Chapter Nine: The Flying Dragon Battalion (Part One)

The return journey was unusually smooth, and after a three-hour forced march, the Huaxia Forward Base finally came into view. The tense atmosphere that had gripped Hua Feng and his companions for more than half a month on their mission was at last released. The familiar barracks, the familiar comrades—if not for the loss of so many brothers, it would have felt as if nothing had ever changed.

The Snow Leopard Commando Team returned to their quarters for rest and recovery.

The Major General hosted a simple welcome ceremony for them, then assigned personnel to deliver the ashes of the fallen heroes back to their respective families.

The next day, after the routine flag-raising ceremony, Major General Zhang Chulan began to speak: “This time, our armored company at the forward base has suffered heavy losses. Rebuilding and replenishing the unit will take time. During this period, we have decided to select soldiers with outstanding comprehensive military qualities, and from them, choose the very best to form our new special operations unit—the Flying Dragon Commando! Those fortunate enough to be recognized by our military’s selection system and the selection committee will be admitted into the Flying Dragon Camp for special training! Any soldier emerging from there will be a Flying Dragon, the pride of our nation and our people.”

Hua Feng, hearing the general’s words, felt a mix of curiosity and confusion regarding the duties and purpose of this Flying Dragon Camp. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Yun Meng, who stood at attention to his left. She appeared perfectly calm, her gaze steady and focused on the general, listening intently. Hua Feng stopped pondering; he guessed it must be a special operations unit similar to the Snow Leopard Commando.

The snow camouflage uniforms, adapted for the combat environment, made the formation of nearly five thousand soldiers seem to blend seamlessly into the parade ground. As he looked at the young faces before him, the Major General continued, “You are the pride of our country, my finest warriors, and I am proud of you! In light of the armored company’s outstanding performance, the remaining fourteen members will all enter the Flying Dragon Camp’s special training list. I trust there are no objections? The remaining names will be issued by the respective companies. Departure is in three days...”

No matter how the days pass, life must go on—this has never changed for millions of years. The universe continues to expand, the history of Earth moves ever forward. Yet the challenges and difficulties faced by civilization in this era are far greater than before. Still, in times of turmoil, the bravest pioneers always emerge, and in the future, there will be no shortage of heroes who each leave their mark on history.

Three days is neither long nor short. Before the training began, the command allowed three days of free time, though only within the confines of the camp.

For Hua Feng, this was more than enough. This military base, built near the northeast of Huaxia, spanned a full twenty kilometers in radius, with a complete array of living and entertainment facilities, resembling a miniature city. The families of important officers all lived here as well.

Hua Feng planned to use this time to invite Yun Meng for a proper stroll, making up for the neglect she’d endured during the past period. Although public displays of romance were prohibited in the camp, as long as it didn’t interfere with their duties, the leadership turned a blind eye. Besides, they were already a couple when they joined the army.

Early in the morning, Hua Feng was already waiting outside the women’s barracks for Xiao Meng. Soldiers were always punctual, but when it came to getting ready, extra time was needed.

About fifteen minutes later, Hua Feng saw Xiao Meng appear in his line of sight, dressed in a pomegranate-red fitted down coat. With a touch of makeup, Yun Meng’s beauty and elegance were even more striking. Her fair skin and delicate features made her look like a lively version of the legendary Dragon Maiden.

“Xiao Meng, you—”

“What is it? That expression—do I look terrible?”

“No, no, I’m just so used to seeing you in uniform that now, seeing you in civilian clothes, it feels so unfamiliar.” Hua Feng looked at Yun Meng as if seeing a different person, utterly dazzled.

Yun Meng basked in his gaze, shyly murmuring, “You’ll have plenty of time to look in the future. You look amazing today too, that black jacket matches your camouflage pants perfectly! But let’s go, if people see us, it’ll be embarrassing!”

“Why should I care? I want the whole world to know that I have such a beautiful wife—let them be envious! Xiao Meng, I feel like meeting you is the greatest luck of my life. You make me the happiest man in the world.”

Yun Meng scolded gently, “You’re awful! Are all men like you, just trying to make women happy with sweet words?” As she spoke, she playfully punched Hua Feng, her eyes brimming with joy.

“No, no, I mean every word. I swear—unless death separates us, we’ll never part.”

“Alright, let’s go. Why are you suddenly saying such cheesy things?”

Hua Feng and Yun Meng strolled leisurely toward the residential area of the camp, happily chatting as they walked. When they reached a flowerbed, Hua Feng, catching Yun Meng still talking, playfully kissed her on the cheek and dashed off, calling over his shoulder, “Catch up to me and I’ll carry you all day!”

Surprised by the ambush, Yun Meng felt a sweet warmth in her heart. Hearing Hua Feng’s words, she adjusted her clothes and chased after him.

Watching them disappear into the distance, Shuang Ning and Wang Yue, hidden by the flowerbed, looked on with envy.

“They really know how to let go!” Shuang Ning sighed.

“Yes, they really do,” Wang Yue echoed.

“You’re one to talk. You don’t even dare hold me,” Shuang Ning said with a look of grievance.

“Hey, you—” Before she could finish, Wang Yue sealed her words with a kiss, skipping the embrace entirely.

That’s the kind of man I like—bold and decisive! Though surprised, Shuang Ning felt a delightful thrill and couldn’t help but respond.

At dusk, Hua Feng carried Yun Meng on his back, treading carefully step by step. Yun Meng’s arms were loaded with a pile of clothes and cosmetics from their enthusiastic shopping spree. Though it seemed tiring, Hua Feng wore a look of utter contentment. If possible, he wished he could walk like this forever, staying in this moment for a lifetime.

Night fell, enchanting and full of promise. In some corner of the world, moving stories were always unfolding. Perhaps, in a parallel universe, there is another blue planet—peaceful, beautiful, pure, and untainted.