The following morning dawned with a heavy sense of anticipation.

The camp that had been bustling with activity the day before was now practically vibrating with tension. Hundreds of disciples, both outer and inner court, stood in formation before the entrance of the main tomb.

The air was thick with the scent of incense, burned earlier to pray for fortune, and the metallic tang of spirit weapons sharpened and oiled for the dangerous journey ahead.

Unlike the exploration of the side complexes, this was no small endeavor. Not only were the disciples being sent in, but even elders would personally step into the tomb's inner realm as well.

That alone was enough to stir awe among the younger cultivators, for the elders were figures of immense power who rarely risked their lives unless there was a threat that demanded their intervention. Now, however, they were entering willingly, unable to ignore the treasures rumored to lie within the heart of the tomb.

High Elder Qing stood before the massive gathering, his hands clasped behind his back, his expression solemn yet resolute. He was not one for excessive ceremony, but the weight of this undertaking demanded words of caution.

His voice carried over the crowd, calm yet sharp enough to silence every whisper.

"Today, you will step into the greatest opportunity this generation of cultivators has seen. The main tomb is not a simple ruin or a crumbling hall filled with remnants of the past. It is an inner realm unto itself, a world within a world. What lies within is beyond anything the smaller complexes could offer. But remember this: opportunity is always accompanied by peril."

The disciples listened intently, many of them swallowing hard.

Elder Qing continued, his tone unyielding. "As of this morning, we have already confirmed that within this realm dwell beasts of the Nascent Soul stage, and it is highly likely that some of the Dao Shell stage beasts lurk deeper.

Even Nascent Soul elders may meet their end in the wrong territory. You must not underestimate what you encounter. Choose your paths wisely and avoid unnecessary risks."

There was a murmur among the crowd at the mention of Dao Shell realm beasts. For many disciples, such beings were far beyond imagination, monsters that could destroy sects single-handedly.

Han Yu stood quietly among his team, his hands folded within his sleeves, absorbing every word. His face was calm, but within, his mind was sharp and calculating. This was not merely an expedition for him... it was both an opportunity and a risk he had to navigate carefully.

Elder Qing raised a hand and the crowd stilled again. "As of this moment, the sect shall not dictate how you explore once you are inside. Upon entering, you will all arrive at the same place, and from there, it will be up to you and your teams to choose how to proceed.

Do not mistake freedom for safety. Beyond the entrance lies a realm with no laws, no sect banners to shield you. You will stand against not only beasts and traps, but also rival sects and those who walk unorthodox paths. There is safety in numbers, so try to have some companions with you."

The words were grim but necessary.

The disciples understood, even if some could not help but glance uneasily at the groups of other sects gathered nearby. Among them, Han Yu noted the disciples of the Crimson Cloud Sect standing with their crimson robes and confident expressions, their numbers strong.

The Jade Mirror Temples, members also stood next to them, their beauty as stunning as always. Though today, not many could spare the attention to look at them, with the tension of the true expedition hanging over them.

The Stormveil Alliance's members also stood at the back, though their numbers were smaller than the others. This was not a singular sect, but the alliance of multiple smaller sect, who had banded together for safety and gains.

Further behind them, Han Yu could spot a few more familiar sects, including the Copper Cauldon Sect which he had once wished to join.

On the southern side though, the Mist Eye Sect's people were more subdued, their faces veiled in shadow, but Han Yu's gaze lingered on them longer than most. He wondered if Meng Jueyan was already inside or waiting to enter with them.

His gaze lingered over them a minute longer, trying to spot his 'acquaintance' but he could not see her there, confirming his conjecture.

'Guess she really did enter earlier.' Han Yu thought.

After a pause, Elder Qing concluded, "Follow your instincts. Treasure what fortune you may find, but value your lives more. A lost treasure can be regained in time. A lost life cannot. Now, prepare yourselves. We enter."

With that, the great mass of cultivators began to move.

The sound of boots against stone and armor clinking filled the air as they marched into the tomb's wide entrance. The corridor they entered was massive, its walls lined with faint glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat.

The air was cool, almost damp, as though the place had been sealed for countless centuries, untouched until now.

The corridor stretched on for a hundred meters, straight and unyielding, the kind of passage that seemed to test one's resolve as much as it guided them forward. At its end, the space opened into a cavernous chamber, and there it stood...the portal.

It was unlike any ordinary teleportation gate. Instead of the pearly white glow most disciples had seen before, this portal swirled with deep shades of dark blue, almost like a whirlpool leading into the abyss. The surface rippled with energy, pulling the eyes of all who beheld it.

A few disciples could not help but whisper aloud. "Why is it different? Why is it blue instead of white?"

An older inner court disciple, clearly more experienced, answered in a hushed but steady tone. "This is because the inner realm is not located within our world. It exists within the void itself, specifically the lesser void."