Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 125: Trouble Arrives

On this morning, while Yang Potian was meditating in his dorm room, the academy sent someone to inform him that His Highness, the Crown Prince, had requested his presence.

Yang Potian considered the situation, suspecting that the Crown Prince's summons likely related to recent events outside the academy. He decided it would be best to meet with the Crown Prince to understand his stance.

When Yang Potian arrived at the administrative building, he noticed a considerable number of people inside. At the head of the room sat Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, with Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan seated beside him, along with Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong.

To the left of them sat three members of the academy's board, while to the right sat Yu Xiaogang and Tang San.

Yang Potian felt a pang of curiosity—why were all these people gathered here? It seemed that something serious was afoot.

Yang Potian greeted everyone present: "Greetings to His Highness, Sect Leader Ning, Senior Bone Douluo, and the esteemed members of the academy board."

As for Yu Xiaogang and Tang San, who were merely a teacher and a student, he didn't pay them much attention.

The Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, nodded with a smile. "Yang Potian, please, take a seat."

Yang Potian casually found a place to sit and asked, "Your Highness, may I know the purpose of this summons? I've been focused on training recently."

With a continued smile, Xue Qinghe said, "Yang Potian, have you heard about the developments regarding the Spirit Hall's team?"

"I've heard some rumors. It's said that Spirit Hall has an impressive 'Golden Generation' with extraordinary strength. But that shouldn't have any direct impact on us, right?"

Xue Qinghe thought for a moment before responding. "Recently, Spirit Hall has been in the limelight, especially with their promotion of the 'Golden Generation'—highly talented individuals. Based on our intelligence, during next year's Spirit Master Tournament, their team will likely include multiple Spirit Kings, making them incredibly formidable. Are you prepared for this?"

Yang Potian considered this for a moment before responding. "Your Highness, they're just Spirit Kings. Our second team should have two Spirit Kings by next year as well, so we're certainly up for the challenge."

The people in the room were visibly shocked by Yang Potian's words. While Spirit Kings had appeared in the history of the Spirit Master Tournament, it was rare to see more than one. The fact that the second team might have two Spirit Kings next year was beyond anyone's expectations.

However, Xue Qinghe shook his head. "Two Spirit Kings may not be enough. Current information suggests that Spirit Hall's team will have at least two Spirit Kings, possibly even three."

"Your Highness, that's unavoidable. The tournament mandates that all participants be under the age of twenty-five, and achieving the Spirit King level under that age is exceedingly rare. The Heaven Dou Empire likely won't have many more Spirit Kings."

As Yang Potian said, it was unlikely that the Heaven Dou Empire would produce more Spirit Kings, and the Star Luo Empire had none at all.

"The finals for this year's Spirit Master Tournament will be held in Spirit City, and Spirit Hall has offered three rare spirit bones as prizes, making their determination to win clear. Do you have any thoughts on this, Yang Potian?"

Yang Potian shook his head with a smile. "The three spirit bones being offered by Spirit Hall demonstrate their commitment to winning the tournament. However, as valuable as spirit bones are, only those with the strength to win them deserve them."

Xue Qinghe's tone turned a bit serious. "Yang Potian, I'd like to introduce you to Yu Xiaogang, one of the lead instructors for Heaven Dou Academy's first team."

Yang Potian looked at Yu Xiaogang with a slight curiosity. "Hello, Teacher Yu."

Yu Xiaogang nodded in response.

Xue Qinghe continued, "Teacher Yu has a suggestion. He proposes combining the first and second teams, bringing together the top disciples from both to increase our chances of winning the tournament."

Yang Potian shook his head. "Your Highness, while Teacher Yu's idea may have merit, our second team has its own structure and doesn't need to merge with the first team. Everyone in our team has been training hard for the tournament, determined to achieve success."

At this, Yu Xiaogang spoke up. "Yang Potian, my suggestion is for the benefit of the team. Your second team still has two members who are only Spirit Elders, while the first team's Yu Tianheng is already a Spirit Ancestor with the superior Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit, which has formidable power. Additionally, Ning Heng from the first team, with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit, will likely reach the Spirit Ancestor level before the tournament."

"If the first and second teams merge, we'll have both the powerful offensive Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the ultimate support from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. With my guidance, I'm confident we could defeat the Spirit Hall team."

Yang Potian paused before responding. "While the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda are indeed powerful, our team already has sufficient support for both offense and defense."

At this point, Ning Fengzhi spoke up. "Yang Potian, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda is acknowledged as the best support spirit on the continent. If the team had the support of a Seven Treasures Pagoda Spirit Ancestor, its strength would greatly increase. What do you think?"

Though Ning Fengzhi spoke with a smile, there was an unmistakable hint of insistence in his expression.

Yang Potian had no choice but to respond. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda is renowned as the best support spirit on the continent, and I've never doubted its impact on a team. Besides, Rongrong often comes to visit our team, so we're on good terms."

"However, I personally believe that team synergy is the most critical factor for any team. Our team has trained together for six years, fostering a strong rapport that allows us to bring out our fullest potential."

Before Ning Fengzhi could respond, Yu Xiaogang spoke up again. "There's still a year until the tournament. If I train them for a year, I'm confident I can build that level of rapport."

Yang Potian fell silent, unwilling to respond to Yu Xiaogang. The room descended into an awkward silence.

Finally, Xue Qinghe spoke up again. "Yang Potian, what are your thoughts on Teacher Yu's proposal? Do you see any issues with it?"

After a moment of reflection, Yang Potian answered, "I can't speak to how others lead their teams, but I lead mine differently."

"In my team, I make all decisions. No matter who they are, no one is allowed to dissent. Even my instructor, Teacher Li Xiang, only offers advice, and it's up to me to decide whether or not to act on it."

"My first requirement for all members is complete obedience. When I ask them to do something, they carry it out without hesitation—even if it's a life-or-death command."

"My team members may not have the greatest talent, and many are only average, but I demand they push their limits every afternoon without slacking, family or otherwise."

"And for example, if we win the tournament, I'll claim all three spirit bones for myself, and none of my team members would dare raise an eyebrow at it."

"If I can't lead my team in the way I see fit, I'd rather not participate in the tournament at all."

As Yang Potian concluded his declaration, his tone was resolute, bordering on defiance. The room fell silent again; everyone understood his stance—unyielding as the Potian Clan itself.

Xue Qinghe couldn't help but praise him, "Impressive! I never expected such insight from someone so young, Yang Potian. You've opened my eyes today."

Yang Potian shook his head. "It's just a humble approach to team-building, Your Highness. Your praise is too generous."

Ning Fengzhi spoke up again, "Young friend, your approach is admirable, but sometimes the greater good must come first."

Yang Potian looked at him with some confusion. "Sect Leader Ning, may I ask what 'greater good' you're referring to? I believe our current lineup is optimal. If Sect Leader Ning would truly like to, he could have Rongrong join our second team, though she may have to be a substitute."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "I wasn't referring to that, but rather the need for the Upper Three Sects to unite against Spirit Hall."

Inwardly, Yang Potian sneered. What did the Potian Clan have to do with the Upper Three Sects' affairs? Were they simply trying to pull his clan into their mess?

He replied, "Sect Leader Ning, our second team is primarily comprised of the Four Single Attribute Clans. The Upper Three Sects hold considerable influence, but we don't share any close ties with them."

Yu Xiaogang, visibly irked, spoke up again. "How can the Potian Clan deny their ties to the Upper Three Sects? Don't forget that you were once a subsidiary clan of the Clear Sky Sect."

Yang Potian looked icily at Yu Xiaogang. "Teacher Yu, are you mistaken, or perhaps forgetting something?"

"Our Potian Clan was abandoned by the Clear Sky Sect during the battle with Spirit Hall and severed all ties with them. For over a decade, we've operated independently, rebuilding our strength on our own. Now, does the Clear Sky Sect expect us to serve them again with a single command?"

"Under my leadership, the Potian Clan will stand proudly, answering to no one."

At this point, Yu Xiaogang lost his composure. "Spirit Hall is the one responsible for the Potian Clan's suffering! Have you forgotten your enmity toward them?"

Yang Potian scoffed, "Regardless of the past, whether it involves Spirit Hall or the Clear Sky Sect, those matters no longer concern us. My grandfather and my maternal grandfather have already issued a challenge to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. After that battle, we'll see what happens."

Tang San, sensing Yu Xiaogang's agitation, pulled him back, then turned to Yang Potian coldly. "Yang Potian, I expect you to respect my teacher."

Yang Potian sneered. "I haven't said a single disrespectful word to your teacher. But whether it's Spirit Hall or the Clear Sky Sect, I won't tolerate any outside interference."

Tang San continued, "I hope you respect my teacher's decisions regarding the formation of Heaven Dou Academy's team."

Yang Potian, ignoring Tang San, addressed Xue Qinghe directly. "Your Highness, I hope to lead the second team according to our initial agreement and work toward achieving good results in the tournament."

"If any changes must be made, I'm already of age to graduate. I could simply apply for early graduation."

As for Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, Yang Potian didn't concern himself with them; they could pursue their ambitions on their own.

(End of Chapter)

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