The Elder's words hung in the air, and silence fell again as the younger disciples tried to grasp the implications.

For a tomb to remain intact for so long, untouched even by those who had reached near the pinnacle of the cultivation world, spoke of a strength beyond comprehension.

"It was this very defense," another elder added, "that allowed us to confirm what we had long suspected. This is not the tomb of an ordinary expert, nor even that of a supreme cultivator of our age. This is the tomb of an immortal."

The declaration sent a shiver through the crowd. Even the most confident among the senior disciples could not hide the tightening of their throats or the widening of their eyes. Before this, they had only heard the rumors of it being an Immortal Ascension Realm expert's tomb, but this was a step above that!

Han Yu couldn't even begin to imagine what that meant. He knew that the Patriarch of their Sect was am Immortal Ascension realm cultivator, far above the comprehension of an average disciple.

And yet they were about to enter the resting place of a person who had exceeded that. One that could crush all the experts of their world with the flick of a sleeve. They were about to enter the resting place of a very such being.

At the same time though, Han Yu couldn't help but think of something.

'If this person was 'Immortal' why are they dead? Why do they have a tomb?' Han Yu wondered as it went against the very meaning of the word 'Immortal'.

The word "Immortal" carried a weight that none of them could dismiss.

To cultivate to immortality was to transcend mortal limits entirely, and to leave behind legacies that could outlast the rise and fall of dynasties. The idea of standing before the resting place of such a being was overwhelming.

As the disciples absorbed this truth, a ripple of movement disturbed the air above. From the far side of the plain, a streak of light approached swiftly. It descended in an arc, revealing itself as a flying figure, his robe flowing in the wind as he landed gracefully near the Twin Leaf Peak elders.

The disciples turned their heads in curiosity, and Han Yu narrowed his eyes.

The man was not one of their own. His robes were different, marked with a bold crimson pattern upon a field of cloud-white fabric. Wu Shuan, standing beside Han Yu, leaned in slightly and whispered, "That is the uniform of the Crimson Cloud Sect."

The man's arrival carried no hostility.

On the contrary, he cupped his hands respectfully and greeted the Twin Leaf Peak elders with the ease of a familiar ally. His presence was calm and composed, but there was no denying the strength radiating from his cultivation.

Han Yu remembered what he had once heard about the Crimson Cloud Sect.

They were considered an orthodox sect, their reputation clear of corruption, and their relationship with the Twin Leaf Peak Sect had long been friendly. Though not quite as powerful as the Twin Leaf Peak Sect, they still held a place among the top ten sects of the cultivation world, ranked fifth. That alone made them a force no one could underestimate.

The elders of the two sects exchanged a few words, their discussion hushed and serious.

The disciples waited with growing anticipation, wondering what this meant for their expedition. After a while, it was Jian Wuhen, the peak head of Sword Peak, who finally turned to address them.

"Disciples," Jian Wuhen began, his voice sharp and commanding, "from this point forward, we will be establishing a long-term base in these plains. The Crimson Cloud Sect has already set up their own camp nearby, and we will be joining them.

Together with their sect, as well as allies from the Jade Mirror Temple and a few others, we will be forming a cooperative expedition. This tomb is far too vast for any single sect to explore alone. Cooperation is not only practical, it is necessary."

The disciples listened intently, their expressions a mix of surprise and caution. It was one thing to travel with their fellow sect members, but another entirely to be stationed alongside disciples of rival sects, even if those sects were friendly.

Jian Wuhen seemed to sense their thoughts, and his gaze sharpened as he continued. "You will remember your place. You represent the Twin Leaf Peak Sect. While we are here, you are to conduct yourselves with the discipline and dignity befitting our name.

Show respect to the members of the Crimson Cloud Sect and our allies. Do not cause unnecessary trouble, and do not allow arrogance to cloud your judgment. If you fail in this, you will answer to me directly."

The weight of his words was not lost on anyone.

Even the boldest of the senior disciples kept their heads lowered in acknowledgment. The Crimson Cloud Sect might not be enemies, but pride and rivalry often ran deep in the cultivation world, and it was all too easy for a small spark of conflict to grow into something dangerous.

The elder from the Crimson Cloud Sect, who had remained quiet during Jian Wuhen's address, finally spoke. "We are honored to have the Twin Leaf Peak Sect here with us. May our efforts together be fruitful, and may this expedition bring glory to all our sects."

The disciples bowed in return, acknowledging his words.

Han Yu, standing quietly among the group, watched everything unfold with his usual calm expression.

Yet inwardly, he was measuring the atmosphere, taking note of the Crimson Cloud Sect's presence and the careful words of the elders. The cooperation of so many powerful sects could either mean opportunity or disaster, depending on how things played out.

For him, it was another layer of complication, one that he would have to navigate carefully while keeping his own secrets buried deep.

The plain that had once seemed barren and silent now felt alive with unseen tension. The tomb loomed in the distance, silent and unmoving, yet its presence pressed on everyone like the shadow of a giant.

The true test was only just beginning.