Enlightenment: Attaining the Dao at Age 8

”I really hope the next mission is more challenging!” Sun Yang was still grumbling with dissatisfaction. ”I barely got to fight at all!”

”There’ll be plenty of chances. No need to rush,” Li Chang’an said with a smile.

Li Chang’an led the Insect Hunter Squad slowly out of the mine shaft. The air outside felt much fresher.

After being cooped up in the base for a few days, the mission had finally given them a chance to stretch their legs, but it clearly hadn’t been enough to satisfy them.

”Captain Li, we didn’t run into any real trouble this time. I think it was a little too easy!” Sun Yang complained as he walked. ”You know, if we’d run into some of those Alien Martial Artists or the Beastman Race, then we could have had a real fight!”

”Can’t you just be quiet for once? A minute ago you were complaining there weren’t enough enemies, and now you want to stir up even bigger trouble!” Han Ruoxi rolled her eyes. Though her words were impatient, her tone was teasing.

”Hey, I just can’t sit still!” Sun Yang scratched his head, a look of innocence on his face. ”Don’t you guys think this mine was way too quiet? We ran into a few Rebel Army grunts right at the start, and I thought we were in for something big. But that was it?”

”Stop letting your imagination run wild,” Li Chang’an said calmly from the front of the group. ”This was a recon mission, not an excuse for you to pick a fight.

If you want to fight all day, every day, the base’s training grounds are always open. You can train there until you puke.”

”Captain Li, that’s a bit harsh. I was just blowing off some steam!” Sun Yang quickly waved his hands, laughing awkwardly. ”But speaking of which, those old vets at the base really know how to run a training session. They’re practically turning me into a man of steel!”

”Isn’t this the life you wanted?” Han Ruoxi chuckled as she walked. ”Constant excitement, constant fighting. Don’t you dare complain that you’re tired!”

”It’s tiring, sure, but it’s also a rush!” Sun Yang grinned. ”There’s nothing better than a decisive victory!”

Shen Qiuyue walked off to one side, quiet as always. Her sword was still in hand, her calm eyes scanning their surroundings.

Even though the mission at the mine was over, she didn’t seem to have lowered her guard.

”Shen Qiuyue, don’t be so tense all the time,” Li Chang’an said softly, glancing at her. ”The mission’s over. Once we’re back, get some proper rest. Don’t stay so wound up.”

Shen Qiuyue gave a slight nod and replied curtly, ”I’m used to it. There’s no harm in staying vigilant.”

”You’re just too serious!” Sun Yang said, sidling up to her with a grin. ”You’re the most level-headed one on the team. I think you’re just missing a sense of humor. Lighten up!”

”My duty isn’t to entertain you,” Shen Qiuyue replied, her tone as placid as ever.

”Alright, alright, you’re our squad’s ice queen. Wouldn’t dream of upsetting you!” Having been thoroughly rebuffed, Sun Yang retreated with a sheepish grin.

”Captain Li, do we have any other missions after this?” Han Ruoxi suddenly asked, clearly hoping to get more opportunities for action out of Li Chang’an.

”That depends on the Commander’s arrangements,” Li Chang’an said, shaking his head slightly. ”We’re rookies. Our main job is to get familiar with the environment and handle small-time missions. If you want to see some real action, you’ll have to wait for the chance.”

”Sigh, it’s just so frustrating,” Han Ruoxi lamented. ”The Insect Hunter Squad is plenty strong. Why can’t they put us to better use sooner?”

”What’s the rush? No matter how strong we are, we have to take things one step at a time.” Li Chang’an patted her on the shoulder. ”Just be patient. Our time will come. Don’t be in such a hurry to prove yourself.”

Bai Lin, who had been trailing at the back of the squad and silently monitoring his terminal, finally looked up. ”I’ve got a comms signal up ahead. Base has confirmed mission completion. They’re telling us to return.”

”Good. Let’s head back,” Li Chang’an said with a nod, picking up his pace.

The squad walked in silence, heading back the way they came.

With the base visible in the distance, Sun Yang glanced up every so often, not forgetting to keep up his complaints. ”Man, the fighting was way too short today. Felt like it was over right after the warm-up!”

”If you really love fighting that much, I can add to your training regimen tomorrow,” Li Chang’an said nonchalantly.

”Whoa, Captain Li, that’s cold! I wouldn’t dare ask you to actually increase my training load,” Sun Yang said, quickly waving his hands with a mock-serious expression. ”I was just shooting my mouth off. Don’t take me seriously!”

”Enough nonsense. Let’s get back,” Li Chang’an said, shaking his head in resignation.

Back at the base, the squad members quickly stowed their gear and returned to their rooms to rest.

Li Chang’an, however, went to the command room to report on the mission to Commander Chen Hao.

”Captain Li, welcome back,” Chen Hao said as Li Chang’an walked in. He immediately put down the file in his hands and gestured for him to take a seat. ”How did the mission go?”

”Mission complete,” Li Chang’an said calmly, taking a seat. ”There were a small number of Rebel Army soldiers inside the mine. We conducted reconnaissance and eliminated a portion of them.”

Chen Hao nodded. ”Good. It sounds like the mission went smoothly.”

”Yes. The Rebel Army forces weren’t strong—likely just a small squad. However, the signal fluctuations around the mine are noteworthy. It may require further investigation,” Li Chang’an continued.

”Your assessment is spot-on,” Chen Hao said with a slight smile. ”I was thinking the same thing. There’s likely more than just that one Rebel Army unit at the mine. We’ll send other squads to continue the reconnaissance.”

”Understood. We’ll be on standby,” Li Chang’an replied with a nod.

Chen Hao looked at him and suddenly smiled. ”Captain Li, your performance has been consistently outstanding. You’ve whipped the Insect Hunter Squad into shape in such a short time. Your reputation throughout the regiment is excellent.”

”It’s my duty,” Li Chang’an replied, his tone calm and devoid of any pride.