Chapter Twenty-Two: Support During Military Training

At this point, Liu Fan had no choice but to slow his pace to look after the classmates who had fallen behind. Gradually, many students had completed the two-kilometer run, but some of the girls were still struggling. Liu Fan stayed alongside them, offering encouragement.

When only five hundred meters remained, something unexpected happened. A sudden cry of pain drew Liu Fan’s attention. He turned to see that among the last group of girls, one had collapsed onto the track. He hurried over to check on her.

The fallen girl turned out to be his fellow townsman, Wen Wan. She was already frail from long-term malnutrition, and since she had skipped breakfast before this intense exercise, her body simply couldn’t bear the strain. Yet, she still tried bravely to stand, struggling slowly to her feet. But her strength failed her; she could summon no energy, and tears of frustration welled in her beautiful eyes. Just as she was about to give up, a strong, steady arm grasped her slender hand.

It was Liu Fan. Discovering that the one who had fallen was Wen Wan, and seeing her fierce determination not to yield, Liu Fan was moved and filled with pity. He took her hand, gazed at her with encouragement, and said, “I believe you can do it. You must have faith in yourself.”

There is joy in being trusted, especially when a helping hand is extended in a moment of helplessness—a warmth like coals in winter. Somehow, a mysterious strength surged into Wen Wan, allowing her to stand up quickly. Perhaps to an outsider, it was Liu Fan’s encouragement that gave her the strength to rise again.

But only she knew that the instant his hand touched hers, a warm current seemed to flow from his grasp into her entire body, filling her with energy. The sensation was both astonishing and inexplicable, yet she knew it was connected to Liu Fan.

From that moment, the way she looked at Liu Fan changed. He seemed shrouded in mystery, as fathomless as his deep, captivating eyes.

“All right, let’s keep running. Look, everyone else has finished already,” Liu Fan’s voice gently brought Wen Wan back to herself. She nodded gratefully, whispered her thanks, and ran on with him. Liu Fan simply responded with a quiet smile.

Soon, the two completed the two-kilometer run. When they reached the finish line together, they were greeted by a burst of applause from their classmates. The scene of mutual friendship and support among students was witnessed by all, who cheered them on with enthusiasm.

After returning to the group and resting for ten minutes, they assembled once again. Xing Yong stood before them, gratified, and said, “Judging by your performance, you still need to work on your physical fitness. But in terms of spirit, you’ve done well.”

“In the army, what’s needed most is this spirit of perseverance and mutual support. Especially on the battlefield, comrades are the only ones you can trust and rely on. Liu Fan did an excellent job today.”

“All right, dismissed for now. You have half an hour for breakfast. Assemble here again at eight o’clock sharp. The next phase of training will be even tougher.” Xing Yong was an old hand at this, knowing that timely encouragement could greatly boost the students’ enthusiasm for training. He understood the art of balancing exertion and rest.

The two-kilometer run was only an appetizer; the main course awaited, and soon the air would be filled with groans once more.

Half an hour passed quickly. Liu Fan led his group back to the training ground, where they were met again by Xing Yong’s stern, expressionless face. Once the teams were assembled, he announced, “Next, we’re going to practice standing at attention. As soldiers, you must stand straight and steady, like this: head up, chest out, stomach in, feet together in a V-shape, fingers slightly curved, pressed to the seam of your trousers.”

As he spoke, Xing Yong demonstrated the correct posture, then moved through the ranks, correcting students whose stance was not up to standard.

“All right, now everyone follow the posture I just taught you. Stand for one hour. No stopping until time is up. If you can’t manage it, boys run ten laps, girls five.”

As soon as Xing Yong finished, the entire group erupted in protest.

“Seriously? Stand like a statue for an hour? Are you trying to kill us?”

“This isn’t training, it’s torture!”

“Where’s your humanity?”

“Exactly! Instructor, have a little mercy. We’re girls, after all.”

“Standing under this blazing sun—our skin will be burned to a crisp!”

“Right? I should have listened to the upperclassmen and brought sunblock!”

In an instant, the orderly training ground turned into a bustling marketplace, and Xing Yong’s stern face grew even darker. He bellowed, “What are you all complaining about? This is a military camp—I make the rules. If anyone disagrees, step out and challenge me. If you can beat me, you’ll be exempt from all future training and get top marks in every evaluation. Who dares?”

Faced with Xing Yong’s challenge and provocation, the students were indignant, but they knew their own limits. Who among these soft-handed university students would dare face a battle-hardened special forces instructor? That would be asking for a beating. For a moment, silence reigned; no one dared accept.

Liu Fan, of course, was not among them. He felt no need to spar with a mere drill sergeant—such a one-sided contest held no appeal for him.

“Hmph. What’s this? Weren’t you all so full of complaints a moment ago? But when it comes to real action, not one of you has any backbone. Useless cowards,” Xing Yong sneered, his words stinging the pride of these privileged students. Still, they hung their heads in silence.

“Hmph, all rubbish. If you won’t fight, then train properly. If you can’t keep up, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” His words made the students burn with shame. Once can be tolerated, twice endured—but three times? Even Liu Fan furrowed his brow; he felt the instructor was going too far.

“Instructor, people aren’t born knowing everything. If we were all as capable as you, what need would there be for you to teach us?” Liu Fan’s words resonated with the group, and even Xing Yong was a little taken aback.

“If you wish to compete in knowledge, I’m afraid you’re no match for these students, Instructor. But if you want to test your skills in combat, I’d be willing to give it a try.”

Liu Fan’s bold challenge excited the students—finally, someone was standing up to the instructor. Some worried for him, including Wen Wan. She had a special fondness for the boy who had twice come to her aid, and she was curious about him as well.

Xing Yong, on the other hand, was intrigued. He had long sensed Liu Fan was no ordinary student, and was pleased with his performance so far.

“At last, someone with a backbone. Very well, you may attack me with all your strength.” Though he guessed Liu Fan might have some martial arts training, Xing Yong was still confident. The young man was, after all, inexperienced, and no matter how skilled, his abilities couldn’t run too deep—or so Xing Yong believed. He would soon regret his confidence.

“Are you sure? All my strength?” Liu Fan hesitated, for if he truly used his full power, Xing Yong would be crushed in an instant.

“That’s right! Begin whenever you’re ready—give it your best shot.” Truly, ignorance is bliss. If Xing Yong had known he was challenging a cultivator, perhaps he would have wished for the ground to swallow him up.

The students quickly formed a large circle, clearing space for the match. The two opponents stood facing each other in the center. Neither made the first move. Liu Fan stood there, relaxed and unbothered, his stance apparently full of flaws. Xing Yong, on the other hand, adopted a textbook military combat posture—ready to attack, defend, or counter at any moment.

At first, Xing Yong saw Liu Fan as a complete novice, full of openings. But soon, sweat began to bead on his brow. There were too many openings—it left him with nowhere to strike.

Watching from the sidelines, the students grew impatient. Their minds raced: “What’s going on? Why aren’t they moving? Is this what experts call a duel? This is so boring—I’d rather be watching an action movie…”