Enlightenment: Attaining the Dao at Age 8

Li Chang’an was silent for a moment. His gaze swept over the others before he spoke slowly, ”I don’t know what’s happening either, but since Command issued the order, there must be an important reason.

All we can do now is wait.”

”But just waiting around doing nothing feels too strange!” Sun Yang shook his head. ”Captain, do you think the Insect Race suddenly changed its plans? Why else would such a critical mission be canceled?”

”There’s no point in speculating right now,” Li Chang’an said calmly. ”We can’t act without orders, and we can’t recklessly try to guess Command’s intentions.

For now, we stand down and wait to see what happens.”

Shen Qiuyue mused for a moment. ”It seems the higher-ups may have uncovered a situation far more complex than we imagined.”

Han Ruoxi nodded in agreement. ”Yeah, an order this sudden... It probably isn’t just about the Insect Race. Other enemies might be involved.”

”Other enemies?” Sun Yang looked at her, surprised. ”Are you talking about Alien Martial Artists or the Beastman Race?”

”It’s just a guess,” Han Ruoxi said softly. ”We know too little. All we can do is wait for more information.”

Li Chang’an leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting out the window. ”Everyone, stay calm. Since we’re on standby, use this time to rest and reset.

Command could issue new orders at any moment.”

The others nodded helplessly and returned to their stations.

Though their minds were filled with questions and unease, they knew the current situation was beyond their control. All they could do was wait.

Time ticked by, but a tense atmosphere still hung over the Insect Hunter Squad’s quarters.

Sun Yang opened his mouth to speak several times, but seeing Li Chang’an’s focused expression, he held his tongue.

”Captain, how long do you think this will last?” Han Ruoxi finally couldn’t hold back any longer. ”We can’t just keep waiting like this, right?”

Li Chang’an looked up at her and said in a heavy voice, ”I don’t have any more information right now, but Command never acts without reason.

Once they make a decision, we’ll receive further orders.”

Han Ruoxi sighed softly and nodded. She still felt uneasy, but she trusted Li Chang’an’s judgment.

Just then, the communicator beeped again.

Li Chang’an answered immediately. This time, Commander Liu Na’s voice came through the comms.

”Li Chang’an, Command has no new operational orders for now, but we’re analyzing an emergency situation.

Your Insect Hunter Squad must remain on standby, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.”

”What’s the situation?” Li Chang’an asked immediately, his brow furrowed.

”I can’t disclose too many details at the moment, but your mission may be subject to a major change.

All squads have ceased operations. We need more comprehensive intel to formulate our next strategy.” Liu Na’s voice was still calm, but her tone carried a hint of gravity.

”Understood, Commander. We’ll be on standby,” Li Chang’an replied.

”Stay alert and await further orders,” Liu Na said before cutting the connection.

Li Chang’an put down the communicator, and the others immediately gathered around him.

”Captain, what did Commander Liu Na say?” Sun Yang asked eagerly.

”She said there are no new orders for now, but we are to remain on standby.

The situation is far more complicated than we anticipated,” Li Chang’an said, his voice low and steady.

”What in the world is going on?” Han Ruoxi’s brow was furrowed. ”The mission was suddenly aborted, they can’t disclose the emergency situation... It feels like we’re being kept in the dark.”

Shen Qiuyue said calmly, ”Perhaps it’s to prevent unnecessary panic. The higher-ups have their reasons.”

”So we just have to sit on our hands and wait?” Sun Yang asked, scratching his hair impatiently. ”This is so frustrating!”

”There’s nothing we can do,” Li Chang’an said, shaking his head. ”The commander made it clear that all squads have ceased operations.

All we can do now is wait patiently.”

Han Ruoxi sighed softly. ”It looks like this situation is far more complex than we imagined. We’d better be ready to deal with anything at a moment’s notice.”

Li Chang’an looked at her and nodded. ”You’re right. Everyone, stay sharp and ready. Wait for new mission orders.”

「Some time passed.」

”Ugh, is it this stuff again for breakfast?” Sun Yang complained, chewing on a nutrition bar.

”Can you keep it down? Everyone knows you hate these,” Shen Qiuyue shot him a cold glance. Her hands didn’t stop, though; she finished her own nutrition bar in a few quick bites, looking extremely efficient.

”Come on, aren’t we supposed to be special forces? Can’t we get some decent food? We’re fighting the Insect Race, what good is a nutrition bar?” Sun Yang slapped his stomach dramatically. ”Look at me, I’m practically wasting away!”

”Will you settle down? We’re all in the same boat. Stop shouting.” Li Chang’an’s voice was quiet, but it carried an undeniable authority. Sun Yang heard him and obediently shut his mouth.

”Captain, do you think we’ll have a mission today? It can’t be more training, can it?” Han Ruoxi asked, looking at Li Chang’an with wide, innocent eyes, a lazy expression on her face.

”Itching to fight some bugs?” Li Chang’an glanced at her while sipping his water, the corner of his mouth twitching into a slight smile. ”Don’t be in such a rush. There are plenty of them to go around. You’ll get your chance.”

”No, no, no.

Don’t say that, I was just asking!” Han Ruoxi quickly waved her hands in dismissal. ”If it comes to a real fight, I’m not charging to the front lines. I’m support. You guys with the big swords and guns are the main force!”