The stronghold at the outskirts of Rising Sun City buzzed with quiet activity. The squad had returned, battle-worn but alive, and the looted haul from the Jin Auction House lay spread across the central hall of their fortress. The sight was staggering—a mountain of wealth, rare materials, and powerful items, the likes of which most cultivators could only dream of seeing in their lifetimes.
Alaric and Alex stood at the head of the hall, overseeing as the squad began cataloging each piece. Gold coins glittered under the light, beast cores shimmered with latent power, and armor and weapons radiated energy that made even seasoned warriors pause.
"Let's break it down," Alaric said, his voice firm but tinged with excitement. "1,000,000 gold coins, a demon-tier core—which is rarer than finding a pin in a non-graded forest—10 elemental king-tier beast cores, 200 normal king-tier beast cores, 1,000 advanced-tier cores, and 10,000 intermediate-tier cores." He paused, letting the enormity sink in.
Alex nodded, adding the essence stones to the list. "And we have 1 six-star essence stone, 200 five-star, 500 four-star, 1,000 three-star, and 10,000 two-star essence stones. These alone could push anyone at the mid-tier to a whole new realm if used properly."
The brothers turned to the weapons and armor. "10 king-tier weapons and armors, 100 advanced-tier weapons and armors, 1,000 intermediate-tier weapons and armors." Alaric's gaze swept over the squad. "We're not keeping all of this for ourselves. The Empire will benefit as well. Beast-grade armor is rare, and now the army will have access to materials that could elevate the strength of entire battalions."
After a brief discussion, the allocation was clear. The top seven members of the squad—the likes of Yue Rong, Liang Chen, Audrey, Griffin, Liang Hao, Gao Wei, and Trent—would receive king-tier weapons and armor. Their combat potential now fully complemented their cultivation levels. The remaining twenty-one members were fitted with advanced-tier armors and weapons, ensuring the squad could operate at peak efficiency while also protecting themselves against high-level threats.
Alex carefully selected his equipment, taking the peak king-tier staff and a flowing robe that shimmered with mana-enhanced protection. He flexed his fingers, feeling the balance of his new staff, already integrating it into his fighting style.
Alaric, in contrast, chose a single weapon—the peak king-tier sword he had long coveted. As he lifted it, the edge gleamed with a terrifying aura. Every inch of the blade seemed to resonate with both his Qi and his Mana, perfectly suited for his dual-path cultivation. A tingle ran up his arms as he gripped it, confirming the sword's potential in combat.
The squad worked efficiently under the guidance of Alaric and Alex, equipping themselves, testing their new armors, and feeling the surge of power from each weapon. The hall echoed with the hum of activated energy fields, faint roars from beast cores, and the soft clanging of metal as the squad adjusted to their new gear.
Once everyone was properly equipped, Alaric called for a brief rest. "We've earned it," he said. "We recuperate for one month, absorb the energy we've gathered, and then prepare for the next mission. After this, there's no turning back—every mission will be more dangerous than the last."
The squad settled into the stronghold. Healing talismans were applied to injuries sustained during the Jin Clan assault, while mana and Qi replenishing pills circulated among the members. The atmosphere was calm, but underneath the calm was the quiet hum of raw power flowing through the newly acquired gear and the seasoned bodies of the squad.
Alaric walked to a window, looking out over the outskirts of the city. Rising Sun City sprawled beneath him, oblivious to the storm that had just passed through. He clenched his sword, thinking about the months ahead. "We've strengthened ourselves, equipped our team, and prepared for the next challenge," he muttered. "But the Jin Clan isn't the only threat out there. There are bigger fish yet to catch."
Alex approached silently, his staff in hand, his aura radiating power. "And we'll face them. Together."
Alaric's lips curved into a faint smile. "Together."
For the first time in months, the squad allowed themselves to relax. Meals were plentiful, training was minimal, and conversations filled with laughter replaced the tense silence of the battlefield. Yet, every member knew that the month of recovery was only a pause—a necessary one—before the storm of missions to come.
By nightfall, the stronghold was quiet again. Alaric, sword resting on his shoulder, and Alex, staff leaning lightly against his arm, gazed out at the moonlit city. Each of them understood that the power they had gained, the gear they had claimed, and the experience they had earned were merely stepping stones toward their ultimate goal: to crush every enemy that stood in the way of the Vardar brothers.
The next mission would demand even more of them. But for now, in this moment of relative peace, they let themselves savor the spoils of their hard-won victory.