Strongest Soldier King

Beijing, a high-end villa district.

The lights were ablaze in a large manor villa shrouded by a small garden encircled by high walls. Guards walked their hunting dogs on patrol. Each guard was extremely fit, their stern eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings. They exuded a fierce aura, like fierce beasts poised to pounce. The large hunting dogs, similar to young bulls, panted as they sniffed around continuously, well-trained and not barking indiscriminately.

The grand gates of the villa were tightly shut, with two people standing at the entrance. Their hands were crossed over their lower abdomens, each clutching a short gun that was cocked and ready. They watched their surroundings alertly, not even sparing the passing patrol teams a glance.

Inside the room, the spacious living area was lavishly decorated, the luxury oppressive. A scholarly elder was seated with dignity on the chief sofa, dressed in a well-fitting traditional Tang suit. He appeared to be just over sixty, with slightly graying temples. His eyes were as deep as the ocean, twinkling with wisdom. His expression was as calm as still water. He sat quietly, looking at the middle-aged man opposite him while emitting a subtle aura of authority. This was Song Haitian, the patriarch of the Song family and the third-ranking figure in the military of Huaxia Country.

The middle-aged man felt somewhat uneasy under the elder's imposing aura as he sat upright and attentive, his gaze level, not daring to meet the elder's eyes. He spoke earnestly, "Dad, I've gathered all the details. After that bastard got injured, his squad withdrew from the competition. He's still unconscious, and the doctors say whether or not he can survive depends on his will to live. Even if he does, he's likely to suffer lingering effects."

"Hmph," Song Haitian uttered a cold, soundless snort.

Nurturing the body promotes a powerful aura; it was like that of a martial artist who practiced internal martial arts. Having long held a position of power, Song Haitian naturally developed a commanding presence, which also contained a sharp edge meant to kill. Once unleashed, it was extraordinary. At that mere grunt, Song Tao, as Song Haitian's son, felt his breath catch and heart briefly stop, the discomfort making him quickly say respectfully, "Dad, even if he wakes up, he won't meet the physical criteria required for the Special Forces. If that happens, they'll just discharge him, and he will pose no threat." Song Tao was referring to Luo Zheng.

"What is the stance of the Lan family and the Li family?" Song Haitian asked indifferently.

Song Tao detected a whiff of gunpowder in his father's indifferent words, his expression changing slightly as he hurriedly replied, "The Lan family and the Li family haven't made any public statements. Lan Xue, that girl, is openly staying at the hospital, which is a disgrace to our Song family. As for the Li family kid, Captain Li of the Military District Special Warfare Team, he hasn't made any comment so far."

"The silence from the Lan and Li families is the best statement. Leave the Li family kid alone for now, as for the Lan family girl, even though she hasn't made a public announcement, she's already been promised to the Song family. It's shameful that she openly stands by another man. Where does that leave the face of the Song family?" Song Haitian said evenly.

Song Tao felt a sharp chill emanating from the seemingly calm words and was shocked briefly. Then, thinking it over, he realized that although it wasn't ideal to take action against the Lan family, it was still possible to deal with Lan Xue. However, he expressed his concern, "Dealing with that girl isn't difficult, but what about her maternal grandfather?"

Song Haitian's calm face twitched ever so slightly at the mention, but quickly returned to normal as he said nonchalantly, "We should give Elder Li's face some consideration. Still, the Song family cannot afford to lose face either. Let's not bother with the girl for now, there will be opportunities in future. It's not appropriate to fall out with the Li family over such a trifling matter. As for that bastard, remember this: a snake that isn't killed will bite back. Understood?"

"I understand," Song Tao replied, feeling a chill in his heart as he hastily agreed.

"Did you leave any loose ends?" Song Haitian suddenly asked.

"Absolutely not. I was the only point of contact with them, using public payphones, and moreover, out-of-town numbers. It's impossible to trace back to us." Song Tao quickly responded.

"Hmm, I'm still at ease with the way you handle things. As for your son Song Yang, I've heard he's been training hard recently, as if he's changed into a completely different person. Perhaps receiving a little shock isn't a bad thing. In a few days, arrange for him to join the Guardian Capital Army Special Warfare Team; it's better to keep an eye on him. In three months, the Central Guard Corps will need additional personnel. Tell him to put in the effort. Maybe our Song family may gain a figure of importance," Song Haitian said lightly.

"Yes, thank you, Dad," Song Tao said gratefully, his eyes brimming with joy. The Central Guard Corps was commonly known as the bodyguards of Zhongnanhai. Just set up a little merit, and in the future, when assigned to a troop unit, becoming a high-ranking officer, even a general, is not impossible. Thinking of the wonderful possibilities, Song Tao felt every cell in his body singing.

...

In the ICU of a Military District Hospital, Lan Xue, who had rushed over overnight, looked through the glass at Luo Zheng, lying on the hospital bed. He had lost weight, his skin had darkened, and he looked utterly haggard. Recalling Luo Zheng's usual sunny disposition, his hearty laughter, his stubborn character, Lan Xue felt both warmth and a bitter sweetness, making her already cold face seem even colder.

"Elder sister, you haven't closed your eyes for days, go lie down for a while. I'll keep watch here," Captain Li approached, looking at Lan Xue with concern and said, "He's my soldier, I'll take good care of him, don't worry."

"Mm," Lan Xue responded noncommittally, her body as if nailed in place, not moving an inch, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on Luo Zheng, like the coldest and most impenetrable black ice.

The powerful team leader felt a chill in the air around them. Looking at Lan Xue, he said with a wry smile, "Little sister, I understand how you feel, I'm not good at consoling people, but there's one thing you must remember, that kid would definitely not want to see you standing here suffering."

Lan Xue turned to look at the team leader and said coldly, "This time in the competition, your Group Army's team was the first to withdraw, that had a big impact, didn't it?"

"Yes," the team leader said with a bitter face, "I won't hide it from you, I had hoped they would achieve a good result. Even if they just avoided coming last, we would have been satisfied. That's not too much to ask, right? I didn't expect them to be the first to withdraw. Although the results haven't come out yet, what results can a team that withdrew even talk about? We're probably going to come in last again."

"Is it also because of this that not a single leader from your Group Army has come to visit, not even a word?" Lan Xue asked coldly, her eyes still fixed on Luo Zheng inside the sickroom.

"Uh?" The team leader gave an embarrassed smile, unsure of what to say, as all reasons seemed pale in comparison.

"Have you read their four reports?" Lan Xue asked, still coldly.

"Uh?" The team leader was confused by Lan Xue's leap in thought and said with a bitter smile, "I have. What they said sounds true, but we have to wait for all the other competing teams to return and confirm it before we can come to a final conclusion. Five people taking down more than three hundred, do you believe that?"

"I believe it." Lan Xue suddenly turned around and said earnestly.

"Uh? Why?" the team leader asked in surprise.

"Because of him." Lan Xue looked towards Luo Zheng in the ICU, saying earnestly, her eyes filled with pride.

PS: I'm embarrassed to ask for rewards; may I ask for recommendation tickets instead?