novelraw Chapter 70: Rules of the Riot Period
Chapter 70: Rules of the Riot Period
However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined.
These bizarre experiences have also greatly honed Yu Chen's adaptability to extreme environments, crisis prediction, and survival skills in desperate situations.
Every time he came out, he couldn't help but "complain" to Gu Yue about his unlucky fate.
Gu Yue would gently pat his back, her eyes filled with smiles and certainty, assuring him in her uniquely cool voice, "It definitely won't happen again next time, leave it to me."
Yu Chen always firmly believed this—although the next "surprise" might still come in a different form.
Therefore, when they heard that they could finally act as a group, apart from Yu Chen's eyes flashing with a glimmer of "finally we can be normal for once?", everyone else was also a little surprised, but then a fighting spirit of eagerness surged up.
Teamwork, it's been a long time since we've done that.
"You need to stay inside the Ascension Platform for at least one hour to pass the test."
Wu Changkong continued, his tone calm but dropping a bombshell: "However, this time you will be entering the Spirit Ascension Platform during the 'Uprising Period'."
"A 'riot period'?" Xie Xie, ever the loyal mood-setter, immediately widened his eyes and asked, "Teacher, what does that mean? Can the Ascension Platform still get angry?"
Yu Chen also abandoned his casual demeanor, crossed his arms, and waited with great interest in his dark eyes for what would happen next.
The others also perked up their ears; this was clearly a completely new challenge.
"The energy inside the Ascension Platform is not always stable," Wu Changkong explained.
"There are two periods of abnormal energy tides each year, also known as 'riot periods.' Compared with normal times, they have three significant characteristics."
He raised the first finger:
"First, teams are allowed to enter, up to a maximum of seven people. The six of you can be teleported to the same area, which is an excellent opportunity to test your teamwork."
Next, the second finger: "Secondly, the upper limit of soul beast strength has increased, and the probability of top-tier soul beasts appearing has surged. Normally, the cultivation limit of soul beasts on the initial Spirit Ascension Platform is three thousand years, but during the riot period, six-thousand-year soul beasts may appear. The density and aggressiveness of thousand-year soul beasts will also increase significantly."
Then the third finger: "Third, and most importantly—during the riot period, the spiritual power gained from killing soul beasts will be three times the usual amount."
"three times?!"
Several people gasped almost simultaneously, their eyes flashing with intense excitement. This meant a tremendous increase in efficiency!
"but,"
Wu Changkong abruptly changed the subject, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd, suppressing their excitement.
"The time for absorbing this abundant spiritual energy has been extended to one hundred seconds. During these one hundred seconds, you must protect the energy orb from interference or theft. Moreover,"
He glanced at Yu Chen and said, "If you are forced to leave the Spirit Ascension Platform during this period, the remaining unabsorbed spiritual energy will be completely absorbed by the nearest Soul Master."
His gaze fell on Yu Chen again, his words carrying a hidden meaning: "Yu Chen, your 'Time Zero' will have a strategic advantage in protecting spiritual power, making rapid evacuations, or... intercepting and seizing. Make good use of it."
Before Yu Chen could respond, Wu Changkong continued:
"In short, the rules of the Ascension Platform during the riot period are closer to those of the real Soul Beast Forest—survival of the fittest, and competition for resources. Others can take what you have, and you can take what others have."
Zhang Yangzi immediately grasped the key point: "So, in other words, we not only have to face stronger spirit beasts, but also have to guard against other spirit master teams?"
"That's right."
Wu Changkong nodded. "And you must remember that the entry limit for the Primary Spirit Ascension Platform is a Three-Ring Soul Master. You may encounter opponents whose cultivation far surpasses yours, so teamwork and tactical choices will be of paramount importance."
Tang Wulin took a deep breath, his eyes becoming incredibly resolute. He looked at Yu Chen beside him, his voice firm and clear:
"Teacher, don't worry! As long as Brother Chen is here, and as long as all of us are here, we have nothing to fear!"
These words, brimming with trust and fighting spirit, made Xie Xie, Gu Yue, and the others nod emphatically, their fighting will gathering in their eyes.
"very good."
A faint hint of satisfaction seemed to flicker across Wu Changkong's icy face.
"I believe in you."
"In three days, you will enter the Ascension Platform for your final assessment. During these three days, classes will be suspended. You will discuss tactics, practice teamwork, and make thorough preparations on your own. Class dismissed."
After saying that, he didn't linger. His white figure left the classroom like a cold wind, leaving behind six excited teenagers who had already begun to discuss things in hushed tones.
As soon as Wu Changkong's aloof figure disappeared through the classroom door, the atmosphere among the six students in Class Zero visibly "came alive."
"Brother Chen!" Xie Xie was the first to jump to Yu Chen's side, his eyes shining. "We can finally work together again in three days! This riot is so dangerous, what tactics should we use? You take command, we'll all listen to you!"
The others also gathered around, their eyes focused on Yu Chen.
Although Yu Chen had been training separately from them for a long time, his status as the team's strongest fighter and his calm demeanor had long been deeply ingrained in everyone's minds.
Yu Chen did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment, his gaze slowly sweeping over each familiar face, his mind quickly sorting through the known information.
"The core of tactics is to first clarify our objectives."
He spoke, his voice steady and clear.
"According to the rules, the maximum level for a Soul Master who enters the Primary Spirit Ascension Platform is the peak of the Soul Venerable realm."
With our current strength—especially my abilities—unless we encounter a peak Soul Master with exceptional talent and monstrous combat power, simply 'surviving for an hour' isn't particularly stressful for us.
He paused, and seeing the agreement in their eyes, continued:
"Therefore, I believe that the academy spent a lot of money to let us enter the period of triple spiritual power, and it was definitely not just to let us 'survive' for an hour."
Our mission should be to hunt as many spirit beasts as possible to obtain massive amounts of spiritual power and maximize the age of our spirit rings. This is the best return on the academy's investment and the most advantageous choice for ourselves.
"That's right, Brother Chen is right!"
Tang Wulin nodded immediately, his fist clenching instinctively, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "We can't waste such a good opportunity!"
Gu Yue stood beside Yu Chen, her eyes filled with approval, and nodded slightly.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged a glance, and saw in each other's eyes a sense of agreement and a hint of ignited ambition.
Three times the spiritual power—that's too tempting.
"As for the specific tactics..."
Yu Chen frowned slightly, considering his words.
During his time training separately, he had become accustomed to working alone and fighting quickly. To reintegrate into team command, he definitely needed to adjust his thinking.
After a moment, he spoke: "In order to improve team cohesion and to train you all, my idea is to respond in stages."
"When encountering groups of ten-year or hundred-year soul beasts with relatively low cultivation levels and a suitable number, Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, Xie Xie, and Wu Lin are the main ones who handle them."
Gu Yue and I will be responsible for guarding and maintaining order, and will not intervene unless absolutely necessary. This will not only train your teamwork and independent combat abilities, but also conserve our soul power to deal with more challenging situations.
"If a thousand-year-old soul beast appears, especially a strong one, then Gu Yue and I will be the main attackers. Your task is to provide support—Wu Lin will use Blue Silver Grass to control and disrupt it;
Xie Xie will seize the opportunity to launch a sneak attack on vital points; Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi will be responsible for restraining the enemy, sharing the pressure, and protecting the backline. Specific adjustments will be made based on the characteristics of the soul beasts at that time.
He looked at everyone and asked, "Does anyone have any opinions or additions regarding this basic framework?"
They all fell into thought. Yu Chen's arrangement sounded reasonable, combining division of labor with cooperation, and also taking into account both training and efficiency.
"I agree," Gu Yue was the first to speak, her voice clear, cool, and firm. "The division of labor is clear, and there are clear guidelines for advancement and retreat."
"I'm fine!" Tang Wulin and Xie Xie said in unison.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi nodded in agreement. They knew that against a truly formidable enemy, Yu Chen and Gu Yue were the core of the attack.
"However," Yu Chen's tone shifted, his expression becoming more serious.
"The period of riots is too unpredictable, especially the possibility of six-thousand-year-old soul beasts appearing, as well as... other ill-intentioned soul master teams."
Just in case, and to increase everyone's survival options, I've decided to use these next few days to craft a set of simple, thousand-refinement-level protective gear for each of you.
"Thousand-Refined Protective Gear?!" Xie Xie's eyes widened in surprise, then he exclaimed with delight, "Awesome!! Brother Chen, you're truly our thoughtful leader!"
However, Zhang Yangzi hesitated for a moment before speaking:
"Boss... this, isn't this cheating? Using forged protective gear to enter the Ascension Platform..."
Before Yu Chen could speak, Xie Xie jumped up and pointed at Zhang Yangzi:
"You idiot! When did Teacher Wu ever say that we weren't allowed to use protective gear?"
I remember clearly, Teacher Wu's original words were, "In the Spirit Ascension Platform, a Soul Master who survives is a good Soul Master! It's just being old-fashioned to not use your abilities! Besides..."
Xie Xie's tone suddenly carried a hint of lingering fear as he lowered his voice:
"Have you forgotten Brother Chen's 'legendary experiences' of going solo these past few times? The lair of the underground spider demon, the edge of the cliff, the river full of leeches..."
"Tsk tsk, what if we're 'lucky' enough to be teleported to some weird place again, or attract a bunch of crazed thousand-year-old soul beasts? An extra layer of armor might be a lifesaver! Do you want to have a dignified assessment, or do you want to come out 'dignified' lying down?"
Thinking of the scenes Yu Chen had described, especially the dense swarms of leeches, Zhang Yangzi subconsciously shuddered. The hesitation on his face vanished instantly, and he quickly waved his hand:
"Use it! We absolutely have to use it! Brother Chen is so thoughtful! I must have lost my mind!"
Wang Jinxi nodded silently, indicating his complete agreement. Nobody wanted to experience that kind of "surprise."
Seeing that no one objected, Yu Chen made the decision:
"Then it's settled. You all need to rest well these next few days and get yourself into top shape. Wu Lin and I will take care of making the protective gear."
He looked at Tang Wulin, "Wulin, how about we divide the work? Each of us will be responsible for three sets, okay?"
"No problem, Brother Chen! I've got this covered!"
Tang Wulin patted his chest and agreed, feeling very excited to be able to contribute his strength to the team.
……
After the plan was finalized, everyone dispersed to prepare for the fierce battle three days later.
Yu Chen's forging efficiency was astonishing as ever. In just one afternoon, three sets of thousand-forged metal inner armor, tailored to the approximate physiques of Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi, were completed.
These inner armors are cleverly designed, balancing protection for critical areas with mobility, while maintaining excellent weight control.