Chapter 163: Preparations

After the Golden Lion Dog and Mei Gongzi left, Tang San did not choose to return to the Redemption Academy; instead, he went back to the small house.

He respectfully approached Old Mao, who was about to finish his meal. “Old Mao, I have something I'd like to discuss with you.”

“What's the matter, Little Tang?” Old Mao asked with a smile.

Tang San said, “The mayor has tasked me with an errand in five days, which might require me to be away for a few days. Do you think I could work continuously for the next few days, then leave to complete the mayor's task and return to work afterward?”

Old Mao thought momentarily and replied, “That should be fine. Clean up the square a bit more these days, and I’ll have someone cover for you. Do you know how many days you’ll be away?”

Tang San nodded and answered, “It’s not decided yet. I must wait for the mayor’s instructions, but it shouldn’t be more than ten days at most.”

Old Mao nodded in agreement. “Alright, good. Let me know once you have a confirmed schedule.”

After thanking Old Mao, Tang San returned to the Redemption Academy village.

Instead of returning to the academy, he headed straight for the mayor's place.

“Master, I think we should go out for another training expedition.”

When Zhang Haoxuan heard Tang San's words, the first thing he felt was a headache. The results of the last expedition were astonishing, leading Du Bai and Gu Li to make breakthroughs and advance in the two most valued Demonic God Transformations of the academy—a great achievement for the academy. However, it also made the positions of these two students even more crucial. Going out for another risky expedition? What if something dangerous happened?

Seeing his hesitation, Tang San quickly said, "Master, there won’t be any issues. Last time was just a fluke, and we turned things around, right? This time it’s different. Du Bai’s Celestial Fox Vision has hit the fourth order, and with that kind of power, we can steer our luck, making this mission smoother. Plus, everyone’s gotten stronger, so it’ll definitely be easier than before. The other senior brothers reckon we’re just lucky, but it’s not all about luck. Our skills definitely played a big role too. Everyone learned a lot in the first round of training; shouldn’t we give the second round a shot? Think about it: if we can help Du Bai and Gu Li level up faster, wouldn’t that be a win for everyone?"

Zhang Haoxuan said somewhat helplessly, "You really have a way with words. However, if you want to go out for training again, I guess no one will oppose you this time. But you must promise, absolutely no risks this time."

Tang San smiled wryly. "We didn't take risks last time either! We just arrived at the edge of the Winged Tiger's territory when we encountered it. That wasn't our fault, was it?"

Zhang Haoxuan's mouth twitched. "Three at once, including a ninth-order? Is that also the luck brought by the Celestial Fox Vision?"

"

Cough,

that definitely won't happen this time," Tang San said with a chuckle.

Zhang Haoxuan thought for a moment and said, "Okay then. Last time, you showed the benefits of training and how well you can adapt. You're right. The other groups didn't get as much out of their training as you did, and that really comes down to skill, especially in leadership. If this training turns out similarly, you'll have further proven your leadership skills, which we value. Based on our thorough analysis, you seem to have a knack for leading. If things go well this time, I will suggest that all sixteen of you go together next time, and you'll be in charge."

Sixteen people together? Tang San didn't want this, in all fairness. It was harder to command and care for more people, and what if casualties occurred? But since Zhang Haoxuan said so, he had no reason to refuse and could only say, "Alright, I'll listen to you. Then, this time, please protect us in secret. If we encounter a strong enemy, I'm worried about being discovered using other abilities."

"If you're going for training, of course, I'll be the one to protect you in secret. Do I even need to say it?" Zhang Haoxuan said helplessly. In his heart, his disciple was the most important.

The Chrono Croc Transformation of Gu Li, the Celestial Fox Vision of Du Bai—this kid knows them all. He's genuinely a spit on the face of heaven, and to me, he’s the real future of the Redemption Society!

"Oh, by the way, teacher, just to let you know, my Celestial Fox Vision has also reached the fourth order," Tang San said with a smile.

Zhang Haoxuan was speechless.

***

After returning to the academy and having dinner, Tang San immediately found Wu Bingji and told him about the upcoming training expedition.

Wu Bingji had recently been engrossed in mastering the control of the secondary explosion of his ice needles. He felt he had made considerable progress, and his strength had significantly improved. He readily agreed when he heard that Tang San was organizing another training expedition.

Wu Bingji’s jaw dropped when he heard Tang San's destination of choice. "Going to the Winged Tiger area again? What if we find the Winged Tiger King again? It definitely wants to tear us to shreds, you know!"

Tang San chuckled, "No worries, our teacher will be with us this time. We don't need to fear the Winged Tiger King with the teacher around. With our team's strength, dealing with an ordinary seventh-order adult Winged Tiger shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Wu Bingji nodded. Last time, they had killed a peak seventh-order tiger, and although luck had played a big part, their strength had improved significantly since then. Facing a seventh-order Winged Tiger now might not be as daunting.

"Then it's settled. You inform the senior brothers and sisters tomorrow morning. I need to take leave for training, so I should be working at Kali Academy these few days."

Wu Bingji asked, "You've been working there for many days. How is the observation going? Any gains?"

Tang San grinned. "Definitely some gains. You'll know when we go out for training this time."

"Okay." Wu Bingji trusted Tang San completely. He was now immersed in researching the ice needles. Although he was still far from mastering the Soul-Chasing Cluster Ball, the ice needles alone had significantly boosted his attack power.

After discussing with Wu Bingji, Tang San didn't return to his room to rest. Instead, he returned to the academy town and went straight to the blacksmith shop. Since he was going out for training and had the important task of supervising his "rival in love," Tang San was sure he needed to prepare thoroughly.

This time, he was even more serious than ever, and even more excited.

This was his first opportunity to actively approach Mei Gongzi, to track her movements, follow her, and silently protect her from the shadows.

The next day, he went to work at Kali Academy as usual, sweeping diligently while observing the alarm array with his Discerning Eye of Heaven. Time was of the essence, and the next step of his plan was to start tonight!

While Tang San was busily preparing, Mei Gongzi returned to the milk tea shop after school.

"Mom, let me help you." Mei Gongzi changed into the shop's uniform, came to Su Qin's side, and started making milk tea, taking over from her mother.

"Why did you come back today?" Su Qin asked her daughter.

Mei Gongzi replied, "Song Junhou asked me to join the team for an outdoor training expedition to the Winged Tiger area in the Kali Mountains."

Su Qin frowned slightly. "He just wants to get close to you. It's better to keep your distance from the heirs of these golden bloodline families, just to be cautious."

"I know. However, according to Kali Academy's rules, outdoor training is required. I've declined a few times before, so this time, I had no choice but to agree."

Su Qin gently stroked her daughter's long hair. "Then go, but be careful and protect yourself."

"Don't worry," Mei Gongzi said with a smile, which she showed only when she was with her mother.

Sadly, Tang San couldn't witness this sight; otherwise, he would have seen a hundred flowers in bloom.