The thought of who was stronger or weaker flashed through Han Yi's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. After all, his combat experience was limited, and he had never witnessed the Pill Sword Technique in action, making it unwise to form subjective judgments.
Next, the other three Qi Refining Seventh Layer cultivators and the four Qi Refining Sixth Layer cultivators introduced themselves. Naturally, these introductions were guarded, as no one would openly reveal their hidden techniques.
Listening to them, Han Yi finally understood why rumors circulated that the Profound Pill Sect's disciples were weak in combat. In truth, the rumors seemed to be accurate.
Take Lu Su, for example. Despite being at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining, he possessed only one offensive spell, and its power sounded questionable. Han Yi couldn't help but shake his head inwardly. This didn't sound promising. If they truly encountered enemies, he couldn't fully trust his teammates—he would have to rely on himself.
Finally, it was Han Yi's turn.
"My name is Han Yi. I'm an Outer Peak disciple from Little Spirit Void Peak, at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining. I've mastered a Sword Control Technique and a defensive Fire Shield Technique."
Han Yi played it safe, choosing the Fire Shield Technique and openly revealing his Sword Control Technique. After all, he still wore a sword artifact at his waist; there was no point in hiding it.
"Oh, a Sword Control Technique?" Lu Su gave Han Yi a second look, surprise flickering across his face.
Sword Control Techniques were no simple matter. One typically needed to reach the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining to truly cultivate them, and even then, mastering the basics was notoriously difficult. The fact that this Outer Sect Junior Brother could practice it at the Sixth Layer suggested decent aptitude. Perhaps his combat prowess would hold unexpected surprises.
"It's just a fragmented version of the Sword Control Technique," Han Yi explained truthfully. "I stumbled upon it at a market during an Outpost Assignment years ago."
"Ah."
The light in Lu Su's eyes dimmed, his expression returning to its usual composure. A fragmented version of the technique would undoubtedly be far weaker than the complete version. Moreover, this Junior Brother had once been assigned to an outpost. Surviving long enough to return to the Sect was fortunate enough; his aptitude was likely quite limited. Never mind, Lu Su thought. I must have overestimated him.
The others who had glanced at Han Yi instantly averted their gazes.
Han Yi said nothing further, quietly closing his mouth.
Though reluctantly conscripted for a mandatory Sect mission, Han Yi wisely chose to maintain a low profile. He had long since outgrown the age of competitive ambition.
"Alright, now that everyone's acquainted, select a room in this temporary camp and settle in," Lu Su announced.
"Keep a close watch on the outside world. Report any anomalies to me immediately."
"You're dismissed."
Having overseen the introductions and gained a general understanding of his team, Lu Su waved them away.
Han Yi followed the others out of the room and found an empty chamber in the temporary camp. He sat cross-legged to meditate, placing the Shadowless Sword on his lap. Slowly, he began infusing it with Mana, gradually refining the artifact.
This Mid-Grade Sword Artifact had only undergone preliminary refinement and was far from reaching the level required for the Sword Control Technique.
But Han Yi had his own plans.
Concealed at his waist, pant leg, and back were three daggers. He had refined these blades for seven or eight years, mastering their use to the point where they moved at his will, as effortlessly as extending his own arm.
These daggers remained his most reliable ranged attack method.
The Shadowless Sword would have to serve as a mere distraction for now.
In close combat, Han Yi had the Spirit Void Finger for offense, the Fire Shield Technique for defense, and the Turtle Breath Technique to conceal his movements.
Unfortunately, he hadn't had much time to practice the Turtle Breath Technique, only reaching the Hall Entry level.
Time... there's never enough, Han Yi sighed.
Stationed on the front lines, there was no room for impatience. Moreover, cultivating the Turtle Breath Technique required deep meditation, which was impossible in this environment. As for the Fire Shield Technique, its activation would inevitably draw attention.
The only thing Han Yi could do during this brief respite was to nurture his sword artifact, and even that had to be kept to a minimum. This would allow his body's Mana to remain near peak condition, ready for any sudden developments.
Han Yi believed there would be a period of relative calm ahead. After all, even a full-scale war couldn't erupt without warning.
But reality slapped him hard.
On the very night they garrisoned Heavenfall City, the slaughter began.
Late that night, a piercing shriek shattered the silence, followed by a series of violent explosions.
Han Yi abruptly opened his eyes, jolted from a shallow meditation. His heart pounded in his chest, and every muscle in his body tensed.
It was impossible not to be nervous.
In such a massive battle, a mere Sixth Layer Qi Refining cultivator like him was at the very bottom of the food chain. One misstep could mean instant death at the hands of a Foundation Establishment expert, as effortless as crushing an ant.
If he could buy his way out, Han Yi would gladly donate the bulk of his wealth to the Sect and huddle on Little Spirit Void Peak to cultivate in peace.
Alas, the Sect's mandatory mission left no room for retreat.
Hearing the deafening explosions and clash of arms, Han Yi knew he could no longer cower. Sword in hand, he cautiously pushed open the door.
Outside, Lu Su stood in the open space with several Senior Brothers, their gazes fixed upward.
Above them, two Foundation Establishment cultivators were locked in a fierce battle. The thunderous booms echoed from their clash.
"It's Martial Uncle Gu!" someone exclaimed.
"Damn it! The Blood God Sect is launching a night raid!"
"What do we do, Senior Brother Lu?"
"What's our next move?"
Of the group, only Lu Su and Luo Yunzhou, a Seventh Layer Qi Refining Senior Brother who had fought in the Demon Cave War four years prior, possessed substantial combat experience. The others, facing such carnage for the first time, were utterly disoriented.
Before Lu Su, his face grim, could respond, the situation in the sky abruptly shifted.
The two Foundation Establishment cultivators, one chasing the other, suddenly vanished into the distance in an instant.
"Martial Uncle Gu is pursuing him!"
"Excellent! He has the upper hand!"
"He's won!"
"Should we follow them?"
Han Yi stood silently among the crowd, his gaze returning from the two streaks of light that had vanished into the night sky. His expression grew even more grave.
He believed the battle above was merely the beginning, not the end.
Lu Su shared this premonition. Having survived the Demon Cave War, his combat experience far surpassed that of the others.
"Not so fast. Let's wait."
His words had barely faded when...
Suddenly, dozens of figures materialized around the perimeter of the encampment. Under the moonlight, their crimson robes billowed ominously, radiating an undisguised aura of slaughter.
"You Profound Pill Sect cowards! Today, we send you to your graves!"
"Kill them all!"
A Blood God Sect cultivator at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement strode forward with earth-shaking force, his killing intent so palpable it seemed to taint the night air with blood.
Lu Su took a deep breath, his face hardening with murderous resolve as his own killing intent surged forth.
"Profound Pill Sect disciples! Fight as one! Stick together and don't get separated!"
"Kill!"
Not only Lu Su, but all nine squads stationed at the encampment swiftly formed temporary alliances, clashing fiercely with the Blood God Sect cultivators who had breached the perimeter walls.
Boom!
The slaughter erupted into a white-hot frenzy the instant the two forces collided.