Chapter Twenty-Two: Training Complete (Part Two)

When Zhao Li appeared, it seemed those around him were somewhat intimidated; as he ran over to join the ranks, the others couldn't help but shrink back. Yet, when the instructor’s booming voice echoed, everyone instinctively forgot their apprehension, lining up in perfect order, standing tall and straight.

Quick-eyed, Zhao Li immediately noticed two more people missing from the team. Li Xiuyuan was absent, as was another teammate who practiced a sixth-level technique. Where had they gone? Anxiety stirred within Zhao Li, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

“I’ve told you time and again, the level of your techniques doesn’t matter; what matters is your mastery over your own true energy,” the instructor bellowed, pacing with heavy boots before the group, his voice thunderous, almost shouting, “Now, who still doubts me?”

No one doubted, nor dared to doubt. Under the instructor’s oppressive authority, who would dare to object now? Besides, everyone remembered vividly how Zhao Li, a practitioner of the fourth-level technique, had single-handedly defeated all the fifth and sixth-level teammates yesterday. Facts spoke louder than arguments; no matter how much the instructor explained before, few believed him, but now all were utterly convinced. Like a vague theory few would trust, but when proved by experiment—especially one carried out personally—there remains not a shred of doubt.

“To etch this lesson deeper, from today onward, physical training will be your primary focus: five times more hours, double the exertion!” The instructor’s expression was stern as he announced the new regimen. “However, to help you master your true energy more swiftly, you are permitted to use combat techniques during physical training. You have one month—if you fail to meet my standards, those who fall short will be expelled from the army. Understood?”

“Understood, Sir!” the entire group shouted. If the instructor wasn’t satisfied, he might extend training even further; such things had happened before.

Zhao Li, as the most exceptional among them, could easily meet the standards without much effort. Yet, he dutifully joined the others for the run.

Previously, since reaching this stage, only a routine five-kilometer run after wake-up and before breakfast was required, strictly forbidding combat techniques to maintain basic fitness. Now, with extended hours and permission to use techniques, the intention was clearly to help everyone refine themselves further during exercise.

“Hey, where did Li Xiuyuan go?” Beside Zhao Li was Zhang Dongsheng, one of the three spared from yesterday’s beating. Zhao Li, glancing to ensure the instructor wasn’t watching, asked quietly.

“He was taken away by two officers, along with Tom—both are sixth-level practitioners,” Zhang Dongsheng replied, having witnessed the whole scene the day before. “I vaguely overheard something about stimulation, techniques, and prospects, but didn’t catch the details.”

“What kind of officers, what rank, which department?” Zhao Li pressed, uneasy at the confirmation that they’d been taken.

“One man, one woman—the woman was extremely beautiful. Didn’t see their ranks, nor know their department, but the instructor should know. Why don’t you ask him?” Zhang Dongsheng avoided the truth; in reality, he had been utterly captivated by Christine’s beauty and sweet voice, forgetting everything else. The others hadn’t fared much better.

“Shut up and keep running,” Zhao Li snapped sternly, rare for him. “Ask the instructor? Have you forgotten what happened to Qi Zhen?” At those words, the teammates nearby felt a chill; none spoke again, obediently continuing their run.

Two unknown officers had taken them—both sixth-level practitioners, and something about stimulation. Zhao Li was nearly certain they were from a department similar to the Genius Academy. Despite the instructor’s repeated claims that technique level wasn’t important, Zhao Li knew in reality it was still a crucial evaluation standard, just never openly acknowledged.

He let out a long sigh of relief. Luckily, his foundational body-strengthening technique could refine true energy, condensing most of the energy produced by combat techniques and leaving little residue. Otherwise, he too would have been swept into that special department at this stage. It truly felt like a close brush with danger, as if he’d wandered through a tiger’s den.

As he ran, Zhao Li alternated between cycling his combat technique and his foundational body-strengthening technique, switching back and forth. With the support of their techniques, everyone’s enthusiasm for running soared; what had once been a grueling ordeal was now far easier. Yet, since the instructor hadn’t called for a halt, no one dared to stop, all dutifully running in formation.

“Zhao Li, lead the team for another ten kilometers, then take everyone to the mess hall for breakfast!” the instructor’s voice rang out clearly from a distance.

“Yes, Sir!” Zhao Li called back loudly.

After yesterday’s events, Zhao Li’s command of the group was effortless; no one quarreled. In the military, respect is won either by virtue or by real ability. Zhao Li belonged to the latter; he’d knocked everyone flat, and now no one dared defy him. Though Li Xiuyuan had declared his dissent yesterday, he’d since been taken away as a test subject, and had no further chance to express his opinion.

A month passed quickly. It was undeniable that, living day in and day out in relentless motion and energy cycling, everyone grew much more adept at manipulating their true energy, their control vastly improved.

Combat techniques were now mastered; certain martial skills had reached acceptable proficiency; prison management protocols and related skills were all completed. Thus, this phase of training concluded perfectly. Soon, everyone would leave the base and enter the real army, becoming true soldiers. Most importantly, they could finally escape Instructor Xiao Qiang’s rigorous drills and breathe a sigh of relief.

Everyone was smiling, but the happiest of all was Instructor Xiao Qiang. Out of twenty, though one was arrested for leaking military secrets, the remaining nineteen included two sixth-level practitioners and the extraordinary Zhao Li. How could the instructor not be pleased? For a teacher, nothing brings greater joy than seeing one’s students grow ever more outstanding.

Personnel from the special logistics department were now to become real warriors, which meant they were about to enter an actual prison. After the instructor, for once, kindly shared some practical advice, everyone packed their bags and waited quietly for their airship to arrive.

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First chapter of the day. Climbing the charts—please recommend and support, thank you all!