Qin Fen stood rooted, a wry smile playing on his lips; he’d been duped! This Squad Leader Hao clearly possessed no such incredible medical skills; he had been blatantly lying just moments before.

“Could it be…” Qin Fen asked tentatively toward the two officers still laughing, “Squad Leader, is your special skill deception?”

A hint of appreciation flashed in Squad Leader Hao’s eyes amidst his roaring laughter. As he vigorously suppressed the urge to burst out again, he repeatedly nodded and gave a thumbs-up. “Kid, you aren’t entirely dense after all. You figured out so quickly what I was about to teach you.”

Qin Fen could only offer a bitter smile. After receiving a barrage of lessons from the Brute, he’d been tricked twice in a short span. If he still couldn't discern what was being imparted now, he’d be a complete fool.

“Interesting, interesting.” Squad Leader Hao ceased laughing and straightened his back. “While you aren't as sharp as your brother, you’re not bad.”

“What? My brother was tricked once too?” Qin Fen inquired with genuine concern, eager for any news regarding Qin Zhan.

“Your brother… hehe…” Squad Leader Hao’s smile was somewhat awkward. “He was quite clever… very clever…”

“He didn't fall for it?” Upon hearing this, a wave of pride washed over Qin Fen. Squad Leader Hao’s skill at lying was unparalleled; the fact that his brother hadn't been fooled was truly impressive!

“Not only did he not fall for it, it’s not that simple. Qin Zhan used the trap Old Hao set to trick Old Hao himself.”

The scholarly-looking Brute now stepped forward to expose Squad Leader Hao’s past disgrace. Judging by his grin, this Brute must have been fooled by Squad Leader Hao back then too.

Qin Fen stared fixedly at Squad Leader Hao. This man, whose every sincere word showed no sign of deceit, had actually been tricked by his brother using a counter-plan?

Squad Leader Hao’s face flushed deep red as the Brute aired his dirty laundry. “I say, Brute, your brother just gave you so much time, and this is how you repay him? Isn’t this repaying kindness with enmity?”

“Who told you to trick me yesterday into meeting the Madwoman?” The Brute wore the smug look of one who had achieved a great revenge.

Tricked yesterday? Qin Fen had to re-evaluate Squad Leader Hao. This leader, who clearly lied often, must have been on high alert from his old acquaintances. Yet, he was tricked just yesterday? Squad Leader Hao’s deception techniques, it seemed, went far deeper than what Qin Fen had just witnessed.

“Haha, it’s been too long since I tricked you, so I gave you a big gift. Don't be so polite, don't be polite.”

Squad Leader Hao’s demeanor suggested he was someone doing good deeds without seeking recognition.

“Too long? Is two weeks considered too long?” The Brute’s expression was indignant. “Keep this kind of big gift for yourself in the future. If you must, next time trick the Butcher into meeting the Madwoman.”

“I did trick him,” Squad Leader Hao’s grin widened triumphantly. “Before picking up the new recruits, I tricked the Butcher into meeting the Madwoman.”

The Brute nodded repeatedly, a look of sudden realization dawning on his face. “No wonder, no wonder the Butcher was grinding his teeth in hatred for you those few days.”

A trace of confusion creased Qin Fen’s brow. The Madwoman? What kind of person was she? It seemed all the instructors dreaded her presence more than anything.

“What are you thinking about, kid?” Squad Leader Hao clapped his hands. “I know! You’re thinking about the Madwoman, aren't you? Let me tell you the truth, that woman’s appearance is truly stunning! She has the figure, she has the face. It’s just that she goes a bit crazy when playing cards, hence the nickname Madwoman. Otherwise, she is incredibly virtuous and demure. Interested? I can introduce you.”

Qin Fen began shaking his head. There wasn't a single truthful word coming from Squad Leader Hao’s mouth. The best course of action was to consider everything he said to be its exact opposite.

“Squad Leader, please stop lying to me. The Madwoman is clearly not beautiful, nor does she possess a great figure or face. I suppose she’s only sane when playing cards, and otherwise, she’s completely mad?”

Squad Leader Hao stared blankly at Qin Fen, and the Brute stared fixedly as well. Their four intense gazes made Qin Fen feel quite bewildered.

Soon, Qin Fen realized that although the four gazes were directed toward him, they weren't fixed on his actual position.

To be precise, they were fixed on the space slightly behind and beside him!

There was anger!

A jolt ran through Qin Fen, and his feet instinctively executed the Cloud Steps from the Arhat Fist of Shaolin. He dissolved into a swift gale, lunging forward until he stood directly in front of Squad Leader Hao.

Sensing the presence behind him did not give chase, Qin Fen turned to look curiously at the newcomer. Although he had been distracted by contemplating the Brute’s lecture notes and guarding against being swindled by Squad Leader Hao, it was still no easy feat for someone to approach his side silently.

A woman? Hair the color of fire, cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders. She wore a crisp military uniform, and her skin was as flawlessly fair as congealed cream. Her beautiful face held a hint of mature charm, making her resemble an ordinary female soldier in the army.

But Qin Fen did not think so. Peering beyond the surface, he sensed something concealed yet potent. This woman appeared to be merely a beautiful, average female soldier, but in reality, she was like an extremely sharp steel blade hidden within its sheath.

Having encountered so many masters recently, while his power hadn't soared to the peak like a rocket, his perception had been honed unconsciously. Combined with his already superior martial intuition, Qin Fen knew he wasn't mistaken.

This woman, who currently showed only a slight trace of anger on the surface, harbored a strength within her that would surpass even that of the two instructors.

“Qin Fen, you truly have guts!” Squad Leader Hao gave Qin Fen a thumbs-up and swiftly retreated several meters to the side, seemingly distancing himself from Qin Fen. His smile even held a trace of admiration. “You are the first person brave enough to speak about the Phoenix of our corps that way! I admire you!”

“Qin Fen? Another one surnamed Qin? Kid, do you think I’m ugly? Is my figure terrible?”

The Phoenix lightly lifted her chest with a gentle smile. Her exquisite figure was showcased to perfection beneath the silhouette of the uniform.

“This… you are very beautiful, ma’am.”

Qin Fen’s eyes flickered. The Phoenix was the Madwoman! Better not to offend the person who gave the two instructors headaches; it was best to answer truthfully.

“Very good. Given your sincere attitude in admitting your mistake, I will administer a beating.”

The Phoenix’s words were simple yet carried an undeniable finality, sounding like an elder issuing a disciplinary decision for a junior.

Qin Fen noticed the two instructors simultaneously stepping back, completely abandoning the traditional military code of conduct: protecting one’s soldiers when a superior is present.

The Phoenix took a step forward with serene composure. The ten meters seemed nonexistent under her feet; this single stride brought her directly opposite Qin Fen. Without twisting her waist, the arm resting at her side shot out, emitting a hissing sound as it coiled toward the back of his neck, moving with the swift deadliness of a striking viper.