Chapter 14: Conviction and Admiration

“You will pay dearly for your ignorance, and the price will be a memory you may never forget.”
Xue Meng’s tone was strangely calm, so calm it seemed almost unbelievable.
But only those who knew Xue Meng understood: this was merely the brief silence before a storm.
“I’m actually quite curious to see what unforgettable memory you’ll give me.”
By now, Gu Jianfeng no longer possessed the fierce competitiveness he once had.
He had seen life and death, grown used to farewells, and the heart that once burned hot was now cold.
Still, Gu Jianfeng could tell that Xue Meng was a troublemaker—if he didn’t deal with him, his plans ahead might be seriously hindered.
Moreover, if memory served, Long Fei still suffered from an illness. At the moment, his faith was supporting him, but if the symptoms flared up one day, it might be too late to act.
Now, what Gu Jianfeng needed most was time.
A cold glint flashed in Xue Meng’s eyes. He raised his fist and launched a fierce attack at Gu Jianfeng, moving with astonishing speed.
A simple straight punch, but Xue Meng executed it with tremendous force and vigor.
Among the onlookers, only Xie Yidao and Xiong Xiong could barely keep track of Xue Meng’s fist.
Both were confident in their own fighting abilities, but seeing Xue Meng’s speed, their initial shock quickly gave way to a wry smile.
The gap between them and Xue Meng was simply too vast.
What seemed lightning-fast to everyone else was, to Gu Jianfeng and his powerful soul perception, no more than a slow-motion scene in a film.
Everyone was worried for Gu Jianfeng.
Although Gu Jianfeng came from Sirius, none present believed he stood a chance in a fight, for they all understood Xue Meng’s strength.
As Xue Meng’s fist drew ever closer to Gu Jianfeng’s head, the crowd’s hearts tightened in suspense.
At the last moment, Gu Jianfeng tilted his head slightly, narrowly dodging Xue Meng’s punch, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the crowd.
Seeing his blow fall short, Xue Meng instantly switched his fist into a claw, reaching for Gu Jianfeng’s shoulder.
But Gu Jianfeng dodged again.
At that moment, in Xue Meng’s eyes, Gu Jianfeng was like an eel—slippery and elusive, always just out of reach.
Six or seven times in a row, each attempt missed, leaving Xue Meng feeling a twinge of exhaustion. His already irritable temper began to flare, and his eyes slowly reddened.

“I’ll make you stop dodging!”
Xue Meng radiated murderous intent as he lifted his right leg and swept it toward Gu Jianfeng.
Seeing the power behind Xue Meng’s attack, Gu Jianfeng’s expression grew even more focused.
He frantically gathered soul energy within his body, channeling it into his left arm, then punched the sole of Xue Meng’s right foot.
Though prepared, Gu Jianfeng was still forced back two steps by Xue Meng before regaining his balance.
Xue Meng, however, retreated five steps before barely steadying himself.
“What?”
The spectators were left speechless in astonishment.
“Such speed, such strength—I’m convinced!”
Xue Meng was someone who could accept both victory and defeat; prior matters meant little to him now.
The military is unlike any other place. Here, if you are strong enough, you earn respect.
Honor belongs to the strong—it is their badge.
“I only relied on some tricks. In a real fight to the death, I probably wouldn’t be your equal.”
Gu Jianfeng’s words, though polite, were honest.
Xue Meng’s skills were not mere show—they were battle-tested. With Gu Jianfeng’s current strength, truly defeating Xue Meng would still be difficult.
“A loss is a loss. Next time, I’ll win it back. There’s no need for further matches.”
Xue Meng spoke up.
“Hahaha, Xue Meng is backing down!”
Hearing this, the crowd jeered playfully.
“No wonder you’re from Sirius. My temper got the better of me earlier; I hope you don’t take it to heart.”
Xue Meng spoke with some embarrassment.
Gu Jianfeng’s punch had thoroughly humbled him.
Years of smooth sailing had allowed arrogance to fester in his heart. That was why, despite his strength, he was transferred here—everyone saw him as a troublemaker, hard to manage, and unwanted.

“We’re all brothers stirring the same pot. Why talk as if we’re strangers?”
Gu Jianfeng smiled, then continued, “I forgot to mention something. When the commander and commissar visited last time, they asked me to relay an order: If we achieve results in the military dog competition six months from now, our company won’t be disbanded.”
“Really? How come I didn’t know?”
“The commander and commissar—why didn’t they say it in front of everyone?”
“No matter what, we still have a chance.”
The crowd spoke up in discussion.
After hearing Gu Jianfeng’s words, Fu Zhihong smiled and stepped forward, saying, “Actually, what I want to say is that this chance was obtained by Comrade Gu Jianfeng, who traded his own future for it!”
“What? There’s more to it?”
“What’s going on?”
“I knew there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
Everyone looked at Fu Zhihong in confusion, waiting for his explanation.
“Comrade Gu Jianfeng secured this opportunity for our company, but he also promised the commander something.”
“As for what exactly, the commander didn’t say, but I doubt it’s anything simple.”
Fu Zhihong knew only because Yu Hongyang called Long Fei to share the news, which made Long Fei happy but also brought him some concern.
“No questions asked—from now on, you’re my big brother, Gu Jianfeng. I respect you!”
Xue Meng walked up to Gu Jianfeng and spoke.
“In all my life, I’ve never respected many people, but you’re the first!”
Xie Yidao, though only newly acquainted with Gu Jianfeng, had already been deeply impressed by him.
“To have all of you as comrades and brothers is my good fortune. We have only six months left, but training qualified military dogs in such a short time is no easy task.”
“Besides, our company’s dogs are either old or young—not a good balance. The mission on our shoulders is far from light.”
Gu Jianfeng spoke, encouraging everyone and preparing them for the task ahead.