The spirit vessel carrying hundreds of the Dragon Sword sect disciples departed the next morning. The disciples were excited because they wished to fight to their heart’s content. Shi Lang could understand them; he used to be like this only during his early days as a soldier.
The terran stood among the core disciples silently when a guy said, “Senior Brother Bo, you need to tell them a few things. Their battle lust is making them underestimate the danger.”
Bo Qingtan sighed and said, “Fine, Senior Brother Qian did this for me last time.”
That said, the young man walked ahead. He stood up at the bow of the vessel and snapped his fingers. The spirit energy between his fingers echoed in the surroundings. Everyone turned to look at him, and gradually the enthusiastic cheers stopped. They knew what Bo Qingtan wanted to say something.
After the disciples calmed down, he said, “I can tell you are excited. I was also the same as you were when I headed to the misty mountains. I was fifteen years old, like most of you, but what I faced there was something I can never forget. I am not talking about the glory of my senior brothers but also the deaths of my friends.”
The mood turned solemn in an instant. The disciples did not know how to react, and Bo Qingtan continued, “What you all focus on is what you can do to the beasts, but think for a second what can those beasts do to us?”
He paused and continued, “It is good that you wish to try what you have learned. However, ensure you do not get carried away and do not let your guard down. Alright?”
The disciples nodded and replied in unison, “Thank you for your advice, Senior Brother.”
Bo Qingtan nodded, and Shi Lang took a deep breath. He wanted to say something but did not know if he should say it because this matter was about the Dragon Sword Sect. The disciples were sent out under the protection of the ninth Elder and a few other senior deacons.
The Elder sensed Shi Lang’s unease and asked, “Xiao Lang, do you wish to say something?”
Shi Lang was not surprised because earlier, his mood had affected the spiritual energy flow around him. The young man nodded, and the Elder waved his hand to go on. Shi Lang said, “Elder, I think we can minimize the extent of damage the Dragon Sword Sect will have to endure.”
The Elder raised his brow, and this was a godsend. He wished that not many disciples died on his watch. Hearing this statement, he said, “Go on.”
Shi Lang said, “Elder, I think if the disciples were to act in groups where they can support each other, the casualties would be lower.” 𝑂𝔳𝓛xt.𝓒𝒪𝐦
A deacon said, “Will that not hinder their growth? We need them to be strong to face the demons better when they go to the central front.”
Shi Lang sighed and replied, “With respect, Deacon, they will go to the central front when alive. The human forces are always struggling because we forget that even if humans are strong enough to face ten demons alone, they are still human. Everyone has their limits. Suppose a human can face ten demons with the support of five people who can help him hold back five demons. What result will he be able to achieve?”
The Deacon was surprised, and Shi Lang said, “I apologize to you if I have overstepped in this matter, but I thought the lives of the disciples nurtured so carefully and dedicatedly should be valued a bit more.”
The Elder and the Deacon were both left speechless after this reason. The Elder thought a bit and said, “Disciple Shi Lang, although what you say is correct, the disciples of our Dragon Sword Sect have never been taught to fight together. How will this work?”
Shi Lang thought briefly and said, “Elder, this, we should as the disciples if they have ever fought alongside each other. After all, when they all go to perform tasks, they must face situations where they have to fight together, right?”
The Elder nodded and said, “I think this is feasible. After all, if the disciples can survive this ordeal by supporting each other, they will also develop a sense of brotherhood. This will strengthen them on a level deeper than what we can perceive.”
The Deacon nodded and said, “But who must we ask to talk to them.”
They looked at all the core disciples and found that these young men were clueless, and Shi Lang said, “If you allow me, I will talk to them.”
The Elders and everyone exchanged a spiritual note, and they agreed. Bo Qingtan walked over to the ship’s bow and said, “We have a guest among us who wishes to tell you all something. I warn you not to think he has no right to speak here because he is not from the Dragon Sword Sect. He defeated me, and thus, he gets to talk.”
The disciples nodded. They all were aware of Shi Lang’s existence and nodded. Shi Lang came to the ship’s bow and said, “I know that you all wish to fight, earn glory, and get stronger. However, would you be able to bask in that glory if you died? Will you be able to fight if you die? Will you be stronger if you died?”
The disciples shook their heads, and Shi Lang continued, “You all have what the beasts do not. You have discipline and a power of thought. The spiritual beasts have intelligence but are not as mature as humans until they have reached a higher level.
If my understanding of a beast tide is correct, the beasts we’ll have to face must be from a lower cultivation realm. If you all pool together and make five teams, you can help each other by covering your weakness and saving lives in critical situations.”
One of the disciples raised his hand and asked, “Senior brother, can I ask you how we will manage to fight in a team when we have never done that before?”
Shi Lang clapped his hands and said, “Do you not know the weaknesses of the people you have been competing with for such a long time?”
The disciple thought of something and nodded. Shi Lang nodded and continued, “Now, there are two hundred of you. If we split you all into teams of five, you will be in forty groups. Follow a few combat rules, and you all will be fine.”
One asked, “Senior brother, what are the rules?”
Shi Lang smiled and said, “Rule number one: None of you will break the formation you have decided to fight with. No matter what you do, death will dance wildly once you break the formation and let the spirit beasts enter.
Rule number two: You will leave one person at the least to play the role of support. If any of the four main combatants are under pressure, the fifth person will charge over to help their friend.
Rule number three: If you think your load is too much, you will fall back—no chasing for glory. Regroup with the closest group, you help them, and they help you. If your friend is in danger, use any means necessary to help him, and if you fail to do so or hesitate in your actions, then the death of your friend will be upon you.
Now hoping you do not want to be blamed or feel guilty for the rest of your lives. You all will do just fine. Do you wish to fight to your heart’s content? Fight but fight not to kill the beasts, but to protect your friends. Do you understand?”
The disciples replied in unison, “Yes, Senior Brother Shi.”
They all exchanged glances and began to talk to their friends and discuss a strategy to face the beast tide. Shi Lang showed them the correct way to deal with the problem. The terran returned to the place where the core disciples gathered and found them discussing the same thing.
He shook his head and said, “Why are you guys discussing forming a team?”
The people were stunned and Xia Lingtai asked, “But Senior Brother Shi didn’t you say it just now?”
Shi Lang shook his head and replied, “No, it was for them. We all need to hold back and help the teams in danger. We are stronger, so we can cover more ground and help the ones in need. Strength is to protect the weak and not go killing everything. Do not take action unless we meet a stronger beast they could not handle.”
Xia Lingtai thought and asked, “Are we not going to turn them into greenhouse plants?”
Shi Lang chuckled and said, “If an elder protected you in the shadow, would you say the same?”
Xia Lingtai nodded and said, “I understand. Thank you for your guidance.”
Shi Lang shook his head and sat down to meditate. He was very excited to fight the spirit beasts.
