Sun Qinzong spoke with a calm demeanor and a smile on his face.

There wasn’t the slightest trace of anything unusual in his expression.

Hearing his words, the crowd was stunned.

They weren’t fools. They could tell from his micro-expressions whether or not he was being sarcastic.

It was clear that Sun Qinzong was genuinely praising Zhao Rui.

’What... a complete change in attitude in such a short time. Did he use some kind of Enchanting Soul technique on him?’

The Grandmasters narrowed their eyes, unsure of what to make of the situation.

Seeing this, Zhao Rui said with a smile, "Anyone else have a problem with me? We can have a private chat. I prefer to persuade people with virtue, you know!"

At his words, the crowd’s faces twitched. They no longer dared to underestimate this young man.

Although they didn’t know what methods he had used, his ability to make Sun Qinzong acknowledge him so quietly was an incredible, almost unbelievable feat.

The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. Since the one who spoke out had been silenced, the others certainly weren’t going to cause trouble. They decided to wait and see.

Seeing that no one had any further objections, Zhao Rui’s gaze sharpened. "Since there are no objections, we’ll proceed with the training content and plan that I’ve created!"

So much for a democratic meeting. Zhao Rui had already finalized the plan last night.

Rather than waste time dawdling with this group, it was better to be direct, give them the plan, and have them execute it.

As for who performed poorly, the soldiers themselves would be the judge.

This time, no one raised any objections to Zhao Rui’s proposal. They all just nodded in sullen silence.

Soon, a massive martial arts training movement swept out from the military headquarters, encompassing all the officers and soldiers in the entire military district.

Grandmaster Martial Artists were stationed in each division to teach the All-Encompassing Thunder Technique.

Zhao Rui took a hands-on approach, visiting every regimental headquarters to make his presence as the Chief Instructor felt.

At the same time, he selected outstanding soldiers for regular special training at the military headquarters.

Under his organization, a fervent wave of martial arts practice began to surge through the military district.

This training went on for more than six months!

At this point, Zhao Rui had about a month left before his military service was complete.

And the training mission for the soldiers of the entire military district had long since met its objectives.

"Have you considered staying in the army? We really need talent like you. Going back to school sounds so exhausting."

In the Military Commander’s office, the commander looked at Zhao Rui, who had come to report on his work, his tone full of amusement.

"Thank you for the high praise, Commander, but I’m still a student. I want to learn more."

Zhao Rui tactfully declined his superior’s invitation.

"You young people always have your own ideas. But remember, the army’s doors are always open to you..."

The Military Commander chatted with Zhao Rui for a few more minutes before letting him leave the office.

In the period that followed, Zhao Rui was relieved of his duties and responsibilities.

He began to peacefully prepare for his discharge from the army.

It wasn’t just him; the other Grandmasters were in the same boat.

The training mission was complete, and the individual strength of the soldiers had taken a quantum leap.

They deserved a great deal of the credit for this.

Now, having successfully completed their mission, they could step down and leave.

Just a few days ago, a new batch of Grandmaster Martial Artists had enlisted. They would take the place of Zhao Rui and the others, distributing themselves among the various units.

"Bro, will you be back by the time I leave for school?"

Just as Zhao Rui was waiting peacefully for his discharge, his younger brother, Zhao Ke, called.

It turned out he was about to start college.

While Zhao Rui had been training soldiers, his brother Zhao Ke had taken the college entrance exams.

Unfortunately, his scores were average, only getting him into a regular first-tier university.

He didn’t manage to become Zhao Rui’s junior at school.

According to what Tian Yaru had tattled, this was because his girlfriend had been a distraction.

Zhao Rui had talked to his brother about this. The boy had agreed readily enough, but it didn’t have much effect.

Some things, especially matters of fate, were personal. He couldn’t meddle in his brother’s life forever.

Especially not matters of the heart.

If he interfered too much and this girl ended up becoming his sister-in-law, that would be a disaster.

He couldn’t have her bringing it up every time they met in the future, saying, "Back then, your brother tried to break us up. He didn’t approve of me and was dead set on separating us."

That would make Zhao Rui’s position as the elder uncle incredibly awkward.

Fortunately, the final results weren’t bad. At least it was a first-tier university.

Zhao Jincheng and his wife were quite satisfied with this result.

After all, their younger son had also stepped onto the path of the Martial Dao. His future wouldn’t necessarily depend on a diploma.

In contrast to Zhao Ke’s "slacking off," Tian Yaru was much more determined and ultimately gained admission to Dongqi University’s law school.

She had become Zhao Rui’s schoolmate.

Unfortunately, his discharge was in October, so he wouldn’t be able to see the two of them off to school.

"Alright then!"

"Come visit me at school after you’re discharged!"

Zhao Ke added a few reminders before hanging up.

...

「Dongqi University!」

Tian Yaru walked onto the Dongqi University campus alone, pulling a suitcase behind her.

The campus was bustling with new students arriving for enrollment, their vibrant faces beaming with happy smiles.

"Hey, are you a freshman? Need any help?"

"Hi, can I get to know you? I’m a freshman too."

Along the way, Tian Yaru encountered plenty of students hitting on her or offering help.

But she turned them all down.

Just then, a commotion broke out.

Tian Yaru couldn’t help but glance over and saw seven or eight students carrying suitcases toward the reception desk up ahead.

"It’s the freshmen from the Martial Arts Academy!"

"They’re so handsome!"

"I heard the admission standards this year were the toughest ever. You couldn’t even apply if you were below Level 8!"

The chatter rose and fell.

Tian Yaru felt a slight pang of envy. Unfortunately, her level was too low. Even though she had started on the Martial Dao, it had been for too short a time, and with the college entrance exams, she was only at Level 2.

’Too bad Brother Rui isn’t at school. I think he’s the Martial Arts Team Captain!’

Tian Yaru shook her head slightly and walked over, pulling her suitcase.

Seeing her approach, the Martial Arts Student freshmen who had been waiting in line couldn’t help but look over.

The boys’ eyes lit up.

’I can’t believe such a beautiful martial artist is enrolling this year. Looks like my university life won’t be lonely.’

The girls, however, were a little annoyed. Overly beautiful girls always tended to provoke public indignation.

Tian Yaru walked to the front, but instead of getting in line with them, she went straight to the reception desk.

"Excuse me, is Senior Sister Qin Rui here?"

Tian Yaru glanced at the upperclassman handling paperwork at the desk and asked softly.

"I am. Are you Tian Yaru?"

The words had barely left her mouth when a pretty, delicate-looking girl walked out from under the sunshade behind the desk.

This was, of course, Qin Rui.

Qin Rui sized up Tian Yaru and couldn’t help but let out a small "hmpf."

’A little sister... Zhao Rui’s little sister. His childhood sweetheart, I bet!’

Though she was annoyed, she still greeted her warmly and led Tian Yaru away.

"Who is that? A senior sister from the Martial Arts Team is personally picking her up? Is she someone important from our Martial Arts Team?"

The freshmen from the Martial Arts Academy waiting in line were all stunned.

Tian Yaru had no idea that simply by coming to find someone, she had been mistaken for a Martial Arts Student.

At that moment, she was also sizing up Qin Rui.

’A very pretty and capable girl. And she’s from the Martial Arts Academy, so her martial arts must be amazing. She’s probably Brother Rui’s girlfriend. Why else would Brother Rui arrange for her to meet me?’

"You’re so pretty, sis!" Tian Yaru began, laying it on thick. "Brother Rui is always saying how graceful you are."

"Really? He really said that?"

Qin Rui felt a small thrill of joy. ’Zhao Rui praised me in front of her? That must mean this girl isn’t his childhood sweetheart.’

"And you’re just like he said you were!" Qin Rui fibbed right back. "So tall and pretty. And such a gentle personality."

"Oh, stop. You’re the pretty one, sis."

"You’re pretty too, little sis."

In an instant, the two girls became the best of "friends," having hit it off immediately.

Afterwards, Qin Rui personally accompanied Tian Yaru to finish her enrollment procedures and saw her to her dorm.

After getting all that done, she finally took out her phone and called Zhao Rui.

"Your little childhood sweetheart is all settled in. You can focus on being a soldier now!"

"What ’little childhood sweetheart’? You’re just talking nonsense. I’ll be back in less than a month."

"So when you get back, are you going to see me first, or your little childhood sweetheart?"

"I’m not seeing anyone!"

Zhao Rui, speechless, hung up the phone.

「Time flew by, and soon it was the end of September.」

It was finally time for Zhao Rui’s batch of Martial Artists to be discharged.

Each wearing a large red flower, they boarded the train home.

Outside the train car were several hundred soldiers and some of the army’s leadership, all there to see them off.

The whistle blew, and the train slowly began to move.

"Instructor Zhao, have a safe trip!"

The bright red banner and the clear voices of the soldiers struck a chord deep in Zhao Rui’s heart, like an indelible mark.

Looking at the soldiers outside the window, he was suddenly overcome with a feeling of reluctance to leave.

Zhao Rui waved his hand vigorously.

He was bidding a solemn farewell to his year of military life.