Chapter 56: Third Camp Preparations

As soon as Gu Han spoke, Gu Jing and the others were stunned, their eyes glazed as they froze in place.

First place!!

Coach Guan, could it be that he's drunk too much fake liquor?

Every Top Ten Combat Soldier is the peak of each camp—how could first place be so easy to take?

Gu Han, you wouldn't have already agreed, would you?

Gu Jing swallowed, eyeing Gu Han warily.

Gu Han nodded, smiling faintly,

That's right.

Gu Jing and the others felt a jolt in their hearts, instinctively wanting to speak up to dissuade him.

But just then, they suddenly recalled Gu Chen's words from earlier.

If they don't believe Gu Han, who else would believe him?

Gu Jing let out a bitter laugh,

Ah, go ahead—we believe in you; you'll surely manage.

By comparison, Gu Lin and Gu Chen, who had some idea of Gu Han's strength, reassured everyone,

Don't worry, Gu Han isn't impulsive; since he's agreed, he'll definitely succeed.

Amid the worries of the crowd and the other members of the Second Camp, the lot draw for the Top Ten martial arts competition officially began.

To prevent any backroom manipulation, the lot-drawing segment was personally overseen by General Mushan Guan Zhen.

Under everyone's gaze, Guan Zhen drew out slip after slip bearing the ten names from the staff-prepared lot-drawing blind box.

Zhang Chuang of the Third Camp muttered to himself,

We must make sure someone from the First Camp draws Gu Han!

He had witnessed Gu Han's resounding victory at Wu Ting.

Even if he were to step up himself, he couldn't be certain of beating Gu Han.

By comparison, letting that arrogant lot from the First Camp gnaw at this tough nut that is Gu Han, while he reaps the rewards, is the best choice!

Soon, the lot-drawing results were set, to be announced by the First Camp's Chief Instructor, Zhou Kuan.

First match: Gu Han of the Second Camp versus Zhang Chuang of the Third Camp.

As soon as this result was announced, the onlooking crowd erupted in waves of cheers.

Anyone who isn't blind can see right now that the Second Camp is at odds with the other camps.

It so happened that Gu Han and Zhang Chuang were drawn—no denying it's the most entertaining match.

Zhang Chuang, meanwhile, wore the look of someone who had just eaten shit.

Damn!

Did I forget to check the almanac before heading out today?

Even if he were to draw an opponent from the First Camp, Zhang Chuang wouldn't fear it.

But what he worries about most is drawing Gu Han!

If he loses to Gu Han, the blame for the Third Camp's failure to displace the Second Camp will fall entirely on him!

What awaits him will be doom!

Therefore, in this match he must win—he cannot afford to lose!

Chief Instructor Li Kai approached Zhang Chuang, produced a battle sword that looked unremarkable, and handed it to him.

Zhang Chuang's expression shifted slightly,

Chief Instructor, is this… a low-grade Yellow-rank battle sword?

Li Kai nodded, saying calmly,

Gu Han wields the Cold Wind Sword; if you're limited to standard issue weapons, you'll surely be at a disadvantage, but a mid-grade Yellow-rank weapon would be too conspicuous, easily recognized.

I've disguised this sword with some methods; from a certain distance, no one can tell it's a low-grade battle sword.

If you win this match, the sword will be yours thereafter; but if you lose…

Zhang Chuang shuddered violently, quickly clasped his fists, and swore,

If I lose this match, I will submit to the Chief Instructor's disposal!

Hey, no need to put it so harshly.

Li Kai curled the corner of his mouth, smiling lightly,

Just give it your all.

……

At the general's seat.

Zhou Kuan gazed into the distance at Li Kai in the Third Camp, then turned to look at Guan Shan and smiled,

Won't you give the little fellow in your camp a special treat?

Guan Shan looked back at him,

Dealing with just Zhang Chuang doesn't require it.

As soon as Guan Shan's words fell, he immediately asked,

You, aren't you afraid I'll snatch the First Camp's position from you this time?

Although the First Camp actually has three Top Ten seeded contestants.

But if Gu Chen hadn't withdrawn, the brothers Gu Chen and Gu Han would occupy two spots with their strength.

Even if the three of the First Camp joined forces, they might not be a match for the Gu Chen brothers.

Zhou Kuan merely gave a light smile.

"Only pressure can give these fellows some motivation."

In other words, the people from the other camps are too weak!

The First Camp has been feeling the cold at the top for years, just waiting for others to give them some pressure so they can rush higher.

Guan Shan smiled faintly, thinking to himself, Do they want pressure?

This time, see Gu Han took your first place—can you still be so carefree?

The folks of the Second Camp all broke a sweat for Gu Han.

The Third Camp came prepared—not easy to handle!

"Don't feel pressured."

Gu Lin laughed and patted Gu Han on the shoulder.

"We believe in you—you can definitely do it."

Gu Han nodded to his elder brothers and stepped onto the Martial Arts Platform amid the crowd's gaze.

This is the most crucial showdown between the Second Camp and the Third Camp.

Once the two decide victory or defeat, it also means the Second and Third Camps' battle for ranking is over.

On the Martial Arts Platform.

Zhang Chuang and Gu Han stood opposite each other.

Zhang Chuang gazed at Gu Han warily.

"Don't think that just because you fluke a few wins, you can actually rank in the top ten of the Ten Camps Competition."

"We'll see if it was a fluke shortly."

Gu Han glanced at him askance, then looked toward the nearby referee.

"Referee, begin."

To highlight the importance of the top-ten tournament.

This time the referee is Deputy General Zhao Liang from the General's Manor.

Zhao Liang gave a slight nod,

"Swords are blind—please keep your sparring to a light touch."

But even if they go all out, his esteemed Great Martial Master can still intervene in time.

As Zhao Liang blew the whistle,

"Clang!"

Zhang Chuang drew his battle sword, explosively accelerating toward Gu Han.

"Zhang Chuang was holding back in the previous arena match."

"This speed is at least ten percent faster than in the previous arena match."

"This Logistics Soldier named Gu Han will be hard to deal with."

Zhang Chuang wielded his battle sword with wide, powerful swings.

"Zhang Chuang is indeed no ordinary fighter."

Gu Han inwardly acknowledged, judging solely by the attacking momentum,

Although Zhang Chuang is only a seventh‑rank Martial Disciple, he is still a bit stronger than the veteran soldiers he previously beat.

Yet facing Zhang Chuang's aggressive first strike, Gu Han felt no surprise.

He stepped forward, drawing his Cold Wind Sword to meet Zhang Chuang's battle sword.

"Clang!"

The blades clashed, spraying bright sparks.

Gu Han glanced at Zhang Chuang, slightly surprised.

Although he had held back his strength to avoid notice, just in case,

Yet with his low‑grade Yellow‑tier Cold Wind Sword, Zhang Chuang stood his ground.

This genuinely surprised him.