The First Sage of Military Strategists

Chapter 61 Luo Sheng's Strength

Yang Wu didn't point it out, but said in a deep voice, "Not bad! Han Qing, I've been watching your efforts over the past few months, and your combat skills have indeed improved a lot."

Starting tomorrow, let's cancel the live-fire training. Maintain your condition; it won't be long before top-tier soldiers arrive to conduct the personal guard assessment for Baiyun County. During this time, avoid engaging in combat as much as possible to prevent serious injuries from affecting your performance.

Yang Wu understood that continuing to spar would be pointless; Han Qing's strength had reached a point where even he was no match for him.

We can't expect Han Qing to deliberately throw the game and let him win every day, because that would put Han Qing in a difficult position and wouldn't be effective in training.

"Okay!" Han Qing nodded slightly, a strange light flickering in his eyes.

In less than nine months, he had risen from a servant to one of the top experts in Baiyun County, a change that felt somewhat unreal to him.

Hearing what the two said, Ma Er and the others around them cast a series of envious and admiring glances.

They were present at every sparring session, and Han Qing's performance showed a visibly significant improvement. This kind of daily progress is what every martial artist dreams of.

Han Qing patted the dust off his clothes. He hadn't been injured much today, so he didn't need to take a medicinal bath.

He was about to go to the side to rest when he keenly sensed a murderous aura.

His gaze swept across the area and he saw a figure standing at the entrance of the soap shop compound; it was Luo Sheng.

He didn't come in; his face was gloomy, as if he had observed the entire sparring session from the sidelines, and a faint killing intent emanated from his eyes.

This killing intent was imperceptible to others. However, Han Qing, now nearing the completion of the second stage of the Ceasefire Realm, possessed an exceptionally keen sensitivity to killing intent, far surpassing that of ordinary people.

"Luo Sheng, you scoundrel, you want to kill me? I won't let you go either!" Han Qingxin said.

Luo Sheng didn't come in either. He just happened to pass by and saw Han Qing sparring with Yang Wu. They were evenly matched, and he was immediately surprised.

Han Qing's rapid progress and significant improvement in combat power instilled a sense of panic in him.

"In just nine months, this boy has covered the distance that others take more than ten years to complete. It is truly astonishing. Even if he does not pass the guard assessment this year, I am afraid that I will not be his match next year."

Luo Sheng walked hurriedly along the road, pondering a bold plan in his mind.

"Oh? Isn't that Captain Luo? Hmm, no, he's not a captain anymore, just an ordinary constable!" Ma Er said with a chuckle as he took a bite of a pear.

Everyone else also noticed Luo Sheng. Because Yang Wu and Luo Sheng had always had a bad relationship, the constables often looked down on the constables. Therefore, the constables disliked Luo Sheng. When Ma Er saw him, he subconsciously started to make sarcastic remarks.

"Ma Er, you've got a bit of a loose tongue." Yang Wu glared at him.

Ma Er smiled and said nothing more.

Han Qing stood to the side, deep in thought. In the past month and a half, the security situation in Baiyun County had not improved; on the contrary, it had worsened. This was mainly due to the open and covert struggles between the Luo family and Magistrate Qi, which often resulted in people losing their lives without knowing why.

Although he wasn't directly involved, he could sense an undercurrent surging above Baiyun County.

"I've heard that Master Fang is the most senior official in the yamen and has excellent connections. He should know Luo Sheng's strength, right?" Han Qing murmured to himself.

...

Dusk falls.

In Grandpa Fang's courtyard.

Han Qing and Master Fang sat facing each other at a table.

"Come on, cheers!"

Ding!
Their glasses clinked, spilling the liquor, and both of them tilted their heads back and drank it all in one gulp.

Master Fang smiled and said, "Mute, you're a good man. You didn't lie to me. This medicine really works. I'm really fine now. A few days ago, I dared to get drunk once, and when I woke up, I was perfectly fine. If it were before, drinking that much alcohol at once would definitely have given me a terrible headache." "That's good. But Master Fang, you can drink, but you still need to be careful about the amount. If you drink too much, this illness might relapse," Han Qing said.

“I understand, I understand. By the way, I heard from Liu San and the others that among the hundreds of servants learning martial arts this time, the eight selected from our academy performed the best. This is all thanks to you, Mute. You are a reliable person. I was right to judge you back then, and it wasn't for nothing that I gave you so many Blood Nourishing Pills.” Master Fang laughed.

After the battle with the Yin-Yang Scholar, more than a dozen positions became available in the government office. Master Fang sent out twelve people from his small courtyard. Four of them were eliminated because their aptitude was too poor. The remaining eight performed exceptionally well. Although they could not compare to Han Qing at the time, they far surpassed the others.

"Having taken your pills, I naturally have to do my job properly; it's my duty as a human being," Han Qing said calmly.

Having gained sufficient strength, Han Qing dared to say a few more words.

Previously, I was of low rank and little power, so I acted cautiously and dared not speak loudly or talk too much. Now I can finally be more casual, especially when facing an old acquaintance like Master Fang, I don't need to have too many concerns.

"What a pity, mute. I've brought so many servants, and I've never seen anyone who can compare to you." Master Fang said regretfully. "In a few days, a master from the army will come to preside over the personal guard assessment. If you pass, I'm afraid you'll have to leave Baiyun County. I wonder how confident you are now?"

"It's hard to say, it depends on who you meet," Han Qing shook his head.

He was confident but not arrogant, and even less complacent.

"Not bad. Since ancient times, most geniuses have been arrogant. You are not arrogant, which is very good." A hint of appreciation flashed in Master Fang's eyes.

"Speaking of which, Master Fang, what level of strength is needed to become a squad leader? For example, what level of strength do Squad Leader Luo and the others have?" Han Qing suddenly asked.

"What? You want to be the foreman now?" Master Fang asked in surprise.

"What if I don't get selected? The position of head of the constable squad will still be vacant, right? I'll compete for it then, and maybe I can get selected. This way, I can get a feel for the strength of my competitors in advance," Han Qing said unhurriedly.

“You’re thinking ahead. Every team leader has to be at the fourth level of the Body Dao realm. Your master and Luo Sheng are at that level, and their strength is about the same. The guy in the Zhuang team is probably at the fifth level of the Body Dao realm.” Master Fang said, “However, even if you reach the fourth level of the Body Dao realm, it won’t work. Your qualifications are too shallow, and you won’t be selected.”

Han Qing pondered Fang Ye's words. If they were true, then he would have a better understanding of the situation.

He stuffed the last piece of steamed bun into his mouth, stood up, and mumbled, "Master Fang, I'm going back now."

"Not reading today?" Master Fang asked.

"No, thank you." Han Qing shook her head.

He has read all of Fang Ye's books that are readable, and his knowledge and experience have greatly increased.

Stepping out of Master Fang's room, Han Qing looked up and glanced at the bright moon in the sky, a cold glint in his eyes.

No. 18 Guanzi Lane!

...

The night was cool and still, with a crescent moon hanging high in the sky.

Inside the central attic of the yamen (government office).

Qi Chong pushed a letter in front of Yang Wu.

"This time, the imperial guard assessment is no ordinary one. It is led by General Qi's daughter, Qi Yan, and they will arrive in Baiyun County in a few days."

Yang Wu opened the letter and glanced at it: "Qi Yan? I've heard she's a heroine!"

“That’s right, Qi Yan is the only female general in the Shu army! We’ll have to be careful when the time comes!” Qi Chong nodded slightly.

“These past few days, the Luo family has quieted down, but I wonder what they’re secretly plotting,” Yang Wu added.

"No problem, we'll meet force with force and water with water. Since I, Qi Chong, dare to take action, I'm fully prepared." Qi Chong's eyes gleamed with confidence.

I've changed my name! Thanks to seje for the 100-point reward!
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(End of this chapter)