Soul Land 5: The Rebirth of Tang San

Chapter 283: Team Battles in the Great Beast Fighting Arena

Each metal disc was the size of a palm. The three were made from different metals, each emitting a distinct luster.

As soon as Du Bai picked them up, he felt as if there was energy flowing within them, which was quite peculiar. Upon closer inspection, he saw that each metal disc was engraved with different, intricate patterns with a mysterious charm.

“What are these?”

Tang San explained, "These are array discs. Each one can deploy a specific array. So, in battle, you can use these discs to deploy arrays and support us from the rear. However, you must conceal the discs and make sure nobody sees them during the deployment. To everyone else, it should appear like you're an array master who can directly cast arrays. Do you understand what I mean?"

"I've heard of array discs before. I think our teachers mentioned that someone created a very precious Spirit Summoning Array disc that was small enough to carry and could generate a Spirit Summoning Array to aid in cultivation. They said it was pretty amazing, but also incredibly expensive."

Tang San did not elaborate but smiled and said, "These three are different. A master of arrays made them, and their effects are even more profound. Brother Du Bai, I will explain how to use them later. For now, let's practice some tactics. Based on our individual Demonic God Transformation traits, we can cooperate in many ways. If we can work together properly, this is not going to be a problem."

At that moment, Tang San started demonstrating methods of cooperation to everyone. Even in his previous life, this was his forte—this was what he used throughout his life until he became truly powerful. This was also the reason he had confidence in team battles.

Obtaining the noble status was crucial, as the class system in the Daemon Continent was very strict and being of a higher class made many things easier to handle.

Everything Tang San was doing now was for two reasons: to enhance his companions' strength, and to prepare himself for a breakthrough to the god level. Whether it was helping Zhang Haoxuan make a breakthrough or heading to the Ancestral Court, it was all to seek opportunities for this.

Everyone had made significant progress, and their Demonic God Transformations had improved along with their strength. Even with the changes in their abilities, they quickly harmonized with each other after a bit of practice. After all, they had fought together before, so it was not difficult for Tang San to put together some tactics and have everyone execute them.

Du Bai began using the array discs. Although he was a beginner, the devices were just too simple and suitable for him—they were activated by bloodline power and then controlled with spiritual power. Due to the consumption of various treasure plants, along with the influence of his Celestial Fox bloodline, Du Bai's spiritual power had now reached the ninth order, making him no less potent than Wu Bingji in terms of spiritual power even though he was three orders below in cultivation. Thus, controlling a few array discs was naturally easy for him.

The Celestial Fox Transformation's fortune enhancement and the array discs' power proved quite effective. It took only three days for him to master it, especially with Tang San directing from the center.

Wu Bingji became the team's spearhead. Tang San handled long-range attacks, while aerial assaults were naturally Cheng Zicheng's responsibility. Gu Li supported Wu Bingji, and their offense was improved by control.[1]

For their team, control was the most vital asset. Time manipulation, fortune enhancement, array discs, and Wu Bingji’s ice abilities could all exert considerable control. Not to mention Tang San's hidden abilities.

Another characteristic was their spiritual power, which generally exceeded their cultivation level. This was a key factor in their victory over Guan Longjiang and the other two teachers. With mighty spiritual power as their support, they could unleash 120% of their strength. For instance, it wasn’t just Tang San who could use the Purple Demon Eyes. The other four could as well, though their power varied. Du Bai was the strongest in this regard aside from Tang San, and this ability also served as his most crucial means of self-preservation.

Guan Longjiang didn't sulk for long. While Tang San and the others were harmonizing their techniques, he watched from the sidelines, observing the true capabilities of these children.

The matter of the array discs was not hidden from him. Tang San's explanation was simple: he had gotten them from his master. Where had the mayor gotten them? He didn't know.

Blaming things on his master was undoubtedly the best approach.

Guan Longjiang had gone specifically to look for Zhang Haoxuan, but he couldn't find him and didn't know where he had gone.

Naturally, Zhang Haoxuan had gone to the Golden Valley to absorb life energy and prepare for his breakthrough. A sufficiently powerful life force would play a crucial role during his breakthrough.

After practicing until dusk, Wu Bingji asked Tang San, "Are we almost ready?"

Tang San nodded and said, "We're pretty much set. Let's register for the competition tomorrow. We'll stay in the city during the competition to avoid unnecessary trouble."

"Okay." Wu Bingji nodded. He understood Tang San's point; once they won a team battle, they would surely attract attention from all quarters. Returning to Redemption Academy daily could quickly bring trouble.

"Let's rest, rest, I'm exhausted." Du Bai flopped down on the ground, wiping non-existent sweat from his forehead.

Gu Li snorted. "You were just standing there. What's there to be tired about?"

"Hehe, it's mentally exhausting," Du Bai chuckled. "As the brain of the entire team, can you imagine how much spiritual power I've used?"

"Do you even understand the concept of shame? You call yourself the brain with that face? I'd say you're more like the dandruff," Cheng Zicheng mercilessly teased.

"Pfft, even if I'm dandruff, I'm Tang San's dandruff. Right, Little Tang? Ah, why am I not a girl? If I were, I'd definitely pursue Little Tang and become his wife."

Seeing Tang San's face darken, Du Bai quickly scrambled up and ran off, laughing loudly.

Gu Li nudged Tang San. "Be careful, okay? You're still young. Don't let him influence you to change your preferences."

"Shut up," Tang San said, pushing him away irritably. "Let's rest. We'll register tomorrow."

The following day, the five gathered again with their bags packed and met Teacher Guan just before they left.

Guan Longjiang looked at the five, especially his pupil Wu Bingji, with unconcealable worry and deep reluctance.

"Have you thought this through? It's not too late to back out," Guan Longjiang said gravely.

All five nodded almost simultaneously. Wu Bingji said, "Don't worry, Master. We will secure victory as soon as possible and then return. Trust us, we are confident. A fledgling must jump off the tree if it wants to learn how to fly. Consider this an important test for us."

"Yeah, you’ll jump off the tree and right into the tiger’s mouth! You must understand this: if you lose, the price is your life," said Guan Longjiang.

He had witnessed team battles in the arena before, and he was well aware that they were almost without exception fatal for the losers. Anyone daring to participate in a team battle was a desperado; these were individuals gambling with their lives. Moreover, the overall strength required for a team battle was several notches higher than that for individual combat, as nobody without confidence would participate in such a fight. Therefore, they would unquestionably face fierce battles at every turn.

"Teacher Guan, I will ensure everyone returns safely," Tang San said earnestly.

Du Bai nodded. "That's right. No need to pray for our good fortune; luck is on our side."

"Go, just go. Don't make me angry now." Guan Longjiang waved them off.

The five of them bowed to him and then turned to leave.

Watching their departing figures, Guan Longjiang stamped his foot. "That Zhang Haoxuan, to think he hasn't returned even now. Really..."

Mu Yunyu's voice came from behind. "When did you become so indecisive? You know, it seems that you care too much and it’s affecting your judgment."

Guan Longjiang turned to look at her. "How am I being indecisive? You’re telling me I shouldn’t be worried? You know exactly what the team battles in the beast arena entail."

1. Reminder that this refers to basically CC skills rather than elemental control. ☜