The entry is upgraded again fighting master

The recruits assembled on the playground felt a tension rise in the air, like a storm was on the horizon. Lin Yi stood amidst them, though his presence seemed larger than life. His mastery over hand-to-hand combat had transformed him into something far beyond a typical soldier. While others were just beginning their military journey, Lin Yi was already thinking ahead, not only about how to survive, but how to excel—how to dominate.

Zheng Sanpao, despite his hardened demeanor, couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride as he glanced at Lin Yi. He knew this recruit was different. If anyone had the potential to rise through the ranks and make it to the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company, it was Lin Yi. But he also understood that Lin Yi's abilities went beyond his physical prowess; the man had a calculating mind. He was someone who could change the battlefield and perhaps the future of their military unit.

"Recruits, take this as your first real test," Zheng Sanpao bellowed. "It's not just about endurance; it's about strategy, discipline, and knowing your limits. Most of you won't make it to the Night Tigers, but that doesn't mean you won't be invaluable soldiers. Your goal today is to prove that you deserve to be here, to show that you can handle the challenges ahead."

Zhuang Yan, standing to Lin Yi's right, felt the familiar sting of doubt creep in. His thoughts wandered back to Xiaoying and the reason he had joined the military in the first place. The discipline, the rigor—it was so far from the life he imagined. He wasn't here to be molded into a machine of war; he was here for love. But every day seemed to pull him further away from that goal.

Next to Zhuang Yan, Chen Xiwa's excitement was barely contained. His dream of being in a special company, like the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company, drove him. But Lin Yi's earlier words weighed heavily on his mind. The path wasn't straightforward. It wasn't just about being strong; it was about continuous improvement, education, and dedication. And now, Chen Xiwa was determined to push himself, to meet the standards set before him.

The group of recruits started their tactical drill under the watchful eyes of their instructors. As they practiced combat formations and worked through various physical challenges, Lin Yi moved with an ease that made it look like a rehearsed dance. His body was a weapon, fluid and precise. He could see the weaknesses in his opponents before they even made a move. If this were a real fight, none would stand a chance.

Zheng Sanpao's voice cut through the air again. "Lin Yi!" he barked. "Step forward!"

Lin Yi calmly walked to the front of the formation, standing at attention, waiting for orders.

"I see the way you handle yourself," Zheng Sanpao said. "You think you're already beyond this, don't you?"

Lin Yi met his gaze but said nothing. His silence spoke volumes.

Zheng Sanpao smirked, though there was a hint of something darker behind his eyes. "We'll see if that confidence holds up. Tomorrow, you'll be sparring with our veterans. Real soldiers. Let's see if you're as unbeatable as you think."

Zhuang Yan and Chen Xiwa exchanged nervous glances. Everyone knew the veterans didn't hold back. For a recruit to face off against them was almost unheard of.

But Lin Yi only nodded. "Understood, squad leader."

As the sun began to set and the day's drills came to an end, the recruits were left to reflect. Some felt a growing determination, others dread. But Lin Yi knew this was only the beginning. Tomorrow's sparring would just be another step in his journey—a test not just of his skill, but of his resolve. The real battle was not on the training grounds but within himself, as he balanced his ambitions with the shadow of what he might become.

As night fell over the barracks, the quiet hum of soldiers settling in was interrupted by Zhuang Yan, still lost in his thoughts. "Lin Yi," he said softly, "what if... what if this isn't what I want? What if I don't belong here?"

Lin Yi, sitting on the edge of his bunk, looked over at him. "Then find what you do want," he said simply. "But don't let indecision be your reason for failure."

Zhuang Yan nodded, though the uncertainty lingered. He wasn't like Lin Yi, and he wasn't sure he wanted to be. But he knew one thing—whatever happened, he couldn't give up. Not yet.

Tomorrow would be the true test, not just for Lin Yi, but for all of them. The road ahead was long and filled with unknowns, but each had to decide how far they were willing to go to survive it.