At dawn at Shrek Academy Main Campus, the clang of metal already echoed across the training grounds. Tang San emerged from the dormitory carrying a backpack even heavier than before. Besides sausages and medicine, it contained several bundles of rope soaked in fireproof liquid—500-year Spirit Beasts were stronger, and delaying things under the pretext of "inspecting special ropes" would ensure they were prepared for fire- or poison-type Spirit Beasts while also helping him adapt to the morning training rhythm. By the time he reached the carriage, Dai Mubai was adjusting a new Soul Tool armguard, while Phoenix Flame flickered in Ma Hongjun's palm from time to time. They were clearly prepared to face high-level Spirit Beasts.
"Today's target is a 500-year Spirit Beast. Prioritize finding Soul Ring types suitable for you! Tang San, you'll control the field. Don't get tangled up with speed-type Spirit Beasts!" As soon as Flender finished speaking, the carriage headed toward the Spirit Beast Forest. Tang San leaned against the window and extended Blue Silver Grass along the outer wall of the carriage. The blades were dusted with specially made tracking powder—500-year Spirit Beast tracks are hard to find. The powder can leave markers. Slow searching allows precise positioning, while rushing makes it easy to miss traces. As he observed the feedback from the grass, he told Xiao Wu, "Once we enter the forest, stay close to me. A speed-type Spirit Beast may attack from the side."
Using "inspecting special ropes + slow searching for tracking and positioning" as a reason to adjust the preparation pace, avoiding sudden expenditure. Slacking Value +1. Current total: 123.
At around midmorning, the carriage arrived at the entrance to the Spirit Beast Forest. This time, Flender did not split them into groups, instead having the seven people advance