Chapter 21: The Annihilation of the Entire Army (Part Two)

With a wave of Instructor Xiao Qiang’s hand, a group of military medics suddenly materialized, as if they had been hiding somewhere unknown, and rushed toward the fallen men lying on the ground. Their preparedness suggested that they had anticipated such an event all along.

“What do you think?” Christine’s gaze held a lively spark, though from the vantage of the man beside her, this radiance was invisible. Her voice and tone remained unchanged, still carrying that coquettish charm.

“The attack was swift and decisive, clearly the result of hard work,” the man offered a rare compliment to Zhao Li. “But if this is all, it hardly warrants our special attention. After all, even second-year students could easily pull it off.”

“How much potential do you think he has?” Christine pressed on. Deep in her subconscious, she hoped Zhao Li would earn a stellar evaluation, but reason told her that a perfectly ordinary performance was actually best for him.

“The choice and execution of tactics were very successful. In this regard, he aligns well with the psychological assessment,” the man replied with apparent fairness. “However, his technique is too low-level; this innate limitation cannot be overcome. Techniques can be trained, but aptitude cannot be changed. Frankly, I think those two with sixth-level skills have far greater potential for advancement.”

His words were factual, just as Christine had expected. Although she had anticipated it, a faint sense of regret lingered in her heart. Yet she quickly dispelled it, whispering a silent sigh to herself: “Perhaps this is the best outcome for him.”

From the moment Instructor Xiao Qiang had summoned the medics, his gaze had never left Zhao Li. Watching Zhao Li sit and regulate his breathing was entirely within his expectations. The blow Zhao Li took to his back was a solid one; Xiao Qiang had seen it clearly and felt a twinge of irritation toward the attacker. Was it necessary to use such force in a mere sparring session?

In contrast, Zhao Li had held back at every turn. Though everyone was defeated by him, not one sustained serious injury—such precise control was remarkable, and justified Xiao Qiang’s earlier high regard for him. Originally, he had only wanted to observe Zhao Li’s recent training progress, which was why he had allowed Li Xiuyuan to act unchecked. Unexpectedly, Zhao Li delivered an astonishing performance.

“This is much better; at least it’s more convincing than if I had intervened myself,” Xiao Qiang muttered quietly, then walked over to Zhao Li, calling a medic to watch over him, ready to provide immediate treatment if anything seemed amiss.

“Old Xiao, where did you find this guy? He looks so young!” While Zhao Li practiced his techniques, the medic refrained from interrupting, glanced a few times, then began chatting with the instructor.

“He’s one of this session’s trainees,” Xiao Qiang replied with a hint of pride. “Trained by my own hand. What do you think? Not bad, right? He’s the only one among twenty who chose the military officer track.”

“Indeed, he’s promising,” the medic agreed. Zhao Li had chosen a shady, cool corner, and both men felt comfortable. Lighting a cigarette, the medic tossed one to Xiao Qiang and took a contented drag before speaking. “It’s not a big issue. He can handle this injury himself.” Years of experience allowed him to reach a conclusion after only a brief observation.

While the two rested and chatted, Christine and the man appeared before them. Both men sprang to attention, saluting, forgetting the cigarettes still dangling from their lips. As they reached to throw them away, Christine smiled and waved dismissively, “Don’t mind it.”

“We plan to take those two with sixth-level skills right away. Would that be convenient?” The man spoke in an official tone, though it carried a hint of inquiry, which made Xiao Qiang feel somewhat respected.

“Oh? Not waiting for me to toughen them up a bit more?” Uncertain of their intentions, the instructor asked.

“No, this setback is just right—it will drive them forward,” the man smiled. “Your intervention wouldn’t have had nearly the effect as that trainee’s; it was much more stimulating for them.”

Nodding, the instructor immediately directed several medics to place the still-unconscious Li Xiuyuan and the other sixth-level trainee onto stretchers and carry them to Christine and the man’s small spacecraft. Xiao Qiang was no stranger to such events; every skill assessment brought a mysterious department with orders from above, ready to collect those evaluated at the sixth level. He had grown accustomed to it.

No doubt, those above intended to give these trainees further specialized training. Although he always cautioned that skill level was not paramount, in truth, the main reason for Li Xiuyuan and his group’s failure was their inability to precisely control the energy generated by their sixth-level techniques. If it had been someone with five years of sixth-level training, Zhao Li would never have stood a chance. Yet Zhao Li’s performance had already greatly satisfied the instructor.

“This time, your base is extraordinary—two sixth-levels out of twenty. Other bases likely have similar numbers. I thought our trip would be wasted,” the man offered a courteous compliment as he departed. “And that fourth-level trainee is remarkable as well. Nurture him well; his future is limitless!”

To be honest, praise for Zhao Li pleased Xiao Qiang more than praise for the whole base. Smiling, he saw off the two mysterious officers and then returned to Zhao Li’s corner.

The injured had all been attended to by the medics and sent to the infirmary. Only Zhao Li, sitting quietly, and the three teammates he had told to stand aside remained.

“You should rest too. Today’s a holiday—no training scheduled. Don’t wander off!” The instructor waved them off, and the three left as if relieved from a great burden. The scene they had just witnessed had left an indelible impression: who could have imagined that Zhao Li, a fourth-level just like them, could single-handedly take on a dozen fifth- and sixth-level trainees?

Everyone had seen what Zhao Li used—it was nothing but what Instructor Xiao Qiang had taught. Yet when he demonstrated it, it seemed so effortless, so natural; but when they tried, something always held them back, and they could never fully unleash it, for reasons unknown. Once Zhao Li finished his practice, they resolved to seek his guidance.

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Second chapter complete. Please support and recommend—climbing the rankings. Thank you!