She seemed to sense Xu Wuyi’s gaze and looked up.
Their eyes met, and they both nodded slightly.
They had seen each other most often before the college entrance exams back then. After enrolling in different universities, they only saw each other occasionally during competitions.
Now, both were fourth-year university students, a year away from graduation, and their circumstances were vastly different from before.
Tang Xiuqi had already gone to greet them, speaking with the instructor leading the group from Black Stone Academy. Su Yueling and the other students stood quietly to the side, awaiting their arrangements.
Although Su Yueling’s status was rather special as Grandmaster Ren’s disciple, she was here today as a student of Black Stone Academy.
About ten minutes later, Tang Xiuqi led the group of newcomers into the fortress.
"Everyone, this is the frontline outpost of the Profound Abyssal Rift. I am Deputy Commander Tang Xiuqi." Tang Xiuqi stood in the center of the Training Ground, facing the dozen or so newcomers. "For the next month, you will participate in the defense of this line. Specific mission assignments will be distributed later by your respective echelon captains."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "First, I need to emphasize a few points of discipline. One, follow all orders and do not approach the Rift without authorization. Two, in combat, your personal safety is the top priority; don’t be reckless. Three, if you have any problems or discover anything unusual, report it immediately."
"Understood!" the crowd responded in unison.
"Good. Now for team assignments." Tang Xiuqi brought up a light screen. "Su Yueling, Chen Mo, Zhao Yuxin, the three of you will join the second echelon."
Xu Wuyi stood in the ranks, his expression unchanging as he heard the name.
However, Zhao Kun, who was next to him, nudged his arm and whispered, "Someone you know."
"Yeah," Xu Wuyi replied simply.
Tang Xiuqi continued with the assignments, quickly placing all the newcomers.
"Now, echelon captains will take their new members to get familiar with the environment and go over the key points."
The members of the second echelon gathered together.
Tang Xiuqi looked at Xu Wuyi. "Junior Brother Xu, you take Junior Sister Su and the others to familiarize them with the fortress and the defensive line. I’ll arrange the rest."
"Alright," Xu Wuyi nodded and walked toward Su Yueling.
Su Yueling and the others came over, and the four of them met at the edge of the Training Ground.
"Su Yueling, long time no see," Xu Wuyi said, his tone calm. He then greeted the other two.
"Yes," Su Yueling nodded, her voice cool. "We’ll be in your care."
Beside them, Chen Mo seemed excited upon seeing Xu Wuyi. "Xu Wuyi, I can’t believe I’m seeing you here! I’m a fan! You’re incredible!"
"Uh..." It was the first time Xu Wuyi had encountered such an enthusiastic fan among Martial Artists, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to respond.
Zhao Yuxin, at their side, couldn’t help but say with a chuckle, "Xu Wuyi, don’t think he’s lying. He’s been your fan since the youth tournament in our second year!"
Hearing this, even Su Yueling showed a hint of a smile and nodded, confirming that Zhao Yuxin wasn’t exaggerating.
"Well... Let’s all work hard together! Follow me."
Xu Wuyi could only offer a few words of encouragement before turning to lead them into the fortress interior.
They passed through the Training Ground, the dormitory area, and the logistics warehouse, finally arriving at an observation post on the fortress wall.
From here, they could clearly see the distant Rift, as well as the white figure sitting cross-legged before it.
"That’s Grandmaster Ren Bai," Xu Wuyi explained. "He is the one suppressing the Profound Abyssal Rift. Don’t disturb him unless it’s an emergency."
"Understood." Chen Mo and the other student gazed at the figure, a trace of reverence in their eyes. As Grandmaster Ren’s disciple, this went without saying for Su Yueling.
"The fortress is divided into three zones: the living zone, the training zone, and the combat zone. Your quarters are in the eastern part of the living zone. I’ll take you there in a bit."
"Okay."
"The defensive line is threefold: the first line is the Rift frontline, personally overseen by Grandmaster Ren. The second line is the open area outside the walls, which is the primary responsibility of our second echelon. The third line is the wall itself, which has an automated defense system and is garrisoned by the first echelon."
Xu Wuyi paused. "Your main task is to participate in the second echelon’s patrols and combat. For specific arrangements, you’ll follow orders from Senior Brother Tang and me."
"Understood." Su Yueling nodded, then suddenly asked, "What Realm are you at now?"
Xu Wuyi glanced at her. "Level 43. You?"
"Level 37," Su Yueling replied. "My Shadow Sword Technique has condensed a Heart Image Prototype, but it’s not stable yet."
"Congratulations, that’s fast progress," Xu Wuyi said honestly.
To go from Level 32 to 37 in just over a year while also condensing a Heart Image Prototype was indeed very fast. Although it couldn’t compare to him, it was definitely top-tier among their peers.
"Thank you." Su Yueling was silent for a moment before adding, "But I’s still far behind you."
After that, Xu Wuyi showed them the other areas.
"Rest for today. You’ll start your official duties tomorrow," Xu Wuyi said, standing at the dormitory entrance. "If you need anything, you can find me or Senior Brother Tang."
...
For the next few days, the Profound Abyssal Rift was relatively calm.
Energy Fluctuations remained low. There were only two small-scale surges, neither with more than twenty beasts, and they were easily dealt with by the patrol teams.
Su Yueling quickly adapted to life at the outpost.
She didn’t speak much, but she was diligent in her duties and decisive in combat. Her Shadow Sword Technique was already taking shape in her hands, its illusory shifts often allowing her to dispatch enemies by surprise.
Xu Wuyi, meanwhile, continued his Cultivation.
After achieving Great Success with his Profound Nether Celestial Spear, his comprehension of the Gravity Rules entered a new stage.
Every day, aside from his regular patrols and training, he would make time to meditate at the edge of the Rift or consult other materials left by Grandmaster Xie Tang on the Battle Network.
The two of them rarely crossed paths. Outside of the necessary coordination during group missions, they had almost no private interaction.
But this peace was shattered on the fifth day.
That evening, Xu Wuyi was practicing his Spear Technique in the Cultivation Room when the piercing sound of an alarm once again blared throughout the fortress.
"All personnel, attention! Abnormal Energy Fluctuation at the Rift! Large-scale spatial disturbance detected! A surge is expected in two minutes!"
Xu Wuyi’s eyes snapped open. He grabbed his spear and rushed out the door.
On the Training Ground, the members of the second echelon had already assembled.
Tang Xiuqi stood before a holographic sand table, his expression grave. "The Energy readings are higher than last time. The disturbance intensity is three times that of a normal surge. At least two hundred Star Beasts. Energy signature analysis... confirmed. There are four Great Commander Level beasts, one of which is a ’Rock Armor Commander’."
"A Rock Armor Commander?" Zhao Kun frowned. "That thing’s defense is insanely strong. It won’t be an easy fight."
"That’s why I need everyone to give it their all." Tang Xiuqi’s gaze swept across the group. "Su Yueling, this is your first large-scale battle. Stay close to Li Shuang and be careful."
"Understood," Su Yueling nodded.
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