Poisoned pep talk: Tailong joins the team
"Senior Tai Tan, what exactly happened to the Clear Sky Sect? Why did my teacher say they have gone into seclusion? And why did my father leave the Clear Sky Sect and take me to live in the village?"
These are the questions Tang San desperately wants answered.
To be honest, Tai Tan wasn't clear about many of the details.
All he knew was that Tang San's mother died in that turmoil, and that Tang Hao killed the then Pope Qian Xunji as a result.
For Tang San's sake, these things must never be said aloud.
"Young Master, please don't make things difficult for this old servant. This old servant truly doesn't know."
He paused, then added, "Now that this old servant has found you and your son, the Master should appear soon."
"Young Master, the upcoming Spirit Master Competition is of utmost importance; you should cultivate diligently."
"I've heard some of the rumors from yesterday. A temporary setback doesn't mean anything."
"My Master once said that even if you fail countless times, as long as you win the most crucial one, in other people's eyes, success will be the main theme of your entire life."
After this incident, Tang San suddenly felt that he had truly let go.
Compared to yesterday's setback, investigating Tang Hao's situation is the most important thing.
Seeing that his mood had improved, Tai Tan seized the opportunity and said, "Young Master, my good-for-nothing grandson of mine has some skill. Why not let him join your Shrek Team and serve you?"
Tailong's current strength has reached level 37, and he is expected to break through to level 38 or even level 39 before the competition.
With this level of skill, he's already ranked ahead of Ma Hongjun in the Shrek Team.
If a last-place elimination system is implemented, Tailong could easily replace Ma Hongjun.
Given that the other party is the Dean's disciple, Tang San decided not to let Tailong be Main Team Member, but to join the team as a substitute, to replace Ma Hongjun when necessary, which is also fine.
Since they were both on the same side, Tang San had no reason to pursue the matter further. He replied, "Alright, have Tailong report to me tomorrow. I'll speak with the teacher tonight."
Tai Tan laughed heartily, "With your words, Young Master, this old servant is relieved. As for that brat, Young Master, there's no need to be polite with him. If he's not taking training seriously, scold him if necessary!"
Tang San is the soul of the Shrek Seven Devils, and his mental adjustment is especially important to the team's atmosphere.
Later that day, Tang San gathered the Shrek Seven Devils together.
Despite Yu Xiaogang's attempts to comfort them yesterday, everyone's mood remained low, and Dai Mubai was even still arguing with Zhu Zhuqing.
Before speaking, Tang San spent a few minutes observing everyone's every move.
Seeing that the time was right, he continued, "Everyone, please quiet down."
"The root of yesterday's defeat lies with me. I failed to respond promptly to the Seven Treasures Team's tactical changes, and I also trusted Wu Qi too much, which led to the exposure of our trump cards."
"I hereby apologize to everyone for my mistakes. As the Battle Team's commander, I bear the responsibility for the loss."
Dai Mubai said with a sneer, "Little San, this isn't your fault. If someone hadn't deliberately dragged us down, none of us would have been forced into such a predicament!"
Seeing that Xiao Wu was about to stand up for Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San quickly stopped her, "Mu Bai, it was my fault for not arranging everyone's positions on the Arena properly, and I apologize to you for that."
Dai Mubai suddenly stood up and said in a deep voice, "Little San, I didn't mean to blame you, this matter..."
Tang San waved his hand to interrupt, "A loss is a loss. Everyone failed to perform to their full potential because of me, and that's my fault."
After some self-deprecation, the Shrek Six Monsters finally realized their mistakes and identified their own problems.
Outside the door, Yu Xiaogang was keeping a close eye on the situation.
Seeing that the time was ripe, he pushed open the door and entered. "I'm pleased that everyone recognizes their problems. So, in future matches, remember the mistakes you made today and correct them. Shrek Academy will then be invincible!"
"Moreover, yesterday wasn't without its gains; at least we figured out the Seven Treasures Team's team fight tactics."
"In my opinion, their tactics were extremely sloppy, even chaotic. I think, in terms of skill, their Leading Teacher is miles ahead of us."
Although it was self-promotion, the Shrek Seven Devils wholeheartedly agreed.
Because that's the truth. Seven Treasures Team turned Team Battle into multiple one-on-one duels, and their tactical arrangements were indeed lacking in skill.
Yu Tianheng, who had previously studied at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, had heard some rumors and commented, "I think I understand the reason."
Wu Qi has a high degree of autonomy over the team. Although there is Leading Teacher, Sun Buyu, he is more like the one in charge of the team's logistics and almost never arranges the team's training plans.
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang chuckled, "How old is he? How much wisdom could he possibly possess? He just got lucky because of the strength of his team."
"Their deployment is utterly ineffective when faced with real tactics."
"Alright, everyone, don't worry. I have a plan. Starting tomorrow, I will lead you all in targeted training."
"Also, you need to adjust your mindset. Don't give up the initiative strategically because of a small setback. Even in the Spirit Master Competition, our ultimate goal is to finish in the top two."
"Our goal in the Preliminary Round is simply to advance. Even if we lose, don't let it bother you. Remember, we always have the strategic advantage."
"The brief setback was just a prelude to the Finals!"
After drinking the "chicken soup," the Shrek Seven Devils were incredibly excited, as if the championship was within their grasp.
After everyone left, Tang San approached Yu Xiaogang alone, naturally to recommend Tailong as a substitute for the team.
"Little San, didn't you have a conflict with Tailong? How did you resolve it so quickly?" Yu Xiaogang's expression was strange.
He knew that the Strength Clan was an affiliated family of the Clear Sky Sect, but in that battle, the Clear Sky Sect had undoubtedly betrayed the Four Single-Attribute Clans.
Just now, he was worried that Tai Tan might harm Tang San, so he stood guard outside the door with Flender and Liu Erlong, ready to help.
Could this feud have been resolved so easily?
Of course, he wouldn't know that Tai Tan was a loyal lackey of the Tang Clan, and would never complain even if betrayed.
Hearing Tang San's explanation, Yu Xiaogang felt relieved. "Tailong is quite strong. I originally planned to recruit him into the team, but I can't refuse Flender's request."
"You didn't agree to make him Main Team Member, did you?"
It's true that he doesn't take Flender seriously, but for the sake of internal stability, he must keep him in check.
If Ma Hongjun isn't removed, Oscar's position will have to be replaced. However, the team lacks Support-Type Spirit Master, which will inevitably put them at a disadvantage in a prolonged battle.
And the opponent will also take advantage of this, putting you at a disadvantage from the start. How can you win the championship then?
He breathed a sigh of relief after receiving a negative answer.