CHAPTER 994: CHAPTER 994 ARRIVING AT THE MILITARY DISTRICT TO WATCH THE COMPETITION

Xiang Yu felt much more at ease after seeing Tie Zhuzi and the others return; that way, Gao Zhitao wouldn’t have to pester him anymore.

Sure enough, Gao Zhitao was very excited to talk to Tie Zhuzi when he saw him.

Xiao Xuan originally wanted to return to his room when he came back, as he didn’t want to listen to the two bragging here.

But when Gao Zhitao mentioned having good news, Xiao Xuan stood there and listened for a while.

Gao Zhitao briefly explained the military competition, emphasizing that it was a rivalry between military regions, meaning people from other regions would also come here.

This is the main venue.

Xiang Yu was sitting on the sofa and decided to listen more carefully upon hearing that people from other military regions would be coming.

Xiao Xuan also stood there listening intently; he really wanted to see what the experts in the military were like.

Tie Zhuzi was even more excited, nearly jumping up, as he naturally liked to join in the excitement; such a lively event definitely couldn’t miss him.

"Brother Yu, let’s go have a look," Tie Zhuzi said with an expectant look at Xiang Yu.

Xiang Yu thought for a moment and nodded, "How do we go?"

Given that it was a military region and such a grand occasion, ordinary people wouldn’t be able to approach, let alone enter.

Seeing Xiang Yu agree, Gao Zhitao patted his chest and said, "With me here, you can rest assured."

Xiang Yu just chuckled lightly, although Gao Zhitao loved to boast, he was indeed skillful in interpersonal interactions.

After eating, the four of them set off towards the military region.

Since it was a military area, it was naturally very concealed, but the transportation routes were very smooth.

Just as they were about to enter the mountains, a checkpoint blocked their way.

Gao Zhitao simply opened the window to show his face and easily passed through, then entered the second checkpoint where soldiers inspected the car, ensuring nothing was amiss before allowing them to continue.

However, the third checkpoint wasn’t as simple. Passing here meant directly reaching a military critical zone, which ordinary people weren’t allowed through.

"Hey, I’ve told you, he’s my friend, absolutely safe," Gao Zhitao explained, leaning on a cane.

The soldier stood there rigidly, holding his gun with an authoritative air; he recognized Gao Zhitao, knowing he was Gao Mantang’s grandson. But it was his duty; without proper documentation, anyone not from there couldn’t enter.

"Why are you so rigid? Can’t you make an exception?" Gao Zhitao said anxiously.

He had promised Xiang Yu, and being stuck here would be quite embarrassing.

"Don’t make it difficult for me. Other times I might let you through, but not in these days," the soldier replied.

"You are just a blockhead! Can’t you trust me?" Gao Zhitao said anxiously, "Remember when I shared half of my pheasant with you, don’t be ungrateful. And last time in the restroom, I gave you toilet paper, plus..."

Gao Zhitao rambled on, but the soldier, knowing he couldn’t win the argument, simply stood pretending to be a log.

Seeing the soldier truly unyielding, Gao Zhitao had no choice but to take out his phone to call his grandfather.

Upon hearing Xiang Yu and the others were there, Gao Mantang drove over himself.

The soldier quickly saluted when he saw Gao Mantang.

"What’s going on?" Gao Mantang asked, eyes wide.

The soldier explained briefly.

Upon listening, Gao Mantang almost jumped up, exclaiming, "What nonsense regulation is this? Rules need to consider people. They’re all my friends, let them in quickly."

"Uh..." the soldier hesitated.

Seeing his hesitation, Gao Mantang widened his eyes again.

"Let them pass," the soldier quickly replied.

In the military region, everyone knew Gao Mantang’s personality; he never followed any military codes, acting quite recklessly, yet no one could do anything about it.

After settling the issue, Gao Mantang hurriedly left, having many things to prepare.

Gao Zhitao felt somewhat embarrassed, sitting back in the car.

"The weather today is nice," Gao Zhitao said first, sitting there.

Xiang Yu and the other three remained silent, pretending to be statues. The more they acted this way, the more uncomfortable Gao Zhitao felt, finally saying, "That guy is just crazy today, usually we’re like brothers..."

"The weather today is indeed nice," Xiang Yu said, looking out the window.

"Yes, a day for enjoying a sunbath," Tie Zhuzi added from the front.

Xiang Yu and Tie Zhuzi chatted casually, completely ignoring Gao Zhitao.

Gao Zhitao’s face turned red, eventually shrugging, "Alright, I exaggerated; let’s go check out the rest area first."

Everyone laughed, then followed Gao Zhitao to the rest area.

The military region was enormous, and without identification, one wasn’t allowed to wander, something Gao Zhitao understood well. Thus, he led the trio to the rest area.

"This afternoon is the opening ceremony, and it formally starts tomorrow, so during these days, you’ll stay here," Gao Zhitao said, sounding like the host.

The so-called rest area was actually the reception area, offering hotel-like treatment, only with male attendants, no women around.

"What, such trouble, what’s this nonsense opening ceremony about?" Tie Zhuzi said, quite puzzled.

Gao Zhitao raised his face disdainfully at Tie Zhuzi, "Of course there is, you think they start right away? Some prelude and ambiance add to the charm."

Everyone: "..."

"I won’t bother with the prelude, take me around the military region a bit," Tie Zhuzi said nonchalantly.

Actually, Gao Zhitao wasn’t too keen on the opening ceremony either; he wanted to take the group for a tour, hoping for some boasting opportunities along the way.

"You guys go ahead, I’ll have a look on my own," Xiang Yu said.

Gao Zhitao nodded; with Xiang Yu around, he couldn’t help feeling a bit self-conscious when boasting.

For some reason, before Xiang Yu, he felt transparent, but with Tie Zhuzi, it was different. The lad’s naïveté highlighted his own cleverness.

A few minutes later, a soldier came over, handing each a pass card. Having the pass, Gao Zhitao then took Tie Zhuzi and the others out to play.

Xiang Yu looked at the card in hand, then headed out as well.

He came here not for the martial arts competition, but hearing other regions were coming, he just wanted to see if he could find someone he was looking for.

Since leaving the army, he hadn’t seen Commander Cao, wondering what his mindset would be facing Commander Cao again.

Leaving the rest area, Xiang Yu walked towards the training zone. Although unfamiliar with the area, military region layouts were mostly comparable.

As he walked down the road, many people observed him. Most here wore military uniforms, while Xiang Yu was in casual clothes, which seemed somewhat out of place.

Realizing this, Xiang Yu knew he hadn’t brought any clothes, so he had no choice but to continue on...