Conditions

Rooftop

Zhuge Tao stood high above, looking down at the busy figures throughout the military base, a smile on his lips.

"Mr. Zhuge, Cao Bing is here." The middle-aged officer brought Cao Bing onto the rooftop, stopping some distance from Zhuge Tao as he spoke respectfully.

"Mm, you may return first."

Zhuge Tao turned around, nodded to the middle-aged officer, and said,

"Yes!"

Without any hesitation, the middle-aged officer turned and left.

"Cao Bing." Zhuge Tao looked at Cao Bing, a trace of satisfaction flashing through his eyes.

"Director." Cao Bing spoke respectfully.

"You did well this time. It isn't a bad thing for young people to show a little edge." Zhuge Tao smiled.

"You flatter me, Director." Cao Bing replied modestly. He would not care about Wan Dong, because he knew that as long as he performed normally, Wan Dong would never have a chance to surpass him in his lifetime.

But Zhuge Tao was different. He did not dare show even the slightest disrespect. The man before him was not only one of the four giants of Limitless Martial Arts, but also a top-tier Warrior General level expert—a Half-Step God of War.

In other words, given an opportunity, Zhuge Tao might become a God of War at any time.

Therefore, no matter what, Cao Bing had to remain respectful.

"I investigated your background. Your parents were both independent Martial Artists. Although they did not belong to Limitless Martial Arts, they made great contributions to humanity. You joined Limitless Martial Arts at sixteen and became a Beginner Member. You have always worked hard and had your own insights. That is very good.

"The deaths of both your parents would be a tremendous blow to others, but for you, they became powerful motivation."

As he said this, Zhuge Tao looked into Cao Bing's eyes, only to find his expression blank.

"You have buried a deep hatred in your heart, haven't you?" Zhuge Tao suddenly asked.

Cao Bing's body trembled. He instantly raised his head and stared into Zhuge Tao's eyes.

"As long as the monsters in this world are not wiped out, what happened to you will keep repeating itself in different places. This world is dangerous. Countless people die every day. That is why people must grow stronger, why countless Martial Artists must fight bloody battles. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Cao Bing clenched his fists tightly, his eyes blood-red.

"Mm. But there is one thing you must remember. Hatred may be motivation, but do not let it control your mind. You are yourself, not a tool of hatred. Do not lose yourself!" Zhuge Tao said.

"Yes." Cao Bing slowly shifted his gaze away from Zhuge Tao and answered quietly.

"Mm, enough of that. Let's discuss business." Zhuge Tao nodded slightly, then continued, "Your talent is quite good. I can recommend you to Limitless Martial Arts' Basic Training Camp. Of course, it is only a recommendation. Whether you can enter will still depend on passing the Training Camp's assessment."

"Basic Training Camp? Not the Elite Training Camp?" Cao Bing asked in astonishment.

"The Elite Training Camp?" Zhuge Tao froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. "The lad has ambition!"

Seeing Zhuge Tao's expression, Cao Bing knew he had probably said something wrong. He had actually made the usually stern Zhuge Tao laugh like this, and he awkwardly scratched his head.

But the Elite Training Camp truly was his goal.

"Cao Bing, do you know what the Elite Training Camp represents?" Zhuge Tao restrained his laughter. Without waiting for Cao Bing to answer, he continued, "The Elite Training Camp is also known as the God of War Reserve Camp. It gathers the most outstanding young people in the world. Even I was not qualified to set foot in the Elite Training Camp back then. Do you understand?"

"This..." Cao Bing scratched his head awkwardly.

Of course he knew that. But that did not stop him from wanting to go.

"Of course, there is nothing wrong with aspiring to such a place. But with your current qualifications?" Zhuge Tao's gaze deepened as he looked at Cao Bing. "Cao Bing, your current performance is not enough for me to make such a recommendation. No, you do not even have the qualifications. Even recommending you to the Basic Training Camp would mean taking a considerable risk."

Cao Bing lowered his head. As expected, the Elite Training Camp was not so easy to enter. Luo Feng had only received Limitless Martial Arts' recommendation and the chance to undergo the Elite Training Camp's assessment because of his inhuman rate of improvement—reaching the Beginner General level in less than half a year just after turning nineteen, along with astonishing battle achievements. And even then, it had been a more difficult assessment.

"Of course, I am not saying this to discourage you." Zhuge Tao continued, "It is good for young people to have goals. In fact, even those in the Basic Training Camp have a chance to enter the Elite Training Camp. Every year, the Basic Training Camp holds an assessment, and those who pass can advance to the Elite Training Camp.

"However, this year's Basic Training Camp assessment has already passed. The next assessment will be ten months from now. But there is not much point in discussing this with you yet. The Elite Training Camp assessment is not so easy, and ten months is basically not enough time to pass it."

"Director, may I ask something presumptuously?" Cao Bing said. "What are the requirements for the Elite Training Camp assessment? Is there a limit on the number of slots each year?"

"Mm?" Zhuge Tao was startled, then laughed again. "It seems you still have not given up. Fine, I will tell you."

"First, I do not know the final assessment requirements for the Elite Training Camp. But I do know the requirements for a recommendation. First, anyone recommended to the Elite Training Camp must be under twenty years old. Second, their strength must be at least at the Beginner General level. Ideally, they must have become a Martial Artist within the last three years."

"As for slots, naturally there are limits. Heh, the number is pitifully small. Jiangnan Base City would be fortunate to get one slot every five years, and even then, there is no guarantee that the candidate will pass the Training Camp's assessment. Of course, if you are outstanding enough to pass the Elite Training Camp's higher-difficulty test, you can be exempted from this restriction. So, do you still have the confidence?"

Zhuge Tao asked with a smile.

"Yes!" Cao Bing said firmly. "Director, no matter what, I want to give it a try!"

Seeing the look in Cao Bing's eyes, Zhuge Tao smiled approvingly.

"Young people are always full of drive."

"Cao Bing, there are only six months left until the Elite Training Camp's next recruitment. It will be extremely difficult to get in. Meanwhile, there are only two months left to submit a recommendation for the Basic Training Camp. If you miss it, you will have to wait another year. Think this through carefully!" Zhuge Tao said solemnly.

"Six months." Cao Bing's heart tightened slightly. He roughly knew this timeline, but he could still feel the heavy pressure.

"Director." Cao Bing gritted his teeth fiercely before finally saying, "I still want to try!"

"Sigh! Do as you wish. Young people must experience some things. If you can meet the minimum standard in half a year, I will help you apply to recommend you to the higher-ups. But whether they accept that recommendation is not for me to decide." Zhuge Tao stared at Cao Bing for a while before finally agreeing.