Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 65: The Formation of the Team

Since it was the first day of the school term, the students had a free afternoon.

Yang Potian used this time to gather the core members of the four single-attribute clans. As they met up, he couldn't help but feel exasperated seeing Tai Long looking as carefree as ever, as though he barely took training seriously.

Yang Ping'an was the first to speak, "Big Brother, aren't we going to train this afternoon? The facilities at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy look pretty amazing."

Yang Potian thought for a moment before replying, "The Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, spoke to me today. They wanted me to participate in this year's Soul Master Tournament, but I declined. My goal is to compete in the next tournament."

"I discussed things with the Crown Prince and the three deans, and I've received permission to form Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's second team. I will have full authority over this team—selecting the members, planning their training, and all other arrangements."

"I'm asking each of you now if you're ready to commit to joining me and participating in the next tournament."

Hearing this, the four looked at each other in slight surprise. They were only twelve now, and the next Soul Master Tournament was seven years away. Wasn't it a bit early to make such a commitment?

Before they could voice their thoughts, Yang Potian continued, "Tai Long, Niu Meng, Bai Xiaofei—you're all direct descendants of the single-attribute clans and future leaders of your families. The clans hold a delicate position within the Heaven Dou Empire. To lead your clans, you need to build true strength. My hope is that each of you will have the power to match your family's expectations, allowing the four clans to grow and strengthen together."

The three listened, and their expressions turned more serious. As future clan leaders, they had benefited greatly from their clans but also bore heavy responsibilities. After all, they were twelve now, not children anymore.

Niu Meng was the first to speak, "Big Brother, I'll join the team. But I just hope I can handle your level of training. I've seen how hard you push yourself."

"Don't worry, cousin," Yang Potian replied reassuringly. "I'll tailor each training plan to match your capacities. Yes, it'll be challenging, but it won't be impossible."

Niu Meng relaxed a bit, saying, "Then I'm in, Big Brother. I'll give it my all so that I can become the future head of the Defense Clan."

After Niu Meng's commitment, Tai Long and Bai Xiaofei also agreed.

Seeing that they were all on board, Yang Potian continued, "At your current soul power levels, each of you has room for improvement. From now on, your daily schedule will involve academic lessons in the mornings, followed by physical training in the afternoons. I want you to do a 50-kilometer weighted run daily, followed by a medicinal bath for recovery. At night, you'll meditate in a suitable training environment."

The three glanced at each other nervously. Fifty kilometers with weights? Was that even possible?

Niu Meng hesitated, asking, "Big Brother, isn't 50 kilometers a bit much? And what kind of weights will we need?"

Yang Potian glanced over the group. "As soul masters, your bodies are the foundation of everything. The stronger your body, the faster your cultivation speed and resilience will be. Besides, after the run, the medicinal bath will be much more effective, and your meditation will go smoother, helping you advance faster."

"As for the weight specifics, I'll decide based on each of your abilities."

"Heaven Dou Imperial Academy offers excellent resources for training, and both the simulated environments and the food here are top-notch—likely even better than what your clans provide. For our team members, I'll request additional resources for medicinal baths. All you need to do is stay focused and train hard."

"Tai Long, find time to get weighted gear made. Starting tomorrow, Bai Xiaofei will carry a 10-kilogram weight, Niu Meng 20 kilograms, and Tai Long 30 kilograms. Aside from medicinal bath time, you won't be allowed to take the weights off."

The three looked uneasy. Tai Long spoke up, "Big Brother, isn't 30 kilograms a bit much for me?"

Yang Potian gave a challenging look. "You're all beast soul masters, and by rank alone, your physical strength should surpass Ping'an's. Yet Ping'an carries 40 kilograms of weight, and I carry 130 kilograms, and we're both weapon soul masters. Are your bodies really that much weaker?"

He then continued, "Starting tomorrow, Ping'an and I will be training at the Great Spirit Arena in Heaven Dou City every night. Once each of you reaches rank 25, you'll be required to participate in daily battles there as well—two matches per night until you each earn a Silver Spirit Badge."

"Also, I'll inform your fathers about your commitment to the team and the training plan. I'm sure they'll support the arrangement."

The three looked at each other in resignation. Knowing their fathers, they'd likely be thrilled with the news that they were joining the team and training under Yang Potian. Resistance now would be futile.

Finally, they nodded in agreement.

Yang Potian went on, "You're all at rank 21 now, which is still low. We have seven years until the next tournament, and you each need to reach Soul Ancestor rank by then. That means a 19-rank increase, or at least 2.7 ranks per year. You'll need that kind of growth if you want to contribute to the team."

The three were taken aback. Gaining 2.7 ranks per year was no small feat.

Yang Potian continued, "Don't worry. As long as you follow my training regimen, I guarantee you'll reach Soul Ancestor rank by nineteen. That's a fitting level for heirs of the single-attribute clans."

In the original story, Tai Long had been at rank 37 during the tournament. With diligent effort, he could undoubtedly reach 40. Niu Meng and Bai Xiaofei had similar potential, especially with the academy's superior resources.

As for the rare herbs, Yang Potian wasn't ready to provide them for the team just yet—not even for Yang Ping'an. It would raise too much suspicion if their ranks skyrocketed suddenly. And as for Tai Long and Bai Xiaofei, their futures were still uncertain, so some caution was warranted.

Basic physical training, however, was another story. Weighted runs and new exercises could only strengthen them.

As for the herb he'd planned for Yang Ping'an, that could wait until after the tournament was over.

(End of Chapter)