Elder Qing's eyes were fixed on Han Yu, and though his expression was stern, there was no hiding the glimmer of approval within them. He stepped through the circle of onlookers, his presence silencing the whispers instantly.

When he stopped in front of Han Yu, he folded his hands behind his back and spoke with measured tone. "Han Yu, congratulations on your breakthrough. You have stepped into the Core Condensation realm with vigor."

Han Yu opened his eyes, still feeling the lingering rush of Qi in his veins. He bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Qing."

The elder's sharp gaze quickly noted the blood staining Han Yu's robes and lips.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "You have strained yourself considerably. Do you require medical treatment, or should I send for the healers?"

Han Yu shook his head with calm determination. "I am fine now, Elder. The pain was only during the process. My condition is stable."

Some disciples murmured in disbelief. For many, even attempting such a breakthrough without assistance could cripple them. Yet Han Yu was already speaking with steady breath, his focus unshaken.

It was then that a voice piped up from the crowd, belonging to a disciple from the logistics division.

He frowned, tilting his head as a memory surfaced. "Wait a moment… how did Han Yu reach the Core Condensation realm?" he said, his words spoken just loudly enough for others to hear. "I recall that no Core Forming Pill was ever issued to him."

The effect was immediate. The words spread like wildfire, ears pricking and eyes widening as the implication set in.

"What? He broke through without a Core Forming Pill?"

"That cannot be true. Everyone relies on one to stabilize the condensation process."

"Unless… unless his foundation was truly strong enough to force it on his own."

Gasps and exclamations echoed through the gathering as disciples realized what this meant. Even the elders who had been standing silently on the periphery were no longer able to keep their composure, their eyes widening as they turned toward Elder Qing.

The elder himself blinked once in surprise, then allowed a slow smile to spread across his face. "Is that so?" His gaze returned to Han Yu, who stood quietly in the center of the circle. "You did not use a Core Forming Pill, Han Yu?"

Han Yu inclined his head slightly. "No, Elder. I sought to rely on my own efforts."

The murmurs grew louder, and even Wu Shuan felt his chest tighten at the revelation.

He had needed a pill himself, and yet Han Yu had achieved something that only one or two disciples managed to accomplish in a decade. The sheer difficulty of such a feat was something every cultivator understood.

Elder Qing let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing across the camp. "Good. Very good. Han Yu, you truly live up to your Blue Rank talent now. To break through without the aid of a Core Forming Pill is no small matter.

In fact, such a thing is usually only seen among the Legacy Disciples or the personal disciples of Peak Heads. You have proven that your path is far from ordinary."

His words carried weight, and disciples bowed their heads slightly in acknowledgment. Many cast glances of admiration and envy at Han Yu. Some clenched their fists, feeling inspired, while others could only sigh at the impossible gap his achievement had created.

Han Yu, however, did not bask in the praise for its own sake.

As he bowed once more and murmured his thanks, he felt something stir deep within him. A current of invisible energy flowed from the crowd into his body, subtle yet unmistakable. The Eight Emotions Energy, born from the awe, admiration, envy, and even jealousy of those who witnessed his breakthrough, was pouring into him in torrents.

His heart swelled, not from arrogance, but from the recognition that his path was opening wider than ever before. For the first time since he had entered the sect, he felt the true weight of possibility pressing down on him.

This was not the end. It was only the beginning.

The camp did not return to calm right away.

The vortex in the skies slowly dissipated, yet the awe it had stirred remained, lingering in every pair of eyes fixed on Han Yu. For many of the younger disciples, this moment would be etched into memory for the rest of their lives.

After all, it was not often one got to witness a Core Condensation breakthrough of such intensity, and certainly not one achieved without a Core Forming Pill.

Elder Qing studied Han Yu a while longer before finally nodding in satisfaction. "This achievement cannot go unreported. I will make it known to the elders' council and the peak heads. It is not only a personal triumph but also an honor for our sect. Such talent deserves recognition."

The disciples around him erupted into whispers again.

"If the elders' council hears of this, Han Yu might receive additional privileges."

"Could he even be chosen as a personal disciple by one of the peak heads?"

"That is not impossible. His foundation is too strong to ignore."

While the whispers spread, Elder Qing lifted his hand, and the voices immediately died down.

His tone was firm as he addressed the gathered crowd. "Enough gawking. All of you, return to your cultivation and duties. Not every day will present such an opportunity for breakthroughs. Do not squander your own time by staring at another's success."

His words were sharp, yet many disciples bowed in respect and dispersed reluctantly, though more than a few stole lingering glances at Han Yu before leaving.

As the crowd thinned, Wu Shuan and Fatty Kui stayed behind, their concern for Han Yu evident. Xuan Qing also remained, her expression calmer now, though her eyes carried a rare trace of warmth.

Fatty Kui was the first to speak once Elder Qing moved aside.

He shuffled up to Han Yu, his round face breaking into a wide grin.

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