After Ethan Xu left, Evan Lin went to check on First Blade.
First Blade had suffered a serious injury at Grant Yuan’s hands, but just as Grant said, it was merely a flesh wound—nothing that threatened his foundation. Grant had clearly held back.
If Grant hadn’t held back, Evan wouldn’t have either—and Grant would be dead already.
"Instructor!"
Inside Knife-Edge Company, First Blade lay on the bed. When he saw Evan Lin arrive, he tried to get up, but Evan shook his head and stopped him.
Second Blade and the others nearby were all visibly excited and full of admiration when they saw Evan.
None of them ever imagined they could win the Single-Soldier Showdown so easily. For Knife-Edge Company, who had lost so many times before, it was nothing short of a miracle.
"Rest a few days and you’ll be fine. After that, train hard. When you can land the ninth strike of the Nine-Star Burst Fist, I’ll teach you even stronger techniques."
Evan looked at First Blade, fairly satisfied with his recent performance.
Hearing Evan’s words, First Blade’s face lit up with excitement.
Second Blade quickly chimed in, "Me too!"
All five had witnessed Evan’s strength firsthand, and their gratitude toward him ran deep.
"All five of you need to work hard. At the very least, don’t ever let me hear that you died on the battlefield." Evan nodded slightly.
By the time Evan left Knife-Edge Company, word of what happened at the Drill Grounds had already spread throughout the entire Jinnan Military District.
Especially the shocking scene of Evan blasting the Tiger Special Forces instructor with a single punch—it was already the talk of every corner of the district, with people everywhere speculating about Evan’s background and identity.
No one felt this more deeply than Eldest Brother Su.
His Knife-Edge Company hadn’t produced results in ages and had been crushed under the heel of rival units for years. If not for his father’s connections, Eldest Brother Su could barely survive in the army.
But now, things were different.
After the Drill Grounds, the scene of Ethan Xu pulling Evan aside for a private talk had been seen by countless eyes.
Meanwhile, as the one who brought Evan into the regiment, Eldest Brother Su became the center of attention.
Many people who usually sided with Sean Chen couldn’t help but come over and ask about Evan Lin. But Eldest Brother Su kept silent, afraid of saying the wrong thing and upsetting Evan.
Eldest Brother Su could already foresee that, thanks to the Single-Soldier Showdown and Evan’s appearance, his future would be smooth sailing.
That evening, Eldest Brother Su personally drove Evan out of the military district.
All the way, Eldest Brother Su was excited, repeatedly thanking Evan, who just nodded in response.
"By the way, Master, what did Old Master Xu want with you?"
In the car, Eldest Brother Su remembered and cautiously glanced at Evan.
"He invited me to join Nightstar."
Evan replied calmly.
Eldest Brother Su’s heart skipped a beat: "Nightstar!"
"That’s supposed to be an organization independent of the military, right? Even the best special forces soldiers might never get a chance to enter. As far as I know, Grant Yuan, who now works with Old Master Xu, was originally planning to join Nightstar after leaving Tiger Special Forces, but he didn’t pass the assessment in the end."
"I never expected Old Master Xu would recommend you for that!"
Eldest Brother Su’s face was full of joy—this was even better than being recommended as a Tiger Special Forces instructor. The two weren’t even on the same level.
If Evan joined Nightstar, the Su family could cling to his coattails and maybe even make it out of Jinnan someday.
"I didn’t accept."
Evan’s next four words instantly doused Su’s enthusiasm.
He stared for a long moment before finally letting out a sigh and nodding. "That’s true. Nightstar might be amazing in our eyes, but you’re not like us—you see farther because you stand taller."
"But since Old Master Xu said that, it means he values you highly. He might still submit your name to Nightstar even after he goes back."
Now, whenever Eldest Brother Su spoke to Evan, he unconsciously used formal honorifics—something even he hadn’t noticed yet.
Seeing Evan’s total lack of interest in Nightstar, Su immediately changed the subject: "This year’s Regimental War Game and Single-Soldier Showdown—our company did great, and it’s all thanks to you. If I ever make it into the ranks of the generals, just say the word if you need my help."
When the car stopped at the entrance to Evan’s apartment complex, Eldest Brother Su hit the brakes, opened the door, and stood before Evan, bowing deeply. "You cured my father and Molly’s illnesses. The Su family owes you a huge debt."
Evan accepted the bow without hesitation. After thinking for a moment, he looked at Eldest Brother Su and asked, "What kind of presence is the Wu family in Jinnan, exactly?"
"The Wu family?"
Hearing Evan’s question, Eldest Brother Su paused before answering, "Old Master Wu was once a famous general in Jinnan, but after retiring, he rarely shows up."
They’re basically a military family. Anyone who comes out of the Wu family is tough—no cowards or weaklings. Old Master Wu is a legend, and the household rules are strict. There are hardly any wastrel heirs among the younger generation.
After a brief introduction, Su glanced at Evan and asked curiously, "Why are you suddenly interested in the Wu family? Did someone from there provoke you?"
Su sounded a bit hesitant.
The Wu family is known for loyalty and uprightness, and what’s even rarer is that they almost never scramble for things. No one in the clan has ever been rumored to do anything truly vicious.
Su had a good impression of the Wu family, and their reputation in Jinnan was excellent. Most importantly, there was someone in the Wu family who was especially formidable—not someone to mess with.
"Not exactly provoked me. It’s just that, because of me, someone else got dragged into trouble."
Evan shook his head, not lingering on the topic.
Whether it was Selina Wu or General Wu, Evan’s impression of them was decent. Selina was punished because of Evan, and he should go to the Wu family to demand an explanation, but barging in recklessly wouldn’t be wise.
After all, the Wu family hadn’t really done anything to Selina. She was probably just grounded at home, not allowed to go out.
The Guan family in Puhai, on the other hand, left Evan a bit dissatisfied.
"If that’s all it is, then it’s easy to handle. Old Master Wu isn’t unreasonable—as long as you talk things out, any problem can be solved."
Su nodded, then added, "If you ever need my help, just say the word."
He paused, then declared firmly, "Even if it means the Su family going up against the Wu family, so be it!"