Early the next morning, Yu Xiaogang and the others were stunned.
When they gathered at the academy gate, ready to head to the Great Spirit Arena, they were met with the sight of Tang San and the others looking utterly drained.
Flender, unaware of the situation, frowned. "What did you all do last night? Why are you in such terrible shape?"
"Teacher, you have no idea how brutal Tianyang's training was yesterday," Ma Hongjun replied with a bitter smile before recounting the previous night's events.
Upon hearing this, both Yu Xiaogang and Flender were taken aback. They hadn't expected Xiao Tianyang to act that way.
Flender sighed. "Tianyang is usually so level-headed—why was he so reckless last night?"
In their current state, Tang San and the others wouldn't perform as effortlessly as before if they fought according to the original plan.
Condition was crucial in battle—this was precisely why Yu Xiaogang and Flender had entrusted their recent training to Xiao Tianyang.
Of course, their confusion didn't equate to blame. After all, after spending so much time together, they understood Xiao Tianyang's character well. He never acted without reason.
Just then, Xiao Tianyang strolled out of the academy gate, hands in his pockets, a homemade lollipop in his mouth, and an air of lazy indifference about him.
"Dean? Grandmaster?" He paused, tilting his head. "Why is everyone gathered here? Isn't the match about to start?"
Flender hesitated before asking, "Tianyang, didn't you always emphasize targeted training?"
Xiao Tianyang blinked. "Yes. What about it?"
"But look at Xiao San and the others now," Flender said helplessly. "How are they supposed to fight in this state?"
"Oh, that's what you're worried about." Xiao Tianyang waved a hand dismissively. "Don't overthink it, Dean. They're just mentally exhausted—physically, they're fine."
He glanced back at Tang San and the others. "Right?"
The group could only nod weakly. After all, Xiao Tianyang wasn't wrong. Despite their fatigue, their bodies were still in good condition.
Yu Xiaogang frowned. "Even so, their sluggish mental state will slow their reaction time. How do you plan to address that?"
"Physical conditioning is enough for now. At this stage of their training, this arrangement is necessary." Xiao Tianyang's tone was firm. "To rise as soul masters, they must endure brutal battles. If they want to reach the peak, combat must become instinct."
"Even without sharp perception, their bodies should react reflexively—blocking or attacking as needed."
Yu Xiaogang and Flender were momentarily speechless, caught off guard by his reasoning.
"So, sending them into battle exhausted is part of your training plan?" Yu Xiaogang pressed.
"Part of it, yes." Xiao Tianyang's voice was calm. "And from now on, aside from eating, drinking, and necessities, they won't be allowed to sleep or rest. They'll train or compete nonstop."
A wicked grin curled at the corner of his lips. "I even gave it a fitting name—the Devil's Training Plan!"
At that moment, even Yu Xiaogang felt a pang of sympathy. His own training methods were harsh, but Xiao Tianyang's approach was so extreme it made him worry for Tang San and the others.
"What exactly are you trying to achieve with this?" Flender frowned. "Endurance? Willpower? Or something else?"
"Both." Xiao Tianyang gestured forward. "Let's discuss this on the way. The match won't wait."
With no other choice, Yu Xiaogang and Flender relented. They still trusted Xiao Tianyang's judgment—he wouldn't act without purpose. Yet, they couldn't fully grasp the reason behind such extreme methods.
But when they later learned the full extent of his plan, they were stunned once more.
…
Great Spirit Arena – Rest Area
Tang San and the others had left for their match, leaving only Xiao Tianyang, Yu Xiaogang, and Flender behind.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Yu Xiaogang finally asked, "Tianyang, how confident are you in this plan's success?"
"Hard to say. It depends on whether they can endure." Xiao Tianyang shrugged. "With their current training and my cooking, their bodies won't break—their mental strength will even grow. But the method only works if they persist. Talent isn't the key factor; patience is."
"If they clear this first hurdle, their chances of success are fifty percent. If not? Less than ten."
"That's enough!" Yu Xiaogang's hands clenched. "If they succeed, it proves your method isn't just a fluke or limited to your own talent—it means anyone with perseverance can achieve it!"
"True, but why are you so excited, Grandmaster?" Xiao Tianyang looked puzzled.
"He's always wanted to revolutionize conventional cultivation, but the idea seemed impossible," Flender explained. "Until now, only Liu Erlong and I knew about it."
"Ah, I see." Xiao Tianyang nodded in understanding—but then shook his head. "Still, Grandmaster, don't set your hopes too high. Even if Tang San and the others succeed, they'll be the exceptions, not the rule."
"A single success is enough to validate further research," Yu Xiaogang said resolutely. "And I believe they will succeed!"
"We'll see." Xiao Tianyang remained cautious.
The first hurdle was the hardest. Surviving it only granted a fifty percent chance of success. Even he hadn't managed it without relying on Emperor Flame back then.
Of course, he'd only continued after seeing potential in Tang San and the others. Otherwise, he would've stopped after last night's session.
Like Yu Xiaogang and Flender, he never acted without purpose.
Yet, he dared not expect too much. The task itself was daunting—without a god-tier martial soul like Flame Emperor, true success was nearly impossible. Even partial results would pale in comparison to his own progress.
But any advantage, no matter how small, was worth pursuing. After all, strength wasn't built overnight—it was accumulated step by step.
And that was reason enough to press on.
…
[I've just launched a new fanfiction project titled Protagonist's Mother Is My Wife.
First 30 Chapters: Available for free to everyone.
From chapters 31: Exclusive to Patreon paid members.]
If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:
patreon.com/DarkLord621