Before the first match began, Xiao Tianyang slipped into a quiet corner and removed his disguise. Without drawing attention, he quietly rejoined the Shrek Academy team.
Saber didn't follow. After all, if the two of them vanished and reappeared together too often, even a fool would suspect something was amiss. Even if it couldn't be confirmed immediately, keeping an eye on them would eventually expose the flaw.
Xiao Tianyang knew his identity couldn't stay hidden forever, but he didn't want it revealed so soon after joining the competition.
"Brother Tianyang, you're back." Tang San recognized the familiar footsteps behind him and turned with a smile. "We're discussing the lineup order. Would you like to participate?"
"Even if your suggestion sounds tempting, I won't fall for it." Xiao Tianyang smirked. "I said I won't fight, so I won't."
Ma Hongjun shrugged. "Well, Grandmaster and the others aren't here right now. What's stopping us from dragging you into the ring?" He then raised an eyebrow at Xiao Tianyang. "This is the sub-team of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy—the same people who once forced us out in humiliation."
"Tricks won't work on me." Xiao Tianyang replied calmly. "Besides, you've already beaten their main team. What's there to fear from a sub team?"
"But we only have five people. Quantity already outweighs quality." Dai Mubai interjected solemnly. "Even if they're the sub-team, their overall strength isn't far behind the main team. We can't underestimate them."
"Then adjust your strategy." Xiao Tianyang rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. "First, your main attacker must be strong enough. Second, one main attacker and one support should suffice. Beyond that, there aren't many variables left."
"You can follow three approaches: control, assault, or decapitation."
Everyone waited for him to continue, but he fell silent. They all turned to stare at him.
Xiao Tianyang spread his hands. "That's all. What else do you need?"
"Use your brains. One spot for each role—figure it out yourselves. Can't you do that?"
Tang San chuckled. "I understand what Brother Tianyang means."
Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Explain."
Tang San spoke deliberately: "First, the core remains one main attacker, one primary support, and two secondary supports. That's the foundation of our five-man team."
"But victory hinges on how we adjust the remaining two positions. That's the key. Right, Brother Tianyang?"
"Hah, you've grasped it perfectly." Xiao Tianyang nodded approvingly.
Truthfully, from the world he came from, there were no supernatural powers—only teamwork decided battles. Whether in games or sports, strategy was everything. So, Xiao Tianyang naturally had a complete tactical framework in mind.
Tang San, however, was different. Though mentally older than Dai Mubai and the others, he lacked experience in large-scale coordination. In his past life, sect strength and individual prowess ruled. In terms of strategic depth, Xiao Tianyang's knowledge was far more systematic.
Yet Tang San had discerned the core of his advice in just a few words—including the decisive factors for victory.
Encouraged, Tang San continued: "This time, against the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's sub-team, their formation and spirit rings are similar to last time. But since our core fighters are stronger, the best approach is decapitation."
He then called out the lineup: "Main attacker—Brother Dai. Supports—Rongrong and Jiang Zhu. The remaining two spots go to Zhuqing and Jing Ling."
Xiao Tianyang gave a slight nod. "A solid arrangement. But can Dai Mubai handle the frontline pressure?"
Tang San glanced at Dai Mubai, who responded firmly: "No need to worry. Crushing them might be tough, but holding them back won't be a problem."
Tang San smiled. "Then our battle plan is set. Here's how we'll proceed..."
As he outlined the strategy, Xiao Tianyang listened quietly, inwardly impressed.
'Minor flaws due to inexperience, but nothing critical. With more practice, he'll refine this skill further. Not bad at all.'
With their discussion concluded and their match still pending, the group settled into casual conversation, relaxed and at ease.
At one point, Ning Rongrong sidled up to Xiao Tianyang and whispered: "Tianyang, why do you and Saber keep disappearing lately? Some secret mission?"
"What, you think we're covert operatives, flitting in and out of shadows?" Xiao Tianyang rolled his eyes. "Besides, didn't Saber invite you last time to train with us? If you join next time, you'll see what we're up to."
"I don't want to go to that freezing place." Ning Rongrong huffed. "Fine, keep your secrets. I'll figure it out myself."
"Take your time, then." Xiao Tianyang remained unfazed, smirking. "Though Zhuqing mentioned wanting to train with me too. Pity if you don't tag along..."
"What?! She's going? Then I've changed my mind!" Ning Rongrong's expression shifted instantly, and she clutched his arm.
"That environment isn't for you. It's too harsh." Xiao Tianyang shook his head. "Weren't you just complaining about it?"
"I want to temper myself, okay?" She sniffed. "Besides, you have no reason to refuse."
"Why not?"
"Because you once said having a beauty by your side doubles your motivation, right?" She declared righteously.
Xiao Tianyang stiffened. He had said that—as a joke. But the words were true. After all, training alongside a lovely companion beat sweating it out with a bunch of men.
Still, under the knowing smirks of their teammates, even his thick skin burned with embarrassment. He suddenly felt the urge to punch them all.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, seated on his other side, spoke coolly: "Are you leaving after the match? If so, could you make a detour to the Star Luo Empire?"
"What for?"
"Some things need settling. Delaying will only cause trouble." Her voice was low, meant only for him.
Xiao Tianyang understood. "No problem." Then, teasingly, he added: "This isn't a 'meet-the-parents' scenario, is it?"
Zhu Zhuqing's frosty demeanor cracked, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She glanced at him covertly before lowering her head.
Ning Rongrong, oblivious, was already distracted by the approaching staff—after all, this match included her.
…
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