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."

Han Yu allowed himself a silent sigh of relief. "Good. We will be leaving the repository soon. Once I am gone, you can move on your own path."

"Understood," she replied. There was no hesitation, no wasted words. The connection dimmed and then faded entirely.

Han Yu pocketed the slip, schooling his face back into neutrality before returning to the painstaking labor of packing ancient treasures. His mind, however, filed the matter away. Knowing that Meng Jueyan was safe meant he could focus entirely on what lay ahead.

The hours crawled onward.

At last, when the sun outside had climbed to mark the next morning, Elder Qing announced that the final item had been secured. Nearly three hours had passed since they had begun, and by now the disciples' robes were streaked with dust, their eyes glazed with exhaustion.

"It is enough," Elder Qing declared. His voice carried the firmness of command but also the faintest hint of satisfaction. "We have secured all that could be carried. The sect will preserve this legacy, and what remains behind can be revisited once proper measures are arranged."

A tired cheer rose from the younger disciples, though it was subdued by weariness.

Han Yu stifled a yawn, realizing with a start just how long he had been inside this repository.

They had entered more than a full day ago. His qi had recovered through pills and brief meditation, but his mind and body had not. A haze of fatigue clung to him, and his thoughts moved sluggishly despite his attempts to stay sharp.

Fatty Kui leaned against a nearby shelf, his chubby face sagging with exhaustion. "Finally… I thought my legs were going to give out. If we do not get some sleep soon, I might collapse right here."

Wu Shuan chuckled weakly, though his own eyes were shadowed. "You look like you already did, Kui. Another half hour and you would have been snoring against the shelves."

Even Xuan Qing, usually composed, had to brush a strand of hair from her tired eyes. Her companions were no better off, though they carried themselves with practiced discipline.

Thankfully, with the elders taking charge, there was little more required of them.

Elder Qing waved for them to gather their things, and the group formed up. With the ancient repository behind them now stripped of its immediate treasures, they retraced their steps under the elders' guidance.

No traps or hidden dangers threatened them this time. The elders' presence seemed to suppress the oppressive air of the tomb itself, their refined qi parting the stale atmosphere like sunlight piercing mist.

When they finally emerged from the dim corridors and out into the open morning light, the disciples nearly sighed in unison. The freshness of the outside air struck them like a wave, the sunlight burning away the weight of fatigue if only for a moment.

Awaiting them at the camp stood two figures whose authority eclipsed all others present.

Jian Wuhen, the Head of Sword Peak, stood like a drawn blade, his sharp eyes scanning the returning group with practiced precision. Beside him was Fang Tian, the Head of Spear Peak, his presence steady and imposing like a mountain.

Their appearance was a clear indication of how monumental the discovery had been. Peak Heads rarely came forward for direct reports, yet here they were in person.

Han Yu and the others immediately lowered their heads and cupped their hands in salute, but the burden of explanation did not fall upon them. Elder Qing stepped forward, bowing deeply, and began to speak in a calm but authoritative tone.

He relayed the discovery of the repository, the nature of the items within, and the steps they had taken to secure the treasures.

He also recounted the confrontation with the Mist Eye Sect, though he framed it as an ambush that the group had been fortunate enough to survive with Han Yu's quick thinking. The Peak Heads listened intently, their expressions stern, occasionally flicking toward the younger disciples as if weighing their measure.

When the report concluded, Jian Wuhen's voice rang out. "You have done well. The sect will remember this contribution. The work of preserving what has been secured will continue, but for now you are relieved of duty."

Fang Tian inclined his head, his deep voice following. "Return to your quarters. Rest and recover your strength. The matter of rewards and merit will be addressed once the value of what has been gathered is fully assessed."

Relief coursed through the group like a tide. They had endured more than a day of tension and labor, and the promise of rest was the sweetest gift.

They bowed deeply. "We thank the Peak Heads."

Elder Qing motioned for them to depart, and none hesitated.

Han Yu nearly stumbled as he crossed into the camp proper.

His body screamed for rest, every muscle weighted.

Fatty Kui was even worse, dragging his feet until he simply plopped onto the nearest bedroll the moment they reached their tents.

THUD

To everyone's shock, he even ignored the scent of breakfast wafting through the camp, muttering only, "Later… sleep first…" before collapsing.

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