A few days later.
Inside Dugu Yan's command tent.
She studied Ji Yuan for a moment.
"Very good."
Dugu Yan nodded. "You've stabilized your cultivation this much in just a few days. That's much faster than I expected."
"It seems your foundation in the Golden Body Mystic Bone Realm is firmer than I thought."
Ji Yuan cupped his fists in a calm salute. "I have you to thank, my lady."
Dugu Yan waved a hand. "No need for pleasantries. Since you've settled into your new strength, you can come with me when the time comes."
Silence held in the tent for several breaths after she spoke.
Ji Yuan looked up at her, choosing his words carefully. "My lady, could you tell me now what the purpose of this trip is?"
Dugu Yan's brow shifted slightly. She seemed to have expected the question.
She fell silent for several breaths, tapping the armrest twice as though weighing something.
At last, she took a Jade Slip from her sleeve. She brushed a finger across it, and a layer of restrictive light rippled over its surface before she tossed it to him.
Ji Yuan caught it steadily.
"Just keep what you learn to yourself."
Ji Yuan closed his fingers around the Jade Slip and said solemnly, "Yes."
Dugu Yan leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs, returning to her languid, easygoing manner.
"We're still missing one person. We can't leave until he arrives."
"But it won't be long—a month at most. Use the time to prepare. Buy any Cultivation Pills and other supplies you need in advance."
Ji Yuan acknowledged her, saluted again, then turned and lifted the tent flap to leave.
The sunlight outside made him narrow his eyes.
He did not linger in the camp. He went straight back to