Zhao Mu remained at the very front of the training field.
As always.
Four heavy logs rested firmly across his shoulders, yet his steps were steady, his breathing controlled, and his posture unwavering. Compared to the others struggling behind him, he looked almost… relaxed.
It wasn't without reason.
After an entire day of intense training, his attributes had undergone a noticeable transformation. His Strength had improved, his Light and Agile Steps had become more refined, and his overall coordination had reached a new level.
More importantly—
His Combat Level had advanced to Battle Rank 3.
With that breakthrough, his total Spirit Power had more than doubled.
This allowed him to maintain a rhythm that others could not even hope to match.
Zhang Biao stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching Zhao Mu closely.
His brows furrowed.
"How is this kid even more relaxed than yesterday?"
There was a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Nearby, Instructor Xie Yingxue glanced upward at Zhao Mu.
A trace of admiration flickered in her otherwise cold eyes.
"Liang Gongchi gave him a Tier 2 spirit source."
The statement was simple.
But its implication—
Was not.
Xu Zhixiong and Zhang Biao both turned sharply.
"He absorbed it already?" Xu Zhixiong asked, clearly surprised.
They understood the risks better than anyone.
Spirit sources, especially those extracted from exotic beasts or the Dark Race, were not something that could be absorbed recklessly.
Without a stable foundation and precise control over Spirit Power—
The foreign energy could easily backfire.
In severe cases—
It could cripple the user.
Or worse.
That was why even noble families, despite their vast resources, couldn't simply mass-produce powerful warriors.
There were limits.
Strict ones.
Xie Yingxue's lips curved slightly.
"Liang Gongchi originally intended for him to absorb it gradually, using it to close the gap over time."
She paused.
"But Zhao Mu… turned it into an immediate breakthrough."
Xu Zhixiong stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"In that case… perhaps we should reassess the potential of his Demon Clown ability."
Zhang Biao chuckled.
"Or perhaps we should prepare to collect his corpse."
His tone was blunt.
Harsh.
But realistic.
The Xuanfeng Empire's military was not a place for the weak.
Every year—
The casualty rate exceeded ten percent.
Within five years—
Nearly half of all soldiers would die on the battlefield.
And that was just the average.
For Spirit Power users who actively sought stronger opponents—
The risk increased dramatically.
After all—
The stronger the prey, the greater the danger.
Even the most talented individuals could fall.
Luck—
Played a role no one could ignore.
Xu Zhixiong crossed his arms.
"Whether he lives or dies… depends on his own fate."
There was no emotion in his voice.
Instructors rarely formed deep attachments to recruits.
Not because they were heartless—
But because they had seen too much.
Too many young lives lost.
Too many names forgotten.
Distance—
Was a form of protection.
Meanwhile—
On the field—
Zhao Mu continued his run.
The weighted training was his domain.
Endurance.
Strength.
Control.
He excelled in all three.
By the end of the session, he once again crossed the finish line first.
Still carrying four logs.
Still far ahead.
Beep—!
The whistle echoed across the training ground.
At once, the recruits collapsed onto the grass.
Panting.
Gasping.
Their bodies felt like they had been drained of all strength.
Only Zhao Mu remained composed, though even he sat down to rest.
Behind them, members of the Discipline Department walked over.
Their boots struck the ground heavily.
"Get up! Move!"
A recruit lagging behind was kicked forward.
"Why are you crawling like a maggot?!"
"Look at how far behind you are! Useless!"
The harsh insults cut deeper than the kicks.
Meng Qiuqiu limped over, rubbing his backside.
"I got kicked too," he muttered quietly.
He glanced around cautiously before lowering his voice.
"These Discipline Department guys… they're ruthless."
Zhao Mu smiled faintly.
"They were once in our position too."
"Some people… just take the opportunity to return the favor."
It wasn't uncommon.
In the military, hierarchy was absolute.
And sometimes—
Cruel.
Zhao Mu sat down and began stretching his legs.
Then—
He started massaging his calves.
Firm.
Precise.
His fingers pressed into specific points, kneading the muscles to release tension.
The soreness was intense—
But effective.
Without proper recovery, the accumulated fatigue would make the next day unbearable.
After a short rest—
The second phase of training began.
Two large baskets were brought out.
Inside—
Yellow helmets.
And small wooden hammers.
Zhang Biao grinned.
"Time for something different today."
"You'll be training in pairs."
"This game is called—Whack-a-Mole!"
Laughter rippled through the recruits.
But Instructor Xie Yingxue quickly clarified.
The rules were simple.
Two people.
Rock-paper-scissors.
The winner—
Got the hammer.
The loser—
Had to grab a helmet and protect their head.
Sounds simple.
But—
The hammers and helmets could be infused with Spirit Power.
This transformed the exercise into something far more complex.
Reaction speed.
Timing.
Psychological judgment.
Spirit Power control.
All were tested simultaneously.
Zhuo Yun nodded thoughtfully.
"It may look like a children's game…"
"But it's actually quite sophisticated."
"Rock-paper-scissors tests prediction."
"The strike tests speed."
"And Spirit Power tests control."
The others quickly realized the same.
Nothing here—
Was meaningless.
Zhao Mu smiled.
Then walked toward Meng Qiuqiu.
"Qiuqiu, let's team up."
Before Meng Qiuqiu could respond—
Zhuo Yun stepped forward.
"I think I'd be a better partner."
Lu Yan followed silently.
His gaze locked onto Meng Qiuqiu.
Meng Qiuqiu froze.
Then nearly burst into tears.
"Hey! What is this?!"
"Am I some kind of easy target?!"
Zhao Mu laughed.
"Relax."
"If it's us, we'll go easy on you."
"If it's someone else…"
He shrugged.
"Who knows what might happen?"
Just then—
A voice cut through the noise.
"Zhao Mu!"
He turned.
And met a pair of sharp, determined eyes.
Mo Guanguan stood there.
Chin raised.
Expression proud.
Filled with challenge.
"How about teaming up with me?"
Her tone was direct.
Provocative.
Clearly—
She hadn't forgotten their previous encounter.
And she hadn't accepted it either.
Zhao Mu sighed softly.
So this is what happens when you win once…
He scratched his head.
Then smiled helplessly.
"Well…"
"Looks like things just got interesting."
The training—
Was far from over.
And neither—
Was the battle of pride.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)
50% Offers are going on claim yours as soon as possible