The next day, as Training Instructor Liang had said, their running distance was halved, and they finished much earlier, even before mealtime.

Then, all recruits were brought to the training grounds.

The training grounds beside Liangzhou Garrison were extremely spacious, likely because of the vast open plains at the mountain’s foot, sufficient to accommodate everyone. He Yan surveyed the area, thinking it was indeed an excellent place for military training. It was high noon, with the sun blazing overhead without a breath of wind. The flags on the high platforms clung limply to their poles, much like the wilted recruits.

“Starting today, you’ll begin weapons training,” Chief Instructor Shen struck his spear heavily on the ground, making everyone snap to attention.

“See that open space?” Shen Han pointed his spear northward.

Near the weapon racks in the open space, they saw about ten crossbows arranged in rows, menacingly facing them. A hundred paces ahead stood neat rows of targets.

“From today, you’ll start learning archery and crossbow!” Chief Instructor Shen announced, setting their schedule for the coming days.

The crowd didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Wow! I love archery!” Xiao Mai was probably the most excited, “Brother, it’s our turn to shine!”

He Yan asked Shi Tou, “The hunting bows you used weren’t this heavy, right?”

Shi Tou studied the crossbows for a moment before shaking his head: “No, they were lighter and not made of ox horn – I carved them from bamboo myself.”

“It’s similar enough,” Xiao Mai said cheerfully, then suddenly thought of something and asked He Yan, “Brother He, could we borrow these bows to hunt rabbits in the mountains?”

He Yan: “…Focus on training, stop daydreaming.”

They were divided into teams again, each led by an instructor for bow practice. The instructor demonstrated first, drawing and releasing an arrow that flew with a “whoosh” into the dead center of the target, embedding firmly.

The recruits erupted in cheers, while the instructor looked pleased.

He Yan couldn’t help but mentally praise Liang Ping – he wasn’t just for show but truly skilled. Such a person would be formidable on the battlefield.

The recruits were excited and eager to try. Some naturally strong ones drew the bow fully – though their aim was poor, their shots flew far. Others who had previous experience with bows showed more refined form. Most recruits had strength but no accuracy, their arrows falling scattered before reaching the targets.

At least they got to try archery.

Hong Shan took his turn. Being sturdy, he drew the bow well but lacked accuracy – his arrow barely grazed the target’s edge before falling. He didn’t seem to mind, nodding with satisfaction: “Not bad, not bad.”

The brothers Shi Tou and Xiao Mai followed. Shi Tou had steadier hands and greater strength. His arrow flew with a “whoosh,” embedding itself in the target – not dead center, but close enough.

Training Instructor Liang looked at him with surprise, asking: “What’s your name? Have you handled bows before?”

“I’m Zhong Shi Tou, I was a hunter,” Shi Tou replied solemnly.

“That explains it.” Liang Ping nodded approvingly. Having a promising recruit in his team naturally pleased him.

Xiao Mai chimed in: “I’m Zhong Xiao Mai, his brother, I was also a hunter!”

“Oh?” Liang Head Instructor’s expectations rose, “Try it then?”

Xiao Mai copied his brother’s stance, but unlike his impressive elder brother, his arrow flew wide, missing the target entirely.

Liang Ping: “…”

Xiao Mai sheepishly retreated, rubbing his nose.

He Yan found it amusing. Just as she was considering whether to try, someone stepped forward before her.

“Oh,” Hong Shan whispered beside He Yan, “it’s him.”

It was Wang Ba. They hadn’t noticed during the running drills that Wang Ba was also under Training Instructor Liang’s command. He stepped forward, rolling up his sleeves to his elbows, spat twice into his palm, and picked up the bow.

He Yan observed his taut arms, the tanned muscles visible beneath. He was very strong. Unlike other recruits who rushed to shoot, Wang Ba took a steady breath, aiming carefully at the target’s center.

This stance… He Yan calculated internally, that he must not be new to archery, like Shi Tou, he was experienced with bows.

Finally, the taut string released with a twang, the arrow streaking toward the target’s center. The others only saw a white flash before the straw target was struck with such force that it toppled over with a “bang.”

The arrow had pierced straight through the target’s center, leaving only its fletching visible, not only penetrating the target but knocking it down completely.

He Yan had to admire the shot – it was impressive. Wang Ba combined great strength with stability, good accuracy, and patience – quite rare qualities. Training Instructor Liang’s gaze toward Wang Ba had changed. Among this batch of recruits, both Zhong Shi Tou and Wang Ba showed remarkable talent in archery.

Wang Ba lowered the bow but didn’t immediately leave. Instead, the scarred man with the grim expression walked two steps toward He Yan, crossed his arms, and looked at her with malicious anticipation: “Your turn.”

His words drew many eyes to He Yan. Meeting Wang Ba’s challenging gaze, He Yan stepped forward.

The bow was a fine ox horn bow, smooth to the touch, clearly used countless times before, showing signs of wear. He Yan stroked it bit by bit, memories of her military days suddenly flooding back. The last time she had used a bow, she was still “Flying Swan General.”

Years had passed just like that.

Liang Ping looked at He Yan with an odd expression.

He knew that, unlike other weapons, bows required tremendous arm strength. Given He Yan’s physique and previous performance, she wouldn’t do well. But… she was such a hardworking recruit, and people always held hope for unknown possibilities. Liang Ping felt conflicted.

“Why are you just stroking it? Stop wasting everyone’s time,” Wang Ba sneered, “Hurry up and show us your excellent archery skills!”

He Yan lifted the bow, fingers touching the arrow.

A moment later, she lowered the bow.

“Brother He, what does this mean?” Xiao Mai asked, confused. Why had she put it down before even drawing? Was something wrong?

“Why did you stop?” Wang Ba demanded, “Move!”

“No need,” He Yan said frankly, “This bow – I can’t draw it.”