Chapter 721 - 592: Identity Is a Burden

"What? Not that bad? Still have the nerve to mutter!"

With his head tilted to one side, Zhang Su raised his hand to cup his ear. In reality, no one was muttering; he was just talking to himself...

"Don’t be disgruntled, and don’t lose heart. Times have changed, and so many brothers and sisters have joined us. Everyone knows the Yama Corps is the strongest combat force on Celestial Horse Island, and as you hold this title and enjoy various privileges, you should be aware of this!

This is the burden of having an idol status. If any of you feel it’s too much to bear, you can choose to unload it and leave the Yama Corps—you’re still brothers to everyone, you can still live on Celestial Horse Island. Though none of this will change, those people’s gazes towards you might not be friendly. Does anyone feel pressured and want to drop out?"

"No!"

"I won’t quit; I’m very strong!"

"Ha ha ha..."

The responses were scattered, but most people looked resolute. Often, self-forcing doesn’t yield enough results; an external force is needed for motivation, and the title of Yama Corps is perfect for this!

Zhang Su nodded, seeing everyone’s reaction.

"There’s something I must inform you beforehand. In a few days, we’ll reshuffle all combat personnel—not involving the Yama Corps—mainly to identify the members of the Elite Corps and Reserve Team for structured training. Don’t let the Elite Corps beat you to the ground—that would be a major embarrassment!"

"No, Brother Su, I... I."

"Don’t give me any excuses!"

Wu Lue wanted to say something, but Zhang Su interrupted him directly and continued, "I know some of you possess special skills. Luezi plays with electronics, Dachao can fix cars, Old Jia is an electrician, Teacher Xiaoyu makes bombs, but I’ll say it again: except for those like Old Yu who are physically limited, everyone else should focus on improving combat strength!"

Standing aside, two unofficial members, Ke Zhiyu and Zhou Haotian exchanged looks after hearing Zhang Su’s words. The Yama Corps indeed houses extraordinary talents; even the seemingly weak chemistry teacher can make bombs to kill zombies, setting the team’s baseline.

When even the seemingly weakest member of a team shows unusual strength, others can’t slack off, like Yu Qing, Pei Lan, Zhong Xiaoshan, and the incredibly deceptive Zhao Xue within the Yama Corps.

The faces of several women brimming with resilience invisibly exerted great pressure on their male peers.

"That’s enough of motivational talk; next, I want to introduce two new companions: Ke Zhiyu and Zhou Haotian."

As he spoke, Zhang Su pointed to the people next to Liu Tianji and Ju Mumio.

"Hello everyone, I’m Zhou Haotian! The ’Hao’ is composed of ’three water’ and not ’tian’, currently a probationary member of the Yama Corps. Please take care of me."

Zhou Haotian greeted everyone confidently, followed by a bow, his speech and actions having a noticeable anime flavor. He thought the term ’temporary member’ was unappealing, so he changed it.

Ke Zhiyu wasn’t as open as Zhou Haotian, but wasn’t shy either, waving to everyone: "Hello everyone, I’m Ke Zhiyu, a temporary member of the Yama Corps."

As Zhang Su personally introduced the two, the others accepted them warmly, all responded with kind smiles, except for one person with an unusual expression.

Zhong Xiaoshan, amidst the crowd, frowned slightly. Unlike her usual down jacket and cotton pants, she was dressed sharply for training. Zhou Haotian’s name felt familiar to her, but before she could think further, Zhang Su spoke again.

"All right, that’s it for new friends’ introduction. Without further ado, let’s have Ju Mumio lead the training!"

After speaking, Zhang Su moved aside, vacating the space.

"Oh, you! Sister Ju is awesome!"

Zhou Haotian was shocked to discover that Ju Mumio was the instructor, nearly dropping his jaw to the floor.

Instead of directly going to the front, Ju Mumio walked to Zhang Su, glanced at Zhou Haotian, and calmly remarked, "I don’t like that person always following me!"

...

This direct interaction is the most straightforward form of communication, with no beating around the bush, saving time.

The crowd pursed their lips and stayed silent; the matters between the top two in combat strength were none of their business to comment on.

Zhou Haotian awkwardly rubbed his hands, unsure what to say. He believed himself to be quite smart, yet was he really so disliked?

In the morning, learning he was looking for a woman from Japan made him quite happy, as he enjoyed anime culture and hoped for some exchanges. But after he chatted for half a day, she didn’t bother to speak a word...

Zhang Su paused for a second and laughed, "Hey, you can’t do this. With great power comes great responsibility. You have considerable strength within the Yama Corps, and not many regular tasks, so naturally, you’re tasked with guiding newcomers. Zhou Haotian is quick-witted, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask him—he won’t let you down!"

Ju Mumio stared at Zhang Su for five or six seconds, curled her lips, turned around, walked to the front group, and began today’s training without a word after taking off her coat.

The training of Ju’s Martial Arts forces first-timers to behave. After just one warm-up session, Zhou Haotian was almost exhausted. Learning the formal training hadn’t started yet, he was too weak to even scream.

Yet upon seeing fellow temporary member Ke Zhiyu, he was utterly stunned, puzzled about how it was possible for him.

It’s not just Zhou Haotian; many Yama Corps members noticed Ke Zhiyu’s performance, astonished that his actions nearly matched those seasoned by training!

At the forefront of the team, Zhang Su, Zhao Dezhu, Lu Yubo, and Chen Hanzhou closely followed Ju Mumio’s lead, without skimping on effort, perfecting every move. Soon, everyone except Zhang Su emitted steam from their heads, sweat dripping down their cheeks.

Within the crowd were others with strong will and physique, such as Zheng Xinyu, Zhao Xue, Pan Guoliang, Guo Dachao, and previously always trailing behind, Liu Tianji. Even the toughest ones like Pei Lan, Zhong Xiaoshan, and Wu Lue, gritted their teeth, persisting despite distorted forms—getting through was what mattered!

The Yama Corps’ training intensity is an unimaginable height for most. Only three people could achieve it effortlessly: Ju Mumio, Zhang Su, and Corgi Good Fortune...

When the Yama Corps gathered outside the ravine, Good Fortune arrived. Passionate about training, it hadn’t missed a single session in the days Zhang Su led the team into the city, consistently persisting each day.

A small figure in the corner bizarrely mimicked human actions, seemingly unnoticed, yet remarkably serious.

In no time, three hours passed; afternoon training concluded with darkness nearly falling.

Chen Hanzhou noticed Liu Tianji and Ke Zhiyu’s hands

"Hoo... hoo... hoo..."

Heavy breathing filled the scene, the weak leaning hands on knees, like defeated dogs.

Zhang Su ordered no one to lie down; otherwise, most of the crowd might collapse there.

"That’s it for today’s training. Later, there’s a delightful dinner, don’t be late, freshen up and go back."

Zhang Su was highly energetic, having activated the second energy slot, still holding 89%—better than Ju Mumio!

With the energy slot’s support, the training’s effect was quite remarkable, impossible to quantify, but estimated to be thrice a normal person’s effect.

Upon his command, members dragged weary bodies toward their quarters, not wanting to utter a word, farewells deemed wasteful, even glancing at companions seemed unnecessary.