Chapter Twelve: Digestion and Assimilation (Part Two)

To break through the blockage caused by the foreign true energy, Zhao Li had no choice but to increase the force of his own true energy. As soon as the foreign energy dissipated, the previously pressurized true energy surged through the now unobstructed meridians, accelerating at an impressive rate—a principle easy enough to understand. However, to maintain such speed, the same pressure must be sustained.

Fortunately, Zhao Li was practicing in a meditative state, focusing primarily on refining his true energy. Remarkably, even after the foreign energy vanished, he managed to maintain the same level of refinement.

According to the information Zhao Li had gathered, only the masters at the ninth level were capable of completing a cycle within three minutes. He had found this out on civilian networks, unaware of the situation among military experts. Nevertheless, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Zhao Li concealed these facts.

In Zhao Li’s view, the physical training during new recruit orientation felt somewhat superfluous. After all, if one had cultivated their martial arts to a sufficient depth, meeting the standards of a new recruit would be effortless. Apart from Zhao Li himself, it seemed no one else truly needed the training.

“Do you really think so?” Christine was almost pressed against Zhao Li’s back, and he could distinctly feel the softness behind him. Every time he visited Officer Christine, she would tease him, leaving Zhao Li uncomfortable.

Sensing Zhao Li’s stiffened spine, Christine let out a coquettish laugh, not backing away but rather moving closer, making him feel her warmth even more. Over the past days, Christine herself found it peculiar; though Zhao Li always acted like a young, inexperienced man around her, he never behaved like those who couldn’t restrain their impulses, desperately seeking any excuse to get close to her. Perhaps the incident last time had given him a certain impression of her?

“Isn’t it so?” Zhao Li didn’t feel his opinion was mistaken, leaning forward slightly to escape the remarkable softness pressing against his back. He breathed a silent sigh of relief; thankfully, they had a topic to discuss, or the situation would have been unbearably awkward.

“Practicing those foundational techniques does indeed improve physical fitness, but that doesn’t mean that having good physical condition automatically qualifies someone for combat,” Christine said, having teased Zhao Li enough, and returned to her seat. “Civilian martial arts, at best, enhance physical attributes. To turn soldiers into true warriors, they must constantly hone themselves so that both body and mind adapt to the intense demands of combat.”

“In other words, the military wants fighters who aren’t just physically fit or strong—they must be able to fully meet the demands of battle. Do you understand?” Christine didn’t know why she felt compelled to explain this to the young man; it seemed instinctive, and there was nothing inappropriate about it—it wasn’t classified information.

Zhao Li shook his head; honestly, he still didn’t quite understand. If someone was fit and strong, why wouldn’t they necessarily be suited for battle?

“For example, a weightlifter—you wouldn’t say their physical condition or strength is poor, would you?” Christine offered the example, and Zhao Li nodded vigorously.

“But a pure weightlifter is not necessarily a good warrior. In fact, in combat, he might fare worse than a trained recruit with less strength. Do you see?” This time, Zhao Li truly understood. It seemed the military system had its own fundamental characteristics as a force of violence; everything was geared toward combat.

“These training routines are meant to acclimate the body to frequent, high-intensity exertion—is that right?” Zhao Li confirmed once more. Christine nodded; for those within the military, this was common knowledge.

“Then, Christine, may I return to training?” He realized he had thought skipping these sessions was lucky, only to find out he was missing the essential path to becoming a true warrior—contrary to his original intent in joining the army.

In the infirmary, Zhao Li had to perform one cycle of practice daily under Christine’s supervision. The questions he used to answer were no longer necessary; Christine would fabricate a report to satisfy her superiors. The reason for insisting on one cycle was Christine’s desire to ensure Zhao Li returned to normal before her eyes.

A week ago, a single cycle took two and a half hours; now, it only required one and a half. Zhao Li was recovering rapidly. His sudden request surprised Christine, but more than that, she admired him.

“Are you sure? Won’t you stay a bit longer and keep me company?” Standing once more before Zhao Li, Christine’s exquisite figure was displayed in its entirety. Her gaze seemed to carry a hint of longing, like a plaintive woman hoping Zhao Li would remain by her side.

What Zhao Li couldn’t handle was Christine’s ever-changing expressions. This time, she seemed even more alluring, and he nearly agreed out of impulse. In the end, however, he forced himself to swallow the word that was about to slip out, his face flushed crimson.

Christine noticed the change in his expression and was a little surprised. She had just used sixty percent of her soul-charming technique; at this stage, even Instructor Arnold would have struggled, but Zhao Li endured it. Clearly, this young man would not be an ordinary figure in the future.

Seeing Zhao Li hesitate but finally nod, Christine withdrew her soul-charming aura. “If you insist, remember one thing: the level of a martial art doesn’t necessarily mean much.” She felt a strong fondness for Zhao Li and couldn’t help but offer some guidance. “All martial arts below the eighth level circulating in society are for health and fitness. True combat techniques exist only within the military. You must seize the opportunity!”

Zhao Li had never known this. Since Christine told him so, it could hardly be false. This favor was not insignificant; at the very least, it clarified that what he’d found online pertained only to ordinary civilians, while military experts never posted their secrets openly.

“And your recent records—I’ve filed them as perfectly normal and ordinary. Before you come into contact with military techniques, it’s best not to stand out too much.” Christine looked at the young man, pondering something. “Your ideas are good, but I expect they’ll have those students from the genius academy test them. Don’t expect any special treatment.”

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