In a barracks full of grown men, the sudden appearance of such an adorable little boy stirred sympathy in the hearts of many rough fellows.
"Brother Xu, I say let it go. This kid had the guts to come into the barracks to toughen himself up. The human race needs more children like him!"
"That's right, Camp Commandant Xu. Just make him run two extra laps every day. A boy his age is still growing. Don't dock his meals."
"Look at the poor kid. He reminds me of my son. Ah..."
Many men spoke up on Zhang Jing'an's behalf, filling his heart with warmth.
"In the barracks, orders are obeyed and prohibitions enforced. There are no exceptions! Shut your filthy mouths and get back to training! Everyone who just pleaded for him, report to the drill ground after supper and run twenty laps at speed. Fail to finish, and you'll do twice as many tomorrow!" Xu Cang showed no mercy, though he had casually glanced at Fang Yun before speaking.
Sighing and groaning, the men gradually dispersed and resumed conditioning their bodies.
Zhang Jing'an's face darkened. Forcing down his anger and hurt, he climbed onto the first wooden stake and resumed jumping.
A dozen or so breaths later, a cry rang out. Distracted, Zhang Jing'an had fallen to the ground. This time, he had been prepared; he merely fell off the stake without injuring himself.
"Keep going! Don't stand there slacking off! I'm going to train with the Stone Locks!" Fang Yun spoke coldly, then left.
"Yes, Squad Leader Zhang!" Zhang Jing'an answered loudly, his voice brimming with anger.
Fang Yun headed toward the Stone Lock training area. The Stone Locks came in various sizes, the smallest weighing ten jin and the largest over five hundred. Generally, however, no one