Battle formations were basically combination techniques that amplified the strength of the participating cultivators, allowing a group of cultivators to exhibit a level of power far greater than the sum of its parts.


    Because of that, it was not surprising that being adept at battle formations was considered the key to success for just about every established party.


    There were countless battle formations out there, almost as many as there were individual combat techniques, and each of them had their own strengths and weaknesses as well.


    Among them, the Terra Seal Formation was especially popular among disciples of the Black Tortoise Sect.


    After all, not only was it relatively easy to execute, but it was also extremely effective in combat.


    “


    “


    “


    Lastly, it was simply more time-consuming to find time to practise together. On top of that, should they lose one or two members due to any unforeseen circumstances, the group would either have to find new members whom they had to practise with from scratch to reach the same level of synchronisation. It was either that, or they would have to make do with one or two fewer members, which usually translated to a lower level of effectiveness.


    “


    “That should be fine,” Zhao Yunxiao nodded.


    “All right then,” Mo Mian turned towards the rest. “The rest will be the same as always. Junior Martial Brother Chu will be in charge of the Physical Seal, Junior Martial Brother Gui will be in charge of the Elemental Seal, and Junior Martial Brother Pu will be in charge of the Vitality Seal. I will be in charge of the Temporal Seal. Let’s give it a try.”


    “


    Of course, other seals could be prioritised should the situation arose, but the common ones usually sufficed.


    Instead, they stood in a circle and closed their eyes, extending their spiritual senses to encompass each other.


    For that reason, the members of the Mystic Cavalry were trying to get used to Zhao Yunxiao’s essence energy, while Zhao Yunxiao was trying to harmonise with theirs.


    But at the same time, they were not in a hurry to accomplish this.


    Even then, their synchronisation would hardly be perfect at the end of it. That was just the best that they could hope for, given the current circumstances.


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    Now, it was just up to him to harmonise properly with them,such that he would not become too much of a burden!


    Just like that, the group travelled according to the limits of the spirit horses, practising every time they stopped for the spirit horses to rest.


    Upon establishing a basic level of synchronisation, the groupstarted to practise moving around in formation, employing the Terra Seal Formation as they took down dummy targets like large rocks and trees.


    You are pretty good at this, Junior Martial Brother Zhao,” Mo Mian remarked as they rested around a fire at night. “Not everyone can adapt as quickly as you do.”


    Out in the wilderness and without an inn in sight, they had no choice but to camp outfor the night.


    While the spirit horses possessed superior night vision and could have continued galloping throughout the night, it would no doubt be detrimental to their effectiveness the next day.


    Rather than having that, they decided that since they were not in too much of a hurry, they might as well rest here for the night.


    You are too kind, Senior Martial Brother Mo,” Zhao Yunxiao shook his head with a smile. “I have joined a few group missions in the past, so I do have some experience with this. However, my level of mastery is nowhere near that of everyone here.”


    I won’t say that,” Chu Han disagreed. “It only seems that way because we have been doing this together for a while, and thus already harmonise well with one another. For someone new to the group, you are actually doing surprisingly wellin keeping up with us.”


    That’s right, don’t worry about it, Junior Martial Brother Zhao!” Pu Feixiang added. “But if you really do feel bad, why don’t you arrange for us to have a meal with Junior Martial Sister Lu? If you do, I will not only overlook this, but I will also be forever grateful!”


    “


    This is my last warning to you, Junior Martial Brother Pu,” Chu Han narrowed his eyes at Pu Feixiang immediately. “One more mention of Junior Martial Sister Lu, and you are going to forfeit your rewards this time around.”


    What is one round of rewards as compared to a meal with my goddess?” Pu Feixiang shrugged. “You have to do better than that, Senior Martial Brother Chu.”


    You are really asking for it, aren’t you?” Gui Longcan massaged his temples in disbelief.


    Since that is too little, then how about forfeiting your rewards for the next ten missions?” Chu Han immediately raised the stakes.


    “


    Are you seriously considering it? Are you actually an idiot?” Gui Longcan asked in a tired manner.


    What do you know? Do you even understand what love is?” Pu Feixiang snapped back.


    “


    Ten missionswill be a little too much,” Pu Feixiang scratched the back of his head. “Maybe not...”


    “


    How about five instead?” Pu Feixiang tried to bargain.


    “


    Sorry about that, the bunch can get a little noisy, but it is all done in good fun,” Mo Mian said to Zhao Yunxiao.


    Don’t worry about it. It is always nice to have people whom you can chat with without restraint,” Zhao Yunxiao shook his head with a smile. “I’m curious, though. Do you guys only take on monster and demon subduing missions?”


    It seems like you have done your homework on us?” Mo Mian asked in return.


    “


    That is true. Well, as much as possible, yes,” Mo Mian answered with a smile. “My goal for the Mystic Cavalry is to become a formidable force to be reckoned with, our name alone being enough to strike fear in our enemies. To achieve that goal, we have to continue sharpening our blades and honing our skills. And what could possibly be better for that than accumulating actual combat experience?”


    “


    “


    “


    “


    Zhao Yunxiao smiled as he watched the four of them exchange meaningful glances.


    He could almost hear theconvictionin their tone.


    There was no doubt that all four of them truly believed in the same goal, and were prepared to work together towards achieving it.


    If he were a little more talented, would he also be able to gather up a group of like-minded comrades who were willing to work together to realise a common ambition, no matter how difficult it sounded?


    Even if he could not share the same dream, he had to at least help the Mystic Cavalry achieve theirs, and not become a burden that hindered their path!