Inside the aircraft cabin.

The group was taking the time to understand the mission details, their expressions somewhat grim. Only Tana was her usual lively self. She came over and patted Xu Wuyi’s arm hard, making a dull THUD THUD sound.

"Not bad, Xu Wuyi! You feel even more solid!" Tana exclaimed in amazement. Then, as if remembering something, she turned to the others.

"You guys have no idea. I sparred with him on the Battle Network a couple of days ago, and this guy is a total monster now! I hit him with my hammer, and he acted like it was nothing. The recoil almost made me lose my grip!"

Everyone had varied expressions upon hearing this.

Tana’s strength was widely acknowledged as the best on the team. For Xu Wuyi to be able to withstand her heavy hammer, his physical fortitude was truly terrifying.

Zhao Qingwei looked at Xu Wuyi and asked directly, "What’s your Life Energy Level now?"

Xu Wuyi didn’t hide it, answering calmly, "Level 29."

The moment he spoke, the surroundings fell silent for a brief instant.

Even Li Hao, who rarely showed any emotion, glanced up. Luo Liang subconsciously clenched his fists, the shock on his face impossible to hide.

"Level 29?!" Ding Haichuan pushed up his glasses, his tone filled with amazement. "Mr. Xu, your rate of progress... is just terrifying. I only just reached Level 27 not long ago."

Zhao Qingwei let out a soft breath. "I’m at Level 28.1."

Aside from Tana, she had made the fastest progress, but Xu Wuyi had still opened up a significant gap.

Luo Liang said sullenly, "Level 27.9." Li Hao was concise. "Level 28."

Tana put her hands on her hips. Though she had known Xu Wuyi might have surpassed her, hearing the exact number still left her feeling a bit indignant. "I’m at Level 28.4! And here I thought I could finally beat you this time! You monster, have you been doping?"

Xu Wuyi shook his head, his tone still calm. "My Cultivation Technique just reached a new stage, allowing my previously accumulated foundation to erupt. None of you are slow cultivators. Sooner or later, you’ll also hit a similar period of rapid growth. It’s just a matter of time."

As he said this, his gaze couldn’t help but fall on Ding Haichuan.

In reality, the team member who had improved the fastest, aside from himself, wasn’t Tana, but Ding Haichuan.

After receiving funding from the Zhao Family, this Archer’s progress had been explosive. Even after reaching Level 25, his pace hadn’t slowed.

Xu Wuyi knew this was because these geniuses from common backgrounds had previously lacked resources, causing their Life Energy Levels to lag behind their actual Martial Arts progress.

Once they obtained resources, they would immediately enter a period of explosive growth; it was just a matter of seeing at what point it would level off.

Xu Wuyi paused, then steered the conversation back to the mission. "This mission is quite dangerous. According to the intel, the average Star Beast is Level 28 or higher, and there are Commander Level ones too. My defense and strength are my strong points right now, so I can take the lead in handling the frontal pressure."

Hearing this, Luo Liang immediately took a step forward and said in a low voice, "My Golden Jade Skills are also about to break through to the next level. My defense isn’t weak. I’ll hold the front line with you."

After numerous missions and spars, his opinion of Xu Wuyi had long since changed. Now, it was more about his sense of responsibility as the team’s defensive core; he was unwilling to let Xu Wuyi bear the most dangerous pressure alone.

Xu Wuyi glanced at him and nodded. "Alright."

Seeing that everyone was present and the discussion was over, Zhao Qingwei said, "We’ll play it by ear. This mission’s difficulty is on another level. Everyone, be careful."

The aircraft quickly lifted off the ground and sped toward Yuntai City.

En route, Zhao Qingwei shared the latest intelligence from the military.

The mine’s internal structure was extremely complex, with countless branching paths. The Star Realm Rift had appeared deep within the ore seam, and the Star Beasts pouring out were primarily "Burrow Demon Spiders," "Rock Armor Centipedes," and "Shadow Bats," all adapted for fighting in tight spaces.

Driven by a Great Commander Level Star Beast, they were frantically expanding outward, making them extremely difficult to exterminate.

Star Beasts at Level 30 or higher are called "Commander Level," corresponding to the human Martial Master Level. "Great Commander Level" refers to Star Beasts at Level 35 or higher.

About twenty-some minutes later, the aircraft began to descend.

Through the porthole, they could see a ravaged mountainous area below.

A massive mine entrance gaped like a monstrous maw. The surrounding area was dotted with temporary military tents and construction vehicles, and the light from Energy Detectors periodically swept across the entrance.

The aircraft landed on a temporarily marked landing pad.

As the cabin door opened, a mixture of earth and gunpowder assailed their noses.

An officer with the rank of major on his shoulder came to greet them. He had a fierce aura, and his Life Energy Level was an impressive Level 35 or higher—a Middle-Tier Martial Artist.

His gaze was sharp as lightning as it swept over Xu Wuyi and the others. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes when he saw how young they were, but it turned to approval after he sensed their condensed Qi and Blood.

"Star Martial University, Zhao Qingwei’s squad?"

"Yes." Zhao Qingwei stepped forward.

"The situation is urgent, so I’ll be brief." The major spoke rapidly, pointing to an entrance on the side of the mine marked by an energy fence. "You’re responsible for the cleanup of Area B-7."

"The main passage in that area was just cleared by two Martial Artist squads, ’Gale’ and ’Mountain.’ They took out two Star Beast Commanders, but a considerable number of Star Beasts remain—both stragglers and those pouring in from other tunnels. Their levels are mostly between 28 and 30."

He emphasized, "Your mission is to assist in the cleanup. Deal with any Star Beasts that the ’Gale’ and ’Mountain’ squads missed, or any that are below Level 30. Secure the rear passage, and set up Energy Beacons to guide subsequent troops and establish a defensive line."

"Remember, don’t advance recklessly. If you encounter a Star Beast Commander at Level 30 or higher, send a distress signal immediately. A Martial Artist squad will handle it. Understood?"

"Understood," Zhao Qingwei replied solemnly.

"This is the real-time map of Area B-7 and a heat map of known Star Beast distribution. It’s already been synced to your tactical visors. Good luck!"

The major handed her a datapad, gave a quick salute, and then hurried off toward another newly arrived team. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

After receiving the data, Zhao Qingwei immediately shared it on the squad channel.

"Objective: Area B-7. We’ll use the standard formation. Luo Liang and Xu Wuyi on point, Tana providing support, Li Hao on reconnaissance, Ding Haichuan in the center, and I’ll provide support as needed. Move out!"

The six of them shot off like arrows from a bow, rushing toward the deep, dark mine entrance.

Upon entering the mine, the light dimmed abruptly. Only the temporary emergency lights installed on the rock walls and the faint glow of Energy Beacons provided illumination.

The ground was damp and slippery, littered with rubble and the remains of unknown creatures.

The passage was wide, but it was surrounded by branching paths of various sizes, like a labyrinth.

The sounds of fierce fighting and the roars of Star Beasts echoed from the distance. It was clear that the Martial Artist squads in charge of the main assault were engaged with powerful enemies.

"Stay alert! Watch the side tunnels!" Zhao Qingwei’s voice echoed in the passage.

The squad advanced steadily. Before long, the rustling sound of crawling and a sharp screech came from around a bend up ahead.

"They’re here!" Li Hao’s warning came from the shadows.