Chapter 105: Let’s Make The Arrangements
Whether it's the Golden Roc Transformation, Chrono Croc Transformation, or Celestial Fox Transformation, they were basically the top talents among the students. Yet, there wasn't even a single fifth-order among them.
Two fourth-orders and one third-order with zero combat ability.
What's going on? What are Tang San and Wu Bingji thinking? Do they know that if something happens to Du Bai and Gu Li, the headquarters will tear them apart?
Talent-wise, Du Bai and Gu Li were not only the top students here, but also among the top in the entire Redemption Society and had the greatest expectations placed on them. Why had they been sent to Kali City? Because it was far from the central authority and relatively less likely to encounter problems!
And now they’re out hunting powerful demons beyond their level! What if they die? Who will take responsibility? Even Zhang Haoxuan can't handle that responsibility!
Guan Longjiang panicked at the academy.
When Zhang Haoxuan, who was secretly following, saw that the five quietly climbing the mountain were these five youngsters, he was also stunned. He knew that Tang San was the leader of this mission, but this disciple of his was just too damn daring.
Taking Cheng Zicheng and Gu Li was one thing. They were both fourth-order with unique abilities, and Gu Li's Chrono Croc Transformation was powerful in terms of battlefield control. But why bring a mascot? Du Bai lacked both physical prowess and combat ability. Forget about him helping them, could they even take care of him in a fight?
In fact, Guan Longjiang and Zhang Haoxuan were not the only ones surprised. Right before the team set off, Gu Li and Cheng Zicheng were also stunned to see Tang San bringing Du Bai along.
Of course, they didn't say anything, because they were unaware of the exact goal of the trip. In their minds, since even Du Bai was brought along, the demon they were hunting couldn't be too strong.
Wu Bingji, who was leading the way, felt a bit nervous. He could vaguely guess what kind of reaction his own master, Guan Longjiang, would have upon learning about the composition of their team for this mission.
Little Tang, oh Little Tang, if it weren't for that icicle control technique you promised me, I wouldn't have joined you in this reckless adventure!
Wu Bingji's only reassurance was Zhang Haoxuan's secret protection. The mayor is a ninth-order powerhouse; with him taking care of us from the shadows, this mission should be safe, right? Right?
The group progressed quickly. This wasn't a physical training session; everyone could use their Demonic God Transformations and had no additional weights. In addition, having trekked the mountain range many times over, everyone knew the path rather well.
Quickly, they passed through the umbrella-covered area and gradually delved deeper into the Kali Mountains.
"What's our target this time?" Du Bai asked, somewhat out of breath. His stamina was still a weakness.
Tang San smiled and said, "Let's keep a little mystery. You'll naturally know once we see it. Let's discuss tactics for dealing with demons as we walk."
Wu Bingji turned around and asked, "What's your plan?"
Although Tang San was young, his two real battles with Wu Bingji and his victory over Gu Li earned him the recognition of his peers for his ability to control the pace of the battle.
Tang San said, "If we encounter a demonic beast, senior brother, you will be the main force. You need to block the beast's attack head-on. While you do that, you must also use the ice element to slow it down and disrupt its movements, so it cannot use its combat strength properly.
"Senior brother Gu Li, your task is the most important. While eldest senior brother is blocking the demon, you need to find the right opportunity to use the Chrono Croc Transformation to hold it still and create an opportunity for us. We can handle even stronger demonic beasts if you control the Chrono Croc Transformation well.
"Senior sister Cheng Zi, you are in charge of scouting, and we’re counting on you especially to detect if groups of demonic beasts are approaching us. We can easily handle individual beasts, but encountering a group would be a problem. Your scouting is vital. And once the battle starts, you must harass the demonic beast that the senior brother is blocking. You need to protect and help him.”
"What about me? What's my role?" Du Bai hurriedly asked Tang San.
Tang San said, "Your role is also significant. Your Celestial Fox Vision can observe destiny, and we will need you to use it to choose the best direction for us. During the battle, you must also use the Celestial Fox Vision to guide destiny, ensuring luck is on your side. I will choose a safe location for you, and you just need to control destiny from the shadows."
The most substantial ability of the Celestial Fox Vision was to control and guide destiny. Such a unique attribute was something Tang San had never seen in his previous life.
Destiny is an elusive concept, often called the "will of heaven" in mundane terms. The Celestial Fox Vision's ability to observe and guide destiny may initially seem insignificant, but its impact, especially at higher levels, was incredible. This was why the Celestial Fox Transformation was considered a first-class bloodline power. The Celestial Fox Great Demon Emperor was, in fact, one of the three most influential characters among the demon and nymph races combined.
This was why Du Bai was so highly valued.
Naturally, at lower levels, the destiny guided and observed by the Celestial Fox Vision was limited, and its effectiveness was minuscule. Additionally, Du Bai’s combat ability was lacking at best.
But having some ability was better than having none. After years of cultivating and accumulating numerous resources, Du Bai still possessed a third-order Celestial Fox Vision, so he could definitely provide some assistance.
Other students had never really felt Du Bai to be helpful, since he was by far the weakest in combat. However, Tang San's perception was different.
Since Tang San arrived at the Redemption Academy, Du Bai had almost subconsciously been around him. Apart from the time spent cultivating in their rooms at night, Du Bai actually spent most of his time around Tang San. This in itself indicated something significant.
This child of destiny gravitated toward him, and it was clearly not because he could detect Tang San's divine consciousness, something even Si Ru couldn't do. No, it was undoubtedly because he could vaguely sense Tang San's destiny power and drew close to Tang San so he could borrow from the latter’s destiny.
Du Bai had told Tang San more than once that he hoped to be his guardian. Du Bai had never shared this with anyone else, and yet he had expressed this idea to Tang San just days after meeting him. Du Bai could subconsciously sense Tang San's potential, a part of the Celestial Fox Vision's effect. Du Bai himself might not have fully realized this, but his subconscious still made him feel close to Tang San.
Therefore, from Tang San's perspective, Du Bai could indeed sense destiny, follow its course, and guide changes in fortune. Having him along was very much like having a mascot, serving the purpose of attracting good luck and averting misfortune.
Du Bai's decision to come with them without hesitation was not just based on trust; after all, they had known each other for only two days. Where could such faith come from so quickly? Apart from the joy of being acknowledged, it was because he could feel that being with Tang San would bring him the favor of destiny.
Thus, while the teachers might not have noticed, Du Bai's Celestial Fox Vision gradually influenced his life trajectory. With his keen perception, Tang San noticed this, which was why he decided to bring Du Bai along.
The people Tang San had called out this time were those he hoped would improve their cultivation and help him improve his in turn. Tang San intended to grab Du Bai’s Celestial Fox Vision sooner or later, with Wu Bingji's Ice Nymph Transformation as an alternative. He already had Cheng Zicheng's Golden Roc Transformation and Gu Li's Chrono Croc Transformation, so he was going for the full collection.
Cultivating them was akin to cultivating his abilities. Why not go for it?
With the stability he had now and the recent enhancement of his strength, Tang San was gradually regaining a sense of control over his own destiny, something he had been sorely lacking in this life.