The transfer this time took considerably longer than before.
Longer than Lin had ever experienced.
He counted the seconds in his mind.
After 30 seconds, the transmission still hadn't ceased.
By this time, they had surpassed the bounds of the Shenxia Empire.
The teleportation persisted, ferrying the two further and further away.
It wasn't until two minutes later that the transmission finally halted.
Lin sensed an atmosphere starkly different from that in the city.
Savage, imbued with malevolence, and tinged with the scent of blood.
It was also accompanied by an unsettling chill.
An extremely unpleasant smell.
Lin frowned; he had encountered a similar aura before.
Precisely in the battle space.
The soil in the battle space shared this same atmosphere.
Especially after the abyss demon's incursion, that aura intensified.
"This is the breath of the abyss," Bai Yiyuan's voice reached his ears.
Lin opened his eyes to a dimly lit sky.
The two stood within a teleportation array.
Before them lay a magnificent palace of steel.
Hovering above the hall was a rotating sphere, adorned with eyes.
Bai Yiyuan indicated towards the sphere, "The Magic Eye is specifically designed to monitor the abyss, preventing sneak attacks."
Lin nodded in understanding.
He recalled the feudal cultivator mentioning that the Yuan battlefield was the battleground where the human race combatted the abyss.
Unfortunately, that was the extent of his knowledge.
Bai Yiyuan guided him out of the teleportation array, heading in a particular direction.
They found themselves in a fortress, encircled by towering walls.
Soldiers, each radiating formidable prowess, lined the city walls, their presence signaling strength.
Lin noted their significant levels, with each appearing to be at least level 40 or above. His arrival, as a professional who had completed his second transformation, drew their attention.
Upon noticing Bai Yiyuan, they all displayed respect.
Lin inquired, "They all recognize you?"
Bai Yiyuan gestured to the five-star badge on his shoulder, "They don't recognize the person but the badge. It's purple and gold, adorned with five stars."
Lin, still somewhat puzzled, listened as Bai Yiyuan explained, "You'll soon understand; let's first complete the necessary formalities."
The castle was vast, and their passage led them to an independent palace bustling with activity.
A long line of individuals awaited service inside the "Sergeant Certification Office."
Familiar with the location, Bai Yiyuan bypassed the queue, leading Lin through a side door into a small office. Inside, an occupied worker initially dismissed them without looking up.
Bai Yiyuan's impatience was evident as he demanded service, revealing a less than cordial demeanor.
The worker's anger subsided upon recognizing Bai Yiyuan's badge, promptly saluting and addressing him as "General."
With a change in attitude, the worker efficiently processed Lin's sergeant certificate upon receiving his Xia Jing Student ID card.
This ID card, recognized nationwide, distinguished anyone affiliated with Xia Jing Academy, offering lifelong prestige.
Shortly after, Lin received a plain white badge, symbolizing his new rank.
Bai Yiyuan, ensuring Lin wore the badge prominently, explained its significance: it recorded merits earned against abyssal monsters, with colors and stars indicating rank and achievements.
Bai Yiyuan's pride in his rank and accomplishments was evident, his storied career deserving of admiration.
Lin, now bearing his sergeant ID with respect, followed Bai Yiyuan to the "Hall of Heroes," where the spirits of fallen heroes were honored.
Within this sacred space, they performed ancient rituals, seeking the blessings of their ancestors.
Bai Yiyuan's sacrifice of a star from his badge to ensure Lin's potential resurrection on the Yuan battlefield moved Lin deeply, a gesture of immense significance.
Now fully briefed on the Yuan battlefield's dangers and logistics, including the necessity of teleportation stones and protective measures against curses, Lin prepared for the challenges ahead with a mixture of anticipation and resolve.