Chapter 148: Qin Gang’s Arrangements

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Qin Gang’s Arrangements

Everyone was highly satisfied with the rich and delicious lunch. Even his future mother-in-law, Song Yumeng, ate a little. As a Celestial Human Realm expert, she could sustain herself purely on Qi without the need for mortal food, so she rarely ate much on a daily basis.

Afterward, the group continued to amuse themselves by flying kites and fishing. Su Wan played the zither, while Lin Siheng climbed trees to raid bird nests. It wasn’t until approaching 3:00 PM that everyone finally returned.

The next day, Lu Yuan arrived at the Demon Suppression Bureau wearing a brand-new set of blue clothes and carrying his Wind Thunder Saber. Liu Zhi had come to work. He looked vibrant and healthy, his face rosy and full of energy, indicating a smooth recovery.

"Why didn’t you rest for a few more days?" Lu Yuan asked.

"I’m completely healed!" Liu Zhi raised his arm to show off. With the help of the Pills, not only had his injuries completely healed, but his vitality and blood had also been fully restored. Staying home any longer would have driven him crazy.

"Why do I get the feeling you’ve changed again?" Jiang Hongfei walked over, his gaze sweeping over Lu Yuan.

"I’ve grown taller and more handsome!" Lu Yuan provided the answer.

Jiang Hongfei choked on his words. It was the truth, but saying it about oneself was a bit shameless.

"You haven’t been coming in much lately. The higher-ups are quite dissatisfied," Jiang Hongfei said.

"Who is dissatisfied?" Lu Yuan asked.

Jiang Hongfei turned his face away. "There are definitely people in the Bureau gossiping about you."

"I bet you’re the one gossiping." Lu Yuan smiled, hitting the nail on the head. People who were distant wouldn’t care; only those nearby would pay close attention.

"I..." Jiang Hongfei’s eyes flickered. He was indeed annoyed. Why could Lu Yuan come and go as he pleased, while he didn’t dare do the same? "I’m just complaining a bit. What others are saying is probably much uglier."

"Tell them to say it to my face next time," Lu Yuan replied dismissively. Petty gossips would never amount to anything.

He looked over at Chen Qian, who was currently practicing with her saber. She executed each strike with intense earnestness. He couldn’t help but walk over to offer some pointers.

"Your fighting style is too orthodox. In the Demon Suppression Bureau’s missions, you’ll be facing the most vicious and wicked criminals. Relying solely on frontal combat makes it easy to suffer losses. You should practice some hidden weapon techniques. Things like lime powder, drugs, or sleeve arrows."

Chen Qian looked surprised. Her brother had told her the same thing in the past, but she had brushed it off. How could a Martial Artist use such underhanded methods? Especially one from the Demon Suppression Bureau. But now... "Do you have any recommendations?"

"Go to the martial arts library and pick out the Cloud-Brushing Hand manual. I can guide you through it," Lu Yuan said straightforwardly. As Chen Qiang’s sister, he naturally had to take good care of her. If she was obedient and worth nurturing, he wouldn’t be stingy with his help.

"Understood!" Chen Qian was swift and decisive, turning around to leave immediately.

"Wait," Qin Gang said, leading someone over.

It was Lu Yuan’s acquaintance, Han Li. However, the current Han Li was vastly different from before. He exuded an aura as deep as a mountain, his skin possessed a lustrous glow, and his physique had grown taller and more robust. His overall presence was outstanding. He had clearly broken through to the Seventh Grade and had just been nourished and tempered by the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi.

"A team cannot be headless, and a small banner squad cannot lack a banner commander to lead them. I’ve found someone for you all: Han Li," Qin Gang announced.

Han Li wasn’t originally from Squadron Commander Qin Gang’s side, but personnel could be reassigned within the Demon Suppression Bureau. Since Qin Gang’s side was currently lacking a small banner commander and another Squadron Commander happened to have someone who had just broken through, this arrangement was made.

Jiang Hongfei, Liu Zhi, and Chen Qian’s expressions all changed slightly. It was hard for Jiang Hongfei and Liu Zhi to accept. After all, having an unfamiliar person suddenly join and lead them felt completely off. For Chen Qian, it was psychologically unacceptable. Her brother had only sacrificed himself a few days ago, and a replacement had already been found.

"I disagree!" Mu Lingche was much more direct, stepping forward immediately. He was on the verge of breaking through to the Seventh Grade; this banner commander position rightfully belonged to him.

"Young Master Su, my strength is quite decent. I’m also aware of your capabilities, and I will definitely rely on and respect you heavily in the future," Han Li said with a smile. He didn’t dare offend the young master of the Grand General’s Mansion.

"Su the Ninth, obey the Bureau’s arrangements!" Qin Gang ordered.

"I’m about to break through to the Seventh Grade. I can lead this squad," Mu Lingche stated bluntly. "Besides, if he’s going to lead us, can he slay five Seventh Grade Martial Artists at once? Can he defeat Lu Yuan?"

The training ground fell into a sudden silence. Everyone realized a crucial point: there was someone here whose combat prowess and record surpassed that of an ordinary Seventh Grade. If Han Li suddenly joined, how would he lead the squad, and where would that place Lu Yuan? Among Martial Artists, strength reigned supreme, and the strong had the final say. It was incredibly difficult to lead a team without overwhelming strength to keep everyone in line.

"Han Li is here to increase our overall strength. Having a stable Seventh Grade combatant is different from Lu Yuan’s situation, so there’s no conflict," Qin Gang explained.

He knew Lu Yuan’s capabilities, and he knew even better that Lu Yuan had only managed to slay so many Seventh Grade experts by using a Secret Technique to stimulate his potential. However, Secret Techniques couldn’t be used casually. For a squad, having a stable Seventh Grade combatant was essential. Although Han Li had just broken through, his combat power was no weaker than Chen Qiang’s, and his potential was greater. Qin Gang had made this decision after detailed comparisons and careful consideration; otherwise, he wouldn’t have assigned Han Li here.

"By joining this squad, I will shoulder the main offensive pressure and handle the dangerous defenses from now on. Lu Yuan and Young Master Su can attack freely with peace of mind. With our combined efforts and sincere cooperation, we will surely be invincible and victorious in every battle!" Han Li declared his stance.

A banner commander was meant to lead the charge, bearing the primary responsibilities and dangers. He had already prepared himself for this. Moreover, this squad was indeed exceptionally strong and deeply bonded, making it an excellent choice for him.

"Lu Yuan, aren’t you going to say something?" Mu Lingche looked at Lu Yuan. Since he hadn’t broken through to the Seventh Grade yet, he lacked confidence. Meanwhile, Lu Yuan hadn’t uttered a single word. He refused to believe that Lu Yuan would accept Han Li as their leader, even if they knew each other beforehand and seemed to have a good relationship.

"Lu Yuan, what do you think?" Qin Gang also looked over. Lu Yuan’s opinion carried a lot of weight. If Lu Yuan disagreed, he would genuinely have to reconsider the arrangement. However, his brow soon furrowed as he noticed something amiss.

"Don’t worry, Lu Yuan. We’ll be just like before. I won’t restrict or micromanage you," Han Li said with a smile, feeling that there shouldn’t be any issues on Lu Yuan’s end.

"As for me..." Lu Yuan took a step forward, a powerful aura erupting from his body. "I was just about to go find the Squadron Commander to report my situation. I’ve broken through as well."

"What?"

"What?"

"You..."

At the edge of the training ground, Qin Gang, Mu Lingche, Jiang Hongfei, Liu Zhi, Chen Qian, and Han Li all suffered a drastic change in expression.

They stared at Lu Yuan in sheer disbelief, wondering, "How is this possible? How could this be? He broke through! So fast?" It was simply unacceptable! Incredibly hard to accept! It was too sudden!

"Lu Yuan, you..." Mu Lingche clenched his fists, completely losing his composure.

When he first arrived at the Demon Suppression Bureau, he was already at the Eighth Grade Peak, not far from the Seventh Grade, whereas Lu Yuan was merely at the Ninth Grade Peak. A month had passed, and Lu Yuan had unexpectedly broken through to the Seventh Grade. The Seventh Grade! Meanwhile, he was still stuck at the Eighth Grade Peak without a breakthrough.

He cursed inwardly, "Damn it, how is anyone supposed to accept this?"

Thinking back to his past remarks and what he had just said, he felt as if a giant invisible hand had fiercely slapped him across the face. "Compared to him, am I just a piece of trash?" he thought. He used to find it amusing when Jiang Hongfei, Liu Zhi, and Yu Qiuyang were swiftly surpassed by Lu Yuan. But now...

"How did you break through so fast? You... you..."