Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Xilun responded, but his gaze went beyond the iron gate to the quiet main building deep inside the manor.

He always felt that something was unusual about this.

Lund is not the kind of person who would disappear for a long time without a reason, nor would he make Savi keep quiet for no reason.

Perhaps... there is some deeper connection between them and the ocean-going port.

"When I get back, I'll write a letter to my teacher."

Xilun had made up his mind, but he didn't ask any more questions. He just nodded to Savi.

"Then I'll be leaving first."

"Okay, take care."

Xilun turned and left, his steps steady, but a shadow had silently fallen over his heart.

The morning light fell on the road, and the wind blew in from the sea, carrying a hint of salt.

As he walked back, he silently thought that many things in the future would probably not be as simple as they seemed on the surface.

By the time Xilun returned to the clubhouse, it was nearly morning.

As soon as he entered the living room, he smelled a faint aroma of tea.

Yuri was sitting by the French windows, leisurely brewing tea. His shirt collar was open and his hair was a little messy, indicating that he had just gotten up.

When he saw Xilun enter, he raised his chin.

"sit."

Xilun didn't stand on ceremony. He pulled out a chair, sat down, picked up the tea that had already been poured, took a sip, and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It's not as good as the one you gave me."

Yuri paused, his lips twitching.

"You've got a good eye for quality. The one I gave you is the most expensive bottle in my cupboard; I can't even bear to drink more than that myself."

Xilun put down his teacup and smiled.

That's why we agreed.

Yuri snorted and put the teapot on the table.

"Alright, stop pretending to be serious with me. Since you're up, let's go. I'll take you to the treasure vault first, and then show you the situation at White Crow Wharf."

"Once you've finished your business, you should head back to the North District as soon as possible."

Xilun nodded.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Half an hour later, the two got into the car.

The city outside the window receded slowly in the sunlight. The streets were much busier than in the morning. Trams jingled, and newsboys hawked their wares as they weaved through the crowds. The sea breeze, carrying coal smoke and the smell of the sea, wafted into the train window.

Yuri leaned back in his seat and casually asked, "Where did you go this morning?"

"At the teacher's house."

"Lund?"

"Hmm, but I didn't see him. Sai said he went to the ocean pier."

Yuri glanced at him sideways, his eyebrows twitching slightly, but he didn't press further, simply giving a soft "hmm."

Some things, a single sentence is enough for someone who understands.

Xilun didn't say much.

The car quickly drove into the White Crow Wharf area.

Compared to my last visit, the security here is noticeably tighter.

Roadblocks, checkpoints, armed guards, and workers carrying goods back and forth were all crammed together, with steam cranes stretching out their thick metal frames and casting huge shadows in the sunlight.

People along the way kept waving to Yuri's car.

After showing their identification and passing through the most critical checkpoints, Xilun could see several familiar figures in the distance.

It was those district governors under Yuri's command.

He recognized two of them in particular.

Losas, Marco.

Losas stood ramrod straight, talking to the person next to him. When he caught sight of the car approaching, he immediately fell silent. He first nodded respectfully to Yuri, then looked at Xiren, his expression clearly stiffening for a moment.

It wasn't because of Celen's face.

It was because of the Class A medal on Siron's shoulder.

The metal edges gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the center of the coat of arms featured a striking white raven design.

That's not something an ordinary district governor can touch; it's an insignia that only governors-general are qualified to wear.

Losas felt a sharp shock.

His first reaction wasn't even "Sillen has become governor," but rather the somewhat absurd thought that perhaps he was just temporarily filling in for someone.

But the next second, he dismissed the idea.

Who would dare let someone else wear their Class A medal on their behalf?

"Mr. Siren..."

Lothas's voice tightened slightly, then he quickly corrected himself, "Governor of Siron."

Xilun nodded to him.

"have not seen you for a long time."

Marco, standing nearby, reacted even more strongly.

He stared blankly at Xilun at first, as if he hadn't recovered from that familiar yet unfamiliar face, before he subconsciously smiled after a moment.

"Silen! It's been so long... What's this—"

He was speaking halfway through when his gaze fell on the medal.

Then, it was as if someone had hit him in the face with a stick, and he froze.

"You...you are..."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he quickly recalled moments they had shared in the past, and the more he thought about it, the more his scalp tingled.

The young man who fought alongside them during the mission and was just a promising young man has now risen to this position.

Governor of the Northern District, Class A Medal.

When these words are put together, they carry such a heavy weight that it's almost impossible to stand up straight.

Marco's face turned pale, and he abruptly lowered his head.

"Regent Marco greets Governor Siron!"

The people around them were taken aback when they saw this, and they quickly followed suit and bowed.

Xilun waved his hand.

"There's no need for that."

Marco didn't dare to move until Yuri lazily spoke up from the side.

"Alright, get up. Ignorance is no excuse."

The group then slowly straightened up as if they had just been pulled out of the water.

Yuri glanced at them, his tone neither too loud nor too soft.

"Xilun has advanced to the second-tier extraordinary level and is now the governor of the Northern District."

When you see him, treat him the same way you treat me. Understand?

"clear!"

The group spoke almost simultaneously.

Yuri was satisfied and led Xiren further inside.

After the two men had walked away, the district supervisors who had been standing there finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Someone couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Do you know that new governor?"

Lothar opened his mouth, and after a long while, he gave a wry smile.

"More than just acquaintances..."

Marco's expression was complex, and his eyes still held a trace of lingering shock.

"The former Governor of Xilun... no, the current Governor of Xilun, once fought alongside us."

As he spoke, it was as if he had suddenly returned to a damp, dangerous, yet exhilarating old time, and his voice lowered.

"That time we were chasing a strange python in the river. The situation was dangerous, and we almost didn't make it back."

He was already extraordinary back then, but no one expected it to happen so quickly.

The people nearby looked at each other in bewilderment.

quick?

This isn't just fast, it's terrifying.

……

The two continued deeper into the area.

The familiar heavy doors opened once more, and the unique coolness of the treasure vault rushed out.

Xilun had visited once before, but his status and perspective were different then.

Looking at it now, it feels a little different.

Rows of metal shelves extend into the depths, where various sealed materials, extraordinary relics, and secret medicines are quietly displayed under the light, like one silent temptation after another.

As Yuri walked, he said, "You chose a B-grade vault before, which corresponds to a first-tier extraordinary being."

This is currently Grade A, corresponding to Tier 2. It's much rarer; the Brotherhood can't accumulate many annual supplies.

He glanced at Xiren.

"So, what type are you looking for?"

Xilun pondered for a moment.

"If possible, I would like to find specific training resources for breathing techniques."

Yuri paused slightly.

"Speaking of which, I haven't asked yet what the second-tier breathing technique you're currently practicing is?"

"Mysterious Yin Breathing Technique"

Yuri paused for a moment, then looked at him with some surprise.

"The Tusol family's top-tier technique?"

"Um."

"No wonder you had such a strong chilling aura when you made your move yesterday."

Yuri clicked his tongue. "This method is indeed powerful, but it's also incredibly difficult to master. There are many obstacles, and resources are even harder to find. It's not something the average person can afford to do."

As he spoke, he raised his finger and pointed around.

"Look for it yourself. I can only say I'll try my best. There are some things the Brotherhood may have, but they might not be right for you."

Xilun hummed in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the area inch by inch.

He certainly doesn't lack weapons right now.

The Golden Spear is strong enough, and the Soul-Suppressing Nail is still on my body. If I really have to choose, what I need most is the resources that can activate the Profound Yin Breathing Technique.

Yinlingyuan water is naturally the best.

If none are available, other water-based materials with similar properties can serve as a temporary substitute.

He walked slowly among the shelves.

Cold jade bottles, black-patterned glass jars, wax-sealed copper boxes—the names of various materials are written on the labels.

"Misty Sea Frost Marrow", "Frozen River Fish Gallbladder", "Shattered Ice Stones of the Ghost Tide", "Rotten White Sea Monster Tears"...

Some have a slightly yin nature, but are not pure enough; some are very watery, but have too many impurities, and are not suitable for long-term ingestion.

After looking for a long time, Xilun finally stopped on the third shelf of the innermost row of shelves.

There was a slender-necked crystal bottle there.

The liquid in the bottle was dark blue, almost black, as still as a small section of a lake at night. When light shone on it, a very faint mist rose from the inside of the bottle.

The label next to it had four characters written on it.

The Spring of Darkness.

Xilun reached out and took it down. The moment his fingertips touched the bottle, he felt a refreshing coolness.

That's not quite right.

It's still inferior to the Yinlingyuan Water.

Its advantage lies in its similarity and purity, making it a good choice for transition.

Yuri walked over, looked at it, and nodded, saying, "Good eye. When you don't have Yin Spirit Source Water, it's one of the most suitable materials for you."

Xilun carefully put the bottle away, his expression unusually serious.

"Let's choose this one."

"OK."

After the two came out of the vault, Yuri didn't stay with him any longer and stretched outside the door.

"Go and let Wall know, that's the end of today's trip. I have a ton of other things to do, I really can't be bothered to keep you company."

Xilun laughed and said, "Then I won't delay Lord Yuri's fortune."

"roll."

Yuri laughed and cursed, then turned and left.

Siren then walked along the corridor to Wall's office.

The bookshelves inside are towering, and sunlight streams in through the window, cutting a quiet patch of light on the tabletop.

Wall was looking down at an old document when he heard footsteps, but he only glanced up.

"Have you made your choice?"

"I've made my choice."

Xilun handed over the registration book.

Wall took it, glanced at the name, and wrote it down in the register, his movements unhurried and deliberate.

After finishing writing, he closed the notebook, looked at Xilun, and his eyes showed a rare touch of emotion.

"You are now capable of handling things on your own."

"It feels like a long time ago, but looking back, it feels like only a year has passed."

Xilun listened quietly without interrupting.

Wall leaned back in his chair and tapped the edge of the table lightly with his fingers.

"Young people, you can't stay in one place and rot. You have to go through the waves, like a reef that won't fall no matter how hard you hit it, only then will you have a chance to truly succeed."

Xilun nodded.

"Been taught a lesson."

Wall shook his head, the wrinkles on his face appearing even deeper in the light.

"I didn't teach you anything."

You are your own greatest teacher.

After those words were spoken, the room fell silent for a brief moment.

Looking at the old man in front of him, who seemed even older than before, Xilun suddenly realized that many people may not accompany you for very long, but the words they say will remain for a long time.

He didn't say anything more, but simply nodded solemnly to Wall.

"I'm leaving."

"Go."

After leaving the office building, Xilun caught the bus back home.

He sat in the back, closed his eyes to rest, letting the sounds of the city and docks outside the car window recede little by little.

On the surface, nothing major seemed to have happened on this trip.

There was no fighting, no bloodshed, and no one suddenly turning against each other.

But upon closer reflection, it seems that many things have been distorted silently.

He met the true leaders of the Brotherhood, and also saw the awe and distance that old acquaintances showed him; he received an A-level medal, and was even more aware of the dangerous position he was in.

Stability is only temporary.

The higher you climb, the more you'll discover that truly powerful figures don't necessarily draw their swords every day, but every gaze seems to be weighing whether your life or death is worthwhile.

When the car stopped, the sky was already slightly westward.

As soon as Xilun got off the train, he saw that the people who were going to greet him were already waiting outside the station.

They're from the Brotherhood of Steel's North District.

He got into the car, leaned back in his seat, and casually asked, "Has anything happened at the manor lately?"

The old butler in the driver's seat held the steering wheel steadily, his voice respectful.

"Everything is fine, Your Excellency, there is no need to worry."

Xilun hummed in agreement, but his gaze fell out the window. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke again.

"How's the collection of Yin Spirit Water going?"

This time, the old butler's tone clearly carried a hint of helplessness.

"We were only able to purchase two bottles."

"The price has already been set very high, but this kind of resource is so scarce that many people, even if they have it, may not be willing to sell. Right now, there is a price but no market for it."

Xilun's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Two bottles..."

He read it aloud once, then said nothing more.

It seems we'll eventually have to find a way to continue taking from Tusol.

There's very little that can be found outside.

However, his Xuan Yin Breathing Technique is precisely a huge pit that devours resources.

Afternoon, the waterfall.

Water cascaded down from the mountain cliffs, creating a roaring white wave and scattering cold mist. Several nearby boulders, polished smooth by years of erosion, were covered with a layer of damp water, making them slightly slippery to step on.

Xilun sat cross-legged on the dark blue stone platform below the waterfall, shirtless.

The cascading torrents pounded against his shoulders and back with dull thuds. An ordinary person sitting here would probably have their bones cracked, but he simply lowered his head slightly, his expression calm.

A moment later, he picked up the slender-necked crystal bottle from the side.

The moment the cork was pulled out, a chilling aura wafted out.

"The Yin Spirit Source Water is scarce, so we must use it sparingly."

"This bottle of Xuanming Spring can last for a while."

Xilun looked at the almost inky liquid in the bottle, muttered something, then tilted his head back slightly and took a mouthful of the water into his mouth.

In an instant, a chill spread.

It wasn't cold, but a deep, still chill that seemed to seep into your very bones.

Xilun closed his eyes, and the Xuan Yin Breathing Technique immediately began to operate.

The chill was drawn down from the throat, spreading slowly along the meridians, flesh, and internal organs, entangled and merging with the already abundant water vapor around the waterfall, and then continuously compressed and condensed.

The swirling energy within his body suddenly accelerated.

One, two, three...

A chilling aura continued to sink, like an invisible pool of ice slowly building up deep within his body.

Xilun could clearly feel his aura growing heavier.

It doesn't expand violently, but rather like a piece of black iron that keeps sinking to the bottom, becoming more and more solid and stable.

A moment later, a faint red light flashed in his eyes.

Successfully completed a Bone Forging Cultivation session, Bone Forging Iron Armor Ascetic Training Experience +1!

Successfully performed a Xuan Yin Breathing exercise. Xuan Yin Breathing Technique Experience +1!

The waterfall roared like thunder, and the spray hit our faces.

Xilun sat there, like a stubborn rock washed by a torrent, unmoving and unshaken.