The leadership council chamber had been constructed overnight in a previously unused section of the Black Dragon Fortress. Bibi Dong had supervised its design personally, creating a space that balanced intimidation with functionality. The circular room featured a raised central platform where Su Chen would preside, surrounded by eight stations positioned at equal intervals—one for each department head. Holographic projectors allowed real-time data visualization, while privacy formations ensured absolute confidentiality.
Su Chen arrived precisely at the scheduled meeting time, his dual pupils immediately assessing the assembled leadership. Each department head had been selected for specific capabilities and demonstrated loyalty, though the speed of organizational expansion meant some were still adjusting to their new roles.
Jian Wuming stood at the Military Operations station, his ancient frame radiating the disciplined presence of someone who had commanded forces for centuries. The Abyssal Sword Sect's subordination had transformed him from independent sect master to Su Chen's Supreme General, a transition he had embraced with surprising enthusiasm once he recognized the philosophical opportunities it provided.
Lin Xiya occupied the Intelligence station, her psychic abilities making her ideal for coordinating information networks. Her enhanced sensitivity allowed her to detect deception, read emotional states, and synthesize disparate data points into coherent intelligence assessments. She appeared nervous—this was her first formal command position despite her considerable capabilities.
Bibi Dong naturally commanded the Diplomacy station, her political experience and hybrid spider nature giving her unmatched capability for negotiation and relationship management. She had already established contact protocols with over thirty external factions in the past day alone.
Saya stood at the Resources station, her technical genius and Mosaic Organ enhancements making her perfectly suited for logistics and economic operations. Holographic displays around her position showed real-time inventory tracking, supply chain analysis, and financial projections that would have required entire teams of conventional administrators to manage.
Xiao Yi Xian occupied the Research station somewhat reluctantly. Her transformation into a being of pure toxicity had made her extraordinarily capable at developing new techniques and compounds, but she preferred laboratory work to administrative responsibility. Still, she had accepted the position when Su Chen explained that someone needed to systematize their approach to technique development.
Albedo commanded the Internal Security station with evident satisfaction. The succubus had found her calling in protecting organizational integrity—her fanatical loyalty to Su Chen combined with her tactical intelligence made her ruthlessly effective at identifying and eliminating internal threats. The Skeleton Army stood at her disposal, providing enforcement capability when needed.
Saeko and Esdeath shared the Special Operations station, standing side by side with complementary body language. Saeko's disciplined precision balanced Esdeath's aggressive enthusiasm, creating a partnership that could handle any mission requiring elite capability. Their recent demonstrations had proven they could operate as a cohesive unit despite different combat philosophies.
The final station—Cultivation Development—remained empty, as Su Chen would command that department directly while presiding over council meetings.
"This council convenes for the first time," Su Chen declared formally, his voice carrying authority that silenced even ambient fortress sounds. "Each of you has been selected to command a critical organizational function. Your decisions will shape the Stellar Void Pavilion's growth and capabilities. Your failures will be my failures, and your successes will be our collective achievements. I expect competence, honesty, and absolute loyalty. In exchange, I provide resources, protection, and opportunity for advancement beyond what conventional cultivation could offer."
He activated the central holographic display, showing the organizational structure Bibi Dong had designed. "We are no longer an informal group pursuing personal objectives. We are an organization with systematic operations and strategic goals. This transition requires different mindsets and approaches. You must think not just about immediate tactical decisions but about long-term implications and systemic effects."
Su Chen paused, allowing his words to sink in. "However, we are also not a traditional sect or clan bound by ancient customs and rigid hierarchies. We embrace innovation, adaptation, and pragmatic evolution. If you identify problems with current structures or approaches, you are authorized and expected to propose improvements. This organization serves our collective advancement—it is not sacred tradition to be preserved regardless of effectiveness."
He gestured toward Jian Wuming. "Supreme General, report on Military Operations status."
The ancient sword master stepped forward, his movements carrying the precision of someone accustomed to formal military briefings. "The Department of Military Operations currently commands three thousand two hundred personnel across multiple subordinate units. Primary force: Abyssal Sword Sect, two thousand cultivators specializing in offensive techniques. Secondary force: Skeleton Army, five hundred units under Albedo's direct command, serving internal security and specialized operations. Tertiary forces: approximately seven hundred personnel recruited from captured enemies who accepted terms of service rather than ransom."
Jian Wuming activated displays showing force disposition. "Current deployment: sixty percent maintaining security at subordinate sect compounds and prisoner holding facilities. Twenty percent conducting training exercises to integrate new combat doctrines. Fifteen percent on standby for rapid response. Five percent undergoing advanced cultivation training using resources provided by Lord Su Chen."
"Combat readiness assessment: we can deploy battalion-strength forces—approximately five hundred cultivators—to any location within the Lower Realm within six hours. Company-strength forces—one hundred cultivators—can deploy within one hour through spatial portals. Elite strike teams—ten to twenty cultivators—can deploy within minutes for precision operations."
"Current limitations: lack of dedicated aerial combat units. The Abyssal Sword Sect emphasizes ground and mid-altitude fighting but lacks specialists for high-altitude or space-based operations. Recommendation: recruit or develop specialized units for environments where conventional sword techniques prove less effective."
Su Chen nodded, absorbing the assessment. Three thousand personnel was substantial but would prove insufficient if Higher Realm powers descended with serious military forces. He needed either rapid expansion or force multipliers that made smaller numbers more effective.
"Recommendation noted and approved," Su Chen stated. "Coordinate with Saya's Resources Department to allocate budget for aerial combat unit development. Target: five hundred specialists within three months. Additionally, begin planning for potential expansion to ten thousand total personnel—I want scalability frameworks prepared even if we don't immediately fill those positions."
Jian Wuming bowed acknowledgment and returned to his station.
"Intelligence Department," Su Chen continued, turning toward Lin Xiya. "Report."
The psychic cultivator stepped forward nervously, but her voice steadied as she began her briefing. "The Department of Intelligence currently operates three primary networks. First: Human Intelligence—we have recruited or turned approximately two hundred informants positioned throughout major factions, merchant networks, and neutral organizations. These agents provide regular reports on political developments, resource movements, and potential threats."
"Second: Technical Intelligence—we've deployed surveillance formations at one hundred seventeen strategic locations throughout the Lower Realm. These formations monitor spiritual energy fluctuations, large-scale troop movements, and spatial disturbances that might indicate dimensional incursions or major technique deployments."
"Third: Psychic Intelligence—I personally conduct regular sweeps using my enhanced sensitivity to detect hostile intent, deception, or unusual spiritual phenomena. This method is resource-intensive but has proven highly effective at identifying threats before they manifest as actual attacks."
Lin Xiya's displays showed a real-time threat assessment map. "Current threat level: moderate. We've identified twelve factions maintaining hostile posture, though none appear to be actively planning immediate attacks. The western territories' diplomatic resolution has significantly reduced regional tensions. However, we have concerning data regarding Upper Realm attention."
She highlighted several locations where her formations had detected unusual spatial signatures. "These readings suggest observation techniques from beyond the Lower Realm. The spiritual energy patterns don't match any known Lower Realm method. I believe the Upper Realm—or possibly other external entities—is conducting surveillance on our operations. The surveillance appears passive for now, but it confirms that higher powers are aware of us and gathering intelligence."
The chamber fell silent as the implications registered. Everyone present understood that Upper Realm attention represented escalation beyond what Lower Realm conflicts could prepare them for.
"Expected development," Su Chen stated calmly, deliberately projecting confidence to counteract the team's concern. "The Upper Realm was always going to notice us eventually. The question was timing, not whether it would occur. Lin Xiya, continue monitoring those surveillance signatures. I want detailed analysis of observation patterns—how frequently they scan, what they focus on, whether multiple entities are conducting independent surveillance or coordinating their intelligence gathering."
"Understood," Lin Xiya confirmed, relief evident that Su Chen wasn't panicking about the development.
"Diplomacy Department," Su Chen continued. "Bibi Dong, report."
The Spider Empress's briefing was characteristically comprehensive. "The Department of Diplomacy has established formal contact with forty-three external factions. Current relationship status: eight formal allies with mutual defense commitments, twenty-three neutral parties with trade agreements or non-aggression pacts, twelve cautious observers maintaining minimal contact, and zero confirmed hostile relationships following the western territories' diplomatic resolution."
"We have conducted seventeen ransom negotiations, recovering approximately four hundred thirty million Origin Stones with additional payments pending. Average negotiation time: three days from initial contact to payment completion. No significant complications—most factions treat ransoms as unfortunate but acceptable cost of their personnel's poor judgment."
"Additionally, I've initiated diplomatic contact with three neutral merchant organizations interested in establishing exclusive trade relationships. They offer access to rare materials and specialized services in exchange for guaranteed purchase volumes and preferential pricing. Potential value: fifty to eighty million Origin Stones annually if we accept their terms."
Bibi Dong's displays showed detailed relationship maps. "Current challenge: managing diplomatic bandwidth. We're receiving more contact requests than we can effectively process with current staffing. Recommendation: expand Diplomacy Department from current five personnel to at least twenty, with specialists focusing on different relationship categories—allied factions, neutral traders, potential subordinates, and hostile entities requiring careful monitoring."
"Approved," Su Chen replied immediately. "Recruit qualified personnel and expand as needed. Diplomatic infrastructure is critical for maintaining the cooperative relationships that prevent us from fighting everyone simultaneously."
"Resources Department," Su Chen continued. "Saya, your turn."
Saya's presentation was dense with financial data and logistical analysis. "The Department of Resources currently manages assets totaling approximately two billion three hundred million Origin Stones across multiple categories. Liquid currency: four hundred million. Treasures and artifacts awaiting liquidation: eight hundred million estimated value. Raw materials and cultivation resources: six hundred million. Infrastructure and equipment: five hundred million."
"Current revenue streams: ransom payments generating approximately twenty million weekly, trade agreements producing five million weekly, subordinate organization tributes contributing three million weekly, and miscellaneous sources adding two million weekly. Total: thirty million Origin Stones weekly income once all agreements are fully operational."
"Current expenditures: personnel salaries and benefits consuming eight million weekly, facility maintenance and operations costing four million weekly, research and development requiring six million weekly, military equipment and training consuming five million weekly, and administrative overhead taking three million weekly. Total: twenty-six million weekly expenditure."
"Net position: four million Origin Stones weekly surplus. This surplus allows for rapid organizational expansion while maintaining financial stability. However, the upcoming Heavenly Tomb expedition will likely require substantial one-time expenditures for equipment, protective formations, and contingency resources."
Saya's displays shifted to show resource allocation recommendations. "Proposed budget for Heavenly Tomb expedition: fifty million Origin Stones for specialized equipment, protective artifacts, emergency evacuation formations, and cultivation resources to support breakthrough attempts. Additionally, propose establishing a strategic reserve of one hundred million Origin Stones for unexpected contingencies or opportunities."
Su Chen reviewed the financial projections carefully. Saya's management had transformed chaotic resource accumulation into systematic economic operations, providing visibility and control that informal approaches could never achieve.
"Approved with modification," Su Chen decided. "Allocate seventy-five million for Heavenly Tomb preparations rather than fifty—I want excessive capability rather than barely sufficient. If we over-prepare and don't need everything, resources can be repurposed. If we under-prepare and face genuine crisis, no amount of saved currency will matter. Establish the strategic reserve as proposed."
"Research Department," Su Chen continued, turning toward Xiao Yi Xian. "Report on cultivation advancement and technique development."
The Poison Body's presentation was more uncertain than the others—she was least comfortable with administrative responsibility and most preferred direct laboratory work. "The Department of Research currently focuses on three primary areas. First: technique synthesis—combining principles from multiple cultivation systems to create enhanced methods. We've successfully integrated seventeen different technique frameworks, producing twelve viable combinations that show promise for broader deployment."
"Second: artifact refinement—improving existing treasures through material substitution, formation optimization, and conceptual enhancement. We've upgraded approximately forty artifacts, increasing their effective power by an average of thirty-five percent without requiring higher cultivation to wield."
"Third: cultivation resource multiplication—using Lord Su Chen's Origin Mirror capabilities to copy rare materials, then developing methods to enhance or transform those copies into even more valuable derivatives. We've established sustainable production for fifteen previously rare resources, dramatically reducing their cost while increasing availability."
Xiao Yi Xian's displays showed research project timelines. "Current limitation: personnel capacity. I'm personally conducting most research with minimal assistance, which limits project scope and completion speed. Recommendation: recruit specialized researchers—alchemists, formation masters, artifact refiners, cultivation theorists—to expand department capacity. Target: twenty researchers within two months, allowing parallel development of multiple projects."
"Approved," Su Chen confirmed. "Prioritize recruiting researchers whose specialties complement your own rather than duplicating your toxin expertise. I want diverse capability across multiple research domains. Additionally, coordinate with Jian Wuming—some Abyssal Sword Sect members have cultivation insights worth systematizing even if their specialized focus limits broader applicability."
"Internal Security Department," Su Chen continued. "Albedo, report on organizational integrity and threat management."
The succubus's presentation carried the clinical precision of someone who viewed security through purely adversarial lens. "The Department of Internal Security monitors all organizational personnel for indicators of disloyalty, infiltration, or subversion. Current methods: regular psychological assessments, spiritual pressure analysis detecting unusual behavior patterns, formation-based surveillance of sensitive areas, and periodic interrogation of personnel with access to critical information."
"Results: identified and eliminated three infiltration attempts—two were informants planted by hostile factions attempting intelligence gathering, one was an assassin deployed by a faction whose member we're holding for ransom. All three were detected before gaining access to sensitive information or positions from which they could cause damage."
"Additionally, we've detected twelve instances of personnel attempting to steal resources, circumvent protocols, or abuse their positions for personal benefit. Eight were disciplined through reduction in privileges or position. Four were sufficiently egregious that I recommended termination, which Lord Su Chen approved."
Albedo's displays showed security architecture. "Current challenge: balancing security requirements against operational efficiency. Excessive surveillance creates resentment and reduces morale. Insufficient surveillance creates vulnerabilities. I'm working to optimize this balance, but recommendation: establish clear security tiers. Core personnel like department heads receive maximum trust with minimal monitoring. Mid-tier personnel receive moderate monitoring. New recruits and former enemies who accepted service terms receive intensive monitoring until they prove reliability."
"Approved and well-reasoned," Su Chen confirmed. "Security must serve organizational function rather than existing for its own sake. However, I trust your judgment on threat assessment—if you believe someone represents genuine risk, you're authorized to act preemptively rather than waiting for them to cause damage."
"Special Operations Department," Su Chen concluded, addressing Saeko and Esdeath. "Report on elite mission capability."
Saeko spoke first, her tone carrying professional detachment. "The Department of Special Operations currently consists of ourselves plus a rotating pool of approximately fifty personnel drawn from the Abyssal Sword Sect and Skeleton Army based on mission requirements. We specialize in operations requiring precision and overwhelming individual capability rather than conventional military force."
"Completed missions since department formation: two high-value target retrievals, acquiring specific individuals for Lord Su Chen's analysis. Three sabotage operations, destroying facilities belonging to factions that refused diplomatic engagement. One assassination, eliminating a sect elder who was organizing coalition against us. All missions completed successfully with zero casualties on our side."
Esdeath continued the briefing with evident satisfaction. "Current capability assessment: we can handle targets up to Spirit Transformation Realm reliably, Formation Arrangement Realm with careful planning, and possibly higher if we leverage surprise and environmental advantages. However, we're limited by personnel depth—if multiple high-priority missions occur simultaneously, we lack redundant capability."
"Recommendation," Saeko concluded, "expand Special Operations personnel to approximately two hundred specialists organized into ten-person teams. Each team would specialize in different operational profiles—assassination, infiltration, sabotage, retrieval, etc. This provides redundancy while maintaining the elite nature that distinguishes Special Operations from conventional Military Operations."
Su Chen considered the recommendation carefully. Expanding Special Operations risked diluting their effectiveness if recruitment standards lowered to fill quotas quickly. But maintaining current minimal staffing created single-point-of-failure vulnerabilities.
"Approved with condition," Su Chen decided. "Expand to two hundred personnel but maintain rigorous selection standards. I prefer having fewer specialists who are genuinely elite rather than more personnel who merely meet minimum competency. Take whatever time necessary to find the right people—this is quality-focused growth, not quantity-focused expansion."
"Understood," Saeko and Esdeath confirmed simultaneously.
Su Chen surveyed the assembled department heads, noting their body language and emotional states. Most showed confidence in their roles and capabilities, though Lin Xiya still displayed nervousness and Xiao Yi Xian maintained reluctance about administrative responsibilities. Both would adjust with time and experience.
"Cultivation Development Department," Su Chen stated, beginning his own report. "This department focuses exclusively on advancing our core team's personal power. Current priority: preparing for the Heavenly Tomb expedition in ten days. Each of you will receive customized cultivation resources and technique refinements designed for your specific advancement needs."
He activated displays showing individualized development plans. "Saeko: you've mastered the Supreme Sword Bone and Kun Peng transformation principles. Your next advancement requires synthesizing these capabilities into unified sword domain that transcends individual techniques. I'm providing access to sword intent comprehension resources and arranging sparring sessions with Jian Wuming to refine your understanding."
"Esdeath: your Mahapadma has reached extraordinary refinement, but you remain limited by the temporal paradox constraints of existing in frozen time while everything else doesn't. Your next advancement requires comprehending how to extend your temporal manipulation to encompass larger areas while maintaining perfect control. I'm providing access to time-attribute treasures and specialized cultivation methods from the Swallowed Star universe's temporal manipulation research."
"Bibi Dong: your hybrid spider nature has stabilized, but you haven't fully explored the implications of being simultaneously human and martial spirit. Your next advancement requires deeper integration—not just combining them but truly becoming a new category of existence that transcends both origins. I'm providing resources focused on essence transformation and identity reformation."
"Xiao Yi Xian: you've become pure toxicity conceptually, but you're still anchored to physical form out of habit rather than necessity. Your next advancement requires learning to exist as pure poison concept without requiring material substrate. I'm providing access to law comprehension resources that will help you transition from being poisonous to being poison itself."
"Lin Xiya: your psychic sensitivity is extraordinary but lacks offensive capability. Your next advancement requires weaponizing your perception—turning your ability to detect thoughts and emotions into capability to attack minds directly. I'm providing access to sovereign-grade psychic combat techniques from the One Punch Man universe."
"Albedo: your defensive capabilities are substantial but you've plateaued at your current level due to lacking breakthrough catalyst. Your next advancement requires facing genuine life-or-death combat that forces you to transcend your limits. I'm assigning you to accompany the Heavenly Tomb expedition specifically to expose you to dangers sufficient for breakthrough."
"Saya: your Mosaic Organ enhancements have reached biological limits of your current form. Your next advancement requires transitioning from human-with-modifications to genuinely hybrid existence. I'm providing access to advanced genetic engineering resources from Terra Formars and arranging for controlled evolution procedures."
Su Chen paused, ensuring each department head understood their personalized cultivation path. "The Heavenly Tomb expedition will serve as crucible for all core team members. Those who survive and advance will be prepared for the conflicts that inevitably follow Upper Realm attention. Those who fail to advance will remain valuable organizational leaders but will lack the personal power to participate in highest-level conflicts."
"That's not threat—it's acknowledgment of reality. The battles we'll face once Higher Realm entities descend will operate on scales where Formation Arrangement Realm is entry-level and Spirit Transformation is merely adequate. If you want to remain relevant to our core operations rather than being relegated to administrative roles, you must advance beyond current limits."
The chamber fell silent as the department heads absorbed Su Chen's words. He had been characteristically blunt about the implications—advance or be left behind as the stakes escalated beyond your capability to contribute meaningfully.
"Questions or concerns regarding your assignments or the organizational structure?" Su Chen asked, opening floor for discussion.
Jian Wuming spoke first. "Lord Su Chen, regarding the military expansion to ten thousand personnel—where will we recruit such numbers? The Abyssal Sword Sect's integration worked because of philosophical conversion and our existing organizational cohesion. Recruiting thousands of individual cultivators will be substantially more complex."
"Bibi Dong will address recruitment through diplomatic channels," Su Chen replied. "Many smaller sects and clans would eagerly join a powerful organization if offered appropriate incentives. Additionally, we'll recruit from the prisoner population—those who prove loyal during their service terms can be offered permanent positions. Finally, we'll establish a formal disciple recruitment program, accepting talented young cultivators who want access to our resources and techniques."
Lin Xiya raised her hand hesitantly. "Lord Su Chen, regarding the Upper Realm surveillance—should I attempt to interfere with their observation techniques, or do you prefer to allow them to continue gathering intelligence?"
"Allow them to continue for now," Su Chen decided. "Their surveillance is passive and not immediately threatening. More importantly, what they observe serves our purposes—every demonstration of overwhelming power discourages potential hostile action. Let them watch us dominate Lower Realm forces. Let them see our capabilities and resource. If they conclude we're too troublesome to eliminate easily, they might choose diplomatic engagement rather than military intervention."
Xiao Yi Xian spoke quietly. "Lord Su Chen, I appreciate the cultivation guidance, but I'm concerned about my administrative capacity. Research requires extensive focus and experimentation. Department leadership requires attention to personnel management, budgeting, and coordination. I'm uncertain I can excel at both simultaneously."
Su Chen nodded, appreciating her honest self-assessment. "Valid concern. Solution: recruit a deputy department head who handles administrative functions while you focus on actual research. You provide strategic direction and make key technical decisions, while your deputy manages day-to-day operations. I'll approve budget for that position immediately."
Several other department heads relaxed slightly, clearly relieved that Su Chen was willing to adjust structures based on practical feedback rather than rigidly enforcing initial organizational design.
"Any other concerns?" Su Chen asked. Silence answered him—apparently he had addressed the main issues troubling the department heads.
"Then we proceed to next agenda item: Heavenly Tomb expedition planning. Saya, present the current intelligence on that location."
The holographic displays shifted to show a massive complex of underground structures extending deep into the Lower Realm's earth. The Heavenly Tomb appeared as a three-dimensional map with countless chambers, passages, and hazard zones marked in various threat-level colors.
"The Heavenly Tomb is an ancient burial complex containing the remains of cultivators who attempted to break through to divine realms during the era before Upper and Lower Realms separated," Saya explained. "It manifests physically only during specific celestial alignments, when spatial barriers thin enough to permit entry. The next manifestation occurs in nine days, lasting approximately one month before the Tomb phases back into dimensional isolation."
"Known dangers: residual divine energy that can corrode spiritual foundations if not properly protected against. Remnant wills of deceased cultivators, which attack intruders either deliberately or through automated defensive formations. Spatial distortions that randomly transport visitors to different tomb sections, often separating expedition groups. Treasure guardians—constructs or bound entities left specifically to prevent looting."
"Known opportunities: complete cultivation inheritance from ancient experts, potentially including techniques that transcend Lower Realm limitations. Divine-grade artifacts and treasures beyond what can be found anywhere else in the Lower Realm. Concentrated divine energy suitable for forcing cultivation breakthroughs. Insights into the realm separation event itself, which might provide strategic information about Upper Realm capabilities."
"Previous expeditions: eighty-seven recorded attempts to fully explore the Heavenly Tomb over the past ten thousand years. Thirty-two resulted in complete party deaths—no survivors returned. Forty-one achieved partial success—some members survived but most died, recovered treasures valuable but not worth casualty rates. Fourteen achieved significant success—majority survived, acquired substantial benefits, several members achieved major breakthroughs. No expedition has ever fully mapped or comprehended the entire Tomb complex."
Saya's final display showed casualty statistics. "Average mortality rate: sixty-three percent. Survival correlates strongly with initial cultivation level—Spirit Transformation Realm cultivators have approximately sixty percent survival probability, Formation Arrangement Realm has eighty-five percent, while Cave Heaven Realm has only twenty percent."
The statistics were sobering. Su Chen's core team ranged from Cave Heaven to Formation Arrangement Realm, meaning several members would statistically die if they entered the Tomb. But those statistics reflected conventional cultivators—Su Chen's team possessed capabilities that transcended normal cultivation limitations.
"Our advantages," Su Chen stated, deliberately shifting focus to strengths rather than dwelling on dangers. "First: I possess the Origin Mirror, allowing me to copy and analyze techniques, treasures, and even cultivation inheritances far faster than conventional methods. What would take normal cultivators months to comprehend, I can process in hours or days."
"Second: we possess diverse capabilities from multiple universes. The Tomb's dangers are designed to counter conventional cultivation approaches. But we employ time manipulation, spatial distortion, toxin warfare, psychic attacks, and transformation techniques that ancient defenders wouldn't have anticipated."
"Third: we have the Black Dragon Fortress providing orbital support. If we encounter overwhelming threats, we can evacuate through spatial portals or request precision strikes from ship-mounted weapons. We're not trapped like normal expedition parties."
"Fourth: we have ten days to prepare using resources most expeditions could never access. We'll equip every team member with divine-grade protective artifacts, emergency escape formations, and cultivation resources worth millions that we can afford to expend for mission success."
Su Chen's confidence was infectious—the department heads' expressions shifted from concern to determination as they recognized the substantial advantages their organization possessed.
"Expedition composition," Su Chen continued. "Core team: myself, Saeko, Esdeath, Bibi Dong, Xiao Yi Xian, and Albedo. Support team: Lin Xiya remains with the fortress to provide psychic coordination and emergency extraction if needed. Saya manages logistics and resource deployment. Jian Wuming maintains organizational security during our absence."
"Preparation timeline: next nine days focused on equipment acquisition, technique refinement, and team coordination training. We'll conduct joint exercises in high-gravity environments to simulate Tomb conditions. Each member receives personalized cultivation resources to push them as close to breakthrough threshold as possible before entering—the goal is to trigger actual breakthroughs while inside the Tomb, using the life-or-death pressure to force advancement."
"Mission duration: we remain in the Tomb for up to three weeks, maximizing benefit extraction while maintaining safety margins. If we achieve primary objectives earlier, we evacuate immediately rather than taking unnecessary risks for diminishing returns."
"Primary objectives: first, secure divine energy sources for copying and absorption. Second, acquire complete cultivation inheritances suitable for our synthesis approach. Third, force cultivation breakthroughs for all core team members through controlled exposure to life-threatening situations. Secondary objectives include treasure acquisition, technique collection, and gathering intelligence about ancient cultivation methods that might apply to Higher Realm conflicts."
Su Chen surveyed the assembled leaders one final time. "This meeting is concluded. Department heads, execute your assignments and prepare for the Heavenly Tomb expedition. We reconvene in five days for progress assessment and final preparation coordination. Dismissed."
The department heads bowed respectfully and departed, each returning to their duties with clear understanding of expectations and objectives. Within minutes, the council chamber emptied, leaving Su Chen alone with his thoughts.
Ten days until the Heavenly Tomb. Ten days to prepare for genuine danger that statistics suggested would kill the majority of his team. Ten days to transform his rapidly expanded organization from a collection of powerful individuals into a coherent entity capable of surviving what came next.
He activated a private communication formation connecting to the fortress's observation deck. "Lin Que, maintain maximum surveillance of those Upper Realm observation signatures. I want to know immediately if they shift from passive monitoring to active reconnaissance. If Higher Realm entities descend while we're in the Heavenly Tomb, I need advance warning to adjust our operations."
"Understood," Lin Que confirmed. "Surveillance protocols active. I'll alert you to any changes."
Su Chen terminated the communication and allowed himself a moment of honest assessment. He had accomplished more in days than most cultivators achieved in lifetimes—dominating an entire realm, building an organization, securing resources worth billions. But he had also drawn attention from forces far beyond his current capability to resist.
The Heavenly Tomb represented his best opportunity to rapidly advance to levels where he could at least survive Higher Realm attention. Failure meant death or worse—capture and study by entities curious about dimensional anomalies. Success meant transformation into something genuinely capable of competing at cosmic scales.
No pressure. Just the fate of everything he'd built and everyone who depended on him riding on a single high-risk expedition into ancient death trap.
Su Chen smiled coldly. He had faced worse odds before. The difference was that now he understood exactly how dangerous the situation was, rather than stumbling through ignorance like in his early days.
Ten days of preparation. Then into the Tomb. Then whatever came next.
One challenge at a time. One breakthrough at a time. One step closer to transcendence.
The path forward was clear, even if survival was not guaranteed.
Time to walk it anyway.