The work dragged on for hours.
At first, it was energizing, the sense of importance driving them forward. But as the hours stretched, fatigue crept into their bones. The younger disciples, many of whom had not slept since entering the tomb, began moving slower.
Even Fatty Kui's usually cheery expression dulled with weariness.
Still, no one dared complain. The repository was far too valuable for mistakes. Under the stern eyes of the elders, every pill, scroll, and jade slip was handled as if it were made of glass.
Han Yu's attention wavered only once, when he checked his jade slip to contact Meng Jueyan. A small pulse of qi activated the link, and her familiar presence flickered across the connection.
"I am still secure," she said in her calm, measured tone. "The Mist Eye Sect has not noticed anything. I remain within the other complex as we planned."
