CHAPTER 995: CHAPTER 995: MEETING THE FORMER COMMANDER

Xiang Yu was wearing casual clothes, which stood out in the army. But he didn’t bring any clothes with him, so he had no choice but to proceed.

Following his instincts, he indeed found the training ground. The army was already lined up there waiting.

It seemed like it was about to start. Xiang Yu wanted to go forward, but realized that wearing these clothes would definitely draw attention.

While Xiang Yu was pondering, suddenly two soldiers came over.

When they reached Xiang Yu, they first saluted him, and Xiang Yu returned the salute out of habit.

The two soldiers were surprised by Xiang Yu’s perfectly executed salute and, smiling, said, "Please show your credentials."

Xiang Yu took out his credentials and showed them to the soldiers, who returned them respectfully, saying, "You are a guest; please watch from the platform over there."

"No need, I’ll just look around and then leave," Xiang Yu nodded and replied.

The soldiers didn’t argue and left with a smile.

Xiang Yu eventually turned around and left. If he didn’t see it today, there was still tomorrow. After all, the competition would last several days.

He returned to the rest area, went to his room, and lay down to sleep.

When he woke up, it was 7 o’clock in the afternoon. Tie Zhuzi and the others had already returned. They had a casual meal, and around 8 o’clock, Gao Mantang came to see them.

"Really sorry for the poor hospitality, it’s been too busy these days," Gao Mantang said to Xiang Yu.

"No need to be polite, we should thank you for letting us watch the competition," Xiang Yu replied courteously.

Neither of them was one for idle chitchat, so they exchanged pleasantries briefly and didn’t dwell on the subject.

"I’ve prepared uniforms for you, tomorrow the four of you will join me," Gao Mantang said a bit excitedly.

"I refuse to wear a uniform, looks ugly," Gao Zhitao said with a pout.

"Well, then don’t bother coming tomorrow," Gao Mantang said bluntly.

This was a competition among the elites from various military districts, attended by soldiers from different districts. If someone wore other clothes, they would certainly attract strange looks.

Gao Zhitao had no choice but to shut his mouth. He knew his grandfather’s character and that he wouldn’t go back on his word.

"Does this martial arts competition between military districts have any special significance?" Xiang Yu asked.

Gao Mantang waved his hand and said, "It’s not very significant, just an interaction between different districts and a motivation for soldiers to enhance their training."

Xiang Yu nodded and didn’t ask further; after all, he was an outsider, and Gao Mantang, as a senior military figure, wouldn’t reveal the inner reasons to Xiang Yu.

Gao Mantang mentioned some details to pay attention to for the next day and then left.

There’s not much to do in the military district—in fact, it’s somewhat monotonous and dull. With nothing to entertain them, they went to sleep early.

Before 8 o’clock the next morning, Gao Mantang had his people deliver the clothes.

Tie Zhuzi’s clothes were a bit small, and it was noticeable when wearing them. Xiaoxuan’s clothes were quite fitting.

What surprised everyone the most was that when Xiang Yu put on the clothes, his natural aura instantly emerged.

It seemed like wearing a military uniform suited him better.

"Brother Yu, you were born to be a soldier," Tie Zhuzi said.

"Don’t you dare tell me you’re in the Special Forces," Gao Zhitao said jealously.

His clothes were tailor-made, but even in those, he didn’t look as dashing as Xiang Yu.

Wearing the military uniform, Xiang Yu felt at ease all over, a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

"It’s almost time, let’s go," Xiang Yu said after checking the watch.

Outside, Gao Mantang had already prepared a driver. They got into the car and headed towards the training area.

When they arrived at the training area, Xiang Yu and the others were directly led to the audience seats behind the podium.

Gao Mantang and the others hadn’t arrived yet. Although the venue was packed with people, there was no noise; everyone sat there upright.

Tie Zhuzi sat next to Xiang Yu and, after surveying the surroundings, whispered, "Why is it so quiet? What’s going on?"

Xiang Yu sat there without speaking, while Gao Zhitao looked at Tie Zhuzi mysteriously and said, "That’s why I don’t want to join the military; everyone is like a log, not fun at all."

The two of them chatted back and forth, being the most lively among the entire assembly.

As the clock struck 8, someone shouted for everyone to rise.

Immediately, everyone stood up, Xiang Yu included. Tie Zhuzi and Xiaoxuan, unaware, reluctantly stood when they saw everyone else stand.

A group of leaders walked over with great authority and then sat on the podium. Everyone exchanged salutes and then sat down.

Gao Mantang, the leader of the military district and host of the main venue, sat at the front and announced the commencement of the competition.

Following this, the announcers began detailing the events of the competition and the rules to be observed.

Everyone watched the competition intently, while Xiang Yu stared at one person’s back in a daze.

"He’s here too," excitement bubbled in Xiang Yu’s heart.

Xiang Yu had come here hoping against hope to see if Commander Cao would come.

But Commander Cao didn’t come; one of his colonels did, Wan Shengnan. Xiang Yu was acquainted with him; Wan Shengnan, promoted by Commander Cao, could be considered Cao’s trusted aide.

Wan Shengnan also knew Xiang Yu, but in the sea of people, he hadn’t seen him.

If he were to see Xiang Yu here, who knows what expression he would have.

At this moment, Xiang Yu felt conflicted. He really wanted to walk over and call Wan Shengnan "chief."

But his current identity was different; he was a civilian, and he couldn’t be sure if Wan Shengnan and Commander Cao were on the same page.

Judging by Cao’s regard for him, they probably were in cahoots.

If that were the case, standing in front of him might result in being captured as a deserter.

Being apprehended here would leave no room for negotiation.

"Commander Cao, oh Commander Cao, what kind of person are you exactly?" Xiang Yu inwardly pondered.

At this moment, the competition was underway.

Sitting there, Tie Zhuzi couldn’t contain himself, standing up and loudly cheering.

As a mere spectator, he didn’t know whose soldiers were competing, purely watching the show.

"Are you nuts? Keep it down," Gao Zhitao said gratefully, pulling Tie Zhuzi down.

Many military districts were gathered here, even Gao Zhitao was keeping a low profile. If trouble arose now, Gao Mantang definitely wouldn’t spare them.

Some leaders turned around upon hearing the commotion, curious to see just whose soldiers were creating such a fuss by yelling here.

Seeing this, Xiang Yu’s heart sank...