Strongest Soldier King

The scorching sun hung high, enveloping the primeval forest.

In the sky above the forest, startled wild birds constantly flew up in fright, issuing panicked cries as they flapped away into the distance. On the treetops, some monkeys curiously watched the rapidly running team on the ground, tilting their heads in confusion about what species these upright-walking animals were. The bolder ones even climbed along the branches to get a closer look and, seeing the running team ignoring them, the bolder monkeys chattered noisily as if declaring their sovereignty.

Lan Xue moved in the middle of the group, hearing the dense explosions behind, a sound somewhat unfamiliar, never heard before, not knowing what kind of weapon it was. Her face grew solemn, and soon the explosions became more frequent, as if trying to blow down the sky. Lan Xue grew more worried but dared not hesitate, urging the team to quicken their retreat. Thinking of the safety of Luo Zheng and others, her heart was burning with anxiety.

After running a distance, the explosions stopped. Lan Xue did not know the outcome of the battle and could not help but ask through the earpiece, "What was that explosion just now? Do the enemies have new weapons, are you all alright?"

"We're fine, catching up right away, I'll tell you when we meet," Luo Zheng replied excitedly.

From Luo Zheng's response, Lan Xue could tell not only were they unharmed but they had encountered something good, making her both surprised and suspicious, but she didn't ask more. As long as everyone was fine, she felt relieved and urged the team to continue their journey. About half an hour later, Luo Zheng and others caught up.

"You still recognize this?" Luo Zheng handed the button bomb to Lan Xue.

"I know, we used this before, it's the newest model, what do you mean?" Lan Xue suddenly thought of something, looked at Luo Zheng in surprise, and seeing Luo Zheng nodding, she burst into a surprised and delighted smile, asking, "It sounds like a high-explosive hand grenade, how powerful is it?"

"It doesn't have the shrapnel attack of a high-explosive hand grenade, but its power is no less. I remember the Equipment Team people telling us that it creates an instant high pressure and high temperature, evaporating oxygen and causing suffocation and death. The high pressure creates a shock wave, shaking people to death, meaning this thing not only severely impacts but can also evaporate oxygen within a certain range. I hadn't paid attention before, but it turns out to be quite effective," Luo Zheng said excitedly.

"I remember it also has timing, remote control, and pressure detonation functions. We each carry quite a few, so can't we make good use of them? If used properly, it's not impossible to defeat the enemy," Lan Xue realized the core of the problem immediately, and was overjoyed, asking.

"Not necessarily, it just gives us more ammunition, increasing our odds by ten percent, that's all. Our ammunition is limited, and the enemy is not simple; they won't easily fall for it. I have to think carefully about the next tactical deployment. The wolf pack is temporarily repelled, but this doesn't mean the enemy has retreated, we must leave quickly," Luo Zheng said in a low voice.

Soon, a river appeared in front, according to the original plan, everyone was to hold their ground by the river, but with the wolf pack repelled, there was no need to stick to the original plan. Everyone successfully crossed the river and continued to advance, making a forced march towards the place Hook mentioned before. Hook also sent two people back to the agreed place with Lang Sen to establish contact.

The place mentioned before was two days away, with terrain similar to the Bloodsucker's stronghold, also a tall mountain. Halfway up the mountain is a natural cave, but the mountain is steep. Hook's nearly a thousand armed men are also on the way there. As long as they merge with the main force, they still have a chance to fight.

On a forced march, not daring to stop, their dry rations were quickly exhausted. They could only pick and eat wild fruits to satiate their hunger. Fortunately, Hook was familiar with the terrain and knew where there were wild fruits. At night, they wore Night Vision Devices and continued their journey. Hook and others had night vision capabilities beyond ordinary people, keeping up with the group without dropping behind.

The next morning, the team was exhausted and sleepy, forced to stop and rest. Luo Zheng immediately contacted Lan Xing, who monitored the forest behind them as instructed by Luo Zheng, but found no pursuers, the reason unclear. Luo Zheng was puzzled, theoretically, they should have caught up, right? It wasn't like their tracks weren't discovered.

"Could there be something internal going on?" Lan Xue speculated in a low voice.

"Highly unlikely, don't forget they've already formed an alliance," Luo Zheng refuted.

"Could it be a negotiation between Bloodsucker and the alliance? Or have they simply joined forces? If so, the total enemy force should be around two hundred, each one a well-trained elite. Hook's nearly a thousand armed men can't hold them off, we should plan early. If we drag Hook's people fully into this, it wouldn't be appropriate; they have nothing to do with this battle," Lan Xue continued in a low voice.

"Yes, they've already sacrificed a lot, we can't let there be more sacrifices. But we have many injured here, marching too slow. Let's talk when everyone's injuries recover," Luo Zheng said helplessly.

Lan Xue knew Luo Zheng was telling the truth and did not object. No one would abandon their comrades on the battlefield, but thinking of a strong enemy ready to strike at any moment made her heart tighten with unease. A ray of sunlight filtering through the leaves fell on Lan Xue's face. Narrowing her eyes, an idea struck her, she said, "How about I take everyone here and hold off the enemy while you and Ghost Hand take the thing and retreat first? As long as it gets out, our mission is considered complete, then the enemy would fall apart on their own."

"No, even if someone has to take the thing away, it can't be me, it has to be you." Luo Zheng refused without hesitation.

"I'm not leaving," Lan Xue said without a pause.

"I know, so let's not bring up this issue. If we all die and can't protect this launch device, then destroy it. If we can't have it, the enemy can't benefit either. Let's die together; don't forget our vow, live sharing the same room, die sharing the same grave." Luo Zheng's face grew stern, he looked at the sunlight filtering through the leaves with unwavering determination.

"Alright, I'll listen to you," Lan Xue felt a warmth in her heart, nodding in agreement. Her gaze swept over the team resting around them. Listening to the constant rustling of the leaves and the howls of wild beasts, Lan Xue continued, "If possible, I still hope everyone leaves alive. They are all young and amazing warriors. As commanders, it's our responsibility to lead them off the battlefield alive."

"I understand. Though deaths are inevitable on the battlefield, I too hope everyone survives. This is our Fourth Squadron's first mission since its inception; I can't afford to fail, nor can I allow it. Rest assured, I'll find a way." Luo Zheng's expression grew serious as he spoke into the depths of the forest.

"About twenty kilometers behind us, detected something unusual, possible pursuers," Lan Xing's voice suddenly sounded in the earpiece, using a public channel, all could hear, their eyes snapped open, lazy glances turned instantly sharp, entering combat mode in an instant.