Enlightenment: Attaining the Dao at Age 8

”That’s why we must be well-prepared,” Li Chang’an said calmly. ”We have to be fully prepared for every mission. There can be no oversights.

Avoiding them today was the right call. If we had clashed with them head-on, we probably would’ve been in even bigger trouble.”

”Don’t worry, Captain. I definitely won’t be reckless next time!” Sun Yang said with a chuckle.

”You’d better remember what you said today,” Shen Qiuyue suddenly cut in, her tone as cold as ever. ”I have no intention of being held back on the battlefield.”

Sun Yang scratched the back of his head, looking a little embarrassed. ”Alright, alright. You can count on me, Shen Qiuyue. Next time, I’ll be sure to stick with the squad and not rush in blindly!”

Han Ruoxi rolled over on her bed and looked at Li Chang’an. ”Captain, do we have any missions coming up? It’s felt a little too quiet these past few days.”

”No new orders for now, but I expect we’ll get some soon,” Li Chang’an said with a nod. ”The higher-ups have been making more frequent moves lately. We need to be prepared and on standby.”

”Okay, well, I’m going to get some rest,” Han Ruoxi said with a big stretch, then flopped face-first into her pillow.

Shen Qiuyue checked the time and also stood up. ”I’m going to do some sword practice. Don’t bother me.”

Sun Yang immediately started teasing her. ”Qiuyue, you’re a real training fanatic! We just got back, and you’re already off to practice your sword?”

”You can practice running your mouth, and I’ll practice my sword. To each their own,” Shen Qiuyue replied coldly, then turned and left the room.

”Man, she really doesn’t know how to relax,” Sun Yang said, shaking his head. ”But I guess it’s a good thing. She can hold her own when things get tough.”

Li Chang’an chuckled. ”Shen Qiuyue has her own pace. Cut the chatter and get some rest.”

The dorm grew quiet, the silence broken only by Sun Yang’s occasional soft snores.

That afternoon, Li Chang’an was woken by the BEEPING of his communicator.

He sat up and answered the communicator.

”Chang’an, get yourself and the squad ready. You have a new mission,” Liu Na’s voice came through.

”Understood,” Li Chang’an replied curtly before hanging up.

He got to his feet and tapped the still-dozing Sun Yang on the shoulder.

”Wake up, Sun Yang. Mission’s here.”

Sun Yang blearily opened his eyes, rubbing them. ”A mission? So soon?”

”The call just came in. Liu Na said to get ready. I’m guessing it’s another reconnaissance mission,” Li Chang’an said, putting on his gear and grabbing his Saw Chain Sword.

Sun Yang was instantly energized. ”Reconnaissance? We’re not just going to be avoiding fights again, are we?”

”Don’t know the details yet. Let’s fall in first and find out,” Li Chang’an said, shaking his head. ”Get Han Ruoxi and Shen Qiuyue. We’re moving out.”

Han Ruoxi was already awake and standing by the door, a smile on her face. ”Captain, you two were making so much noise. How could I possibly sleep through that?”

”How are you up before us?” Sun Yang asked with a laugh.

”I’m not a heavy sleeper like you,” Han Ruoxi said with a shrug. ”Come on, let’s go assemble.”

The three of them hurried to the command center. Shen Qiuyue was already there waiting, her expression unreadable.

”What’s the mission?” Shen Qiuyue asked bluntly.

”Let’s wait for the commander to brief us,” Li Chang’an replied calmly as he walked into the command room.

Liu Na stood before a large screen, nodding to them as they entered.

”This mission is urgent,” she began. ”We’ve received new intel. The Insect Race may be gathering in the Southwest Mountain Area, and we suspect they’re planning a large-scale attack.”

”What are our orders?” Li Chang’an asked.

”Your squad will proceed to the Southwest Mountain Area to confirm the Insect Race’s assembly. Your top priority is to identify the location of their command post,” Liu Na continued. ”The higher-ups are preparing for a massive cleanup operation, but first, they need you to provide a specific enemy location and their force deployment.”

”So we’re heading into a real fight this time?” Sun Yang asked, his voice filled with excitement.

”Don’t get your hopes up. Your mission is still reconnaissance. Do not initiate combat,” Liu Na stated coolly.

”Remember, confirming the intelligence is your top priority. Nothing else matters.”

”Understood,” Li Chang’an affirmed with a nod.

”Depart immediately. Your gear has been prepared,” Liu Na said, looking them over. ”Remember: safety is paramount, and reconnaissance is the objective.”

”Yes, ma’am!” Li Chang’an gave a short reply, then led his squad swiftly out of the command center.

After collecting their assigned weapons and supplies from the armory, the Insect Hunter Squad set out once more, fully equipped and en route to their destination: the Southwest Mountain Area.

”Captain, this mission feels... complicated,” Han Ruoxi said quietly from the middle of the group.

”If the higher-ups sent us to scout, it means the scale of the Insect Race forces is considerable. Everyone, be extra cautious,” Li Chang’an agreed with a nod. ”We’ll likely encounter stronger enemies this time.”

”The stronger, the better! I could use the exercise,” Sun Yang said with a laugh, gripping his Pulse Gun tighter.

”I hope you won’t be the one dragging us down then,” Shen Qiuyue said icily, her sword already drawn from its sheath.

The team proceeded cautiously, gradually drawing near the target area.

The Insect Hunter Squad’s footsteps were silent as they moved through the mountain forest. Li Chang’an led the way, with Han Ruoxi periodically using her electrical currents to probe their surroundings and make sure they weren’t walking into any surprises.

Shen Qiuyue, meanwhile, kept her grip tight on her Longsword, maintaining a state of high alert. Sun Yang brought up the rear, keeping watch while muttering under his breath.

”Man, this place gives me the creeps,” Sun Yang whispered. ”You don’t think we’re walking into another ambush, do you?”

”Don’t you dare jinx us!” Han Ruoxi shot back, glaring over her shoulder. ”This is a reconnaissance mission, so stop spouting nonsense!”

”I’m not trying to say anything, it just feels a little off!” Sun Yang shrugged. ”But for real, Captain, what kind of opponents do you think we’ll face? It’s not going to be a giant swarm of the Insect Race, is it?”

”It’s a strong possibility,” Li Chang’an replied without turning around, still walking ahead.

”The higher-ups sent us to reconnoiter for a reason. This place is important.

Everyone stay sharp and try to avoid being detected.”

”I’m kind of hoping we run into some trouble. It’s no fun when it’s this easy all the way,” Sun Yang muttered. ”Even a recon mission needs a little bit of a challenge, don’t you think?”

Shen Qiuyue said icily, ”Do you have a death wish? If you’re tired of living, feel free to charge in by yourself. Just don’t hold us back.”

Sun Yang was left speechless. He could only scratch the back of his head and laugh awkwardly. ”I wouldn’t dare! C’mon, Shen Qiuyue, don’t be so harsh all the time. I was just making a comment!”

”See that it’s just a comment and you don’t actually do something stupid,” Li Chang’an said flatly. ”Reconnaissance missions require a steady hand. Don’t make trouble for yourself.”

The squad pressed onward as the forest began to thin and the terrain grew steeper.

”I think we’re almost at the target area,” Han Ruoxi suddenly stopped and whispered. ”I can feel Energy fluctuations ahead. It’s probably an Insect Race gathering point.”

”Captain, what are our orders? Push forward or stop and observe?” Sun Yang whispered, a flash of excitement in his eyes.

Li Chang’an considered for a moment before holding up a hand. ”Everyone halt and find cover. No rash movements.

Han Ruoxi, keep probing with your Superpower. See if you can pinpoint their exact location.”

”Got it.” Han Ruoxi nodded, raising her hands slightly. A current of electricity spread forth from her palms.

After a moment, Han Ruoxi’s brow furrowed. ”There are massive Energy readings about two hundred meters ahead. That must be the Insect Race’s gathering point.

Looks like there’s a large number of them, but it seems they haven’t spotted us yet.”

”Good. We’ll advance and find a vantage point to observe their movements,” Li Chang’an said in a low voice.

The squad moved forward stealthily, and soon they found a hillside that overlooked the area ahead.

Li Chang’an dropped to the ground, raised his binoculars, and carefully surveyed the scene before them.