After an exhausting week of training at the rebel camp, Xu Anping and the other recruits slowly began to adapt to the harsh conditions. Military life was relentless: endless days of physical exercises, poorly coordinated combat drills, and the constant, disorganized orders from officers who seemed more interested in asserting their authority than in properly preparing the new soldiers. Chaos was part of daily life, but for Xu Anping, this was just an extension of the survival he had known since childhood.
The real shock came when it was announced that the recruits would be divided into groups of 50 people, and that within a month, each group had to elect a leader. The news sparked fierce competition. Immediately, alliances began to form among the stronger and more charismatic recruits, each seeking to consolidate their power within the rebel ranks.
Xu Anping, though he wanted to lead, knew he wasn't in a favorable position. His thin body and physical condition, worn down by years of deprivation, didn't give him the imposing presence of the other recruits. However, what he lacked in strength he made up for with intelligence, cunning, and a calmness cultivated through years of hunger and struggle for survival. Liang, his only close friend, had a completely different approach. The fire of revenge burned within him, and his physical strength made him a natural competitor for leadership, though his impulsiveness was both a strength and a weakness.
While other recruits formed alliances and small factions, Xu Anping and Liang remained on the sidelines. They knew it was too early to get involved in internal political schemes. Both watched, learned, and waited for the right moment to act. But the calm wouldn't last long.
One afternoon, while Xu Anping and Liang had separated from the main group to fetch water from a nearby stream, they were intercepted by five recruits who had already formed a small gang. The group was led by Wei Heng, an aggressive and ambitious young man whose reputation for violence and arrogance had already reached the ears of all the recruits.
As Wei Heng and his followers approached, the tension in the air became palpable. Xu Anping, always alert, quickly began analyzing the situation. He knew they were outnumbered, but he also knew they couldn't simply back down. A confrontation was inevitable.
"Join us or you'll regret it," Wei Heng said, flashing a mocking smile, his tone laced with threat.
Liang, without hesitation, responded coldly. "I'd rather fight than take orders from a coward like you."
Wei Heng's face darkened, and without further ado, his men advanced with the confidence of those who believe they have the upper hand. Xu Anping knew they couldn't wait for them to strike first; if they wanted a chance, they'd have to take the initiative. He quickly turned to Liang and whispered, "We attack first. Two on one. If we break their formation, we can win."
Liang nodded, trusting Xu Anping's strategy, though his impulsive nature urged him to charge into the fight immediately.
With a swift movement, Xu Anping lunged at the nearest recruit, surprising him with a quick blow to the side. The man staggered, thrown off balance by the unexpected attack. Liang, taking advantage of the initial confusion, punched another recruit square in the face, knocking him to the ground with a single hit. Chaos erupted.
The recruits, initially confident, found themselves struggling to regroup. Xu Anping moved with agility, dodging his opponents' clumsy strikes while landing precise attacks. He didn't need to be the strongest; he just needed to be faster and smarter. Liang, on the other hand, fought with relentless fury, delivering brutal blows that brought down any opponent in his path.
The fight intensified. Despite being outnumbered, Xu Anping and Liang managed to maintain the initiative. They always attacked in pairs, destabilizing one enemy before moving on to the next. Xu Anping's movements were calculated, keeping his opponents off balance, while Liang seized every opening to unleash his fury in devastating punches.
Seeing his men fall one by one, Wei Heng decided to intervene. He brandished an improvised stick and charged at Xu Anping with surprising speed. Xu barely managed to dodge the first strike, but instead of retreating, he used the proximity to his advantage. With a quick move, he grabbed Wei Heng's stick and, using the leader's own strength against him, threw him to the ground.
Liang, in a final burst of strength, knocked down the two remaining recruits. Wei Heng, now alone, retreated with a mix of disbelief and rage on his face.
"This isn't over!" Wei Heng growled before turning and quickly leaving, his eyes filled with promises of revenge.
Xu Anping and Liang stood still for a moment, both breathing heavily, their bodies covered in sweat and dust. They had won, but they knew this victory wouldn't go unnoticed. Just as they were about to relax, a deep, authoritative voice resonated from the shadows.
"Interesting," said a figure that slowly emerged, its silhouette bathed in the fading light of the sunset. He wore a simple uniform, but there was something in his demeanor that immediately commanded respect. "I didn't expect to see such an organized fight between recruits."
The man, middle-aged but with an aura that spoke of many battles fought, watched them with sharp eyes. Xu Anping immediately recognized that he wasn't a mere soldier. This man was someone with experience, someone who could change the recruits' fate in an instant.
"We were simply defending our right not to be forced into an unwanted alliance," Xu Anping said cautiously, choosing his words carefully.
The man nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Xu Anping's. "I saw that. I also saw something else: two young men who, instead of being intimidated, fought together and defeated a superior threat. That's not something you see every day among recruits."
Liang, still full of adrenaline, was about to speak, but Xu Anping stopped him with a slight hand gesture. He knew there was more behind the man's words—perhaps an opportunity.
The rebel leader tilted his head, evaluating them once more before speaking again. "Follow me," he said, addressing Xu Anping. "I want to talk to you alone."
Surprised but intrigued, Xu Anping nodded and followed him. As they walked away from the stream, Xu Anping couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and anticipation. He knew this encounter could change everything.