The rivalry between the Blade Company and First Company officially began. Lü Zheng and the First Company commander locked horns, intensifying training difficulty and bellowing slogans—both determined to crush their opponent in spirit and strength. Lü Zheng specifically summoned Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun, demanding they devise a plan to secure the launch mission for the Blade Company without inviting criticism from other companies. Ouyang Jun proposes writing a blood oath to prove their resolve to brigade leadership. The entire company gathers around him urging him to lead the effort, but Ouyang Jun fails to follow through after several attempts. Xia Zhuo seeks out Yan Yibing, hoping she can help him get pumped up, only to be spotted by the First Company Commander.
