The electronic wristband on Zhao Mu's arm emitted a soft vibration.
A notification appeared.
It informed him that he could now proceed to the Logistics Department to collect the resource package that had been pending since his first month at Qingfeng Camp.
For a moment, Zhao Mu stood still.
Then, a faint gleam of excitement flashed across his eyes.
At last—
Through his own relentless effort, he had caught up with those specially admitted trainees like Shen Moran and Shao Han.
Unlike them, he hadn't entered Qingfeng Camp with advantages or recommendations.
Everything he had gained—
He had earned.
Step by step.
"Captain, what's the good news?"
One of his teammates noticed the subtle change in his expression and couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Yeah, don't keep it to yourself—share it!"
Zhao Mu smiled faintly.
"It's nothing special. The higher-ups saw my recent performance and decided to reward me with some resources."
He spoke modestly.
But before anyone else could respond, Zhu Meng slapped him on the shoulder with a loud laugh.
"Stop acting humble! It's the seed trainee resource package, right?"
The moment those words were spoken—
The atmosphere shifted.
Everyone immediately looked at Zhao Mu with unconcealed envy.
However, there was no jealousy.
Not even a hint.
Because everyone present knew exactly what Zhao Mu represented.
A Jinhai Master.
Or rather—
A future Jinhai Master.
The ability to draw the Spirit Rune Diagram Path was not something ordinary people could achieve.
It meant potential.
Limitless potential.
In the future, Zhao Mu would be able to craft customized ember remains—tailored equipment perfectly suited to a Spirit Power User's affinity.
And in this world—
If one lacked suitable ember remains, their strength would be significantly compromised.
Because of this, instead of resenting Zhao Mu, everyone wanted to be closer to him.
To build goodwill.
To form connections.
After all—
Opportunities like this were rare.
After finishing his meal, Zhao Mu wasted no time.
He headed straight for the Logistics Department.
The building was enormous.
Even from the outside, it exuded a sense of authority and abundance.
And when Zhao Mu stepped inside—
He was greeted by a familiar figure.
Xie Yingxue.
Instructor Xie.
She stood quietly in the lobby, her posture straight, her expression calm.
But when she saw Zhao Mu—
A rare smile appeared on her face.
Zhao Mu was momentarily stunned.
Could it be…?
Was she waiting for him?
"Instructor Xie."
Zhao Mu stepped forward respectfully.
Xie Yingxue nodded.
"This is your first time here. I'll guide you personally."
For a brief moment—
Zhao Mu felt a warmth rise in his chest.
This was Qingfeng Camp.
A place where only the most talented individuals were gathered.
And yet—
Despite everything, he was receiving personal guidance.
It was a recognition of his efforts.
A validation.
Qingfeng Camp was unlike the outside world.
Here—
Background didn't matter.
Family didn't matter.
Even connections held little power.
As long as you had talent—
As long as you worked hard—
You would be nurtured.
This system—the Military Martial Specialization School—had been one of the pillars supporting the Xuanfeng Empire for centuries.
It ensured a constant flow of capable individuals.
Even the influence of powerful clans and officials struggled to penetrate its structure.
It was—
Pure.
In its own way.
Under Xie Yingxue's guidance, Zhao Mu proceeded deeper into the Logistics Department.
The warehouse alone was vast beyond imagination.
Rows upon rows of storage units stretched into the distance.
Inside them—
Countless valuable materials.
Precious resources.
Rare items.
Everything a cultivator could need.
"Once you begin participating in special missions," Xie Yingxue explained, "you will earn academic credits."
"These credits can be exchanged for additional resources."
Zhao Mu listened carefully, nodding.
Every piece of information—
Was valuable.
Soon, he received his resource package.
A heavy military backpack.
Bulging.
Filled to the brim.
After thanking Xie Yingxue sincerely, Zhao Mu left without delay.
His next destination—
The Engineering Department.
When he arrived, he noticed something unusual.
Both Xia Lingling and Shen Moran were already there.
Early.
Very early.
It seemed that Zhao Mu's recent progress had motivated them.
Or perhaps—
Pressured them.
Shen Moran glanced at Zhao Mu.
Then immediately turned away.
Ignoring him.
Zhao Mu didn't mind.
Not even slightly.
He walked to his usual workstation.
Carefully.
Deliberately.
Placing the backpack on the table, he opened it.
Inside—
Five sealed metal boxes.
Each containing Jinhai Manufacturing Materials.
Teeth.
Bones.
Fur.
All preserved carefully.
"In Jinhai Manufacturing," Zhao Mu muttered, "the more complete the bone remains… the greater the potential power."
These materials—
Were low-grade.
But for practice—
They were perfect.
"If I want to master the Seal Bone Remains ritual…"
He paused.
"I'll need dozens of sets."
Still—
He wasn't worried.
Step by step.
That was his way.
From his pocket, Zhao Mu took out a ring.
A thin silver ring.
Plain.
Rough.
Almost ugly.
But—
It was his first successful Vessel Embryo.
And that alone—
Made it valuable.
Taking a beast tooth from one of the boxes, Zhao Mu activated his ability.
"Demon Clown—activate."
[Jinhai Manufacturing — Seal Bone Remains]
Proficiency: 0
Spiritual power surged.
The ritual began.
The third step of Jinhai Manufacturing—
Sealing the bone remains into the vessel.
Simple in theory.
But in practice—
Dangerous.
The bone still retained the violent aura of its origin.
A remnant of the Dark Races.
Wild.
Savage.
Unyielding.
Zhao Mu activated the Turtle Breathing Technique.
His breathing slowed.
His mind calmed.
Then—
He began.
The original seal on the bone was undone.
Immediately—
A burst of crimson light filled his vision.
"ROAR—!"
The sound exploded in his mind.
Ferocious.
Overwhelming.
His concentration wavered.
Just for a moment.
And that—
Was enough.
The ritual collapsed.
The spiritual energy dissipated.
Zhao Mu clenched his fists.
A trace of pain flashed in his eyes.
Not physical—
But financial.
Still—
He wasn't discouraged.
Because—
[Seal Bone Remains Proficiency: +1]
"Again."
He continued.
Failure.
Then failure again.
Soon, he discovered a pattern.
Each low-grade bone—
Could only withstand two attempts.
After that—
Its spirituality vanished.
Becoming useless.
But—
Each attempt increased proficiency.
"This…"
Zhao Mu muttered.
"Is basically converting materials into experience points."
He recalled something Liang Gongchi had once said.
"To become a First-Level Jinhai Master, you need at least a 30% success rate."
Zhao Mu calculated silently.
That meant—
He needed far more materials.
Fortunately—
More were coming.
From Qingfeng Camp.
From the Meng Group.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"At this rate… I can reach First-Level within a month."
Excitement flickered in his chest.
Because once he succeeded—
Everything would change.
Money.
Resources.
Strength.
All within reach.
Soon, the materials were exhausted.
Zhao Mu didn't hesitate.
He stopped immediately.
No waste.
No excess.
Packing his things, he left the Engineering Department.
"Huh?"
Xia Lingling blinked in surprise.
"Why did Senior Zhao leave so early today?"
"He usually trains for hours…"
But Zhao Mu had already moved on.
To the Training Hall.
Qingfeng Camp had two training areas.
The Public Hall.
And—
The Advanced Training Hall.
Same location.
Different entrances.
Different worlds.
Only seed trainees—
Or those above intermediate level—
Could enter the Advanced Hall.
Zhao Mu stepped forward.
Raised his wrist.
Swiped.
The door opened.
Inside—
Silence.
Order.
And something more.
Each person had their own private cultivation room.
No interference.
No distractions.
Zhao Mu stepped inside.
A new stage—
Had begun.
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