Who hasn't read Romance of the Three Kingdoms knows that Pan Feng is just a dud!
Although his name is renowned, he dies faster than anyone else!
He is indeed the most unworthy of the title among the Divine Generals.
A person comparable to General Pan Feng! Doesn't that mean Ding Ling's future death will be quite spectacular?
These are the thoughts in the players' minds.
Everyone is looking at Ding Ling, secretly laughing.
Ding Ling naturally understood the players' thoughts. He twitched the corner of his eye but didn't argue because he knew Cheng Huan's good intentions.
It's rare to meet someone as responsible as Cheng Huan in the Jizhou boot camp.
Therefore, Ding Ling listened very attentively.
Seeing this, Cheng Huan felt even more gratified:
"Such a genius, yet humble and calm, will surely become great in the future!"
[Achievement Medal Obtained: General Cheng Huan praises you thrice, a sincere compliment from the heart!]
[Note: You have completely won over the heart of Hann Fu's subordinate, Cheng Huan!]
Is this even possible?!
Upon hearing the notification sound, Ding Ling couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
Although he didn't know what the Achievement Medal could be used for, instinctively, he felt it must be quite valuable!
Because it's not easy to obtain.
Don't be fooled that he got two in a short time.
That was entirely because he cheated!
Try it with an ordinary person?
"I wanted to take you to see General Pan Feng right away, but seeing your outstanding talent in saber technique, I really don't want to let such a talent go to waste."
Cheng Huan stroked his beard while looking at Ding Ling, as if viewing a treasure:
"In our camp, there's someone skilled in saber technique named Gao Lan. Although he is currently only a Military Marquis, his military strategy and martial arts are enough to serve as our Jizhou General. I can introduce you to him. As for whether he'll teach you saber technique, I can't guarantee it, but I'll try my best to speak on your behalf."
"Thank you, General!"
Ding Ling expressed his gratitude.
He might not know the difficulty of 'finding a mentor' with others, but from the jealous, almost spitting fire gaze of nearby players, he knew it must be very hard!
Cheng Huan's actions towards him were truly kind and considerate.
Although Cheng Huan could only be considered a minor character in Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
But being recorded in history is nonetheless impressive.
"I don't have much to teach you."
Cheng Huan sighed:
"Though I know a set of high-tier saber technique, I'm not very proficient in it—I fear misleading a student, so I won't teach you."
Ding Ling wanted to say it's okay, you can teach!
But seeing Cheng Huan's decided expression, he didn't voice it.
"Wait here a moment."
Cheng Huan strode away, evidently preparing to connect Ding Ling to people.
Many soldiers couldn't help but whisper:
"It's been so many years, but it's the first time seeing General Cheng Huan so excited! It seems this Ding Ling indeed is a genius! If he prospers in the future, then General Cheng Huan will surely gain fame for cherishing talent!"
"Why don't you think, Ding Ling is still in the initial stage. Befriending him now means we might have a chance to rise too in the future?"
...
Everyone understands the logic of one person reaching enlightenment and elevating those around.
Many NPCs couldn't help but eagerly come to engage with Ding Ling.
Not many players came over.
In the players' view, Ding Ling is just a crafty rascal!
Being too close might poison them.
Some are unafraid of poison, asking all sorts of questions to Ding Ling.
Only at this moment,
Ding Ling realized they didn't know he was the top of the composite leaderboard.
At first, he was quite surprised.
Later, after carefully checking the character panel, it made sense.
Turns out only in the 'Player Plaza' can one view the leaderboard, no wonder these folks hear his name and are unmoved.
Matters regarding the medals probably can be resolved in the Player Plaza too.
After a while.
Cheng Huan arrived, the players and NPCs surrounding Ding Ling quickly dispersed, returning to their squads.
Cheng Huan, seemingly excited, didn't mind the actions of the NPCs and players, he waved to Ding Ling from afar:
"Ding Ling, come over!"
Ding Ling quickly walked over.
Approaching.
Cheng Huan laughed:
"After speaking much, Gao Lan finally agreed to teach you saber technique. But he'll only teach you once. Whether you learn it, depends on your skills."
"Thank you, General, for the help!"
Ding Ling said solemnly.
"Just remember this if you become successful in the future, that there's someone like me."
Cheng Huan laughed.
"Rest assured, I, Ding Ling, am not someone who forgets kindness."
"Alright."
Cheng Huan felt increasingly satisfied, finding Ding Ling very pleasing.
Humble, composed, respectful, grateful, honorable!
He's practically heaven-sent for him, Cheng Huan!
"Follow me."
Cheng Huan walked ahead.
Ding Ling closely followed behind.
Ding Ling knew Gao Lan, later one of Hebei's Four Pillars, having fought Xuu Chu equally during the Battle of Guan Du, showing his skills.
To be recognized as one of the Four Pillars on such a large earth realm! Thus evident are his martial skills, tactics!
As for Gao Lan's eventual death?
Reading Romance of the Three Kingdoms makes it clear, he died from Zhao Yun's surprise attack, not a fair duel. Facing an absolute expert like Zhao Yun's ambush, how many could withstand it?
And this plane is based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, showing generals' combat strength aligns with the novel.
Though Gao Lan is currently only a Military Marquis.
His skill level is definitely among the top few in Jizhou!
Hann Fu arranged such a distinguished general just as a Military Marquis but let someone less skilled like Cheng Huan be a general.
No wonder Hann Fu later lost public support and had to leave Jizhou.
Ding Ling's mind whirled with thoughts.
After a while.
Cheng Huan had already brought him to another boot camp.
Here, Gao Lan was instructing recruits in 'Basic Posture'.
Seeing Cheng Huan arrive.
Gao Lan let his assistant help with the recruits while he walked boldly to Cheng Huan, looking at Ding Ling with bright eyes:
"So you are the peerless genius Ding Ling that General Cheng mentioned?"
"I wouldn't dare call myself a peerless genius. But yes, I am Ding Ling."
Ding Ling glanced at Gao Lan.
Seeing him standing tall at eight feet, holding a long spear, he was quite an attractive man, Ding Ling couldn't help but ponder how to also learn spear technique from him.
"Come with me."
Gao Lan directly turned and headed to the Military Marquis tent.
The tent was empty.
Seeing Ding Ling follow inside, he wasted no words, directly put down his long spear, picked up a long saber from the weapon rack, and plainly stated:
"I'll demonstrate the high-tier saber technique once, as for how much you can learn, depends on your fortune."
"Yes."
Ding Ling respectfully thanked him.
Gao Lan waved his hand, indicating Ding Ling needn't be so formal, then directly began performing with the long saber.