Indeed, treasure hunters are quite dangerous. If one is even slightly slower and fails to escape in time, they could easily be swallowed whole by the giant python along with their treasures.
Exactly! And what about the simulated breathers? If one of them happens to be the first chosen by the giant python, wouldn't that be perilous as well?
A flurry of chatter erupted, instantly criticizing Lin Yao's plan as utterly flawed.
Lin Yao remained calm and waited for them to finish before speaking up. "I understand everyone's concerns. But I ask you all: is there a safer or more perfect plan than this? If anyone has one, please share it so we can all listen."
These individuals had been here for three days and had only just learned why the giant python was lingering in this area. How could they possibly come up with a plan on such short notice?
"Let me remind you," someone interjected, "the treasure will mature roughly by tomorrow. If anyone has ideas, it's best to voice them quickly. Delaying further will only waste time and result in losing the treasure."
This statement carried significant weight, and everyone fell silent.
"Since no one has a better idea, let's continue discussing the feasibility of this plan," Lin Yao declared decisively.
No one dared to speak first, so Lin Yao turned her gaze toward Yao Beiluo. "Yao Beiluo, as the top ability user among the candidates, what are your thoughts?"
"I can act as a combatant and be the first to engage the giant python," he replied.
Unless they decided to take a detour first thing tomorrow morning and avoid being the front line, Yao Beiluo knew he couldn't escape combat. Rather than waiting for a task to be assigned to him, he preferred to take the initiative himself. However, his youthful bravado still had its limits.
Zhou Heng quickly chimed in, "I'm a water-type ability user; I can fight as well."
Lin Yao shook her head in disagreement. "You're the highest tier among water-type users; we need you more for retrieving treasures from the water."
He wanted to say more, but Lin Yao interrupted him with a wave of her hand. "Let's discuss your matters later; we should hear from others first."
Soon after, more volunteers for combat began to emerge.
The more Lin Yao listened, the tighter her brow furrowed. Finally, she cut through the noise. "I've realized a significant issue: everyone here lacks a clear understanding of their own abilities. To avoid causing severe injuries during battle, I suggest that anyone below level four should not participate in this plan. Those above level four who are not long-range ability users should also refrain from joining."
As soon as she said this, an uproar broke out among the crowd.
Lin Yao didn't waste time with pleasantries and directly mocked them: "You needn't feel offended. If you truly believed you were capable enough, you would have charged ahead already instead of waiting here to hear my plan."
The words were spoken without any consideration, leaving many with flushed faces, and they left in anger. Lin Yao paid no mind and continued, "Now that we've chosen our combat personnel, let's talk about the treasure hunters. My plan is to minimize the number of treasure hunters, so I’ve decided that only Zhou Heng and I will go for the treasure. Zhou Heng will be responsible for providing me with speed in the water. After obtaining the treasure, we will leave directly, and I will attract the giant python's attention by carrying the treasure alone."
Zhou Heng hesitated, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent. Lin Yao ignored his hesitation and continued, "You all don’t need to worry about me. Although my ability level is low, I have special methods to conceal myself. Once the giant python is attracted, I will hide my presence and use my wood-based abilities to slip into the forest. The giant python won’t be able to do anything to me."
She spoke casually, but Zhou Heng felt a deep sense of guilt and couldn't lift his head. Admiring her willingness to take on such heavy responsibility, Yao Beiluo looked at her with respect but still hoped that Captain Lin would prioritize her safety.
"That’s the general plan. I hope you all can tally up the participating team members," Lin Yao paused and then focused her gaze on Yao Beiluo. "Captain Yao, could you please take charge of counting the combat personnel? Is there any problem with that?"
"I have no issues," Yao Beiluo nodded in agreement.
"Then I’ll leave it to you, Captain Yao. Additionally, aside from the captains, any other independent teams wishing to participate can also register with you. When we obtain the treasure, we can distribute rewards based on merit; we won’t let anyone work in vain."
As soon as she said this, everyone was stirred with excitement.
During this chaotic moment, Lin Yao offered another reminder: "For those who cannot participate in the battle, I hope you seize this opportunity to pass through quickly. Do not think about doing anything harmful that benefits no one. Remember that there will be monitoring during the exam; if you expose yourselves, you might cut off your own path!"
In practical exams, while there were no explicit prohibitions against fighting among candidates, there had always been an unspoken code of ethics regarding such behavior. After all, every year there were a few candidates who ranked high yet found no school willing to accept them.
At first, everyone was unaware of this reality until rumors about exam monitoring began to circulate. Gradually, it became clear that some individuals truly did not deserve admission.
With past experiences as a warning and Lin Yao’s cautionary words echoing in their minds, it was unlikely anyone would act foolishly again.
Having entrusted the personnel tally to Yao Beiluo, Lin Yao also handed over the battle arrangements to him.
Feeling light-hearted without any burdens, she wove a few hammocks in the trees before taking her two teammates up early.
"Boss, did you name our team 'Mingguang Squad'?"
"I just came up with it casually; if you have other ideas, feel free to tell me. We can change it if needed."
"No need; 'Mingguang' sounds bright and uplifting—no need for a change." Meng Xingchen expressed his opinion before turning to Zhang Feng for confirmation.
Zhang Feng had no strong feelings either way and agreed. "I think it's good."
"Alright then! From now on, we’ll be 'Mingguang Squad.' Oh right, Xingchen, you shouldn’t participate in tomorrow’s battle either. Like other non-combat personnel, find the right moment to cross the river."
Meng Xingchen wanted to argue at first but was met with Lin Yao's determined gaze and could only relent. "I understand."
As for Zhang Feng, your combat strength is sufficient. Your ability is not ranged, which poses a considerable risk. Whether to participate in the battle is up to you to decide!
Zhang Feng had a level five physical skill and a level four power ability, along with some combat experience. He was also more clear-headed than Meng Xingchen, which made her feel relatively at ease about him.
"Captain, my physical skills have been honed through constant battles, so I've decided to join the fight," Zhang Feng said.
"Alright, just be careful," she replied.
After ensuring the safety of her two teammates, Lin Yao arranged for the night watch as usual, and they all went to sleep.
The next morning, Yao Beiluo gathered all the participants and they discussed their battle strategy together. With a large enough pool of candidates, even if not everyone had abilities, there were still around seventy or eighty with level four powers.
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