A Not-So-Smooth Team Effort

Hu Liena sat beside Jiang Xiaofeng.

She whispered, "Brother Feng, maybe I'm not cut out for survival in the wild. When that soul beast lunged at me earlier, I was so scared I couldn't move."

Jiang Xiaofeng replied, "Everyone gets scared the first time—especially you, being a girl. Once we've worked together a few more times, it'll come naturally to you."

"Really? Back at the Spirit Hall, I thought I was invincible among Great Soul Masters. But now, I feel like I'm nothing. If you hadn't saved me, I would've just dragged you down..."

Jiang Xiaofeng gave a bitter smile and shook his head. A mere 3,000-year-old soul beast had terrified Hu Liena this much. Coming to Death Canyon was the right call—if something serious happened someday, how would this girl even cope on her own?

He gently patted her head. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, just follow my lead."

Hu Liena nodded but remained silent.

Jiang Xiaofeng knew that to untie the knot in her heart, she needed to get through a real battle.

"It's still early. Let's recover our soul power first, and then we'll go for another round."

Inside the simple camp, Jiang Xiaofeng not only focused on regaining his strength but also kept watch until Mobot returned.

"I've already checked the area. Most of the soul beasts around are under 5,000 years, along with some Soul Exalts and Soul Ancestors. For now, it's relatively safe—but don't let your guard down."

"Yes, Mentor!"

Jiang Xiaofeng asked, "Mentor, what's the nearest soul beast to us?"

"A 3,800-year-old Man-Eating Giant Bee. Why? You guys still want to fight?"

Jiang Xiaofeng nodded. "Yeah. That last battle was just a warm-up. We're starting to get the hang of working together. We should be much better this time!"

Mobot nodded. "Good. Strike while the iron's hot. Let's go over tactics. The Holy Son will serve as the main attacker. Xie Yue and Yan will assist. The Holy Maiden will initiate the fight by controlling the beast. This is the simplest strategy based on what you've shown so far."

Jiang Xiaofeng said, "Right. Nana leading with control isn't a problem. Besides her soul skill, I also have a control effect with my first skill. That gives us three control skills. We should base our plan around them. What do you think, Mentor?"

"Go on," Mobot encouraged.

"Nana goes first. Whether it's her first or second skill, both are control-type. But we need to choose based on the soul beast. The Man-Eating Giant Bee can fly—so she should use her second skill first. Then, if it tries to escape or gains altitude, she can use the first skill to bring it down. I'll time my control skill in between. What do you all think?"

Hu Liena nodded. "I'll follow your lead."

Xie Yue and Yan chimed in, "No problem! As long as the beast's controlled, we'll smash it!"

Mobot nodded. "Exactly. Different beasts need different strategies. That's how you use your skills effectively. If there's no problem, then let's move!"

Jiang Xiaofeng and the others stood up.

He reached out his hand. "Hands in, everyone. This is our squad's first official battle. Let's go crush it!"

Without hesitation, Hu Liena placed her hand on his."Whatever Brother Feng says, I agree!"

Xie Yue: "Let's do it!"Yan: "Time to wreck that soul beast!"Mobot: "Move out!"

This time, the target was a 3,800-year-old Man-Eating Giant Bee—800 years stronger than the Two-Headed Ghost Python they fought earlier.

Mobot led the group to the bee's resting area. From afar, they could already see its massive two-meter height. The razor-sharp stinger on its tail gave everyone the creeps.

"Remember—don't let that stinger touch you. One hit, and this training ends early!" Mobot warned.

Jiang Xiaofeng nodded. That stinger was nasty. If the Zhu Xian Sword couldn't handle it, he'd bring out the God-Slaying Sword.

"Get ready. I'll draw its attention. Nana, prep your skill!"

Hu Liena looked nervous and grabbed his hand. "Can I really do this?"

"Of course you can. My life's in your hands now."

Before she could respond, Jiang Xiaofeng charged forward.

The giant bee spotted him immediately, but upon realizing he was just a Great Soul Master, it clearly didn't take him seriously.

It lazily flapped its wings, ready to toy with him.

As its back turned to the others, Mobot whispered, "Go!"

Nervous, Hu Liena accidentally activated her first soul skill:

"First Soul Skill: Enchanting Fox Charm!"

Mobot frowned but said nothing.

The bee froze midair. Xie Yue and Yan charged in—it was the perfect opportunity to strike from behind.

Jiang Xiaofeng was briefly stunned too. He hadn't expected her to use the first skill—it was clear she panicked.

"What do I do? I used the wrong skill..." she muttered.

Mobot calmly said, "It's fine. Use what the High Priestess taught you to defeat this soul beast."

Hu Liena nodded, but guilt was all over her face.

Jiang Xiaofeng wasn't about to waste this opening either.

He swung his Zhu Xian Sword directly at the bee's stinger.

"Tianhai Art, First Form: Wave Crash!"

To his shock, the stinger didn't break.

"Why is this thing so tough?"

At that moment, the bee recovered and angrily flapped its wings, sending Jiang Xiaofeng, Xie Yue, and Yan flying.

Despite the shaky coordination, they managed to injure the beast. Though still Great Soul Masters, they were top-tier among their rank. They couldn't kill it in one blow, but they could still deal serious damage.

Just then, Hu Liena's Nine Enchanting Foxes appeared. With explosive speed, she launched herself at the bee, knocking it several meters back.

Fueled by frustration, she thought: Stupid soul beast—you embarrassed me in front of Brother Feng again!

The furious bee aimed its deadly stinger at Hu Liena and lunged.

But Hu Liena, the second greatest genius in the Spirit Hall after Jiang Xiaofeng, had forgotten her fear. She rolled to dodge and then unleashed the fox's claws onto its wings, throwing off its flight.

Jiang Xiaofeng shouted, "Everyone—now!"

(End of Chapter)