"Brother Han Yu, you really scared us half to death! I thought some ancient beast had been unleashed when that vortex opened above your tent. And here you were, just breaking through all along." Fatty Kui said with a smile.

Wu Shuan, though more reserved, stepped closer as well.

His voice was steady, but there was no denying the weight behind his words. "Congratulations, Han Yu. I have stepped into the Core Condensation realm myself, but what you achieved… I must admit, I could not have done it."

Han Yu smiled faintly, shaking his head. "There is no need for such words. Each of us walks our own path. I only forced myself harder because I wanted to test the strength of my foundation."

Wu Shuan's lips pressed into a thin line, but he gave a short nod. Though he said nothing further, it was clear he was both humbled and inspired by Han Yu's determination.

Xuan Qing finally stepped forward.

She looked at Han Yu for a long moment, her gaze steady, before speaking. "You have changed much since I first met you. Back then, I thought you reckless and troublesome. Now, it seems fate was wiser than I gave it credit for."

Han Yu met her gaze, bowing slightly. "Senior Sister, I owe much of my path here to you. Without your decision that day, I would not stand where I do now."

Her lips curved into the faintest smile, though it vanished just as quickly. "Then do not waste the opportunity. Continue to grow, for talent such as yours will not remain hidden for long. The higher one climbs, the more eyes fall upon them. You will need strength to match that scrutiny."

Her words carried both encouragement and warning, and Han Yu accepted them with sincerity. "I will remember."

Just then, Elder Qing returned his attention to Han Yu.

His gaze was sharp, but not unkind. "For now, you will rest. The strain of a breakthrough without a Core Forming Pill is severe, and while you say you are fine, I can see that your meridians are not fully stable. Do not let pride cloud your judgment."

Han Yu bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder."

The elder then turned to Wu Shuan and Fatty Kui. "You two, keep an eye on him. If there are any signs of his condition worsening, report immediately. Understood?"

Both disciples answered at once, "Yes, Elder Qing."

With that, the elder departed, leaving behind only the three companions and Xuan Qing. The silence that followed was thick, yet not uncomfortable. The reality of Han Yu's achievement was still sinking in for all of them.

Fatty Kui broke the silence with his usual bluntness. "Brother Han Yu, I do not know what kind of monster you are, but I am glad you are on my side. With you around, maybe this expedition will not kill us after all."

Han Yu chuckled softly, though he knew the journey ahead was still dangerous. "Let us not get ahead of ourselves. A breakthrough is only the beginning. What matters is how we use this strength."

Wu Shuan nodded in agreement. "He is right. There are still many complexes unexplored, and the main tomb itself lies ahead. We cannot grow complacent."

Xuan Qing gave one last glance at Han Yu before turning away. "Then rest well, Han Yu. You will need it. I expect to see you make full use of this realm you worked so hard to reach." With those words, she left, her figure soon vanishing among the rows of tents.

Han Yu watched her go, then sat back down cross-legged.

Though his body was weary, his spirit burned brightly. He could feel the new strength of the Core Condensation realm thrumming within him, but more than that, he felt the steady flow of Eight Emotions Energy pouring into his core.

Every glance of admiration, every whisper of envy, every flicker of awe from those who had witnessed his breakthrough was feeding him.

He inhaled deeply, letting that invisible tide merge with his own Soul Qi. For the first time since entering the sect, he felt not just like a disciple struggling to survive, but like someone whose name was beginning to echo in the hearts of others.

And he knew, deep down, this was only the first ripple of many yet to come and Han Yu had no idea a big wave, not a ripple was heading his way.

The night after his breakthrough passed in the blink of an eye for Han Yu.

The exhaustion he had suppressed during his cultivation finally caught up with him, and once he laid down, sleep claimed him swiftly and deeply. Elder Qing had been right. Pride alone could not keep him awake forever, and though Han Yu had resisted the idea of rest at first, he now understood how necessary it truly was.

For the first time in what felt like months, he slept without dreams, without tension in his body, without the constant hum of vigilance. When he finally stirred again, his body felt light, his breathing smooth, and his core seemed to pulse with stable strength.

YAWN

He blinked at the ceiling of the tent, confused for a moment, until the faint light streaming in through the flaps reminded him where he was.

But what surprised him was not the brightness of the morning. It was the noise.

Outside, instead of the usual rhythm of a relatively calm camp, there was chaos. Feet stomped across the ground, voices rose and fell in sharp bursts, and the air vibrated with urgency. Han Yu rubbed his eyes, sat up, and tilted his head, listening more carefully.

"What's happening so early? Did the unorthodox sects start a fight or something?" Han Yu wondered, muttering to himself.

Shouts echoed from the direction of the elders' tents, mixed with hurried calls for supplies and orders being relayed. The calm order of the past few days had shattered overnight and a strange unease filling the air.