### Chapter 57: Preparations for the Journey
Dusk painted the mountain peaks in hues of amber as Lin Yi returned to his courtyard, the *Shadowpiercer* sword and *Waveguard* robe tucked safely in his storage bag. The weight of the upcoming mission settled over him—Black Veil Forest, demons, unknown dangers. He needed to prepare.
"Pan Yu," he called, stepping into the courtyard.
Pan Yu emerged from his quarters, bowing. "Senior Brother?"
"Fetch me a list of all outer sect disciples joining the mission," Lin Yi said. "And gather as many 符箓 (talismans) as you can—healing, detox, fireball. Spend whatever spirit stones we have."
Pan Yu's eyes widened. "But Senior Brother, our stones are—"
"Use them," Lin Yi insisted. "Better to waste stones than die unprepared."
Pan Yu nodded. "I'll go at once."
While Pan Yu hurried off, Lin Yi changed into the *Waveguard* robe. It hummed softly against his skin, a faint barrier of water energy flickering around him. He tested the *Shadowpiercer* next, drawing it in a swift arc—the blade cut through the air with a silken whisper, leaving a trail of dark energy.
"Not bad," he muttered.
An hour later, Pan Yu returned, his arms loaded with talismans and a scroll of names. "Seventy-three talismans, Senior Brother. And the list—most are outer and inner disciples, but a few core disciples are joining too, including 方越 (Fang Yue)."
Lin Yi scanned the list, noting Stewards Zhang and Qiao's names. Good—familiar faces, at least.
"Let's head to the market," he said, tucking the list away. "Need one more thing."
The坊市 (market district) bustled with activity, but Lin Yi made a beeline for Xiao Bei's alchemy shop. She looked up as he entered, her apple cheeks flushing slightly. "Lin Yi? What are you doing here?"
"Need potions," he said, sliding a bag of spirit stones across the counter. "Healing, detox, anything that boosts speed or strength. For the Black Veil Forest."
Her smile faded. "You're going? It's dangerous—demons aren't like cultivators. They don't play by rules."
"I know," he said. "But I can't back down."
Xiao Bei bit her lip, then nodded, bustling around the shop. She returned with a handful of vials—jade bottles glowing with soft light. "Best I have. The red one—*Bursting Vitality Elixir*—can heal致命伤 (fatal wounds) if you take it fast enough. The blue one—*Clear Mind Potion*—wards off demonic illusions."
Lin Yi pocketed them, grinning. "You're a lifesaver, Xiao Bei Bei."
She rolled her eyes, but her ears turned pink. "Just… come back. I don't want to refine pills for someone else."
Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat. "I'll be back. Promise."
He left the shop, feeling lighter. With Xiao Bei's potions, Pan Yu's talismans, and his new artifacts, he stood a chance.
That evening, Lin Yi visited Elder Guan to bid farewell. The elder nodded, pressing a jade slip into his hand. "*Sky-Shattering Ninth Strike*—advanced forms. Study it when you can. And Lin Yi—"
"Master?"
"Trust no one but yourself in the forest," Elder Guan said, his voice low. "Demons aren't the only threat."
Lin Yi nodded, tucking the slip away. *Another secret*, he thought. *One more reason to survive.*
Back in his courtyard, he packed his things: talismans, potions, the *Shattering Spirit Technique* jade slip (though he hadn't had time to study it), and a handful of spirit stones.
Pan Yu hovered nearby, looking anxious. "Senior Brother, what if—"
"We'll be fine," Lin Yi said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Stick close, and follow my lead."
Pan Yu nodded, but his hands trembled.
Lin Yi smiled. "Scared?"
"A little," Pan Yu admitted.
"Good," Lin Yi said. "Fear keeps you alive. Remember that tomorrow."
As night fell, Lin Yi sat cross-legged, staring at the bracelet hidden on his wrist. The five-colored world within called to him, but he resisted. He needed a clear mind for tomorrow.
*Black Veil Forest*, he thought. *I'm coming.*