"Huh?" Luo Zheng felt utterly humiliated by the reprimand and bristled with indignation that he couldn't vent anywhere, thoroughly annoyed. Upon further reflection, he realized that he had indeed acted rashly and that his strength was insufficient, having been knocked out with a single punch. As he deserved so scolding, his anger cooled and he was suffused with gloom.
"I..." Lan Xue cald down and responded.
"Identity code?" the other party asked coldly.
"What about yours?" Luo Zheng replied discontentedly, a glint of caution flashing in his eyes.
"gr005." Sensing Luo Zheng's wariness, the other party responded calmly without pointing it out.
Luo Zheng did not understand what it signified, but Lan Xue, as the team captain, was privy to such information. His expression changed drastically, and he asked with surprise, "Are you Shadow?" Seeing the other party nod noncommittally, he quickly said, "I am Lan Xue, don't you recognize ? It's no wonder, though; we haven't seen each other for almost two years."
"Mhm, you look familiar, but it's hard to be sure with the night vision device on. Also, one can't confirm soone's identity on the battlefield just because they look alike. A silicone mask cos cheap. Take off your night vision device and state your identity code," the other party demanded in a resolute tone.
"gr131." Lan Xue quickly replied, not minding the harshness of the other.
Upon hearing Luo Zheng's code, the other relaxed completely, sheathing the long blade on his back, and his expression softened considerably. He spoke in a low voice, "I am Shadow. You've made quite a commotion; the Japanese sent three people to retrieve the toxin. I killed one of them and took their place. As soon as I arrived at the base, I was sent to assassinate you. Thankfully, one of you blew up another, which gave a chance to ambush the remaining one."
"He did it." Lan Xue pointed at Luo Zheng.
"Hm, that shot had so flair," the one called Shadow glanced at Luo Zheng and continued, "I've just arrived; what's the situation now?"
Lan Xue briefed him on the situation, attributing all the credit to Luo Zheng. Luo Zheng saw that he had been scrutinized by Shadow, and although Lan Xue was sowhat dissatisfied, he did not show it.
Shadow gave Luo Zheng a deep look and after pondering for a mont said, "Your plan is viable, but the success rate is only fifty percent, so it depends on your luck. For safety's sake, I must return to the base as soon as possible to find an excuse to take the toxin and leave before they pass it to soone else—that would be troubleso."
"How long will it take? Aren't you coming back with us?" Lan Xue pressed.
"An hour will suffice." Shadow confird and turned to leave. After taking a couple of steps, he suddenly spun around, fixing Luo Zheng with a deep and piercing gaze as if to penetrate his brain and discern his thoughts. This left Luo Zheng seething with rage as he sat up. Then, Shadow suddenly smiled and said, "You're an interesting kid. My partner Ye Laixiang was captured while covering for . I need to rush back for the rescue. Your tactical mind isn't bad; I hope you can co as soon as possible to lend a hand."
"I'm not fast enough, strong enough, or skilled enough; I'm afraid I can't be of much assistance," Luo Zheng said lightly.
"Kid, holding a grudge?" Shadow scoffed dismissively, laughing, "I'm just stating the facts. The primary focus on the battlefield is to kill the enemy; thods and process don't matter. Don't forget we're soldiers, not righteous warriors. I like to strike from the shadows—that's why the enemy calls Shadow, and it's an honor, understand?"
"Yes," Luo Zheng's expression intensified, a mont of realization crossing his face as he looked at Shadow.
"Your tactical thinking is stronger than your fighting skills. I'll get in touch with Little Wuzi. As for the Poison Liquid, I'll destroy it mid-way, don't worry." Shadow dropped these words before turning and running. Within a few leaps, he vanished from sight, moving with unbelievable speed, like a specter.
"Hiss?" Luo Zheng watched the disappearing forest in shock, gobsmacked. That speed was just too fast.
"Ghost, don't be discouraged. Shadow is the one from our base with the best chance to beco the Strongest Soldier King. Even he had to launch a sneak attack on that Japanese spy just now. You can see how formidable the enemy is. Losing to soone even Shadow is wary of is nothing to be ashad of," Lan Xue hurried to comfort, fearful Luo Zheng would be disheartened and lose spirit.
"I'm fine," Luo Zheng took a deep breath and replied, "He spoke the truth. Compared to them, my skills are indeed lacking, but I won't lose heart. Don't worry. It's about ti. Let's go join the others and proceed with the plan as usual."
With Shadow lurking within the Japanese ranks, they could go all out. As for Shadow's loyalty to the country and whether he would hand over the toxin to the Japanese after obtaining it, Lan Xue had no doubts—National Blade had never harbored a traitor, not once. Suddenly Luo Zheng asked, "Little Wuzi is our Captain Wu, right?"
"Yes, Shadow and the captain were soldiers of the sa period. They were in the sa squad; Shadow was its leader. My grandfather originally wanted him to be the captain, but he couldn't stand the office environnt. He likes to operate solo, and he's the only one in the whole team who calls the captain by that na," Lan Xue explained.
"With him on the enemy's side, our plan should be much easier to carry out. I didn't expect the enemy to co a few days early to extract the toxin. It seems we've scared them. Enough about this; let's go," Luo Zheng said softly, noticing Mountain Eagle erging from the woods and pointing to the body on the ground, "Take that knife."
Mountain Eagle quickly stepped forward, picking up the Japanese sword from the ground. Luo Zheng continued, "These guys are not simple; bring the knife here for to see. Oh, and that Japanese spy I killed had one too."
Mountain Eagle passed the sword to Luo Zheng and went to pick up the other. On inspection, Luo Zheng found it to be just like his own, only lacking a bit of the ancient aura. "So they were Chrysanthemum Ninjas. No wonder they were so formidable. It's no sha to lose to them." The Chrysanthemum Ninjas were Japan's strongest force, on par with the elite soldiers of the National Blade Special Combat Team. Losing to an Elite Soldier King, Luo Zheng felt much more balanced ntally.
Before long, Mountain Eagle handed over the other sword to Luo Zheng. With the Chrysanthemum insignia also present, Luo Zheng remarked, "These two swords are not bad; you two take one each."
Mountain Eagle took his without ceremony, visibly pleased, while Lan Xue pondered and then said, "Give this one to Ghost Hand. Close combat is a matter for you n."
Luo Zheng could see that Lan Xue really liked the sword but as the team leader, she had to consider the morale of the squad mbers. Everybody had sothing except for Ghost Hand. Though she didn't say it aloud, there was so discontent in her heart. Luo Zheng nodded, not saying more, and signaled Mountain Eagle to help pick up his backpack as they all headed back.
Returning to the original spot, the woods were empty, strewn with logs. Luo Zheng knew everyone was hiding, so he called out in the international common language, "Hook, co out."
"Swish, swish, swish!" Countless figures floated down from the trees. Everyone's previous conversation had been heard through the earpiece by Ghost Hand, who, excited, ran up to Lan Xue to take the knife, his joy evident. Grateful, he said to Lan Xue, "Captain, I promise you, from now on, if you ask to kill a dog, I won't chase after chickens."
"Stop your nonsense. Let's get moving," Lan Xue said with a mix of a smile and a scold.
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