Moving House
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Yang Yunhai was awakened early by his stubborn biological clock, preventing him from continuing to indulge in dreams filled with creamy white snowflakes.
A year's plan starts in spring, and a day's plan begins in the morning. Only through consistent effort can one attain the Dao and make dreams come true. This was deeply ingrained in his muscle memory. So, for the sake of his own happiness, he had long resolved to urge his dreamy self to stay diligent.
Not long after, Yang Yunhai,already washed and dressed,knocked on Zhu Zhuqing's door.
"Airheaded, indecisive, cold and emotionless early on, with a single-minded desire to become stronger… but later turns into a dependent flower vase, clinging to the strong like an accessory,just a tamed pet." There had always been much debate in his past life about Zhu Zhuqing's character.
Honestly, he sometimes agreed.
But thinking about it more carefully, weren't all female characters under that author like this? From strong women to airheaded sweethearts, it was always about what the plot needed. Bibi Dong was like that, Qian Renxue was like that, and so were Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing.
The intelligence-reduction aura was truly terrifying.
So, where did the problem really lie? He didn't know, didn't understand, and couldn't figure it out.
But one thing was certain,fiction is fiction, reality is reality. And he was no gentleman.
A naive, sweet girl might not be universally appealing, but if she were his? That would be a different story. Especially if she happened to be a stunningly beautiful, well-endowed, cuddly cat girl who could be cute, seductive, and comforting.
What cat lover wouldn't like that?
While lost in thought, a clear voice responded from inside the room, "Yunhai, I still need a bit more time. You go down first."
Women are always slow,Yang Yunhai understood, but still shook his head and went downstairs alone.
About half an hour later, everyone had gathered in the first-floor living room. Led by Yu Tianheng, they went out for a run. After running a lap around the forest trail surrounding the dormitory, they returned about 45 minutes later.
By then, the breakfast table was already set with a nutritious spread: meat buns, soy milk, and fruits.
After they finished eating, Qin Ming, sitting at the head of the table, began explaining the day's training plan.
"After thinking it over last night, I've come up with a few ideas about Xiaohai's martial soul control ability."
"Since Xiaohai can control multiple vines at once, I believe we shouldn't limit their use to restraining opponents. They can also be used to support teammates."
"For example, he could tie vines around attacking teammates' waists and fling them into the enemy formation to disrupt it. Or when opponents release wide-area soul skills, he could pull teammates back in time to evade."
"This could make the team's movements more coordinated and flexible in battle."
"Also, with Xiaohai's vines helping, we might be able to avoid using soul skills to defend against certain attacks, or avoid running long distances. This would reduce the physical and soul power consumption of our attack members."
"Considering all this, I suggest we try forming some new strategies with Xiaohai as the core. Let's practice these as a team for a while and see how they work. What do you all think?"
"I think it's doable." As captain, Yu Tianheng thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
"I think we should try it too."
The rest of the team nodded as well.
Only then did Qin Ming nod and turn to Yang Yunhai. "Xiaohai, this means things might get more demanding for you. Since you'll be the tactical core, on the battlefield you won't just control the vines,you'll also have to observe the battle and react flexibly."
"No problem. This is also a great opportunity for me to improve," Yang Yunhai replied with a smile.
"Also, I have some ideas about how to use my third soul skill," he said, glancing around at the team. "I'm thinking, when I tie vines around your waists, I can also scatter parasitic spores onto you."
"My spores can act as a medium for the second soul skill to absorb soul power directly from a soul master's body, but they can also slowly absorb soul power that's dispersed in the air. Once enough is collected, I can trigger them remotely."
"This way, when we get close to enemies, they could be used offensively."
"Also, I can grow vines around your bodies to act as a defense mechanism."
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up. Yu Tianheng quickly said, "In that case, we could allow Xiaohai to draw on our own soul power to accelerate the process. It's like having a special soul skill that can both control and defend, built into our team."
"If a close-combat team fights us in the future, they might not even dare approach," Yufeng added. "Who wants to be suddenly tied up mid-fight by surprise vines?"
"Exactly. The longer the fight drags on, the more useful Xiaohai's second and third soul skills become," Osler chimed in.
"Indeed." Qin Ming nodded with a smile. "Xiaohai's idea is great. Let's start practicing with this in mind."
"In that case, no time like the present. Teacher Qin Ming, let's head to the training ground now," Yufeng said excitedly.
"Alright." Qin Ming nodded and stood up.
Soon, the group arrived at the training ground and began practicing with Yang Yunhai.
The morning was spent on team coordination. In the afternoon, they went to the simulation cultivation area to train their martial souls and strengthen their bodies. In the evening, Yang Yunhai returned to the dorm with Zhu Zhuqing, then continued soul power cultivation at night.
This routine continued for several days until an envoy from Meng Shenji arrived with news: the training facility Yang Yunhai had requested had been completed. He was invited to inspect it.
So, Yang Yunhai said goodbye to his teammates and followed the guiding teacher.
The entrance wasn't far from the dorm,a narrow mountain trail about one meter wide, marked with a sign prohibiting entry to anyone not on Team One. Walking along the winding path, they entered a dense forest. It took them nearly half an hour to reach their destination.
It was a narrow valley nestled between two towering rocky peaks. A clear spring flowed from one side, forming a small stream through the middle. Near the stream, the Blue Silver Grass grew lush and thick, with some even reaching the level of decade-old soul beasts. The terrain on either side was steep, reminiscent of the outer peaks where he once searched for the Blue Silver Emperor.
To the right of the most verdant Blue Silver Grass patch stood a brand-new wooden cabin.
"Student Yang, what do you think?" the accompanying teacher asked with a smile.
"I'm very satisfied. Please extend my gratitude to the three deans on my behalf," Yang Yunhai replied politely.
"As long as you're satisfied." The teacher nodded. "Familiarize yourself with the area,I'll go report back to the deans."
"Take care, teacher," Yang Yunhai responded immediately.
After seeing the teacher off, he walked into the cabin and quickly got acquainted with the layout before heading back to the dorm.
That evening, over dinner, Yang Yunhai put down his bowl and looked at everyone. "Teacher Qin Ming, everyone,the personal training ground I asked the deans to build is ready. To save time, I plan to move there."
"In the mornings, I'll head straight to the training grounds from there to meet you all."
"Aren't there other simulation grounds with Blue Silver Grass? Why go to such lengths? It even sounds pretty far," Dugu Yan asked, confused.
"It's for better martial soul development," Yang Yunhai explained. "Sister Yan, remember how I mentioned using my second soul skill to absorb poison? I still haven't bought the white mice for testing. I can't keep test animals in the dorm, can I?"
"Fine! Better to keep them outside. Easier to bury if they die," Dugu Yan waved her hand.
"My thoughts exactly," Yang Yunhai nodded.
At this point, Qin Ming nodded. "In that case, Xiaohai, if there are any new arrangements, I'll inform you during morning training."
"Thank you, Teacher Qin Ming," Yang Yunhai replied politely.
Then Dugu Yan looked at Zhu Zhuqing. "What about Zhuqing? Xiaohai, are you willing to leave her behind?"
Yang Yunhai turned to her. "Zhuqing, do you want to come with me? The deans built a cabin with additional rooms. More importantly, the cliffs on either side of the valley are steep,perfect for your training. Climbing those cliffs would greatly strengthen your limbs."
"Your martial soul is a cat, so your fighting style is claw-based. That means arm strength, wrist strength, and grip are crucial. You'll also need strong legs for speed and explosive power. Not to mention core strength and balance,all of which climbing can train."
"If one day you can scale those cliffs with ease, your combat abilities will surely improve."
"That makes me want to train there too," Osler, who had a ghost leopard martial soul, said in awe.
"Maybe I should try that method too," Yu Tianheng mused.
"For close-combat beast-type soul masters, it really is excellent training," Qin Ming agreed, eyes shining.
"I'll say just one thing,third wheels are never welcome," Dugu Yan added flatly.
"I'll just find another mountain, then. Plenty of rocky peaks behind the academy," Osler quickly replied.
Qin Ming smiled but said nothing.
He knew that the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had specifically chosen this mountainous location for its many solid rock peaks. It made building foundations stable and allowed easy access to construction materials,perfect for a large academy.
For soul masters, carving through mountains wasn't hard. But solid foundations were critical.
While he was thinking, Zhu Zhuqing, head slightly bowed, gave a soft nod.
"Alright then. Let's pack tonight and move after training tomorrow morning," Yang Yunhai said.
"Okay," Zhu Zhuqing replied quietly.
The next day at noon, after training and lunch, Yang Yunhai and Zhu Zhuqing set off together toward their new home.
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