Shooting Training Room.
"Guns are thermal weapons, the crystallization of human ingenuity."
Leng Xuan stood expressionlessly before a wall lined with an array of firearms.
"I know. Beyond ten steps, guns are fast. Within ten steps, they're steady and fast. All fear stems from insufficient firepower," Gu Tianchen said earnestly.
Leng Xuan: …
Lin Qiye: (||?_?)
"Times have changed. Against high-tier mythical creatures, guns are nearly useless."
"But for low-level mythical beings, firearms often outperform weapons in hand, especially for rookies like you with underdeveloped close-combat skills."
"I'll teach you two things: shooting techniques and firearm mechanics."
After a brief lesson, Leng Xuan took a pistol from the wall and handed it to Gu Tianchen.
"Go on, show me."
Leng Xuan pointed at a 30-meter target.
Gu Tianchen raised the pistol, aimed, aligned the sights…
Bang!
The bullet struck dead center.
"Hm, good talent. Keep going."
Bang!
A 50-meter target—another perfect shot!
Before Leng Xuan could speak, Gu Tianchen fired again, hitting a 100-meter target, still dead center!
Leng Xuan frowned. "You sure this is your first time shooting?"
"Nope. I've been practicing this ancestral craft since I was fourteen," Gu Tianchen said seriously.
Leng Xuan stared, speechless. "I meant shooting a gun."
"Oh, I've played PUBG before, but this is my first time with a real gun," Gu Tianchen said.
"Your shooting talent is extraordinary. A natural marksman. I'll design a specialized training plan based on your skill."
"Lin Qiye, your turn."
Gu Tianchen handed the pistol to Lin Qiye, barely suppressing a grin.
Lin Qiye took the gun, frowning. What's this guy smirking about?
"Ready, begin."
Lin Qiye mimicked Gu Tianchen, raising the gun, aligning the sights…
Bang!
Lin Qiye's first shot missed the target entirely…
Lin Qiye: ?▂?
Gu Tianchen: (?ω?)hiahiahia
Leng Xuan: …
"That's… a 30-meter target," Leng Xuan said, breaking the silence.
"Coach, do I still have a chance?" Lin Qiye asked quietly.
"Ahem… first shots can be nerve-wracking. Try again," Leng Xuan said, sparing his feelings.
Lin Qiye, brimming with confidence, aimed at the 30-meter target again.
Bang!
As expected, another miss.
Lin Qiye flushed with embarrassment. He was a miracle's agent, yet his aim seemed devoid of any miracles.
Leng Xuan's expression was complex. One was a triple-deadeye sharpshooter; the other couldn't hit a 30-meter target.
The gap in their shooting talent was astronomical…
Lin Qiye set the gun down, forcing a smile at Leng Xuan. "Coach, uh… how's my talent?"
Leng Xuan closed his eyes, exasperated. "You? You've got zero talent."
Lin Qiye: …
…
Grand Villa.
Lin Qiye collapsed on the couch, exhausted.
The day's training had been a double blow to body and spirit.
Morning: thrashed by the captain. Afternoon: crushed by the brute. Evening: with Gu Tianchen's sharpshooting as a benchmark, his pride was ground into dust…
He truly had no talent for shooting…
Leaving the shooting room, Lin Qiye could tell Leng Xuan was drained.
Not physically, but mentally…
Maybe… shooting just isn't for me…
Lin Qiye zoned out on the couch. Hongying, in fluffy pajamas, approached with a cup of tea.
"Little Brother Qiye, you okay?"
"Thanks, Sister Hongying. I'm… fine," Lin Qiye said with a bitter smile.
"Hehe, surviving day one like this is already impressive. I remember my first spar with the captain—I cried from the beating…" Hongying consoled him.
"That brutal?" Lin Qiye asked, shocked.
"It's not so bad," Hongying said seriously. "Over the years, Cangnan's Night Watchmen casualty rate has dropped, largely thanks to the captain."
"His strength is one reason, but he's also genuinely dedicated to our safety."
"Training hard now saves lives on the battlefield. Do you understand the captain's intent?" Hongying asked earnestly.
Lin Qiye nodded. "I get it."
Hongying smiled, patting Lin Qiye's head. "Good. Rest up, and give it your all tomorrow."
"Got it. Good night, Sister Hongying."
Lin Qiye returned to their room, noticing Gu Tianchen was absent.
Where'd that guy go?
At the window, he spotted Gu Tianchen practicing the morning's sparring moves in the backyard.
Still got energy to swing a sword? This guy's a freak!
Lin Qiye shook his head and flopped onto the bed, but couldn't sleep.
Backyard.
Gu Tianchen gripped the Han sword, replaying every move from his morning spar with Chen Muye.
Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching. His sword flashed, striking with fierce intent.
Whoosh!
Seeing it was Lin Qiye, Gu Tianchen stopped short, grinning. "What, can't sleep without me?"
Lin Qiye smiled, drawing his straight sword from behind. "Practicing alone's no fun. Need a sparring partner?"
Gu Tianchen smirked mockingly. "You've got no memory, huh? Didn't get enough of my thrashing during the day, so you're back for more?"
Lin Qiye's fingers grazed the blade, a mysterious smile on his lips.
"You said it yourself—that was daytime. But now, it's night."
Whoosh!
A wave of darkness rippled, and Lin Qiye appeared behind Gu Tianchen.
So fast!
Lin Qiye moved like a phantom, flitting around Gu Tianchen like a butterfly, his sword flashing with bursts of light.
Under Starlit Night Dancer's boost, Lin Qiye's strength nearly matched Gu Tianchen's, and with night's cover, he was elusive, impossible to predict!
Even with Nether Eyes, Gu Tianchen could barely track him, forced into a defensive stance.
No wonder he's Nyx, the Night Goddess's favorite son—his mom sure hooked him up!
This guy was a different beast at night. Daytime, Gu Tianchen dominated; nighttime, Lin Qiye had the upper hand.
What a cycle of karma—who does heaven spare?
With Starlit Night Dancer, Lin Qiye vented his frustration, his mood lifting.
…
"Sister Hongying, why're you up? What're you watching?" Si Xiaonan, rubbing sleepy eyes, joined Hongying at the window.
"These two kids, training all day and still practicing at night. Such dedication," Hongying said, pleased.
Si Xiaonan stuck out her tongue, watching their clashing blades. "Tch, surviving the captain's morning beatdown and still fighting like this? One freak after another."
***
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