Demanding Someone in Person!

The next day.

After finishing his intensive training, Jiang Che found himself with free time. Instead of waiting for Liu Zhi to send someone for him, he took the initiative to visit.

He secretly guessed that since Gou Buyi had thoroughly set his sights on him and discovered his clandestine teaching of the Body Tempering Method within the army, he would undoubtedly use this as leverage to pressure Liu Zhi.

He needed to prepare in advance and increase his bargaining power.

However, Liu Zhi was not in the Auxiliary Barracks at the moment. He had been summoned by his superior, Zhu Sheng, to the main command tent for a meeting. The guards naturally wouldn't allow Jiang Che to enter.

Jiang Che didn't mind and spoke quietly with the guard.

About half an hour later, Liu Zhi returned. He looked Jiang Che up and down, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. While martial artists and ordinary people might seem indistinguishable, it wasn't entirely true. Once the basic stances were mastered, there were always subtle differences in their footwork and posture. With his keen eyesight, he could discern some clues; Jiang Che seemed to have indeed trained well.

At the very least, he had reached the introductory level.

To achieve this in seven days was definitely commendable.

It was worth him protecting this young man against the Gou brothers.

"Sir."

Jiang Che bowed respectfully.

"Come in with me."

Liu Zhi smiled faintly and nodded at him.

"On my way back, I was with Gou Buren. He specifically asked me about you. It seems he really has his eye on you," Liu Zhi suddenly remarked as he sat at the head of the table. However, he quickly changed his tone:

"But don't worry, I won't let those brothers run wild. From the first time I met you, I've greatly admired you. I only said that about reaching the introductory level to motivate you."

Having confirmed that Jiang Che had indeed succeeded in reaching the introductory level, he switched to a tone of praise, subtly indicating that he would protect Jiang Che even if he hadn't mastered the Savage Bull Strength.

"Thank you for your appreciation, sir."

Jiang Che quickly expressed his gratitude.

"By the way, how is your progress with the Savage Bull Strength? If there's anything you don't understand, I can offer some guidance. You'll be transferred to the main camp in a few days, so be prepared."

Liu Zhi asked "casually."

"Please guide me, sir!"

Jiang Che straightened his back, slowly cupped his fists, and his aura suddenly changed. His right leg, like a taut bowstring, kicked forward as he began to demonstrate the Savage Bull Fist.

With intense focus, each punch he threw was filled with power. He seemed like a completely different person. Fist, leg, knee... all the moves recorded in the Savage Bull Strength were displayed one by one.

Moreover, he didn't perform them rigidly but in a practical, combat-ready stance. His punches gradually accelerated, the whistling sound of his fists echoing throughout the tent.

Seated at the table, Liu Zhi's gaze had shifted from surprise to solemnity, even tinged with a hint of dread.

He had initially thought it was remarkable enough that Jiang Che had learned the twenty-eight basic stances on his own in seven days, which was why he had emphasized his intention to recruit and value him.

But when Jiang Che truly displayed his strength, he realized he had underestimated the young man.

Not only was his stance stable and his lower body rooted like a pine tree, but he had also mastered the boxing techniques within the Savage Bull Strength, and with considerable proficiency, comparable to seasoned veteran soldiers.

This was almost unbelievable to him.

He recalled that he himself had diligently practiced the Savage Bull Strength for a full half-year, and his progress seemed to be only around this level.

Jiang Che had accomplished this in just seven days.

This was no longer merely "good"; it was the talent of a generation, rarely seen in a decade.

No wonder even Captain Zhu had spoken so highly of him.

"Hoo."

A stream of white mist, nearly a meter long, was exhaled. Jiang Che lowered his palms to his dantian and slowly concluded his practice.

To give Liu Zhi a little shock, he had held nothing back this time, fully displaying the results of his 'arduous' training.

"Please guide me, Commander."

Jiang Che looked at Liu Zhi with a serious expression.

"Cough, cough..." Liu Zhi, having snapped back to reality, coughed discreetly to mask his astonishment. After exchanging a few glances with Jiang Che, he took a deep breath and nodded slightly.

"Not bad... you certainly have some aptitude. But don't let this make you arrogant. Remember, there's always someone better. The army once had a genius emerge who mastered the Body Tempering Method in a single day, attracting the attention of his superiors.

Even when I first practiced the Savage Bull Strength, although it wasn't as fast as you, it wasn't far off."

Although Liu Zhi cautioned Jiang Che against arrogance, his words were full of approval. What Jiang Che hadn't expected was that Liu Zhi's talent was apparently so high.

After all, while his own success was due to his efforts, his golden finger had also played a small part.

"I will engrave your teachings in my heart, sir."

"Hahaha, well..."

"Commander, Gou Buyi, the squad leader from the Kitchen Camp, requests an audience." Before Liu Zhi could finish speaking, the guard outside the tent entered to report the news. Upon hearing Gou Buyi's name, Jiang Che's gaze instinctively sharpened.

"Mm, let him in."

Liu Zhi smiled and nodded.

"Yo, what a coincidence, you're here too." Gou Buyi walked into the main tent, first cupping his hands towards Liu Zhi, then his gaze fell upon Jiang Che, as if he were looking at prey.

Jiang Che remained unfazed, his eyes fixed forward, as if Gou Buyi were mere air.

Gou Buyi didn't seem bothered, merely letting out a soft scoff.

"Commander Gou, what brings you to our Auxiliary Barracks with such leisure?"

Liu Zhi asked with a chuckle.

"Commander Liu, I've come to collect on the seven-day agreement. The Kitchen Camp is terribly short-handed lately, and Bu Yi's men are truly overwhelmed. I'd appreciate it if you could lend a hand, Commander Liu. Let Brother Jiang Che help out for a few days."

Gou Buyi glanced sideways at Jiang Che, his smile not reaching his eyes.

Liu Zhi's response, however, was a frown and a shake of his head:

"I'm afraid that won't be possible."

"Why not?"

The smile on Gou Buyi's face gradually faded.

"Because I've already decided to transfer Jiang Che out of the Auxiliary Barracks to serve by my side. If you're short-handed, you can pick a few other people from the Auxiliary Barracks."

"Commander Liu, you didn't say that seven days ago."

"What did I say then?"

Liu Zhi's lips curved into a sneer as he retorted.

"You said that because Jiang Che performed well in the previous sparring session, it wouldn't be appropriate to have him do odd jobs, so you'd protect him for seven days. Out of respect for you, I didn't bother him during those seven days. But now... isn't that a bit unreasonable?"

"Who can prove it?"

"What?"

"I asked you, who can prove that I said those words?" Liu Zhi stared at him expressionlessly.

"Are you, Commander Liu, planning to go back on your word?"

Gou Buyi's gaze sharpened slightly, showing his displeasure.

"Heh," Liu Zhi scoffed, leaning back in his seat.

"Give me face? Gou Buyi... you're just a section chief in the Kitchen Camp, living off free meals. Do I need to give you face? Let alone you asking for someone. Even if your elder brother, Gou Buren, came here personally, I'm protecting Jiang Che today. No one is taking him away!"

"Is that so... Deputy Commander Liu certainly has a big mouth."