Enlightenment: Attaining the Dao at Age 8

”That’s right. I just got back from command. Commander Liu Na assigned us a reconnaissance mission!”

”That’s great!” Han Ruoxi’s eyes lit up. ”We finally get to see some action! I knew we wouldn’t be sitting around forever!”

”What kind of mission?” Sun Yang asked, his face full of anticipation.

Li Chang’an briefly explained the mission details. ”Our objective is to scout an area that might contain an Insect Hive. The situation is unclear, so we don’t know the specific risks yet.”

”But remember, if we run into danger, don’t force a fight. Our main goal is to gather intel!”

After listening, Sun Yang let out a chuckle. ”Don’t worry, Captain. My Pulse Gun is loaded and ready to fire at any time!”

Shen Qiuyue, on the other hand, gave a calm nod. ”Reconnaissance is the priority. Understood.”

”I’ll keep an eye on Sun Yang during the operation and make sure he doesn’t get too impulsive!”

”Oh, come on! I won’t be impulsive!” Sun Yang retorted, though he clearly understood the importance of the mission.

Li Chang’an patted his shoulder and said with a smile, ”Alright, enough with the wisecracks. Get ready. Let’s move out!”

The Insect Hunter Squad, fully equipped, was ready to depart. Li Chang’an led the way, with the others following close behind as the base exit slowly opened before them.

Outside, the sky was overcast and the wind was a bit strong, but no one said a word. Everyone was focused on the mission ahead.

”Hey, so, is this a recon mission, or is it a *recon mission*?” Sun Yang chuckled, shouldering his Pulse Gun as he sidled up to Han Ruoxi. ”I’ve polished this weapon until it shines. Just waiting for a chance to use it!”

Han Ruoxi rolled her eyes. ”You’re here to scout, not for target practice.”

”Tone it down. If we actually run into the Insect Race, this mission won’t be easy!”

”Tch. Ruo Xi, if we run into any bugs, I’ll be the first one in!” Sun Yang declared, puffing out his chest. ”Don’t you worry, I’ll be at the very front!”

”Oh really? Well, you’d better be careful not to get so scared by a single bug that you fall flat on your face!” Han Ruoxi teased softly.

Walking at the front, Li Chang’an heard the conversation behind him but didn’t turn around. He just shook his head slightly. ”Alright, stop bickering.”

”Let’s see if you still have the energy to talk so tough when we actually run into trouble!”

Shen Qiuyue walked in silence, maintaining her calm demeanor, her hand held steady on her Dueling Sword.

”Captain, what are our chances of success on this mission?” Bai Lin suddenly asked. His voice wasn’t loud, but it held a hint of caution.

Li Chang’an stopped and glanced back at him. ”Don’t worry, Bai Lin. We don’t go into fights unprepared.”

”As long as we stick to the plan and nothing goes wrong, gathering intel shouldn’t be a problem.”

”Besides, with a hacker genius like you on the team, our information analysis is guaranteed to be top-notch!”

Bai Lin nodded slightly and said no more, but his eyes now held a clear trace of trust.

”Hey, don’t be so serious, you guys!” Sun Yang chimed in. ”We’ve got the Captain leading us, and a whole squad of elites. What bug would be dumb enough to come looking for a death wish?”

”Cut the crap!” Shen Qiuyue interrupted him coldly. ”This mission isn’t as simple as you think. Don’t get careless!”

Sun Yang grinned and rubbed his nose. ”Alright, alright, Sister Qiuyue, you’re right about everything.”

”But, you know, I’m just used to pumping myself up beforehand. If we do run into a tough one, I don’t want the morale I’ve worked so hard to build up to just collapse!”

”Sun Yang, no matter how good you are at running your mouth, just make sure you don’t drop the ball when the fighting starts!” Li Chang’an said, tossing the words over his shoulder as he walked on ahead without looking back.

”Captain, you really don’t have any faith in me at all, do you!” Sun Yang said with a grin as he caught up, but a flicker of seriousness crossed his eyes. He knew Li Chang’an had a point.

Watching them from the side, Han Ruoxi smiled. ”Actually, you don’t need to worry so much. The Captain just likes to pick on you. The more he does, the more he cares about you!”

”Does that mean I’m stuck on this crazy ride for good?” Sun Yang joked, but deep down, he sort of agreed with what Han Ruoxi said.

After walking for a while, Li Chang’an stopped and glanced at his map. ”The area we’re supposed to scout is just ahead.”

”Everyone, be on alert. This could be the perimeter of the Insect Hive. Let’s spread out, but don’t get too far from each other. Maintain contact!”

”Understood!” the squad members replied in unison, then fanned out, maintaining a set distance as they cautiously approached the area ahead.

The woods were sparse, and the ground was damp. Faint rustling sounds could occasionally be heard from the undergrowth, and the atmosphere felt oppressive.

However, Li Chang’an didn’t let himself get too distracted by this, instead focusing on carefully observing the surroundings.

”Captain, nothing unusual on my end!” Shen Qiuyue’s voice came through the comms.

”I haven’t found anything either!” Bai Lin reported immediately after.

”Alright, keep advancing!” Li Chang’an replied, signaling for everyone to stay alert.

A few minutes later, Han Ruoxi suddenly spoke up. ”Captain, I’ve found some strange tracks over here. They look like they were left by the Insect Race!”

”Where, exactly?” Li Chang’an asked at once.

”About a hundred meters to the east. The tracks are faint, but I’m sure they belong to the Insect Race!” Han Ruoxi’s tone had become serious.

Li Chang’an frowned and headed in Han Ruoxi’s direction. ”Everyone, converge on my position. Stay on high alert!”

The squad quickly gathered. Sun Yang muttered under his breath, ”These bugs are pretty cunning, not leaving much of a trail!”

Li Chang’an crouched down to examine the tracks on the ground, his brow furrowed. ”They’re definitely from the Insect Race, but the tracks aren’t deep. It was probably just a small advance party!”

”Captain, should we proceed deeper? Could there be an ambush here?” Bai Lin’s voice held a note of caution.

”Not just yet!” Li Chang’an stood up, his gaze steady. ”We’ll continue scouting forward, but everyone, raise your alert level. The Insect Hive isn’t far from here!”

”Alright!” Sun Yang waved his Pulse Gun with a grin. ”I’ve been waiting for this! You bugs better watch out, because I’m coming for you!”

Han Ruoxi shot him a glare. ”Can you keep it down? If we actually run into a bug, it’ll take a bite out of you first!”

”Heh, you know, I’d be more worried if they *didn’t* try to eat me!” Sun Yang retorted with a grin, completely unfazed by her teasing.

”Alright, that’s enough out of both of you. Focus up and keep moving!” Li Chang’an, leading from the front, guided the squad as they continued advancing toward the Insect Hive.

As they drew closer, a faint sense of unease began to fill the air. The presence of the Insect Race grew stronger and stronger.

Li Chang’an could feel it; this area was teeming with hidden dangers.

They had to be cautious with every step. The slightest mistake could lead them right into an Insect Race ambush.

”Captain, I feel something approaching!” Shen Qiuyue suddenly said, her voice low.

Li Chang’an nodded. ”Everyone, hold your positions. Don’t move!”

The team immediately froze. The surroundings fell silent, leaving only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

Suddenly, a faint rustling sound came from the distance, as if something was slowly moving.

The squad’s nerves instantly tensed.

”What is that?” Sun Yang asked in a low voice.

”It must be the Insect Race!” Li Chang’an narrowed his eyes. ”Everyone, get ready. This might be a tough fight!”

The squad quickly assumed combat stances, waiting for the impending confrontation.

Just then, a massive insectoid creature slowly crawled out from the jungle, its enormous body exuding a sense of pressure.

”It’s here!” Li Chang’an said in a low voice, raising his Saw Chain Sword to face the threat.

The appearance of the insectoid creature instantly ratcheted the tension in the air to its peak.

Its massive body shifted slowly, letting out a low growl.

Its carapace shimmered with a cold glint in the faint light. This was clearly a tough opponent.

”Whoa, that’s one big bug!” Sun Yang exclaimed, unable to help himself as he stared at the creature. ”Captain, this thing’s not going to be easy to deal with, is it?”