Companions Assemble

Chapter 4: Companions Assemble. While Mu Chen continually strengthened himself to keep his family safe, the other young members of the family also sprang into action. Tan Qingshan, a burly youth with a forthright, generous nature, had been close friends with Mu Chen since childhood. Upon hearing that evil forces had attacked the family, he joined its defensive efforts without another word. His spiritual energy was fierce and powerful, and he excelled at close combat. Every swing of the heavy axe in his hands whipped up howling wind blades of spiritual energy. Tang Qian'er was a lively, adorable girl with long, glossy black hair and large, clear, bright eyes. Although she appeared delicate, her control of spiritual energy was exceptionally fine, and she excelled at various support spiritual techniques. She could heal her teammates and cast spells that strengthened their spiritual energy, making her indispensable in battle. That day, Mu Chen gathered the young family members at the family's training grounds to discuss further plans for resisting the evil forces. Tan Qingshan and Tang Qian'er arrived early. Upon seeing Mu Chen, Tan Qingshan strode over and gave his shoulder a hearty pat. "Mu Chen, your trials on the Spirit Road really made you stronger. We all heard how you defeated that black-robed man. You certainly did us proud!" Tan Qingshan said with a hearty laugh. "That's right, Brother Mu Chen. You have no idea-you've become an idol to all us younger family members. Everyone hopes to become as strong as you and protect the family," Tang Qian'er said beside him, blinking her large eyes. Mu Chen smiled at them. "I can't do this alone. The crisis facing our family is extremely serious. We need everyone to work together." As time passed, the young family members arrived at the training grounds one after another. Standing on a raised platform, Mu Chen looked at the youthful yet resolute faces below, and a warm current surged through his heart. He knew they were all the family's hope, and together they would fight for its future. "You all know that evil forces are attacking our family. These enemies are cruel and powerful, and many of our people have already been hurt. But we cannot back down. We are part of this family, and protecting it is our responsibility," Mu Chen declared, his voice echoing over the training grounds and inspiring everyone there. "Mu Chen, we'll follow your lead! Tell us what to do, and we'll do it!" one young family member shouted, and the others voiced their agreement. "Good! We need to unite and form squads. Every squad must include different types of cultivators: those who excel at attacking, those who excel at defending, and those like Qian'er who excel at support. Only then can we coordinate in battle and unleash our greatest strength," Mu Chen said. The young family members began forming their own groups, and several squads soon took shape. Naturally, Tan Qingshan joined Mu Chen's squad. Patting his chest, he said, "With me here, I guarantee I'll block the enemy's attacks for you, so you can focus on dishing out damage." Tang Qian'er joined their squad as well and said playfully, "Then I'll handle healing and buffing you two. Just don't wear me out." Once the squads were formed, Mu Chen began organizing their training. First, he emphasized the importance of teamwork, requiring every squad member to become familiar with the others' techniques and fighting styles. "We need combat drills. That's the only way we'll be able to work together seamlessly when we face real enemies," Mu Chen said. During the combat drills, each squad displayed distinct strengths. Some attacked ferociously, their members coordinating their spiritual energy attacks to form powerful torrents of spiritual energy. Others maintained sturdy defenses, layering their Spiritual Energy Shields like an impregnable fortress. Mu Chen's squad, meanwhile, made full use of each member's strengths. In one drill, Tan Qingshan took the vanguard and charged at the "enemy" first. He swung his heavy axe, pouring spiritual energy into it until its blade flashed with dazzling light. His attacks were broad and sweeping, every swing driving back the "enemy's" attacks and creating openings for his teammates. When an "enemy" tried to attack Tan Qingshan from the side, Mu Chen reacted swiftly. He unleashed his new spiritual technique, turning the power of the stars around him into beams of silver light that shot toward the "enemy" on their flank. These beams were not only immensely powerful but also struck the soul. Under their assault, the "enemy's" movements grew sluggish, and their spiritual energy fell into disorder. Tang Qian'er cast support techniques from the rear. She waved a spiritual energy staff, murmuring incantations. A gentle light radiated from the staff's tip and enveloped Tan Qingshan and Mu Chen. It accelerated their spiritual energy recovery while strengthening their spiritual energy defenses. "Everyone coordinated well, but there are still some problems. When attacking, we need to pay attention to our rhythm instead of launching attacks blindly. Those handling defense also need to watch the direction of enemy attacks and adjust the angles of their shields in time," Mu Chen told them after the drill. Through constant training, the young family members grew increasingly skilled at teamwork. Their mutual understanding deepened, and every squad became a tightly knit fighting unit. However, just as they were immersed in training, the family's alarm suddenly sounded. Its piercing cry tore through the quiet air, signaling another attack by the evil forces. "Everyone, prepare for battle!" Mu Chen shouted. The young family members swiftly assembled, their eyes resolute and utterly fearless. Armed with the fruits of their training, they rushed toward the part of the family grounds under attack, ready to wage a fierce battle against the evil forces and safeguard their family's peace. In this battle, they would prove their courage and strength through action and fight for their family's honor.