The sounds of battle within the canyon gradually faded away, but outside, Xiao Tianyang and the four others were engaged in lively conversation.
At that moment, a fierce wind howled, carrying frost and snow into the air, whipping the ground into a frenzy.
Suddenly, a soul beast, battered and wounded, burst out of the canyon.
Xiao Tianyang activated his ancient god eyes to assess the creature.
Soul Beast: Gale Snow Eagle
Type: Wind/Snow/Beast
Year: 109,876
"So, it's a Gale Snow Eagle," Xiao Tianyang remarked.
Fei Xue, standing beside him, initially looked surprised but then nodded in understanding. "So this kind of soul beast is capable of such things?"
"Why do you ask that?" Xiao Tianyang turned to her, puzzled. "Is it some kind of sand sculpture?"
"What sand sculpture? It's a snow sculpture," Fei Xue retorted, rolling her eyes in annoyance.
"This type of soul beast has an extremely arrogant personality. It sees nothing but its own strength and is utterly defiant in its demeanor. That's why it must have took over this canyon after the teacher left."
"You know, before the teacher departed, he left his aura here. Even soul beasts over 100,000 years old would think twice before challenging him—a Level 98 Super Douluo. They'd have to weigh their strength carefully."
"I see," Xiao Tianyang said, looking somewhat stunned.
At that moment, Fei Xue turned her bright sapphire eyes toward him, a hint of doubt in her voice. "Brother, aren't you supposed to be a genius? How come you don't even know the most basic things about soul beasts?"
"Ahem, well, it seems the teacher is calling us over. Let's hurry," Xiao Tianyang replied, coughing awkwardly as he quickly stood up and headed toward the canyon.
Zhou Cheng and Saber followed quietly, while Fei Xue lingered behind, a sly glint in her unusual eyes.
The canyon was eerily quiet now. The biting cold wind and icy snow had vanished, and the temperature had risen slightly. However, since this place was considered a treasure and Miao Zhenshan himself had brought them here, it undoubtedly held unique significance.
Miao Zhenshan stood ahead, hands clasped behind his back, leading the way while explaining, "This place is called the Tidal Canyon, primarily because it experiences two surges of soul power every day..."
"Wait, teacher, what exactly is a 'surge of soul power'?" Xiao Tianyang interrupted, his face filled with confusion.
"A surge of soul power is a natural phenomenon unique to this valley," Miao Zhenshan explained solemnly. "You can think of it as a wave, but one composed entirely of soul power."
"That sounds mysterious," Xiao Tianyang remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Ignoring his comment, Miao Zhenshan continued, "Your training mission this time is to push your limits, delve deep into the canyon, and hone both your body and soul power. I can't promise much, but by the time you leave in five months, your soul power should increase by at least two to four levels."
Then, he glanced at Xiao Tianyang and added, "Except for you, kid."
"Why?" Xiao Tianyang immediately asked.
"Given the quality of your soul power and physical fitness, improving your strength outside is too difficult. Unless you venture closer to the depths of the canyon," Miao Zhenshan said, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth. "But even for you, it's extremely dangerous. Do you want to try it?"
Xiao Tianyang made a face. "Teacher, your attempt at provocation is pretty weak, don't you think?"
"Haha, as long as it works," Miao Zhenshan replied, stopping to pat Xiao Tianyang on the shoulder.
"Alright, I'll leave the rest of the training to you. But on top of that, you need to familiarize yourselves with each other's cooperation as soon as possible. This year's competition is far from simple."
"Teacher, do you know something?" Xiao Tianyang's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but ask.
"Focus on your training first. I'll tell you more later to avoid adding unnecessary pressure," Miao Zhenshan said, waving his hand as he walked away.
Xiao Tianyang was left speechless.
'After saying all that, how can there not be pressure?' He frowned, deep in thought.
This year's Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament was likely to feature the Spirit Hall's elite team, led by Hu Liena.
While their current lineup might not match in numbers, they certainly surpassed it in quality. Yet, he could still sense the worry in Miao Zhenshan's heart—a concern akin to that of a parent watching their child step into an examination hall.
Fei Xue tugged at his arm, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Senior Brother?"
Xiao Tianyang turned to her. "What's wrong?"
"What else? Aren't we supposed to be training?" Fei Xue flicked the scorpion-tail braid on her forehead and teased, "Or are you planning to take us lazing around?"
"How could that be? Do I look like that kind of person?" Xiao Tianyang snorted, adjusting his mindset. "Let's go in and see just how special this canyon is."
…
Half an hour later, Fei Xue stumbled out of the canyon in disarray. Her once-neat hairstyle was now a tangled mess, resembling a bird's nest. Parts of her clothes were torn, and though it wasn't enough to expose her, she shivered in the cold.
"Why can't you hold out a little longer?" Xiao Tianyang stepped out, straightening his clothes. "I told you to stay on the outermost edge. I haven't even let you go deeper yet."
"Senior brother, I've been inside for half an hour. Can't I just rest here for a bit?" Fei Xue clasped her hands together, pleading with a pitiful expression. "Look, my clothes are all torn."
"You said the same thing ten minutes ago," Xiao Tianyang said, exasperated. "Now, I'll give you two choices: either go in passively or go in actively. Which will it be?"
"Is there a difference?" Fei Xue asked weakly, sensing the mischief in his eyes.
"In the first option, I throw you in. In the second, you walk in yourself," Xiao Tianyang said, leaning forward until their faces were just a hand's breadth apart. "Which do you prefer?"
"I'll go in myself," Fei Xue said, her cheeks flushing red as she took a step back, bypassing Xiao Tianyang and running back into the canyon.
"Change your coat—it's cold inside!" Xiao Tianyang called after her.
"Oh," came the faint reply, followed by the sound of swirling snow.
Xiao Tianyang stood for a moment, then turned and walked back into the canyon.
As soon as he stepped inside, he felt an invisible force pressing down on him, causing him to shudder. However, with his physique, it was easy to adapt.
He continued forward as if walking on flat ground, unfazed by the pressure. In reality, his actions were akin to swimming against a raging river!
Meanwhile, Zhou Cheng, not far ahead, was hunched over, his face scrunched up in concentration, his arms crossed over his head for protection.
…
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