Han Lang frowned slightly upon hearing Tang Geng recount that the highest strength of previous new recruits was the Golden Core stage.
With his current strength, coupled with high-level techniques like the Shen Nong Imperial Needle Technique, he could generally challenge opponents two levels above him.
However, if he were to fight against a Golden Core stage cultivator, he wasn't very confident at the moment.
But the problem was,
He wanted to win the championship among the new recruits this year. Only then could he choose Ma Long and the other two for his team.
At least they had some combat synergy. If it were others, it was hard to say how long the adjustment period would take.
The most crucial point was that they would eventually go to the battlefield. If their compatibility was insufficient, it would have a significant impact on subsequent mission execution and even their own safety!
"If that's the case, during this three-month closed-door training period, my strength needs to improve by at least two more stages to have confidence in taking first place! This... the pressure might be a bit much!"
Han Lang's words were entirely from the heart, but to Tang Geng, it sounded a bit like boasting.
"Brother Han Lang, are you saying your goal is to be the first place in this year's new recruit arena competition?"
"Yes! Is there a problem?"
Tang Geng quickly waved his hands.
"It's not that there's a problem! I know your techniques are very powerful, almost possessing the ability to challenge opponents above your level, but you also need to know, as far as I know, even someone as strong as Zhao Wu is not among the top in this batch of recruits! At least I know of several people whose strength is slightly higher than his. Moreover, I estimate that during the three-month closed-door training period, they will also make some breakthroughs. Although I can't be sure about the Golden Core stage, reaching the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment should not be a big problem. With that, do you still have confidence?"
"As long as they haven't broken through to Golden Core, I think I still have some confidence! But as you said, this batch of recruits is full of hidden talents. Although I am confident in my Shen Nong Imperial Needle Technique, it's also possible that others have practiced techniques of Heaven rank or above! In that case, my technical advantage will be weakened, and my confidence will naturally decrease!"
As soon as Han Lang finished speaking, Ma Long added.
"Brother Tang Geng, I think you might have some misunderstanding about Young Master's Shen Nong Imperial Needle Technique. Based on my guess, that set of techniques not only requires the practitioner to have superb traditional Chinese medicine experience, but its own grade is at least Immortal rank or above. Therefore, when challenging opponents above your level, it at least provides the strength to challenge two levels above. And this is only limited to the first level. So, I think your worries might be a bit unnecessary!"
After hearing Ma Long's words, Tang Geng was completely shocked.
Because when he had fought alongside Han Lang before, the latter's strength was usually only about one level higher than Han Lang's.
Therefore, he didn't think Han Lang had the ability to challenge opponents two levels above him.
Now, hearing Ma Long's narration, he had a completely new understanding of Han Lang.
But his heart had not yet completely calmed down, and Han Lang's next words made him even more surprised.
"Heh heh, Brother Ma. Although what you said is basically accurate, there's one thing I need to correct. Given how special the Shen Nong Imperial Needle Technique is, in terms of grade, it can at least reach Low-grade Divine rank. Or even higher! If I can cultivate it completely, then challenging opponents four levels above, or even more, will definitely not be a problem!"
Tang Geng was completely terrified!
He really hadn't expected that the technique Han Lang was practicing had reached such a Divine rank.
This was probably only heard of in the entire cultivation world, never seen!
"Brother Han Lang, according to what you're saying, during the three months of closed-door training, as long as your strength increases by another level, reaching the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and then you practice the second level of the Shen Nong Imperial Needle Technique a bit, wouldn't you then have the strength to fight against Golden Core stage powerhouses?"
Han Lang nodded.
"That's how I'm planning for now! However, the Golden Core stage and the Foundation Establishment stage span a major level, and relying on this alone, I estimate I still won't have absolute confidence. That's why I'm a bit worried!"
Hearing this, Tang Geng quickly interrupted.
"Then you don't need to worry. Even if you can't select all of us this time, in due course, your military merits will surely be outstanding among the entire new recruit group, even surpassing most of the veteran soldiers! At that time, you can request to have us transferred over to your unit!"
Speaking of this, Tang Geng's expression suddenly changed, and he looked at Han Lang with a fawning expression, saying.
"Big Brother! Then in the future, in the Special Special Forces, I will have to rely on you for protection. If you are willing, and if the conditions are met, those techniques of Heaven rank or above... heh heh..."
Tang Geng's intention was obvious by this point.
Han Lang understood his meaning in an instant.
"Brother Tang Geng, what are you saying. We are all brothers. If there's anything, I definitely won't be stingy. Saying 'protection' is too much, we don't even know if we have that strength yet!"
Tang Geng replied.
"It's fine! I have confidence in you! Heh heh!"
Hearing this, Han Lang's pressure also increased.
He had always been loyal and righteous, but as his abilities grew, the burdens he carried also increased.
This was truly a fulfillment of what Sun Liansheng had told him before!
"With great ability comes great responsibility!"
"It seems that during the three-month closed-door training period, I really need to work hard to reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment!"
Just as he was thinking this, the speech of Su Kunyu, the commander of the new recruit leadership on stage, was almost over.
Through his introduction, all the new recruits had a basic understanding of the general procedures and subsequent steps of the Special Special Forces.
Next, the welcoming ceremony was almost over!
At this moment, Song Heguo, the commander of the military region, stood up again and announced into the microphone.
"I declare that the welcoming ceremony for the 89th batch of Special Special Forces new recruits has successfully concluded. Next, please have the veteran acting platoon leaders take all the new recruits under their responsibility into the closed-door training area to begin the three-month closed-door training!"
"Wow!"
Thunderous applause erupted once more.
Then Su Kunyu ordered the entire new recruit contingent.
"Attention! Escort Commander Song and military district officers, salute!"
Everyone's right hand was immediately raised in unison. Although their military salutes were not yet perfect, they at least represented their utmost respect for the military district officers and Song Heguo!
Song Heguo and the military district officers did not speak further. After exchanging courtesies, they left together.
Immediately after, the acting platoon leaders began to issue orders to the new recruits under their respective responsibilities one by one.
"Attention! About face! Forward march!"
One formation after another, led by their acting platoon leaders, they orderly left the square and headed towards the closed-door training areas on the other side!