Chapter 37: Participating in the Preliminary Selection

“Future brother-in-law, is it? Don’t worry, this little matter is in good hands!” As soon as Long Fei spoke, Gu Jianfeng’s attitude made a complete reversal.

“Other than Xue Meng and Xie Yidao, the rest have pretty ordinary physiques—even that Xiong Xiong is just slightly better than average,” Long Fei said softly.

“Don’t worry, brother-in-law, I’ll handle it!” Gu Jianfeng replied with confidence. Now that he’d broken through to the level of a first-grade Soul Commander, helping them temper their bodies wouldn’t be as taxing as it was at the start.

“It’s a bit early for you to call me brother-in-law. If your performance satisfies me, perhaps I’ll put in a good word for you with my cousin,” Long Fei said with a smile.

“Satisfaction is guaranteed, absolutely!” Gu Jianfeng replied.

“Why do I feel like you’re different from before today?” Long Fei looked at Gu Jianfeng, asking seriously.

“Haha, when I went out with Heavenly General today, I suddenly made a breakthrough in strength while walking. Ah, the world of geniuses is always so full of troubles! Honestly, I’d prefer a quieter life, but reality just won’t allow it,” Gu Jianfeng boasted shamelessly.

“Get out!” Long Fei waved him away. “Tomorrow is the preliminary round of the Military Dog Skills Competition. If you don’t get a good result, I’ll deal with you myself!”

“Haha, now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit tired. You should rest early too, brother-in-law. Staying up late isn’t good for the kidneys. You haven’t even started dating—you need to take good care of yourself!” With that, Gu Jianfeng hurried off.

“This kid…” Long Fei shook his head with a laugh. The once stagnant First Company, thanks to Gu Jianfeng’s arrival, was lively again. The morale was high—gone was the previous air of defeat.

Early the next morning, the regiment’s vehicle arrived. At the wheel was none other than Gao Yuan, the deputy captain of the Military Dog Unit.

“Haha, Deputy Captain Gao, you’re here bright and early!” Gu Jianfeng greeted as he recognized the visitor.

“This competition depends on all of you. I’m just here to run errands for you today!” Gao Yuan replied with a laugh.

“We wouldn’t dare!” Gu Jianfeng replied. Now that everything was out in the open, there were no more barriers between them.

“You little rascal, are you poking fun at me?” Gao Yuan joked with a smile.

After a round of pleasantries, everyone began boarding the vehicle. They were all ready, having waited for the regimental transport, since five dogs wouldn’t fit in the First Company’s car.

Everyone was eager to compete, but only five dogs could participate. After deliberation, other than Heavenly General and Rifle, they selected Batu from Xue Meng, Xiaomi from Xie Yidao, and Taotao from Xiong Xiong.

The drive took several hours before they finally arrived at the competition grounds. The place bustled with people, full of excitement.

As soon as Heavenly General got off the vehicle, he drew everyone’s attention—his appearance was simply too striking.

“This dog is huge!”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a military dog like this!”

“Is this really a military dog? Could it be a pet?”

People crowded around, whispering about Heavenly General.

Seeing Heavenly General about to react, Gu Jianfeng quickly intervened, “Calm down!”

Heavenly General whimpered aggrievedly—he was the real victim here.

“According to our information, there are quite a few excellent military dogs this time, but none should pose much of a threat to us,” Gao Yuan told everyone.

“Haha, I’m actually hoping there are some outstanding dogs this year. That way, Xiaomi’s prowess will really stand out!” Xie Yidao said, patting Xiaomi’s head with a grin.

“Old Xie, our dogs may be one in a million, but we can’t be careless. Even a lion must use all its strength to catch a rabbit,” Guo Yudong advised. Over the past half-year, he’d made remarkable progress, no longer the glib soldier he once was.

“Oh, Old Guo, are you thinking of applying for our company now that we’re without a political instructor?” Xie Yidao shot back with a roll of his eyes.

“Don’t tease, Old Xie, I know my own limits,” Guo Yudong replied.

“All right, enough chatter. We’re not in the company now, so watch what you say and do. Our First Company is under the spotlight—one misstep and there could be trouble,” Gu Jianfeng warned.

“For this competition, everyone must give their all—no mistakes allowed! Our results this time are crucial,” Gu Jianfeng addressed his team solemnly.

“Yes!” Everyone nodded in seriousness.

Since it was the preliminary round, Gu Jianfeng and his team could only wait and wait. Although there were many participants, the eliminations came quickly. By the end of the first day, half the military dogs had been eliminated, and fewer than five hundred advanced.

Following Gu Jianfeng’s instructions, the members of First Company tackled each contest with utmost caution. Their outstanding results quickly brought their five dogs into the spotlight.

“Bring me the files on those military dogs,” a general seated at the center of the judges’ table instructed his aide.

He was Fu Jiaze, Chief of Staff of the Northwest Military District, holding the rank of Major General. This alone showed how seriously the district regarded the competition.

“Sir, here are the files you requested.” Soon, the staff handed over the documents.

“All of them are from the First Company of the Border Defense Regiment?” Fu Jiaze looked puzzled. “Isn’t that unit supposed to be a retirement home for old military dogs? How do they have these young, outstanding dogs?”

“Sir, we’re not sure of the details. We can ask their people in a moment,” his aide replied.

After the first day’s events, Gao Yuan, Gu Jianfeng, and the others were asked to stay behind. Seeing their confusion, a staff member explained, “No need to worry—the chief just wants to ask you a few questions.”

“Oh, is that all? I thought something was wrong,” Xue Meng said.

Just then, a group approached, led by Chief of Staff Fu Jiaze himself. As soon as Xue Meng and the others spotted the insignia on his shoulder, they snapped to attention, standing ramrod straight—a slight tremor even running through their bodies.