Strongest Scammer: Scamming The World, One Death At A Time

Senior Brother Duan gave Han Yu a sideways glance, a faint smile curling his lips. "Of course, Junior Brother Han. You look troubled."

Han Yu did not mince his words. "I thought all of the stronger inner court disciples had already been sent into the realm. Yet both of you are still here. Did the elders decide otherwise?"

Duan chuckled softly, the sound steady but tinged with weariness. "Not quite. The majority have gone, that is true. But the sect is not reckless. A few of us were asked to remain behind as backup, should something unexpected happen outside the realm or at the entrance point. It would be foolish to put all our strongest cards in one hand without keeping some in reserve."

Xuan Qing gave a short nod, her expression as calm and steady as ever. "I was scheduled to enter as well, Han Yu. My batch was to be among the last. But before I could step through, Elder Qing called me into a meeting. After that, I was reassigned to remain outside for the time being."

Han Yu took in their words with a thoughtful frown before nodding. "That makes sense. The sect would not leave itself completely vulnerable. Still, it surprised me to see you both here."

Duan placed a hand briefly on Han Yu's shoulder. "Do not concern yourself too much with matters beyond your control. Your focus should be on what lies ahead tomorrow. You have been entrusted with a great responsibility, one that not every disciple can bear."

Xuan Qing's eyes lingered on Han Yu, steady and sharp. "Remember what I told you before, Han Yu. Your path is no longer restricted. Do not falter, for more eyes are watching you now than ever before.

With your talent, you would surely become a major figure in the sect, so do not risk what you cannot afford. I might have brought you into the sect as a mistake, but now I wish to see how far you can go."

Han Yu bowed his head again, their words settling into his chest with a mix of reassurance and pressure. "I understand. Thank you, Senior Brother, Senior Sister. I will not waste this chance."

He bid them farewell, stepping aside as they continued down the path toward their tents. Left alone, Han Yu exhaled slowly. He had expected tomorrow to test him, but with each passing hour the reality grew heavier.

This was no simple mission, no small exploration like those he had joined before. The inner realm was a crucible where the worth of every disciple would be measured against life and death.

Turning away from the main path, Han Yu made his way toward a more secluded corner of the camp.

The shadows pooled thicker here, broken only by the dim glow of a single lantern hanging outside a supply tent. He pulled his communication jade slip from his sleeve and infused it with a thread of his qi, directing his thoughts toward Meng Jueyan.

The slip warmed faintly in his palm, the way it always did when a connection was sought. Han Yu waited patiently, silently calling out her name in his heart. Seconds passed. A minute. Then two. The warmth dimmed and flared again, but no answer came.

He tried again, forcing more intent into the slip, holding it tightly until his knuckles whitened. Still, silence greeted him. Ten long minutes passed, and the stone in his hand grew cool once more. Han Yu lowered it slowly, his brows furrowing.

"Did she already enter the realm?" he muttered under his breath.

The thought was not far-fetched. The Mist Eye Sect had always been known for their impatience and disregard for caution. It would not surprise him if they had thrown their disciples into the tomb the moment it opened.

But there was another possibility, darker and far more likely in Han Yu's mind.

Elder Wei's faction had shown their cruelty before. Meng Jueyan belonged to the rival faction within the sect, and what better way to weaken them than to use the tomb itself as a blade?

They could have sent her and others from her side in as the first wave, testing the dangers of the realm without caring whether they survived.

Han Yu clenched his jaw, the weight of helplessness pressing on him. He hated not knowing, hated that he could not act until morning. All he could do was wait, and hope that once inside the realm, he might find some trace of her.

Sighing, he slipped the jade back into his sleeve and returned to the main part of the camp. The night was colder now, and the faint mist that drifted across the ground seemed to cling to him as he walked. His mind churned with thoughts, but exhaustion pulled heavily at his limbs.

By the time he reached his tent, he was more than ready for rest.

Lifting the flap, he stepped inside and found Wu Shuan sitting cross-legged near the lamp, his eyes half-closed in meditation. Fatty Kui was sprawled across his bedding, snoring loudly, a faint trace of drool pooling at the corner of his mouth.

Wu Shuan opened his eyes as Han Yu entered, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You are finally here. It looks like tomorrow we step into the big leagues."

Han Yu could not help but chuckle softly at his words.

He set aside his outer robe and lowered himself onto his bedding. "Yes. No more small trials or minor complexes. Tomorrow decides much for us."

Wu Shuan gave a slow nod, his expression steady. "Then we must give it everything. Rest well, Han Yu."

Han Yu lay back, the faint flicker of the lamp casting soft shadows across the tent's canvas walls.

Fatty Kui's snores were oddly comforting, grounding him in the simple reality of companionship. His eyes grew heavy, and though his mind was still troubled, weariness won out in the end.

Within moments, he had drifted into sleep, the promise of tomorrow pressing against his dreams like an unseen tide.