Who objects?

"What do you want with me?"

Jiang Che frowned slightly, his expression full of suspicion.

From their previous encounters, he could sense that Zhu Qingqing held some contempt for him, but he didn't care about that and had no intention of getting involved with her again.

He hadn't expected her to seek him out instead.

"This... your subordinate doesn't know."

"Alright, I understand."

Jiang Che waved his hand dismissively.

West City Training Ground.

Dozens of soldiers in cotton robes sat around lazily, quietly discussing Liu Zhi and Jiang Che, whom they were about to meet, debating their origins and backgrounds.

However, if one were to look down from a high altitude, they would notice that the dozens of people were divided into several small circles. Especially when discussing Jiang Che and Liu Zhi, they noticeably avoided the few people in the corner.

This was because if Jiang Che and Liu Zhi didn't show up, the positions of Deputy Commander and even Commander would very likely fall to them.

"Damn it, all that work for nothing. I even sent gifts, and then they just parachute in. What rotten luck." Among them, a stout man of slightly shorter stature couldn't help but curse.

He was dissatisfied not only with the sudden arrival of Jiang Che and the others but also with the county officials who had taken their money and done nothing. Especially since they hadn't even shown any intention of returning the money.

They could only suffer the loss in silence.

"Alright, Old Jin, stop complaining. If Liu and Jiang hear about it later, you'll have a hard time," Hu An, a younger man beside the short, stout man, advised.

"What's there to be afraid of? I won't be scared even if they hear it. I'm not planning on staying in this West City anyway. I'll be transferred in a few days, what can they do to me?"

Old Jin snorted.

"What, you planning on stirring up some trouble, trying to poison the ears of the new appointees?" Hu An asked, looking at Old Jin with interest.

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Considering we've known each other for so many years, I'll give you a few words of advice. Neither of those two is easy to deal with. Liu Zhi used to be the commander of the Wind Camp in Tai'an Prefecture.

This Jiang Che isn't simple either. I heard he was just an Auxiliary Soldier last month and now he's directly promoted to Deputy Commander. It's rumored that the newly appointed County Lieutenant values him highly."

Old Jin spat on the ground.

"So he's just some pretty boy. It's so frustrating to lose to someone like that. No, I have to spar with him later."

"What about you, Old Deng? Are you planning on causing some trouble too?" Hu An turned his gaze to the stout man in coarse cloth who was silently holding his saber. He knew the backgrounds of these two.

Jin Daya might be loud-mouthed, but he might not actually dare to act out later.

But Deng Yan was different. He was a ruthless man.

His strength was quite well-known even in Yanggu County, especially his ruthless methods and sharp saber skills. He was a favorite of the previous County Lieutenant, but unfortunately, before he could be promoted, that County Lieutenant was transferred.

This left him in an awkward position, neither here nor there. Many people wanted to win him over, but Deng Yan had made his stance clear in private: whoever could get him promoted to Deputy Commander, he would follow.

Deng Yan slowly opened his eyes and glanced at Hu An. A small scar ran across his eyelid, making him look exceptionally sharp. He said faintly, "This has nothing to do with you. Mind your own business first."

Hu An chuckled sheepishly, not getting angry. He then turned back to chat with Jin Daya.

A moment later, a troop of soldiers in neat cloth armor marched into the training ground. All the idle West City soldiers quickly stood up, formed ranks, and prepared to welcome Liu Zhi and Jiang Che.

Liu Zhi walked at the forefront, clad in black armor, his expression solemn. Jiang Che followed beside him, wearing a dark black martial arts robe. After refining his flesh and blood, he no longer feared the severe cold.

Even though he wasn't wearing very thick clothing, he felt no chill at all.

Geng Dabiao, Xu San'er, and a slightly younger man were behind them. The younger man was Xu San'er's eldest son, Xu Chenghu, who had been introduced to Jiang Che as an attendant.

On the stone platform in the center of the training ground, Liu Zhi and Jiang Che stood side by side.

Below, Xu San'er spoke first.

"Greetings, Commander Liu, Deputy Commander Jiang."

Openly, beside Liu Zhi, calling Jiang Che Commander was not appropriate.

Geng Dabiao followed closely, then the dozen or so soldiers they brought with them. These were the elites who had previously accompanied Jiang Che on the escort mission, and Jiang Che had also taken them with him.

Finally, the soldiers of the West City Martial Camp paid their respects.

However, in stark contrast, their formations were not only scattered but their voices were also uneven.

Liu Zhi raised his right hand, quieting the commotion below, and said in a deep voice, "From today onwards, I, Liu, officially take over the position of Commander of the West City Martial Camp. I will not pursue your past actions, but from now on, anyone who acts contrary to my orders or disobeys my commands will not be excused."

After speaking, he looked at Jiang Che and nodded slightly.

Jiang Che understood. As the Commander, Liu Zhi needed to maintain his authority and didn't need to say much. But as the Deputy Commander, the following words needed to be announced by him:

"Before coming here, I, Jiang, understood the situation of the West City Martial Camp, and my observations today confirm it. According to regulations, there should be a hundred men, but you are only sixty to seventy in total.

I don't care who ate the ghost payroll, but from today onwards, all positions must be filled. You will train twice daily. Anyone who does not wish to stay, we can part amicably, and I will escort you out.

But if you wish to stay, you must abide by the rules here, the rules of Commander Liu, and the rules of Jiang Che. Violators will be severely punished without mercy.

Do you see these people?"

As he spoke, Jiang Che pointed his finger at Geng Dabiao and the others.

"They are the ones to fill the vacancies and replace those who withdraw."

"Now that I've finished speaking, who approves and who objects?"

Below the stone platform, the crowd was in an uproar, discussing amongst themselves.

"Two training sessions a day, our bodies can't handle it."

"Exactly, this is going to kill us."

"Sigh..."

Seeing this, Hu An gave Old Jin beside him a look, signaling him to speak quickly.

But Old Jin, who had been indignant just moments ago, even clamoring to teach Jiang Che a lesson, now had his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, as if he were in deep meditation.

Hu An inwardly thought, As expected, this old fellow is all talk.

"Deputy Commander Jiang, Deng has something to say."

The taciturn Deng Yan, disregarding the gazes of those around him, raised his head and stared directly at Jiang Che.

"Do you have an opinion on what I said?"

"No, it's just that Deng has heard that Deputy Commander Jiang possesses extraordinary methods and outstanding strength. I, too, am devoted to martial arts and wish to ask Deputy Commander Jiang for a few pointers. If I lose, I will submit to whatever Deputy Commander Jiang decides."

"And what if you win?"

"Then Deng hopes Deputy Commander Jiang will either escort me out of the camp with courtesy, or give me his position as deputy commander."

Deng Yan said in a deep voice.

"Very well, then come up."