Strongest Soldier King

The National Special Forces competition was just a week away, and according to the itinerary, Luo Zheng needed to first converge with the other team members at the Large Army Group and familiarize themselves for two days before heading to the competition venue. After all, the competition was not a solo event; it was team combat that better demonstrated combat capability. If everyone was unfamiliar with each other, going directly into the competition would be inappropriate.

Of course, Luo Zheng already had some understanding of the other contestants. The intelligence was provided by the squadron leader, with detailed profiles on each individual including personality, strengths, and so on—each with an objective analysis. Naturally, Luo Zheng's profile had also been submitted to the Large Army Group headquarters, and he believed the other team members would review it as well. However, Luo Zheng's information was very simple and not comprehensive, a deliberate move by the squadron leader to protect Luo Zheng, as the outstanding often attract the most gunfire.

That morning, Luo Zheng, accompanied by the squadron leader, took a helicopter to the headquarters base of the Large Army Group. After the helicopter landed, Luo Zheng found this place different from other military bases within the military region. It had more of a sense of life and less solemnity, resembling a logistics base more. Of course, all of that was just the surface, as Luo Zheng acutely spotted inconspicuous hiding spots for sentries—and no fewer than five of them at that.

A Captain came to greet them, fairly familiar with the squadron leader. After exchanging a few polite words, the Captain indicated for the two to follow him. They hadn't walked far when Luo Zheng noticed another helicopter landing, with four people jumping out—two Majors, a Lieutenant General, and a Lieutenant.

Seeing the scholarly-looking Lieutenant with a pair of black-framed glasses, Luo Zheng couldn't help but laugh. The intelligence indicated the black-framed glasses were fake, with only the frames and no lenses—purely for the cool factor. This guy was named Wu Jing, the only child of a military district commander and had aspired to be a teacher since childhood, yet was forced into the military by his father, who promised that as long as Wu Jing made a contribution in this competition, and their team's ranking wasn't at the bottom, he would let Wu Jing go teach.

In order to fulfill his own wishes and dreams, Wu Jing gave himself the nickname of "Scholar," constantly reminding himself. Under the stimulation of his ideals, Wu Jing trained hard and achieved excellent results, standing out from the entire military and becoming a contestant from the military district. He looked like a scholar, liked to dress like one, and if you were deceived by his appearance, then you would be miserable. To train Wu Jing, his father was determined, having him learn wilderness survival from a young age. Wu Jing's seemingly delicate hands were capable of slaying wolves, he was meticulous in thought, and decisive in action.

Perhaps sensing Luo Zheng's gaze, Wu Jing also looked over and quickly spotted Luo Zheng. He smiled slightly and nodded as a gesture of recognition. Luo Zheng looked at the others beside Wu Jing and then at the squadron leader, feeling somewhat embarrassed. As a fellow contestant, Wu Jing had so many people accompanying him, while Luo Zheng only had the squadron leader by his side. Inwardly he vowed to put in a great effort to make the squadron leader proud.

Upon arriving at the guest house, Luo Zheng and the squadron leader were arranged to rest in a suite. After the reception personnel left, the squadron leader sat on the sofa and said, "That was Scholar just now, you saw him, right? According to the profiles, the contestants this time are no simple matter, but whether they truly have the skills, I don't know. I have heard of this Scholar though, and he supposedly has some ability, General Wu really has made a heavy investment."

"Yes, the son of a prominent general becoming a hardened soldier, General Wu really has it tough. The captain of this competition's team will probably be appointed to him, right?" Luo Zheng said somewhat admiringly. It's not easy for the only child of a high-ranking official to serve in the military and also have genuine skills, not just there to pad their resume. General Wu was indeed remarkable.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it should be him. While the other contestants also have good strength, none are like Scholar, who taught himself to earn a Ph.D., and in Philosophy at that—such a dry subject, and yet he managed to learn it. Besides, this guy has very powerful logical thinking and analytical abilities, and commendable tactical command capabilities. It makes sense for him to be the captain," the squadron leader said.

"Yes, everyone thinks so, and our competitors probably think the same," Luo Zheng remarked.

The squadron leader's expression changed slightly as he looked at Luo Zheng, falling into thought. After a while, the squadron leader said, "You're right, our competitors have probably thoroughly studied Scholar, and every move he makes could be precisely calculated by the opposition, which is not good for the competition."

"There's nothing that can be done about that. I believe Scholar has also studied the other competing teams. When the time comes, it will be down to each person's skills and luck. The battlefield changes in the blink of an eye; who can truly be prepared for everything?" Luo Zheng said with a smile.

"You, young man..." the squadron leader said with a bitter smile and did not continue the topic. Someone knocked on the door, and Luo Zheng went to open it. Seeing a group of officers coming in, he was momentarily stunned, then promptly stepped aside, making way and moving off to one side.

The squadron leader saw who it was and quickly stepped forward to salute, saying respectfully, "General Wang, good to see you."

"Little Li, I heard you guys have arrived, so I came to have a look. I'm not intruding, am I?" asked the leading sixty-something-year-old Lieutenant General casually with a chuckle, his expression amiable as his gaze drifted towards Luo Zheng from time to time.

"Not at all, I should've brought Luo Zheng to report to you," said the squadron leader quickly.

"It's okay, let's not stand on ceremony. We are aware of your effort and contributions," the Commander said with a hearty wave, then looked at Luo Zheng.

"Commander, good to see you," Luo Zheng promptly saluted and confidently called out, neither groveling nor arrogant. Having faced life and death, Luo Zheng had his own way and perspective of seeing things, and he did not exhibit the discomfort or flattery typically seen around high-ranking officials. Of course, he was also not arrogantly self-assured. After greeting him, Luo Zheng felt an overwhelming pressure envelop him, causing him to start. He glanced at the Commander, who had his eyes slightly closed to slits, his aura as solid as a mountain but without malice. Knowing that the Commander was testing him, Luo Zheng faced it calmly.

"So you are Luo Zheng? Not bad. I hope you'll put in a good effort this time and change our Group Army's past record of being at the bottom. When the time comes, I will host a celebration banquet for you," the Commander said cheerfully, his intimidating aura dissipating and his face showing a kindly smile, appearing more like an elder who cares for his juniors.

Having climbed to the position of Group Army Commander, he was naturally extraordinary. The Commander astutely noticed that Luo Zheng was not as simple as the profiles suggested, and pleased with this discovery, he smiled at the squadron leader, "You've had a tough journey; we'll have a simple meal tonight to welcome you. It'll also give the contestants a chance to get to know each other."

"Thank you for your hospitality, General," the squadron leader quickly replied.

"Alright, you rest first. I'm going to check on the other team members," the Commander said cheerfully, and as he turned to leave, he gave Luo Zheng another glance before heading out the door.

"It seems the Commander is determined to win this time. Perform well; life offers few opportunities for such a fight, don't live a life full of regrets," the squadron leader said seriously to Luo Zheng.