104.98 rings!

"What? A shooting contest? When did this happen?"

Inside the office, Xiang Guofang’s expression darkened considerably upon hearing this.

A shooting contest against Li Changjiang? If he hadn’t already witnessed Li Changjiang’s capabilities, he might have thought this was just a game. But in reality, it was still a game—only the one being toyed with wasn't Li Changjiang, but that brat Hu Biao.

"Reporting, sir! Just moments ago!"

The officer, seeing the pained expression on Xiang Guofang’s face, felt sorry for Hu Biao deep down. Ever since word spread that Li Changjiang had rejected Xiang Guofang’s offer, the entire Special Operations Brigade had heard about it. Soldiers are prideful by nature, especially those in special operations units.

Therefore, Li Changjiang’s refusal wasn't just a rejection of the brigade commander’s invitation; it was a blow to the honor of the entire Special Operations Brigade—something soldiers value even more than their own lives.

Li Changjiang was not a soldier. They couldn't use military disciplinary measures against him. But Hu Biao—that idiot—was far too bold. Challenging a civilian to a shooting match? That was clearly bullying! The commander must be furious.

"Report!"

"Speak!"

"Sir, Captain Hu Biao is representing our entire Special Operations Brigade to spar with Comrade Li Changjiang in marksmanship."

The young officer’s heart pounded as he finished his sentence.

"Lead the way. Let’s go take a look."

"Yes, sir!"

Xiang Guofang didn't say another word. He walked with his head down until he reached the shooting range. A crowd had already gathered, consisting of junior officers from the brigade, including Hu Dayou.

Seeing Xiang Guofang enter, many stood at attention and saluted.

"At ease. Let’s watch their match—wait!" Xiang Guofang suddenly shouted. The entire range fell silent. "Bring Hu Biao to me!"

"Yes, sir!"

"You come here," Xiang Guofang said to Hu Dayou. They locked eyes; though no words were exchanged, the meaning was clear: Hu Biao was likely going to sink his own ship this time.

"Sir!" Hu Biao felt a wave of trepidation, but the moment he thought of the expression on Li Changjiang’s face, his neck stiffened. When he looked up at Xiang Guofang, the commander’s face was indeed grim.

It wasn't just Hu Biao. The dozens of other officers in the room were secretly breaking into a cold sweat for him. If the two commanders decided to pursue this, a disciplinary penalty for reckless behavior and violating discipline would be unavoidable. If it were more serious, it wouldn't just be a few days in solitary confinement—he could face severe punishment. From the moment they first touched a weapon, they were taught that a soldier’s marksmanship is for killing, not for showing off or competing against civilians.

"Is it you who challenged him?"

As expected! Hearing Xiang Guofang’s words, Hu Biao’s mouth twitched, but a soldier is a soldier—his word is his bond.

"Reporting, sir! It was my idea! I am willing to accept any punishment, but please allow me to finish the match. Sir, I—I—" Even with his bravado, Hu Biao faltered before the brigade’s top commander.

"If you have something to say, say it. Don't beat around the bush. I’ll deal with you after the match."

"Sir, I won't let him lose too disgracefully!"

Hiss!

The atmosphere turned bizarre. Xiang Guofang and Hu Dayou even gasped. This bastard really dared to say that!

Except for Li Changjiang, who was already preparing in the shooting lane behind the high-strength ballistic glass, the surrounding officers secretly nodded. None of them believed Li Changjiang would show anything spectacular. Except for the two young intelligence officers behind Hu Dayou—they had seen Li Changjiang’s file, but they had to suppress their inner amusement and keep their mouths shut.

"Hu Biao, I order you to give it your all and win this match. If you win, I’ll grant you the rank of Major."

Xiang Guofang was fuming. This idiot! He hadn't even mastered his own skills, yet he was already boasting. "Won't let him lose too miserably"?

The crowd was stunned, including Hu Biao. A Major? Was this for real? Winning against a civilian earns a promotion to Major? That was pure fantasy! Many looked at Li Changjiang with envy—this was as easy as picking up a prize! Hu Biao was getting a massive bargain!

But before Hu Biao could celebrate, Hu Dayou, seeing the smug look on his face, couldn't hold back. "Hu Biao, if you win, you get promoted. What about if you lose? Say it yourself!"

"Reporting! If I lose, I am willing to be demoted by one rank." His voice was loud and clear for everyone to hear.

Hu Dayou knew that Xiang Guofang wasn't treating the rank of Major as a joke; Hu Biao’s qualifications and service record were already sufficient for promotion. But now that the idiot had made such a bold claim, he probably wouldn't be getting that rank anytime soon. Hu Dayou and Xiang Guofang exchanged a look. If it was meant to be, so be it.

"Go!"

"Yes, sir!"

Inside the shooting room, Li Changjiang was ready. Just as Nicholas had said, some people are born to be soldiers. His awareness, behavior, and even the smallest movements were infinitely close to a perfect combat state.

Li Changjiang was one of them. Despite looking slightly unfamiliar and awkward from outside the glass, his subsequent movements became fluid and effortless.

"Do you want to go first, or should I?"

"You go first. I want to see how you shoot." Hu Biao offered the choice, but Li Changjiang didn't accept the courtesy, causing the officers outside to sigh. It seemed Hu Biao’s promotion was guaranteed.

*Click!*

He chambered the round. *Aim!*

Hu Biao didn't hesitate or show false humility. Since he was ordered to go all out, he wouldn't hold back.

*Bang!* The first shot rang out. *Bang, bang, bang!* Three more followed.

On the massive electronic screen outside, the results appeared as the echoes died down. 8 rings, 9 rings, 9 rings, 10 rings.

*Bang, bang, bang! Bang!*

Ten shots in a row without a pause. Aside from the first shot, the other nine were all nine rings or higher. A total score of 98. For a top-tier special forces soldier, this wasn't record-breaking, but Hu Biao wasn't a professional marksman—this was an exceptional performance.

As Hu Biao took off his earmuffs and lowered his rifle, Li Changjiang frowned at the bright red numbers on the screen. 98. This was definitely the work of an expert. But was 98 the absolute limit? Before Libya, he might have thought so. But now, Li Changjiang felt a flicker of doubt. If Hu Biao’s level was only 98... then he was afraid the man had already lost.

Under the complex gazes of the crowd, Li Changjiang slowly raised his weapon.