like mist—it clearly wasn't the common loot dropped by Abyss Wolves. It was highly likely that Lin Yi had obtained it by killing that giant bear.

This was something earned by risking his life!

But Lin Yi didn't pull his hand back; he just looked at him calmly, his tone quite firm.

"Take it. Uncle needs help, and the stronghold needs more reliable early-warning capabilities. 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 a chance to refuse. He turned toward the rope ladder and called out to the group, "Alright, it's over. Let's go, let's head up first."

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

Zhou Yuxuan stood frozen in place. He looked down at his crooked armor, then at the crystal in his palm.

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

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

Coincidentally, Ren Yinuo was just coming down from the rooftop at that moment.

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

"Major Lin."

Ren Yinuo stepped forward, her tone formal.

"I have a situation I need to explain to you, and I am seeking your opinion on it."

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

"Beyond establishing and maintaining communications, another key directive for my mission is to record footage of your cultivation, combat, and teaching, provided it does not interfere with you or jeopardize your safety."

Ren Yinuo's gaze was clear as she spoke candidly, "These recordings are of immense value to the General Staff for researching the practical application of Source Energy, analyzing the behavioral patterns of Abyss Beasts, and for future training and dissemination."

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

She paused. "If you feel uncomfortable with this or find it inappropriate, I can delete all relevant video data right here and now. Please rest assured, before I arrived, 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 our 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 offered Lin Yi a military salute. "Thank you for your understanding and support. On behalf of all the soldiers on the front lines 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 stepped into Fujin Hall, the crowd, who had been waiting anxiously, immediately swarmed them.

"Xiao Yi!"

"Major Lin!"

"The hero has returned."

A cacophony of greetings instantly engulfed them.

At the same time, Ye Qingyu, noticing 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.

Suddenly, good-natured laughter and teasing broke out:

"Oh my! Look at that! Our classmate Ye is so thoughtful, she's already cooked breakfast!"

"Hahaha, and it's still hot. Right on time!"

"Major Lin, your timing is impeccable! You go out and slaughter a bear that big, and come back just in time for breakfast!"

"Exactly! Go on, eat something to recover. You must be exhausted!"

Ye Qingyu's ears turned bright red from the teasing. 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 ribbing. He took the tray from Ye Qingyu's hands and said in a low voice, "Thank you, I really am starving."

He then smiled at the crowd. "Alright, everyone, stop staring. You must be hungry too. Go eat, and for those who need to study, keep at it. Anyone lagging behind on their Guidance Technique progress had better hurry up."

With that, Lin Yi sat down at a nearby table with his tray and popped a dumpling into his mouth.

The simple taste of the food felt exceptionally delicious, warming his weary body and his overtaxed spirit.

He knew that after this brief rest, there would be more work to be done.

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