Chapter 81: The Arrival of the Big Boss

A moment later, the helicopter touched down and a lean, elderly man stepped out, followed by two young men in crisp military uniforms. Both of the young men carried a black leather case in their hands, and despite being under thirty, they already wore the rank of major—an astonishing feat.

The elder appeared to be around seventy, but his bearing was energetic and commanding. As soon as he disembarked, he strode directly toward the assembled formation on the parade ground.

Lu Ming was surprised; this was none other than Elder Wang from the military command, a man whose daily affairs were innumerable. What could have brought him here so suddenly?

At that moment, Wang Wanpu—the influential figure of the military—approached Lu Ming, frowned, and said, "Get back in line."

Lu Ming’s face darkened. Turning to look behind him, he saw everyone else standing neatly in formation, while he alone stood carelessly off to the side. He dared not ignore Wang Wanpu’s words, so he quickly moved to stand beside Yang Jun.

Seeing that Lu Ming finally had someone he feared, the others couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Wang Wanpu stood before the group, and Sun Zhengde called out loudly, "Salute!"

Everyone saluted in unison.

Wang Wanpu returned the military salute, surveyed the ranks, and then spoke.

"This training has been greatly beneficial. You lot, who once thought yourselves invincible, have now learned that there are always greater heights, and always someone stronger. After this training, I trust you’ll have a more accurate understanding of yourselves."

At these words, the members of Yanlong felt deeply ashamed. In the past, as elite soldiers from various military regions, they carried their own pride. Later, they were selected to form China’s most elite special forces unit, Yanlong! Led by Captain Yang Jun, they became arrogant and unyielding, refusing to acknowledge anyone else.

But this time, Lu Ming’s repeated displays of overwhelming skill left them utterly convinced, and later, being beaten soundly day after day, they finally realized how naïve and ridiculous they had been. Now, as the military leader exposed their shortcomings, each wished they could vanish into the earth.

Wang Wanpu looked at their embarrassed faces, thoroughly satisfied with the outcome of the training. Everything here was within his control; Yanlong, the finest special forces unit, had always been under his watchful eye. Every move made here was reported to him daily. The main purpose of bringing Lu Ming was to shatter their reckless arrogance.

Lu Ming had performed admirably in this regard. Wang Wanpu was very pleased.

Moreover, judging by what Lu Ming had taught them, the benefit to the squad was substantial. Wang Wanpu felt a measure of pride in his own judgment.

Then Wang Wanpu said, "It’s good you feel ashamed. Train well. Lu Ming, step forward, and come with me."

He turned and headed toward the main building.

Lu Ming stepped out of line and followed.

Inside the conference room of the main building, Wang Wanpu and Lu Ming stood facing each other.

"You performed admirably this time. The mission was completed to a high standard. In recognition, the military command has decided to grant you the rank of Senior Colonel."

Wang Wanpu extended his hand, and one of the young officers handed him the black leather case. Wang Wanpu passed it to Lu Ming.

"Inside are your uniform and credentials. Due to your special status, there will be no formal ceremony."

Lu Ming accepted the case with a wry smile and said, "Elder Wang, may I refuse?"

Wang Wanpu’s expression darkened. "This is the military’s decision. Do you think you can simply decline?"

Lu Ming had no choice but to accept, his face still bitter.

The two young officers behind Wang Wanpu were visibly shocked. The rank of Senior Colonel—so many soldiers strive their whole lives and never reach such heights, and he actually doesn’t want it?

But Lu Ming knew that with this rank, he held no real position; it was merely honorary. And from now on, he was bound to the military command. Whenever needed, this old man could order him into action without question—such was the fate of a Chinese soldier.

Unconsciously, Lu Ming realized he had been tricked once again. He sighed inwardly, acknowledging that the wisdom of age is indeed formidable. With no room for negotiation, he accepted the situation.

Thinking of Qin Lan, Lu Ming frowned and said, "Elder Wang, I have urgent business and must return."

Wang Wanpu nodded, "Your mission is complete. You may leave. If you’re in a hurry, take my helicopter; I’ll be staying here for another day or two."

Lu Ming nodded, feeling that the old man did have a bit of conscience.

Soon, the group exited the main building and made their way to the landing pad. Lu Ming boarded the helicopter, which roared to life, preparing for takeoff.

At that moment, the Yanlong squad, seeing Lu Ming about to depart, paused their training and rushed to the helicopter, waving goodbye.

"Goodbye, Instructor Lu!"

"Instructor Lu, come back and teach us when you have time—we’re not afraid of a beating!"

"I love you, Instructor Lu! You’re my idol!"

Amid their boisterous farewells, the helicopter slowly lifted off. Lu Ming waved to the group, bidding them farewell. After a month together, he had developed a fondness for these brash but genuine men.

Once airborne, the helicopter set its course, circling before heading toward Xijing City.

Moments later, two JF-17 fighter jets appeared from nowhere, gently escorting the helicopter on either side.

Lu Ming knew that for someone like Elder Wang, armed escort was a given. Unexpectedly, he was enjoying the treatment accorded to high-ranking officials.

A few hours later, the helicopter landed in the suburbs of Xijing City. A military vehicle took Lu Ming straight to the City People’s Hospital.

He alighted at the hospital entrance and hurried to the VIP ward on the fifth floor.

At the door of the innermost ward stood a squad of armed special forces soldiers. Their leader had a pistol at his waist and patrolled the corridor, scrutinizing every passerby.

As Lu Ming approached, the squad leader, from a distance, placed his hand on his pistol and signaled Lu Ming to halt, saying, "This is a restricted area. Any unauthorized approach will be met with lethal force."

Lu Ming stayed where he was.

The captain did not approach, but quietly made a hand signal. The team immediately formed a combat formation, covering one another and aiming at Lu Ming.

Just then, the ward door opened.

It was Yun Ketian, who had heard the commotion and stepped out. Seeing Lu Ming, he quickly told the captain, "He’s one of us. Let Mr. Lu through."

The captain nodded and signaled his team, who resumed their regular duties.

Lu Ming nodded approvingly. From their precise movements, it was clear these special forces soldiers had outstanding military skills.

Led by Yun Ketian, Lu Ming entered the ward. Qin Lan lay on the bed, connected to various monitors, her body in a cast.

At this moment, Qin Lan’s complexion was somewhat pale, but when she saw Lu Ming, she smiled gently.

Lu Ming approached and activated his Insight Eye to assess her injuries.

Her broken ribs had been set and stabilized; internal bleeding had ceased, and her life was no longer in danger.

Lu Ming finally felt at ease. He asked, "Are you alright?"

Qin Lan smiled, "These wounds aren’t fatal."

Lu Ming sighed inwardly. Her injuries were severe; if not for Yun Ketian’s top-tier medical team, her condition would not have stabilized so quickly.

Moreover, once healed, her combat strength would be greatly diminished. Such serious injuries would have a lasting impact.

He knew he needed to find a way for her to recover fully.

Still, with the Dragon God Altar at his disposal, as long as he could find the proper offering, restoring Qin Lan to her former state would be no great challenge.

With her future secured, Lu Ming no longer worried and asked, "Tell me exactly what happened."

Qin Lan recounted the incident for him once more.

Lu Ming listened; her account matched Yun Ketian’s, with little difference.

She had been ambushed by a master last night without warning. The attacker left no words or traces—there was no way to know why, nor who had done it.

Lu Ming frowned, pondering for a moment. "Could it be someone came to collect gambling debts you owed in Macau?"