Chapter 968: Chapter 968

"This..." Upon hearing this, Lin Canghai was momentarily lost for words, as he and Wu Xiaoyu indeed felt like they were holding everyone back.

"Group Leader Tang, you’re boosting others’ morale while dampening our own." Just as Lin Canghai was unsure how to respond, Wu Xiaoyu spoke coldly, "Our Dark Group is united in spirit. Even if overall strength is somewhat weaker, we’re definitely stronger than those working individually."

"Is that so?" Tang Ming looked at Wu Xiaoyu with amusement and asked, "Then why has the Dark Group faction continuously lost so many times?"

"You..." Wu Xiaoyu was left speechless, as facts speak louder than words.

"Hmph, because I haven’t participated in the previous competitions." Long Ao snorted coldly, looking proudly at Tang Ming, "If Group Leader Tang has so little confidence in victory, then perhaps you should step down and let someone more capable take over."

"Exactly! The Su Family brought you here to boost team strength, not to spread negativity." Upon hearing Long Ao speak up, Wu Xiaoyu immediately glared disdainfully at Tang Ming.

"Alright, alright, we will be a team going forward, so let’s not harm the harmony." Lin Canghai swiftly spoke up to ease the tension, feeling quite helpless with the rivalry among these young talents gathered together.

After all, each one is the most outstanding figure within their respective families, so it’s natural nobody wants to bow to another.

Especially since Wu Xiaoyu previously had conflicts with Tang Ming, making it even harder for them to cooperate sincerely, however, he had great respect for Long Ao.

"Alright, now that both sides of the team have been listed, let’s discuss how to secure victory in the upcoming competition." After some discussion among several family heads, Zhou Xiong spoke leisurely, "It’s clear from individual strength that we are indeed slightly weaker, but fortunately we have two Seven-star Martial Masters participating this year, so we are not completely without chances."

"Yes! Thankfully I let Tang Xin represent the Su Family in the competition, or else the most outstanding young disciple from the Su Family would only be a Five-star Martial Master, unable to compete with those from the Ming Group." Su Tianyu smiled with relief.

"As long as the other three can properly support Long Ao, our Dark Group still has a great chance of winning." Wu Dao looked at Long Ao appreciatively, clearly intending for the other competitors to fully support Long Ao.

Apart from Su Tianyu, the others nodded in agreement, pinning their hopes on Long Ao.

"Um, may I ask?" Tang Ming couldn’t help raising a hand to inquire, "Isn’t this competition supposed to be among the nine family’s participants all competing simultaneously? Why is everyone discussing supporting just one person?"

"Ha ha, it appears Brother Su hasn’t analyzed the situation with Group Leader Tang." Long Aiyu looked discontentedly at Su Tianyu.

"Cough, cough. Although this martial competition involves the nine families, the neutral Meng Family won’t participate, leaving the other eight contestants under the factions of Ming Group and Dark Group, making the competition essentially a contest between these two factions." Su Tianyu quickly explained to Tang Ming.

"The Dark Group’s contestants are somewhat weaker overall compared to the Ming Group’s; thus, to secure victory, all efforts must focus on one person, with the other three providing support." Lin Qingfeng supplemented, explaining helplessly, "This is the only way the Dark Group faction can win, by exploiting the internal discord in the Ming Group."

"Even though the Ming Group’s contestants are strong, the families within the Ming Group aren’t harmonious, each wanting their own family disciple to win first place, prompting us to adopt this tactic." Su Tianyu, worried that Tang Ming might hold some resentment, explained quickly.

"Even in a one-on-one match, my son could definitely outshine everyone." Long Aiyu spoke confidently, glancing at the others, "Unfortunately, the competition isn’t just about showcasing martial prowess; it involves multiple events and is judged by points at the end. The supporting competitors just need to sacrifice themselves at critical moments to boost my son’s score."

Lin Canghai and Wu Xiaoyu nodded in understanding; Tang Ming didn’t quite grasp what was happening but didn’t bother asking further, as he was just along for the ride.

"Since the strategy is set, let’s not waste any more time." Long Ao spoke leisurely but firmly, "There are seven days until the official competition begins, during which we need to undergo special training to hopefully enhance our abilities."

"Must I participate in special training?" Tang Ming yawned indifferently.

This Long Ao is just a Seven-star Martial Master; same level as Tang Ming’s reported strength, yet he’s putting on this bossy air, which is annoying.

"No, everyone participating must undergo special training." Long Ao frowned slightly, and said coldly, "These seven days are meant to not only stimulate our potential but also to cultivate our team coordination; only this way, can you better support me."

"Director Zhou, it seems Group Leader Tang is unwilling to cooperate, maybe you should advise him?" Long Tianyu frowned, looking displeased at Zhou Xiong.

"Group Leader Tang." Zhou Xiong’s expression turned serious, earnestly looking at Tang Ming, "Though you’re strong, this competition is critical, with the four families and Dark Group investing all resources to enhance your strength, so please cooperate!"

"Tang Xin, don’t throw a tantrum." Lin Canghai quickly turned to Tang Ming, advising, "There are still seven days until the competition, which is a crucial period valued by every participant, so take full advantage of it. Plus, you can witness the true strength of the families and Dark Group."

"Alright, I just said I don’t need special training, but if you insist, I’ll reluctantly join." Though unwilling, Tang Ming didn’t want to strain relationships.

"Now that it’s decided, I’ll take you to the scientific training lab for special training." Zhou Xiong got up immediately.

"Tang Xin, do your best; we will watch you in the Special Training Room." Su Tianyu encouraged Tang Ming.

"Whatever." Tang Ming shrugged, his hands in his pockets as he stood up with the others to follow Zhou Xiong out of the meeting room.

Exiting the meeting room, Zhou Xiong led Tang Ming and others to the center of the manor, into an independent villa, then pressed a few buttons on the wall in the villa’s lobby.

Suddenly, the wall cracked open, revealing a very hidden elevator.

"A whole new world." Tang Ming exclaimed with surprise, having anticipated the headquarters of the Dark Group to be extraordinary, yet not expecting there’s an underground space, which seemed to be the core location of the Dark Group headquarters.