Chapter 104: Xue Zhenshan

The few who encountered Qi Lijun were not surprised; after all, this guy had already been recruited into the Anqing Martial Bureau at the martial arts exchange conference. What was truly baffling was that, although the dormitory building number four was just around the corner, he had somehow wandered around the main gate for quite a while.

"Are you sure you’re not hopelessly directionally challenged?" Zhang Ze asked irritably.

Qi Lijun, instead of being offended, seriously contemplated the question. After a moment, he even turned around and said, "I think you’re probably right—I am sick."

Everyone was left speechless.

It’s worth noting that Zhang Ze’s dorm was number 22, the second room at the corner on the second floor, which was relatively quiet. Unexpectedly, the cold and aloof dorm 21 was right next door, and to make things even more absurd, Qi Lijun claimed his was number 23.

The three of them were neighbors, of all things.

However, Zhang Qingping was not so lucky. Her dorm was number 31 on the third floor, so she wasn’t on the same level as Zhang Ze and the others.

"From now on, take me with you when you go out!" Qi Lijun said seriously.

To Zhang Ze, it sounded as if he had become Qi Lijun’s personal guide dog. So basically, I’m just here to lead you home? Silently exasperated, Zhang Ze ignored him.

When the three entered their dormitories, they were genuinely stunned by the environment of the Anqing Martial Bureau dormitory building: a bed, a desk, and two standing cupboards placed to the side. Though the furniture was simple, the dorms were equipped with independent bathrooms and balconies—everything one could need.

This at least alleviated the worries of the two women, Leng Bingbing and Zhang Qingping. Without their own balconies, even drying clothes would be nerve-wracking!

After tidying their rooms, the three gathered again downstairs. The fifty single rooms on the fourth floor of the Longhu dormitory area were now fully occupied, meaning Zhang Ze and the others encountered quite a few people on their way down, including the brothers Hu Yunchang and Hu Yide from Huizhou Logistics.

"Heading to the welcome ceremony?" Hu Yunchang greeted them.

Zhang Ze nodded in response. Zhang Qingping, inexplicably irritable, snapped back, "If we’re not going to the welcome ceremony, are you inviting us to dinner instead?"

Leng Bingbing, surprised by Zhang Qingping’s bluntness, patted her on the shoulder.

What was unexpected was that Hu Yunchang wasn’t offended by her remark. Instead, he casually joined Zhang Ze and the others in light conversation. Zhang Ze noticed Hu Yunchang’s occasional glances at Zhang Qingping and inwardly wondered, “Is there some history between these two?”

He kept quiet, pondering in his mind.

Soon, the group arrived at the central training ground of the Anqing Martial Bureau. Unlike the smaller venue used for the martial arts exchange conference, this central training ground spanned a vast area—about the size of ten tennis courts.

The entire ground was divided into many zones, equipped with a wealth of training apparatuses, many of which Zhang Ze, having lived two lifetimes, couldn’t even fathom how to use.

“Ze Ge,” a voice called out, “I heard the date for our assignment to the Student Work Department is set for September 1st.”

The speaker had finally spotted Zhang Ze and the others among hundreds and hurried over.

“What Student Work Departments does Anqing Martial Bureau have?” Zhang Ze asked, puzzled.

Even the Hu brothers beside him were shocked at his ignorance. Seriously? You don’t even know about the Student Work Departments? Then what the hell are you here for?

Thinking this, Hu Yunchang laughed and explained, “Brother Zhang Ze, you might not know, but the Anqing Martial Bureau has three Student Work Departments: the Martial Arts Department, the Tactical Department, and the least favored—the Logistics Department.”

Zhang Ze finally caught on and thought, So the bureau is training war mongers? The Tactical Department commands battles, the Martial Arts Department fights on the front lines, and the Logistics Department handles supplies.

After a thorough explanation, Zhang Ze had a clearer understanding of the three departments.

First was the Martial Arts Department. Zhao Jinghong, who had hosted the martial arts exchange conference, was the head of the Martial Arts Department at Anqing Martial Bureau. This department was the most prestigious, attracting the best students and mentors. Naturally, it was the first choice for every new recruit.

This long-standing situation meant that the other two departments—the Tactical and Logistics—received the remaining students after the Martial Arts Department’s quotas were filled.

While they were discussing, a group of instructors appeared on the leadership platform. Zhang Ze quickly spotted Zhao Jinghong at the rightmost seat. As a seventh-rank martial artist, he was the center of attention wherever he went.

The elderly man sitting in the middle looked frail, with graying hair, but Zhang Ze did not underestimate him. To stand before Zhao Jinghong was no small matter.

“That’s Deputy Director Xue Zhenshan,” Qi Lijun whispered to Zhang Ze, revealing the man’s identity.

Xue Zhenshan stepped forward without any preamble. “First, congratulations on entering the Anqing Martial Bureau. I believe the next four years of your training here will be the most crucial phase of your martial path.”

“But I must warn you—the path of a martial artist is not an easy one. From the moment you step into the bureau, you should be prepared for the worst—even death on the battlefield.”

Among the eight or nine hundred new recruits present, all had been practicing martial arts for some years, except for Zhang Ze, the odd one out. They all more or less understood the duties of a martial artist.

In their eyes, did the martial artists in society truly qualify as martial artists? The answer was almost unanimously no. Because they lacked the responsibility of a true martial artist—the duty to protect humanity.

Although many new recruits didn’t fully understand the crises facing humanity, the moment they became martial artists, their surroundings gave them subtle hints.

Zhang Ze’s journey was too brief. From barely achieving the rank of first-grade martial artist to entering Anqing Martial Bureau had been just over two months. His progress was largely due to system assistance, not from anyone else’s help.

Even Wang Chao and Li Sanqing hadn’t significantly influenced his martial path. Had Wang Chao not left early, he might have guided Zhang Ze to understand these things.

While Zhang Ze was lost in thought, Xue Zhenshan’s voice rang out again.

“Every new recruit entering the bureau may collect 100 points from the Logistics Department. This is your first allocation of training resources from the bureau.”