Yao Beiluo organized the ability users into small teams based on their combat strength and the synergy of their abilities. For instance, he paired those with metal abilities with Wang Jincheng, who had lightning abilities, and grouped fire and wind users together. This way, they could form stronger combat units.
Aside from the first team, which had slightly higher combat strength, the other teams were evenly matched in power. Each team was assigned a number, and they would take turns to participate in battles according to their assigned order. The rotation schedule was also well thought out, allowing everyone enough time to recover their energy and abilities while being prepared for any unexpected events.
In addition to arranging the combat teams, Yao Beiluo also organized non-participating members to prevent anyone from misjudging the timing, which could lead to unnecessary risks like angering a giant python or disrupting the battle.
His meticulous planning and reasonable arrangements earned him respect among the candidates. Lin Yao observed silently, refraining from expressing any opinions as she listened to him strategize. She realized that he truly lived up to his military family background; both his combat prowess and tactical acumen were far superior to his peers.
Even without her input as a reborn individual, he would likely have led this group of candidates safely across the river. However, even with her extraordinary presence, she couldn't overshadow his brilliance. Given time, as Yao Beiluo matured and gained more experience, it seemed unlikely that anyone could outshine him.
While she marveled at his talent, a sense of urgency ignited within Lin Yao. To maintain her advantage as a reborn individual and stay ahead of others, she knew she needed to work even harder.
As the tactical steps were arranged, Lin Yao headed to the riverbank with several team leaders to assess the maturity of plant-based treasures and determine the right moment to act. Just as they were about to leave, she noticed Lin Yue pushing her way through the crowd with an excited expression.
"Lin Yao!" Lin Yue exclaimed joyfully upon seeing her sister. "It’s really you! I heard your name yesterday and thought I must have misheard. After all, your combat strength was so low that you couldn't even defeat a first-level beast."
Realizing she had spoken out of turn, Lin Yue quickly covered her mouth in shock. Tears began streaming down her face as she pitifully pleaded, "Sister, I'm sorry! I misspoke; please don’t be angry!"
Faced with her dramatic display, Lin Yao's expression remained unchanged; instead, a smile crept onto her face. "How could I be upset? What you said is true; I really couldn’t defeat a first-level beast before. So my progress is thanks to you and your teammates. If it weren't for that, I’d probably be just like you now—unable to participate in battles!"
Lin Yue choked back her words but quickly caught on. "Sister, are you already at level four? You were only level two ten days ago! Did you consume some rare treasure?"
"You’re overthinking it; I’m only at level three now."
"Level three? How can that be…"
Lin Yao grew impatient with her questions and was about to activate the hidden power within her when she noticed a somewhat familiar figure walking past Lin Yue.
She noticed the look in his eyes; he gave her a meaningful smile in return. At that moment, Lin Yue's tone shifted dramatically as she scoffed, "Hmph, you're only at level three. What gives you the right to join the battle?"
"With my strength, I can take on ten of you."
"Stop bragging. I know exactly what kind of useless person you were before. You talk so grandly, but all you've done is get on the list of high-level ability users."
"Oh? Which high-level ability user am I on the list with?"
"Who knows how many boats you're trying to row? Maybe Yao Beiluo, Zhou Heng, and Wang Jincheng are all your subordinates."
As soon as she said this, not only did the three central figures change their expressions, but even Lin Yue's teammates grew anxious.
They rushed forward to stop her. "Lin Yue, don't say anymore!"
Lin Yue brushed off a few of her protectors, her brows furrowing in irritation. "What do you guys think you are? How dare you try to stop me? Get out of my way!"
While a few boys observed the changing faces of the three, they hurriedly dragged her away.
As Lin Yue was being pulled along, she shouted defiantly, "Let go of me! I haven't finished speaking! Lin Yao, don't think I'm afraid of you just because you're listed with a few ability users. I'll let you be arrogant today, but just wait and see how I deal with you. Remember this: you'll always be a dog for our family!"
Hearing this, Lin Yao felt a surge of anger rising within her. It could have been the original owner's emotions or simply her own intolerance.
Lin Yao didn't bother suppressing it any longer; she charged forward and yanked Lin Yue out from her protectors.
Grabbing her by the collar, she lifted her up and forcefully slammed her down onto the ground.
Lin Yue let out a muffled groan as she hit the ground hard, dazed and unable to react for a while.
"Lin Yue, remember this," Lin Yao said coldly. "I'll let this matter slide for now, but if you dare provoke me again, I won't hesitate to take you and your family down with you!"
Seeing the murderous intent in Lin Yao's eyes was no act; fear spread across Lin Yue's face.
After dealing with her, Lin Yao casually tossed her aside and stood up, brushing off her hands. "Let's go. We've wasted enough time; we need to investigate quickly."
The others were left stunned by her display of dominance.
Lin Yao paid them no mind as she walked towards the riverbank, crouching down to touch some aquatic plants and began her investigation.
A few level four wood-type ability users saw this and also crouched down quietly, readying their abilities for exploration.
Lin Yao did not stop them; she merely reminded, "Be extremely careful while investigating. Don't unleash a large amount of wood-type abilities at once, or you might alert the guardian giant python."
Although she had just unleashed a wave of power that intimidated some, her abilities were still somewhat lacking, not enough to command respect. There were one or two stubborn individuals who disregarded her warning and boldly displayed their wood-type abilities.
For such reckless behavior, Lin Yao could only sigh in resignation. She turned to remind Yao Beiluo, "Let everyone prepare for battle!"
Without any hesitation or doubt, Yao Beiluo turned to the people beside him and commanded, "Team One, prepare for battle! The rest of you, retreat!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a loud splash echoed as a massive snake head surged out of the water, lunging toward the people on the shore. The giant python was too fast; many had not even had time to retreat.
Seeing the giant python open its enormous mouth, it was about to strike at a stunned individual who was using wood-type abilities on the shore. Lin Yao acted swiftly, unleashing her powers in an instant to summon vines that wrapped around the bewildered person and flung them backward.
Yao Beiluo shouted loudly, "Team One, follow me into battle!" He was the first to charge forward. In his hands, a long spear materialized as he aimed it directly at the giant python's eyes.
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