"Pardon my poor display."
Ding Ling sheathed his saber and stood up, addressing Gao Lan and Cheng Huan.
"..."
Gao Lan looked speechlessly at the sky, thinking, "If this is called a poor display, I might as well dig a hole and bury myself; wouldn't that be better?"
"Good, good. Excellent!"
Cheng Huan clapped, laughed, and praised:
"Such an impressive display. Just based on this saber technique, Ding Ling, you are more than qualified to be a Military Marquis."
"I don't dare claim that."
Ding Ling slightly reined in his demeanor.
Confidence is good, but over-acting might provoke Gao Lan's displeasure, which would be counterproductive.
Being neither arrogant nor humble is the main theme, which makes one more admirable.
Sure enough, when Gao Lan first heard Cheng Huan's words, his expression wasn't pleasant, but Ding Ling's modest words made his expression return to normal.
Gao Lan himself was only a Military Marquis.
Ding Ling, as a new recruit for less than half a day, had quickly reached a level equal to his, leaving Gao Lan at a loss.
Cheng Huan also realized this, cleared his throat, and promptly changed the subject:
"Ding Ling, with such talent, what are your plans next? Will you follow me to find General Pan Feng, or continue to learn from Gao Lan?"
"I am willing to continue learning from General Gao."
Ding Ling decisively took the opportunity to further his progress.
"..."
Gao Lan was speechless and waved his hand, a bit disheartenedly:
"I can't teach you anymore. My specialty is the Battlefield Spear Technique. Next is the Sword Technique. But these two martial arts are family techniques. I made an exception to teach you the Battlefield Saber Technique, but I can't teach you the Battlefield Spear Technique."
"That's a great pity."
Ding Ling expressed regret.
Cheng Huan glanced sideways, "You want to learn spear technique too?"
"If possible, I certainly would like to learn."
"Do you think your talent in spear technique is not less than in saber technique?"
"Yes."
Ding Ling once again activated his full-level acting skills and performed:
"I believe I can definitely excel in spear technique!"
It's important to demonstrate confidence.
How else can he persuade Cheng Huan to take him to learn spear techniques from other generals?
"Remarkable."
Cheng Huan instinctively praised but hesitated a bit, pondering for a while, then said:
"Since Gao Lan can no longer teach you, wait here for a moment, and I'll go ask Zhang Hex."
"I can put in a good word for you with Zhang Hex."
Gao Lan seemed to greatly appreciate Ding Ling and couldn't help interjecting:
"Zhang Hex specializes in spear technique. From initial tier to high tier, and even to his family's spear technique, he has mastered them all! The family technique may be difficult to impart, but for other spear techniques, we should have no problem talking about it."
"That would be even better."
Cheng Huan was delighted, "Then Gao Lan, come with me."
"Okay."
Gao Lan beckoned to Ding Ling:
"Ding Ling, let's go together."
Almost at the same time.
An alert sounded.
[Achievement Medal: Earned Gao Lan's High Recognition!]
[Note: Your performance has completely convinced Gao Lan, causing him to question his own martial arts talent. He even considers testing your spear talent to see if it is as strong as your saber talent.]
Another achievement medal.
Ding Ling grew increasingly curious about the purpose of these achievement medals.
They clearly were not something that just anyone could obtain.
Convincing a historical figure, how difficult could that be?
Clatter, clatter!
Gao Lan and Cheng Huan walked ahead.
Ding Ling followed behind.
Gao Lan touched the silk scroll of the Battlefield Saber Technique in his arms, feeling infinitely emotional. It was the first time a new recruit had made him question his life.
He had a strong premonition.
Perhaps with Zhang Hex, this Ding Ling might also create a miracle.
Very soon.
They arrived at Zhang Hex's camp.
He, too, was a Military Marquis of the Jizhou Camp.
In terms of appearance and temperament, he slightly surpassed Gao Lan.
He was also training new recruits, and Ding Ling immediately noticed that ninety-nine percent of these recruits were players.
Zhang Hex was one of the future Five Generals, his reputation resounding through history!
Players naturally enjoyed learning martial arts under such a famous general.
Zhang Hex was very dedicated, instructing with precision, and only stopped 'working' when Gao Lan arrived, allowing his deputy to continue training the recruits.
He then went to the tent to talk with Gao Lan and Cheng Huan.
Ding Ling didn't go in.
He waited outside the tent.
There were some conversations he wasn't in a position to participate in; going in would be futile.
But perhaps due to increased strength, his five senses had sharpened considerably. He could hear conversations that he previously couldn't if he was even slightly distant.
But now he heard them clearly.
He listened to the conversation inside the tent between Gao Lan, Cheng Huan, and Zhang Hex.
Ding Ling blushed a little.
But soon, he returned to normal.
After some time.
Gao Lan lifted the curtain and came out, gesturing for Ding Ling to come over.
Ding Ling followed him into the tent.
He had just stepped inside when a melodious voice asked: "Are you Ding Ling?"
"That's right."
Ding Ling nodded instinctively and followed the voice. Sure enough, it was Zhang Hex, and he couldn't help but say:
"Greetings, General Zhang!"
"I'm just a Military Marquis; the title of general is unnecessary."
Zhang Hex smiled and waved his hand, "You can just call me by my name."
Gao Lan, listening nearby, felt slightly embarrassed. He had accepted the title of general calmly. Hearing Zhang Hex, he felt he needed to make changes, especially in front of a genius like Ding Ling!
"I'll skip the small talk."
Zhang Hex, evidently a decisive person, went straight to the core elements of initial-tier spear technique:
"Watch closely. This is the initial-tier spear technique that every Zhang family member learns."
As he spoke, he demonstrated without concealing anything from Gao Lan and Cheng Huan.
After two demonstrations.
He looked at Ding Ling:
"How does it feel?"
"Not bad."
Ding Ling closed his eyes slightly.
A book formed instantly in the library of his mind.
[Initial-tier Spear Technique – Full Level]
[Strength +0.1]
[Agility +0.2]
[Constitution +0.1]
In just the span of a breath.
He had mastered the initial-tier spear technique.
Ding Ling had comprehended the essence and secrets of this technique, more than capable of performing a full set of spear techniques.
"Oh?"
Zhang Hex was a bit incredulous:
"The initial-tier spear technique may seem simple, but it forms the foundation of all spear techniques. Only by mastering this can you progress further in spear techniques. When I first learned it, it took me two full years to hone it to a point of perfection before moving on to middle-tier spear techniques!"
He paused, then said:
"Are you sure you've grasped this technique? If you have, I'll continue teaching you the middle-tier, if not, you can leave now."
He looked intently at Ding Ling:
"Don't lie to me!"
"I have no reason to lie."
Ding Ling walked to the side, picked a long spear from the weapon rack, then moved to an open space and began practicing.
Whoosh!
The long spear was like an arrow through the air, or a coiled snake, twisting, binding, unyielding, and indomitable in Ding Ling's hands.
Swish, swish!
The long spear seemed capable of piercing the void, and in an instant, it stabbed out three points of starlight.