Strongest Soldier King

Chapter 22: Back to Headquarters



One taught seriously while the other learned meticulously, and before they knew it, Lan Xue had shared all of her sniper skills with Luo Zheng, who had essentially mastered Sniper Skill but needed training. Given the limited conditions and Lan Xue needing to rush back to report, there was no possibility of stopping to train.

Several days later, the two emerged from the neighboring country's border and successfully crossed into their own territory. With Lan Xue's vigilance, she quickly spotted a reconnaissance team and revealed herself. Luo Zheng knew Lan Xue didn't want to expose her identity, so he stepped forward to report his own identity. The reconnaissance team members scrutinized Luo Zheng upon hearing his name; without asking further questions, they promptly reported to their superiors and then watched Lan Xue with caution.

Lan Xue's expression was as cold as ever as she claimed to be on a secret mission and asked the reconnaissance team for a communication device. The team leader eyed Lan Xue cautiously. It was not uncommon for special individuals to cross the border on secret missions, something the border guards were aware of. After a moment's thought and because he could overhear everything anyway, the leader handed over the phone. Lan Xue dialed a number and simply said, "I'm back," before returning the phone to the team leader.

Until Luo Zheng and his companion's identities could be confirmed, the reconnaissance squad could only treat them as illegal border crossers and escort them towards the military camp. Half an hour later, a camouflage-clad transport helicopter arrived, bearing armed and alert soldiers who spread out to secure the area with impressive presence. Seeing their commander accompany the helicopter, the reconnaissance team was startled and, glancing at Lan Xue, believed her claim.

The commander walked up with a robust man in tow, a man over 1.85 meters tall with a broad back and thick waist. His aura was subdued, like that of an unsheathed sword, each step measured and strong, seemingly slow yet covering ground quickly. He did not look at anyone else, fixing his gaze on Lan Xue with a faint smile spreading across his face.

Lan Xue stepped forward and saluted. The rugged man nodded, turned around, and strode toward the transport helicopter. Lan Xue followed closely behind, leaving Luo Zheng feeling void, as if the most beautiful thing in his life was moving away. Lan Xue boarded the transport helicopter, followed by the guarding soldiers, and the aircraft quickly ascended.

Luo Zheng quietly watched everything, his gaze never leaving Lan Xue. Thinking about her imminent departure and the likelihood of never seeing her again in this lifetime, his heart sank. Suddenly, he saw Lan Xue on the helicopter raise two fingers. To an outsider, it might seem like a victory sign, but Luo Zheng smiled, his spirits lifted, as he thought to himself, "Two years, I must truly hone my skills, not relying on mere luck to defeat the enemy as before."

"You're Luo Zheng, the soldier from the Ancient Path outpost?" the commander approached with a serious expression and asked.

"Reporting to the commander, second-class soldier Luo Zheng from the Ancient Path outpost, at your service, awaiting your orders," Luo Zheng promptly replied, having seen the commander during his time in the new recruit company and recognizing him.

"Good, come with me. And remember, what you've experienced is classified as top military secret," the commander instructed.

"Yes, sir," Luo Zheng answered loudly, understanding that such matters, especially ones involving traitors, should not be disclosed carelessly.

"Hmm, very good," the commander said, looking at Luo Zheng and smiling with satisfaction.

Soon after, another transport helicopter flew in. The commander gestured for Luo Zheng to board with him. The helicopter's rotors roared as it lifted into the air and flew into the distance. Luo Zheng, who was riding in an armed helicopter for the first time, found it very novel and exciting. He eagerly touched and looked around, clearly fascinated.

The commander quietly observed Luo Zheng, full of curiosity, but asked no questions. After all, they were not alone on the aircraft, and some things were better left unsaid. After thirty minutes, the transport helicopter landed at the regimental headquarters. It was Luo Zheng's first visit. On the wide training field, many people were practicing, surrounded by neatly arranged barracks draped in green camouflage. Even the walls were painted green, pathways were shaded by trees, and people and vehicles frequently passed by.

"Follow me," the commander said to Luo Zheng, who quickly complied. Noticing Luo Zheng's M16A4 automatic rifle and the camouflaged combat uniform, the commander immediately said, "The weapon needs to be handed over, and so does your camouflage uniform."

"Oh?!" Luo Zheng looked at the gun in his hand with some reluctance, but in the end, he handed it over.

"Guard!" The regiment commander did not receive it, but instead shouted loudly.

"Here!" A young man ran over quickly.

"Take him to take a bath and change into clean clothes, then bring him to my office," the commander instructed.

"Yes." The young man looked toward Luo Zheng, who nodded. Having not bathed for days and covered in grime, this order was really a stroke of genius. He followed the young man to the bathroom.

After the hot bath, Luo Zheng felt completely relaxed, and his stomach started to grumble. He realized he might not have eaten anything all day. When the guard brought over a clean new uniform, Luo Zheng thanked him politely. He changed quickly, finding the uniform fitted perfectly, and then followed the guard outside.

Neither spoke along the way; they passed through several corridors and up to the fifth floor of an office building. The guard loudly announced their arrival at a door, and after getting permission, he opened the door, signaled for Luo Zheng to enter, and then closed it behind him.

"Reporting to the regiment commander, Luo Zheng is here to report," Luo Zheng quickly saluted.

"Hmm, very good, have a seat for a moment," the commander said without looking up, continuing with his work. Luo Zheng didn't dare to sit and remained motionless, standing at attention with eyes on his nose, nose on his heart.

A while later, the commander put his pen down, surprised at Luo Zheng's stillness, then smiled and said, "Hmm, not bad, you have the look of a soldier. I know about the outpost matter, and I've seen the note. You all did well; I am proud to have soldiers like you. You'll stay at the guesthouse for now. Write a detailed report on everything that's happened these past few days, and give it to me tomorrow. Any questions?"

"Reporting, no problem," Luo Zheng quickly replied.

"Good, remember to maintain secrecy," the commander instructed.

"Yes," Luo Zheng replied earnestly, puffing out his chest.

The commander nodded in satisfaction, then used the intercom to call the guard and gave instructions to take Luo Zheng to stay temporarily at the guesthouse, stating that any needs should be met immediately. The guard was curious about such arrangements, for generally, only higher-ups or personnel from brother units would be given guesthouse accommodations. However, he did not ask, instead agreeing straight away.

On the way, the guard looked at Luo Zheng curiously but did not ask further. After completing the formalities at the guesthouse, he led Luo Zheng to his room, asking politely if there was anything else needed. Luo Zheng, experiencing this kind of treatment for the first time, felt a bit uncomfortable. Seeing that the room had everything, he quickly replied that nothing was needed. The guard explained that he could contact the service desk for any issues or have them get in touch with him, and then he left.


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