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After returning to the Tian Dou Royal Academy, Tang San continued to immerse himself in the library, studying various materials left by predecessors.
As for the training of the Tian Dou Royal Team, besides the relevant soul power control exercises, it mainly consisted of cooperation in actual combat, jointly planned by Tang San and Qin Ming.
It had to be said that although Qin Ming was originally from Shrek, after spending some time at the Tian Dou Royal Academy, he had also changed his Shrek-like temperament a bit.
At least he wouldn't use the position and status of the Tian Dou Royal Academy to challenge other major academies in Tian Dou City.
Of course, it might also be because Qin Ming had some political awareness and knew that several major academies in Tian Dou City tended to support the Tian Dou Empire. If he dared to take students from the Tian Dou Royal Academy to challenge others, the three educational commissioners would probably suspect him of being a spy sent by the Star Luo Empire or the Martial Soul Temple to sow discord between the Tian Dou Empire and various major families and forces within its territory.
"San Ge, we have a mission." Xiao Wu found Tang San in the library reading a book called "Outline of Martial Soul Fusion" and walked up to him to remind him.
"A mission? Is it to participate in a competition at the Tian Dou Great Spirit Arena?" Tang San closed the book. "I don't need to. Although I don't often participate in team matches, once I join a team, I can help others cooperate more perfectly. After all, my spiritual power and control are pretty good."
Tang San deliberately didn't often join teams.
Besides his strength surpassing the norm, the more important reason was—
The seven of them couldn't stay together forever. They couldn't force themselves to be bound together for the rest of their lives for the sake of a competition that spanned the entire continent. Cooperation and tacit understanding were important, but everyone needed their own dreams and directions.
"I'm not talking about that." Xiao Wu shook her head. "A group of Fallen Ones has appeared near the White Cloud Plains. The local Martial Soul Temple and city lord have already sent troops to block the main exits of the White Cloud Plains... Teacher Qin Ming thinks it's a good opportunity for practical combat experience, so he requested approval from the three educational commissioners and visited the elders of the major families, hoping to lead the students on a law enforcement mission."
"The elders of the major families have all agreed."
"The three educational commissioners thought it was a bit risky, but they eventually agreed."
Tang San chuckled. "It seems that the strength of that group of Fallen Ones isn't strong. The strongest among them is just a Soul Ancestor close to the Soul King."
The members of the Tian Dou Royal Team were all outstanding talents.
If the elders of the major families and the three educational commissioners agreed, it could only mean that the strength of that group of Fallen Ones wasn't strong.
However, for safety reasons, there must be some covert protection. After all, except for him, Xiao Wu, Guang Ling, and Lan Yinzi, the other members of the team all came from families with considerable power, not as strong as the Upper Three Sects and Lower Four Sects, but stronger than the four major families affiliated with the former Haotian Sect.
"I guessed it right. It is said that there are not many Fallen Ones, only thirty of them. The strongest among them is a Soul Ancestor at level forty-nine, and his Martial Soul is a blood sword with dragon patterns engraved on it." Xiao Wu relayed the intelligence she knew. "Moreover, it is said that the Martial Soul Temple will dispatch their Golden Generation, and the Star Luo Empire will also send their Star Luo Royal Team. The three parties will meet in White Cloud City near the White Cloud Plains and then hunt down those Fallen Ones together."
"Is that so?" Tang San pondered. "The three major forces will join forces, and the focus will shift from the Fallen Ones to the competition between the three teams."
The methods of the Fallen Ones were strange and cruel, and they could achieve "invincibility at the same level." But for the geniuses of the three teams, they were just slightly more troublesome opponents.
Therefore, this mission was mainly a contest and competition between the three teams.
After leaving the library of the Tian Dou Royal Academy with Xiao Wu, the two of them went to the dormitory area and found Guang Ling, who was improving the soul-guided photography box.
"San Ge, Sister Xiao Wu, take a look. I've improved the soul-guided photography box." Seeing Tang San and Xiao Wu coming over, Guang Ling took out two soul-guided photography boxes, one large and one small.
Different from the previous photography boxes, these two were spherical in shape.
The large one was the size of a human head, with two grooves on the bottom and a circular hole in the center for photography, and it could rotate 270 degrees. At the top, there was a small spiral device that, when turned, could make it levitate.
Under the control of soul power, it could take pictures from all angles, 360 degrees without dead spots.
As for the small one, it was only the size of a fist, with a square base underneath, and the spherical lens was embedded on top of it, which could rotate.
Just as Xiao Wu was puzzled, Guang Ling opened the large one and began recording.
Suddenly, the scene in the room appeared one by one on the screen.
Live streaming!
Tang San thought of this term and gave Guang Ling a thumbs up. "Not bad. In this way, information dissemination will be more extensive. As long as the information is conveyed more accurately, it could change the lives of the entire continent."
Although accurate dissemination of information was not yet possible, the improvement made by Guang Ling to the soul-guided photography box laid the foundation for the emergence of soul-guided television.
Tang San had already begun to anticipate what interesting television programs might appear on Douluo Continent.
Afterward, Tang San informed Guang Ling about the Fallen Ones and said, "Get ready, let's meet up with Huo Wu and the others. This time, it's a real fight."
Arriving at the square of the Tian Dou Royal Academy, Tang San noticed that the Tian Dou Royal Team Two was also present. Wang Chen glanced at him and then averted his gaze, as if he didn't want to interact with him.
Tang San didn't mind this at all.
His attitude toward other transmigrators was simple: if they didn't provoke him, he wouldn't provoke them. If anyone dared to hold him accountable on false grounds, he would make them truly understand the meaning of "double standards."
After everyone had gathered, Xue Qinghe arrived late, encouraged everyone a few words, and intended to follow along. However, he was stopped by the three educational commissioners and Qin Ming.
After all, he was the crown prince of the Tian Dou Empire and couldn't take risks.
However, this performance did indeed win favor from the three educational commissioners, who felt that with Xue Qinghe's inheritance, the future of the Tian Dou Empire would surely thrive.
"Why is Xue Qinghe so talkative, just like his father?"
As they left the Tian Dou Royal Academy, Xiao Wu's head was still buzzing, and she whispered, "He spoke for more than half an hour, and I almost fell asleep."
"People from the royal family are like that." Huo Wu seemed accustomed to it and very experienced. "In the future, unless it's an occasion where all the officials of the Tian Dou Empire are present, you can treat the royal family's lengthy speeches as background noise. After they finish, we can clap and cheer, and that's it."
Tang San nodded. "Huo Wu is right. Such speeches are basically just for show. There's no need to listen too seriously. Just applaud afterward."
"Cough!"
Qin Ming coughed and said, "Keep your voice down. Don't let the members of Team Two hear us. If it spreads, it won't look good."
However, the fact was that among the aristocratic members of Team Two, several were discussing Xue Qinghe's "verbosity," especially Xue Beng, who was openly mocking.
Yes, Xue Beng was also in the team.
As a prince, he shouldn't take risks, and he didn't want to join in either, but Prince Xue Ye insisted on his participation.
The reason was simple.
This time, to hunt down the Fallen Ones, the three major forces were mobilizing together, mainly to provide experience for the students and to compete with each other. There shouldn't be too much danger.
By letting Xue Beng join, perhaps they could gain some popularity.
As long as this hunting operation was successfully completed, regardless of whether Xue Beng participated in killing the Fallen Ones or hid in the lord's mansion in White Cloud City without lifting a finger, Xue Beng would be deemed to have taken up the "responsibility" of the royal family.
Even if he was a bit "indulgent," at least he dared to hunt down the Fallen Ones. Right?
Of course, afterwards, Xue Qinghe would definitely not deliberately publicize this. Instead, he would record the matter and bring it up when Xue Beng had the opportunity to ascend to the throne in the future, increasing Xue Beng's capital.
"It seems that Xue Qinghe's younger brother doesn't like him very much." Guang Ling spent most of his time researching soul-guided devices, but he could also perceive the estrangement between members of the royal family.
"For the right to inherit the throne of the Tian Dou Empire, affection between princes is optional." Tang San said indifferently, "Of course, true affection does exist in the royal family, but such situations are extremely rare."
"It looks like we should have less contact with the royal family in the future." Guang Ling murmured.
"There's no need for that. At least, by interacting with them, we can gain better insight." Tang San pointed out a benefit, "The premise is not to become too deeply involved, not to have significant interests intertwined with them. Otherwise, it's hard to break free unless you have unparalleled strength or unparalleled personal charm."
Guang Ling thought for a moment and nodded...
...In the blink of an eye.
Seven days passed in a hurry.
White Cloud City was not far from Tian Dou City, only a little over a hundred miles away. Tang San and the others had already arrived.
Everyone was a soul master, so this time, they naturally didn't ride in carriages. Their traveling speed was naturally not slow.
It was only the aristocratic members of the Tian Dou Royal Team Two who were slowing them down. Tang San and the others had to take care of their pace, otherwise, they could have reached White Cloud City within a day.
"Why are the distinguished guests of the Tian Dou Empire so slow to arrive?"
In the lord's mansion, Dai Weisi from the Star Luo Royal Team saw Tang San and the others arriving "late" and walked up to them, taking the initiative to greet Tang San and Yu Tianheng with a handshake.
"There's nothing we can do. We're carrying a bunch of deadweight." Huo Wu glanced at Xue Beng and the others who were going to the lord's mansion to rest, not very politely.
"Haha, it's not late. Aren't the people from the Martial Soul Temple still not here?" Tang San glanced around and didn't see the Golden Generation from the Martial Soul Temple, so he knew they hadn't arrived yet.
After all, the distance between Martial Soul City and White Cloud City was quite far, with thousands of miles in between, and the road was difficult to traverse, with many canyons and forests. Even if they rushed themselves, it would still take eight or nine days.
"Tang San, what's the situation with the Fallen Ones now? Are they still in the Baiyun Plain?" Tang San continued to inquire.
"They are still there. However, according to the intelligence from the city lord's mansion in White Cloud City and the patrol team from the Martial Soul Hall, the number of Fallen Ones is decreasing. The level 49 Fallen One is hunting down other Fallen Ones, absorbing their blood and soul power, and has already broken through to the Soul King level." Dai weisi's expression became slightly serious.
"Soul King? That's challenging!" Huo Wu was eager to try, releasing her Sun Goddess Martial Soul with two yellow, two purple, and one black soul ring shining.
Among them, the fourth purple soul ring contained a hint of black, indicating that it was a soul ring close to the ten-thousand-year level.
"Not bad, Huo Wu. You've already become a Soul King." Dai Weisi praised her. After all, he was still a bit away from becoming a Soul King himself, but he would definitely break through to the Soul King level before the Elite Soul Master Academy Tournament began.
"Tang San, Xiao Wu, Yu Tianheng, have you three also become Soul Kings?" Xiao Wu replied, "We're still a little short, but we can reach level fifty before the end of this month."
Yu Tianheng shook his head. "I'm also a little short, but I can break through within six months."
Tang San said, "I've already reached the Soul King level, but as for soul rings and such, I'll keep it confidential for now. I'll reveal it during the tournament."
"Oh? So mysterious?" Dai Weisi was curious.
"Our captain even keeps it from us!" Yu Feng laughed, "But, Xiao Wu, Guang Ling, these two beauties probably know, but they won't tell us either."
"Such anticipation!" Dai Weisi was even more curious, but he didn't ask Tang San to reveal it immediately. After all, they were all preparing for the tournament.
Who didn't have a trump card?
"Haha, what a lively scene!"
The voice preceded the arrival of the people.
Three young talents walked slowly outside the lord's mansion.
Two men and one woman. The speaker was the man with exaggerated red hair, sturdy physique, over two meters tall, and an air of arrogance on his face.
The other two, with somewhat similar faces, were not particularly outstanding at first glance, but they were not the kind of faces that would go unnoticed in a crowd, similar to Tang San when he first obtained his first soul ring.
However, the temperament of these two individuals was extremely special, especially the woman, who seemed to have a kind of magic that made people unable to help but focus their gaze on her.
No need to guess, these three were definitely the Golden Generation of the Martial Soul Hall: Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan.
"Only three members of the Martial Soul Hall's team have come?" Dai Weisi stepped forward, his gaze locking with Yan's, and a hint of fighting spirit flickered in his eyes.
"Of course, with the three of us, it's enough." Yan stood with his hands on his hips, quite arrogant, scanning the crowd, "Why are there so many people from the Tian Dou Royal Academy?"
As the captain, Tang San stepped forward three steps, level with Dai weisi, and said, "Our academy has two teams, so naturally, there are more people."
"Is that so?" Yan couldn't detect any soul power fluctuations from Tang San. If it weren't for Yu Tianheng, Huo Wu, and others treating him as their leader, he would have thought he was just a handsome ordinary person.
Hu Liena looked Tang San up and down, a trace of curiosity in her eyes. "You're the captain of the Tian Dou Royal team? You look quite young. How old are you? What level of strength have you reached?"
"I'm just thirteen years old, about to turn fourteen, but not yet. Compared to the three of you, I'm just a humble Soul King." Tang San modestly replied.
Hu Liena: "..."
Xie Yue: "..."
Yan: "..."
Thirteen years old, only a Soul King?
Is this guy serious?
"That's impressive. Want to have a match?" Hu Liena had seen Tang San's childhood portrait, but now that Tang San had grown up and changed his appearance, she felt a bit familiar but couldn't recognize him.
"I'm a support type." Tang San politely declined.
"Not interesting." Hu Liena lost her fighting spirit upon hearing that Tang San was a support type.
Although the support type had been reclassified and included food system and healing system, their combat ability still ranked at the bottom among all soul masters.
As a member of the Golden Generation of the Martial Soul Hall, she couldn't bring herself to challenge a support type.
However, those familiar with Tang San secretly joked—
Is Tang San's support type just an ordinary support type?
He's an all-around support type!
Moreover, even without using martial souls, Tang San could crush the strongest member of the team (excluding Tang San himself), Huo Wu, with just his soul power alone.
"Now that everyone is here, let's set off." Norlax, the city lord of Baiyun City, walked out of the living room with the local Martial Soul Hall branch hallmaster. He intended to exchange a few pleasantries, but Hu Liena spoke directly, obviously eager to resolve the Fallen Ones quickly.
"In that case, let's go."
Seeing this, Norlax glanced at the local Martial Soul Hall branch hallmaster, then waved his hand. Accompanied by the Guardian Knights, he led the group to the White Cloud Plain.
White Cloud Plain.
This was a habitat for soul beasts, suitable for soul masters to hunt souls.
The soul beasts living here were mostly herbivores and carnivores. The common ones were lone wolves, followed by eagles.
It's worth mentioning that there were also many snake and insect soul beasts, but they mostly hid in the grass.
Therefore, when walking in the White Cloud Plain, it was necessary to wear a specially made pair of high boots. The material came from the fur of a species called the Iron-Eating Deer. After being soaked in specific potions, the inside became as soft as cotton, while the outside became as hard as steel, providing excellent protection for the lower part of the legs.
It was very effective in preventing bites from some ten-year-old snakes and insect soul beasts.
Although soul masters were powerful, they were not immune to all poisons. Some venomous insects and snakes, even if they were not soul beasts, could cause the death of soul masters if they bit them, so prevention was necessary.
For this reason, Norux also prepared a lot of antidotes for everyone.
"This is White Cloud Plain." Norlax took out a map and pointed to the part marked as a forest, with a nearby river marked. "My people and the Martial Soul Hall have already surrounded the main exits, and many teams have been sent out to patrol and drive away the Fallen Ones, trapping them in this White Cloud Forest."
"Next, let me explain the situation of this White Cloud Forest. There are ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts inside, but not many. After all, the size of this forest is not large. Currently, only twelve have been discovered, and the highest level among them is only two ten thousand years."
"Moreover, the two ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts are a plant-type soul beast named Cloud Tree, which reaches a height of a hundred meters, with its crown resembling clouds in the sky, layer upon layer, extremely spectacular."
"The reason why this place is called White Cloud Plain is because of the Cloud Tree in the White Cloud Forest."
(End of this chapter)