RMM – Chapter 84 Overestimating One’s Abilities

Xi Yuechen walked slowly up to the major who had just spoken, staring directly into his eyes without moving an inch.

The major initially looked back with impatience and provocation in his eyes, but after a few seconds of eye contact, he couldn’t hold out any longer.

Those seemingly calm eyes suddenly turned razor-sharp—like countless icy blades piercing straight into his own, seeping into his skin, freezing his blood.

Soon, the major hastily averted his gaze, looking elsewhere, blinking rapidly. His expression turned gloomy and unwilling.

“I know you’re not convinced. But the question is—do you even have the ability to be?”

The moment his words fell, Xi Yuechen sprang into action. No one even had time to react. In the blink of an eye, that proud major was thrown flat on his back with a textbook over-the-shoulder throw.

…The air around them froze momentarily. A second ago, everyone had been watching like it was a show, but now they all frowned slightly. How did he do that just now? None of them had even seen his move clearly…

“Arrogant and delusional. When did our unit’s standards get this low?” Xi Yuechen’s tone was dripping with disdain. Though his voice was calm and steady, it pierced straight into everyone’s hearts, stirring waves of shock. Their expressions turned complicated.

The major on the ground was furious and unwilling to accept this. A flash of rage passed through his eyes as he rolled to his feet and raised his hand, aiming a chop at Xi Yuechen’s neck.

Before the others could even cry out, they saw Xi Yuechen react as if he had eyes on his back—he didn’t turn his head, but his body moved instinctively.

One hand swiftly twisted the attacking arm behind the back, while the other gripped the major’s shoulder like an eagle claw. His leg swept out—and once again, the major was on the ground.

The major only felt a gust of wind rushing at him. Before he could process what happened, he was already slammed down, with a sharp, densely focused pain flooding every bone and joint.

That speed… how was it even possible? No matter how many years of training they had, no one here could achieve that. It was terrifying.

Everyone present was shaken. Gone was the earlier casual attitude. Their minds began reevaluating. This new team leader… might need to be seen in a new light.

“Get up! A soldier is never brought down by pain!” Xi Yuechen barked when he saw the major lying on the ground, pale and clearly in pain.

The major’s heart clenched involuntarily under the sharp reprimand. He could no longer care about the pain—he instinctively jumped to his feet and stood at attention.

He had barely gotten upright before Xi Yuechen’s eyes locked onto him again, prompting his body to quickly adjust into its best possible posture—just like he was undergoing a top-level inspection.

The others might not have caught it earlier, but he had felt it clearly: the technique, the speed—how could any ordinary man do that? The fear that had welled up inside him in that moment was still vivid.

Though they weren’t as outstanding as Xi Yuechen, each of them had been among the top of their respective units. Their ability to judge people was honed to perfection. And even though Xi Yuechen had only made two moves just now, his strength was clearly immeasurable.

This man… was no ordinary figure.

In the military, men were straightforward and proud, but they respected strength above all. If you wanted their respect—fine—prove yourself.

And Xi Yuechen had done just that in under two minutes.

“Reporting, Team Leader! My name is Hán Zhìyuǎn, from the 1st Battalion of the 38th Regiment in Military Region L. Armored Infantry Division. Awaiting your instructions!”
The major, now identified as Hán Zhìyuǎn, shouted with full formality. His voice was serious, with none of the earlier condescension.

Whether they accepted him as their leader or not was one thing—but in this moment, he had earned their respect. A real soldier, and a far more capable superior officer.

“Return to ranks,” Xi Yuechen finally withdrew his gaze and gave a crisp command.

“Yes, sir!” Hán Zhìyuǎn snapped to attention and marched back into formation.

Xi Yuechen remained standing there, unfazed, watching the eleven men quickly readjust their formation with a cold, distant gaze.

“Reporting, Team Leader! My name is Zhāng Hóngmíng, from Military Region C…”

“Reporting, Team Leader! My name is Yú Róng…”

“Reporting, Team Leader…”

Once formation was set, the men began to report in one by one.

“Very good,” Xi Yuechen nodded, taking a few steps before continuing. “I’m Xi Yuechen. Until the end of this mission, I’ll be your team leader. You all know what the real objective of this operation is—I won’t waste words. Before we begin the mission, as long as you’re breathing, you’ll train. Until I’m satisfied.”

“Yes, sir!” the eleven of them shouted in unison, all serious now.

“Good. Training starts now. Ten laps around the field.”

Xi Yuechen gave the order casually, not mentioning the twenty-two who had yet to arrive, as if they didn’t exist.

But while Xi Yuechen was calm, others were growing anxious—especially Hán Zhìyuǎn.

Of the thirty-three selected for this operation, many were probably just like he had been: arrogant, unsatisfied with this parachuted-in team leader. They were hand-picked elites—how could they entrust their lives to someone they didn’t know?

Now that they’d seen a glimpse of Xi Yuechen’s skill, the anxiety only deepened. Hán Zhìyuǎn already regretted his earlier rashness.

After all, to be selected for this special assignment, how incompetent could the guy really be—even if he was a last-minute appointment?

After one lap, Hán Zhìyuǎn couldn’t hold it in anymore and shouted, “Reporting!”

“Fall out,” Xi Yuechen said without moving, eyes still on the others running.

“Team Leader, I was reckless earlier. I apologize!” Hán Zhìyuǎn stood before him, his sharp features adding sincerity to his words.

“Understood.”

Xi Yuechen’s flat response made Hán Zhìyuǎn hesitate a little. After thinking a moment, he added, “Team Leader. The other team members are still in the dorms.”

“Mm.” Xi Yuechen finally glanced at him. “Noted. Return to ranks.”

If Xi Yuechen’s combat skill had left Hán Zhìyuǎn in awe, this cool indifference made him even harder to read. And the hardest people to read are the most dangerous—like a venomous snake hidden in the grass, you never know when it might strike.

Xi Yuechen wasn’t just cold—he had a deep, unfathomable presence.

Watching Hán Zhìyuǎn return to the formation and resume running, Xi Yuechen turned away. Of course he knew they were suspicious and unhappy about him. That was normal. But he was going to grind down all their pride—fast.

These men had been carefully selected. That was both a blessing and a curse. Yes, they were exceptional. But wear a halo long enough, and arrogance follows. And the more arrogant you are, the narrower your vision becomes.

Such people are bound to become useless one day. He couldn’t have that. If they were under his command, they’d be broken down and rebuilt from scratch.

There was plenty of time. No need to rush.

While Xi Yuechen remained composed, those who hadn’t shown up were starting to fidget.

Their original plan was to give this so-called team leader a little humiliation. But the prolonged silence was unnerving. Why wasn’t anyone coming to drag them out? Something wasn’t right.

The more they thought, the more uneasy they became. Eventually, a few of them stood up and walked out.

“Where are you going?” someone asked.

“There’s been no movement over there. Just sitting here isn’t helping—let’s go see what’s going on. This is unsettling.”

They were all disciplined soldiers. Their absence this morning wasn’t true defiance, just a statement of discontent. Military orders were still absolute.

So they all got up and made their way to the training field.

Let’s see if this so-called genius Xi Yuechen is really worth the name.

When they arrived, Xi Yuechen was still letting the earlier group run laps. He stood off to the side, seemingly watching them—or perhaps deep in thought.

Hán Zhìyuǎn and the others spotted the newcomers and felt a silent wave of relief. Their gazes subtly flicked toward Xi Yuechen—but their posture and steps remained strict.

What’s going on here? Weren’t these guys ready to challenge authority? Why are they all jogging like model soldiers now?

The latecomers were confused. They exchanged looks but didn’t understand the silent cues from the earlier group. They split into small groups and approached Xi Yuechen.

Hán Zhìyuǎn silently held his head in his hands: Life is unpredictable. Good luck to you all. Damn, my waist still hurts.

Leading the group was Gāo Yúnxiāo, steady in his steps, with a righteous air—though far too much arrogance in his expression.

Talented and proud—young elite soldiers. They all needed to be ground down. Xi Yuechen had already labeled them in his mind.

“Captain Xí,” Gāo Yúnxiāo greeted lazily, no real seriousness in his voice.

“Did you all have breakfast?”

The sudden question caught them off guard. What did he mean by that?

“We did,” came the uneven but unanimous reply.

“Good.”

Xi Yuechen remained expressionless, leaving them more confused than ever.

“You twenty-two, split into two groups freely and come spar with me.”

With that, he took off his cap and hung it on a tree branch, instantly entering combat mode—his entire presence turning cold and sharp. His camo uniform didn’t hinder his movement at all.

Gāo Yúnxiāo and the others froze. Was this guy planning to take on ten people at once? Did he think that little of them?

They exchanged glances and split into two groups, locking onto Xi Yuechen with fierce confidence.

If you’re in such a hurry, don’t blame us for ganging up on you. Gāo Yúnxiāo sneered inwardly. So what if you’re young? So what if your rank is high? These days, a lot of things can be “manufactured.”

Watching their excited, eager-to-fight expressions, Hán Zhìyuǎn’s group instinctively slowed their steps and turned their eyes toward the scene ahead, anxious.

Was Xi Yuechen about to show off? Hopefully, he wasn’t just overestimating himself.