Enlightenment: Attaining the Dao at Age 8

”Your mission is to proceed to the energy station, set up a defense, and scout the movements of these Alien Martial Artists!” Chen Hao said, pointing to the energy station’s location on the map. ”Although we don’t have any solid intel right now, we can’t let our guard down.

You need to be prepared to defend. The moment you spot any enemy movement, report back immediately!”

”Understood!” Li Chang’an replied with a nod.

”This is a critical mission, and I’m confident you’re up to the task!” Chen Hao patted Li Chang’an’s shoulder before turning to speak with the other commanders.

Li Chang’an glanced back at his squadmates and said in a low voice, ”You all heard him. This mission isn’t like the others. We might be up against a much stronger enemy, so we can’t let our guard down for a second.”

”I knew some real action was coming!” Sun Yang was instantly buzzing with excitement. ”We’re finally going to see a real fight!”

”Don’t get too excited,” Han Ruoxi said, dousing his enthusiasm with a cold dose of reality. ”This isn’t just another combat drill. If we really run into Alien Martial Artists, things could get very tricky.”

”The trickier, the more interesting!” Sun Yang said with a grin. ”Come on, Alien Martial Artists! We’ve been wanting to see what they’re all about for a while now.”

”You won’t be so excited when you actually meet them,” Shen Qiuyue said quietly, a calm wariness in her gaze.

”Alright, everyone, focus up!” Li Chang’an raised a hand, signaling for quiet. ”We’re heading back to prepare. We move out in half an hour. Objective: the energy station!”

”Understood!” everyone answered in unison.

Back in their quarters, Li Chang’an had his squad begin checking their equipment. They appeared relaxed on the surface, but everyone knew this mission was different. The threat of the Alien Martial Artists was not to be underestimated.

”Captain Li, do you think we’ll actually see a large-scale battle this time?” Han Ruoxi asked as she inspected her Electric Power Device.

”Hard to say,” Li Chang’an said after a moment’s thought. ”We don’t have enough intel right now. We can only prepare for the worst-case scenario.

But no matter what happens, we all need to stay calm.”

”I love this kind of challenge!” Sun Yang said with a grin. ”This is definitely going to be one hell of a fight!”

”Don’t be so quick to boast,” Li Chang’an glanced at him. ”Let’s see if you’re still this optimistic when the fighting actually starts.”

”Hey, Captain Li, I’m just excited is all!” Sun Yang said, scratching his head in embarrassment. ”But don’t worry, I promise I won’t drag the team down.”

Half an hour later, the entire Insect Hunter Squad was geared up and ready to go. Following Li Chang’an’s orders, they quickly assembled, prepared to set out for the energy station.

”Move out!” With a single command from Li Chang’an, the squad marched out of the base, embarking on their new mission.

The energy station wasn’t far from the base, and after marching for some time, they arrived at the target location smoothly.

The energy station’s perimeter was heavily guarded, but Li Chang’an knew these defenses might not be enough against Alien Martial Artists.

”Everyone, spread out and patrol. Stay sharp!” Li Chang’an issued his orders rapidly. ”Han Ruoxi, you’re responsible for the eastern sector. Shen Qiuyue and Bai Lin, go south. Sun Yang, you’re with me on the west.”

”Understood!” The squad members moved out at once, spreading out to patrol their assigned sectors.

Li Chang’an led Sun Yang along the western defensive line. It was deathly quiet, and everything seemed peaceful.

”Captain Li, when do you think the Alien Martial Artists will show up?” Sun Yang asked in a hushed voice, clearly still filled with anticipation.

”I don’t know, but we can’t relax our guard,” Li Chang’an replied, his eyes fixed on the path ahead, his expression still serious.

Just then, Bai Lin’s voice came over the comms: ”Captain Li, faint Energy fluctuations to the southeast. Could be an enemy probe!”

”All hands, listen up! The enemy may have started their move!” Li Chang’an ordered immediately. ”Han Ruoxi, what’s the situation on your end?”

Han Ruoxi’s voice came back quickly. ”The east side is all normal, but I’m sensing the Energy fluctuations. The enemy might be approaching!”

”Everyone on high alert! Prepare for combat!” Li Chang’an said in a low voice, gripping his Saw Chain Sword tightly.

The air seemed to freeze in an instant. The surrounding quietness became unnerving. Every member of the Insect Hunter Squad tensed up, waiting for the enemy to appear.

Suddenly, a low rumble sounded in the distance, followed by a strange light streaking across the sky. Li Chang’an whipped his head around, a flicker of alarm in his eyes.

”They’re here!”

Li Chang’an gave a sharp wave of his hand, and the Insect Hunter Squad quickly dispersed, moving into their respective defensive positions.

Sun Yang nervously gripped his Pulse Gun, his eyes wide as he stared at the distant light, his throat tightening. ”Captain Li, is that light an enemy signal? It doesn’t look like a normal probe!”

”It could be an Alien Martial Artist’s Energy Weapon,” Li Chang’an said in a low voice, intently watching the activity up ahead. ”Everyone be careful! Stay hidden!”

”Captain Li, I’m picking up Energy fluctuations here too!” Han Ruoxi’s voice came over the comms. ”I’m sensing strong electromagnetic interference. They must be nearby!”

”Keep observing. Don’t expose your position!” Li Chang’an ordered decisively. ”We’ll act when they get closer!”

A tense atmosphere filled the air. Everyone held their breath, and the silence along the energy station’s defensive line was suffocating.

A few moments later, several blurry figures gradually emerged from the distant darkness. You could faintly see weak lights flickering on their bodies.

”They’re here,” Shen Qiuyue said coldly, her sword already drawn without a sound.

These Alien Martial Artists had slender frames and were exceptionally agile. They didn’t charge recklessly like the regular Rebel Army but instead approached the defensive line in silence.

Each step was cautious, as if they were probing for a response.

”What a bunch of cunning bastards,” Sun Yang muttered under his breath. ”Looks like our opponents this time are no pushovers.”

”Be patient,” Li Chang’an reminded him in a hushed tone. ”Wait for them to get closer. Let them be the ones to reveal a weakness first.”

Several Alien Martial Artists slowly closed in, with one already nearing the edge of the defensive line.

At that exact moment, Han Ruoxi’s voice came through again. ”I can sense they’re preparing an Energy attack!”

Li Chang’an made an instant decision. ”Han Ruoxi, release your Electric Energy immediately and interfere with their weapon activation! Sun Yang, prepare to fire! Prioritize the enemy closest to us!”

”Understood!” Han Ruoxi acted swiftly. The Electric Energy in her hands burst forth in a dazzling light, and a powerful current filled the air, surging toward the Alien Martial Artists.

At the same time, Sun Yang opened fire with his Pulse Gun, unleashing its full power. A beam of light shot directly at the enemy, scoring a direct hit on the closest Alien Martial Artist.

The Martial Artist let out a low growl, his body recoiled violently, and he collapsed to the ground, unmoving.

”Nice shot!” Sun Yang shouted excitedly. ”Captain Li, I got another one!”

”Don’t get cocky, they’ve got more!” Li Chang’an reminded him calmly while swinging his sword to meet an enemy. ”Han Ruoxi, keep up the interference! Shen Qiuyue, prepare for close-combat support!”

Han Ruoxi continuously unleashed her Electric Energy, forcing the Alien Martial Artists to fall back.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Qiuyue rushed forward. Her Dueling Sword flashed with a cold light, and every strike carried a sharp, killing aura.

Her movements were as fast as lightning. Before the enemy could react, two more Martial Artists had already fallen to her sword.

Li Chang’an wasn’t idle, either. His Saw Chain Sword emitted a low hum, the blade carving cold arcs through the darkness. Every strike was incredibly precise.

He remained calm in the face of the Alien Martial Artists’ attacks, dealing with them composedly.

”I’ve disrupted their Energy attacks!” Han Ruoxi shouted from the side. ”You’re clear to attack with full force!”

”All units, attack!” At Li Chang’an’s command, the Insect Hunter Squad immediately launched a fierce counterattack.

Sun Yang’s Pulse Gun once again fired a series of beams, striking at the enemies’ vital points.