Zhu Zheng did have a certain appreciation for Gu Xiaoxi, who acted efficiently without too much scheming. In the military, they devoted their passion to the nation, seeking greater strength, not for showing off or bullying others.
He clenched his fist and launched a rapid attack towards Gu Xiaoxi.
In the blink of an eye, Gu Xiaoxi exchanged over a dozen techniques with him.
Gu Xiaoxi had gained a preliminary understanding of Zhu Zheng’s strength.
Whether it was Na Qi or Zhu Zheng, neither possessed Inner Strength, and if it came to a fight to the death, there was no guarantee they could defeat Wu Gui.
Last time, Zhang Jingyue defeated Wu Gui simply because Wu Gui had gone easy on her behind the scenes, but she was unaware.
Wu Gui’s Golden Bell Shield and Iron Cloth were indeed undefeatable without Inner Strength.
However, compared to Wu Gui, Zhu Zheng was quick and fierce, clearly a well-seasoned combat expert.
In the military, a strong person isn’t just number one in combat; they are also ranked by physical fitness, marksmanship, rock climbing, rappelling, and overall competencies.
Perhaps for this reason, Wu Gui’s ranking was actually lower. Obviously, he specialized in certain areas.
And as for Zhu Zheng, he likely belonged to the versatile type. Being ranked fourth in the whole company indicated that he excelled in various military training exercises.
But he wasn’t her ultimate challenge.
Gone was the compassion in her next move. Gu Xiaoxi used just one Grasping Technique to knock him to the ground, then, standing over him, she grabbed his throat and asked, "Do you wish to continue?"
At that moment, Zhu Zheng felt his neck constricted by an astounding force, knowing that any slight movement could instantly snap his bones.
At the same time, he was taken aback! He hadn’t anticipated Gu Xiaoxi’s combat and Grasping Technique to be so masterfully honed.
There were few who could subdue him with only one move.
Zhu Zheng acknowledged to himself the extent of Gu Xiaoxi’s capabilities and said, "No need!"
Having been subdued by her Grasping Technique, he had no grounds to protest. If it had been him using that technique on Gu Xiaoxi, it was uncertain whether he would have managed to hold her.
Furthermore, during their exchange, he realized that Gu Xiaoxi could easily dodge his attacks, neutralizing the raw power in his punches. Such agility wasn’t acquired overnight.
He also hadn’t expected that a female soldier who had only been overseas for three months could be so formidable!
Gu Xiaoxi released Zhu Zheng and extended a hand of friendship; in the military, sparring was routine. Unless someone was deliberately causing trouble, she generally didn’t make enemies on purpose.
Zhu Zheng didn’t feel disgraced by his defeat in combat to Gu Xiaoxi; rather, he felt a newfound respect for her.
It was a respect for his opponent.
He took Gu Xiaoxi’s hand and was pulled up from the ground.
"Gu Xiaoxi, as long as you step into the military, the fight is always on. Let’s spar again when we have the time," Zhu Zheng patted Gu Xiaoxi’s shoulder and then returned to his seat.
Everyone present fell silent at that moment.
Shao Changfeng had been worried about Gu Xiaoxi just now, but not anymore. The three months of training had allowed her to conceal her abilities, yet her performance was still the best among the rookies.
Now, facing Zhu Zheng, she still hadn’t used her full strength; perhaps she truly could defeat the likes of Zhao Zilong and become the top of the company.
If he wasn’t mistaken, Gu Xiaoxi had already caught Zhao Zilong’s attention.
Beside Chen Zhigang, a man with a crew cut and a balanced figure with a handsome face, especially with that black mole between his eyebrows adding a bit of devilish charm, was observing Gu Xiaoxi with a cool gaze, not rushing forward recklessly.
As Gu Xiaoxi turned around, she saw his scrutinizing eyes and couldn’t help but frown. He was indeed the top soldier of the Fourth Company, the all-around boss of the recon forces; just that calm composure alone made him seem unfathomable.
She was intent on challenging the top ten experts, but not now; she had no desire to be confined again for directly challenging the top rank.
The so-called strategy was to counteract action with stillness; she wanted to see how long the number one could withstand the temptation.
Gu Xiaoxi strode back to her seat, looking up at Zhang Jingyue. Na Feng had already left with the doctor alongside the injured Na Qi.
Enthusiastic applause broke out in the room.
Chen Zhigang laughingly said, "Splendid. If anyone else wants to spar, feel free to try."
Seeing Zhu Zheng defeated so easily, Wu Gui also wanted to challenge him to improve his ranking.
But, as Gu Xiaoxi had predicted, within minutes Wu Gui was defeated by Zhu Zheng.
Wu Gui might possess immense brute strength and the protection of the Golden Bell Shield, but this technique also had a fatal flaw; if the opponent figured out the weakness and you didn’t have the necessary agility, it was easy to be exploited.
Zhu Zheng, though not impervious to weapons, possessed a sharp mind and extensive battle experience, coupled with agile movements and enormous punching power. The sheer development of his physical strength alone commanded admiration.
At the same time, everyone else was secretly astonished.
Gu Xiaoxi managed to defeat the battle-hardened Zhu Zheng in two moves, making it difficult to imagine the extent of her abilities.
Inexplicably, the onlookers began to compare her with Li Jing, the strongest female soldier of the Fourth Company.
They wondered, if the two of them were to fight, who would be more powerful?