Chapter 27: The Special Forces Instructor (Part Two)

"Heh, Commander Sun’s proposal is certainly tempting, but I’ve always been a bit lazy, not fond of too many restrictions. Besides, I’m still a college student, so I’ll have to decline your kind offer." In truth, Liu Fan knew Sun Jianguo was sincere, but he had his own reasons for gaining experience, so he declined politely.

Sun Jianguo seemed to understand that recruiting someone like Liu Fan wouldn’t be easy, nor did he expect instant success; this was merely a test.

"Heh, I know experts like you value freedom. Then, how about you take on the title of instructor at our military district? You’d only need to provide guidance when you’re free. I just hope to cultivate more talents for the country." Seeing his first attempt fail, Sun Jianguo tried another approach. He believed any martial artist would have a patriotic spirit, and with minimal time commitment, Liu Fan would likely agree.

"Well..." As expected, Liu Fan hesitated. Sun Jianguo noticed this and pressed his advantage, saying, "Actually, having the title has its perks. If you ever face trouble locally, your identity will make things much easier, and you won’t have to do much at all."

Liu Fan was tempted. "Really? Are you sure this doesn’t violate any regulations?"

"Rest assured. I’m a major general, after all. Getting you the rank of lieutenant colonel is practically guaranteed. So, does this mean you agree?" Seeing Liu Fan interested, Sun Jianguo thumped his chest in assurance.

"Alright, you’ve convinced me, though I still have classes and can’t be around too often." Liu Fan had considered that mere martial prowess wasn’t enough to navigate society; he couldn’t simply resort to supernatural means whenever someone offended him.

"Excellent! Cao Wei, go and arrange the credentials and uniform for Xiao Fan immediately." Sun Jianguo, thrilled by Liu Fan’s consent, became even more enthusiastic in conversation.

"Yes, Commander." Cao Wei replied and hurried out to handle the matter.

...

Early the next morning, Liu Fan, exempt from military training, enjoyed a rare lie-in. It was a privilege envied by his classmates, but with his formidable skills, it was only natural.

As Liu Fan was still deep in his dreams, Cao Wei rushed into his dormitory. Seeing Liu Fan still buried under his covers, Cao Wei’s expression twitched with annoyance. He hurried over to shake him awake, grumbling, "Oh heavens, brother, why are you still sleeping? Do you know what time it is? A whole group is waiting for you at the training ground!"

Liu Fan could only get up reluctantly, yawning as he said, "Cao, you know disturbing someone’s dreams is a grave offense. You scared away the girl in my dream!"

Cao Wei was exasperated. He and the others had waited at the training ground for Liu Fan, only for him not to show up. Forced to come find him, he discovered Liu Fan still in bed. Waking him up, only to be blamed, left him feeling unlucky. Not daring to complain—after all, Liu Fan was stronger—he kept his frustration to himself.

"Brother, yesterday you promised the commander you’d teach us this morning. The recruits raised a fuss when they heard their instructor was just a student; they’re protesting already." Cao Wei, having no other option, tried both persuasion and provocation, reminding Liu Fan of his promise and mentioning the unruly soldiers’ skepticism, hoping to spur him into action. Yet Liu Fan’s calm response thwarted his plan.

Liu Fan, unhurried, adjusted his attire and donned the special forces lieutenant colonel uniform Cao Wei had brought the day before. Once dressed, he stood tall and imposing, his handsome features and well-built physique making him look even more commanding. If his shoulder insignia were swapped for a major general’s, he would have perfectly embodied the image of a leader commanding the nation.

"Tsk, tsk... Didn’t expect you to look so fitting in uniform. It’s a perfect match. I wonder how many girls will fall for you in the future," Cao Wei teased, eyeing Liu Fan’s outfit.

"Cao, don’t tempt me—I already have a girlfriend, so I’d never do something like that." Liu Fan, usually lacking in social tact, blushed at the mention, still a pure-hearted youth despite just starting his relationship with Ning Qi.

"Pfft, haha! You’re hilarious. A great martial artist blushing like a schoolboy—still a pure-hearted virgin, eh?" Cao Wei laughed heartily at Liu Fan’s embarrassment.

"Hmph! Are we leaving or not? If Commander Sun asks why I’m late, I’ll say it’s your fault. You’ll be in trouble then." Liu Fan, mortified, threatened Cao Wei with his weak spot.

"Pfft! Hahaha..." Cao Wei, far from intimidated, laughed even harder.

Seeing his words had no effect, Liu Fan resorted to a more mischievous tactic. "I heard someone will be joining this special training too. If I give that person extra attention during drills, do you think he’ll fare well?" His tone turned suggestive, and he raised his eyebrow at Cao Wei.

That shut Cao Wei up, nearly taking his breath away. He gulped and said awkwardly, "Heh, we’re brothers, after all. But the military values fairness—best to treat everyone equally."

"Is that so? Then let’s not keep Commander Sun waiting." Having achieved his aim, Liu Fan stopped teasing and urged Cao Wei to hurry.

"Right, right, let’s go! Otherwise, I’ll be in for a scolding." Liu Fan’s reminder jolted Cao Wei, who cursed himself for almost causing trouble.

The two left the dormitory, boarded the military vehicle Cao Wei had brought, and quickly sped through a grove to a secret training ground in the military district.

Upon arrival, they found many waiting inside. Commander Sun Jianguo greeted them, accompanied by several middle-aged officers—two colonels and three lieutenant colonels, judging by their insignia. With Sun Jianguo’s introductions, Liu Fan shook hands with each, exchanging pleasantries.

The officers, unfamiliar with Liu Fan, were courteous but skeptical. Liu Fan didn’t mind; at his level of skill, such doubts were beneath him.

Soon, Liu Fan was escorted to the center of the special forces lineup. Sun Jianguo stepped forward and addressed the troops: "Soldiers of the Wild Wolf Regiment, you have made great contributions to the nation in the past, but those days are gone. The international situation is ever-changing, and our country faces frequent friction with its neighbors. To better safeguard national interests, you must keep pace with the times and strengthen your abilities. Today, I’ve invited a martial arts master to lead your special training. Let’s give him a warm welcome!"

A sparse round of applause followed Sun Jianguo’s speech, with only those familiar with Liu Fan clapping. Clearly, most were unconvinced about having a student as their instructor. Understandable—who would accept a youngster to tell them what to do?

Liu Fan expected this. Without showing true skill, he’d never win their respect. Without waiting for further objections, he stepped forward and said calmly, "I know many of you aren’t convinced, but soon you’ll change your minds."

He pointed to the thousand-odd soldiers assembled and declared, "If you’re not convinced, I’ll fight until you are. Whether you want a one-on-one or a group challenge, name your terms."

A burly man stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes, and growled, "What difference does it make—one-on-one or all together?"

Seeing someone eager to engage, Liu Fan smirked and replied coldly, "A one-on-one means I take all of you on, a group challenge means all of you against me. Do you dare?"