Chapter 0003: Stepping Stones

Liu Liru resembled a defeated rooster, his expression dejected, with a flicker of resentment flashing in his eyes

Unfortunately, there is no need for a standout when there is nothing to do

"Wang Can, this is the Taiping Essentials passed down by the great sage and virtuous teacher. It possesses unfathomable powers. I now entrust it to you, hoping that you will use it wisely." Liu Bi's expression was serious, his face solemn, as he handed the Taiping Essentials to Wang Can with both hands, patting Wang Can's shoulder to show encouragement

Wang Can stood upright and respectfully replied

Such a simple matter is naturally understood by the soldiers standing in the training ground

Yes, I shall obey your command

Wang Can spoke earnestly, saying: "I, along with Captain Liu, am a soldier of the Yellow Turbans, and we are brothers on the battlefield. If both sides were to use weapons to test their strength and ferocity, it would be unfortunate if one were to accidentally injure the other. Blades and spears are blind; whether I injure Captain Liu or he injures me, it would affect our relationship. Therefore, I hope the general will agree to my request to engage in unarmed combat with Captain Liu, without the use of any weapons. I sincerely hope for the general's approval"

Liu Li lay on the ground, hearing these words, and a cold smile crept into his heart. Lost! Even in defeat, he would drag someone down with him

Liu Bi's face turned ashen. He yanked Liu Li aside with one foot and immediately followed up with a kick to Liu Li's backside, shouting: "Get out of here, don't embarrass yourself in front of others. It's one thing to lose to someone, but to lie on the ground and speak ill of them? Do you really think I'm a fool? I've been on the battlefield myself. Do you think I wouldn't know what kind of injury Wang Can's kick would cause you just now? Hmph, it's just a minor flesh wound. Is that really worth you lying on the ground whining? I can't stand people like you."

The fist was large and the speed was fast. However, Wang Can's speed was even quicker. Before Liu Li's fist could reach Wang Can, it had already lost its target, and the figure directly in front had completely vanished. Liu Li inwardly exclaimed that it was bad, quickly retracting his fist, his whole body curling up like a hedgehog, on guard against Wang Can's sneak attack

As Liu Bi's words fell, a glimmer of brilliance flickered in his eyes, awaiting Wang Can's response

Wang Can expressed gratitude and said: "Thank you for your cultivation, General. I would find it impossible to repay your kindness even with my life."

However, tracing the origins of this matter, it ultimately stems from his decision to use the "Taiping Heavenly Book" as a prize. Liu Bi, in order to reward his subordinates, even brought out the "Taiping Heavenly Book". How could the numerous Yellow Turban soldiers under his command not be willing to serve with all their hearts

Bang!

Liu Li challenged Wang Can because of a scroll of the Taiping Heavenly Book

Gong stood beside, looking at Wang Can with an expression of admiration, then glared fiercely at Liu Li and coldly said: "You are quite merciful, actually not using a weapon, hehe, what a pity, a dog catching a mouse is meddling in others' affairs, and people do not appreciate your kindness.

Wang Can let out a cold laugh, ignoring Liu Li who was lying on the ground, and turned to Liu Bi, saying: "General, does this count as his surrender?"

At this moment in the training ground, numerous gazes were fixed on Wang Can, filled with envy, jealousy, and regret. Various expressions were present, yet these individuals reached a common conclusion: Wang Can had gained significant favor, having caught the attention of Gong Du and Liu Pi. It would be difficult for Wang Can not to rise to prominence.

Liu Bi was immensely pleased to see Wang Can readily agree. In his moment of joy, he naturally would not refuse Wang Can's request. With a delighted expression on his face, he smiled and asked, "Speak up, as long as your request is within my capabilities, I will agree to it."

Wang Can noticed the expressions of Liu Pi and Gong Du, and he chuckled to himself; he was not as good as the two imagined.

Wang Can leaned forward, his entire body resembling a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, radiating a fierce aura. With a swift motion, his right fist struck out, heading straight for Liu Li's face. The punch was both heavy and fast, instantly landing on Liu Li's hand that was raised in defense. After the strike, Wang Can quickly retreated, creating some distance between himself and Liu Li, then leaped into the air, his right leg striking out like lightning, landing a kick to Liu Li's waist

Therefore, Wang Cancai chose to abandon his weapon and engage in hand-to-hand combat.

Kindness and compassion have become the least valuable traits in the era of war and strife. He is not a fool who blindly practices kindness, believing in repaying virtue with virtue. If someone gets angry and slaps him, he does not offer the other cheek for them to vent their anger. Instead, he adheres to the principle of repaying grievances with grievances and kindness with kindness. Given Liu Li's arrogance, he certainly will not let Liu Li have an easy time.

His expression remained unchanged, still as calm as a still pond. His attitude towards Liu Bi became neither servile nor overbearing, and he replied with cupped hands: "General, I am also a hot-blooded man, possessing the spirit of a man. If Captain Liu wishes to challenge me, how can I retreat or show cowardice, thus dampening the spirits of my brothers?"

A strange smile briefly flashed across his face, followed by a loud wail, revealing an expression of immense pain. In fact, after Wang Can threw a punch, Liu Li also wanted to seize the opportunity to counterattack Wang Can. However, Wang Can's punching speed was too fast; as the distance closed, he quickly followed up with a kick. Before Liu Li could throw a punch, he was struck in the waist by Wang Can's whip kick and fell to the ground. In fact, after Wang Can threw a punch, Liu Li also wanted to seize the opportunity to counterattack Wang Can. However, Wang Can's punching speed was too fast; as the distance closed, he quickly followed up with a kick. Before Liu Li could throw a punch, he was struck in the waist by Wang Can's whip kick and fell to the ground

Liu Bi smiled and said: "What are you talking about with life and death? Put in more effort, hone your skills, and that is the right path"

This expression deepened the fondness of both individuals for Wang Can, while simultaneously adding a sense of disappointment towards Liu Li.

Wang Can smiled and said, "My request is very simple: to engage in combat with Captain Liu without using any weapons, fighting hand-to-hand."

Liu Li let out a cry of agony, his body collapsing to the ground. He was kicked over by Wang Can, clutching his waist and rolling about incessantly.

Wang Can was a special forces sniper in his previous life, skilled in long-range attacks with crossbows, bows and arrows, and firearms

Wang Can nodded and said: "Of course I agree, but I have one request, and I hope the general will consent."

Yes, yes, I will go down immediately!

I originally intended to lie on the ground and pretend to be in pain to evoke Liu Bi's sympathy, but unexpectedly, my scheme backfired, and Liu Bi saw through it. Wang Can watched Liu Li leave in disgrace and secretly cursed him for being foolish, truly thinking of himself as a big deal. Liu Bi and Gong are both veterans who rose to arms with Zhang Jiao, seasoned in battle; such petty tricks are merely child’s play in front of Guan Gong.

Liu Li naturally noticed the expressions of Liu Bi and Gong Du. His face was filled with indignation, and his gaze towards Wang Can became somewhat sinister. With a cold snort, he threw the battle knife in his hand onto the ground, removed the clothes he was wearing, and shouted: "Come on, let me see how formidable you are"

However, Wang Can subtly sensed an undeniable meaning in Liu Bi's gaze.

Ah

Liu Bi's expression brightened with joy as he said, "So, you are accepting Liu Li's challenge?"

He howled and rolled, and when he reached Liu Pi, he grabbed Liu Pi's pant leg and cried out: "General, General, he is too ruthless. He even said that using weapons from the 'Illustrated Book of Soldiers' might hurt feelings, but he actually..."

Thank you, Generals! Wang Can's expression brightened with joy as he bowed to Gong Du and Liu Pi respectively

At the same time, unarmed combat is also one of Wang Can's specialties, as it is a fundamental skill for special forces.

When it comes to the use of weapons, Wang Can is certainly not a match for unparalleled generals like Lü Bu, Guan Yu, or Zhang Fei, and he may not even be able to contend with them in a single encounter, let alone defeat an average third-rate general. However, in unarmed combat, an average third-rate general may not necessarily be able to defeat Wang Can. This is not related to height or strength; it is about fighting skills. Wang Can excels in unarmed combat, and he naturally will not let his own weaknesses be his downfall while exploiting the strengths of others.

Wang Can let out a cold smile, extending his hand to beckon Liu Li, provoking him. His entire demeanor shifted, resembling a roaring tiger, exuding an aura of dominance that seemed to overlook all.

Oh, why is this? Liu Bi exclaimed in surprise

Liu Li let out a cold snort, moved forward, and with a lightning-fast motion, his right fist struck directly towards Wang Can's face

The more one strives for Liu Pi, the more one invests, the greater the rewards received

Hmph, take thisーー

Wang Can found it amusing; Liu Li was not bad, showing some awareness of potential risks. Knowing that one strike had missed, he immediately went on the defensive

Well, I agree!

Liu Bihu's eyes widened as he coldly snorted towards General Gong: "Since General Gong has agreed, I have nothing more to say. You may act as you see fit."