Strongest Soldier King

"Thanks." Luo Zheng was indeed hungry, and he devoured the food handed to him— a packet of instant noodles, a piece of bread, two sausages, some jerky, and he washed it down with more than half a kettle of water before he finally stopped, satisfied. Seeing everyone looking at him, he smiled awkwardly and said, "I haven't eaten in a long time, I was really hungry."

"Same here, I even had an extra piece of beef jerky," Monk said, laughing.

"What's next?" Scholar asked from the side.

"What's next?" Luo Zheng looked at Scholar in surprise. Wasn't it supposed to be a group decision, or one made by the captain? Scholar had a smile on his face, and Monk and Farmer were also smiling. Luo Zheng couldn't help but laugh and ask, "What's with those weird smiles? What are you up to? Oh right, how are your injuries?"

"We've medicated and taken anti-inflammatory shots; everyone's injuries are fine, and they'll heal in a few days. While you were asleep, we discussed it and I decided to step down and let you lead as the captain. Gardener was driving, but he agreed too," Scholar said, pointing to his bandaged wound with a smile.

"Exactly, and besides, all of us are injured except you and Gardener, so you'll need to take on more responsibility," Monk said, his eyes full of sincerity as he laughed.

"Over the past few days, we've all seen your calmness, alertness, and capability. Not to look too far, just when you saved me—who would have thought I was locked in an inconspicuous utility room and not some heavily guarded vault or hard-to-find basement? You thought of that first. I'm convinced by your analytical ability and decisiveness to become the captain," Farmer also voiced out his support.

Luo Zheng smiled awkwardly at everyone's praise and said, "I'm not as great as you say. I just got lucky. In terms of real combat experience, I'm still a rookie. You all have three to five years of experience in the Special Forces. As for seniority, I'm just a sergeant who was recently promoted to lieutenant and then demoted again—that really won't do. Let the captain continue in the role."

"Oh, demoted?" Everyone became interested upon hearing this, and Scholar laughed, "That settles it then, you are the captain. All that talk about experience and seniority is nonsense—surviving on the battlefield is everything. You saved everyone, and your ability is clear for all to see; that's enough. Now, tell us about your demotion, will you?"

"Exactly, that settles it! You can't slack off, kid! We older soldiers might have higher qualifications and experience, but we're all injured just the same. If it weren't for you, I might have been gone by now. Don't use that as an excuse. However, I am quite interested in your demotion story—as we're idling anyway, can you share it?" Farmer said, laughing.

"Nothing much, I had a 'Ba Wang meal' when I was on a mission in a neighboring country and broke the discipline," Luo Zheng said with a wry smile.

"What's the big deal? I've done that too, and it didn't matter," Farmer said, surprised.

"It's likely someone was jealous, or someone deliberately targeted you," Scholar, who came from the Song family, knew a bit more and reminded him, surprised.

Luo Zheng certainly knew it was someone messing with him on purpose, but he didn't want to bring it up again. Thinking about how the first squad was practically non-existent because of him, his heart filled with sorrow, and he grew even more resentful toward the Song family. Seeing Luo Zheng's despondent expression, everyone wisely refrained from asking further questions. They exchanged glances, and the Scholar asked, "Brother, everyone has elected you as the captain. You have to take on this responsibility. What should we do next? You tell us."

"Let's find a place to park and discuss this," Luo Zheng thought for a moment and said.

The Scholar smacked the front of the car a few times, and the car stopped. The Gardener leaned out to inquire and understand the situation, then parked the car in a mountain hollow. Everyone got out of the car; Luo Zheng went a bit further to relieve himself, and upon returning, everyone gathered and sat on the car. The car was covered with a canvas tent, making it less likely to be discovered, and discussing matters there was safer.

Luo Zheng spread out the map and pondered. Since everyone had elected him captain, there was no need to pull out an appointment letter. After a while, Luo Zheng organized his thoughts and said, "Brothers, the enemy has run off with over a dozen people and will definitely gather more for an encirclement. The road ahead might be tough. I suggest we head north to disrupt the enemy's plans first."

"That makes sense. The enemy would definitely expect us to head east and to use the vehicle. They might have set up a major ambush ahead. The East Yi Yun Members wield an armed force claimed to be nearly a thousand strong, but who can guarantee the accuracy of that number? Even if it's true, just having three to five hundred of their troops would be enough problem for us. Heading north could disrupt their plans. I think it's feasible. What do you all think?" the Scholar said solemnly, agreeing seriously.

"No doubt about it, let's head north," the Farmer agreed, and the Monk and the Gardener echoed the sentiment.

After deciding the direction, Luo Zheng's expression turned icy, and he said coldly, "The East Yi Yun Members have caused significant damage to our national border. These bastards should have been eliminated long ago. It's rare that they've gathered together, giving us a chance to strike them. Heading north should enable us to encounter other teams. Be careful, though; we must not cause friendly fire."

"That's reasonable. Heading east would dive us straight into the encirclement, which isn't worth it. Going north, mobilizing the enemy, and finding an opportunity to strike—I think it is possible. We are soldiers—the nation's and the people's guardians. We can't miss such a great opportunity. Finding these bastards next time won't be easy," the Farmer agreed.

"That's sensible, but there's one issue—those mercenaries?" the Gardener reminded.

Luo Zheng's expression turned icy. He was full of rage inside when it came to the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group, and a sudden surge of fighting will empowered him as his eyes flashed coldly. Looking at the map, with a focused look in his tiger-like eyes, he said icily, "We must find a way to wipe out these scum. Be very careful when driving; keep the speed above eighty miles per hour to avoid sniping."

It's hard to aim properly when the speed exceeds sixty miles per hour, and virtually impossible to snipe at speeds over eighty miles per hour, even for a super-skilled shooter, unless it's a random shot or using a machine gun to spray. Everyone nodded with understanding, and the Scholar, with a solemn expression, added, "Those mercenaries we've encountered are very skilled in shooting and hand-to-hand combat, especially one individual who seemed to be their leader. I would have been more than grazed by a bullet if not for the Gardener's brother suppressing him. It took two against one to barely hold the enemy at bay."

"He was indeed formidable. The bastard I fought would have killed me if I hadn't tricked him. Thankfully, the Gardener's brother shot him, yet I was still slashed by him just before his death. We definitely can't be careless," the Monk said, his voice tinged with lingering fear as his expression grew serious and his eyes narrowed cautiously.

Seeing that everyone had taken a serious view of the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group, Luo Zheng felt relieved. If they had continued to underestimate the enemy as before, the road ahead would be difficult. After thinking for a while, he said, "Let's continue to take turns driving, each person for half an hour, maintaining absolute vigilance and speed. We will take turns keeping watch. After heading north for half a day, our gas will probably run low. We'll find a densely wooded area to stop, then abandon the vehicle and proceed on foot eastward. How about that?"